Are you a style planner?

One thing that has struck me as a trend in the weird and wonderful world of instagram is the regular pictures of bloggers 'planning' outfits and preparing every inch of their aesthetic in advance.

Up until recently, I only heavily invested time laying out and planning an outfit for large occasions and nights out, but now I have noticed I am increasingly planning outfits for daytime. I don't spend hours, it's usually more deciding what I will wear the night before-especially if I have an early lecture-and to insure I don't spend my whole life in jeans and a hoody. I suppose I'm noticing it more at University as I don't have a strict uniform to adhere to any more. Maybe it is the new found liberty of not wearing a restricting, not to mention unflattering, school shirt and overly sensible shoes. Anyway, enough of school-tie-loaded nostalgia and onto the point of this post; my question to you. I'm curious to know do your plan your everyday outfits or let spontaneity guide you through?

 And in the meantime I look forward to seeing what you plan on instagram!


NG <3

The Beauty Tin

I thought it was about time to do a post about my everyday beauty regime. The truth is, although I do love dazzle dusts and lipsticks in vivid hues, sometimes I crave a low-key, subtle look more suitable for daytime. Whilst I'm at University I don't have that much storage for makeup and so I tend to use a tin to hold all my daytime essentials so they're easy to grab-which is very helpful when getting ready for an early morning lecture! The rest of my make-up is stored in a basket for when I'm going out at time or want to experiment with more daring looks. Here's what's in my beauty tin...

Face products;

If I could only have two make-up products it would be mascara and foundation so it's essential that I have an easy routine when it comes to my foundation in the morning. I usually apply a primer like Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer after applying moisturiser. Then I follow it up with my beloved Clinique Stay Matte Foundation in 'Alabaster'. I tend to use my fingers when applying foundation in the morning as, for me, it's quicker than using a brush and perks up my skin. Then I use Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 'Ivory' under my eyes and on any blemishes. I have oily skin so I dust a powder like Rimmel Stay Matte Powder over my face before finishing off with a flush of colour on my cheeks. The two I alternate between are Clinique Blush in 'Precious Posy' for a sophisticated glow or 17 Blush in 'China Pink' for a rosy flush of colour.

Eye products;

They say the eyes are the window to your soul but after a late student night or the toxic snooze button it can be a little tricky to look more bright than frightful. Here's how I try to look half decent in the mornings:

First I start off with a light shade from my Clinqiue Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad palette and follow it up by applying one of the darker shades on my crease or the outside corners of my eyes. Alternatively, I like the metallic, creamy finish of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Stick in the delightful bronze shade ' 'Bulletproof Beige' (a very fierce shade title I think you'll agree). I use a pen liner just above the eyelashes on my upper lid to define my eyes more, my usual go to is Maybelline Master Drama Liquid Liner Pen. I then curl my eyelashes for about 20 seconds each eye before applying a few coats of mascara. I idolise mascara and probably use a little too much for daytime but I rarely leave my halls without it adorning my lashes. My top picks for daytime are currently Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara and Benefit Bad Gal Mascara, both of which are great for building length. I'm not a huge fan of an overdone eyebrow but I do think it's important not to forget about your eyebrows and regularly groom them. In the mornings if I have time I apply a little Benefit Brow Zings Wax evenly before combing and tidying with an eyebrow brush.


Lip products;

I have to admit that my lip makeup is usually very simple day-to-day. I tend not to use lipliner but in my tin I do have a few favourite lip colours that I alternate depending on my mood. One of my go-to lipsticks is Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick in 'Ultimate Blush', a rosy colour with a metallic finish-it lasts so long! I also love the creamy, golden-pink hue and glossy finish of Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick in 'Pink-a-Boo'. Occasionally I do like to go for a full-on glossy finish and when I wish to do this I use Bourjois Effet 3D  Gloss in 'Corail Idyllic' which is a gorgeous peach shade featuring a shimmer that makes lips look fuller.
When I want to change it up, I use Benefit Cha Cha Tint for a matte, coral colour that stays on lips all day. This product is so ideal to have in my make-up tin especially with summer coming up, given it's shade and also as it doubles up as a cheek tint too. And if all else fails I go for the lip balm!

What are your go-to products for an easy, low-key look?

NG <3

NG turns 1

About a year ago I sat at my laptop and created this very blog you are reading now. The past year has been a magical, eventful year for me and I'm so glad I have been able to share snippets of my life with you along the way. My blog has been more than a hobby, in fact it has been a passion of mine for a year that I have loved developing, alongside my writing style. If anything I want to use this birthday post to say a massive thank you to each and every one of my readers. The blog was never about how many followers or comments I have, but seeing such wonderful feedback really does brighten up my day. So here's to a wonderful, fun and amazing year and to many more!

NG <3

The Films That Define Us #2

Happy Easter! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Easter Monday is a time when me and my family relax whilst watching a film. If you're still undecided about what to watch this fine Monday Zoë and Anouk of 'The Daily Fashion Drug' have been kind enough to share some of their favourite films. I asked Zoe and Anouk to contribute, as seeing their great style on their fabulous blog, I just knew they'd have impeccable taste when it came to films too, and they certainly do!

What's your favourite summer film?

Anouk: "My favourite summer film is (500) Days of Summer because the first time I saw it was on a perfect summer day- God, I really miss summer! Every time I watch the movie, I think about that perfect summer day. And of course, the title is about summer! This movie is all about love, relationships and rejection".

Zoë: "Phew, that’s a tough one! I think it’s The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. I saw this movie in the middle of a hot summer (yes, sometimes we have hot summers here in the Netherlands) with my best friend. We always wanted to go to Greece and meet a hot guy there just like in the movie!".

What's your most stylish film?

A: "It’s not a film, but a television series. I really enjoyed the series Gossip Girl. Not only because of the beautiful guys (Chuck Bass), but also because of their amazing outfits. I really loved Serena's outfits! It was always inspiring and that was one of the reasons why I loved it so much".

Z: "I agree with Anouk! Gossip Girl really went along with the latest trends at the time of filming. I think that all the characters in GG were always fabulously dressed and styled from head to toe.

But, I think that no television series or movie can compare to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This film is so fun, classy and stylish! I love how Audrey Hepburn wore pants in that movie. Back in those days it was a little unusual to wear ankle trousers. And of course she is a natural beauty, so everything what she wore became stylish".

What's your favourite musical?

A: "I really can’t pick a favourite! I’ve seen a lot of musicals, because I really love them. These are my top three;

1.    Tarzan

2.    The Lion King

3.    Legally Blonde

I’ve seen the movie versions of these musicals, but I liked the musical versions more. Tarzan and The Lion King had an amazing atmosphere and Legally Blonde was more of a fun musical".

Z: "Definitely The Lion King! The costumes in this musical were amazing! And I also loved Wicked, but The Lion King is my number one favourite".

What's the scariest horror you've seen?

A: "I couldn’t sleep for two days thanks to the movie The Unborn. The movie wasn’t that scary, but a few ‘scary’ scenes of that movie were real-that’s why I was so scared! The movie The Blair Witch Project is also high on my horror list. It’s so scary because it’s filmed like a documentary".

Z: "Well, after I saw a horror film marathon that included The Exorcist, White Noise and The Hills Have Eyes, I became a big coward when it comes to horror movies… Since then I’ve never enjoyed a horror movie again".

What was your favourite childhood film?

A: "I have two big favourites; Pocahontas and the Beauty and the Beast, and I must confess, I still watch these movies. I know every line and song".

Z: "The Little Mermaid and also Beauty and the Beast. I always wanted a library like they have in the Beauty and the Beast! Actually, I still would love to have it in my future home…. ;-)".

A huge thank you for Zoë and Anouk's contribution-be sure to check out their great blog here!

NG <3

Bunny Hops

Readers, it's that time of year. Cue the chocolate. Well, maybe not the only time of year; there is Christmas, Valentine's day, birthdays, anniversaries, and so on that involve gorging, but nevertheless Easter is right around the corner. Let us not forget the the true message of Easter; rebirth. So freshen up your style and throw a few unexpected spanners in the works. I've currently, as you may have seen on my instagram, sorted through my wardrobe, which I highly recommend you do before Easter. I've found so many hidden gems I forgot I had! I present to you my Easter edit, all the things you need for this Easter weekend!

(From Top Left)

New Look Denim Pearl Trim Collar, £7.99
Collars aren't going anywhere. Lend your old, plain dress or t-shirt a fresh touch with this one from New Look. The pearls add a touch of elegance, whilst the denim screams Alexa Chung cool.

Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish in 'Ring a Ring O Roses', £3.69
This pearly pink shade is a delight. Wear alone or as part of a french manicure, it would be a shame not to.

Mango Striped Shorts, £24.99
If the Louis Vuitton show, the Balenciaga campaign, and the word of several fashion editors was anything to go by then monochrome is the colour scheme of Spring/Summer 2013. These Mango shorts are gorgeous; I can just envisage them with pointy flats and a crisp, white blazer. Easy, breezy, beautiful.

MAC Lipstick in 'Speed Dial', £14
Oh my MAC. 'Speed Dial' is the perfect, creamy, pink colour. Perfect for the Easter weekend; it's a fun, young shade and for a bonus it will last during your Easter dinner.

Splash Scottie Dog Print Wellies, £24.99
I couldn't resist. It may be the time for daffodils and blossom but in the north of England it's all slush and snow at the moment. So if you happen to venture out these cute, monochrome (see above) wellies are essential.

(Bottom, from left)

Topshop Embellished Swing Dress, £85
Alongside monochrome, the 60's are swinging this season and what better way to incorporate it into your wardrobe than with this dress? Granted it's pricey, but isn't the embellishment so pretty?

Mini Eggs
Oh, what is Easter without chocolate?

TRESemme Keratin Mask, £2.95
Keratin nourishes hair for maximum repair. I really didn't mean for that to rhyme.

ASOS Premium Cat Eye Sunglasses, £20
If I ever did see a piece that evoked 50's old Hollywood glamour then this was it. The sun ain't shining where I'm sat, but hey, these ASOS babies are too stunning to save only for the sunshine. So sip a martini in the snow and just imagine you're in Cannes. Just don't go too far with a bikini.

Missguided Handle Clutch in 'Blush', £22.99
The handle is practical, yet adds a touch of extra detail. The gold studs add contrast to the sweet, pastel shade. What's not to love?

Maybelline Falsies Black Drama Mascara, £7.99
My ultimate essential for this weekend, and anytime in fact is big, dramatic lashes. The bolder the better. This mascara gives length and volume, whilst not breaking the bank.

 Happy Easter!


NG <3

The Tale of Two Balls

I've had a very exciting past few weeks at University, leading up to the end of the term tomorrow but I can't wait to get back home, see all my friends and, most importantly, spend all day in my onsie watching 'The Big Bang Theory'. But out of my idleness and into the real world; this term I have been lucky enough to attend two balls, which is thrilling for me as I have never attended one before. Naturally, I had to share what I wore with you.

 

Here I am wearing a New Look dress that cost the extortionate sum of £7. That's right ladies and gents, £7.Such a great bargain!

This was the ball I attended last night. I'm wearing Missguided dress, Jon Richard necklace and Primark earrings.  Sorry for the quality of the pictures!

In other news, google reader is soon closing down, which means google friend connect has a very uncertain future. It would be a shame to lose contact with all of my lovely followers so make sure you follow my bloglovin' for updates!

Keep on going-it's the weekend soon!


NG <3

Hair and Make-up how to: Jessica Chastain at the Oscars

It's been a short while since the Oscars but I've had this post planned for ages and thought it would be a shame to disregard it. This brings me onto my apology; sorry that I have disappeared off the blogosphere for over a week, I've been quite busy with uni work but the Easter holidays are coming up so I've got lots of great posts planned (and maybe even a few videos!). 

I always love looking at the Oscars' beauty trends for looks to replicate on nights out. This year I loved Jessica Chastain's simple, elegant and timeless hair and make-up, which was inspired by the 40's and old Hollywood. Here is my take on the look.

The Make-up;

Step One: Prep your skin by applying moisturiser, followed by a smoothing  primer (I love the L'Oreal primer),  and then your chosen foundation and powder. I'm using Clinique Stay Matte foundation and my trusty Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder. Then dust an icy/shimmering white shade all over your eyelids. I'm using the white shade from my Accessorize palette. Jessica's eyes had a slight golden shade on the inner corners. Use your smallest finger to apply this, gently dabbing in the inner corners, then blend. I used the gold shade from my Accessorize palette.

Step Two: Apply black gel or liquid liner very close to your top lash line. Build up definition around you longer lashes, like Jessica's eye make-up. I'm using Maybelline gel eyeliner in 'Intense Black'.

Step Three: The rest of Jessica's eyes are simply outlined. I used Maybelline Smoky Eyes pencil eyeliner in 'Brown' to line my lower lash line and the inner corners of the upper lid.

Step Four: Jennifer is wearing false lashes and I particularly love Eyelure Naturalites in '101' for this look. However to create this look I used a  mascara instead. Clinique High Intense Extreme Volume Mascara is a wonder. I built up the mascara in  layers using a lash comb to get out excess clumps.

Step Five: Apply concealer under the eyes and to blemishes and blend in. I'm using Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory.

Step Six: Apply a peachy shade of blusher to the apples of your cheeks in a swirling motion.

Step Seven: Apply a stroke of highlighter to your cheeks and then blend in for Jessica's shimmering cheeks. I'm a big fan of Benefit High Beam.

Step Eight: Fill in brows with a subtle colour that is similar to your original brow colour. I swear by Benefit Brow Zings wax. Them groom with with a brow brush.

Step Nine: Line the edge of your lips with a lip liner. I use Maybelline Colour Sensational in Hollywood red, the same shade as my lipstick.

Step Ten: Fill in your lips with an intense red colour.














The hair;

Step One: Style hair into a side parting and spray with a heat protection spray. Tie hair up leaving a small section from the under layers of your hair down, as shown in the picture. I'm using the Babyliss Pro Curl 210 curling tong which has a smaller barrel as my hair is shorter than Jessica's so the the curls will be tighter but to recreate the look fully I recommend Babyliss Glamour Waves curling tong. Take a small section of hair and place the end of the section between the clamps before winding the tong upwards in a spiral motion. Hold for ten-twelve seconds and then release the section of hair.

Step Two: Repeat step one until one section is done. Then let hair loose  and re-tie the bobble again, leaving another layer down and repeat the motion of using the curling tongs on this section.

Step Three: Repeat step two until all of your hair is curled.

Step Four: I have already explained that this will differ slightly to Jessica's look due to my hair length and cut. I curled my fringe even though Jessica doesn't have one, but by curling it I really get the loose, side swept curls effect.

Step Five: Run your hair brush through the curls. Then apply serum to smooth the hair and define the curls. I always use Aussie Curl Definition serum.

Step Six: Set the hair back, like Jessica's and apply hairspray for hold.















The results?

NG <3

Somewhere Under the Rainbow

If, like me, you adore your jewellery then I have a treat for you! 'Somewhere Under the Rainbow' produces beautiful, handmade pieces and unique designs that I can't get enough of at the moment. From scrumptious cupcake earrings, to delicate, pastel macaroon necklaces and there's even key chains for the fellas too! Each piece can be personalised and takes up to a maximum of a week to produce. Whats more, alongside owning your own unique jewellery you can also feel good about it as all purchases go towards fundraising for 'Hope for Children', if the gorgeous designs weren't incentive enough. All pieces are priced between £5-£8 and collection is situated on the University of Nottingham campus. If your interested please head to the facebook page here to place an order. I know I will be!

 The pieces make such sweet gifts-these earrings are perfect for Easter!

NG <3

February Favourites 2013

February has been a cold, cold month enhanced slightly by the purely profit-enhancing day that belongs to St. Valentine; the fashion month runway and street style pictures; the revealing of the hotly anticipated Academy Awards winners; and the emergence of Spring clothing, in a high street shop near you now. As per usual I've been hitting the shops in search of great buys so, without further ado, here are the products I've coveted most this month.

Clinique Stay Matte Foundation in 'Albaster' and Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 'Ivory'
This foundation is a miracle. It's lightweight yet provides a lot of coverage but I would stay away if you have dry skin. When I first started using the foundation I had a few dry patches due to a spot treatment and the product enhanced the dry flakes. My skin is usually very oily though and the biggest issue I have with foundations is the length they stay put for and also how greasy they are. This is great in these regards.
This concealer really does what it says on the tube. I was a little disappointed with my old concealer and I saw Tanya Burr using this on a makeup tutorial so I decided to give it a go. It provides great coverage for blemishes and under the eyes without the dreaded panda effect.

Clinque Lipstick in Pink-a-boo
It's bonus time! This basically means that if you buy two Clinque products at Debanhams you get an amazing tin full of beauty treats. This luscious lipstick was one of them this time round. A perfectly pink, subtle shade with an added hint of glimmer makes for a great finish.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk
I shunned the typical Valentine's gifts of flowers (I don't have a vase in my uni room) and chocolates (I'm on a bit of a health kick at the minute) and asked my boyfriend to get me a few pamper bits instead. Luckily he has good taste and this was one of my presents. I've never tried a cleansing milk before but I will certainly be buying this again. It left skin feeling smooth and refreshed and the gorgeous smell is a huge bonus too.

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
I was lucky enough to attend a guest lecture at uni from the author of this book. She was so inspirational and modest over her talents whilst giving some invaluable advice to an aspiring writer like me. The book tells a fictional tale behind the famous Vemeer portrait. I highly recommend you read this wonderful tale of forbidden love, deception and lust.

River Island Collar Pins
I've raved about my love of collar pins before and these are my favourites. Such a simple touch can have a big impact and I love the quirky idea as an alternative to a necklace. I usually team this classic style with a more casual shirt to create a contrast.

I hope you have had a wonderful, stylish month!


NG <3