Relaunching Lulaa-Belle.

Things are changing here on Lulaa-belle. I want this space to be a creative outlet for my thoughts, my life, and a place for inspiration rather than just another blog crammed with product reviews. Product reviews are great and I turn to blogs for them myself when I need advice etc, but I've made the decision to start writing for myself and about the things I enjoy instead of focusing on mainly beauty; I know a large chunk of my readership comes from the many beauty posts I've accumulated over the past couple of years, but I feel like I'm ready for change. 

 I find myself being drawn to bloggers like Sonya Esman from Classisinternal who exuberate an energy that leaves me feeling so inspired, something that I hope to achieve from my blog some day. My mind has been full of thoughts that I've wanted to share on Lulaa-belle but have held back because it never fit with the overall theme of my blog. Putting more energy into lifestyle posts and writing whatever my mind desires will allow me to find the freedom I've been looking for. 

I'm not entirely sure where this is going to go in all honesty. When bloggers spruce up their blog, it's normally a form of re-branding, change of layout whilst having a clear idea of the posts that will follow. But just as we are all human, and we don't know what life has in store for us, I'm just going with it.. and for it. This has been a long time coming, but expect this space to change as we do. My head space is very different compared to where I was two years ago so this is a move towards creative freedom instead of pigeonholing myself into one category of blogging. 

You can still find me at Lulaa-belle but titling this space with my name is a case of personal preference, a way of connecting to my writing. 

As I've already mentioned, this has been a long time coming and just as I have done today, do something everyday to get closer to where you want to be : - )

I'm part of the short hair clan! - My new short tousled style

I haven't braved hair this short since the age of thirteen - to say it was a tragedy then is an understatement - but I decided a couple of weeks ago to take the plunge and at my own risk, cut it short... thirteen-year-old-Laura short. 

My longer hair had really run its course. Long, split ends sprouting everywhere, ratty and damaged, this was more than just a 'trim' job, it had to be chopped off. I'd made the decision to cut my hair, knowing I had to wait a week to get an appointment, so I detested it; no matter how much I faffed around with the style, it was U.G.L.Y. Chucking it in a top knot was the only solution. 

Now i've finally had it cut, I just love it. It's so much easier to maintain and when I wake up, that's it. I don't have to bother styling it or playing around with it because finally, the short and messy unkept do is IN. 

Alexa Chung's perfectly tousled hair and Fearne Cotton's volumised locks are the inspiration for my new style; who knew how chic the just-rolled-out-of-bed look could be? 

However, in 2007, it wasn't so chic; growing up being really picky and conscious about my image didn't help with my confidence at all. Throw in a short haircut that I didn't know how to look after, and there you go... a mid-life crisis at the age of thirteen. Back then it was all about having perfectly straight hair - which I don't have but desperately craved - and I was obsessed with straightening it every morning, every night because I hated having wavy hair that stuck out all over the place. Now, I feel like the natural wave and messiness of my hair really makes this look, waking up and not having to put much of an effort in is a real relief... in fact, I might go a little shorter! 

It's been a journey, but I finally feel like me and my hair can have a healthy relationship, however it decides to be in the mornings!

Oh, and i've also cut out fake tan after my unhealthy obsession over the summer, so you could say it's the first big step towards being a more natural me!

Let me know if you have any short hair styling tips that you're loving this season!

Evening dress design inspired by magnificent mesh!

Whilst watching the Eurovision, I decided to get my sketch on and it developed into this! I love mesh; it's my favourite trend at the moment. It's sleek, sexy and so sophisticated when worn it the right way!

This design was inspired by glamorous Gothic chic; a tight knee length body with black mesh sleeves. Lilac screams summer and with many pastel shades hitting the high streets, I wanted to add a sexy twist by adding the colour black- rock chick ready!

Recently, I have been drawn to backless dresses. They're the most subtle way of showing off lots of skin without making the wrong impression (however finding the right bra would be a challenge).

Wear with a simple Kardashian up-do to highlight the beautiful backless aspect of the dress, dark lip and black strappy platforms and stand out in any room!

This is the first time I've incorporated my passion for art into my blog and I can't wait to get creative and show you all of my ideas! 

A blogger entering the world of fitness: GYM PROBLEMS!

Photograph from www.picturecorrect.com 

A glamorous world of boobs, bums, tums, perfect faces and tiny waists or hard graft grunting, sweating and aching? The gym is either loved or loathed. As a curious beauty blogger, I have entered the world of fitness, hoping to get abs like slabs and biceps bigger than my boyfriends. Getting into the routine of going three times a week has been tough, but whilst on my mission, there have been a few things I've noticed. 

1) Couples workouts: Cute or Cringe? 

There always seems to be a couple, perfect in many ways, who are just there to make you feel inferior. Cute? Sometimes. Yes, they must have worked for years chiseling those abs and sculpting that form, but going to the gym topless (the guy) and sports bra and shorts that could be mistaken for knickers (the girl).. really? 

Me and Sam go to the gym together and there are just as many positives as downfalls. Firstly, you have to look hot. Whether it's what you wear to a quick scruffy but sexy up do- that you obviously spent ages doing; you will always try to impress. 

Sam is much more active and fitter than me… unfortunately… and I have to admit that I do from time to time boost the effort level to the same or higher than his to make it look like I can handle the heat. After flying across the gym and landing on my bum after falling off the treadmill, I think I learnt my lesson!

2) Uh oh! Bumping into someone you know: 

It will always happen- at the times you least want to be seen. When rocking out in a messy bun, baggy tee and no make-up, the dreaded call of your name by a familiar being is SO annoying. 

It could be a girlfriend you love seeing, but there is nothing worse than gossiping whilst panting heavily on the cross trainer or treadmill- unless they want to be covered in spit and die at the sight of my painful workout face! 

If it's someone you haven't seen in a long time, it's perfectly acceptable to say "yeah I'm here all the time" to try and impress. Who doesn't want that "she's looooookin goooood since seeing her at college" compliment?

3) Style:

Being a beauty and fashion blogger, of course the first thing on my mind is looking good. Who said you can't look fabulous at the gym? Whether you're curvy or straight up and down, it's important to find the right gym wear for you… as I've learnt. 

My best bud is the cross trainer, but like most of the cardio equipment, it involves a lot of going up and down… bad news if you're a girl with boobs. After looking down and seeing they have a life of their own, I decided to get a decent sports bra. But there's no harm in wearing a bra underneath for extra support! 

A girls best friend is also a good pair of comfy gym leggings. However, I have seen plenty of catastrophes with see-through malfunctions, revealing knicker lines here there and everywhere! Check the lines gurrrrlllsssss. 

4) Competition? 

Girls compare. But at the gym that is just escalated. It's fine to have a sneaky peak at the talent; how can you not with boobs and bums flying everywhere! 

I think many girls have a mental image of what they want to look like when their body is at their best but there's no harm in having a mental notepad… "I  want abs like hers and maybe if I got my arse in gear I could get legs like hers".

Whilst others see it as competition, I use it as motivation. There's nothing more empowering than seeing women grow with confidence and work to be the best they can be.    

5) Which Category do you fall in? 

The gym is a mini society in its own right and there are cliques; if you thought you'd be leaving them in school, you are wrong! I have seen:

- The guys who go just to socialise 

- The guys who like to look at themselves in the mirror 

-The guys who go to actually work hard 

-The guys who like to grunt really loud to show everyone how hard they are working… yes yes well     done. 

- The girls who wear hardly anything and know they look good… god forbid they ruin their makeup! 

- The girls who get down to the nitty gritty and don't care what they look like

- The girls who know what they're doing.. move away lads, it's time for the ladies to hit the weights!

But most importantly… which one are you?

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*.

Bloggers Love Fashion Week

Hello world! Yes yes I'm still here. Sorry blog for neglecting you due to never-ending exams and assignments; I solemnly swear to never neglect you again… until the next batch of assignments and exams! 

Now, there has been plenty of hype about Bloggers Love Fashion Week, and I was lucky enough to be invited on day 2- hosted by Debenhams! Firstly, the venue couldn't have been better. Who wouldn't want to sit in Penthouse looking over Leicester Square with the perfect backdrop of the London Eye and Big Ben. It's one of them moments when you think "ahh, this is why I'm living in London". 

The Debenhams spring/ summer collections were gorgeous considering I only ever shop in the beauty department. With beautiful bold prints, colours, androgynous tailoring and ombre ensembles from Jonathan Saunders, Preen and Todd Lynn; I have truly been inspired to update my summer wardrobe.  

Check out some snaps from the event! (with my loyal Lumix camera that only just recovered from being drenched in water..oops) 

Glamorous jewellery by Red Herring

The cutest cupcakes that I felt guilty for devouring… look how adorable they are though! 

I probably took about ten photographs of this dress. I'm quite fussy when it comes to fashion, but when I spot something I like, that means I LOVE it! The colours are perfect for summer and the cut is cute and casual- definitely something you find in my wardrobe.

These are a few bits I picked up from the event- lucky me! I will be posting more soon about some of the products, so keep an eye out fellow bloggers!

River Island Iridescent Clutch!

Introducing everybody to the latest edition of my ever-growing wardrobe- this fabulous little iridescent clutch bag that caught my eye many months ago! 

I originally spotted it in River Island in a sea of pastel bags of all shapes and sizes, and being a bit of a magpie when it comes to shiny things, I just couldn't help myself. It was love at first sight of course, and when our eyes met again on ASOS- it was a sign. I had to purchase! 

Made from a cracked iridescent fabric, I was mainly drawn in by the colour; a gorgeous petrol blue that differs from your usual pastels and neutral shades. It's also over sized which I loved because I don't tend to go for smaller clutches. They're basically the size of a purse so squeezing in a phone, lippy and a compact would be a challenge! This clutch is what I like to call 'sensible', with plenty of space for items not necessarily needed on a night out (but I pack them in anyway), and a gold chain in case I fancy propping it on my shoulder.

So, the colour may be a little… out there, but I can't wait to take this baby out on Friday in all of its shimmering glory! I plan to wear this with a little black playsuit, therefore making the petrol blue clutch my bold statement piece. However, wearing with other bold patterns and colours would add a quirky twist. 

You know what they say, you can't buy love or happiness- but you can buy a new bag!