On Saturday night I went out to celebrate my birthday. Earlier on that day, I was looking through old pictures of Elizabeth Taylor and was really drawn into the vintage look. My friend from The Red Dutchess created a 1920s inspired updo, which was made even better with the beautiful vintage drop earrings that I received as a gift.
I began my make-up routine by washing my face with ice cold water and applying the Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer. As I let that dry in, I set up my make-up station.
For my base I used the George from Asda Boosting Concealer in fair and applied the Topshop Glow to my cheekbones and forehead. I then blended in. I then used the Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in shade Ivory - using my Real Technqiues Buffing Brush. When my base was finished I applied some brown powder to my brows and used my Stilla Eyeshadow Palette colour 'Instinct' for a golden creamy base. I then used the Soap & Glory 'Perfect Ten' in shade 'Smokin'. I applied this all over my eyelid and then blended in in circular motions. To help soften the black, I applied a small amount of 'Instinct' over my lower lid and brow bone. I added some dazzle using an unbranded eyeshadow. I then did a dramatic winged eye using the NYC liquid Concealer.
I used the Sheer Cover Perfect finish powder over all over my face and neck then used the Sheer Cover Bronzer Block to contour my cheekbones, forehead and nose. I used my Real Techniques Blended Oval Brush.
To highlight my under eye area and nose, I used the Collection Long Lasting Concealer in fair and again used the Blending brush. I then used my unbranded blusher palette to my cheeks and topped of the look with a Rimmel Kate Moss Red Lipstick, Primark Red Lip Liner, Urban Decay highlighting block and the Colour Experts shimmer block on my upper cheekbones.
This post has been inspired by the 'This Girl Can' project with sports relief.
The project celebrates the active and motivated ladies who are doing what they can to achieve a healthy lifestyle, in a fun, manageable and realistic way.
The importance of exercise and activity has great effects on not only the body but the mind. Its about getting out there and trying something new whilst socialising and meeting like-minded people.
My fitness story began a few years ago when I decided to take part in the Derry Half Marathon 2014.
Id previously done the relay for the Derry Half Marathon 2013 - which I can only say was not a great experience. The relay is 4 miles and I ran 1 and a half miles and walked the remaining 2 and a half miles LOL. I was really unfit and I struggled from the get go. I remember on the day, looking at the runners and thinking 'What an amazing achievement. Someday ill do that'. But I never actually thought I would have. The thought of running 5 mile - let alone 13 mile- was enough of a scary thought.
Therefore when I signed up to the Half in 2014, I was determined to put in the training and stay focused. I began training in early May 2014 with my dad - beginning at running 1 minute and walking 30 seconds and so on twice a week. Eventually my dad got me up to 4 mile - but that wasn't easy. I suffered from the 'runners wall' - where I found myself struggling to be comfortable when running a certain distance. But I stuck at it and kept my goal in sight even though at times I couldn't breath or feel my legs. When I was running 4 mile comfortably, 10 weeks before the event, myself and my dad joined a local running club - Rise - which helped me prepare for the half marathon greatly. I began to get comfortable in my runs and soon enough I was running from Derry to Buncrana !!.
It wasn't always easy, especially the 9am starts on a Sunday morning, but I really began to love running. I loved the effects it had on my mind. When I run, its my time. I put my headphones in and just hit the road. When I completed the half marathon I was on cloud 9. I was smiling from ear to ear my last mile and the support I received at the end was overwhelming. I couldn't believe that within a year, I was the one crossing the finishing line.
It didn't stop there. I was determined to keep up the training as I was really feeling the benefits it had on my body and mind. ** I never began training to loose weight. My body gradually began changing. Don't start running, solely to loose weight. It wont happen over night. It may be a few months before you loose any, but the most important thing is enjoying the time you spend running, rather than fussing over your weight **.
I started to sign up for more Half Marathons, 5ks and 10ks. Then came my first triathlon. Id witnessed my dad take part in the Liam Ball 2014 and he said to me 'Youll be there next year' and I said 'never would I be able to do that' . But he encouraged me, and once again I was determined to take part. So along came the months of prep. Im no triathlete by any means - im more of a 'tri-er' LOL. My biggest concern was the roadbike. Going out, sharing the roads with cars and not knowing how to use my gears (which I still struggle with). But I constantly reminded myself that its for enjoyment becca and not a race. Just go easy and youll be fine. So that's what I did and surely enough my confidence began to grow a bit and my spirits were rising. Which was important because on the day of my first triathlon, my chain nipped on my bike at 7 mile !! but I was adamant to finish and I forgot all about times. I just focused on finishing the race and getting that great Liam Ball trophy lol.
Since I began exercising, my mindset has completely changed. Ive met great people, made so many accomplishments and look forward to my daily workouts. I always enjoy having a goal to work towards and keeping myself focused.
It doesn't matter what size, shape or age you are; being fit is for everyone. It doesn't mean doing a half marathon or triathlon. It could be going a walk everyday, visiting the gym once a week, going for a leisurely swim, attending a local running club i.e. couch to 5k. Its about getting out there and mixing with people whilst doing good for your body and mind.
Take small steps - no one starts out fast or being able to clock 10 miles. It all has to begin somewhere and usually that somewhere is from inside. Feelings of achievement, enjoyment, accomplishment and motivation are the most important factors to anything you choose to do.
So to celebrate Sports Relief, get on board and say This Girl Can
2015 truly has been a great year for me. I've achieved alot and some things that is never done before. So I'm looking forward to the New Year .
This post is just to give some fashion inspo when out celebrating 2016. There is alot of sparkles in these outfits and why not? It's the New Year. It's time to Shine.
Outfit 1
Black trousers paired with a sparkly top. Here I've given 3 different options. Option 1 a long sleeved slightly cropped top. A great option for wanting to keep warm but still showing some skin. Option 2 a gold slinky vest top. A great option for covering up but keeping shoulders bare for a more glam look. Option 3 this beautiful peplum thick strap top. A great option of you don't want to go too bare up top but still want a little arm shown. The peplum also gives great shape and highlights the waist area.
Outfit 2
This slightly off the shoulder black midi dress with neckline embellishment paired with glittery heels and a glittery clutch to add some sparkle to this LBD
Outfit 3
My favourite piece of this outfit is the polka dot tights. They will provide some warmth whilst remaining stylish. I've added a large gold necklace and a fine black/gold belt to highlight the waist and to break the black. I've gone with a really sparkly clutch to add some character to the dress.
Outfit 4
This is an outfit I wore to a jazz night recently. I wore black leather like trousers with this very sparkly mesh long sleeved top. I added a red belt, red shoes and a red bag. It's Christmas and I felt this outfit was really festive.
On Friday evening I attended a lovely evening reception with a Christmas theme. It was a really lovely vibe and atmosphere and got me really excited for the next few weeks.
Ive never been to a Winter wedding before so I didn't know what to wear. I didnt want to go full length or too formal but I also wanted a little warmth. Therefore I went with this 1930s inspired dress with a small fur bolero and barely there gold sandals. I kept my make-up very minimal and didn't wear any black on my eyes (only black mascara) as I wanted a bold lip.
Here are a few ideas that ive found for Winter weddings
River Island
I really like the colour and style of the first option. I detail on the back helps balance out the plain on the front. I think the models shoes are perfect with this look as they are not too much. Personally I would add a diamante belt around the middle just to add a bit of sparkle and shape to the waist. I would go with a diamante clutch with drop earrings and my hair up in a vintage do
Asos
The second option works for me because of the detailing and the mesh sleeves. Although it is short, the long sleeves keep this dress looking 'warm'. The detailing is beautiful and teamed with dainty black heels and a black clutch, would be a great wedding time look. Again I really like the hair on the model as the dress is busy enough, that an updo doesn't add anymore distraction to the look
When Autumn / Winter strikes we all think about the LBD (little black dress), and on Saturday night I was headed to a Hen Party which required me to wear all black. I choose this basic black dress with these small straps and small keyhole opening. To add a bit of character to the dress I added on my own greyish beaded belt and tied it in a bow at the bank.
I had originally planned on wearing black shoes, a black bag and a sleek updo with red lips but then last minute I decided to change it up a bit and curl my short hair and go with silver shoes and bag to add some sparkle !
For my make-up I wore a strong cat eye and a berry lip. I outlined my lips in a berry / brownish liner and wore a burgundy lipstick over the top. For this look I didn't wear any eye shadow just a primer base with a hint of Topshop glow because I felt that the strong eyeliner, lips and big hair was enough.
The great thing about LBD is that they can be worn with anything. You can add any accessory i.e. a coloured belt and it will transform the dress each time !
I hope this can inspire you when deciding how to style your LBD this Party season xxx
Late last night I was browsing online passing sometime and remembered about an online clothes shop 'Lily LuLu Fashion' that I used to really like a few years back. So when I came across the page last night I decided to have a look through and found these two beautiful dresses that I thought would be perfect for the upcoming party season or any winter weddings - and with both dresses being under £20.00 I thought it would be a shame not to share
Dress number 1 - £15.00
With this dress, the glistening detail and long sleeves scream instant glamour to me. The spilt at the bottom gives the dress a glamorous feel with the long sleeves adding a more classy vibe. The open neck line shows of the chest area but remaining modest with the added material - great for ladies with a large bust as the open neck line and added material distracts and conceals.
How id wear this dress
I would team with barely there heeled sandals in silver teamed with a silver glittery clutch.
Personally I would add a small fine belt (diamante) to help break the dress and to show off my shape
I would wear my hair in 1940's waves with a red lip, black eye liner and small diamante drop earrings.
Dress number 2 - £10.00
You cant go wrong with an LBD and this dress ticks a lot of boxes. The length is perfect and compliments the skin shown at the shoulders as there isn't too much leg shown. The fishtail bottom is a timeless glamourous look and at Christmas - whether it be a wedding or staff do - we all strive for glamour because this time of year puts no limits of glamour, sparkle and glitter.
How id wear this dress
Because of the fishtail bottom and bare shoulders - I would go simple with this look. I would team with black barely there heeled sandals and a plain black glittery clutch.
For some lift with the dress, I would wear a statement diamond necklace with a simple drop earring.
Personally I would wear my hair up and out of my face - maybe in a vintage beehive style or a messy back braid.
I would follow with a subtle smoky eye and a nude / light pink lip
If you are not keen on having your arms or shoulders on show, then add a simple bolero or scarf shawl
That is my advice of both dresses but everyone is different and may want to style in their own way. I often visualise outfits in my head and hope they come together - sometimes they do and sometimes they don't .
So a few weeks back I attended the Foyleside 20th Birthday bash in Town. And to celebrate their birthday, the shops of Foyleside were giving away discounts on their clothes. I had no intention of shopping this day as I don't need anything else but when I seen this dress I decided to try it on. It was the only one left and it happened to be in my size.
I was attracted to the style and colours of the dress. Its a great transition piece that can be worn any time of year and any occasion. I decided to purchase the dress as it was reduced to £10.00 and I got it for £5.00 !!! So I was really happy with that and couldn't pass on that bargain
That night I was meeting a friend at a local bar and wanted to be casual but still a little glam- therefore I wore black barely there heeled sandals with a black/metallic clutch and wore my hair up in braids to show off the lace up detailing at the front. To give the dress some shape and to break the pattern, I added a belt around the upper waist area.
Im also going to wear this dress for a casual occasion teamed with ankle boots and my black leather jacket - a real 70's hippies vibe and next Spring/Summer I can wear the dress to any concerts or festivals as it is lightweight but full length to keep me cool during the day but warm at night.
Recently ive been going by some 'shopping rules' when in town. Before I consider buying anything, I ask myself 'Do I really need this?' and 'What have I already got that I can wear with it?'.
I also try to create a few senarios of when I can wear an item. Just to make sure I don't buy something and then leave it hanging up for a few months !
