Versatile Blogger Award

Hey Belles!

We have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Nkechi from The Simple View, thank you for nominating us :)

Rules

1. Nominate fellow bloggers
2. Let them know you nominated them
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself
4. Thank the blogger that nominated you
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your blog

7 random facts about Shanaz...

1. I have my nose pierced
2. I am early bird in the morning , I can never have a lie in even if im really tired.
3. I love sweets, im a major sweetaholic
4. I enter so many competitions, since 2009 I have won over 40+ including a samsung camera which I currently use .
5. My makeup collection is full of Sleek Makeup , MUA & a few MAC products
6. I love the smell of blown out matches
7.  Love & Basketball is my favourite love film :)

7 random facts about Kamarla...  

1. I am double jointed in most of my joints (odd I know)
2. I watch so many TV shows its unbelievable, more than 100+
3. I don't eat chocolate, because KitKat made me go off all chocolate
4. I used to be a Gymnast and do Taekwondo
5. I eat loads and can still never put on even a tiny bit of weight
6. I've met Rihanna twice
7. I am definitely not an early bird in the morning unless I have to be for work or uni :)
 

I nominate...

EVERYONE

 

Christian Louboutin Exhibition

*Note: Picture heavy post*

Hi!!!

OK, I know I said we couldn't take pictures of the Exhibition, however we were surprised we were allowed to take pictures of a few shoes outside. I can't express  how much these pictures do not do Louboutin's talent justice. 

First things first Christian Louboutin is a GENIUS and will remain my favourite shoe designer. I can now understand the love the Kardashians and Victoria Beckham have for his designs. Not only did the exhibition feature so many gorgeous, sexy red soled shoes, but we were also treated to a holographic burlesque  performance from the great Dita Von Teese. Apart from heavenly shoe designs *and some crazy designs that were not only out of the box, but were out of this world :)* we also learned a lot about Christian as a person himself. He is a self made success through his sheer hard work and recognisable talent of understanding what women look for in shoes. We look for shoes that are classy with an element of sexy, and the addition of the red sole, shows that there is more than meets the eye, adding an aire of mystery.

I could go on for ever, but you would really have to see his work in detail to appreciate the true master of shoes. Also at the event was Lucozade, who were there promoting their new light energising drink Lucozade Revive by giving out FREE bottles, and of course we were all too happy to oblige. The bottles contain a blend of B vitamins. B3 fights tiredness, while B5, B6 & B12 help with everyday energy release. And with just 50 calories in every naturally flavoured bottle. It comes in three refreshing flavours; Lemongrass with Ginger, Cranberry with Acai, and Orange with Acai. We all tried each one and would definitely give them a thumbs up :)

Anyways, after the exhibition we had a lovely stroll along the River Thames taking in the sights and just generally enjoying the surprisingly mild weather. All in all it was a fun day with lots of laughs and jokes.

Hugs and Kisses

My Ideal Summer Capsule Wardrobe

My Ideal Summer Capsule Wardrobe by Kamarla 

Hi Belles

I decided to create my ideal summer capsule wardrobe. If the English weather would be kind to us and gives us more sun instead of rain and wind, I would be able to wear nice summery outfits. But were not lucky enough yet so I decided to imagine nice outfits that I could wear *if I had the funds and weather* :)

I styled the outfits in columns for different occasions, but they can mix and match to make other great outfits.

Column 1 - Party/ Clubbing: I chose to go very bold with this look by adding the neon yellow, to keep within the neon trend, and ensure all eyes are on you while you are partying away on the dance floor. The floral print also keeps the look very summery, but also shows a playful side.
Items used:

Neon Biker Jacket - Topshop - £58
Bodycon dress - Miss Selfridge - £35
Clutch - Zara - £19.99
Heels - Garage Shoes - £29.99

Column 2 - Beach babe: I went with a fresh aqua green theme, to keep the look bold and bright, as the sun will be shining down on you and will compliment any skin tone or tan :). The wedge heels will look sexy on the beach to elongate those legs, while also providing great comfort if you decide to take a stroll along the beach front (you can also mix and match the foot wear with Column 3, if you are not comfortable with heels)

Items used:
Bikini bandeau - Matalan - £5
Bikini briefs - Matalan - £4
Sun hat - H&M - £9.99
Beach dress - H&M - £14.99
Bag - H&M - £14.99
Wedges - ASOS - £110.00

Column 3 - Festivals/ Park: I think this look is perfect for festivals or just a casual trip to sunbathe in the park with friends. It's a simple yet stylish look due to the cool mint green theme. I think a pair of white shorts and a white vest is a staple in any summer wardrobe, as it matches with anything and provides a nice base, which can  be changed by accessorising. I chose sandals to compliment this look as standing on your feet all day at a festival, or running around in a park may not be as fun if your in heels.
Items used:
Cropped jacket - River Island - £45
Vest -   Miss Selfridge (sold out)
Shorts - H&M - £4.99
Bag - Wallis - £15
Sandals - ASOS - £22

Column 4 - Office/ Wedding: The peach and orange colour tone is warm but also bright without putting all the focus on you. The combination of the pieces work well together to create a structured stylish look that is appropriate for a wedding or the office. The bag could also be swapped for a clutch if that is what you prefer for the wedding. The jacket is optional in case you need to wear a suit jacket for a meeting, but can be removed for a wedding.
Items used:
Blazer - H&M - £29.99
Dress - Dorothy Perkins - £28
Bag - Zara - £39.99
Heels - Christian Louboutin - £375

Column 5 - Smart casual: Keeping with the summery trend I decided to go with a bold pink colour scheme. The dipped hem skirt provides great movement, that makes you seem like your gliding along the street or across to the bar if your out for drinks. I teamed the skirt with a white studded bandeau to add an edgy side to this girly look.
Items used:
Blazer - Quiz - £39.99
Crop top - Miss Selfridge - £24
Dipped hem maxi skirt - River Island - £40
Bag - River Island - £25
Heels - Missguided - £29.99

Column 6 - Shopping Trip: I kept this look very casual but also went with a nautical theme. Although this is a casual look, it is still stylish without looking boring. The red, patent bowling bag keeps the look crisp and clean, but the cropped, bleached washed denim jacket keeps the look young. The red vans draws the bag together with the look, but also provides comfort and style for those long hours of retail therapy.
Items used:
Denim jacket - Republic - £20
Vests - House of Fraser - £9.75
Jeans - Fashion Union - £22
Bag - Mango - £24.99
Vans - Schuh - £45


Also I'm going to the Christian Louboutin Exhibition tomorrow at the Design Museum which is going to be fun as Christian Louboutin is my favourite shoe designer. However, no photography is allowed unfortunately, so no pics I'm afraid.

What would you put in your summer capsule wardrobe and is anyone else going to the Christian Louboutin Exhibition?

Hugs and Kisses

Free Barclaycard Payband for Wireless Festival 2012 Goers!!!!!

Hiiiii,

To all those who will be attending Barclaycard Wireless Festival 2012 at Hyde Park, I have some good news.

Good ol' sponsored bank Barclaycard are trailing out their new service called 'Payband' which is a contactless payment wristband, and giving Wireless festival goers the chance to use the service for free if you are attending this July either on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th. Even better still is you do not have to be a Barclaycard customer to experience this new form of contactless payment.

Source: Wireless Festival Official Website

How to use Barclaycard Payband?

Using a Barclaycard payband is pretty simple. All you have to do is spend a maximum of £20 per transaction at the festival, then when payment is required is tap the PayBand on the payment terminal , wait for it to beep , allow the four visual indicators to illuminate and a confirmation message to show the payment has been approved and you’re done!

Note: If you spend over £20 your transaction will be rejected.

Checking the balance on your payband is easy as you will be able to do so at the Barclaycard PayBand Help Desk at Wireless or on www.barclaycardpayband.com.  They have also included an automatic top-up option similar to the Oystercard whereby if your balance goes below £20, it will automatically top up your funds by either £20 , £30, £40 or £50. This means you won’t need to queue up at Barclaycard Wireless to top-up your PayBand!!!!

As this is temporary service during the Wireless festival, the payband will expire on 9th July. However, if you have any remaining balances on the payband , this will be returned to the registered card on 19th July.

All you have to do is register here for free before 20th June 2012, to not miss out on the following perks at the festival:

Buy things quickly: Get a snack or round in with
 just a tap of your PayBand

Make an entrance: Head to the fast lanes and
 get straight to the heart of the festival

Escape the crowds: Relax in the Unwind Perk
 Park, with its luxury toilets and chill-out area

Grab a freebie: collect your free festival goodies (lanyards & bags)
 and get the chance to win exclusive prizes (Side-stage view)

Have a drink on us: When you register for auto
 top-up, we’ll treat you to an extra £5 on top of your first
 load 

To find out further information click here

The fact that you get access to luxury toilets, a photobooth and a chill out area, including freebies such as limited edition festival bag, has enticed me enough to go ahead and apply for one!

I advise you not to hang about as paybands are limited!!!  

Peace, Love & Besos

Nail Art and Paintings

Hey guys

I thought a quick update was needed on my nails. I decided this time to go with a Tiffany and Co design inspired by my earrings. Here they are a fresh mint green with polka dots, and a white bow on the ring finger.

 Mint Green 304, Matt White 66, Black 47

These are the three paintings I decided to paint. I thought I would go with a cute floral theme. I'm not sure what I'm going to paint next, but please bear in mind that I'm am not an artist I just paint or draw casually as a hobby. Painting is so relaxing, but because I'm a perfectionist I'm never happy with it as I always see the faults. 

I also find out my final degree results soon, which I am so nervous about its unbelievable *God help me*. It's quite funny how one little piece of paper can decide your life. But I will attempt to remain calm and positive, and find other things to keep me busy and stop me thinking about it 

Does anyone else draw or paint? I would love to see other people's art :)

Hugs and Kisses

3 for £1 - Sally Hansen Lip Products

Who knew you could get 3 Sally Hansen lip products for a £1?!..... Well at Poundland you can!!!

Poundland tend to sell cosmetics from famous brands such as Rimmel, Revlon, Collection 2000 &; more and I discovered that they sell an assorted 3 pack of Sally Hansen products. One advantage of this pack is that is totally random as it could be a mix pack full of makeup from lipstick  to lipglosses,  nail polish and creme blush.

Anyway I was lucky enough to find a pack full of lip products, which is by far my favourite makeup staple which is always constantly growing!

 Sally Hansen Line Smoothing Mineral Lip Treatment in Amethyst

The shade of this product is a light pastel plum colour with very tiny particles of glitter. It has a slight sweet menthol scent  . The actual formula contains micro mineral pigments which boost lip radiance, , retinol which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and vitamins to help condition the lip area especially if you are prone to dry lips. In terms of the consistency , it is not too thick allowing the gloss to glide on smoothly . I found the packaging to not be exceptional but it is ok, the lid kind of reminds me of the Youth Dew perfume bottle by Estee Lauder . It unfortunately comes with a doe foot applicator but you can always apply it with a lip brush, if you have one of course!

Sally Hansen Natural Butter Lip Shine in Fresh

I love the peach/nude colour of this mosturising lipgloss, the scent is really nice too. The texture is very smooth, lightweight and non drying to your lips due to the inclusion of natural ingredients in particular sheer butter. This will definitely become a staple in my summer handbag. The packaging is cute and it comes with a brush applicator which I prefer compared to the doe applicator.

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty ( inspired by Carmindy) Color Comfort Lip Colour in Garnet

This lipstick is moisturing and long-wearing. When I read that it was Garnet (Raspberry blue red) , I initially thought I would not like the colour as I am not too keen on the birthstone colour but I was too quick to judge because when I applied this to my lips, there was an instant connection and now I think this will become a staple for nights out. The packaging reminds me somewhat of Superdrug MUA brand  as it shows the colour of the lipstick at the rear end, however it is much sleeker and not as cheap looking like MUA.

Belle advice : Go out to your local poundland and purchase a pack as £1 for 3 products is an absolute bargain!!!!!

My Rating

Product: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★★★

Packaging: ★★★★

Quality: ★★★★

Peace, Love & Besos 

Ugos Boutique

While we was at Afro Hair & Beauty Live 2012 on the Jubilee weekend,we were was introduced to a company called 'Ugo Boutique'

www.ugosboutique.com

Ugo boutique is a UK fashion brand, based in London specialising in African inspired accessories.

We had the pleasure of meeting and talking to the beautiful owner/designer of Ugo's Boutique "Ugonna Hosten" who I have to say was so lovely & instantly made us fall in love her creations and the  brand.

According to their website Ugo Boutique describe themselves as an "afro-pop fashion accessories label, presenting you with exceedingly delicious arm candy"

All their products are unique and all handmade . They create oilcloth bags in African fabric, which include trimmed polished leather . Ugonna informed me that the " fabrics are treated in a high gloss finish which make the accessories highly durable and waterproof". This is perfect for someone like ourselves as we happen to go to 02 Wireless music festival in Hyde Park annually and am always on the hunt for the most durable , lightweight and medium sized bag to carry throughout the day.

Ugo Boutique sell a range of accessories which include tote bags, duffle bags, rucksacks, holdalls and clutch purchases, which range from £20 - £150 which I have to say are not priced badly for limited edition products which are an investment as they will last so much longer than your usual high street bags.

Also I nearly forgot to mention that if you you spend over £100 delivery is free and they dispatch your order within 24 hours, which is perfect for any last minute gifts.

Check out their website here. Also like the facebook page  & follow them on twitter click here.

This has  already been added this to the pinterest wish list, by the end of summer we expect to make a purchase. 

Peace , love & Besos

Illamasqua's Eurydice lipstick

Last month, I was lucky enough to win a blog competition from pearlsandpoodles   in collaboration with Illamasqua .

The prize was as you can guess from the title the new Eurydice lipstick from the Human Fundamentalism collection. Now I have never tried any products from Illasmasqua but I can finally say I am no longer an Illasmaqua virgin :)

Sleek Black Packaging

Eurydice is described as a highly pigmented bright fuchsia lipstick with a matt finish; obviously due to it being matte it is not moisturing so I would advise either priming lips beforehand with a lip primer or just applying some lip balm, so it can apply smoothly to your lips either with or without a lip brush. Also it has a high staying power as it does slightly stain your lips.

I love the bold shade of this lipstick as it is perfect for the summer especially if you want to go out with minimal eye makeup and a bright lip combination. I would say you have to build up the lipstick if you want the full bright colour to show up. Also it is great at making your teeth look pearly white.

Lipstick swatch

This retails for £15.50 and is available online at  Illasmasqua online store or in stores such as Debenhams, Selfridges  and Harvey Nichols.

My Rating

Product: ★★★★

Price: ★★★

Packaging: ★★★★

Quality: ★★★★

Peace , Love & Besos