Perfect Face

I haven't done a post in forever, so what better way to restart than a post on my recent purchases while on the yearly family holiday to florida?! 

Make up is so much cheaper in the U.S. so its no surprise that I stock up on my favorites while im out there. 

I always start my makeup routine with a Primer. Specially if im expecting to wear the makeup for a long time. Smashbox photo finish is perfect. It makes my skin feel smooth and the foundation just glides on. Its also perfect for hot weather because it's so light. It also have an SPF of 15 so can easily be worn alone (which it often was while in florida!) 

Even though I have a pretty good skin, Foundation is a massive weak point for me. Im currently using 3 different ones (obviously at different times) And all have individual qualities that make them equally as good and worth the money. 

Benefit's "Hello Flawless- Oxygen WOW" is a light foundation that has an SPF of 15. Its also oil free so unlike most foundations its light and doesn't really effect my skin. I wore it quite alot while on holiday and still managed to catch a tan. Its lighter than suncream too so my face not only stayed sweat free but also kept it from looking greasy and shiny.

Im also a massive fan of Clinique's "Even better" Its thicker in texture and can be layered so that I can vary from light to full coverage. Its finished appearance is a dewy effect that gives a fresh and bright look. 

My final choice for foundation is truly a case of saving the best till last. Mac foundation select. Its a sort of cross between benefit and Clinque because its light, but can be layered for different levels of coverage.  But it leaves a dewy finishing effect with a slight hint of a matt finish. Its perfect for a glamorous look such as nights out or just when I want to make myself look a little less down in the typical english weather!

I'm quite fare, my mum says a proper english rose, I say unfortunate! So bronzer is always a tricky one for me. But i've finally found one that compliments me perfectly and thats Smashbox fusion in soft lights. Its made up of four different neautral shades which are blended together when applied. I use a fan brush for a light application across my cheek bones to give me a shimmery glow. It really completes my perfect night out look!

Chanel No. 5, Daisy and Holister

Perfume is one of my absolute essentials. I love floral and fruity scents that aren't too over powering but are strong enough to catch peoples attention. Chanel No. 5 is my all time favorite, the scent is perfect and I also love the bottle! I save it for special occasions and nights out and times that I really want to make an impression. I find the scent strong, but pleasant with a floral undertone. It's the sort of scent that no one would forget and would be easy to recognize-so it's the perfect perfume to wear for gifts and surprises! 

For day to day use, I tend to switch between Daisy by Marc Jacobs and Holister's own brand perfume. 

The two perfumes are complete opposites in ways of scent and style but are both equally as beautiful and complimenting to my own personal style. Daisy has a light floral scent with slightly fruity undertone which isn't to strong were as Holister has a very light fruity scent that isn't so light you can't smell it but not over powering and confusing to the senses! 

Love magazine

While trailing the shelves of tesco last night, looking for any kind of fashion based magazine that I could get lost in for an evening, I came across "Love". It doesn't look much like a magazine- more like a limited edition book. It's hugely thick and the quality of the pages and front cover are sensational. I picked it up to quickly inspect it and see if its what I was after and if I'm honest, I was expecting one of those odd magazines that you never really see because they are that odd. But I was pleasantly surprised. Its full of outstanding fashion photography and has pictures from every fashion campaign imaginable. It features a number of articles on different designers, from the well known and the up and coming as well as really quite unique features on fashions with some spectacular photo shoots to accompany them. Its one of those times where the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is very much the case, because I know that if I'd been in a rush or not as desperate for a night of fashion related day dreaming as I was, I would of taken one look at the flamboyant cover and sheer size of it and pushed it to the side! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in any form of fashion. I also picked up my safe choice of a good read- Company. The new look for it is amazing and again the quality of the paper really is amazing. It was also packed with amazing articles on this months current and up and coming trends. The article on Zooey Deschanel was a real eye opener to an actress who truly is an inspiration and has an incredible insight into the fashion world as well as acting and the real world of us un-famous folk. Definitely made a good choice!

My Aunty has these amazing way-farer glasses and I love the shape of them! 

The colours are great too as they are two tone with a sort of darkish brown and light brown which makes them a little more appealing and interesting to the eye- there is nothing worse than talking to someone and making eye contact with someone who has boring glasses! They are also unique which adds character to anyone :)

An amazing flat

My Aunty Jo Jo and Uncle Paul have amazing sense of style! My uncle especially, and even though he's a guy, he has always been my inspiration for fashion ideas and music! Their flat is amazing, with mis-match furniture and beautiful lights and fixtures. My uncle especially is big on music so they have shelves and shelves of old vinyls and CDs. It really adds to the amazing feel of the flat! I can't wait to see how the decorating for their new house pans out! It will be amazing, hopefully a music room and den. Most of the furniture throughout is from
Habitat and John Lewis which are my favourite shops for all things different and for the perfect furniture. I especially love the kitchen appliances you can get from John Lewis like the smeg fridges and bright coloured kettles, blenders and toasters.

Rise of the planet of the apes...

Watched "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" with Alex today... Not only do i now really want an ape, I also hate people. Great.

Yet another outfit that I cant afford purchased!

Next is one of the highstreets most underestimated stores. Im forever finding cute accessories and amazing clothes that I can dress up and dress down. Today I found this amazing jumper that has added sparkle in the wool and these beautiful cord high waisted shorts. The tights were an amazing find too with little hearts. Unlike lots of the patterned tights iv tried, these are still quite thick and good quality. I have a new found love for Next! 

Urban Outfitters

I have always been a fan of Urban Outfitters when I've been to the states, so when they opened a store in Southampton, I was beyond happy. Iv been in a few times since its opening but never been able to find anything that screams at me, until today. I found this wooly skirt and cotton and lace top which were both in the sale.  I've been after a black wooly skirt for a while but haven't been able to find a perfect one. This one has a plain but eye catching pattern and a thick waistband which is just what i need to draw attention away from my larger hips. Its also a perfect length, not to short that i cant wear it casually, but not so long I cant wear it on a night out. The top is unlike anything I've ever brought before and is really pretty. Its a cotton shirt but with a lace neck and shoulders. Its a delicate pretty lace too, which again, is perfect because i can wear it day and night. 

I also got a cute ear warmer from a stall on the high street for £7... The colours are amazing and for once they suit my odd skin colour perfectly. 

Trying to talk myself out of buying a pair of Dr Marten 1914 Triumphs. Im failing miserably.

A surprising buy from Tesco!

Today I brought myself this cute cardi and a new pair of brogue like pumps from tesco. I love the cardi. It's so different from the few iv seen around. Its also the perfect length and colour. The shape also flatters my body and my suits my style perfectly! The shoes were just a spare of a moment purchase. I didn't necessarily need them but the bargain price they are and the quality I couldn't really pass them up. The quality of both are amazing. I also picked up a copy of this months nylon from the magazine department. I love this magazine because its got a real edge and different approach to the different fashions each month and season. It also has such unique photoshoots for the cover stars.

Going all out with the pandora today. I love my bracelets and how they are so personal and individual to me. I especially love the cute tiger charm on the leather bracelet because it's got cute diamond eyes and such a detailed face.

About to start reading "The Great Gatsby". I can't wait, i've heard amazing things about this book from people of all ages too. I love this cover too! It's really art deco and pretty.

Love isn't the word...

Going to buy all the stuff I need to make a cake like this tomorrow... It looks beautiful!!!!!

Spent the afternoon looking through old photos at my Nan's. I love this picture of my grandad when he was younger- he kind of looks like a model with his brooding smile and eyes! He clearly had a serious attitude back then!

While I was reading Vogue, I came across this amazing campaign for the new Hermes collection. I love how magical and unique it is. I also find the element of a sort of carnival theme to it so elaborate.

I LOVE TOPKNOTS!

Massively into statement accessories at the moment! With the perfect piece of jewelry you can turn a seemingly cutesy outfit into an outfit thats fierce and has a little attitude. A leather jacket, a plan tee and a pair of jeans with a couple of pieces of statement jewelry is the perfect outfit if you need a quick day to night transmission. For the day I pair it with converse or a cute pair of pumps and for night a simple pair of heals. Easy!

Really want a massive black pair of suede high heals...

Makeup is one of my major weak points. I can't resist it. I cannot live without my Clinique "Even Better" foundation. Its perfect for my skin and gives me a really even skin tone and makes my skin look satin smooth. But my absolute love at the moment is YSL. The volume effect mascara is probably the best I have ever come across and tried- and i've tried a fair few! It makes my lashes look long as well as full of volume, and I have struggled to get the perfect combination with all other mascaras. The shocking eyeliner is also one the best iv ever used-in one sweep I have perfect eye lids that stay that way all day and night! My eyes are always my main focus when doing my makeup, especially on a night out. The bolder the better is always my number one rule.

Brisbane had the hustle and bustle of a city as well as the calm and beauty of a small town at the same time. Next to the big shopping malls there were small arcades with vintage clothing stores and antique shops that had hundreds of vintage accessories from scarves to rings, and hats to bracelets. There was a small shop that didn't look much at all on the outside. In fact I would have overlooked it completely if it hadn't been for my Nan liking a scarf that was on display in the window. When we walked in, it was like a fairy tale. Everything was delicate and beautiful. It was actually a vintage wedding store. There were five rails of vintage dresses-long, short, mid length, short sleeve, long sleeve-so many. Each one was different, which meant i spent at least an hour looking at each dress in detail. My favorite was an ivory dress. It was ivory colored with a strapless heart shaped neck. The waistline was clinched with a white piece of silk that gave the illusion of the dress actually being a two piece. The skirt was also an ivory lace with a delicate floral pattern. The train of the dress had an immense amount of detail that i still can't comprehend someone ever making. It was so intricate and detailed that every time you admired it you found something new. The whole dress was my dream. It was hard to part with it but once I looked at the price tag, it was a tad easier!

The beaches in Australia are beautiful. There is no fault to them. The sand, the water and ice cream is the best!

I am in love with this. I love the idea of matching a floral print with a formal blazer/jacket and two bold accessories. It turns a seemingly casual outfit into an outfit fit for a party!

After years of education and being lost as to what to do with my life, I left school and started a full time job. I used the money I earned to travel Australia and see things I thought id only ever dream of. I saw Roos in the wild, saw Snakes that looked like they should be in horror films, ate the most beautiful and different foods I had ever come across and met some truly amazing people. I spent a day quad-biking across the outback in a small town of Yepoon and ate a fresh pineapple that I had picked my-self. I crashed my quad-bike though. Pretty bad. I spent the final two and half weeks in a wheelchair and at the time I thought my holiday was ruined. But it wasn't. I continued to explore Brisbane and spend time with family just from a different prospective! When I got back I embarked on two months of intense physio therapy and trying to rebuild my life. It was during this time that I found Oggie. The dopiest, hardest, most lovable cat I have ever met. I had never been a cat person, in-fact, I was scared of them. But not him. As stupid as it sounds, he helped me get on with my life and remember what I enjoy and love, which are all things beautiful, clothes, make up, jewelry. Which is weird, because he's a cat- but he loves my wardrobe so i guess its not so strange after all.