Saturday 30 August 2014

My Hair Makeover

My blog's been suffering for the past few weeks due to the crazy amount I've had going but last weekend, my sister and my gorgeous nephew visited.  We had a great weekend and I'll be posting a about Things To Do in Devon very soon, as we had some fun checking out the local attractions.  Whilst they were visiting my sister very kindly gave my hair a makeover.

For the past few years I've stuck to having long dark locks and only getting it cut once a year, yes that's right ONCE! If you want long hair don't get it cut so much.  Another reason for this is I hate going to the hairdressers, don't get me wrong there are some great salons but they never quite get or listen to what I'm saying so as my sister is a trained hairdresser, she's like my personal stylist that just lives a fair few miles away and this is why I don't go anywhere else.

I fancied a change and instantly wanted to try something a bit lighter.  Due to the dark colours I've applied in recent years I was about worried it looking brassy or the worst case scenario orange!!  I also had my second cut this year, a few inches off and some layers blended in just gives it the bit of texture it's been lacking for quite some time.  I had a half head of highlights and sat for what felt like hours but the end result was amazing.  I couldn't believe how well it lifted on my dark hair and of course I trusted my sister to do a great job but I still worried about what tone I might achieve.

The condition of my hair was also a slight worry as I've always had very shiny hair but I was amazed at the result.  Although slightly drier as to be expected when going lighter, it still feels great and gives my hair lovely movement and texture.  My hair care has changed slightly and I'm using John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew, I'm using this together with John Frieda Sheer Blonde Everlasting products.  The colour renew products are a purple shampoo and conditioner to help reduce brassiness and any yellow tones.  It also keeps it bright and the everlasting range is a great conditioner to keep it soft and healthy looking.

Take a look at my before and after picture for my hair makeover.  I'm also wearing my new Specspost glasses which were a bargain at under £20 including postage.

haircare, john frieda, blonde hair


john frieda, haircare, blonde hair, sheer blondejohn frieda, haircare, sheer blonde, colour renew, blonde hair

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Wednesday 20 August 2014

The Perfect Fit

Now if you are anything like me, buying the correct size bra used to be guess work.  I mean I roughly knew what size I was but after weight fluctuation and comfort factors effecting my bra purchases, it meant finding time for a bra fitting was always something I would honestly get around to, hmm!  Now a recent survey shows there are many ladies out there like myself and one in four of us never get accurately measured.  Are you one of these ladies??

So how does correctly fitting lingerie make you feel?  Recent research carried out by the fashion brand Simply Be on 2000 women in the UK uncovered that 56% of us love wearing matching lingerie and 55% love having a perfectly fitting bra.  Having this in mind, is it because we love how it makes us feel, how it accentuates our curves or just because a correctly fitted bra is super comfortable?  Well for me the answer is all of the above.

Everything I just mentioned is all about body confidence, we've all had our off days but as many of you know if you are wearing something that makes you look and feel great, you radiate confidence.  Rachel MacLynn, Chartered Psychologist gives us some fabulous advice "The shape a bra gives you can have an impact on how feminine or sexy you feel – and in turn how confident - and it’s something that’s very easy to have control over."

Just 53% of us know how to correctly measure ourselves and this could mean many ladies have ill fitting and incorrectly sized bras.  Is this you?, if it is lingerie brand Simply Be could help with your lingerie choices, lingerie buyer Lollie Todd explains "At Simply Be we’ve always known there was a connection between great fitting lingerie and body confidence. We want to encourage all women to love their bodies and look after themselves.”

Many retailers offer free bra fitting and the internet offers many guides to measuring yourself for the perfect bra.  If you have been putting it off, just grab a tape measure or book yourself a free bra fitting and discover the world of beautiful lingerie and renewed body confidence.

Simply Be


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Tuesday 12 August 2014

Autumn/Winter 2014 Trends Lookbook

It feels a bit odd to be talking about next season already but alas summer is nearly over in the fashion industry and autumn/winter 2014 is starting to appear in stores.  London Fashion week showcased some key trends that will keep us going through the chilly months.  Some trends are making a comeback from previous seasons and others taking vintage inspirations.  There is always something for everyone and I've featured my five favourite trends for autumn/winter 2014 in a mini lookbook.  Take a look!

Oversized Knitwear

Knitwear is always a statement autumn/winter item as it keeps us cosy on those dreary winter days.  One of my favourite shows at London Fashion week was designer Sibling who showcased beautiful oversized knitwear with crochet knit inspirations.  The collection had a slight gothic feel to it and made it a mysterious and alluring twist on the knit classics.

aw14 knitwearaw14 knitwear
                       Sibling                                                                                  New Look

Traditional Tartan

This traditional design conjures images of Scottish tartan kilts and rolling Highland mountains and the AW14 collections from designers such as Vivienne Westwood shows us just how classic and sophisticated your outerwear can be.  Gorgeous tartan prints and rich regal colours give us an on trend mix in our darker winter wardrobes.

aw14 tartanaw14 tartan
                               Vivienne Westwood                                                 Debenhams 

Statement Prints

Prints featured heavily on the AW14 catwalks in many different forms.  Favourites included geometric and 3D creations which gives texture to an outfit and creates eye catching looks.  Floral print which has been a bit hit for SS14 has been given a winter twist with dark tones and rich autumnal colourings.

aw14 printaw14 print
                                  Fashion East                                                          Simply Be

The Sixties Shift

I love a cute shift dress and designers like Orla Kiely showcased gorgeous 60's inspired looks and quirky designs.  The high street will be buzzing with on trend examples and teaming this style dress with patterned or classic tights will take the trend into the winter months.

aw14 60's inspiredaw14 60's inspired
                              Orla Kiely                                                       George @ Asda 

Awesome Orange

Deep oranges and dark tones are normally associated with autumnal colours but this season sees vibrant oranges really make AW14 create eye catching looks.  Christopher Raeburn featured lashings of this vivacious colour to really bring some life into traditional A/W trends and styles.

aw14 orangeaw14 orange
                           Christopher Raeburn                                              Marks and Spencer

What are your favourite looks and trends for autumn/winter 2014?  September sees London Fashion Week back again for spring/summer 2015, I can't wait to bring updates from London for this fabulous week of fashion.


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Monday 11 August 2014

Fashion Feature – Rarisame

As a huge supporter of independent labels and intuitive fashion design, Elsie Delilah loves to showcase upcoming designers and beautiful fashion.  This fabulous fashion feature brings luxury inspirations and modern classy twists to the ever-changing fashion world.

This new designer hailed ‘a rising star in the world of fashion’ introduces a luxury, classic new fashion brand to the industry.  Fashion designer Ollia Alexandra Rarisame has shot into the spotlight with modern designs and intuitive tailoring which has recently seen the designer featured in Vogue China.

Ollia didn’t have your typical upbringing, some would say lavish and very fortunate but for the designer things weren’t always so easy, of russian and greek heritage and with a father in the spotlight it was difficult to have a real childhood and when Ollia came to London her love of fashion and determination thrived whilst involving herself in philanthropic projects including becoming a patron of the Serpentine Gallery.  

Ollia has always had an eye for style and endeavours to showcase her talent to the UK.  The fashion label aptly named Rarisame features modern day styling with classic tailoring.  Ollia says 'When I was designing this collection, I wanted to present a concept of refined cuts and forms, something that will be so tailored, no matter what shape your body is, it would make it look even better, more proportional.  I made sure that every piece makes the best out of a female form, waist slimmer, and the silhouette longer, leaner. The fabrics I chose give a feeling of luxury without being ostentatious.  Finest leather, silk and wool. To add something edgy I used sapphires as embroidery and put a contrasted zip on each piece to spice the classics up, add fun and youth appeal'.

fashion designer

As this young designer gears up for the future fashion events including London, Paris and New York fashion weeks, I am very eager to see how this label develops and what exquisite designs Ollia will showcase.


Check out the website and look book at: www.rarisame.com


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Sunday 10 August 2014

OOTD - Summer Little Black Dress

I recently posted this outfit on Instagram and received some lovely comments so I thought I'd share my OOTD from a little lunch date on a sunny afternoon a couple of days ago.  It's such a simple outfit but sometimes that makes for the best looks.  The perfect little black dress is a must have for many ladies and I'm no exception.  Even on a hot sunny afternoon this simple jersey dress from H&M paired with my gladiator sandals looked pretty and not too overdressed.

My LBD's are normally for evening occasions but this simple dress was a slight shake up for the normal bright or pastel summer dress.  I love the way black makes you a look more tanned even if I do just have a slight summer glow.

Check out my summer little black dress OOTD

lbd, little black dress, summer dress, ss14, womens dress

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Saturday 9 August 2014

Devon Dub Fest 2014

It feels like ages ago now but recently I went to Devon Dub Fest with my hubby and our Mk2 Golf Norman.  I took hundreds of photos and a short amount of film (wish I got some more) but I have merged it all into a short vlog/photo diary of our weekend at this great event.

I decided on a quirky little film style introduction and a collage of the best bits too.  It was a fabulous event and even if you're not crazy about cars there are some great designs, modifications and general festival fun pictures to take a look at.

This is my first proper vlog/photo diary so would love you to take a look and I'll hopefully be uploading more events and vlogs very soon (now I'm getting the hang of it!!)  I would also love if you could subscribe to my new Youtube channel Elsie Delilah 




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Wednesday 30 July 2014

Iconemesis IndieGogo Campaign

I'm a big fan of creative design and buying something a little different or unique, even when that comes to phone cases.  Quirky design and illustration is always something that intrigues me as not being an artist myself, I wonder how some people are capable of such beautiful drawings and brilliant ideas.
Now having these funky designs on your Iphone case is the perfect way to carry around a little bit of art whether it be inspiring, quirky or fun and it shows off your personality in a fresh new way.

#supporticonemsis, iconemesis iphone cover, iphone cover

New brand Iconemesis has captured everything we love about design and is celebrating artists and designers in a brand new collaboration which brings fresh illustration and perfectly fashionable Iphone cases.  When I saw the designs available on Iconemesis, my eyes were instantly drawn to one of my favourite illustrators Gemma Correll and her cute, funny animal illustrations.  As a lover of dogs the pug Iphone cover was the perfect choice.

Iconemesis is currently undertaking a special campaign on Indiegogo which will help the brand develop and grow whilst bringing fresh, new talent on board to give us new amazing Iphone covers.  If you want to contribute to Iconemesis Indiegogo campaign, you can take a look at this amazing fashion brand at Support Iconemesis Indiegogo Campaign

iconemesis iphone cover, iphone cover, gemma correll

Let’s get everyone talking about Iconemesis! Help spread the word by sharing this campaign with your friends and family. You can also add your support by sharing this campaign on Facebook and on Twitter using the hashtag:   #supporticonemesis


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