Lately...

 Just a quick post of some outfits and nails I've been sporting lately...

Model's Own 'Lilac Dream' with No 7 Matte top coat 

 American Apparel 'Mannequin' with Topshop 'Plume' and Models Own Black nail art pen

 Topshop T-shirt, Ted Baker trousers

No 7 'Peachy Keen', Ted Baker gold glitter 

Internacionale jacket,Topshop checked shirt,Zara high tops

 Model's Own 'In the Navy', Models Own 'Moody Grey', Barbara Daly White, Nail Rocks studs

(Ignore the super dusty mirror!)

New Look coat, Topshop trousers, Topshop shoes, H&M hat

Next coat, Topshop jumper, Internacionale skirt, Romwe bag

Faye x

OOTD: Tiger Sweater

Sweatshirt Internacionale

Skirt Internacionale

Boots River Island

Took this outfit for a little spin round Westfield last week with my friend and new roomy Louise.She wanted to get some trainers for work and ended up buying some Nike Air Max- I'm tres jealous. I'm not sure about these tights- are they just a bit too sheer?! The outfit didn't look right with my usually 50 denier tights but I think it looks slightly like I have a leg disease. This is Louise's debut as my photographer, I think she's done splendidly. 

This weekend has mainly consisted of tidying, visiting my friends for some delicious quesadillas and watching films. I watched The Place Beyond the Pines which I would give 2.5 stars out of 5 and The Help which I would give 4 stars out of 5. I would recommend reading the book first which is SO good I struggled to put it down. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Faye x

Mango Wishlist

Mango Wishlist by iwishicouldwink featuring mango jewelry

So my boyfriend's sister gave me a Mango voucher a while ago and I STILL haven't used it. I'm the type of person who likes to hold onto vouchers until I see something I really want, rather than just go shopping and buy something for the sake of it. However, there have been quite a few things recently that have caught my eye...

1. These pinstripe trousers are in the sale so they're only £19.99,but I'm not sure about them because of the length, they look super short on the model (there's no guide to how tall she is). Also as they are wool blend, they may look a bit out of place in the summer with sandals?

2. I've seen these Acne style distressed denim mini skirt on quite a few swedish bloggers recently and I'm liking them. This would work with or without tights.

3. I think these polka dot trousers are cute, but I'm always wary about white trousers- they are definitely not slimming plus they show up every stain.

4. These leather look leggings are classic and I do need some new ones as my old ones are getting very thin. When I sit down you can almost see my knees! Not ideal. 

5. I really like this dress-I think it's my fave thing. Simple but looks expensive, I could imagine it in COS. 

6. This bug necklace reminds me of Lanvin, which is a bonus, but the length and price are putting me off slightly. I do want a necklace that's a mix between gold and silver though.

7. Last but not least, these wedge sandals. I love them from the front but 'm not sure about the almost wedge. Is it weird? Can I get over it? I'm JUST NOT SURE. 

Please can someone help me? What should I get?

Faye x 

Mango short sleeve black dress
mango.com

Mango zipper pants
mango.com

Mango short denim skirt
mango.com

Mango wool blend pants
$33 - mango.com

Mango black leather trousers
mango.com

Mango strappy platform sandals
mango.com

Mango jewelry
mango.com

Boots 'Feel Like New' and an Interview with Sophy Robson

 Although she started doing nails when I was still singing along to the Spice Girls, Sophy Robson  has been on my radar ever since she created the now famous 'Eek' nails for Giles Deacon in 2011.

Since then, the talented lady has worked with countless designers including Chanel, Topshop Unique, Henry Holland and Marc Jacobs. I was lucky enough to attend a Boots 'Feels Like New' event on Wednesday, and when I found out Sophy was going to be there doing nails, I got a little bit over excited! I decided to take the opportunity to see if she would answer a few nail questions for me, and happily she obliged.

Check out Sophy's amazing Chanel bracelet. She was also wearing a Chanel necklace- jealous!

When did you start doing nails?

Back in 1996- I actually remember writing about Wah! Nails before they were big!

Of all the many designers you've worked with, who is your favourite?

A tough question...Tom Ford is one as I love watching him at work- it's so interesting to see how he's developed his own brand, and he's the luxe master. I love Vivienne Westwood, who hasn't changed. She still rides her bike around London and will happily pose for photos! I also worked with Alexander McQueen before he died.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Mostly from my own head, and my NailPorn blog. Also fabric patterns, colours and Jeremy Scott's shows.

What are your favourite shades/polishes for spring/summer 2014?

I just did a post on my blog about this, so basically any of these colours.

Which is your favourite top coat?

Seche vite- it dries so quick and I can’t take risks with my work as top coat does such an important job.

Do you have a unique nail care tip?

Use larger cotton pads like these from Boots, they save on usage as you can use one pad for all nails. Soak a pad in polish remover and fold between thumb and forefinger so there's no contact with your actual nail. Also, an obvious one I've said a thousand times but no-one listens- always use base and top coat if you want your manicure to last!

How do you achieve long, strong nails?

Use a protein base coat- make sure you the follow instructions properly as each brand is different. Feed the nail with a moisturising oil-as the nail is porous it will soak it up like soil. Avoid exposure to water for a long time for the same reason, the water will be absorbed into the nail causing the polish to chip. So use rubber gloves when washing up!

What is your favourite and most hated nail art to create?

My most hated is probably galaxy or Cath Kidston type florals. Galaxy as it's so time consuming- I did it for Chanel, and as I obviously wanted to do it really well it took me ages! Florals just because they aren't really my style. At the moment I love lettering and clean lines, especially as not many nail artists can do them precisely.

What would you suggest every budding nail artist needs in their basic kit?

Dotting/Striping tools, a clean up brush like this one and mini blusher brush to do ombre nails.

What is your biggest nail no-no?

Putting polish on too thickly-thin coats are key.

Quick fire questions

Hands and feet- Match or Don’t Match?

I'd have to practice what I preach and say don’t match. My polish often stays on a lot longer on my toes than on my fingernails!

Chipped polish or No Polish?

No polish

Real nails or Acrylic?

Acrylic. I love long nails and they stay on longer. They’re everything!

Glossy or Matte?

Glossy

Designer or High Street?

It depends- Tom Ford polishes are amazing, but then I recently did a job for Poundland! I wasn’t sure how it would pan out but it worked out great-I was amazed at the quality. I did three looks for them- one sophisticated, one matte/glossy and one ombre glitter.

Here is my Sophy Robson manicure:

Isn't it jsut perf- they look like stickers. I got so many compliments this week- I only wish I could pass it off as my own handiwork. Thanks so much Sophy! :)

As the idea of the event was to try new things, I also got my hair did. There was a choice between a side braid or tight slicked back pony and, not wanting to channel Sporty Spice (2nd Spice Girls reference in this post?!) I went for the plait:

 I didn't think I would be much of a fan cos my hairs not particulary long and thick, but I LOVED it. I especially love the way she made my parting more to the side and super messy. I even slept in it and wore it to work the next day! FYI, the products she used were this dry shampoo for texture, finished with this hairspray. I now want them both!

The lipstick in the above photo is a Seventeen lipstick that was in the goody bag. It's a lovely red/orange colour called Man Hunt, again I didn't expect to like it but was pleasantly surprised.

Thanks Boots- I definitely felt like new! 

Faye x

Modcloth Competition

Modcloth Blogger Competition by iwishicouldwink

Modcloth contacted me to see if I would be interested in a competition to style up one of their pieces, and as I love a project, of course I said yes. The red and black lace dress was the item of choice, and although not my usual style, I tried to add items which would make it more 'me'. I decided to go down the ridiculously cute road, as I just could not resist those eyelashes- they are freaking adorable! I included the mannish watch and satchel to toughen up the ensemble slightly but even so, it's still at least a 7 on the girly scale. Everything on the website is just so cute though: Bunny shoes! Ladybird bag! Bear Pillow!

The outfit is quite Parisian inspired (must be the monochrome boucle-esque cardigan) and I could totally imagine myself strolling down Le Rue Royale eating a croissant and popping into Chanel on a whim. The red, black and cream theme would also be perfect for a Valentine's date with your one and only. Just accessorize with a single rose and a smug expression. 

Alternatively, if you're single, watch Mean Girls and dress your cat up in these pyjamas (also from Modcloth). In fact, do this even if you aren't single. I mean, the cat's got pyjamas on for goodness sake! 

Shop more of Modcloth's pretty dresses here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Faye x

Beaded dress
modcloth.com

The Cambridge Satchel Company clothing
modcloth.com

1930s Fashion 1930s Style Clothing
modcloth.com

Vintage umbrella
modcloth.com

Retro makeup
modcloth.com

New Arrivals
modcloth.com

OOTD: Casual Friday + Lazy Sunday Links

Jumper Wildfox

Jeans H&M

Shoes Topshop

Bag Misstella

Coat New Look

I had the day off on Friday as I had to accompany my boyfriend to the airport- he's got a new job in Dubai. Massive sad face. Luckily one of my good friends has moved in with me, plus it also means I can redecorate my room, so every cloud. I'm going to go for an orange theme as I have a very orange Nemo-inspired picture on my wall (this sounds weird but it's really cool). I've made a Pinterest board and everything! 

This weekend I have had a major sort out of my wardrobe, donated 4 bags of clothes to charity and have another 2 bagfuls to sell on eBay! Spring clean and all that. Today I went to Camden with my friend Rachel in search of a new watch. There were loadssss of Michael Kors dupes, but I don't really want an exact copy if I can help it, so I think I'm gonna have a look on ASOS. We also went to Pizza Hut and had the cookie dough dessert which is beyond delicious. On the bill, it was described as a 'footlong'. A foot of cookie! So worth it though. 

Lazy Sunday Links

In other news, I thought with every Sunday's post henceforth (I don't think I've ever used that word) I would include a little link list of all the things I have recently enjoyed on the interwebz. These will cheer you up before the depressing-ness of Monday morning. 

• 12 Signature Famous Looks
• How not to get make up all over your collar
• Actual fluffy cows
• Is fashion becoming too sexy?
• The coolest bedding everrr
• Cats & Clothes - the dream
• Re-live your teenage years with an in-depth analysis of She's All That

Faye x

My Favourite Bloggers: Part Two-Super Cool Blogs

I'm going to continue to share the style envy love, this time with bloggers who I think are just that little bit cooler than everyone else on the planet. They can throw on an oversized dress and Adidas pool slides and look cool and put-together, whereas I would mostly look like a homeless person. They set trends, make their own rules and ALWAYS look stylish.

I love love LOVE this blog from India Rose. India's mainly sticks to a monochrome colour palette, but she is the epitome of simple, stylish, cool dressing. Love how she mixes textures and proportions in her outfits, and

she has an absolutely banging trainer collection! 

 Erika from Handful of Fashion has great style because she always throws in something a bit unexpected- an interesting print or colour combination-she always has a fresh way of wearing a trend. Also love that Erika still often takes her outfit photos herself in the mirror with her phone-old school. It helps that she is an absolute beaut who can pull anything off!

Maja Wyh oozes don't give a shit attitude. She looks like she just rolled out of bed, picked up clothes from her bedroom floor, added a pair of amazing heels or statement earrings and still looks effortlessly chic. Just so cool. This lady also features posts about interesting photography/art.

Ivania from Love Aesthetics is the coolest blogger on the block. Her style is super minimalist (think Maison Martin Margiela mixed with Calvin Klein and Yohji Yamamoto) and she often favours natural textures especially when it comes to accessories. I think she must have been the inspiration behind the packaging for &otherstories! Ivania also posts truly original DIYs using things you would NEVER have thought of. To top it off she has the cutest daughter-I'm even jealous of her wardrobe.

Are there any other super cool bloggers I should be immediately following?

Faye x

OOTD: Engagement Party

Cardigan (worn backwards) Topshop

Skirt Topshop

Shoes Bershka

Bag &OtherStories

Necklace Primark

Can I start by apologising profusely for the quality/cringe-worthy background of these photos. It was dark and I was in a major rush yadda yadda yadda. I wanted to blog about this outfit despite this as I really liked i. I wore this to my friend's engagement party on Friday, which was lots of fun despite me being ever so slightly warm on the dancefloor! 

On Thursday night I went to Dirty Bones in Kensington with my boyfriend and our friend Katherine. The restaurant specializes in gourmet hot dogs- I had the Classic Yankee (vegetarian version)  and it was absolutely delicious. We also had sides of sweetcorn, triple cooked fries and grilled and smoked pickles which were all amazing, it was unlike anything I'd tried before.  Usually I'm not a huge fan of the American inspired fast food restaurants popping up all over London, but this was something else! I would strongly recommend paying them a visit. 

I hope everyone had a fun weekend!

Faye x