A Manhattan Wedding

29 May 2016

A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
As you know, I was in New York a couple of months ago for a whirlwind trip. The main reason for going was to see my best friend marry her love. It was such a beautiful day full of love, (happy) tears and the most delicious wedding food. I'm so happy that I was able to be part of their special day.

So with the best friends permission I thought I'd share some photos I took, as well as the details from the day. Hopefully it may even inspire some of the brides-to-be out there who are stuck for ideas for their own wedding day. 

The details
Location: Soho House, Meatpacking District
Bouquet and flowers: By yours truly!
Brides Dress: Vintage
Brides Shoes: Gucci
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
Flowers
These were done by yours truly, and although I was very nervous about taking this task on, it was great fun to do. It worked out so much cheaper than getting an actual florist to do it and, being the brides BFF, it was lovely to be able to do make her bouquet for her as it gave it a bit more of a personal touch. 

Lucky for us, my hotel was one block down from the New York City Flower Market (28th Street). I used a variety of jam jars that I bought from home and purchased some glass tumblers from a shop in Manhattan. The brief I had from the bride was to make it as pretty and natural as possible - as if we'd picked flowers from a field in the UK. I think I got it fairly spot on, if I do say so myself!

** I'll be posting a whole post dedicated to doing your own wedding flowers very soon, so keep your eyes open for it!
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
Ceremony
Held in the screening room within Soho House, this was the perfect setting for the happy couple to become husband and wife, as the story behind their relationship sounds like a film! With only 21 people in attendance it was very intimate and made it so personal. I'm not going to lie, I cried a lot of (very happy) tears.

Food
As the wedding was held in the morning, it only seemed fitting to have brunch as their wedding food. Something that appears to be very popular in New York is family-style sharing foods, and the team at Soho House went to town. Honestly, the food was amazing and hands down my favourite food I've ever had at a wedding. 
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
A Manhattan Wedding by Laura Lewis
Cheers, and congratulations to the happiest couple! 

Pay Day Wish List

28 May 2016

Pay Day Wish List by Laura Lewis

Pay day and a 3-day weekend - the best words you could possibly hear.

For me, pay day couldn't come soon enough. I've seen a fair few things in stores and online over the last few weeks and whilst I'm saving for my wedding, I do need a couple of new season items to add to my wardrobe. 

Dungarees are something I'm still undecided on - am I going to look ridiculous in them? As for the striped J Crew top, I've had my eyes on this ever since I saw it in New York, and the Flamingo print skirt? I think I may have a new favourite store. Shame about the prices - I'm going to have to figure out cost per wear!

The Estee Edit

25 May 2016

The Estee Edit

The Estée Edit, Estée Lauder's most recent launch is coming to the UK this week.

Up until now, it's been exclusive to Sephora and only available in the US - I managed to grab a couple of products from the collection whilst in New York, and I regretted not buying more. 

So I'm a little bit excited to get my mitts on a few more products!

The Est̩e Edit comprises 82 products Р72 cosmetics and 10 skin care items. The packaging features signature Est̩e Lauder elements inspired by those created by the woman herself, resulting in a silver and white theme with cobalt blue splatter graphics.
The Estee Edit
The Estee Edit

Key items include Flash Photo Gloss, Pore Vanishing Stick, Lip Flip Shade Transformers and The Edit Eyeshadow Palette – signed by Kendall Jenner, the ambassador and face of the brand. 
The Estee Edit
The Estee Edit
The Estee Edit
Wear it. Share it. Own it.

The Estée Edit launches TODAY in Selfridges and on their website

I'll see you at the counter in 5


All black

23 May 2016

All black by Laura Lewis
All black by Laura Lewis
Jeans: Topshop // Trainers: Nike // Coat: Zara // Bag: Sophie Hulme

When it comes to my wardrobe, you'll find that about 80% of it is black. Ok, so I have a few bright items such as my pink faux fur coat you may have seen, but I can't seem to tear myself away from the dark non-colour when I'm shopping. 

A wander around Lewes with my lovely friend Carrie before lunch meant comfy clothes were needed, and when you know you're going to be feasting on some very delicious pizza, a loose top and some form of elasticated bottoms are a must - the perfect pairing for a bit of carb loading!
All black by Laura Lewis
All black by Laura Lewis

The Summer Beauty Edit

20 May 2016

It's that time of year, where the big beauty brands are bringing out their Summer collections, and we all start dreaming of tropical beaches, hot summer nights, and shimmery sparkly, sheer, summer makeup. Think of these new beauty collections as the perfect items to see you through the new season, as well as a little glamour for festival season.

I've selected a few Summer beauty collections from the main brands. Check them out below. 

MAC
The MAC Vibe Tribe Collection is inspired by summer festivals and includes lipsticks, eyeshadows, bronzers, blushes, makeup bags, eyeliners and nail lacquers. It features fairly neutral shades but with a pop of colour such as teal, a bright pink and an orange/red lipstick. 
The Summer Beauty Edit by Laura Lewis


Chanel
The Dans La Lumiere de L’Ete Collection offers a variations of colors and tones - from very bright shades for lips, to dark colors for nails. I love an eye palette, and when I first laid eyes on the new Chanel Empreinte du Desert Palette, it was love at first sight. Featuring four eyeshadows in green, gold, sand and brown it is a little different for Summer, but I can't wait to play around with it. 
The Summer Beauty Edit by Laura Lewis

NARS
NARS has teamed up with LA-based Greek painter Konstantin Kakanias for its new Summer 2016 Makeup Collection. Consisting of 10 new and limited edition products, this collection is inspired by the French Riviera. I'm loving the lip colours and the Dual Intensity eye colour in Deep End - a shimmering teal-green.
The Summer Beauty Edit by Laura Lewis
Have any caught your eye? I know I can't wait for pay day to come around as I'll be heading straight to the beauty counters! 

The Warehouse Edit

18 May 2016

The Warehouse Edit by Laura Lewis

Warehouse is killin' it with their SS16 collection, and I'm a huge fan. Think simple yet chic pieces with a variety of details such as lace, ruffles, off the shoulder and laid back vibes. Perfect for that beach holiday you may have coming up. I've purchased a couple of items which are ideal for the office but can also be worn for drinks later that day. 

Take a peek online or head to your local store now. 

Lucky by Kurt Geiger

16 May 2016

Lucky by Kurt Geiger by Carrie Fry

Lucky by Kurt Geiger by Carrie Fry
 Shoes: KG Kurt Geiger

I like to see a new season as an excuse to change things up a bit. For me, my style has really changed over the last few years - going from super feminine to a little more simple - although, I really do need to get out of wearing black most days!

These flatform trainers by KG Kurt Geiger, combine feminine detailing with a large bow detail and a little urban cool in the form of the chunky flatform sole.

I did feel a bit like a spice girl at first - attempting to skip across the park in them was pretty hilarious as they're quite heavy for my little ankles but, they give a simple casual outfit that little change up I'm after. 
Lucky by Kurt Geiger by Carrie Fry
Lucky by Kurt Geiger by Carrie Fry
Lucky by Kurt Geiger by Carrie Fry

Glossier

13 May 2016

Glossier Phase 2
Unless you're someone who loves beauty, Glossier is a brand you may not have heard of. With an Instagram account that will have you swooning, and products that have already gained permanent residency in makeup bags and bathroom shelves across America, this is one brand to look out for. 

Unfortunately, they don't ship to the UK. But, I wasn't going to let that stop me getting my hands on a few of their products.

Luckily when I was in New York back in March, Glossier opened up their penthouse and I was able to pop along and test out their products. I came away with their latest launch, Glossier Phase 2 which sees the introduction of makeup to the brand following on from their much hyped skincare products.
Glossier Phase 2 by Laura Lewis

Phase 2 includes the following products: Their already best-selling product boy brow, stretch concealer, and one shade of generation g sheer matte lip tints. All packaged up in one of their signature hot pink bubble-wrap pouches. 

I've been having a little play around with the products since I got back from NYC, and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.
Boy Brow
I've said before, and I'll say it again - I only starting using a brow pencil just before I hit 30 last year. So, brow products are still fairly new to me. I've not used a brow gel, and I was quite hesitant about this product but, Boy Brow is a winner! This leaves your brows looking natural but with an oh-so-subtle definition whilst keeping the hairs in place and not giving you that crispy feeling that some brow gels can give. 

Stretch Concealer
First off, the chrome-finished caps on the jars are fingerprint-proof! Say what!? I hear you cry - something that excited me and my slight OCD greatly. The product itself is very soft, creamy and needs minimal blending. You can also build up with it as well, and doesn't leave you with a cakey finish as it claims that it stretches with your skin, instead of sitting on top of it. What's more is that the concealer is formulated with emollient ingredients (ie avocado oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter) which leave your skin looking radiant and healthy! 

Generation G
A slightly odd name for a lip product, this is Glossier's version of a traditional lipstick. Available in 4 shades, this product is so easy to apply as it glides on like a tinted balm. The formula is creamy and buildable yet (and this is the remarkable part) the finish is matte without any sort of drying of the lips. I have to say, I love this product a lot - I've been using it pretty much everyday as it lasts for hours and wears off evenly. 
Glossier, I'm very impressed. It is perfect for me, and those out there that don't have time in the morning to create a full on makeup look. This is a 5 minute routine, tops. Which gives you more time snoozing under the duvet.

I would love to see this brand become more accessible - so hurry up and give us what we want Glossier....

International Shipping!

The Zara Edit

11 May 2016

The Zara Edit by Laura Lewis

For SS16, Zara have you sorted for every occassion. 

Bohemian look dresses for your Summer holiday, outerwear in fun colours and styles, and pieces inspired by all the trends you saw on the streets and catwalks - think oversized sleeves, ruffles, cold shoulders and frills. 

What's even better is their shoe collection. If you're lusting over the loafers from Gucci, or the Celine glove shoes, then Zara is the best place on the high street for chic versions of these on-trend pairs of footwear. 

I'll see you at the tills! 

Pink Faux Fur

9 May 2016

Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry
Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry
 Coat: Whistles via Preloved of Brighton // Jeans: ASOS // Shoes: KG Kurt Geiger

Ok, ok so I'm posting this at slightly the wrong time but, FINALLY - we have some warm weather! However I couldn't not post about this Whistles pink faux fur coat which I picked up from Preloved of Brighton. It hasn't left my back since I made the purchase and I absolutely adore it.

Speaking of adoring - how lovely are these photos? The super amazing Carrie took these on one of our days out a few weeks ago, and I love them! If you haven't already, check out Carrie's beautiful blog One Pleasant Day which has just had a relaunch and name change - her content and photos are so so dreamy and I can't wait to shoot with her again soon. 
Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry
Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry
Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry
Pink faux fur coat by Carrie Fry

April in pictures

7 May 2016