April Wishlist

Hello lovelies,

Another month is nearly over, it really is crazy how fast this year is going. I used to absolutely love Wishlist posts, both writing them and reading them. I am always lusting after one thing or another. Payday is looming so there's no better time to post a monthly wishlist!

Panasonic Facial Cleansing Brush

Its been a while since I've used a facial cleansing brush as I've been using my trusty Liz Earle and Muslin Cloth for quite some time, however its nice to mix things up a little bit. My skin is in much need of some TLC and this little beauty is a 3 in 1. It has a warming plate (directly at the end of the handle of the brush - compete with two settings) to loosen and remove make up from the skin, a soft brush with rotating bristles for a deep, gentle clean (two cleansing modes: soft and normal) and a smaller pore focus brush (my favourite!) to target pores around the T Zone. 

Step 2 has micro-foam technology to generate a finer foam and has ultra fine bristles to thoroughly cleanse even the hardest of areas to reach. Comes complete with a easy-storage stand. Available to purchase now for £149.99. P.S. How pretty is it?! Love the gold and white combo! 

Sigma Ultimate Copper Brush Set

I have been oggling this set ever since this super deal appeared in my inbox. I believe its on special offer for $199 with a value of nearly 400 dollars! Free shipping on International orders, just be careful of being stung by customs charges (This has definitely happened to me in the past!) It contains 19 brushes all with a beautoful black and copper handle. It has been the longest time since I treated myself to new brushes and at 10 dollars a brush I think it may be time to! 

Nars Unfiltered 2 Cheek Palette 

I have a very similar NARS Palette on the go at the moment however it has a contour, highlight and bronzer as well as four blush shades. It looks a little worse for wear and has definitely seen better days but I use it daily without feel. I just think these are such good value for money. £45 gets you 6 shades that honestly last what seems like a lifetime.

Disney Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teezers are my favourite. My hair is so long, thick and unmanageable (needs a good cut if i'm honest!) and a nightmare once washed before blow drying, Tangle Teezers are my savior. I have been using them for years (I have recently starting using the Aqua Splash and wow this is next level but I digress!) So my you can imagine the happiness that burst out of me when I spotted this beaut pale pink Disney edition from Asos. Yeah, it doesn't really scream Disney, it isn't imprinted with the princesses however they are on the packaging and that's good enough for me! 

Estee Lauder Double Wear

I was extremely late on the Double Wear band wagon as I was riding the NARS Sheer Glow train for an awful long time...however! This is just incredible, I can't quite believe that it has taken me so super long to try this. I tried a bottle of this, then went back to sheer glow and then back to this and I honestly think I do prefer it! Super great coverage, lasts all day, just looks absolutely flawless.

Whats on your wishlist this month? 

xx

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JD Williams Wish List

Happy Thursday lovelies! 

As a girl that is plus size, I always struggle to find clothes that suit, are cut well and fit properly. My go to's are usually River Island Plus or ASOS Curve and if they didn't suffice I'd be pretty stuck!  

I recently came across JD Williams..a website that I'll admit I've never even come across let alone looked at! However it doesn't just stock Plus Size or smaller, but a lot of sizes! Some products go up to a size 34. 

A particular category that took my eye is the Dresses category. I used to forever live in dresses, you couldn't keep me out of them! No matte the occasion, everyday, formal, casual, I would be I dress. The bigger I seemed to get, my confidence was shot to pieces and I used to hide in figure hugging jeans and tops, the baggier the better. 

I am currently on a Slimming World Weight Loss Journey, and so have I have lost 1 and a half stone. Don't get me wrong, I've got a long way to go...an AWFUL long way. However, it is the start of my little journey and my confidence is slowly creeping up.

Anyways, I digress, back to the dresses! The one thing I did notice about JD Williams is that they do Coast...plus size coast at that and exclusive to JD Williams. They have some truly beautiful Coast Maxi dresses, that would be perfect for a Summer wedding reception and also some gorgeous midi, floral dresses that scream Summer. 

The Everly Dress in particular is such a steal priced at £74 with a saving of £95 on the retail price. It is absolutely pretty as a picture with a gentle floral skirt and slightly off the shoulder number. I like! 

This Khaki Lovedrobe number has also caught my eye. I love the crepe material that seems to skim curves and flow beautifully as well as the open shoulder. Quite a steal at £32 too! 

There's also 20% at the checkout for new customers, who doesn't love a discount code?! I must admit the Beachwear Section has also caught my eye! Maybe a holiday purchase is in order! 

xx

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Prada Wish List

Hello lovelies,

I hope you are both well! 

As some of you may know, I am quite partial to a designer purchase every now and again, especially shoes and accessories not so much clothing. However in my current collection I only seem to own a Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton bag and would dream to add to my collection.

Lets start with the love of my life. 

The ultimate lust is and has been for such a long time is the Prada Galleria Saffiano Tote in black which is just dreamy. The price tag, not so much which is why this is currently on a wishlist and not in my online basket! One day this classic will be in my collection! 

I am loving all things prada currently, these patent pointy shoes are to die for. Very Louboutin-esque minus the red sole, at what seems to be a much more affordable price! Love the nude colour and the fact that they're patent.

These Prada Grey Suede boots are killer. Suede. Square toe. Chunky heel. Pretty much everything I look for in the perfect winter boot. I know some people shy away from suede in Winter (Carla i'm looking at you) but I just can't resist! 

The Prada Galleria Saffiano Lux small shoulder bag in this powder pink is adorable. I love the chain the leather. Is it overpriced? Hell yeah! Do I still want? Absolutely! Its like the baby sister to the love of my life (see above) 

Sunglasses, sunglasses. I have various designer pairs, ranging from Dior, D&G to Ralph Lauren and Ray Ban. For most of these, I've had them years and always forgo the cheaper, throwaway style brands to pay a bit more for something long lasting and in my humble opinion much more worthwhile! This Prada pair has caught my eye like a magpie. I love the classic black, oversized style with a slight twist of swirly, tortoise shell on the arms. 

I have to admit, Prada are absolutely KILLING it at the minute! I am obsessed with all of these pieces and if money was no object each one would be in my possession. For now I will have to look from afar! 

Whats on your winter wishlist? 

xx

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My Great Knicker Roundup

As you know, I love reading about fashion. Most days I spend time enjoying the websites of other fashion and beauty bloggers. It is a great way to relax, and pick up new ideas. Barely a day goes by without me picking up something new, but recently it struck me that for some reason, hardly anyone talks about buying underwear.

Something I find strange, given the fact that wearing the wrong bra and pants can ruin the look of even the most expensive, and stylish outfit. Not to mention the fact that wearing the wrong underwear can be extremely uncomfortable.

So, today I am going to break the mould a bit, and write a post about knickers, specifically a guide to buying the right type.

Picture courtesy of Simply Be 

Size matters

The first tip is to buy the right size. I know this sounds obvious, but we have all gone up a dress size, and carried on wearing our old underwear. This is definitely not a good idea. If your knickers are too small, it is impossible to achieve a smooth silhouette. The waistband will just cut in and create unnecessary bulges. When you put on weight, it is best to accept the change in your figure, and buy new underwear, as well as clothes.

Buy for your body type

It is also important to buy the right cut for your body type. If you have an ample belly, it is usually better to opt for a high waist cut, like briefs. This style of knickers helps to smooth out the stomach area, and hold it in place a little, especially if you opt for a pair with built in support panels.

Comfort

Another important consideration is comfort. The last thing you want is to be squirming around trying to stop your underpants from bunching up. By all means, try out the latest fashions, but if you find a style uncomfortable to wear, it is usually best to just leave them on the shelf.

Looks

Of course, you want to look good in your underwear too. The best way to work out what type flatters your figure the most is to try on different styles.

The right colour

It is also important to buy the right colour underwear. You need to choose a colour that suits your skin tone.

Every time you try on a new outfit, it is important to check to make sure that your underwear is not visible. If it is, usually changing into lighter coloured underwear will solve the problem.

Enough coverage

If you are going to be wearing short shorts, a mini skirt, or dancing in a full skirt you also need to make sure that your underwear is modest enough. The last thing you need is to sit down, cross your legs, and end up showing off more flesh than you meant to.

Buy quality

There is a tendency for people not to spend much money on their underwear. This usually turns out to be a false economy. If you invest in good quality knickers and bras they should last, and stay comfortable for longer.

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Female Hair Loss

As a woman and especially as a blogger, we talk about ways in which we look after our hair or our daily haircare routines on a daily basis. Our cupboards are full of hair products, we have monthly trips to the hairdressers, more serums and hairspray than you can shake a stick at and probably spend hours and hours over the course of the month combing, drying, straightening and curling.

Even though it is less common in women than men, Female Hair Loss can knock a woman's confidence and self esteem however there are treatments available and options available to help regain confidence.

Generally there are three types of female hair loss, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common form. It is similar to the hair thinning men would get without the receding hair line. It happens usually around the menopause with 75% of women over 65 suffering from some sort of hair loss which is a huge percentage of women. 

As a women in her mid twenties, I haven't suffered any sort of hair loss, not that I have noticed anyway. However, I do have friends who have noticed clumps of hair falling out in their hands after washing or coming out in their brush after combing through so it doesn't just effect those of an older age. 

Harley Street Hair Clinic offer treatment for female and male hair loss in their London clinic. You can send pictures via the website for a online consultation or request a call back consultation and go from there. The website is full of case studies in particular the story of Wayne Rooney who had his hair transplant via the Harley Street Hair Clinic. 

If hair loss is something that you are worried or concerned about or if you want more advice, case studies, frequently asked questions and information you can visit the Harley Street Hair Clinic website.

http://www.hshairclinic.co.uk/

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ProSkin Clinics

ProSkins mission is to make advanced skincare affordable to the consumer. They ensure to research and maintain the most technologically advanced equipment and products with the best possible prices, without compromising on quality of care or services. They have 11 clinics nationwide mainly around London but also as North as Newcastle.

I'm going to list some of their most popular treatments.

Laser Hair Removal

ProSkin offers laser hair removal starting from only £49 going up to £349 for the full body which I think is incredible value. The smallest amount of uncomfortableness is enough for me so I'm not entirely sure if laser hair removal is for me, however I have friends at beauty college who highly recommend laser hair removal and have had good results. ProSkin use award winning Cynosure Elite lasers that can treat darker and Asian skin types. They also offer a free skin analysis and consultation on your initial appointment. 

3D Lipo

3D Lipo is a non surgical alternative to traditional liposuction. Treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes and clients can begin to see results after 2-6 months. You can have a free taster session and from there treatments start at £49 up to £349 for a 4 week course. Treatments are non-invasive and combined with a healthy lifestyle you will see results. 

Acne Treatment

Growing up I luckily had quite good skin and the odd few spots and oiliness but never really experienced acne, however I know quite a few friends that did, even in adulthood and know how much it effected them and knocked their confidence. ProSkin offer a treatment called Theaclear that addresses multiple cases of acne and gives fast results with minimal side effects. It combines light and vacuum for fast and visible reduction in acne and redness. Prices for the treatment start at £129 and 98% of customers have reviewed this treatment with 4 or 5 stars.

Microdermabrasion

Diamond microdermabrasion works by deeply exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells improving the overall look and appearance of the skin and helping to restore its natural glow. It can also improve the appearance of small lines and wrinkles. Treatment causes no pain or discomfort and can be used to treat dull, tired skin, sun damage and enlarged and congested pores to name a few. Treatments are £49.

http://www.proskinclinics.com/

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A Year In My Life 2015

Happy 2016 everyone! 

I remember at the start of 2012 I did a year in my life post that I thoroughly enjoyed doing as I can reflect and look back on the year we have just left behind. The other night I had those typical new year thoughts of 'What have I achieved this year?' and felt like I hadn't quite lived the year to the fullest, so putting this post together really helped with that. I am now going into the 6th year of my blog which is actually insane to me! I know that I have really let it slide the past few years but sometimes life really does get in the way.

I'm going to break it up month by month in only 3 pictures which was a task in itself! It was lovely to look back through Instagram to really see all that I had actually packed in to one year. 

January

We spent the New Year in Dublin which was incredible. Dublin really is one of my favourite cities in the world. I really do appreciate its beauty so much and try to get there once a year at least. This time I went with Josh and we ended up going back to the Cliffs of Moher which is absolutely breathtaking and we actually scattered some of my dads ashes here. A trip to the guiness factory was also in order, it tastes so much nicer in Ireland!

Food obviously had to feature and after years of lusting, Meat Liquor finally opened its doors in Leeds. The hot dog is honestly the best one I have ever tried and those cheese and onion fries are insane! So so good! 

February

 As me and Josh got together in May, February was the first Valentines day that we had spent together. We had a joint Valentines day with my mum and her partner and spent it at a beautiful Italian restaurant in Wetherby along with a few glasses of prosecco. It was perfect food and company and a lovely low key day, Im looking forward to seeing what this year brings! I also went to see the Script in Leeds for like the third time with my mum, we were insanely close which was amazing! 

I went on a fabulous night out into Leeds with my favourite work girls too! 

March

March is my birthday month and this year I turned the grand age of 26! I spent the day surrounded by cocktails, afternoon tea and thai food. One of mine and Josh's favourite restaurants is Chaophraya, their pad thai is one of the best I have ever had so it was only right I spent my birthday there. We tried the afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols, I am a huge afternoon tea fan, you will see it pop up a few times, however I was overly impressed, especially for the price. 

I also saw Usher in concert, again after him cancelling a year or two before. He was amazing as always and boy is he beautiful.

April

I was treated with this absolutely stunning Easter hamper by my wonderful best friend Carla (thank you girl!) She is so thoughtful and kind, her heart is literally made of gold! I have never met anyone like her! Another afternoon tea, a definite theme of the year! This time in Manchester! I stayed over with two girls from work and enjoyed shopping, afternoon tea, cocktails and good food. Was a lovely stay! I also went to Majorca for a few days, much shorter than first anticipated but I had to get home as I started my new job! The few days I did spend there were exactly what I needed,  the weather wasn't great, it was April after all. But to spend time with my best friends, have a laugh and a good time away was incredible. 

May

 May was mine and Joshs first year anniversary. He booked for us to both go on a spa weekend which was so lovely to just get away for the night with nice food and drink and spa access and treatments. The hotel and surroundings were stunning and I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I also spent time with my best friend Carla and we went on a night out in Leeds. 

June

 Me and Josh spent the night with our friends Loren and Chris in the seaside town of Hornsea for the night. It was so lovely to get away, spend the night away with friends by the sea and have a bbq and a few drinks. The next day we went into Bridlington and did the typical seaside thing of amusements, crazy golf, fish and chips and ice cream. I also got my hair done! I opted for extensions and as I was completely clueless I went to see my lovely friend Amy down in London. She was an absolute babe and fitted me with Bellamore hair extensions. They lasted me months and I only had to take them out when I started college in September...more on that later! I also managed to go and see Taylor Swift even though tickets sold out in literally seconds. She was outstanding, like out of this world good! 

July

 I was lucky enough to be invited to The City Girls blogger event in Leeds which was so much fun! I posted a blog post about the day and had a wonderful time meeting fellow bloggers and brands. Me and Josh had a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, one of my favourite places to visit and I spent yet more nights out with Carla! 

August

My favourite month of the year. Me and Josh went to Cuba at the beginning of the month. We stayed in a beautiful hotel on the seafront and had an incredible two weeks of sipping cocktails, eating lobster, boat trips and swimming with dolphins. Not to mention Josh asking me to marry him! We had talked about marriage a lot so was overjoyed when he got down in one knee in this stunning hut on the beach. I can honestly say I have never been happier, such a dream proposal and of course I said yes! He truly is the most incredible person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am tremendously lucky that I'm the one that gets to marry him and spend forever with him.

September

 I had literally decided on and enrolled at college within 2 weeks of first contemplating and talking about it. I enrolled on to the Level 2 Beauty Specialist course and I am due to finish in July and be a fully qualified Beauty Therapist. I am excited for this chapter of my life and looking forward to a potential career change. Lifes too short, you've got to do what you want to do. Even if it does mean retraining at 26! We also spent the day in one of my favourite seaside towns, Whitby!

Oh and another amazing part of the month? We booked our wedding! Me and Josh are getting married on the 15th August 2017 (yes I can officially say next year!) in Las Vegas!

October

 Another month and another weekend away. This time me and Josh went for a spa weekend at the Marriott Hollins Hall hotel and it was honestly beautiful. I had been so busy working two jobs and college that to just get away for the night to recharge my batteries was most definitely needed. I also went to see One Direction for the second time! I actually bought tickets off a girl at work as they totally sold out before I could get my hands on them! I'm so sad that theyre taking a break, Im kind of sceptical that they will ever get back together? Who knows! I also tried for the first time a Pornstar Martini, oh my goodness! The most incredible cocktail ever with a shot of prosecco? Perfection!

November

 The day we had got back from Cuba was literally the day we booked our engagement party. I spent the remainder of the week planning details in my head alongside a venue etc and knew exactly where I wanted it. They could only pencil us in on Friday 13th (I know right?) but not being overly superstitious we went for it, as it was also our 18 month anniversary so thought it was pretty special. The whole night was absolutely incredible. The room was filled with over a hundred of our family and friends. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better night! With it being a tradition of mine and Carlas we also went to see Lawson for the third time, this time at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds which is like the smallest venue but incredible at the same time. The boys definitely didn't disappoint and the night was amazing as always. 

 December 

Regardless of December being the Christmas month, for me it is the hardest month of the year. This year saw the one year anniversary of my Dads death. They say it gets easier over time but honestly for me it only seems to get more difficult. I miss his face, I miss talking to him, I miss everything about him. I play over and over those final weeks and days in my head all the time and what I would have done or said differently. My heart still aches just as much as it did when he left. So this Christmas I raised a toast to my dad, visited the German Market in Leeds with Carla, another yearly tradition filled with all the food and spent a weekend in Dublin with the love of my life as his belated birthday present. 

So there you have it. I hope you all had a truly tremendous year and I wish you the best for 2016. Heres to making memories that will last a lifetime.

As always, thank you for reading

xx

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Guest Post: 5 Gift Ideas For Fashion Lovers

We all know a friend who is just crazy about being stylish and fashionable. And we all have to gift something special to that person as well, so she will embrace her lifestyle even more and enjoy being who she is as well. So for your pleasure and a little bit of help – here are five perfect gift ideas for all girls who can’t imagine their day without fashion!

Fine beauty products

Of course, one of the best gifts for all girls who love looking good is beauty products. Expensive and luxurious perfume, lipsticks and other cosmetics are the perfect way to pamper your fashionista friend and you know it! But since these products cost pretty much, we need to find some ways how to make those prices get low too. For the start, I would recommend you to check these JCPenney online coupons. Along with these coupons, you are guaranteed to save tons on even the priciest gifts there are.

Designer phone case

If your friend is not only a real fan of fashion but also love to check her phone occasionally, get something that can marry both of her hobbies. The perfect gift, in this case, would be a designer made phone case. Maybe your friend loves Prada - then get a phone case for her smartphone that was created by this brand and it shows. Just be sure to know what exact model she has to make a perfectly suitable gift.

A biography of Coco Chanel

I bet that your fashionista friend wishes to work in fashion. Or even if she already does that for a living, a biography of the legendary Coco Chanel is worth reading for her without any doubt. So – make that as a gift! There are at least a few different published bios of this great designer. Thus, there won’t be a problem to find one in the local bookstore or even online. I can almost ensure you that all girls who love fashion to death will appreciate this gift a lot. Just again, make sure the girl don’t have that book yet or haven’t read it yet.

A subscription to fashion magazine

I also believe that all fashionistas spend a few hours per day reading the best fashion magazines. And since we all know how pricey they are – help your friend out, make a perfect gift and gift her year-long subscription to her favourite fashion magazine. There are some pretty fantastic deals then you buy a subscription to Vogue or Elle magazines, so use this chance and gift a super handy present for your fashion loving friend.

A gift card to her favourite store

And finally, what can be a better gift than a chance to shop once more? If you know what one clothing brand your girl just loves to spend her time at – then gift her another opportunity to visit it and present her a gift card. Many clothing brands offer this type of gift, and so you will never miss a shot with it for sure. Who knows – maybe as a thank you she will take you for a shopping trip as well?

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Liz Earle October Skincare Essentials Offer

I love Liz Earle. I've been an avid fan now for quite a few years although I do tend to swap and change quite frequently and what with being a beauty blogger I'm sure it comes with the role, doesn't it? However, I started college last month (I know at the grand old age of 26!) where I am training to be a beauty therapist. We have the most wonderful tutor who has worked in the industry for years and also manages a salon herself so is definitely in the know when it comes to skincare. We treat her words as gospel and each week make mental notes of skincare do's and don't s  We have spent the past few weeks giving and receiving full dermalogica facials which has given me the opportunity to fully understand my skin type and what products I should, and also shouldn't be using on my skin. However, dermalogica doesn't really seem to be agreeing with my skin at all! 

Our tutor, Julie is a fan herself of the Liz Earle range, especially the cleanse & polish (Holy grail! Do people still use that term?!) and to cut a long story short, I decided to repurchase the full routine again for myself. Best. Decision. Ever.

I opted (as the title suggests) for the October skincare essentials set, so for £45 received a large size cleanse and polish, 2 muslin cloths, a 200ml skin tonic, a 50ml skin repair moisturiser and a complimentary sheer skin tint and perfume sample, as well as free delivery. What a mouth ful and absolute bargain for £45? Altogether its worth over £87 so its already giving you a saving of £42.

All the products compliment themselves so nicely and feel like such a treat for what seems like minimal effort. I will definitely be treating myself to more products soon, the gentle exfoliator and a face mask are on my wishlist. I have even got some of the girls on my course ordering too! 

This offer runs out on the 28th October so you have 5 days to take advantage!

You can get yours here.

xx

Easton West?!

Working with children, I always contemplate what I would call my children if I were to ever have any (hopefully one or two one day) however with most names I always seem to associate with someone I know or a child I have taught! 

I am a huge fan of Kim Kardashian and all the Kardashian clan and as many await the arrival of the second Kardashian-West baby many speculate which name Kim Kardashian and her husband will choose for her second child, a leading UK bingo company has released a book of the UK’s top baby names.

Whilst celebrities such as Fearne Cotton have recently chosen names such as Honey, the nation’s parents have been opting for traditional options like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Which trend will Kim K and Kanye West follow?

During the first few months of their second pregnancy announcement, Kim denied the couple will be naming their little one after a direction (South). However, since then there has been multiple reports from a source close to the family that the little boy will be named in Kimye’s family theme and be called Easton West.

Should the family decide on a more traditional, literary name like Oliver, they’ll be in good company as the boy's name has been at the top of the Office for National Statistics list since 2013. Another choice could be Jack - often considered to be the name of eccentric, rebellious yet charming individuals, the little boys name could link to some of Kanye’s famous traits.

Who knows! What do you think they will choose? Theres not much longer until we find out and I for one can't wait to see which name-route they take!
Parents to be can see the full list of top 10 names including origins, meanings and facts at: http://bingo.ladbrokes.com/en/news/most-popular-baby-names**

8 Accessories To Transform Any Outfit

The secret weapon to stellar style is having an arsenal of statement accessories. Accessories have the power to drastically change any ensemble, and a woman who knows how to pair statement pieces with any kind of outfit is a fashion force to be reckoned with. The thought that you must go shopping all the time in order to obtain a fresh look is simply not true. All you need are some truly transforming necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and maybe even a nose ring. Then, to make an old outfit new again, simply slip on one piece of statement jewellery.

Some women make the mistake of wearing too much jewellery at one time. Quoted in Harper's Bazaar, Coco Chanel gives some of the best accessory advice to date: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." Her words have never been truer. To give some examples, I’ve rounded up the ultimate outfit-altering accessories that don’t require the support of other jewellery. With these pieces, only wearing one is plenty!

Add-On Ornate

Embellish a plain top with the addition of a statement choker necklace. Ornate and eye-catching, a piece like this will instantly add flair to any solid colour top or dress. Draw attention when hailing a black cab or holding your tea with a thick, bejewelled cuff on your wrist. It provides just enough chunkiness and a stylish pop of colour.

Go Glam

Looking to turn an old outfit into a head-turner? Something as simple as glamourous cuff could be all you need to “update your look,” a goal that Lyst advocates when browsing their jewellery collection. Big things sometimes come in small packages. Try a pair of pearl studs with mink post detail in the back to put a luxurious spin on your night out look. When your hair is up, you’re sure to turn heads.

Find Your Edge

Rocker chic chokers reminiscent of the ‘90s are back and bolder than ever. Get your grunge on with a cool choker, perfect for adding a little spice your sweet style. You don’t need your nose pierced to try a septum ring. With faux options hitting the scene, this unexpected trend is a great way to embellish a “sleek black slip or shift dress" for evenings, as explained in a how-to-wear guide on Glamour.

Theme Pieces

Try on a new vibe with a necklace inspired by nature’s finest. A themed piece is one of the easiest ways to change the look of an outfit without much planning, so why not channel the great outdoors? If sweet is what you aim for, a charm necklace with darling details is a fun way to get playful with your style. Charm necklaces are also ideal for letting your personality shine through.

There are plenty of statement jewellery pieces that can stand alone and still take your outfit to the next level. Look for unique, bold accessories just a tad outside of your comfort zone, and you just might find your favourite new way to dress up a tired look.

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Skincare Wishlist

Happy Saturday lovelies!

As much as I love beauty and make up, I should probably invest more time, effort and money into skincare products as much as that pains me to admit. I have never really had a fully fledged skincare routine. The salon I go to to have my lashes and shellac pedicure done specialises in Dermalogica products and having used them on my skin during facials I feel like it is time to fully invest.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I do love a good face exfoliator and this claims to instantly leave skin feeling smoother and brighter, perfect! I'm intrigued as it is essentially a powder that activates on contact with water and is gentle enough to use everyday. This retails for £36.75 for 75g.

Dermalogica Active Moist

Currently I do not have a staple, go to moisturiser. I am a bit of a floozy and pretty much reach for anything and everything. I am not fully committed to one. The Dermalogica active moist moistruser is described as a light weight, oil free moisturiser that absorbs into the skin to prevent moisture loss. It is suitable to normal to dry skin. This retails for £39.95 but the tube is a whopping 100ml. 

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

I do love using a toner, I think its pretty much the ease. This contains aloe, lavender and mint which sounds like such a soothing, refreshing blend to me and I can imagine it smelling beautiful. This 250ml bottle retails for £24.50.

Have you tried any of these products? What skincare products are in your current routine?

I would love to know!

xx

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Review: Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette & Swatches

Hello lovelies, 

Urban Decay launched their newest addition to the Naked collection in the form of the Smoky palette*. It was released on the 30th July in the UK so is available to buy now! 

The palette is packed with twelve smoky and sultry shades, which includes 9 brand new, never before seen shades and 3 exclusive shades, all perfect for the ultimate smoky eye. 

I am already a huge fan of Urban Decay, especially their naked and naked basic palettes, they are my day to day go to products so this is right up my street. It includes a good selection of shimmer, matte and satin shades. As with the other Naked palettes, it also includes a dual ended eyeshadow brush, with a fluffy end and also a pencil brush for more precision. 

As to be expected with a smoky palette, there are quite a few dark, grey-black shades that I personally wouldn't reach for that often, however perfect for a smoky eye, which this palette is intended for however it also includes pale shimmer and matte shades for a everyday make up look. 

The packaging is slightly different to the other 3 naked palettes. This time it is plastic and has like a grey and black smoked, marble effect which I personally love and think it compliments it perfectly.  It is also held together with a magnetic closure and includes a mirror. 

They are not arranged by colour in the palette but from most shimmery to least shimmery i.e matte and the darkest shades are situated in the middle. 

My favourite shades are High, which is a champagne shimmer shade and also Combust, which is a sandy, cream matte shade similar to my skin tone. There is a mixture of both warm and cool shades. They are velvety and soft to touch and blend beautifully  Urban Decay say that 'Each shade features our pigment infusion system, the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives every shade its velvety texture, rich colour, serious staying power and blendability. 

The Urban Decay Smoky palette is available to buy now for £38.

Is this something you will try and get your hands on?

xx

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The City Girls Leeds Blogger Event #TheCityGirls

Hello ladies,

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Leeds City Girls event by two beaut bloggers Lorna and Holly-Lucy who together are The City Girls. Following their ever so successful first blogging event in Sheffield, the girls headed west and came to Leeds and boy we were treated to a day of cocktails, cupcakes and goodies! 

I met up with my lovely friend Jo, who I hadn't seen for quite a few years so we had lots of catching up to do, in Trinity and headed over to the event together. The City Girls event was held in The Liquorist on Greek Street that was once The Living Room. I passed it the other week and was in awe at how amazing it looked and believe me it didn't disappoint.

As we arrived there was lots of bloggers already outside and me and Jo headed in. Of course we went straight to the bar and ummed and ahhed whether or not it was okay to purchase alcohol when it hadn't even hit lunchtime yet. As they say its always 5 oclock somewhere (or something along those lines?). The Liquorist offers an extensive cocktail list and after perusing the menu I opted for a large glass of white. All the girls mingled downstairs together for a while, chatted and popped on a name badge. 

Lorna then came down and we all headed upstairs for a brief introduction from the girls, what the day entailed, their vision and what brands were present. Their passion for blogging and bringing brands and bloggers together really shone through and really did reignite my love and passion for blogging and the community. 

Afterwards, Suzie from Leeds Womens Aid the supporting charity of the day, told us a little about the charity and that it aims to protect and support women in Leeds who have been domestically abused, an extremely worthwhile cause that had us all digging into our purses and pockets to purchase raffle tickets. We managed to raise £240 that was then matched by Aviva so in total £480 for Leeds Womens Aid on the day which is incredible! 

We were then let loose and free to roam the room by ourselves. Lots of stalls were set out and goodies that we could take as we went around, as well as brands to chat to. Brands on the day included Voss water, Manuka Doctor, Kendelle, Angelica Nails, The Body Shop, Bubbleology, Nails by Ivy, Benefit, Virtue Drinks and many many more. 

As a huge Benefit fan, this was my first port of call and they were showcasing the new They're real colour mascaras and push up liners. Even though I already had a full face of make up, Melissa tried the brown mascara and the blue push up liner on me which I loved. Subtle but natural and complimented my face. Nearing to the end of the event and after one too many glasses of wine (hiccup!) we were treated to the most delicious tray of brownie goodness from Brown and Blond. I opted for a peanut butter one and boy it was incredible! 

I just want to end this post by saying such a huge thank you to Lorna and Holly-Lucy who organised the most perfect event. Everything from the venue, the goodies, to the bloggers that were invited just made for such a wonderful event. One that I feel ever so lucky to have been invited to! Well done ladies! 

Picture kindly taken from Lornas blog

To the girls that I met on the day, thank you for your chats and smiley faces. It was lovely meeting you all! You can find a full list of all the lovelies in attendance here. Ensure you check out #TheCityGirls hashtag out on both instagram and twitter as we managed to get trending in Leeds! The power of bloggers hey! 

So if you ever get the opportunity to attend a City Girls event, jump at the chance!

xx

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