The catwalk: Royal mint

It’s cool, fresh and appealing to the eye. A place where money is made, and a key ingredient in mojitos. It even means modest, insightful and kind-hearted. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Mint is a cool colour (literally) that was touted the trendiest hue of spring 2012 and is still trending this season. Mint has an air of sophistication with a hint of femininity. I had to have it, no question. But how does one with a fair complexion pull it off?

That’s a great question, considering last year I said that pastels wouldn't work against my fair skin tone. The truth is that I thought pastels wouldn't work because I wasn't used to seeing myself in them. Every time I tried one on I’d find a different reason why not to buy. I call it the pastel complex. ‘It makes me look too pale!’ ‘Do I look like I’m sick?’ ‘What’s that? Did someone say chocolate?’

Since I've accepted the way I look in pastels, I've been surrounded by a whole new colour experience! While shopping for key pieces this season, light and breezy spring tops were at the top of my list. And so was mint. I found the perfect minty piece at a DKNY outlet and its flowing fabric goes wonderfully with my white skinny denim. Pair it with some standout black pumps and a dainty black handbag and you’re ready for a night out. If the weather is cool, layer a blue jean jacket over the top with a printed scarf to pull the look together. Finally, I can check mint off my list!

You can get this look too by visiting your fav shop, and if that doesn't do the trick just search for ‘mint blouse’ on Polyvore and you’ll be lost in lots of options in no time. Happy shopping! x

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

Photo by Sam Russell

beauty banter: pastel perfect

It's just around the corner, or depending on where you are, it's already here. Some refer to it as the dog days of summer, while I think of it as my favourite time of year. Hot summer days, and sultry summer nights. Dawning light and breezy outfits, sunshine, gelato and soft pastel hues are everything that this time of year is about and everything I dream of on cold winter days.

While pastels are synonymous with summer, they are also a trend this year. I have a naturally fair complexion and even if I tried to tan I wouldn't be much darker, anyway. Fair skin generally doesn't work well with pastel shades, at least in my experience. Layering a pastel top with a contrasting shade can often address this problem, but it still doesn't help the fact that I don't feel I can wear a pastel hue on its own against my fair skin tone.

Even though I don't feel I can wear pastels well, I decided to give them a chance this season the best way I know how: a pedicure! After being introduced to Essie's new summer collection I chose Cascade Cool, an adorable shade of pink, and purchased the polish with some skepticism. I should mention that while Cascade Cool is a pretty pastel shade, the other colours in Essie's summer collection are quite the opposite.

So, I tried it out. The result? I was pleasantly surprised with the first application! And after a second coat, I was in love. It was different from the bold, heavily pigmented colours I usually opt for, but it was nice; in a pretty, summery way! It's a very feminine shade, and it looks beautiful with peep-toe shoes or sandals this season!