inspiration

Winter Outfit Inspiration – Casual Sock Boots

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Just before Christmas I had an email from JD Williams asking if I wanted to collaborate on a post and I was SO excited. Initially I was thinking of writing about party shoes (glittery heels included) and putting together some outfit inspo for you guys but then I stumbled onto the ankle boots section and completely forgot all about that. I’m a little bit obsessed when it comes to boots, in fact I already have way too many but there’s just something about a classic boot that’s so versatile, so they always seem like a good investment. These boots are from the Violeta range by Mango and are a casual nod to the sock boot trend that is very much hanging around. Just way more comfy than the stiletto kind! I love how chic they are too and really pull together this everyday outfit with very minimal effort.

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“I think this outfit is very reflective of that too. This is everyday me, not too dressy. It’s just comfort paired with great accessories.”

Just before the new year I felt like I was loosing my creative juice a little bit and I’ve also been struggling to find time (as always) to create new content for this blog. Sometimes getting caught up in comparing yourself to other people can really kill your vibe too but I’m finally learning to zone that out and remember why I started Style Rarebit in the first place. Because I love blogging!

I think this outfit is very reflective of that. This is everyday me, not too dressy. Just comfort paired with great accessories which is pretty much my go to philosophy when it comes to getting dressed. I think we would all agree that the number one goal is to look totally polished without having to make much effort at all. This look is essentially jeans and a jumper but tying a satin ribbon around my waist and dressing it up with a blazer is the perfect way to cheat looking like you’ve made loads of effort. I think that’s why the boots work so well too, being structured they are the perfect day boot if you want to look put together. They also look super expensive and the unusual heel (that metallic is everything!) means they add extra interest if you’re wearing plain clothes. They’re also on sale right now so even more of an incentive to pick them up… I love them with my mom jeans too as they’re tight on the ankle they sit really well underneath and give the illusion that my legs are slimmer.

If you take nothing else from this post just get to investing in some good boots this season that will totally dress up a zero effort look. Maybe even two pairs?

Shop boots here

Photographs by Sarah Barnes

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Bath, an Instagrammers wet dream.

I took handsome to Bath this weekend and I thought it might be nice to share some snaps on here. It’s one of my favourite places to go and funnily enough when I first started StyleRarebit I was there weekly for events. It’s just so beautiful, the architecture is so quirky and it has an old fashioned charm that you can’t quite trump anywhere else. To me it’s very quintessentially English in the nicest way, which coming from a Welsh person is a big deal. Also, the Lace in Fashion exhibition is on at the Museum which was the main reason for this trip. It was very much worth it, they have some incredible pieces, including a look from Raf Simmons’ first collection for Dior.

 Brissi Homeware Store

stylerarebit.comAt the Chapel Arts Cafestylerarebit.com Lace Exhibition at the Fashion Museum

stylerarebit.com At the Chapel Arts Cafe

stylerarebit.comSouthgate Shopping Centre Installation

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Spectrum Collections Cardiff Blogger Event

stylerarebit.comEvery once in a while there’s a beauty blogger event that comes along that you just can’t quite believe you got an invite to. This was 100% one of them. Spectrum Collections is the brand that broke Instagram and has captured the hearts of every makeup and unicorn lover worldwide. Started in a garage in Barry by two sisters, Sophie and Hannah Pycroft, this night was a real celebration of female entrepreneurial and creative talent.

There were so many exciting things going on including a nail bar by Nails Inc, sweet treats from Candy Kittens and drinks from Dirty Martini. The decor was unbelievable cool too, I loved the neon sign and giant purple stag but the real beauties were the flowers from The Urban Flower Studio. I need some gold Monstera leaves in my life asap. Mid way through the night we watched a live makeup tutorial by their in-house makeup artist. She perfected a pink smoky eye quicker than I can make toast, while the founders answered all our burning beauty questions.

It’s also really impressive and important to mention that Spectrum are 100% cruelty free. They even make vegan brush soap so that you can care for your brushes in a safe way too. It’s lovely that such a new and cool brand is so aware of that and working to make cruelty free the norm. Running with this theme, Vegan restaurant Milgi was at the event serving up some insane plant based dishes. These included some yummy raw cocoa balls of which I ate most of (sorry) and some really amazing salads.

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Flowers by The Urban Flower Studio and the Pearly Queen and Glam Clam sets.stylerarebit.com

Here I am!

Sweet treats from Milgi and the amazing venue decor.

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stylerarebit.com The live makeup tutorial in action.My gorgeous Must-Have Minis brush set that I received in my goody bag. This A-17 is amazing! a beauty blogger’s dream.

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Officially Obsessed with Pro Nails

Since starting Style Rarebit I’ve discovered a lot of new brands that have really upped my beauty game. Going to events for product launches and companies that I haven’t heard of before is so exciting and satisfying when you come across something good. Especially when it’s a beauty product that solves a lot of problems. Like flaky nail problems for example.

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ProNails is one of the biggest nail brands in Europe and has recently developed a new way of applying Gel Polish called SoPolish Care, Protect & Peel. They invited me and my fellow welsh bloggers to try it out and learn more about the brand. If you didn’t see it on my Instagram story it’s basically a concept that was inspired by a Compeed blister plaster which works by putting a film over your nails before the application. The idea is that when you peel off the Gel, your nail will have been protected underneath. They also apply their Vital Nail Serum under the film so that your nail will be shinier and healthier after removing it than before the treatment. I decided to go for the super 70s shade above, which clashed really badly with the dress I was wearing in number 88 I’ve Got Your Back. I thought it was really pretty with my skin tone but still nice and bright for summer. The finished effect was really smooth and shiny like a normal gel and didn’t feel heavy or tough on my nails at all. They didn’t last me as long as I wanted them to but with my job I knew that would happen. However some of my fellow bloggers are still posting pictures of theirs now 2 weeks later and they look perfection.  stylerarebit.com

stylerarebit.comI thought I would post some pictures of the normal nail polishes that I received in my goody bag too so you can see what the ‘at home’ quality is like. I’ve been really obsessed with the polishes above and they are making a big difference to the condition of my nails. I use the Active Hardener (purple) to prime which is a great base and the Gloss it Up topcoat over the colour which stops chipping. I’ve noticed that my polish last a few days longer using these two than normal which is really impressive for me.

In the photo below I’m wearing the Pro Nails Polish no.58 Rouge Amour with the two polishes above to prime and finish. I’m not the best at painting nails but you can see how shiny they are and how bold the colour is. I can’t wait for a salon to open in Cardiff soon though so I can get the gels done again!

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See more ProNails products and find a salon here

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Charlotte Tilbury Instant Dry Magical Sheet Mask Review

CHARLOTTE-TILBURY-INSTANT-DRY-MAGICAL-SHEET-MASK-REVIEW-style-rarebit Last week I had the facial to end all facials at Charlotte Tilbury in John Lewis and part of my treatment included the new Instant Dry Magical Sheet Mask that everyone has been raving about. As a self proclaimed connoisseur of the sheet mask, I have to say that it’s a bit weird to use one that’s dry. I’m not aware of any other sheet mask on the market that isn’t dripping in serum so it’s amazing that this achieves anything, considering there’s no liquid product.

It promises the results of a facial in 15 minutes and to brighten, lift, hydrate and reduce lines (yasss). The mask is described as a “bio-mimetic revolutionary system that gives a prolonged release of the ingredients”. Apparently the serum in wet sheet masks will evaporate off your skin after 45 minutes so by being dry it prolongs the effects for up to 8 hours. It also doesn’t harbour bacteria so you can use it up to 3 times, which is good news considering it costs £18! The sheet is quite thick too, far thicker than other ones I’ve tried and you can feel a dry residue on the side that you place on your face. The best thing is that it fits really well and the hooks around your ears help to keep it taught across your face so you get the most of the mask. Certainly worth look like Hannibal Lecter for!

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The Results    

It really does give you a moisturised, fresh and plumped finish. The fine lines on my forehead disappeared which was so exciting and overall I looked more dewy and well rested. It’s strange because while it’s on it doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything. With the other mask I use, like the Garnier Moisture Bomb, the coolness of the sheet makes it feel like it’s actively working but this one is nothing like that and yet delivers even better results. It gives a glow rather than a heavily moisturised finish and I felt my skin was better prepped to apply makeup than if it was saturated in product . Even while I’m writing this I put the mask on 2 hours ago to take a picture and my skin still looks amazing. I think this is a perfect product for a special occasion or for when you need to really perk up your skin.

Shop it here

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Here’s to 25

Here I am, finally recovered from my neck fiasco and feeling super pumped to blog. I have so much to show you, it really is amazing how much internet shopping you can get done on your sick bed. I’ve also just turned 25 and so I’ve got lots of beautiful presents and party stories to share too.

Equally it has rained so much in Cardiff this week it hasn’t been the weather for celebrating. I know it rains all the time here but it really, really rained… a lot. Therefore my outfits this week have been pretty casual and layered up and that’s kind of my everyday vibe at the moment. I really like wearing a hoodie underneath a smart jacket and heels, I like that it gives things a street wear feel and takes it away from looking too dressy. A hood also keeps my hair dry and my eyeliner smudge free, winner.

 

COAT : ZARA // HOODIE & VEST : PRIMARK // TEE : H&M

JEANS :  MARKS & SPENCER // BELT :  MARKS & SPENCER

BAG :  MARKS & SPENCER // BOOTS : JUST FAB

PHOTOGRAPHY : SARAH BARNES

The Cheapest Wardrobe Update Ever

I don’t know why but I instantly fell for these tights and it’s so bizarre because normally I wouldn’t go for something like this at all. My go-to is a 60 denier black tight because it’s classic, covers my pale legs and goes with everything. I’ve just been a bit bored with my wardrobe recently and I’ve been looking for pieces that are more interesting and exciting to wear. It got me thinking about cheap and simple wardrobe updates and I feel like patterned tights are maybe just that. These polka dot ones are still pretty wearable, they are black after all and I like that they are quiet cutesy and playful. I paired them with a really basic outfit but I think that’s what makes this look so wearable and easy to recreate.

JUMPER, TIGHTS & SHOES : MARKS AND SPENCER

SUEDE SKIRT : BEYOND RETRO

BAG : VINTAGE

PHOTOGRAPHS : SARAH BARNES

Style Rarebit 2017

Well hello there. Here I am! First outfit post of 2017 and the first of many more to come. For me this year marks a big change, I’ve spent far too long thinking about how I want my life to be. This is the year where I just have to go and get it, stop thinking and start doing.

Like a lot of people my age, I felt the slump after finishing university so frustrating. You’re no longer being creative on a daily basis and the reality of having to work jobs you hate sets in. Equally I know that a normal 9 to 5 is not for me and even though I’m not sure exactly where I want to go, I know that this blog is my favourite hobby. I’m going to try this year to make this more of a priority and really start pushing it as a medium to be more creative and broaden my horizons (I bloody hate that expression but you know what I mean). I think surrounding myself with people who want the same as me will only help to push us all in the right direction.

I love my blog and I love the opportunities, people and knowledge that it’s brought to me so far. I’m starting to branch out a little bit too with YouTube and doing more projects with brands, which is an amazing learning curve. I am more excited, positive and motivated for StyleRarebit than ever before and I hope you are too. Here’s to more stripy trousers and me rambling on video, whoop whoop!

TOP: MANGO SALE

TROUSER: LIMITED COLLECTION SALE

SHOE: FAITH

BAG: ZARA

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH BARNES

Magazine Worthy Looks // Charity Shop Clothes

As a self titled professional thrift shopper, the opportunity to create looks with charity shop clothes for Wales Air Ambulance was a dream come true. They do amazing work and make 2000 missions each year to save lives, supported entirely by donations and their charity shops. So to inspire you to get shopping, I’ve styled some looks inspired by classic trends that will be easy to recreate with some pieces I selected from their Pontypridd store.

 

The Pleated Midi Skirt

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The trend: Midi skirts have become a wardrobe staple and are flattering for so many different shapes. This season it’s about pairing it with a light jumper and comfy shoes, for an everyday autumn look.

What to look for: A pleated skirt thats a longer length, either printed or plain and a lightweight jumper. These skirts are always in charity shops, as they were popular many moons ago and most come with an elasticated waist so you can roll it to the right length.

How I’m wearing it: Both me and Alice (Media Officer and fellow Blogger) fell in love with this skirt and felt it was similar to a Whistles one this season. I paired it with a simple white jumper, boots and a backpack and I like that it’s really wearable, comfy and easy to recreate.

Cost: Skirt £2.50

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Festival Babe

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The trend: Mix and match, festival chic with lots of short shorts, crop tops and layers of accessories.

What to look for: Printed shorts, vintage t-shirts, jewellery and anything printed or colourful. Think about the potential in garments too, this is the one trend where customising is very much encouraged.

How I’m wearing it: I found these printed shorts and instantly loved them, they’re really comfortable, easy to wear and I love that they sit on the waist. I paired them with a simple black crop top and layered my accessories to finish the look.

Cost:  Top £1.50 Shorts £2

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90s Grunge

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The trend: 90s grunge is all about reviving the looks of the naughties in a contemporary way. One of the key looks is layering a tee under a dress, it’s really easy and adds an instant edge to something girly or dressy.

What to look for: Strappy, long line dresses, that aren’t too tailored or fussy.

How I’m wearing it: I found this dress in the store and felt like it had a lot of potential but I wasn’t sure how to style it. It was actually my mum who suggested the tee and I think it works really well. Layering is an easy way to update a look and adding a choker brings it bang up to date.

Cost: Dress £3.50

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Oversized Vintage Shirt

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The trend: Oversized vintage or inspired shirts which are loose fitting and in luxe fabrics.

What to look for: A shirt thats not fitted and either oversized or at least two sizes up from what you normally wear. If it’s available choose something in a silk or a luxurious fabric for a more high end look. Make sure to check in the mens rails too because getting the perfect size isn’t crucial and you might find some unusual prints.

How I’m wearing it: For some reason this shirt gave me SATC vibes, so I had to pair it with heels and really dress it up. I think this is such an easy and effective look, who doesn’t have a staple pair of jeans and heels in their wardrobe? And it’s totally effortless and comfortable at the same time. Alternatively you could pair this with trainers and a back pack for a casual day look.

Cost: Shirt £2.50

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Italian Red

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The trend: The italian Red dress is more of a classic look than a trend but it’s completely timeless. Think of it as the wild sister of the LBD.

What to look for: Anything in a bright but warm red, a dress is perfect but a shirt or skirt would also look amazing paired with black. If it’s a dress make sure it’s a good fit or could be easily altered, you want it to flatter your figure.

How I’m wearing it: I decided to try and dress it up with black and gold accessories as an evening look. Using on trend shoes and a statement belt helps to bring it up to date and look more expensive.

Cost: Dress £3.50

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Military Girl

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The trend: This look is all about strong, military inspired silhouettes and finishings layered with leather and hardware.

What to look for: Black, khaki or nude pieces with flap pockets or studs.

How I’m wearing it: I decided to wear this dress as is rather than layering it. I like that its form fitting but comfortable and works perfectly with leather boots and a statement bag.

Cost: Dress £3.50

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Oversized Shearling Coat

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The trend: An oversized, shearling or suede coat, combined with heavy layering.

What to look for: A suede, shearling or fur lined coat/jacket that is oversized or bigger than your normal size. If possible stick to warm tones, burgundy, brown or camel that has large pockets.

How I’m wearing it: I’m in love with this coat, it works perfectly with a chunky knit jumper and I decided to wear over the knee boots to try and dress up the look.

Cost: Coat £6

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All the items used for this post will be going back to the Pontypridd store and will be available to purchase, if your quick enough! Please support your local store and share your thrifted looks via instagram @air_ambulance.

What to Buy // The Mini Bag Edit

There is nothing I love more than a mini bag. It’s the one thing that encourages you to throw out all those receipts, downsize your credit cards and live a shoulder pain free life. So in light of my fondness I though I would select a few of my favourites this season for your shopping pleasure. I feel like a mini bag is also the perfect opportunity to add some colour and some crazy to your wardrobe in a little dose. So don’t be shy with your choices.stylerarebit.com

From left to right: Knot Cross Body Bag, £29.99 Mango // Mini Metropolis Bag, £250 Furla // Beaded Bag, £29.99 Zara // Mix & Match Mini Bag, £35.99 Zara // Double Baguette, £1,590 Fendi

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From left to right: Shoulder bag, £1,250 Jimmy Choo // Mini Drew Bag, £1,230 Chloe // Dionysus Mini, £1,040 Gucci // Vixon Bag, £30 Skinny Dip // B-Rockstud Micro, £1,525 Valentino