OOTN: Christmas Party featuring Missguided

Hello puddings

As you know, I’m allllllll about Christmas, and as its been such a tough year, I couldn’t wait for some parties.

A bit of nice food, a few glasses of fizz and a good time sounded just the ticket. I’ve got two works Christmas events this year, so there’s a couple of party outfit posts on the way.

Firstly, apologies for the image quality - obviously I got ready when it was getting dark outside, so I had to work with normal indoor lighting. I still wanted to post these though, because I love seeing night out posts from other blogs!

I always look forward to an office night out because the people I work with are good fun. I was looking forward to spending some time with them away from the office, because we’re all so busy normally. I decided to opt for the classic LBD with a twist this time.

In my LBD Challenge posts I updated you all about my mission to try and drop some weight. I’ve been really good and dropped 5 pounds in total and this dress was my reward for doing that. I’m surprised how well I stuck to my diet!

I was aiming for a sort of glam grunge look, vaguely Kylie Jenner-esque but more on the classic side- because you know how much I’ve been coveting that style lately. The beauty of an LBD is that you can style it in so many different ways - it’s a blank canvas.

Outfit notes

Black biker sleeve dress – Nicole for Missguided

‘Tribe’ cage cut out heels -Asos

Oxblood Mademoiselle bag – PopKors

My lust for this dress was pretty severe as soon as I saw it.

I just loved the way the leather biker panels on the sleeves give a plain black dress a bit of an edge. Its quite covered up but still edgy – ideal for a work do.

Because of the top half being covered, I felt free to get the fake tan out and go bare legged. I love the way this dress makes me feel on – powerful somehow!

The fit is really nice as well, and its made of that thicker, neoprene like material that’s quite flattering. There’s nothing better than a dress that makes you feel confident.

I was surprised how well made this dress felt, its definitely improved my opinion of Missguided.

On my feet I wore these cage cut out shoes from ASOS. They play up the vampy vibe of the outfit wonderfully- ideal for a night that could take you anywhere.

Unusually for me, I didn’t wear any accessories. It didn’t feel like the dress needed any really, although I was planning on a small necklace and unfortunately I ran out of time getting ready and just forgot!

My bag was my current favourite, you’ve seen it a lot lately here - the oxblood Mademoiselle from PopKors.

If you haven’t discovered their bag boutique you have a treat in store. They have so many beautiful styles and although the prices are really reasonable, the quality is also amazing. I thought it helped the outfit by providing a little bit of colour.

Hair and Makeup Notes

My hair and make-up was inspired by the latest VS show, where they had the models with red lips and classic cat eyes- very old-school Hollywood!

Because of wearing all black, I wanted the drama of deep, dark scarlet lips to dominate my look – there’s something confident and powerful about them that goes well with the dress.

I was on a right power trip with this outfit! It almost made me feel like a different person.

Sticking to classic cat eyes balances the face but doesn’t overwhelm the red too much. Here’s what I used:

Skin

Benefit the Porefessional (not pictured)

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

BeautyBlender to apply

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Creamy Beige

Max Factor CC Crayon

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

I tried a few new tricks with my skin finish and I was really pleased with how they turned out. It was the first time I’d used my BeautyBlender, which had been sitting in a drawer and wow, so impressed – now I can see what all the raves online are about. Combined beautifully with my favourite Urban Decay foundation.

Then I tried contouring using the Maybelline Colour Tattoo as the dark shade and the Max Factor CC Crayon – this also worked really well.  I think I’ve found a new favourite combination!

 

Eyes

Absolute New York Eyeshadow Primer

Urban Decay Naked Basics palette

Urban Decay Super Saturated Cream liner in Perversion

W7 Liquid Eyeliner

Urban Decay Essential Eye Pencil in Venus/Crave

Mac In Extreme Dimension mascara

Anastasia DipBrow Pomade

Ardell Demi-Wispies

For my cat eyes, I followed the Charlotte Tilbury Feline Eyes tutorial on YouTube – I’m not as good at the shaping, but it still gave me a few really useful hints, like lining the outer corner of the waterline.

I used barely- there colour on the lids and made it all about the eyeliner and the lashes. It was my first time using Ardell and I was really impressed with them, they looked very natural. I can see why they’re a big celebrity favourite.

Lips

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Definer – Red Diva (not pictured)

MUA Luxe Velvet  - Reckless

My red lips were courtesy of a new favourite, the MUA Luxe Velvet, which is so gorgeous. I lined first and then used a lip brush rather than the wand included, to carefully get a more precise shape.

This stuff is seriously persistent though and by the time I’d had a couple of drinks, I managed to smear it everywhere! It proved to be quite high maintenance so I’d think twice about popping it on again for a drunken evening. There were definitely emergency repairs required at several points in the night.

 

Nails

OPI – My Private Jet

This is my perfect party shade. Love it! This picture does not do the shade justices – it’s a beautiful combination of charcoal and bronze, shot through with holographic particles. A subtle take on glitter.

 

Hair

I kept the hair simple but deluxe. I introduced lots of texture and volume by using L’Oreal #TXT Volume Supersizing Spray. This has a dry shampoo like texture that’s really good for big, messy -hair.I put in a deep side parting.

Then I swept it all to one side and pinned it there with a few grips, which I think gives a very glamorous effect. I was also wearing my Koko Deluxe Extensions from Kristellie, to really boost the look of my locks. They are so heavy and thick, they really give a party look some guts.

I had a great time, but again I didn’t really take pictures while I was out – there are couple below! I did have a good night but I was in bed by 12, so not too wild.

I haven’t really drunk anything much for several months, so I guess it hit me quite hard and I needed my bed. I’m already looking forward to next Friday’s Christmas party!