Sunday 29 April 2012

Dear My 13 Year Old Self....The 12 Rules of Beauty

Natural Instincts: Go Seasonal

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people. We all tend to ignore it or think that we know best. However, on this small occassion....we don't. I being a 16 year old teenager am guilty for this offense frequently, "Yeah, yeah...I'll apply my sun cream later, mum!"
But no. This is where it all changes. I know, I know, it's hard to take advice from the person that's 'ruining your life' or 'who's aim in life is purely to embarrass you', but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips.
I'm sure you bloggers have all been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. However, even thpugh I am only16, in the short amount of time which I have been wearing make-up (3 years), I have picked up a few tricks of the trait. In this time, I've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So this is why I unleash my 12 rules of beauty....enjoy!

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! I cannot put into words or stress to you enough about how important hydrated, regenerated and rejuvinated skin is. Personally, I have a dry skin type and so therefore this factor is a really important part of my daily skin regime however regardless....moisturise! It will not only benefit your skin in later life, but also ensure that make up goes onto smooth and un-chapped skin. Let's face it....it's never hot when your foundation clings helplessly to one dry patch on your face...eow, no.

2. Skip the HEAVY foundations Primarily, if you have acne the last thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Foundation is merely used for evening out one's skin colour and covering the slight red pigment or blemishes.....not for distorting your face with a trawl. Not only will heavy foundations cover up your natural beauty, but heavy and orange foundation looks anything but natural. Instead, the key secret is to find an exact match to your own skin tone or instead why not opt for a tinted moisturizer? They tend to be lighter and better for your skin than heavy foundations.

3. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We all know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub.

4. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both. If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.
And never, ever line lips in a darker colour than your gloss or lipstick. It's all about working with tones and drawing attention to that one feature.
5. Less is more. Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you're overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and a gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

6. Natural hair is always hotter. If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. I see way too many pre-teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. In addition (I am a victim of this offense), but...if your hair is naturally curly/wavy...let it be! Nature much prefers to take its course...and tbh, I'd prefer to ditch the split ends, personally.

7. Vaseline is your best friend Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover.....yes! I was so suprised to hear about this at first, having thought that it was soley a lip product... but it's a great alternative to the usual harsh make up remover. Of course, it's still also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips by simply slathering on a bunch of it, then using a toothbrush to massage lips.With new shades such as rose, coco butter, creme broule, aloe vera and SPF protection...there's no excuse not to purchase!


8. Straighterns (including my personal favs, GHDs) opt as curler tongs too! Rather than doubling up the space in that summer vacay travel case, just toss in your fav straightners and move them through the hair at 90 degree angles to create natural, sunkissed waves.Who'd have known, huh?

9. Never skip suncreen ? The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside....why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows girlies!

10. Self-tanner will always stink. Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. From my experience, these tend to be slightly on the pricey side, however they ensure a natural and more importantly...even glow, so are definately worth it!

11. Don't let nails go. Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. You could also keep a pain, clear coat on your nails to ensure health is restored at all times. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away, however. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures!

12. Don't overdo the black liner. So frequently, I notice young girls from as little as 11 wearing what looks to be black paint lines across the top and bottom of their eyes. No. This is a major no, no with regards to kepping it natural and obiding by 'less is more'. So I say ditch the harsh tones and instead apply a light line on the top and bottom of your lashes. Or, instead if your perfer the bold line, then opt for a lighter colour...grey marl is a great alternative.

So there you have it, the top 12 of my beauty bible secrets which I have picked up from family and friends...hope it was useful!


Will you obide by my 12 rules of beauty?

Saskia XO

How to Style Your Spring Staples

It appears that I have solved one Spring styling conundrum with an expert exercise in light layering; now, let's continue the battle against seasonal wardrobe panic with a quick course in maximizing your warm-weather staples. With the onslaught of bright patterns and ladylike silhouettes this season, I'm sure that you'll agree that every style setter should have a cool-girl LWD, a pair of bold printed pants, and a slick asymmetrical hem skirt in her arsenal of dressing essentials. From there, it's all about tapping into your quirky accessories, gilded add-ons, and statement heels for an instant dose of off-duty and effortless evening glamour. So exlusively for you, I've culled a streamlined selection of must-have pieces to help you transition from your daytime ensemble to your nighttime wares seamlessly. Just click through to see three Spring staples, styled six ways. I promise it really is that simple.

Spring is all about bright patterns...
It's safe to say printed pants aren't going anywhere soon, so let's embrace our wild side from all angles. Feeling a more casual vibe? Go with a silky blue tank, a cozy ivory scarf, nude-toned sandals, a colourful army of friendship bracelets, and a slick carry-all bucket bag. If you're ready to dress up your printed look, opt for a collared silky dark top, cool cocktail rings, and metallic heels.
day to night
Vanessa Bruno Athé Printed Bourette Silk Pants ($345) Day: Alexander Wang Silk Tank ($375), Topshop Cream Twist Fringe Scarf ($15), J.Crew Olympia Leather Wedges ($198), Billabong Skylar Bucket Bag ($44), ASOS Eclectic Mixed Friendship Bracelet Pack ($17) Night: KORS Michael Kors Atherton Sandal ($275), Henrik Vibskov Spitfire Blouse ($106), Mulberry Cookie Mini Leather Shoulder Bag ($435), LowLuv by Erin Wasson Wide 14K Plated Black Ring ($130), Lois Hill "Deco" Granulated and Hammered Bangle ($298), House of Harlow 1960 Aztec Bangle With Coral ($80)

Work your Little White Dress... Put a deconstructed spin on a Spring-perfect LWD. The sliced asymmetric sides and subtle back cutout give it cool flair with a minimalist's touch. For daytime jaunts, add a bright satchel, two-toned flat sandals, and a geo-shaped necklace. And to transition seamlessly into your evening affairs, switch out your flats for geometric-print sandals and an exotic clutch.
day to night
T by Alexander Wang Cuout Crepe and Jersey Dress ($115) Day: Tibi Amber Flat ($130), Persephoni Geometric Necklace ($459), Vince Camutp Kristen Cross Body Bag in Yellow ($198), Sandro Denim Jacket With Black Leather Sleeves ($400) Night: Burak Uyan Stitched Colorblock Sandal ($1,295), BCBG Max Azria Harlow Python Clutch ($88), Philippe Audibert Silver-Plated Swarovski Crystal Earrings ($130), Eddie Borgo Gunmetal-Plated Crystal Pyramid Bracelet ($375), Karl by Karl Lagerfeld James Satin Twill-Trimmed Crepe Blazer ($310)

 
Bring on the funk...
One-part sporty, one-part bold, and one-part quirky — this season's high-low hem is flirty, versatile, and easy to wear for any occasion. I love this red version for an extra dose of bright colour and dramatic undertones; plus, the styling possibilities are endless. For an off-duty luxe look, pair this skirt with asymmetrical-strap sandals and a cool striped top. For an amped-up evening ensemble, keep the two-toned heels but add some height. Similarly, inject flirty details via a lace-infused top with sheer insets, chunky gold accessories, and a slick patent-leather clutch.
day to night
DKNY Draped Stretch-Silk Skirt ($195) Day: Quiksilver QSW Summer Sun Stripe Tee ($48), Pierre Hardy Two-Tone Leather Wedge Sandals ($775), A.L.C. Jewelry Resin & Silver Large Screw-Top Cuff ($375), Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings ($98) Night: Michael Kors Leather Cuff Sandals ($945), Anya Hindmarch Patent-Leather Envelope Clutch ($350), Collette by Collette Dinnigan Cotton-Lace and Mesh Top ($245), Oscar de la Renta 24-Karat Gold-Plate Link Earrings ($245), Arden B Cut Out Metal Cuff ($24)

Which look is your favourite?

Saskia XO

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Tuesday Temptations: Feeling Fruity



Feeling Fruity


Life’s a bowl of cherries… and lemons and bananas (sorry Forest, you are mistaken). According to Muccina (Chiquita? ) Prada, Stella McCartney and even the crew over at Moschino Cheap & Chic, this spring and summer it’s all about getting fruity. Designers rolled out punchy palettes with energising shades of citrus and grapefruit (and even some literal lemon and banana prints). And so with the current fashion forecast in mind, here are ten of my fruity flavoured selections (all pictured above)…
  1. Topshop Peach Sunglasses
  2. Prada clutch
  3. Tsumori Chisato scarf
  4. Modcloth Sherbet Sandals
  5. Essie Nail Polish in Watermelon
  6. Lorrie Yellow Vase
  7. Philosophy Papaya Passion Punch Shower Gel
  8. Stella McCartney Citrus Print Bag
  9. Layla Grayce Gigi Pillow
  10. Lemons (for fresh homemade lemonade, of course)

How do you feel about this fruity inspired trend? 

Saskia XO

Monday 23 April 2012

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: 500 today!


                                           

Today is a very exciting day for all of us English Literature nerds! It is infact Shakespeare's 500th birthday....and the day he died. Yes, only a man quite with the gifts that he possessed could quite frankly, have the skills to plan that coincidence.....William Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 and passed away in 1616 at the age of 52, after which he was buried in his hometown. Today, the town on the River Avon is one of the most popular resorts in England, UK.

To show their ever thankfullness to the English extrordanaire, an annual parade was held on Saturday in Stratford-upon-Avon, England's West Midlands' region, to mark his birthday in 1564.
Fans and followers of Shakespeare, whose famous plays "Macbeth" and "Hamlet" still leads past and modern literature, held street shows depicting his famous plays, dressed in costumes.

This year, performers of Kunqu Opera, one of China's oldest forms of opera, from east Zhejiang Province joined in the celebrations, and as well as groups representing traditional dragon-dance performing arts....which is especially exciting!
So this post is in memory of the gifted, talented and quite life changing man, who I personally feel eternally greatful for in his gifts to English Language and Literature.

All that's left to say is, thank you Shakesy :-)

Saskia XO

Mani Monday!



Having just seen Easter come and go as quick as it came, I had to think of an idea to prolong the celebration somehow!? My answer: polished easter-spired nails!
Having taken inspiration from easter egg hunts, frosted sugar cookies and lovely springtime bouquets, I felt  inspired to bring a little pastel into my life. And since I am lacking the cool points to pull off a streak of pale pink or lavender in my hair, my nails seemed like the next best thing. So why not try a pastel blue, pink, yellow, green or lavender? Or maybe just sport them all at once! It would be like a beautiful muted rainbow.

Will you be sporting these nails?

Snap a pic and post them below!

Saskia XO

Friday 20 April 2012

Friday Favourites!



It’s Friday! Hope you all had a lovely week and are heading into the weekend with some fun plans (or no plans at all, which is equally awesome sometimes). Here are some of my favourite recent finds to inspire you. Enjoy!




Favourite Feeling:
Was is a dream.


Favourite Decor Idea:
inspired


Favourite Idea:
europe, flower, flowers, lights, night - inspiring picture on Favim.com


Favourite Heart-throb: (Zac-y's always done it for me!)
Tumblr_m2snlz58ks1qfqs50o1_500_large


Favourite Attitude:
quote


Happy Relaxing! TGIF

What's your favourite memory of the week?

Saskia XO


Thursday 19 April 2012

Thursday Thoughts...

As we are steadily approaching the weekend, I thought that a 'Thursday Thoughts' post would be more than suitable.
This post is inspired by the mood and season :-)


fickle and woozyFaceless Fashion


Positive OutlooksBook - inspiring picture on PicShip.com


Google Image Result for https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09AQlOa47QWVDCZdk1bcTLAEh7ggSWHPo8Cmozc_ZnGxRMwKIBEqNnPGsjOvJCA7sQY_EkMky_xk4d6y8O7H52VwIbwIQlpN452n-4EjWM642rxN0YmJdVzdgKo9_EPsSUGQU4CSB72Q2/s1600/lookingforlove.jpgI Heart Shabby Chic: A Shabby Chic Summer - Interior & exterior Inspiration 2012


Bed,Blanket,DreaFind and share. Indulgy - unrestrained pleasure in two-dimentional forms.

 Happy Thinking :-)

Saskia XO



Tuesday 17 April 2012

The New Way of Buying RAD Gifts for your BFFs

little black bag
Shopping with the girls is always more fun! You spot an item you think is fab and your super chic friends help you decide whether to take the plunge.

That’s why
Little Black Bag is so exciting! LBB creates a fun experience where you can shop online with friends.

Here’s how it works:

You start by taking a very cool style quiz to help LBB determine your look. Are you hipster, boho, or downtown glam? After the quiz, you pick the 1st item in your very own Little Black Bag from a dazzling collection of accessories, jewelry, handbags and cosmetics. Then the LBB stylists fill your bag with 2-4 more stylish baubles from over a hundred brands, such as D&G, Cargo Cosmetics, BCBG and Betsey Johnson – all at up to 70% off.

And the best part? Little Black Bag has taken shopping and added the thrill of trading! You can browse the LBB gallery and if you discover something you love even more, you can swap your items with other members on the site – all online. Now here’s where your friends come in. You and your fashionistas friends can vote on what to keep and what to trade and you can share your bag with your Facebook friends.

Once you’ve put together your perfect bag, hit “ship” and voila, your Little Black Bag is on its way!

Want to win a chic Z Spoke by Zac Posen bag?

To enter, simply
head on over to LittleBlackBag.com and create an account. You can even invite your friends to join in on the fun. Earn one extra entry for each friend who registers for LBB!

The winner will receive a Z Spoke by Zac Posen Ostrich Leather Satchel valued at £425!

Contest ends April 21, 2012 at 11:59PM PST.

Good luck, and remember Little Black Bag when you’re trying to find the perfect birthday gift.

  • You must be a registered LittleBlackBag.com member to enter. Click here to learn how to sign up.
  • This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
  • Winners will be contacted via email to the email used to register on LittleBlackBag.com. If the winner does not reply within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen in his or her place.
  • This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on April 21, 2012.

Saskia XO

Sunday 15 April 2012

Inspired Idea: You and The Sea

Shells

Sometimes the most unlikely pairings make the best combinations (Harold and Maude. Need I say more?). In this case, seashells and sparkly costume jewelry.
One of my girlfriends has recently been redecorating her beach house and used this lovely pairing as an alternative vase filler. Instead of filling vases and apothecary jars with standard flowers or pebbles, try surprising the eye with something interesting that reflects you and the space.
Her beach house has a light and airy yet glamorous feel with a touch of French countryside casual, so this seaside-bijoux combo is perfect for the space. If shells and sparkles aren’t your thing, get creative and mix up some tiny treasures that make you smile.
Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind when filling apothecary jars and vases:
  1. Keep like colours together.
  2. Remember scale. Try not to combine huge pieces with tiny bits—it usually doesn’t work.
  3. Use larger items for larger vases and smaller fillers for smaller vases.
  4. Group like-object filled vases together. Better yet—group filled jars or vases in odd numbers (like groups of three) and varied sizes for a stronger effect. 
  5. Opt for simplicity. If you mix too many things together, it gets busy. Stick with one to two item combos.
Do you have a cool filler combination to share? If so, send me your ideas and I will feature my favourite in a follow up blog. Brownie points for picture submissions!

Saskia XO

Saturday 14 April 2012

The 100th Anniversary of The Titanic

The Titanic
At 11.40pm on the night of 14 April 1912, en route to New York and on her maiden voyage, the RMS Titanic struck the iceberg that would ultimately lead to her sinking less than 3 hours later. At around 2.20am on the morning of 15 April, RMS Titanic disappeared beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, a disaster that resulted in the loss of more than 1,500 lives, almost two-thirds of the people on board. 


As a tribute to this centenary year, myself and a couple of my girlfriends went to see the new movie which came out in 3D. Although the movie is absolutely heartfelt and devastating enough already....it can never aim to capture the sorority of the actual event. Therefore, as a lover of the film (and a complete and utter history geek...yes), I went home to google the facts about what the event really mounted too.


Here's what I found:

  • There were 6 ice warnings received by Titanic on the day of the collision. They were all ignored by the wireless operator who was preoccupied with transmitting passenger messages. On the night of the collision, because the moon was not out, and the water was so still, it was very difficult to see the iceberg. A less calm water would have caused breakers around the iceberg making it easier to see it from afar.
  • The iceberg that the Titanic struck was not a very big one. It did not even come up as high as the bridge of the ship.
  • An iceberg exposes only 1/10th of it's mass above water. With the other 9/10ths of it's mass below water, It makes them impossible to budge. Even with a force of a ship like the Titanic.



Collision / Damage
  • The Titanic was traveling 22.5 knots while cruising through iceberg laden waters. Just .5 knot from her maximum speed capability.
  • Murdoch (the captain), had ordered the engines reversed which had, ironically, sealed the Titanic's doom. Like all ships, the Titanic turned more quickly the greater her forward motion. Had the Titanic proceeded ahead and turned, it is most likely that she would have avoided hitting the iceberg all together.
  • Though the damage in the hull was 220 to 245 feet long, the most recent evidence shows that there was only a 12 square foot opening (the size of a refrigerator) in the hull allowing water inside the ship.
  • The "watertight" compartments of the Titanic's hull were not actually watertight. They were open at the tops, which aided in her demise.
  • The ship could have stayed afloat had only four compartments flooded... Five became flooded.




Survivors / Casualties
  • 1,503 people total died, including passengers and crew.
  • Only 705 people survived.
  • 1,178 lifeboat seats were carried aboard.
  • 2,208 lifeboat seats were needed.
  • One of the first lifeboats to leave the Titanic carried only 28 people; it could have held 64 people.
  • There were 472 lifeboat seats not used.
  • 300 dead bodies were pulled from the sea the next morning. They were found floating in their life-jackets. Many other floating bodies were not found because they had drifted off.
  • There were many dogs aboard the Titanic. Two of the dogs survived.
  • Charles Joughin was the only person to survive the ice cold Atlantic water...He reportedly had been drinking heavily.
  • Of children fatalities, only 1 child from first class died, while 49 children from steerage died.
     

The Final Moments
  • The band played music up to the last few minutes before the ship went under. None survived.

Titanic Today
  • The Titanic lies 12,600 feet (over 2.33 miles) at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Because the front section of the Titanic went down nose first, the bow is buried 60 feet below the ocean floor. The huge gash is also buried. (Recent technology has allowed visual access to the damaged area of the hull)
  • The Titanic was rediscovered on July 14th, 1986. 74 years after it sank.
  • Since the death of Millvina Dean, May 31st of 2009, there are no longer any living survivors of the Titanic tragedy. Millvina Dean was just nine weeks old at the time of the Titanic's sinking.


My prayers and thought are with all of the victims in the devestating event.


I hope this post was somewhat interesting! Enjoy the rest of your weekend :-)


Saskia XO



Friday 13 April 2012

Friday Favourites!


Happy Friday the 13th! I hope your “unlucky” day actually turns out to be extra fabulous. Here are some of my favourite recent finds to make you smile as you head into the weekend. Enjoy!


Favourite Quote:


friday favorites


Favourite Combo (knit+gold):


knit and gold



Favourite Treat:


friday favorites



Favourite Dream Bathroom:


friday favorites


Favourite Photograph:

Fav Photo- Back of Dress



What was your favourite find this week?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Saskia XO


Thursday 12 April 2012

Fall in Love with....The Tuxedo Jacket


The Row Jacket

Designers rolled out their best le smoking jackets last spring, so this year take advantage of this femme fatale trend by sporting a tuxedo jacket for both casual and formal outings. Like a classic blazer, the tux is versatile and really easy to wear.
Longer and more relaxed styles are ideal for daytime when paired with a long tunic and skinny jeans. For more elegant events, opt for a tailored tux with a sharper fit.


The great thing about tuxedo jackets is you can pair them with matching trousers for a full-blown tux effect, or you can mix it up by wearing them with contrasting separates. In some cases, it’s even fun to layer a tuxedo jacket over a lightweight (or cocktail) dress depending on the colours and fabrics you are working with.


If you decide to give the tux trend a spin, I suggest balancing the masculinity of the jacket with ultra feminine touches such as a red lip, pink nails or a pair of sparkly heels.


Here are some links to a few tuxedo jackets I am currently eyeing…
BCBG Novelty Tuxedo Jacket
Haute Hippie Oversized Tuxedo Jacket 
ADAM Cropped Tuxedo Jacket 
Rag & Bone Wool & Cotton-Blend Tuxedo Jacket
Top Shop Black Satin Collar Tux Jacket
Have you tried this trend before? If so, share the links to your favourite tuxedo jackets in the comments below or tell me which of my selections (above) you like best.




Saskia XO

Slim Tip: Surviving the snack Attack!



When it comes to snacks, most people instantly think, “Chips! Cookies! Oh goody—pudding cups!” No. That’s what I call a “snack attack.” Snacks are not meant to be mini-meals. They are supposed to tide you over until your next meal. The silver lining? They can actually help you achieve a slimmer shape. Snacks prevent overeating come mealtime. I honestly snack all day long. It helps me stay satisfied. (Don’t you always make the worst diet decisions when you’re famished? I do.) Needless to say, instead of starving yourself between each meal, have a nutritious snack. It will help get your metabolism pumping and your body burning calories too.


Instead of those chips and pre-made snack packs, opt for one of my favourite healthy snack 
suggestions:

Slim Tip: Surviving the Snack Attack

Grapes & Grahams:
 Take one graham cracker and split it into two squares. Spread each square with a light layer of cream cheese. Then sprinkle eight halved grapes over the top. It sounds strange, but it’s so delicious!



                          Slim Tip: Surviving the Snack Attack





















Pear/Apple & String Cheese: To curb your sugar cravings, have a piece of fruit with a side of cheesy protein (my favourite type of protein). Cheese is packed with calcium and according to good old WebMD, calcium “can help adjust your body’s fat-burning machinery.”


      Slim Tip: Surviving the Snack Attack


Greek Yogurt: Have a cup of Greek yogurt. If it’s plain, drizzle a little agave nectar over it and top it off with a few berries or slivered almonds. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which will keep you feeling 
full. Plus it has a lot of calcium too!

                          Slim Tip: Surviving the Snack Attack


Hummus & Veggies: This is my favourite snack. The hummus is made from chickpeas, which is rich in protein and fibre. It’s low fat and filling. Perfection!



What’s your favourite snack?
Upload and submit a photo of your favourite healthy snack with a caption explaining the ingredients. I’ll feature my favourite submissions in a follow up post!


Saskia XO

Closet Colouring


closet coloring
One of my favourite ways to update a space is with paint. It can completely transform a room and it’s relatively inexpensive if you do the painting yourself. For most people though, the challenge isn’t the actual painting, it’s picking the colour.

A few days ago I was talking with an interior decorator that said before she paints someone’s home, she goes into their closet and looks at all the colours they wear. Because we tend to buy colours that compliment our own skin tone, we also gravitate to similar shades when decorating our home. Based on the colours she discovers in their closet, she is then able to help them select the perfect paint colour. This makes sense because if you’re going to be surrounded by a colour, it’s going to reflect on you a bit. And who doesn’t want to look their best in their own home? In a nutshell, you should pick paint colours that compliment both your skin tone and your closet.

I thought this was really interesting and figured you might find it helpful too. I honestly never thought of it! Once I finally selected a paint colour for my room, guess what I did? Went into my closet to make sure it went with all my clothes, of course…

What colour are your walls? If you were to paint them a colour, what would it be?

In case you’re wondering, I went with a really pretty blush colour for my wallpaper. Surprise, surprise…
Saskia XO

Monday 9 April 2012

Mani Monday!


Morning bloggers of the vast and ever wonderful blogging universe!
Today, I would normally be a bit down, as I am sure most of you out there would have been engulfed by the Monday Morning Blues...however this particular Monday is bank holiday!! So in order to reflect my somewhat happier mood, check out these fondant fancies....



Cheetah print nails have been around for some time now but I have never actually done a tutorial on them. I got a lot of requests after last week’s Mani Monday heart tutorial, so I'm going for it...after all it is bank holls!
TOOLS: 2 toothpicks, black nail polish (American Apparel “Hassid”), gold nail polish (American Apparel “Gold Flash”), clear coat.
PREP: Use any colour your want on the base of your nails. Make sure they’re fully dry before starting on these spots.
  1. Take your toothpick and tap it on the table or counter a few times to flatten out the tip. That will make your toothpick more like a dotting tool. Flattening the tip will help you pick up a little more nail polish.
  2. Create two little puddles using the gold and black. (Dipping your toothpick in the nail polish bottle is quite messy and you don’t want to leave your nail polish bottle open for too long either.)
  3. Dip your toothpick into the gold and make a messy oval “blob” shape on your nail.
  4. After the gold dries, surround them with black. Leave an opening between the black here and there.
  5. Now let’s see it closer up! Free-hand a gold “blob” shape.
  6. After it dries, take black and start surrounding the shape on one side. Think of it like putting messy parenthesis around your gold blob.
  7. Now do your messy parenthesis shape on the other side. You can even join them together on one side if you want.
  8. Do assorted shapes. Leave various gaps in the black polish. None of the spots should look the same. Once everything is dry, go over the spots with a top coat.
Nail strips are great in cheetah print as well, but so often the stores run out of that pattern. Hopefully this will come in handy! Please tweet me some photos of your spots @misssaskiax

Happy Bank-Holiday-ing!

Saskia XO