Summer Days; The First of Many..

June is finally here & with it,  hopefully, comes those hot summer days and cool summer nights..

 I spent the first Monday of the summer months with the long legged, fiery headed chica who I call Eve.

After finishing college and taking on more work, we hadn't seen eachother in over a month, so what better a way to catch up than in the sun with copious amonths of food and drinks. On the menu was pizza & mixed salad followed by glorious vanilla ice cream, fruits and a whole lot of girly chatter.

Anyone for berries?

Top: Matalan

Trousers: Peacocks

Necklace: Forever 21

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: Primark



 I adore the print of these trousers and although they're not, they can pass of as silk from a far. They're super soft, thin and lightwieght so perfect for the summer on breezier days and at £14 they're such a bargain. (I got 20% off so they only cost me £11.20)

The neighbours cat came to join us..

EVE

Top: Topshop

Trousers: Zara

Necklace: H&M

Shoes: Zara

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xoxox

ASOS Shoe Wishlist

I'm not afraid to say that I am what you would call, an "ASOS virgin".

 

I'm a stumpy size 12/14 so I've always been abit wary of online shopping as majority of the time, the sizes don't fit, hence I've always, stupidly, steered clear of online retailers, including ASOS.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?

 

  I thought I'd check the website out and see what it's doing for S/S13 & my, my, it did not disappoint.

I simply, fell in love.

 

         1. FOREST Leather Flat Sandals £26

A nice introduction to the yellow colour trend, I think these are perfect for the summer. Woven leather, multi-coloured and slingbacks, what more could you want. I LOVE this colour combination, however for those of you who aren't as fond as the yellow mix, this style of shoe also comes in a monochrome style.

 



           2. FASTER Studded Flat Sandals £25   

These shoes strike me as a reformed version of the Doc. Martens "Liza" Sandals, which I'm currently lusting over,  what with the ankle strap, black studs and colour scheme and if, like me, £145 is out of your price range, I think these sandals are a great alternative.

 

3. HOSTAGE Heel Sandals £42

 For those that arent daring enoug to wear an all white ensemble, or are too pasty pale like me, I think No.3 are a really good way to dabble in the "all white" trend and I love the simple yet chic strap design.

 

                                          4. PREMIUM AFTER GLOW Leather Ankle Boots £85

 

      5. HOMETOWN Heel Sandals £40

I've been searching for a pair of black double strap sandals for what seems like forever now, and fortunelty I've finally found a pair with a chunky heel, as I can't walk in stilettos for the life of me, now I just have to wait until they get my size back as it's currently unavailable, nooooo.

 

                              6. VAGABOND Flora Sling Blue Flat Sandals £55

 

                                                       7. HEDLEY Heel Sandals £45

Similar to No.1, I think the the 3 tone colour combination is brilliant and will brighten up any outfit and I simply love the woven leather texture. The low block heel is great for those 'heel shy' and can be worn casual by day and dressed-up by night.



 

                   8. ASTONISHED Leather Ankle Boots £60

A perfect, and cheaper, alternative to the Balenciaga buckle strap boot and the forever popular "Coltrane" shoe by Jeffrey Campbell.

 

If I could afford every one of these paris of shoes, I would 100% buy all of them. Each pair has accents of different trends, colours and textures that I'm really adoring right now. Unfortunetly, my bank balance would never be able to handle such a splurge, alas, I shall be keeping my eyes out for Numbers 2, 5, 7 & 8.

 

What shoes did you prefer? Any new trends of shoe that's catching your eye this summer?

Leave a comment, or your blog and if you like, follow me on Bloglovin'.

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

I don't know about you, but I have been a religious user of BB creams ever since they launched so when I heard that the new "it" facial product was the "CC CREAM", a colour correcting cream, I had to find out more. BB creams are tinted for coverage, are generally SPF 15-20 and contain anti-oxidants to benefit your skin on a day to day basis. CC creams, however, are colour correcting and help address skin issues such as uneven skin tone, sallowness and redness with an SPF of 20-30 (higher than the BB's) They claim to be lighter on the skin than BB creams as they have a whipped, fluffy finish and unlike some BB creams, they're oil-free.

As CC creams are a new product on the market, many brands have yet to release one but after reading reviews, it seems that Clinique's "Moisture Surge CC Cream" is currently one of the most popular so I thought I'd nab myself a 5-day sample to try it out. 

I tried the "Light Medium" shade and on first use the cream had a slight smell, which reminded me of playdough, and when I applied to skin, the texture also resembled that playdough like feel, alas I would not be put off. Once applied, the finish gave an even coverage that DID dull down my redness (on my cheeks) and gave me a really nice overall colour and glow. However, for me, any foundation/cream I use, I like it to be light on the skin and to look natural and with Clinique's, I found it felt quite heavy and as I said before, reminded me of the texture of playdough. 

I'm glad I got a sample of the product before diving in and buying one as I wasn't 100% pleased, but overall I think this CC cream does live up to its reputation and does do a good job as my skin looked fresh and flawless all day at SPF 30 & with a good coverage. At £28, It's pretty pricey so I would suggest trying a sample before purchase but I do think this product is perfect as an all-in-1 cream alternative instead of having to use multiple products during the summer season.

The "Moisture Surge CC Cream" comes in 6 shades: Very Light, Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep, however when I recently looked online the website had 3 more shades between 'Light' and 'Light Medium' which were: Fresh Peach, Natural Fair and Natural, so again I would suggest a colour match with a consultant or a 5-day tester before purchase.

I hope you found this post worthwhile for any one interested in trying a CC cream.

Leave a comment or a link to your blog URL (I'd love to take a look) or follow me on Bloglovin'. 

xox

A Nice Day For A Fayre...

Well hasn't this weeks weather just been beautiful so far?

& what with the Bank holiday weekend, what better way to spend it than at a fayre?

My parents have been taking me and my sister to Penshurt Place, Kent, for as long as I can remember (all those sunday family days out) and every year Penshurst holds its annual  "Penshurst Craft Fayre". As my sisters in her 3rd year of univerisity and I work weekends, we havent taken a family trip their in years so when I saw it was running over the Bank Holiday, I literally jumped for joy and demanded we go. Being a fashion student & growing up with parents who love everything 'artsy', I'm a sucker for a good craft or two and I love seeing how others, old and young, put their skills to good use..

The Fayre has tents A-J filled with home made jewellery, paintings, scultupers, clothes, leather goods, natural body products, toys, garden ware, crockery, ceramics & much more..The last two tents are where local farmers sell the best organic meat, yummiest of cheeses, chutney, savoury biscuits and ofcourse, the best home made pies, cookies, cakes and fudge.

Globes

 Yummy home made fudges

 my lovely Raspberry & Blackberry frozen yoghurt

a snazzy street art van

& Here's what I wore

Bag & Sunglasses : Primark
Jumper : Matalan
Jeans 'Leigh' : Topshop
Shoes : Urban Outfitters

What did you all get up to this Bank holiday?

 Hope you've all had a good weekend & if you liked my post please comment or follow me on Bloglovin'. If you have a blog please leave your URL as I'd love to take a look.

xox



Purchases of the Week

This week I've been super busy working most days as I've now finished college & to be quite honest, I've been abit of a recluse.. due to the fact I've been making Ben watch Heroes with me everyday as he renewed his Netflix account (the best thing since sliced toast) hence the lack of Outfit posts and I thought I'd save myself, and you, the pain of seeing me in my comfy yet embarrassing 'Lounge around the house' look. However, I did manage to fit in some time for some well deserved retail therapy and seeing as payday was Friday, I just couldn't resist. Here's some of my purchases...



All 3 Vests: Primark

Lace Top: Topshop

As the weather's been really nice this week I got abit carried away and ended up buying all 3 vests- I just cannot resist a primark bargain. I've wanted the lace embroidered top from Topshop for a while now and I kept seeing it reduced in the sale in my size, but you cannot imagine my excitement on Friday when I found only one, in my size (although it is a 'maternity' size 12, shh) for £15 (It was £36) so I simply had to claim it as my own.

 

Did you all have a good week? If you liked this post please comment and leave a note of your blogs as I'd love to have a look and follow me on Bloglovin'. xx

 

Did someone say Ska?

It's Monday and that can only mean one thing.. Time to cure the hangover, drink too many cups of tea and think back over the well deserved weekend we've all had..

On Friday night my friends and I went to The Birds Nest pub, in Deptford, for a night of live Ska music and to watch our friends band "The Provokers" play, you should check the band out! I've never been to this pub before and it didn't disappoint! It had such a homely feel & was decorated with odd lampshades and mirrors with band posters and wall murals everywhere. I spent the night dancing, mingling and had one too many vodka and OJ's.

Abbie, Me & Dovilea.

Abbie, Me, John (Guitarist of The Provokers) & Dov.

WHAT I WORE

As I was going to be in a pub (& in Deptford) I wanted to keep my outfit quite simple, so I wouldn't get too hot and flustered when watching the bands, which is why I opted for my graphic midi dress and a denim jacket. To me, this dress is perfect. The thin jersey and short sleeves means its wearable for the summer and can be layered up for the winter weather so it's a versatile piece that can be worn during the day or dressed up for a night out with heels and statement jewellery and for £16 I don't 
think you can go wrong..



Dress: River Island, Jacket: Relay Vintage

Necklace: H&M

 

Bag: Charity Shop

Brooch: Vintage Market

Hope you all had a good weekend & did any of you get up to anything nice? If you like my posts please comment or follow me on Bloglovin' and if your a fellow blogger please leave your link as I'd love to take a look.
xox



Circle Row DD Seats 10 & 11.

On Monday 15th my boyfriend and I got to enjoy another belated birthday gift, theatre tickets for "The Woman In Black"  from my parents. I first read the book in Year 9 at Bexley Grammar and absolutely loved it. For those of you who dont know, it is a classic 'horror' story about a Solicitor and a mysterious town in the north of England and as your probably aware, it is now a film. I first saw the play in 2009 at The Fortune Theatre  and on multiple occasions I nearly jumped out of my seat so when my mum mentioned the play was touring I simply couldn't resist. If you like a good thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat but not to the extremity of crying in fear then I would highly recommend going to see this play & if you want to find out more or book tickets click here. As the London weather is slowly starting to brighten up I opted for neutral colours with a pop of pink to liven up the outfit for our evening treat.


Jacket: Vintage Jaeger, Woollen Top: Matalan, Skirt: Forever 21, Necklace: H&M, Earring: New Look.

Bag: Primark, Rings L-R: Vintage, Purchased in Turkey, Topshop.

Shoes: Office.



A Trip To Hogwarts..

As part of mine and my boyfriends 18th birthday presents,curtosy of my wonderful "mum in law", we had the most wonderful day trip to the one and only "Harry Potter Studios" in Watford. As we live in Greenwich, it took about an hour and half by car (on the M25) in what was a horrendous journey of sleet, wind and very heavy rain. But it was definitely worth it as when we arrived at our magical destination we were greeted by those iconic, and very large, chess pieces from "Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone". Once inside we queued for about 20 minutes, where we were treated to Harry Potter badges; as its the studios one year anniversary this week there was lots of special treats and workshops running throughout the tour. Finally we got to the front of the que, the doors opened and the magic began.. 


Tie Dye Dress: Primark, Waxed Jacket: Barbour,
 Creepers: Underground, Necklace: H&M 

From the moment the doors opened and I stepped into the "world of magic" that sense of nostalgia I had at 6 years old, from watching No.1, came flooding right back and I really did feel like a giddy 6 year old again. The tour includes parts of the real sets used in the film, some very famous  sets and others less recognisable, costumes gallore from alot of different characters throughout the 8 films, props and there's even a green screen room where you can take home a picture of you driving the Weasley's car or flying on a broomstick. Outside is where the exterior props and sets are and the second studio is where the creatures, prosthetics and animatronics are (this was my favourite part of the tour) where you can see how they created the goblins, the horntail dragon, the basilisk snake and the loveable house elf Dobby among many others. Take a Stroll through Diagon Alley and you'll find yourself looking at original architectual sketches of many sets and props and finally you'll find yourself with the Hogwarts model, whichwas fascinating to see up close & now I know how they filmed those shots flying around the grounds of Hogwarts. I had a brilliant day out and if you're a fan of the Harry Potter Franchise I would definitely recommend you take a visit to the Studios. Tickets are £29 per adult (16years +) but I think the experience was well worth the money. To book tickets or look at the official website click here.

 

Butter Beer: Propoganda: Bridge Close Up: Prop Sketch: Me & Ben On The Bridge!



Sweet Leaf

Why Hello there, as this is my first post I thought what better a way to start than by celebrating one of my all time favourite bands.. I've grown up drooling over my dad's vinyl collection of about 500 12"records and thankfully the Black Sabbath records were in there and here began my obsession with the Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne, his love for leather & that world famous foul mouth... Fast Forward 12 years to 2012 and the incredible Download festival announce Black Sabbath are headlining on the Sunday and I could not of been more excited at the prospect of finally being able to see them. However, it was not meant to be as my bank account had other plans and regretabbly I could not go. So when in January 2013, the band confirmed they will be releasing their new album "13" this summer, I could not of been more ecstatic. But wait, it gets better... Shortly after announcing a new album release Sabbath announced they would be doing a European tour at the end of the year and tickets would be released to the general public on Friday 12th April. As you can imagine I was jumping with joy when I heard and immediately I, once again, became that crazed fangirl I was when I was 8. However to my utter dismay, it turned out there was to be only one gig in the South East (the whole South region as a matterof fact) which was to be at The o2 London, situated in the Greenwich Peninsula. Luckily, this is only a 20 minute drive from were I live so I was very happy to hear where it would be, but if any of you have been to The o2 Arena you will probably agree with me when I say it is massive and not always the best venue to see your beloved bands at. I'm not one for sitting when I'm at gig so I was adamant I would try to buy standing tickets and waking up half an hour before general public release (9AM) was definitely worth it as my metal loving boyfriend and I are very happy to say we WILL be at The o2 on Tuesday 10th December and I will probably cry.. Tears of sweet joy ofcourse.

Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler & Ozzy Osbourne