Is Spring here yet?

I am sure I heard on the radio that this weekend marks the beginning of spring, with that thought in mind I was imaging a beautiful weekend with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Not quiet like that, so I'm turning to these beautiful spring coloured photos for inspiration, has spring arrived for you?

I was also tagged by the lovely n a t s u m i, who has the sweetest drawings. Some rules: step 1: Respond & rework-answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own. step 2: Tag-eight other un-tagged people. Now onto the questions:

What are you wearing now? navy jumper, black skinny jeans

How often do you blog? Everyday, spending around 2-5 hrs each day!

Who was the last person you hugged? My friend

Which item from your closet are you wearing most lately?My purple shirt/t-shirt top

What's for dinner? I just had pizza, yum!

What was the last thing you bought? well apart from food, a heart shaped red framed sunglasses

What are you listening to right now? nothing but I'm watching QI on BBC

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
To be alljoboninternet! alljoboninternet is actually the name of a fictional character of my favorite computer game since I was 10 (did I mention I'm a geek? :), a heroine and a goddess, more about her later...

What is your favorite weather, and why?
Early summer, when it's sunny and not so hot, around 25C.

What time do you usually get up? 8:10 am and running late most mornings for my 9am lectures

What is your most challenging goal right now? Trying to setup my little business! (nearly there...)

Say something to the person who tagged you: Her drawings are the cutest!

If you could have a house-totally paid for, fully furnished-anywhere in the world, where you want it to be?
That's a hard question! Unrealistically Paris or Venice! Realistically London or Bath.

Favorite vacation spot? Europe and China

Name the things you cannot live without:
So many! Family, friends, my laptop, internet, clothes shops!

What movies can you watch over and over?
All my fav movies are dramas hence a bit too sad to watch often but I do love Big Fish.

What is your favorite tea flavor? Earl Gray

and I am tagging: Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy ; Cafe Fashionista ; captivateme ; CHIC Sensibility ; Design Dig ; Dolce Chic ; GOSSIP STYLE VINTAGE official blog ; on dressing up ;

and the important news! The winner of the Paul & Joe makeup giveaway, drum roll please... ps: please turn your computer volumn down as somehow the background music (and seagull noises) became quite squeaky !

Congratulations Shini! I will contact you shortly for deliver address.

Don't be too disappointed, as there will be more giveaways this month, stay tuned! :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend my dearest readers, xx

(images 1st by toriginal others by Rebecca Thuss )

c is for cupcake

Click on the above periodic table to access a whimsical assortment of cupcake recipes. What better way to celebrate the last day of February?

Best Beauty Products

Which lip balm will last long and make your lips soft and supple? Which is the best natural-look foundation? Which mascara makes eyelashes extra long? And if you're going to buy only one blusher this year, which should you spend your hard-earned cash on?

With thousands of new products crammed on to the counters every month, it's no wonder most of us have difficulty in deciding what to buy. And with various magazines suggesting different 'best buys' every month the choice is all the more difficult.

Magazines receommend beauty products that we expect to work, but usually they don't. The products are usually sponsored in the magazine, which means that the product is featured in the magazine not because it is 'the best' in the market but because the company has PAID the magazine to get their products featured!

So have created this list through a tried and tested journey and also from reviews of the make-up fanatics.

Get the best products for all your beauty needs!!!!

For your Face

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The Foundation - I think the liquid foundation gives the best finish and does not look cakey, so I would recommend Chanel Vitalumire, it gives a satin smooth finish and is good even for sensitive skin. Make sure you blend it with a little moisturiser.

If you really want a powder Foundation, then Bare Minerals powder foundation is the best amongst the lot.
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The Concealer - you want the concealer to minimise/hide all your flaws, give your skin a natural finish and make it feel great? Then you should go for M.A.C's Studio Finish Concealer. This cream based concealer covers up everything perfectly and gives you a flawless complexion. Make sure you don't use it generously.
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The Concealer for skin around the eyes - Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat is, without a doubt, the best in the eye concealer department. It works to bring luminosity and radiance to eye areas suffering from discoloration or dark circles. Comes in a beautiful Golden Pen, easy to use and works wonder for dark circles.

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For your Lips

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The Lip Balm - Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hours cream in tube, featured in The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms, is the best lip balm ever. It's very soothing, instantly moisturiser your lips and needs only occasional re-application. Most effective lip balm, even for very chappy lips.
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The Lip Gloss - Lancome's Juicy Tubes. It is wonderful when one's lips feel good, smell good, stay hydrated and taste good all from the same tube, that's what Juicy Tube does. Your lips look healthy, shiny, fresh and really sexy. The best colours in Juicy Tubes are Marshmallow and Peach. You can also buy a transparent gloss, to give your lipstick that extra Oomph!

The Lipstick - For some there's one for every occasion, and with huge colour range available in the market, you are spoiled for choice. Since there are so many shades to choose from, I will give you my favourites. These are colours that would go with almost everything, day or night (you can pick different shade from same brand and style for best results). Crystal Pink by Estee Lauder and Champagne Sparkle by Shiseido. You can also pick any shade from the range of M.A.C. Lipsticks, they're good.
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For your Cheeks

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The Blusher - do you want a perfect colour to suit all occasions? should it be perfect for day and night? The finish should be perfect and should look natural? Well, have found the one you are looking for - it's the M.A.C. Sheertone Blush - Hushabye. It makes your face radiant and gives it a healthy glow.

The Shimmer - want to shine on? Want shimmer for the night outs? Then the DiorSkin Poudre Shimmer is great. It comes in Rose Diamond and Amber Diamond.
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For Cleansing

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The Eye Make-up Remover - After trying endless eye make-up removers, which have caused irritation or rashes to my eyes and skin, I finally found this one remover which is very gentle and removes the make-up in an instant - Dermalogica Eye Make-up Remover. It is an efficient, non-oily, fragrance-free make-up remover that is specially formulated to instantly dissolve all traces of eye and lip make-up. It even takes off really stubborn water proof mascara, without causing lash fall. Dermalogica is oil-free, alcohol free and water soluble and you will completely love it.
Many people recommend Body Shop's eye make-up remover, but it causes irritation to many skin-types (so I presume it is not good enough). I would recommend something gentler and water based.
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The Cleansing Milk - Clarins Cleansing Milk leaves the skin thoroughly cleansed and calm. Its light velvety texture swipes-off the dirt, imprities and make-up instantly and lets your skin breathe. Though, you would need to wash your face after using it.
For more economical cleansing milk, buy Oil of Olay Complete Care Cleansing Milk. It leaves the skin soft and smooth and is great for sensitive skin as it does not causes as redness.
(these are best for dry to normal skin)
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The Face Wash - Fragrance-free, soap-free face wash, I completely love the Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion. It is so gentle on the skin and suits even the most sensitive skin. You definitely feel clean and refreshed after using this face wash. This cleanser causes no irritation or dryness like many other products. In fact, most of the dermatologists suggest this product for sensitive skin. This face-wash does not create any other, but perfectly cleanses the skin. (you'll find it at chemist's shops worldwide)
If you want something with lather but gentle, you could also use Shiseido Deep Cleansing Foam. Its a great face wash and also helps remove the acnes and pimples.
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The Mask - Oops!! I am not talking about the movie, but the cleansing mask - Suki's Transformative Cleansing Clay. Its a great product, but a little pricey. It can be used as a creamy cleanser, mask, or intensive spot treatment to lift impurities and toxins to the surface and purify the pores. The product description says, 'its soothing lavender & antibacterial zinc instantly help reduce blemishing, inflammation, eruptions & redness' and rightly so. Its great for problematic skin, would especially recommend if you have blemishes, acnes or break-outs. And the best part is, its vegan and completely natural. Click here to buy.

Click here to know How to Remove Make-up (Expert tip)

WANT GREAT FASHION AND BEAUTY TIPS?
Follow me on Twitter

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Related Posts:
The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms
Secret Diaries
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Hooked on: Vintage Linen Pillows

{Ludwigas Linen}

I have always loved all things vintage, whether it's vintage clothes, vintage typewriters or my current love vintage linen. Their simple yet elegant designs speaks to my heart, and it is also eco-chic!

{Beyond France}

How about these beauties made from old grain sacks? I just adore the design!

{top left: Ernst and Thistle bottom right: Vintage Weave others: MFV53}

What do you all think my dearest readers, do these lovely pillows have a place in your home? :) Oh, I've also joined the Hooked on Friday party, check out what others are hooked on here.

Happy Friday! I will be back tomorrow for a post of the new series {Styling alljoboninternet}, so if you get bored, you can always come and visit me in blogland? ;)

I wish I am in Paris, care to join me? Just look at the photos and imagine... xx

(fashion photos by Thomas Klementsson)

From a Different Point of View

Shall we get straight to the point? Ok, here it is. I am old fashioned and I LOVE carpets, especially in the bedroom. They may not be the most trendy flooring option, but they're warm, soft and let's face it, UK is not a warm country so we need all the heat & dryness we can get!

I was recently introduced to this great new website Fun on the Floor, which has lots of inspiring ideas for carpet flooring, covering a wide range of looks in their lookbook, whether it's a boudoir or a minimalist style you love.

An idea or DIY your old chest of draws? How yummy is that shade of yellow!

Are you thinking about taking an office carbinet home? ;)

I love how these images focus on the floor so you can get a feel how different colours would work

there's plenty of inspiration for decoration ideas too, what a great idea to use an antique chest as a coffe table! Now I just need to find that $5 chest from a flee market, any suggestions? ;)

I don't usually post kids related things but how fun is this room!

This is my favorite room, I just love the vintage feel and books on the floor? I do that already :)

So what's your view on carpet? Just in the bedroom, living room or none at all? I'd love to hear what you think :) xx

(images Fun on the Floor)

Waist Cinching Belt

Spotted Sandra Bullock (Update 26 July 2009), Bipasha and Sonam in a simple, stylish dress with waist-cinching belt. They are looking very feminine, pretty and classy. The dresses are ultra-feminine and stylish.
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Fitted waists look very stylish and are the best way to pep-up your look, add colour, add interest and a way to recreate you outfi. An easy way to create one is with a wide belt. Dig one out and wear it with flowing dresses or skirts. They define your waist and may also work by camouflaging your problem area.
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Sandra Bullock at The Proposal Photo Call in Madrid
(Updated 26th July 2009)
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Sandra Bullock looked fab in her Michael Kors wrap dress that is cinched with a black belt at her waist and Azzedine Alaia platform sandals. The cinched belt add focus to her narrow waist and totally flatters her figure.
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Sandra Bullock at 'The Proposal' Photo Call & Press Conference in Madrid

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Bipasha at Press Meet

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Bipasha Basu looked very feminine in her purple dress paired with a cinching belt and matching booties.

Totally love her style, simple and chic.
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Aa Dekhen Zara Press Meet

Sonam Kapoor in lovely polka-dots
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When it comes to fashion, this girl sure scores over most of the girls in Bollywood and yup she does it again.
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Sonam looked absolutely gorgeous and so very cute in a cinched waist Polka Dot dress at Delhi 6 press meet at Dubai. The red lips, Chanel's jumbo flap bag, a chunky Cartier (men's) watch and hoop earrings perfected the look.
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How to wear?

Waist-cinching belt with a nice dress or even a shirt or top is a great way to look stylish. It creates the illusion of a tiny waist. And the best part is, it's easy to take this look from day to night.
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Tip: Revamp your little black dress by pairing it with a colourful (even metallic) waist cinching belt and matching shoes. You don't need to spend extra on a whole new dress. Shop smarter, and use accessories to create new looks with same wardrobe.
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After all, recession doesn't mean you have to look boring.

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Related Posts:
Get Dotty - Dots are Hot this Season
Celebrity Watch
Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009
Little Black Dress - Reinvented
Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe
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Dreaming of a Studio like this

This little studio would be my perfect creative space, it would be located at an old factory converted building, with white floors and white painted brick walls,

filled with vintage finds and pretty objects

with a chaise longue for relaxing time while catching up on my favorite magazines, and the wall as the inspiration board, two vintage red phones sit on the table, one for business use, one for personal use, of course ;)

as for the guests? a wide selection of comfy sitting choices to choose from

If this were my creative studio, I think I'll never get out of here! :)

(image by Janne Peters)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Paul & Joe Review & Giveaway!

Hello dearest readers, I'm afraid there will be no Beauty Interview today, you're stuck with me instead but I do have a giveaway to make it up to you ;)

I am a huge fan of Paul & Joe Beauty products, not only do they have the most wonderful vintage packaging, the quality of the products doesn't disappoint either. This is an example where judging a "book" by its cover actually paid off for me! :)

Now onto the products review, I have only used a few of their products as they're not the cheapest and I have to get them from London or online. But whenever I want to treat myself I know just the brand that would do the trick.

1. Creamy Power Compact Foundation - this is more of a foundation than a pressed power as it is more mosied and gives better coverage, the power itself is really fine, on a similar level as a Dior or Chanel power foundation. The colours are flattering too.
2. Nail Enamel - lovely colours, long lasting (I always wear nail colours with base & top coats, it really makes it last much longer), and of course beautiful packaging!
3. Lip Gloss - I love the brush applicator in these lip glosses, the texture is also light as I don't really like heavy lip gloss.
4. Eye Colour - gorgeous colours, long lasting, I especially like the little mirror in each eye shadow case.

Overall, pushing the packaging aside, the Compact Foundation and Lip Gloss is better than the Nail Enamel & Eye Colour in comparision with other products I feel, but it is so hard not to fall for the sweet packaging... Ok, I'll stop talking about it ;)

Also you can get some really pretty computer wallpapers on their site, like this!

Now for the most exciting part - the Giveaway !

What's up for grabs? Two gorgeous Eye Colour in 18 (smokey grey) and 84 (grape), plus one Nail Colour in a gold/beige shimmer shade, total worth more than £35/$55! They'll all come with their pretty boxes too, i.e. all brand new but the grey shadow has been tested once by me as I was going to keep this for myself, but it turns out the colour is too similar to another eye colour I already have so I'm putting this in the giveaway too.

How to enter? Just leave a comment below stating your current favorite blog {apart from alljoboninternet loves, just to make the choice harder for you ;) }.

I am also giving a little extra advantage to my lovely followers, if you left a comment below & also follows alljoboninternet loves, you will get two entries in the prize draw, hence doubling your chances! So if you're not following alljoboninternet loves yet, now maybe a good time? ;) The deadline is Friday 10pm GMT. Good luck!

{giveaway courtesy of a little business I'm currently working on, will reveal soon}

(images from Paul & Joe Beauté)

Gossip Girl Style

The title is a little misleading I suppose, this won't be on "the best outfits of Gossip Girl" since plenty of amazing bloggers have done this already, instead I'm presenting you a series of stunning photo shoots that resemble the Gossip Style, hope you won't be too disappointed ;)

If staying in education means going to a grand school built in the 19th century, wearing fabulous clothes and amazing heels, I think I may stay as a student forever! :)

Now on to a litte discussion about the Oscars red carpet, I have to say I was a little disappointed overall, sure there were lots of big fabulous gowns as always but I usually fall for the more colourful and chic dresses.

My favorite this year is Natalie Portman, I adore this girl to bits anyway so maybe a little biased, to me she's the perfect package as a young woman, beautiful (inside & out), intelligent, down to earth, stylish and care about important issues in this world. Evan Rachel Wood also looks very elegant in the Saab nude gown. Miley Cyrus's dress is a litte too much for me on the red carpet but if I was 5 again that mermaid dress would definitely be my fav! ;)

As mentioned yesterday I received three blog awards last week from these fantastic blogs: Captivate Me , Under Lock and Key and Pearls, Peonies, and Ponderings. Now it's the time to pass them on! See I'm doing a mini "Blog Oscars" myself ;) , I have way too many favorites so this time I'm going to concentrate mostly on some new fabulous blogs that I discovered recently!

Your Blog is Fabulous! goes to *Felinofelice , camilla at home , la couturier & Mademoisselle Chic

I {heart} your blog goes to Creme de la Mode , D!RTY LAUNDRY , Daisy Pink Cupcake , FRENCH ESSENCE , Hooked on Houses , january & Make Room for Living

Proximidade award goes to The Drifter and the Gypsy , :: Lime in the Coconut :: , Design Dig , Diamondcanopy , essenceanddesire , Fashionably Early , GOSSIP STYLE VINTAGE , two ellie , Eyes of Me & A Wedding Cabaret

Forgot to say earlier, who's on your best dressed list from the Oscars?

(photo shoots by Baldovino Barani, red capet images from oscar.com)

Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009

HANDBAGS. We love them and we cannot just have enough of them.

The handbags are no longer just a mere accessory, it has become a fundamental element of a woman's look. And this change in perception was seen on the runway everywhere, where the handbags were worn with pride and elegance by the models.

Recession is looming on us, but that would not mean that we would stop paying attention to style. This season, the focus is more on the accessories, and BAGS is one of them. So instead of more clothes (that would be far more expensive), invest in practical but fashionable accessories to update your look.

This season's trends include useful and practical totes to clutches. Clean, simple (no-fuss) and structured bags will make a big fashion statement. Spring is about expressing yourself, and to uplift the mood this season's focus is on COLOURS. Don't be afraid of colour; go for bold and beautiful styles.
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Comfortable, roomy and structured bags with smart detailings look classy, will always be in and will also make a statement.

From top left - Celine, Salvatore Ferragamo

Prada and Dolce and Gabbana

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From the variety in-trend, you are sure to find a style to suit your fashion and taste.

Beautify's High Street Handbag Picks:

1. Tory Burch North/South Nico Tote for $285, click here to buy

Totally love this Tory Burch Tote. Love the colour, style and its size, which ensures you can carry all your essentials in this bag. With this bag you would most certainly look ultra stylish and it would updo your ensemble with its smart and classy looks.

2. Oasis Premium Charm Scoop Bag for £40, click here to buy

This bag is perfect for Spring/Summer. Pink would add colour to your wardrobe and the slouchy shape with short shoulder strap would look very stylish and chic. You can pair it with an all white ensemble to create the perfect summer look. Check out how Lauren Conrad adds a splash of colour to her white jeans and tee through her orange bag looking very chic, click here.

3. Bensimon Colourful Nylon Tote for £28.00, click here to buy

Also available in Neutral, Plum and Pink, with this nylon tote you are sure to look stylish in your gym. In fact, you don't even have to be going to gym, they're good enough for any occassion. The contrast straps, trip an zip closure gives it an edgy look.

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Related Posts:
Trend Watch - Oversized Clutches
10 HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
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Fierce Shoes

Fierce Shoes with vertiginous heels are doing rounds on the runway and are popular even with A-list celebrities.

High-heels are definitely my fav, and I never step out without a pair, but these are the ultra-high heels with unusual horrifying designs.

I think its a silly trend, that not only looks ghastly but is also very uncomfortable. Fashion should not be fatal, but when will the fashion industry understand this?

These sky-high heels had even the professional models, who are used to walking the ramps with high heels, stumble on the runway while displaying this trend. Scroll down to see the runway pictures.

Celebrities wearing the trend

Rihanna

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Rihanna was seen wearing Rodarte ultra high platforms at the Verizon Blackberry Pre-Grammy party with an electric blue dress. You like?

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Madonna at the premeire of movie 'Filth and Wisdom'

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Madonna wore a very unusual pair of platform shoes with pistol-shaped heels at a New York movie premiere. How can she see those shoes as a fashion statement? Well, no wonder the Material Girl was attacked with lots of criticism for these shoes.
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and the most horrifying.........

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Victoria Beckham

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The most ghastly shoes were worn by none other than the Fashion Forward Victoria Beckham. I usually like her fashion sense, but these shoes look angry and horrifying. She is wearing Christian Louboutin spikes and studded shoes. Usually I love Louboutin shoes, but these are a complete no-no.

FROM the RUNWAY

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L-R: Versace, Miu Miu, Rodarte (by Chritian Louboutin)

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Models slipping
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Models slip at Herve Leger's Fall 2009 fashion show while walking in ultra-high heels.


You like the Fierce Shoes Trend?


Related Posts:
CRUELTY FREE FASHION
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