Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Get The Look : Make Up Product List


Hi Ladies,

I had a lot of questions regarding this make up look, so I feel its easier for me to put a full product list here on my blog - 

Face

- Revlon Photo Ready Airbrush Foundation in Nude 030
- MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC15
- Harmony blush from MAC as my contour
- MAC Peachy Keen blush
- MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish for highlighting
- Rimmel translucent powered on t-zone

Eyes

- Brows are as explained in my 'Eyebrow Tutorial' here
- MAC Pro Longwear in Uninterrupted all over the lid and blended out, also added under the eye
- MAC Swiss Chocolate in outer crease, and under the lower lash line
- MAC Teddy eye liner in waterline
- Lashings of Maybelline Colossol Volume black mascara

Lips

- NYX Nude Beige lip liner (My new fave!!)
- NYX Matte Lipstick in Nude
- A light dab of MAC Sweet and Sour in the centre of my lip to create volume.



I hope this answers your questions girls..

Lots of Love,
Rosie 
X

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

#AskRosie : Part One


Hi Ladies,

So, earlier today I asked you on social media to put some questions to me, and I would try and answer as many as could. 
There was a wide mix of questions, so I have decided to split them up into separate posts. 
I will keep my maternity fashion, style inspirations and anything else baby related to the next post.


What products do you use on your eyebrows?

I have actually done a full blog post on my eyebrow routine, so please click here for all the details.

Who does your hair colour?

I am slightly embarrassed to answer this one, with the current state of my roots. I am bordering on looking like I have a balayge colour in, so please excuse me! I am lucky as I have very fair hair naturally, so I get away with a good few months between each colouring. My hairdresser is Ronan Markey, and he is a genius when it comes to hair. I usually have a full head of highlights once or twice a year, and a half head in between these to keep the colour topped up. Ronan has his own salon attached to his house, and is based in Clontarf, Dublin 3. If you are looking for his number, please PM me and I will send it on. You won't be disappointed I promise you… no more hairdresser disasters, leaving the salon on the verge of tears when the stylist hasn't listened to what you wanted. You can check out his Facebook page here

What extensions do you wear?

I have been wearing hair extensions on and off for over 7 years now, and have tried plenty of the brands out there, but have been hooked on Hotloxs Hair Extensions the last 3-4 years. Anna, the owner of Hotloxs, is amazing at what she does, and the hair quality is amazing. I get the pre bonded extensions in a mix of two blonde shades to create a natural look. I have thin hair naturally, so I use them for both volume and length. She has a salon in Dublin City Centre with some amazing stylist working there, ready to look after your every need. You can also get Hotloxs extensions in clip in's too, if you are not ready to commit to the full head of bonded extensions. I find them easy to maintain, and wash my hair around three times a week. I use a Tangle Teezer to comb through my hair, and it works perfectly with bonded extensions, detangling the hair but not catching or pulling the bonds. I style my hair every day using the Instyler, curlers, hair dryers and straighteners, and the quality of the hair always remains immaculate. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Click here to check out their Facebook page.

What foundation do you wear for day/night?

I get asked a lot about my foundation, and again, it is something I have been using for years and never seem to venture from. For day time I use Revlon Photo Ready Airbrush Mousse in 030 Nude. It provides medium coverage and feels super light on the skin. The reason I love it so much is for it's staying power. When I am busy in work, I don't have time to be reapplying or powdering the skin so this is a saviour with my busy job. 
For night time, or days when I have a little darker tan on, I will mix my Revlon foundation with MAC Studio Sculpt foundation in NC30. This is a gel based foundation, and I find it sits really well on my skin. It provides a heavier coverage, and definitely needs a little powdering, but is definitely a must for a flawless finish.

What do you use to edit your photos?

I have two apps that I use on nearly all my photos. Diptic and Instasize. I then use the Instagram filters to edit the quality of my photo's. I have recently been liking the look of sharpened pictures, so I usually sharpen most of my make up and fashion pics, which is done on Instagram.

What is your exercise regime and how do you stay in shape?

As much as I would love to tell you all that I am a fitness freak, I most certainly am not. I do as little as possible to stay in shape!! Growing up, I used to dance over 4 times a week, so I had a very toned body and tummy from that. Once I gave up dancing, my body just seemed to remain the same, even with little to no exercise. My late Father passed down his fast metabolism to me, so I have never had to worry about what I ate. No matter how much junk I ate, my body never seemed to change. I remained around 7.5 stone for the last few years (until I fell pregnant obviously!) I have always had a petite frame, so my doctor agreed that this weight was fine and healthy for me. About 2-3 years ago I began to listen to the constant nagging from my family about exercise and the importance of keeping your heart healthy, regardless of your weight. I have joined every gym you can think of over the years,but just never got into it, and find them to be very intimidating for women. I began to run, and took up pilates twice a week. I absolutely love running, and find it therapeutic and relaxing. It also toned up my legs and bum very quickly. I took the Reformer Pilates classes at the Pilates Centre, Dublin 3, and this was the main exercise that really toned up my core area. My tummy changed shape completely, and my waist began to get smaller and smaller…such a great form or exercise for toning. Since becoming pregnant, I have to say, I have not done as much working out as I would have hoped to. I find with my job being so physical, by the time I get home from work, I feel like my workout is already done. I have weights for at home, and occasionally do some workouts on my laptop, or some yoga in the mornings. Running has had to stop, as it became too uncomfortable for me with the weight of my bump. 
I plan hitting the gym hard once my little boy arrives, and am looking into getting a personal trainer to help me get back into shape as soon as possible after giving birth. I have gained very little extra weight so far in my pregnancy, so it is more for toning up my body than for weight loss reasons. 
I also plan on having my baby boy out on lots of walks, as I am spoilt with living right beside the sea, so have no excuse!

How long have you and your boyfriend been together?

I met Paul back in June 2013, and we have been stuck together like glue ever since. I had just come out of a long term relationship and had no intention of jumping straight back into another, but as the saying goes "When you know, you know…" I don't want to delve into too many details just yet about Paul, but all I can say is that he is a great partner, and is going to make an amazing father to our son. He is my soulmate for sure, and I am so blessed to have met him.

I think that's enough babbling from me for one night. I will follow up with 'Part Two' of my #AskRosie series in the coming days, so stay tuned…

Lots of Love,

Rosie 
X






Sunday, 2 November 2014

Style File : My Current Wardrobe Must Haves


Hi Ladies,

I hope you are all enjoying the weekend after all the Halloween antics! I can't lie, for me Halloween is just in the way of Christmas so I am glad to see the back of it, and super excited to see all the Festive decorations and gifts starting to creep in…only 53 more sleeps!

Anyway, back to fashion. I have had a lot of you asking me about my current staple pieces in my wardrobe, and where to purchase them so decided it would be easier to put it all in a post for you.
I am nearly 34 weeks pregnant now, so finding it harder and harder to style this ever growing bump. I also am at a point where I do not want to invest in too many items right now, as I don't plan on being this size in a few weeks time. 

I am having to work with what I already have and just add simple basics to change up my outfits. It's super frustrating for someone who is surrounded by the most amazing clothing on a daily basis, but its only short term, and I plan on having a MAJOR shopping spree once I am back to my original weight.

Here are the pieces I have been living in recently, and links to purchase. 
You will most likely be seeing lots of these items over the next 6/7 weeks but I promise you, there are plenty more outfit ideas to come when my little man arrives! 

1. Nike Air Max Thea - 

After wanting these forever, my boyfriend was so good to get them for me last week and I have been LIVING in them since. I am not one for wearing lounge wear or sports wear unless I'm going to work out but these monochrome beauties just go so well with so many outfits. They are so light on your feet, perfect for when I have been in heels all day at work. I love the idea of bringing some edge to a classic outfit with these. You can pick them up from Office for €110.

2. Black Ripped Skinny Jeans - 


If you read my 'DIY : Distressed Denim' post, you will know that I have been obsessing over my black skinnies that I have customised myself. These are actually maternity jeans from H&M, but this can be done on any pair of jeans, regardless of the fit. Ad my bump is growing and growing, I find I am most comfortable in these jeans and have bought a few pairs to keep me going over the next few weeks. At €19 you really can't go wrong. They don't seem to be available online, but you can pick them up in your local H&M. For those of you who are not pregnant, but looking for the same style of skinny jean, without the hassle of distressing them yourself,  the Topshop Jamie Jeans are perfect.

3. Bobble Hats


This may seem like a strange one, but as the weather is getting cooler, and I am getting more and more tired as the weeks go on in my pregnancy, my days off seem to be filled with lots of easy to wear dressing. A bobble hat is my perfect excuse for not doing my hair on a lazy day, but still adds a touch of winter style to an outfit. I have many different ones in my wardrobe but I am loving these from Penneys, and a bargain at only €5. I have it in black, cream and grey.

4. Knitwear 



I have been living in all types of knitwear the past few weeks, from cardigans and ponchos, to fine knit or chunky polo necks. I find knitwear such a great staple, and teamed with leather pants can look effortlessly chic and stylish. I recently wrote a blog post on my favourite pieces which you can check out HERE. My go to has definitely been a simple black polo neck. Pick one up in Zara for only €25.95
Buy Here

5. Black Lace Up Ankle Boots


I have recently started wearing my balck lace up ankle boots that I picked up in Office over a year ago now. To be honest, it was only when clearing our wardrobe space for the baby, that I found them and fell in love with them all over again. I have trawled the internet trying to find a similar pair for you as so  many of you have been asking about them. The closest I could find were these beautiful boots from ASOS. Mine are a wedge heel so that is the only main difference between the two. If I see anything that is even closer to the ones I have, I will be sure to update you all…

As you can see, these are just the key staple pieces I have been running to the past few weeks. It is also very clear, my monochrome obsession is still in full force!!

Happy Shopping Ladies,

Lots of Love,

Rosie
X

Wednesday, 29 October 2014

40K : Thank You


So, call it pregnancy hormones, or just an overwhelming sense of gratitude, but I feel it is only necessary to say a massive THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have read my blog, followed me on Instagram or Facebook, and emailed me some of the nicest messages I have ever received. I have just reached 40K hits on my blog, and feel so overwhelmed by how much support I have received in the last few months.

Back in April when I found out I was expecting my first baby with my partner Paul, I was full of mixed emotions. I couldn't wait to be a Mum and start a beautiful family with the best man on the planet, but another part of me felt like my career and passions would have to be put on hold.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Since April, my blog has taken off in a way I could never have imagined, and I have met some of the nicest people along the way.
That feeling of having to let go of my dreams just disappeared, and I slowly started to feel like just because I was going to be a Mum, didn't mean my life goals had to be compromised.

I have received so much support from my family and friends, and in particular from my partner in crime! It means so much to have so many people behind you, encouraging you to keep pursuing your dreams. And I have no desire to slow down, even when our little son arrives. If anything, knowing he is going to be looking up to his Mum and Dad, gives me even more motivation to create an amazing life for us. 

Throughout my teens, I experienced bullying and the general nastiness that young girls can inflict on each other at such a young age. The constant comparing, jealousy and bitterness really got to me, and I ended up keeping a few close friends dear to my heart, instead of repeatedly trying to please everyone. 

I can now safely say, that my attitude towards how women treat each other has completely changed. Since starting out on this journey, I have come across nothing but supportive, confident and kind women, who have been so encouraging and positive to me. I love to see women supporting each other and helping each other out. In the words of Gloria Vanderbilt :

"I have always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success'

This couldn't be more true. I love seeing so many young, ambitious women who are all striving for success in whatever area they choose. 

As I have just reached the 40K milestone, I felt it was only right to thank you for making all of this possible, and creating so many opportunities for me for the future. I hope to continue to work hard and bring you a blog that you love to read, and can relate to. You have no idea how much every comment, private message and email means to me, and the fact that you have taken the time out of your day to support Hearts Heels and Handbags really means the world to me.

Forever Grateful,

Rosie 
x



DIY : Distressed Denim




Hi Ladies,

I cannot count how many times I have been asked out my jeans, and it always seems to be the distressed denim that you all love. Ripped jeans are my trademark at this stage, as I just love the casual, effortlessly stylish look they give. 
I personally prefer a skinny fit denim, but they can also look amazing in a boyfriend style with a high shoe too.

When I went shopping for my first and only maternity clothing purchase, I found there were no jeans that suited my style at all. So i decided to buy a plain pair of black skinny jeans from H&M and do a little DIY on them. I am no seamstress, but I had an idea of how I wanted them to look, and at just €19.99, I didn't mind cutting into them and seeing how they turned out. I wanted them torn just at the knee's, like so many of the styles available on the high street already.

If you are nervous about taking a scissors to your favourite jeans, pick up an affordable pair in Penneys for under €10, and practice on them first.

Here is my step by step guide to creating this look yourself:

Step 1 - 
Pop on your jeans, and taking a piece of chalk, mark exactly where you want the rips to be. In this case it was directly across my knee's. If your jeans are a little loser, and move when you bend to mark them, ask someone to mark them for you, as you stand straight.

Step 2 - 
Remove your jeans, and taking a scissors, make a small incision along the centre of the line you just marked out. I used a small, sharp fabric scissors for this, as a kitchen scissors may not give the desired look. 

Step 3 -
Now cut along the line to each seam of the jean, avoiding cutting right up to the seam. Stop about a half inch before the seam of the jeans. 

Step 4 - 
With your hands, pull some of the loose threads out, to create a messy torn look, as opposed to a clean cut look. 

And you're done! The tear in the jeans will become more worn and authentic looking the more you wash and wear them.

Happy DIY'ing ladies…

Lots of Love,

Rosie 

X


Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Make Up Focus : Lose the Liquid Liner


Hi ladies,

So as many of you know, I am a liquid liner fiend, and love a sleek winged look using the blackest of black liner. 
However, I also like to create the same look using eye shadows, for days when you haven't the patience or time for the annoyance that is liquid liner…


Here is my step by step guide to recreate this look - 

Step 1 : 

Apply MAC Uninterrupted all over the lid, blending lightly up towards the brow bone. Make sure to decrease the pressure of your strokes as you blend out. With this look, you will want the most product on the lid, not in the crease. Take the same shadow under the eye, blending softly along the lash line.

Step 2 :

Taking Swiss Chocolate from MAC on an angled brush, push this darker colour into the upper lash line, starting on the outside, and fading it towards the inner eye. Make sure to wing this up, as you would with a liquid liner. Take the same shadow below to the lower lash line, stopping halfway. Do not drink this darker colour all the way into the tear duct.

Step 3 :

Taking a fluffy blending brush (MAC 217) blend both colours together lightly, to get rid of any harsh lines. Make sure to keep the 'winged' shape while blending. 

Step 4 : 

Take a brown liner, and line the water line, top and bottom. I used Coffee liner from MAC.

Step 5 : 

Taking Dipdown Fluidline from MAC, I added this to the outer corner of my eye, on the upper and lower lash line, to create an even more dramatic look. 

Step 6 : 

Lashings of mascara are a must for this look. Make sure to curl your lashes beforehand, or you can apply some false lashes to add drama.

Step 7 : 

Lastly, taking a concealer, or foundation which is lighter than your natural skin tone on a flat brush, clean up the outer edge of the eye, giving a more clean line without the use of liquid liner.



I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and please contact me if you need any more information about this look.


Lots of Love

Rosie 
X





Monday, 27 October 2014

Style File : Knitwear Must Haves


As the cold weather is starting to kick in, it is only right that I bring you my favourite knitwear pieces for the season ahead. 
I am such a cold person, so love layering up in cosy knits for winter. With my growing baby bump however, I have had to stick to a finer knit so stop myself looking ten times bigger than I am, but I have also included my favourite chunky pieces that I would most definitely be sporting if I was baby bump free! 

Enjoy Ladies, and Happy Shopping <3 
















Lots of Love

Rosie
X