Red White and Beauty

Today I did my monthly Boots blitz. Purchasing all the essentials that nobody really wants to spend on, but everyone needs to! Yes, I mean the blotting tissues, the eye make-up removers, the toothbrush, the dental floss... blah blah blah. It was all going so well, I had not been tempted by any of the new pampering delights on the shelves, until I saw this beaming and bold bottle of Original Source strawberry shower gel and I could not resist buying it.

I love strawberries, I love summer and I love Britain, so why would I choose anything else? It's always nice to have a super sweet shower gel to lift your spirits, and this one does just that. It also inspired this post!

It is fast approaching London's most manic summer ever, and the first big event is our old Queenie's Diamond Jubilee. So, instead of buying the obligatory crockery or tea towel, why not boost your beauty box with some special Jubilee products?

Everyone from Benefit to Nails Inc have produced something a little bit special to mark the occasion, so it's only fair that you treat yourself!

Meanie Bikini

What do you do when you hear the word Bikini?

a) Squirm

b) Scream and curl up under your duvet

c) Grin and whip off your dress to reveal a flawless figure in a Melissa Odabash number

Aside from the enviably and unbearably body-confident among us, most would opt for a or b. 

Let's face it: bikini's are, excuse my French, bloody terrifying.

Effectively four little triangles to cover your modesty and that is it. Everything else is on display for intense scrutiny and undeniable bitchiness. For once I am left longing for slouchy knitwear and deceptively loose t-shirts. As much as we should love our bodies, it's not unusual to be slightly critical of the skin you're in. 

It is no real secret that I am recovering from an eating disorder. Any regular reader could probably pick up on my obsession with food/skinny women/body image, and as I move into my final term of first year, I am aiming, reluctantly, to get up to a size eight. I am told to gain roughly a stone, the prospect of which fills me with dread, but I hope I can do it and HOPEFULLY won't look too repulsive in a bikini on my holidays.

What could help me, though, is someone buying me a Mulberry bikini in a size eight? Purely for motivational purposes, of course.

While these pretty patterned babies won't exactly conceal any flaws or flatter a fuller figure, they are beyond gorgeous. All swirly florals and pastel perfection, they are simple but still pack a punch and are miles away from those horrendous push-up ones available in most stores at the moment.

Prior to a full bikini edit coming soon to SW Fashion, these offer up just a splash of poolside perfection to whet your appetite.

But if your appetite is the problem when it comes to bikini confidence I have a couple of tips for you (try HERE, HERE and HERE)... Thank me from the beach ladies.

And never forget the three golden rules of bikini shopping:

* Wear PLENTY of fake tan to trick the unflattering changing room lights

* Go before lunch- even skinny girls look hideous in a bikini with a bloated belly

* Try and forget that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Gisele Bundchen ever existed... They are mere freaks of nature.

Pursuit of Prettiness #1

Images from Trunk Archive

NEW FEATURE ALERT! I am a total beauty junkie and I have been in love with beauty products from a very young age, from sweet Lush bath bombs to that fizzy skin tingle of the cult Bliss Triple Oxygen mask. Though this blog is called SW Fashion, which indicates, surprisingly, that I mostly write about fashion, recently I have branched out to write about beauty and lifestyle just for a bit of variety. If you want to read more of my beauty posts click HERE or stay tuned for my new weekly feature- Pursuit of Prettiness.

I am not a natural beauty, and in the morning I am a gremlin. My skin is oily and breaks out daily and I have small eyes and thin lips, not to mention brittle hair. So why, oh why, could I ever write about beauty when i'm not even all that pretty? I suppose that's the reason. I have spent my life in pursuit of prettiness and it has never, and never will, come easily or cheaply! If a product makes a noticeable improvement on me, imagine what it could do for someone naturally gorgeous! The first of my posts is all about nails, because ANYONE can pull off a statement nail.

Everyone knows that nail art is huge this season, and there has never been a better time to experiment with bold and daring nail designs than right now.

The fact that I spent most of this week shielding myself from the rain with my leather jacket before curling up in front of my laptop with a creamy hot chocolate just goes to show that Spring is not exactly in full bloom. Curse you, global warming, you are more than a little bit inconvenient. And with what seems to be a thunder storm and smatterings of hail, I am guessing that my sugary collection of chiffon and pastel pieces is set to stay in hibernation for a good few weeks.

The only positive point about these unfriendly weather conditions is that, while fashion creativity is limited, you can take a few risks on the beauty front. I'm talking, of course, about nails.

Nails are the easiest way to add a bit of sunny cheer to your look, and just now there are so many tropical colours and dazzling designs to dabble in. 

Whether you are a nail novice or  pro, there will definitely be a way for you to liven up your polish collection this season. Let's also not forget how cheap and cheerful nail polish is!

Is It Really Worth It?

Impossibly long limbs, honeyed skin and taut torsos; Victoria’s Secret models are modern day goddesses. Not too skinny and not too athletic, with soft curves where they ought to be, these flawless models have come to represent the new bodily ideal. The childlike waifs that ruled the nineties, noughties and beyond have been replaced by glossy and classically beautiful women that are more than a little bit desirable, and their bodies are the piéce du résistance.

A Victoria’s Secret Angel is more than a model- they are at the top of their game and have become aspirational for many. It is an honour to be graced with the wings that accompany the delicately seductive lingerie, and it is one experienced by a very select few. Glamourous women like Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr are seasoned walkers at the spectacular Victoria’s Secret shows, and for many years their toned and tanned physiques have been their livelihood.

Though the Angels may not represent the skinny fragility that has been the norm in the fashion industry for many years, their physiques are every bit as unattainable. Even more so, perhaps. While it is relatively easy to avoid biscuits and cakes or to swap a sandwich for a salad, it is less so to incorporate a tailored four-hour workout into the working day. Long and lean, these bodies are the glorious product of personal trainers, strict diets and immense dedication, and have been christened as “designer” bodies.

Surely, though, a body is a body, and it should not be so fiercely controlled. While there is no denying that these models have been rather lucky genetically, they still work tirelessly on their bodies to ensure total, unrivalled perfection. When every inch of their body is under scrutiny, every inch must be without fault. The Angels represent the new wave of supermodels, matching the income and lifestyle that made the eighties supers so iconic. For them the hard work has paid off, and they have come to represent the new female ideal. However, in reality, is it really worth the effort?

Getting a body fit for the multi-million dollar Victoria’s Secret show is a full time job, and undoubtedly leaves little time for a social life. While no man would be complaining to have an Allessandra Ambrosio-esque beauty on his arm, he may grow to detest her true soulmate: the personal trainer. Though the physical results may be dazzling, adopting an Angel’s approach to diet and exercise could become exhausting, a damaging pursuit of impossible perfection.

Essentially the body of a Victoria’s Secret Angel is not natural, and having this image thrust forth as the new feminine ideal is not healthy. It goes without saying that the perception of beauty has evolved over time, and will continue to do so, but the real issue is that the aspirational is becoming increasingly unattainable, and the army of Victoria’s Secret Angels are strutting further and further away from reality.

DIY Nail Art? Count Me In!

If you fell for these Easter nails, then why not try out your own kooky nail art by WAH! I will definitely be buying this book, which should take the trickiness out of nail art. The author and creator of WAH nails Sharmadean Reid says that once you master the basic techniques, the iconic nail art designs are far easier than they look, so why not get your hands on this book? Topping the Fashion and Beauty bestseller lists on Amazon, it's certainly a hit!

Happy Easter!

See more from WAH here!

Instant Update: Coral Nails

While pastel and neon nails are all the rage, they aren't always the most flattering on all skintones. A new, equally fashionable colour to try is coral. It is zesty and bright and great for this Spring sunshine, but it actually flatters most skintones! I love the Nails Inc. one, my choice for a recent manicure, but when it started to chip after TWO DAYS (not impressed, sorry, really not!) I bought the cheaper Barry M colour for top ups and it was just as good, though the consistency is not as thick and thus requires more coats.

Give it a try for a mid-week pick-me-up!

Nail Rock and ASOS: Love!

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_ 

Nail art has been a huge trend for a while, and nail wraps are the easiest way to work this look yourself. These new editions exclusive to ASOS are just the cutest (and much cheaper than a manicure at WAH at just £6.70).

The cheery wraps are so kitsch and such a nice way to inject a bit of spring cheer into your look. My favourites include the adorable little cupcakes and the donut sprinkles! The smileys in a variety of colours are also tricky to resist. I will have to add a few to my ever bursting ASOS basket! 

Get yours here... I'll race you? 

Sport Relief

Next week's Sport Relief got me thinking and I couldn't resist a little post about SS12's trickiest trend: Sport Luxe. Whether you go for a little nod to sportiness with an outdoorsy beauty look, or all-out in Alexander Wang's running shorts, this look is fun, fresh and very cool! 

And the reason for the little video is that You Make My Dreams Come True is my number one, all time favourite good mood/running song EVER. Why not embrace this trend whole heartedly and revamp your gym kit and jog off to that perfect bikini body? I have every intention to... once I can afford Stella McCartney Adidas that is! 

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Little Luxuries

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Even if she doesn't admit it, every mum loves a little bit of luxury, and these treats are perfect for a glamourous mum in need of a little TLC.

Jewellery is always special, and is something you can keep forever. Whether you go for the traditional, classic pieces or kitsch costume jewellery, it will always make a lovely present. I am still waiting for someone to buy me something from Wear That There. The personalised necklaces and bracelets are timeless and beautiful, but with a personal touch. If you want to spend a little less, but still get something special, try a nice online boutique like 'Paris in a Bottle' for some pretty trinkety pieces like this delicate bracelet.

If you wanted to really treat your mum, why not splurge on a little bit of designer? Whether it's her dream shoes, a delightful handbag or just a cutesy purse, she will be very grateful!  

Mother's Day Gift Guides: Pamper and Preen

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Every lady loves a good old fashioned pampering. I love nothing more than going home, running a bath with some Laura Mercier Almond Coconut bath honey, slapping on a face mask, applying a Bumble & Bumble hair treatment and lighting a few scented candles. It is just bliss- and most women appreciate this luxury, particularly busy mums!

Pampering can stretch from little touches like flowers or a bottle of champagne, to some lovely cocktails or a personalised nail polish.

I love to put together a little "Pamper Hamper" as a present, and it really is a nice touch. Just get a few of mum's favourite things, put them in a hamper and you're done quicker than you can say "Fortnum and Mason"! A great mix is some bubble bath, some chocolates, bubbly, a candle, face mask and a magazine. That'll be her evening sorted and you can make it as special as you want!

If your mum appreciates the finer things in life, she will be more than a little bit pleased with a lovely fragrance like the new Jo Malone ones, or even a beautiful Laduree (buy them here) or Diptique candle.

If you want to pamper her, but do something a little bit quirky, why not head to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and create a bespoke Nails Inc nail polish (£16 for basic lids, £20 for glitzy lids). The couture service lets you you choose the lid, the colour, the box decorations and- the best part- the name label! Nails Inc Couture is also available online, so get your orders in now! Another lovely gift to treat her is by making her some glamourous cocktails- Nigella's salted caramel martini (recipe here) sounds just dreamy and i'm sure the  butterscotch schnapps concoction complete with a salt frosted rim will not disappoint!

Mother's Day Gift Guides: Yum Mum

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Nothing makes a woman feel better than chocolate. Fact. 

Okay, that's maybe not the case for everyone, but I personally have yet to be faced with something so stressful that a Nutella-smothered digestive wont fix. And a box of tangy or creamy or crunchy chocolates is all the more stress-relieving and uplifting. Thus, mother's day is the perfect excuse to buy a tonne of choccies for your mum, with every intention of pinching one yourself.

Or you could go down the cake route. Buy them at the Hummingbird or go all Nigella and make a delicious cake yourself (by, ahem, Nigella). A coffee and walnut number always goes down a storm!

As far as sweet treats goes, however, I would happily give birth if it meant my kiddies would buy me macaroons from Laduree- the rose ones are just heaven! Failing that, i'd happily take the "All About Mum" Sleekster from Hotel Chocolat... Presumably I can still eat them despite being a proud mother of none?

SHOPPERS TIP! If you're buying your mum some chocolate, always go to Artisan du Chocolat in Selfridges. They have the best selection of chocolates ever, and their salted caramels and golden chocolate pearls are delectable. The best part? The Selfridges concession often gives out freebies! The embarrassing part? I think the shop assistant recognises me as I visit so frequently...

(make Mother's Day extra sweet at Laduree, Hotel Chocolat, Artisan du Chocolat, Mrs. Kibbles, Nigella, Hummingbird Bakery and Notonthehighstreet.com)

Mother's Day Gift Guide

The 'Gift Guide' is back folks, and this time it's for something EVEN more important than Christmas! It's approaching March 18th, the sunny Sunday where the most important women in the world will be pampered within an inch of their lives. It is, of course, mothering Sunday!

I adore my mum beyond belief. Even though i'm a bit of a moody sort at times, and even though I can let this out on her, she is still the most amazing women and will always do the right thing. I often find myself in a situation where I have no other option but to call Mum (or Dad, but it ain't father's day so he can take a back seat) and tend to find myself thinking "what would mum do?" My Mother really does know best, and I love her so much that I wish I could treat her every single day, as she deserves.

Aaw, getting all soppy here, but since I moved to London I have only appreciated my mother more, and i'm sure many of my readers- perhaps at university too- will feel the same way (about their own mothers, hopefully, not mine!)

Most mums spend so much time looking after their children, or worrying about them, that they more than deserve this one special day. When I stupidly asked "what day is children's day?" my mum responded with "every day!", and it is very true.

I have thought long and hard about what to buy her for a present, and I am going to do a few posts to help you along too. Flowers never go amiss though, and i'm sure every mum would appreciate a photo frame or a candle, but I have put together some more creative ideas, split into categories, so you can get your mum the perfect gift!

... And mum, I know you'll be reading this, i've not included your present so don't get too excited... Yet!

Chanel's Lucky Charms

The new beauty range by Chanel is certainly a little bit tempting. All glossy black packaging and delicate gold. Celebrating the launch of the new Chanel boutique in Las Vegas, the limited edition collection is inspired by the glitz of Las Vegas. However, it is not as garish as it may sound! Try the gold nail polish to ease in, as it will look fabulous with brights or neutrals. Alternately, slick on the sheer lipstick for a glossy lip that is soft and elegant with a warm tone to pep up tired winter skin.

My pick, however, has to be the iridescent powder compact, which I have just fallen madly in love with. The peachy shades are perfect to add a rosy blush, and the sandy gold highlighters are just the thing to make your daytime look that little bit prettier. 

The range will launch this Thursday (24th) in Chanel boutiques, Selfridges (London and Manchester), Harrods, Fenwick (Newcastle) and House of Fraser (Glasgow). It will surely go pretty fast, so make sure you get your hands on Chanel's little lucky charms.

Instant Update: Fluoro and Flesh

Springtime Sweetie

by Shona Wallace, @SWfashion_

Those pesky Siberian winds appear to have fled for the time being, and with London Fashion week about to kick off, there could not have been a better time for the sun to start shining.

Yesterday's temperatures were the highest I have experienced for weeks, and the bright sunny day, complete with blue skies, infinitely cheered me up. So here is a cheery pastel based post to get you all excited for Spring. 

I know, I know... I should probably get over the pastel obsession but, as my friend Harriet of 'Falling in London', would agree, they are so mood-lifting and pretty! Frankly, they are good enough to eat!

This maxi dress is just lovely to pep up a dull day, especially with the adorable Mulberry jewellery which I have fallen for BIG time. Add other ice-cream shades to lift the look and total up some serious SS12 potential. 

Oui, Oui Bourjois!

Listen up beauty buffs, this one's for you!

As much as I adore MAC, NARS and Benefit products, i'm not made of money, so thank god for Bourjois- my favourite budget beauty brand around. My face would be even more of a mess if it weren't for their silky mineral mousse foundation and their lovely little rouge pots! 

This LFW, Bourjois are launching their first ever pop-up shop on the top floor of the Beach Blanket Babylon in lovely Shoreditch from February 16th-20th. It sounds just amazing with so much going on for us girly girls.

During it's run, the pop-up boutique will offer a number of treats including:

♥ Up to 68% off Bourjois products!

♥ Best-selling products on offer including 2 for £9, 3 for £12 and 4 for £14!

♥ Free make-overs, manicures and hairstyling!

♥ Exclusive LFW coverage!

♥ Free nail art!

♥ Personal fashion illustrations!

♥ T4 filming on location!

♥ Goodie bags for the first 50 customers daily!

♥ Limited editions exclusive to the pop-up!

You are welcome, ladies and I will see you there! Keep up to date by following @bourjois_uk or 'like' them on Facebook! 

Daily Detox #4

Do Keep Up-Do!

SS12 is undoubtedly the season of the up-do, and we are certainly spoilt for choice for some easy and pretty options! I will be sure to try them all out and let you know my favourites (the Messy Mossy is current leader!). I can not wait to try this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana wispy bun! The perfect way to bring last seasons white lace bang up to date. 

Let me know what you think! Do you prefer hair up or down? Messy or slick? 

Daily Detox #3