Since purchasing my Joules Wellies last year. I have made it a habit to stop by the Joules website here and there to have a look at their products. Though I have been familiar with the brand since my college days, I have never purchased anything before my wellies. If you follow me on twitter you would have seen a few tweets from me inquiring about the fit of the Joules coats/clothing. I ordered the Joules Hampton Womens Quilted Jacket in Marine Navy from the Joules website. Then trooped to John Lewis in Leicester Highcross Shopping Centre to Joules on Monday evening, with the intention of trying on some jackets to get a feel of the fit. From the website it appeared that the Hampton Quilted jacket was shorter in length than the Oakwood Quilted jacket.
Lightweight quilted blazer - Front
Lightweight quilted blazer - Back
It was just my luck that there was a Joules Hampton Womens Quilted Jacket in size 8 on the rack and the fit when I tried it on was not too bad. It was long enough to come down a few inches on my hips which for me is adequate coverage. The only thing I am not 100% sold on is the blazer like lapels. This means that since it is a 2 button jacket, there is not as much coverage as I would ideally like in the upper chest area. Joules describes this jacket as being full of small town charm and big city style. The funky floral lining, and blazer like details are distinctive town elements, whereas the quilting and corduroy bring the country.
Printed contrast lining
Decorative assorted buttons
Corduroy pocket detail
Single back vent
Button fastening
Assorted buttons on sleeve and branding embroidery
This jacket would be a great gift for the autumn/winter weather, as a birthday or Christmas present. Plus let us not forget the super bargain price £39.95 vs the RRP of £79.95.
This weeks star gift comprises an industry classic, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant loved by many a beauty blogger and skincare enthusiast. I succumbed a few years ago and purchased a tub of this stuff, and I must say it definitely comes in handy.
"Eight Hour Cream was created more than seventy years ago, in 1930, by Miss Arden herself and was the first ever cosmetic product to bear the Elizabeth Arden name. The product name, 'Eight Hour Cream', takes its inspiration from a loyal customer who claimed that the cream helped to heal her son's scraped knee in just eight hours. Since its debut, Eight Hour Cream has escalated to near cult status. Testimonials from customers attest to the product's miraculous healing capabilities. Its wonderful versatility also makes this product a favourite of models and makeup artists alike.
This skincare classic restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked skin. It works efficiently to sooth roughness, redness and minor skin irritations."
Set includes
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment 30ml
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 30ml
Elizabeth Arden Eight hour Cream Lip Protectant stick
Moisturizing Eight Hour gloves and socks, perfect for an overnight intensive treatment
the gift also includes voucher for 500 Advantage Card points redeemable instore with the purchase of any Eight Hour Skin Protectant original or fragrance free 50ml
NARS OUTLAW - makes you think of the wild wild west doesn't it lol.
There has been a rustling and an unwrapping over here at Miakhymai HQ, the first NARS purchase has been unveiled into the fold. Behold NARS Outlaw (makes you think of cowboy justice doesn't it) I am so excited that I have this, even though it has been over a month since I bought it. lol I originally wanted to buy the NARS Geity, but after trying this in Space NK and wearing it around in Nottingham city centre for the better part of an afternoon. I made a cheeky purchase. I love the name - OUTLAW. I was doubly happy when I bought this since the price was £21.50, for some strange reason I thought the price of the NARS blushes were £27. 50.
NARS OUTLAW - up close, no flash.
It is a mid tone peach with golden shimmer - this is the way I would describe it. Applied to my skin I get a soft colour and hint of a glow, which I like. For my skin tone (Walnut in the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, NW45 in the MAC Studio Fix, Dark Deep in MAC Mineralise skinfinish Natural) it is soft enough for everyday wear. I would recommend this for girls/ladies/women who would like to wear a nice soft hint of blush.
NARS OUTLAW - up close, with flash.
There are a few more NARS blushes I have my eye on, they will be coming soon to a post near you. NARS Taj Mahal, NARS Exhibit A and you never know I might change my mind on the NARS Geity and snap it up in a purchase if not for myself maybe for one of the sisters or cousins.
Comment and let me know which blushes are your favourites or your hits and misses.
Though they have not been around very long the New Radox Citrus Fragrances have already been crowned "Best New Shower Product" at the Pure Beauty Awards 2013. The new collection comprises of three shower gels in Energise -Key Lime and Peppermint, Revive - Mandarin and Lemongrass, and Uplift - Pink Grapefruit and Basil.
I found these on offer at Boots and decided to give them a try after having a sniff. I did consider trying them one at a time, but then I thought suppose they do not go on offer anywhere else for a long time since they are new products. I purchased them all for 99p each, at a bargain of 50% off. Let me tell you Radox has definitely hit it out of the park with these fragrances. They are perfect for these chilly autumn mornings when I have to contemplate whether or not I want to leave the warmth of my bed much less venture outside.
The Uplift - Pink Grapefruit and Basil is my personal favourite, the sharpness of the grapefruit was an instant love for me.
My second favourite is the Revive - Mandarin and Lemon grass.
The third fragrance Energise -Key Lime and Peppermint I can take it or leave it. The citrus scents does not come through as strong as it does in the other two shower gels. However I do think that the guys would love the Energise, for that same reason the scent is there but not as pungent.
This is the 3rd week' of the Boots star gifts and this week's gift is definitely aimed at the glamorous girls in all of our lives. A complete go to kit for eyes lips and cheeks (as described by the boots website). If my sisters play their cards right they might all find one of these under the Christmas tree from santa. lol The Seventeen Complete Collection comprises of the following: -12 x SEVENTEEN Eyeshadows -5 x SEVENTEEN Lip Glosses in Peachy, Pink Ice, Fuzzy Yellow Petal, Nude and Very Berry -SEVENTEEN Blusher in Bramble Frost -Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Bronzer -Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Metallic Eye Cream -Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Gel Eyeliner -Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Black Mascara -SEVENTEEN Black and Coffee Eye Pencils -SEVENTEEN Photo Flawless Primer -5 x Make-up Brushes -Pencil Sharpener -Eyelash Curler
This is definitely a great gift for a uni student it covers all the basics and a few glam looks can also be created from this treasure trove of goodies. From lectures, lunches to Lacrosse socials this kit has everything a girl will need. It is also a great gift for someone who is just getting into makeup and they are at that stage where they just want to try things. You can grab all of this at the super bargain price of £17 bucks reduced from £35, plus Boots points. I like the fact that this kit includes brushes as well as so many products. Remember this kit is not just limited to Christmas this would be a great gift for a birthday or anniversary.
Rose Tenderness, Gentle Violet, and Passionate Jasmine
Among L'occitane's latest offerings, are these new limited edition shea butter hand creams. Small enough to fit in your clutch, hand bag or carry on, plus they are available with the current issue of Marie Claire magazine as a free gift. The L'Occitane Shea Butter handcream is rich in formular but when applied absorbs into the skin very easily. I absolutely love it and I am not ashamed that I bought 3 Marie Claire magazines, in order for me to obtain all three of these limited edition scents. I saved 53% off the RRP, there is no shame in the L'Occitane game.
**remember these lil hand creams make great presents, there is no shame is grabbing a few to use as stocking fillers**
Read my review of the L'Occitane Shea Butter handcream here
Read my winter hand cream guide containing the L'Occitane hand cream here
The flat shoe has been the ugly step sibling of fashionable footwear everywhere for years. They have long been loathed by the fashionable women in society. Skyscraper heels, wedges, sandals and various stiletto beauties have always taken up the forefront of fashion magazines, advertising and even tv shows. However the flat shoe is fighting back, not content to just sit in the corner. The tides are slowly turning and the arena for fashionable flat footwear is drawing more and more spectators. Flat shoes now are not only limited to the Clarks ballet flats I wore for 2 years, though comfortable they were in no way comparable to their fashionable counterparts now taking up the runways. Top brands such as Charlotte Olympia, Mulberry, Miu Miu, Gucci, Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs are increasing their efforts in relation to flat and near flat footwear for women. Forget the "Power Heel," for 2013 it has been all about the "Power Flat."
River Island Bordeaux Flat
Ballet flats are out!!! They have been banished from the workplace, offices and boardrooms. Instead they have been replaced with exquisite textiles and embellishments added to other classic shapes such as smoking slippers, loafers, brogues, to create truly fashionable flat master pieces. Not to say that the Ballet Flat does not have its place. Where as in the 90's tv show Sex & the City had droves of women queuing up to purchase Manolo Blahniks Offerings. Tory Burch has built a cult like following around her Reva Ballet flat, google the Reva Ballet flats and you will generate pages of suggested blog posts and you tube videos.
River Island Navy Flat
Why the rebellion on the heeled shoe? There are several reason: Health - as I have mentioned before the appropriate heel height for a heeled shoe which will be worn over a long period of time is 3 inches. Wearing heeled shoes over 3 inches high for a prolonged period of time (years) causes strain on your pelvic muscles which could lead to a prolapsed uterus. The constant need to balance on the thin stiletto heel (the preference of the power set) causes strain and sprain on your ankles, bunions could form and also displacement of the bones on your feet.
Time - wearing high heels slow you down. There was no fancy way to explain that.
Options - as I said before footwear options of the flat variety have increased tremendously. There is something for everyone and for every occasion. Flat shoes are no longer limited to the extremely casual events which occur in a woman's life.
"Long stuck in stuck in the purgatory of casual wear, flats are suddenly being promoted for polished occasions. Flats sleek enough to dress shoes were paired with the tailored suits and even with evening wear on the spring runways from Marc Jacobs to Giorgio Armani." - WSJ I am a Black Girl in the Ring and I wear flat shoes. YOU should too.
I saw a lady in the Leicester Boots purchasing 4 of the Juicy Couture gift sets on Tuesday, now that lady knows a good deal.
Laura Ashley might be more well known for their clothing and home wares than beauty products. However the clothing I own from this company/ lifestyle brand has been extremely well made. No hanging thread or mismatched seams at Laura Ashley no no no, therefore I am endorsing their foray into beauty products. If they have put as much effort into their cosmetics as their clothing, then I say you are in for a treat with this weeks star gift.
Enter the Laura Ashley Ultimate indulgence Gift set, my lovelies. "Take some time out to experience the luxury of Laura Ashley Beauty. Laura Ashley is a quintessentially English lifestyle brand founded on a rich design heritage and traditional values of quality, service and originality.
This Ultimate Indulgence Gift Set is filled with Laura Ashley’s best indulgent bathing products. Revive your senses with the Wild Blossom products, or relax and unwind with Imperial Bloom. This great selection contains everything you need to ensure you’re body and hands are pampered and cared for. Everything is packaged together in a luxuriously printed drawstring bag to take a touch of elegance with you wherever you go.
The indulgent collection is presented in a stunning gift box, printed with flowers and birds to match the drawstring bag. The sturdy and elegant box could be used to store your favourite toiletries or beauty accessories."
The Ultimate Gift Set Includes:
Wild Blossom Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (200ml)
Wild Blossom Rejuvenating Body Polisher (70g)
Wild Blossom Uplifting Body Wash (200ml)
Imperial Bloom Relax & Renew Bath Soak (250ml)
Imperial Bloom Enriching Body Butter (50ml)
Imperial Bloom Indulgent Fragrance Mist (150ml)
Imperial Bloom Nourishing Hand & Nail Cream (50ml)
Emery Board
Bath Lily
All of this for the bargain price of £17, say what? If my bank balance was not looking so meager I would def be purchasing one of these Ultimate gift Sets for several reasons. 1. I am familiar with the Laura Ashley brand and the quality of their products. 2. This is a great gift for those of us who have spending limits on our Christmas lists. If you are on of those persons with a £20 or less budget, you should be picking these up in multiples. 3. I have had a sniff and both scents are quite lovely. 4. If i had a daughter in uni this would be her Christmas gift, I would not even wrap it. Let that pretty box do all the work.
Think outside of the box ladies and gents not just Christmas think birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, graduation, there are many occasions where this set would be a great gift. I suppose if you have not started your Christmas shopping yet this would be a great place to begin.
Star Gift - Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture, Couture Essentials Kit currently 50% off at Boots RRP £60 now £29 for 1 week only. Kit comprises of a 30ml Viva la Juicy Eau de Parfum Spray (RRP £34.50), a Nail Lacquer Duo, a Viva la Juicy Rollerball & Lip Gloss Duo and Juicy Couture Stiletto Charm and a Cosmetic Bag.
The fragrance has top notes of wild berries, mandarin, honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine. while the bottom notes comprise of amber, caramel, vanilla sandal wood and praline. Not to mention the design of the bottle is gorgeous. This fragrance is definitely a heavy weight, winning not one but two Allure Readers Choice Awards in 2009 and 2012.The lipgloss & nail polish duos would be the perfect travel sized addition to my makeup bag, keeping me ready for the festive season.
This is a great gift set for Christmas or an upcoming birthday, made even better by the 50% off deal.
There is nothing wrong with keeping some of your hard earned cash
in your pockets my lovelies. Looks longingly at bank balance. Have a great day and happy saving my lovelies.
I recently had a little clear out and I had to regulate 4 pairs of my flats to the rubbish bin. They had been loyal and trustworth servants over the years, but alas they had to go. With space now in my shoe cupboard I decided to stock up on some new shoes. I had been stalking the Office Educated Loafer ever since they launched online/instore. On several occasions I had tried them on, but I never liked walking in them. The soles are too hard, and they just felt like I was walking with two pieces of board attached to my feet.
Enter the Term Time Loafers, these had be sold from the first time I tried them. They fit well on my feet. Plus they have a great insole, which is nice and soft. I am big on comfort, the Term Time Loafer offers style and comfort, what else could I possibly desire? Oh yes a bargain of course. The Term Time Loafers were on offer at the time I purchased them, saving me £10 per pair. I bought the Term time Loafers in black first, then 2 weeks later I purchased a pair in tan. I like the loafer style of shoe because it is a classic, therefor it is versatile enough to wear all year round, from the cornershop to the office. I will waterproof them before wearing them out with the rain and colder weather approaching. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.
Black Office Term Time Loafers The classic colour, their is something which is just serious, almost business like, about glossy black leather.
Tan Office Term Time Loafers
Tan, whiskey, cognac, brandy, rum these are the new games given to brown leather, making them sound as great as they look. No matter the name or the hue, there is something luxe about brown leather. Also the older it gets the better it looks.
Totally unrelated - but here is a song called NEW SHOES by Beyonce.
