On my way to Geordie Shore

With my holiday still a long way off, I am breaking up a bit of summer with a trip to Newcastle to visit some special girls in my life.

Well, Gateshead to be exact then a trip to Leeds for a big birthday bash!  Today I have made mental notes, sketches and lists of what to wear, what make up will be required and what needs to be done in prep.  This is how I stay organised.

As well as the DIY mani, pedi, hair zshoosh and fake tanning sesh this evening, I need to pack my pre-styled outfits into one measly hand carrier.

Instead of preaching to you on packing light ... (I am still in the process of mastering this but will hopefully have some tips by my next big holiday) I thought I would show you some of the outfits I will be taking for day and evening.

I have been assured by Mr Weatherman that the weather will hold out and we will indeed be in for a sunny weekend so I think it's probably a good time to get the legs out again.

White denim shirt dress: Motel at ASOS
Studded belt: purchased in Philadelphia
Crossover stone bag: Topshop
Multi colour beaded bracelet: Mango.
Trainers: Nike at Urban Outfitters

During the day I expect we will be doing a bit of shopping, lunching and the odd cocktail.  Comfort is always the key when you are up to a bit of shenanigans so I have gone for a simple summer dress that is reminiscent of Wimbledon season.

Fringed Top: ASOS
Denim studded shorts: Miss Selfridge
Fringed sandals: Warehouse
Bag: Topshop
Bangle: Miss Selfridge
Ring: Ydeltuyt
Necklace: H&M

Another daytime outfit tailored for comfort again.  I love wearing this for afternoons in a beer garden and the odd boat rave when they come around.  It is such a comfy combo that it will serve me well for farewell drinks and my train home.  The top was a bargain purchase a few years ago from ASOS and it has to be my most worn item of clothing - it can be worn in many different ways, casual and glam.  I adore fringing reflected on the top and sandals - gah, I am so 80's sometimes!

I love this bag, it was a gift from my friend Stacie. It's so versatile and seems to go with everything.  It has a real festival feel about it and I think the blue stone in the centre is just gorgeous.

Brazilian print dress: Warehouse
Blue platform shoes:  Carvela
Blue clutch bag:  Zara
Bangles and cuff: Mango and Warehouse
Earrings:  Miss Selfridge
Selection of rings from H&M, Primark, Ydeltuyt and Accessories Online

It wouldn't be a big fat Geordie weekend without a party outfit in tow.  This dress is a recent purchase from Warehouse, I love the clashing pattern and colours throughout so I have tried to clash some of the accessories too without becoming too much of a muddle.  There is a slight twist in the front of the dress and so too in the bag which complements it nicely.

So all there is for it now is to get the vino chilled, the falsies at the ready and an endless supply of instant fake tan for these pasty ol' legs of mine!!

Wish me luck!

Tonight I will attempt the '30 day shred' ... a 30 minute workout to be completed daily that promises quick results.  I have heard a lot of good things (weight loss, inch loss) and bad things (gruelling workout and Jillian is a bitch!) but most of all I have heard only reports on great results from it. 

I am planning on doing the 'shred' in conjunction with my current gym routine and some military fitness classes that I will start on Wednesday night so I really do need all the luck I can get.  

I hope I can still walk by the end of the week! 

Who else has tried the 30 day shred?  How did you find it?

x

Hairspiration 2

I think i've always lusted after beach waves but I don't have the kind of hair that lends itself well to that effortlessly tousled fashion.

That niggling desire for carefree, casual locks has started haunting my dreams again and the more I think about it and the more images of luscious, sexy beach hair I see - I am starting to think it could be possible but maybe it just takes a little more effort than it looks.

Florence combines a block fringe and beach waves - perfect juxtaposition

I aim for a look like Drew - complete with hair feathers

Isla Fisher has beach waves down to a T

Christina Hendricks has a more glam approach

Oh, I did have beach waves once upon a time! ;)

Could it be that my aspiration for easy, breezy, beautiful locks take a lot more effort that meets the eye? 

I definitely don't have the type of hair that can be left to dry naturally.  Although I have natural waves, my hair needs a bit of teasing to keep it look thick and healthy, without that it would just look drab and lifeless.  

I have a couple of salt spray products in the form of Bumble and Bumble and Trevor Sorbie to try out and hope they will help my waves stay in place.  I also have the Babyliss waving wand for some extra oomph.  I think some thickening products also wouldn't go amiss. 

How do you achieve beach waves?

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: What they wore

I have cavorted my own outfit for you and let you in on some of the highlights of the evening but here's a peek at what the other guests were wearing.

Shirley Bassey in Graeme Black (Sir Billi Tartan)

Samantha Cameron in a wonderful Christopher Kane dress
Event founder Tessa Hartmann in a gorgeous Holly Fulton gown

Brix in Christopher Kane and a swarovski crystal saltire clutch

Skins Freya Mavor won Style Icon of the year
wearing Pringle of Scotland

Henry Holland in House of Holland

There were some fabulous outfits that I am yet to spot photos of online, one of which is the creative director of Swarovski, Nathalie Colin, who wore crystal shoulder embellishments which are just to die for!

Along with the spectacular there were also the flops but I will leave that for you to judge.

And just for a bit of eye candy on a Sunday morning, here's David Gandy ...

You can check out David's blog on the SFA's on Vogue.com here.

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: The results are in!

My evening at the Scottish Fashion awards started in a cocktail bar, Browns, to be exact with the gorgeous Morven and Ann, all dolled up and ready to strut our stuff with the best of Scotland's fash pack.

Morven and Ann having a bit of cocktail action

Best cocktail ever!

Unfortunately for us the champagne bar had run dry by the time we arrived at the actual event but a little bit of mingling and scoping our fellow guests was fun in itself.

Dame Shirley Bassey received most adoration of the night in her Graeme Black dress designed with Sir Billi Tartan and a sporran handbag.  Dolly Jones, Hilary Alexander and Paula Reed made up the fashion glossy gliteratti.  Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders and Holly Fulton were Designers of note on the evening with many of the guests sporting their threads.  David Gandy, Brix Smith-Start and Lulu also added charisma and sparkle to the festivities.  Guests of honour and both equally inspirational in their fields were Hilary Alexander who won a surprise award and the God-like Rankin who was thoroughly down to earth!

Ann and I posing in front of the media board

Before we knew it, the awards ceremony was well underway in the iMax cinema at the Glasgow Science Centre.  

The exciting winners of the evening were Jonathan Saunders who won Designer of the Year, Henry Holland - International Designer of the Year, Hilary Alexander - Fashion Ambassador,  Bebaroque - Accessory designer of the year, Harris Tweed - Textile Designer of the Year, Henrietta Ludgate - Young Designer of the year and the most prestigious of the awards, Rankin winning the Hall of Fame award.

Henry Hollands entourage so to speak brought an infectious party spirit to the awards, whooping in applause at Hollands win!  And, it was heartwarming when Hilary Alexander was surprised with her award as Fashion Ambassador, giving credit to her support of the Scottish Fashion Awards.  It was also endearing to listen to Rankin confess to his nerves on the evening and how proud he was to be picking up an award.

The evening progressed on to a wonderful 3 course dinner, interesting chat and lots of bubbly.  I was fortunate enough to be at a table full of characters from the world of fashion retail, journalism and tv.  I met the lovely Mark Hayes, GMTV stylist, who was so down to earth and kept us amused with stories of how he is often mistaken for Jason Gardner of Dancing on Ice fame.

Mark Hayes and moi

Morven chatting to Jonathan and Daniel of Garcons de Glasgow

Brix, Morven and myself
(grey blob is not hiding a nip, it's an error i couldn't be bothered to fix!)

After dinner we were treated to a wonderful catwalk show by Swarovski.  Sparkling models sashayed down the purple glitter catwalk in the most wonderful creations covered in bling.  I love my sparkle and I  lusted after every piece that pounded the floor before me.

Jonathan Saunders

Dolly Jones and Jonathan Saunders

Highlight of my night was getting to meet the amazing Jonathan Saunders who I mentioned in a prior post, I knew a long time ago in passing.  It was lovely to reacquaint myself with him and congratulate him on his award.

It was a long but fabulous evening full of glamour and sparkle.  It's fair to say I peaked far too early and by the time the after party got in full swing, I was probably tucked up in bed with a half eaten tunnocks caramel wafer from my goody bag, by my side.

You just can't buy class!

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: What I Wore

Before I go into any level of detail about the awards like how fabulous Shirley Bassey looked,  how HAWT David Gandy is, how Henry Holland and his entourage brought the party, the lump in my throat when the wonderful Hilary Alexander won Fashion Ambassador or how much an honour it was to finally get to speak to Jonathan Saunders, I thought I would first show you what I wore to the event.

My evening started with a wardrobe dilemna - 2 weeks away from the gym had taken their toll and my jumpsuit had become a little tight round the edges shall we say.  I had to just make do and roll with it though.  This is the same outfit I wore for my birthday (I wore the same thing twice!! Quelle Horreur!)

Navy jumpsuit: Topshop
Shoes: Aldo
Fur Stole: Vintage Ebay
Earrings: Oasis
Rings: Karen Millen, Vivienne Westwood and some others picked up in stalls or abroad

I was hoping to wear some fabulous Warehouse accessories and a gorgeous Warehouse bag but unfortunately for me they were not in store.  I managed to make do with some last minute bits and bobs from elsewhere, including a cuff that fellow blogger Ann managed to pick me up after she learned of my accessory panic!!

Somehow I went from looking half decent and being quite pleased with my outfit to looking like a heffalump by the time photos were taken at the event.  Hmmph! Not quite sure how that happens but I'm hoping it's nothing the gym won't fix.

 For my make up I wanted a bright pink lip to match my nails which were painted in GOSH Flamingo.  I had forgotten what a fabulous shade this is!

I did my own hair up for the evening by trying to channel Chanel's catwalk look.  I literally scooped all my hair into a high ponytal, backcombed the pony to within an inch of it's life then scooped it all around the base, pinning with a few bobby pins here and there.  Naturally half a tonne of hairspray was added for extra peace of mind!

Face: Chanel AquaLumiere
Cheeks:  Nars Laguna, Nars Orgasm and a touch of Illamasqua Erzule
Eyes: MAC Brule, MAC Charcoal Brown (crease), MAC Blacktrack, Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia (Darkest blues mixed and layered over eyeliner).  MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara
Lips:  MAC Longwear Lipcreme in Love Forever

That's a lot of MAC!

I decided to forego false lashes but by the end of the night I wish I had worn them although sometimes it's nice to give the eyes a rest.

This is usually a failsafe outfit for me as jumpsuits are so comfortable.  Needless to say by the end of the evening my feet were killing me.

My fellow blogger gals who accompanied me to the do... Ann at Girl in the City and Morven from Cats and Rocking Chairs did not disappoint as they looked absolutely stunning.

More pics to come of all of us and a few schlebs too ;)

x

My latest obsession ... Green Tea!

I've pretty much always known that green tea is good for you but not being a tea/coffee drinker in general, it's never occurred to me to include green tea (or any tea for that matter) in my daily routine. 

That is until I met the wonderful Mikey who was sharing some of his weight loss, feel good tips with me.  He said it had worked wonders for him so without doubting a word he uttered I rushed out to stock up on some green tea.  

The initial objective to drinking green tea was weight loss as it's known for its anti-oxidant qualities and increasing the metabolism but after a couple of days of drinking i started to notice some other perks to add to it's extensive list of benefits. 

I aimed to drink up to 4 cups a day - any more was a bonus.  After a couple of days I noticed my tired, dull and spotty skin completely clearing up.  My make up sat flawlessly on my skin and I noticed a much more radiant glow to my face.  It was wonderful! 

I also felt much more alive, awake and my mood was perkier in general.  My energy levels had definitely increased too which was fantastic for going to the gym :) 

Honestly, I am bowled over!  Why did it take me so long to catch on to the wonders of this magic pot of goodness?! 

Due to feeling a bit poorly last week I haven't drank it regularly for a week and my skin has started to break out again so today I got back on it ... like a car bonnet ;p (for all your Geordie Shore fans!).  

I am hoping that my skin will clear again within a couple of days and this time I plan to keep green tea in my routine permanently.   So far I haven't noticed any weight loss effects but I guess when you eat for Britain, no magic tea is gonna help you! 

You wanna know what else green tea is good for?

• Depression 
• Headaches
• Reduces risk of cancer (allegedly)
• Heart conditions
• Cholesterol
• Tooth Decay
• Acne

There is so much more to add but we could be here all day.  Basically there isn't much that green tea isn't good for. 

So far I haven't used any particular brands, I am looking to try a few and see what suits best.  However, I have been drinking green tea infused with jasmine which smells amazing and although tastes a little soapy, it is a little easier to go down than green tea straight. 

I have been told it's best to let this tea brew so I leave the teabag in for up to 5 minutes before decanting.  I quite like to squeeze the life out of the blighter too ;) 

Are there any green tea enthusiasts out there who can recommend a particular brand to try or how best to drink your green tea?

x

One size fits all.

Something I haven't blogged about in great detail lately is the life overhaul I am going through.  That basically means I am on that healthy eating, get fit wagon that I keep falling off, again!

Before I post about my gym routine, healthy eating and current progress, it's safe to say that I am determined not to buy new clothes until I have reached my goal body.

So what's a girl to do if she wants to update her wardrobe without buying new wares??

Accessorise!

It's an age old rule for me as it is ... outfits can be changed from dressy to casual, from professional to laid back with the switch up of a pair of earrings, a cocktail ring or some stacked bracelets.  Accessories ALWAYS fit too, it doesn't matter if you are carrying a few extra pounds, those earrings will still look as sparkly on.  Now, I am a bit sheepish about showing off new bits & bobs since I recently de-cluttered my whole jewellery/accessory collection with the promise to myself no more was needed.  However, there is always an exception to the rule and that's usually when there is those 4 little letters emblazoned across a shop window ...

S A L E

Yes, Warehouse had slashed the prices of their accessories and I got myself a little bundle all priced between £1 and £6.  Come on, how could I turn that down? So anyway, here is what I picked up.  Apologies for the grainy iphone pics but i'm just a bit of a lazy bum today.

I started off with these dangly earrings, £2 and £1 respectively - how bargainous?!  I never used to leave the house without a pair of statement earrings but I honestly can't remember the last time I even wore a pair of studs.  I wear my hair up a lot these days and figured that  a nice pair of danglies would go nicely with a maxi or tunic dress.  If I don't get round to wearing them then there is no major financial loss so win, win! :)

The next little set of bargains are a gold filigree style cuff, a multi-shade wooden beaded bracelet and a chunky navy & emerald bangle.  I can't remember their prices but none were more than £6 which is great.

After I left Warehouse, I popped into M&S to ask how much I had left on a gift card that has been in my purse for the last 3 years.  I honestly thought there was only a fiver left on it - I was squealing with excitement when I was told there was over £100 on it!! AMAZING! Anyway, instead of going wild in the aisles, I just picked up the one thing which was yet another pair of sunglasses to add to the ever expanding collection.

Excuse my dodgy, unkempt hair - I went for another pair of cat eye glasses.  This is my third pair in a month! Toffs certainly are careless.  These just looked so fabulous on, I had to have them.  In some light they are a taupey shade, in other lights, they look slightly green.  They were £15.

Other purchases I managed to body swerve were a gorgeous pair of black platforms and slouchy clutch from Dorothy Perkins (wow, have they gone up in the style stakes since I last shopped there!).

Anyway, Tomorrow is Monday and I am back to the grind and a super busy week involving some glitz, glamour and pampering.

What bargains have you been snapping up lately?

x

Saskia the Style Fairy is on Facebook!

It's taken me a while to jump on the facebook bandwagon when it comes to the old blog but I've finally taken that step.

In all honestly the profile has been available for some time, I just didn't know what to do with it but this week I uploaded some photos and began to add links to new posts.

I have galleries available for outfit, nail and events posts and would love to hear your feedback on my facebook page so comment away.  If there is anything useful you think can be added to it please do let me know.  You can add me on facebook at this link www.facebook.com/saskiathestylefairy or you can click the pink facebook icon on the left hand column of this blog.

For the time being it is set up as a profile where you can add me as a friend, however I am still toying with the idea of making it a page set up only where you simply 'like' the page but still receive updates to posts.

I would really love to know your opinions on this and what you think is the best format to take it forward with.

See you on facebook! :)

x

Playboy in the UK

Thirty years after the London club was closed, this week Hugh Heffner re-launched his Mayfair club complete with the iconic Playboy Bunnies in tow.

For many a feminist out there it was a day of protest exclaiming that the re-opening the club was degrading to women and glamourised pornography.  Well, I have never claimed to be a feminist ... not a full time one at least ;).

I believe in equality but I also believe in defined roles between male and female but most of all I believe in empowerment of the individual.  I have always had a bit of a thing for Playboy and posted about vintage covers a while back.  It's true to say that if I were around back in the 60's/70's, I would have loved nothing more than to be a Playboy Bunny, following in the footsteps of the incredible Debbie Harry and Lauren Hutton who in my opinion are strong, empowered women.

These days I am a bit past it to be a Bunny and I don't think my husband would take to kindly to it either.  I don't look at it as degrading at all ... for the most part the women are covered up in their bunny costumes and it's all about the element of suggestion rather than walking into a strip bar where girl writhe around naked on poles.

Debbie Harry (Blondie) as a Bunny

None of the Playboy Bunnies are being forced to dress up and work at the club, they all applied for the job - I don't see that as degrading.  What about an individuals right to be what they want to be and do what they want to do?  Surely a person is free to make their own choices.

I was quite excited to hear about the Playboy club whether that makes me vile, disgusting, ignorant, I really don't know.  My heart still lies in the old retro Playboy era but I think it will be interesting to see how it will translate in the 21st Century.

Lauren Hutton as a Bunny

Apparently Hef isn't looking for uber tanned, overtly sexy women to be his Bunnies, he is sticking to his original brief from when the legacy began, the girl next door who can flutter their lashes and intrigue the customer.

It's just all a bit tongue in cheek and that's what I think the protesters fail to see.

What are your thoughts on Playboy hitting the UK after all these years?

x

Jessie J - what a transformation

Known for her undeniable talent as a singer and performer, Jessie J was also making headlines with her unique and unapologetic sense of style.  The blunt fringe, the full on make up, Jessie made a big impact in the style stakes and had many a You Tube guru recreating her look.

At last nights Glamour Awards, Jessie won the 'Woman of Tomorrow' award and was nearly unrecognisable in her chic and glamorous get up.   She clearly stole the show.

She looked amazing with retro-esque waves in her hair and her fringe out of sight.  Toned down but stunning make up and a dress that clinged to her amazing figure, she looked a million dollars.   A picture of old Hollywood Glamour.

I never would have doubted her previous look had I not seen her look so unbelievably jaw-dropping at last nights Awards.  I wonder if Jessie J will keep up this new look or if it's for special events only?  

Would you like to see more of this new Jessie J?

x

Filofax Apex Blogger Style Off

Filofax have launched their new Apex filofax and to celebrate they have challenged a number of bloggers to a 'Style Off'.

I am never one to shy away from putting an outfit together but having been hit with the lurgy this week I didn't expect it to be quite the struggle it ended up being.  But more on that another time.  You might also be aware that filofax is kind of a big deal with bloggers ... Amanda at  Beauty Blogging Blonde even started up her own appreciation society for them on facebook!

The bloggers involved have been asked to come up with an outfit or outfits as the case may be that reflect the colourful style of the new Apex which is in keeping with spring/summer trends - colour blocking.  The Apex comes in a variety of colours and as part of the challenge I was asked to choose which one I would like so I could create an OOTD around.

I chose blue and yellow.  It's a cute little organiser that is held together with an elasticated band in yellow and the leather is slightly embossed in a gorgeous royal blue.  Blue is one of my favourite colours but to be honest I had no idea how I was going to style this up!

Basically the style off challenge relies on you voting for your favourite bloggers outfit/look by using the 'like' function on the Filofax Facebook page at www.Facebook/filofax

The blogger who wins the challenge then gets sent 12 of these lovely Apex filofax to giveaway to their readers which is quite exciting.  I have been planning a giveaway for a while now but this is better than what I had planned!

Here's a sneaky peek taster of my outfit:

The competition goes live on the filofax facebook page tomorrow and I will also be posting my look for you to see on here.  I'd love a vote from you but I'm sure there will be some fabulous outfits to choose from, already can't wait to see everyone else's looks and cast my own vote :)

x

Rapidlash to the rescue!

Back at the start of the year I was using Revitalash on my lashes to help condition and ultimately lengthen and thicken them.  It gave me the length I was after and I was so happy with the results until I decided to get lash extensions back in March.  Well, I pretty much hated them after only a few days and went about getting rid of the blighters.

Needless to say, my eyes ended up near bald.  Some of you may remember seeing my post with very sore and sad eyes void of lashes.  Instead of going back to the trusty Revitalash, I decided to try another product that I had heard everyone rave about - Rapidlash.

Rapidlash is a lash conditioner that is 'clinically proven to give you up to 50% longer looking natural lashes'  making your lashes look stronger, fuller and longer within 6-8 weeks.  Rapidlash is also the cheaper alternative priced at £39.95 and readily available at Boots.

Like other products of it's kind you apply Rapidlash along the lashline.  I do this at night after I have cleansed, swiping a clean line over my lid as if I were applying a liner.  I do this faithfully every night.

I fully expected to wait a couple  of months for decent results but after only 3 weeks my lashes had started to grow back and look glossier and healthier.  After 6 weeks their full length was back to normal. At the 8 week mark they had grown beyond their natural length with my right eye in particular showing extra length especially on the outer corner.

To cut a long story short, this product has worked wonders for me and I have had no side effects from it, no discolouration to the eye or lids and no soreness or dryness.  I would definitely recommend this product and I even had my sister in law use it before her wedding as she had also had a similar lash extension disaster like myself.  She too loved the results and Rapidlash had her lashes back to full health just in time for her wedding day. Phew!

The proof in the pudding for me is when people at work ask if I am wearing false lashes which of course i'm not.  I would much rather spend up to £40 on a tube of this magic than dodgy extensions that leave my poor wee eyes baldy and raw!

Has anyone else used and loved Rapidlash?  Perhaps you had the opposite experience?  Let me know :)

x