The Style Bite

If m2beaute (see July archive) doesn’t give you full, lengthy lashes then you can always cheat and visit one of Shu Uemura’s tokyo lash bars which you’ll find in Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nicks and Liberty’s. Inspired by Tokyo’s love for ‘out there’ eye-lashes, the 2010 collection features glitter lashes and even velvet lashes! If you are new to false eyelashes then SU’s expert make-up artists can give you a lesson on applying them, and even give you tips on how to create a dramatic make-up look to go with the more outrageous styles. Perfect for a night out in Ibiza no?

There are two types of Balmain bug in my opinion. There is the Balmain bug that is a type of lobster which you can only find off the shores of Sydney (delicious btw) and there is the Balmain bug which is a sickness that once caught, fills you with green eyed envy every time you see some delectable fashion morsel come off their runway. The autumn season is soon upon us and my footwear of choice is going to be a pair of high-heeled ankle boots, much like the Balmain beauties below. However, I’ve decided to stay away from black and start developing a more autumnal coloured wardrobe for a/w 2010 so I’m going to be investing in a brown pair from Mango. Yes, it’s all about the colour and nothing at all about the £900 price difference… ahem.

If you check any of my handbags you will find either a Juicy Tube or a Bobbi Brown lipgloss. Don’t ask me to pick between them because I just wouldn’t be able to decide which one gives me the most hydrating, non-sticky luscious lips. Both tick all those boxes. Because of my love for her gorgeous products, I’m a Bobbi Brown facebook fan and boy, has she been plugging her new Denim & Rose colours recently! All of Bobbi’s other fb followers get the opportunity to post their thoughts (totally unbiased of course!) and every single one of them raves about it so much that I thought I would just have to try it out myself. Ordinarily I stay well clear of palettes – too gimicky – and certainly wouldn’t go for ice-blues! To be honest, it has taken a while for me to get to grips with blending the colours but I’m so pleased I did as now I have perfected a gorgeous (even if I do say so myself) smokey eye. And what girl doesn’t crave a gorgeous smokey eye! The pink gloss that comes in the palette is also a winner as the colour is gorgeous but I’ve always preferred my gloss in a tube. I’ve now managed to get 4 or 5 different eye looks out of the palette which strikes me as quite a good return on investment considering I only need this one little palette to colour up my entire face. All in all, 6.5 out of 10.

How good does Whitney Port look in this McQueen jumpsuit? I love the combination of sleek tailoring, fashionable top-knot and to-die-for heels – she looks amazing. I must admit that it’s taken me a while to warm up to the jumpsuit but I’ve recently loads of celebs looking hot in theirs so it may be time for me to face up to a fashion update that doesn’t seem to be going away…

I’m absolutely loving the return of the plait this spring. It’s so easy for me to create an up to date spring look by letting my hair dry naturally into waves before french plaiting my hair to one side. It looks great and can be done in 5 minutes – an absolute dream hairstyle!

I popped in to check out the new Covent Garden based Banana Republic this weekend which was fantastic! It’s quite a treat having the store so close to my office too, ideal for lunchtime pick-me-ups.  This is the second shop in London to open for the brand following the success of it’s Regent Street shop and I loved it! I’ve got my eye on some silky satin t-shirts which are perfect for spring. I’m going to team mine with some shorts and platforms or some capri trousers and ballet pumps for a fresh, chic look.

photos from www.bananarepublic.gap.eu

OK I’ve tried. I mean I’ve really, really tried. No matter how I look at it, either through squinting my eyes or after a glass of wine, I just cannot bring myself to like Mrs Rooney’s Grand National outfit. Yet everywhere I turn I read nothing but praise for her choice! Is it me or does she look like she has raided the Queen Mothers wardrobe? I’m sorry but please, Coleen, you may be a mother but you’re only 24! Dress your age!

How cute does New York socialite Olivia Palermo look in this outfit? The star of The City stepped out in a skirt and shoes by topshop, a vintage blouse and an Alexa Mulberry clutch. So perfect for spring! Olivia has recently released a range of jewellry in collaboration with Roberta Freyman and includes three necklaces with silk ties that are inspired by her favourite Cities. Check out the range at www.robertafreymann.com

Karen Millen is really spoiling us this season by offering not only cute little singlets covered in ruffles but in bright block colours too! That’s two key season trends wrapped up in one gorgeous top! I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be investing in both of these pretty soon, the coral colour is my favourite colour of all time and a fantastic choice for spring/summer and the emerald green is just so eye-catching! Who wouldn’t turn heads in that colour? You can buy them in store or online at www.karenmillen.com and there is also a pale pink version which would be perfect for weddings.

But did they ever really go away? Espadrilles have been around since the 14th Century. The 14th Century!!! How many other items of clothing in your wardrobe can claim that type of unadulterated pedigree? The wonderful thing about espadrilles for me is that they take me back to the summers of my childhood and our holidays in Spain where a new pair of espadrilles were bought every year. Fortunately, the shoes have evolved over time and now you can buy platform soles, rubber soles, wedge soles… My favourite type of espadrille for s/s 2010 is definitely TOMs. For every pair of TOMs shoes you buy, they will give an unfortunate child a pair of shoes too – a fantastic bonus for buying a great pair of summer shoes anyway. And with styles like these, I think I’ll be investing in more than one pair this year. You can buy from UK stockists such as Office and Schuh or online for a better selection at www.toms.com