24 Dec 2017

The Colour That Transcends All Seasons


Rust, tobacco, tan, brown... you name it, it's probably what I mean (even if the search tab when I'm online shopping doesn't). It's the creme de la creme of hues and it's not just one for Autumn, despite what the leaves may tell you. Trends come and go, but this shade has shape-shifted it's way through dresses to jumpers this year, and it's not one that I intend to change anytime soon . To me, it's the shade I turn to when I'm in stuck in rut of wearing black day-in, day-out (I need it for the wardrobe diversity, alone), and brings some life to monochrome-me, particularly in the winter. From coats and hats, to silk party wear that makes high-street looks expensive (I'd say swimwear too but even the thought makes me shiver in these sub-zero temperatures), it's a colour that I can't get enough; being understandably timeless and simultaneously letting me breathe a little easier knowing that I won't get sick of it half as fast as the rest of my clothes. Another important factor in it's favour, it works effortlessly with gold jewellery; particularly layered necklaces and oversized earrings. 

Most recently, I picked up this Mango silk, tie-back crop which had me like a blackbird to silver. I got lucky and picked up one of the last in stores (it's now sold out online, sorrrrry). It looks as good at the back as it does at the front, and crosses that middle point between being laid back, casual event attire to full-on black tie, it sits neatly between the two and it's subtly elegant without trying too hard. 


The high-street does this shade well, and without further ado, these are the ones that have caught my eye (and the jeans are now almost half price...!): 
         


        
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20 Dec 2017

Postcards from Stockholm | Travel Guide


The city that made me sad to leave before I'd even got there. It's been a long time coming that I've wanted to visit Sweden and finally jetted off last month to Stockholm. Naturally, the desirability of the Scandi culture and effortlessly on-point style has played a part, of course, in its lure, but it's also films like The Danish Girl and a whole list of crime thrillers (aka Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) that makes Scandinavian so intriguing and count for my obsession with the place. Safe to say it didn't disappoint on any level...

It's a city to soak up culture (there's copious museums, exhibitions and galleries), or simply a place to act out your alter-ego life as a chic, got-it-together Scandinavian resident (we opted for the latter); there is a piece of the city for all. The spacious streets, grand buildings and architecture makes it a calm but grand place to explore (the contrast against London traffic is jaw-dropping), and what they say is true, the people in Sweden are beautiful. There really must be something in the water. There's definitely no shortage of over-sized coats, designer clothes or the blonde-haired elite there. It's also not a place to go unless you're prepared to forget the value of money and pretend you're not paying just shy of ten pounds for a single glass of wine (yep, it's a pretty expensive place to lavish in)... As you'd expect with a Scandanavian winter, hours of light were scarce and come 3pm it felt like bedtime (especially combined with a 6am flight), so making the most of the sun was what finally got us up in the mornings. Getting over the initial more-than-early start took a lot of concealer and caffeine to get over (read my travel-beauty saviours post here), but it only got better. With only a couple of days to get into the Scandi spirit, these are some of the things we did and places we went that made the trip as good as it was. 


To eat:
Meatballs for the People | The classic Swedish meatballs in the heart of Södermalm; a hip and laid back lunchtime spot to fuel up before shopping around the area. 
Tavern Brillo | We stumbled upon this Italian goldmine. Vibrant, glamorous and delicious food, it's definitely one for an occasion and to turn to when you've overdone it on the meatballs...
Hermans | A vegetarian/vegan buffet on the harbour that could keep anyone happy. Cosy, familiar and does half price student discount (which makes all the difference in Scandanavia...). Vegetarian food options were hard to come by so this is a hidden gem. 
Riche | A frivolous, lively and hip bistro (the equivalent of Chelsea's The Bluebird) that's right for either coffee or cocktails; a people-watching hotspot. It's one to book in advance for food. 

To do: 

Fotograzia | There are a lot of museums and exhibitions to visit in the city, and this one is a photography exhibition that gets you thinking, something different and makes you want to bring out the camera just a little bit more (oh, and the gift shop is amazing from prints to postcards, but you can only pay on card in there). 
Charity shopping in Södermalm | Not only is it the coolest of areas for cafes, a portion of the undeniably strong fashion etiquette in Stockholm finds its way into charity shops along the streets of Södermalm. *cue scrambling for Acne jeans* 
Södermalm | Wandering around the Södermalm district is an activity in itself and the best places to find are the ones you just stumble upon (pottery barns, clothes boutiques, health stores...)

To drink:
The Grand | A sophisticated caffeine-fix to break up walking around the city is a coffee in The Grand (pretending you're a guest). The bathrooms are literally bigger than my entire house. 
Nobis Hotel | Late night cocktails and an old-school ambience, ending with a nightcap in the lounge of the Nobis is the right way to do it. 

To stay:
Story Hotel Riddargatan | If you're not sold by the mosaic sinks alone, the hotel itself ticks pretty much every box you could want from a city break stay. L:A Brucket amenities, quirky room decor (our headboard was an old door turned on its side) and placed just behind the Ostermalm district with most parts of the city just a walk away, it's one of those hotels that you really want to make the most of. Dark mornings and comfy beds made time-off-work lie ins give you that rested feel, and an atmospheric, socialite vibe come evening. 



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3 Dec 2017

Carry On Make-Up


There's nothing like a hand-luggage-only trip to rattle down the things you actually can't live without when it comes to beauty. A last minute escapade to Stockholm last week prompted that familiar feeling of what make-up should I bring out of this necessarily huge stash of products, but for once it was actually easy to cherry pick the favourites thanks to recent discoveries and die-hard make-up saviours. Things like foundation, mascara; the staples in make-up routines, are easily enough chosen, but it's things like eye-shadows and lipsticks that make it through the survival of the fittest and only the best, most versatile make it into that zip-lock bag come flight day. Not one for light packing, but similarly not the kind either to buy excess luggage for the sake of a few extra bottles (for extortinate amounts), here's what made it in: 


Glossier Boy Brow in Blonde | New to my make-up bag after visiting the Glossier pop-up in Marylebone this month; now a can't-live-without product (I still use the L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Brow Artist underneath) but it works wonders for (natural-looking) brow thickness.
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation in Bali Vanilla | Longstanding foundation favourite for dewy, fresh (as it claims) skin; not drying so post-flight skin friendly and keeps skin looking like skin...!
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Ivory | Doubles up as a touch-up concealer that you can take around with you and has really buildable coverage. I have a shade slightly lighter than my foundation so it brightens, too.
Kiehls Ultra Facial Toner | Not make-up per-se, but a pre make-up essential nonetheless and a range I've recently gone back to because my skin seems to get on with it. 
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser | As above. Refreshing, deeply cleansing and suitable for all skin types. 
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Telluride | My most-worn colour and winter-party friendly (but works just as well in the daytime, too. Most importantly, a hydrating formula that doesn't dry out your lips.  
Trish McEvoy Eye Base | Instant eye-brightening when you need it and doubles up as a primer for eyeshadow and eyeliner (since I've been using this my eyeliner has become much more obedient).
REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist | City-break essential for protecting against dirty air and it sets your make-up . So refreshing on a flight and the smell is very reviving after sitting in stale air for hours. 
Bobbi Brown Bronzer | Bringing some colour back into my winter skin and as subtle, or striking, as you want to build it up. I also use the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecting Highlighter in Moonlight on my cheekbones. 
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara | Petite in size but does the job better than most; this has become an everyday essential recently and I am very fussy with mascaras. 



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