Topshop Picks

I was lucky enough to be given a Topshop voucher from a friend for my birthday. I've just had a look at the website to pick out something, here are my favourites:

Cream Flower Crochet Insert Dress - £34

Hesta Jade Tie Up Espadrille Sandals - £24

 

Embroidered Cape Blouse - £50

Multi Butterfly Print Kimono - £50

Pink Grandad Collar Shirt - £35

Rounded Cross Earrings - £10

Silk Gypsy Rock Blouse - £25 (in sale)

White Jessie Jeans - £25 (in sale)

Shellac Verdict

Well the Shellac remained shiny and chip-free for a full two and a half weeks, then the cracks began to come thick and fast, so I went back to the salon and had it soaked off which was quick and easy.

I loved this and will definitely be getting it done again. The actual product didn't damage my nails at all - I think it even acted as a protective barrier - but the acetone which was used to remove it was quite drying, so I'd recommend using a good nail oil or hand cream afterwards.

Shellac Nails

Yesterday I got my nails Shellac-ed. Shellac is a relatively new product and a hybrid between gel nails and regular nail varnish. The only difference in application to a normal manicure is that in between each coat you put your hands inside a machine which emits UV light (it's recommended that you apply an SPF to your hands before starting). This dries the varnish solid and super shiny.

The best thing about this treatment is that it is supposed to last two whole weeks without a single chip. I'll be keeping my pretty pink fingers crossed that that's true.

I got mine done in a local salon in London for £25 but prices vary around the country. The colour I chose is called Rose Pink. The only downside of Shellac is the limited range of colours - although this could be exclusive to the nail bar I visited where there wasn't much to choose from other than neutrals, pinks and reds.

Waka Waka Eh Eh

The weather in London is amazing at the moment and despite my upcoming A Level exams all I can think about is Summer. I'm going to Zambia with my best friend of sixteen years for a safari holiday, and thinking about that is just so much more exciting than Virgil's Aeneid.

I guess I'm lucky that tribal prints and accessories are everywhere at the moment. Love love love these earrings - maybe I'll blend in with the exotic wildlife. And along with some not-so-funky but essential khakis I think I'll have to invest in a sensible rucksack... My heart is telling me to go for the garish patterned one, but my head is telling me that my friend might be a bit cross if I scare off all the lions. Perhaps one of the cream ones is a better option.

Fashion Maths

Sinful Colours

Recently a friend bought me a Sinful Colours nail varnish in Dream On which is a really bright, eye-catching matte violet. I love it. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but when I logged on to their website I got (embarrassingly) over-excited by their range of colours and finishes. Plus they are super cheap, so I didn't feel guilty as I loaded up my basket.
Enjoy - www.sinfulcolors.co.uk/nailpolish.html

Sinful Colours Professional nail polish in Dream On, with a shiny top coat

The Sartorialist

I love street fashion. Perhaps this explains my love of sitting in coffee shops and people watching, which I spend a worrying amount of time doing. Scott Schuman (aka, the blogger behind The Sartorialist) has made this a whole lot easier by taking snaps of all sorts of different people around the world and posting the pictures on his wonderful blog. From models to businessmen and from PR girls to builders, all Schuman's subjects have a unique personal style, which could be overlooked if you were to hurredly walk past these people on the busy streets of New York, but when isolated in a simple photograph, becomes something beautiful.

This video gives a great insight into his work and what inspires him.

Springtime Socks

                               

I love this look in Spring, especially with denim shorts, pretty skirts or peeking out over Converse trainers. Cute.