Classics - Little White Dress

Who wore it best?!

Perhaps not the most practical festival choice Chloe..

I had five days in beautiful Marrakesh before coming back on Friday to the sodden Jubilee.  Not that I didn't get fully on board with it and three rounds of hurrahs for Queenie who must have been exhausted after it all.  I know I was! It seems faintly ludicrous to talk about Summer dresses as I peer out of the window at the rain, but one thing I really missed on my mini-break was the perfect white dress.  I used to have one but it one of the many items that seems to have strolled off since the move.  Grrrr.

The white dress is the perfect thing to throw on when it's bright outside, like it's better known sister (the LBD), it's good for any occasion.  It can be smart or toughened up with a leather jacket or chucked over leggings and ballet flats when there's a bit of a breeze.  Layer it up with a Breton sweater, add a tailored blazer and a hat for a day at the Races or just put it on and with a pair of sunnies and head out on your bike like Kiki.

Anyway dear readers, my constant hunt has paid off and I've found a few that I think could fit the bill - the only problem is which one. Two are from Whistles and one is from Jack Wills. Urgh JACK WILLS!! I cannot stand that shop but I had to sidle in when I saw this dress in the window, it is also available in black as well. I really like the black one as well...

The next two are from Whistles, a shop that I've always had a rather strained relationship with. I love so many of their clothes but the fit is always slightly off on me.  Their Lisa dress however, I LOVE. This is definitely one that you could dress up or dress and is probably the most formal of the bunch. I think it would look beautiful with a large black straw hat for a wedding...

My last choice is probably the one I'm going to buy. Breathable cotton? Tick. Under £100? Just. Lovely detailing, including a cheeky cut out? Tick. Now I just need the sunshine...

..in the eye of the Beholder

Kate was pretty certain she'd smudged her lippy in the taxi

BEAUTY, aaah the quest for us all to look on peak form at all times.  It doesn't end with our outer togs but also with our face and bods as well.  Naturally inner beauty is the most important thing but finding the perfect shampoo/ mascara/ lipgloss etc can not only work wonders in the self confidence stakes but having a core group of products that you can rely on can transform flapping about into a swift, fool proof beauty routine.  Illustrated with some pictures by the fabulous Mario Testino.

Today is about fooling everyone..or rather make up! What products could you not live without?

I am going to share the contents of my make up bag with you..starting with the bag itself, Prada black nylon, 16 x 9 x 5 cm

Clinique anti blemish solutions clearing concealer, shade no 1. 
This stuff is wonderful and I have been using it for over ten years.  It used to be called Treat the Spot concealer and I had a minor breakdown when I thought they'd stopped making it but fortunately it was just being repackaged. Pretty heavy duty and ideal for covering up the odd blemish.

YSL Touche Eclat.
Needs no introduction.  The one thing to stop me looking like Dracula's daughter when the dark circles show..or even when they don't. I occasionally swipe it down the middle of my nose too for a little extra coverage.

Nars Bronzer in Laguna ( I also have it in Casino for when I have a bit more colour in my face)
I essentially use this as foundation as it almost matches my skin tone when applied correctly and I'm not a foundation fan. A quick sweep across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, making sure it's properly blended in, keeps me glowing all year round.

Nars Blusher in Orgasm
Beautiful peachy colour,shot through with gold shimmer, looks flattering on everyone. Great for brightening up the face.

Guerlain Terracota Bronzer
I've had this soooo long that the shade I use has rubbed off the back so I can't tell you! It's really moisturising despite being a powder and has an SPF in it, plus it's quite matte so good for the Summer when I use it all over. For the colder months, I occasionally use it a more dramatic blusher than Orgasm as it's a warmer, slightly darker shade.

Mac Waterproof eye-liner in Graph black.
If my make up bag was going up in flames and I had to burn my fingers pulling one thing out, it would be this. It's perfect, it doesn't move.  You can layer it on for extra drama, apply flicks, smudge it and it's in a handy stick not like fiddly liquid. A WONDER product.  I bulk buy it at airports too because I couldn't bare to be without it.

DiorShow Mascara in BlackOut (Waterproof)
Apply exactly the same description as above- an essential, lasts all day, can put on as much or as little as you need.  Also a good one to buy in airports!

Nars Eye shadow in Biarritz
The perfect neutral cream.  Applied with a brush that is meant to be a concealer brush picked up in desperation from a pharmacy in NYC and does the job admirably.

Kiehls Lip Gloss in Golden Berry
Nearly the same colour as my lips when applied with a light swipe and perfect all year round. I am on the hunt for a more sophisticated nude for evening wear though so any suggestions send 'em my way!  I am much more a dramatic eyes than lips girl as you can probably tell.

Mac Pressed Blot Powder in Medium Dark
Not strictly a make up bag item as I transfer it between whatever bag I'm using that day as I HATE having a shiny forehead/ nose and with the blessing of olive skin (easy ability to tan) can come excess shine at times! Available in heaps of shade and perfect, if like me, you are foundation shy. Another absolute essential.

Gemma Ward from French Vogue 2005. This picture freaks me out a little.

The man himself, demonstrating the many uses of eyeliner.