New In|Fashion Haul ft. Topshop and River Island

So as mentioned in my last post, my money has been burning a little bit of a hole in my pocket recently. A combination of having no boyfriend around and the fact that I threw all of my warmer clothes out before leaving for Sydney meant that I just HAD to invest in some new pieces. That's complete justification, right?!

Billabong Bikinis

Now having just mentioned warmer clothes, these two purchases quite obviously don't belong here. But, I thought they were just too pretty not to show off. These gorgeous sets are from Billabong and boy do those Aussies know how to make a good bikini! Having tried, and failed, for years to get away with cheapo purchases from Primark and H&M, I decided enough was enough and I should invest in some proper swimwear. And what can I say - I will never go back. I will definitely be trawling the surf shops of the UK to pick up some more further down the line.

Topshop Joni Super High Waisted Jeans

I have been a huge fan of Topshop Leigh jeans for years - rave review here - but when a friend declared her love for the Jonis, I had to give them a shot. I was not disappointed. They are made of the same super soft, super stretchy fabric as the Leighs but come up a lot higher - which helps disguise the post-pizza food baby that is an all too common occurrence - and also seem to fit a lot skinnier on the lower leg. As with the Leighs, they are also really reasonable at around the £38 mark and are available in a vast array of colours and prints. I'll absolutely be investing in a few more pairs for Spring. Pineapple jeans anyone?!

River Island Tres En Vogue T-Shirt and ASOS Side Zip Jumper

I'm loving white tops at the moment and these two purchases are ideal for Spring when layers are a necessity. They are exactly the sort of items I love to wear for work - easy to throw on with jeans or skirts and a nice change from the dark colours I usually go for. It is starting to get slightly too warm for the thick jumper but this is the perfect neutral knit to throw in your suitcase to wear on holiday when the sun goes down.

Ralph Lauren Pyjamas
Lastly, as much as I hate to admit it, my onesie has been proving a little bit too warm recently and some new Spring PJs were in order. I'm normally a Primark kind of gal but as I'm now in the second half of my 20s (emits a little sob) I thought some grown up jammies were in order. I picked these from the Ralph Lauren Home outlet at Bicester Village so they were really reasonable at around £40 for the set. Not cheap, but not outrageous and they are SO comfortable that they were 100% worth it. Good job RL!

Are you also a fan of Topshop jeans? Do you splash a little extra cash on PJs & swimwear? Let me know! xx

New In|Boots Haul ft. Soap & Glory and Hydraluron

So it would appear that being 10,000 miles away from your boyfriend will result in two things:  

1. You will comfort eat everything in sight (mini eggs for breakfast anyone?)

2. You will spend every free moment shopping to distract yourself 

Point 1? Definitely not ideal. Point 2? Fantastic. (Especially as you will need to buy new skinnies as your old ones no longer fit, due to aforementioned Point 1)

Boots has therefore been luring me in over the last few weeks. And with the all too tempting 3 for 2 offers on, it would be rude to just walk out with 1 thing in hand. Right?!

Here's a few bits I've picked up recently:

Hydraluron Moisture Booster - £24.99

This is another beauty blogger favourite that up until now I've never had a chance to try out. Loved by the wonderful Caroline Hirons, this product claims to contain the worlds purest grade of hyaluronic acid which can attract 1,000 times its weight in water. As such, it promises to significantly increase your skin's hydration and ensure that any moisturiser you put on top will do its job ten fold.
I've been using this for around a week now so I don't feel I can do a proper review just yet but I have noticed that my skin does feel less tight during the day. My make up also seems to stay put for longer so it's looking good so far. I will be sure to post a full review in a few weeks.

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream - £7.65

I've been using this as my daily moisturiser now for around 3 years, even since Nic from Pixiwoo raved about it in one of her videos. I have very dry and dehydrated skin but a pea sized amount of this every morning ensures my skin stays supple and plumped up all day. It's also very reasonably priced and easily available in most high street chemists. I can't see myself straying from this any time soon.

No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser for Normal / Dry Skin - £9.50

I did a review of this last year where I compared it to the Clarins equivalent. I still stand by everything I wrote back then and continue to use this as my normal cleanser. I love how it leaves my skin squeaky clean but without that horrible dried out feeling that some products can leave behind. Using this every morning and evening ensures my face is left thoroughly cleansed but radiant and soft at the same time.

MaxFactor 2000 Calorie Waterproof Mascara - £7.99

I absolutely hate buying mascara so when I find one that I love, I tend to stick with it. Enter: MaxFactor 2000 Calorie. This plumps up my lashes, adds length and gives them curl. It also doesn't flake, smudge or cost the earth. A complete winner in my eyes and one I would recommend to anyone.

Soap & Glory Clean On Me £6.00, Flake Away £8.00, Righteous Butter Lotion £10.00

I absolutely love the Soap & Glory brand and I always like to have a few of their products on the go at any one time. This classic trio with the original scent are favourites of mine and ensure that I'm left scubbed, buffed and moisturised to within an inch of my life. I am also completely in love with the new Righteous Butter Lotion - the same great body butter we have come to know and love but in a slighter thinner consistency and in a convenient pump activated bottle. So easy to apply in a rush, it sinks it much quicker than the original but leaves your skin just as soft and smooth. S&G - you have outdone yourselves!

What have you been buying recently? Have you got any favourites that you continue to buy religiously? Let me know! xxx

LookFantastic Haul ft. Benefit, Redken and Korres

I received a little performance related bonus through work a few weeks ago and as part of this I had a few pounds to spend at one of my favourite beauty sites - LookFantastic.  Along the lines of FeelUnique et al, this hub stocks a huge array of beauty products - the classics and newly hyped - with most at a reduced price compared to the RRP.  There are literally hundreds of brands and thousands of products to swoon over but these were the ones that worked their way into my basket:

Redken Extreme Anti Snap - £12.64 (RRP £18.85)

I spoke about this product way back in 2010 in my Hair Routine post and although my love affair with extensions has faded, my feelings for Anti Snap remain as strong to this day. Used post-shower after I've combed through my wet hair, this gorgeous smelling treatment helps to keep my ends in tip top condition, whilst leaving no sticky residue. For a hot tool addict like me, this is truly a holy grail product and one I will repurchase time and time again.

Korres Jasmine Lip Butter - £6.40 (RRP £8)

I have to hold my hands up here - I already have far too many lip products and definitely didn't need this but I'm a girl and have heard lots of good things about this so resistance was futile.  I was lured in by the milky finish and moisture enhancing formula and so far, it's living up to its promises. 

DUO Lash Adhesive - £7.95 (RRP £10)

After watching numerous YouTube videos, I purchased a tube of this on a whim many moons ago. What can I say?  Once you use this glue, the tiny vials you get in eyelash packs will never be the same. This stuff is of industrial strength and will ensure your lashes last the whole night, even if you don't. Try it; you won't regret it.

Tweezerman For Benefit Slant Tweezer - £19.50

I finally caved and spent £20 on a pair of tweezers. I haven't given them a whirl yet - Cara has inspired me to grow out my brows - but I am sure they will be as wonderful as everyone says they are. Fingers crossed.

Benefit Sun Beam - £19.50

Never one to get along with High Beam, I didn't think it's younger, sunkissed sister Sun Beam would work for me either. Oh, how wrong I was. This highlighter is a dream to apply, blends seamlessly and leaves the cheeks with a beautifully delicate, golden glow. Although a summer favourite to enhance bronzed features, it works just as well now my tan has faded and can tell this will be an all-year-round favourite.

Benefit They're Real - Deluxe Free Sample (Worth £9.50)

Although Benefit products aren't discounted on LF, currently when you buy any two products from the range you get a free sample of their cult mascara. I've wanted to try this for a while but I'm always a bit reluctant to splash out on new mascaras as I have a trusty MaxFactor favourite. Will this give me the eyelashes of my dreams?  I'll let you know...

New In|Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Tote

I mentioned in my weekend post that on Saturday I took a little trip to The Bullring.  With a very unexpected tax rebate cheque burning a hole in my pocket, I was in the mood to splurge.

Within seconds I was immersed in the handbag section like a moth to a flame.  And a further few seconds later, I was in love.  

Michael Kors - you did it again....

This is the beautiful Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Tote - a winning combination of matte black leather and chunky gold hardware that I was unable to resist.

It's the absolute perfect size for work or play and with the Birkin inspired padlock and adjustable sides, it's more than roomy enough for all your essentials.  The interior is lined with MK embossed fabric and boasts 5 pockets of varying size to ensure that even a girl like me, who throws her entire life in her handbag, can find everything at ease.

It’s safe to say that I’m in love and will be a very happy girl walking down the road with Michael on my arm ;).

Are you as big a fan of Michael Kors as I am?  What would you treat yourself to with some unexpected cash?  Let me know!

xxx

Jet Set - Michael Kors

This post is long overdue. Two weeks overdue to be precise. Two weeks since I had a new man enter my life.

His name?

Michael.

Now, I know this particular man is not just mine. He holds a special place in the lives of many but I am not one to get jealous; there is plenty of him to go around.

I am of course talking about Mr Kors himself. The genius who has ensured every woman I know wants a piece from his collection. Be it a bag, a watch...we all want him in our life!

For me, it's the Jet Set watch in Rose Gold. A chunky, boyfriend style chronographic wrist piece made feminine by the dainty clear stones surrounding the watch face. It's a solid, statement piece that is classic, pretty and modern all at the same time.

Since purchasing in House of Fraser, this beauty hasn't been off my wrist.  It has the ability to dress up the simplest outfits and negates the need for a whole host of other accessories.  This is one purchase I have no regrets over.

It's safe to say - this is love and Michael will be in my life for a long time to come....

H&M Spring Haul

H&M never fails to disappoint, does it?!  I find the quality lies somewhere between Primark and Topshop and thankfully, so does the price.  Zara is by all means probably my favourite high street store but H&M comes a very close second.  It has definitely come on leaps & bounds in the last few years and doesn't have the jumble sale feel it once used to have.  With the Conscious Collection also at the forefront of their latest campaigns - they are the biggest user of organic cotton in the world - you can also feel you're doing some good whilst purchasing your cheaper-than-the average garments!

I grabbed these boots as soon as I saw them as they are exactly what I have been after for some time; a relatively low wedge that I can tuck my jeans into and wear on a daily basis without looking ridiculous tottering around in my usual array of stilettos.  I wore these tonight with my trusty Topshop Leigh jeans and as well as looking stylish, they were ridiculously comfortable.

From the aforementioned Conscious Collection, these blouses are so pretty, beautifully flattering and a steal at £9.99 - so good, I had to buy in multiple colours; it would have been rude not to!

A few other bits also caught my eye - namely the gorgeous collection of bikinis they have this year which had me conjuring up images of sun drenched beaches and crystal clear sea - but I restrained myself; for the moment!

Now, where did I put that holiday brochure....

xxx

Bikini Weather - Haul

The sun is shining and although I may not be quite brave enough to don a bikini in the garden just yet, there is no denying that swimsuit season is right around the corner.

I purchased a few new bikinis for my Moroccan adventure in February - at the time I never had a chance to show them to you, but now seems like the perfect opportunity!

I adore swimwear and like most girls have an urge to buy a few new suits each year which can be an expensive habit.  However, I am happy to say, these beauties come from that shop that I have extreme love/hate relationship with - Primark.  At just £3/£4 for each separate, in extremely cute designs - they have once again delivered the goods!

I love the ability to buy separate sizes - can anybody these days honestly fit in a generic, one size bikini? - and the added little details such as the gold hardware on the nautical themed suit.  I am also happy to say that after a number of swims, they appear to wear beautifully... 10/10 in my book!

Although I bought these in early February, I have seen them in store very recently along with a few other designs that I have got my eye on too.  Have you spotted any cute swimwear recently for the new season?  Let me know!

xxx

School Bag - Modalu Libertine

Unfortunately, I am no longer at school - what I'd give for those holidays again - but a bag for every day is still a necessity.  My work bag requirements are

a) Black
b) Large enough to carry all my belongings as well as the kitchen sink
c) Pretty...I am a girl after all

When I saw this beauty in House of Fraser, it was a split second decision - I.need.that.bag.  It was a bit of a splurge - £180 with a delightful 30% off - but one that was totally justified...I mean, it's gorgeous!

The front snake print suede is off set by a back panel of the most beautifully soft leather, which you can tell will age beautifully.  The handles are a feature in their own - soft black leather interwoven with gold chain and dusky mauve material - Modalu's signature colour.  Other features include beautiful shell detailing to the zips and a gorgeous dust bag in the same beautiful mauve.  Little features such as these have completely put Modalu on the map for me and it seems I am in good company, with one very well known fan - Pippa Middleton.

This bag truly puts a little smile on my face every morning - and when your on the train every at 7.20am, who doesn't need that?!

A beautiful find

Apart from cosmetics, there is one other thing I am really passionate about - Lingerie.

It all started on my gap year when I was offered a job on the lingerie department of my local House of Fraser.  I jumped at the chance and since then I've been obsessed not only with finding beautiful underwear but also telling anyone who will listen to get themselves measured as they are probably wearing the wrong size.  In my honest opinion, out of anyone who has told me what they think their size is, 90% were incorrect.  If you want a bit more information, please read my post here :)

So after all my banging on about correct sizes, I thought I better let you all know that I have found the perfect bra.  If you wear a cup size that is larger than average like me, then you'll know how hard it is to find a pretty and supportive bra that doesn't cost an absolutely fortune.  But, after years of searching, one little lunch time mooch in M&S answered my prayers....

This gorgeous floral lace plunge bra is not only pretty but it is comfortable, supportive, only £14 and is stocked up to a GG (NB - M&S seem to miss out FF for some reason; so a FF becomes a G and G becomes GG).  It is also seriously flattering and gives a great shape - it truly is a perfect bra for larger cup sizes.

M&S are currently also running a promotion of £5 off when you spend £30 which makes this even sweeter!  The range can be found here and includes a gorgeous long line bra up and matching knickers.

Do you all struggle to find gorgeous lingerie in larger cup sizes too that don't cost the Earth?  I'd love to know you opinions on this one!! xxx

Thursday Treats

For those of us in full time jobs (please someone let me be a student again..!), some days the promise of an hour to wander around the shops at lunch time is the only thing that gets you through the day.

Thursday was one of those days.

Soap and Glory's Scrub 'em and leave 'em and The Righteous Butter. 

I always, always have a tub of Flake Away on the go but variety is the spice of life after all so I switched it up for this exfoliator instead.  I'm not sure how I feel about it yet but will keep you posted.!


Sleek Rose Gold Blush

I have wanted this blush for months but I could never find it.  Thursday however was my lucky day with the whole Sleek section having just been restocked.  It is just as gorgeous as I imagined - a perfect peachy pink with just the right amount of gold shimmer.  Expect a FOTD soon!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far and relishes the extra hour in bed tonight - what a luxury! xxx

Life's too short....buy the shoes

I bought these grey Zara shoes last Friday during a little lunch-time splurge.  I loved them on first sight and thought the metal heel made them look so much more expensive than their £39 price tag.  I honestly thought they would be about £70 but at that price, I absolutely had to have them.

Then on Sunday when my gorgeous mother bear spotted these Jessica Simpson peep toe heels in TK Maxx, I fell in love for a second time that weekend.  I deliberated whether I really needed another new pair of heels but I was reminded of one my favourite quotes I spotted somewhere - "Life's too short...buy the shoes!!"

xxx

Beautiful Boots

  

£140 - KG by Kurt Geiger.

I paid £19 - Absolute bargain!!

17 Again

I have to admit, 17 is not normally a brand I ever look at but the amazing Mirror Shine lipsticks made me take a little more interest..

So when I was in need of a little make up pick me up, 17 ticked all the boxes!  Cheap, cheerful, good quality products on offer at 3 for 2 - how could I resist?!

First Kiss blusher is a gorgeous pink with a slight golden sheen to it.  It is perfect for adding some colour to the cheeks and adding a subtle glow.  It seems to last pretty well on the cheeks too - very impressed!

Flirty Shine On lipstick is the second lip product by 17 I've tried and fallen in love with.  Although it is matte - which the name doesn't suggest - it does, like its sister Beehive, apply like a dream.  It is also incredibly long lasting, isn't drying in the slightest and the matte black packaging is pretty nice too.  It's a keeper.

I cannot comment yet on the Heart Beat Lasting Fix nail polish but it looks like gorgeous baby blue in the bottle.  Expect a NOTD soon!

These swatches are one of the reasons I cannot wait to get home to the DSLR but hopefully you get the idea!

Left: First Kiss blusher

Right: Flirty Shine On lipstick

Any other drugstore bargains to be had?! Let me know!

xxx

Post-Dissertation Haul

The last few weeks have been, let's face it, pretty dull for me.  I spent what felt like every waking moment working on my dissertation and I still didn't feel happy with it at all when I handed it in on Friday.

However, it is done now; I can't change it and I can still make up for it over the next few months...here's hoping!

Since then, the relief has been amazing..anybody who has handed in a large piece of work will know what I mean! It has been fantastic to enjoy the last few days - Sunday afternoon especially when we made our way to Gusto in Didsbury for my house mate's birthday.  Amazing food, company, drinks and service - we ended up spending a small fortune but it was worth every penny!

As for the rest of the weekend, Saturday was my third week working for Boots which I absolutely love.  I spent the morning mentally deciding what I was going to treat myself to on my break - I honestly spend my wages before I earn them!

I was tempted by some of the great deals and freebies available with brands such as Bourjois and MaxFactor but in the end I decided on the 3 for 2 professional hair care offer.

John Frieda Serum

I can't believe I have never tried this cult product before.  I used it yesterday and can see what the fuss is all about - made my hair feel so soft and manageable.  A definite keeper..

Lee Stafford Heat Protection Spray

I've repurchased this so many times - it does what the name suggests but its bonus factor is the smell.  Makes your tresses smell beautiful; and who doesn't want that?!

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curls Curl Constructor

When buying hair products, I'm usually still stuck in the mindset of my 14 year old self.  That is - what can I buy that is going to give me the straightest, flattest hair possible.  Luckily, I've finally realised that look is not good on me and I now go for the curly option 90% of the time.  My hair has a natural wave but hopefully using this in conjunction with my tongs will help to create beautiful curls that last all day.

Nicola Roberts Girls Aloud Lashes by Eyelure

I finally bought these after lusting after the beautifully flirty, winged out style for a while.  I snapped them up as I noticed the appearance of some new 'day' styles appearing on the shelves.  I'm not sure whether these are replacing the old styles or in addition to, but I didn't want to risk not being able to try them in case they disappear of the shelves.  

I cannot believe it is March tomorrow!  This year is going so quickly but I for one cannot wait for warmer weather and longer days.  Plus, the added bonus of Easter - I've eaten about a million mini eggs already but there are plenty more to be had I'm sure....

xxx

Topshop Make Up Haul: Sandstorm Collection

When Topshop released their make up line, there were a flurry of blog posts and videos about the range but I have to be completely honest and say there never really seemed to be anything to get excited about.  I liked the look of the cream blushers but was put off by the powder finish so I never even took a second glance at the make up displays in store.

Until....yesterday!

The main line was as previously seen with very cute polka dot packaging and a myriad of nail varnish shades.  What really caught my eye though was the new Sandstorm Collection of eye crayons, mousses, nail duos, creme lipcolours and gloss sticks all decadently packaged in sleek gold tubes.  I was sold on the spot!

Gloss Stick - Ablaze £8

Crayons - Zephyr and Equinox £8.50 each

Top to bottom:

Ablaze

Zephyr

Equinox

These swatches look so much better in real life.  I absolutely love the crayons - they glide on so effortlessly with a beautiful sheen to them.  I can't wait to wear them on their own or as base to a smoky eye...especially Zephyr which has almost blue tone to it - just beautiful!

Have you been tempted by the Sandstorm collection?  Or are there any main line products I should invest in?!

xxx

Mini haul Featuring Cosmopolitan, Collection 2000 and Revlon

I am on a slight spending ban due to my travelling plans for after graduation but as a self confessed product junkie, my Christmas money had to go somewhere...

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

I've been aware of the Beauty Blender for quite some time but I could never force myself to part with upwards of £15 for what was, essentially, a sponge.  

However, when I saw Holly recommend this sponge for under £5 I mentally saved it and had to purchase it when I just happened to stumble into Superdrug..

Revlon Contour Shadow Brush

Another beauty tool, another recommendation.  This time from the wonderful gossmakeupartist aka Wayne.  Not only is he an extremely talented make up artist and brutally honest about products, he's also a complete babe - honestly, I could watch him for hours!

When he stated that this brush was a dupe for MAC's 224 brush, I was instantly sold.  Who wants to pay twenty odd pounds when you can try this for £7-ish?!  I will report back on it...

Collection 2000 Volume Sensation Waterproof Mascara and 24 Hour Felt Tip Black Liner

To be honest, two slightly unnecessary purchases.. I needed a new waterproof mascara as I find they hold the curl so much better and I was bored with my L'oreal liner - I'm so fickle!!

Revlon Fire & Ice Lipstick

As a lover of all things 1940s, I just couldn't resist the new re-promote of Revlon's classic lip colour from the era - Fire and Ice.  Supposedly a neutral based red, I felt it the easiest and most classic way to try the red lip.  I personally think it is quite orange based but it is flattering all the same and I absolutely love wearing it.  

Prepare for a FOTD coming this way soon..

xxx