Fashion Month

It's here! Very hard to take over this site with catwalk shows considering they are taking over my mind so I am just going to do a 'Best of' at the end of every week. Seems fair?

Until then though, I just wanted to say that I have fallen in love with these dresses and cannot stop thinking about them...

Monique Lhuiller

Christian Siriano

Images: Style.com

This Week's Playlist...

Ed Sheeran - You Need Me, I Don't Need You
The more I hear of this young lad, the more I like! This latest single could not be any more different to the last beautiful slice of folk pop. This track has a hip hop feel and Ed is proving himself to have quite a way with words. Example - 'They say I'm up and coming like I'm f**king in an elevator'! The chorus is ridiculously catchy and once it gets stuck in your head, good luck getting it out!

Foster The People - Call It What You Want
After falling in love with 'Pumped Up Kicks', I downloaded this album for a mere £4.99 the other day and I can happily reveal that the rest of the album is just the same - really catchy, really funky and really original. They have their own refreshing sound and this is a high contender for my album of 2011.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - The Adventures of Raindance Maggie
Good to have them back! The Chillis doing what they do best - a classic rock song. I LOVE the bassline - and the title.

Adele -Rumour Has It
After catching this missy on Jonathan Ross I was reminded of how grounded, humble and sweet she is - despite her raging success. This is one of my faves on the album.

Kings of Leon - True Love Way
This is still in my top 3 Kings of Leon songs. It takes a few listens. It doesn't appear catchy at first but once you truly hear it (sounds so cliche), it is a beautiful song with a gorgeous instrumental in the middle, powerful vocals from Caleb and a very ambivalent message - which I am still trying to find out.

One Direction - You Don't Know You're Beautiful
Go on - slate me, throw rocks, accuse me of being a cougar! I don't care, this is a bloody catchy, feel-good song and their management have done an amazing job. Plus, in a few years they will be little rides.

Miranda for Elle

I'm a little bit obsessed with Miranda Kerr in case you haven't noticed (or any of the VS Angels past and present to be honest). I read in a magazine today that they were hailing Imogen from Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model as the next Miranda Kerr! No offense to Imogen - she seems a smart and likeable girl - but they are bloody big shoes to fill!

Anyway Miranda covers US ELLE this month and I am loving the versatility of these shots...

Images: Elle.com

September Shopping List

So far this month I am lusting for...

Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone Case, £30, Net-A-Porter

I am in love with my Kate Spade case that I bought a few months ago but I must admit this caught my eye and I can't stop thinking about it! But a girl can have more than one iPhone case, right? You need to change it around once in a while. Variety is the spice of life! I love the colours. It is the perfect case for Autumn/Winter.

Brown leather boots, £90, River Island

I found my winter boots! And quite easily too. The minute I saw them I just knew that I will live in them all winter long. Looking forward to rocking them with skinny jeans tucked in, or with winter dresses and tights. I need them!

They're Real Mascara, £17.50, Benefit

I am still in two minds about buying this, purely because I am constantly disappointed with premium brands' mascaras. In my opinion, Max Factor and Maybelline are the mascara queens! I also thought their 'Bad Girl' mascara was horrendously bad. However, I have seen a number of 'before' and 'after' photos on blogs online (which have no reason to lie) and I am very impressed with it! I love and need a mascara that will hold a curl (courtesy of Shu Uemura of course).

Since I just booked tickets to a number of fashion events in London this month, I can't rush out and buy these yearned-for items right now but in a few weeks, these babies will be mine! Can't wait.

Tom Ford Beauty

At last! Tom Ford's eagerly anticipated beauty line has arrived in Selfridges. We were given a little glimpse last year with the luxurious lipsticks but now Mr Ford has added foundations, eyeshadows, lipsticks, eyebrow shapers and make-up brushes to his empire.

I am loving the packaging - very classic and chic in black and gold. Of course the prices are mental, as one would expect. The liquid foundations will set you back £60 a pop while an eyeshadow quad is a whopping £62!

Even the lipsticks seem to have upped price by a pound to £36. That said, it is a gorgeous-looking line that will no doubt sell by the bucket loads. The brushes are beautiful, in particular the bronzing one above (£80).

I will definitely have to pop in to Selfridges for a look at not just the products, but no doubt the counter will have the fabulous campaign photos featuring the immaculate Lara Stone, and Mr Ford himself. I'm sure beauty editors are going to go crazy for this.

Images: Selfridges.com

Harper's Bazaar: Alexa Chung

I must admit I am not a huge fan of Alexa’s Chung’s new British Harper’s Bazaar cover, like the rest of the world is. I don’t think fake lashes suit her. So I am not going to join the billions of blogs posting it!

However, I do adore the editorial inside. Here are my faves…

Images: Nextmodelsblog

Hart of Dixie

Hmm, am very intrigued by this! While browsing The Fashion Spot, I came across this poster for new CW show ‘Hart of Dixie’. I’m a huge fan of Rachel Bilson and, as this was produced by the executive producers of ‘Gossip Girl’, it is off to a very promising start!

It prob won’t air until next year over here though…

Image: Hollywood Reporter 

Beauty Holy Grails

I love to experiment with make-up and am addicted to trying new products. But there are some items I will happily buy again and again. They have become my Holy Grails, my Must-Haves, and I wear them every day...

1. Chanel Soleil de Chanel Universal Bronzing Cream

This is definitely one of my best investment-buys. I spent €39 on this last year and it is still going strong. This is a cream bronzer with a gorgeous silky texture, it is so easy to blend and the pigment gives a lovely sunkissed look that adapts to everyone's individual skin tone. Very good value considering the size of the tub, and how much I use it. You only need a little bit so this is guaranteed to last quite a while. Plus it's Chanel, the packaging is oh so charming and classic!

2. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium

I bring this absolutely everywhere with me! Some people wear this alone as foundation but I prefer to use it as a setting powder when I am finished applying my make-up. I dust a little bit on my forehead, nose and cheeks and it gives a flawless, shine-free look. Is great for touch-ups throughout the day or if you need an extra bit of colour to take you from office to bar. A handbag essential in my opinion.

3. Benefit's 'Big Beautiful Eyes' Kit

This is my daytime look and does exactly what it suggests - gives you eyes that pop! It comes with three eyeshadows, undereye concealer, and a selection of brushes. I apply a little bit of pink and light brown with a small dusting of the darker shade at the edges. It lasts all day and when blended, is a stunning colour. My only complaint is at the end of the day, you may have a little shimmer on the tops of your cheeks - but it is not enough to stop me using it. For night time, I love the 'Smokin' Eyes' kit. Where would we be without Benefit?

4. Benefit 'Coralista' Blush Powder

I am a huge fan of Benefit's boxes of powder having purchased both 'Dallas' and 'Hoola' in my time. However, it's Coralista that is my must-have. This stunning warm coral colour gives me cheekbones (that don't usually exist) and a healthy flush that lasts all day long. I have no desire to try any other blush for now (as a beauty-holic, that is strange) as I have found everything I will ever need in 'Coralista'.

5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

It is no secret that I am a self-confessed mascara junkie. It is my go-to beauty product and there are very little on the market that I haven't tried. No exaggeration. As the owner of naturally subtle lashes, it is my BFF. I have tried them all from Dior and Giorgio Armani to Maybelline and Rimmel. My favourite of all-time and the only one to give me all my mascara needs is the US of A's CoverGirl Lash Blast. I am lucky that I have never ran out thanks to eBay. This mascara is a lifesaver. It holds my curl all day long as if just applied, and gives me amazing volume, definition and body. 

6. Creme de La Mer 'The Lip Balm'

Admittedly this is a little pricey (when a tub of Vaseline is less than £2) but I must admit my fave lip balm is Creme de La Mer's. Ever since I treated myself in Selfridges last year in a bid to own something from my yearned-for/wishlist skincare line, I have been addicted. It is super minty to give the most refreshing feeling and has just the right amount of moisture to not leave your lips too reliant on it. Plus it lasts forever! Definitely worth the hype.

Other products I love are Clarins's 'Beauty Flash Balm', Laura Mercier's 'Secret Camouflage', Lancome's eyeliners and NARS lipglosses.

This Week's Playlist...

Florence & The Machine - What The Water Gave Me

Hands down, my fave song of the year so far. I am a huge fan of this woman - of her talent, her attitude and her ability to produce truly beautiful songs! I listen to this daily on my way to work and it gets better every time. Perfect mix of folk and alternative, the music is amazing. Can’t wait for the album.

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
Downloaded this song on a bit of a whim after hearing their name everywhere and listening to the minute preview on iTunes, and am very glad I did! This song has a brilliant bass line, with a super catchy chorus. It sums up my favourite type of music. To use a cliche, it’s ‘totally my cup of tea’!

Katy B - Easy Please Me
Kept hearing this song when I was shopping so after some Googling, I discovered it is the much-hyped Katy B. I am still not very familiar with her music at all but this is a really catchy, sexy song and I like her voice.

Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger
Huge Maroon 5 fan and I literally listened to this 100 times after I downloaded it. My favourite summer tune. I dare you to resist humming/dancing along.

Washed Out - Amor Fati
I play this when I need to chill and relax. It has a lovely vibe and perfect for when you are just about to fall asleep. It is my first song to discover from this band and I will definately be listening to more.

Alexa Chung for Madewell

These publicity shots for Alexa Chung's second collection for Madewell have just been released. While I think there is nothing new at all here to see in terms of Alexa's style, I also think they are gorgeous shots and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the collection.

How cute is her hair? She rocks the effortless look to a tee.

Images: The Fashion Spot

Kerr Shoe Envy

Totally in love with Miranda Kerr's Jimmy Choo 'Valley' shoes, as spotted on many outings in particular while promoting her natural skincare range, KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr, in Australia.

These super-heels elongate Miranda's already long legs and are very versatile - would look fab with a short skirt, as Miranda, wears, but I think I would love them for my skinny jeans!

If anybody feels like buying me a pair, work away please!

Images: tlfan

Calender Girl Cheryl

 

Loving these shots from Cheryl Cole's upcoming 2012 calender. Very fresh and cute - apart from that bloody tattoo!

Images: Celebrity-Gossip

Lily Love

My love for Lily Aldridge is NO secret. I posted these three photos over time on my Tumblr and just had to share them on my Blogspot too! Her latest J Brand campaign (above) is one of her best.

Below she is joined by husband, Caleb Followill.

Kate & Lila by Mario Testino

Everyone has been raving about Kate Moss’s intimate wedding photos by Mario Testino published in this month’s American Vogue - but it is this shot with daughter, Lila, that caught my eye.

Mario captures the bond between mother and daughter beautifully. I have shown this portrait to a few friends and they all react the same way - wow!

Definately one to be framed in the Hince/Moss household!

Image: Vogue.com

Wow for the Kardashians

What a striking photo! Loving this shot of my favourite reality TV sisters, the Kardashians, for their new clothing Kollection by legendary photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

Their hair is to die for, and I am really lusting after Kourtney’s shoes.

Just wow!

Image: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com

Clarins Love

Big love for Clarins lately especially for three of my fave skincare products:

1) Beauty Flash Balm
Almost needs no introduction. This cult fave has been a beauty staple of mine for a while. On tired mornings, I dab a little bit on my cheeks, temples and eyelids immediately before applying make-up and I look fresh and ready for the day! I love the smell and texture also.

2) Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel
This is a new find and after a month of usage, I can say I’m a huge fan. As part of their new refreshing range, this cleansing gel is very well priced (£10). I use a little bit in the mornings with cold water to waken my skin and a little bit in the evenings with warm water to remove make-up. It is light enough not to clog pores and yet efficient enough that you only need a small amount. Once again, the smell is lovely.

3) HydraQuench Cream
I use this as my night moisturiser. It is quite pricey (£36) but very rich so you only need a small amount, therefore one tub will last you quite a while. My skin can get very dry with the elements and this does an amazing job of restoring moisture leaving me to wake up with super soft and nurished skin!

Guess who is back?

Hi guys!

After a temporary detour via Tumblr, I am officially back on Blogspot! Currently in the process of transferring some of my fave posts over so bear with me!

Classy Lassy

By Jennifer Ennis

Am currently reading 'Classy' by one of my fave society writers, Derek Blasberg. A very humorous and tongue-in-cheek guide on how to determine yourself a lady and not a tramp. He has a fab witty writing style and the book makes me laugh constantly. It also has great images and illustrations and a nice collage of Derek and his famous bessies on the inside cover. Awesome.

A real treat.


ps. Don't feel that by reading his book, you are saying you actually need tips on how to be classy. I am justifying myself with my admiration for him as a writer. Just clearing that up.

Image from Amazon.com

Music: Top 5 of 2010

By Jennifer Ennis

Before anyone gets smart, yes this is a fashion and beauty blog. However as I am also a music fanatic I feel compelled to review my Top 5 albums of 2010. And I must stress this list is in NO particular order!

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Easily one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Arcade Fire's third offering did not disappoint. This band continue to amaze me and this has become my favourite album of their's. From the opening bars of title track 'The Suburbs' I knew I would just love it. The music throughout is beautiful and it is full of stand-out tracks like 'We Used To Wait', 'Rococo', 'Ready To Start', 'Suburbian War' and 'Sprawl II'. It didn't just excite Arcade Fire fans but critics and new listeners alike, and has topped many Best Album of the Year polls. Definately an album that lives up to the hype.

Favourite track: The Suburbs

Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown

I am pretty much biased to anything the Followill clan do, but I have to say 2009's Only By The Night slightly disappointed me. And by disappointed me I mean I don't listen to it very often. But with this album, they are more than back on track and it is my most-played album of the year despite only being released in October! This album will always remind me of living in London as anytime I have been travelling anywhere alone, it has been on full blast in my ears! It has a more mature vibe than previous records and has a great chilled out rock feel. The singles 'Radioactive' and 'Pyro' are particulary strong as are 'Pony Up', 'The Immortals' and 'Back Down South' which sees the family delving back in to their southern roots. A superb album and one I am very much looking forward to seeing live in Hyde Park in June.

Favourite track: Pickup Truck

Beach House - Teen Dream

Beach House are one of my favourite bands I discovered this year. I came across them on Twitter and with some extra cash on iTunes decided to purchase the new album Teen Dream. And what an absolute beauty! It has become my favourite relax, de-stress album. The lyrics and music are beautiful. It takes a few listens to truely appreciate the album but songs like 'Zebra', 'Lover Of Mine' 'A Walk In The Park', 'Norway' and 'Silver Soul' are anything but forgettable. It is hard not to list every song on the album! A great new find and one I hope to see live in 2011.

Favourite track: Used To Be

The Whigs - In The Dark

I have been a fan of Georgia band, The Whigs, for a long time now and they always had a college rock type band feel to them. However, this latest album in my opinion has projected them to the rock big time. Full of great bass lines, catchy choruses and amazing guitars, it is by far their strongest offering to date. Highlights include 'Black Lotus', 'Kill Me Carolyne', 'In The Dark' and 'Automatic'. I still play it all the time. I love their charisma and attitude too - they have tweeted me twice on Twiter don't you know! A fun band who deserve to finally be taken seriously now as a respected rock band.

Favourite track: I Am For Real

Best Coast - Crazy For You

Best Coast were introduced to me by one of my favourite magazines, Nylon. This California-based band released their debut album Crazy For You this year and I can't get enough of it! Defined as 'surf rock' the band have a cute, laid back and ridiculously catchy sound! Front woman Bethany's vocals stay with you and after just one listen, songs like 'Boyfriend', 'Our Deal', 'Crazy For You' and 'Goodbye' will be stuck in your head. I look forward to hearing more from them.

Favourite track: The End


So there is my Top 5... It was hard to narrow it down as it has been an exceptional year for music. Now I look forward to discovering more top music in 2011...

Images from Amazon.com

Elle UK Cover Girl: Cheryl Cole

By Jennifer Ennis

Could this be the most beautiful magazine cover Cheryl has ever done?

I love it - it's simple, it's chic and a lot more stunning than she looked on any X Factor episode last season. Also a reminder that she should ditch the red and return to her natural gorgeous brunette-ness.

Can't wait to see more of the shoot when I buy it this week.

For now, here is another similar-ish pic. What a beaut...



Photos from Justjared.com

Beauty Crush: Katy Perry

By Jennifer Ennis

She's. Just. Perfect.



Photo from KatyPerry.com

Mascara Mayhem

By Jennifer Ennis

First up, Happy New Year!

Now on to one of my favourite topics of discussion - mascara. As the proud owner of what I like to call 'subtle' eyelashes, mascara is my best friend and something I never leave the house without. My favourite so far is CoverGirl's LashBlast Mascara, a gem for less than $10. The downside is it's only avaliable Stateside and on eBay. Which is grand. But I am always on the lookout for a local gem.

So for Christmas, I was kindly given two new ones, starting with Lancome's Hypnose Precious Cells Mascara.



I always thought the name of this mascara was a bit daft, but Julia Roberts looks stunning and classy as ever in the advertisement. The idea is that the mascara magically boosts lash growth through nurishment of the cells. However, this hasn't really been proven since by many critics. But as a mascara I must say it is pretty damn good! It is my first non-waterproof mascara to wear for an age but I was pleasantly suprised with how it held the curl. It gave a lovely dark yet natural and fluttery look and was very long-lasting. I am going to give it a testing period of a week but so far I am impressed. It is easy to remove also.

Verdict: 8/10 (so far)

The next was Maybelline's Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara.



This mascara has intrigued me for a while now, mostly due to the decent reviews and general credability of Maybelline mascaras anyway. The curved brush is a bit tricky at first but I read that once you take your time, the effect is worth it. And I have to say yet again that this mascara is also pretty damn awesome! It give wonderful length, definition and curl. It really does look like I am wearing false lashes yet natural looking ones as I hate the 'clearly fake' look. It is long-lasting, smells nice and the purple tube is very attractive.

Verdict: 9/10


I have to say that while these mascaras have impressed me, they are still not perfect and have not replaced my beloved CoverGirl. The search continues.... but what fun it is!

Images from Lancome.co.uk and Maybelline.co.uk