Cashmere Cardigan

Boden Cashmere Cardigan // Uniqlo Jeggings // Paul Costelloe Triplet Bag // Topshop Suede Boots

(Similar: Cardigan, Bag, Boots)

It's Friday! my back's killing me and I'm so tired, so glad to have some time fo mah self and recharge as Saturdays are my shopping days haha! Still got a few outfits to upload with the old hair #bloggerproblems but you can see what my hair looks like on Instagram. 

Have a nice weekend!

xo

Diego Luna, Zoe & The Horrors at Wahaca Day of the Dead Festival 2015

On Saturday we went to London for the Wahaca Day of the Dead Festival 2015 at Tobacco Dock, as I really wanted to see one of my favourite bands, Zoé.

At 4 pm there was a little conference with Diego Luna that I really wanted to see but we didn't make it in time so the room was full, still managed to get some pictures though. At around 5pm we had some dinner, I was hoping to find authentic mexican food but couldn't find any, ended up getting a "new york style" chicken torta, it was ok but I really wanted some tamales :'(

Then we just waited for Zoé to play in one of the little concert rooms at 8 pm, which was great because it meant there was not going to be a lot of people.  We were a bit early for that, so managed to watch a couple of bands playing before them and we were right at the front. When Leon was walking on the stage I stretched out my arm trying to reach him and he saw me, then he just walked around the speakers to get closer and held my hand haha.

After Zoé we stayed until the Horrors went on stage at 10 pm, and listened to them for about 30 minutes as it was getting late and still had a train to catch. On the way out the little market stall that was selling salsa said they were doing a bag of 6 for just £1 so we got one and then left to go home.

Overall it was a great festival, just wish they had authentic mexican food. Can't wait to see what guests they will be having next year.

xo

Navy Jumper

Uniqlo Jumper // H&M Necklace // Topshop Jeans // H&M Cutout Boots

(Similar: Boots, Necklace)

On Saturday we went to the day of the dead festival by Wahaca in London's Tobacco Dock. We had a great time, saw actor Diego Luna, Zoe and the Horrors playing and got a big bag full of salsa bottles for just a £1 haha. Will post pictures and videos soon!

xo

Halloween & Day of the Dead

For Halloween this year I carved a Jon Snow pumpkin from the last scene where (spoiler) he's laying on the floor after being stabbed by the watch.

Before half term I suggested doing some Dia de los Muertos related activity at our preschool but wasn't done because it was a bit short notice, thought they added the date on the calendar for next year, which is quite exciting! So I've already thought of a couple of crafts for the kids to make.

On Saturday we are gong to the Day of the Dead festival in London, hopefully they will have some tamales. Can't wait to see Zoe playing live again.

xo

Quilted Jacket

Uniqlo Down Jacket // American Apparel Sweatshirt // Topshop Jeans // Adidas Stan Smith // H&M Necklace // Paul Costelloe Triplet Bag

(Similar: Necklace, Triple Bag)

In these pictures you can see a little bit of the plum colour coming through on my hair. Wearing my uniqlo jacket that kept me warm all through our august holidays in Blackpool.

Today I went to have my hair cut, I'll post a picture on instagram soon probably. I don't understand why when they do layered cuts they still leave the bottom blunt :/

xo

Hair Inspiration

Source: Pinterest

I haven't had a hair cut in a while, but been thinking about going a bit shorter - about collarbone length with long layers and keeping the fringe long as well. These are the pictures I will be taking to the hairdresser. 

Follow me on Pinterest for more hair inspiration.

xo

Autumn Fragrances for Every Budget

With no doubt that autumn's arrived, light and fresh fragrances feel a bit out of place so it's a great time to update your perfume wardrobe, here I have 3 options for every budget:

The Body Shop Vanilla: A classic gourmand scent, this EDT is warm and seductive. Long lasting and very affordably priced at £8.50 for 30ml, this eau de toilette is great value for money.

Giorgio Armani Code: A feminine and sweet fragrance comprising of orange and jasmine top notes, orange blossom as its heart note, and base notes of honey and vanilla. A 30ml EDP bottle will cost you £45 but if you get the gift set you will also get a free body lotion with it, which will help the scent last even longer.

The Library of Fragrance Chocolate Chip Cookie: Another sweet smelling perfume, smells just like the name suggests - freshly baked cookies with rich dark and light chocolate, hints of sugar, creamy butter and vanilla. It's £15 for 30ml cologne spray, a reasonably priced fragrance to keep or gift someone. 

What's your favourite autumn fragrance?

xo

Garnier Oil Free BB Cream

It all started with a sample I got in a magazine, I have tried the original Garnier BB cream, the first BB cream to hit the UK, I believe, so was quite interested to see how they compared. After trying it out a couple of times (the sample lasted me quite a while) I decided to go ahead and buy it.

The Garnier Oil Free BB Cream is aimed at combination to oily skin and claims to mattify thanks to ultra absorbent perlite, blur pores and imperfections using mineral pigments, even skin tone, moisturise and protect with its SPF 20. 

I usually mix a little Garnier Oil Free BB Cream with my moisturiser for an even lighter coverage, but even so this BB cream manages to even out my skin tone and blur out pores, scars and marks, which is always nice. It doesn't feel greasy on the skin and helps to keep it a bit less shiny than usual.

I've never been a fan of heavy coverage makeup as I don't like how it feels or looks on my skin, so a BB cream is a great choice if you prefer a natural finish.

Find Garnier Oil Free BB Cream in LookFantastic.

xo

Dying My Hair Purple

A while ago I received a box of L'oreal Casting Creme Gloss in Plum to try out, and only recently got around to using it. I hadn't dyed my hair in about 10 years and just wanted to do something different as I was off work for quite a while. 

The L'oreal Casting Creme Gloss conditioning colour contains no ammonia and promises shimmering colour, glossy shine and soft voluptuous hair, as well as blending away grey hair. The kit comes with a tube creme colorant, a bottle of developer cream with a precision tip applicator, a bottle of nutri shine conditioner, a pair of gloves and instruction leaflet. 

To use you must do an allergy test and if there's no reaction it's safe to use, for which you mix the colorant and cream together, shake well, break the tip of the applicator and distribute through your hair, after the time indicated you rinse it off and apply the conditioner (no need to shampoo). 

My first impression was that my hair looked darker even though it is quite a dark brown colour (the dye is recommended for dark brown to black hair) and the plum colour wasn't very visible unless my head was backlit. After the first couple of washes the colour became a bit more noticeable. 

As I don't have greys I can't comment on that but my hair didn't dry out or feel coarse. After over 28 washes there is still a hint of plum noticeable on the top which I believe is due to applying the colour there first and therefore being on there for longer than on the rest of my hair. 

Overall it is a fun way to try something new with your hair without being permanent or having to damage it. If you have dark hair and want something subtle then this is for you. 

Find L'oreal Casting Creme Gloss in Plum in Superdrug.

xo

New In: September 2015

For our 3rd anniversary Dot got me a Uniqlo cashmere blend jumper and a H&M glass box where I keep some of my jewellery on display. 

Also last month I won a couple of giveaways including a Boden cashmere cardigan and a 75ml bottle of Givenchy Live Irresistible. 

After being painting for over a year I decided to upgrade my painting supplies and got a Daler & Rowney set of watercolour paints and Daler & Rowney mixed media sketchbook from Hobbycraft as they were half price.

Found the Lierac Luminescence serum in TK Maxx for just £13 (normally around £40) so couldn't not get it.

Last but not least, another giveaway I won: a couple of gold necklaces from Gramerci design.

xo

Sanctuary Spa Body Butter

A while back I won a Sanctuary Spa gift set that contained, amongst other products, the Sanctuary Spa Body Butter, which is an award winning product that claims to provide a boost of moisture and instantly smooth and soften skin.

There are a few varieties of the Sanctuary body butters, but this is the classic scent one which contains luxurious butters from shea and cocoa, oil from macadamia nuts and sweet almonds and vitamin E.

The Sanctuary Spa Body Butter has a sweet, light scent and a slightly thicker than cream consistency. When I first used it I thought it would be thicker but it is in fact just perfect as it is very easy to apply and spread, you only need a little bit, it sinks in quickly and leaves skin soft and moisturised but not greasy.

Find Sanctuary Spa Body Butter* in Boots.

xo

Oversized Cardigan

Nomads Oversized Cardigan* // Uniqlo Jumper // Topshop Jeans // Paul Costelloe Bag // Topshop Chelsea Boots // Gramerci Necklace*

(Similar: Bag, Boots)

On Saturday I received in the post this super long oversized cardigan from Nomads Clothing, it is super cosy so perfect for layering and can even be worn as a coat. It is comfortable, soft and keeps me warm which makes it perfect for autumn and winter.  

Nomads Clothing is offering 20% off to all my readers, all you need to do is use the code BLOG20 when you order. Happy shopping!

xo

Back To Work Haul

Denim Backpack, Flask, Umbrella & Biker Boots: all Primark.

(Similar: Backpack, Flask, Umbrella, Boots)

As I work in education, it was finally time to go back to work for me last month, for which I decided to get a couple of things as an upgrade was needed.

I got a backpack as the bag I was using for work was a satchel, I liked that it was structured but sometimes I needed a bit more space, also I like that I can carry it on my back which avoids back pain. 

As I'm cold most of the time even in the summer, I got a thermo thing to carry hot drinks with me, which a) will help warm me up and b) will save me queuing for the kettle at lunch time, which means wasting precious eating time. 

The temperatures keep dropping, for which I needed a new pair of boots (my last ones were falling apart). These ones have faux fur inside which makes them super cosy. 

Last but not least, I got an umbrella which I haven't had the pleasure to use as it hasn't rained when I walk to or from work (typical). I love the floral design on the dark background and the ruffle trim which makes it very feminine.

xo

Styling a Dress for Winter

Maison Margiela Wool Dress // Isabel Marant Coat // MSGM Oversized Furry Scarf

Tom Binns Pyramid Stud Earrings // Larsson & Jennings Watch

See by Chloe Ankle Boots // YSL Shoulder Bag // Off-White Wide Brim Hat

If you thought wearing dresses is something that should be left only for when it's warm this might change your mind. You can also wear your dresses when the temperatures drop, the key is to layer up with your cosiest accessories to keep yourself warm. 

I would choose a knitted dress in a burgundy tone and a camel masculine inspired tailored wool coat, along with a super furry scarf and leather ankle boots. For accessories I like to keep things to a minimum but I never go out without earrings on, so these tiny stud ones are great. A wide brim hat, watch and cross body bag complete the look.

How do you style dresses in the winter?
Share with the #FFAWDressUp and you could win £250 Farfetch credit.

xo

Alaïa Paris Perfume

With the purchase of the most recent edition of Glamour UK magazine, there was a sample of the new Alaïa Paris perfume, which I, as a fan of fragrances (my collection won't stop growing as of late), curiously decided to try. 

There was no description of what the scent would exactly be like, but judging by the model's outfit styling and the black background I assumed it would be a sexy, night time, deep, dark and mysterious fragrance. 

The packaging features a dusty pink box with black font, and on the bottle the colours appear inverted, plus there is a very interesting geometric pattern on the bottle and a textured golden lid. Upon further reading I found out the notes of the Alaïa Paris Perfume are musk, blended with tones of freesia and pink pepper.

When I first sniffed it I thought it had a strong scent to it and proceeded to apply it on my pulse points. The perfume has very faint floral notes and is very woody and warm, it's definitely a lovely scent but I find it a bit masculine and I think I would appreciate it more as a male fragrance, just not on me.

It is definitely long lasting, I applied it in the morning and can still smell it after about 10 hours, so a great option if you like your fragrances to have lasting power and find it annoying having to reapply them.

Find Alaïa Paris Perfume in John Lewis.

xo

New in: August 2015

Last month was my birthday and I got a couple of gifts from my coworkers and lots of cards, as well as some money from my in-laws and nieces. Dot got me the cutest bunny eared fluffy pyjamas, Albert Hammond Jr's signed album, and the Elie Saab L'eau Couture perfume with a shower gel and body lotion. 

The toys are the bits I won in the Blackpool arcades, I'd never won a prize in one of those crane machines but I was so excited when I got the little dog, I couldn't believe it haha. The bear and the piggy I won in one of those racing games where you throw a ball and the more points you score, the further you go on the race. 

Got a 3 notebook set in a shop in Blackpool and when we got back, a pack of 5 inkjoy pens in the pound shop.

After trying a sample of the oil free version of the Garnier BB cream, decided it was time to purchase a full size one. The Alice in Wonderland Rabbit Tsum Tsum was a gift from Dot.

Last but not least, a book for learning French from The Works for just 4p as I had some money in my rewards card, and a set of Paris themed sticky notes that Dot got me.

xo

Stripes & Flats

H&M Top // Topshop Jeans // Paul Costelloe Bag // New Look Flats

(Similar: Top, Bag, Flats)

Last weekend I got a couple of bits for work, which I'll show you soon. There's still a few more that I need to get, like a pair of boots for winter, an umbrella and some wellies so I don't get wet when I walk to work.

xo

The Autumn/Winter Wishlist

Time to start stocking up on autumn & winter essentials, the ones I've got my eye on are:

Primark Reversible Scarf £5 A very affordable way of updating and adding a touch of texture and colour to an otherwise monochrome winter outfit.

Uniqlo Ines Check Shirt £30 A long sleeve shirt is a must during colder months, this one has a classic check design and feminine rounded collar.

Uniqlo Wool Cashmere Coat £100 I'm on the lookout for a camel coat, I want one with a masculine shape and simple design and this one seems really nice and good quality. 

Reebok Black Trainers £55 I'm not 100% decided yet but I do want a pair of black leather trainers, and this is one of the top choices.

Paul Costelloe Purse £17 A purse where I can keep my cards, notes and coins all in one place without being bulky would be greatly appreciated. 

New Look Black Chelsea Wellies £16 Rainy season is back, and since I walk to work a pair of wellies are much needed. These in a chelsea style are just gorgeous.

H&M Sripe Jumper £15 I am obsessed with knitwear, and with breton stripes as of late. This jumper combines classic stripes and grey (my favourite colour) in one. Must. Buy.

H&M Wool Scarf £30 This scarf in grey wool it looks warm, cosy and sophisticated. It seems a nice choice to add to my collection, 

H&M Check Shirt £15 Another flannel but in a lighter colour scheme, which means it can be also worn in the summer with a couple of undone buttons at the top and rolled up sleeves. 

xo

Paul Costelloe Triplet Bag

This is another birthday gift to myself that I got a couple of months ago, the Paul Costello Triplet Bag. After seeing the (overpriced) stylish Celine Trio bag a lot on social media, I really wanted a similar bag, so when I learned about the Paul Costello Triplet Bag, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Originally retailing for £150, found it on the sale for just £40.

It has 3 zipped compartments with gold hardware, one zipped pocket inside the back pouch, and a phone pocket on the front one. Also features a removable and adjustable strap so it can be used as a cross-body bag or a clutch. It is just the right size for me not to overfill it and end up with a back ache. It has the Paul Costello fox logo on the front and it is made out of 100% super soft leather.

xo

Sanctuary Spa Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion

Since becoming a skincare fanatic, I love trying new products all the time. I found the Sanctuary Spa Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion in Savers for just £3 so I just had to get it, as I have tried a few other Sanctuary Spa products and really liked them.

This lotion is meant to be refreshing and easily absorbed without clogging pores, as well as giving targeteted hydration where it's needed. It contains an extract from an alpine plant that cuts down excess oil production and helps minimise open pores. A concentrated blend of five fruit acids helps promote cell renewal to increase radiance without shine

After using this lotion for a few months I can definitely agree with the fact that it moisturises without clogging my pores, feeling heavy or greasy. It is not exactly what I would call mattifying, but it's fine, as it absorbs really quickly and doesn't leave my skin looking shiny, only naturally glowing.

I've been using the Sanctuary Spa Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion morning and night. The only downside to this lotion is that it has no SPF, so it would be amazing if they reformulated it as it would be my go to product. 

Find Sanctuary Spa Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion in Boots and Debenhams.

Have you tried this product?

xo