The MOTHER of all GIFT GUIDES!

With the first of December rolling around tomorrow (sweet mother of god, i'm excited) its officially time to whip out your Christmas List and get scribbling of all the pretty things you've worked damn well hard for this year. In true fashion I've noted just a (few) things that have caught my eye recently and decided to share... enjoy!

Juicy Couture Rollerball perfume (£9.99) / Topshop 'Treat Yourself' (£10.00) / Cath Kidston Mirror (£3.36) / Destiny's Child Greatest Hits (£3.99) / UO Fig & Pear Candle (£6.00) / Colour In Kate Moss (£6.75) / UO Heart Earrings (£6.00) / H&M Mittens (£4.99) / Philosophy Purity (£9.00) Hands is Hope (£9.00) Hope in a Jar (£10.00) / UO 'S' Candle (£4.00) / Tesco Thermal Socks (£6.00) / Whistles Bead Ring (£12.00) / Whistles 'Sarah' Ring (£12.00) / Cath Kidston Mug (£5.00) / F21 Necklace (£10.62) / 3 for 2 Essie Polish (£7.99 each) / 3 for 2 Knickers at New Look / H&M Phone Case (£3.99)

Remmington Tongs (£22.99) / Lauren Conrad Beauty (£8.24) / Laura Mercier Hand Cream (£20.00) / Chanel Collections (£15.96) / Naked Coco De Mer Bundle (£9.00) / Lancome Rouge In Love (£20.00) / Stila Set (£18.50) / Nars Lipgloss (£19.00) / Soap & Glory Shower Set (£20.00) / Liz Earle Set (£17.50) / Kerastace Set (£17.95) / Moleskin Diary (£13.51) / Chanel Compact Mirror (£23.00) / Dior Show Set (£21.00) / Khiels Lipbalm Set (£19.00) / Moleskin Style Journal (£11.57) / Burberry Eyeshadow (£22.50) / Tom Ford Lipstick (£36.00)  / Caudlie Winter Rescue Set (£8.00) / Bobbi Brown Make-up Manual (£14.00)  

Cath Kidston Slippers (£26.00) / Aerin Make-up Bag (£36.00) / Miu Miu Phone Case (£85.00) / Origins Set (£39.00) / Nuxe Set (£28.00) / UO 3 Glass Hearts (£30.00) / Laura Mercier Set (£25.00) / Laura Ashley Mirror (£25.20) / Nars Set (£35.00) / Best of OPI (£28.50) / Marc Jacobs Watch (£229.00) / Whistles Bag (£75.00) / Mobile Recharger (£20.00) / Floral Hairdryer (£45.00) / Cath Kidston Cake Stand (£25.00) / Laura Mercier Lip Glaze Set (£31.00) / YSL Set (£48.00) / Alex Monroe Ring (£109.95)

Snazzy Online Offers!

15% off at Cath Kidston with the code 'Deer' expires Friday midnight.

10% off John Lewis Beauty in Price Match.

10% off Debenhams Beauty, brand event.

10% off House of Fraser, brand event.
25% off Warehouse with code 'XMASGIFT'

Free delivery at Space N.K.

20% off Marks and Spencer's Beauty inc Nuxe.

30% off Dorothy Perkins with code 'VCEXTRA30'

£15 off £30 orders at Bodyshop with code '14317'

5% off Feel Unique with code 'VCCOUKXMAS5'

Free delivery at Miss Selfridge with the code 'HAPPYSHOPPING'

AND breathe! Name me your top three items, go!

Next in Line.

A few weeks back I was invited to have a nosey at Next's A/W collection at their store on Oxford Street at their Bloggers Lock In. After having a good browse at their amazing shoe department, hard-core giggling at the security man secretly singing along to Beyonce and pursuing a fabulous fur coat, I decided that I was far too champagne happy to shop seriously. A few days later, gifted with a voucher I indulged in some serious knit-wear retail therapy at Next online and thought I would share my stylish and snuggly (if I say so myself) picks..

Stud Knit Look Jacket - Next (£42.00)

As soon as I saw this boucle style cardigan I couldn't resist, this long-line cardigan hangs beautifully over a plain white tee and my black skinniest jeans. Dressed up or down, its a classic statement piece that can be worn all year round. Incredibly soft to wear, the embellished studs add a certain tough edge. Adore the metallic threading too!

Angora Mix Stitch Sweater - Next (£25.00)

Being a complete sucker for anything grey toned, I snapped up this basic baby-soft jumper. With the simple stitching patten, it mixes and matches perfectly with other items in my wardrobe. My biggest sin is buying clothing to come home and finding absolutely nothing in my wardrobe to match with it. I cannot wait to pair this with a number of skirts, maybe with a navy check shirt underneath with a statement necklace. This also comes in a berry tone, that I'm currently swooning for big time!

Neppy Sweater - Next (£18.00)

The jumper is an ABSOLUTE bargain! A steal at £18, this marl neepy dark-grey jumper is unmistakably a must-have basic. Its ever so soft and very good quality indeed (not too thin), It simply had to be paired with my F21 statement necklace. What I love even more is the faux pleather patches on the arm sleeves, such a on-trend addition (as seen here).

So there you have my knit-wear extravaganza! I'm still awaiting one final jumper to be delivered, so will definitely show you in due course. With the price of good quality knitwear so pricey on the high-street these days (looking at you Topshop) It's great to find some fabulous pieces at affordable prices. 

Ruby Red

Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107 - Rimmel (£5.49)

Wow there sister! You haven't seen my mug for a while and then BOOM i'm coming 'atcha full force in none other than a deep berry lipstick. Say what? I'm a complete lipstick hoarder, yet a complete virgin wearer. I fatally always forget to re-apply as soon as I leave the house and I strictly stay in the peach nudes/baby pink territory. But after seeing everyone and their Gran rave about the infamous Kate Moss 107, I had to get a slice of the action myself.

A true dark red with a slight berry tone, this lipstick isn't completely matte but has a true long lasting staying power on the lips. Strongly pigmented and only for the brave, I fell head over heel's straight out of my comfort zone for the number 107. Adding Nars Gina to my cheeks for more warmth, I've come to realise this shade of red is the perfect tone for my complexion. It makes me feel truly festive, vixen vampy and gains multiple bonus points for making my teeth look whiter. It is rather drying, but that doesn't bother me too much (at least I know it's not migrating around my face!) a quick slick of lipbalm re-plumps the colour after a few hours.

Have you tried the new Kate Moss Matte range? I may do other posts like this showcasing my other lipsticks If you fancy?

24 Days of Christmas Treats

Beauty Advent Calendar - Liz Earle (£100.00)

When this rather large delightful package fell upon my doorstop, I did an almighty punch to the air and may have done a little wee (to much?). The Liz Earle 24 Days of Christmas is the mother of all advent calendars and if there were one to rule them all, it would certainly be good old Liz. I have proclaimed my love for both the brand's skin and hair care lines, but there are still many products in the range I am yet to try. Well, come December thats all going to change. Every morning I'll be tearing open a little door to reveal my pampering treat for the day. Gone of the days are mini chocolate, for by the time the New Year comes knocking I'll be primped and preened head to toe. 

The Advent Calendar itself is a rather indulgent treat at a hundred pounds a pop, but an excellent range to try what Liz Earle has to offer. The sample size treats are rather deluxe giving a true feel to the product. The contents of the calendar are also revealed on the website, so you can have a sneaky peak at whats to be included. Roll on December!

If you fancy winning some Liz Earle treats, then pop on over to their Facebook page to win your ultimate Wish-list or scoot on over to their Pinterest for more competitions - and while your there, don't forget to check out my pins (saucy).

Beauty calendars or Chocolate? I've seen a cracking Where's Wally one in M&S.

* PR Sample

You're giving me such sweet nothing

When it comes to grocery shopping, I'm no stranger when it comes to sneaking various clothing items in my basket. It doesn't really count that way does it? I've had some fabulous pieces from Tesco Clothing in the past, it is surprisingly good quality and some bits are rather very on trend. After being spoiled with a voucher that I was given at a pressday, I hopfooted it straight online to see what A/W delights they had on offer.

Studded Cable Knit (£18.00)

This cream cable knit jumper is something I had been hunting for a while, perfect for cold winter days it can look amazing teamed with a leather jacket, blank skinnies and chunky ankle boots. This oversized jumper is just the right weight, fairly thin it isn't scratchy and it garners browinie points for not making you look two dress sizes larger. It has a longer flattering length than most i've seen on the high-street which I rather like. Got to love the tiny un-offensive stud detailing to add a certain something.

Ribbed Peplum Top (£14.00)

Whilst I realise I am certainly very late to the peplum party, after snapping up a pair of oxblood skinnies from Zara - I realised I don't have many things to actually pair them with. Enter this ribbed white peplum blouse that fits like an absolute dream, it works perfectly with both my black and oxblood jeans, the ribbed detailing looking so much more expensive.

 

Stud Utility Blouse (£14.00)

This oxblood blouse immediately caught my eye (seeing an oxblood theme running here?) the stand-out square studs and loose soft shirt was literally calling my name. I now need some deep deep dark blue demin drainpipes to set this off to a T please! 

Truth be told I haven't been clothes shopping in such a long time, I am certainly feeling withdrawal symptoms. I made a sneaky (large) Next order so watch out for that soon! I'm off to pen my Christmas list and listen to Michael Bubble, is it sad I'm looking forward to the January sales already?

Coco De Mer

Coco De Mer Bath Foam / Shower Gel - Naked (£3.98)

Naked Body Care is a brand that I have long-since wanted to share since I discovered their fantastic range last year. Naked, as you can imagine from the name, is a very natural brand in the sense that it's entire range doesn't include any parabens or sulphates, meaning it's a lot more friendlier to sensitive skin. Using a standard bodywash in the shower, I can come over all itchy and dry, waking up in the morning to discover large angry red scratch marks all over my body. Not nice. This is most commonly caused by the sulphates within the body wash, which allows the product to come to lather or bubble. 

Naked however stays well and truly clear of such ingredients, meaning my skin is softly taken care of and most importantly clean! My favourite scent of the bunch is Coco De Mer, with a wink in the name to those famous double CC's, it is exactly like bathing in your favourite Chanel musky scent. It can only be described as heavenly, its thick luscous scent is certainly a treat for pampering. I've lost count of how many bottles I have worked my way through, its truly delicious - perfect for winter relaxing evenings. I also tried out the many of the other products in the Coco De Mer range and only have amazing things to report back.

If you fancy trying out the Coco De Mer range, I do recommend this bundle for a bargainous £9.00! Or if your passing by in Boots, please do give it a good whiff, I promise you will not be disappointed. It's really quite hard to believe a scent that heavenly is on a shelf in Boots, not in Space NK.. 

Have you ever tried Naked Body Care?

IF I WAS A RICH GIRL

Cocktail Kitty, Treat Yourself, If I Was A Rich Girl - Topshop (£10.00)

ADORE these girly but oh so cheeky slogan purses that Topshop are offering this season, with a polite nod to Anya Hidmarsh, I think these would make a fab gift for a girlfriend at Christmas. The perfect accomplice on a night-out for a small clutch bag or even as an everyday coin purse, they are perfect gift  (or treat for yourself!) with a sleek designer feel. I might have to purchase all three, love the metallic colours! 

Essie Haulin'

Luxedo, Vanity Fairest & Fancy Pants - Superdrug/Boots (£7.99)

Matthew treated me to a few Essie polishes for my birthday and in true nature I am completely smitten with the shades I picked. My love affair with Essie is continuously growing, the wide shaped brush and creamy formula is a true winner in my book. At £7.99 a pop from their high-street range, they are a slight splurge but for every now and then treat, who could say no? Being all superficial and that, the little glass bottles are such a clincher, looking all organised lined up on on my bookshelf.

Luxedo is the ultimate black purple shade, perfect the A/W season. With a glossy shine finish, the deep purple colour is offset by the black undertones casting it to look neat and primp - if not a little wicked! Vanity Fairest is a very delicate baby pink, sheer to apply but wonderfully sophisticated. Not your everyday pink, Vanity Fairest has a very subtle shimmer, not a glitter, but the slightest hint of silver shimmer that catches the light. I think its truly a beautiful polish and makes all nails look polished and preened, I would even go as far to say that this polish is probably my all-time favourite nail varnish I have ever laid my hands on!  Fancy Pants is a cool toned light brown with a hint of of grey for added kick, a cross between a beige and mink colour. It looks unique and clean on the nails, without looking too washed out or grubby like some 'griege' polishes. 

So theres a round up of my few favourite polishes of the moments, shades that you may have not heard all that much about but certainly worth noting. If you fancy treating yourself then definitley pop online to Superdrug where all Essie are currently within their 3 for 2 offer, and it would defintley be rude not to take advantage of the free delivery Superdrug are offerings. A fabulous idea could be to give one ouch each as a gift, I particularly love this idea.

What are your favourite Essie polishes?

Chanel Chance

Chance Eau De Parfum 50ml - Chanel (£62.00)

Chanel Chance is one of my true loves, it's romantic notes settled my love affair with this beautiful empowering, somewhat playful floral scent. If I could bath in it every day, I certainly would. As soon as I smell Chance I instantly feel myself, like it's my very own precious scent. Of course it isn't, as my mother always comments that I practically drown myself in it, well enough to give passersby a good whiff. Religiously spritzing everyday, apart from a few casual flirts with Marc Jacob's Daisy and Balenciaga, I am a true Chance girl. 

I recently acquired a bottle of the parfum, as the el de toilet (let's be honest - thats how we all really say it) isn't worth the pennies. However, this bottle didn't cost me a single penny, nope, nada. Pushing my degree to one side, last month I succeeded in fulfilling of one of life's many achievements: saving my sweet, sweet Boots points. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen I traded in my hard work, those very precious sixty two thousand Boots points for a bottle of Chanel. Even the sales assistant gave me 'in awe' look as processed my sale. Now, can a girl get a celebratory cheer around here please?

What have you purchased with your Boot's points? Are you a saver or a 'sod it i really need..'? What's my secret you ask: going to Boots opticians, Boot's Treat Street and quite literally, hard-core determination. 

Flaw Busting Duo

In the ever searching quest to rid of those pesky troublesome spots that appear around that certain time of the month, I seem to have unmasked a combination of two products that have worked amazingly well in keeping my skin clear and bright. Without further ado, the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask and Alpha H Liquid Gold have truly been a winning combination in keeping my skin in order and I find myself reaching for this duo when I feel stressed or during that certain time to keep everything at bay.

Deep Cleansing Mask - Liz Earle* (£14.00)

I previously tried a small sample of the Deep Cleansing Mask when I attended a Liz Earle Event in the summer. Amazed by it's results I was glad to try out the full-size version to give it a proper whirl. Not your average typical clay mask, it's rather runny grey formula has to be carefully applied to skin, where it impressibly draws out impurities and excess oil, leaving soft clear skin. Not for the faint-hearted the natural ingredients of green clay, manuka honey, propolis and geranium literally wage war, tackling the skin. Its thick heavy herbal scent is somewhat medicinal, which is rather refreshing. If like I you have the skin of a rhino (combination/oily) it's perfect for getting straight to business, however if your skin is sensitive in anyway, it's best to steer firmly clear. I have come to rely on the mask every Sunday as a pampering treat, applying it as soon as I come out of a hot steamy shower, one of the most effective masks I have ever used. It even works wonders as a quick spot treatment and is great for tackling deep-rooted clogged pores on the nose. I throughly recommend picking up a sample size to begin with, for a bargainous £5.25 it's seriously worth checking out.

Liquid Gold - QVC* (£36.76)

Next up is the infamous Alpha H Liquid Gold, quite literally a pale gold liquid, it is applied after cleansing like a toner instead of your usual moisturiser. The glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin's surface of any dead skin cells, leaving brighter, smoother baby-soft skin. It gently works to unclog pores and brighten skin overall, targeting blemishes and paving the way for clear skin. Although as an acid it is deemed perfectly safe for use, it should only be used a few nights a week and a SPF should be used the following day to protect. I love using it especially the night before a big event, waking up with dramatically brighter skin, all fresh-faced. Additionally if I break out, I make sure to swipe this over any troublesome areas to exfoliate gently and keep it clear.

Using the Liquid Gold after the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing mask is a recipe for success, while the mask draws out any impurities and excess oil, the Liquid Gold ensures a bright complexion, working harder on those pesky deep-rooted clogged pores. I definitely find especially on my nose that my clogged pores are smaller and clearer than ever, hurrah!

Have you ever tried either of these products?

*Pr sample

*Donated to cure my curiosity by Charlotte

Through the keyhole..

After being overcome with interior inspiration from the likes of Pinterest and various blogs, I decided to give my entire room an overhaul. I ditched my entire back-log of Glamour/Elle magazines, filed away all my university work, donated various items of clothing (even if my father had to physically restrain me from climbing into the charity container to rescue a Kate Moss for Topshop dress - looking up the duff was never part of the plan) and sorted out all my lotions and potions. They say a tidy room is a tidy mind, and I couldn't agree more. I live in quite an old cottage so my bedroom is rather 'petite,' so organisation and a jam-packed bookshelf is the way forward. Here's my room.. 

Marilyn Monroe print by The Tate, Cream Chair by Ikea, Heart cushion by Ikea, Bookshelf by Ikea

Lotions and potions, new Essie additions, Cath Kidston pencils, coffee table books.

Philosophy Christmas Set, jewellery box as seen here, perfumes.

Dove by Laura Ashley*, Diptyque, Mirrored Pot by Laura Ashley, Biscuiteers Tin housing my perfumes.

Mulberry pouches, nail varnish collection, Nikon camera.

More lotions & potions, crime thriller novels, My Stache, borrowed Starbucks mug. 

 Muji Make-up Storage, storage box by Laura Ashley.

Brush holders: Cath Kidston, M&S candle recycled, Paperchase.

 Everyday make-up bag by Anya Hindmarsh

Slippers by Cath Kidston, best birthday gift ever.

How Clichè? My beloved Mac book.

Well I hope you enjoyed that little instalment, I may do a wardrobe organisation post but then you would be in for a treat: a big fat mess. Do let me know if you fancy a closer look at the Muji storage or what I have dubbed 'the almightly plastic towers of prettyness.' How materialistic of me ;-)

In other news, went to see Skyfall in the cinema yesterday - absofucklutly brilliant. Still not sure on Daniel Craig, but cracking plot. Slightly shocking ending, I will be having words with Judi Dench next time I bump into her at the corner shop (no really). Bit weird seeing Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and Daco's mum (whatshername) taking centre stage too, mindfuck. I now want to sip an ice cold Heineken wearing my Omega watch and ignore the fact that George Lucas just sold Star Wars to effing Disney. 

Enough of the geek, for some Friday fun find out your rap name here and create your own rap melody, Luda! Holla at me your rap name in the comments below.

Yours forever, Shady Bad S Sarah x