Organic Make Up

Burt's Bees - lip balm

I was researching organic skin care for babies when I came across this little fun "lip shade finder" questioner..

"What is your eye colour?"

"What is your hair colour?"

"Do you look better in gold or silver?"

As I was going to try out the nappy cream for my daughter I thought to treat myself as well. I bought the lip shimmer in fig.

It's slimmer then an average lip balm stick. It's smooth, gives my lips a slight minty tingle (not taste) and doesn't feel like it sits on top of my lips like a sticky residue. The colour they picked for me is actually nice a slight stain makes me think of autumn or that natural Bobbie Brown look.

Why not see what your natural bee colour is.

www.burtsbees.co.uk 

Neal's Yard Remedies - Mascara

I saw this featured in Stylist magazine as it was co created by them. When it comes to mascara I look for one that makes my lashes longer rather then fuller, and this one is said to be "the ultimate chemical-free lengthening mascara"

They talked about the wand, the wiper 

"as you pull the wand out you can actually hear it remove excess formula"

the ingredients and, the formula 

"uses a finely milled bamboo-derived silica to thicken the mascara, making it quick-drying and smug-resistant but not flaky"

It doesn't make a big difference on 1st try. It is soft, natural feeling and drys quickly. Apparently it should lengthen my lashes up to 85% and you should see a difference in 2 weeks. Watch this space.

It was advertised as being available in November, but its actually available now.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

bronzing powder, mascara and burt's bees xoxo

Haul: Greek Shopping VieStyles

As every trip I try to do some what I like to think as country inspired shopping. Buy things you can not get in the UK and things that can be used here. Bets are you like it when people say where did you get that? knowing that they would have to travel themselves to get it! and you will always have something that wont eventually make the bin or collect dust.

In Lindos you can find lots of jewellery, clothes and home wear. It is slightly cheaper in Rhodes, But the market here for these types of items seem of a better choice for home wear at least. When at markets always shop around, most hidden ones tend to be cheaper and if your lucky hidden streets with hidden shops have hidden treasures!

I collect hanging lanterns to create a light piece in the corner of my room... So here is what I got for €16.50. A good luck ceramic hand painted with Rhodes Greece 2013 discreetly inked at the bottom. 

In Rhodes I bought jewellery. I already have an evil eye bracelet given to me, they have been fashionable for a few years now but also a tad superstitious. This came in different colours and you can tie it as a necklace or anklet.

Old town they say is more expensive then the new. But if your only buying things like magnets buy them back in the supermarkets. You can also find cheap bracelets there.

If your looking for something hand made then yes... you cant buy that at the supermarket.

These are hand made silver, gold plated.. and very Greek.. Square is meant to be good luck and circles are long life. Each one is different as they are hand made. Around €10 -€13 each

They also sell fur in Rhodes...

Finally just to show you what jewellery I wore on the beach....

 

kEar Bling

SS2012 saw Chanel bring back ear cuffs, which I remember back when I was in high school 17-18 years ago, setting the trend in school and cementing my rock edge style. FW2013 sees it as a trend getting stronger with Roberto Cavali and Dries Van Noten.

It has grown and evolved from 18 years ago where it was just a simple cuff to what is now extended right round your ear with the possibilities of gems, pearls and feathers. Just how I love my knuckle rings (that I rocked out last summer) these bad boys will dress up and rock out any outfit, bringing you edge with femininity in a statement.

ASOS and top shop had a few but the ones I bought had to be more ear-bling.

Here's the haul..

FW2013 and the past few collections might be more obvious about necklaces, but I like my statements to be more under the radar, making a bigger impact. Can't wait to use these for a shoot!

Japan: Style, Fashion & Shopping

Part III

This was the part I was dreading to post. My style hunt was a bit of a disaster. I really wanted to look for things you can't get here in the UK. I wanted to find harajuku girls sitting on steps like the steps of gossip girl. I might have to go back and find a new map or guide of some sorts. That and have more time, or is my perception of Japanese style not the reality? 

Harajuku

Okay so I found the street. Saw the odd "harajuku" style girl. Not as many as I hoped. I was left disappointed :( I didn't feel any different to Camden. The street is like a narrow no cars paved Camden high street with stalls showing glasses, bright neon, futuristic, goth, narita, stripes, kitch, crepes, you name it they've got it.

 

Maybe I should have gone to the high end labels side of town, but I didn't see the point. I wanted street style not designers that are mostly European and over priced for my budget.

Shibuya

Shops, malls, book stores. Japan is tall. I mean look up as there are probably 3 shops or restaurants etc in 1 building different floor. 

Here I searched for fashion items, make up, and gifts.

109 mall is well known for being at the forefront of fashion. I've been trying to find a way to describe their malls and have been lost without pictures, so let me try... 

Its not like going into westfield where u have 1 huge building and inside are little shops. It's a building with stalls? Not like Harrods open counter stalls. It's not open air. More like shops with no doors?! 

I found every shop had almost the same item but a different version. That you would have to visit every shop just to see which one was the best. I bought me a fur lined parker. Funny thing was I ended up buying it back in Chiba, where I was staying. I checked almost every shop in 109. There was short ones, shearling lined, military, long ones, hood no hood, buttons, zips, all the same style jacket but with different bits and boobs I had to check each one.

I visited book shops looking for one with Japanese art for my tattoo clad now ex boyfriend. Now the tattoo books were on the top shelves like its naughty, and it didn't really contain the art that was authentic. So ended up trying to find historic art books. Which again most are in Japanese. I don't think he realised the hardship that was trying to find this book. Something that was a. In English b. Had lots of great art and c. Cultural.

¥100 (£1) shops

These shops to me was fab. Okay so it was cheap. But the things a tourist like me wanted where here. Little wooden carved out kimono dolls, paper lanterns, key rings, magnets, kids kites, origami paper, the 1toe socks for the wooden flip flops, bento pack lunch boxes, chop sticks. Not saying I bought all of that here, but you can if you wanted too.

Kyoto street shopping

This was fun on the small side roads of Kyoto. You will find your typical shops for tourist but don't expect to find typical I love Kyoto type artifacts. You can buy kimono's and candle holders and food. There is a lot of food! Typical sweets from this area are in abundance. You would think you can buy it back in Tokyo before you leave. Tell you now.. buy it in Kyoto! Next place you will find it is the airport where at this point it will be expensive.

On that note.. 

Kimono

Us westerners would want a kimono type bathrobe. This I searched the whole of Japan; ok over exaggerating but you get my drift. 

 

Kimonos are a traditional and still worn item for the Japanese. Bathrobes to them are our typical cotton, waffle, furry soft bathrobes. The other version we all think of is actually Chinese, with dragon design. So the one place I could find a Japanese print bathrobe was again the airport, and here it is not cheap. I think I spent over £50 - £100 on each.

Miscellaneous

Other things you can look out for are sock shops. They have lots of these, with different lengths, patterns and styles.

Pets clothes.. need I say more?

 

Toy capsule vending machines. I had to get some for the kids. Question was which one? You can find these machines with different toys inside almost anywhere for ¥100-¥300. They are like kinder egg toys dispensers.

Style

I feel like I haven't even touched on Japanese style with all the shopping I did.

So lets try sum it up. Japanese style I think is in around 5 groups. The out there goths, lolitas, and eccentric anime. The cute vintage dolls and romantic pastels. The plane suites of every day life. The traditional wear, which I'm not sure if it is for special occasions, as I see a few people walking around their business. Finally the hip hop retro 80s movement with the touch of geek. 

I wish I had more street style pictures for you. I guess I would just have to go back.

Mens Shoes: JT mirrors, Kicks & Haul

I have been neglecting my love for shoes and one thing I am good at is shopping and styling mens.

Before I forget I must mention these. Justin Timberlake was wearing the lace up version in his video mirrors, that was just released early this month. Now these shoes are like bling... and if your looking to buy them, good luck, as they are Christian Louboutin fall winter 2012. Non the less Loubi has a tendency to repeat a shoe but in a different material or colour so fingers crossed for you.

 

So mens shoes.... specifically trainers.

Here is my lattes find

In keeping with the Christian Louboutin style. Here is my high street version for you girls. Zara's ballerinas, I had to have them.

Rivita Lash

Whilst at work I noticed a customer's long lashes asking if they were individuals put in. Her reply "Rivita Lash" retails around £60-£90 + depending on where you buy. I tend to not believe these things, like hair growth syrums, thinking its a waste of money. But since she was walking proof I decided to give it a go.

You apply to your lashes every night for about 3 weeks then its a case of twice a week after. I tried to take a picture each week like a log. Then realised the pictures don't really show the growth at all, should have taken them from the side..doh!

After 3 weeks I didnt see much change. My friend said they have gone fuller and now after 4/5 weeks I can say they are fuller and a little longer. Other reviews say that they saw results in 4 weeks and the original formula was better. 

I don't know if I will keep buying it though. A tube should last around 3 months. I was hopping for a more noticable effect for the summer, and have no need for false lashes for nights out. So for the £60 I paid, unless by the time it's finished I am happy with a more noticable result. I can't see myself buying another tube.

Skin Care Haul Dermalogica

It was that time again where I had ran out of cleanser and toner and had to order. I sat here thinking should I change brand? Has my skin changed that I need a different type? No.. so I carried on and ordered from my trusty place dermalogica.

Brand: Dermalogica
Supplier: jersey beauty
web: www.jerseybeautycompany.co.uk

As I was ordering my friend asked why derma? She uses Clarins, so did I, till I changed brands. Derma has had a long standing of awards, voted best brand etc etc year after year. Its simple fresh no fuss and not so floral or fragranced. I get headaches from smells and I'm not the full of fuss kind of girl. So I like that its clean wash and go. The moisturisers go into my skin not feeling oily or shiny yet hydrated. The toner feels like its just water, and cleansers makes you feel fresh and clean with no drying out or residue.

You can buy from shops and its mostly beauticians that stock dermalogica rather then places like boots. So I guess its used more by specialists then your average over the counter product. Meaning its like continuing your facial at home. But just cause I said that it doesn't mean its expensive. It's actually around the same price or cheaper then you're high range over the counter products.

Jersey beauty is where I have been ordering for years now. I get samples with my order, so you can try more products or give to friends to try. I get my order as quick as 3 days, and maybe once I had a small mistake in my order and emailed them. I received a quick friendly and helpful reply.

The dermalogica range also has for men, travel packs which I love and think everyone should have one, sun care and hair. Personally I only get my 3 vitals, cleanser toner moisturiser. Anything more feels like fuss for me.

If your not sure about what you need for your skin type. Dermalogica also has facial mapping, asking you about your skin and what you want to achieve, giving you a personalised prescription.

This is my toner and cleanser that can last me a year! Plus all the free samples.