Little Bitty Pretty One!

Welcome to my little box of 'meh' - one of those infamous pink boxes that hold all my neglected bits and bobs. Evicted from the plastic towers of Muji, for the likes of Nars heavenly goodness. Queue Monday Madness. I give these a few products a week's whirl and give you the low down, a few one liners, and bit by bit have faith that i am not wasting my money. Sound like a plan? Good. 

Acessorize Blush in Pretty Pink / No7 Eyeshadow Set in Cappuccino / Clinique Super Balm in Berry / Revlon Colour Stay

Revlon Colour Stay - The cosmetic version to polly filler/cement/plaster. I'll give it brownie points to on making your skin pretty flawless, in a way that you can see it lying there on your skin, in all its mask like glory. I'll be saving this for nights-out, when its far too dark to see every hair on my face highlighted by thick consistency. Approach with caution, and a hella lot of moisturiser.  

Clinique Super Balm - A very thick, thick lipgloss that is actually a very moisturising balm. Can't quite my head around it to be brutally honest. So long-lasting, its borderline irritating. Very sheer berry red, perfect for winter months when your sick to death of medicated lip balm.

No7 Eyeshadow - Oh now i remember why i never ever buy anything from No7 full price. To me this brand is outdated, and so are the formulas. Dusty and chalky don't even cover it. Don't let those No7 vouchers suck you in, or if you do pick their skincare, or research the products the genius Laura Elderidge has designed.  

Accessorize Blush in Pretty Pink - This ended up in the pile of fail due to it's misleading title, this is under no circumstances a blusher, unlike i want to look like disco Barbie on crack. However, it works wonders as a subtle highlight and an even beautiful shimmery peachy/pink all over lid colour. Win win!

Do you secretly hoard a box of un-loved beauties? As much as i was first disgruntled to re-try items out, its really made me use the bits and bobs i first fell in love with. And if it still sucks, deep breath and chuck it in the bin. Will you be shopping your stash ladies? Sorry for the blunt manner of this post, i'm suffering from man flu again (how?!) but i've been listening to this on repeat:

Brownie points if you can name what film that song is from! 

Forgive me Chanel fund, for i have sinned..

This past week i finally used up my annual holiday leave at work, with a spot of CV blitzing and a lovely night away in Brighton courtesy of Matthew, i was very naughty indeed and placed a rather sneaky order on the disgustingly beautiful Mulberry site. This is what happens when you try to save, the refrain from retail therapy builds up, and you just go a little crazy, well, massively crazy.

Tamara Scarf - Mulberry (£100.00)

Armed with my savings, doubled with the excuse that since January i've only purchased a blouse, and the fact i was completely and utterly enabled by the mother, i purchased the pale pink Tamara scarf from Mulberry. I had long since had my eye on this beautiful cotton silk blend scarf, often having a good ponder in my local concession in House of Fraser (where i point out was actually priced at £260, hmm) - as soon as i saw it online at that price, i buckled. With the iconic tree print, the pastel pink scarf is ever so soft and the perfect size. And really - shoot me for saying this - but it's actually a rather good price for Mulberry. I cannot wait to pair with a blazer or trench for S/S, so dainty and pretty. And how amazing is the free S/S goody bag that came along side? It included a tote bag, stickers, postcards and my favourite, the 'Ooooh' glasses!

And then it didn't stop there, whilst on an online spree i made a few sneaky purchases on H&M which i cannot wait to share soon. Whilst i furiously beg my sorrow to the Chanel fund, i wanted to ask a small favour. Last week, for some unbeknown reason i decided to enter a competition on the Oasis Facebook page, quite frankly i have no chance in hell - but you've got to be in it to win it sweetcheeks. So if you fancy, i would be most grateful if you want vote for my look? Or even for comedy value, if you fancy a laugh at the terrible crotch shot i accidentally set as the mini-photo on the main page, take a butchers.

How glorious is this weather? Do let me know if you voted, so i can cover you in wet soppy kisses at the Bloggers Picnic.

The Beach Boys

V Neck Tee - Forever 21 (£3.75)

Chiffon Skirt - Forever 21 (£11.50!)

Necklace - Forever 21 (£4.90)

This outfit is certainly longing for summer days, but i thought it far too necessary to post it. With part of an unused gift card from a press day, i purchased this beautiful nude chiffon skirt that happens to be longer midi-length at the back, a fish tail apparently. I had spied a similar version at Miss Selfridge, but almost double the price! Taking Michelle's wise words of wisdom on wearability it does really belong to a summers day, with navy blazer and sandals. The v-neck tee is a staple i had added furiously to my wardrobe, i previously bought four, yes four in white, and acquired another three in ivory in this order. They are the poor man's American Apparel, albeit the same quality. They work well with anything and everything, aren't too see through, nor skin tight either. I may have also bough these on the rec. of Lauren Conrad, such fangirl talk. 

I do love the F21 jewellery, after being very inspired by the ever so beautiful Vicky, i've decided to add more pretty statement pieces to my collection. And one of the oh-so-soft vneck tees, gotta love staples.

I've previously had some problems with F21 shipping, taking forever to receive and process, but something must have changed, as i ordered on Sunday night and they arrived today, wrapped up cute as a button - hurrah! I also have two cheeky parcels on the way from H&M and errr Mulberry (squeal!) all shall be revealed!

A final footnote, as you may be aware myself and a few other bloggers have set up a blogger's gathering in July within London, if you are interested in attending please feel free to RSVP here! More the merrier.

Thought of the Day - 19th February 2012

A mish-mash of thoughts that i care to share.

Vogue Festival 

Its been keep on the DL for a long time, but Vogue has finally realised its line-up and tickets for its very own festival, which will take place in London 20th/21st of April. Stylishly random springs to mind, yet praise must be given to Vouge for its ever evolving fashion forwardness - these are however the ladies who bought us Fashions Night Out, but alas, a festival? Sans rowdy music, facepaint and pints of beer, this fashionable date boats lectures and activities with the from the likes of Tom Ford, Christopher Baily, Natalia Vodianova, DVF and bizarrelyNigella Lawson, with more to be announced. With many of the days events being kept tight-lipped, the two-day festival will set you back a rather fierce sum of £280, and sadly no that doesn't include a bespoke Tom Ford tent. Another reel of tickets will be released nearer the time for certain lectures, which i'll be interested to see what/who will be attending. But in honestly, sign your self up to the V&A mailing list - they have fabulous talks and events with leading fashion icons for a pittance! 

Mulberry Del Ray

I need not express my love for Mulberry, as i'm quite your already well aware, but recently i have been major fangirling over Lana Del Ray, the new gangsta Nancy Sinatra, pout an all. I was delighted to see that they have created a bag in her honour, as like me you may have sat in your very fashionable pjs and watched the live screening of their A/W 12 collection in the comfort of your very own, er, bed, to catch a glimpse. I cannot wait to spy this in store, should i start up a 'Mulbs Del Ray' fund now? And more importantly when are Mulberry gonna get on it and release the 'Sandiford'?

Too Fashionably Cool For School?

The publishing giant that is Conde Nast, the geniuses who bring us the likes of Vogue and GQ, have finally announced their prospectus and details regarding their very own fashion college. Forget that bog-standard BA Hons, so outdated, for its all about the creatively cool Vogue Fashion Certificate, no joke. A year long course, costing just under £20k, you will learn and understand the fundamentals of fashion, from fashion journalism, pr & marketing, design, styling to business, you name it - it's there. Down right odd or the career path from heaven - i'm still unsure and still trying to fathom my head around it. A Vogue school? Sounds far too American. Although, the summer courses may be worth a ponder.

Beauty Box 

After taking inspiration from one of my ultimate daily blog reads The Sunday Girl, penned by the lovely Adrienne, of whom sucks me entirely with her infamous 'Sunday Shopping the Stash' posts. I have since decided to uncover those lost gems in my make-up box that i like, but not love enough to hit my make-up bag. Every week i have decided to switch a few products in, and use them daily, to give the love and attention they deserve, instead of being left to gather dust (and to stop me splurging on this Nars set.) I may even push the boat out and pop weekly reviews up.

Harper 7

And just because.. i like to think this is what pose Victoria really wants to do secretly, Harper is her daughter through and through! 

What are your thoughts? Will you be buying tickets for Vogue fest or even enrolling into Vogue college, is Vogue taking over the world even? Am i the only one i thinking, Mullbery Del Ray was a bit out of the blue? And do you have that stash of make-up that's just meh, you should really use, but meh?

Currently Coveting.

After pronouncing my ongoing frugalness in my last few posts, there are typically a number of items i'm seriously coveting. Not throw away pieces, but bits and bobs i've been hunting out for a while now - always the way? 

Trench Coat - Topshop (£68.00) - I love a well tailored trenchcoat for S/S, my last trench was Topshop and lasted me many a moon. This ones missing a certain edge or va va boom, tempted to jazz up the buttons on a trip to John Lewis haberdashery. Or stalk Zara till they have something similar.

Skinny Trousers - H&M (£14.99) - Both the beige and navy pairs of skinny trousers are calling my name. Unlike jeans that tend to fade or go stiff, or chino material that crease, these slick skinny offerings from H&M are not only a bargain but a serious investment for the summer. 

Cream Shirt - H&M (£7.99) - Cream shirt, with beautiful gold buttons for a steal of under eight quid, say no more!

Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Place Venedome - Nars (£19.00) - I've patiently been waiting for these new Nars line to hit the UK, especially since seeing this beaut of a shade on Ingrid. Perfect summer raspberry, for a girl whose not keen on a red lip.

Wicked Attraction Set - Nars (£35.00) - My love affair with Nars ever continues, when i cast my eye upon this set i was amazed by the fantastic value! Both Laguna bronzer, Orgasm blush, full size eyeshadow and a few minis, i'm smitten.

Clarins Facial Tanner & Xen Tan Deep Tan - Feel Unique (£15.30) (£17.99) - I've never been much of a fake tanner, but with a quick dabble with Xen Tan in the summer i was amazed at its application, longevity and olive glow. My longing for feeling tan and some much loved freckles are a long way off yet, though these products are very tempting.

Lace Cardigan - Topshop (£40.00) - Completely overpriced, completely sold.

Any items you think i should definitely, certainly, must, without a doubt buy? Go on enable me! 

Oh! Darling.

Clarisonic Mia - John Lewis (£120.00) 

Ever in the quest of perfect skin, just before Christmas i was horrendously naughty and splurged on a Clarisonic. A Clarrrawhat asked my bemused father? A Clarisonic is essentially six to eight electric toothbrushes stuck together for your face. And a pricey one at that. With our American cousins going crazy for them across the pond, highly recommended by their snazzy dermatologists, i had to be in the know - and more importantly i had to have one.

Being rather on the pricey side at £120, the Clarisonic Mia essentially deep cleans your face, albeit a bit like a car wash or fancy flannel. Its brush head vibrates a rather impressive 300 movements a second, gently but throughly removing up to six times more make-up than it would just normally washing with your fingers. Impressive much? It also helps to improve the appearance of the skin, becoming smoother and softer, and more importantly spot free. 

After a lot of ummming and ahhhing, lots of review reading and weighting up pros and cons to uninterested brother, i bit the bullet and ordered one. I purchased mine through a US seller on Amazon for a bargainous £80, alas he has clearly realised what a fool he was and now upped the price unfortunately. However, they are available readily on the high-street (check out ASOS with student discount!) from John Lewis to Space NK. It finally made its way into my beloved arms and i set about using it,  after its first usage i instantly felt my skin was instantly softer and smoother, a result i had been unable to achieve with any other exfoliator. Another benefit i realised was how my skin suddenly drunk up any moisturiser, it absorbed better and allowed better results from any products i applied. 

However, wiping  off the dead skin cells and deep cleaning my skin started the purging stage. A polite way of saying 'getting bloody spotty', the grime and gunk was currently working its way out of the skin. Lovely to know, but horrendous to see. A few weeks on i'm still battling with a few blighters, nothing too serious to ever let my regret my purchase. For the way my skin feels now, i can tell the results will only get better in the future. I have rapidly seen the deep clogged pores looking more faded and small pimples under the skin have vanished. 

I found out the best way to use my Clarisonic is to pre-wash my make-up off with any face wash, then pump a pea size amount of my normal cleanser (Clinique Foaming Wash-off Cleanser) on to the brush head and work around my face. The cleanser lathers up well, while the Clarisonic struts it's stuff for the timed minute, then automatically switches off. I tend to concentrate the brush head around more troublesome areas such as my nose, chine and forehead rather than my cheeks of which are pretty clear. Another big decider in the buying decision is that the Clarisonic is completely waterproof, meaning i can use it within the shower without the worry of electrocuting oneself.

Overall i'm really pleased with my purchase and i do really see what all the fuss is about. I can't sing from the roof tops and shout 'i'm spot free people!' Because honestly its to early to see, and i'm not that spotty to start with really, and we all get the pesky tail tale signs of that time of the month. What i am delighted to see, is a bright and incredibly soft complextion that makes make-up application a dream! I dare say its also rather nice to know that every single spec of make-up is being completely, and utterly jet washed off my mug every night. The perfect lazy girl's tool to face washing.

Have you thought of purchasing a Clarisonic, i say its a DO! Or do you already own one?

Just a quick added note to fellow bloggers, Sarah and i are organising a Blogger lunch in London during the Summer, if you fancy popping along please see here. Tell others too please! 

Born to die

Despite owning a rather sizeable stash of eyeshadow, when push comes to the shove i'm pretty clueless when it comes to application. Since purchasing both Urban Decay Palettes (although the second one has major gone unloved - due to guilt of not nearly using the first as much as i should have) i've definitely become more adventurous in using more than one shade, hello definition in the crease! How very technical of me. However most of the time i result to a quick wash of colour on the lids, add a little liner into the mix, with lashings of mascara and we are good to go. One shade i've come to religiously love and use is the infamous cult beauty buy: Kitten by Stila, and its golden sister Oasis.

Oasis & Kitten - Boots (£12.00 each)

Stila, the all American beauty brand once graced our English shores a few years backs where it was quite a hit, but since fading out it came back with a vengeance just before Christmas. I pondered into Boots in awe of the very famous Kitten, to see quite frankly what the fuss was all about. Constantly raved about, this shimmery champagne shade is a winner with all skin tones, with a hint of warm pink its  become that standard neutral shade, worthy of a spot in any girl's make up bag. I accidentally purchased Oasis, how similar do they look in pan format? On closer inspection at home i realised that Oasis is a beautiful gold toned shadow. Both shadows are incredibly pigmented, its texture is pretty much unbeatable. I find Mac eyeshadows to be quite hard in the pan, Urban Dacay's shadows are soft and easy to pick up, yet with bad fall out. Stila, however is that of butter, so soft to the touch and one swipe of a brush it easily picks up enough product.

I definitely recommend giving these a swatch when your next in Boots, i cannot wait to try out the Stila brand further!

Have you ever tried Stila, any reccs?

Stepping into Spring

With January being the most frugal month ever to date and my Chanel fund looking somewhat promising (well..) i can confirm i am feeling the need for some serious retail therapy. Whilst i may have not been literally filling up with wardrobe with the delights of the new S/S hight-street arrivals, i've certainly been trolly dashing the online basket to the extremes. Who knew window shopping could be so fun? Alas, with payday coming at the end of a very long week, and the white slush appearing very unsightly, lets cross our fingers and step into spring..

St Pauls.

Cream Twist Next Top - Miss Selfridge (£28.00) / Ballet Pumps - H&M (£7.99) / Pink Blazer - H&M (£19.99) / Striped Skater Skirt - Ted Baker (£89.00)

I adore this Ted Baker skirt and one day it will be mine. H&M do some bloody fantastic, rather bargainistic blazers, i'll have one in every colour sir! 

Brick Lane.

Ruffle Dress - Warehouse (£65.00) / Sunglasses - H&M (£4.99) / Knitted Lace Cardigan - Topshop (£40.00) / Lace-up Brogues - H&M (£24.99) / Glittery Heel - Topshop (£55.00)

I feeling the need for a shirt dress, chiffon and navy? Even more so. The lace cardi is far too adorable to miss, but those cat-eye sunnies and lace up brogues toughen it up perfectly. Major lusting for the sparkly nude heels, should i, shouldn't i? Even if i don't wear them, they will still look pretty on display, right?

 Angel.

 Pink Cardigan - Topshop (£28.00) / Pink Skinny Belt - ASOS (£6.00) / Lace Dress - Topshop (£48.00) / Ballet Pumps - H&M (£7.99)

I can't work if this reminds me of candy cool, primp and perfect, or whether Barbie spewed. Either way i love it. The Topshop lace fluro dress reminds me of Erdem on acid, very pretty.

Elephant and Castle.

Spotty Dress - New Look (£24.99) / Light Brown Sandals - River Island (£25.00) / Nude Brogues - Zara (£25.99) / Basic Cardigan - H&M (£9.99)

This polka dot dress is such a steal from New Look, its simple and understated, an effortless Sunday attire. The vintage-looking sling backs from River Island add a touch 50's tan and glimmer of gold.

South Kensington.

Basic Cardigan - H&M (£9.99) / Printed Maxi Dress - Ted Baker (£199.00) / Light Pink Sandals - River Island (£25.00) / Ballet Pumps - H&M (£7.99)

Kate, eat your heart out! 

 London Bridge.

Basic Cardigan - H&M (£9.99) / Striped Dress - H&M (£19.99) / Ballet Pumps - H&M (£7.99) / 60's Coat - Warehouse (£35.00) 

Who doesn't love a snippet of nautical, it isn't summer without at least one type of striped dress in thou wardrobe. I think we all agree i should snap up this coral pink 60's swing coat from Warehouse? yes yes.

Green Park.

Floral Dress - Topshop (£29.00) / Tan Skinny Belt - ASOS (£6.00) / Vibrant Ballet Pumps - Topshop (£16.00) / Basic Cardigan - H&M (£9.99)

This mint green is really growing on me for this spring, and florals are a summers festivals best friend.

Covent Garden

Floral Shift Dress - Dorothy Perkins (£32.00) / Coral Peep-Toe Heels - New Look (£19.99) / Cream Blazer - H&M (£19.99)

Who would have ever of thought this dress was from good ol' Dotty P? I'm all for the S/S 12 tropical trend, but plastic bananas earrings are slightly out of my comfort zone, a tropical classic shift - yes place. Club tropicana drinks are freeee.

So there we have, my high-street edit, oh lala. I would do a high-end version, but quite frankly thats depressing for all of us. I can cope with affordable wardrobe dreams, but pretty Miu Miu and the murky snow, i don't think i could cope.

Whats your favourite look? 

Check up on it.

I'm quite frankly sick of the weather, and will not dare to post about the unsightly scene out of my window. As much as i love winter, i'm definitely longing for summer days and warm evenings. Yes, i grasp the fact that we are in-deed very lucky if we are blessed with more than a weeks worth of sunshine in good old British fashion, but that doesn't put an end to my hopefulness of some sunshine. This may be party due to the fact that i was kindly invited to Next's S/S press day on Tuesday. Next is a brand i associate with cute pumps (no really, their range of ballet flats is rather impressive) and bikinis that do gracious things with rather ample assets. I was keen to pop along and see what they had in mind for the sunny season.

Moving swiftly past some very olympic GB inspired pieces, their range has some utter gems that i will sure to be hunting out come next season. I completely zoned into the delicate feminine pastel pieces (as per usual) and was delighted to see a beautiful embellished blouse that came in both a blush shade and a very, very cool mint. I need to jump on this mint bandwagon for S/S. Also in the range were some very dainty brodie anglias sleeve-less blouses that evoked my inner Mad Men Betty, a very fine knitted jumper with a shot of sparkle (perfect with tailored shorts and a tan!) and some terribly pretty knickers and bra sets (i need to investigate their under ware department more throughly in future). Another big trend i saw was the Versace chain print silk thing going on, not my style personally, but it looks set to be pretty big next season and Next have whipped out some fab designs including this marmite print.

How delicate is this pearl and lace clutch? As soon as i spied this i knew i needed to definitely put this on my watch list!

In the showroom there was a pop-up Cath Kitson-esk printed caravan, i'm telling you ladies, camping never seemed so appealing before. Inside it was piled high with the most beautiful homeware pieces i have spied, i was smitten with everything. From cushions and throws galore, floral bedding and pillows, daintily trinklets and  cake stands - i could of moved in. I never thought to look in Next for homeware but i was pleasantly surprised.

A few tidbits i was gifted with, god - i want summer.

What are your thoughts on Next?

Just to warn you and prep you for whats coming, i haven't been shopping in well over a month as i've been busy saving (Chanel fund ladies) and selling most of my un-wanted items on ebay (thank you again for all your tips!) - but in the mean time i've been stashing a viral lust-list of all the beautiful Spring/Summer bits and bobs i've spied online - so brace yourself (and your purses) for some serious lusting.

P.S Since i'm still on a mini spending ban, i plan to live vivaciously through you all and give you permission to take up the offer of free shipping at New Look today with the code: NLFEB12.