The Solved Case of Too Much Make-up (put to the test)

As promised in my 'Case Solved' post, this post is mainly how I put to use the excellent advice I was given, with pics!

I used the BB cream for day and night, even in the national parks, it gave really nice coverage, wasn't heavy and even in the Vegas heat wasn't greasy.

During the day I went for light coverage with a touch of the combined bronzer/blusher and mascara, wore the lip gloss during the day in the cities but not in the national parks – it was way too windy and dusty!

                    

                                                                                                                                     

In the evening I applied slightly more of the BB cream (but not much more) and added more blusher, eyeliner and the lip gloss. 

I was so glad I'd only taken a small amount of make-up, I didn't have to change the products from day to night and didn't have to worry about choosing a lip or eyeliner colour.

Simple and much less time consuming.

Here’s a few more snaps for good measure…

       

Stripes... Should you or shouldn't you?

In preparation for my holiday clothes shopping (yes I'm well aware I've rabbited on about it quite a bit) I've been checking out what's 'in' this coming fashion season.

It would appear that stripes - be it vertical, horizontal or diagonal - are going to be a massive trend this spring 2013.

photo taken from renetajstyle.com

It's a widely held notion that horizontal stripes make you look wider than you actually are, and that 'fat' people shouldn't wear stripes. 

As the below articles show, there has been much debate:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9336938/Horizontal-stripes-really-do-make-you-look-fat.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2164030/Yes-stripes-DO-make-look-fat-Unless-theyre-narrow-black-horizontal-Confused-Heres-make-work-you.html

What we should be saying is 'do you really care what other people think?'

I'm a great believer in the idea that you should wear what makes you feel good regardless of what other people think of you in it. And if you want to wear horizontal stripes then why should anyone tell you you can't?

It's all about perception and how you view yourself.

The key is to dress to suit your body shape. A fitted bodycon style dress is probably not going to look great if you're naturally wider around the middle. And a plunging neckline isn't going to help if you're lacking in the bust department, stripes or no stripes.
If you're really not sure then turn to that trusted friend who'll always tell you the truth but if you haven't asked for that opinion, don't take any notice.

Yes vertical stripes are going to give the illusion that they elongate your figure and horizontal stripes may give the illusion that they widen your hips - but do you care? 
Slip into the striped dress and look briefly in the mirror (don't stare for too long - us human beings have a tendency to over think things), then ask yourself "do I feel good in this?" If the answer is yes then think no more about what anyone else will think of it when they see you in it and have the confidence to wear that dress with pride... it probably cost you a pretty penny in the first place.

Holiday countdown #2

Who else thinks it's really unfair when you go shopping with a huge list of things you want, come away with only 3 things off that list and the person you're with, who says "I'm only going to pick up a few bits", comes back with 2 huge bags full of clothes and shoes.

Not fair!!!

Here are some of the things I did pick up...

 Mela Loves London at New Look

 H&M

 New Look

I had already bought this dress...

 New Look

And this bag...

George at Adsa

Oh yes, and the slightly less exciting but very essential walking boots...

Karrimor

Ah well, I'll just have to go again next week and hopefully be able to cross some more items off my list!

Holiday countdown #1

Why is it so difficult to shop for holiday clothes?

I'm going away in May for just over 2 weeks and I'm already having a heart attack over what clothes I'm going to pack (8 weeks is not enough time to plan my wardrobe).

It's not essential that I take a different outfit for every day just enough to mix and match and, of course, shoes and accessories.

But where do I even start?

I don't find it hard to put outfits together on a day to day basis but for some reason it's much more difficult when I'm going away. I tend to worry I might forget to take something I'll need or want while I'm there (I never feel like that when I'm actually away though, it's just when I'm trying to pack).

I thought I'd have a quick browse on a few online shopping sites to get some ideas as to what I might buy to take with me (I'll be taking a couple of things I have already but will obviously be taking pretty much all new!)... 2 hours later I'm still looking and have around 20 tabs open, half of those with the same sandal in different colours.

Now, I want to buy all the things I've seen and will want to take 2 suitcases of clothes just to 'make sure I have enough', even though I'll do what I do every year and take way too much and not wear half of it!

So, I'm going to make a list and stick to it...

Clothes:

• Dresses x 2/3 (probably 3)
• Skirts x 2 (1 short, 1 long)
• Shorts x 1
• Jeans x 1 (it'll be warm so I won't want too many pairs)
• Trousers x 1 (probably cropped skinny capri's or linens)
• Basic vests x 3/4 (can take more of these, they don't take up much room)
• Tops/blouses x 2/3
• Cardi's x2/3

Shoes:

• Sandals x 1
• Pumps x 1
• Walking boots (extremely necessary for the national park visits) 

I've made the executive decision this year not to take heels, I always take 1/2 pairs and have never worn them, I just think cute sandals are much better for that transition from day wear to evening wear.

Well that's my list so far, no doubt I'll add to it as I go through the next 8 weeks but hopefully wont deviate too much and I'll post some of the things I buy as I continue my countdown...