Spiced Latte Lips

I'm a big fan of the No7 Stay Perfect lipsticks, I have three of them and they're all gorgeous shades that are comfortable to wear and last incredibly well. I highly rate them if you don't want to spend a fortune on a lipstick but want quality and lasting power. So when the newly formulated Moisture Drench lipstick in Spiced Latte arrived a few weeks ago I was excited to put it it the test to see how it compared to the Stay Perfect formula. 

When I first saw the shade I was unsure as to whether it would suit me, however as soon as I applied it I was in love. The colour is so flattering, a neutral rosy toned brown that works really well with my fair skin. The formula applies easily and feels hydrating but there is still great colour pay off. I wasn't expecting much pigmentation, I thought from the name that it would be much more sheer but as you can see from the swatches below, the colour is very rich. 

The Moisture Drench formula has been updated to give hydration for up to 9 hours. Some of the ingredients include Shea Butter (an emollient and anti-oxidant) and Rosehip Seed Oil which contains Vitamins A and E helping to promote cell growth and protect the skin as well as fatty acids which nourish the skin and aid elasticity.  It also contains SPF 15, a rarity in my experience when it comes to lipstick, I always forget to apply sun protection to my lips so having SPF in my lipstick makes things much easier.

Top-Bottom; Rosie for Autograph Lady Rose, Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish 08, No7 Spiced Latte, Estée Lauder Crystal Baby, Charlotte Tilbury Bitch Perfect

I thought it would be a good colour guide to compare Spiced Latte to some similar shades in my collection ranging from budget to high end. You can also see the colour pay off in comparison to the other lipsticks. Click on each shade to see how it looks on me in comparison to Spiced Latte. 

I was surprised by how much I loved this shade, I don't think I ever would have looked twice at it in Boots, but I've been wearing it so much over the past few weeks, alone and paired with Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Lip Cheat which gives it greater staying power. 

The Moisture Drench lipsticks are priced at €14, not exactly cheap but the quality is up there with some many of the high end brands I've tried. If you haven't tried the No7 Match Made service yet, you can have a sales advisor match you to your perfect shade of foundation, concealer, blush and lipsticks. No7 have just launched their Match Made App which I've tried and it really works, just pick up a skin tone analysis card instore and you can find your shade match with your own phone (it's more fun than someone else doing it!)

Have you tried any of these lipsticks? What are you wearing on your lips this Autumn?

Emma x

A Des Reflets D'Argent

The Summer is sadly over for another year. We've been lucky in Ireland to have had relatively good weather for September but before I get my woollies out I wanted to share some photos we took while we were away in the south of France at the beginning of the month. 

We stayed in a beautiful little town called Beaulieu-sur-Mer close to Nice. I hadn't planned on taking outfit photos (mostly because it was so hot I didn't think it would be a pleasant sight) but the scenery was so beautiful I couldn't resist, so on our last day we went to the waterfront at the hottest time of day and I tried to not look like a sweating mess. 

Skirt- Zara

T-shirt- New Look (similar here and here)

Runners- Topshop

Bag- Stella and Dot (similar here and here)

Necklace- Stella and Dot 

Sunglasses- Quay Australia Delilah

Lipstick- Rosie for Autograph LOL Lipstick

I loved this Zara skirt when I saw it at the start of the Summer, I managed to pick it up on sale and it's served me well over the past few months. It was the perfect statement piece to bring on holiday because of the light cotton fabric, I'll definitely be bringing it back out next Summer. 

I got these Quay Australia sunglasses in TK Maxx and I've worn them all Summer. They're really great quality and look amazing with a simple outfit. I'm eyeing up a few things on the Quay website, they have some gorgeous cat eye styles. 

The necklace is from the Stella and Dot Bespoke collection which launched a few months ago. I'm so obsessed with it, I've been wearing it almost every day since I got it. I've gotten so many compliments on it too. It's one of the few items of jewellery I brought away with me. I had it personalised in a circular font with my initials. There are cuffs, necklaces, a ring and cufflinks in the Bespoke collection that can be personalised with letters or numbers in different fonts. I love this collection, the pieces make for great gifts with a personal touch. I'm already planning on getting the signet ring for myself. I know people who have gotten their children initials/ birthdays and even the co-ordinates to their house on their Bespoke pieces. The quality is amazing and they come packaged beautifully, if you're looking for a special gift for someone, I'd recommend checking this collection out.

I can safely say this is my last Summer outfit of 2016 but I'm excited about dressing for Autumn, I have a wishlist I'll be sharing soon. What's on your Autumn shopping list?

Emma x

Bloom & Wild

I have something a little different for you today. I was recently introduced to Bloom & Wild, a UK based flower delivery and subscription service that has just launched in Ireland. I got to chat to the company's founder Aron Gelbard and he talked me through everything Bloom & Wild has to offer it's customers. I never thought I'd be writing about flowers but after seeing the flower arrangements and the new Christmas collection in person, I wanted to share it with you all.

The big difference between Bloom & Wild and your average florist is that the flowers are delivered through your letterbox in a long cardboard box. The larger flowers in the bouquet are protected with individual nets to keep them safe during transit, they are also sent when they are in bud so that they last longer. The package contains care and arrangement instructions and once followed correctly, the flowers should last for at least seven days.

What I really love about this company is that you get to do some flower arranging when your package arrives. I tried flower arranging for the first time at an event last year and I was surprised by how much I loved it, it's so relaxing and seeing the end result is very satisfying. Obviously, this won't be for everyone, I'm sure there are some people who would prefer a pre-arranged bouquet, but if you're looking for a more unique gift, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't adore a Bloom & Wild package coming through their letterbox. 

I was given the Posy Party which contains 5 small glass bottles in 2 different sizes, some twine and a selection of Autumnal wildflowers that you can arrange as you like. I loved putting together my five mini bouquets, its such a lovely gift idea because you can re-use the glass bottles.

There are lots of different bouquets to choose from, as well as a new selection of succulents that come in a sleek white tray. They also have a beautiful Christmas collection including a mini Christmas tree with optional baubles and lights, a wreath that comes in two parts and a Birch tree which is a collaboration with Birchbox and includes premium beauty products to hang on your little tree, it's such a cute Christmas present idea. There are gift bundles and subscriptions to chose from too if you're looking for a Christmas gift with a difference. 

There's a special discount of 20% for first time customers with the code IRELAND.

I hope you like the idea of Bloom & Wild as much as I do!

Emma x

Ona Rex BASE

I wrote about my friend Ashley's clothing and accessories brand Ona Rex back in December and since then things have been going from strength to strength with her SS16 collection and now BASE which just launched last week.

I was blown away when I saw the images from the lookbook, it really encapsulates the high end urban feel that inspires Ashley.  I wanted to know what the inspiration was behind the collection so I asked her to share her thoughts with me. BASE is the Ona Rex version of a "basics" collection, but not so basic basics. Ashley wanted to bring back some of her bestsellers from her previous BASE collections but in updated fabrics and a monochromatic colour palette so that they can integrate seamlessly into the wearers existing wardrobe.

Denim inspired the nostalgic, athletic feel to the collection which is apparent with the unisex Rex Pullover, a familiar nineties silhouette updated with the fresh fabric and Ona Rex patch on the back (a detail I absolutely adore, seriously, how cool is this piece?)

The Warren Snap Jersey is another unisex design which draws inspiration from vintage baseball jerseys but again the fabric completely transforms the piece into something so modern and wearable. The Trapeze and Meridian Dresses have returned with their flattering, easy to wear shapes that can be dressed up or down, with heels or runners. These dresses are those wardrobe staples that you could bring out for any occasion.

The Ruth Pant continues the theme of athleticism meets glamour with the sportswear inspired elasticated waist and contrasting stripe. The pants are tailored and in a linen fabric that make them that perfect mix of smart and casual.

The collection contains one accessory and that's the Galaxy Necklace, a stunning piece of hand sculpted acrylic on an 18K gold snake chain. This is another piece that was brought back from previous collections and is such a beautifully unique statement accessory. I actually have a Galaxy Brooch which Ashley kindly sent me as a gift and it's even more amazing in person.

I can't get over what a gifted designer Ashley is, I can only imagine to amount of work that goes into a collection like this. I hope you love the lookbook as much as I do. I adore the styling, photography, make up, everything. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing Ashley's vision to life. 

What do you think of the collection? Do you have a favourite piece? 

You can follow Ona Rex on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

Emma x

Lookbook Credits: 

Photography: Brett Warren Photography

Assistant: Ryan Smallhands

Beauty: Jessica Arnholt

Model: Cassidy with Amax Talent

Jewellery: Portmanteau Jewelry Collection