January 4, 2015

2014 Favorites




Throughout the year  I was on the hunt for the perfect biker jacket when coming across this one from Trouve, I knew it would be a staple in my wardrobe. This was definetly an investment piece, however I was happy to pay the price knowing I would get a lot of wear out of it and that it would last a long time.

From dresses to jeans and everything in between, these ankle boots from Topshop are always on my feet. These pair of shoes are something you can wear all year around. Check out my post A Pop of Plaid to hear more about just how much I love them.  

If you ever see me wearing sunglasses it will most likely be these pair of vintage wayfarer Ray Bans. These are the model B&L 5022. Since I have a round face the angles on the sunglasses flatter my face and the colors go with just about any outfit. 


As a person who likes the au naturale make up look, this blush from MAC does just the trick. The shade Margin adds the perfect flush of color whilst still being noticable on the cheeks. 


If you are just learning how to apply eyeliner or are always in a rush to get ready, like myself, the MAC Technakohl Liner is quick and easy to apply. I like to warm up the liner on my hand first, then apply, this speeds up the process, and results in less errors when applying it directly onto the eye. I use to color Graphblack which is just a basic black and the color lasts throughout the whole day.


This is the Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen. Words cannot describe how much I love this product, I use it as an under eye conclear and highlighter. It makes my face look  more vibrant and alive. Although it is on the more expensive side, it is worth the money.


Out of all my nail polishes this color has the least amount left, so much so that I have to tilt the bottle in order to get any product. So as you can tell I haven't stopped using the shade, Havana Dreams. It is is a great color for all year around and is less harsh than a white nail polish.



This is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 30. I use this every morning after I take a shower, so as you can guess I have gone through a lot of bottles. This is the ideal everyday moisturizer, it doesn't have a harsh smell, it has a SPF and sits perfectly under makeup. 


As any person with curly hair will know, it is hard to A, comb your hair at all and B, get your mane under control. Therefore, the Aveda be curly line is an essential for anyone with curly hair problems. In fact, it enchances your curles without making you look like a frizz ball. 

Moroccan Oil is another product that helps with frizz but also shines and moisturizes your hair. With this, a little goes a long way, so although it might seem like a lot of money for a hair product, the bottle with last you a long time.  



Whether you are obsessed with anything Parisian, like myself, or want to know how to dress parisian this book will have you falling in love with the parisian style. 


This book is filled with photos by Scott Schuman, otherwise known as The Satorialist. Over the past year I have fallen in love with his work and looking through the pages in this book, it reminds me of all the reason I started loving his photographs in the first place.

Hope you all have a great new year!

With Love,
           Simran Rai

December 28, 2014

New Years Eve Outfits









Shirt: Nordstrom   Leather Jacket: TrouvĂ©   Clutch: French Connection   
Pants: Nordstrom  Shoes: Topshop

A pair of sequined pants are great on New Years Eve and don't make you look like disco ball. This outfit is perfect for any occasion, from parties to going out with friends, it add the necessary New Years sparkle whilst still keeping you warm.



  

Shirt: Love on a Hanger   Blazer: Chloe K   Shorts: Mimi Chica   Shoes: Chanel  

This look still has sparkle, but is a bit more sophisticated. You could wear this to any elegant event and I can assure that you'll be turning heads. 








Dress: Topshop   Belt: H & M   Shoes: Chanel

This last outfit is more toned down and is a play on the Little Black Dress. By embellishing with a gold belt, it adds a little something extra, to an otherwise plain dress. This look is great for someone who doesn't like to wear sequins or sparkles.


Makeup:
Foundation: MAC Studio Sculpt   Powder: MAC Studio Careblend Pressed   
Blush: MAC Margin Frost   Highlighter/concealer: Givenchy Instant Light Corrective Pen  Eyeshadow: Anastasia; Platform Wedge, Members Only, Graphic T's and Brass in Pocket 
Eyeliner: Anastasia liquid eyeliner in Jet   Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fushion 


Let me know which outfit is your favorite!

With Love,
           Simran Rai   

December 21, 2014

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Since Christmas is right around the corner I wanted to share with you one of my favorite festive drinks.


What you will need:
Milk, Cocoa, Nutella and Salt


1. Choose your mug and fill it up with milk
 (if you are making 2 cups of Nutella Hot Chocolate then fill two mugs with milk etc.)
2. Put the pot on medium heat and pour the milk into the pot


3. Meaure out 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons)  of cocoa and add into the milk



4. Stir and wait for the cocoa to melt


5. Measure out 1/4 cup of Nutella


6. Pour out into pot
(I used a spoon to take out the Nutella)


7. Add a pinch of salt



There you have it my recipe for Nutella Hot Chocolate!




Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers,
          Simran Rai

December 7, 2014

A Pop of Plaid












Ankle Boots: Topshop,   Pants: H&M,   Plaid Shirt: Saks Fifth Avenue,   Sweater: Vince   
Scarf: Handmade By My Grandma,   Nails: Sally Hansen Numbskull 

One of my favorite ways to wear a sweater in the winter is with a collared shirt underneath, this not only keeps you looking stylish, but also warm without the bulk. Due to the fact this oufit is very simple and has lots of black, a plaid shirt adds just the perfect pop of color and print to the outfit. 

This black sweater from Vince has been a staple in my winter wardrobe. Made of wool and cashmere it keeps my body extra warm during the colder months. It has a longer hem in the back where it hits just under my butt. This style is flattering for my body shape as it elongates my torso, although it is not essential considering I am 5'7. 

These pants are a great alternative to just a black pair of skinny jeans, side pockets and ankle zippers add more detail. Now don't get me wrong, I love a classic black skinny, but these pants just have a bit more pizazz.

Since my pants are ankle length, what else would I wear in the winter except a pair of ankle boots. These are some of the most versatile and flattering shoes I own, I wear them all year round. They have a little heel which gives you that extra bit of length and also make my feet look smaller which is a good thing especially when you have huge feet like mine, size ten to be exact. These leather boots are good quality and have weathered many storms, worn on many trips and yet they still look like they were bought yesterday.  Most importantly they are comfortable from the moment you first wear them to when you walk around for hours on end, which I have!

For more info on my scarf check out my blog post November Favorites for more details.

With Love,
                   Simran Rai

December 5, 2014

November Favorites

 November Favorites


As you can tell by how much of the candle is left, I am completely in love with this scent. This candle harmoniously blends the scent of frosting with a hint of cinnamon, called Cinnamon Frosting. Leading up to Christmas the perfect scent to burn and since it is a Bath & Body Works candle it releases it's lovely aroma which fills a room.  
Tip: Since the Christmas season is here Bath & Body Works has great sales and offers throughout the month. So make sure to check their website for Christmas sales.

Since the weather has been getting significantly colder, I enjoy accessorizing my outfits with a scarf, they are warm and stylish. This month has been all about this oversized maroon cable scarf. Luckily for me though, one of a kind because it's handmade with love by my grandmother. I wear it wrapped around twice with my long hair up in a bun or high pontytail due to the fact it envelops my neck. If you are just as much in love with this scarf as I am, then asos carries a very similar version of the scarf  called the Cable Scarf.
 Something else that has me in the winter mood is this body butter from The Body Shop. It smells delicious and is very moisturizing which is a necessity during the colder months, this scent Ginger Sparkle.
Tip: If you purchase Christmas scents from The Body Shop after Christmas, the price is notably lower.
 During the month this notebook has become a prized possession. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing in it and thus have been carrying it around great for jotting down blog ideas or to quickly note things that inspire me throughout the day. Furthermore, it can also be useful to create a to-do list daily or weekly.
 I am going to make a bold statement and say this nail polish is one of the best I have ever tried. This is essie' Shearling Darling. I am in obsessed with this color which would be best described as a deep maroon and since it is essie, the nail polish itself amazing. My personal preference is for two coats of polish, but if in a rush and only have time for one, the colour is still very dark and the coverage excellent, perfect hue for fall and winter. A wonderful alternative to black nail polish which can be too harsh for many skin tones, but if you love a good dark nail polish, this will due just the trick. 
 This is the Chanel lip gloss Glossimer-Blush, it is a more of a brown shade than it appears, but makes for a great lipstick for winter. Although a brown lip gloss can make your skin look drab, this color is great on its own and on top of a lipstick.
Last, but not least, I have adored wearing this rose gold necklace from asos with sweaters and crew neck tops. This necklace is tight around the neck and is definitely a statement piece.

Hope you enjoyed reading about my November Favorites

With Love,
                     Simran Rai

Make sure to check back Sunday for an outfit post featuring the maroon scarf

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