You Only Live Once

Topshop Embellished Jumper - £46, my purse whimpers.

Lets cut to the chase, this week has been a bit pants. After visiting a relative at hospital I got struck down by nasty germs and spent the majority of this week in bed, sick. I have been itching to write all week, but alas dry frosties (ew), hot Ribeana, HP audio books were my sole comfort. I am however back with a vengeance, partly due to being force-fed vitamins - do they even work? - and ready to natter more beauty and fashion nonsense. 

Whilst I've started prattling on in the post, I might as well continue,
some thoughts of this week:

In just over a week I'll be turning the ripe old age of twenty three, despite this being overly depressing, I  cannot think of a single thing to pop on my birthday list. Have I really got to that stage in life or do I just own everything? 

Completely and utterly backing Brendan to win British Bake Off, I for one simply adore his 70's bake throw-backs, who doesn't love a rum baba eh? I have no idea what it is either, but it does sound mightly impressive.

Your life really is incomplete if you haven't purchased a bottle of Bioderma make-up remover, this magical French potion/water is your best beauty friend on a late or drunken night out. Typically, you will have to cross the channel to locate a bottle (or buy a ridiculously expensive one from eBay like myself.) Just gunna throw this out there, at four in the morning I did wake up in the middle of the night quite parched... just kidding, but the thought was thur.

Why are winter coats SO BLOODY EXPENSIVE? Every year I look forward to purchasing a new winter coat, but with the high-street popping up the latest 'trends' (rip off's of last year) for up to £120, I'll take last years to the dry cleaners thank you very much and invest in some key knitwear. 

I hate to say it, but i'm not going to lie.. I may be a little (read: massively) excited for Christmas. There I said it, practically a swear word but still, roll on Winter.

Knitwear on the other hand, hello. In love with the embellished jumpers as seen above. Olivia P eat your heart out. Now, which one? Cream, grey.. or both?

Whaddya think?

Sunshine!

Last week I had the pleasure of jetting off to the sunshine and warmth of Lanzarote, armed with some of my best friends we drank copious amounts of local beer, tanned by the pool and ate out every night. We stayed in a beautiful villa in the Old Town of Puerto Del Carmen, spending days hopping in and out of the hot tub (ooo!) and catching up on my reading list of crime thrillers. Of course a little trip to Duty Free had to be done, and who knew the euro was so friendly in Lanzarote to the likes of Chanel?

Slightly - ok - really rather naughty purchases.. 

Long Wear Eyeshadow in Emerveille - Chanel

My first port of call was the Chanel stand at Gatwick Duty Free, this long-wear cream eyeshadow has been on my wish-list for a rather long time. A beautiful shade between copper, pink and cream - it plays upon blue eyes beautifully. Adore the dinky and surprisingly good brush applicator too. 

Coco Rouge Shine in Flirt - Chanel

The Coco Rouge Shine lipsticks by Chanel have become a firm favourite of mine, their sheer glossy finish is perfect for an every day lip, for a not-so-brave lipstick wearer. Already owning the bright pink Chance and nude Evasion, i settled on Flirt - a rather deliciously bright coral. I picked this up from one of the many beauty retailers they had along the main strip for a rather good bargain with the good ol' saying 'well, I'll think you'll find that's cheaper at home..' Who knew you could haggle Chanel?

YSL Shocking Mascara Set / Dior Show Blackout Mascara / Clinique Rinse Off Cream Cleanser

Deciding to shun all high-street mascaras after the disastrous effects of the bastard Max Factor, I purchased my all time favourite DiorShow in Blackout. Picked up on a whim at Gatwick (after the pesky sales assistant claimed she had no idea what Amber Diamond highlighter was - gr!) i'm very glad i became re-united with an old favourite. There were no need to whip out any false lashes on holiday, as this baby lengthens and volumizes lashes like no other, i will forever recommend this mascara! 

Another beauty shop caught my eye in Lanzarote (making up for the lack of Sephora) I was handed a 5€ discount card, bobs your uncle i swiftly picked up my faithful Clinique cream cleanser (for £12) and treated myself to another favourite YSL Shocking Mascara Set (for £16) - with the further reduction of five euros, it was a bargain all round!

 Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Rose and Apricot

Last but by no means least, Matthew treated me to this Clarins travel exclusive set before jetting off home. Having previously fallen in love with the Rose shade last year, these toffee smelling balms add a glossy shine with a slight tint of colour - ultimate handbag essential. I had been meaning to pick up the Apricot shade for months and when i saw this handy duo at half the price - i (Matthew) couldn't resist!

So there you have it, a week in the sun with many many beauty purchases. Who honestly knew Lanzarote was the beauty hot-spot to go too? If you fancy a cheap getaway, i definitely recommend the Villa Mercedes we stayed in, Easy Jet with screaming babies at 1am not so much.

One last thing:

white chocolate oreos - utter perfection! 

Have you tried any of these products? Been to Lanzarote?

Holiday!

This is Cuba, not Lanzarote, because that has black sand, which isn't quite frankly normal, so lets pretend it's white.

Today I leave you for a week, for I jet off to Lanza-grot-e. With my very cute lady bird slippers, copy of Grazia, Origins Drink It Up Mask (such a cliche) and my duty free list armed at the ready, it's all systems go! I'm spending the week in a lovely villa with some friends, and more importantly, a really good book! ;-)

See you on the other side! 

Sarah x

A/W Wishlist

Zara Bag (£25.99) / Nars Set (£35.99) / Origins Set (£26.00) / Topshop Embellished Jumper (£45.00) / Tweezerman Tweezers (£12.95) / Amber Dior Diamond Highlighter (£32.00) / Cath Kidston Phone Case (£24.95) / F21 Necklace (£10.62) / Seche Vite (£6.92) / Essie Watermelon (£7.00) / Carvela Flats (£39.00) / Cath Kidston Pencils (£3.00) / River Island Dress (£20.00!) / Jo Nesbo's The Bat (£9.49) / Wallis Boots (£55.00)

 I feel a tad strange penning this post as I'm currently trying to get into 'summer' mode for my holiday on Thursday, but alas I cannot resist the lure of the brand spankin' new A/W lines hitting the high-street. With an itching for thick knitted tights, cute little ankle boots and the excitement of purchasing a new winter coat, A/W 12 has sucked me in entirely. 

With a penchant for investing (read: splurging) on rather high-end bags, I rarely ever fall in love with bags on the high-street. Preferring to save for one I truly love and will use religiously, rather than splashing thirty quid here or there for a season throwaway. However, the above Zara bag has got me swooning. Large enough to fit all my essentials (and then some), its classic chic shape with gold strap is perfect for an evening out. Anything quilted I think just looks like a awful Chanel rippporf - this however, is classic, oui?

Right speeding through the rest of this list: Dior Amber Diamond will highlight and brighten my dull winter complexion (duty free splurge yes?), the Topshop jumper is to die for - gotta love any type of embellishment, the Tweezerman tweezers are the purchase you always promise to buy but think sod spending over ten flipping quid on TWEEZERS! September calls for new stationary and who doesn't love a bit of Cath Kidston eh? The Carvela flats are my dream shoe and I will be speedily purchasing. I keep tweeting Mr Louboutin to see when he will finally design me a pair of red soled pointed flats, but obviously he's a busy man. Seche Vite is the mother of all nail varnish topcoats, whaddaya waiting for? Jo Nesbo is the new Stieg Larsson, go read some amazing Swedish crime fiction. 

Who on EARTH would have thought those adorable cream ankle boots were from WALLIS?

LOVE River Island's dusty pink shift dress, a complete Victoria Beckham rip off, but what an absolute winner of a bargain.

Thoughts?

Fashion's Night Out 2012

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Vogue's Fashion Night Out in London, deemed the most fashionable event in the country, fashionistas line up to take part in the the variety of show-stopping events and activities lined up by some of the biggest retailers on the infamous British high-street right up the luxurious fashion houses on Bond Street. Starting in 2009, FNO was the genius idea of Anna Wintour, editor of US Vogue, to beat the recession blues and basically celebrate all things fashionable. Happening globally around the world in a number of cities, I have attended every year (link here!) (link here!) (link here!) and have always been amazed at how fashionable us British truly are!

This years festivities were no different, the atmosphere was incredible and the amazing array of activities lined up were cracking. Of course, true to when most things become more popular and sought after, the magic does tend to wear off slightly. With queues of thirty to forty minutes to enter the likes of Mulberry, Hermes and other Bond Street retailers, it was all a tad hectic to say the least. But suffice to say, if you plan your route well and you're in the know you are destined for a good time (and blagging lots of goodies!). Sadly I didn't take many photos, due to much rushing around here, there and everywhere but here was an outline of my evening, enjoy!

Tee - American Apparel / Necklace - F21 / Skirt - Zara (£19.99!) / Bayswater - Mulberry

5.33pm - Nip into Claridges for a pre-posh loo break to Sarah's horror, where are you suppose to pee on FNO?

5.45pm - Join the short queue forming at Conde Nast International Shop, grab a copy of October Vogue and the infamous FNO tee-shirt, designed by Jonathon Saunders with proceeds going to Refuge, you can buy yours here. First goody bag of the night with fancy popcorn, Hummingbird Bakery cupcake, Sept Vogue, Nails Inc Varnish, Benefit Poreprofessional, Lush make-up, LFW Invite & Percy and Reed Hair Spray!

6.00pm - Rush off to Juicy Couture on Bruton Street, run on in to find no glasses of champers but a builder in the middle of floor ripping up the building, right. Brisk jog to Regent Street to pop into Liberty's for a quick pitstop, Jaeger for a just as quick dance to James Brown 'Get On Up!' Then meet Elodie, Michelle and Lily in Juicy Couture for a glass of something bubbly, sniff various perfumes and agree that JC isn't that chavvy. Spot Suki Waterhouse, apparently a famous model - no, I don't know either.

6.50pm - Pop into Ted Baker to nibble chocolate fish & chips, gaze at dresses and listen to a Birkin-clad lady demand: 'well, where can I pick up all the free stuff?'

7.20pm - Randomly popped into Apsinal to nab a 'Man' goody bag for younger brother and spotted d-list Strictly Come Dancing celeb.

7.30pm - Rock up to Marc by Marc Jacobs on Mount St. for champagne and much hand-bag swooning. Purchased two rings for £6, came away with a free tee-shirt and copy of LOVE magazine. Just for the record now, that's 2 Vogues + 1 LOVE = serious arm workout.

7.40pm - Dash up the road to Marc Jacobs for another free tee-shirt, have my photo taken with Mr. Bear and question whether they would notice if I took my very own quilted goody bag, I thought not. Great atmosphere in Marc J's - very quiet but fun staff!

8.00pm - Angry glances at Christian Louboutin and their fancy guest-list, straight to Lanvin to coo over very petite dogs, how fashionable.

8.15pm - Push our way down Bond Street to be met with the masses, exit on the left to escape to Covent Garden, with the quieter Mulberry in our sights.

8.25pm - Find a very, very quite Mulberry, very, very awkward. Sale assistant informs us the night is nearly over, and alas there are no goody bags but feel free to take some A/W stickers. Promptly witness Eddie cram a good stash of over 50 sheets of stickers into his bag to make up for goody bag, we all hurry and follow suite.

8.30pm - We find ourselves outside Kate Spade, taking refuge eating a rather delicious blackberry ice-cream courteous of Matt Benecci Ice Cream Stand and ponder on the various polka dot window displays.

8.45pm - Walking across the cobbled square, we come across the Chanel pop-up shop and nail varnish vending machines. We look on in amazement, I consider what may happen if I 'politely' shove the machine but the burly Chanel bouncers put the idea out of my mind. Girl's gotta try right?

En route home, take off my sandals, pop on my floral pjs, scrape my hair into a top-knot and scoff that very squashed Hummingbird Bakery cupcake quicker than you can say.. See you next year Fashion's Night Out!

Did you join in the FNO festivities?
I apologise for the AWFUL photos, I was clearly very tipsy when I took them.

Holiday Essentials

When I travelled to Cuba last year, the sheer amount of clothes and toiletries I packed was borderline ridiculous. It got to the point I was changing outfits during the evening just to prove my parent's 'I told you so' glares were completely in vain. Better still, when it came to purchasing this years holiday attire I literally whipped off the tag's of last years never-been worn bits and threw them in the case for next weeks travel shenanigans. I did however totally give in (of course) and purchased a few necessities..

Vests - Primark (£2.00) / Straw Hat - Accessorize (£9.00) / Flipflops - Topshop (£3.00) / Shorts - Boohoo* (£8.00)

I hoard hundreds of plain white vest tops, they are the secret to my style (ground-breaking news here people). I layer under knits, dress down glam skirts/bottoms and generally pair with everything I own! I bought a couple of cheap throw away vests for wearing by the pool and matching with most things I have thrown in the case. Beach holidays always call for a new straw hat, and would you believe it it took serious shopping to find the right one? Acessorize is always a good shout for beach wear all year round, and there's a great little store in most duty-free's for last minute purchases. A new pair of flip-flops for £3 in the sale that really couldn't be left on the shelf and a floral pair of red shorts to really show of my fabulously (fake) tan.

Shampoo and Conditioner - Pantene (from £4.69) / Leave-in Conditioner - Aussie (£4.49) / Soap - Dove (£1.35) / Hair Oil - VO5 (£5.19) / Suncream - Clinique (£17.00) / Exfoliating Gloves - Primark (£1.00)

I'm not really one for splashing the cash when it comes to holiday toiletry essentials, its back to basics. Slathering on masses of Pantene shampoo and conditioner has become a holiday ritual, cheap as chips they completely overhaul my dry sun-damaged lockes back into condition. Spritzing on Aussie's leave in conditioner, for around the pool combats tangly sea-salt tresses and locks in nourishment. I do also have a penchant for running the VO5 Miracle Concentrate through my ends in the evening, to keep frizz at bay and keep things super shiny. Dove soap is also a winner, it won't become a leaky mess in the suitcase and the cream doubles up as the perfect shaving lather for super smooth pins. Not forgetting the freaky MJ worthy hand exfoliator gloves, which help rid of dead skin for optimum tanning (need all the help I can get really). Another firm favourite is the Clinique SPF 30, this very thick war paint is a saviour for my burnt ears, shoulders and the tip of my nozzle! 

So there are my must-have holiday bits and bobs! I fly next Thursday, and the most important thing i demand you tell me: What would you pick up in duty free? I need some excuses.