Jet Set - Michael Kors

This post is long overdue. Two weeks overdue to be precise. Two weeks since I had a new man enter my life.

His name?

Michael.

Now, I know this particular man is not just mine. He holds a special place in the lives of many but I am not one to get jealous; there is plenty of him to go around.

I am of course talking about Mr Kors himself. The genius who has ensured every woman I know wants a piece from his collection. Be it a bag, a watch...we all want him in our life!

For me, it's the Jet Set watch in Rose Gold. A chunky, boyfriend style chronographic wrist piece made feminine by the dainty clear stones surrounding the watch face. It's a solid, statement piece that is classic, pretty and modern all at the same time.

Where to buy?

Since purchasing in House of Fraser, this beauty hasn't been off my wrist.  It has the ability to dress up the simplest outfits and negates the need for a whole host of other accessories.  This is one purchase I have no regrets over.

It's safe to say - this is love and Michael will be in my life for a long time to come....

H&M Spring Haul

H&M never fails to disappoint, does it?!  I find the quality lies somewhere between Primark and Topshop and thankfully, so does the price.  Zara is by all means probably my favourite high street store but H&M comes a very close second.  It has definitely come on leaps & bounds in the last few years and doesn't have the jumble sale feel it once used to have.  With the Conscious Collection also at the forefront of their latest campaigns - they are the biggest user of organic cotton in the world - you can also feel you're doing some good whilst purchasing your cheaper-than-the average garments!

I grabbed these boots as soon as I saw them as they are exactly what I have been after for some time; a relatively low wedge that I can tuck my jeans into and wear on a daily basis without looking ridiculous tottering around in my usual array of stilettos.  I wore these tonight with my trusty Topshop Leigh jeans and as well as looking stylish, they were ridiculously comfortable.

From the aforementioned Conscious Collection, these blouses are so pretty, beautifully flattering and a steal at £9.99 - so good, I had to buy in multiple colours; it would have been rude not to!

A few other bits also caught my eye - namely the gorgeous collection of bikinis they have this year which had me conjuring up images of sun drenched beaches and crystal clear sea - but I restrained myself; for the moment!

Now, where did I put that holiday brochure....

xxx

Bikini Weather - Haul

The sun is shining and although I may not be quite brave enough to don a bikini in the garden just yet, there is no denying that swimsuit season is right around the corner.

I purchased a few new bikinis for my Moroccan adventure in February - at the time I never had a chance to show them to you, but now seems like the perfect opportunity!

I adore swimwear and like most girls have an urge to buy a few new suits each year which can be an expensive habit.  However, I am happy to say, these beauties come from that shop that I have extreme love/hate relationship with - Primark.  At just £3/£4 for each separate, in extremely cute designs - they have once again delivered the goods!

I love the ability to buy separate sizes - can anybody these days honestly fit in a generic, one size bikini? - and the added little details such as the gold hardware on the nautical themed suit.  I am also happy to say that after a number of swims, they appear to wear beautifully... 10/10 in my book!

Although I bought these in early February, I have seen them in store very recently along with a few other designs that I have got my eye on too.  Have you spotted any cute swimwear recently for the new season?  Let me know!

xxx

School Bag - Modalu Libertine

Unfortunately, I am no longer at school - what I'd give for those holidays again - but a bag for every day is still a necessity.  My work bag requirements are

a) Black
b) Large enough to carry all my belongings as well as the kitchen sink
c) Pretty...I am a girl after all

When I saw this beauty in House of Fraser, it was a split second decision - I.need.that.bag.  It was a bit of a splurge - £180 with a delightful 30% off - but one that was totally justified...I mean, it's gorgeous!

The front snake print suede is off set by a back panel of the most beautifully soft leather, which you can tell will age beautifully.  The handles are a feature in their own - soft black leather interwoven with gold chain and dusky mauve material - Modalu's signature colour.  Other features include beautiful shell detailing to the zips and a gorgeous dust bag in the same beautiful mauve.  Little features such as these have completely put Modalu on the map for me and it seems I am in good company, with one very well known fan - Pippa Middleton.

This bag truly puts a little smile on my face every morning - and when your on the train every at 7.20am, who doesn't need that?!

A beautiful find

Apart from cosmetics, there is one other thing I am really passionate about - Lingerie.

It all started on my gap year when I was offered a job on the lingerie department of my local House of Fraser.  I jumped at the chance and since then I've been obsessed not only with finding beautiful underwear but also telling anyone who will listen to get themselves measured as they are probably wearing the wrong size.  In my honest opinion, out of anyone who has told me what they think their size is, 90% were incorrect.  If you want a bit more information, please read my post here :)

So after all my banging on about correct sizes, I thought I better let you all know that I have found the perfect bra.  If you wear a cup size that is larger than average like me, then you'll know how hard it is to find a pretty and supportive bra that doesn't cost an absolutely fortune.  But, after years of searching, one little lunch time mooch in M&S answered my prayers....

This gorgeous floral lace plunge bra is not only pretty but it is comfortable, supportive, only £14 and is stocked up to a GG (NB - M&S seem to miss out FF for some reason; so a FF becomes a G and G becomes GG).  It is also seriously flattering and gives a great shape - it truly is a perfect bra for larger cup sizes.

M&S are currently also running a promotion of £5 off when you spend £30 which makes this even sweeter!  The range can be found here and includes a gorgeous long line bra up and matching knickers.

Do you all struggle to find gorgeous lingerie in larger cup sizes too that don't cost the Earth?  I'd love to know you opinions on this one!! xxx

Thursday Treats

For those of us in full time jobs (please someone let me be a student again..!), some days the promise of an hour to wander around the shops at lunch time is the only thing that gets you through the day.

Thursday was one of those days.

Soap and Glory's Scrub 'em and leave 'em and The Righteous Butter. 

I always, always have a tub of Flake Away on the go but variety is the spice of life after all so I switched it up for this exfoliator instead.  I'm not sure how I feel about it yet but will keep you posted.!


Sleek Rose Gold Blush

I have wanted this blush for months but I could never find it.  Thursday however was my lucky day with the whole Sleek section having just been restocked.  It is just as gorgeous as I imagined - a perfect peachy pink with just the right amount of gold shimmer.  Expect a FOTD soon!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far and relishes the extra hour in bed tonight - what a luxury! xxx

Life's too short....buy the shoes

I bought these grey Zara shoes last Friday during a little lunch-time splurge.  I loved them on first sight and thought the metal heel made them look so much more expensive than their £39 price tag.  I honestly thought they would be about £70 but at that price, I absolutely had to have them.

Then on Sunday when my gorgeous mother bear spotted these Jessica Simpson peep toe heels in TK Maxx, I fell in love for a second time that weekend.  I deliberated whether I really needed another new pair of heels but I was reminded of one my favourite quotes I spotted somewhere - "Life's too short...buy the shoes!!"

xxx

Beautiful Boots

   

£140 - KG by Kurt Geiger.

I paid £19 - Absolute bargain!!

17 Again

I have to admit, 17 is not normally a brand I ever look at but the amazing Mirror Shine lipsticks made me take a little more interest..

So when I was in need of a little make up pick me up, 17 ticked all the boxes!  Cheap, cheerful, good quality products on offer at 3 for 2 - how could I resist?!

First Kiss blusher is a gorgeous pink with a slight golden sheen to it.  It is perfect for adding some colour to the cheeks and adding a subtle glow.  It seems to last pretty well on the cheeks too - very impressed!

Flirty Shine On lipstick is the second lip product by 17 I've tried and fallen in love with.  Although it is matte - which the name doesn't suggest - it does, like its sister Beehive, apply like a dream.  It is also incredibly long lasting, isn't drying in the slightest and the matte black packaging is pretty nice too.  It's a keeper.

I cannot comment yet on the Heart Beat Lasting Fix nail polish but it looks like gorgeous baby blue in the bottle.  Expect a NOTD soon!

These swatches are one of the reasons I cannot wait to get home to the DSLR but hopefully you get the idea!

Left: First Kiss blusher

Right: Flirty Shine On lipstick

Any other drugstore bargains to be had?! Let me know!

xxx

Post-Dissertation Haul

The last few weeks have been, let's face it, pretty dull for me.  I spent what felt like every waking moment working on my dissertation and I still didn't feel happy with it at all when I handed it in on Friday.

However, it is done now; I can't change it and I can still make up for it over the next few months...here's hoping!

Since then, the relief has been amazing..anybody who has handed in a large piece of work will know what I mean! It has been fantastic to enjoy the last few days - Sunday afternoon especially when we made our way to Gusto in Didsbury for my house mate's birthday.  Amazing food, company, drinks and service - we ended up spending a small fortune but it was worth every penny!

As for the rest of the weekend, Saturday was my third week working for Boots which I absolutely love.  I spent the morning mentally deciding what I was going to treat myself to on my break - I honestly spend my wages before I earn them!

I was tempted by some of the great deals and freebies available with brands such as Bourjois and MaxFactor but in the end I decided on the 3 for 2 professional hair care offer.

John Frieda Serum

I can't believe I have never tried this cult product before.  I used it yesterday and can see what the fuss is all about - made my hair feel so soft and manageable.  A definite keeper..

Lee Stafford Heat Protection Spray

I've repurchased this so many times - it does what the name suggests but its bonus factor is the smell.  Makes your tresses smell beautiful; and who doesn't want that?!

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curls Curl Constructor

When buying hair products, I'm usually still stuck in the mindset of my 14 year old self.  That is - what can I buy that is going to give me the straightest, flattest hair possible.  Luckily, I've finally realised that look is not good on me and I now go for the curly option 90% of the time.  My hair has a natural wave but hopefully using this in conjunction with my tongs will help to create beautiful curls that last all day.

Nicola Roberts Girls Aloud Lashes by Eyelure

I finally bought these after lusting after the beautifully flirty, winged out style for a while.  I snapped them up as I noticed the appearance of some new 'day' styles appearing on the shelves.  I'm not sure whether these are replacing the old styles or in addition to, but I didn't want to risk not being able to try them in case they disappear of the shelves.  

I cannot believe it is March tomorrow!  This year is going so quickly but I for one cannot wait for warmer weather and longer days.  Plus, the added bonus of Easter - I've eaten about a million mini eggs already but there are plenty more to be had I'm sure....

xxx

Topshop Make Up Haul: Sandstorm Collection

When Topshop released their make up line, there were a flurry of blog posts and videos about the range but I have to be completely honest and say there never really seemed to be anything to get excited about.  I liked the look of the cream blushers but was put off by the powder finish so I never even took a second glance at the make up displays in store.

Until....yesterday!

The main line was as previously seen with very cute polka dot packaging and a myriad of nail varnish shades.  What really caught my eye though was the new Sandstorm Collection of eye crayons, mousses, nail duos, creme lipcolours and gloss sticks all decadently packaged in sleek gold tubes.  I was sold on the spot!

Gloss Stick - Ablaze £8

Crayons - Zephyr and Equinox £8.50 each

Top to bottom:

Ablaze

Zephyr

Equinox

These swatches look so much better in real life.  I absolutely love the crayons - they glide on so effortlessly with a beautiful sheen to them.  I can't wait to wear them on their own or as base to a smoky eye...especially Zephyr which has almost blue tone to it - just beautiful!

Have you been tempted by the Sandstorm collection?  Or are there any main line products I should invest in?!

xxx

I'M IN LOVE

These boots were an absolute mission to get hold of but now I have them in my possession, I'm never letting them go!

xxxx

Mini haul Featuring Cosmopolitan, Collection 2000 and Revlon

I am on a slight spending ban due to my travelling plans for after graduation but as a self confessed product junkie, my Christmas money had to go somewhere...

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

I've been aware of the Beauty Blender for quite some time but I could never force myself to part with upwards of £15 for what was, essentially, a sponge.  

However, when I saw Holly recommend this sponge for under £5 I mentally saved it and had to purchase it when I just happened to stumble into Superdrug..

Revlon Contour Shadow Brush

Another beauty tool, another recommendation.  This time from the wonderful gossmakeupartist aka Wayne.  Not only is he an extremely talented make up artist and brutally honest about products, he's also a complete babe - honestly, I could watch him for hours!

When he stated that this brush was a dupe for MAC's 224 brush, I was instantly sold.  Who wants to pay twenty odd pounds when you can try this for £7-ish?!  I will report back on it...

Collection 2000 Volume Sensation Waterproof Mascara and 24 Hour Felt Tip Black Liner

To be honest, two slightly unnecessary purchases.. I needed a new waterproof mascara as I find they hold the curl so much better and I was bored with my L'oreal liner - I'm so fickle!!

Revlon Fire & Ice Lipstick

As a lover of all things 1940s, I just couldn't resist the new re-promote of Revlon's classic lip colour from the era - Fire and Ice.  Supposedly a neutral based red, I felt it the easiest and most classic way to try the red lip.  I personally think it is quite orange based but it is flattering all the same and I absolutely love wearing it.  

Prepare for a FOTD coming this way soon..

xxx

MAC Cham Pale and Stylishly Yours Haul

MAC's latest offerings have caused a stir in the beauty community and this time, for a good reason.

The gorgeous Cham Pale collection beautifully described as the 'ultimate luxury..shimmering with all the bubbly optimism & golden glow of the best that's yet to be' pretty much sells it to you on the spot.

As for the the Stylishly Yours collection, it's promise to be 'always flawlessly fabulous' entices you in.

I am a marketing man's dream...

Chromographic Pencil NC15-NW20

A flesh coloured pencil has been something I've been searching for for what seems like forever.  This silky soft pencil, when applied in your waterline, very much opens up tired eyes.  When smudged into the very corner of the eye socket, it also gives a wonderful highlight.

   Virgin Isle Cream Colour Base

If you have been following me for a while, you will know that Hush CCB is one of my all time favourite products.  The other colours have therefore been on my mental list, especially Virgin Isle after seeing Nic (Pixiwoo) use it in this video.

Rumour has it that this is now discontinued on the main line and is now a Pro product so I snapped it up in this re-promote.

It is such an amazing colour - so highly pigmented, blends beautifully and lasts on the cheeks for a long time.  It has unfortunately sold out now online but if you can get yours hands on one, I would highly recommend it as a product.

What did you pick up from the collections?  Am I really missing out on the Cham Pale paint pots?!