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Monday, November 29, 2010

A Princess wears white

White is simply elegant. Look at the future Princess of Monaco in this photo shoot for Tatler, looking comfortably chic in white. It reminds me of this other wonderful white outfit worn by Princess Victoria of Sweden here.


It would be easy to copy her look. The silk trousers are surprisingly affordable: only 150 pounds. I think the tricky part for us 'normal' people is: how to keep the white... white?!


She'll be marrying Prince Albert II on 2 July 2011. Her official title will be Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Rae Morris: Makeup, The Ultimate Guide - see inside


If you're interested in make-up books, you've almost certainly come across this one. It contains some amazing pictures. I was actually asked to do a review of this and let you have a look inside... so this post is picture heavy.


Just like every other make-up book on the market, this one also covers the basics: the essentials, brushes, prepping. Nothing new here.


I like the section on eyelashes. Using the same model and make-up, she applies different eyelashes (natural, lux, high impact) to show you how they can change your eyes. In fact, a lot of the looks in this book rely on eyelashes for that extra wow factor.


Many of the looks are dramatic. She uses pigments, glitter, sticky tape, diamond dust, liquid eye paint, gold leaves... items that a beginner or a "normal" person does not usually have in their make-up kit, so beware.

The good thing is, it does have step-by-step guides on how to achieve each of the looks.


 Cleopatra eyes: this is one of my favourite looks.


How to contour: this is a very detailed and interesting chapter. She uses a cream foundation four shades darker than the model's natural skin tone to contour. But as she explains herself, "this technique is advanced".


Highlighting: this is also a great chapter.


Typical Rae Morris... red lips with a twist: purple added to the top, gold on the bottom.


Some of the more natural looks....


Overall, I would say that the book is inspiring and a lot of these looks would be perfect for a photo shoot. If you want to be ultra creative and experimental with your make-up, this is probably for you.

But for beginners, I think there are 'friendlier' books out there that concentrate on more down-to-earth looks (that you can't go wrong with!). Like Jemma Kidd's Make-up Masterclass or any of Bobbi Brown's books.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Marie Claire ideas and a dating question

Remember I was vegging out last weekend, reading fashion magazines? Well, here are a couple of things from Marie Claire that caught my eye.

I've talked about Marmite before here. Obviously this is only for you Marmite lovers out there...


These lipstick-stained teacups would be so much fun for tea parties with the girls.


Vegetable soaps! Nice gift idea for gardeners.


Keira Knightley, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Watts and Jennifer Garner have all been spotted wearing these.  They're for a very good cause: buy a pair of Toms, and they will donate a pair to a child in need. Read the Marie Claire article here.


Now for this last one... Calling all New Yorkers! Eye-gazing parties... like speed-dating but in silence. All you do is stare! Is that true? Who has done this?! Do tell!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Kate Middleton at the photocall + The ring

Doesn't she look gorgeous? The dress is simply beautiful (what a flattering colour!) and her hair is so glossy and perfect!


She got Diana's sapphire engagement ring...


See the interview here. I think this is the first time I have heard Kate speak! I like her voice.

Finally! Kate Middleton & Prince William engaged!

This is the news we have been waiting years for!

They're engaged! Finally! And I am so delighted!
Congratulations!!!


See her style moments here. Doesn't she look fantastic in the above photo? She has such a great figure, she already looks incredible in everything. So when she starts wearing haute couture gowns and diamonds... she will look stunning. She will become more popular than Diana!

I just know that she is going to look gorgeous at her wedding. I cannot wait!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Magazines... and Elle's Beauty Awards 2010

Did you have a good weekend? I was really lazy and just read magazines. The freebies this month weren't that interesting (Marie Claire included a bracelet - handmade by Kenyan Artisans using recycled / sustainable materials - www.made.uk.com, and InStyle offered Como Shambhala aromatherapy products.)


I haven't read all of them yet but they are packed with Christmas gift ideas as well as lists of the best beauty products... I thought you might be interested in Elle's beauty awards for 2010.

The winners are:
- Liz Earle cleanse & polish
- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
- Vivienne Westwood Boudoir
- Jean-Paul Gaultier Classique
- Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (Tried it, hated it.)
- L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Express Pro Self-Tanning Dry Mist
- Moroccanoil Treatment
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (I tried this a long time ago and didn't like it. Smells weird.)
- Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara (It's good but is it that good? I prefer Chanel Inimitable Intense.)
- Nars The Multiple
- Chanel No 19 (I didn't even know there was a no. 19.)
- Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (Yes, I agree. I use this every night.)
- Sisley Emulsion Ecologique
- Dior Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme
- Sudocrem (Yes yes yes! I wanted to do a separate post on this.)

(Click to enlarge)

I'm not particularly impressed with their list of "winners". Are you?

On a personal note... I found out last night that a good friend of mine collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital. They found some bleeding in the head and I don't like the sound of that... They don't know what the problem is yet. We are so worried... and hoping that it's nothing too serious. 
This could also happen to any of us.... let's not forget to be grateful for all that we have.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Threading

How do you get rid of unwanted hair? I pluck, epilate, shave and wax regularly but my favourite (at least for my face) might be threading.

A single cotton thread is twisted and rolled to grab the hairs. No other products are used so it's very kind to your skin. I suppose it depends on your level of pain threshold but I find it quite relaxing and can fall asleep!

In Selfridges, London

I like to go to Blink. They are very friendly and professional, and the good thing is that you don't need to book in advance. See their list of treatments here. 

Have you ever tried threading?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Camel coats

I can't get enough of camel coats these days. I have my Zara one for the moment but here are some designer pieces that I wouldn't mind owning!

(via)

If I had to choose today, I would probably go for the Chloe or Gucci (both in the middle).

Is a camel coat something you would invest serious money in? (or have you already? and if so, where is it from?)

Monday, November 8, 2010

My collection of make-up brushes

I was pretty shocked when I lined everything up. There are about 50 brushes here. Insane, right?


Most of them are from MAC or Bobbi Brown. Other brands I have are Shu Uemura and Trish McEvoy.

I keep them in these toolbelts. The large one is from MAC. The smaller one (half the size) was a gift so I don't know where it's from but it's useful for keeping the every day items in there.


These are the face brushes that I probably use most often.


And for the eyes.


But to be honest, I have survived on just four brushes for my entire face these past two months.

How many brushes do you own/use regularly? 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Take it or leave it

I don't know if these are well known in the US but I noticed them in a shop for the first time a few weeks ago. I thought they were pretty funny and I might get some for my girlfriends (for Christmas?).

I cook every day and I don't usually mind it but sometimes... I really don't feel like it. And it's annoying when my son gets picky... This is exactly how I feel:


And here's another one. Breakfast in bed is a romantic idea but we never do it at home. I'm pretty strict - food only in the kitchen! - because I'm scared we might get hungry multi-legged visitors climbing into bed with us. 


There are quite a few different designs so you can choose if you want them as tea towels (above) or aprons... 


Or mugs.


Check them out here.

P.S. Thanks for your kind words on my tree post yesterday... It's sad that so many of you had similar stories to tell. But I'm glad there are many tree lovers out there! Together we can save our planet--!!! Go and hug a tree this weekend :-) 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

They killed a tree

The little street in front of our apartment building is lined with big trees - I don't know how old but at least 100 years old for certain and maybe even 200? They are beautiful. Sure, they've gone a bit bald now in autumn but even just the bare branches are a welcome sight and give us a feeling of being close to nature, even though we live in the city.

Well, imagine our shock when we woke up this morning to find one tree gone. This is all that's left of it.


Should I or should I not feel silly about crying over a tree? I'm not sure but I am very sad... heartbroken, even. I get tears in my eyes whenever I walk past it. I've even knelt down next to it, put my hand on the stump and said I was so sorry... (Am I mad?)

Apparently it was for security (fire) reasons but the thing is, there was enough space for a fire engine before - between the trees and on the pavement! Ridiculous.

It gets worse when I think that we and the architects had to fight for every change to the apartment and building because the building itself is listed (protected for its historical importance). So the authorities wouldn't even let us replace the 100-year old doors in our apartment for identical but new doors.... but when it comes to chopping down a 100+ year old tree, no one gives a sh**. It's heartless.

I was actually at home yesterday but didn't realise what was going on out there.... If only I had known! I would have glued myself to that tree like a Greenpeace activist!

At least we also got some uplifting news today. Our new kitchen is going to be featured in a little magazine.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

French calories don't count

I love going out for a lazy lunch over the weekend (especially when I don't have to drive so I can have a glass of bubbly!). I was in the mood for some French goodness.

Starting off with a glass of crémant (a sparkling wine like champagne but from a different region) which slowed me down quite nicely... and some sparkling water (but I do not like Badoit. We should have ordered a Perrier)... The camel coat you see here is this one from Zara.


Bread, of course.


I had a delicious fish soup, served with grated cheese and rouille. It's one of my all-time favourites. It's filling and perfect in the colder months. 


This is what my husband ordered.


I knew I would be too full for dessert if I had a main course so after the soup I went straight for the tarte tatin. Clever me :-) This 'upside down' apple pie never disappoints.


Needless to say, I felt I had to burn off a few calories after that lunch so we went for a walk and enjoyed the beautiful colours of the season.