Musings and ramblings of a Jewish Fashionista

Musings and ramblings of a fashion and beauty obsessed mama. A fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog.


Wednesday, 23 January 2013

A Solution For Dry/Chapped Lips

I don't know if this is a pregnancy thing or a cold weather thing, but for the last couple of months, my poor lips have been so dry...no, not dry, chapped beyond belief!

I usually get chapped lips during the winter months, but this has been something else entirely - really sore and tight feeling too, and just not looking very nice.

I love wearing lipstick, but have been leaving it out of my make-up routine recently, because there is nothing worse than lipstick coated dry lips - even the moisturising ones (from MAC and Benefit) haven't been staying put and seem to be making them worse.

So, I have been on the hunt for the perfect chapped lip remedy. I've tried everything from good old Vaseline, to Blistex, Carmex, Lip Butters from LUSH and nothing has really helped. Then a couple of weeks ago, I was going through some piles of stuff (starting to get organised for Titch's arrival) and I found a goodie bag I got at a press day a few months ago. I opened it up and found a sample of Nip + Fab's Lip + Nip Fix. Stating on the tube to be a "multi-purpose balm to heal and repair dry skin, lips and nipples(!)" I decided to give it a go.

You have to give the tube quite a hard squeeze, as the product is quite thick and gloopy, and what came out was a yellowish, transparent balm. I applied a half a pea size amount to my lips, rubbed it in and (heavenly chorus) soothed, smoothed amazing lips, plus the added bonus of a sheer gloss effect! Hallelujah!

What's more, it lasts for ages! I've started putting it on last thing at night and waking up in the morning with product still on my lips and feeling silky smooth. Unfortunately, I only have a small 15ml tube, but I'm going to be stocking up on this little marvel, as it really is the only thing that has helped my poor chapped lips.

Have you tried any Nip+Fab products? What are your chapped lip solutions? Enjoy x


Lip + Nip Fix from Nip + Fab 


The product


Smooth lips and a touch of sheer gloss



Monday, 21 January 2013

Wear Beyonce's Wedding Dress At Your Wedding!

I meant to post this last week, but I heard about the day I became an auntie, so I got a little delayed...but you forgive me right?!

If you are a long term follower of my blog, you'll be aware that I am slightly obsessed with Beyonce. OK, slightly is putting it mildly. I am completely obsessed with Beyonce. Everything about her - the woman can do no wrong in my eyes. Ever since my cousin Lucie and I discovered Destiny's Child "No, No, No" video and learnt the moves in her lounge, the woman has been my idol.

Last week came the news that the stunning Barraci wedding dress that Beyonce wore in her "Best Thing I Never Had" video, has made its way onto the internet and is for sale! Wowza!

Beyonce chose the dress herself after passing the store in Beverly Hills. This beautiful dress has a sweetheart neckline, a French lace bodice and Swarovski crystals embroidery, in a pretty rich cream shade. The Swarovski crystals are gold encrusted and the full, voluminous skirt comes with a lot of detail. Originally priced at $85,000, you can now own the very dress worn by Beyonce for $30,000...that's a $50,000 discount...so worth it...right?!

So all you gorgeous, blushing brides to be...are you tempted to walk down the aisle in Beyonce's dress? I know I would be. Enjoy x










Sunday, 20 January 2013

Snow Day

Sorry for the long absence! Blogger has been playing up and I haven't been able to upload any pictures :( Thanks to some bloggers who were also experiencing problems, I discovered that the problem didn't exist if using Google Chrome...so now I am and ta da...problem resolved!

I've also been busy becoming an aunty this week! My brother and sis in law had their gorgeous baby late Wednesday night - a beautiful baby boy called Jonah. I am already so obsessed with him and am planning on spoiling him silly. Here's a pic of the amazing new addition to our family.

Jonah Lewis

So if you are a UK resident, you'll have probably been stranded at home in the gorgeous snow all weekend. Darren and I decided (well, I wanted to and I dragged Darren) to go for a walk in the snow, as there really wasn't anything else to do.

We walked to our local park, which was full of people sledding down the snow adorned hills. It was so beautiful and the snow was falling constantly, so we took advantage and took some bump pics, as Darren is always saying we don't take enough. So dressed in my sparkly Topshop maternity jumper, the only coat which still does up over my bump, my favourite hat and my Dior snow boots (bought for £10 from the Dior sample sale when I used to work there) I posed for some bump shots.

Here are a few pics of our afternoon in the snow. Have you been out enjoying the snow today? Enjoy x







loved this kid's matching neon sled and hat - so SS13! 














Friday, 11 January 2013

Kate Middleton's First Official Portrait

Wow. What a reception Kate Middleton's first official portrait received when it was revealed this morning. P.S. excuse the different nature of this post...the art historian in me was desperate to write this :)

Art critics alike have dubbed the portrait of everyones favourite new Royal as "rotten." Yikes! Painted by Paul Emsley and unveiled this morning at the National Portrait Gallery, critics have stated that the portrait looks nothing like Kate in real life.

I'm not too sure how I feel about this portrait. I do think he has portrayed her looking older than her 31 years and Emsley has shown her with creases and lines around her eyes and a slightly dour, jowly face. I mean, let's face it, there is nothing dour about the gorgeous Kate.

He has captured her beauty, but there seems to be a little something missing. Her eyes look kind, but it would have been lovely if he caught her showing off her dazzling smile, which is so often captured in press shots of her.

Kate and Wills, along with her family went early to the gallery this morning, before the public viewing. Kate, who was wearing a gorgeous deep red Whistles dress (and showing no signs of a teeny baby bump) said that she was "thrilled" with the portrait and that is was "absolutely brilliant...it's just amazing." Her proud hubby called the painting "absolutely beautiful." Bless.

So at least they are happy with the portrait, which is the most important thing, and let's face it, critics are paid to...well...criticise!

What do you think of Kate's first official portrait? Enjoy x

The official portrait of Kate
 
 
The artist Paul Emsley with the portrait
 
 
Kate and Wills with artist Paul Emsley
 

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Amber Rose Shows Off Perfect Baby Bump

As I approach my 33rd week of pregnancy (eek!) I'm getting more and more interested at how other women (more specifically - celebs) are dressing their baby bumps.

I can't wait to see how Kate Middleton will dress once she starts to show, and the same goes with Kim Kardashian.

One lady who always catches my eye is the absolutely stunning Amber Rose. It was her blue themed baby shower this weekend, and the gorgeous yummy mummy to be looked so stylish and showed off her baby bump to perfection in a fabulous Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals Rainbow Keyboard dress. Known for her daring stance on maternity wear, Amber Rose didn't disappoint in this colourful little number.

She finished off her look with bright red lips and orange nails - perfect!

What do you think about Amber Rose's maternity wear attire? Are you excited to see how the next batch of preggo celebs will be dressing up their bumps? Enjoy x

Amber Rose rocking the dress at her baby shower
 

Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals rainbow keyboard dress

Sunday, 6 January 2013

Stuff I've Got My Eye On


Yes I know we've only just had Christmas, but with a new year comes a new lust list! After catching up on my favourite blogs since New Years, and checking out the sales online, I've discovered a whole heap of fabulous goodies to add to my "must own in 2013" list.

So with that being said, here is what I have my eye on...

Disney Wonder Linen Spray

How adorable is this pretty bottle and box? I'm actually considering getting this for myself and for Titch, as it really is described as being perfect for a baby's room. It has a fragrance of lemon sugar, apple blossom and marshmallows. It's so sweet and at £8 I think it's the perfect addition to add a little sweetness to your home.

Kindle Fire

I love my Kindle. Darren got it for me 2 Christmas's ago and it is definitely one of my favourite posessions. I am such a bookworm and I do still love my books and I do have the habit of buying a book and downloading it on my Kindle, if it is something that I have been waiting for, for a while. I have tried not to get caught in the hype of tablets, but I am quite leaning towards the Kindle Fire. One thing I don't like about my Kindle is that it doesn't have a backlight, which means reading in bed still means I have to have my bedside lamp on, which keeps the hubby awake. The Fire means all my books, music and movies are in one place and as it has a lit screen, I would be able to read even with the lights off! Bonus!

Neom Home Candle
I am a huge candle fan - have always loved a pretty candle, but now that I am growing up, I've stopped buying cheap scented candles and instead have decided that it is worth it to pay a bit more and get a candle which is made with pure essential oils and will last longer, with a scent which will fill your whole home. My favourite brands being Neom, Diptyque and Anthropologie. I got a gorgeous Neom candle for Christmas, and, being the obsessive kind, I already have my eye on the next scent...and that would be the rose and neroli home candle. Yes, at £39.50 they are expensive, but you get a lot of candle for your money and they really do make your whole house smell amazing!

Diptyque Tubereuse Candle

Another pricey candle! This time a Diptyque one. I love the smell of tuberose and this gorgeous candle is right up my street. At £38 again it is a lot for a candle, but they do burn for 50 - 60 hours, so you do get a lot of pretty smell for your money.
Cath Kidston Antique Rose quilt
My whole house looks a bit like a Cath Kidston showroom. We don't have that much Cath Kidston stuff (kitchenware and towels aside) but I love the whole look of her designs, and that pretty shabby chic look. I've always wanted a Cath Kidston eiderdown, or quilt, to put on the bed and snuggle up under on cold mornings or nights. I think they add a real touch of luxury and a cosy homey feel. I think they are about £120 but totally worth it!
Mulberry Alexa Satchel
Ooh a hefty price tag, but a fabulous bag it is! I'm a bit of a bag snob - I never handbags from the high street, it's the one item which I always invest in. I tend to invest in one designer bag every 18 months - 2 years and my label of choice is the classic British brand, Mulberry. They look fabulous, last forever and really add something special to your everyday look. The next style I want to invest in is the Alexa. I love the preppy look with the iconic Mulberry gold hardware. Colour of choice - Oak and at £895 I better start saving my pennies now!
A Roll in the Hague

Pedal Faster Suzi
I Have A Herring Problem
Just Spotted the Lizard

 
 
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Teal The Cows Come Home


2013 is the year of investing in high quality nail varnishes. I can never decide which brand I love more, Nails Inc or O.P.I but the group of varnishes I've been loving recently all happen to be O.P.I, so I think I'll go with them for now. These are the shades I have my eye on.
Name Necklace featuring classic "Carrie" design - design your own!
I've always wanted a "my name" necklace, and after seeing a gorgeous on on Milkteef, I've decided that the ones at My Name Necklace is perfect. I would definitely go for my whole name - Claire Belle - as it would look so much more unique. The 9 ct solid gold version is currently £88 so not a bad keepsake really!  
 
So that's what has caught my eye recently. Some really fun and yet grown up things I think. What do you think of the above? Has anything special caught your eye recently? Let me know below! x

Saturday, 5 January 2013

Primark's SS13 Collection - Sneak Peek!

Yes I know we are still in the middle of winter, Christmas is only just over and we'll probably be getting a cold snap any minute, but in the fashion world, it's already time to start planning your spring/summer wardrobe.

The sales may still be going on (although, let's be honest, we're only left with the dregs now) but some retailers are already working on getting their SS13 collections out there.

One retail giant, which I always look forward to seeing each season is Primark. I love seeing their collections in campaign shots or nice neat product shots, as when you go and see the pieces yourself, they are usually strewn all over the rails and floor and you get put off quite quickly.

I was very excited then to see that Look have published over 150 images of Primark's SS13 collection. There will undoubtedly be a fabulous campaign video and further images, but I have chosen 20 of my favourite pieces, which really caught my eye and have popped them below. It's looking good and I can't wait to see what else they will have on offer.

What do you think of what Primark have to show so far for SS13? Do you think it's too early to start thinking about your new season wardrobe? Enjoy x



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, 3 January 2013

I Love Lola!

I love a beautiful perfume. I'm one of those girls who always asks a stranger what perfume she (or he) is wearing if they smell amazing - yes this is a tiny bit weird, but who doesn't love a compliment?!

Since become a perfume lover, I have tried many different fragrances, ranging from the classic Coco by Chanel, Miss Dior and J'adore by Dior to Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker (all past favourites of mine). However, there has been one brand, which I am drawn to time and time again, thanks to the gorgeous scents and equally gorgeous bottles and packaging - Marc Jacobs.

So far, I have tried all of the fragrances in the Marc Jacobs range. Daisy was my first and the main reason I fell in love with the range. Feminine, sweet and yet not too girly and the bottle, well, when you see the lids on these bottles, you cannot mistake them for anything other than a Marc Jacobs perfume (I love them so much that even when I have finished the perfume, I - reluctantly - throw out the bottle and keep the lids).

This year, I was treated to Dot for my birthday, the newest fragrance in the range, and I do love it - sweet ladybird inspired bottle and soft, fresh summer scent, but I do feel it is more of a summer fragrance. When sampling Dot I also tried out Lola, and I instantly fell in love. It is by far my favourite fragrance of the collection, and having been given a bottle for Christmas, I now spray this stunning scent on myself and my scarves, so I can continue to smell it throughout the day.

It really is one of those scents, which makes you stop and ask what it is. The perfume is described as: 

Opening with fruity topnotes of delectable bright pink peppercorn, seductive pear d’anjou and succulent ruby red grapefruit. The ultra-feminine heart is highlighted by the lavish fuschia peony with soft touches of rose and geranium, while the base lingers on the skin, exuding a warm and seductive aura with enveloping notes of smooth vanilla, tonka bean and creamy musk.

The bottle and lid are also adorable and just as gorgeous as every other perfume in the range. A beautiful purple bottle with a large pink and purple flower lid - not sure which flower, but I'm going to go with a peony.

I don't normally rabbit on about one particular perfume or product in particular, but I have fallen head over heels in love with Lola and I wanted to share it with you!

Have you tried Lola before? Are you a fan of Marc Jacob's perfumes and his iconic bottle designs? Enjoy x