Dungarees 90210

Dungarees: Forever 21 // Crop Top: ASOS (Brand: Warehouse) // Converse PLAY Comme Des Garcons: Forward by Elyse Walker // Sunglasses: Wild Pair // Watch: Michael Kors 'Chronograph' // Bracelet: Monica Vinader 'Fiji' // Ring: Karen Walker

It is summer holidays for me so I have a fair bit of spare time on my hands inbetween work, and I have been spending A LOT of it watching Beverly Hills 90210 from the 90's, partly just for the fashion (but also for Brandon Walsh...naughty) and it's making me wish I was an 80's kid - hence the dungarees and striped crop. 

I am obsessed with dungarees and playsuits at the moment and this is my newest little pal. I think they look so cool and trendy, but also super effortless and easy to style.

My converse are also another new staple in my summer wardrobe for pretty much the same reasons as the dungarees - effortless and cool, not to mention they go with EVERYTHING. And with all that said I'm off to get my daily fix of 90210.... ;)

How do you get your fashion inspiration? :)

Lu x

Rebecca Minkoff vs. Miu Miu

Miu Miu cushioned shoes / Rebecca Minkoff studded flat

 There comes a time in every girls life when she starts dreaming of designer duds because she knows that they will make her life that little bit more special and FAB. I have found myself at this stage of my life, and my designer wishlist is slowly growing. At the top of my list are these totally to-die Miu Miu flats. The obsession started after I discovered the fashion blog WeWoreWhat and saw Danielle Bernstein pair them with absolutely everything - from casual to more formal looks. The Miu Miu's stood out and brought a little edge to all the looks, and really pulled them together. I have been drooling over them ever since. Now, Miu Miu's do not come cheap... and me being a student with only a part-time job does not lend itself very well to this situation. So, I have been searching for a cheaper alternative for weeks....and weeks, and finally I found the closest thing in the form of these Rebecca Minkoff studded flats. They are not a perfect match, but then again nothing will quite live up to the Miu Miu's. They are very similar in shape, although not quite as pointy in the toe and have a few added details in the form of stitching and studds, AND of course they are less than half the price. I will say though that even the Rebecca Minkoff pair is not exactly 'cheap', but just like the Miu Miu's they are genuine leather from the inside out which means they would be in my life for years rather than months. Now, I am faced with some tough decisions that only a fellow fashion lover would understand - do I go with the cheaper alternative and not put as much of a strain on my purse, OR do I save the pennies and make my first Miu Miu investment, as Carrie Bradshaw would do? Decisions, decisions.....

Do I take the designer plunge?

Lu x

DIY // Flower Crown / Headband

Flowers: Choose any colour you like, and also size. My ones were quite average size (not tiny but not huge) so five were the perfect amount to go around my head, but this will change depending on what you choose.
Felt + Thread: I would suggest getting a colour that either matches the flowers, or the felt could even be the same as your hair colour to make it blend in and not be too obvious.
*Bobby Pins (not pictured): Didn't know I would use them until I got to sticking it all together, but you only need a few.

1. Pull all the flowers of their stems GENTLY. I learnt this the hard way when a couple fell apart on me... oops.

2. Measure the felt around your head and headband and cut it, leaving a little extra on all sides which will be trimmed later. Arrange the flowers as you want them.

3. With a pencil I marked the middle of my piece of felt to make it easier when positioning the middle flower when sewing it on, and to make sure it was centered and I wouldn't end up with a lopsided crown.

4. I sewed them on by threading the needle between each leaf and petal, making sure to thread through a few petals, and going around each flower 2-3 times to make sure they were all secure and stood upright.

5. I measured roughly 2.5cm between each flower, but this doesn't matter very much as you can have them closer together or further apart depending on the type of flowers used or just personal preference.

6. Once all the flowers are on, position the felt on the headband again just to make sure it looks good and you're happy with it.

7. Cut the access felt, but still leave a little extra (0.5-1cm max) around the sides to make it a bit easier to work with. Also, cut another strip of felt to roughly the same size as the piece the flowers are sew onto.

8. Run some glue along the felt with the flowers on first and position it on top of the headband. This bit got a little fiddly, but I found the best way to do it was by running some glue along the other strip of felt as well, and then positioning the strip with the flowers on one end of the headband then taking the other strip of felt and sticking it onto that strip of felt from the bottom of the headband and securing them together with a bobby pin. Basically sandwiching the headband between the felt. Then keep going around the headband sticking the two strips together and sliding a bobby pin between each flower, to make sure that they stay together when drying. I left mine overnight, but this depends on the glue you are using. (Hope all than made some sense...)

When all dry, just slide the bobby pins out and trim around the edges so that there is as little excess felt as possible (careful not to trim too much though as it may start to come off the headband).
If you want to make it super sturdy I would suggest stitching around the edges also, to make sure that the two strips of felt are not going to come apart - but this is not essential).

I hope all this made some kind of sense! Haha I must say it was quite fun making the flower crown/headband and doing it as a wee DIY post on here. Hope this may have come in useful for someone, or even as something to have a wee nosey at!

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for other things I could do this kind of post on I would luuurve to hear them, or even if I should never do it again...hahah all opinions welcome :)

Lu x

Cheeky Treats // ASOS

ASOS dress / ASOS clothing

ASOS is one of my favourite online sites, and the amaze sale section always sucks me in, as it did today. Now, I really don't need, nor do I even have room for, new clothes but these two pieces were total bargains (this is how I justify my actions and weakness). The dress had been in my 'Saved Items' for the longest time so obviously I had to scoop it up when it went down to half price. I think it's such a simple and easy to wear dress, perfect for spring and summer which it's coming into here. I also already have a couple of the ASOS swing dresses and love the material they are made from and they are great quality. The peter pan collar top I came across by chance, and I find it very difficult to resist collared tops... oopps. I loved the colour, I loved the dropped peplum hem, I loved the embroidery... and it just happened! It all JUST HAPPENED.

Anyone else have trouble saying no to ASOS? :D

Lu x 

Today I Fell In Love With // 'Our Moment'

Yes, this is really happening. Now, I am partial to a bit of One Direction here and there (*i love them....a lot, oh gosh, OH MY) and I'm not going to lie I thought that the perfume would be a little 'meh' if that's even a describing word. But I was sooo pleasantly surprised when I finally got to have a whiff of this wee beaut. It is exactly what I look for in a perfume. Sweet and more on the light side - fresh and not too heavy on the floral notes. If I could, I would spray everything in my room with this scent, it is that nice and pleasant, it makes me want to die. After gravitating towards it in multiple stores, and spraying (drowning) myself with it I've found that it really reminds me of my very first favourite perfume 'Viva La Juicy' by Juicy Couture, and also 'Wonderstruck' by Taylor Swift. For me it's like a combination of the two with a third part that brings it all all together. All I have to say to end this post is that there is some serious budgeting happening to bring this bad boy home so I can bathe in it daily.

Please tell me I am not alone in this....hahah :)

Lu x

Outfit Planning // The Races

Boohoo flat top / ASOS pumps / Forever New pink purse, $38 / ASOS flower headband / ASOS sunglasses / Stila liquid eyeliner / MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick Review, Swatches and Photos

In a couple of weeks I am off to the races for the very first time. As I am a self confessed shopaholic and generally just obsessed with all things fashion and style, I have been trolling through countless sites looking for the perfect outfit. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if I have had more fun picking and choosing everything than I will at the actual event... although I know it's going to be a FAB day!

The shoes I found first, and they are amaze. I really liked the Cheap Monday cube heeled shoes so when I spotted these I was all over them! They are pretty high I'm not gonna lie, but they look killer on!

I know that most girls will be wearing fascinators so I wanted to be a little bit different and I had also been looking for an opportunity to wear a huge over the top flower crown - TICK! ASOS have some really nice colourful ones at the moment, but I think I may make my own as I think I want one with more muted colours as my outfit is PINK PINK PINK. 

( I may try to do a crafty post on how I make it )

Now, for the outfit - oohhh yeaasshhh. I came across this wee set by chance as I don't really shop on Boohoo as I have been a bit disappointed with past orders. BUT never the less I fell in love with the puffy skirt and how damn cute the two are together. The fabric is a very nice, thick material with a baroque style print, and I think that the bit of skin that shows around the waist off sets the girlyness and gives it a bit of edge, which I am all for! 

The rest of the accessories I'm still picking out, but I think a simple wee shoulder bag, maybe some cute sunglasses in case it's super sunny and a potential hot pink pout just because I am obsessed with 'Candy Yum Yum' at the moment. 

Oh, exciting times! 

Anyone else love to plan outfits and looks like this? ..... I swear I get waayy to much pleasure from it! Hahaha

Lu x 

Life // My New Job

All-In-One Face Base, Colour Crush Eyeshadow, Colour Crush Lipstick (similar)

It has been a rather busy month and a half (hence the lack of blogging commitment), it has been exam season for me, and an opportunity presented itself I couldn't miss. 

I was feeling pretty bored and generally ready for a change after working at my previous job for almost 3 years, and I also really wanted to work in an area I had genuine interest, so when The Body Shop were looking for a new part-timer I was ALL OVER IT! I am sooo excited I got the job, and pretty proud, if I do say so myself. I am looking forward to learning in-depth about skincare and body care, as well as expanding my make-up knowledge and practice. I have already finished up my first two weeks, and I am loving it.

The make-up above is what I picked out with my new employee voucher to start my collection, as with most shops like this we only wear The Body Shop products while at work. So far, I have been VERY impressed with the All-In-One Face Base - amaze for oily skin, and the eyeshadow is a total beaut! 

I am super excited to try out lots of new products, which are natural and cruelty free, knowing I'm not only doing my skin good but also helping out a good cause. 

There should be more reviews and new product posts coming in the next few months, so my blogging should be back on track. Also, as Spring is in full swing here I am going to try and do some more outfit and fashion posts (hopefully ones that look a bit more 'profesh' than my previous ones (cough-cough).

If anyone has any Body Shop product suggestions I would luurve to hear them :)

Lu x

P.S. Is it bad that I am getting excited for Christmas already...???

MAC 'Candy Yum Yum'

WHOA PINK!!! I bought this lipstick on a bit of a whim as I'm very much a light pink lip kinda guurl, but I often see other girls wearing bright shades, and sometimes I want to be 'that girl'. So what did I do? I bought one of the brightest MAC lipsticks there is...ya know, just easing myself into it.
'Candy Yum Yum' is a matte formulation, which I think makes it that little more dramatic. The wearing power is also amazing, like hours and hours without having to top up, being a matte helps with staying power also. I do find that it is a little bit drying on the lips, while wearing it as well as after wards, but to be honest I really don't care as the colour is the most amazing cool-tone Barbie pink, literally the word Barbie sums up this lipstick for me in one word.
What I love the most about it is how wearable it is. Yes it's super bright, and the matte formulation enhances this, but you can totally get away with this during the day, paired with a casual tee and some jeans (YES really), it adds a bit of edge to your look. Of course it is also perfect for a bold-lip night look with a simple cat eye and a pair of cute heels. Honestly, I have never come across such a versatile and wearable bright lipstick, and I know we are going to be very close companions this summer.

Anyone else having a small affair with 'Candy Yum Yum', or have any other bright lip suggestions? :)

Lu x

Maybelline Color Tattoo

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Maybelline-New-York-Color-Tattoo-24hr-Gel-Cream-Eyeshadow

I have had these bad boys for a few months now (yes...I am very late here, SORRY) and am finally getting this done! After using these for a while I can safely agree with all the hype, these really are amaze. I have very oily eye lids (unpleasant, yes), and was quite skeptical about how these were going to hold up as I find that even when I use an eyelid primer there is always a little bit of creasing. Being a cream product I thought it was going to be a hot, melted mess after a couple hours wear, SURPRISE SURPRISE they stayed on like a dream and there was minimal creasing. I don't know how they do it, but they do it! They are super easy to apply and blend, and the pigmentation is insane, especially 'On and On Bronze' which is a very pretty more cool, than warm, tone bronze with sparkle all through it.

When wearing both I like to apply 'Permanent Taupe' all over the lid, blending out around the crease and then applying 'On and On Bronze' just to my eyelid, then taking Stila 'Bare' eyeshadow with a blending brush and just blending the outside of Permanent Taupe to get rid of any harsh lines.

For a super quick and easy everyday look I like to just sweep 'On and On Bronze' all over the lid and again blend the outside with either Stila 'Bare', or Stila 'Bliss'.

Out of the two, 'On and On Bronze' is my favorite as I'm a bit of a sucker for a bit of sparkle. I am so impressed with these and am literally about to order a couple more shades from Feelunique.com, just for the sake of variety ;)

Anyone else like these, or have color suggestions? :)

Lu x

 

Someday: Quote

 

Lu x

Monica Vinader // Fiji Bracelet

Here is my cheeky, CHEEKY splurge from this month, oohh how pretty! For a good couple of weeks I couldn't decide whether to take the plunge and buy this bracelet, but then I decided that if I was still drooling over it after that long it was worth it. There are so many colour variations of the Fiji bracelet on the Monica Vinader website that it did take me a while to choose. I ended up going for the sterling silver as my other 'every day' jewellery is silver, although the rose gold ones look amazing as well. When I first started looking at them I thought I would get the cream cord, but then figured that if I was going to have a naughty splurge then I might as well get something a little bit different and bold - hence the fluoro pink, which is actually the nicest shade! I'm sooooo happy with it, the quality is very good, the silver is really shiny and polished and the pink gives it a little pop of color. Now, could we take a moment and just appreciate the packaging of this wee treat? It is literally the nicest packaged item I've ever received. Layers and layers of MV embossed tissue paper, a gift card, a gift bag, more tissue paper, and the wee magnet lid box - oh the small pleasures in life! All in all I feel pretty damn special wearing this bracelet, the only downside is that now I have visions of lots of these stacked on my wrist, in all different colors...dangerous territory.

Anyone else out there love themselves a bit of Monica Vinader? :)

Lu x

Emmy Awards 2013 // Fashion Faves

Julie Bowen in Zac Posen Resort 2014
When this lady walked upto Ryan Seacrest I just thought wow, that is a lot of baby pink and it is FAB! Structurally it is intricate with bold lines and curves, yet it is all off set by the simple, feminine colour, something I love in fashion.

Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein Collection
I didn't actually see Rose on the red carpet but spotted her browsing through photos on eonline. This look is so on trend, and for once someone managed to pull it off - amen! She looks sophisticated, but edgy, and as simple as it is stunning. Less is more, here is the living proof!

Kerry Washington in Marchesa Spring 2014
This must be one of the most talked about dresses, and women, of this years Emmy's. It is such a pretty dress, not the best describing word but for me it sums it up just right. The embroidery, beading, and embellishments on this dress are to die! It is a siluette that's been done so many times before, yet a whole new life has been injected into it. Making it fresh and clean, ah it is just SO PRETTY!!!

Zosia Mamet in Honor Resort 2014
I'm not gonna lie, I have no idea who this girl is...but what I do know is that the print of this dress is amazing. It is so different from everything else on the carpet in terms of colour and style. Even though the silhuette isn't all that different, the print and colour combination of it are unique and edgy, and stand out. I'm sure this isn't to everyone's taste and she probably isn't going to end up on the 'Best Dressed List', but hey, good on Zosia for doing something a bit different and taking a chance - u go guuurl!

I love watching red carpet events and having a little dream about getting to wear a lil' Valentino number, maybe some Christian Louboutin's, bit of Dior, hint of Chanel...

Lu x

Cheeky Treats // Spring Edit

asos sunglasses / Topshop slouchy shirt / Shorts, $120 / Play Comme des Garçons sneaker / Monica Vinader neon pink bracelet / ASOS sunglasses / Eyeshadow / Maybelline lipstick / Maybelline beauty product / TIGI styling product, $22

Topshop Quilted Jumper: This actually came in the mail today (along with a pastel blue sheer panel tee), and it was all very exciting! I had actually ordered this a month back but when it came to packaging my order Topshop had sold out, so when I saw it back on the website I snapped it up so quick it was all a blur. The colour of this jumper is AMAZING, it is a pastel peachy orange, but quite vibrant. The material is super soft and feels like good quality reflecting the mid-range price tag. It is slightly shorter than I had imagined, but it's super cute and it will go with almost everything in my wardrobe. This is why I am a slave to Topshop.

American Apparel Sunflower Dungarees: Firstly, could we take a moment to appreciate how cute these are?! I am totally obsessed with dungarees at the moment. Not sure how it happened but all I know is a spend a good part of everyday trolling through online stores seeking them out (how exciting my days must seem...). When I spotted these, I just knew it was meant to be, I had visions of summer days out in these bad boys, and with about four clicks on the computer our future together was sealed. 

Converse Comme des Garcons PLAY: These were a bit of a fangirl purchase as I had seen Danielle Bernstein from WeWoreWhat wear these on her blog and I just though they were so cool. They are still simple and effortless like all converse, but I like that they are a slight variation of the classic. Anyway, as I was contemplating getting white low cuts ones anyway, I figured why not be a bit of a copy cat and get some that will make me feel a lil' bit special. The only downside is that I have had them on pre-order for about a month now, and I'm impatient, the suspense continues.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Duo in 'Raisins': This I have had my eye on for MONTHS. I had swatched it at the Estee Lauder counter dozens of times. I had come so close to buying it a few times, but it NZ it carries a rather hefty price tag of $70. I don't have a problem paying for high-end products, but in comparison to countries in Europe and the UK, this one was way over priced. Alas, it had come into stick on Strawberry Net for a little bit less so I decided to bite the bullet and splurged. 

Monica Vinader Fiji Bracelet: I can't say I'm really one for designer, or expensive jewellery, but this ticked all the boxes. I actually got this in silver with the fluoro pink cord (couldn't find the right picture). Silver, for me, is timeless and something I know I'm not going to grow out of, and matches the other couple pieces I have. I love the simplicity of it, with a pop of colour. It is just soooo pretty!...but very much a splurge.

Maybelline Colour Whisper & Mega Plush Mascara: Recently I fell back in love with my Revlon Lip Butter in 'Strawberry Shortcake', and wanted to try something similar so I picked this up in the shade 'Petal Rebel' which is a brighter, but still sheer pink. The mascara is also something new to try, I am a devoted Maybelline mascara fiend, especially the Falsies, and heard a lot of good reviews of this one going around so am excited to see how it measures up to the Colossal Cat Eye and the Falsies Black Drama.

ASOS Embellished Cat Eye Sunglasses: Who can resist a ASOS sale, eh? These were a total bargain at about $15NZ. I must admit I am not much of a sunglasses person but I love the cat eye trend paired with the cute embellishments. I have been contemplating this style since seeing Kourtney Kardashian sporting them like a total babe, another fangirl buy! ;)

Tigi S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer: This is a re-purchase, and a firm favourite of mine. I had run out a month or so ago and last week realized how much I missed it. It smells like a total dream and adds the most amazing sparkle and shine to hair, all while actually doing something good for it - snaps for Tigi S-Factor! 

Well... If anyone at all actually read this far I applaud you, but I know that's quite a stretch! haha

Anyone else have a serious "oh, just treat yourself" problem??? 

Lu x 

Someday: Quote

Preach that sista!

Lu x

A Bit Of Sparkle...

I have developed an absolute obsession with Monica Vinader jewelry in the last couple of weeks, it's so simple, and so damn pretty. The 'Fiji' bracelets, in particular, seem to have taken over my life. Now, I can be one to exaggerate, BUT on this occasion it's all got a bit out of hand and I could not stop myself and I ended up making a wee order from the site.

I must say that I am not really one for 'high end' jewelry. I have a couple  of Karen Walker pieces (both little animals - another obsession) and they are my staple hints of glamour on an everyday basis...oh the exciting life I lead. What I wanna say here is that, it rarely happens to me that I fall in love with a more expensive piece of jewelry, so when it happens I know I'll love it and wear it forever. I think that's why I love these pieces so much, they are so simple and timeless yet unique and pretty.

I am so damn excited for my Monica Vinader package to arrive...literally cannot wait! Eeekk

Anyone else have an unhealthy obsession with Fiji bracelets??? :D

Lu x

Outfit / Black On Black On White

This ASOS dresss has been a favorite in my winter wardrobe this past chilly season. Soft, comfortable and effortless. I'm determined to pull it through spring with me, and something tells me it's not going to be a problem with the cute flower print. 

Spring come at me!

Lu x

Bastille Obsessed...

I know I am rather late to hop on the Bastille band wagon, but alas, I am now on it and loving life! Their CD Bad Blood has literally been on repeat for the last two weeks and I am still not sick of it. It's such nice, easy to listen to music, but with a unique and interesting sound. The whole vibe and sound is kind of dark and mysterious, but also lively...yes, that made little sense, thankgod I am not a music critic.... The lyrics are also amazing, I must say I am a sucker for songs that are actually written by the singers themselves and are actuallY GOOD, (I don't know why...haha) and this sure ticks that box! My favorites are 'Things We Lost In The Fire', 'Daniel In The Den', 'Flaws' and 'Bad Blood', but I gotta say I pretty much like all of them!

Bastille is DEF going to be a Spring/Summer '13 favorite!

Anyone else fangirling over Bastille? :D

Lu x

Spring, Spring, SPRING!

Spring 2013 by rozenberglucia featuring a polka dot purse

             

Weeee spring is here (give and take a few days...) I'm sure this is the case for everyone, but I can't help but get excited when the seasons change simply because of the change in clothes, shoes and accessories that I can start wearing...slightly crazy, yes.
I am officially over my cozy Zara jacket and bobble hat, and ready for pastels, cami's, light baggy jumpers and cute sandals, not to mention the statement eye-wear!

What are some of your favorite spring/summer trends? :)

Lu x