NOTD Chevron Accent Nail

Lets face it, Chevrons (that oh so familiar zig zag pattern), seem to be the latest 'in thing'. Log into the likes of Instagram, Tumblr & Etsy and you will be faced with Chevron adorned items from Cork boards (check out Abby's post) and display trays, to Jewellery and Nail art. 

After seeing Polish Art Addictions Chevron inspired nails, I decided to give her beautiful design a go.

Its certainly not perfect, but for a first attempt im pretty darn pleased. 

To create the above design I first applied Models Own's Snow White to my middle finger. While I waited for it to dry I used two coats of Ciate's Ladylike luxe and Models Own's Juicy Jules, on my ring finger, and Ciate's Jellybean on the other nails. 

To create the chevrons I painted tape with the above black Models own nail art pen, and began cutting out small zig zag shapes. Once Snow White had dried I applied my just cut Chevrons to the nail, and tah dah, my attempt of a Chevron Accent nail was complete!!! 

What do you think of the Chevron Craze?

Have you attempted a similar Accent nail? If so please send me your links, I would love to take a peek!

MAC & Rihanna Collaboration 2013

Source

So this morning, like many other beauty addicts, i logged on to my computer only to be greeted by this exciting photo sitting pretty in my newsfeed. 

Lets face it MAC are well known for their limited edition collections, que Disney Villains, Dame Edna, and more recently Archie's girls, as well as their collaborations with the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, so it was only a matter of time before they released a collection with none other than Rihanna. 

According to Temptalia the above products will be one part of four colour collections, which will be released throughout the year. 

What do you think of MACs latest collaboration?? 

February Birchbox 2013

Hello lovelies,

So its that time of the month again (not the one your thinking of), when I hear that awaited knock on the door and like a crazed woman greet the postman as if he's a long lost friend. Reason why? well he was holding a bright pink box, which can mean only one thing, its Birchbox time. 

After seeing various other enthusiastic bloggers snapping away at the contents of their boxes, it seemed as though I was going to be late to the party this month, but there was no need to fret as I now have a box of goodies within my mitts. 

Fancy Seeing what products I received this month? then read on 

With last months box being such a hit, I was concerned that this one wouldn't live up to my expectations. But I am happily surprised with the content. 

This months products are based on the glitz, glam, hustle & bustle of london fashion week. 

What they say: "inside, there's a beauty tool that will give your eyes a catwalk-worthy pop, a star hair product to give your strands a boost and a facial spritz to refresh your skin whether its morning, noon or night". 

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills/ plump N'thick leave-in thickening mist 

"Get visible volume with this light but powerful leave-in treatment from Nick Chavez. Just spritz onto towel dried hair before styling" 

My thoughts: Im beginning to enjoy trying different hair treatments, so im hoping that this product does what it say on the tin. 

Vichy Thermal Spa Water (Limited Edition)

"Soothing and regenerating, this multi-purpose product is naturally enriched with 15 minerals and 13 trace elements. It can be used as a toner, to set make-up or as a refreshing boost" 

My thoughts: A big fan of beauty waters, especially Caudalie's Beauty Elixir  and Avenue's thermal water, im looking forward to trying this out. 

 Korres Guava Shower Gel 50ml

"the sweet, sophisticated scent of this moisturising shower gel will invigorate you, while wheat proteins and aloe vera cleanse and hydrate your skin. Absolutely divine"

My thoughts: I have heard so many great things about this brand and have lusted after their infamous lip butters for quite some time. This being the case I was so excited to see one of their products in my box, and at a decent 50ml size too (on a side note, imagine the excitement if a Korres lip-balm had been involved).  

The shower gel smells absolutely amazing. With my one and only bottle of Lush's ponche running dangerously low, this comes as a very welcome replacement. 

 Gerda Spillmann Bio Fond Cream Foundation

"This light, creamy base is easy to apply, offers great coverage and sets to a powder finish. No wonder it's used on movie sets- we're ready for our close-up!"

My thoughts: This foundation seemed promising with sturdy black packaging, a decent sized mirror, a sponge applicator, and on top of that smells divine (it smells a bit like Liz Earle's superskin moisturiser), but thats where the positives ended when I saw the shade. The one issue with foundations in beauty boxes is shading, although to give Birchbox credit its not far off.
The choices for describing skin colour on the beauty profile survey consists of answers such as, light, like the romantic Kirsten Dunst, and Dark, like the provocative Rihanna. Although Birchbox can get an idea from this, surely it is impossible to find each customers exact shade? 

 Eyelash Curler BEAUTY EXTRA

"Get a wide-open, catwalk-worthy gaze with the help of this Birchbox eyelash curler. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes" Full Size

My thoughts: In dire need of new Eyelash Curlers, im looking forward to giving these a try. 

EBOOST Natural Energy Booster 

"We're relying on EBOOST's natural, nutrient-rich, no-crash tonic to see us through this year's Fashion Week". 

my thoughts: Not a lover of supplements and such like, I will be passing this sachet on to my boyfriend, whom will be more than happy to try it!! 

Altogether I am really impressed with this months Birchbox, only problem is that I have to wait till March for my next beauty box fix!!

The sunday Post #1.. Life in Instagram

1.my everyday arm candy / 2. three truffles just isn't enough for a chocoholic / 3. being sent pictures of bargain Westwood heels by a friend just helps fuel the shoe addiction / 4. the result of late night shopping, hello studded sneakers / 5. Billy getting prepared for LFW with his faux fur scarf / 6&7 losing my Chiquitos virginity / 8. Strawberry yumminess 

Valentines Day

 Yep thats right, yet another obligatory Valentines post bracing your newsfeed. Although we all love being bought jewellery from our other half's, receiving heart felt cards from the ones we love, and being serenaded with big bouquets of roses and boxes of chocolates, soppiness aside, Valentines is the perfect day to think about the one's we love and show them how much they are appreciated. Its about putting a smile on your loved ones face, whether that be through a hug, a cheesy card, or just telling them how you feel. 

Several years ago my Granddad sent my Nana a secret valentines card. Although clueless for quite some time as to who the sender was, the smile on her face was priceless, and this memory makes me smile each valentine. Whether in a relationship or not, tell your nearest and dearest how much you love them!! young or old I can guarantee that it may just make their day.   

Once again I have been a very lucky girl this valentines!! After working till late, I came home to a beautiful bracelet, a soppy card, some fancy truffles, a chick flick and best of all a great big cuddle, the boy really did good!! 

Happy Valentines you lovely lot!!!

TKMAXX- How to bag yourself a bargain

If you read my previous Tkmaxx post then you will know that I have a love hate relationship with the shop that claims to have 'Big Labels for Small Prices'. With my recent successful visits resulting in me finding hidden gems, whilst also fuelling my ever growing Michael Kors obsession, I have found myself slowly but surely becoming addicted to the shop that I once ignorantly called a 'jumble sale'. 

After what seemed like a failed tkmaxx browse, I was just about to head to the exit when I spotted that oh so familiar MK logo, embossed upon a card holder from the corner of my eye. Already grinning like a cheshire cat with my £10 bargain (yep you read that right) my boyfriend presented me with this rather lovely clutch to accompany it for the grand total of £15. 

These purchases are enough proof to justify that "if at first you dont succeed browse and browse again" (I think this is a great motto, rightha), and that with a close eye Tkmaxx really can be the one stop shop for finding a one off piece, or a pure designer bargain. 

This being the case I decided to let you guys into my little tips on hopefully picking up a bargain. 

you snooze you lose 

whilst perusing the sunglasses stand I spotted a fabulous pair of £25 cream missoni sunglasses, umming and ahhhing I put them back on the stand, wrong move by me, in the time I turned back around to pick them up, someone already had them in their mitts. If you like something fling it in your basket, and decide before the checkout whether it is a keeper or not ( five days on and im still dreaming of those sunglasses). 

Dont get carried away by the logo

Im sure i am not the only one who's guilty of picking up an item solely because of the brand? (ahem* this means picking up every Michael kors item in site) problem with this is that you will soon fill your basket with items that will only gain an unloved home gathering dust at the bottom of your wardrobe. Look past the logo and you will be sure to find some hidden gems. That being said Tkmaxx is a brilliant shop for introducing yourself to new brands. 

Search each Section

So you spot an amazing pair of platform heels but the sign on the shelf says size4 footwear when your sadly a size 6. Dont just walk off, pick them up as chances are they may just be in your size. Going back to my 'jumble sale' comment, many shoppers will pick an item up and put it back in the wrong place. 

look out for the gold label range

spot one of these items, and you could find yourself waltzing away with a bargain item from a top dog designer, this range includes the likes of Dolce & Gabanna, See by Chloe and Valentino to name a few. 

Go in with an open mind 

If you walk in with the opinion that the shop is full of tat, then you will more than likely miss some great items right under your nose. Tkmaxx really do sell the lot, from OPI polishes to that perfect pair of running trainers and everything inbetween. 

What are your top tips for picking up a Tkmaxx bargain?

January Favourites 2013

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 

Whenever my skin is feeling a little clogged up, I can always rely on Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. This month I have been using this alongside my no7 Cleansing Brush (see below), to help leave my skin feeling smooth and fresh.

Ojon Full Detox Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray

A sufferer of oily prone hair, I am forever on the hunt for the perfect products, to make life a little easier ,by cutting down the amount of necessary washes. After recently colouring my hair, the beloved Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo has reluctantly been relegated to the back of the drawer. Que this months saviour in the form of Ojon's Full Detox Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray. Unlike most dry shampoos, the product comes out pretty much clear, so theres no fear of dreaded white patches. On top of this the Spray has a clean, fresh scent. Just a little is needed to help rejuvenate my hair until the next wash. 

no7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush 

With the likes of the clarisonic costing around the three figure mark, I was excited to see Boot's alternative in the form of no7s beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush. For the grand total of £25 the brush cleanses and exfoliates the skin, with the help of Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish. After the first week of use, when my skin went through a bit of a purge (Ive heard others have the same problem with the Clarisonic), I have seen a noticeable difference in my skins appearance. To the touch it feels softer, and the amount of pesky spots has been reduced. 

This is currently £15 on offer in Boots 

Fresh Sugar Rose lip treatment

Im dreading the day that my Fresh Sugar Rose Lip treatment runs out (although receiving another one in last months Birchbox softened the blow). These balms smell amazing, think of a sweet lemon scent, rather than rose, and to top it off leave my lips feeling smooth and nourished. This has become my go to companion during my nighttime skincare routine.   

Rimmel Apocalips Apocalyptic 

This beauty may have only joined my lipstick army (yes I really could call it that) during the latter part of January, but it has already become a firm favourite. Ridiculously pigmented, in a gorgeous Fuchsia Pink, its obvious why every blogger and their friend are after some Apocalips action, its taking all my willpower not to go back and purchase more. 

(see review here) 

Estee lauder & Michael Kors Eyeshadow/Bronzer Set 

So if you hadn't guessed already, I have quite a penchant for anything Michael Kors related. When I spotted the Estee Lauder and Michael Kors set sitting pretty, whilst raiding the shelves of the CCO in Bichester Village way back in October, it was inevitable that it was going to come home with me. With the perfect range of pigmented every day shades, this palette has become a must have in my morning routine, and with the addition of a bronzer and a reasonable sized mirror, its great for necessary, on the go touch ups. 

On a side note, I know this collection has long gone, but im sure that it can be found in most CCOs. 

What have you been loving this month?

Im making a list of things that I miss whenever we're far apart...

scarf- Miss Selfridge

oversized jumper- Topshop 

Jeans & flats- Zara 

Bag & Watch- Michael Kors
The way that you kiss, the taste on your lips, i'm telling you from the heart..." 

With Valentines just around the corner I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to adorn a little pink (any excuse eh). I fell in love with this oversized jumper after seeing this post on temporary Secretary's blog way back in october. After lusting after it for quite some time, I finally caved just before christmas, and Im so glad I did as this has become a staple item in my wardrobe. I decided to pair this oversized gem with my beloved miss selfridge scarf. The perfect match, these items have received many a compliment when worn together.