Shaun Leane and Rox

Hey Dolls,

I was recently invited to an event to celebrate and learn more about Shaun Leane's jewellry line available at Rox.  Even if Shaun's name is unfamiliar to you, I'm sure you will be acquainted with some of his designs - do you remember Sarah Jessica Parker's amazing tartan Alexander McQueen dress with the beautiful brooch? That's a Shaun Leane jewelry design (I was lucky enough to see the brooch in person - amazing!). The night was a whirlwind of cocktails, mingling and beautiful jewelry.

Me and one of my best friends Lynsey with fellow blogger Anna and her friend Laura.

The highlight of the event was Michelle from Kingdom of Style's Q&A session (you can read all about her experience here). Through this, we learned all about his close friendship with Alexander McQueen and consequently the influence this had on his work to the multitude of meanings people have taken from his designs.  Shaun used his 'Hook my Heart' necklace as an example of a piece that could be seen as quite dark but also beautiful and romantic.  I absolutely loved hearing more about his collaboration with Daphne Guinness in making this absolutely beautiful diamond glove which you can read about here.

Mentally spending my next 3546748 years wages!

Shaun was such an interesting and funny speaker and I could of listened to his stories for hours! His designs are absolutely stunning, Lynsey and I had to drag ourselves away from the gold talon earrings and gold and turquoise bangle...

Thank you so much to Toni for inviting me, both Lynsey and I had such a lovely time - it was such an amazing opportunity to hear the stories behind the jewellery!

Nicola

xx

Swap!

Hey Dolls :)

Just a quick post - I've been getting the itch to do another make up swap, just in time for Christmas!! Make up swaps are honestly one of the best things I've done since starting blogging! If you're interested in swapping with me anytime soon, you can either leave a comment below, tweet me - @carrsky or e-mail me at magicsinthemakeup@hotmail.co.uk. Ideally you'd have a blog too so I can get a feel of some surprises to send you!

Since I hate posts with no photos, here's one of me reading a cocktail menu very seriously!

 Hope to hear from some of you soon,

Nicola

xx

P.S This all seemed a little too much like a dating advert in the classifieds...Make up addict seeks similar beauty junkie for swap times and happy new make up days!

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet L'Exuberante

Hey Dolls :)

I have always tended to stay away from matte lipsticks - for someone with oily skin, my lips are quite dry and flaky meaning matte formulas have always scared me a little.  After telling anyone who will listen about my love for Chanel's Rouge Allure lipsticks, I was quite excited to hear about their new release - the Rouge Allure Velvet. 

 (Sorry about the brush marks, I couldn't wait to take photographs!)

Chanel describe the rouge allure velvet lipsticks as a luminous matte finish. I wasn't too sure what too expect when I went to swatch them at the Chanel counter, however they are really smooth, pigmented and surprisingly light on the lips. I think Chanel got it right with the name - they feel extrememly velvety. As they are silicone based, the formula feels really moisturising on my lips - as long as I've applied a little lip balm  it doesn't settle into the lines or exaggerate any dry areas and the colour lasts for hours!  

There are eight shades in the range, all of which are quite bold colours - I chose a beautiful bright pink called L'Exuberante.  In the summer, counters are full of really pretty but sheer formulas such as the YSL Volupte Sheer Candies and the Rouge Coco Shines, making the Rouge Allure Velvet's an amazing step into autumn/winter make up. 

Have you had a look at the rouge allure velvets? What are your other matte lipstick recommendations?

Lots of Love

Nic

xx

Ballet Shoes

Hey Dolls

Does anyone remember the Noel Streatfeild Shoe Books - dancing shoes, skating shoes, party shoes? Ballet Shoes was always my favourite - -my copy is ridiculously worn out but I love it more each time I read it.  After going to see The Scottish Ballet's Autumn Double Bill, Kings 2 Ends and Pennies From Heaven I was inspired to read it again the next day!

Jorma Elo's brand new work, Kings 2 Ends, which was created for the Edinburgh International Festival, meshes together Mozart's Violin Concerto No 1 and Steve Reich's Double Sextet in the one piece - the choreography was so fun and colourful that both my friend Clare and I didn't take our eyes from the stage.  What I loved most about Kings 2 Ends was that the interpretation of the dance was left to the individuals in the audience.  It was lighthearted and fresh and the hour zoomed past so quickly! It has also inspired me to incorporate a tiaras into my wardrobe ha!

The second half of the double bill, Ashley Page's Pennies from Heaven, though completely different, incorporated the same sense of fun and excitement I felt watching Kings 2 Ends.  Pennies from Heaven is inspired by 1930s music and cinema - throughout the performance, Clare kept whispering in my ear which films the different scenes reminded her of.  Again, I couldn't take my eyes from the stage as the different love stories unfolded - my personal favourite was the bell hop and the cinema cigarette girl - their dance was so playful and fun that I couldn't help but smile the whole way through.  Here is one of my favourite songs from the production (though a different version to what was used on the night)

The costumes were absolutely beautiful - I felt rather drab set against the old hollywood glamour of swishing ballgowns and beautiful tailored suits. 

Everytime I go to see a Scottish Ballet performance I always worry a little as I know nothing about the technical side of ballet.  However, each time, I leave in awe at how the dancers are able to move their bodies in such amazing ways.  Particularly with this bill, Clare and I left gushing about how much fun we had - it was one of the most entertaining and refreshing ways to spend an evening!

Thanks again to Ann for an amazing night - You can catch Kings 2 Ends along with another Scottish Ballet production, Song of the Earth, at Sadler's Wells in London on the 3-4 November.  If you're able to , go!

Lots of Love

Nicola

xx