Casual to Party - REAL FAST!

It's that time of year and life can go from casual to party at a minute's notice. 

Unlike a long anticipated special occasion when we allow oodles of time to glam up, an impromptu invitation can really catch you out!

But whether you're meeting friends straight from the office or you're invited to next door drinks, it's easy to crank up your style a notch with just a few simple changes or accessories.   

Casual to Party - REAL FAST! Plain to fancy!

5 minutes to a Party Face!

It's YOU that people want to see and whatever the scenario, there's no doubt that makeup and hair make the first impression!

No-one expects full regalia for a casual invitation, but with a 5 minute party face you can achieve a polished, elegant look that knocks 'em dead! So let's go - Lights, Camera, Gorgeous, casual to party in no time at all! A few key products and a confident smile you can truly light up a room!

Brighten Up Your Base: Start with a light-reflecting primer to create a glowing canvas. A touch of tinted moisturizer can even out skin tone without feeling heavy.

Lift Those Lashes: Give your eyelashes a quick curl and apply a coat of volumizing mascara to open up your eyes instantly.

Brow Brilliance: Define your brows with a pencil or powder, giving your face a subtle lift and framing your features beautifully.

Cheeky Glow: A cream blush in a soft peach or rosy pink adds a youthful flush; dab it on the apples of your cheeks for warmth.

Luscious Lips: Opt for bold lip color that makes a statement and elevates your look. Reds, berries, and deep plums can make you feel festive in a flash.

Touch of Glam: Finish with a sweep of shimmering eyeshadow in a neutral shade over the lids or a dab of highlighter on your cheekbones.

Elevate from desk to dinner!

Everyone needs a little black dress! It doesn't have to be black any solid color that suits you does the trick. Simple says chic! 

A plain dress worn to the office with a cardigan gives you the opportunity for a complete metamorphosis at 5 o'clock!  

No time to re-do your 'face' then use blotting paper to absorb any excess oil and the 5 minute party face becomes a touch-up!   

Your neckline not only frames your face but dictates the style of jewelry. Dress a V-neckline with a stunning pendant or pair a high neckline with delicate studs.   

A cute little jacket or glamorous scarf to drape your shoulders not forgetting the killer heels, and you're casual to party in no time! 

Give your hair a quick makeover too! If it's up take it down, if it's down put it up! 

Effortless elegance for a casual catch-up!

Don't let spontaneous gatherings catch you out. You can maintain a low-key style without sacrificing elegance when your meet-ups are last minute! 

Your work-at-home uniform of pants or jeans hardly has to change when you're invited to a impromptu drink with the neighbours or a girls night in.

Jeans, boots or metallic sneakers and a sweater that's softer and prettier than usual with perhaps just a touch of sparkle! You don't have to try too hard when the bubbles are ready to pop!

If you sit at your pc in a column of color? Then a pretty kimono does a coverup job in seconds! 

"Come as you are for take-out!"

Every woman will completely dismiss that suggestion but you can pull out the stops without trying too hard! It's not a dinner party but you are going to be facing friends across the table laughing, drinking and having fun! 

Makeup and hair are number one, then all you need is color to frame your face!

It's Christmas, so go bold or go home! Forget subtle prints, you need saturated color to glow in the evening light. Once you know your best colors you'll be able to pull out a top that makes you look and feel gorgeous.

No matter whether it's a tunic worn with leggings, a sweater dress with warm tights or a satin shirt worn with jeans; it's color that makes you stand out from the crowd.

4  Sparkling statement with accessories 

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize - fashion accessories are great investments that will showcase your clothes and change your style ready for any occasion! 

Many women work with a basic capsule wardrobe and neutral colors; accessories enable a basic outfit to be dressed up or dressed down according to your style personality.

Although the accessories you wear are probably relevant to your lifestyle, at party time you will still want to ramp up the glam! Would your choice be a pair of diamond earrings or a fun pair of Christmas chandaliers when you take casual to party? 

Whether you choose to don a fabulous pair of red or leopard print shoes or swap out your purse for something vintage, follow your own style and keep it all in proportion.

There is no doubt that one quality accessory will lift the appearance of any outfit, so whether it's a statement piece of jewelry or a fabulous vintage bag it screams 'quality'!

A layered necklace adds a really modern touch without being over the top!