When in doubt wear red.*

Infamous fashion houses across the globe have spread their luxurious touch to the beauty world. Brands such as Chanel have provided us with iconic make up pieces e.g. the perfect red lipstick. It is only now that Christain Louboutin has ventured to the beauty side of fashion.

On Wednesday the fashion world blew up after Christain Louboutin announced the release of their nail polish collection. The first shade available to be purchased from the Louboutin website is Rouge Louboutin the iconic red that the shoemaker is known for. We are now left waiting and wanting more as more shades are to be released in the collection in due course.

As a lover of all things Louboutin and nail polish I could not resist this latest endeavor and bought mine straight away! Based on his highest heel, The Ballerina Ultima, the bottle stands at over 7 inches. The cap and brush mimics the heel itself and was inspired by calligraphy. The nail colour is incased in a glass bottle decorated in an ombré effect. The shade is Rouge Louboutin the Louboutin trademark red. The nail polish is very opaque and glides onto the nail and only requires two coats maximum. The lid encourages the user to take their time and enjoy the experience. The bottle comes with a patient black box, which is reminiscent of the patient leather used on the shoes, to cover the glass bottle. The bottle is very dominant and demands the eyes to look in its direction. Once in its box the silhouette imitates a trophy.  

When the nail polish first arrived it I was a little intimidated by the size and shape of the lid. I was weary as to how I could paint my nails with a brush that reminded me of a lance. My initial reaction could not have been further from the reality. The lid is very lightweight and does not alter your nail painting precision in any way. I found the nail colour was the perfect red! The shade and finish of the polish is excellent and identical to the iconic red soles.  

The nail polish does come with a high figure price of €45 but it does allow anyone the opportunity to own a small piece of the luxurious brand. Not everyone can afford the infamous red-soled heels but the nail polish is not a bad settlement. I think the polish will make an excellent gift, especially as Christmas approaches why not have the perfect red to match the festive surroundings?

What do you guys think? Will you be buying this nail polish?

*Quote by Bill Blass

The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.*

When it comes to make-up there can be too much choice. Many of us walk into a department store to witness the sea of make-up counters and react like children in a sweet shop; we want one of everything! The bigger the brand name the larger the price and the more we can’t help but want apiece. This happened me recently, I admit I fell victim to the enticing counter and persuasive sales argument for Dior.

My beautician Godmother encouraged my family to buy big brand make-ups such as YSL, Elizabeth Arden and Chanel when I was growing up. It is only recently that I decided to branch out to a Fashion houses make-up. Thinking I would leave with one item I left with four. I bought an eye shadow palette, shimmering face powder, mascara and a lipstick.

The product I was most excited to use was the 5 couleurs iridescent (5-colour iridescent eyeshadow) palette. I purchased it in the shade 609 Earth Reflection. The palette is around the size of the palm of your hand, which makes it perfect for travel and simply carrying it in your handbag. It comes in a velvet pouch to project the packaging. The shades are a two natural browns, one light golden shade, a cream and pink. All the eye shadows are shimmery. The palette also hosts two Dior sponge eye shadow applicators and a mirror.

The eyeshadows are very pigmented and go on effortlessly. The colours together create a beautiful natural smoky eye that lasts all day. It is a great selection of shades that make it a go to palette when in a rush. I am a huge fan of the Urban Decay Naked palettes but find they can be bulky to carry in a handbag so I feel this will be a great substitute for doing my make-up on the go.

The Diorskin Poudre Shimmer ultra-shimmering all over face powder was a product I did not expect to own. I bought it in the shade 002 Amber Diamond. It is the same size as the eyeshadow palette and has the same packaging. Once opened there are five different shades of powder, which are presented from light to dark.

The powder does exactly what it says on tin. Once I applied the powder I found it gave my make-up an illuminating lift and brought some colour and warmth to my face, which as someone with a very pale skin tone was a pleasant surprise. The powder applies very easily also lasts all day.

Eyeliner and mascara are my two make-up weaknesses so when I had the option to purchase two mascaras for less I could not say no. I purchased a set with two of Dior’s mascaras; The Diorshow Extase and the Diorshow Iconic.

The Diorshow Extase (left) has a synthetic brush applicator that lifts and plumps the eyelashes. The Diorshow Iconic (right) has a rubber brush applicator that separates and lengthens the lashes. Both mascaras are packaged in a metallic tube. When buying mascaras I am usually hesitant to believe what it claims to be able to achieve.  Dior proved me wrong. The mascaras are easy to apply and accomplish everything promised on the packaging. The two mascaras did remind me of Benefits “They’re Real” and “Bad Gal”.

My mom has always been a fan of Dior lipsticks so I decided to follow by influence I purchase one of my own. I purchased from the Rouge Dior collection in the shade 651 Rose Tourbillion/Tourbillion Pink. The lipstick is a beautiful neutral pink with a slight shimmer.

On the packaging it promises to provide voluptuous care and it does just that! I am prone to dry lips after wearing a lipstick all day due to this I try to only buy moisturizing lipsticks. I tried this lipstick out it lasted for hours before needing another application and did not dry out my lips. It applies smoothly and is very opaque.

Overall I find that Dior have a very strong make-up range and are not just popular due to the brand behind it. There are cheaper products that are very similar to Dior’s but if you feel like spoiling yourself and splurging the Dior make-up counter is not a bad place to do so!

*Quote by Yves Saint-Laurent

With a suit, even if you're having a nervous breakdown, you still look like you're in charge.*

The fashion world has many iconic pieces such as the little black jacket by Chanel, classic stilettoes by Christian Louboutin and the trench coat by Burberry. Woman are bombarded with what they should and should not have in their wardrobe each season, however, there are always a few pieces that remain every season. One of these items is a blazer; perfect for work and play, it’s a fashion essential!

As a blazer fanatic I decided it was time to allow myself to invest in another. Drooling over all the master labels such as Saint Laurent Paris I was hesitant to believe I would fall for a blazer in the same way on the high street and within my budget. Zara proved me wrong.

The Spanish retailer has previously been referred to as "possibly the most innovative and devastating retailer in the world." By Louis Vuitton Fashion Director Daniel Piette. I have always been a fan of Zara for its mature clothing that still has a youthful edge and I continually come back for more.

On the hunt for a new blazer I knew Zara would not disappoint. I naturally gravitated towards the black blazers as they never goes out of style. I happened to find this gem upon the racks.

The blazer has a waterfall tailored style on the sides, which can be very flattering on most shapes. There are small shoulder pads and silver zip detailing. It is a very sophisticated but edgy blazer, perfect to add a little something extra to a simple outfit. The youthful style enables it to suit both day and night. I have created a few outfit ideas to give a visual on various ways to wear this versatile piece.

For this set I decided to go with a basic monochromatic palette that is suitable for both work and drinks. I paired it was an oversized white suit and some leather pants to add a little bit of an edge. I feel this is a very simple outfit that would suit most figures. If leather isn’t your thing don’t be afraid to try different black pants e.g. jeans. The heels and bag look great in both a work environment and if you’re just out with the girls.

This second look is also perfect to move from day to night. The cocktail dress is very work appropriate and also looks fantastic in a bar or restaurant setting. I added heels with a bit more of a statement, as the dress and blazer are very simple. I also feel that a bit of red lipstick would pop and finish the whole look.

This set is much more casual. The trend of blazers with jeans and a t-shirts became a staple look for men but I think women do it just as good! The laid back image of these jeans and vest top are an excellent contrast to the smart structured silhouette of the blazer. Paired with some simple heels and a hat it is casual chic at its best.

Continuing and ending with the casual feel I styled this piece with a printed summer dress. I am particularly fond of the contrast between the smart and playful in this look. The bold print of the dress plays great with the sophisticated shape of the blazer. The shoes only add to the youthful vibe in this set.

The blazer retails at €89.99/£79.99 in all Zara stores and online.

*Quote by Paul Feig

My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.*

Recently while visiting home I ventured into Dunnes Stores only to be in awe of the incredible Savida collection they have in at the moment.

The savida collection hosts a series of clothing demonstrating minimalist palettes that contrasts with the bold colour accents such as neon green. Each item has a clean and modern silhouette. The clothing line is ideal for strong office wear with an edge and also casual pieces with graphic prints. There is an overall retro vibe running through the seams connecting each garment for a cohesive collection. Pokka dots and checkered prints are side by side to contrast the simple monochrome palette of other pieces. This range of print, colour and style gives every customer the opportunity to find at least one item to suit their own personal style.

The monochromatic pieces in the collection are predominately dresses, tops and skirts. They automatically draw in the working woman and offer affordable chic clothing for the office. To contrast the brilliant white and graphic blacks some designs include a hint of bright colour to create a fun and youthful look. Moving from dark mesh jumpers through to checkered printed two pieces, the range offers something for everyone! The bold coloured and graphic items grab the attention of a younger audience and are suited for both work and play.

While I browsed the pieces that were in my store it was a pair of boots that had ultimately caught my eye. They are a grey peep toed pair of leather cut out heeled boots. They host three straps that circle the boot with gold hardware.

The boots themselves do not have a platform and the straps to do not open. To pop them on there is a zip at the back and your foot just slides in. What made me fall in love with these shoes was possibly the gold studs and buckles. I found the boots to be quite summery due to the colour and cutouts but will also look just as great during winter. They are also very airy and don’t leave your feet in much pain after a day of stomping around. The boots are a great height and are versatile to go from day to night. The quality is incredible and is of the same standard as Office. I love the gladiator style to the front and the contrast of a tougher look at the side. I feel they bring an edgy and youthful feel to any look and is not over the top.

The boots are titled the “Savida buckled peep toe boot” and retail for €45 in selected Dunnes Stores and online.    

* Quote by Henry Rollins

One charm for every unforgettable and charmed moment in your life.*

Every year for Christmas there is always one brand that dominates. This year we witnessed the increased interest in the Michael Kors Jet Set travel tote handbag. However, there is one company that has continued to hold its place in the market all year round - Pandora.

It was in 1982 in Copenhagen that Pandora was first founded by a goldsmith, Per Endvoldsen, and his wife, Winnie. Together they opened shop and began venturing to Thailand in search for jewelry as demand grew. Two years later they open their own production facility to ensure control over their own designs. Lone Frandsen joined the couple as a designer who was then joined by goldsmith and designer, Lisbeth Enø Larsen, in 1996. Soon after Larsen was hired the infamous Pandora style was defined.

In 2000 the iconic charm bracelet was released in the Danish market. Word had quickly spread and the demand grew globally. The “one charm for every unforgettable and charmed moment in your life” appealed to women. This concept welcomed customers to create their own bracelet by choosing from their range of hundreds of sterling silver, 14k gold, and Murano glass charms. The charms are then added by the patented threading system. Rings, Necklaces and earrings were soon added to the line and new collections are released every quarter.

The Pandora brand is one that I constantly find myself returning to. New shops are opening globally on a regular basis and continue to welcome new customers to the addictive charm collection system. As the charms vary in prices and styles they make for an easy present, if you know someone with a bracelet, or even a great little treat for yourself. 

Pandora offers a wide range of bracelet styles to suit everyone from sterling silver to gold, from rope to a bangle (pictured above). Once you have chosen your preferred size and style you can move on to the fun part – collecting charms! Pandora has an ever-growing range of charms, not only do they vary in shape and form but also in colours and materials. This large collection makes it versatile for both adults and children as when you walk into a Pandora store you can walk out with a charm shaped as a monkey or a diamond incrusted sphere, quite the contrast. That is what makes Pandora so successful, they allow their customers to chose whatever charms they want and allow them to arrange them in any order you want. It is all about you.

Once your bracelet is completed, which is whenever you decide you’re happy with its appearance or have all the charms you want, it gives an overall appearance of a professional, chic and classic piece of jewelry that you will return to time after time. The quality of the handcrafted range is exceptional. It is sturdy and durable and does not leave you hesitant to save it for special occasions only. They also offer a range of necklaces, which are very similar to the bracelets, rings and earrings, which correspond to the range leaving you with the opportunity to match all your jewelry up. The gorgeous pieces also come with boxes to store the charms, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

There is a gorgeous ring box (pictured above) that stores any Pandora ring in a circle with some added space in the middle. The part that makes this great for storage is the top lifts out providing even more room for bracelets, charms, rings or whatever you may need the room for. There is also a full jewelry box available this provides room for all things Pandora. There are bars for your charms, room for bracelets, earrings and rings. The box is pictured below.

This recognizable and global brand is one that will only continue and strengthen, as it is already a household name. Its classic and personalized pieces will hold a place in many peoples hearts and decorate the many wrists that pass us on the streets.   




*Quote by Pandora