I'm not going diss you on the internet, cause my mama taught me better than that

Tweed Cropped Jacket - Topshop

Vests - Forever 21

Skinnies - H&M

Necklace - Forever 21

Bow flats - Kurt Geiger

This was my outfit for last nights fabulous rendezvous which was the infamous mass bloggers meet-up, for the launch for Rockalilly's new lipstick, ZOMG - a bright pack 'a punch fuchsia. I had the pleasure of dining with some of my favourite blogging ladies at a lovely little restaurant Vapianos just off Oxford Street, where we had the most delicious made-on-the-spot pizza (for just over six pounds people!) seriously recommend. Then we hop-footed over to the event where we swatched lipsticks, witnessed Michelle eating a good thousand cupcakes and swoon over burlesque dancer Banbury Cross, my new girl crush. I've watched Ree's Lippie venture grow over the past year and a bit and i'm seriously chuffed for her, i met her a few months back and she is an absolute delight. Did you know she used to be a teacher? Now that, ladies, is one jaw-stopping career change, from children to lipstick, pretty lipstick at that.

Quick question, did anyone find my hair tutorial major confusing in my last post? After re-reading i think i seriously baffled you with calling a section of hair Frank. 

Pssst Topshop have free delivery till midnight, i have a feeling in my waters that ASOS are about to throw out a 25% student discount tomorrow (i read this somewhere), or i have a 20% off code SPRINGDIVE - however i think that only works of you receive the magazine, spoil sports! 

Pink Lemonade

Over the past few weeks i've been completely inspired to change up my hair styles, its so easy to fall in to a rut of just wearing it in the same style daily - which is fine, just maybe tad boring? Reading all the new Spring/Summer editorials in all my favourite monthly magazines always inspires me to create romantic, girlie tresses that are easy to wear in the summer. As you may have seen in my last post, i've recently been loving tonging large curls throughout my now-long locks, wearing the uber-glam look. But admittedly i do have a rather pesky side sweeping fringe, that looks fabulous when spent primping with the ultimate blow dry but not when its for everyday wear, so i decided to give this braid a whirl...

Sadly, i wasn't quite as gifted in the hair stakes as the model above. With much finer hair i decided on one main braid, running through on a side parting. Its completely fool-proof, perfectly pretty and takes no time at all. Also a winner for short-haired and long-haired ladies alike.

After deciding that just a step by step written instruction to this braid would not only confuse the living day lights out of you, as well as me, i decided to film a rather naff diy video for your viewing pleasure, please click the weird star shape in the grey bar and change to 720dp for better picture.

Simply split the front section into two parts, wrap one part (the smaller if fringe) around the section two (which we shall call, for the easy understanding if this tutorial, Frank), and then pull section one to the front. Select another piece of hair further along, like a french plait, and twist around Frank, then pull to front. Repeat this step again, pulling another part of hair and twisting around Frank. Then i like to take Frank alongside another piece of hair and twist continuously to form a braid, then secure with a hair bobble.

I really hope this makes sense, otherwise i apologise sincerely. It really is easy once you get the hang of it, and you don't specifically need a mirror to do so. A great hair style to adopt if you are lucky enough to be on holiday (jammy cow) or your growing out a fringe - or lazy like me. Depending on my mood i tong the remainder of my hair to add some volume but thats completely up to your preference.

Another little note to add, i spied some hair style tutorials created by John Frieda recently on their You Tube channel recently that i've been watching like a hawk. There are somethings that should be left to the professionals, but heck, i'm definitely trying this.

Do you like to switch up your hair styles?

It's you, it's you, it's all for you.

Out of nowhere i've developed a head cold, so instead of moping about i decided to scrub every inch of one's self and pamper; failing miserably to disguise my very red nose. I decided to whip out a bunch of Liz Earle products i treated myself with some Christmas money, which is very naughty as i usually save it! I had long heard about Liz Earle before it exploded within the digital press from my manager at work, of whom i share a very bad addiction to skin care with. She kindly let me borrow a sample or two, and i was then on was hooked on the Liz Earle shampoo and conditioner. For a long time i had been really wanting to trial some of the collection favourites, especially the mask & exfoliator, finally i bit the bullet to ordered a set from QVC. I think the products are pretty legendary in terms of quality, but like most high-end brands there are always cheaper greater alternatives. So if your happy with your own routine, don't fall into the hype and spurge on the entire range (like me - hah), but try bits and bobs at a time. 

I did my research prior to buying, listing the main items i wanted to trail. The best offers i found were on QVC, but you do miss the rather lovely packaging and mini sample that you get when ordering from Liz Earle website direct. The set i purchased has since sold through, but if you were looking to stock up on favourites QVC do some fantastic bumper deals, or like me this set of miniatures is a fab way of testing a bit of everything for under £45!

Nobody said it was easy

Another little post on a fabulous sale bargain i snapped up earlier in the month. I rarely shop at Urban Outfitters, mainly because although i do love 'that' style, it aint really me; plus the prices really are a bit of a hike. However their home/gift department tells another tale, from dainty jewellery holders, whimsical designs on tea cups and beautiful printed bedspreads make wonderful gifts or simply pretty decor! There are also a selection of novelty gifts (perfect for annoying boyfriends) and fabulous one of kind bits and bobs for the house. I had long admired this jewellery box, but for the original price of sixty pounds, i waited long and hard for this baby to go into sale. And bingo, it did, to thirty, with a promo code later i scored it for under twenty. Its fairly large with an intricate cut-out pattern around the edges, i love the fact i can see all my precious nick knacks through the cover!  

A peak inside!

Adore my Forever 21 statement necklace.

Marc Jacobs Gold Watch - a gift for my 21st.

Unbranded Pearl Bracelet / Alex Monroe ring / Swag Topaz Cocktail ring /  Marc Jacobs Key Pendent / Alex Monroe Key Pendant / Tiffany Silver Pendent

F21 'S' Necklace / Accessorize Pearl Pendent / Tiffany's Beaded Bracelet / Tiffany's Pearl Bracelet / Tiffany's Small Bead Bracelet

And thats my treasure chest! I hope you enjoyed a peak! The brand who produced the jewerelly box for Urban Outfitters was Mele & Co, which i think is strictly only US shipping. But UO do some cracking jewerelly stands, very very pretty and in the sale too! 

P.S thank you ever so much for your eBay tips and tricks, very much appreciated! I now sit surrounded by jiffy bags and brown parcel tape, if you fancy a butchers whats on offer see here. Hopefully plan to put whatever ££ into my Chanel fund, hurrah!

And yes that was Matthew and i, aged 14/15 - pass a bucket ;)

A little help needed?

I am a complete and utter Ebay virgin. Yup, far too tempting in my eyes. However after a mass wardrobe clear out, being very, very ruthless - i've decided that there are some gems that are far too pretty to be sent to the charity shop (or most likely, i'll be tempted to re-buy them in sellers guilt) so i thought i'd have a try at the whole Ebaying malarky. This is where you come in, hello! I haven't got a foggiest of where to start, i've got a bag full of clothes and shoes, barely worn and thats as far as i've got. Well apart from signing up with an actual Ebay and Pay Pal account, i've worked out that as much. So here are a few of my questions:

- Will any one actually buy from me with no actual feedback?

- How do i know how much to sell things for? A no brainer here, but tips welcome!

- How do i work out postage costs? And more to the point, what do i freaking bag 'em in?

- What rough things should i list on the page?

Phew, thats all the questions i can think of at this moment in time. Sorry to be so demanding - but i am in a pickle. Any advice or further tips will be very much appreciated, maybe we can all learn something?

And yes yes yes i'll put all revenues in my Chanel fund, maybe.

UPDATE! - thank you for your very helpful comments! I've decided to set up a little blog shop first here, if you fancy a ganders! 

I heard you like all the bad girls, is that true honey?

Give me 70's luxe curls any-day. Big, bouncy shiny curls scream Hollywood starlet, right from Grace Kelly's demure primped yet perfect curls to loud, over the top, Victoria Secrets worthy of supermodel Gisele. After quite swooning over red-carpet photos, it was a look i wouldn't even try attempting with relatively short hair. But since its rather slow-never-ending growth its finally achieved enough length for jumbo curling tongs. Hey presto! It was quick, easy and rather fool-proof. But alas did i achieve so?

Boots Jumbo Curling Tong - Boots (£15.99)

My dirty little secret - Boot's own jumbo curling tongs at a rather steal worthy price of £15.99. My eyes water at spending fifty quid plus on a branded curling tong, call me tight but really? If you check the details, all tongs mostly heat to the same level, so its just choosing wisely. I simply tonged large sections, then spritzed with Aussie hair spray (my all time favourite), then brushed out with my Tangle Teezer to gently break up the curls in to soft large waves. 

The tongs most certainly most be popular, as they keep selling out constantly on the Boots website. Luckily as my hair is so fine, it roughly takes me about five minutes to tong it all and the curl doesn't drop at all through out the day. If i fancy a smaller precise curl i swear by the Babyliss Curling Wand (£15.99), i've had it for the past four to five years and it is yet to fail me. 

Do you prefer curls to straightening?

What becomes of the broken hearted.

Last week Tuesday i was kindly invited by Ted Baker to join them for 'Ted's Team Day', a fashion show devoted to showcasing their next seasons stock to their dedicated retail staff from up and down the country. I was one of the lucky few online press that was allowed in to the event, because really, the whole event isn't for likes of a few bloggers - its for the staff in-store who will be selling it to us the public. An idea which i think is blooming amazing - something i think the british high-street could learn something from! No expense was spared in terms of creativity, from neat cream blankets to keep snug & warm in the transformed warehouse, to the make-shift model photo-shoot taking place during the catwalk. I was delighted to be invited, especially so to support one of my best friends who works in the buying department. 

As said previously, Ted Baker is a brand that i had admired from afar, but this collection has got me swooning like crazy. Its fresh, feminine and dainty, in a classic yet certainly in-keeping with the trends we saw on the designer catwalk. Without sounding too far-fetched, Sarah and i could certainly wear every piece - as it mirrored out tastes and style completely. From floaty floral maxi dresses, to tailored cream blazers and shorts, to flirty cocktail dresses, i suddenly got seriously excited for summer. The images above are a few i politely borrowed from Sarah, i adore that pearl necklace and floral maxi-dress! 

I did try and film the show on my diddy iPhone, but the results were truly tragic - my horrendous filming, Apple were no part to blame. And you could only hear Sarah constantly pestering me to get married so she could wear this and that flipping dress. But do feast your eyes on this video i, yet again, politely stole for your viewing pleasure.

Admittedly whilst i could buy it all in heartbeat, its is slightly out of my price range. But for an occasion, Ted Baker dresses are definitely worth checking out and splashing the cash. I've been invited to a wedding in the summer so will def keeping an eye out for these to hit store. Its funny how i never get excited about Topshop collections, simply because i find them far too 'out there' - but i fell head over heels for this. Another point i hasten to tell you, I got to cast eyes on the man behind the Ted Baker brand, a man whose identity is so strongly guarded from the media, if i dared to tell you.. well i wouldn't like to say what would happen. Go on google him if you can, you'll see his face is always disguised!

What do you think of the new collection? 

On a more blue note, you may have seen recently the down-turn on the high-street this week - the company which i work for part-time has seriously suffered and are currently with the intent for administration. So who knows whether redundancy will be on the cards, maybe this is the push i need to get right back out there interning, until the dream job lands upon my feet. At this moment in time, feeling rather sad at the prospect of saying good bye to all my loyal grannies! 

Stuck in reverse

Licorice 2 Flats - Kurt Geiger (£45.00)

Lets be frank here, i'm notoriously shite at walking in heels. I've honestly giving up trying, i can however accomplish a brisk walk/jog really quite well, but that really doesn't bode all that well when you are doing your best to look effortlessly fabulous. Also adding a gammy knee (see here) into the already tricky equation and your right up sh*t creak. But its not all doom and gloom, for i like to whip out my trusty killer pair of flats. Be that the patent black pointed pair, or the nude French Sole rip offs, or my latest purchase the Miu Miu-esk embellished Kurt Geiger 'Licorice' pumps. A dainty gold glitter pumps adorned with an ultra feminine baby pink bow, disgustingly sweet but the perfect accomplice to my pinky/neutral dresses. Let the summer evenings commence..

Hair Pins - Kurt Geiger (£2.00 per pack)

I finally whipped out my Kurt Geiger gift card from Elle magazine that was loaded with £20 credit, plus i used a sneaky little code from Laura 'KGWELCOME10', simply fill your basket with fifty pounds work of pretty shoes and bobs your uncle you save twenty squid. So both discounts you can imagine i snapped up rather a bargain - hence the hair pins to bump up the price.

I'm seriously lusting after these and these, so may do another order some time in the future with the sneak welcome code again. Can i just point out what amazing customer service KG have? I originally ordered these in a six, but being a pesky 5 and a half, they were too big. In normal cases like Topshop you have to return by post and re-order, but KG will exchange and send you another size for free, now thats what i call good service.

Did you receive a Kurt Geiger voucher from Elle, if so what did you snap up?

*Just for reference, if some Miu Miu heels should pass my way by any chance - i'm sure i can give the whole learning to walk in heels another go..

Sexy and i know it

Metallic Jumper - H&M (£7.49)

White V-Neck Tee - Forever 21 (£3.75)

Skinnies - H&M (p/s)

Red Pumps - New Look (p/s)

Raspberry Clutch - Topshop (£15.00)

Watch - Marc Jacobs

Despite the fact this metallic jumper is actually children's wear, and i'll say it is slightly 'cropped' - it is my new love. Now i'm off to do some serious spring online window shopping, then get ready for my first Zumba class on Monday (if i keep it up good excuse to buy these, no?) and plan my outfit for Ted Baker S/S Press Day on Wednesday that one of my bff's is organising, exciting! 

Any exciting plans for this week? FYI the Chanel fund is still going strong, hurrah!

You don't know how lovely you are.

As i mentioned previously in my last post, to say i hit the sales is pretty much putting it lightly. Its not that i went overboard, irrationally spending and wasting money on bits and bobs i don't need. Because i've come to realise that 'a bargain is only something you wanted when it was full price,' a motto to live by ladies. I learnt this after spending a small fortune on Prada perfume in the sale without smelling it before hand, believing i had struck gold when frankly it smelt more like 'your a fool for buying perfume online.' Another small note i wish to mention, when i told a rather bemused customer i went a bit crazy in the sale, and she replied 'thats dreadful you'll have to budget the rest of the year' - well, i said, miss middle-age-know-it-all i budgeted for the sale, yes sir-re i have been waiting for this moment (smug face and all). And so for your sanity and mine, that i wouldn't include everything here, i'll save those for a later date.

Balenciaga Paris Perfume 50ml Gift Set - Selfridges (was £65 reduced to £32)

For Christmas i was lucky enough to be gifted with a Selfridges gift voucher from one of my darling best friends. A pretty impressive present if i dare say, men take note - because he certainly did. And by 7.30am on Christmas day, i had spent it on the online Selfridge's sale. Having had long admired the violet notes in the iconic Balenciaga perfume, its hefty price tag was severely off-putting. I even considered shelling out thirty something quid for a 20ml bottle, but honestly after a few spritz's the bottle would have been hung out to dry. To the gift set that containing a 50ml bottle, that retails at £60, for half price, plus gift card, i squealed with delight and have since been spraying like a mad woman.

Philosophy Jolly Jubilee Gift Set - Selfridges (reduced from £18 to £9)

I couldn't say no. Every year the Philosophy Christmas gift sets get me, but up until now i hadn't indulged. Shame on you if you don't know this brand, their beautiful scented bath/body lotions and potions are to die for. They make truly wonderful presents, and i cannot wait to give this a whirl.  

Hello Kitty Liberty Bath Set - Boots (£18 reduced to £9)

I can't say I'm a Hello Kitty fan, bit weird if you ask me. But the Liberty print floral wash bag sucked me in entirely and it now houses all my nail care bits and bobs nicely. The bubble bath and scrub are  lovely added extras!

Coco De Mer Naked Body Set - Tesco (£9 reduced to £6)

I am a massive fan of the all natural Naked range, especially the scent Coco De Mer of which has a strong resemblance to the rich scents of Chanel. Its honestly like bathing in Chanel No5 - heavenly. I had already received some Coco De Mer goodies for Christmas, but when i saw this set was reduced i couldn't help but pick it up. Mmmm.   

Lancome Hypnose Mascara - Debenhams (£21.50 reduced to £13.50)

This was one of the first high-end mascaras i ever bought, not in league with MUF Smokey Lash but it's a trusty reliable formula and at that price whose complaining?

Raspberry Clutch - Topshop (£25 reduced to £15)

I had seen this beautiful raspberry clutch a month or so back and toyed on purchasing, as i can't really keep hauling my Alexa out and about on nights out. But despite the fact that the Mulberry Alexa bag was an insane amount of money, i couldn't bring myself to splash out £25 on a Toppers clutch (no i don't know either, weirdo). As i eagerly entered my local Topshop on Christmas eve just before work, this beauty was hanging up with ten quid knocked off, bargain. Another reason i bought this was, not going to lie, to stop my self from buying this Mulberry bag in the sale, ahem. 

What goodies did you snap up in the sale?

That was when i ruled the world.

This would be my mug, in all my new fancy Cannon-something glory. I figured that while i may rave on about certain new holy-grail products and splash my cosmetic collection over the internet, i haven't actually got around to showing you the nitty gritty, the durable desert island necessities that i use on a daily basis. Nothing too fancy or technical, sometimes i do feel the urge to plough more on and get creative, but this is my bog-standard look. I aim to look somewhat polished, letting my skin breath and show through, rather than just look like i'm wearing layers of foundation - a trend that appears to often on our Facebook feeds no?

L'Oreal True Match Powder - Superdrug (£8.19) A worthy replacement for my Mac Sheer Pressed powder, not as long lasting or invisible, but certainly a winner for the high street; very soft and finely milled.

Mac Select SPF 15 - Debenhams (£19.50) After a quick flirt with Estee Lauders Doublewear Light, i shimmied back to Mac for a lighter coverage and a dewy finish, that gives the appeal of your skin but better.

Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer - Debenhams (£13.50) A serious flawed design error here, a pump that distributes way too much product. As a little certainly goes a long way, and ever more long-lasting on the skin. Perfect for invisible blending on under-eye circles, covering pesky blemishes and covering large pores. A true winner.

Laura Mercier Brow Pencil in Blonde - John Lewis (£15.50) - Since letting my eyebrows grow, and an added little help courtesy of M2Beaute, i've really enjoyed filling in my brows and letting them frame my face. Albeit still slightly tweaking my technique and aiming for more twins than sisters, the LM pencil is an absolute gem. It's shade of blonde is a tone haven't come across before, but perfectly matches my light brown brows. Its triangular shaped form allows precision and its formula is amazingly long-lasting.

Eyeshadow Primer - ELF (£3.00) - If there was ever a best budget beauty buy it would be this little guy, forget oily lids and eyeshadow moving south - this primer ensures shadows are long lasting and practically throws Urban Decay primer out of the water.

Soleil Tan De Chanel - Debenhams (£29.00) - One of the pricer love affairs in my make-up collection but one i would have over and over. This cream matte bronzer not only smells like tropical heaven but provides a fooling tan worthy of two weeks away in the Caribbean. Neither is it orange toned or cakey, but a seamless blend of tanned goodness. In the wintery months i use this as a light contour, in the summer i use as an all over bronzer. A firm favourite of mine since summer the year before last, i still am yet to make a great dent in the pot.

Nars Laguna Bronzer - John Lewis (£24.00) - If there was one powder bronzer to rule them all then Nars Laguna would take its crown surely. A firm favourite amongst beauty editors and us common folk alike, it provides a matte all over bronze, with the slightest hint of shimmer. It can be used to create a full on bronze, or a light sun kissed look. Or currently a look i'm sporting, 'yes i'm alive in winter.' You can tell my love from this product from its sheer wear and tear, this Laguna came unhinged and another lies broken after a nasty mix up with a leaky Evian bottle. Also can be used to create a lovely eye-shadow crease contour.

Nars blusher in Deep Throat - John Lewis (£20.50) - Naughty by name, but worth it all the same. This baby pink, with an added shot of gold shimmer is the perfect blush colour - suiting most skin types. Its fail safe, fool proof and a great start in experimenting the Nars brand. Long lasting and great pigmentation, coupled with the sleek black Nars packaging, it makes me tingle all over.

L'Oreal SuperLiner - Superdrug (£6.49) - The most easiest liquid liner i have ever come by, and boy I've tried a few. I'm done with gel or kohl liners, for the Superliner gives the sleekest, sharpest black pigmentation. The brush tip is fool proof, simply gliding along the lash line. I've gone through tubes and tubes of this bad boy.

YSL Faux Cils Mascara - Debenhams (£23.00) - A very hyped up mascara that does produce pretty impressive results, but nothing on that of Make Up Forever Smokey Lash, of which i'll swiftly be repurchasing.

Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Tzarine - John Lewis (£23.00) - Another firm favourite of mine, as you can see i've definitely hit pan. The perfect all over champagne nude, for a subtle wash of colour, which can be teemed with any other colour from the Naked palette to take from day to night.

Mac Lipstick in Hue - Debenhams (£13.50) - Another wearable shade for all, and personally my favourite nude lipstick, with the right balance of baby pink. Its creamsheen formula creates the most ideal texture, creating a creamy long-lasting, moisturising finish.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal - Superdrug (£7.49) - A suitable companion for Mac's Hue, this peachy pink nude is a great shade for any nude or toning down a loud lipstick. Its heavenly creamy formula is why its such a great product, it can be applied to a bare dry lip and instantly add moisture, providing a non-sticky nude gloss.

There we have it - some of my everyday favourites. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as my brother did laughing of all the outtakes of my face photos i took. Let us pray they never see the light of day. Any favourites of yours among these, or any recommendations. I'm  looking to replace my Nars Duo soon as i am fast running out of that champagne shade, any dupes i could replace with?

Take me back to the start

Well better late than never - here are a few snaps of my Christmas. I found Christmas whizzed past this year, and as a result i'm having to scoff as many Pringles and Ferrero Rocher's in a bid to keep up with tradition. This year i visited family in Worthing for Christmas day, then after much drama resulting in no petrol (and nine petrol stations being empty) Matthew and i set off home to swap presents and spend the evening getting merry, eating nibbles and watching the Inbetweeners with friends. 

Me, Gran, Mother.

Champers all round.

Gran's present.

Gran, Grandad and me.

My Gran's Christmas cake that contained half a bottle of sherry, topped with icing that resembled cement. My arm still aches. 

Baileys Coffee with Whipped Cream.

I hope you enjoyed this post!