Cosmetically-challenged

DESPITE being a self-confessed shopaholic, it's clear that my spending alone is not enough to support the high street economy in the present credit crunch; a fact which is provoking surprise from my nearest and dearest.

 But then I have always been a firm believer that you don't need the bank account of a millionaire to feel like a million pounds. And the beauty sector is a great place for a bargain. 

 In recent years studies have shown that sometimes it can be the cheaper brands which provide the better results - the Protect and Repair Serum from the No7 range at Boots turned out to be a hidden gem in a sea of pricey anti-aging potions and over a year since that discovery the serum has been leaving the shelves quicker than it can be re-stocked. A similar situation has arisen with a night cream from Aldi.

There are some items you will never need to spend a fortune on, kohl eyeliner for example. It tends to do the same job regardless of whether it's Chanel 

or Collection 2000.

 Eyeshadow shouldn't have to be expensive either if you invest in a few preparation products first. Splash out on a eyeshadow primer - my current favourite being the Urban Decay Potion (£9.50 Boots) - and you'll get to re-discover all of those eyeshadows you bought, used once and then hid in the bottom of your make-up bag as their staying power was less than desirable. 

Any problems with creasing into the eye socket or fading are removed - it's a little miracle and will save you a lot of money (and heartbreak) in the long-run.

You will find your eyeshadow applies much easier if you get yourself a decent set of cosmetic brushes. I swear by the range available at The Body Shop (eyeshadow brushes are £8.50). Rinse them from time to time in warm water and a little bit of mild soap and they will last for years.

If you are looking for vibrant eyeshadow colours, try the GOSH range at Superdrug, Barry M is always a great option too which won't break the bank. But if you want to work this season's sultry eye look, try the latest limited edition Deadly Nightshade from the The Body Shop's shimmercube range. Priced at £16, you get four cubes of colour in silver, grey and blues which catch the light beautifully and are perfect to help you smoulder.

October brides, coloured tights and Dita Von Wrong?

I HAVE a wedding of an old school friend approaching over the next couple of weeks and it's posed some interesting questions for me, as the weddings I normally attend are held in the summer months. 

 So what should I wear?

 I certainly don't do myself any favours; a plus size on a tight budget who lives in an area about an hour away in any direction from major stores, shopping centres, occasionwear shops and large high streets wanting for October wedding outfit. But then I always did enjoy a good fashion challenge.

 After careful consideration I've opted for a black dress, a little structured number with tulip skirt ending just above the knee, buttons down the front and cupped short sleeves, a fairly unremarkable purchase. 

 It sat there in my bedroom, not holding my attraction for a second until I bought a pair of fuchsia-coloured tights (£4 Dorothy Perkins) and now I'm in love.

 

The notion of coloured tights is set to be big this season, they really aren't as scary as you'd think. Regardless of which designers referred to them in their shows, I believe that PR guru Mary Portas in BBC series Mary Queen of Shops should take full credit for this fantastic look hitting the high street. 

 As well as transforming the independent shops into a success, she also succeeded in showing just how effective this colourful look was without being too OTT. 

 And it's true, for daytime keep the rest of your main outfit muted and team with the tights. 

 So, back to the wedding outfit, a black belt is nipping in the waist, I have a pink corsage, a vintage clutch and the following item which will either make or break the outfit I think.

 Many a time Dita Von Teese has been seen sporting a hat, or fascinator or even a mini hat-fascinator. So many people favour the little flower/feather fascinators at the moment that you tend to see lots of wedding group shots of women, each with these almost identical little bits of fluff attached to the side of their heads. 

 With this thought in mind I wanted to wear something a bit more original so ordered myself a mini top hat fascinator from a company on ebay.  Priced at about £18, it is so cute, kept with place with a comb, it is a black hat with black veil, a pink ribbon and feathers.  I imagine it will provoke a marmite reaction; you'll either love it or laugh at it. 

 People will either think I look good, or wonder if I've just escaped from a Tim Burton movie. 

 

Having said that, soft goth is a strong trend this Autumn, and there are some great examples on the high street of how this can be achieved.  Look out for lace, leather, sheer fabrics and lots and lots of black. It needn't be dull though, vary the look with interesting fabrics. I'm loving this ruffle top £27 from Wallis which is perfect for work teamed with pencil skirt and peeps. 

 Shopping around town today I also found a great ring from Evans (£4 reduced from £8) and a lipstick from Revlon, ColorStay in Juicy Plum 315 (about £7), both pictured above, which will go nicely with The Outfit (I feel it deserves a title).

 I've yet to find shoes to go with The Outfit, but I imagine that quest will be a whole posting by itself as I struggle to choose just one pair... 

 

Welcome

I'M Scarlet. I'm a journalist working on a weekly paper in the UK, splitting my time between news reporting and fashion features.

 I've set up this blog as a way to talk fashion, trends, style and all things wonderful. 

 For every exciting trend or celebrity look, there is almost always something truly awful or at least fairly questionable which will get me thinking.  A self-confessed people watcher, I love to see how that trickles down to the high street and of course onto the nation's public. 

 If someone looks great I won't hesitate to tell them, and if they look bad... I admire my shoes instead. 

I love this Carvela pair of patent peeps (£95) from ASOS.com.