Summer Series: Packing

Not that you'd know it from the weather (Typical UK), but Summer is officially here and many of us will be packing up and jetting off to warmer climes for sun, sea and sand.  For me, it's 8 days and counting and the fear is setting in....

WHAT THE HELL DO I PACK?!

 Here are some great tips I've picked up along the years (3 months in Australia with only 15kg was no mean feat..!) and some new ones I've heard recently....

CLOTHES 

• Only take what you really love to wear.  That dress that 'may look nice on the beach/with a tan/at sunset' will probably make you feel just as bad when you put it on abroad as it does in your own bedroom.  If you've never rushed to put it on at home, why take it away for your special few weeks?
• Keep rolling - it's honestly a godsend!  Cuts down on space... and creases too.
• Apart from jackets/blazers - as learnt from this month's 'Red' - lay inside out with the arms tucked in...genius!
• Plan - If you're really organised, you can plan your outfits.  Not down to the last detail but if you have 101 summer dresses, take your favourite 10 and you're sorted!
• Colour co-ordinate - If you're not that organised or simply have just run out of time, just choose items of all the same colour palette and you'll be fine - everything will go with everything else!
• Cover Up - Always take a light jacket or hoody, even if you're hitting the tropics.  There will usually be an occasion where it gets slighty chilly.  A pashmina is a great alternative that can be used as a blanket on the airplane too, where they are all too fond of arctic temperatures.

SHOES 

• Be realistic - you may plan to wear a different pair of heels every night but chances are, you'll stick with your faithful sandals - you feet are on holiday too!  Even if you're going to Ibiza - nobody wears heels...I've done it and instantly regretted it!
• One pair of havaianas, sparkly sandals, wedges and heels should be more than enough for even the worst shoe addict!
• Neutral colours will go with everything but brights are great for making a statement - go with whatever you're comfortable with.
• If you're on a city break or know you may be walking last distances occasionally, take an old pair of pumps that you know are broken in already.  New shoes will probably give you blisters - not what you want on a holiday!

TOILETRIES

 

• Take minis or not at all - Most toiletries you can get anywhere.  Unless you have a very specific need for a product, just save on room/weight and buy when you're out there! 
• Be realisitc - again!  You're on holiday!  Will you really be spending hours exfoliating, moisturising and deep conditioning your hair?  Probably not.
• Think outside the box - Conditioner is great for shaving your legs with and a light pair of exfoliating gloves will turn any old shower gel into a scrub and you can just throw them away at the end of the holiday. 

 

EXTRAS 

• Share - If you're going with friends, agree to share hair tools/books/toiletries and even clothes if you have the same style.
• Be a lightweight - If you have 20kg allowance but your suitcase when empty weighs 5kg, you're immediately at a disadvantage.  Try and find the lightest one around!
• Take advantage of the hand luggage allowances.  Usually this is 10kg which if you pack right, is a lot!  But remember to have your liquids in a clear bag under a total of 1L. 
• Always check the weight of your luggage before you leave!  The airlines are rip-off merchants as we all know!
• Accessories are your best friend - jewellery, especially large earrings, can completely dress up an ordinanary outfit and take up hardly space or weight.

And most importantly....

• LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES!  If you know that last year you took specialist hair serums for in the sun/a different belt for each outfit/5 pairs of pyjamas and 10 pairs of shoes (...yes, I admit it - I did just this) and ended up living in the same bikini and pair of flip flops for a week, don't make the same mistake again.  This year - bikinis, havaianas, tanning oil and a few dresses are all I'm pretty much taking.....leaves more room for the duty free Vodka ;)

If you have any more tips - please let me know! xxxx

The most important thing you will ever read

OK, I am probably exaggerating but please, stick with this...!

Raise your hand if you love beautiful underwear?!  But are you splashing your cash on the right size?

I wrote this post when my blog was just a baby but I feel it needs another outing.  This was primarily inspired after seeing some girls tweet Laura (lollipop26) about what happened when she went to get measured recently.  It just shocked me that so many women are still scared of getting measured.  Let me reassure you:

You do NOT need to take your bra off!!!

During my gap year before University, I trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and gained so much knowledge about underwear that I think really needs to be passed on.  We all love reading fashion blogs but no outfit can look fantastic without a proper foundation.  

However, even in today's day and age, a worrying proportion of women still wear the wrong bra size without even realising.  The scary reality is though - if your bra doesn't fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're breasts will probably sag.  Scary thought??

Don't worry...help is at hand!

The art of a perfectly fitted bra all centres around 3 basic factors: 

1) THE BACK BAND

This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and is truly the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents the dreaded sagging.
This band should be TIGHT.  And by that I mean - you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.

Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook.  When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra.  If you wear a bra day in; day out - expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it; I promise!

2) THE CUPS

Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone.  This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?!  If your breasts spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body?  Go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but the best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small and usually the main cause of discomfort. 

3) THE STRAPS

Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  This is however not the case, with the band providing the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.

Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 inch or so - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them, it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

In general, the most common mistake women make is believing to be bigger in the back and smaller in the cup.  I for one, before my training, believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before.  Now my tops fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from that trusty firm back band - it really is your best friend!

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The general rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.

For example...

36DD = 34E
34E = 32F
 
The assistance of a trained lingerie fitter is invaluable though.  Please don't just rely on this tip - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check...and it will always be free!  

EXTRA HINTS

• Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - I have never been fitted right in these stores.  In M&S, the women just looked at the bra (36D) and said it was OK.  As a company that many woman put faith in, that is just not good enough.
• Don't rely on the tape measure - I never once used one when working.  All bras are sized and manufactured differently and for this reason you cannot purely go on a measurement.  Trying bras on and looking how they fit is the most effective method.
• NEVER put a bra in a washing machine or a tumble dryer.  The force and heat will probably cause the wire to pop out and not only cause you discomfort but reduce the life span of your bras.  Always hand wash and air dry!
• Don't assume once you get fitted, that will be your size for life.  Hormonal fluctuations can cause us to change size and just the sheer difference in bra manufacturing can mean varying sizes.  As a general rule, always take advantage of the changing rooms and qualified staff to ensure you leave with a great fitting new bra.

Now what are you waiting for?!  Go and get fitted...then treat yourself to some beautiful new lingerie!

xxx

Hair Growth

I have been on the quest for gorgeous long and thick hair since I first saw Laura/Lollipop26 discussing hair extensions about 18 months/2 years ago.  Since then I have purchased numerous packs of other people's hair but only a year or so ago did it click that if I grew my own hair, I could kick my expensive habit.

I now invest in intensive conditioning treatments, leave in products and heat protectants.  I do forget sometimes and I do have a set of extensions for nights out but we're all human...

Here is my hair in April, looking a little bit sorry for itself:

And 7 months on:

So, 7 months of growth should = 3.5 inches of growth?

Probably about right!  But my hair is also thicker and just generally in a much better condition which for totally abused hair like mine, is an amazing improvment.  

HOW I DID IT

Products

• Shampoos and conditioners for heat damaged hair.  They don't need to be expensive - I love TRESemmé...
• Intensive conditioners as often and for as long as possible.  If I am not going out for a day I will just leave one on all day.  My current favourite is the Lee Stafford Growth Treatment as previously mentioned - makes your hair feel like silk and smells truly amazing!
• Leave in conditioners such as the Aussie Sprays, Redken Anti-Snap or my new favourite, Tigi Ego Boost.  I apply these to the lower half my hair to avoid greasy roots.

• Heat protectant - just cover your hair in the stuff!

Styling

• The main point is, only use heat when truly necessary.  Seems obvious but I was guilty of curling or straightening even if I wasn't going anywhere.  I find when I make no effort and just tie my hair up wet, it can look amazing when I take it down.
• If I do need heat, I only use it on the days I wash it.  The curls I put in it usually last for the next day too or I just tie it up.
• Experiment with tools that require no heat such as velcro rollers - I'm sure I helped my hair by being addicted to bendy rollers for a few months.
• Heated rollers damage your hair less than a curling tong.  Or at least I like to think so...
• Use the time you sleep to dry your hair/put it in rollers etc.  Uses less heat and allows you to have an extra half an hour in bed - and who doesn't want that?!

xoxo

The most unglamorous post yet

If, like me, you are not naturally blessed with sleek, glossy locks then you probably have to use a multitude of products to get the hair of your dreams.

My hair is naturally coarse, wavy and potentially frizzy if I leave it to air dry.  Alas, not exactly the look I go for.

I therefore use an arsenal of deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, protein treatments, serums etcetera etcetera to give me hair that looks a little something like this...

However, as always, some things are just too good to be true.  And every so often my hair can't take the overload of products and becomes lank, greasy and just generally overwhelmed.  So glamorous...

The first time this happened I was totally distraught - a standard hair wash does not clean this up.  Oh no.  For this problem, a heavy duty, detoxing shampoo is needed and thankfully I discovered my saviour..

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - £2.99

What Boots say:

No matter how thoroughly you shampoo, your styling products can hang around, leaving a residue on your hair that can really weigh it down. Get rid of the unwanted build-up with Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo.

Well, it does what it says.  Any bouts of build up are now distant memories from using this, without fail, once a week.  Prevention is better than cure as they say....

A Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds? No


Chocolate? No


A bra that fits perfectly? INDEED!!

A bit of a random post I know but I think it is something that seriously needs to be addressed... So many women wear the wrong size and the reality is - if your bra does not fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're boobs WILL sag.  Scary thought??

Hopefully I can help you - I was trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and learnt so much about underwear that I thought I should pass on....  I know we all love reading fashion blogs etc but the reality is, good clothing needs a proper foundation!  So here goes....

When trying on a bra, bend over slightly, ensure your breasts are fully in the cups then slowly stand up while fastening the hook on the LOOSEST hook (explanation later...)

Then there are basically THREE things to look out for to make sure the bra fits...

1) THE BACK BAND
This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and fastens with the hooks.  This is the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents sagging (evil word I know).
This band should be TIGHT.  By that I mean you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.
Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook.  When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra.  If you wear a bra day in, day out, expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it, I promise!

2) THE CUPS
Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone.  This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?!  If you boobs spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body, go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small.  

3) THE STRAPS
Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  As I said though, it is the band that gives you the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.
Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 or so inches - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

I think the biggest factor is the back band.  For me, before my training, I believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before.  Now my t-shirts fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from the back band.

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.
That is ...
36DD = 34E
34E = 32F

This does not always work but it is a good starting point.

There is so much more information I could tell you but I don't want to overload you!

The most important thing I can say is - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check... All bras are also made differently - I can vary from a 30G to a 34E.

So what are you waiting for girls?!  Go get measured!  You don't need to take your bra off at all - many of my friends were worried about this!  Also...my advice?!  Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - their bras are wrongly sized and my experience of being fitted has always been bad.  Your fitter should ALWAYS pull out the back band first to see if it is tight enough - if they just look at the bra?  Not good enough.

My recommendations are department stores with old fashioned lingerie departments or a specialist shop such as Bravissimo.

Our breasts are our best feature!  Look after them!  And what better way to treat yourself than with some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie?!

Any questions?? Please ask!!!

xxxx

ps - I am using UK sizes - not to be confused with EU/US.

pps. NEVER  put your bra in a washing machine or tumble dryer - the heat is what makes the wire pop out of the bra.  Always hand wash and air dry bras and you will extend their life span!