OOTD #1

Hi guys!

Just thought I'd start posting some ootd's. This was what I was wearing today, just a simple outfit to go in to sixth form for an hour and to do a bit of shopping in! 

T-shirt - Primark

Leggings - Zara

Shoes - Doc Marten

Hoops - New Look

Lipstick - MAC Diva

Coat - Zara

Fur piece - Unknown 

Watch - Anne Klein

Rings - Pandora 

A re-discovery

A recent re-discovery of mine is L'Oreal Resist & Shine Titanium 742 in Golden Rose. It's a gorgeous pinky golden colour which I am loving this season! I'm not a fan of bold nails so this subtle colour suits me down to the ground.
Also not a huge fan of gold, I think this colour is a great alternative, matching silver jewelry, it looks great with a subtle rose gold eye also. Wearing a lot of black I feel this also contrasts well, perhaps the reason I like it most.

ellalexandra 

Bargain Faux Fur Jacket from H&M

My obsession with coats continues.
Scouring the internet, I was on the search for a reasonably priced fur coat, preferably in an animal print, when I came across an AMAZING deal on H&M's website. I stumbled across a zebra fur coat for only £14.99!For this price I was dubious of its quality but surprise, surprise, it's of reasonable quality! Not only this but I also managed to find some promo codes online, meaning I only had to spend £6.
A couple of weeks later I also found it in my nearest store, so I can imagine it's easy to pick up in store too.

The shoulders are slightly padded to give a masculine edge to the jacket.

It has a very simple neckline but I feel this is a good feature as the jacket's print already presents a statement.

I would say this jacket is slightly oversized but buying a size 8 I feel it fits me well.

Here I have teamed the jacket with a plain black Zara turtle neck. This is a smart alternative and the high neck is also great for warmth as the jacket doesn't cover the neck.

My only dislike of this jacket is that its not incredibly warm and being able to only wear it in the colder months I find this disappointing but for only £14.99, I can hardly complain! However I did once get complimented on this jacket by an employee in a shop, one of their reasons being it didn't look too thick of a fur coat, so I guess it may be good thing for some.

I'm keeping my eyes pealed for more bargain jackets on H&M now, this a great design! A bold statement.

ellalexandra

Petal Lips

Recently on Vogue I saw an article on lip trends for this Autumn/Winter. Now I am a b i g fan of lip products. When I saw their predicted trends I was instantly attracted. One of the key trends they mentioned was the 'petal lip'. It gives a beautiful disheveled look to lips, the deliberate bleeding of one lipstick into another beautifully colouring the lips. They had a range of shades from pink to deep red.
I decided to see if I could recreate a 'petal lip'.

Lipsticks used: MAC Please me, MAC Rebel

Here I've used a matte pink with a deep pink/purple inside bleeding into the pink. First I applied the pink then used a lip brush and applied to the inside of the lips and dabbing into some of the outer lip creases. I love this look!

One thing I didn't see on the Vogue website was an orange lip version. I love the look of orange leaves in Autumn and by using several MAC shades I managed to create a gorgeous torn leaf affect also. Definitely have a mess around with colours. The orange and deep red lip look would look amazing with a gold eye - very autumn chic!

I will definitely be recreating this lip again, thank you Vogue!

ellalexandra

Life Update:

Been really busy lately with Alevels these past couple of weeks which is why I haven't blogged in a while.
After a great day at Manchester University for an interview for Fashion Marketing I got an offer! I am insanely excited to go to university, Manchester being in my top 2 choices. Now its all about the grades! I've got mocks coming up so I've been putting in lots of extra work so I can secure the grades next summer. I'm also going to Nottingham Trent open day on the 4th of December to check out their fashion department as I have had an offer from them also. My feet have barely touched the ground these past couple of weeks.

I've also passed my driving theory which is great news. Living in Devon the public transport isn't amazing, very excited to drive and go out when I want. So I've also been doing a lot of driving to prepare for my practical test but I am going to put in a real effort to create more blog posts in the up coming weeks and around Christmas! I've recently raided the charity shop and found some gems so a blog post will be up about my finds very soon. Can't believe some of the stuff you find in there. I'm also thinking of posting some OTTD's also as I love looking at other, my list of blog posts to do it getting longer by the day. 

Recently pierced: my rook. I've got my helix pierced but I really wanted my rook on the right ear. I paid £20 in Tribal voice. They were very clean and made me feel really comfortable, the piercing was quick and I think it looks insane. Yes, it was painful but only for a split second, so bearable. I'd rate it a 6/10.  Here are some quick snaps taken on my ipad:

Never know quite how much to write in these life updates and what would be too personal but those are some of the things I've been up to and the reasons for my lack of posts.

Have a great day!

ellalexandra

Fall Lips

For me, lipstick is a daily essential. I love how bright colours instantly add something to monochrome outfit. Being Autumn, I am leaning towards the deeper colours - although I do like wearing them year round. I thought I'd share with you my top 4 lipsticks for Autumn which I am currently using.

1. - YSL Rouge Volupte Shine
Shade 3

Although it looks dark in the bullet, it is incredibly sheer. I'm not usually a huge fan of sheer lipsticks but it's texture makes it incredibly easy to apply, making wearing it a pleasure! It perhaps comes out a bit darker on the lips in real life, but it's gorgeous purple tint makes it a true fall colour. I do not find it lasts for very long, an hour maximum but it does leave a lovely stain. For a lipstick so creamy, this can only be expected!

2. - MAC, Up The Amp

I have previously written a blog post on how much I love this colour, although as summer colour! However I am also wearing it as an Autumn colour, its creamy texture and true purple colour enticing! I would definitely recommend this colour to anyone. See my previous blog post for more information on this shade.

3. MAC, Rebel

This has got to be one of my all time favourite lipsticks. On my lips here is a light converage, built up however this creates a deep vampy purple which I love! It's satin texture allows it to stay on for hours and it doesn't feel too drying which for me is ideal. It's a great must-have Autumn shade, very striking against pale skin.

4. MAC, Diva

 This is yet another lipstick which can be built up to create a vampy look. It's deep red and brown tones makes it complementary on paler skins and well as darker skin tones. It can occasionally be drying as it is a matte but apply a lip balm before and it's fine! This is perhaps one the longest wearing lipsticks I own, lasting 4 plus hours. Matched with simple eye makeup, this lipstick creates a bold statement. Perfect for anyone who wants to stand out.

Arm to wrist - MAC Up the Amp, YSL Rouge Volupte Shine 03, MAC Rebel, MAC Diva

All of these lipsticks are perfect for someone interesting in adding Autumn colours into their makeup routine! Whether you layer the lipstick to create a rich colour or simply stain the lips with a small lip brush - they'll look great! Try something different!

Ellalexandra

Fur coat review - Zara leopard print fur coat.

I was pleasantly  surprised to find that my fur coat from zara had arrived today! Looking on the website, I'd come across a gorgeous, above knee length, fur coat for £89.99. On ordering it I was a little unsure of the length as the website did not give any coat measurements or the size nor height of the model. I found this rather disconcerting.

However when the coat arrived after an exciting wait, I had fallen in love. In love with a coat, yes I can imagine this sounds slightly obscure but it is something to be admired. The pro's of buying 

a fur coat would obviously include the warmth however I feel they are key pieces to everyone's wardrobes. The unusual length of this coat also makes it somewhat more interesting. On me, it becomes just above my knee and at 5'8 I feel this is would be too long for anyone much shorter, although that is just my opinion. The material of this coat is also lovely. It is extremely soft, like wearing a blanket!
 I love it! I would definitely recommend this coat paired with a leather skirt, and oversized jumper and some boots or use for a night out with a little black dress.

Do have a look!

Ellaalexandra 

A leg chain?

Lately I've spotted that 'leg chains' have been appearing on various celebrities such as Vanessa Hudgens and Lindsay Lohan. Similar to the popular body chains, these leg chains wrap around the top of your thigh. Whether it be over tights or trousers, I think they add a qwerky twist to an outfit.
My opinion is that the silver ones looks look better and I can see that they may become a popular accessory for many. SO SPREAD THE WORD. Prices vary but I found some lovely pieces in Ebay for prices as cheap as £2.00, so type it in and look at the huge variety, from simple chains to the lavish.
I'm a lover of these.

Key Trends this Autumn - Oversized/boyfriend blazers.

So I was sifting through Vogue this week and one thing became apparent, not just one, but nearly all of the top labels were featuring oversized/boyfriend blazers in their clothing add. Brands such as Dior, Gorgio Armanni, Saint Laurent and Jimmy Choo used the blazer as a key component in their advertising. Using either a dark background or bright white one to contrast with the tailored jacket thus emphasizing it. 
Tailored clothing is classic but these boyfriend blazers seem to be rocking the fashion world at the moment and have been spotted on the likes of the Olsen twins and Rihanna.

Topshop Vinyl Coat - £85

After I found this common theme running through Vogue I decided to do my own research into different styled blazers. I browsed through high end and high street styles - finding the ones which stood out the most to me.
In particular in Vogue , several brands stuck out to me including Saint Laurent and their black and white advertisement, their beautiful grey blazer look effortlessly cool paired with leather trousers and an open necked shirt - a great way to style one.

Topshop Animal Print Coat - £79

Here are a few of the oversized blazers/coats I've loved!

New Look Grey Marl Single Buttoned Boyfriend jacket - £34.99

Zara Checked Studio Jacket - £109

All of these high street brands have created great jackets! I will definitely be getting my hands on one.. an Autumn essential.

Life update

This summers been pretty hectic and after being jostled into looking at different degrees, I have finally decided to do a degree in fashion management. This has largely been due to my interest in fashion and my current job in retail.
Working in retail has its perks but it also has its pitfalls. It's perks? Working in the business I love most, the managing of stock and being constantly aware of the current trends. Helping customers who share the same passion as you. One of my favorite things about working in retail is the customers. Being asked to compile an outfit for them and sifting through the store to find an outfit adapted to the customer by shape,age and personal taste is one of the most fulfilling thing about my job. Being able to offer my personal opinion and to have it listened to.
Doing this degree I feel I could could access high-end fashion and meet some talented designers as well as develop my own skills in management. Maybe one day I could manage my own fashion company. Maybe one day I could be choosing outfits for someone else.
During my summer I have visited cities including London and Bristol, this has given me inspiration for some blog posts as well as outfit/styling ideas. I look forward to doing a blog post soon on Alexa Chung's feature in this months Vogue as well as one of my favorite staples at the moment - oversized/boyfriend blazers.

Just a quick note, found these sunglasses on ebay during the summer. GREAT BUY. I love the style and they're ridiculously cheap for the quality. Definitely recommend checking this seller out!
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/allmostfamous?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

Kiko Make-up

I've recently been on a trip to Italy and whilst over there I discovered what is now one of my favorite brands - Kiko. Fortunately whilst I was over there they had sales on in nearly every shop, including this one. I managed to get each product with 50% off! After trying a selection of products, I was disappointed to find that there is only one current store in the UK and of course, it's in London. The products are available online however so I would definitely guarantee having a look!

Above you can see the four products I purchased. Firstly I picked up a nail varnish, in a pale taupe with a slight purple sheen, I was surprised to find that for around £2, this nail varnish was great! It has a wide, easy to use brush and needs no more than 2 coats to create an opaque coverage.

Shade 318

Next is the most impressive product in my eyes, the Kiko lipgloss. I am not a huge fan of lipgloss but when I saw this gorgeous berry shade with 50% off, I couldn't help but pick it up, and I have to say I have been converted. This lipgloss hasn't got the sticky feeling which I HATE but a moisturizing texture which feels exactly like lipbalm. I think this a great alternative to other high end glosses which do not feel as sticky either. I couldn't believe how hydrated my lips felt after wearing it for the day! It isn't that long lasting but without eating, I'd say around 2 hours.

Extra Volume lipgloss, plumping and moisturizing action.
Shade 26

The final section in Kiko I looked at was eye shadows. I picked out two gorgeous shades. One pale pink champagne colour and one dark matte taupe. They work wonderfully together! I was very happy with the matte eyeshadow however I found that the pink was less pigmented and took several brush strokes to build up some colour. Kiko a very wide range of shades and this I found rather impressive!

Shade 141

Shade 174

Shade 141

Shade174

Overall I was very impressed with the products and I would definitely recommend visiting a store or looking online! The shop was also a great experience, it was jam packed with products, ideal!

The biggest selection of nail varnish I've seen, and that is only half the nail varnish section!

They have a HUGE variety of eyeshadows and liners.

My friend Becca with her Kiko bag!

Body Shops Tea-Tree Range Review

These products are probably some of my most loved. I used to have nightmare teenage skin before I used these! Not only did I have red rashes across my cheeks but spot scaring on my chin, to the extent that I felt very uncomfortable without make up on.
My mum first suggested these as an alternative to some Avon products I was using and I've never looked back. I use the face wash daily, the night lotion nightly, the spot stick on really sore/angry spots, the concealer on my blemishes and the pore minimiser as a primer before I apply my make-up. I LOVE THESE PRODUCTS. Not only do they leave my skin feeling fresh but they also cool the skin and drastically improving my skin.

 The night lotion is one of my most recent purchases in the range but I have to say it is a miracle for me. I cannot rave about this enough. ALL TEENAGERS NEED THIS CREAM. It visibly reduces redness,dryness and scarring overnight, and I am absolutely addicted. Good job BodyShop!

I recommend these products to all of my friends and I think that even at full price these are definitely worth buying, however BodyShop are having a crazy amount of sales at the moment so I would definitely check it out!

A cheaper alternative would be Tesco's Tea-Tree range which I also like however it is not a patch on the BodyShops formula. Here is the facial scrub.I have also tried the one in the BodyShop - one of the products I surprisingly didn't think was worth the money so I haven't repurchased. This product however I feel is affordable and gentle on the skin. It may feel like you need to scrub layers off your skin but believe me that is the worst thing to do! This gentle scrub works wonders.

I highly recommend these products, grab them quick!