Nik Naks

I'm so sorry I haven't blogged in a while... to be honest, life has been really hectic these past 10 days and I also haven't felt particularly inspired by anything, other than some gorgeous sunsets, which I haven't had the time to stop and really take it in. Sometimes I forget how beautiful a place I live in, by the sea, and it's good to soak it up sometimes. I will do more of this very soon.

In the meantime, my friend Nicki ignited my magpie flame this weekend when she wore a dress which she customised herself only hours before. She bought a couple of discounted alice bands with crystal detailing, which she deconstructed and then sewed onto her black dress. A quick and easy way to instantly update last season's LBD! She has always been like this, sewing and fixing our girlfriends' sartorial mishaps and tangled jewellery, pinning brooches to old platforms for a change of foot scenery, painting shoe heels to get one last wear out of them... I think she should start commissioning!

Above: Nic's customised dress / shoulder detail.

Above: beautiful Nicola.

Russian Doll

Remember my recent post about a chic, snowy city break with the Analeena Gstaad clutch? Well, no need to travel for my snowy winter wonderland - it's right here on my doorstep! The snow has fallen and fallen, like pretty sparkly angels, and now the land around us is bright and beautiful and makes for breathtaking scenery when walking the dog. I went for a gorgeous walk with my Mum on Sunday and decided to wear my new Barbour-come-puffa jacket (it's as close as I'll get to either as my ample rack means excess padding is not a good look!) and Russian style faux fur hat. My friend Nicki said it was very "Bond movie", which I love, although perhaps that really is living in a wonderland! Well, Mum liked it so much, she too bought one! What do you think?

Jacket by M&Co, hat by M&Co, jeans by M&S, wellies at Dobbies 2008.

December Darlings

December is proving to be particularly chilly month already and I'm a wee bit worried. You see, it can be too easy to compromise style for comfort, but fear not my little shopping sweethearts: with the British High Street on our doorstep, we can look gorgeous without being admitted for pneumonia!

Below are some examples of affordable faux fur available on the high street, which will tick the box price wise, but most importantly will keep out the biting cold temperatures we have been experiencing this week (and which seem set to stick around for another few weeks). Put your December defence up girls: wrap up in a faux fur jacket, keep fingers from freezing by snuggling them into some furry mitts, or simply carry a soft, fur bag  that can double up as a hand muffler! 

So, no excuses for ditching style for warmth, darlings. Faux fur instantly adds a touch of glamour to any outfit and is guaranteed to keep you warm - my faux fur is the best sartorial decision I've made this winter -  so if you haven’t already, get yourself down to Primark/Matalan/Marks and Spencer/Oasis/Tesco* for a wonderful winter warmer sure to keep you, and your other wardrobe essentials, fabulously cosy indeed.

*delete where appropriate, or, just visit them all 

Above: Matalan £50

Above: Love Miss Daisy Vintage £22 (www.lovemissdaisy.com)

Left: George at Asda £40

Above: A Wear £5

Above: Primark £17

Above: Florence & Fred at Tesco £10

Above: Primark £4

Above: Marks & Spencer £75 (my personal favourite of this selection!) 

All images courtesy of respective stores and PR Shots, with thanks. 

World Aids Day - MAC Viva Glam

As we continue to spend billions within the beauty industry (whether on our favourite, loyal products or on the latest miracle cream) it is easy to forget that not everyone is lucky enough to have little luxuries in life. However, by purchasing products from the MAC Viva Glam range, we can contribute to the cause that is World Aids Day and in turn support charities that provide aid to those with HIV and AIDS while at the same time remind ourselves not to take our health and luck for granted. 

Today, MAC artists from London and Edinburgh will pitch in to help at London’s Positive East and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care and give up some of their free time to decorate nominated service areas and meeting rooms which are frequently used by visitors to both charities. (The MAC Aids Fund has supported Positive East since 2006 and Edinburgh’s Waverley Care for over 10 years now, and has donated a combined total of over £230,000 to these charities for their various projects).

Below are my favourite lip colours from the Viva Glam range by current ambassadors Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, two of the most influential and controversial stars in the music and fashion industries.

For each sale of MAC Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipglass, the full RRP (less VAT)  goes toward helping women, men and kids everywhere affected by HIV and Aids. When choosing your favourite Viva Glam product, take time to consider exactly what your money will do to help:

One Viva Glam purchase can…….

• Provide 1 nutritious meal for a support group for 2 days;
• Provide support and education for 5 pregnant women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS giving them the tools to prevent transmission to their unborn child;
• Buy 1 pair of school shoes for a child orphaned by AIDS;
• Purchase 1 school starter pack of stationery for a child orphaned by AIDS;
• Buy 1 vegetable seed starter pack for a community garden;
• Purchase health education posters for a child care resource centre;
• Provide 1 Party Pack for a child to celebrate Christmas, Easter or a birthday.

Since the inception of the MAC Aids Fund, the organisation has raised in excess of $190,000,000 (Since 1998, through the sale of Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses, the UK and Eire alone have raised over £4.4m), which is a fantastic achievement towards the help  and support of people who are living with HIV and AIDS. Let's not forget though, that it is the sales of these products that has raised the money to support those living with HIV and AIDS - and ladies, that means it is you that has raised these incredible amounts of money. Beauty isn't just skin deep, but a bit of Viva Glam lippy can do more than  just make you feel good on the outside.

 Above: Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses by Cyndi Lauper (red) and Lady Gaga (pink) available at MAC counters nationwide and on the MAC website. Lipsticks RRP £12.50 and lipglasses RRP £12.00.

With thanks to MAC Cosmetics for all images.