Autumn/Winter 2013 Beauty Edit - Derek Lam

I'm not one to experiment with make-up or write about beauty products, however I want to share one of my favourite looks for Autumn/Winter 2013.

Tom Pecheux, creative director of Estee Lauder, created a sexy yet understated look for Derek Lam's A/W 2013 show in New York earlier this year. The face is natural and fresh, eyelashes and brows kept untouched however the main focus is the lip. A deep wine hue (Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lip Lacquer in Electric Wine to be precise) is applied then dabbed and blended with a finger. Dark, velvety red, purple and brown hues are popular at this time of year and can really spruce up your winter look.

For the eyes, Pecheux created a ray of light effect in the centre of each eye lid using shades of sterling plum, steel lilac, and smoked chrome eyeshadow (depending on skin complexion). I used Estee lauder's Pure Colour Gelee EyeShadow in Cyber Silver to copy this look and once again used my finger to apply and to prevent flaking or harsh lines.

This look is a great way to wear the wine lip trend without looking over-the-top as the rest of the make-up is subtle and effortless!

Would you wear a wine lip? What's your favourite beauty look of the season?

Three Key Trends For Autumn/Winter 2013

The Midi Skirt has been huge all year, and there is a floaty twist when it 
comes to the midi this season. If the full skirt is too adventurous for you, the fluted midi skirt is a great alternative as it's very flattering and wearable. This trend was seen at Céline and Carolina Herrera and similar styles can be found at Zara and Topshop. I especially like the heavier wool fabrics as seen at Céline - try Zara's High Waist Skirt for this look (and extra warmth!)

It goes without saying that checks/tartan/plaid is everywhere this season. I'm on the fence when it comes to checked garments, however, I have grown to like the more muted hues of this trend. Stella McCartney springs to mind for the ultimate checked coat this season and Topshop's Pale Check V Front Coat and Zara's Checked Coat follow closely behind with their interpretations of this trend. 

One of my growing favourites has to be the over-knee boot. Obviously Stuart Weitzman leads with the timeless 50-50 collection which averages around £400 a pair. Kurt Geiger (Vanessa Boot shown above) offer a wide range of over-knee boots which are more affordable without compromising that much needed extra inches of leather. The over-knee boot in suede is a great way to wear this trend if you want a softer, more casual look - Love the 50-50 Over Knee Boot in black suede.

Would you wear any of these key trends?

For the perfect party dresses and accessories go the House of Fraser Party Shop!

I'm Wearing... MANGO Texture Wool-Blend Oversize Coat

It feels as if we have skipped Autumn and gone straight into Winter here in the UK. This Mango Texture wool-blend oversize coat is keeping me warm and snug without making me look like I am wearing a giant tent (it's also an affordable £44.99). Oversized Coats are one of the key trends this season with the likes of Max Mara, Celine and Stella McCartney. I love both the texture of this wool-blend coat and how the over-size shape does not drown my frame. 

I teamed this Mango coat with a Zara lingerie-style top and side-stripe joggers - really like the contrast between the heavy fabric of the coat and the delicate lace detail of the top.

Are you a fan of the oversize coat trend?

November Trend Report

Once again my choices for the monthly trend report are not very adventurous in the colour department, however I am still a strong believer of texture over colour! This month I will be channeling pinstripes, turtlenecks (Click Here for a few style steals), Leather jackets, smart trousers and totes, layers and silver detailing (Love those Pamela Love earrings.) 

(Stella McCartney Pinstripe Wool Turtleneck Sweater, Acne Form Boucle split-Front Midi Skirt, Theory Dalayan Leather Biker Jacket, Pamela Love Five Spike Stud Earrings, Zara Funnel Neck Striped Sweater, Jil Sander Leather Bowling Bag, Valentino Small leather Lock Should Bag, Mango Crepe Flowy Trousers, Fendi Pumps)

Would you choose any of my November picks? What trends will you be channeling this month?