Shopping Spree: American Apparel, Topshop and Uniqlo

This weekend I went on a small-scale shopping spree, to buy some basics for my wardrobe. Here is what I came home with (from top left):

1. Uniqlo grey skinny jeans - I have been meaning to try Uniqlo's jeans for ages as so many people say they are the best on the high street. This has been confirmed!

2. American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirt - If these are good enough to grace the wardrobe of the Olsen twins...

3. Topshop grey round-neck jumper - The perfect style for lounging round the house, and dress-down days.

4. American Apparel bra - Super-comfortable and eye-catching. I love the bikini-esque feel. Forever summer!

5. More American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirts and bras - Can you tell there was a deal on? Buy three save 15%

Shopping Spree: American Apparel, Topshop and Uniqlo

This weekend I went on a small-scale shopping spree, to buy some basics for my wardrobe. Here is what I came home with (from top left):

1. Uniqlo grey skinny jeans - I have been meaning to try Uniqlo's jeans for ages as so many people say they are the best on the high street. This has been confirmed!

2. American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirt - If these are good enough to grace the wardrobe of the Olsen twins...

3. Topshop grey round-neck jumper - The perfect style for lounging round the house, and dress-down days.

4. American Apparel bra - Super-comfortable and eye-catching. I love the bikini-esque feel. Forever summer!

5. More American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirts and bras - Can you tell there was a deal on? Buy three save 15%

Kenwood House and

This weekend me and my boyfriend ventured to Kenwood House

in Hampstead Heath for the first time.

It is a beautiful old family estate once belonging to the Mansfield family,

and is now in the hands of English Heritage.

We spent the day exploring the house, and its impressive art collection,

and lounging on the lawns.

A perfect way to spend a lazy summer's afternoon.

Afterwards

The art collection was incredible featuring several paintings by Van Dyck, Vermeer, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable,

S/S Beauty Trends

Forget the sophisticated palettes from last autumn/winter, and say goodbye to the sultry vamp and 70s golden girl looks that dominated every catwalk, fashion editorial and high street near you. There are several looks that define this season from summer brights on eyes and lips, blocked colour (from pastels to metallics), and glowing and luminous skin.

Natural Glow

Autumn/winter’s neutral tones have heightened to luminous and glowing skin this summer as seen at Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and Balmain.

The key to this look is keeping everything minimalist yet radiant. A flawless complexion is key, but it is also important to create a defined eye to work alongside. Apply a chocolate brown eyeshadow along top, bottom and eye socket. Finally, apply a healthy peach or pink shade of blusher.

Get the natural glow look: NARS Laguna Bronzer, NARS Oragasm Illuminator, Rituals Sundance Cheek & Eye Glow, Topshop Skin Glow.

Strong and groomed eyebrows

Strong and groomed eyebrows have been a favourite with heavyweight designers such as Vera Wang. With this look try channelling model-of-the-moment Arizona Muse and her striking brows.

Eyebrows are natural this season and to achieve this look keep them as full and straight as possible. Add texture by using a brow colour that matches your hair shade, and opt for the less-damaging threading than waxing to maintain the

shape.

Get the strong and groomed eyebrows look: HD Brows Eyes & Brows Palette, MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil, Benefit Brow Zing, No7 Precision Brow Pencil.

Bright Lips

Bright lipstick has been making a steady comeback for several seasons now, and this summer is set to offer the biggest yet. Bright lipstick made an appearance at numerous catwalk shows including bold orange lips at Fendi, glossy reds at Unique and matt pink at Diane Von Furstenberg.

Bright lips are essential for this season’s return to extreme glamour, choose shades from fuchsia to burgundy, and from matt to gloss. To stay ahead of the crowd, choose orange as this year’s antidote to screen siren red.

Get the bright lipstick look: MAC Ruby Woo, Topshop Hazard, No7 Tangerine Touch, Rituals Smart Lipstick, Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Ginger Fawn.

Colourful Eyes

One of the key trends this summer is a brightly coloured eye. This look was showcased at many shows for S/S 11 including emerald greens at Issa, and striking pastels at Dior and Versace.

Put your chocolate browns and charcoal greys aside as jewel-tones and pastels are essential for this look. Injecting colour on to your lids is perfect for long summer nights and adds a certain freshness.

Get the colourful eye look: Rituals Scuba Eye Pencil, MAC Full Force Voilet Pigment, Barry M Dazzle Dust Bright Emerald, NARS Mangrove.

S/S Beauty Trends

Forget the sophisticated palettes from last autumn/winter, and say goodbye to the sultry vamp and 70s golden girl looks that dominated every catwalk, fashion editorial and high street near you. There are several looks that define this season from summer brights on eyes and lips, blocked colour (from pastels to metallics), and glowing and luminous skin.

Natural Glow

Autumn/winter’s neutral tones have heightened to luminous and glowing skin this summer as seen at Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and Balmain.

The key to this look is keeping everything minimalist yet radiant. A flawless complexion is key, but it is also important to create a defined eye to work alongside. Apply a chocolate brown eyeshadow along top, bottom and eye socket. Finally, apply a healthy peach or pink shade of blusher.

Get the natural glow look: NARS Laguna Bronzer, NARS Oragasm Illuminator, Rituals Sundance Cheek & Eye Glow, Topshop Skin Glow.

Strong and groomed eyebrows

Strong and groomed eyebrows have been a favourite with heavyweight designers such as Vera Wang. With this look try channelling model-of-the-moment Arizona Muse and her striking brows.

Eyebrows are natural this season and to achieve this look keep them as full and straight as possible. Add texture by using a brow colour that matches your hair shade, and opt for the less-damaging threading than waxing to maintain the

shape.

Get the strong and groomed eyebrows look: HD Brows Eyes & Brows Palette, MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil, Benefit Brow Zing, No7 Precision Brow Pencil.

Bright Lips

Bright lipstick has been making a steady comeback for several seasons now, and this summer is set to offer the biggest yet. Bright lipstick made an appearance at numerous catwalk shows including bold orange lips at Fendi, glossy reds at Unique and matt pink at Diane Von Furstenberg.

Bright lips are essential for this season’s return to extreme glamour, choose shades from fuchsia to burgundy, and from matt to gloss. To stay ahead of the crowd, choose orange as this year’s antidote to screen siren red.

Get the bright lipstick look: MAC Ruby Woo, Topshop Hazard, No7 Tangerine Touch, Rituals Smart Lipstick, Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Ginger Fawn.

Colourful Eyes

One of the key trends this summer is a brightly coloured eye. This look was showcased at many shows for S/S 11 including emerald greens at Issa, and striking pastels at Dior and Versace.

Put your chocolate browns and charcoal greys aside as jewel-tones and pastels are essential for this look. Injecting colour on to your lids is perfect for long summer nights and adds a certain freshness.

Get the colourful eye look: Rituals Scuba Eye Pencil, MAC Full Force Voilet Pigment, Barry M Dazzle Dust Bright Emerald, NARS Mangrove.

Interview with Ayah Marar

Can you describe your sound?

I came from the underground side of things so that will always be a big part of my sound. Big bass and synth sounds, generally quite dark but with big poppy choruses. I only sing what I know about, I'd say it's overground underground! Pop for the night.

How has your music evolved through the years?

I've become a lot more open to the notion that even the people I most admire take others into account when song-writing, it's like therapy you can share. I've also learned that there is a formula to good song-writing, and I've been learning to find a way to use my love of music and a stronger intuition when it comes to the way I write.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I love Robyn, Erykah Badu, Gil Scott Heron, Biggie, a lot of early New Jack Swing, hip-hop and soul, but reggae comes top of my list if I had to choose a genre. Choosing a favourite artist would be like choosing a favourite of your own children to me.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

I'd love to work with Prince. What a dream come true that would be!

What are your career highlights so far?

It's hard to see things as highlights yet as I've really just started my personal journey, but touring the world with Calvin Harris and playing Glastonbury with Jack Penate are up there so far.

What makes London such a great place for music?

Diversity, fearlessness, gloomy days that are perfect for song-writing and real passion for what people love to do.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I've just bought Tyler The Creator's 'Goblin' and the new Young The Giant album. More out of interest or a performance that's impressed me than anything else. I like to know what's going on around me. Also loving C.W. Stoneking

Can you describe your fashion style?

Jersey and leggings are my friends. Otherwise, I love tailoring. Crisp lines, chiffon shirts, well made suit jackets. I'm old school when it comes to elegance and presentation, with a measure of bling and bright colours thrown in.

What are your three favourite items in your wardrobe?

I recently bought a thick denim shirt from Urban Outfitters which I've been living in, a gorgeous black rubber and gold Adidas watch and a face pendant necklace from Yunus & Eliza.

What is on your shopping wish list this summer?

The new Bebe glitter wedges, a bottle of Chanel no.22 and I love the bespoke lingerie at Sugarlesque.

Where are your favourite places to shop in London?

I refuse to believe any London girl can live without Topshop, otherwise American Apparel for the mix and match basics, and bits I've already got in my own wardrobe whether it's jewellery or accessories to make the looks my own.

What does the rest of 2011 have in store for you?

Lots of shows, the release of my first single 'Follow You' on Ministry of Sound later this summer, and world domination of course...

http://ayahmarar.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar

http://twitter.com/AyahMarar

http://www.youtube.com/AyahMarar

Ayah Marar's single off her debut album 'The Real' is out on Ministry of Sound at the end of July.

Interview with Ayah Marar

Can you describe your sound?

I came from the underground side of things so that will always be a big part of my sound. Big bass and synth sounds, generally quite dark but with big poppy choruses. I only sing what I know about, I'd say it's overground underground! Pop for the night.

How has your music evolved through the years?

I've become a lot more open to the notion that even the people I most admire take others into account when song-writing, it's like therapy you can share. I've also learned that there is a formula to good song-writing, and I've been learning to find a way to use my love of music and a stronger intuition when it comes to the way I write.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I love Robyn, Erykah Badu, Gil Scott Heron, Biggie, a lot of early New Jack Swing, hip-hop and soul, but reggae comes top of my list if I had to choose a genre. Choosing a favourite artist would be like choosing a favourite of your own children to me.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

I'd love to work with Prince. What a dream come true that would be!

What are your career highlights so far?

It's hard to see things as highlights yet as I've really just started my personal journey, but touring the world with Calvin Harris and playing Glastonbury with Jack Penate are up there so far.

What makes London such a great place for music?

Diversity, fearlessness, gloomy days that are perfect for song-writing and real passion for what people love to do.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I've just bought Tyler The Creator's 'Goblin' and the new Young The Giant album. More out of interest or a performance that's impressed me than anything else. I like to know what's going on around me. Also loving C.W. Stoneking

Can you describe your fashion style?

Jersey and leggings are my friends. Otherwise, I love tailoring. Crisp lines, chiffon shirts, well made suit jackets. I'm old school when it comes to elegance and presentation, with a measure of bling and bright colours thrown in.

What are your three favourite items in your wardrobe?

I recently bought a thick denim shirt from Urban Outfitters which I've been living in, a gorgeous black rubber and gold Adidas watch and a face pendant necklace from Yunus & Eliza.

What is on your shopping wish list this summer?

The new Bebe glitter wedges, a bottle of Chanel no.22 and I love the bespoke lingerie at Sugarlesque.

Where are your favourite places to shop in London?

I refuse to believe any London girl can live without Topshop, otherwise American Apparel for the mix and match basics, and bits I've already got in my own wardrobe whether it's jewellery or accessories to make the looks my own.

What does the rest of 2011 have in store for you?

Lots of shows, the release of my first single 'Follow You' on Ministry of Sound later this summer, and world domination of course...

http://ayahmarar.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar

http://twitter.com/AyahMarar

http://www.youtube.com/AyahMarar

Ayah Marar's single off her debut album 'The Real' is out on Ministry of Sound at the end of July.

Festival Fashion: Aztec Print

With Isle of White kicking off the festival season this weekend
I am beginning to think about my own festival attire this summer for Latitude, Wireless and (hopefully) Bestival.
One item that has caught my eye is the cropped Aztec print t-shirt from Topshop.
Perfect with 70s inspired high-waisted jeans and wooden platforms.
Let the festival season commence!

Festival Fashion: Aztec Print

With Isle of White kicking off the festival season this weekend I am beginning to think about my own festival attire this summer for Latitude, Wireless and (hopefully) Bestival. One item that has caught my eye is the cropped Aztec print t-shirt from Topshop. Perfect with 70s inspired high-waisted jeans and wooden platforms. Let the festival season commence!

Topshop Make-Up Celebrates Its First Birthday

Topshop make-up has recently celebrated its first birthday (just in case it passed you by). So a big congratulations is in order! You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.

The make-up collection has become one of my go-to brands on the high street since it launched.

The biggest sellers are lips and nails which is to be expected as both offer a fantastic range of striking colours which have great lasting power. My favourites are Gone Fishing and Dust Storm nail varnish, and Nevada and Oh La La lipsticks.

The collection has been really well executed from the start; from the minimalist packaging to the affordable prices, and adventurous colour palettes to the breadth of every-day products.

Topshop Make-Up Celebrates Its First Birthday

Topshop make-up has recently celebrated its first birthday (just in case it passed you by). So a big congratulations is in order! You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun.

The make-up collection has become one of my go-to brands on the high street since it launched.

The biggest sellers are lips and nails which is to be expected as both offer a fantastic range of striking colours which have great lasting power. My favourites are Gone Fishing and Dust Storm nail varnish, and Nevada and Oh La La lipsticks.

The collection has been really well executed from the start; from the minimalist packaging to the affordable prices, and adventurous colour palettes to the breadth of every-day products.

Topshop S/S Make-Up Launch, Sanderson Hotel

This week I attended the Topshop S/S Make-Up Launch at the Penthouse of the Sanderson Hotel.

The launch included all the new products for the forthcoming season as well its trend collection: Sandstorm.

The Sandstorm collection was inspired by the Burning Man Festival

in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA.

This in itself is quite amusing for such a mainstream brand as the

Burning Man festival is renowned for its anti-capitalist stance and therefore dislikes consumerism.

In keeping with desert festival theme the Sandstorm make-up includes bright blushers shades (my personal favourite), vivid nail varnishes and semi-permanent eye-liners all perfect for achieving the festival look and adding a much-loved burst of colour for the summer.

Finally, there was some experimental nail art happening,

which created a marbling effect.

The nail artist put a drop of nail varnish in a bowl of water and gradually added more until he had the desired effect.

He then dipped my nail in and removed the excess nail varnish, é voila!

Thanks Beauty Seen PR for hosting the event!

Topshop S/S Make-Up Launch, Sanderson Hotel

This week I attended the Topshop S/S Make-Up Launch at the Penthouse of the Sanderson Hotel.

The launch included all the new products for the forthcoming season as well its trend collection: Sandstorm.

The Sandstorm collection was inspired by the Burning Man Festival

in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA.

This in itself is quite amusing for such a mainstream brand as the

Burning Man festival is renowned for its anti-capitalist stance and therefore dislikes consumerism.

In keeping with desert festival theme the Sandstorm make-up includes bright blushers shades (my personal favourite), vivid nail varnishes and semi-permanent eye-liners all perfect for achieving the festival look and adding a much-loved burst of colour for the summer.

Finally, there was some experimental nail art happening,

which created a marbling effect.

The nail artist put a drop of nail varnish in a bowl of water and gradually added more until he had the desired effect.

He then dipped my nail in and removed the excess nail varnish, é voila!

Thanks Beauty Seen PR for hosting the event!

A/W Beauty Trends

Forget the pastel, neon and rainbow hues in homage to the 1970s discos from spring/summer 2010, we’ve moved on to a more sophisticated palette in beauty this autumn/winter. There are several looks which define this autumn/winter from the dark and sultry vamp to the fresh faced neutral look, and the screen siren red lipstick to the dazzling golden girl.

Vamp

The vamp look as seen on the catwalks at Maxmara and Blumarine is a great look for the party season. Keep things light and fresh by avoiding heavy mascara and eyeliner.

Last A/W saw the rise of purple when creating the smoky eye, this year it is all about different shades of grey blended together.

Get the vamp look: MAC smoky eye shadow in carbon, Rituals dark grey eye shadow in Onyx Eyes, Topshop kohl eyeliner in metallic grey, Maybelline Volume Express mascara.

Golden Girl

The golden girl look has been a catwalk favourite with heavyweights such as Chloë and Kenzo. With this look you need to channel the sun kissed 70s look, think Charlie’s Angels.

It is a glossy and light look where the aim is to exude health. Start with an illuminating primer and then use a light layer of bronzer, with a similar hue on the eyes and lip.

Get the golden girl look: Rituals cheek and eye glow, MAC eye shadow in Crest the Wave, Topshop skin glow, No7 brow pencil.

Screen Siren

The screen siren signature red lipstick is big this season. This look was showcased at many shows for A/W 11 including Moschino, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior and Roksanda Ilincic to name but a few.

All you need to create this look is a classic slick of red lipstick, top with lip gloss for intensity, and lashings of mascara. Keep eyes soft and skin radiant to maximise the effect.

Get the red lipstick look: MAC in Ruby Woo, Rituals in Attention!, CoverGirl in Hot, No7 Tangerine Touch.

Neutral

Spring’s pink cheeks have faded into A/W’s neutral tones this autumn/winter as seen at Alberta Ferretti, Victor & Rolf and Halston.

The key to this look is keeping everything looking effortless and radiant. Start with a light foundation or tinted moisturiser on prepped skin, bright eyes with softly blended hues and a glow in the cheeks. Define eyes and brows lightly.

Get the neutral look: Cowshed exfoliator, Rituals foundation, Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, MAC brow set, Pixi eye palette.

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