Style Diaries Issue 1

As of late I have been keeping notes in a little carry-around notebook when I spot outfits I like and want to take inspiration from. I get a hell of a lot of fashion ideas from Tumblr, Weheartit and fashion blogs. So the following images are from various sources. (If you see a image you own the rights to, please let me know so I can credit you!)

So what's been in my Style Diaries recently? 

Casual Day to Evening...

My Notes: " body-con skirt, loose fit tee, boyfriend blazer in nude with rolled sleeves, watch and collection of bracelets, shoulder bag "

Relaxed Daytime...

My Notes: " White shirt, oversized knit jumper, jeggings, low converse / pumps "

Summer Event...

My Notes: " pastel silk top, high waist chiffon pleated midi skirt, chunky wedges/platforms, oversized sunglasses "

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1. I'm dying to get hold of a chiffon pleated midi skirt for the summer. I'm not entirely sure the length will suit me, but I'm hoping my brave fashion-forward choice will counteract any strange leg length proportions the midi skirt may highlight.

2. I recently invested in several chunky knit jumpers and have decided a cute collar peeking over the top looks very chic and would very much like some soft thin cotton shirts to wear underneath. 

3. Oversized blazer, body-con skirt, loose vest tucked in? I've seen it all before, been there and done that. But I still love this style and its perfect for when you can't be bothered to think too much about your outfit.

~

Hope you enjoyed this edition of Style Diaries, I'll try to blog about what I've been scribbling in my Style Notebook every month or so! I think it will be great to look back to see what fashion disasters I have loved and which outfit choices will always remain classic and a favourite of mine. 

x

USA Part 3 - New York

New York New York! The final in my series of USA travel blogs. And quite honestly, it is as amazing as everyone says it is. I think the thing with big cities is that although you can be miles away from home, they can always remind you of the big cities in the UK. Now I'm not saying New York was just a bigger Manchester but the similarities are there! 

Everywhere was packed. We went in May therefore hoping to avoid the 'summer holiday rush' but no chance. Getting through Times Square to shoot photos was almost impossible as everyone is rushing around this way and that. One step in to the road could be fatal (driving is wild) and I never did quite get the hang on the traffic driving on the other side of the road! Whoops.

As you can see we did indeed go and see a NY Yankees vs Red Sox game at the stadium! I'm not a huge sports fan but it was an incredible experience and lots of fun. Giant foam finger at the ready we sat down with our $12 beers in hand and got ready. During the game the big screen shows random audience members and occasionally get them to join in with games (such as flexing your muscles or kissing the person next to you) I'm so glad the camera didn't focus on me I think I might have died from embarrassment but the Americans seem to take it on the chin and embrace the embarrassment! 

I saw a small area of Central Park, because its absolutely massive! And we visited Wall Street, Grand Central Station, a Macy's store, witnessed the horrors of the New York City Metro and became fairly stressed out looking at the map. We also visited the place where the Twin Towers used to stand (a memorial is being built there at the moment) it was strange, quiet and eerie to stand where everything happened. I tried to imagine the hundreds fleeing down the street where I was standing and it was impossible. It made it very real. I think over in the UK, for those September 11 did not directly effect, we felt distanced from the tragedy - so standing right at the centre of it was quite a shock. 

I loved New York and one day I will go back. But that goes for all the places we visited. America is such a huge place I doubt I will ever see every state but I still have a few major ones on my check list. Although I was impressed by New York and loved the atmosphere in Boston, I think out of the three I would choose to live in DC. It still has the advantage of being a city where a lot happens. There is tons to see and do but at the same time the streets are peaceful and neighbourly. Everyone goes out of there way to be polite and it felt very clean and homely. 

But for now I'm sticking to the UK. I missed my parents and my friends. I missed Manchester and the English accents! I even missed the weather a little bit and for my first few days home I enjoyed the rain!

Hope you enjoyed my Travel Blog series - I will now steadily be getting back to my normal posts and promise to try not to talk about the US all the time....

x

Beauty Wish List for June

I'm aware my blog is not technically a 'beauty blog' and I only occasionally post about make-up / skincare products, but to be honest my blog does not really have a fixed topic. I tend to just blog about whatever is on my mind!
And this past week, beauty products have been on my mind.
In particular, expensive, high end, cant-really-afford-to-be-buying beauty products!

If you take a peek over to the left, you'll see my Wish List and Beauty Wish list are always present on my blog and I do update those sections regularly. I think while I was away I got so used to wearing very little make up and (naughtily) was not caring for my skin in a cleanse-tone-moisturise way, so therefore coming home to all my make up goodies has been like re-discovering my love for make up treats.

Recent editions to my collection have been MAC's Well Dressed blush and NARS lipgloss in Turkish Delight. Two firm favourites amongst the beauty community - and I too fell in love.
I now have a list as long as my arm of the things I want want want and no pennies to spend spend spend.

1. NARS Laguna Bronzer
- I've heard great things about this bronzer, and being so pale I need a subtle glow of colour and this shade seems perfect for me.
2. MAC Shy Girl Lipstick
- to add to my steadily growing Mac lipstick collection!
3. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
- I've used this before and although I didn't go crazy for it like others seem to, I did like it very much and quite fancy a new bottle!
4. GlossyBox
- Yes I subscribed! Unfortunately they seem to be inundated with requests for boxes so I wont receive mine until July! :(
5. Sigma Brushes
- In particular the round top Kabuki for applying my Laura Mercier Mineral Powder
6. MAC Pretty Please Lipstick
- Such a pretty colour, but maybe too similar to ones I already have?

If you have any recommendations for me or thoughts on the above products please let me know! It looks like I'm going to be saving every penny so I can afford to buy some of these goodies!

x

USA Part 2 - Boston

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On Thursday 11th May we hopped on a plane and flew to Boston.

Boston is the home of amazing food, food that it amazingly tasty but amazingly bad for you. I think the 2 days we spent there I digested my body weight in pizza, burgers and ice cream. But it was so worth it!

We went to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and above is a photo of my sister sat in seats looking out on to the field. (Mickey Mouse was apparently injured in transit)

Boston is also home to the famous Harvard University, and I have to say, I was pretty damn excited about seeing Harvard. And it did not disappoint! 

We had a guided tour from one of the students there (which I highly recommend if your planning to go) who told us stories about past students, the buildings and the history.

The image above is of Harvard Library which has strict rules one of which is the outside structure cannot be altered in anyway, meaning when the library wanted to expand they had to dig underground! There are at least four floors below ground level!

Unfortunately we couldn't see inside as it was strictly students only.

The shopping in Boston was also amazing. I spent a small fortune in Sephora and snapped these photos on the way home from a delicious seafood dinner.

...I'd go back in a jiffy!

(New York Photos Coming Soon!)

x

USA Part 1 - Washington DC

Our first day in DC was spent wandering for miles (literally). The first image is of the Capitol building, of which we had a guided tour. Inside was impressive... huge paintings, sculptures, lots of American history, gift shop... that sort of thing. Seeing The White House after this palace was a bit of a let down - it's tiny in comparison!
Is anyone else super excited that President Obama's in the UK right now! He's a huge celebrity over there (and here) I think I would be quite honoured and tongue-tied if I was to ever meet him!
We also managed to sneak in a tour of The White House during our visit (which is not easy, and only thanks to my sister knowing the right people!)

We saw the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial (see 3rd image) which was beautiful. White stone pillars surrounded the raised platform and provided great views of DC.
I was feeling well and truly thrown into American culture by this point.

This photo was taken after a long day at the Washington Zoo! I think you can tell we're exhausted. The burgers at this place were amazing and afterwards we strolled through Georgetown, visited a Wallgreens, CVS and Whole Foods before collapsing at my sisters apartment.

These photos were taken at Arlington. We visited the thousands of graves and memorials of the soldiers, saw JFK's burial ground and even witnessed 'the changing of the guard' outside the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. It was such a peaceful experience but a scorching hot day so walking wasn't really an option and after a few hours we headed back to the coolness of the Metro.

A view of DC from the top of 'Newseum' Museum on another beautiful day. (And our last)

My first American breakfast - fried potatoes, pancakes, berries, sausage, scrambled eggs and syrup! A strange combination that somehow tasted fantastic, mmmmm.

I'm already missing Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies, How I Met Your Mother repeats and warm sunny weather.
What I loved most about the museums in DC, especially Newseum which is amazing - was the amount of photography displayed. A particular favourite of mine being the 'President's Photographer' gallery, where you can see the 'real people' behind the powerful figures.


Boston and New York Photos Coming Soon!

x

New Treats!

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder, Benefit Bad Gal Lash, MAC 'Well Dressed' Blush, Nars 'Turkish Delight' Lipgloss

I mentioned in my previous post I spoilt myself a little while on holiday, and even though I spent a pretty penny I am super excited to have these products in my collection now! I actually bought Bad Gal Lash for a friend so obviously haven't tested it.

1. Laura Mercier Mineral Powder

This one was an impulse buy, a week before I went to the US. I needed a new mineral foundation and even though my very cheap Collection 2000 was doing a great job, I was running low and it has now been discontinued (boo!) 

I'd heard lots and lots of good things about this mineral powder, and after watching many a review on YouTube and scouring the blogs for reviews, I took the plunge, paid the £31 and prayed it arrived before I went away.

It did. And thankfully it was my perfect shade, if not a teeny bit pale (even for me!) but this will be fantastic in the autumn/winter months where I am fake tan free. 

The formula is perfect, its not cakey, it lasts all day, it works on my oily/combination skin and I didn't get that itchy feeling in hot weather (even in 32 degree C heat)

I used this loads (almost everyday) during my holiday and am now planning to use just for nights out / important dates and saving it mainly for the winter months where the shade will be much more suitable. 

2. MAC Well Dressed Blush

Well Dressed has been on my MAC must have list for ages and can you believe this is my first MAC blush.

It's a pale pink with blue and lilac undertones and takes quite a lot of brush swirling to get a good impact of colour on the cheek as it is not super pigmented. This being said its perfect for everyday use and a subtle hint of colour to a paler complection. 

3. NARS Turkish Delight Lipgloss

I bought this will such excitement and also anxiety as to whether I would get enough use out of it to justify its price tag. Fortunately I love the colour, the formulation...everything. I don't wear lipgloss. I find it sticky and grainy and hard to keep on. But I'd heard so many great things about Turkish Delight that I just went for it.

This is also a NARS lipgloss first and wow what a lipgloss! Not sticky in the slightest but smooth and creamy. 

I've tried this over MAC Angel (a favourite of Kim Kardashian) and also found that combination lovely. 

I will be wearing this a lot. Especially on nights out where I feel I am lacking that glossy lip look that I love.

What do you guys think about these products?  I love to hear your feedback / thoughts...

x

Guess who's back in the UK!...

My Brother, Sister and Myself at the Capitol Building - Washington DC

Yes, I am back on British soil and quite happy to be home! My plane landed on Sunday morning and I've spent most of Sunday and Monday catching up on sleep and trying to come to terms with regular life. My head is still 5 hours behind!

I had an amazing trip and came home with so many memories and pictures (which I will be sharing with you all very soon!) I've decided to split my USA Holiday blogs into three - DC, Boston and NYC. This way I can share the stories and images without bombarding you with ten page blogs.

I will also try and wedge my regular posts and ramblings in between my holiday blogs for those of you who couldn't care less about my travels!

I must tell you I treated myself quite considerably during my two weeks away with a few expensive beauty/make-up products from Duty Free and presents for everyone back at home! I don't regret splashing the cash, although I am now on a spending ban and have my (weary) sights set on work work work.

I've missed blogging lots and it felt quite strange to log on to my account and see everyone has been updating like crazy and I've missed out on so much! My YouTube subscription list is also wildly out of control as well as my emails, so bare with me while I catch up.

Two weeks has felt like 2 months in the blogging world!

x

Bon Voyage!

image from weheartit.com

Just a quick post today girlies to let you all know I am off on my jolly holidays TOMORROW!
I'll be flying to Philadelphia at 11.00am arriving 8 hours later and then catching a flight to Washington DC to see my big sister!
I'm beyond excited, but nervous too. This will be the first time I'll be flying without my parents and although my big bro is there its still quite daunting as to whether we'll catch the right plane in the first place!

I must say a huge thanks to you guys now I've hit 80 followers! This wont seem like a big number to some people but I've not been blogging for very long and I really appreciate all the support I get.
Unfortunately I wont be posting anything for a good 2 weeks, so I hope you all stick with me during my break and look forward to seeing all my holiday snaps when I'm back!

I'm also planning a bit of a mini give away when/if I should hit 100 followers? and gifts will include items only found in the USA. So if your a UK resident wishing the postage from US stores wasn't so high, keep your eyes peeled for my give away!

See you soon guys, I look forward to coming home and catching up on all your blogs!

x

Airport Fashion Inspiration

I don't usually approve of posts that use only secondary images and I don't like to post unless I have my own photographs to support my text. But seen as though half of my wardrobe is in my suitcase or the wash at the moment and I am sat here in old painting jeans and a cardigan, I think I can be let off.

If you don't already know (and seriously, keep up guys!) I will be jetting off to the USA on Friday. Yes this coming Friday! I'm staying for 15 days and have been packing, shopping and list making like crazy for the past few days.

I soon realised that I now have NO decent clothes to wear for tomorrow or Thursday and I did not even consider my Friday travel-outfit. So I thought I'd prance around on the internet for inspiration....

images from weheartit and tumblr

Is it just me or are airports one of the best places to see new fashion. Its like one huge catwalk in there! For the women at least; I can't say much for the men, (unless they are A-list celebrities) as I don't think board shorts and Hawaiian shirts count as good taste.

I admire the women who strut around in 4 inch wedges and wear huge floppy hats as if they were on the beach already. But for me, I need my comfort. So I think skinny (but stretchy) jeggings, converse, a loose fit tee, hoodie and leather jacket. Layering is also key because the change of temperatures when travelling can vary. I can also be snuggled in a hoodie once on the plane!

Off to watch The Ricky Gervai's Show now, but if anyone has any tips on their Airport Fashion experiences I'd love to hear them!.....

x

April Favourites

Let's start this month's favourites with a black and white portrait. 

Lazy day today, wearing a chunky knit cardigan from Miss Selfridge, jeans and no make up. Easy. Ready for breezy walks on the moors and blogging....

On with the favourites...

1) Oversized Sunglasses

- New Look £4.99

2) Baking
- anything from buns to a Victoria Sponge, I've been a busy bee by the oven this month. Check out all my baking antics here.

3) Nail Art
- loving playing about with fun nails at the moment. These are my blue leopard print design using Barry M Pale Blue.

4) Day Trips
- this month day trips to Watergrove Res, Knowsley Safari Park, Martin Meer, and Art Galleries with my parents have reminded me of old times and been really enjoyable especially in the sunny weather!

image: weheartit.com

5) Getting Organised
- planning for a holiday can be quite stressful but I've stayed pretty well organised this month. I have all my travel documents in one place now and a list of everything I need to do, and when I need to do them. More on this soon....

6) New Desperate Housewives 
- so excited that the girls are back on my screen again! Yes! Lynette and Tom Scavo are my favs.


7) Favourite Blog of the Month: Sofias Journal
- I'm sure many of you are followers already but I love reading Sofia's entries and I get so inspired by her blog!

x