Style A to ZOE, The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour - written by Rachel Zoe

Quite a while ago I bought this book by leading international stylist, Rachel Zoe, who has worked with the likes of Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton, to name but a few. Rachel seems perhaps too keen to let the world know, through this book, that her life is filled with nothing but glamour. That said, I admire a woman who has been able to embrace her passion and turn it into a lifestyle.

Zoe justifies her obsession with glamour saying, "A life of glamour and style makes everything that much more electrifying, that much more engaging. Think about how we just can't get enough of the brightest icons of Hollywood, past and present.... Glamour can come in the form of a suggestion, a hint - like a pair of oversized sunglasses - or it can appear in all its unapologetic glory, blinding bright from the pile of gold bangles on a bronzed wrist or at an informally chic dinner you throw for your friends at a favourite restaurant. It isn't about fashion. It's style. In my book, glamour is pure lifestyle."

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations of the stylist herself, and lovely pictures of her own impressive and extensive clothes, shoes and accessories collections.

If Zoe had an ethos, it would go something like "buy less, spend more". Although she does give a quick list of her essentials under $50, the rest of the book seems to focus on buying quality, not quantity. This is a good idea providing you have the money to start with, so it is fair to say that this book is not ideal for those on a budget.

Although the majority of Zoe's advice is sensible ("Makeup with glitter in it? No. Feather boas? No.") and her tips for getting ready before a big event and for shopping are particularly interesting, some of her book comes across as pretentious - she claims to feel "naked" without her huge, gold Cartier Roadster watch, and she finds her Neil Lane snake rings "mysterious and spiritual". As well as this, just in case we didn't understand that Zoe is a very successful stylist, there are pages and pages full of photos of her and her celebrity pals, which I found a bit excessive.

Overall, this is a great book if you are a fan of the stylist and her work, but if you're looking for general style advice, you'd be better off spending the money on a subscription to Elle or In Style, because this book is very much focused on glamorous Zoe and her very beautiful clients.

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