Cause a Scene

As promised, here is the very sparkly next instalment on my favourite statement necklaces. Following on from my last post, I threw myself straight into the trend and giving into my inner magpie. With the high-street upping its game on the jewellery front I was delighted to see that New Look has a fabulous range of necklaces available. All different styles, colours and embellishments I felt like a kid in a sweet shop.

I was kindly gifted these two pieces from Matthew after picking them out in the store, priced at a rather bargainous £8.99 they were also on a buy one get on free - bingo! The rose gold is complemented by a pink toned stone, calling out for pretty summer shift dresses. Where as the silver has a rather eye-catching iridescent gem which change to a multitude of colours in the light, I cannot wait to pair this with a white tee and leather jacket.

From having a preuse online its clear to see New Look have considerably re-vamped their jewellery line and there are some fabulous pieces to be snapped up (especially this bib), at prices which will hardly break the bank. Is New Look's infamous cult heel department about to be rivalled by its amazing jewellery line? I cannot wait to see more! 

Harder than you think

Skinny Jeans - Zara (£19.99)

This post has been a long time coming indeed, bought way back in October on whim, these oxblood jeans were a worthy investment. Being the girl who never dared to wear jeans (shock horror) I have completely thrown that mantra out for good. These skinny offerings from Zara were a complete steal under £20 and being truthful I had serious doubts on what they would offer in the comfort stakes. Alas, I couldn't be further from the truth. With the denim being rather soft and with a rather give and stretch, they are wonderfully comfy. And even still after various washes they are still true to the colour I bought them, having not faded a stitch. Taking me through from winter to spring, they are super easy to pair with either a thick oversized cream knit or a simple white loose t-shirt and statement necklace.

With a new found love for denim I may have to treat myself to the khaki pair to take me through summer. I'm also on the hunt for some silky-esk printed trousers a la blogger Aisling, any recommendations where I may find the perfect pair?

Tumblin' Curls

After spending what seems like an eternity patiently waiting for my stubborn hair to finally take the hint, it grew. After endless hair treatments, lotions and potions here there and everywhere, not forgetting the religious eight week trudge to the hairdressers for a routine trim, it was all worth it. Not content with flowing lockes, the next step in the on-going hair journey was mastering the 'everyday luxe curl'. Heh? Let me break it down for you, the 'everyday luxe curl' is glossy, voluminous Victoria Secrets model meets glam, perfected Red Carpet, with a touch of Blake Lively and girl next door thrown in for good measure. Impossible? Well, whilst I may not have perfected the Victoria Secret model figure just yet (cough) I have found the perfect hair styling tool to help me on my way.. enter the Remington Pearl Pro Curl Tong. 

Remington Pearl Pro Curl Tong - (£22.50)

Having spent a long time searching high and low for a styling tong to meet my needs: a barrel bigger than your average, but still needs to hit a good heat, I branched out and purchased the inexpensive Remington Pearl tong. Along the lines of your standard tong, you simply twist sections of hair around the heated tong (wearing a very sexy MJ inspired glove) then release to let loose a gentle bouncy curl. Simply spritzing with hairspray, current favourite this Aussie fellow, then after a few minutes brush through with a rounded barrel brush (something similar like) to soften curls, and then another quick blast of hairspray to keep in place. Then voila, big luscious bouncy soft luxe curls.

As my hair is rather fine, I can speedily work my way through my entire head in under ten minutes. I can change up the style of curls depending on how much hair I style and where I position the tong. I also find the curls to stay in all day, of course they do slightly drop and it does depend on your hair type, but overall I find this tool to be effortlessly easy and super affordable in comparison to others on the market.

The spec: a large 32mm barrel, heating up to 210c in under thirty seconds. Heat prove glove and mat included and auto shut off.

What do you use to curl your hair?

A Public Enemy Man

Serums have fast become the cult beauty buy, the new necessity to your skincare routine. Is it just simple marketing blab or is it something truly worth investing in? Intrigued to see what all the fuss was about - and hearing amazing things from Caroline (best skin-care guru there is, bookmark her page) I dived straight on in to the serum bandwagon. So what gives? A serum is essentially a gel like consistency that is more of a targeted treatment, it has a higher concentration of ingredients and addresses a particular skin concern, such as dehydration, fine lines or brightening. Perfect for a pampering overnight treatment! Applied typically before a moisturiser, it absorbs and penetrates deeper into the skin giving a much needed boost. With three in rotation I decided to give serums a serious whirl..

Aesop Parsley Seed Serum (£43.00) / Antipodes Divine Facial Oil (£18.99) / 

Elemis Fresh Skin Serum (£15.99)*

 Aesop Parsley Seed Serum  - On the pricier side of the skincare market lays Aesop, an Australian brand committed to using top of the range plant based ingredients. This thick clear gel was rather sticky to apply, but spread and absorbed well over the skin. Tacky to the touch, it was different to any lotion or potion I had previously tried, but once moisturised over it was fine. Designed to hydrate, protect and soften skin, I awoke with smoother, plumper skin though not overly hydrated. Teetering on the edge of being 'just nice' It didn't particularly blow my socks off, which was slightly disappointing. While my skin felt smoother and looked slightly plumper, there wasn't that much of a overall difference to justify the hefty price tag.

 Antipodes Divine Face Oil  - So strictly speaking this isn't a serum, but a facial oil. It applies the same way and let's not get too technical eh. Being a big fan of the Trilogy Rosehip Oil, I had soaringly high hopes for the Antipodes Avocado and Rosehip oil, and I wasn't disappointed. Promising to deliver a number of skincare saviours, I found my skin to be softer, smoother and overall brighter. My skin literally drank the goodness - be careful with application around the eyes, one evening was slightly fuzzy - the Rosehip ingredients blurred away any skincare flaws, healed spots and tackled any dry skin, evening out my complexion. Apparently it works wonders as anti-ageing treatment, obviously I cannot give you a verdict on this (at the ripe old age of 23) but the thought of using organic, natural ingredients appeals more than a jumble of chemicals and a barrage of 'scientific claims.' 

 Elemis Fresh Skin Serum  - Perfect if you are in your late teens and suffering from acne prone skin, this will be right up your street. In the week leading up to my time of the month, I slathered on this lemonade scented runny liquid to prevent any blemishes. While this didn't perform miracles, my breakouts were more muted and I felt like I was combating the problem more. I hate applying spot treatments, I'm lazy and it peels off - eurgh. This serum was super easy to use, being slightly generous with application you could work yourself quite quickly through the 30ml bottle. I wish I had gifted this to my 14 year old self. 

There's my verdict on serums, I've fallen in love with the idea, but in reality I've fallen for a facial oil. So much more luxurious. Seeing as the serum market is expanding, I'll be intrigued to see what the high-street market brings to the table. Do you use a serum in your routine?

We Run The World

Being ever so naughty I popped into Selfridges a few weeks back and some-how managed to sneak a little yellow bag out with me. Armed with a gift card or two that I have stored away from birthdays and Christmas, I was in need of some serious retail therapy. It took me no less than twenty minutes to burn those badboys and I managed to keep well and truly away from the beauty hall, well, kind of.

Maisy Tbar Pointed Flats - Topshop (£32.00)

Having been hot on my horizon for over a month, I thoroughly caved in and bought these beauties. A complete rip-off of the Valentino Ballerinas, albeit slightly cheaper - I am smitten. A pointed nude flat with studded ankle strap detailing, they are the mother of all killer flats. Naturally they are an absolute effing nightmare to slip on in a rush, what with two buckles and serious studding. The sort of shoe you would probably just wear to bed, if you rolled home slightly merry. But who cares? They are seriously comfortable, definitely statement and asking for summer! Valentino who? 

Hydra - Calm Global Protection Cream - Ren (£27.00) 

Natural skincare brand Ren is seriously on fire in the beauty stakes right now, with every one singing their uttermost praises for the brand I had to have a slice of the beauty junky action. With the horrendous price tag attached it was definitely a giftcard-only zoned area, but I dived straight on in, storming ahead, fearing this could be the start of a beautiful (yet rather pricey) relationship. Having tried a sample of the Hydra Calm Day Cream last year, it seriously blew my socks off, so much so I headed straight to the counter for a full size version. Perfect for sensitive skins, this day cream is an absolute joy to use. Why? It leaves your skin baby soft, no exaggeration. I can both feel to the touch and see upon closer inspection a complete difference in the appearance of my skin, leaving the perfect base for make-up application and generally all round perfect-ness. I can feel my bank balance weeping already.

In other news I'm thoroughly shunning LFW (so controversial for a blogger) but truth be told, I didn't bother applying for any tickets, the ones I would have wanted would have never been accepted and I haven't heard of half the small designers (just sayin'!). I am more than happy to tune in online (in my pjs, cup of tea in hand and glued to my next Mulb bag addiction in the making), so no FROW-ing on this side of the Internet, sorry. Though I am in serious need for a wardrobe revamp in relation to some excellent news I received last week, moving onwards and upwards. Oh the mystery. 

So stay tuned for some serious wish-list posts, and do tell have you tried Ren?

Will thou be thy Valentine?

Being the rather hopeless romantic I am - rather akin to Charlotte out of SATC - I love Valentines Day. Boo at you for saying its pointless, whilst I agree that you should really treat your other half at various times during the year.. whats not love with an another good old excuse for date night eh? I complied together some of my favourite pieces from Selfridges to complete a (very much wished over) outfit that would take you from a day-time romantic adventure to an evening of cocktails and dinner!

Ciate Varnish / Astley Clarke Star Earrings /  Mulberry Del Rey / Nine West Flats / French Connection Denise Dress / Anya Hindmarsh Clutch / Charlotte Olympia Dolly Heels / Tom Ford Lipstick

Taking us from day to night is this ever so cute peter-pan collared French Connection dress. Being a classic nude, it will become a staple in your wardrobe for many a season. Rocking with nude patent flats and the iconic Mulberry Del Ray to pretty girl next door, then hotting things up with a slick of Tom Ford's lipstick in Cherry Lush, slipping on some red-hot Charlotte Olympia heels and adding a touch more sparkle with an Anya Hindmarsh clutch.

Mulberry Coin Purse / Marc Jacobs Watch / Dior Set / Chanel Chance / Astley Clarke LOVE Bracelet  Truffles / Astley Clarke Ring / YSL Clutch / Pink Moet / Jelly Beans / LOVE Playing Card Frame 

Of course, a lovely little gift wouldn't go amiss either (wink wink). I adore the Asterly Clarke jewellery, its beautiful rose and yellow gold diamond pieces are beautiful. With some pink Moet Champagne and matching truffles, coupled with a massive bag of jelly beans what is seriously not to love? Thinking a little outside the box in the far right bottom corner is a framed series of playing cards spelling out L.O.V.E, not too overly girly and would look amazing adorned on your dressing table.

In reality, crashing back down to earth, Matthew and I will probably stuff our faces at our favourite Mexican restaurant and take great delight in swapping a gift-bag of rammed of sweets we picked for each other (pass a bucket). We made a pact and shook hands on this present. Job done! Who said romance was dead eh?

What are your plans for Valentines Day? 

Why do I always always pick nude dresses? Answers on a postcard.

Is that boring?

This post was inspired by Michelle's Valentines post yo!

Sampling of Origins

Having heard on the grapevine that Origins counters are rather generous on the sample front, I made a beeline straight to the John Lewis Oxford Street counter to see what was going down. Origins is a brand I have been mightily impressed by over the past few year, counting the Ginzing Eye-Cream and Drink Up Intensive Mask as some of my true skincare saviours. So not missing a trick, I decided to investigate.

Tucked aside the main Origins counter, lies a do-it-yourself sample service. With over sized bottles of product to choose from, a drawer full of mini tubs and an assortment of stickers - It was fair to say I was in skincare heaven. With my rather handy assistants in tow Michelle, Elodie and myself helped ourselves to a few little tubs of what was on offer. Including a wide range of their products, from rather pricey serums, face washes, eye creams - it's a fabulous way to suss out the Origins range without dropping serious pennies and taking a risk. Simply fill up your little tub (perfect for re-using for travel), pop a label on then drop in handy travel size box to take home. The sales assistants were surprisingly on ball - in fact they left us completely alone, happy to be on hand if we needed any other information on the product.

Plantiscription Anti-aging Serum / Cheeks and Balances Face Wash / Vitazing / Starting Over / Ginzing Eye Cream 

Of course, for research purposes (cough) I took a few more than intended, plus a few spare clean pots for my stash. So far I have been loving the Plantiscript Eye Serum of an evening and I am super chuffed I was able to stock up an extra helping of my favourite Ginzing eye cream - for free! It's also worth noting that the product samples do get switched up, so next time I visit I'm hoping I may get a chance to sample their must raved about Charcoal mask.

 If only all skincare brands were this generous, serious brownie points for Origins! I'm not sure if this service has been rolled out across all Origins counters, but definitely stay clear of the Selfridge's one, their sales assistants are certainly a force to be reckoned with (meow). In the mean time, do pop down if you get the chance for a seriously good skin-care treat!

Have you ever visited the Origins counter?

The Underwear Edit

Just because we like to look stylish on the outside, really doesn't mean your undies should be any different. I always put off buying underwear on a regular occasion, but when I do, I tend to spree. What every glamourous woman should tell you is your bra and knicks should forever match - for goodness gracious, heaven forbid whatever may happen if you are to be run over! However what every and any woman will tell you, as long as they are pretty and (obviously) clean, and definitely not grey - they'll do.

I love to pick and choose my knickers from the likes of Topshop and New Look, from their 3 for something deals - a la pick n' mix. They do some fabulous silky/lacy prints and designs, that are wonderfully feminine and pretty, and more importantly comfortable. I also think knickers make the perfect gift, every girl wears them and lets face it - if they're shit - no one will see them.

Moving on to bras, being rather small busted I find it fairly easy to shop in most places. I do however adore H&M underwear, often overlooked it is a gem for pretty designs of all shapes and colours, for really affordable prices (from £7.99-£12.99). I don't think I could ever bring myself to pay more than twenty pounds for a bra, I think its horrendous that bigger busted ladies are charged so much more in certain places. But before I start ranting and raving, back to H&M, they do a wonderful line of both your standard basic bras and fashionable 'oh la la' bras. I especially love the basic bra with the removable padded inserts, they give a certain polite umph without looking like you could resting your chin. They have also finally added more sizes to their range, so definitely be sure to check out when next in-store.

Thats my underwear edit, a tad too personal perhaps, but we all wear them! (I hope). Where are your fail safe shops for purchasing your knick knacks?

Me Myself & I

Well hello, rather nice of you to join me. I'm in quite a chatty mode, so brace yourself and arm yourself a rather large cup of tea (or something stronger - you may need it). If you've been here right from the blogging beginning I'm sure we are rather well acquainted, however if you've recently joined along for the ride I thought I would do a get-to-know each other post. I popped on my thinking cap and whipped out some rather interesting facts about me, just so - you know - incase you ever happen get stuck and in need of some Sarah trivia. 

 1)  I have a disgustingly awful habit of mimicking people's accents I'm talking to, especially welsh. Also ironic, If you have an accent I probably won't understand it. There once was a very disgruntled Scottish sales assistant in Starbucks who nearly punched me.

 2)  Cannot deal with spicy food or scary movies to save the life of me. Living on the absolute edge is Nando's Lemon and Herb and I'm still breathing FIRE. I had nightmares for WEEKS after watching Signs, pah.

 3)  On a regular occurrence I have very vivid dreams, serious action scenes and tense moments included; I've had terrorists in my village to murder stake outs. Slightly alarming, but hey, if any one's reading from the BBC, I've got some banging drama scripts up my sleeve.

 4)  The name Sarah struck my parents apparently after two things: 1) my dad listened to Thin Lizzy's 'Sarah' and 2) my mum decided I shouldn't be called Sarah Sandiford incase of a lisp, that was settled, I was to be Sarah Sandiford, lisp and awful music aside.

 5)  I have been lucky to travel on holiday to some amazing places, my absolute favourite being Cuba - I could happily just live on a beach there. However, the Sandiford's are prone to natural disasters, acts of god, terrorist attacks, gun shootouts and all round nut-jobs. And I still need therapy from that rubdown at Gatwick last year for wearing a statement necklaces through security.

 6)  Matthew and I have been together 10 years in June. I met him aged nearly-14 on my first day of Year 8 English class and thought he was horrible, since then things have changed (a little) and we have been together since. He can make me laugh till I cry and I know what he's done wrong, before he's even done it.

 7)  The thought of eating chocolate cake repulses me.

 8)  Love a well written grisly crime fiction novel, sod anything romantic, give me a murder suspect. Currently addicted to Jo Nesbo and reading my entire local library.

 9)  I sneeze approximately eight to ten times a day, not sure why. Big, blow your socks off sneezes that scare the shit of you. Most commonly occur during awkward silences, theatre performances or whilst riding the tube.

 10)  I cannot drive or cook. I have no plans to change this any time soon. I spend the majority of my life on a train and can make a seriously mean white chocolate crispy cake.

 11)  Later on in life, I want to spend my time volunteering and working with old people, there's nothing like listening to a life story or two. I currently work in retail with a bunch of old lady customers, they are some of the sweetest but loneliest people I know of. 

 12)  I have the gift of the absolute gab, I could talk to a lamp-post.

 13)  I was voted 'most likely to become famous' at school, obviously still working on this.

 14)  My favourite guilty pleasure foods are: Ferreor Rochers, chicken kebabs and mushy peas. I find the word 'diet' personally offensive. I have been known to beat my male friends at all you can eat before, oh yes.

 15)  I have very strong OCD tendencies that only my family, close friends and work colleagues know of.  It used to be horrendous, but I'm slowly working through it. I will check taps religiously, locked doors and hair straighteners over and over. My neighbours must think I'm bat shit crazy, but there was a point when I was too anxious to leave the house unless someone was with me/still at home. I feel embarrassed to type that.

 16)  The one song that can put a smile on my face is: (link).

 17)  I have a strange fascination with Nike dunk trainers, I would love to start and grow a collection.

 18)  I adore rnb, grime, hip-hop music. I would beat you hand's down in a rap-off. It's my secret party trick only a few friends have witnessed.

 19)  I am a die-hard Star Wars nerd, I have a t-shirt to prove it and have mini-marathons every now a then. Strictly the original series though. Are these the droids you are looking for eh? Also have a very strong love affair in the film-world for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (cornetto anyone?).

 20)  My tipple of choice is a rum cocktail or a cold beer.

 21)  The thought of going into the sea barefoot scares the living daylights out of me and I will always wear scuba diving shoes (keeping it sexy), yet documentaries on all things to do with sea-life truly fascinate me.

 22)  I have very gammy knees, in-fact I haven't crouched or knelt down in over a year. Even seeing someone kneel makes me shudder. Should I do so, my leg 'locks' and I have to adopt a desk chair as a make-shift wheelchair.

 23)  I'm not all that sold on getting married, though I would quite like a big ceremony in Kew Gardens, dancing in the glass greenhouse, wearing Jenny Packham singing my heart out to 80's classics.

 24)  Contrary to the title of this blog, I live in a village where there is approximately more farm animals than people. Sorry about that.

 25)  My karaoke song of choice is Independent Woman by Destiny's Child.

 26)  I will go above and beyond to help people and listen, even if thats helping a crying tourist who broke up with her boyfriend on New Years (who couldn't speak English, awkward with hella lot of snot) or listen to anyone's dramas. Can't keep a secret to save my life though.

 27)  I cry at anything and everything. Inherited this from my Grandmother.

 28)  I am a dreadful speller and have immense difficultly reading letters and numbers aloud/writing them down. The four spellings I should really learn are: obvious, opinion, sandwich and jewellery.

 29)  I get insane fits of giggles during eye-tests and head massages at the hair dressers.

 30)  I once wrote some exceptionally magnificent sex questions/answers for Zoo magazine, hidden talent or what?

Well there's me in a nutshell ;-)