Bye guys!

Hi ladies,

Jack and I are off to Paris in the morning, so I just thought I'd say bye, have a fabulous weekend, and happy Halloween! 

Loves,

Saturday Spending

I popped out to Primark this morning to stock up on tights for Paris as it will be cold, I ended up with 10 pairs! I think I went a bit overboard. And on my travels I found these two necklaces that I couldn't resist and thought I'd quickly share.

Multi heart chain, £3, Link chain £2.50

Also, on Thursday, I went to the River Island sale and only managed to find one thing. This gorgeous brown leather studded bag, was £50 reduced to £25. Happy times.

Loves,

Primers

I have oily skin and I hate it. I've always relied on powders to mattify my skin. Powder before foundation, powder after foundation, powder top ups. A kabuki brush is my best friend, something I always have in my bag just to give a quick brush and instantly take away any shine I may have.

But recently I've been trying out primers, these are the three I have:

I started out with Smashbox Photo Finish Light (middle primer), I got this for free when I was working at Reveal Magazine, so I thought I would give it a go. It claims that it is perfect for oily, acne prone or sensitive skin, this oil free, 60% water based primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth matte finish all day. 

This primer isn't too thick, and it does instantly mattify my face, however I'm still having to use powder with it, I don't know if that is because of the foundation I use? Also I gave up using this, because I had a break out whilst I was.

The next primer I tried was the No. 7 Shine Free Make-Up Base (left). I never normally use No. 7 products because they are over priced, but I had a £5 voucher, so I think I only paid another fiver for this. By the way ignore the weirdness on the picture of this primer, there was in incident with a straightener. On the front of this product it states that it stops shine for a matte finish. And on the back...Keep shiny skin under control all day long,  with this mattifying oil-free base. This base isn't as silky as the smashbox, and sometimes when I rub it into my face I get little white lumps of product build up that I have to brush away. Also I find that foundation doesn't really go well on top of it. It's really hard to explain, but there are always problems with my foundation when I use this especially on my nose. I wouldn't purchase this again.

Lastly there is the GOSH Velvet Touch, I happened to notice in Superdrug today that this product had £4 off until Tuesday (27th), reducing it to £8 something, so I thought why not try it? The packaging says that it's a perfect base for all make up. It fills in fine lines and deep pores in the skin creating a uniform, matte and silky soft surface, enabling the easy and smooth application of foundation. This comes with a pump applicator (as does Smashbox), but unlike the other two is clear, not white. I've just tried it out on my hand and it feels really silky, but seems to take a while to blend. 

I'm going out tonight, so it's the perfect time to test this product, I'll let you all know how it goes my lovlies! 

What are your favourite primers? Recommendations welcome.

On a completely different note, I got a cover for my MacBook the other day and it's PINK! Everyone keeps asking me if I got a new laptop, I love it! 

Loves,

Paris Essentials & A Mini MAC Haul

Hi ladies,

As many of you will know, for my birthday my boyfriend gave me a trip to Paris as a present, we go on the 29th and for the past month or so I've been collecting my so-called Paris essentials (not really essential, as I'm pretty sure I have quite enough clothes already that I could have taken, but any excuse to go shopping...) I'll add in all the prices incase anyone wants to ask about any of them.

I thought I'd share just a few of the things I have picked up so far:

Two Paris tops, as in my Mum's words when I saw them, I "had to have them". The one on the left is from Topshop (£16), it's a little bit cropped, hence the red v neck vest (£6 or 2 for £9) which I plan to wear underneath the I heart Paris top. And the other top is from Oasis (£22).

Slouchy beige off the shoulder jumper, ASOS (£20) and black "jeggings" are Oasis (£35)

Two jumper dresses (I get so bored of wearing jeans in the winter). The one on the left is from H&M (£19.99) and it is cable knit on the top and plain on the bottom and also comes in purple and white. The other dress is from Miss Selfridge (£38) and it has cut out detailing at the front, and a scoop neck at the back. Both of these will be great for the day time, with some thick black tights and a nice pair of boots.

Faux leather jacket with pleat detailing from Miss Selfridge (£45), will look great over this delicate layered style dress from French Connection, I got this dress back in September as a birthday present and have yet to wear it. I couldn't resist the little black sequin beret from River Island (£9.99) and will go perfectly with my new winter coat.

High boots, Primark (£19) and ankle boots, Next (£45)

::MAC HAUL::

This is just a recent MAC haul, only three items, I'm trying to be good.

Nude Rose lipstick from the new DSquared collection is a perfect daytime pink, and a 168 brush. Here's how the lipstick looks on me (no flash), I think it's a new fave. I'll post more about it and do a comparison in my next post.

And finally, I got a 4 pan pallette to take to Paris, so I don't have to take my 15 palette for fear if it getting smashed or anything.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend,  mine's been quiet, as we're saving money. We just went out to lunch yesterday and then had a nice dinner, bottle of wine and crisps and dips whilst watching X Factor. I'm starting to really like Stacey...

Loves,

Aussie Pampering Event at Adee Phelan's Salon

A few months back I was contacted by Lauren over at 1000 Heads asking if I'd like to become one of their Aussie Angels, of course I accepted and on Saturday night a pampering event was held for us at Adee Phelan's salon in Covent Garden. For any of you that watched The Salon a few years back, he was one of the hair dressers on it.

As quoted from the salon's website, Adee Phelan is an inspirational hair salon that boasts a top celebrity clientele. Be welcomed with a cool, electric yet modern feel enhanced with a line up of acclaimed who offer both traditional and latest in all cutting techniques. The team enjoy catering for all hair types and benefit from exclusive hair, styling and media experience from celebrity hair dresser, Adee Phelan.

I was allowed to take two friends on the night, so I asked Nicola and Sarah, unfortunately Sarah couldn't make it, so it was just Nicola and I. The event was from 7 til 10pm and from the moment we arrived at the salon we were greeted by Lauren and Emma from 1000 Heads with two nice glasses of champagne for us. There was some yummy snacks laid on too.

Straight away we got to go and have our hair done as there were two stylists free. We went through to the funky decorated salon and discussed with the stylists what we wanted done and then had our hair washed with the most gorgeous smelling Aussie hair products. Once washed one of the guys Tom topped up my champagne and my stylist went on to blow dry and style my hair. I asked for volume at the roots and curls at the ends, and that is what I got.

Once we were all done we took a seat, drank copious amounts of champagne and chatted to the PR girls. At the end of the evening Adee came into the salon, and much to my surprise he has a chihauahua puppy which he brought in and everyone made a fuss over.

If all this wasn't enough, after all the girls had had their hair done, the whole crowd of us went on to a bar, where the kind people at 1000 Heads put a credit card behind the bar and all our drinks were put on tab. Jack came and met us and we stayed in the bar chatting to bloggers and left Covent garden at about quarter past midnight,

It was a fabulous evening, and it's so nice to be given something back. So huge thank you's to everyone at 1000 Heads, Aussie and Adee Phelan's salon. I can't wait for the next event, which is a girls night out.

Here's the eye candy...

Yes, that is Nicola and I being pampered.

Loves,

xoxox

New Fashion Brand Launch - Fashion Union

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Fashion Union's press day a few weeks ago which took place in Covent Garden, London. Fashion Union is a new label, which has officially launched online and they state that their site "offers a vibrant range of catwalk classics for fashionistas with a credit crunch budget". Their website is supported by a style guide, which they send out to their customers, much like popular fashion website ASOS do. However, the Fashion Union style guide/catalogue (which I did receive a copy of on the day) is 164 pages long and packed to the brim with all their products and photoshoots showcasing their products. 

For their Autumn 09 style guide all the shots were taken in New York and there is some great imagery. I love the fact that the stlye guide isn't full of advertisements, infact it doesn't have any, the whole thing is dedicated to the brand. The mix of the style guide and the stylish website makes Fashion Union a really accessible stop for this seasons top trends.

 

Chosen for her unique, evolving style, Louise Redknapp (who is lovely by the way, my parents know her) has been chosen as the brands ambassador. On the brand, Louise says, "I love the mix of styles and trends Fashion Union offers. Designer labels are great but it's the fast fashion that really lets you have some fun with your look. I'll definitely need to treble my wardrobe space, the collections look great!" 

Fashion Union's products includes all the Autumn/Winter 09/10 catwalk trends including Country Girl with chunky knits, frayed scarves and wellies. Lady Luxe with belted dressess, box jackets and pencil skirts. Punk Princess with leather jackets, studded belts and wet look leggings. And Sassy Stateside with sequin jackets and dresses. 

Part of the Visage group, who produce collections for ASOS, New Look, Dorothy Perkins and Next, Fashion Unions Autumn/Winter collection price points range from £5 - £59, which is a really great and inexpensive price range, with one of their moto's in their style guide being "dress for less in the union". 

I got to view some of their collection, and here's just a few of my favourite pieces:

Purple double breasted trench coat, also comes in black, stone or red, £49

Leona top, sequin and beaded top in beautiful delicate georgette, black, wine, teal or ivory, £30

This top is a complete bargain when you bare in mind all the sequins and beads, and for the past couple of seasons, French Connection has has a dress that is practically identical to this top, which is selling for over £100

Virginia overshirt, pin striped, long roll up sleeves with tab, £28

And finally, the Ferrara dress, with a fully sequined front and detachable straps, £59

These are just a really small selection of items I liked, from the samples that were there on the day, there are so many more on the website, so check it out, for all the latest trends at seriously affordable prices.

www.fashionunion.co.uk

Fashion Union Press Day - Personal Experience

Hi ladies,

So a few weeks ago I got invited to the Fashion Union press day in Covent Garden, for those of you that don't know Fashion Union is an up and coming fashion website. I have only been able to post about it now because the story was embargoed until the 29th Sept (today). I will be filling you in all about it in my next post, but for this one I just thought I'd show you what I wore, and what I got.

OOTD:

I wore:

Cream Petal top, Topshop

Grey boyfriend blazer, River Island

Grey/Black scarf, H&M

Blue patch skinny jeans, River Island

Cream & gold studded pumps, River Island

Bead bracelet, Tiffany

Watch, Guess

Bag, Guess

When I arrived, I was greeted by the lovely intern, had a chat with some of the guys behind fashion union and got to browse through the collection (more about that in the next post), once I'd looked through, I picked out some of my fave pieces and asked the guys to email me the high res files for me to publish for you all to have a look at. 

I then got my hands on one of the GORGEOUS cupcakes I'd spied on the table as I walked in, how pretty is this?

And on my departure was given a goody bag containing Fashion Union products. I got a black across body bag, frilly umbrella, a leopard print pashmina, a Fashion Union catalogue, a press release and a 35% press discount.

Just thought I'd share a bit of personal experience from the day, and look out for my next update with all the pressy stuff. 

Loves,

xoxox

 

Hair Scare!

Hi Girls,

So on Tuesday I had a bit of a hair trauma, I was getting ready for work, blowdrying the underneath of my hair when suddenly a load of it snapped off in my hand! I started panicing, and running my fingers through the hair and there were strands coming out. Straight away I called the hairdresser telling her that my hair was breaking, and ever since was worrying that I'd have to have it cut really short as it broke quite high up.

So this morning the hairdresser came, looked at my hair, and once I told her that there was a burning smell after I turned off the hair dryer, she said all I've done is put the hairdryer on my hair for too long and I've burnt my hair. So panic over, I'm not losing my hair! She did say however that for my hair to have done that my ends are very weak, and that I'm going to need to get a heavy duty treatment, and treat it once a week over night. So thank god all she had to do today was give me a trim. It looks fairly shorter, because she had to really go to town with my layers in order to get rid of all my ends.

This was the finished result:

I'm quite happy with the length it is because it means I can now use my 12 inch extensions, as before they were pointless because they were the same length as my hair. So I pulled them out and clipped them in, and this is me with extensions:

So very happy I have healthier ends AND I can use my extensions. Good times.

Loves,

xoxox

A Modest Haul & My First MAC Palette

Helloooo!

I just popped into town as I wanted to check out the La Senza sale, which didn't have a lot really, I managed to get two of the things I wanted, which were both half price, a Grumpy but Gorgeous pyjama set reduced to £7.50 and a black silky chemise, which was down to a fiver. 

I then popped in to Boots on the off chance they had the L'Oreal colour sensation lipsticks, I was doubtful as it was a smaller one compared the one opposite where I work, and they haven't had them in. However, to my surprise, they had them. So finally, all be it a little late, I present Ambre Rose...

I then went in to Superdrug with intent to just browse and buy a drink, but I started looking at the Barry M stuff, and I've been debating over whether to get the 129 lip paint (the lilac one if you didn't know) for months. I finally gave in and bought it, however It comes out really, really lilac on my lips, and from some of the swatches I've seen on some of the other ladies blogs, it is a lot more toned down on others, so any tips on what I can team it with?? I also picked up the lip wand in number 4, I had to get it just for the smell, it's gorgeous! It's a milky pink colour and it smells like strawberry yoghurt or the strawberry body lotion from the Body Shop.

Next on to the MAC bits, I got Well Dressed blush, I've recently got into wearing blush, as I never bothered before, and I thought Well Dressed would be a good starter. I've been using it sparingly on the apples of my cheeks, and it's lovely, gives me a nice healthy glow. I also got two eye shadows, which I have already de-potted, Beauty Marked (left) and Black Tied (right), I wasn't expecting Beauty Marked to be so black, but I'm sure I'll still be able to make it work! 

Buying two eyeshadows leads me on to my first finished palette which I only had two slots to fill, so yay! I was never going to start depotting, buy then all the eyeshadows started taking up a hell of a lot of room in my make up drawer, so it makes more sense for me to have them all in a palette. So here it is, in all its glory...

Top row (L-R) Dazzlelight, Grand Entrance (from the Love That Look collection and one of my very favourites) Tempting, Sable, Beauty Marked

Middle row (L-R) Retrospeck, Woodwinked, Honey Lust, Style Snob, Top Knot

Bottom row (L-R) All That Glitters, Satin Taupe, Twinks, Smoke & Diamonds, Black Tied

So pretty :)

Loves,

xoxox

Feeling Blue

As featured by many of the leading designers, I'm loving blue for the winter, it's a tone down from the corals, oranges and yellows I was sporting throughout what we had of the summer. Blue is still a nice "pop" of colour for those chilly winter days/nights. 

From nail polish (yes my tootsies are Blue Monday 547 by GOSH right now), to shoes to body con dresses (I just got a great 3/4 length sleeve one from H&M), it's all about moody blues. Whether it be navy, powder blue or teal, it's going to be big this season. 

I love this Stella McCartney dress seen on the Autumn/Winter 09/10 catwalks. It's typical McCartney, pretty and feminine thanks to the soft mix of chiffon and silk fabrics.

Image credit; Vogue

And doesn't Lauren Conrad look fabulous in this simple blue number, and if you like the belt New Look do almost identical ones for the bargain price of £6!

Here are just a selection of some the many great blues hitting the www.asos.com for the Autumn/Winter:

Vero Moda @ ASOS, Boyfriend Blazer, £30

Pintuck Mac, £45

Motel Sailer Boyfriend Cardi, £40

Slouchy off-the-shoulder knitted top, £20

Pleat detail tulip skirt, £25

Forever Unique @ ASOS, sequin one shouldered evening dress, £150

Bow top, £16

My fave has to be that navy boyfriend blazer. Will you be investing in some blue this season? 

Loves,

xoxox