About Me

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Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Thursday, 13 June 2013

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

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Ocean Avenue - The new collection from Warby Parker

Whether you're a daily beach-goer or an occasional seaside visitor, you've experienced a lazy day by the sea. Laying on the warm sand, hearing the waves crash, laughing with close friends. Days at the beach are fun, relaxing and not to mention stylish. It's this that inspired Warby Parker's latest collection 'Ocean Avenue'


I would sum this collection up as retro chic meets modern fierceness! It's the perfect blend of old and new to create a wonderful new collection. Warby Parker have stated 'Our new collection is for boardwalk truants and beach bum days when responsibility has taken a vacation!' They then went on to say 'The Ocean Avenue Collection translates summer crushes into a wearable eye candy for all summer occasions.' I completely agree as I have possibly the biggest summer crush on the 'Jasper' sunglasses in the colour 'Orange Fizz' 

Check out the glasses from the new collection..





There's so many beauties to choose from! I've put together a few possible outfit ideas to go with my favourite pair of glasses, so use this as inspiration when purchasing some Warby Parker eyewear!


Have a look at these shots showcasing some of the collection...


Finally what I love most about this collection is the simple generosity behind it, much like when  you buy a pair of Warby Parker glasses from an existing collection they will distribute a pair to someone in need through their non-profit partners. 

The collection is available from tomorrow and I strongly recommend checking the collection out at the very least!

For any additional information check out warbyparker.com 

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Love Dixie
:) xox












Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Spring trends 2013

Spring is such a beautiful season; flowers are blooming, cute little animals being born and a whole new season of trends! Spring is possibly my favorite season because of the happy tone the clothes create. The pastel colours, pretty prints and soft cuts just scream adorable! This post is all about key pieces, prints, colours and cuts for the season ahead so fly into spring looking absolutely gorgeous!

First take note of the key garments this season, I'll show you them from the runway, the high street stores and my own closet. I'll be sharing how to recreate these designer ensembles from a not so designer budget!

Garment 1: Oversized white shirt













These oversized white shirts breathed a breath of fresh air onto the spring runways at Jil Sander, Victoria Beckham and Preen. Effortlessly styled with various other white garments the white shirt is an easy piece to master. Take a look at these highstreet versions...
















My favorite one of these is the Zara blouse as I feel this really embodies the trend, it's the perfect example of an oversized white shirt! The rolled up sleeves are very chic and the sheerness is fun and fashionable.

My own white shirt for this season was bought at H&M for £7.99 here's how I will be styling it...




















I styled my oversized white shirt in three different ways. The first was with a pair of  distressed high-waisted denim shorts which I showed both tucked in and layered over. I then paired it with a pair of leather shorts, this has more of an edgy vibe and can be more simplistic. Finally I paired it with a pair of denim look jeggings that were rolled up at the bottom, this is more casual. I wore all three looks with brown, studded wedges and two of the looks I wore a flower headband.

Oversized white shirt - H&M £7.99
Denim Shorts - H&M -originally they were knee length, then I cut and distressed them myself
Leather shorts - Beatnik emporium - This is a little retro shop in town and these are vintage real leather shorts
Jeggings - Topshop - Not sure of the price as I bought these a few years ago
Wedges - The clothes show - The brand is Yumi if that helps!
Floral headband - Asda - I bought this last year it was around £2
Black vest top - Primark - £2 I think

(The blue ribbon is not part of the ensembles, I wear it every day, in fact I do not take it off - ever!)

Garment 2 - Sporty dresses



Sporty dresses were apparent on the runway this season ranging from bright orange to subtle black. These dresses have a very youthful feel to them and can be styled in so many ways - perfect for a bargainista fashioinista! These dresses were showcased at DKNY, Rag and Bone and Victoria Beckham. Why not try to recreate this look through the highstreet?
















These gorgeously crafted dresses are such good examples of sporty dresses. The bright orange dress from French Connection is perfect for the fashion fearless, whilst the navy dress could be better suited to a subtle fashionista. All of these dresses can be accessoriesed wondrously  Why not copy the catwalk and keep your hair simple, your make -up subtle and grab a black bag? Effortlessly fabulous!

Garment 3 - Bomber jackets













Bomber jackets exploded onto the runway this season, seen here at Jonathon Saunders, Loewe and Stella McCartney. As always we've been spoilt for choice with a intricately embellished style, a casual feel and a seriously techno version bomber jacket. The great news is that whatever your style there's a bomber jacket for you! Take a look at three of the high streets hottest bomber jackets...













Another sporty edition to this season the bomber jacket is very statement piece. Perfect for layering on those chilly mornings - fabulous and practical! My favorite piece here is the Bomber jacket from Dorothy Perkins, for me this sums up the modern day bomber jacket - wondrously tailored, perfectly symmetrical and just plain gorgeous! Team this statement piece with bright colours for a fresh, fun day time look.

Accessories 
No season is complete without an array of accessories to brighten even the rainiest of days! Spring style just screams accessorize me, here's my top three favorite accessory trends for this spring.

Accessory 1 - Statement sunglasses












My favourite Spring accessories trend this year is statement sunglasses. If you're in need of a chic way of adding fierceness to your outfit  look no further than a pair of all-eyes-on-you shades! These ones from Anna Sui, Roberto Cavalli & Prada are extremely gorge! Take a look at these beautiful highstreet goodies...








The highstreet have some excellent statement shades this season and these are three of my favorite  I think the River Island pair are stunning! They're also very similar to the Prada pair, channel a designer look at a highstreet price, every girls dream!

Accessory 2 - Low heels













Give your feet a break with these super chic low heels. Something about the low heel screams spring, could it be the simplicity? The chicness? Whatever it is I need them! Put a bounce in your step with these gorgeous highstreet versions...










These low heeled shoes from Zara would be the visual representation of 'Spring footwear' both metallic and low heeled they're perfect! They're extremely versatile and so chic, they are definitely worth the investment. I also love the colour pop the other pairs of shoes, ad these to a simple coloured outfit and you're ahead of the game in seconds.

Accessory 3 - Ladylike handbags 












I'm in love with this trend! This to me is a perfect example of a trend fit or spring, it displays pastel shades, perfect cuts and just pure femininity. Mulberry and J Mendel have done an exquisite job of producing gorgeous handbags and have consequently set the bar high! This season it's all about the arm candy, take a look at the highstreets amazing candy...













For a highstreet price these bags are practically a steal! The tailoring, the colours, the shape you could fool anybody! My favorite for this season is the Topshop mini holdall, the colour is just right for this season and it just embodies Spring. My runner up has to be the Mango tote, although I feel this is more of a versatile piece - as in you could carry it across to every season and still be on trend.

Prints
Prints are a very important part of the trend, the print is the first thing you see from a distance and if it's on trend, you're instantly noticed - for all the right reasons. Here are my three favorite prints/colours for this season...

Print/colour 1 - Monochrome 



















Monochrome is a very sophisticated look and can be worn by anybody. This is such an easy trend to pull off and often the most cost effective. You can wear garments from other seasons and just play off the monochrome look, although some cuts and garments may not be so suited to the season! I love the simplicity of this look. Have a look at my highstreet finds...


















The garments I chose for this trend are both black and white and in this scenario I would pair them with one colour for the rest of the garments e.g. a black blouse and black skinny jeans with the blazer. However key pieces in either black or white are great too, for example white blazers are very hot this season. I adore these striped skinny trousers from Mango and Miranda Kerr rocked them in the advert!

Here are my ensembles based on the monochrome trend...

Outfit 1




















This is more edgy, almost grunge look. I have very minimal jewelry for these looks as it's so simple. The colour palette is simple, although this doesn't mean the clothes have to be, I went for more interesting pieces in this ensemble.

Blouse - Primark - £10
Shorts - H&M The New Icons collection - £7.99
Socks - Primark - I bought these a while ago and am not sure of the price
Creepers - Ebay - £10.99
Bow - Internationale - £1.50

Outfit 2 






















Ensemble two is a more fun, girly look and I focused on one print and kept my other pieces simple. I adore this skirt, I think the shape is gorgeous and the print is so cute. The sleeveless blouse is great for spring as if it gets warm you can wear it on its own or if it gets chilly you can layer a jumper over the top and keep the collar as a feature.

Blouse - Primark £6
Skirt - TKMaxx £12.99
Boots - 'Who's Next?' A store near Portobello Market £10
Bow - New Look £2.49
Vest top - Primark £2

Outfit 3 






















This is my most chic outfit I styled as it's the most simple and sleek. Although it is spring it cans till be cold so these faux leather pants are still very wearable. I adore this hat, although it is probably more suited to summer I had to throw it in because its so cute! Also it nails two trends in one - monochrome and stripes! Also I had to get the high heels out because at my height I need the boost!

Hat - Primark - £4 (Practically a steal!)
Top - H&M The New Icons Collection - £6.99
Leather Pants - H&M £19.99
Heels - Geroge, Asda £4 (I found them in the sale and it was love at first sight)

Outfit 4 






















My last ensemble is very basic and probably would need a jacket to finish it off. This leather skirt was my key piece last Autumn/Winter and I teamed it with all sorts of things knee high socks, burgundy tights, knitted tights, blouses, tops, jumpers - the list goes on. I plan to bring this skirt into the spring season too because it's so cute. It fits well and I like the silhouette it creates.

Collared shirt - Primark £6
Leather skirt - Primark - Around £12 I can't really remember
Heels - Primark £6 ( They were supposed to be £12 but they were half price, I bought them for New Year and ended up wearing completely different shoes instead!)
Hairband - Charity shop -£3.50

Print/colour 2 - Bold stripes




















Stripes usually make their appearance into the Spring season in the form of a nautical trend, however this season they're big, they're bold and they're statement. They've slid onto the runways at Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Moschino. Let's see what the highstreet has in store for us...















It takes a seriously fearless fashionista to strut her stuff in a bold striped suit, for me I'd rather take a striped garment and play that into a super chic outfit. For example the striped top from Mango could be tucked into a pair of Bermuda shorts and paired with a pair of super cute flats and a dark pair of statement sunglasses - casual chic, check!

Prints/Colours 3 - Checkers






















This trend is super chic, I adore this print as it just oozes sophistication. This season checkers have a very 60's feel to them and Louis Vuitton's collection looked absolutely amazing! I have to say Chanel did a wonderful job with checkers this season - how gorge is that pink A-line dress?! Balmain kept there checkers cheeky and daring in this low cut dress, nipped in at the waist with a fierce belt. Take inspiration from these collections and rock your own highstreet version with these pieces...



















My favorite piece here has got to be this gorgeous little dress from Zara. This is the perfect dress for spring! It's sleeveless style makes it great at keeping you cool, or great for layering on chilly days, the print is perfect and the cut is just right. I also love the Forever21 leggings and they're practically a steal at £7.25! That's a great bargain.

Check out these celebs rocking the latest trends... 





















Kourtney Kardashian. Elizabeth Olsen and Kim Kardashian are all rocking the oversized white shirt!













Here Naomi Watts, Pippa Middleton & January Jones are all flaunting their gorgeous ladylike handbags. 



















Miley Cyrus, Taylor Tomasi Hill & Chloe Moretz are strutting their stuff in sexy stripes.

I hope this post helps you pull together on trend but unique spring looks. Remember it's not about the cost of your outfit, the size of your clothes or who else is wearing it, it's about taking what's hot and putting your own spin on the outfit. Be unique and stay fabulous!

Love Dixie
:) xox





Wednesday, 16 January 2013

January make up must haves!

This post will contain my must haves for this month, specifically tailored to the trends and requirements for January 2013...

My first must have product is the 'oh honey' set of Lashes from the Katy Perry lash collection, created by Eylure priced at £5.95



This is due to Spring/Summer trend 'Fluttery Lashes' as seen on the runway at Moschino, Giorgio Armani & Gucci











It is clear that huge lashes are used on a very natural colour palette, enhancing eyes and making the look more feminine. These Katy Perry lashes are perfect for giving your eyes an extra flutter. Stock up because this is going to be a huge trend!

My second Beauty product is the Liz Earle Brightening Treatment mask. £14.25

Brightening  Treatment Maskā„¢
During the winter the cold, harsh weather can leave your skin dull and dreary. This treatment mask with revitalise your skin and give you a 'natural looking radiance' It does this through natural products such as camphor oil and toning witch hazel.This can be used morning, night or whenever you see fit. A definite must have for restoring your skin to it's full potential. 

My third must-have beauty poduct is the Undressed palette from MUA £4 


This bargain product is perfect for recreating the sixties make up trend as seen at Marc Jacbs & Louis Vuitton...












A neutral smokey eye with an abundance of eyeliner will perfect this sixties trend. Use lighter colours on your inner eye lid, then a slightly darker shade towards the outer corner with a very dark colour along the crease. Sweep the same dark colour out extending past your eye for a dramatic night time look. Don't forget to fully fill in your eyebrows too for a very sixties style look.

My fourth must-have beauty product are these twon nail polishes from OPI £11 each (prices vary depending on stockists)














This is due to the Spring/Summer trend approaching fast - two tone nails, as seen on runways at Phillip Lim, Roland Mouret and Tracy Reese...












The great thing about these colours I've chosen (Altar ego - Pale pink & Midnight in Moscow - Burgundy) is that these two polishes can be used in two other Spring Summer trends - Pale nails & Dark nails. By investing in two nail polishes you're set for 3 upcoming trends! Sounds like a good investment to me.

My fitfh must-have beauty product is the Barry M Lip Paint in Shocking Pink £4.49



This is in honour of the colour pop lip trend popping it's way on to the catwalk at Giles & Dries Van Noten












A bright pop of colour on your lips is a fabulous statement this season, wear with bright prints for an all over colour blast or with a simple monochrome look for a serious colour pop. This Barry M colour is perfect for recreating a catwalk trend for less. A very wise investment!

My Sixth must-have beauty product is the Juicy Couture perfume 'Couture La La' £34.50


This Juicy couture fragrance is the newest edition to the fragrance line and isn't it gorgeous! However, a fragrance shouldn't be bought by judgement on the bottle (but it is beautiful isn't it!) it's about the scent - This one's wonderful. It is a floral fruity scent and has a very feminine feel to it, that's just what you need after a Christmas of gingerbread scents. 

My seventh must-have beauty product is Frontcover's Black Kohl Pencil With Smudger £8.00



This season it's all about grungy eyeliner, as seen at Lanvin & Roberto Cavalli 












The best way to achieve this runway look is to take inspiration from these pictures. Sweep a thick line of Kohl pencil along your lower lash line and then smudge with the other end of the pencil - a perfect grunge look achieved in seconds!

My eighth must-have beauty product is Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle Re-constructor £4



This deep conditioner is perfect for resolving problems with dry hair. During the winter months hair can be left feel dry, dull and in need of help! This Aussie conditioner will help revitalize your gorgeous tresses and leave them looking wonderful again! At £4 for 250ml I'd say it's at least worth a try!

My ninth beauty must-have is MUA's professional Primer - £4

Make Up Academy Professional Primer

I have repurchased this product countless times, it's a miracle product! A current trend for Spring/Summer is a completely flawless complexion and using this primer, you're on your way! Take a look at these runway looks from Jil Sander



As you can see each of these models has a clear, flawless complexion. This is easily achieved with a primer and why blow all your cash on a high end one when MUA offers high end results at a fraction of the cost? It makes perfect sense to invest in this gorgeous primer. 

My final must-have beauty product is Collection 2000's Lock N Hold Lipgloss in shade 'Rock Steady'





















I chose this because I picked one up on Sunday and I adore it! I wear it over MUA's lipstick shade 14 - Bare and it looks gorgeous! For a simple neutral gloss, this is perfect. When you don't have a lot of time, slip this on your lips and your pout is perfected! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it inspires you to pick up some of these gorgeous products! 
Love Dixie
:) xox