Ditch the soggy newspaper and invest in a brolly!

Apologies for the delay in blogging of late! I've had a number of things going on recently and didn't quite find enough time in the day to write a post! I know this is not quite a conventional fashion-post, but I think it's an important topic to write about at this given moment in time!

Let's face it! As much as we would like to think the spring weather is dawning upon us, waking up to a muggy, cold and grim morning everyday suggests otherwise! This January (as with many previous January's too) has been abysmal! Forever downpours, blustery winds and frost-bite have resulted in many of us failing to look after ourselves! Of course, staying wrapped up warm - layering upon layering is the only way how, but why do many of us forget about the head protecting essentials?! Travelling around Central London I am constantly surrounded by both women and men utilising the London Evening Standard as there essential rescue accessory to cover up there heads with. However, despite taking such measures....they are left miserably soaked either way! 

DITCH THE SOGGY NEWSPAPER! 

Fashion involves every aspect about how we dress to how we look, and even utilising an umbrella/winter hat as an essential accessory can look just as chic and fashionable as opposed to a soggy newspaper! Honestly, the weather in the UK requires us to cherish onto at least one of these head-accessories, and finding the most suitable and attractive one for yourself will enable you stay protected in a fashionable manner too! 

Six stylish umbrellas...which one will you choose? Remember a brolly's for life...a worthy investment! From feminine frills, ombre and monochrome detailing to designer luxury...there's an umbrella for everyone!

1. HARRODS: BURBERRY CHECK FOLDING UMBRELLA - £135.00

2. ASOS: FULTON SUPER SLIM OMBRE SPOT UMBRELLA - £10.00

3. OFFICE: HUNTER BUBBLE UMBRELLA - £25.00

4. NET A PORTER: MARC BY MARC JACOBS PRINTED UMBRELLA - £36.00

5. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK FLORAL PRINT UMBRELLA - £7.00

6. ACCESSORIZE: MONOCHROME HEART SUPER SLIM UMBRELLA - £14.00

If you're not quite a fan of the umbrella, and want to keep your head warm and protected at the same time one of these stylish hats are for you! From a classic beanie, to a stylish beret or sophisticated bowler hat...these gorgeous designs can be paired with any style of clothing...from casual to chic, take your pick...

1. TOPSHOP: CABLE KNIT POMPOM BEANIE - £17.00

2. FOREVER 21: CLASSIC CABLE KNIT BERET - £4.10

3. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK NEW YORK EMBROIDERY BEANIE HAT - £10.00

4. ACCESSORIZE: WOOL BAKER BOY HAT WITH BOW HAT - £17.00

5. MISS SELFRIDGE: BLUE BUBBLE BOBBLE HAT - £15.00

6. BANK: FELT BOWLER HAT - £18.00

The New Guess Girl: Priyanka Chopra

You may have heard of her given her mass popularity in Bollywood, or perhaps you stumbled across her Exotic music video on YouTube. If you still can't place this vivacious lady, then turn to any Guess store and you will become so familiar! Priyanka Chopra - the first Indian spokesmodel for the American jeans brand is the girl we are all currently talking about! 

This Monday, Priyanka Chopra headed to Central London's Guess Flagship store on Regent Street where thousands of fans queued to meet her! Despite not being able to make it myself, I caught up with all the latest happenings via my Twitter feed - and was so pleased to see that one of her biggest fans had the opportunity to snap up a few pic's with her! 

Other than becoming the new Guess girl, Priyanka Chopra is recognised as one of the sexiest celebrities - who can look effortlessly chic in a casual denim look and look uber glamorous in a non-western outfit. During her exciting meet and greet event, the former Miss World rocked up in a casual denim look that many of her fans adored! For any avid fans or fashionista's out there, here's how you can get Priyanka's casual denim look for less!

1. RIVER ISLAND: MID WASH AMELIE REFORM SUPER SKINNY JEANS - £40.00

2. TOPSHOP: OVER IT CROP TEE - £19.00

3. ALDO: MIKUSOVA BOOTS - £73.00

4. TOPSHOP: ARROW DROP EARRINGS - £12.00

5. TOPSHOP: LIPS IN RIO RIO - £9.74

6. DOROTHY PERKINS - BLACK AND WHITE STRIPE JACKET - £33.00

But wait there's more! Post the meet and greet event, the international superstar headed to a special dinner held in her honour at London's very own Edition Hotel. Sharing in on the joy of her all new Guess journey, Priyanka Chopra was snapped up with the likes of David Gandy, Pixie Lott, Eliza Doolittle and other fabulous journalists from British Vogue, Elle and Grazia! The glamorous star stepped out for her special night in a sheer satin bodycon and fur bolero. Here's how you can get her look for less below!

Although I couldn't find the exact replica to the baby pink satin bodycon, the options across high street stores are endless! Here I've chosen four of the best bodycon dresses that will hug around your curves perfectly and show you off at your dainty best!

1. RIVER ISLAND: LIGHT PINK RIPPLE TEXTURED BODYCON DRESS - £15.00

2. TOPSHOP: RIBBED BANDAGE BODYCON DRESS - £58.00

3. RIVER ISLAND: PINK MIRROR EMBELLISHED BODYCON DRESS - £80.00

4. CHANTAL: BABY PINK CRYSTAL CUT OUT BODYCON DRESS - £125.00

5. DOROTHY PERKINS: FAUX FUR BLACK BOLERO - £16.00

6. MONSOON: ELINA ROUND COURT SHOES - £48.00 

From casual denim to evening elegance, Priyanka Chopra is the name on everybody's lips at the moment! So why not get her look for less, and work it like a true Guess girl! 

Margot Robbie: The new girl on the block!

Australian born actress, Margot Robbie has come a long way since her humble beginnings in the Aussie soap, Neighbours. After winning over the majority of Australia's hearts, Robbie has bagged her first big Hollywood film opposite Leonardo DiCaprio! With the Wolf of Wall Street set to release this Friday in the UK, I can't wait to see Robbie onscreen as she paves her way into Hollywood! 

Acting apart, I am in awe of Margot's sensational fashion sense, whether it's walking the streets of LA or strutting the red carpet (check her out at the Golden Globe Awards in a gorgeous Gucci ensemble!) She is, for me, one of the most anticipated actresses to watch out for this year...while keeping an eye on her trendsetting styles is just an added bonus! Take a look at how you can get some of Robbie's sensual, dainty and casual looks for less, and do make the most of playing with different hairstyles in similar ways too, because versatility is sexy!

On her trip to Four Seasons, Margot was spotted in monochrome textures of Paula Ka prints and Oscar de la Renta checks. Keeping her locks beach wavy, I love this super chic and classy outfit for the day. And that leopard print coat is absolute stunner! Here's how you can achieve a similar look for less...

1. DOROTHY PERKINS - TALL BLACK/WHITE CHECK PENCIL SKIRT - £13.00

2. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES - £13.00

3. TOPSHOP: KNITTED SLEEVELESS FUNNEL TOP - £37.00

4. KURT GEIGER: BASTIEN NUDE COURT SHOES - £59.00

5. MANGO: LEOPARD PRINT OVERSIZED COAT - £45.00

Stunning her fans at Vanity Fair's Oscar party in a sheer white mini dress with floral detailing, Margot was snapped looking equally graceful and pretty as she was dainty! I love the whole fairytale feel of this outfit, and finishing off the look with a sleek bun and a pair of Gucci suede T bar peep toes definitely gave the outfit a spruce of colour!

1. DEBENHAMS: WHITE MESH PROM DRESS - £55.00

(one of the two options, however, this particular one carries with it a lot of flair)

2. ASOS: LACE HIGH NECK PROM DRESS - £28.00

(not only the cheaper option, however, carries with it the high neck detailing)

3. FARFETCH.COM: VIA ROMA XV CALF LEATHER SANDAL - £58.00

4. TOPSHOP: RHINESTONE CROCHET FLOWER STUDS - £15.00

Dressed up smart and snazzy for her appearance on Good Morning America, Margot shares a wave with the camera wearing a classic Ralph Lauren ensemble. If you're looking to achieve the smart and sophisticated look for work, then be inspired and find out where you can get this look for less!

1. JOHN LEWIS LONG SLEEVE HELEN SHIRT - £39.00

2. ALDO: PEEP TOE JAGGARD BOOTS - £61.00

3. RIVER ISLAND: BLACK SLIM CIGARETTE TROUSERS - £30.00

4. MISS SELFRIDGE: NIPPED IN PEPLUM BLACK JACKET - £45.00

5. ICING.COM: OPAQUE GREY NAIL POLISH - £3.35

The Boyfriend Coat Crush!

On my recent search for the 'hottest' trends this January, the boyfriend coat has been one of the biggest highlights! As the cold weather continues to brim over the city of London, you can't help but fall in love with one of these oversized coats! The weather, however, is not the only reason as to why these coats would be worth the purchase...sensual in design, chic and understated, these are the coats that will turn you into a true fashion icon of the season! 

HOW TO WEAR/CELEBRITY LOOK

There are a number of ways in which the boyfriend coat can be worn, without having to simply wear it as a conventional coat! From placing the coat on one side of the shoulder to draping it over both the shoulders, the boyfriend coat is the ultimate overlay that will serve to look equally elegant and sleek. It's almost like a statement piece that does all the talking for itself, just drape it across your shoulders, and show it off too the world like a true fashionista!

SUKI WATERHOUSE AND THE BOYFRIEND COAT...

Suki Waterhouse was recently spotted at the Burberry Men's Show, London Collection wearing a very suave tailored two piece suit. Captured in a rich burgundy hue with a classic oversized boyfriend coat, I am in love with her effortless look! 

1. REISS.COM: MARVIN OCCASION TROUSERS - £42.00

2. DOROTHY PERKINS: ISABEL LONDON BURGUNDY FLECKED VELVET BLAZER - £48.00

3. TOPSHOP: ANGEL WESTERN ANKLE BOOTS - £98.00

4. TOPSHOP: POPPER FRONT BOYFRIEND COAT - £34.00

PALOMA FAITH AND THE BOYFRIEND COAT...

Paloma Faith was also spotted at the Burberry Prorsum Show Fashion Show, London Collection, looking rather chic and cheerful in a very pretty pastel pink midi dress. All set for the spring, Paloma finished off her dainty look with the boyfriend coat. Love it!

RIVER ISLAND: PINK RIPPLE TEXTURED MIDI DRESS - £10.00

ZARA: SUEDE CLUTCH BAG - £24.00

3. DUNE: ATTAR SILVER POINTED COURT SHOES - £47.00

4. TOPSHOP: TEXTURED SWING COAT - £110.00

From Topshop, River Island, Warehouse and Miss Selfridge, there is a boyfriend coat for everyone available!

It's a Great Gatsby January!

While the month of 'January Blues' maybe well upon us, Miss Selfridge have a little something in store to cheer every one of us ladies up. The festive season may be well over, but there's still lots of glitz and glamour ahead of us! Miss Selfridge reveal that the party season is still very much here, and given their fabulous range of bejewel vintage dresses, there is every reason to throw a Great Gatsby themed party! Why not take a look at some of the gorgeous designs below, and lets get this Great Gatsby party on the road!

BEAUTIFUL EMBELLISHMENTS...

1. GOLD RUSH EMBELLISHED CAMI TOP - £42.00 

2. RED FLAPPER DRESS - £205.00

3. TEAL FLAPPER DRESS - £185.00

4. PINK SEQUIN FLAPPER DRESS - £160.00

5. EMBELLISHED SNOW FAIRY JACKET - £160.00

And that's not all! If you thought these flapper dresses were enough to get you ready for your grand night out, they're not! The Great Gatsby look is about going that extra mile with your style, giving you the chance to truly work the timeless, sophisticated and classy look all in one! I am in absolute awe of these gorgeous studded shoes below, and we all need a little bit of jewellery to grace our bodies with! Take a peak at some of the hottest themed items...

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND....

1. MIDNIGHT SPARKLE COLLAR - £27.00

2. AQUA STONE STUDS - £8.50

3. WHITE SPARKLE MASK - £7.00

4. BLACK MONGOLIAN STOLE - £43.00

5. MIDNIGHT SPARKLE EARRINGS - £9.75

6. PARIOT EMBELLISHED BOOT - £130.00

7. CHAIN EMBELLISHED CROSS BODY - £21.00

8. CRYSTAL STATEMENT NECKLACE - £27.00

9. CIRCLE STONE MIDI RING - £5.48

Some of the jewellery that I have listed above are readily available online, if they are not available in store. Here in particular, I have concentrated predominantly on these gorgeous silver themed accessories, but Miss Selfridge do have an incredible range of gold encrusted accessories too! I love the emphasis of the beads and diamonds used across their range, and do think they would finish off the Great Gatsby look perfectly! 

So don't leave behind attending all those exclusive dinners and parties this January! Escape these month's blues and swing in style with your very own vintage designed Miss Selfridge dress! 

Beauty Talk: My makeup must haves!

It's not often that I write a beauty post, but when I do get a chance to do so, I prefer to write about particular beauty/makeup products that I personally endorse. With a humungous variety of makeup products readily available, it can be become a rather daunting experience searching for the right one! Whether it's the right foundation shade to the perfect lip colour, finding the correct shade that suits your skin tone and personal preferences requires expert advice!

Now I don't necessarily spend a ridiculous amount of money on beautifying products and with any product that I do purchase, I prefer to get the very most out of them! Make up for my skin is like paint for a blank canvas, and despite not revelling in designer skincare/makeup brands, I am nonetheless very particular about the types of makeup that are suitable for my skin. Over the years I have experimented with a range of brand names from L'oreal, Revlon and Maybelline, which has helped me identify with the best makeup products for me and my skin! Take a look...

As you can see, I'm not particular about utilising products from one brand name alone! I love such a range of makeup goodies, in which these above are by far my most used and loved beauty products! They suit my skin fabulously and really do give me that 'flawless' look that I've always wanted! 

In no particular order...

1. URBAN DECAY: NAKED 2 EYESHADOW PALETTE - £37.00

2. RIMMEL LONDON: MATCH PERFECTION IN SOFT BEIGE 200 - £6.99

3. L'OREAL PARIS: TELESCOPIC MASCARA BLACK - £10.99

4. SEPHORA: STILA STAY ALL DAY LIQUID EYE LINER - £12.00

5. BARE MINERALS: CHERRIES ON TOP LIPSTICK - £7.99

6. MAC: MINERALIZE BLUSH AND SHIMMER - £20.00

7. L'OREAL PARIS: LUMI MAGIQUE PRIMA - £9.99 

PRIMA FOR THE SKIN...

Priming the skin before applying any amount of colour or foundation to the skin works as a good base to minimise open pores and diminish blemishes. Using a good prima also serves as a defence mechanism, in which the foundation that is applied thereafter is not being spread directly on to your skin, but in fact above the base of a good prima. L'Oreal's Lumi Magique is a soft and supple prima that effortlessly glides onto the skin, and stays put the whole day!

GET THE RIGHT FOUNDATION SHADE AND STICK WITH IT...

Post applying a pea size amount of the prima, you are ready to apply your foundation. Both the product and the way in which you choose to apply the foundation is highly subjective, and whatever suggestions I may point out here are from my personal experience that have benefitted me. It is but obvious that you choose a foundation that closely matches your skin tone, and the great thing about Rimmel London's Match Perfection foundation is that it does exactly what it says on the bottle. Every time I wear this foundation I never feel like I am wearing an excessive amount. I simply apply a small spout to my hand that is then applied to a foundation brush to be buffed into my skin - it almost looks like I am not wearing any foundation at all. 

OPTIONAL EYESHADOW ALWAYS DOES THE TRICK...

Urban Decay's Naked Palette 2 is a staple for my eyes! I am still in love with a number of shades from this subtle palette and can't simply get enough of Snakebite, Pistol and Verve! While Urban Decay's Naked Palette 3 has recently been introduced, I found the shades somewhat similar to that of Naked 2. The nude based shades and light pigments enables one to wear eyeshadow on a day to day basis without looking over-glamorous! Even if you are looking to work the natural makeup look, Urban Decay's Naked eyeshadow range is definitely for you! 

VOLUMINOUS LASHES THANKS TO MASCARA...

Completing the makeup look with precision, a little mascara goes a long way! Whether or not I choose to play up my eyes with eyeshadow or eyeliner, I never fail to brush up my eyelashes with L'Oreal's Telescopic mascara. Its delicate thin comb enables the mascara to work through each lash effortlessly, without clogging them up! It always gives me that 'wow' factor, and it's one makeup product my handbag is never without! It's a must have for any woman wanting extra length and voluminous lashes. You will never have to rely on artificial lashes again!

While you may not necessarily use the same makeup products as myself, I hope to have shared some beauty inspiration with some of my readers. Please do recommend any other beauty products that you have tried and tested yourself and I will definitely try them out and review them with you!