The Dream Jean

Give a girl a good pair of jeans and she can conquer the world. But finding the perfect pair is a challenge in itself, like a needle in a haystack. I’ve had a rocky relationship with jeans, even going three or four years during secondary school avoiding them altogether because they seemed to be the most pointless, uncomfortable garment in the world – this was before the high-waisted jean stole our hearts of course. I’ve been through the flares, boot cut, boyfriend, hipster… you name them I’ve tried them.

I’ve never quite given up on my search for the perfect pair of jeans, a pair that fit nice and snug without feeling too claustrophobic – you know the kind I’m talking about. Those jeans that look mighty fine on but are super uncomfortable to wear, maybe you have to avoid sitting down in case they reveal too much, or trying to get them on becomes a workout in itself. Sure, they look great, but at the end of the day it all comes down to comfort, fit, and style. I think I’ve finally cracked it.

Introducing the Farleigh High Waist Slim MOM Jeans from ASOS. Yes, mom jeans. The mom jean is all about comfort, relaxed fitting and an effortless chic style that can bring all kinds of sexy to a wardrobe. They’re high waisted so really flattering on most body types, and the slim fit brings the same sexiness as the skinny jean, but in an understated yet comfortable way. 

I love how they just graze the ankle, so when paired with some low cut Chelsea boots they can effortlessly take me into the Autumn/Winter months. I can just imagine rocking them to university on cold wintery mornings, looking so chic with a cropped knitted jumper, rushed topknot and chunky knit scarf.

It makes a nice change for me because I’m usually drawn to jeans made with thinner, lighter materials, and a higher percentage of elastane. But the ASOS Farleigh jeans are quite heavy weight denim but with a good amount of stretch, which give them an 80’s/early 90’s vibe. Without the knee and thigh rips, which make them incredibly current, I could be mistaken for an extra from Friends – I don’t mind this at all because I’m constantly swooning over Jennifer Aniston’s 90’s wardrobe.

I’ve been wearing these CONSTANTLY in Italy. They’ve probably seen the light of day more than any other item of clothing in my wardrobe. They’ve crossed seas with me, hiked up hills and biked through sunflower fields - my Farleigh’s have become my go-to jeans for any occasion.

LAURA

Dress to impress your Valentines date!

‘The look of love’…

Whether you love it or loath it, Valentines Day is looming and the oh so famous ‘look of love’ has never been so desired; the romantic movies that promise love at first sight, fireworks and butterflies- realistically, everybody has to embrace their inner Bridget Jones… minus the big knickers.

From makeup, hairstyles and innumerable ensembles waiting to be worn, every woman wants to look their best to impress their lucky date!

Of course, confidence is the key, but a little makeup here and illusion there never hurts- shhh nobody has to know!

Dressing gowns and hair rollers at the ready, the first step is makeup.

Predominately for a romantic date, either with your boyfriend or a blind date, a makeup look can either go two ways: a natural glow or glamorous and sexy. Glam will always get those heads turning but if you want to achieve that flawless finish and show the true you, my natural look is ideal.

This look is all about creating a natural glow, the perfect way to create a beautiful shimmer over a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Simply apply your ol’ loyal, high coverage skin products from foundations to concealers to provide a base for your glowing look, and then onto highlighter- my favourite as you can probably tell.

I created my look using the Sleek-contouring pallet; the highlighter is perfect and isn’t too overpowering. Simply sweep it over your cheeks, cupids bow and brow bone to create that illuminating, romantic look.

Tie the look together with a natural lip and eye pallet. I went for the beautiful shimmery, earthy tones in particular because they create definition, making the eyes pop whilst not overpowering your natural look.

With a cute curl in your hair or a sleek up do, this look will give you the confidence to ace any date-whether the date meets your standards or not… oh well, you look fab! 

Confidence is sexy

Now, for all of you that like to make a statement, how about trying my sexy, smoky eye look?

Red. It screams confidence and can empower any woman. You know what they used to say, when times are tough, lather on the red lipstick and you’re ready to conquer the day; you will be sure to smash the sexy look with a loyal stick of red lippy in your purse.

Pink makes the boys wink, but red will go straight to their heads- confidence is the seasons best accessory and will never let you down.

There are so many beautiful shades of rouge for you to try; from rosy reds to deep burgundy, there is a shade for every skin tone. Get testing girls and sport the red lips to complete your sultry look!

It’s time to swap the earthy tones for smoky shades that will compliment any eye shape or colour. Start with the outer section of the eye and blend the shades from dark to light towards the inner corner, adding a shimmery silver to create a glamorous finish.  Add your favourite mascara and black liner to emphasize the length of your lashes- now you can flutter those lashes and flirt all night with my sexy, glam look!

To achieve these looks I used:

·       Urban decay eye shadow pallet- Vice 2

·       Sleek face Contour Kit

·       Estee Lauder (48A33) Hot Kiss Shimmer lipstick

·       (The natural lip shade) Rimmel- Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in shade 16

The ultimate slimming dress!

This Missguided, zip detailed, bodycon dress is perfect for a romantic date and so slimming for those who want to show off their curves. The front zip and V-neck detailing, elongates the body and creates the illusion of extra height- brilliant for somebody like me who isn’t gifted in the height department, but girls with long legs, you can still effortlessly rock this dress! The zip is also perfect for Valentines, enabling you to control the amount of cleavage on show; unzip if you’re feeling daring or modestly keep it up to leave a little to the imagination!

The extra zip band pulls in the waist and instantly slims, creating the illusion of the oh so desired hour glass figure- whether you have been blessed with curves or a straight up and down figure, this dress will create curves that you never knew you had!

Team with your favourite nude heels and pastel clutch or go bold with some monochrome accessories!

I love this wrap styled, River Island number, a brighter alternative to the nude Missguided dress.

The wrap style creates the illusion of a sexy, slimmer waist whilst the added black belt with rose gold detailing compliments the style of the dress. The detailing also creates an optical illusion, drawing the eyes attention to the belt, complimenting the waist further- who wouldn’t want a slimmer waist?

The plunging neckline is perfect for those who want to show off their assets and the peachy, rose colour is perfect for a date- the sexy shade of love and a potential blossoming romance!

Now you have read my guide to achieving a look that will leave you feeling glamorous and sexy, you can meet your lucky date with confidence, knowing that your new look will make his jaw drop!