Whilst in reality, I am well aware that I am anything but chic – you say modest, I say true.If only you could see me now, slobbing in bed with all the leftover breakfast crumbs down me and hair containing more grease than a chip shop (Sexy Elle, sexy…) – I do have a love affair with those essential items that instantly take you from drab to fab*, damn to glam* and rough to buff*.
*Be right back, just off to punch myself in the face/report myself to the police for using the most criminal, nauseating acronyms right there.
But whilst I don’t always succeed in the daily quest of “I look like Shrek, now make me look like Kendall Jenner please and thank you!” I do have some tips/items that really will make you feel instantly ready – well, more ready anyway – for Spring and the warmer months. Starting with…
The Make up
I am absolutely by no means saying that you have to wear makeup to look chic, but for me personally (and I imagine a lot of you fellow beauty/fashion bloggers reading this) certain pieces of makeup instantly make me feel more “put together”, more “polished”, and all those other really annoying/slightly ostentatious phrases. 😉 Here are my top picks to do just that:
Tom Ford lipstick, Spanish Pink – Lipstick is my favourite way of pulling a look together and instantly perking up my face/making me look less corpse-like and Tom Ford’s Spanish Pink is my absolute favourite for that instant Chic. Not only does the packaging make me feel a million dollars – shallow, but true – but the colour is the most gorgeous peachy pink shade that lasts so well on the lips too. It goes with every look and just brightens your face [insert all the “hallelujah”/hands up emoji’s here], click here for a full review.
Soap and glory archery brow pencil – If you follow me on twitter – Oh, you don’t, you say? Well of course I can link it up for you so you can go and follow straight away. Find me at @ellenextdoor 😉 – you’ll have heard me have a bitch fit moan about the fact that my brand new archery brow pencil broke and fell out, the very first time that I even opened it. I wasn’t impressed, however I just can’t do a post about feeling chic and put together without mentioning eyebrows – because we all know how much they frame/transform a face – and for those, this Soap and Glory pencil and brush duo really is the best out there. An amazing spoolie to brush them into place (and keep them there) and a perfect, waxy pencil that literally just draws on hair-like strokes, filling in the brows in the most natural way. Love this bad boy!*
*However, I don’t love losing half the product before I’ve even used it so if you can get back to me now Soap and Glory customer service team… that would be fab! [insert thumbs up/”no, in all seriousness, please do your job and fast” emoji here]
Essie Peach Daiquiri – Nothing quite manages to cheer me up like painting my nails. (Apart from maybe Harvey Spector Suits/Curry/Chocolate/Wine… I’ll stop now) I have an outrageous/humiliating/despicable/[insert your own choice of embarrassing synonym here] nail polish collection, however there are very few that I constantly return to, Essie’s Peach Daiquiri is one that I most certainly do return to. A lot. For me, this is the perfect colour for Spring/summer… a bright, coral, peachy pink/red colour that consists of just the right amount of neon to keep it summery, but enough red to be classic and not too “in your face”.
The Fashion pieces
Rayban Aviators – Not only do sunglasses make me feel (but let’s face it, probably not look) effortlessly cool, they’re also a girl’s best friend for no makeup days. I have more sunglasses than Kim Kardashian’s taken selfies so I tend to rotate on a daily basis, but for Summer, I love a classic Rayban Aviator for that cool, chic LA vibe. (Even if the closest thing I get to going to LA is popping down the road to Peckham lido and stalking all the travel bloggers in the world on Instagram).
Stripy, V-neck shirt (H&M last season, similar here) – I know, I know, it’s Spring/Summer and I’m proclaiming monochrome as a Spring essential, but here me out on this one. Firstly, this is an all year round essential and breton stripes – especially on a well cut shirt – is just all the chic a girl needs. But secondly, I love pairing monochrome with a bright, pastel piece in Spring so that I end up dipping my toe in the colours game, rather than diving face first into a pool of “You look like a candy cane/banana milkshake/complete and utter knob twat”. My favourite way to style a Breton shirt in spring? Pair it with a White Blazer…
The White Blazer – Well didn’t that link in nicely, you’d almost think I used to be TV Producer 😉 The white blazer is something that I totally wear to death. It looks fresh, it looks smart, it goes with everything… and it’s just easy to wear. A total life saver in those “I have 2 minutes to get ready for a meeting and look like a pile of sh*t rubbish” moments. i.e my entire life!
Forever 21 Silver Loafers – I know Silver loafers became a bit of a “thing”/trend a little while back now but for me, they have – and will – definitely stay in my wardrobe for a long time. I love that despite being metallic, they’re also kinda’ neutral in the sense that they go with everything. They’re a statement – which is a total contradiction to the previous sentence but let’s roll with it – that pair perfectly with an all black outfit (which we all know I am pretty much an ambassador for) and also I love that the pointed loafer shape means they can easily dress up/smarten up an outfit. An all time favourite shoe fave for me, but what do you think? What shoes instantly make you feel chic?
Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze – Gentle Bronze is one of those gradual tans that you can apply daily and gradually (yep, clue’s in the name love) build up a natural tan whilst keeping the skin moisturised. Now, I’m going to keep this short and sweet as I have full review – swatches/before and after’s etc. – coming up next week but in short; it is the best gradual tan – in fact, maybe even best overall tan in general – that I have ever used. Unlike most moisturising tans, it absorbs so quickly (sticky/tacky skin is my biggest bugbear and the reason that prior to this I hadn’t tanned in years) whilst delivering an even, complete non-streaky natural tan. I think that the vast majority of us feel better, and more confident with a tan – especially in the warmer months – and as I don’t condone sun beds or too much sunbathing, this tan is the totally the way forward for me.
I am not a very patient person, so saving the best until last usually doesn’t work for me, however I have managed to do that today. When Fragrance Direct very kindly asked me if I wanted to receive a fragrance, I totally jumped at the chance as for me, nothing totally completes a look like spritzing your favourite perfume. Now, I’m not going to lie, I am very fussy with perfume so randomly picking a scent was slightly risky – I know, talk about live on the edge. Yolo’ing big time here – but in the end I opted for Stella McCartney, Stella* as I’d heard a lot about this fragrance, and dayum did I pick a goodun…
If I do say so myself…
I am truly awful at describing things so my advice would be to go and smell this for yourself, but according to my untrained sense of smell – and the Fragrance Direct website – this is a really feminine, sophisticated and floral fragrance. It does have a citrusy scent (which some can find a bit much) but thanks to the notes of rose and a warm amber base… it really is totally non-offensive and just a gorgeous scent. Yes, everyone has their own taste when it comes to perfume, but I honestly can’t imagine anyone disliking this as it’s just such a fresh, floral but warm scent… catering to all needs. I have lost count of the times that I’ve been complimented on this scent, and alongside Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and sea salt… this has rocketed to the top of my favourite perfume leaderboard. (Yes, I totally have one of those). Oh, did I mention that it literally stays on the skin all day long too? Well there you go, I have now…
For me; once I’m dressed, have my nails done, my face paintedslapped on and my tan glowing, a spritz of perfume is the one thing that makes me feel amazing – and just chic – before leaving the house. And I think we all know that when you feel good, you project that on the outside, so you look good too. Enough waffling/rambling/”please can you just stop taking” vibes from me, go and have a sniff of this when you’re out shopping (and then obviously come straight home and order it from Fragrance Direct😉).
So that brings my little tips/”Hey, here’s what makes me feel fab in Spring” post to end. I personally love reading these types of posts so I really hope you enjoyed this. I would love to know which products/fashion pieces/”things” are your Spring Chic essentials? Feel free to let me know in the comments below 🙂
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
Such a nice selection 😉 I'd pick all of the pieces myself for a spring look – especially this nail colour – it caught my eyes straight away! If you'd like you could check out my new blog arabesque – I'd be honored 😉
Another fabulous read Ellie! 🙂 That Stella perfume has been my no.1 for months now, it's so gorgeous isn't it?! And I totally love the look of Spanish Pink / that Essie Polish / those silver loafers – ERRRYTHING! 😉
Ahh these are my absolute must-haves for spring too. A good tan, some freshly painted nails and a spritz of flowery perfume – mmm! I also love pin stripes, so easy to wear! Lovely post as always hun, and I need to try that lipstick!! xo
Your writing style has be chocking on my cheerios in the office trying to stifle my laughter… I love it! Great idea for a post and gorgeous images as always!
You had me at that Tom Ford lipstick hun! I didn't realize there was 2 versions of the Soap and Glory Brow Archery – I have the other version with the liner on the other end but this one you have is much more finer and easier to fill in.
HAHA! I wish there was something that magically took me from Shrek to Kendall Jenner 😛 Lovely list of goodies, I think gradual tan is a must too- no one wants to be a little burnt toastie! Thay lipstick looks lovely and pink too
Such a great idea for a post, I love seeing people's picks for Spring cuz I'm just nosey like that. Isn't Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze the best thing ever, I am a total convert. That Tom Ford shade looks beautiful, the perfect spring shade x
The essie shade looks beautiful I really need to expand my collection as I only have possibly TWO..can you believe it? Tom Ford lippys are on my radar too..payday is kinda look way too spendy but I always feel like I spend more on make up than fashion these days, that being said I want those metallic flats! xxx
Gorgeous post, love everything here, I'm a sucker for stripes (I even have a pinterest board dedicated to Breton stripes) and those loafers are dreamy x
You always seem so chic and put together! I think I'm just too lazy! Some days I will make more of an effort haha! I really like the colour of that nail varnish 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂 xx
I love the Essie nailpolish! The TF lipstick is too pink for my taste~ (I think I looks too girly in pink lipstick!) Great products! Dora NEW POST on Bangs Bang | Bloglovin | Facebook
So much woman crush/envy as always Elle.. :p 🙂 (love you really) Agree that there really are certain things that make everyone feel more glam/chic/normal.. for me, it's just more normal, than my day to day mumsey.lol Putting shoes/flats on instead of uggs (that you must REALLY wear too much when your toddler gets them out for you!..) , actually having time/space to put a full face of your clarins foundation on (that's been put to the back shelf for 'special' events) , painting ALL my finger nails in my current/new found favourite nails inc polish in a nude/skin colour that I can't even tell you due to toddler brain (it's the new baby brain!).. But Elle.. although it makes me smile to think of you 'slobbin it out', I actually can't imagine you anyway but chic. 🙂
I love that Essie nail polish – it's such a gorgeous shade
CANDICE | BEAUTY CANDY LOVES
So pretty isn't it, perfect spring/summer polish 🙂
xx
I usually paint my nails whilst watching Suits so I know where you're coming from Harvey is just … Well I dont think I put it into words to be honest!
Totally agreed that Archery is the best product out there for natural, flawless brows & I might need that Essie polish in my life…
Emma | HarmonyBlaze.Blogspot.co.uk
Haha so glad you agree on the Suits obsession! The brow pencil is so amazing right? Just wished the damn thing hadn't snapped 🙁
xx
Such a nice selection 😉 I'd pick all of the pieces myself for a spring look – especially this nail colour – it caught my eyes straight away!
If you'd like you could check out my new blog arabesque – I'd be honored 😉
Thanks so much Arabesque, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
Another fabulous read Ellie! 🙂 That Stella perfume has been my no.1 for months now, it's so gorgeous isn't it?! And I totally love the look of Spanish Pink / that Essie Polish / those silver loafers – ERRRYTHING! 😉
Style Sunrise ☀
🙂
x
Thanks so much Karen, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
Ahh these are my absolute must-haves for spring too. A good tan, some freshly painted nails and a spritz of flowery perfume – mmm! I also love pin stripes, so easy to wear! Lovely post as always hun, and I need to try that lipstick!! xo
Jessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
Thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it. And a huge thank you for featuring me in your latest post, so lovely! 🙂
xx
Your writing style has be chocking on my cheerios in the office trying to stifle my laughter… I love it! Great idea for a post and gorgeous images as always!
Josie XOXO
Fashion Mumblr
Ahh thank you so much Josie, such a lovely thing to say. So glad you liked it 🙂
xx
I really love the nail polish & lipstick you've shown here – will add them to my ever-expanding "to buy" list! xx
Oh I know all about that list lovely, ha! Thank you, so pleased you liked it 🙂
xx
You had me at that Tom Ford lipstick hun! I didn't realize there was 2 versions of the Soap and Glory Brow Archery – I have the other version with the liner on the other end but this one you have is much more finer and easier to fill in.
Hanh x | hanhabelle
Haha so dreamy aren't they? Yes I thought exactly the same, I much, much prefer the pencil version 🙂
xx
I love that Essie shade! I have a really similar one which I painted my toes with last night and it's so pretty! It really cheers me up 😀
hellomissjordan.com xx
Me too Jordan, I love having bright nails when you feel a bit drab 🙂
xx
HAHA! I wish there was something that magically took me from Shrek to Kendall Jenner 😛 Lovely list of goodies, I think gradual tan is a must too- no one wants to be a little burnt toastie! Thay lipstick looks lovely and pink too
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
So true, this one is honestly such an amazing pick 🙂
xx
Love the shoes dear!!
Great photos!!
http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/
Thanks Rafaela, so glad you did 🙂
xx
I love your sunnies!
xoxo
Thank you anja 🙂
xx
The Essie nail polish is absolutely gorgeous! New follower on bloglovin and twitter right here!
Hannah Rose
Ah thank you so much Hannah, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
The Tom Ford lipstick looks so gorgeous and fancy! I want x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
Go and get it Heather, treat yourself! 😉
xx
Ray-Ban is hands down my favorite sunglasses brand! Love it.
XO Naomi in Wonderland
Me too Naomi, I love Rayban so much 🙂
xx
Love this!! I have those silver loafers and they are my favorite! I need that fun Essie color! I hope you have a great weekend!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks so much Shannon, hope you do too 🙂
xx
Your writing always gives me a laugh!
RachelShuchatMakeup
Thanks Rachel 🙂
xx
YES! Lipsticks and eyebrows are the two things I always have to wear to feel polished! XO -Kim
http://www.thethirtysomethinglife.com
They're the best right? I always feel so much better with those on 🙂
xx
Essie somehow is not lasting on my nails for longer than a day maybe two. Shame as I really like the colour you have picked. Find me at http://www.igaberry.com/ & https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/igaberry-13323143 Have a lovely day, Iga x
That's such a shame, they always last so well for me… it's a lovely colour though 🙂
xx
Such a great idea for a post, I love seeing people's picks for Spring cuz I'm just nosey like that. Isn't Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze the best thing ever, I am a total convert. That Tom Ford shade looks beautiful, the perfect spring shade x
Beauty with charm
Thanks so much Alina, so glad you liked it. The cocoa bronze is amazing, so impressed 🙂
xx
The essie shade looks beautiful I really need to expand my collection as I only have possibly TWO..can you believe it? Tom Ford lippys are on my radar too..payday is kinda look way too spendy but I always feel like I spend more on make up than fashion these days, that being said I want those metallic flats! xxx
2, I cannot believe that Jess, you NEED more in your life 😉
xx
I am so loving that lipstick color and the fragrance. I am especially loving those shoes Elle. Great post girl. Loving it.
K / The House of KTS (formerly Pure & Complex)
http://www.houseofkts.com
Thanks so much Kay, so pleased you liked it 🙂
xx
OMG I'm in love with those silver loafers. I have similar ones from Primark and I wear them all the time!
X Marjolein
http://misscocoblue.blogspot.com
They're so lovely aren't they? Unfortunately they are the least comfortable things in the world (but so worth it!)
xx
Gorgeous post, love everything here, I'm a sucker for stripes (I even have a pinterest board dedicated to Breton stripes) and those loafers are dreamy x
Haha now that IS dedication lovely! 😉 So glad you liked the post!
xx
Gorgeous! I love the silver loafers. Such a pretty.
Golden chapter ♡
Thanks Amy, so lovely aren't they 🙂
xx
Peach Dacquiri looks gorgeous! Nails and brows are two things that make me feel instantly put together 🙂 xx
Magpie Jasmine
So, so lovely isn't it. Oh me too, totally agree on this! 🙂
xx
lovely blog 🙂 kisses:)
http://www.itsmetijana.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much hun 🙂
xx
i really wanna try brow archery, but i'm really interested in maybellines new brow product 🙂 x x
millieerosee.blogspot.co.uk
Ooh Ive seen that too Millie, will probs check it out (and then go back to the soap and glory pencil haha)
xx
I bet even when you're 'sobbing in bed' with greasy hair you look great! Your style is very chic and effortless (despite what you say!) x
Miss Imogen Smith
Haha aw thanks lovely, I'm definitely not but that means a lot anyway 😉
xx
lovely items I love the glasses Xxx
Now to do a post on how to look chic in the summer
http://itsjustwinnie.blogspot.co.uk/
Ah thanks lovely, I'll move on to that soon 😉
xx
I want the nail polish and brow pencil!! Great list 🙂
-Nicole
Meet Me in Midtown
Thanks lovely, so glad you liked them 🙂
xx
Cool collection of items! Love the lipstick colors! I have to try the Stella scent
Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Definitely try it hun, it's so so lovely 🙂
xx
Love everything! I really want to try Cocoa brown so many people suggest it I can't wait to read your full review about it! 🙂
Ellie-Victoria
Coming up next week lovely (if I get my arse in gear) 😉
xx
these sunglasses are gorgeous! x
Hannah | Heyitshannaah
Thanks lovely, my faves 🙂
xx
Great choice, Ellie, this gentle bronze looks realli interesting product so I can't wait to see your full review 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Thanks lovely, it's honestly so great… highly recommend! 🙂
xx
*awww, it should be: looks like really interesting 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Don't worry girl, I got you 😉
xx
Love these essentials and beauty products !
http://www.susannahzabelle.com
Thanks Susannah, so glad you like them 🙂
xx
Adore these essentials! especially the TF lipstick and Ray-Bans xx
http://www.krystelcouture.com ♥
Thanks so much lovely, they're so lovely aren't they! 🙂
xx
You always seem so chic and put together! I think I'm just too lazy! Some days I will make more of an effort haha! I really like the colour of that nail varnish 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🙂 xx
Ahh thanks so much lovely, I definitely don't feel like that but it means a lot! 🙂
xx
I have to admit that freshly manicured nails, tamed brows and a swish of mascara definitely make me feel more human in the morning! Lovely post!
Just Rach xo
So glad you agree lovely, I totally think the same! 🙂
xx
Great pieces!! Stripey shirts and silver shoes are my go-to things for Spring. And I think I need that lipstick now please…… 🙂 xx
http://www.rockonholly.com
I have heard the Spanish Pink lipstick is amazing, I definitely need to pick it up and I love that Stella scent!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
Love the Tom Ford lippie.. and pretty much everything you mentioned 🙂
http://www.maireem.blogspot.com
I love the Essie nailpolish! The TF lipstick is too pink for my taste~ (I think I looks too girly in pink lipstick!) Great products!
Dora NEW POST on Bangs Bang | Bloglovin | Facebook
So much woman crush/envy as always Elle.. :p 🙂 (love you really)
Agree that there really are certain things that make everyone feel more glam/chic/normal.. for me, it's just more normal, than my day to day mumsey.lol Putting shoes/flats on instead of uggs (that you must REALLY wear too much when your toddler gets them out for you!..) , actually having time/space to put a full face of your clarins foundation on (that's been put to the back shelf for 'special' events) , painting ALL my finger nails in my current/new found favourite nails inc polish in a nude/skin colour that I can't even tell you due to toddler brain (it's the new baby brain!)..
But Elle.. although it makes me smile to think of you 'slobbin it out', I actually can't imagine you anyway but chic. 🙂
Caroline.x
notesfromcaroline.com