GRACE NOTES III
With all of my uni deadlines finally passed and essays submitted for the year, I'll be kicking back for one of my first truly relaxing Sundays in a long time [think : Pinterest party in bed, a stack of unread magazines, and a lot of much-needed beauty maintenance]. Despite uni coming to an end I've had a busy week of catching up with my writing schedule, seeing much neglected friends, and putting some exciting summer plans into action. I'm working on a crazy exciting [beauty-related!] project with Bridie, and although it's early days, there have already been late night phone calls and episodes of giddy excitement as we bombard each other with ideas.
It's also been a week of 'testing, testing' - summer beauty launches have been falling left, right, and centre. My dressing table is a clutter of bottles and boxes, and I've been sporting swatches up to my elbows as well as approx. four different colours of nail polish, which has earned me some funny looks. See below for details on a few of my favourites....
What are you all up to this weekend?
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READ
After being introduced to Lipstick Queen last month and devouring just about every article on and interview with its inspirational founder, Poppy King, I ordered the semi-autobiographical advice manual which Poppy wrote shortly before founding her second company. The book offers generous and logical memos, tips and advice for those thinking of starting their own business [how to turn a dream into an idea, how to work with a business partner etc.], peppered through with anecdotes from Poppy's own experience [she founded her first company aged 18].
FURTHER READING : Into The Gloss interviews Poppy King for The Top Shelf.
CATCH UP
EXPLORE...
...THE LOST GARDENS OF MANCHESTER; a garden installation created by The National Trust and housed in Manchester Art Gallery for the duration of the summer. Inspired by historical records kept of Manchester's former gardens, the installation is a welcome oasis of greenery in the heart of the city centre, and even harbours deckchairs for weary visitors to snatch a moment of relaxation.
FURTHER READING : Delve into the inspiration behind the project.
WEEK IN INSTAGRAM
SUQQU SUMMER SHADES
Thursday saw the latest launch from SUQQU drop in the UK; the brand's popular eye-colour palette reworked for a limited edition SS'15 twist. The sleek handbag-friendly palettes encompass shades which take inspiration from a summer night sky, and are designed to create a sunset effect upon application [yup, ombré just got cool again].
FURTHER READING : Keep up to date with the latest from SUQQU's UK team via their blog, run by the brand's national makeup artist, Tomoko Kinoshita.
& OTHER STORIES x RACHEL ANTONOFF CO-LAB BEAUTY LINE
Last week the fashion world celebrated yet another applaudable & Other Stories collaboration; a capsule collection by designer Rachel Antonoff, inspired by the wardrobe needs of a young woman running an election campaign.
The collection itself features 29 pieces showcasing the fun prints and whimsical colours for which Antonoff is known, ranging from casual tees and sweaters to a tailored pantsuit and leather two-piece. It's accompanied by [and colour coordinated with] a limited edition capsule beauty collection; two lipsticks and a boxset of three nail polishes.
The colours are named after and inspired by Rachel's closest friends. I'm quite certain that the shade Lena Blush [named after Lena Dunham, who directed the collection's corresponding film and is dating Antonoff's brother] is the exact shade of pink from the cover of Dunham's book [although don't quote me on that one].
Testing these polishes has only served to cement my love for the & Other Stories formula; it's pigmented, true to colour, applies with ease, and lasts impeccably. Likewise, the lipsticks are a joy to use/wear - long-lasting and with a slight and subtle sheen.
Nail Colour Set in Anna Lavender, Tavi Mint, and Lena Blush - £17*
Demi Matte Lip Colour in Chaz Fuchsia and Max Ruby - £12*
FURTHER READING : Watch the short film created by Lena Dunham to showcase the collection.
DRINK
Situated on the edge of Manchester's Northern Quarter lies Federal, an Australian-themed cafe and bar serving [without a doubt] the city's best coffee. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the decor clean and relaxed, the wi-fi fast, and the menu is of the type that renders extreme indecision [i.e. French toast vs. avocado on toast].
Its proximity to the Arndale make Federal my first port of call when I'm in need of a caffeine boost but don't want to venture too far from town or resort to the cramped high street offerings.
FURTHER READING : An insight into Australian coffee culture.
LISTEN
FROM THE ARCHIVES
READING LIST
- This moving piece from one of the survivors of the recent Amtrak train crash is really eloquently written.
- With the final episode of Mad Men fast-approaching [sob!] the Internet is rife with think-pieces. I adored this concise history of Sterling Cooper.
- A fascinating and extensive investigation into New York nail salons from The New York Times.
- Aēsop's global newsletter is always an interesting read. The May edition is no exception.
- An interview with artist and surfer, Jay Nelson. The visuals are stunning.
- Lisa Eldridge revealed the front cover of her upcoming book on the history of makeup. You can pre-order it here.
- Bridie evokes Céline vibes in styling the gorgeous ASOS Circle Hair Brooch [easily my most worn accessory of the season].
- After becoming a little disheartened with the current YouTube climate, I recently discovered Rachel's channel [it's a breath of fresh air]. She also has a lovely blog.
- Jen shared a fantastic guide to finding and using stock images.
- Details on the incredible Chanel No.5 pop-up exhibition currently showing in New York.
- If like me, you're prone to pausing movies/TV shows to snoop on dressing tables and bathroom cabinets then you will love this site, dedicated to revealing cosmetic cameos.
