REVIEW: IMAGES BEAUTY SALON, FULHAM

I have an addiction to gel manicures. It's an expensive investment - but a worthwhile one in my opinion - nothing makes me feel more put together than a manicured set of talons, and a good gel manicure should last 2 weeks (if not more!). Having tried and tested numerous salons, I know the difference between a good and a bad gel mani. If you're based in London, I've found a beauty salon that offers the former - precise, professional gel manicures in on-trend OPI polishes.

BACK TO BLACK

Today's outfit post celebrates my love of the dark side; timeless black is one of my go-to colours. I think I'll end up as one of those black devotees one day, it's the uniform of some of our most-loved fashion designers (Vera Wang, Betty Jackson, Gareth Pugh, Alexander Wang, the list goes on) for good reason; black transcends the trends making it a unanimously smart buy. 

15 HAPPY BUYS £30 AND UNDER

The weather's abysmal, your bank balance is emptier than Joey Essex's train of thought and you're most likely on a 'life-enhancing' detox comprised of wheatgrass juices in unappetising green hues. It's official: January is crap and don't let the optimist movement try and convince you otherwise. The best way to overcome the back to school blues? My seasonal formula comprises of trash TV (Celebrity Big Brother, you got me) cosy nights in, stodgy comfort food and the odd self-purchase. Of course there's still the issue of finances (or lack of) so I have put together my edit of 15 mood-enhancing buys, all £30 and under:


Top row from L-R: Cashmere colour block scarf, John Lewis, £30 reduced from £60. Stacking ring, Astrid & Miyu. Horoscope heeled sandals, ASOS, £29. Kinky Knickers, House of Fraser, £9. 
Second row L-R: Bon Voyage wash bag, Alphabet Bags, £24. Cashmere socks in Wedgewood, Brora, £29. Leather animal clutch with ears, ASOS, £30. Written heart stud earrings, Laura Gravestock, from £25. 
Third row L-R: Nails in Sweet Nothings, Topshop, £5. Star Friendship bracelet, Z for Accessorize, £15. Breton funnel neck, Chinti & Parker, £27. 
Bottom row L-R: Mono skater shoes, Next, £24. Cartoon sequin sweater, Mango at John Lewis, £29.99. Lips in All About Me, Topshop, £8. Colour block strappy sandals, Marques'Almeida x Topshop, £30. 

HIGH STREET FIND: OASIS LEATHER CHAIN STRAP BAG

Who doesn't love a high street 'find' - those elusive gems hidden amongst the polyester and PU that deliver plenty of bang for their buck. A new feature on LFF for 2015, High Street Finds will share the affordable treasures I acquire on my sartorial travels. This week's find is the Stephanie leather cross body bag from Oasis at House of Fraser. With a £25 price tag it's hard to believe this bag is real leather - and the soft and supple variety, too. The Stephanie bag comes in a spectrum of colours, I chose a jewel-tone emerald green which is now sold out, but  the citreous yellow Stephanie bag also my caught eye. Primary and secondary brights look set to be trend for SS15 - don't be shy and invest in colour!   

Oasis, Stephanie bag, House of Fraser, £25. (℅)  

NEW YEAR'S EVE HAIR-SPIRATION

Earlier this month, when I attended The British Fashion Awards, Headmasters came to my rescue (I'm incompetent when it comes to styling my own locks) and created an incredibly chic  'do for the event. The look - retro Hollywood waves - was surprisingly quick and easy to master and would be perfect for New Year's Eve, so I wanted to share it on here and talk you through how it can be recreated at home. 

AW14 SALE BUYS TO SEE YOU THROUGH 'TIL SPRING

I'm a big fan of sales shopping online because it allows me to approach carnage with clarity; seductive store environs invariably lead to me impulse buying a heap of cr*p that never see the light of sartorial day. The LFF sale edit has been chosen with wearability and longevity in mind; the below pieces might not be heavily discounted, but you will wear them through Spring and beyond, trust me! But which sites should you be logging on to, credit card in hand? Check out the Net-a-porter sale for luxury goodies - Sophie Hulme, my all-time favourite accessories designer has a selection of pieces in sale - her box clutch is a modern classic. Cashmere lovers should head over to Jigsaw - there's a dedicated sale section to the seductive soft stuff (you can't go wrong with a classic grey crew neck, below). Finally, I hate to agree with Kanye - but leather trousers, in all guises, really are a savvy style buy. They look set to be the piece of SS15 and Mango have a straight cut pair for a criminally cheap £79.99 (below). Snap them up now or you are 'Bound 2' regret it (ouch - sorry!) 

Top row L-R: Hoshi blanket coat, Whistles, was £450 now £250. Sequin side stripe shirt, J.Crew, was £89.50 now £45 - £62. Freda slub jersey white tee, Matchesfashion, was £65 now £45. 

Middle row L-R: Sophie Hulme brass box clutch, Net-a-porter, was £320 now £224. Miss KG Eleanor snakeskin heels, Kurt Geiger, was £85 now £39. 

Bottom row L-R: Midnight star shower pendant, Astley Clarke, was £120 now £95. Grey cashmere jumper, Jigsaw, was £139 now £83. Straight fit leather trousers, Mango, was £109.99 now £79.99. 

HORST: PHOTOGRAPHER OF STYLE - V&A MUSEUM EXHIBITION REVIEW

If you're seeking some post-Christmas culture, I'd like to point you in the direction of the Horst: Photographer of Style exhibition at the V&A. When American Airlines invited me to visit the retrospective of Horst P. Horst's work I have to admit I was unfamiliar with the German-American fashion photographer. A trip to the V&A opened my eyes to his influence in the industry; Horst references are everywhere. Throughout his incredible 60 year career, the photographer created iconic images that transcend fashion time; mastering light, composition and atmosphere illusion to illustrate his predominantly female muses as goddess-like figures. Following the advancement to colour photography in 1930's, Horst's work took a dazzling, colourful direction, with a playful feel that no doubt evolved photography towards the pop art movement. 

With a closing date of January 5th, there isn't long left to visit the exhibition. Book your tickets sharpish here.