PRIMARK WONDERS (NO, REALLY)

Primark is a name that sends shivers down my spine. Apparently, it appears I am the only blogger who never finds anything that a) fits b) doesn't fall apart c) isn't socks or tights. Their Cosy Tights are pretty bloody amazing and their jammie section ain't half bad either, but none the less when it comes to clothing, Primark and I just don't go hand in hand. That's not to say I don't try. Having a wander in my local branch on a early Sunday morning, it's fair to say I was absolutely gobsmacked. The reason being? These badboys...

Cardigan - Primark (£14.00)

This ladies looks like a luxe Zara knit, this thick stitched waffle cardigan oozes Olivia P (think skinnies, sunnies and white tee) and happens to be very snuggly. Perfect for in between season style, it beats the chill without looking too heavy. I adore the no collar look - practically asking to be paired with a chunky gold statement necklace.

Silky Printed Shorts - Primark (£9.00)

Another brilliant Zara knock off in the making! With an eye for anything navy, I adore the print on these silky-esk shorts. Unbelievably comfy and cool in the hot city weather, they are effortlessly stylish and I can predict getting a lot of wear from these, both day to night. You can see them in my last outfit post here. Note I did go up a dress size so they would hang nicely, without the dreaded too short for short's short. You know what I mean. 

Have you found any must-haves in Primark recently? I am tempted to purchase some of their summer dresses from their collection on ASOS for my holiday, especially this one! 

BLOOMIN' MARVELOUS

Oasis Rose Print Skirt - Exclusive to ASOS (£45.00)

It's been a long time since I've seen a piece of clothing and thought 'hot damn' (no really - blame the weather for both lack of retail therapy and terrible hip hop phrases) but when I clapped eyes on the blossom print offering from Oasis I had to double take. What an absolute beauty. Its very statement, bold print and disgustingly lady like. Come payday, thou shall be mine.

In other news, I feel like I haven't been posting as regular as usual. Girl's gotta have her organisation clued up but quite frankly working two jobs is seriously taking its toll. As some of you may know I landed my dream job a few months back working for an amazing interiors brand (hush hush) for their social media part-time whilst working in retail the remainder (yawn). At the end of August big changes are happening and I'm waving goodbye to retail - seven years is quite enough thank you - and I shall be concentrating more on freelance work and enabling you ladies into buying more materialistic shizz - that ok? Good. 

Here's a few thoughts to round up:

- I'm off on a BIG American trip come September (let the angels sing!) but in desperate need of NY hotel recommendations, tell me all?

- Currently half way through book two of Game of Thrones and it's like CRACK! Whose with me?

- Went to see At the World's End at the weekend, and well, meh. I am a massive fan of the legends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, legends in my eyes, and whilst they can do no wrong in my eyes, it did not play up to Paul, Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead. Some scenes are not to be missed however and to Matthew's distaste I was howling with laughter.

- Luther... Idis Elba... what an insane hottie. Incredible BBC drama - don't read the book, it's a thousand times more gruesome than the t.v show.

- I may gain two stones alone this summer from cream filled frappes. Pret/ Eat/Nero oh you lure me in.

Talk to me!

FEELING NAVY

Navy Cardi - Laura Ashley

T-shirt - Primark

Silk Pattern Shorts - Primark 

Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Sandals - Topshop 

Earlier in the week Sarah and I popped along to the Next's Christmas in July event, where we fangirled over model Jourdun Dunn strutting her stuff down the tartan runway - what a babe! With a cracking array of festive pieces Next have lined up for next season, it's a crime to discuss the 'C' word whilst the sunshine is so beautiful. We then hopped, skipped and jumped to the V&A late Friday afternoon for the Fashion in Motion catwalk taking place. Free for all to attend, this fashionista event showcases a designers most exquisite pieces, with spotlight falling on Jenny Packham this occasion. Should I ever accept an Oscar or get married, I can assure you I will be gliding along in one of Jenny's beautiful silk embellished dresses - swoon! No doubt you've seen her creations on numerous red carpet events, but if you fancy watching yourself click here: link and fast forward to 48.25. The Fashion in Motion events are rather hush hush, first come first served, with tickets often being whipped in minutes. 

What's a girl gotta do around here to travel the world wearing Jenny P eh?
Yes, they are Primark. I know. Watch this space.

COME ON IN! ALPHABET BAGS HQ

Let me cast your mind back to one of my latest posts raving about Alphabet Bags. As I mentioned the brand is run by the creative married mastermind-duo Hayley and Lucas, who started up their cotton tote buisness in their spare room. Having moved into a bigger location, they kindly let me share their interior picks for their office. As soon as I spotted their adorable little office on their blog, I had to share with you all. I could spend all day pinning home / office decor on Pinterest and was caught up completely with Hayley & Lucas' cosy little corner...

 Love all the prints & postcards rest on the shelf, which can be found at their sister brand The Calm Gallery. So laid back with a personal touch. You cannot deny how cool that typewriter is. Major Mac envy taking place too.

Using cheap aluminoin clips, Hayley and Lucas were able to hand & display all the quirky, cute postcards they had collected over the years - affordable and unique.

A mish mash of vintage oak and Ikea chests to keep prints organised.

With a touch of green dotted around to spruce up the office - LOVE that bench!

Did you enjoy that little tour of Alphabet HQ? Seriously cool huh?

MINT & ROSES

Pins & Needles Poppy Cross Back Dress - Urban Outfitters (£55.00)

Blazer - Topshop (last season)

Sunnies - Marc Jacobs (way old)

Probably one of my favourite purchases of this Summer, this mint and rose offering from Urban Outfitters was my summer dress of the year. Having swooned from afar, I finally bit the bullet when I saw the beautiful Milly model hers - and the rest is history! With a blazer thrown over, a tan and golden sandals your good to go! And matching nail varnish to, here's to looking at Mint Candy Apple by Essie - mint purrfection. Amen to the sunshine appearing, holler!

This week I popped on down to the Hampton Court Flower Show, which apart from the hoards of OAP's I had such an amazing time - the floral blooms are simply amazing, you can read more on that here. I also took full advantage of sitting in the garden on my days off, reading my way through Gone Girl (majorly disappointing ending) and Game of Thrones (boy, that shit is addictive) in one week alone. Impressive? Or I am I just bat shit crazy? Do you have any book recs I should check out? I love a good thriller, none of that girl crap. 

Let me know! 

CREATING THE PERFECT BASE

promise I'm not on crack.

When it comes to perfecting the base of my make-up, there are two hero worthy products that can turn serious tricks. After trying various lotions and potions over the years, shopping for a foundation is serious business and something I don't take lightly. Over the past few months I have been trailing the Armani Luminous Silk and the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, with two different purposes and results - they have fast become my base perfecting duo...

the dream team duo

  Armani Luminous Silk Foundation        

Luminous Silk - Armani (£34.50)

As soon as I clapped eyes on the Giorgio Armani counter, I heard my bank cards produce a nervous sigh. Coming in at £30 it's certainly borders on the higher end of the market, but definitely on the same price range as many other high end offerings from Clinique, Chanel etc etc. With strong recommendations to wear to a wedding last summer, the SPF-free formula prevents the dreaded white flash-back in photographs. Popping along to Selfridges beauty hall, the lady was more than happy to give me two sample shades to try - instant brownie points were won. And the dreaded flash back in photos, was now a thing of the past.

The texture is light and slightly runny, only needing half a pump, I can distribute this over my entire face - doubling back in areas that need more coverage. The foundation plays true to it's silky name, as the foundation glides on, instantly smoothing and sinking into your face, fool proof application. The coverage is light on the skin, letting your true beauty (gag) shine through with imperfections covered.

As soon as I finished my sample, I hotfooted it back and snapped up a full size bottle. Worn to work (with my trusty Clinique City Block SPF) and on nights out, the Luminous Silk is foundation like no other. Believe the hype people.

  Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser      

  

Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser - Laura Mercier (£33.00)

I was never that girl who wore tinted moisturiser. I wanted to be, but never could in fear of showing my real skin. But times have changed. After glancing in my magnified mirror quite a bit, turns out my skin ain't that bad, turning out to be quite clear with a few troublesome patches (I can predict on slaught of spots forming after typing that sentence). I ditched my heavy coverage foundation and swapped in haste for the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturers. The blagger of many beauty awards - I can see why. The oil free formulation is a godsend if you are combination to oily skin prone, it neither slides off my face, simply offering a gentle glow. 

With a nice all round SPF of 20 and a whacking 40ml of product, the LM Tinted Moisuriser packs quite a punch on the coverage stakes. Softening out your skin tone and covering imperfections rather well, this isn't just a moisturiser with a dash of colour added. It really does add a decent amount of coverage and I felt comfortable slapping on concealer on my spots/eye bags and off out the door. 

It's perfect for the weekend or relaxed casual days (perfect for holidays), barely there make-up that makes you look polished and healthy - and that's what we all want right?

Have you tried either of these foundations? What are your current go-to products?

PACK LIKE A PRO: HOLIDAY CHECK LIST

That's what dreams are made of! Cuba.

As an avid list maker, when it comes to holidays: packing is my forte. Whether you are jet-setting off on a tropical adventure or taking a city break, when it comes to packing - one word springs to mind: nightmare! Well fear no more, as I've got it covered.

After noting down all my holiday must-haves over the past two years, I finally jotted them down in list form and have had it highly requested ever since - including quite a few bloggers! With Corrie and Leanne (who is setting off on her honeymoon in a few months time) giving it a good run down, I decided to share my list on a wider platform and popped into a PDF format a few weeks back (geek alert!) for you to download and tick off as you pack - for sharing is caring right?

So say goodbye to packing woes, whip out that suitcase and learn to pack like a PRO! 

City Girls Fashion Box Packing List

You can download the PDF here or click above...

A few other handy tips I've picked up along the way:                           

• Always pack a Dove soap instead of shower gel, it's easier to carry (no leakages) and perfect to shave with!

•  I will never be without my hand exfoliator gloves - yes slightly weird but perfect for gently exfoliating for a primped and preened tanning sesh.

• Whack aftersun in the hotel room fridge for an extra 'ahhh oohhhh' cooling feel after a long day in the sun.

• Keeping my hair in check, I always stick to handfuls of Pantene Moisturising shampoo and conditioner, Aussie Three Min Miracle (life saver!) and leave in conditioner spray or oil to lock in moisture and fit the frizz! Holiday products don't need to break the bank. 

• You can't beat an adorable pair of slippers for the plane or walking around your hotel room, slather your poor feet in moisturiser after showering too - the sand will take toll on your tootsies!

• Always pack a small pouch/make-up bag to carry your essentials in within your handbag, such as purse and phone - it will make it easier to reach and avoid that manic panic when you can't find it.

• When jetting off on holiday with friends last year, we stayed in a villa sharing one safe which could have been the recipe for disaster. However I picked up a few small plastic wallets (like this!) that we were each able to store our money and passports, without having an awkward mix-up.

• Roll up a few plastic bags in your suitcase for dirty laundry upon your return, perfect for bikinis (espesh if your swimming before your flight!) and knickers.  

If you're lucky to be setting off for a tropical adventure this summer, never need be a panic again and check off the list as you go. All I need now is to book the holiday ;)

Let me know your top packing tips or whether I've missed anything off... 

MICHAEL KORS SELMA

Sweet baby jesus, my heart did a flutter. Let me kindly introduce you to the Michael Kors Selma Satchel - what an utter babe. With a cheeky nod to the sleek chic looks of Prada, the Selma is a whole new league for MK. Not really my cup of tea before, the Selma changes everything. Coming in at £315 - a price not that scary, I've fallen head over heels for this pop of pink. Wearing head to toe neutrals, this fine little lady adds a seriously stylish punch. Handbag perfection doesn't come any better than this. And trust me I'm a hard nut to crack on the handbag front, we all thought the mulbs had stolen my heart. Think again sista. 

For the play it safe types, the Selma comes in a rather sleek black (one that gives Celine a run for her money) and the ever chic tan. While the studded version may be more of your thing if you fancy a.. certain edge.

Michael Kors is stocked at Harrods, John Lewis, Harvey Nicks, Selfridges, HOF... different sites, different stock.. race to you to the check out!

Here is your cue, let me be your enabler, go forth and shop!

NEW SEASON STANDBY

Shoot me if you please, but i'm done with Summer now. It's not going to happen, I'm rock and rolling towards Autumn. Practically a crime, but when shopping for the new season is concerned, sign me up! When I attended the New Look press day a month or so ago, I fell head over heels for many items. New Look is BANG on the money next season, think Zara coats and statement knits - which don't look anything like New Look. Is that a good thing? Sorry NL. Having snapped my favourite items (scroll back through my Instagram) I waited patiently, stalking the website daily and to my surprise the new season stuff began to drop...

Grey Quilted Effect Jumper - c/o New Look (£19.99)

This chunky quilted jumper is all shades of grey knitted heaven. Such a comfy piece, it neither looks heavy or boxy. But sits perfectly paired with a white collared shirt, black skinnies and statement necklace thrown on. As soon as I spied this it was thrown straight in my online basket, so simple but I love the soft quilted detail.

Red & Blue Aztec Woven Skirt - c/o New Look (£19.99)

Admittedly I spotted this navy aztec skirt on one of the PR reps, with a battered grey t-shirt - I snapped the look up. Is that bad? She had cracking style, and er buying her complete outfit is the biggest form of flattery eh? Sitting a-line on high-waisted, the fabric is good quality and I love the pink toned red thread shot through.

Have you started up A/W bits & bobs? Jumpers for me are a massive hit and high on my shopping agenda, along with dresses - style without even thinking (or matching stuff up!)