At last.

 

Tulip Shaped Dress - Topshop (£20.00)

Cardigan - Primark (p/s)

Wellies - Hunter (£69.00) 

Well, well, well i thought i'd reign in this last post of 2011 with two of my great loves, one new and one old. The newest being the theft of my dad's fancy SL R camera (something Cannon) and my brand new set up for 2012 once i've mastered the art of the self-timer button. And secondly, my old love - a bargain Topshop dress i bagged in the sale last week. 

The past year has been a pretty damn good one to say the least, i hit my two year blogging anniversary, worked my arse off doing my dissertation, graduated with a first class honours degree in Magazine Publishing, sunned my self silly relaxing and soaking up the culture of Cuba, met many faces of the blogging community (much to my grans horror), treated myself to Mulberry Alexa, braced the world of contact lenses, hit my eight year anniversary with Matthew (shudder), grew an amazing pair of eyebrows courtesy of Charlotte and M2Beaut, all my glasses of fine champers were always on the house (an achievement right there), discovered the genus Stieg Larson and Jo Nesbo, listened to Etta James on repeat and my hair finally grew past that sodding length. And on the downside i gained a gammy leg and still remain a job-hunting graduate, whose perfectly happy looking for the perfect career. 

Some of the blogging beauts i met this year..

And finally, what would a new years post be without one little resolution - to stop fooling oneself and everyone that your saving for that dream Chanel bag when we both know that £4.20 you saved all year wouldn't even buy you a tube ticket to stroke one, let alone buy one. So heres my very own money box, a horrendously wrapped tissue box that will be filled, and not emptied in emergencies that include needing that Topshop dress or taxi fare. Heres hoping in 2013 i will buy one, not 2012 of course, we are in a recession don't you know? ;) 

(And yes it near killed me to cut up my Chanel shopping bag to stick that on the front).

See you next year my sweets. x

(yes i plan to show allllllllll my sale purchases, and christmas presents when they arrive..boys)

Papa was a rollin' stone

 Let me start this post off by wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I truly hope you had a fabulous time, getting merry, eating plenty and having a lovely time with family. I went to Worthing to visit family on the day itself, then battled it home on the motorway with Matthew to spend the evening at home with friends, eating plenty of nibbles and watching the Inbetweeners film. I received some wonderful gifts both from friends, family and Matthew, and definitely found time to raid the online sales - of which i will be posting shortly. This post is all about a rather lovely Benefit set i was gifted from my brother for my birthday, but has recently gone into sale at a rather steal worthy price. Sharing is caring after all ;).

Ticket to Glossy Town - Benefit @ Boots (reduced from £19.00 to £13.00!)

This set contains five dinky miniature Benefit lipglosses, ranging from nudes to pinks to more daring shades such as a light lilac toned pink and a festive red. Benefit is a one hit wonder kinda brand to me, some of the items i think are truly amazing - i adore Highbeam and Magic Ink - but some are godawful, looking at you Bad Gal mascara and Some-Kinda Faker foundation. I also had the worst experience at their Croydon counter, it was my 18th birthday i went for a classic navy smoked eye, and resulted in a cross between Dame Edna and a glittery hooker - not cool. However, one of my gorgeous friends Victoria had worked at Benefit in one of their London boutique and introduced me to their lipglosses. They really are an understated gem in the Benefit line, non-sticky, amazing shades and ultra shiny. I fell in love with a shade Life On the A-List a few years back but it got bloody discontinued, the most beautiful perfect nudey pink. As soon as i saw it was in this set i was delighted! They may be dinky sized, but i think its a great way to try out more daring shades, or even to pop in a clutch on a night-out. 

Kiss You - 'a clear fuchsia'

A somewhat scary purple in the tube, but a beautiful lilac toned pink applied. 

Life on the A-list - 'a bubblegum pink'

Not bubblegum pink in the slightest! A lovely pale pink/nude gloss - my go to shade.

Spiked Punch - 'juicy coral'

A very bright juicy coral shade, perfect for the summer.

Foxy Lady - 'diamond rose'

A true winner of the set, a true bubblegum pink with beautiful silver and blue reflective shimmer, so sparkly!

Nude-tudie - 'gold-spun twist'

Peach toned nude, with gold shimmer. Your lips but better.

So Frisk Me - 'gilded berry'

Another shade that looks rather scary mary in the tube, but rest assured on it applies to a berrylious dark pink jam packed with sparkle.

L-R Life of the A-List, Spiked Punch, Foxy Lady, Kiss You, Nudie-Tudie, So Frisk Me.

I highly recommend this set, even though i'm not a full blown lipgloss wearer, i do think they are perfect for travel or evenings out. I do love me a Benefit gift set, i received one or two for Christmas! I am pondering over a Christmas gift post as they are rather controversial, but will definitely be revealing my sale bargains as soon as they land on my door step. Never ending. I still have a few presents to receive thanks to mailing/postage cut off dates being missed - boys eh? Can't complain though, two lots of present opening! I was very, very well behaved when it came to the Mulberry sale, though it pained me. I thought the Net-A-Porter one was complete pants, though i still have a gift credit to use, watch this space! Also pondering on what to spend some Christmas pennies on, this Liz Earle set is calling my name, thoughts? Talk to me ladies, yay or nay!

Just mental really.

Forget Mary Portas, for ladies i am the true retail genius. Not in the sense that i love working in retail, as no human should be objected to that chore, but in the sense i can spot a sale twenty miles off, get my elbow out and shove you off so i can whip that size 10 out of your paws. I've closely watched the pattern of the Topshop sale, call me a mental, but honestly i just want to nab a bargain. I even stumbled on the Net-A-Porter sale by accident the night before it launched, causing a twitter frenzy. I even was joking with Yinka about having a 'gut feeling' that even though the main Topshop sale would be going live on Christmas eve, that something would happen today. I woke up randomly at 5am, fuzzy eyes on the iPhone.. a mini preview sale?? Ten minutes later bleary eyed i bought two items i had been lusting at over for weeks (at a more friendlier price!) 

 Geometric Tuni Dress - Topshop (from £65 to £30)

Ever since trying this dress on in Westfield many moons ago, the mothership has been borderline harassing me to purchase this dress. It may not look all that appealing in its product shot, but on its another story. It would look amazing in Spring with tan brogues and black tights. (Spring? what the hell.)

Lace Full Skirt - Topshop (£38 reduced to £20)

Another purchase i had been ummming and ahhing over for achingly long time, its so classic and timeless. I will have to have to find a beautiful black silk blouse to wear with!

Pearl Knit Jumper - H&M (was £14.99 reduced to £7.49)

So whilst i was browsing online at this insane hour of the morning i stopped by H&M to grab some sale bargains that just cam back in stock. I love that H&M do that, they are probably the only store to restock their sale - yes you'll probably receive the order in July sometime but what the heck. This metallic jumper is an absolute bargain, mainly err because it is from the children's section (age 14+) . Yup, guilty as charged. I first saw gazed my eyes upon it with the H&M catalog sent to me, as soon as i saw it i needed it, but age 14, are you kidding me? Why don't make adult sizes? Zara are churning out the same design (albeit slightly bigger) for fifty quid! After trying one on instore (really embarrassing) and finding to my delight it fits in a warped way, and seeing it on a lady at the Mulberry sample sale (i asked her, she look mortified but agreed it twas the same jumper), i feel i have justified its existence in my wardrobe. 

Pleated skirt - H&M (reduced from £14.99 to £7.49)

Basic simple pleated skirt, staple for any wardrobe. Love the shape.

Fine knit scarf - H&M (reduced from £9.99 to £4.99)

I had been in need of a white/cream scarf forever, they are classic and simply go with every coat i own - i literally just keep forgetting to pick on up. 

So there you have it, a very metal blog post at 6.39am. I have a feeling i will read this in a few hours after going back to sleep and realise how bizarre i am, bizarre or not that lace skirt is perfection! Here are some sale start dates for your viewing pleasure (and add some no-nonsense to this post):

Topshop - sale preview now, but main sale starts tomorrow online & instore

Miss Selfridge - same as above

River Island - started online already

Boots - Christmas Day

French Connection - on sale now

Mullberry - Christmas eve online

Net-A-Porter - on sale now

Harvey Nicks -Boxing Day

John Lewis/Liberty/Selfridges/Harrods - 27th Dec

Care to share any others? Also when ever i type the word 'mental' i think of Ronald Weasly, no just me?

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones i used to know.

Motel Gabby Sequin Dress - Motel (Gifted)

Black Body-Con Skirt - H&M (£1.99)

Red 'Hollywood Lipstick' - 17 at Boots (£3.06)

Red Pumps - New Look (priceless due gammy leg)

After attending the Motel press day month or so go, i was kindly offered a piece from their new A/W collection. My heart was quickly sold completely on the Gabby dress, its a very well fitted sequin mini-body-con dress that is simply amazing. I had been waiting for the right moment to wear it, as it is rather statement, when last night it made its debut at my work's Christmas party - gotta have a touch of sparkle!  I love the fact that its long sleeved and it dips low at the back, but not low enough to have the mad frantic 'ohmygod- you can see my bra!' Another thing that drew my eye was the fact that unlike other sequin dresses on the high-street currently, the sequins are sown onto a black material rather than being really, really heavy sequins all over, and well, looking tacky. 

However, as some of you may have seen from my Twit Pic, you either have to be incredibly brave/daring/slutty or just short to wear this dress because it is literally so short. It just about covers my derrière at a push, and to even think about dancing in it gives me (and my dad) nightmares. This actually really saddened me, its such a beautiful well fitting dress, why/who on earth would wear such a short dress? I'm no stranger to the shorter hemline but crikey. Thankfully my hair dresser came to rescue with the idea of wearing a short black body-con skirt underneath to give it a touch more length. A tip that not only paid off, saved my modesty and allowed me to wear such beautiful dress whilst frantically jumping up and down to Come On Eileen. 

Despite its length issues, i really highly recommend this dress, it really does fit like a glove and i'm truly in love with it. I think it would make the absolute perfect New Years dress, especially now in the sale at £29 down from £59 - bargain! Sort out your hemlines Motel - or maybe i'm too old fashioned?

Fashion Blogger's Christmas Party

The festive season has once again sneaked around very quickly, and to celebrate in such festive style i decided to throw my very own Christmas Blogging Cocktail Party. For my Christmas rendezvous i invited some of my many favourite bloggers to attend. But before we all get very merry on glasses of steamingly hot mulled wine, dance the night away, pull crackers and butcher Mariah's All i Want for Christmas, i imposed a very strict cocktail dress-code - where one must look preened to perfection and of course, be able to dance the merry night away!

I set my beautiful fellow bloggers a simple challenge of selecting two outfits suitable for the occasion, one to be high-street and the other designer, putting their own stylish stamp on their very own creations. With instructions to fully raid and throughly abuse Net-A-Porter and Topshop, each blogger has selected their own two outfits for you to decide on what they should wear..

Here are my outfits - but which one to choose?

Designer

Sequined Silk Mini-Dress - Marchesa (£3,654.00) / Gold Sapphire Ring - Marie-Helene de Talliac (£2,290.00) / Anchor Charm Bracelet - YSL (£365.00) / Little Ball Stud Earrings - Ileana Makri (£1,250.00) / Greta Sandals - Jimmy Choo (£695.00) / Metallic Feather Coat - Mui Mui (£2,380.00) / Black Envelope Clutch - Balenciaga (£625.00)

Evoking my dark sparkly side in this beautiful sequinned Marchesa dress, its a knock out dress that will certainly see me through a night of dancing. Accompanied by the ultimate gold jewels, diamonds really are a girls best friend, simple studs and a large sparkler on my finger. Not forgetting the beautiful vintage inspired YSL chunky charm bracelet to toughen it up. With rustic gold Jimmy Choos and a play it safe, but ever so effortlessly cool Balenciaga clutch, i'll stay ever so toasty in the cab home in the Mui Mui feather coat.

High-Street

Nude Crepe Collarless Coat - Dorothy Perkins (£35.00) / Pink Platform Courts - Topshop (£50.00) / Skinny Belt - Accessorize (£4.25) / Pearl Star Ring - F21 (£2.40) / Pearl Floral Studs - F21 (£2.40) / Owl Clasp Bag - Accessorize (£35.00) / Rhinestone Bangles - F21 (£4.49) / Ballerina Flower Dress - Oasis (£75.00) / Soft Ballerinas - Zara (£39.00)

Playing safe with my go-to neutral shades, this embellished Oasis dress is the perfectly preened feminine frock for all occasions. To add a little spice to the outfit, the bright fuchsia heals and skinny waist belt add a pop of colour. With the beautiful 60's inspired collar-less cream coat worthy of Jackie O, it brings a more classic, timeless touch to the outfit. The ever so pretty champagne clutch from Accessorize with the dainty owl clasp is the perfect match. With comfy Zara flats for post-partying walk home, and dainty gold jewels complete the look without competing with the intricate detailing of the dress.

So there you have it, grungy yet sparkly designer or feminine and dainty high-street, you decide!

Please feel free to check out and decide on the outfits from other bloggers that have kindly agreed to take part in this stylish challenge, they are certainly some of my favourite blogs and i'm delighted to share them with you:

Amy

Becky

Hannah

Joanna

Hannah V

Lucy

Sarah

Lucy

Michelle

Sophie

Tass

It pains me to say that this post was only a bit of fun, and if i really could throw a party, no doubt it definitely be at the Dorchester and full of lots of festive fun, and of course i would invite you all!

Rockin' around the Christmas tree

Over the weekend i went out for my first Christmas shenanigans with a few old school girls, then spent Sunday recovering (wine is not my friend) so this post is more of a Tuesday catch up, snap shot. if you like.

On Sunday i wrapped all my presents, and bloody heck there was a lot of them. The first few i busted out my amazing wrapping skills, getting all fancy with festive and strategically placed bows, evoking that Love Actually moment with all the finishing touches and decoration. Not forgetting my Christmas slippers at the ready and my ultimate get-into-christmas film, Mary Poppins on in the background. 

17's Mirror Shine lipstick in Hollywood - Boots (£3.06)

After perusing around Boots on payday, i decided to splurge on a red lipstick named 'Hollywood' from 17. Their Mirror Sine formulas are incredible, with a striking resemble to Chanel's Coco Rouge Shines. They apply really creamy, with a strong moisturising/hydrating feel on the lips, but looking ever so shiny. After previously purchasing the nude shade Beehive, i knew Hollywood would be a nicely pigmented (not overly so) but with a enough shine to not look too out there. Slowly taking those baby steps to a wearable red lip! Definitely be whacking this out at the Work Christmas do, then maybe one day Mac's Ruby Woo.

Last night i went out for a second Christmas rendezvous, dinner with the girls. The lovely Sarah gifted me with these beautiful presents. Hands-down she is the best gift giver, and no you can't steal her. The Liz Earle hair set has been a long favourite of mine (i highly rate it), Victor & Rolf fairy tales is another beautiful coffee table book for my collection, and sorry - but Fashion Designer Top Trumps - amazing!

Black Rainbow Beaded Mini - New Look (£10.00)

Tulip Sequin Mini Skirt - New Look (£6.50)

These two skirts are no lie, probably two of the best clothing buys of this year. I spied the two embellished beauties back on the New Look website in early November, but never looked twice as combined they came to a good eighty quid. I bought them both on Saturday night for a horrendously amazing £16! The black and gold sequin skirt is made of surprising good quality, with a fitted lining and embellished gold waist band, a skirt i'll definitely be wearing on Christmas eve. The pale nude pink skirt is a rather Mui Mui-esk scalloped edged with dainty sequin flower petal detail, one to definitely be worn in summer. Such great buys for my wardrobe, perfect with a silk vest top or dressed down with a black blazer and plain white v-neck tee! 

Also, a short little note to say please keep a beady eye on your dashboard tomorrow as there is a very, very exciting Christmas posts due to be popping up by some of my (and yours!) fellow bloggers..

Whats your favourite Christmas film?

Best i ever had..

 The other day i received an email from My Wardrobe offering me cheeky discount on sale-preview items, i hopped right on over and snagged myself an early Christmas present, to myself, from myself. With 30% off and my £20 gift card (that i had been keeping for a rainy day), i really couldn't resist...

Black Tall Hunter Wellington Boots - My Wardrobe (£69.00)

I treated myself to a pair of classic black Hunter wellington boots for a rather steal-worthy price of £33, including the very luxurious packaging and speedy delivery. My Wardrobe - i'll put my hands up here - have fantastic customer service. I ordered standard delivery, they were with me the very next day, with ribbons and fancy white wrapping paper, the whole she-bang. Definitely worthwhile signing up to their mailing list too, as they are forever dishing out personal discount codes every season. 

I've had my eye on a pair of Hunter since last Winter, but always been put off by coughing up that amount just for a pair of rubber wellies. However some of you may have already heard of my knee trouble that i mentioned the weekend before last on twitter, but its really been troubling me. It all started when i was in duty free before i was due to jet off on holiday in the summer, my left knee gave way completely as i bent down (damn you Victoria Secret lipgloss) and felt rather crampish and achey after. Simply dismissing it as just one of those things at the time, over the past few months it's happened a few more times - giving way whenever i bend or crouch. Part of me think's i've been serving the grannies in retail so long, i'm slowing morphing in to one.

 Yet last Saturday night was breaking point, my leg gave way and actually locked in to a bent shape. Looking back now its hilarious to think i couldn't actually straighten my leg, had to hop to the bathroom and have my dad carry me around the house whilst i was agony. Luckily (and thankfully, and bloody typically) it clicked back in to place just as i was about to jump in the car to A&E on the following Sunday morning. Straight away that week i went to the doctors and after inspection i have abnormal cartilage in my leg - lovely. And he informed me i'll probably need key hole surgery at some point to give a trim (puke). After a brief car-park cry to my Dad, who indecently everyone thought was my boyfriend in the doctor's waiting room, and with the advice of muscle building in the gym (er, exercise, what? this word doesn't exist in my vocabulary) i'll be fine. I just don't do any heavy lifting, any crouching, or knee bending. Basically, i turned into a granny.

So cut a long story short, i bought these wellington boots for strictly medicinal purposes, as god help if it dare snow i'll be knee lockin' an' hoppin' all over the shop. Now if that ain't a reason i don't know.

On a side note, how odd is this? Theres room for you to write your name and contact deets, just incase i don't know they should happen to be caught up in a mass wellington rendezvous and one should stray?

Tell me, am i the only 22 year old girl who makes her parents come to the doctor with her? And secondly, a desk chair makes the perfect DIY wheelchair should you ever need to know.

Final, final thing, my diy marks and sparks Christmas cards are now half price here, and i snapped up two beautiful embellished skirts in the New Look sale online with free delivery with both totalling to a steal worth £16.50! I bought this one (bloody steal) and this beaut!

I need you tonight.

A few weeks back i snuck into to Topshop on Oxford St. and made a few sneaky purchases. Teamed with a gift card and an unusual but rather delightful discount that came with Stylist magazine, i made a beeline for two items that had caught my eye. I decided to make thorough use of my time and take the fifty thousand items to the fitting room to have a good trying on sesh, while mentally add them to my 'Must-buy-in-Sale' list. In the mean time i snapped some obligatory changing room snaps, terrible photos, but alas i couldn't resist..   

My actual outfit:

Cranberry Coat - New Look (£34.99)

Fur Stole - H&M (last years stock)

Grey Knitted Tights - Tesco (£6.00)

Red Flats - New Look (£12.99)

Striped Nautical Dress - Topshop (£22.00)

I do love snippet of nautical, in-fact my entire wardrobe is one big stripe overload. Three quarter length sleeves, slashed neck, a hem line that stretches further than your bum and amazing body-con powers, this dress clings in all the right places. And, not going to lie, makes my bust look rather impressive - optical illusions i dare say ;) It is the ultimate staple item, yes sir-re.

Bird Sequined Jumper - Topshop (£46.00)

Oh look at that - i ventured outside for that outfit photo. Tad pricey i must admit for a jumper, but really cannot resist any sparkle, especially in bird form! A bit lost at what to wear this with, apart from black skinnies, but Michelle clearly came to rescue with her What To Wear post, the beautiful dark purple shade skirt will be mine. This jumper is the perfect blush/apricot shade and it super soft, not itchy like i feared. I would definitely look out for this in the sale if its caught your eye. 

So many thoughts and scribbles i have to tell you, but most importantly, one phrase: the NET-A-PORTER SECRET SALE LADIES! Thats right you heard, get in line, behind me. I've whipped out my fifty quid voucher and touch wood, i hope i get lucky! The details: 11am, tomorrow, follow the link from the Net-A-Porter Facebook. 

Will you be logging on?

I've been dreaming of a White Christmas..

YSL Mascara Set (£22.00) / Liz Earle Shampoo & Conditioner Set (£16.00) / Naked Coco De Mer bundle (£9.00) / Stila Lip Glaze Set (£16.00) / Tesco Polka Dressing Gown (£14.00) / Laura Ashley Jewellery Trinklet Pots (£15.40) / Benefit Flawless Set (£29.50) / Boots Jumbo Hair Tongs (£15.99) / Jimmy Choo Perfume (£39.00) / Liz Earle bundle (£26.00) / OPI Best of the Best of the Rest (Sold out everywhere!) 

As i've been perfectly well behaved this year (and the fact i was ordered into supplying a list by certain family members and boyfriends alike) - here is my very pretty, perfectly pampered Christmas List! And whilst i've been busy wrapping up presents as my house, of which is slowly resembling a Royal Mail sorting room with crazy amounts of parcels, i've been decorating my very own Christmas cards and listening non-stop to this.. 

Trust me, this song is horrendously addictive.

Crafty Christmas Card Set - M&S (£6.00)

Seriously getting my craft on this Christmas, actually really therapeutic!

Whats on your Christmas list? What would you absolutely love to unwrap on Christmas morning, no budget? ;)

Please feel free to 'like' me on City Girl's Fashion Box Page, for when 140 characters on Twitter don't cut it and for my stalkers on my Real Life Facebook (i know who you are, no really) - please follow! Oh and fellow bloggers, link me to your fan pages! 

Be my baby, be my baby.

Firstly, lets get two things straight: i can't be faffed with nail art and secondly i'm a shamed nail biter. Anything to stop me nibbling is a godsend, and anything that looks half decent and is fairly fool proof i'm there. Queue Models Own glitter polishes, easy to apply and i don't have a sneaky nibble in fear of a glittery gob. Classy girl. I've mentioned Model's Own Pink Fizz previously, but i wanted to show you it's full glittery-goodness potential, in all my new camera's glory. These polishes may be a god-awful nightmare to remove, but my heavens they are undeniably pretty, especially so at this time of year. At £5 a pop, they are ten times the bog-standard glittery varnish we've seen previously, fantastic quality and pay-off. 

Pink Fizz & Disco Mix - Boots (£5.00)

I bought Pink Fizz a while back and have been using continuously, it has silver particles that glitter pink in the light - or vise versa, i can't tell! Secondly is Disco Mix, another Model's Own Polish i was kindly given to by the lovely Yinka, of which has purple pink and turquoise green glitters. 

I found layering the glitter over another polish not only intensifies the colour of the sparkle, but over all is less damaging to your nail when removing, as theres nothing worse than stubborn glitter. I've been using Pink Fizz over Ciate's Guest List, a dark purple wine shade. It creates the perfect purple base providing a strong wine/pink tone to shine through the glitter, without looking too tacky. 

There are two ways to wear Pink Fizz over the wine shade, two layers to create a full impact glittery nail or lightly painted with glitter so the wine colour shines through underneath.

Next up is Disco Mix, although the same glittery formula as Pink Fizz, the glitter is less chunky, being less build-able to the full impact nail of the Pink Fizz. It does however look as equally as striking, and i paired this over Nars Night Flight, a shimmering navy. This too provides a strong base colour for the polish, really striking against the pinky purple specs of glitter.  

Excuse the mess! 

Sally Hansen Insta- Dri - Boots (£6.15)

Another great product i would definitely recommend is the Sally Hansen Insta - Dri, cheaper than the likes of Essie and Seche Vite top coats, it works amazingly well. Especially so when your layering rather thick glitter layers over other polishes! It also works wonders smoothing over the glitter and giving maximum shine.

Have you used any of the Model's Own Varnishes? You can find them online at Boots or their own website. I may have to buy this multipack of all of them as a Christmas present to myself, what a steal! 

(Why is it so hard to photo glitter?)

And finally, finally i'm so excited to say i'm getting my nails Shellac-d in time for Christmas! Anyone had this done? I'm slightly scared that my nails are too short, but watch this space. Another little thing i wanted to share is Laura's post on the AMAZING deals online at Bumble & Bumble hair care this weekend, free delivery, free samples and a free thickening travel kit when i purchased a £5 bottle of shampoo! Score. I may have placed three separate orders ;)