Mission Me!

In and Out!

2012-02-11T17:07:00.001Z

So many of you will know that when I got in to blogging a couple of years ago, I was on a mission to make a little more of myself. One of the first bloggers I followed was Laura of Buy Now, Blog Later. At the time, she was posting on her former blog, lollipop26writes.com. In particular, I loved reading her In and Out posts so today, I thought I would post my own.

IN

- 17 Mirrorshine, Beehive

This lipstick is my lip's best friend. It is so incredibly moisturising and this particular shade is very beautiful and easy to wear. The amazing look that Natalya created, for Valentines, used this lippie and I think, I fell in love with it just a little bit more (if that is even possible!) and don't even get me started on the fantastic price (currently £4.59) that the mirror shine lipsticks come in at. Bargain!

- Gucci, Guilty

I quickly went through that bottle of VIP (featured in this earlier post) . VIP was a gorgeous scent but it had very, very little lasting power. Resprays were constantly required and I think, I used the bottle in two weeks. There was no way I could justify £40 odd pounds on another bottle so soon.

Still, maybe that is how it should be, as right now, there seems to be only one scent that smells right (read 'right' as in 'I want to actually wear it!') and that is Gucci, Guilty.

Surprised?

Yep, me too.

I've always said I love the scent of Guilty but in my earlier review (where I see I referred to Black Orchid as White Orchid,oops!) I was a little wary of it. I found the scent beautiful but in a very obvious and in your face way. It seemed quite sensuous and one I felt a little nervous to wear and on certain occasions, it just seemed to be a scent that was too distracting and powerful.

However, for some reason, whenever I spray the scent now, it is just as bloody gorgeous but muted. In other words, it is now about as perfume perfect as it gets. I absolutely adore it and at the moment, it is the only scent I'm picking up to spray.

And by the way, Gucci Guilty lasts. Fact! It lingers on everything, skin; clothes; hair etc for hours. So this bottle should last a while.

- My new haircut

I finally got my haircut (FYI: A slight dusting off the ends DOES qualify as a cut!) after more then eighteen months. I am now on a mission to look after my more polished barnet and have brought some new products which I'm hoping to post with new hair photos (!) soon. It's strange but now I've actually had the "snip", I feel a bit stupid that I was so scared about a haircut and held off for so long. I mean for goodness sake, really, what was the worst that could have happened?!

- New Girl

Image from Google Search here!

Normally, I take it or leave it with comedy TV. When it comes to DVDs, for every episode I watch of Friends, I'll watch three or four more of Sex and The City or The Hills. However, New Girl is laugh out loud fantastic. I love it and although, her style is completely different to mine (ie.she always wears a lot of bright colours and I wear black, black, black, maybe a little denim, black, black and navy), I look forward to seeing what Zooey Deschanel's character, Jess, is wearing in each episode. As for Jess and Nick, a big awh, so meant to be!

- Katie Piper

Image from Google Search here!

You all know how incredible and inspiring, I found Katie's book, Beautiful, to be. Well, earlier this week, I watched her new documentary, 'The Science of Seeing Again' and this reminded me not only how amazing and strong Katie is but also, of the fantastic work she puts out there. So I went back and caught up with some of the 'Katie: My Beautiful Friends' episodes and what can I say but that I urge all of you to watch an episode or two of one of the Katie Piper documentaries. At the very least, it will leave you in complete awe of the human body and the courage that some people conjure up every day.

OUT

Image from Google Search here!

- Contact lenses

I thought that these were going to make my life so much easier but I'm really struggling to get them in and when I have to leave for work at 6.20am, I'm not sure just how practical these are going to be. Though once they are finally(!) in, all is good and the world is no longer a blur!

- Phytovolume shampoo

Image from Google Search here!

I have just finished a bottle of this and my hair always looked pretty good (considering it is mine) and big after using this but it was so watery and lathering action was non-existent. It reminded me a little of the Mane and Tail products. Maybe the condition of my hair is just a little too dry then is optimal for these products. The final result was fine but I just didn't like the way this Phyto shampoo made my hair feel as I was washing and drying it. Saying that, I'm pretty sure that this shampoo is much better for the health of my hair in the long term then some supermarket alternatives so may consider repurchasing Phyto (I really rated the citrus conditioning treatment a while back!) in the future but as far as Phyto shampoo goes, I certainly prefer the Phytorhum.

- Spending

Image from Google Search here!

I have so many of those bi-annual payments and direct debits due over the next month or so and I'm literally tripping over products and clothes in my flat so I really am going to try and take a no spend seriously this month. Honest, Guv!

What scent are you wearing? Have you got any contact lenses tips for me? I hope you've all had a fabulous start to the weekend. Don't forget to wrap up warm if it is as cold where you are, as it is here in England!

Ahoy there!

2012-02-10T18:33:00.001Z

A little note from me to you:
Hey, this is a post I drafted over a week ago but never got around to posting. What can I say?! There was just too much birthday cake to be eaten and a few too many presents to "play" with. I hope you can understand why I was a little distracted from photo editing and spell-checking but a week later and I realise, I need to get a post up ! ASAP!!! I've gotten so behind with blogging this year. So here is last week's feeble effort . . . Happy Friday, hope you are all well x

*******

I don't know about you but I find, birthdays always fall together. I recently had mine. Then Monday was my sister's and Tuesday was my Mum's. I'm also on annual leave. So over the last week or so, I have had the perfect excuse to try and mix up my look a little.

Monday night, I chose to debut my new white dress. I wore it with the Topshop collarless cropped jacket, jeans (typical!) and my New Look boots.

I think, by the end I looked like a little bit of a pirate especially as I chose to leave the one dress sleeve hanging under the cropped jacket just to add a little more interest to the outfit.

Of course, every pirate has a little bling and mine was in the form of an old favourite, my massive twinkling ring from Tanya Burr's, Talullah Tu jewellery line (I brought this about eighteen months ago. Read that post here).

As I said before, white is very classic and clean so I tried to keep the colours of my look equally bold. I used, 'Tweet Me' from MAC on my eyes and then lined them heavily with a kohl pencil from Body Shop and Carbon. Then for the lips, I went red! Yay, red always puts me in party mode but there is really only one red that I'll leave the house in and that is the gorgeous Viva Cyndi.

Meanwhile on Tuesday night, again I invited the Top Shop jacket out to play and paired it with a H&M sequined vest which I tucked in (I was lacking a belt and I felt quite daring, 'tucking a vest in' as my casual look normally features a vest top of some kind hanging over jeans etc.) to my black midi (maxi on me!) skirt from Next.

Then, just because I seemed a little obsessed, I added a little more sparkle in the form of my twinkly ballet flats from New Look.

Make-up wise, I wore a look more familiar to my face. All That Glitters on the eye and Snob (my old love!) on the lips. I carefully applied and blended Snob with a little Creme Cup to try and avoid a patchy finish.

Now, I've got to decide what to wear for my little niece's birthday tomorrow . . !

In other news, I finished Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson last week. It was a fantastic book with a lot of twists and turns which I didn't see coming (and my goodness, was I looking out for them!?!). I'm not sure if this just means I'm a bit slow on the uptake or that this, is genuinely a very clever book. Whatever the case may be, it sure was entertaining and I'm glad that I read it.

I'm now moving on to something a little lighter. I Heart Vegas by Lindsey Kelks. I read the Single Girls To Do List last year and found it so so (mind you, if I remember correctly I was in a bit of a strange mood at the time) but I've read all of the 'I Heart . . .' series so far and have always found them a great laugh so fingers crossed for this one! I'm also planning to dip in to a couple of photography books that I was given recently.

These books by Michael Freeman are more about the composition of photography rather then the technicalities. I'm definitely more a 'place the pretty flower here next to the vase so that it can show it's natural colour off' type of person rather then 'press this button and this button to make the flower appear beautiful but artificial and completely foreign to it's reality' so hopefully, I will pick some tips up with these.

Do you mix up your style or make up very often? What are you reading right now?

And the winner is . . .

2012-02-01T21:29:00.000Z

So . . .

I logged on to random.org earlier this evening and a winner for my giveaway was generated.

Let's pause a moment, Ant and Dec style . . .

And . . .

Ahem *somebody reading the blog coughs*

More pausing . . .

Cue music and atmosphere of suspense!

A little more pausing . . .

Should I insert an ad here?

No?! Er ok. Just another little pause then . . .

. . .

Image from Google search here!

Congratulations Lipstick Fridays, you've won!

Yay!!!

I will email you shortly.

Image from Google search here!

Lipstick Fridays chose the beautiful MAC lipstick, Angel as her prize. Angel is a gorgeous, light rosy pink that has being a staple in my collection for a good year or so. I hope Lipstick Fridays likes it as much as I do. I think, it has just the perfect degree of pink for spring!

Thank you to all who entered. I'm sorry that you couldn't all win but my, didn't you pool some good choices?! A couple of lippies in particular caught my eye.

Lady Bug (suggested by Amelia)

Image from Google search here!

Billed in reviews as a sheer but buildable red with yellow tones, this MAC lipstick is very sophisticated and has a bit of a glamorous, timeless vibe about it yet apparently, it is an amazing pick for those a little nervous or new to red lipstick. Stunning!

Perfect Day (suggested by Kat and Joan)

Image from Google search here!

This lipstick is from the recent MAC collection, Naturally. It looks like a gorgeous nude. I've tried Darling and Barry M 100 before but usually, my lips are left looking chalky and dry. However, this one looks a little less concealer-like and just slightly more human in colour and as an amplified, it should give a good colour payoff. I'm not surprised that it's currently sold out online.

Certainly, two more for the wish list! Oh, if only my hair grew as quick as that friggin' list!

Hmmm, must say I quite like this giveaway malarkey. Let's get me to 150 followers and then we can have another . . !

Sunday bargains!

2012-01-29T23:33:00.001Z

So I just had to share with you my bargain of the ~~week,~~ year so far!

I brought this little Miss Harvey number in Beales, a local department store for just five pounds reduced from twenty (oh yes!) and I think, I'm going to get more then my money's worth.

As simple as this number appears, there are a number of things that have caught my eye and most are positive.

I love . . .

* . . . that this number is asymmetrical. This somewhat 'lopsided' look has always appealed to me. The flash of shoulder can be quite alluring yet as the other shoulder is clothed (and in this case, with a full sleeve), the number could never be dismissed as too tarty.

* . . . the fact that the one sleeve is sheer. This is both "on trend" and again, a little teasing.

* . . . that indeed, it is designed as a dress but looks very cute over a pair of dark blue jeans. Yep, I'm more likely to wear this one in the more casual manner. I'm thinking of chucking in the Primark nude heels (that I'm currently obsessed with. I featured them in the last post here and will probably continue to mention them in every post until they are scuffed and I start to sulk!) and Viva Glam Cyndi as I've been looking for an excuse to crack the ole red lipstick out again and this dress/top could just be it. I think, the white will work well with strong, defined colours.

*. . . the simple, stark white that this number is, a colour that I lack in my wardrobe. Yes, I like neutrals but those that I do have, of the lighter hue, tend not to be white-white but instead to be slightly off, heading in the cream and ivory direction. Aside from Tee-shirts, actual plain white garments are quite a rarity on the high street but with spring coming, I'm keen to introduce this colour in to my wardrobe. There is something fresh and new about daisy white garments plus it makes me look quite innocent which more often then not, is no bad thing! ; )

So far, only good, good points and to be honest, my only worry with this number is that it is indeed, white and I am me, a sum that doesn't really add up. I'm so clumsy that yes, indeed this dress/top is not likely to last more then an outing before a very messy encounter with red wine or spaghetti (if you squint, you may spot some make up marks already!) and then of course, thinking about it some more, there is that delicate sleeve and my habit to fall off my heels (especially when they are as high as the Primark nudes!) but you know at £5, I still maintain that this little number is an absolute bargain and I can't wait to wear it!

And to Bargain No. 2 . . !

That's right, there was not just one bargain today but two. I popped in to Boots to repurchase my staple foundation, the Revlon Colorstay in Ivory for Dry/Normal skin.

Tangent time: Colorstay was one of the first foundations I tried when I began blogging a couple of years ago and initially, I was very disappointed (and was quite harsh in reviews) but four or five colorstay bottles later and I'm honestly not tempted by anything else. The only foundation that impresses me anywhere near as much (and still, not as much) is L'oreal True Match. I find that the Colorstay blends seamlessly if you get the right colour, lasts most of the day, gives fantastic coverage while allowing the skin to still look like human skin plus the bottle seems to last two to three months with daily use.

Anyway back to the bargain which was a free Revlon Lip product of choice when buying the Colorstay.

After a good ten minutes of swatching and changing my mind between this gloss and that lippie, I opted for the Revlon Colorburst Gloss in Crystal Lilac (002) worth £7.99. I only have three or four glosses and gloss is a certainly a make up product that has grown on me over recent months. It's unusual for me to leave the house now without a little Underage slicked over that day's lippie. Yep, today that was Creme Cup. Still, my lippie of the moment!

Crystal Lilac looks to me quite a dusty pink colour with some shimmer. I will let you know how we get on. Online reviews seem promising!

Now, I was going to ramble on about books here but this post is just getting a little too long (again!) so I think, I will cut out and save the book ramble for maybe, a quick post tomorrow.

Have you picked up any bargains recently? What is your go to foundation? Any Revlon Lip product recommendations?

Anyways, I hope you had a fabulous weekend. Don't forget my MAC giveaway closes soon! Read this post if you haven't entered yet. I hope anybody in the UK (or anywhere else) who does get snow (if it comes) doesn't get stuck. Take care!

The blue cutout dress!

2012-01-26T15:34:00.003Z

You may recognise this little number. It is the Topshop dress that I was all excited about buying a few posts ago. As soon as I slipped it on, I knew it was a purchase that had to be blogged. (FYI: Not everything of mine gets here. I have made many a mistake and the allure of many pieces even I struggle to identify, let alone share.)

Yet, I still hesitated and the reason for that (aside from the Great Bloat) is because this dress really does look a lot better in reality. Trust me, this one is stunning but everything about it, the vibrant colour, its substance, all just seems a little too muted on camera.

Obviously the first thing you notice is the colour. To say, that it is bright is an understatement. However, even as a recovering black-aholic, this bright, bright blue is a colour I feel at ease wearing. Maybe because the shape of the dress is quite conventional. It has a high neck, it covers the arms (woo!) and though short, the length remains decent (bear in mind, I'm short, not quite 5ft 2).

All these classic features add up and means that one more design twist (literally) in addition to the colour can be thrown in conspicuously and still, without the dress becoming too much. The cut outs seem to fall in a very flattering position on the side, giving the impression that the rest of the body is as toned as the little cut outs suggest. Got to love the power of design details!

Such features also mean that I do not need to think too much about accessorising with this one. I have tried necklaces but they look a little too much with the high neck and the centre twist. So the other night, I settled with a handful of gold bangles from Accessorise and some nude heels from Primark.

This dress was a pleasure to wear and indeed, some online reviews suggest that it could be slimming. However, I do think that I was lucky as the dress I picked up seemed almost a perfect fit (which doesn't happen very often) and I feel, that if it had being instead a little baggy or a little too tight then all the design details would have been pulled out of sync and the final look ruined. So while I do recommend this dress (fantastic price!), please try this one on before taking it home. There is no reason why this number will not flatter any size but I do think, it is one where you need to get the right fit!

If you do try it, then let me know what you think. I'm really curious as to whether the burgundy version works as well as the blue seems to.

And er, it has always got to come back to hair!

Image from Google Image Search here!

In other news, I love, love, love Victoria Beckham's new haircut! I'm not sure I could live with it as I always seem to struggle with layers and tousling to just the right degree but I think, this style is adorable and looks so, soo good on her and that fringe just tones down the beachiness enough to maintain that Beckham polish.

Image from here!

Hmmm, I wonder how much an appointment with her hairdresser is?! More then I can afford! You think!! For now, I guess, I'm just going to have settle with my Moroccan Oil which is every bit as amazing as I remember. Nothing wows me like it! Have a look under the Hair post header at the top of the screen for my earlier reviews.

What do you think of the Topshop dress? Do you dig Victoria's latest look? What do you think of Moroccan Oil? Have you entered my MAC giveaway yet? See the details here in the last post, don't forget the giveaway closes on Wednesday!

The Giveaway and some more MAC!

2012-01-24T21:15:00.002Z

I know, it looks delicious.

Indeed, it was (!) but this cheeky little cheesecake has scuppered my blog plans a little.

I was planning to do an outfit post today, I have a couple of little dresses to show you but after a long weekend of overindulgence, I really don't feel like fluttering around in front of the camera. In fact, to be honest, I can hardly move. Yes, I really did eat that much!

So while we are waiting for the great bloat to pass, I thought I would share with you the rest of my MAC haul.

You already know about All That Glitters but I also picked up some other eye shadows specifically, Retrospeck; Bronze and Mystery.

Mystery has been on my wish list for a while now. Tanya Burr has done a couple of tutorials with it and created some gorgeous, smoky eyes. I would love to be able to create eye make up similar to this.

I guess, I'm hoping that merely including Mystery in my own collection will bring me one step closer to Tanya's amazing make up looks and talent. Hmmm, yeah, if only it was that easy!

Still, I don't think I'm going to regret purchasing Mystery. It is such a nice cool toned matt brown which seems a better brown for me. Some of the reddier browns such as Sable can make my eyes look tired and irritated. Mattes also seem to offer a more definite contour.

Bronze was a little bit more of a random purchase. It looked great in the pan and swatched well. When you pair these little points with the fact that gold/peachy shadows seem to bring out the little hazel specks in my green pupils -and oh yes, makes my eyes "pop"!- then really, Bronze was destined to come home with me.

Retrospeck, too, was a random purchase. It looks pretty and swatches well but in reality, online reviews seem a bit blah. Some suggest that the shadow is not particularly pigmented and I do worry that maybe, it will look a bit ashy on me. I guess, time will tell but I think, Retrospeck is most likely to become my new inner eye highlight if I reach for it at all!

I also brought three lipsticks, Angel (a current fave); Hug Me (a newbie for me. I asked for Hue and I guess, the assistant grabbed the wrong one out of the draw. Still, I'm gonna give Hug Me a shot as I haven't really got any wearable browns in my collection) and the one I'm a bit dreamy about at the moment, Creme Cup.

I've heard so much about Creme Cup but still, I can't remember ever trying it. I guess, Creme Cup falls in to that Hue, Patesserie, Angel, 'pink nude' type class and since I kind of lost my heart to Hue, the day I first walked in to MAC, it has took me too long to give the others any attention but yes, indeed, you were all right! Creme Cup is amazing and like Angel, comes in to its own when you give it a chance. I can tell you now, this cremesheen isn't going be far from my lips this week!

Well, I think, that is about all I got from MAC this week. However, I will be returning again soon (I need Hue!) which brings me to my giveaway.

*********************************************************************************

The 50 Follower Giveaway!!!!

Yay, that's right, I am giving you a chance to win either a MAC lipstick or a MAC eye shadow of your choice.

I know, its hardly original but who doesn't ~~want~~ need another piece of MAC?!

So here are the rules!

- This giveaway is open internationally.

- You must be a Google Connect Follower of Mission Me.

-A For one entry: You must leave a comment on this post naming the lipstick or eye shadow you would like, if you win. Please also leave me a contact e-mail or blog address so I can contact you if you win.

-B You will receive two additional entries, if you also tweet about the giveaway. Please remember to mention me @xessjay23x so I can see your tweet. You also need to link back to this post and mention your tweet (and your name on twitter) in your comment here.

-C/D You will receive three additional entries, if you mention the giveaway in your blog post or/and sidebar. You must link to this post. You must also link me to your post/sidebar in the comment below so I can see it. If you mention the giveaway in a post and in the sidebar, you will receive six additional entries.

-Each person can only enter once in A, B, C, D. Basically, nobody is entitled to more then 9 entries.

-This giveaway will end on 0001am, UK time on Wednesday, 1st of February 2012.

- There will be one winner. That winner will be chosen randomly. They will receive a lipstick or eye shadow of their choice from the MAC permanent line as long as I can get hold of it.

- This is my giveaway so my discretion is final!

*Just in case, I've confused you all. Here is a comment similar to one you might leave, if you decide to enter

'Enter me! I follow your blog with GFC. I would like to win ...........! My google name is .................. and my e-mail address is ..........@...........! I have also tweeted about your giveaway. My twitter name is ............! I've also posted about your giveaway here http://.............. and in the sidebar of my blog here http://..........'

I hope this is clearer then mud for you, lovelies! Good luck!! Can't wait to see which lippies and shadows you're yearning for!

EDIT: This giveaway is now closed. Details of the winning entry (and a peek at some lovely MAC lippies) can be found here, link.

All That Glitters!

2012-01-22T11:04:00.003Z

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Before the shadow talk commences, I just wanted to thank you all as I reached 50(!) GFC followers yesterday. It may not seem much to some but it made my weekend. Thank you x x x
As promised, there will be a giveaway which I will try to get up this week. Thanks again. Also loving all the comments, keep it up ;)))

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Let's talk about eyeshadow, in particular, All That Glitters. This was one of my early MAC purchases. It was hardly an original choice but near enough inevitable. All That Glitters has such a cult following online and must have been suggested as a MAC starter must-have, a hundred times over.

However, I did not fall in love with it straight away. The shimmer scared me and in the pan, All That Glitters looked a bit too shimmery and cheap compared to the warmth of the matte Modellette. Apart from the shimmer, there seemed to be nothing else about it.

However, once on the lid, All That Glitters is so pretty and enhances the eye, I think, I've said before All That Glitters is one of those shadows that gleans compliments for your pretty eyes rather then your pretty eye make up. People do not always ask me what shadow I'm wearing when I have All That Glitters on but they do comment on how well and bright eyed I'm looking.

All That Glitters is technically a champagne pink but in reality, it is livelier! Pretty peachy and pale gold tones reflect back from my mirror. I like this as some shadows may be equally pretty in theory but on the lid, they appear more smudgy and can make me look a little tired and sluggish. Yes indeed, I'm looking at you Mythology!

Over the last eighteen months, I have grown to love All That Glitters and it has become my go to shadow. It is so easy to use. A sweep or two and a slick of mascara and that's eye done, Angel on and out the door! Simple and easy, my kind of make up. Occasionally when I'm feeling daring, I'll pair All That Glitters up with other shadows. Sable, Embark and Buck have all been worked in this way and to be honest, I have yet to find a shadow that does not work with All That Glitters. It seems to work with everything (including skin tone, I wear this pale and tanned)!

Yes, the name rings true. All That Glitters does glitter but not as much as the pan suggests and always without the fallout associated with cads like Sidecar and Gleam.

I hit pan a couple of months ago and the repurchase has been a long time coming. I put it off, thinking I could find something else in my collection just as simple and versatile. Fail(!), as much as I love Naked and Modellette, there is nothing quite like All That Glitters and it goes without saying, I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already.

I picked up a few other items in MAC yesterday which I'll tell you a bit more about soon. In the meantime, what MAC shadows do you recommend? I've decided, there has got to be at least one MAC 15 palette a lifetime and I'm looking for suggestions to fill it. Woodwinked and Honesty caught my eye in store yesterday, any thoughts?

Also making me smile at the moment is . . .
* My upcoming birthday!
* Annual leave
* Bath, love that city.
* The smell of Elnett hairspray
* MAC Angel lipstick
* Soap and Glory Scrub em and leave em
* Soap and Glory Hand Food (ahmazing!)
* Before I Go To Sleep, S J Watson
* Chocolate Brek (surely, I should have grown out of this by now?!)
* White feathers
* This one (still!)

* And then 'cos versastility is my middle name, this one

What are you loving at the moment? What is your favourite MAC eyeshadow? Do you have All That Glitters? Happy Sunday!

My first VIP scent and a dress!

2012-01-15T20:40:00.000Z

Finally, I have purchased a bottle of 212 VIP, Do You Know What Private Means?!, NYC.

A Carolina Herrera perfume that, in theory, shouldn't be for me. You see, that is what this 212 VIP, is all about, the 'me' as in the one that wears the gorgeous scent, the VIP. It is almost like if worn then this scent puts a spotlight on you and makes you shine. Basically, wear this and you'll be the centre of attention with everybody pandering to your every whim!

'She has it.

She is on every guest list.

You know her you saw her.

She is the one who walked past you.

In the line upand straight in the door.

She is the one on the arm of that guy you wanted.

She stole your seat at the bar.

She stole your attention on the dancefloor.'

Some of the spiel from the official website here.

Now, some may find the idea of such excess intoxicating but though, I appreciate the sophisticated gold capped bottle (even if it took me a while to figure out which bit opened) and the entertaining film ad, this branding is more of a novelty then a draw to the perfume.

However, I owe my love for this perfume to its one redeeming factor, that is the scent itself (Note: Some reviews draw a bit of a parallel with Calvin Klein, Euphoria and allude to a younger Flowerbomb) which encompasses a mix of sweet; vanilla; rum;woody and tropical notes to beautiful effect. It is classed as an Oriental Vanilla. Surprisingly, despite the branding, there is little more to say about this scent other then, it is very pretty. Contrary to the branding, there is nothing too much about this perfume. The pretty scent though definite (and yes, pretty) is actually quite mute and smells neither too sweet or too musky but it does make me feel that little more feminine and chic.

Now I've only had the scent a couple of days but classy and clean are the two adjectives that come to mine. It reminds me a little of Gucci, Flora in that this is a perfume, I would wear to shop or to dinner. It is a perfume that would let me fall in to place anywhere and could also, be worn all year round. This perfume lets you walk in to the room on its arm rather then strutting and wafting on in front, announcing your arrival before you've even reached the door. It is appropriate, confident and self-assured rather then chaotic, brash and attention seeking. I think, this modern scent is more representative of its inspiration, New York City, a city full of aspiration and diversity that never sleeps, then it is of its branding which seems a bit more ruthless and Hollywood to me.

It is a bit early to make statements about the lasting power of this pretty scent but I do hope that it is longer then some reviews suggest. After all, there seems little point in adorning a pretty perfume if nobody can smell it. If that was the case then maybe there really would be better things then perfume to splash the cash on!

I hope, you have all had a very good weekend. I did! I fell in love with this, my new body con cut out dress from Topshop.

I'm really loving the cobalt factor and seem to be developing a bit of a thing for these bold, happy colours!

Have you tried any of the VIP scents? What scents are you liking at the moment?

So tempted . . .

2012-01-11T20:32:00.001Z

Er oh, there could be some trouble brewing as I am (very) tempted to go blond!

Yes, it would be a bit foolish and quite likely, stupid; bad; ridiculous and dangerous also but suddenly, I feel compelled to be blond. Actually, to be honest, it was only as sudden as Milly's new look, I love her new blonder locks!

Yes, I know, I have gone on and on about wanting longer and longer hair. However, I have recently come to the sad conclusion that my natural hair will never be more then longish. It seems, I was never destined for Rapunzel-like locks, no matter how many beans I eat or how much I splurge on the latest hair miracle. Sob!

Therefore, why shouldn't I throw caution to the wind (me bitter?! pah!) and go to the lighter side?

I've briefly crossed this border before and the result is one, I try to block out. Straw comes to mind. This horrible hue, I rarely allow my mind to recall, was created entirely by highlights and I think, that was my mistake. I was thinking about the health of my hair too much and consequently followed the salon's advice, to avoid the bleach. However, I spent that much time and heat trying to style a look that carried the patchy, brash colour better, that, even without bleach, my hair was well and truly fried within weeks and um, I was still not happy with my hair!

So I've learnt my lesson and honestly, can't see how throwing bleach in to the process could cause any more disappointment then what I felt last time I crossed to the lighter side. If I do take the plunge again then this time, it will be with a plan:
1) Pre-lighten hair at home with bleach
2) Tint at home
3) Then get highlights at the hairdressers.
I have watched a few You Tube videos and these steps seem to have achieved a reasonable success rate for darker brunettes like myself. I know this is not the proper way to go blond. If any of my friends or indeed any of you asked me about going blonde, I would advise the salon but what is it, that they say?! Do as I say, not as I do (or contemplate!).

My personal plan seems economical and means I'm more likely to get a colour that I want rather then the standard sensible compromise that is normally nervously swished by those leaving the salons. Still, it is a big decision (in the barnet context) and I will not make my choice lightly. I am going to take some time and see if this crazy yearning passes.

In the mean time, I am going to use one of my favourite intensive conditioners, the Lee Stafford Treatment for Hair That Never Grows Past A Certain Length to pack lots of goodness in my hair just in case . . !

FYI: This is my ideal blonde look. Fingers crossed, I might be able to achieve something similar if I keep my love for hair extensions alive.

Found in Hairideas magazine, page 91, February 2012. They have credited the MAURICE MEADE ARTISTIC TEAM, AUSTRALIA

Are you blonde? Is it natural? If not, how do you do it? Brunettes and Redheads, have you ever been tempted to cross the divide?

Another shoutout for New Look!

2012-01-06T17:57:00.001Z

Yet again, I want to mention New Look. This is for one reason, this Penzima Print Bodycon dress!

There seems to be an abundance of Aztec and tribal related items in New Look at the moment and until now, such collections would have being of little interest to me. You see such designs seem to involve print and/or colour, two design features rarely invited in to my wardrobe. However, there are a number of reasons why this little number is an exception and has, now found a home in my wardrobe.

1/ The Princess!

Picture from Google Image Search

OK, there is no point trying to deny it. This piece initially caught my eye because at a distance, it reminded me of a garment that was splashed all over the papers about a month ago, the black and white Zara Tulip dress adorned by Kate Middleton (or should that be, Windsor?!). Sidenote: This dress sold out very quickly but here is a link to the Zara Tulip skirt though, which is still available online!

Kate Middleton's groomed and polished style has really grown on me over the last six months or so and this dress seems quite Kate (high street style) to me. Although not lace and with a different neckline, the New Look offering is of a similar pattern and length. You could certainly create a similar vibe wearing the New Look number!

2/ The design and its versatility!

The shape of the New Look dress is very flattering. It is short with a low cut rounded neckline (on both the front and the back) but the long sleeves balances the flesh out and keeps the final look quite decent. It is an easy number to wear alone, throw it on and you are done. On the other hand if you want to cover up a little more, there are plenty of styling options available. Just add in some thick tights/leggings or a jacket, Kate style. On the other hand with a couple of long necklaces and some knee high boots, this dress could easily be 'funked' up.

3/ The hat!
I'm even thinking this could be the dress that gives me an excuse to buy a floppy wide brimmed hat, an accessory on my wishlist for no other reason then I want it even if it is only to prance around in front of the mirror in. As this dress is quite low cut on the front and the back, a bit of accessorising and a new hat could be justified. I quite like this ASOS one!

3/ The print!
I haven't got much print in my wardrobe (just the New Look beautiful sparkling, sequin kimono that I posted here) and certainly, none of this Aztec nature. Surely that in itself, justifies the purchase. One of the things that scares me about print, is that often the garment will appear busy. With this dress, I don't feel as overwhelmed. The monochrome (black and cream) colour scheme makes it a little easier on the eye and of course, a print consisting of two such neutral colours, is for me, that bit more wearable.

4/ The price!
My little find is just £16.99! I wish, I could link you to it but I can't find it online :( However, it might be worth trying to seek it out in store and trying it on.

What do you think? Do you like this dress? Do you like Kate's style? Do you have day dresses or do you save dresses for special occasions?

The Top Shop Scalloped vests!

2012-01-02T18:09:00.003Z

I have a problem, in that, I can not resist a pretty top. Last year was the year when I discovered the Top Shop polyester vests.

These vests are beautiful, very wearable and always come with a little extra design detail. I'm the biggest fan of the chunky zip ones (see this post and this one).

Well, now it seems, there is a new style of polyester vest hanging on the Top Shop rails and yes, they live up to the promise of the past.

Let me introduce you to the Scallop Vest.

At the moment, I only have the one in a bright purple. As a reforming 'blackaholic', I've never really equated bright colours with class and sophistication but somehow this purple seems to pull both punches and makes me feel more sassy then I actually am. FYI: I have already decided to add a chunky silver, maybe slighty metallic, belt to my wish list to wear with this little number, to exploit it's pizazz to the max.

*Hands up* Yes indeed, I am very tempted to also try some of the other colour ways to see if they live up to this beauty. The fit is very flattering to the female figure, it is quite tight and low around the bust but then flares out very loosely just above the hips meaning, yes, in this top, you can pretty much eat as much as you want. Woo!

The stores are too often full of flimsy garments and stringy straps but there is nothing fickle about this top. In addition to the gorgeous colour of this number and its beautiful silhouette, I really like the thickness of the arm straps and the wide scalloping detail.

I think, a scalloped vest, such as this one, could be used as a starting point to style a range of outfits with. I wore my purple one in the day on New Years Eve with some jeans (yes, jeans again!) and my black fluffy jacket. I'm not sure if it was the colour or the vest but the look though not too overdone just suggested there could be something a little more special about the day (New Years Eve!!!!!!) and made me feel that little bit more as I rushed around doing all those chores (boring!) that precede the New Year festivities (excitttinggg).

I could just as easily swap up the fluffy jacket for my Top Shop cropped one or a cardi or a full on business suit. The jeans could be replaced with a maxi skirt, a mini skirt or leggings. The possibilities are numerous which in my humble opinion, at £15, makes this top quite good value for money and a lot cheaper then most Top Shop items, I brought last year!

I hope you had a fab New Years Eve and all the best for 2012. Have you spotted any styles that may be debuting in your 2012 wardrobe yet?

To the sea. . !

2011-12-30T19:13:00.001Z

For me, it isn't Christmas without a little visit to the sea!

Especially when I have a new Canon 550 DSLR (yes, I believe, I may have already mentioned this . . !) to play with.

This is West Bay, folks, one of my favourite places ever. To be honest, the Canon seems to have romanticised and flattered this little piece of coastline a little. West Bay is amazing but for me, its strength lies not in its beauty but in it's character.

The wind and the waves are, more often then not, fierce. Whenever I'm at West Bay, I seem to find some perspective. Those waves have been rolling for thousands of years and probably will continue for thousands more. It reminds me how small we all are, in the 'big picture'. And before I get any deeper . . , it is also the perfect place to awaken my senses. Everything from the waves and wind to the surfers (So obviously crazy! It is late December and they are in that cold, cold water!! *shakes head*) in the water is so alive! You almost catch energy as you stroll along the beach and stumble up the cliffs. Just what I needed to give me a great big kick out of that slovenly Post-Christmas slumber.

The important bit. . , the outfit!

I played it quite casual with my outfit of the day. Maybe I was trying to channel a beachy feel.

I wore my new beaded vest from New Look layered over a generic black vest. I love this top, I only got it a couple of weeks ago after seeing it on Laura's blog (here!) but it is beautiful and perfect for layering (in fact, it is sheer so layering is a must). I think, it is actually my first Yellow top ever. Officially. At the time of buying, my size wasn't available online so I decided to go a size or so up and I think, it works really well baggy. I wore this vest over faded dark denim jeans.

Again, going for that effortless feel (or maybe, I really did just make little effort. Again . . , Christmas, exhaustion, excuses . . !), I then threw on my H&M Bow trench without the bow belt (I posted about this versatile coat here!) over the top with sketchers to combat the coastal path.
Sidenote: There seems to be good reason why H&M give you so many spare buttons with this little number!

Nothing in the outfit really matched or were made to compliment each other. Yet, I think it all came together quite well and I'm tempted in 2012 to be oh so daring and throw on more items without overthinking it. Who knows what the result will be and what style (or lack of) will emerge?!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and have an amazing New Year. Let me know what you've been up to in the comments!

Happy Christmas!!!!!!!

2011-12-24T15:03:00.002Z

Image from We Heart It here.

Have a fantastic Christmas everyone and best wishes for 2012!

The Glam Miss Selfridge Maxi!

2011-12-21T13:53:00.000Z

Now that I've completed a few more of my core Christmas prep chores (Christmas card writing, shopping, wrapping, more Christmas card writing, more shopping and consuming a Starbucks Christmas special), my mind is starting to wander back towards the trivia like er, what will I wear for this year's celebrations?

Christmas day is a bit more of a casual affair (and actually stumping me a little) but to welcome the New Year, well, I could just be adorning the Miss Selfridge Maxi that I've been meaning to post about for ages.

I think I have mentioned before, how sometimes I go to the wardrobe just to take a peek at this little number. Once (or twice . . .), I even give in, throw it on and have a twirl. This dress just feels very 'me' and is about as close to perfect as a dress can get.

These days, too often, it is easy to look overdressed. However, New Year is the one time when too much is never actually too much. Glam, glam all the way. Show the old year that it didn't get the better of the you and start the new year in the style that'll follow!

This dress is full of promise. In one way, it is a classic, a one shouldered maxi dress. On the other hand, there are some modern twists. The shorter length of the underskirt is a bit of a tease but the chiffon overskirt, complete with slits, maintains your innocence and modesty. This piece is glamorous and memorable. I love skirts that swirl but as a shortie, maxi skirts can be a bit scary and sometimes, look a bit busy on me. However, this one seems to lengthen my body and the two piece design of the skirt means there is still a little flesh on show and therefore, proof, that there is a human in the piece somewhere!

New Year tends to be full of black dresses and sparkly tops but the beautiful, classy midnight blue colour (Miss Selfridge say that it is navy, I'm not sure it is quite that dark) of this piece is a little more unique. A shade far enough from black to give the number a little twist but close enough to flatter and conceal the body in a similar manner as little black dresses do.
Sidenote: One thing I've learnt this year is that it doesn't ALWAYS have to be black. Navy and midnight blues actually seems to work with my colouring just as well. 2012 could be the year of the Blue!

I'm not quite sure yet how to style the piece. Given the nature of the piece and the occasion, heels obviously are a must and I think, a fair degree of arm candy will be required to give the one shouldered number a little balance. Finally bag-wise, I'm thinking clutch but should it be one that sparkles or for one night only, should I leave the sparkle to everybody else?!

As for scent, I'm thinking Very Irresistable from Givenchy. Typical, that it was one of the ones I used up when I started shopping my own collection. Maybe Santa will bring the new Intense version for Christmas. Ooh and while we're on perfume, I need to get the app from Roja Dove that the lovely Beauty Bible girls posted about!

Oh and just in case, you are wondering, this piece comes with a fantastic price tag of just £39.

Are you ready for the festivities? What will you be wearing? How should I style the blue dress? What should I wear for Christmas Day?

To be continued with . . !

2011-12-19T19:09:00.001Z

Hey everyone!

This is a very quick post. I really don't like these posts and I, especially, hate writing them. Yep, it's the generic 'Sorry for the lack of posts. . .' post.

However . . ,

I really am sorry for the lack of posts recently. Christmas prep and work have sidetracked me a little and then Friday Evening, I had a horrible bug for all of about two hours but it's left me pretty washed out.
I'm hoping to get back on track over the next couple of days (once a very mammoth- it's actually tittering- pile of presents are wrapped) and joining me in my blogging endeavour will be my new Canon 550 DSLR!!!

Yep, I finally got one and can't wait to have a proper play. I just know that the price will fall in the sales next month but I just think, I'll use it as much again over the two week Christmas period as I will during the rest of the year. I only wish I had purchased it in time for my nephew's Nativity last week, he was so cute and these little nativities are quite a neat starting point for Christmas festivities.

Hope your Christmas prep is going well, catch up soon. Any Canon or Christmas Prep tips?

Treats!

2011-12-14T12:20:00.001Z

This post starts with a tee shirt so has the potential to be quite boring but lets face it, this is not any old tee shirt.

1/ Just in case you didn't notice (!), this tee shirt is full of sparkle and therefore, can add that little bit more to any old outfit from a pair of jeans to a maxi skirt. Also, as soon as you slip this sequined number over your head, bam, you're 'in fashion'!

2/ Unlike many fashionable pieces, this garment is easy and comfortable to wear. I have really struggled to find a sequined number for my wardrobe. I found a lot of the high street stores were selling very heavily sequined vests. When I tried these on, the thin little straps seemed useless under the weight of the sequins, giving very little support and the top would quickly lose all of its shape. This one keeps a flattering form when you put it on. The tee shirt form is obviously a factor here but equally important, is the fact that this tee shirt is not covered in back to back sequins. Although, there are probably hundreds on the top, you can see, when the top is hanging, gaps between the sequins. They are kind of sewn on in a spiral trail and the size of the sequins varies. This looks a little bit strange on the hanger (and did put me a little on the defensive!) but once on, the gaps are not as conspicuous and effortlessly become part of the design. This helps to lighten the load a little but I also love the fact that only the front of the top is sequinned. The surprise factor as you turn and what looks like a decent but bog standard black tee turns in to a full on sparkle fest (lightweight style) is genius!

3/ Finally, I have to mention that this top is not too expensive compared to many similar numbers that I have seen on the high street. This find is from Quiz, a shop that, over the last month or so, has really surprised me with a few gems. Remember the metallic tops?

The cropped jacket that I've paired it with here is the Top Shop cropped one that Laura has featured a few times. I've always regretted not grabbing this one when she first posted it but it was summer and like most of my wardrobe, black again. It was also quite expensive so I made that age old silly decision to think about it. Of course, once I made my decision, my size was sold out online and I trawled a few stores with no luck. I looked for similar versions in New Look et al but none of them had all the little details of this one, collarless, cropped, a satin trim. In short, this one is about as exciting as a jacket can get!

Reluctantly I was considering putting the newer Top Shop faux leather offering ( It has the same lovely shape but with a collar and a faux leather trim) on my Christmas wish list when I wandered aimlessly in to my local Top Shop (tiny!) and something caught my eye on the back of a rack. My dream jacket with the satin trim and yes, they were in my two Top Shop size possibilities. Yay! When one fitted, have no doubt, I was at the till point handing over my card just like that. I couldn't believe my luck, still can't! I'm sure within a couple of weeks, this lovely little jacket would have earned its price tag twice over.

This post ends with a treat (yes, I know, another one but it is nearly Christmas). Broken umbrellas, practically gale force winds and paddling through puddles everywhere has slowly got to me this last week and my visions of a romantic English winter (not sure where such cinematic ideas came from, I've lived through the reality enough times) with pretty little snowflakes falling and an air just chilly enough to justify that new super cute, cosy coat purchase have all been dispelled. Now obviously I know on a worldwide scale, I'm very lucky with the weather. I haven't lost my home, I have water and all of these things that I take for granted but miserable weather still has the potential to make you feel a bit blah. What can I say, it's biology, psychology or something. However, the Hot Butter Fudge Sugar Body Polish from N-Spa has really brightened my evenings a little. It has enough chunky flakes to really smooth the skin but there is also just the right amount of jelly mixed in to soften the exfoliation and keep everything gentle. Now, I'm not always a big fan of food scents (particularly fruity ones) but this hot butter fudge offering is divine. It is so warming and soothing. I can not recommend this one enough especially since, I brought it in Asda for just four pounds.

Oh and did I say this post was ending?! Well, not without a little boast. I can now (and have ran several times, thanks to the Get Running App) run solidly for 25 minutes straight. Not much but I am so ridiculously proud of myself and have to play Drake and Nicki Minaji, Make Me Proud on the way home. This performance is so frigging adorable.

I hope you're all doing ok. A big hello *waves, jumping up and down* to my new followers and commenters. Just a few more until we hit the GFC 50 followers (so go follow now) and then there will be a giveaway and eek, I think, I know what I want the giveaway prize to be ; )

What sequined tops are you flaunting? What beauty treats can you recommend to brighten the mood a little?

My HD Brows!

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000Z

So I mentioned that I went HD with my brows last week. As those of you following me on Twitter will know, I was very excited about the treatment. HD Brows is a relatively new Brow treatment 'that puts celebrity beauty within everybody's reach.' and I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that one of my local beauty salons were introducing it to their menu of services.

HD Brows is a very through brow grooming treatment which consists of 7 steps including waxing, threading and tinting to give you your own unique ideal brow. Apparently no two HD brows are the same even the two on your face. It seems a good pair of brows should not be symmetrical and identical like twins but more like sisters!

The HD Brow is not about giving us all some mythical perfect brow but giving you your own ideal brow, one suited to your individual features such as hair colour and face shape. HD Brows claim that their treatment is not just shaping and tidying but eyebrow artistry. Many celebrities have had the HD Brow treatment including Michelle Keegan, Katie Price, Kylie Minogue, Danni Minogue and Jenny Frost.

So what about my new brows?

Well, it has taken me a few days to post about them because to start with I wasn't quite sure how I felt about them. There was no doubt after the treatment, that they were defined and I found my eyes were drawn straight to them. So much so, that in fact, maybe they were slightly too much.

You see since a very bad overplucking incident years ago, I very rarely do much with my brows. I normally get them shaped three or four times a year and just tweeze or wax inbetween very occasionally myself. Basically, hands up, I'm rubbish with my brows and very rarely even fill them in. A lick of vaseline is about as far as it goes on a daily basis.

So obviously after the in depth HD treatment, it was a bit of my shock to see just how defined and striking my brows could actually be.

This is my eyebrows just before the treatment.

This is my eyebrows a couple of days later.

Now I love the way my eyebrows look in the last picture. They look so neat and natural. This picture was took a couple of days after the treatment when all the make up that the beautician has added to the brows was gone. This one below is how they looked made up, not so much me.

Thank goodness, the make up was washed away. This is how my brows look now. Tidy and groomed. Nothing more.

I did not want a pair of brows which defined my attitude. All I wanted was a nice pair of brows and yes, the HD process and all it's preening certainly stepped up to the mark in this respect. However, all the defining with the make up on top of the tint was too much for me and I was glad to wash it away.

For me, the highlights of the HD treatment were . . .

a) The tint

My hair is naturally mid to dark brown and sometimes I feel when my hair is down, my eyebrows almost look a little too blonde and occasionally lost or even worse, sometimes they appear a little green. This really wasn't doing anything for the groomed look, I aspire to. The HD tint has certainly given my brows stronger colour but they still appear soft and yes, human or at least until the make up is applied on top . . !

b) The depth of the treatment

Your eyebrows aren't just waxed or tweezed or threaded or trimmed. Instead all methods are employed to banish any pesky unwanted hair from the eye area so that the eyebrow is defined to its potential. I love the fact that my eye area is so much cleaner looking and I'm already finding it a little more flattering when blending colours slightly higher above my lid and around the contour line. My eye make up in general, looks much better now that the skin all around the eye is so much smoother.

Although, please note, it is quite scary when the therapist is threading and asks you to put a hand over your lashes to stop her mistakenly whipping them up. That really would be a disaster!!!

Now many people may say that you can get a good shape and tint for half the price of one HD treatment (the price of my treatment was £35). However, you do not get the same depth of treatment. I really feel as if my brows and the surrounding area has been given a very good going over and that all baddies have been eliminated. I really do feel as if only, the bare minimum maintenance (basically my once a month 'tweezing the odd hair or two' session) will be required for the next six months or so. I'm not sure you could get such a pain free (I wouldn't want my eyelids waxed!) or clean look whilst only employing one method to shape.

For me, the downer (just one!) of the treatment was the make up at the end. It was way too much for me but I guess, this is personal choice and in this case, I'm like those of you who want to go straight home to wash your hair after a salon blow dry.

I think I would recommend this treatment at £35 (apparently a lot of salons charge £40+) if you can afford to spend that on your brows. After all, at the very least, this treatment shows you just what your brows are capable of.

In other news, I've been exploring my new Yankee candle collection a little further and I've found that I really like the sweeter candles ie. Sparkling Sugar and the Mistletoe and Fig one. Lovely!

Do you have HD brows? Is it something you would consider, what are your brow grooming habits? Any more Yankee recommendations?

Sunday Choice 1: Hair Inspiration

2011-12-04T09:53:00.000Z

So still in Hair monotony mode, I am contemplating a little visit to the hairdressers before Christmas. Many of you will know that for me, a visit to the hairdressers is a very scary idea. I've been surfing the web to find the best pictures to bombard my stylist with even though all I really want is my ends grazed with the scissors and the side layers tidied. After all, isn't it all about safety in the number of pictures when you go to the salon?!

Scrolling through the Best Hairstyles and Trends 2011 from Glamour Magazine, I have found so much hair inspiration.

Ideally, this is how I would like the cut of my natural hair (as it is now) to fall. Lily Cole's hair looks so soft, healthy and tidy although with a little backcombing or lack of care, I'd imagine it could play bedhead easily. She looks groomed but she doesn't look old. I love how healthy the ends of her hair look. Although I'm not sure I could pull off red hair, I do love the fact that her style uses one solid colour. Whenever I have highlights etc, it looks great for about a week but after that it seems too contrived.

This is a similar look to Lily's. However, I think this is closer to how mine may fall due to the layers at the side.

Olivia Wilde is always so polished and her hair is no exception. Every time I see a picture of her long bob, I think what a beautiful cut she flaunts. Unfortunately, it is probably slightly too short then I dare to wear but this remains a style that I swoon over in the same way I do when I catch sight of the Miu Miu Bow bag or a beautiful dress.

I have not had a full on fringe for years. I've always loved how they look and the way they draw attention to your eyes. However, stylists have always advised against them because of the wretched cow licks that lie on my hairline. I still want one though and isn't that what straighteners are for? As Nicole shows a full on fringe is the perfect accessory to a simple high ponytail (FYI: my favourite updo ever) and adds instant pizazz to any hair look.

When my natural hair is a little longer, this is what I would like it to look like. In reality, I'm pretty sure that these slightly tousled locks are high, high maintenance. Leighton seems to have balanced some softening flyaways with styled locks. I would never be able to pull off the balance behind the two. Her ombre colour is also so rich and well blended. I adore this but I would imagine that this cut, colour and look requires one very exceptional stylist!

Still there is something about tousled long locks that I aspire to and I also like the look on this Burberry model and the way the waves start effortlessly halfway down her hairline. Modern mermaid chic!

Now this one, I won't be showing the hairdresser. My face isn't sweet enough but this hair look is so futuristic and eye catching yet almost too cute to scream statement.

Who is your hair inspiration? What pictures do you take to the hairdresser? Which of these styles are your favourite? Can you think of any other hair looks I should consider? I love all of your comments. Who knows maybe one of you will find me a dream style that I can actually attain?!

Don't forget, you can now follow me on Pinterest here or click on the button in my sidebar.

I'd also love to have a Christmas/New Year giveaway and if I get to 50 GFC followers on this blog, I will do it! So if you haven't already then it would mean the world to me if you went and clicked the Follow button in my sidebar.

Happy Sunday :)

The Metallic Tops from Quiz!

2011-12-03T09:22:00.000Z

Remember how last week, shopping wasn't happening. Well, this week it has been on the up a little again. Yay!

I went back to Quiz to try on the metallic scalloped vest again. This time I decided that it does in fact fit me but is just very low cut at the front which isn't really my thing but the top is just so gorgeous so could be worth venturing out of my comfort zone for and at the very least, I know that I will get my moneys worth layering this one up. Note: When you walk in to Quiz, you realise how expensive some of the other bigger high street chains are.

It looks such a simple little vest but when you think about the design carefully. You can see how bang 'on trend' it is right now.

It is metallic (but without hundreds and thousands of itchy, heavy sequins) with almost snakeskin effect scalloping. The edges are also scalloped. Blimey, I could almost be in "fashion" with this one yet none of this detailing shouts at you and when all these trends are all but a distant memory then this top (if it lasts a wash or two) will, indeed, still be a very pretty top and wearable.

So, given that, it makes sense to grab anything similar. Which, of course, I did and here is the Tee Shirt version.

I'm hoping that the bulge is a belt or something and not my stomach!

I like this one. A lot. I feel a bit safer wearing it. The high neck saves my modesty and this one can be thrown on with little thought for a similar bang on trend, fashionista result.

In other news, I got my HD brows done last night. I was very excited about them and the definition my new brows has is quite striking. In fact, all made up last night, the strength of them was quite overwhelming but I think once I get used to them, they will become my own and I will love the structure and polish they add to my face. My favourite thing so far is just how much cleaner the entire eye area looks.

Will you be notching up the metallic factor as Christmas approaches? What brow look do you go for? Have a good weekend!

Christmas Countdown: Preen, preen, preen. . !

2011-11-30T10:25:00.000Z

Image from We Heart It

So it is the first of December tomorrow and my Christmas Countdown officially started about a week ago. Four weeks to get Christmas Perfect!!!

This year I want to embrace Christmas (Yes indeed, I will be downloading the Michael Buble Christmas Album) and all it brings. I do not want to miss anything just because I'm having a bad hair day and I am certainly not missing out on the Chocolate Log (who needs Christmas Pudding?!) just because I'm having a fat day.

Image from We Heart It

Preen, preen, preen. . , is the call of the day for me at the moment. In between scrambling around trying to find any Crest Whitening Strips, I'm preening a lot!

- I am trying to apply the OPI Nail Matte Envy every day in an attempt to keep my mid-length nails strong. Then I might file them down slightly to give them the matched, groomed manicure look. I would love Gelish but I work in a health care environment and that type of thing ain't allowed :(

- The RapidLash is back on the edge of my sink again and I'm trying to apply it every night. Over the last couple of weeks (interestingly since my Phyto supplements ran out), I have noticed that my lashes don't look quite so bold and unfortunately, appear a little wispy on the ends. For me, natural lashes is where is at (how I struggle with the falsies) so I'm hoping that Rapid Lash will work its magic and make them slightly more lashtastic again (In my experience, lash enhancers may not be growth miracles but they always add something ) until then the L'Oreal Volume Million has been repurchased (a much easier way to fake it although the constant drizzle seems to have prompted the 'got a black eye?!' question. I think, I mentioned before what a diva this amazing mascara can be. Such fab results but how easily it smudges which can be a bit awkward. See this review.)

- There will certainly be some mega brow grooming going on in the next couple of weeks. I'm considering HD Brows. You can see some familiar faces with HD brows here, what do you think of the HD look?

- I'm also trying a couple of treats for my hair. Firstly, the Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength and Repair Kit. This little kit consists of a haircare system which includes four products, an oil to use pre-washing under the plastic cap, a shampoo and an intensive conditioner. I have been using this for about a month now and I've got mixed feelings. It seems to bulk out the ends of my hair and theoretically, it is easy to use. However, I find the oil difficult to wash out and consequently ran out of the shampoo very quickly. I've found that this system tended to make my hair very frizzy as I had to use so much shampoo to get the oil out or on the other hand, I wash only so much and then my hair looks very weighed down. I expect that this system really does boost the health of our barnet but I need to work on my application method to get the dream result.

I also have a new hair oil. I went to the hairdressers to invest yet again in Moroccan Oil (Love! See this post and this post) but they didn't have any. As it was raining and I'm lazy, the lady found a sucker for her sales pitch about a miracle Redken alternative, All Soft Argan 6. This is meant to 'intensely nourish and protect dry, brittle hair'. It can be used before shampooing or blow drying to add moisture, after blow drying to smooth; on damp or dry hair to boost shine; or added to treatments to intensify replenishment and it can also be used overnight for deep nourishment.

I have been swapping it up a bit and using it in a mix of ways. So far, so good! It really does make the hair very soft and actually does not seem to weigh my hair down as much as the Moroccan Oil although I wonder if that will change with constant use.

- Of course, I'm also trying to eat very healthily (although this running/walking regime is making me so soo hungry) and am having lots of Green Monsters to keep my eyes bright and energy levels up.

- And finally, I'm also trying to save a little money for Christmas hence the lack of "haul" posts recently but I think, there is a couple of treats I haven't shared with you yet and I'll try and get those posts up ASAP but I'm still having a bit of a love affair with the New Look kimono that I posted here.

Sidenote: In case you're wondering, I'm hoping that Christmas will bring a DSLR, a Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, the One Molecule scent (see Ruths secret), the ability to run thirty minutes plus nonstop (Er, that would be without a heart attack), a trip to Paris, my invitation to Pinterest (it is taking so soo long) 50 Blog GFC followers (hint hint, any ideas?) and some of those chocolate gold coins. Phew,much, you think?! Ok maybe between Christmas and my late January birthday.

Are you making any special efforts for Christmas? Have you tried the Redken Oil? Do you have HD Brows?

Sigh, the Monsoon Dress!

2011-11-25T19:36:00.000Z

Sometimes, it is the little things which put a dampener on your week. Silly, I know but I can't get this dress out of my head.

Sorry, this is the only pic I can find online. Links here to the page and eBay seller (and presumed photographer)

Yes, I know, pretty magical!

When I saw it on the hanger in a local Monsoon Outlet, did I swoon! Probably, quite audibly!! It looked so beautiful as its tens/hundreds of sequins twinkled away at me. As I pulled it off the rail, it was hard to believe this was hanging in a local outlet store. The sequins, the flapper shape, the weight and with a cut which preserves your innocence, made it hard to believe that this lovely little garment really wasn't from another time.

As I looked closely at that dress, all I could do mentally was swoon a little more and tick, tick, tick!

- Glamorous and sophisticated . . , a twist on the little black dress . . , tick!

- On trend. . . sequins, sparkle, metallic, reminiscent of the Metallic Twenties inspired pieces Gucci have being pounding out . . , tick!

Image from here

- Wearable . . . christmas, new year, special occasion galore . . , tick!

- Good value . . . reduced to forty pounds something and er, just so very divine . . , tick!

Of course, I had to try it on.

And alas, it wasn't to be!!

It seems on my short, stumpy legs, skirt lengths need to be of the extreme, either very short or very long.
Sidenote: Oh yes, I'm not sure if I mentioned this but now we are right on the tail end of the maxi trend, I've only gone and discovered despite my stubborn skepticism, I can work maxi lengths (or the midi which looks like a maxi on me)!
Unfortunately on me, this one fell on that very unflattering point just above the knee and made me look like a murder mystery actress who hasn't quite found her role yet. The beautiful cut on the hanger seemed lost as the dress hung awkwardly on me.

Drat, this dress was (is) so beautiful (and reduced!) but there was no way it was gonna work for me so reluctantly back to the rail, it went, where it awaits one very lucky lady to work it. I've got to say, I've felt a bit wistful thinking about this dress this week. Have you ever found a dream piece that just wasn't for you?

On the plus side, I am now aware just how good some of the Monsoon dresses look. This one was in Vogue.

View here!

Continuing with the shopping (or lack of) theme . . .

I'm still trying to incorporate some metallic in my wardrobe but full on sequined numbers just don't seem to work on me and so the best compromise I have found so far is the little silver metallic scalloped number above from Quiz . This is very me but of course, I couldn't find a size to fit properly in my local store. So the search for a little sparkle continues, I guess, this week, wardrobe building just wasn't to be!

And finally . . .
I'm definitely astride the scented candle fad and brought a few too many Yankee candles from a local Hallmark earlier this week, Evening Air, Fresh Roast, Pumpkin Spice, Sparkling Sugar and a miniature of Mistletoe and Fig.

To be honest, the only one I have used so far is the Sparkling Sugar. It is just so delicious, very sweet and I just love how a toned down version of the scent lingers in the air, on my furniture and in my hair. It smells of sugar so reminiscent of birthday parties, cake and all things that make me happy. Really recommend especially since it was on offer in Hallmark for just £4.72. All Yankee Candles in Hallmark seemed to be at least half price.

The Apothecary No 008 one that I blogged earlier in the week smelt pretty much as I described here. However, it seems a bit watered down compared to Sparkling Sugar.

Have you tried Yankee candles? What are your faves? Do you ever go shopping and it just doesn't happen?!

Oh and I'm still on the reading thing, currently still on The Help. I'm really enjoying it (as I progress further, it is almost like the scenes are unfolding in front of me. I actually gasped when I realised Miss Skeeter had left her bag at Hilly's meeting. The characters are so true to their identity and the story that seems to be unfolding) but it is a bit more of a tome then some of my previous reads and therefore is taking me a little longer to get through.

As for the running, I've just finished week 4 of the Get Running app. Yay! I'm finding it easier to motivate myself and then to breathe when I get going but oh, my joints aren't half starting to ache! *Adds proper running shoes to ever-growing 'To Buy' list*

Happy weekend!

My first scented candle!

2011-11-22T20:01:00.000Z

I have spent the last few days on a search for my first proper scented candle. I have had candles before but have never really brought them purely for the scent which is quite surprising, given my love for perfumes.

Now, since I'm on the self-imposed perfume purchase ban, it seemed the perfect time to investigate scented candles further. I love scents and potentially scented candles could be the perfect aid to winding down in the evening if they smell right! Hmm, I have a feeling that scented candles are either gonna be something I hate (I'm not a fan of incense, I'm hoping that candles are a lot more subtle) or love (which could quickly result in a vast collection).

Now I chose my first scented delight very carefully. I have spent hours trawling stores and sniffing every candle to catch my eye over the last week or so.

Ideally I was hoping to find a candle remniscent of Christmas, we all know by now how I like everything to compliment the season we are in. However, it seems the scents of Christmas really do not do anything for me. I found some of them too fruity and I actually recoiled at the whiff of cranberry. Others were just slightly too heavy and incense-like. I guess, they just smelt a little bit musty and old. Now I noticed, despite the large number of candles out there to try, that each candle seemed to fall in to one of three boxes. You guessed it, the fruity (eliminated), the musty (eliminated) and finally, the box which held the ones that seemed to draw me in, the gorgeous vanilla based scents.

Yes in Homesense, I found several vanilla candles I liked and I'm sure the security cameras were whizzing around as I ran back and forth between the contenders. The only distingishing factor (aside from price!) really was just how vanilla, each candle was and this was the decider for me. I decided that the heavier vanilla candles, although not as nauseating as the fruity scents, were again just a touch too much and I decided to opt for one of the more perfumed vanilla candles in Homesense.

This is my chosen one, Vanilla Amber from No. 008 the apothecary. I can not find anything on the internet about this one or the brand. I will let you know how I find the scent as it burns down but for the moment, I would say there is a hint of vanilla but this seems to be enveloped in more fragrant notes (do candles have notes?!) that remind me a little of talc and quite a masculine talc, at that. Vanilla Amber smells really clean, cosy, comforting and most importantly, it is not in the slightest, fruity or musty.

Oh and with reference to the perfume ban . . .
Truly, this stupid "bright idea" of mine is a bloody nightmare. I'm still pathetically lusting after VIP 212, Shalimer and thanks to all of the raves infiltrating Blogland, I am also very curious about the Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude but alas, they will still be on the shelf when I've shopped the collection that I already have. Oh, they'd better be, I hope so!

Do you like scented candles? What type of scents do you like? Hmm, if this is going to be my new fad, I am going to need some recommendations! What are your favourites? Have you heard of/ rate the apothecary No. 008?

Amelia's beautiful bag giveaway+Gallery No. Eight!

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000Z

So do you remember a couple of months ago, I rediscovered my love for handbags. I splurged (or saved. Depends how you see it!!) on a couple of gorgeous inspired numbers, the Focco and the Miu Miu bow. I was so pleased with them and still feel a bit smug when I catch sight of them now. There really is something about a beautiful bag which brings me to the first point of this post . . .

Amelia's Giveaway

Click here for more pics and entry info!

Amelia is having a giveaway and is putting this brand new bag up as the prize. How generous!! Such a divine colour and such a beautiful looking bag. You can find out how to enter by clicking the link above and once there, make time to read some of Amelia's posts (love them) and swoon over her awesome style.
Good luck!

Gallery No. Eight

Talking of amazing blogs, I just found this one and what an awe-inspiring collection of posts and images. If you're inspired by photos and art (the images from above are both featured on the blog, just how cool are those shoes?!), you need to check this one out. I spent a half an hour or so lost in it last night and just wish I had a fire to curl up in front of, as I peruse and dream!

I hope you all have had a fabulous weekend. Do you have a blog of your own or some favourite bloggers to share. Let me know in the comments.

The bargain boots!

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000Z

Just a post to show you some New Look boots, that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe that I haven't posted these yet.

Now these have quite a heel, about four and a half inches but they are so comfortable and easy to walk in.

The front of the boot sits on a platform about half an inch high and I think, this helps a lot.

I brought these boots for casual, everyday wear (These are definitely going to be paired with my black lace dress at some point!) and as they are so high, I like the fact that the boot design is so simple. A high, high heel and too much design detail would have put these boots in danger of becoming something else, something not very me.

I love the suedette texture, it is warming and hints at the season we are in and the buckle detail seems in perfect proportion to the boot. While the stitching detail in addition to breaking the black up a little, reminds me of the body con dresses so in fashion at the moment. Yes, a strange association, I know!

These boots are brilliant and just to make them that little bit more amazing, I got them for £13.99 (half price). And er, it seems there are still some available online . . !

And yep, I still can't get enough sparkle, so these little glittery ballet pumps were also obviously destined for the till point! They twinkle so much, they're almost alive.

Please tell me, I'm not the only one obsessed with a little sparkle! Are you a fan of boots? Do you have a boot style? Maybe I should seek some new knee highs next! I hope you're having a good weekend.

The Halo: First Impressions!

2011-11-19T13:37:00.001Z

It is common knowledge by now that I am a self-confessed hair geek. Yesterday, I was in my element as I got to play with my new Halo.

The Halo is a basically a one piece, quadrupled weft to hair heaven. Yes, indeed, there are going to be a whole lot of positives in this first review. There are no clips, glue or tape. It simply attaches to your head with one very small wire.

This wire is not really a wire in a conventional, industrial sense. It is actually very thin and transparent which potentially means less damage to the hair (none of that sticking or pulling nonsense). Of course, damage isn't an issue if the weft is going to fall out anyway.

This, folks, was my main concern with the Halo especially when I first saw the little wire attached to the weft. My joy at opening the parcel (delivered the next day, free of charge! Oh and I had a 10% Twiiter promo code!) was tainted with the doom of the 'this is never going to work, more money down the drain. . .' thoughts. Argh . . !

Thankfully, I was wrong. I've now worn the halo and I can declare, yes, it really does stay in. Even when you shake your head really vigorously, the ultimate test of any extension! Mel did it a lot better then me!

Phew!

What is more, the final look really is amazing given the simplicity of the concept. The hair is Indian remy and it feels very silky and soft. The ends are already beautifully tapered and give the extensions a styled look.

I was worried that one piece would be difficult to blend and unbalanced. I suspected that the weft would either be too thin, too heavy or too blunt to blend in to my hair but once in, it blends really well and I still look, like me. I've always being a bit cynical about how generic one pieces could look. I guess, I'm a bit of a control freak and like tape or clips because you have the potential to customise your style a little more but actually with the Halo in, I don't really want to alter the style or change how the hair falls at all.

Sidenote: I took a gamble with the colour match and ordered Darkest Brown. *Happy Dance.* It is a perfect match for my natural hair colour. Personally I think that my Darkest Brown Halo is a little lighter (and possibly has some hints of chocolate in it) then some of the other Dark Brown hair extensions, I have or have dyed. This works for me as my hair has lightened a little lately but I would suggest to others, taking a little time and emailing a pic to the Halo team to get colour matched for free.

Now I've raved about the staying power and the beauty of the Halo, time to consider the application. Hmmm . . .

Given, it is quite easy to get the Halo on to your head, you more or less just place it there. However, covering the wire and getting the natural look took a few goes without a tail comb but with a tail comb, I did it first time and very quickly.

Really, get a tail comb for this one. It is so much easier and the combs are so cheap. Mine cost me nothing, I just used my Boots points! I think I manage to conceal the wire ok, I'm just a little nervous about it showing in the gap for my parting. However, somehow with a tail comb and just pulling the hair over, it appears to have disappeared and I've just backcombed a little at the crown to be sure. The only thing I may need to work on a little is how much hair to pull over the weft on the back of my head as this is where the difference between the length of the extension and natural hair is most apparent.

All in all. I'm very happy with my Halo so far and can not wait to play with it a little more. I want to investigate the styling options further, I know you can leave the wire forgotten in the weft and wear the hair in a bun and ponytail etc which I will try but to be honest, I like to wear my extension as an extension and then pull it up in to a ponytail or bun from there, it feels a little less contrived but we'll see. I might have to compromise with this when it comes to a halo as to take the halo out, you would normally pull it in a ponytail and tug a couple of times so I'm not sure if styling will make the wire slip. Saying that, I have managed a ponytail of some sort ( The Slovenly Saturday style, to be precise) for a couple of hours this morning. No grips and it remains in place, yayyy!

- For those interested, here are some links to some helpful You Tube videos on the Halo:
From Amy, Dazzledust25
From Louise, MakeupLoveer
From Mel, 30somethingmel

Have you tried the Halo? What hairstyle are you choosing this Christmas? Happy Saturday!

Waves hello!

2011-11-16T21:04:00.000Z

Just a very quick post today to let you know that I'm still here and have lots of posts planned and hope to get a few up over the next week or so. I just need to sit down and add some finishing touches.
I'm quite busy at the moment and riding many a fad (I'm so whimsical) including:

- The Sleep Cycle App
I am addicted to this app. There are two parts to it. Firstly, it monitors your sleep patterns and secondly, you can activate the alarm function which will wake you within your chosen window when you are in the lightest state of sleep. Apparently you feel much more rested and relaxed if you start your day having awoken from this state. I don't know how this app works but it really does. I've woken up in the night and not even touched the phone and it charts my wake up at precisely the right time. If the phone can pinpoint such times so precisely then I'm pretty sure that what it also charts about the sleep states I move in and out of is also pretty accurate. I haven't used the alarm function yet but now the monitoring function has proven itself then I think, I will activate it very soon to wake me at the 'ideal' time. After all, who doesn't need a good kickstart to the day?!
Sidenote: I have always being fascinated with the workings of the human body and mind, especially sleep. My dreams are always so vivid and real, I just can't believe they come from my little ole brain. Amazing! If like me, you are a bit of a Sleep nerd then this old Zoella post sticks in my mind. Check it out.

- The Get Running App
I'm not going to post too much about this one as Laura has already covered it but despite numerous incidents (including that disastrous first attempt, remember this post), I've stuck at it and miracle of miracles, I haven't broken/twisted anything yet. I'm about to start week three and I really am finding it easier to run that little bit longer and to keep going. Still, it is a given that every session, I will run the first two or three runs quite smugly thinking how easy I'm finding it and that maybe I'll just skip a couple of weeks to the longer runs (those that will really work me!) but then almost immediately, I'm on my fourth run of the day and I'm huffing, puffing and sweating buckets. It happens every time. Nice!
As well as running, it is invigorating and inspiring to get out in the fresh air and go places, the beach, country parks, that I haven't been visiting enough lately!
- The Halo
After watching Amy's video and seeing a promo code on Twitter today, I have finally given in and ordered a Halo. Given my obsession with hair, it is actually quite surprising that I haven't tried flip in hair yet. I'm hoping it is going to save me some time. Taped extensions take a while to put in and, it doesn't matter that I've used clip ins on and off for years, sometimes they still feel a bit of a daily chore. I do have some concerns about the halo. I'm a little bit worried though about how long the wire will last and if the hair shreds easily but time will tell. I'll keep you informed!

- The Help
This is my latest read. I'm really enjoying it. It hasn't made me cry yet but I've laughed aloud several times. Minny is such a character and I've officially adopted the line 'best thing since hairspray in the can'!

- The Miss Selfridge Dress (and Top Shop lust)

I've still got to finish the post it deserves but I love this dress and am still sneaking a peek at it in the wardrobe every five minutes and I have been known to put it on just to twirrllll. Must get the post up asap.

I really can not justify it but I really like this dress that Top Shop tweeted today. I like the stars, the black and gold colour mix, the sheer sleeves, the floatiness, the shape and the list could continue. . ! Basically, I think that this beauty could be exactly what certain Christmas occasions calls for!

I hope you are all ok. Have you tried flip in hair? What are you currently reading? Any more apps that I need in my life or got a dress that I can swoon over? Tell me about it!

Credit to No 7 and a skincare update!

2011-11-09T15:42:00.000Z

For the first time in a while (fingers crossed), I think I can declare that, my skin is in pretty good condition at the moment.
These are my current skincare products:

No 7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser; Lush Tea Tree Water; No 7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum; Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream

I actually think that I will stick with this routine for the time being. It just seems to work for me. Here is a little more about what I think of each product.

No 7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser
I have been in to hot cloth cleansers ever since I first used the Liz Earle one. They really seem to do the job and there is something about the whole regime that really leaves your skin feeling refreshed and yes, polished. I've also used the Soap and Glory one and the Botanics Balm. I have heard that the No 7 one is inferior to Liz Earle. I'm not so sure. I have nothing to complain about as far as the No7 version is concerned and it is so accessible, if you can find a Boots.

Tea Tree Water
This toner is billed to tone and detoxify oily skin with Tea Tree, grapefuit and juniper. Now, I'd say my skin is prone to dryness but I still use this product on cotton wool twice a day in a bid to keep any blemishes away. I also use it if my skin feels a little tingly just in case there is a nasty spot on the way. I just spray it straight on to the tingle and it seems to work. Still (fingers crossed again please) blemish free.

No 7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum
I have been wanting to incorporate a serum in to my skincare routine for a while. Serums no longer seem to be deemed as a luxury extra. They have actually secured a step all of their own in the ideal skincare routine. This one has always being on my radar. Who doesn't remember the headlines when it was first released in 2007 and proven to deliver its claims?!
This product claims to reduce 'the appearance of pores and smoothing lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks' so I'm hoping it is doing some work on my forehead lines (the work the Frownies shirked) but I haven't really noticed that yet or giving the issue too much attention as the main reason, I brought this product was for the resurfacing. Although I've got rid of those horrible blemishes that blighted me a year or so ago, sometimes my skin still looks a little harassed but this serum promises to 'Reveal younger looking, beautifully refined skin with this powerful blend of protecting and renewing ingredients' and yes, I think my pores look smaller and my skin looks smoother and more refined. Yay!

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
This cream seems to be keeping my skin soft without annoying it. I use it twice a day and very occasionally, I feel a little dry around my forehead but that is soon solved with a fix of the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask. There are three big reasons why I like this moisturiser:
1/ It seems to do what a moisturiser is meant to in that it moisturises and keeps the skin soft
2/ It does its work without irritating my skin.
3/ This cream is so easy to use. It sinks in to the skin quickly meaning the face is ready to be made up quickly in the morning and there is no sticky residue on the pillow at night.
Hardly ground-breaking results but I can tell you it is fricking hard to find a moisturiser that delivers in such a manner.

I honestly think that the key to this whole routine is that it seems quite gentle. These products focus more on soothing and gently smoothing rather then attacking and scrubbing. My new routine and its products may seem a bit too simple, compared to some regimes and higher end products but all I can say is look back through my blog, I overlooked gentility and simplicity for a long time. I've used a lot of different skincare products and regimes and I do wonder if some sent my skin in to overdrive.

And also . . .
I really want to give the Boots No7 brand some credit. I have never really took much notice of No 7 before and have mostly only purchased make up brushes or nail polish from them when I've had one of the £5 till vouchers but recently, I've added more of their products to my daily routine and they have really stepped up to the mark.

I have already talked about the cleanser and the serum in this post but I should also give a shoutout to the Lash Adapt Mascara (see earlier post), I'm still loving it! Sometimes, I slap mascara on in the mornings without thinking about it and it is only when I'm taking pictures for this blog that I realise how fantastic this mascara is. It really opens the eye up and adds length. The only but is that as it has aged, I have noticed that this mascara does not behave quite as well as I believed (unlike Max Factor Lash Extension). In the rain, this mascara will smudge and layered up, it does sometimes clump a little on my lashes(contrary to its no clumps marketing claims). However, I'm not one to worry about a clump or two. The final look is more often then not what I mainly rate a mascara on and the wide eyed look produced by this mascara is up there with the best of them.

So at the moment, No 7 definitely falls on the right side of me and next time I need a new beauty product, of whatever nature, I will consider the offerings from No7.

What skincare products are you enjoying? What mascara should I try next? Ha, you know it is going to happen. I never stay loyal to a mascara for long.
Before I go, expect a post soon about my new dress. (This one! Click here!!) I have fallen for this one big time. I keep opening the wardrobe just to look at it!

The sheer New Look top!

2011-11-07T18:19:00.000Z

Introducing the New Look Sheer Bow Hem Top. This top is typical of some of the fantastic garments hanging in New Look at the moment.

This top is completely sheer and has the potential to be quite alluring. I find sheer fabrics quite complimentary, they remind me of that flattering glow you get in candlelight. Teasing but safe.The fabric draws attention to your body but you haven't got to get any flesh out.

I also like the extra design detail, it makes all the difference and seems to give the delicate top a little more substance. The cuffs adds some interest to the sleeve and the block of sheer black fabric forming the front. While on the back, the button detail continues with a short column of buttons.

I love how this top looks thrown over a basic longline vest. Instant glamour with a (sheer) twist.
When it comes to this top, the real graft only comes in deciding what to pair it with because I think it could be paired with anything. Jeans, smart black trousers, leather, harem pants, miniskirts, maxi skirts, shorts . . . tick, tick, tick, tick. . !

The little but . . .
I think I've already made it quite clear that I like the design of this top but just be careful, to check yours if you buy one as there should be a little bow at the side on the waist but mine fell off, the first time I put it on after getting home. To be honest, I'm not too fussed and probably won't go back for an exchange but maybe just check the seams (as we all should, always) before getting to the till.

Of course, I got this in black but it is available in several other colours. I think the mid-pink could add that something to my wardrobe that I haven't yet got.

- Ooh and here are two blogs to check out if you have a train ride to endure or need something to devour before bed. I just love both of these blogs. Their posts are so well written, often very true and always very entertaining: Laura Laments and The Tuesday Girl !

What do you think of the sheer blouse? Do you shop in New Look?

Skirts and sparklers!

2011-11-06T08:45:00.001Z

Times are changing for I wore a skirt last night and it wasn't the pencil one! I was just browsing in Next (I thought, I would be safe, I haven't brought any clothes there for a longgg time . . .) when I came across two beautiful skirts.

I'm so pleased with them and swapped my jeans last night for the navy one (pictured above) and some thick black tights. It worked a treat with my sparkly cardi and the Topshop blue vest (see last post).

This black skirt is a midi one but looks like a maxi on me and I felt very glam, swishing around in it, when I got back to my flat. I'm quite proud as I always thought long skirts would swamp me but it is actually quite flattering. The block of black might actually make my legs look slightly longer!

Fireworks

Yay, firework night was no washout. I had a lovely evening with my family. My parents had a little shindig. Sparklers, rockets and jacket potatoes. . , in my opinion, the best way to spend bonfire night. My little nephew is four now and seems at the perfect age to embrace it all. He was so excited at first, shouting that one was 'cool' and 'another one please'. Though by the end, he was a little blase and fireworks were so last year. In fact, after the last firework went off, he decided Christmas was almost here and that was to be the important business of the night. I think, the Argos book even came out!

Running

I've also had a go at the Get Running App that Laura (she is doing a giveaway for ten winners to get a free one. It ends today so be quick if you want a shot!) blogged about earlier in the week. The app is great but the run was a bit of a disaster! As I'm usually more comfortable on a treadmill, I decided to go out of town to do my run so that nobody could see me. The problem being that every time the lady said, 'Start running again now', it was just as the footpath met some steep bank or scrambled trees. So I'm not sure how much running I actually did but I decided as long as I was moving, I was doing something. However, the terrain was not the only factor that I hadn't planned for. I also lost my car keys somewhere along the line and then I lost the footpath and could see it would be dark soon.

Luckily (reclaimed keys in hand), I found my car (the last one left) in the car park just as the sun was setting. Looking on the bright side, it meant I got to catch some gorgeous views on my phone.

All in all, what with the shopping, scenery and sparklers, yesterday was almost the perfect Saturday. Did you have a good bonfire night? What do you do to keep fit? Oh and any skirt recommendations as they might just be my new obsession?!!

The Cute Cardi!

2011-11-05T10:51:00.003Z

Today, I'm sitting in waiting for a delivery. Hurry up! So I thought I would make the best of it and show you what I have been pairing with my new navy TopShop vest (that I posted yesterday) in a look that falls very much within my comfort zone.

This is the sequin yarn cropped cardi from New Look and it is so darn cute. The New Look website really does not do it justice. It is basically a slightly cropped black cardi with little sequins randomly thrown in the mix to give the look a little twinkle.

I can imagine wearing this cardi with almost all of my tops (after all, the black cardi is my staple! I find them so much more fitting and flattering then jumpers.) but I particularly like wearing it with this navy one and some jeans. Black and navy has the potential (like a lot in my wardrobe) to provide an express ticket to Boreville but here, the vest and jeans provide the outfit with a nice neat base and then the black sparkly cardi just looks that much more pretty and seems to twinkle more over such a simple ensemble and colour scheme.

Cute, cosy and best of all effortless, you ain't going to hear me complaining about that!

And just in case, you're wondering this is the River Island coat that I really wish I had to throw on over my twinkly ensemble when I eventually get out today. I've been swooning over this coat online at least once a day for the last three or four days but do I really need another coat, especially one as frivolous as this?!

Do you work the sequins and wear a little bit of sparkle sometimes?

A scentastic confession or two!

2011-11-04T19:52:00.001Z

Now I have mentioned, my intentions to shop the perfume collection (see The Perfume Post!) that I already have before buying any more scents.

Er, yeah, right, you know what they say about good intentions and all that . . !

To be honest, the perfume whore that I am, was always deemed to break this little pledge and yes, indeed, I have failed and what's more, I did so, in a pretty pathetic manner succombing to temptation not once but twice.

So lets meet my achilles heels, scent-style!

Firstly, we have the original Jimmy Choo fragrance which I brought just month or so ago. Now this one was on my wishlist for a while. When it was released, there was a lot of hype and many positive posts and reviews floating around. In my mind, it became a perfume that I would definitly possess soon and the time has come.

This perfume is meant to be a fruity chypre. It includes some quite unusual notes such as Tiger Orchard, Toffee and Pear Nectar. I find it comparable to Gucci, Flora in that it feels quite a sophisticated scent to wear. I know that Fleur De Force felt it was perhaps too sweet and it certainly does have sweet notes but I don't find them too overdone or cheap smelling. I find the sweetness flutters happily among the deeper Indian Patchouli base note. It is certainly a scent I would feel comfortable wearing to dinner and is one that I have worn shopping Gucci, Flora (see a review of Flora here) style a couple of times. This perfume is a joy to wear and just makes me feel a bit more ladylike. Also of note, is the long amount of time that a spray or two of this scent lingers on your skin. This perfume is more or less the embodiment of how I imagine a fragrance should be which might be why I, already, have so little left.

Secondly, I have purchased Lady Million again. To be honest, it is now November and consequently, stocking up on this fabulous fragrance was inevitable. Yes, after raving about this perfume last October (here), I continued to wear it day after day until it ran out. Consequently, Lady Million has become my designated Autumn scent. I really do love this one and I think, it has got to be in my top three perfumes of all time. The heart notes consist of neroli, arabian jasmine and orange flower with top notes of bitter orange and fleshy raspberry and base notes of vibrant patcholi and honey.

It has being hyped as a perfume for excess and wealth. According to The Perfume Shop, the best is never enough for the woman that adorns this.

Hmmm, she sounds a bit scary.

However, I don't feel like a power freak or a superstar bitch wearing it. Indeed, its scent is unique and unmistakable but I feel warm, happy and glowy wearing this number. It is heavy and deep but still very pretty and again, long lasting. Although Lady Million is particulary suited to darker nights and this time of year, it is a perfume I would happily wear anytime doing anything. Normally, I put scents in to certain situation or mood categories. For example, I would wear Ghost to a job interview or dinner but I would never wear it to a music festival. However, with Lady Million, I really do think it is a scent that you can get away with anywhere. I really can not recommend sniffing this one out if you get the chance, it is so gorgeous and I have never smelt a scent like it which is why if I had to pick between the two, Lady Million beats Jimmy Choo. Still thank goodness, I haven't had to make that choice and they have both become welcome additions to a collection that never seems to shrink!

Although, lets take a moment, to give me a little credit. Yes, I blatantly broke my oath but with all the pre-christmas perfume promo out there, I have probably resisted temptation ten times over to shop a scent or two. A little pat on the back then, maybe?!

- In other news, my perfume collection is not the only collection blooming. I've also added to my TopShop vest collection (you can see my earlier rave here) with a navy blue.

They are not the cheapest vests but honestly, they are so verstatile and easy to wear. More often then not, I have being wearing the pink or dirty green one so it just made common sense to pick another one up when fate threw it in to my line of sight.

You can view the top on the TopShop site here.

- As for the reading fest, I'm still on it. . . just about! However, I'm not finishing the books as quickly as I'd hoped. I never realised how much I must have read commuting from A to B in the past. Now, that I get myself there and back, I realise I don't have as much time to read. However, I'm doing my best and I'm just about to finish Matched by Allie Condie.

This has been an easy book to pick up (when I do find the time). I'm a sucker for a love story and I'm also a bit guilty of doing the 'what if' so I like the questions that Matched throws up about society as a whole. The detail that Condie has put in to her alternative world is immense, the prose flows very well and there are also some ocassional paragraphs or lines which really resonate with meaning. It won't take much effort for me to read the last 70 pages or so tonight and then I get to pick my next book to read from all of these.

Lately I have become a bit of a magpie when it comes to books. Most of these are unread relics purchased years ago or purchases from charity shops (Matched was £1.49!). I can not recommend picking up your books in charity shops enough. Books seem to have made a bit of a comeback recently and are getting a lot of hype in the media. You can walk in to any charity shop and find, almost immediatly, several current bestsellers and book club/blogger favourites for about a quarter of the cover price. I got The Help and Room from an Amazon, Love Film offer but I've seen them in nearly every charity shop I've been in recently. In one charity shop, I spotted a book I read earlier in the year which I'm not sure I've mentioned here, No and Me by Delphine de Vigan. It was such a sweet book, short but paced beautifully. Recommend!
- I do admit to buying 'The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten' Julian Baggini from Waterstones this week after seeing Gemma's fantastic book haul. This book will get my brain in to gear and sounds right up my my street. It presents you with all these different thought scenarios like, 'Is it ok to eat meat?' then puts some 'ifs' in to the equation such as 'Is it ok to eat meat if the pig wants to be eaten?' I can be a bit of a geek sometimes and get a bit of 'rush' from debates such as these so hopefully I'll love this book as much as I love the Sunday Herald quote on the back,
'. . .It's one to which I'll keep returning- whenever I feel like an argument and have nobody to argue with.'

Any plans for the weekend? As usual, any book or scent recommendations welcome. Inbetween fireworks and Chocolate Brek (another Autumn fad, I'm virtually living on the stuff at the moment), I'm hoping to get a few posts written. I've got some purchases from TopShop and New Look to share with you all as well as a few beauty and hair treats.

Oh and I nearly forgot, this is another 'To Do' this weekend, I will find some suitable products and master this make up look from Pixiwoo. Absolutely stunning!

Baby steps required!

2011-11-02T19:01:00.001Z

If you look in my wardrobe, you will notice several incriminating factors . . .
1/ For every pair of trousers, there are about ten tops.
2/ Most of these tops are vest/cami style.
3/ There are far too many coats and black cropped cardis. Quite possibly, a new one each time you open the door. Magic!
4/ Work attire aside (bog-standard black trousers), my whole trouser collection almost consists of only dark blue jeans (usually skinny, occasionally straight legged)
5/ Er yeessss, Trinny and Susannah, half of my garments are still black. ( and yep, I have noticed this little affliction is slowly infiltrating this blog. Most of my featured garments over the last month or so have been black . . ! )Although forgive me, for what I lack in colour, I try to make up with in the mix of fabrics and textures I don.
6/ Although my look tends to be the pretty cami top (usually with the obligatory black shrug or 3/4 length cardi) with jeans, I do have some dresses and a few jackets cropping up. However, I have very few skirts.

In fact, there is probably only one skirt in my wardrobe that I actually wear.

I was reminded of this little pencil skirt when I saw Ruth in this recent Pixiwoo vlog. She looked so chic. You can see her OOTN post here.

I brought my little pencil skirt in Warehouse about five years ago. It was reduced to something like £12 and I still wear it today. It has to be one of my best buys ever and is certainly a garment I am very dependent on. I tend to turn to it when I have been shopping for some big occasion and have found absolutely nothing, zilch! Argh, don't you hate that? To be fair, I have also turned to this skirt when I have a brand new outfit all ready to go which suddenly on the night, doesn't look quite right!

I have paired this skirt with many things but I often pair it up with this old favourite, a Bay Trading black vest top that has a metallic v-neck (another garment that I turn to again and again.) My tiny TopShop black bolero will often be thrown on to cover the shoulders. Then I continue the metallic-black theme with these New Look heels.

A touch of fake tan, MUA varnish in No 10 (see this post) and a mix of Mac lip (possibly Snob, Viva Gaga and the In Synch lip pencil) and I'm out the door!

Sometimes to hike the classy factor up a little more, I replace the vest with a black bandeau top and a redder lip like Viva Cyndi.

Interestingly, this skirt is one I have only ever worn with my shorter length tops that finish at the waist. Normally I prefer my tops to flow (maybe it adds femininity to my usual jeans look) but with this skirt, I have found the lines need to be kept very clean or I end up looking like a girl playing dress up. The hems of the top either have to a)directly meet the waistline of the skirt or b)seamlessly disappear in to the skirt.

This skirt is made made mainly of polyester but has a lovely satin-like feel to it. It is very structured and flattering with vertical seams which just adds further to the svelte silhouette. When I brought this number, I did so on a whim and had no time to try it on. I liked what I saw and so grabbed the two remaining sizes (neither of them my ideal) and rushed to the till point. I have to say that it is the smaller skirt I choose to don and squeeze in to, even on fat days. This skirt just looks a lot better if you can wear it as tight as you can. Any gaps around the waistband has the potential to ruin the classic, clean silhouette that the pencil skirt is all about.

However be warned, even though it doesn't feel particularly tight at the waist, after I've jumped around and evantually got the zip done up, you can feel it walking and baby steps are required. This is important as there is a pretty little slit on the back of this skirt which I fear with a little too enthusiastic dancing could just ping apart sometime in the future.

Dressing up can be hard work. Tottering around on heels and baby steps ain't so easy especially after a drink or two. Still, I love this skirt, we've had some good times so I think, she's worth the effort and I have no doubt that she is worth the original £12(ish?) investment!

I've seen a few pencil skirts on the high street lately. Is it the type of piece you are keen to have in your wardrobe? The more colourful ones remind me of Mad Men, a boxset I need to finish viewing.

Lipstick lust and Amelia's giveaway.

Image from Google Search here

For a while now, I have been swooning at the mere mention of Show Orchid from MAC. I love this colour, it is very feminine (and very similar to one of my blogging colours) but the cool purple tones give it the edge and take away any potential Barbie connotations.

Image from Google Search here

When I've searched images of this lippie, it becomes evident that anybody can almost certainly pull this lipstick off. This lipstick seems to add beauty to any look and complexion. It is an absolutely amazing lipstick but unfortunately probably not one I could wear day to day and at work etc. I guess, this is why as of yet, the stunning Show Orchid remains on my wish list.

Image from Google Search here

MAC lipsticks are quite expensive and I already have too many 'just for pleasure' ones so I can't justify buying yet another at the moment. However, my dream lippie may still be mine as I will be choosing this lipstick if I am lucky enough to win Amelia's very generous giveaway.

You can enter to win a MAC lipstick of your choice here.

Which one would you choose, good luck!

Hope you're all having a good start to November. I am so excited for fireworks this weekend, love firework night. Please, please, please, don't rain! What garment is your best buy? What would I see if I peeked in to your wardrobe? Do you wear pencil skirts? What are you reading? I will make sure I include a book update in the next post or so.

LBD's and High Street Versace!

2011-10-28T19:34:00.002+01:00

It's one of those things drummed in to us girls from a very young age and Victoria Beckham sums it up very well in her style book (That Extra Half An Inch: Hair, heels and Everything in Between. By the way, this is the best modern STYLE book, I have ever read. I have read it many times over. Often with a highlighter),

'A little black dress is an essential every woman should have in her wardrobe.'

Well to be honest, as of late, my wardrobe has being slightly slack in the classic black dress department. It is all down to a little wardrobe meltdown I had, a couple of years ago, when Trinny and Susannah berated the females of the UK for having no colour in their wardrobes (remember?!). Of course, since my wardrobe was nearly all black, I felt a tad guilty and responsible for the great UK fashion crisis. So to make amends, I gave away about a third of my clothing collection (to be replaced with hideuous brights of all hues, which are now hidden in a dark corner somewhere, tags still intact) including a little black dress that I had from Topshop and absolutely adored.

Nostalgia alert!
With shoulder straps, it was classic and tight fitting. It showed not too much but just enough. It was the typical little black dress, fuss free. The only detail of significance was the low cut square neck line which puffed out just a little in a very flattering, slightly teasing (but decent!) manner.
I wish I had a picture to show you because in my mind, that dress was not only the definition of the classic little black dress - and maybe the first dress to make me feel like a lady- but also to be honest, just the perfect dress for somebody of my build and colouring.
Why, did I throw it out?!
Argh, I'm still not sure. Yeah, it was black but Trinny and Susannah, where are you now? To be honest, so many women of the UK wore and still do wear black for a simple reason or two ie. Black pieces are often flattering and look good. They also mask your insecurities and make you feel better maybe even good in your own skin. Looking good and feeling better, a winning combination in my opinion!

Argh, I have struggled to find a classic little black dress ever since the regretful meltdown. I guess at the moment, there are three contenders in my wardrobe.

Firstly, we have the lace dress which I'm not going to talk about much (after all, it has its own little post here) but suffice to say, as far as I'm concerned, this piece does not fall within the definition of the classic black dress. For me, the first thing you have to notice about a little black dress is that it is black. For me, the first thing that comes to mind when I see this dress is that it is firstly and foremost, a lace dress.

Secondly, we have a little number that I brought from TopShop (again!) last Christmas. This dress is certainly black and the body certainly looks more or less exactly like my idea of a little black dress.

However, the long cape attached to it really takes away anything classic about this dress.

Instead it makes it a very unique number which gleams a lot of attention when worn. I feel very powerful strutting around with my cape swishing around me.

However, this number is also a little bit impratical and almost a little bit too showy for a typical Saturday night at the local bar. A classic little black dress never really comes across quite as stage school-like.

Thirdly, we have the H&M dress, the one that I have earmarked for the upcoming festive season (just need some invites now, hint hint). I brought this dress recently (along with the lace one) and have held off from posting, hoping that H&M will put it online but as of yet, I still can't find it. : (

However, I'm still going to post it now because I feel that this is the closest thing I have in my wardrobe at the moment to the little black dress. It ticks most of the boxes.

- Falling above the knee, it is short but not provactively so.

-It has (classic) thin, black shoulder straps.

- It shows some flesh but not too much. It also has a little lacing detail around the decolletage which can be tightened or loosened depending on the look you want to achieve. I'm not sure if you're meant to let the lacing show but I hide it down said decolletage in an attempt to maintain some of the nochalence required by a little black dress.

- It seems to pull in at the waist slightly meaning you can radiate that tight black dress flattering silhouette vibe but at the same time, the skirt part is loser and swishes beautifully as you strut balancing it all out. The ovarall effect highlights everything good about the feminine vibe.

Now, I know that I said that the classic little black dress should be fuss free so a question mark has to lie over the ruffles but for me, the little black dress status is still a given here. The ruffles do make this dress quite distinctive and it may well fail the Victoria Beckham, 'Nobody will know you are wearing the same thing' test to a degree but you could wear this dress in different ways with a bit of denim, leather or what about tanned legs, tights or leggings (Amelia has almost converted me!). The dress would be identifiable but the look would be different.

Importantly, although distinct in thier own right, the ruffles do not completely define the dress. If anything, again, they just make the piece a little more feminine and could potentially balance out any cleavage or lace tie (if you did want to show much of either).

I am adamanent that this dress is a classic little black dress. After all, the top half of this dress is beautiful and you could sit at dinner and look equally as alluring in it as you would, swishing the skirt, as you shake your thang in the latest hotspot in town. Surely, nothing more can be asked of a classic LBD!

Talking of H&M . . .

I see the promo is online of the Versace collabaration. Please can anybody tell me why, the lover of black I am, am I now lusting, as we venture in to the depths of a deep dark winter, for this?!

Typical! Although, even in this collection, there are some black pieces pulling me in.

In particular, this dress, which looks a little long for me but maybe not, if I paired it with these boots!

What do you think of the H&M collaboration with Versace? Will you be buying anything? Do you have a little black dress? What will you be wearing this Christmas?
Oh and can I just say, thank you for the comments lately. Some of you know I've being blogging for almost a couple of years now and your comments (+follows) really do make me smile and make it all so worthwhile. Thank you and happy weekend! :))

Taped hair revamp!

2011-10-26T20:51:00.000+01:00

It seems that Truth of The World, Numero uno states that growing hair can take a long, long time!
Truth of The World, Number two states that it can be so frigging boring!!

This is where we're currently at with the hair growth marathon. Sigh!!!

Over the last couple of weeks, I've lost my motivation to grow my hair a little. I want long hair but I don't want to sit around with conditioners on my head and I certainly don't want to wait another eighteen months.
I'm in danger of letting all the hard work fall to the hairdressers floor, snip snip style.

Noooo, that can't happen.

So last weekend, I set about finding my hair mojo again by mixing the extensions up a bit. About this time last year, I stopped having my extensions sewn in. Instead, I have being alternating between clip ins and taped extensions. Swapping it up between the two is what I have being doing instead of the regular hair trim (yes, naughty to skip, I know . . .).

On Saturday, I swapped back from clips to tape. You can buy pretaped extensions (and I have) but I seem to find it as easy to make my own.
I took a weft of hair and some tape.

I cut the weft up in to pieces, attached the tape to the weft.

Then, I heated the tape a little to warm up the adhesive before attaching the extension to my head.

Five days later and I have not lost any extensions. I used the whole weft and have 10-12 pieces in my hair.

Some of the pre-taped extensions are skin wefts and the edge of the weft is more or less invisible unlike mine.

A lot of people use smaller pieces of weft and more of them (Given: this is probably kinder to the natural hair as the weight pulling on the hair would be more dispersed). I have done this but for three reasons, I'm not quite so keen. . .
1/ I'm lazy and this method means that more taping and active action is required. It can get quite time consuming and again, I'm lazy.
2/ I'm used to wearing larger extension pieces. Most of the clips in and sewns in I have used before have fitted almost around the head.
3/ I feel more secure with the larger pieces. It seems to me that as they are attached to so much of your head, they are less likely to fall out.
I would say that maybe smaller pieces can be blended better to give you a very natural, individual style. Larger pieces probably do give a more obvious fake look but a good hairdresser should be able to cut in to these and make them more natural. It's all a matter of personal choice.

At the moment, I keep swishing my hair. It feels very light after a couple of months wearing clip ins especially since with those last clips in, I had doubled, tripled some of the pieces up to give me voluminous rows. It all got quite thick and heavy.

I haven't done that this time. Instead, I've gone for a slightly sleeker look (although I have taped the bottom two or three rows quite close together to try and avoid wispy extension ends). Like my previous extensions, these extensions are 18 inches but I think because I've done less multiplying up with the wefts, the length may show itself off more.

Colour-wise, I'm trying not to colour my hair again at the moment as lately it has appeared so dark and also feels a bit dry. Normally I would colour my extensions and hair before applying taped extensions or making clip ins but as I don't want to colour my hair at the moment, I've try to use extensions of my natural colour so that they will blend better in a few weeks time. I feel my natural hair colour is going to get lighter with the dye fade and the increasing number of lighter roots starting to grow through but until all this comes together a bit more, I suspect my hair will look a bit Ombre in some lights. I'm interested to see how I will take to this.

This is the great thing about extensions, you can make a real difference to the look of your hair with just a weft or two and yes, extensions do cause damage but nearly everything you put on your hair can damage it. At the end of the day, extensions mean long hair now rather then in x amount of long time!

Anyway, I'm not sure how long they are going to last (In the past, I have stuck liquid gold on to the ends of the hair pieces for added security but it can all get a bit sticky and messy so I'm trying to avoid doing that for now.) but small changes like this make such a big difference to hair mojo when you're in the midst of hair growth monotony. So maybe I'll start eating the green beans again and finishing off my Phyto tablets. . .!

Extra hair information

- My new hair is by a brand I've never used before so I will see how it lasts before recommending them to you. However, my last lot of Beauty Works hair (worn more or less 24 hours a day every single day for about five months) lasted really well and I was very impressed with the quality but then I should have been. It is the most expensive hair I've ever brought and even today when I found the link, I felt a bit guilty about the price but I guess, it was less then 75p a day. The only other downer was that I remember, waiting a while for the delivery. Hence, why they weren't invited to the hair revamp this time.
- I get my hair tape from here.

Extra, extra

In other news, I need to backtrack. I have spent the best part of two years rolling my eyes when I catch sight of the gold bottle that still needs to be used up but this last week (see this review, I take it back), I have actually really enjoyed dowsing myself in Something About Sofia (Benefit). It no longer seems to smell as busy or as deep as it used to. I'm not sure if it is the scent that has changed or me but I do think that by Christmas, the bottle will be almost empty.

Also, I am still so in love with the table I brought in Homesense earlier in the year. It is gorgeous. The gold, the decoration . , I love everything about it. Oh and I guess, it fits in with the metallic trend. Talking of which I'm currently lusting after this Top Shop number.

Do you like it? Have you brought any metallics lately? Do you ever wear extensions? Do you have to make an effort to grow your hair? Any tips or perfume recommendations?

Have a good week!

Faking It!

2011-10-23T16:28:00.001+01:00

Some of you may have realised that I'm naturally very, very pale and it is safe to say that I have spent quite a lot of time slathering myself with many different fake tan products over the years and er, I'm still pretty pathetic at it! I often end up with very obvious divides between my face and neck and between my wrists and hands and in general, my skin looks patch attacked.

My favourite fake tan product to date is the Make Believe Gradual Self Tan and Tan Extender. I have found so much to rave about when it comes the Make Believe products (see this post). All of the Make Believe products, that I've used, felt and smelt more like luxurious body moisturisers to apply and they delivered great results easily. Even with the gradual tanner, there is a definite change in skin colour with one application and one which is much more flattering then orange. The branding and vibe of Make Believe is amazing, and the images used on the packaging are so dreamy and inspirational.

Image from Google Image Search

Anyway, Laura was urging us to get a tan in one of her recent blog posts and she said,
'I know the nights are drawing in and the days getting colder in many places around the world but all the more reason why you should give yourself a little bronze boost :)'
This little sentence immediately brought to mind, the Make Believe image above. Suddenly, I had one of those moments where I just knew that I had(!) to be tanned as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I could not really justify forking out for Make Believe (the price being the brand's only weakness) on some whim.

So instead I looked to Soltan, the brand that Laura was so impressed with. Now Laura used the spray tan mist. I didn't because I am rubbish with spraying tan and really do prefer having more control (or at least feeling, as if I do) when I'm applying it.

So I opted for the Soltan, Beautiful Bronze gel instead and wow, make no mistake, this product gives you an instant colour which over two or three hours develops in to a semi-permanent tan that is lasting.

The instant colour really is instant (making application of the tan easy) and obvious. There is no doubt that as soon as this product met my skin, I looked tanned. The difference was so extreme that I would say even those of you blessed with a more naturally tanned complexion will instantly look more sun kissed. This product has given me one of the heaviest tans I have ever had and that is with one quite slap dash hasty application.

This is my skin naturally.

This is my skin one day after applying Soltan.

The tan does not need to be washed away after x amount of hours to get your true colour. However, I had been a bit worried about all the glitter evident during application, glitter does not really 'work' the natural tan I was seeking and I did find that after a shower, my tan was still almost as strong but it became less orange and a whole lot less sparkly. In other words, I still looked very tanned but the colour looked better (there is still something orange about this one though) and less artificial.

Ok so there was some glitter and a fake tan smell but all in all, this product is almost amazing. You see, the coverage was flawless. Yes people, I applied it all by myself and there ain't a patch to be seen. My skin looks very tanned and healthy. It also feels really soft and healthy. Even if people suspect I have faked it (which they might, because I'm never this tanned and also, those hints of orange), they would not be able to point to a patch and expose my fakery. Ha!

And what is more, is that I applied this tan four days ago and until yesterday, there was no fade at all. Today, the tan still looks even but I would say, I look sun-kissed tanned rather then bronzed or heavily, heavily tanned.

Yes, I've said a couple of times that there is something orange about this tan and there is. The tan that results after a couple of hours is not solidly orange but there is something orange about it in certain lights. Now this isn't necessarily a negative. This tan is not patchy and it gives such a smooth finish that I'm almost tempted to gloss over the whole orange thing because the tan still looks good and doesn't seem such a big deal when you think how cheap this tan is and you consider the fact that Make Believe is the only tan I have ever used that has not had an orange air about it to some degree. Rimmel, St Tropez, St Moriz, Nivea and Piz Buin (although with PB to a lesser degree) all included the orange factor to some degree.

For under £7, I think, this Soltan product is great value and have almost no doubt that even with the most beautiful packaging in the world, no product could have made me look any more tanned then I looked on Thursday, courtesy of Soltan.

How I used Soltan

Now most people have their own tanning routines but for those of you interested, I'll go through my little routine briefly.

*I exfoliated and moisturised the morning before tanning.

*I then exfoliated again with Ocean Salt from Lush (another product to rave about, see earlier post here) just before applying the gel directly on to my skin.

*I rubbed the gel in and then I donned the mitt to really buff it in to the skin.

*Prior to application, I layered Vaseline around my hairline, eyebrows, above my lip, lightly over my neck, behind my ears and on wrists and elbows.

Impassioned from MAC

You also might be interested to know that Soltanned, I have a completely different take on Impassioned from MAC. I often used Impassioned on a day off to brighten my look a little.

I would normally pair it with my pale complexion, some eyeliner and a very neutral eyeshadow (if I used one at all). My Impassioned lip typically looks like the one above. It is one of my favourite go to looks and is usually the one I would don on a 'happy' day. Impassioned just seems to me such a happy, carefree lipstick. However paired with Soltan, Impassioned looks so much brighter and for me, too much. I've always thought that Impassioned looks different in different lights and to be honest, I like the fact that it is so elusive and I think with the Soltan, it loses that and just becomes another red-pink something like in the photo here below. However, this photo flatters the combo a little (maybe because I have not shown you my whole face and the full force of the Soltan) I think in real life, the pairing looks brasher and cheaper.

Safe to say, this one is going back in the lipstick box until my tan whim has passed.
If you're interested in Impassioned, one of my faves when I'm doing the natural thing then I've posted about it here before.

Book update

So aside from the tanning this week, I have finished, After You'd Gone. This book was so powerful and bittersweet. The relationship between John and Alice was so perfect and endearing that it reminded you how simple and great life can be but then you would turn the page to a scene with Ann and suddenly, you remember how difficult some people can be and how life can too often then not be unfathomable and complicated. I'm not sure that, given the events leading to the finale, that the book could have ended in any other way.

After You'd Gone is a brilliant read and the pace like the content is varied. One page is lighthearted, the next has you in tears. While sometimes you really feel that you need to concentrate to read the writing right and then a chapter or so later, you feel as though you're not reading at all but watching the book unfold in front of you.

I think you can probably guess that I really enjoyed this one and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to you and from what I remember, I also rate The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox (by the same author) which I read in Japan, a few years ago.

Have you used Make Believe or Soltan? What are currently reading? What bright lip flatters you? I hope you are all ok and enjoying your Sunday.

Lace!

2011-10-21T20:02:00.001+01:00

I've always thought that lace is a hard look to pull off. White lace can look great on a bride but on anybody else, lace can be easy to get wrong.
Still, occasionally, I have had a fling with lace.
Take this Top Shop lace dress in cream (Petite collection Christmas 2010).

I took this to the changing room last year for a bit of fun. I had no intention of buying it but was just trying on as many different items as I could in a desperate attempt to find some style.

To my surprise, I fell for this lace dress in cream as soon I tried it on.

It made me feel like somebody else. I normally live in black and neighbouring hues so I found that the cream colour and the delicate look of this number made me feel light and free. It was just after Christmas and all that snow, this dress reminded me that spring was coming and made me crave daisy chains (sad but true). This dress just seemed fun and what is more it seemed to bring life to my face. It felt very right. Although the dress looks lacy and light, it is not flimsy or delicate on any account. The thick lining gives enough structure leaving any 'net curtain' comments unjustified and of course, the cream (a colour so far from white! not, but just far enough!) takes away the whole bridal connotation.

Going on up the lace ladder, the stores are full of lace garments of other colours. Now if there is one thing scarier for me then bridal white lace, it is red; blue; black . . . In fact, coloured lace, in general. I just feel that on me, such items would be unflattering, too edgy and maybe even tarty.

However, recently there has being a lot of coloured lace out there and nobody else seems to be shying away from the look.

Just me.

Really I should man up but lace is so dangerous . . !

Or so I thought until I noticed a couple of Kate Middleton's recent looks.

Image from Google search

Coloured lace looks!

If it is safe enough for the future Queen then goodness knows, why I'm so worried about the danger of lace?!

Enter one of my new H&M dresses.

I put it on and I liked what I saw. The lace is great and yes, lets face it, it is a lot more interesting to look at then block black.

This particular lace number is not as heavy as my Top Shop one but the fit is structured by the way that the front of the dress is vertically divided in to three. The dress is lined but the sleeves are not. This gives just enough of a lace tease without revealing too much.

The lining is flesh toned and actually quite pale. I fake tanned my top half a couple of days ago (expect a tan review very soon!) and even on me, the difference in lining and face (and arms) can be seen in real life. I actually prefer this dress on me before I fake tanned (typical, until now I have always preferred how my flesh looks when I've bothered to tan!). Pre-tan, the lining was not so obvious and the dress seemed more organic (if a dress can be such a thing!). Pale girls, this could be the one black dress out there for you!

I've paired the dress here with black skinny jeans here and a pair of heels because even if I did like my legs, I'm not sure I'd bare them out for this dress, just in case that swung the pendulum from pretty to tarty, Doreen (Birds of Feather) style.

In my head, I'm actually contemplating knee high boots and volumised (possibly with a slight quiff) hair to style this look. This number has a modern 60's feel about it.

Jewellery-wise?! Hmmm, maybe one large bracelet. What do you think?

I often braid the sides of my hair when I go out but I just think plaits are too girly for this number and that the lace needs to be balanced out a little. I think with lace, it talks for it's self and it shouldn't be played up too much. Who wants to be guilty of overkill?

So what do you think of lace? Do you like dresses with some kind of twist like this one or do you prefer a more conventional 'black dress' type number? I'm normally the conventional little black dress girl but I've got to say I am glad I have added something a little bit different to my wardrobe. Besides I also picked up a more classic black party dress in this H&M haul (more about that soon) so I can't really lose.

Talking of Kate Middleton, did you see the beautiful dress she was photographed in this week?

Image from Google search

A bit more of a 70's vibe and again very colourful but oh so glam. A dress to dream about this weekend, me thinks. I've got to admit lately, I've being style stalking Kate a bit. The 'What Kate Wore' blog is a good read!

Right, I'm off to have a Green Monster (click here to see earlier post about these gems). Over the last couple of months, I've really got back on that bandwagon and it makes such a difference to how I feel. Now if I could just bring myself to start drinking green tea again . . !

You can view the H&M dress here. Have a fabulous start to the weekend!

The H&M bow trench!

2011-10-19T19:02:00.001+01:00

So you may have read about my new love, the H&M trench. Here it is . . .

Yep, it is love! I told you a few days ago about how I wanted to give it a bit of a road run before posting. Well, the trench and I have shared a few dates together now and it passed with flying colours. I love this coat and I certainly don't mind, the compliments it has gleaned.
I don't think, I have ever owned a proper trench like this one before. Trenches have always scared me. I thought, at not even 5ft2, they would swamp me and in general, they just seem so masculine, heavy, straight, functional and not really, very me.

Well, I was wrong. This one is light, pretty and has movement.

This trench does not swamp or look too much on me even in flats. It has some beautiful details which adds femininity. I love the sleeve design. The shoulders are bulky but with a soft puff and lovely seaming.

Again, seaming has being used to form a beautiful, flattering, pulled in cuff with a single button detail.

Then, there is the bow belt.

Now this is very girly and a bit plastic like. It was the only part of the coat that I was a little unsure about. I wondered if it could be a bit 'Disney' and cheapen the coat but actually when you put the coat on and do the belt up. The belt becomes a nice touch rather then some big garish feature. I'm not sure if I will be adorning the belt everyday but I certainly won't be throwing it away. If you do like this coat but are a little unsure about the belt then maybe consider this coat in black. I'm sure the black on black will downplay the belt detail even further.

This coat, with or without the belt, also gives a lovely silhouette very unlike the bulky one I feared. The popper buttons pull the coat right in to really flatter the figure and no, it doesn't seem to pull too tightly around the bottom. Again, something I'd feared.
However, what I like most about this coat is its versatility. It can be worn with or without the belt, buttoned up or undone (which both give the coat a very different feel) and then finally, there is my absolutely favourite feature on this coat and that is the collar.

I have recently concluded that when it comes to collars, size really is everything. I love big collars!
The collars above are avaitor-like but do a button or two up and it becomes reminiscent of glamorous cold climes. I can't decide if this cowl collar look looks more Parisian or Russian but certainly somewhere classically chic! I just know I like the look and it certainly defines the time of the year we have moved in to.

Obviously, I give this coat a massive thumbs up (especially since it costs only £34.99) and really am considering adding the black version to my already extensive black outerwear wardrobe. This is such a beautiful coat for this time of year.

You can view the coat here.

What do you think? Like perfumes and tops, coats are certainly one element of style that I really think about and love to hear about. Have you brought a new coat recently? What coat will you be wrapping up in this year? Let me know in the comments. If you've done a post, put a link in the comments and I will have a read.

Lazy Monday!

2011-10-17T19:06:00.001+01:00

So today, no work for me (yay!) and it has being all about comfort. I'm in that frame of mind where I can't be doing with clomping around in heels or ironing and all the frills that generally comes with "good" dressing.

So instead I adorned my latest 'lazy day' ensemble to mooch around the Pack Monday fair.

My H&M sequin vest and my ole signature fluffy coat!

The colder weather always brings texture to the high street and there are a lot of fluffy coats out there at the moment. However, I purchased my Oasis (Btw, I love my local small town Oasis concession and a fair portion of my wardrobe comes from there. However, whenever I go to other branches of Oasis, I don't seem to walk away with as much.) coat in 2004 and to be honest, we have been through so many moments together, that any other fluffy coat I buy (I'm always lusting for a white/cream one) will always fall second to this one. When I think winter, one of the things that immediatly comes to my mind is this coat. I guess, it holds some memories and now forms part of my identity. It is one my most cherished possessions and has certainly locked a spot in my wardrobe forever. Sometimes I just feel the need to throw it on and burrow myself inside. Do you have a garment that you feel the same way about?

To add a little sparkle, I added my Grey sequin vest from H&M with a Dorothy Perkins basic black bandeau underneath. I love the H&M sequin vests but this is the first time I've given the grey a proper outing since I purchased it. Until now, I've being favouring the peachy nude (which I featured in an earlier post) but the grey worked really well with the fluffy jacket and what is more, the sequins lent some sparkle meaning I could skive a whole lot of accessorising.

I wore one single ring that was originally my Mum's. I think I've featured it in posts before but it is a replica of Princess Diane's wedding ring which my Mum got at the time of the orginal wedding. Again, I love this ring. It is very pretty and again today, in my self-indulgent mood, wearing something that is Mum's and has some history peps me up a little.

It was the Matalan slightly flared jeans (featured here) for the legs. I think, these look even better now that they have been washed a couple of times. The flare is not quite as obvious and seems to fall more naturally which happily meant that I could wear them with my beloved sketchers.

Sketchers have become a bit of a staple for me. I think they look great as well as been amazingly comfortable (these feel so light on the feet compared to other trainers that I have tried) and durable. Now I know a lot of bloggers seem to worship Converse but I have to confess, I have never had a pair. However, I've had three or four pairs of sketchers and they are the first trainers I consider when the need to buy arises. In fact, I didn't consider buying anything else until I started reading all the Converse raves and began to get curious about those. I think, it is inevitable that I will give Converse a go in the future. Would you suggest low or high tops? Any particular model? Have you worn both? Which brand in your opinion wins out?

Before I go, I would also like to say that I am really enjoying Blushbaby, at the moment. Blush baby is a sheertone blush from MAC meaning that it is buildable (You can read my original review here ) and I think half the reason, I'm liking it so much right now is because I washed my blush brush (Sigma SS187) with mane n tail which has kind of ruined the brush and has made it less pliable. However, happily, it means that it works the Blushbaby better as much more product is landing on my cheek and it results in a very pretty, stronger flush. I am really enjoying this and at the moment, maybe a first, my make up look is not all about the eyes or lips but the blush!

Also, when I get the chance to sit down and read a few pages of After You'd Gone, it is bliss. I'm really enjoying the book but have just being so busy, working or sleeping, this last week that I keep coming to standstills with it. To be honest, the book is so good that it deserves more from me and I will make more time to finish it this week. I HAVE to find out what happened to Alice and what she saw.

I hope you all had a Happy Monday. Maybe my next post will be a bit more glam possibly the new H&M dresses and trench. The latter and I are still happily honeymooning :)

High Street Finds!

2011-10-12T19:52:00.000+01:00

So today, I did a little bit of shopping and I admit, I think I had some sort of Gok Wan moment where I was overwhelmed by what you can actually find on the high street at the moment.

I was so impressed with the workmanship and beading on this New Look piece. It looks so special (I think, exquisite is the word), it had to be mine!
If all the sequins don't fall off, this is gonna be an investment buy. It could jazz up any outfit. It is absolutely beautiful and certainly makes a change from my normal black cropped 3/4 length cardis.

As is this Kimono, also from New Look. I'm not normally one for print but this bird print is gorgeous and the fact that it is worked on a black background keeps me in my safety zone.
I don't think the camera has picked up how lovely this piece looks in reality (it looks too much like a night shirt on film!!). The sequins on each bird really draws the eye to the piece and adds that something more.

I'm thinking the earlier New Look item is more of a dressy one and will literally dress your outfit up. I don't think this kimono is quite so jazzy (although thinking about it, over a pencil skirt and tight black top, there is certainly potential) but I brought this one to lend my casual day to day uniform (yes, jeans and a couple of layered vests or tees!), a bit of style.

Clothes-wise, I also made some purchases in H&M. I brought two gorgeous dresses, roll on the Christmas parties and also, a trench coat. That's right, forget all I've said about trenches in the past. I absolutely adore the one I purchased today. I think it deserves a post all of its own but I just want to trial it out properly first as I have noticed over the last couple of months, that things seem to always look great in the H&M changing room and not so good when I get them home. Magic mirrors?! Maybe! However, I hope my new trench lives up to the reflection I saw earlier.

I will go off on a tangent now.

This is quite a recent purchase from H&M. Now since I've had it home, I've been wondering what to do with it. It doesn't seem to lie flat and the colour now seems much harsher then I originally gauged. Fail?! Maybe! Let me know if you've got this or any ideas how to style it. Pretty please!!

Back to today, I also went to Boots and stocked up on a few "essentials".

Due to the Frownie Fail and the fact that I seem to go through Liquid Gold very quickly (50mls in about 6 applications?!), I used my No7 voucher to get some of the notorious Number 7 Protect and Perfect Beauty serum which is billed to 'smooth[ing] lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks'. Fingers crossed.

I'm about to finish my Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream. This stuff is amazing. I tried the normal cream (I think, I picked up the body emollient instead of a face cream, by mistake) earlier in the year when Pixiwoo first mentioned the brand and wasn't overwhelmed but this face repair cream is brilliant. I have being using it as a moisturiser most mornings and evenings. Everything seems calmer. Very occasionally my skin feels a little dry between the brows (which is more likely down to the colder weather and possibly that I didn't moisturise so much when I used Liquid Gold) so every other night I have been layering this over the Avene Moisturising Mask (I normally don't wipe off the excess as instructed but instead let it soak in to my skin overnight) and the next morning any dryness has gone. It is very rare that I buy another tube from the same brand as soon as I've finished the last one. I normally swap it up but I'm so happy with Oilatum at the moment (and I'm also happy, toning with the Tea Tree water from Lush. I'm not sure what it is doing but I just know, it is doing good).

I also stocked up on a couple of John Frieda conditioning treatments, mini ones. I noticed how dry my hair was looking in the changing rooms possibly from the Mane and Tail. I have been using the Lee Stafford treatments and the VO5 ones up to now but have ran out so I thought I'd give these two a go this week and then decide what full size treatments to invest in. Got to say, back in the day, I used to love the John Frieda Brilliantly Brunette products. At the very least, I remember they smelt divine and I'm sure, there was a whole lot of shine too. Ooh, I will get back to you on that.

I also got the Daily Smooth, I actually think it might be my favourite smell ever and as for the moisturising function, bonus!;)

You will also see the Boots Christmas book is out, yay. When I was little, we used to go through the Argos book marking what toys we want. Yes people, I now do this in the Boots book but with beauty treats and such instead of toys (obviously!) and what is more, I take a whole evening to devour the book and then go back through to star my Christmas wishes. See, some things can be said for longer, darker nights.

Hope you are all ok and having a good week. I've got to say I've caught up with this series of TOWIE and I'm loving it. Also loving the Rachel Zoe Reports coming in to my inbox each day, inspirational even if I can't afford or access some of it, and Olivia Palermo's new blog and Undressed Skeleton which Kelly mentioned. Oh and I've dug some old blushes out and I can't remember if I applied Mac Blushbaby or Benefit Throb today but it looked really good and had some staying power in the drizzle and shopping whirl. I think it was Blushbaby!

Have you brought anything amazing lately? Have you tried the No 7 serum or Oilatum?

Take care

Jacket love and a bit of babble!

2011-10-08T23:30:00.001+01:00

What a contrast, weather-wise, this weekend is to last. Looking out the window earlier, it was all so grey and dull. Yep, there seems no doubt that the season is on the turn and autumn is in the air which means I can finally do a little ode to my leather jacket, one of my best buys ever!

I spotted the jacket about this time last year in Oasis and I think it was well in to the £130 price range. Woah, quite a price. Since I was on the ball last year and had already secured myself a couple of winter jackets, I couldn't justify it. Boo.

Never mind, it went straight on to the Christmas list but I didn't get it. Boo times two :(

I had just about all lost all hope and was wandering around the shops with the January blues when I spotted two of these jackets left in Oasis with a massive reduction. I can't remember exactly how much but I'm sure it was around half price.

Yay. We were meant to be, after all. Within seconds one of the beauties became mine and I have no regrets.

I absolutely adore it. I actually think I can pull off any outfit wearing this jacket. It gives everything that "cool" factor.
Of course, it is a leather jacket so is bound to be "cool" but "cool" isn't always very me and can make me look quite try hard. Leather can be quite a harsh material to wear and on me can come across unforgiving.
However, that is not the case with this one. There are a number of design details that just makes this THE leather jacket for me.

I love the way this jacket is allowed to fulfil its potential with the attention to composition and cut in design. The focus seems to have being on this sort of design detail rather then lots of added on metal embellishments, buckles and tassels etc which again you often see on a leather jacket. I feel too many embellishments can look a bit busy and almost reinforces the harshness of the leather. The three zips (one in the middle and one for each side pocket) is as far as the metal goes with this number and I love the fact that the detail in this Oasis number is so simple and subtle but make no mistake, there is great detail in the design.

For example, it is not a solid leather jacket. The harshness of leather has been broken down by the composition of the sleeves. The top side is leather and the underside of the arm is made up of cotton rib which softens the whole look and seems to warm the black up a little.

There is also has an aviator collar. The aviator collar was on trend last year and it also makes the leather jacket a bit different from the traditional biker style ones you often see around.

And of course, I love the fact that the fact that this leather jacket is quite short and that the shoulders are glossed over because of the aviator collar. This stops the leather jacket, being like many other jackets, of this type, too boxy.

In conclusion, I think I may have made an investment for life with this little number.

I see Oasis actually have a section on their site for leather products in the same way they do dresses, shoes etc. The copy for this section is 'Quality Cuts Beautiful Investment Pieces'.

I wholeheartedly believe my little jacket is the embodiment of such copy and wouldn't hesitate to recommend that you look at the Oasis website if you are looking for a leather jacket. This one with quilting and stitching detail seems to be this years version of mine.
I also like this cropped leather blazer from ASOS.

I actually really am considering on adding the tan (which is £40 cheaper then the black) to my Christmas wish list.

To the ramble . . .

- I'm finding it hard to find the motivation to stick the frownies on each night. They just don't seem to be doing much for that horrible line, I've got. To be honest, I have never really seriously considered botox et al before but after reading here about the great experience Amelia has had (fab blog, also check out her colour blocked nails ), I've got something to think about.

- My reading has gone slowly this last week, I've being crazy busy but hoping to catch up a bit with After You'd Gone over the next few days. I'm just past part one and have gotten to grips with who is who and the toing and throeing between the past and present. It reminds me a little of a couple of Dorothy Koomson's because right from the start, it is obvious there is whole a lot of mystery and emotion in the air.
I'm also hoping to watch Amelie this weekend. Can you believe, I don't think I've ever watched the whole thing?!

- I may also pop back online for a little shopping. I'm lending my sister some clothes this weekend so I think that's earnt me enough brownie points for a little splurge. I've got my eye on this bag

and these two dresses from ASOS.

This is the link.

I'm also lusting after the Lorissa shoe featured by Tali.
What do you think? Do you have a leather jacket, do you think it is an essential in all wardrobes? Would you do the botox thing now or in the future? Any frownie tips? Also, I'm craving all things wool-like so has anybody seen any nice scarves around. I want a signature one to wear with anything inc. my lovely leather jacket.

The Perfume Post!

2011-10-07T19:14:00.001+01:00

This is my perfume collection, the one I'm currently trying to shop from, before I buy any more gorgeous scents. Note: I said 'try'. Yes, I have already failed the no buy and added more liquid gold to my collection but ahem, more about that later!

This 'no buy' phase has left me with an interesting mix of perfumes to choose from each day.
I thought today I would pick a few highlights (or in the case of one or two, lowlights) to share with you. Just before we start, there are a few perfumes here so I'm not going to go too much into notes or history (in some cases, I've done that in earlier reviews and such trivia can always be found via google). Instead, I've concentrated on what stands out for me about the fragrance or how it makes me feel as this is usually the information I process when I decide if I want to get that fragrance to the tillpoint or not.
And now without further ramble, to the perfume . . .

Beckham, Intimately

The perfume that will always make me smile. So, so pretty and I know this is not going to sound right but the notes almost flutter. Yes, honestly, I said flutter. There is a rave here.

Benefit, Something About Sofia

Yep, this one is still hanging around even after my review almost two years ago. Hmm, now it is getting colder, it might be time to give this one another go.

Britney Spears, Fantasy

This vanillary one is great value for the every day and I think, I prefer it to the very hyped Vera Wang, Princess.

Ghost

You might remember that this is my "grown up" perfume, the one I will wear when I want to be all mature and worldly. This scent makes me feel safe and confident. I love the security it gives me yet personally, I feel it is quite understated in the sense of a girly perfume. I just get something deep, musky and cosy from it. However, this one gets quite a few compliments.

Gucci, Flora

I've posted about my Gucci scents before and I have yet to find one that I do not like but Flora (originally reviewed here) is one I feel I've grown in to even more over the last year. It is very feminine and quite sophisticated. It reminds me of the city slicker rush hour in London. I'm sure half the girls catching the tube to work were wearing this. I like to wear this scent when I'm shopping, especially in the city or the department store. This scent allows me to feel a little bit richer then I am and certainly a whole lot more richer then I am, by the time I get home from said shopping sprees!

Gucci, Guilty

Gucci Guilty is a perfume, I love. It is also a perfume that can not be denied, if worn. Make no mistake, this perfume makes itself known. See my original view here.

Gucci, Rush 2

Gucci Rush 2, again Love! After all, it is a Gucci but this one is very unique. The Rush line smells very different to any other scent out there and those who like these scents do not just like them but really love them. See my thoughts here.

Michael Kors, Very Hollywood

A scent which includes notes of bergamot, orange and gardenia and one I expected a lot more from. After all, many people name it as their signature scent and then there are the illusions of red carpet glamour that the name and bottle create. This is what Michael Kors has said about, Very Hollywood,

“My original Very Hollywood Michael Kors Eau de Parfum pays tribute to old Hollywood glamour. Inspired by iconic screen sirens, it’s indulgent, sexy and sophisticated. . ." Quote found here.

It all sounds very exciting and yeah, almost life changing. Imagine what you could do if you felt indulgent, sexy and sophisticated?!

Now for the reality.

Granted, I have the eau de toilette (not the perfume) and it gives off an ok scent but nothing more then that. I wouldn't say it is immediately identifiable as a fragrance. There is not really a rhythm to the notes and nothing in it really changes as you wear it. There is just a constant dull hum (scent style) of an almost plastic, unremarkable room scent.

There is no edge to Very Hollywood and for me, it does not do enough. It is too immature and too safe. Saying that, I have almost finished the bottle but most of it was used to scent the sofa and on the few recent occasions that I bothered to wear it myself, I have only done so in partnership with The Daily Smooth, Ralph Lauren, Romance style, to give it an extra something. Sadly with so many perfumes out there to try, I don't think that I would purchase this one again.

Tom Ford, Black Orchid

Now when I first tried Black Orchid (aka, Sex In A Bottle!), I found the top notes so intense, deep and unique that it scared me and so then instead of adding an edge, I tried to take it away by pairing it with the Jennifer Anniston scent. I thought this was a pretty smelling pair.

However, I now wonder if instead of teamwork being key, it was just the magic of time and the middle notes in Black Orchid which resulted in a more feminine, pretty scent.

Black Orchid is absolutely divine after about two hours of wear. Honestly, it is like it bursts in to blossom. You can almost pinpoint the exact moment and from there on in, for the next five or six hours, everything in the wake of this scent smells gorgeous. However, then we get to the bottom notes and unfortanately these notes are what scare me when I consider wearing this fragrance more. You see, it seems as Black Orchid starts to go off, it smells almost like I've being frying food. Umm, yeah, not exactly how I want to smell! I've tried respraying another spritz of Black Orchid to lose the less attractive edge but that doesn't seem to bode well. I've come to the conclusion that Black Orchid seems to have its moment (which lasts a good five or six hours, by the way) but then, there is no recreating it until you shower and start all over again. I like this scent a lot but it is not the easiest to wear!

Valentino, Rock and Rose

I love the name but have never really got this scent. I find there is something almost medicinal in it. I don't mind wearing it but it is not really one I reach for. It has took me about two or three years to get through 30mls.

So that is pretty much it, there are a couple more floating around in my collection but they are more non-descript such as one from Monaco with no name (very nice though, darn) or the So . . . ? And then of course, there is Romance which I reviewed recently. Ooh and there is the Jimmy Choo original, the one I recently broke my 'No buy' for. We're still getting to know each other but so far, no regrets! It reminds me a lot of Flora and has the whole shopping, feminine aura about it.

Due to the no buy, my collection is currently lacking a few perfumes that I would like to become staples. These include Givenchy, Very Irresistable (have no doubt, got to be in top five scents ever); Davidoff, Cool Water (so easy to wear); Elizabeth Arden, Beauty (I wore this every day for a year or so sometime during the Uni years) and Paco Rabonne, Lady Million (Now the darker nights and numerous hot chocolates are almost here, the 'No Buy' may have to broken again for this one since for me, Lady Million is the perfect winter scent! See my earlier post here).

I'm also tempted to list Katie Price, Stunning here (see my rave, here). Stunning is a gorgeous scent with staying power at a great price. Also, it is regarded as a dupe for Miss Dior Cherie and reminds me a lot of my beloved pink Soap and Glory scented products.

In the never tried before section, I'm still lusting after 212 VIP and now also, lusting for a bottle of Illamasqua, Freak. I also want to get a proper bottle of Shalimar. I've only had the samples before and now each time I try it. I like it more and more.

Ok, I actually think I'm all perfumed out now. Ha, bet that won't last long. What are your favourite scents and go on, tempt me to break my no buy, what scent are you wearing now?
Hope you're all well and have a fabulous weekend. Please, if I can ask you to do one thing, this weekend. It would be to please check out Nicoletta's post CLICK HERE!, if you haven't already. It is such a special one and she has obviously put everything in to it.

Etc!

2011-09-30T20:07:00.001+01:00

So today I had a post all planned about my beloved leather jacket but no way! I'm not going to be the one to jinx this amazin' weather so instead I thought, I'll just babble on a little bit about the things I'm liking or looking forward to right now etc.

And the first one is wearing this top.

I brought this TopShop tasseled top earlier in the year and was looking forward to adorning it in the summer sun. Well, sadly, due to the wind and cloud we got instead, this top has resided in the back of my wardrobe since purchase. Hopefully, I will finally have a chance to flaunt it this weekend.

I don't think it will be the easiest of tops to wear. Those tassels are hardly practical and even from bag to wardrobe, tangles have appeared. However, this is one of those tops where the extra care required is outweighed by the number of things I really like.

1/ I love the tassels. They make me happy and sort of makes me want to dance. I love the fact that people will be taken back to see me wearing such an interesting top. Normally, I'm block colours and simple shapes all the way. This is almost 'out there' for me.

2/ I love the contrast. This top really seems to balance itself out. There is the tassels contrasted with the sweet bow detail on the straps. And then there is also the whole colour versus the tassels factor. I think this lovely colour is a great choice to tone down the tassels and along with the choice of the fabric stops the top from being 'cheap'.

3/ I love the colour in itself. The photos don't do it justice. It is just a beautiful warm pink which seems to liven up my green eyes a little.

4/ I love the fabric. Although the tassels seem to lend the top a summery and slightly, Hawaiian feel. The fabric (polyester and viscose mix) gives the top a bit more substance and makes it more then beachwear (to be honest, this top wouldn't last two minutes on a beach with me. Shingles, tassels and me wouldn't mix) and possibly an item that could be styled to be worn all year round.

5/ I love the fact that this top ain't gonna need an iron. Ironing is the bane of my life!

In other news...

- Make-up wise, this week has been all about Maybelline's Ambre Rose. I absolutely love this lipstick at the moment and that Lash Adapt (also pictured above), is on Ambre Rose's tail as make up item of the week.

- Now the sun is here, I've stepped up on my body care routine a bit. The combo of Ocean Salt and the Dream wash (both from Lush) is doing wonders for smoothing out and softening my skin. They leave me smelling pretty good too.

- I have finally finished When God Was A Rabbit and I've got to say, by the time I had finished (it took me about two weeks, a very long time for me), this novel had won me over. The style of narration actually makes a bit more sense as the plot finally reveals itself. I eventually enjoyed this book (quite a lot). I would recommend it but I think you have to enjoy reading to have the patience for this novel. I'm not sure it is one to buy if reading is a bit of a fad for you and you're looking for your one book to read this year.

For me, that is another book down.

I'm now a chapter or so in to Maggie O'Farrells, After You'd Gone. Published in the year 2000 and with rave reviews, I've had my eye on this book for a long time. The blurb suggests it about a lady, Alice, in a coma and how she uses the conversations she hears while she is in a coma to find out about her life and how she ended up there. I'm really looking forward to this one.

So I've got to work, read and wear that top this weekend but I'm also hoping to put together a current perfume collection post so look out for that. Until then, I hope are all well. Enjoy the sunshine and tell me in the comments, what are you enjoying or looking forward to at the moment?

Ps The fastening on my Accessorise bracelet has already broken :(

The one about the red lips!

2011-09-27T19:00:00.000+01:00

Everywhere I go at the moment, I seem to walk slap bang in to the promo for Kate Moss's new Rimmel lipstick line.

Picture from Google Image Search.

Yes, the ad with the red lip that is so striking (that eye make up is something else too).

Now I have just about summoned up the self-restraint not to buy it. I mean really, no lipstick is going to look that good on me and honestly, when do I wear a red lip?!

However, my restraint has resulted in a bit of a frenzy to find my own perfect red lip using the few red lip products that I already own.

Here are my thoughts:

*Barry M Lip Lacquer Crayon No 1

This creates what I think of as a typical red lip, a solid, bright, cherry red. I was surprised at what a strong red colour this pencil lent the lip. It does feel quite drying but is quick to apply. A good one to keep in the handbag for those quick, spur of the moment red lip moments.

* MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

I might be repeating myself but I feel that Viva Glam Cyndi is one MAC's best products. Cyndi is no cherry or Hollywood red, it is too muted and is more of a raspberry red. It looks very natural for a red lip. I always say that Cyndi is the one lip, I feel comfortable leaving the house with. It is testament to this red lipstick that I actually do use it. It is such a pretty colour all on its own. I find it very flattering and I think most people would find the same as Viva is a huge campaign for MAC and I think they design the lipsticks to compliment most lips and colouring.

* Benefit Frenched

I brought Frenched on a whim after seeing it in a Benefit look two or three years ago. It is an absolutely gorgeous red but there is nothing discreet about it. If you wear this, you are telling the world that yes, you have painted your lips red and indeed, have made quite an effort.
When I put this one on, I was reminded of just how creamy this lipstick is. It leaves a very shiny, rich, almost postbox red finish and there really is no need for a gloss.
I've always liked the way this looks on my lips and now as time passes, I think that I'm also more comfortable wearing it. This is a lipstick, I've grown in to, I used to look at it longingly dreaming of a time when I would feel comfortable enough to flaunt it but now I feel a bit more ready to take the bite and wear this one a little more.

*Benefit Next Question Please

Finally, it is the gloss which falls between the red and pink and like Cyndi, there is something very raspberry about it. It gives a lovely natural looking lip when worn alone. I wouldn't say it is a gloss that is particularly striking or defines a look but it very pretty and could easily compliment or give a lift to an otherwise neutral look.

I've got to say my favourite remains Cyndi, it is just a very special wearable red but on the whole, as I get older, I do feel a bit more confident with red lips and hope to make more of Frenched and Next Question Please. In fact, this is a must do before I can allow myself to buy 01 from the Rimmel Kate Collection.
What do you think of red lipsticks? What is your favourite? Do you often venture further then Viva Cyndi and muted raspberry hues? Have you tried any of Kate Moss's new lipsticks?

Twinkle!

2011-09-26T19:00:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, I forget the little details in life.
When it comes to outfits, I tend to focus on one key piece and then finish the look off with whatever else is to hand. It would be safe to say there is not much chance of me ever looking too overdone.

However, I'm trying to change a little and I'm starting with jewellery. I have quite a bit of chunky and dressy jewellery but not much to wear on a daily basis. Sometimes I'll wear the dressy stuff in the day but to be honest, it is not always practical. Cuff style bracelets can be heavy. Long dangly pendants can catch (not great for a girl so fond of floating silk vest tops) and so it goes.

Recently, I've been on the lookout for some pieces that are both cheap and delicate, a couple of little pieces to break me in. I saw quite a bit of the High Street during my recent days off but really, there was very little out there to fit the bill. A lot of the cheaper stuff is actually massive and either quite dressy or quite beady or quite blingy. In the end, it was Accessorize that came up trumps and even then, it was two or three branches later.
Hidden away towards the back of a store, I found a silver necklace and a silver bracelet, both ready add a little twinkle to my days.

Cute, simple and exactly what I was looking for. Just a crystal on a fine chain. It is very pretty, the stone also has a purple hue to it in certain lights and then looks clear, in others. This time, I know it is not my poor eye sight. The purple is unmistakable and according to the website, my new delicate necklace goes by the name of the Purple Bling Bling necklace. Bling bling, I tell ya!

Although I wouldn't say that it is a statement piece, I think that it could be dressed up for the evenings if it was adorned with a couple of other longer necklaces.

As for the bracelet, it is just a very fine silver chain with a heart tag hanging down. I do have a little soft spot for heart charms and suchlike, especially ones that are a little more subtle, like this one.

I think alongside the necklace, this little pairing will do just enough to drag whatever I'm wearing that day up a notch. I expect I will wear the bracelet alone for the day (or alongside a manky hairband, bad habit I have there) but at night, it could easily be layered up with as many bracelets, cuffs and bangles as the arm can hold.

Now the silver has been gained, I'm left with just one jewellery wish and that is, a fine gold bracelet to adorn on gold days probably alongside my Sideways Cross necklace. Any ideas?

Purchased any nice little treats lately? If so, I'd love to hear about them. Right, I'm off to stick a face mask (Lush, Brazen Honey) on ready for a bit of the old X Factor later.

Hope your week begins well.
PS I'm back to work this week but am going to try and keep the regular posting up ( some may be scheduled) as I've really enjoyed the blogging this last week.

Mission Me!

In and Out!

Ahoy there!

And the winner is . . .

Sunday bargains!

The blue cutout dress!

The Giveaway and some more MAC!

All That Glitters!

My first VIP scent and a dress!

So tempted . . .

Another shoutout for New Look!

The Top Shop Scalloped vests!

To the sea. . !

Happy Christmas!!!!!!!

The Glam Miss Selfridge Maxi!

To be continued with . . !

Treats!

My HD Brows!

Sunday Choice 1: Hair Inspiration

The Metallic Tops from Quiz!

Christmas Countdown: Preen, preen, preen. . !

Sigh, the Monsoon Dress!

My first scented candle!

Amelia's beautiful bag giveaway+Gallery No. Eight!

The bargain boots!

The Halo: First Impressions!

*Waves* hello!

Credit to No 7 and a skincare update!

The sheer New Look top!

Skirts and sparklers!

The Cute Cardi!

A scentastic confession or two!

Baby steps required!

LBD's and High Street Versace!

Taped hair revamp!

Faking It!

Lace!

The H&M bow trench!

Lazy Monday!

High Street Finds!

Jacket love and a bit of babble!

The Perfume Post!

Etc!

The one about the red lips!

Twinkle!

Waves hello!