Shoe shop gone wrong

On Monday I am very excited to announce that I will be starting a new job as an online merchandiser. It is my first 'real job' since graduating and by that I mean 9-5,inside a real office building. I have previously worked freelance from home as well as for small start-ups.

Today I decided that I would need a pair of new shoes, to make the right impression of course! The dress code is smart-casual however I'm not sure this stretches to a pair of Birkenstocks - much to my disappointment. 

I made a good start focusing myself, repeating the word 'footwear' so as to not be distracted with all the shiny offerings. It went well, for a time. 

Spotted these in New Look straight away and thought they were perfect but at £65 I feel it's a little pricey for the brand - what do you think? 

Then it all went very wrong. Miss Selfridge is always my downfall. For many, many years now it is like they are in my head as far as style is concerned. I always find something that I like and that seems to fit perfectly to my shape. 

Within about five minutes I was in the changing room with three items. Oops. 

Well I do need some work clothes! The two dresses I tried first although they are both similar in shape, both with 90s style necklines, they give such different feels and could easily be worn for days, work or evenings. 

90s Geo Printed Midi Dress - £25

Salt and Pepper 90s Dress - £18

Then came the jumpsuit. I have tried on so many jumpsuits and dungarees and they NEVER fit. My top is a size 8 whilst the bottom is a 10 so I have to opt for a bit of boob falling out or to be nearly sliced in half underneath - sorry to be so graphic! This one fit! Perfectly! Some kind of Miss Selfridge magic!? I found after I went to the till to purchase that I had accidentally picked up a petite size. Is never considered trying this at 5'6" but apparently this worked - brilliant! It has great double strap detailing too. 

Petites Black Strappy Jumpsuit - £42

So finding that I has mistakenly spent pretty much all of my money I then just wandered to Topshop and River Island for a browse. These were the best I saw, most completely not office appropriate! 

Unsuccessful yet successful shopping trip!

S. x

 p.s. I will be doing a summer shoe dedicated post very soon\

Nailed It!

Yes, it's that time of year again. The sun is coming out, the leaves are turning green - it's time to put away the Chanel "Rouge Noir" and move on to brighter and better things!

I'm Lily, The Styling Forecast's new beauty blogger, and I wanted to start by discussing the humble nail polish - the perfect way to transition gradually (very gradually, this is England after all) from winter into spring. Here are my top five:

From left to right: (1) Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in “Blueberry” (2) Revlon Nail Enamel in “One Perfect Coral” (3) Topshop Nails in “Cob” (4) Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Colour in “Mint Sorbet” (5)  Maxfactor Glossfinity in “Angel Nails”

1. I have had a long-lasting love affair with the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints, and at the moment I am especially loving this blue sky colour for spring. The formulation is incredible - you can easily get away with one coat, and the finish is so shiny and gel-like (clue in the name) it does not require a top coat. Amazing value for money and brilliant in a rush!

 
2. I have never come across a nail polish that has received as many compliments as this beautiful coral. When I think of summer nails, I think of bright reds and pinks, and this is a happy spring medium.

3. I'm on the fence when it comes to Topshop nail varnishes - the formulation is not all that great, you certainly need a few coats to get a solid colour, but on the other hand they have an amazing range of shades and the packaging is just too cute to resist. "Cob" comes out a lot brighter than it looks in the bottle, and although it is not a colour I would ordinarily think of for spring, it works.

4. With a formulation as great as the Barry M, and in another beautiful pastel, Sally Hansen's "Mint Sorbet" looks good enough to eat (note: do not try at home, it definitely isn't)!

5. Looking for something a bit more unusual? Silver glitter does not have to equal snow, winter and all things Christmas. In fact, I think "Angel Nails" is ideal for spring as the glitter is very fine and has a pink tint to it - a great option if you're not feeling brave enough for the brights just yet. Another reason this polish earns its place in my top five is its versatility - it has enough sparkle that it could be used for an accent nail, or as one coat gives a very sheer shimmer, it would look great as a top coat over a more solid colour. Get creative!

L. x