Blank Canvas

This last month has been a bit chaotic for me and between hay fever and a cold, I spent the majority of last week with tissue stuffed up my nose so I could continue do get things done. Just for the record, I did not leave the house like this!

Any kind of beauty regime had gone out of the window and I did not feel nice inside or out, so on Monday I decided it was time for some TLC.

By focusing on my face, skin, hair and nails I felt that I would left with a blank canvas, feeling fresh and ready to be "me" again.

I began with the Montagne Jeunesse Cucumber Anti Stress Peel Off Masque, which isn't something I use on a regular basis.Once it had hardened slightly, moving my face felt weird and had me wondering if this is what botox felt like. Answers on a postcard please.

I have to say though, my favourite thing about this was pealing it off. I'm very easily pleased!

As I have eczema, I have to make sure I moisturise constantly so for a change I tried Vaseline Essential Moisture Cocoa Radiant Rich Feeling Lotion. I love the smell and leaves my skin feeling as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Last year my hair took a battering after having it bleached so now I am all about condition, condition, condition. However after neglecting myself for a weeks I hadn't been keeping up my my deep conditioning regime so yesterday I used some John Frieda Frizz-Ease Miraculous Recovery Pot Strengthening Creme Masque, which left my hair feeling silky smooth.

The last thing on my list was my nails, so after filing them down I applied Rimmel 5 in 1 Nail Care which can be used as a base and top coat. With its claims of providing smoother, stronger, longer, more moisturised and shinier nails, I thought I would give it a go and my nails definitely look shiny :)

***

Whilst the hope is that these products do as they say on the packaging, I think sometimes knowing that you have taken a bit of time for yourself and made some effort is just as important as getting the promised results.

When I feel overtired and run down I have to remind myself of my motto: The worse you feel on the inside, the more effort needed on the outside!

What are the new rules?

When I attended a friend's 30th last month I simply got dressed without thinking twice. That was until my husband gave me 'that' look, suggesting that maybe the see through shirt with the shorts was a bit much for someone of my age. He has not and would never tell me what to wear but I always ask his opinion. I dress for me but still want him to find me attractive, we don't venture out often so I like to remind him that I can look decent when I make a bit of effort!

As the party was in someone's house, the legs out and see through shirt combo wasn't an issue but with the big 3-0 looming in my not so distant future, it did make me think about what is appropriate when it comes to age and being a mother.

 

With women such as Gwen Stefani, Kate Moss and Demi Moore looking better now than in their 20's, what are the new style rules for this modern world we live in?

What are your thoughts on this?

I will be on Google+ on Sunday evening (16th Sep) at 8pm if you want to chat. The topic is 'What is age appropriate?'

Find me under Louisa Bell or lolab.styleme@gmail.com

xxx

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Stuck In A Style Rut

We can all be guilty of wearing the same clothes over and over again. When you find your trusted staple items, it is easy to stick with what you know and very hard to let go of pieces that essentially act as a security blanket. The thought of updating your wardrobe or trying a new style can be daunting if you just don't know where to begin. 

Here I offered my styling services to the lovely Maria, a mother of two, who had found herself stuck in a style rut. It was important to her that we found items that could be versatile and which she could incorporate into her existing wardrobe. So we hits the shops and after trying different colours, patterns, shapes and styles, we pieced together a new look for her.

BEFORE

AFTER

I'm sure you will all agree that the result shows a fab and funky Maria. By putting her in something that is fitted, she looks like she has dropped a dress size and adding some colour keeps the look fun.

Blazer: H&M

Jeans: RIVER ISLAND

Boots: RIVER ISLAND

We added a black jumper for her AFTER look but also picked up some different coloured and textured t-shirts to change up the look.

Here are some tips to help you out of your style rut.

1. We all need a little help at times and if you can't afford a celebrity stylist then why not try to enlist the help of a fashion forward friend or you may find some sales assistants are more than happy to help you put outfits together.

2. Magazines can provide a great source of inspiration and keep an eye out for any outfits you see on people in the street.

3. Have a list of items that you NEED then you can co ordinate any impulse buys around them.

4. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and pick up something you would never usually wear. Things often look different on the hanger than they do on and you might just surprise yourself.

5. Make sure you will get the wear out of any new styles that you try. Whilst you may find the latest Jeffery Campbell heels irresistible, they are not ideal for playing in the sand at your local park, so make sure your new style works with your daily schedule.

Have fun with your clothes. You have nothing to lose but you stand to gain a whole new, sexy, confident and fabulous new you!

Are you Fife/Edinburgh/Glasgow based and fancy some help with your style? If you are interested in having a free personal shopper for the day then please contact me via my Twitter or email me at www.lolab.styleme@gmail.com.

XXX

You will find this blog featured on the Mindful Mum website

Check it out here along with other tips and hot topics for yummy mummies

My night at The Fringe

Before I start I would like to apologize for the quality of some of the pics. I used my iPhone to save room in my bag and it is not taking as good quality pics as when I first got it :)

So on Sunday night my hubby and I went to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival to see one of my best friends performing her burlesque act in Chaz Royal's Sexy Circus Sideshow. 

Here is my outfit.

Jacket:  Mela Loves London @TK MAXX

Vest Top:  H&M

Shorts:  Miss Selfridge

Heel: River Island

Bag: Vintage

 

Necklace:  Dorothy Perkins

Woven Ring:  Dorothy Perkins

Leaf Ring: H&M

Lip Stain:  17 in BERRY CRUSH

I thought about trying a 50's look which is often associated with burlesque but it requires too much time and effort for my liking, so I opted for a pop of red on the lips instead of full on glamour. I have just started using this lip stain and like the fact I get the colour I want without it being too bright and in your face. Plus it lasts longer which is a bonus.

This is my favourite blazer at the moment and if you saw my wardrobe you would realise that I am starting to have a bit of  blazer obsession! They are perfect for dressing up any outfit which is ideal for me as I am a casual girl at heart.

Despite growing up in Scotland I had only been to see one performance at The Fringe until Sunday, and this show was very different to anything I had seen before.

The boys had us laughing and squirming with their comedy and alternative tricks and we enjoyed fun, cheeky and sexy burlesque acts by the lovely Serina Del Fuego, Anna Hulagan and Betty D'Light. Chaz Royal's Sexy Circus Sideshow cast will be performing 26 shows in total and runs up until the 26th of August in Venue 3.

  The cast

The wonderful Betty D'Light

After the show we went for a drink in the Havana Bar.

We had a quick catch up with Chaz and Betty before heading home.

So if you are after a quirky, funny, sexy show with a twist and you happen to be in Scotland, go check it out!

Five Minute Make-Up

Do find yourself dashing about in a morning wondering where the time has gone? If so, then your make-up may be one of the many things on your ‘to do’ list that doesn’t get done before you have to leave the house.
Whilst I am happy to brave the world without my war paint, I do feel better prepared to face the day ahead with some basic, natural make-up on.

Here are my top five make-up must haves, which will have you looking fabulous in five minutes.

1.    Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream with SPF 15

      

      I find creating a good base automatically makes people look better and BB creams provide a bit of everything you need to do just that. This creates an even complexion, covers small imperfections and redness, whilst hydrating your skin. It helps to brighten and perk-up a dull complexion, which we need with a busy life style, and provides some protection from the sun, anything to help the ageing process! It has light coverage like a tinted moisturizer which prevents that caked feeling but also means any spots, scars or dark circles will need a separate concealer.

2.    Mac Studio Finish Concealer with SPF 35

      Under eye bags are the biggest sign of lack of sleep so those bad boys have to go! This lightweight, long lasting, water-resistant concealer is great for covering dark circles and spots, and can also be used to disguise tattoos and birthmarks. It has a high SPF which is a must as the skin around the eyes is ten times thinner than that on the face, so is more prone to wrinkles. Take note, a little goes a long way.

3.    Collection 2000 Shimmer Shades, Way To Glow

 

‘Summer’, I use that term loosely this year, is the perfect time to use bronze colours and this palette provides great shades which can be mixed together or used separately. To keep products to a minimum, you can use this for eyeshadow, highlighter, blusher, contouring and an all over bronzer. Perfect for mums on the go. As the name suggests, the colours shimmer which helps to provide a natural, subtle, radiant glow.

4.    Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara

Mascara is the best way to create the illusion of bigger eyes and as the eyes are the focal point when talking to someone it is important they look their best. This mascara is good for daytime as it isn’t too thick and clumpy which helps with the ‘natural’ look we are going for. I think mascara is more a personal choice and I find people’s opinions vary depending on their own lashes and look they want to achieve, so you may have to try a few before you find the perfect one for you. 

5.    Original Carmex Balm

To finish of your face you will need soft, moisturized, shiny lips. This tube solves the problem of dry lips, kills germs and protects them against the wind and sun. Whilst it does all the practical things it also acts like a lip gloss and make the lips tingly which gives you perfect pout.

So to create a natural healthy look that leaves you looking human again, all you need is:
BB Cream, Concealer, Bronzer, Mascara and Lip Balm :)

 This blog was featured on the Mindful Mum website

Check it out here!

If you need any tips on how to do your make-up in five minutes, using the Collection 2000, Way To Glow palette, then check out this video.