I'M BACK - October favourites!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! I've probably said this a gazillion times today but I just can't help it; it's the one day of the year that being a complete diva is acceptable! 

But I've been an incredibly lucky girl this year and I feel truly blessed for all the lovely and thoughtful birthday messages and presents, I have the best family, boyfriend and friends ever. 

This post is dedicated to my pretty presents and purchases that I couldn't help but treat myself too… after all, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! 

Summer Style- Prep for Barcelona!

Yank out ya faithful bikini and shorts you know are too small for you- a bit of cheek would never hurt anyone; Laura is going on holiday!!. After my first year of university and dipping my toes into the harsh realities that adult life brings, (i.e.spending my money on noodles and beans instead of clothes) a holiday with Sam in Barcelona is like music to my ears! 

My first thought was 'finally I can have a natural tan!', but of course every girl needs a Summer wardrobe to compliment the new bronzed complexion.

You know it's true. A holiday is every excuse to go shopping, and I made it my mission to get myself a few bargains. 

My first purchase was this cute floral, high-wasted skirt from River Island, and a sale item at just £12! 

I absolutely love the bold print. Orange and clashing patterns scream the style of Summer! With a plain tee or body, this skirt is the perfect key piece for a bold but girly ensemble. 

Okay, this denim beauty wasn't in the sale but I couldn't resist. Originally I thought a light wash would be a bit risky because I don't have airbrushed pins like Miley Cyrus but hey ho, they'd look great with a tan!

I also love the high-waisted aspect of these shorts. Look cute on the beach in a bikini top or wear them tactfully to hide a midriff harbouring a food baby (me all the time). 

What a way to make shorts look more badass than to add a gold lion to a black chunky belt… BADASS! 

(Excuse the orangeness but Lady Gaga had more of a tan than me at the time)
I teamed my new fave shorts with a bright peach tee (also from River Island). I can't wait to wear them on holiday with some glads or flip-flops but why not go all Miley Cyrus on the world and team with some Docs?

I desperately needed some sunnies for my holiday because unfortunately my last ones cracked… from the heat of the sun… oh the irony. But I loved this tortoise shell pair from New Look- at just under a fiver, why not! *grabs a few more pairs*.

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!