Lou Lou Muses features on The Frugality

Just a quick post to let you know that today I am featured on one of my favourite blogs, 'The Frugality'. I was really pleased when the lovely Alex (who you might remember from my 'Lou Lou Chats' feature) asked me for my top tips to stay stylish on a budget. And here is what I had to say..........

La Dolce Vita: My trip to Italy

For the last two weeks I have been enjoying the many delights of Italy: working my way through my ‘to read’ pile in the sunshine; beautiful scenery; shopping; delicious food (and wine), and spending time with family. I had a fantastic time, so therefore it  was a bit of shock to the system returning to British shores, to be met with grey skies and the all too familiar rain. My holiday has given me a lot of food for thought for future blog posts, but in the mean time I thought that I would share some of my holiday snaps with you.

Top Row (L-R): Monterosso, Cinque Terre; Velva; Portofino sculpture park

Bottom Row (L-R): Santo Stefano Ponte, Sestri Levante; Louboutin red Vespa

Top Row (L-R): The mountains around Velva; a tired me after a day walking around Portofino; Portofino

Bottom Row (L-R); Portofino; Vogue Italia

Guest post: A Perfect Red - Chanel Gabrielle

Georgia from 'Georgia on My Mind' blog was one of the first beauty bloggers that I followed, therefore I was thrilled when she agreed to write a guest post for my blog. As well as writing a brilliant post, she has now inspired serious lipstick lust, thanks to her post *adds item to shopping list* Read on to find out the new object of my makeup desire!

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I firmly believe that every woman needs to own at least one great red lipstick. I also firmly believe every woman should own a piece of 'Chanel'. Let me show you how to kill two proverbial birds with one stone. Meet 'Chanel' Rouge Coco in shade 'Gabrielle'

It is a truth universally acknowledged that 'Chanel' do reds very well. Generally if I'm looking for a great red, I look to 'Chanel' first. Whilst I own more than I care to admit, this is one I use most often. Something about 'Gabrielle' calls to me more than the other reds on offer.

Bearing the name of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel herself this lipstick is the epitome of timelessness and a true classic. From the understated elegance of the black and gold case to the creamy, opaque coverage of the lipstick itself - 'Gabrielle' is a winner and one of the few lipsticks I constantly recommend to others. If you are looking for your perfect red - look no further.

If you only ever purchase and own one red lipstick..let it be 'Gabrielle'. A universally flattering shade - a 'true' red if you will. It does lean slightly more to being a blue based red, but contains enough orange to counteract the blue, making it flattering on cool or warm skin tones. It is the perfect red for making the teeth appear whiter and in my case my smile that bit brighter.

In the bullet, there are tiny flecks of glitter visible which did initially worry me- but on the lips this translates as a creamy shine with dimension- keeping the overall look classic with a modern twist. Rouge Coco's and especially 'Gabrielle' are incredibly comfortable on the lips - moisturising enough yet long lasting. 'Gabrielle' will last you through several cocktails before fading to a stain that in itself is wearable.

I like to imagine this is the exact shade of red Coco herself wore, complete with signature black ensemble and simple string of pearls. Elegant. Glamorous. Iconic.

Guest post: Is it possible to become your own style icon?

While you are reading this, I am on holiday in Italy. I had a fantastic time there last year and have been looking forward to going back ever since I came home last year! However I haven't forgotten about my blog. While I am away I have lined up some lovely ladies to write some guest posts. First up is my fellow member of the Cardiff Blogs team, Sian.

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Having a style isn't easy. There are so many options to choose from as we are constantly bombarded with images of beautiful clothes for all pockets. We have programmes that help us decide what suits our shape, our colouring and even our age but we all buy the same things so how do we really develop our own style?

Customise! Accessorise!

I'm not a seamstress so making my own clothes is definitely out of the question but I like to embellish what I have and it's not expensive. Putting some clip-on earrings onto a pair of shoes, adding a bow to a plain t-shirt, or even something as simple as putting a kilt pin on the lapel of a jacket all help to make it your own.

I customised this by adding a clip-on earring

A top customised with a bow which was removed from a handbag

Kilt pin made by my Mum!

Accessorising your outfit can also make all the difference. The same black dress can be worn by a room full of women but different pieces of jewellery can make it look dramatically diverse! I'm very lucky in that my mother makes jewellery so I have a ready supply of accessories but having a custom piece made isn't pricey at all (depending on the materials you choose) and in my view is money well spent: you have a one-off piece that you helped design and that shows your style.

So I suppose what I'm trying to say is don't be afraid of finding something that you like and then quite easily turning it into something that you love. You'll end up with something unique and a style that is definitely you.