OOTD: Playful playsuits
Alice Louises Wonderland is changing!
So, after some time blogging as Alice Louise’s Wonderland, I’ve taken the leap to buy my own domain!
Please head over to www.bblogger.co.uk for the latest blogs from me, as well as new articles on fitness and lifestyle.
Thank you for reading my blog, and I hope to see you on BBlogger.co.uk!
See you soon,
Alice x
The Top 10 Fashion and Beauty Commandments for Commuters
As you may, or may not be aware, I work in London. However, I don’t live in London. Instead, I choose, like thousands more, to commute to work each day. Whether this is a wise decision or not is to be debated, but that pretty much sums up my 9-5 (actually, it’s more like 7-7. YAWN)
So, what relevance does this have for my blog? Well, I’ve been thinking for some time to incorporate some of things I’ve learnt whilst travelling into some blog posts, so if you ever have to commute for work, visit London, or simply have a long journey ahead of you, I can hopefully help you.
This is the first blog in the series, and I wanted to start with the basics: The 10 commuter commandments: beauty and fashion edition. Let me know if you have any other commandments I’ve missed out, and anything you’d like me to investigate re. travel based beauty hacks, for example.
The Commuters Beauty and Fashion Commandments
- Hello hygiene! It might seem obvious (I hope this is obvious) but travelling for long hours isn’t just boring, it can also be stressful. Running for trains, especially in heat, can wreck havoc on your blood pressure, let alone your sweat levels (yuk). So, next time you’re heading the big smoke, stock up on your preferred brand of spray and go wild! Boots also do travel size versions so you can chuck one in your handbag for a cheeky top up at the end of the day. Not that you need it, but, y’know, just in case…
- Face wipes, face wipes, face wipes. I can’t say it enough, keeping your skin clean in a polluted city can make a biiiig difference. London is notorious for drying skin, and can change your unblemished complexion into one you’d rather hide. Only problem is, when you do get a breakout, you want to then cover up in heavy make-up. So, avoid those pesky blackheads and grab some face wipes next time you’re in Boots/Superdrug etc. My favourites are from Simple’s range. They are great at cleaning your skin, and getting rid of make-up – double whammy.
- Layers or big coat? Always a tricky one. I’m definitely in the ‘layers’ camp. That way, I can de-robe on the Northern Line should it be rammed (which is ALWAYS). I always find that the temperature on the tube has no relation to the actual weather, so wrapping up warm for the bus is always wise, but bare in mind the packed Tube you’re about to get in when picking your outfit that morning. H & M and Topshop do some great basics pieces, which are great for layering, as well a some great statement coats if you want to opt for a big coat to get snuggly in.
- Freshen up! Your commute might not take long, or you might be on a 7 hour flight – either way, if you don’t have access to a toothbrush you might feel like you want to inject some minty freshness in to your travels. Stick some gum in your makeup bag and you won’t be stuck avoiding after work drinks because you had tuna sarnies at lunch.
- Heels or flats? The age old debate I’ve seen rage on in several Metro issues: should women who work in the City (i.e. those who wear suits to work) wear trainers to work, and then change into heels in the office? Personal preference? I’d wear black flats, and then change, but honestly, each to their own. There are some great smart trainers nowadays, and flat pumps which double as fitness trainers, so you can wear them all day without worrying you’ll forget your backup heels. Especially if you have to rush into that meeting sans Kurt Geigers.
- It’s free, so why not? Who doesn’t love something that’s free? You are literally spoilt for choice in London which, like several other major cities, offers free magazines and newspapers to its visitors. Tuesday is my personal favourite – it’s Stylist day! I love Stylist because it covers everything from fashion to female opinion articles, beauty and book reviews. To be honest, I’d quite happily pay for Stylist – It’s that good. They’ve got a Twitter account too, if you don’t have the chance to pick up a copy.
- Hair refresh, or another hit of the snooze button? A daily challenge I can assure you. Do you get up and fully wash your hair, or leave it 5 minutes, and just condition? Or was it a crap night sleep, and you’d rather not even bother? No judgement, we have all been there, but if you do want to dodge the shower in the morning, grab some dry shampoo and hair ties/pins, and stick them with your travel sized deodorant for a quick spruce up half way throughout the day. They are also great if you get caught in a downpour, and your do just isn’t doing it any more.
- One outfit, or two? Been invited out for drinks after work, or visiting friends but don’t want to lug a massive over night bag on the train? Check out my previous blogs on day to night outfits that can take you from desk to dance floor in a quick change of makeup and jeans. It means you can take less to work, but still have a great night. Take a look at my Polyvore too if you want more outfit inspiration, or you just want a cheeky nose. I won’t tell anyone, promise.
- Let there be…water? hydrates your skin, especially in winter when there is less hydration in the air (hence dryer skin in December). So grab a bottle and stick it in your handbag for a top up on the train. Remember to drink up at your desk too. Try keeping a 2litre bottle by your laptop so you can see how much you’ve drank throughout the day.
- Experiment and explore. You could be travelling to a city you see every day, or visiting one for the first time. Either way, there is so much you could see and do, but more importantly there are so many new places to SHOP. Even in the train stations you can cram in a quick purchase or two before the train back home.
I hope these commandments help you in your travels in the future! Would you add any others if you wrote your own commandments? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy travels!
Alice x
I’m on bloglovin!
It’s 2014 already?
Well, that happened quick! I was just reminiscing about Summer 2013, when I came hurtling into 2014 with a thud.
It’s fair to say I’ve been in a bit of a bubble lately. I’d planned on blogging every day in December, but illness/Christmas shopping/Work got in the way of my plans. However, that isn’t going to stop me in 2014!
New Year, new me?
Like most people with an internet connection and a Facebook account, I find my timelines inundated with ‘New Year, new me!’/‘2014 is going to be my year!’ statuses. And, yes, whilst I applaud anyone who sits up and makes postiive changes in their life, I don’t see why they should be limited to the start of January. I love to make little changes throughout the year, and I find it makes it easier to stick to and ‘resolutions’ I make, rather than a 12 month promise glooming over my head, where I constantly dread a letter from the gym stating that I ‘must try harder’ in 2014.
So, in a bid to help myself, and hopefully you lovely people, I’ve devised my aims for 2014 – not specific resolutions. They are both things I’m going to try to achieve, as well as things I’m going to try and limit. Let me know if your list is similar, or anything I’ve not added that you’ve resolved to change in 2014.
- Attend Fashion Week. I’ve dreamed of visiting LFW for a very long time, and now I work in the capital I felt it was the perfect opportunity to visit some shows, and Somerset House for their Fashion Weekend.
- Run a half marathon. Last year I chickened out, even after I paid to enter, but I’m determined to enter and actually run. Pretty embarrassing considering my 52 year old Dad managed to not only enter, but run in a pretty decent time. No pressure then…
- Take more photos. I live and work in two pretty contrasting areas of the country, and yet I barely document either. Working in London was a big deal when I moved, especially coming from a smallish city like Peterborough. I’d love to take more pictures, probably Instagram them, and show you all the wonderful places I visit, especially with an upcoming European road trip planned. EXCITED.
- Travel more. I’ve never ventured outside of Europe. Pretty shocking, I know, but with Uni, and a fear of flying (despite being an Air Cadet?!), I hadn’t really travelled up until now. I’ve always wanted to visit Paris, and I’m hoping to road trip around Europe this Spring. No doubt there will be pictures galore on Instagram, and a blog post or two 😉
- Extend my blog. I’ve always been interested in writing, but never felt I had the skill, or patience, to write a novel. I also much enjoy fact over fiction, but that’s another story. I started blogging as an outlet to my shopping addiction, as well as a help with the industry I work in. However, I’m looking to litter my beauty and fashion posts with fitness, cooking and lifestyle articles in 2014. Let me know if you’d like to see anything else too.
So there it is! My aims for 2014. Here’s hoping I actually achieve these. Not like last year when I only managed to pass my driving test (after the fifth time of trying. I KNOW)
Comment below with your resolutions and aims for 2014, I’d love to know what they are 🙂
Find me on Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin’ and Pinterest.
Alice x
My week on Instagram: Windy walks and blogger meet ups
The first week of December is over, and with every advent chocolate I feel more and more guilty about not finishing my Christmas shopping! Oh well, I’m sure more chocolate will numb the guilt…
Anyways! This week I’ve gone a bit Instagram crazy, so below are some of my favourites, showing you what I’ve been getting up to.
Let me know what you’ve been up to ok the comments below!
Find me on Instagram and Twitter
Happy blogmas!
Alice x
Outfit: Christmas shopping
I was chatting to my lovely Mum this morning, discussing tres important matters, such as Christmas shopping! Then we both mentioned how, especially when shopping for clothes, changing between your several winter layers into clothes you’re trying can be annoying, not to mention you overheat!
So, in a bid to spread some festive joy ;), I’ve shared my outfit for Christmas shopping this year. Lighter materials, and only a couple of layers, which can easily fold into a handbag if needed. So you can spend more time worrying what to get your friends for Christmas, rather than wasting time getting in and out of your disco pants in the Topshop changing rooms. Let me know what you think!
Find me on Twitter and Pinterest.
Happy blogmas!
Alice x
Winter layers
I commute into London for work every day, so planning outfits isn’t always successful. On several occasions I’ve either severely over dressed or under dressed and have been left freezing/melting in central London. One thing I’ve found which normally always works is layering, and below is one of my staple favourites I love, and which can work well this winter.
Let me know what you think! 🙂
Find me on Twitter
Happy blogmas!
Alice x
Windy weather ruined your ‘do?
It’s always the way. You spend ages sorting your hair in the morning, straightening, curling, styling… to get out of the house, and to work, uni or college, only for the weather to get between you and a reasonably looking hairstyle. Then you’re left with messed up locks, making you wish you’d spent that half hour in bed, keeping warm…
So, next time you see bad weather predicted (or simply want an extra 5 minutes tucked up) take a second to learn these pretty easy up-do’s. They’re relatively simple, look effortless, and don’t mean you have to limit your style just because Mother Nature decided to chuck it down. Up-do’s can be glamorous and easy, allowing you to look fab and worry about more important things, like avoiding puddles and catching your bus on time.
Style number 1: The messy bun
Save the perfected top knots for ballerinas, and turn bed head locks into effortless style. Even if you have shorter hair, there’s nothing a little back combing and pinning can’t fake. Even with a shorter bob, I would tip my head up, pull my hair into a hairband, backcomb and pin into a bun. The messier the better – feel free to loosen the bun, and let a few straggles free. If you do have longer hair, try curling the very ends, and let them loose out of your bun. Curls can also add definition to your top knot, rather than a perfectly coiffed ballerina-esque style.
Style number 2: The side plait
More easy going than a bridesmaid-esque french plait, and less headache-y than a fishtail style. All that’s required is the ability to plait 3 sections of hair, and a tie. If the weather is really rubbish the aim is to keep your style pretty loose and un-perfected, because if you do end up looking windswept, it hasn’t completely ruined your look – simply added character to it 😉 
Style number 3: The low pony
Seeing a pattern emerge here? All pretty low maintenance styles, which don’t rely on several hours of prep, and don’t require perfectly straightened or meticulously curled hair…? 🙂 The low pony might sound low impact style-wise, but styled correctly can really add to your outfit – what ever the weather. Bangs or no bangs, a low pony looks best with a slightly backcombed at the crown, and tied at the nape of your neck. If you want to add extra volume, try adding extra pins just above the hair tye, or hairspray to keep the look in place. If you want to disguise a hair tye, try wrapping a cm of hair around the pony, and securing with a pin below the pony, above the nape of your neck.
So there you have it! 3 relatively easy up-do’s to save your locks in rubbish weather. Let me know if you try any out, and link to your blogs below if you’ve got any more tips, or alternative ‘bad weather styles’.
You can find me on Twitter and bloglovin’
Happy blogmas!
Alice x
Ps. I don’t own these images. There are available on Pinterest, and each image is directly linked to the pin on Pinterest.
Winter Make-Up Trends
So, I’ve spent most of this week debating with several groups of friends what I should, or definitely shouldn’t, wear to Christmas parties this December (yes, my life is that interesting!)
However, the only thing I can decide on is the make-up and nails – something dark. I know most people dye their hair darker when the weather gets colder, but for once I’ve stayed blonde and feel I need to go dark elsewhere this Winter. So, I’m thinking Wine coloured nails (more Pinot Noir than Grigio), classic smokey eyes and lashings of mascara. All I need now is a dress…
Nails. Dark reds always tend to shine more in the winter. Try a delicious dark red, and either a top-coat of Barry M shine, or Essie’s matte to add something extra. An accent nail in a similar shaded glitter, or nail caviar, could add a little extra if you’re looking for some sparkle too.
Blushed cheeks A great tip I heard recently is to apply blusher under a light later of foundation for a rosy cheek effect, rather than after foundation. It looks more subtle too, especially if you’re worried about your blush overpowering your look.
Smokey eyes. Certain to add a little extra to daytime make-up, smokey eyes done well can transform your outfit, with rock chick effortlessness. Want a break from the staple grey/black smokey eyes? Try gold, or even rose gold, this winter.There are no rules! Having statement eye makeup doesn’t mean you need to tone down the rest of your look, just wear what you feel comfortable in.
Sultry lips. Dark red lips are fast becoming a winter night favourite. Paired with a LBD and heels, you’ll pretty much nail any dress code this Christmas. A brighter shade might work fabulously with smudged eyes, but pale pink lips might look stunning with natural eye makeup. It’s all down to personal preferences, and you’re willingness to experiment.
What make up looks are you looking forward to this winter? Please post links to your blogs below if have any tips you want to share.
Find me on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Bloglovin’.
Happy blogmas!
Alice x
ps I don’t own the images above, but I have linked to the pinterest accounts they are taken from. Just click the images and pin away!
alice louise's wonderland 