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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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Flower Shopping

stylerarebit.comstylerarebit.com My mum is a photographer (incase you didn’t know already, she takes all my outfit pictures) and has been working with the Flower Lodge for a while now. Just last week she brought home a huge bunch of Ranunculus (google them THEY ARE GORGEOUS) and it’s what gave me the idea to take some pictures there today. It’s the most beautiful shop in Rhiwbina and if your visiting I recommend having a look at their new gift range of candles and diffusers which are so lovely. A quick scroll through these pictures should inspire you enough to take a trip, so many amazing colours!

My look today is pretty much my go to outfit as of late. These gingham trousers, in terms of cost per wear, are probably about 1p. Too comfy to take off. I know that this is the season where I should be breaking out the colours but I like wearing monochrome and great basics and it’s nice to be comfy. Sometimes you just want to throw on what makes you feel good.

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SUNGLASSES // VALENTINO

TOP // H&M

TROUSER // ZARA

SHOES // H&M

BAG // MARKS & SPENCER

PHOTOGRAPHY // SARAH BARNES

NIOD Flavanone Mud Mask Review

stylerarebit.comA few weeks ago now I met up with Laura, the PR for Deciem, to chat about the brand which has got every blogger, skincare fanatic and magazine talking. Deciem is also known as The Abnormal Beauty Company and for good reason. They have stripped back on unnecessary packaging, ingredients and false claims to bring us the best in scientific research that REALLY works. Under the umbrella of Deciem are their handful of different brands including The Ordinary (which I have a review of coming soon), NIOD, Fountain and many more. It brings about the change that so many of us have been looking for, moving away from the hype and concentrating on back to basics, affordable skincare that we can trust.

Today I’m reviewing the NIOD Flavanone Mud Mask, which I chose to try because it’s very purifying and effective on spot prone skin. NIOD, which stands for Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science is the most advanced of the Deciem brands. It’s also a good way to describe the look and smell of the Flavanone Mask, it very much feels like a Science project.

cardiff beauty blogger niod flavanone mud maskThe mask is said to have three phases, the Purifying Phase, Protective Phase and Responsive Phase. Combined they decongest the skin without throwing off the balance meaning it gives purifying results that last. It is a mud mask but the consistensy is lighter and more watered down. You only need to apply a small layer to get great results but it’s worth noting that it does sting your skin. This is mentioned in the directions but it feels counterintuitive leaving something on that isn’t so comfortable. However the results are worth the 10 minutes of discomfort. It deeply cleanses your skin and leaves it looking matte but not feeling dry. It also helps to take down the redness of any spots or pigmentation leaving them less angry.

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I read a few reviews before trying it out and a lot of them were saying to use it everyday for the first week and then once a week after that as a top up. I found that everyday was a bit too much for my sensitive skin but using it every few days definitely helped to keep my spots at bay. It’s also worth noting that this has a shelf life of 6 months so you need to be using it often to get through the pot. I’m thinking of taking it down to my chest (as I get a few spots there too) to make the most of the product within that time. I would definitely repurchase this mask again and NIOD is a brand that I really want to explore more.

The Flavanone Mask is £29 and available 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

Sale Haul and Try on Video

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

New Year’s Resolutions 2017

Here we are folks, it’s 2017!! I feel so excited for this year, I’m not sure why, I just have a feeling that it’s going to be a good one.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to achieve in these coming months and I think making resolutions is such a positive way to start. Why not set out to get what you want? and kick this coming year’s butt.

Resolution 1: Be more positive! Not gonna lie, I sometimes get a tad bit negative and it’s really not good for me, nor the people around me. This year I just want to focus on the good and be grateful for everything, the secret is real!

Resolution 2: Get strong I don’t feel at my best right now and I know that exercising is what my body really needs. I’m thinking of maybe signing up to a run or going to some classes to get me back on the right track. I always feel amazing after a workout and I got trainers for Christmas too, so no excuses!

Resolution 3: Grow StyleRarebit This blog is my favourite hobby ever but this year I want to push myself and grow it into something I can be really proud of. My main focus is creating better quality content and more of it. This is going to be my number one priority.

Resolution 4: Making Pyjamas I’ve been wanting to start a luxury pyjama line for about a year now and I’m still surrounded by toiles and fabrics. I’ll be starting small but I definitely want to have some pieces up online and be sewing more regularly by the end of this year.

Resolution 5: Do something out of the ordinary I really want to start doing a few things a year that are a bit more exciting and different. A zip wire is number one on my list but maybe trying some extreme sports or learning a new skill would be cool too.

I hope you liked these and that they inspired you to create your own. If you have any good ones please leave them in the comments below, I would love to hear what you have planned for 2017.

Happy New Year! x

Wearing cats and my new favourite bag.

Scarf: New Look

Bag: Zara

Photography: Sarah Barnes

The Cardiff Lifestyle Awards

stylerarebit.comI was so excited when I got the invitation from Made in Cardiff TV to come to the Cardiff Lifestyle Awards. Anything that celebrates my home city, I’m right there, I honestly couldn’t be prouder of Cardiff and how far it’s developed in the past few years. These Awards honoured small businesses, who were nominated and voted for by the public. This included everything from fashion retailers, restaurants, bars and experiences and the list of nominees were incredible.

stylerarebit.com Before we went live we sat down for dinner, a three course feast of cheese and onion tart, chicken and veggies and a chocolate pudding. It was so good and I was sat on a table with fellow bloggers Dress Me Perfect and Cardiff Fashion as well as the press team from Made TV who were all so lovely. It was a bit surreal to be sat around huge cameras and TV screens but so fascinating to see how that works.

stylerarebit.com stylerarebit.com stylerarebit.comI was very last minute in getting ready but I went for a simple black jumpsuit and heels, I had no idea what to wear, having never been to an awards show before! So I decided to keep it simple and also wear something I could eat in, priorities! Everyone looked amazing but people were generally smart casual and really on trend, lots of gorgeous midi skirts, jumpsuits and fur stoles. I’ve put my favourite looks from the red carpet below for you to have a look at. I hope enjoyed this post and please keep an eye out for Made in Cardiff TV, they are always covering stories about amazing local talent.

Award Winners

Best Cardiff Bar  – The Dead Canary

Best Cardiff Live Experience –  Tramshed

Best Cardiff Restaurant – Time and Beef

Best Cardiff Fitness Facility – Pure Gym

Best Cardiff Hotel – St.David’s Hotel

Best Cardiff Cultural Attraction – Wales Millennium Centre

Best Cardiff Club – Pryzm

Best Cardiff Fashion Retailer – Penny Lane Vintage

Best Cardiff Hair & Beauty – Guy Christian

Best Cardiff Coffee Shop – The Plan Café

 

 

 

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…