with my red nail polish…

Painted nails have always been my thing. Growing up, I never saw my mum without immaculate nails. In fact many of my friends should to think she was very glamorous in part due to her beautifully manicured & painted nails. So, I suppose that’s where I caught the bug. Gorgeous nails are a big part of my personal brand.
Now, pretty as my hands are, my darling little sister has taken manicures to the next level. Her nail art is amazing (you can check it out here). Her creativity has inspired me & I invested in some nail brushes. I am far from skilled, it’s going to take some practise, but here are a few of my first experiments.

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In the year of the cat…

Another Thursday brought another night out with my wee sis. This week we were headed to see The grand Budapest hotel, but had some time to spare. So, we had a little impromptu photo shoot by the river Clyde. It was a lot colder than either of us had expected, hence the ‘modelling’ was brief. Luckily my sister managed to get a couple of pictures I was reasonably happy with.

 
I very rarely like myself in photographs. I don’t enjoy having them taken & for many years avoided being in any snaps. It’s a shame really as there are a lot of special occasions that I have no record of. In particular I regret not having more pictures taken with my niece. I am trying to rectify that now, by photographing almost every minute I manage to spend with her. I think my reluctance to be captured on camera is one of my the few remaining body image hang ups. This blog is helping me address that as I am forced both pose for & share pictures of me. None of which I am ever completely happy with. My personal body positive revolution continues…

Instead of my usual, slightly haphazard wear whatever takes my fancy approach, I actually planned this outfit. I decided on a little bit of a feline theme. I don’t usually do cutesy. In fact adults in overly cute clothes are one of my pet hates. Disney princesses are for children, ladies. However, I did instantly fall in love with this beaded cat vest. I’ve never seen another one like it nor have I ever seen anyone else wearing it, which makes this a perfect piece for me.

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Vest – Primark

Shoes – Primark

This skirt is one my amazing ASOS bargains. I snapped it up in the sale last summer for a fiver. I love the harlequin twist on monochrome. Plus it is an ideal length. As much as I love pencil skirts, they usually cut me off at the worst point on my legs. This skirt is just that little bit shorter, which works so much better for me. I know a bit part of the fat acceptance movement is the ‘fuck flattering ‘train of thought. I am all for this if you it makes you feel good, but for me, there is some styles that I just don’t like my body in.

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Skirt – ASOS Curve

Cardigan – John Lewis

I added a little bit of colour with the waterfall cardigan & a little tummy help my trusty support leggings. I have about a million pairs of these & really wish they’d do them in a range of colours.

Oh & I continued my kitty theme with this bangle. Another atypical choice for me, but the heart wants what it wants.

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Anna Lou London

Last, but not least, I tried out some more eye transfers. As promised I was much more adventurous. I think these could be really fabulous with some dramatic eye make up for a bight night out.

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The film was awesome. You just can’t beat a Wes Anderson movie. My only minor complaint, I wanted way more Bill Murray. Go see it!

The year of the cat Al Stewart

Operation Pretty

I’m not really a high maintenance kind of girl. Most days I don’t wear much if any make up, I don’t straighten my hair or use fake tan. For the most part I’m quite happy to go au naturel. That’s not say I don’t like to glam it up when an occasion calls for it. I also would never want to be without mascara as I can change my whole face with quick flick on the eyelashes. Sadly, I’ve found that the older I get the more products & time I need to achieve the desired effect. I call this process Operation Pretty. I actually have a few looks perfected & my current favourite night time look has a little sparkle.

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I like to keep it fairly simple. So, I stick with good quality basics whilst picking up the accents from both designer & high street brands. If you’re going to invest in make-up, but the sky is not the limit price wise; I’d definitely advise putting your money into a really good primer, foundation & mascara. I find it’s much easier to pick up a good lipstick on a budget than a foundation.

I am now very big on eyeliner. I came to the joys of it late, but have been improving my technique over the last few years & am quite pleased with my efforts now. I like that I can apply this look for day & quickly amp it up to night just by adding the glitter & changing my lipstick. I know you’re supposed to focus on either eyes or lips, but I think I get away with a bold lip as the gold on the eyes isn’t solid colour.

This look always make me feel great & has been a hit with a certain someone.

 

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Left to Right

The Pore Proffessional Benefit

High Beam Benefit

Glitter eyeliner (used allover eyelid) Mudd

Navy liquid eyeliner No7

Moisturiser Simple

Oil free foundation ( procelain ivory) Laura Mercier

Lip Pen Cherry Lips H&M ( night )

Forver Kisses Warm Nude Rimmel London ( day )

They’re Real Benefit

Bronzer Este Lauder

Gold eyeliner No7