Ode to summer

Apologises loved ones for my recent dissapearing act, a combination of hard work and just general busyness has meant that I have regrettably neglected my little space on the net. 

From now on I will attempt to blog at least once a week and my post will more often than not be an outfit collage. It's good to see that people are still interested to find out what's going on on my blog,
despite not having posted for nearly three months...(where has that time gone?!)

Good news, I am now writing editorial content for Fantasy Shopper which is exactly what I have wanted to do for a very long time now. I am writing the event descriptions for their daily outfit challenges on the website, (click here to see more) which by the way has had a recent face lift, so there has never been a better time to play this rather addictive social media meets online shopping game. I RECOMMEND.

Anyway today's outfit is created with our non-existent summer in mind. I am suffering from my first winter flu (boo) so I although I hate to be the bearer of bad news, it would indeed appear that the autumn is very much upon us. I don't know about you, but for me this means even more tea drinking and lots and lots of Downton Abbey watching....

Floral Chiffon Dress: Topshop £46

Shakti Necklace: All Saints £110

London Block Heels: Topshop £65

Rainbow Glitter Nail Varnish: Models Own £5

Leather Quilted Pouch Bag: Topshop £28

Aztec Rings: Topshop £20

A day in the office

So the requests for this outfit included affordable, comfortable yet still fashionable. Although this outfit has a hint of luxury, i.e with the likes of the Michael Kors watch and pearl earrings, the basic components are reasonably priced. What's more when it comes to office wear, these things are all staple pieces for any working ladies wardrobe.

Enjoy!

Michael Kors Stone Set Watch: BWC £188
Padlock Shopper Bag: Warehouse £38
Black Pencil Skirt: Matalan £6
Fresh Water Pearls: PearlsOnly £29
Contrasting Pocket Detail Shirt: Matalan £8
Black Velvet Court Heels: Office £60

50 shades of summer...

I don't know about you, but I am seriously starting to give up hope for a summer this year. I am desperately missing the sun having recently returned from holiday and I think it is safe to say we can pack our sandals away and instead reach for the wellies.  There is only one thing that can make you feel better on a cold, miserable evening like this... a good book.

Enjoy!

Original Hunter Wellies: £75 Topshop
Pale Blue Jeans: £45 MOTO Topshop
Leather Snake Tote Bag: £75 Topshop
Feather Dream Catcher Earrings: £12.50 Miss Selfridge
Ladder Slouchy Jumper: £37 Miss Selfridge

                                        

As free as a bird

Sorry for my recent absence! My internship at Fantasy Shopper has since turned into a second job, plus I have just returned from a holiday, leaving me with very little time on my hands to blog. I am hoping to be back blogging properly again in the next couple of weeks. 

This is an outfit inspired by my current mood and desire to travel and explore. I discovered the dress version of this swan print blouse in July's Vogue and I just had to have it. Unfortunately the dress has now sold out online, however this quaint blouse is the next best thing. 

I hope all of my readers are well-watch this space and don't forget about bracelets & bangles!

Swan Print Blouse: Topshop £45
Candy Floss Skinny Jeans: MOTO Topshop £20 (Sale price)
Gladiator Sandals: Topshop £30
Hard Straw Oyster Bag: Warehouse £28
Oval Turquoise Ring: Accessorize £12

Bring out the Bunting...

With the Diamond Jubilee looming, this is the ideal outfit to see you through a long weekend in the sun - weather permitting of course. Teamed with a Pimm's in hand, this combination oozes class and sophistication...providing it's only the one!

Enjoy.....

Long Arrow Drop Earrings: Topshop £7.50
Need Sunglasses? Nail Varnish: OPI £8.99
Aqua Bird Tea Dress: Dorothy Perkins £20
T-Bar Clog Heels: Miss Selfridge £47
Flower Basket Bag: Cath Kidston £20

The Music of The Netherlands

This casual outfit is inspired by my imminent trip to Amsterdam this weekend; it's easy to wear, comfortable and most importantly stylish. The perfect outfit for exploring and sight seeing.

I miss my blogging days! I hope all of my readers and followers are happy and well...

Casino Sandals: Office £38

Set of two Red Flower Clips: Forever21 £1.50

Bowler Bag: Miss Selfridge £39

Silk Cami:Topshop £42

Floral PJ Trousers: Topshop £18

Jade Green

This outfit is a combination of some of my favourite things; gladiator sandals, turquoise stone jewellery and pastel nail varnishes. I hope you guys appreciate this as much as I do:)

Jade Green Nail Varnish: Models Own £5
Fringed Box Bag:Topshop £30
Turquoise Chandelier Earrings: Forever21 £5.65
Fusion Sandals: Topshop (price unavailable)
Garden Flower Dress: French Connection £285

Going for Gold....

This outfit combines inexpensive high street pieces with one of a kind high-end investments. I am a big fan of gold statement pieces and anything that sparkles, so as you can imagine I am in love with this look.

Enjoy....

Black Ankle Bracelet Shoe: New Look £24.99
Christian Louboutin 'Maykimay' Strass Crystal Clutch: Browns £1795
After shock Boutique Sequin Dress: New Look £129.99
Lips in Whimsical: Topshop £8
Gold Earrings: Topshop £8.50

If looks could kill.....

I hope everyone is having a good week. This outfit is inspired by the glimpse of sun that Exeter got today- I am not holding my breath for it to continue though! This is the perfect day to evening combination. The flat sandals give it a casual feel, contrasted with the sultry red of the lipstick. Perfect.


Slingback Leather Sandals: ASOS £25
Cross Multi Row Necklace: Topshop £20
Contrast Satchel: Forever21 £27.75
Red Lipstick: MAC £13.50
Black Dip Hem Dress: River Island £30 

                                        

internship...

Hello everyone! I hope you have all had a nice weekend despite this awful weather! I have had a pretty relaxing day today, although learning to drive in this torrential rain proved to be quite interesting! I started an internship at Fantasy Shopper last week, an innovative website that combines social networking with shopping, it's tipped to become the next big thing! As I will be working there twice a week until 10pm, I have decided to take a break from blogging during this time. Although I am only carrying out my internship twice a week, it's meaning I will be working twelve hour days and to blog on top of that would be exhausting! Plus I would really like to have one or two days at least when I can rest my eyes from a computer. I will continue to post my Wednesday collage, as I realise that this is the most popular post I do, but other than that I will be taking a break until my internship is finished. I am hoping that this opportunity will enrich my fashion knowledge as well as my desire to work in fashion some time in the future, wish me luck and I'll be back soon!

Stay fabulous.

A day at the races

A look very much inspired by the cast of Made in Chelsea. 


1. Pastel Turn Up Leggings: Topshop £22
2. Gold Metallic Weave Tote Beach Bag: River Island £35
3. Vintage Swarovski Crystal Floral Brooch: Amazon £15
4. Tangerine Flocked Heart Scarf: Miss Selfridge £16
5. Crochet Detail Shirt: Topshop £38
6. Acton Metal Side Buckel Boots:Topshop £78

GlossyBox Review

Today I will be reviewing the third product from March’s GlossyBox: Molton Brown’s Heavenly Gingerlily Moisturising Bath & Shower Gel.

It has to be said that this product was a firm favourite in our household and as a result the sample size didn’t last for very long! This is one of those rare products that actually does what it says on the tin- it’s heavenly in smell and helps to moisturise your skin wonderfully.

I could smell the ginger coming through when using this product and it also had a hint of floral tones to it, which after I stopped sneezing (!), were revitalising and refreshing. To get the best from this shower gel, I didn’t need to use an awful lot, as it quickly doubled in consistently. 

I haven’t had much experience with Molton Brown and the products they have to offer (I actually have a voucher for a facial that is over a year old that I am yet to use!) but after using this shower gel, I would definitely be interested to see what else they have in store and online. 

This product has a RRP of £18, which although may seem a little steep for a shower gel, is worth every penny. It actually reminded me a lot of the Rituals Shower Gel I received in December’s GlossyBox, as it was of a similar high quality, texture and both products smelt divine!

I would confidently give this shower gel 5/5. I loved everything about it and so did all of my family! It’s a high-end beauty product with lots to offer, plus it's rich in vitamin fruit extract, which leaves your skin feeling moisturised and healthy. Everyone should try it!

Here are a few other Molton Brown products I would like to try:

1. Imps Whisper Forte Candela: Molton Brown £55
2. Vitamin Lipsheer- Tinted Lip Balm Snapdragon: Molton Brown £11
3. Tamarind Fruit Refining Toner: Molton Brown £25
4. Reawakening Mer-rouge Hair Hydramasque: Molton Brown £23
5. Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bathing Milk: Molton Brown £25
6. Sleep- Cedrus Bathing Infusion: Molton Brown £23 

sunday #8

So this weekend was pretty amazing. I spent it in Belfast with Andrew, as two of our friends got married and put on one hell of a day! I am exhausted from travelling now, but I just wanted to post a little something to wish them lots of luck in their married life together :) Look how gorgeous they are ^!!

Happy Sunday everyone!

OOTD 21/04/2012

I hope everyone has had a nice weekend. My OOTD post is a day late as 
I travelled to Belfast yesterday for the wedding of two of my good friends..... This is what I wore!

Champagne Grecian Dress: 
This little baby is originally from Topshop, but I managed to find it on eBay for just £2!!

Vintage Clutch Bag:
I love this unusual bag and I think the pastel tones suit this grecian dress perfectly. I purchased this bag a few years ago for my university summer ball; it is from Topshop and cost £32.

Nude Heels:
I realise you can't really see my heels in this picture (I am seriously lacking in photography skills!) but I wear them a lot, so I am sure they will feature on here again soon. These nude heels are from New Look and cost £19.99.

One day I will own a Mulberry...

The perfect outfit for the perfect occasion.

The Marshmallow White Mulberry Bag: Mulberry £3,500
Water Colour Mid Dress: Topshop £46
Patent Ginger Beer Kitten Heels: Office £55
Triangle Beaded Drop Earrings: Topshop £16.50
Pall Mall Polish: Nails inc. £11 

GlossyBox Review

Today I will be reviewing a second product from March’s Glossybox: Clarins' Extra-Firming Body Cream.

I have had nothing but good experiences with Clarins products over the years, and it has to be said, that this body cream was definitely no exception.

The RRP for this product online and in stores is £40, ensuring that this product sits comfortably at the high- end of the shelf. I wouldn’t pay this much for a brand that didn’t deliver great results, and with this luxurious body cream the negatives were few and far between. 

 

I haven’t been using this product every day as it advises you to, so it’s a little hard for me to judge on whether or not it successfully does what it says on the tin in terms of toning. However one thing I do know, is that this body cream made my skin feel healthier and softer in no time at all.

To be honest, I am not entirely sure if I even believe that a cream can firm and tone your skin, but I definitely was intrigued to find out and wanted to give it a try. The sample-size product lasted me for about 3 weeks and I got a lot of use out of it, using it on average every couple of days during this time.

Although I didn’t see any quick results when it came to toning, that’s not to say that this product doesn’t successfully work after using it for a significant amount of time and as instructed (there is a handy demo on the website, click here).

I would definitely be tempted to buy a full size bottle of this product as I am intrigued to find out whether or not continuous use would help to ‘tone, firm and comfort’ your skin. I've also read a few other reviews that have ensured me that with time, results become increasingly more apparent. 

In texture, the lotion was rich and velvety once applied. However it wasn’t the sort of product that soaked into your skin and you could feel that you had it on all day, which could put some people off.

I would confidently give this product a 3 out of 5. Although I can’t honestly say I noticed a significant difference when it came to toning or lifting, the product definitely made my skin feel hydrated and comforted. I really am impressed every time I use a Clarins product and I would certainly recommend this lotion as a fantastic moisturiser that with time, could possibly aid in lifting and toning. 

It's also worth mentioning that this product has won several awards, including Best Luxury Body Lotion at the Stylist Skincare Awards 2011 and Best Body Firming Potion courtesy of Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards 2011...The proof has got to be in the pudding ladies!

sunday #7

Hiiiiiiiiiii

This week has definitely been eventful and it has felt much longer than a normal week for some reason, despite the fact that we have had a bank holiday. I am missing Andrew a lot after seeing him last weekend, but our friends are getting married (eeeee!) in Belfast next weekend so I will be seeing him again soon. This week I treated myself to a lunch box for work (see above) I couldn't resist this cute one from Urban Outfitters for just £7. I have also taken a trip to Matalan with mama, which I really recommend for holiday clothes, and have purchased these adorable floral espadrilles for only £6- I can't wait to start wearing them. Other than that I have had a therapeutic weekend tidying out my wardrobe and attempting to sort through all of my dresses (I have nearly 100!!). As usual I met my pals for dinner during the week and this time we went to Pizza Express, it was eventful as ever (!) All of my family and friends will be pleased to know that I am finally learning how to drive. Having a job and a regular income means I am financially able to do so at the moment, plus I just feel like the time is right. However I am determined to keep up all of the walking I do even when I can finally drive! 

I am also determined to start reading more like I used to, so I have borrowed 'The Help' from a good friend and I am really getting stuck in. I went out last night for what was going to be a few drinks and turned out to be a full on night out; one of my pals is leaving to study in Penzance for a few months :( I have had a yummy dinner and desert with my family today after going to the gym and helping my grandad write his autobiography! I am now planning on a nice catch up with my best friend and an evening in front of the box.  

It has been a great week and an even better weekend. I can't wait to see Andrew again and see my good friends walk down the aisle next weekend.. Good luck!!

OOTD 14/04/2012

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend... I am posting in a bit of a rush as I'm off out for drinks with the girls.
Thanks for reading and enjoy!


Cat Print Blouse: Topshop £42
Chino's: New Look £22
Woven Beach Bag: Urban Outfitters £22

dreaming in boho..

Whether you are going out or shopping in a big city this weekend, this outfit is a great combination of style and fun. Teamed with a blazer and some oversized sunnies, with this look you will bring a touch of LA to your humble home town.

Tanned Wedges: Forever21 £22.75
Tribal Bird Necklace: Forever21 £3.90
Oversized Bracelet: Forever21 £3.80
Nails in Cloak and Dagger: Topshop £5
MOTO Super Soft Jeans: Topshop £38
Native Pattern Handbag: Forever21 £19.75
White Tee: Topshop £34

GlossyBox Review

This week I will be reviewing the first product from March's Limited Edition Harrods GlossyBox; Narciso Rodriguez's Eau De Parfum for her, a feminine and sultry fragrance that I am determined to treat myself to next pay day!

I am undeniably boring when it comes to perfume and I usually just stick to my chosen scent, which is Miss Dior Chérie. 
*FYI if anybody else uses this perfume you may be interested to know that it is half price at Debenhams at the moment, a pretty good deal as it's usually quite pricey costing £80. This offer also includes Narciso Rodriguez's Eau De Parfum and many others. Click here.*

I like my perfume to be sweet and light but I don't usually go for anything too overpowering and as I have allergies, for practical reasons I tend to stay away from anything too flowery in smell. The Narciso Rodriguez perfume certainly ticked all of these boxes for me and plenty more. I was pretty skeptical about using a new perfume at first but I loved this fragrance once on, as it developed with time and smelt light, feminine and very elegant.  

I have used this sample every day since receiving it in my GlossyBox at the beginning of March and although I can see that it might not be to everyone's taste, it definitely is the sort of fragrance that grows on you and smells better with time. Supposedly Narciso Rodriguez was deeply inspired by a mysterious women when it comes to this fragrance and this perhaps explains why its scent is sultry, radiant and velvety. 

If you have ever smelt Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely or Gucci by Gucci then you will already be familiar with this fragrance, as I would argue that it does resemble both of these scents. Its RRP is £55 for 50ml, which in my opinion is a standard and fair price for a classy and sophisticated perfume. 

Overall I would give this fragrance 4 out of 5, as the more I wore it, the more I fell in love with it. My sample size has run out now and I am certainly missing not having the option of wearing it every day! I was however pleased to see a free sample of this exact perfume in this seasons Vogue, which definitely put a smile on my face and has meant my sample has lasted longer then expected.....

I really recommend this fragrance if you are someone who enjoys experimenting with perfumes or having a mixed variety to choose from. A gorgeous perfume with a light and timeless finish.

Happy Easter everyone!

I have had such a busy week! I finally got to see a good friend of mine who had a beautiful baby boy in January and we had a good old catch up. I also had the usual Tuesday dinner with my pals and this week we went to the lovely Wagamama's. I feel so lucky to be able to have long weekends and bank holidays off work, as I am used to working in retail and having to work all the crappy hours, this is such a novelty that I doubt will ever wear off!

This weekend I saw Andrew for the first time since January and we have had such a great weekend. We met up in Bristol and had dinner after lots of retail therapy (mainly for me!) Saturday evening we went to the most amazing restaurant called Za Za Bazaar on the waterfront. If you ever happen to spend the weekend in Bristol I really recommend it, as there is something for everyone. Za Za Bazaar is the largest restaurant in the UK and there is only one, which is the surprising thing. They serve a world banquet of different cuisines and types of food: Spanish, Chinese, Indian, Lebanese- literally everything! 

We also took a trip to Yo Sushi which is in Cabots Circus, a really similar shopping centre to Victoria Square in Belfast, with all my favourite shops under one roof. As I mentioned a while ago I had given up chocolate for lent and I am so pleased that it is finally over! I have been gorging on chocolate eggs all day courtesy of mama who bought Andrew and I lots of delights! Earlier on in the week my family and I went to see The Sound of Music at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, as a friend of my mum's was a part of the production and she was an absolute star! Finally we all took a trip to the beach, determined to soak up what was left of the sunshine despite the bitter cold and unfortunately this trip did involve more eating! Guess what I will be doing next week...GYM!

Hope everyone has enjoyed the looong weekend....

OOTD 07/04/2012

1.
Cropped Oxford Shirt: Urban Outfitters £38

2.
Floral Scarf: Forever21 £9.99

3.
Black Leather Shorts: eBay £10

4.
Elephant Hair Grip: Carboot Sale 50p

March's GlossyBox

Without a shadow of a doubt this was by far the best GlossyBox I have had since signing up in December. As you can see below, March's Glossybox was The Harrods Edition and it certainly didn't disappoint. I was really pleased with every product I received and they have all come in handy at some point or another. 

I review the products I receive in each GlossyBox on Monday's- so watch this space! 

For my last review click here

March's GlossyBox contained:

1. Narciso Rodriguez- For Her Eau De Parfum RRP £55
2. Molton Brown- Heavenly Ginger Lily Moisture Bath & Shower RRP £18
3. YSL- Forever Youth Liberator Serum RRP £60
4. Burberry Beauty- Miniature Lip Mist Copper N202 RRP £22.50
5. Clarins- Extra Firming Body Cream RRP £39.50