ARIANE POOLE – MAKE UP TRICKS

If you missed a fascinating Instagram Live chat about make up hosted by Ariane Poole don’t worry! You can still pick up some brilliant tips and tricks by watching here

In this Live, Annabel and Ariane talk all things fashion & beauty.

For 20% Off until midnight 17th use Code WHISPER20 at the Ariane Poole checkout.

We used
Touch Up Illuminating Pen:
N2 & N25
Single Eyeshadow: Frozen Grape & Heather
Ultimate Eye Pencil: Mercury & Deep Amethyst
Brown Mascara
Navy Mascara
Crème Blush Sunrise

THE PERFECT PLIMSOLLS

Grace has been wearing these plimsolls for a couple of months now and they are FANTASTIC! Durable, £11.99 and have come out unscathed from a recent machine wash.

Canvas Lace Up Trainers £11.99 when you checkout using HEYAUTUMN on New Look website.

Canvas with stripe trim, rounded toe, wide fitting (so super comfortable), lace up fastening flat sole. Vegan friendly.

STAY PUT EYELINER

You wouldn’t think there’s much difference between one eyeliner and another but this one that I bought from Zoeva Cosmetics is my new favourite. Easy to apply, easy to sharpen, stays put all day, great colours with a bit of shimmer – what’s not to like.

Zoeva Velvet Love eyeliner in Metallic Taupe (their best selling colour) £16. Lots of other brilliant colours available too. Check their website.

New season fashion edit – next level layering

Hi everyone. Here is our new season fashion edit. Get ready to fall in love with the latest Marks & Spencer Autumn collection! We are thrilled to share our top picks with you. This season, M&S has really outdone themselves with pieces that bring a fresh burst of energy to our wardrobes. Read on for all the must-have styles! 

As we enter Autumn our thoughts turn to layering. Why layering? Because it is the most practical way to maximise our wardrobes especially now that our weather is usually mild. A sleeveless knitted top is brilliant for those days were you need a little warmth but not too much. Would also look great worn with a fine long sleeved crew neck sweater.

Green is a standout colour in the new Autumn/Winter collection and this geometric pattern in flowing, breathable viscose was a winner in our eyes.

If you don’t already own a gilet (there are a couple of thoughts on where the word derives from but probably the Spanish jileco or the French noun – le gilet – meaning cardigan) then you are missing a trick. It’s the perfect extra layer when there’s a chill in the air and this one from GoodMove fits the bill perfectly.

Who doesn’t love the luxurious feel of cashmere – these two items of knitwear were definite favourites!

Here are our favourite two jackets – great styling and value for money.

  • Faux Leather Harrington Jacket £59 – buttery soft and feels like the real thing and the detailing belies it’s very reasonable price.
  • Supersoft Crew Neck Jumper £17.50 If you haven’t discovered these already then please check them out. Available in many colours, these are a brilliant basic. Available in sizes 6 – 24.
  • Tweed Tailored Houndstooth Blazer with Wool £79. In a blue mix colourway that you can dress up or wear with jeans, this is a winner. We suggest going up a size.

Grace is still wearing white jeans (clinging on to Summer!) and found this striking striped top – just one of the excellent selection of knitwear and tops that are now available.

This Pure Merino Wool Longline Knitted Vest £39.50 in Bright Green or Black is a versatile layering piece. Worn over trousers or a long skirt, over a crisp white blouse or fine wool jumper, it’s simply stunning. Last but not least, we loved the new range of handbags – especially the fabulous quilted ones.

Happy shopping!

Spacemask – a me time treat

Here’s another little me-time treat you may well like – a Spacemask. My sister gave me a pack and I’ve just spent a very relaxing 20 minutes wearing it.


Just take the mask out of the pack and it automatically starts heating up. Pop it on over your eyes and fit the loops around your ears. The warmth and gentle scent really promotes relaxation.

Available in Jasmine, Rose, Chamomile or Orange/Grapefruit scents.


Box of 5 costs £18.50 from Spacemasks (10% off your first order) or available as single packs on Amazon but more expensive at £7.99 each.

FRESH WATER FOR FLOWERS

Just finished reading “Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valerie Perrin and I was completely captivated by this beautifully written novel. The story follows Violette, a cemetery caretaker who has a unique ability to learn about and care for the dead and their mourners. As she unravels the mysteries of the deceased buried in her cemetery, we are taken on a journey of love, loss, and redemption.

Perrin’s prose is lyrical and poetic, painting vivid images of the French countryside and its inhabitants. The characters are richly developed and their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, keeping me hooked until the very last page.

“Fresh Water for Flowers” is a tender and poignant exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

Available from Amazon here

GRACE’S MOUTHWATERING PRAWN AND EGG CURRY

Grace’s Prawn and Egg Curry is super quick, super delish. I used totally fabulous Argentinian prawns from Aldi (cost half the price that other supermarkets charge) and a Thai green curry paste pot (M&S £2.50 for pack of four). Serves 2.

Thai green curry paste
Handful Argentinian raw prawns
400ml can coconut milk
Fresh coriander and basil
2 hard boiled eggs
Cucumber
Pack of microwave rice

Warm through coconut cream in a saucepan, then stir in curry paste. Add rest of coconut milk. Pop in prawns and cook on medium heat for a couple of minutes.
Microwave rice and share between two plates Top with quartered boiled eggs and pour over curry/prawn sauce. Top with the fresh herbs and batons of cucumber.

THE UGLIEST SHOES? WE’RE KEEN ON THEM!

Despite the Times and Telegraph fashion departments declaring Keen shoes as the ugliest ever, they have become the most sought after footwear for a reason (or two).

First and foremost, the comfort level of these shoes is unmatched. The wide toe box allows for plenty of room for your toes to move and breathe, while the cushioned footbed provides excellent support for all-day wear. You can walk for hours in these shoes without any discomfort.

Additionally, the durability of Keen shoes is outstanding. The rugged outsole grips well on various surfaces, making them perfect for holidays.

In terms of style, we find the unique design of Keen shoes to be quite charming. They have a quirky and fun look that sets them apart from other Summer footwear options.

Overall, we highly recommend Keen summer shoes to anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile option for their outdoor activities. Don’t let the critics deter you!

Check them out here

This is not a paid ad. We genuinely think these shoes are brilliant.

CUTE SUMMER DRESSES

Summer is trying to make an appearance and we are on the hunt for some cute summer dresses that won’t break the bank! Grace and I decided to check out Marks & Spencer online – their selection is amazing and their delivery and returns are super efficient.

Trying on dresses at home with our own accessories and getting opinions from friends and family is the best way to shop.

M&S has something for everyone in their Summer Collection, and I always size up for a comfortable, breezy fit in the hot weather. Bring on the sunshine and the stylish outfits! 

Instagram outfits – here are the details:

Outfit 1 – Pure cotton Midi T-shirt dress £19.50
Outfit 2 – Lovell Blend Floral midaxi tea dress £45
Outfit 3 – linen mix dress £39.50 sadly sold out 😢
Shoes with 1 & 3 – Leather Double Buckle flatform Sandals £55 Also available in black.
Bag and other shoes Annabel’s own

SPRING CLOTHES HAUL

We had such a fun day checking out the brand new Spring range for women at the wonderfully large Camberley M&S store. Annabel and I had a delicious cappuccino in the coffee shop before we began our Spring clothes haul – essential as we love our caffeine! Then we set off around the store – our trolleys soon piled high because there was literally so much to choose from and to try on.

Am sure I’m not the only one who is a fan of layering – it makes so much sense with our unreliable British weather. It may officially be Spring but try telling the grey skies and drizzle that!

There is a wealth of neutrals to choose from – neat fitted jackets, wide leg trousers, short blazers (which seem to be very on trend at the moment), easy to wear midi and maxi dresses and an interesting range of shoes, both flat and heeled (including wide fit – sooooo comfortable). These neutrals work together so well but, of course, you could mix them with brighter colours too.

Thankfully, long is still on trend. Why do we love long? Because it is slimming and you can dress it up or down, wear with heels or sneakers. Which means you can rather handily use one outfit for day and night if you’d like to.

We’ve always been advocates of bright colours because they seem to cheer up both wearer and anyone who sees you. I know it’s early days but I’ll be ready when the sun shines again with this co-ord outfit in vivid blue or this heavenly shade of soft orange. The cashmere sweater is available as a V neck or crew neck and is worn here with the best selling ombre print sweatshirt.

Oh the denim! Sorry to wax lyrical but is there really any other place to buy your denim than M&S? They always have a huge choice of well made, quality denim jeans, shirts and dresses. Something for everyone style-wise, various leg lengths, a choice of colours and even some with super comfortable elasticated waists (the latter a guilty pleasure for many of us!).

Our overriding impression of the new Spring range at M&S has to be the endless combinations you can make from just a few key pieces. These days we have to consider both the cost and the provenance of the clothes we buy. So the more outfits you can make, the better, ringing the changes makes absolute sense, both environmentally and financially.

More style and make up tips can be found here