The Specials

Blouse - Tesco / Blazer - Topshop / Skirt - Forever 21 / Sandals - Accessorize

As you can probably tell this outfit was definitely snapped earlier in the week, on Wednesday to be precise on my office balcony. Oh to be bathed in sunshine again! Dressing office appropriate in lovely but rather sweaty London is a rather troublesome feat, especially where the underground is concerned. I snapped up this Forever 21 dip hem skirt way back in year and I had been waiting for the right time to bust it out. The dip hem is probably my must-have trends this summer, they are easy to wear without looking boring, they allow you to whip out your pins without flashing too much flesh. I paired it with a very simple but wardrobe stable cream blouse that goes with everything I own - why do I not buy more of these? Then threw on a white blazer for the freezing depths of South Eastern air con, and lets be realistic - how many days can you in the UK whip out a white blazer? Needless to say I grumpily slugged it around for the remainder of the day.

After work, that evening I met the lovely Vivianna for a quick sniff of of some delightful Diptque fragrances, then hotfooted off to a Mistair and Stageline event. I witnessed Craolyn Roper painting a very handsome John from The Lean Machine 'inside out' - as seen in the photo (fan's self). And had my first airbrushing experience with Mistair, I was intrigued to understand how you can look 'airbrushed' without looking like you had been shot in the face with a paintball gun, but a quick sprizt of blush was rather impressive, but not as fun as listening to the make-up artists tales of Brad Pitt. 

Now i'm off to a restaurant that sells only dessert (hallelujah) and I hope you have a lovely evening, few bits of ramble first:

I thought the Olympic ceremony was absofuckinglutly amazing and I now hold a soft spot for Usain Bolt. If you can be sure to pick up a copy of this months Elle as the St Tropez Gradual Fake Tan is mindblowingly good. Topshop has free delivery this weekend, and I for one certainly have these in my basket, this and this. Forgoing the holiday diet this week has all been about the Eat Raspberry Ripple drinks, Starbucks frappes are so dated. And AMEN to working at home during the Olympics! 

How was your week?

All that glitters

Jazzhands Glitter Peep Shoes - Topshop (£60.00)

Hurrah! I threw shit to the wind and finally ordered these wondrous, absolutely fabulous, sparkly gems! You pull that smug face at the mid-heel, these babies are unbelievably comfortable and boy do they sparkle. After much swooning and deciding that these heels are in-fact 'me' in shoe form, I bit the £60 bullet and bought them. Are they highly unpractical, rather over the top in the glitter department and become rarely worn? Yes and I love them ever more being so! 

I really don't know whats gotten into me, a fiery shoe obsessive has become of me and I rather like it! I have bought these, a wedge, a sparkly flat, three pairs of New Look sale flats and a cracker of a mysterious pair of shoes I cannot wait to show you in my next post.. intriguing hmm?

Cherry Wine

Chance - Chanel (£24.00)

Chanel's Coco Rogue Shines are my absolute favourite lipsticks ever, glossy and sheer they are very easy to wear, looking very pretty indeed. I indulged last summer whilst passing through duty free purchasing 'Evasion' a soft peachy nude and 'Chance' a light but bright baby pink, as seen above. It has fast become my favourite shade to wear out of my entire lipstick collection, its soft and delicate but adds a pinch of pink to my complexion. They aren't as long-lasting as you would desire, but they are ever so glossy so you can see why. Finding it hard to wear more pigmented lipstick as I don't think it really suits me, these glossy balms are the perfect supplement. A rather pricey one at that, but who can resist the glamour of those interlocking C's?

 

I hope you can look past my bare fresh-faced skin! Today called for a strictly garden day, choosing to re-read HP all over again whilst trying (and failing) to tan a little. I shall definitely be popping a few more Rogue Shines into my collection whilst skipping through duty free on my next holiday, though I should probably work my way through the gazillion lipstick I rarely use...

Have you ever tried the infamous Chanel Coco Rogue Shines?

The day I met Liz Earle

Last month I was kindly invited to a Liz Earle/Grazia reader event by the lovely Aisling. We scooted on over to the Sloan Square flagship branch in truly late fashion, to catch the last few tidbits of advise Liz's was dishing out. 

Liz Earle is a cult favourite within my family, so armed on a mission to talk to Liz personally, Aisling and I made our way through the mini-crowd to talk with the beauty genius. Starting her career as a top beauty journalist and editor, Liz went on to found her own skincare line to provide products that weren't readily available to her, natural and unique ingredients coupled with perfectly-tuned formulations for even the most sensitives of skins. As you may be aware, the iconic Cleanse and Polish is a record beauty breaker. Renown in the beauty industry, Cleanse and Polish is Liz's best selling product, but who is the lady behind the mint and fancy packaging? Bloody lovely. She was an absolute treasure to talk to, comical yet thoroughly aware of her creations. Talking me through her inspirations for one my favourite products, the Botanics hairline, I was in awe of her attention to detail. Not forgetting her bang-on-trend Marc Jacobs quilted clutch people!

As with most beauty/reader events, the ticket is normally redeemable against products. So armed with our vouchers Aisling and I set to work.. shopping. It's what comes easiest to us. We both settled for a cream blush in Nectar from Liz's new make-up line, it instantly caught our attention with several 'oohs' and 'ahhs'. The perfect rosy coral adds an instant flush on on the cheeks, without looking too tacky on the skin or just dull. Then we head over to the 'minis' stand, I do love a mini product - cheap at half the price and a perfect way to dabble in new products. I picked up a Mineral Suncream to chuck in my handbag for holiday, a Superbalm - another handbag essential, suitable for lips and other dry spots; and lastly a mini Deep Cleansing mask which was thrown in as a complimentary sample (win win). Which can I just say has already proved amazing coupled with the Alpha H Liquid Gold.. post to follow.

No event would be complete without a goody bag! All the attendees were kindly given a pencil Eyeliner and a Lash Defining mascara in black. Giving both a good trial the Eyeliner is pretty darn impressive, not one to be overlooked.. yet the mascara lacks any volume or length but that may be due to its defining properties.

 Whilst in Guildford today doing a spot of shopping, I popped in to Liz Earle to stock up on a few extra miniatures for my holiday. The lovely sales assistant pointed me towards the 'Great British Award Winners Set', retailing at £37.00. It contains a full-size Cleanse and Polish (for late-night make-up removal on holiday), Gentle Exfoliator (best exfoliator I've ever used hands-down), a mini Skin Tonic (for holidays), a mini Super-skin Moisturiser (perfect for the plane) and two muslin cloths. On top of that the sales assistant threw in a mini Eye cream too - bonus!

So there you have it, a rather large skincare haul and a cracking photo of Liz and I, eh! If you want to see any reviews of the products then do shout. But I seriously love the Gentle Exfoliator and Deep Cleansing mask - true winners! 

Have you been to any reader/beauty brand events - I'm pretty keen to find some more to attend. What a fabulous way to explore brands and learn about their products.

As We Enter

Hello there, I thought I would fill you in on a little life update. You followed my journey through university, but since graduating you haven't really heard much since - apart from my usual ramblings that is. This time last year I had just received my First Class Honours degree with a new found freedom to hunt out the perfect career. Where am I now? Exactly the same place. As some of you may know I have been lucky enough to work part-time in beauty pr, where I have garnered amazing experience and good grasp of the PR world, not to mention amazing hair product samples. But the hunt for real full-time career is still very much a work in progress. I have actually been offered two jobs, but turned them down due to a niggly bad gut-feeling. But you know what? That's okay because you should love what you do, not just for the sake of it. Some people are still at odds at why people bother going to university, especially so with the disgustingly high fees, but its not just a meal ticket to an easy job, it's actually a very worthwhile experience and I actually really enjoyed studying my subject - I miss it! Of course it's not for everyone, that's cool - but would I do it again, yes. So in the words of Lord Sugar, the search for the next job role continues..

Having you recently graduated and finding it hard to track down a job role? I know its very disheartening but everything always happens for a reason, and sometimes it literally depends on what sector you want to work for. Tell me your story! 

On a completely unrelated note, i'm currently LOVING Nas ft Damien Marley for my running playlist - go! 

If your having girl problems, I feel bad for you son.

The weather doesn't know what to do with itself. I don't know what to do with one's self - well especially wardrobe wise. Do I dare embrace bare-leggedness or retreat fully back to my beloved black tights? Neither thanks. But i'm starting to get into a style rut of jeans and it's becoming all tad to lazy. With the high-street going full steam ahead to autumn/winter, i'm not quite ready to dust off all my summer dresses just yet, so i'm definitely stuck in a style quandary. Queue shopping for the 'realistic' British summer, and emptying my online basket of fourth not-needed bikini. 

 

Denim Shirt - Zara (£25.99) / Pointed Flats - J.Crew (£160.00) / Selection of statement necklaces - Forever 21 / Grey Maxi Skirt - Forever 21 (£10.50) / Cute as a Button - Essie (£7.99) / Strawberry Margarita - OPI (£7.84) / Facial Tanner - Clarins (£17.50) / Cream Blush - Laura Mercier (£18.50) 

Since purchasing this roughed up denim shirt from Zara a few weeks back, it has come a firm staple in my wardrobe. Its laid back appeal, with slightly distressed collars and edging look perfect teamed with a overly feminine floral skirt. It looks relaxed, yet stylish. Finishing the look off with a statement necklace from jewellery haven Forever 21 has to be the icing on the cake. From drab to fab in under a minute, adoring an outfit with a large statement necklace can do wonders. Adding edge, injecting colour or adding a new punch or twist to a fail-safe outfit you feel you've worn to death. Looking sadly at the abundance of summer chiffon gracing my wardrobe, this stormy grey maxi skirt from Forever 21 is an amazing steal! It can be worked with a leather jacket or black blazer for stormy days, or a white tee and tan sandals for the sunshine - perfect for changing seasons. As mentioned above, my jeans are fast becoming my early morning fail safe, but somewhat boring. Taking inspiration from the likes of Olivia Palermo, a fabulous way of dressing up jeans is a sleek pair of patent pointed flats. Okay - so the J.Crew is never going to happen, but Topshop do some fabulous affordable ballet pumps that add that parisian chic feel to an outfit - add some stripes and your good to go! 

I couldn't just post without mentioning a few beauty favourites, attempting the american 'girl next door' healthy look has always been a lusting. The Clarin's daily facial bronzer has become a summer staple, it adds the right amount of golden tan hue to make my appearance look.. well frankly alive. If only it contained freckles too! And if you can't wear hot pink in July, when can you? Favourites have included OPI's Strawberry Margarita and the beautiful Laura Mercier cream blush in Orelander.

What have you been purchasing recently?

I came along, I wrote a song for you.

In the new year I swore to myself a number of beauty rules, or resolutions if you please, that I would follow for the remainder of the year. So far so good, I followed suit with slathering on body lotion after showing every night, to letting my brows grow and keeping the tweezers at bay, remembering to use heat protection on my lockes (guilty as charged) however failing completely in the nail growing department, well you can't have it all can you? One thing that I religiously stuck by was rather random, yet something I am very thankful for battling on with. Foot care. Not going to lie, it pretty grim and mundane, but you gotta do what you gotta do eh?

Since January I have slathered my footisies in an assortment of creams, lotions and potions. Keeping them preened and pedicured to perfection, oh la la. With summer hopefully about to spring, my feet are oh so thankful I bothered. Because trust me ladies, after taking the tube for the last six summers I can tell you now, I have witnessed some of the most hideous feet that man-kind has witnessed. Its all in the prep, trust me.

Every Sunday, or technically when I can remember I start with removing all nail varnish only toes, also giving the nails a good file into shape, clipping them so they aren't too long, and buffing away any ridges on the nail.

Flake Away - Soap and Glory (£7.00) / Foot File

Next i like to exfoliate the heels and under-areas of my feet to remove all the dead skin cells. I use Soap and Glory's Flake Away on dry skin, buffering all areas of my feet including the sides and top. Then I let  my feet soak in nicely hot water to relax and wash away all the exfoliator. After patting dry, I then take a foot file and rub away any of the remanning hard skin to fully remove any build up of hard skin (ew). It's best to do so after soaking, as the skin is soft and easy to file away. These steps will literally put a spring in your step and if you spend a lot of time on your feet at work or commuting this is heavenly after!

Nourishing Foot Cream - Neutrogena (£6.15) / Hemp Balm - Body Shop (£1.00) / Coconut Oil - Boots (£2.54)

Next up I like to slather, slather, slather my feet in cream to fully moisturise and get those footsies as smooth as a baby's bottom. I use a variety of lotions and potions of which I use every night after showering, switching them up daily. First up is Neutrogena Foot Cream, this thick nourishing cream sinks in immediately, perfect for combatting hard heels or very dry skin. The next two are balm/oil type textures, of which aren't too intensely moisturising but over time really soften hard skin and are a lovely pampering treat to use. Previously I have tried and really loved Trilogy Every Thing Balm, rather pricey but so worth it. Now I switch up between a Boots Own Ingredient Coconut Oil, a hard balm that softens into an oil when rubbed in. And a recent bargain purchase, the Body Shop Hemp Balm I bought in the sale for a mere pound! Then I pop on some fresh cotton socks to let it all sink in and let my feet drink up the nourishing cream.

A few hours later, I swipe a quick cotton pad of nail varnish remover over my toenails in prep for nail polish - this creates a clean base for polish, ensuring all the moisturiser from earlier is removed which may effect the longevity of the varnish. I always use a base coat in the form of Sally Hanson, to ensure the varnish doesn't stain the nail. Next up I paint what-ever colour takes fancy, recent favourites include Essie 'Cute As A Button', then a thick layer of top coat of Seche Vite to instantly make them dry and ensure they don't chip!

Base Coat - Sally Hansen (£5.50) / Cute as a Button - Essie (£7.99) / Tequila Sunrise - Rimmel (£4.59) / Seche Vite - Amazon (£7.15)

I hope this helps, or motivates you to do something about those pesky, unsightly feet we have. If England should be graced with a summer this year, its vital we should be prepared, or really you should ditch those sandals for the sake of my eyesight please! My rather lovely colleague at work Hannah has uploaded a video on her YouTube Channel all about foot-care, more in-depth if you should fancy a butchers, she truly knows her stuff!

Do you keep up any foot regime? From working in granny retail for the last six years, I cannot tell you how 'unsightly' your feet will be when your eighty odd - now if that don't motivate you..