Festival Chic

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As a seasoned Festival goer, I have come to really appreciate having a few days where I can dress in any manner I like. Some wear fancy dress, while others dawn the rocker look. Nevertheless, the underlying theme remains the same: bohemian. Bohemia/folk is a much loved trend which is only becoming more popular, perhaps because it fits with the free spirit that is felt throughout every festival. Not only this, but it also makes for a very flattering outfit, what with its bold prints and patterns.

The first thing that caught my eye was the adorable handbag. Having learnt my lesson that it is never a good idea to lug a huge bag around with you while watching bands all day, it is the perfect option. Small and practical, but right on trend for the occasion. The tassels on both the bag and the shoes give the carefree vibe which is central at a Festival.

A chunky knit Cardigan never goes out of style, and in our English Summer, you know you’ll need one. This Cardigan with its Aztec prints encompasses the bohemian look. To accentuate its bold prints, I chose a light, dainty top, so as not to take attention away from the cardigan. Further to this, I chose the stonewashed shorts with visible pockets as they have a grungy feel, which further promotes the no fuss approach of the outfit.

To finish off, a simple metallic cuff completes and brings the outfit together. Each piece is so effortlessly on trend, something you can throw on in your tent, and know you’re going to look great all day. Therefore, I could not resist any of the items which I have chosen in this look. Each piece of clothing, when added together creates the perfect bohemian festival look. 

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Catriona

x x x

Confessions of a Shopaholic

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There’s nothing quite like a bit of retail therapy, so grab your girls and get spending! Of course, there is that mind boggling decision of what to wear...while you shop for what you would like to wear! There is one thing which is certain though, shopping doesn’t depend on the seasons. So you need an outfit you can wear all year round (give or take a Jacket). Something which you’ll be comfortable in for the forthcoming War against High Street crowds, that will look stylish. That is why I would wear this East London inspired outfit, which shows vintage Street style at its best.

This top doesn’t need to be cut in any extraordinary way to look cool, the paisley style pattern comes to life when matched with these pair of Black skinny Trousers, which keeps all the emphasis on the gorgeous detailing of the top. A pair of Gold hoops, which used to be an undesirable accessory, are now an ever growing trend in London, and coupled with this elongated Owl necklace, work together to put something feminine back into the outfit.

One thing which has in recent years come parading back into fashion is Brogues. Once seen as a masculine shoe, worn with this outfit they become Girly and Smart. Easy to wear every day, and great for all Seasons. Adding to this, this School Boy style Brown Leather Satchel continues the masculine yet now girly style, and will only look better with age. Together they highlight the androgynous mix of East London Style.

It is clear from Vintage Street style, what would have once been considered as mismatched is now incredibly fashionable. From the paisley style top down to the Brogues this outfit screams East London fashion: unconventional and contemporary. People won’t be looking at the clothes in the shop, but wondering where they can buy your outfit.

Search "Shopping" in DressSpy's "What to Wear" tool to view all our Shopping Trip looks. Or click here to view the look.

Catriona

x x x

How to Rock a Concert Look

Hi there!

So I have some very exciting news today. I have recently been writing and creating looks as an Expert Fashion Blogger on an up and coming site called Dress Spy; a Fashion website with a range of exciting features! One of the main, all be it very addictive, features of the site is creating mood boards and looks from brands such as Bottica, Miss Selfridge, Mango and many more. It also allows you to search through looks from friend's, experts and the Fashion community, who you can swap ideas and inspiration with. 

What's more, it gives you the opportunity to have your looks seen and rated by those who are experts in the Fashion community, such as Fashion Buyers, Stylists, Personal Shoppers and Journalists. Meaning it's not only a lot of fun, but you have the chance to really get your looks out there. 

Of course, it is also perfect for those who are just looking for some inspiration from others. If you can't decide what to wear to that special occasion which is just around the corner, no need to worry. Merely search through looks created by others Users or Experts and add them to your wishlist, or try out different looks yourself by creating a mood board. 

Here is one of the first looks that I created on Dress Spy, and it immediately went into my own wishlist. I must have it all! (Which is made easier by the fact that they will have special offers and discounts!).

Click here to get the look.

When deciding on the perfect outfit to wear to that amazing Concert you managed to bag tickets for, it can be overwhelming. You want to dress to impress, but you also want to be comfortable enough to dance the night away. In this time of indecision, no matter what concert I am heading to, I go for a look which I know will never go out of style: the rocker look. Dating back to when Led Zeppelin and MotorHead ruled the music scene, this look is timeless and will always be appreciated. Therefore, if the look was going to be truly timeless, it had to be Black; a very flattering colour which will always look good.

This look has a sexy and rebellious quality.  This Gothic leotard with feminine lace detailing is easily complimented with these tight Black Jeans which, together, accentuate all the right curves, whilst still leaving everything to the imagination. No need to bare any flesh, this look is so striking you’ll be turning heads.

Next, leave your heels at home!  These Boots are perfect for all the dancing you’re going to be doing, whilst keeping with the chic yet grungy look that is so popular. And what better way to add to the rebellious rocker look than a Leather Jacket. Another item which is a firm staple in my wardrobe, it straight away adds that extra oomph, making the outfit truly Concert worthy.

To complete the outfit, I added a Gold pair of false flesh tunnel earrings (allowing you to look the part without committing) and a rocker pair of Sunglasses. Who says we can’t wear Sunglasses at night?! On the whole, this outfit would be perfect for any Concert, as it is adored by Pop Fans and Metal Fans alike.

Search “Concert look” in our “What to Wear” tool to view all our Concert looks. Or click here to view this look.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Catriona

x x x

Get the Sculpted look: Sleek Contour Kit

Sleek MakeUp Contour Kit in "Light" RRP £6.49

A sculpted face is often seen as a sign of beauty, defined cheekbones being sought after predominantly in more recent times following the leadership of such celebrities as Kim Kardashian. Yet, only now am I starting to see how beautifully a small amount of shading and highlighting can define and enhance your natural features.

Sleek MakeUp has beeen a well loved brand in the Beauty Community for years, so I've been itching to get my hands on their Contour Kit for a long time now, as it is one of their bestselling and most well known products. I chose the shade Light, as I have Fair skin, however they also cater for Medium and Dark skin, all of which are very flattering.

Left: Pressed Contouring Powder. Right: Highlighter.

The Pressed Contouring Powder is a soft matte Brown, which provides a subtle warmth to the skin that is very buildable, allowing your contour to be as subtle or as prominant as you wish. I myself prefer a subtle contour, which I achieve by taking an Angled Contour Brush and lightly sweeping the powder in the hollows of my cheekbones and around the edges of my temple, blending any harsh lines out. As you may have spotted in the pictures, I have somehow already managed to make a dent in the powder with my nail, but never mind, it is still only a small dent in the amount of product given! (Note to self: cut nails).

While the Pressed Powder is very good, the Highlighter by far steals the show with its amazing pigmentation which reflects light to highlight all your best features. It gives a luminosity to your skin which looks both healthy and flawless. By dusting it on the high points of your cheekbones, down the centre of the nose and under the eyebrows, it accentuates your natural beauty.

The matte, Black packaging maintains the sleek, classy and sophisticated look that the brand go for, and has a lovely smooth texture to the outside which makes it very tactile. More than this, it is also a perfect pocket size for handbags or make up bags!

So if you are looking to achieve the sculpted look, then I could not recommend Sleek Contour Kit more. Not only is it affordable, but the quality of the product lives up to all the great things that are said about it.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

Catriona
x x x

Striking Daytime Look featuring MAC's "Lady Danger"

Recently I have fallen head over heels in love with MAC's "Lady Danger", a vibrant, head turning Orange based Red with a gorgeous Matte finish. What first sparked my interest in purchasing this shade was hearing that the popular (and ever beautiful) Girl Group "The Saturdays" all adore it...and after using it myself I can understand why. As soon as I researched swatches, I knew it had to be mine. Unfortunately not many MAC stores stock Lady Danger, but hold your fire, it can easily be purchased online at http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/.

This Coral Red looks perfect on all skin tones, but I find that it really comes into its own on tanned skin, which it compliments beautifully. The Matte finish ensures that the shade is long wearing, and keeps the bright, almost fluorescent colour vivid the whole day, making it a perfect striking Red for everyday use. However do not be fooled, this shade is not for the faint hearted. With the incredibly opaque pigmentation it makes for a real attention grabber.

With this in mind, I just had to base this Striking Daytime Look around MAC's Lady Danger, keeping the eyes and face simple so as not to take focus away from the truly astonishing colour of the lips. 

Products used to achieve this look:

Striking Daytime Look by catrionalmacleod 

Get the look!

1. Prep the face: With Moisturiser, Primer and Lip balm.

2. Foundation: Apply a thin coat of foundation. We want the base to look natural, the lips will do the rest. L'Oreal True Match gives a lovely natural glow, and is inexpensive. Use your favourite concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. 

3. Bronzer: As I'm sure your are all aware, my favourite Bronzer is NARS Laguna. However, most shades are easily complimented by Lady Danger.

4. Eye shadow: Pick a colour that is close to your skin tone. I chose a Pink shade from my Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Palette and used a light Brown from the same palette through the crease.

5. Liner: My favourite liner of all time is undeniably Maybelline's Eye Studio Master Precise Liner. It allows me to go as thick or thin as I like, and is easy to handle. I went for a relatively thick line, which always looks Chic with a Red Lip. I then used a subtle Plum pencil liner under the eyes.

6. Lashes: Keep it light and natural with one application. 

7. Brows: Instantly frame your face by defining your brows with a colour similar to your own brows. 

8. LIPS: If you would like to use a liner, then go for an Orange Based Red. However, this lipstick holds its own and can be used by itself when applied with a Lip Brush. 

I hope you enjoyed this daring look, I certainly enjoyed creating it and have been using it whenever I want to spice up my day. It screams confidence, and I can guarentee that you will receive plenty of compliments. This look is certain to make you a very dangerous lady!

Catriona
x x x

Return From OZ: Highlights

First of all, I would like to apologise for the lack of posts while I've been in Australia, it turns out it's a lot more difficult to get hold of the internet than I had anticipated! But after a 27 hour plane journey, I am back in the UK with lots to catch up on! But before I immerse myself back into the world of beauty, I thought I would show you some of the highlights of my trip to the other side of the world. Prepare yourselves for a lot of pictures!

Without a doubt, the biggest highlight of the trip was achieving my PADI at the Great Barrier Reef, it was one of the best experiences of my life. In Cairns we spent two days pool diving before getting the chance to dive into the underwater world below. When we finally took the boat out to the reef, as soon as we jumped in we were surrounded by shoals of fish, one of which, pictured below, was a friendly Napoleon Maori Wrasse named Wally who loved to be stroked!

One perfect blue skied day in Sydney was spent visiting Taronga Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo was where my camera really came into its own with its optical zoom.

Melbourne was by far one of the greatest cities we've visited. The coffee is like no other I have tried anywhere else, and the food is to die for. It truly is the food and drink capital of Australia! While there, we had the chance to work at the Grand Prix and see the race from the starting line, which was both very exciting and very LOUD. Melbourne showed us how cultural and diverse Australia can be, with its skateboarding competitions and night markets, and we met some amazing people there (and consequently had some great nights out too!).

We also had the opportunity to go on a 2 day trip to the Whitsunday Islands, meaning we were able to step onto the perfect white sands of White Haven beach! The sand was so soft that it melted between your toes, and the sea so warm it felt like you were dipping into a hot spring. 

So those are the highlights of my trip to Australia, I hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures as much as I did taking them! Now that we're caught up I'm very very excited to get back into talking about some products I've purchased recently. Thanks so much to everyone who's commented and to all my newest followers!

Catriona

x x x

An Aussie Adventure Begins!

Hi there!

I can't believe it's time...my  Boyfriend and I are finally off to travel around Australia! Massively excited! This last week has gone by in a blur, it involved a whole lot of packing and organising. There has been so much to do, but I think I'll only feel ready when my feet actually touch Australian ground and I'll have no choice but to dive in head first. The most difficult part I found was choosing what to take with me and what to leave behind. You should see my bag, it seems like half the space has been taken up by Lipsticks alone! I'll be sure to post as much as I can, and put up pictures of my trip all along the way!

It's strange to think that the next time I'll speak to you all I'll be in Australia. I'm feeling a bit nervous, but my excitement definitely outweighs it! Now to get through the two day flight.

See you in Australia!
Catriona
x x x