Loving this week: Review and Nail Art

Review is always a tempting place to spend all my money, I used to find I automatically hated them because of those awful mannequins they used to use, they were so unrealistic it was almost Barbie like in how ridiculous they were compared to any female body, but that's another matter.
Their new collection Carnaby St is a gorgeous interpretation of the Mod trend. Glamming up some of the signature styles of the 60's and popping on a cardigan for a lovely feminine look. I'm especially loving the girly coats. but the fairy floss blouse is at the top of my list to buy.

I'm giving in to the new art trend as well, but I am le lazy! What do I do? Thankfully they've come up with the awesome strip polishes that you just peel, stick and file the edges off. They last for up to ten days if taken care of and there are some awesomely cute designs. My personal favourites are Aflorable by Sally Hansen and Kiss Nail Dress in Mini.

Or there's always the traditionalist, I'm in love with the glittery explosion that is Sally Hansen's Gem Crush Range, I'll be showing you a tutorial on how I've used it later this week!

Sources:  Review, Sally Hansen & Kiss

How to style a Sweater

Bunny Jumper available from ASOS

The big fear I had when I spotted that sweaters were coming into fashion is that I kept wondering, how do I make it look like it isn't completely swamping me? It's easy to dismiss it as a trend only flattering those with the bodies of models, I almost did until I figured out a few styling tips.
The best trick is to wear it with a pencil skirt, yes it will still suit certain better body types more then other but give it a try. This is probably the most 'in' way to wear it this season as well.

To make it work better better and come out more flattering there are other tricks you can try too.
-Though baggier sweaters are what's in, shop around to find a length that flatters you, shorter girls can benefit from finding a longer slimmer style they can wear as a tunic with tights.
-Another thing you may want to consider are the body hugging styles, I find these work to flatter bustier girls because they nip in at the waist instead of hiding it.
-Think about the colours as well, if you wear lighter colours, it will look bigger, while darker colours will look smaller, the great jewel tones that are in are wonderful as they will make things appear smaller!
-Don't forget about hair. a loose high bun will add height (not too smooth or it may make you look a little odd). While leaving long hair down is a slimming look.
-Also you can add heels, Sky high and chunky are still having a moment and aren't as hard to walk in as other styles.

I think the best make-up you can wear with this is a slick of bright lipstick, perfect to polish it off and finish your look.

Ultimately the trick is to counterbalance, if you wear something baggy on top, be sure to bring your look back to flattering with something slim fitting on the bottom!

I hope I've given you some help on how to navigate this trend! Let me know how you style it.

Sources: ASOS, Wildfox Couture & Lipsy

Bought! Dotti Dress and Shirt

My birthday present to myself, on a bit of a budget unfortunately, but I still took myself out for a day of shopping, can't stop me from enjoying myself on that day of the year!
So I went for the cute mod dress in black and white, it also came in yellow but I'm not terribly fond of mustard as it doesn't work well with my skin tone. Great shape, and awesomely in right now. I plan on wearing it with pop bright tights and sweet flat shoes, and with a cute print cardi when the weather cools down for winter.

Madeline Peter Pan Dress by Dotti

I also felt the need to buy myself some burgundy for my wardrobe, for winter it is starting to run the risk of being the shade of the season, but the shape is a great staple that I know I'll have in my wardrobe for many years to come. It has a lovely sheen to the fabric as well, without being see through. I'm very over so many blouses being see through lately. I don't wear them outside of work, and I'm not comfortable wearing them to my office. I love sleeves I can roll up too, much more flattering them full sleeves. It looks great half tucked into jeans!

Chelsea Shirt by Dotti

Source: Dotti

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

Eyeliner can be a tricky makeup tool to use, with many girls I know shying away from it because they can never seem to get it even in both eyes or presentable. Over the years though I have found that new products come out that make it just that little bit easier, with Maybelline's new eyeliner being quite a goodie.
I have tried it a few times since I bought it the other day and if ladies out there want to dip their toe into the lined sixties looks that are hot right now I'd recommend this product as a great start. Because you apply it in an almost identical way as you would a pencil, it is surprisingly easy to use. The tip is ultra fine, and gentle, applying an opaque black line with little effort. You can have as dramatic a look as you want, but I do think it would be hard to do the design the American model has, Maybelline have also created an interactive Facebook page where you can doodle design ideas and submit them for a competition here. not a bad place to check out for inspiration!
I am fearful that this product would have a limited shelf life though, as other marker type eyeliners I have used in the past have worked great for a few months before the 'ink' started to apply thinly and required a few layers to achieve the same opacity it did when it was fresh. However for the price I don't think I would have a problem with replacing it a little more frequently. I also have a fondness for pencil shaped products as they're easy to use and easy to store, taking up very little space.
Also a bonus, it lasted like no eye product I have ever used! There was next to no bleeding which is quite an effort with my oily skin. Though at the end of the day when I took it off, it did take a bit of extra effort.

Have you tired this product? tell me what you thought about it in the comments!

How to make your eyes brighter

Eyes are one of the features that we notice first on each other, but unfortunately because of their fragility they're also the first to show when you're tired, and the first to age.
There's a few tricks you can employ to make your eyes pop, making them sparkle will lift up your whole look. These are just some quick cosmetic tricks, nothing will still beat good sleep and an effective skincare routine in the long term.

Eye Drops: When I went to an optometrist late last year to get some new specs and lenses I didn't expect him to comment on how dry my eyes are. Have you ever thought about how dry yours are? So I started using eye drops regularly and it's improved not only the moisture, but I look and feel more awake if I have used them in my morning routine. This step can go quite nicely with my saving time routine post from a few months back. It's a little tricky to learn to apply them but as with anything practise makes perfect, it's also a trick they use backstage on models. I'd recommend asking someone at your local pharmacy too recommend eye drops for your needs.

White eye pencil: While it can be hard to find one that will last all day and go the distance, this is one beauty booty product that I don't mind touching up throughout the day. Just lining the inner rim of your eyes will help make them completely pop and give you more of a doe-eyed Zooey Deschanel eye shape, find me someone who isn't startled by and adoring of her eyes!

Pop!

Opposite complementary colours: Back in art class we learnt all about how opposite colours work with each other to make the other colour stand out. This can easily be applied to your eyes too by using eye-shadows and liners. Make up Brand Almey has a range specifically created for this theory, with the idea that blue eyes suit brown shadows, brown suit purples, etc. they also have kits that follow the same colours as your eyes to complement eyes too, but for real  "Notice me!" eyes I'd recommend the Intense i-color satin-i kits. Just select the kit that is recommended for your eye colour and give it a try.

Almey Intense i-color satin-i kits

The colour wheel

Have you ever tried these ideas before? What do you find works for you?

Sources: Go4celebrity & Almey