Wednesday: Woman-crush

Wednesday posts will consist of me picking a 'woman-crush' and analysing her look. Each week I will pick one of my icons and look at what she wears, research her beauty secrets and show you how you can recreate her style with a few essentials. I will also consider taking requests for this post so email me with any ideas of a 'woman-crush' at perfect-that-pout@hotmail.co.uk 

Woman-crush: Kim Kardashian

To kick start this new style of post I had to choose my biggest inspiration, no debate it's Miss Kim Kardashian! I have been extremely inspired by her for a number of years and not just the way she dresses. I adore her fabulous style, her flawless make-up, her sleek hair and her glamorous accessories. Not only am I inspired by her but her whole family offer inspiration for my style and I'm constantly incorporating their looks into my own; I'm all for taking inspiration but it's important to be yourself too!

The first step in taking inspiration from an icon is by looking at what they wear, here is a collage of outfits and beauty styles by Kim that have particularly inspire me...

The next step is to realize what it is that I love about these things so here's a closer analysis of an outfit and a make up look that I adore...

I love this outfit for so many different reasons, its included so many aspects of fashion that I love and is one image that I have based my style around. To start off with I love the colour palette - black & gold, very simplistic, very chic. I like that she has paired a very simple black vest with a fitted blazer as it is very minimalist but also effortlessly gorgeous. I like the silhouette of the blazer as it is shapely and flattering. I adore her leather trouser (I bought a very similar pair from H&M) they're very modern and extremely fierce. I like her shoes as they are edgier than a pair of black pumps, they also add personality to her outfit, She has accessorized this look well with an oversized, black tote bag which can hold all of her essentials and completes the look. I like her large black sunglasses as they offer mystery to the ensemble. Finally I love that she threw on a simple gold chain, it is a point of interest as it is a pop of colour and is also quite an elegant touch as it brightens the outfit. This is an outfit that could be worn out shopping, to college or for a lunch date with a friend. It screams sophistication, edginess and style. It's a simple outfit to create that ensures a large impact.

Kim tries out a wonder of new trends (and rocks each and every one of them) but my absolute favourite is her usual smokey eye and nude lip look. This is Kim Kardashian trade mark and its flawless. First of all her skin is perfect, she has a flawless base to begin with and her skins appears to glow. Her blusher and bronzer play an important part in her look as they give her bone structure definition and show of those gorgeous cheek bones. Her eyes are perfectly lined here and the abundance of lashes give a flirty, feminine look. Her large brown eyes are complemented wondrously by her perfectly matched eye shadow, She keeps her eyebrows simple and light, this is often something people get wrong as they make them too dark but Kim knows to keep them simple and allow them to frame her face beautifully. She keeps her lips nude in order to draw attention to the eyes and cheeks which has a very sophisticated feel to it. Finally she uses highlighter to accentuate key features such as her nose and cheekbones.

Next it's time for some research, it's important to look up things advice given by your icon as it's likely they've shared interesting secrets and tips about fashion and beauty. Here are my favourite tips that Miss Kardashian has shared...

1. Take off your Make Up
This is an important tip as taking your make up off each night allows your skin to breathe. By leaving it on you will block your pores and this can cause unwanted spots. Kim likes to use Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes in Night Calming













2. Create Contours
Kim's cheekbones are a focal point of her face due to how gorgeous they are. Her bone structure appears flawless, you can achieve this by using Kim's clever contouring trick. Start with foundation and then apply your powder. Next apply concealer all over you cheeks, make a tree shape on your nose allow down your nose to be the trunk and where your nose meets your forehead the leaves, add a little concealer to your chin. Then using an egg shaped brush blend it all in. Now use a matte bronzer -Kim says important to use one without sparkle - and contour in a 3 shape either side of your face. Start on your cheek bones, work down to your chin and then up to your forehead. Kim's favourite bronzer is is Smashbox Bright Lights in Suntan Matte

3. Max Out Your Lashes
Kim believes that it is important to maximise your eyelashes and claims that her long lashes run in the family. She swears by Lancome Doll Lashes and MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara to create her full lash look. She says it's all about using different mascaras and taking your time when applying each mascara.

4. Keep Your Nails Filed
Kim carries a nail file with her everywhere she goes as she says it's important that her nails are kept in a perfectly rounded square shape at all times. When having them manicured she often files them herself to get them just the way she likes them! Even claiming that she is 'OCD' about her nails!

5. Keep Skin Smooth
Finally Kim believes that keeping your skin smooth is a must. She heads to a Korean Spa in downtown LA in order to exfoliate and remove spray tan from her body which keeps her skin looking fresh and radiant.

Here are 3 purse-friendly beauty products essential for trying out Kim's look...

1. Lash extending Mascara


Max Factor Mascara Wild Mega Lash Black £6.99 Superdrug

2. Matte Bronzer


Collection 2000 Bronze Glow Face & Body Bronzer Sunkissed £3.99 Superdrug

3. Highlighter


Accessorize Shimmer Block Highlighter £6.95 Superdrug 

Finally here are my top 3 things you need to recreate her style in your everyday wardrobe..

1. Fitted blazer

$55 Dorothy Perkins

2. Heels

£20 New look 

3. Oversized bag

£30 Pull & Bear 

I hope this post has inspired you and has given you insight into Kim Kardashian's style and how easy it is to incorporate it into your everyday look!
Love Dixie
:) xox

Summer survival guide

The summer's here! That means days on the beach, tanning in the garden, chasing the ice-dream man, delicious BBQ's, fun outdoor parties, stunning summer weddings... The list goes on. Summer is my favourite season due to the bright coloured bikinis, the carefree vibe of clothing and that feeling of slipping on a brand new summer dress over sun-kissed skin. As a teenage girl I adore all the things that come with this wonderful season. Here's my guide to summer, enjoy!

Fashion & Beauty

It's important to be prepared for the season and even more important to look good whilst doing so! Here's a list of what I feel are absolute musts this season, 

Sunglasses

Cute dress

Short shorts

Bandeau/Bralet

Hot bikini

Lipgloss

Bright nail polish

Floral/fruity perfume

Anklets

Floral hair chain

Dry/damaged hair shampoo & conditioner

Sorry the text has appeared a little blurry it says 'Dixieplumpixie 100% recommends I'm not going to bother showing other variations of shampoo and conditioner for dry and damaged hair. I give full marks to these beauties - expect a full review later!'

Music

During the summertime it's important to have a sweet playlist ready for whatever the occasion, whether it's to entertain you as you travel from one adventure to the next or to entertain all of your guests at a BBQ. I've complied a list of my favourite songs that have a guaranteed spot on my summer playlist, my music taste is not too mainstream so be warned there may be some odd ones in there! 

1. All That Jazz - Glee version 
2. American Boy - Estelle ft Kanye West
3. The Baa Baa Song  - The Wombats 
4. Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis
5. Bad Kids - The Black Lips
6. Cape Cod Kwassa - Vampire Weekend
7. Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis
8. Countdown - Beyonce
9. Dance Dance - Fall Out Boy
10. Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas) - Regina Spektor
11. A Heady Tale - The Fratellis
12. Hey Porshce - Nelly 
13. Hey Soul Sister - The Warblers
14. Hit me with your best shot/One way or another mash up - Glee Cast
15. Hold Me - Tom Odell
16. I Love You, Ono - Stereo Total
17. Ignition - R Kelly
18. Last Time - Labrinth 
19. Lolita - Lana Del Rey
20. Look Out Sunshine - The Fratellis
21. Love Song - Glee Version
22. Moi Je Joue - Brigitte Bardot 
23. Naive - The Kooks
24. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
25. Ooh La - The Kooks
26. Primadonna - Marina and The Diamonds
27. Rhythm Of Love - Plain White T's 
28. Ride - Lana Del Rey 
29. Same Jeans - The View
30. Summerboy - Lady Gaga
31. Sweet Dispostion - The Temper Trap
32. Teenage Dream - The Warblers
33. Tell Him - Glee Version 
34. Theme Park Blues - The Wombats
35. This Ain't A Scene - Fall Out Boy
36. This Is Love - Will.I.Am ft. Eva Simons
37. This Is What Makes Us Girls - Lana Del Rey
38. Trampolining - The Wombats 
39. Twilight - Cover Drive
40. Where Have You Been - Rihanna 
41. Weightless - All Time Low
42. You and I - Lady Gaga
43. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) - Beastie Boys

Activities 

With such a long time off of school/college it's easy to get bored but with this list of things to do you'll never be bored. Why not try and do at least one of these a week so you'll have a fun-filled summer.

1. Go to the beach with friends/family
2. Have a shopping day 
3. Get together with your best friends and enjoy a pamper day
4. Host a BBQ
5. Go to a music festival
6. Have a camp out
7. Visit a theme park
8. Hold a movie night
9. Hit the gym
10. Try ice-skating
11. Go bowling
12. Have a picnic
13. Visit London (Or your own capital city)
14. Explore somewhere new with friends e.g. hop on the train and explore a new city 
15. Organise a party (e.g. Bodyshop, jewelry etc.)
16. Have a baking day 
17. Visit cute little towns
18. Go to an Ice-cream parlour
19. Go to the zoo 
20. Spend the day at a country park with friends/family 

This year my holidays are around 10 weeks instead of 6 as I've finished secondary school, I'm using this time to not only have a great social summer but to enhance my skills, why not try a new hobby? This year I'm going to:

• Work out
• Teach myself French
• Learn to play the piano 
• Write a novel (I'm currently on chapter 3) 

I hope you enjoyed this post!
Love Dixie
:) xox

Christmas outfit ideas 2012

So it's getting close to Christmas which is really exciting and to kick December off in the festive mood, I'm posting this guide to perfect Christmas outfit ideas. I'll post three outfit ideas for different Christmas scenarios. Also later on I'll be posting a gift guide so look out for that.

Scenario one - Christmas Shopping

Outfit idea one -

Sweatshirt - Topshop Trousers - New look Shoes - Topshop Necklace - Dorothy Perkins Clutch - Kardashian Kollection at Dorothy Perkins

This ensemble is very casual, and simplistic but still very stylish. I love how laid out it feels with the chunky knit over the leather look trousers. I also adore the glam accessories such as the studded loafers and especially the Kardashian clutch (Which is on my Christmas list!) Also the gold collar adds a touch of sophistication. 

 Outfit idea two -

Sweatshirt - owntherunway.co.uk Skirt - Topshop Tights - Topshop Boots - Zara Bag - missrebel.co.uk Earrings - Republic Ring - Republic 

This is a more modern take on a Christmas Shopping look, the stud detailing on the boots, bag and sweater make it very edgy. I would tuck the sweater into the faux leather skater skirt to give it a polished yet stylish feel. I adore these boots from Zara, they are fabulous. I also really love the peace ring as it's quite simple but very cute. The earrings add a nice touch to the ensemble and you could wear just one pair or if you have two piercings on each ear like myself you could wear two pairs. 

Outfit Idea 3 - 

Dress - Topshop Blazer - Kardashian Kollection at Dorothy Perkins Tights - Miss Selfridge Belt - New Look Bag - Topshop Loafers - Boohoo.com Lipstick - Paul & Joe (asos.com)

This is my final Christmas Shopping look and it's probably the most sophisticated of them all, it's quite formal due to the structured blazer and simple colour palette, however the flats and satchel give it more casual feel. I love the black and leopard print teamed with the bright red, it makes it stand out but still display a little colour in a stylish way. My favourite piece here is the structured blazer from the Kardashian Kollection which is on my Christmas list - isn't it gorgeous? 

Scenario two - Christmas Carolling

Outfit Idea 1 -

Coat - Dorothy Perkins Sweatshirt - Topshop Leggings - Warehouse Chelsea Boots - asos.com Earmuffs - bankfashion.co.uk Mittens - Jane Norman

This look, screams cozy and uber-stylish! The bright red coat is a key piece that can carry you right through December, January and February. The leggings add a fashionable spin to the look and the thick, black jumper will keep you super cozy. The Chelsea boots are a simple shoe in comparison to the patterned leggings, but are extremely chic and great for wearing when walking long distances as they won't hurt your feet but still look amazing. Finally the touches of faux fur add a glamorous finish to the ensemble. 

Outfit Idea 2 -

Coat - topshop Jumper - Topshop Jeans - New look Shoes - Republic Satchel - asos.com Headband - Topshop Snood - Topshop

This is a more 'urban' look from the oversized khaki coat with opposing sleeves and the high top wedges you can get a very urban feel. Paired with black skinny jeans to keep it simple it keeps the focus on these gorgeous knitted accessories. The knitted bow headband is uber-chic and the matching snood is adorable. I also love the oversized burgundy sweater which can be thrown over the skinny jeans and will keep you nice and toasty. Finally the satchel adds a finishing touch to the ensemble. 

Outfit Idea 3 -

Coat - Mango Dress - New Look Undershirt - Republic Tights - Boohoo.com Boots - Asda Earmuffs - River Island Mittens/Gloves - Dorothy Perkins  

Finally this is a more chic look for carol singing. The black lace bodysuit would be worn under the claret dress to keep you not only warm but looking fabulous. The lace on lace is a risk but in my opinion it's definitely one worth taking! The black tights are very simple and ensure that the gorgeous ankle boots with leopard print panels are fully admired. The key piece of this look is the gorgeous faux leopard fur coat. It's stunning. Although it is a little shapeless not to worry because the oversized, shapeless silhouette is very 'in' this season. The black earmuffs with embellishments are extremely chic and the knitted mittens are very adorable.

Scenario three - Christmas Party

Outfit Idea 1 -

Dress - desireclothing.co.uk Clutch - Kardashian Kollection at Dorothy Perkins Shoes - Republic Earrings - asos.co.uk Eye Make Up - Smokey eye using earthy tones 

This Christmas party look is very glitz and glam, exactly what one should be! It has a very simple colour palette, Gold & Black, it screams glamorous. This dress is too adorable and for only £22 who can resist? I adore the gold shoes from republic they are uber-glam. The bow earrings are a cute touch and link with the bow on the dress and on the shoes. I love this little Kardashian clutch which can also be worn with a strap across your body which makes it both practical and stylish. However for a more evening look I would use it as a clutch. Wear with a natural smokey eye for an effortlessly gorgeous look. 

Outfit Idea 2 - 

Jumpsuit - Tesco Shoes - H&M Bag - Kardashian Kollection at Dorothy Perkins Belt - Republic Nail Polish - Topshop 

This look is for the fashionably fierce. For a Christmas party most people would reach for a glam dress, but why not rock a glitzy jumpsuit? This simple one from F&F at Tesco is tres chic. The embellishment on the shoulders are beautiful and give a hint of sparkle without being too over the top. The plunging neckline is very glamorous. This look is completed with glamorous accessories like the glitzy shoes, clutch and belt. To finish this look add a sweep of glittery eyeliner and a coat or two of the very glittery Topshop nail polish and you're ready to dazzle your party guests! 

Outfit Idea 3 - 

Dress - House of Fraser Shoes - axparis.co.uk Clutch Bag - Kardashian Kollection at Dorothy Perkins Tights - Miss Selfridge Earrings - asos.co.uk Lipstick - Clinique 

This is one of my favourite looks throughout this post, I adore the black, red and leopard print all together, it screams fabulous! This dress is rather Gothic but girly, I love the pattern around the bodice. I would wear this with black tights (as above) to leave the accessories to do the talking. This Kardashian clutch is uh-mazing and is on my Christmas list! The leopard print shoes are to die for, scattered with studs you can channel the edgy look, whilst looking glamorous and put together. This look is completed with accents of red, such as the earrings and the Clinique lip stick. 

Scenario four - Christmas Baking

Outfit Idea 1 -

Sweater - udobuy.com Leggings - houseoffraser.com Vest top - H&M Socks - Disney Store Slippers - Republic 

When Christmas baking, you don't have to look glamorous so in this look I've made it very casual but very Christmassy. To start off with simple black leggings and a simple blue vest top. Then layered over this a very bright Christmassy jumper. To finish it off add these adorable mickey mouse socks peeking out over these fabulously Christmassy slippers from Republic.  

Outfit Idea 2 -

Jeans - John Lewis T-shirt - Topshop Socks - M and Co Slippers - H&M Waist belt - Mango

This look is a little more glamorous but still extremely simple. Bright jeans for a chic look with a simple, loose grey top. Cinch in your waist with a gold belt for a little extra glam. Then for a Christmassy finish wear these super comfy and cute slippers over these adorable little socks with pom-poms. 

Outfit Idea 3 -

Shorts - John Lewis T-shirt - New Look Cardigan - chiarafashion.co.uk Slippers - houseoffraser.co.uk Tights - Topshop Nail Polish - Essie 

My final Christmas baking look is a lot more glam than the other two but is still very Christmassy. To start off with layer the Claret tights under the uber-chic shorts, tuck in the Reindeer top and throw over the studded cardi. This will be super comfortable, super chic and super Christmassy! Finish the look with these gorgeous little slippers, again with pom-poms for extra cutesy factor and then paint you nails with this pop of colour nail polish from Essie. 

Scenario five - Christmas Day

Outfit Idea 1 -

Sweater - John Lewis Leggings - New Look Slippers - Debenhams Collar - Etsy Nail Polish - nails inc  

Depending on your Christmas tradition your outfit will either be the epitome of glam or very chilled out. This look is very chilled out but still stylish. Tuck your patterned leggings into these adorable slippers, throw on your oversized black shirt and finish with this studded collar for a comfy yet gorgeous look. You could also paint your nails with this very glam nail polish for a glitzy finish. 

Outfit Idea 2 -

Top - H&M Skirt - motelrocks.com Knee High Socks - Next Shoes - Office Nail wraps - Topshop Lipstick - Nars 

This look is in the middle of the glam scale. The statement piece here is the stunning leopard print, bodycon skirt. Tuck your collared shirt into this and then pair with simple black tights and these gorgeous wedges. I adore these wedges, I've been looking for an outfit to include them in because I desperately wanted to show ofd these shoes. Something about them screams chic to me, maybe it's the muted black shade, or the large bow on the strap, they're simply wonderful., To finish this look add glitzy nail wraps and perfect that pout with this bright red lipstick. 

Outfit Idea 3 -

Dress - Dorothy Perkins Tights - Miss Selfridge Shoes - udobuy.com Necklace - H&M Ring - River Island Belt - asos.co.uk Hairband - Claire's 

My final look is the most glam. Start off with the claret, velvet dress for a very on-trend look, cinch in the waist with the leopard print belt, layer over black tights, fasten the straps on the gorgeous shoes, clip up the studded necklace, slip on the bow ring and slide on the glittery headband and you're good to go! This look is fabulous, glamorous and totally gorge. I'm a sucker for huge bows in the hair so I've added my own personal spin on this, but you could wear with an embellished alice band or a bedazzled hair grip, whatever suits you best. 

I hope this post inspires your outfit choices this Christmas and I hope it leaves you looking and feeling gorgeous! Merry Christmas!

Love Dixie

:) xox