Musings.

Today, I am dwelling on my ceaseless lust for trophy jackets. At the top of my wish list is this beautiful piece from Topshop, which would look stunning thrown over jeans or a simple dress:

Image Source: Topshop

Additionally, let me take this opportunity to share with you my new signature scent for autumn / winter '09 nocturnal adventures: Jasmin Noir by Bulgari:

 
Image Source: Bulgari

Creator Carlos Benaïm says of the perfume: "The fragrance opens with notes of green sap and gardenia. The heart of the scent includes sambac jasmine absolute and satin almond notes, while its base includes precious woods, tonka bean absolute and licorice." Personally, I favour the perfume for its sensuality: it wears extremely close to the skin, which, combined with incredible longevity, conjures images of illicit winter fantasies.

Bardot ponytail.

For a sophisticated yet effortless hairstyle that will take you from the office to the cocktail bar, try a backcombed ponytail, reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot.

Gently backcomb the crown of your head, then pull everything into a low ponytail and secure with a hair band. For extra texture, use a touch of styling gum on the ends - VO5 Advanced Texturising Gum works wonders. Finish with a spritz of L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray.

Image Source: Elle Magazine (UK)

For a chic spending spree.

Fans of Vogue and Topshop should get themselves down to the new Topshop store in London's Westfield shopping centre on Wednesday, February 11, 6:30-10pm. You'll get the chance to buy from Topshop's spring / summer 2009 collections, with 20% off everything for the lucky attendees. You can also pre-order from the Unique collection in addition to the designer collaborations from Richard Nicoll and Marios Schwab. The fashion and beauty experts from Vogue will be present to help you achieve a contemporary spring look. Meanwhile, the Maison Bertaux pop-up champagne and cake bar will be providing refreshment (I can personally and wholeheartedly endorse the magic that is Maison Bertaux). VV Brown will give a live performance, while the Voguettes will be DJing.

Tickets cost £10. Apply at http://www.topshop.com/vogue.

English rose.

This vintage-style rose print dress from Topshop, £32, is just too pretty. Its romantic qualities make it a perfect buy for the upcoming spring season. Team with leather boots or sandal wedges and show it off at tea parties.

Image Source: Topshop

New entry for the wishlist.

Just so you know, I've fallen in love with these violet Moschino sunglasses, £93 in the Bunny Hug sale. The inky hues are just too desirable.

Image Source: Bunny Hug

Summer fantasy.

It may only be the beginning of January, but that doesn't mean we can't start having little summer fantasies. I stumbled across this photograph of Gemma Ward earlier, taken from US Vogue in 2005, resulting in sartorial seaside daydreams.

Image Source: Gemma Ward Gallery

The white eye liner and shadow combination sported by Gemma is one of my personal favourite make-up looks - perfect for crazy summer nights. Get the look using the Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in "Pure White" and a Bourjois Little Round Pot Eye Shadow in "Blanc diaphane". If this particular look seems a bit too extreme for you, simply line your lower and upper lash lines with highlighter pencil to achieve a more subtle effect that really enlarges your eyes - the Benefit Mr. Frosty pencil, £12.50, is perfect for the job.

Image Source: Benefit

It's all about vintage.

The catwalks for the spring / summer 2009 collections reflected the current financial crisis, in that designers focused on strong pieces typical of their own particular brand. The clothes are as opulent as ever, but trends are gone. What's 'in' right now are timeless pieces that will remain glamorous for years to come. That doesn't mean that designer fashion has become any less expensive, but it has become more tempting. Customers are spoilt for choice as designers strive to create pieces that pass the seasonal sell-by date and are simply irresistable. The idea is that we should stop spending money on endless seasonal items and instead invest in a piece of luxury that will last forever.

This all makes a lot of sense. However, the fact remains that most of us still don't quite have the budget for that dream piece of McQueen. That's where vintage comes in: stunning clothes, whose age proves their longevity, and you're guaranteed to find a bargain. Certain outlets of Topshop, most notably the flagship store in Oxford Circus, sell beautiful vintage party pieces. I picked up this impeccably detailed jacket for £50:

Image Source: Izzen

Meanwhile, Beyond Retro sells just about anything vintage - daytime and evening wear, countless leather jackets, shoes, accessories, etc. The only store locations are in London and Stockholm, so plan a fashion trip if you're not a resident of either. I'm loving the large sequins on this skirt, £22, which is reminiscent of Christopher Kane's autumn / winter 2008 collection:

Image Source: Beyond Retro



Image Source: Beyond Retro

Quick secret.

In case anyone didn't know, I adore Post Secret. Just thought I would share this little secret with the fashion world:

Image Source: Post Secret

A fresh face for a new year.

Now that the crazy Christmas / New Year party season is over, it's likely that your skin requires a detox just as much as you do. Back away from the glittery stage make-up of the past few weeks and opt to begin 2009 with a fresh face. Here's how:

Step 1: Skincare - Proper hydration for your skin is vital right now due to excess toxins depriving your skin of vitamin C, resulting in a dull complexion. Ensure that you cleanse and moisturise daily (and always before applying make-up), using products appropriate to your skin's needs. A weekly mask would also be ideal.

Step 2: Concealer - A must if you want to hide those dark under-eye circles. Apply from the top of the cheekbones all the way up to your lash line, then take some to the inner-corner of your eyes. Always use yellow-based shades of concealer, foundation and powder rather than orange for a more natural look. My product of choice is the infamous Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Highligher, £16.50 when bought from online retailers.

Step 3: Foundation - Use a light foundation or tinted moisturiser in order to achieve a natural look. Always apply after concealer and blend using either fingers or a brush. For a flawless complexion, use Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Make-up - pricey at £29, but foundation is the one make-up product that you should really spend as much money as possible on. Plus, it provides SPF 15.

Image Source: Chanel

Step 4: Blusher + Highlighter - Blusher immediately adds radiance to your skin and makes you look healthier. I favour the cream / liquid variety for perfectly dewy skin - get the look with Benefit PosieTint, £22.50. Next, use an equally creamy highlighter to contour your face. Dab Benefit High Beam, £15.50, over cheek bones and brow bones for glamorous daytime look.

Step 5: Eyes - Make your eyes appear larger by applying a pearly shadow to the inner corners of your eyes - the Benefit Mr. Frosty pencil, £12.50, works a treat. For an enhanced effect, line your lower and upper lash lines with the product. When it comes to mascara, I prefer one that offers intense volume, even for daytime. Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara, £8, in "Absolute Black" works wonders.

Step 6: Lips - Keep lips clean and smooth. Exfoliate them with a dry toothbrush, then apply a moisturising balm or clear gloss - I adore Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Dark Chocolate & Mint Lip Butter, approx. £2.50.

Step 7: Brows - Use slanted tweezers to pluck an stray hairs between and below the brows, but never above. Keep everything in place with a slick of Vaseline, 99p.

... That's about it! Happy New Year, everybody!