Secret To Loving Salad

There's something about the bright mixture of greens, reds and yellows that just makes me so hungry, the fact that all the flavors are completely different but go so well together. I'm not taking about a cheese and pesto pizza, I'm talking about a salad!  Now I know most of you are probably thinking "seriously?  I don't want to eat a load of vegetables in a bowl" but just bare with me here. Salad doesn't always have to be labeled as health food, but the fact that it's healthy makes it a guilt free guilty pleasure. It all depends on what's in it so before the season of bikini wearing and skin baring I want to share some tips on how to much yourself fall for this delicious dish and get that summer body without the struggle. 

1. Choose a base green that you love, it doesn't have to be lettuce all the time, you can have: Spinich, Rocket, Cabbage and even Broccoli. 

2. Put small amounts of food you actually like in it, there's no point forcing yourself to eat a bowl of vegetables your hate just because its healthy. I like to add a little bit of cheese, whatever kind you like but Feta is known to be the healthiest. 

3. Meat is the secret to filling you up as salad isn't the most substantial meal. Cold cuts of  ham or chicken placed on top really makes it a lot more appetizing. 

4. The special ingredient that pulls it all together, for example Avocado, Beet-root and even Pumpkin, these help make your salad more exciting and flavorful. 

5. Nuts are also a great way to fill you up, Walnuts and Pine nuts are my favorite just sprinkled over it. 

6. The choice of dressing can make or break your salad, sorry to say that Salad Cream is not the healthiest option and it can turn your healthy meal into an average calorie count meal. Dressing such as Balsamic Vinegar and Lemon dressing are light and full of flavor. 

7. Make sure you think about what mealtime it is, a lunch salad is much lighter than a dinner salad so remember to either have a bigger portion or include more filling and nutritious ingredients. 

8. Instead of having a piece of bread on the side why not try wholemeal crackers, with some light cream cheese spread on, they are far more healthy but still taste nice. 

9. Mix it up, you don't want all the good stuff at the top and the greens left at the bottom, otherwise its too tempting to just leave them. 

10. Have fun with it, get creative and put all sorts of delicious treasures in. Remember if you put small amounts of something a little unhealthy it wont be as bad as a whole meal full of it! 

Happy Eating xx 

The Fake Handbag

Having grown up in Hong Kong, the land of cheap clothes, plastic shoes and fake everything I'm very used to seeing Chanel and Jimmy Choo on market stalls. But as I brought yet another fake bag it got me thinking, what's the difference between real and fake products apart from the horrendous price tag?

 It's a known fact that you get what you pay for, so fake bags will only last you about one year maximum but usually I want to buy a knew one by that time anyway so I just chuck it away and make room for more. Many people would say 'it's the label that counts' but just really how often are you going to open your bag up and stare at the label? also no one passing you on the street is going to know its fake unless they are some serious fashionista. 

It's no secret that the fake trade is effecting sales in the high-end brand stores, but maybe its a sign that they should lower their prices a little. Honestly £2160 for a clutch is steep, you can go on holiday and make memories that last a lifetime, rather then a piece of leather with a metal Chanel label. But even so, why do we crave a label on our bags? it's all about showing off who has more money. Unlike make-up where you benefit from spending a little more, bags come and go and you'll be wanting a new one in 6 months time when they release a new line. 

So in reality people only want to buy a designer bag for the luxurious idea of it, the fact that not many people can afford to and that smug feeling you get when you can say 'oh honey this is real'. I'm certainly not judging you because I admit to wanting all these designer items too, it's an impossible craving. 

xx

Fashion Throwback

It seems the throw back thursday trend on Instagram has caught on in the fashion industry from 20's style cocktail dresses inspired by The Great Gatsby to the return on 90's fashion, our trends are traveling back in time, but is it for the better? 

I feel like the fashion industry has done it all and they may but running out of fresh, stylish and exciting new ideas so they thought "Hey lets bring back the good old times". I'm not criticizing the 90's at all, it's the year I grew up in (which makes it the best!) I just find it hard to rap my head around the fact that I now see the jelly shoes i was wearing at the age of 4 on a full grown adult! 

From chokers to floral print the 90's really covered a lot of ground fashion wise, but I thought i'd show you some of my favorite 90's throwback items of the season. 

The Mini Backpack 

This cute little bag is so adorable and beat carrying around a heavy purse in your hand all day, they  make an outfit look more unique and a little indie. Since they are beginning to trend again new classy leather designs have come out and even brands like Chanel are following. 

Dark Lipstick 

As you can probably tell from one of my eariler posts http://nicolealexandraslater.blogspot.hk/2014/01/my-obsession-with-red-lipstick.html
i love lipstick the darker the better! Having an minimal makeup look with shocking dark lips can really transform any style you're going for. 

Trainers 

 Although trainers arnt exactly the most fashionable shoe, they have been appearing quite a lot on the catwalk, Cara Delevingne paired trainers with a wedding dress in the Chanel fashion show. But I'm really loving the trainer inspired heels, they're cute and casual at the same time! 

High Waisted Everything

High waisted jeans and shorts have been around for a couple years now but it doesn't look like they are going away anytime soon. It's far more flattering for your figure as they make your legs look longer and your waist look slimmer which is always a bonus. 

Crop Tops 

The perfect summer top that keeps you cool as well as decent, they've also been around for a while but the closer it gets to summer, the more unique and exciting prints, cuts and designs these tops are sporting.

What do you think about the 90's comeback and what's your favorite trend? xx

Socks with Sandals?

 I'm not usually one to slam a trend but in this case I just can't help it. All I can ask is WHY? I remember seeing men at the beach in socks and sandals and it used to make me cringe and now girls are wearing the look on a night out. Maybe the past has effected the way I see this style but I personally hate it. I've tried to like it, I went out and brought a pack of cute socks and paired them with my sandal heels and guess what, it looked horrible! I honestly felt like I was 10 again trying my mums shoes on secretly in her wardrobe and couldn't be bothered to take my socks off. 

Maybe it's just me because this trend has appeared on the catwalk multiple times throughout the seasons so designers must like it. But I just think it looks like some dated mistake that we need to move away from. The last time I wore shoes with my socks showing was at junior school when I used to roll them down and think I could get away with it. 

I have always thought, what's the point in buying cute patterned socks when no one gets to see them? But it's a little like underwear, something only you and the person you're sleeping with get to see. Lets keep it that way! 

What's your opinion the this trend, love it or hate it? xx 

My Wardrobe Essentials

You may think you need a huge wardrobe full of expensive designer shoes and coats and be able to dish out the cash every season to buy the new trend to make you fashionable. But all you need are some key items that you can pair with anything to make it seem like you own more outfits.

These key items are better off being your usual colours such as black, white, grey and demin, as they never go out of style. They also make it easier to pair with coloured clothes if you want more in your wardrobe. 

Jackets/Cardigans

A blazer is a perfect way to smarten up any outfit, so if you can't be bothered to wear uncomfortably high heels and an "I can't breath" dress, then you're blazer will be your bestfriend. 

A plain white cardigan can be for slouching but can also help you dress down an outfit, so if you really want to wear that new dress you brought, but theres not special occasion then just chuck on one of these. 

Leather jackets have always made me feel badass and cool so if your outfit is lacking that little bit of edge then the leather will definitely give you some.

Tops/Shirts

A shire black top can be sexy and casual depending on what you pair it with, so if you want a night out look then a high waisted skirt and some heels will make you look hot as, but for a more causal look pair it with jeans and a leather jacket. 

I'm a sucker for denium shirts, I just think they go with anything and if I can't be bothered to look for an oufit I just pull one on over some legging and vuala! 

Everyone needs a black tank top in their wardrobe no matter who you are! Even my mum has one to put under any see through of revealing clothing to smarten you up. 

Although printed jumpers are not exactly the most fasionable of clothing, they are super cute and in winter you just want to rap up in one and drink hot chocolate. 

Skirts/Trousers

To me lace is pretty much timeless and gives any outfit that elegant touch, so whether its a skirt or a dress, its always nice to have a little lace in your wardrobe for those special occasions.

Black jeans are a must as they go with absolutely anything, but make sure you get the perfect size because i've been having real trouble trying to find a pair that doesn't give me builders bum!

And of course leggings! they go with anything, they're comfy, easy and oh so in right now, these are a must have in your wardrobe. 

What are your wardrobe essentials? Thanks for reading xx 

Be Brave, Wear Yellow!

Summer fashion is all about bright colours, bold patterns and keeping cool. This season is no different, with pastel pinks, bright whites and lemon yellows taking over our stores. Designers experiment and have fun with their designs, making us feel sexy and confident in the sun.

Personally I find it hard to think fashionably in the summer, because the heat just makes me throw on a tank top and some shorts. But this year there are some gorgeous simple summer outfits to keep you cool and stylish. 

Here are some of my top yellow looks from this years spring/ summer collection

Collette Dinniga 2014

Moschino Cheap&Chic 2014

Jonathan Saunders 2014

Yellow is an extremely hard colour to pull off especially if you have pale skin, which usually puts me off even looking at anything yellow in stores. But this summer I thought i'd give it a go, using Jonathan Saunders idea of paring a yellow top and black skirt together. Although this doesn't give you the typical  summer look, the black brightens the yellow making it the perfect combination.

I decided to do a little photo shoot to show you my black and yellow combination that is perfect for cold english summers. 

Nail Polish: Electric Yellow from Maybelline 

Shoes: from International 

Top: River Island, Skirt: New Look

I hope this post gives you some outfit inspiration, be brave and wear yellow! I'm trying to do more fashion based posts so tell me what you think xx 

New Hair New Me

 I feel like hair is more than just something to keep your head warm or make you look nicer, it represents your personality and how you want people to portray you. After a lifestyle change or traumatic event people always seem to change the hair. 

I've never been a huge fan of getting a dramatic cut, I cut my hair short once and the hairdresser made it look like a mullet! Since then I have be terrified to have anything more than just a trim done to my hair. But it's been about 3 years and I was sick of having my long hair get tangled in the wind and having no control over what it's doing. So I cut it off, and not just a little....ALOT. 

Introducing my new hair: 

It's short, it's choppy and I'm absolutely in love with it! I'm usually one of those girls who run out the salon crying if the tiniest amount gets taken from me, but this time I walked out with a smile and a skip in my step. Not only is my hair gone but so are all the worries and stresses it came with, can people see my spilt ends? do I look mousey? how can everyone style their hair so well? These questions are all gone because now I feel confident, i have a look that i've been contemplating since i started university and I honestly feel like a new me. So yes I agree with the saying "New Hair, New ME" because now I'm going to be more daring with my style choice, I ripped the bandage off and now I'm healed! 


Before: 

After:

So if you're thinking about having a dramatic change, to your hair or your life, just go for it! you gotta think, what's the worst that could happen? xx 

Oliver Goldsmith's Sunglass Collection

 I'm very much not a history person, but when it comes to fashion history i'll make an exception. I find it fascinating to know where all our outfit inspiration and designs come from and whether the past has helped shape our style choices today. So when I discovered this hidden gem of a collection in the building next to my university I couldn't wait to take my camera out and show you guys some of the dazzling glasses featured in the mini museum. 

Oliver Goldsmith was a very popular family-run glasses business in the 20th century, stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly were renowned for wearing their glasses. He was the first person to see sunglasses as an extra fashion accessory, which is why his deigns are so flamboyant and unique compared to sunglasses we have today. He worked alongside designer brands such as Dior and Givenchy to produce beautiful and unusual statement pieces, which got him featured multiple times in Vogue. Take a look! 

As much as these are beautiful, I don't think i'd ever have the courage to actually wear them, but they are very pretty to look at. 

The address for this mini museum is:
Liberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR6 oGL, United Kingdom 

What do you think about this collection, to extreme or the perfect statement piece? Thank you for reading xx 

Valentines Wish List

 If Cupid was the Santa of Valentines day, it would be a hell of a lot more exciting! But instead we just have to hope that our boyfriends know us well enough to pick out something we like in attempt prove that they love us. 

Just looking at all the sparkly pink and red gift sets and products in the shop windows this past month has got me far too tempted, but instead of being my own valentine and buying myself everything, I decided to share what I'm loving this February with you all and hoping it all goes on sale on the 15th. 

This will be the first year that I'm not single on Valentines day (hold the applause) so I'm pretty excited about it, unless my boyfriend sees this post and wants to dump me, I tend to have expensive taste. 

1. Tiffany&Co Rose Gold Heart Pendant with matching bracelet (Please) 

2. Marc Jacobs Perfume (Any or all will do!) 

3. Lulu Guinness Perspex Lips Clutch (I can't choose just one colour) 

4. Yankee Candle Fresh Cut Roses (Or any scent, I love them all)  

5. Valentines Pandora Charms (I only have 2 charms on my bracelet, I may need 1 more)

6. Starbucks Valentines Tumbler (Warning: will make your tea extra sweet) 

7. Lush Valentines Gift Set (You want me to smell nice don't you?) 

8. Thorntons Chocolate (The easy way to win my heart) 

9. Or even better, Chocolate and Roses 

Whatever you're doing this Valentines Day I hope you have a great one, What's on your wish list? xx