Pretty in Pastels

03:59 Lauren 0 Comments


Like it or not, pastels are back again in a big way. In fact, pale pink is set to be the trend this Autumn/Winter. Pastels have a habit of scaring even the most die-hard fashion fan because: a) it's  hop, skip and a jump from chic to cutesy and b) you risk looking like a 5 year olds bedroom.  

 I've scoured City Chic for 5 lust-have pastel-inspired looks that you can incorporate into your every-day 'drobe and are guaranteed not to make you look fashion-challenged.

1: Lovely Lilac: 'Radiant Orchid' is Pantone's 2014 Colour of the Year. Call it what you like, it's still lavender and this lace sleeved top is tres chic. Pair it with these high-waisted drapey pants for the perfect effortlessly laid-back look. 
Top and Pants from City Chic. Sunglasses from Sportsgirl. Ring from Samantha Wills. Shoes, bangles, bag and hat from Forever New. 

2. Princess Pink: I love the shit out of this dress. Given that 97% of my wardrobe is comprised of floral dresses (that figure is scarily accurate) it's not surprise that as soon as I laid my eyes on this baby, I just hads to have her. I love the pale pink flowers against the washed-out navy blue and the fit and cut of the dress is seriously swoon-worthy - give me a full skirt and some tulle and I am so there. As for the coat, I've become a huge, huge fan of pink coats ever since I saw Kourtney Kardashian rocking a pale pink Asos coat a few days ago (and I am far cry from a K-dash fan). This one is super feminine and paired with the princess dress, you have yourself a look even Kate Middleton would approve of. 

Coat and Dress from City Chic. Shoes and bag from Forever New. Ring from Asos Curve.




3. Mint Madness: Mint green is one of my all time favourite colours. I laaahhhhhve it. As soon as my greedy little eyes saw this cardigan I knew I was going to make it mine. I love throwing it on with a pair of black tailored pants for work or pairing it with jeans and a crisp tee on weekends - it adds such a nice pop of colour to my outfits. 

Jeans and cardigan from City Chic. Bag, shoes and sunglasses from Sportsgirl. 


4. Fancy Florals: Jumpsuits have officially been a thing again for awhile now and if you aren't on the bandwagon then I think you should try this baby out for size. Though she's not technically pastel, the floral print has pale pink and green flowers and if you pair her with this super-cute pink shrug then you three will be guaranteed a good time. Add some 70's platform heels, a statement Samantha Wills necklace and a gold cuff bracelet for a truly modern take on an old classic. 
Jumpsuit and shrug from City Chic. Shoes from Forever New. Cuff from Asos Curve. Necklace from Samantha Wills. 


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Lust Have: Lips Edition

03:16 Lauren 0 Comments

Hollaaaaa. 

 It's been too long since I posted. I know, I know: I am the actual worst. I'm sorry but I have been a busy little bee. 

 I've been wanting to do a beauty post for awhile now and what better way to kick it off than with a little lip-lovin'. 

 It wasn't that long ago that I never, ever, ever wore lipstick. I'd wear the occasional lip gloss but unless it was a fancy-schmancy occasion or fancy-dress my lips were super un-loved. 

 Then one magical day I discovered Napoleon Perdis's Matte-tastic lipstick and it CHANGED MY LIFE. Ok, not really but it certainly changed my beauty habits and it definitely changed my lipstick-hatin' ways. I love the shit out of the Matte-tastic range for one simple reason: the colour stays put. I constantly bite my lip, lick my lips and pout so if a lip colour is staying put on my mouth then you know it's not moving on anybody elses. The colour is vibrant and although the look is very matte, it doesn't dry my lips out either. I purchased the Ava (peach), Lana (pink), Marlene (deep red) and Veronica (red) and I wear these babies on a fairly steady rotation. 
Napoleon Perdis Mattetastic Veronica
Watching the Oscars this year I had an "OMG" moment when Margot Robbie rocked the red carpet like nobody's business and sported a vamped-up burgundy lip that was TO DIE FOR. I'd never, ever considered wearing burgundy lipstick before, but post-Margot-at-the-Oscars, I've been bursting to find something similar to try it out. 

 So last week I took myself on a mission to find a not-too-dark-not-too-bright burgundy lipstick that wouldn't make my vampire-esque pale skin look even paler than it already does. I have to admit, I didn't have much hope and I expected to look totes stoopid. I found two options and bought them home for a test-run. The first was a Chi-Chi lipstick called 'Let me Tempt You' that has a beautiful, intense matte finish while still being quite creamy and easy to apply.
I was STOKED with the end result - I flippin' love it. 

 The second one I tried out was a Revlon ColourBurst balm stain - which isn't really something I've tried out before. I'd heard of these wonderous balm stains, but not being a huge lip-fan, I'd never really taken any for a spin. Let me tell you, I am so sold. So much in fact, I plan on buying more of these magical things. All I know is that everytime I wear it, I feel like I'm not wearing anything at all on my lips and yet it lasts FOREVER and stays quite fresh and moist throughout the day. I bought mine in 'Crush' but I plan on going and buying a few others as they're perfect for work. 

The balm stain doesn't quite back the intense punch of the lipstick but I like it for a more subdued look - in fact, I think I've sported this look to work every day this week. 

 So my pretties, get amongst the lipstick, lip stains and lip colours and tell me your fave go-to colour and brand. I'm eager to hear from you. 

 Till next time my loves 

 xx



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Fall Fashion

00:43 Lauren 0 Comments


It's official: Summer is ov-ah. March is here and with it comes a whole new season - hello, Autumn, you golden goddess, you. If you're not sure what your wardrobe needs to survive these next three months, don't fear! I've totally got this. Just for you, I scouted Asos and found my best picks for transeasonal fashion to help keep you covered and in-style. You're welcome. 

The "Going-Shopping" Outfit


Also known as the "I'm-running-errands" outfit, the 'going-shopping' look is often a hard one to pin down. It has to be cute, but comfortable. Practical but stylish. I'm a huge fan of this dress - partly because anything with a cupid-heart print is a-OK in my book and partly because it just looks comfortable. The sleeves give you a bit of warmth but I reccomend pairing it with a leather jacket and opaque tights for the cooler months. Add ankle boots, blow-dryed hair and some glossy lips for a perfectly presentable but cute-as-a-button look. 

The 'Sunday Brunch' Outfit 

I was one of those people scratching my head and going "Jumpsuits are a thing, now?!" but damnit, the trend got me and I'm a recent covert to the jumpsuit revival (largely because it's like a onesie you can wear outside. So. Damn. Comfortable). I adore this offering from Asos and the best part? It doesn't even look like a jumpsuit. Pair it with a leather/denim jacket or even a cardigan, a long layered necklace, a bangle or three and you're good to go. Simple chic! Not feeling the floral pants in this offering? Asos also have this one, this one aaaand this one. Do it! 

The After Hours Drinks/Dinner/Date Outfit

You know the scenario: you've just gotten home from work on a Friday afternoon and are ready for a glass or seven of wine and an early night when you get a text from your BFF/significant-other/colleague/random inviting you out for drinks and/or dinner. You can't decline and you're brain is screaming "BUT WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR". Never fear, my friend. This little kimono shrug from Asos is going to be your new best bud. Pair her with leather, leggings, skinny-jeans or tights, a (preferably clean) cami or singlet top and BAM! instant glam-ification. Layer your wrists in some metallic bracelets, pull your hair into a cute top-knot bun, apply your best red lipstick, grab some heels or ankle boots and sashay your sweet-ass out that door. I guarantee you, you'll love this baby. 


The "It's Cold I Need a Jumper" Outfit



Ok, so this one is less of an outfit and more of an actual wardrobe requirement. Every Autumn/Winter, I start stockpiling my wardrobe (and also my Floor-drobe, Car-drobe and Work-drobe) with woolies that don't look like something my Nana would wear. I seriously heart this studded sweat top. Why? IT GOES WITH ANYTHING. Seriously! Jeans, pants, leggings, shorts, skirts, garden hoses (Ok, maybe not, but you get the idea). It's a sweat so you know it's going to be comfortable and the studs help to glam it up a bit. You can take this beauty to the movies, a date, hell - wear it to work. I know I will be. 


The 'Hot Date/Glam Night Out' Outfit


It's a touch cold outside but you want a dress to 'wow' for the special occasion. Be it a wedding, a hot date or a night wining and dining with your five best friends, this pretty frock from Asos is your go-to. If the weather is on the mild side, wear it with bear legs and some sky-high heels. If it's super chilly outside, pair it with opaque tights, boots and a coat to keep you toasty. It comes in three colours (black, cream and wine) but I'm partial to the cream. 



And there you have it my friends. Five awesome Autumn essentials to keep you wonderfully warm and  fabulously chic this season. Happy Shopping, y'all. 

xxx 







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