3 perfumes i'm loving

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum
This is my all time favourite perfume - I'd bathe in this if I could afford it! It's just such a classic, signature scent. I save this for special occasions as I simply can't afford to use it every day because it's way out of my budget! It's always on my Christmas/ birthday list. It's a scent that always gets a compliment and has great staying power - a little goes a long way. I just adore the gorgeous rose smell as florals are a definite plus for me in a perfume. Definitely one to pick if you fancy a little bit of luxury in your life!

Marc Jacobs Lola
This was a Christmas present from my parents - they did good! I've been a massive Marc Jacobs fan for years with Daisy as my number one. I've also tried Dot and now this. Again this is a floral scent - sense a theme? I love the base notes of vanilla and the hint of grapefruit. The creamy musk keeps it from smelling too sweet. It seems like MJ has done it again!

Soap and Glory Super Tonic Fragrance Orangeasm
I always keep a cheaper everyday perfume on my shelf as I don't have the dollar to buy expensive ones all the time. Money doesn't grow on trees after all! I picked up this in the Boxing Day sales in a gift set alongside a body butter and body wash. It smells gorgeously refreshing and has a subtle hint of mint. It doesn't last too long but the tonic is a good size to pop in your handbag so you can top up throughout the day. It's going to be the perfect scent when the warmer months hit.

What's your favourite scent at the moment? Any recommendations?

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Daytrippin'

Outfit:
Hawaiian pink print dress: ASOS (similar)
Black quilted faux leather jacket: Zara (similar)
Black chain handle across the body bag: Zara (similar)
Nude block heeled sandals: Dorothy Perkins c/o Westfield (similar)
Gold leaf bracelet: Topshop (similar)
Gold cut out rings: Topshop (similar)
Oversize vintage style boyfriend gold watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)

Today I ventured a little bit further away from home and spent the day in Norwich with my mum and nan. I snuck on the old people bus and gatecrashed for the day. We had a little wander around the city centre, up to the castle, window shopped and rounded off the day eating our weight in pasta and cheese at Bella Italia. Not bad for a Saturday! I'm looking forward to binge watching netflix and slobbing out in my pajamas tonight. Rock and roll eh?

Have you been up to anything exciting today?

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This scene is dead, but I'm still restless

Outfit:
Orange textured floral midi dress: ASOS
Orange faux suede ankle strap heels: Primark (similar)
Gold vintage style boyfriend watch: Marc By Marc Jacobs
Gold gem rings: Topshop (similar)

This dress was a payday splurge,. I'd orginally gone on ASOS to buy a different dress but as I was browsing the new section I spotted this and all my previous plans went out the window. It's a little shorter than I usually go for - #granny - and you can see my knees when i'm walking. But despite all that I really like it. I adore the fact it's so vibrant and when I spotted these heels on a Primark trip, I couldn't stuff them in my basket quick enough. I'm a complete sucker for matching. It's the small things that make me happy!

I'm wearing this tonight to go to a wedding reception of my friend's brothers which will be fun as there's a fair few of us going along out of my friendship group. I'm looking forward to the hog roast promised - nom! - and a little boogie on the dance floor.

Have you got any plans for tonight?

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I love you when you're singing that song

  

Outfit:
Black and white contrast polka dot dress: ASOS (similar)
Nude block heeled sandals: Dorothy Perkins c/o Westfield Stratford City (similar)
Light wash denim jacket: Primark (similar)
Black cross over chain handle bag: Zara (similar)

My finger slipped and I went a bit mad in the ASOS sale and one of the things that arrived on my doorstep was this pretty spotted dress. It actually detatches and becomes a co-ord too. Amazing! It makes it even more of a bargain! It was something that was brought completely on a whim - the rest of the order was sensible tops boo! - but it's turned out to be my favourite item. It's going to be the perfect outfit to make that transition from day to night. Unpop the poppers and voila you're ready to hit the town!

With my Glastonbury trip and my boyfriend's stag week to Ibiza, money is a little tight this month and probably next month too! But it was the boyfriend's birthday last Tuesday and I couldn't let it go without any sort of celebration so I gave him the choice to pick a day trip. As always we opted for the Big Smoke. But this time we popped to Brockley Market - more on that later this week - in the morning where we picked up some delicious treats and Greenwich in the afternoon. We decided to venture down to Greenwich park as it was sunny and we don't get many of those days in England! We treked up the hill to the Observartory and were rewarded with some cracking views of Canary Wharf, the o2 Arena and the Maritime Musuem. It was well worth huffing and puffing in the hot sun!

Have you ever been to Greenwich? It has to be one of my favourite parts of the city.

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You know I try to live without regrets

Outfit:
Watercolour floral tee- Primark (similar)
Black midi textured skirt - Topshop via Leather Lane Market
Nude gold capped flats: TK Maxx (similar)
Gold vintage style boyfriend watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I had an hour to kill in between shoots while I was in London for work and as I was in my old stomping ground I decided to have a little mooch around Leather Lane Market whilst grabbing a drink. I used to make regular lunchtime trips to this market on my lunchbreak when I worked around the corner. It's a shame it's only on offer during the week but I find the clothing stalls also make the rounds at Petticoat Lane on a Sunday.  It has some cracking food stalls and cafes alongside a few clothing stalls that offer various Topshop/Asos/Dorothy Perkins bits. It was very hit and miss but you never knew what you was going to stumble across and I got some amazing bargains. This day I struck gold and walked away with this black midi as well as the same skirt in baby blue and a mint floral asos midi. All for £30. How could I have said no?

Tomorrow I shall be off to Glasto and keeping my fingers crossed I haven't forgotten anything. I'm so excited to spend a whole week listening to my favourite bands and just generally chilling out without much care in the world apart from what cider i'm going to drink and what food stall to choose. I have a few posts for you scheduled but i'll see you in a week! Hopefully i'll make it back in one piece!

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I love you but you're green

Outfit:
Green palm print 50s style dress: Zara c/o Westfield London
Light wash denim jacket: Primark (similar)
Gold boyfriend watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Black pointed flat with an ankle strap: Next (similar)

As soon as I spied this out of the corner of my eye when I walked in, I knew it was more or less coming home with me. There's just something about the 50s style that draws me in, Every time. I can see this being a staple in the warmer months. It's great to dress down for a lazy weekend - plenty of room for food in that beauty. Or dress up with a pair of skyscraper shoes and a leather jacket for a night on the tiles. I do love a multi-tasker!

How lovely has this weekend be? Ah everything is ten times better in the sunshine! I did a bootsale yesterday - less said about that the better - and just sat in a friends garden on Saturday eating far too many burgers. Bliss. I'm counting down the days until next weekend as i'm off to Nottingham for a few days to stay with a friend. Fingers crossed for some sunshine!

Did you have a nice weekend?

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Beauty: NYC Make Up Haul

L-R Clinique Cheek Pop 01 Ginger Pop, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush Natural Beauty, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush 60 Coffee Cake

L-R Yello-Out Clear Acrylic Top Coat, O.P.I You're Such A Budapest, O.P.I Red My Fortune Cookie, O.P.I Red Hot Rio, O.P.I My Paprika is Hotter Than Yours, O.P.I Toucan Do It If You Try, Nicole by O.P.I Drying Drops

L-R Burt's Bees Tinted Lipbalm Red Dahlia, Covergirl 305 Hot Passion lipstick, Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm 245

Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball and Marc Jacobs Dot Rollerball

Origins Super Spot Remover, Covergirl Flamed Out Very Black Blaze, Clinique Chubby Stick 09 Heaping Hazelnut

Just like I would never refer to myself as a shoe girl (you and I both know this isn't true), I wouldn't use the term 'Make Up Lover' to describe myself either. So how did I end up spending a small fortune on beauty products in New York? Your guess is as good as mine.

I fell head over heels for Duane Reade especially when I discovered O.P.I nail polishes worked out around £5 each. Yep I may have squealed a little too. I could have brought home a whole rainbow of colours but alas my nail polish collection makes my dad nervous. He's convinced it's going to cause a crack in our ceilings... I decided to spare him the heart attack and only bring home 7 bottles. I showed some good restraint! The Maybelline blush is absolutely amazing! I can't stop wearing it.

I couldn't resist this snazzy pouch at Chelsea Market although I can't for the life of me remember my the name. Schoolboy error! It made me laugh as I've only just really graduated onto lipstick in the last two years.

I wish I brought more of the Covergirl lip crayons. It just applies like a dream and is such a pretty colour. It's perfect for day way as it's not to in your face. It also creates a slight stain so isn't too shabby when it starts to wear off. It's enough of a reason for me to book a return trip right?

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Feburary Empties

Running a little behind schedule with the empties this month!

001. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic c/o
In fact I've already brought myself another bottle so that tells you how much I love it. A little goes a long way and it gently gets rid in one swoop of any make up you've left behind. It feels soft on my contact wearing eyes - some toners can make my eyes feel sore. It's prefect to use in the morning to wake you up as it feels lovely and refreshing first thing.

002. Bioderma
Review here

003. Batiste Dry Shampoo Medium and Brunette
This is my favourite edition!
Review here

004. Dove Deeply Nourishing Moisturising Body Wash
I think Dove is fantastic. It brilliant value for money and always does a good job. This body wash wasn't any different. Did exactly what it said on the tin. If I didn't have the whole of Boots in my bedroom, I'd rush out and replace it. It's a great unisex wash too.

005. Marc Jacobs Dot Shower Cream
The smell wasn't too overpowering and tied in nicely when worn with the perfume. It has a gorgeous sweet smell. It lather very nicely indeed but you did have to put a generous amount on the sponge to make it last.

006. Seventeen Back Lash c/o
Seventeen reminds me of my wasted youth when I'd spend my £20 a  week wages from Next on the latest polishes and eyeshadows. I always think the brand is great value for money and have never tried a dud product. Along with eyelash curler this created a lovely long lash despite it being slightly wet on application. I'm finding this a lot with mascaras recently. Only me?

Have you tried any of these products?

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Beauty: January Empties

001: No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser
Review here

002: Paul Smith Hold Tight Firm Hold Hairpsray c/o work beauty drawer
I am like a magpie and when I spotted this bright pink bottle peaking up from the depth of the beauty drawer I thought it was worth a shot.  It stated that it was a firm hold hairspray but it seems a bit flimsy to be unless of course you sprayed for a very long time. Then it turned a bit crispy. It wasn't the perfect partner for my curls but did the job if it was in a topknot. It's not the best product I've tried and I do think there are better hairsprays out there in the price point. It's not something I'd pick up and buy with my own money.

003: Schwarzkopf Osis+ Sparkler Finish c/o work beauty drawer
This was another product I picked up in the same binge at work - have I mentioned how much I love my job? I'm always a bit confused by shine sprays. They always remind me of the Emperors New Clothes - do they actually make a difference. Maybe it's because luckily I've never had dull hair and it doesn't need much of a boost to help it shine. A good shampoo does the job! Therefore I'm not convinced this made a difference at all.

004: L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-gloss Crystal Sparkling Conditioner
I picked this up as it was on offer in Boots and had tried a few L'Oreal shampoos and conditioner before. This was a good conditioner, nothing too ground-breaking but it kept my hair lovely and soft. I had to brush my hair before as it didn't cope well on knotted hair.

005: L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-gloss Crystal Sparkling Shampoo
This shampoo lathered up brilliantly and a little went a long well. It seemed like the bottle lasted forever! It was such good value for money and I did buy it again a few times. It did they job well and kept my hair in good condition. I'm onto something else now just for a change!

006: Witch Cleansing Lotion c/o
I won this from Witch Skincare's twitter in their Flawless Followers competition. This cleansing lotion did the treat. It was gentle around the eye area and took out the make up without too much rubbing. It doesn't beat my Bioderma but it did the trick. Well worth picking up if you're on a budget.

007: Marc Jacobs Daisy
I have gone through so many bottles of this I have lost count. It's always brought for my birthday from my nan. I think it's the perfect day time scent as it's not too heavy and smells lovely and fresh. I like to think of it as my signature now!

Have you tried any of these products?

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October empties

October over already? Just where is this year going?!

Fudge Dry Shampoo mini
I think I received this in a goodie bag at an event. Mini toiletries are always life savers when you go away or to pop in your bag when you're going out after work. I didn't really feel like this was an amazing product. It took a lot of product to do the job to my satisfaction. It's not really in the same league as Batiste and I wouldn't buy this out of my own money.

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo mini
I don't really think I can add anything about Batiste that hasn't already been said. It's good so buy it. Not this one though as the smell is very overpowering and I wasn't a fan.

Bioderma Cleansing Water
I gave into the blogger hype with this product and haven't been disappointed.  The lovely Elodie picked some up for me when she went home and the stuff lasts for an absolute age. I use it at night to take off my eye make up. It all comes off with such ease and feels very gentle on my face. I know it's going to be a staple in my skincare regime.

No7 Soft and Soothed Gentle Cleanser
I think I stole this off my mother when I'd run out of cleanser and my bank account was empty - it had around half a bottle left. It was a joint effort to finish this! It does the job nicely and feels lovely on your skin when it tales the grime away. I like the pump as it makes life a hell of a lot easier.

Daisy Marc Jacobs Bubbly Shower Gel
Daisy is one of my favourite day time perfumes and I got this in a gift set last Christmas. It's perfect for the evening when you want a longer lasting smell. It lathers up perfectly and of course smells gorgeous. Winner all round!

Ponds Institute Nourishing Anti-wrinkle Day Cream c/o
This is my first step into Ponds products. They've recently had a re-brand and you can buy them in Boots. It still has quite an old fashion smell but it doesn't tend to linger and it does actually smell quite nice. It glides onto your skin making it feel nice and refreshed. It a great thickness without feeling too greasy.

Nivea Daily Essentials Regenerating Night Cream
Review here

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January Empties

This month I seem to be using up products like nobodies business! I've already done reviews on the linked products.

001: Aussie Take the Heat leave-in cream c/o Blogger event

I picked this up at an Aussie event I went to absolutely ages ago and have finally used it up. I tend to start a product and then get bored and it goes to one side. This didn't make my hair feel greasy which was a giant plus. I can't really comment too much as it's the first heat protection cream i've used but i'd definately buy it again if I didn't nab some different brands from work.

002: Batiste dry shampoo

003: Rimmel concealer

I have no idea what this is called as it's rubbed off but this was my failsafe product to try and disguise my dreaded dark circles. I've brought this time and time again. It glides on nicely and pretty much does what it says on the tin. The only reason why I wouldn't repurchase is because i've now discovered the Collection one. What a god send!

004: No7 Beautiful Skin eye make up remover

005: Marc Jacobs Daisy

This is my all time favourite daytime perfume - Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is my favourite evening. I spray this on by the bucketload. It smells so crisp and fresh. As you can tell i'm pretty rubbish at describing smells but I absolutely love this one!

006: No7 Beautiful Skin dry/very dry Day cream

007: Molton Brown vitalising vitamin AB+C Bath and shower

I recieved this in a glossybox back when I was a subscriber. I'm a massive fan of Molton Brown products - I just don't like the prices. It smells gorgeous and lathers up like a good 'un. There's nothing worse than a shower gel that performs pathetically.

008: Maybelline Colossal Volume express

I adore this mascara, it's one I got back to countless times. I love big fat brushes. I have fairly sensitive eyes and some mascara wands really hurt. This comes off like a dream and doesn't feel too rough on my eyes. It does the job very well indeed.

009: Vo5 High Volume extra strong hold weather resistant spray

Trying out a different brand has made me realise just how much I love this hairspray. It keeps your style nice and solid without feeling sticky and hard. The massive can is great value for money and it lasts for ages.

What items have you been using this month?

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