makeup

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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jeans and a nice top

stylerarebit.comI’ve had to admit something to myself recently that I never, EVER, thought I would have to. However it’s very sad and so true that I’m a little bit of a ‘jeans and a nice top’ girl. I feel like this is the fashionably comfortable equivalent of wearing your pyjamas to Tesco. It’s just so good, the jeans are stretchy, it’s a well put together outfit but it’s so low maintenance. As if I had to iron a single thing, that’s the problem with pretty dresses. You don’t have to shave, tan, hold in the wind jeans and a nice top, it’s good as it is. I may be the worst Cardiff fashion blogger but at least I’m honest about it.

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sunglasses : mango

vest : primark

mesh top : wakiki vintage

jeans & shoes : marks and spencer

belt and bag : vintage

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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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beauty blogger

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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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

3 Easy Christmas Makeup Looks

The party season is upon us! It’s officially 9 days and counting until Christmas Day and the best time of year to get out your favourite dress and start experimenting with your makeup box. If your stuck for ideas or just want to try something new,  I’ve put my 3 go to looks below for some festive inspiration.

★ Look 1:  Super Glitter

This is SO EASY! I’m not the best at eye make up but this takes all of 10 minutes and is so fun for a party. Start by smoking out your cat eye shape in a black eye shadow or liner and then simply press the shadow into the shape as thickly as possible. I used the Stila Magnificent Metals Shadow (which is so good!) but any gold or glitter shadow will work, just spray some setting spray to wet it and you’ll get the best colour pay off. For lips I used a Kiko lipliner in a deep purple to keep with the Autumnal theme and some highlighter on my cheek bones.

★ Look 2:  Classic Cat Eye / Red Lip Combination

You can’t go wrong with this look, it suits everyone and it goes with everything. Start with your eyeliner and layer on a thick coat, I like to start by drawing a line up on each corner and then filling in the main shape across the lash line. Add a slick of red lipstick, some shimmery highlight and your done. Super simple and very gorgeous.

★ Look 3:  The Big Smoke

This is not about precision or the perfect blend of 3 colours, this is more a big brush and just go for it. Concentrating on the outer corner of your crease, swirl a dark colour in a shade of your choice until it’s well blended. Then pat a lighter colour along your lash line and in the inner corner and finish with a shimmery shade to add a Christmassy touch. I paired this with a simple nude lip and a light dusting of bronzer.

★★ Merry Christmas! ★★

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Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Mascara Review

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes ReviewVolume, curl and definition 9/10
The volume is incredible, I’ve never had a mascara that builds my lashes this much. It gives amazing length as well for a full, thick lash that’s buildable. It is however quite easy to over do, especially if your used to doing layers upon layers with other mascaras. Just remember when using that a little bit goes a VERY LONG way.
 Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Review
Packaging 10/10
It’s gold, glamorous, femenine and it does not rub off! It’s a testimont to her attention to detail and looks gorgeous in your makeup bag. Far prettier than those ugly Rimmel things in neon!
The brush 7.5/10
When I tried the sample I loved it, the brush was dense but not caked in product. However when I bought the full size it carried a lot more product and didn’t look so full. Sometimes I have to wipe it on the side to get rid of some excess but it’s always heavily loaded. However this is probably how it manages to achieve a dramatic change.
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Review
Lasting power 9/10
My lashes stay full all day and they drop far less than with any other mascara I’ve tried which is amazing. The only thing I’ve noticed is that it can be a bit smudgy and I end up getting it around my eye. The consistency is quite oily and you feel it doesn’t really set, I would definitely recommend applying this last and don’t touch it!
Price 7/10
I mean £25 is steep, absolutely, but it’s worth more than a £5 mascara that achieves nothing. You definitely get what you pay for with this and it’s a beautifully packaged item.
Overall 9/10
This is by far the best mascara I’ve ever tried and makes the biggest difference to my lashes. The packaging is gorgeous, it does exactly what you want it to and yes it’s a little pricey but so worth it! If the  smudgey consistency was fixed and it stayed put, it would be a solid 10.

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My 2 Year Blogiversary

small-coverIn honour of StyleRarebit.com turning 2, I’ve made a video looking at my favourite posts and memories so far. I still can’t quite believe how long I’ve been doing this for now but it’s become something I really enjoy and something which I hope you enjoy reading.

Apologies in advance though for that really annoying piece of hair, if you subscribe I promise I’ll make an effort with some curling irons next time…

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.

Mango Mango

stylerarebit.com stylerarebit.comHey everyone. So sales are pretty much ending now but I’ve been so busy recently, I haven’t had much time to share my purchases. The Mango sale was incredible though and there are still some really lovely pieces online. I first got this little bag which has been my favourite recent purchase. It’s not real leather which I normally avoid but I loved the style so much I bypassed my rule. I then went into town with my mum to buy clothes for her holiday and I ended up buying these stripy trousers. I love them! The glasses unfortunately were not sale but they are super cool and completely affordable, so justified. I’ve paired them with a long tunic here as I felt like a crop top would be too obvious and I like how relaxed it looks. Let me know if you’ve made any good sale purchases and make sure to catch up with my last post featuring Swag and Tassel. Happy Weekend!

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SUNGLASSES // MANGO

TOP // M&S COLLECTION

BELT // VINTAGE

TROUSER // MANGO SALE (similar here)

SHOES // ZARA

BAG // MANGO SALE