Paradise

Mint Candy Apple / Cute as a Button / Ballet Slippers - £7.99 each 

Dreamy pastel shades were splashed all over the S/S12 runways and in true form I have fallen head over heels this truly sweet trend. With a wham bam, right on queue Essie’s brand new diffusion line hit UK shores, with 70 of their most popular shades available - just in time for us for some serious swooning. After having a good ponder with Sarah last week in the large Superdrug on Marble Arch, we took serious advantage of the 3 for 2 offer, snapping up three of their must-have shades: Mint Candy Apple, Cute as a Button and Ballet Slippers. Priced at a slightly lower £7.99, i found the application and shade range pretty darn amazing - i can see this fast becoming a new obsession! 

With a newly designed, easier to use brush, the creamy varnish applies like a dream - smooth and opaque after two applications. Its wide-spread brush coats the nail in one sweep, without having the streaky wishy-washy effect that i cannot bare. Mint Candy Apple is the ultimate ice-cream mint shade, i see why it's such a cult buy, extra brownie points for looking banging with a tan. After a serious pampering sesh and treating myself to full on pedicure today i can confirm the bright pink/coral perfection that is Cute as a Button is perfect for toes and just screams 'holiday!' 

Next on my wish list is Tart Deco, Pearl & Lilacism! Have you tried the new Essie Diffusion line?

Just another girl who wants to rule the world!

Dress - c/o Tesco / Sunglasses - Marc Jacobs / Nails - Essie Mint Candy Apple / Big Gob - Model's Own

A rum cocktail and a good old fashioned cupcake - what more does a blogger need?

Today's post marks the momentous occasion City Girls Fashion Box turns three gracious years old - and trust me in blogging years that must work out at something silly like three thousand.. Not only has this year been somewhat crazy, i managed to graduate with a first class honours degree, acquire a Mulberry Alexa much to my dad's horror as well as mastering the art of filling in my brows (that have finally grown - punch air!). I also managed to leave behind my retro Photo Booth for a fancy Cannon camera jobby, so you can see oneself in all its HD glory as well actually depicting the different between five peach blushes - that are yes, technically all the same. Blogging is such a wondrous hobby, for five minutes of my day i'm able to zone out and write nonsense ramblings on the latest Topshop piece i need in my life or what the must-have-right-this-instance skincare product.

So all in all i just wanted to say a big thank you and big kisses for reading all my rambles, to think i have a collective readership of a thousand makes me not only shit-bloody-scared, but truly warm and fuzzy inside. Ah, pass the sick bucket. But really, thank you for reading and heres to next year! Fingers crossed i finally get a job and get on that Chanel Fund!

Much love, Sarah x

P.S To make a Cuba Libre, one of the best rum cocktails known to man, simply add a dash of Havana Club rum, a squeeze of lime, a mix of coca cola served with ice, yum! If you want to know the recipe for the wondrous cupcakes, that i shamefully gobbled before photographing, then follow this super easy scrumptious recipe - ;-)! 

Mr Blue Sky

Top - H&M / Skirt - Tesco / Ballet Shoes - Topshop / Tan - Xen Tan / Bayswater - Mulberry

On the delightfully sunny Thursday afternoon, Sarah and I made our way into central for the Next and Forever 21 press days after a spot of shopping on Oxford St (whoops, watch this space!). The Next press day was housed at Somerset House, more commonly known as the home of London Fashion Week. The courtyard was drenched in sunshine, while Sarah, Emma and I sipped a chilled beer on the balcony for what felt like hours discussing various ways of how I plan my wedding there (i kid you not). I'm going to do a separate post on the press days i attended, i just wanted to show you again the beautiful dip hem skirt from Tesco. These skirts are fast becoming a staple in my wardrobe, i'm definitely on the hunt for a tribal print one.

What adventures have you planned this weekend? I have a hot date with retail and a much needed appointment with my hair dresser tomorrow - fun! 

I'll take care of you.

Jazzhands Glitter Peep Shoes - Topshop (£60.00)

I simply adore these little heels from Topshop, the little peep-toe and splash of gold glitter has defiantly got me falling head over heels (har har!). I really am trying to embrace daytime heels, especially whilst on my ever-ending hunt for the perfect day wedge, i'm just yet to actually find them. This past two weeks have been a blur of busyness, i was lucky enough to invited to some very exciting press days (more to come), was gifted some amazing day heels (see a theme running here much?), bought some infamous must-have beauty products i cannot wait to share with you, as well as working the life of a pr gal and of course, serving grannies in my shop life. Please bare with, and enjoy the sunshine. I'm off to have a cold beer and re-read the latest Jo Nesbo novel - thats what summers all about right? 

 Say hello, and tell me should i be completely naughty and buy these wondrous heels?

Ska parade

 Instant Skin Tonic - Liz Earle (£12.50) / City Block Sheer - Clinique (£16.00) / GinZing Eye Cream - Origins (£21.00) / Botanics Pore Perfecting Lotion - Boots (£4.59)

My skincare routine is pretty set in stone, due to having fine tuned it to work perfectly for me. Luckily though, i have able to switch in and out new products without causing a noticeable change to the balance of my skin. On the most part my skin is normal to sightly oily in my t-zone area, i count myself rather lucky! Every morning i use the same combination of products to create a good base for make-up of which i thought i would share with you today.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I firstly use this light toner on a cotton bud to wipe away any grime from the previous nights moisturiser. I rarely cleanse my face further than this step in the morning as it tends to dry out my face, i much prefer to use a toner to wipe away any residue to create a fresh base. The Liz Earle Skin Tonic is very refreshing to use first thing in the morning, although after finishing this sample bottle i hope to move on to try the infamous Bioderma french water-based cleanser!

Botanics Pore Perfecting Lotion - I have used countless bottles of this lotion and i cannot recommend it enough. It is exactly what it says on the tin. This very light lotion has the perfect balance of moisture without being too heavy, sinking in fast and being oil free - perfect for blemish prone skin. This little gem is seriously good stuff and i wouldn't switch this out my routine for nor love or money!

Clinique City Block Sheer - Another old favourite i've come to love and re-buy. I'm a stickler for wearing sunscreen during the day, as i believe this simple step will certainly be worth it for the future. It also acts as the perfect primer for make-up application, it sinks in super quickly and pro-longs my foundation on summer days. Although i have heard good things about Avene facial sun-creams of which i'm rather intrigued to try - any recommendations?

Orgins GinZing Eyecream - I don't particularly have dark circles under my eyes, but on those very early Monday mornings this eye cream has certainly been a saviour. A light pink cream with light reflecting properties it instantly brightens the under eye on application. I was very pleasantly surprised with the results and this is already my second re-purchase - i do love the ethos behind Origins!

What do you use every morning? Any must-have products i should try?

heart of glass

For some unbeknown reason this Sunday, after a mid-afternoon nap may i add (hence the dishevelled-ess) i randomly decided to make a video showing all the delights i have recently bought over the last two months. Yes i sound awfully Surrey and i make a horrendous amount of facial expressions, but please enjoy in all its HD quality (click on the star and change to 720p) - let me know what you think? 

Mint Cardigan - H&M (£9.99) / Cream Lace Cardigan - Topshop (£26.00) / Dip Dem Floral Dress - Topshop (£46.00) / Sophie / Nude Ballet Pumps - Topshop (£16.00) / Mushroom Jersey Blazer - Topshop (£40.00) / Cream Jersey Blazer - Topshop (£40.00) / Speckled T-shirt Dress - Topshop (£25.00) / Tan Sandals - Topshop (£35.00)

I think the thumbnail picture says it all.

I've loved and i've lost.

Everywhere i travel whether that be to work or out exploring, i take a mini make-up bag carrying some of my touch-up essentials. From attending an event after work or meeting friends, to a general powder my nose on my lunch break! Every now and then i try to switch up the products, rotating different products from my collection but currently my go to products are..

Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets - I received this sample packet for free with an Asos order and the thirteen year old inside of me got excited. Perfect for on the go and keeping shine at bay, they are spot on for a rush top-up. 

Sleek blush in Rose Gold - The high-street dupe to the infamous Nars Orgasm at a fraction of the price. After a beloved Nars Laguna met a wet powdery end by the tale of a pesky leaky Evian bottle, i dare not carry any powder that should shatter to easily. Rose Gold is the perfect replacement.

Clarins Lip Perfecter - A light pink gloss thats incredibly moisturising, a true staple for my handbag. Whats even better? It tastes of toffee, yum!

Ted Baker Nail File* - For those annoying moments when you break a nail, ahem.

Benefit 'It' Stick - A freebie from Glamour magazine last year, this chunky concealer pencil works wonders on troublesome spots or red areas during the day. So much more hygienic than my Mac concealer pot, its very easy to use on the go.

Mac Mineralise Skin Finish Natural - Not too much of a fan of this powder, its rather heavy duty in terms of coverage. So i popped it in my make-up bag to get some use out of the fellow.

Mac brushes - These handy little brushes were part of a travel set i received last Christmas, they are certainly worth popping on your gift list as they are very handy for travel everyday and on holiday.

Mulberry Make-Up Pouch - a gift from me to me.

What essentials do you carry around with you?

Off to the races.

Today's post is an introduction to Swedish brand Nelly, most commonly spied on some of my favourite european fashion bloggers, i'm now finally delighted to be able to get my mitts on some of their fabulous offerings. Nelly is an online stockist for a variety of designer brands, but what impresses highly me is their very own shoe range. With sleek sharp offerings, similar in design to Zara, with prices under £40 - i'm seriously swooning. 

Edga (£40.95) / Edik (£29.95) Rose Gold Tips (£49.95)

Zahara-Marie (£39.95) / Jade (£49.95) 

Satchell (£39.95) / Chalki (£39.95) / Satchell Glitter (£39.95)

Clearly mint greens and nudes are my go-to flavours of colour, but Nelly really does offer some far more adventurous styles (i'm far too boring), i really do recommend having a good peak on their website to see what they have to offer. I seem to begrudge spending a fortune on heels, simply as i can never justify cost-per-wear. But with most styles at forty pounds a pop, and each style being unique and looking rather good quality on appearances, i dare say i will have to place an order to find out for myself!

Have you ever heard of Nelly before? Link me to your favourites! 

Just a quick note to say, go buy multiple copies of this months InStyle for some beautiful Nail's Inc polishes. I kick myself silly for forgetting what a bloody good read InStyle is.

I'm just about to lose my mind, honey honey.

Speckled T-Shirt Dress - Topshop (£25.00) / White Ponte Blazer - Topshop (£40.00) / Tan Sandals - Topshop (£35.00) / Mint Statement Necklace - Forever 21 (£10.65)

I've been rather obsessed with this speckle grey t-shirt dress from Topshop, on first thoughts it looks nothing special - but for summer the possibilities are endless. I love the thought of mixing such a simple dress with a statement mint necklace to give an edge, paired with a simple jersey white tailored but casual blazer and simple tan sandals - a simple but stylish outfit. Let the bank account battering commence, and let the sun start shining! 

I've never met a girl who makes me feel like you do! Your alright!

As you may know, the thought of walking in heels fills me with fear, simply because i'm down-right useless. However, after some serious lusting i find myself falling head over heels (excuse the hilarious pun) for wedges. With a larger area of ground covered and bigger platforms, they should technically be a walk in the park to wear (enough with the shitty puns already Sarah). Deemed by Matthew* as 'god ugly,' he'll be glad to know that i'll be happily sporting them all summer long - if that is i can finally make up my mind over which pair? 

Aztec Wedges - MissGuided (£36.99) Orange Wedges - River Island (£50.00) / Wooden Wedges - Zara (£39.99) /  Lenny Grey Wedges - Topshop (£65.00) / Beige Wedges - River Island (£50.00) / Gladiator Wedge - Asos (£42.00) / Red Cork - Zara (£49.99) / Whamm Leather Wedges - Topshop (£65.00) / Wooden Wedge - Zara (£59.99) / Leuzeo Peep Toe - Ted Baker (£140.00) / Walcott T-Bar Wedges - Topshop (£45.00)  

Which pair do you prefer? I'm drawn the Topshop Whamm coral t-bar wedges, alas i think they may be a bit too high for the easy walking stakes.

*the boyfriend of eight years, whose fashion advice will forever fall on deaf ears - thank god!