Monday 31 December 2012

Happy New Year!


Happy New Year everyone. I hope however you are spending it you are having fun with loved ones, whether it is a large group of you or just a few. New years is always the time to make resolutions or promises to yourself of things you want to change but this year I have decided to make a list of things I would like to do or achieve. I'm calling it my "13 for 2013" while i am still working a few of them I have got the big ones sorted but I will update you on them when I have completed my list.

What are your 2013 resolutions?

Hope you have a good one,
Emmie xo

Sunday 30 December 2012

December - This Month I Loved...

December is a month where you can get easily stressed out and overloaded but hopefully you have managed to find some positives. Here are mine for december
 Christmas and all the Trimmings – Yes Christmas. Possibly a bit obvious that this would be a positive for December but you have to love getting a day off to spend with loved ones. For me though this year, it’s all about the build-up too. Putting up the tree and dressing it with baubles and lights, hanging your wreath on the door, making mums advent calendar and filling it with fun treats, wrapping gifts to give out, making cards for my nearest and dearest and sending cards, going on Christmas outings with friends., Candy Canes, warm drinks, Christmas dinner, having the family over, festive songs.  Whether it’s because my friends have all had children in the last few years but the magic seems to have returned. The Joy on their little face as they meet Santa, even though they don’t quite know who he is yet, just fills me with cheer.
Helping A Friend In Need – There is something about helping a friend who is down. Lending kind words and encouragement. I mean, if you were in the same situation as them wouldn’t you like someone to tell you how amazing you are, how you can climb any hill, how though it hurts now the pain will fade in time? Doing something selfless or without any personal gain is really rewarding in its own little way and it says that you care.
Laughing So Hard You Cry – or your stomach hurts. Either way laughter really is great medicine. And by this I do mean laughing because something is funny and not at the expense of someone else. I’ve had a fair few of these moments this month, including when I was recanting the story of a moment that was so funny to someone I worked with that I laughed all over again until we were both in complete and utter hysterics. Laughter lifts the spirits, boosts your immune system and helps get rid of the stress hormone that makes us look older so we have no excuses to have a good laugh every now and again.

What did you love in December?

Emmie xo

Tuesday 25 December 2012

Happy Holidays

Image from Paper Crave

Happy Holidays and all my best wishes to all my readers. Thank you so much for bearing with me while I got the hang of blogging and what I wanted my blog to convey. I have enjoyed the journey and hope you will join me again next year.

I hope whatever you are doing over the Holiday Season you have a wonderful time.

See you in the new year!

Emmie xo

Saturday 22 December 2012

Review: Dainty Doll Lipstick in Couture


When I first heard of Dainty Doll a while back I will admit to being a little excited. The brand was created by Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud for pale skinned girls, as there is so little on the market for those of us that are about as white as a sheet. At first I couldn't find it anywhere except online, and with make-up if I haven't tried it before I won't order it online as you never quite know if the colour will match the swatch, so imagine my surprise (and joy) when I found that Boots now sell it.

The lipstick contains natural plant wax, Vitamin E and moisturizing meadow foam seed oil as 'Skin Loving Ingredients'. It does feel beautiful on my lips, soft with brilliant colour that lasts and a little shine, which is great for me as I don't like too much gloss on my lips. The colour 'Couture' is a wonderful vintage wine red and compliments my pale skin perfectly and at £12.50 I feel it could become a staple in my make-up collection.

Have you ever tried Dainty Doll? What do you think?

Emmie xo

Sunday 16 December 2012

Lookbook: Leather and Lace




Drop Waist Lace Dress - Topshop
Leather Jacket - H&M
Box Clutch - Warehouse
Studded Stap Heels - New Look
Armor Ring - Vivienne Westwood

I wore this last night to my works Christmas party. The dress is a drop waist style lace which is a key style for AW12 that I wanted to toughen up. So I teamed it up with a old leather jacket, some studded heels and my armor ring. I think it works nicely. Not too girly but not too tough.

All items except for the box clutch have been in my wardrobe for a while and I decided rather than buuying new outfits for the Holiday season I would revamp some of my current wardrobe and bring it into 2012. I mean if Kate Middleton does it why can't we all try it?

What do you think? How would you have worn this dress?

Emmie xo

Saturday 15 December 2012

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Here is a little inspiration just in case you are struggling with those last few holiday gifts.

For the Nail Addict




For the Lip Colour Lover


For the Aspiring Traveler


For the Book Lover

For the Green Fingered





Set Of Two Chalkboard Planters - £25


For the Jewellery Junkie







Have Fun Christmas Shopping! Hope you are nearly done.

Emmie xo

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Lookbook: Winter Winds



Hat - Topshop
Coat - Warehouse
Sequin Jumper - Topshop
Leigh Jeans - Topshop
Boots - New Look

I wore this to go out for the evening for an event in my city on the main square so I wanted to feel a little dressy but stay warm. I really enjoyed this outfit and will most likely be getting a lot more wear out of this outfit during the winter months.

Emmie xo

Saturday 1 December 2012

November Nails

China Glaze - All That Glitters

Topshop - Starlight
Topshop Glitter - Ice Crush

Jessica Nails - Merlot
China Glaze - Glitter All The Way

China Glaze - Glistening Snow

OPI - Call me Gwen-ever
China Glaze - Angel Wings (Glitter)

November has been a month of sparkles and glitter on my nails. I suppose I've been getting ready for the festive season!

Emmie xo

Friday 30 November 2012

November - This Month I Loved...

November can be a bit of a strange month here in the UK, Once you have Halloween and Bonfire night out of the way at the start of the month there is nothing separating you from Christmas, so it can be quite difficult to find things that you love. Normally Bonfire night would be on my list however due to a busy work schedule I missed it completely this year which was disappointing. So here is my list of things I loved in November.
1) Hot Chocolate - There is something really satisfying about having a mug of hot chocolate when the weather has dropped cold and it’s even better in the run up to Christmas as all the coffee houses are doing their seasonal specials which mean you can make your hot chocolate a bit more special depending on your mood. I favour a shot of peppermint syrup, or cinnamon sugar, in mine normally however last week I went to Costa and had their Salted Caramel syrup, which is out for their salted caramel lattes and it was amazing! I'm so thankful for the poor barista that had to deal with me as I was asking all sorts of questions until I finally made my mind up on my order. Thankfully their patience with me means I may have found my new go-to winter warmer.

2) Good Friends - November was a bit of a rough month for me but I was lucky enough to have friends that will listen to me, make me laugh or distract me when I need it.
3) Christmas Shopping - Ok so it depresses most people and the thought of heading into the city can send some people into a mild panic but I kind of love it. Deciding what to get people and thinking up the best and most thoughtful gifts you can. I even enjoy the challenge of sticking to my budget. Christmas may be the time of giving but not at the expense of putting yourself into debt. So Make presents and shop around but do not re-gift, it shows no thought and to me it’s the thought that counts more than the cost.

4) Layering up - Colder weather means you can layer your clothing and look all snuggly as well as warm! Getting your winter jumpers out from their summer hiding places, wearing long socks, knee high boots, hats, gloves, scarves, coats, blanket cardigans you name it and you can layer it.
5) Candles - I adore candles, especially as the nights draw in and days get shorter. They add ambiance to your home not just inviting scents. I prefer fresh or fruity fragrances that aren't too sweet especially if they remind me of the season. My favourite brand is definitely  Yankee Candle as the candles are designed to have scent from the first time you light the wick until they extinguish themselves for the last time. Scents can help provoke memories or even make days, every year since discovering Yankee Candles I have always burned their 'Christmas Eve' candle on Christmas Eve so no matter what I know the holiday is just around the corner.

What did you love this Month?

Emmie xo

Sunday 25 November 2012

Lookbook: Winds of Wander


Leather Mix Jacket - Warehouse
Jumper - H&M
Jeans - Topshop (Leigh)
Boots - Rocket Dog
Scarf - Present from Parents trip to India


Emmie xo

Friday 23 November 2012

Pink Friday

I've always fancied having pink in my hair especially like a dip-dye, however I've never wanted the commitment just in case I didn't like it. I read a while back that you can temporarily add a pink tone to blond hair using colour conditioner for 5 minutes. I tried it and I will admit I love it. it only lasts a few days so there is no great worry about if you don't like it. I started by just doing a few streaks but I am  thinking of going for a bolder effect.
Left - with flash
Right - without flash

I left my streaks on for about 10 minutes (I got distracted, opps) so they did appear a little red at first but once it was dried it was almost a perfect baby pink. Next time I think I'm going to do all of my blonde ends for a really pink effect as it fades off really nicely too.

Have you ever tried this or any funky colours in your hair?

Emmie xo


Sunday 18 November 2012

Trend: Novelty Knits

It seems as though looking back at old photos and looking at that Christmas jumper your Grandma got you thinking "Oh Dear!" is set to turn into "How Stylish!". There seems to be a trend emerging for christmas of novelty knits is bright colours and patterns emerging in every store from Primark to Asos.

Top Row L-R
Wildfox '4th of July' - £150.50 (on sale at ASOS at time of posting)
Bottom Row L-R

Will you be sporting this Trend at Christmas?

Emmie xo

Sunday 11 November 2012

Never Was So Much Owed By So Many To So Few...

Remembrance, what does this word mean to you? Today in the United Kingdom we are holding Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to all those who have fought and are fighting to keep our country safe. I’ve always watched the proceedings on TV since I was young but as I’ve gotten older it has started to have new meaning for me. I have friends in the armed forces and I understand more than ever the sacrifices they make to protect the country and people they love, to them it is unconditional.  
My grandfather fought in the Second World War over in Belgium and France but he would never tell me or my sister about his experiences when we asked him for our school history research into the wars, I believe he knew he had made his sacrifice count. I cannot imagine the things the soldiers in the First and Second World Wars had to witness but I can understand why so few of them were willing to speak about their experiences. They do not want to remember.
I visited the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire recently and it was incredible how moved I was by it all. Just sitting in the presence of some of the Memorials almost moved me to tears. The Shot at Dawn Memorial was particularly moving with its set out. Tall Conifers growing and a single statue of a boy bound and blindfolded, target adorning his chest. The conifers are set out to represent the small distance between the target and the shooters, barely over 2 meters away. Posts behind the statue in a semi-circle gaining height as they go back each adorned with a name, rank and company, date and age each representing its man accused of deserting and shot for his ‘Crime’ even though most would have been shell shocked. The memorial was built alongside the recent pardoning of all these men, though too late for the spite and accusations their families would have faced after their fate.
There are many memorials in the Arboretums grounds and to cover them all would take a full day but all are built with remembrance in mind. The Still Birth and Neonatal death memorial is another tear jerker though you’d struggle to find it unless you know where it is. A small gate gives way to a winding wood chipped path lined with stones each painted and decorated by a loved one with their own message or name on. Some of the messages are incredibly moving and it is heart-breaking to see stones decorated by the same family after having lost more than one child. At the end of the path the wood chips give way to a circular grassy patch surrounded by flowers and a tall hedge to give you shelter and quiet to grieve, remember or in my case contemplate what the parents must have gone through and felt.
Remembrance to me is gratitude for what you have been given at the sacrifice of others, giving your thoughts and prayers to those who have felt adversity and making positive movements towards the future. It is being thankful for what you have not what you wish you had and remembering all I have been given could be very different. So today buy your poppy from one of the vendors, or better yet direct from the Royal British Legion, and wear it with pride, donate money to our forces through organisations like Help for Heroes and the National Memorial Arboretum and be thankful for your elders who sacrificed for your future especially since there are so few of them left now.

"Never was so much owed by so many to so few" Winston Churchill

Emmie xo

Saturday 10 November 2012

GIVEAWAY at So East Style!

Image property of soeast.blogspot.co.uk

Just a quick note today! My friend Claire over at So East Style Blog is having a little giveaway of a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

Please pop on over to her blog to have a look the Giveaway post can be found here.

Good Luck! and make sure to check out her Lookbook posts too!

Emmie xo

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Lookbook: Little Talks



Leather Jacket - H&M
Stripe Jumper - Sugarhill Boutique
Jeans - Topshop
Scarf - India, present from my parents travels


I put this outfit together when the weather started dropping cooler and wore it with my black converse hi-tops. I wanted something i could move in but would be warm as my friends and I were off to a fair and didn't want to take a big coat with me just in case it was really warm.

Hope you are enjoying your autumns. What do you wear when the weather changes?

Emmie xo

Sunday 4 November 2012

October - This Month I Loved...

This is something new I'm going to add to my blog. I feel that it is so hard to be positive nowadays, people seem to find it easier to be negative and complain than to see the good in every day. SO I decided I'd high-light some of my 'Loves' each month and hopefully anyone who happens to stumble across my blog will feel inspired and tell me what made them smile, be grateful and Positive.

1) Autumn Leaves - I love the colours of the leaves in Autumn, its like an artist has dipped his brush and painted a wondrous spectrum of red, orange, ochre, yellow and mahogany across the landscape. Leaves flutter from the trees in the cool Autumn breeze and carpet the ground like confetti. To me there is no season better than Autumn.
2) Time off work - I had some holiday left so I took 6 days off to give me a grand total of 12 consecutive days in a row! I've been non-stop for the last 2 months with going back to college and having to do all my homework from that as well as my normal hours at work having time to relax, spend time with my loved ones and even clean was greatly appreciated.

3) Clear Skies - I love stargazing and unfortunately all summer the UK was under a massive cloud that just would not seem to leave us alone day or night. So this month I have been grateful for some reprieve from clouds at night so I can watch the planets slowly shuffle across the skies and learn some more constellations.
4) Hallowe'en - OK, so in the UK we don't really make a big fuss of Hallow e'en but there is just something wonderfully mischievous in the air for me on this date each year. Whether its the 'Witching Hour' or just the idea the spirits come back and have some playful fun again (or maybe just dressing up silly) Hallowe'en is possibly my favourite holiday of the year.

What did you love in October?

Emmie xo


Thursday 1 November 2012

October Nails

Black - OPI 'Lady In Black'
Multi Glitter - OPI 'Mad As a Hatter'
Gold Glitter - No.7 Glitter in 'Gold'

Gold - Topshop 'Heart of Gold'
Peach - Barry M ' Peach Melba'

Brown - China Glaze Capitol Colours 'Mahogany Magic'
Fine Glitter - L'Oreal Laqui-resist 'Gold
Large Glitter - No.7 Glitter in 'Gold'

Lilac - Topshop 'Parma Violet'
Yellow Teddy - Nail Rock Wraps 'Meadham Kirchhoff SS12'

Lilac - Topshop 'Parma Violet'
Dark Purple - Topshop 'Late Show'

White - OPI 'Alpine Snow'
Nude - OPI 'Bubble Bath'
Heart - OPI 'Off With Her Red'

Orange - China Glaze Capitol Colours 'Riveting'
Glitter - China Glaze Capitol Colours 'Electrify'

Busy nail month for me this month!

Emmie xo

Sunday 28 October 2012

Autumn Wish List


Red Jumper - Zara - £35.99
Leather Gloves - H&M - £14.99
Statement Necklace - H&M - £14.99
Satchel Bag H&M - - £19.99
Contrast Sleeve Parker - Warehouse - £95
Brown Leather Boots - Topshop - £90

So this is my wish list of things to help my wardrobe transition into the new seasons trends. I'm loving the idea of having a palette of brown, khaki and burgundy to add to my current Autumn wardrobe of navy or black skinny jeans. I'm trying to pick items that will stay classic for a few seasons but still have a touch of fashion edge. I figure adding some leather to my wardrobe in the Parka and with gloves ticks one trend, the parka also adds to the military/uniform trend and ticked one more box for me in that it wasn't black, all my winter coats seem to be black.

I love satchel bags and this H&M one caught my eye because of the classic school bag feel it has, though it probably is also partly down to google TV ad featuring the satchels. I have wanted a new statement necklace for a while, and figure this one also from H&M will dress up my casual winter jumpers and make last years party dresses a bit more current.

What is on your wish list?

Emmie xo

Sunday 21 October 2012

Lookbook: Dance With Me Tonight


Necklace - Vivienne Westwood (Worn as Bracelet)
Berry Jumper - Zara
Tea Dress - Warehouse
Double Strap Courts - New Look

I hope you'll excuse my lack of frequent posting recently, life gets busier and busier for me in the run up to Christmas. So I will probably be scheduling most of my posts up until then and making them less frequent until the mad dash of life is over.

I was feeling vintage and channelling a 1920's vibe for this outfit. I was trying to work out how to incorporate some of AW12's trends and make some of my current wardrobe more cold weather friendly and this is what I came up with. So incorporating some berry tones and a mild bit of layering I feel like its pulled the trends in but i haven't gone overboard so I feel uncomfortable or not myself.

Find this look here on Lookbook as I forgot to get the hype button

Emmie xo

Saturday 20 October 2012

Good Hair, Fashion and Beauty Reads

I always find it’s nice to read books and websites to help you get your fashion and beauty ideas, or even to help you into some new ways of thinking about these subjects. I have a few staples that I tend to go through on a regular basis, or subscribe to, to keep myself updated.

My first fashion find website was WHO WHAT WEAR. I find it easy to go through as they dissect it all into bite sized chunks for you so you can slowly update yourself without getting too bogged down by too much information. The website owners Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power have also transferred the information into two books now WHO WHAT WEAR and WHAT to WEAR, Where, both of which are good reads, however I found the first so much more informative than the second as it includes everything from shopping for your shape, when to ditch a trend and how to organize your closet. They have also recently launched WHO WHAT WEAR BEAUTY for all your beauty gossip.

The Beauty Department is my favorite beauty site as its cool tutorials and sneaky tricks make applying make-up, dressing hair and painting nails so much easier and less fussy. The brain child of Lauren Conrad and her trusted beauty team, Make-Up Artist Amy-Nadine and Hairstylist Kristen Ess. They have some incredible ideas that you may not have tried before and occasionally competitions, although these are only open to residents of the US, and polls. So whether its hair inspiration, help applying false lashes, trendy nail polish styles or just make-up brush advice go and check them out.

Now I don’t know whether its because I am a hairstylist by trade but I love the book “Hair and Fashion” V&A by Caroline Cox and Lee Widdows. It is an interesting read because it takes you through the journey of how hair styles have evolved with the fashion industry and become fashions greatest asset and accessory. You can get it on Amazon or from Waterstones, and makes a lovely coffee table book.

What Fashion and Beauty sites or books do you like? Leave me a link!

 Emmie xo

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Lookbook: All About Us



Button-up Vest - Topshop
White Vest - Topshop
Baxter Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - Topshop

So I wore this outfit when My friend and I went up into the Peak District for her birthday. We went for a wander around the shops in Ashbourne and to a little pub in Fenny Bentley that does the most amazing (but very filling) pie in the world. It was a good day although it did drop very cold very quickly so I did regret choosing to wear a top with no sleeves.

Its funny because looking back at some of my OOTD posts I really do wear a lot of Topshop clothing, its CRAZY! So glad I have a student card again so when I see something I like I will at least get 10% off there. I need to make a list of clothing items I need for winter to stop myself from spending on things i already have.

What is on your winter wish list?


Emmie xo

Sunday 7 October 2012

Spice It Up!


With the leaves turning here in the United Kingdom and the weather dropping colder, it is time for companies to start releasing their Autumn collections. I got very excited when we go Jessica Nails new collection of colours 'Spice It Up!' in. With names like Cinnamon Kiss, Pumpkin Delight and Gingersnap you can't help yourself from feeling like you can smell the spices in the air. 

It seems to be a well balanced collection of 6 colours. 2 Shimmers, 2 high pigment colours and 2 plain colours, making it easy to wear multiple colours as they all blend so nicely together. I wore Champagne Bubbles and Crimson Tattoo in a half moon manicure when we first got them in as seen in my September Nails post. Polishes are priced at £9.75 each which is reasonable as they are fairly durable if you hands are in water all the time like mine.

Find more Jessica Nail polishes and polish collections here

What do you think of the collection and what colours will you be wearing this Autumn?

Emmie xo

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Lookbook: Hearts in Bloom


Denim Shirt - Topshop
Dress - Topshop
Bracelet - Vivienne Westwood
Shoes (just seen) - New Look

So most of my outfit of the day posts at the moment were taken when, on the odd occasion, we had reasonable weather, though this was more recent as you can see the Jessica Nail polishes I used from my September Nails post . I feel like I'm now getting to a point of not feeling incredible uncomfortable when I take photos of my outfits and hopefully kits showing in the photos. I never thought I would be the kind of person to do this but I do enjoy thinking up interesting new ways to wear my clothes. Sometimes I try something different and like it other times... not so much but I am finding my confidence soaring and that I feel amazing in my clothing and skin. I also seem to be buying less clothing because I am thinking about what I can wear with what and so having a better knowledge of what is in my wardrobe.

Do you post pictures of your outfits either on a blog or website like Lookbook? Give me a link I would love to check them out.

Emmie xo

Monday 1 October 2012

September Nails

OPI - Spiderman Collection - Come over Gwen-ever

OPI - Thanks a Windmillion
Maybelline Express Finish 40 Second Glitter

Topshop - Parma Violet
Topshop - Ice Crush (Glitter)

Jessica Nails - Champagne Bubbles
Jessica Nails - Crimson Tattoo

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