Wednesday 27 January 2010

Lounge for Less



January as we all know can tend to be a bit of a dull month. Lack of funds and fun is usually how most people see in the in first month of the year which in turn spawns on a human form of semi-hiberntion. After doing some research I have found that pyjamas and loungewear are usually what most girls are longing to change into when they come home of an evening. This is all very well if you happen to be lucky enough to own something silkily luxurious and loungey. Labels like Carine Gilson or Agent Provocateur offer kimonos and pyjamas which allow you to feel comfortable as well as making you look and feel like a silver screen glamourpuss. (exactly how you deserve to feel after a hard days work with sub-zero temperatures outside.) Although these brands are well pricey and the theme of this month on The Style Eye is to seek out similar for much less.
While searching for comfortable but stylish pyjamas on the high street I was ecsatic to find a pair of kimono wrap and trouser combination for just under £22.00 at H & M. They are beautifully cut and available in boudoir shades of black or old rose. For those of you who prefer to wear a little less at nighttime then head to Topshop. I spotted this frilly bed jacket (£25.00) and matching french knickers (£12.00) online and in-store.
Therefore leaving plenty in the kitty to splurge on a huge heart shaped box of chocolates to pick at while watching a classic Busby Berkeley movie.




Wednesday 20 January 2010

Beauty Budget Buys


When it comes to beauty there are some things you just simply shouldn't scrimp on. Fragrance, foundation and face brushes I feel are always a good investment when you spend a little more and will have a longer bathroom shelf life than their cheaper counterparts.
Some products though can be replaced with a more economical version and not just on a budget month. Have you checked out the Original Beauty Formula range at Boots yet? It's great. I am loving the Damask Rose Skin Tonic. Smells divine, does the job and costs £3.89 for 150ml. The range boasts vintage style packaging which is sure to look good on any vanity unit.
Also from Boots are their own beauty brand No7 eyeshadows. Mink is a fab neutral blending shade for day or evening and would give a similar MAC eyeshadow a run for its money. (£7.00 to be exact) Creamy Facial Foam by Paul and Joe may not be the cheapest rinse-off cleanser on the market at £12.00 although seems to last forever (well probably over 6 months or so). A small pea-sized amount is all you need every time you use it. Be careful though how much you do use as it does exactly what it says on the tin and foams up like mad on contact with water. I love a classic red nail polish and at Revlon they do about 3 shades of classic reds that suit all skins with the added benefit of intense colour, long-lasting and hard-wearing.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Snow Style

Yes, yes I know its Budget Month on The Style Eye. But this is an emergency. It just will not stop snowing out there and I just had to let you all know how plough through it in style. Unfortunately for Budget Month the good snow apparel doesn't come cheap. Although, dear readers look at it as an investment. It looks like snow will be a regular occurance on our winter calendar so shelling out now on good staples will see you through many years to come. According to the Ask Hadley column in the Guardian this week she says 'January isn't about looking sexy, it's about staying in and watching box sets' Nope! not at The Style Eye it ain't. So here are my suggestions on how to do a sexy snow filled January.
Firstly lets get sorted on the stockings. Lowie do a pair of the cutest crocheted overknee cashmere socks with little button detailing and Antipast do a fabulous range of intarsia overknees. And who could deny that the monglian fur and leather gilet by Thomas Wylde isnt superbly warm and sexy? well I couldn't and I would wear it with a pair of skintight leather trousers and Hunter Wellies for that cool, sexy and practical look. These little performance ankle snow boots are very practical too . As well as looking as chic as a snow boot possibly could, they are small enough to fit in a large handbag for that 'get me there and then change into other shoes' scenario. They also cost £48.00 so are in keeping with our budget special this month. Another essential is a pair of rabbit fur earmuffs. I am a big fan and they also muffle out all those silly comments about two badminton bats and parking an aircraft etc etc.
Now The Style Eye doesn't usually agree with down or duvet style coats but when it comes from the designer arm of performance skiwear specialists Moncler then we have to give in a little to the quilted coat. Just look at how gorgeously fabulous the latest offerings from their Moncler Gamme Rouge collection . Glamourously fifties and vintage looking and a million miles away from looking like you just left the house with your bedclothes wrapped round you.
Now all you boys out there, tell me isnt this better than a blanket with sleeves and a box set on the sofa?

Wednesday 6 January 2010

New Decade, Less Decadence


So now that the Noughties are all done and dusted what will define the next ten years
This week I have been recovering from a fantastic New Years Eve party at the Century Club . My personal last big blow out for the year, although I have still found time to have a quick look in the crystal ball and see how this new decade intends to shape up.
The Noughties were all about living to the extreme. Even though we have been hearing and talking about a recession for a while it seems that it was this year things really did hit us hard. All that media speculation of the last two years finally came into fruition and this christmas people were spending much less.
Fashion came into a pinnacle of these extreme trends right at the very end of the decade. 2009 was the year that had us talking 'fierce' and that was just footwear.
Spring 2010 will see us going from over-the-top, as seen at Louis Vuitton 12cm heels to a more user-friendly 7cm sling back heel. If even Christian Louboutin can include a less than 10cm heel in his collection then something definately is a-foot. Its not just heels that we are chopping off. Hair will also go shorter too. Tired of seeing long glossy locks all over the catwalk and celebrity shoots too? how about going for a bob or a shag cut?
Already this haircut is filtering through with some celebrities rocking the look. I just loved the way Katia, Ronnie Wood's young ex's take on this style in a recent Hello! shoot. Short, full, wavy and very now.
And let's put those 'It' bags back in their dust-sacs. Why spend the equivalent of an average monthly mortgage payment on something everyone else is carrying? Put your hard earned money to good use and go for something luxurious and understated. Pauric Sweeney is a master of this concept. Prices range from around £400 for a leather or PVC number to near on a couple of grand for a indulgent python finish. Generally the shapes and styles to keep an eye out for this season are mini drawstring pouches for evening and festivals and handy long strapped hobos for daytime. Or go for something completely unique and 'double bag'. Pauric Sweeney's Twin clutches express individuality and is a totally modern piece.
And with the recent run of persistent snowy weather I see moon or snow boots replacing the old faithful Ugg boots. I'm calling time on following the sheep.