Snapshot of London Fashion Weekend

Hi everyone!
A few weeks ago I entered a Twitter competition run by Lavazza Coffee and promoted by Ella Gregory (Coco's Tea Party - http://cocosteaparty.com/) to win tickets to London Fashion Weekend. I didn't expect anything of it because I never win anything like that, but I was wrong on this occasion. I was shocked but delighted to be contacted by Lavazza a few days before the event. I had never been to anything like it before so didn't know what to expect, but it was great. Somerset House is gorgeous anyway and was then filled with lots of beautiful clothes and make up accompanied by loads of professionals in the fields- what more could I ask for? I really liked Marks and Spencer's 'London Calling' room; it involved a lot of tartan which I love!
On the way out, I had my photograph taken for The Face, a new show on Sky Living. They're making a digital billboard for support for each of the supermodels. You can get involved too, just go to   http://skyliving.sky.com/the-face-billboard .
To give a bit more of an idea of my weekend, I thought I'd sum it all up in a photo and give you a bit of explanation about everything in it. I definitely want to go to more of London Fashion Week next year to see some of the catwalk shows and get a better feel for the industry. Saving already!
Thank you again to Ella and Lavazza for the tickets!

Clockwise from far left...
1. Blast Shake drink and tea from Beauty'in. (www.beautyin.com). These contain vitamins, fruit extracts, minerals and collagen and are advertised as having all sorts of skin benefits. They recommend one per day, which I have had since the weekend. My skin is ok at the moment, so it may well be helping, but I'll let you know how it's looking when I get to the end of the packet. They also produce snacks with the same benefits which taste lovely, so they're worth having a look at!

2. Tote bag from Triumph Lingerie. The lady on the stall was telling me about some really exciting things happening with them at the moment, particularly regarding financial and creative support for young female designers/entrepreneurs through the Women in Making platform. They were running workshops in Convent Garden at the weekend which unfortunately I didn't have time to go to but follow the link to get some more details about this really interesting initiative > http://www.stylist.co.uk/home/microsite2/triumph . Also, the bag is just really cool!

3. October's issue of Elle. I think it may be the best edition I've seen from Elle- I read it from cover to cover on the train home. There's a great feature on Stevie Nicks, who I love anyway and the intern spread is great. Even better, it was only £1 at the Weekend- bargain of the day!

4. The Daily- free newspaper. Some great little articles about what had been happening all week- perfect for a 10 minute sit down between shopping, talks etc.

5. Baby Lips Lip Balm by Maybelline. I read that when these first came out there was a waiting list for them so I was so happy to be given one! Mine is the mint version and it suits my lips really well; not sure that it actually lasts 8 hours as it says but it's hardly a trial to reapply. Also, my mum always had mint lip balm when I was little for some reason so it reminds me of being about six, which is quite sweet.

6. Vodafone London Fashion Weekend Invitational ticket- waiting for me in the quirky silver caravan box office when I arrived!

I know that's just a very quick round up but if you go to http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/ there are lots of pictures, videos and designer profiles for you to take a look at. Enjoy!

House of Holland Ice Cream Van- looked amazing!

Imprint of me in the Levi's massive Pinpression :) I did nearly fall over my own 'Pin Feet' trying to get out...

 

Levi's staircase hanging display.

 

 

Outside the back of Somerset House where I ate lots of Kallo Chilli Ricecakes with guacamole. Very yummy (and relatively healthy)!

Lily Vintage, Chester

A couple of weeks ago, I discovered a really lovely vintage shop in Chester. As I walked in I remembered that I had been in before, but only for the quickest of browses, whereas this time I made sure I looked properly. For ages, I have been wanting a really chunky cardigan or two to wear with skinny jeans and now to keep me warm (it's suddenly got so cold!). I must have looked in dozens of shops as well as online but just couldn't find anything I liked enough to warrant spending the money on. HOWEVER! Lily Vintage came to my rescue with these...

I apologise for the quality of the pictures- I had to use my phone as a couldn't find my camera... It really doesn't show the clothes in the best light but I'll post links to the website and ASOS shop so you can all see some better pictures.
Both items are really warm and comfortable and I keep arranging outfits around them which I think is always a good sign. I wore the top one yesterday and I was so warm; can't praise it enough. What's more, all the clothes labels are really cute: this is something I probably get a little too excited about, but it is the sort of thing that really contributes to a shop, despite the fact that they normally get thrown away as soon as the customer gets home. A lot of them are dated too, which is important in vintage shopping.

Lily Vintage is a lovely shop- the clothes were all well chosen but packed in so you've got lots of choice, there's a little sale section at the moment and they sell some lovely jewellery too- a little old fashioned telephone on a necklace caught my eye as I was paying, so I might have to go back for a closer look. If you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend having a long browse.



Website- http://www.lilyvintage.com/
ASOS Boutique-  https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/lily-vintage?WT.ac=100|visit|lily-vintage
They can also be followed on Twitter and liked on Facebook.

Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara

Hi everyone!

I just want to start by apologising for the huge gap between blog posts; I was in Edinburgh for the whole of August working at the Fringe Festival, which was absolutely fantastic- I'd recommend it to anyone with even the most vague interest in theatre. Then I moved into my new house so it's been a bit of a busy time!
Anyway...
I wanted to do a post about this mascara- the Volume Glamour Max by Bourjois because I think, due to the packaging etc, it is one that is quite likely to slip under the radar. I picked it up in Superdrug because I needed a compact powder and there was a special offer on. I hadn't been having much luck with mascaras recently, so thought it might be a good idea to give a more basic looking one a try. I'm so glad I did- it's really nice!

My eyelashes are relatively long but thin, so I always go for volume mascaras anyway, but this one manages to strike the right balance between creating volume and some extra length. It doesn't clump, which I find that a lot of products tend to when they're really full and the filter is really effective- you don't get that annoying blob at the end of the brush every time you remove the brush from the tube. I've got the waterproof version and it's pretty good for staying power, i.e. not smudging throughout the day- always handy to know you're avoiding panda eyes! According to the Superdrug website, it's suitable for sensitive eyes due to the inclusion of natural wax and black pearl extract, so if that is normally a problem for you or you wear contact lenses, you should be alright. I do find that mine can be sensitive sometimes but haven't particularly noticed them itching or watering since I've been wearing this mascara, so I would say my experience of it backs the website up.
In terms of layering, I really haven't had to do it much, but up to three layers it seems to be absolutely fine. So, for an impulse, un-thought-out purchase, this has definitely been a good one! Definite recommended product. I'll post a link at the bottom of the page if you're interested in looking at the product in more detail.
Sorry again for the gap in posts- I'll try my best to be more punctual in future!



Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara- http://www.superdrug.com/halloween-get-the-look/bourjois-volume-glamour-max-mascara-ultra-black/invt/300559&bklist=
This is the link to the non-waterproof one. If you're looking in stores for the waterproof version, it looks exactly the same but the writing is blue rather than pink.

Urban Outfitters and Cooperative- In Crowd

Urban Outfitters' 'Cooperative' label have just launched their new collection. It's very cute, quite a preppy style, and I think I want all of it! This is exactly my kind of style; I love the versatility of casual blouses and the ease of dresses, which is summed up pretty perfectly in this collection. It's sweet but not childish at all and manages to look quite smart but not uptight.
I haven't been paid for my last few shifts at work yet, so when I am, I think a more detailed browse of this collection might be in order. Already got my eye on the Deena & Ozzy Roll Top Satchel in Black, the Simple Bowler Hat in Burgundy and the Floral Skater Skirts.
Hopefully soon I'll be able to get something from the collection and let you all know what I think, but I thought it was all lovely and worth quickly bringing to your attention!
If anyone already has something from the new Cooperative collection, let me know what you think of it.
Here's the link :) http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/womens/collections/icat/incrowd&cm_mmc=mainstream-_-UK-_-InternationalGBP_130723_newexclusive-_-cooperative&cm_lm=&setlocn=restofworld?awc=2077_1375011127_7f7367ba7cdd27d815ec69cfc0810eff#esp_hitsperpage=120

 

Rodan&Fields Proactiv Solution Review

I bought this three step cleaning set a while ago because I saw various reviews that said it was really good for spot-prone skin and breakouts. I got it while it was on special offer at Boots for £30 (£40 full price), so it was still fairly expensive, and I'm not sure whether it was worth it...
The set consists of a Renewing Cleanser, a Revitalising Toner and a Repairing Treatment.

Strangely, I have used all of the cleanser and toner but still have some of the repairing treatment (smallest bottle) left, so I would suggest that the supplied quantities might need rethinking. Although, admittedly, the running out of toner is probably my fault: I did have a couple of accidental squirting across the room incidents with it...

 The cleanser made my face feel really fresh after every use which was really nice, especially first thing in the morning!

 The toner did have a positive effect. My skin tone evened out a quite bit after using it a few times which I was happy about because I do suffer from redness sometimes. I'd never really used toner before this either and it meant I bought a Garnier Simply Essentials toner to replace it which I actually really like.

I didn't really notice a specific benefit from the repairing treatment, it actually left my skin feeling quite dry. I realise that spots normally arise from excess oil, so drying out the skin should help to clear them up, but there is a balance to be had!
I have to admit that I didn't always have the time to carry out the whole routine properly twice a day, but when I did for a week or so, I did notice an improvement in my breakouts. So I guess if you are able to use the whole set religiously, then it would really help with spot-prone skin, it's just not the best pick for those who are tight for time in the mornings!
If you do have time though, here is the link to buy it...
http://www.boots.com/en/Proactiv-Solution-3-Step-System-To-Clearer-Healthier-Looking-Skin_1248826/

Welcome to Old Fashioned Romantic

Hi!
Welcome to Old Fashioned Romantic! This is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog where I will post product reviews, recommendations, answer questions (if I can!) and probably generally muse. :)
I hope you enjoy it- I’m quite new to this so constructive feedback is always appreciated!
Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you soon.
Nicola x