Sailor Girl

As you might already have gathered, I have a love of all things nautical and sailor (did anyone else see the pearl stranded necklace from Topshop with black anchor detailing- divine!) and one of my favourite bits from the recent Sweeny Todd movie was when they were at the seaside (Johnny Deep looked adorable in his all in one striped suit!), so when I spotted this dress today in between essay writing, it was an instant attraction! Not only it is blue and white striped (the ultimate in nautical chic), it has a collar (I have a thing for collared dresses especially black dresses with white peter pan collars a la Wednesday from The Adams Family), large button up front AND a bow in the back! Personally the belt shown does nothing for me, the colour is all wrong and distracts me from the dress, I'd either go unbelted or try something more subtle (maybe pick out the shades of the dress) or go completely nautical and go down the rope belt avenue! I'm imagining my trip to the seaside to eat ice cream in it already (whilst wearing my anchor necklace of course!)

(Dress available from ASOS www.asos.com)

Run away to the circus!

I'm slowly recovering from a very fantastic, late night last night watching an amazing show put on by The Rogue Theatre company called Madame Lucindas Wonder Show (what a fantabulous name!). Heres what you need to know:

Ever Dreamt of Running Away with the Circus?

Madame Lucinda is Mother, Father, Alter Ego, Devil, Angel, and Ring Mater as she tempts, cajoles and teases those whose needs ache and wounds sting to step up into her limelight. They’ll receive all that they crave but only at a price.

Step right up... see the faces behind the make-up, the stories of those who dared to dream. With live music, mesmerising vocals, illusion, magic, side splitting comedy, ballet, whip cracking, explosive physical performance and powerful narrative. Journey through the doors of the imagination into a world of mystery, spectacle and horror. Marvel at the exquisite heartache, the torturous hilarity and breathtaking magic.

Conceived and directed by Angelina Boscarelli the show reflects her experience of travelling internationally with the circus. The show mixes circus spectacle and passion with the real, the mundane and gritty stories of the people behind the make-up.
Based on poems and text written for the Wonder Show by Anna Maria Murphy (Kneehigh Theatre (Including Tristan and Yseult, Red Shoes and The Bacchae), Radio 4 and The National Theatre) and combining Rogue’s daring style, Madame Luicnda’s Wonder Show beautifully blends the innocent with the macabre, optimism in the face of the inescapable and the real with the fantastical.

It was absolutely fantastic (the make up was a particular highlight! As was the stripey tights!), the performances were so engaging (I sat riveted for 2.5 hours and thats not usual for me!) and above all else it was fun, different and everyone raved about it (much of the interval involved people saying 'did you see that?' 'wow, did you get think that too?' 'Wasn't that bit really good'? Oh and the odd 'did you see that man's arms' but of course I'd never go to see a play and focus on the fact theres attractive people in it, at all!)

So if you get the chance to go and see it or its coming to a stage near you, I urge you to go- it'll be worth every penny (I'm even thinking of going again!) For more info or for details of where they're going to be next, check out the links below!

http://www.roguetheatre.co.uk/shows_current.php

http://www.roguetheatre.co.uk/shows_tourdates.php

Why?

Now I get it- Chloe Sevigny's kooky and quirky and alittle bit different yadda yadda (Take MK Olsen- I love her and even when shes wearing things I wouldn't personally wear- shes working it and owning it and looking fierce and you know people are going to be copying that at home) but for the love of god, who gave her a fashion line and whos going to buy it?

Don't get me wrong, I admire someone with individuality and breaks the rules and I sometimes find myself thinking she looks good but her clothing line called 'Opening Ceremony' looks like someone threw up the 80's/Clueless wardrobe department on her! Since when did women look in their wardrobe and think 'you know what I need- floral high waisted pegged jeans and a matching too short bustier top (oh and I'll team it with leopard print heels just to offset the look)'- I for one do not! (although I am all for leopard print heels!) As for the floral bustier detail dress over a t-shirt- has she ever heard of Luella Bartley (who does it so much better!) and the sleeveless tucked in blouse with super high waisted check skirt and leopard leggings and shoes- firstly sleeveless blouses don't appeal to the majority of women (bingo wings anyone, although Chloe obviously has never heard of them judging by that picture) and for those with breasts tucking shirts in is just a no no. As for the high waist under the bust skirt, how many real women have a waist so slim they could do that and not look like a barrel or a large uni-boob (I'm a size 8 and I'm pretty sure not even I could pull off that look!) and don't even get me started on the leopard print leggings/check/knee length skirt/leopard heels look- its just WRONG

See now if they gave Selma Blair a fashion line, then we'd be talking........................and in a good way!

Vegan Make Up

Staying with shopping with a conscience, I've thought I'd share one of my top make up brands B cosmetics, made by Lush. The 'B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful' make up range is not only suitable for vegetarians but also vegans and is strictly against animal testing, but also some of the yummiest and most appealing ranges on the market. Not only do their products come in a wide range of colours, the packaging is also gorgeous and perfect for putting on show on your dressing table!

My top picks are:

The pressed eyeshadows are available in over 30 shades and are long lasting thanks to their base of almond oil, jojoba and rice bran. They also come in shimmer and matte tones. The jewelled pots are simply stunning and refills are also available- the ultimate in environmental and animal friendly make up! My favourites are 'Boogie', 'Belize' and 'Beatrix'



The jewelled heart shape tin of the Lip creams is simply gorgeous and the contents don't disappoint! Each is made from a conditioning base of shea butter, beeswax and jojoba and each is flavoured by either rose, chocolate and orange and finished with a dusting of gold leaf. What's more their available in 20 shades and there's one to suit all skin tones and palettes. For that 60's vibe, try 'Blast' with black flicked eyeliner or follow the stars and go for bold red lips with 'B Cause'.



Take a peek at this stunning cream foundation in a stunning glass bottle with metal shaped casing. Not only does the range come in 6 shades, its made with soothing rose petals to calm the skin and rice brain oil to make it last all day! For my pale skin, 'Binky' is a must!



These divine wooden carved pots hold a wealth of gorgeous glitter- perfect for that finishing touch! Its available in ten shades including bright jewel tones perfect for summer or the classic black glitter, which I'll be using with a wet brush to create a black glitter eyeliner!



And because a girl can never have too many brushes, they've created a range of jewel encrusted brushes including the make up bag essentials of an eyeliner brush, blusher and foundation brush!



The range also does a selection of beauty, hair and shower products, as well as fragrance- there's something for everyone (and they'd make the most perfect gifts for others- or yourself- there's no better gift than self gifting!)

(All available at http://www.lush.co.uk/IndexB.aspx)

Shoe Shopping with a conscience

Now what better excuse than buying a pair of shoes than are not only comfortable, fashionable and affordable but will also help others? Look no further than TOMS shoes- for every pair of shoes you buy, they'll donate a pair to children in need. When working for Food4Africa, the company gave away 50,000 pairs to children in South Africa, protecting them from further infection and injury to their feet (Mossy Foot is a serious problem affecting communities) and allowing them to continue to get an education and attend classes. If enough people buy TOMS shoes, they're planning to donate 100,000 pairs in Ethopia this summer!!

The summer collection is inspired by traditional Agrentinean workmen's rope-soled shoes and the TOMS espadrilles are available in a range of lightweight fabric, prints and colours

The website does not currently ship to the UK (they're working on it though!) but are available in Selfridges and online at Karmaloop and Zappos.

So girls (and guys), get shopping and lets get children in need wearing shoes!!

Mothers Day Shopping Trip

Well what else would the woman who created such a fashion addict want to do on Mothers Day but shop? On a trip to Next of all places, I managed to buy 2 pairs of shoes, a bag and a watch- all in the space of 3 minutes of walking in the door- the sign of a true fashionista?

Anyway as always I like to share and allow others to bask in the glory that is shopping, so here's the latest additions to my bulging wardrobe:



The Mother's Day present- these elastic peep toe sandals are gorgeous and have fantastic curved heels- very designer inspired (and very comfy!)- sadly they're not mine nor in my size but they're pretty to look at!



These little beauties are my first pair of proper high heels (I have size 2 feet so my only other pair of heeled shoes are from the now deceased Ravel children's range and are Miu Miu sparkly mary janes lookalikeys) as they're from an actual 'adult' range and are black leather mary janes with buckle and stud detailing and sole reviver soles (allows for flexible, breathable soles which are cushioned for comfort- they obviously work as I've been wearing them for the past 4 hours and they're still comfy!)



This is my new bag- its a bright fuchsia patent pink tote bag with buckle detailing and stitch detailing on the strap. It also has two main compartments as well as one zipped and very pretty white and fuchsia floral lining- who knew the girl who only ever wore black accessories would buy a brightly coloured bag, 2 weekends in a row? All I need know is the Barry M liquid eyeliner in pink and my outfit is complete (I'm wearing it with my new mary janes, navy matalan trench coat, black dress and new pink bag!)



And finally a new watch to replace my much loved turquoise Next watch that has departed this world. Note the turquoise stitching on its replacement- it perfectly matches my new turquoise bag! Oh and it tells the time too but that's always secondary to what it looks like!

Next up to arrive will be my La Redoute parcel- fingers crossed it fits and you'll all get to see what other delights I've bought! (Well that and I bought a pair of leopard print ballet pumps from Boden but they haven't arrived yet!)

Barry M

Whilst on a Mother's Day shopping trip (more on that in another post!), I popped into Boots and couldn't resist the Barry M stand (again!) and couldn't believe how much their newest product 'Glitter Liquid Eyeliner' was a deadringer for Urban Decays Heavy Metal Glitter Liners. Its even available in the same colours and in my opinion goes on and stays on much better than the UD product (and for only £4.95!). The Barry M glitter liquid eyeliner is available in 7 sparkly colours including silver, iridescent, green, blue and gold (the silver was my favourite- i'm currently wearing it!)



I also couldn't resist their liquid eyeliner which again was a deadringer for Urban Decays Liquid eyeliner, right down to shades except in a much more user friendly application (and price!). I tested the pink, purple and green liquid eyeliners and was able to achieve an even line with one go (whilst perched on tip toes to look in the mirror at boots!) and its stayed on all day and even after getting wet! The colour is as fresh as when I first applied it (none of that tired end of the day colour) and it didnt smudge or run! Its available in 7 shades from classic staples like black and coffee shimmer to modern classics like green and purple to newer jewel tones like turquiose, blue and pink and costs a very purse friendly £4.50



Urban Decay have also just released a collection of loose pigments but why not try one of the originals (besides MAC) and use one of Barry M's 64 dazzle dusts which can be used on the eyes, face or lips- my particular favourites are Charcoal, Rust. Fig, Khaki and Mushroom but with 64 shades your bound to find your favourites too and at £4.50 a pot, why not go mad and get a few!



Also being the neutrals girl I am , I couldn't help but squeal with delight at the release of their grey nail paint (the vogue colour for nails) and my absolute must to counter this spring and summers brights and their newly released navy nail paint (perfect to add the finishing touch to your nautical outfit). If none of those float your boat, why not try one of their other 49 shades (including their neon and glitter collections) all for the crazy price of £2.95! (Also try their black nail polish in place of Chanels Black Satin and save yourself £15 and treat yourself to even more Barry M products!)



(all items available at http://www.barrym.co.uk/)