Nails #1

Recently, I got my nails done for the first time - I know, I'm behind the times! Before then, I'd always just painted my nails myself. I used to do cute, little patterns on them with pens I bought from an independent shop at home. I never thought I'd be going to the shop to get acrylics because I always said I couldn't cope with long nails. How wrong I was!

I loved the whole experience. I went to a shop in my hometown called Unique. The very kind nail artist made me feel welcome straight away. I got the acrylics put on, then they were filed to a rounded point then I had red gel polish put on top in the shape of hearts.

I've had them on for two weeks now and they're still going strong! The gel polish is AMAZING! It hasn't chipped or peeled and it's still really shiny. The whole process of putting the gel polish on is so fun - you're hand gets placed under a UV gel-curing lamp which sets it and dries it in no time! Lots of people have been commenting on my new nails which has made me really chuffed! Who knew getting your nails done could make you so happy?

Now the biggest decision I've got to make is... what to have next!?

Sian x

ASOS Africa A/W '12 Hot List

I love ASOS, especially their 'Africa' collection. It's a wonderful, eclectic mix of paisley prints, florals, grey marl and textured jacquard fabrics. For the collection, ASOS have collaborated with SOKO Kenya to give underprivileged communities the chance to establish sustainable businesses through local craftsmanship. So not only are the clothes gorgeous but the cause is really worthwhile too. Brilliant. I've picked my favourite four pieces:

 

 

1. I LOVE this ASOS Africa jacquard pinafore dress so much! I'm a major fan of the pinafore dress so this is right up my street. The fabric is wonderful - it looks so expensive. The wrap style skirt with the chunky straps are such a cute look. The straps are detachable too, making it a really versatile piece. The dress is £40 which I think is a fab price for such an expensive looking, statement buy. LOVE.

 

2. This ASOS Africa checked peplum shirt is so cute. At £40, it's a really good price for a premium wool blend, classic style shirt. I love it with the matching shorts but sadly they're no longer on the website. I'd wear it for a day at uni with this Topshop Boutique wrap skirt, some thin black tights, some black leather boots, a camel coloured boyfriend coat and a black backpack. Very Blair Waldorf!

 

3. This ASOS Africa peplum dress is so exquisite. It looks designer! The colours are so rich and the pop of blue at the back is really nice surprise. I love the drop peplum style and the fact it's sleeveless. The exposed zip at the back is a sexy addition too! Gorgeous.

 

4. I want these ASOS Africa floral jacquard trousers so much! I'm a bit obsessed with this fabric and the printed trousers are here to stay so they're perfect in my eyes. I'm not that keen on the styling on ASOS in this case. If I was to wear these trousers during the day I'd add a simple white tee like this ASOS 'New Forever' one tucked in; a luxurious coat like this ASOS wool one with PU sleeves; a chunky gold necklace like this Urban Outfitters vintage one; a lady-like bag like this Zara one and some casual boots like these Topshop 'Alert' ones. I'd wear my hair pulled back in a high pony-tail and I'd keep my make-up minimal. LOVE.

 

What do you think of the ASOS Africa collection?

 

Sian x

 



Wishlist Items #6 and #7

At the minute, I'm a bit obsessed with shorts/skirts and blazer suits.

For my wishlist items today, I've picked 1. Topshop's Aztec Boucle blazer and 2. the matching shorts. I love the cropped cut of the blazer and the fact the shorts are high-waisted. The fact the blazer has an open front is really cute. The print is stunning and boucle is very in at the minute. The fact the colours are muted means it'll last through the seasons.

For a casual day time look I'd wear this mini suit with a simple white polo-neck tee or a white chiffon shirt, black tights and some smart, black boots (these Topshop 'Physics' boots would be perfect! I've had my eye on them for a while). I'd keep my make-up and hair simple. A chunky, gold watch is all that's needed. For a night time look I'd add a thin, V-neck, white vest; a delicate, gold chain necklace; bare legs with some strappy heels (these ASOS 'Hollywood' heels are gorgeous!); a slick of matte red lipstick; hair scraped back in a tight, high pony-tail and a muted, metal box clutch.

What do you think?

Sian x

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Style Guide

I'm obsessed with Rosie! She is definitely my main girl crush. She is certainly one girl who seems to have it all - I mean look at those luscious locks, those long limbs, the lips, the face, the clothes, the shoes, the bags... I've picked out a few of my favourite looks of hers:

Event Looks

1. Rosie stuns in this white, backless Max Mara dress. I'm looking for the perfect white dress at the minute and this one certainly wows on Rosie. The leopard print clutch really pops against the crisp white and looks amazing.  Her Sergio Rossi 'Asteria' heels continue the minimal, simple style of the outfit. She looks amazing.

2. This custom-made Burberry dress is breath-taking. It's certainly risky - a backless silk dress with such a plunging neckline could stray into trashy territory but on Rosie, it looks anything but. She oozes class and sophistication. Her simple make-up and understated jewellery are perfect for the dress. Her updo adds some old-school glamour.

3. Rosie wows in this skin-tight, nude coloured Burberry number. I LOVE the spaghetti straps and little triangle cups. The satin material is wonderful and the cut is perfect. Her subtle tan looks gorgeous against the champagne colour. As usual, Rosie keeps her hair and make-up understated. Sigh, how is she so perfect?

Off-Duty Looks

 

1. Rosie looks so cool and laid-back with this look. This is a PERFECT example of how to wear leather trousers during the day - keep everything else simple. She dresses down the skin-tight pants down with an over-sized jumper and cute Chloe ballerina pumps. She keeps her make-up understated and her hair simple. Her Gucci Fall 2011 hat tops the look off perfectly.

 

2. Rosie tones down her leather shorts with a simple white vest and Isabel Marant boots. She adds aviators and a chain strapped shoulder bag for a casual day-time appropriate look. With pins like those, I'd constantly have them on show. Beautiful.

 

3. This is one of my favourite looks of Rosie's. I'm a sucker for some denim and these Citizens of Humanity 'Dylan' drop rise, loose fit jeans in 'Seychelles' really are something. I love the asymmetric cut of the white tank tee - it's subtly funky. The nude Chloe heels and the Celine 'Yuri' shoulder bag add some sophistication. But Rosie's messy braid and the aviators keep the look casual and perfect for day-time. Amazing.

 

4. Wow. Rosie shows how to smart/casual perfectly here. The crisp white shirt and black trousers are a fashion combo that will NEVER date. The slouchy, over-sized fit of the shirt and the rolled up trousers keep the look fresh and casual. That Alexander Wang 'Coco' duffle bag is something dreams are made of - I've wanted it in black for ages. Nude heels and sunglasses top the outfit off perfectly.

 

Which look of Rosie's is your fave?

 

Sian x



H&M Hot List

I love H&M for their good quality basics and their easy-going European style. H&M is a Swedish brand with over 2,600 stores across 43 countries - this is definitely noticeable in their products as they appeal to people of all shapes, sizes and ages. H&M is also cheap which is a bonus! I've picked my favourites for you:

1. This black H&M bag reminds me of the Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag so much! The H&M version is £524.45 cheaper so if, like me, you can't afford to splash out on the designer then this copy cat is perfect.

2. I know that these H&M loop earrings could look cheap and trashy... but styled correctly I think they would look fab! I'd wear them with a leather skirt (the one featured in this post is perfect!); black tights; chunky, black leather boots; a white, chiffon shirt; a thin, pastel coloured sweater on top tucked in (yet again, the one featured would be gorgeous); a luxurious black, tweed boyfriend coat and lady-like, structured black bag. With an outfit so sophisticated these £3.99 earrings will look anything but cheap!

3. This H&M dress is so versatile. I love how it is styled on the model on the website with the addition of the grungey, black boots and the slick back hair - it's cool and relaxed. I love how such a girly dress can be toughened up. At the same time though I can see this dress with tan sandals, wavy beach hair, a straw bag, a fedora and delicate, gold jewellery - all topped of with a bronzed tan. Picture a stylish, sunkissed goddess on a hot, sandy beach. Buy it now and keep wearing it through 'til autumn. Perfect and all for only £14.99.

4. I love leather so when I spotted this H&M skirt I loved it instantly. I long to wear it with a black, velvet crop top; a long, thin, leopard print kimono style jacket; a black fedora; lots of jewellery and sky high platform boots for a rebellious kind of look. Love it.

5. This H&M light turquoise jumper is adorable. £34.99 for such a good quality sweater is amazing and the colour is to die for. I can see this jumper being a staple in anyones wardrobe. Last year I bought Topshop's ombré cream and baby blue jumper and I really can't imagine my wardrobe without it. Jumpers are always perfect for throwing on on wintery days as well as keeping in your bag for when summer nights get chilly. Perfect.

6. These H&M boots are AMAZING! At only £29.99, they're a complete steal! I love the chunky rubber soles and the silver zips. The heel height is perfect for day-to-night wear. I love them.

7. Everyone needs a staple tee in their wardrobe and this H&M grey marl tee is perfect. The soft jersey and the V-neck are lovely. You can wear this top with everything from leather trousers to skinny jeans to fitted trousers to maxi skirts - it really is versatile. At only £6.99, you could buy it in an array of colours. I've got my eyes on 'natural white', 'black' and 'burgundy' (which has now gone down in the sale to £2!).

Have you been buying any H&M beauties lately?

Sian x