Spare a little time for ‘you’ this Christmas
If, like me, you have an ever-extending family that impacts directly on your Christmas spending budgets, I grant you permission to take five minutes out from the pressure of ‘getting it right’ with your gifts and put yourself in the festive picture. Starting with that all important Christmas party..
Most of us at this point in the year can’t justify a flamboyant expenditure on Karen Millen’s latest perfect party piece. The next option; ASOS of course.
It didn’t take me long to find a chic LBD suitable for a night in front of my Board of Directors as well as fitting the racy 007 Casino Royale theme. High neck and an undeniable curve clincher, the backless element did the flirting, yet the fabric descending below the knee retained a lady’s elegance. And a bargain at just £30!
Set off in gold with a festive footwear staple that Dorothy would even consider swapping her glittery reds for, as Sam Sparro once sang, you really can’t go wrong with a bit of Black and Gold. This DP heel I’ve customised and snipped off the ankle strap to make a more personal dainty court. So far they’ve been a December favourite, that a few of my nearest and dearest may have shamelessly replicated.
Someone once said that first impressions can be never be overlooked, and that a girl who’s made an effort with her nails and hair- won’t go too far wrong. Obviously this overlooks bad manners and poor conversation, but it’s definitely a good place to start. This Christmas add a little sparkle to your nails with OPI’s gold ‘Glitzerland’. The first glitter nail polish that is thick enough to layer up without a base colour, and actually chip resistant. Nails and shoe match = festive win.
As for hair, I’ve fallen into the frenzy of lifting my long locks into a neat bun on the crown of my head using what I can only call a ‘donut sponge bun thingy’. It’s genius. 
I have really fine (as in skinny) hair, yet the sponge gives the fixed illusion of a thicker bouffant. Lightly backcomb the front sections of hair that frame your face, before pulling the bulk back into a high ponytail through the donut and tuck hair under the base, before pinning to secure. Spray with Schwarzkopf Professional Silhouette Colour Brilliance Hairspray. I haven’t braved a different spray since our initial introduction back in university (Cave Girls Netball Social a la 2005). Fantastic hold with no sign of product. Beautiful.
For the face, I suggest a quick makeup aisle dash to purchase a good eye brightener, like Benefit’s Eye Bright that’ll mount your mischievous glint with a soft pink edge. Then follow with a swish on your upper lid with a dark charcoal liner, before securing Eyelure’s ‘107’ false eyelashes as close to your lashline as possible. Blend your lashes with the fakes using a couple of coats from your magical mascara wand. Voila! And a more natural look than you’d expect!
Continuing with the simplistic black and gold theme add a shimmer to your cheeks using Ten, again from the trusty Benefit counter. After creating shadow by bronzing beneath the bone take advantage of the additional fairy pink in the box and dust across the bone to highlight and define.
I give you two options for the lips. For the bolder among you, try a racy red from Maybelline’S 24 hour stay collection, 510 Red Passion, that once dry will not lift from your lips on ANY surface. I warn, you may still have it on in the morning.. but who’s complaining? For a softer lip try 615 Soft Taupe, that will flatter your glistening cheeks and leave your fluttering eyes to pull in the stares.. well if your dress hasn’t already..
Finish off with a tease of your preferred scent to the nape of your neck, simplistic jewellery and a small black clutch..
Looking good, not feeling guilty, mince pies and Malbec optional.
Happy Christmas x
Whose Boots Are Those Shoes? 