Magic Make-up Box

I decided to completely update my make-up this month, and got this gorgeous pink box from an ebay seller for under ten pounds including postage. It's a nice size and the pink looks almost like enamel. I wanted something big enough for a nice lot of items as I was previously using a small Anna Sui make-up case and although it was pretty it was way too small.

I also treated myself to some new cosmetics to fill it as everything I had before seemed to have run out or was something I never used. Plus I really wanted some luxurious-looking stuff that would look great in my new box! I often browse the Boots website and look out for products with a lot of postive reviews and I ended up choosing a mixture of recommended products and things I just thought looked nice, plus a few nice bits i already had.

My must-have items are as follows:

Bourjois pencil sharpener - too cute to pass up! i have a couple of Barry M eye pencils that have plenty of lead left but needed a good sharpen

Rimmel Clear Complexion powder - I thought I could use this as a de-shiner on my nose - it goes on ok and i really like the turquoise container but don't know if it stayed put long enough for me to purchase again

Rimmel Max Volume Flash mascara - I saw a girl with really long lashes applying this when i was out and about, and went to Boots looking for the hot pink mascara! this is really good for daytime, it noticabley lengthens but doesn't look ridiculous

Rimmel Lasting Finish Minerals foundation - I'm really pleased with this, it's quite nice-looking and has a lovely appley smell, not sure why but it smells delicious. Good coverage too

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara - I got this free with a magazine - the best free gift I've had, not quite as good as the Rimmel in my opinion but a very neat size

Pink heart shaped nail file - i've had this ages, it adds it bit more cuteness to the selection

Eyeko Strawberry fat balm - i've ordered a few more Eyeko bits to be features on a post soon - fat balm is my original best buy. Gorgeous taste, generous size makes it so easy to apply

Lollia 1000 flowers mini perfume - from Rose & Co in Leeds Victoria Quarter. One of my favourite shops, they have cosmetics set out like cupcakes and tiny perfumes in glass jars.

Witch Stick - i have tried a lot of anti-spot products and this is the only thing that works for me

Benefit Smokin Eyes - an ebay bargain, i got several pounds off this by buying it from a seller and it arrived in perfect condition. i love a smoky eye and this pallette comes with a generous amount of shades and even a instructions so you have to get it right

Benefit Coralista blusher - i have seen this mentioned on a few beauty blogs and as a newcomer to Benefit i was not disappointed with the quality of the product. i got this at a much discounted price as well, although the large size of the container does justify the high retail price. the blusher is a perfect shade, smells divine and has a slight glitter too it that is subtle enough for every day but noticable enough to make you feel extra special

Goth Glamorous

I read in a magazine this week that goth glam is what all the cool celebrities are wearing at the moment - its lots of black with luxe touches of lace and leather, finished off with a tiny splash of colour like a slick of red lipstick. I'm drawn to black as it looks so flattering on, but can't deny that I'm a fan of heels and pretty sparkley things as well. I took this picture when I was getting ready to go to work on dress down friday, i'm wearing a new River Island t-shirt with jewel embellishment, you can't tell from the photo but it actually has shoulder pads in. Drawing attention to the shoulders is really on trend at the moment, as I mentioned in my Autumn Dress post. Personally I would have shied away from somthing so Dynasty but I didnt notice they were sewn it to the t-shirt until I tried it on and no one even realised I was wearing them. Once i knew they were there they did make the sleeves look a little bit more cute and puff sleeve so I was very pleased with my purchase. It's a really comfy fit as well and not too short like a lot of t-shirts I have bought from Ri.

I also wore some black skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins I have had a couple of years, they have a few tiny studs on the back pockets and went really well. Plus a black diamante encusted cocktail ring from Accessorize, bright red nail varnish and Topshop black patent heels with zip detail. i tried to give my hair a shaggy rock chick look my roughly straightening the ends and adding the odd wave for texture. I use the Babyliss metallic red curling tong and Lee Stafford heat protection and dehumidifier.

I can't wait for October then I can start wearing boots and cosy knits....

Love etc

I bought a magazine today that had a free sample of the new fragrance from The Body Shop - Love etc. It is said to be in homage to Anita Roddick and has been created by some of the best in the perfume industry. I wasnt expecting to love it as I outgrew The Body Shop ten years ago but it really smells gorgeous. It has a bouquet of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood and the smell did linger for a long time. Even better, the bottle is extremely cute and its under fifteen pounds! i cant wait to buy my bottle.

Maybe I should give The Body Shop another chance, I wonder what other lovely things they have...

I Heart Tassels

Had to do an emergency post about a necklace I saw on the River Island site today. Its black, beaded, and has so hot right now tassels hanging from it. They're big enough to be noticed but small enough to be cute. Love it!

Key Pieces for Autumn - 5. The Knit

This is my last post in this series and I'm really spoilt for choice with the lovely knits in the shops at the moment. My favourite has to be the black holey jumper, stylishly holey of course. Topshop are doing several short sleeved, long sleeved, smooth or fluffy wool, and there are some particularly cool ones at ASOS.com which have an irregular "just customised" look. Cosy and on trend!
A personal favourite feature of mine on an item of clothing is pockets. I have a great stretchy black skirt with big front pockets on, and have just bought a cosy oversized Topshop v-neck jumper with 2 cute big pockets. I got in it black but might have to go back for the grey and navy...
Also have to mention my third Topshop knit - a bright red pointelle cardigan. Red hasnt quite had the publicity that purple and cobalt blue have had for this season, but its my pick of the jewel colours and it goes with my red mac and suede ankle boots from winters past :)

Key Pieces for Autumn - 4. The Bag

I have quite a few gorgeous accessories to talk about here, but my favourite is definitely my new bag as it gives such good tassel ;)
Tassels are very now and I especially like them in black as they tick the gothic box as well. My new bag is from Topshop (unsurpisingly), and cost me fifty five pounds. The priciest of all my new buys but worth it for the roomy size and genuine leather. It has a circular base and drawstring top, where the aforemetioned tassels add a bit of sophisticated decoration. The brand new leather is buttersoft and very touchable, plus it has not only a long detatchable shoulder strap but short handles as well, do you need anymore convincing??
It also comes in a bright red shade to add a splash of colour to a neutral outfit.
I'd also like to mention River Island scarves in this post as they have a couple of lovely ones in at the moment - a grey dip dyed cobwebby number and a slightly warmer black check sequinned one. I'm a big fan of the lightweight fashion scarf, they work for all seasons and I still wear and love a lilac and silver paisley one I got from ASOS years ago!

PS check out Topshop's black leather studded waist belt

Key Pieces for Autumn - 3. The Dress

I'm sure anyone interested in fashion won't have failed to notice the new trend known as "statement shoulders". Again I have found Topshop to be leading the way with the cutest pieces. I myself have gone for a black jersey dress with a slightly structured raised frill on each shoulder. The dress is very comfy looking for the winter and aside from the shoulder detail is completely plain. I think subtlety is the key here to avoid looking like an extra from the new Star Trek.
I was very tempted by a couple of other dresses on their site - a gorgeous gothic dark grey lace frock and a lovely knit mini with jewelled embellishment to the shoulders. I have filed the lace number away for another day - if it doesnt sell out - and contented myself with the fact that I already have one of the their embellished knits in the form of a dusky pink sweater with sequin shoulder detail bought last year.
I will be wearing my new dress with my aforementioned bleached denim jacket and suedette boots, and I think a long necklace would add that finishing touch...

Key Pieces for Autumn - 2. The Jacket

The Trophy / Hero Jacket

This can also be a tricky piece to pull off as the trophy jacket is an often embellished "look at me" item and needs to be pared down with some carefully chosen accent pieces.
I'm going to end up advertising Topshop as they have such a good selection and the quality is generally good. I did initially have my heart set on their dip-dyed fringed version, which goes from a creamy colour at the collar to a dark grey at the hem. These unfortunately sold out before I could get one and were featured in quite a few magazines so I'm suprised I havent actually seen anyone out in one!
However I am glad I was disappointed now as I placed my online order just in time for the latest Kate Moss collection to launch on the Topshop website.
I know there are quite a few Kate anti-fans out there due to her oh so jammy deal with Topshop but i do manage to find at least one thing I really like in every collection she does. I have purchased her black wetlook jacket and as soon as I picked it up i loved it straight away. It is a very thin jersey fabric and has a very soft, silky and expensive feel. At fifty pounds I think this is a bargain, as it is designed by Kate she could really have charged twice the price.
The wetlook aspect of it is really cool, it almost looks like very thin leather with a slight sheen. When I tried it on I felt like I was wearing something beautiful.
I will be wearing it with jeans - either black skinny or pale ripped - it needs to be dressed down and looks much better undone.

PS. I also invested in a new bleached denim jacket - with the cuffs turned back and worn with a black dress or skirt it will look fresh.

Key Pieces for Autumn - 1. The Boots

I have just had a week off work and have taken the opportunity to stock up on some lovely new clothes for Autumn. I am an avid reader of fashion magazines and obviously take some tips from them but I do think I have a knack for spotting the best of the high street. Everyone has their own style and their individual must-replace favourite pieces but I hope you like the list I have put together.

1. The Over the Knee Boot

I absolutely love these but had reservations over a) the cost and b) the fit.
Nonetheless I scoured the high street websites and have found my perfect pair at New Look for a very reasonable forty pounds. They are suedy fabric, have a pointed toe and although are higher than I would normally go for they have a kind of platform under the front of the boot to balance the heel out and are so comfy!
They are actually described as "on the knee" but have a fold down piece of fabric that can easily be folded up over your knee and doesnt fall down.
I couldn't be more pleased with these and despite my concerns they are actually a lovely fit, not way too tight like some high boots.
I will be wearing mine with thick black tights and a knitted or check dress.