Fashion Fix Friday 5: Beach Essentials

I am now discovering how fast time is moving. I handed in my notice last month and yesterday was my last day at work. Now I have a big adventure ahead as I will be leaving the family nest to move to Bristol and start my new job.

We have been taking some well needed rest breaks in Gambia, Morocco, Lanzarote, and hopefully soon Ibiza and our next holiday destination in June once we figure out where to go lol

With the English weather being sketchy e.g. one minute sun the next thunderstorms, everyone is thinking about that next destination abroad to jet away to. I know some of you have been in the gym preparing that body for summer and of course you will want the right beachwear to flaunt your hard work.

*All pictures courtesy of Pinterest.com*

Swimwear

Each of these styles of swimwear will suit all body types. If you are top heavy; go for a halter to help support and create shape. If you are like me petite and not blessed with breasts; go for a printed bandeau or ruffled bandeau to distract from that area. If you are considered pear shaped or have an hourglass figure; go for a high waisted pant bikini to define your shape and create that amazing pin up style. If you want to cover up choose a figure fitting swimsuit with small cut out details, or alternatively if you want a sexy swimsuit go for an extreme cut out to add sex appeal.

Beach Cover Up

I think beach cover ups are necessary as you want to look modest on your way to the beach. Personally, I find it respectful to cover up until I arrive at the beach when I am on vacation abroad. But covering up does not need to be boring. You can make it sexy with a short, sheer kaftan to display and not hide that beautiful new swimwear or a long and floaty maxi dress/kaftan to create that Grecian Goddess vibe. Alternatively, if you are quite active at the beach I would opt for a playsuit, so that you are covered up but still have enough flexibility to move around freely.

Footwear

The most common beach footwear are flip flops, they are flat, lightweight and easy footwear to pack in your suitcase for the beach. However, if you are a 90s baby like me, you will notice the old favourites ...jelly sandals are making a come back. You can either opt for the original designed heeled 90s jelly sandal or go with the new updated Jeffrey Campbell version with stud detailing. Jellies are practical as they are waterproof, come in a variety of colours and on trend. On the flip side, to keep it cute and sexy I would go for a platform wedge to elongate the legs; and give the illusion that I have that coveted height of the models.

Accessories

Of course you will need a bag to carry your essential reading material, beach towel, phone etc. I would opt for a large canvas beach bag or a straw beach bag; as they are easy to clean and light enough to not add extra weight to you luggage *I struggle with weight a lot when packing*. Another necessity is the beach hat to protect you from some of the sun rays. If you really want to be protected go for a large floppy hat, or if you want less coverage go for the straw Fedora which always goes well. Alternatively, I understand that a lot of people forgo the beach hats to avoid hat hair. But there is still a way to protect your self and keep your hairstyle. I would opt for a visor, which protects your face but does not cover your head...and works perfect for me when I have my afro out.

Sunglasses

Last but not least, is sunglasses. Protecting your eyes from the sun and also creating shade so you can see your beautiful surroundings is important. Sunglasses come in many styles from cat-eye, wayfarer, aviator etc. Each style will match perfectly with whichever look you choose to go for. The best thing about sunglasses is that you don't need to buy every style as one should be able to go with everything.

What are your key beach essentials?

Hugs and Kisses

I don't know about you but I'm feeling 22

Hi Belles,

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter then you will know about 2 weeks ago I turned 22.

Me,my mum & sister decided on a last minute long weekend getaway to the canaries to visit the island of Lanzarote. Although this trip was in celebration of my birthday, I treated it more as a relaxing holiday to enjoy the 33 degree weather and to take my mind off work. I flew out on my actual birthday so I didn't get to gorge on a big cake,  but my mum brought along my favourite Fiona Cairn cupcakes on the trip :)

I loved the vibe of Yaiza, Playa Blanca, the city is beautiful with white buildings/houses everywhere,the food is amazing, the golden sand beaches are gorgeous and the marina is so pretty! Plus it has sunshine all year round....I am definitely feeling the holiday blues whilst typing this post but I will be revisiting Lanzarote in future, as its the perfect holiday destination .

Have you been to Lanzarote before or planning on going away this Summer ?

Peace , Love & Besos

MAC 'Young Punk' Eyeshadow

One of the highlights over the past few months other than going away to hotter climates , is that I have had to chance to visit duty free MAC stores. Although I can't go too crazy, as I don't like to add uneccessary extra weight to my cabin or hand luggage. I did tend to pick up a couple of items to add to my collection, 2 eyeshadows (Trax & Young Punk) and re-purchased my NW45 studio fix powder.

Young Punk is my first Mineralize eyeshadow, it is described by MAC as a black with pinkish purple pearl shade.  I was instantly drawn to the pan when I saw this at the stand as it looked so pretty for a grungy smokey eye look.

One thing I like about this eyeshadow is the 2 in 1 effect. When used dry, it can be sheer but once used wet the colour pay off and pigmentation is beautifully intensified . I will admit that when applying the eyeshadow dry it has a really dark blackened base with purple shimmer particles resulting in a lot of glitter fall out, making it much harder to blend without weakening the actual shade colour .I prefer using a damp brush on application as the formula is easier to blend and shows more of an intense purple shimmer with less glitter fall out.

In terms of staying power,  without a primer or base it can stay on the lids for 4 hours without creasing, however after 6 hours, you will begin to notice significant creasing. The packaging is like most MAC products, housed in black plastic with a transparent lid with the signature MAC logo. It also comes with a small plastic cover to protect the eyeshadow and helps to keep the packaging clean from fall out during storage.  

MAC Young Punk retails for £17.00 online and instore. However due to purchasing it from duty free I believe I only paid £15.

Have you tried any of the MAC Mineralize eyeshadows?

Peace , Love & Besos

Fashion Fix Friday 4: Colour Trend Report

Hi!!!!

Sorry I have been MIA for these past Fridays. But I have been a very busy bee and trying to get my life sorted out. As I mentioned previously I am moving to Bristol in a matter of weeks. I can't believe I am taking this huge step and moving out from the family for a job in a totally new city far away from home. So these past weekends and any spare moment in between work I have been flat hunting. Fingers crossed I find the perfect home soon.

In addition to flat hunting I have been on holiday to the gorgeous island Lanzarote, but don't worry a post about our belle aventure will follow shortly.

So belles, this week I would like to do a Colour Trend Report on my opinion of the trending colours for Spring.

*All pictures credited to style.com*

WHITE

Left - Right: Blumarine | Elie Saab | House of Holland | Isabel Marant | Zuhair Murad | Zuhair Murad

I think White is a key colour for Spring it is crisp clean and makes any outfit look chic. For a bold statement add a bright bold or neon colour for that extra added pop.

METALLICS

Left - Right: Balenciaga | Balmain | Bottega Veneta | Felder Felder | Gucci | Gucci

Metallics are great in summery weather as well as under those glitzy evening lights. The way metallic fabrics catch the lights creates lovely two-toned colours as the underlying colour shines through. Wear with black to accentuate the colour, or wear with white to soften the metallic shine.

BLACK & WHITE

Left - Right: Balenciaga | Blumarine | Carolina Herrera | Dsquared | Emanuel Ungaro | Fendi

Black and White will always be a key staple colour. Always have these staple colours in your wardrobe as they will forever remain a classic. They are great for the office as well as a very chic outfit on a night out.

PINK

Left - Right: Balmain | Dsquared | Elie Saab | Felder Felder | Fendi | House of Holland

Pink is such a warm and subtle colour for spring. It is soft and alluring at the same time. To keep if warm pair it with neutral and pastel colours. To use is as a statement team it with all black and gold accessories.

PASTELS

Left - Right: Azzaro | Burberry Prorsum | Elie Saab | Felder Felder | House of Holland | Zuhair Murad

Pastels are a must have for Spring they are very much the same as the pinks in the way that they are warm, cool and fresh. Team with other pastels to create a light and playful outfit.

BLACK

Left - Right: Elie Saab | Emilio Pucci | Gucci | Oscar De La Renta | Zuhair Murad | Zuhair Murad

Black will always remain prevalent in every trending colour. It will always look sleek and fitting to any silhouette. It is best to team it with metallic silvers and golds. I always love to wear all black with gold jewellery to create an easy outfit for a dinner date or drinks.

What are your favourite colours for Spring?

Hugs and Kisses