Beauty // Winter Nails.

When it comes to beauty I am for all intents and purpose a complete novice. Despite wearing make-up everyday I have somewhat of a "slap it on and hope for the best" attitude , in fact that's pretty much my motto. This of course results in me looking a complete mess 99.9% of the time. FACT. I therefore do not at all consider myself to be a "Beauty Blogger". In fact if I do decide to ever post about actual make-up in the future, take my advice and don't read it! I'm the last person you should listen too when it comes to make up! However despite all this there is one beauty product I feel confident enough to talk about with you all ... Nail Polish!

A few weeks ago I briefly mentioned that this winter I was obsessing over all things sugary and sweet on my nails (hello pastels!), and whilst I could of just posted about the "50 shades of pink" I seem to have acquired in my nail collection lately, I decided to share the other somewhat "neglected" colours that I'm loving this festive season; as even though I hate to admit it, not every one loves pink!

//The "Neutral Oh-So-Sophisticated" Nail //

Over the last few years as Its approached winter wearing neutral shades on my nails has become my default. Perhaps its because they simply go with every outfit, or perhaps its because it makes a refreshing change from the incredibly bright colours I wear throughout the summer (yeah I'm that girl!) ... whatever the reason all I know is that I'll definitely be wearing a "sophisticated" neutral nail again this winter (Apparently there is no sophistication in having bright blue nails ...) Above I've selected a few that I've been enjoying lately, and hopefully you might too...

Ciate "Pocket money" // This shade oozes understated elegance, and because of this I'm completely in love with it. Its a very girly colour (in subtle way though!) , and has a soft creamy fudge appearance to it which I think is perfect for Christmas.

Ciate "Cookies and Cream" // This is perhaps the most easiest colour to wear ever. FACT. Its a very light nude, that's almost bordering on being a pastel grey. Due to its versatility it can honestly be worn with anything. Seriously what more could you ask for!

Maybelline Colour show "Mauve Kiss"// I would consider this one of my all time "go-to" colours. If in doubt wham it on ... not literally though as that could be a disaster (Trust me, I've been there!) Its very similar to Barry M mushroom, but I would say slightly lighter. The colour itself is more of creamy beige with undertones of pale mauve ... honestly  I don't know what else to say, over than It's perfect!

Maybelline Colour Show "Winter Baby"// A white nail polish is an essential. Despite this however I've always shied away from wearing pure white personally, in fact I quote "white nails look ridiculously tacky" (me, 2009). Things have changed though, and this year I 've found myself being drawn it. Although it takes around 3 coats to perfect the smooth snowy finish, its definitely worth it for a cold winters day. Also with a name like "Winter Baby" it seemed almost rude not to include it!

//The "I'm a little bit obsessed with Gatsby" Nail //

In the past I've always had this hatred of sparkly nails, in fact I've always hated anything remotely sparkly (glitter, metallics, sequins, diamonds, ... and don't get me started on tinsel!). I'm not sure why this started,  it's just something I've always found aesthetically displeasing ... however things have changed (only slightly though!). This year I've weirdly started to embrace a more Gatsby-esque nail. OK, so as fickle as it may sound watching The Great Gatsby perhaps made me fall in love with the more shiny embellished things in life. So like before here are a few "sparkly" nail polishes that I've been wearing ...

Barry M Instant Nail Effects Foil "Gold"// Its gold. And I mean gold. To many that may seem perfectly normal, but to me its a colour that I never imagined wearing ... and I mean ever! Despite all that I'm completely in love with it. I adore the colour, the finish, and the way it catches the light. It has a luxurious foil like finish to it which I think looks sooo ridiculously festive ... now If only I was going to one of Gatsby's parties!

Barry M Glitter Nail Paint "Hologram Hexagons" // This is the first glittery nail polish I've owned since the 90's. FACT. As a child I remember owning these little kids glittery nails polishes, and I would only ever really wear them if I was going to a birthday party. (I'm pretty sure they were peel-able ... anyone else remember those?) Like I've already mentioned a million times, I'm not a massive fan of glitter so me purchasing this was somewhat peculiar. I'm not sure what initially attracted me to this, but seriously it looks really amazing worn as an accent nail. What I love about it is that its has really big hexagon pieces in it, rather than your typical glitter. Lately I've really been enjoying it over the top of pastel shades .. yep I'm addicted to pastels!

Ciate Caviar Manicure // The Caviar Manicure is ridiculously beautiful, and despite what you might think incredibly easy to apply. Instead of rambling on about it again, you can read my full post on this polish "here".

// The "One" //

In my opinion Christmas isn't complete until you find the perfect deep red nail polish (and lipstick to match too!). Each year I find myself searching for a new perfect shade! Of course I could just repurchase the same one I obsessed over the year before, but well there's no fun in that! However when you find the "one", you know instantly ... as cliché as it sounds it's almost definitely "love at first sight". And without further ado here's the "one" for me this year ...

Maybelline Colour show "Downtown Red"// The number of times I've already worn this is unimaginable (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea!) I feel that my nails look at there best when I'm wearing this colour, which might seem a little strange, but I think its because I love the contrast between my incredibly pale white skin and the richness of this colour. (OK so that is strange.) This colour is the perfect cross between an intensely rich burgundy and a vivid ruby red, and for that reason alone I will be wearing this polish for a very long time. For me this is definitely the "one" this year! And in the words of "Buddy the Elf", "I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!"

Phew! And finally we're done! This is by far the longest post I've ever wrote. Perhaps too long. If you've actually managed to read though all that with dying of complete boredom than I salute you! (Note to self: Write less.) 

Feel free to leave any nail polish recommendations of colours you've been loving lately ... as well lets face it I'm slightly obsessed! ... and perhaps slightly nosey curious!

Photos // Tea Stains, Tears, And Memories.

"If you love a flower, don't pick it up. Because if you pick it up it dies and ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation." 

I have a confession to make ... I like to press flowers. There we go, I've said it. To a lot of people it can seem incredibly naff and slightly granny-ish, which is in fact an understandable assumption to make as there is a lot of awful pressed flower art around, however I honestly don't care. I've always found the process itself to be a rather beautiful one and lately its something that I've been quite inspired by. As a child I remember my Grandma teaching me how to press flowers, and it was something that at the time I was amazed by. I would wander around her garden collecting suitable flowers, then we would carefully place them amongst the pages of one of her old "heavy" books, and as if by magic a month later they would be completely squished and feel like fine delicate paper. I think there's a beauty in the simplicity of it all, the idea of hiding a precious flower between the pages of a book, where it remains concealed within until all of its moisture is dried out. Its essence slowly being absorbed into the letters printed upon the pages, infusing itself amongst tea stains, tears, and more importantly memories. If your lucky you'll be like me and open a book a year later to surprisingly have a flower fall out at your feet. Its one of those simple but special life moments. Unexpected beauty.

That's what happened to me today. And it was lovely.

Illustration // Orla Kiely SS/14

Earlier today It suddenly hit me that I had completely forgotten to post the finished Orla Kiely Illustration I talked about the other week. If I'm being completely honest I'm not too happy with how it turned out (let's face it drawing will never be my artistic strong point!), but then again when am I ever? Despite this I did say that I wanted to share illustrations on here even if there not that great, simply because otherwise they just stay hidden away in one of my many sketchbooks ... or worse in the bin. Lets just say I'm trying to figure out my own illustrative style, and hopefully by sharing some of things I do on here I'll feel encouraged to improve ... Or not!

That's all really. This is perhaps the shortest post I've ever wrote on here, although most of you probably think that's better as far as I'm concerned, especially since I have a tendency to ramble on about absolutely nothing! I'm working on that I promise! 

Beauty // Let Them Eat Cake.

When you stumble upon a nail polish that's named after one of your favourite films, you will find it very hard to say no! You will feel an overwhelming need to make it yours. You will start to feel as though this nail polish will change your life,and that it simply isn't possible to live without it. In other words ... YOU WILL NOT LEAVE THE SHOP WITHOUT IT. And that my friends is exactly what happened to me last week.

If your familiar with the L'Oreal Color Riche Nails collection then I'm sure your all aware of how many amazing colours there are to choose from. If your as indecisive as I am however it can make things a little difficult, not that I'm complaining at all! Anyhow, I've been searching after the "perfect" pale pink for a while now, as I felt my nail collection was missing one and because I've been lusting over anything and everything pink all season(Pastels in winter right guys?)  ... OK OK so I already own a few pale pinks however they either apply awfully,or are just too sickly a shade for me to even contemplate wearing! However I think I finally might of found the the "perfect"one ...

I hate to admit that I'm one of those people who buys things purely because I like name, but sadly its true (please tell me I'm not the only one?!). However in this case I genuinely do love the colour so I guess that makes it OK right? (Yes I know I'm trying to justify it to myself!) The shade is "Marie Antoinette 202" and its the perfect pale candy pink, it almost reminds me of a Laduree macaron. Think Fleur de Cerisier. The polish itself has a gel based formula which makes it very long lasting and ultra glossy. It also apparently has  built- in top coat "LiquiGel Technology" (?) which again is probably why its incredibly glossy. I only needed two coats for this colour which is pretty much normal for any pastel shade, and the application itself was ridiculously easy. Perhaps this was due to the flat paddle precision brush or simply because the formula was sooooo smooth. Either way I'm in love with this polish and will definitely be wearing it a lot this winter ... and probably the other seasons too!

Out of curiosity will any of you be sporting pastel nails this winter or do you prefer the more darker shades?

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

*Apologies for the awful photos, the lighting was awful and for some reason I seemed incapable of actually taking a photo in focus!

Beauty // Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick 107

Today I thought I'd attempt something new ... a "beauty post-ish-thing!". I know what your thinking, I too never thought I would see the day when me, Aimee, someone who wears make-up daily yet always looks ridiculously awful, would attempt to share beauty tips ... I think even I have surprised myself with this one! However tonight I thought I'd give it ago because I really wanted to share this amazingly beautiful lipstick with you guys ... after all it is a known fact that I wear lipstick every single day and might just have an a teeny tiny addiction to the stuff! (OK you got me big addiction!) Here goes then, wish me luck ...

I purchased this lipstick a little over a week ago, and if I'm honest it was a complete impulse buy. Perhaps I was tempted by its ridiculously inexpensive price tag, or perhaps it was due to the fact that I can't say no to anything remotely burgundy ... I'm guessing it was the latter of the two! I know I'm a little late to the party when it comes to this lipstick as it was crazy popular on the "blogsphere" last year when it was released,but its better late than never right? Right guys!? ...

Of course as you are all aware this is indeed the Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick for Rimmel and its in the shade 107. This colour is scary. I mean scary. Scary good though. Honestly I'm intimated and so in love with this colour all at the same time, Its just amazing. However despite all that I think a shade like this is perfect for this time of year, almost a rich Christmas berry colour that's perfect for the festive season ahead. What I love however about this lipstick mostly is that its Matte, and not the awful "show how many imperfections I have on my lips, don't they look disgustingly dry matte" the "my lips look so perfect and velvety, don't you want to kiss them matte" ... see amazing! The formula itself applies really easily due to it being so velvety smooth, and its also very highly pigmented which gives a lovely full coverage opaque look. On me it lasted mostly perfect for around 5-ish hours and then needed a little re-application, which I think is pretty good all in all considering the colour.

I remember a while back when Kate Moss launched her first lipstick collection with Rimmel, being completely in love with them and wearing them all the time, so I'll admit I had quite high hopes for this one. One thing that I should mention however is that as much as I love and admire dark lips on other people, I've never been brave enough to actually wear anything remotely this dark myself, but again like writing this post I figured why not just give it ago? Does it suit me? Honestly I'm not entirely sure. I guess I'll let you all be the judge of that!

(Read: I haven't actually worn it outside yet so feedback would be great else I might end up looking like a complete fool ... as per usual!)

So there you have it perhaps the worse "beauty post-ish-thing" you will find on the Internet, but after all it was my first attempt ... and lets face it I'm not a make-up expert that's for sure!

Illustration // Orla kiely ss/14 (WIP)

Its no secret that I'm obsessive when it comes to anything Orla Kiely, so It was quite obvious really that once I saw the new SS/14 collection I was going to lust over every item like some crazy fanatic. However of course I can't afford to buy any of it sadly, so I decided to do the next best thing ... draw it! As you can see this illustration isn't yet complete (I'm still yet to attempt that beautiful elephant/ rhino? print on the dress and finish of the face and arms), but I would say that its definitely satisfying my craving for a pink beret (...OK seriously who am I trying to kid?). But honestly I've really been loving creating illustrations recently, and also I've really been focused more on developing my own illustrative style. I think its because I passionately hate most things I draw, and I'm trying to make a conscious effort to change that ... practice makes perfect right?

I have to say this is perhaps the shortest post I've ever wrote, but I just really felt like sharing this with you all tonight. Once Its complete I'll update you all of course!

I'm off now to dream of pink berets and binoculars ...

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Art Styled // Rosemarie Auberson

 // Artwork On The Right Found On Rosemarie Auberson's Website //

It's no secret that my one true love will always be art, that's just the way it's always been and always will be I'm afraid, however Its also common knowledge that I'm also rather interested in fashion (OK OK fashion is technically art, I know). So this morning I was thinking seeing as how I've been wanting to try something new on here, that it would be quite interesting and different to combine the two in a post ... OK OK so I wanted an excuse to waste time on polyvore, you got me! But seriously guys I originally started this blog with the intention that I would use it as a place to share inspiring artists and artworks, that have in some way inspired me and in turn hopefully they would inspire you (after all 99% of artists I obsess over were discovered through me reading blogs ... FACT). However I've noticed that so far that hasn't happened on here ... At least not until today that is! 

I first discovered French Artist Rosemarie Auberson's artwork sometime last year, and I can remember instantly falling in love with the way in which she combines collage and printmaking. All of her art work has a certain simplicity about it that evokes a sense of calm and tranquillity.What I find most compelling however about her work (other than her delectable colour palette that is)is the beautiful delicacy that every image she creates captures. She makes just the simple positioning of a black and white image look ridiculously understated yet ridiculously beautiful and enticing. I am however not the only one to adore her work,as she has taken part in quite a few exciting collaborations. For instance she has created media kits for Hermes SS/12 and produced wearable textiles for New York label Rachel Comey. 

Thinking about it now, its seems as though deciding to create outfits to represent each piece of work was a rather fitting idea, especially since Rosemarie Auberson has such a strong connection with visual art becoming fashion. For the outfits above I simply tried to interpret each piece of art in a way that still suits my own personal style. Whether or not I did it well, I guess I'm not too sure? ... I'll let you be the judge of that!  When I started however, I kept in mind that I wanted to create a "delicate yet simplistic beauty" in each outfit, and I'd like to hopefully think that I achieved that. Of course most of the items I used are way out of my budget, but hey "a girl can dream" right? ...

I honestly loved creating this post and hopefully if your reading this then you perhaps did too!

Todays Playlist: STAY AWAKE // London Grammar, IF I COULD CHANGE YOUR MIND // Haim, RIPTIDE // Vance Joy, ROYALS // Lorde, IN/OUT // Dan Croll, and PUT A LIGHT ON // Generationals.

Photos // Kinfolk Volume 8

I posted briefly about my love of Kinfolk yesterday, so I thought It would only make sense to share some snippets from the new issue. Last week I finally managed to get hold of the new issue after not realising that It was actually released back in June (... ??? I know how did I miss this!?!). All I really want to say however is that Volume 8 is ridiculously inspiring, I know I say that all the time but It truly is. This issue is focused around Japanese culture and it really gives you a glimpse into there beautifully simple lifestyle. I've been flicking through this on and off for a few days now and each time something new seems to catch my eye. Since reading this I've also now developed a strange interest in Ikebana, which up until the other day I had never even heard of. Its a Japanese form of flower arranging and it involves you combining three elements to represent heaven, earth and man. The key to it is simplicity therefore you only need a few materials. There's something about the whole process of this that I find really inspiring (after all I do have an obsession with floral arrangements!), and Its definitely something I would love to experiment with in the future. Of course Kinfolk wouldn't be complete without its stunning visual photos essays (Escape to Kamakura is really quite something) or its too good to eat recipes (Cherry blossom macaroons with black sesame anyone?).

As always I would definitely recommend that you have a quick glance through this magazine if you get the chance, because I'm almost positive It will captivate your interest.

I just quickly wanted to post this as I thought you might all like to see the sorts of things inside this magazine, if you haven't already. I must dash now though as I'm currently finishing off some illustrations / Starting to draw up some exciting new designs for something I'm working on ... oooh its all rather exciting!

Today's Playlist: SOMEBODY SWEET TO TALK TO // She & Him, HIGH HOPES // Kodaline, FOR YOUR LOVE // Josh Record, TOWERS // Bon Iver, HIGHER LOVE // James Vincent McMorrow, and OLD PINE // Ben Howard.

Photos // My Sin, My Soul. Lo-lee-ta

Today I thought I'd share some items that I've been obsessing over for the last month or so. I actually got all of these items back in may when it was my birthday, yet never actually got around to posting about them. (I procrastinate ... A LOT!) However I'm still madly in love with all these items , so I figured it was better late than never!

Lolita //
I'd been wanting to read this book for what seemed like forever, especially since I'd heard so much hype about it. I'll admit however that I was a little sceptical at first about reading this book as I was worried that the controversial subject matter would be seen as less serious than it is today (it was wrote in the 1950's after all). Once I started reading it though I realised that I need not of worried because even though the main character (and narrator) Humbert is a paedophile, the book still presents the issue as being every bit a repugnant as it is today. I must add though that this book is a disturbing read, you will more than likely feel yourself being disgusted and yet sympathetic towards your narrator. Despite all this I still found this book to be ridiculously beautiful and compelling. Nabokov manages to make every sentence so full of a richness that flows through your mind like poem you want to savour. Its easy to see why this is considered a literary classic and I definitely would recommend this to everyone... although I'm aware It perhaps not everyone's cup of tea!

Kinfolk Volume 7 //
 Kinfolk is possibly one of the most beautiful and interesting magazines I've ever read. If like me you love simple minimal design and the feel of crisp matte paper (that smells amazing ... OK I'm weird!) then you will lust over the pages of this magazine. The one in the photos is volume 7 and I have to say I found this issue particularly inspiring. It was an ode to ice cream (I know it already sounds great.) and was full of beautiful photo essays such as the Parker Fitzgerald one (There's a glimpse of it above.)  which is called floral scoops. Honestly combining flowers and ice cream together is like complete visual perfection. I only wish I thought of that idea! As I type this however I'm currently sitting next to volume 8 which is dedicated to Japanese culture, so if your interested you should definitely check it out.

Paperchase Scrapbook //
Who doesn't love a scrapbook? Honestly? I have so many; In fact I'm pretty much obsessed. I perhaps use this scrapbook more like a sketchbook, but hey when it comes to creativity I'm a firm believer that there are no rules. I'm going to let you all in on a little secret (or perhaps not that much of a secret depending on how well you know me!) but I'm with out a shadow of a doubt completely and utterly obsessed with brown paper. It all started a couple of years ago ... and well I still have a problem. If something has brown paper inside of it or even on it (yes I'm talking packaging now!), I am more likely to buy it ... yep I really do have a problem. So back to the scrapbook, when I'm not lusting over the paper inside of it like some crazy person, I'm filling it with art, midnight ramblings, and all sorts of inspiring things. I might show you one day ... maybe?

Tim Walker Pictures & Tim Walker Story Teller //
I have two words for you ... truly magical. I can't even begin to describe to you how inspiring I've found these two books, It would be impossible to fit it into small paragraph like this one (Individual post anyone?). I first discovered Tim Walkers photography back when I had just started college and I remember spending hours lusting over his work on my computer screen wishing so badly that the world could really look like one of his photographs. Sadly for us it doesn't, however the fantasy and imagination that he manages to conjure up will forever make me smile. I feel as though I should mention that these two books are enormous, in fact I struggle to even lift them (weakling alert!), although that hasn't stopped me endlessly flicking through the pages in constant amazement! Seriously everyone who likes photography needs one of these books (or at least needs to flick through one).Trust me you will never let your camera leave your hand afterwards!

If you actually managed to read through all my ramblings above, then congratulations because honestly If I was you I would never of made it!

(note to self: must try and write less next time.)

Today's Playlist: LOLITA // Lana Del Rey, OFF TO THE RACES // Lana Del Rey, HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME // She & Him, DIAMONDS // Ben Howard, Sense // Tom Odell, and BONES // Josh Record.

Photos // What's The Time, Mr Wolf?

Did anyone else use to make a wish on these as a child? Or perhaps like me you used to use them whilst playing "Whats the time, Mr Wolf?" (does anyone actually remember that game other than me?!). I used to love watching them flutter across the sky, little did I know at the time that I was actually spreading weeds; although weirdly I have always found weeds rather beautiful. I actually took these photos whilst "attempting" to film a shot for a little video I'm working on, its nothing special more of an experiment really. I've always been interested in  filming short little videos yet up until recently I'd never really given it ago...sadly so far I've found out that I'm perhaps not the best at it!

This is perhaps the shortest post I've written so far which perhaps makes a refreshing change. I honestly just quickly wanted to share these photos as I weirdly quite liked them ... again perhaps another refreshing change for me! As I type this I'm currently waiting for a second coat of paint to dry on some plant pots (why Pinterest do you have to give me these ideas all the time?!?! ha!) ... I'm pretty sure once they are done I'll be planting succulents in them as I'm still currently obsessed (... again, thanks Pinterest!).

Today's Playlist: BETTER THAN THAT // Miles Kane, DO I WANNA KNOW? // Arctic Monkeys, THE  AGE OF UNDERSTATEMENT // The Last Shadow Puppets, OUT OF CONTROL // Miles Kane, FLUORESCENT ADOLESCENT // Arctic Monkeys, and TELEPATHY // Miles Kane.

Photos // Making The Impossible Possible.

I have a confession ... I'm a little bit obsessed with instant photography and have been most of my life. It all started when I was little, I can remember being bought a Polaroid i-zone camera for Christmas when I was 7. It was the first camera I'd ever owned and I'm pretty sure in that moment I fell in love with photography. Of course at that age I was awful, but I can in fact remember going around taking photos of everyone who visited our house that Christmas. In fact I can remember later that year when my little brother was born taking photos of him in the hospital just so I could take them to school the next day. I spent the whole day showing anyone who walked past me whether they wanted to see them or not! Being the impatient person that I am, I loved the quickness that instant photography provided me. To me there was always something so magical about watching my photos slowly appear in front of my eyes, and what with us now living in such a digital age I recently started to miss having those moments.

Last year I was determined to get hold of a Polaroid P600 camera as I felt my camera collection was in desperate need of one. After browsing eBay for the whole of 5 minutes (yes it was that quick!), I found one going ridiculously cheap and it was virtually brand new.Once it arrived I was faced with the dreaded task of hunting down the film, which as we all know isn't the cheapest. Since Polaroid stopped making film for this camera back in 2008 (although you can find some of the old stock online!), I decided that my only option was to test out a pack of The Impossible Project film that I'd been hearing a lot about; honestly I'm so glad I did.

The Impossible project in my eyes, keeps dreams alive. They keep creative possibilities alive. I love everything thing that they stand for and I'm amazed at what they have managed to achieve so far. Unfortunately you only get 8 exposures in a pack instead of the traditional 10, but I'm sure I can live with that. And also there is no longer the ability to "shake it like a Polaroid picture" so to speak as you aren't supposed to shake this film. I guess its just a small price to pay for being able to use this camera. In all honestly this film is a whole different take on the old Polaroid system, but is still amazing none the less. Every photo has a beautiful quality to it even the ones that go wrong; I like to call those happy accidents. What I love the most however about The Impossible project, is the determination of Florian Kaps, Andre Bosman, and Christian Lutz (the founders), to not allow the extinction of analogue instant photography. They've created a film that can stop thousands of cameras just sitting around becoming useless and obsolete. They've invented a whole new way of photography which like many others I'm thankful for. After all they did make the impossible possible.

Today's Playlist: OUT OF THE BLUE // Julian Casablancas, SLOW ANIMALS // The Strokes, YOU'RE GONNA GET IT // Miles Kane, I WISH I WAS A GIRL // The Vaccines, FULL CIRCLE // Half Moon Run, and GROW OLD WITH ME // Tom Odell.