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.

Weekend Deals

Here are some items from In Love With Fashion which have some special offers on at the moment. Starting with 1 in 10 orders free for all customers. Then 25 % off when you spend £30 or more for only 2 hours at an unknown time on Sunday. It will only tell you what 2 hour window it is when that time frame is live. This will show up on the home page.
 

 

* Long sleeve dress       * Stud bag       * Sleeveless shirt dress       * Suede bag      * Long sleeve shirt

         * Collar dress                     * Jeans                    * Shorts

Simply add your chosen items to your wishlist and when the 2 hour window is live, purchase said items. Happy shopping!

Stella & Dot Accessories

I am really starting to get into my accessories at the moment so I was in heaven when I came across the Stella & Dot website via @jazz_naomi on my twitter. They stock jewellery, handbags and iPhone/iPad covers.

I love the disposable fashion accessories that are available nowadays, however I am beginning to see the value in buying good quality products, such as the items below, that are made to last more than five minutes!

These are some of my favourite pieces.

 

1     *     2     *     3     *     4     *     5

You can find everything from big statement pieces to something small, dainty and more subtle. These necklaces range in price from £45 to £170.

1     *     2     *     3     *     4     *     5     *     6    

Whether it's a cuff, bracelet or bangle your after, there is something to finish off every outfit. These range from £45 to £85. 

So if you are looking to invest in jewellery that you will keep rather than something you will use a few times and get rid of, then I suggest taking a look the many fab accessories Stella & Dot has to offer.

Back to Basics

Between the high street and on line shopping, there is such a wide variety of styles to suit our individual tastes, however I think there is a lot to be said for going back to basics. Jeans and a t-shirt can make the decision of what to wear in the morning a quick and painless process whilst also providing practical functions. They can give you a clean, simple and fresh look that never dates so it is hard to get it wrong. The jeans and t-shirt combo does not have to translate to boring, this is where accessories come in!

Jacket: eBay * T-shirt: Forever21 * Jeans: River Island * 

Orange shoes: Topshop * Blue bag: TK Maxx * Yellow heels: Nelly * Pink clutch: ASOS

Using colourful accessories can add edge and a modern twist to an otherwise plain outfit and throwing on a leather jacket simply helps to completes the look. You can take this outfit from day to night and with a change of shoes, hand bag and a slick of lipstick.

So if you are after a look that is effortless, chic and timeless, then this is the outfit for you.

***

This blog is featured on the Mindful Mum website.

Check it out here!

It also features my Lolamama blog.

OOTD

I'm totally in love with these heart print jeans at the moment. I love my skinny jeans but sometimes it can get a bit boring wearing the same style all the time but these help change things up a little whilst also keeping me in my comfort zone.

Cardigan: COERCION @ TK MAXX

Top: TOP SHOP

Jeans: GEORGE @ ASDA

Sandals: ASOS

Necklace: DOROTHY PERKINS

 Gold Rings: DOROTHY PERKINS

Gold Bangle: PRIMARK

NATURAL COLLECTION Nail Tip Whitener * 17 Lasting Fix in Orange Soda

 Well that is all for now, just a quick post today as I have been super busy. Much love :)