Hair and Make up - Keira Knightley inspired! OOTD

I had been reading this months Glamour magazine, which I love, when I saw this little picture of Keira Knightley in the beauty section (below). I love how she looks here, even if she isn't smiling, it seems quite classic and I think she looks really pretty.

As I mentioned before I'm moving to Paris for a while in a few weeks so last night my little sister had arranged a family night out before I leave. We had a meal in Cote restaurant on Tavistock Street in London then went to a comedy night in Covent Garden near Embankment Station. It was so much fun! We had french food, champagne and then cheap beers at the comedy. We were front row and of course got picked on! I laughed so much though!

Anyway, I used this night to have a go at creating my own version of this make up look. I just wish I had a lighter pink lipstick - does anyone know of any good ones?

I used my Rimmel gel liner to create the winged liner look. I had to lengthen and check the shape as I went, at first it was much to short. I suggest doing the same though as you don't want to make it too long then ended up smudging it all over your face trying to get it off. The lip colour I used is the Rimmel Apocalips in Stellar. I love this colour as it's so bright, brighter in real life though, the pictures make it look darker.

For my hair I used many many many kirby grips and buckets of hairspray. I made sure it was clean, and dried it straight then used my ghd's to go over any kinks or frizz so that it was smooth. I then got a section from the top on each side and twisted it back and pinned it. I then did another 2 sections underneath and pinned it at the back. (To be clearer I twisted and pinned 3 parts on each side at the back.)

I then picked up the hair, like I was going to put it into a bun and twisted it round. Then, instead of using a hair bobble I pinned it all in place using around 20-25 kirby grips. Once it was secure I used hairspray all over and then repeatedly sprayed the back about 5 more times before I went out. It managed to stay in all night from about 3pm to 1am so I was impressed, I just had to rejig the pins every now and then if any started to slip.

My outfit was a black and white print dress from Mango, Green Blazer (one of my favourites) , leggings, Grey Stiletto ankle boots from Forever 21 and a white and green small handbag.

Let me know what you think of the look and if you have tried any beauty or hair from celebs or magazines for inspiration. Post any links below.

Maria xx

Outfits of 2013 so far...

Here's a selection of outfits I've worn this year. I use WIWT and like giving and getting outfit inspiration, I think it's great for that! Below are ones that I have liked but not necessarily the ones I got the most stars for. Let me know what you like or don't like as much
Maria xx

Faux Leather Jacket -  H&M £29.99
Pleated Skirt - Forever 21 £13
Knee High Boots - New Look £40

Blazer- Primark £13
Black Skater Dress - H&M £7 (sale)
Boots - as above.

Shift dress  - Mango £30
Ankle Boots - Forever 21 £7.50

*all prices are approximate.

January/February shopping... So far!

Hi, seem to have been doing more shopping than I should at the moment, if that's possible? Not on just one big shopping trip but over a few weeks. I think I trick myself into thinking I haven't spent that much if I buy one or two things at a time!

Anyway, enough about my lack of self control and financial skills! Here are some of things I have purchased from the high street and have been enjoying wearing - 


First up I got these boots in forever 21. I needed to replace an old pair of tan ankle boots which were well loved and as a result starting to look trampy :( These, however, do not. These are really comfy and I have worn with dresses, leggings and long tops and with skinny jeans.

I also got these from Forever 21 in the sale. I recently wore them on a night out and got a few compliments from friends which most people enjoy getting. They are also very comfortable and I have a tendency for being clumsy (with or without wine) and I didn't stumble or trip in these ankle boots at all! 

Yes, these really are fluorescent pink. Yes, I love them! I got these from H&M and I was so happy when I first wore them. They made a miserable Friday and a fairly average outfit brighter. People obviously notice them, so make sure your feet are clean and shiny, but lots said they suited me. To be fair though, people could have said I looked ridiculous in these and I would still keep wearing them. Bright pink ballet pumps are completely my style :) also they were only £7.99 so a bargain as well.

Another Forever 21 purchase in this navy polka dot T-shirt. Polka dots are very in fashion at the moment so I had to quickly pick something up but found it hard to choose. Might have to go back for a dressing up polka dot outfit. The T-shirt is easy to wear with most things though and looked quite cute. Perfect for a jeans and T-shirt day without looking scruffy.

Love the dress too! Cream drop hem dress with a lace back. Very in fashion and suited me nicely (at least I think so) and I'm not a candidate for superskinny either. Worn on a casual-ish night out with the grey heeled ankle boots above and black tights. Could also be dressed up with bare legs and some bright stilettos, possibly red. Or even dressed down with leggings and knee high boots and a cardigan. Also, can you believe it was only £15 from Primark? I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it.

That's it for now, I;m sure it won't be the last of my purchases this month. Let me know what you like and what yo have been buying and wearing.
Maria xx

Jewellery

Thought I would share my jewellery selection for today. I was wearing a pleated maroon skirt with a black top, tights and biker jacket. (The one from my previous Sunday Sale Shopping blog) 
The bracelet opens up on a hinge and is really striking. I usually get compliments for wearing it. Unfortunately it's quite old so probably not available in shops - although eBay is a good place to search usually.

The necklace was purchased from a sale in accessorize a few years ago also. I think it works well with this top as it is quite plain. However without a necklace the top makes me feel/look a bit bare so the necklace gives detail and coverage.

The earrings were a present from Forever 21 for Christmas  understated but sparkly and pretty. Large and detailed are a interesting to wear with your hair up as they can get lost under long hair when it's down. I had mine in a high bun so they were shown off well, as was the necklace as my hair wasn't covering it!

I hope you like it all! Feel free to comment below. xx