HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The time has come to brush 2011 out of the back door and open our front door to a fresh new year!

2012

Sounds so futuristic....

I'm sure you're all dolled up to the nines for your New Year Celebrations and here, it's no exception.

If I were to head out on New Years Eve it would have to be in a setting full of luxury and decadence, a lovely ballroom steeped in ornate brass fittings and draped red velvet. With Champagne in crystal on silver platters, a pianist and a small string orchestra playing softly in the background.

With all this in mind I dressed for my date :D

I was ridiculously lucky and managed to pick up an authentic Roland Klein vintage black evening dress.  Not only that but instead of the £60 upwards price you can expect to pay on such a dress, I snapped it up on Ebay at £1.79!!!

It features a black 'slip' with a front split ( and pockets! ) covered with a fine layer of sparkled chiffon.

You can wear the neck open or tied.

A simply stunning dress.

But first things first...... my make up look for tonight...

I wanted a hint of glitter and sheen for the 'starlet' based look but didn't want to go overboard.

This is what I used: 

Eyeshadow Palette (from my Mother In Law for Christmas) simply called Catwalk Colour Eyeshadow (I used the purple shade only)

On top of the purple shadow I added a very fine dusting of the Bellapierre Harmoney that I recieved in Novembers Feel Unique Beauty Box.

My Collection 2000 Extreme Liquid Eyeliner

And I used a bronzer for highlighting my cheeks. I usually stick to pink shades and this is more dark golden but I thought it would appear a little more dramatic, perfect for a special occasion.

The two mascaras to get the False Lash Effect as featured in the Faking It post a while ago.

And the lipstick is from Avon, it's gorgeous and glossy, didn't cost much and most importantly when you smudge it, it stays put! Just the ticket for those midnight smooches ;)

Ready for a New Years Ball...

It is true, that feeling they tell you about when you wear a beautifully cut garment... It's second to none. 

My accessories for the evening are my marabou fan purchased from Ann Summers for just £5 and this gorgeous necklace and earrings. They're not a set as such but they work well together.

I'm sorry I can't remember where I got these but I do know they were cheap as chips ;)

And so, followers, readers, friends and family as I sit here in my finery...

May I raise a glass to you all,

Well, a good old cup of tea ;)

Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year

Love, 

The Agoraphobic Fashionista

Tutorial: The Iconic Beehive

It doesn't matter at what point in history you look to, Beehives are everywhere from Brigitte Bardot to Audrey Hepburn and from the Ronettes to Amy Winehouse it's certainly an Iconic hairstyle not to be ignored.

I love the beehive. It's versitile. You can go completely OTT with it or you can create it with just a little subtle height, brilliant for us shorter girls.

The style I'm showing you here is somewhere in the middle. It's more of a Bardot Beehive, only because it's not all pinned up and tucked neatly out of the way.

As I mentioned before I don't particularly like using false padding / extensions / hair spray on my hair and if I can avoid backcombing I do!

For this particular hairstyle I used 6 bobby pins / hair grips. It's possible!

If you're starting out and this is your first go I suggest using hairspray. I think it helps with the confidence initially.

So to start off, the pictures for steps 1 - 3

Step 1: Lift about a 3 inch section of hair from the top middle of your head.

Step 2: Using two hands twist the 'ponytail' of sectioned hair (you can use a hair elastic here if you need to), then once you have a little twist simply push that twist further up your head.

Step 3: Pin the middle piece of hair up with as many pins as you feel you need and spray if you want.

At this point don't be afraid of height as your beehive will sink ever so slightly when all pinned up.

 Step 4: Take the leftover 'side' sections of hair, one at a time and simply pin up with the middle, leaving it a little loose to help with the shape.
I take the section of hair ie from the left first and then I pull it over the middle twist you made in your hair so you actually end up pinning it on the right hand side of the twist... then repeat with the right side section of hair which in turn, should end up pinned on the left side of the middle twist.

Then simply hairspray as much as you feel you need to and stick as many pins in as you have to, it's ok if it looks unsightly.. a lovely hair pin / corsage / bow can hide anything ;)

You should end up with something like this:

 

In my ever so humble opinion ;) if you are styling your hair in a beehive it's best to keep the outfit nice and simple. Clean lines and a cute collar should be all you need to complete this classically kitsch look.

I teamed mine with a beige tunic dress with a slight leopard print collar, some tights and little pumps. The only jewellery I wore were my leopard print button oversized studs although it has ocurred to me today I am in desperate need of goldtone accessories (I have none suitable!)

This is the shortest skirt / dress I've worn in over 10 years at least - that's progress :)

The little pumps are cute though I dislike they've got the Golddigga' symbol on them. I picked them up on the Studio website for a fiver last year (bargain!)

Best thing about this hairstyle? If and only if you manage to do it with say, the 6 pins and no hairspray..... it's so easy to deconstruct it in a hurry for a sexy, tousled look ......

From classically chic to tousled romance in a split second...

Great if you're heading out on a date and it all goes the right way ;)

Hello Sailor!

I was a very lucky girl this Christmas, I was absolutely spoiled rotten!

I'm not going to do a present post as I'm almost embarassed by the gifts I recieved, I'm sure you'll see them in drips and drabs through the year ;)

So, I shared my Christmas Day Outfit with you all, it seems only fitting I share my Boxing Day Outfit too. We haven't been out anywhere and we haven't had visitors but it was nice just to get dressed up  :)

Today's outfit was nautical inspired. It was also rockabilly inspired - all made possible by some of the presents my husband lavished on me this year!

I kept my makeup very simple rockabilly style, winged eyeliner, mascara and red lips :) 

HELLO SAILOR!

The stunning top is from www.retrovixens.com and it was given to me by my husband :) I've already made the mistake of going to their website and browsing their stock...... Oh my utter goodness! Amazing clothes on offer! They also cover accessories and I know I'll definately be having to pick up at least a few pairs of their stockings/tights!

I teamed the outfit with another present which I have to say I am head over heels in love with.....

Shoes by IRON FIST

I have been lusting for a pair of Iron Fist shoes for a long time and I'll be completely honest with you all, before I even opened the box I was squealing! 

And then I saw them......

:O 

Just Beautiful!

I accessorised with the little hairband you can see in the top pictures, picked up in Internacionale a few months back and yet another present from the hubster!

(I know I said this isn't a present haul post - it's not! Believe me - Spoiled is NOT the word!)

I've wanted a necklace like this for so long I'm suprised he remembered as it's not something I reminded him about or dropped hints about at all....

I had to include the necklace because as you can see it fits the theme of my outfit so perfectly, it matches the little anchor buttons on the top and also the little anchors on the Iron Fist shoes! 

I love the top, necklace and shoes! It's really lovely to have someone in your life who knows you so well and I really did get too much from people and am totally overwhealmed by the generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness! There isn't one gift I didn't appreciate.

I do hope you were all just as lucky as me and I'm looking forward to nosying at all the Christmas Present Blog posts :D 

Surviving Christmas

I barely did, a few scratches and scrapes along they way, but I made it.

My Christmas Outfit of choice was my Pearl Lowe at Peacocks Lace print vintage style dress.

Now, I couldn't possibly run the risk of ruining such a dress! So I wore my Retro Inspired Apron which I purchased from a friend! Yes! A friend who is just so talented! Luckily the lovely lady herself now has a product-related Facebook Page which you can find here: JUST LIKE DAISY Cute name!

It's just a beautiful apron! Great thing about Just Like Daisy: they cater for everything from aprons to cushions so have a wee look and sure you can tell Terry I sent you ;)

As I already mentioned I just about survived Christmas. I had a spill Christmas morning and a bit of a meltdown this morning. This morning wasn't great at all. But I have been in touch with people I need to be in touch with and I'm working on getting and feeling better.

If you're having similar issues or any issues at all with your mental health over the Festive Season and New Years please, please, pick up a phone, send an email - DO SOMETHING. At the end of the day YOU are the only person who can help yourself. Hell, if you're really stuck, catch me on Twitter or on here and talk to me! Just please talk to someone if you need to. It's important!

The lovely Kellie, the fabulous mastermind behind the blog: BIG FASHIONISTA has compiled a list of Helplines etc for you all and kindly allowed all interested bloggers to share that list.

MIND
www.mind.org.uk
0300 123 3393

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
08457 90 90 90

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcomers
0845 769 7555

Stonewall
www.stonewall.org.uk
Info line 08000 50 20 20

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
0207 837 7324

SANELine
www.sane.org.uk
0845 767 8000

Preventing young suicide
www.papyrus-uk.org

For people in Northern Ireland

Lifeline
www.lifeline.info
0808 808 8000

Childline
www.childline.org.uk
0800 1111

Depression Alliance
www.depressionalliance.org

Refuge
www.refuge.org.uk
0808 2000 247

Eating Disorders Association
www.edauk.com
0845 634 1414

Shelter
www.shelter.org.uk
0808 800 4444

NHS Direct
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
0845 4647

No Panic

www.no-panic.co.uk
0808 808 0545

So any of you, if you feel you can't cope, if everything's just a little too much - pick up the phone!!!!

Huge thanks to Kellie for putting this list together, it's heartwarming to know that people care. 

For Your Eyes Only...

I figured there will be lots of people sharing what they are wearing as their Christmas Outfits, no doubt I most likely will too ;) But, just for something a little different here's my alternative Christmas Outfits!

Hope you like them!

Wanted to do this post for a while as it debuts my Contessa Scarlet Gown as mentioned in the tagline to the Blog's name. As you will see I am a supreme lover of vintage nightwear and lingerie (yup! First 'scanties' post! Exciting!) Babydolls, chemises, long flowing chiffon housecoats *sigh* I love it all!

Christmas is a great time for me to be able to be totally extravagant with my nightwear and I've found a renewed love and lust for vintage lingerie. Believe me girls, you feel so sensual yet powerful wearing *that* kind of underwear! You can't help but slink about the place!

First up: CHRISTMAS EVE OUTFIT

 

Cream Satin (I love the satin!) pyjamas picked up from a shop on Ebay and my little Monster's Teddy ;)

And underneath.... yes, UNDERNEATH!!!

Now, I'm sure you'll understand I couldn't possibly put a picture up of me wearing these items! Some things are for the husbands eyes and camera lens only :P

Stick with me though there's the redeeming Contessa Scarlet Gown to go yet! 

CHRISTMAS NIGHT.....
 

The contessa night dress was picked up in a charity shop with the tags still attached! For £4.00 I was the proud owner of this gown that RRP's at £39.99 

The red lace body came from Matalan and cost just £7.00, a bargain! Would definately recommend their beautiful vintage-inspired lingerie collection.

I feel festive, romantic, wild and wonderful! 

Dare I ask what you are wearing over the Holidays?

Whatever it is, if it's anything at all (ooo - errr!) I hope you have the most fantastical, most fabulous Christmas!

I am astounded by the support shown to me this year from beautiful people on Twitter, Facebook and through this blog, I feel truely lucky to have crossed paths with so many wonderful people. I wanted to thank each and every one of you who read this blog, I find it most theraputic! 

So, here's to you guys!

Love to you all 

Fade to Grey...

Being a complete an utter novice at all things fashion and beauty, it always confused me that you could buy eyeshadow in palettes, duo's and trio's etc Did not in any way make sense to me...

Then I discovered blending etc!

I honestly used to have 1 staple eyeshadow in a light brown and that was it. That, eyeliner and mascara were my only beauty products! To be fair, in a rush, they're staples and I wouldn't be without them however now I've discovered how to actually apply more than one eyeshadow I can't help wanting more to play with ;)

Basically, today I just wanted to do a wee post for other novices, such as myself and to assure you it's not as hard as you think it will be to create - I mean if I can do it! Anyone can!

I got a trio from Rimmel a while ago and had used the purple in a previous post: The Mothership Has Landed it's gorgeous!

In the trio are 2 shades of grey. A light silvery grey and a darker grey with a slight shimmer.

Rimmel London

Colour Rush Trio Eyeshadow

747: Dark Angel

So first of all apply any other face make-up you're wearing ie foundation (I don't tend to wear it very much if I'm honest) and then:

1. Apply the silvery grey to your eyelid, I work from the inner eye out. Make sure to take it up a slight amount above the crease of your eyelid - gives a great effect when you're done.

2. Using the slimmer end of the applicator brush, apply the dark grey to the crease of your eyelid.

If you want the same effect as shown in the picture below simply place the applicator brush to the outside corner of your eye and sweep upwards until it meets the crease line you've already applied.

3. Blend!!! Now, of course there are any amount of 'blending brushes' out there folks but what's wrong with your finger? It's the best make up tool a girl can own! 

I love this Trio and can't believe the pretty I've been missing out on!

Any trio's, duo's etc you'd recommend?

All That Jazz

Blog post tonight is simply called for the item I'm choosing as my Budget Beauty Buy of The Week. Last one of this range I promise, felt I should post it though as I did my nails today using it ;)

You've maybe guessed already but it's the Collection 2000's Hot Looks again! This time, for the last time: it's the shade All That Jazz.

I used it as a base for something 'Festive' but I would recommend it on it's own if you are a fan of the gunmetal type shades of polish.

I also used the two following Models Own nail polishes: Their wonderful base / top coat and their Juicy Jules Glitter polish both fantastic!

So I set about trying to create Winter Wonderland type nails....

As you can see, after just 1 coat of the All That Jazz my nails were looking sleek and quite evenly coloured so I'm impressed!

Then came the tricky part I guess. Nail Stickers. They're fiddly and horrible to work with but I found after a couple of goes you really do get the hang of it. I have small hands and fingers so tend to just use my finger pads to apply them but please make sure your base coat is absolutely bone dry first!!!
The stickers came in a wee box of discounted nail stickers I found in the 99p bin in Gordons Chemist! And ok, they're flowers, not snowflakes BUT I think they do the job nicely.

To finish off I applied a coat of the Juicy Jules for sparkles!

Don't forget a Top Coat to seal!

All in all, taking into consideration the time needed between coats for drying, this took me approximately 20 minutes which really isn't too bad at all! I had fun doing my nails this morning whilst my husband frantically wrapped presents ;) Want to try and experiment more with 'nail art' in the future.

A little practise works wonders, I need a lot more but I feel it's starting to pay off already!

The First Time...

Today can be described by the following quotation: ''It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'' or as a Day of Two Halves really.

Every year my husbands Aunt has a Santa Party, we went last year. This year? We didn't make it. I did however dress for it anyway ;)

Which leads me onto why this blog post is titled The First Time... well ladies and maybe gentlemen - who knows! ... I wore a dress! A not so little black dress. I had fallen in love with the Pearl Lowe type crochet lace dresses on Peacocks but couldn't afford them etc etc you know how it is but I managed to pick up a lovely 'stand-in' dress in a local charity shop for £4.99!

So, The Not-So-Little-Black-Dress and the first time I'm wearing anything above ankle length on the internet!

Ok, ok yes it's just above the ankle but slow progress here folks! It's a very victorian feeling dress, lace at the collar and the option of tying a little bow which I love!
So so hard to photograph it in it's real life glory though...

 I teamed it with the skinny gold belt and the reason will be revealed later.....

Stuck a cute bow in my hair with, if I'm honest, ribbon that came off a giftbox! Gotta take it when you get it folks, so keep hold of all those Christmas ribbons you come across!

I went for a modern glam-goth look with my make up and totally flaunted that age old rule of either a bold eye or bold lip and went for both! Hey! It's Christmas, I mean if you can't go OTT now then when can you!?!

Teamed the whole thing with the most gorgeous (and suprisingly comfortable shoes) purchased off Ebay for a ridiculously low price!! By the Fiore Collection - great range of shoes! And here, the reasoning behind the gold belt is revealed... it was a nice little secret for me (and now you!)

There is a gold lining inside the shoes! They just look and feel luxurious!

So I ended up with my outfit for the day...

Have to admit, I felt Pretty ;)

Faux Pas

Big massive trend this Winter Season is Faux Fur which is fantastic on so many levels. We all know why we shouldn't buy or support the production of real fur products so it's nice to see such a great range of faux furs out there!

Of course, I've had a little look around online, (as I couldn't get the River Island yellow faux fur collar I wanted so badly) and I found a few others that I would LOVE to own!

For me it's all in the colour!

From Asos this little 'Grace Leopard Faux Fur Collar' is so simple and cosy looking

This bold red-ed beauty is by Ana Konder for Asos and the colour is stunning!

This is another of Ana Konder for Asos's collection and you can choose from blue (pictured) or a fantastic red (not unlike that pictured above this item) It's cute, quirky and phenomenal depth of colour!

And so props to Asos for their great faux fur range, unfortunately a lot of what I did see on their website when I clicked in on the item I was told they were out of stock, this really annoys me with online retailers. If it's out of stock, take the catalogue picture down from the website unless you're planning on obtaining more of that particular stock! Please!

One retailer I'm pleasantly suprised at is Twitters very own TempSec. Now, I knew they sold amazing little trinkets - seriously amazing! However, until this week I didn't know about this little gem...

Isn't it fabulous!? An instant 'glam-up' for any outfit at all! And priced at only £16.00 it's such a little bargain!

Why not check this item out and see what other quirky and amazingly cute trinkets you can find, just click on the link below. Remember to look out for the ridiculously adorable fox bag in stock at the moment!

www.temporary-secretary.com 

After a night spent painstakingly wrapping presents for others it was nice to sit and lust for a while. I wonder if Santa is listening.....