Monday, 8 December 2014

Advent Day 8 | Christmas Sparkle


Day 8, hazaaahhh! Now what could be more Christmasy than some sparkly nails? Not a lot. They look great at Christmas functions, or just to brighten up your day.

For the Black nails, we used a black Barry M for the base. We then used Revelon 'sequin' gold glitter over the top. If you're feeling creative you can try to make pattens or a gradient effect with the glitter. It's entirely up to you.


We then used Barry M in the shade 'Pomegranate' for the base colour, with AVON 'Opal' over the top to create the sparkly effect.


These ever so Christmasy nails are created by using Topshop nail varnish in the shade 'Jem'. It could take 3/4 coats depending on how much sparkle you actually want.

Have fun people, see you tomorrow!

LLB x

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Advent Day 7 | Style Icon | Kate Middleton

Advent day 7, and we're all about the style icons. The people you admire, with the outfits you're dying to replicate but for a fraction of the cost. Infact scrap admire, you want to BE them. This post is dedicated to future Queen of Great Britain, and all round godess in every sense, Kate Middleton aka Duchess of Cambridge. Yes, perfect Kate. Heir to the throne Hubby, adorable son, another baby on the way. Amazing wardrobe, fantastic family, cute dog and sensational style. Annoyingly nice person complete with beautiful face and figure. We want it all. In the realisation that we'll never have all those things, the closest we could get is pick some of our fave looks of hers, and find high street alternatives. We are also aware that some of her looks she was pregnant (first time round from what we remember) so we've found some pregancy and non- pregnant alternatives to suit everyone! Pregnant or not pregant, you'll want to replicate Kate's style. And the best part, there's another royal baby on the way, so we can expect to see some more amazing maternity looks in the near future. And for those of you not pregant, after Easter time, we can look forward to some even more stylish outfits. Win Win. Before we commense, there is only one thing left to say: WE LOVE YOU KATE. That is all.

1. Coast, £175 // 2. Coast, £175 // 3. ASOS, £50 // 4. Oasis, £68 (Now £40) 

One of our all time fave Kate looks is this stunning Alexander McQueen gown. Kate is a massive fan of Alexander McQueen. But we all knew that right? Her amazing wedding dress being deigned by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen was kinda a big clue. We love everything about this BAFTA dress, from the nipped in waist, to the oodles of flowing fabrics. As lovely as this dress is, we appreciate not everyone can afford the beauty of such dresses. So, we tried to find some alternatives. The fist two dresses are from Coast. They look remarkably similar,but at a fraction of the price. The pastel colours really replicate Kate's dress, without trying to be a direct cheap copy. Although these dresses are not maternity, you probably could get away with it in the early stages. The third dress is from ASOS< and the fourth from Oasis. The burgandy one is also a good replica, but obviously with extra room for a growing tummy. The last dress is not maternity, but gives a great bright alternative to the pastel shades. Basically, you look like Kate but for a half  the price, what could be better?

1. Newlook, £49.99 // 2. H&M, £49.99





Another of our most desired Kate numbers is this stylish dress and coat combi. Kate is pictured here wearing a Topshop collared shift dress with a plain coat from 'Goat'. This look is so easy to achieve, yet it looks so understated and elegant. And hey, if Topshop is good enough for the future Queen, it's more than good enough for us. If you're looking to inject a touch of colour to the look, then this collared coat from New Look is the answer. It will achieve the desired look, with a twist. Plus keep you warm, and also cheap as chips. If you're looking to stay closer to the original look (and who wouldn't) this plainer number from H&M will do the trick nicely. Radiant as ever, this was one of Kate's first public appearances after announcing the baby news, and suffering from severe morning sickness. Despite this, we think Kate still looks bloody marvvy to be honest. These coats have such a flattering shape, who'd have known she was pregnant here? Well obviously all of us, because we all stalk her, but get the point.

1. ASOS, £38 // 2. (Top) Ted Baker, £149 // 3. Missguided, £29.99

























On their recent Australian Tour; Wills, Kate and Baby Prince George stunned the commonwealth country with how easily they had settled into the new dynamic of family life and their genuine happiness. They beamed from ear to ear, embracing everything from War Memorials to play groups for George. Whilst everyone was understandably attempting to catch a glimpse of the new baby Prince, it could have been assumed that Kate's wardrobe might not have created the mass hysteria it has done previously. And being a new mum, K Middy could have easily been forgiven for arriving in her sweatpants and large sunglasses. Or even postponed the tour until Baby George was a little older. However, being the seasoned pro that she is,  Kate of course, was on top form. From sunrise to set, not a hair was out of place. And then there was the outfits. This practical but delicate lace dress was the object of many desires. Being in sheer awe of Kate, we were inspired to find some cheaper alternatives at ASOS, Ted Baker and Missguided. For the summer weather, a cool lace pastel dress is a fashion statement. They look great paired with wedges, or with canvas shoes for a more relaxed look.

We love this picture, so we couldn't resist!

Saturday, 6 December 2014

Advent Day 6 | What we're loving... | British Fashion Awards

Ahhh... the joyous occassion of the British Fashion Awards (BFA hereafter). The celebs come out in their finest to accept and present awards based on their sheer style sassiness. There was many feasts for the eye, both the guys and gals did not disappoint. Lets look at the highlights in closer inspection:

Inspiration to many Alexa Chung wowed in a covered up Emilia Wickstead dress with Paul Andrew heels.


Power pouty couple, Victoria in her own label (of course), and David wearing Dior.


Music Maestro/utter babe/all round God... in a seriously stylish (like what we did there) Lanvin suit. It seems Haz was pulling out all the stops in his pinstriped suit. From where we're sitting, it certainly didn't disappoint.


Yes, Harry's ex 'friend' Kenny Jenner was there too. Awks? We don't think so. Harry being the most mature 20 year old to ever grace the planet means they probably had a hug and chatted about slippers and philosophy. What a hun. Having said that, KenDALL scrubbed up pretty well herself, rocking a Emilio Pucci jumpsuit a pair of jaw dropping Christian Louboutin heels. It really was a shame Kenny was flying solo, unaccompanied by any of the Kardashian clan, but due to Kendall's new found supermodel status, it seemed appropriate she would be there to rock and roll.


Gorgeous newly wed Olivia Palermo stunned in this colour blocking duo from the s/s 15 Emilia Wickstead collection, while accessorising with Monica Vinader jewellery.


 Orange lips seemed to be the look of the night, with both Alexa and new found feminist Emma Watson rocking the bold look. To compliment this, they both chose to keep their eye look simple.

Pop megastar Ri-Ri and Kendall's new BFF Cara both chose a gold wash of eyeshaddow across the eyes oversized lashes. The look was completed with neautral face and lips.

We love award ceremonies, a chance for all the celebs to dress up in their finery and mingle. Roll on the BRITs!