Happy Easter Everyone!

Photo Credit: Pinterest. Effects & Font created by myself (Dawn)

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Tidbits - A/W '14

Hey Bloggers,

How are we all enjoying Autumn '14 so far?? Here is a selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle snapshots taken over the past couple of months. As always, I like to document my musings, purchases and trips in visual form, especially as autumn is my all-time favourite season... that and I don't have an Instagram account! ;) Feel free to leave any comments below - which pictures do you like? Also, I would love to read your autumn related blogs, so you're more than welcome to share those too.

Scenery/Street Art

Beautiful Sunset - Docklands, Preston.

'The Butterfly Effect' - Serpentine Wood, Kendal.

Cute Bee Graffiti Art I spotted just around the corner from my sister's apartment - Manchester. :) 

Cafe

You can't beat a smooth Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream during the chillier months!

Flexing my photography skills in Starbucks ;)

Fashion

Killer heels, London Calling printed socks, tartan leggings and vintage pinstripe pencil skirt.

This tee has been worn to death - I LOVE its faded font and simplicity!

Nude stiletto pumps, black lace anklets, monochrome leggings and embellished pencil skirt.

Manicures

Orly pristine white manicure with leopard print nail decal detailing.

Orly green manicure worn with my 'go-to' black accessories. 

Autumn Beauty Essentials

Autumn wouldn't be autumn without a statement red lip!

Novelty lip balm with a fresh cucumber/mint scent - gift from my Twinny. :)

I always keep some Nivea lip care goodies in my travel make-up kit. I'm using the luscious watermelon balm at the mo - it has a natural pink sheen which acts as a good lipstick base, and the scent is out of this world!

From L-R: Lilac Hair Chalk, Rimmel 'Brit Manicure' Polish in Ivory Tower, Rimmel 'Velvet Matte' Polish in Sumptuous Red, Baby Pink Hair Chalk.

Scent

Shay & Blue 'Sicilian Limes' Perfume - officially my new favourite scent!

Note: All Images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Kit Harington for Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo recently unveiled an exciting Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign starring British Game of Thrones actor, Kit Harington.

Immaculately photographed by Peter Lindbergh in Los Angeles, the campaign images were carefully captured at a private home designed by the late American architect, John Lautner. Known for his progressive engineering and space-age creative flair, there really couldn’t have been a more appropriate setting for Jimmy Choo’s latest luxury effort.

Now I must admit, I'm a huge fan of a celebrity fashion campaign or two, so when I heard the news that Kit Harington would be starring, naturally I was stoked. Kit, who is most famous for his role as Jon Snow in HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones series, models a series of fresh designer products, including eyewear, footwear and accessories. I love the fact that actors like to elude their talent on projects of all nature, and who better to have starring in a global campaign than a man who has it all. Kit is somebody who can act as well as look the part, both of which are certainly portrayed throughout his dramatic advertorial imagery.

This slick new campaign tells a story of the British actor and a female model in a love affair, with a modern backdrop intertwined with luxurious fashion pieces. Both the campaign video and striking images showcase the new men’s Autumn/Winter collection in an edgy light, as well as introducing Kit as the new face of Jimmy Choo’s first fragrance for men, Jimmy Choo MAN. And if that wasn’t enough to appeal to your senses, the Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses capsule collection is also highlighted.

Lindbergh’s imagery captures the electric atmosphere of some intense romantic emotions, while Kit’s masculinity and sensuality seduce throughout.

Sandra Choi, Creative Director at Jimmy Choo expressed her thoughts on the outcome of her latest fashion campaign:

“Kit was the perfect choice for the campaign – he has an innate confidence and projects a playfully rebellious nature. He has an overtly masculine style that feels effortlessly cool and a great sense of humour. Beneath that intensity he is a true gentleman. Peter Lindbergh perfectly captured the spirit of the Jimmy Choo man.”

Set to appear in September issues of high fashion publications across the globe, the Autumn/Winter campaign is accompanied by an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Kit Harington himself. This can be viewed on Youtube here.

Note: All images not taken by me.

Monochrome Bliss

When it comes to shopping for my love of monochrome, it's safe to say that all logic goes out of the window financially! There's an element to this classic pairing of black and white that just takes my breath away, and it's such a versatile trend. Monochrome is a fashionable look that can be worked all year round, making it stylish to wear in summer AND winter. 

So I've recently been hitting the sales in River Island in search of some wardrobe updates, and I just couldn't resist these chunky black and white ankle boots! Not only were they a bargain on their original price, but they are also incredibly comfortable to wear if you're looking for footwear with some height, but don't want anything that's too elevated. These boots are fantastic to wear in all weather conditions too - I have been wearing mine with footie socks in the hot weather (note the breathable hole in the side of the boot's design), as well as wearing them in the rain (my birthday jaunt around the Lake District yesterday was living proof of this.)

Finally, let's not overlook the sheer attitude these boots add to an outfit! Their striking thick white sole contrasted with a black leather upper, buckle to the sides and zipper to the back scream, 'don't mess with me!' By far the best footwear purchase I've bought this season. 

If you want to read some more of my thoughts on the monochrome trend for summer, and maybe even pick up some styling tips in the process, feel free to have a browse of my article over on Le Reve's blog - you never know, you might just learn a trick or two. 

Thanks for reading! :)

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Beyonce “Pretty Hurts”

Never a lady to shy away from starring in a controversial music video or two, Beyonce is back on top form with the newest track taken from her Visual album. “Pretty Hurts” is a powerful ballad which Bey sings beautifully, but the video definitely reveals her vulnerable side. 

Mrs. Carter’s character, Miss 3^rd War portrays the fast-paced ups and downs of beauty pageantry, showing off her first class acting skills in the process. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the American director wanted to be able to capture what life is often like for young women, and how toxic beauty pageants can be. 

In light of her latest video, Beyonce has also recently launched a campaign entitled #WhatIsPretty. This campaign is inspiring for female fans in particular as it encourages them to upload either a photo or a video of themselves onto Instagram, to promote what the word ‘pretty’ means on a personal note.  

The Art of the Ankle

For me the ankle has always been one of my favourite body parts to decorate not just with jewellery, but with beautiful shoes as well. There are so many ways to customize our own look these days and emphasizing certain attributes only adds to the fun of dressing up as a feminine, fashion-conscious woman. 

When shopping for stilettos I tend to try and look for the whole package: a steady platform that is pretty comfortable to walk in, a quirky design or embellishment, and an ankle strap wherever possible. Stilettos can be your best friend if you choose a pair that has decent ankle support. After all, the last thing anybody wants is a strain after only a couple of hours walking around in that new pair of shoes! Chiropody foam also works wonders for providing additional comfort to arched feet.

Sometimes I like to customize my stiletto collection by adding a D.I.Y strap onto a pair that doesn't already have any. A simple how-to tutorial is all that is required if you have a favourite pair of heels that needs some extra support.

Making a bold footwear statement has always been one of the most appealing things about fashion, and I love nothing more than eyeing up new lines on the likes of Shoespie, Dr. Martens and ASOS. Flats are equally as 'out there' as heels though, which is why I spend a lot of my time wearing boots, pumps and smart shoes in addition to stilettos.



Note: Images are not my own.

The Shoe Queen: SJP Launches Her Own Shoe Collection

Yes, you heard it here first. The lovely Sarah Jessica Parker is finally launching what Sex and the City fans have been wanting since the show first became popular in the 90's... a fashionable range of shoes designed by Carrie Bradshaw herself! ;)  I have always been a huge S.A.T.C fan along with my two sisters who I cannot wait to enlighten with the exciting news.

SJP is a celebrity who is synonymous for her passion for expensive shoes, in particular, anything Manolo Blahnik. So it was only a matter of time before she would be teaming up with this luxury footwear brand to create a spectacular new collection.

Sarah quoted in a recent Daily Mail article that "there's nothing sexy about not being able to walk." A statement I and I'm sure many other ladies can appreciate. This is why she wanted her range to be stylish but wearable. Sex and the City fans along with serial fashion lovers can look forward to seeing pumps, flats, booties and t-straps in a collection that promises to be timeless.

The exclusive 'SJP Collection' will debut on February 28th and will be sold in Nordstrom stores all across the U.S. as well as online. (Good news for those who don't live in America!) I for one cannot wait to scour the net to see her first shoe line for myself.

Happy New Year from Paint Me Up...

Hey bloggers,

As I never got the chance to publish my final post of 2013, I've made it my news year's resolution to let my blog shine throughout 2014! ;) So how did everybody celebrate their new year? I actually decided to stay home and bring in the new year with my boyfriend. Just the 2 of us enjoying Patrick Swayze movies, tequila flavoured beer and even our own private firework show from the house next door, hehe! ;) Of course it's always glamorous celebrating the new year on a night out, but every so often you can't beat relaxing with your nearest and dearest which can be just as fun. ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ Here's to a joyful and productive 2014!!

Love, Dawn xx

Autumn Treats

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you're all enjoying the festive autumn period so far, even if it is absolutely freezing!! But as I've always said, autumn really is the BEST season for fashion, chocolates, decor and well, just about everything else in the lifestyle sector.

Here are a few of the things I have been loving at the moment for Autumn...

Donut Buns! The rose hair accessory I picked up in a charity shop ;)

Mint Chocolates! These are a rather large box of Thorntons bought by my beloved for me on our anniversary :)

Magazine Freebies - As you can see, Elle magazine had some Benefit lip glosses on offer which I just had to have!

Experimenting with Autumnal make-up looks. Smokey eye with a red liner gives a modern update to the more traditional smokey eye look.

Costa's cute Christmas take-out cups! :) There are 4 designs in total to try.

Fingerless Mittens are great for keeping hands warm and can be buttoned back when you need to scramble for your coffee/train money like I do! ;) These cross design mittens are from Primark and are a winter bargain.

Berry coloured accessories are an Autumn must-have. I've always wanted a pair of M&S 'Autograph' shoes and managed to pick these up for about a quarter of the price they would have originally costed, yay! ;)

Starbucks Red take-out coffee cups are iconic and pleasing to the eye! :)

Melon coloured statement lips. I'm loving this lippy shade at the moment as I tend to wear a lot of black clothing, so it mixes things up with a nice pop of colour. :)

What things have you been treating yourselves to this Autumn?

Note: All images are taken by myself (Dawn)

Happy Halloween 2013!

Hey Bloggers!

My apologies for being out of the blogosphere for a couple of months, I'm sure most of you will understand how hectic things can get around this time of year?!

Today's post is just a brief note on the Halloween holiday which is personally one of mine (and my sister's) favourite times of the year, simply because we are secretly goths at heart, haha! ;) Everything about Halloween screams excitement to me, from the sultry make-up looks and darker fashion trends to the seasonal treats and new flavours of coffee, it's all one big novelty. Me and my sister Faye will be spending our day in the Lake District this year, taking snap shots of the gorgeous scenery Windermere has to offer as well as sampling some of their finest luxury chocolates no doubt!

For me and my boyfriend the entire month of October is an excuse to watch all of those much loved horror classics by the likes of: John Carpenter, Wes Craven, George A. Romero and Hammer Horror to name a few. So tonight will be spent watching the original 'Halloween' movie, one of Carpenter's very best in my opinion. :)

Here is a song by the ever so decadent Marilyn Manson to get you all in the spooky mood... Happy Halloween everyone!

Best Beauty Products for Summer!

Hey Bloggers,

I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful summer so far? For those who have been lucky enough to head out on vacation, summer is of course the best time to indulge in some quality holiday time. For those who haven't had a holiday, (including myself) well, there's always the winter break. ;) It is my birthday tomorrow though so I can pretend for one day I guess, haha!

Thinking about summer essentials then, what do you like to include in your daily beauty regime? Do you have one or two items that you simply can't leave the house without? When it comes to choosing the best beauty products for my own skin type, my skin is extremely fair so I have to be extra careful in the blazing heat.

I love nothing more than to allow my skin to breathe and although this can prove to be difficult when temperatures are unbearable, one of the most effective ways I do this is to NOT wear any foundation as foundation can sometimes feel a little clammy. Instead, I go for subtle beauty enhancements that are ideal for summer weather. 

Here's what beauty products I'm loving at the moment...

For Lips and Eyes

*

Sometimes, lipstick can feel too heavy during summer months so I like to still have a bright pop of colour on my lips, but the added gloss also works very well and catches in the light. :) These Maybelline glosses glide on beautifully and are incredibly addictive to buy in every colour!

For Coverage and Highlighting

*

YSL always package their beauty products in luxury packaging, so naturally the gold box was enough to sell 'Touche Eclat' to me, haha! ;) I've also used a Dior radiance booster product in the past, but after my sister recommended using YSL, I've never looked back! I'd say this concealer works better as a highlighter and I tend to combine both this and my Benefit concealer together for optimum coverage.

*

This Benefit concealer, although yes it's on the expensive side, it does deliver fantastic results. If you're looking for great quality coverage on dark circles and blemishes, this concealer has industrial strength meaning it is slightly stronger than regular concealers. Whenever my skin is looking red, I like to dab some of this product on and it gives my skin a boost straight away!

For Blush

I originally bought this product as an 'impulse buy' but it hasn't let me down since! You only need the tiniest amount and you can use this lightweight cream on cheeks, or wherever you need some instant radiance. I find it blends really well over the top of my Bourjois blush and gives me a dewy, rosy glow.

For Sun Protection

This sun cream is so convenient to just pop into your handbag, it absorbs really quickly AND it's the least greasy sun cream I've ever bought! Overall, definitely worth £5.50 in price. :)

Note: All images marked with * taken by Myself (Dawn)

Style Crush: Zoe Saldana

Every so often our cinema screens see the most strikingly hot new actresses hit Hollywood, don't they? Some actresses are hyped up and then forgotten about a month later, but some only continue to prosper... enter the effortlessly fashionable, Zoe Saldana.

New Jersey-born Zoe landed her first major movie role back in 2002 when she starred alongside Britney Spears in the american chick-flick, 'Crossroads'. Since then she has gone on to star in some of the biggest blockbuster movies of our generation, including a small role in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl', a leading part as blue woman Neytiri in 'Avatar', as well as the action thriller 'Colombiana' and most recently, 'Star Trek Into Darkness'.

So with all of these films under her belt, it must be hard to keep up glamorous appearances in the press 24/7, but somehow Zoe always manages to look super stylish. What I love about her is that she never has to force a look, she adds her own playful personality into any outfit she wears, not to mention her ballerina-petite frame which enables her to carry off even the most daring fashion trends. For example, the Balmain dress she wore at the Berlin premiere of 'Star Trek Into Darkness'.

After reading an exclusive interview featuring Zoe in the June 2013 issue of InStyle Magazine, it became apparent that she has really had to work hard for her success and she's not afraid of speaking up either. When it comes to being outspoken, Zoe's personality is equally as sassy as her chameleon-like, ever-changing sense of style.

So if I were to sum-up Zoe Saldana's style in 5 words, what would they be? Contemporary, sassy, chic, minimalist (as she doesn't tend to wear many accessories), and sleek.

Here I have collected some of my favourite images of Zoe's fashionable outfits - I hope they will inspire you too...

Note: All images are not my own.