REVIEW: IMAGES BEAUTY SALON, FULHAM

I have an addiction to gel manicures. It's an expensive investment - but a worthwhile one in my opinion - nothing makes me feel more put together than a manicured set of talons, and a good gel manicure should last 2 weeks (if not more!). Having tried and tested numerous salons, I know the difference between a good and a bad gel mani. If you're based in London, I've found a beauty salon that offers the former - precise, professional gel manicures in on-trend OPI polishes.

BACK TO BLACK

Today's outfit post celebrates my love of the dark side; timeless black is one of my go-to colours. I think I'll end up as one of those black devotees one day, it's the uniform of some of our most-loved fashion designers (Vera Wang, Betty Jackson, Gareth Pugh, Alexander Wang, the list goes on) for good reason; black transcends the trends making it a unanimously smart buy. 

15 HAPPY BUYS £30 AND UNDER

The weather's abysmal, your bank balance is emptier than Joey Essex's train of thought and you're most likely on a 'life-enhancing' detox comprised of wheatgrass juices in unappetising green hues. It's official: January is crap and don't let the optimist movement try and convince you otherwise. The best way to overcome the back to school blues? My seasonal formula comprises of trash TV (Celebrity Big Brother, you got me) cosy nights in, stodgy comfort food and the odd self-purchase. Of course there's still the issue of finances (or lack of) so I have put together my edit of 15 mood-enhancing buys, all £30 and under:


Top row from L-R: Cashmere colour block scarf, John Lewis, £30 reduced from £60. Stacking ring, Astrid & Miyu. Horoscope heeled sandals, ASOS, £29. Kinky Knickers, House of Fraser, £9. 
Second row L-R: Bon Voyage wash bag, Alphabet Bags, £24. Cashmere socks in Wedgewood, Brora, £29. Leather animal clutch with ears, ASOS, £30. Written heart stud earrings, Laura Gravestock, from £25. 
Third row L-R: Nails in Sweet Nothings, Topshop, £5. Star Friendship bracelet, Z for Accessorize, £15. Breton funnel neck, Chinti & Parker, £27. 
Bottom row L-R: Mono skater shoes, Next, £24. Cartoon sequin sweater, Mango at John Lewis, £29.99. Lips in All About Me, Topshop, £8. Colour block strappy sandals, Marques'Almeida x Topshop, £30. 

HIGH STREET FIND: OASIS LEATHER CHAIN STRAP BAG

Who doesn't love a high street 'find' - those elusive gems hidden amongst the polyester and PU that deliver plenty of bang for their buck. A new feature on LFF for 2015, High Street Finds will share the affordable treasures I acquire on my sartorial travels. This week's find is the Stephanie leather cross body bag from Oasis at House of Fraser. With a £25 price tag it's hard to believe this bag is real leather - and the soft and supple variety, too. The Stephanie bag comes in a spectrum of colours, I chose a jewel-tone emerald green which is now sold out, but  the citreous yellow Stephanie bag also my caught eye. Primary and secondary brights look set to be trend for SS15 - don't be shy and invest in colour!   

Oasis, Stephanie bag, House of Fraser, £25. (℅)