Rimmel Pro Maxi Brush Royal Rose

I wanted to try the Rimmel Pro line since I heard raves on their Maxi Brush. As you can see below, the brush is wider and flatter than normal. It's about 75mm at it's widest. I found that I only needed one slow stroke for each coat, except for my thumbnails where two is required.

Dark colours would benefit most from this feature as the Maxi Brush promises "mistake free application." Not impossible but certainly easier to apply an even coat.

Royal Rose is a delicately shimmery salmon pink. A fresh summer colour. It's sheer as even after three coats as pictured, I can still see nail whites. Took a while to dry but the shiny finish is worth it.

It says on the bottle "Professional Finish up to 10 days". Will edit this post later to report if that's true!

Peekaboo Vintage Quilted Chain Handbag

Lovingly worn, patinaed and slouchy-the holy grail of a vintage leather bag. Caramelized tan so lusciously thick. Quilted and embellished with tiny studs. This bag is like poetry.

I almost fainted when I found it but the price tag said £65. It's most I've spent on a vintage bag. (The equivalent of 10 op shop bags!)

This bag was rebranded by Peekaboo Vintage, available at Topshop Oxford Circus. It had a minor repair in the lining but that's the only fault. Tried to find any excuse not to buy it but to no avail. The bag is vintage so I'd never see the same anywhere else.

So seriously now, no more window shopping because it will only lead to trouble!

Singer Featherweight 100 Sewing Machine - My New Toy

Pulling a random thread on my skirt resulted in me completely unravelling the hem. So rather than taking it to the tailors, I bought this itty bitty sewing machine.

It's extraordinarily compact, well constructed and the name "Featherweight" is fitting. I paid £45 for mine but if you're patient, you can get one cheaper from Ebay.

Professional repairs are not cheap in London and I only need to repair 5 garments to break even.

I had missed my sewing machine from home. When I was kid, I hand sewed a pair of ballet slippers from a pink gingham teatowel. I expected Mum to be cross when she found out but she recognised my hobby and bought a sewing machine.

We did'nt have much money to buy clothes so I made what I could'nt afford. I used it to make my school skirt, formal dress and hundreds of customised singlet tops for sale on Ebay. Not to mention all the countless repair jobs and trouser hemmings.

This sewing machine operates beautifully. Looking forward to continuing my love of sewing!

Mango MNG Nautical Jacket & Amanda Wakeley Top

A quick post to share this Mango cropped jacket I bought for £10. It's lightweight and made from comfy cotton. Love the stripes and buttons featuring anchors.

The silver tank top is from Amanda Wakeley, a British designer. Made from slinky silk and only £4.90. Despite what it says on the label, I machine washed it and it turned matt. I don't mind since I can wear it during the day and it still feels luxe.

A Parisian Summer Weekend

Linking in a recent post from my livejournal blog, emmakins888. Hope you enjoy.

A Parisian Summer Weekend

Sephora La French Manicure Nail Polish

If I'm in a hurry, I use Sephora's La French Manicure which is a natural nail polish and whitening base in one. I suspect this is discontinued now but I've seen similar products in the market.

This has been labeled to give an "immediate french manicure effect" which means you don't need to apply white tips. It subtlety whitens your nails. The clear base has a slight blue tinge to offset yellowness and the natural nail polish adds creaminess to your nails.

The results are a very natural looking manicure but it does'nt replace a french mani from the beautician's. The brilliant thing about this product is the convenience as it's compact for traveling and it's two products in one.

Definitely a staple for the lazy like me!

MAC Gaga Viva Glam Lipstick

I finally bought the coveted Lady Gaga lipstick which was sold out for ages. This colour is bang on trend from the Viva Glam range. Every cent of it's selling price is donated in support of people living with HIV and AIDS.

The pale pink is gorgeous and it doesn't look lavender on me. When I first put it on though, it looked ridiculous. Pastey pink lipsticks look strange on pigmented lips. (Try saying that as a tongue twister!)

However if you apply with a light hand, you can wear it as an everyday lipstick. It also balances out heavy eye makeup. The colour intensity is buildable because the lipstick is sheer.

The texture is creamy and softly vanilla scented. But as with most pale colours, it's unforgiving on chapped lips. Make sure t0 exfoliate and apply lipbalm first.

I wear Gaga as a staple now. Go get it girls before it goes out of stock again!