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Hello all! I've moved over to wordpress now! If you've clicked through blogger this is no longer my blog, so please head over to www.ricoandtine.com to continue reading! Lots of love x

INNOCENT

Recently I've been on a bit of a makeup splurge. I love the look of lipstick, but all the ones I own are very similar - dark, vampy, burgundy hues. With the darker shades, I'm not the best at applying them if I'm completely honest, they always tend to bleed a little or go a bit wobbly around the edge. The consistency of this makes all those problems go away, making it look like I can actually put on lippy with some form of skill - always a bonus. Even though it's getting colder, and we tend to lean towards these darker, autumnal colours, I couldn't resit getting my hands on some nude shades. I don't actually own any Topshop makeup, despite ooh-ing and ah-ing over the counter every time I go in. So this time, I took the plunge. Starting with this gorgeous pinky nude, Innocent. It's one of their velvet finish lipsticks, and just glides on beautifully without a fuss. It's quite pigmented, but not too much and easily build-able without leaving a thick layer that looks cakey on the lip. Spot on then, right?

For some reason this particular shade isn't on line at the moment? But I did pick it up in store, I'm pretty sure it's not sold out. I might try and step out of my comfort zone all together and go for an orangey peach shade like this soon too, what do you reckon? What's your favorite Topshop lipstick shade?

I really love Innocent. Definitely going to become a staple in my everyday makeup routine. The packaging is so lovely as well don't you think? They really do know how to brand themselves well. Speaking of branding, what do you think of the new (last time I swear...) header and layout of this blog? I think I'm finally happy with it. Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

MATTE BLACK

Slightly delayed, but black nails are always a good, solid choice for Autumn/Winter, especially for Halloween. These are actually meant to be matte, I had them painted in the nail shop so I'm not entirely sure what brand of polish it was, but the matte seemed to fade away and turn a little glossy. Not quite what I was after but hey ho.

Black nails are always a bit strong, but I don't think they should be 'too much' for everyday wear. If dressed right they can look grunge-chic, and a bit rock chick cool, yet still sophisticated at the same time. If that's at all possible... Do you agree?

Did everyone have a nice Halloween? I didn't end up doing anything in the end, but have been rather busy recently with work, and visiting my Matthew down in Cornwall. It was so lovely to finally see him again, long distance is no fun. I have so much I want to post about, but I feel like I have no time to do it. There is no light by the time I get back from work, so this weekend is going to be jam packed with photo taking! #bloggerproblems.... 

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MAC GOODNESS

       

So recently I've been a little naughty and updated my makeup collection a little... Starting with these beauties.

Mac Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation in NW20 - if I'm honest, this isn't what I meant to get. I actually wanted the Studio Fix foundation, not the powder version, but when this arrived I decided to give it a go anyway. My skin seems to have transitioned towards one of an oily nature in the past few months, especially around my chin and t-zone, so a powder finish is probably just what the doctor ordered. 

It comes in a really sweet compact, just like the bronzers, with a secret compartment to house a lovely little face puff/sponge. I still use foundation and concealer first, and then dab this around my face to set everything and stop my base sliding away during the day. I do like the consistency of it, but I find it looks a little paler than its liquid foundation sister. Overall, I like it. Not too sure if I would re-purchase just yet, but it has become part of my normal everyday makeup routine, so we will see. Have you used this? What do you think?

Mac Bronzing Powder in Bronze - I love these bronzers. I finally got around to re-purchasing this one and it has quickly found it's way back into the everyday collection. Once I have used the powder, I then go over again with Rimmel Clear Complexion powder and then get bronzing. I use it all over my face to add a little glow, and then go back and contour on top to add some definition to my cheek bones and forehead. I use a Real Techniques blusher brush to apply it, and then if I need to, I'll contour with their contour brush, which applies the colour really evenly on the skin. I don't find them overly pigmented, but you don't have to use loads either, its just the right amount of product versus visible colour. What do you think?

To finish this look I added some They're Real to my lashes and swiped on some Burberry Lip Velvet in Bright Poppy to my lips. You like?

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PETROL BLUES

Okay, I'm going to hold my hands up and say I do love a bit of Primark every now and then. We all do, so stop fibbing. Once you can get past the jumble sale feel and the vast amount of tat, you can find some awesome pieces that you'd swear were a lot more expensive then they are, you just have to look a little harder. Their Autumn/Winter stuff is really strong this year I think, they have some amazing knitwear and lots of really cool accessory bits to transition into the colder months; like scarves, hats and boots. I have always been a fan of their jewellery too, well, not all of it, a large amount of it is not to my taste at all, but there are the occasional gems that I'm all over.

Like these rings I found in the last few weeks. The top image came together in a set for less than a fiver, and I practically ripped them off the shelf when I saw them. It's not common that I find a set of rings that I like all of, but each ring in this set is designed just to my taste. I tend to wear the pyramid one on its own on my forefinger, and then wear the other three together across two hands, I love the chunky-ness of them and the rustic silver and black colouring. Don't you? The petrol looking one is pretty awesome too, and makes quite a statement with its bold shape and textured finish. 

The second image is another great little find. I love the colours and the shield like shape to it. The size of it makes my fingers feel all dainty, which is always a plus. For Primark it has quite a lot of detail which I find quite unusual, it's normally all faded or badly pressed, but this one came out all Topshop-y. Do you agree?

I think rings are my favorite type of jewellery, closely followed by earrings. Anyone who knows me will back this up! It's turning into quite the obsession... I like rings to be big and chunky, rusted metal and maybe some sort of gemstone encased. Sort of boho/eclectic style. Perfect. 

What's your favorite type of jewellery? Do you get yours from Primark too? Fell free to leave a comment on what you think, I love to have a natter!

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SUNGLASSES... IN WINTER

Well isn't that an attractive pose right there? Ha! I'd thought I'd show you some of the new sunnies in my life... I seem to have a thing for sunglasses, my collection has grown quite a lot this year, and just because it's getting colder and colder, it doesn't mean these babies have to take a back seat. After all, it doesn't have to be warm to be bright, right?The top pair are a little gem I found in Topshop when I went for a girly shopping trip to Kensington with my friend. I love big frames (not entirely because they make my face look slimmer, honest...) and ones that have a little character to them. I'm not overly adventurous when it comes to clothing, so I like to make my mark when it comes to accessories, naturally these beauties found their way to the till before I had even realised I had taken out my purse. They're tortoise shell, and have a thick, slightly eyebrow-looking frame, held together with a gold nose bar and I simply adore them. When I wear them, I feel like a celeb or something, hiding away behind a slightly ombre brown lens. What do you think? I find the shape quite flattering, and having quite a rounded face, any given structure is a must.

The second pair were a slight impulse buy. I had gone to Bristol, and stupidly left the Topshop guys on the back seat of the car back home before I left. If I am honest, I had gone out whilst in Bristol, and then had a day of shopping with a friend the day after, and I wanted to hide the evidence under my eyes. 

I popped in to Aldo, just for a browse and came across these. Feeling nostalgic over my forgotten shades, I ended up back at the till. Oops. Raybans have always been popular, and I've always admired wayfarers on other people, but I've always thought they were a little too small for my face. These similar shaped ones are a little bigger, and have a thin frame, around the bottom half which I really like. Again, they are tortoise shell - I see a pattern emerging here - but I think the blend of browns and blacks make this style more wearable. Thoughts? The only thing that annoys me ever so slightly about these are those annoying, plastic nose bits. I know they're there to help them stay on your face but I find them so irritating, and always the first things to break of go skew wiff. Ah well, I can cope because the rest of them is just so darn lovely.

What shape do you go for?

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RELAX

Image found on weheartit.com

                 

Today has been awful. I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself as I seem to have caught some form of evil flu type thing. Wonderful. 

I wanted to blog about something really awesome today, but all inklings of inspiration just flew out of the window the second my butt hit the sofa after work. Ergh. 

So instead, I saw this image in the archives of my iPad, amongst things that I save whenever I'm having a net browse. How cool is it though? I'm always trying to think about interesting ways to take photos of things, especially product shots. This is very simple, but so chic and sophisticated. Plus the nail varnish is Chanel. Need I say more?

I'm sorry I don't know the person who took this, if you know, or it was you, please do let me know. You creative genius you. 

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ST. TROPEZ NATURALS

St. Tropes Naturals tanning lotion

I love being tanned, but if I'm honest, I'm a lazy miss when it comes to applying the fake stuff. Gradual tanners are a great idea, they don't turn you orange and you don't have to leg it if the slightest drop of rain falls like you do with instant tans (including Rimmel's "splash proof" instant tan - yeah that didn't work, cheers guys). But I do find them a bit of a pain. I always worry that I'll come out streaky, or have a random white patch somewhere that I missed on application, as most of the time these tans don't have a colour to them. This one is no exception, it's a thick, moisturising cream that goes on clear just like a moisturiser. So you have make sure you really do cover everywhere to avoid embarrassment. White backs of the knee anyone? No thanks. This one is luxurious, it's not as thin as its Johnson's competitor, so feels really soft on your skin.

I'm probably the only girl on the planet that actually likes the smell of fake tan, and this one smells so good. Well, it has that distinct gradual tan smell, but is not as 'rusk bar' smelling as the Johnson's one, so maybe not to everyone's taste, but it's ever so slightly cocoa buttery from what I remember.

Being a St. Tropez tan, I had high hopes on the result, and I wasn't left disappointed when the colour came out lovely the next morning. It didn't come out very dark, just a subtle hint of brown, which is perfect for a sun kissed glow. It's easily buildable, do you can use it every other day if you want to be really tanned, or every few days to top up. The only down side for me, is that it takes so long to dry. I was literally standing like a weirdo in my room, shaking my limbs about for half an hour and I still felt tacky. Quite annoying, but probably due to it being so thick and scrumptious. But hey, you win some and loose some right? 

I'm currently chilling on the mega bus, having a whale of a time listening to Mylo Xyloto on repeat. Note to self: add some more music to iPad. Ive been in Bristol since Friday evening and am already missing it. It's the best city in England, a bold statement coming from someone who's a tube away from central London, but I just love it. Have you been? You should. It's awesome. 

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THINGS

All images found on weheartit.com

1// Long hair. 2// Hamsa hands. 3// Pretty flowers. 4// Statement sunglasses. 5// Cats. 6// Burgundy knit. 

7// Dreaming. 8// Coffee and tea. 9// Secret places. 10//Boho jewellery.

I wasn't sure what to post about today, so I've compiled a mood board of things that make me happy. I had quite a stressful day at work, so so busy all day, now I'm home I just need to unwind. All of these things make me smile.
I can't wait for my hair to grow again, I've always had long hair but since I bleached it (never.again), the ends became dead and scraggly so I had it cut. It's not short in the grand scheme of short hair, but it is for me. I've also re-dyed it dark again today - post on that soon - in an attempt to finally rid my locks of blonde remains. Hopefully this time it won't fade out to yellow again... We'll see. My hair just seems so boring at the moment, either that or it's just me being too lazy to attempt to make it look presentable at 6:30 in the morning before work... snore.

Oooh, I bought myself some new sunnies the other day in Topshop, in the hopes that they would bring the sun back out, but I love love love them. I'll have to snap a pick and get them up on here soon for you all to have a peep. Thinking about it, I've been a naughty little spender recently, so I do actually have quite a bit to photograph and post about. It's just finding the time to take shots whilst the sunlight is still existent that's the struggle. It's not great at all by the time I'm in from work so the weekends are my time to get going.
Speaking of weekends, I'm going back to Bristol this Friday (YAYAY!) to go and see (read: get very drunk with) my old work friends, and then stay the next night with bestie Tash from uni who I haven't seen in what feels like an absolute AGE. So I'm excited about that! I'll try and get some photos of various things//outfits//outings whilst I'm there to share with you all if ya like. Sure you would. You nosey parker, you.

As much as I love the sun, I do love Autumnal fashion. Chunky knitwear, in dark, neutral shades and layering to cover all the lumps and bumps we grow to 'stay warm in the winter'. Burgundy/maroon/claret is my favourite colour, and I'm so glad it is still in stores this Autumn after it went mental last year. I mean, how nice does it look against a grey jumper like in that image?! Snoods are a must have, and some sort faux fur. And of course a chunky boot with some sort of cut out and buckle, obviously. Quite excited that I now have an excuse to shop more, and a 'grown up job' to pay for it all.

My poor bank account is going to hate me. Ah well, "I deserve that top,and those shoes are essential"... right? At least that's what we all tell ourselves... Don't pretend you don't.

DAJANA BASIC COLLECTION LAUNCH - DETAILS

Here's a few snaps from the Dajana Basic launch. It was such a lovely evening with so much attention to detail that I'm already awaiting her the next collection -  rather impatiently I'll admit. Cocktail reception, sweet and savoury treats, Freya Rose shoes with floral detailing and hand written thank you notes inside every goody bag made out to each individual person. The whole evening felt like a fairytale. And the dresses... Oh those beautiful dresses. 

I always find it quite daunting going to events like this on my own, I'm not the best at walking up to someone and just saying hi. When I got there, I had no idea what to expect, who I would see and where the evening would go. Needless to say, I wasn't quite the only one who had rocked up on their lonesome. I met the lovely Zalak, a freelance stylist and the just as lovely blogger Jodie. It's always nice when you meet new people, networking and the lark is great fun when you get over the initial nerves. Plus, popping into a bowling bar in Russel Square with new pals for a drink after the show is always a plus, wouldn't you say?

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NAKED NAILS

OPI . Dulce De Leche .

Okay, so I need your opinion. What are we thinking of this nail colour? I'm on the fence at the moment, I don't want it to look like I'm just all finger and no nail?! I like a nude nail, it's good for elongating your fingers, which is great for me as I think I have quite stubby little ones. I'm just a little worried this is a tad too close to my actual skin colour? The reviews so far have been mixed, so come on, what do you think?

Dulce De Leche is a lovely muted pinky-brown, with a subtle gloss that becomes opaque after 2 coats, I'm thinking it would work really well with an ombre glitter effect over the top... 

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DAJANA BASIC COLLECTION LAUNCH - THE CATWALK

Dajana Basic, wedding dress collection launch.

Wow. What a stunning collection. Wouldn't you agree?

As of late I was feeling rather blue that I hadn't been a part of the London Fashion Week buzz this September, and have been itching to go to a show for quite some time. Completely out of the blue, I received an email inviting me to come along to Dajana Basic's first wedding dress collection launch night, at Blackall Studios, Shoreditch. Naturally I jumped at the chance! 

The collection was based around macarons, and the idea that wedding gowns don't have to be pure white all of the time, a concept that I hadn't even considered for my own dress, until now. The 8 dress line up included delicate lace, incredible tailoring, unusual pattern cutting techniques and sweet accents of pastel colours and pearls - it genuinely made me want to get married tomorrow just so I can parade around like a princess fairy all day in one of her dresses.

My favorite has to be the lilac, I just love the lace overlay and detailing, what do you think? 

Nothing in this collection has been over-looked and based on the reaction of the guests, every aaaah, and aaawwww, suggest that this young designer going a long, long way, so watch this space. And if wedding bells are ringing in your life right now, I'd definitely go and check out her gorgeous designs. And make me a bridesmaid. Thanks.

A big thank you to the lovely Marta for getting in touch, and everyone I met for being so darn lovely.

Now... where's my ring Matthew?!

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POMEGRANATE - SLEEK BLUSH

I've been on the hunt for Sleek blushes ever since I saw them being hyped around the bloggersphere. I'd been in Boots a few times and had a search with no luck, until yesterday in Westfield, when I happened to be in Boots again, I thought I'd ask. Yeah, so Sleek is exclusive to Superdrug. Akward. That would make sense as to why I couldn't find them then...

When I finally got to the concession, I had forgotten completely which shade I had originally wanted, so did the standard 'lets just swatch everything on my hand and look insane' blogger ritual. 

I settled on this gorgeous pinky-brown shade, aptly named Pomegranate. It's a strong berry colour with slight flecks of gold that give a very subtle shimmer to work as a highlight. 

I've never used them before, so completely underestimated how pigmented they actually are. Lets just say when I first put it on I looked like I'd just been slapped across the face with a wet fish. Not so good. Needless to say a lot of buffing was done. In the lighting of my bedroom, it looks a lot subtler than in the flesh, but the darker images made me look ill. So this will do! I've never been much of a blush girl, I'm more of a bronzer-holic, so maybe I just need to work on my technique a tad... Any tips?

On a second note... I really, really need to dye my hair dark again, not really feeling this yellow look so much. Thoughts?

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AVENUE

Image

I have been invited to share my ideal holiday with you guys for a chance to win a pair of sunglasses from Avenue 32, so naturally I said 'hell yeah', and got to thinking about where I'd love to jet set off too.

Where to start... Does everywhere count? Because if I could, and money wasn't an option, I'd pack up my life to travel around the entire world tomorrow. 

I think for the purpose of this post I'll have to restrain and go with a trip around Europe. Going to Paris, Milan, Venice, Amsterdam, Spain.... You get the point. With my boy and the open road. From reading Tuula and Gary Pepper Girl on the regular, I think it's fair to say that their wanderlust ways have rubbed off on me.

So what would I wear on this epic journey I hear you ask? Well lets have a look see...

Secret Café dining in Paris...

Simple white tee tucked in to a gorgeous skater skirt, classic handbag and the most amazing loafers I have ever seen. Perfect for sipping on tea and indulging on macaroons, over looking the Eiffel Tower, of course.

Colour blocking by the sea in Croatia...

A chic shirt dress thrown effortlessly over a bold red bikini for when the sea is just too tempting. A pair of blue Lennon's and a leather backpack for stocking up on goodies at the local bazaar. 

Print clashing at a cocktail evening in Venice...

A bold shirt will always look good against the clashing texture of leather, I think, and the chunkier shoe, the better. Gold accents set the look off whilst I sip my cosmo at the bar, darling.

I can dream right?!

If you get a moment, do check out the merch on Avenue 32, choosing items proved very difficult. It's all too good.

WINDSOR

Wearing... H&M dress, F&F Cardi, Marc Jacobs bag, Zara brogues.

Soaking in some history in one of the most beautiful towns in the U.K. The sun was out, and so were the tourists, but I embraced the sight seer in me and brought my camera along. In hindsight, black tights and a cardigan were probably not the best combo. Ah well, live and learn eh?!