Feeling Fine

[Images from Pinterest, Hero Magazine, Vogue]

Jacquemus is the ULTIMATE brand for summer. Everything about the summer collections makes me want to frolic in french fields as the models did during the SS21 show. However, in spite of some pretty impressive reductions on Net-a-Porter right now, most of the pieces are still rather more expensive than my summer budget would allow. I have therefore selected five key pieces *inspired by* that dreamy french-girl-summer look, but which won’t cost you more than a 5 night holiday in Provence. 

1. The Pink Blazer 

Obviously a duplicate of the oversized pink blazer is required. The blazer made its debut at the SS20 show (in a lavender field in Provence) and was immediately an iconic piece. Even with a generous 20% off, £1,102 is a hefty price tag. The happy news is that H&M has a linen blend version, in almost exactly the same shade of this-colour-will-make-you-happy pink, for a mere £24.99. 

[Image from h&m Website]

2. A Straw Basket

Not a tiny handbag. As much as I love them, they're just too tiny whereas the baskets are both pretty AND useful. Nothing reminds me more of St. Tropez than the smell of straw baskets and spices in the markets; they are an ultimate summer accessory. Mango has an adorable version with a Jacquemus-esque leather pocket. Make like the models and carry it under your arm rather than using the handles. Obviously. £19.99 and soo chic!

[Image from Mango Website]

3. Simple Slinky Dress

Jacquemus is a master of the slinky, graceful dresses in that are endlessly elegant, but simple enough to look as though you could just throw them on. The most recent collection was centred around neutral, earthy tones with spaghetti straps and delicate ties on the dresses. This oyster white slip from Zara with its pretty scoop back and ribbon tie is a perfect duplicate if I do say so myself. £79.99 is also very reasonable for a timeless classique. 

4. Strappy Sandals

What is a slinky dress without a strappy sandal?? Many of the Jacquemus heeled sandals are a work of art in themselves. If you're trying to replicate the look, really any heel that looks like it is defying the laws of gravity and balance will do. Bonus points if the heel has something a bit random going on like a tassel or pompom. I particularly like this extra strappy style from Zara, £59.99. 

[Both Images from Zara Website]

5. Cardigan 

According to Taylor Swift, David Beckham and Harry Styles we should all love cardigans. There is something pretty special about the Jacquemus styles, however. They’re the cosy, delicate and yet somehow structured top that can elevate any summer outfit. It was particularly hard to find a dupe for the £260 original styles as quality is key but I think this Lisa Marie Fernandez version is pretty great for £72.

I love glitter eyeshadow, glitter lipgloss, glitter anything really. In winter it is socially acceptable (in my eyes) to adorn every make-up look with glitter, especially within the Christmas season. As the nights get darker we are often illuminated by cosy, twinkly mood lighting. Flattering as this is, it allows for glitter galore. In the summer, glitter is only welcome in far more specific scenarios; a festival or a summer party for example. 

I am not a fan of this restriction myself. Late last year (in time for Christmas and all it’s candlelit glory) I investigated the Glossier Glitter Gelées. When perusing the site to select a shade, I was struck by the subtle and minimalistic ways the glitter had been applied. ‘Minimalist’ certainly seems an odd choice of word to describe an application of glitter but it’s true. In classic glossier style the models skin has a clean dewy look, with the glitter on the eyes as the main event. With glitter dabbed carefully into a wing shape or dotted above and below each lash line, these looks were undeniably subtle. 

(Note: The Glossier Glitter Gelees have now been discontinued due to sustainability concerns. For equally as stunning and much more eco-conscious, biodegradable glitter check out Ecostardust or The Gypsy Shrine for a worthy replacement)

I took these minimal glitter looks as a confirmation that bedazzled eyes need not be confined to the depths of winter. In fact with selective placement, no eye-liner (and dare I say it no mascara...) these make-up looks could even been considered casual. Do not get me wrong, everyone and anyone should be able to where whatever make-up they like, whenever they like. Nonetheless, the discovery that glittery eyes can be quite easily incorporated into the day-to-day make up where some of us attempt subtlety has got to be encouraging. I for one intend to incorporate a glittery eye everyday next week. 

I recently ran out of toner, moisturiser and cleanser, all within the same week. Stressful as this was when my skin was not co-operating, I took the opportunity to investigate the much discussed products from Deciem’s brand The Ordinary.

The Ordinary claims to provide ‘clinical formulations with integrity’. Admittedly, this ‘clinical’ approach initially meant that I had no idea what any of the products were at a glance. The products are characterised as ‘peptides’, ‘direct acids’ and ‘more molecules’ to name but a few. Nonetheless, I had heard such great things that I persevered. With the help of a few informative reviews from the Deciem Chat Room website (entirely separate from Deciem itself but extremely useful if you do not know where to start with their products), I selected four items. 

The total price for my products was £26.20 and as this was all I had spent to almost entirely replenish by skincare collection, I thought it was excellent value. The packing is neat, simplistic and definitely not luxurious but that is not what The Ordinary claims to be so I was certainly not deterred. I have now been using each product for three weeks and, while I am aware this is not a sufficient amount of time to assess skincare results, I was still eager to review my own experience with The Ordinary. 

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution £6.80

I chose this product to replace the Pixi Glow Tonic I had been relying on for many months and which I loved. My research told me that the acid in The Ordinary’s version was actually more concentrated and should therefore be used only once a day. So far I have loved this product, the results are the same if not better than the Pixi version. My skin is visibly brighter and glowy after each use. 10/10

Squalane Cleanser £5.50

As the only cleanser sold by The Ordinary I was not sure what to expect, but I needed a replacement and thought it was worth a try. The product is advertised as a gentle cleanser to ‘target make up removal’. The cleanser must be rubbed between the palms of your hands until the cream transforms to an oil-like consistency. While my skin felt refreshed and clean after use, the sensation of cleansing with a thick oily balm is not entirely pleasant. 6/10

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil £9.00

As the product with the most complimentary reviews, and incidentally the most expensive product I bought, my hopes were high for the rose hip oil and so far it has yet to disappoint. I apply it sparingly before bed; a little goes a very long way as it spreads very well across the skin. Despite it being a rather thick oil it feels extremely luxurious when applied in comparison to the squalane cleanser and it sinks in satisfyingly after around 5 minutes. It is said to reduce signs of ageing so I will have to wait a while to assess that one. 10/10

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA £4.90

I have watched enough Charlotte Tilbury make-up tutorials to be extremely excited at the prospect of adding Hyaluronic acid (HA) to my skincare routine. Promising to plump up skin by producing more collagen, this is currently a much celebrated skincare ingredient. Like the rose hip oil, the water-based cream spreads extremely well onto the skin and I have used only the smallest amount each time. So far my skin has felt softer with each use so I am excited to see future results. 9/10

The best thing to come out of the BBCs ‘Normal People’, @connellschain aside, was the renewed appreciation of the Classic Summer Dress. Yes, the acting was incredible and yes, the story was told beautifully, but I want to talk about that summer dress. Marianne’s style evolution was wonderful to watch as her character grew to become more confident and self-assured. However, it is during the trip to Tuscany that her classic style reached its pinnacle. Connell and Marianne cycle around town with ice creams in hand and her classic black midi dress is simply divine. 

A summer dress such as this is endlessly versatile. Not only is it elegant but it is also comfortable. Considerably more comfortable than a denim skirt or shorts might I add. Despite years of searching and struggling to find the perfect pair of denim shorts, I always find myself reaching for a loose-fitting, floaty dress in the summer. And when I am two plates of calamari down, this is rarely a decision I regret. Be it calamari in Barcelona or the more likely scenario of fish and chips in Padstow this summer, this kind of dress simply works anywhere. 

Linen in warm weather is perfect and spaghetti straps and an A-line skirt are a tried and tested combination for foolproof summer dressing. Happily, there are approximately a billion variations to choose from to recreate your own Marianne-esque ensemble. I would add, as such a dress is timeless, it is worth spending a little more than usual to ensure you are investing in a look that will last.  

These are my faves:

1. The Rou Dress from Reformation: Perfectly swishy and soft with a scoop neck. £106 [Image from Refromation Website]

2. ASOS DESIGN cami wrap maxi dress: A cheaper option, but still made from an airy cotton and linen blend. £28 [Image from ASOS Website]

3. The Alva Dress from Weekday: A fit that is relaxed as can be makes this the easiest dress to throw on. £45 [Image from Weekday Website]

4. Smocked Silk Midi Dress from &Other Stories: A silky option if you’d prefer something more luxurious than linen. £120 [Image from &Other Stories Website]

Two Eye Make Up Trends to Master During Lockdown

Both of these eye looks are set to make a come-back this summer. They should be paired simply with dewy skin and a tinted lip balm or gloss. One is very easy and the other is trickier to perfect but both are well worth a try. The great thing about both of these looks is that they are easily adaptable to suit your skin tone and eye shape, it’s a matter of trial and error.

1. Pastel Eyeshadow

Find your perfect pastel shade; baby blue, lavender, pastel green, pale yellow, dove grey or baby pink.

Make sure the shadow is pigmented (if not try wetting the brush) and pack onto the lid, stopping before the brow bone. You don't want to blend the colour too far up for this look, it is about an intense pop of colour on an otherwise minimal base.

Use a neutral pink, nude or highlighter to soften the line into the brow bone without spreading the colour.

Brush up your brows, apply mascara and add a tiny bit of highlighter to your cheekbones, fini!

2. Graphic Liner

Someone wise once said that lockdown was the perfect time to perfect the trends and styles you may not be entirely confident with yet. Perfectly applied graphic liner might just be one of those trends!

The trick is to use an angled brush dipped in a black or dark grey shadow to trace the line you want. This is a lot easier to correct and provides a shape to trace when applying the liner itself.

Complete this step for both eyes to ensure that they match.

Start applying the liner with your usual wing and then create a curved line to frame the lid. Make sure that the shape you create is visible both from a side angle and front-on.

I have a reasonably healthy interest in sunglasses. I’m definitely not one to hoard hundreds of pairs at a time, but neither do I discard or lose a pair each summer. It is therefore around the month of June each year that I have to make a choice. The sun has certainly been shining recently and I’m eager to adopt the easiest summer hairstyle of sunglasses on, sweeping the hair off my face. So I must decide to refresh or not to refresh my modest selection? 

Spending over £50 on a pair is far too much of a monetary and aesthetic commitment for me, and I do prefer at least a few options to complement my outfits. Luckily, there are so many inexpensive options to update my summer accessorization. It appears that eyewear trends have become reasonably more relaxed in recent seasons. The noughties saw the rise and dominance of larger and larger bug-eyed style frames, think Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham (a style that was favoured for far too long in my opinion due to the pea-like proportions of my head). However, this was then wholly overtaken with the impossibly thin style favoured by Kim K and Bella Hadid. Obviously there have been various trends in-between these two prominent styles and one can always rely on the failsafe Wayfarers and Aviators to withstand the constantly changing fashions winds. 

Nonetheless, I believe we are currently in the midst of a transition period for sunglasses. What with the rise of the noughties aesthetic, the bug-eyed frames may come swarming back and combine that with the persistence of tiny retro styles, there is an apparent grey area. So if the more extreme styles are perhaps less flattering to your face shape, but you still want to branch out from the basics, now is the time to find an alternative amongst the countless options available. 

At the moment I am working with a very thin tortoiseshell cat-eye pair, some mid-blue acetate 70s style frames and a yellow, clear plastic, elongated cat-eye style. In case the wordy descriptions do not make it clear, these are all rather trend-specific frames. Therefore, as much as I like them, I have decided that now is the time to refresh and include some more classic or versatile frames for myself.

Here are my favourite styles (that won’t dominate your face) on the digital highstreet for under £50:

1.  OFO London Flora shades: I love the shape of these and the baby blue, hot pink and pale green styles are a more out-there option if preferred. Currently £14 in the sale. [Image from OFO London Website] 

2. UO Yas Oval Brown Sunglasses: Tortoiseshell because it goes with everything. £14. [Image from Urban Outfitters Website]

3.  Meller Kubu shades in bone grey: A universally flattering shape and the neutral, warm toned frames are so versatile. £40. [Image from Meller Website]

4. Farrah Sunglasses by Quay- These are a classic shape but with a subtle injection of colour. Currently £45 in the sale. [Image from Topshop Website]

5.  Mango Metal Sunglasses in gold- Bella would probably approve of the geometric shape and yet they’re not too extreme to look good. £17.99. [Image from Mango Website]

Last Tuesday (19th May) marked the second wedding anniversary of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Apparently they spent the day drinking margaritas and reminiscing with friends on zoom, cute. It seemed logical, nay necessary, to use this opportunity to recognise and celebrate my top five wedding looks of all time. The focus in each of these instances is on the bride but ‘look’ seemed a far more appropriate word than ‘dress’, and it will become clear why. I used to believe that a whiter than white, cinderella style ball gown was the only sensible option for a wedding dress; When else would there be such an occasion? How wrong I was. Fashion has moved on, traditions have evolved, and I am no longer six years old. Narrowing my favourites down to five was a challenge to say the least, but someone’s got to do it. 

1.  Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge the bride who inspired this assortment of styles, Meghan. Yes, she looked lovely in her dress for the main event, but it is the reception gown that really stood out for me. The silk crepe gown, designed by Stella Mcartney is both timeless and glamorous but the halter neck style is just a little bit different different and endlessly flattering. [Image from Pinterest]

2.  My second selection definitely pays homage to the aforementioned cinderella style I admired. Coco Rocha was married in 2010 (I was twelve at the time) and I distinctly remember admiring the Canadian model’s fishtail extravaganza. She undeniably toed the line of the whipped cream and meringue style dresses but would designer Zac Posen let anyone fall to the wrong side of that distinction? Silly question. [Image from My Fashion Life]

3. The way Keira Knightly looked on her wedding day is how I want to look each and every summer day. Karl Lagerfeld created the perfect understated, riviera chic dress for her town hall wedding in Mazan, Provence. Pale pink and paired with a Chanel pearl jacket and pumps, the dress and the accessories are a perfect match. [Image from Chic Vintage Brides]

4. Kate Moss’s wedding dress was the perfect amalgamation of 1930s glamour and boho style. John Galliano worked closely with the model to design the dress which Moss described as ‘couture couture couture’. Every element of her look was so clearly thought through and personal but Moss always manages to make everything look effortless, and her wedding day was no different. [Image from Pinterest]

5. I have always admired Millie Mackintosh’s style and she looked beautiful when she married Hugo Taylor. Designed by Kate Halfpenny, the wedding dress itself is simple and certainly elegant but the sleeves steal the show. They are elegant but fun, modern but still reminiscent of a fairy-tale style; this is everything I want in a sleeve and as a result, the wedding look is perfect. [Image from Halfpenny London]

Do you consider yourself a sustainable consumer? I was recently asked this question by a friend researching fast fashion and sustainability for her dissertation. The seemingly simple question really made me stop and think. Admittedly, my automatic response was to say yes; buying something from Missguided for £10 that I know I’ll only wear once is a thing of the past for me. However, minimal change is definitely not enough anymore. Totally eradicating questionable brands from your repertoire may be daunting and not necessarily doable but there is still a light at the end of the shopping tunnel.

So many brands are really stepping up their sustainability, others have room for improvement (particularly one beginning with B and ending with oohoo). Instead of focusing on the brands which have work to do, it seems more productive to shine a light on those who are doing their bit and, more importantly, their best. From up-cycling, making use of factory off-cuts or simply a far more conscious approach, the following brands have a lot to offer and make sustainability seem all the more appealing and (dare I say it) easier. 

Demoo Jeans

Custom jeans and headbands are Demoo’s thing and they do it very well. The jeans are up-cycled with colourful trims and painted patterns and they epitomise the ‘groovy girl’ nineties look. The head bands are beautiful and so varied you will definitely find one to suit you. They have also recently released a set of bands named after NHS heroes where £2 is donated to the Masks for NHS heroes charity. So far I’ve ordered only one headband but I intend to investigate the custom options for some white denim flares as asap as possible. Find them on Depop or order via the online form (@demoojeans on instagram). [Image from Depop]

@Funk.shit.up

Based only on instagram, this is the MUCH cheaper option for up-cycled denim. The idea is that you send in old denim (jeans, jackets, skirts…) to be updated with either colourful beaded trims or to be tie-dyed.  A friend has trialled the funking up with really nice results and I believe it costs only £6.50 per item. This is such a fun idea and as an added bonus it’s also a cheap lil quarantine treat after a successful wardrobe clear out.

EMRLD www.emrld.co.uk

Preventing surplus materials going to waste is such an important part of sustainability and Emrld creates the cutest handmade tops and dresses from factory off-cuts. Soft scuba material with Burberry and Dior offcuts are used as panels in corset style crop tops and body-con dresses. The results are ethically made, sustainable and soo flattering. The stock is very limited but so worth it if you can get your hands on the new releases, so keep an eye on the insta for announcements and updates. [Image from Instagram]

Veja

Buying a pair of shoes that you know will last is an effective way to avoid waste and fast-fashion. Everyone appears to own a pair of Veja trainers at the moment and they are definitely worth the investment. The French brand use raw materials from organic farming as well as sustainably sourced wild rubber and B-mesh, a fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles (more up-cycling, yay!). The trainers also come in so many different styles so saving up for a pair is something I couldn't recommend enough. [Image from Veja Website]

Zara

Everyone knows Zara but the well-loved Spanish brand still deserves a mention in my humble opinion. The company has pledged to have all clothes made from sustainable fabrics and 80% of the energy used across the stores, factories and headquarters to be renewable by 2025. Yes, admittedly these are currently just promises and currently the fast fashion culture is still alive and well with Zara’s constant new arrivals and high turnover rate. However, in acknowledging these issues and promising to do better, Zara are taking a step in the right direction which must be recognised and hopefully other large companies (who are able) will follow suit. [Image from Zara Website]

Shoe trends have been somewhat turbulent in recent years. What with the revival of the ugly trainer (Buffalo, I’m looking at you) and the clunkier nineties styles which are now ever present, it seems we must expect the unexpected. My most favoured member of the rogue shoe club is the ‘Dad’ trainer. This is an admittedly ambiguous name, particularly as my own Dad has never owned anything of the sort.  However, the New Balance 530s are arguably the most solid embodiment of this style;

 They are simultaneously practical, nerdy and sensible…yet somehow it works. (In my opinion anyway, we cannot dismiss the idea that I may now have been conditioned to believe the uglier the shoe, the better.) I have yet to work out exactly why, but the addition of this shoe to even the most juxtaposing feminine outfits is effortlessly stylish. ‘Effortlessly’ is certainly the key word here as I believe the main allure of this shoe is that they do not give an impression of an ‘overthunk’ outfit. Not nearly as aggressive as the Balanciaga style of chunky trainer, they add the equivalent level of sporty urbanity which can update so many looks.

Of course, the New Balance 530s at a reasonable £80 are long sold out, classique. However the 452s still provide the equivalent (so wrong it’s somehow right) allure. 

They're also only £60.I intend to order some ASAP. 

1. Stella Maxwell, 2018- Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

I could look at this Moschino dress for hours. It is a wholehearted embrace of the religious theme without the gaudy, comical elements that other attendees seemed unable to avoid (search Met looks 2018 and you’ll see what I mean). And her Rapunzel hair is amazing. 

2. Cher, 1974- Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design

Designed by Bob Mackie, this sheer, feathered, beaded gown is supposedly one of the first ‘naked’ dresses ever worn. It’s iconic and has aged so well, Kim Kardashian even recreated it at the 2015 Met. 

3. Harry Styles, 2019- Camp: Notes on Fashion

It’s BORING if you just wear a black suit. As co-host in 2019, the pressure was on for Styles and his more subtle take on the camp theme was ridiculously effective. Bespoke Gucci sheer frills, and that pearl earring. Fit. 

4. Claire Danes, 2016- Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology

Zac Posen is good at ball gowns and this one lit up in the dark, a win win in my opinion. It is so elegant and perfectly structured, and glows in the dark. Did I mention that it also glows in the dark? 

5. Naomi Campbell, 1995- Haute Couture 

Campbell was the ultimate nineties queen and this Versace dress certainly plays a part in her worthiness of that title. The holographic, glittering masterpiece is one of the most memorable Met gowns so far. 

The Met Gala is an event I look forward to every year, despite how I’ve never been invited (surprisingly). Each year, a fellow enthusiast and I will prepare ourselves to click through the extensive gallery of every look posted by Vogue the following day. We will provide each slide with a yay or a nay and a healthy debate will ensue if we disagree. How amusing such a simple activity can be says so much about just how lavish, eccentric and outrageous the outfits are. Each year. Without fail.  

Today, the first Monday of May, would have been the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual gala. The theme this year was to be ‘About Time: Fashion and Duration’. Unfortunately, because Covid-19 likes to ruin things, there will be no ball this year. This means no Costume Institute exhibition (which has been rescheduled for late October) and, most importantly, there will be no opportunity for designers to showcase some of the most extravagant looks of the year. In a fashion first, Vogue is hosting ‘A Moment with the Met’ on YouTube this evening. The virtual gala will include an address from Gala co-chair herself, Anna Wintour, along with a performance from Florence and the Machine and a DJ set from Virgil Abloh. Sounds pretty wild in the quarantine scheme of things. 

The virtual Met will obviously never be the same but Wintour has claimed she wants to bring ‘a bit of joy’ to everyone with this ‘simple moment’. Another way that Vogue has attempted to quell the disappointment is with the Met Gala Challenge. Vogue, along with Billy Porter, have challenged fans to recreate their favourite looks from past years, a task that will undoubtedly provide entertainment, if of a very different kind. YET, while we may not be able to appreciate the fascinating interpretations of this forward-thinking theme, we still have the looks of previous years to entertain us for now.   

The Joy of a Formal Friday

You get ready, you get all dressed up (To go Nowhere in Particular)- Love, Lana del Rey 

The art of dressing ‘half up half down’ appears to have been mastered by many in the current WFH climate. If, somehow, you are unaware of this technique, it is most simply explained as donning formal attire for the portion of your body visible on a video call, ie. waist up.  Being able to wear the softest and most lounge-able trousers you own whilst still maintaining a professional appearance is undoubtedly appealing. However, I would like to advise on the equal benefits of a ‘formal Friday’. 

Amongst countless other things, I am sure that the sacred ritual of preparing one’s appearance for a formal outing is painfully absent during quarantine. Be it a dinner date or just a trip to the pub, I will set aside as many hours (or often, minutes) as I can spare to prepare. In fact, more often than not, planning my clothes, make-up and accessories is often as much fun, if not more, than the excursion itself.

It is for this reason that I highly recommend taking the time on a Friday (or any quarantined day for that matter) to dress up. With nowhere to go, time is hardly of the essence so enjoy that luxury; use the hair mask that’s been sitting in the bathroom for months, try the glitter lip trend you’ve watched 6 tutorials on…What better time to trial the more risky styles that you feel are currently not quite polished enough for public consumption? However you use the surplus time I can assure you that you will feel all the better for it. The confidence I gain from dressing up usually, is not lessened by the fact that no one of note will see the finished outcome. On top of this, with no one to judge but myself (and a few forgiving housemates), the more experimental, the better.

Now is not the time to think of the the phrase ‘all dressed up with nowhere to go’ as there are far more people in that position than you realise (myself included). Instead enjoy the confidence that arguably only perfect winged eye liner and a spaghetti strap can provide. I would recommend face-timing a friend or whipping up a Stanley Tucci style negroni to enjoy whilst watching Elite on Netflix. Any activity you choose will be elevated by the time, effort and most of all enjoyment that went into getting ready.