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Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
As the winter season finally comes to a close and spring finally approaches, we want to get ready for the brighter days with pretty pastels and clean cuts, that really make the dreary January days feel that little bit better and a whole lot brighter. 
With designers such as Valentino and Erin Fetherstone creating cute, flowing and multicolored pastel pieces, wonderful for any special occasion or for a day shopping across the city, a pastel themed accessory will complete any look and embrace the springtime trend.
We all know waking up for work or school while its still dark outside can be a drag. To leave you with some more beauty sleep, we've chosen 5 hairstyles which can be done in under 5 minutes.

 Connect The Braid

 This style is super simple and quick to do. Connect two braids round the back of your head and secure with kirby grips. Or if you're in a mega rush, just braid one side. A cute style which still looks like you've made an effort!
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Messy Braid

 A messy braid like this one seen on Rachel Zoe is the ultimate time saving style. You can also adapt it many different ways by making it more or less 'messy'.
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Half Bun

 This is perfect if you're on second or third day hair. Keeps your hair out of your face and looks ever so stylish. Kate Middleton is a fan of the half bun and if its good enough for her, it's good enough for us.
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Low Bun

 We've seen a lot of high buns these past few seasons, but we think the low bun looks a lot more romantic and flatters the face more. Secure with a kirby grip or a hair band and your hair will stay in place all day.
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Messy Ponytail

 For when you really have to just run out the door, there is nothing simpler than a messy ponytail. Add a little dry shampoo for a bit more texture and voilà you're done.
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 How will you be wearing your hair this week?
Gold fashion skull, unicorn jewellery. How to clean and care for your jewellery

How many times have you dug an old favourite piece of jewellery out of the cupboard only to find it's discoloured, rusted or (horror!) fallen apart? As much as you might curse the shop you bought it from, not caring for your jewellery properly is actually the biggest cause of defects.
Giving your fashion jewellery the proper love and care it deserves can ensure it stays looking gorgeous for years, and luckily it's very simple to do!

CARE
Do protect your lovely jewellery from rain, sweat and body lotion during wear
Do apply hairspray, perfume and body products (sparingly) before putting your jewellery on

 Don't do the washing up in all your rings and bracelets 

 Why- fashion jewellery is made from metal alloys (which means different types of metals mixed together) and water, alcohol and some oils can cause these metals to oxidise, creating rust, corrosion and a range of strange colours to appear on the surface from green to yellow. Alcohols and strong astringents can also cause metals and some types of beads and crystals to lose their gorgeous shine.

CLEANING
Do give your items a rub with a soft cloth after wear to ensure they're clean and sparkling
Do use a soft, clean dry toothbrush to clean daily dirt from hard to reach places occasionally if needed

 Don't use soapy water, chemicals or harsh abrasives to clean your jewellery

 Why- as above, too much moisture can cause metal alloys to oxidise, but chemicals or over vigorous cleaning can remove the coating from some pieces and loosen glues, increasing the chance of losing crystals and beads or the item falling apart!

STORAGE
Do remember to remove jewellery before bed
Do hang necklaces or lay them flat in a box, to stop them becoming tangled
Do store earrings in pairs for ease and piece of mind
Do find beautiful holders for your jewellery (especially lovely ring stands!) but remember to rotate the items 'on show' frequently, as direct sunlight and exposure to air can sometimes cause colours to fade.



We're already well into gift buying season and if you haven't yet given your shopping a thought, now is the time to start. 
Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year with crowds of people, icy weather and tight purse strings all making things run less than smoothly, so we've got five top tips to help you survive Christmas shopping this December.

 Make a List
You're not Father Christmas, so even if they've been naughty you still need to get presents for your friends and family. However, like Father Christmas, a big long list will make your shopping much easier- write down all the people you need to buy for, gift ideas, and where you might find them. This will save you trawling the highstreet wondering what you'd decided to buy your Great Aunt Susan and whether you might find it in Wetherspoons.

 Go It Alone
You're on a mission and don't want any distractions so you need to make sacrifices, and unfortunately your friend Easily Distracted Elaine is one of them. Going it alone lets you focus, follow your list, and get out of there ASAP. Don your trainers instead of heeled boots so you can power walk your way past the sale section.

 Choose Your Timing
Timing can mean the difference between breezing through the checkout or getting stuck for hours between a toddler tantrum and a super-sweaty-shopper in a queue as long as time itself. Avoid the weekends and weekday lunchtimes as these bring in hoards of eager gift hunters. Instead choose early morning, late afternoon or an often forgotten late night shopping evening to make things easier.

 Check Online
Even if you won't be buying everything online, checking out the websites of the shops on your highstreet allows you to plan what to buy in advance. You can scout for specific items to add to your list, and check whether there are any deals or discounts that would make online purchases cheaper than buying instore. You can also search for anything very specific or out of the ordinary that someone may have requested so that you can avoid going from shop to shop in order to find an exact match.
If you're really stuck for ideas you can use a gift finding service, like our Secret Santa Service that allows you to select a budget and have someone else choose and wrap a gift for your friend, relative or colleague without you having to stress out!

 Buy For Them, Not For You
The best piece of present purchasing advice is to put yourself in the mind of the person you're buying for and think about the colours and styles they like. Can you really see your gran wearing those leather biker boots when her wardrobe is full of slinky magenta stilettos? (You get the idea). Getting distracted by the things you like, or the things you think someone should have, is a sure-fire way to a fake smile and a quick exchange for store credit on Boxing Day. Stick to your list and follow what you know, but if all else fails then something your dear gift receiver can eat will always be a hit!
If you're worried about getting your feet out after a winter of hiding them away you shouldn't be- sandal ready feet are just 3 steps away, and it won't take long to get them looking smooth and pretty before you step out into the sun. Read our tips below and get your feet ready for summer in no time!


1.Exfoliate
Removing tough or dry skin is the starting point for beautiful summer feet, it helps keep them smooth and preps them for lotions and oils that will keep them in tip top condition. A pumice stone or sturdy bristled brush are great to smooth and remove hard skin on the heels and callouses or tough areas near the toes. 
For the whole foot try making your own salt scrub to slough off dull dead cells and reveal soft smooth skin- mix one cup salt with 1/2 cup olive oil, add the juice of one lemon and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint or lavender are lovely scents for the feet), combine thoroughly and spoon into a lidded jar to keep the scrub fresh. Apply a handful or two and massage into your feet concentrating on rougher areas and voila, super smooth skin!


2. Moisturise
After exfoliation, add some moisture into your skin with a thick lotion or oil, coconut or argan oils are great as they're natural and will give your feet a healthy radiance. 
For an intensive moisturisation apply a thick layer before bed and sleep in cotton socks, you'll wake up to transformed feet!

3. Manicure
A summer foot isn't complete without a manicure, especially if you've been hiding your toes all winter! Prep the nails by pushing back the cuticles, using a buffing block to smooth any ridges or thickened areas and shape with a file or scissors, making sure to prevent ingrown toenails by avoiding the sides.

Apply a base coat and your favourite shade of polish, brights are lovely for spring and summer but pastels are on trend for this year. If you're impatient, use a quick drying polish which will avoid you having to sit around with wet nails waiting for them to dry. 
Finally, a clear gloss top coat and a little cuticle oil will complete the look, ensuring your feet are sandal perfect and summer ready!