Suit Up

Suit Jacket - Warehouse
 Suit Skirt - Warehouse
 Clutch Bag - ZaraRings - Zara/Pandora
 Shoes - Topshop 

Every girl should own a matching Co-ord. Whether it be in the form of a trouser, skirt or short suit, nothing screams style sophistication like a tailored suit. I found this 60's inspired co-ord in Warehouse, somewhere I wouldn't usually shop but was glad I did as I also bagged myself a new coat.  I love the colour, light blues and greys are everywhere this season and I definitely have my fair share of them. Despite it being a suit, the cocoon style jacket enables it to be worn for more casual occasions. And as with every Co-ord, both jacket and skirt can be worn separately. Perfect.

Paris, New Year, 2013

After years of last minute, forced plans, and a cancelled trip to Barcelona in the summer, my boyfriend and I decided to spend New Year in Paris. To us, and as to many I have spoken to recently, New Year is not particularly a big deal, and we weren't exactly thrilled at the thought of spending another year at a local pub. So this being said, Paris was the perfect escape. We were able to explore the city, see the sights and eat amazing food.

Whilst there, we were typical tourists and visited many of the famous landmarks, even managing to spend New Years day in Disney Land. Something we did not plan on doing in Paris, was to visit Pont des Arts, one of the many 'Love Locks' bridges. However after stumbling upon it we couldn't resist joining in with the masses and bought our very own lock. The bridge was filled with excitement and hope, something really special to see. Another highlight was exploring the Madeleine quarter. Lined with luxury boutiques, the atmosphere and decor couldn't feel more Parisian, and the shops were beautiful. (Personally, I could have spent the whole week there).

As for New Years Eve, there are no official fireworks in Paris , instead people gather at the Eiffel Tower or Champs Elysees to welcome the new year in. After a three course meal in a restaurant opposite Notre Dame, we chose the Eiffel Tower where at the stroke of 12 we watched as the tower lit up for its annual light display. (The Metro's are free on New Years Eve which is a huge bonus) If its a relaxed, romantic New Year's Eve you are looking for, Paris is definitely worth a visit.

Above are a few pictures from our trip. I'm a huge fan of black on black, and it's a colour I wear a lot of lately, but to brake it up I loved wearing my Zara long-line waistcoat (featured in an older post). My hat and scarf were both pretty essential due to the freezing temperatures. The boots I'm wearing are Kurt Geiger and are most definitely my favourite purchase made this winter. (Expect a post on these in the coming weeks). I loved wearing this outfit, it was perfect for a cold city brake.

Happy New Year!

Beauty Quick fixes: Plumping Powder and Beauty Balm

 Tresemme 24 Hour Body Plumping Powder £5.50

CLARINS Beauty Flash Balm £29

Once you find a beauty product that works for you it’s hard to go back as nothing is ever the same. However sometimes the problem is, beauty regimes are time consuming and simply take too much effort. The same cannot be said for Tresemme’s 24 Hour Body Plumping Powder and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. My quick fixes for the hair and face.

To anyone that knows me well will know I have some unreasonable fear of my hair being flat. Religiously backcombing my hair for years didn't leave it in the best of conditions. After hearing about plumping powder I assumed it would be a gimmick that has no benefit and held off trying it for quite some time. But when I did try, I was hooked. It’s so simple to use, sprinkle and massage into the roots of your hair for instant volume. A huge plus side is that it doesn't cause damage.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm creates instant radiance. It can be worn by itself to brighten the face when make-up isn't needed or alternatively it can be used at any point throughout the day to give your skin a boost, as general wear and tear of foundation on the skin can often leave it looking tired. Olive and Witch Hazel extracts help smooth the skin's surface and leaves it looking glowing.

In The Pink

Vinyl Pencil Skirt in Pink - Topshop 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this vinyl pencil skirt in baby pink is currently sold out.  So I was pleasantly surprised when my wonderful house mate Jess just happened to get her hands on one before the masses. As the colour is perhaps not to everyone’s taste, teaming it with black tones down the outfit whilst still allowing the skirt to make its statement. Pink is a big A/W trend, from pastel to sherbet, it's an alternative to a traditional winter palette. 

Photography - Melanie Jayne Cooper 

Baby Blue Knits

Over-sized Knitted Jumper - Zara, Leather Pencil Skirt - Next,Fedora Hat - Primark, Black Sandals - Zara 

A big thank you to Melanie Jayne Cooper for shooting these photos. 

Winter Must Have

Grey Long Vest - Zara 

So after recently seeing this grey longline vest I have totally fallen in love. I’m a big fan of waistcoats/gilets and have just purchased a longline Teddy Fur Gilet from Asos (pictures will shortly follow). They are really easy to wear and are a great alternative to carrying around a heavy winter coat. ‘Boy meets girl’ took the A/W catwalks by storm this year. From slouchy trousers and oversized coats to tailored suits, the masculine- feminine look finally climaxed. And once again, Zara has triumphed in transforming catwalk dreams to high street reality.  Zara’s A/W collections this year are full of androgynous shapes, a look that is sometimes hard to wear. Even though this waistcoat ticks all the boxes for that masculine look, the soft grey and thin fabric brings an element of elegance. A perfect blend if you ask me. I can’t wait to purchase it!

The Perfect Pencil Skirt

Burberry's Translucent Vinyl Pencil Skirt - £795

Vinyl Pencil Skirt - Topshop £38

I've always been a fan of a good pencil skirt. So after seeing Burberry’s A/W collection I was very pleased to see pencil skirts featuring as a key piece this season. From vinyl to lace, Christopher Bailey used a mixture of gentle textures to create the lavish collection. (It was exciting to hear that the lace featured in the designs was made using original Victorian machines in a Nottingham factory.) A favourite of mine, as I’m sure a favourite of many after seeing it in practically every magazine over the past few weeks, is the Translucent Vinyl Pencil Skirt. Worn by model of the moment Cara Delevingne it could only have ever been a success. With a detachable silk lining, the skirt is available in 'camel' and 'oxblood', both colours being central to the A/W collection. Perhaps a little more affordable take on this trend, Topshop have created a storm with their vinyl pencil skirts this season. With the pink already sold out, and seen on many celebrities, they are proving extremely popular. Not quite the same feel as Burberry’s romantic take on vinyl but for now, it will have to do!

Hat Love

Fedora Hat - Primark , Silk Blouse - Zara, Skorts - Zara
Fur Gilet - Topshop, Shoes - Topshop 

As a child I was never without a hat. But as I got older I never really bothered with them… until recently. I loved wearing my floppy hat this summer so really wanted one that I could wear throughout the winter. I happened to be passing through Primark and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this Fedora hat, in black, for only £8. It would have been silly of me not to pursue it. 

Prime Time

L’Oreal Studio Secrets Primer – £14.29 
Smashbox Primer – £25

These days I would be completely lost without my Primer. Gone are the days of lugging my make up around in my ridiculously over sized handbag. Instead it’s simply one application in the morning and I’m set for the day. Primers are applied under the foundation to create the perfect canvas whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. Apply the rest of your make up as normal; you should notice that it also helps the application of foundation, to create flawless looking skin (fingers crossed). I currently use L’Oreal’s ‘Studio Secrets’ – highly recommendable. However recently I have received a sample of the new ‘Photo Finish Luminizing’ primer from Smashbox. It’s defiantly on my wish list. There are 11 face primers to choose from, each targeting different problem areas. These vary from blemish control to age defying. They can even be worn alone for a quick fix of smooth, even skin!