Thursday 18 September 2014

Lets talk skin, and not skinny.......

Red Shoes And Dorothy: As a stylist, I recently Iwrote an article on my f...: As a stylist, I recently I wrote an article on my favourite ankle boots, and I am more than delighted that they ARE trendy as heels are def...
As a stylist, I recently I wrote an article on my favourite ankle boots, and I am more than delighted that they ARE trendy as heels are definitely out for me at the moment.  But to be honest,  unless I am wearing my uber comfortable (but not quite 'rock chick') fitflops, I am struggling with my Sacroiliac joint.  A right pain in the buttock, as they say....

Very boring I know but my Mother used to say that she wore her sore and aching feet in her face, and there is definitely something to be said for this.  Surprisingly then, that I have been told on not one, but THREE occasion's this week that I am 'looking well'.  With my back? So I can only put it down to my new skin products that I treated myself to,  and as I am very kind -  I will share my secrets with you.

Hormones, hormones staring at you!



But it wasn't the sore back that prompted the purchases - it was the hormones.  Not the usual 'hug in a bag - spending hormones', but those hidden blighters that once you reach 50 - affect your skin.  They attack almost overnight.  I am blessed with good skin and this is primarily down to genes. Living in Scotland during my teens with very little sunshine possibly helped.  Every cloud......

http://www.johnlewis.com/estee-lauder-resilience-lift-night-firming-sculpting-face-and-neck-cr-me-50ml/p231339814So to find that my pores had started to appear a tad 'open',  I headed off to the lovely ladies at Estee Lauder in John Lewis, Cambridge.  They advised me to try their fast acting Idealist serum, which is proven to significantly reduce the look of blotchiness, past blemish marks and discolorations. This formula smells completely devine, and lifts my spirits in any event, but true to the Advisors claim,  my skin certainly felt fresh and radiant so I bought it, but still needed a moisturiser.  




She then recommended the NewResilience Lift. This whipped creme promises that facial contours appear firmer, tighter and you look younger, more beautiful from every angle. Love it, love it, love it. 















Now I adore an advisor that introduces you to a new product without being pushy, (and offering a free sample to try).  So when she told me about their NEW Perfectionist Youth Infusing Make up foundation, I was all ears.  With a week left in my faithful Double Wear bottle (which I have worn since invention), unconvinced, I thought I would give it a whirl.  It promises a dewy finish lasting 12 hours - great for people like me who apply their make up at 7am, and apart from an occasional touch up of lippy, expect it to last until bedtime.  I was hugely impressed.  It was easy to apply, and not at all drying,  BUT it smells like fake sun tan lotion.  Is this a small price to pay for the perfect coverage?


Curlers optional



So it may be the foundation, or it may be the combination of the skin care and the foundation, but unless you look after your skin, your foundation won't look it's best in any event.


Here's to another good week!


Sunday 14 September 2014

Curvy girl......



Friends will know that I have put a fair bit of weight on the last few years.  I'm not delighted about this but now tipping over the age of 50,  makes everything just a tad harder.   However, as a stylist for John Lewis I dress people of ALL sizes and shapes, and frankly we can dress to make the most of what we have got - and still look fab, so whilst I get to grips with this new age/size chapter in my life, I will share my findings good and bad on my way......


Lunch with stylish friends at the Pig and Truffle


Today I lunched with great but slim and very stylish friends so my thoughts in the morning centred around what this curvy girl would 'throw on'.....

I cannot go wrong with a pair of leggings - but to 'up the notch' on the 'rock chick' stakes, opt for River Island's high waisted leather look which are soft to the touch, and oh soooo comfortable.

River Island


Mint Velvet
My problem area is my tummy as I love eating.... but this can be addressed with a bit of clever disguising.  Now I am convinced that Mint Velvet was created just with me in mind.  An aged 40 (or something) wanting to look fabulous for her age, but not looking like mutton......or trying too hard!  The Mint Velvet double layer tee allows me to work an effortless layered look to hide my tummy.  With a long jersey vest top to cover my behind, and a cropped grey and ivory silky top with fitted jersey sleeves - it is simply stunning.  

Add a little magic with a long necklace by John Lewis to create a 'v shape' - great if you are slightly busty and my favourite earrings that I wear with absolutely everything - designed by local jewellery designer Caterina Wills.
John Lewis
Ankle boots - flat or with a slight heel complete the look. I am struggling with a back issue at the moment so these with a heel can set me back for days but there are plenty of boots to choose from.  And finally what to wear on top?  I appear to have lost my black leather jacket so whilst trying to replace it, I came across the dramatic dramatic River island faux leather 3/4 coat, with removal black faux fur trimmed collar which I adore. The belted coat  falls just above the knee, perfect for keeping you a bit warmer, whilst still looking stylish!  

Ready for lunch at the Pig and Truffle....
Earrings by Caterina Wills

I arrived at the restaurant and received soooo many compliments that my morning anxieties were soon forgotten....