H&M HOME: Grey, White & Copper

I've fallen for the copper trend. Normally I wouldn't be such a magpie to such a trend since I see no real point in spending a great deal of money on homeware type items since I am 18, living at home and not exactly in the position to spend money on such, honestly, useless items. However, we have been moving house for the past year and while we have waited for the house to be built I have become increasingly more obsessed with planning every single detail of my new bedroom. Also, H&M is super cheap and they are very accommodating to my grey, white and copper needs. And I love their marble trend, too.

Chopping board - £9.99 / Vases, pots, bowls and candles - £4.99 - £13 / Throw - £40 / Basket - £7.99  Jar - £13 / Tray - £15 / Bedding - £30

SPOTTED @ ZARA

I've been spotting things again... and ordering them. I really liked my quick little 'SPOTTED:' post I did about the River Island Cami Bikini Tops (here) and I thought I would post this gem I spotted in the Zara sale... £50ish to £22.99 is my kind of bargain. I love the subtle two-tone and I have been searching for a bag for ages with a zip, a hand and shoulder strap and handy compartments. This ticks all boxes but has proven very difficult to find! Preferably I wanted black but this caught my eye and was too pretty to click away. For the price, practicality and prettiness, I just couldn't leave it alone.

I am travelling a lot in the next two months as well and the size means I will be able to get in lots of travel essentials and although it's not quite big enough to use as a hand luggage bag when you have nothing else, such as a bag in the hold, it will fit inside my suitcase and I can fill it with travel essentials! I'll be posting soon something along the travel essentials line, so stay tuned.

SPOTTED: RIVER ISLAND BIKINI TOPS

These are my perfect bikini tops: a little bit of push and holds everything in. I don't have the biggest boobs so triangle shaped bikinis don't do anything for me and I love something that really holds everything. I saw these on Lucy Watson's Instagram and loved them straight away. For only £15 they are, in my eyes, a bargain and the bottoms that they match with them are also lovely and relatively cheap with around 8 colours to choose from. There is also a limited edition version of this bikini with a different pattern on each side that has a small cut out in the middle. I might have to pick up two....

Golden Wedding Make Up

Hello! I have a wedding coming up and I wanted my look to be golden but still bright and fairly natural. When doing my make up I don't like it to be matte as I prefer a glowier and more dewy look. This little make up menu features some of my favourite products that I already own as well as some that I have my eye on!

L'Oreal True Match Foundation / Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer / Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer / L'Oreal Lumi Magic Highlighting Concealer / Soap & Glory Solar Powder / theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer / Real Techniques Buffing Brush /  Nars x Guy Bourdin Day Dream Blush / Real Techniques Duo Fibre Face Brush / Rimmel Eyeshadow in Smokey Quartz / Maybelline Colour Tattoo On & On Bronze / Soap & Glory Brow Archery / Maybelline The Rocket / Rimmel Glam Eyes Liquid Liner / Tayna Burr Cosmetics Individual Lashes / MAC Syrup / Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob / Duo Fibre Eye Brush / Barry M Hi Shine in Lychee

French Pharmacie Picks

Hello! In a few weeks I'm off to France and I always like to pick up some things from the pharmacie that we might be able to get here but is a little cheaper. Here are my picks for the pharmacie!

Back in December  I visited the La Roche Posay Launch for Serozinc and while it's not on the top of my list to pick up, I really loved the Toleriane range. The Toleriane Ultra Moisturizer I loved and will definitely be picking up, but I've been looking at the other things in the collection and the Dermo-Cleanser caught my eye. It's a make up remover and my micellar water is running low so I thought this would be something good to try if I spot it. 

Something else is just a small bottle of Bioderma, something that I actually haven't tried because I like the Garnier one a lot which is a lot cheaper and easier to get hold of. Again, something I'll pick up if I spot it as obviously it's a hugely popular product that everyone loves and I'd love to see how it compares!

Nuxe is actually available in some M&S stores which I love and last time I went in my mum and I were spritzing this Dry Oil that has a slightly golden shimmer to it. This would be so lovely for occasions in the summer and even in the spring to give yourself a golden look without having to fake tan. It would also look great after you've been on holiday or if you catch the sun at home to compliment your tan!

Eucerin is a brand that I've never tried, but after reading about it it is really all about repairing dry skin and adding hydration back into skin that feels tight or uncomfortable. For my face, I find that Toleriane Ultra really gets the job done and soothes my face but I find my scalp really problematic. This promises to soothe a dry scalp and I would love it if this sorted it out!

Finally, a face mask. Yes, Toleriane Ultra soothes my dry skin but I do find I need a boost sometimes. I've never tried a hydrating mask but I think my skin would really benefit from having this boost once in a while. Something else I have my eye on for soothing skin everywhere is Boiron Homeoplasmine Cream. This is a real cult product with make up artists and models as it hydrates the skin and dries to a matte finish. The balm soothes itchy and sore areas, cuts and repairs cracked skin. This is apparently a miracle for the lips, hands, feet and elbows - perhaps great for an avid self tanner or just for someone who needs that hydration quickly and effectively. This is top of my list to pick up!

The Winter-Spring Transition

The funniest thing is the transition between Winter and Spring or Summer and Autumn. The one I find the most irritating is the one from Winter to Spring - ie. right now. Why buy jumpers when it's about to get warm? How many layers do you really need when you leave the house? Do you need your big coat or just a normal one? Two pairs of tights? The list goes on. So, these are my top things for this weird transition. Funnily enough most of it is grey/black. How spring-like.

Stripes, flat boots, cape cardigans that go perfect over long sleeved tops for layers, mom jeans (a nice change from skinny jeans) and a tartan scarf that adds a bit of colour. Nude lip, or a bold - I'm partial to a little bit of both, a rich body butter because the change in weather seems to just make my whole body super dry and finally a little lift for your roots. Simple and easy to layer up or dress down.

I find this time of year a little tricky. The sun never stays long enough to make a difference or warm you up, it rains a lot, there's sometimes a little snow storm and while it's getting lighter in the evenings, it's just miserable that it's pitch black at 5/5;30pm when really it's been kind-of-dark all day. I think the light and the sunshine has a strong influence on my work ethic as well. At this time of year my motivation seems to take a nose dive - not preferable when mocks are next week and exams are not actually that far away. 

Do you suffer from this too? A struggle with clothes and motivation. Girls, eh?

WISHLIST

Hello! Putting myself on a spending ban doesn't stop me from lusting over lots of new releases and things which are widely spoken about on the blogs I read. From the black things that I just think go with everything, to beauty bits that I simply just need in my life and the sports gear that I will definitely not be wearing to exercise - it's just pretty.

Topshop Bag - Topshop Shoes - L'Oreal True Match Foundation - Aesop Parsley Seed Mask - Maybelline Anti Aging Concealer - Missguided 'Active' Sport Bra - Love Magazine - Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection - Missguided 'Active' Sportsbra Crop Top 

MAGAZINES

Hello! I don't know about you, but I feel like Company Magazine made a mistake going digital. Every month I desperately looked forward to going into the shops and picking up a new copy and I miss having a physical magazine to read, or one at all as I don't buy the digital version. I've been an avid reader of Company since I can remember and when I was moving house back in February I threw away years worth of issues, including ones before they redesigned. To fill the void that is now left I have been looking at magazines which could be a replacement and perhaps a little more specific to my current interests.

1. i-D. I first heard of i-D when I went to a university open day and they had it in their little shop on campus so I jotted it down and looked it up when I got home and I've been searching for it in a shop ever since. i-D has built itself a reputation for reinventing and inspiring fashion for all those involved in fashion culture and has included people from many creative backgrounds such as Tom Ford, Madonna and Kate Moss - all giving a cheeky wink. A years subscription includes 6 issues at about £27 which is incredibly good value and extremely tempting... 

2. LOVE. Love magazine is a twice-a-year magazine that aims to inspire designers, artists and just anyone looking for visual inspiration in fashion or design. Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevigne and Miley Cyrus have all been featured within the magazine and they look to feature up and coming music developments, art and fashion. A mystic ball for the creative world if you like.

3. The Creative Review. The Creative Review is just like any other 'Review' - it displays the latest projects, people and inspiration for a specific field. In this case, it's all things creative (as the title would suggest) but if you take a look and are particularly interested in Economics, English or any other subject then there is a review for almost anything. It's actually a great way to read further in your subjects if you're at school and lots of departments at my school are subscribed so that you can read essays and just broaden your knowledge. Great for your personal statement if you're thinking about applying to university this year (eek!) or next year or just for your exams. Or even just personal interest!

4. boat. A travel and culture publication. Boat magazine presents its reader with a new city each issue, showing you how inspiring a city can be and really getting right into the cracks of the city. London, Los Angeles, Athens and Lima have all been focused on so far. Great if you're an avid traveler looking for some iinspirationon where to go next. It contains pictures, interviews, personal profiles and artwork from each place, giving you an honest and bare view on a city every issue. Even the covers are inspiring. 

5. Violet. A publication focusing on leaders, authors, entrepreneurs and all-round inspiring and amazing women including Alexa Chung and Brit Marling. Alyson Swan, creator of Violet, aims to inspire and motivate women to create their own career and success through her inspiring interviews and editorials so that women can get to know women who can inspire them. 

6. In Bloom. A publication for youths with curious and creative minds. It captures fresh talents in music, fashion, literature, art and photography while also giving an industry insight to all. 

I hope that some of these catch your eye and maybe you might pick up a copy if you spot one in a shop next. You can order single issues from a couple of magazine websites which make it easy for you to find smaller and more independent magazines. I hope I've given you a little bit of reading-inspo. Happy reading! 

Let me know if you've read any of these magazines before or if you have any other suggestions along the same lines!

5 THINGS I 'NEED' FOR AUTUMN

Hello! Let's face it... I need none of these things. However, I feel like they would be incredibly welcome into my wardrobe up until next summer.

1. Nike Air Force 1s Low White - I don't know why but I love these. I think it's just because I love white and these are all-white-errything. I'm not really a trainer girl and never wear trainers with my outfits except a pair of white Converse but I really love these!

2. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper - These are some little beauties that I cannot wait to try. Liquid lipsticks that dry down to a completely matte look and feel and don't budge all day. Why would you not want to try these? And they've just added a couple more colours but I'm a big fan of this bright and perfect red. 

3. Zara Fur Hooded Coat - Isn't this lovely?! My mum always used to buy me hooded coats with fur when I was younger and I always hated them but I think they're really cute now. Mum, you were right all along. I love Zara coats as they always last for such a long time and actually keep you warm (something I like in a coat!)

4. Blue Jeans & Fave Grey Sweatshirt - I saw this in Zara and loved it. It's so simple and would be great to put under a coat with a pair of jeans, a coat and some boots or for just lazing about. You can use it for layering or just on it's own. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

5. Soap & Glory Brow Archery 2 in 1 - If you read my post on S&G's Brow Tint and Pencil you'll know I'm a huge fan. However, a little update: the tint end tends to get a little clogged with foundation and sometimes seems a bit pointless to me. It's become something I only do if I am going out so I get the most use out of the pencil and often find myself thinking 'now I just need a good spoolie'! This has the pencil with the same formula although tinner than their previous (perhaps a good thing as it's on the chunky side) and a spoolie. My dream has come true!

What are your autumn(/fall) 'essentials'?

SATURDAY NIGHT WISHLIST

Hello! If your Saturday night as exciting as mine? I've found myself to actually be quite busy for the past two weeks, being away in Chester and out quite late enjoying my summer with friends and then out again the next day, so it feels good to be in on a Saturday night!

I find myself looking for things for when it gets a bit nippier while internet shopping at the moment. I say internet shopping, I really mean just browsing but I thought I would share a couple of things I have my eye on at the moment.

Trousers - Planet @ John Lewis | Trousers - Phase Eight @ John Lewis | T-Bar Shoes - eBay | Seche Vite - Boots | Bourjois Rouge Velvet - Boots | Revlon Colour Boost - Boots | Moonstone Ring - eBay | Mac - eBay

Firstly, as I have to start thinking about what I might need when I go back to school, I'm really in need of some new trousers. At my school I have to wear a suit everyday but I don't have to match the materials so I can pair these trousers with a black blazer and a simple black or white top. I also love these shoes and think they would look really cute with my suit if it continues to stay dry. You can find lots of different styles of T-Bar shoes on eBay for varying prices and while it's dry in England I really want to get my hands on a pair. Seche Vite is something that is constantly on my wishlist but I never seem to reach out and buy but I am dying to try this out as soon as I can! The two lip products are me lusting over dark, red lips. I can't wait for it to get a bit colder and to wear these colours out one evening. They don't feel right to me in summer! The ring is something I always have my eye on on eBay but I never actually buy, similar to Seche Vite, but I wish I would just bite the bullet and get myself one! Finally, my friend has a retro-style tracksuit top type thing and if it's cold it's great to chuck on and as I don't really own a waterproof coat I thought this was cute for the rainier weather. Bright, right?

Festival Should Haves

Hello! Last year I went to Reading which was my first ever festival and despite it being a tiny bit rainy and cold (and I mean a tiny bit, the weather was actually alright!) I absolutely loved it. I loved the live music and the atmosphere and I knew I wanted to go to another festival again this year, even if it meant I didn't shower for 6 days... again.

Hello! Last year I went to Reading which was my first ever festival and despite it being a tiny bit rainy and cold (and I mean a tiny bit, the weather was actually alright!) I absolutely loved it. I loved the live music and the atmosphere and I knew I wanted to go to another festival again this year, even if it meant I didn't shower for 6 days... again.

This year however, I'm not going back to Reading or Leeds and I'm not even sticking around in England or any of the UK. I'm jetting off to Spain to go to FIB - Benicassim with 10 of my friends. I'm super excited that we get a festival and a bit of a holiday in one and to see Paolo Nutini!!! Due to the guaranteed sunny weather, I'm packing a little differently to last year. I'm swapping the jumpers and the wellies for dresses and sandals and the mud for the sand... 

Due to the hot weather and sun, I don't see much point in going too heavy on the make up. A slick of mascara and a little bit of eyeliner is good for me and some concealer if I really need it but I plan to let my skin breathe and soak up the sun - just take a bloody good SPF! To avoid panda eyes I'll be taking some make up wipes. No skin care routine to be seen in the campsite! I'll also be taking some dry shampoo and obviously sun cream. Batiste is my favourite brand and it's so affordable so it's a brilliant option. For the beach I love little dresses or a kimono and shorts that you can just slip over your bikini which is this black one great for those who can't pull of triangle bikinis. Light tops which let you breathe so you don't sweat to death are essential. Keep it light and breezy!! And obviously to top it all off, a nice cheap pair of sunnies - cheap for the risk of them being festival-ed*!

*broken

I will be talking about festivals a bit more in the next few weeks in the lead up to Benicassim! If there is anything you'd like to see from me on them let me know!

Are you going to a festival this year? Have you been before?

Birthday/Wednesday Wishlist #2

vagabond shoes, topshop boyfriend jeans, zoeva crease brush, bobbi brown face blender brush, zara dress, soap and glory solar powder, zara bikini, topshop lipstick in pillow talk, asos rings, bumble and bumble surf shampoo and conditioner, white new look skort, leather pouch (can't find similar but would like to purchase a dupe! help!), nars sheer glow foundation, zara slip ons, fujifilm polaroid

I've mentioned these shoes before and I'm truly in love with them. I definitely think they would go well with the jeans, the dress and the skort which are also included in my wishlist. I really need a new foundation as my current one is causing me troubles (review coming soon) and I really want to try this out, especially with the Bobbi Brown brush after watching lots of Tanya Burr's videos recently. I love the Zara bikini and would love it for my holiday this summer and who isn't obsessed with these slip on shoes? Although they're bloody hard work to break in! Cor, isn't that a pale-pastel wishlist!

Do you have your eye on anything at the moment?

Black Is The New Black

Hello! I've had an overwhelming craving at the moment to buy clothes. However, I tend to hesitate when purchasing a tshirt costing above £20 and my debit card cowers in the corner when I even think about purchasing a new pair of shoes. Having said that, I window-internet-shop at least 3 times a week and have baskets and baskets full across different websites, barely any of which I will probably ever buy but I have noticed a strong theme in my baskets. Black. I love it and I feel like I need it in my wardrobe. Plus, you know what they say, Black is the new black.

PEEP TOE FLAT BOOTS / BLACK SKORT / WOOL COAT / CROC-PATTERN SLIP ONS /
STRIPEY CROP TOP / SCALLOP EDGE SHORTS / PEEP TOE HEELED BOOTS

I love both pairs of boots, especially the flat ones and at £68, I'm already saving up. The skort and skirt will be amazing in the summer for smarter occasions, and you can get both in so many colours, not just black. I'm also in love with the Skater Shoes Topshop are doing at the moment in so many different materials, and rumour has it that they're super comfortable - bonus.

I hope you all had a lovely Valentines Day!