The Sunday Stalker

Let’s be honest, who doesn't love a good nosy through the blog world every now and then? From those who drive you mad with their ever-expanding designer collections, to the experts who are brimming with beauty advice and then there’s the rest… Home décor, baking, brunching, DIY, man repelling… you name it, the blogosphere’s got the lot. And so, that leads me to the initiation of The Sunday Stalker… where every other Sunday I spill which brilliant bloggers I’ve been stalking over the weekend.

I’m going to start with my daily go-tos. These are the blogs that, quite simply, give me great pleasure to read and I’m sure you’ll know them. If not, don’t say I didn’t warn you… addiction awaits.

The Man Repeller

That means “outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex” according to Leandra Medine, author of The Man Repeller, lady with an impeccable eye for a shoe, and funny girl indulging a seriously admirable sense of humour. 

Honestly, I cannot thank this centre-parted divulger of fashion genius enough, for all the hours of entertainment I’ve enjoyed at the hands of her witty, refreshing online dialogue. If you fancy knowing best how to wear an overall, work a full white outfit, or any other known faux pas with panache, head on over. You will love this blog. It’s just not normal not to.

Friday Favourite - Perfume

A couple of years ago, when I worked as Beauty Editor at Shout magazine, I remember everyone’s favourite day at work. And no, it wasn’t Friday…

It was the day, every month or two, when we held a free-for-all with all the awesome beauty products sent in by various PR companies. It resulted in us walking away from the office with bags of goodies, stuffed full of perfumes, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, skin treats, fake tan, false eyelashes, nail polish and everything else one could possibly need to look hot in time for the weekend.

From Bobbi Brown to Burberry, you name it, they were in there, but no matter how many awesome eye shadows, lipsticks or hair products I might rake through, my favourite part of this cosmetic playground was always the perfumes.

It was the easiest way to form a collection (and an addiction) that cost me absolutely nothing, and not only that, these gratis perfumes provided me with a temporary streak in the popularity contest when friends realised I had more than enough for myself and was handing them out.

But there was always one perfume that had to remain mine. That one perfume I didn’t mind buying so long as I didn’t have to wait for it, and the one perfume that no matter how many others I buy, is always my failsafe reach-for regular on any occasion.

Meet Dolce & Gabbana, The One.

The Monday Makeover - Happy Hair Day

I don’t know about you, but personally, I don’t care for putting pictures of myself minus makeup on tinternet. It goes against my highly shallow principles.

But for the purposes of The Monday Makeover I shall show you how my hairdresser (and a little makeup) helped me swap a pasty face and bad hair day for a slightly more presentable get-up. And I'll share some of my favourite products along the way…

Friday Favourite – Bourjois Foundation

In the second of my Friday Favourites, the item in question is my foundation, which is, singlehandedly, the most commented-on part of my makeup regime.

I often flick through magazines, marveling at the brilliant Photoshopping job done by all those art directors, wondering if that ‘all-natural’ model really does look that bloody brilliant when she nips out for her aubergines. Well? Does she?!?!

Chances are, like most of us, a bit of prepping when it comes to your skin can make the world of difference and can let you off with skimping on other makeup essentials when you’re feeling lazy… or popping out for those aubergines…

The Monday Makeover - Lacy Nails

After coming up with the ever-so-originally-titled ‘Friday Favourites’, I decided to commit to another regular post, focusing on something that I love / am mildly obsessed with.

Makeovers.

And to top it off, I aim to publish these every Monday when we all need a little makeover boost the most!

If you know me well, you’ll know that I do not own a television, nor do I wish to. You might also know that when I do on occasion watch television, I freaking love makeover shows.

Whether it’s Gok and his Fashion Fix, Supersize vs Superskinny, MTV Made, 10 Years Younger, or any of the numerous shows from the make-me-prettier brigade, I won’t be able to tear my eyes from the screen for a moment.

I love seeing how someone can fulfill their potential, whether it’s by changing their clothes, makeup, hair, or even their home interior. Yes, I really am that superficial.

This is my very own makeover ‘show’, starting with today’s racy, lacy nail transformation... I’m currently on leave, and thanks to that lovely break in flying, it means I can depart from the red/French/clear stale-nailmate that I’m permanently stuck with thanks to airline ‘uniform standards’. The following nail art makeover is definitely not allowed onboard!