Please don't slow me down, if i'm going too fast.

Sabrina Sparkle - Accessorize (£26.00)

It was love at first sight, say hello to my new flats from Accessorise. Whats not to love? They are super comfortable and go with almost everything in my wardrobe, but more importantly they're sparky and have a pointed shape tip - screams Olivia Parlemo don't you think? I'm smitten.

I miss you!

Despite the lack of British sunshine, this summer just got a whole lot better. Why you may ask? Because i have finally booked a weeks holiday of joyful hot sun, freezing cold beer on tap and endless thriller novels to read. Ok it's a week in Lanzarote with five boys in a self-catered villa in September, but its still a holiday right? And what does that mean.. serious holiday shopping is on the agenda. After jetting off to Cuba last year and the year before last, i have to own up to being a complete holiday snob. When you've been to paradise, Lanazrote is a bit of a come-down (FIVE boys!), however bikini shopping is still a must. And still very much hard work, why is shopping for swimwear such a chore? You practically live in your cosy on holiday (just me?) so it should become vital that the bikinis you pick should be perfectly shaped and fitted. Here's my guide to shopping for swimwear, clearly we are not all the same shape so this will obviously have to be taken into consideration, but follow my general gists on bikini rules...

First up is the typical triangle bikini, the ultimate summer beach staple. I prefer to purchase bikinis with a slight padded insert, not only because i'm practically flat-chested but also spurred on from the rather amusing comment made by a horrid school boy (you know who you are) who was genuinely intrigued to why i had peanuts down my bikini top - it was neither funny then or now. Moving on from my mortified 14 year old self, a bikini with a slight padded insert will allow the triangle will be more supportive and flattering, and more importantly perfect for nipple hiding. Another preference of mine is bikini bottoms that tie up at the waist, as long as you remember to tie your best Bear Gryll's knot to avoid flashing the entire resort, it will prevent any lumps and bumps (aka fat bulges) on the hips.

Sassy Frill - River Island (from £15.00) / White Embroidered - Topshop (£12.00) / White Beaded - River Island (from £22.00) / Broderie Bikini - River Island (from £14.99) / Navy Stripe - Topshop (£26.00) / Blue Stripe - River Island (from £15.00)

My second favourite style is the bandeau bikini which combats those pesky tan lines created by the triangle bikini above. Destined to leave you the most natural tan, it is however crucial that this type of bikini top fits you perfectly. You do not want to keep hoisting it up during the day, and neither do we want to see half your rack on display. Another top bikini tip i've come to learn, is try to find bikini bottoms that are all roughly the same length and shape. Last year i can only describe my behind as becoming fully 3D - three different lines and shades of tan on my bottom from different size bikini bottoms - not flattering and makes said behind look even bigger.

 Chevron - ASOS (from £16.00) / Pink Stripe - River Island (from £12.00) / Ruffle Bikini - Accessorize (from £18.00) / Apricot Stripe - H&M (from £4.99) / Contrast Frill - ASOS (from £14.00)

My third favourite bikini top is the bra shape, mostly underwired, its comfy and fool proof. Plus provides a great deal of support to the biggest busted ladies also helping to make most of what us small busted ladies have. It also works well to alternate with the triangle bikini style for combating annoying strap lines if you dont feel brave enough for the bandeau style. This particular style i find rather hard to come across which is a shame, as i think they are so easier to wear and still flattering.

Daisy Bikini - Accessorize (from £16.00) / Nautical Stripe Bikini - Ted Baker (from £45.00) / Daisy Bikini - Accessorize (from £16.00) 

If your not that brave to flouce about in a bikini, the hightstreet has some fabulous swimming costume offerings that don't bring back harsh memories of the 'sporty' swimsuit you donned in primary school swimming lessons. Most swim suits now a days also have removable straps to achieve a natural shoulder tan. That being said, push the boat out and go full hog on holiday with a bikini. Sure its nerve racking and i technically spend the first three days of my holiday sucking my tummy in when i strut around the pool, but then i think sod it, i'm never going to see these people ever again, bring me another sangria please!

Swimsuit - H&M (£17.99) / Black Vintage - Miss Selfridge (£32.00) /  Halter-neck Swimsuit - Motel (£35.00) / Spot Swimsuit - Accessorize (£30.00) / Daisy Swimsuit - Accessorize (£28.00) / Plunge Swimsuit - ASOS (£35.00)

So there are my three essential bikini types i will be packing and rotating to achieve some kind of luscious tan. The best high-street offerings i have found are:

- Accessorize - so so pretty, femine and a variety of styles, all year round too! Free delivery currently.

- Marks and Sparks - surprisingly on-trend and you really can't beat the quality,

- Tesco - cheap as chips, fab styles and a variety of styles to suit all changes.

- H&M - cannot fault H&M styles, goddess like - but i defy you find a size 10 in bottom and top? No.

- ASOS - Sale starts tomorrow, hundreds of options to choose from.

I hoped this helped if you are jetting off somewhere lovely! Whats your favourite bikini/retailer to buy from? Where are you going and most importantly have you been to Lanzarote in September people!

The good old days.

 

 Let your eyes not deceive you, they are indeed two very pretty Net-A-Porter gift bags. From me, to me of course. Did I hit up the Net-A-Porter sale? You bloody-betcha! Cast your minds back to Fashion's Night Out in London last year, Sarah and I literally happened to fall upon the Net-A-Porter 'wall' on Mount Street. Passing by fashionistas were supplied with iPads and iPhones to hold up to their online shop which was projected on to said wall (very technical) where you could win various items. After twenty minutes of thrusting an iPad at a beautiful pink Proenza Shouler satchel with no luck, the lovely staff clearly felt very sorry for Sarah and I, then proceeded to give us a gift card (!?!). Manners, I tell you all get you everywhere, including a £50 Net-A-Porter voucher. Since last September, that gift card has been burning a serious hole in my pocket. Enter the Net-A-Porter SS12 sale...

Jane on a Leash - Marc by Marc Jacobs

I have been eyeing this cute compact little bag for months, being an absolute stickler for navy I certainly fell head over heels all over again. As I saw it had hit the sale I wacked it straight in my basket. I'm not really one for clutch bags, mainly as I think I would probably just leave them places by accident (just me?) so strategically thinking with a strap its stuck to me somehow. I think its fairly classic without being too loud, until you catch a glimpse at the lining that is..

 So Marc Jacobs!

Enabled Bracelet - Alexander McQueen

Whilst on a designer -induced-high, I threw shit to the wind and naughtily added the above McQueen bangle to my order as well. As you may know by now, when it comes to jewellery I am seriously fussy and pretty darn set on dainty bits and pieces. But the bright fuchsia, purple and gold really struck a chord. It even had bloody skulls on it - do I seriously look like a skull person? - the answer is no. Hey, if Kate can wear McQueen so can I right? Coupled with a simple outfit (and a tan, because everything admittedly I feature looks great with a tan) I cannot WAIT to wear this in the (real) Summer!

Did you eye up anything in the Net-A-Porter sale? Don't think I would have pushed the boat out if it hadn't been for the voucher. But ahem, that didn't stop me from serious swooning a shoulder bag in the Mulberry sale the other day. Did anyone catch that? Amazing reductions right? Also heads up to the Topshop sale starting early today, don't bother its pants. Mainly because I get paid next week, the bastards. 

fyi: the prices haven't been included in this post, simply because my Grandmother (hi!) is a devoted reader and I really don't want to give her a heart attack.

Call my name!

Since coming to the realisation that i own far too many cosmetics for my own good, since Christmas i have been ever so good in not purchasing any make-up. I shall take a bow thank you. Though about a month a go, i completely buckled. Faced with Laura Mercier counter in the new John Lewis beauty hall, i purchased the infamous Tinited Moisturiser on a complete impulse. Hailed as one of the beauty editors's top cult products for summer, i wanted in on this legendary product, to see for myself the wonders it processes. Do i even wear tinted moisturiser is the next question - well err no. I can definitely say i'm that girl whose in love with the idea of tinted moisturiser, buys them repeatedly then become overly disappointed that it's not actually a foundation, its tinted moisturiser - duh. Sure i would love to be able to skip merrily down the street, showng the world my bare flawless skin, but lets get real here. Yes i spent thirty quid on essentially a product i told you i should thereoretcially hate, but i don't, i actually rather love it. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser - John Lewis (£33.00)

I picked up the Oil Free version in the shade Nude, a slightly warmer shade than my normal colouring for a hint of tan. On first appearances you get a hella of lot of product for your money, 50ml which is nice bonus. Now on the product itself, it has a rather thick foundation like consistency, not runny in the slightest, a formula which is very easy to work with. I apply this with my fingers on to freshly moisturised skin that i have allowed to sink in previously. It blends seamlessly and the coverage it provides really hits the nail on the head and completely the reason why i have fallen in love. It not only blends out your skin tone, but adds a suitable amount of coverage to hide flaws, blemishes and pores in troubled areas whilst letting your skin shine through, looking natural. The coverage can be built up as desired, i prefer to use a heavy duty concealer, mainly Mac Pro Longwear on areas that need more attention. My skin is left sofly dewy and natural looking, nor greasy or shiny. It lasts on the skin rather well for just a tinted moisturiser, i do find the need to powder early afternoon but that isn't a problem in the slightest.

This is a true summer staple, perfect for hot sunny days when you dont want to wear a face of slap to the office or worried about your other foundation melting or slipping throughout the day. Its light and natural dewy finish is amazing for summer day. I cannot wait to use this on holiday, definitely worth the £30 price tag and abusing my no makeup purchases rule!

What are your feel ins on tinted moisturisers?

Secret Online Havens: Part 2

After writing my last post about my favourite websites, with a few added tips and tricks - i was delighted to hear such a positive feedback! Its all about sharing and caring ladies. If you missed part one, click here to feast your eyes. But for now as promised here is part two of my favourite online havens.. 

Harvey Nichols - Another luxury online shopping haven that seems to get lost in-between Net-A-Porter and Selfridges? It hosts an amazing designer section, which of course it strictly only visited for whimsical  window shopping. A girl can dream right? Or wait till the summer sale which happens to be landing any day now... i may wet myself with excitement (gettit?).

My Theresa - A fast-growing German luxury designer website that boasts the likes of Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, YSL - you name it. Another little site to strictly browse, but i will admit that they do seem to have a broader range of stock that Net-A-Poter and sometimes their prices are a little cheaper!

My Wardrobe - One to sign up to the newsletter for, at the end of ever season they send out a private discount code on old stock that will enter the sale. Aka: giving you first dibs! The packaging is simply beautiful and worth ordering for that alone. I have ordered my Vivenne Westwood shoes as seen here and my Hunter wellies as seen here for cheap as chips prices with their discount codes! I also ordered my Mulberry Alexa through My Wardrobe and was give a good wedge of money on a gift card as a reward purchase, brownie points! 

Net-A-Porter - What dreams are made of.

Make-Up Alley - An online skincare and cosmetic forum that is updated by beauty-aholics all over the globe. Membership is free and will allow you to upload or read hundreds of beauty product reviews from brands all over world. If your torn over two particular certain high-end foundation, log on and see what scores of other ladies have to say first! (Accidentally posted this one twice!)

Lauren Conrad - One of my ultimate style crushes, her very own website is perfect excuse for Sunday afternoon reading (i.e stalking). She also has her own YouTube chanel, where she posts her own how-to videos in beauty and hair. Both sites are fabulous for inspiration on a variety of different topics, especially for girl-crushin'.

Temptalia - Is an online blog run by an amazing American beauty writer and student Christine. Everything you need to know about up-and-coming launches from a string of brands, plus amazing high definition swatches of every Mac eyeshadow to date its listed on there. Temptaila is a make-up junkies dream and what i wouldn't give to play in her make-up stash as seen here.

Olivia Palermo - Another major style crush, Olivia's blog is penned by herself and her team of fashion and beauty writers. It gives the reader an insiders peak to her style and beauty secrets, as well as amazing guides to everyday topics such as gift giving or holiday packing. I'm not ashamed to say i read it to lust over her amazing style photos!

Pinterest - The ultimate online scrapbooking site, that allows you to pin your own inspiration images or repin others photos. With half the UK addicted through and through, with the other half completely and utterly confused, Pinterest is a fab tool for pinning all the inspirational images you want to keep - similar to ripping out photos from a magazine. You can follow my pins here. I pin outfit ideas, inspirational hair styles or nail art i want to try. Its also a fabulous site for home decor, foodies and general day dreaming. Warning: do not pin while feeling peckish.

ONTD - Oh No They Didn't is a rather large and pretty awesome online gossip forum in America. If your sick of your Essex goss from the Daily Mail, then ONTD is your perfect slice of US gossip gold. Updated constantly by users, it posts everything from news or candids around American celebs that we don't get to see or hear for a few days. You def heard it or saw it there first folks.

Post Secret - An amazing site that i religiously check every Sunday morning with a cup of tea. It does what it says on the tin, people from around the globe sent their most hidden secrets anonymously on a postcard and send it to Frank Warren, an American man who scans them in every Sunday for the world to read. The secrets open up a variety of emotions and thought provoking questions, they range from sad, happy, angry, depressive, overjoyed, kinky and funny. Each week the postcards are changed, some however have been published in their very own PostSecret books - the only way to read past secrets.

Elle News - I read this on a daily basis to read the latest fashion/news stories, when i'm not trail blazing through the Daily Mail gossip columns online! 

I hope you enjoyed! Please do let me know your favourite sites.

This town, is coming like a ghost town.

As mentioned previously, within the month of May i was lucky enough to attend some A/W12 Press Days. Normally i find it ever so hard to fast track my mind to next seasons attire, however with the weather as pants as it as the moment i'm looking forward to cosy knitwear and little ankle boots. Somebody seriously shoot me? I've bundled all the photos in to one post for your viewing pleasure, click on the image if you want a closer inspection!

First up was Next, a shop that was bought to my attention after a friend recommended their embellished flats to me. Being a hater of high heels, the shoe department of Next sung to me and i haven't been disappointed since! Their range of riding boots  is spot on, and for under eighty quid they are pretty good quality - i was torn between a patent pair and a plum shade. They have a fabulous range of patent brogues available, the black pair being on my must-have wish-list. And i defy anyone to tell me they are not secretly in love with the glitter grey boots pictured on the second row: need!

Following on was Forever 21, of which i hear is due to open up soon in Bluewater - hurrah! The lovely Shine girls and Ashley showed us a quick preview of their interchanging season stock, all retailing at under £30. Thats what i love about F21, its cheap as chips but still on trend, without being too be-jazzeled (River Island i'm look at you) or New Look (which is mass-produced to here, there and everywhere), F21 sits nicely in-between. As a dedicated fan of their jewellery and steal-worthy v-nek tees, i was even more delighted to see more little ankle boots - do we see a trend forming here people? I'm also pleased to see that they have re-vamped the website, so much more user friendly: aka a massive problem to my bank account. Bring on the Bluewater! 

And finally Tesco clothing, a brand i've really come to love over the past few months. Ditch those thoughts of supermarket clothing because Tesco have certainly stepped up their game. Ignoring the middle-aged mummy pieces, Tesco have gone full force to aim themselves at us: the trendy twenties. I have fallen head over heels for their entire accessory line, including faux fur hats and scarfs, horse embellished loafers, chunky brown boots and rich plum toned wedges. In terms of clothing, they have some bang on trend pieces hitting stores, look at those gold tipped collar blouse (TESCO?!) and the tweedy shift dress perfect with black patent pumps and thick wooly tights! In the look book given to me, they also have a blimmin' amazing wax jacket, similar to that of Barbour, that retails at thirty quid. Rather intrigued, i'm pleased to report back it had amazing cheque lining and was of excellent quality. Get in line ladies.

Holy moly, dare i say i'm looking forward to Winter? 

Secret Online Havens: Part 1

Being an online writer and shamefully admitting to being a fully fledged fashion and beauty addict, its fair to say that  i spend a rather large amount of time online, either blogging, window shopping or catching up on the latest news. Being rather thrifty - I'll have you know i can sense a Topshop sale a mile or two off -  i thought i would share with you a list of websites i peruse on a daily basis. Of course, I'm sure your well aware of the majority but there are a few sneaky ones I've thrown in for good measure that might help you save a few pennies here or there (or full on break the bank - who cares!) Here is part one, with part two to follow shortly..

Make-Up Alley - An online skincare and cosmetic forum that is updated by beauty-aholics all over the globe. Membership is free and will allow you to upload or read hundreds of beauty product reviews from brands all over world. If your torn over two particular products, log on and see what scores of other ladies have to say first! 

H&M - Obviously we are all aware of the giant Swedish fashion chain online, but when push comes to shove sometimes I prefer purchasing online. If you look hard enough there's always a code floating about which will save you some pennies. Plus the online H&M sales are always worth checking out, sizes sell out quick but they are usually re-stocked (rather rare), and nine times of ten you'll find the sale prices don't translate into store. Plus hands up who would want to raid a H&M in-store sale? Thought not.

Topshop - Holding my hands held high, i can say that the New In page on Topshop is probably one of my most visited sites on my Macbook. Sad, but true. Topshop always have cracking sales online, you just have to be prepped for an early morning bleary-eyed shop - so worth it though.

Boots Treat Street - We see umpteen million adverts for Boots Treat Street, but do we ever use it? No. What even is it, i hear you say? Well, to break it down it is essentially clicking through to other retailers from the Boots site and gaining Boots points on the items you've purchased else where. The points gained aren't as much as 4 points a £1, but they certainly add up over time. Retailers include anything from Apple, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, French Connection, Miss Selfridge, Nelly, Topman and Play.com. The list is endless! At Christmas I purchased a large order online at Play, before logging on to Play I clicked through from the Boots Treat Street website and placed my order. Several weeks later, I popped my Boots card into the reader and had a shed load of points. After doing this continuously every time I make an order, I am now up to £56 Boots points! The key is to remembering to do so.

John Lewis - One of the best things about John Lewis is it's amazing beauty hall, sadly I'm only able to visit when I'm in Central. But their online beauty stores boats a variety of sought after brands: Laura Mercier, Origins and Liz Earle for starters. Another brownie point factor is the free shipping over £30, if your stocking up on your skin-care basics, this free shipping amount is certainly lower than its competitors.  They also do fab product bundles and gifts, that are always heavily discounted after Christmas. If your a Cath Kidston fan, shipping on the whole is cheaper at John Lewis than buying from the CK website too!

Debenhams - Fantastic for their beauty discount days, you can save up to 10% off the likes of Mac, Tom Ford or Bobbi Brown. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up to their beauty loyalty card when your next in-store. Even if you don't shop that regularly with Debenhams to rack up the points, with a card you are entitled to free shipping on any beauty order - you never need to bother ordering from the Mac website again! On various occasions they have a free £5 worth of points, if you spend over £30 on make-up or skin care - the perfect time to re-stock.

ASOS - I can't really say i am a massive fan of the ASOS own branded items, but their beauty section is a whole other story. With 10% off all year round for students and free Super Saver Delivery, its worth checking out some of their top brands such as Nars and Clarisonic. They also have some fabulous product bundles (such as this Benefit and Nars set) and amazing end of season sales.

Amazon - I am am avid customer of Amazon, from purchasing the latest crime thriller novel for my Kindle to rather surprisingly beauty products. You can near enough purchase anything from Amazon, its always worth giving it a good search first. I've purchased the infamous Seche Vite varnish, my Clarisonic and the hard-to-buy Queen Helen face mask - all for a damn site lot cheaper. One of my friends even purchased a Michael Kors watch, and another some special American branded crisps - random.

Feel Unique - A hit with us beauty bloggers but to the British public, relatively unheard of. Feel Unique is a cracking beauty site, selling a string of amazing brands such as Benefit, Claudalie and YSL. I has free shipping on everything, and most items are discounted - it is the cheapest stocklist of the infamous Xen Tan fake tanner. Its worth liking their Facebook page too, to be up to date with the latest discount codes they often roll out.

Harrods - Another online stocklist we dare not look at in fear of prices, but whilst your stalking the sold-out sale pieces at Boots after Christmas I'm adding the amazing discounted beauty sets to my basket on Harrods. Is always worth checking out their Laura Mercier and Marc Jacobs reductions during sale times.

Escentual - Similar to Feel Unique, Escentual beauty website offers some fabulous sample packs of a variety of brands. But be quick they often sell out super fast, with the likes of French skincare brands Avene and La Roche Posay offering big bundles of samples for under £15, its a great way to trial a new brand.

Space NK - Another one of my favourite beauty stockists, they sell a variety of up-market brands in both cosmetics and skincare. My favourites being Khiels, Laura Mercier and Nars. Online be sure to sign up to their N.Dulge loyalty card, even if you don't regular shop with the brand they send out fab offers of free gifts on your birthday, gift cards at Christmas and first serve tickets to their in-store events. Its always worth a visit in-store if your nearby, the ladies are always on hand to give excellent advice and dish out a healthy amount of skincare samples too! My favourite branch is the Convent Garden store, pop in next time your visiting.

Thanks for reading - if you have any sites you check constantly do share! Stay tuned for part two..

The Lust List -5th June

With the height of summer so close in sight, currently i sit here tapping away with the rain lashing down outside, its so dismal i'm finding it pretty hard to justify purchasing anything remotely pretty and floaty. Though in true typical Bank Holiday fashion, i have thundered through every retailer online armed at the ready with my debit card in preparation to do some serious damage. Oh bloody heck, hurry up July!

Peplum Dress - Zara (£22.99) - With the peplum trend touted as one if the hottest looks around this S/S, its pretty hard to buy into a trend that is, lets admit it, pretty darn weird. When on it can look pretty fabulous and this Zara steal is no exception. I love the high scoop neck and the rather tight body-con skirt, it really emphasises the flintiness of peplum.

Denim Shirt - Zara (£25.99) - I have never ever been attracted to a denim shirt in my life, or any shirt quite frankly. But after seeing it paired so well with a variety of floaty skirts and chunky statement necklaces, i'm rather smitten. I've fallen head over heels for the cute polka dot cuff.

Pink Brogues - Zara (£25.99) - These to me scream Olivia Palermo, and for the that reason alone i will say no more!

Three Set Earrings - Mulberry (£100.00) - I honestly think these diddy gold earrings would make the perfect gift, yes for myself included. Shoot me for saying this, but i think they are amazing value. Give your friend the star pair, and keep the hearts for yourself! 

Casual Colour - Mac (£17.50) - Part of their new Casual collection (of which i can't say i've haven't heard too much about) there are eight limited edition cheek and lip tints, from baby pinks to peachy corals. Yes, i know, i know, i have way too many blushers and lipsticks, but that really doesn't stop me swooning..

Pansy Tea Dress - Topshop (£38.00) - Cover your ears ladies, but this is my perfect vintage find. AKA: it looks vintage and i can buy it without the hassle of thrifting and knowing no ones pegged it wearing such item. The sharp collar and pansy print is far too lovely to resist. A steal in Topshop prices too, eh?

Dip Dem Skirts - Zara (£29.99) - My love of dip hem skirts shows no signs of slowing down, they are so floaty and whimsical. Did i really just call a skirt whimsical? Lord. But they are so easy to wear, i can't quite handle the amount of material in a maxi-skirt (mini-skirt lover at heart here) but dip hem has the right amount of modesty covering and pretty-ness. Make sense? No, just roll with it.

Any of these items catch your eye? Any one tried the lip tints?

Primadonna Girl

Coral Jacket - c/o Tesco (£22.00) / Blouse - c/o Tesco (£12.00) / Jeggings - H&M (£15.99) / Wedges - Topshop (£45.00)

In true typical Bank Holiday style, the angry grey clouds are in full force, however this sure hasn't put a damper on my long weekend - say hello to my new wedged babies. These tan strappy wedged heels are the pair i have long been searching for. They are light as air to walk in (quite unbelievable actually) with a relativity medium sized heel, a true blessing for a girl whose absolutely shite at walking heels. Priced at a reasonable £45 from Topshop, the tan shade allows them to work with almost everything in my wardrobe, from jeans to pretty summer frocks. They can be dressed down for day-time (although i haven't quite got that brave just yet) or adding a sleek but simple edge to a evening look. I also seriously have to recommend the jeggings i purchased from H&M, i despise the word jeggings as much i truly hate jeans. But, i tell you, these whatdycallits are bloody amazing, they are identical to the Topshop Leigh skinnies, wash perfectly and fit like a glove - without the thick jean material, price and general uncomfortableness i find with jeans - go buy! 

What are you up to this weekend?