Tuesday, 5 June 2018


Hey lovelies!

Wedding season is well and truly upon us and one thing that I have wanted to do for awhile now is get a post up focusing on makeup that is perfect for a wedding guest. I have attended a couple of weddings within the last six months and found it slightly tricky to find makeup that is more special than your everyday makeup but not so glam that you look like you're attempting to outshine the bride.

I worked with my blogger sister and makeup artist The Skinny Hot Choc to bring you this gorgeous sparkly look suitable for any wedding occasion, bride or not! I love the way that it turned out and I am so happy to finally be bringing you a makeup post where I am actually wearing fake eyelashes - yikes they were a treat and a half! I'm kidding of course, these Ardell lashes in the style Demi Wispies are so beautiful for a special event and really bring that extra something to your eyes - just make sure to practice wearing them around first because, personally, they took some getting used to!

This look is so easy to achieve and even if you don't have the same products that were used here, it won't be difficult to find ones that are similar. Honestly, as long as you have an eyeshadow pigment or a sparkly shadow then you'll be all set! Just an extra tip though, make sure to use a neutral or brown-toned shade in the crease so that the transition between the lid shade and the crease is seamless. Feel free to use a brighter or darker lip colour if you wish, the choice is up to you!

If you end up recreating this look for a wedding you're attending or if you just want to have some fun, then be sure to tag me on Instagram and Twitter!

XOXO





Friday, 1 June 2018


Hey lovelies!

Smokey eyes can often be tricky things to execute but I am here with this post to calm your nerves and give you the confidence to be brave enough to try it out for yourself. I used to think that creating this look was such a scary concept because of the amount of blending and the darker shades that were used by fellow bloggers, makeup artists and YouTubers. This is definitely a thing of the past as I bit the bullet, got some inspiration from Pinterest and dabbled in my eyeshadow palettes to give myself my very own brown-toned smokey eye look!

Here are a few tips just for you...

Choose Your Shades:

This is one of the most crucial parts about creating a smokey eye because one wrong move and you'll be leaving the house looking like a racoon and I'm not about to put you in that position! First thing's first, you need to choose the colour of shadows that you're going to use, whether that be black, brown or grey - the choice is all yours! The look that I created features a light brown shade for the crease (transition shade), a medium brown shade for the lid, and a dark brown shade to use in the outer-v as well as the lower lashline. I think that it's all about finding a good balance, and along with the next step, you will be well on your way to manifesting those perfect smokey eyes!

Blend Your Heart Out...

And I mean all the way out! Now, you may have all the right shades but if you don't blend them properly then you're at risk of going round with dark circles around your eyes. I am by no means asking you to blend that shadow into oblivion but rather to ensure that the transition from each shade is seamless and to soften out the edges to give you that full smokey effect. Once you've got this down then you'll be unstoppable!

Want To Be Extra?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be a little extra! The main way to go about it is to smoke out that lower lashline with the darker eyeshadow that you used in your crease or, if you're worried that it will be too dark, mix the transition and crease shade together to tone it down a bit. Also, this may be personal preference but when it comes to this look, I like to keep the rest of my makeup lighter than what I have on my eyes so that it doesn't look overdone or too heavy. In my version of the smokey eye, I focused on contouring my face, bringing some colour back to my cheeks with blusher, and keeping my lips natural by finding a lipstick shade similar to my natural lip colour.

...and voilà! Take a look at the photos for some inspiration and let me know what you think about the classic smokey eye in the comment section down below, I'd be so happy to hear from you!


XOXO

P.S. I would love if you were brave enough to try out the smokey eye look for yourself! Honestly it is so easy to do and it doesn't take too long if you've mastered the art of blending! If you do recreate this look, then be sure to tag me on Instagram and Twitter.




Products Used:

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

(From Top Left: Lilac Denim Hacked Jacket // Wide Leg Bandeau Jumpsuit // Classic Vest // Gloria Two Part Court Shoes // Denim Fringed Bum Bag // Lilac Denim Shorts // Grasp Court Shoes // Side Stripe Mom Shorts)

Hey lovelies!

I'm baaaaack and not only am I back with a new blog post, but I am also back with Not Vicarious itself! I know that things may look exactly the same, but my content is changing, it's getting bigger and better and plus...there are more changes to come - clearly I was just too impatient and simply itching to get some of my new stuff out there for you to see! Honestly, I have loved being able to get back to the blogging grind and push myself to develop a more creative yet seamless style when it comes to my images as well as the main body of text in my posts.

Nevertheless, I hope that you enjoy perusing this year's first bi-annual blog post - seven Spring/Summer outfits that incorporate plenty of those gorgeous 'New-in' items on the Topshop website! Read on for this season's trends and how you can spoil yourself rotten with the latest pieces from one of my favourite stores...

MONDAY
(From Top Left: Knot Front Camisole Top // Eagle Shoulder Bag // Nancy Two Part Sandals // Moto Mid Blue Step Hem Straight Leg Jeans)
A fresh way to start off the week! This is the perfect Spring outfit for those cool, sunny days where it isn't hot enough to lose the jeans but it's definitely warm enough to break out those sandals and a good old tie-up top. The latest trend this coming season is all about the pastels and how could you ever go wrong with pastel pink! Although, if you feel as if you're lacking that edge, grab this eagle shoulder bag and a pair of sunglasses and you'll be ready to hit the streets!

TUESDAY

(From Top Left: Raw Hem Shacket // Rainbow Striped Camisole Top // Sweetheart Beaded Backpack (Black) // Denim Frill Trim Shorts // Angelica Pointed Mules (Black) // Angelica Pointed Mules (White) // Sweetheart Beaded Backpack (Red))
The next trend that I want to focus on this season is bold colour. I love outfits that pop and although I adore black and wear it practically all the time, there is something about incorporating that nice bright red into an outfit, like I have done here! I created this look with the idea that you can mix and match items if you feel that there is too much of one colour, for example: if there is too much red then pair the black backpack with the look instead of the red, and if you feel as if there is too much white then pair the black mules with the look rather than the white. Colour coordinating is so easy and despite the fact that there are basic rules that you need to abide by, the rest of it is simply down to preference and what you feel comfortable in, you can choose!

WEDNESDAY

(From Top Left: Diamante Strap Camisole Top // Moto White Diamante Jamie Jeans // Panther Cross Body Bag // Buckle Shoulder Bag // Rachel Toe Loop Sandals // Sequin Bum Bag)
Since the Fourth of July will be on a Wednesday this year, this outfit is purely focused on red, white and blue! The first thing to point out with this look is those very interesting pair of toe loop sandals. I can understand that some of you are unsure about the plastic that feature on these sandals but they are in season this Spring/Summer, so if you're brave enough and love a fashion challenge then I dare you to try out a pair or even recreate this look (if you can spare the money of course)! If you want some extra sparkle to replicate the 4th July fireworks, then pick up a pair of these diamante jeans and this crazy cool sequin bum bag especially if you're not in the mood for a classic cross body or shoulder bag - although they are great options if you want to mix things up, amp up the white or red colour in your look or even abide by the multiple bag trend!

THURSDAY

(From Left: Wrap Frill Mini Dress // Leather Bum Bag // Gail Slingback Heels)
I have wanted one of these dresses for so long! I love them so much because not only are they super flattering on a lot of figures but they just skim over any of your so called "sore points" or "unflattering areas" and accentuate your waist instead. I must admit, I may have made this outfit a little daring with the leopard print heels and bum bag but I wanted to spice things up and give off a different look rather than making every outfit look like a tomato costume with all the red items!

FRIDAY

(From Left: Rainbow Sequin Body // Suede Popper Mini Skirt // Gail Slingback Heels // Cross Body Bag)
If you're a lover of a good old disco then you'll be a fan of this rainbow sequin bodysuit! You'll definitely be the life and soul of the party if you pair this item with a classic black suede mini skirt, slingback heels and a chevron detailed bag - you may have gone back in time but you'll have done it in style! I really wish there was a matching skirt to go with this bodysuit because that would have been absolutely amazing but often, if you have one crazy item, it's usually best to keep the rest of the outfit pretty toned down.

SATURDAY
(From Left: Disc Sequin Slip Dress // Beaded Shoulder Bag // Rachel Top Loop Sandals)
Now this is what I'm talking about! This style of dress was something that I saw on some of the girls at my uni's Summer Ball last year and despite the fact that I wouldn't be brave enough to wear it myself, I still think that it is a crazy cool dress perfect for any occasion that involves breaking out of comfort zones and embracing your inner diva, plus sequins are in this season if you needed another reason to be convinced! The beaded bag and toe loop sandals in white add some extra pazazz and make this look so much more fun and snazzy!

SUNDAY


(From Left: Ribbed Tie Back Body // Moto Bright Floral Denim A-Line Skirt // Hanna Fringe Sliders // Nylon Backpack)
This outfit is a little bit unusual for me but I wanted to incorporate a variety of patterns into this post and I had to do so using some lovely embroidered pieces including this skirt, because how could you go wrong with floral embroidery?! The look here is relatively casual but brings in a hint of femininity with a tie back bodysuit and some eclectic slides that will be sure to make you stand out and do all of the talking for you!

XOXO

Friday, 16 March 2018


Hey lovelies!

Who else do we have to thank for this post than none other than my literal blogger sister The Skinny Hot Choc! This girl is so talented and so cool but then again, I am a little biased haha!

Now, cut creases are tricky things to achieve. They always look so intricate and so precise that it scares me off from trying it out myself. Thankfully my sister figured it out and managed to create this super simple version of the cut crease with plenty of neutral tones and a solid winged liner to complete the look! We kept the brows and lips fairly natural and let the eyes do all of the talking as often, with a cut crease, if the rest of the makeup is bold too, the entire look tends to be relatively overwhelming and just way too much!

Let me know in the comment section down below if you've tried out a cut crease look before. Did you find it difficult to achieve? Do you have any tips?

XOXO

P.S. The links to the products used are at the end of this post and feel free to head on over to my sister's blog to get the full run down on how she achieved this look on me!

 

Products Used:

FACE - MAC Cosmetics 'Prep + Prime Natural Radiance' in Radiant Pink, MAC Cosmetics 'Studio Fix Fluid' in NC15 and Maybelline 'Fit Me!' Concealer in Fair 15
EYES - Kat Von D Beauty 'Lock-It Color Correcting Eyeshadow Primer' in Fair, Kat Von D Beauty 'Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette', Maybelline 'Fit Me!' Concealer in Light 10, e.l.f. 'Intense Ink Eyeliner' in Blackest Black, Benefit Cosmetics 'Longwear Powder Shadow' in Milk It! and Benefit Cosmetics 'Roller Lash' in Black 
BROWS - Makeup Revolution 'Duo Brow Definer' in Medium Brown 
CHEEKS - Benefit Cosmetics 'Hervana' and Benefit Cosmetics 'Hoola'  
LIPS - MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer 'Tranquility'

Monday, 12 March 2018


Hey lovelies!!

I am so happy to be making this post because I am completely IN LOVE with music and everything that it represents. Personally, music is my escape, it is my saviour and listening to it gives me the opportunity to forget about all the bad things and focus on the moments that make me oh so happy!

So without further ado, here are my top 20 favourite songs for Spring...

1. Want You Back - 5 Seconds of Summer
2. Supernova - Ansel Elgort
3. Supplies - Justin Timberlake
4. IDAF - Dua Lipa
5. How Long - Charlie Puth
6. Find You - Nick Jonas
7. Watchachacha - Sage the Gemini
8. Tip Toe - Jason Derulo featuring French Montana
9. Never Enough - The Greatest Showman (let's be honest the entire soundtrack is incredible!)
10. End Game - Taylor Swift
11. Better Than This - Reagan James
12. Rollin - Calvin Harris featuring Future and Khalid
13. What Lovers Do - Maroon 5 featuring SZA
14. Silence - Marshmello featuring Khalid
15. She's On My Mind - JP Cooper
16. Meant To Be - Bebe Rhexa featuring Florida Georgia Line
17. Havana - Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
18. Gold - Kiiara
19. I Miss You - Clean Bandit featuring Julia Michaels
20. Filthy - Justing Timberlake

I have really been loving listening to every single song on this playlist and I hope that you are able to find at least one song here that makes you jump up and dance or make you feel happy that Spring is on its way!

Be sure to let me know in the comment section down below what song you're loving at the moment!

XOXO

Friday, 9 March 2018


Hey lovelies!

Here is the second post in my Instagram series and today we are focusing on travel Instagram accounts and I think it's safe to say that narrowing down my favourites to 5 was VERY difficult!

Now, when it comes to travel photos, personally they really need to pop and whether that's through the colours used or the photo's main focus, there has to be something that makes it stand out! I know for a fact that we all love to wanderlust and sometimes problems, worries, lack of money or just life in general gets in the way so I often find that it's better to go for the next best thing - entering the world of Instagram to drool over the most stunning, luxurious looking places in the world!

So without further ado, let's get into my top 5 favourite travel-related Instagram accounts...

VER
https://www.instagram.com/versepasi/

I first found out about this lovely girl whilst watching Alex Centomo's vlogs and I was instantly attracted to the aesthetic and sheer vibes of her Instagram page. If you love a good theme, especially one with a lot of white, then this girl is definitely one to follow! She embraces the whiteness in photos but also loves to mix up her feed with photos that show the colour of nature in all its glory. Ver's travel photos are beautifully whimsical and effortlessly captured - simply full of hidden gems!

MADISON MEALY

https://www.instagram.com/madisonmealy/

One thing that I've got to say about Madison Mealy is: holy crap she lives in Hawaii with her husband, what could be better than that?! She's honestly living in paradise and it is her every day life! The disbelief clearly gets to me but thankfully for us, she brings her camera everywhere and lets us live the dream with her, everything from cute couple shots to cute couple shots with amazing backgrounds - I mean pssh I'm not envious at all!

JAMIE KIDD

https://www.instagram.com/jamienkidd/

This beauty combines her love for fashion with beautiful exotic locations and I am completely in love with all of her photos! Not only does she have that gorgeous boho fashion sense that a lot of us love but she also shows us exactly what life should be like on a holiday - full of happiness, a light tan and plenty of good food and amazing company! Check her out now if you want a little travel goodness in your life!

JESSICA STEIN

https://www.instagram.com/tuulavintage/

With everything that has been going in this beauty's life lately, I am so happy that she is still able to offer us stunning photos of this beautiful world that we live in, even if it's just in her home town! Jessica's super sweet daughter Ru makes every single photo oh-so-better and I wish this little family all the best and hope that there are many more happy travel photos to come! Go ahead and give Jessica a follow and spread the love!

CAMILA COELHO

https://www.instagram.com/camilacoelho/

A blogger's dream! This stunner has so much class and style that it's impossible not to be in awe of her life! Camila skis, she struts, she masters the blogger pose, she loves fashion, she gets to travel the world and she does it all whilst sharing it with all of us! So for those of you still trying to reach your dreams, take a leaf out of Camila's book and get inspired to make your goals a reality - all you have to do is just click that 'Follow' button!

XOXO

P.S. Not that you need reminding but just be aware that what you see on Instagram always looks amazing but these accounts are full of photos that are a split second of someone's life. Please do not start believing that their lives are perfect because I can guarantee you that they are not, so please do not get disheartened! I know for myself, I sometimes need to be reminded of this too my loves - we're all human.

*All images used are from the individual Instagram accounts referred to in this blog post *

Instagram

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