Summer Haul: TK Maxx, Primark, Zara, Leighton Denny

Hello my lovelies I picked up a few things over the Easter hols, 50% wardrobe upgrade/ 50%  preparation for my summer vacation. 

 A girl cannot go wrong with a new pair of jeans, bottle of nail polish or bikini.

Floral Dress 

New Jeans (yup 3 pairs,) I have cleared out about 4 pairs of jeans so far for the year. 3 of them were not fitting right and the 4th pair I had worn through til the seams threatened to split. So I had a little space for denim in my life and my closet. Zara for denim, it is a resounding yes. 

Navy Polo - What is summer without a polo shirt?

 This Crew classic polo, I found in TK Maxx. 

New Bikinis - I found these beauties in Primark at the great price of £3. 

I plan to do A LOT of lounging around the pool/ at the beach on my vacation, 

so these swimsuits will suit me just fine. 

Black Cross Body Bag - I found this leather cross body bag in Zara.  

My sisters preferred the mint as well as the blush coloured bag over the black one. But  I knew this colour would be way more versatile. 

Two cheers for the Chanel-esque straps. 

Leighton Denny Mini Nail Polish Set 

 Perfect for traveling, carrying around in my hand bag. (along with my Nail 2 go Manicure pens and my Leighton Denny Nail file) 

There you go my lovelies.

xx 

The Boudoir: Flowers and Climbing vines for Spring

This is the second set of bed linen I bought when, I went to Primark on my duvet cover hunt. 

The first duvet set I bought has a cream background with pink and purple butterflies. 
 This one also had a cream background and the pattern is a series of climbing vines and  flowers.

The Full Effect

Flowers and Climbing vines up close

Reversible

This has been lovely, 

but I am going to give into temptation and have a nap now guys.

xx

Investment Piece: Classic Trench

Front

Undeniably one of the classic wardrobe pieces is the trench coat. Ladies we must give it up for the boys, because this is one item we have hijacked from them. The invention of the trench coat is in dispute by two of the great British fashion houses. Aquascutum's claim dates back to 1850, while Burberry's claim is founded in 1901. This is when Thomas Burberry submitted a design for an Army officers raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office. The trench coat was designed  to be incorporated as a form of military dress (as if the double breasted front and epaulets didn't give this away) an alternative to the heavy Serge greatcoats worn by soldiers at the time.  

Traditionally the trench-coat is double breasted, incorporating 10 buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, removable insulated lining, raglan sleeves and pockets which button close. It is usually made of a weatherproof heavy duty cotton such as gabardine, or leather.  The classic Lengths come in lengths from above the knee to mid calf. 

 The classic color of a trench coat is khaki. 

Back 

 Now while I sincerely thank Acquascutum and Burberry for their efforts, I do not have the resources to purchase one of their trench coats. My first "trench" like coat was not made in the traditional sense. It was a poly/cotton mix and had no lining,  in essence it was more like a shell than a coat. However last November I stumbled upon the GAP's trench coat offerings for Autumn/Winter 13. Let's just say GAP hit the nail not only on the head but all the way through the board. 

Inner lining

First of all these coats possessed ALL the traditional "Trench Coat" elements. the GAP A/W 13 trench coats are made from 100% cotton. The outer shell is definitely a heavy gabardine, the inner lining is also made from 100% cotton twill. Other elements include a 6 button double breasted front, buttoned epaulettes, buttoned wrists, storm flap and belt. 

Lining pattern - upclose

collar - with hook and eye fastening 

buttoned epaulettes

6 button double breasted front

buttoned wrists / buttoned pockets

GAP Classic Trench A/W 13 (still being sold) 59.99

This trench coat is a contender in the trench coat stakes. The coat itself is heavy, which signifies the quality of the materials used. It keeps out the cold/ snow/ and is suitable for light to mid range rain showers.  After washing it dries well and the material keeps it's shape. 

It is a great unisex gift seasonal/birthday/anniversary/graduation (my brother keeps trying to steal mine to wear out) and it is firmly in the affordable price category. What I like about this coat is he fact there isn't a compromise,. Yes this coat might be cheaper than a Burberry Trench, but apart from the label, this coat offers everything I expect from a traditional  military inspired trench coat. 

I would urge you to go and have a look/feel/try it on of this coat 

if there is a GAP store nearby in your local town.

As for now this has the Graduate Fashionista stamp of approval.

GAP Trench - £59.99 

(I bought both of mine 30% off)

The Boudoir: Butterflies for Spring

I am pretty sure the last time I bought new bedding was in 2008. 

 It was a duvet set with green background and cream/brown designs all over it from John Lewis. It was 100 cotton, thick and lovely fabric. Ok back to present day, I needed a new duvet, since the one I currently own is years old (easily between 5-7 years old). 

I went to Primark on my duvet hunt and left with not only a new duvet,  2 new memory foam pillows and 2 new sets of bedding/linen. 

the first duvet set I bought this lovely duvet set it has a cream background with pink and purple butterflies. 

The full effect 

Butterflies up close

Reversible

There is just something about a well made bed, that makes me feel relaxed.

 I can just forget about the stresses at work/uni and have a nap. 

Have a great day my lovelies. 

xx

Spring/ Summer Haul: GAP

The GAP is one of those stores, where I never quibble about paying for clothing. 

It is not the most trendy/fashionable place to shop, I will be the FIRST to admit. 

However, one thing about clothing from the GAP is that once you take care of it, it will last. I have fond memories of saving up  weeks of my paper round money and going to the GAP to buy clothes in the sale. Some of those items I still wear them today. All of my work trousers are from the GAP, and you have seen them several times in various posts. 

Trends come and go, a basic item can be stylish forever. Less is more and all that, moving onto the haul. 

Modern Boot - Irish Cream Green

Linen Shirt - White

Slim Cropped Double Weave Pants - Mulberry

Slim Cropped  double Weave Pants - Deluxe Green

Bowery Supersoft Boatneck T-Shirt - White

Pleated Print Skirt - Red/Navy

I will be putting a few looks together with clothing from this haul, along with other items from my wardrobe. Some of the clothing you might have seen before in previous posts, other items I might have never posted on the blog. 

I purchased 2 classic trench coats  from the GAP last November, they will be featured in their own W. W. W. posts soon. 

*whispers* Barack Obama was spotted shopping at the GAP in Manhattan earlier this month. What other reason do I need to love this store? lol lol 

Be Stylish my lovelies.

xx

Spring Prep: Fuzz Free Legs

 

Friday the 21st is the first day is the British Springtime. With lighter mornings, later evenings and warmer days  most of us shake free of the layers forced upon us during the winter. As more of us turn to our spring/summer staples of skirts, vests and shorts, come the added task of making sure we partake in various depilatory processes. lol 

My methods of torture when it comes to hair removal run to waxing and threading. I love the shape that threading gives my eyebrows. Though I might not like the process of waxing my legs I love the results. There is just a extra level of smoothness to my limbs after I have had my legs waxed compared to other hair removal methods (at least I think so anyway.)  

I go to a beautician to have my threading/waxing done, but Superdrug currently has some great offers on hair removal products perfect for those who are skilled at DIY beauty. (I would love to be able to do my own waxing but, I am a wuss, lol)

For the waxing enthusiasts (like myself) there are several products to choose from, the Veet Easy Roll On Kit, Veet Facial wax 2 in 1 Pen (I am very intrigued by this), Veet Wax Strips, and  the Veet Wax Jar (the wax is infused with essential oil) 

    

Those who prefer hair removal creams might be intrigued by these items, which are perfect for stocking up the spring/Summer beauty cupboard.

 

Veet Sensitive hair Removal Cream Aloe Vera & Vitamin E 400ml ,

 Veet Shower Hair Removel Cream Lotus flower & Jasmine 150ml, 

Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream Aloe and Vitamin E 150ml, 

Veet Hair Removal Cream Lotus Flower and Jasmine 200ml. 

There you go dolls a list of products,

 to  help keep your legs smooth 

during shorts weather (and beyond).

xx

New Shoes - ZARA Patterned Ballerinas

I purchased these shoes last August and since then I have been waiting in earnest for the Spring to arrive. Soon  I will be able to wear them with my linen trousers/skirts, and summer dresses. These are Spring shoes in every sense of the word, from the delicate design, to the materials and colours used. 

Green Patterned Ballerinas

Purple Patterned Ballerinas 

                                     

Come on its tradition, lol. 

Be happy my lovelies.

xx

BlogMas #6 - Legs

The sun might be hiding, but that does not mean you should drop the ball of exfoliating your pins. Keep up your exfoliating routine through the Winter, the same as you did during the Spring and Summer. This way your legs  will stay smooth, toned and flake free.

For some added oopmh apply shimmer lotion to legs before a night out. 

xx

Facial Sunscreen - Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

1. If you are exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes a day, even if the weather is cloudy or over cast you need to apply sunscreen.

2. Always look for a suncare product that displays the UVA symbol in a circle or clearly states that it’s a Broad Spectrum formula. This will give your delicate skin protection from both UVA and UVB rays (ones that age and ones that burn) reducing your skin cancer risk and also preventing lasting, ageing sun damage.

3. No!!!!!! you cannot rely on the Spf in your foundation. Ideally for your entire face, neck and de-collate  you should be using a teaspoon amount every time you apply.

**if you are suffering with hyperpigmentation, you should be applying a higher factor spf every single day.**

Protect skin with localised hyperpigmentation and sun spots with the Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF50+.

The formula is also suitable for skin that has been treated by laser, or scarred complexions. It offers maximum photoprotection with a wealth of specific active ingredients that minimise the risk of further pigmentation. The maximum anti-UVB protection and unrivalled, extreme anti-UVA performance protects the skin from sunburn, sun intolerance and premature ageing.

Created especially for facial skin, it guarantees optimum protection from the sun with its patented Cellular BIOprotection® complex. The melting texture of the cream leaves the skin feeling comforted and very soft.

Apply Photoderm Spot generously before sun exposure, and reapply frequently. Colourless when applied, the cream leaves no oily film or white marks. Non-comedogenic, water-resistant, photostable and fragrance-free, Photoderm Spot ensures excellent tolerance.

Available at Escentual.com RRP £15.50

YES!!!! you must wear suncreen every day my lovelies.

Style File - Bershka Coloured Shorts

While browsing the Bershka website I came across these beauties. I decided to share them with you my lovelies. No they are not the same as the shorts from last week. These shorts have a higher waist, the shorts from Zara sit low on the waist. These shorts are made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, not 100% cotton but I can let them slide. They are not badly priced either, coming in at £14.99.  

Beige

Strawberry

Navy

Black

Photos - Bershka

The sales have started this week, 
so there are some great bits to be snapped up.
Peace my lovelies.

xx