I was discussing my make-up routine with a friend at work recently – mainly because I don’t consider myself very skilled at it and I was hoping to pick up some tips. We agreed that most girls learn about make-up from their mother, but that wasn’t really the case for us. Make-up for me has always been very much trial and error.
There are a few products I’ve tried in recent years that I’ve stuck with and they are nearly all French brands. So when a sudden fancy struck me the other weekend to try a slightly bolder look and invest in a properly-red lipstick I went to the one French brand I hadn’t yet tried: Dior.
The Dior counter at House of Fraser were incredibly helpful – and very patient with my trial-and-error approach. They picked out the perfect shade for me and taught me everything I needed to know to apply it properly – I’d been doing it wrong all these years – quelle surprise! (For some equally useful tips I’d also recommend this article.)
Here are some of my best French beauty buys:
Something For the Weekend: Tropical Butterfly House
Last weekend I stumbled upon this place, completely by accident. I was supposed to be meeting up with family for a celebratory birthday meal for my sister, but I spotted signs for this place en-route and at the last minute we changed our plans. I’m so glad we did. Whether you have children, or you’re just a big kid at heart like me, The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife and Falconry centre is a wonderful day out. It is a little off the beaten track, but if you ever find yourself in the north of England I would recommend a visit.
We didn’t have long enough on our visit to explore everything but I will definitely be going back. Here are some of the highlights from our visit:
Pretty Prints
I’ve been re-discovering my love of Pinterest recently and it led me to thinking about mixing and matching my prints more. I bought this skirt last summer and I love how the lace border works in conjunction with the busy print on the skirt.
There’s something about lace that just makes me think of summer events and this would be the perfect outfit for a garden party. There are lots of gorgeous little details that just make it feel so feminine and fun.
Cinderella
One of my earliest memories is of Cinderella. When I was little my Grandma would often mind me while my Mum and Dad were at work, and sometimes – if I was lucky – I’d get to spend the weekend there too. It was the weekends I looked forward to the most. My grandma knew my favourite movie was Walt Disney’s Cinderella, but she’d only rent it from the VHS shop as a special treat for the weekend. My love for the film has stayed with me (and yes I’ve seen the live action remake and it’s wonderful).
Photos by @RachelOrritt (see www.rachelorritt.com)
Fashion on Film
We’re having a bit of a pre-summer-heatwave in the UK at the moment, so I’ve been taking advantage of the good weather recently, spending lots of time outdoors (follow me on instagram to see some of my mini-adventures) and sadly neglecting this little blog. But just incase the weather’s not so great where you are at the moment, I thought I’d put a few trailers together to inspire and entertain you!
I love a good fashion fairytale… so here are some of the best dressed stories out there.
Dior and I – due for release 10th April 2015
Yves Saint Laurent – 2014
The September Issue – 2009
Coco Before Chanel – 2009
Girl In The Pretty Dress 