MANIFEST THAT

Tuesday, 13 August 2013

...see what I did there?

When I started having a steady income, I could spend a bit of money on little luxuries. For me this comes in the form of shoes, clothes and nail polish. I fully indulge in being a girl when it comes to shopping for nothing in particular, especially when finances allow that month!

One of my first splurges was at Nails Inc; I was left with a big hole in my wallet and a big box of nail polish. Needless to say there have been a few additions to it ever since. I like to match my nail varnish to my mood and what I wear, which usually follows the rule of a monochromatic or nude base with highlights of neon. If I decide to wear more colourful clothing then I neutralise my nails for balance. I'd love to lie and say that I always stick to this rule, but sometimes I just keep whatever nail colour I have on and rock whatever I fancy wearing that day regardless!

My preferred brands for nail products are Nails Inc, Topshop, POP and occasionally O.P.I. If I opt for gel nails, I have Gellish applied my independent nail technician who knows me and my nails, and who never uses an electric file. Avoid any salon which uses these for gel nails as they are simply ruining your nails so that you feel like you constantly need to have gel or acrylic nails reapplied, due to the quality of your own nails. Gel application does not require an electric file or removal of the nails surface other than gentle buffing.

If I am not going for gel, my preferred style of polish is a gel-like high shine finish to the nail usually with a juxtaposed ring finger. By this I mean I paint the forth finger either a different colour, with a different textured polish e.g. matte or glitter or have nail art applied.

I plan on having regular posts about colours I love, starting with this collection from Nails Inc. The A Lister Collection is described as 'catwalk inspired neutral shades', and includes 4 colours. My favourite is Covent Garden Ballet, a grey with blue undertones and a copper shimmer running through it.

Its is subtle yet so beautiful; the name reflects the colour as it evoke images of shimmering tutus, which I think is charming. I have been wearing this with Ledbury Road on my forth finger, which is a deeper minky taupe with a silver shimmer through it giving a metallic finish.

Unfortunately you can't get these two polish outside of the collection on the Nails Inc website, however for £25 it's worth getting the set as the other two shades - Mayfair (pearly white) and Lower Sloane Street (taupe with pink undertone), are neutral staples which would be perfect for Autumn.

Thursday, 1 August 2013

When I grow up I'd like to be successful and rich enough to peruse Net-A-Porter, fill a wishlist and in a moment of indulgence buy it all. I mean, I'd obviously use my money for good causes too...but imagine doing good in Saint Laurent...

For those of you who don't know Net-A-Porter is an online premium fashion retailer, stocking every notable brand in Fashion's Little Black Book. If you're anything like me it can get seriously naughty, especially with their beautiful packaging and personalise service. You even get a members gift when you make your first order!

Unfortunately for the majority of us, we'll be putting pennies in the piggie bank for a while before being able to afford most items on the site. However, sign up to their newsletter for bites of fashion straight to your phone and get inspired by their magazine The Edit. Not just for 'grown-ups'!

My advice, if you cant resist investing in your wardrobe make sure you set up a wish list on your account and add absolutely everything you aspire to own. For a start, its fun to have a list of things your lusting after, and it actually helps you spot great dupes across the more affordable brands. Ignore the price of everything, you never know what you might one day be able to afford. Plus, you can often be surprised by the quality of the lower priced product they have on N-A-P!

By having a wish list, N-A-P will automatically send you updates of when things on that lust list go into sale so you can snap up something divine when it falls into your price range. Their most recent sale just ended, however I managed to make my first order before closing time. A pair of Charles Philip Shanghai white leopard print satin loafers. They were £38 (including basic shipping) reduced from £110.

The quality of the loafers is lovely and the packaging is also beautiful. N-A-P also sent me a welcome gift of a measuring tape to assist in making sure I purchase the correct sizes when I have that day of indulgence!

The Net-A-Porter Group also own The Outnet and Mr. Porter; The Ounet is a more purse friendly version of N-A-P with slightly older product and Mr.Porter is designed for men with style. The Journal on Mr.Porter is one of the best online style guides for men, in my opinion and working in menswear, the content is something many brands aspire to have. More on that later, for now here's the new additions to my wardrobe and how I plan on wearing them.