Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Stain Glass Nails

I have always had a bit of an obsession with my nails... as someone who bit their nails to shreds as a child, I was so excited to have something to work with when they finally started growing! I began attempting nail art a few years ago, just on myself, and nothing too outrageous as there wasn't too much nail inspiration around as far as I can remember, but recently with all sorts of ideas and looks becoming so popular within nail art, I have been playing around and having lots of fun!

I did the marbling, messy but looks cool... the crackle polish, the contrasting half moons, multi coloured spots, leopard print, you name it... but recently whilst experimenting I discovered the stain glass effect. Now I'm not going to say I had some amazing vision and it worked first time round, because the truth of the matter is that I was attempting something completely different... and it just so happens that stain glass was the end result!



So, how did I do it?

Step 1: Paint a base coat in a rich, shimmering colour - I chose gold. I guess silver, bronze etc would work too.
Step 2: Use a nail art polish or pen (I used a polish with a very fine brush which I found in a random outlet shopping centre) to paint on small circular patterns, but don't be too careful. I used orange.
Step 3: Use another nail art polish/pen to trace around the patterns, again don't be precious about it - turns out that when it runs a bit the overall effect is better. I used a deep red colour as I wanted to palette to be quite tonal.
Step 4: Paint on a clear top coat to prevent chipping and to give another dimension.

And that is all you have to do! I think this would work with most colour palettes as long as they are tonal, so maybe a nice jade green with a couple of shades of blue/turquoise. If you do this, and manage to come up with some cool colour combos, let me know!


Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Who wore what? 2011 Teen Choice Awards

Taylor Swift wearing Rafael Cennamo, paying homage to Marilyn Monroe

Blake Lively rocks this season's hottest colour, by Gucci

Rachel Bilson wears this ultra feminine Chloe dress so well

Nina Dobrev opts for something a little less vamp in this D&G number

Beautiful people...


Kaley Cuoco dazzled with her choice of beach babe beauty on this year's blue carpet. Opting for loose, messy waves was a great choice as it really sets off her multi-tonal blonde locks. Kaley's skin was glowing, with the bright pink lip really dominating the look. Her lilac and charcoal smokey eye was subtle, enhancing her pretty green eyes beautifully. A pop of rosey pink on the apples of her cheeks brought her lips to life, and added to the overall luminosity. Perfect!
<3 to get this look I recommend...

Chanel Pro Lumiere foundation, Bare Escentuals blush in 'giddy pink', Dandelion face powder by Benefit, MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in 'Insanely it', Rimmel Soft Kohl pencil and Barry M Dazzle Dust in lilac

www.chanel.com
www.bareescentuals.co.uk
www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
www.rimmellondon.com
www.barrym.com

Monday, 8 August 2011

A birthday to remember

Even the animals were a bit worse for wear the following day...

This weekend marked my 23rd year on the planet. A terrifying thought until I realised that I actually have more years ahead of me until I'm 50, than the amount of years I have been alive... that made me feel a lot better!

I celebrated with my lovely boyfriend, friends and family with an abundance of food (cakes more specifically) and wine.

I wore a gorgeous Topshop dress that I've had my eye on ever since I first saw it in store, and a pair of coloured Zara courts that I picked up in the summer sale. I accessorised with the most stunning diamond ring, a gift from my wonderful parents.

Bare Escentuals 'Bright Now' collection dressed my face which I topped off with Nars pure matte lipstick in carthage.

All cakes were made especially for me, and a bottle of Champagne set the day off with a bang!

Thursday, 28 July 2011

Hairspiration


Oh Olivia, is it not enough that you have the most gorgeous sense of style? You have to have hair to die for too?

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

The 'could be Marant' boots

Boots £64.99 www.riverisland.com

Simple, classic, comfortable and posess an uncanny resemblance to Isabel Marants elusive 'Dicker' boot, but at a fraction of the price. Western inspired, yet not your generic cowboy boot - do not mistake for a cowboy boot. These have a certain femininity about them, with the perfect heel for every day use, and just the right amount of rugged appeal to pull off that 'Oh I just threw these on' look.

Ohthereshegoesagain LOVES