Floral Delight

Daisy Bead Cami - Topshop

Leather Look Leggings - Ebay

Fringed Necklace - Topshop

I apologise for the absence of details about this outfit - it was part of a fashion shoot I did with a friend a few weeks back and she supplied the clothes (apart from the leggings which are mine.) I love this Topshop cami its perfect for summer and I may end up purchasing my own before long. Her theme was 'florals' and as you can see I think she hit the nail on the head with her fashion styling. I loved the long lace sleeveless cardigan and felt very Florence and the Machine swishing around in it. 

I'm happy to get involved with anything photography and fashion related, I'm not used to being the model, I'm usually the one on the other side of the camera - but taking outfit photos and self portraits for my blog has upped my confidence in being in front of the lens. 

I'm definitely going to bring out my hippy-chic side this summer and invest in some cream and white lace, delicate camis, fringing and floral headbands.

Bring on Spring 2012!

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Dreamy Pastel Nails

The above photos don't do these nails justice! They are beautifully dreamy, pastel-soft feminine creations and are so easy to do. Start with a white base, I used OPI's Alpine Snow (two coats.) Using pieces of sponge, dab on a pale pink/lilac shade, I used Model Own's Utopia. Cover about two thirds of your nail. I then lightly sponged on a purple shade I bought from Claire's and added a touch of Pale Blue by Barry M to the tips.

When sponging, paint the tip of your sponge with the nail polish, then dab lightly on to a piece of paper to remove excess polish. Use pale pastel shades to achieve this look - or bright acid shades for a bold design. 

Finish off with a clear top coat while the polish is still a little wet, this will blend the colours together and leave a high shine finish. I used OPI's Nail Envy which means my polish will last much longer without chipping. 

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Ways to Wear a Scarf

Look #1 

Come As You Are

Wear your scarf loose around your neck to add a splash of colour to an all black outfit.

Look #2

The Turban

Start with a triangle shape - roll the scarf up to create a long tube

From underneath the hair, wrap the scarf around your head until it meets at the front.

Twist the two lengths around each other and then secure at the back of the head in a knot.

Look #3

The Hippy Turban

Tie as before but this time pull the scarf around your hair rather than under it.

Pull loose strands free at the front and puff up the back as necessary. 

 Look #4

The Giant Bow

Start under the hair, pull the scarf round and tie at the front or to one side in a huge bow.

Arrange the ends and leave to fall where it will.

Look #5 

The Classic Head Wrap

With your hair tied up wrap the scarf around your head twice starting from the front. 

The ends should meet at the front again and be tied into a tight knot. Tuck away the ends.

Look #6

The Pirate 

Tie the scarf over your hair, knotting at the back and leaving the ends to hang free. 

Look #7

The Low Bow

With your hair tied back in a messy style, wrap the scarf around your head fastening just behind one ear.

Tie a messy knot or bow and adjust.

I love this scarf from Primark it was only a few pounds and really livens up any block-colour outfit. Its large enough to wear in a variety of ways and the silk-like material doesn't slip or slide through the hair like you might think. Which is your favourite headscarf look?

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Out Of This World

Orange Jumper - New Look

White Tee - ASOS

Galaxy Print Leggings - hand-made DIY

Boots - Doc Martens

Watch - Urban Outfitters

Bangles - River Island

Cross Necklace - Topshop

Today I'm showing off my new DIY galaxy print leggings - if you've seen this post on how to make your own galaxy tee, I used the exact same technique but on a pair of thick H&M leggings. I like the way they've turned out its just difficult finding things to wear them with. This bright orange slouchy jumper is an all time favourite of mine and it fits the bill perfectly. 

I know the shop has been quiet, I've not had the time or patience to make any more tees, but there is still a bodycon dress left in a Size 10. I've been getting emails asking when things will be back in stock. Hopefully in a few weeks I will have some new items. If you'd be interested in purchasing a pair of these leggings then let me know and I might consider selling them. 

My lecture was cancelled today so I have a day free to blogging! I'm also planning some wild things photography/uni wise and wondering if I'm giving myself too much to do. 

This weekend I'll be working lots and saving up my pennies for 'USA 2012' but its difficult when there are so many lovely things in the shops. I'm being forced to go shopping on Saturday at The Rock in Bury. It has a great Topshop and the Primark there rivals Manchester's but I'm going to restrain myself from going mad and spending loads. 

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Glossybox February

My Monday mornings are always enlightened by the arrival of a Glossybox. This months selection includes...


imPress Press on Manicure 
The company describe it as 'revolutionary nail technology' stating 'THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING' on their packaging. Is it just me or have press on false nails been around for, well forever? I won't be using these unfortunately, I have sworn never to use false nails again after the damage they cause my real nails and I'm working hard to grow my own. The black shade is fine, classic and something I would choose to wear - but these are going in my 'gift box' box. Plus I've never heard great things about pre-glued nails but if anyone had tried them out then let me know!


Paul Mitchell Hair Styling Treatment Oil
Glossybox are putting another hair oil in this months box but rightly so. Hair oils are huge right now and personally I'm interested in trying out lots of different brands. This one is thicker in consistency to Loreal's Mythic Oil but works in a similar way. Doesn't weigh down the hair and makes it lovely and soft.
Well done to Glossybox for seeing the interest in hair oils and providing samples in their boxes.


Invigorate Shower Gel
I was not impressed with yet another shower gel. It's hard to get excited over shower gel.


DuWop Venom Gloss in 'Buttercup'
I'm not a big fan of lipglosses but I immediatley liked the colour of this one. A pale pink-nude that comes out quite sheer on the lips. Its sticky to begin with but softens up and moisturises quite well. Will be nice to wear over lipsticks like Hue or just on its own for an added shine.


BM Beauty Eyeshadow in 'Dusty Road'
I love this shade - a shimmery gold (a bit lighter than appears in the photo) which looks great for building up over other shadows for a night out or wear alone for a more subtle day look. The pot of product is small but will last a long time.


After last months success I feel a little bit disappointed - only really liking 2 of the 5 products.
Glossybox also included a card advertising next month's 'mystery box' - I'm not quite sure how it will work seen as though the items inside each month's box are supposed to be a secret anyway... but we can find out on 24th February here.
What do you girls think of this month's box? Will you be staying subbed for the Mystery March Box or giving up on Glossybox?

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Luxury Jewelled Nails

A while ago I spotted Heather from effiesmakeupbox had filmed a DIY tutorial on how to achieve these rhinestone and glitter nails and I knew I had to give it a go myself! I've pretty much taken her tutorial step by step but used gold and silver rhinestones instead of orange and pink ones.
They are surprisingly easy to do but take a while due to all the layers of clear top coat! They're perfect for a special occasion or night out - although all I'll be doing tonight is eating pizza and watching girly films with some friends!
I bought my rhinestones and nail glitter from ebay, just search 'nail gems' and you can get a wheel full of lovely colours. I'm going to try out this design using silver glitter and lilac/purple rhinestones for a more girly look.

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Spring 2012 Wish List

Lavender Jeans - Miss Selfridge £36.00

Mint Green Shorts - New Look £14.99

Pleat Bodice Dress - Miss Selfridge £50.00

Denim Jacket - Topshop £40.00

Print Kimono - Miss Selfridge £40.00

Leather Colour Block Purse - Topshop £16.00

Cream Lace Shorts - Topshop £32.00

Floral Skirt - Topshop £20.00

Navy Classic Vans - Schuh £40.00

Daisy Bead Cami - Topshop £36.00

The highstreet is full of the first signs of Spring. I'm not quite ready to start handing over my cash for denim shorts and strappy camis yet but I'm certainly starting to think about what I want to be wearing this Spring and  Summer. At the end of July last year I started to compile a list of everything I was looking forward 'wardrobe-wise' for the new Autumn/Winter season. So I'm doing the same again this time around.
These things have been making my short list.

I actually wore the Topshop Daisy Bead Cami in a recent photoshoot and its beautiful. Its definitely a versatile item that can be dressed up for a night out or worn during the day. I love the idea of a whole new colour palette and I've never really been a big fan of pastels. But this year I'm going to try something new.
I'm also heading to DC and California in late August early September so hopefully my summer sun will be extended a little to make excuse for me to buy lots of pretty things.

I won't be going mad though - I'm going to dig out all last years skirts and maxi dresses and make sure I get good use out of them. Splashing out on summer items seems silly in this country when we have about 3 hot days per year. What do you guys think of the pastel trends? Any must have items on your wish lists?

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Romance and Flowers

I thought seen as though today is Valentines Day - (and I couldn't just ignore it now could I!) I thought I'd share some recent images taken by a friend of mine. She's a Fashion & Styling student and I modelled for her last week under the theme of 'Floral' and the whole morning got me into such a lovely mood ready for Spring it was quite heart breaking to walk out into a downpour.

I also did a few shots for some other friends too so hopefully I can give you a peek at those soon. I can't say I'm much of a model but anything to do with photography and fashion intrigues me and some beautiful images were taken (even with my infamous 'I'm wasted' look.)

I've been quite busy at Uni recently but I've hit a bit of a creative wall. Unfortunately this effects both my blog and my coursework. I'm sure to get back into my stride soon though and you'll be seeing more blog posts soon. In exciting news, I've treated myself to some new MAC products courtesy of Brand Alley's discounted prices (a Valentine's gift to myself) so go and check out the sale for yourself it ends tomorrow!

I'm also currently engrossed in The Hunger Games and half way through the 2nd book. I almost don't want to finish the trilogy just because then it will all be over!

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What's on my Wrist #1

Watch - River Island

Letter Bracelets - H&M

Gold Bangles - River Island

Beaded Bracelet - Primark

Stacking and layering wrist wear is back with a vengeance. Did it ever really go away? I've spotted friendship bracelets, heavy cuff bangles and chunky oversized watches everywhere. The latest issues of ASOS and ELLE are talking about everyone wearing colourful skinny friendship bracelets made from a mix of thread and metal. I have quite a collection which I've built up over the years and used to stack bracelets up and down each wrist everyday when I was going through that 'emo' phase. 

I can't wait to pull them all out again and go for that festival-vibe every day. I'm even considering investing in some colourful ankle bracelets for when its warmer.

H&M are great for multi-packs of skinny bracelets and I also picked up some very colourful beaded ones recently which I can't wait to wear in the Spring. Or maybe to brighten up an all black outfit in the Winter too.

This watch is the closest I'll probably get to a Michael Kors but its a pretty nice alternative. The fact that its gold and silver is perfect, just what I've been looking for - it means I can wear it with both types of jewellery. It also looks cool enough to wear throughout the day but special enough to wear on a night out with a dress. 

(Having friends in RI also means I get to use their cheeky discount!)

Seeing all the new season stuff in shops makes me crave for Spring. The problem being this is England and our Springs are still chilly and wet, so its not like I'll get much use out of this daisy bead cami any time soon. It would be nice to not have to wear a huge coat everyday though...

x

Little Pieces of Gold

Back in October my sister gave me some Birthday vouchers to spend at Galibardy.com. I've always kept my eye on their jewellery and love their unique and statement designs. The vouchers expired after 6 months so I held of buying something straight away and a few weeks ago I purchased two beautiful necklaces. Inspired by origami these are little metal gold versions of paper planes and paper boats. I love the way they hang and the chains are very long - perfect for layering with other necklaces.

As you can see, my cat Spike is also a big fan. That's him sulking after I've taken away his necklaces...

They don't currently have these two necklaces in stock, but if you send a nice email they'll get straight back to you when they are in the shop. I also like this one and this ring.
I've been wearing gold jewellery a lot more often recently and picked up a new watch on Saturday which I can't wait to wear. Has anyone else bought items from Galibardy? What do you think of their online shop?

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Hunter Wellies

Short Hunter Wellies in Pewter

Tweed Coat - New Look

Black Leggings - H&M

Scarf - H&M

I've wanted a pair of Hunter Wellies since last years festival season. But the huge price tag has always put me off a little. These short ones retail at £65.00 but I stumbled across them at a bargain price on BrandAlley.co.uk for just £35. I already had a £10 voucher code for their website (you get one each time a friend makes a purchase from your recommendation) so really I got these beats for just £25!

I'd recommend their website, they have a new designer sale almost everyday and you can pick up some amazing clothes, shoes and bags for cheap. The delivery takes ages though, I didn't wait too long for these wellies, but on average they take 2-4 weeks to even ship your item.

They're super comfy and strong sturdy wellies which should last a lifetime - I've already taken them out on a walk to splash through puddles! We're due some snow up here in Manchester so I think I'll be getting some good use out of them soon enough. I'm also hoping to wear them lots in the Summer with bare legs and shorts for outdoor activities, festivals, long walks - that sort of thing. I quite like the shorter style, they come up at just below calf length which is plenty tall enough for me. And the colour is a little more unique than plain black ones.

Looking forward to a takeaway tonight in front of Come Dine With Me (I know one of the contestants!) and then popping out for a drink to celebrate my friend's birthday! Enjoy your weekends girls.

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Barry M Croc Effects

*NEW* Barry M Croc Effects Nail Paint - £3.99

I saw this new Barry M effects polish a few days ago in Company Magazine and was amazed that Barry M had yet again produced another amazing polish and found a new way for polish to crack. Very clever. The next day I went into Boots but couldn't find it anywhere - I started to think I had dreamt it. But as I was popping through Superdrug this morning I spotted a whole shelf full! 

It works in the same way as the shatter polishes, paint on your base coat (I used Models Own Utopia) and when dry, paint a thin coat over the nail and wait with baited breath for the design to appear!

The main difference is that this Croc Effects takes ages to start appearing. At one point I almost thought I'd been cheated out of my £3.99 because nothing was happening. You have to wait a good 3-4 minutes (when the polish is almost completely dry) for the 'croc skin' to appear.

I'm impressed with the formula, its a thin liquid which is very easy to apply and very pigmented. This means three careful swipes across my nail leaves a deep black solid application. I found the original shatter polishes to be thicker in consistency, a little dull or even dark grey in colour. 

I'd have liked the effect to have spread across my nail even more to reveal the polish underneath. I'd suggest using a very bright bold colour for the pattern to really stand out. My nude base works okay but its not very eye catching. From far away the nails just look black. I think it would look great over a bright green polish, so I'm going to try that out next!

Has anyone else tried the Croc Effects Nail Paint?

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Shadows and Silhouettes

Heart Print Dress - H&M

Cardigan- New Look

Boots - Doc Martens

Cross Necklace - Etsy

Paper Boats Necklace - Galibardy

Watch - Urban Outfitters

Nails - Models Own Utopia with Juicy Jules

The weather in the UK right now is crazy. Its freezing cold outside (this morning -1°C) but its beautifully sunny. I added a chunky knit scarf, gloves and a parka before going out. The sun was beaming through my window this afternoon, as you can see. But I didn't want to miss an outfit opportunity and quite like the strong shadows and warm light. It definitely makes for an alternative outfit-of-the-day.

You can see me wearing this dress here - but I prefer wearing it open due to the gaping button problem and I've even put a simple black body-con skirt underneath because I'm a little paranoid its too short. The cardigan is last years sale and I love it. Its a very slouchy boyfriend-fit which I think slobs down any posher outfit. I'm planning on doing a more in-depth post about my new Galibardy jewellery and a little review on their website, but this origami boat necklace is so cute. I also have the paper planes version. 

My DMs are my go-to boots when its this cold and icy outside. Add a pair of leggings/tights/skinny jeans and you have my 'January outfit'. I'm actually looking forward to some warmer weather so I can ditch the huge coat and the outside world can see what clothes I'm wearing. 

I'm addicted to this song by Gotye at the moment and often go to bed with it playing in my head and wake up with it still there. If you've not heard it, be warned - its catchy. 

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