Beauty: Pregnancy Facial

So, another baby on the way and a three year old running around... doesn't leave much time for the afternoon slumbers I had in my previous pregnancy. This week I found 5 minutes to myself and decided to book a much needed facial. My skin this time around is much more problematic. The pregnancy glow I experienced with my daughter, is just not happening. 

I went along, on high recommendation, to Seven in Ripley and I'm so glad I did. I was warmly welcomed and accommodated (arriving early and seen early). After entering a tranquil room with candles and soothing music, I laid down on the most comfortable warm bed. Katie was very attentive, making sure I was completely comfortable throughout.

I had 60 minutes of cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, stimulating collagen; you name it my face experienced it!! Maybe  one of the nicest facial experiences I've had. I even drifted off to sleep for a few minutes! I left with my face feeling nourished & purified and me feeling relaxed and glowing. I can't wait to go and treat myself again at this hidden gem of Surrey. 

Fashion: Luxe Tee

As soon as the sun begins to shine, I get very excited! This is the UK though...so rather than get too carried away, I ease into Spring by just changing the top half of my outfit. 

Topshop Luxe tee

H & M 

My jeans are my biggest daytime staple, so I just need to transform my top. This luxe tee from Topshop is perfect because its made with a slightly thicker jersey. You can get away with wearing it on its own, with jeans or add a little bit of cool by wearing these comfy H&M shoes. Et voila, cool spring look DONE!

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers day to all you stylish Mummies,
love from us at stylekt11

Beauty: Mascara marvel

Wild about beauty Jack Black mascara and eye liner

Mascara is one of those things that once you get a good one you stick to it for as long as you can. However, it eventually clogs up and you buy a new one. Disaster - it has completely changed. The search for the right one begins again.

I have had relationships with mascara that have lasted and lasted and then come to an abrupt end.

My current relationship is with Wild About Beauty's 'Jack Black mascara'. It has been going for 12 months now (which in mascara world is good) and I am now on stick number 3!

What does this tell you? It tells you that its formula has not changed since its launch, that it genuinely does what it says on the tin - it goes on perfectly and leaves lashes long and thick.

The brand is one of my favourites. The co-founder make up artist Kim Jacobs swears that the brush has to have a plop sound - which it really does! 

Why am I talking about this now, because recently I have started wearing mascara on its own. I am normally an eyeliner AND mascara kind of girl, but used alone this mascara really does the job and brightens the eyes. I have never had so many compliments.

Fashion: Fashion fix Friday

Here at Stylekt11 HQ - we spend the entire week lusting over beautiful things to show you lovely people. 

Now its Friday we have rounded up a few things for you to feast your eyes on. So, if you do happen to be out shopping this might help you find what you want a bit quicker.

Enjoy the weekend

Gift Guide: Mothers day...what we're lusting after!

Here at Stylekt11 we thought we would pick out a few pieces we are lusting after to help with your Mothers Day inspiration (or casually leave our blog up for your hubby to find!)

Scarves:
One of our favourite accessories is a scarf - you can use a scarf in so many ways, for fashion, religion, as a coverup on the beach, on a bad hair day you can channel Amy Winehouse and wrap around it your head. The right scarf completes any outfit, but most importantly it serves as such a great gift since they suit everyone, come in many different colours, styles and patterns. Whether you buy an inexpensive one from the supermarket or a silk blended designer piece from the helm of prints that is Liberty, what woman wouldn't want a beautiful scarf for Mother's Day?

Clockwise from left - Polka dot: Zara, Petal print: Lily & Lionel @ Matches
Peach skull: Alexander McQueen, Leopard print: Whistles

Fashion Jewellery
Earrings, the bigger the better! The perfect way to make an outfit pop with the simple insertion of some danglers. Whether your Mum is a hoop, a bright jewelled, or a boho dangler kind of gal…..again, on any budget, fashion jewellery is the perfect way to say I love you Mum!

Clockwise from left. Dyrberg Kern @ House of Fraser, Accessories,
Links of London @ Selfridges

Beauty
Alternatively why not pick up a few of your Mum's favourite makeup or beauty products. Read some of our previous reviews on what we like and recommend or get yourself down to your nearest Space NK for some great treats.

This is one I'm not lusting after as my wonderful hubby surprised me with a bottle at the weekend, but can't recommend highly enough for a spring glow! Watch out for our review soon...

By Terry Serum @ Space NK

Fashion: Silver Court Shoe Belinda Earl's M&S

The Spring collection for Marks and Spencer is all about being womanly. The look is soft, wearable and classy. It reflects the biggest trends of 2014. 

Belinda Earl is back for a second collection, which is great news for all of us. 

The collection is loved by everyone in the world of fashion. The cuts are amazing, the textures sublime - its affordable style at its best.

One thing Stylekt11 loves (if you haven't guessed already) is   shoes and we are super excited that M&S has bought out these amazing silver court shoes for £19.50. They are just too good to miss out on, so get yours now. They will dress up an outfit for an occassion such as christening or a wedding and when you are done with this, pop them on with your boyfriend jeans and a plain tee. 

We shop for ours in M&S Brooklands

Fashion: Affordable outfits Mother's Day

So with a bit of luck you'll be having a lie in this coming Sunday with breakfast in bed (if not, send this post to your hubbie pronto) and some handpicked flowers in a vase on the breakfast tray. Ok I may be getting carried away now, but you get the gist...

Whatever you are planning to do for Mother's Day, be it a home cooked lunch with family or a meal out, we have been trawling the shops to find you the perfect outfit. Better still, we've managed to find high street items that won't break the bank. It may be the weekend, but Sunday is YOUR day so we think you deserve to look and feel extra special.  

Why not team this fabulous embellished tee from Topshop with some girlfriend jeans (slimmer legged boyfriend jeans) and pretty pumps in a beautiful blush rose colour, also from Topshop.

Embellished T-shirt and moonstone slippers, both £33, Topshop

Alternatively you could team this top from Mint Velvet with some cigarette pants or your favourite skinny jeans. Or if a dress is more your thing, then the same print is available in a beautiful tea dress. Both shapes are cut with an empire line, so super flattering for those of us who have not yet lost all our baby weight. The top could even be worn with a baby bump and some maternity jeans.

             Grazia print top £69 and dress £99, Mint Velvet 

Beauty: Mud that truly makes you glow

Face creams that promise to tighten, serums that promise to smooth...I am a sucker for all of them! On a regular basis I am lured into the marketing blurb and fall hook, line and sinker for whatever the latest must-have product may be. To my dismay however, my skin rarely looks smoother or tighter, it's just my bank balance that's gets that little bit lighter. However this week things changed... I discovered a mask that actually does what it promises to do. Glam Glow Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask. It claims to deliver both instant and cumulative results, leaving your complexion revived and glowing for 3 days after each application. It is day 3 after my first application and I am indeed still glowing! At just £25 for a 15ml pot, it's readily available in either Space NK or M&S, so there is no excuse ladies not to try what can only be described as a truly 'miraculous' product.

Fashion: 360 Cashmere for Spring

When it comes to cashmere its all about the touch. It has to feel like you want to snuggle up and keep stroking your own arm. Weird yes, but that sums up how good it can really feel. 

I did a little visit to Club boutique in Esher and if you feel a splurge coming on then this is the place to do it. 

Pay day hit me and I wanted to get myself a gift of 360 because I just fell in love the second this jumper hit my skin. I did not want to take it off. 

They come in bright colours and I opted for orange. It works perfectly with my jeans in black, grey and blue. Great for Spring/Summer. I really need to look after it because I want it to last forever and ever and ever.

360 cashmere available in Club Esher

Beauty: my key to a golden tan

Institut Esthederm

Adaptasun Tanning Body Lotion

Strong Sun

“Develop a deep, intense and natural tan and enjoy all the benefits of the sun without the harmful side effects. Suitable for normal to tolerant skin, this sun-protection milk allows you to boost your tan with perfect cellular protection from a normal to strong sun. With UV inCellium Technology, this lotion actually helps    

skin better defend itself in extreme sun”

Thank you Space NK for introducing me to this amazing product!!

As a true English rose (freckles and all) I burn so easily in the sun. Before trying this product 4 years ago I would never have contemplated going in the sun with anything less than spf50 and even then I would have to limit my exposure to an hour or so a day. The thought of lying down smothered in a cream that has NO SPF* was very scary indeed. Alas, I took the plunge and after using Adaptasun for the duration of my holiday, I returned two weeks later with a glowing deep tan that lasted for months. I think the key to any sun protection is to limit your exposure and remember to reapply every couple of hours (especially every time you come out of the water) and cover up or seek shade if you start to feel the tingle of your skin burning.

*Adptasun helps your skin to gradually adapt to the sun, protecting itself rather than blocking out or filtering the suns rays.

Fashion: Supermarket style sweep

You pop into the supermarket for your weekly shop, you spy a top...it looks nice, it's a good price, but its from the same place you buy your spuds! The glam is gone.

However, things have changed. Supermarkets have upped their game. So, if you are on a tight budget and want to look good, you still can.

Everyone's getting involved. Grazia are style picking from Florence and Fred and Gok Wan has a chic range in Sainsbury's. Oh and don't forget that Marks and Spencer is still a supermarket and we all know how much we love their undies and the odd bargain from the Autograph or Limited range. 

Many a conversation has been had with girlfriends which goes something like: "Cool outfit. Where is it from?" Your mind goes into overdrive. Do you admit how you turned a supermarket purchase cool, or do go with the safe answer "I bought it ages ago…" 

StyleKt11's answer would be to tell the truth. You will have teamed it with something chic and totally transformed its look. 

Here at StyleKt11 we have done a supermarket 'style' sweep of our fave looks on a budget for the season - look cool for less and pick up the spuds at the same time!

   

Coat F&F at Tesco

Peplum Jacket Asda

Loafers M&S

Fold Over suede Bag Sainsburys

Beauty: The power of a red lip!

Make up artist favourite red - Mac Ruby Woo

I was at an event last night and in typical mummy fashion barely had time to change my clothes let alone freshen my make up...Enter my favourite red lipstick. 

I'm normally a slick of 'Eight Hour Cream' kind of girl on my lips as I'm a bit lazy when it comes to keeping on top of a well made face, so anything thats easy works for me. 

Gwen Stafani is rearly seen without a slick of red, whether dressed up to the nines or ripped jeans and basic white tee. Red lipstick can be very daunting to those that have not worn it before. I steered well clear of anything bold on my lips for years. Given that I have quite full lips I would always feel like a clown, but once you're over that initial feeling that everyone is staring at you, you'll soon have your favourite "go to" red for a quick confidence boost.

Just remember, the key to a great red lip is to keep everything else simple. A good base, a slick of mascara or gel liner and then let your lips do the talking!

Beauty - game changing eye cream

Over the years I have used eye creams a plenty and if I am totally honest I am not so sure they have done that much for me.

Lucky me, I got given a gift recently - Elastiderm Obagi eye cream. I was told that it would lessen the eye lines and get rid of the dark circles.

I have been using it for 2.5 weeks and it works. The results are visible! 

The best thing is, you only have to use a small bit of it on each eye (the size of a rice grain) making it great value for money.

I really feel like it makes a difference and stops me looking so weary - a regular look for me at the moment, especially when my sleep has been broken. I would 100% recommend this cream and I will be using it for as long as it keeps working.

If you want this amazing eye cream its available at ABCDentalsurgery Cobham. It can only be sold by professionally qualified people. If you want more info then pop into the surgery and have a free consultation with Dr Su Rai.

Elastiderm Obabgi eye cream - Miracle

Fashion: Denim is having a moment

A good pair of jeans has long been the staple in every woman's wardrobe. However, move over favourite pair of J Brands, denim has been reinvented! This season denim has taken on a life of its own, with designers using it to create a whole host of alternative wardrobe saviours. First up has to be the denim shirt, whether it be the classic western style, a softer chambray chic (better for tucking in) or a sleeveless denim gilet. Next up, the denim jacket. Cropped, distressed, biker (my personal favourite), bleached and white...all have a place in my wardrobe as they rarely date and are perfect for dressing down an outfit if it's just a tad too try hard. Last and not least, denim dresses. Often made of a softer denim, chambray or cotton for fluidity, work perfectly for everyday running around town, yet can be dressed up with a pair of heels for the evening...et voila, rock chick chic in an instant! For the more adventurous among you, why not try a denim playsuit....go on, you know you want to!

Clockwise from top right: short sleeve shirt, LK Bennett; Denim Jacket and playsuit, Pepe.

Gift: Girlfriend gift inspiration

At this time in life I think its always a little tricky to find a gift for a friend. You don't want to spend a silly fortune, because you don't always have it, but equally you want to get them something cool. Plus, if she likes her fashion you want it to be edgy. I have a lot of friends who love fashion and as they get older they get clever about it, so stay one step ahead. This ring will go down a treat with your fashionista friends and is perfect for spring/summer birthdays.

Isabel marant ring £30

Fashion: How to wear leather the KT11 way

The key to wearing leather, whether it be real or imitation, a skirt or trousers, is to mix it up. Mix leather with other textures and you can never go far wrong. 

Leather trousers with a denim shirt, a leather peplum top with a pencil skirt in the same colour but a different fabric, leather leggings with a plaid shirt. 

Leather does not have to reserved for evening attire either, team your leather leggings with a pair of converse and a plain T or vest and relaxed blazer for the daytime. 

 For great leather jackets check out Muubaa, for trousers Joseph or Theory (for imitation leather ones try Topshop), and Iris and Ink have some great leather tops.

Fashion: Brogues - your new Spring footwear staple

So our feet have been in our favourite pair of over-the-knee, ankle, or biker boots for what feels like forever. Well its time to embrace the new footwear trend for Spring - brogues. 

Like the Marant dixie ankle boots that we all subscribed to in some form a few years back, they go with everything. 

I first fell in love with them when I saw a suede cream pair last year at the Stone's concert in Hyde Park. They were being rocked by a super cute twenty something girl with a v short floral tea dress and some pastel frilly ankle socks. She just looked the epitome of festival chic cool. 

Church's classic brogues

Ok so I may need to lose the frilly ankle socks, but brogues are absolutely something us mums in our 30 and 40s can rock. Wear them with rolled up boyfriend jeans, with a pretty floral dress or with cigarette pants and a blazer for instant Parisian chic. 

If you are willing to invest in your new footwear staple, then it has to be a pair of Church's, but the high street have equally good offerings - below are a selection from Dune and Clarks... 

  

   

Beauty - Give your face a special Sunday morning treat with By Terry

On a Sunday morning you just might have 5 minutes to spare (no school, no work) so take the time to invest in your skin routine. 

We would recommend that you give your beautiful face a special treat with this ByTerry micro exfoliating mask. 

It will unclog the t-zone and make skin look more radiant removing the grey and returning your glow. 

By TERRY micro exfoliant mask available Space NK Cobham

Fashion: Lounging at the weekend

Lounging at the weekend

Loungewear doesn’t have to leave you looking like a couch potato or worse…

The weekend is a funny thing, especially when you are a mum. Working/not working, it’s all rolled into one. Lie-ins don’t usually exist, so the only difference is that everyone is at home. I am always tempted to throw on the first comfortable thing I can find when we do not have any plans. However, of late I have made a conscious decision to make sure the things I grab still made me look good and have a sense of effortless cool. I make sure that I have a suitable sweat top, trousers and trainers. All casual and very comfortable, and passable to leave the house in.

We have found some must-have comfortable loungewear that’s not going to break the bank. Pieces you can do anything in; be it going to the park with the kids, popping to the local pasta place, or a kids party…

Clockwise - Zoe Karsen Joggger  - The Outnet, Jardin Sweater  - Topshop,
Nike Super High - Asos,  Homies Sweat - Urban Outfiters

Fashion: Think Pink

Zara £49.99

When I think of Spring I think pastels, and immediately I am drawn to pink. I am not 100% sure the pastel colour is me even though I love them. I am going to go straight and get hot pink as it is also a new season colour. I love colours that transform me and make me feel like I have made an effort (without too much effort). Buying a staple in this colour will carry me through to the end of summer in a number of different outfits. My new 'must have' jacket (staple) is this lovely Zara one, perfect to dress up my jeans, and i can wear it day or night. The value I will get from this is going to be amazing, also if I look after it I can pull it out again Spring Summer 2015

Fashion: This week I am lusting after…a new pair of trainers

With the recent rise in popularity of the wear-with-everything sweatshirt, surely has to come the trainer. Trainers seem to have had a revival of late and offerings come from far and wide. Every designer in their right mind has designed their trainer of choice. Be it the Jimmy Choo high top, Nike's new Ski Hi Wedge or simply a pair of old school New Balance. They seem to be this season's must have item for everyone. Pair them with skinny jeans, skirts or skorts (skirt/short combo) and put your best foot forward. And the best bit - they're the most comfortable footwear a girl can have - fashion and comfort - two words that rarely go together. What's not to love!

Clockwise from top left: Nike LunarElite Sky Hi Wedge £117, H&M sneakers £19.99, New Balance 574 suede and mesh trainers £60, Jimmy Choo lace and leather sneakers £425. 

Fashion: Bag with a hint of floral

Marc Jacobs floral/Denim Topshop/White River Island

Bag it - with a hint of floral

I am a huge lover of bags and always will be. They compliment an outfit, feed my fashion fix, when I can't find a thing to wear, am having a fat day, and good ones I can eventually pass onto my daughter vintage style...the list could go on.
My current dilemma with 'nice' bags seems to be that when you have two kids, the contents can be damaging to the interior, and so I need something robust but still cool. Step up the back pack. It has been resuscitated and brought back into the zone.  Not only are they super useful for getting about on a daily basis, perfect for going on holiday or for a day out to an adventure park, but they also add a little touch of cool to a bag that's traditionally bulky by nature, first time mums this has to be a must have. 
Marc Jacobs has done an amazing floral one, but I also found an equally cool high street version in Denim.  Marks out of 10 for being handy on so many levels…..11.

Fashion: Shoe boot bargainista

Shoe boot bargain 

If you are going out with the girls and want to revive an old outfit without huge expense, then shoes can do this for you. We found these cute little numbers from Next, perfect with a skirt or trousers. You can also wear them more than once, which means you will get your money's worth! At £36 from Next you really can't go wrong. Team them with a fab jacket and finish off with a classic handbag. The perfect look at a bargain price (which will make you feel even better) and I bet your friends will think you have spent a fortune because you look a million dollars.

Fashion: March Metallics

March Metallics

We love to dress in the glam colours of winter, but as we move into spring its good to want to drag a few things across and mix up the seasons. 

White always helps to lighten the mood and with a touch of silver and black, I have my seasons all mixed up.

It’s not officially Spring yet….

Skirt - Whistles, Tee - Zara, Shoes - Topshop