Merry Christmas from me to you!

Thank you for supporting my blog this year and MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

I wish you a  wonderful day filled with amazing memories!

So long,

Xoxo

Friday's Nail Combo: Honk If You Love OPI

Rings are my designs

Ring Finger: Classic Hammered Silver Rings

Index Finger: Skinny Smooth Silver Ring

I have been loving really pointed nails that Rihanna, Jessie J and the likes have been sporting lately.
So there was no doubt that this would be a great nail shape for my jewellery photoshoot (more about that later). The colour was inspired by the lip colour we (Deniz and I) were planning to wear for one look so we could be all matchy matchy. OPI's "Honk If You Love OPI" was just the perfect colour to match the lop colour we chose. It is a lighter version of the old classic "Lincoln Park after Dark".
There are heaps of pictures sporting the stiletto nail on pinterest too, in case you want to check out the look more.

Other Friday's Nail Combo Posts:

Shellac Beau

Essie's Jam n' Jelly  

Click here for the Gel Manicure Post

Royal Red by GELeration

Hope you are all having a nice weekend! 

So long... 

xoxo

Top 5 Coats to Style the Cold Out!

1. Straight Cut Fur Coat from Mango £ 349.99 (Link!)

2. Marte Coat from Won Hundred £ 380 (Link!)

3. Double Breasted Wool Coat from Zara £ 69.99 (Link!)

4. Zulia Biker Jacket from All Saints £ 258 (Link!)

5. City Monument Coat from All Saints £ 278 (Link!)

I decided that October is a good month to research winter coats. Above are my top 5 favourite winter coats to style the cold out!

Number 1. is a real fur coat from Mango. I like the simplicity and elegance of it but I am not 100 % sure about the colour as I always find black is to harsh on me.

Number 2. is my absolute favourite! I love, love, love the design of this coat. All you need is grey or black accessories and you are very amazingly styled by just wearing this coat. I can already imagine myself pairing this with a black beanie a simple black scarf and boots. Unfortunately the price tag is quite a bit above my budget.

Number 3. seems really boring at first but this coat has an amazing colour and the price is unbeatable! I would jazz this coat up by adding a fur collar, a beanie and a tan coloured bag and boots. I really love those boots that I saw at Aldo.

Number 4. I love this biker Jacket from All Saints. It has the same look like that infamous Acne jacket everyone is raving about. I am not sure though if this will be warm enough for the winter months.

Number 5. I saw this coat last year in All Saints and loved it, It just drapes so beautifully around the body and is really high quality.

What is your favourite coat? Which one shall I get?

I am very close to either completely splurge on number 2 or go for number 3 and invest in those tan boots to go with it!

If I missed an amazing coat then please share below.

So long...

xoxo

My jewellery line

So, what has been going on with my jewellery?

I have been building my jewellery business since two months now and I am enjoying every minute.
I spend most of my time designing, making and selling pieces at markets which is a whole learning curve and experience on its own. Check out this post on where to find me next.

My website is slowly but surely populating with more pieces and so is my etsy shop.
I have encountered (and still encounter) many difficulties and barriers along the way. The questions I had were many: which e-commerce solution to choose, how to integrate payment, what are the shipping rates, how to solder small chains without melting them, how to set up my market stall in the best way, what is a good way to package my pieces and many more.

Some questions have been solved and some I am still working on, for example how to take good pictures of my pieces. I am close to what I want but a white background without photoshopping still hasn't been achieved :(

So this is just a quick update an letting you know what I am doing and what might be the reason why my tweets have diminished lately.

If you are reading this and have experienced similar problems or have answers to some of my questions, I would really appreciate a comment :)

So long,...

xoxo

How to pack for a short holiday (hand luggage only!)

I often go away just a few days, so I became quite the expert in packing light! :)
Here is a video showing you what to pack when you travel with hand luggage only.

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

NEW IN: Nars Desire and Laguna Blush / Bronzer Duo

I just love two-in-one products, so when I saw the Nars Desire and Laguna Blush / Bronzer Duo at SpaceNK I could not resist. The price of this was 30 pounds which is ok considering that one Nars blush is around the 20 pound mark.

I have been wearing this blush and bronzer combo since I got it and usually apply it with the Real Techniques Blush Brush. I use the same brush for both and apply the bronzer first and then tap it into desire and swipe it across my cheeks. It is just so easy and feels like using one product when in fact it's two. 

Desire is a very vibrant matte pink and very pigmented. I do think that this colour would be really flattering on anyone. Laguna is less pigmented and has satin finish and a very slight shimmer to it. I do like that as it stops me from putting on too much at once.

If you like this duo, you should consider getting it fast as it is limited edition. I am definitely in love :)

So long,

xoxo

Empties #4: Products I have used up

Here is my empties video mentioning all the products I have used up in the last 6 months! Can you believe that mountain of products?!
If you are not interested in hair colours, please go to 5:30 of this video. For foundations go to 15:30. Also, I am wearing a top, I promise.
Thumbs up if you like Empties videos! :)

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

Friday's Nail Combo - The Classics: Strawberry Margarita and Bubble Bath by OPI (including a flip flop rant)

Strawberry Magarita is my go-to pink for a manicure. It is so flattering and just right. Not too bright, not too blue toned, just perfect. It's a perfect everyday summer pink.

If you can not take looking at bare feet - DO NOT SCROLL FURTHER DOWN!

I do like Bubble Bath by OPI on my hands and on my feet. It gust gives this perfect groomed look and is very neutral. This summer I have been loving brightly coloured shoes and bags (check my instagram @lipstickupdates for heaps of pictures) so I opted for something neutral to fit all sandals. 

Talking of sandals, last year on holidays, I discovered my love for Ipanema flip flops. I have never heard of that brand before but in Greece everyone wears them. And yes, I have had Havaianas before but let me tell you: Ipanema flip flops are ALOT better. They are a lot softer than havaianas and are pre-moulded to be more comfortable. And isn't that blue stone in the flag pretty cute too?

Give them a try and you will be surprised!

So long...

xoxo

Other Friday's Nail Combo Posts:

Deborah Lippmann It`s Raining Men Nail Lacquer
Shellac Beau
Essie's Jam n' Jelly  Click here for the Gel Manicure Post
Royal Red by GELeration
Lincoln Park After Dark from OPI

The little white dress - Weekend OOTD

In hot weather it's best to keep it simple!

Take a cute little white dress, add some colorful accessories (in this case the bag, nails and bracelet) and you are ready to go! 

I have to admit that I find the French connection sale one of the best. Their clothes are very high quality and on the pricey side but when there is a sale I always buy myself a couple of treats, such as this cute cotton dress (on sale now) and this beautiful silk maxi dress I got recently.

French Connection Seville Cotton Dress (on sale now), 

Whistles bag (similar, smaller one here), 

Sandals no name from last year, Sunglasses Rayban Aviators, 

Pandora Bracelet, Other Bracelets by thelipstickdiaries (some available here)

Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather as I am :)

So long...

xoxo

I am car-booting!

I started car-booting!

Theo started working each weekend about 8 months ago and therefore I had to entertain myself each weekend. Most of my friends do have a boyfriend to spend their Sundays with. So basically I searched for a fun way to get out and do something useful.

I used to go to car boot sales as a visitor looking to buy some unique finds but then it dawned on me that I would have a LOT of things to sell myself and this is how it started...

There are loads of car boot sales going on in London. There is one in Battersea and Chiswick which both are really popular but I like to sell at the Capital Car Boot Sale in Pimlico. Its easy to get to and it does not start so early. It is also a bit more quit which I like. The rent varies from £6-£30 and depends on the equipment you need and if you want your stall to be inside or outside. You can rent rails and tables or just walk in and put everything on the floor. 

Each Sunday I go, I usually make between £60-£80 pounds which is quite a significant pocket money to spend on new things. I sell old shoes I don't wear anymore, old clothes, bags, electronics (if I have something), makeup (i.e: glossybox bits I will never use), jewellery... basically everything I don't need anymore. Bags and makeup sell the best.

I have been really enjoying car-booting and already met some really nice people. It is a fun Sunday activity that makes quite a bit of extra money!

Will you be car-booting any time soon?

So long...

xoxo

Summer OOTD: Silk Maxi Dress

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French Connection Eden of Zola Silk Maxi Dress (on sale now), 

Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair Bag (similar here), 

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals in Rose Gold, Sunglasses Calvin Klein from TK Maxx, 

Pandora Bracelet, Other Bracelets by thelipstickdiaries (some available here)

Ring and Necklace was a gift

The sun has finally come out for a whole day in the UK. What better occasion that to wear a silk maxi dress for a Suday lunch with the girls. I waited patiently until it was on sale but I fell in love with this dress the first time I saw it. I really adore the pattern and the colour and the way it is made. I has a whole same coloured structured mid thigh lenght underskirt sewn in so it is not see through at all. 

I absolutely love it and will be wearing it lots with my rose gold bag and sandals. The perfect sunny Sunday outfit.

What did you wear this weekend?

So long...

xoxo

Big Haul: Skincare and Fashion

Products mentioned: Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse, Emma Hardie Amazing Face 

Professional Cleansing Cloths, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, 

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in Socialite, American Apparel Chiffon Double Layered 

Skirt in Tan, Zara Trousers, Zara Jumper, Zara Lace top, Zara Top with Lime Green Trim

Whistles Bag, Michael Kors Jet set Travel Tote

Hope you enjoy!

So long...

xoxo

Friday Casual OOTD

The dress code at my new workplace again is quite strict. Jeans and T-Shirts are not allowed and most girls there wear dressed and skirts. I am not so much the dress and skirt girl when it comes to my everyday wardrobe as I really don't feel that comfortable in them. I do like maxi dressed and skirts but we are talking business attire here :)

Still, when it comes to Friday I usually dress very casual and just rely on a blazer to make my outfit work appropriate. I always (even in during the rest of the week) make sure that I wear on piece that is a bit out there and has personality, such as pink shoes or bright nails for example! 

Mango Tuxedo Blazer, Old Diesel T-Shirt, Old French Connection Jeans, 

Shoes last season ASOS, Nails: A Good Man-Darin is Hard to Find by OPI 

Pandora bracelet, other bracelets by me

Later today, I will be off with Deniz to go to a Stylehaul event in Shoreditch. I will snap some pictures there to so make sure you check my instagram later :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

So long...

xoxo

When we went to Paris

It has been a month now since we went to Paris for a long weekend. We really did have a lovely time filled with sightseeing and eating and I just thought to share a few pictures with you.

On the way to Montmatre

Cheese shop / Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on Montmatre / Us

Moulin Rouge / Artist's Quater at Montmatre / Moules-frites for Lunch

Walk / Eiffel Tower / Opera Garnier

Notre Damme / Friendly Guys / View from Notre Dame

Having fun on the way to Versailles

Pont d'Archeveche / View from Arc du Triomphe / Sparkling Eiffel Tower at Night

Les Invalides / Cruising through the Park of Versailles / Versailles Palace

As you can see, we really had an amazing time and there is lots to see in Paris. I can only recommend booking the Paris Pass online (click here) if you are - like us - planning to see a lot of sights.

I hope you enjoyed this post!

Talk soon,

xoxo

Casual OOTD

Time for the hairdresser again!
My hair got so long over the last year and desperately needed a trim. I also got Ionic Hair Straightening done again which permanentely makes your hair straight. I had this done before and I loved it as it so easy to maintain.

Watch the video below if you want to know what I wore:

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff in rose gold, similar one here

Jacket: Muubaa Shearling Jacket
Jumper: Reiss
Scraf: Zara
Jeans: American Apparel Easy Jean in dark wash indigo available here
Boots: Zara
Watch: Burgmeister
Bracelet: Pandora
Nails: OPI Ballet Slippers and Strawberry Margarita

Hope you enjoyed this video!

So long,...

xoxo

HAIR: How to get wavy curls with hot rollers

So, Saturday two weeks ago I filmed three videos in a row with my new camera. You can see, I got a little excited. One of those videos is how to get a wavy hairstyle with hot rollers. Hot rollers are usually used to get lift at the roots and quite tight curls. Nevertheless, if you roll the hair up differently, you can achieve a more modern wavy look.

The hot roller set I used is called "Nicky Clarke Hair Rollers" an is a compact set that I found in boots. I quite liked the price tag of it and that it was small, so I could even take it travelling.

Although putting them in takes a bit of practice, it did not take me more than 10 minutes for the first time. After that they need to be left in until completely cooled down which is about 40 minutes. What I like about this is that while they are in you can do other things such as get dressed, put makeup on, hover the house,... You get the drill. This would not be possilbe if you used a curling iron for example.

To see how I did it, watch the video below:



Hope you enjoyed this and see you soon!

xoxo

5 New Year's Resolutions

HAPPY 2013 TO EVERYONE!

This is my first blog post in 2013 and I thought there is no better way than to start with my New Year's Resolutions. I am usually always one to say that I don't have any resolutions because they usually always fail.
Maybe the word "resolution" is just a little bit drastic. I just want to make a few little changes that will make 2013 better than 2012!

 

Looking back ...

2012 was a good year for me, but I was totally consumbed by work. There were many weeks where it was just wake up, go to work, come back, eat, sleep and the same thing for the rest of the week.

Often I wanted to go out but just was to tired. I am not quite sure how to change this yet, but I really need to stop and think that work is really not everything.

The last year was a year where I managed (startin from Easter) to loose a few pounds. I got a bit chubby 2011 and my parents told me that it is time to be careful because i will be fat sooner than I know it. As harsh as it was they were right. SO, I started to eat moore healthy, very Dukan Diet orientated. On me eating a lot of protein and vegetables and limited carbs and fat worked like magic.

In terms of being active, I did quite well over the summer taking the Boris bike to work really often but as soon as winter came I got lazy. :(

Summer 2012 was our big holiday in Greece, check out my posts on that here and here. This holiday ws so well deserved and so amazing and beautiful that I still think about it quite often. The rest of the year I just went back home to Austria once in a while but did not really go to any other places.

Looking forward ...

For 2013 my 5 New Year's Resolutions are:

1. Do more fun stuff
2. Eat healthy
3. Take the stairs everywhere possible
4. Travel more
5. Save some money

Sounds easy doesn't it?
I really want do do more things I love such as youtube, blogging, going out and meeting friends, work really is not everything and I really need to remember that regardless how tired I am. I will convice Theo to make a regular Wednesday date night or something to force us to go out. :)

I want to continue to eat healthy now that I know what works for me and loose a little bit more weight to finally be a size 10 again.

Taking the stairs where possilbe seems to the the hardest of my 5 goals. Especially in the morning this is quite a challenge. The good thing is that taking the stairs is still faster and easier that going for an hour to the gym (I hate the gym) and over time adds up.

Exept going to Greece I did not go anywhere new last year. This has to change. We are already considering to take a May weekend trip to Paris. Yay! Any tips anyone?

Additionally in 2013 I really want to save some money! This does not necessarily mean that I have to cut back on things, it might. It means primarily to find a new job where I get paid more, so wish me luck!

What are your resolutions for 2013?


So long...

xoxo