Last days of summer OOTD

Clinging onto the last days of summer I had to find the time to wear this cutesy crop and short two piece before it was too late, and before I became too pale to bear! This little number was from a brand I newly discovered Luxemme who offer a small but trendy range of clothing, perfect for when you don't have time to trawl through pages of online shopping. This particular set was from the limited edition range ,  a set I love for its tie details on the side of the top, a feature that seems to be very in style at the moment. As I wasn't brave enough to wear it alone for a day look, I paired it with a trench and some low block heel sandals. Although I reckon it would look great alone on a night out simply teamed with a pair of pointed nude heels and clutch.

 Hope you like it!

This two piece is priced at a very reasonable £35.00*

Shoes | Dune

 Jacket | Phase Eight

Ellie

Feb Faves Featuring: The Utility trend

Every month I find it routine to see what new products have arrived into stores, and it appears that the utilty trend is the next big thing. I love the whole uniform meets safari sort of style and I'm a big fan of the neutral colour palette, see some of my fave garments and accessories in shops and online at the mo.

Topshop have done it again with some stunning staple garments this season. What particually caught my eye was this relaxed tailored sleeveless jacket, great for a smart casual look day or night. This simple white number is something I would like to call an investment buy, this is because it will go with so much which will enable you to get full wear out of it so that its price tag of £48 doesn't seem so bad.

This cute cropped shell top in a deep khaki would be great worn with the sleeveless jacket and accessories mentioned,  finish of fwith some black skinny jeans and you'll be good to go! This top, also from Topshop retails at £36.

I am a sucker for vintage items and if like me you are too I recommend you pay a visit to Invaluable.com, a website I recently discovered that hosts worldwide auctions for the most gorgeous pieces of designer jewelery and watches. Can we all take a minute to appreciate this gorgeous necklace watch. It is a Longines brand watch so it will no doubt eternally be on my wish list but that's where invaluable is also brilliant as there always new items up for auction so my fingers are crossed something similar more within my budget will pop up soon!

In full agreement with the saying that there is no such thing as too many shoes, I hope to add these Zara beauties to my collection. I adore the slipper style and practically live my life in flats so I think it would be a justifiable purchase don't you? For £29.99 a pretty reasonable price too.

Another Zara find is this tote bag in prettiest nude colour, the perfect, practical sized accessory to have on your arm in keeping with the utility trend. It is on sale at an affordable £29.99.

What are your fave pics so far this month?

Are you a fan of the utility trend?

I would love to hear from you!

Love,

Ellie

OOTD: When In Florence...

I couldn't of asked for a more lovely way to start the autumnal month of October than in the north of Italy in the beautiful city of Florence. Although we arrived to worse weather than England, the days following we couldn't of asked for better as temperatures reached 28 and the sun was shining over the Florentine skyline. As I have recently been taking a night class in Italian i was very excited to practice the language. I have visited Italy a few times but no where like Florence, the city itself felt very chic, yet traditional, and full of culture and beautiful people. To those of you who aren't familiar with Florence might like to know that Florence is also a great city to visit for fashion as it is home to many famous Italian fashion designers, including Gucci who has in recent years opened a museum there, a great place to see an archive of the designers greatest designs. Not forgetting, if you are a fan of leather pieces, Florence is THE place to go for a genuine leather article, with almost every other shop and or market selling the most gorgeous selection of leather bags and goods. So as I was in fashionable surroundings I thought it only right to an outfit of the day post. My most recent shopping spree involved me hitting the H&M sales and grabbing a bargain or two. This including the new love in my love at the moment, my black duster coat (similar to one in my wish list post below); which I was surprised was in the sale as I have noticed this style of coats just becoming a popular trend. I teamed this lightweight with more H&M both old and new, along with some H&M sunglasses that I bought especially for the trip. In fact, I think the only thing I was wearing that WASN'T H&M was my sandals, a Topshop purchase a couple of years that I absolutely worn to death i am pleasantly surprised with how long they have lasted! See below for some similar options of the older items.

The beautiful Florence itself...

Duster jacket H&M was £29.99 sale £15

Top H&M full price £14.99

Shorts (old) for similar click here

Sunglasses H&M full price £6.99

Sandals Topshop (old ) for similar click here

I think it is safe to say that this OOTD post is the last one where I will be seen wearing shorts for a while as on my return from Italy i decided the season of coats has finally arrived!

Have you got your winter wardrobes ready?

Keep in touch!

Ellie

September Wish List

With the arrival of September it's out with the shorts, vest's and flip flops and in with the autumnal shades, long sleeves and boots. Fortunately, this means an entire new range of clothing is being launched into stores, excuse for a shopping spree, I think so! The nights are still light and the return of the limited editions Costa coffees is not far away, Honeycomb Hot chocolate I'm ready for you! However optimism aside for a moment, I am still a student so my shopping spree is on standby and wishing is all I can do at the moment. 

But honestly, composing this wish list post has actually got me rather excited for the upcoming season, and do I dare say the C word? Okay maybe it's a tad early to be thinking about Christmas just yet (oops I said it). For now, see what bit and bobs I'm loving for this season.

1. All hail the new palettes from the 'A Novel Romance' collection at Mac. My personal favourite, 'A passionate quest' is a premade made palette of the most gorgeous autumnal shades of pinks and purples, with a hint of navy and slight shimmery pigments, to die for! £30.
2. Also from Mac and the 'A Novel Romance' collection, are these lush lipsticks. Available in a few shades but I have my heart set on 'Myself', a gorgeous nude beige for a more a natural look and 'Hearts a flame' a statement purpley red that is perfect for the season. Both £15.50.
3. I am loving a cropped knit and shirt look at the mo, find this grey knit in New Look for a mere £14.99 and this silk shirt from Zara, £39.99.
4. You can never go wrong with a pair of super skinny dark wash jeans to team with your autumn knits, River Island, £45.
5. The most gorgeous pair of boots that will unfortunately remain on my wish list for a long time yet, Kurt Geiger, £90.
6. I have seen these everywhere in the shops recently but I have found no other other duster coat quite like this one, this will be hanging in my wardrobe one day, Zara, £79.99
7. Practical, and a statement accessory, this large faced bracelet watch can be found in River Island, £28.
8.Would it be autumn without a tan tote bag? Of course not. I have my eyes on this one from Zara, priced at a purse friendly £29.99.

What's on your autumn wish lists?

Until next time,

Ellie

The perfect palette: My Urban Decay Equivalent

When money is tight it’s harder to part with £37 without feeling guilty. But many would say would say it’s worth the guilt for a Urban Decay palette, well what you say if I told you you could get a Urban Decay Naked 2 palette equivalent for a fraction of the price? That’s right, I recently discovered whilst browsing in Superdrug that MUA do a brilliant eye palette with gorgeous matte nudes, shimmery and smoky shades that are almost identical to Naked. I wasn't sure if the quality was going to be up to the standard of Urban Decay but for £4 you cannot complain! I had to give it a go and I was very pleased with the results, with 12 different shades you can create a variety of standout smoky or minimalist nude looks. To put on the product I used my favourite body shop eye shadow brushes and I found the the powder applied really nicely, feeling very soft. I firstly applied the flesh toned shades right up to my eye brow and into the corner of my eye, in order to highlight. Then going over top of, to the edges of my eye lid and under my brow bone I used the slightly shimmery bronze and darker shades to complete the look. I quite like natural make up and what I love about this palette is that its suitable for everyday use as well as more glam night out look, so it’s a win win really! I had never bought anything from the MUA brand before but I will definitely be a returning customer, along with many other make up articles, they had a wide selection other eye shadow palettes as well as this one; so if you prefer a bit more colour, darker tone, or shimmer, no matter your skin tome; I’m confident there is a palette for everyone.
If you like the look of this palette, stay tuned as I hope to feature it in my next giveaway!

Have yo used this Palette before?
What do you think?

   Ellie

OOTD: Monochrome & checks

Seeing as I haven't done an outfit post since Christmas this one is well overdue! I love a classic black and white combo in outfits but I sometimes feel a bit dull. So, even though black and white, I thought that these velvety textured check leggings helped to prevent any dulness! They are the comfiest pair of leggings I currently own so I absolutely love to wear them, especially with the check trend still on going! These beauties were low on stock when I originally got them from Topshop a couple of months ago, but I believe they are still available online. As you can see I wore these leggings with a simple white cami top from New Look, my new sleeveless blazer blazer from Primark which I adore, notice it has a mesh back also ooo! And of course, my monochrome combos are rarely complete without my trusty bowler, a last season buy from Topshop but still available online and in other high street stores.

Are you a fan of monochrome combos?

   Ellie

Pretty in Pastels

If you have not yet seen the array of pastel coloured garments that are filling the entire high street you seriously need to arrange a shopping trip as you do not want to miss out. I have always been a fan of pastel shades but never have I had such a wide selection, door to door its gorgeous mint greens, pretty pastel pinks, lemon yellows, lilacs and cute baby blues. There is something about this trend that reminds me of candy and spring and all things happy (without sounding too cheesy) so it makes me very excited that this is looking likely to be a key trend for Spring/Summer 2014. And me being the shopaholic that I am decided to put together a little wish list of my fave pastel pieces!

1. This mint green fluffy jumper (which wasn't on my wish list for long as I have already bought it!) is heavenly and I was over the moon when I found it in the sale for an amazing £18 at Topshop!
2. I love this chunky pastel green necklace, get it for just £9.99 at New Look.
3.I am loving shift tops at the moment and this baby pink one from New Look is lush! £12.99
4. I died and went to pastel heaven when I saw this bag, available in a range of shades but the lilac tote is deffo my top pick, a pleasant £32 from Accessorise.
5. Even better, there is a skirt to match the shift! Also from New Look for £14.99
6. These gorgeous Topshop nail polishes are available in a lovely range of pretty pastel colours, but these are my personal faves, and for £6 you cannot complain.
7. My collection of frilled socks is rapidly growing, soon my sock draw will be overflowing with the addition of these super cute lilac socks from River Island, a purse friendly £4.

Have you fallen for the pastel trend?
What's on your wish list?

   Ellie

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: My New Do!

After a drastic wonky hair cut when I was younger that left me with no choice but to cut my hair short I have since had a fear of cutting my hair. But I can now say that after about (I was going to say 12 years but who am I kidding) pretty much my whole life, I have finally out grown my attachment to my hair. To those of you who read my post 'Do I go for the chop' a few weeks ago will know that I have been contemplating getting, for me, what is a big cut. I have grown my hair since I was a wee one and, I’m ashamed to say this out loud, as I only get my hair trimmed once a year; I felt it was about time for a good snip and a bit of a change! After spotting a pic of celeb Victoria Justice, I developed a major case of hair envy and decided that I wanted a length and style similar to hers. I curl my hair more often than straightening it nowadays so my hairdresser thought it’d be wise to cut it a tad longer than I wanted off as it will always look shorter once curled. And to be honest I wish I had just gone all out and gone the extra few inches shorter, my hair grows at lightning speed so I don’t know why I get so attached to it! A month ago you wouldn’t have heard me saying this, I feel like a changed woman, who knows you might see me posting next week with a bright pink pixie hair cut (okay maybe 2 weeks)!

What do you think of my new do?

If any fellow bloggers have this length hair I would love to know what you use to style it? I have just invested in some sleep in rollers so I’m excited to experiment with them!

  Ellie

January Sales: My Top Picks

I don't know about you but I cannot cope with the hustle and bustle of boxing day sales, I like to have my own space and take my time when shopping without having someones elbow in my ribs. So I like to leave it a week or two so till things have quietened down, and often things get reduced even further by then so its a win win really! But the best sale I have visited this year has to be at French Connection, I didn't even realise there was a sale when I walked in because the store was so immaculate, the perfect shopping atmosphere. I instantly had my eye on a number of gorgeous things that had been marked down, there was such a good range to chose from, if you have not been yet I recommend you get there asap! Take a look at my tops picks...

1. My fave out of the bunch by far is this black and pink floral shift dress, was £110, now in store for £33, bargain!
2. This delicate gold skull pendant is a really nice accessory, and a great saving as it was £45 and is now just £22!
3. These stunning boots were unfortunately out of stock in my size but I had to share them with you! These beauties were £145 and are now just £54!
4. This gorgeous cream parka is fully fur lined inside, stay cosy and look fab! And a massive saving as it was £220 and is now £154 still quite pricey but I imagine worth it if you have the money (which unfortunately I don't)
5. I loved this checked top with a cute collar and buttons down the back, I couldn't believe it when it was in the sale. Previously it was £42 but is now just £21 and it's also available in more colours!
6. I thought this leather and chain bracelet was really nice, also available in purple and orange this piece of jewellery was £25 and is now from £7.50-£12.50 depending on colour choice
7. Leather look shorts look great with the checked top, were £50 now £25
Some of the items are no longer in stock online so if they are not available on the website it's always wise to try ASOS or go in store.

Have you been to the French Connection sale?
What bargains have you managed to get hold of in this years sales?

   Ellie

#TheWinterProject : Favourite Winter Make Up

After a bit of catching up I am now up to date with #TheWinterProject topics! So for this weeks post I will be showing you my favourite winter makeup, we all know everyone loves to get dolled up at Christmas time with all the parties and events, and these following products are what I like to use most to create that festively glamorous look...

Firstly, when applying a full face of makeup I always like to apply highlighter to my cupids bow, cheekbones and brow bone. In particular I have grown very fond of seventeens newest WOW highlighter, it adds a really nice shimmery effect to the areas you apply it to, particularly when the light shines on it.

Over the top of this I apply my favourite foundation, Skin Illusion by Clarins. I especially love this product as it has such a lightweight consistency so I never feel caked even when wearing a full face of makeup! And perfectly for the winter season, this foundation has the benefit of not drying out my skin! For best results and a smooth finish, apply with a foundation brush.

In these winter months I always suffer from getting increasingly pale, so this natural bronzer by Rimmel London is one I have used for years to hide that. It has the slightest shimmer but not enough for it to look unnatural. I apply it lightly, dusting my whole face with a large bronzer brush, then once again to my cheeks, brushing from the cheekbone inwards.

At Christmas time I always like to make a bit more effort for parties and events, this shimmery eyeshadow does the job very nicely, adding a nice Christmasy shine to the eyelids. I apply the powder right up to the brow bone so it catches the light really nicely. This shade from The Body Shop is a nice natural bronze like colour with purple pigments, it is quite natural so is also suitable for everyday wear. Visit The Body Shop website for more gorgeous shades.

Now for the final touches, these eyelashes by Ardell from Boots are a lovely natural lash that add that extra pop to your makeup, they have extra length and a slight curl at the edges which is great for enhancing your natural lashes fullness. I love wearing them when dressing up at Christmas! To apply them I use Shu Uemura eyelash glue which is hands down the best I have ever used, it also last ages as I have had it for about a year and its still as good as the first time I used it!

It's rare that I leave the house without a bit of lippy on even if its just a neutral shade. But recently I have not been able to take off this lipstick I purchased from MAC earlier in the season, this shade 'Prepare for Pleasure' is from the limited edition Divine Night collection. I found that everything from this collection had a real Christmasy feel to it and I couldn't leave without buying this gorgeous lipstick which really brings some excitement to winter makeup.

Is there any makeup that you particularly like to wear at winter or Christmas?

Are any of you taking part in #TheWinterProject?
Ellie