BEAUTY - Witch Skincare Challenge Week

This week, four other bloggers and I were put to the test by the team at Witch Skincare to see how their new range of cosmetics hold up in real life situations including greasy food, drink, exercise and stress. The week sounded like good fun so I had to say yes, but I was also pretty intrigued about the new range. It includes a primer, tinted moisturiser, translucent powder and redness reducing moisturiser.

Day 1

Day 1 was the introductions, we all met over some delicious cocktails at the Trafalgar Hotel to meet Nat Van Zee and have her assess our skin types.  If you ever go there by the way I can recommend the Japanese Mojito. We also met the rest of the bloggers and picked up the new products too, a selection of cosmetics designed to sit with the rest of the Witch skincare range and with the same great benefits for your skin's health.

Day 2
The challenge begins with a stress test shopping dash in Primark. We were handed £20 and given 30 minutes to find an outfit to wear on Thursday night's jazz club jaunt. I ran around and even found time to try on (although no time to look for accessories). In the end I settled on a floral skirt, black ruched shoulder top and red cardigan. Not a bad haul for £20. Before we went we met and we'd all applied some of the product. Although the heat of the changing room made me feel like I was melting, the tinted moisturiser seemed to hold up under the pressure and I didn't look too bedraggled on the way out.

Day 3
On day 3 we were challenged to a dance class at Pineapple Dance Studios and the theme was Girls Aloud. I wore the primer and my usual foundation set with powder. After an hour of pretending we were in a girl band, and me trying not to trip over my own feet, we'd actually learnt a dance routine. My cheeks were definitely rosy, but my skin still looked and felt fine. I tried some of the redness relief moisturiser afterwards and it appeared to take the edge off... although so did the cool January air of outside.

Day 4
Day 4 was more of a treat than a challenge; jazz at Ronnie Scotts in London's Soho. I've never been before and it was a great evening where we enjoyed a couple of glasses of cava, some tasty nibbles and the beautiful voice of Carlene Anderson (Young Disciples, Brand New Heavies). By this time I'd discovered that the primer was my new make-up bag must-have, hurrah!

Day 5
Day 5 and we put our skin through the trauma of a big fat burger! It was my first time at Byron burger and another chance to meet the team from Witch to give our feedback on the cosmetics range. Overall I've been impressed. Since starting the trial of the skincare products I've had no new blemishes crop up and the few I had when we started cleared up quickly. I would definitely continue to buy the primer, blemish pen and concealer as a minimum. A big thanks also to the lovely gals at 1000 Heads for organising things.

If you have a chance do check out the blogs of my fellow challenge partakers... Lipgloss 86, FilthyGorgeousMakeUp, The London Lipgloss and A Beauty Junkie in London.  

You can read more about our adventures at the Witch website.

USA - ClaudiaE '70s Style Outfit Inspiration

Something for my American friends: I often get sent press releases from across the ocean but rarely feature them. This time I really liked what I saw from brand ClaudiaE whose '70s pieces have a real feel-good factor and are a great find for Spring. The brand is the brainchild of Claudia Estrada, an Ecaudorian born designer based in Miami. The capri pants, stripes and colour blocking all combine with the chic seventies shapes for an on-trend capsule wardrobe. If only they shipped over here... 

TREND - Colour Blocking for Spring

This morning I found myself heading out the door with a bright blue coat and bright red scarf. Not usually considered much of a style statement but I've clearly been affected by the wave of colour blocking that keeps cropping up this season. Bold is just better it seems.

I stumbled across these pics from Giorgio Armani Prive' in my inbox and just loved the blue dress with red. Perhaps my inspiration for today's outfit. The Capri style trousers are a key shape for the season too, try them slightly cropped for summer. The look is dramatic but there are definitely elements of it that work in a mere mortal's wardrobe.

The blurb: "Silk fabrics with almost wet look stripes capture every shimmer of light. Shapes are iconic and utterly modern, sketching a petite silhouette with tiny shoulders." 

FITNESS - Get Mateivated with Shock Absorber

Last week I was invited to take part in a exercise class and to try out a Shock Absorber sports bra in the process. Since Christmas I've been trying to be a gym bunny when time allows but this class definitely showed how much you can do when you've got someone energetic encouraging and pushing you.

The class was put together and fronted by Elise Lindsay, personal trainer to Coleen Rooney and Jennifer Ellison. She's bursting with energy and made us smile, even through the toughest bits like squats teamed with throwing medicine balls . We also used the medicine balls for the abs section, used free weights to tone our biceps and triceps and threw on the boxing gloves and pads for our cardio challenge. I have to admit it's the hardest I've worked out for a long time and my muscles have only just recovered, but I am so glad I did it.

According to a recent survey by Shock Absorber, three quarters of women say that they are more likely to attend a new workout class or exercise if a friend is going and a staggering nine out of ten of females would stick to their regime if a friend encourages them. I know that meeting a friend at the gym always encourages me to go.

You can try the workout for yourself, just head over to the Shock Absorber Youtube channel where Elise will put you through your paces. All you need is a mate and some weights and you're away. The workouts are set out in chunks too so you can mix and match sections to suit if you don't have time to do the full workout.

As for the bra itself, I tried the D+ sports bra in turquoise. Most of my workout gear is black so it's nice to give my gym kit a splash of colour. It gives firm support and has a double clasp at the back to ensure your breast are held in place from top to bottom. It was explained to us how the support comes from the bottom band of the bra rather than the straps which means they don't dig in. Hurrah. As we were working out I didn't worry about bounce once, in fact I didn't even feel or notice the bra which is just what you need to feel more confident in the gym.

For a limited time there is £5 off Shock Absorber bras at Debenhams.

Something I did notice in the class was that my trainers were far too worn. They were starting to wear away at the back so this week I've ordered some new ones. I favour Nike just because the styles are most fashionable while still being performance. This pair of sneaks will soon be making their way into my gym bag... pretty.

BEAUTY - Witch Skincare Blogger Challenge

January seems to be the month for blogger challenges and I was rather pleased when I got this box of skincare goodies delivered to me at work from Witch Skincare. 

The idea is that a group of us bloggers try out the new routine and then we'll be meeting up for a series of events to see how our skin reacts. It will be a 5-day long skincare and make-up challenge, involving an evening of cocktails, a shopping spree, a fun exercise class, a big night out and to top it all
off, a scrumptious meal with the Witch team and fellow beauty bloggers. 

All the products contain Witch Hazel which cleanses, tones and soothes while combating excess oil and bacteria that cause blemishes on the skin. I've tried everything I was sent from the skin range so far and here are some initial reactions...

Blemish Pen: This doesn't sting and feels cooling on blemishes. I did notice that (when teamed with teh cover up) the spot was less obvious. I also noticed that a couple of spots that I had pop up were gone quicker than usual after using this.

Concealer: This is probably my favourite product of the bunch. The creamy texture goes on really smooth and doesn't cake or dry out the skin. The colour was perfect for my complexion and I would definitely buy this one.

Cleansing & Toning wipes: Pretty standard face wipes and I haven't noticed anything particularly special about them. Just a quick and easy way to remove the grease and grime from your day. 

Foaming Face Wash: I'd never used a foaming face wash before and this one smelled very fresh and clean. I have to avoid face washes which are harsh or too heavy on the soap, this one didn't irritate at all.

Exfoliating Face Wash: This is quite a thick gel face wash with exfoliating beads. Does the trick and I'd be inclined to use it in other areas too rather than just the face.

BEAUTY - Diet Coke & Nails Inc. Blogger Challenge

The Nails Inc. collaboration with Diet Coke is back - hurrah! The new limited range called The Catwalk Collection from diet Coke and Nails Inc. includes four gorgeous limited edition colours; Denim, Caramel, Plum and Heather Grey, worth £11 each, and they're free when you pick up just two 500ml bottles of diet Coke at selected Boots stores nationwide from 12th January.

I've had the opportunity to try out the new shades and chose to wear alternating plum and heather grey on my fingers and am giving the denim a try for my toes.

I was also sent a customisation kit with gems, stencils, stickers and more and have been challenged to turn the iconic 500ml glass diet Coke bottle into your my very own catwalk masterpiece. A bit like the Johnny Rocket versions when Diet Coke teamed up with Selfridges a few months ago.

I went for stripes and rows of sparkle. I used all the Nails Inc. colours except the caramel. What do you think of my attempt? 

STYLE - What to Wear Now... Light Knits

It's transition time as season's go. Not quite Spring Summer and still too cold to embrace many of those trends anyway. I got myself a new light knit this week and I suggest that's the exact key piece to take you through the next couple of months. Go for fitted styles, embellishment or fabulous colours to make the most of the look.

The inspiration was this embellished shoulder jumper sent to me by Blue Inc. I wore it with a fitted pencil skirt and sensible heels for my office outfit earlier in the week.

 Embellished Shoulder Jumper - Blue Inc. - Was £16.99, Now £10

I'm also loving cropped cardigans worn with fifties style dresses - although seventies is set to take the lead as trends go this summer, that fifties/sixties Mad Men look just won't disappear. Take a look at some of my other favourite styles from other top retailers...

Fawn Drape Front Jumper - Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams - £32

I have this jumper in grey and black, it's a really unusual style that looks great with jeans.

 Cashmere Sailor Stripe Knit - Joseph at My-Wardrobe - Was £215, Now £150

Knitted Grey Marl Crop Jumper - Topshop - £35

 D&G Wool & Silk Cardigan - Browns - £650

 Knitted Rose Lurex Stitch Top - Topshop - £38

MUSIC - Discoveries and Favourites from 2010

I love, live and breathe music. I can't workout without it, I can't get ready for a night out without it and my tastes are pretty wide ranging. Anything but Take That really. I thought I'd do a round up post on the music I discovered in 2010, and some other favourites in case they inspire you to get yourself listening to something new or heading out to a gig in 2011.

Mark Hole
This guy is really different, his lyrics are dotted with filth but set to a piano with an acoustic feel. When I saw him live he even used the book of filth to create a song which certainly raised a smirk or two from the crowd.
Check out: 'Dirty Base'.

Goldheart Assembly
Still making up my mind about this London based band band. Live they were really really good, but the album feels a lot more mellow.
Check out: 'King of Rome', 'Jesus Wheel' and 'Engraver's daughter'.

Safari
Small band on the up in London that I saw support the Pipettes in Hoxton. Have since been to another gig and will be back as soon as thy play a date I can make. The band are really friendly and deserve to hit the big time. Watch this space.
Check out: 'Quicksand' and 'Hold my Head'.

Grum
I'm a big fan of Chromeo and this electronic dance act is quite similar. House with a disco edge that just makes you feel great and makes you want to dance.
Check out: 'Can't shake this feeling', 'Runaway', 'Heartbeats' and 'Through the Night'.

Marina and the Diamonds
Saw Marina perform as part of the iTunes festival at Camden Roundhouse. Had heard her stuff before but seeing the band live made me seek out the album and I love it, quirky and very cool.
Check out: 'Oh No!', 'Hollywood', 'The Outsider' plus dub step remixes of 'Not a Robot'.

Jessie J
I didn't technically discover Jessie J in 2010 as I saw her perform back a few years ago and have been keeping an eye on her Youtube channel ever since. This year has seen a transformation in her though and she's now about to hit the big time with mentions flooding Twitter and views on Youtube going through the roof.
Check out: 'Do it like a Dude', 'Mamma knows best', 'Big White Room' and 'Price Tag'.

And some favourites remain...

The Noisettes
I've seen the Noisettes 4 times now. The last time was just before Christmas and they showcased some tracks from the new album which is not yet complete. The material sounds really, really good and unbelievably catchy for having heard it just the once.
Check out: 'Scratch Your Name', 'Wild Young Hearts', 'Never Forget You' and 'Saturday Night'.

The Sounds
This Swedish pop/punk bands have been a fave of mine for a while. Looking forward to new stuff from them in 2011 - I was gutted I had to miss a gig in London that I bought tickets for becaus of rehearsals for Britain's Next Top Model Live. Hopefully they will be back soon.
Check out: 'Beatbox', 'Painted by Numbers', 'Ego', and 'Queen of Apology'.

We Are Scientists
Saw this California based band for the second time in Manchester before Christmas. Awesome, awesome performance and the lead singer Keith is hot which just adds to the experience. These guys are a really funny band too, check out their stuff on Youtube for little comedy sketches and clips.
Check out: 'Rules don't stop me', 'This Scene is Dead', 'Nobody Move. Nobody Get Hurt' and 'The Great scape'... actually, just check out everything :)

If you've read all this and think you've got a recommendation for me, feel free to throw it out there for everyone in a comment... get involved!

TOP 5 - Kate Middleton Inspired Dresses

Kate Middleton's blue Issa dress was a hit topic back when the prince and his bride-to-be announced their engagement. With the Royal wedding plans now in full swing, this dress has by no means been forgotten so I've done a quick sweep and picked out a few of my favourite Kate Middleton dresses so you can get the look with ease. I love the colour and I've posted about blue and navy hues being a great alternative to black on this blog several times. 

Panelled Slinky Dress - Lypsy - £45

Vanessa Bruno Wrap Dress - Matches - £115

Diane Von Furstenberg Knox Dress - Matches - £274

Ottoman Pleated One-Shoulder Dress - ASOS - £55

Joseph Navy Athena Crepe Dress - My-Wardrobe - £313

BAGS - Win a Prize From Aspinal of London

I got some rather good news yesterday. I managed to win myself a bag from Aspinal of London worth up to £350. I even get to choose whichever bag I want. Exciting!

I put on my rather practical head and have opted for the soft leather laptop tote and after much deliberation decided the purple croc style was my favourite. It's still a classic in a rich aubergine hue but a bit more exciting than plain black. Unfortunately the style I've chosen is very popular and I'll be having to wait 6 weeks while more are made, but that's no biggie. It will be all the more special when it does arrive. Next on my list will be the laptop because at present I don't have one and for a blogger on the go like me it's a must-have. I'm currently weighing up how much I can actually afford. All too often I think about that after I've already spent the money... oops!

If you fancy winning yourself a fab prize from Aspinal of London, make sure you follow them on Twitter and Facebook. The competition I won was through Facebook and as simple as entering my details so get involved and the next winner could be you...