Inspiration Station
Former model Elin Kling writes this amazing blog. It's not only the top fashion blog in sweden but its full of ideas and insights into the wardrobe world of this young business woman. Elin, runs her own blogging community and fashion magazine. She has also collaborated with H&M on her collection.
The Ombre effect
Everyone's talking about it - the ombre effect. For your information that is the 'look' for long hair that see's a darker color at the root cascade to lighter whisps at the bottom. Think Lauren Conrad, Giselle Bundchen and SJP.
We think it can look totally stunning, especially on lighter brunettes or on rich dark brunettes against olive skins. The best thing about it is that it totally means you can try a hair colour that you could never normally be able to totally go for... so blondes, you can finally have a bit of a go at being a brunette, and brunettes you can have a go at being blonde without looking ridiculous. Done well it can be something really different for your hair but it still retains enough style to be able to wear to work (even if you work in bank or corporate law firm).
However, blondes be warned. This look only comes across chic if done very subtly (see how Lauren's hair is incredibly subtle). So if you're a blonde try keeping the colour quiet near your roots using a gentle toner, pulling some blonde strands running straight through and lighten the ends for that sun kissed ombre look. Just remember to keep the colors in your hair all from the same family of shade and you'll end up with gorgeous hair.
Smokey eyes for the day time and for the evening
Taupe is a great shade for eyes, especially in the day at work and dressed up in the evening. Brown, green, hazel and blue eyes all look great up against this smokey colour.
Sweep across the upper lids from corner to corner, upwards and out. Team it with a subtle swish of black liquid liner and black mascarra to help bring your eyes out.
Strong brows to frame (created with a swift brush of a darker eye shaddow that's close to your own brow colour) and a subtle nude lipstick, gentle pink or rich red velevet works perfectly depending on the level of drama you are going for.
Matt taupe compliments strong dramatic lips, but if you opt for a shimmer we'd pair it up with a nude lisptick and let the eyes speak for themselves
The taupe's that we love - Nars and Bobbi Brown do some great taupes, L'oreal Mocha is an economical alternative
Working Bags - the ones that'll last
A solid bag is such an investment and given that most of us carry our lives in them, then a good smart working tote is in order.
Zara studded bag – straight off the high street and maybe some would say it could be a little over priced for the brand but… it is very cool. The studded bag is fun yet still smart enough to wear to work. Ideal for fitting folders in.
The ever faithful Longchamp – reasonably priced and an investment that should last you a few years, the Longchamp is a safe option for a smart bag for work. It fits most of our lives in there and won’t give way under too much strain so you can pack in those extra pair of shoes, laptop and lunch without worry. Plus, if you’re travelling it folds up neatly into your suitcase.
The Mulberry – smart, sturdy and practical the Mulberry Bayswater came into our lives in the early 2000’s and is one of the companies best selling iconic products. Its suitable for work, evening and weekends.
Hermes - out of most people’s price range, including ours – sigh – this bag is structured solid and practical for carrying laptops and folders. A timeless item.
Mwah
If you're sitting at your desk chewing your lips, or perhaps grimacing that they're so sore and chapped from the wind outside or dried out from the central heating inside, then take on these volumising and re-hydrating lip balms that are sure to leave you with lushess lips. Pucker up!
Fear not, this new product is heaven sent and new over from the U.S. A conditioner, filler and volumizer. It increases collagen and hyaloronic acid production (read this), smoother lines and wrinkles and uses Dr Brandts signature ingredients of anti-oxidants; vitamin E, Green Tea, White Tea & Grape Seed extract. Available at Space NK and Harvey Nichols (£25)
L'Occitane Sheer lip balm
With sheer butter at the core of this lip balm, L'Occitane's product gently soothes and rehydrates more deeply than most other lip balms. £8
Vaseline
Back to basics, this is one of the best preventitives out there.
DIY
Mix some sea salt or dark brown sugar with coconut oil and scrub on your lips. A great and cheap way to restore those lips back to their smooth state
Winter skin...
If the Christmas parties are starting to take their toll on your energy levels and skin regime we have a few beauty tips…
Face Mask
Crush two aspirin tablets and mix a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply to the face (avoiding the eye area), leave on for 20 minutes, then wash. The aspirin contains beta-hydroxy acid that will refresh the complexion
Cleanse
Blend a kiwi, 2 tbsp of natural yougurt, 1 tbsp of almost oil, honey and some finely ground aloms. Apply and use like any facial clenser. Clean and pure skin there you go!
Eyes
Apply brown mascara to your lower lashes, even if you are wearing black mascara on the upper lash. The lighter colour will lift and brighten the eye area
Legs
If your legs are like ours and haven’t see the light of day for two months, we suggest giving them a pamper. After a good scrub and exfoliate, layer a body serum, oil and then cream (to seal). And voila silky smooth enviable legs
Nails
Soak in warm water with a crushed denture tablet or some bicarbonate of soda. And there you go, clean white fresh nails
It getting cold out there....
It’s getting cold outside and what with the going back and forth from the office to christmas shopping on lunch hours and then off out to christmas parties in the evening, making sure that you’re warm enough outside yet not too hot at your desk is a tricky challenge.
So here are a few ideas that we have up our sleeve....
A more formal attire....
If work requires you to be formal then you cant go far wrong with this conservative, yet still perfectly flattering femine look (pea coat and skirt; reiss, jumper; uniqlo, jewlery Made, boots; Ralph lauren, shirt; TM Lewin). If the boots look a little intimidating (we understand why) then opt for either a lower pair or some kitten heals. Dont forget to pair with some thick black denier tights. Swap your shirt for a slinkier top in the evening and pop the jumper and shirt in your bag. Keep make up light and fresh in the day and smokey in the evening
Smart Casual...
And if work is totally relaxed, or your planning on going on holiday in the afternoon why not cosy on up....
Date Night....
Its date night! So what to wear? These easy combos are perfect for shoving into a staple handbag and taking to work enabling a quick turnaround before popping your work dress neatly folded into your bag.
Its date night! So what to wear? These easy combos are perfect for shoving into a staple handbag and taking to work enabling a quick turnaround before popping your work dress neatly folded into your bag.
The staple hand bag... the ever faithful Longchamp. If you want to use a clutch, then check the bag in the cloakroom...
If you're going for a hot date...
... we love this red dress (New Look, yes really!), taute work shoes (LK Bennet) and gold watch (Diesel)
But if you're thinking along the lines of a more conservative sassy style...
... pair this skirt (asos) with a cute white work top (we've picked a staple hawes and curtis shirt), leather jackets (All Saints), gold ring (Made) and stylish clutch (asos) with a pair of black kitten heals (H&M) to go.
Other wise combine an easy work blouse (Reiss) with a pair of staple jeans that can sit in your bag for day time. Pop on your suit blazer, grab this clutch (asos) and go!
Evening turnaround
6.30pm and a quick beauty turnaround at work needed? This five minute make-up transformation makes all the difference when you’re stepping out of the office into the city’s evening lights. Thebeautydepartment.com sums up a neat, compact and simple way to lift your face and take it into what the evening has in store
