Haul #3

Today I did another big shop (seeing as it's payday) and got some gorgeous products and interesting pieces to add to my jam packed wardrobe...


First of all I headed to New Look and purchased a beautiful Japanese inspired print satin blouse. It's navy blue with a white flower/swallow print. The smooth satin material just drapes beautifully, perfect for wearing with leggings or tight skinny jeans. It's only 22.99 and perfect for those of you that are value driven but still want to look on trend.

I'm a really big fan of big chunky statement rings at the moment, so, again from New Look, I purchased a grand looking golden knuckle-duster ring with a baby pink opal-like gem in the middle to accentuate the elegance of the ring. The only problem is that it's quite uncomfortable to wear, so it's only really suitable for a night out or a special occasion. 

I also had a gander on the New Look website and ordered some gorgeous acid pink skinny jeans, they're only 27.99 and perfect if you're going for that country look with a bit of an edge- they're very versatile and perfect for either a night out, a date, a festival or even to wear to work. New Look also do these in an even lighter pink; a shocking pink; lemon yellow; blue; cream and grey...

Next I went to boots to stock up on fragrance and beauty essentials. Without a shadow of a doubt you can always guarantee that i'll be wearing perfume/body spray. My all time favourite fragrance is 'Chanel Coco Eau de Parfume spray', it's such a sophisticated scent and the bottle will keep for a long time as you only need a tiny spritz for the smell to last all day. I didn't have the time or money to splash out on my favourite Chanel so I went around looking for some bargain buys. I found one that smelt sweet and fruity and it was only £4.95. It's called 'Charlie pink- by revlon', it doesn't last very long so i found myself having to spray a vast amount for the scent to stick- but it's definitely worth it.

A LITTLE TIP: Before spraying the perfume, add a few blobs of body butter onto your skin, you'll find the scent lasts longer and you get a nice smelling moisturizer- if like me you have sensitive skin and can't often use the scented moisturizers. 

I have very long eye lashes and don't often need to wear layers and layers of mascara, but on a night out i love to really go for it and go all out with my eye make-up. I absolutely love the new 'million lashes' by L'Oreal but it's more of a day time mascara and it isn't water proof. The one I found and absolutely adore is Bourjois' 'volume clubbing ultra black' mascara. It's got a really intense thick brush and I only need to apply one layer of it to give me that glamorous look. It's only 5.99 instead of 10.99 at the moment- so go buy it!

Unfortunately I have very sensitive skin and am allergic to certain fake tans. I always smother my skin in palmer's body butter before i go to bed as it's extremely soothing and firms the skin. There's a new gradual tan out that palmer's have just introduced, I haven't used fake tan in a very long time but Palmer's has always been good to my skin so I thought i'd give this one a go! It's called 'Natural Bronze' and it seriously works within about an hour of applying. There's only one shade and it adjusts itself to your skin tone, it smells like the normal moisturizer so there's none of that dreaded fake bake after smell. It pretty much does what it says on the bottle, and hasn't irritated my skin one bit. Perfect! 

My love for Juste.

I've been watching Britain and Irelands Next Top Model and have completely fallen in love with Juste and her amazing look! In the naked photoshoot her skin, her features,and her body looked absolutely mesmerizing. She proves that being fake tanned and covered in make-up is not attractive in the slightest! In fact I might go out and get this haircut myself...

In the most recent shoot they had to show real emotion, cry and still look beautiful at the same time. Some of the girls just looked bored and uneasy but Juste managed to nail absolutely everything! I don't have a picture but catch the episode on the internet or on 'anytime' on Sky- it's well worth a watch. 

Haul #2

I've always fallen for purchasing those expensive 'teeth whitening' toothpastes and gels but none of them seem to do much but make them feel heavier and 'fluffy'. The other day I, again, saw a whitening mouthwash and thought 'well, I might aswell give it a go', but amazingly IT WORKS! It's called Colgate anti-plaque whitening mouthwash, it's around £2.99 and really does give your teeth a healthy look and the illusion that they are whiter and a lot more cleaner. It doesn't contain as many chemicals or alcohol as, for example listerine, which is always a bonus!

I had another mooch around New Look a few days ago and purchased some gorgeous items! One item was a beautiful chiffon yellow shirt, it was only £14.99 and it is perfect for a night out and to wear to work- also bang on trend and perfect for those of you who like to go for a bargain buy. It also comes in red, navy, and leopard print.

I'm a sucker for TOWIE and have been searching for a 'reem' or 'well jel' vest top for ages, and it made my day finding one in New Look! There's not a picture on the internet but I've taken a picture of myself wearing it. It's only 9.99 and surprisingly isn't tacky and looks really good with hotpant shorts or blue light wash skinny jeans.

Barry M has always been my favourite brand for nail polish (along with accessorize) and at the moment there's a '2 for 4.99' deal on any nail polish or lip gloss. I'm loving the bright colour blocking at the moment- hence my yellow shirt- so I purchased a purple colour in 'fuchsia' and a barbie pink colour in 'bright pink'. They are both gorgeous and go really well together if you want to mix it up a bit.

Haul #1

I recently took a trip to Bicester Village (Designer outlet) to blag a few bargain buys and take inspiration from some top designers. 
One item I purchased was a pure cotton flared multi-coloured stripey skirt from French Connection, I don't remember how much it was but it is very versatile and can be worn during A/W with knit-black tights, a vest top tucked in, and a simple cardie over the top.

I quite often try out different skin products and make up removal creams and cleansers as my skin is very sensitive and I find it difficult to find the right one. Recently I discovered that the product I was looking all that time isn't a branded cleanser or cream, in-fact just simple baby wipes! I bought them to try out as they are batched for sensitive skin and replenishing a dirty surface on the skin. They are perfect! They smell gorgeous, they remove ALL make-up (even water proof mascara and stain based lipsticks)and they're only 89p from your local boots or superdrug. I definitely recommend using these instead of the harsh facial wipes that are actually completely full of chemicals- which aren't good for the skin, and they often dry your skin out! Plus, you get more wipes in the baby sensitive packet than say, a dermatelogica pack. So stock up on these!

I'm a sucker for nice underwear and often spend a little bit too much on Lingerie. Recently New Look have introduced a 'super push up' bra to their lingerie collection, the prints on the bra's are gorgeous and believe it or not- they work a treat! They also don't go out of shape in the wash, another added bonus! I actually bought two Bra's from the super-push up collection:

This pink satin lace bra comes with matching briefs and they look expensive on and gorgeous with a tan. Some people think electric pink looks tacky, but the satin effect and the detailing on the seams add a richer feel to it.

I'm also a bit of a mad one for Leopard print and I think I own one too many Leopard print Bra's. This is also gorgeous with a tan and comes with matching briefs but my favourite detail is the little red bow in the middle, there's also a little bow on the briefs to match. It makes it stand out and gives it that cutesy feel, taking you away from the more outrageous print. 

I always used to wear 'dream matte mousse' for greater coverage and to try and get that 'airbrush' effect over my face. But it clogs up pores even more than any other foundation and leaves you with dryer skin when removed. On a night out I love high coverage and all blemishes to be hidden, so I use Max Factor's 'Pan Stick'. It's a really think cream stick that can be applied all over with a foundation brush or to cover up a blemish with a smaller concealer brush.It lasts all night and I hardly ever need to reapply through the duration.

During the day I don't usually wear as much foundation as I would on a night out, so i use Bourjois healthy mix foundation, it's claims to give your skin 'fruit therapy': apricot- for radiance; Melon- for hydration; Apple- for antioxidants; and ginger to give you skin an energy boost. It really does work and gives your skin a healthy glow, it's not too heavy and it pretty much does what it says on the packet.

That's my most recent haul and i'll probably do another soon :)

Gaga IS a goddess

Lady Gaga might be a bit extravagant and out there for a lot of people but she still looks amazing in whatever she throws together, literally (even the meat dress)! We never know what she's going to be wearing next and that's one of the many reasons why she's such a big role model and style icon today. She's recently been spotted in a dress, designed by a Birmingham University graduate, at a recent press event. 

Despite the ever lasting weird barnet, Gaga looked poised and elegant in this beautiful, very minimalistic dress. Although it's a simple design, the structure of it is very edgy and surprisingly compliments Gaga's up-do. This is definitely one of Gaga's best looks yet, she look gorgeous and credit to Rebecca Short who created the garment. 

I still think my favourite Gaga outfit has to be her 2009 MTV awards black lace dress with a feathered collar and the beautifully embellished golden neck piece. You would think the pink hair would make this outfit look tacky and spoiled, but with the black hat and her own artistic approach with her make up, she looked graceful and definitely stood out as the best dressed.

Statement Earrings

Believe it or not, those famous 'Pat Butcher' earrings are making a new appearance! Think big, gold, chunky, bright, something weird and wonderful to compliment the matte and camel colour for A/W. 

These beautiful statement earrings from Oasis, only 20.00, would be perfect to compliment this beautiful camel fringe leather dress from Warehouse. All of the tiny detailing in the embellishment of the earrings matches the fringing and camel colour beautifully. It's the little things that people notice...

These gorgeous vintage statement earrings, from glitzysecrets.com, would be ideal for a formal event and  amazing for matching them with that little black dress.

Sticking with the new leather look in for A/W I would team these earring with a Robert Rodriguez black leather dress. It's pricey, but the leather bow detailing around the waist of the dress will accentuate curves as this dress is more aimed towards a column figure.

Victorian Fashion

It seems like a little bit of everything from every fashion era is coming back for 2011/2012! Victorian inspired fashion is said to be making an appearance- think woolen capes; lace; flamboyant shirts and velvet. Alexander McQueen (Kate Middleton's dress also had a hint of the Victorian look with the beautiful white lace)  and Tory Burch have a fantastic collection. At New York fashion week one described this look as 'Victorian gone grunge', and it looks absolutely amazing! 

There are some perfect black leather gold buckle boots from Office that would go amazingly well with Leather trousers and lace- a gorgeous Victorian gothic look for Autumn...

To finish off the new look, I would go for a Bobbi Brown (or any other brand that suits you best) lipstick, in 'Hot cocoa'.

Two-tone: Do or don't?

Two-tone lipstick is seen to be more popular on the catwalk than for your everyday trip to the shops. But believe it or not, this look is coming in! M.A.C cosmetics have incredible lipsticks perfect for the two-tone look and matte finish.

It's a very bold and intense look to go for and if you have darker skin and like to wear brown and plum colours on your lips, this look could be quite eery and gothic looking- but on the other hand it would go perfectly with the animal print collection this autumn! This look also looks fabulous in photographs and would make you stand out of the crowd on a night out. Not only is this an interesting look, it will go perfectly this summer with mixing brights with matte colours...

...it won't make you look as bland as you would if you were wearing a clear sheer gloss. I'll definitely be trying out the red/plum two-tone look!

Christian Louboutin: New Collection

I always keep a close eye on the Christian Louboutin website for amazing new products and of course those infamous, glamorous heels that every girl wants to own. Recently I noticed a unique handbag from the Lou Boston collection. It's all leather and absolutely gorgeous- definitely beating a PB handbag! The bag has a transparent touch to it, guaranteed to make you stand out in the crowd. I can't access a picture as it's on the official Louboutin website, but follow this link, click on the 'day bags' tab on the website and you will not miss the bright and vibrant beauty! 


http://www.christianlouboutin.com/#/the_collection

1950's fashion is back!

Military was big last season but now there's going to be a 1950's feminine approach for the 2011 fall collection- designer and both high street! The 1950's fashion is coming back, think of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley's style. I'm loving the Louis Vuitton collection at the moment, the petticoat inspired skirts and dresses, and the pastel and matte colours for next season. Beautiful!

1950's fashion shouts polka-dots, big hair and frills. Dior are bang on with mixing the animal prints (another big trend for the fall collections), and the 1950's inspired polka-dot sheer skirts and dresses. Weirdly this look is incredible and the contrasting prints work brilliantly- i'll definitely be experimenting with this!

If the designer labels are a bit out of your price range, but like me you love this look, here's some high street bargain buys when you can perfect this  look...

...this polka-dot midi skirt from ASOS is perfect, and only 28.00!

The top I would team with this isn't high street but I absolutely adore it, it is Dolce and Gabbana and it's £537.95, but it would go perfectly with the high street midi skirt. It's easy to find well fitted, corset-like, leopard print tops that are high street as many stores will be selling animal prints on many products.

Be daring and mix up your style, the designers are saying 'DO IT'!

zap it once and for all!

Everyone gets spots and everyone gets that dreadful one before that big event! There's always a product that's advertised all the time swearing that it will completely get rid of that zit, but they all contain horrible chemicals and often make it worse! So I went on the prowl to find one that actually works... I discovered this amazing cream called Nixoderm, it's a thick antiseptic like product that's amazing for dry skin, spots and any unwanted blemishes. It's not very well known at all, but I definitely recommend it! It's cheap and available online, which is where I purchased mine. It comes in a relatively small tin, but it lasts months...

GO GET IT :D

out in the country

Country inspired fashion is really coming in this season, and most definitely will be sticking around for a while, perfect for the Autumn and most importantly a new, unique and daring look to go for! I recently purchased these slim-fit burberry inspired trousers from H&M (14.99).

They're tight fitting and incredibly figure hugging but spot on for this Autumn's trend. These go perfectly with loafers or some black or brown long length leather boots.

I've also recently purchased a Country inspired Elbow patch neppy jumper from New Look, in navy. It's a fantastic look for the autumn and even great to wear with denim hotpants or even the trousers above. Only 19.99!

I'm also a big, big fan of this cord collar quilted jacket from Topshop. Bang on trend, gorgeous colour, and definitely affordable!

high street is climbing the ladder for next season!

The beauty of NIVEA

I've never been sure as to what creams suit my skin type the best until recently! NIVEA is the answer!

NIVEA regenerating night cream is rich and soothing on my skin, leaving it feeling tighter and dewy. I find it also helps with bags under the eyes, or if you get them bad then try using NIVEA boosting eye cream... 

Another NIVEA product I find particularly remarkable is NIVEA lip care, the pure and natural lip balm with milk and honey is fabulous and tastes incredible too- leaving you with kissable lips. It's also perfect to keep in your pocket at work, especially if you're constantly communicating with customers, your lips tend to dry up and this product replenishes your lips.

Rihanna is also a fan of  the NIVEA products and has recently been advertising them.

Affordable and effective!

Steal Mollie King's high street style!

Mollie King, The Saturdays, has been spotted numerous times, by expert style spotters, recently rocking the jean jacket and brights. 

Although one may feel the jean jacket is a bit last year- THINK AGAIN! It goes perfectly with her mustard belted shift dress, wonderful tan (of course), and her tan wedges. If you love love love this look, as I do, but are worrying that it's going to be out of your price range- think again! Mollie is a fan of the high street and here's how she got this fabulous look...

This jean jacket is only £45.00 from Oasis...

The belted mustard dress, only £22.99. Missguided.com. I would complete this look with these brown decorative brown suede platforms from H&M- only £29.99!

Fashionable. Affordable. Great icon!

Emma Watson: from geek to chic!

Everyone knows Emma Watson as the scrawny geek from HP, who for ten years had that mop of straw-like hair! But after being the face of Burberry and appearing on the cover of vogue and many style magazines, she's finally gotten rid of her mop and gained a beautiful pixie cut...

AND I LOVE IT!

She also dazzled at the after party of Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows 2 premiere later last month. She wore an eye opening Elie Saab sheer dress that just completely complimented her facial structure, figure and personality in every way. Amazing!

Katie Price: fashion disaster

Katy Price is always in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, this is definitely up there in one of the top fashion slip ups, where she attended the Duke of Essex Polo match in July. Not only has she regained her glamorous black locks, but this dress doesn't do any favours for her tiny waist (or her reputation). 

She's in her thirties now and starting to lessen her bad image in the public eye, I would recommend she wears something either fitted and tailored, or an elegant maxi dress to fit in with the modesty and dress code of the event. I would recommend something like  this from House of Fraser, Ted Baker.

Not only is this more of a modest look and perfect for a bigger bust, but it still has the glam and sparkle that Katie Price likes to incorporate into her look. 


If you're not brave enough to go for this look, then perhaps opting for something more subtle, still in keeping with this seasons camel and matte colours, including tribal prints. Only £25, Boohoo.

I would finish this look off with a thin gold waste band to pull the dress in to compliment your curves.