STYLE - My new Favourite Tee

This week I'm mostly wearing this tee by Blue Inc. The burn-out design on the fabric is something I've spotted at a few press days too so you could be seeing a lot more of it come AW10. The fabric on this vest is quite thin, so I've been layering it over a strappy vest. It would look even better over a bikini top for a festival, with some denim shorts. And at £9.99 you could afford a new one if it got scummified my a muddy festival.

City Print Burn Out Vest - £9.99

I'm a lucky girl that I get sent freebies to review occasionally, and I find it really interesting to judge the quality of products from cheaper brands like Blue Inc. I should also mention that I choose the products I feature on this page, they aren't things that are just randomly sent to me and that I'm obligated to write about. I try to only feature things I like which is why my reviews are usually positive. In this case I can see myself wearing the top loads and it seems to have come out of the wash in the same state it went in. Hurrah! One thing you can't see from the picture above is that there are little crystal details on parts of the cityscape. They could really do with showing that better in the product imagery.

OUTFIT - Inspired by Golden Sun and Bronzed Skin

I decided to go all bronzed today seeing as the sun was shining and summer felt like it was on the horizon. I started with Dermalogica's Clean Start, Welcome Matte SPF moisturiser. Followed that with a light covering of Loreal's True Match foundation. Then I used a bronzing powder with a slight shimmer and E.L.F's highlighter stick just above the apples of the cheeks. On my eyes I mixed Models Own orange eyeshadow with some metallic shimmer dust. Then some hot pink lipstick, some definition for the brows and a tiny bit of eyeliner and Benefit's BADGal lash mascara.

Having long hair and wearing it down in the summer is a nightmare. I chose to put mine in a low bun with a slightly side swept fringe, finished off with a gold, leopard print headband.

This is one of my favourite necklaces with multiple strands. I bought it in a Topshop sale years ago and for the last year it has been tangled with another necklace. I recently managed to get them apart so now I'm able to wear it again, hurrah! You can just about see my nails which I had manicured at the Kuno Tierra spa, under Bloww just off Regents Street. The lady who did them, Michelle, was so lovely and really good at what she does. The colour is barefoot in Barcelona by OPI. Went on really easily with just one coat! I just wish I really was barefoot in Barcelona right now!

I love these sandals... even though they aren't the most comfortable. They were £12 in Primark and were just what I'd been looking for. They fasten around the ankle so there's no danger of them flying off as you frolic in the park. They were the finishing touch to my golden theme for today's outfit.

What do you love to wear when the weather gets warm?

NEWS - Music, Sunnies and Silent Discos

To celebrate the UK launch of The Music Tee, a platform that helps artists to distribute their music, Daisy Dares You will be treating fans to an intimate performance at Selfridges where she will reveal her new Daisy Dares You Music Tee.  Featuring bespoke artwork on the front and full track list on the back, The Music Tee will include an exclusive pre-release of her upcoming album, Rush.

The set will be followed by an exclusive ‘silent disco’ in store. I'm there...

Visit www.themusictee.com for more info

I've discovered that Apartment C will be stocking Retro Super Future eyewear featuring the coolest sunglasses. I had a peep over at the brand's website and spotted these statement sunnies! Me wants...

Visit the Apartment C website

I'm loving everything a little bit retro at the moment so this video is right up my street. I was sent a note by someone who thought I might like, The Like and they were indeed correct. The LA based girl band are inspired by '50s/'60s rock and they have a wardrobe to die for. I'll be keeping an eye out for them and what they do (and wear) next. There's also a short film for their track ‘Fair Game’ (directed by Sofia Coppola’s niece Gia Coppola for Zac Posen).

Find out more about The Like at their Myspace page.

GIG - The Pipettes at Hoxton Square

A few weeks ago, my sister Abbie and I went to the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen to see the fabulous Pipettes perform. After previous albums full of polka dots and fifties fun, the new album called Earth Vs the Pipettes has more of an eighties vibe with a few disco tones.

They really are so much fun to watch and I'm always interested to see what they are wearing, especially as they make their own outfits. If you're a fan of a few retro dance moves then I'm sure you too would be a fan. Gwenno was sporting the cutest pixie crop of blonde hair along with a fabulous headband. She went for lilac pleather and matching tights. Ani, whose hair I also love, wore a swing style dress with disc detailing and shimmering fabric.

The new Pipettes single 'Stop the Music' is out now and it's been in my head ever since the gig.

The support acts were also worth a mention. The first band, Safari, had to be some of the most good-looking guys I've ever seen on a stage and the music was super catchy too. I'm looking forward to them releasing an album so I can get a better fix.

Second up was Angry Vs the Bear, a hairspray-loving band with a ballsy lead singer in sequins. The megaphone was an interesting addition to their act although I'm not sure the music was right up my street.

What was the last gig you went to?

GIG - Rihanna Wows the O2 Arena

On Monday I was lucky enough to be invited to the Rihanna concert at the O2 in London. She's a star who has made a name for herself in music and fashion and it surprised even me to think back how long she's now been around. Her first single 'Pon de replay' was a hit in summer 2005!

I've always been a fan of the upbeat stuff but tended to find the slower songs and ballads a little whiney. Oddly though, live I didn't have the same issue. She really put on an amazing show full of energy, props-a-plenty and fab dancers too. But I'm forgetting one small detail... the outfits!

The show began with Rihanna wearing an LED light-up gown which was quickly discarded for a high-cut, statement shouldered body suit with fishnets. She even donned a Mickey Mouse hat and straddled the gun on her hot pink tank, 'atta girl! This outfit was very Gaga, but then that's what stage costumes are all about really, doing something that stands out and wearing something that does the same.

Then it was on to a PVC bodysuit and boots combo which kept the boys in our party happy. She looked absolutely amazing in this get-up and reminded me that I need to get myself back to the gym, sharpish! Some of my highlights were 'Rudeboy' as it has literally been stuck in my head for 2 weeks, I also loved 'Disturbia', 'Don't stop the music' and 'breakin' dishes'. 

Another outfit I was told to watch out for was the white tape ensemble, a sort of jumpsuit that essentially made it look like she was naked. Another hit with the boys (and some of the girls too I'm sure). However, you can see from my images that she's well covered up with the flesh-coloured bodice, just in case you thought you might be able to sneak a peek of anything.

 

Overall I'd definitely recommend going to see her if that sort of music is your thing. Even if it isn't, it was still a really enjoyable show and the atmosphere was incredible. The dancers were incredible too, hanging from the ceiling, dancing on stilts, inside cars... you get the picture. I can't wait to go back to the O2 again, my only other gig there was Nine Inch Nails, and just for the record, it seemed to me like Rihanna sold a lot more tickets than they did!

There's a few more of my pics over at Flickr.

NEWS - Buy Diet Coke, Get Nails Inc. Polish Free

Diet Coke has teamed up with nails inc. to create a limited-edition nail varnish collection - the Diet Coke City Collection. This is a set of new colours exclusively created by Nails Inc. One nail polish can be received for free when two 500ml bottles of diet Coke are purchased in selected Boots stores nationwide between 5 May to 30 June. I am a Diet Coke addict so I picked up the Paris shade on Friday which is a fab plum colour (2nd in from left in the photo above). In fact, I'm wearing it right now.

Inspired by the four fashion capitals of the world – New York, London, Milan and Paris each varnish is priced at £10.50 available from online destination asos.com/light although I wouldn't go and spend a tenner on them, just buy diet coke instead for the freebies.

MAKE-UP - New From Models Own...

Models Own have got some new colours and products for the summer. Let's just hope the next few months bring us lots of sunshine because the new palettes are just perfect for a long hot summer with pretty pastels and 'wow' brights. They have also announced recently that Models Own is being rolled out across Boots stores so you'll be able to get your fix when you pop into town on a Saturday instead of having to wait for the postman, hurrah!

Lipsticks - There are 12 shades to try in the new Models Own lipstick collection. Unfortunately the colour I was sent to try was probably the worst of the bunch, a scarily baby pink. It went on thick and creamy and the colour seemed to move over the lips when you pressed them together creating an uneven finish. Not the best look, but I'm sure some of the other colours would be better. Wasn't too keen on the smell either as it reminded me of face paint. The pic below is of me wearing the lipstick, but I mixed it in with a bit of raspberry coloured gloss. Looks much better that way.

Eye shadow duos - These are really fun with a selection of bold and bright colours. I had the yellow and orange pairing which reminded me of pollen and egg yolk. Really vibrant and probably for the brave only, but some of the other colours would definitely suit anyone. A great way to try a trend-driven look.

Nail polish - I've tried quite a few of Models Own's nail varnishes and the latest additions are Jade Stone (a minty jade) and Golden Peach (an almost-pastel tangerine colour). Really summery!

Mascara - the mascara impressed me quite a bit actually. It's very similar to Benefit's BadGal Lash mascara which is great for creating really thick, dark lashes rather than thin long ones. I'll continue to use it and definitely think it's good value.

I was also sent one of the face paints to try which are guaranteed to be a festival favourite this summer. I've given it to my sister Abbie to see if she can do something wonderfully creative with it so check back on her blog soon for a review.

VIDEO - Why don't You Love Beyonce?

Check out Beyonce in her latest video - hotter than the sun! Slimmer too I'd say, you can definitely see it in her legs. That probably explains the numerous hot-pant outfit changes during the video to show them off and make us all green with envy.

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

DESIGNER - Alice Palmer's 'Batman' Collection

While at the My-Wardrobe press evening the other day (more about that soon) I spotted the most amazing pair of spiked heels. It reminded me of the Alice Palmer collection for AW10 which I haven't written about since London Fashion Week.

The AW10 collection named 'Batman' features spike details and fin motifs to create striking silhouettes. The wool used throughout the collection is merino - super soft in other words - and the palette is quite subdued with black being used heavily alongside grey, silver and white. It was definitely the studding that stood out though as it's not something that's generally used within knitwear and must take a great deal of technical skill to do right.

My pics are a bit limited so check out the great collection photos at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout website. I'm now inspired to look for a fabulous knitted dress this winter... suppose I'd better get through summer first though. I also loved the hair and make-up for this show, yet more proof that the strong brow is back!

SHOPPING - Seduced by Another Luella Bargain

Yep, the bargains at Luella lured me in again. As much as I was tempted by the dresses at £99 each I couldn't really justify the expenditure - I've bought so many dresses recently. Instead I looked at the tops and spotted one I liked. Usually purple is not my colour and I hate lilac, but the lingerie detail on this caught my eye and the gingham is so cute and summery it won me over. The fit was good too and I love the exposed zip detail.

If you're thinking of stopping by, you'll find tees for £20, shirts for £30, skirts for £50, trousers for £40. Bags are considerably more. Is it sad that I managed to memorise all the prices without even trying. Proof of a true bargain-hunter!

This top was originally marked up at £210 and I got it for £20... it's sad to see Luella go, but a great opportunity to own a designer garment for less. 

STYLE - Making The Most of my Maxi Dress

The weather today may not be maxi weather, but you can't deny we've had a fabulous amount of sunshine recently. It's one of the reasons so many people have rushed out to buy maxi dresses. It's not yet warm enough to bare all, but a floaty maxi dress keeps you looking and feeling cool for day or evening. I was sent the eye print strapless maxi from Goddiva to give a try and I'm converted to the long dres since wearing it last weekend.

I always thought in the past that being a petite 5ft 3, maxi dresses might swamp me but actually, if you get the right style, this needn't be the case. The one I had was cut very close around ad under the bust which meant it gave me a nipped in shape rather than hanging straight down. The fabric was quite fine, but the weight of the long skirt meant that it skimmed over lumps and bumps rather than clinging.

I've been looking for some more maxi dresses and Debenhams have some really nice ones. Goddiva has a great selection (including the one I tried in blue rather than orange) but stores like New Look haven't quite got it right. Its a shame because the price point in New Look is perfect for stocking up on holiday essentials. I tried on 4 in there and none were any good at all.

I wore my maxi with a bold piece of jewellery, sunglasses, a cropped cardigan and flip flops. Wedges would also work really well. There's one word of warning for shorter ladies who live in London though... your maxi will sweep along the floor, collect dirt and turn your feet black if you're in sandals - yuck! Makes you realise just how grubby cities can be.

Here are some celebs who've been sporting the maxi recently...

Anna Friel looks cute in red florals.

Don't forget about strap marks like Miley Cyrus has.

I love this strapless number worn by Roxanne Pallett.

Nicole works a pale and interesting pattern. 

Taylor Momsen in a lingerie-inspired maxi.

SHOES - Cinderella Me, The Shoe Saviour

 

This week I gave the service offered by Cinderella Me a try. It's a designer shoe hire website giving those who aren't in the market to spend £500 on a pair of designer heels the chance to wear the likes of Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Gucci from just £40 for a week's hire. Don't weep as you watch Carrie Bradshaw and the SATC2 girls flaunt their gorgeous stilettos this May, simply get some for your self...

Every pair of shoes provided is genuine with a unique Cinderella Me tamper-proof hologram and so you know you are getting shoes in good nick, no pair of Shoes is hired more than eight times. After each wear the shoes goes through a rigorous process of cleaning, hygiene and quality control before they are despatched to someone else.

Even actress Keira Knightly admits that "I haven't bought any (shoes) in quite a while. Now I just rent them for the day.”

I chose to get sent a pair of Alexander McQueen heels, super-high peep toes with a shocking pink heel and sole. The canyon python skin gives the shoe a fabulous texture... I love! The box arrived at my work address carefully packaged with tissue paper and a McQueen dust bag.

When I got them home I tried them on and walked around the house in them for a bit. My oh my they are high! The skinny heel is not quite what I'm used to and I don't know if I'd be confident wearing them for a great length of time... these are shoes for a meal and drinks, not drinks and dancing.

All in all I think this service definitely offers women an opportunity to wear something they might never otherwise be able to wear. For a wedding, anniversary or special occasion it's the ideal option for making a statement without putting a nasty dent in the bank balance. And what girl doesn't love shoes?

See all the styles and designers at Cinderella-me.co.uk - which pair would you pick?