Vanity Claire | Birmingham Fashion and Beauty Blog

ClaireJuly 14, 2014

Glorious Fashion: Races Day Wishlist

ASOS Jacquard Pep Hem Dress | House of Fraser Feather Fascinator | ASOS Heeled Sandals | Yves Saint Laurent Candy Volupte Lipstick | New Look Statement Necklace

It’s common knowledge that we don’t really go to fancy events. In fact, the last time we actually looked like sophisticated women in nice dresses was probably at our respective christenings. Which is why, when we heard about this jazzy 888sport competition to win 2 tickets to the races AND £100 to win an outfit, we had to get involved (I MEAN WHY WOULD YOU NOT). All you have to do is create a college or style an outfit of what you would wear to any Ladies Day races this year to be in with a chance of winning

I’ve never actually been to the races before, so I have to base my outfit on what I have seen on other blogs/in mags. I’m guessing you have to wear quite a nice dress and not look like too much of a slag basically.

I absolutely adore this ASOS dress, it is so so nice. I usually hate drop waist dresses, but this one isn’t too horrible and both the colour and print is perfect. I decided to accessorise with white shoes and a white feathered fascinator, because if you can’t wear a fascinator to Ladies’ Day, when can you? As a gal who loves statement necklaces, I went for this pretty New Look piece and of course, a pale pink lippy to complete the pastel theme.

If you’ve entered too, we’d love to see your entry!!

ClaireJuly 13, 2014

Prom Accessories with New Look

I don’t know about all of you, but when I look back at my old prom photos, I basically want to be sick all over myself. I had two-toned hair that was curled so tightly I looked like the lovechild of Louis XIV of France and one of the All Saints, and wore a dress the colour of snot. I was not the belle of the ball, ~~I was the bellend~~.

Enough about my tragic life – luckily for today’s teens during prom season, the high street is much more tuned into the prom trend than it was back in my day (approximately 473 years ago), and New Look are one brand who never fail to come up trumps on the accessories front. This year they sent us a little bundle of prom goodies to style up, and I chose these beaut white sandals and transparent clutch. I paired them with this sequin and chiffon prom dress from TFNC, which I actually wore to my graduation ball 2 years ago. God, I’m old.

The sandals are the perfect prom shoe; really elegant with a small enough heel that you can shake your thang all night in a much less elegant way. The bag is perfectly neutral and big enough to stash all of your prom night essentials (which in my case were things such as farthings, smelling salts, thimbles and my quill).

If you have a prom or any faaaaancy occasions coming up soon then make sure you browse the full range of prom accessories New Look have to offer, as you certainly won’t be disappointed. Pip pip!

What do you all think of this prom look? What are your perfect prom accessories?

ClaireJuly 11, 2014

Outfit of the Day: Primark Tropical Jumpsuit

Primark Tropical Jumpsuit | Topshop La Vie Boheme Crop Top | New Look Platform Sandals | Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Perfect 10 – Dark Brown

Ahoy hoy

If you’re slightly confused about who on earth this black haired lunatic is, it is me. I had a bit of a moment yesterday at work where I decided my ginger hair was rubbish and I was ready to commit, so I swiftly popped down to Mozzas and got some hair dye. This was the result, and I am pretty happy with it! I do like having dark hair, because it makes me feel mysterious and cool. While I might look like a freckled gypsy in reality, at least I feel relevant to the world.

If anyone is vaguely interested, I used Clairol’s Nice ‘n Easy Perfect 10 dye in dark brown. They did not lie when they said it was nice and easy, it literally took no time whatsoever and I was able to dye my hair extensions too in less than an hour. AMAZING isn’t the word.

Anywho, I thought I would share with you what I have on today (ooo-er) because that’s just what us bloggers like to do. I bought this Primark tropical jumpsuit for Wireless last sunday, and I absolutely love it. It’s super comfy with an excellent tropical print and I generally like it a lot. It cost me £13, so its a total bargain too. I’m a big fan of layering under jumpsuits at the moment, so I popped my trusty Topshop crop underneath, and my equally trusty New Look caged platforms which seem to be glued to my feet. Hehe.

What do you think of Primark’s jumpsuit offerings?

ClaireJuly 10, 2014

Giveaway: #HolidayEssentials with Intellicig

In 3 weeks time I’ll be lounging by the pool in Tenerife, sipping on a cocktail – and believe me, dear readers, when I say that this thought is the sole thing that has stopped me from mass slaughtering my colleagues this past week. Yeah, it’s been one of those weeks.

Thankfully, the lovely people at Intellicig have sent me this amazing Holiday Essentials kit to take away with me on my holibobs, and what’s MORE exciting is that they’re giving our readers the chance to win one too. Just receiving this has already made me feel one step closer to that Pina Colada, so if you’re also off on holiday anytime soon then I strongly suggest you enter this giveaway to perk yourself up too! The kit contains:

Accessorize beach bag worth £29
Accessorize sunglasses case
Inflight Comfort Kit including eye mask, neck pillow and earplugs
underwater disposable camera (let’s be honest, these give you the best holiday photos)
worldwide travel adaptor
luggage tag

To enter the giveaway, just take a look at the Rafflecopter below. The more things you do the more entries you get! And to find out more about Intellicig and their #HolidayEssentials campaign, you can visit their site here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

ClaireJuly 8, 2014

The Coral Lippy Battle: Revlon Lipstick Review

It’s no secret that Claire and I are superfans of a Boots offer. Any kind of 3 for 2, 2 for £10, spend £30 and get a free gift offer we are all over it like two tiny rats on a makeup shaped biccy. I’m hoping that one day soon that Boots will branch out into doing more offers too. I suggest ‘spend £20 and get a person to stand by your fridge who will swat you away when you head in for ice cream’ or perhaps ‘spend £5 and get 3 sincere compliments on your hair and/or face’. It would go down a treat, I can tell you that right now (…can you tell I work in marketing?).

ANYWHO I DIGRESS. Revlon were having a huzzah-worthy 2 for a tenner on their makeup (I think it is still on, GO GO GO), so it was rude not to pick up a couple of lip products. I believe Claire did exactly the same thing recently, and treated herself to a couple more of the ColorBurst lip crayons. However, I decided to go all coral up on this thang and get myself 2 orange tinged lipsticks. I’m a big coral lipstick fan, and I’ve actually had my eye on this Topshop orange lipsitck – it looks mega. For some reason I simply can’t be arsed to go and buy it, so I got these two babies instead.

When I bought them, my stupid boyfriend questioned why I would buy two lipsticks that are exactly the same colour and by exactly the same brand. Obviously, I said WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, CAN’T YOU TELL THAT ONE IS A LIP CRAYON AND ONE IS A LIP BUTTER. YOU NEED TO GO TO MAKEUP SCHOOL, YOU ABSOLUTE PONCE FACED WANKER. Love you.

My point still stands, these two lipsticks are vastly different, and here’s why – and what I like about each of them.

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti

We have already established that us Stylingo girls enjoy bigging up Revlon’s Lip Butters (read Claire’s great Revlon review here, chummies). So obviously I knew I was going to like the Tutti Frutti shade…but the question was, how much?!

Erm, very much. It’s actually a very paley orangey shade, which is perfect for the daytime. It’s really moisturising like all of the lip butters are, and it looks really lovely on (honk honk, that’s the sound of me blowing my own trumpet). Obviously, the staying power isn’t that great considering it’s quite pale and also really balmy, but it’s not a huge issue – it fades well and reapplying is a pleasant experience had by all (but mostly me).

Revlon ColorBurst Moisturising Balm Stain in Rendezvous

These are my favourite things ever, and Claire and I are big fannys of the Matte Balm offerings from Revlon. This is the Balm Stain, which gives you all the fun of a balm with all of the party of a stain.

I really love the Rendezvous colour, it is SUPER bright and beautiful. The stain aspect of the lip crayon is good too, and it doesn’t fade too horribly either. I would say that if you plan on wearing this for more than 12 hours, you’ll probably have to re-apply. But it lasts a good 4-5 hours with eating, which is simply brill in my books.

And here’s what it looks like on:

Without the Revlon 2 for £10 offer on at Boots at the moment, the ColorBurst Moisturising Balm Stain and the Lip Butter will set you back £7.99 each. You can buy them online here and here.

What do you think & what are your favourite coral lipsticks? Let us know in the comments below!

ClaireJuly 7, 2014

Outfit of the Day: Missguided Pastels

Top: Missguided / Skirt: Missguided / Shoes: Garage / Bag: c/o New Look

HELLO SNUGGLEBUMS. It’s been a while since I’ve done an OOTD, not because I’ve been doing a Godiva and walking round Coventry in the nud, but because I’ve basically hated all of my clothes over the past few weeks. Payday came around and I was therefore forced to place a few online orders, one of which from Missguided included this little top and skirt combo that I wore to a party over the weekend.

I really love both pieces and think they make a really nice summery outfit together. They’ll both also work just as well separately and can be dressed up or down. The skirt may even be sneaked into my work wardrobe if I can manage not to throw tea all over myself (unlikely).

My Garage heels made another appearance and I also got chance to use my beaut new transparent clutch from New Look. I’d wanted a transparent bag for a while, but had obvious concerns over walking round with everything on show – I mean, I’m not too bothered about anyone wanting to steal my bashed up iPhone or life savings of £3.50, but I don’t think I can handle the shame of people seeing how dirty my makeup brush is. This bag has a little zipped up section though so you can stash away the stuff you don’t want on show, reeeeesult.

What do you all think of this outfit? Let me know in the comments below!

ClaireJuly 5, 2014

#StyleBloggerAwards with Premier Inn

A few weeks ago we were down in London for the Company Style Blogger Awards (which you can read all about here if you get the urge in your loins to do so)(always listen to your loins, people, always) and decided to stay over rather than end up running through Euston like mad banshees only to miss our train home… again.

Anywho, the beaut people at Premier Inn were nice enough to put us up for the night in their new Hackney hotel, which was uber-convenient for us with the event being in East London. Also I got to feel like Professor Green, so that was cool.

The room was perfect for getting ready – YES that is a light-up mirror. Because it was a family room there was also loads of space, so there was no biffing each other over mirror access or where we were going to put our gin.
We were in a mega rush when we were getting ready, but in the morning once Lauren had pottered off to work (ha) and I was still lounging on the chaise longue in the manner that I’d became accustomed to, I got to properly take advantage of the gigantic bed, endless tea supplies and flatscreen TV – yes that is the Real Housewives of SomewhereSomewhere, I’m very high-brow.

We also had a buffet breakfast which was perfect for our somewhat hungover brains, and the staff were all so helpful and lovely. I was already a big fan of Premier Inn anyway (er, who wouldn’t be?), but can 100% recommend the Hackney one now for anyone who may stay there.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone that was involved in our stay; you made our night utterly superb!

ClaireJuly 2, 2014

Style Inspo: Summer Wedding Outfit Ideas

Hello fellow idiots,

It seems that I have finally grown up into a grown woman. Pass me a Sunday afternoon of Agatha Christie’s Poirot, a glass of gin and a few cats (why lie, I always liked these things). But aside from my imminent old lady behaviour, I’m actually starting to go to weddings regularly in the summer. If that’s not a sign of being in your 20s, I don’t know what is.

While this is all very well and its nice to celebrate mates’ everlasting love and everything, I am very tired of deciding what to wear to the damn things.

I don’t know about you hunnys, but I am the type of girl who sells pretty much all of my clothes right after I’ve worn them (ever Insta’d in the same outfit twice, you get me) so I virtually NEVER have anything nice to wear ever. Which means I always have to buy new outfits, which also means that I have to plan these silly things. And wedding outfits are the worst to plan. You don’t want to look like a hoochie mama, but you also don’t want to look like a massive snore who has no mates. So with the couple of weddings I’ve got to drag myself to this summer, here are a few wedding outfit ideas for you (and me) to feast your eyes on.

Paisley Print Cut Out Mini Dress | Hampshire Heeled Sandals | Patent Pink Clutch | Diamante Statement Necklace | Rectangular Stone Ring

Floral Print Jumpsuit | Gold Statement Necklace | White Metal Bar Clutch Bag | Chanel Lipstick in Camella | White Sandal Heels

Midi Skater Dress | Cleated Platform Sandals | Gold & Blue Statement Necklace | Pale Blue Cleated Clutch Bag

What do you think gals?

I would greatly appreciate your input, because I seriously need some bangin’ outfits to wear this summer! If you have any wedding outfit ideas posts too, then please leave them in the comments below so that I can have a massive perv and probably steal your ideas.

ClaireJune 30, 2014

Beauty Works 18″ Silver Hair Extensions | Review

I’ve been getting loads of compliments on my hair lately (note: by loads I realistically mean about 5, but that’s better than the -8 I was getting with my little rat tails before) and I am delighted to reveal that the secret to my new healthy looking locks is… THESE HAIR EXTENSIONS! Well, it was never going to be laying off the bleach and heat appliances, was it?

Beauty Works recently contacted me about trying out their new range of silver hair extensions, and of course I jumped at the chance. 1, I’ve been dying to try a set of Beauty Works’ extensions for many moons as they’re some of the finest in the bizniz, and 2, finding grey/silver extensions has proven to be an extremely difficult task for me the past few months. I’ve only came across one other brand that does them so far, and that set was a mix of human and artificial hair so certainly not ideal. The Beauty Works silver range, though, is all 100% human hair. And my, what fine, fine hair it is.

As soon as I got it out of the packet I wanted to have a little cry at what good quality it was (no, I am not dramatic). Unlike a lot of other brands that get very straggly towards the bottom, this weft was thick from the top right through to the ends. This means that although I got 18″ as I normally would, they look much longer than my other recent sets because they’re so much thicker. Fancy.

I had my extensions sewn in as normal (if anyone would like a post about the weave process then hollaaaaa) and left them about 2 weeks before reviewing, because I usually find that after this amount of time you can properly assess what hair’s like. And oh. OH. These are just a dream. Shedding has been minimal, and they still feel as soft and healthy as they did when I received them. I really couldn’t recommend these enough, so a HUGE thank you to Beauty Works for sending them my way.

Have any of you tried Beauty Works before? Which extensions brands do you love?

ClaireJune 26, 2014

Outfit of the Day: Dorothy Perkins Midi Skirt & Topshop Crop Top

Waddup you marvellous people.

I hope that you are all well and enjoying the fact that we only have one more day until the weekend, and I don’t know about you, but I plan to drink cocktails and probably lurk in bed for 24+ hours.

Yesterday was probably the most exciting day that Claire and I really care about. Birthdays? Get gone. Christmas? WHO THE HELL CARES. But payday…come to me my sweet, sweet love. You are beautiful in every way.

Which is why we made our obligatory trip to the retail park near to our work to stock up on a few bits and bobs that we simply couldn’t afford in the dark days before we were paid. While we said we were just going to pick up some cream for my scabby eczema, we ended up buying a load of other nonsense. It is the way of life.

Amongst the nonsense things that I bought, I also picked up this lovely little midi skirt from Dorothy Perkins. Now, I wouldn’t say that I am a regular shopper in Dotty P’s, but I do have to say that their sale was excellent when we popped in.This paisley print midi skirt was a mere £10, marked down from £20 (I think I probably would have bought it full price even if it hadn’t been in the sale!). You can find it online here, but it seems to be £5 more expensive than when I bought it in the shop. I thoroughly recommend that you have a nosey online though, they have LOADS of lovely midi skirts.

I paired it with my new Topshop ‘La Vie Boheme’ crop top, which I actually listed on my most recent spring/summer wish list. This little bad boy will set you back £10, and I would say that you definitely HAVE to wear a nude or white bra underneath, because it’s super see through.

I popped on my New Look round sunglasses and also wore my New Look white platform sandals on my trotters.

I apologise for the state of my hair, I tried to go for the ‘cool messy look’ (read: woke up late, couldn’t find hair brush) but ended up looking slightly like a ginger haired tramp. Whoops.

What do you think of Dorothy Perkins midi skirt offerings?

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