Monthly Archives: September 2013

Beauty Brilliance- Tarte Cosmetics

20th September 2013

Since I’ve decided to have more beauty posts on this here blog I thought I might as well do a beauty wishlist to go alongside it, it’s not something I’ve really done before but it wasn’t really a hardship, not when I read so many beauty blogs. Unfortunately for me, a lot of those blogs I read are based in the USA where they have a plethora of brands not easily obtainable over here (standard!) one of these being the beautiful looking and highly recommended Tarte Cosmetics.


Since I’ve decided to have more beauty posts on this here blog I thought I might as well do a beauty wishlist to go alongside it, it’s not something I’ve really done before but it wasn’t really a hardship, not when I read so many beauty blogs. Unfortunately for me, a lot of those blogs I read are based in the USA where they have a plethora of brands not easily obtainable over here (standard!) one of these being the beautiful looking and highly recommended Tarte Cosmetics.




The blusher, eyeshadow and foundation all come from the Amazonian Clay collectionwhere the products are infused with clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun. I’m not a beauty expert but this sounds pretty good for the skin and I would imagine it enhances colour pay off too. I’m desperate to try the 12-hour blush; the colours available look stunning and the packaging- don’t get me started on how gorgeous every Tarte Cosmetics product looks!
I’m turning in to a lip product fiend too, despite never actually remembering to wear it I hoard lipsticks like the world is going to run out. The lipstick above is called “bold” and looks like the perfect way to inject some colour in to the grey winter days. It’d also look pretty good nestled in my handbag- added bonus!

USA girls, what Tarte Cosmetics products would you recommend?
UK girls, is there ANYWHERE I can get this? I’m a bit makeup un-educated at times!


xxx

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On my radar- Phase Eight at John Lewis

20th September 2013
Phase Eight is one of those brands that passed me by for years. They are a British highstreet institution and yet I was ignorant to their existence.
Then something happened, my tastes started to change and I could no longer spend hours trawling through cutesy tees and baggy jeans. I wanted sophisticated, refined style and so I started browsing, starting with department store extraordinaire John Lewis and there I stumbled across their concession of Phase Eight goodness.
After a good couple of seasons browsing and the ownership of both a dress and skirt from the brand I’m now sharing my A/W most coveted from the new collection.

For me, the first thing I’ll think of when I hear the words “Phase Eight” is dresses. Top of my wishlist are these two. The Dora, pictured first for a winter wedding perhaps (if I was going to one) and the Turner dress for a sophisticated work to bar look- something the brand does brilliantly.
Another work wear want is the Kitty skirt. It may be a bit out there for the office but dammit, if you can’t have fun dressing for the 9-5 then I don’t want to be a grown up.
Finally, with Winter clawing it’s way in I really, really want the Agnes Aztec coat. I have just purchased my Winter warmer but argh, this is just stunning (and far too out of my budget).
I’m so in love with all of this, and a heck of a lot more from the collection but sadly my more grown up tastes also come with a more grown up lifestyle and that means less spare cash around for pretty things. Still, they hold pretty good sales so I’m crossing fingers and toes that some of this has its price slashed.
What brands have you ignored in the past only to love now?
xxx
*sponsered*

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WIN- £20 ASOS voucher with Suppose

19th September 2013

It’s been a while since I shared a giveaway with you folks and I’m pleased to announced that as well as introducing you to a fantastic deals/money saving website I’m also giving you a chance to win £20 with ASOS.
Firstly, the introductions:
Suppose.com is a deal sharing community run and maintained by our 2,700 members. In the few months since Suppose launched they have already discovered over £518,580 worth of savings with an average discount of 51% off retail prices.     

Basically the website depends on it’s members to share the deals and alert other bargain hunters. In exchange for your efforts you are given reward points which can then be used to enter competitions and win great prizes.
I am loving the sound of this already and I’ve only been a member for a few days and am yet to truly explore. As soon as I’ve got an hour or so to myself I’ll be posting up some deals and getting to know the community.

In the mean time, if you want to bag yourself a £20 ASOS gift voucher you just need to click

and get going!
See you there!
xxx

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cat lady- version "lost count"

19th September 2013

Blouse: Monki at ASOS
Skirt: New Look
Shoes: Steve Madden via Sarenza
Monki at ASOS is my current obsession. Ever since the brand first landed there I’ve stalked the new arrivals, so far limiting my purchases to three (a dress, a jumper and this blouse) although I have my beady eye on these mittens, this dress and these oh so cheery tights. 
I originally wanted to pair the blouse with a leather look pencil skirt I’d purchased from New Look but re-trying it on a week later made me realise the skirt needed to be returned. I do not have the correct body proportions for pencil skirts and I MUST remember that! Instead I grabbed my trusty black skater skirt from my wardrobe, stuck on these snazzy studded flats and rushed out of the door to work- after getting outfit photos, of course! Kudos to Mae for her timing in seeking me out that morning.
Outfit posts really are few and far between at the moment. The combination of Autumn lighting issues, more time spent in uniform for work and generally just having very little time/motivation to put together outfits has seen  the blog veer more towards reviews and wish lists. I do want to get back in to outfit posting though, perhaps I need to rope the boy in to grabbing photos at the weekend.
Speaking of weekends, we’re nearly there again. I think we’re planning on a chilled one this time having spent last weekend with his family up North(ish). It was my first time meeting the full set of siblings as well as properly getting to know his parents and I’m pleased to report they are all wonderfully delightful.
I also survived a night out (such as it is) in Melton Mowbray and my first and probably not last Leicester City match.
Are there any brands you’re hooked on at the moment? I’m not sure whether to ask you to share or not. I don’t need encouragement!
xxx 

Posted in asos, life stuff, outfits, wish list

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Introducing- Sara Hartley

18th September 2013

Last week the postman bought me a surprise in the form of this beautifully delicate bracelet from jewellery designer Sara Hartley.
I’ll admit I’d not heard of Sara before but after seeing and wearing this gorgeous creation I was eager to find out more and demanded more information.
Sara studied at Sir John Cass, the leading jewellery university.  She graduated in  1996 and has been creating many very successful ranges of jewellery ever since from her central London studio.  Her most notable commission was worn by Halle Berry in the James Bond production, Die Another Day.  For as long as she can remember, Sara has had a love of making things – the smaller the better as she used to tell her 
mum as a child.  Luckily for her, she has turned her passion into her career.
The bracelet I was sent came from her latest collection, aptly named “tinies”
The inspiration came from her two children – she wanted to have a piece of jewellery that would capturetheir character to remind her of them. She wanted the collection to appeal to a wide audience that would like 
something personal, elegant, timeless and unique. For Sara it was her children, but whether it be your child,  friend, brother, sister, boyfriend, husband, an animal – the list could go on – she has designed a collection that is personal and tactile with the ability to spark a memory or feeling.
You can choose and design your on personal piece of jewellery, combining the different characters – a boy 
or girl, child or adult or animal – each with a different personality meaning something to you. Some pieces 
have been set with small stones, diamonds, rubies and sapphires. The collection works beautifully with 
every day wear or an evening outfit.
The collection consists of bracelets, bangles and necklaces and prices start around the £70 mark. Her website (a work of art in itself) hosts the entire tinies collection alongside her amazing 18ct gold and platinum collection- unobtainable for many but worth a drool over!
With Christmas not far around the corner, alongside all manner of other special occasions I place Sara and her designs high up there on my places to check out when seeking the perfect, memorable gift. I’ll also be adding a few other pieces to my own personal wish list.
Take a look and let me know what your own tiny would look like.
xxx

Posted in jewellery

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