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posted August 18, 2017 by Sophie Benson

Hi, my name is Sophie and I’ve had the same makeup routine for about eight years.

In a world of famous beauty bloggers, unicorn highlighter and sell-out lip kits, I remain steadfastly un-creative where my face is concerned. Here is my make up routine in its entirety: a few dabs of concealer, powder, mascara and lipstick (mostly red but pink if I’m feeling adventurous). If it’s a very special occasion, I’ll break out the liquid eyeliner. And that’s it.

It’s not that I’ve never tried; it’s just that any of my past forays into something a little more, let’s say; artistic have been failures on a grand scale. There was the pink eyeshadow/blue mascara phase when I started secondary school, the unfortunate black eyeshadow period when I got into metal music in a big way and the two days when I tried to wear foundation and ended up looking like a greasy, slightly orange plate.

I marvel at people who can blend and contour. How do people fill in their eyebrows without looking like they’ve been playing with a marker pen? How do they do tiny fake freckles and defined cheekbones? I have a feeling it might be a form of witchcraft.

Browsing a makeup counter is like trying to order off a Portuguese menu. I have no idea what I’m looking at and even if I did, I don’t have the skills to put any of it on my face without looking like a poorly-forged Picasso painting.

If this is all sounding awfully familiar, you’ll relate to every single one of these in a big way…

The only highlighter you use is the one in your pencil case

You’ve watched a million tutorials on how to apply flawless highlighter but you just have to accept that the only thing you’ll be highlighting is the notes you made in your last history class…

Cat eyes always end up as panda eyes

Sloooowly, sloooowly, just delicately angle the brush up. Just a chic little cat-eye flick. Bridgette Bardot beauty, here I come. Ok, that’s a bit longer than expected but that’s fine, I can work with that. I’ll just extend that bit so it joins the rest of it. That’s a touch wonky; I’ll just fill the wobbly bit in. Bit thicker than I was aiming for but no worries, I’ll just channel a more edgy vibe. I can pull that off. So, just one more tiny touch up aaaaaand… PANDA.

A ‘natural’ look just means no make-up

How can it take seventeen different products to make it look like you’re wearing no make up? You don’t possess the necessary skills to master that level of subtlety so you’re just going to embrace your oily t-zone.

Make up seems super-expensive

You go on a make up mission with your friend and she picks up three things. That will come to about 20 quid, you think. Guess again. She just laid down £70 without batting an eyelid and you’re about to call the police for daylight robbery.

You don’t get why there are so many different brushes

What can they all possibly be for?

You don’t understand those egg-shaped sponges either

Do they do a different job? What do you use them for? Why do they cost so much?!

Every shade looks the same to you

Your make up mad friend has products named ‘rose’, ‘blush’, ‘sweet nectar’ and ‘apricot pearl’ but they all just look like pink to you.

Every time you think you’ll try something new it ends up a disaster

Contouring. How hard can that be? Very, judging by the random, definitely not blended stripes all over your face. And the YouTuber made it look so easy…

You worry that you’ll turn into one of those old ladies who’s looked the same for the last forty years

After managing to master one signature look, you’re not about to give it up any time soon. But you worry that it’s going to be less Anna Wintour-style iconic and more stuck in the past-sad when you’re still rocking it in two decades’ time.

@SophieBenson_

posted August 17, 2017 by Lucy Wood

Whether you’re all about a subtle touch of shimmer or prefer to turn yourself into a human disco ball, summer is the perfect excuse to get glittery. When the sun comes out it’s time to ditch the matte look and channel every single mermaid and unicorn out there to cover your life in sparkle.

Looking for some inspo to take your glitter look to the next level? Perfect for hitting your first music festival, a party with your pals or just sitting in your pyjamas and eating snacks while being the sparkly princess that you are, these are 10 amazing ways to style up your summer glitter.

1. Glitter Parting

Don’t think that glitter has to just stay in your make up look. A cute, quirky hairstyle plus a healthy injection of pastel glitter is pretty much the perfect combo. For the ultimate festival vibes, try sprinkling a load of sparkle onto your roots, teamed with a half up-do or girly space buns. Not only does it look awesome, but it also means no one will notice that you haven’t washed your hair. Goals.

2. Around The Eyes

Maybe the most classic of the whole bunch, any festival expert knows that the first place to add a ‘lil bit of lustre to your beauty look is your eyes. Using eyelash glue, Vaseline or hair gel, you can add a glittery halo to your eyebrow bone and down to your cheekbones. Who needs highlighter when you can use actual sparkle instead?

3. Glitter Freckles

Um, have you ever heard of anything cuter than glitter freckles? A little bit less dramatic but definitely no less awesome, adding a dusting of glitz across the bridge of your nose basically turns your beautiful face into its very own sparkly galaxy. Like normal freckles weren’t lovely enough all by themselves, this beauty trend takes things to the next level of adorable.

4. Cover Up Your Tiredness

Too many nights spent staying up binge-watching YouTube and refusing to put down your favourite book? Yep, same – but put down that concealer and turn to your sparkly saviour instead. Why bother using regular make up to hide your tired eyes when you could highlight, illuminate and brighten to the max instead. An awesome take on festival make up, we’re seriously obsessed with this look.

5. Glitter Lips

Okay, so this one maybe won’t work too well if you’re passionate about snacking. Pizza and glitter aren’t a great combo, but when you’re heading out to a party for a couple of hours, glitter lips are a ridiculously cool idea. Apply your favourite cream lipstick formula and use your finger to press the glitter into place. Alternatively, you could just add a teeny tiny touch of sparkle to your cupids bow for a more subtle, pretty version.

6. Glitter Braids

Braids make the perfect summer hairstyle all by themselves, but glitter braids are totally a thing and we could not be happier about it. Simple plaits, fancy Pinterest styles or fishtail braids all look mega with an extra sprinkle of sparkle, but the best part is that they sometimes look even better when they’re a little messy – a result for those of us who are a bit cack-handed with hair.

7. Mermaid gems

Ready to crank your summer glitter up to the next level? Say hello to glitter’s older, edgier sister – mermaid gems. Usually sold together in a rainbow of your favourite pastel shades, add them along your brow bone, across your forehead, against your cheeks and even down onto your collar bones for a final look that even Ariel would be jealous of. Trust us, there’s no such thing as OTT with these.

8. Glitter collar bones

Oh we feel ya. You’ve spent hours getting that make up look perfect, you’ve washed and dried your hair which is basically a workout in itself, and you just don’t wanna risk messing up the final result with a load of glitter. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though. Rock a strapless Bardot top and take the shine down onto your collar bones and shoulders instead. Even a super-metallic highlighter on its own looks awesome like this. We LOVE.

9. Glitter liner

Mastered the art of the cat flick? Okay, you’re doing better than us, but why stick to boring old black when you could swap it for something gorgeous, glittery and eye-catching? If you’re super-patient, try using teeny tiny pieces of (eye safe) glitter to build the line on your lid or below your lashes. If you’re like us and want the easy option, glitter eyeliner is about to become your new best friend. It looks SO GOOD.

10. Glitter eyeshadow

And last but not least, you definitely can’t go wrong with some glitter eyeshadow. If you’re after some beauty tips, wet your brush before you pack on the product to make sure it packs a punch, and do your eyes first so that you can wipe away any fallout. Don’t worry too much though – a little bit of extra sparkle falling down onto your cheekbones could be a pretty cute final result.

posted August 13, 2017 by Jennifer Lynn

The Teen Choice Awards are almost upon us again! It’s the annual ceremony that sees celebs awarded with surfboards and some of your favourite stars perform, with this year’s show taking place in Los Angeles on 13 August.

Among the 2017 performers are Louis Tomlinson, Zara Larsson and Clean Bandit, while Lucy Hale, Victoria Justice and the Riverdale gang are all lined up to appear. We’re sure they’ll all fix up and look sharp – but what did people wear to the Teen Choice Awards in years gone by?

Well, funny you should ask, because we’ve raided the archives to find out EXACTLY what everyone rocked to the retro TCAs in the 90s and early 00s. Check out the fabulous looks below and keep your fingers crossed that this year’s attendees make half as much effort.

Destiny’s Child

You can always rely Queen B to work a killer outfit at any ‘do she hits up – and my, she worked it at the TCAs in 2001. Worked it with her best girls, Kelly and Michelle, who collectively nailed that sizzling hot salsa look that was SO BIG in the 90s. We’re serious.

Usher

Peak ’90s pop god vibes from Usher here – just check out those super-baggy stonewash jeans and, erm, bowling shoes? We’re loving the hot red racing jacket (and the fact that he brought his smoke machine along).

Gwen Stefani

Turns out Gwen got the stonewash memo, too, and we’re seriously into her star-print bikini top. As for the teeny-tiny cardigan? We’ll leave that in 2001.

Paris Hilton

Party girl Paris poses up a storm in her fave accessory: massive sunglasses encrusted with diamonds. It is sunny, tbf.

*NSYNC

Clearly there isn’t an award for Best Dressed Band. Sorry boys, but that bandana and glasses combo. The goaties. Justin’s necklace…

Aaron and Nick Carter

Guys, you’re at the Teen Choice Awards, not a Pirates Of The Caribbean audition. Don’t worry, just go and chill with N*Sync. You’ll feel better.

Jessica Alba

Did this girl NEVER have an awkward teenage phase?! Not fair.

Reese Witherspoon

Sure, she’s wearing her office trousers but a floral hair clip jazzes things up, right guys?

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Slay, Buffy, slay.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota is too cute for words.

posted August 10, 2017 by Tamsin Salfrais

Like the fleeting crush on *that boy* in year 10, the summer holidays are whizzing past quicker than a cheetah driving a speedboat. September’s box will ease you into the 9-3 lifestyle though, even on those days when cramps are brewing up a storm in our stomachs and we have to play an hour of hockey. Introducing the only back-to-school prep you’ll need (apart from maybe some cute news shoes and a matching school bag)…

Stabilo Boss Original Pastel Highlighter

No new school year can begin without a pristine set of stationery, and pens don’t come prettier than this pastel highlighter. Stabilo have got this beauty so right and, as exams are unfortunately still a thing (urgh), at least this year you can revise in style.

Minifelts Iron On Patch

Patches are about making a statement, so spread good karma without saying a word, thanks to Minifelts. We all need some positive vibes when we’re stuck in homework hell, amiright? We have a slight feeling your head of year won’t like your blazer jazzed up though, so grab your backpack or favourite jeans and get ready for non-school uniform day.

Bubble T Lip Balm

We love Bubble T’s quirky products and their lip balm is no exception. With added jojoba oil to moisturise your lips, you’ll have soft, smooth smackers in no time… if you can resist licking off the balm, that is. The flavour is so sweet, you’ll want to eat it up, but don’t. It’s ~~probably~~ definitely not very nutritious…

If you haven’t subscribed already, don’t worry! You can sign up for a bettybox here.

posted by Jennifer Lynn

There isn’t much we don’t know about the Kardashian/Jenner family these days: they’ve given birth, gotten married and divorced on TV, battled mental illness, worked, played, laughed and cried, all in front of an audience of millions.

But, there are certain members of the squad who – until now – have managed to keep their private lives away from Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Yep, Kendall and Kylie Jenner have always stuck to the work and family side of the show, never really letting us into their daily routines and (more importantly) juicy gossip.

However, while Kendall remains the most reserved of the sisters, Kylie is finally ready to let us into her world in new show Life Of Kylie. Premiering on E! in the UK on 13 August, Kylie looks set to show who she really is, away from her famous fam.

But how much will we really see beyond what Kylizzle already shares on Snapchat? How personal will she get? Here are all the questions we have about Life Of Kylie…

Which of her friends will be on the show?

mamas

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on May 14, 2017 at 5:33pm PDT

From the trailer we know that Kylie’s long-time BFF, model Jordyn Woods, will definitely appear. But what about the rest of the gang? Will Anastasia Karanikolaou (aka @stassiebaby), Jaden Smith, Harry Hudson or any of Ky’s other besties pop up? We’re hoping for a slumber party scene tbh.

And, while we’re at it, what about family?

my heart

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on May 14, 2017 at 2:34pm PDT

Momager Kris Jenner is surely a shoo-in, but will any of the Kardashian girls be spotted hanging around Kylie’s not-so-humble abode? Or will we see her visiting dad, Caitlyn Jenner, out in Malibu? Time will tell.

Is Tyga going to appear at all?

Jungle Bae

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Jan 28, 2017 at 1:46pm PST

Sure, they’ve broken up, but if filming began before the end of Kylie and T’s relationship then we might just find out where it all went wrong. She hasn’t deleted all traces of him from her Instagram, so we’re assuming it was on (relatively) good terms?

Will Kylie shed any light on the whole Blac Chyna story?

ATL Vibes

A post shared by Blac Chyna (@blacchyna) on Jul 16, 2017 at 3:02am PDT

Even before Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna’s recent social media drama, there was beef between her and Kylie, because – let’s not forget – Chyna had a baby with Tyga before he started dating Kylie. Then, err, she went on to have her second child with Kylie’s brother. Messy stuff. Whether or not it’ll be addressed in the show remains to be seen.

Are we going to see her new boyfriend?

BUTTERFLY EFFECT 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

A post shared by flame (@travisscott) on May 16, 2017 at 11:00am PDT

She’s been flying around the world on tour with Travis Scott and they even have matching butterfly tattoos, so will we be seeing the rapper on Life Of Kylie? Here’s hoping!

Will we get to meet her team?

adventures w the fam ✨ happy early bday @victoriavillarroel

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Mar 3, 2017 at 8:09pm PST

Kylie’s assistant Victoria is already pretty prolific on Instagram, but will her appearances on Life Of Kylie be as frequent as Kim’s assistant Stephanie’s on KUWTK? We like to think so.

Will it basically be an extension of one of her Snapchat stories?

🖤

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Jul 5, 2017 at 8:33pm PDT

Some Lip Kit swatches, Kylie lip-syncing in the car, her cooking with Jordyn… Tbf we’d definitely watch a full series of that.

Image: Getty/Katie Edmunds

posted August 6, 2017 by Lauren @ betty

1. I wonder if these will be the trousers that change my life forever.

2. Why is it always so hot in here? Is it just the body heat generated by changing in and out of clothes, or have I accidentally signed up for, like… Bikram shopping?

3. These are probably not the trousers that will change my life forever.

4. I’ll stand on tiptoes though, just to be sure.

5. Nope.

6. Saved myself £24.99! I am a financial wizard. I’ll probably have a three-bedroom house by the time I’m 20.

7. Could I class changing in and out of clothes I definitely don’t want as ‘exercise’? It feels like cardio.

8. This mirror is probably wrong. I will open the curtain and look at the mirror in the cubicle opposite, just to be sure.

9. Mirrors should be banned.

10. Why can’t I get this thing off? Has it shrunk in the tropical humidity? Why don’t they realise that we’re never going to buy things if we feel like a puddle in a jumpsui– hang on, am I… stuck?

11. It’s fine, I’m not stuck. Deep breaths.

12. Was that a seam ripping? Ok, shallow breaths.

13. I’m stuck.

14. They will have to call firemen to cut me out. It’ll be in the newspaper. ‘LOCAL GIRL STUCK IN JUMPSUIT, LAUGHED AT BY ASSEMBLED CROWDS’.

15. Ok, if I just slightly dislocate my shoulder and do a kind of wiggly dance…

16. Free! I am free! Sweet freedom! I will never take my limbs for granted again.

17. Do I want to buy it though? Did it look sassy before I got stuck? I think it did. Maybe I should put it back on again.

18. This is fantastic lighting for squeezing spots. I should save them all up especially.

19. I wonder if anyone has ever died in here?

20. Tell you what’s still alive and well though – my KILLER sense of personal style.

21. If I just stayed very still and quiet, could I get locked into the shop and spend all night trying on the clothes?

22. But why would I want to do that, when this is such sweaty hell?

23. Films. It is because films make trying on clothes look like fun.

24. BUT WAIT, this isn’t a skirt at all! It’s a top!

25. It’s a nice top too. Imagine how good it would look if I wasn’t wearing it with emoji socks, pants and a hoodie tied round my waist instead of a skirt.

26. I think this might be the top that changes my life forever.

Image: Sisters

posted August 3, 2017 by Jennifer Lynn

If you spend as much time lurking on Perrie Edwards’ Instagram as we do, you’ll be completely aware that the Little Mix queen knows a thing or two about serving lewks – beauty looks, that is.

Whether she’s on tour, shooting a new music video or out on the town, Perrie is a constant source of hair and make-up inspo, forever making us want to run to the nearest Boots and raid the beauty aisles.

Check out her nine best looks of recent times and start hunting down those dupes, ASAP…

The pink lid

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Jun 4, 2017 at 6:45am PDT

Sure, anytime you try it at home you end up looking like you ACTUALLY have pink eye, but – with help from make-up artist Adam Burrell – Perrie pulls off neon pink lids with aplomb. Add a strong brow, nude lip and an Ariana Grande-style high pony, and this look is hot to trot.

Boho princess

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Jun 1, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

First, let’s talk about how that smoky eye – created by make-up artisté Heidi North – makes Pezza’s baby blues pop like nothing else. Seriously, you could swim in those pools all day! Then, the hair: loose waves + random plaits = the most dreamy, beachy, boho style you’ve ever laid eyes on.

The subtle stars

GLORY DAYS album is no.1 again this week. DAFUQ is life 😳😍 Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you!

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Dec 2, 2016 at 10:46am PST

Sometimes, just sometimes, you need more than a smoky lid and a nude lip. Sometimes you need a tiny star beneath each eye, a scattering of face pearls and glitter, and a pink rinse through your hair. Consider this your festival go-to – and don’t forget the baby pink nails.

Halloween queen

🐚

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Oct 31, 2016 at 10:33pm PDT

OK, so you might not be able to crack this one out on a daily basis, but Perrie’s mermaid make-up is serious #Halloweengoals. The glitter, pearl and shell-covered look was created by Anna Lingis, whose Instagram is well worth following for fancy dress inspo.

The ’90s dream

🌙⭐️

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Sep 18, 2016 at 9:26am PDT

The split ponytail, the loose strands of hair at the front, the brownish lip… Are you looking at Perrie Edwards or Baby Spice? Either way, it’s epic.

Curly hair don’t care

✌🏻️

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Jul 15, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

A beach day calls for as little make-up as possible and some amazing natural curls. Straight hair? Get yourself a good salt spray and you too can achieve peak California surfer girl vibes. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

She’s electric (blue)

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Jul 3, 2016 at 8:51am PDT

Never underestimate the power of changing up your black eyeliner for a little electric blue to make those peepers pop. Add a sweep of mascara and a slick of clear lipgloss, like Pezza here, and you’re good to go.

Feline myself

Ciao Italia 🇮🇹

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on Jun 20, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

You just can’t beat the classic cat-eye. Team with a subtle contour and a nude lip, and you can’t go wrong. Perrie knows.

And it’s called black magic…

Back of the cab. Tokyo 🇯🇵

A post shared by Perrie Edwards ✌️🌻 (@perrieedwards) on May 15, 2016 at 11:29pm PDT

OK, so that lipstick is the best lipstick we’ve ever seen. It’s FIERCE and Perrie looks as fabulous as ever. So many sassy girl emojis…

Image: Katie Edmunds

posted July 31, 2017 by Ellie Costigan

Ah hair. It can be the bane of your life when it refuses to do as it’s told, or it can be your crowning glory when you’re dressed up and headed out and the hair gods are on your side.

There are those girls who seem to always have perfect hair—they’re either blessed with seriously dece DNA, or they have a lot of time on their hands. For most of us mere mortals, we spend our lives trying to get it a certain way.

Though all of us are (thankfully—beautifully) different, we bet you know at least one girl that falls hilariously well into one of these five hair categories.

The one who’s had the same hair since they were five

There’s one of these in every group. They’re the girl with waist-length hair they’d never dare show a pair of scissors, or the fringe they’ve sported since their mum first took them to the hairdressers. They’ll probably look the same forever—and we love them for it.

The colour chameleon

You just never know which colour of the rainbow this girl’s gonna choose next. One week she’s peroxide blonde, the next she’s channelling mermaid green. Hey, if you can pull it off, go for it—there’s a serious level of confidence in busting out the blue dye. We salute you.

The one who’s been trying to grow it for.ever.

I don’t know many girls who’ve not at one point dreamed of having lusciously long beach waves, but there’s always that one girl who seems to have been desperately trying to grow theirs for as long as you’ve known them. With varying degrees of success. Some of us just aren’t destined to be Rapunzel, no matter how hard we try. Sorry girls.

The one who gets bored every few months

Look through this girl’s prof pics on Facebook and she’s probably got a different look in each one: it’s been red, it’s been bright blonde, there have been fringes (because let’s face it, we’ve all had a fringe at some point) then there was that time she cut it all off, hated it, grew it again—then changed her mind and went for a graduated bob. No matter how good the look, give it a few weeks, she’s back in the hairdressers.

The curly one

She complains about the frizz, the problems with humidity and the impossibility of taming her mane; we think it’s absolutely awesome. Short and cute like Marilyn Monroe or long and bouncy like a lioness, it’s a look that sadly can’t quite be recreated with tongs for the rest of us, no matter how we try.

@EllieCostigan

Image: Spice Girls/Katie Edmunds

posted July 29, 2017 by Jennifer Lynn

Whether the old saying about having more fun is true or not, being blonde is great, hence why so many of us hit the bleach to achieve peak flaxen locks. Who doesn’t want to channel their inner Elle Woods every once in a while?

But, if you’ve dabbled with the lighter side of life, you’ll already know that bleached hair is high maintenance – all those root touch-ups and purple shampoos cost time and money. Add in the summer threats of drying UV rays, chlorinated swimming pools and salty, sandy beaches, and the hours spent between the shower and salon basically triple.

Here are all the things you know if you’ve ever had bleached hair in summer…

Walking out of the salon with a fresh head of bleach is a dream

The way the sun bounces off your tresses? Like something out of a shampoo ad, seriously.

And all your new holiday clothes look SO GOOD now your pesky roots are gone

Your selfie game is gonna be on fire all week long.

But you know you’re going to need to take drastic action to protect your new ’do on vacay

*Packs heat defence spray, five conditioning treatments and an ill-advised baseball cap*

The trouble starts the minute you get off the plane

Monica was right, it IS the humidity, and it will hit you 10 times harder if you’re sporting a full head of faux ice blonde.

But you manage to get things back under control…

You hit the beach looking and feeling like C.J. Parker in Baywatch, thanks to a clever leave-in conditioner and a top-knot that’s just the right side of messy. Phew.

…until you get in the sea

You had visions of natural, surfer girl waves. What you got was crispy curls with a side of seaweed.

Brushing your hair really isn’t an option

The only way to get those new knots out is to hop in the shower, use an entire bottle of conditioner and try not to cry with the pain your comb is causing. Side note: remember to de-fuzz the plughole. Nobody likes picking up someone else’s literal cast-offs.

Don’t even think about blow-drying it

Adding more heat into the equation? ARE YOU CRAZY?! You’re just asking for frizz, now.

And no amount of sun-specific shampoos can save you from your hotel pool

At least you know it’s REALLY clean if the chlorine is also strong enough to turn your hair green.

But there is one weird, kinda gross solution

If it’s happened to you before, you’ll know that washing your barnet in ketchup is one of the only ways to neutralise the green tones until you can get to the salon. Mmm, Heinz.

Image: Legally Blonde

posted July 27, 2017 by Rae Ritchie

Ever get outfit envy so bad that you want to quit what you’re doing and go shopping immediately?

This happened to me yesterday. There were two girls in the next booth at the local coffee place. One was totally on trend, in a tropical jumpsuit and floral kimono jacket. She looked good, but it was her friend that I was style crushing over.

What she was wearing was so simple: white shirt, cut off shorts and flip flops. But she looked so cool! I imagined her heading off to join Kate Moss and co in Ibiza later that day, although she was probably going home to do exam revision, lol.

Having concluded it would be weird to ask if she’d be my friend (that would have been strange, yes?!), I decided to use her as my muse instead. She was rocking some old school summer classics, items so iconic that they’ll never go out of fashion – which means buy now and wear every summer. I guess that makes them investments – the perfect excuse for shopping.

Also want a look that says ‘laid back summer cool’? Here are five items you’ll want in your wardrobe…

Denim shorts

Dirty Dancing may be thirty this year but the kinda cut-offs favoured by Baby will never grow old. Ask your mum. From skimpy short to nearer-the-knee, there’s a version for everyone. They’re especially great if you’re packing for a trip as, like the jeans they come from, they are better for not being washed – so if you’re lucky enough to be having a fortnight away then grab a pair and don’t worry about how much you’ll be wearing them.

Summer ’17 twist: forget bumper stickers as souvenirs (what use are they if you don’t have a car anyway?!) Pick up badges or patches from any place you visit this summer and sew them to your pockets to make your own personalised memory board.

Try this one: Try this one: pretty much every vintage shop in the land has a rack of shorts made from old Levis, Lees and Wranglers. Head to your nearest store and get rummaging! Or just snap up these beauties from Zara…

Holo backpack

Summer is a time for fun, right? And the perfect bag can help with this as it’s hard to feel anything other than happy if you’re toting round a holographic backpack! We are obsessed with everything shiny atm (plus it talks to our inner space queen) so make yourself happy and get one to shine bright on your back this summer – and next summer, and the one after, and the one after that!

Summer ’17 twist: a cool mix of blue and purple is the hot colour combo of the season, so get your holiday wardrobe on point.

Try this one: Clear Holo Backpack, £30

Striped dress

Blue-and-white Breton stripes are just as summery as loud Hawaiian prints, just less shouty about it – and easier to wear! Every spring Breton tees and tops fill the shops but it’s the jersey dress that trumps them all. Wear with leggings and a hoody when it’s cold and wet or on its own when the sun is out to bring a bit of French fancy to your wardrobe.

Summer ’17 twist: pop a t-shirt underneath to get the 1990s vibe that’s so popular right now.

Try this one: H&M Jersey Striped Dress, £12.99

Cotton shirt

Banish nightmarish thoughts of school uniforms: like my coffee shop style inspo, a plain shirt is a great place to start with your summer wardrobe. Cotton will keep you cool when it’s roasting and provide an extra layer when it turns chilly. It’ll also work in loads of different situations, whether you need something a bit smarter for a holiday job interview or a cover up for the beach.

Summer ’17 twist: shirts are *big* fashion news this year, with lots of celebs showing new ways to style them. Make like style babe Ashley Olsen and wear yours backwards – just make sure that there’s someone around to help you unbutton it before bed!

Try this one: jazz up the classic white style with a cute touch of embroidery. Topshop’s £32 hero buy is our number one.

Hoop earrings

Whatever decade captures your fashion heart, from the 1950s to today, you’ll find the stars of summer adorned with hoop earrings. Like Ray-Ban sunnies, this is an accessory that just *is* summer. Again you can make them work for you, with different sizes and finishes available – but plain silver is always a sure fire bet.

Summer ’17 twist: wear a hoop in one lobe and a stud in another for the asymmetric earring craze. Just be prepared for ‘You forgot your other earring’ comments from your annoying brother (or maybe it’s only me with that luck!).

Try this one: swish your hair back and forth as you show off these Freedom babies for just £5!

@rae_ritchie_

posted July 21, 2017 by Jennifer Lynn

You’ve been counting down to your fortnight in Florida for weeks. Your jazziest bikinis are packed and you’ve primed your mum in the art of taking a good Instagram photo. So why, oh why, does your period have to come just as you’re about to jet off?

While you’d rather be surfing any wave other than the crimson one, rest assured it’s happened to us all at some point, and these are all the things you know if you’ve had your period on holiday…

It always arrives unexpectedly

You weren’t supposed to come on for another eight days, but somehow that little sadist decided to arrive early, landing on exactly the morning you’re getting on a flight to paradise. This was not part of the plan.

Your handbag full of tampons being searched is the most cringe thing ever

It’s like airport security want to embarrass you in front of all the fit groups of boys.

Plane paranoia is real

A nine-hour flight = how many tampon changes?! And there’s nothing like the fear of falling asleep only to wake up having bled through your trousers, and onto the seat, then having to work out how to get to the bathroom without everyone seeing the big red stain on your bum. It’s never actually happened to you, but y’know, it could.

White swimwear is a no-go

You bought it to enhance your tan and had visions of yourself running down the beach like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. However, the minute your period arrives, that white bikini is banished to the bottom of your suitcase. Sigh. Maybe next year.

Tampon strings are the enemy

Sure, you’re forever grateful to the inventor of tampons for enabling you to hit the pool on your period, but why do the strings have such a habit of popping out the side of your swimsuit? And then there was that time you decided to trim it with scissors and almost ended up in A&E. Never again.

You’re fearful of diving and cannonballs

Ever since your friend told you about their cousin’s tampon shooting out when they jumped into a swimming pool, you’ve always used the ladder, as boring as that may be.

Cramps are somehow always worse in the heat

“WHO IS USING MY UTERUS AS A STRESS BALL?!”

But holidays do seem to make your period go away faster

Time flies when you’re having fun!

Image: Amber Griffin

posted July 20, 2017 by Clare Finney

Avocado

Thought our passionate affair with the avo had peaked? Well think again, girlfriend. There’s a blow up avocado coming soon to a pool near you, and the only downside we can think of is that it doesn’t come with sourdough toast. It’s on the expensive side (aren’t avos always) but it does come with the stone removed, so the only risk of injury comes from your brother — who will inevitably capsize you the minute he claps eyes on your fruity float.

£21, Urban Outfitters

Doughnut

Doughnuts are to avocados what Taylor Swift is to the 1975: they are the sweet darlings of the food world, while avocados are the savoury stars. They are also — as is key for any food, fashion or float item if it is to be in vogue— instagrammable to the point of nofilter. No wonder they made it into the swimming pool.

£20, Boohoo

Pineapple

Another p-cool food, and for good reason, for with it’s mohawk and jazzy yellow diamond, it is a fruit you can’t help but want to be friends with. It’s too cool for school. It’s not too cool for the pool though: in fact this fruit float is so mainstream, even John Lewis are selling it. Which means you’ve an even better chance of persuading the ‘rents to buy it for you the next time they’re shopping for bedside lamps.

£14.50, John Lewis

Seashell

Okay, so it’s well over the £25 budget, but LOOK AT IT. Remember that scene in the Little Mermaid where the shells open up to reveal Ariel’s sisters, singing and swooning prettily? Well, that could be you: minus the fish tail, and with the added benefit of being able to ‘be where the people are’ — and the ice cream is — whenever you fancy. Prince Eric isn’t included, but with a pearlescent seashell to display yourself on, it’s only a matter of time…

£45, Debenhams

Mermaid Tail

Turns out you can have the fish tail after all! Team this one with the seashell for a truly immersive Little Mermaid experience. We can’t say it will be easy to wear the mermaid float while riding the seashell one, but it’s something to aim for. We’re not going to discourage float on float action — not when the integrity of a Disney classic is at stake.

£25, Boohoo

Egg

Because where WOULD an avocado be without a poached (well, fried) egg floating alongside it? Not on Insta, that’s where. Grab your favourite brunching bestie, and get involved.

£15.52, Ebay

Ice cream

Adding a whole new meaning to the word ice cream float. All it needs is IRL ice cream, and you’ve the sundae of dreams.