Friday 19 October 2012

STYLE SECRETS: Winter accessories

Unable to rely on fierce colours to keep your wardrobe happy? Don't have enough money to keep buying a new dress each week? 

Winter - with it's black and grey tones - is a hard season to dress for on a low budget. Don't do it right and you could end up looking as drab as the sky above you. 

That's what makes winter accessories so important. So I'm going to share my secrets with you...

If you invest in the right accessories, you can mix and match them with the plain, winter-friendly garments you already have in your wardrobe - which makes keeping up your fashionista image much simpler!

Here's a list of they key items you need to get you through:

#1 A BAG

Firstly, you need a decent bag. Black bags are lovely, elegant and classy. They go with everything, so you won't have to change bags permanently either. 

When you're choosing a black winter bag, look out for those with statement features - you don't want it looking like 'yet another black bag'. You also want a bag which is big enough to fit your winter essentials, such as gloves and tissues for the inevitable sniffles.

Try this one:

TOPSHOP, £32 - buy here
Incorporating black, white and gold, this bag will compliment any outfit without dictating what you have to wear with it!

#2 A SNOOD

Investing in a snood is the best way to keep your neck warm this winter. The simplicity of putting them on saves the hassle of wrapping a long scarf around your neck a million times and stuffing the excess down your coat.  

Treat your snood as if it's a statement necklace. A warm statement necklace. It's no use wearing a snood which hangs down your chest and doesn't even cover your neck. 

Assuming that you have a black coat - as most people do - a scarf of the opposite colour can give your coat an edge.

Try this one: 

TOPSHOP, £25 - buy here
Seriously fluffy and super soft, this snood will go with any colour, suit any outfit and keep you warm!

#3 TIGHTS


Tights are my best friend! It's often hard to remember to look in hoisery sections of shops, as you're too busy checking out the latest garments on offer. But the search pays off!


For me, it's my key accessory. Tights come in so many different patterns, prints and fabrics. They can completely change your 'look' even if you're wearing the same black jumper dress you were 2 days ago!


Start by buying yourself a pair of tights in each of your favourite winter colours. For me it's got to be burgundy and navy blue. Then branch out to different patterns and fabrics.


Try these:

Jonathan Aston Heritage Carnaby Tights, £15 - buy here

#4 BELTS


Same as tights - you need a good bank of belts to spice up anything. In my wardrobe I have 5 belts: black, gold, red, brown and studded. However, it really is down to your favourite winter colours.

I'm a fan of thin belts but get whatever suits you - thin, fat, whatever!


Here's a suggestion



River Island, £15 - buy here


#5 EARRINGS


Statement jewellery is a must during winter. If you're entire body is covered from toe to neck, the least you can do is show some earring. Think big, chunky and bright - so they stand out!


Try these: 

Forever 21, £5.65 - buy here
Those are my winter fashion secrets! What are yours?

MORE: For my winter footwear recommendations, click here!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Illamasqua Awards 2012

Illamasqua - one of the most inspirational and unique make up brands out there - held their Distinction in Make-up Artistry Awards 2012 at there flagship Beak Street Store on Saturday 13th October. Now it's time for you to do your part and vote for the artist in each category who you think should win! 

FINALISTS: Non-professional MUA category


#1 Anastasija Bondareno
VOTE HERE!
#2 Ryo Love
VOTE HERE!
#3 Kristiana Zaula
VOTE HERE!
#4 James Williams
VOTE HERE!
FINALISTS: Professional MUA category


#1 Paddy McGurgan
VOTE HERE!
#2 Carina O'Brien
VOTE HERE!
 #3 Alexis Day
VOTE HERE!
 #4 Natalie Sharp
VOTE HERE!
 FINALISTS: Illamasqua Team category


 #1 Amy Atkins - Illamasqua Beak Street
VOTE HERE!
#2 Billie Bilandzija - Illamasqua Croatia
VOTE HERE!
#3 Laura Brady - Illamasqua Beak Street
VOTE HERE!
#4 Kat Sykes - Illamasqua Head Office
VOTE HERE!
#5 Emma Worral - Illamasqua Leeds
VOTE HERE!
FINALISTS: Student MUA category


 #1 Lori Allison
VOTE HERE!
#2 Lana Nelson
VOTE HERE!
#3 Nadine Chapman
VOTE HERE!

#4 Jess Reid
VOTE HERE!
Which option is your favourite from each category?
















Oops! I did it again...

I've been away for a while, prancing around Asia, free as a Helium-filled baloon  - enjoying it while it's up there, but inevitably going to fall back down to earth. What can you do?

Anyhow, I'm back! And I'm here to share with you my recent findings... Everything I've been seeing in shops recently all screams JASMIN. I'm in fashion! Whoop-de-doo.


Don't even get me started on how my own practically copyrighted print, dogtooth, somehow managed to make its way into pretty much every clothes shop in existence whilst I was away. TESCO included. Shameful.


So here's a quickie on what clothing I've been the-opposite-of loathing recently! 


KEY QUIRKS:


# Wet look

# Tartan
# Crucifix
# Wine


Buy here
TOPSHOP Block check denim leggings. Wear with a long top or to create a statement under a dress. These beauties will add some sass to otherwise dull looking clothes. Nice and warm too! £22


Buy here
TOPSHOP Dual cross sweat. Beautiful crucifix and shoulder cut-out detail. Wear with a lace top/dress underneath - yum. £35


Buy here
DOROTHY PERKINS Burgundy lace VT dress. Gorgeous sophisticated cut, colour and fabrics. Gorgeous price too (think I'll be getting it next week!) £24.99



Buy here
OASIS Harper flippy skirt. Tailored to your figure from the waist to the bottom of your bum, before subtly releasing its grasp. A very flattering fit indeed. £40


Buy here - don't forget to add an extra one for me at the checkout ;)
TOPSHOP 3/4 sleeve lace insert dress. Sheer top to show off your beautiful collar bone and shoulders, sucks in the waist, then flows gently over your hips. I haven't seen a dress this beautiful in a ridiculously long time. Of course, the beauty is reflected in the price. £65


Which garment is your favourite?