Getting Ready For Summer With Hot Miami Shades

Can you believe it's June already? Half a year is just done and dusted and my god hasn't it been eventful (see my last post what i've been up to). I just feel like the days are just slipping away from me, soon enough I'll be old, grey and in a care home.

Anyway, enough waffling, I just thought I'd do a post updating you on my latest collab. A few weeks ago, Hot Miami Shades got in contact with me to see if I was interested in becoming an affiliate for their brand, I mean as a sucker for warm weather and summer, for the 6-7 days England actually gets it, I couldn't say no.

Hot Miami Shades are an American brand that have beem bringing "the hottest shades of Miami" since 2015. Personally, I have never come across them before however I am British, of course it would be difficult to know about it. If you don't already know, I just love brands, online retailers that aren't necessarily as commercial and popular as the likes of Boohoo, Missguided etc. but I think that stems from the fact I love to be a little different with my style.  Yes, I follow trends but if a denim jacket for example, has a slightly different vibe, I'm all for it because I just get really uptight if I see someone else wearing the same items as me just because they are easily accessible. Smaller companies help me out majorly with that whilst at the same time I'm helping promote them, so win win situation really and Hot Miami Shades were no exception.

On their website they have a variety of 72 sunglasses to choose from, ranging from different styles and colours to suit everybody. Initially, hence the brand name, that was where I did a B-Line to and I purchased a gorgeous round pair but it wasn't until after I realised they sell clothing, jewellery and accessories aswell so you can be well and truly prepared for summer in one stop. Of course, their prices are in US Dollars but I always think that's more exciting for me because in UK Pounds it converts cheaper (just me..?) however it's not too expensive, some may say it's pricey for some items but the quality of the product is actually really impressive.

In terms of delivery, it's very realistic. As a British girl it took about 2 weeks to arrive which for FREE shipping I can't complain, although I must have gone through 7 different weather changes in the mean time I didn't know if I needed sunglasses or bloody wellies! It comes in a cute branded box and includes a pouch, a cloth to clean the lenses, and a mini tool which if i'm honest I don't know what is for, maybe tightening them? But I love the fact they have thought about these details.

All in all, Hot Miami Shades have really impressed me. I absolutely adore my sunglasses, they're oversized, stylish and comfortable to wear which is a must for me, as a regular glasses wearer, I can't stand when they rub your nose or feel like they suffocate your face. (although as usual they do rip your hair out if you put them on top of your head!) Obviously, I stayed a little safe and true to my style but as I said, there will be a style that suits you whether you're more daring or like to keep it subtle.

If you're interested in purchasing any product from Hot Miami Shades, here's a little cheeky discount from me to you to save you some pennies: POOK20 

MY SHADES: https://hotmiamishades.com/collections/sunglasses/products/nolita

RECREATE HER STYLE: Millie Bobby Brown

When I was 13 years old, I was struggling through year 8, adjusting to my evergrowing boobs and getting compared to Fran from Dodgeball (not even an exaggeration, I was not a looker and I had not heard of tweezers) and I'm pretty sure we were all doing that weren't we? Well, not Millie Bobby Brown. This is one 13 year old girl's life I do envy; starring in one of the biggest Netflix shows of the moment Stranger Things, being invited to every red carpet event going and rubbing shoulders with Drake! 

I have a confession to make though, I haven't watched a single episode of Stranger Things but that in itself shows how internationally known she actually is for a teenager. Also, to top it off, her red carpet style is KILLING it this year. Both at the Golden Globes and the SAG awards she has made quite an impression and eventhough I am 10 years older than the girl, she has given me the inspiration to recreate these looks. Millie is sporting bun-style 'dos at both events however vibing completely contrasting looks.

Millie's make-up is not very complex at all but her elegance at the Golden Globes was effortless. As you may or may not know, at the awards all women wore black in aid of the Times Up campaign supporting those who have come forward about sexual harrassment so she complimented the black with a winged eyeliner. I used Rimmel's Glam Eyes Liquid Liner just to frame my eyes and Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Latte To Go mixed with L'Oreal Lip Paint in Nude-ist to create that perfect natural lip shade.

As for hair, it was quite difficult for myself to dupe this as at the moment my hair is quite short however the simplest way to create the plait effect was to seperate my hair into a half-up, half-down style and then seperate the down part into two sections. Although Millie actually has 3 plaits I just made two by simply making two seperate plaits and pinning them to the back of my head. With the rest of my hair I put into a simple high bun and that was it. Really straightforward and it would be easier if your hair is a little longer so you don't have to use a million hair grips like myself.

The SAG awards were on the weekend and I was obsessed with Millie's look, it was super girly and if you know me, I live for space buns! They just look so put together and keeps your hair out of your face, win-win. Completely the look with black bows to contrast the very pink vibes just adds that something extra. She even wore Converse for goodness sake, this girl slays.

Again, make-up wise was pretty simple with just glittery shadow on the lids, chizzled cheeks and a pink lip. Although I don't have a silver glitter shadow I just used the Princess shade in Jeffree Starr's Beauty Killer Palette along with a white shadow to make it less pink and for cheeks I use the Kate Moss Sculpting Palette. Finally I completed the look with Maybelline's Colour Sensational Lipstick in Smoky Rose.

I surprisingly had so much fun recreating these red carpet looks and may make this a trend when I am really vibing someone's style. I really hope you liked it too. 

Until next time.

Katie x

How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x 

Time To Face The Chop

 

Over the past 3 years, I have become infamous for having the bleach blonde long hair but recently I have been getting bored and fed up with it. I have to use literally half a bottle of shampoo and conditioner to even make it feel smooth, it gets caught in EVERYTHING, it takes too long to dry and even more effort to style. As you may know, I can be very lazy but I think the final straw for me was when I was casually eating my dinner a few days ago and spaghetti sauce got stuck in it, I mean HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?

Don't get me wrong I love my hair and the colour but I think it's time for a change, to get rid of my split ends and to give my hair a tone down and rest. It's also the perfect transition from teens to adulthood since in 21 in 4 months! Christ that's scary!

I think every now and again it's healthy to make a change so goodbye my long blonde mane, it was nice knowing you, it's been emotional! And hello my look. Debuted on my blog eeeek!

A massive thank you to my best friend Becky for braving the chop and change with me, you did an incredible job what a talented girl!

I haven't had shorter hair in such a long time and I'm searching for products that will really give it a boost and make it feel lush so any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Tweet me: @kayteepook

Email me: lifebeyondthetill@outlook.com

or leave a comment down below!

What do you think???