The first of September brings back memories of back-to-school apprehension. The change in season means the introduction of light knits into one’s wardrobe. Autumn makes way for deep earthy tones of chocolate and olive green with pops of orange and pink. The perfect bases for buildable layers of leather & cashmere.
When it comes to new seasons it’s best to think ahead. Primarily because all the good stuff goes out of stock early. So to avoid any fashion FOMO I put together my autumnal essential shopping list to ensure no one misses out!
So are you ready to plan for your autumn wardrobe?
My autumn wardrobe essentials 2021:
No. 1 PLEATED TENNIS SKIRTS
The collegiate preppy look is in, as is the subdued “old money” aesthetic. If you want to test drive this style, a staple piece to add to your wardrobe is a classic tennis skirt. A chalk-white one paired with a cream cashmere or tucked into an elegant silk blouse. You can also add an equestrian edge by adding a pair of knee-high leather boots. I recommend opting for a tennis skirt in neutral shades such as soft cream, stone, black, sky blue or navy so you can use it as a building block for your fall wardrobe.
Shop the best skirts
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No. 2 MICRO BAGS They have been the must-have accessory for the last 4 years. Since 2017 and Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito bag took the fashion world by storm, the trend has been the smaller the bag the better. The trend actually goes back further, these itty-bitty purses were especially popular in the early 1900s and were often carried by wealthy women because they were small, elegant, and held very little. They are the perfect “it-girl” accessory. Handbags remain at the forefront of fashion’s status symbol. However, there has been a definite shift towards less in-your-face logo blazing bags this season with more timeless silhouettes.
Shop the latest micro bag styles
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No. 3 KNITWEAR SETS I’m personally obsessed with cashmere and matching sets. So this trend is one I am super excited about. Twinsets also go hand in hand with the “old money” aesthetic that is becoming an increasingly prevalent trend, especially when worn in light tones and punctuated with a gold or pearl necklace.
No. 4 KNEE HIGH BOOTS My footwear of choice, year on year is a good quality pair of leather boots. They are my most versatile autumnal shoe, going from high-waisted denim jeans to flirty dresses. This is an item that really does sell out fast so I recommend stocking up on the shades you know you will wear time and time again. Be it dark grey, black, and an array of chocolate browns, knee-high boots are a must-have.
No. 5 THE PERFECT FALL FRAGRANCE Nothing tops off an outfit quite like the perfect perfume. I am always on the hunt for a scent that will compliment my outfit and I really like to switch it up with the temperature drops. Gravitating towards scents that have deeper notes such as sandalwood, musk, and oud. This said, I always have a couple of perfumes on rotation. I’m always on the look for new, slightly niche brands and fragrances so that I’m always wearing something just a little bit different, sometimes I even layer fragrances.
What’s on your Fall shopping list now?
So there you have it, those are the 5 AW21 trends that I can’t wait to wear.
Wi-Ki-Woo, the pink hotel in Ibiza, is straight-up amazing for sunset lovers and those on the hunt for the perfect Instagram feed. This dreamy boutique hotel is situated directly on the coast of San Antonio in Ibiza which is where you catch the best sunset views on the island.
The Location
San Antonio is a beautiful municipality on the North central coast of Ibiza. Ibiza is a famous Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. This area has a beautiful open bay, and the seafront promenade is lined with legendary sunset cafés and clubs including Mamba and Café Del Mar. Referred to as the Sunset Strip, it is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail, listen to all the latest summer sounds and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon. With my travel partner-in-crime Bella Zofia, we visited Ibiza earlier this month and stayed at the ever so lovely Wi-Ki-Woo Hotel.
About the Hotel
Nestled on the Sant Antoni Bay on the north west seaboard of the island, this boutique hotel has a fantastic view over the glittering, turquoise blue sea. Even the candy-colored hotel entrance is lined with pretty hanging flowers, making it a fashion blogger’s haven. Wi-Ki-Woo was opened in 2018 by businessman Tony Truman who also owns Ocean Beach Club.
In his words:
“I first came to Ibiza in the 1980s. It was the birth of Ibiza as a prestigious party destination and since then it has been my dream to open a boutique hotel on the island. W-Ki-Woo came about from my desire to create my own Club Tropicana’ bringing luxury and individuality to the San Antonio beach front. We offer affordable quality and a quirky mix of the old and the new Ibiza. I am very proud of what we have created.”
Tony Truman
What I loved most about this hotel is that literally, every corner was a pic op! It’s a real haven for Instagrammers and travel bloggers looking for the perfect pic op in a summery setting. This pink-themed hotel has thought about all the details so you’ll be sure to get just the right shot for social media. From the heart-shaped pool floats to giant ice-cream cones, flower walls to the pink motorcycles – the aesthetics are so on point. It counts British celebrities amongst its guests, including Kate Moss.
The interiors of the Wi-Ki-Woo hotel were designed by Stuart William Taylor and each corner of the hotel is incredibly photogenic. Fun pops of pastel pink and mint with accents of charcoal and bronze. The room we had was fully equipped with Egyptian cotton bedding, a Cloud 9 hairdryer and straightener as well as Cowshed beauty products. The whole hotel has an Art Deco meets Palm Springs aesthetic that looks beautiful both day and night.
The Food
Wi-Ki-Woo offers a truly delicious selection of brunch specials. Classics with a tropical twist, Bella and I loved the smashed avocado toast and tropical bowl best. Another delicious dish for those with a sweet tooth was their French toast with fresh mascarpone, fresh berries and chocolate sauce. Their almond milk cappuccino was my absolute favorite morning ritual.
Thank You
It was a lovely stay in Ibiza with Bella and the floral-drenched pink hotel was a truly glamorous backdrop.
A huge thank you to the welcoming Wi-Ki-Woo team for having us.
Hailed for its innovative approach the leather goods, Longchamp is a French luxury company, founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain. Intrinsically inspired by the allure of the Parisian woman who is always on the go, their designs are practical and polished. Longchamp is a luxury fashion house that creates functional accessories for the modern woman that is perfectly exemplified by their Le Pliage cult collection.
So here are 5 fashion facts about this iconic handbag:
The first Le Pliage bag was created by the son of Longchamp’s founder, Philippe Cassegrain. Its design was inspired by the Japanese art of origami, which Philippe had learnt about when travelling. Indeed the word “Pliage” means fold in French. The concept of the bag is that when you are not using it, you can easily fold it up and store it. I personally like to always slide one in my suitcase in case I buy anything on my trip and can’t fit it into my luggage. This way I have a storage back up. Made of durable nylon with strong leather straps, it weighs nothing but can fit so much inside – so it really is ideal for travelling.
First launched in 1993 by Phillipe Cassegrain and and Isabelle Guyon. It would take another 3 years for the first Le Pliage collection to become a fashion hit according to Philippe Cassegrain. Today this light foldaway bag that has since become an iconic bag worldwide. Today, 10 Le Pliage bags are sold every minute worldwide.
In France, mothers often give their daughters a Longchamp bag as a coming-of-age gift when their daughters turn 15. Indeed, that was in fact the age that I got my first Longchamp Pliage in navy blue, and yes it was a gift from my mother! It was my school bag all throughout my teen years.
Le Pliage tote has been reimagined in over 150 different colours and prints. Collaborations include Jeremy Scott, Tracey Emin, Clo’e Floriat, Nendo, Pokémon, and most recently Filet France which I am wearing here.
Did you know that you can now also personalise your own Le Pliage bag from the model to the colour, flap and handles, snap closure, shoulder strap and right down to the lining color? You can also get your Longchamp items monogrammed free of charge in their stores. I love doing this for gifts to add a truly personal touch to the bag.
So there you have it, 5 Fashion facts about the iconic Longchamp handbag that has become a staple wardrobe must-have.
As spring is sweeping and the seasons change, I wanted to share with you my favorite beauty products from this month.
These are a few of my spring beauty must-haves…
First and foremost, as the sun comes out and the weather warms up, one thing that inevitably needs to be updated is ones skincare. For me, I have been particularly vigilant when it comes to cleansing recently. Especially as fresh, healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and having a great beauty base to build on makes other makeup steps so much easier. With quarantine and the global pandemic, skincare routines have seen a renewed level of enthusiasm and have truly taken on an extra level of importance.
How to get flawless skin fast?
The Double Cleanse
Good skin is the foundation for feeling confident and beautiful. So I wanted to share with you my current skincare cleansers that ensure I remove every spec of makeup from my face before I go to bed each night.
The importance of cleansing is something which came to my attention when I was in my mid 20s and did a skin analysis which showed that I was not cleansing my skin thoroughly enough and therefore there was a build up of makeup still on my skin. I was so shocked by this revelation that I immediately looked at how to remove my makeup correctly. I had always prided myself on the fact that without fault,
I always removed my makeup before bed, having heard that not doing so caused premature aging. So I made sure to double down on my cleansing efforts from that moment forth, which is when I started double cleansing.
On a daily basis I do a double cleanse, which is as simple as it sounds: cleansing the face twice. Usually the first cleanser is an oil-based cleanser. Then this is followed up by a water-based one. However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you. The important thing is to find the right products that suit your skin.
My current double cleanse partners in crime are both from Clarins.
First I use the ClarinsHydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Alpine herbs and aloe vera extracts. It is a great product for dry to normal to dry skin and also this cleanser smells really good. It is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as an organic aloe vera extract. It cleanses, gently removes make-up, and softens the skin.
Then I use the Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse as the second part of my double cleanse routine. This is really great cleanser for all skin types, it is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as tamarind pulp acids, which contain AHA. It gently cleanses and brightens the skin. It revives dull complexions for an instant renewed effect.
Another cleanser which I opt for when I have worn more makeup than usual is the Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh Beauty. It smells divine with delicate notes of refreshing cucumber. The formula gently and effectively lifts away all my make up leaving my super sensitive skin soothed and toned.
For days when I really need some TLC, I’ll follow up my double cleanse with a face mask. At the moment I have been using the Rose Face Mask by Fresh Beauty. A true hydration boost, this gel-textured Rose Face Mask instantly cools, soothes and hydrates parched pores. What is more, the strawberry-hued gel is actually jam-packed with real rose petals and pure rose water to soothe and tone while cucumber extract and aloe vera gel provides an immediate cooling and calming effect that also aids soothing. I absolutely love it for my special “SPA” at home nights.
All About that Base
Other skin-perfecting products that I have discovered this month include M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse and NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.
The M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is crazy cool as it is literally an all in 1. Super easy to use and the texture is really quite weightless. The magical aspect of it is that it actually adapts to any skin tone. Instantly concealing any redness, pigmentation and smoothing The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also wave bye-bye to your dear dark circles as it doubles up as a concealer too. It really is a magical 4-in-1 product that can be uses as a: primer, make-up, powder & concealer. Indeed, the M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is the No. 1 make-up in Germany at the moment and it’s hard not to see why.
This said, I was delighted to discover the NARS foundation this month too. A makeup brand that needs no introduction, NARS is an absolute beauty cult classic. Makeup junkies who love NARS are even referred to as NARSissists (brilliant marketing). This foundation give me a full yet natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. I get so many compliments about my skin every time I wear it. I do think it helps that this particular foundation has a perfect 4-to-1 ratio, when it comes to gold and green pigments that negate redness and combat dullness. This really helps to create a bright, even finish. Indeed the compliments I got often when wearing this foundation where about how luminous my complexion was.
Cheek to Cheek
I tend to enhance my foundation with a touch of cream highlighter. I am loving the MAGIC FINISH Diamond Glow Serum from M. Asam. It smells super rich and yummy and the texture is perfectly buildable. The iridescent pearl finish is universally flattering as well. It is another magical product that also acts as a 4-in-1 Highlighter Serum with diamond peptide complex, radiance boost technology, silky care formula and offers extra moisture to your skin. This particular formula is enriched with retinol & vitamin E, almond and apricot oil as well as soothing aloe vera and magnolia extract.
In springtime especially you want to get your glow on. I tend to gravitate toward stronger pinks in springtime. My favorite at the moment is the Clarins Glow-the-Go stick in 01 Glowy Pink. It’s a multi-task stick that functions both as a highlighter and a blush.
PRO TIP:
When it comes to enhancing your skin with highlighter you should apply it anywhere that naturally catches the light: cheekbones, bridge of nose, inner eyes, Cupid’s bow and brow bone. This will bring forth your best features and compliment you bone structure naturally.
A Modern Love Affair
Quite possibly the most-coveted eyeshadow palette yet, Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance features 14, highly-pigmented powders in a rainbow of pinks, taupes and berries. Indeed it was the most sold beauty palette in the world in 2019.
I have been eyeing it up for months now and I discovered it at the Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty Pop Up corner at The Ritz in Geneva when I went for their ABH Signature Brows experience this month. The Renaissance Palette is just perfect for travelling. I brought it with me to Zermatt where I played with the different effects you can create using the different matte and shimmery shades. I’m a total fan and find myself reaching for this palette every time I want to get that soft glam makeup look.
Lash but not Least
I had a wonderful experience in early March when I tuned in to the global launch of Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara launch. Their global launch of the product was super cool and had a whole program including an interactive website, a live show as well as key speakers including the internationally renowned beauty bloggers. The product itself is great and I really see a difference when it comes to building up my lashes. This is because of the innovative Extender Brush that actually has a magnetically charged core which pulls the Magnetic Mineral Enriched Formula up to the tips of lashes when you apply it. Indeed the l Benefit brush is custom-designed in a way that ZigZags the bristles which are strategically positioned to fan out, separate & define lashes. And what better way to look wide awake and ready for the season change than with brilliantly long lashes?
The month of February is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. So, just in time for this 2021 Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share with you my favorite lotions and potions that I have become recently enamored by.
MY LOVE FOR LIPSTICK
One thing I like to do especially during the gray, cold winter days is to add a little color to my pout. As a huge makeup fan, I have an extensive collection of various shades of lipsticks. So I picked out my 8 favorite lipstick shades that I like to wear to beat those winter blues.
THE NUDE ATTITUDE
One of my all time favorite lipsticks is the MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy. A gorgeous, creamy matte lipstick that has a very high color payoff. It has the perfect matte formulation and what is more the shade itself is like a magical color that suits almost every skin tone. If you prefer a more 60s, sex-kitten look then a great lipstick to try is the MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Shy Girl. A warm-toned peach with a creamy, pearl finish, it is in fact a color often worn by the oh-so-iconic Angelina Jolie.
Indeed, if you have a penchant for nude lipstick shades but want more of a sheer finish I love CHANEL ROUGE COCO FLASH lip shine in Boy 54. It has a luscious glossy effect. It has a super hydrating formulation, the nude shade is extremely flattering, naturally enhancing your lips. It acts almost like a reminder to other makeup products of just what cosmetics should do: enhance your natural beauty and never mask it.
CORAL CRUSH
For a playful pop of color that is not quite as bold as a red lip nor as conventional as a classic nude, coral is a good alternative. I love the Cremesheen MAC lipstick in Crosswires as it has a great color payoff. The coral is almost a bit smoked so to say with a slight pearl finish, which creates an overall expensive effect. I love it and always get tons of compliments when I wear this shade.
RED ALERT
A cool contemporary red lipstick is a great makeup look to rock on Valentine’s Day. My go-to red lip is actually this CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE in Passion 14. The packaging of this particular product is fabulous and ever so fun to use, with a click system and an ultra-luxurious black cover – this Chanel lipstick could be a prop from a 007 spy movie. The color itself is ultra-pigmented with a slightly blue undertone (which by the way makes your teeth look a tad whiter). It is hands down one of the most flattering red lipsticks I own.
THINK PINK
For a flirty, romantic makeup look, opt for a rose pink lip look. This looks great with a feminine, black kitten flick liner, and very long, fluttery lashes. My favorite pinks include MAC Satin Lipstick in Brave, Gucci’s Pigment Rich Lipstick in Magnolia Pink, and MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Clever.
HAIRCARE HEROS
If the idea of applying oil to your hair (especially if it is fine) fills you with dread, then Gisou’s iconic Honey Infused Hair Oil is a must-try. Created by the Instagram Star and Macro Influencer Negin Mirsalehi, whose own hair will give you hair goals with just one click on her Instagram account. So it is only fitting that she launched her own haircare brand. Gisou’s products are all enriched with natural ingredients including honey which is sustainably sourced from the Mirsalehi Bees in the Netherlands. The Gisou Hair Oil adds shine without weighing your hair down, this lightweight silky formulation can be used as a pre-treatment after washing your hair or post-blowdry and works on all hair types. I also love how luxurious the packing is for this hair oil. It looks so aesthetic in my bathroom and so far I am pleased with the results.
When you want to hit snooze and snuggle under the covers for a couple more minutes in the morning, dry shampoo is the answer to all your beauty prayers. Give your hair a little boost with Authentic Beauty Concept’s Dry Shampoo. It is a lightweight texturizing dry shampoo that is perfect to refresh your hair between washes. And just like all of the Authentic Beauty Concept products, it is vegan and free from microplastics, mineral oil, parabens, and silicones.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. So I wanted to share with you 4 easy, fashion-forward date night outfits to wear on this romantic day…
Outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day can be tricky. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to what you should wear, there are some fashion guidelines when it comes to combining clothes, especially for a romantic date. The key is to find an outfit that you love, feel comfortable in, and also flatters your figure. Give yourself the boost of confidence you need with an outfit that will make you feel effortlessly at ease all evening.
So here are 4 head-to-toe Valentine’s Day outfit ideas to help you plan out your look, no matter what you have on your agenda. What is more, you can put together a sweet yet sexy look which you probably already have in your wardrobe.
So, whether you want to have the perfect look for date night with your significant other or a cute night in with the girls, here are my 4 favorite date night looks for Valentine’s Day 2021:
The Blazer Dress Look
Sophisticated, a well-tailored blazer dress Is fun yet formal enough to look polished for an evening. It is understatedly sexy and ever so flattering on every figure. It’s a bit of a blank canvas, so you can really play with accessories. You can add a pop of color with a pair of brightly colored heels or glam it up with statement jewels. Versatile, you can layer a pretty lace cami underneath or paired with high boots or a statement pair of glittery boot heels
The Dressy Denim Look
This is a bit of a K.I.S.S. Look (keep it simple stupid) – effortlessly chic and is super easy to create. You more than definitely have in your wardrobe. Dress up your jeans: All you need is a white shirt, blue jeans and a bold pair of red high heels. Simple, sexy, and timeless, it’s an easy look that takes you from day to night. Top off the outfit with luxe accessories, like a chunky, statement necklace or earrings.
The Classic LBD Look
A little black dress is a go-to romantic night outfit. You can make it cute or sexy depending on the cut and length of the dress. An iconic look that is ideal for an evening date, you can finish the look with a pair of simple gold hoops.
The Lady in Red Look
This is the most daring of the four Valentine’s Day date night ideas. It’s really for a special occasion and if you want to get amp up that “wow” factor. Instantly eye-catching, I love red for date night. It instantly makes a strong statement.
SHOP THE LOOKS:
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Valentine’s Day Date-Night Outfits Tips:
Plan your date-night outfit based on the activity involved and its location.
Always opt for sophisticated and structured styles for formal dates and relaxed silhouettes for more casual occasions.
Contrast and ensure a balance: with masculine pieces, such as a leather jacket or pants, add more feminine elements, such as high heels or a ruffled top to the outfit.
Be sure that you’re comfortable with what you wear.
Express your personality through the details of your clothes, be it glam glitter, ladylike lace, or cool girl studs.
Whether you’re awaiting an array of flowers, chocolates, love letters, a girly night in, a delicious dinner, or who knows, perhaps a romantic getaway and a shower of gifts too – stay true to your style and on top of your game with these easy outfit ideas.
Whatever your plans, I hope you have a fantastic time filled with love and fun.
Wishing you a wonderful and very happy Valentine’s Day!
