Inspired by the Velvet Revolution

I’m incredibly impatient, and with my Gran having donated so much material to me, I have been desperate to get sewing.
With my sewing class now over, I was a bit anxious about making a pair or trousers without the advice of my tutor. I had visions of blue velvet trousers, and with a night out planned on Friday, I was desperate to wear them. The only problem was I had never made trousers, and also never worked with velvet. I had a pattern for a pair of high wasited flares, which wasn’t quite I wanted, but I felt I could quite easily adapt it. Well it wasn’t so easy to adapt, and sewing in between the legs is harder than I thought. I just kept trying them on and adjusting them and here’s the result …

I think I did alright (I didn't go out with my hair like that, forgive the photo) …

First sewing attempt!

I have been attending a sewing class for 8 weeks now. I had already made a few skirts before with my Grandma's old domestic singer, and wondered how people could make so many clothes so quickly. The class has allowed me access to industrial machines and they are so quick and easy to use. The finish you can get using an overlock machine is amazing. So much so, that my own overlock machine is on my Christmas wish-list. Please Santa?
I had been thinking about making a replica of the beautiful Topshop pencil skirt I posted about 18^th September, however my Gran had donated about 3m of an amazing vintage tartan material, that she had bought almost 40 years ago, and I loved it so much that I new I had to use it.
So here is my first attempt.

I have never felt excited by clothes that I wear to the office, so never really buy anything new. I work full time and therefore spend more time in the office than I do out of it, so I feel it is time I start to dress in a way that makes me feel good. This skirt is smart enough and quirky enough to do just that. It’s a start!

Stylist Skincare Awards Reader Event & Clarins All About Lips gift set

I’m mad about Stylist. I demonstrate my level of dedication to the free weekly magazine every Wednesday morning when I take a five minute detour on my commute just to pick one up.

 Stylist magazine, one of my favourite covers!

I'm also mad about beauty. So you can imagine how eager I was to purchase the £10 ticket to attend the “Stylist Skincare Awards – Exclusive Reader Event” at Harvey Nicks, Knightsbridge on Thursday evening. At the event I was astounded by the sheer depth of knowledge possessed by beauty editor Joanna McGarry on all things beauty and skincare. During a question and answer session women fervently quizzed Jo on their skin problems:

“I suffer from adult acne, but also have dry skin, what product do you recommend I use?” or, “Sometimes I experience large, uncomfortable spots when I use certain brands. What products do you think are best for my skin?”

Jo provided candid and educated answers sounding at times like a qualified dermatologist. 

One of the highlights of the evening was when, following Jo’s presentation, a few glasses of champagne and a mini chocolate cupcake (or three), I took a leisurely stroll through the glistening, gorgeous aisles of Harvey Nicks beauty department to buy something lovely (the ticket was redeemable against purchases!). 

After sampling almost everything the Clarins All About Lips gift set caught my eye. 

The set contains two Natural Lip Perfectors (one in nude, the other in peachy pink); two Colour Quench Lip Balm (one in gold, the other rich pink); and the cutest gold pencil case make-up bag. This little gem is a limited edition gift set for £17, ideal for Christmas gifts, or in this case, “I-just-couldn’t-resist-and-definitely-deserve-it” present for myself.  

The Natural Lip Protector is a fabulous hybrid product – part lip balm, part lip tint. Infused with shea butter, mango, Vitamin A and E it is moisturising, protective and feels super smooth upon application. The pink or nude give a little pop of long lasting, non drying colour.  

The Colour Quench Lip Balm is more gloss than balm but still works as a lip moisturiser. It’s non sticky, smells fruity and tastes lovely. 

Did you attend the Stylist Skincare event? Or have you tried the All About Lips gift set? Please do let me know.