Monthly Favourites: Beauty & Accessories

 I wanted to start sharing my monthly favourites with you all as some months I feel like i have some real best buys or pieces that really stand out.
I love to read these from others and it's great to go off a recommendation.
Mine will most likely be a complete mix of things, make-up, beauty products or accessories, whatever has really taken my fancy for the past month


 1. Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation
I actually bought this about 6 months ago and didn't get on with it at first. I usually opt for a medium-high coverage, matte finish foundation and the Bourjois Healthy mix is very glowy and a light to medium coverage. But my skin was looking a bit sad after a long old winter and so i thought i would try it again to see if it could take me from dull to dewy. The feel of the foundation on the skin is beautiful, for a high street product I have to say application is super, it blends really well and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft. The coverage is enough to even out my complexion and it gives a lovely healthy glow (as the name would suggest) Its lighter than my previous foundation so it feels perfect for Spring when i don't want to feel caked in make-up. The only thing i would say is on my oily skin it doesn't last all day, but then from a light coverage that's to be expected. I would definitely recommend this if you're in the market for a glowy lovely light summer foundation.

2. Maybelline Super Stay Setting Spray
Speaking of making make-up last, I bought the Maybelline setting spray on the recommendation of a family member and it definitely helps to finish the look and set make-up nicely. I've noticed my make-up stays intact for longer than usual when spritzed with this, and again through the sweaty summer months this will be a God send. My only negative would be the actual spray could be a bit finer, more of a mist would be better, as when you spray it does produce quite a lot of product, but held far enough away from the face (which is obvs recommended) then its fine enough and you learn to work with it.

3. Maybelline The Blushes Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
I bought the Maybelline products on a 3 for 2 deal at my local Superdrug, but this was a product I'd been eyeing up for a couple of weeks. I love a pinky eyeshadow so this palette looked pretty and very wearable, there aren't any colours in it that i wouldn't wear which was really appealing, i always hate it when there's a couple of colours in a set that never get touched, normally the really bright green or blues, not for me thanks. But yes, this one is all round lovely. They also do it in the nudes colour-way which is equally appealing and again very wearable. Colour pay off of the eyeshadow is good with a little layering, they apply smoothly and evenly and the fallout when applying is minimal.
All round a nice set really.

4. Wunderbrow
As an eyebrow challenged lady (over-plucked like Madonna in the 90's, but alas mine never did grow back) I am always on the look out for good eyebrow products. I have little hair on my brows so its really hard to get that natural brow look. I've tried gels, pencils, powders, crayons, you name it, i've tried it. So when i saw this advertised on facebook it looked appealing. I invested my £20 and thought it would be worth a punt. At first i wasn't sure, when i applied it it looked too light, but it did dry down a shade darker thankfully. It felt a bit weird, crispy almost. BUT the longevity is amazing. I can sleep in the stuff, gently wash my face and my brows are still there. As i worked my way through the bottle i actually got better at applying and found less product was better. And as a testimonial statement of how good it is, i've just ordered another.

5. Barry M Gelly Nail Polish in Pomegranate
i am normally an accents of red kinda gal, love a red nail , red bag , red lip, you name it. But lately i've been opting for a pop of pink. Delicious girly pink. Its nice for a change.
This nail polish and...

6. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip colour
this lipstick have been my new best friends. I actually bought this accidentally thinking it was a red, and was momentarily devastated when i opened it and found it was in-fact raspberry pink. But i just went with it, and actually now I really love it. The formula is matte so no shine, and the lasting power is really good as is the great colour pay off that you get with a matte lip colour. As a matte lipstick it isn't as drying as some others i've worn, but sometimes by the end of the day i will feel like a nice a nice swipe of lip balm, not horrendously so, but just to add a bit of moisture back in.

7. Ghost Eclipse Eau de toilette
I have been wearing Ghost perfumes for years. My first perfume i ever bought with my first pay-pack was this Ghost perfume, every time i smell it I feel transported back to being 18 again. Marvellous memories. But for summer i love to switch to the Eclipse scent. Its orangey and fresh and summery, and really smells beautiful.. i highly recommend this if you like fresh floral fruity scents that aren't sickly and with a hint of musk.

8. Coconut Bodyshop Range
Coconut is one of my most favourite scents. Probably because it evokes memories of sun, warmth and travel. But as soon as the dark winter months are over i love to switch to coconut, it really does perk me up. I love the Bodyshop range, the scent doesn't smell artificial (if that makes sense?) and are always so gentle on the skin.

9. Onyx and Tassel Necklace
I've been obsessed with the necklace, its goes with everything! Simple tee, a dress, well you name it and it goes with it.

10. H Butler Leopard Print Powerbank Bag
Again another obsession, the fact that this bag is pretty AND practical just makes it perfect in my eyes. The powerbank for charging my phone is just a life saver and of course, leopard print, need i say more.

Do you have any recommendations this month? 

I'd love to know any thing you recommend, i love to try new products!

Spring Look Book With Great Plains (& #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

When each new season rolls around there's a few brands I look forward to seeing what they have to offer.

Great Plains is always one of the first I head to.

Each season I invest in a couple of pieces from their range as they are always:

a. Excellent quality

b. Super versatile pieces

and

c. A little different to what's on the high street.

I mean take the tomato poppy red blouse below, its colour is so vibrant and the fabric feels luxurious, I haven't seen anything else like it around.

So when the lovely folks at Great Plains let me have free reign with this seasons fabulous new pieces, well i was like a kid in a toy shop... My reply? Just gimme all the goodies please.

After much perusing for a long long time i knew what i would love to style up for a look book in my own way. The Summer dresses are a must, do take a look. 

Here's what i went for:

Look One...

The tomato red blouse i mentioned above was one of the first things that caught my eye, you'd have to be colour blind for it it not to. Truth is, in real life it's even more beautiful and vibrant than any photos we captured could portray. The fabric is a dreamy soft floaty-but-not-too-floaty fabric. It skims and doesn't cling, yet doesn't add pounds by hanging like a tent either. 

The subtle v neck collar is super flattering and makes it easy to wear for office smart with a skirt or casual weekend wear. Like i said super versatile.

I paired it down with the navy trousers which are the most comfy forgiving trousers i have ever worn. Think as comfy as joggers and you won't be far wrong.

All finished off with a classic trench. I love this look for the age old conundrum of Smart-Casual.. I think this could work perfectly. Need it a little smarter, just change the trainers to shoes.

Details:
Grenadine Red Top
Marsie Navy Trousers
Adidas Stan Smiths
H&M Trench
Yosa Necklace


Look Two...

Summer weekend ready, the stripe tunic is perfect weekend wear. Beware it is a loose (ish) knit and unlined, I paired mine with a light petty coat and it was absolutely perfect. Alternatively it would work so well layered over a vest top, white skinny jeans and some tan wedges, which just screams holidays to me.
(Also it runs large, if you want to feel good about yourself, this tunic is definitely your new best friend)
The denim jacket was just begging to be paired with it. They just seem like the ultimate combination for a casual happy weekend.

 Details:
Waffle On Dress
Stan Smiths
New Look Denim Jacket
Yosa Clutch & Bag


Look Three..

And another favourite piece. This beautiful china blue dress. I love it. Like looovvee it.
At 5ft 6 its a comfortable yet not frumpy knee length and absolutely dreamy to wear. I would dress this up with mules or tan wedges in summer, and then also out in the day with tan sandals. The possibilities are quite simple and easy with the dress because its just so damn good.  It has a tie waist for definition and also pockets.. A girls best friend is a dress with pockets :D

 Details:
Petra Dress
F&F Boots
Mango Jacket
Yosa Bag


A big thanks to Great Plains for loaning these wonderful clothes and allowing me to play dress up. It really has been so fun and i now have a shopping list as long as my arm!

Which is your favourite piece?
How would you style it?

An InLinkz Link-up

Fluid Capsule Wardrobe Idea and Changes for Me

I mentioned back on my first Capsule catch-up that i may allow myself a few changes half way through if it was required, because the UK is a difficult place to dress for. One day its single digit temperatures, sleeting even, the next week it looks like summer's on it's way.
Bi-polar British weather is a bitch. There's just no predicting it.
I erred on the side of caution (ie cold weather) when it came to my first Spring capsule, which has worked well for me so far as its been baltic, but this week and next, well there does appear to be some sort of freakish temperature increase.
I mentioned yesterday that whilst studying the form of all things #CapsuleWardrobe i came across the ever useful and lovely blog Tartan Brunette.
What is great is that Jen is British ( she lives in Scotland) capsule wardrobe blogger and she has encountered the same issues as me:
Spring weather and dressing for it from a small(er) selection of clothes is difficult.
I could totally relate.
So with that in mind she presents The Fluid Capsule idea, where you have 5 items that can be brought in or taken out as required, warm weather or cold weather, you're basically covered.
Perfect solution for the UK and anywhere else that has an unpredictable climate a la Britain.
Now I'm not going all out crazy with my switches here and actually shall be swapping some out as opposed to just bring them in, meaning my number (45) is still the figure I'm working with, and that also means I'm not just adding in pieces which could cause me to blatantly end up where i was last time: with a whole shed load of clothes that i hardly wear.
That's not the aim here.
So by removing the pieces that aren't working for me (and with valid reasons below) I am making my capsule more efficient.

Also this is still a huge learning curve for me, so a few alterations were bound to happen (lol!)


The 4 pieces I am removing are:

1x Khaki Jumpsuit
1x Black Pleated skirt
1x Cricket Jumper
1x Adidas Gazelles

Being replaced with

1x Denim Culottes  (Options: Love these from madewell and the Etienne Marcel too, the cuff is gorgeous!)
1x Black sandal (Option: The tassels on the Loeffler Randall ones are divine!)
1x Black Skirt
1x Yellow Light weight jumper (This Clue sweater in yellow is perfect)

I am happy to be adding a couple more bottom half options as that is the one thing I'm slightly struggling with.
I previously mentioned that the skirt I had included is just too small and uncomfy and therefore uber unflattering, which I have to say was one of the worst pieces in my capsule.
After giving a skirt option some more thought, instead of the knee-jerk reaction like with the pleated skirt I originally included, i knew a denim skirt would be more my bag as it's just what I am comfortable in.
I've gone for this asos black denim skirt and i couldn't be happier with it.

Secondly, I'm going to take out my Navy Adidas gazelles and replace with my old but comfy black lace-up sandals... just in-case i fancy getting the toes out that is. These are super similar to mine which I bought last year

Next I'm going to take out my Khaki Jumpsuit as STUPIDLY i didn't try it on before including it in my capsule. Which for most people I'm sure would be fine. But me? No. I've  gained half a stone since I last wore it(sob) and when I tried it on for the first time the other day it almost cut me in half. I couldn't lunge or even move for that matter, everywhere was just tight. I would like to say maybe I shrank it on a hot wash, but alas I fear it may be the winter weight... its a sad state of affairs when last summers jumpsuit no longer fits and a rather rude wake up call (been walking miles each day and started My Fitness Pal App, but still... the shame!) So bye bye for now jumpsuit, hello, new culottes. Culottes just seem to be the perfect cut for this time of year.

And lastly, something I also threw in as a knee jerk reaction, my cricket jumper. I don't even like it (Ebay here it comes) So a nice pop of yellow is replacing it with an old Hush fine knit sweater, which will really add a fresh pop of colour for the following weeks.

I'm super happy with the update and glad to say that I can already see many of the pieces that are in my Spring capsule being carried forward in to the Summer capsule... and yes I'm already pondering the Summer Capsule, nothing too drastic, but some definite improvements.
So far spring has been an excellent learning curve, and with these additions I'm sure I will continue to love dressing each day.

So what do you think of The Fluid Capsule idea?
I think its a great way to adapt to your climate and not feel restricted, but yet still sticking to the main principle of less is more.
I know all my clothes in my capsule are being worn and loved, so far this has really made a very happy impact on me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Capsule Wardrobe Update: Feelings and Thoughts on Reprogramming

So, (why do i always have to start my sentences with 'So..' such a bad habit) its been just over a month since i started my Spring capsule, and as promised I thought i'd give you another little update.
My first thoughts on it can be found here and if you're new around here (hi and welcome, welcome!) or if you've been out of the loop (where oh where have you been?)  then you can read all about the reasoning behind my capsule and what my capsule consists of  here.

A month in and i am actually learning quite a lot.
I've learned i am most happy in simple outfits. I've established that i have found my own personal style rather than flitting from trend to trend.
I can see where my capsule is slightly lacking also, and therefore how i would improve it next time (and i think there will be another for summer!), for example, I could do with a couple more things for the bottom half, my jeans are well worn, which is great, but a bit more variety would have been better.

By removing constant online browsing and dreaming up outfits and filling my mind with clothes (which isn't a bad thing necessarily; imagination is always good, but i was a tad obsessive) I have opened up brain capacity it would appear. I am thinking of decorating and adding things to my home, I've started writing and actually have characters, a plot and back-stories so far (which excites me greatly) and I'm reading again, actually I'm consuming books constantly, gobbling them up and enjoying every morsel.

It's refreshing.

I am the happiest and most content I've been in years.

But of course there is a few down pointers.
For the first time this week, a month in to my capsule, I actually felt a fleeting moment of boredom. I stood there one morning and thought, " I don't fancy wearing any of this" and so that day i sat in my scruffy joggers and tee and decided not to dress for the world, which is fine, sometimes we have off days, or times when quite frankly we can't be arsed. But it did make me think that maybe i could tire of the capsule. The next day i awoke with renewed vigour towards my capsule and dressed happily. But I think a few more patterned pieces would have sufficed in making my capsule a little more fun and stopped me potentially getting bored.

So far I am yet to reproduce the same outfit twice, which really got me thinking.
I touched on this thought recently on Instagram(here).
Social Media portrays the image that we must wear a completely different outfit everyday.
We've all seen them, we all lustfully follow along and watch those fabulous ladies with their huge wardrobes that wear something different Every.Single.Day.
I mean, I get it, to post the same thing on Instagram time and time again is not fresh, its not ground-breaking, its not gonna get you loads of people clicking that heart button. But honestly?
Wearing an outfit on repeat that you love is surely more gratifying?
Its more than that.
Its normal.
Its' real life (I can only speak for myself on that one.. Its My real life at least).

The urge to look different everyday is something I struggle with and the reason why i was suddenly bored with my capsule.
It got me thinking.
I wear this dress at least once a week. Each time I try and present it in a different way, be that with a different scarf or jacket and shoes.
But ultimately its the same dress.
A dress I freakin' love to wear.
And I love to wear it in the same way, with the same shoes and jacket, as that's how i essentially like it best.

And that's ok.

I am reprogramming my mindset to allow the use of repeat outfits, no I won't be winning any 'likes' for it, but it's honest, and it's me.
Its my style.
And I'm ok with that.

Don't get me wrong, its fun to experiment and create new looks, i still have plenty i can make with my capsule, and like to plan outfits that are different. But I'm finally allowing myself to wear complete outfits on repeat.
Maybe its a blogger thing, maybe others don't suffer from this, maybe its just me? But going forward repeats and new outfits are all welcome in my eyes.


So,
Shall we take a gander at some of the outfits from the last 2 weeks?

Items I've loved this month

My Madewell Pointed flats in orangey-red (or try the Jeffrey Campell Belanger Loafer in red which are gorgeous)
The Khaki Utility jacket has proven to be super useful, when i'm not wearing it my step daughter is. I like the idea of a sleeveless vest-type version (like this gorgeous one from The Kooples) for a summer layering piece.
The denim dress of course (only big sizes left, but love these ones which have more sizes)
And a boyfriend fit white shirt ( also this one by brand Skin is divine!!!)



Tomorrow I shall be back with another quick post. Something I touched on briefly last time, but with a heatwave (ish) about to hit the UK, I am going to allow myself a couple of changes.
I found a great post by capsule wardrobe fan Tartan Brunette which really struck a chord (have a read and you'll see exactly what i mean).
Fluid Capsule.
Perfect for British weather.
All shall be revealed tomorrow.

In the mean time, let me know how you feel about repeating outfits, is it something you do? Or do you like a fresh completely different outfit every day? No judgement here, i have been both sides of the answer to this question. I find it really interesting how our minds work in regards to outfits.
Us ladies are a complex bunch aren't we ;)