No7 Pressed Powder

I've used the No7 Loose Powder in Translucent for years. It's the one product that I have never changed since I first started wearing make up. I decided to get the pressed powder version for going to Paris for touch ups during the day since I won't get a chance to go back to our apartment before dinner. 

As I've mentioned before, No7 have recently repackaged their make up line and this powder now comes in a beautiful metallic pewter compact with a mirror inside and a sponge with the No7 name embossed on one side of it. There was nothing wrong with the original black plastic packaging, it served them well, but this new packaging is a real treat and makes the products look expensive and durable.

The powder itself is exactly what I wanted, a pressed version of my trusty loose powder. It's perfect for setting make up and controlling shine and at €14.95 is well worth the money.

Emma x

Gift Guide- Silver and Gold

I picked out some of my favourite items from British Designer Jewellery site Wharton Goldsmith and put together a Christmas gift guide of sorts.

The watch is from Juicy Couture and although it's not a brand I'm usually attracted to, I adore the simplicity of this gold plated watch. Watches are always a great gift to get because it's something you don't tend to buy for yourself, my sister and I got one for my Dad for his birthday this year because his last one was broken and he never bought a new one. This one is great because it's a classic design that's never going to be out of style.

The Ring and Earrings are from Linda MacDonald, a brand I admit I had never heard of before, but I really liked how simple but cute these pieces are. I love Daisys, they are probably one of my favourite flowers and I think these would make a great present for someone who loves flowers, especially daisies. I could totally see myself wearing both of these pieces to death.

The Infinity Ring and Silver Charm Bracelet from Links of London are a bit more expensive, but if you have the budget, they would make a great gift for someone who likes classic pieces of jewellery that will last for years and that they can wear with almost everything. I think the ring would make a really great alternative (and budget friendly) engagement/wedding ring. Links of London also so charms for the silver bracelet so you could customise it depending on the person's style.

The Trollbeads bracelet comes in both gold and silver and you can add your own charms and beads depending on who you are buying it for. I'm not a huge fan of the charm bracelet trend but I think it's really nice with maybe one of two simple charms so you don't feel like you've got the kitchen sink on your wrist.

What do you think? Is jewellery a gift you would like to receive or give to someone?

Emma x

***This post was written on behalf of Wharton Goldsmith.

Cherry-Flavored Neck and Collar

I wore this to go get lunch last Sunday, it was quite mild last weekend and I didn't even need a scarf. However the temperature has dropped significantly over the past few days. Wouldn't Winter be so much more pleasant if the sun was out and there were blue skies every day?

 

   

Photos by Donnacha

Jacket- Monsoon

Skirt- Marks and Spencers
Blouse- New Look
Bag- Zara
Shoes- Clarks
Sunglasses, Bangle and Earrings- Accessorize
Collar Necklace- H&M
Lipstick- Rimmel Kate Moss 107
Nails- Essie Bahama Mama

The post title is from one of my favourite songs, E-Bow the Letter by REM. The song features Patti Smith on vocals and was what first introduced me to her music. I was lucky enough to get to see her in a packed tent at Electric Picnic this year. Apparently the song was written about a letter Michael Stipe wrote for River Phoenix but never got to send. It's the most beautiful song. If you don't already know it please listen,

Emma x

Designer Wishlist

I was doing some online window shopping recently on vanmildert.com. It's got lots of designer brands like Michael Kors, D&G, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Armani. I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite items from the site in a little designer wishlist!

These Vivienne Westwood red glitter court shoes are going to be my wedding shoes if I ever get married. I've never had a pair of Dorothy shoes despite wanting some for years, wouldn't they seriously make the most incredible wedding shoes?

I've spoken before about how much I want a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers, so maybe if I keep wishing it'll happen some day.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is perfect. I hate designer bags that are covered in the brand name, I find it so tacky! This bag is really subtle, classic and versatile. It also has a longer strap and it's the perfect size for an everyday bag. If I was going to invest in a designer bag, this would be it!

What's on your designer wishlist?

Emma x

***This post was written on behalf of Van Mildert.

107

When the first set of Rimmel Kate Moss lipsticks were released, I wasn't that mad about any of the shades. However when I saw the photos of the latest Matte collection I was really taken with one of the shades, 107. I had a lot of Boots Advantage Card points so I decided to treat myself to it (when I eventually found it, it was sold out everywhere!).

Eye Make Up: Urban Decay Sidecar and Buck, Maybelline Gel Liner and Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara.

I paired it with a Rimmel lip liner to make it last longer as I found it wasn't as long lasting as the MAC and Revlon matte lipsticks. It also has a very strange scent, the only thing I can think to describe it as is sort of like Parma Violets (which I hate to eat but the smell doesn't bother me). I just don't get why you would make your lipsticks with that scent. It's not bad, but not nice either, luckily it doesn't last long so it isn't a big issue. Not every lipstick can smell like a vanilla cupcake (MAC).

These retail at €6.99 which I think is an absolute bargain for such a gorgeous shade and a great way to embrace berry lips on a budget. I've seen it on a few other people too and it seems to suit everyone.

What do you think?

Emma x

Trilogy

If I haven't mentioned it already (I know I have), I'll be flying off to Paris in a few weeks time and this week I've been deciding on the outfits I'm taking with me for my five day stay in the fashion capital of the world. We'll be doing a LOT of walking and therefore I want to be comfortable but still at least try and look good doing it.

I was browsing Trilogy recently and I put together some items I think would be perfect for a tourist in Paris to wear.

 


How fitting that this scarf is from a brand called Douce Gloire. With it's neutral colour palette this cosy looking cashmere scarf would be perfect to keep me warm on a chilly November evening walk along the Seine.

This oatmeal oversized cardigan from Chinti and Parker looks so comfortable and would be great for layering under a coat if it got a bit colder.

How cute is this Zoe Karssen t-shirt? Would it be a bit cliché to wear an Oh-la-la t-shirt in Paris? I don't think anyone could really blame me!

Lastly, I would top off the outfit with very simple jewellery. This bracelet by Monica Vinader would be the perfect addition to any outfit. I love the delicate gold band and mixed materials.

What would you wear on a trip to Paris, comfortable or stylish?

Emma x

***This post was written on behalf of Trilogy. 

Sumptuous Extreme

I recently received a sample size of Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara as a free gift with purchase. I've been using it for the past 6 weeks or so and I really like it. At first I found the large brush hard to work with but with some patience and two coats it gives my eyelashes so much volume and length without looking clumpy. 

The idea behind it is that it uses three different types of fibres to multiple the lashes. It also contains lash conditioning vitamins which is always a good thing because between using curlers, mascara and make up remover I tend to lose some eyelashes and I did find they grew back really quickly when using this mascara. 

I don't think I would ever tried this had I not received this sample. At €28 for a full price tube, it is very expensive, especially considering how much I love my cheap and cheerful 17 Wild Curls. I don't think I could justify spending that much money on a mascara. However if you do feel like treating yourself to some extreme lashes, this is a good one to try!

Emma x

Goodstead

I was recently invited to explore Goodstead.co.uk which is the website for the Edinburgh based store of the same name. It stocks homeware and men's and women's clothing and accessories by many different designers from countries all over the world such as Sweden, the UK, Denmark, France and Australia. Here are some of my favourite items from the shop.

The Bernadette Jacket is by a brand called Wood Wood founded in Copenhagen in 2002. Their free spirted, open minded and no rules ethos has translated into unique pieces and has made them into a cult design brand in Denmark.

The belt is by Scottish brand Folk Clothing. Their aim is to create detailed clothing and accessories with the best materials.

I have been loving ankle boots for Autumn and these tan suede ones from London footwear brand Miista caught my eye straight away. The aim of Miista is to create footwear that is the antithesis of "conventional" styles and looking through their collection it's clear they have succeeded in creating something really special and different to what I see every day on the high street.

Anyone living in the UK or Ireland knows how much of a necessity it is to always have an umbrella at hand. No matter the season it is guaranteed to rain when you least expect it so I always have a small compact umbrella in my bag. This gorgeous Navy Lifesaver umbrella from British umbrella brand London Undercover  ( I love the name!) does exactly what the brand aim to do which is creating a functional fashion accessory and re-imagining the "boring, disposable" everyday umbrella. Living in a country where it rains so often, it really does make a difference carrying around a big sturdy and classy umbrella. I even love their Beans on Toast and Bangers and Mash styles that are on the less expensive end of the scale compared to their other styles.

How cute is this coffee bean print dress from French brand Sessun? The idea behind the brand is to create a "substantial wardrobe" instead of a seasonal one with emphasis on line, shape and materials. This is a brand I can totally get behind! I am all for style, tailoring and quality over fashion trends and cheap ill-fitting clothes made in large quantities. Emma Francois' designs are pretty and feminine but also tailored and versatile classics.

I adore this Bone ring from French brand Calourette (which means "little bohemian"). Designer Marianne Rautureau's jewellery is whimsical and very unusual. Her pieces would make a great gift for anyone who likes jewellery that is a bit different.

Lastly is this watch from Uniform Wares, a British timepiece design company. This along with the Folk belt are actually from the men's section of goodstead, but I really like both items. This watch is exactly the kind that I've been looking for- simple and classic. If the face was gold it would be perfect!

So those are my picks from Goodstead. What I really love about the site is that it brings together designers that all seem to have the same objective- to create quality, classic and unique items which in a world of disposable fashion is quite refreshing!

What do you think? Do you have a favourite item from my selection?

Emma x

***This post was written on behalf of Goodstead.

And Winter Was Coming But That Was Alright

We took these photos on the way to the cinema to see Ruby Sparks on Saturday with some friends. I really enjoyed the film, Paul Dano is very funny and Zoe Kazan is very pretty. 

All photos taken by Donnacha

Blouse- Monsoon

Skirt- Marks and Spencers

Coat- Dunnes

Shoes- Clarks 

Bag- Zara TRF

Sunglasses- c/o Firmoo

Necklace and Ring- Accessorize (necklace, ring)

Lips- Rimmel Heartbreaker

Nails- Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Eyes- Urban Decay YDK

I rediscovered my Rimmel Heartbreaker lipstick last week and wore it in work everyday but one. I bought it when I saw Zooey Deschanel wearing it in the campaign photos she was in about 2 years ago and forgot about it for a long time. It's such a gorgeous shade of pink that's deep enough to wear in Autumn/Winter. I got the bag and shoes recently enough and love both of them. I had been wanting these Clarks brogues for about 3 months and finally caved and bought them last month. They are so comfortable and the come in about 4 other colours including a green tweed pair! The Zara bag is a really great day to night bag because it's big enough for me to fit in all my essentials. It's also a great price at €29.95. 

We watched another film on Saturday called Safety Not Guaranteed. Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza are in it and I highly recommend it, it's so cute and funny and original. How was your weekend?

Emma x

Afternoon Tea

No. 7 recently relaunched their make up line and with it were some gorgeous new nail polish shades I bought a few of them with my beloved Boots No. 7 vouchers including this one, Afternoon Tea. 

I love this shade, I would describe it as a shimmery mink and a great neutral colour. There is a great range of colours and I love the bigger brush, it makes the application so much easier. They are very reasonably priced at €7.75, I can't wait to try out a few more shades.

Emma x

We Must Be Over The Rainbow

This is the first in a new series of posts I've been working on recently and I wanted to write a quick introduction to explain why and give you a quick background into my love of Film.

If you don't already know I studied Film as part of my Media and French degree in college. I have loved film my entire life and some of my favourite memories growing up are those involving watching films with my friends and family and attending the cinema. The first film I saw in the cinema was The Little Mermaid, I was probably about 4 years old and from then on every year I would wait impatiently for the latest animated Disney feature to be released. My sister and I would spend hours re-watched our VHS tapes of The Goonies, Labyrinth, The Princess Bride, The Land Before Time and Little Women (the Winona Ryder one of course) and later we would do the same with American Beauty, The Usual Suspects, Gattaca and Leon. 

I never knew what I wanted to be when I was younger and so when it came time to choose what college course to apply for, I decided to go for something I knew would interest me, even if it was something I may never have a career in. I chose to study Media Arts with French and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it gave me a new found appreciation and understanding of cinema as a form of art and entertainment and it introduced me to so many wonderful films, directors and writers I had never heard of before. 

Film is such a big part of my life and one of my biggest passions and I felt like I should share that here. I've never wanted to categorise this blog, I've always wanted it to represent the things that I love and so I wanted to start a series of posts about my favourite films, beginning with The Wizard of Oz. 

First off, I want to warn you that these posts will probably be quite long and may contain information about the plot as well as images so if you haven't seen the films yet you may not want to read the full posts. I'll write a little bit about each film after the screenshots but it will mostly be about why I love it rather than production details because you can look all of that up if you want to later. So let's get started...

I can't remember when I first saw The Wizard of Oz. I must have been very young because my mam said I used to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow in front of my relatives when I was little and I think I would have to have been quite young to be able to do that and not have been shy about it. It still makes me cry, scanning through the scenes for screenshots even made my cry. It makes me so happy, the music, the costumes, the sets, Judy Garland and how incredibly wonderful she is at such a young age, I always wanted to be Dorothy. In fourth year in school we put on a production of the original play of The Wizard of Oz and I was heartbroken that I didn't have the nerve or the ability to audition to play Dorothy. Instead I painted the sets and made the props which was close enough. 

For some reason I never really think about it as being a musical, maybe because I love the story so much. I've always been able to identify with the sentiment of the story, "if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again I won't look any further than my own back yard".  You don't realise what you have until you are faced with the possibility of losing it.

It's a lesson I think we all need to learn several times in our lives to appreciate what we have, even if it's not much. 

I want to write one of these posts a month and I'm already excited to share the next one. Have you seen The Wizard of Oz? What does it mean to you?

Emma x

PS. You may have noticed I've made some changes to the look of the blog, this will be a continuous process over the coming months as I want to add some new bits and pieces to the layout. It also means bigger photos! 

***All screen shots were taken by Donnacha and I, if you want to use any of them please feel free to do so but please link back to this post or my flickr. Thank you!