Sweet Little Lies

I need this.
White tie poplin shirt - River Island (£28.00)

You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar..

Last Sunday, i ventured into Croydon in a last bid mission to make the use of my Nus card - as the graduate card doesn't offer any kind of bloody clothing discount, meh. I picked up a few key a/w pieces already, egged on by mother who said 'you'll only be stropping when you can find them in a month's time!' I may be a fully grown adult, but mothers are always, painfully right. So i whipped out my debit card and put an end to any 'stropping', i love a good excuse.

Belted Floral Dress - New Look (£29.99)

With my 20% discount voucher from Grazia i decided on a mass splurge in New Look. They a/w pieces are bloody impressive, and i find myself lusting over must-have items, unlike my local Topshop which looks basically bare. This wine floral print dress is perfect with black tights for winter, the cut is very flattering, which you can't really tell here, but the belt does wonders.

Cable Knit Cardigan - Primark (£14.00)

I rarely shop in Primark, mainly because most of it is crap and i can't be faffed to find the amazing gems we are all sucked into in their latest ad campaigns/look books. However, upon spotting this thick cardi i snapped up two, one in cream (above) and a dark camel shade. They are lovely and warm, the right length, not to mention the vintage regal golden buttons are the perfect final touch. I reckon these will sell like hotcakes!

Dark Red Paperbag Skirt - New Look (£24.99)

I already bought this skirt in pale pink over the summer, but as soon as i clapped eyes on this dark red version i had to have it. Worn with tan brogues and a sharp blazer/snuggly cardi.

Belted Chinos - New Look (£24.99)

Is it to early to whip out the black tights? Its far to late to go bare-legged? Leggings, no thank you. Chinos have been my seasonal change over holy grail item of clothing, i even own four pairs! This dark red wine shade is my wardrobes answer to the colour blocking trend, without being 'too out there.' I think they are rather statement for a neutral loving girl, looking polished and on trend. The navy pair found their way home with me too.. perfect interview attire! 

Navy Faux Fur Coat - Topshop (£75.00)

Yes i bought a coat, in August. Talk about being early to the party. However, i was thinking economically with discount and all, plus i do really love it. Navy & fur, yes please! I have already accumulated quite a few long woollen coats over the past few years, including my trusty pillar box red duffle, so its rather nice to have a short-ish coat. 

More of the Primark cardigans - such a steal.

Whilst i was rummaging i couldn't pass up the very girly floral printed pjs in Primark, each piece for a fiver, Cath Kidston eat you heart out. I can report back that they are certainly very toasty and soft indeed. LOVE.

On that note, i'm going to stuff my much loved but not worn summer clothes in to one of these babies i bought today in Ikea. I feel like i deserve another holiday to justify the amount of clothes i er bought for my two weeks in Cuba - it was practically LFW every breakfast and dinner sporting a new outfit. Atleast  i'll be prepared for next year, wink wink. Have you picked up any bits for a/w yet? 

I wanna hold your hand.

How do you know when too much, is really too much? When does it become borderline obsessive, beyond silly and moving in to hoarder boundaries? Everybody likes to collect something, be that expensive heels you'll never wear, endless bottles of perfumes or enough cocktail rings for both you and your the entire street to wear. But when does it become silly? Alike most bloggers or readers, we obviously share a crippling interest in beauty, fashion and all things materialistic - and i don't know about you, but i don't think twice about spending all my hard earned pennies in a Saturday lunch break in Toppers or splurging on the latest mascara that has whipped up a storm in the blogging world.

But more recently i've found my spending on beauty becoming rather undignified. After all, i only have one face, do i really need the (gulp!) twenty-something blushers? Why do i keep buying eyeshadow when i'm practically an eyeshadow virgin? And even so, why do i keep bloody buying the same shades i already own in my sodding Naked palette? Please tell me i'm not alone here. Because really it all boils down to the fact i'm just beauty obsessed, plain and simple. Not only is the world of beauty - i dare say, cringy - a hobby of mine, but i honestly i've known for quite some time that beauty is a path i want to follow into my career. So i'm afraid, despite my mothers confused state and the boys looks of 'eh? more?' i've decided to do as they say and shop my stash, use and abuse the products i've lusted over and bought, not add and buy more to sit there waiting patiently to be used. I think its time to appreciate what i have and not jump on the latest bandwagon. And to keep temptation aside i will get my monthly fix from the likes of Glossy Box and Budoir Prive.

Tell me i'm not alone here? Is the blogging creating the need and longing for must-have items that we all have to rush out and buy? A little note to add, i have bought three sneaky beauty items before i start my 'no Sarah no!' spending ban, alas all will be revealed. 

All storage Muji. If you want better photos do tell.

On a day like this.

A couple of worthy mentions i have stumbled upon that i thought i would share..

My beautiful best friend Sarah has only been bloody shortlisted in the top twenty Look magazine blogging competition! Cue major fangirl screaming, i'm so freaking excited, let alone her! I'm sure any bff would say so, but Sarah really does deserve this opportunity, not only does she know more about the fashion and style world that i ever will, she's a banging writer (she spell-checked my entire dissertation!) and she's one of my personal style inspirations. Her blog covers everything stylish, from the latest high-fashion editorials to her weekly Monday Musts, she also posts amazing theatre reviews and photographs her own scrummy cupcakes. You have to check Sarah's blimin' brilliant entry that bagged her the final 20 spot, her poem (or as i like to think rap) was really creative and sums up her crazy talent for writing. Fingers crossed!

Last week when i arrived to work, my manager and i had near meltdown when she informed me that she had received an email from Liz Earle, stating within a small print that there were going to price increases across all LE products. I swiftly emailed Liz Earle's wonderful customer service team, to which they replied that from September the 1st 2011 they will be increasing prices ever so slightly, to fall inline with inflation and VAT increases of which most high-street retailers put in place earlier in the year. This doesn't surprise me - however i'm glad that Liz Earle were keen to answer my question in a polite helpful manner, even suggesting me to stock up!

So i hastily added two shampoos and conditioners to my basket.

This weeks Grazia magazine offers readers a 20% voucher at New Look, perfect timing with all the lovely a/w ranges appearing in store! Its dated from the 23rd-29th August, and the offer can be used online with the code: 20GRAZ at the checkout between the 26th-28th. I eagerly snapped one up yesterday and frogmarched straight in-store to pick up some pieces (watch this space), i then went to Tescos and spotted the pull out voucher lying on the floor, ahem, so no doubt i'll be going back in again!

With September fast approaching, that can only mean Vogues Fashions Night Out is upon us again! As the excitement builds and plans are being put in place for the mammoth shopping extravaganza and fashion celebration, i am currently compiling a must-have-go-to guide for this year which takes place on 8th, where the celebs/designers will be and not forgetting the goodie bags! Watch this space, again.

Will you be bulk ordering Liz Earle or attending FNO, let me know! 

The Next Episode.

In precisely a weeks time i will loose one of my most prized possessions, not only has it has been with me for well over five years, i have come love and appreciate its wonderful being, to the extent i honestly do not know how i will cope without it. For one week only, i truly intend to make full use of its gift and and finally come to turns with my loss. For ladies, my Nus card finally expires and i am no longer a fully fledged student no more. Sob! Thats right, goodbye Topshop discount, au revoir student concession, farewell cheaper cinema tickets, for i must embrace adult prices! 

A week however, seven days, i think you'll agree, is long enough to burn my student card to the ground and a perfect excuse to think, sod it, let me buy whatever the hell i want from Topshop... go!

Navy Faux Fur Collar Wool Coat - Topshop (£75.00)

Its navy and it has faux fur, i need say no more.

But i will though, i really do love the look of this coat despite the wool isn't very thick.

 And good heavens Phillip G, why so pricey? 

Hurry up winter.

Cable Knit Leggings - Topshop (£22.00)

I ummed and ahh-ed over these knitted leggings last winter, but never invested in a pair. They look so blimmin' warm and snuggly, perfect for the sub-zero climate London will turn to on a chilly morning. Plus, perfect snow attire. Dear god, did i just say that? Its not even the end of August yet.

Knitted Shoulder Lace Jumper - Topshop (£36.00)

Lace hasn't left the runway for past three years and this jumper is the perfect way of incorporating into your every day wardrobe, plus i really need to stop buying lace dresses. Additionally i love the monochrome black lace on top of the cream. 

Knitted Mohair Cacoon Cardigan - Topshop (£46.00)

Clearly snuggly knits are going to be my first investment of the a/w months. And at that price (again) thank the lord i do have my student card for one final week.

Knitted Belted Ribbed Jumper - Topshop (£28.00)

I'm still madly in love with this 50's style jumper and of course, its completely sold out online. I will have to venture in the Oxford St branch and hunt high and low. This would look amazing with a pair of tailored navy chinos and these babies...

Marcus Patent Loafers - Topshop (£28.00)

I'm far too prim for chunky loafers, these however are the daintier version. Sleek and patent, they can be worn with anything. And the price ain't too bad either.

Valentine Leopard Print Patent Pumps - Topshop (£20.00)

Another key trend for a/w i find hard to wear, but a simple snippet of print can transform an outfit. The patent toe instantly distracts them from looking tacky and to OTT.

Rusty Floral Tea Dress - Warehouse (£45.00)

I love a good floral tea dress, the shape and cut of this particular dress has a very vintage feel and i also adore the orange against navy. This dress, knitted black tights and chunky cream cardi as seen above. 

Belted Chinos - New Look (£24.99)

Honestly don't know whats come over me recently, i'm a complete chino convert. I still can't be doing with jeans, i swear my body isn't the right shape for trousers - small waist and bum, big hips - of which won't be child bearing for a long time yet, thanks. But the chino or cigarette pant is whole other story. I bought these chinos in navy last week and i literally am in love. The material is good, thick quality and they don't sag at the ass like many. I would really recommend trying this pair out, i for one can't resist this rust colour.

Swallow Tie Back Dress - New Look (£29.99)

You know what this dress is? Its CUTE. What a horrendous word. But it really is. The cranberry colour, low back and swallow print is just cute. Cute, cute, cute. Even though half the sallows have been beheaded in the weird rouched cut and i'll be damned if i can sod about with a fancy bra. Thoughts?

Belted Posey Shirt Dress - New Look (£27.99)

This looks bloody awful here, but in real life this dress, albeit trying to be as Alexa Chung as it can, is actually a really forgiving tea dress. Sometimes its just full blown embarrassing when stores like New Look try to hit vintage and indie on the head, mostly looking dull and a bit weird really making a beeline straight to the sale rail, but actually this dress is well thought out cut with the dainty petal print and collar.

Belted Chunky Cardigan - River Island Via ASOS. (£32.00)

Another chunky card thrown in for good measure, loving the fisherman's waffle knit with the added thin brown belt, nice touch RI! 

If you have you graduated this year and will soon to be loosing your NUS card you too have my sympathies, and you have just started uni or will be returning, i officially hate you. Not really, but lets not mention it ever again, deal. Thankfully i can use and abuse my brothers soon to be college student card on ASOS, and thank my lucky stars that my NUS card number from my college days STILL work on the Toppers website.

And not forgetting thank you to Dr Dre for the fitting lyric in my post title.

Daydreamer

 

Slight delay in posting about my duty-free goodies, simply because i've been having a good play so i can report back all in good and proper fashion. To start the story (because there always is one..) the Sandiford family moseyed on in to duty-free pretty early at Gatwick North terminal, whereby i had no intentions of wasting time i frogmarched straight over the make-up counters like a force not to be reckoned with. Considering it happened to be payday and i had been given a belated birthday gift - belated as in last October - my darling friend knew me well enough to keep a card by for such moment!

Mac Paint Pot - Bare Study

I had been eyeing up the Mac Paint Pots (cream eyeshadows) for quite awhile, as my Urban Decay Primer Potion really doesn't cut it for me, however on another note the ELF eyeshadow primer is much better in my opinion. Anyway this works perfectly either as a primer under other shadows, intensifying the colour and lasting power, or just a general wash of champagne colour on the lids. It was perfect for holiday, easy to blend and wear. Definitely a staple.

Mac Blush - Style

With my shopping list in tow i had originally planned to purchase Springsheen, but the sales assistant informed me that most items were in-fact out of stock.. I could't pass up Style, which is pretty darn similar to Springsheen none the less. It is a frost/shimmery finish, a light coral sheer shade with a slight gold running through. I tried so hard not to buy another blusher, but hand on heart this does differ slightly from the other eight coral blushes i own, ahem.

Chanel Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipstick - Chance

Thats lipstick porn right there. These lipsticks are beyond beautiful and they live up to their ridiculously long names. I'm practically a lipstick virgin, anything too pigmented i run for the hills. But these babies are a sheer but pack a punch bright colour, they are creamy and hydrating, adding an impressive glossiness and rather good staying power surprisingly. Despite the horrendous prices - it is Chanel darling - these are definitely a firm favourite of mine!

Chance is a bright pop of pink, completely and utterly pretty with a tan but rather nice bright yet subtle pink on paler skin tones.

Chanel Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipstick - Evasion

Evasion is a more dusky pink in the tube, but its not to be over looked. On the lips it creates that shade 'your lips but better, i.e more kissable' even with a slight coral sheen.

Mac Lipstick - Creme Cup

Macs best lipstick formula is its Cremesheens, completely smooth and creamy, they apply like a dream. Already a mad fangirl of Hue, a lovely nude, Creme Cup is Hue's pinker cousin. More pigmented than the Chanel's, they are Macs two fail safe lipsticks. 

This would be my overly tanned hand, natural may i add, providing swatches.

Top L-R - Paintly Paint Pot, Style blush.

Bottom L-R - Evasion, Chance, Cremecup.

And of course, not forgetting duty free on the other side! In the tiny Cuban airport i snapped up the best rum around, Havana rum, so tasty. The little weathervane logo on the bottle was a landmark i visited here. With the larger bottle working out at a bargainous six pounds, each of my family clinked the entire way back to Gatwick. I also purchased many Cuban cigars, not for my consumption of course! but for friends.

Such a cheesy photo, i couldn't resist. I did sniff out some Victoria Secret's body mists but frankly they smelt like a tarts boudoir so i gave those a miss, i also went back to purchase some Chanel blush but was slightly scared when the sales assistant gave me the eye and said 'your honestly back again?!' I took this as a sign and retreated, of which now i thank her, as duty-free can be rather dangerous! So whilst i sip on my Cuba Libre cocktail (post to follow, so tasty!) and plan my next Chanel lipstick purchase, have a lovely evening! 

CUBA!

Looking back over these photos nearly kills me, serious holiday blues right here. I had an absoluty incrediable time in Cuba and am very thankful to my parents who took me! I'll let the photos speak for themselves - utter paradise i think you'll agree! - but past the sunny beaches i learnt in-depth about the Cuban culture and took in the history of the country, if i had it my way, i would have bought a one way ticket! 

 

I could live on this beach!

 

 Cuban Mojitos & Cuban Coffees

 Impressive yet bloody scary Lobster.

Mango hedgehog for breakfast each day.

 Little jetplane to Havana

 Ernest Hemmingway's bar for more Mojitos.

Lemon and Strawberry Daiquiris!

 

 

 

 

 

 Rum Bacardi headquarters. 

Thanks Dad.

I would definitely recommend a trip to Cuba to anyone, we stayed at the Melia Las Dunas based on a tourist only island called Santa Clara. It was beautiful but being only a tourist only island slightly limits you from seeing the real Cuba, beyond the all inclusive rum and pool hotel. Although, my dad, brother and i had am amazing trip to the capital Havana which was one big history lesson in itself. 

There are always dramas that follow the Sandiford family on holiday, my mother got bitten 46 time by pesky mosquitos meaning a round trip to hospital for a nasty jab, i shared my hotel room with a lovely fellow otherwise known as a lizard, i drank more rum in that two weeks than hot dinners, i know the entire (cuban-born) Pitbull album off by heart and i made enemies with a rather large crab that tried to break down my balcony glass door at 2am every morning, oh and to top it off i lost weight (picky eater) only to be piled on the returning flight (its the pringles!). Oh and how could i forget! I saw the worlds longest man-made cigar and befriended a Cuban granny who took a shining to me. Impressive.

Of course i couldn't resist duty-free, both Cuban and Gatwick wise, so look out for those posts. If you fancy seeing more, yes more! photos, have a nose on my facebook albums one & two.

Now who wants to jet off back to Cuba with me?