WEDDING FLOWERS: Black
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Showing posts with label Black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black. Show all posts

Cosy Spring Style for English Weather...

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Spring in England is always so disappointing for me. As much as I would love the days to be warmer, the sun to shine and flowers to bloom, the weather never lives up to my expectations. How I long to live in a country where the weather doesn't fret from one extreme to the next...

Anyway, today's blog post is a collaboration with the beautiful Abi Hunter from the blog Lady Hunter. Her images and writing are so professional; I can never stop myself from reading one post to the next! Her social media and blog will be linked below - don't forget to check her out!

Twitter - @ladyhunterblog
Instagram - @ladyhunterblog



Whilst I'd much rather get out my daisy designs and summer dresses, it is only practical to stick to cosy attire during the English Spring. Therefore, I've opted for a long-sleeved striped top from Forever 21, a black pencil skirt and some thin opaque black tights. For the Winter to Spring transition, I still tend to wear tights as the weather is not warm enough to start getting my legs out. To make up for that, I tend to wear a light pair of tights to cover up my extremely pale legs, alongside keeping them warm. 


Layering is also essential during Spring, thus I wore a complementary beige knit cardigan to layer on top of the t-shirt. As well as the two pieces complimenting each other, this simply makes me comfortable and warm, whilst dreaming I'm still snuggled up in bed. Over my top, I accessorized with a copper locket. Finally, although not photographed, I paired the outfit with some burgundy heeled boots to invest in a more smart-casual look. 



Ultimately, this look wouldn't be complete without a bold, peachy spring lip to liven up the outfit. I applied a generous coat of Bourjois' Velvet Matte lipstick in 'Peach Club. Benefit's Rockateur blush also came in handy to spruce my cheeks up with a sparkly pink glow.

Where do you live in the World? Do you have issues with the weather where you are?

Lots of love


Noir Lace Up ¦ Boutique of Molly

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Online boutiques are my weakness. I cannot get enough of their incredibly designed, celebrity-style clothing for just a small percentage of the original product's price. Recently, through the blogging industry, I have discovered Boutique of Molly; an amazing online fashion heaven that sells everything from luxurious to casual wear. Rather swiftly, I became a huge fan of their 'Alexa Lace Up Playsuit' - a comfort-fit, back lace up playsuit that I appeared to be lacking in my wardrobe.


¦ Fur Coat - Matalan ~ Playsuit  - Boutique of Molly ¦

For evening wear, I usually opt for something black. I know this can be quite boring but I feel that it can then be worn all year round, thus getting the most use out of it. This playsuit is very summer appropriate, with two thin cami straps and the partially-backless lace detailing. However, I still feel this can be worn seasonally as the outfit can be accompanied by a complementary fluffy coat. 


Material-wise, the fabric used feels sturdy and rather luxurious, considering the cheap price. The material clings to you body, corset-style, enhancing your body shape and hugging at any curves. I am in now way, shape or form happy with my figure but this outfit gives me more confidence as it generously brings out the subtle curves on my body. 

Also, the playsuit has two front pockets,which is always an added bonus for me. Personally, I hate wearing coats when I'm going to a party; it is always a hassle trying to find somewhere to store it. Therefore, these pockets are fab to store the small essentials needed - money, phone and possibly a lipstick to top up with.


Head over to Boutique of Molly to browse their different collections (I'm always lusting over their luxury collection)! 

Lots of love

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This post was in collaboration with Boutique of Molly, however all opinions are honest and my own.

Lacoste Black Sneakers | Cloggs

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Fortunately, this month I've been able to team up with Cloggs on a collaboration to showcase their wonderful collection of shoes - especially these gorgeous Lacoste Sneakers. 

CLOGGS - home of footwear - offer an incredible range of shoes, both for men and women, including boots, slippers, trainers, wellies, sandals and more. It gets better, not only do they sell a wide collection of comfortable footwear, they also market branded shoes; eg. UGG Australia, Converse, Hunters Wellies and obviously Lacoste. 


I was luckily gifted this beautiful pair of everyday black/white Lacoste sneakers to review and share my honest opinion on. These trainers are super comfortable, similar to Converse, but with an added luxurious touch - the interior is soooo soft. I love how simplistic the overall look of the shoes are; a monochrome pair of sneakers to match almost any outfit. 

Personally, I think they shoes would look perfect in some ripped jeans, a slogan tee and a leather jacket - chic but casual. The exterior of the shoes are extremely durable - there is an added strength compared to average trainers which informs me that these will last for a lengthy period. I cannot wait to start pairing these beauties with some outfits for a future post. 


If you're looking for some fancy new shoes, I would totally recommend checking out CLOGGS - they offer quality shoes with ridiculous reductions, whilst holding constant sales/discounts. Don't miss out an bargain!

Lots of love


*This post was a collaboration and the product was a gift. However, all opinions are my own and will always be honest.

Crazy Feather Lashes with FeverCollection

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Recently, I've been thinking about how unadventurous I am with my makeup - even when I'm just messing around in my room in the evenings creating various looks on myself. To get one of the classic New Years resolutions into action ("try new things"), I decided to venture out on the lashes front and teamed up with Fever Collection to show off their stunning array of whacky eyelashes. 


Accompanied with a handy adhesive, my pair of Black Feathers With Plume Lashes popped through my letterbox on Tuesday morning. I was so excited to receive something so unique to my lash collection and know I will be in for so much fun when wearing them. The soft, black feathers ascend in size from the inner to outer corner, framing the eye in a sultry, and pleasing, way. I hope that some day I will be confident enough to purchase a couple vibrant-coloured ones incorporate in a crazy makeup look. 



During this year, I just hope someone I know throws a 1920's themed party so I can dress up in Charleston attire and apply these beautiful lashes - I feel they would bring so much to the outfit and totally fit the era. Also, they would be perfect for any Halloween related makeup looks - especially for bird characters, like the Black Swan. I will definitely be featuring these lashes in a tutorial this Halloween, so if you're still around then don't forget to stop by! 

Finally, don't forget to check out the amazing costume range available at Fever Collection - they have extremely inexpensive outfits for dress-up occasions.

Lots of love

Online Avenue's Suede Stilettos

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What girl doesn't like strutting into a party with mega high stiletto heels (well, unless you're me and occasionally feel like a 7 foot giant)?

Today's post revolves around Online Avenue's insanely high, black suede, golden ankle-strapped heels - aren't they just gorgeous?! I was in awe when I received these and wondered why I didn't own anything like this in my shoe collection.



These stunning high heels can make any girl's dreams come true - I was in heaven when I tried these on and looked in the mirror to see my legs appear longer. I have such short and stumpy legs so this was a huge bonus for me; the 'lengthening' of my legs also made them appear slimmer, another thing that satisfied my needs. Also, something I find with pointed-toe heels is that they can squish your feet but these feel super comfortable at the front and are completely squish-free! My favourite aspect is the golden, metallic strap that hugs at your ankle - personally, I find these a lovely additional touch to a shoe and can really complete an outfit.

One thing I would definitely recommend is to purchase your shoes one size larger than your normal size; my feet were insanely squished in the first pair I bought so I had to return and get the next one up. The delivery and exchange was insanely swift with no time wasting - I had these beauties back in my hand in no time!


I will most certainly be getting the Red and White pair of these retro styled shoes. My other favourite pair of shoes from Online Avenue's trainer collection would have to be their Elyse Lace Up Mesh Running Shoes; the black and turquoise look incredible together and would be amazing for a cheap pair of gym trainers at £14.99.

Lots of love

Evening Makeup Look // Collab w. MollyIsabelSmith

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First off, I'd like to let you all know that today's post is part of a collab with Molly Smith from mollyisabelsmith.blogspot.co.uk. Alternatively, she has created a daytime and more natural look - the complete opposite of my intense eye makeup and bold lips. You can also find Molly on @mollyisabels on both twitter and instagram. It has been lovely working with her and I would be so grateful, as would she, if you went over to her blog and checked out her post.

Creating a bolder, intense makeup look is one of my ultimate past times; I love indulging in deeper lip colours and throwing dark shades onto my eyes. I just so happen to enter my own little bubble of serenity when I alter my makeup to something more dramatic than the regular day time face. Starting with the face, something I don't drastically transform, I opt for a full-coverage foundation (MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC15). This works well when faking a flawless complexion as well as lasting the entire evening, whether you be going out to a fancy restaurant or partying all night long, this foundation will stay put. The only other change in my face makeup is contouring. Personally, I like to contour my face A LOT when I'm wearing evening makeup. I apply my Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess in the hollows of my cheeks, my temples, under my jaw and sometimes on the tip of my nose; contouring is a great way to dramatise your makeup from day to night. In the look above, I also used Mac's Soft&Gentle to highlight, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer to eliminate appearance of under eye cirles/highlight my T-Zone and Mac's Fleur Power for a subtle hint of blush. 

The primary focal point of the look comes down to the eyes. Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in Eternal Gold was perfect for creating a base on the eyelid. This helps to avoid creasing and maintain the eyeshadow applied on top. Next, I turned to my trusty Naked 2 palette and applied SNAKEBITE through the crease until fully blended. If you aren't comfortable using black eyeshadow, then skip the next step - I decided to increase the intensity by defining my outer corner. This was easily done by adding the darkest, opaque shade in the Naked 2 palette - blackout. Little by little, I tapped this onto my outer corner and blended thoroughly to ensure no harsh lines were present. To finish the eye look, I added some golden liquid glitter from Essence and painted on some winged liner. My lashes were lengthened and volumized using Smashbox's mascara; I also went under my eye with snakebite to define my eye shape.

Deciding on a lip colour was the final challenge. Owning many a dark lip, it was a difficult decision but in the end I chose Maybelline's Colour Drama Lip Pencil in Berry Much. Rich purples look undeniably fabulous with dramatic eyes and definitely a go-to of mine. Also, I think a ruby red lip would look equally as gorgeous with this eye makeup - gold and red are a great combo!

Thank you for reading and don't forget to check out Molly's post!

Lots of love

Royal Outfit Grab Bag of the Day: June 10

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GREETINGS. Here are some random pockets of fabulousness that I would like to share with you, so that we may bask in the glow of their splendiferousness together:

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel at the Polar Music Prize last night
Victoria occasionally tries to go a little bit edgy for the music stuff, which is fine but not really in her wheelhouse. This is much better. Straight from the music event to cocktails on a warm Ibiza night, this. I hope someone gave her a drink with a wee umbrella in it.
Dress from House of Dagmar, Earrings from Oscar de la Renta


King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia also attended the Polar Music Prize
Here's Sils at the same event. (With a fur, so there goes my Ibiza fantasy.) Fabulous designation goes to the color only; the Yuki-designed ensemble itself is suspiciously Zbornakian.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia commemorated Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
Letizia mixed and matched a previously worn jacket and a previously worn skirt, and the whole is greater than the sum of its two parts. Well done.

Queen Máxima during the official visit to the U.S. last week.
And finally: Máx looks chic, and this brooch (from Queen Sophie, worn by Beatrix on her wedding day) is to die for. This was last week - a MILLION YEARS AGO in internet times - but dedicated Máx fans understand the importance of saving up the chic moments to sustain you during the long droughts, like a camel heading for a Sartorial Sahara that could spring itself on you at any time.

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated, Nelly, Oscar de la Renta

Royal State Visit and Tiara Watch of the Week: June 2

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I like to imagine the Swedish royal family limbering up their bobby pins and stretching in their high heels with one last tiara event before the big wedding, courtesy of the incoming state visit from the President of India. It's important to warm up for your athletic events.

But first: The President arrived in Sweden on Sunday and was greeted by the King and Queen, Crown Princess and Prince Daniel, and Prince Carl Philip with Sofia Hellqvist (making her state visit debut).
Big hat alert! Victoria looks so great with a big brim, and I'm so glad to be free of forehead-bolters for the day, I'm gonna forget everything else.
Kungahuset.se
If you were in the mood for a smaller hat, Queen Silvia's got you covered with one of her standard monochromatic ensembles. And if you were in the mood for a Mette-Marit-style state visit ensemble (you know, a plain outfit plus a not-a-hat ornament), well, Sofia's your girl. Her little pouf of a head decoration can't even be seen from the front.

~*Hit Pause On Your State Visit Musings*~
Day 2 for Victoria started out not in state visit mode but in crown princely BFF mode, welcoming next door neighbors Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit for the EAT Stockholm Food Forum. Happy summery prints abound!
Mette-Marit's dress from Isolda (with a stylized chili print!), Victoria's from Oscar de la Renta
The only thing about this that bums me out is the sad little angular blazer Mette-Marit threw on top of this floaty feminine dress. Awkward dress to pick if you want to cover it up, and an awkward clash of styles.
~*And Now Let The State Visit Musings Continue*~

Kungahuset.se
Joining up with the state visit group, Victoria threw a structured white jacket into the mix, and I think I like it even more than the cardigan. This Oscar de la Renta dress on Victoria and that white outfit from Sunday's post are giving me a renewed verve for her day style, and I hope it starts a streak.

At the end of day 2 came the tiaras.
Sofia floated in to her first state banquet on a cloud of black embellishment and ruffles (talk about taking a cue from Mette-Marit) and though she showed she's ready for more with her big emerald and diamond earrings from Ebba Brahe Jewellery, there were to be no gems from the family vault for the soon-to-be princess. Not just yet.

The tiara squad featured Silvia in her predictable Pronger and Victoria repeating her green sequined Elie Saab from the Nobel ceremony in 2012, with the Cut Steel Tiara. The golden tones of the Cut Steel plus the glittering green Vegas Kermit gown is not a combination of which I am fond, friends.
Kungahuset.se
UNLESS...unless we're not warming up for the wedding but are rather getting a few things out of our system before the big day, making way for something more interesting come June 13th. If that's the case, then carry on, Swedes, carry on.
Royal Outfit of the Day: May 20

Royal Outfit of the Day: May 20

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Queen Letizia repeated in a big way last week:
Hello again, Felipe Varela worn to King Felipe's proclamation, dittoed right down to the small bow decoration of the Order of Charles III. I think it's improved this time by her updo, actually, which of course is the same thing I say regarding any old updo. At least I'm consistent.

I was surprised she wore this outfit again, just like I was surprised to see Queen Máxima repeat her own inauguration outfit this year. I guess I assumed the historic nature of these outfits would throw them under the one-and-done category, packed up and saved for an exhibit 25 years from now or something. Wrong then, wrong now. (CONSISTENCY.)

This was a ceremony for the delivery of the national flag to the 11th National Teach Zone of the Civil Guard, and it's a pretty formal event. She's wearing one of her most important outfits, but she's doing so because she's breaking with an even more formal dress code that existed for these types of events during the last reign. (Or so I am hypothesizing.)

To illustrate my point:
Letizia at a similar ceremony for the Civil Guard in 2005
All black with a mantilla and peineta (the large comb underneath) and a full length skirt used to be the dress code for this sort of thing. It is (it was) a nod to old formal dress, brought back by Queen Sofia over the years of King Juan Carlos' reign, something she settled into and passed to other female members of the family that took on these types of events.

Queen Sofia, similar ceremony in 2013
Queen Letizia's white suit last week was another sign that she will be doing things her own way. That's not surprising; there are certainly things that need modernizing and fixing in the monarchy, and she and Felipe have shown that they are ready to make changes. Not bad, just different.

Infanta Cristina, similar ceremony in 2006
That said, since this is a place for frivolous concerns and this is apparently my week to express my love for any sort of nationally specific sartorial thing - man, I hope the whole pieneta thing isn't gone from the royal scene for good now.

Letizia at another ceremony, 2006, also worn for a papal audience
It's just very regal, no? And special, something different from the norm to mark an occasion here or there. Oh well. Once again, my personal interests have been totally ignored in the decision making process of a monarchy in a country to which I don't belong. {DRAMATIC SIGH}

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated

Royal Outfit Grab Bag of the Day: May 7 (Plus a Programming Note!)

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I've got a big fat grab bag of outfits from our regulars for you today, and then we're off until Sunday. To the clothes!

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium christened a ship yesterday with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, in attendance. 
Is it, like, international week of ship christening for future sovereigns, or what? First Ingrid Alexandra, now Elisabeth. Anyway, I'm liking her little starter "hat" and her mother can't go wrong with that repeated Dior.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened the Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale yesterday in a peony floral dress from the Pia Tjelta by Ti Mo collection.
I think this could just as easily have been worn by Princess Elisabeth above, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Queen Letizia held audiences at Zarzuela Palace last week wearing a Felipe Varela dress repeated from March's trip to France.
Is this one of those Magic Eye things? Is a dolphin going to leap out from the middle if I stare long enough?

Daniel wore a suit that wasn't black or blue! Write it on the calendar! It's so sad that that's worthy of note! But you take what you can get when it comes to the royal men! (Also, apropos of nothing: Victoria, Daniel, Haakon, and Mette-Marit went on a ski trip in Norway together recently. Which is super cute.)

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended a ceremony for Remembrance Day in Amsterdam this week.
I do not usually comment on things like this, but I can't help but note how lovely Máx looked here. I like it when events like this warrant a little extra effort.

They also attended the Liberation Day Concert.
And finally, if I focus hard enough on the emeralds - earrings and a butterfly brooch from the family collection - I can pretend that dress that stole feathers from a Big Bird gone goth didn't make a reappearance.

Photos: via Getty Images and Twitter as indicated; Kongehuset Facebook and By Ti Mo

Royal Visit of the Day: April 29

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Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine, with her husband Chris O'Neill and daughter Princess Leonore, have been in Rome and Vatican City this week. They were there primarily to attend a conference focusing on child trafficking (below), organized in part by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Queen Silvia has been an advocate on this subject for some time and opened the conference; Princess Madeleine is joining in her mother's work in this area and with the World Childhood Foundation.
It also happens to be an area of focus for Pope Francis, and Queen Silvia dropped by for an audience on Monday, and she brought the whole family too. Chris O'Neill is Catholic, no doubt a reason why he and little Leonore tagged along.
I was surprised to see the family put on one of the most formal papal visits we've seen in a while, dress code-wise. Both wearing traditional black, Queen Silvia stuck with a long skirt and heavy pearl jewels, while expectant Princess Madeleine wore a black dress and short jacket with a long single strand of pearls. The royal ladies wore heavy black mantillas and their portrait brooches.
Vatican dress code protocol has gotten much less rigid in recent years. We've gone from the days of tiaras and veils to optional head coverings and daywear; even the color code of white for those with privilège du blanc and black for others has been relaxed under Pope Francis. (The current pope has much more pressing concerns than dress code, like hanging out with his tiny new BFF.)
I always love a good mantilla appearance, but I love it even more as it becomes more of an optional thing, honestly. It's up to them and they chose to go fancy, and that's always a decision I can get behind.
Video: The audience

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated

Royal Outfits of the Day: April 27

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Two outfits today, one I should like that I don't, and one I shouldn't that I do. It doesn't make any more sense than that sentence did.
Take this, for instance: Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary celebrated the anniversary of the Hotel d'Angleterre, and Mary wore a black dress from Ole Yde's YDE label with a tiered tulle skirt.
So this is basically the little sister to that black Carolina Herrera gown that Queen Letizia wore last year. And I looooved that gown. Therefore...I should like this gown...and yet, NOPE.
I blame the bodice. Maybe just borrow the dress from Leti next time?

And then there's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, still doing her version of wardrobe musical chairs, grabbing whatever's at hand when the music stops.
And much to my surprise, I think I like it this time! Sure, I'd change the skirt, because I can always find something to change. But the sweater manages to feel very much in the M-M style without being a) black or white, b) covered in flowers, or c) covered in ruffles. A change I can get behind.
The sweater is from Burberry Prorsum
The whole world's gone topsy turvy, I'm telling you.

Photos: as indicated and YDE, Style.com
Royal Haircut of the Day: April 21

Royal Haircut of the Day: April 21

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CHOP!
Queen Letizia attended the 'Woman Awards' last night in Madrid.
Look who got her hair did...
She tested out the faux bob (yes, that's bob with ONE o, stop giggling) hairstyle a time or two, and now she's really gone for it. I like to think she made a point of holding on to those long locks juuuuussst long enough to debut her new tiara in the best possible fashion before making the cut. (More on that tiara coming up later in the week, by the way!)
Her newly short and sassy bob was paired with Yanes earrings, Prada shoes, and another Felipe Varela LBD (she really takes that theory that you can never go wrong with a little black dress to heart, you know). I think I like the new 'do - she certainly seems to like it, at least. I do believe I'm detecting some swagger here. And I love a queen with swagger.

Photos: via Getty Images as indicated

Royal Outfit Evolution of the Day: April 13

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The Danish royal ladies (Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary, in particular) are among the most adept in the royal crowd at making over their clothes as the years go on. Outfits are sent back to their designers or sent on to skilled tailors who take known pieces and give them a fresh look and a new life in the royal wardrobe. For the start of Margrethe's birthday celebrations last week, we saw one such dress on Mary, a Prada creation that has been altered at least twice and has gotten better with each change (if you ask me).
It came originally from the Fall 2004 Ready-to-Wear collection, where it was shown on the runway in a shorter length. I like to imagine this was among the loot from Mary's first princess shopping sprees - Prada is now one of her favorite brands, and she owns more than one piece from this particular collection.
2004: Prince Henrik's Birthday Dinner
The midnight velvet dress featured a cap sleeve with a deep v-neck, perfect for necklace display. It first appeared during the 70th birthday celebrations for Prince Henrik in 2004 just a month after her wedding, when she paired it with her wedding tiara and an intricate necklace from Marianne Dulong.
2006: Visit to Germany
The skirt was tiered, with a sash on one hip and a couple of rosette thingies (we're all about the technical terminology here) scattered on the front. A random element, and by far my least favorite part of the original design.
2012: Queen Margrethe's Jubilee Banquet
But look! After several appearances (both with and without tiara) over the years, by the time she wore it to the banquet for Queen Margrethe's jubilee in 2012, the rosettes had magically disappeared. And the whole world (read: me) breathed a sigh of relief, for the most drapery-esque part of the dress was gone. For this occasion, she paired it with the Danish Ruby Parure, using the open neckline to showcase the necklace in its glorious full version.
2015: Queen Margrethe's Birthday Gala Performance
And now, it's been changed once again. For the appearance last week, the neckline has been squared off, even better for showcasing necklaces and even more flattering for Mary. Has it reached perfection, or did you prefer a previous version?

Photos: Style.com and via Getty Images as indicated

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