F.B.L Quick Tip #9

 

Can't decide what to wear?

Stick to monochrome.
An easy trend to wear to anywhere and will instantly make you look more polished.




Dress Codes Explained

Having a party/event invitation drop though the letter box is an amazing feeling, until you see the dress code - creative black tie or festive etc - and your more confused than excited. In fact you feel it would have been better if the invitation hadn't said a thing! However there are perfect explanations behind each and every one of these different dress code ideas.

Cate Blanchett at Oscars 2014
Image via latimes.com

Dress Code - Black Tie
The best way to look at this is to try think about what the host will wear. This may be slightly harder if you don't actually know the host! Therefore think as formal as you can. This will mainly include a floor length dress that is not too 'sexy' although a thigh height split dress is acceptable. For men this code is simple - wear a tuxedo complete with bow tie.

Image via Google

Dress Code - Black Tie Optional
One of the slightly more confusing dress codes as it does give the option to dress a little more casual. This can mean anything from a floor length gown to a cocktail dress. However, this is still a formal event you are attending. I personally wouldn't wear anything dress length shorter than three-quarter. For men either a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie.

Image via Lipsy.co.uk

Dress Code - Creative Black Tie
This is defiantly one of the more confusing dress codes but it does allow you to have a little more fun! This code means you can make your look less serious so feel free to include brighter colours and maybe a little embellishment. This code can also be called trendy black tie and can sometimes be included in a theme but just as a smart way to do this. For men, this can mean you can wear a dark suit or maybe add a splash of colour with a red bowtie.

Image via Tumblr

Dress Code - Cocktail
Time to get those short dresses out! Just make sure they are party ready - this can still be seen as a formal event. This means not showing too much skin or anything that is covered in glitter/sequins. For the boys, a dark suit with a tie is acceptable.

Beyoncé

Image via fashionsizzle.com

Dress Code - Festive
This code normally only comes around near the festive/holiday season and is actually one of the most fun. This code can vary greatly depending on the host, but mainly it is similar to a cocktail dress code just with a festive twist. This is the perfect time to get out that sequin party dress! Boys, get out that festive-theme tie you have hidden at the back of the wardrobe!

Image via The Glamourai

Dress Code - Business Formal
Normally saved for work lunches and conference meetings and calls for either a three-quarter length tailored dress or a pant suit. This means wearing something that is both formal but slightly dressy. For men, a suit and tie.

Dress Code - Smart Casual
This just means wearing a slightly more dressy version of you casual/everyday look. For example some smart jeans paired with some dressy heels and a blazer. Boys, pair your jeans with a smart shirt and a suit jacket.

Dress Code - Casual
Anything goes with this dress code! This means you can wear your most comfortable outfit - jeans and converse anyone?

I hope that if you now get an invitation with a dress code you will know exactly what you should and shouldn't wear. Also, the most important thing to remember is to have fun whatever your wearing and to make sure your personality shines though!

Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #8

Always use a lipliner when using strong coloured lipsticks.

 

It stops colour bleeding

 

 

 

All Those Heels

When it comes to buying new heels there is so much choice, making it increasingly hard to find exactly what you are looking for. What colour? Strap style? Heel type? Height? These are just some of the questions that enter you head when heel shopping, or even just selecting shoes for an event! 

Image via Tumblr

High heels first became a fashion in the late 1500s by the soon-to-be Queen of France, as she was competing with a mistress who was slightly taller. Therefore she created a pair of 2inch high heels which gave her an alluring sway and noticeable posture changes, asw ell as the obvious height. As with anything royalty seemed to do, it became a ''hit'' with the privileged and centuries later it's still here ''kicking''....quite literally.


Heel height by your heel experience -

Beginner - (low chunky heels, boots with low heels, wedges)
These types of heels are relatively easy to walk in especially boots. This is because boots hug and support your ankle making walking comfortable, even with the heel. However they are not particularly formal, so for this type of event you may have to forfeit comfort and take a risk!

Intermediate - (kitten heels, block heels with straps, medium height heels with a platform)
These heels will make your walk slower and each step more attentive, but they are still achievable even if you are a flats type of girl. However they will give your walk a slight sway!

Advanced (thin high heels with or without straps and/or a platform)
Practice makes perfect. The more you wear this type of heel, the more natural will feel and also your walk will look more graceful and have the 'sway' that only high heels can help you achieve.

Expert (sky high heels)
Only the brave and experienced high heel walker should attempt these heels! It is an art to be able to walk in around 12cm heel with no platform and being able to balance your entire body weight on an inch square. Take care when wearing these, however good they may look!

What shoes for what type of event -

White tie - This type of event is extremely formal and defiantly not the time to go experimenting. Only closed toe heels should be worn and should generally be made from leather or a satin type material. The heel height should be small and preferably no platform - think of the sort of shoes you may see members of the royal family wearing.

Black tie - This is still quite a formal event, but no where near as restricting as white tie. This means that, as long as your heels complement your dress, any can be worn within reason. Also, pretty much any colour is acceptable too! Look at the shoes you may see people wearing to a red carpet event. 

To most other events, such as dates, weddings, family events/dinners most heels will be acceptable to wear. However, in my opinion heels that are higher than 13cm and have a massive chunky platforms (nice way of saying stripper heels?) are highly inappropriate at pretty much any time.

Are you a high heel fan? What are your favourites?

Love Laura xx

More Awake With No Makeup

We all know about the many tricks to appear more awake using all different types of makeup and skin care products, but how about looking more awake without the makeup? Sound impossible? It's not! It is also easy to do everyday, meaning those few extra mins in bed! Also means you can face the world bare faced - no need to hide however much you may feel like it.

1. Get moving as soon as you wake up
As horrible as it may sound, getting up that hour or two earlier and heading to the gym or just for a run can actually do wonders for your body and skin. Exercising first thing in the morning wakes up your entire body after being relatively still for a long period of time, which sends a 'we're up' message to your brain. It gets your blood pumping and gives you a natural rosy glow therefore making you look more awake.

2. Ice cold water or spoons
As soon as you get up, splash your face with ice cold water. It shocks your brain and opens eyes. Feeling brave? Switch your shower to cold for 10 seconds before you get put for the same effect. If your feel like your eyes are quite puff, stick 2 spoons in the freezer and lay them over your eyes for a cool, de-puffing natural fix.

3. Earrings
When getting ready in the morning choose a pair of statement earrings which have soft coloured gems/stones. (emerald, turquoise, or amethyst) These will take any unwanted attention away from those tired eyes and will also reflect onto your skin and eyes, making you look more awake.

4. Put down the phone before bed
According to research, those who spend around 2hours before bed looking at a device using an LED display, generally had a dip in melatonin levels. Melatonin is a chemical which induces sleep, so those with a decrease in this have a harder time getting to sleep.

5. Citrus fruit
Citrus foods are packed full of vitamin C which increases energy levels and alertness, meaning they are perfect for first thing in the morning. Even if your not a fan of eating citrus just smelling it can work, as it will shake up you senses.

6. Dark sunglasses
If you feel and look more asleep than awake, dark sunglasses are you new best friend. They prevent you for squinting and tearing up at the bright light outside, as well as hiding those puffy eyes from the world.

Remember your skin will thank you for not caking it in loads of different products as it allows it to breathe. Who needs makeup?!

Love Laura xx

F.B.L Quick Tip #7

Want the perfect 'Hollywood' waves?

 

Curl your hair with rollers or tongs and brush out when cool to get a loose wave, then spray with a strong but light hairspray.

 

 

Mirrored Sunglasses

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

 

 

You!! - when you follow the new trend for sunglasses - mirrored!
These have been seen on many an A-List star and model such as Cara Delevingne, Olivia Palermo and Rita Ora, they are defiantly the shades to be seen in this season with their reflective lenses and cool frames. They are also an easy way to add a splash of colour to an otherwise 'plain' outfit. (Think an of-duty model look) they also have a cool futuristic and modern vibe making them a fun thing to wear and be seen in. An added bonus is that they will reflect and ward off any bright light - your eyes will thank you for it! Of course they are perfect for hiding those peepers after a late night or those no makeup days!