Saturday 15 March 2008

New In!

After being rudely awoken by an early morning phone call and without anything to do for a few hours I decided to hit the net and look at pretty things and as always Topshop was on my port of call (I don't often buy from there but every now and again they have some great pieces- just ignore the tween stuff!)

This sequin mini skirt is very Elle MacPherson (goddess of minis and flat sandals- she wears them even in Winter!) and would look fantastic with bronzed skin, flat sandals (something simply) and a basic white t-shirt





Because I adore all things ruffley, this dress is pure indulgence for me- its red, ruffly and just looks like fun to wear! It would look amazing with thick black tights and mary janes and a black trench coat






Speaking of coats, I love this waterfall frill front belted coat- the mustard colour is very on trend and adds interest to an otherwise neutral outfit, the full skirt is just adorable especially with dress and mary janes or t bar shoes for a retro vibe. the puff sleeves are gorgeous and the frill front makes it look very designer (but alot cheaper!)







And finally are these light grey t bar heels- the light grey colour is a fantastic year round shade and the ruffle front detailing is gorgeous and will add interest to any outfit (they'd look fabulous with a black tea dress and tights- let the shoes do the talking!)

Wednesday 12 March 2008

Natural face friendly make up

Inspired by an OUSA F&B forum post, I decided to find some natural, non artifically preserved make up ranges (specifically eye make up) for anyone who suffers with allergies or just wants natural beauty products. I was surprised at the variety of products on offer and thought I'd share my favourites

Up first are products by Jane Iredale (http://www.janeiredale.com/products/eyeshadows.html). She has a wide range of products products are based on micronized minerals and are made without fillers and binders (such as talc and mineral oil) and without chemical dyes or preservatives, so its safe and even beneficial to your skin. There are a huge range of eye products available including pressed eyeshadows, eye gloss, eye primer, eye liners and mascaras.

My favourites are the PurePressed eyeshadows which resist creasing and blend beautifically- my favourite is the pecan/chocolate trio and I'd use the darker colour on the outer of the eye, mid shade on the middle of the lid and lightest on the inner corner of the lid for a gorgeous multi colour co-ordinated look. I also adore the eye gloss in green and grey silk for an alternative to the classic smokey eye, which gives a pearlescent finish and is made without synthetic dyes, fillers and chemical preservatives, making the formula safe and non-irritating to the eyes. Natural ingredients such as nourishing macadamia nut oil keeps lids hydrated throughout the day. My final pick is the cream to powder eye liner in plum plus- this is the perfect colour palette to add an '08 twist to the classic black eyeliner/smokey eyed look and will look fantastic against black lashes!



As every woman knows a good base is all important for good skin and Jane Iredale has this covered. My top favourites are the Absence base with SPF 15 to not only protect the skin from sun damage but also controls oil, shine and can help minimise the look of pores! But my ultimate product has to be the Liquid Minerals which are light-diffusing, soft-focus minerals encapsulated with ingredients that can replenish the cellular layers of the epidermis. Liquid Minerals can make the skin look more youthful, diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles, minimize pores, even out skin tone and adheres so well there is minimal transference. Its also available in 18 shades to suit all skin tones



I also adore their concealers. The Circe/Delete under eye concealer is fantastic for not only concealing under eye circles but also treats the under eye area with Vitamin K, A, C, D and E, as well as jojoba and avocado oil. And the Active Light concealer illuminates the skin, camouflaging signs of fatigue and dark circles and contains Vitamin K, buckwheat wax, cucumber and white tea extract to help reduce puffiness, lighten dark circles, tighten the skin and boost its immunity.



So Organic (http://www.soorganic.com/product.php?productid=1113&cat=37&page=1) is also fantastic for natural, face friendly products. I love the Sante eye shadows duo in Verde (72) which is BDIH certified and are natural pressed powders, rich in certified organic jojoba and chamomile extract, olive and essential oils that nourish and feed your skin. The Sante eyeshadow pencils are also fantastic with a creamy texture with natural waxes and certified organic jojoba and chamomile extract. My favourite is Olive to compliment the Verde eyeshadow or Pearl run along the lash lines tightly to open the eyes.



Eyeliners are make up bag staples and the Sante and Logona pencils are both BDIH certified and kind to the eye. The Logona pencils are even safe enough to use on both the inside and outside of the eyelid. My favourites are Spice and Schwarz.

I also love the Sante lip gloss pens in colours to suit everyone (and perfect for everyday wear) and Trend Sensitive Lipsticks in 14 colours enriched with jojoba oil and almond and its BDIH certified.



And finally because no outfit is complete without a coat of nail polish Sante have nail polishes available in 23 colours (sadly no black!) and are Phthalate, Formaldehyde, Toulene, colour lakes and preservative free.



And just because I adore red lips, I've fallen for this Green People Company natural lipstick in red shimmer with organic coconut cupuacu and jojoba oil and a cool menthol flavour.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Boden

Now my love of Boden is no secret- not only did they produce my gorgeous leopard print ballet pumps but also my favourite floral coat, skirt AND dress as featured in my floral post and the latest catalogue has no shortage of divine pieces to tantalise and tickle your fashion taste buds. Now I wholeheartedly urge everyone to get the catalogue/go online and browse the whole collection for yourselves, but I thought I'd give you alittle taster of what on my current wish list!

This semi fitted belted coat in Sulphur is just stunning and the perfect finishing touch to any outfits (especially those neutral palettes!) Its 100% coated PU cotton with contast print lining and is also available in canvas and denim blue and makes damp british weather a pleasure!
This retro style boyleg swimsuit is divine- the polka dot print adds even more retro glamour, while the black just screams pin up. It features removable pads (to boost the bust which I definitely need!!), adjustable halter ties (halterneck to boost the bust and show off good shoulders and decolletage), a gentle scoop back and longer leg length leg shaping- the ultimate in classic, flattering swimsuits! There are also halterneck polka dot bikini tops with matching pants, a selection of ruffle detailied swimwear and a range of contract coloured pieces including bikini tops, tankinis, bikini pants and shorts.

This fitted jersey dress with bust pleating and full inverted pleat below the bust is gorgeous and the red palm leaf print is a fantastic spring/summer piece (follow their lead and pair with red suede peep toes for a fantastic outfit). Its also available in printed blue shell and neutrals of black and brown so theres something to suit everyone! For a classic timeless look, try the black version coupled with Boden's cerise jewelled peep toe slingbacks (shown above, also available in cocoa and jade and this quote from the website says it all 'I believe they call this a statement shoe- the statement being, ‘my God I have good taste in footwear, and am fully prepared to use it’) or the Thistle cork wedges below. Sadly the man doesnt come free with your order.

These cork wedges in suede with leather lining have fully padded soles for extra comfort and the Thistle shade is fantastic with blacks to add colour to your winter wardrobe and gorgeous with spring and summer fashions. They are also available in black and cocoa to compliment your whole wardrobe and a perfect new season investment. (They're also available in sizes 3-9)
Back to coats and this contrast trim coat is pure loveliness- its semi fitted and contrasting collar, front plackets, pockets, cuffs and hem details to add extra interest to an otherwise classic style. The Mole and turquoise combo is right on the money for me (I'm imagining a black full skirt dress just peeking out beneath it with patent ballet pumps), while the ivory and cocoa is the height of sophsication and the black with white detailing is a pure classic.


This ruffle cotton dress with fitted bust and full skirt is the essential timeless classic and is fully lined for modesty. It features pintuck and ruffle detailing and comes in a range of colours from summery coral and aqua to wardrobe staples of white and mole. (sadly again man and ice cream sold seperately!)

This star burst printed top with marbled beading neckline and pleated detailing is a gorgeous summer piece and would look as good now over a long sleeve black tee as it would against bare skin in the summer sun (spf and sun permitting!)


And just because you can never have too many wardrobe staple skirts, theres this button through chino skirt in a gentle a line style available in canvas, dark olive (both perfect to channel this summers safari trend without going OTT) and dark and vintage denim (a perfect alternative to jeans!). Just add a simple t-shirt (boden have a fantastic selection),shoes of your choice and a slouchy bag and off you go!

Now this is just a small selection of the stunning Boden catalogue so instead of taking my word for it, why not pop along yourself and have a gander (and tell them petticoat pirates sent you!)

Freemans

Now shopping through the traditional catalogues, previously huge in the 80s and 90s has fallen out of favour, but I still think there are great buys to be had from them with a little bit of elbow grease and looking past the tacky/over priced/OTT goods. With that in mind I've gone through Freemans catalogue (their sister catalogue Oli is currently very in vogue!) and here are my top picks:



These are both in my shopping basket- the charcoal belted shirt dress is a classic shape updated with puff sleeves and the colour is a fantastic alternative to black (I'll be wearing mine now with black tights and boots and gladiator sandals come summer!). These pleated city shorts are fantastic and the choice of mauve and black is just too much to bear (so I've ordered one of each!) These are a fantastic alternative to jeans (as I no longer own any, I'm looking for as many jeans alternatives as possible!), can be dressed up or down, rain or shine and for any occasion. I'm thinking thick tights, patent ballet pumps and pea coats now- flat sandals and tank tops in summer! You could also add a short belted trench in taupe or olive for a safari lead look!



Next up is this fantastic selection of dresses- the organza shift is a fantastic party dress and a twist on the classic shift, the satin jewelled dress is pure glamour and very Katherine Heigl red carpet, the purple cross fronted dress has sexy secretary written all over it and the japan print dress is a gorgeous shape with a fabulous print! The spotted tea dress with skinny belt is just retro gorgeousness and would look divine with mary janes and is a pure classic!
Finally are these wide leg navy trousers- they have a fantastic fit, a great flattering cut, a choice of colours and the navy worn wide legged is pure nautical and so now it hurts! I'll be wearing these instead of jeans with gladiator sandals and a boat neck tee in the summer and with stripey socks, mary janes and a belted cardi now!
These are just a few of the fab pieces on offer now (some are even in the sale even though their from the newly released catalogue!), with free delivery and returns- I'm very impressed!
Up next on my journey of the catalogues is Boden..........

Sunday 9 March 2008

More new thingys!

Well today turned into an impromptu shopping trip after visiting a friend (not that I need an excuse to shop although in my defense since putting on 1.5 stone, nothing fits so I have alot of clothes to replace and even more to put on ebay!).
I bought- as well as picking up an Estee Lauder advanced repair night duo set for £40 (such a bargain!), I also bought a striped nautical style blazer, nautical striped blue and white full skirted dress with collared bust, yellow and white striped full skirted dress with collared bust and cross over straps and a patent vinyl nautical style tote with red detailing and anchor print!




Only trouble is now I'm even more unsure of what to wear to the upcoming Christening (OUSA F&B forum readers will know all about my ongoing dilemma!)- do I stick with the black fit and flare dress with mary janes and pink tote bag, or go for the H&M fit and flare striped dress with mary janes (for a vintage dolly look!) or one of the new nautical dresses with a fitted black cardi and mary janes?

Saturday 8 March 2008

New shiny things!

Well today I had a major set back- I tried to put on what I had planned to wear only for the trousers to be too small (the drawback of putting on 1.5 stone in 6 weeks is nothing fits including my 5 pairs of Killah black skinny tsubi lookalike trousers). I then tried on my jeans I was wearing only a few days ago- same problem except this time with overhang! I then tried my much loved tsubi lookalikeys and couldn't pull them past my knees- 7 pairs of jeans/trousers gone in an instant! (If there are any size 6 and 8 lovelies who are looking for some new trews including brand new Killah trousers and wants to make me an offer/get more info- just give me an email and look out on an ebay screen near you for my clothes *under my name blue_barbiekiller*. I've got 5 pairs of Killah black jeans to list (3 brand new, all size 26), one pair of black tsubi copies (size 6), one pair of black skinny jeans (size 8) that are a dream fit and a black and grey leopard print pencil skirt with zip detailing (size 8)- if you want any piccies/details etc, you know where to find me- plug over now!
So to console myself after 4 hours, 3 choc muffins and cream and 2 servings of roast lamb with the works, I'm very full and am pretty sure nothing else will fit soon! I did however receive my Boden Mini ballet pumps- check out these babies- best design feature ever- the bow is adjustable and tightening it actually changes the shape and size of the shoe to fit all feet/ankles so if they're abit loose, just pull the cord and hey presto they fit!


And I managed to get some great new season pieces from Sainsburys (I seem to get alot of my basic staples from there- I have a plethora of their tees and highly recommend the ruched v neck 3/4 sleeve tops, fairtrade cotton crew necks and 3/4 sleeve v necks). I bought this fabulous zebra print sweater in the sale for £7.50 which is just gorgeous and adds a little bit of life to an otherwise boring outfit. Safari is a HUGE trend this spring/summer so I knew I had to have this khaki military style fit and flare shirt and just because I adore nautical and cardis, I couldn't resist this longline black and white striped belted cardi (I also picked up 2 black 3/4 sleeve V necks and 2 Khakis and everything came to a massive budget friendly £54!)



Thursday 6 March 2008

It has spread!

Now when I joked about jumpsuits not once but twice, I really didn't expect it to go anywhere............BUT NO, the holy grail that is Net A Porter have now got a dedicated category to the damn things! Containing not 1 but 12 of them! (Ok I will admit that at least 2 of them are actually very nice and I would wear the Stella McCartney all in one, Paul & Joe Sister playsuit and the Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton playsuit with my gladiator sandals and rock it) but who would wear these:







I am shocked and sickened that Tibi, my beloved label would create this black 80's MC Hammer throwback and the Anti Batik printed number looks like an odd geometric clown suit! (And the yellow Paul & Joe jumpsuit is just gross!)

If designers could resume normal services of taste and decency soon that would be fantastic, until then could we just burn all the jumpsuits (*note Miss Lauren is not advocating or condoning pyromania or the burning of disgusting articles of clothing, which are pure crimes against fashion and women everywhere*)

Wednesday 5 March 2008

Topshop Hits

As with any self respecting fashionista, when recovering from a late night theres no better way to pick yourself up than online shopping! So with that in mind, I hopped on over to Topshop (to find the pearl & anchor necklace) and found some smashing little pieces for you and me! (see I like to share!)

Up first is this adorable zip front bow print dress- now I realise its a hard cut to carry off for most women and will therefore only suit a select few as the front zip falls directly over the stomach and the ruching detail will only highlight the stomach and hips but I thought it was super cute and worth a mention (plus I'd quite like to see a curvy girl in that to give it real sex appeal- sadly me and my straight up, straight down body cant do that so its up to the rest of you!)


Or why not go for this chiffon bow print blouse fo lady like glamour in a much more wearable style? The keyhole cut on the bust adds that hint of sexiness along with the sheer chiffon, while the collar and puff sleeves add some ladylike secretary appeal- the perfect way to walk that sexy/ladylike line and win!


Next is this Richard Nicoll dress- its just divine- the cut with the pleated skirt and frill neckline, the stripe detail, the fact its richard nicoll (he designs for Kylie and we have the same industrial sewing machine!) make it a clear cut winner! Also for anyone afraid of the length (it looks short on the monitor) just add a pair of skinny or straight cut jeans and you've got the perfect ensemble, your still perfectly on trend and saving your dignity (no one wants to be britney and show the world your vajayjay)



And because you can never have too many black dresses- check out this frill front black dress and pleat front tea dress for on trend, designer inpired pieces that you can wear from now right through summer (with sandals, oversized sun hat and bright shades of course!) and back into autumn as black dresses never go out of fashion, no matter what the magazines try and tell you!


And just because its grey and ruffled means I was bound to adore this racer back ruffle tank top- the charcoal grey is the perfect foil to summer brights (and looks amazing with every womens wardrobe staple, black), the ruffles add much needed volume to the bust for flat chested girls, while the racer back shows off your shoulders and arms in the summer. For now try throwing it over a tight fine knit scoop or round neck jumper and jeans or over a crisp white shirt and pencil skirt


As I told you a few posts back, dip dye, the new tie dye, is going to be huge this summer but to avoid looking like a gyspy throwback, try going for unusual shades such as greys, blacks and reds (and be able to wear it now and be ahead of the fashion pack) like this skirt. Its absolutely gorgeous, very different and would look fantastic now with thick tights and some mary janes and then again with flat gladiator sandals and a tank top in the summer



And for the finishing touch to any outfit try this Abalone shell ring- perfect to add a summer touch to your winter wardrobe and perfectly suited for gorgeous (fake) tanned skin in the summer!