New from Rimmel

Some new goodies have hit the makeup market from Rimmel London and I wanted to share my top 3 favourite new products! With a strong focus on Matte finishes in both lips and nails and a bold black lash these new products have my makeup bag written all over them.



Since I have little to no interest in wearing or using Lime Crime these days, so I've been testing many new matte styles to see what's hit the market and how they stack up. I've been aware of the Apocalips Lipsticks but I've never had the chance to try them. So when the Apocalips Matte Lip Velvet's were released I jumped at the chance to try a pale pink nude and red hot shade.

Apocalips Matte Lip Velvet 5.5 ml  - $15.95

I chose the colours I wear the most so I went for 206 Atomic Rose and 505 Burning Lava. These colours are perfect for my skin tone and I love the soft feel and texture of the lipstick. These are described as matte but they are not a matte lip like a Velvetine. They are a matte version of the Apocalips style but will not dry your lips out or bleed into any cracks or crevices.

They did stump me a little at first but after a second try and after looking at a few tutorials I discovered that the key for this product is to let it dry and set which takes a lot longer that I would have expected. Once it is dry you will not longer notice the lipstick is on your lips as it feels so soft and barely there. It dries soft but is half way between a matte lipstick and a dewy style gloss like the original lipstick.

After eating a full meal and a few kisses it still remains but touch ups are needed. I like this style best for wearing to work as it lasts all day and the colours are perfect for my natural daily makeup look. I also took advantage of the latest Priceline sale and picked up Meteoric Matte for my collection. I'll be testing it out tomorrow.

Idol Eyes by Kate Moss in 04 Black 12.0 ml - $16.95

Because I'm still in love with my Scandleyes Rocking Curves Mascara I was keen to try the Idol Eye's version as it has the same broken heart shape brush and blackest black colouring. It's now my go to mascara and has taken place over my previous love. It's goes on thick without clumping, makes my lashes long and dark and I just adore the wired brush and curved shape. I won't bore you with images of my lashes as I have in the past but I swear this is the BEST mascara they have created so far. I've tried so many over the years but I always go back to Rimmel. 

Velvet Matte Nail Polish 12.0 ml - $8.95

Finally an affordable matte nail polish that really works! I've loved the look of this style polish for a while now but I've never been sure if it really works. It certainly does and it's brilliant. It dries completely matte and looks delisous in Velvet Touch (grey) and Matte-Itude (black) it's a really unique and bold choice for nails and looks great on both your feet and hands. 

Now I've got tiny little nails (stress biter) but when I get married next month I'm going to wear Matte-Itude on the day with my new claws! For swatches please view Emily Denise Photography's blog review about these styles and see just how lovely they are up close on perfect nails. 

I'm so excited to have these new styles in my collection and every time there is a brilliant new Rimmel product I will be reviewing and posting about it. 

La Belle Hèroine Review

Late last month I announced the arrival of  La Belle Hèroine the A/W 2015 range from Wheels & Dollbaby. This month I had the pleasure of shooting some of the new pieces in larger sizes so I could help all my curvy size 14/16 Dollbabies out with fit and style choices. 

Last week Brooke Orchard and I traveled down to the most stunning little gem hidden at the base of Mt. Macedon - Gardens of Tieve Tara to shoot for this review and for a winter editorial to feature in Adore Pinup Magazine. This stunning location was the perfect backdrop for the new autumn/winter range and the gardens are simply divine. The dream location with Melbourne's best - such a brilliant day! 

Now this season is full of stunning items that have my heart but with a few style left for the editorial and some still on preorder I opted for some of the new colours and prints. Featuring pale colours usually I braved soft sweet pinks and creams for this shoot and I loved it! Now each item shown in this blog is a size 14. Some styles do got up to a 16 and I will state the size range on each item. 

LA BABE CARDIGAN in Cream - $120.00

SINGAPORE FLING PENCIL SKIRT - $290.00

The La Babe cardigan was a style I did not expect to work with my colouring and shape. A short wool knitted cardigan in a soft cream colour way and delicate pearl buttons. I'd usually run away from such a pale knit but this is a dream to wear and is super soft, stretchy and feels amazing on your skin. This specific style is available up to a size16 and it can be buttoned up or worn open. This cardigan is perfect for the cooler months ahead and will look amazing paired with tops and dresses, layering other knits etc. 

I paired the La Babe cardigan with the Singapore Fling Pencil Skirt in black. This style is a new season update of the classic Dollbaby pencil skirt. Made from stretch satin at the front and  matte black stretch ponti on the back this style hugs you tight, holds you in and creates an amazing shape. Featuring a high waist (perfect for pairing with shirts, tees and knits) side button features and a cute leg popping feature at the knees this skirt is perfect for hours glass shapes and is sexy and comfortable - how rare is that? I found the fit to be close to the IRMA LA DOUCE PENCIL SKIRT of which I'm a huge fan of. Out of the two I'm actually more of a fan of the Irma than this style. I think the option of being able to button up or down the thigh is more my style and the length is a little shorter for me due to my hips and ample rear. I'm wearing all skirts in this post in a size 14.

ORCHID SWEATER - $159.00

SINGAPORE FLING PENCIL SKIRT - $290.00

Completely out of my comfort zone again but this time in Pink! Very rarely in this blog do you see me in such a shade but I've been trying hard overt the last few years to break out of my own styling boundaries and give colour more chances. Now looking at these image and how well it pairs with my skin tone I'm wondering why I didn't try it earlier.

The Orchard Sweater is a new style print on one of Wheels & Dollbaby's most popular knits. Now I owned and have worn many knitted styles from Wheels such as the Dita, the Signature logo, Dinner with Him cardigans and the oversized sweaters so it's only natural to try a crop version. This is the only item in this post that goes up to a size 16 and I'm wearing the 14 in this image. All knits for this season and the next will be available up to a 16!

The Orchard Sweater is a soft, figure hugging, super stretchy knit in a new season print. The cropped style was created to emphasize your curves nip you in at the smallest part of your waist. I was very silly and did not wear my corset on this shoot which would have made this style pop even more! 

The two features I love most about this top are the adorable black bow on the neckline and the fact that when stretched the print does not morph or look odd. That is my main concern as I have a very large bust. This style is adorable and suits high waisted skirts perfectly. After trying this style I think I'd love to try any other style that comes out in the future be it a print or another colour way and I will start with the Leopard Post Girl Sweater. 

 LA BOHEME LACE SHIRT - $180.00

SGT. DOLLBABY PENCIL SKIRT - $195.00

I can try colour but I will always gravitate to all black and this is by far my favourite outfit from the new season. Sleek and form fitting, sexy and so very much my style! The La Boheme Lace shirt is a dream come true in super stretch black lace. I have always had issues finding a button up that fits my waist, bust and arms and this is the 3rd shirt that fits like a dream and all 3 are from Wheels & Dollbaby. This style looks and feels amazing and you can pair this with skirts, dresses and layer with cardigans or knits. The fabric is trans seasonal so your styling options are endless.  

I paired the La Boheme skirt with what is fast becoming my the best pencil skirt I've ever worn. The Sgt. Dollbaby pencil skirt is AMAZING! This limited edition style won my hear with its military gold trim, always amazing stretch ponti fit and fitted waist. Once you slip into this skirt you will never want to take it off. I've worn my Essential Logo skirt for years now and this is now my new favourite. Both styles available up to a size 14. 

 

 Shoe Me Georgous Bordello Teeze 11 in Black Velvet - $98.00

I love how paired with the black lace shirt this almost looks like a new style military dress. My favorite styles from this season have to be each of the military inspired items. My new Bordello Teeze Black Velvet platform heels are absolutely perfect with this outfit and they come with stunning shoe clips that can be taken on or off depending on your outfit. It's two shoes for the price of one! I can't wait to shoot these more and like all Teeze styles they are a dream to wear. For a matching boot option you can also find the perfect Ringmaster style bellow at Shoe Me Georgous on sale for $105! A perfect style for the upcoming chilly Melbourne weather!

 

 

 

I will be featuring more of these within the next month so be sure to keep checking back here and look for a review of the new season coats in Adore Pinup. We shot some amazing styles for the winter review and I can't wait to share them with you!! 

Finally if you ever find yourself in Melbourne take a little drive down to the Gardens of Tieve Tara I instantly fell in love with their stunningly landscaped little piece of heaven and need to get back there asap for picnics. Thank you to the wonderful owners and the ducks for having us on your stunning grounds. 

Pigtails and Pirates

From bright, bold and fun fabrics to soft pastels and floral, Pigtails and Pirates represents a brand that lets you express your individual style!

This week I'm featuring a home grown amazing designer - Laura Jones the brain behind Pigtails and Pirates. Originally started as a children's clothing company, Pigtails and Pirates have expanded into a ladies wear line focusing on 1950's silhouette in bright and unique fabrics.

Spring Fling Dress - $199.00

Heart of Haute Sweet Sweater in Red - $

Pinup Girl Clothing Teal Belt - $14.00

Red Petticoat from Kat Frankies - $50.00

I've never envisioned myself if a pale blue floral print but there was something that drew me strongly to this super feminine and soft fabric. When I first slipped into this beautifully crafted swing dress I was instantly in love with the fit. With slightly high sweetheart neck (for my cleavage), fitted waist an thick strap the Spring Fling is a spring and summer dress dream. I'm wearing this style in a size 16 and it's very true to the size chart and even a little roomy in the waist. The fabric is soft cotton and features a fully lined bodice and invisible zip.

Now this is one hot designer it seems within the pinup blogging community and I really do adore how this style both fits and flatters ever body shape. I've seen many girls shooting this style on it's own so for my shoot I wanted to pair it up with the accessories I would wear with it on a regular basis. I chose red and teal shades to compliment the print and pale blue fabric. I love how well the red pops with this shade of blue and I can't wait to find more cardigans and boleros to match. 

Please try to ignore the wrinkles on my never wrinkle sweater as I rushed from the clothes line to my shoot and the pegs seem to have left a mark. For any images of the sweater as it would normally look please click the link below the first image. 

The dress is even that cute it works in black and white! There are many more prints and colour ways in this stunning style and a few different necklines and skirt varieties. So if pale blue floral with butterflies is not your style then don't fear! These are my current favorites in the range :

Peppermint Swirl - $199.00

The Force is strong with this one - $199.00

Summer Delight - $199.00

Something sweet, something geeky and an absolutely stunning yellow floral print would be amazing editions to my wardrobe. I love the fit of this dress so much that I will be getting more in the future and I can't wait to shoot maybe one of the above with more perfectly picked accessories. 

This style would also look amazing with the addition of a 3/4 length sleeve for the cooler months of the year. I wonder if there are any plans in the works?

Thank you to Alesich Photography for these brilliant images and such a fun afternoon in the summer sun and wind - my fringe never had a chance!