Sometimes, things really are just black and white

I don't claim to have a great, unique, quirky, 'trendy' fashion sense. I'm very much a comfort seeking creature so my 'signature' look so to speak, is an oversized hoody/jumper and a pair of leggings. Simples.
For evening occasions I usually still wear the leggings, leather-look if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, and throw on a 'dressier' top, loose fitting always.

While I'm no stranger to wearing a little burst of colour here and there, black and white is always comforting and never looks 'unfashionable'. Slap on some red lipstick and it's instantly more 'polished'.

(Please click on the photos to see them bigger and clearer. Also please note I use my phone to take pictures so the quality isn't always amazing). 

Cover-up - Primark (Current Season);  Leggings - Forever21;  Bag - Primark (Current Season);  Shoes - H&M

Cover-up - Primark (current season);  Wedges - H&M

I picked up this absolute bargain of a cover-up/cardigan from Primark just earlier this week, LOVE it! I think it's such a versatile piece that looks delicate but can definitely be edged up. Throw over a vest top, a plain black dress, anything really, it's so pretty and classy. And the quality is really not bad at all considering it's Primark! 

These wedges are my favourite shoes for when I want to look a bit more groomed but don't want the hassle and pain of heels, so comfy, edgy, and versatile. Bargain. 

White Gold Bracelet - my Dad;  Bag - Primark (Current Season);  Sephora by O.P.I - 'And a Cherry On Top'

I decided to accessorise very simply with only one piece of jewellery, a sturdy structured bag and red polish. Very simple and no fuss but they rounded off the outfit nicely. 

Also picked up the bag from Primark this week, it's a River Island knock-off but you can't tell it's from Primark, love it. 

Click Picture
FACE: Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser (Warm Radiance); Bobbi Brown under-eye corrector; Collection 2000 concealer (Shade 2); Benefit Moon Beam; Nars Blush in Taos; Benefit Hoola bronzer
EYES: Urban Decay Half-Baked on lid; Urban Decay Smog in crease; Maybelline Gel Eye-Liner; Maybelline in Colossal, MAC powerpoint in Engraved
LIPS: Mac lipliner in Spice; Nars Jungle Red lipstick 

Accenting a monochrome outfit with red is a bit of a cliché, but I clearly, have absolutely no problem with that. I think a red lip and red nails compliment a black and white outfit perfectly and make it look so much more polished and Chanel-esque. The colour of the lips looks a bit more orange/pink toned than it really is but to see a proper review of the lipstick click here. 

What are your comfort colour palettes for outfits? Red lips with monochrome - overdone or understated?  Have you bought anything recently that you're really excited about?  

Love, Emma xo

Currently Listening To: Dirty Talk - Wynter Gordon 

7 ways to CORAL up your life

Coral. That word that gets thrown about when trying to describe something that's not quite orange, nor pink or peach. It's that something in between. I think it's a gorgeous colour, complimentary to all skin tones, that when done right can give you that double-take factor.

I wouldn't say I'm much of a colour person, blacks and greys are my comforts but I can do colour in simple ways - like coloured jumpers, nail polishes and obviously, different coloured lipsticks. 

Colour shy? Here are 7 simple things you could do to add that 'pop' of colour to your day and outfit. Yes there are the obvious things like coral coloured shoes and bags, but if you're like me and think that's stretching it a bit far (I wouldn't mind me a coral clutch though!), then have a look at these very underwhelming but effective little tweaks you can make! 

I would not recommend doing all 7 things at once, unless ofcourse looking like an orange is your thing. The idea kinda is to introduce your outfit to a colour bit by bit.

(Please click on the photos to see them larger and clearer. Also please note I take my photos on my phone so the quality isn't always amazing)

Blazer - Zara (Summer 2011);  Blouse - H&M (Summer 2011)

The Big 'Pop' of Colour: I love wearing this coral blazer when I'm wearing an otherwise monochrome or boring outfits. If I can't be bothered to make an effort, I'll throw on a pair of leggings, any plain blouse/tshirt and this blazer and it makes me look so much more put together. It's screams fun and loud and a little bit daring, but it's also smart and simple enough to not be too in your face.

Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner in Gentle Coral 

Not Quite Ready to Jump onto the Orange Lipstick Bandwagon? Fear not, you don't have to! I think some people can really pull of bright orange lipstick but sadly I'm not one of those people. This is the next best thing - a coral coloured lip conditioner! I absolutely love this one, it is so moisturising and surprisingly long lasting. The best thing though, is that it is very buildable. It's not as scary as it looks in the pot!! It's sheer and you can add as many layers as you want to get whatever colour build-up you like! 

Nars Cream Blush in Cactus Flower

Coralful Cheeks: I promise you this cream blush isn't as intimidating as it looks in the pan! It's done it rounds on Youtube and the Blogosphere and has a quite a bit of hype surrounding it, and definitely for a reason. I've owned this for about two years now and always bring it out around spring/summer time to add a really healthy natural glow to my face. Applies silky smooth and best done with a stippling brush to sheer it out. 

Miss Selfridges a couple of years ago 

Maybe a Miniscule Pop of Coral? If the above is still too much for you, then why not find a piece of jewellery that has a bit of coral in it? This ring paired with a plain white dress and some delicate braceletss looks so pretty and you can still tick the colour-trend box!

MAC Flurry of Fun (LE); No7 Liplicious Moisturising Balm in Sweet Peaches 

Lipgloss Lover? If you're not a fan of tinted lip conditioners, or if you can't leave the house without slapping a bit of gloss over your lips/lipstick then coral lipgloss is the one! The MAC one was bought in their beach collection a while ago and has gorgeous blue and green sparkles in it that make your teeth look whiter! I like to use it over a pinky lipstick and I always get compliments when I use it! The No7 one was a recent gift that I am loving! It is a moisturising lip balm gloss that is not sticky or gloopy at all, but very pigmented and shimmery and looks beautiful by itself or over a lipstick! 

Sephora by O.P.I - Special Request

Coral on Your Nails: Okay so this one is less intimidating. I've seen coral/orangey/peachy nail polish everywhere and this one is one of my favourites! It looks a little more red/pink here but in real life is more true to coral. Such a simple, small thing you can do and it will really wake and brighten your outfit up! 

Victoria's Secret Refreshing Body Mist in Delicate Petals

Smell Coral?!! Okay so technically you can't smell coral-y but the colour of this bottle kinda fits in. And it has notes of tangerine in it, that's kinda coral/orangey right? Whatever, its one of my favourite scents of the moment! I adore Victoria's Secret Body Mists, they are so deliciously refreshing and if coral had a scent this would be it! 

Coral you can buy right now!

LINKS:
1 - Topshop Nail Polish; 2 -  Topshop Maxi Dress
3 - Boohoo Trousers; 4 - Chloe Scarf
5 - Isharya Ring

Go get your coral on ladies!! 

Do you like the colour Coral or do you just not care? What are your favourite Coral-y things of the moment? Any other colours you can't get enough of? 

Love, Emma xo

Currently Listening To: Fight For This Love - Cheryl Cole