Tuesday Ten: New On the Blog Roll...

Yes. It's a Monday. I had to upload this post today as I have a major exam tomorrow so I probably won't get round to even uploading it with revision! Anyway, here are the blogs I've just started to follow recently. Quite a lot of them I have seen/heard of before but never got round to clicking that ol' follow button...

1. Framboise Fashion
2. Fashion Squad
3. Le Blog de Betty
4. Style Scrapbook
5. Jak & Jil
6. Little Plastic Horses
7. KnightCat
8. Raspberry Red
9. Make Life Easier
10. Because I'm Addicted

Do you follow any of these amazing blogs? 

Photo Diary: Mother's Day...

Mother's Day is always a special one. This year my sister and I surprised our Mum and Nan with afternoon tea at a local luxury hotel called The Runnymede-On-Thames. But first, we headed off to Costa for a cuppa and then John Lewis for a little retail therapy. Above are the flowers my uncle gave my Nan and boy, aren't they gorgeous! Of course, I just had to whip out my phone for a little Instagram opportunity!

Then it was afternoon tea time and just look at this beauty...

It was £25 for one afternoon tea but we were all feeling a tad greedy and hungry so treated ourselves to three! It came with a glass of champagne each, a beautiful selection of sandwiches (cucumber, ham, egg and salmon), cakes (blackberry macaroon, raspberry tart, chocolate cake and an apricot tart) and then scones with homemade cherry jam and clotted cream. It was very indulgent!

With stuffed tummies and tight jeans, we called for a walk...

It was a muggy day with a grey caste over the sky, but daffodils were blooming and birds were chirping - so out came my floral crochet top (from River Island, a prettier one here) and my navy trench (from Forever 21, similar here). Lately I've been edging away from my usual blue jeans and opting for coloured ones, such as these stone ones from Zara (no longer sold too but there are similar ones here).

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day and spoiled your mummies rotten! Have a good week!

Tuesday Ten: April Style Ideas...

April showers. Need I say more? April is a funny month when it comes to the style racks; it's not quite bare-legged weather, yet it's certainly not coat weather either. So what do us stylish ladies do? Well, here I've assembled a little list of a few things to whip out this April; or even a few things to purchase before the month even arrives.

1. Swap winter jackets for light trench coats
2. Ankle boots will be your best friend
3. Try a lighter colour palette
4. White jeans aren't just for summer; paired with autumnal colours and they balance perfectly
5. Alongside a trench coat, also grab your leather jacket too this April
6. Whip out all your Breton stripes
7. April = rain = raincoat
8. Layer up on accessories e.g sunglasses, light scarves, gold jewellery
9. Swap dark denim for chinos
10. Instead of dark blue jeans, why not try a fun, coloured pair to brighten up your spring wardrobe? 

5 Style Changes I'm Making For Spring...

Taken from my Instagram - @emmafox98

It's suddenly occurred to me. I've always loved fashion that looked as if you were going to a beatnik funeral (I blame Audrey Hepburn and Emmanuelle Alt for this). However, it's recently dawned on me that head-to-to black doesn't always look chic, but a little drab. Maybe this feeling is because in spring we usually opt for pastel hues and soft shades rather than edgy colours. I've never been one to particularly shy away from colour but there are quite a lot that don't suit me; je déteste la couleur rose sur moi. Nonetheless, this spring I most definitely will be searching for peachy and coral tones, French navy, red, purple and pastel shades too. But colour isn't the only thing I'll be switching up this month in the style department...

1. Play around -  Skinny jeans, a casual tee and a jacket is my usual day-to-day look however this spring I intend to play around with my everyday wardrobe by adding in tailored trousers, a-line skirts, breton tops and dressy shorts. 
2. Add a special touch - Sometimes I think the nonchalance of a hem or cuff turn-up or a jazzy scarf wrapped around ones neck can make the world of a different to a look. It adds a special touch and appears as though more thought had gone into the outfit. Plus, it adds interest to a somewhat bland outfit.
3. Try texture - I also intend to buy a lot of print this season. I'm dying to nab myself a pair of leopard print loafers or a snakeskin bag. Print adds that 'special touch' to an outfit that sometimes colour can't quite donate. I would also like to purchase a few leather items as well as light knits too. 
4. Dare to be different - Sometimes, and don't we all, I stay in my comfort zone within style terms. This spring I intend to break up with my aforementioned everyday outfit and opt for a risk-taker look. Trying new things and experimenting helps you to determine your true style.

What style changes are you making this spring?

Tuesday Ten: My Current Beauty Icons...

1.Olivia Palermo  2.Miranda Kerr  3.Rosie Huntington-Whiteley  4.Julia Restoin Roitfeld  5.Alison Williams  6.Julia Engal (a.k.a Gal Meets Glam)  7.Audrey Hepburn (of course!)  8.Katie Holmes  9.Erin Heatherton  10.Angelina Jolie

Here are my current beauty icons. My aesthetic would be simple, minimalistic and empowering. I appreciate makeup that isn't too overdone, I prefer light, natural makeup that just works on perfecting natural qualities. Personally my makeup consists of concealing the bad and accentuating the good! My everyday makeup works on just perfecting the skin and making my eyes, lips and cheeks pop. I adore fluttery lashes and dewy, glowy skin - alongside bold brows and peachy cheeks.

My ultimate beauty icon will forever be Audrey Hepburn for her beautiful gamine appeal. Current makeup Hepburn's would be Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Katie Holmes and Julia Restoin Roitfeld.

Who are your current makeup icons?

Birthday Time...

Yesterday marked a very special day; my 16th birthday! To be honest, I don't feel any different to how I feel every other day but sixteen does sound a bit grown up! I was awoken with rustlings of presents and of course the good ol' Happy Birthday song from my mum and sister! We all jumped in my mum's bed for the unwrapping of gifts. First up: cards. I always open my cards first for some reason! It just seems like the right way to do things! Then onto pressies! My mum gave me a Space.NK bag and that only meant one thing: the Embryolisse cream! I'm so thankful for this cream as I know it will be the best.thing.ever as I had a little test of it when my sister nabbed it herself last year.

Next up was my sister's presents. She got me the Body Shop Honey Bronzer (in 01), a delicious packet of Ferrero Rocher mini Easter eggs and The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum. I was delighted to try all three of these! I also got the Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Cleanser and the Origins Clear Improvement mask. I've used these products already today and guess what? I adore them. A review of all the products will be given soon! From my friends I got a few bits and bobs, such as Victoria Secret and Ted Baker makeup bags, a floral mirror and of course lot's of chocolate! I'm so thankful for all my presents from everyone; I feel a very special girl, ha!

The Super Facialist cleanser, Embryolisse moisturiser, Origins mask, Body shop bronzer and the Body Shop serum

What would you like for your birthday this year? Or, if you've already had your birthday, tell me what you got in the comments below!

The Beauty Scenario Tag...

Hey everyone! I'm back today with the Beauty Scenario Tag, initially invented by Lily Pebbles. I've seen this tag popping up all over the place and have really enjoyed them so I thought I'd give it a go myself...

1. You have to get rid of all of your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep? Ooh this tricky! Well, the high-end one that I would keep would be the Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB Cream (that counts, right?!) as it really helps clear up my skin while giving amazing coverage and a dewy finish at the same time. For drugstore it would have to be the L'oréal True Match Foundation (I'm N1 ivory) as it's a great all-rounder and it lasts all day. 
2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely? In an interview situation I would have to say I would probably ignore it! I wouldn't want to seem rude or as if I was criticising her makeup or trying to embarrass her! Also, she may look in the mirror and not know how long she has had it there, she may have just smudged it that second. To me, to approach the subject just seems like a really awkward situation!
3. Your not feeling yourself and need a pick-me-up. Which lipstick do you go for to make yourself feel beautiful? Surprisingly I only own a few lipsticks. However, there is one where I put it on and just feel like I can conquer the world (of course)! That is the Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie. Somehow it feels like it really boosts my complexion and makes it look really plump and radiant; all while giving my lips an amazing zing of colour and hydration. 
4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently? Well this is a rather tricky question as I still am in my teenage years however, I started wearing makeup at thirteen so I'll start then. For this, all I can say is that shimmery green eyeshadow and a curly bob that just about came below my ears was not a good look.
5. You ask your hairdresser for a Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixi cut. Do you a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mum hysterical b) Cry in the chair and let things get awkward or c) Complain to the manager and demand a refund? I don't really know how this would work but I probably would just say something like "Yeh Pixie Lott has beautiful hair doesn't she?" to hint it casually! I would just hope that they heard it right that time! But if I really have to choose I would probably do 'a' first and then ring them later to complain!
6. Your friend surprises you with a four day city break and you have one hour to pack. Which 'do-it-all' palette do you pack in your bag? 100% the Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette. I'm a neutral girl and I love this palette for it's variety in shades. I like the fact that it comes with a mix of mattes and shimmers. Although, it's possibly not the most space-saving palette.
7. Your house has been robbed, don't worry everyone is robbed but your beauty stash as been raided. What's the product you really hope is safe? I've never really heard of a makeup robber but I'll go with it, ha! The product I really hope is safe is definitely my Clinique High Impact Mascara - mascara just cures everything and makes me feel 100x better. This is the best mascara out there; it's very thickening and volumizing. I would be lost without this mascara!  
8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven't noticed b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same thing to theirs? First of all, certainly not C that's for sure! Personally I think I would just leave it and opt for a), at the end of the day it's just makeup and it would just seem silly to kick up a fuss over it. 

Have you done the Beauty Scenario Tag? Please leave a link of your version below, I would love to read it!

Tuesday Ten: Spring Has Sprung...

Instagram - @emmafox98

I for one am loving the warmer weather here in London. After the coldest (and wettest) winter in 250 years I think it's about time Mother Nature granted us with some sunshine. Moreover, March is officially the first month of spring (plus, my birth month!). I always (and don't we all) associate March, or particularly spring in general, with cleaning and fresh starts. Personally I always shrink my wardrobe down a few sizes by decluttering it of winter warmers; and bring in new, spring-esque clothes. However, this year I also plan to de-clutter a few other spots such as my beauty drawer, my shoe closet and my skincare shelf. Here are a few tips on spring-ifying your space...

1. Bring the outside in - My sister recently suggested bringing in some 'fresh blooms' in to our conservatory and they look lovely. Don't ask me what type they are (pictured in the Instagram above) but the colours are just beautiful and I find myself getting really excited for spring and summer from just looking at them. Bring flowers and other fresh finds in from your garden, be it a bunch of daffodils or a few hand-picked tomatoes. 
2. Goodbye, Winter - Place heavy knitwear, coats, scarves, hats, globes, earmuffs and all other winter warmers at the back of a cupboard or your wardrobe. There's no need for them anymore and it will make space for new items to come! 
3. Hello, Spring - What about new items to come? Go out and splurge the cash on all things pretty, slinky and summery; think shorts, floral dresses, sunglasses, skirts etc. 
4. All things pretty - Welcome coral and light pinks into your makeup routine. A pretty flush of flirty peach or a swipe of orange lipstick will be the perfect companion to dewy skin and fluttery lashes. 
5. Lighten up - Spring and summer is the time to ditch the vampy lip and foundation, and say hello to just a swipe of BB cream and lip balm. The beauty world is overloaded with BB creams, CC creams, tinted moisturisers and more - they're perfect for that non-sweaty-but-dewy, light-as-air finish we all crave during the spring time.
6. No more dry skin - During autumn and winter I always make sure to use hydrating products such as mild cleansers, serums, oils and masks to prevent any dry, flaky skin from occurring. However, during the summer this no longer needed (unless of course, you suffer from very dry skin all year long) as our skin tends to get a little oilier. I then switch to lighter moisturisers, toners, refreshing sprays, thorough cleansers and blemish-preventing products. 
7. Surf time - Of course, we all crave that beachy, I-woke-up-like-this bedhead look but that's not always easy to achieve for some. Use a salt or texturising spray to add that beachy kick to wavy tresses. I love the Bumble & Bumble Surf spray and the Oribe Apres Beach spray too.
8. Light covers - No, the electric blanket in your bed is no longer needed for when the nights begin to get mild and sticky. Also, ditch the heavy duvets and opt for light, airy sheets. I always love changing my sheets to something fresh and spring-like such as clean, plain white or lilac floral print (which is what I have now). 
9. Explore adventure - Get outside and do something! Enjoy the lovely weather! Whether it's planing a fun Easter picnic with your girlfriends or completing a new exercise regime.
10. Start something new - Join a charity shop, a gym, or club; or even start a new hobby such as gardening, reading or sewing. 

Birthday List 2014...

Guess what?! It's my birthday next Monday (and also St. Patrick's Day!). I've never really been a huge birthday person, I've never really celebrated it much and this year I'm not doing anything at all (partially due to the fact that it's a Monday and I'm at school!). However, I always think birthday's are nice to just have fun and bring everyone together. Anyway, here's my little birthday list for twenty-fourteen. I don't expect/ want all of these things, these are just simply a few ideas. You may notice no clothes or fashion-related items at all on there, as recently I've bought a lot of clothes (let me know if you'd like a mini-haul!) so I didn't really need anything. However, I haven't splurged the cash on makeup/ skincare/ hair products at all lately and I've seen a lot that I've admired. I've been wanting the Embryolisse cream for ages now but I've also fallen head-over-heels for everything else too. Here it is:

1. Tigi After Party - £15.95
2. Nars Creamy Concealer in 'Vanilla' - £22
3. Embryollise Lait-Creme Concentrate - £20
4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Diffused Heat' - £28
5. Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Cleanser - £12.99
6. Body Shop Honey Bronzer in '01' - £13
7. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in 'Soft Ivory' - £34
8. Origins Clear Improvement Mask - £22

What would you like for your birthday? 

Beauty Review: Refreshing Sprays

Recently I've been loving refreshing sprays; there's something about spritzing one on after a long, sweaty day. Hydrating, uplifting, revitalising and of course, refreshing. I've always loved my Caudalie Beauty Elixir (and always will!) but lately I've tried a few others that have also earned their place on my skincare shelf.

Evian Facial Spray (Brumisateur):
Its unique mineral balance and neutral pH makes it the perfect freshen-upper for all skin types. The millions of tiny micro-droplets are instantly absorbed, moisturising the upper layers of hot thirsty skin, any time anywhere. It sets and refreshes makeup without the slightest of smudging - no Panda eyes here. As it's made from water, there's no scent so it won't irritate skin at all. 

LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner:
Marketed as more of a toner for absorbing oil and diminishing blemishes - I still love spritzing this throughout the day to lift dull skin and to revitalise makeup. The aromatic, soothing tea tree smell is simply lovely after a long, hot day and works great before touch-ups of makeup. However, I also love spraying this after I've used my cleanser as an antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial. It reduces oil production and keeps pesky blemishes at bay. A great all-round product that's been my secret weapon for years.

Have you tried these refreshing sprays?

Tuesday Ten: Best Dressed at the Oscars & After Party...

Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong'o

Angelina Jolie, Naomi Watts

Amy Adams, Sandra Bullock

Sienna Miller, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Lupita Nyong'o, Kate Hudson

Here's who I thought was bed dressed at this year's Oscar's. Red carpet fashion is always...interesting. I'm a real minimalist; I prefer simple things over chaotic and confusing any day. However, I always think it's nice to jazz things up a bit for a red carpet, whether that's in terms of colour, print, texture or embellishment. My real favourite of the night, and currently for the last few months, was the 12 Year's A Slave star Lupita Nyong'o. Her skin glows in whatever she wears. The 'Nairobi Blue' Prada number she wore was simply breathtakingly beautiful. Equally, she looked stunning also later that evening when she showed up at the Vanity Fair Oscar's after party in a pretty white column dress with green beading. My second fave of the night would be Angelina Jolie - that lady sure knows how to work head-to-toe embellishment.

Who was you best dressed at the 2014 Oscar awards? 

Over the Shoulder...

Currently loving the effortless 'over the shoulder' look; a jacket/coat nonchalantly thrown on top of winter layers. Chic and warm!