Gimme Candy: L'Oreal Miss Candy & Smokin' Eyes!

Hello my pretties, how's your week going?

 I don't know about you, but every now and again I have this furious burst of beauty & make up addiction, I'm not entirely sure if it had anything to do with my little L'Oreal Paris surprise this week (-great start to the week, yay!!!) or the fact that I just wanna ply my face with a bit of colour when the weather seems a little unpredictable and grey sometimes.

Anyways... I loved seeing all the candy, gum dropped colours coming through for spring/summer; from Dior to YSL & even Laduree's super yummy sorbet shaded make up collection.

MAC/NARS/Bobbi Brown, please forgive me but I officially have a new love - L'Oreals Miss Candy collection.  My pouts craving the super shimmery Glam shine lipgloss in Cola Fizz & Strawberry Licorice (available in 6 delicious shades) and my eyes will be coveting the Color Infallible eye shadows bright n' sparkly 'Innocent turquoise' (above) and 'Sassy marshmallow' hues (Eye shadows available in 4 colours), which will pop against my subtle tan. Looks like I'm all set to to dress my nails, eyes and lips now! 

For the best part of winter you could say that I'm pretty guilty of falling into the same make up routine, but once summer hits, I do love experimenting with eye make-up looks,  especially with colourful shades, similar to the L'Oreal look (first image above). Right now, I'm totally smitten with these gorgeous eye make up looks.

 Coco Rocha with emerald green & grey hues for Vogue Nippon, Aug 2008 by Arthur Elgort

Check out the brilliant How-To post on how to achieve this colour blocking make-up look via The Beauty Department here.

I adore this! I haven't actually tried purple, but I think I will do... one night. Love this step-by-step image by make up artist Zina Grekova whose eye make up looks are all over Pinterest.

 Have you mastered your smokey eye look yet, take peek at Zina's classic brown/black smokey eye look close up!

Having read some of the comments, I thought I'd add a little more to this post. I know that doing a smokey look on yourself can sometimes look like you've been punched in the face in both eyes if you're not used to seeing how this look looks on you - just remember to BLEND!!! I always keep cotton buds at hand to help remove any parts that I might have gone way OTT on (usually to lessen the amount of dark shadow near the brown bone area, in the corners or underneath the eye)

Everyone has a different eye shape - it's about experimenting and knowing what or how much smokiness works with your face shape. Always take a step back from the mirror and see how it looks.

It's good to try different things - sometimes I'll go for a more elongated cat eye shape and balance the make up on the cheek area with a bit of definition.

 Need a little help? What about this four-piece brush set by Sonia Kashuk? (Alternatively, you can find similar brushes at Sephora too) image via: Glamour Mag

So lovelies, will you be trying something new or different this summer? Know what colours work for you and take a risk I say! Colour is a real game-changer in the name of make-up!


p.s Thank you L'Oreal Paris GR! Mwah!

A Tally of Two Cities Illustrated: Je L'aime!

A while ago, I fell in love with these incredibly minimalist & colourful illustrations by Vahram Muratyan's blog Paris vs New York: A tally of two cities. Take a peek at these and you'll see why! What a fantastic illustrative journal.

After reading his interview in Black Book Mag here (it's a great read), I totally understood how he feels in terms of being torn by two cities he loves dearly. I can't really make that comparison with Athens and London, these are two major cities with so much cultural differences & history that go way onto another level.

The weekend is upon us, so of course I'm going to leave you guys with something fun to watch! My BFF sent this and said that there should be a Pinball parking in Athens - how much fun eh?!

Have a super duper sparkly weekend lovelies!

Happy Feet: Mariettas Fantasy Sandal Collection 2012

Hot, sunny weather has been storming the shores of Greece for quite some time now, so it's only appropriate that I find some decent footwear that is not only comfortable but stylish. Note, I am a sucker for colour & detail or something dead simple, understated but stylish too - very contradictory (but yes I am that kinda girl, it's either all or nothing with me). I managed to discover the perfect amalgamation of all these things in Marietta's Fantasys new collection.

 Let me introduce you to Greek beauty Marietta Chrousala, TV personality and model (who, believe me looks even more gorgeous in the flesh) whose collection was born out of reaction in not finding the ultimate pretty, comfortable sandal. Marietta ended up doing a bit of cratista by making her own leather sandal with the help of her uber crafty mum and together they created their very first pair of decorative sandals. When strangers stopped her in the street on numerous occasions to ask where they could buy a pair, she knew it was the moment to branch out & design a collection. It took about a year to complete the design process to actual launch of the collection via the online boutique and now she's considering plans to expand into the accessories area... you heard it here first loves!

 Each pair have a slight heel and comfy non slip soles

Calling all cupcake lovers!

 My faves - the black and nude patent leather thong with skull or crown motif - I think I want both, one for day and one for night! 

 Lots of hand-beaded colourful leather sandals

Stylist to the Stars Alex Katsaiti with Marietta in cute black playsuit, image via Alex K

The majority of Marietta's collection leather sandal remind me of all things summery & happy; it's super girly, pretty, playful and colourful, with two gorgeous patent numbers, which I couldn't help but swoon over (see photos above). There are around 30 odd styles in the new collection, with new styles coming soon for high summer, all of which are handmade by Marietta and her mother and produced in Greece with slip resistant soles. Perfect for not wiping out on Athens dodgy pavements I say!
Lastly I adore the new pink & black zebra foldable flip flop - which you can sneak into your (teeny) bag if you're suffering from a spot of tired feet! For more information, please visit Marietta's Fantasy.

Thanks to Zoe, Aliki & Marietta for having me! It was so good seeing you beautiful ladies!

Little Black Book: Cannes (Film Festival)

Oooh, it's been a while since Little Black Book made a peek on this blog, but as you know this week it's all about the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival. This is a full on post guys!

No, I'm not really there right now, but I wouldn't mind soaking up some sun, it's been miserable in Athens. Anyhoos, guess someone's got to hold the fort! Whilst I've not yet had the pleasure to roam around Cannes, I've had some good times on the neighbouring Juan-Les-pin, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco & Nice.
I did a little recce on some hots spots and how to get the best out of your Cannes Film Festival experience... Oh and a little birdy who once partied far too hard on a yacht with the likes of Rankin & er some famous faces in Cannes, might have dished out some useful info too.

Getting there: (Nice International Airport, NCE, then a 45 mins by road) OR by Helicopter which takes only 7 minutes! Azur Helico (00 33 193 90 40 70,( www.azurhelico.com)

HOTELS
Make sure you have booked accomodation! Need I say more? You'll find most of the A-lister action at Hotel Martinez, Hotel Eden Roc, Hotel Majestic Barriere & The Ritz Carlton.

I really liked the look of this place personally - Five Hotel & Spa, hello jacuzzi on balcony (Presidential Suite)! Also loving Hotel Le Canberra.

Aim to get there for day 2 or 3 of the film festival, as a bevy of stars don't descend on the Med's glitzy resort 'til the second day. Arriving in the afternoon means you'll have some time to rest & glam up before heading over to the Croissette (aka the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès) where the film festival is held. I sure love a bit of red carpet frock-a-thon action, you can get your hit of glam happenings and pre-red carpet buzz in the early evenings. You know I'd be there snapping away at those gorgeous frocks! Cue Ooohing and ahhing from moi.
 
EAT:
If all you can see is luxe, then fear not, there are plenty of options - from an "Italian Caffe" (28 Boulevard Jean Hibert), a fine little place that overlooks the bay and is often filled with high profile peeps and locals." As recommended by Film Producer Claire Russell
Marche Forville (In Old town Rue Forville from 7am-1pm)- Traditional outdoor market in Cannes bursting with quality fresh fruit, veg & meats.
For my caffeine and celeb spotting hit I'd probably sit myself down at Café 72 (71, Boulevard de la Croisette) located opposite Martinez hotel.
Cocoon (18, rue Bivouac Napoleon) Looks like an inexpensive joint for the perfect lunch, has a #2  rank in restaurants in Cannes by Tripadvisor, check it out here.
L'Affable (5 Rue La Fontaine)  - French cuisine at it's best, oh and you may spot the famous face too.

FREEBIES
"Grab a bottle of the rosé  anything from a supermarket and head to the beautiful belle époque hotel, the Majestic Barrière, to catch a free movie. Every year the Cinema de la Plage (The Beach Cinema) on the hotel's private beach screens 'out of competition' films or 'Cannes Classics'; they even provide a comfy seat and a blanket." Films start around 9.30 p.m. and you have to get an invitation from the tourist office to get in - or so I've been told.
Majestic Barriere, 10 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes (04 92 98 77 00)

BEACHTIME
Sun worshippers, can find a spot the popular Nikki Beach.

POOL PARTY:
3.14 La Plage (5, rue François Einesy)

NIGHTLIFE (source Telegraph UK)
Le Baoli (Port Canto-Boulevard de la Croisette; +33 493430343) Where the elite & superstars like to party.
 - I've heard so many wonderful things about this exotic restaurant & bar, but one thing that stinks and does not sit well with me is bad attitude from doormen and sucky service. If you're a high roller or big and I mean mega spender and are dressed to the nines, hoorah, you might have a chance of getting in.
Charly's (5 Rue du Suquet) - this sexy cave bar has had some positive reviews from Telegraph & World Travel Guide. Away from the buzz, but also a hipster joint, this gem serves up superb cocktails.

NIGHTCAP:
Cavok (19 rue des Freres Pradignac) for Intimate atmosphere and superb cocktails. (Source recommendation via Tripadvisor)


As for the Red Carpet... There has been so many amazeballs looks, I'll be pinning my favourites here. Loving Belle Heathcote in Gucci fall 2012 and Jessica Chastain in a strapless Georgio Armani creation so far!

Have a fab weekend lovelies! I hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Useful references: Where to Eat click here,  Guardian Travel,  MSN Travel, ElleUK Cannes travel, Telegraph UK
Images via National Geographic, links referring to hotels/bars

The Great British (Fashion) Stamp

Hello loves! I have no idea where the weekend went, but it went far too quickly for my liking. As many of you know I spent the past few days in the UK celebrating an old BFF's wedding and seeing friends & family. Talk about the ultimate weekened ever! I had such a blast even though it was a whirlwind of a visit and I can't wait to share some snippets with you.

There are plenty of celebrations as we kick off with Cannes Film Festival tomorrow and early next month, Queen Liz' Diamond Jubilee, it's going to be absolutely huge!
However, most recently I stumbled across the 'Great British Fashion Stamp set' by Royal Mail, featuring 10 Famous and most loved British Designers iconic designs. The designs as featured on faceless models as below, go back as far as the Second World War and was photographed by one of my all time fave fashion photographers, Sølve Sundsbø.  These are on sale from today in the UK stamp collectors! They've even got a framed stamp collector's edition for sale here!

 Ossie Clark print by Celia Birtwell giving a nod to the Swinging 60's.

 Black Raven from Alexander McQueen's The Horn of Plenty collection

 Jean Muir's famous Harlequin dress from the 1980's.

 A classic blue suit by Paul Smith, who first broke into fashion in the 1970's

 

Royal Mail are also issuing these commemorative stamps in honour of the Queen's Jubilee, I can't believe it's been 60's years since her accession to the throne. 

What stylish ways to push the envelope?! Any favourites here?

images via Royal Mail & Daily Mail.

Wedding Weekend: Going to the Chapel...

One of my fave enchanting shoots featuring Valerya by Amber Gray Brides Dec 2010 via here

Hello! How's your week going loves?!
This weekend I'm off to one of my best friends wedding and I cannot tell you how beyond excited I am! It also means a little trip back across the pond, a whirlwind visit to see family & friends.

I'm going to packing whatever free minutes and hours I have to get my missed hugs, (new) gossip, stroke my pregnant friends baby bumps, swap some good reads, get hits of any kind of food that I have missed before heading off to the wedding in country, yay!

I know I'm not the only one whose heart goes all gooey & swoons at everything on 'Style Me Pretty', oooh and all those gorgeous, dreamy wedding moodboards on Pinterest, right?

 via Style Me Pretty Wedding (Full shoot: Beverly Hills Wedding)

via Style Me Pretty Gallery.

 
I realize that time is ticking and I haven't had the chance to focus on the 'me' prep yet as I've been running around doing other things, but at least I know what dress I'm wearing. Bizarrely enough, Refinery 29 came up with this inspiration for Wedding Guest outfit, which in the colour department (mint) is similar to mine, but the dress I have is a sheath style. The final decisions on accessorizing is a working progress, since I can't decide whether to go with silver or gold hues, so I'm going to have to be a ninja in the organized department when it comes to packing after work later.
(Talk about super early pre-weekend post!)

Wishing you all a happy Fairytale weekend!

Kate Moss, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot collaborations

 Kate Moss looking gorgeous for British Vogue June 2012 by the dream team, Mert & Marcus

Well hello luvvies! Do you ever wake up wondering where the past month went? I've been rushing about so much the past few weeks that I've only recently realised how summer has literally arrived in Athens in a big, gigantic el scorchio kind of way and I am yet to fully enjoy it.

I know I know, you're probably bored of seeing Kate Moss everywhere or that same look/pout that she pulls, but I do think she looks rather spectacular in the images i've seen so far for the June issue of British Vogue. Yup, I went kinda gooey at the sight of the old Hollywood glam style.
This will be Mossy's 32nd Vogue Cover  & she's graced one every year for British Vogue since 1993! It's not the first time that Kate has been shot by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot, their collaborations go way back... Let's take a trip down memory lane and see Moss do her thang & these guys show off their signature shooting & post production style.

 Kate for Vogue Japan May 2011 by Mert & Marcus via here

Vogue Paris May 2011 via here

 'Hammam' W magazine September 2008 full shoot here

Kate for Interview Magazine September 2008 via here

One of my fave shoots of Kate - 'Castaway' for British Vogue June 2002 via Fashion Gone Rogue

Any favourites here?

 Toodles... Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

p.s I feel incredibly blessed to have crossed paths with so many of you awesome bloggers, readers, followers. Thank you for your support & stopping by loves.
x.o.x.o