What a lucky girl!

I turned 27 this month and was lucky enough to receive some wonderful gifts from those who know and love me best.

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. Real Techniques Foundation Sponge, Stippling Brush and Foundation Brush. 

I watch beauty bloggers video blogging about their make up routines and these brushes came up many times. I don't really do much eye makeup and don't do lip lining at all so as I wear foundation most days these were the brushes I most wanted to try.

2. Original Tangle Teezer Brush.

Again this was something that I had heard good things about and wanted to try. I believe it was an idea put to the Dragon's Den team. 

3. Thorntons Premium Collection Chocolates.

4. Percy Pig Sweets from M&S.

You can't go wrong with edible presents in my eyes.

5. Philomena DVD.

This looks a sad film but it was an Oscar, Bafta and Golden Globe nominee and Judi Dench is amazing. 

6. Champneys 6 Way Buffing Nail File.

7. Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Coral lipgloss in shade 04 Peach on the Beach. 

8. Barry M Wink Black Marker Eyeliner.

9. Vogue August Edition with Victoria Beckham cover and Elle August Edition with Cheryl Cole cover.

10. The A List Family by Christina Hopkinson. Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher. You're the one that I want by Giovanna Fletcher.

My sister reads Giovanna Fletcher's blog and thought I would like her books. I love to read. The author is a young girl like me and writes RomComs. Unlike me, Giovanna Fletcher is married to a member if McBusted.

What did you get for your last birthday? 

Would you like any reviews on any of the above gifts? 

I spent my 27th birthday with my family. The sun shone. I did a gym class after breakfast and presents. My birthday was listed on the board at the gym.

My family and I made a quick pit stop in Liverpool City Centre and then we took a picnic to Sefton Park. The weather was glorious and even more appreciated as the forecast had been rain up until only a few days before. 

Sefton Park

That evening my family and I ate at a pub I had heard great reviews about called The Sparrowhawk in Formby. The good was delicious, the service was friendly and the setting was perfect for a summers evening. 

I think all the weight I worked hard to lose last month has been put straight back on after my weekend in London and my birthday. Back to work and back to healthy eating and daily workouts.

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A weekend in London

During my two weeks off work I went to London for a weekend.  I haven't been since January so I was really looking forward to it and had made no plans for my break from work. My friend Stacey had a spare ticket for the Barclaycard British Summertime Festival in Hyde Park which sounded fab. 

As you know from my last post, I met Stacey for cocktails in the sunshine on the Monday to celebrate finishing work for two weeks and to plan our trip.  Since then, I spent time with my family and made daily trips to the gym and enjoyed the sunshine.  I took a trip into Liverpool city centre to pick up some must haves for my trip.

Pre-London prep. It was a soaking day! I had my turquoise waterproof on and then I saw this girl in a Joules yellow waterproof with a striped lined hood and I was insanely jealous!  My Converse were soaked through so I had a look at the wellies in Primark.  Stacey had picked us both up a pair for the festival so I just tried them on to make sure of the correct size with me being an awkward in between size.  

Primark £10 

I did a proper look around Primark this day and was pleasantly surprised by the accessories. Last time I went into Primark I thought I had outgrown it and was over the place.  As I have previously mentioned, I am going for quality over quantity.  However, with accessories I can be swayed.  A mint green overnight bag caught my eye for only £8, it also comes in black.  If I traveled more I would of got both.  There was a pretty, bejeweled iPhone case for £3 which I loved but as I drop my phone and have recently cancelled the insurance, I cannot risk a non practical phone case.  I also spotted two Aztec, beaded clutch bags too which would be perfect for summer nights on holiday each and every year.  I actually only bought two gym tops which I actually went into Primark for and what I needed.  I picked up two plain vests for under my kimonos this summer.  What restraint.  Oh how sensible I am.

Next was Boots and Superdrug.  I was planning on buying a lipgloss from Smashbox but got distracted by many things.  I got the toiletries that I needed but also spotted the new Maybelline Baby Lips which has arrived finally from the US.

£2.99

My favourite summer nail colour is a bright pink shade by Barry M for £2.99.  I wear this every year.  A new bottle always applies easiest and looks neater. I did a mani/pedi that night. I had planned to pay to get my nails done but this is a much cheaper way to do it of course.  I also needed travel sized products which I love buying!  I bought a teeny Original Source shower gel in the lemon and tea tree scent and as I have stopped using face wipes I just bought a mini pack with just 7 wipes in.  I used to use them all the time but they never really cleaned my skin properly.  Then I just used them when abroad because I feel they dry the skin out a bit and when I am applying suncream all day I think the wipes balance it out.  So basically I keep them for convenience.  I am actually using Simple products to clean my skin now and I will do a review and post about that soon.

London.
I met Stacey in Liverpool Lime Street early on Saturday morning and we got the direct train to London Euston.  We had a bit of an eventful journey but made it in one piece and were super exited to get to our hotel and then on to the festival in Hyde Park.  We travelled in our festival outfits which were playsuits and pumps with our bright waterproofs and changed into our little wellies at the hotel.  

Stacey

We stayed at a hotel right by Hyde Park.  The staff were very friendly and helpful.  When we checked into the room we thought they'd put Wimbledon on for us but it turned out the TV wouldn't switch off so later that night we had to put a towel or two over the screen to block out the light.  We were staying in the Club Room which had a double and a single bed, a fab little bathroom, I would definitely stay there again.  

The forecast had been rain on the Saturday it turned out to be mostly overcast, a little shower and a tiny bit of sunshine trying to break through.  Just incase we slicked a layer of suncream on before we headed into the park.  We took little cans of cocktails with us to drink outside on the grass and we shared those with some South African and American friends we made.

Festival.
Inside we headed straight for the toilets which I was pleasantly surprised by.  Next was lunch. Alongside the music, I was looking forward to tasting some fabulous street food.  Stacey decided on some spicy paella and I got a burger and chips.  

Food!

We caught the end of the Cuban Brothers set who I've seen in Ibiza before.  They put on a show!  I'm not a huge live music fan but I recognised the names of a few of the bands and of course the headliners were Pete Doherty's band The Libertines who I was curious to see.  Bands on that day included:  The Pogues, The Enemy, Reverend and the Makers, The View.  I didn't recognise any songs unfortunately and once the alcohol started to affect people I started to enjoy myself a lot less.  Luckily, Pete Doherty did show up and came on even earlier than expected and performed a great set.  30 people were hospitalized due to the crowd serging forward when the band emerged.  I chose to stand comfortably at the side by the food stalls and which from a safe distance.  Not one bit of me wanted to go in the crowd.  I got to dance at the back and enjoy some Ol' El Paso fajitas in my own space.  In fact there was a family with a little baby in a sling were I was so you can tell how far back I'd retreated.  I'd already been made uncomfortable by a man smashed off his face and shoved metres by a couple of lads who were fighting.

The stylish kids in the riot

The Libertines.
Once Stacey had told me that Pete Doherty was in The Libertines and named a few of their songs I realised I actually knew and liked some of their songs.  I downloaded 4 of them and listened to them before our trip.  I read up about the band on Wikipedia and was looking forward to seeing them.  Pete Doherty looked really well, that was the first thing I thought when he came out onto the stage.  I thought he put on a great performance and came across as very caring when he kept stopping the song to check the people at the front were OK.  I thought he was adorable when he played the harmonica.  

The Libertines

Sunday in London.
We had a little lie in on the Sunday morning and then headed out for breakfast in Patisserie Valerie. 

Patisserie Valerie

The shops don't open in London until 12noon so we had a little wander around Carnaby Street and Regent Street.  We watched the opening of Hamley's and a dance event on the traffic free Sunday which is a great idea throughout the summer.  

Whilst in London I really wanted to visit the temporary rooftop garden at John Lewis Oxford Street.  Stacey got a Joe and the Juice and we relaxed on the deckchairs before we headed off for some more exploring. 

Rooftop garden

I was curious to visit the South Bank and see the London Eye, Big Ben etc.  When in Australia I loved the Brisbane and Melbourne South Banks and found them similar to the London one with exhibitions and events happening and surprisingly sunshine.  I tried lots of chocolatey treats!

We were both so tired so headed to Euston with a bit of time to spare and relaxed in leather armchairs in the station's pub before our train departed.

I had a great weekend.  I love visiting London and can't wait to go back.

I think if you search Kitty Sowerby in YouTube you should be able to view my videos from London.

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How I survived the first 5 days of the summer clearance

The first 5 days of clearance almost killed me but I kept focused on the light at the end of the tunnel - 15 days off work! 

Things that got me through clearance this year:

Chef the movie.

The day before the sale I did a workout and a few dog walks, had a raw juice from our local juice bar and then my sister and I took advantage of Orange Wednesday and went to see Chef the movie. It was brilliant. I love Jon Favreau anyway in The Break Up and his films Elf and Iron Man are two of my favourites and I was not disappointed by Chef. He plays the main character Carl Casper. Dustin Hoffman, Scarlet Johansson, Robert Downey Jr and Sofia Vergara starred alongside Jon Favreau. I would recommend it as a great summer film. This was a treat to ease me in to the sale which started Thursday.

Essie Button.

I have recently found Essie Button, she is a Canadian blogger called Estée living in London with her boyfriend Aslan and their greyhound, Reggie. Their "vlog" (video blog) channel on YouTube has kept me thoroughly entertained! They "vlogged" (video blogged) every other day in June about their days, what they got up to, reviews etc but they are so funny. I amused myself with the 15-20 min long clips most evenings whilst recovering from busy clearance days in work. 

Snacks.

As I'm eating healthier as of late I have been snacking on grapes and rice cakes. My skin has gone AWFUL! I thought it would be temporary while my body got rid of all the toxins but my sister thinks it's the rice cakes which have an affect on hormone levels. I was having a bag of snack a jacks every few days so it must of been the dark chocolate covered rice cakes I was having at the end of lunch in place of a chocolate bar. So they've been banished! I'm into week 5 of healthy eating so I thought my skin would be looking better than ever.

Reading.

Jill Mansell's book Take A Chance On Me. It's a fictional rom com that I read a few years ago and loved so I fancied reading that again and thoroughly enjoyed it once more. I love the main character Cleo and her family and friends. It's a fun story with mini storylines in there too.

Songs.

"You're just a chance I'll take" my summer song is Hideaway by Kiesza and it has been on repeat and has saved me at the end of many clearance days!

Calling All Hearts by DJ Cassidy ft Jessie J and Robin Thicke is such a happy, positive song. I love it. I can't help but dance when I hear it.

Treat tea.

After the madness of the first Saturday of clearance I bought myself a little chippy tea. Small chips, small sausage and a spoonful of curry sauce. It was delicious.

Long dog walks.

After my chippy tea, I talk my dog Louis down to the beach for an evening walk. We were out 1hr 15mins. The sky was beautiful and the way the sun streamed through the clouds made me feel emotional. That was probably more the stressful day I'd had though. I did the same dog walk again Sunday morning before work and it was lovely and sunny. 

Louis.

A little party never killed nobody.

On Sunday eve, I went to a party at my friend's in Liverpool. The sun was still shining and her flat opens out onto a huge terrace and was the ideal location for a party. I had a great night dancing with my friends and eating party food. I treated myself to a Pimms too. 

My friend Faye and I.

My summer holiday.

To celebrate finishing work on Monday eve, I met up with my friend Stacey for a catch up and a cocktail in the sunshine. We luckily got a table outside the popular Las Iguanas and enjoyed a Strawberry Red cocktail each. We're going to London for the weekend so we made some plans for that. It was a lovely way to start my summer holidays. 

My sister has been home so it has been nice to spend some time with her. My family have just returned from their holiday too. 

I plan to workout most days and continue on with my healthier eating. 

This weekend I am going to London to a daytime festival in Hyde Park travelling down Saturday morning. It's on all day and has love music, tasty food and fairground rides. We are staying at a hotel close to Hyde Park. On the Sunday, I'd like to go to Wimbledon and experience the buzz on Murray Mount even though he has been knocked out now. I think we will visit Oxford St including the rooftop garden at John Lewis for a juice. I'm sure we'll have a nice lunch in London and so a bit of shopping. 

I would like to go to Alton Towers if I can this holiday, I've never been. I might book a spa break for a treat.

My birthday is coming up next week so I will have a little celebration with my family and friends. 

I'll let you know what I get up to. 

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Holiday edit

Holiday edit

I love going on holiday! Don't you love shopping for new pieces to update your existing (and extensive if you're anything like me) holiday wardrobe? I love planning my outfits and packing. I love the airport, the flight and that feeling when you arrive and the heat hits you and you know you have a week or two of this ahead of you.

I have been on some great holidays, mostly in Europe but I have seen a bit of America and the east coast of Australia. My memories of these past vacations inspire my future holiday wardrobes. 

Ibiza is my beloved spot to visit. I love the hippy, boho beach style that works so well there. I love the white cotton sundresses against a deep tan, accessorised with leather sandals and gold or turquoise jewellery. I am inspired by Ibiza from spring to autumn. I love it. I've seen Ibiza in May, July, August and September. Warming up, super hot and cooling down. 

I have had a trawl of www.johnlewis.com and found some beautiful, summery pieces that I think are perfect for a summer beach holiday.

First up, swimwear.

I am really drawn to greens and blues in the summer.  Greens look great with gold, tan or black accessories. I like the Greek inspired blue and white print with plaited rope  detail, this again looks fabulous with tan leather or you could try chocolate brown, navy or white flip flops or sandals. I think taking a full suit is useful rather than all bikinis if you plan on doing any swimming or visiting a water park. The days when you feel a bit bloated too from a cold coke or basket or bread and aioli or fancy a bit more coverage they will come in handy. 

This leads me nicely to beach cover-ups. 

There are some beautiful kaftans and kimonos out this season. I am practical and take one printed kaftan and one plain one with me most years but this year I am loving a kimono so would be packing a few more if I was jetting off on a beach holiday. They come in handy for evening too when your shoulders are a bit pink and look elegant with a simple vest and tailored shorts or over a maxi dress.  

Sunglasses.

I have my eye on a few John Lewis pairs this year. I think a tortoise shell pair look stylish and go with a lot as do plain black but there's a lot more choice out there this season. I think I'll get a pair of gold aviators too. Hopefully they will last me a few summers. My Primark wayfarers were £1 each and have lasted a while but I want slightly better quality this year. My taste is changing.

Beach bag. 

I love a big beach bag. I use it as my carry on bag and can fit so much in them. A big beach towel is a must on holiday. You can pick up novelty ones there and leave them there or you could buy a nice one that you like and use it each holiday. I like this multicoloured striped one. So a big bag is necessary. 

Leather bags can be hot against your skin in hot countries. This metallic one has sold out but it gives you an idea of shape and size but also may encourage you to try different textures. For a bag that's a bit smaller but still has enough space for suncream, water and your book when you go on a day trip sightseeing, this bag is ideal.

Outfits.

So when you have your day trips on holiday or you go somewhere a bit nicer for lunch you need some smart shorts and a top. I love a Breton stripe and will be stocking up on these hopefully in the John Lewis summer sale which starts tonight online at 8pm and instore tomorrow from doors opening. 

Necklaces.

While sightseeing or eating lunch you can still keep your outfit simple but add a statement necklace for a little personality to the outfit. I love gold costume jewellery and this coin necklace is a fab grecian style I think. This coloured necklace is fun and a pop of colour. I think styling in magazines look amazing when jewellery is layered on with beachwear but practically it'll be too hot against your skin and look silly. 

Footwear.

You can use flips flops to and from the beach or the classic Birkenstocks maybe try a bold colour to keep them fun or a metallic version for a modern touch. When sightseeing you can use a more pretty sandal or an espadrille like these leopard print ones. I love the combination of a simple tailored short with a Breton striped tee with a leopard pump for your accessory. These metallic sandals are modern and stylish, I will pick a pair of these up in the summer sale. 

That is a daytime guide to your holiday clothes and accessories. I will try and put together an evening holiday outfit guide soon.

Enjoy your holidays X

Prom fashion

Prom fashion

So the proms are starting here in the UK. My little brother has his in July. I can't believe he's 16 and much taller than me already. He's just completed his GCSE exams! Crazy! 

Anyway, him and Dad have been to buy his suit and all the other must haves for prom. He bought everything from Next in Liverpool. Their website has a "Dapper Gents" section for styling a suit and a button to take you to the "Prom" section.

His school have planned a fab night for his year at a local golf resort hotel (where I go for my spa breaks - see previous posts). Sensibly, they have insisted all students meet at school and travel together by coaches so there's no competitiveness over the cars or limos etc at least. The outfits however are another matter.

What to wear for prom: The Girls

So I didn't have a prom. I had a small class of about 10 pupils and that was the entire year. It was a small, private, all girls school so a night out was as much as we did. (Can you imagine how boring our prom would of been!) But I can remember being 16 (it wasn't THAT long ago) and with working in fashion retail for 10+ years (selling brands including Ted Baker, French Connection and Coast) I have picked up some useful tips and ideas. Also, for the last 2 years I have worked as a personal stylist advising on fashion, colour and shapes. 

The Dress

I dislike the traditional strapless bustier knee length plain dresses. I don't think I ever have liked them! Then there's the floor length version. Traditional, not flattering and never to be worn again. I would avoid these styles unless you stumble on an absolute gem.

It's too late to get anything made now so I won't cover that but the fit has to be flattering. Fit and colour come hand in hand and are of as equal importance. However, if you find a super flattering dress fit wise but the colour isn't wonderful near your face there are some tricks to help that. The colour that's nearest to your face is the one that counts. You can use a complimenting necklace to break it up or play around with your makeup to make it work.

Shopping for your prom dress should be fun and a nice part of a the build up to a big occasion. I would recommend booking a free appointment in a department store with a personal shopper who can show you the shapes and colour that will suit you and are appropriate for the occasion. Go with your mum or sister rather than your friends incase they are jealous and steer you away from a great one so they can buy it themselves. Remember though, what suits your tall, brunette best friend might not (probably won't) suit you with your petite curves and fair hair (and vice versa).

Proms are held over summer here so a pretty summer dress with a statement necklace, neutral heels and clutch bag is appropriate. It's something you can wear again at a family wedding. This is usually what I suggest to clients. 

If you have your heart set on a long dress here are some fun, young styles. 

Essentials

Underwear: you'll probably need a good strapless bra in nude. I would recommend getting fitted in a department store. They are trained fitters and can advice you on the right size etc. Don't be shy, they fit bras all day everyday. If you need seamless knickers get nude ones. Don't bother with Spanx, you'll be uncomfortable. 

Heels: it's easier to dance in heels than flats. Don't go too high though as you want to enjoy your night and not be in pain. Try and get ones in a neutral colour with a thin ankle strap with a bit of a platform and a block heel rather than a stiletto. You'll be safer and not as wobbly which looks so much better and shouldn't fall off them or out of them as much. If you are wearing a long dress get it altered to just above the floor when you've bought your shoes so it's not trailing. If you go for a shorter style you could do statement shoes or neutral as they lengthen your legs and draw the eye to your dress not your feet. 

Clutch bag: preferably one with a thin strap that you can use later in the night when it's needed. Neutral is best but a jewelled one can add something to a plain dress. 

Angel feet & plasters: for the obvious reason, comfort. 

Bobby pins: for hair that comes loose from your updo, for dress straps that snap. Take a couple of safety pins too incase any zips bust. Pay for an updo, show the hairdresser the neckline of your dress and they can suggest the right look. Show them your ideas in photos. Search Pinterest and Instagram for the look you want.

Makeup: take a block powder to combat shine and the lipgloss or lipstick you chose to wear for touch ups. I would pay to have your makeup done for this occasion. Hopefully the makeup artist will consider your youthful age and style and give you a summery look.

Most importantly, think of the night as a celebration for your hard work and revision. A nice end of exams and the school year or education if you plan to get a job straight away. It's a big party. Have a dance and enjoy yourself. Your outfit should feel comfortable but it's the night itself you want to remember, not the dress. 

What to wear for prom: The Boys

You need a smart, slim fit suit. My brother bought his from Next. Burton and Topman usually have offers on with a free shirt or shoes around prom time. 

A crisp shirt: this could be plain or tiny polka dots or if you like pinstripes go for that. 

A slim tie or bow tie: plain or printed depending on the shirt. These usually come in an offer when buying a suit or if you buy a shirt you get free shoes etc.

Smart shoes: navy suits look great with brown or tan shoes. A black suit needs black shoes though. A grey suit works with either black and brown shoes. A leather belt to match. Fab socks: matching! Not white! Black, grey, navy or funky socks. 

The extras:

A pocket square? Don't match this to your tie if you're going for stylish. If you're going for traditional then go for it and coordinate. 

Sunglasses? You're only going to lose them. They'd look good on the photos outside the venue though if the sun's shining.

Be confident not cocky. Make memories. Ask the girls to dance. Tell them they look pretty. Make sure everyone is having a good night and nobody is left on their own. These are people you have spent years with, celebrate together.

Have an absolute ball! 

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