Illamasqua the I'mperfection Collection

Illamasqua is a brand that I first discovered a few years ago - It’s best known for being the centre of attention in stage makeup but has more recently slotted itself, rather perfectly may I add into the top-end, high street stores. It’s bold, vibrant, fun and the quality in every product speaks volumes.

When the ever beautiful Rose contacted me and popped a few items from their new collection in the post I was stupidly excited and the I’mperfection Collection for Spring is the latest to hit the makeup shelves (firstly how amazing is the name I'm Perfection and Imperfection rolled into one? Genius). This has to be my absolute favourite collection ever – rather than concealing the parts of us we’re embarrassed of with heaps of makeup it’s all about celebrating and highlighting your imperfections; embracing them and the rest of the world.

First up is the nail polishes - the two shades below are called 'Speckle' and 'Freckle'. Speckle is a pale violet and Freckle is a light, neutral tan. 

This is unlike any nail varnish I've tried before - there are tiny little specks of black and silver running throughout and the matte velvety finish turns your nails into little duck eggs. It's such an amazing idea, and so perfect for Spring.

Now for the lippy - Immodest is the brightest Pink I own and I must say I was a little dubious to try it out at first, but needless to say I'm in love.

It's a long lasting matte finish and contains all the right vitamins to stop your lips from drying out. I've gone for a full coverage lip, but this could definitely be dressed down with a lighter application and a hint of lipgloss. With Illamasqua you pay for what you get and the staying power on this bad boy is second to none.

For me there’s nothing more exciting than a campaign that makes you think outside the box, and potentially change the way you look at not only your makeup, but your life. Makeup aside, that’s something we should all take inspiration from.

If you want to have a look at the rest of the collection you can do so here - I know I'm swooning over the Lover & Hussy blush!

What do you think of Illamasqua? Have you dipped your toes in the luxurious waters? Remember - you don't have to be too daring with your makeup choices to enjoy their collections, there really is something for everyone.

April is a BIG Month for Shop Peppermint

Hey Rochester, mark you calendars:  Shop Peppermint has two great events planned this month.

This Saturday is their one year anniversary party at their shop (121 Park Ave Rochester):

And their highly anticipated fashion show is on the 27th.  Get your tickets now, they are selling fast!

Watch Fashion Show Teaser Video here.

Hope to see you there!

Shop Local!  Support Small Business!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

Fashion Memories

I’m not gonna lie to you: I have a shit ton of clothes. I mean, when you don’t pay over $10 for anything...things can get a little out of hand. And ok, don’t judge me but- I almost never repeat outfits. Ever. I mean suuuuuure, I will wear any item in my closet a million times, but always in a brand new way. I think it’s because my brain creates memories based on what I was wearing. Like, “Britt remember that random party we went to that one time?” Why yes I do…because I wore that lime green dress with my crazy blazer and cowboy boots. Or, “Hey girl, remember when we went to those random bars in Fullerton?” Yes, I remember because I wore my vintage Philippines tee. The more variety I have in my day-to-day ensembles, the more likely it is that my brain will store random memories that would otherwise be deemed uneventful. On especially eventful days, I like to don an entirely fresh and brand-spanking-new look...which was exactly the case with today’s ensemble. After all, it’s not every day Boyfriend and I road-trip it across the desert to Vegas. Except now this ensemble is extra-special because this is what I was wearing when he asked me to marry him<3 He loves me despite my VPL ;)

Thrifted button down. Thrifted tennis skirt. Thrifted booties. F21 jewelry.

Until next time, 

Brittany

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Britt and I are in Vegas, bitchezzzzz! Here's one last outfit post before the city takes us...be back on Monday, hopefully ;)

"Today, we must look to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada as a metaphor of our national character and aspiration, its symbol a thirty-foot high cardboard picture of a slot machine and a chorus girl. For Las Vegas is a city entirely devoted to the idea of entertainment, and as such proclaims the spirit of a culture in which all public discourse increasingly takes the form of entertainment. Our politics, our religion, news, athletics, education and commerce have been transformed into congenial adjuncts of show business, largely without protest or even much popular notice." -NEIL POSTMAN, Amusing Ourselves to Death

Thrifted sweater. Thrifted button up. Thrifted mini skirt. Charlotte Russe booties.

Until next time,

Chelsea

Happy 1st Birthday to Wonderful You!

image c/o weheartit

Today, is my little blog’s first birthday. I love a good cliché and it’s never been so true that the time has literally flown by – I can’t quite believe that a whole year has gone by and how much I’ve grown to love my blog and the blogging community as a whole. To think that on April 4^th2012 I had one follower (myself HAHA) and now I’m sat here writing to over a thousand people makes me feel all funny inside.

Blogging is simply a hobby for me but to think of all the things I’ve done with it and all the little doors it’s opened up for me is crazy. I mean I’ve made some wonderful friends, it’s helped to grow my confidence in myself – before blogging I was turning into a bit of a wallflower and there’s nothing at all wrong with that but I feel like it’s given me the boost I needed – to believe in myself and know that if I want something enough I can achieve it; of course I’m sure it’s had that effect on many of you too.

All I really wanted to say was a big thank you – thank you for being so wonderful and for continuing to read my weekly ramblings. And also to say, if you are a blogger don’t be too hard on yourself. I think that within blogging we can get a little bit lost sometimes – we spend time worrying whether we should be writing about a particular subject and if we stray from that subject it means we’re a bad blogger, I couldn’t disagree more. I love fashion, I love beauty, I love writing about things I find interesting outside of those categories and Wonderful You is a place for me to share all of those ideas that pop into my head. Don’t get me wrong I think consistency is always a positive thing and if you want to write a post every day of the week and that works for you then that’s fantastic but if like me, blogging is something you take the time out to do and you don’t have a few spare hours a day to dedicate that time then that’s absolutely fine too. You should embrace the fact that it’s your space, your content and no-one else’s. Some of my favourite bloggers post every other week and some of them post everyday and I love them all the same - it doesn’t matter as long as what you’re doing makes youhappy, because let’s face it positivity shines through in every way.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGY! Here’s to another year of fun times and ramblings, thank you for being the best readers anyone could ask for you mean more to me than you know and so does this blog!

p.s. On Easter Sunday I was invited down to BBC Radio Northampton to have a cheeky interview with the wonderful Helen Blably and Gok of the North Jules! You can have a listen here if you’d like (skip to 2 hours 35 minutes and that’s when my slot starts!) hope you enjoy it, I was super nervous.

Pachuca y Chola Realness

Growing up in SoCal, only 2 hours away from the border, it’s impossible not to be immersed in Mexican or more specifically, “Cali-Mexican” culture. I know I’m just a gringa (white girl) but lately I have been obsessing over Pachuca and Chola fashion…both of which inspired my look today. Pachuco is a subculture of Hispanic and Latino Americans that is associated with zoot suits, street gangs, nightlife, and flamboyant public behavior. The entire culture and style movement revolved around the idea of “see and be seen”. (LOVE THAT.) The Pachuca is the female counterpart, and these ladies were known for challenging the dominant perception of women at a time when it was considered PC for a woman to be in the home, tending to the family, cleaning, cooking, blah blah blah. The Pachucas were having none of this, they were too busy were hanging with their zoot suit gangsta boy toys and hitting the nightlife scene on the daily. And they were doing it in serious style, further challenging the gender norms by wearing men’s zoot suits, heavy makeup, and extravagant hair style. Get it girrrrrls. The Pachucas of the 40’s inspired the Chola subculture of the 90’s that has been popularized by my fellow SoCal sisters Gwen and Fergie. You guys know how I looooooove my bad ass babe style…and I’m not gonna lie, wearing a bandana on my head like this made me feel gangstah in the best way.

Thrifted jacket. Vintage dress. F21 jewelry. F21 metallic sandals. Thrifted head scarf.

Until next time,

Brittany

PS- Wouldn’t you loooooove to see a Rodarte collection based on Chola fashion? I feel these are the only ladies who would do it justice.

PPS- If you need more inspiration then check out my Pinterest board titled, “ChOLa y PAChUCa”. 

Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | March 2013

Writing this post is one of my favourite times of the month - not only is it opening another new start to a fresh month but I get to introduce you to the wonderfulness behind my sidebar. And this month I'd like to share some rather lovely shops...

Image c/o weheartit

Olive & Frank

What can I say about this amazing shop - to be honest I think it speaks for itself. The first time I clicked on the website I instantly fell in love; for a start it's neat and easy to navigate your way around (there is nothing more annoying than an unclear website when you're trying to buy something). But that aside the clothes, jewellery and accessories are an absolute dream. The best way I can describe their clothing is when you spot a girl in the street and you know that not everyone has those clothes, you've never seen them before, but you want them. To me that's fashion and Olive & Frank couldn't have it more right. From bell bottom shorts, printed blouses to brogues and loafers it's a vintage-inspired haven.

Kittenish Behaviour

I'm really quite excited to let you know about this shop. It's been around since 2010 but only launched this month to the public... Sián, the lovely lady behind the brand takes vintage clothing to a whole other level. As you ladies will well know the highstreet is not renowned for it's on-point sizing and this is where Sián's excellent sewing skills take place. She picks on trend, bold modern fabrics and uses vintage patterns to create the perfect fitting, pin-up pieces. This shop is definitely more on the pricey side but given the quality and originality of the items, let alone the fact that there will only be a certain amount of one garment made - ever; it's the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself for a special occasion. 

I hope you have all managed to find something you love in these shops - I know that my bank balance has, and will continue to suffer at the hands of their awesomeness. 

And don't forget to drop me an email if you'd like to have your advertisment on my sidebar!
                                                                  wonderful.you@hotmail.co.uk