bodycon love.

Hey belles,

So right now, I am head over heels for Topshop's gorgeous new bodycon skirts.

Perfect to flex your legs in this Summer...

Aztec Print Bodycon Skirt.

Set to be another hot year for aztecs. 

Dress this up with a blazer with extra shoulder padding, high-bun and lashings of gold bling or 

dress down a colourful racer-back vest (yellow could not be hotter right now), creepers or high-tops.

Aqua Panel Bodycon Skirt

Whether you're wearing with a floral crop and tan sandals for a girly look or rocking it with  a buttoned up sheer blouse and fierce lips, one thing's for sure, you're gonna look mint.

Zip Front Jersey Skirt.

With the sporty look being so big this season, jersey has never looked hotter.

Rewind a few decades and dress this up with a tucked-in band tee, hoops, strong brows (as ever) and a messy bun for a casual party look or go loose with a tied-up shirt and natural-dried hair.

Remember; when it's worn right, bodycon is for everyone not just your size zeroes. The whole point of it is to hug your figure and accentuate. 

Really good for balancing out all figures; adding shape to boyish figures, enhancing waistlines and obviously showing off a bit of leg. If your legs aren't your strongest feature, you've got no excuse whatsoever with all the gorgeous hosiery on the market at the moment. For cheap Mr Holland (we love you!) alternatives, the high-street have a fab range of legwear at the mo!

mwah, 

Candi. xo

saw this earlier and fell in love...

candi-quote of the day.

You don't have anything to prove to anyone but yourself.

candi-quote of the day.

Don't judge your next on the failures of your ex.

essex star in kebab brawl.

So from the title, I bet you're thinking Joey Balboa's up to more brawling antics or Ricky's trying to flex his muscles again? Maybe Lauren Goodger and Jess having a rematch?

I bet the last person you're expecting is...

But the pictures do not deceive you. 

This is indeed butter-wouldn't-melt Lydia-Rose Bright squaring up to a bouncer in a local kebab shop.

No one seems to know quite yet exactly what fuelled the argument. We can only imagine that their wasn't enough cheese on her chips or they'd run out of garlic mayo.

However after an Essex night out in Funky Mojoe with co-stars Billi, Cara and mystery man, the photographic evidence suggests that Lydia kicked right off.

Looks like those elocution lessons didn't pay off.

What's Debs going to say?

No one has yet identified mystery man. Perhaps just an coincidence that he was helping her on her way home while Arg is away at boot camp? 

Cara Kilbey who looked stunning in Celeb Boutique managed to save diginity and avoid any unflattering photos (see above) by not getting involved.

Even managing to pull her hair into a perfect bun and pull a cheeky pout for the cameras in the meantime whilst ordering herself a kebab and ignoring the situation behind her. 

Although they went out with Billi Mucklow, she appears to have disappeared by this point, probably in a taxi with Cara's brother, Tom Kilbey.

Kebab-gate was eventually diffused and Lydia headed home along with new mystery jumper-slinging man. Great shoes though, Lyds.

Lydia addressed the situation some moments ago on twitter:

Lydia Bright ‏ @LydiaRoseBright

 

I'm so embarrassed of what happened last night.I've let myself down. I'm only normal & like a night out,but I have learnt my lesson. Sorry.x

On the plus side, if she gets the boot from the next series of TOWIE, she has a guaranteed place on the next 'you wouldn't start a night like this' anti-binge drinking advertisement.

Numerous other cast members also partied in Funky Mojoe but left separately including Frankie and also Lauren Goodger and Jessica Wright who apparently put their differences aside for the evening.

What do you make of it all?


Fairplay to her I say, there's no excuses for kebab shops offering a pitiful amount of cheese on your chips. She's only making a stand for what's right ;)!


Let me know your thoughts @candiloveslove

mwah. xo

face.

Apologies for the awful lighting, my flash has broken on the old blackberry.

Yet as promised, here is a brief overview of the make-up I used for last night's look.

I had not done my lips by this time so it's mainly eyes and face but I kept my lips pretty natural anyway. 

Face:


MAC Prep & Prime Skin Refine Zone (best primer for oily skin).


MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW45.


Sleek Blusher Flushed.


MAC Prep & Prime Translucent Finishing Powder.


Eyes: 


Urban Decay NAKED Eyeshadow Palette 
(various colours blended and for eyebrow highlight).


Benefit Brow-zing Eyebrow Palette.


L'oreal Superliner Carbon Gloss.


Eyelure Naturalites 140.




As ever, any questions @candiloveslove 


mwah.xo

@wandesworld

Stumbled across this on youtube and her story has touched me hugely.

Found myself nearly shedding a tear. It's time that people realised that what is actually passed off as teenage 'bitchiness' can actually be hurtful bullying which has a real bearing on the rest of people's lives.

An inspirational, intelligent and b-e-a-utiful girl! 

f

candi-quote of the day.

What makes you different makes you beautiful.

tonight's look.

Hi belles,

Firstly, thank you for all the lovely comments on the blog recently. 

It really does mean a lot.

A couple of people have been asking for video blogs which I think I'll start when I get my next Glossybox to review it.

What are you all upto this weekend?

I'm off out so I thought I'd share my look with you. 

Since I'm on a spending freeze, I've had to dig out things that I've not worn in a while (recycling chic).

• Playsuit: LOVE Fashion. You've probably seen LOVE in your local Topshop as I first noticed it years ago in there but now they are absolutely huge boasting The Saturdays and Amy Childs as just a couple of their biggest fans. I bought the playsuit a while ago but the same style seems to come round every Summer and it's so comfy and versatile! I'll be dressing it up with the trusty pleated tan belt. 

• Shoes: One of my favourite bargs of last year. After eyeing up the Office £85 equivalents lustfully all Summer, I came across these beauts in Primark, one pair left...in my size...reduced to £8. Uh-mazing and comfy too.

• Accessories: I am so loving word jewellery at the moment. My best male friend was lolling at me at my little 'OMG' studs the other night but I love them! Delightfully tacky if you ask me. Tonight, I think I'll play it simple and rock the 'Love' ones.

• Make-up: No bright lips tonight, I know...shocker! Going to go for a nice MAC Lipglass, it's shimmery with a hint of copper. Loving it at the moment. Going hard with the eyebrows tonight, going to use my Benefit Brow Kit although if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, I'm hearing great things about the Sleek brow kit (available from Superdrug). Using Sleek Pomegrante blusher which is perfect for me as it's a bit darker so adds some nice depth, I'll be applying it just above the cheekbone so mine don't look so chubby, ha. Going to set it all with my Prep and Prime MAC Finishing powder, gives you a flawless look and stops awkward sweaty face situations. I'm also thinking pastel nails with the index finger left gold.

• Hair: in this difficult time before lovely new extensions, what I like to call 'the top bun pile up' is my best friend. It involves minimal effort but a hell of a lot of hair grips! In true me style, I'll be tying a headscarf round my head to keep it all in place. Ha.

What are you wearing out tonight? 

mwah. xo

candi-quote of the day.

We cannot rely on luck in life. Without determination and resilience, there can be no real success.

a 'wright' wild night...

So after having reportedly sent her messages during the X Factor era letting her know how 'fit' she was looking, what a coincidence that these two would just happen to bump into each whilst both newly single and on holiday...in the same place (Miami)...at the same time?

So our favourite Essex bad boy tweeted...

"Look who I just bumped in 2 in #miami @officialtulisa. Wild night !!#uktakeover"

With around 3 million followers between them, there was an obvious uproar of speculation to which Tulisa tweeted:

Tulisa Contostavlos ‏ @officialtulisa

 

flippin heck twitters goin off after that tweet,chill out..we have the same management..u lot r actin like I don't roll with the boys

And as if by magic, it would seem that they appeared to bump into each other again.

All looking more bronzed than a Gypsy Wedding here. Brits abroad and all that.

And yes guys, that is Kenzie from Blazin' Squad on the far left, Wright's best mate and now a personal trainer. The hot girl in the blue dress is Ny, Tulisa's minion and the guy in the middle is her PR/gay best friend. 

So what do we think? 

I know they'll all play the media hype card but could any self-respecting girl really resist that Essex boy charm and more importantly, that body after a few bevs?

Time will tell.

One thing's for sure though, Lauren Goodger must be raging!

mwah. xo

are you a goer or a settler?

I think in life, to an extent, you get two kinds of people.

You get goers and you get settlers.

I originally thought it was more dreamers and settlers but I'm definitely a dreamer yet undeniably a settler as well. 

Goers are those who dream big, know what they want and go for it. They come in all forms from budding muscians to wannabe wags but they all have one thing in common; bucket-loads of passion and ambition and one clear goal which they'll do what it takes to reach.

Settlers are realists. Don't get me wrong, settlers have dreams too but they think of things more laterally, their feet are firmly on the ground. They are more calculated and dare I say it, sensible than risk-tasking goers, weighing things up instead of throwing themselves in.

What's my point, I hear you cry? 

Firstly, which do you think you are?

It's been bugging me recently because I've always been a dreamer, everyone has ambitions, dreams and goals that they want to achieve in their lives, of course. But recently, I've started to realise that the only thing holding me back is...me.

A self-confessed realist who over-analyses everything in life, worries and panics about the littlest things and can't sleep knowing that I've upset someone.

About a year ago, I did something brave, probably the bravest thing I've ever done and regretted it so since then I sunk back into playing it safe and weighing everything up to the tiniest detail. All my friends will know this as I literally cannot make a decision without being a massively analyetical palava.

Just recently, I did something else brave and took another risk...after literally months of thinking. I don't know if it's paid of yet but it has got me thinking about settling.

I think sometimes life pushes us into settling too easily. We let things hold us back from our dreams, whether these are insecurities, lack of confidence or fear. I'll use my favourite person in the entire world as an example...my Mum. 

My Mum always wanted to be a nurse. She would have been an absolutely amazing nurse, guaranteed but because of her dyslexia and her lack of confidence in herself, she never took the training and has spent her whole life regretting it. After fostering/adopting over 20 children, she also spent her whole life missing out on things that she wanted in order to make sure that not matter how little she had, we never went without essentials.

My point is, that it is only now when she is terminally ill that she is doing the things that make her happy that she has wanted to do all her life. Things that may seem like little things to me or you but to see how happy they make her makes me think that life really is too short.

I used to look at some of the goers I know and think they were being completely unrealistic. I remember thinking 'it's okay to dream but are your dreams going to pay the bills?' but it's not like that attitude brings you happiness either. Dreams often stem from passions, passions that make people happy. Does settling make you happy?

There's nothing wrong with being a settler or a goer as long as you are happy. But recently I've realised that putting up with things and being too happy to settle are doing quite the opposite. I've always shied away from my dreams and ambitions for being a realist, insecurities and lack of confidence but if you don't have enough belief in your own dreams then no one else is going to!

The moral of this is, life really is too short. Do what makes you happy and believe in yourself and your dreams.

& never, ever settle for anything less than exactly what you deserve.

mwah. xo

towie wrap party.

So I'm pretty sure no one is going to throw their hands up in disagreement when I say...

worst series of The Only Way is Essex so far!

From Arg's moping to Jess Wright desperately clinging onto a bit more airtime and do not even get me started on the tans. I fear it really has gone down the pan.

My advice: scrap the cast and get new people in. Joey, Frankie and Chloe have saved it for me with their banter but other than that, I'd be happy to see the back of all of them. Goodge brings nothing but a sour face to it now Mark's gone, when the drama ended with Lucy and Mario, they became deadwood, Faiers are both shacked up with boyfriends. The only bit of excitement we had was the Ricky-Joey fiasco and then...they made up, really?!

So did last night's Wrap Party bring us anything worth writing about? Described by Heat Magazine, as the worst dressed wrap party ever, the short answer is no (but I'm going to anyway!)

Can't bring myself to say a bad word about Gem because I think she is hilarious. Cute shoes.

However, I do not believe this relationship for one second! Charlie (left) has taken to twitter to protest its validity and dispute claims that he is just fame-hungry and looking for a way in.

I think he is exactly that, an Essex boy wanting his moment in the spotlight and seeing our lovely Gem as a way in. I hope not though, for her sake. She deserves it after the awkward 'apple pie' phase.

Fails:

Not so much including Frankie in these, mainly because I love her.

But again Goodger, what were you thinking? I'm one of the few people left on the Universe who is not a complete Goodger loather. I agree she does get edited to look like a complete bitch but I find her attitude hilarious; constant drama although she 'don't like confrontation'.

What I cannot abide though is the fact she constantly moans about her weight then wears outfits like this? I do not think she's fat but this dress does her no favours. It looks like it's from JR Fashions. Amount of leg and cleavage on show is too far as well. I mean c'mon Goodge, do yourself a favour! 

I think Frankie looks cute though. The dress is very...well, Frankie.

I don't know why I'm finding Jess so annoying recently.

I used to think she was amazing, I think it's because she brings nothing to the show and is constantly making desperate plays for attention.

For me, this outfit is just way too much. Bondage style dress with the fur bolero and the vamp lips and hair up. The dress itself however is fairly nice but as you'll see from other pictures, she's got a bit too much booby for the cups of the dress. Her legs are literally in Wotsits-ville.

Don't get me wrong, I think she's got a banging figure, I think I just prefer it when she doesn't try so hard because she kind of looks like Mark in a dress here. Just saying.

One word: Carol.

Best Dressed:

I'll tell you why Falcone is looking so smug because he has hit the absolute jackpot with her.

LOOK AT THAT BODY!

As much as I didn't like her to start, we cannot fault Lucy's dress sense. She knows she's got an amazing figure but unlike some of the others, she doesn't feel the need to get it all show and goes for gorgeous figure-hugging dresses instead of slaggy numbers. This white knee-length shift dress is no exception. 

Lucy, you look fierce. Mario, you don't look so bad either.

Just when we all thought she couldn't top her Marg Simpson outfit, Billie rocks up in this!

Mint green (bang on trend) shift with kissing swans and frilled sleeves. Adorable.

Her hair and make-up are on point too with her new permanent brows, nude lips, big lashes and a cute loose hair bow-bun. Looking reem, girl.

My only wonder is how she got the dress over her amazing babbalons?

Good news though, the dress will be available on the Minnies Boutique website soon!

Team Billie.

I don't think you can help but love Joey and Diags?

And although I don't fancy him, I can't deny he is an exceptionally good-looking young man. Look at that facial structure. Reem.

Loving both their dressed down outfits; skinny jeans, casual shoes and plain jumpers.

Absolute salty potatoes, boys.

No major gossip reported yet besides then non-appearance of Lydia (due to apparent work commitments), Chloe Sims and Arg.

I will keep you informed, belles.

mwah. xo

candi-fact of the day.

Your mind cannot process the difference between you thinking something and that something actually happening. Therefore if you are constantly thinking negatively or worrying about worst case scenarios, your brain believes that they are actually occurring. You are therefore putting yourself through the unnecessary trauma of feeling the pain and emotion that you would if the event actually happened.

So give your mind and emotions a rest and stop worrying.

If it happens, it happens and until then smile! 

best part of the (disappointing) towie finale.

Brilliant! I LOVE HER.

Enough said.

the most fun you can have with your clothes on, fact.

Ladies, if you have not got yourself to a Zumba class yet, go!

After trying everything from Cardio Combat to Spin, I'd nearly given up on the prospect of actually enjoying a gym class altogether.

And then I tried my gym's evening Zumba class and it truly is the most fun you can have with your clothes on (not obligatory, ha!)

The video doesn't really do it justice but imagine yourself on a night out dancing like a fool and not giving a care in the world...only in your local gym on a weeknight. Pure brilliance.

But you have to experience it for yourself to see what I mean!

Find your local class (they're everywhere now!) and let me know what you think.

ramble.

Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about?

I probably think about having a cheeky glass of wine everyday though.

Doesn't mean that it's good for me.

They also all say that apparently in life we get two great loves.

It therefore concerns me that at this tender age, I'm pretty damn sure I've already had one.

The other one better bloody well be a Jamie Redknapp-a-like with Ed Sheeran's vocal talent.

One thing I never lose faith in though is that everything happens for a reason.

We just don't know it yet...

mwah. xo

payday wishlist.

Shown new found levels of restraint this month on purchases so here's a teaser of what's on my February wishlist...

♥

So about me being in love with these?

I think they are perfect for the summer and great for dressing up jeggings and plain tops in the meantime!

At £45, they're about the same price as normal Vans anyway so they won't break the bank.

For those of you who haven't experienced Ren skincare products, you absolutely must.

No matter what your skin woes are, they have something for everyone from blemish-prone skin (me) to dry skin in need of some hydration love.

All of their products are completely free from artificial rubbish and full of bio-actives and enzymes for your skin. Always important because often if it's just that one nasty ingrediant in a product that triggers off skin problems. Ren are like the Chanel of the natural skincare world. Beautiful products.

And take it from someone who's tried just about every brand one the market...

♥

Huge huge fan of the latest Limited Edition Lipglass collection from MAC.

It gives you one gorgeous sheer colour, a nude and a lovely dusky pink.

For those of you who haven't used Lipglass before, they give the best colour coverage, good longevity and they smell delicious!

♥

Now I've been umming and ahhing about whether to dip-dye or not but I've decided ombre it is. My friend recently had hers done at Sean Hanna and it looks gorgeous.

I want it exactly like the right handside picture, very subtle and honey shades towards the end. May get the parting slightly to the side as I think this is going to be big for the new season.

And if it all goes tits up, I've got a fantastic afro wig in my dressing-up chest. Yes, I really do have a dressing up chest at the age of 21. Loser.

♥

This gorgeous blazer is totally fufilling my love for pales at the moment.

Move quickly though, beauts. It's on ASOS for the bargain price of £19.50 from £69!

Perfect look dressing up your LBDs to party in or with pale skinnies and a high-bun for day!

As much as I would love to go on, I need to show some restrain this month! 

What's on your payday wishlist?

mwah. xo

forgive and forget?

There is a common misconception with the notion; to forgive and forget.

The two are often referred to inter-relatively.

However to forget, we use memory and thought.

Forgiving someone comes from the heart and draws upon our emotions.

To truly forgive someone, we must free ourselves of all emotions we feel towards then.

And remember, it takes a strong person to hold on but an even braver person to truly let go.

candi-quote of the day.

As you grow older, you begin to realise that it's okay to let go, it's okay to be alone and it's okay to be yourself because the only people who deserve a place in your future are those who love you just the way you are.

candi-quote of the day.

The moment that you stop believing is the moment that you stop achieving. 

if you need a giggle.

Check this girl out!

She has been cracking me up with her impressions for over a year now.

There's loads of people trying it now but I swear she is the funniest out there.

Her Sam Faiers is bang on and Lydia's Mum is high-larious.

Also doing some Made in Chelsea ones now, check out Rosie's eyes.

Subscribe and follow her on twitter, chaps: @emsigal 

mwah. xo

candi-quote of the day.

(A little funny one for all you ladies and laddies getting over a broken heart):

Your EX: an EXemplification of why you deserve an EXtraordinary amount better.

In all seriousness, I believe that all we can do is life is hold onto the hope that everything happens for a reason so if it was meant to be, it would have been. See it as an opportunity for you to move onto bigger and better things.

mwah. xo

a public apology.

For my unacceptable lack of bloggery recently.

I'm sorry, beauts.

I have my reasons of which I will indulge at some point but the love is still there.

Keep your eyes peeled this week for lots of love and attention coming your way.

mwah. xo

brits.

So I kind of feel that it would be rude of me not to get my tuppence in about the Brit Awards.

How did you do yours for twenty-twelve?

I did mine in style with my GBF, a cheeky pizza and two bottles of pink wine. We may or may not have spend 99% of the time tweeting but a girl's got to do what a girls got to do.

So firstly, I have to comment on the subject dearest to my heart. Ahem, gingers.

So proud of my boy (let me have the dream, okay), Ed for his two Brits - Best Male Artist and British Breakthrough Act.

And after smashing his performance into little pieces, hands up who thought that he was going to stay in his jeans and tee ensemble all night?!

So how excited (and somewhat sexually aroused) was I when he cracked on this gorgeous navy number? As a self-confessed ginger expert, I can categorically reveal that navy is a particularly good colour for gingers as it is not as harsh as black on their skin tone but also brings out their hair/eye colour. Plenty more ginger facts coming your way ;)!

All bants aside, so much respect for our Sheeran. I'm sure you've all heard the story about him flitting round the country with just his guitar and the clothes he was wearing to gig to get his music out there and finally putting up the video he made for 20 quid on YouTube. Oh what a difference a year  (and a shed-load of raw talent) makes, ey?!

Congratulations Ed!

Outfit Awards:

The ladies:

How stunning did Jessie J look?!
The last couple of big events we've seen her tone down the catsuits, leotards and purples wigs in exchange for some jaw-droppingly gorgeous couture numbers and this is no disappointment.

From her sheer daring Falguni and Sean Peacock dress (just look at that detailing!) through to her 40s glam hair and do not even get me started on those HD Brows. Next level definition right there.

Jessie, you may not have scooped up any awards but you certainly gave us something worth watching for. Best JJ look yet, we salute you girl.

Now in my eyes, our Holly Willoughbooby can do no wrong.

So when she sauntered onto le carpet rouge in this gorgeous black shift dress, I'm pretty sure we all had just two things on our mind...

Boobingelle Holly, that beautiful hourglass looks like absolute part encapuslated in her signature shift style number with a great peplum detailing to show off her fig.
Gorge.


Anyway I must dash but I'll be back with an update very soon. 


mwah. xo