Valentines outfit.
Hello everyone, I thought I wasn't going to be able to post for quite awhile as I accidentally spilt some hot chocolate on my laptop. The screen went white, I started bawling my eyes out and a long phone call was made to my dad (who works in IT) that mainly consisted of him trying to calm me down. A few days later and she is working like always, I just had to let it dry for a few days with the battery out and now it's like nothing ever happened (although there are sticky keys...). Anyway, I have another outfit post for you today in the form of my outfit for a lovely Valentine's evening spent with my boyfriend. All items are a few months old unfortunately but they are so basic that you will most likely be able to pick up similar elsewhere. The playsuit is Topshop and the shoes are Primark.
My makeup look for the evening consisted of Rimmel Foundation, The colour Experts Naked palette eyeshadow and lipstick by MUA in shade 3. I would write a lengthy paragraph about it here, but I'll put up a haul post in the coming days for you as I've gone a little beauty made recently. If you are wondering how I spent my evening, my boyfriend cooked me dinner and we went out for cocktails. It was actually really lovely to spend the evening with just him and we didn't get wasted or anything we just enjoyed each other's company and had a laugh.
I hope you all had a lovely day taken or single. Why not comment below and let me know what you got up to?
New Look Winter Coat
Not only did I go out for cake and tea on Sunday, it was also the day I got to try out my new coat from New Look. I purchased it in the sale for just £20 and it is super cosy and warm! I really wanted a new black coat as my other one is quite old now, the lining is all ripped on the inside and most of the buttons are missing. This new coat is done up with just a zip so I've no worries of missing buttons and it fits so beautifully with enough room to allow me to wear a jumper underneath. I styled it with a jumper I bought in Topshop last year, black skinnies, a primark bag and a pair of leopard Vans. I absolutely love Vans off the wall plimsolls, they are so comfortable and you can get them in numerous styles which means that you can get a pair to compliment any outfit! I did have the original black Vans but they met their untimely end when I decided to wear them to a fair, not realising it was going to be extremely muddy! Needless to say they did not survive. I'm much more careful with these ones and they make for perfect footwear for a countryside stroll!
Our walk took us up near Old Sarum Castle in Salisbury, Wiltshire. We were a bit late to go and see the castle ruins but we could walk around the grounds and get a beautiful view of the city from the hill as well as the sunset. I'm not a fan of cold weather, nor winter at all really, but with a view as pretty as this and such good weather, it felt good to be outside.
How do you like to spend your sundays? Why not comment below?
Christmas party shoes for all budgets.
As you are all very very aware - the Christmas party season is already in full swing, many parties have already been held and so many more are fast upon us. It's this time of year that I always dread as I'm always torn between recycling something in my wardrobe or buying a brand new outfit. With the constant turn around in stores and trends it's easy to want to splash the cash on something new and why shouldn't you? It is the time of year for giving gifts to other people, but you can always treat yourself as well and what better than a party outfit! Now it's just tackling the mass of christmas shoppers or pages of online stores to find the perfect components. I always end up finding the perfect dress, however I tend to struggle with finding a pair of shoes to match as there is so much choice! This year however I have compiled a selection of party shoes for all budgets. So whether you still have a christmas list to complete or have some cash to splash, there is something in this post for every price range! Hopefully you will find something you like and it helps you on your quest for the perfect festive outfit! Starting with the most expensive first -
1. Lupin Laser cut shoes @ Reiss £195.00 | 2. Kurt Geiger Hart Suedette Court Shoes @ John Lewis £120.00 | 3. Karen Millen Rose Print Heeled Court Shoes @ ASOS £125.00 | 4. Kurt Geiger Suede Bow Detail Court Shoes @ John Lewis £110.00 | 5. Carvela Ghost Leopard Pony Print @ ASOS £130.00 | 6. Limited Edition White Strappy Heels @ River Island £110.00 | 7. Tilla Point Mule @ Whistles £155.00 | 8. Marin T-Bar Court shoes @ Reiss £179.00 | 9. Libertine Scallop Edge Heels @ Reiss £139.00 |
1. Hear Me Out Heeled Sandals @ ASOS £55.00 | 2.ALDO Fahlstrom Glitter Heeled Pointed Ankle Boots @ ASOS £90.00 | 3. Snake Print Court Shoes @ River Island £60.00 | 4. Black Suede Peep Toes Heels @ River Island £60.00 | 5. Black Leather Court Shoes @ River Island £60.00 | 6. Party All Night High Heels @ ASOS £60.00 | 7. Rizo Feather Strap Sandals @ Topshop £58.00 | 8. Pixelate Premium Sandals @ Topshop £98.00 | 9. Gold Glitter Peep Toe Sandals @ River Island £55.00 | 10. ALDO Ceglia Metallic Heeled Court Shoes @ ASOS £70.00 | 11. Bronze Platform Barely There Sandals @ River Island £50.00
1. White Cross Strap Platform Sandals @ River Island £45.00 | 2. Fern Faux Fur Canter Heels @ Boohoo £25.00 | 3. Gemini Metallic Court Shoes @ Topshop £46.00 | 4. Floral Platform Sandals @ Dorothy Perkins £35.00 | 5. Snake Finish High 2-Part Court Shoes @ Dorothy Perkins £29.00 | 6. Navy Glitter Strappy Sandals @ Dorothy Perkins £35.00 | 7. Jade Sling back Platform Mule @ Boohoo £22.00 | 8. Curve Heel Mono Court @ Next £30.00 | 9. Caggie Skinny Heel @ Boohoo £25.00 | 10. Glitter Point Shoes @ Next £35.00 | 11. Ruby Snake Effect Sandals @ Topshop £46
1. Leopard heel peep toe | 2. Skull Bow & T-Bar Velour Shoes | 3. Graphic Two Tone Platform Heels | 4. Glazed Metallic Sandal Heels | 5. Glitter Block Sandal Heels | 6. Metallic Strappy Sandal Heels | 7. Faux Leather & Tassel Ankle Boots | 8. Block Heel Faux Leather Shoes | 9. Contrast Platform Sandal Heels | 10. T-Bar Velour Sandal Heels
I couldn't resist adding Everything5pounds.co.uk in here as they have some pretty nice shoes, though I woyuldn't be too certain on the quality as I've never purchased from them. I had a good long browse just for you though so that I could choose only the nicest things on there and I'm quite impressed with the selection that I found.
7Have you got your party outfit sorted yet? Why not comment below!
Christmas plaid.
I decided to do today's outfit of the day in the living room as it's feeling pretty festive in there at the moment, though you may note that the tree is currently bare. We put it up and all the needles are falling off, which might have something to do with it being 10 years old. Needless (no pun intended) to say we are going to have to buy another tree! That has not stopped my lovely mother going crazy with the decorations however and we are starting to feel the festive spirit within the house. Today's outfit combines a plaid shirt that I bought from F&F which is in Tesco, M&S Jeans, Topshop boots and a Primark cardigan. The only thing that is still available to purchase are the jeans and you can find the link for them in another of my posts - here. Unfortunately, I could only take pictures in the evening as I was at work all day and curling my mum's hair when I got home, so the quality is a touch grainy but I think you get the gist!
Have you got your christmas tree up yet? Why not comment below!
The stocking filler guide.
I had so much fun creating a christmas wish list for myself that I have put together a handy stocking filler guide for all of you, that will hopefully give you some xmas inspiration! I always find it a bit more difficult to buy smaller presents for people, whether it be a simple secret santa gift or a little something extra to go with their main gift and I think I can blame that on my usual laziness when it comes to buying everything. This year however, i've decided to be super pro-active and get it all out of the way as soon as possible. I've gained so many ideas whilst making this and I tried to think of all tastes and different budgets, so hopefully there will be something here that applies to everyone.
Beauty products are always a staple element of any christmas stocking and you can add anything from cute little sparkly nail polishes to luxurious bath & shower products. If your girl likes to pamper herself then a stocking filled with a selection of little bits and pieces to help her get ready for a night out or unwind after a long week will be the perfect thing for her to open on the 25th December! A useful tip is to gain some knowledge of her favourite colours and maybe things she's running out of that can be replaced with a well thought of gift. Remember that some products may not be suitable for all skin types so it's helpful to get items that aren't irritable or too perfumey and maybe read some reviews online justs to be sure! I'm sure you've endured hints and nudges from the girls in your life about what they want for christmas and it's difficult to whittle it down to a few choice things or even find a suitable substitute for something a little more expensive, remember though that deals go on and off throughout December so look out for those price drops!
1. Naked 2 by Urban Decay £37.00 - Personally, I like the Naked 2 collection of eyeshadows the most out of the 3 sets available. It's the perfect mix of darling pinks and edgy dark hues, which is brilliant if you want a palette that you'll be able to use for day and night looks. UD shadows are ultra pigmented so you get vivid long-stay colours that blend beautifully and easily on the eyelid and are a perfect partner for any outfit.
2. Hand Food by Soap & Glory £5.50 - I seem to get a Soap & Glory gift set every christmas and I am definitely not complaining! They are a must-have brand with some wonderfully skin softening products that will have you sat stroking yourself all day. No really, they are that good! Not to mention they are available at a pretty bargain price range for products of this quality. I love this hand cream - it's easy to apply and dries fast with no overpowering aroma, leaving your hands always feeling sensuously soft!
3. 'You Look Lovely Today' Canvas Pouch by Alphabet Bags £18.00 - Every girl needs a neat little make up bag to store all their beauty favourites in and who doesn't want to be greeted by a sweet compliment every morning. I know I do and i'm sure your friend/sister/girlfriend/mother will too! The website states that it can be used as a clutch bag as well, which will add some novelty flare to any wardrobe.
4. Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes £20.25 - No smokey party eyes or pastel naturals are complete without a generous lashing of a great mascara and this one should compliment any beauty look. I've seen countless good reviews on the internet for it, giving the wearer quite literally - doll eyes! Lashes are elongated and thickened and it is available in black and brown.
5. Phoenix Rising Bath Bomb by Lush £3.35 each - No stocking filler guide is complete without a Lush bath bomb and any girl is bound to feel christmasy with the purple, shimmery, cinammony delight of Phoenix Rising. The bath water turns purple and the scent leaves you relaxed and a little sleepy - perfect for de-stressing and unwinding at the end of the hectic christmas run. I'm new to Lush products but they are a must-have for every bathroom, a little something special for that ever essential you time.
6. Lipcote Lipstick Sealer £3.79 - I'm sure you've seen this crop up on many a beauty based blog and that's probably because it is just as good as everyone says it is! I've been using lipcote for quite a long time now, my first experience was my best friend and I getting her mum to apply it ready for our first disco that wasn't run by the school. A long, long time! It was great then and it's even better now. Your lipstick stays on without any colourful transfers onto your coffee cup or your partner's cheek and at the purse friendly price of £3.79, no stocking would be complete without it!7. The Porefessional by Benefit £24.50 - If you can get it in travel size all the better because it is a little bit on the pricey side but The Porefessional does exactly as it says on the tin. Pores are visually minimized and skin looks soft and supple. Just a touch of the cream added to your cheeks smooths your complexion and sits well under make up. I have a cute little miniature version of this and I swear by it!
8. Essie Winter Baby Its Cold Outside Quad Box £24.99 - A firm favourite in the beauty world, Essie make beautiful long lasting nail polishes in an array of colours. I really love this little christmas collection and it's mostly because Essie have veered away from the traditional christmassy colours and provided a selection that will make your nails look stylish right through to partying on NYE night welcoming in the new year!
9. Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask 100ml £6.99 - I love a good face mask, they are good for cleansing your skin and are a great addition to a good ole' pampering session. Though clay masks can feel a little heavy, they leave your skin feeling refreshed and unclogged and nothings better than a reusable bottle of it!
10. Batiste Floral Essence 200ml £1.47 - What's to say about Batiste dry shampoo apart from that no other dry shampoo compares!
11. MAC Keepsakes/mineralize brush kit £42.00 - So this one might be a little expensive for a stocking filler, but a girl can dream, right? You need to have a good set of brushes in order to enhance your daily beauty routine and this set by MAC comes with not only 4 brushes but also a bag to keep them in. The set is available in silver, black and white and I am totally crushing on it and maybe even hoping i'll find it in my stocking. Ahem. Nudge. Nudge.
Who doesn't love some good old fashioned accessories? Whether you are recieving your annual hat and gloves or a cute little purse to store your christmas money in, accessories are thoughtful little gifts that show someone really cares. Most things should keep you within your budget but obviously if you've got that extra special person to impress, then a trip to Tiffany's won't hurt. Hint hint. Just kidding, but jokes aside, accessories can be another stocking filler that can allow you to help a person stock up on things that they really need or are always running out of. Take hair ties for instance - a girls best friend and her worst enemy. We love putting our hair up but no matter how many multipacks and array of coloured hair ties we buy, they always mysteriously disappear. A thoughtful little pack of hair ties is actually more meaningful than you would think and I certainly can't complain when I get little bits and pieces that are going to keep me stocked up for awhile! My mother does the obligatory hair brush - hair ties -extra make up - thing every christmas and it always makes me smile. No matter what you get it's important to remember that a gift is just a sign that you care and no matter the price tag, they will love you for it!
1. Chunky Knit Hat £7.99 - I love bobble hats! They are just so adorable and they come in so many colours. This one from H&M will be perfect paired with any winter coat and will keep those ears extra toasty!
2. Armani Exchange AX4259 Black Womens Strap Watch £125.00 - Watches are lovely gifts not only because they help you tell the time, but they are perfect for all ages and you can buy them in so many styles that it will be extra special finding one that suits the person you are buying it for! This watch by Armani Exchange is subtle and chic and will look dainty and delicate on the arm of any wearer.
3. Megan Oversized Earrings by Boohoo £4.00 - Earrings can compliment everyone and these triangular beauties from Boohoo are a mix of streetwear and smart and I love them! Seriously, I may have to invest! Evidence as well that not every gift has to be purse busting either as they come in at a cool £4.00. If she doesn't like oversized why not opt for some simple crystals or dainty hoops?
4. Nevaeh Velvet Bow Headband £6.00 - I feel like I need one of these headbands in my life! I'm not really one for the whole velvet scrunchie trend but one massive velvet headband I can deal with! Wear it with casual or party outfits and you are sure to get noticed and for just £6 and available in three colours, you're sure to find one to go in her stocking.
5. American Hair Ties by Kitsch £7.67 - What did I say before? Hair ties are a girls best friend! These cutesy hair ties by Kitsch can be bought in a vast range of colours and patterns so you'll need to pick the one that suits her best.
6. River Island Faux Fur Collar @ Very £25.00 - It's getting super cold outside and what's cosier than a warming fur collar? This patchwork one by River Island will keep your neck warm and can be added to any coat to add some new life into it, not to mention it will be a stunning match with your NYE outfit!
7. Sterling Silver Turq Filigree Band Ring by Accessorize £14.00 - I'm sure every girl out there has one impressive ring collection, but a couple more won't hurt and if you're looking for a couple of extras to fit in that stocking then a stylish ring from Accessorize will do the trick!
8. Sterling Silver Opal Stacking Rings by Accessorize £15.00 - Stackable rings recently came into fashion and I don't think they will be leaving anytime soon!
9. Mouse Mittens from H&M £7.99 - Are these adorable or what!? Your hands are safe from the cold and you have cute little mouse faces to look at whenever you go to pick things up!
10. Millie Leather Pouch by Accessorize £15.00 - Much like the make up bag above a purse is the ultimate fashion accessory and this one will look gorgeous as a purse or even a clutch for those wild party nights. Why not go one step further and fill the purse with smaller items?
The final selection of stocking gifts didn't really come under a specific name so I decided to go with 'This and That' as these gifts are the odd bits and bobs that you didn't realise you wanted until you get them. Stationary is a classic xmas gift, everyone needs a good bit of stationary and some websites/shops personalise items with a name of your choice, making it extra special. Other items include mouthwatering chocolates, lacy delicates and a captivating bit of literature. There's a vast array of things that you could buy your loved ones to go in their stocking, it's simply a case of searching for the right things and you can pick them up pretty much anywhere. I've detailed a selection of items below to get you inspired but it's one of those things that you'll know is right when you see it!
1. Triangle Cup Bra by Topshop £20.00 - Oh lacy lingerie you cheeky little thing... I don't care who you are, i'll bet my left foot that you love a good piece of lingerie and oh how I love to recieve it! This triangle cup bra from Topshop is so delicate and sexy and you can deny those two adjectives? The cheekiest little stocking offering you could possible buy.
2. Mini Lace Knickers by Topshop £10.00 - Obviously you need a matching set!
3. Leather Heart Keyring by Aspinal of London £30.00 - A less conventional stocking present but a flashy keyring is sure to help keep those pesky keys in sight! This one by Aspinal of London is stylish and can be added to not only your keys but also your bag or purse.
4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart £3.85 - This is by far one of my favourite books of this year and it's E. Lockhart's writing style that had me stuck to my kindle for hours. I loved it so much it took me a day to read. Primarily aimed at teenagers, the story follows the perils of teenage angst and the struggles of identity within a group of privileged youths. It has an unexpected plot twist and relatable characters. YOU. MUST. READ. IT.
5. Alphabet Scented Candles by The Country Candle Company £6.00 - Candles are another pretty safe bet when it comes to stockings, you can have them in your room, in the living room or even light them when you are in the bath. They create a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere and they are even better when they have your initial printed on them! You can get these candles in any letter from the alphabet - you could even spell a name!
6. Derwent Pastel Pencil Set £18.99 - Buying for an artist? I'm a self confessed pencil fan and Derwent create some pretty fantastic pencils. These pastel pencils are great for creating soft portraits and for extra blend they also do a blender and burnisher duo!
7. Dark Romance flexi linen plain A5 notebook by Paperchase £10.00 - What was that I said about stationary? Great for the bloggeer friend that needs somewhere to write down all her genius ideas or the wannabe writer with stories and articles on her mind. Stationary is also a thoughtful gift for someone going back to uni after the christmas break, notebooks get filled up fast with all those notes!
8. Festive Socks 3-Pack by Missguided £4.99 - Ah festive socks, christmas would just not be the same without you. Admit it, you love festive socks. Or maybe jjust socks in general? They are the present you often sigh at when you open them but come on, you must have tonnes of lonely socks living in your drawer whose partners disappeared in the wash.
9. Holdsworth Truffle Selection £8.95 - Obviously the best present in your stocking....chocolate! Need I say more?
There's a lot of other ideas you can add to your stockings, for instance my mother likes to put scratchcards in ours in case one of us wins big or maybe you could add a voucher or gift card. Or maybe you want to move away from the traditional stocking? Maybe they asked for a handbag for christmas? You could always individually wrap items and put them in the handbag and either wrap the bag, place it in a large gift bag or sneakily place it under the tree or in front the fire place late at night! It's always great to shake your christmas up a little and go for gifts they aren't expecting, but will most definitely love.
Like this post? Why not leave me a comment or write your stocking ideas below -
ASHISH X Topshop
It's official, Topshop have finally redeemed themselves in my eyes. This is how you do a collaboration Topshop, you find a wacky designer and let them create an equally wacky collection to draw in the crowds and who better to choose than Ashish? I have had a certain admiration for Ashish ever since he went overtly 90s in his SS2013 collection, churning out denim look after denim look like it was ironically 'going out of fashion'. Not to mention the sequins....THE SEQUINS!!!!
Yes, Ashish Gupta has a special place in my fashionista heart and to see this kind of recognition for him is delightful. That collection is seared into my brain and I love seeing him expand on his two favourite fabrics year after year, including in his FW2014 90s-street-princess combination infusing denim, sequins, lace and god knows what other abundance of glorious fabrics. That being said this collection with Topshop lacks his usual piled on looks and he has gone down a more simplistic beachwear avenue.....I love it! Nothing is better than seeing a designer show versatility and after all it's still in-your-face fashion. I mean there is a fill in the blanks t-shirt proclaiming 'I want to ....... your .......' if that doesn't cause strangers to raise an eyebrow at you, I don't know what will. Wait, yes I do....the mesh top with sequin crosses over the breast area is very likely going to cause some double takes. My favourite statement t-shirt from this collection has to be 'Hi my name is ....... my room number is ........' it's cheeky and fun and who doesn't want a slice of cheeky and fun in their wardrobe?
One thing that caught attention in the FW2014 collection was the trainers - bright white platforms with LED lights! These take me back to primary school and the traffic light school shoes you could buy, all you had to do was stamp down on them and the soles of your shoes lit up for everyone to marvel at. You can't deny the concept of light up trainers are cool, right? Well you are in luck because they are now available on the Topshop website, including a pair of sliders in the same style and just to allow you to light yourself up like a christmas tree there is also a transparent LED plastic backpack! Of course, be prepared to dip into your savings because casual coolness like this doesn't come cheap, the trainers alone are a hefty £300.
After all the excitement of suggestive t-shirts and light up clothing there are some more relaxed pieces including swimsuits, bikinis and garments made from towelling. Yeah, I said towelling, but fear not it's the perfect material for slumming it on the beach or by the pool in a hot country and the design of the pieces are pretty stylish nobody will notice the fabric! There is also accessories galore including quirky sunglasses and beach towels with slogans such as 'Dirty Beach' and 'Son of a beach' on them, once more paying homage to the loud aesthetic that ASHISH so cleverly delivers.
All in all I am loving this new collaboration and he's had some big names to follow including Meadham Kirchhoff and Mary Katrantzou, but he really has succeeded and I believe this is the gateway for a bigger market for ASHISH. I predict that a lot of items are going to disappear pretty fast and i'm looking forward to seeing bloggers and stylists alike, use them over the coming weeks.
Outfit Of The Day #6
Shirt - George @ Asda
Jeans - New Look
Boots - Topshop
Tote Bag - Primark
This isn't quite my outfit of the day as it is from yesterday, but that doesn't really matter does it? Cool, well this was on the way back from work as i had to go in for a few hours, boo! It wasn't all bad though as the UK is nice and sunny at the moment so the walk home was lovely. Pretty much everything apart from the jeans were bought last year, but i'm all about recycling clothes - none of this wear once rubbish for me! I have also dyed my hair to have a slightly red tint to it, though i didn't realise at first that it is only semi permanent hair colour, ah well. It also needs a good cut but i'm not sure what to do with it, ideas anyone?
Feeling Tropical.
For someone who dresses in so much dark clothing i've developed a real bad appetite for tropical prints recently. I think it's the influence of the sun coming back into dreary old England as well as the thought that June-July-August (my three favourite months!) are only a short wait away. I'm also learning to drive again, which at the grand old age of 21 is a touch overdue really, but a licence means unlimited beach trips in the summer and i can't wait! I've included some garments on my 'Feeling Tropical' wish list that really sell the idea of cocktails and sandy beaches to me and would add a little sunshine to my own wardrobe!
Easter Monday.
Today i went to visit Salisbury Cathedral with my boyfriend and his parents as well as visit a few pubs and have a few cheeky drinks. The cathedral was stunning inside, though i forgot my camera so i didn't get any pictures, however i do have a few below (taken on my boyfriend's phone) just from us messing around in the grounds. I am by no means religious and i suppose this is due to a very warped exposure to it all over the years, many religions have received bad images and this does sadden me. However, i an see the beauty within faith and i hold some admiration for those that find belief and strength in something. If you ever need to see the beautiful side of religion then visit a cathedral. One part that struck me most was that in easter tradition they had set up interactive areas around the building, one of which being writing a note for someone you felt needed saving. I will not go into detail about what was written on these notes but they were filled with all different languages and all types of love and pain. It gives me some kind of solace knowing that these people - wherever they have come from - feel that there is always someone there to listen to them and give them the support that they need.
This is Kyle and what i can only assume is his attempted cool and intellectual pose!
My only attempt at some sort of outfit post, i didn't really want to be posing in cathedral grounds and Kyle took this picture of me looking very awkward so if anyone is wondering the dress is Zara, Shoes - Topshop, Jacket - Topshop and bag - Primark.
I hope you all enjoyed your Easter and received some wonderful treats and spent some time with your family!
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