Tom Ford Indian Rose Swatch & First Impressions

This is just a quick post about the beautiful Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose and my first impressions of it as this is the first Tom Ford product I've bought (I know, where have I been?!).

Obviously, all of the packaging is beautiful. I mean, it's Tom Ford, so I'm not gonna bang on about that. Indian Rose is a really pretty rosy pink/nude toned lipstick that isn't mega out there, but it certainly isn't boring either. It has a creamy, moisturising texture that applies like a dream. I can't really comment on wear time all that much, as it is first impressions, but with a lipstick of this high quality I'm sure it lasts long enough.

It's safe to say I love this product and can't wait to buy more from Tom Ford. When I bought this the sales assistant used their Shade & Illuminate palette on me too, which I completely fell in love with. That is definitely next on my hit list.

Black Laced With Blue

Top: Ted Baker/Jeans: Topshop/Jacket: Topshop, almost identical here/Boots: Dune/Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

This pretty, sheer lace top from Ted Baker was a sale piece I managed to snap up before it sold out. I'm in love with the endless detail: from the neckline to the ribbon tie it has at the back (I forgot to take photos of that). I have a thing about lace and leather, so pairing this top with this Topshop jacket was kinda obvious. To be honest, I reckon you can throw a leather jacket over most outfits and 9/10 times it'll look good.

Loser.

Jumper: Markus Lupfer/Shirt: The Kooples, similar here/Skirt: River Island

First outfit post of the reboot, woooo... Anyway, I had to feature this wonderful Markus Lupfer jumper which I got online from Coggles (it's sadly sold out now). I feel like I use the word "loser" a lot, so add that to the fact it features pink sequins and it's practically made for me. If you haven't heard of Markus Lupfer then definitely check out his designs. They're all fun, cute and youthful with a lot of slogans without being too OTT. I'm really loving the SS15 collection and hopefully I'll get my hands on a few pieces soon - particularly lusting after this look.

Let me know what you think of Markus Lupfer below and if you have any pieces

x

First Post: The Reboot. A California Summer, Part 1: Venice, Los Angeles.

Okay, so technically I started this blog over a year and a half ago. It's fair to say I didn't commit to it. So, I'm taking this new year as an opportunity to reboot my blog and start writing/posting regularly.
Since we're on the more boring side of January 1st and the excitement of Christmas and New Year has faded away, I will spend this post wishing it was warm again and looking back on summer 2014.
Consider this my first post, take 2.


Last summer I spent 3 weeks in America, the majority of the time was spent in various places in California (plus 5 days in Washington D.C. at the beginning). Due to the amount of places I visited and the masses of photos I collected along the way, I've decided to create a 5-part series documenting my time there.
So, here goes Part 1: Venice.

Venice is a neighbourhood in West Los Angeles known for its quirks and arty shops and cafes. It's an absolute gem for slightly upscale vintage shopping and independent boutiques, plus the beach front is filled with buskers, street artists and performers. If you have that stereotypical image of '80s LA with people in tiny runner shorts rollerskating along the boardwalk, then Venice is where you'll find it (yes, people still actually do that).

                                                                                                                                                              
Venice Beach is the perfect picture of a Californian palm tree-lined beach and a great escape from the pollution of central Los Angeles. If you're looking to get away from the busy streets and tourists, however, then Venice Beach is definitely not the place to do so. If you're looking for a fun day out with a million and one things to see and do, then it's 100% worth a go.


Away from the beach, Venice is a really pretty neighbourhood with surfer shacks, colourful pastel houses and plenty of street art. It would be my number 1 choice if I were ever to move to Los Angeles.


Naturally, anywhere you go in California any time of the year is going to be boiling, never mind during summer. Clearly, I have a problem letting go of wearing all black outfits which probably wasn't the best decision. I've got daisies on so that's fairly summery?

I've also put together a little playlist of songs that were played a lot on the radio during my time in Cali or songs that remind me of being back there; aptly called "California".



There are 5 songs to go with each of the 5 posts.
You can take a little listen and follow me on Spotify at the end of the post.

Top: Pacsun/Shorts: Forever 21, similar here/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Bag: Steve Madden/Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

So that concludes my first post on Exes and Owes 2.0, look out for Part 2 next week.