Editor’s Letter

May Inspiration

When inspiration strikes it creates all kinds of magic. Magic that will keep you working through the night, when previously you would have been too tired to even stand. It can send you on missions and adventures; meeting people and seeing places you never even imagined.

But sometimes it can be equally hard to find. You can go searching; yet this in itself can feel like the more you look, the less likely it will ever appear. Yet even in the worst drought of inspiring content a light bulb moment will eventually appear… {I said eventually}. And it could be at any time of day or night. And it will most likely be in the least likely of places – the supermarket, swimming pool or even the elevator. Yet when it does strike I have found you have to be ready for it. An inspiration fairy won’t necessarily stay too long, especially when you have hundreds of things already occupying your mental ‘to do’ list.

So, when it comes to starting a new collection of artworks, I always create an inspiration board to ignite my imagination and set my mind racing. Who is my woman; where is she going; where is she from; what is she wearing; what is she reading? And so on and so on. I also carry a little notebook or have my iphone nearby to jot down any sudden strokes of genius.

Right now my inspiration board looks a little like this…

It’s all about monochromatic detail; bursts of colour; inspiring quotes; beautiful flowers; different textures and embellishment; statement pieces; New York; timeless beauty; exquisite hair; Chanel; a way of living glamorously every day…

I would love to know what is inspiring you right now? xx

Photos from theyallhateus.com // pinterest.com/sarahcrawfordau

Accessories

The Statement Piece

With the festive season just around the corner, what better way to make a glamorous entrance then with a statement piece of exquisite jewels?

From diamonds to emeralds and sapphires, glisten with irresistible sparkle this Christmas season.

Decked out in some extraordinary gems for Vogue Russia, this editorial featuring the beautiful Jacquelyn Jablonski, captures the innate luxury and grandeur of precious jewels.

But you needn’t break the bank to achieve the decedent splendour of a statement jewellery piece. Costume jewellery can be just as enchanting and beguiling in beauty.

“Costume jewellery is not made to give women an aura of wealth, but to make them beautiful.”

– Coco Chanel

The illustrious Coco Chanel herself was very fond of costume pieces and greatly popularised the use of faux stones, pearls and metals in her iconic pieces {even though she had quite the collection of precious gems}.

Favouring multi-coloured semi-precious stones – such as aquamarine, topaz and amethyst – Chanel would make the stones emphatically larger and bolder in colour for that added drama and mystique. She first introduced costume jewellery to her label in the 1920’s – the simplicity and elegance of her ‘little black dress’ the perfect blank canvas for lavish gems and jewels…

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! xx

Photos from fashiongonerogue.com

Fashion Illustration

Editor’s Letter

My Top 5 Beauty & Make-Up Must Haves…

I have had a couple of people ask me about my beauty routine and the products I simply cannot live without. While I try to keep my routine simple and really rather effortless {I have a tendency to run late in the morning}, here are my top 5 beauty product must-haves…

1. BareMinerals Foundation

 My make-up routine begins every morning with BareMinerals. I have very sensitive skin, so I choose BareMinerals as it is formulated without preservatives to promote clear, healthy skin.  First I use BareMinerals Primer – to even out my complexion and create a smooth texture for my foundation coverage. I then apply BareMinerals Foundation (which looks like a powder yet feels like a cream); followed by their Mineral Veil for my skin finale (to absorb oil and soften the complexion).

2. Chanel Mascara

If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then Mascara is the curtains. Widening and intensifying the eyes, mascara is one of my absolute favourite beauty products. Chanel ‘Inimitable Intense’ Mascara is voluminous and lengthening. It adds an instant bold glamour to your look. Simply lash magnifique!

3. Lancome Lipstick

I am a ‘statement lip’ kinda-girl. I forgo sexy smoky eye trends and sultry cat eyeliners in favour of bold, dramatic colour for lovely luscious lips. Shopping for lipsticks is a favourite past time of mine and I recently discovered how truly brilliant Lancome lipsticks are. One I absolutely adore is the ‘Rouge In Love’ collection in shade 34 (Rose Boudoir) – an eye-popping tone perfect for cocktail hour. Je t’aime Lancome Lips!

4. Pretty Perfumes

Coco Chanel believed that women should wear perfume wherever they wanted to be kissed. Perfume is a very personal statement. Your signature scent is an extension of your personality and character. Two of my favourites are: Chanel ‘Coco Mademoiselle’ and Chloé ‘L’Eau de Chloé’. Spray your perfume lightly on pulse points morning and evening.

5. Moisturising Moments

I moisturise my hands a couple of times a day and I love Coconut Body Butter from The Body Shop. A simple yet classic product, the creamy texture and divine Summery fragrance are uplifting every time you apply it.

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What are your top 5 must-have beauty products? xx

Photos from chanel.com /  lancome-usa.com / bareescentuals.com / chloe.com / allthingsbeautyuk.blogspot.com

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