Interiors: The Washroom

We've been in our home for almost 2 years now and finally it is all coming together. We love DIY and have spent many evenings and weekends ripping out then installing bathrooms (which led to a trip to the hospital for stitches!) painting, hanging wallpaper, laying carpet and floorboards, the list goes on. We only have the kitchen left to do this summer and then we'll probably get bored and start again!

While most rooms are grey and simple, my tiny loo was the only space I felt I could go a little mad. I liked the idea of a patterned wallpaper in a small space as seen in these washrooms.

I'd seen this wallpaper from House of Hackney ages ago and instantly fell in love. So much so that I purchased it as soon as we'd exchanged contracts!

We installed a new sink, light fittings, re-tiled everything then finally hung the beautifully bonkers wallpaper. As soon as the first drop went up I knew we'd made the right decision, I mean how good is it to be sitting on the loo looking at a pina colada drinking badger wearing an eye patch! The effect is quite intense especially as we decided to cover the ceiling too.

I found a quirky soap dispenser from Rockett St George that looks pretty but isn't so speedy when it comes to dispensing the hand wash!

My beloved flamingo (also from Rockett St George) hangs out in the loo with all his wallpaper animal buddies.

I also added some vintage apothecary jars I picked up from Wimbledon car boot sale.

And the finished room that makes me smile!

Images: camillestyles.com, Pinterest, cupcakesandcashmere.com, the-frugality.com, House of Hackney 

Weekend Scenes

Another lovely Bank holiday weekend has come and gone. Ours was a combination of eventfulness  and then nothing. 

The boyfriend took part in the London to Brighton Challenge on Saturday, running the 100km distance from Richmond to Brighton. I was his support team on the day so I'd baked him these taste-better-than-they-look roasted hazelnut espresso energy bites that I stumbled across on the most beautiful blog The Artful Desperado. No doubt I will be baking many more of the goodies featured on this salivation inducing site.

The race started with rain and it pretty much bucketed down for most of the day.

The boyfriend at the start, he didn't run with an umbrella!

Rain rain go away!

There were various support stations along the route so I drove up and down country lanes, getting lost, waving at sheep and dodging death-wish bunnies on the road.

Here he comes!

56km done and the boyfriend sets off for another 44km

By the time we arrived in Brighton we were finally treated to beautiful blue skies.

As I type we are still waiting for official results, but the boyfriend managed to cross the finish line in just over 12 hours. So very proud of him! Congratulations to everyone who ran and walked the event. There were people still crossing the finishing line after 24 hours, incredible!

A very muddy boyfriend crossing the finishing line.

Sunday and Monday were spent recuperating (him) and relaxing (me). We only managed to drag ourselves to Columbia Road flower market for some blooms.

Enjoy the 4 day week everyone!

Kitchen Cupboard Beauty

Beauty products make me happy. The sumptuous packaging, the promises held within, the textures, the scents. Sometimes though I enjoy experimenting with more basic finds from my kitchen cupboard. Here are a few ingredients I like to add to my beauty routine. 

Coconut Oil

Dear, genius coconut oil. A delight to cook with and incredible results when I slather on my face. Or hair. Or feet. I wear make up pretty much everyday and nothing removes the layers I pile on, nor the waterproof mascara I use better than coconut oil. Honestly, please believe me, I've tested cleaners that cost the same as a nice pair of shoes and they don't come close to the humble coconut oil. I warm a tiny amount in my hands, massage on for a minute or so, then remove with a damp muslin cloth and soft clean skin is mine.

This oil also make a fantastic hair mask. Apply to dry hair, leave for 15 minutes, then wash your hair twice and silky shiny hair is yours. 

And the difference it makes to my feet! I slather it on my hooves before bedtime, apply a pair of fluffy socks and in the morning what was once rough is now smooth.

Brown Sugar & Olive Oil

I work with my hands a lot and they can become dry and a little rough so I like to give them a good scrub once in a while. I mix up a little brown sugar with a dash of olive oil and scrunch my hands together for a minute of so then rinse with water. This mixture also works well on dry feet and post holiday skin. It's a little too harsh for the face though.

Porridge

Simple, easy and effective. Pour some porridge oats onto a muslin cloth with a few drop of your favourite essential oil, secure the ends and hang beneath your running bath tap. Your skin will feel super soft and soothed after a porridge bath.

Avocado

When my skin feels a little dry and tight I like to blitz up an avocado with a squeeze of lemon and drizzle of olive oil. I apply to my face for 10-15 minutes then wipe off with tissue before rinsing with warm water. 

Aspirin

When my skin feels particularly grubby or hormonal I plop 4 aspirin tablets and a few drops of water in a pestel and mortar then grind together to form a paste which I press onto my skin. 10 minutes later and after a quick rinse, my face feels and looks smoother and cleaner.

Jump To It

I thought my days of wearing jumpsuits were over until I spied this little beauty in Topshop. I tried it on, still felt a little unsure but bought it anyway, then took the plunge and wore it the next day to a shoot. To my surprise I received more compliments and "where is it from?" comments than I have had in a very long time. The thick slinky fabric ensures flattering coverage over the derrière, it's navy so I automatically love it, the cuffed ankle and wrist are a great detail and it's super comfortable (allow a few extra minutes when going to the loo though). 

Jumpsuit Topshop, Bag Prada, Sandals Topshop

I wore mine with simple flat sandals, but I intend to wear it with a strappy high heel and a bright clutch bag for evening or a leather biker jacket and some slip on trainers in cooler weather. It's a versatile wardrobe essential that I will be wearing again and again in the coming months. Here is a round up of some other jumpsuits to entice you to add this versatile item to your wardrobe.

The perfect weekend jumpsuit, wear with trainers or tan sandals.

Zara £59.99

The perfect holiday jumpsuit (with boning for added support), just add a tan and long gold necklaces.

Topshop £60

The perfect wedding jumpsuit, pair with a blazer and metallic accessories.

 

Reiss £245

The perfect workwear jumpsuit, add brogues and simple graphic jewellery.

COS £135

The dream evening jumpsuit, wear with a metallic high heel and gold cuffs.

Stella McCartney at Net-A-Porter £1,435

Images: Topshop, Reiss, Zara, COS, Net-A-Porter, 

Weekend Scenes

What a wonderful weekend. I love the sunshine and blue skies are a definite mood elevator. We started the weekend on a productive note with 5km Parkrun and I managed a personal best!

It was finally warm enough for me to wear my MiH stripe dress.

Dress MiH, Sandals Birkenstock, Bag Chanel

My new Gazelles arrived and made me feel like a Jamiroquai loving teenager again! I opted for grey, more summery than black and the neutral colour will work with 99% of my wardrobe.

Trainers Adidas

The beautiful sunshine encouraged me to paint my nails in the most summery tone I could find.

Nails Topshop

The balmy evenings called for alfresco dining.

The BEST guacamole & tortilla chips from Wholefoods

Sunday night BBQ action

I also introduced the boyfriend to Twin Peaks. He's hooked and it's as good as I remember. Watching one too many episodes is why I'm feeling less than fresh as a daisy this morning!

Twin Peaks

Tips From The Pros

Through my job I get to work with some amazing hair and make up artists. I find it mesmerising watching them at work and am always interested in the products in their kit. As such I thought it only fair to share the insider knowledge with my lovely readers. So here goes...

The wonderfully talented Andriani Vasiliou studied Fine Art at esteemed university Central Saint Martins before embarking on a career in make up and honing her skills at Glauca Rossi School of Make Up. Andriani has worked with clients including Australian Vogue, Tatler, Elle UK and celebrities such as Tom Daley and Sheridan Smith. Here she gives us an insight into the Top 10 beauty products she couldn't do her job without.

When it comes to foundation it has to be Vitalumiere by Chanel. This applies easily, looks flawless and Chanel has the best colour range for every skin tone.

I usually hate face powder but Secret Brightening Power by Laura Mercier doesn't sit on the skin instead it brightens rather than dulls the face.

Le Blush Creme by Chanel is genius, I've never seen a blusher like it! It goes on like a cream (blend on with your finger), sets and stays put.  The formulation means you can layer it on and build it up depending on the look you're going for. 

Matt Bronzer by Lancome isn't too orange and doesn't look false. It's great for olive skin, I even use it on myself. Also there's no shimmer in the powder making it perfect for contouring.

Rejuvacoat by Duri is a nail treatment polish you apply every day for 7 days to get rid of splits and cracking. I'm always recommending it to models because it really works.

Thickening Dry Spun Finish by Bumble & Bumble creates the same effect as a dry shampoo, adding texture and volume, but without the powdery feel. It's perfect for creating the Kate Moss party hair look, just tip your head upside down, spray on and work in with your fingers.

Le Rouge Lipstick by Givenchy creates velvety, matt lips without drying them out. The packaging is also exquisite.

I'm not loyal to mascara at all, but if I had to choose a favourite, at the moment it would be Smokey Eye Mascara by Bobbi Brown. It gives the lashes volume without any clumps. The wand is small making it great for lower lashes and getting to the roots.

When it comes to concealing it has to be Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent. There have been so many imitators but nothing comes close! 

The one product I couldn't live without would have to be Illuminator by Nars. I use it after moisturiser but before I apply foundation on practically every job. It dries to a matt finish but gives a fantastic glow to the skin making it look brighter and more dewy. And dewy skin is my signature look!

Thanks Andriani, more things to add to my beauty bag now!

Andriani's portfolio can be viewed here.

Images: Chanel, Bloomingdales, Lancome, Amazon, Bumble & Bumble, BeautyBay, House of Fraser, Bobbi Brown, ElenasFinds, Stella Creative Artists

More Press Day Fun

Despite the miserable rain last week I wrapped up and headed out for some more press day action.

First up Boden. This British brand has been enjoying a renaissance with the fashion crowd for the past few seasons. For AW14 it showed lots of gorgeous embellishment, chunky knits and quirky prints. Here's what I was loving.

The most beautiful embellished flat shoes

Navy and gold dotty jumper from the younger Johnnie B line

The perfect brogue

Cute display cabinets at the press show

H&M showed their high end Studio collection in Paris this season and the press day gave us a chance to see it all up close. The collection is filled with rich, moody colours in a mix of textures. These items were my favs.

The perfect colour combo of navy and black on this jacket

The mule shoe trend looks set to continue

A stunning sequin sweater

I then popped over to see the lovely press team at Russell & Bromley to see what shoes we will be wearing come autumn.

Pointy toes, snake print and embellishment, yes please!

My dream shoe

The perfect day to evening across body bag. This is on my shopping list for AW

Only a few more weeks of press days to go now so I'll be updating the blog with all my finds again soon.