A Week In Photos..

About 3 weeks ago I had a super busy week filled with all things fun! It involved a trip to London and two concerts (Ed Sheeran and The Killers). Here are a few of my favourite photos...

Ombré nails

Recently there has been a lot of hype about painting nails in an ombré style, it looks really effective and I certainly wanted to give it a go.

So what exactly are ombré nails? The word ombré is French, meaning "shaded”, i.e. one colour which slowly morphs into another colour.

What you will need:

•           Two colour polishes (Can complement one another or clash. From experience both work well)
•           Topcoat polish
•          Nail polish remover
•           Sponge
•          Cocktail sticks/Tooth picks
•           Plastic sheet (ie poly wallet) 

StarGazer Nail Polish 

Step 1:

Paint your nails with the lightest of the two colours and wait for it to dry completely.

     

Step 2:

On the plastic sheet, paint a generous amount of the two colours right next to each other (with the edges of the two just touching)

Step 3:

Using a cocktail stick/tooth pick, mix the edges of the two colours together using a swirling action. The bigger the mixed area, the longer the graduation (fade) between the two colours and by experimenting you will work out what amount of mixing suits your nail shape.

      

Step 4:      

Dab your sponge directly down onto the polish. Make up sponges work well, but I have found that cutting small pieces off a large bathroom sponge works the best. But you must ensure that the pieces of sponge have a flat edge to be dabbed into the polish.

      

Step 5:

Dab the sponge directly onto your nail, and keep dabbing lightly. Occasionally I found that I needed to repeat step 4 and 5 on each nail until I was happy with the result (as the sponge absorbs some of the polish). However, make sure each layer is completely dry before sponging again otherwise you will smudge the bottom layers. 

Step 6:

Once you are happy with the way your nails look and they are completely dry, paint over with a topcoat and carefully clean the skin around your nails with nail polish remover.

The finished result:

As mentioned you can go for more bold colours if you are feeling adventurous:

This effective technique was a lot easier to do than I anticipated, however my first few attempts took me a very long time to complete, but I have got quicker up with practice.

Statement Collar Necklaces.

Seventies-inspired glam has been sweeping the 2012 fashion scene and I have noticed that one of the biggest jewellery trends on the international runways has been the statement collar necklace which fit closely around the neck, sitting on the collar bone. They come in different styles, some being slim and some being thick.

I recently purchased myself a statement collar necklace in the Accessorize sale. I wasn’t sure whether I could pull it off as it is very different to the necklaces I usually wear. However over time I realised that they are in fact actually quite easy to pull off! I tend to pair my collar necklace with a simple neckline, such as one-shoulder tops, vest tops and strapless tops, ie: on bare skin for a 'tribal' look.

I have noticed that many people layer a collar necklace with a collared shirt. I am yet to try this look but it seems to be this season’s trend!

I don’t recommend wearing a collar necklace with big bold earrings, as it can take away the focus from the necklace. Instead I have found that wearing big rings or cuff bracelets works well. 

Hanging Out With Fearne Cotton!

A while ago I entered a competition via the Very.co.uk Facebook page to win the chance to hang out with Fearne Cotton via webcam and chat about all things fashion and her new Very.co.uk winter collection.

On 5^th September I received an e-mail saying that I had been selected to take part in #HangWithFearne the following day! I couldn’t believe it! I was going to be chatting with Fearne in less than 24hours!!!

So the day arrived and I was buzzing for 2.30pm to arrive. It took me absolutely ages to decide what to wear and I was so so excited!

At 2.30pm I logged onto my Google+ account ready for Very.co.uk to send me the hangout link. I had never used a hangout chat so I was very excited to see how it all worked. I then met the other successful girls and go to know the presenter. We were told the agenda and how the hangout would work etc. When Fearne came and sat infront of the camera we had a quick pre-broadcast chat about things such as babies and cake. She looked incredible and was so lovely.

At 3pm the hangout went live on the internet for fans to watch. I was so nervous, sat on my floor shaking and I still couldn’t believe that I had been lucky enough to get this amazing opportunity.

I was last to ask Fearne my questions, so I got listen to all the other girls ask their questions and Fearne’s replies. My turn arrived and just as I heard the presenter say my name, my internet cut out, the screen froze, and I couldn’t hear any sound. I started to panic!! I quickly managed to connect my internet again and finally ask Fearne a question, to which I got a lovely reply. I looked like such a fool as I was unsure whether they were able to see/hear me….but thankfully I was able to speak to Fearne, she listened, said my name and replied to my question….AMAZING!

Here is the hangout video:

I cannot thank Very.co.uk and Fearne Cotton enough for giving me this amazing opportunity! – 06/09/12, the day I spoke to Fearne Cotton, a day I will never forget! It was so lovely to virtually meet Fearne, the presenter and the other hangout girls. Congrats to Brianna and I hope she has an amazing time at Fearne’s London Fashion Week Show!