Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise - my favourite products

I know these products have been talked about a lot and theres plenty of reviews of on them so I wont do a post on how to use them, it will more be about why I like them and why they work for me.  People do ask me what products I use and what helps me with any breakouts and as my skin has improved dramatically in the last two years I am more than happy to spread the word on what I have tried and tested.  HOWEVER please note this may not happen for you too, 99% of people I know have tried and loved these products but everyone is different.  In case you are interested my skin type is combination (oily in the tzone&chin and dry in the cheeks with occasional breakouts).


Liz Earle 

This beauty line seems to be a lot more well known now and this can only be a good thing as I swear by it as it changed my skin completely.  I was getting breakouts every month around that certain time and my skin looked really dull.  As soon as I could afford it I went for one of their Signature Facials and begged the lady to help me! She sat me down and talked through everything I was doing wrong, what was making my skin worse and what products would help.  Since then I haven't looked back.  If you can I really recommend doing this, even if not to have a facial and just a chat.  These therapists really know what they are talking about and arent just PR people put there to sell the product.

The Cleanse & Polish is a beauty staple of many women and gets talked about in blogs and magazines constantly.  I love how this is a thick and creamy type of cleanser but a lot of people prefer foaming or oily this could put you off.  

If you are going to try C&P you should definitely use it alongside Instant Boost Skin Tonic.  This toner is perfect for me as it doesnt dry out my skin and really refreshes it.  If Im removing make up I spray it onto a cotton pad and use it to wipe off any I missed and if its the morning I spritz it on my face to wake up my skin.  

In regards to the moisturiser they have different versions for different skin types and I think when it comes to picking one unless you really know what to go for you need to ask.  And dont be shy, its what they are there for!  I use Skin Repair Moisturiser (light) Combo/Oily in the day as I dont like a heavy moisturiser under make up. Before I go to bed I use the Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/Sensitive as I prefer to use a slightly thicker moisturiser at night and I find after all the dirty air and heat/cold from the day my skin can be in need of a little extra TLC.

Anyway I hope any of this info helps, like I said its different products for different people so why not buy a tester pack and see if this works for you.

xxx

Holiday wardrobe

As many of my close friends (and the long suffering BF) know my shopping habit can get a little out of control sometimes. However it seems to go into mental overdrive when I know Im going away on holiday. I forget half the stuff I I own and think I must need another ten bikinis/shorts/sarongs.  After my bank balance takes some serious damage it all arrives and I will always then realise I dont need half of it.  Of course the same thing happened again with my holiday last week so I thought I would share with the lovely blogging world what I bought.  Also please feel free to reassure me that Im not the only one with this problem ;)...


Karen Millen Suede Tassle Clutch £60 (sale)!

 




ASOS Asymmetric Printed Beach Tee £22 now £15!



ASOS Fiji Leather Tie Up Sandals £20



Zara Pink Sandal £59.99 now £39.99!



xxx

My makeup bag June 15, 2012

Its been a long time coming but I thought I would do one of these as a few people have asked me what make up Ive been wearing lately.  I would love to be one of those girls that are super organised in the morning, walking out the door with perfect hair and make up and carrying just the minimal stuff to top it up. 

Unfortunately im not and the usual scenario is the BF in the car honking the horn to warn me he is going to leave any second, causing me to run out the door, with my hair not finished, rocking a "Clockwork Orange" look with only one mascared eye and dropping half my stuff...

Mulberry make up bag - Mulberry sample sale

No 7 Exceptional Definition mascara

The Body Shop Born Lippy lipbalm (strawberry)

Mac Ruby Woo lipstick - the most perfect matt lipstick EVER

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint Beige 02 medium skin tones

No 7 Perfect Lips pencil (15 fire)

Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil (trinidad black) 

The Body Shop Lip&Conealer brush 

Garnier Caffiene anti-dark circles 2-in1 roll-on (medium)

Garnier Pure Active 2in1 Tinted Spot roll-on (fair skin)

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil (dark brown) 

The Body Shop Retractable Blusher Brush  

Kent Finest Comb

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

Clarins Bronzing Duo Mineral Powder Compact (01 light)

and very randomly

Bio Sculpture Gel Gloss Top Coat - however please note this is amazing! Dries literally within seconds..

and heres the finished product...

xxx

Purchase of the Day - Zara Sequinned Heels

Just a little update on a recent purchase of mine.  Zara has really started to lead the way for highstreet fashion in the last two years and become a firm favourite of mine.  Before I would more look to it for smart/trendy work-wear but they have now started releasing on trend going out clothes, shoes and handbags.

Thought I would do a little Polyvore set as well.  These are £59 and in stores now.

xxx

Todays outfit October 7

I haven't done one of these for a while and as Im rocking a bit of vintage today I thought I better let the blogging community know about it.  My Nana gave me these trousers a couple of weeks ago, with some amazing dresses, (more on those later) and I am still in two minds whether to get them tailored.  

As you can see they havent got a flared bottom but as they are a looser fit around your bum I think it needs a tapered leg to balance it out. What do you guys think, shall I leave them as they are? Any opinions very welcome!


Jacket - ASOS
Tshirt - Topshop
Trousers - Vintage
Ballet Pumps - Ebay
Necklace - Banana Republic
Ring - Accessorize




xxx

Feather frolics

Another obsession that the long suffering BF has put up with is my love of feathers. I just cannot get enough of them, I love the way it adds that bit of glamour into some many different outfits as well.
It works in two ways for me; either subtle touches added here and there from a pair of earrings/hair-band or if I'm feeling brave to go all out, a skirt or shoes.  However an important lesson to remember is to pair the feathery bit with less fussy pieces of clothing.


So before you start running through Trafalgar Square to catch yourself a pigeon, heres an easier option:

Zara feather skirt £79

Manolo Blahnik 

ASOS Black Feather Court shoes £100

Lallys Closet £35

Free People Feather Duster Earrings £17.50

Peacocks feather earrings £2.80 (BARGAIN)!

xxx

Purchase of the Day - Costume jewellery

Just wanted to share with you lovely lot my two favourite purchases lately.  I cannot take the credit for finding them however as BF bought them as a surprise.  On the first I admit I have had mixed reviews, some ooohs, some yucks and one comment of "looks like its going for a poo"...Nice.

Anyhoo I love it and gave him the obvious name of Kermy (yes I know I NEED TO GET OUT MORE)

The second seems to be more liked all round, I suppose because its more pretty looking.  BFs niece has named it Olivia (I love her randomness, however she does have an excuse being 4, whereas me being 26 most definitely do not)

xxx

Purchase of the Day - Muubaa leather jacket

Just wanted to share with you my amazing purchase as I have been looking for a leather jacket that I really love for such a loooooong time.  There are so many different types now and while Im glad there is lots of choice they arent always the best quality or the type of cut/style that will last for years.  Anyway heres the scenario:


Im browsing through Brandalley (amazing discount sales website, more on that later)! and they are having a Muubaa sale.  I have heard of this brand but hadnt had a chance to check it out properly.  I am scrolling through thinking nice, nice, nice but just not me, about to give up but wait...HOLD ON...whats this?  Black sheepskin Cascade Waterfall Jacket, reduced from £780 to £290????? Now thats what Im talking about.  Its fitted but still with a grungy style and has a sheepskin lining for that extra bit of luxury feel to it.  And for such a huge discount it would be stupid not to buy it right??  


So I do what most girls do and ring my mum.  She is a Brandalley freak and is constantly on there so I know she will agree with me...maybe not, she tells me off as im suppose to be saving and says DO NOT BUY IT. 
Oh dear my finger is edging closer and closer to the "add to basket" button...sod it! Im going to buy it and then if I fall in love with it straight away its fate.


And here it is:

Not sure why I look miserable as Im very happy!

Thats better!!

As im sure you guessed I squealed with excitement and fell in love straight away.  It fits perfectly and will go with so many different outfits, I have already worn it with a dress on a night out and casual maxi dress for the day.  


Now while I do not recommend spending that amount of money of clothes everyday sometimes you just need to dish out that little bit extra for an item that will see you through the style ages.  This is my one for 2011.


Happy searching for yours bloggers!xx

Todays outfit August 24 - Brights!

Better late than never people!! I wore this combo thinking it would be great for the sunny day ahead but unfortunately I spent the whole day either in the office or in a restaurant for a client meeting, typical!

Cardigan - ASOS £20

Blouse - Dorothy Perkins (petite) £26

Jeans - Blank NYC (in the sale) £42

Ballet pumps - Ebay £10

xxx

Todays outfit August 23

No guys, dont panic, time has not rewound.  I just never got any chance to do this post on Tuesday. Looking back on it I was definitely channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn! This maxi dress I got last week in the sale and it is perfect for days when you really should make an effort but you don't want to, as its t-shirt material but cut in a stylish and smart way. 


Coat - Asos White £70 (in the sale) 
Maxi Dress - Full Circle £22 (in the sale) 
Ballet pumps - Ebay £10 
Necklace - Banana Republic £20

xxx

Finally,The Angels have jumped over the pond...

Its been a long time coming, but finally Victoria Secrets have decided to launch in the UK, HURRRRAH!!!

I love VSecrets, not just for underwear but the bikinis,lounge-wear, cosmetics, shoes..basically everything! I have never bought anything that wasnt the right fit or looked differently to the UNBELIEVABLY hot models on the website.  Yes my body isnt as toned and perfect as theirs but the quality of the cut/fabric/colour is still as it is the picture that made me fall in love with it.  

It was actually started by a man, Roy Raymond, in 1977 after he was too embarrassed to buy underwear for his wife in a department store. The stores were meant to create a comfortable environment for me with helpful sales staff. Instead of racks of bras and panties in every size, there were single styles, men could browse for styles they like and sales staff would help estimate the appropriate size.  Sounds like Ray hit the nail on the head, as I know men who have been married for years and they couldn't tell me what their wives bra size, favourite colour or clothing size is!

Anyway he sold it in 1982 to Leslie Wexner who expanded and rebranded it to the amazing chain of stores we know today.  Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 15 years you would've heard of the legendary Victoria Secrets Fashion show that happens once a year and features the "Runway Angels".  These have had some of the most successful supermodels feature in it, including: Helena Christensen, Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum. It has amazing costumed underwear, music and glamorous background sets.  It always has the top celebs in the audience and different musicians perform every year.


One of my favourite purchases from V Secrets have been:

Its not as extravagant as the other bikinis/underwear I bought from the site, but it fits perfectly and is very flattering for a simple brown bikini. (God I look like casper next to my friend Elisba, get me to a hot country, now)!!


The brand is planning on opening a store in Bond Street at some point next year and Im sure it will be a huge hit, if you arent a fan now, you definitely will be! Check out the website in the meantime, im already looking at some new purchases...


www.victoriassecret.com

The debut of The Rachel Zoe Collection

If you havent heard of Rachel Zoe she is a bit of a controversial stylist in the US who has worked with Nicole Ritchie and Mischa Barton in the past and more recently Eva Mendes and Anne Hathaway.  She has been criticised for being too thin in the press and there was a catfight going on for a bit between her and Nicole R as she accused Rachel of pushing her to lose weight etc, blah blah blah. In regards to her style I have a mixed opinion, she LOVES the bohemian look and used to style all her clients like they were little clones of her.  However she has my respect on some of the outfits she wore during her pregnancy, including the killer heels!

Anyway this week was the launch of her clothing line in the US.  While I feel its overpriced for not a hugely exciting collection there are a few key pieces that I like:

pic courtesy of bloomingdales.com

pic courtesy of bloomingdales.com

pic courtesy of fashionista.com

pic courtesy of fashionista.com

I could only find prices on a few of the items but as mentioned they are pretty high, for example the beaded cardigan is £161 and the white jacket is £476.  I love the cut of red suit and the tan poncho style jacket, however I feel you could find very similar items elsewhere, especially places like Reiss, LK Bennett or Whistles, for not such purse painful prices and still with quality fabric and cut. 

To check out the full collection visit www.fashionista.com.  

What do you guys think? All opinions very welcome :)

xxx

To clutch or not to clutch??

Have you ever got ready on a night out, put together a wicked outfit, hairs done and curled/straightened just right for once, make up looks flawless, feeling pretty damn hot and then you reach for a handbag for the night and...(excuse this in advance but this is what I do in moments of frustration) BOLLOCKS!


Every girl needs a clutch bag in their life, because if you are struggling to find a bag, this is the fail-safe item you will need in your wardrobe. 
OK lets hear out the cons at least:

1. They are too small and I cant fit all my make up in there.
2. Its hassle to carry it under my arm or holding it.
3. I cant grab onto the handle of it if someone tries to run off with it...

Firstly:

1. Why do you need all that crap in your bag anyway?! You are on a night out to have fun, not to have to re-apply the war paint every five mins
2. Yes its weird not being able to swing a bag over your shoulder or hang it over your arm, however I have two words for "shoulder clutch bags" - HELL NO. I dont understand the short handle on these things, they always sit awkwardly.  For example the Mulberry Charlie bag, I love, as a clutch bag. Whats the point in that silly little (very ugly*) chain link handle they have on it?  Dont get me wrong, I like chain link handles, but on the right bag.  The Chanel Classic Flap Bag?   Yes yes yes! But thats a whole different kind of style and another blog post, and im getting off my point sorry...

Chanel Flap Bag  A.MAZ.ING

3. If you are going to the kind of club where someone will run past you and grab your bag or you will just dump it somewhere where its likely to be nicked then youre a bit of a donut in my book, stop hanging out in seedy places so you can embrace the clutch bag craze :)

There is so much choice out there as well, ranging from bargains to bankrupt prices, here's a few I love:

(Alexander Mcqueen) Knuckle clutch £1,265

(Lulu Guinness) Red Lips Clutch £275

(ASOS) Weave Envelope Clutch £30

(ASOS) Leather Portfolio Clutch £55

(Lulu Guinness) Black Studded Lips Clutch £450

(ASOS) feather clutch £25

And then just because this so different and so cute...

(Judith Leiber) Habibi Genie Lamp clutch $5995

Try not to choke on your lunch when reading the price to that last one!  

xxx


*GASP I know I insulted the all amazing Mulberry brand but it had to be said sorry