Ahhh! This cold weather has me reminiscing about brighter days in Barbados. When the north wind threatens to blow your fur hat off, it is hard to believe that only 8 hours away and 2 weeks ago I was in a place where a bikini could be worn mid December, and my hair dried within 10 mins. Here nothing dries quickly, at this moment nothing reminds me of that more than my defiantly icy cold sock still wet after a puddle I stepped into what must me 30mins ago.
Two things keep my Barbados dreaming alive : 1 is my tan in winter (winning) 2 is my holiday pictures, which I took to make my friends jealous whilst I was away, but now only serve as a painful reminder of how warm it is somewhere that is not here.
Do winter breaks help make winter easier or do they just make it harder to adjust to winter life?
I don't know to be honest, but if you do fancy a winter break British Airways and Virgin offer breaks after the new year to Barbados for £500 return.
Infact I met an Australian Girl at my favourite bar (La Perla) who after hearing me say I went to Barbados this winter, told me she was headed the next day. She told me she paid £470 for her return flights with BA. Considering I just came back and my flights cost over £2,000 I was so jealous I could have throttled her. What a difference a few days make!
Contrast Bikini. Perfect for supporting full chests. I got so many compliments, you can buy from a range of places including Asos. If you are lucky enough to be going to a winter break, I have located one is on sale on Asos for £6.00 buy here
Random man no relation lol
High waisted bikini briefs are great for hiding le muffin top. I brought these on sale from New Look.
Ladies ! I have discovered the holy grail of foundation, like most great discovers of the ages, I simply can't wait or keep this to my self- hence the low budget iPad selfie to accompany this, but don't worry when I'm back from Ireland I will review this properly - for now though here is my heads up for a flawless new year...
Ok so what I wanted was a foundation which looked flawless, was undetectable and covered blemishes. I had heard of bare minerals products before , but stayed away because I thought they had very little coverage and were mainly for people with near perfect skin. How wrong I was...
My main reason for foundation is to cover my uneven skin tone (hyper pigmentation ) and dark marks, I just happened past the bare minerals counter and on a whim thought- let's see what you got.
The makeup artist suggested liquid for me, which is in line with the natural dewy finish I love. The foundation used is called, Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation, and is applied with an unusual buffer brush- this brush is crucial for application, and although I was sceptical about paying out for new foundation plus brush, now I have applied it at home, I can guarantee this to be a needed component. The brush just makes it ridiculously flawless and easy to apply.
How I used it
To prep -
Moisturiser : Mac Strobe Cream
Primer : Mac Natural Radiance (yellow tone)
Application
Foundation : Shake the bare minerals foundation well, as it does not contain mixants, drop 2 -3 drops in the centre of the brush, and then buffer on in circular motion. Add more drops and buffer as needed.I was so impressed with the level of coverage this foundation gives , all the while looking and feeling lightweight- like I had nothing on!
Concealer: bare minerals concealer was just dreamy. Although a solid cream it glides on mad does not cake! In addition to bare minerals under the eye I added the tiniest drop of Mac prolong wear in NC20 for a dramatic highlight under the eye and on cheek bones.
To finish the look I used my new Mac Format Frost Powder Blush and Mac Verve lipstick mixed with Sleek Dare. To set it all I used the Mac Finishing Powder.
All in all this foundation gets 5 stars, it's a must try- I'm in love!
If you know me at all you will know that I am a huge fan of Coast. Statement drama pieces that transform an ordinary city stroll show stopping extravaganza- what's not to love? Far from the occasional bridal wear indulgence, Coast offers statement pieces which transform the everyday ordinary outfit to outstanding. I have been campaigning for women to use some imagination, embrace their fabulosity and bring high drama items from Coast into their everyday lives for a while now. Go nuts! SS15 sees, statement singles, that can be worn together or alone, accessorised with a t-shirt or dressed up with diamonds, the combinations are as endless as they are fearless.
Think Carrie Bradshaw, from Sex In The City, never the wallflower, she was known for her high drama extravagant pieces, styled with flair. Who says you need an occasion to be fabulous?
SS15 Coast collection:
Simple Lux.
Simple Lux enjoys soft pastels, pretty pinks, bashful blues and complimenting creams, occasionally embellished with gemstone details, luxurious lace and shimmering sparkles. Despite all this the collection still manages to be refreshingly light, this part of the collection sees understated easy elegance personified with unique pieces, which stand out on their own whilst simultaniously possessing an elegant subtlety that enables them to be worn together with other items in the collection without clash.
Takes a modern approach to classic sophistication. A lined printed skirts are paired with lacy bomber jackets for a remix of a classic love story. As well as some great dresses, this section of the collection offers brilliant statement singles that can be dressed up or down to match your mood or personal style.
Nolita Coat, Molly Dress
60's Mono
Power dressing takes a new form with 60's silhouettes, bold lines and a confident monochrome palette.
Luminous Blooms.
Here is where you can really inject some life into your SS15 wardrobe with vibrant modern prints on statement pieces.
Bliss Top, Hyper Bloom Skirt
Modern Muse,
Last but not least, Coast presents Modern Muse, a collection which is a celebration classic of femininity, elegance and charm. Vintage glamour is revisited to create iconic looks which encourages every woman to swap flats for glass slippers, and play the leading lady (if only for a day).
Perusing the aisles of Zara as I am known to do I came across this gorgeous Duffel coat with over sized fur trimmed hood. I fell in love and had to share. There is nothing like the embrace of fur around your face, and the comfort & security an oversized hood brings. I am really impressed with the quality of faux fur these days, gone are the days of rough rat tailed trimmings, now faux fur presents it self as a real fashionistas alternative to animal fur.
I often find myself getting hair envy, this coupled with my impulsive nature has often caused problematic hair tragedies. Over the years, I have had my fair share of wtf did I do this hair moments, and over the years I have come up with various ways to ride the storm. The latest instalment in my hair horrors, was this short straight fringe which I cut, and almost instantly wished I didn't. Why? You'll see why, when you watch the video (it's quite funny). You will also see how to fix it like a G by riding the storm with some mock finger waves for a 20s vintage chic look.
This season fashion gets nostalgic and pays homage to the iconic looks over the decades with retrospective collections. Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent & Valentino lead the way with beautifully crafted retro looks that are so worth reviving.
Image Via MatchesFashion.com
Online store and editorial MatchesFashion.com head the fashionable forecast, and here are my best picks, with suitably chic accessories to throw these back (pardon the pun) into the 21st Century. For more looks, see my Nov 6th Post for a save vs splurge special to suit all budgets :)
In our society we are obsessed with being popular and being validated externally. We regard likes & follows as currency & accumulate them as proof of our worth, existence and value.We judge how pretty we feel we are based on how many likes a selfie gets, or how loved we are, based on how many people wish us happy birthday, or how successful we are, based on how many followers we have on Twitter.
No longer is our sacred inner bank of self worth built on the gold standard of our own essence of self- rather we have traded that reliable matrix for a new, shoddy one. One that is rooted in whispers, and the public opinion of those who may not even know us. We entrust our intimate definition of self, to strangers, and in doing so we loose our strength.
The most accepted of society are the most vulnerable. Those who are pretty, and have always been told so, those who are gifted, and have been constantly praised. Those who have enjoyed and come to rely upon the sweet taste of external approval. Due to never having to generate their sense of worth internally, when they need to believe in themselves, they rely on others believing first, and so are always dependant on public opinion. It is a dangerous way to live. By cherishing the valuations of those external to us over our own, we devalue our opinion of ourself. It is time to break the cycle.
A lot of people ask me how I am so confident in myself, why I believe I am beautiful, and will say so. Why I believe I am smart, and tell myself. I will tell you why. When I was younger I was never the guys pick. I was never the prettiest, I was never the smartest in class. Others would receive praise from teachers, adults, peers, and I would wait my turn. My chance to be told I was beautiful, the cutest, the best and you know what? That pat on the head never came and so I had to switch the system. I was so done waiting for everyone else's approval I decided to sit in front of the mirror and give it to myself.
I looked and I said, you know what? I think I am pretty. And I worked on improving the parts of me I felt needed working on. I sat down and started to spend time doing more of what I loved to do (writing) and I said to myself, I am pretty good at that too. I spent the time to get to know and to value myself and built an unshakable internal confidence. Your opinion of me? Is just that, YOUR opinion. Someone else's opinion of you? It's theirs, their problem. Constructive criticism has its place, but you must not allow sense of SELF to be formed and demolished based on others. Who are they anyway? Do they have to live with you? Are they going to get you where you need to be? No. Only you can do that, do don't let others break down your vehicle, in favour of their occasional lift.
Understand this- people make throw away comments all the time. Just look at internet trolls. The comments that you allow to rock your world? They wont loose a wink of sleep on. So honey, get some self respect and start to be the keeper of your worth.
It is time to be like the loner in school. That kid who has no friends and no one to tell them they are awesome, yet still comes in every day& fights on. Take time to tell yourself you are beautiful, that you are smart that you are worthy. Take time to believe it. Take time to enhance your strongest parts and improve on your weaknesses. Take time to believe in you and become the best you. Invest in yourself, study, grow. And lastly, my precious, don't you EVER allow another person to destroy your self worth again. You are valuable. You are the best you, you are unique. Trust and believe.
Any questions, comments or things you would like my advice on? Email info@lifebylois.com
Aroma Works new skin care line proves you can have your gluten free cake and eat it too.
Since the dawn of modern skincare there has been two camps. The naturals vs the chemicals. Those who prefer to rub on some lemon, a dab of aloe then cross their fingers, and those who prefer more, lets say, forcefulintervention.
Despite the skincare market being saturated with options, very rarely does a line actually offer products that tick boxes on both sides. However in an age where we are all becoming increasingly environmentally aware and fiercely image conscious, there has never been a greater need for a product that crosses the divide to be environmentally sustainable and natural, without compromising on clinical effectiveness.
Inspired by this need, Aroma Works, the spa aroma therapy brand committed to ethically sourced, natural products, embarked on a journey of scientific research, development and innovation to develop a skincare line which combines their ethics with clinical effectiveness.
After years of extensive stability and micro biological testing they have finally succeeded in creating a line with 25 products, for men and women, which on a molecular level improves the appearance of skin, reduces the signs of ageing and tackles very real skin ailments such as Eczema, Psoriasis and Rosacea whilst being safe, natural and as kind to the environment as it is to you.
For all you naturals, the skin care line boasts being:
Paraben Free
Sulphate Free
Petrochemical Free
Mineral Oil Free
Nut Free
Gluten Free
Animal Cruelty Free
Vegan Friendly
Exceeds EU & UK safety requirements
....and even safe during pregnancy & breastfeeding.
If that is not something to write home about I don't know what is. Having personally tried the products at the launch, I can testify that the face oils are moisturising yet non greasy, the body creams have a rich quality about them, and thanks to their natural essential oils, all the products smell beautiful.
Made exclusively in England, the line has already been enthusiastically accepted into some of the top UK spa's and will be available online at www.aroma-works.com from the 10th of November with retail outlets in the UK and US soon to follow. Another great thing is the line is priced to be an affordable luxury, enabling us all to bring the spa into our everyday lives.
Keep your eye on www.aroma-works.com for news on this truly revolutionary product which invites you to demand more from your skin care. The best of both worlds has finally arrived.
Yesterday was a beautifully crisp Monday, after deciding that my cold had got all the rest time it deserved, I forced my self to venture outside. Obviously, seeing as I was barely fit for the land of the living, I wanted to be as comfortable (and warm) as possible, and so sought alternative ways to inject some glamour into my outfit.
The Look.
Embracing colour is a great way to look fabulous and stay warm.
Whilst colour popping is great, in order to keep it chic, it is essential to use complimenting colours in a subtle, non brash way.
I decided to embrace the seasons trending colours by infusing my outfit with berry reds- beautiful yet understated, this colour can appear multiple times in your look without making you look overdone.
I opted for a berry coloured jumper I got from Zara, Loafers that I got from a second hand shop and a vintage fur hat that I got at a second hand shop. To tie it all in, I chose a berry coloured lipstick called Dare by Sleek. See how to get the look below.
Get the Look
Shoes:
Stroke of luck- whilst I did not get my shoes this year, or from Zara, it is amazing that Zara happen to have THE EXACT SAME ONES in stock now (lucky you) ! This season it is all about stylish flats- save your feet some trouble and go get yours!
My jumper was from Zara last season, so here is an exciting alternative from ASOS. The collar is detachable. It really does not get more comfy than this
These jeans are so comfy and well fitting. Hollister is great for comfy denim, that keeps its shape. What is even better news, is that all their denim is on sale for £39. Stock up on yours now (I did!)
With fur, I only buy vintage or second hand as it is pointless getting new fur. If you would like a hat like this it is best to buy from a vintage shop, as they have plenty great ones and it avoids more animals needlessly dying.
see this link for some great vintage fur hats Click Here
Lips.
What pulls it all together. Sleeks wonderful Dare lipstick. Available at SuperDrug or online:
Every once in a while it is good to just kick back and relax, but that doesn't mean you have to look shabby darling. If there is one thing the women of the 50s knew, it was how to lounge glamourously. Effortlessly feminine and consistently chic, 50s women even knew how to make hair rollers made out of Coke cans sexy so I thought I would channel their efforts for a laid back Thursday.
Soft feminine fabrics combined with killer heels & statement lips are the typical traits that personify the era, so I made sure to include them today.
Form this era: Punky earrings to add an irreverent edge whilst fluffy jumper is soft, feminine and chilled.
From 50's : classic 50s style hair tie, skinny jeans and stilettos
Sometimes you just want your clothes to give you a cuddle and your hair to give no hassle. Today was one of those days. Practical & comfortable... who said you can't have it all?
Here is one for the girls and the boys (if you dare) his and hers Nicki Minaj makeup tutorial by Shameless Maya. Truly impressive and heaps of fun. Enjoy!
Weave cornrows never looked so sexy. Alexander McQueen challenges the pretty status quo once again with a beauty look I am pretty sure wont be taking off any time soon. If, however, by some miracle it does, millions of weave wearers every where will have a weight off their shoulders... 4 bundles of Brazilian body wave to be precise.... See the collection below.
My friend Ana forwarded a quote to me which I think sums up this collection:
It's Monday, and whilst I am so ready for the icy grips of February to give up and make way for sunnier days, I am content with focussing on feel good heart warming content. The latest of which, this Dove campaign, nurtures my soul like Nanas chunky lamb stew. Here in London, a thousand miles from my Nana, and her stew, anything that comes close to warming my insides deserves a shout out.
For a while now Dove has been heading this campaign for real beauty. Whilst I doubt the suits profiting from Dove sales actually lose sleep over the state of women's body image, I must admit that when considering the damage the female beauty industry has steadily inflicted on women over the years, this campaign provides some much needed relief.
The latest campaign video features a Police sketch artist and a few women, who one by one were asked to describe themselves. The women all started to list their perceived flaws in great detail. The sketch artist, who could not see them, drew them from how they described themselves. Next the sketch artist talked to people who had just met the women, and asked them to describe what they saw. The result was astounding. The sketches from the women's own view of themselves was remarkably different ( and worse) then the beautiful ( and far more realistic) images the strangers had described to the artist.
What was terrifying is that this is bone chillingly realistic of how most women perceive themselves and a brilliantly illustrates that many womens self image is in desperate need of repair.
Sadly and all to tellingly, it is revolutionary for a beauty brand to sell to women based on the fact that they are beautiful just the way they are.
Where as most beauty brands position themselves as a like a frienimy (bitchilly telling you what's wrong with you, whilst ever offering to help fix it- kinda) Dove is working to generate good will towards your self image. It is brilliant PR.
The campaign for real beauty is a far cry from typical beauty campaigns whose key messages can be distilled to "because you are not good enough" and "fix it honey"... that "it" referring to anything that is naturally you....apparently the way God made us is flawed. Hairy, flabby, freckled & aged....the natural woman as at odds with beauty.
As the video displays the battle to reconcile ones self image with the expectations of society can last long into maturity. I came across the quote below whist doing my dissertation on fashion and femininity. It oh so sadly illustrates the lifelong battle with self perception women face through out their lives.
“ My sensible relation to mirrors came to an abrupt and regrettable end with the onset of adolescence..Vulnerable to peer pressure and feminine norms which promptly wrecked my alliance with my mirror image. Soon I was as preoccupied with my looks and as distraught with what I in the looking glass as every other girl in my circle.” -Meyers, T ( 2002). Mirror Memoire Mirage: Appearance, Aging and Women. In: Gender In The Mirror. New York : Oxford University Press. 148
There is hope. like anything, the first step to recovery is to admit you are sick.
Stop the cycle of abuse, the next time you look in the mirror and dis what God gave you, hazard the thought that you are perfect just the way you are. If you chose to wear makeup and hair, let that be your personal choice, and engage in that for pleasure, but never because you feel you have to. Know this, your default switch is perfection.
I am a fan of women, especially women who are doing their thing successfully, so of course I would be commenting on the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards! For me, this is like Christmas and Carnival all in one- An awesome feel good event with amazing fashion and expression of style to pick over. So without further talk, Let the Life by Lois Best Dressed Awards Begin. Yay! ( So excited )
Rita Ora
Ok I have to start off with Rita Ora.
This girl can pull off so many different looks effortlessly she should be making Gaga nervous.
This particular look is Monroe reinvented for the 2013 ( and who doesn't love a futuristic Monroe).
Ora wears Ermanno Scervino, We love Italian Ermanno for his Italian trait of oozing luxury and opulence. This floor kissing gown is the epitome of glamor, whilst the oversized long sleeves give it the cool laid back look that is just so Rita Ora. I love it!
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett always manages to look elegant and regal and this look is no different. What I specifically like about Cate and her style is that this look is not over done. It is simplistically elegant. The easy cut is flattering yet minimal whilst the embellishment on the cuff ensure that the outfit has an edge. Simply luxurious, but that's so Givenchy isn't it? Givenchy gave it to us as far as embellishments were concerned at these awards. Style is an be an expression of who you are, and admittedly, we don't know Cate personally, but this outfit suggests that she is laid back yet likes things on point.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham.
This woman knows how to turn up! And this time with her son, reminding us all that this standard of perfection is humanly possible. A mother and business woman style queen and designer as well as a brand, Victoria is the poster child of a modern woman. Its all about life balance, and looking fabulous whilst juggling many of the (stylish) hats women wear. This picture for me is the epitome of that.
Olivia Munn
Winner of the cute award is Olivia Munn, in Givenchy. I first came across this beauty on New Girl as Nicks girlfriend, and have been watching her ever since. This look is a little bit more conservative then we are used to from this sex kitten, but none the less lovely, its a dress your mama would be proud of. The necklace colour adds an edge and the sparkly shoes complimenting the embellished pockets make this look just magical. So yeah I'm a fan.
Natalia Vodianova
Whilst this look is muted monochromatic, I appreciate the play in fabrics of this dress. The result is a minimalist outfit that is tres chic
All in all I loved these ladies and hope you enjoyed my take on what rocked !
Yaay it's morning :) Don't feel that way? Well grab some coffee and celebrate in the knowledge that you have the power today to change tomorrow. Oooh poweerr scarry, It needn't be, you can take baby steps , for example is there someone in your life who puts you down? Makes you doubt yourself? Takes but never gives? Today could be the day you stop letting them live in your head rent free and serve that eviction notice. Or maybe you're the one holding yourself back? Or maybe its a negative experience that you have been through- what ever it may be let today be the day you fight for yourself- because your worth it.
Today is a glorious day, Previously only available in the US and Canada, Mac Lightfu; FINALLY comes to the UK. I have been campaigning for this for years, seriously see my video I made last year, joking I was " saving the last drop for my wedding day"... I have been trying to smuggle this in ever since I discovered it in Canada, only to find it not stocked in the UK.
This Miracle line will make your makeup look flawless, and your skin radiant. These asia inspired potions are infused with ' Marine Bright Formula'. What ever that means, the result however is a one stop lie in a bottle. Go GET IT. It will change your life.
MAC Says : "This unprecedented skin-brightening complex, made possible through our
exclusive technology, improves clarity, evens pigmentation and creates
perfectly luminous skin instantly and over time." - Girl, they aint Lyin...
The collection ranges from £20- £29 depending on what you go for. I suggest the Lightening Softening lotion and the Lightful Essence.
Yay So excited!
See the hilarious makeup haul video of me testifying Lightful at 3 mins: Make Up Haul Lois & Magda
