My Fragrance Collection

If you're like most ladies, you like smelling nice!  We all have a fragrance preference, be it light, clean, floral, fruity, musky, powdery, sweet, masculine or any combination of scents.  I personally love sweet and fruity scents!

My fragrance collection, from left to right:

Front row:  Victoria's Secret Bombshell mini, VS Live Pink, VS Heavenly Stardust, & VS Noir Tease.

Middle row:  Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Gucci II, Escada Marine Groove, Escada Moon Sparkle, & BBW Mango Mandarin.

Back row:  Fire Me Up, BBW Mango Mandarin, Escada Moon Sparkle, Escada Pacific Paradise, & Escada Sunset Heat.

Citrus scents are, by far, my favorite!  I love scents that have tangerine, orange, lemon, mango, and nectar type top notes.  Followed by other fruity scents like, currant, black raspberry, apple, and strawberry.  Escada's annual summer scents are usually winners with me.  They're so fruity, bright, and young!  I wear these scents most during the spring and summer months.

Okay, enough about fruits.  Ralph, Gucci II, Tease, and Moon Sparkle have heavier, deep, peppery, notes, but still have that ever important twist of sweetness.  I wear these scents most during the autumn and winter months.

My least favorite scents for myself are masculine, florals, powdery, and vanillas.  Now most scents may have some of these as muted base notes, and I'm fine with that, but as top notes, these aren't my favorite.  I just can't pull of strong vanilla, amber, or musky scents.

Finally, aside from the perfume inside the bottle, I love pretty feminine bottles themselves!  Just between you and me, three of the bottles on the back row are empty.  I just keep them because they're pretty!

Happy Scenting!

Love L, xoxo

Company/Product Review: BagHaus.com & DollyBowBow.co.uk

• Last week I posted My Christmas Wish List blog which featured this Hello Kitty Small Black Patent Leather Embossed Purse and Hinged Wallet.  Soon after, Baghaus.com offered a deal that I just couldn't pass up!  Needless to say, Santa got me this for Christmas!

 Above is the Hello Kitty Dust Bag my purse came in.

 The Front with a bow key chain and HK tag.

The Back with little HK heads as grommets & embossed body!

The hot pink interior of the purse.

 The HK hinged wallet

 Interior of the wallet with girly bow print fabric.

My experience with Baghaus.com was great!  They were offering free shipping and a holiday discount the day I purchased.  I placed my order on Saturday and received it on the following Friday and was able to track my package as it shipped.  My purse and wallet were exactly as described, although it is by no means a "small" bag.  I would definitely shop there again!

• A few weeks ago I posted a blog featuring DollyBowBow (Kate Murnane).  I mentioned purchasing a necklace from her online store and said I'd let you know how I liked it.  It came today and I love it!  The transaction was safe and easy with the use of PayPal.  DollyBowBow is a UK based store but ships internationally.  I thought it would take many weeks to get my necklace but it only took 2! 

 Above is the little pink mesh bag the necklace came in, along with some cute little confetti stars, & a business card.

This is the necklace, just as pictured on her site.  Gold, with a little white flower, an Eiffel Tower charm, and a little heart.

I couldn't wait to receive this!  The fact that it was from a YouTube guru I watch and the UK, was exciting!  (Yes, I'm keeping the envelope with the neat foreign postage on it!)  I am already perusing her store again looking for my next purchase!

Happy Shopping!

Love, L xoxo

My Christmas Wishlist - Lindsey

In the spirit of holiday shopping fun, this list is partially real and partially fanciful! I'll let you be the judge of which is which!  ;)

This gorgeous "Lille" bed linen set by Julien MacDonald from Debenhams

This stylish black Melton Belted Coat
from Kensie

This bedazzled Limited Edition Puzzle Cube

from Juicy Couture

 These chic Dune Laser-Cut Court Shoes perhaps from Polyvore

This girly Hello Kitty Small Black Patent Embossed Bag from BagHaus

This matching Hello Kitty Black and Pink Hinged Wallet from BagHaus

And finally this lovely pair of hot pink Christian Louboutin Galaxy Pumps! Which can't be found because they're "so last year"  :-P

Now it's your turn, tell us what's on your Christmas Wishlist this year!

Love, L xoxo

My Christmas Wishlist - Ami

If I had all the money, this would be my Christmas wishlist for 2010...

Everyday Pasta by Giada De Lourentiis

Found and Treasured Lamp from Anthropologie 

Palmerston Boots also from Anthropologie

Fleur Wood Metallic Open Weave Tunic from Urban Outfitters 

Python Print Large Silk Cashmere Scarf by Stella McCartney

Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow from Asos.com 

The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen (Six Volume Set)

What's on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

Love, A xoxo

blogs we love... Identity Designed

Oh. My. Goodness. I am pretty much in love with this blog. It's basically a blog about creating a brand/ image/ identity for clients. It's graphic design showcasing at it's finest. The simplicity of the design makes it so easy to navigate around, and to see the full potential of all designs involved. Many of the posts take you through the creative process involved to create that brand and it's simply fascinating. Some of my favourite posts are Botanical Bakery, Fred International and the best by far, Offsetters. To visit the normal home page, click here. Indulge in some deliciously simple, fabulously indulgent and delightfully genius graphic design and brand work.

International shout out!

This is a shout out to all our fabulous, fierce and feisty international readers - we love you!

We've had hits from:
United States of America
Norway
Portugal
South Africa
Canada
Kenya
United Kingdom
India
Kuwait
Germany

You are the reason.

Love, L and A xoxo

Vlogs & Blogs: Dolly Bow Bow

Kate Murnane, aka DollyBowBow, is a YouTube fashion and style vlogger from the UK.  In her videos she shows her latest fashion and makeup finds, tutorials, and product reviews.  Kate's style can best be described as vintage and retro chic.  She also has a blog where she writes about products she has her eye on, holds contests for her readers, and shows her favorite fashion trends.  The final place you can get your Dolly Bow Bow fix, is at her online boutique!  She sells jewelery and hair accessories, all of which she hand-makes herself.  She says the collections were inspired by her love for all things quirky, vintage, and kitsch.  Many of the items are one-offs, created from charms, fabrics, and trinkets, from various places she has discovered on her travels.

I recently ordered the cute little "Party in Paris" necklace from her.  I can't wait to get it!  I'll let you know how the transaction, product, and experience all turn out!

In the meantime, you can click any of the links above to visit the corresponding site and check out Dolly Bow Bow for yourself!

Love L, xoxo

photographer of the week ya'll... Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photo journalist. In fact he was a key player in developing the 'street photography' that so many modern photographers and photography lovers are so enamoured with today. Random interesting fact: He had an affair with Caresse Crosby who invented the first modern bra. Cartier-Bresson died in 2004 and did not have a website featuring his work, but we have found a blogpost that showcases some of his unique and interesting photgraphy at: http://www.lacasapark.com/la/2010/04/henri-cartier-bresson-moma-april-11-june-28-2010/

Love, A xoxo

DIY: Green Tea Honey Sugar Scrub

I love a good exfoliator!  But oftentimes, they're made with harsh chemicals and imitation scrub beads/grains which can leave your skin dry and damaged microscopically.  So in my DIY searches, I came across a great, natural alternative, the Green Tea Honey Sugar Scrub!  Keep reading if you want to learn how to make the scrub and the benefits it provides!

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood flow, and skin cell renewal for healthier, younger looking skin.  Some of my favorite things about this scrub are its benefits.  This scrub detoxifies, exfoliates, and softens.  Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants which protects skin from free radicals.  The antioxidants found in green tea improve, repair, and protect the skin from ageing, acne, and UV rays (to an extent).  The sugar produces glycolic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin.  Sugar also contains Glycerin which softens and brightens the skin.  Honey contains enzymes that have been proven to heal and rejuvenate the skin helping it appear younger, softer, and smoother. *

• What You'll Need:
• Pure granulated cane sugar
• Pure honey
• Pure green tea
• Water
• A small container

 Step 1:
Measure out:  1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar, 1/8 cup (30ml) water, 1 Tbsp (15 ml) honey.
Add half of the measured sugar into your container along with the honey.

 Step 2:
Put measured water into tea cup and microwave for approximately 10 seconds.  Next, add one green tea sachet to the warm water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.  Squeeze remaining tea from sachet and add half of the tea to the sugar and honey mixture.  (You won't need the other half, it just helped the steeping process.)

Step 3:
Break open the used tea sachet, scoop out half of the leaves, and add them to your mixture.  Add remaining sugar.  Incorporate all ingredient throughly.  Viola!  You've made a scrub!

How to use:
Start with a clean face, free from make-up and excess oil.  Place a warm cloth over your face for a few seconds to open your pores.  Now, evenly spread a thin layer of the scrub over your skin.  Using your middle and ring fingers (they're your weakest thus allowing for more gentle scrubbing), gently scrub your face using small circular motions, for about 60 seconds.  Avoid your eye area, as it's too delicate for any type of scrub.  Make sure to keep water on your hands throughout the process to help the scrub be less harsh.  Rinse your face with warm water until all the sugar is gone.  Pat your face dry, apply a toner, and your favorite moisturizer!

Added Bonus:
This face scrub can double as a lip scrub, perfect for the wintry months ahead!  Just apply a small amount to your lips, scrub using small circular motions for 15 to 30 seconds, and wash away the excess.  Immediately following, you must apply a moisturizing lip balm.  Since this scrub is all natural, it won't matter if you accidentally eat some, it tastes yummy and is perfectly safe if made under sanitary conditions.

Stir scrub before each use, as the green tea separates from the sugar and honey.
It's gentle enough to use every day, but I recommend every other day or three times a week depending on your skin type.
This scrub has a shelf-life of about 30 days.
Makes approx. 2 oz. (57 ml).

I hope you all give this scrub a try, I know it's one of my favorite ways to clean and pamper my face!  Enjoy!

Love, L xoxo

*Beneficial information courtesy of bubzbeauty and michellephan

Fall into Fashion: Outerwear

All About Outerwear!


Tis the season of trends so let's get up-to-date on them!  While there are many outerwear trends afloat right now, the top three, in my opinion, are asymmetrical, the boyfriend, and the shearling.

Pictured above are examples of each outerwear trend. First, we have a jacket which combines four trends in one: asymmetrical closure, multiple zippers, leather, and a short aviator style.  In the next picture, a shearling jacket, combining the furry/plush lining and collar, leather outer, and bomber style.  In the final picture, we see a blazer combining the boyfriend cut and the dangling chains over the pocket, reminiscent of the military trend.  Bountiful buttons are another must for jackets and coats this season.  Also, make room for waistcoats and stylish, tailored vests as they too are popular fall outerwear options.

These example show that finding a wardrobe staple can keep you looking trendy and stylish.  With the right jacket, you can personalize the trend to your liking with what you wear underneath it and how  you accessorize.

While knowing what trend to look for and how to style it accordingly are important, knowing what fit best flatters your body type is just as essential.  Here are a few guidelines to consider:  if you're petite and slender/average, you should look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip to an inch or so above; otherwise petite, look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip to an inch below that feature a belt that accentuate's the smallest part of your waist; if you're tall and slender/average, look for jackets/coats that are either crop, mid-hip, or mid-calf length; if you're otherwise tall, look for jackets/coats that hit mid-hip or mid calf that are double-breasted and feature a belt type detail to accentuate the smallest part of your waist.

Regardless of the trend you choose or the fit that's best for you, just remember it all boils down to what you feel most comfortable and confident wearing.  Style isn't style if you don't make it your own!  :)

Love, L xoxo

Online Shopping Favorites and Gems

If you're someone who spends an inordinate amount of time on the internet, you've probably dabbled in internet shopping at some point.  Especially if you're into fashion, online shopping is a great option for finding great styles, great buys, and great stores that may not be in your area or country for that matter!  Some of my favorite places to shop or "window" shop ;P, are Forever21, CharlotteRusse, ASOS, ModCloth, Tulle4U, Steve Madden, and Kensie to name a few.  I've found these sites to have stylish selections, great prices, and reasonable shipping rates.


A couple of the online shopping gems I've come to find are HauteLook and Ideeli.

According to HauteLook's website they are "a leader in online retail, bringing the thrill back to shopping through 48-hour sale events with the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Each day, HauteLook offers discounts of 50 to 75 percent off to millions of members in the U.S. and Canada. Membership is free to join and everyone is welcome.  In the last two years, over 1,000 high profile brands have chosen HauteLook to host more than 2,500 private events for women, men, kids, home, and beauty.  HauteLook was chosen by People as one of the top 15 ways to save money, while Extra television called it a 'Virtual Shopaholic Heaven.'"  I really enjoy perusing this site, but I tend to wait too long before purchasing, so if you see something you want, you've got to act fast because someone else will snatch up your find!  Oh, and you earn $10 for every person who signs-up and shops via your recommendation!

According to Ideeli's website, "Ideeli is the fastest-growing online members-only shopping site in the U.S.  Their 3 million members enjoy limited-time sales featuring the most sought-after brands across the categories of apparel, accessories, home, beauty, travel and kids. Each event is designed by ideeli editors to offer an exclusive shopping opportunity with new brands featured each day at up to 80% off.  New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. Ideeli also has weekly giveaways which have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Our members are notified by email, Facebook and Twitter each time a new sale starts."

Similar to Ideeli, is Europe's Vente-Privee, the original internet based designer discount giant.

Finally, I'll tell you a bit about one more designer "deal" site, Neiman Marcus's Last Call stores.  According to their website, "Neiman Marcus operates over 25 Last Call Clearance Centers catering to the customer looking for designer and luxury merchandise at up to 75% off retail in categories that include women's and men's apparel, fashion accessories, handbags, ladies shoes as well as home décor. With a distinct customer base, a commitment to customer service, and a strong presence in major metropolitan areas, Last Call is a unique brand within its very specialized retailing niche."

Oh and don't forget about RetailMeNot, a coupon site that offers coupon codes for multiple stores, online and offline!

Okay all you shopaholics, now that you've been given the down-low on some of the best deals and places to shop online,  go shopping crazy!  The holidays are fast approaching, so you've got a great excuse!  ;)

Love, L xoxo

crushin'.... Jourdan Dunn and Miroslava Duma

We are absolutely crushing on Jourdann Dunn and Miroslava Duma.

Miroslava is the daughter of a Russian senator and was an editor for Harper's Bazaar Russia. She is now a freelance writer for various fashion publications. We love her unqiue style and ability to predict fashion trends years in advance (if you look at photos of her from a few years ago, she is wearing things that we only just started wearing this season!).


Miroslava's casual summer look. We love the oversized Fedora and aviator sunnies.



Miroslava in a more professional look, showing us how to be glam and warm all at the same time!



Miroslava rocking the hippie chic look, pregnant and all! Possibly the most stylish preggers lady ever.

Jourdan is a model from England and funnily enough was discovered in Primark! She was the first black model in over a decade to represent Prada on the runway and she's a young mom - she has a son called Riley who was born in 2009.


We love Jourdan's classic and understated style in this picture - especially the boots!



Jourdan looks effortlessly on trend in jeans with a simple t-shirt, topped by a boyfriend blazer and tennis shoes.



photographer of the week ya'll.... Rosie Hardy

I've been checking Rosie Hardy out for quite a while now. I first discovered her on one of those random Flickr explorations that we all tend to have from time to time. Her photography absolutely captures your attention in every way - sometimes disturbing, sometimes challenging, sometimes ethereal and always intriguing. Her technique is so 'on point' that it is hard to look away. The fact that she is so photogenic and free makes her self portraits unlike any others I have seen. What I love the most about Rosie Hardy is that she is young, and will admit readily that she is not the most experienced, although her name is starting to become popular in the world of photography. This is a clear indication of a good eye, an incredible natural talent and an emotional creativity that flows from within her soul, through the lense and onto our computer screens.

Check out her website: http://www.rosiehardy.com/1144-personal-portfolio-home
And her Flickr profile: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_hardy/page2

Love, A xoxo

blogs we love.... The Streethearts

Basically, we're just really in love with this blog. It showcases unique and inspiring streetstyle from all over the world. Every picture is interesting, creative and feels like a little peek into the lives of ordinary fashion forward human beings in interesting places. Click and enjoy This Grown Up Girl friends!

http://thestreethearts.com/

Help I'm awkward!

You know when you get your hair cut short and then decide you really want long hair so you try grow it out and it stays at that awkward length for ages? Yep, that's me right now. If you share my hair-awkwardness, here are a few tips...

Love, trust, appreciate your hairdresser/stylist - And if you don't have one, get one! For example, mine is so fabulous: she knows I'm trying desperately to grow out my hair and discourages me from cutting it short again in the meantime.

Get it trimmed/restyled regularly - It's a fact that if you get rid of your dead ends often your hair will grow quicker and healthier so get to chopping!

Dye your hair or get high/lowlights - This will update your look instantly and make you feel brand new, even if your length is still awkward.

Get a perm - I tried this over the summer and it absolutely worked and looked fabulous until it started to wear off/grow out. Now don't be afraid of perms, they're not all bad. Kate Hudson's perm is so beachy and loose - not 80s nightmare at all!

Excuse your French - A little French braid on the side will always make your hair more interesting plus it's a great way to look and feel more feminine. Check out how hot Nicole Ritchie looks with hers.

Bobby, bobby, bobby - Bobby pins are a lifesaver in certain situations. Half grown out layers, messy bangs/fringes and loose hairs at the back will forever haunt you unless you utilise these underrated accessories.

Let me know how you get on and if you have any other tips or ideas! I've heard pre-natal vitamins and horse shampoo are incredible for growing hair quickly - anyone tried it?

Love, A xoxo

"Fall" Into Fashion: Military

When the air gets brisk and the leaves begin to turn, you know it's time to revamp your fall wardrobe!  If you're wondering what the trends are this season and how to pull them off, you've come to the right place!  Over the next few weeks, I'll be splitting this "Fall Into Fashion" series up into sections by trend, so let's get  started!

Mad About Military
If you've been shopping recently you may have noticed many mannequins sporting the military trend.  Some clothes have rough and rugged fabrics, others are sleek with tailored detail.  Be it camo, cargo, buttons, or pockets, military is a style most everyone can pull off.

Above, you see a military inspired double-breasted blazer donning multiple antique buttons down the front placket and on the shoulders, with large pockets.  Next, a version of cargo pants with lots of flap pockets and rugged seams.  In the third photo, a simple utility dress complete with cargo boots and a waist-belt (another fall trend).

Making the military trend your own is as simple as choosing a staple garment such as a military inspired jacket, shirt, pant, etc., and building your outfit around it.  Whether embracing this particular trend or not, remember, muted greens, navy, brown, and black are your best color choices for this fall.  Keep a look out for my next "Fall Into Fashion" on Outerwear!

Love, L xoxo

photographer of the week ya'll... Daley Hake

I've decided to start "photographer of the week" postage. There are so many amazing and unique photographers out there and it's fascinating to look at their blogs/websites/Flickr albums and see their works, their inspirations and their subjects!

The first is a guy called Daley Hake. I'm assuming that's his real name. If so, it's a pretty rocking name. My husband recently returned from a conference in Atlanta and this photographer was there and hubs was pretty impressed. Go to his website and be inspired, excited and intrigued!

The Wedding of Ami and Mr. Chris

 I promised a few of you that I would post some pictures of my wedding in June - here they are!

Mr. Chris and I 

The whole wedding party - the wedding was on a beautiful lake!

Myself, my little flowergirls and my sister Jess (maid of honour)

My bouquet, made by the very talented Becky Lance
The bag of seeds everyone got to throw at us as we left
The Order of Service

Love, A xoxo