Grey No More OOTD

It's officially October, though the sun remains to be shining over London. For most this is a reason to smile, but as someone who loves the holiday season, I'm yearning for winter festivities to fast approach us! Though with today's 22 degrees, it was impossible for me to squeeze jeans on and to throw a jumper over top. I'm not much of a skirt/dress wearer, yet over the passed year, the midi length trend has definitely allowed my legs to see the light of day. If I wear midi skirts or dresses during the day, I tend to style them with a pair of leather ankle boots - not only to add a little bit of a less feminine 'edge', but also to make the look appear more casual. I also added my Miss Selfridge Fedora , which just seems to be making an appearance every other day. I've been totally obsessed with chucking it on to add a little 'grunge' edge to every outfit, and it simply works wonders on third day hair (when it's beyond Batiste's help). Sunglasses, as always are my Ray Ban Classic Aviators, found  here.

As you may have gathered by now, my wardrobe colour pallatte does not exceed white and black, and grey is my idea of colour. If I've managed to incorporate a grey piece, then I tend to give myself a pat on the back for effort! This 'Army' cropped t-shirt is a Vintage Renewal buy from Urban Outfitters. This jersey charcoal grey skirt is from Boohoo and is still available to buy here for only £8!

These boots are totally Western meets Biker, the stitching and the slight metal toe cap add so much detailing to a somewhat simple outfit - love! They were bought in H&M last year so I couldn't find the exact pair to link for you, however you may be able to find similar styles from their new A/W range online here. Finally, my bag - this little gem is a vintage Celine satchel-style bag, which I was incredibly lucky to receive as a hand-me-down. Although it may be a little difficult to find this particular handbag, you can rummage through your local charity shops and thrift stores for that similar 'vintage' effect (probably for an eighth of high street prices).

I hope you've all had a lovely start to October!
Saina
xo

Long-haul Beauty Survival Kit

 

We've all seen the likes of Kim Kardashian, and Victoria Beckham being papped at international airports, looking superbly fresh-faced and picture perfect, and we've all wondered just how they do it. A plane is not the most glamorous of settings, but with help from a few cult favourites, you can transform that cramped seating and musky recycled air into your very own pamper sesh.  Today's post is a little snippet of my beauty regime on long-haul flights, which is quite fitting as I'm due to go to Canada this week. Here's my list of tips and recommendations: 

Hydration - Although I'm quite good when it comes to drinking enough water on a day-day basis, I take extra precaution before and during a flight. This not only avoids me from feeling dehydrated and rather travel sick, but also maintains hydration for my skin. Make sure your body is well and truly hydrated before boarding your flight, but also ensure you grab yourself a big bottle of water for throughout your flight! 

Cleanse - I'm a big fan of not wearing any makeup during flights (especially long ones for that matter), and therefore brave the bare face through security until I am tucked away in my seat (or bed for the next few hours). However, I'm sure many people prefer even a light coverage, and that's why I reccommend you taking an effective cleanser. I prefer the Bioderma Sensibo H20 - it's perfect at removing every trace of makeup and dirt, and you do not require water with this product. I also reccomend you take both some face, but also eye makeup remover wipes with you, I'll be taking these Witch cleansing wipes as I've used them before and my skin has not reacted to them (not usually a fan of face wipes). I also highly recommend the Halo travel size makeup remover wipes if you intend on wearing eye makeup before your flight. These do an excellent job at removing every trace of eye makeup!

Moisturize - I've chosen to take this Neal's Yard Power Berry moisturizer as it does a perfect job at your boosting your skin's radiance, and its rich antioxidant ingredients (such as acai, bilberry and goji berry) protects your skin. Of course, I don't go anywhere without my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, this holy grail product will act as my lightweight moisturiser and makeup base, which I apply half an hour before landing. Any eye cream is better than no eyecream (or so I like to tell myself). This Balance Snake Venom eye cream will be used generously around the eye area, which is incredibly prone to drying and creasing whilst on flights. Another beauty must is my Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm, this is not only one of my faveourite lip balms, but I also tend to use it as a lip scrub too. My first application acts as a slight scrub, and a second layer as a heavy duty lip moisturizer. This is perfect to layer on before you go for your mid-flight nap, as you'll wake up with beautiful soft lips. I know some people are not a fan of this products scent, so I've also included another faveourite lip care product - the Balance Me Rose Otto Lip Salve. Finally, I'm taking this Body Shop Coconut hand cream to ensure my hands are nice and moisturised throughout my flight. 

Sleep - I've never been able to sleep whilst traveling, whether that be a car, train, plane etc. I just cannot seem to do it. However, during my last trip I decided to pick up these Kalms Natural Remedy tablets - the natural plant extracts used help relieve elements of anxiety and irritability. Although these tablets didn't help me in getting 5 hours sleep, but what they did was allow me to become more relaxed by bringing relief to any periods of worry or stress. This time, I've also decided to take this cute eye mask with me in hopes of getting at least an hour or so of sleep! (please, please, please). 

I really hope this post is of use to somebody, and I would love to hear if you have any recommendations.

Saina
xo