‘The Chapel experience’ has been on the grapevine for a while (in fact my step mum should probably be paid commission for the amount she goes on about it), so I was curious to see what all the fuss was about.

As I sunk into a velvet armchair armed with a Lemongrass and Ginger tea, one of their custom made chocolates and a magazine encased in an immaculate plastic folder, it didn’t take long to realise this wasn’t going to be like a trip to SuperCuts…

As I was slurping down my tea and reading all about Miley Cyrus (very high brow), the director, Gary, beckoned me over to the comfy sofas at the end of the clutter-less salon for a chat about my hair. Sat away from the mirrors and with the pressure off, we chatted about life, friends and routines. Before we knew it, we had digressed and Gary was expertly pinning my hair into a beautiful up-do as he demonstrated how to get myself out of the top knot rut I had found myself wedged into. Back on track (and slightly gutted we had to take it out), we started deciding on the right cut and colour.

After lots of samples and deciding whether to shock or enhance (no pink hair for me I’m afraid, folks), we found my perfect colour. The Redken colouring system used at The Chapel gives you a multi-tonal, glossy colour instead of the flat tone you get from home colouring. It’s all about depth and shine, and trust me, it makes all the difference.

With the colour applied and doing it’s thang, I settled into yet another armchair in yet another custom made area complete with footstools and a rather snazzy fire, and lost myself in my book. It would of been rude not to have a glass of wine at this point.

And another chocolate.

It’s what my hair would of wanted.

Gary soon pulled me out of the crime underworld in my favourite Martina Cole book and ushered me upstairs to have my colour washed off. The dimly lit room and massage chair only added to my relaxation.

As I was busy reading my book and hittin’ the grapes, and with no other clients booked in the middle of my appointment, Gary put together a slideshow of different hair cuts to gain a better understanding of what I wanted and no doubt to avoid my protestations that it just needed a teeny tiny trim. Hairdressers bring me out in a cold sweat at the best of times but when they suggest cutting a bob, I’ve been known to bring them down. Bring. Them. Down.

Luckily, Gary had listened to every word I’d said and we decided to chop a good inch off and frame my face with a ‘grown out’ fringe to add a bit of interest for when I wake up late and need to bundle my mane up on top of my head.

And…ta da!

I love the cut and colour and am enjoying the novelty of a semi permanent tint, knowing I can change it again in a few weeks. Although after years of hair dye abstinence, I totally forgot that your first shower quickly turns into a scene straight from Psycho. There’s nothing like a little murky red water to scare the bejesus out of you at 7am.

I fully recommend a visit if you’re after a little me time and need to escape the lure of that Inbox of yours. Luxurious yet affordable, you’ll leave without a care in the world and a spring in your step. With free WiFi, a strict Silent policy for your phone and plenty of reading material, it’s the perfect place to chill out and be looked after. Whats more, they charge in hourly blocks to give you the best price for exactly what you need.

This definitely isn’t your average hairdressers.

You can visit The Chapel in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells or Islington and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Heads up: The Chapel kindly gave me this appointment ‘on the house’ but you know me, the review is always honest!

We all have our favourites and here are mine…

1. Topshop Blush in Neon Rose £6

This cream blush is a firm favourite of mine after being recommended by my good blogger friends, Lil and Jen. Smooth to apply, long lasting colour and pigmented enough to also use on your lips and eyes, I don’t know why you’d ever use any other blusher.

2. MUA ‘Undressed’ Palette £4

I still struggle to believe this palette is only £4. The smoky colours and neutral tones make this the perfect day to night compact, the black and gold making it easy to top up your look for post work drinks. Try using a shimmery brown over the lids, the rose shadow layered over the top and a little black in the corners for a quick fix.

3. Maybelline Colossal Mascara Volum’ Express £7.19

It’s a well known fact that mascara adverts lie to you and it really winds me up! The digitally enhanced lashes and oh so subtle falsies that we are supposed to ignore make it really difficult to make a mascara choice. But finally, I’ve found one that really works. Colossal by name, this one is super black, adds volume and doesn’t flake by the end of the day. Perfect.

4. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.75

I should really be getting commission for the amount of people I’ve converted to Liz Earle in the past year. Now a complete convert, I’ve gone from using whichever make up wipes were on offer in Boots, to a full on skincare routine and will never look back. Liz Earle is completely natural, gentle on your skin and smells amazing to boot.

5. Cloud Nine Waving Wand £99.95

Yes yes, we all know I love babbling on about my hair, but this is a vital tool for any girl who wants those relaxed waves. This is by far the best styler I’ve used – quick to heat up, varying temperatures and super easy to use, it’s well worth the investment.

6. Revlon Just Bitten in ‘Romantic’ £7.99

I’m a newbie to lipsticks and figured they must all be like the drying, matt versions I used to slap on as a youngster – but not these bad boys. A quick slick of ‘Romantic’ (often without the need for a mirror – bonus) and I’m ready to run to work. A handbag must have.

7. Barry M Gelly Polish in ‘Blood Orange’ £3.99

If red lips weren’t enough to pick you up on a Monday, throw in some red nails and you’re all set. With high shine, deep colour and easy application, this is my favourite colour day in, day out. Just make sure you use a base coat to avoid discolouration.

8. Ralph Lauren, Romance £45.52

We all have our signature scent and this one is definitely mine. A floral fragrance, this perfume takes me back to my uni days. Actually, the less said about them, the better…

What are your favourite products? Can you recommend any must haves?

It’s one of fate’s little blessings that your sweatpants happened to have soup spilled on them that day…

Leather jacket, H&M // Denim shirt, Topshop // Vest, H&M // Jeans, Topshop // Shoes, c/o Chatham Marine

For a rushed journey across London to catch a train to Leeds, comfy mocassins, layers and my trusty leather jacket, were the only option I could think of at 7am. With a holdall and cabin bag packed to breaking point, and my laptop and satchel also being slung over my shoulder, I was glad of the flat shoes when it came to the dreaded Underground stairs.

It gives me the shakes having to navigate the tube with luggage – with women struggling left, right and centre with their luggage, burly young men breeze up the steps without a care in the world, gently nudging you out the way. Yes, we are independent women, yes, we have all undoubtedly over packed, but YES, we do still require help sometimes.

Wake up men of London – those muscles are not just there for show! Although, you know, thanks for putting them out there…

Rant aside, the point remains; sometimes you just need to dress for practicality. And let’s face it, who has the time to look like a fashion blogger all the time anyway?

After perusing the website for hours and unable to chose whether to go for practical multi-use or all out glamour, I resisted the floor sweeping beauties and decided on this sexy yet sophisticated Amelia dress.

The Amelia Dress, c/o Gorgeous Couture // Shoes, New Look // Crown, Primark

I’m a practical girl through and through, and this midnight blue dress can be worn with sky scraper heels for a night out, with tights, ankle boots and a leather jacket for a more casual occasion or with flats and a camisole underneath for summer days.

The only thing more exciting than a new dress, is a new dress arriving in the most beautiful packaging. Inside the sturdy box, the dress was neatly folded on a velvet hanger, encased in pink tissue paper. You know how kids prefer playing in the box their Christmas present comes in rather than the toy? That was me, only rather than get in it, I did what every twenty something blogger does on this sort of occasion….Instagram the hell out of it!

Paired with minimal accessories, the dress does all the talking. A rose flower crown adds a girly edge to the otherwise sexy dress and as always, I’m championing the pale skinned look. Orange hands and streaky legs just don’t work out for me.

If you have special event or a wedding this year, have a little look on the website and let your heart decide.

It might take a while…

Wikipedia: ”Hello, sailor” is a sexual proposition made to a sailor, presumably by a prostitute or promiscuous woman supposing the sailor to be male and sexually frustrated after a long time at sea.”

Fantastic.

Top, Forever 21 // Jeans, Topshop // Shoes, c/o Chatham Marine

I mean, I knew it obviously had something “ooh er” about it but come on, I didn’t realise it was so blue! That’s the last time I casually say it to my mum as a compliment when she’s all dressed up.

With us all now newly educated on the nitty gritty origins of today’s heading, it’s probably time to move away from ladies of the night and onto Bank Holiday reminiscing. For me, this weekend was a hectic blur of champagne, a wedding, 3 course meals and more flowers than Kew Gardens. As the sun shone, we laughed, ate our bodyweight in food and set off mesmerising Chinese Lanterns which then neatly nestled themselves in a nearby tree and began to burn like there was no tomorrow. I’ll tell you this for free, it’s not easy to poke a big stick between the smouldering branches, whilst trying to balance a wine glass and a sneaky slice of fruit cake at the same time in a pair of wedges. Skillz.

For the slightly groggy trip back to Kent yesterday, I slipped on this delicate sailor top from Forever 21, a slice of Topshop denim and the-best-shoes-in-the-whole-world. (Official name).

Ok, these beauts are actually called ‘Fern’ and were sent to me by the lovely people at Chatham Marine. Comfy, good quality and cute to boot, I decided we all need a pair of these in our lives and wangled you a 10% discount code. Just type in STYLETAG10 at the checkout and introduce your tootsies to heaven.

What did you get up to this bank holiday weekend?

When I’m cramped in a city, I crave for open fields, no light pollution and a good nights sleep. However, when I’m actually nestled in the country alongside Mother Nature, I get irritated by the slow internet connections, lack of cocktail bars and walking. Why does everyone suggest going for a walk anyway? Where are we going? Is there a Topshop at the end, like a shining beacon calling you to the finish line? Why is there horse poo everywhere? No, the fields just don’t cut it for me.

But I’ll tell you one thing, open space doesn’t half make for interesting outfit posts…

Jacket, Zara // Top, F&F // Jeans, Topshop // Belt, H&M // Mocassins, H&M // Sunglasses, H&M

A welcome change to the brick walls and car lined streets of late, no? I’ve come to the rolling fields of Bramdean in Hampshire for a wedding tomorrow and am currently sat in a courtyard in the sunshine, sipping wine and listening to AlunaGeorge singing sweet music into my (slightly fuzzy) brain. Yes, escaping from the city is certainly good for the old creative juices.

With lots of lovely, country-friendly, outfits jammed into my holdall, I can’t wait to fully lap up the scenery and pretend to be at one with nature.

Now where’s the nearest Pizza Express out here…

Alright alright, I know it’s not something that should be keeping me up at night, but whilst the weather is still making up it’s mind, I’m finding that jeans are too dull for this time of year but pretty dresses are just too flouncy for a Tuesday. Yeah, I went there. Flouncy.

Top, New Look // Skirt, River Island // Shoes, Primark // Bag, Republic

In a bid to solve this troublesome situation, I hit up River Island’s online sale with a vengeance. Buying two gorgeous skirts, this faux leather number and a little geometric print, and then a simple black style from H&M to top it all off, I’m feeling like the skirt-shaped hole in my wardrobe is beginning to be filled.

On the hanger, this skirt seems very A-line in it’s shape but worn with a tucked in top, it creates the perfect silhouette. Your waist is defined and legs look slender with the trickery of the triangle shape of the skirt. Perfect. Paired with a simple velvet bag, black peep toe heels and a smile, it’s an ideal, low maintenance, spring outfit.

Are you braving bare legs at the moment?

In the wise words of Miss Swift, I don’t know about you but I’m feeling 22. Plus 2. And then 1 more today.

Oh god.

Blazer, Asos // Belt, Miss Selfridge // Jeans, Topshop // Boots, New Look // Necklace, My Flash Trash

After a very hot trek down to the station and a few sneaky Instagram photos to entertain myself on the journey, I arrived in London ready for dinner with Lil from A Storm in a Teacup before we headed into the event.

Now, we didn’t mean for it to happen but you know what it’s like. “We might as well have a bottle of wine if it’s cheaper, no?” and before we knew it, we were half an hour late, tipsy and finding it all hilarious.

But being well rehearsed in this wine drinking malarky, we held our poise and no one knew of our antics as we strolled into the event. It was all going so well until we found the free bar…

The margaritas just seemed to slip down so easily and as the drinks kept flowing, Lil and I became bad bloggers! Whilst everyone else was listening intently to the talk by important people who had flown all the way over from the US, we were making cake pops, decorating shot glasses, devouring bags of sweets and making friends with the bar men. Overall, an excellently well played night!

The time soon came to walk Lil back to Kings Cross for her train to Leeds and for me to count down the minutes until the big 2 5 approached. I saw in my birthday scoffing chocolate mice, listening to Adele and calling an ambulance for a guy passed out on the pavement, who clearly couldn’t handle his liquor as well as me.

Well, I am 25 now and all…

So naturally, instead of staying away from the trend, I decided to pair mine with cutesy milkmaid braids to really make sure I look like a Beiber-loving teenager. Winner!

Shirt, H&M (similar here) // Dungarees, c/o OMG Fashion // Necklace, My Flash Trash // Shoes, Primark

After I stopped laughing at my reflection and the fact that I (believe it or not) turn 25 on Friday, I actually really enjoyed feeling like a proper girl again. The jeans, ankle boots and leather jacket combo that has dominated the winter months can gladly be shoved to the back of the wardrobe to make way for romper suits and swooshy dresses.

Worn with a textured knit, crisp white tee, chiffon blouse or denim shirt, these dungarees are set to be a firm fixture in my summer wardrobe. I’ll just have to remember to surgically attach my ID to me whenever in the vicinity of alcohol/12A films…

How do you style yours?

After I had established that yes, it is indeed a lovely place and it was time to stop Instagram-ing everything, I had a quick coffee with the lovely Lil from A Storm in a Teacup before we made our way into the Trevor Sorbie salon across the road for a very exciting event.

A small group of bloggers were invited to an evening with Cloud Nine, where we could see their styling tools in action and learn how to recreate 5 celebrity looks at home. After hearing lots about the brand and lusting after their waving wand in my recent haircare post, I couldn’t wait to try out their products.

After a quick go on their ‘decision tree’ to find out the ideal heat for my hair (you can try it out here and find out your recommended temperature), we were talked through the products in the range and it became clear that Cloud Nine are all about healthy, happy locks and knowing exactly how to look after it. Armed with a glass of the fizzy stuff and a handful of Percy Pigs, it was time for the tutorials…

Look one was a Kate Middleton inspired up do which is surprisingly easy to recreate. With the top section smoothed out with their Wide Irons and then lightly back combed, it was pinned back in small sections to create the main structure of the look.

The left over hair was then plaited, rolled up and tucked in on itself. With a few cleverly placed pins and a spritz of hairspray, it was done!

Here I am pretending 7 people aren’t staring at me:

And the finished look!

Very beautiful and easy to do, head here for step by step instructions.

The ‘Adele’ was created using The O, an innovative heated roller set where the rollers are magically cool in your hands and then expel their heat once in their place (again, a step by step guide can be found here). All the bounce of a blow dry but without achy arms!

This Jessica Alba look was created using the Waving Wand (my tool of choice!) and creates soft, relaxed waves rather than tight curls. You get all the shine from a wand but a less structured look. So beautiful.

If tumbling curls are more your thing, this Cheryl Cole inspired do with The Wand is really easy and looks great. These are also the most natural looking hair extensions I’ve ever seen!

This Anne Hathaway inspired, sleek do created with the Micro Iron is really easy and looks so beautiful on tightly cropped and coloured hair. You can find out how to get this look here.

Last but not least, was a Kelly Rowland showstopper using the Micro Wand. This gives beautifully defined curls, perfect for naturally curly hair that needs taming. Learn how to emulate the look here.

After a wonderful evening stuffing my face with gelatine based foods, drinking fizz and getting pampered, we were kindly given a jam-packed gift bag to take home, including a tool of our choice. Thank you, Cloud Nine!

I have no doubt that this would win the ‘Most Links In One Post’ award but it’s worth having a click and then a roam around Cloud Nine‘s site and try to resist buying something. Good luck with that one…

If you’re local to Hampstead, I fully recommend popping in to see Salon Director, Bree and her team. A calming atmosphere and a friendly face makes this a lovely place to relax. You can find out all their details here.