Tuesday 28 January 2014

OOTD: Feeling Legendary...


These sweatshirts somehow remind me of my Nan and Mum in the 90's in Florida. However, I would never wear them with orangey, peach shorts and knee-high Umbro socks. Can you imagine? Oh dear. Instead I try to opt for a more chic, modern and sophisticated look by pairing this French Connection version with skinny black jeans and Chelsea boots. I love tucking it into the front of my jeans as I love the boxy shape it gives and makes your legs look miles long!

You can even wear these type of jumpers with black leather leggings, a printed shirt underneath or even with plaid trousers. I recently found this on Pinterest - personally, I think she wears it better, maybe I'll steal her idea?! Check out my fashion and style board on Pinterest, I love these jumpers and they seem to be everywhere on Pinterest at the moment. Check out this and this for more inspiration.

I plan to do more outfit posts - I feel like this blog is really lacking in my own style and what I wear! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Tuesday Ten: The Blogger Made Me Buy It Tag!


I’ve seen this tag popping up a lot lately over on my reading list at Bloglovin' and I just had to do it myself.  Beauty blogs are my go-to for product recommendations, reviews and swatches so this is the perfect tag to take part in, and rather than tagging a few people, I want to tag you all so please do it for yourself and let me know in the comments! Although I am mainly a fashion blogger, I do give beauty blogging a go sometimes and love it!


2. Who are the ones that you really rely on for reviews and swatches?
Lily Pebbles, Vivianna Does Makeup and Amelia Liana.

3. Do you buy a product solely as a result from one review from your favourite bloggers, or do you look for more reviews from others?
I like to read a few reviews of a product before going ahead and purchasing it for myself because products can work differently for people so a balanced view is always helpful. We all have different skin types so getting a few varied opinions is always a good idea. I’m one of these people that spends hours researching products before buying them but I suppose that’s not such a bad thing - I’m hardly ever disappointed by my purchases.

4. What is your most favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?
My favourite item has to be the L'orĂ©al True Match Foundation; I've used this for about a year and a half now. Personally, I blame it all on Fleur (she reviewed it in a haul a few years back), but recently Amelia Liana has compared it to the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation which is a perfect comparison as it really does feel like a high-end product on the skin. I love this foundation not only for the price tag of £9.99, but for the amazing buildable coverage, the semi-matte finish, the glow it gives the skin and other beautiful traits it boasts. 

5. What is your least favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?
I have to say it's probably the Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder. Firstly, although the 'chocolate bar' packaging is cute, it's not really practical, nor is the smell that great either. And secondly, the product has a really stiff pigment (the product doesn't really go on the brush) so it takes about 30 big swirls to just get a light dusting. Although a lot of people really love this product, I won't be buying it again. Instead, I might opt for the Nars Laguna Bronzer or Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow

6. Name 5 products you have bought recently as a result of blogs.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

7. Have you ever given into blogger hype?  If so, which hype?
For Christmas 2012, my sister bought me the Benefit POREfessional Primer and boy oh boy, if you've never tried this before you must. It has a silky texture which glides beautifully onto the skin, it gives a matte finish to the skin whilst letting a natural radiance seek through, not forgetting that it makes foundation last a hundred times longer. 

8. Have you ever avoided blogger hype?  If so, which hype?
Everyone is obsessed with the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. I am too - those delicate rose golds must look really pretty dusted lightly onto the lid. Personally though, I prefer wearing slightly more sludgy colours such as dusty browns, beige and grey.  

9. Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking out a review?
If I'm thinking about buying a product, I will always research it to make sure I'm not wasting money, or to make sure it doesn't react with my skin; it’s great because I’m always finding new blogs to follow thanks to my constant Googling of products!

And to make this a Tuesday Ten, I've popped in one of my own questions...

10. Name a product that everybody loves that you hate...
I personally really don't like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (which has now been renamed to the Effaclar Duo + Anti-Blemish Cream). I have combination skin but I get lots of spots due to hormones, so I thought I'd give this a shot. It just didn't really do anything, although unfortunately, I did notice that my skin peeled a little bit (as if I'd been sun burnt) the day after. The sickly raspberry smell doesn't appeal to me at all either. 

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Monday 27 January 2014

Beauty Crush: Alexa Chung...


Alexa always looks good, it's unfair. Whether she's wearing a full face of makeup completed with a red lip and bold brows or au natural with just a slick of eyeliner - it's incredible how beautiful she is. I always say this but I love it when celebrities/ style icons constantly change up their look. Alexa is one of those. Just look at the examples above for example: her hair and makeup in each look appears different; making her style more interesting, intriguing and exciting. I always look forward to what Alexa's going to look like next on the red carpet or on her way out. I wonder what she'll look like next time...hair down? Red lip?

Who is your current beauty crush? 

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Wednesday 15 January 2014

Latest Style Crush: Lou Doillon...

Trying to define the perfect French je ne sais quoi? Look no further than Lou Doillon, French model, actress and singer. I was drawn in by her toothy smile and her seemingly effortless style. With thick bangs and a waif figure, she was like a modern day Jane Birkin. Little did I know at the time that she is Jane Birkin's daughter. It makes perfect sense—and you're about to see why...


Who is your latest style crush?
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Tuesday 14 January 2014

Tuesday Ten: In Need of A Chop...

I hate haircuts. I like my hair long and want it to stay that way. A "just a few inches please" soon turns into a unlikely bald look which results in a few strops; not forgetting that my hairdresser never styles it the way that I like. Yet, I understand the importance of a haircut: I love it when my ends feel fresh and thick, my hair looks notably fuller and more voluminous and each strand just oozes shine and bounce. Currently, I'm in one of those "I really need a haircut" phases. The ones where you endlessly search Google for a new do (perfect for your face shape and hair type of course) but never find one. I have wavy, frizzy hair that has no layers and is mid-length; to be honest, my dream haircut would be this but we all know that's not going to happen. I plan what I'm going to say to my hairdresser, but that always fails miserably. I have this big idea of how will it will turn out and boy, it never turns out like that. But this time I plan to stick to my guns and pull out these bad boys. Say exactly how I want it to look and don't take no for an answer. Here they are:


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Monday 13 January 2014

This Weeks Fashion Inspo...

Smart coats, comfy sweaters and yet more skinny jeans...

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Tuesday 7 January 2014

Tuesday Ten: January Detox

Sorry ladies, no green-juice recipe here or gym workout routine - it's a new year so that means clearing out everything you didn't use in the last 365 days. For some, that may be just slinging out a dirty, old t-shirt, for others that may be a whole day's dedication of a serious clear out. Clothes, makeup or skincare; get rid of anything that you don't like anymore, haven't used for ages or it may simply be that you want to donate it to charity or a friend (or the real reason, you want to actually have access to that lovely bedroom of yours - and not be bombarded with a boat-load of dirty clothes).

Consider this as a January detox - although, if the word 'detox' is creeping you out a little bit, consider this as a way of creating more space for all the extra stuff about to come in (c'mon, Zara is just waiting for you...). Hot lemon water, kale chips and avocado toast may be great for a body detox but hey, it's no good when your messy room is stressing you out. Here's a little checklist to complete by the end of Jan in order for a more stress-free and clean life.

  1. Clear out your wardrobe - Everything that hasn't been worn in 365 days must be thrown out - consider donating to charity or a friend. Also get rid of garments that you dislike now or have seen better days. 
  2. Something to consider - However, don't get rid of that new Prada dress you bought last week that was two sizes too small; keep it in your wardrobe - wait a few months and see if you it wear it again.
  3. Shrink your skincare - So often we forget about products or forget to repurchase them after they run out; they end up as just dust collectors. Not good. Equally, we realise that a certain product is no longer working for us or worse, is causing breakouts or irritations. Get rid of it immediately.
  4. Make room for new makeup - It's the New Year, the ultimate time when beauty brands bring out new launches for us all to dive into. If you're not careful, you'll end up with three of everything which is just a waste of money. Chuck out everything that you don't like anymore; no longer looks good on you; foundations that are too light or too dark; old mascaras etc. Then, restock! Perfect!
  5. Make use of every space - All the beauty guru's on Youtube are obsessed with Muji drawers -  invest in them too! I have two for my makeup and love them - they're stackable and have plenty of room. Store your makeup and/or skincare in these bad boys and you'll thank me for life.  
  6. Organise - Once you've cleared out and sorted everything, it's time to make space and organise. This Chick's Got Style recently wrote an amazing post on organising your wardrobe - great tips for anyone with a large or even small space. 
  7. Organise part deux - Now organise your makeup - this should be categorised into each section e.g. base makeup (foundations, concealers etc.), eye makeup and lip makeup. This way, it makes it easier for you to grab a certain product and go.
  8. Note that - You can even categorise your makeup into each brand; this is especially good for if you favour a particular label. For me, this isn't great as I buy a range of different brands rather than being devoted to just a certain few. 
  9. Organise part trois - Now organise your skincare; this is usually the hardest. I suggest just categorising into cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums, oils etc. Again, this way, it makes it easier for you to just grab a product and go.
  10. Don't forget - Keep it all up! Although this is a January (New Year) detox, feel free to do this again in the spring, and then maybe again in the autumn too. Making this a regular habit turns a chore into an enjoyment; and eventually you'll love doing it! I know I love to de-clutter and rearrange my room - it clears your mind of stress and makes your room all the more pleasurable to be in.
Phew - that was a lot to read! Thank you so much for reading  - I hope you all took something from this and return to your rooms to clean! Good luck and have fun!


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Friday 3 January 2014

January Inspiration:

Fashion: 


Hair:

Beauty:

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Wednesday 1 January 2014

My New Years Resolutions...


I'm not big on the whole resolution thing (especially the whole 'new year, new me' rubbish) but there's always a few things I like to remind myself about. 2013 was a good year but I always like to believe the next will be bigger and better. This year is a pretty big one for me in terms of school (I complete my gcse's and begin sixth form) so it will be hard work from now on *cue grumbling sigh*. But there's also a lot to look forward to this year; we're planning to go to Paris in the Spring, somewhere like Italy in the Summer, prom and leavers day at school, results day (maybe?). So I think 2014 is going to be the year of many beginnings and ends. Here are my resolutions...

  1. Work hard and play hard - To do well in my final exams but enjoy the relief and fun afterwards!
  2. Take risks - I think sometimes perhaps I need to be a bit more impromptu...just take the adventure and go for it!
That's it! I mean, there's a lot of other things I wish to do this year; like blogging posts of higher quality and to be a bit more active. Cheers to a whole 'nother 365 days!

What are your resolutions this year?

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