Guest post: What's in your make-up bag?

My final guest blogger is the lovely Gemma. Gemma blogs at not one, but two different (but equally as great) websites: Fat Frocks and Where are my knees? In her guest post today, Gemma reveals the contents of her make-up bag for my readers:

I’m always curious what people have in their makeup bags. I’m pretty curious about what people are carrying around in general (I love those ‘what’s in my bag’ blog posts) but I really want to know what make up they use. I always want to know what products other ladies can’t live without. Is there an amazing mascara that you rave about to your friends? What about a concealer that makes those pesky blemishes disappear? True girlfriends don’t hold out on information like that. So, from my makeup bag to yours, here are my top three products I wouldn’t last a day without.

I’m a big fan of liquid liners: no pencil gives the same intense line that doesn’t smudge. Trouble is, it takes quite a bit of patience and skill to apply them. Thankfully Lancôme’s Artliner is idiot proof and anyone can instantly get that 50s flick. I love the sponge applicator which isn’t too long so you get a lot of control. I also love that Artliner is very black. I hate buying black eyeliner only to find it is a wishy washy grey colour once applied. The lady at the Lancôme counter told me that Marilyn Monroe wore Artliner which means I feel at least rather glamorous when I wear it. 

My next must have product is Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation which has a built in brush. The foundation gives great coverage and you get flawless application. I'm always rushing around getting ready for work in the morning and sometimes end up applying my make up on the train, the built in brush means I don't get into work with orange hands or patchy areas. You get a nice smooth and even application which I haven't had with any other foundations. How did I manage before I found this product?!

My third and final essential item is the Midnight Cowboy shade of Urban Decay lipstick.
I’m a sucker for fancy packaging and this lipstick doesn’t disappoint in that department but it’s also a great go-to lipstick for women who don’t usually wear lipstick. Midnight Cowboy is a great subtle and understated shade with a hint of sparkle and a little nude colour. It’s also super moisturizing and filled with vitamins and works well as a stand-alone shade or layered over other colours.

Have you ever tried any of these products? What are you make up bag essentials?

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LouLou says: Thanks Gemma. Am loving the sound of everything you've mentioned so will definitely be making a few purchases (not like me I know!)

Guest Post: It's a Boy/Girl Thing

Today's guest blogger is Stephanie who blogs over at 'The Rasberry Branch' Stephanie's blog (in her own words) is about "the adventures and discoveries of a girl called Stephanie with a penchant for fashion, pretty things and the colour turquoise." I really enjoy reading Stephanie's blog as she has introduced me to some smaller brands that I hadn't previously heard of, and I'm interested to see how she goes with her new '101 Goals in 1001 days' challenge. Here is Stephanie's take on the androgyny trend for this season:

Take a look at Helmut Newtons photograph of Yves Saint Laurent 'Le Smoking': a female, slicked back hair, a cigarette casually in hand. An androgynous figure on a Parisian street. The trousers high waisted. The leg, wide. The shirt underneath however, loose and tied with a bow. For me this image epitomises one of the biggest trends for this coming autumn/winter.. Androgyny.

Leaving behind the hazy summer days, strolls along the seafront and flowing floral prints, the A/W runways offered up an armour against the cold weather, bringing with it a turn to more structured fabrics, shapes and cuts. Leading the pack with these changes was the boy/girl trend.

From Celine to Chanel. Dolce and Gabbana to Yves Saint Laurent and flying the flag for the United Kingdom, Stella McCartney.

Year on year it seems McCartneys love for a woman in a mans clothing has grown, cumulating in an amazing androgynous show at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. The show presented a large selection of chiffon blouses and dresses in wintery colours of navys and blacks (see also Chanel A/W collection for this colour pallette). Balloon sleevs billowing out in contrast to the tightly fitted skirts and the tapered trousers they had been teamed with.

Boyish tuxedos ruled the catwalk at Dolce and Gabbana, while always topping the favourites list for showcasing masculinity in fashion, Chanel presented us with ensembles if baggy trousers against cropped jackets and big boots and where the catwalk has led, the highstreet has followed, filling the rails with fabulous should padded jackets and cigarette pants.

Taking the masculine look further, the 'female dandy' takes a turn on the runway. This look compliments the androgynous style without losing any of the femininity. Think classic male clothing, tailored to a femaled shape. Frock coats, waistcoats and any manner of blouse, from pussybow to high collared.

There's no denying that this seasons style is all about the empowerment of women, no matter which deacde you frame it in. From 1940s practical post war tailoring to the power drenched females of the 1980s.

My favourite androgynous staple, the bow tie. So, what are you waiting for? Be inspired.

Stephanie. x

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LouLou says: Thanks Stephanie. More fashion inspiration as usual! I really like this look, and I am very tempted to try this out this season.