Series 1: Dress up a Black Tee- Scarves

Scarves

So we're rushing out of the house to go to either Uni/College or shopping etc and we dont have time to spare. In the series on Dress up a Black Tee I'll be going through all the ways you can wear a black t-shirt but still make it look stylish!

Wearing scarves is not just a winter thing. You can also add a scarf to your look in the summers but ofcourse make sure the scarf is not woollen! Aim for something light weight. The following are my ways to spice up a boring black t-shirt with the addition of some statement scarves!

Floral

I feel there is alot of florals coming in this year (may depend which part of the world you are). I found this beautiful scarf in Cairo, Egypt on a recent trip. I love the boost of colour it brings to my tshirt and it can easily be paired with some dark blue denim skinny legs and some cute gladiator flats. 



Leopard print

For those who have been following me, you may have noticed I am a bit obsessed with the leopard print. I found this scarf on a trip to Chiang Mai at a local market. The material is so soft and very easily wearable in the summer. I find this scarf adds alot of style to your outfit and can easily be worn to make the outfit go from a day look to a night look simply by adding maybe a blazer or some hooped golden earrings.

Checkers

I knew this style was very trendy a few years back but I think I only started liking it end of last year. I love the army edge to it and the safari look it can give an outfit. The hot pink and silver tassles add a sense of chic to it. It can easily be worn with some neutral shorts or skinny legs.

This is a more neutral look and again it adds to your outfit to give it an edgy feel to it. Would look great with some shorts or skinny legs and a pair of black gladiators.

Colour Boost

 I absolutely love this scarf! I bought it from Forever New. It brings out any outfit I wear and the peacock like colours brighten up any look. Works great with a black tee as well as a white one. It converts the old boring tshirt to something a bit more sophisticated. Works great for both day and evening wear. For night time, wear it with a white cropped blazer and a pair of skinny legs.

Something different- Tassles

 I got this scarf as a gift and honestly I wasnt purely excited about it. Its one of those items when you initally get it you dont like it but then you start loving it, thats what happened to me. The scarf is really simple but the added tassles really give it a chic yet edgy feel to it. This is the one scarf Ive gotten the most compliments for. I think because its something different.

Want class?

 If you need to rush out for an important meeting, you can always add a bit of class with the addition of a branded LV scarf. This paired with a fitted blazer and a pencil skirt can definitely dress up a old boring tshirt.


Hope you enjoyed this segment on how to dress up a plain black tshirt, stay tuned for the next in the series.

Remember all of these ideas are my own, I purchased these scarves with my own money. I believe when you dress yourself you shouldnt follow trends but make your own. Ofcourse its good to get some ideas. However, don't lose yourself to some one elses style, make a statement and be yourself!

Keep smiling :)





Tried and Tested...Hairsprays and Heat Protectors

Schwarzkopf 10 Carat Shine Range

I bought these products mid last year because I was lookin for some good hair sprays. I came across this range by Schwarzkopf. The hair spray provides 'extreme hold' and the gloss finish spray provides 'extra strong hold'. To be honest, I think if you have thick long hair like mine, this is false. The hair spray did not 'hold' my hair just made it crispy and hard. However it does add a really nice shine to your hair (but dont all hair sprays?). The gloss spray is great for simple looks such as straightening. It provides a bit of hold and decreases fly aways. There are two methods for using the spray; either you can spray it into the hair whilst wet if you want a shine to your hair after it dries or if you want it to work to hold your hair in place just style and spray. I used it after washing, and it made my hair smell amazing! It also did what it promised which was to add shine, which was a A++ for me!

Flat Iron by Special Effects

I came across this product when I was just looking through the shopping isles. The shape and colour of the bottle really caught my eye. I liked the design as it is similar to the chi chi designs (which are much more expensive). This is a heat protectant and promises to leave your hair silky smooth after ironing. I have to say that it does just that. Im not sure whether it actually 'protects' my hair from heat but my hair does feel very shiny after using this product when straightening or curling my hair.

Redken Satinwear

I found out about this product through the utube beauty guru Juicystar07 otherwise known as Blair. I blow dry my hair alot in the winters and wanted soemthing to protect my hair but at the same time leaving it looking healthy. The first time I tried this product on, I didnt like it. It was sticky and weighed down my hair. I tried it again and I experienced the same thing. After blow drying it did make my hair softer but I didnt feel any 'wow' factor in purchasing this product. I think there are better cheaper alternatives to buying heat protectants than this one. A plus point with this product is its smell but then dont most hair products smell nice?

Rating

Schwarzkopf 3/5 stars

Special Effects 3/5

Redken 2/5

Let me know what you have been using to protect your hair, leave a comment below!

Rate, comment, subscribe

Keep Smiling :)

Summer Colours

Where I am, it is currently really hot! As it is summer here. So when summer comes it means summer nails! This month I'm loving these three shades byt Ulta3, which I was fortunate enough to get on sale! The names for each are also so cute such as 'plum violet', 'watermelon' and 'spring fling'. As you can see, the colour is quite true to the shade in the bottle. A plus point with these nailpolishes is its dry time! It takes less than a minute to dry which is such a + point for me!

These shades can be warn with almost anything and the best part about them is that they add a bit of 'oomph' to your outfit! I always get compliments for the 'watermelon' shade because it is not too bright and not too subtle!

So this summer,give your nails a touch of summer colours!

keep smiling :)

Leopard Love

So I was looking for a University bag, as I needed one desperately. I needed something with pockets and was spacious enough to fit my study books. I found this amazing bag by Charlie Brown. Everything about it made me fall in love with it. I love the leopard print, which is still around these days since I got this mid-last year. Im able to wear this with nearly anything, by wearing a simple outfit I can add a bit of 'glamour' with it. Going to University I am always in a rush and most of the time throw on a pair of skinny leg jeans with a neutral top. The handles give it a more edgy feel to it, which I love! And it also has a pocket in the front, just right for my essentials ie wallet and phone. The inside of the bag again gives it a 'safari' look to it with a zebra pattern! I like to pair this bag with these leopard earrings, which balances out my outfit.

Hair Be Gone!

Not sure whether to wax, shave or even thread? I think I have almost tried everything and I have come to conclusions regarding what is best suited for me. Here's a simple guide to everythign you need to know about hair removal.

Waxing

Waxing is ok if your choosing to do a larger surface area, such as your legs or arms. But I have heard constantly that you should not use it on the face, it leads to premature wrinkles. I dont know to what extent that is true because Im only 22 and I dont have any wrinkles. I have used waxing for the eyebrows and upperlip a few times but not anymore.

The Benefits?

Waxing offers long lasting and smooth results for up to four weeks. Plus, because its a new hair growing back (assuming you have done it correctly), it doesnt have the same 'spiky' feel you notice after shaving.

Downside?

Ingrown hairs!! And as I have noticed waxing can be quite messy if done at home.

Threading

Threading involves using a thin, pure, twisted cotton thread and rolling it over the desired area. Hair is caught in between the therads and pulled out from the root. I was fortunate enough to learn the art of threading when I was doing a beauticians course in India. The problem with threading with a string, is that it is almost impossible to do it one yourself. But there is a 'spring' like thing (which I have forgotten the name of) in the picture above which works well for areas on the face such as the upper lip. I wouldnt recommend using this on your eyebrows because you dont have that much control.

The benefits?

Threading is inexpensive, fast and a neat way of removing facial hair. You can achieve a really nice shape for the eyebrows. I have stopped getting my eyebrows threaded a found an even better option which is talked about below!

Downside?

Threading can be really painful and cause an itching sensation afterwards. If threading is done incorrectly, the hair can break, which will result in regrowth showing up more quickly. In addition, if you dont have a proper skilled person doing it the thread can often nick your skin leaving you with scabs all alongside your eyebrow! (Yes it has happened to me!)

Bleach

Bleach is quite common for those who generally have hair which is visible on the face. I personally have only used bleach once at a beauticians a year back and I have to say Im never goin to use it again! My skin became discoloured because they  didnt test a patch of my skin before applying it all over. So always keep in mind that if your skin is sensitive like mine you should always test it out!

Benefits?
You receieve an overall 'whiter' glow.

Downside
The hair hasnt gone anywhere! It has just been bleached/turned white. In the sunlight you can still see the hairs which is not a good look! Ive also read that this can permanently discolour your skin if you continue to use it.


Eyebrow Shavers

Sounds strange doesnt it, but these are my ultimate favourite finds! I found them in a local store in Singapore. They are razors for your eyebrows! I had doubts about these at first, thinking the hair will grow back thick and noticeable. But it works wonders, I just maintain them every few days and I dont have to go get them done anymore!

Benefits?

They are quick and easy and save money!

Downside?

I have only used these for around 3 weeks now, I dont see any problems with them besides the fact that if you dont have good hand dexterity then you may accidently take off half your eyebrow if your not careful!

My vote for removing facial hair would definitely be the eyebrow razors! They have kept my eyebrows groomed and I dont have to wait till they grow to get the threaded anymore!

Whats your pick? Let me know in the comment box below!

Until next time, keep smiling :)

Most Loved

I decided I would show you guys my most loved possession! My new GUESS watch, given as a gift by someone special.

I absolutely love the design. It can be worn on almost anything because it can be dressed up or down. I love the diamonte detailing, I feel it gives it an overall classy look! Absolutely love it!

Naturally Fresh Face Packs and Masks

Now adays, there is a huge variety of face masks and packs which are available from the shopping isle. However, like anything, going natural is one of the best remedies. Its as easy as looking into your kitchen fridge! All these masks are great for a quick pick me up as well as giving it a vitamin boost! Again all of these have been tried and tested by myself, so there is guaranteed satisfaction :)

Amazing Avocado and Honey Face Pack

A nourishing and regenerating facial for rejuvenating tired or mature skin.

Need:
1 Avocado
1tsp clear honey
1tsp lemon juice
1tsp plain yoghurt (optional)

Method: Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl until it makes a paste. Leave it in the fridge for 30 mins (if it is summer) or leave it out with a piece of cloth over the top (if it is winter). Apply the pack for atleast 10 mins (relax with your feet up and maybe some slices of cucumbers to cool those tired eyes). Remove the mask with cool water.

Apple and cinnamon face pack

An antiseptic mask for oily or problem skin

Need:

1 ripe apple- peeled and grated

1/2 tsp single light cream

1tsp honey

1tbsp ground oats

1/2 tsp ground cinamon

Method:

Like above, combine all ingredients into a thick paste. Leave on the face for 10 mins and remove with cold water, your face should feel clean and soft!

Banana face pack

A rich and nourishing face pack for dry skin.

Need:

1 egg yolk

10ml almond oil

1 ripe banana

Method:

Combine all ingredients into a paste. Apply to face and apply for around 10 mins (if very dry then 15 mins). Remove with cool water.

Gram Flour and Turmeric pack

I like to call this pack, the golden glow because it literally gives you a beautiful glow! Its for all skin types and it works great as a pick me up.

Need:

1/2 cup of Gram flour

1 tsp grounded turmeric

1tbsp milk (or till the paste becomes firm)

Method:

Mix the indredients together until it forms a thick paste. Apply all over and leave for 20 mins. It will form a hard layer which is a signal that you should remove it. Wash with luke warm water.

Keep note that before applying any mask it is important to clean. Remove any make up and dirt build up by using a good cleanser (see my Clean Face post on the best one). These masks have been tried and tested by myself and I have seen definite improvement in my skin after applying these for a longer period of time. Since they do not contain any harsh chemicals, they will not cause irritation to your skin (unless ofcourse you are allergic).

Keep smiling :