From her classics being sung as the models strutted the catwalk to the cinched waists, cigarettes, visible underwear, pencil skirts, sports chic and beehives.. Amy Winehouse was the pulse that throbbed through this Gaultier collection… it was an ode to a star that was as recognisable by her silhouette as she was by her chilling voice… a true favourite of mine for the Spring Couture Shows. Although Winehouse was a clear point of inspiration, this collection still oozed what I adore about couture… high volume glamour…

All images; Style.com

A simple cardigan in a soft colour with nude heels gives a great day look. This look is also great with

flat pumps and a head scarf.

Adding a large baggy knit and some knitted thigh socks gives a cosy winter evening feel…

Jumper; H&M Socks; Topshop.

A fitted polo neck, tights and some statement jewellery makes this dress ideal for the office…

Polo neck; French Connection Necklace; Primark  Tights; H&M

This dress is fabulous for a night out, worn with  bright heels, clutch and  I have added a satin

ribbon around the waist

Another day look; Tights and a sweet cardi buttoned at the top.

Wear the polo neck under the dress adds a modern twist.

I love this look as it really glams this dress up, the shirt is from my own collection and the ribbon is from my local

haberdashery…

I have always been a big fan of beauty products, skin care and cosmetics and love to pamper!  So, today I thought I’d show you what I hve in my beauty cabinet.

BODY:

The one body product I cannot live without is moisturiser. My favourites of all time are any by Laura Mercier, a close second are by Bliss.

Both are extremely conditioning, quick drying and above all, smell incredible. At the moment I am hooked on Laura Merciers Fresh Fig, Souffle Body Creme. With vitamins A,C and E, its so rich and luxurious. I noticed a difference after the first try and the scent also lasts all day.

When it comes to tanning, I find Rimmel Sun Shimmer ideal for a quick touch up last minute or Superdrug’s Solait for a fresh day time glow. But when I have the time, St. Tropez is the winner for me. I have tried numerous developing fake tans and this brand seems to suit my skin the best. I get an even, deep colour over night that lasts for days.

My other favourite body brands would have include Molton Brown. This brand is environmentally friendly, as kind to skin as possible and deeply nourishing. Each product is designed to work instantly and effectively on the skin but also contains ingredients that enhance ones mood. Invigorating Eucalyptus, ginseng, Gingerlily and so on.

HAIR:

Since going Ombre, I have had to take super care of the ends of my hair, I find that Aussie’s hair serum is ideal for this. While you can also apply to wet hair, I like to use it as a finishing serum after I have styled my locks. It’s not greasy and leaves your hair with a glowing shine… and smells amazing!

I have always been addicted to hair masks and like to do one at least once a week to give my hair the boost it needs. Just shampoo as normal then apply to hair ( I avoid going right up to roots as I have quite fine hair) and leave for recommended time… while you exfoliate.. or sing…! I usually use Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle. Its thick and creamy but still leaves my hair bouncy and full.

My latest treat is this Kerastase daily treatment mask. Combined with the shampoo, this duo is said to tame even the most unruly of hair. I find it a winner.

I love, love, love leave in sprays. I find Aussie the best brand for these. I am never with out their Miracle Hair Insurance, which is light but effective. It is great for when I leave my hair to dry naturally.

With the lighter ends in my hair now I find a heat  spray really good for days when I want to blow dry and straighten my hair. Its strong enough to protect and leave a shine but does not weigh down my hair.

I have always been a fan of dry shampoos, as I have a fringe. I often use one for a quick spruce up on the go. Dry shampoo is also ideal for adding a bit of volume to your mane, I prefer it to back combing and showering my hair with hairspray at the roots.

My sister has introduced me to this bad boy; Lush’s No Drought. It has the most amazing lemon and grapefruit scent and is so much more friendly to the scalp that other spray dry shampoos out there. While I wouldn’t use it as a substitute to washing my hair unless I was at a festival, I feel it is great for a quick pick me up!

SKIN, BASE & COLOUR:

SKIN:

It is so important to look after our skin. While people obsess about expensive clothing and shoes… our skin is the one outfit we will always wear daily!

I have oily skin that rarely breaks out but as I have a pretty hectic schedule I find I need to give my face little boost and protect it that little bit more. It is very hard to find products that treat the skin and give it back the moisture that the city sucks out of it with out being left with a greasy face.

I have, however, after years of searching, found my perfect routine. My sister, Aoife is a Vegan and follows a fantastically natural and calming skin routine that is kind to skin and the planet… yet also effective. She has introduced me to Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish. IT IS AMAZING! It is very rare that a beauty company have just one type of cleanser. At Liz Earle, they are so confident in their formula that they only sell one, and this they say, suits all skin types and all ages. They state;

“Our plant based cleanser has a two-phase action, phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara. Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin.”

The main skin care brand I cannot live without is Bliss. A great friend of mine, Aimee, runs their beautiful counter at Harrods, London. She has introduced me to their products in typical Bliss style… by letting the products speak for themselves! Their skin advisors take you through their products in their famous low in nonsense but  high in knowledge style.

The advisors always try the products on you and let you see the results for yourself. One product I fell in love with is their Triple Oxygen Instant Energy Infusion Mask. This is incredible. I had it tested on my hand and could see the effect straight away. It releases oxygen straight in to tired skin, literally like a shot. Combined with Vitamin C and time-released anti oxidants it boost skin big time. I love using this! It leaves my skin like I have slept for two days!

I also use the Triple Oxygen and C Energising cream. This is so lightweight you’d never tell it was loaded with skin protecting goodness!

BASE:

At the moment I love Estee Lauders Double Wear Light foundation. I combine it with YSL primer and it lasts all day yet is not too heavy or damaging to my skin. The concealers I swear by are Laura Mercier’s double pan Camouflage for face and YSL Touch Eclat for bright, wide awake eyes. I use Crown Brush’s foundation brush and Laura Mercier concealer brush for smooth and precise application.

I love YSL mascara, Mercier and Mac eye shadow and gels and of course lashings of lip colour. Mac have fantastic liner pencils while I find Dior are the longest lasting lipsticks for me. The eyeliner I am using at the moment is Urban Decay, waterproof.

I swear by high quality make up brushes. Given that they last for years and years, they end up being much better value. I use Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Pout and Crown.

AND THE REST:

I have an addiction to palettes, I find them so perfect for throwing in to my handbag and they can easily take my look from day to night. My latest is a Guerlain eye palette that was a gift, it is just gorgeous.

My favourite perfume. Ever. Is Guerlain Insolence, it is DIVINE. It is feminine and light and I always get asked what I am wearing. I am also using Marc Jacobs Cranberry a lot at the moment, its a refreshing cocktail scent.

No doubt, more favourite will pop up…  I’ll keep you posted…

I just love this look… ding! Bought these fab Deena & Ozzy gloss Burgandy Eva shoes from Urban Outfitters recently… perfect… the fact that the nuns at my school used to rock something similar doesn’t faze me in the slightest…