Thursday 5 March 2015

#colourmemarch

With Cheltenham races just around the corner, I've been set the challenge of coming up with the perfect outfit to wear for ladies day next Wednesday. The races is all about being glamorous and showing off your style so I thought it would be great to go for loads of colour and floaty fabrics to set the tone for the coming Summer weather (hopefully anyway)!



This dress from ASOS would be perfect for a day at the races. Its a great length to keep that sophisticated edge however the low neck line keeps it looking youthful. 



As I wore this outfit for a wedding last Summer, I thought it would good to include some more updated ideas that you can shop now!




Don't forget to tweet me @alice_hodkinson and show me how you would style yourself for the races

@colourmemarch
@etailPR



Sunday 23 November 2014

Urban Decay Basics Palette







My mum and her friends recently went to New York and whilst she was there I asked her to look out for an Urban Decay Naked Palette (better late than never as it seems everyone has had one of these for years!). Because I didn't specify which one,  she kindly bought me the "Basics" palette, however I was quite pleased with this as I have so many glittery shades that it will be great for everyday use. I couldn't wait to try it and watched some Youtube videos beforehand, however they were mostly showing off palettes "2" or "3" so I decided to go ahead and create my own look.




I decided to create a graduated effect with the different tones. The palette is really about buildable colour and I felt as though I had to put a few coats of each shade on to achieve the look I wanted. I wore this look for a night out and was happy with how well it stayed on, even though I didn't use any eyeshadow primer. 




1. Venus / 2. Foxy / 3. Venus / 4. Naked 2 / 5. Faint


I'm looking forward to creating more looks with this, so let me know if you have one and how you use yours!






Sunday 16 November 2014

ASOS SS15 Press Day

This week, ASOS held their Spring/Summer '15 press day to showcase some of their main concepts for the coming season. It had something for everyone - from the super fun to the highly sophisticated - proving that they are a simple, one stop destination for every fashion loving girl (and guy). 

ASOS themselves had split up each area into a different trend, so I thought that I would break them down even further and show you the pieces that I thought would be most wearable for next season.




The first trend I picked up on was this really cool "city chic" vibe. It was all about bags in sleek shapes and oversized, longline (yet still sophisticated) clothes. The muted tones created an almost autumnal feel which is something unique for S/S and means that there will be an alternative to the cliché pastels that are normally around that time of year. The trend also proved that the blanket cape and sleeveless waistcoat are here to stay, meaning that hopefully we'll be able to grab a few more in the January Sales and wear them over into Spring.



The second trend I picked out was this "edgy meets dainty" type of styling. ASOS showed that you can mix really quirky jewellery pieces with more delicate fabrics and prints to create a more edgy look.  The mix of gold, pearls and studs will make ASOS a sure stop for jewellery in Spring!


What are your first impressions of the styles to come?




Monday 10 November 2014

Payday Haul



During the month of October I hardly bought any new clothes which is very unlike me! That's why when it came to payday at the end of the month I was shaking with excitement at the thought of fresh new Autumnal clothes. I tried to look for pieces that I would wear more than just a few times which is why I went for neutral tones. Here's a sneaky look into my new finds...





Every time a pack of women's Calvin's comes onto ASOS.com I buy them straight away as they always sell out so quickly. These are honestly the comfiest knickers ever, I love them! The mascara has a bigger brush than I would normally go for but I was desperate for a new one (all the ones I ever love seem to get discontinued)! It is good but I am still on the hunt for that perfect mascara.








Shirt Dress: Zara
(I searched the site and couldn't find a link, sorry!)




I've already worn a few of the pieces and can't wait to show you guys how I styled them. The Zara shirt dress makes me feel so chic! I know the grey H&M top seems like a boring purchase, but it's good to keep your basics stocked and I thought this was a bit different to a normal plain tee because of the sleeve detail which adds a bit of interest.


What did you guys spend your October pay check on?





Saturday 8 November 2014

Just drinks?





Dress: ASOS (similar here and here)


I sometimes find it hard to decide what to wear for "just drinks", but when I found this dress in the sample sale at work I knew I had to have it (I even bought the same in green) as it creates the perfect outfit for when you're going out, but not "out out"!  Because the dress is such a standout piece, I chose to style it down a touch with smaller, more causal heeled sandals. I also pinned the V neck slightly at the bottom so I felt more comfortable in it. Here, I've kept the make-up natural and gone for MAC's "half and half" lip colour as not to overpower the look, however if I was to wear this dress "out out" I would go full on with a red lip and lots of eyeliner!


What do you wear for "just drinks"?








Monday 27 October 2014

Orange Is The New Black

Orange knitwear is so big this season! Everyone at work has been wearing orange jumpers which is why I'm using mine to show you how I take my midi dress from casual day wear to after work drinks.

Midi dresses are great for Autumn as they are long enough that they won't get blown up in the wind, which is one reason why I never wear short skirts! For my day look I've teamed my amazing orange jumper with my dress, boots and a fab clutch from Primark! My thing at the moment is clutches for casual wear. There are so many nice ones out there that it seems a shame to restrict them to a night out. They can also take your look from boring to chic instantly! 





For the evening look I've simply removed the jumper! I know that doesn't seem adventurous enough but let's be realistic... it's so much effort to bring in a change of shoes and accessories into work every time you go out! Also, it just goes to show that removing one item of clothing can rework a whole outfit. I'd team the evening look with a leather jacket and loads of eyeliner.





Clutch: Primark (similar here)



What are your quick tips for day to night changes?





Tuesday 21 October 2014

The Autumn Tag



Last week fellow blogger and fashion apprentice Samara asked me to complete the Autumn Tag. I thought it would be a great way for you guys to get to know me a bit better, so here goes...

1. Coffees - What's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks or another coffee shop?
I hate coffee! I'm not grown up enough for that yet haha. I always drink green tea at home and work, but out with friends I might stretch to a hot chocolate! 

2. Accessories - What do you opt for, scarf, boots or gloves?
I love to layer up with cardigans and scarves so that I can still kept warm whilst wearing lighter jackets. Sometimes it's hard to know what to walk out of the house in when it's not yet completely freezing.

3. Music - What's your favourite music to listen to during Autumn?
I listen to absolutely all types of music. I'm one of those girls that can walk into any club and start dancing straight away. I recently went to see the film "Northern Soul" at the cinema and was so inspired by the music culture in it. I think Northern Soul is going to be my next obsession.

4. Perfume - What's your favourite scent for this time of year?
For years I have been wearing "Lady Million" by Paco Rabanne, however it was my 20th birthday last week and I received "Si" by Giorgio Armani as a gift. It's my new favourite. 

5. Candles - What scents will you be burning this season?
Bad smells actually affect my mood and make me anxious so as long as there's a nice smell in the air I'm all good.

6. What do you love most about Autumn?
My birthday, Halloween and midi dresses without tights.

7. Favourite makeup look?
Smokey eyes and nude lips or natural eyes and bright lips.

8. What are you looking forward to most in Autumn?
Parties, feeling cosy and better fashion!


Next I nominate Elly to answer The Autumn Tag, go go go!