Postnatal Depression: My Story

When I had my first child, nothing could have prepared me for how I would feel. After 9 months of waiting, my daughter Naima had finally arrived and everything should have been perfect. Except it wasn't. 

The overwhelming feeling of love and joy that I expected to follow as she came into this world seemed to bypass me and instead I was left feeling empty and angry. These aren't emotions a person would normally associate with meeting their baby for the first time but that's how it was for me. It seems like such a horrible thing to say and I did question writing and sharing this as I would hate for anyone to think that this is how I feel about Naima today, because its not. They say time is a healer and with time, my love for her grew as she did. I love my daughter more than anything, however it doesn't take away from my experience as a new mother and how much I wish my first memories of her were not tarnished with these negative emotions.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget for you did but they will always remember how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou

Whilst my labour was straight forward with no major complications, I attribute what I encountered during that time to causing my postnatal depression. My memory of the birth has become somewhat hazy over time although, I do remember my appointed midwife conducted herself with as much warmth and compassion as a robot and subsequently left me feeling scared, frustrated and helpless.

Having PND is not something I would wish on anyone however it's something I am no longer ashamed about so I decided to share my story in the hope it can help someone else.

If you would like to hear more about what I went through afterwards then you can check out the latest video on my YouTube channel where I talk about realising I had post natal depression, how it was for me and how I came out the other side.

Lou xxx

Valentines OOTN

Valentines weekend is a chance for my hubby and I to do the couple thing, which at the moment is a rarity. I wanted my outfit to have an element of sexy, simple and effortless.    

As a lover of Kate Moss and her over all look, I took my date night outfit inspiration from the supermodel style queen.

Photo credit: Google Images

                                                     

Keeping with the Valentines colour scheme, I chose a burgundy slip dress, but went back to my fail safe black leather jacket with bag and heels to match. I opted for a silver necklace to finish off the Kate Moss grunge look.

Dress: Miss Selfridge via eBay 

Leather Jacket : New Look 

Necklace: New Look

Bag: Zara

Heels : Missguided

Here is the finished look taken from my Instagram, and I have to say it's the most like 'me' I have ever felt whilst not wearing my skinny jeans!

 My Instagram: @lolabstyleme

Who is your style inspiration when getting ready for a night out?

For links to the same or similar items, click below pics.

Lou xxx

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer Review

Since the arrival of baby number three 8 months ago, and surviving on around 5 hours broken sleep a night, my make-up has become more of a mask to hide behind rather than using it to enhance my face. So as someone who is more than happy simply to look human nowadays,  my main priority when searching for a primer, was finding one that would keep my make-up in place, making it long lasting. On my hunt for a new base, I came across the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer by chance as it was on special offer so the illuminating quality of the product was neither here nor there for me. Reading other reviews on this item, it has been described as a glow in a bottle. Until recently, the only glow I had considered from a bottle, was that of fake tan as, in my mind, products promising dewy, glowing skin were reserved for teenagers up to the twenty something's. Either that or those blessed with amazing skin. Now I have found that is not the case.

I love this product, not only for its illuminating qualities, as I also mentioned in my February Favourites, but as well as for the moisture it provides. This is great when tackling dull, tired skin as I also find a lack of sleep causes my skin to become dry as well.

Before applying, I shake the bottle then use one pump, putting the primer on the back of my hand and begin doting it around my face. It comes out looking pearlescent, this helps with it's application, making it easier to see where you have put the product and if it is rubbed into the the skin properly. I find it blends easly and absorbs well. On ocassion, I have also mixed in into my foundation which creates a nice effect however I prefer the first method.

Looks wise, the effect is subtle enough, given my fear of all things illuminating, yet brightens up my often lacklustre looking skin. In terms of longevity, my foundation stays put for the day for me allowing me to go about my day without touching up. I would definitely recommend the L'Oreal Magique Primer to anyone looking for a primer and illuminating product combined.

Lou xxx

More Black

For me, there is no such thing as too many pairs of shoes, even if they happen to be mostly black. As you can see from a small selection of my shoes, there was not really much need for any more in this colour, hence my most recent purchase being made with some hesitation.

However, these weren't black on black, they had a teeny tiny bit of something other than my favourite, most showcased colour in my wardrobe. At least, this what what I told myself in order to justify completing at the checkout of ASOS.

So here they are, the latest addition to my shoe collection.

Lucie Grunge Sole Ankle Boots

By Monki at ASOS, these are perfect for adding a little bit of height to my 5'4" self and providing something a bit different from all that the rest of my, all black, collection has to offer. These are comfy, great for running around in and look good too. I am happy to say I don't feel in the slightest bit guilty for adding more black to my wardrobe and can't promise there won't be more to follow.

My Style In Pictures

Nowadays many people tend to cross over different fashion genre's to find their individual style. This makes it harder to be definitive when describing your taste in wardrobe, so rather than explain my style, I thought I would show you. These are taken from my Instagram.

Lou xxx

My First Post Baby Night Out! OOTN

Last week I had my first night out since having Jude 10 weeks ago. It was for a friends 30th birthday which we celebrated in Edinburgh. It had been arranged for everyone to meet up for dinner followed by drinks, then a club. As I am still breast feeding, I decided that I would catch up with everyone after the dinner, meaning less time away from home so I wouldn't be too uncomfortable with my milk filling up. Oh the joys of being a new mum again! 

I had a great night and it was nice to catch up with friends and spend some quality time with the hubby. The bonus was having no hangover in the morning, RESULT!!!

Me with the birthday girl and hubby

As I don't get out a whole lot, I wanted to make the most of dressing up. I'm not one for flashing the flesh and have never gone out in a cropped top before so I did feel a little self concious, especially after bubba no 3. However I am trying to adopt a new motto to 'try new things' and be a bit more adventurous when it comes to my wardrobe. Yes people, flashing 3 inches of my torso was indeed me being adventurous!

Check out my outfit from head to toe.

 As we were in a  rush leaving the house (this always happens!), these pictures were taken at 4am so if I look a little bleary eyed, please forgive me.

Top: MISS GUIDED  *  Skirt: RIVER ISLAND  *  Shoes: NEW LOOK  *  Bracelet:  GIFT

Earrings: H&M  *  Rings: RIVER ISLAND  *  Necklace: Primark

XXX

Barry M: Gelly Hi Shine

Let me start off by saying I absolutely love Barry M nail varnishes. They are cheap, affordable and come in an array of different colours and finishes. With textured, matte, silk, confetti, glitter, magnetic, croc and even chameleon colour changing varnish effects, there isn't really anything this brand doesn't have covered when it comes to nails.

I have been eyeing up this gorgeous blue colour for a while now and comes in Gelly Hi Shine which is supposed to provide 'an extra glossy finish'.

The colour is Damson (GNP 27)

This bright and cheerful colour is perfect for the summer.

The only slight negative but nothing major, is that I would still apply a top coat to give a shinier, smoother, more polished look as it wasn't quite as 'glossy' a finish as I would have liked. Then again I would probably want to use a top coat anyway, even if it was just to make more chip resistant and have them last a little longer.

Do you have a favourite Barry M nail effect or colour this summer? Let me know.

xxx

Real Techniques Make-Up Brushes

I spent most of my make-up wearing life applying products with sponges and my fingers, until I came across an article stating that it isn't always the product that is important but what you use to apply the make-up that makes all the difference (I personally don't buy this 100% but  it did make me think). Since then,  I  began to take an interest in using make-up brushes, watching beauty tutorials on-line. I very quickly became familiar with the Real Techniques brushes, designed with the sister duo, Sam and Nic Chapman who front the No.1 beauty channel PixiWoo, on YouTube.

Admittedly I do use a couple of other brands of brushes but these are by far my favourite. These feel smooth to the touch, blending products to perfection, providing a flawless finish, all whilst using synthetic bristles made of taklon, making them ideal for anyone who likes to use cruelty-free brands. It doesn't hurt that their prices are reasonable and are available on the high street, having to look no further than your nearest Boots or Superdrug, for example.

Another thing I love about these brushes is the fact that if like me, you are no make-up expert and are unsure about what brushes should be used for what products then you need look no further than the brush handles. These state specifically what they are designed for, making life a whole lot simpler.

I first bought a pack of four brushes that came with a holder to store them which comes in handy when travelling.

It can be carried using a small handle

or as a stand which I find handy when applying my make-up

As I am slowly building up my brush collection, I will be sticking with Real Techniques. A brand that provides great quality at an affordable price is always a winner in my book. Do you have any favourite brushes/brands that you like to use? I would love to know.

xxx

The Skort

My Top 5 Favourite MAC Products

I first started using MAC products just over 10 years ago and whilst I happily use other brands, I always find my way back to using their products. Here are my 5 favourite MAC make-up items I use on an almost daily basis.

1. STUDIO FINISH SPF35 CONCEALER (In shade NW20)

If I had to choose only one make-up item to use for the rest of my life, it would be this concealer. As someone who suffers from under-eye bags and dark circles, this water-resistant, lightweight product has been my saviour after many late and sleepless nights. It is also great for concealing any discolouration or blemishes I may have. Having only discovered a couple of years ago that it has an SPF in it means, that even in my early 20's when tanning was more important than looking after my skin, I had at least some protection from the sun. With its creamy consistency, a little goes a long way so I definitely get my moneys' worth out of it therefore, whilst being a bit more expensive than the average drugstore concealer, it lasts a whole lot longer than some at half the price.

2. FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION (In shade N2)

Nowadays, I am happy to go without foundation as long a my skin is behaving itself however there are days when I need a little something on there to act as my security blanket. That is where this fab, water-based foundation comes along to save the day. Providing a natural, sheer coverage, it is just enough to give me that little extra confidence without looking or feeling caked, making it perfect for the summer months when I want to look as natural as possible.

3. POWDER BLUSH (In shade Sincere)

Whilst preferring the minimal look, I am a fan of a little contouring to provide my face with some cheekbones. I had initially gone to Mac looking for a cream based product but was talked into buying this instead and I love it. It is highly pigmented so you only need a little and it stays put too.

4. CREMESHEEN LIPSTICK (In shade Creme Cup)

I'm not a major lipstick kind of girl, especially during the day so if I do want a slight pop of colour on the lips then this is my favourite. The consistency is quite thick, making it long lasting, so I apply a small amount with a light hand to begin with, leaving me the option to build it up depending on how I feel. I love the texture of this, along with the glossy finish.

5. MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH ( In shade Soft and Gentle)

Whilst I don't wear this all the time, its is my go to item when I'm looking for a bit of a glow. It acts as a great highlighter which I like to use just above my cheekbones and under the arch on my brow bone. It glides on smoothly, blends well and yet again, goes a long way. 

What are your favourite products, Mac or otherwise, that you just can't live without?

xxx

Vintage Glam Chic