American Goodies

If I could have one wish, it would be that Sephora would re-open in the UK and with it bring all the fantastic American brands that I've been so desperate to try.  Although you can get the brands on eBay, the shipping is usually more than the product itself so I've always steered clear.  Last Tuesday I was tweeted by a company called Cosmetics and Candy, telling me about their new company that sold American products and shipped them to the UK.  I was a bit dubious to begin with, but after looking and seeing so many products I'd been lusting after for so long, I placed and order and they arrived through my letter box yesterday.  

Before I get onto what I bought, I thought I'd share my experience as I know a lot of people were dubious to place orders with them.  The price of shipping is dependent on how many items you buy, ranging from £2.80 for one item to £15.05 for 24 items.  I paid £4.80 for four items which I think is a bargain, considering most UK companies such as ASOS charge £3.95 for standard shipping, and this package had a lot further to travel.  It arrived within a week and I was also pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to pay any customs on top of my order (I wont say this will be the same with every order and the company do state that you may get a further customs fee).  Their customer service was impeccable and they also have a feature where you can request products.  I know I'll be purchasing again - especially since they've just added the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers!

So, onto what I bought.  From left to right I purchased:

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer in Berry Persistent; £8.49 - I believe this is L'Oreal's answer to the YSL Glossy Stain and is similar to the new Rimmel Apocalips.  I bought this berry shade and on first impressions it applies lovely.  There are several other shades that I would like to try as well.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin; £6.99 - This product has been around for at nearly a year in America, and it seems like Maybelline aren't planning on launching them here.  I picked up a peachy shade ready for spring and like most people, all I've done since getting it in the post is play with it.  The texture is weird but the colour payoff seems great.  

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara; £11.99 - This is a brand I've never tried but heard a lot about.  All their products are formulated without the nasties including Parabens, harsh chemicals and synthetic preservatives.  I've heard a few YouTube guru's talk about this, including Fleur so I'm hoping it's as good as the reviews claim!

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette; £11.99 - I cannot tell you how long I've been wanting to try this.  I've almost caved numerous times on eBay.  This palette is raved about among the US beauty bloggers and it's a favourite of Allure Magazine.  I'm excited to give this a try and seeing if it's really as good as they say! It comes with two concealer shades, a neutraliser and a setting powder - a great travel kit.  

There's my mini US haul. Will you be giving Cosmetics and Candy a visit?

Christmas Gift Guide | £25 and Under

It's that time of the year once again and some of you might be wondering what on earth you're going to buy for your loved ones.  While some may argue that it's easier to buy for girls than boys, all that choice can sometimes be overwhelming.  I've compiled the best gifts for her for £25 and under.  

1. Benefit Sexy Little Stowaway Gift Set - £25; Boots: Benefit is one of my favourite brands but can be a bit pricey when it comes to buying individual products. Incidentally, they always bring out some of the best gift sets and this is no exception. In this set you get 10 of their best selling products, perfect for the make up obsessed girl.

  

2. Ciate Caviar Mini Bar - £20; ASOS: Nail lovers rejoice, Ciate have released a Caviar mini bar which includes some of their caviar beads, as well as polishes that you can wear alone or with the beads.  A great gift for those who like nail art or just enjoy giving themselves a manicure.  

3. iPhone 5 Cases - £24.95; Cath Kidston and Joules: I for one have been waiting for brands to release their iPhone 5 cases since I got mine back in September.  Finally Cath Kidston have released their range just in time for Christmas. If you fancy something different to Cath Kidston, try Joules floral offering. They also have cases with a dog and striped print if she's not so keen on floral prints.  

4. Stila Limited Edition Long Wear Liquid Lip Set - £25; ASOS: Stila always bring out some great sets for Christmas.  This quartet gives you a mixture of nude and bright lip colours to fit any mood.  They also have eyeliner and lip glaze offerings for £25 and under.  

5. Coffee Table Reads: The Lady who was Beautiful Inside (£6) and 50 Shoes that Changed the World (£9); Amazon: I would never say no to a pretty coffee table book. 50 Shoes that Changed the World  is perfect if you can't quite afford Louboutins or Jimmy Choo's.  The Lady who was Beautiful Inside is described as a charming portrait of an amazing woman who turned Winter into Spring. These would also make good stocking fillers.  

6. Lindt Lindor Maxi Ball - £14.99; Ocado: Heaven in a Lindor shaped ball for chocolate lovers, need I say more?  I bought one of these for my Sister-in-law last year and it went down a treat (literally).  

What was your favourite gift you received at Christmas?

New Season Wardrobe Wants

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I love this time of year, when the old season stock slowly fades out of the shops and in replacement are the new season bits.  Autumn and Winter are two of my favourite seasons as it's acceptable to layer up, put your boots on and go. Lately, ASOS has been catching my eye, as well as old faithful, Topshop.  I've been putting together a wish list of pieces from both shops that will see me through the new season, although I still need to find the perfect winter coat.  

1. Studded Camo Jacket; Topshop - £58: I really like the camo jacket trend that seems to be popping up everywhere and this one happens to have silver studs too - a winner in my eyes.  This jacket it great to chuck on over jeans and a top or a skater skirt and shirt and will keep you warm through autumn.  

2.  Burgundy Beanie with Faux Fur Bobble; ASOS - £10: The colour of this hat drew me in, I love burgundy and oxblood colours for autumn and winter.  Plus, no one wants a cold head! 

3.  Knitted Stud Rib Cardi; Topshop - £48: I love studs, just going to put it out there. I don't know why or when my obsession with them started but I now gravitate towards anything studded.  I can imagine this cardigan to be pretty comfortable and easy to throw on over anything but it's a bit pricey so I might keep my eye out for a dupe...

4.  Adelaide Leather Chelsea Boot; ASOS - £45: I'm really bad during the winter when it comes to shoes.  I always complain I have cold feet, but that's probably because all I ever wear on my feet are pumps.  The only other pair of boots I have are my Topshop Allegras but they are heeled and aren't always the best choice on days I'm walking for ages.  ASOS have a great selection of Chelsea Boots right now, but I really like the Adelaide design.  

5.  Lace Trim Ankle Socks; Topshop - £3.50: I have a white pair of these ankle socks and I like how they look with the lace peeking out of boots so I want some more.  I hope Topshop release a burgundy pair too.  

6.  French Connection Purly Blizzard Mittens; ASOS - £20: I made the mistake of going through winter last year sticking my hands in my coat pocket, rather than putting on a pair of gloves. Plain black mittens that will go with anything and keep your hands warm at the same time. 

What are you most excited about for the new season?  

Getting Organised

In four weeks time I'll be on a sun lounger by the pool, or maybe the beach in Spain with two good friends. It comes after such a hectic five months at uni and I really can't wait (probably why I've been banging on about it so much).  I've been trying to get myself organised so that I don't panic before whilst packing.  Getting organised has consisted of a few online purchases - well it would be rude not to! Here's what I've picked up so far. 

River Island Candy Stripe Bikini - Top £12, Bottoms £10

A holiday always means a new bikini.  I usually only get one a year, sometimes not even that and so I try and avoid tan lines as much as possible.  I love all the candy colours for this season and so decided on this bikini from River Island.  I got it on Asos.com for the student discount as I think it's ridiculous that River Island don't offer it!

ASOS Spot Dress with Contrast Spot - £17.50 in the Sale

I need some dressier items for the evenings when we go out dancing or for a few cocktails. When I saw this in the sale I couldn't resist. I've got some brown heeled sandals from Primark which will look great with this.  

New Look Aztec Ombre Cover Up - £12.99

For me, New Look and Dorothy Perkins are two shops that can be a hit or a miss.  Whilst browsing the New Look site, I accumulated several things in my basket.  Apparently maxi dresses really suit me and I thought this would look cute over the top of my striped bikini whilst on the beach or walking to and from the bar.  At £12.99 you really can't grumble.   

New Look Print Shell Top £17.99

I think most girls when looking at clothes think 'what could I wear with this'. When I saw this I had several options and I just loved the print.  Definite winner.  

New Look White Kaftan - £9.99

This probably wont get busted out on the holiday until I have a bit of colour (currently verging on albino...) but I thought for £9.99 it would be silly not to pick up a much needed basic.  I'll mostly be in swimwear for the duration of the holiday.   

New Look Patterned Platform Strappy Shoes - £24.99

It was love at first sight. I first saw these shoes in an issue of More! magazine months ago and knew I had to buy them.  After weeks of looking for them on the website, I gave up all hope that they even existed until last week.  They were the first items in my virtual basket and possibly my most loved thing out of the order.   

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil - £19.00

This was on my beauty lust list but it was an item that I needed to get.  With bleached hair, I can't risk any more unnecessary heat damage and this product is essentially sun cream, for your hair.  I will also purchase the shampoo which is supposed to wash chlorine and salt out of your hair - which will come in mighty handy!  

As for feeling organised, I'm getting there.  I still need to change up money, get travel insurance and make a list of everything I need and tick off what I've got, as and when I get it.  Are you going on holiday over the summer months?

Get The Look: Lana Del Rey Vogue Cover

The whole world has gone a little bit Lana Del Rey mad as of recent.  Her album, Born To Die, was released last Monday and went straight to the top of the UK album charts. To celebrate my minor girl crush, I thought I'd do a get the look from her recent Vogue cover debut.

On the cover she wears Louis Vuitton S/S12, but for those of you with a less extravagant budget, here's a high street alternative to the look.

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The dress for this look is from Lipsy, costing £58, whilst the ring (which is the exact one Lana is sporting on the cover) is from Topshop, costing £8.50. It's hard to see on the cover photo, but she's wearing a bow belt in a creamy beige, this one from Topshop is a great alternative, £16.  I'm incredibly envious of Miss Del Rey's locks, to get that swept back look try this Oasis hair comb at £12 from ASOS.  To get the perfect winged liner that Lana sports here, try the MAC Penultimate Liner, £15 online and instore.  

What do you think of Lana Del Rey, love her or loathe her?

Now it wouldn't be right if I didn't leave you with my favourite song off the album, This Is What Makes Us Girls.  

Birthday Wishlist 2012

In a couple of weeks (the 25th to be precise) I'll turn one year older (a fancy way of saying I'll be 20).  Of course this calls for a wishlist of sorts.  For my birthday, I generally don't ever ask for much, other than money and therefore not have very many presents to open.  This year, I fancy a present or two to open, so here's a few things I wouldn't mine unwrapping...

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1. GHD IV Styler; £79 - I got a pair of GHDs one Christmas when they were first on the market, making them about 6-7 years old now.  They've started to show signs of age, when I turn them on they get confused and start flashing and amking a few popping noises every now and then.  I've been contemplating a new pair for some time, so my birthday seems the best time.  

2. Casio Mini Silver Watch; £30 - I miss having a watch, ever since getting my Links of London charm bracelet for my 18th birthday, I haven't worn a watch as the one I have is gold.  I'd like this dainty watch to wear with my bracelet (it will hold me over until I can afford a Michael Kors...)

3. One Tree Hill; £14.99 - This was one of the things on top of my Christmas list, so I was disappointed when I didn't get it, because if you know me, you'll know my love for Tree Hill.  

4. Topshop Gift Card - I've seen a lot on the Toppers site which I really want, so a gift card would be rather handy!

5. Money - Technically I can't unwrap money, but it's always a nice thing to have for your birthday.  

6. The Only Way is Essex Season 3 DVD; £11.99 - I am a proud TOWIE fan! Been loving the new season, but there's always time to sit down and watch old series.  

Of course this is only a selection of what I'd like, I have an ever growing Lush list which I'd love to start ticking off soon.  Next on the Birthday agenda, finding THE dress.  Do you have any party dress online shop suggestions?

Small but Pricey

I haven't been able to shop as much over the last few months as I once did, and perhaps that was a blessing in disguise.  Whilst riding the bus to work one morning my iPod began to play up.  I dismissed this, thinking it wasn't used to being depended on so much during a commute.  How wrong was I.  My four year old iPod gave up the ghost on me, he wouldn't change a song for five minutes at a time and he certainly wouldn't let me change the volume (which at times made me look to be a mental thrash lover, when really that isn't the case).  One of the only perks of being a part timer at Tesco is the 10% discount which comes in mighty handy when you need a new iPod.  I managed to get a new iPod Touch for around £200.  I kinda feel like I'm slowly turning into a 'Mactard', last year it was the Macbook, this year the iPod Touch and next year I will be changing from Blackberry to iPhone...

On Wednesday my best friend will turn 21 which calls from drunken fun and a lot of dancing.  It also gives me an excuse to buy a new outfit (not that I ever really need an excuse).  I decided to go for something different than a dress, which is what I usually go for.  I found that all the party dresses looked the same where ever you go.  

£38.00; 18 AND EAST

I have a thing for chiffon shirts, like I do floral patterns.  When I was on shoot with the 18 AND EAST girls, I fell in love with the bird print cut out shoulder shirt, which I mentioned here.  I thought the bird print was a little too day time and after seeing this colour thought it would be perfect for a night out.

I'm planning on wearing this with a black shiny leggings and killer heels and accessorising with this necklace.

£12.50; Topshop

I've also bought a plain black spaghetti strap tee from Asos to wear underneath the shirt, which was only dispatched yesterday, so i'll be keeping my fingers crossed that it gets here by Wednesday.  

What do you like to wear on a night out?

Student Loan Lust List

It's almost time to go back to University, which means that student loans are due (in 8 days to be precise).  This year I wont have a Macbook Pro to pay off which means there will be a lot more money for me to spend on clothes, make up and of course books... With the new season stock hitting stores everywhere, I've been left lusting after a lot of stuff, here's just a sample of what I want.  

£36.00; Topshop

I want two pairs of boots for this season, a flat pair like above and one with a heel.  Unfortunately, the ones with a heel aren't on the Topshop site.  

£99.95; Barbour

I don't know why but I've been loving the Barbour coats lately.  I need a new coat and think this would be great for the autumn, although I'd probably need something warmer for winter...

£25; Asos.com

I love the aztec prints lately and think this scarf should be in my winter wardrobe.  

£31.00; Chanel

This has been such a talked about foundation that I'm really excited to try it.  It's a little pricey, but the reviews have been fantastic.  

£38.00; 18ANDEAST

My lust list wouldn't be complete without this brand.  I've recently purchased this shirt in Berry (look out for my haul post tomorrow!) and I love it so much I want this one with 18ANDEAST's bespoke print.  

£12.00; Amazon

If you follow me on Twitter then you'll know I've recently died my hair a rather bright shade of blonde (see picture below).  My stylist recommended Moroccan Oil to keep my hair soft and glossy.  I currently use the V05 dupe, but wonder if the real stuff lives up to the hype? 

What will you be spending your student loan on besides university books? 

Lust List: New In Store

I'm pretty sure I never stop online shopping.  Even if i'm only browsing I always end up adding copious amounts of clothing to my mental wish list.  I'm currently lusting after a new season wardrobe.  I want boots, cable knits, Barbour inspired coats and stars (lots of them).  This summer has been what can only be described as a wash out and ever since the weather has become increasingly confusing, it's only made me want A/W more. 

When online shopping the first part of any site I consult is the 'New In' section.  Topshop has to be my favourite for this as they update it pretty much everyday.  Enough of the babbling, here's my new season Lust List, compiled from what's new in store.  

Minkpink Poncho via ASOS.com

Poncho's are back in force for this season and I'm a sucker for an aztec-esc print.  

Shirt; Topshop

I love a shirt, they look great with anything - paired with jeans and heeled brogues, tucked into a denim skater skirt or just with leggings (as long as they cover your bums girls).

Tights; H&M

There's nothing nicer on a bitter day than wrapping up warm, but sometimes I feel a little mannish in all my layers.  These tights are thick and therefore warm and they are also a popular colour for this season.  

Boots; Miss Selfridge 

Like flip flops are a summer staple, boots are an autumn/winter staple.  I want both flat and heeled boots, so these would be a good start. 

Cape; Dorothy Perkins

I want a cape after getting superhero envy last year.  Need I say anymore?

What's on your new season lust list?

How the devil are ya?!

What a week it's been!  As with many bloggers out there, I've experienced problems with logging in, but touch wood that's all fixed now as I'm finally logged back in.  I thought I'd catch you up on my past week, a couple of things I've been loving as well as just general chit chat.  I have a million blog ideas, but felt odd just bombarding you with them straight off.

So first of all, I finished my first year of university this Thursday.  If you aren't familiar with what I study, I major in Fashion Journalism.  It's been an intense first year and I'm extremely impressed with the work I've managed to produce.  I have a feeling (and because a lecturer told a few of us we have pretty much a hand in a week) that next year is going to be tough, but bring it on!  Here's my final piece of work, which was the efforts of a group of five and we had to make and edit a 3 minute topical fashion or music film. Well we pulled together and chose a theme with both topics in mind, and I think we were all proud of what we achieved.

I've of course, been online 'screen' shopping, trying to find some inspiration for when I have a bit of cash.  At the moment i'm faced with the battle of the beige/terracotta blazer:

ASOS; £50

Vs.

H&M; £19.99

Tell me you're pick in the comments section!

Rachel Furner, friend and musician uploaded a video of the gig I went to, to interview her.  I was unaware they were filming at the time, but there are a few shots of us chatting which crept into the video.  If you like her, then here's the video.  Love the editing at the end as well!

This week I've been trialling a new Avon moisturiser, which isn't out until next month.  It's called Solutions: Perfect Tone (or something like that..)  It's worked perfectly for my skin and hasn't as yet, broken me out.  Full review coming up soon. 

So that's a round up of my week without blogging.  If i'm honest, I was slightly lost without my blog these past few days.  Normal blogging to resume (fingers crossed) tomorrow.  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Shoes, glorious shoes...

I've always got shoes on my mind.  The higher the better.  This season I've been loving the chunky open toed sandals and the bright coloured and patterned wedges.  I was supposed to be going to the Kurt Geiger shopping event tonight, hosted by Grazia with a university friend, but due to an unhealthy bank account I had to, sadly, say no.  Instead I've been browsing the online shoe world and building a summer wishlist of 'rags to riches' priced shoes...

"Genero" by Kurt Geiger; £295

I've wanted these for some time now, but unfortunately that price tag is a bit too much for a first year university student, who's been paying a Macbook Pro off... They are extremely high and would make me feel like a giant (for once).   These are great if you feel you can't quite pull off a colour block outfit.  I also really love the print advert for these shoes: 

"Women turn into birds of paradise at night..."

ASOS; £65.00

At a much more affordable price, comes the chunky open toe court shoe.  The perspex heel gives that 'glass slipper' effect.  Neutral tones help to tone down a bright outfit, or perhaps give a bit of chic to an average office look.  

Missguided.co.uk; £32.99

I haven't looked on this site for a while, and whilst browsing the other day I was surprised at how much it has come on, it's definitely worth a look!  Anyway back to the shoes... These look like a 70s throwback, I can't quite explain it but the chunkier the heels get and the higher the platform goes I just think 'Saturday Night Fever'. 

I've just realised, all the shoes I picked have been suede, so there's a trend there!  

Student loans arrived and it's burning a hole through my pocket...

It's that time again, when christmas comes early for students in the form of a gorgeous wad of cash in our bank accounts.  Now, I was due to give most of it to my parents, but I found that I'd pretty much paid off my Macbook Pro, leaving me with a nice little amount in my bank account, to spend until payday next Friday.  Already, I have run up the road and booked myself a cut and blow dry as my hair in in dyer need of a trim.  I'm getting it re-styled, although it wont be anything dramatic.  If you didn't see my hair ideas post then this is what I'm going for:

Let's call it 'The King'

It wont be a drastic change but I love the cut!  

ALSO, check out Mollie's hottie of a boyfriend:

I wont lie, i'm pretty jel.  Anyway, back on topic now girls...

I'm getting my hair feathered (sounds like something dangerous!) next Friday, so I wanted it cut before.  Of course I've been screen shopping (window shopping of the online world for those of you wondering).  I've found this dress on ASOS:

Lipsy; £48.00

How cute is that?! I'm thinking pair it with a denim jacket for a casual day look, and perhaps a biker jacket to switch it up for night.  I love the gorgeous lace detailing and of course, the peter pan collar!

On my travels across the net I also found the Urban Decay Naked Palette, IN STOCK, which I've been wanting for a very long time.  I have agreed with myself (with the aid of my Twitter peeps + loyal best friend), that I will purchase it tomorrow, if I pass my driving test as a treat.  I have to pass tomorrow, it's my fourth test now!  Plus, me and my parents found a really pretty car today which would be perfect.  Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me, if I pass there will be a MAC giveaway - more on that tomorrow (hopefully).  

Also, I know I will buy this palette if I fail, i'm useless like that...

In other events, expect a short haul by the end of the week!  I have purchased a few beauty items and I am testing them out to give a little review on each.  I'm also going to be doing a Tips, Tricks and Cheats post on the Sleek Contour Kit.  

Now, back to staring at that gorgeous man on Mollie's arm.  It's a hard life being a Saturday...