Henryka Baltic Amber and Silver Jewellery

Henryka Amber and Silver Square Stud Earrings*

Pat Butcher, I am not. Earrings are usually the last accessory on my mind, if I'm totally honest. For some reason, that fateful day, aged 12, when I got my ears pierced just lost its pizazz as quickly as those weird staple things popped a hole in my ear. Furthermore, I never felt it was necessary to spend more than pocket change on earrings.

So what possessed me to take Henryka up on their offer when they contacted me regarding their Baltic Amber and Silver jewellery line?

Henryka uses Baltic Amber and silver to create their pieces, and lots of their shapes appear to be Celtic or Nordic-inspired. Whilst the more orange-toned amber pieces work less with the wide variety of colours I wear, I fell in love with the deep green pieces. The pictures on the website barely do the beautiful stones justice though...

There was a definite nostalgia factor in this piece for me: these kind of stones remind me of  (work with me here) the kind of semi-precious stone replicas that I'd pore over in museum gift shops as a young'un. The way the green amber catches the light is beautiful and I chose the earrings because the colour is pretty similar to my eye colour!

How amazingly do these photograph? I love the silver encasing of the amber, it's almost Lord-Of-The-Rings-y, to my eye. And anything Middle Earth is a-okay with me. 

Amber, according to Henryka, is said to have minute anti-septic properties, and as someone for whom earrings are a massive irritation, it would appear that these earrings do not aggravate my piercings at all. I noticed this unique quality hours before I did my reading on the brand, so hopefully the magical amber healing voodoo magic hasn't swayed my opinion....

Overall, I am so happy with these earrings. If you love earth tones, Henryka will certainly cater to your interests: but don't write them off if you're glued to Topshop's jewellery section. The quality of these pieces, to me, supersedes their price point (these earrings sell for £23.00) and the range is so vast that there's something for everyone.

It's not my usual to blog about jewellery specifically, but I did think these earrings merited a mention because I'm so impressed with the fact that my earlobes have not swollen to the size of grapes. So, well done Henryka.


Have you tried Henryka jewellery? Which pieces catch your eye?

South Beach Swimwear Blogger Party

Hello again, everyone! 

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be invited along to the launch event for South Beach S/S13 collection. Primarily a beachwear brand, it is impossible to be surrounded by bright bikinis and ethereal little cover-ups without dreaming of summer. The airy venue, Frurt Frozen Yoghurt just off Deansgate, and the Strawberry Bellinis made for a brilliantly chilled (punpunpunpunpun) atmosphere and once again I was looking forward to meeting blogger ladies, always my favourite part!

South Beach's collection was beautiful. Though I looked on at some of the little bikinis with mild worry ("Where does my pot belly fit in on this one?") as my summerphobia set in thinking of donning a bikini, I can always appreciate good clothes, and swimwear is absolutely no exception. I was especially taken with the fringe details seen on the busts of some of the pieces, the neon sub-theme and the varied silhouettes. From bikinis-so-teeny to elegent swimsuits, South Beach seemed to take inspiration from classically beachy, minimalistic Brazilian swimwear as well as fashion-forward cover-ups; which made the range, overall, very refreshing. 

I never really got the 'fro yo' thing, so I had little to no expectations regarding the dish of the day at the South Beach event. I threw all caution to the wind, apparently, and ordered a natural yoghurt with Hershey's Cookies n Creme pieces and machi. Machi are small, Japanese rice-balls (I don't really understand either) but they had a lovely texture and they were blueberry flavour. And purple. 

As you'll have seen in my Get the Label event post, I bloody love meeting bloggers. As someone who's struggled with varying social settings, it's a bit of a miracle that this is the case; but when you're surrounded by such lovely people, it's hard not to be chirpy about it all. I spent most of the evening with Amy from the pretender, Victoria from In the Frow and Rosy from Ro's Tinted, who are each wonderful bloggers and some of the friendliest ladies ever. It was great to see all the Manchester bloggers like Lily from Lily Kitten, Charlotte from Lurchhound Loves, Anna from It's a Blogger's World, Fikki and Lola from The Pastime Bliss, Katie from Gold Dust, Laura from Logan's Runway, Megan from What's New Pussycatt, Katie from the Quick Red Fox and many more. Sorry if I've missed you, I'm a bit knackered...

Overall, a good yoghurt-and-bellini-and-bikini themed time had by all. Thanks again to Katie and the South Beach team for such a fabulous event!

Because I actually managed to get pictures of my outing this time, I thought I'd give you an impromptu OOTD. Because I'm too good to ye.

'Foxy' platform heels- Jeffrey Campbell via eBay

Riding pants- American Apparel

Moschino belt- eBay

Top- Topshop

Scarf (worn as headscarf)- Primark

Make sure to check out all the ladies I've plugged in this post, because I love sharing the love with you guys!

Thanks South Beach for an awesome event!  

Bold Lip Bootcamp

 When I came back to my school to study at Sixth Form after a long summer off, not a lot had changed for me. I didn't have a 'swan' moment or blossom into my true self, but my teachers did notice one thing: an indiscriminate and unrelenting taste for lip colour.

When I knew I could walk down the corridors of my college without a makeup wipe being thrust in my face, I suppose it was a 'go hard or go home' moment. I built my collection and there was no colour I'd turn my nose up at. That brings us to today's post.

I feel like a bold lip colour is confidence in a tube. Whether I go for a traffic-stopping orange, a gothic purple, a punchy neon pink or a classic Hollywood red; dreaming up what lipstick will come next gets me up in the morning.

Today's feature is all about MAC lipsticks, because to my mind they are great all-rounders. The formula is reliable and the colours deliver on that 'straight from the runway' look they promise. If you are looking for budget brights, Barry M has great colours with a less forgiving formula and Topshop do some vivid colours with that Fashion Week appeal as well. But today is MAC's day in the sun.

L-R Neon Orange (PRO), Ronnie Red (LE), So Chaud, Smoked Purple (PRO), Violetta (PRO), Viva Glam Nicki and Impassioned.

Being as white as a sheet has some benefits, the pro being most important to my day-to-day being that there's little colouring to compete with bright lips. The first rule of bright lips is you do not talk about bright lips (in my view) that sticking to what the magazines tell you that your skin-tone suits is pointless. Try it out for yourself: swatch, swipe, blend, pout. Come hell or high-water, Company and Vogue won't come after you if you choose blue undertones over orange.

Neon Orange

A clean, bright traffic-light orange. Surprisingly wearable, as it's not pure orange but more red-leaning. Awesome if you're in a red-lip rut.

Impassioned.
I personally think this is fairly tame and is suitably dark on fair skin to look sophisticated. Similarly to Neon Orange, its undertones make it a departure from red without being a Barbie.

Viva Glam Nicki

Remind me to buy a back-up of this. This watermelon shade works so well alone and brightens up an otherwise-knackered post-revision face.

So Chaud

The matte finish and burnt-orange undertones make this an extremely modern choice and will breathe life into a 'pin up' look.

Ronnie Red 

It is no secret if you follow me on Twitter that I am extremely partial to Ronnie Red. Clean, pigmented, blue-as-can-be and smooth, this is a fail-safe red. That'll explain why I've applied it so terribly.

Violetta

 Change the pace with a true purple. Dabbing Violetta on the lips leaves a pretty 'jelly' stain and coating it on gives a punchy, duochromatic look. A notorious opponent to metallic lips, I have a soft spot for this colour because it's just so fun. 

Smoked Purple

Take a Gothic route and piss off your mother. It's a shade that makes mammies go 'ooh I don't like that one pet' and makes me wish I was Kirsten Dunst in that scene in Marie Antoinette:

And yes, she was wearing this colour. Hotttttt.

I hope you enjoyed this magical journey through my bright lip obsession. What recommendations do you have from MAC's range? I've got Ruby Woo, Candy Yum Yum and Viva Glam Nicki II in my Debenhams basket waiting....

OOTD: What Ever Happened?

'Foxy' platform heels- Jeffrey Campbell via eBay

Maxi skirt- Primark

Mongolian fur bag- River Island via eBay

Batman logo belt- Car boot sale

Dress- (worn as top) Primark

Bangle- Disney Couture

Watch- Michael Kors MK5263

Look at me, two outfits in a row! 

I'm going to make a massive effort to photograph my outfits on a daily basis, but whilst I'm still at college I'm frustrated at being unable to dress exactly as I'd like. Case in point, today's outfit.

I felt colourful today, so I used my Primark blue dress as the base for this outfit. I accented with neon orange lipstick and neon pink accessories. I suppose if ever I had a post on 'colour blocking,' this would be it. I love outfits like this, with casual silhouettes and formal touches. You'll recognise nearly ever piece in this outfit from previous posts, but FASHION BLOGGERS RE-WEAR CLOTHES TOO. 

Needless to say, I didn't wear the heels to college. But clearly wish I had, as they are fierce.

 Happy Monday!

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NW10

Hi, I'm Tory MacLure. You may remember me from such fanatic product reviews as 'MAC Studo Fix Fluid Foundation.' Today I'm bringing you, well...MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

Broken record syndrome has taken over here in my living room watching the Simpsons Du Blush towers, and I'm here to bleat on about Studio Fix, not for the first time.

The truth is, I don't know why I tried to fight my love for this foundation. This will be my third pan of the stuff. Reunited after nearly a year apart, I just don't understand why I stray. Wonderful coverage, a no-fuss matte finish and great 'build-ability,' Studio Fix Powder ticks all boxes. For my very oily skin, the powder texture is invariably smoother on my skin and sits well on the skin for the majority of the day.

In terms of colouring, I'm not as wowed as with its Fluid sister. NW10 certainly works on my skin, but as I buff it on with my RT Buffing Brush, I can see it going on slightly darker than my skin. These days, I have very little colour in my face for foundation to compete with, so a colour match is virtually impossible. It's just a niggly critique, but it works for everyday and isn't a massive issue at all.

As you can see, this powder packs serious coverage, but doesn't look awful on the skin. It smooths over my acne scarring and looks even more amazing in photographs. If you see doll-skin with flawless coverage, matte finish and long-wear time, Studio Fix is a great option.

Would I wear Studio Fix Powder and Fluid together? I'm not sure. I like full coverage, but the two products don't seem to work that well together over the course of a day. I prefer to set Fluid with a setting powder rather than another foundation, but I'm glad I have both. Studio Fix Powder's convenience is a huge selling point for me, as it's the quickest and most effective foundation routine I've ever had. 

Have you tried the Studio Fix range? Which formula pips the other to the post for you?

OOTD: 1991

'Freda' lace up platforms- Jeffrey Campbell via eBay

Jeans- Hollister 

Batman belt- Car boot sale

Clutch bag- River Island via eBay 

Tartan shirt- Forever21 (Sister's hand-me-down)

Watch- Michael Kors MK5263

Countess du Blush may be my baby, but revising for my A Level exams has taken over my life lately. I allow myself one night off (usually Friday to see Matt) and frankly, fashion has taken a back seat with the exception of travelling into Manchester for the odd event. I put together a casual outfit today because I decided to go, spur of the moment, to a local car boot sale. It was a fairly dismal one all-in-all, but I did get this awesome Batman belt, which I've now noticed you can barely see.

I'm trying out a jeans revival, but I'd probably never wear this outfit without my trusty 6.5inch Freda boots, because the low rise makes me look stubby.

Please forgive my cat in every photo. She was being really bizarre and wouldn't leave me alone.

Sorry about the lack of focus guys, the cat's movements threw the ol' camera off!

Get the Label Urban Blogger Party!

Image c/o Jay Cain photography

Image c/o of Jay Cain photgraphy

Let's face it, no matter how hard I try, I will never be 'urban.'

City laydee-turned-country bumpkin, I thought there was no hope for me when I was asked along to the Get The Label Urban Hip-Hop Blogger Party (phew.) Sports luxe isn't that becoming on me, so I was apprehensive, but who can turn down a fashion party? 

Get The Label showed off some fantastically on-trend pieces. The contrast of feminine textures such as crochet and lace and sporty shapes was really refreshing, though not unanimously to my taste. The whole set-up of the event was well thought-out, from the styling challenge to the 'blog pitch' station. Suitably stocked with what I've come to recognise at Fashion Blogger Holy Water (Prosecco) and cute cupcakes, there isn't really much more you can ask for in a party...

image courtesy of Megan from whatsnewpussycatt.blogspot.co.uk

The event also had a giant whiteboard ready for blogger vandalism. I did my best Fresh Prince impression, as you can see. How embarrassing.

image c/o Jay Cain photography 

Whilst it's awesome to attend these events and receive goody bags and clothing samples, (more to follow. Fluoro pink jumper on its way...) the best bit is meeting new bloggers and familiar faces. I chatted to Laura from Lola Cola Kate and Lily from Lily Kitten who I'd met before at the Pretty Little Thing event and met some awesome new ladies who I can't wait to see again! Erin from The 411 of Fashion, Katie from Gold Dust, Laura from Heroine in Heels, Megan from What's New Pussycatt, Amy from The Pretender, Sarah from http://the-live-scene.com/ and many others kept me great company, and I was sorry to miss Laura from  Logan's Runway, Heidi from Hemlines and Holdups, Victoria from In the Frow and Gwen from This Fashion Is Mine. Hope to see all the afore-mentioned ladies soon because London may be awful glitzy in the blogging world, but northern bloggers are ridiculously good fun! I also met the head of  Get the Label marketing Liz, a Limerick lady herself and all of the Get the Label team were amazingly friendly and fun!

Thanks to Get the Label.com for a fantastic event in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter, can't wait to see what the brand has to offer in the future and try out my pieces!