In a Week...

Summer Days, Garden Furniture, New Jewellery, Country Walks, Feeding the Wildlife

1) Britain's had quite a few nice days of sunshine! My family have made the most of it, the parasol and garden chairs have been out everyday, much to my cats liking. Just hoping it holds out until Wednesday for our party!

2) This sideways cross necklace it from this Etsy seller and I've wanted to get my hands on one ever since I spotted Laura wearing hers in her YouTube vids. It arrived and I'm so pleased with it - its something so simple that I can wear everyday.

3) This leather cuff from H&M is also something I'm not ever taking off. You can see me wearing it here in my outfit post from the other day. I love finding pieces I will wear until they fall to bits.

4) (Heaton Park, Manchester) Feeding the squirrels! That's my mum giving him a grape which surprisingly he really enjoyed. They are so friendly but quick - difficult to photograph! It was such a hot day and we ended up walking miles because we got lost on the way back to the car park. 

We also stroked these friendly goats who were very photogenic indeed and loved being in front of the camera! 

I don't know this little girl and I hope her mum didn't mind me taking a quick snap - she was so cute with her huge Minnie Mouse balloon! 

5) I've been off sugar since Thursday to sort out my crashing moods and sleepiness in the afternoon. It's helping, although I'm a still a bit moody when I can't have a bloody biscuit. Its so hard to find snacks that aren't packed with sugar! You only realise when your on a health kick that they put sugar in everything.

Mum has also got us all on decaf tea again which I'm not happy about. I need my caffeine!!

6) Its my big sisters 30th on Wednesday and we are having a little family gathering/party at our house. I'm really looking forward to it (partly because I can have cake) so please please keep your fingers crossed for warm, dry, sunny weather and the party can move outdoors!

How have all your weeks been?

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A Tent For Trousers

Palazzo Trousers - Primark £14

White Tee - ASOS

Round Stone Rings - H&M

Suede Braid Necklace - Handmade

Leather Cuff - H&M

Gold Bangles - River Island

So I tried these on for a laugh in Primark. I was curious to see how they would look on and low and behold I  actually really liked them. They are super long, even for my 34" legs, but I'm pretty sure that's the style and the way they are supposed to be worn. Chic and elegant, until I step and trip on them. (yep 3 times so far)
They are a deep cinnamon (like the last photo) rather than a the burnt orange shade they appear to be. I think these are also available in navy, various floral prints and some wacky abstract prints too. For only £14 get em before they're gone!

I was pretty sure I would be laughed at hysterically by my mother when I brought these home, but she actually really likes them (good thing?) and keeps suggesting occasions in which I can wear them. My brother did have a few Aladdin comments but what does he know!

This was yesterdays outfit, it was sunny and fairly hot but my legs were below tanning standards so I threw these on instead. They're light and airy though so perfect for warmer weather. 

Loving brown and gold jewellery! Especially this cuff which I refuse to take off. So strange because I've always been a silver jewellery person. I think these golden hues are much more suited to summer. 

Just threw on a safe and boring white t-shirt for a casual day look but I think a chiffon/silk vest top tucked in would make a glamorous-and-ready-for-cocktails kinda outfit . Watch this space!

If you follow me on Twitter you'll know I got my hair dyed yesterday, just some lowlights to bring it to my natural colour. I've been thinking of doing a 'Hair Past and Present' post if that's something anyone would be interested in? I've never gone too crazy with my hair, although there was the time it was bright pink for a few months...

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My Raspberry Filofax

Just had to share my new love... this is my Personal sized Raspberry Pink Filofax that I treated myself to on yesterday's shopping trip. I spent a while in WHSmiths looking at all the different varieties and I'd googled a hundred reviews and opinions on Filofax organisers and found some great blog posts. 

I decided a 'Personal' was just the right size for me, I prefer to have space to write and I always carry a huge bag anyway so this is easy to just chuck straight in.
My mum has always been a Filofax appreciator - she's currently using a Mini which is perfect for her and her wee hand bags but I need something sturdier.

I had some WHSmiths vouchers from my Sixth Form. I did pretty well in my A Levels and my college were kind enough to give me 2 gift cards to spend in store as a congratulations. This was at least a year ago! I just couldn't decide what to buy myself. There are lots of Photography books I'd love to own (and I still have some money left) but I took the plunge after wanting a 'proper organiser' for so long.

Recently I realised I was scribbling down blog ideas and plans on bits of paper here there and everywhere. Now I can keep on top of what I want to blog about and when I can find time to write my posts/publish them.
Compulsive list-maker and note-taker heaven!

Filofax's can reach the dizzy price heights of £70 and beyond. I thought that was a bit insane. So I found this exact one (a faux leather) for just £27. Perfect! The clasp is so strong it should last me forever and there is even room for two pens, credit sized cards and a notepad at the back.
There are loads of fun inserts, gadgets, accessories that you can get to slot inside - but I might save those for when I've had mine a little longer.

As long as it gets me through 3 years of University I will be happy, and even happier to show it off!

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MUA Eyeshadows

Just a little post to mention these beauties. These are the single eyeshadows from MUA costing only £1 each.
I had a bit of a huge shopping spree today in which I was going to pick up a MUA palette (costing £4) Although after studing them very carefully I realised I only liked a few colours from each palette and what a waste when I would never use all the shades.
I went for four of these single pot ones instead...

From left to right: Shade 18, Shade 6, Shade 8, Shade 9

All of these are Pearl shadows apart from Shade 18 which is a Matte. As you can see the Pearl finishes are a little more pigmented than the Matte. Shade 8 being the most so, a beautiful teal blue (which looked more green in Superdrug but ah well.) 

I'm typically a nudes and browns type of girl when it comes to eye shadows but for £1 I really wanted to inject more colour into my make up. I'm so scared of using the blue and looking like a 90s Disco Diva - so I think I will be blending it like mad into another colour. Any tips? 

Shade 9 is so pretty and these photos do not do it justice. It has that iridescent 'petrol' type sheen, and there are about a million different colours amongst the deep purple when the light hits it. 

I recommend these highly, they're not super pigmented but build-able and I'm looking forward to trying them with a wet brush too. The little containers give such a satisfying click when you close them, and although they wouldn't survive being dropped from a great height on to concrete, the packaging does seem fairly sturdy. 

Anyone else a big fan of MUA shadows? Any shade recommendations send them my way!

(I already have Shade 4 and Shade 12 in my collection - I may just have to buy them all!) 

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Monki Magazine and Lookbook

But of a shout out post today for a new(ish) clothing brand that I have been getting very excited about...

Monki are a Swedish clothing brand that have an online magazine. Monki are my new best friends. I first discovered them after reading Gem Fatale's blog. I visited their website not expecting much, maybe some pretty clothes, but instead I found a whole new world of inspiration!

Their photoshoots are amazing and truly inspirational to me as a budding fashion/portrait photographer...as they would be to any aspiring make-up artist, stylist or hairdresser!

 These beautiful shots were taken by Anja Frers and you can see the whole set here.

The online LookBook shows off their latest collections...

These dresses are so cute. Their simple and classy style remind me of Bershka and their whole collection is bang up to date with current fashion.

Here's more of the LookBook, (you can see the whole thing on their site and I've tried not to make this post too photo heavy but I couldn't resist, every picture is gorgeous...)

Gotta give credit to the team involved in these photos!

Photography: Aorta / LundLund
Styling: . Emma Wickström / Monki
Set Designer: Joel Junsjö / Lundlund
Illustration: Sara Hernández / Monki
Hair/Make up: Sara Denman / Mikas
Model: Ali / Select model

I love the surreal theme and these photos are very heavily edited and remind me of back in the day doing my graphic design A-level, I just wish I'd found this photographer and illustrator 2 years ago they would have been great to study. 

1) The good news is that Monki produce a paper version of their magazine which is absolutely free. You can sign up here to receive your free summer collection magazine in the post. 

2) The even better news is that on the 1st September Monki clothing will be available in the UK - and will have their own concession in Selfridges. The prices average at £20-£60 give or take. Similar to Topshop, Mango and Zara prices which I think is great, and not too out of reach for the average joe. 

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the collection...

I have to have these leather buckle cuffs (they come in red, black and tan) and the inscription inside reads: Dance the day away.  The cut out long sleeved tops are also top of my list. 

I am in no way affiliated with this company, I genuinely just love them!

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In a Week...

1) My first Glossy Box arrived on Thursday! I was too late for the first two boxes, and I have to say was quite glad I didn't receive the 2nd box after all the trouble it caused. I was going to dedicate a whole post to the contents of my box but I thought you guys might be pretty sick of hearing about Glossy Box by now.

So I'll just let you know my initial thoughts... Orla Keily perfume was nice, quite an 'older' fragrance but one I wouldn't shy away from - long lasting too. Ultrasun Face is a great little moisturiser and spf and I will make use of it even on cloudier days you should always wear an spf. Weleda Pomegrante Body Oil, loved the idea, hated the smell. Sort of reminded me of Jagermeister and I don't really want to spread that all over my body. Others may love the scent though. Ciate Paint Pot in 'Mojito' a bright and bold lime green which I'm not sure how much I will use it but its a lovely nail polish and the quality is undeniable. And of course the Illamasqua Product - Powdered Metal in the shade Ether. I am yet to try this out on my face but the swatch looked amazing and its so great of Glossy Box to include this full sized Illamasqua product. My first Illamasqua product at that! What did you guys get in yours? I'm so nosey so link me your blog posts!!

2) Even my beautiful cat was snuggled up to my Glossy Box. (He had 4 teeth out Friday and wasn't very happy but he's doing well now!)

I'm going to carry on my subscription at least until September, and then I will re address my bank balance and see if I want to spend the extra money per month on postage. Not so happy about that increase, I'm a poor student!

3) Dad did his official last day of work on Thursday. He is now a retired teacher and living the bum life at home with me :) I made this Marble Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting to celebrate! My cake decorating skills aren't something to be admired but the cake tasted gooood.

4) Barry M Peach Melba - a new firm favourite! I wasn't sure at first but I think the true peachy pink colour comes out when it has completely dried - I'm talking 24 hours. And looks great with a tan.

5) On Wednesday I had a bit of a girlie night in with some friend, garlic bread, pizza, curly fries and Black Swan on download. I thought the film was good, if not a little scary at times and I will definitely be staying away from metal nail files from now on...

6) A huge hello and welcome to any new followers! Most likely you have found me through Fleur's blog and I've been loving reading all your kind comments - it really does make my day to see lots of lovely comments so thank you so much guys!

Don't forget about my new Twitter :)
And enjoy your Sunday!
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Alexander Wang Rocco Bag?

So guess who got their hands on a replica Alexander Wang Rocco Bag...

These are so huge right now, everyone seems to be heading to ebay to find their own little (fake) designer handbag complete with a stunning gold studded bottom. I've had this replica bag saved on my Ebay Watch List for so long, and I finally felt compelled to Buy It Now and I'm so glad I did.

Of course, being a student-in-limbo and only raking in a part time wage per week I can't possibly afford a real Alexander Wang hand bag. And there's no use putting it on my Christmas list as no one in their right mind would pay hundreds of pounds when you can get a perfect alternative on ebay for £29.99.

Lets have a look at the original...

And the celebs who carry them...

Spot the difference? I think my fake Rocco is almost identical. Its also a beautifully soft (imitation) leather with strong gold coloured zips and zip pulls. The detail is clear to see and the quality is amazing. I really did worry I would shell out 30 quid for a cheap looking horrible fake leather bag that only slightly resembled the Rocco. But I'm so pleased with my purchase I would definitely consider buying this bag in other colours.

Shirt - ROMWE,  Jeggings - H&M

A few people on Twitter were asking where to buy one so if you want one for yourself you can buy from this ebay seller here. I must rave about their customer service too...I was sent an email about an hour after payment telling me my order had been processed and my item had been shipped! Wow. I received the bag the very next day and was over the moon with not having to wait ages. I love getting things in the post!
Alternatively you can always search: 'Studded Bottom Bag'
You won't find any replicas by searching 'Rocco' or 'Fake Rocco' as under ebay regulations no seller can list an item as a fake or a replica.

You can pay up to £30 for a imitation leather bag on the high street, and this one comes with the designer image! I can't wait to get out there to use and abuse it.

Tell me what you think...
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Guest Blogging: Tropical Ombre Nails

Hey guys, I'm going to be guest blogging over at Fleur's blog today! Make sure you go and check it out if you want to know how to create these Tropic Summer Inspired Nails...

I'm a big fan of Fleurs blog she's been doing it a lot longer than me and I trust her opinion when it comes to beauty products. So if you're not already a follower, go and check out her blog...

Let me know what you think of the tutorial and if your going to give it a go - its so easy!

* Announcement*

I now have a brand new Twitter account made for the purpose of updating you all at regular intervals on what's going on with my blog, sneak previews of future posts and all things fashion/shopping/beauty. You can follow me, ThisFashionTwit.
And of course you can always follow my personal Twitter here - in which I'll never mention my blog ever! :)

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DIY Studded Collar

Here's a very simple tutorial on how to achieve a DIY studded shirt collar - minus the designer price tag!

What I used:

Black Collared Shirt - H&M £12.99

8mm Triangle Studs in Silver - Ebay £1.79 for 100 studs

Pair of small pliers

You can choose to use square or even round studs and a good way of saving money it to remove the studs from a studded belt rather than buying them from a craft shop.

How to:
1) Taking a stud, push it firmly into the fabric
2) Carefully fold down the three prongs with a fingernail to secure the stud in place
3) Use the pliers to gently press on the backing of the stud to ensure there are no sharp prongs sticking out.
4) The studs on each collar tip don't have to be identical - just similar
5) However use the same amount of studs on each side
6) I just embellished the tips of the collar but you can keep adding - you can even cover the whole collar!

Wear your studded collared shirt tucked into denim shorts, patterned leggings or a high waist skirt. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. It adds a little bit of glam rock to any outfit!

Let me know if you give this a try! I'm going to invest in a few more shirts to stud too. I quite like the subtleness of this shirt, but maybe I'll go wild on the next one!

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By the way this is my 100th post! I'm quite surprised I'm only just reaching 100... but here's to many more!

ThisFashionIsMine is now on Twitter, you can follow me here: ThisFashionTwit 

Or you can still follow my personal Twitter here

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