AW14 Beauty Trends

Well what a nuisance to have my busiest time in the salon, and a bad case of writers block over the fashion week period! Especially with this being the Autumn Winter showcase, which are typically always my favourites.

So this season I've been catching the shows online in between clients, and spending my bedtimes on Vogue.com reading show reports. Oh the glamour of fashion...

Well, what should we be wearing on our faces come September according to the fashion giants? To start with....blue. Yes, blue. 

At Temperley make-up artist Lisa Eldridge created blunt, squared ended flicks of eyeliner in bright blue. Keeping skin, lips and brows natural, all focus was on the outer part of the eye, with a soft peachy tone in the inner lash line and tear duct. Then over at Giles Lucia Pieroni created a soft punk look, with pastel blue shadow applied to the lower lash line, and deep grey smokiness on the eyelid. Finally at Michael Van der Ham, Sam Bryant used MAC to create a girlie 60's look with orange lips and a simple wash of dove blue on eyelids. Whatever way you wear it, blue is looking like a top trend for AW14.

Temperley- Image Cosmopolitan

Michael Van der Ham. Image- Cosmopolitan

 I'll be stocking up on Illamasqua eyeshadow in Anja, Illamasqua Eye Colouring Pencil in Debonair, MUA Gel Eyeliner in Blue and Crown All Eyes On You set for a professional finish.

Gucci Image- Cosmopolitan

The make-up genius and my ultimate heroine, Pat McGrath created stunning looks this season, as predicted. Inspired by the 1950s and 1960s the looks she created for Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci are wearable, simple to create, yet effective.

Dolce Image- Cosmopolitan

At Dolce and Gabbana models wore clean flicks of liquid eyeliner teamed with fuller brows, flushed cheeks and a naturally flawless complexion. Then over at Gucci, we jumped forward a decade to a 60s dollesque look. Focusing on longer bottom lashes and fuller, thicker top lashes, teamed with a muted pink/mauve lip. 

As a lover of vintage inspired looks, and liquid liner framed with full lashes, I swear by Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner, Eyeko Eye Do Mascara, Liz Martins Lashes and Art Deco Teint Concealer. 

Published Pieces

When I was a little girl, my other career dream (apart from being Kate Moss's make-up artist, which is still the ultimate desire!) was to become a writer. The idea of pouring ones thoughts, ideas and visualisations onto paper and creating another world seemed like the career version of a lottery win. 

Little did I know 20 years ago, that blogging would exist when i 'grew up'- and how thankful I am that it does. Expressing my ramblings on here once a week has relighted my itchy palm and now I'm desperate to put pen to paper once more. So much so, that I have given myself a three year goal  to get my first draft of my first novel done and dusted by the time I blow out 30 candles on my cake.

But, in the meantime, I have been lucky enough to see my written work published outside of my blog, and there is no better feeling that seeing your name 'in print'.

A chance encounter in the pouring rain outside a late LFW show last season, with editor Francesca Bassenger has led to my fashion pieces have been published on No Boarders Magazine website. 

You can read my work for No Boarders here.

My work has also graced the digital pages of Inveterate magazine, which is described as a Vintage Guide to Modern Culture. Sounds right up my street!

You can read my work for Inveterate here.

LFW SS14 Nail Trends

Firstly, huge apologies for my tardiness! This past week has been absolutely crazy work wise, from teaching 30 students, exhibiting at a 3 day wedding fair, working at 2 weddings and holding a Grease Sing-A-Long charity event in aid of NWCR, the Rougettes have been working flat out. Phew- time for a day off I think!

So it's time to take a leap back to London Fashion Week, and the fantastic nail art that graced the catwalks! From pointed acrylics, embellishment and even purposely chipped nails, the manicurists at LFW did not disappoint.

Let's start at PPQ where the artists from Ciate created stiletto pointed nails, in a vivid fuchsia pink. Accented with nail art on the ring finger, in deep purple and yellow's to compliment the berry and violet tones in the SS14 collection. 

I love wearing bright nails in the summer, and my favourite pink is Im Indi A Mood for Love. This hot fuchsia is even a great tone to punk up your AW wardrobe! 

Just as we saw at NYFW,  Jean Pierre Braganza complimented their collection at LFW with a twist on a french manicure. Nail technician Jenni Draper for Orly created soft pink nails with a sharp black line at the outer edge- definitely one for a salon visit I think! At So Coco Rouge, our manicurist Katy would choose to use OPI Gel Colour Lacquer to create such a complex look, using shades Bubble Bath and Lady in Black. If you are a manicurist, I would certainly suggest looking into this range. We couldn't live (or work!) without it!

From simple nail art- to full on masterpieces. At House of Holland nail queen Sophy Robson created acrylic nails dressed with motifs of the Virgin Mary, Joesph and tattoos, all matching the motifs emblazoned on the SS14 collection. Wow. This lady is one creative genius.

For instant decorative nail art, without the manicurist on speed dial, try Pure Lacquer Nail Apps. Available in a variety of designs, these take moments to simply apply and dry instantly.

In fact, Heidi Klum even wore these at NYFW! If you want to follow in Heidi's footsteps, you can purchase 'Metallic Ware' from QVC! 

LFW SS14 Make-up Trends

As the fashion pack leave London behind and head to the streets of Milan, it's time to look back at which collections inspired us the most, make-up wise.

The week was filled with a variety of looks- bold lips, soft eyes, nude cheeks and everything in-between!

The 1970's was one decade that cropped up in a few shows- Holly Fulton, Temperly, Paul Smith and Jean Pierre Braganza were three of those shows, each inspired by different aspects of the disco days. I for one, will be embracing this look- I would do anything to have been a fly on the wall at Studio 54 in its heyday!

Temperly

At Temperly, Lisa Eldridge created soft Hollywood glamour, with warm apricot shadows buffed seamless around eyes, teamed with a glowing complexion, whilst at Paul Smith and Jean Pierre Braganza artists Petros Petrohilos and Terry Barber sought inspiration from British actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin.
 (It's not just anyone gets a Hermes bag named after them.. )

Jean Pierre Braganza

Soft fluffy lashes and sunkissed freckles were on the agenda at Paul Smith, where Petrohilos created natural looking freckles using MAC Coffee eyeliner and Strut Eyebrow pencil, across the nose and cheek area. At Jean Pierre Bragazna, MACs Make up director, Barber, focused his attention on long, full lashes. 
And lots of them- including a full set of strips on the bottom lashes. The rest of the make up was keep subtle- light gloss on eyes and a nude cream lip. 
The modern 70's vibe is very under-stated, expressing our natural beauty with simple definition around the eyes. An easy trend to follow at home!

Paul Smith

Talking of 70's disco, gold glitter was once again dancing down the catwalk, as it was in New York. At Micheal Van Der Ham make up artist Lauren Parsons created sophisticated glitter eyes, by pressing MAC gold pigment and glitter onto models eyelids, adding subtle definition with a neutral taupe along the socket line. For added drama you could add lots of black liner, kohl on the waterline and mascara, for the ultimate party make-up.

But spring wouldn't be spring without a hint of pastel. At Peter Pilotto make up artists Lucia Pica dressed models lips with an array of matt pastel tones.  If you fancy a change from the traditional pastel pink, why not dip your toes into a lovely lilac? Try wearing with a sun kissed bronzed glow and muted eye make up. Illamasqua have a great range of lip colour's including a selection of mauve tones- I love Lavender shade Liv.



2 weeks down, 2 to go, and I can't wait to see which make-up gems Milan and Paris have in store in us!

LFW SS14 Day 5

IMAGE- VOGUE

It's here. The last day of my beloved London Fashion week. Now we have our SS14 look nearly time to a T, its time to recruit that staple handbag, and who better to turn to than Anya Hindmarch. 

The show's tag line- 'Out Of This World', surely couldn't prepare the guests for the heights Hindmarch would go to introduce this space inspired collection., which included handbags hanging from the ceiling and models taking to the air.

Models, dressed simply in tight, deep coloured dresses, carried a variety of totes and clutches, in shades of soft grey plus bright tones of orange, yellow and blue and python print.

I know which one I have my eyes on!

 (The one in this picture- HINT HINT!)

IMAGE- VOGUE

It would seem inappropriate to miss out on yet another monochrome collection on the last day of LFW- so over we go to Simone Rocha, who only graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2010.

Being the offspring of one of our generations fashion greats, John Rocha, if Simone was feeling the pressure, she certainly didn't buckle.

Stunning pearl detail against bold black fabrics, followed by white crochet, khaki satin, gold brocade and tulle veils, Rocha keep her colour palette simple, but her textures intriguing.

Paired with punk inspired, braided mohawks and bare faced models, Simone is becoming one of the UK's hottest names, without even mentioning that famed surname.

Non profit initiative Fashion East also wowed the crowds today. Established by Lulu Kenndey and Old Truman Brewery in 2000, Fashion East gives emerging designers the chance to show their collections at LFW and offers guidance, support and an bursary. This season Fashion East designers are Ashley Williams, Claire Barrow and  my personal favourite Ryan Lo. Lo's collection featured bunny ears, fox tails and large amount of face paint. Yes, you read that right, and I haven't gone blind or insane.Supported by LOVE Magazine and Dazed and Confused, Lo's collections are known for their romanticized fantasy feel. This collection consisted of stripes and lace in a palette of candy colours, perfect to team with that new Burberry Prorsum candy trench.

IMAGE- VOGUE

Last, but my very means least, it's Meadham Kirchhoff, who always have the ability of making me sit bolt up right and take notice. But, being the scaredy cat I am, I'm quite glad I wasn't sat listening to the horror movie music which accompanied today's show. 

With models sporting bright orange and white blonde wigs, styled in tight ringlets, with the crown section pinned back, the feel was a cross between the Highway Man and Little House on the Prairie. The set design again evoking a spooky atmosphere- a black and white garden , with red and cream roses framing the runway itself.
Dresses with front apron detail, knee high socks and handbags featuring children's book characters, all completed the child-like feel. Once again we saw lots of monochrome, python print, checks and flashes of bright yellow and orange. 
But whether I'll be brave enough to take inpsiration from this collection, time will only tell.

IMAGE- VOGUE

So, lets skip this dull miserable Winter and jump straight to Spring Summer shall we?!

LFW SS14 Day 3

What I would give for a a Mulberry Wedgwood tea cup to be sat in my kitchen today. Why? Because if you were lucky or talented enough to receive one of these from your postman in the past few weeks, then you would have access to the Mulberry SS14 show! The show, collection and campaign, I anticipate and truly love, each and every season.

IMAGE- VOGUE

This week's show is even more poignant, as creative director Emma Hill leaves the brand today, after launching it from a British heritage brand to one with an international fashion A-list status. Hill's last collection, was fairly simple, in comparison to her previous. Once again this season, we witnessed monochrome tones, alongside bold floral prints and accents of burnt orange and soft grey. 

Model of the moment, Cara Delevingne opened the show, with simply natural hair, and make-up- the strongest element being mascara packed lashes and subtle pencil liner.

IMAGE- VOGUE

Next, it was off to high street favourite, Topshop Unique show, yet another with a star studded FROW. Topshop seem to have embraced the warm weather we have experienced of late, and predicted an even hotter one in 2014. Well, either that, or they are hoping we are all planning on travelling to hotter climates.

This collection has definitely focused more on the latter side of Spring Summer, with fine fabrics, smart shorts and flowing dresses. Another designer showcasing large volumes of white, accent colours of colbolt blue, jade green and mustard yellow brighten the Topshop Unique palette.

Make-up artist Hannah Murray, used Topshop's own make-up range to create a sun kissed yet disheveled look. Smokey, sultry eyes, with an added hint of silver sparkle in the inner corners of the eyes, were teamed with bronzed skin and wet look, worn in curled hair.

IMAGE- VOGUE

Fancy really expressing yourself?! Then why not try the extreme make-up created by make-up genius Val Garland at Vivienne Westwood Red Label next season- it's certainly one to get you noticed!
Using MAC make-up and feathers, Val and her artistic team, created a look which seem to be inspired by Halloween, complete with backcombed, extremely tatty hair. 
The clothing on the other hand, was much more wearable, with florals and unique work wear in a subtle palette of lemon, grey, navy and red.
The talk of the night? That opening dance from Lily Cole. What a way to start a show!




Finally, its off to Matthew Williamson, where a children's choir were there to entertain us. With a collection created for a hot Summer in Ibiza, and a palette of sorbet tones, bold florals and graphic prints, this is one collection the high street is sure to be inspired by.
Simple make-up inspired by a 1970's jet setter, was created by one of my favourite make-up artists- Lisa Eldridge. Using Benfit products, she created a bronzed luminous complexion, curled lashes and plump glossy lips. Hair was kept simple too, Mark Hayes styled models with soft volume and a side parting.

IMAGE- HAIRDRESSING JOURNAL

LFW SS14 Day 2

After a manic day running round the city beneath a SS12 Cath Kidston umbrella, it was back to Liverpool for me, and a 14 hours of clients at So Coco Rouge. So, it was back to streaming shows online and drooling over the new collections we have ahead of us.

IMAGE- Herald Scotland

Holly Fulton has been one of my favourite designers since she launched her label back in 2009- which is no doubt due to our joint love (some say obsession...) with the Art Deco era. Next season however, she's been inspired by an era, a little closer- the 1970's. With a large collection, packed with a variety of prints and multi-tonal palettes of blue, orange and grey, Fulton provided us with a complete Summer wardrobe. Perfect for sunny days yachting in Cannes.

Hair and make-up was also inspired by the disco days- a sleek deep set parting sweeping into full, tight curls, brushed through, creating cloud-like fluffiness. Brushed through brows, vivid purple shadow applied to the eye lid and right up to the brow and a metallic bronze-nude lip completed the look. 

IMAGE- VOGUE

Then, it's onto yet another favourite- John Rocha- A collection that I turn to for inspiration every year. Rocha's SS14 collection was another to include a monochrome palette, alongside delicate floral patterns, ruffled fabric and sheer panels. The MAC make-up team created metallic silver eyes, by using loose pigments and teamed this with feminine soft pink lips and slicked back, crimped hair. 

IMAGE- VOGUE

As early evening approached, it was time for the celebrities favourite and fun filled brand, House of Holland. With a FROW consisting of Harry Styles, Kelly Osbourne, Nick Grimshaw and Elllie Goulding, this show is instantly guaranteed newsworthy- but did the collection stand up to its Holland's credentials? 

It most certainly does. Lace, checks, florals and  religious motifs. Metallics, pastels, bright primaries and denim. Accessorised with cat-eye sunglasses and peaked caps, what more could you ask for? 

And the make-up pleased me immensely- luminous complexions, flicks of liquid liner and full raspberry red lips. Hair was styled by Babyliss, using a heated wand to create loose summer waves, finished with slicked back front.

LFW SS14 Day 1

My second favourite week of the year is back again! Yes, today's the first day of LFW SS14- and we have 5 days of tube mayhem, avant garde street style and long pre-show queues ahead of us!

So, what did today have in store for us? Well, lots of rain for starters, but also flashes of pastels, monochromes, metallic and bright primaries to cheer us up nicely!

Image- www.Theupcoming.co.uk

First, it was off to J. JS Lee, who also kept models complexions bare, with a bold fuchsia pink lip as the only focus. I love this pink- not too bright or garish, more of a rosé-tone which could easily be adapted to suit any skin tone. With simple make up, simple hair follows- this time as a sleek pony tail complete with deep side part.

 Central St. Martins graduate Jackie Lee, was inspired by the movement of Jellyfish for this collection, which featured not only the monochrome trend we regularly saw at NYFW but flashes of turquoise and dusky pink. This popular shade of pink wasn't the only repeat of the current AW trends- this collection also include geometric, check prints and oversized tailoring. 

After a morning of online streaming from my desk aboard the Virgin Pendelino that I practically call home,  I was off to Freemasons Hall for my first Fashion Scout show of my day. The Yeashin Kim show was as electric as her previous seasons, all of which I have loved.  This collection featured soft pastels alongside greys, tapes and mustard tones. Pretty dresses complete with pleats, ruffles and pearl detail, often accessorised with top hats, were the standout pieces for me. 
Make-up was kept as feminine as the clothing- dewy pink lips and cheeks, (applied high on the cheek bone rather than apple) complete with strong brows and a wash of deep rose shadow applied mainly from the socket line up to the brow bone. Hair was accesorised with plaits worn milk-maid style, with lengths worn naturally straight. Hair prone to a few rascal kinks? Perfect, this is exactly how it was styled at Yeashin Kim!

Bernard Chandran

Then it was back to twenty minutes in the rain waiting for the much anticipated show from  Bernard Chandran. With an invite featuring a set of headphones complete with crown detail and a press release mentioning the words Runaway Princess, the buzz of what to expect was evident for the awaiting queue of London's fashion set.
And what a show it was. Probably my favourite of the day in fact.
Packed with bold metallic red, purple and greens, vivid golds and silvers plus pastel tones and a hint of burnt orange, this collection of dresses and jumpsuits are absolute show stoppers. 
Dressed down with messy hair, tied scruffily back in a pony tail with added twist detail at sides, and a completely nude make up except for a bold pillar box red lip and hint of a bronzed cheek.
Oh, and of course, a variety of crowns, including those coveted headphone ones!

Yulia Kondranina Finale

After a quick dash to Charles Fox and a spot of dinner, it was back to Freemasons House 
for Fashion Scouts Merit Award Winner, Yulia Kondranina show.
A simple palette of black and white, alongside navy, lemon and pink, with delicate geometric shape detail as the focus of the collection. Pieces included feminine sheath dresses, some with deep V necklines and sheer panel detail. 
Hair was slicked back from root to crown using gel products, with length left in a waved, natural state . Make-up focus was an unruly, brushed up brow, and contoured cheeks, complete with a beauty mark in the hollow of the cheek. A new trend emerging perhaps?!



My last show of the day was Ping He, which included fashions favourites Laura Whitmore and Poppy Delevigne alongside Make up Guru Tanya Burr.

Hair and make-up wise, this is my favourite by a mile. Think MASSIVE beehives- we are talking Marge Simpson height here guys, complete with random shapes of white and black hair spray. Finished with  a sharply contoured cheek, black lip with centre white line detail and a cream white pigment buffed onto the eye and surrounding area. This was one attention grabbing show.

Yet another monochrome palette, Ping He's collection was inspired by architecture and features strong yet beautiful, feminine silhouettes. I think this is one name we should all ensure is etched into our minds for years to come. 

And finally! The last show of the day, unfortunately viewed once again from the comfort of Coach D of the London-Liverpool commute, was one of my all time favourites, PPQ. Quite apt that this show was shown past sundown- as the make-up was definitely a sultry evening look, and one we are more used to seeing in February's AW shows.  Deep berry stained lips, heavily kohl rimmed eyes, finished with smokey violet shadow in a softly winged out shape. Like the majority of today's shows, hair was swept off the face in a soft bouffant, with long length cascading at back. 

With bolder primary and secondary tones of red, yellow, green and purple worn alongside black and strong floral prints, this show definitely stood apart from the others.

Dresses featuring sheer skirts, petticoats and ruffled edges, were teamed with chunky gold jewellery and 1940's inspired hats with decorative veils.

One day down, four to go. And what a season SS14 is going to be!

You can read more information from these shows, and see lots of images by visiting 
The Fashion Scout Blog.

Henry Holland and Elegant Touch

Although this week I have been sporting more sebduced nails, nail art is still a huge trend this season, and it looks like one that will be around for the foreseeable future!

Heartbreaker Nails

If you struggle creating designs yourself, and don't have a local salon you can turn to for those occasions that just scream out for a nail art talking point, then from next week you can turn to your local Boots or Superdrug store. 

Nail giant Elegant Touch have collaborated with British designer Henry Holland to create a range of false nails, each featuring a nail art design, inspired by House of Holland collections. 

You can choose from 9 designs, including the understated Classy Nude and Dotty or show shopping Geek Chic, Face Ache and Get Nailed.

My favourite is HeartBreaker, which features a deep nude base with rich red heart shaped tips, and four nails with a broken heart design. I think we can all use our imagine for which fingers in particular these are for!!

Costing under £10, this a great way to accessorise a simple outfit and embrace the latest nail art trend! 

The Henry Holland Elegant Touch Collection

From the archives- SS11 Charlie Le Mindu

As Fashion Week season rapidly approaches us once again, I decided to look back in my writing archives and unearth an early piece on my first ever london fashion week show- Charlie Le Mindu SS11, three years ago.

Enjoy! 

It has always been a huge dream of mine to work at London Fashion Week, and what happened this weekend comes close enough for now!

Whilst tweeting last Thursday I came across MarieClaireUK's competition to win seats to the fabulous Charlie Le Mindu show on Sunday. I entered, thinking I wouldn't have a chance of winning- and to my surprise I did!!!

So, Saturday evening after a manic wedding with make-up artist Sarah Morten, off I went to London, dragging my mum in tow!

We arrived at Victoria House, Bloomsbury bright and early Sunday morning to be greeted by a large queue of some of the most eccentric dressers I have ever seen. Each and every person looked amazing and individual-a lot they reminded me of make-up artist Alex Box's style and I'm sure many of them are/will be illamasqua devotee's!!!

After a short wait we were shown into the venue, and mum and I took are seats on the second row! Sat opposite us was a women in an inflatable/plastic suit accessorised with a matching dog! If anyone knows who this is please let me know- I'm so intrigued!!!

Not long after the lights dimmed and music from Kap Bambino hushed us all to silence.

The collection showcased lots of leopard print, black, bubblegum pink, lime green and of course Hair and Hairpieces!!

Two of the models walked nude apart from neon pink heels and their amazing headpieces. I'm sure this move will prove controversial in the press this week- but I personally found my focus was only on the hair and make-up, and only realised they were naked when they had past me!!!

Images of every model available here-

http://blowpresents.wordpress.com/2010/09/19/charlie-le-mindu-ss11-collection-2/

The Make-up was quite dramatic considering it was a Spring Summer collection- dark Kohl rimmed eyes, strong dark brows and lips lined black and blended gradually to red.

I'm not sure who the make-up team were but each and every lip was perfect!

I thoroughly enjoyed the show- although think being backstage is defiantly more me!!

Fingers crossed for A/W 11?!!!