I don't really do heels. I can certainly appreciate their beauty from afar, but when it comes to walking the walk, then no. Never fully quite mastering the art, this simply all changed when I clapped eyes on the ASOS Sugar Rush heels - or, as I like to call them my Olivia P's.
Beautifully embellished, nude pink hue, pointed toe and a chunky easy to manoeuvre heel, it's basically me in shoe form. Well hopefully not chunky. Alas, they are perfect for all seasons and I'm itching to team them with my navy skinnies, grey knit, red lipstick and a recent addition, soon to be shared, faux fur coat from Zara.
Quite the unusual gift, when Mathew presented me with my very own set of personalised pencils for my birthday, I was really touched. A genius idea for the girl that has everything (somehow I really do), I feel rather swish. Yes, swish.
Whilst I may have not entirely thought my blog name would stick fo life all that time ago, if ever a pencil could ever be chic, these are definitely chic pencils to have. Next, I would like some embossed pens with Sandiford emblazoned on them please. Or perhaps a hip flask. Life's essentials right?
As the festive dates begin to fill the diary, my red lipstick and dancing shoes are at the ready - all that needs to be perfected is my skin. With after-work drinks aplenty and busy 9-5 days, banishing the sluggish skin it's all about the party pampering routine.
Whilst I'm all for an indulgent Sunday evening pamper, sometimes good skin is needed on the asap. Especially if you're heading out for Friday night shenanigans or after a busy day Christmas shopping. Enter my well and truly tested essentials...
First up is the Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. Need I say more? This treatment mask gently buffs away the dull skin to reveal revitalised skin, that instantly looks plumper and smooth. My weapon of mass exfoliation, try it and be converted.
Should time allow smooth on a thin layer of Origins Drink Up Intensive for a daily dose of hydration. Tissue off the excess and let this form the base of your make-up. Leaving a dewy finish, this sweet mango scented moisturiser will you give you a much needed glow on a cold winter night.
For that bright eyed look, the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream is a magical concoction of shimmering goodness. Brightening your under eye circles in an instant, not only does it depuff tired eyes it also blends in seamlessly with any concealer applied on top.
A truly luxurious touch, the Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner is quite possibly the poshest lip balm I own. A delicious scent and incredibly moisturising, it's a never ending tube. The perfect base for a matte lipstick or toning down a bright shade, it's quite simply a 'hell to the yeah, it's pay day!' purchase.
For when the night comes to an end, there is no better way to remove one's glittering festive look than the trusty Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. Simply massage in to dry skin and wipe away with a damp muslin cloth, ta dah! Who ever need commit the fatal sin of going to bed with make-up on again?
There you have it, your five step routine to party perfect pm skin.
'Tis the season to sparkle and shine! And what better way to shimmer into those festive dates in the diary than with a glittering wardrobe of party pieces. After finally treating myself to a pair of coated jeans and embellished cami, these fancies are still catching my eye...
Adding a touch of glamour to the festivities, one cannot deny the fabulous feeling of wearing a red lip. A bold statement look that will have you from desk to afterwork drinks in a flash, choosing the perfect red lip to suit can be a daunting task.
If you haven't dared to embrace a bold lip before, wearing a bright lipstick can not only a) look plain weird b) have you checking your teeth constantly - it's all about easing it in. A complete stranger to lipstick last year, the very thought of applying a bright lip had me scared witless. After a little practice and this lipstick technique, I'm all about my red lipstick line-up...
The high-street cult classic, Rimmel's 107 dark lipstick offering serves up quite the alluring, vampy shade - perfect for this time of year. A dark seductive berry-toned red, the matte formula calls for lashings of lip balm and a warm toned blush to keep everything in check.
Next up are two Sephora lipgloss/stick hybrids, the Lustre Matte (raved about here) and the coveted Cream Lip Stain in 01. Both highly pigmented with similar undertones, the Luster offers a a slight sheen of a gloss with the colour of a lipstick.
True to it's name, theLip Stain is incredibly long-lasting without leaving that uncomfortable dryness. A vibrant colour pay off with unbeatable formulas, I'll take every shade!
For a retro hue, Mac Redis a satin soft shade that brings a pop of glamour to your pout. Not as heavy as the others, this lightweight lippie is smooth and creamy on the lips. Full of life and not looking flat, if a matte formula is a no-go, this is your alternative.
Glossy beyond belief, the Maybelline Colour Elixirwere on my radar when in the States earlier this year. Offering an impressive dose of hydration, Signature Scarlet is the ultimate bombshell red. Whilst they may verge on the sticky side, with one swish of the applicator you're left with a 'I mean business' lip, full of gloss and packing a pigmented punch.
Last but not least, Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl is perhaps my most-loved. Whether used as an overall lip shade or as a base under one of the lipsticks above, there is something about Dragon Girl that has me reaching for it time and time again. With the perfect precision application, this no-bleed, this siren red shade is a no-fuss red for any girl on the hunt for a bold lip.
If there was ever a quote to live your life by, let it sing 'be happy, be bright, be you.' Lifting your sprits on a down day, one must simply remember for every mishap, just around the corner is a brand new day. With this in mind (and coupled with my love of stationary - as if you didn't know that by now) I couldn't quite resist this rather charming notebook.
Printed by small time stationary brand Chroma, founder Gabi kindly presented me one to scribble down my thoughts. A permanent fixture in my handbag, it certainly has come in handy for jotting down ideas that sudden ping into my head on my daily commute or the endless lists I seem to pen.
Piping for the deep purple hue named Annie, after Gabi's mother (a sentimental touch there), I choose gold embossing with blank pages, because sometimes it's good to scribble out of the lines!
What quote would you choose for a notebook? I also love 'A flower does not think to compete with the one next to it, it just blooms.' Or perhaps 'Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.'
With the beautiful sunshine that graced us yesterday, Matthew and I decided to bypass our Christmas shopping and head off to Hever Castle to make the most of the clear blue skies. As the chill began to settle in this week, we wrapped up warm and head off to my favourite place, the Italian Rose Gardens.
It was only a few months back, in the height of summer did we bring along a picnic, feast ourselves on large rum and rain ice-creams and make our way through the stunning rose filled gardens. Hundreds of blooms, an abundance of pastel yellows to vibrant pinks! However, as the season's have changed we ventured through the frosty lawns and marvelled over the last few white winter roses.
How fitting that I dress to match the occasion in this winter in bloom dress from Warehouse. A dark navy shift with splashes of pink printed florals, it features a nipped in waist and a high necklace. My soon to be Christmas day dress. Accessorised with my new naughty purchase, my Kate Spade bag hailing from my US trip a month or two ago. Isn't she a beauty?
Have you ever visited Hever Castle? I've always thought roses deserve to be left outside rather in bouquets.
Let me introduce you to the handbag hero. It's a pouch (mine's a leather Gap offering) that basically holds your life together. When you're constantly on the go, switching up handbags and forever delving into the depths of your bag, itching to find a plaster or just one bloody kirby grip - the handbag hero has got it down.
Filled with everything and pretty much anything, mine is full to the brim of daily life bits and bobs. Always on hunt for something or other whilst at work or at the gym, I decided to finally invest in a neat pouch and keep all my shit together.
From paracetamols to anti-bac (a public transport essential), a swish comb to lip balm, spare contact lenses (that is a disaster waiting to happen) to tissues, spare pens and not forgetting a barrage of flu fighting medicine - I am the girl that could single handedly fight the world with her handbag hero. Or just lend you a plaster.
A true life changer (snigger).
What are you always searching for? My quid for the gym lockers always disappears (to the vending machine that is).
