COMPETITION | Curlformers Blogger Competition

Curlformers are running a bloggers competition to win a £100 ASOS Voucher and I am lucky enough to be the judge! Details of entry are below and the Terms and Conditions can be found at the bottom of the competition post on the Curlformers blog. I have also created a sample post which can be seen below.

How to Enter

·      Write one of the following types of blog posts

o   Create an outfit post (with links to all products) including a curly hairstyle of your choice stating which Curlformers you would use to achieve it with a link back to the product page.

o   A post with a montage of curly hair/hairstyles images stating which Curlformers you would use to achieve it with a link back to the product page.

o   A how to/tutorial demonstrating how to create your favourite curly hair style stating which Curlformers you would use to achieve the initial curl type with a link back to the product page.

o   If you have Curlformers please fill free to create a post with your Curlformers tips and which Curlformers you frequently use.

·         Let other bloggers know they can enter by pointing them to this page.

·         Send your entries to Nazilla.Allahiary@freshegg.com

·         A sample post can be seen below.
The Competition closes at 23.59 12/11/2012. Entries received after that date and time will not be considered. 

   Curlformers Blogger Competition

loose wave curls - curlformers long and extra wide /dress - missguided /shoes - misguided / tights - misguided

      I'm off on holiday next week! So thought I would look at an outfit to go out in one evening. I like to wear my hair down, it gives me more confidence, especially if it is full of volume and shine. To achieve this look I would blow dry my roots to give them a boost and then apply Curlformers Long and Extra wide to the ends of my hair and then leave them to dry. 

      Once dry I would remove the Curlformers and separate the curls using my fingers or a wide tooth comb and apply a bit of shine serum all over and some hair spray. Curlformers curls last longer than 'tonged' curls so my hair will maintain the curls throughout the night and as there is no heat used so create the curls they are softer and shiner than 'tonged' curls too.

      I'm going on holiday near Marbella, and Puerto Banus is glam central, so I have teamed together this beautiful sequined dress with these red soled killer heels. The dress covers my arms, which I am quite conscious of and the cross over style will flatter my shape. To add a bit of fun and 'me' to the look I have added these cute tights with the heart 'seam' at the back.

      Hope you like the look and good luck to anyone who enters the competition!

       Love Lilla xx

FASHION | BooHoo £50 Blogger Challenge

1. Alana Tartan Check Stud Trim Shirt £18.00

2. Layla High Waist Legging £6.00

3. Erinne Multi Studded Bracelet £8.00

4. Nina Spike Ring £6.00

5.Mia Patent Quilted Purse £5.00

6.Basic Canvas Pumps £4.00

Total: £47.00

To celebrate BooHoo.com making it into our Top 10 Fashion Money Saving Websites list, they have launched a new blogger challenge to find the best outfit for £50 or under at BooHoo.com. Your outfit can include whatever you like, a dress, shoes, jewellery, accessories and whatever else you can find as long as the total cost does not exceed £50. There are four £50 BooHoo.com fashion vouchers up for grabs for the best four fashion outfits, which means if you win you can buy your creation! - Details of entry below.

This is my outfit! When I first saw the £50 challenge I thought it couldn't be that hard! Boy was I wrong. Getting a whole outfit including shoes and jewellery is a lot harder than it seems! But I did it with £3 to spare!

I'd wear this outfit to work as it's simple and comfortable, but the studded detail on the shirt, the accessories and the patent purse adds a bit of edge to it. I'd glam it up with a high ballerina bun, lashes of black eyeliner and a bold red lip!

How would you spend your £50?

How to Enter

1. Head over to BooHoo.com and start piecing together an outfit, making sure you do not exceed your £50 budget (no student discounts or other voucher codes can be used to help you stretch this budget I’m afraid).

2. Write a post about your outfit and this competition on your blog, which includes a link back to our home page www.fashionvouchers.com.

3. Email a link to your entry to competition@fashionvouchers.com.

To help you get started you might want to check out the BooHoo.com clearance page.

Rules

1. The prize will consist of 1 x £50 BooHoo.com voucher, and there will be four winners.

2. No cash alternative is available for the prize.

3. The competition starts on September 1st.

4. Closing date for entries is September 30th.

5. Winner will be announced by October 10^th on our twitter page @fashvouchers.

6. Only one entry per person.

Good luck 

Love Lilla xx

BLOGGING | The Importance of Business Cards for Beauty Bloggers

September 23-24 will see the much-loved Olympia Beauty Show return to London’s Grand Hall. This annual event brings trade and professional visitors with a passion for hair care, cosmetics, beauty therapies and spa treatments (and more!) together in one place to discover the latest trends and technologies emerging in these sectors. Many product demonstrations are also presented across the event’s three stages.

It is quite likely that a number of successful UK beauty bloggers will be among the 20,000+ attendees. The Olympia Beauty Show – and similar industry events – provide ample opportunity for online beauty writers to network with brand CEOs/directors, as well as fellow bloggers. If networking is successfully undertaken, future product reviews and invites to additional beauty events can be secured.

Many bloggers however, simply recite the URL of their blog and/or their Twitter handle at PRs and fellow bloggers they meet at such events. The problem is, PRs can meet literally hundreds of people at beauty shows, and remembering everyone’s details is highly unlikely.

Many beauty bloggers think they shouldn’t bother creating physical promotional business cards or leaflet printing because they work in the digital realm, but this really is not so!

Here’s a look at two beauty bloggers who make good use of business cards to promote their talents at beauty events...

Yamari Lesca

Website: yourgotogal.co

the front

theback

Blogger background

Yamari started her own blog around two years ago because she was feeling “creatively frustrated”. She had just finished a journalism degree and couldn't find a job in the media industry, and so she took a job at a department store (where she was forced to work in the kids’ dept).

Soon after, Yamari decided to start her own blog, to allow her restricted creativity to flow, and to share her passion for all things fashion and beauty.

Why does Yamari use business cards?

When posed this question, Yamari said her main reason for using business cards is to create a professional image for her site. She wants to inspire confidence in the beauty-industry folk she meets, and show that she takes her blogging exploits very seriously.

Since Yamari is also trying to build a strong brand image, she felt it was important to include her logo, and employ aesthetics she describes as “fun and cute.”

In her own words...

“I've seen a lot of changes in the Miami blogging scene in the past year. People started contacting me and asking me to cover events or review their products, instead of me approaching them. Since I work full time and blog on the side, I don't get to attend these great events as often as I would like. When I do get the chance though, I take my business cars and hand them out accordingly. I don't just give them to anyone, but if I engage with a person who seems genuinely interested in working with my blog I’ll hand one over. This means they have my contact details ready to hand.”

Alexis Lewis

Website: coverlook.onsugar.com

Above: The front and reverse of Alexis’s business card

Blogger background

Alexis hails from New Orleans and has always had a fascination with cosmetics. After spending much of her youth standing within the beauty and makeup aisles of local retailers and experimenting incessantly with different looks, Alexis eventually became a contributor at Cover Look Collection; for whom she is also the natural hair correspondent.

Alexis is also the community manager for beauty site Every Bliss.

Why does Alexis use business cards?

Alexis uses the business card above as part of her work as Cover Looks Collection’s natural hair correspondent. Her primary reason for printing business cards was so people she meets at industry events would remember her more clearly. This aim is aided with the inclusion of her picture to one side of the card.

Alexis wanted to keep the overall design simple, while making it clear which industry she work in. Her contact information is included on a white background in order to not detract attention.

In her own words...

“I decided I needed promotional business cards when I found I was struggling to get industry types to remember who I am, and what my blog is affiliated with. PRs tend to meet so many people that retaining contact information and blogs URLs can be really difficult.”

The author of this guest post is Nicola Green, a beauty consultant who orders her own business cards from http://www.solopress.com/business-cards/

BLOGGING | Versatile Blog Award

I have been really honoured to be nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely Chelsey Plumb, thank you so much!

The Versatile Blogger Award is by the one who nominated you, usually someone who enjoys reading your blog and is basically a huge honor if you receive one. But of course there are some rules that must be followed. 

Rules:

1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Pass this award along to 15 blogs you enjoy reading

4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award

Seven Things About Me:

1. I'm addicted to leopard print
2. I have size 6 feet, but I think they are shrinking
3. I love Harry Potter
4. I hate driving
5. I miss Veronica Mars - They should have made a movie.
6. I love classic 80s films like Heathers, The Goonies and Ferris Buellers 
7. I'm Brighton til I die....

My Nominees:

Not in any particular order!

1. NatalieRoseanne
2. Stacey Kane
3. CityScape Bliss
4. Perfectly Polished
5. Miss Drifted Snow White
6. The Bode Boutique
7. Unwritten Hollywood
8. WYOSparkles
9. ProductJunkiesJunk
10. BethLovesBeauty
11. Laura Is All Made Up
12. Miss B's Beauty
13. Jenxxhope
14. A Thing Of Beauty
15. Confessions of a Secret Shopper

BLOGGING | An Interview with Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

Georgina Horne - Fuller Figure Fuller Bust

I read a lot of blogs and have decided to ask some of my favorite bloggers if they would mind answering some questions for me. Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust was my first choice, I love her blog, which gives great bra advice as well as looking into fashion for curvy women and her Facebook page, where she often shares pictures of stunning models and tries to end body snark.

1. What made you enter Star in a Bra and then go on to start Fuller Figure Fuller Bust?
I decided to enter Star In A Bra to fill what I deemed to be one of many gaps in the modelling industry. I wanted to be that plus sized large breasted representation that so many women would love to see modelling clothes and underwear. And because I knew Curvy Kate didn't really airbrush models into non existence I thought it would be the truest way to represent myself and how underwear looks on my frame.

In the end I was pretty happy to come third. Initially I was gutted to have missed out on appearing in the catalogue, who wouldn't be? But losing total control over the photos that appeared online scared me and I don't think I would have been strong enough to see myself in the catalogue in a pose that I wasn't totally at ease with.
It took a matter of weeks for me to start my blog. What could be more perfect - photos I could take a zillion times in a row (choosing only the best) wearing items of my choice with my thoughts and reviews! 
I must say I started the blog with very little knowledge of...anything. I mean I had friends with blogs, I could write ok and that was it. If a few people read it and got something from it then that was excellent, if not well, it would be fun to do, right?
Right.
And so Fuller Figure Fuller Bust was born. 

2. Have you always been comfortable with your curvaceous figure?

Definitely not! In fact right now I'm the largest I've ever been and comparatively the most content, but I have a long way to go.
At school I was the freak with the big bum, the huge thighs, then next the large boobs appeared. I always wanted to be "fashionable", but my shape and size didn't allow for such foolishness. Nothing would fit, I resented dresses, jeans, shirts... I felt disgusting. And the fact is I was in the best shape of my life! I used the gym a lot at college and although I was chubby I had a figure I would kill for now! And yet I was so focused on the slim women around me - my sister, my colleagues, my classmates... I just didn't appreciate my differences.

3. If you could give teenage you any advice what would it be?

Ha! Wow! Erm, go for a bra fitting at Bravissimo, you are NOT a 40FF, more like a 32H. 
Stop cutting your own hair!
Stop trying to fit in and start learning how to stand out.
Emphasise that waist girl! Just because you hate that you can't wear a mini skirt because your legs are bigger, doesn't mean you don't have other amazing features!
Smile more.

4. To date what has been your best experience as a consequence of writing your blog? 

Wow... I don't think there has been just one! I've met some amazing women, inspiring fellow bloggers and writers, lingerie designers, models, Gok Wan! I've been in magazines which is of course an ego massage.
I guess the "fan mail" I get is what keeps me going. One negative comment can have me reaching for the trash button in a matter of seconds, I don't deal well with those! And then I'll get some amazing testimonial or photo or letter and I'll remember why I do it and why I love it. I do it for others, and they do so much for me in turn.

5. Who is your blogspiration?

Cheryl from Invest In Your Chest is the one who convinced me that I should start the blog. She helped me with so many things, telling me how frequently I should blog, suggesting bras and outfits I should try and get on my blog quickly. I used to read her blog, Thin And Curvy, Sophia Jenner, Ooh La La Curves, Diamonds And Pearls and Pocket Rocket. But Cheryl is my Fairy Blog Mother <3 nbsp="nbsp">

6. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

Bra size ignorance! If you mean something in my blog's world that is! Women are so quick to feel pride at their size ten jeans and slimming to a 12, but when it comes to bras I feel like they are clueless!

7. What are your wardrobe staples?

Belts!!!!! A million gazillion belts! I need to prove that I have a waist (by default)
Boleros to hide my shy arms.
Turquoise and leopard print items. Items that are both are a must buy.

8. Your style is very pin up/ rockabilly, who are your fashion icons?

Yeah, it has gone that way?! That sort of started because I found that PUG (Pinup Girl Clothing) dresses actually fit me and my tits, arse and waist. And they usually go to the knee. And then I realised I want to be a pin up! And I started to stalk every model and customer on the PUG FB page for inspiration! I love Gia Genevieve (PUG Model, she is mind blowingly curvy) I love Teer Wayde. I dunno, I don't really have an "icon", I just admire many aspects of many women's outfits.

9. If you ever have 'ugly' days - i.e. you feel like you look horrible, what do you do to make yourself better? 

Oh yeah! Ugly days are frequent! If I'm going to work I tend not to care as I look hideous in my uniform anyway and I'm not there to be glamorous. If I'm going out I'll probably throw a tantrum! Haha! I have a few dresses and outfits that are my "go to" and I know that I can put them on and feel better. Recently I joined the gym and that has made me feel amazing a lot of the time. I feel energised, stronger, slightly trimmer. I guess exercise helps! And then some chocolate!

10.Do you reckon you will still be blogging in 10 years time? 

I hope so! I have visions of FFFB turning into a Mummy blog as I hope that in ten years I'll have popped a few mini me's out and my breasts will be bloody enormous! I love blogging. It has rewarded me in more way than I can ever have imagined.

BEAUTY | Mudd Sea Mask - My Go To Face Mask

I don't know why I always pull such a gormless face... very unattractive! Anyway, in prep for the wedding I went to at the weekend I decided to use a face mask. I always use face masks a week or so before a big occasion to minimise the risk of spots that might appear as a result of using the mask.

I've been using the Mudd Hydrating Sea Clay Formula Mask  since I was in my teens, it is a deep pore cleansing mask that also hydrates. It contains marine protein, minerals and vitamins that combine with the pure clay to absorb excess oil and dirt, it also uses kelp, seaweed and Irish moss to hydrate the skin. 

Before applying the mask I soaked my face with warm, moist cloth and then blotted dry before applying to my entire face (except my eyes) and leaving on for 10-15minutes. The clay dries and stiffens up. To remove gut wet another cloth and gently wipe off. The mask always leaves my skin feeling really fresh and not all tight like other mask do, it's also really easy to remove! 

I really love this mask but I think I'm going to look into making my own! If you know of any good recipes let me know!

Love Lilla xx

HAIR | Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque Review

I recently came across a sample of the Macadamia Natural Oil deep repair masque, so I thought I would review it. My hair was feeling a bit dry and yucky after the Dove Colour Radiance challenge, I don't think the range really agreed with my hair, so I went and got a trim off my mum to minimise damage. 

On the morning of my friends wedding I decided to give the masque a try - in the stress of getting ready I forgot to take any photos! I left the masque on for seven minutes and combed it through my hair, before I washed it out as instructed on the packet - the masque smells amazing.

When I dried my hair I was really surprised at how much of an affect it had had, my hair went from looking dull, dry and straw like to soft, smooth and shiny. I know that there are loads of amazing oils out there but I would really recommend this masque. 

I've washed my hair a couple of times since using the masque and it is feeling so much better as a result of using the masque. They recommend that you don't use the product more the two times a week, which I think would be sufficient, especially as it is £23.95 per 250ml, despite this I will be purchasing it.

Love Lilla xx

FASHION | House of Fraser Blogger Style Challenge

1. ONLY Sleeveless Bow Top
2. BIBA Short Tiger Printed Fur Coat
3. JANE NORMAN Back Stud Pumps
4. GEMINI Framed Cluster Ring
5. THOMAS SABO Rebel At Heart Black Matted Bracelet
6. GLAMOROUS Shiny Pocket Leggings
7. JANE NORMAN Battered Cuff
8. THOMAS SABO Charm Club White Pearl Bracelet
9. JANE NORMAN Pyramid Ring
10. BIBA Faith Embossed Clutch Bag

Autumn/ Winter 2013 for me is about spikes, embellishments and detail. What I love about this outfit is that it is glamorous but casual. You could wear it to work without the faux fur jacket and then transform it into a night look with the jacket, to go for drinks with the girls.

I am a big fan of studs and spikes, so I love this ring and the studded shoes. I also love the statement cuff and ring.

Clothes wise, I know disco pants are huge, and although I personally couldn't wear them or the shirt, I think they are bang on for A/W13.

Love Lilla xx

BLOGGING | Liebster Awards

This week I am really honoured to say that two different bloggers have tagged me in a Liebster blog award post which is for up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers. So thank you very much to Jen and Lola. 

Ok so Jen's questions.....

1. What's your middle name? 
My middle name is Jade.
2. Favorite color? 
It really depends on my mood but generally purple.
3. Favorite high end makeup brand? 
Hmmm.... possibly YSL.
4. Favorite drugstore makeup brand? 
Rimmel
5. If you could only use 3 makeup products, what would they be? 
Maybelline XXL Intense Mascara, Carmex and Mac Fluidline Eyeliner
6. Favorite song? 
This is a hard one, but I think 'What I got' by Sublime.

7. Favorite hairstyle? 
I love fishtail braids, I just wish my hair was longer and thicker so they looked how I want    them too!
8. What's your top blogging tip? 
Pin your images on Pinterest to get extra traffic.
9. Favorite place to shop? 
Probably Topshop now that I can fit into their clothes!
10. If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be? 
I only ever want to be myself, I don't believe in comparing yourself to anyone else because they are in a completely different world to you.
11. What's your dream job? 
My dream job is either becoming a full time blogger or a freelance Social Media consultant.
and Lola's.... 

1. What inspired you to start a blog?
I started this blog originally in 2009 after I left my career as a retail manager to retrain in Internet Marketing. Originally I was going to do different things every month such as go Vegan or take up knitting. I was also going to use it as a weight loss diary. But 2009 was too stressful for me to do it and the blog went on the back burner until I was happy within myself and then it just came quite naturally.
2. What beauty product were you most excited about and then most disappointed about when you finally tried it? 
I think it was the Rimmel Primer that gave me spots :(
3. What is your long-term aim for blogging? 
In an ideal world I would love to become a full time blogger, but realistically I would just be happy to still be writing it have people reading it in five years time.
4. What is your favourite book? 
Any Harry Potter book. Yes I am a 27 year old potter fan and very proud!
5. What is your favourite film? 
This is really hard, I think I will go with 10 Things I Hate About You, because whenever I'm ill I just want to lie in bed watching it! 
6. What is your favourite beauty brand? 
Liz Earle - I've been using there products since I was 13.
7. What is your 'can't live without' lip balm? 
Carmex
8. And your 'can't live without' hair product? 
Naked Shampoo and Elvive Repair Mask
9. If you could live by one motto, what would it be? 
I do not regret the things I've done, just those I did not do.
10. Whose blog inspires you the most? 
Georgina Horne from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. 
11. What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not being happy in life.

11 things about me...
1. I have a gap between my front teeth (as if you hadn't noticed).
2. I own two cats. I'm cat crazy!
3. I love thunderstorms.
4. I was a goth/punk/emo weirdo and loved it.
5. When I was younger I auditioned to be in a film about fairies.
6. I have my septum and smilie pierced.
7. 13 is my lucky number.
8. I was born in England but my heritage is Iranian, Irish and Italian.
9. I'm a Social Media Strategist.
10. I love living by the sea.
11. Cheesecake is my kryptonite.

I tag....

1. From the corners of the curve
2. Dimpsey Bra Fit
3. PolkaDots Opinions
4. Becca and Beauty
5. Beauty and the Biryani
6. HannahJustyne 
7. SlightlyMused
8. Legazpifabmoda 
9. CJVSHeartsyou
10. Lockie & Lulu
11. Cider With Rosie

My 11 Questions for them are:
1. If you could only wear one type of make up for the rest of your life what would it be?
2. What's your best beauty tip?
3. If you could be anyones stylist for a day who would it be and why?
4. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
5. If you were a superhero what would your power be?
6. What is your fashion pet hate? 
7. Are you an eye make up or lipstick girl?
8. Who is your favourite model?
9. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
10. Who is your weird crush? (everyone has one!)
11. How did you come up with your blog name?

Love Lilla xxx

http://test.skimlinks.com 

LIFESTYLE | Weekly Portrait #4

I did it! I finally managed to do a weekly portrait with make up on! Today I had an awesome day with Joe, we went for a browse round Brighton, which means I might have found a wedding outfit for an upcoming wedding. We also stuffed out faces and saw Dark Knight Rises. It was incredible, I can't wait till they are all in blu ray and I can have a Batman marathon!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Love Lilla xx