Are You Style Secure?

Posted in Daily Outfits, Fashion, Writing.

I’ve been writing A Little Bird Told Me for over two years now, and in that time my style has changed dramatically. That’s not really surprising – in two years, trends change, situations shift, taste develops. Looking at my outfit from this time last year and a December 2009 outfit, I can see I’m much better at dressing for my shape now, and my love for bow-shaped hair accessories has, thankfully, waned. Over the course of a lifetime, we’re bound to go through sartorial stages. But what about over the course of a month?

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Dress c/o Matalan, Zara faux fur gilet, ankle boots c/o Sarenza, ASOS necklace, Cambridge Satchel Company bag

When I put this outfit on, I was struck by how different it was to the things I’ve been wearing recently. And then, as I looked back through my last month of posts, I realised that all my outfits are at odds with each other. At the beginning of November I was punky in polka dot jeans, then quirky in satin and sequins, classic in monochrome stripes and last week, preppy in dark denim. If this were an American high school drama, I’d be in a different cliqué every week.

This indecisive way of dressing could be described as creative, eclectic, experimental. But for me, it’s about style insecurity. I’m still not quite sure what my style is. Am I vintage and feminine? Laidback and cool? Fierce and fashion-forward? All three?

There are some bloggers who have their personal style nailed. Vicki pulls off girly vintage style with ease. Kristabel works simple separates. Paula is classically chic. There’s a real confidence in their clothing. In comparison, I’m still the 6 year-old rooting through her mum’s wardrobe. When it comes to style, I’m still trying it on.

What about you – are you Style Secure? Are you confident in your clothing, or are you (like me) still searching for ‘you’ in your wardrobe?

The Day I Met Dita

Posted in Fashion.

It’s not every day I get to say “oh, hello Dita Von Teese”…

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Last Thursday, however, was a little different. I was invited to an evening at the Cointreau Privé pop-up lounge, hosted by the lady herself.

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After walking up and down Piccadilly numerous times and seeking the assistance of no less than three supposed southerners who had no idea, I finally located the venue, tucked away beneath the bustle of the city. The lounge is a sumptuous affair, draped in red velvet with some lovely art deco touches and just the right number of glittering chandeliers.

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Dita is the face of Cointreau Privé and launched the lounge earlier in the week with an exclusive performance. I love the pure glamour of her performances – that nipped in waist, the 40s waves, a perfect pout and endless sparkles. Her stage costume was just stunning.

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We learnt how to make the signature cocktail – the Cointreau Citrus and Spice. I love mixing my own cocktails and this one was delicious, if a little strong (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Here’s how to make it yourself:

37.5ml Cointreau
25ml fresh orange juice (and not Tesco’s own, the barman warned us)
1 fresh ginger slice
10ml fresh lemon juice

Slice the ginger and place in a cocktail shaker. Add all other ingredients, shake well (watch the lid!) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel and enjoy (responsibly)!

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I’m wearing: Zara dress, grey leopard print flats c/o Sarenza (not shown), Mango necklace, Topshop ring, Michael Kors watch. Dita’s wearing: D&G and Louboutins (not shown)

After cocktail making, we each had our photo taken with Dita and got a few minutes to chat to her. As you can see from the photo (hello arms!), I was ridiculously awkward. What do you do when Dita Von Teese puts her arm around you? Stand stock still and give your best ‘yes-I-am-crazy’ smile, apparently. I pulled myself together for our chat though, and asked Dita about her outfit (naturally). Her amazing black ruffle shoes were made by Christian Louboutin, who created the specific heel design just for her. Oh, to be a celebrity!

It was an unforgettable evening and a great introduction to the Cointreau brand – Dita is a perfect fit for the sultry style of the liquor and she was extremely knowledgeable about it too. I’ll be making the cocktail at home and visiting the Cointreau Privé pop-up lounge next time I’m in London – if you’d like to go along, the lounge is open until 17th December at 215 Piccadilly, London. To book for the guestlist just visit the website.

Giveaway – Win With A Little Bird Told Me!

Posted in Fashion.

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing I love more than having the girls over for drinks, nibbles and chatter (often accompanied by a cheesy 90s film and/or soundtrack). I’d much rather slather on a face pack than stick on my heels, and I truly believe I know more than any DJ when it comes to female R’n’B artists from 1998-2001 (Sweet Female Attitude, anyone? Mary Mary? Brandy and Monica?!).

When Clothing at Tesco asked if I’d like to host a Jemma Kidd masterclass @HOME party, I was initially dubious. I’ve been to my fair share of Ann Summers, Avon and Body Shop parties to know that these things are usually just a hard sell for the products, often with a lukewarm glass of Chardonnay and a limp sausage roll. A bit of research, however, soon had me interested…
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“Be your own makeup artist and learn how to apply perfect, glamorous evening makeup, acquiring the professional skills to create three stunning looks – all in the comfort of your own home. Starting with the basic principles in achieving a flawless canvas, you’ll learn all the backstage techniques and tricks to create a hi-impact red lip and structured eye line, a smouldering smoky eye and full-on glamour using touches of shimmer and glitter.”

Sounds good! I like to think I’m pretty good at doing my makeup – after all, I’ve had 10 years to hone my technique – but I am rubbish at doing anything ‘special’, like straight liquid liner or lipstick that doesn’t look like it was applied by a 3 year-old. And because it’s hosted ‘@HOME’, I can get the girls round, wear my slippers and play all the En Vogue I want.

The lovely people at Jemma Kidd have invited me to host a makeup masterclass at Little Bird Towers (cue lots of frantic texting trying to locate a table to seat 9), and they’d like one of you to host one too! And if that wasn’t fabulous enough, Clothing at Tesco are throwing in a party dress of your choice – hooray!

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The prize
– A Jemma Kidd masterclass@HOME makeup session for one winner
– Suitable for 6-10 guests
– A professional makeup artist will visit your home at an arranged time to demonstrate a range of makeup techniques
– All products and materials are provided
– A party dress from Clothing at Tesco

How to enter
– Leave a comment with a link to your chosen party dress from Clothing at Tesco to enter. You can browse all the styles here
– Leave a method of contact – your email address, Twitter username or a link to your blog where contact details can be found

The terms
Open to Little Bird readers in the UK ONLY. Giveaway opens on 04/12/2011 and closes on 11/12/2011. Winner will be selected at random and notified by contact method provided. Masterclass to be booked in 2012.


THE PROMOTER IS JEMMA KIDD MAKE UP LTD & CONVIVIALITY LTD, THE WHITE HOUSE, 2 MEADROW, GODALMING, SURREY, GU27 3HN. THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE UK, NOT INCLUDING EMPLOYEES OF JEMMA KIDD MAKE UP OR CONVIVIALITY LTD, THEIR FAMILIES, AFFILIATE COMPANIES, SUPPLIERS, COHABITANTS, AGENTS OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANIES AND THE OFFER. MASTERCLASSES MUST BE HELD BY 31 March 2012. THE PROMOTER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND OR ALTER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THE WINNER AND HER GUESTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXPENSES AND ARRANGEMENTS NOT SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE masterclass@HOME, INCLUDING ANY PERSONAL TRAVEL COSTS. FAILURE TO RESPOND WHEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE masterclass@HOME BOOKING POST-OFFER MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE / CANCELLATION OF THE masterclass@HOME BOOKING. THIS OFFER MAY BE MODIFIED OR WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME. IN THE EVENT OF A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THESE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AND THE DETAILS IN THE PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL (OR ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS PROVIDED/REFERRED TO AT THE TIME OF ENTRY), THE DETAILS OF THE PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL SHALL PREVAIL. THE PROMOTER WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE INCURRED BY THE GUEST AS A RESULT OF HOLDING A JEMMA KIDD masterclass@HOME. IT IS DEEMED A CONDITION OF ENTRY THAT THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE ACCEPTED.

Thrift Finds of the Month – December

Posted in Fashion, Second Hand Shopping.

Despite owning up to a slight shopping addiction, I can’t resist the lure of the charity shop. Taking an hour out to visit my favourites is a great stress-buster, and setting a £10 spending limit means I don’t come home with more floral dresses or yet another tea set. Admittedly, during this particular charity shop jaunt I ‘forgot’ my usual spend limit and scooped up quite a basketful of bargains. But I think you’ll agree they were worth it…

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Vintage Gina heels, £7.99 and vintage leather riding boots, £9.99

My two priciest purchases are also my most impressive. I spotted the Gina shoes straightaway – Gina is a familiar name on the second hand shopping circuit, but the designer label usually carries a hefty price tag. These gold kitten heels are in beautiful condition and although they’re only size 6.5, I can just about squeeze my clown feet into them.

Sitting just below the Gina heels were these brown riding boots. The curved top and supple leather brought on a sigh of longing, but a check of the size had me cursing my aforementioned clown feet. They’re a tiny size 4 so totally unsuitable, but how could I leave them behind?

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Wool skirt, £3.99

A red wool skirt seemed more than appropriate for this time of year, and the button detail (plus very reasonable price tag) soon had me sold.

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Knitted jumper, £4

Christmas is the only time of year you’ll see me wearing anything that could be described as ‘novelty’ – I have a pretty awesome collection of crappy Christmas jumpers. The volunteer at the till was genuinely perturbed that she missed it when it came in and for a second I thought I might have a fight on my hands, but she eventually released her grip and this bow-adorned beauty now awaits its first outing.

Have you found any second hand bargains this month?

A Lesson in Creating Volume – My Flat Hair Care Routine

Posted in Beauty.

My name is Jen and I’m addicted to volumising products.

It’s true – I’ve tried every ‘innovation’, from ‘shaft-expanding mousse’ (seriously) to pouring beer over my head (again, seriously). My quest for big hair has spanned decades and probably cost thousands in products that are used once and quickly resigned to the this-doesn’t-work pile.

But after much trial, plenty of error and a very close call in a wig shop, I’ve finally stumbled upon a routine that kinda sorta works. I haven’t achieved the big hair Holy Grail as seen on every female celebrity ever, and I’m still a sucker for new ‘miracle’ products, but generally, my tried and tested method achieves a moderately lifted ‘do for those with fine hair, or as lovely Olivia put it – ‘ghost hair’.

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It all starts in the shower (or bath, if that’s your preference). I wash my hair with Big shampoo by Lush. This has been the biggest revelation in my haircare routine – it contains grains of sea salt that give my hair texture, which is something I could never get with synthetic volumisers. It’s not cheap at £10.95 a pot, but a small amount goes a long way… although the stack of empty pots in my bathroom doesn’t really support that theory!

Fine hair doesn’t need a lot of conditioning, but skipping this step leaves me with flyaway, static hair. Veganese is another Lush product that works like a charm – it’s really light so doesn’t weigh my hair down and contains lemon to give it great shine. I apply to the ends only, so my 250g bottle lasts months.

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Fine hair is a fickle mistress – every few months, it gets bored of my miracle products and decides it needs something new. To keep it happy, I have a break from my usual routine and use whatever’s on offer in Boots. At the moment it’s Umberto Giannini – I’m a bit of a beauty snob so always go for mid- or high-end products.

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Once washed, I have an arsenal of products to battle deflation. Moroccan Oil doesn’t really do anything for volume, but it keeps my hair smooth and supple. John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette volumising mousse, on the other hand, volumises like a BAWS. If this product is ever discontinued, I will weep. Backcomb in a Bottle is a great thickening product – I spray this after styling to create a mussed-up effect. And Osis Dust It can be used to add texture, again after styling – I bought mine from eBay as it’s much cheaper.

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When it comes to styling my hair, I’m lazy. I blowdry it upside down and use my trusty, 10-year-old ghds to straighten the kinks. The Babyliss Big Hair styler is a new addition – after reading countless reviews and not finding a single negative one, I bought it hoping I’d finally found the answer to my big hair prayers. But unfortunately, it can’t change genetic makeup (I know, such a bummer). My hair is baby fine, so although the hot rotating brush does add volume, it doesn’t give me the dramatic umph I was looking for.

So there you have it – a lesson in creating volume from someone whose hair very often resembles a pancake. YOU’RE WELCOME.

What are your must-have haircare products? Any fellow flatties got a tip, trick or cheat to share?