OOTW; We Aim To Please, Mr Grey...

So after Saturday's book review I had a fair few emails asking me if I could do an OOTW based on Anastasia from Fifty Shades. So here is a take of one of the smarter outfits which  I'd imagine she'd wear/I'd wear if I were her...

Underwear
Black lace underwear set, Peacocks Size 18-20 - £14 (Similar here)
(Includes bra/vest shaper with a thong)

Nude Hold-Ups, M&S size XL - £5

Outfit

Black Peplum Dress, Peacocks size 20 - £14

Black Knit Cardigan, Peacocks size 18 - £12

Leopard Print Belt, New Look - £3.50

Black Suede Court Heels, Next - £25

Face
- Collection 2000 Concealer in Light
- 2True Concealer in shade 1
- Collection 2000 Foundation in Light 
- Natural Collection Face Powder in Neutral
- Victoria Jackson 24/7 Makeover Portfolio palette (Using the Neutrel Baby Pink and Gold Dust Champagne shadows over the lid and the Coffee Brown Champagne in the crease)
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
- Barry M clear lip gloss

Hair is in a simple back combed side bun.

I did in fact wear this to a meeting I had in London at a very posh/high end company/business and I did get the looks a lot, but mainly because of how young I was I think! My hold-ups managed to withstand the whole 13 hour day too, so I was very impressed with that!

I chose this particular outfit because I know in the books, Christian is always banging on about Ana wearing dresses/skirts which may be a little too short - and I find with this dress, it just sits on the boundary of too short ever so slightly, as we know Ana likes to test Christian a lot in the books! As said above, I did attract a lot of attention in this outfit, mainly because of the effect I had on the staff i the building with my age and such, but I had a lot of compliments from the lovely ladies on reception who made me feel very welcome! Ideally I'd imagine Ana would wear this when she goes to work or maybe when she goes to Christian's parents house for his birthday possibly. It kind of has the multi-wear factor - as Ana dresses quite smart when she is with Christian, what with his high standards an all... For my make-up I wanted a very simple look, as Ana tends not to wear much make-up. I went for a light smokey eye look, mainly using champagne colours on the lids on my eyes and didn't add any eyeliner just a few strokes of mascara. My hair again was simple yet elegant in a simple back combed bun, for that relaxed look so as not too look too stiff and still friendly - a bit like Ana!

Well I hope you liked this little take on a Ana Fifty Shades outfit!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

(P.S Don't forget to check out the first episode of Tea Time on my YouTube - leave me some questions for the next episode!)

Book Review; Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy

Okay okay, I know what you're thinking "everyone's read Fifty Shades, everyone knows about it" BUT I only just read the books in September, a few years after everyone else and the initial release. I tend to do this mainly so no one can tell me what happens when they see I'm reading it, and I like doing things out of the hype.

So, normally, I wouldn't talk about anything so personal, but this book has really brought it out into the light for me, I do enjoy these sexual erotic books - they reflect how I may feel, or what its like to be in that situation, a sense of escapism. I do enjoy being tied up, I have been for personal reasons and for modelling work which I've done. I enjoy it.

So I'm going to address each book one by one... I'm going to try and not spoil anything for those who are interested in reading but haven't yet, so what I write will be rather cryptic.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Book 1)

I took the first book on holiday with me, knowing I wouldn't finish it, because when I read, I read about 1 chapter at a time, but with this book I read about 7 chapters at a time. My best friend had to try and stop me from reading, I probably could've finished the book by the Wednesday (I started reading it on the train journey on Monday to my holiday) but I tried to savour the book so I could read some for the journey back... Which was unsuccessful. 

I really enjoyed the first book, and I really mean enjoyed. I kept giggling and got so wrapped up into it, I swear my life became a vortex, everything made me question what was going to happen with Ana and Christian, what does he really want, what are his problems, I questioned everything. I completely love how the book is written.  I personally adore Ana's character, I like how weak she can be, but so passionate and open minded, and super curious; in a way, I can see myself in Ana. In all honesty, I kind of cried at the end of the book, I couldn't believe Ana and what she had done, I wanted to kind of shake her and shout at her, but at the same time, I understood why she did what she had done.

Honestly, I'm gonna be pretty shallow and obvious here but I also completely adore Christian's character, although not so much in this book, more so in the second. I think the best part of Christian for me personally, was how quickly he had mood changes, like the slightest thing effected him. I saw this as a highlight mainly because, it brought a sense of urgency and unknown to his character - unpredictability.

I really like the fact that EL James stretched the fact in the book, that if anything was to happen it would be on Ana's terms, hence why Christian offers what he does. I did find this book did have a bad reputation at first, I still do now. I have found a lot of people think this book is about an abusive relationship which it is far from. From my perspective of reading, its an erotic novel based on the ideas of SOFT  (yes, soft, I know what hard is.) BDSM relationships. There is much worse that could

have been done, and Ana in fact asked for the worst (you'll know what I mean if you've read it).

I'm personally not a fan of books which takes the plot super slowly, like this book is based over just a few weeks, however, I'm swayed. I love the details and the depth EL James has gone into in this book, I love the sex scenes and how they've been written and how they develop. My favourite sex scene in this book is probably when Christian says to Ana it's all about touch...

LOVE - The plot, the sex, the characters - EVERYTHING. The perfect 1st book to a Trilogy in my honest opinion.
HATE - I can't really fault anything at all!

Fifty Shades Darker (Book 2)
Personally, I really enjoyed this book, as this flourishes the characters into a whole new light, and how they must adapt to each other, the differences between them and their relationship. At the beginning of the book it continues straight on from the first, however a few days later. Ana has been away from Christian; but things change very quickly.

I really didn't expect the plot to take the turn that it did, but I think it was a good move, however an obvious one. I think Ana does represent how a lot of women feel though, with her self-

confidence low, and that she isn't attractive, like she doesn't understand why she gets so much attention, good move EL James!

Personally, I really like the second book, just as much, if not a smidgen more then the first. I like how this book delves a lot more into Christian and his problems, I find you can understand his character a lot more, why he acts the way he does and why he is so possessive over controlling everything.

Again, I cried at this book... more then three times (is that even acceptable?) but I'm only going to tell you three of them. One was when Leila (one of Christian's exes) is out after them (I will say no more unless you read it!), and I totally feel for Ana when she is with Ethan (her friends brother), I kind of want to get drunk with her. Another, when Christian couldn't be found (I cried for several reasons, not only when they couldn't find him, but why couldn't they, and Ana's reaction to it all just broke my heart in two). And one of the other times was near the end of the book, all I'm saying is... Christian's Birthday, his parents house, the boathouse.... That is all.

This book had be enthralled into it and with the Characters. I read this book in under 2 and a half days it was that good... My favourite sex scene would have to be on the billiard table...

LOVE- Understanding Christian a lot more, the HUGE event towards to the end of the book (which I can't say for those who haven't read the book!)
HATE - Ana's boss (he's just a dick to be really honest).

Fifty Shades Freed (Book 3)

If I'm going to be brutally honest, the first few chapters confused the hell out of me. I have no idea whether we are in the present, the future or the past. I would say, for me, that it just feels like EL James is counter referencing, like flashbacks. Had this have been written as it happens in the present, maybe it would unfold a little differently and be less confusing; but I don't know.

I did find that the book lacked the thorough detail it had in the first 2 books for example at the big event at the start of Freed (again, I'm being cryptic so I don't ruin it for others). It was a perfect chance to really delve and explore their compassion and love, but it all just seemed a bit rushed to me... Which I found disappointing.

However, for me, the redeeming part (and the best part) I found was that the sex in book 3 is MUCH more entertaining and better then in the first two. They are more experimental and Ana gets more of an insight into what Christian likes, and soon finds that she actually grows to like it too.

When I get into something, I get into it pretty deep, so I've really been grasped into this book - which is a sure fire way to know I like something, cause if I don't like it, I get bored and stop doing it (bad attitude I know, but that's me) but I just can't but these books down, the plot in book 3 is drama filled, and kept my heart racing quite a lot. I think by chapter eleven I was already a pool of emotions - and for me, I felt like I was in Ana's shoes, like I was in her situation.

I do have to say though, I'm not a big fan of how quickly the book would jump days, the first 2 books had most days in concession of each day, but in Freed days were jumped a lot more, and I think good scenes in the book, which could've added a real depth to it, where missed or jumped forward; which I personally think is a real shame.

LOVE - The Sex Scenes & Ana standing up for herself more (and the car chase... and the sex after the car chase...)
HATE - The drama towards the end of the chapters - I was genuinely scared for Ana for several reasons - one being Christian.

Overall
I loved this Trilogy; I managed to read all 3 books in just under 2 weeks. I can't remember the last time I read a book, let alone 3 books in such a short amount of time. If someone was to say to me to re-read these books in 2 weeks time, I'd accept happily. The Characters are so well developed and renowned, its really made me want to find my real life Christian Grey (it would help if he was a multi-millionaire too, but hey... a girl can dream). I also love how EL James writes the emails in the book... Christians signature's would really make me crack up with that schoolgirl giggle sometimes! I always looked forward to reading their emails in the book!

My favourite out of all three would definitely be Fifty Shades Darker, I love the progress of the characters and how the develop, argue, flourish and find where each of themselves stand; both in a way, finding their true identities, which have been shielded away or yet to be uncovered fully.

"Do you think there's potential for a fourth book?" I think there is plenty of story to carry it on from a few years later and/or Christian's perspective like we get at the end of Freed in the "Meet Fifty Shades" section. I think EL James would have a tough task writing a fourth though, as it would need to be on the same level, if not better then the first three to recapture the readers (Although I'd die if there was a fourth book I'd want to read it right away!).

However, I'm now moving onto another series of books, again which are erotic fiction. If you enjoyed this review, please let me know, and I will post a review of the next series that I'm reading!

Emma Victoria

xox

"Emma, Where Were You?"...

Image, MUA & Post-Processing - Chris Barnham Studio

Its been a little while hasn't it my dears? I do hope you enjoyed my first post back on Wednesday with the outfit. I thought today I'd just do a little catch-up post, a bit of a lengthy one, just so I can contain some of the things I've done over my 2 month break and whats going to be changing on the blog for the near future.

So... lets get the boring yet vital bit out of the way. The blog is going to change a bit, nothing huge or anything, but I just want to not restrict myself. What I mean is I don't want the blog just to be known as a beauty blog, a lifestyle blog, or a fashion blog. I want my blog to be about me and what I enjoy. So I'm probably going to do some posts which are slightly more personal, what I might be doing, my ideas, just thoughts, book reviews, I may even just post a simple picture post without any writing. Like an inspiration board, a positivity board etc. I want the blog to reflect me as a single person, not just the things I'm interested in.

The schedule is also changing ever so slightly... Instead of an outfit post every week, I'll be doing them every 2 weeks... Due to some reasons in my personal life, which are explained below, I won't have time to document an outfit a week or do a lengthy post on a saturday each week, so I hope this is okay!

As you know, I also took a break from modelling, mainly because I felt a lot of stress, paranoia and my self-confidence slightly getting to me, and honestly, I needed the break, its given me time to brain storm, re-think where I want to take my modelling, what I want to achieve. I only had one shoot during this time and it was with my regular studio who I work with (Barnham Studio), and again it was a short shoot where we got some simple work done. (Images below from shoot)

                                                               















Being Fancy
Well on the 6th September, I ended up going to a fancy ball. And by fancy I mean, really fancy. Pretty much all the people there were wealthy, posh and they were wearing designer dresses, I felt like bursting into tears like I wouldn't fit in or anything, but I had never been welcomed so beautifully into a community. Despite not being rich or particularly posh I managed to grasp onto how to become a real lady that evening with thanks to Oscar who accompanied me and taught me some etiquette. Due to the prestige of the event I wasn't allowed to take pictures of the place we went to or the event itself, as they had professional photographers and such, but as we drove up the drive (and yes, we had a posh car thanks to my chaperone who is a bit well off, we didn't get the bus! We went in a black Mercedes, although I don't know what type, I'm a bit dumb when it comes to cars) the mansion was lit up in the dark night sky, we arrived at around 9.30pm and I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life, I'm glad I went for a simple look for this event. 

I was taught how to dance in a long formal dress, I was taught about classical music, as to which I now can't stop listening to (Pachelbel's Canon in D Major is definitely one of my favourites now!), I was taught all about the cutlery, how to eat properly, and a whole host of other things. And the best part was, the fact we had a very rich entrepreneur and his utterly gorgeous wife on our table, they helped me and spoke to me as if I were one of them. They even told me I'd be perfect to have a rich husband... still hope for me yet!

I kept my make-up super simple, and even opted to wear no eyeliner to try and be as natural as possible. I used 2 concealers, a tinted moisturiser, Collection Foundation for my face along with the Bourjois Rose D'Or blush. I stuck to a soft champagne and soft pink for my eye shadows to reminiscence elegance but to also just make my eyes pop a little, I used a light brown in the crease, and slightly blended out towards the outer eye for a small smoky effect. I just used a simple gold lip gloss on my lips. And I just used my Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara on my lashes. I wore tear-drop earrings, starting with pale blue crystals and the last pendant was black which then flowed perfectly into my dress with the blue responding to my blue eyes. For my hair I went for a back combed side bun, very elegant and very easy to do. This whole look was achieved in under an hour, all by me. Not bad if I say so myself!

I got a new job!
Remember I got really fed up with my old job, which had rubbish pay (and by rubbish I mean below minimum wage). I worked about 39/40 hours a week, despite my contract which they breached and my wage per annum was about £9,500 just below. However, now I have a new job at a place I'm really excited about working at! My wage after tax is about £13,800 pa - which is a HUGE increase!
I do have to become a real financial bore now though, seeing as I need to start saving for a deposit to move out, I need to start a pension fund for when I'm older etc. So, things are getting real, I'm finally an adult. I'm not really THAT excited about it, but we all have to grow up... I guess.

The Blog
Yes I finally gave the blog another make-over... I might even stay with this one... who knows! I hope you like it! I've gone for the white. black and red approach. I don't know why, the pink just bored me a bit I guess!

A-Level Results
So I got my English Language A-Level result in August. I wasn't hugely pleased with it, but I was never an exam person anyway, I did do really well in half the exam though and got an unexpected high score in it but the other seemed to be less great. Despite my slight (expected) disappointment - I've decided I still want to carry on writing and doing reviews and stuff like that! So I thought of also encorporating articles into this blog as well as more reviews, like film, books, and other things like CD's which may take of interest too. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in, or anything you want me to do!

Well I think that's it, I'm doing a picture post of my holdiay soon and now planning posts to put up for you guys!!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; Pretty Perfect

I'm back my lovelies! Feels like forever since I've posted here, even though its only been 2 months. So, seeing as we are now hitting Autumn/Winter I think its time to crack on with the warmer outfits - but we can still look stylish wrapped up too!

Just to let you know, I'm not doing a new Halloween Outfit for each week like last year, as sadly I don't have the time as I work full time & model part time now. (Sorry! I might be able to conjure something up though!)

Patsy Herringbone Skirt, Collectif - £72 .50
Alice Top in Pink - Collectif - £15
Cream Gail Bolero, Collectif - £45
White Lace Bobby Socks, eBay - £3
Pink Double Flower Clip, eBay - £4
Black Belt, New Look - £4 (in a pair)
Pixie Boots, Clarks - £50 (5 years old, now discontinued)
Ivory Pearl Necklace, Collectif - £15

So you can probably see I'm still very much obsessed with Collectif... I'm always in and out of the Brighton store now days, and slowly becoming part of the furniture!

Make-up
Face
Collection 16 hour Foundation in Ivory
Collection 16 hour Concealer in Ivory
2True Concealer in 01
Bourjois Blush in shade Rose D'Or
Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner
Bourjois Clubbing Liner (Liquid) - Ultra Black
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
Bourjois 'Rouge Edition' Lipstick in Shade 03

Nails
Barry Hi-Shine Gelly Nail Polish in Greenberry (Green) & Grapefruit 

I actually bought the skirt in the summer in Collectif when rumaging through the sale section in the Brighton Store, last skirt and in my size and I knew I had to have it! The skirt is a super thick Herringbone material and the quality is absolutely fantastic! It has a silk underskirt for that extra layer of warmth in the winter. The skirt is very heavy if I'm going to be honest, for some people this may raise an issue but not for myself personally. (I'm not sure if Collectif are bringing this skirt back for the AW14 Collection or not this year). I'm completely in love with the Alice top, its so basic yet so pretty and perfect to match with several different outfits! I just tied my hair up into a simple high ponytail and added a cute little flower clip for the perfect look. This look is so warm and cuddly that I totally can't wait for it to get a little colder so I can appreciate its cosyness even more!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

OOTW&Review; Collectif Summer Bouquet Dolores

So as I've said for the last few weeks, I'm going on a 2 month break (see post here which kind of explains why) so I saved this beauty of a dress to show you guys and to review for my last post. I'm going to miss documenting my outfits each week for the next 2 months, but I really need this break. However, I originally planned on getting this dress before my birthday but Collectif had sold out in my size weeks before and hadn't restocked - so I lost hope and began looking for a new dress which I'd love just as much. I felt heartbroken at first but on my actual birthday I went to Brighton with my best friend and we went into Collectif and THERE WAS THE DRESS. In my size, in the flared style, right in front of me! My birthday was made not only by the fact my best friend surprised me by coming down for the weekend (she kept it from me for months!) but I found the dress I;ve wanted so badly for a whole year!

Summer Bouquet Dolores Dress, Collectif - £65
Red & White Becca Bag, Collectif - £35
Slingback Peep Toes, Peacocks - £12
Pink Chiffon Scarf, eBay - £4.50
Leopard Print Cat Eye Sunglasses, eBay - £10
Double Notes Necklace, Bow & Crossbones - £4.99
20"Baby Pink Petticoat, Hell Bunny - £21.99

Make-Up

Collection Lasting Finish Foundation in Ivory

Natural Collection Face Powder in Neutral

Bourjois Clubbing Liquid Liner, Black

Natural Collection Eyeshadows in Candyfloss & Mermaid 

MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer in Atomic

Review

So after a year of lusting over this dress, I feel like my world is made by owning it now. You all know my favourite brand is Collectif, so as I normally do I went to their Brighton shop, had a lovely chat with the ladies who are probably becoming very familiar with me always popping in there and browsed round with my best friend - and then I found it. Now the dress itself is in the flared Dolores Style, and this dress has a lot of give to it, I was originally looking for a size 20, but I was advised to size down due to how much give the dress has and also for a better fit on the bust; so I ended up with an 18. When I got home the first thing I did (and my friend Danielle can vouch for me on this!) was but the dress on, as I just couldn't believe how much I loved this dress. Truthfully I could actually fit into a 16 with this dress, but I prefer it a little bigger if I was to wear a petticoat (like above) and also I can tailor the dress with my sewing machine if I need to. The dress has an absolutely gorgeous summer floral pattern, and for someone who doesn't normally wear yellow due to being blonde and the colour normally doesn't complement me, this dress just looks phenomenal! There is plenty of room on the bust for the bigger busted ladies but also gives a beautiful curve on the bust for the ladies who are more slender. This dress is perfect for an hourglass look. The dress sits about mid calf on me (I stand at 5 foot 5.5) and has an absolutely beautiful flare on the full circle skirt, I also love pairing a petticoat with the Dolores dress because of how pretty it makes the skirt, I feel like I've really stepped out of the 50's when wearing a petticoat with this dress! (I personally prefer wearing a 20" petticoat as this sits above the knee and doesn't go below the dress).

My favourite part is always the twirl test - this dress just twirls perfectly, the skirt has such a good flow and spreads out beautifully when twirling around. The dress has the permanently stunning feel to it, and even my friend who dances around with me said its a beautiful dress to dance in. The dress isn't tight on the waist like some dresses from other brands that I own either.

Another amazing feature to the Dolores Doll dresses are definitely the puffed elasticated sleeves. You can either wear them off the shoulder or as a normal sleeve. Which I love, if I feel like having a sassier day then I will have the sleeves off the shoulder but if I want to be a little more conservative then I will opt for on shoulder.

I decided to match this dress with a pink petticoat and pink chiffon headscarf, mainly because I thought these would compliment the yellow quite well. However, I also added my red Becca bag, which looks absolutely stunning alongside the dress too.

So another beautiful dress has won me over from Collectif!!

I'm going to miss doing these posts for a little while, but when I'm back I'm sure I will have lots of beautiful outfits to show you all!

Lots of Love & See You Soon!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

July in a Nutshell...

This is my last saturday post until October when I return from my break. I thought I'd just do a little picture post, just to sum July up really.

1. Beautiful Summer Walks with my dogs, Alice on her way up the forest in the car.
2. I made cupcakes for the first time in a long time
3. My best friend surprised me for my 19th Birthday.
4. Went to speedway and reunited with my friend after a huge argument which lasted months.
5. Inventing new cocktails for my birthday.
6. Enjoying a cosmopolitan cocktail when my parents went away.
7. Made my own birthday cake in white and pink polka dots.
8. Finding my dogs in strange places to keep cool in the hot weather.
9. Seeing my friend who I've not seen in over a year.

1. Modelling at Barnham Studio
2. OOTW of my new favourite dress
3. My facebook page hit over 400 likes
4. Shopping for new dresses in the sale.
5. Modelling at Barnham Studio (love this image!)
6. Modelling at Barnham Studio (Classy Bird!)
7. Going to speedway for the first time in over a year... I faced a fear.
8. Celebration Day at my brothers school.
9. Shopping and spending most of my month in Brighton... My favourite place.

After today's post I have Wednesday's OOTW which is my last post until October, I will still be checking my emails about once a week/once every 2 weeks and also on my Facebook page where I will still be posting probably on a daily basis/or as much as I can so I am still accessible to you guys!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

OOTW; Coral

So yesterday I popped to town, and my local Peacocks shop had a half price mid-summer sale! Happy Days! So I got a top, which is loose and baggy because of the hot weather, but I also got this rather beautiful dress!

Coral Peter Pan Dress, Peacocks - £16 (£8 on Sale)

Black Waist Belt, New Look - £2.99

Coral Bow Head Band, New Look - £5

Red and White Becca Bag, Collectif - £35

White Bow Wedges, Simply Be - £35

This outfit is simple, but really lovely and light for the heat we are having right now! My make-up is also just a little bit of white and 2 pink eyeshadows blended together with mascara and a tinted moisturiser which has SPF 15 in it too. Its just a little too hot for make-up and wearing lots of heavy clothing!

I just kept the whole outfit simple and effective, its perfect for strolling round the shops and also perfect for a business meeting, this dress is perfect for a number of different situations and definitely a good buy!

Hope you have a fab day my lovelies!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

The Fear of the Swimsuit Kind...

If you know me personally, you've probably never seen me wearing a swimsuit. This is genuinley no word of a lie... The only time I actually put one on was for my Body Confidence post way back in October. But I finally decided to face my fear head on... and actually buy a swimsuit! In fact I actually bought 2!!!!

I'm going to be really honest about this now, I still don't feel as if I feel 'okay' in a swimsuit, I still feel nervous and still feel as if people stare at me funny if I wear one out in public. But I need to fight my fear, if I don't fight it now then I probably never will!

(Please bare in mind I took this images about 8 weeks ago but only got round to doing this post, I have lost weight in this time too).

The first swimsuit is this floral coral halterneck swimsuit from Peacocks, for £12 in a size 20. What I really like about this swimsuit is probably the fact that the bust actually is underwired, which is a god send for my boobs. The halter neck is an adjustable tie it yourself so you can have it give as much or as little support as you wish. I do really like the design of this swimsuit, and it is very feminine. 

The second swimsuit is from M&Co and this is just adorably retro and cute (and its polka dots and we all know I love polka dots).

I do feel a little more 'exposed' to my body in this swimsuit, and I do struggle looking at the mirror when wearing them. I think the mindset of not knowing what I look like helps me not realise my fear as much and what happens 'happens'. But overall the swimsuit is really nice, it is rather clingy so if you feel paranoid about your problem areas then bare this in mind. This is partially like a swimdress with the frilly skirt which sits on the hips. I got this in a size 20, I would like to lose a little weight to feel better in this costume but otherwise its really nice!

You can get the M&Co Swimsuit here along with other beautiful clothes & swimwear on their site!

I am hoping to get another swimsuit soon, so I might review that if it comes before I go on my break!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW; The Marilyn

This weeks OOTW is inspire by the ever so gorgeous Marilyn Monroe.
It's been a while since I've dressed up like this, so I gave it another go!

By the way, I'm sorry for not putting a post up on Saturday! I had a surprise for my birthday, my friend came down without me knowing so never got round to writing the post on Friday neither did I have time on Saturday my actual birthday as I was in Brighton!

Black Grace Top, Collectif - £32.50

Black Pencil Skirt, Charity - £5

Sling back Heels, Peacocks - £12

Circular Sunglasses, Brighton Vintage Fair- £5

Make-Up

Vie Sheer Perfection in Light

2True Concealer in shade 1

H&M Dipliner

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in shade 'Reckless'

This look for me is just beautiful. I genuinely feel as if I'm Marilyn when I'm wearing this! I always have people stop me in the street for pictures with me too! I pretty much just mimicked the way her make-up was so oftenly done. My hair was meant to be in tighter curls, however because it had been so super backcombed the day before and it needed washing the curls decided to fall into looser curls!
I just rolled my fringe back with curlers and pinned for this look.

The outfit itself, enhances my curves phenomenal, I would normally opt for shape wear to wear underneath also, however decided not to for today.

This outfit and style always gets the attention when out in public, and you can embrace your inner elegance of being Marilyn for a day!


I also took this rather impromptu photo and I really like it!! 

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

P.S If you have any outfit suggestions you'd like me to do then just say! I'm always open to new suggestions and what you guys want to see!

OOTW; The 50's Teen

So today I have the most perfect look! I've had quite a few people ask me about doing a 50's teen outfit, so here is my take! Pretty similar to most, but its still super cute & preppy!

Freddie Top in Blush, Collectif  - £34.50
Inspire Navy Skinny Jeans, New Look - £12.99
(I've cut and sewn mine into capri's, tutorial will come soon!)

White Bobby Socks, eBay - £4

White Babycham Shoes, £20

Black Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

Make-up & Hair

Hair is in a 60's beehive.

Make-up is thick winged liner using the H&M Dipliner

Foundation is Collection 2000 16 hour Wear in IvoryConcealer is 2True in Shade 1

Normally on my outfits I'm often in a dress and skirt, but I've finally found another outfit with trousers that I just absolutely love!

There is another cross-over of the era's here with the beehive and the outfit, 60's & 50's but they go so well together! Although, if you want an all 50's ensemble maybe set your hair in pincurls and pop it into a ponytail with a bow.

I went for thicker winged eyeliner, just for a more dramatic look, however you could also just have really fanned out eyelashes for a simpler/cutesy look.

The beehive is holding about a million bobby pins to hold it in place, but its probably the best I've ever done! I've also re-cut my fringe into shorter bangs, just as they were getting a little long and starting to go into my eyes.

If the weather gets a little chilly, add a cute cardigan. I've added my old cricket cardigan from New Look which I bought about 5 years ago, still super adorable and matches the outfit perfectly!

Anywho my dears! Enough chat from me today, I hope you like this look as much as I do!!

All I need now is a greaser boyfriend, a 50's diner and I'm good to go for summer!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Review: M&S Stockings and Hold Ups!

Hello my dears! Okay, so today's post is a review, I've been asked over on my twitter by some lovely plus size ladies what I thought about the stockings I had bought for some photo shoots.

I'm going to be honest here, I was more of a stockings and suspenders sort of person, however, when I tried on some hold ups for a photo shoot I had back in April I fell in love (and became slightly obsessed). 

So I was a bit hesitant to actually go and buy hold-ups, y'know having thunder thighs and all. A friend recommend that I try the Big Tight's Company ; but I never got round to ordering, so I took a punt when I was in M&S and bought these in Black...

Sorry for my ill fitting bra in these... I was washing my bra's and this was the only clean spare one!

These are the 15 Denier Ladder Resist Shine Hold-Ups - these were only £5, so if they didn't fit there wasn't a huge amount of loss in money. I got mine in an XL, the biggest size they had, and they actually fit really well! They don't slip down when I walk, especially in public, which is an absolutely key factor when it comes to hold-ups. The stick adhesive is actually really good and does have a good stay, I only have to re-adjust every now and again so there is no qualms there. 

After absolutely loving the ones in black I did go out and also buy them in nude, cause you can never go wrong with nude stockings/hold-ups am I right?! I never really thought I'd be converted, but I seriously am. I really enjoy the feel of these; and especially with the ladder resist side, my friend and me bought a tester pair and punched some holes in to see if they would ladder... They didn't! The product does exactly what it said it should; and I really love the fact that a girl who fits into size 22 jeans with thanks to my thunder thighs fits into these lovely hold-ups.

You can buy them here

10 Denier - Illusion, Black, Nearly Black, Cocoa, Natural Tan, Ivory, Navy.

15 Denier - Black, Nearly Black, Nude.

Shoes are from Peacocks - £18

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

P.S - I'm 19 a week today, ahh!!!

OOTW; The Charlotte..

WARNING - THIS OOTW IS JUST TOO DARN CUTE!!!!!!!!

Hello darlings, me again!!

So after Saturday's post being rather a bit formal and sad (please read if you haven't already, it is rather important), so I decided to do the most adorable OOTW possible!!

White Chiffon Headscarf, eBay - £4

Lavender Charlotte Dress, Hell Bunny £30
(Size 16)

Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

Peep Toe Slingbacks, Peacocks - £12

MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer, shade 'Reckless'

Nails
White Barry M Polish
Blue Sparkle Barry M Polish

I cannot get enough of this look, its just perfect and cute all rolled into one! I definitely get that cute 50's teen feel with this outfit, it makes my figure look fab by enhancing my curves and sits just on the knee making it not too short!

I'm currently using a new red lipstick, which I've discovered! I really love the velvet finish to the lips when using this lacquer, although it dried my lips out at first it did give an amazing effect!

Review

Overall this dress ticks all the boxes... The skirt has amazing movement and is perfect for twirling in! This dress is fairly similar to the Gretel in all fairness, it has an adorable trim on the bottom of the skirt, and a thicker trim on the bust and pockets with a ribbon to tighten the top for cleavage (I went for the full on in your face boob cleavage, because I wanted a 'sexier' edge to the cute 50's teen). 

 I also really like the fact this dress has pockets... Sometimes when I go out, I just take my purse and phone and not a handbag, and the deep pockets on this dress make it perfect for me not have to carry everything in my hands. As said above the light material on this skirt is perfect for twirling, I often test without a petticoat just to see how well the skirt flows and this one definitely gets my seal of approval!

Since losing about 15lbs over the past few months, I've dropped drastically in my Hell Bunny sizes in clothes, I used to wear a 20/22 but now I'm actually fitting into 16 and 18's a bit better. I tried on my Bobbi Lee dress the other day and I'm slightly sad in the fact its too big for me, so I'll probably have to tailor that down.

Overall the Charlotte dress is a perfect light dress for summer, I'm completely loving Gingham patterns this summer and this lives up to my satisfaction/collection of gingham!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox