Independent women

My mum has taught me a lot about expressing and believing in myself. She is a great strong, independent women who inspires me day to day.

 

When I was little she would be often heard on her sewing machine. Buying all sorts of fabrics and turning it into little dresses and suits to die for. Looking back I wish I kept them.

Mine and mums relationship is simples...
Talking endlessly about our next purchase and what's on our 'wish list'. Endlessly convincing each other that in fact 'A Mulberry is definitely an investment'.
I love listening to the outfits she'd wear, how 'it all comes back round'. She'd save up her money and spend it in Jigsaw and Hobbs. God I wish she kept it all!

                                       And this is where I learnt to invest in Classics.

                                        

                                          'Navy Blazer' uniform for work.
 

 

                      

                                      Patent 'Classic Louboutins' can never date.

                   


                    Loafers, Skinnys and a Trench same old but my favourites.

 

                        

                         Classic stripes with a glass of wine at Shoreditch House.


With Love

Olivia Jane x



 

Domestic Goddess Tip Three: removing stains from handbags.

Domestic Goddess Tip three: removing stains from handbags.

Got a grease stain on your clutch bag from the wine bar last night?

Try lighter fluid (gently dabbing it on the areas). Can buy from most convenience stores. 

With love

Olivia Jane x

Something isn't right...

I recently woke up one morning and thought i'am cheating myself. 

My job 'isn't me', I want to achieve more, I want to push myself and challenge myself. I have always been happier when I'am working against a challenge and juggling all sorts. So why did I stop that? I'am  going into this role everyday because it is 'what I should be doing'.

So I did it. I resigned. I have left a good company, a very well paid role, a great set of work colleagues and jumped from this very stable position into what felt like the abyss. And I feel on top of the world because of it. Solidly for at least a month I applied and applied and applied. For anything along as it is in where i want to be.. Fashion (of course). After four weeks of working my notice, applying for roles, going on holiday, attending several interviews all over England and feeling like superwoman (a very tired superwoman emotionally and physically). 

I have finally got to a place I want to be, need to be and thrive in being. 

   My generous colleagues spoilt me with leaving presents....   

Monday, I start a new role working in Whitechapel, London as a Marketing and Sales Intern for Hemyca. Yes the dreaded 'internship' in which pay isn't an option. However I cannot wait. If it means less time in Zara and Whistles because of it. So be it! I feel a great wave of excitement, a new chapter in my life story, new people and influences. 

I will keep you updated!

Love Olivia Jane x

Sun = Happiness

I have missed the summer feeling so much.

Smell of cut grass. Seeing everything brighter through the lens' of the Ray Bans. The feel of sunshine seeping through our closed eyes whilst we enjoy the late afternoons making the most of this INCREDIBLE sun.

Here is a collection of a few snaps of my weekend

Making Saturdays errands slightly brighter..

Lazy afternoons. Light skinnys and Spring check...

Always make sure there is time for Sunday treats and brunch with Mum..

            

Productive Sunday research with a cuppa and John Legend...

  

From where i'am sat. Jeans and white tee...

           

Hope you have all loved every minute of your weekend as I have.

With love 

Olivia Jane x

'The Three Commandments to Skincare'

I have never been one of those lucky people who were born with fantastic skin. I have one late night and it looks like I haven't slept for years. If I eat junk food I come up in spots. Fall asleep with my make up on? Don't even go there.

One of the most important things that has been passed on from my Mother, her Mother and her Mother. Is the three rules to taking care of your skin. Cleanse. Tone. Moisturise. Twice a day. Every day. No ifs or buts. And.. exfoliate twice a week. (Keeps the wrinkles at bay).
This has been drummed into me from an early age. And now I have finally found the products that suit me so far, so good (touch wood).

Cleanser

            

 Great cleanser really removes all grime and dirt. Leaves pores feeling fresh.

Toner

             

Running out, panic has started.

Moisturiser

             

Love this moisturiser. Heavier than a lotion. But not too greasy.

With love 

Olivia Jane x

'Come wind, rain or shine'

I think we all agree when I say the weather at the moment plays havoc with our wardrobe choices. Beautiful sunshine but sudden gust of winds making me feel that sharp chill.

But there are far too many great colours and clothes out there to be covering up with our winter coats and boots. I want to let my skin breathe without the freeze!
Here are a few of the items I wore at the weekend and a few tips for you to dress well despite the weather!

'The Trench'
Has and will always be a wardrobe staple item. I will never get sick of the great classic looks the trench provides.  Stripey tshirt, jeans or a bright shift. It will never fail us.

                      

Perfect for this time of year when our skin is screaming for us to blow away the cobwebs and craves the vitamin D we haven't had in too long.

'The Trainers'
Great way to keep your feet warm and comfy but introduce some great spring/summer colours that are out there at the moment.

               

'The Scarf'
This is my most recent scarf purchase, from Fred Perry. I bought this to pretty up my plain t shirt and jeans outfit and keep the breeze from my neck. 'Must wear a scarf to keep warm' so my Nan will tell me.

                         

'From where I stand'

            

Look out next weekend for another post on my recent outfits!

 

With love 

Olivia Jane x

'Orange is the new black'

I walk into a shop and my eyes are suddenly drawn to anything orange. And I make a beeline to that item. Orange is my weakness.

Orange is proven to make people happier. So get drinking that OJ and purchase some oranges shoes!

                             

   

                 

          

With love

Olivia Jane x

'The Importance of the brush'

A make up artist recently told me how her make up brushes are the most important tools in her kit.

I completely agree. 

Angled brushes are great for the contoured look (will be posting on this soon!).

To start off your brush set start with the basics. Foundation, bronzer an eyeshadow. 

Using my foundation brush whilst applying makes it last alot longer and looks much more natural.

        

 Tip: clean your brushes monthly. I use MAC brush cleanser this maintains and prevents breakouts. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water (as it causes them to malt).

Brushes can be expensive but there is a huge range out there at affordable prices.

Splash out- MAC brushes are my favourite (slightly more pricey)

Budget- Real techniques.

With love

Olivia Jane x

Domestic Goddess Tip two: scruffy boots and shoes.

Ran out of shoe polish? Your boots or shoes looking a little scruffy? 

Banana skin acts as a good polish for brown leather. 

With love 

Olivia Jane x

Domestic Goddess Tip one: Stubborn stains on shoes.

White stubborn marks on your trainers?

Use an old toothbrush and white toothpaste to get rid. 

Still there? Try Cif.

With love 

Olivia Jane x

Giving a little back

Skincare is the most important item to invest in. You can't exchange or return your skin like clothes and shoes. It is with you for life. It protects you from all harsh elements. We should return the favour.

I will be posting weekly on different products and brands. 

This week is 'repairing your skin'.

So last night me and my girlfriends indulged ourselves with dinner at Jamie Oliver's. 

Served with prosecco (My favourite), As the night came we boogied like Beyonce in 'Crazy in Love' (well tried to!).

Today my skin was looking tired and dehydrated. With no time to get a facial here are some quick steps I use to repair my skin.

Jump in a hot shower so the steam opens up your pores

Massage a hot cloth cleanser into you skin in circular movements 

I usually use Liz Earle but have changed to No7 as it was a little too harsh for me and began to strip my skin. 

                             

   

Use a damp Muslim cloth (most come with these) and wipe away all the dirt and grime. Repeat if necessary. Tip: make sure the cloths are regularly cleaned to prevent any breakouts.

                             

    

Once you are out of the shower pat your skin dry with a clean towel. And wipe lightly a toner soaked cotton wool pad. You have now closed your pores. Tip: tone everytime to cleanse this is to prevent the build up of blackheads.

                              

   

Lastly, use a hydrating cream

I use Clarins hydra quench mask. Pop on a thickish layer, let this soak in over night and Ta Da! Healthy glowing skin.

                                

With love 

Olivia Jane x

Taking on the world

I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends and family who each have great sense of style. And love clothes and the way they make them feel.
Because at the end of the day, isn't that what its all about? How clothes make us feel.

Popping on my tailored trousers, tucking in my crisp white shirt and stepping into my patent Louboutins. This makes me feel like I can take on anything that life throws at me.

   

      

     One of my favourite things I own (definitely an investment!)

        

   

 

        

With love

Olivia Jane x

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Welcome

Hello fellow bloggers.

This is my new baby, a place where I can throw my latest ideas and thoughts about things that make me feel good. Things that make me so excited I cannot sleep (usually my next shopping trip to Covent Garden after payday or Whistles next sale). 

                               Fashion, Cosmetics and Goddess tips. 

Olivia Jane will give you advice on skin care and cosmetics. Hopefully save you some pennies towards your next wardrobe buy. 'Come on girls those shoes aren't going to buy themselves!'

Olivia Jane will be posting sneaky little tricks of the trade to allow you to bring out your inner Domestic Goddess. Those fatal drink spillages on the new handbag will not seem so bad.

With love 
Olivia Jane x