For the love of Vivienne

This should absolutely not work. at. all. But it does Oh man, it really, really does.  The hair styling is glorious.

The headpieces are literally a dream come true for an eccentric British country wedding.

And the make-up, wow, the make-up for Vivienne Westwood's SS13 Runway show is a sheer delight to take in. I always love the creativity at her shows but this time round she has blown her previous (incredible) looks out of the water.

In the words of Rachel Zoe. I die.

The Dark Side

When September fashion week approaches here in London it always feels like the end of Summer.  I love Autumn in this city and even more than that  I REALLY love Winter trends.  With a huge stack of September issues on my desk one make-up must that really stands out this season is the dark lip.  

Just like the classic red lip there really is a very dark plum /wine/black cherry-ish shade to suit everyone, it's just a case of putting in a little research in order to find it.

My preference for working this look out like a supermodel is to pick a matte version, matte lipstick is a lot more user friendly in terms of smudging, bleeding and the dreaded lipstick on the teeth scenario.  It also looks incredibly chic and perfectly pulled together.

(all images via pinterest)

Another option is to layer up more of a stain for a slightly softer look.   

(Image via)

Tom Ford has undoubtedly made the uber luxe make-up market his own, and this lip colour in Black Orchid is a perfect example of how make-up can secure it's position as a key trend in any season.  It is covet worthy perfection which comes at a price £36.00 ($57.00) to be exact.

(Image via)

And here is literally the exact opposite end of the make-up budget spectrum, a huge brand favourite of mine, Sleek.  Their version of this look is Cherry and costs a mere $4.10 ($6.49) but is by no means any less chic than the pricey heavyweight above.  I always say if you want to experiment with seasonal make-up trends go to Sleek as they are the perfect brand to play around with your look without throwing down a ton of cash.

 Have some fun on the dark side this Fall!

Inspiring to say the least...

(image via)

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending Blogshop London.  Hosted by Bri Emery of   DESIGNLOVEFEST, the weekend was a whirlwind of intense photoshop studying in a room full of inspiring new friends at the most incredible studio space in London's east end.  

I learned so much thanks to Angela and Bri's relaxed and un-intimidating approach to teaching such a complicated subject.  

They made the space so beautiful and we left with a bag full of goodies to remind us of our weekend.  Including some super awesome temporary tattoos from Tattly that I have been rocking ever since, and a baggu that I have already utilised at the checkout at the wig store (more on that coming soon!)

(images all 56 to Rivington)

I can't wait to have a go at trying my new found skills out around here,  I just hope I haven't forgotten it all already.

Organized Chaos

As some of you may know, and as if I hadn't mentioned already the action surrounding the Royal wedding in a mere two days time, is really hotting up here in London. For me this means that I am getting busier by the hour, and working well in to the night. Which I hasten to add, is something that always comes with the territory and an element of the job you somehow manage to enjoy! This is what last night looked like...

(all images 56 to Rivington)

It is definitely an organized chaos and one I am happy to share with you. There are an awful lot of MAC products on this particular project, however you may also spot a few other must have items that I take on every shoot. What you don't see are approximately ten thousand other items packed in bags and cases in the room with me in anticipation of every make up eventuality.

I have to admit that I really didn't think I would have too much interest in the wedding, but when you are spending every day in the thick of it, it's really difficult not to get a little caught up.

A British classic

I thought I would quickly introduce you to one of my very favorite places to shop in london. Liberty is a true British classic, with its exterior built out of the timber of an old gallion, and interior made out of dark wood with creaky floor boards. It has always been the destination for discerning shoppers with an eclectic taste.

Selling a huge variety of beautiful products from up and coming jewelry designers to British institutions such as Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood. Candles sourced from around the world to the most exquisite collection of antique furniture and homeware this planet has on offer. It is world famous for its Liberty print fabrics and scarves made out of the most glorious silk featuring designs that are utterly unique to the brand.

And of course they are famous for having some of the most avant garde window displays in London featuring all of the cutting edge designers that they stock inside. This window display however, is a little more quintessentially British and totally reflects the mood in London right now.

Don't you just love the Queen perched on top of the cake?