Hi!
Rating: 9/10 Price: £30.50
Recently I bought the (reasonably) new YSL fusion foundation that I had been wanting for weeks and I am not disappointed. I had had a tester before buying the full size for which the woman working at the counter helped to choose my colour which matches perfectly to my skin. The coverage is good, especially as the consistency is quite thin, and because of you can't feel it sitting on your skin and you can't see it either (if you blend it in well, obviously). I was originally worried that my skin would look very dull as the finish is matte, but it is still so brightening and makes my skin look radiant. It's a beautiful foundation to apply as well because the feel becomes almost velvety as you rub it in. Overall I am very pleased with this foundation and think it is totally worth the money. My only minor issue with it is that for full coverage you need to use more product than I normally would with other foundations. However this doesn't bother me too much as you get a lot of product and I don't feel like I'm wasting it or using it up too quickly.
❀Have a lovely day❀
Monday, 27 October 2014
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
November Wishlist
Hi!
Firstly, I am aware it's been a month since my last post and - although I'm not sure whether or not there's anyone out there reading (thanks if you are!) - I'm going to try from now on to at least make fortnightly posts, if not weekly.
Once again it's time for another wishlist! I love autumn/winter clothes so this month is particularly exciting and you'll probably see a lot of similarities/trends in all the clothes I choose. Enjoy!
Motel Rocks Swallow Tail Slip Dress in Crackle Black/Crackle Rose Gold, £35- This dress is beautiful and especially perfect for the upcoming festive season. As much as the fabric makes this dress quite fancy, the relaxed shape means it can be easily dressed down too. For a party I would wear this with black tights, heels and gold jewellery ( but only jewellery with the black dress). If I were to wear this more casually I would wear it with converse and a cardigan or denim jacket with simple makeup. The gold is more difficult to dress down but it's a beautiful colour and I also really individual as it's rare to see clothes that are completely gold.
Topshop Shrunken Cable Sweater, £42- Obviously everyone needs at least one jumper for A/W, and if you're only ever going to own one this should be it. This length is perfect as it is neither too oversized or too cropped and grey goes with almost every colour so it will go with all skirts and trousers. There isn't too much to say about it as it is just a grey jumper, but it's a staple so I had to include it.
Firstly, I am aware it's been a month since my last post and - although I'm not sure whether or not there's anyone out there reading (thanks if you are!) - I'm going to try from now on to at least make fortnightly posts, if not weekly.
Once again it's time for another wishlist! I love autumn/winter clothes so this month is particularly exciting and you'll probably see a lot of similarities/trends in all the clothes I choose. Enjoy!
Motel Rocks Swallow Tail Slip Dress in Crackle Black/Crackle Rose Gold, £35- This dress is beautiful and especially perfect for the upcoming festive season. As much as the fabric makes this dress quite fancy, the relaxed shape means it can be easily dressed down too. For a party I would wear this with black tights, heels and gold jewellery ( but only jewellery with the black dress). If I were to wear this more casually I would wear it with converse and a cardigan or denim jacket with simple makeup. The gold is more difficult to dress down but it's a beautiful colour and I also really individual as it's rare to see clothes that are completely gold.
Topshop Shrunken Cable Sweater, £42- Obviously everyone needs at least one jumper for A/W, and if you're only ever going to own one this should be it. This length is perfect as it is neither too oversized or too cropped and grey goes with almost every colour so it will go with all skirts and trousers. There isn't too much to say about it as it is just a grey jumper, but it's a staple so I had to include it.
Topshop KIND Suede Lace Up Shoes, £48- These shoes are the perfect balance between casual and making an effort. I really like chunky shoes throughout autumn/winter because I think they look good with every outfit and can make them look more season appropriate. I never usually wear shoes quite as masculine as these but as I wear skirts a lot the contradiction will work well. Also, for shoes like these the price is really good so they're definitely a worthwhile buy.
ASOS Leather Triple Zip Clutch Bag, £35- Clutch bags are always useful and don't believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. Simple black leather clutch bags like this are especially useful as they go with everything and can be used casually to carry a few essentials instead of carrying a big bag or as an accessory for a party outfit.
Hopefully you liked this very monochrome and shorter than usual wishlist! All photos used are from the shops' websites.
❀Have a lovely day❀
Friday, 19 September 2014
October Wishlist
Hi!
It's pretty much been a month since my September wishlist and, as I'm doing one a month, now it's time for my October wishlist! So, here are some items I'm looking to get/wish I could get for next month...
Topshop New Big Felt Floppy Hat (Black), £28- Unfortunately this is the kind of item that will never leave the wishlist and make it to my wardrobe, but I'm featuring it anyway because it is just so lovely. I really love these hats and always think anyone wearing one looks 10x cooler, but I just can't pull these hats off. Also I have no idea where I would wear this, other than the occasional trip to London, so I can't quite justify getting one.
Topshop Crepe Shift Dress in Burgundy, £45- I love this dress because it's the kind of item that looks like it can be dressed up, but also really dressed down. The colour is lovely, especially for A/W when I'm always on the look out for burgundy clothes to buy. It is quite expensive but it looks good quality and it's the kind of thing I would wear a lot because there are so many ways you can style it.
Brandy Melville UK Kolfinna Top, £25- I've been looking for something exactly like this for so long!!!!!!!!! I'm so into t-shirt dresses and I've been trying to look for the perfect one and here it is! The fact it's dark grey makes it look a little more casual looking than totally black and also makes it easier to transition into spring. However as it is meant to be a t-shirt you can see from the photos it's a little short so I would consider getting a size up.
Urban Outfitters Light Before Dark Crop Turtle-Neck Tee in Grey, £18- For what it is this top is amazing value, especially as it's also from UO. I think this is a really nice basic top that's really sophisticated and, despite looking a little tricky to style, will look really good when you get the outfit right. I think I would style this with a black American Apparel skater skirt, black shoes, lots of thin silver necklaces and my tartan scarf.
Vagabond Grace Padded Ankle Boots in Black (through Urban Outfitters), £80- If I wasn't so self conscience about my height I'd do anything to make sure these shoes were mine by tomorrow, but unfortunately I am and with a heel height of around 3 inches these boots wouldn't help. However I'm kind of considering putting them on my Christmas wishlist (yes, I am already thinking that far ahead) because they really are beautiful... I love chunky shoes like these and I think they look amazing with jeans and skirts, and I can imagine them looking really good with the Brandy Melville t-shirt dress mentioned earlier, lots of jewellery and the Topshop coat I styled in a previous blog post.
Topshop Faux Fox Fur Stole, £25- Every autumn/winter I develop a love for anything fur, and this year is no exception. Fur stoles I think are most useful as you can add them to most outfits rather than being confined to having only one item of clothing with fur on it. Personally I don't believe in killing animals for their fur so I would definitely get a faux fur stole like this Topshop one opposed to a real fur one. I think this would look really cool over my grey coat for winter, or my denim jacket.
Hope you enjoyed my picks for the coming month, and as always let me know if there's a specific blog post/type of post you want me to do.
❀Have a lovely day❀
P.S. Sorry for having no post last Friday! Getting back into the routine of school etc. got me a little busy but from now on I will (try) to be on time!
It's pretty much been a month since my September wishlist and, as I'm doing one a month, now it's time for my October wishlist! So, here are some items I'm looking to get/wish I could get for next month...
Topshop New Big Felt Floppy Hat (Black), £28- Unfortunately this is the kind of item that will never leave the wishlist and make it to my wardrobe, but I'm featuring it anyway because it is just so lovely. I really love these hats and always think anyone wearing one looks 10x cooler, but I just can't pull these hats off. Also I have no idea where I would wear this, other than the occasional trip to London, so I can't quite justify getting one.
Topshop Crepe Shift Dress in Burgundy, £45- I love this dress because it's the kind of item that looks like it can be dressed up, but also really dressed down. The colour is lovely, especially for A/W when I'm always on the look out for burgundy clothes to buy. It is quite expensive but it looks good quality and it's the kind of thing I would wear a lot because there are so many ways you can style it.
Brandy Melville UK Kolfinna Top, £25- I've been looking for something exactly like this for so long!!!!!!!!! I'm so into t-shirt dresses and I've been trying to look for the perfect one and here it is! The fact it's dark grey makes it look a little more casual looking than totally black and also makes it easier to transition into spring. However as it is meant to be a t-shirt you can see from the photos it's a little short so I would consider getting a size up.
Urban Outfitters Light Before Dark Crop Turtle-Neck Tee in Grey, £18- For what it is this top is amazing value, especially as it's also from UO. I think this is a really nice basic top that's really sophisticated and, despite looking a little tricky to style, will look really good when you get the outfit right. I think I would style this with a black American Apparel skater skirt, black shoes, lots of thin silver necklaces and my tartan scarf.
Vagabond Grace Padded Ankle Boots in Black (through Urban Outfitters), £80- If I wasn't so self conscience about my height I'd do anything to make sure these shoes were mine by tomorrow, but unfortunately I am and with a heel height of around 3 inches these boots wouldn't help. However I'm kind of considering putting them on my Christmas wishlist (yes, I am already thinking that far ahead) because they really are beautiful... I love chunky shoes like these and I think they look amazing with jeans and skirts, and I can imagine them looking really good with the Brandy Melville t-shirt dress mentioned earlier, lots of jewellery and the Topshop coat I styled in a previous blog post.
Topshop Faux Fox Fur Stole, £25- Every autumn/winter I develop a love for anything fur, and this year is no exception. Fur stoles I think are most useful as you can add them to most outfits rather than being confined to having only one item of clothing with fur on it. Personally I don't believe in killing animals for their fur so I would definitely get a faux fur stole like this Topshop one opposed to a real fur one. I think this would look really cool over my grey coat for winter, or my denim jacket.
Hope you enjoyed my picks for the coming month, and as always let me know if there's a specific blog post/type of post you want me to do.
❀Have a lovely day❀
P.S. Sorry for having no post last Friday! Getting back into the routine of school etc. got me a little busy but from now on I will (try) to be on time!
Monday, 8 September 2014
Perfection/Pressure from the Media
Hi!
BEFORE YOU READ note that I my opinion on this topic may be seen as controversial so please don't get angry with me! I'm obviously open to constructive and coherent responses but don't comment anything super aggressive or whatever, I just want to voice an opinion on a topic that interests me, thank you!
Magazines and companies are constantly being bombarded with complaints about the choice of models for their issues/campaigns and how it puts pressure on people to be perfect and that the images used are unrealistic. Most people would agree with that, but my view is slightly different.
For this though, I'm not necessarily referencing arguments about the need to use more plus sized models as that's almost a totally different debate - but I may touch on it. Generally, my opinion can be summarised by a quote from Alexandra Schulman (editor-in-chief, Vogue UK) on the topic:
BEFORE YOU READ note that I my opinion on this topic may be seen as controversial so please don't get angry with me! I'm obviously open to constructive and coherent responses but don't comment anything super aggressive or whatever, I just want to voice an opinion on a topic that interests me, thank you!
Magazines and companies are constantly being bombarded with complaints about the choice of models for their issues/campaigns and how it puts pressure on people to be perfect and that the images used are unrealistic. Most people would agree with that, but my view is slightly different.
For this though, I'm not necessarily referencing arguments about the need to use more plus sized models as that's almost a totally different debate - but I may touch on it. Generally, my opinion can be summarised by a quote from Alexandra Schulman (editor-in-chief, Vogue UK) on the topic:
‘I think Vogue is a magazine that’s all about fantasy to some extent and dreams, and an escape from real life. ... People don’t want to buy a magazine like Vogue to see what they see when they look in the mirror. They can do that for free.’
For some people this quote may be hard to accept but, personally, I can see total sense in it! Realistically, do you buy high end magazines such as Vogue to look at potential purchases for next season? Unless you're unbelievably rich or in denial the answer will be no, you look at it for either inspiration from designer brands that you can incorporate into your high street wardrobe or to admire the almost unrealistically perfect models and the laughably expensive accessories (we can all dream, right?). Vogue is a fantasy magazine and I read it to imagine my ideal life and ideal face, but I don't let the images get to me. I know that's easier said than done but it takes getting comfortable with yourself and the way you look and learning to know that you look good to be able to accept the unattainable 'perfection' in Vogue or clothing campaigns.
Furthermore, the industries of fashion and media are all about aesthetics so why would they not want the most aesthetically pleasing models selling their products for them? Now that I've learned to accept my flaws and good qualities, I enjoy looking at beautiful people just to appreciate it (creepy sounding but I mean well).
Advertising is another area that is criticised for it's use of 'perfect' models that make the general public feel bad about themselves, but I think: why would they not use the people everyone wants to be to sell their clothes? That's one of the biggest tricks of fashion advertising their is - creating appeal by giving the impression of the perfect life that comes with their products. It's about marketing and business, not evoking self-loathing.
So overall, even if you don't agree with me hopefully you can get one thing out of this post and that is if you learn to love yourself and become totally comfortable with all you are, the so called 'pressure of perfection' from the media doesn't affect you as much by a long stretch.
So overall, even if you don't agree with me hopefully you can get one thing out of this post and that is if you learn to love yourself and become totally comfortable with all you are, the so called 'pressure of perfection' from the media doesn't affect you as much by a long stretch.
That's all I'm going to leave you with, food for thought hopefully? I know this isn't my most concise or coherent post I just had a lot of ideas I wanted to get out at once.
❀Have a lovely day❀
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Outfit of the Day
Hi!
Sorry that this post is on a Saturday not a Friday! Anyone coming back to the blog may have noticed that I've got into the habit of posting on Fridays so apologies if you were expecting a post yesterday - as I'm back at school now and had a meal out with friends after I didn't have time to do a post.
This is the outfit I wore today, it's nothing super special as I got ready in a rush and was only having breakfast out with some family and then doing some food shopping. I also tried a new eye make up look today (which, for anyone who knows me, is a massive shock as I always do gel liner flicks) using black pencil liner and black eyeshadow. I'm not going to go into detail on my make up as I will most likely do a post specifically on my everyday make up very soon.
THE OUTFIT
Sorry that this post is on a Saturday not a Friday! Anyone coming back to the blog may have noticed that I've got into the habit of posting on Fridays so apologies if you were expecting a post yesterday - as I'm back at school now and had a meal out with friends after I didn't have time to do a post.
This is the outfit I wore today, it's nothing super special as I got ready in a rush and was only having breakfast out with some family and then doing some food shopping. I also tried a new eye make up look today (which, for anyone who knows me, is a massive shock as I always do gel liner flicks) using black pencil liner and black eyeshadow. I'm not going to go into detail on my make up as I will most likely do a post specifically on my everyday make up very soon.
THE OUTFIT
Top- Topshop, £12
Skirt- American Apparel, £46
Jacket- Topshop, £55
Belt- Topshop, £22
Choker- Charms U Cherish, £3
❀Have a lovely day❀
Friday, 29 August 2014
Styling: Oversized Coat
Hi!
FIRSTLY this post features some not-so-great photos, I'm going to have to experiment with settings and lighting etc. so bare with me while I get the hang of things - sorry!
Top: Topshop, £12
Jeans: Topshop (Joni jeans), £36
Belt: Topshop, £22
Shoes: Converse, £44.99
Choker: Charms U Cherish, £3
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam III, £15.50
Bag: Zara, price unknown
OUTFIT 2
This outfit is more put together and more dressed up, however it can be made more casual by swapping the chunky shoes for converse and using a less structured shoulder bag. As this outfit is dark and monochrome I added red bag to integrate some colour. This outfit is also a bit nautical, a theme that the stripes inspired leading me to add the chain and rope effect jewellery and specifically adding red to the outfit.
Top: American Apparel, £25
Skirt: Select, £8
Belt: Topshop, £22
Shoes: Topshop, price unknown
Socks: Topshop, price unknown
Necklace: Urban Outfitters, price unknown
Earrings: River Island, price unknown
Bag: Topshop, price unknown
OUTFIT 3
I suppose this is what you'd call a put together travel look? As I'm going up to Manchester this weekend I felt inspired to do some kind of travelling look, which essentially is just an everyday outfit with a bigger bag but I like to put an idea behind it! I think this dress is perfect for travel as it is really loose and comfy, but still looks pretty.
Dress: American Apparel, £48
Choker: Charms U Cherish, £3
Shoes: Coverse, £44.99
Bag: Topshop, £55
Lipstick: MAC Sunny Seoul, £15.50
Hopefully this has provided some inspiration for styling oversized coats which I've seen a lot of in shops at the moment and I can tell will be really popular throughout A/W 2014-15. Also apologies for not knowing all the prices - I do research prices as much as I can but items I got years ago/abroad/as gifts I often can't find out, sorry!
❀Have a lovely day❀
FIRSTLY this post features some not-so-great photos, I'm going to have to experiment with settings and lighting etc. so bare with me while I get the hang of things - sorry!
Today's blog is the ways I'm going to style my oversized coat throughout Autumn/Winter (which you'll notice features a few items from my September Wishlist). The coat I'm styling is from Topshop (£78) and I am so in love with it! It's thick and warm but doesn't look too heavy, and the oversized style is really flattering.
OUTFIT 1
This is the most simple look in this post, it's entirely monochrome (excluding the lipstick) and overall quite casual which I like. Despite it being relaxed it is still put together and the coat makes it a lot smarter. I've only tucked the top in a bit at the front because this is what I find to be most flattering on my body shape but it's really up to you what suits you best.
OUTFIT 1
This is the most simple look in this post, it's entirely monochrome (excluding the lipstick) and overall quite casual which I like. Despite it being relaxed it is still put together and the coat makes it a lot smarter. I've only tucked the top in a bit at the front because this is what I find to be most flattering on my body shape but it's really up to you what suits you best.
Jeans: Topshop (Joni jeans), £36
Belt: Topshop, £22
Shoes: Converse, £44.99
Choker: Charms U Cherish, £3
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam III, £15.50
Bag: Zara, price unknown
OUTFIT 2
This outfit is more put together and more dressed up, however it can be made more casual by swapping the chunky shoes for converse and using a less structured shoulder bag. As this outfit is dark and monochrome I added red bag to integrate some colour. This outfit is also a bit nautical, a theme that the stripes inspired leading me to add the chain and rope effect jewellery and specifically adding red to the outfit.
Top: American Apparel, £25
Skirt: Select, £8
Belt: Topshop, £22
Shoes: Topshop, price unknown
Socks: Topshop, price unknown
Necklace: Urban Outfitters, price unknown
Earrings: River Island, price unknown
Bag: Topshop, price unknown
OUTFIT 3
I suppose this is what you'd call a put together travel look? As I'm going up to Manchester this weekend I felt inspired to do some kind of travelling look, which essentially is just an everyday outfit with a bigger bag but I like to put an idea behind it! I think this dress is perfect for travel as it is really loose and comfy, but still looks pretty.
Dress: American Apparel, £48
Choker: Charms U Cherish, £3
Shoes: Coverse, £44.99
Bag: Topshop, £55
Lipstick: MAC Sunny Seoul, £15.50
Hopefully this has provided some inspiration for styling oversized coats which I've seen a lot of in shops at the moment and I can tell will be really popular throughout A/W 2014-15. Also apologies for not knowing all the prices - I do research prices as much as I can but items I got years ago/abroad/as gifts I often can't find out, sorry!
❀Have a lovely day❀
Friday, 22 August 2014
High End vs High Street - Skincare
Hi!
With many things it's often the way that the most expensive products are the best quality ones, but obviously we'd all rather spend less money where possible so I thought a comparison of two similar products (one cheap, one high-end) would interest a lot of people.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil vs No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Oil
Bobbi Brown, £31
This oil is undoubtably amazing at what it does. It takes almost all my makeup off, including my very stubborn eye makeup and definitely feels like it also cleanses my skin. As it's an oil it's so easy to spread into my face to quickly get my makeup off and this also means you don't need to use a lot. For the price, you do get a lot and with two people using it over the past month we haven't even used a quarter yet.
No.7, £11
This cleansing oil is significantly cheaper than the Bobbi Brown oil, although you do get less. It claims to do the same - remove all makeup and cleanse the skin, and so far it seems to do that so well and it leaves my skin noticeably soft. It smells really good as well so that's another bonus. The only (minor) problem I have with this oil is that it's a bit thick, so more difficult to spread around my face but it still works really well and I'm going to experiment with adding a bit of water to help thin it down.
Overall I would say the Bobbi Brown oil is slightly better than the No.7 equivalent, purely because of the thickness. Having said that, the No.7 oil is a really good cheap alternative for people not wanting to spend as much money.
❀Have a lovely day❀
With many things it's often the way that the most expensive products are the best quality ones, but obviously we'd all rather spend less money where possible so I thought a comparison of two similar products (one cheap, one high-end) would interest a lot of people.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil vs No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Oil
Bobbi Brown, £31
This oil is undoubtably amazing at what it does. It takes almost all my makeup off, including my very stubborn eye makeup and definitely feels like it also cleanses my skin. As it's an oil it's so easy to spread into my face to quickly get my makeup off and this also means you don't need to use a lot. For the price, you do get a lot and with two people using it over the past month we haven't even used a quarter yet.
No.7, £11
This cleansing oil is significantly cheaper than the Bobbi Brown oil, although you do get less. It claims to do the same - remove all makeup and cleanse the skin, and so far it seems to do that so well and it leaves my skin noticeably soft. It smells really good as well so that's another bonus. The only (minor) problem I have with this oil is that it's a bit thick, so more difficult to spread around my face but it still works really well and I'm going to experiment with adding a bit of water to help thin it down.
Overall I would say the Bobbi Brown oil is slightly better than the No.7 equivalent, purely because of the thickness. Having said that, the No.7 oil is a really good cheap alternative for people not wanting to spend as much money.
❀Have a lovely day❀
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