Guide To Summer Trends 2017

Whether you're a trend follower or not, some of this year's summer trends are seriously fab! From gingham to ruffles to all things pink, this post has you covered...

Off The Shoulder 

Last year, the 'off the shoulder' trend was everywhere and this summer it's back! This is definitely one of my favourite styles. In dresses or tops, off the shoulder looks so classy and elegant. You can show of your shoulders, without revealing too much skin. No matter what shop I go into, the hangers are filled with off the shoulder styles. If you don't already own a strapless bra, you better get a move on!  

Ruffles

In the past, ruffles may have looked like you nicked a blouse from your granny's closet but this summer they've been in all of the spring/summer shows (Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen). Giving a pretty, feminine touch ruffles can be subtle or dramatic. 

Stripes

I love stripes all year round, you can never go wrong! This season, it's all about making a statement with bold stripes. Graphic stripes have been seen by designers like, Balmain, Nina Ricci and Victoria Beckham - if that doesn't convince you I don't know what will! If the girly trends aren't to your taste, stripes are perfect for you!

Pink

Many of us went off pink as it felt a little too girly but not anymore! From blush pinks to pastel pinks to bright pinks, it's all in. Pink was everywhere at Paris Fashion Week from the likes of Valentino, Céline and Balenciaga. This summer it's all about making a statement so, what better way to do it than with pink?!

Gingham 

In attempt not to look like a picnic blanket, you could go a little more subtle with this one (I mean, hats off if you want to go all out). With a pretty top or even a light summer dress, gingham will look fab! Also, it works well in any colour. 

80s

We're going back in time for this one, to one of the boldest and brightest decades! The 80s was filled with metallics, big shoulders, statement belts and off-shoulder dresses and it's back this season. This is for the ones who like to make a bold fashion statement! Maybe not for daywear but for going out this could be a trend to try!

Florals

Head to toe florals were spotted at the shows, with the likes of Gucci and Balenciaga showing off their take on floral prints. Florals done well will give you the perfect summer vibe! This season's prints have been inspired by wallpapers and interiors. From shoes to coats to dresses, the designs are definitely bold!

Top Concealer Picks

Concealer is one of things I cannot live without. A necessity in my makeup bag, which covers all of those annoying blemishes and dark circles. I've picked 3 concealers that I love and hope you will too! Each for a slightly different purpose and in no particular order...

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat 

This is my newest concealer that I've been testing out. It's quite a light product but oh, wow is it brightening! This is perfect for under the eyes to cover those bags and make you look a little more awake. It blends very easily and has really good coverage. Technically this isn't actually a concealer, it's a 'highlighting pen' so won't necessarily cover blemishes but, for under the eyes this is the best - illuminating perfection! Also, the gold packaging is heavenly.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

This has been an essential in my makeup bag for a long time and will continue to be for a long time to come. First, it's extremely affordable so you won't break the bank! This has a doe foot applicator, so it's super easy to apply. It works to brighten under the eyes or to cover any blemishes and redness. It has full coverage and is a little bit thicker - basically covers everything!  The downside is that the little tube doesn't last very long so you'll  just have to stock up. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer (Fruit Therapy) 

This concealer is thinner in consistency than the other two, so it's not drying which is great if you have normal to dry skin. I prefer not to use this for under the eyes as it came across almost yellow-y when I applied it. However, for blemishes and redness, this is great. It has good coverage and a little goes a long way! It has a lovely dewy finish and is enriched with fruit therapy, giving you that desired healthy glow and extra hydration.  Side note - this is the old version but, the new one still has all the vitamins and radiance!

*I use a beauty blender or a Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer Brush to blend the concealers. 

Morphe Palette Review

Lots of beauty lovers jumped on the Morphe Palette bandwagon and I was no exception. I had a few palettes in my Cult Beauty wishlist for ages but they were always sold out. Once the one I wanted came back in stock, I had to grab it (yes, I had to). I was not disappointed... 

I got the Morphe 35OS palette, which is simply stunning. With 35 shades (insane!!!), it has the most amazing array of warm reds, coppers and golds. With an affordable price of £22 (Beauty Bay) or £23.50 (Cult Beauty), you can't really go wrong. This palette is versatile and wearable, creating a subtle - or more dramatic - shimmer. So, if you're into shimmery eye shadows, this is perfect for you! You can create a beautiful inner corner highlight. 

Before applying the eye shadow, use a primer/concealer/base to prevent creasing and make it last longer. I actually use the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Creme de Nude' which acts as a lovely base and is really affordable! Ensure you use good brushes for an even better result. My favourite eye shadow brushes are Zoeva, but Morphe also do great ones. 

What I did find with this palette is that with the darker shades they had quite a bit of fall down and required a good bit of blending. However, there's nothing a good brush and concealer can't fix! To get rid of any fall down, a good tip is to use the pointy end of a beauty blender to lightly dust it off. Once everything is blended you'll have a stunning result. Unless, of course, you're useless at eye makeup, in which case maybe all you need is a little more practice... Unfortunately, the Morphe Palettes don't have mirrors but, for such a good price, I'm willing to overlook that!

Do you have a Morphe Palette? If so, which one and what are your thoughts? 

The Statement Bag

One of the biggest trends right now is embroidery...and I'm loving it! From embroidered jeans to embroidered tops to embroidered bags - it's everywhere. One of my favourite styles is using embroidery to create 'The Statement Bag'. I got this little one above from Marks and Spencer and it fits the bill perfectly!

With it's black base colour and gold chain, it's seriously chic and goes with everything! It is adorned with the most stunning embroidery of tropical birds and flowers. The vibrant colours are also very in right now. The size of this bag is ideal as it's small but can actually fit everything you need (purse, phone, lipstick - sorted). It has a secure clasp to keep everything safe and goes over the shoulder perfectly. 

I was really impressed with this M&S buy, however, there are loads of high street stores where you can buy a statement bag. Zara are doing the statement bag so well right now, I want them all! The statement bag doesn't have to be embroidered...you could simply have a bold colour or pattern! It's such a perfect way to add a little something to your outfit and incorporate interest without going over the top. 

What are your thoughts on the statement bag?

Check out these other statement bags that are amazing: 

Zara - Watermelon Bucket Bag

          Embroidered Tropical Bag

          Embroidered Floral Bag

           

ASOS - Skinnydip Iridescent Bag

              Pull&Bear Snake Print Bag

Topshop - Floral Embroidered Bag

                Yellow Bucket Bag

It's been a while...

It's been a while since I've written a blog post and I hardly know where to begin! To keep things simple I thought I'd update you post-surgery.

In my last post I mentioned that I was getting spinal surgery on the 11th March, which I did. This involved straightening my 's'-shaped spine with two metal rods and screws. However, it didn't quite go to plan as they lost my nerve traces after putting in the second rod, meaning I could've been left with paralysis. They detached the second rod and stitched me back up. I then had to lie flat for three days until they could operate again. The second operation thankfully went well but due to the loss of a lot of blood and an infection I ended up in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 days. From being high on morphine to learning to walk again; it was an interesting few days to say the least.

I returned to my little room on the ward and made a pretty quick recovery, shocking most of the nurses! After a hell of a lot of pain, wobbly walking and sleepless nights, I was finally discharged from hospital on day 12! I returned home the day after (a rather nerve racking flight) and it was the best feeling ever! 

10 weeks down the line, I'm pleased to say that I'm doing well - the pain has eased, my organs are getting used to their new positions and my brain is adjusting to my new shape! I'll be wearing a brace for 6 months, which is just the height of fashion! 

As well as updating you all, I wanted to give credit to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London. I was truly blessed to have had one of the best consultants in Europe and an amazing team of nurses, doctors and physios. Thanks to these incredible people my time in hospital was a little less scary and at times even enjoyable - can't believe I'm admitting that! The transformation of my spine is incredible (gaining 3 inches in height)...and I now have an 16 inch scar to show off! 

Feel free to ask any questions! Hope you're all keeping well and I'm excited to get back into blogging x