GET READY WITH ME: FESTIVE PARTY STYLE

I'm not saying that I'm usually a big fat Scrooge, but I'm definitely not the first person to be whacking out the Christmas tree and Michael Buble come mid November. I love Christmas, but I kinda just do that annoying thing of work, work, work, work, work.. oh it's the 24th December, should probs take a day off tomorrow... annnnd Christmas is over. This year however, I am getting all buddy the elf on your butts because not only has gal pal bought a present and some tree decs, she's also got her festive party face and outfit sorted [insert hallelujah/'thank the lord for not having "I have nothing to wear" tantrums 10 minutes before having to leave the house".

So yeah, I kinda discovered this dress that I nearly dropped down on one knee and proposed to and then I kinda discovered this bag and shoes that were more babe'in than Harvey Specter and then, I put together a makeup look that wasn't red lips and glitter ehhrthing but it did make me feel glam af, so I thought I'd share all of the above with you, and that's exactly what this post is about today.

It's also about a fragrance rediscovery in Tom Ford Black Orchid. Man I forgot how sexy and sensual and utterly divine that babe is.

The Makeup

Now, because I'm not the most organised gal pal in existence, I tend to leave my festive makeup looks til the very last minute which most often ends in a red lip (classic!) and some kinda gold shadow and whilst that would always be my first option, today I wanted to play around with a much more wearable but still very pretty and perfect for the cold season look, and I kinda love it a lot.

So much that I've worn the exact same makeup every single day for the week and a half but no judgement over here please and thank you!

Basically I slipped and fell and ended up with 4 new Bobbi Brown pieces that I'm absolutely obsessed with. Starting with 2 eyeshadow palettes that make me want to weep with joy at their sheer and utter beauty. The first is the Bobbi Brown Chocolate eye palette, an absolutely stunning palette with 4 main shadow colours and a beautiful 3 tone section at the bottom which I love for using as a subtle liner. It's just one of those basic palettes that work for any look. With a stunning rose gold toned shimmer shade and three matte, highlight and contour colours, it's just stunning for this time of year. The second palette really is a little bit special because this has become my on the go go-to. Said palette? The Bobbi Brown Party to go Lips and eyes which consists of the most stunning gold and blush nude shades alongside the cutest damn lipstick of all time which just happens to be a beautiful dark pinky brown, think 90's but sophisticated, that goes with the eyeshadows perfectly. The formulations of both palettes are more babe'in than Harvey Specter and, well... I don't think I need to say any more do I?

Then we have a bronzer, blush, highlight hybrid in the form of the Bobbi Brown Brightening blush in Pink Truffle and this little babe is officially my favourite thing for a natural but glowy bronze in a matter of seconds. The formulation is so buttery smooth that you just want to stroke it all day long (I highly suggest not doing this for fear of being named as a total psychopath!) but it really is stunning. It's very natural but can be layered up for a more full on effect and I blimmin love that little slither of hightlight for a gorgeous sheen on the cheeks and inner corners of the eyes.

We all know that a red lip is the ultimate makeup essential when the festive season comes around but I feel like I've suggested quite a lot lately and if there's anyone out there like the me of 3 months ago that never wears colour, the Bobbi Brown Luxe lip colour in Uber Nude is your guy. This lipstick is the actual dream. Completely pigmented, unbelievably creamy and nourishing but also lasts really well too. The colour is the only brown nude that doesn't wash me out and make me look like a corpse, plus the packaging is sexy af and makes me feel like a goddess. If I'm wrong to feel that way then I don't want to feel right [insert sassy face emoji here].

Finally I finished off the look with a nail polish that still hasn't left my nails 10 days after first painting them on and that's Bobbi Brown's Nail polish in Chocolate. Just a straight up rich brown that's glossy and sassy and lasts ridiculously well. I'm currently on Day 10 with no chips and that is a life I am all about.

The Outfit

Dress of dreams - Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Winter bird dress / Shoes - Faith Silver Cassidy Mid heel shoes / Bag - Faith Red Piper box clutch from Debenhams / Fragrance - Tom Ford Black Orchid

Oh sweet baby jesus this dress is so divine that is almost gave me heart palpitations when I first saw it. It's from the Matthew Williamson Butterfly range at Debenhams and I actually think it could be the prettiest dress in my wardrobe right now. I adore the mesh sleeves and top as it gives it a ridiculously sexy vibe without really showing off any skin - the inner 80 year old in me absolutely loves that - alongside the absolutely stunning floral/bird embroidery which I personally think makes the dress look so luxe. Ultimately, I have no idea what it is exactly about this total babestation of a dress that makes me feel so sassy but it just does. It's unique, it's special, but it's also totally wearable. I really hope you like it because I'm going to be wearing this approximately every other day until party season is over.

I have a love/hate relationship with box clutch bags. Like, why you so pretty but why you so impractical, boo? But the thing about Christmas parties is that they're one offs so who the hell cares if you can't fit that much in. This absolute babe from Faith fits my cards, phone, a concealer and a lipstick so I am A-OK with that. It's such a gorgeous bright red shade which really does stand out and completes the outfit. It has the most stunningly soft faux suede finish and really looks so much more expensive than it is. The perfect party addition.

So then we have the shoes. I know these little slices of silver heaven will be a bit marmite but I personally am obsessed with the things and cannot stop wearing them. It might be because they make me feel extra festive but I cannot get enough of the ballerina/granny style shoe because yay for being 5"8 and still being able to wear heels without being too much of a giant. But in all seriousness, they're delicate, they go with everything and for this festive look, they add a sassy little somethin somethin and I am always OK with that.

Finally, to finish the entire look off, we have Tom Ford Black Orchid. For me, this is a little slice of sensual, nostalgic heaven. I first received this as a gift (I know, best brother ever!) around 4 years ago and I have been truly obsessed ever since. I promise you, you will not find a richer, sexier, muskier, more recognisable - in the best possible way - scent, and once you've smelt it, you'll immediately be able to smell it on anybody else because it makes that much of an impact.

With woody notes of Patchouli and sandalwood alongside dark chocolate - hell yeah! - incense, amber, vetiver, vanilla and more, you will never ever regret putting this on your Christmas wishlist/dousing yourself in it all day long.

So that brings my festive get ready with me to an end. I think, this might be one of my all time favourite posts. Maybe it's because of the dress of dreams, maybe it's the makeup that looks so glam but just does the best job, or maybe it's the fragrance which makes me feel like a Victoria's Secret angel (until I look in the mirror). Or, you know, maybe it's because WE'RE 32 DAYS AWAY FROM CHRISTMAS. Either way, I loved putting this together and really hope you enjoyed it too.

I'd love to know what your favourite festive season looks are? What is your all time favourite fragrance for feeling like a bombshell? I always love hearing your thoughts.

As always, thanks so much for reading!

This post is sponsored by Debenhams but all thoughts, photos and extreme love of dresses that make me feel sassier than Beyonce, my own.

Labels: Fashion, Lifestyle