Shop Your Closet: Wardrobe Basics Cluster

Hey lovelies I'm back with another edition of Shop Your Closet.  

These are just  just a few basic items I have pulled from my closet in an attempt to create a cluster.  (Ria Don't kill me, I tried. lol) 

Even though they are basics, they mix and match really well to create various outfits.

 If you have similar items in your closet, perhaps you could give making a cluster a shot.

From left to right Jeans - Zara, Shirt- GAP, Sweater - H & M, Bag - Dune, Trench - GAP ( I also have this in NAVY, Blazer - Zara - I also have this in Black, Shirt - T. M Lewin, Dress - Dorothy Perkins ( I also have this in Green), Green shoes - Office, Black Patent flats - Miss KG, Monochrome Flats - Miss KG. 

Classic Trench 

 Navy Blazer 

 Blue Denim Jeans

White shirt ( This is from the men's sections at the GAP,
 great for a casual, dressed down look)

White shirt ( I wear this to work, on nights out etc.)

The shift dress 

Cross body Bag

Flats 

Even though these are basics, don not count them out. 

The foundation of any great wardrobe starts with the basics. 

Basics are great for complimenting those jewel toned/ embellished pieces you are pulling out to attend the Christmas parties.

From year to year, season to season the shapes might change. 

But the basic element of the garment is the same.  

A plain black flat is a plain black flat and a crisp white shirt is a crisp white shirt. 

Happy Holidays 

xx

My Christmas Wishlist 2014

Hey, Hey my lovelies long time no blog. 

I don't know where the time went, one minute it was summer and now it is time for the magic and sparkle, Christmas carols, parties and late night shopping. 

I will be totally spinning the Christmas tunes from tomorrow, and watching the films.I have already had a sneaky watch of Home alone 1 & 2, This Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street, much to my brothers annoyance. 

I have had a look in  the shops and these are  the things which I would not mind finding under my tree, on Christmas day. 

Now I must warn you this is a quite a lip heavy post. lol 

Chanel Chance Perfume

Nars Digital World Lip Pencil Set

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glace Collection

Nars Tech Fusion Lip Gloss Set

Lord & Berry Library Lip Gloss Set

I've been dipping and dabbling here and there with the new releases on the high street.

 I also picked up a  few things  clothes/makeup/books) in the after summer sales. Unlike list year when my Christmas list was quite extensive. This year my list is short and sweet. 

xoxo

Whats In My Bag: Flight Edition

I am off on vacation on Saturday guys and gals.

 Throw your hands in the air one time for sum sum summer. It has been a while since I had a vacay which entailed leaving the country.

 Last year I had two mini breaks, one to Centre Parcs for 4 days and another one over the August Bank  Holiday. However there is just something about laying about on a beach, with a straw hat and a cold drink. On this trip I can look forward to hanging with my chicas, going to the beach, good food and yeah going to the beach. 

Of course traveling out of the country means I have to make some adjustments when it comes to the beauty products I cart along, decisions, decisions. These are the items I have pretty much decided to will take with me to the airport/ on the flight. 

Face

I will taking along my trusty Garnier Cleansing wipes in absence of my Garnier Micellar water (Garnier needs to make this in a 100ml size. Even if it is only sold in airports.) The 3oz rule, +  no aerosols means I wont be able to carry my trusty Avene Thermal water spray, but no worries I have  my Simple Hydrating Face Mist (GREAT DUPE for the MAC Travel Sized  Fix + Spray) to keep my skin hydrated during the flight along with my Korres Pomegranate Cream Gel/Body Shop Serum in Oil. 

Body

Sometimes my hands feel a bit grimey and travelling/being on the go there might not be an available sink with running water and hand soap readily available. My hand bag packet of Wet Ones will keep my hands feeling fresh and not sticky. My trusty Kleenex tissues are on hand to wipe up any spills or drips that might occur (dab the ob bit of foundation/the end of a mascara wand.) Hand sanitizer is my truth my light and my way (plus it will in handy for cleaning my hand before applying my makeup. This little mini tub of Nivea Creme is going to  come in very handy for moisturizing my arms and legs/feet. L'Occitane Hand cream (full tube) self explanatory. 

Fragrance

Davidoff Cool Water edt, Ralph Lauren Romance edp, Marc Jacobs LoLa edp I love a good scent and I love having a choice. The Marc Jacobs Lola is a gorgeous scent, is sold as a 20ml purse spray, the other 2 fragrances are 30ml sizes so they aren't too heavy. 

Breath

I am very suspicious of those mini tubes of tooth pate they give out on flights. There isn't enough toothpaste to get a good scrub on (my dentists recommends brushing for 2 minutes long) and the texture is just weird. This is a mini 19ml tube of Colgate Total. I got it as a free sample from my dentists office. In the event I eat a hot curry or something really garlicky, I have some Extra chewing gum & mints to keep me going until I can brush my teeth. 

Food

I have some Go Ahead cereal bars, and some Oat cakes to keep me going. I usually buy these as my work snacks, but they will keep me going, if I am feeling peckish and a packet of crisps are not to hand (or the stewardess is being stingy with the snacks. 

Miscellaneous

Shilling oil I cannot really explain what this is for, it covered a multitude of sins. Ipod mini this is for listening to music on the way to the airport and in the departure lounge. Revlon Colour Burst lipglosses to keep my lips moisturized with a bit of colour. 

Yayyyyyyyy. I'm going on holiday.

Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff. 

xx

Whats In My Bag: Zara Leather Messenger Bag

Last week I hauled this lil gem, my Zara Leather Messenger bag. 

 Today I thought I would do a little follow up/ Whats In My Bag, to show what I take with me on nights out. 

my lil gem all packed up

Darn tootin' (I've been watching too many Nashville episodes)

Diary

Passport

Lipgloss - MAC

Mints - Extra

Hand Sanitizer - Carex (decanted into the Purell container)

Blot Power - MAC

Asthma Inhaler - Salbutomol Sulphate

Lipstick - Rimmel, Sleek

Hand Cream - L'Occitane

Mini Mascara - Benefit

Pen - Bic

I must admit, I  thought that I would have to return this bag.
 Since it would be full after I put in my lipgloss and inhaler, but this lil bag holds quite a few things. I had to eat my words. 
It is s lovely little bag, with a great price point, plus it is made from  leather.
I look forward to many adventures with my lil gem.
 It is especially handy right now for trips to the pub to watch the world cup games.

xx

#TBT: The Cup Of Life - World Cup 2014

Before you start rolling your eyes, let me just say I played Football in college and LaCrosse at uni. 

Don't let the lipgloss fool you now, my lovelies.  The world cup has started today, the opening ceremony was full okayish (improvements to be had for the Olympics opening ceremony though) -------------> Jennifer Lopez was alll that and some walkers crisps. 

This is my world cup 2014 offer to Throw Back Thursday.

This is the BEST world cup song EVER!!!!!! 

You might not agree, and that is okay. 

I love Ricky Martin and I love football and this is the BEST world cup song ever.

Have a great time cheering on yourside, my lovelies.

May the best time have the chance to raise the Cup Of Life!!!

My teams to watch are, Chile, Argentina, Italy and Holland. 

The Red Lippy Project

Rimmel Kate Moss #22, Sleek Stiletto, Rimmel Kate Moss 01 or the classic like MAC Ruby Woo a bit of red lippie is an instant face perk. There is just something about a red lip that gives my face a bit extra oomph. No matter what age or stage of life you are, a red lipstick has a place in your heart. 

Now the red lipstick is moving onto even greater things. Along with  Cervical Screening Awareness Week June 8th - 14th. The Red Lippy Project is raising awareness about the importance of cervical screening (yes/really/that) and getting those most at risk to attend screenings by wearing our red lipsticks and sharing the  pictures. 

Cervical Cancer Facts

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy to affect women, with over half a million cases occurring worldwide each year. It is the most common cancer in women under 35 years of age.

Cervical screening uses a test called Liquid Based Cytology which most people know as the ‘smear test’. A small instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina and a sample of cells from the cervix is taken with a small brush. These cells are sent to a laboratory to be tested for abnormalities. This test takes just a few minutes. 

Cervical screening reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.

75% of cervical cancers in women in their 50s and 60s,
60% of cervical cancers in women in their 40s
45% of cervical cancers in women in their 30s.
Since the introduction of cervical screening in the 1980s, rates of cervical cancer have almost halved

The Red Lippy Project is being supported by Topshop who have created a special ‘Red Lippy Lippy’ especially in honour of the campaign.

To support the campaign take a selfie and upload to your favourite social networking sites using the hashtag #redlippyproject and #makeamark to get involved and do your bit. Also check out https://redlippyproject.squarespace.com to find out how else you can get involved.

Most important my lovelies, please get screened.

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

#NoBareLips30: Purple If You Please

#NoBareLips30: Purple if YOU Please

"The No Bare Lips Challenge was started by blogger Keiki Kaveri to prove that lipstick could be worn everyday without purchasing anything new." It is time to shop your stash ladies, have a scrummage around your makeup bags/drawers and pull out all of your glosses, tint and lipsticks the brighter the better. Check out KeikoKavari's blog here 

                                                  On the lips: MAC Liner Pencil in Magenta

                                  MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Flat - Out Fabulous

#NoBareLips30

                        Details, and Challenge Calendar (Daily Themes)  HERE 

   xo xo 

Outfit Of The Day: Purple If You Please

I should probably preface this by saying there is nothing to see here, lol. 

After all this is a super casual outfit, I am sure anyone reading this could pull a similar outfit from their own closets. Alas this is what I am wearing today. 

I had to complete a few errands today, including returning library books, sampling perfume and scoping out the deals/offers/sales in Boots and Superdrug.  

 (The Simple hydrating mist is a great dupe for the MAC fix plus travel mini #justsaying #saving #budget #cheapncheerful)

The Garments 

Shoes - Zara

Trousers - Mango

Belt - Oasis

T shirt - Primark 

Cardigan - Forever 21

There you go, 

my outfit of today.

xx

Face Of The Day: Purple If You Please

Hello lovelies, my sister is down from uni and I roped her into being my photographer for today. 

This is just a quick face of the day post using a few of the snaps she took of me this morning. 

My camera is currently in Boston by way of New York,

 which is why I have been a bit slow with the posts this week. Not to worry, I plan on putting my lil sisters smartphone to work!!!!

Products

Murad Perfecting Day cream spf 30

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer Walnut

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark 

Mac Studio finish concealer - eyebrows

Mac moisture cover concealer - under eyes

Nars Blush in Taos

MAC Liner pencil in Magenta (tha boss!!!!)

MAC Retro Matte lipstick in Flat Out Fabulous (tha cross!!!!)

Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye pencil in LUST

Soap and Glorayyyyyyy Thick and fast Mascara

L'Oreal Made For Me Natural eyebrow and duo eyeshadow for dark skin tones  (the one with the photo of Kerry Washington 

Lust on lower lash line, mascara on top lashes only

#PurpleIfYouPlease

Shop Your Closet: White Shirt and Bright Skirt

Day/ Office 

This is a little outfit remix. 

I love shopping my closet as well as my makeup and beauty stash! 

One thing which gives me pleasure, is being able to use clothing which I already own. Then mixing/ matching/clustering  it with other pieces to create new outfits for different social occasions. 

 As a rule, if I cannot think of 5 events where I can were an item of clothing (5 things in my closets I can pair the item with) I do not buy it. 

It keeps the clothes on the shelves of the store and my ££ in my pocket. 

I would much rather own clothing  which I have worn over and over for 10 years, not spend 10 years buying clothes over and over. 

Night

I hope you all have a great Monday. 

Shirt - TM Lewin

Knit Top - Primark

Skirt - Gap

Flats - Miss KG

Heels - Jasper Conran

Cross Body Bag - Zara

Tote Bag - Zara 

P.S. This is the shirt I won last summer in the T.M. Lewin "Summer in the City" competition. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. 

xx

#NoBareLips30: Vamp It Up

#NoBareLips30: Vamp It Up!!

"The No Bare Lips Challenge was started by blogger Keiki Kaveri to prove that lipstick could be worn everyday without purchasing anything new." It is time to shop your stash ladies, have a scrummage around your makeup bags/drawers and pull out all of your glosses, tint and lipsticks the brighter the better. Check out KeikoKavari's blog here 

                                                     On the lips: Sleek Matte lipstick in Majestic

#NoBareLips30

                        Details, and Challenge Calendar (Daily Themes)  HERE 

#NoBareLips30: Liner Day

#NoBareLips30: Liner Day 

"The No Bare Lips Challenge was started by blogger Keiki Kaveri to prove that lipstick could be worn everyday without purchasing anything new." It is time to shop your stash ladies, have a scrummage around your makeup bags/drawers and pull out all of your glosses, tint and lipsticks the brighter the better. Check out KeikoKavari's blog here 

On the lips: Bourjois Longwear Lip Liner in Rouge #20 (cheap and cheerful, plus when they say longwear it is long wear, about 4-5 hours with 1 full application)

#NoBareLips30

                        Details, and Challenge Calendar (Daily Themes)  HERE 

#NoBareLips30:Purple If You Please

#NoBareLips30: PURPLE IF YOU PLEASE

"The No Bare Lips Challenge was started by blogger Keiki Kaveri to prove that lipstick could be worn everyday without purchasing anything new." It is time to shop your stash ladies, have a scrummage around your makeup bags/drawers and pull out all of your glosses, tint and lipsticks the brighter the better. Check out KeikoKavari's blog here 

On the lips: Sleek Matte lipstick in MYSTIC, Sleek Pout polish in Raspberry souffle.

#NoBareLips30

                        Details, and Challenge Calendar (Daily Themes)  HERE 

April Favourites

Hey lovelies, I am tucked up in bed with a cup of hot chocolate, it is raining cats and dogs outside. 

So I have decided to share with you what were my favorite products for the month of April. 

Some of these products you might have seen before, some of them are new. 

Everyday Favourites: 

Armani shades - between low glare in the mornings and the dazzling sunlight in the afternoons, having these bad boys in my hand bag have been a necessity. 

Jack Wills umbrella - did you know umbrellas are pricey? Like seriously this umbrella was "12 and it was half price!!!!. I came to the rude awakening, that I have never actually purchased  an umbrella, (when I bought this umbrella).  I mean for an every day product, they are pricey, especially if you want a sturdy one to hold up against these hurricane rains /tornado winds we seem to be getting these past few months. 

Body Favorites:

Garnier 7 day Intense moisturizing lotion - good moisturizer not to light and now to heavy  perfect for the fluctuating temperatures of Spring. 

 Dove Hibiscus and Almond shower cream - has been keeping my skin clean as well as soft. Sanctuary body spray - great for spritzing on the go, as well as topping up during the day, the scent is very light. I know you are wondering why I have two body scrubs/exfoliators as well as exfoliating gloves. Exfoliating gloves are the business, I use them every day, with my Dove Almond and Hibiscus shower cream.  

There is a method to the madness with the 2 body scrubs. Gigi No Bump Scrub - is for use in delicate areas such as the bikini line and decolletage.  The Body Shop Raspberry Body Scrub this is for use every where, but I moistly focus on the back of my thighs and arms with this. 

Face Favourites:

 Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer - medium coverage plus spf, this has been my regular base not that the morning have been lighter. 

 Garnier Micellar water -this has been a great makeup remover, plus at 400ml for £4.99, this has been great value for money. 

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural - great face powder on its own as well as topping up my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. 

 Murad perfecting day cream with spf 30 - it goes on and gives my skin a grey  tinge, which does not last. My skin totally absorbs it  and it leave no residue, plus it doesn't interfere with the application of my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer which contains spf 20.

 (I am all for the spf, I am going to be as well preserved as possible, no leather face here. Moisturizer, water and spf are my friends) 

Hair Favourites:

ORS Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion - I've been using this for years. It works great as a hair moisturizer I just continue using it. 

Almond Oil (decanted into the Tresemme liquid gold bottle) - this is what I use to seal in the moisture of the Olive oil hair lotion. 

There you have it my April favourites,

xxx