my baby just cares for me!

It was love at first sight.

H&M - (£39.99) - Online

Trying to find the perfect pair of boots, is like trying to find the perfect boy. You want them to be of good quality to last all season, become that trustworthy piece you need in your wardrobe (well life in boyfriend terms) and most importantly they need to look damn right hot and comfy at the same time. Don't ask me how comfy translates in to the boyfriend territory err.. Enough of the crappy comparisons. 

Basically, i've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of winter boots. And as much i get that if i splurge on a decent pair, they will last me eternally, i just cannot fork out £90 plus on a decent pair, when i know that although i'm sure i will get lots of wear out of boots - i love my flats too! Much to my annoyance, my mother has the best worn out (yet chic) biker boots from Bertie that were worth every single penny. Sigh, so the search for the perfect winter boots are these classic tan riding boots from H&M. They are my middle ground. Sure they may not be leather, but i still think they are a bloody good deal.

Also, can i just ask Mr Highstreet, when are you actually going to start selling some decent winer coats? 

Not the entire female population want to live in aviator jackets, yaknow.

On another note, tomorrow i am heading up town to be whisked away to the theatre for a birthday surprise from two of my lovely & closest friends! Very exciting, plus some hard-core dedicated shopping will clearly be taking place before hand.

Thought of the Day.

You're either gonna hate me, or totally understand what i mean with my following thought of the day. 

It's like Marmite, you either totally understand the fascination, grasp this latest trend; or like me, you step back and think, how freaking ugly. As was with my utter discomfort of wet-look leggings, my latest dislike is two particular jewellery brands. Both Links of London and Pandora bracelets somewhat horrify me, in terms that I think they are over-priced mess of uglyness and that people flock towards them. They aren't classic, delicate or even making a statement. I genuinely think they are just fug. 

The Pandora bracelets are the ugly-step-sister of the charm bracelet, even a little creepy looking. And the fact that you can only really afford a few proper charms to fill it, leaves it rather sad looking.

The Links of London friend-ship bracelets look slightly weird too, i mean - i'm not going to lie, they look like a souvenir from a holiday flea market, not a high-end jewelers? I just find them ODD.

What can i say? They just baffle me - i just don't get the hype. After asking on Twitter whether i was the only one who thought this, the general consensus was, that other people thought the same too. These are my personal thoughts and taste, but i apologise sincerely, if you do own one of these bracelets, however don't get your kickers in a twist ;)

The Lust List -25th September 2010

this lust list is rather short - what can i say? i'm not greedy.

yes please.

Mui Mui Suede Strappy Platform Sandals - (£370.00)

these are too beautiful.

Christian Louboutin Spiked Ballerina Flats - (£625.00)

my chosen weapon of choice, how fierce! 

Hermés Enamel Bracelet - (£380.00)

lust, lust, lust.

i'd sell my brother for this (again.)

this bag is currently what i'm saving my pennies for, oh yes. 

as much as i love the studs i don't think i'm that much of a dedicated saver,

 plus my father might just have a heart attack at the price. 

lets wait till the christmas sales, yeah?

Mui Mui Studded Leather Bag - (£1,200.00)

(yeah, and i just said the 'c' word, gotta plan early.)

the specials

Whilst waiting for student funds to arrive - my wardrobe is seriously lacking the much needed A/W must haves. In the time being i thought i would show you my loves, 'mehs' and dislikes of the beauty world of this moment in time, there are many products you hear me batter on about but truth be told i'm rather addicted to trying out new skin and body products, so here goes:

Loves.

Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask 

This mask is a godsend, something pretty special - have i ever found something like this on the UK market? No. This American brand Queen Helene's clay mask is formulated to dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores, gross?  But, hey it works a treat. I've used countless clay masks promising to do the same, and sure they make a slight difference but not in any way as deep cleansing as the Mint Julep Mask. Working like any other clay mask, it is to be left on the skin for 15 minutes and then washed off, yet straight after use-age you can visibly notice the impurities being bought to the surface, yes, pretty gross again but the mask is actively working away at imperfections you have rather than just working to prevent new ones forming. I use this two/three times a week and can see my pores improving. The only drawback is that this brand in American, meaning it can only be bought online, i bought mine off of Amazon for roughly £5 - and this is amazing for the size of product sold (i cannot see myself running out of this any time soon!).

No7 Tinted Moisturiser - Boots (£11.00)

I have pretty much always over looked the No7 brand, simply because it struck me as outdated, with thoughts of blue crumbly eyeshadow accompanied by orange cakey foundation was enough to scare me off. But since Boots introduced their £5 off vouchers, it was practically inviting me to try some products rather than just stocking up on the amazing eye shadow brushes that they offer. I am a self confessed foundation addict, always on the search for the next perfect formulation. After my stint with the Lancome lady (for an update see end of post) i decided that at the moment my skin doesn't require such a heavy coverage, and slathering on foundation looks so tacky. So i gave the No7 Tinted Moisturiser in Fair a shot, it states that it is suitable for all skin types, it has SPF 15 and provides a beautiful sheer colour. First off i wondered how can one product be suitable for an oily skin as well as a dry skin? Secondly, already a winner for having an SPF. And thirdly, i don't understand the term sheer..

All you need to know is that this tinted moisturiser covers and blends perfectly to provide a very light base, enough to look like you are alive, but enough to make you look very natural. I simply add concealer on any blemishes or dark circles, and to keep the shine at bay i just re-powder like normal. I have an oily skin, and i wouldn't stay it applies either dewy or matte - just enough balance.


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twenty ways to see the world, twenty ways to start a fight

I NEED THIS CAPE.

please!


(as spotted in Grazia)

Hey kitty, kitty.

My boy's family are pretty crazy about ginger cats. Personally i'm not a cat person, but when i saw a photo of his new little kitten Wookie (we are self confessed Star Wars fans) my heart melted. I cannot wait to meet him properly, and will upload a photo as soon as i can. In mean the mean time, this following spread was taken from this week's Stylist magazine, where i interned recently. They say you should never work with animals or children, but a roomful of well-groomed felines, jaw-dropping expensive jewels complete with their own body guard it takes it to another level, no?

These are some of the fiercest felines in town.
You can view the spread here online at Stylist magazine, with its specially designed LFW issue, that houses some great interviews, espesh with Hannah Marshall and Erin O' Connor. 

L is for the way you look at me.

Olivia Palmero for Tatler, US

I need to get my hands on a copy of this.

Olivia Palmero is my ultimate style icon, she has such a classic style.
A style her truly own, with her own stamp. 

Last week Olivia debuted her new shorter locks at New York fashion week, after saying she had been thinking about it for a while. Her hair looks so fresh and healthy, i'm tempted to go for the chop now...


Thoughts?


love or hate her, she's got the new Mulberry S/S 11 like putty in her hands and model boyfriend to die for.

Ins and Outs - 17th September

The Student's Life

Soon enough i will be starting my final year at university, major scary times. Yet i'm eager to get back into the swing of things, having a routined time-table and not to mention student loan ;) - but seriously after my stint at Stylist, i really see my self in this crazy world of magazine publishing. But before i even start planning out my ambitions and mapping my glamorous career, i've got a twelve thousand word + dissertation to write.. However nothing beats having a good spree in Paperchase, of course I'm not going to get this degree if i don't have the prettiest stationary, right?

Job Profile at Cupcakes and Cherries

I'm sure your all aware of the lovely Daisy, blogger of Cupcakes and Cherries? Well recently i took part in her Job Profile feature on her blog, talking all about my magazine interning adventures, from what i got up to, to how i managed to secure these placements - be sure to have a peak here. 

This.

I'm not going to lie, i kind of need this in my life right now.

21st Birthday.

It's now only a little under three weeks until i turn twenty one, which is pretty freeking crazy - but trust me, age is just a number (hah!). I'm very lucky to say that i have finally booked my stay in Paris for me and my boy, where i plan to visit all the great landmarks, hitting up The Lourve for a good gawp at the Mona Lisa and not forgetting the Eiffel Tower (and Sephora and the Chanel store). 

Surprise Surprise

I bloody hate surprises, some people love them, i hate them. I think this derives from the fact that i'm so blunt, that if i don't like anything by the meerest twitch of my eyebrow everybody knows about it. Which, why at birthdays and Christmas, and even Valentines day, i have to write a wishlist for the boy of what i would like. Poor boy - he really doesn't have the faintest, but come to think if it, neither do i? What do i want for my birthday? Something special or lots of little things? 

London Fashion Week

I'm not there, yeah so? The day i go is when the time is right, i.e when they send me a hand written note from the designer requesting my presence. (This is a bitter lie by the way).

Dollar Dollar

Being skint, not nice. Counting down the hours till payday.

Here are my short In/Outs, do you have any ideas of suitable birthday presents for one's self? I really can't think of anything, i'm more frantically panicking about his 21st birthday which happens to be precisely twelve days after mine. help?

look at the stars, look how they shine for you.

This month was one long budgeting process, considering the previous month i was interning at Stylist and earning no dollar. However, the money faeries (student loan to you and i descends upon one's self next Friday, and there will be no holding me back. 

I have adored these shift dresses from afar for too long - i mean who doesn't love a shift dress? Topshop came out with these a few months back and to be honest i thought they were a little 'meh' - boring. Until that is until i read Laura's blog and saw her wearing one, that moment i knew i had to buy one, they are such perfect day dresses. With a sharp blazer, thick tights and chunky knitted scarf or a great tan and sandals for the summer - perfect. Although some times i think i dress too smart? I never really dress down, but is that a bad thing? I don't know and don't care, i love classic styles.

   

Laura really brings this dress to life, something i would have just left looking a tad bland on the hanger she makes look damn right good, with the waist belt in tow. 

The Tuck Shift dress is from Topshop, it retails at £45.00 and comes in mink, navy and sea green. An all  round waldrobe staple, i'm tempted to buy all three! The navy: so classic, the sea green: a colour i don't usually wear and the mink: a lovely pastel nude. What do you think?

And if you haven't already, you must check out Laura's blog Wearing It Today, she has the most amazing style, pairing the most gorgeous high-end pieces with a good high-street find in-between. Did i mention she was fashion editor for Red magazine? Get your skates on over there.

kiss with a fist

I was having a good old natter with an elderly lady whilst i was at work the other, we were discussing her eye popping coral nail varnish, she was a pretty trendy eighty-something lady! I was telling her about my disgusting habit, the fact that i'm a nail biter. I just can't help it. Even since i was little, my aunt and grandmother have tried in all their best effort to stop my gnawing habit: brightly coloured nail varnish? No. Fake nails? Never again. Even the fowl tasting nail varnish? I'm not going to lie, after a while it tasted like coffee.. After telling this to my stylish customer, she asked me of my age, to which i replied that i was turning twenty one next month. To which she out-cried and said you can't be a nail biter at that age! Some what embarrassed i promised to her that i would attempt to fight my nail biting habit. I was also slightly heartbroken to see that one of my oldest friends and fellow nail biter, whose been away in the sun for a number of weeks has come back with a lovely, neat long nails. 

Thinking about it i've always strived to grow my nails, having them always neat, i just happen to be a bloody nail biter! I mean i always, always have to have them freshly painted. Its not that i want overgrown talons, just a neat squarish neat nails. So thats my challenge, i have less than a month before i go to Paris and hears hoping they will be in decent shape. I think i might have to indulge in a manicure to reward ones self. Plan?

A week on, i'm proud to announce that i've haven't given in my nail biting habit, but they are steadily growing nicely. And hopefully it will continue this way, i really do hope so, because that lady was pretty damn scary! Watch this space.

Are you a nail biter? Do you have any tips? I must confess, i have been re-painting them every other day to prevent ones self! 

Fashion's Night Out 8/09/2010

Fashion's Night Out took place on Wednesday night right in the heart of the city, myself and three friends went to celebrate the art that is: fashion, compiled with endless champagne, Gucci printed chocolates and a whole lot of swooning and ahhing at many beautiful designer pieces.

Picture heavy post - click to read more.

My freinds and i set off up to London early as i had to pick up a goody bag from my recent internship Stylist magazine - lots and lots of beauty bits! Swoon. After that we grabbed some dinner in Holborn and set off for Mount St. where Mr Marc Jacobs and Christain Louboutin are housed. This part of London is simply lovely, the endless rows of cute apartments and little parks are so perfect (and expensive!) Whilst waiting for the actual event to begin we took some snaps!

oh girl, i'm just a jeepster for your love.

Hair. How do you wear yours? We always want what we can't have, whether that be that gorgeous beach blonde and curly, the mysterious redhead with thick luscious locks, or the brunnette pixi cut? I've never had my hair as long as i have it today, it grows at an alarming slow - snail pace rate, where as usually i keep in it a shoulder length bob, i kind of let it do it's own thang, growing both my hair and my fringe out.

Now that it's got to a desired longer length, i've come to realise that it hangs heavier, hanging straight, rather than a deserted bird's next. For as long as i can remember i've been a slave to the straighteners, well i'm officially hanging those up (apart from serious cases of bad hair days and time i actually want the sleek look), i'm just gunna go with my natural locks.

I never even realised my hair had the potential to look so full of life! When you get so used to a certain routine, relying on the art of straightening, you forget what your own natural hair looks like au natural. My hair has never looked so thick, literally just letting it air dry.

Then for a twist i use my Babyliss Conical Wand, when i'm not lying - every woman/girl should own. They are twenty squid, easy to use, curls is under 5 mins then tadah..

curly vs the straight

Are you a slave to the straightener? 

I also cannot to splurge my student loan on some great hair care, any recommendations?

Vogue Sunday: 2

Vogue: October 1990

Vogue's October issue celebrates international fashion, with a step-by-step guide to the best shopping in Paris, Milan and New York. Fashion Editor Sarajane Hoare takes inspiration from the land of Tolstoy and Chekhov for the Imperial Russia shoot, photographed by Sante D'Orazio.

I adore the pastel pinks.

To the FREAK sales assistant at Lancome

I had the pleasure of the worst customer service today at the Lancome stand in the Crawley branch of Boots, in fact i think she had serious mental problems - this is my letter of complaint..

What would smiley-smiley Julia Roberts have to say about that?

stop crying your heart out

After what seems like an eternity of the foreign (drug store mascaras), i finally succumbed to indulging in my all time favourite dirty little piece of luxury - the amazing Doir Show mascara. Ever since i resorted back to this mascara, i've had a whole host of compliments; yet when the complimenter asks the brand/price i get the reaction that i've just murdered their first born. I mean come on people, i don't smoke, do drugs, and yes occasionally i like to have a good (round) of cocktails, but seriously, if i want to spend twenty one pounds fifty pence on a mascara, then i will.

Some ladies need that show-stopping red lipstick, some need that immaculate, flawless finishing foundation - i just need this mascara. The following photos show the Doir Show in all its fabulousness, compared to a top contender that i found.

First up, i apply L'Oreal Lash Serum before applying any mascara, it lengthens and nourishes lashes, while separating lashes. It transforms any mascara to their full potential, generally making it much easier for the mascara to apply. Plus, this does wonders to any mascara thats on it's last legs. buy it, buy it.

17 Wild Curls Mascara (£5.99) vs Doir Show Black Out (£21.50)


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