Sale Buys

If your planning on doing some sale shopping, I have selected some essential sale buys below. This year I have talked about several staple items that are must haves for your wardrobe, like the white shirt, striped top and grey tee to name a few. It is so easy to go crazy in sales and buy things you'll probably only wear once, I'm definitely guilty of this and still get tempted at times. But by having the basics in your wardrobe, you can work around this and buy more daring and trend-forward pieces. For inspiration and more on these staple items chek out my previous posts under archive.

Happy shopping as always, and let me know if you find any bargains, always love hearing from you.

& Other stories £28 SALE

M&S £22 SALE

COS £13 SALE

Banana Republic stripe top £19.99 SALE

TOPSHOP Leather trouers £95 SALE

TOPSHOP Trousers £15 SALE

Mango coat £59.99 SALE

ASOS 2 Pack teeshirts £10.50 SALE

Boilersuit

So I've finally bought a boilersuit after contemplating it since last season! Never thought I would be wearing one, but then again I thought the same about dungarees. A boilersuit sometimes gets mistaken for a jumpsuit, so what's the difference? Even though both are one-piece suits, the difference is a jumpsuit is meant to be a tighter fitting garment whereas the boilersuit is a looser fit and normally comes with shirt sleeves.

Miss Selfridge Denim boiler suit £49.00 | Adidas Trainers £64.99

This boilersuit is from Miss Selfridge, I haven't shopped in Miss Selfridge for years and somehow came across it while browsing during the Black Friday weekend. After debating all weekend whether to buy it or not, I purchased it on the Cyber Monday for half the price.

I have a feeling I will be wearing this a lot, it sits perfectly on me and is true to its size. I'm all about being comfortable and buying things that are versatile but also fitting into my casual style. It can easily be dressed up with heels for a night out or dressed down with flats. (Images from Pinterest).





I've noticed some of the high street boilersuits come under jumpsuits, it can be a bit confusing, but now you know the difference it's quite easy to spot which ones are boilersuits, here are a few of my favourites:

1. ASOS Petite checked boilersuit (also available in Tall) | £38
2. A&F Denim jumpsuit | £91 (Sale)
3. New Look Khaki jumpsuit | £27.99
4. Topshop Moto tie-waist jumpsuit | £65
5. H&M long-sleeved jumpsuit | £29.99

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Whenever my skin is in need of serious help I always go back to Dermalogica products, and the one product I can count on is the Daily Microfoliant. Not only has this product won Instyles best beauty buy for 2015, it has triumphed for 11 consecutive years and last year it was awarded the best beauty buy icon status. I actually swear by this product and can totally understand why it's a number one exfoliant, it is without a doubt an essential beauty buy for me.

The Daily Microfoliant is ideal for clogged up pores and evening out skin tone. The rice enzymes are the key ingredients, taking away dead cells and brightening your skin. I use this daily after cleansing and makes such a difference to my skin. Click here on how to apply.

All Dermalogica stores do a free face mapping skin analysis which takes around 5-10 minutes. The face mapping is one of the best ways to understand which areas you have problems with, for example, you may be dehydrated in some areas than others. After my consultation, I was given insightful information to why I may have been breaking out with spots recently. I am a firm believer of oil cleansers and I was surprised to have been told that sometimes if an oil cleanser contains mineral oil this may cause irritation to the skin on some people. I did recently switch my oil cleanser and later found out it contained mineral oil, which can also be called Paraffinum liquidum. To be honest, it's hard to say, as my previous cleanser had mineral oil too but don't remember breaking out so bad, I guess there are always other factors involved.

After the consultation, the three products I was recommended for my skin was the cleansing oil precleanse, their Daily Microfoliant and the multivitamin power firm eye cream. If you've never tried their products before worth popping down to your local store for a free skin map and free samples to try out.

Dermalogica recommendations:

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant £41.75 | Precleanse £34.35 | Multivitamin power firm £38.40

Big Cardigans

My grandparents have worn it for years and I own a cupboard full of them, yes, I'm talking about the very British garment, the cardigan. But it's the big cardigans I'm fond of this autumn winter, easy to throw on in mild weather, and an alternative to a coat. I actually prefer it sometimes to a jumper as I can slip off when I get hot, it's also an essential clothing for my loungewear.

This spring/summer and autumn/winter we have seen lightweight cardigans, short cardigans, chunky knit and cardigan coats, I guess it's fair to say it's been a popular item this year.

Max Mara's AW15 collection



The great thing about a cardigan is that you can wear it over most things, looks great belted up for a dressed up look or thrown on over a dress or jeans.

Images from Pinterest

H&M cardigan similar here | H&M top (old) similar here
 Topshop belt (old) similar here | Topshop girlfriend jeans £40

As soon as I saw this H&M cardigan, I fell in love with it, it's mohair blend and so comfortable and warm, they have a very similar one online with no buttons, reminds me of the Acne Studio one here. I usually wear mine over casual jeans or dresses, great for layering up during winter too.

Some from the High Street

1. Zara £39.99 | 2. Topshop £30 (In sale) | 3. Urban Outfitters £46 | 4. H&M £49.99

Christmas Jumpers

Christmas is creeping up on us, and if you still haven't got your hands on a Christmas jumper yet and not sure where to look, I have selected a few of my favourites from the high street.

The Christmas jumper has become more popular over the last few years and I'm guessing it's got something to do with the trendy hipsters out there. Either way more people are embracing the trend and the options are more wearable and classy this year.

A few inspirations from Pinterest. 

High street choices:

From left to right: Oasis £40 | ASOS £50 | Beyond Retro £23 | House of Fraser £25

From left to right: House of Fraser £29.50 | Next £32 | Debenhams £24 | Oasis £45

I'm in love with all these jumpers, not really into the novelty ones, but the snowman jumper is just gorgeous. The fluffy yarn, the embroidered flowers and coloured buttons make it unique and will look great paired with leather trousers or skirt.

Now for those of you who have a bigger budget and want to be a bit more classy and discrete, this Bella Freud jumper would be my first choice. They have this in grey too but I think the red option makes it more festive. Whichever one you choose, Christmas jumpers can be used year after year and can be a wardrobe essential.

net-a-porter  £260

Happy shopping and let me know what type of jumper you prefer to wear for Christmas.

Loungewear

Images from Pinterest

I have been at home for the last few days looking after my not so well son, so I have been wearing my sweatpants and tees most of the week. I will most likely be lounging around in my sweats this coming holidays too, so what better time than ever to do a post on loungewear as most of us will probably doing the same thing.

Top H&M £6.99
Joggers (old) similar here Topshop £25

Loungewear defined by Google is "casual, comfortable clothing suitable for wearing at home", and nothing is more relaxing than wearing this at home. Comfy clothing is ideal for me, having a 3-year-old climbing all over me and into superheroes it makes sense to wear loose fitting clothes. I like to wear something I can run to the shop quickly too without getting changed so needs to be practical. One of the first things I do when I come home is change into my joggers, I for one can't live without my loungewear, they have become an essential for the wardrobe. Below I have selected my favorite loungewear ranging from high-end to high street prices, oh and a candle.

Cashmere Bed Socks | The White Company | £35
Cashmere Jumpsuit | The White Company | £279
Cashmere sweatpants | net-a-porter | £350
Cashmere and silk hooded top | Marks and Spencer | £129
Slippers | Ugg Australia | £85
Cashmere cable knit throw | Johnstons cashmere | £525

Moss knit blanket | H&M | £39.99
Dark grey jumper | Topshop | £38
Dark grey joggers | Topshop | £38
Grey marl Joggers | Topshop | £25
Socks | Debenhams | £16
Slippers | Accessorize | £12
Candle | Marks and Spencer | £6

Some prices are cheaper than shown due to promotions, happy shopping as always!

Outfit Post - Dungarees

A while back now I did a post on dungarees, something I was debating on buying at first but so glad to have made the purchase. I have worn it throughout the summer and still making use of it this winter.

For a winter day look, wear with jumper and ankle boots and for the evening team it up with a shirt or blouse and heels. If you're thinking about buying dungarees but still not sure, here are a few looks to get you inspired. (Images from Pinterest)

Outfits: H&M Dungarees (old but similar ones below on my high street options), Topshop Striped top (old but similar here), Warehouse Blouse (old but similar here and here), Mango clutch (Similar here)

High Street options:

1. Topshop £48
2. New Look £26.99
3. Zara £39.99
4. ASOS £45.00
5. Selfridges £335.00
6. Boohoo £25.00

Happy Shopping and thanks for reading.

Layering

I'm not one to wear too many layers as I tend to get hot, but I do love the dimension of layering clothes. Layering is a great way of utilising your clothes but at the same time keeping you warm.
(All images below are from Pinterest).

Shirts and t-shirts look great under jumpers, this type of layering work best if the shirt or t-shirt is a little longer than the jumper. Try mixing different prints too. 

Make the most of your summer dresses in winter by throwing over a chunky knit jumper. You could also wear your dresses over jeans, followed by a long big knit cardigan. 

Multiple jacket layering works best when mixing two different types of outerwear, light with heavy. I like the combination of denim and wool but works equally well with leather or shearling as pictured below. Layer a blazer under your coat or jacket for a lighter option.

Scarves are a great way to layer too, wear them like ponchos or wrapped around your neck as a statement piece. 

I hope some of these looks have inspired you to try layering. 

Thanks for reading as always! 

Party Wear

So around about now most of us try to find that perfect party outfit, with Christmas and New Year celebrations ahead we try to plan an outfit before the rush. It's probably the only time of the year where I would wear a bit of sequin and sparkle, saying that I've probably worn it before other than in December.

Old Topshop dress

Sequins and bling are not to everyone's taste, including me, but I'm always up for trying new things especially if it's for an occasion. The above dress is something I bought for a work party while pregnant so needed a loose fitted dress but non-maternity so I could wear again. Sequins always appear in stores every year, especially around the festive season so you can never go wrong with it and will remain in your wardrobe for years.

Below I've selected my favourite celebration outfits for this coming party month.

1. & Other Stories Cheetah Jacquard mini dress £79.00
2. French Connection cosmic beam sequin dress £170.00
3. Topshop Pearl embellished A-line dress £80.00
4. Next Black sequin ombrè dress £60.00
5. Marks and Spencer Snakeskin print sequin dress £69.99
6. New Look Black studded cami dress £29.99

Fell in love with the below dress as soon as I saw it! But I think most of the sizes have sold out now. It's from Topshop, Livonia by Unique £225, great for party season and to wear after.

If you don't feel like wearing a dress, I've selected a few tops that will look great paired with leather pants, trousers or jeans. Also, you can never go wrong with a jumpsuit or playsuit. Happy Shopping.

1. ASOS Embellished multi stripe wrap back top £45.00
2. French Connection Arctic spell feather top £110.00
3. H&M chiffon top £7.99
4. Topshop Metallic zig-zag cami £22.00
5. Zara Top £39.99

Leather

Even though leather clothing has been around for years, with the biker jacket being a popular choice, I would of never even considered buying it. It was then about 6 years ago I decided to purchase my first leather biker jacket, my love of leather clothing started. I still wear it to this day and undeniably an item I was glad to have bought. Leather has become an essential item for the wardrobe, the three main leather items to have are the leather jacket, leather skirt and leather trousers. These items will last you years if taken care of and become part of your capsule wardrobe.

I only own 1 out of the 3 items, although I suppose I can count my faux leather skirt for now. I do however really want to invest in another leather jacket as over the years the leather has stretched and become a looser fit. I guess if you do go out shopping for leather take into consideration the wear and how leather does eventually stretch a little, but mind you this all depends on the type of leather and fit.

The Biker Jacket

This jacket will look great on most things, I love wearing it over a dress to toughen up a girly look or over jeans and tee shirt. It looks amazing teamed with denim or even layered under a wool coat during winter. I will talk more about layering in a future post. Below are a few looks from Pinterest.

The Leather Skirt

You seriously can't go wrong with a leather skirt, especially if it's in black. It will go with anything from tee shirts, shirts to chunky knitwear. I love the skirt paired with knitwear and trainers but looks equally great with a simple tee and heels.

The Leather Trousers

I'm not overly bothered if I don't have this in my wardrobe as I have a pair of black coated jeans that have that similar look of leather. Again you can't go wrong with this item in your wardrobe, it's the same as having black jeans or trousers, it will go with just about anything but also give you that edge in your outfit that you won't get from normal black bottoms.

High Street options including faux leather...

1. Topshop Faux leather quilted detail biker jacket £48.00
2. Warehouse Faux leather biker jacket £58.00
3. Oasis Penny leather biker jacket £165.00
4. Urban Outfitters Vintage leather skirt £40.00
5. Oasis Maddison leather pencil skirt £85.00
6. Mango Leather pencil skirt £79.99
7. Topshop Faux leather skinny trousers £22.00
8. River Island Black skinny leather look trousers £40.00
9. H&M Leather trousers £199.99

Animal print

Wearing animal prints used to scare me, it was the same feeling as wearing a bright colour, loud and in your face. However, I absolutely love them now and have seen so many lovely prints on the high street, my favourite being the leopard print. I hadn't realised before, but I actually own a few animal print things, mostly accessories.

Animal prints pop up on the catwalk year after year and I can safely say a leopard print is an essential in your wardrobe! But this doesn't mean you can go all crazy, too much can come across tacky and literally looking like a leopard! The leopard print is best on accessories like bags or shoes, but I do love a leopard print faux fur coat or even a top or dress if it's in a nice print (not to be dressed altogether). Another favourite is the reptile print, it looks amazing on shoes/boots and bags and is more discrete for those who feel leopard print is a bit garish. Other popular prints include zebra, cheetah and tiger.

There is one celebrity I absolutely adore and that is Alexa Chung, she looks amazing in anything she wears and I must admit I have a slight girl crush on her. She is one person that wears leopard print to perfection in my opinion. Images below are from Pinterest, check out my animal print board for more inspiration.

What's on the high street...

1. H&M Patterned cardigan £24.99
2. Zara Mock croc messenger bag £17.99
3. & Other Stories Reptile ankle boots £89.00
4. Mango Leopard faux fur coat £89.99
5. Mango Leather bucket bag £89.99
6. & Other Stories Sheen reptile skirt £145.00
7. Office Coolcat Almond Toe Chelsea boots £75.00
8. & Other Stories scale belt £35.00
9. Topshop Leopard sunglasses by Quay £30.00
10. Topshop Animal plisse tube skirt £26.00
11. & Other Stories Zebra sunglasses £12.00
12. H&M Court shoes with kitten heel £14.99

Make Up Essentials

So apparently women need to master a few makeup skills before they hit 30 (Link to article). I actually thought I knew the basics after a week long makeup course I studied when I was in my late 20's, but realise I have no clue now. Over the years especially after having my son I ended up wearing less makeup and just about had time for mascara, and for me, this was a big deal as mascara was the one thing I couldn't live without before.

I have definitely lost touch with everything in the makeup world, however over the last year or so I have tried to keep up to date with what is new. I always believe the best thing you can do is to look after your skin first, figuring out what cleanser and moisturiser work best for you and to eat healthily. But that doesn't mean you won't get the odd blemish here or there or the dark circles and bags under your eye. My skin constantly changes and I'm not the best at eating healthy so I actually need makeup!

Now I am in my 30's I feel like I need to know certain makeup skills I have forgotten along the way, from doing eye makeup and concealing. And I have no idea where to start with this contouring thing! So the other day I went to see Hair and Makeup Artist Vithya who specialises in bridal, as well as editorial fashion, film and among others for a one to one makeup tutorial. After years of going to different makeup stands trying to find the right foundation and concealer, Vithya managed to make my skin look flawless within minutes by picking out the right colours for me. She has definitely got the knack for makeup, no wonder she does this for a living!

My skin is always up and down and that day it wasn't in great condition, so after some advice, she prepped my skin and advised that a powder foundation would be more suited to my skin as to a liquid foundation due to my skin being more oily to combination. I had never used powder but this definitely made a difference. She taught me how to correct and conceal dark areas around my face as well as covering the basics on eyeshadow, eyeliner, contouring and highlighting. Lastly, we talked about lips, and for those of you that know me I don't do lipstick and she has definitely made me feel more confident in wearing lipstick now, which is a big thing. 

If only I took a before photo, you would have seen the difference, but then again I probably wouldn't have posted it, so believe me when I say she is amazing at what she does and will work her magic to make you feel amazing! On the below photo she is ONLY wearing concealer and fake lashes....yes I know!  

Products used on me (All MAC products):

For pigmented areas - Pure orange studio finish skin corrector followed by Pro long wear concealer NC42

Under eye and on small marks - Pro long wear concealer NW35

Foundation - Studio fix NC43

Highlighter - Pigment colour powder in vanilla (Luminating Powder by Hourglass is also a good one she recommended)

Blusher - Used my own blusher in sunbasque (shimmer), recommended I also try the Mac blush in Melba (Matt)

Eyeshadow - retro spec (light colour in the inner corners), Sable (medium colour for middle) and embark (dark colour for outer corner) 

Lips - Mac primer (was an essential), followed by lip liner spice which was all over lips as a base. Then plum lip liner around the lips followed by twig lipstick. 

Obviously being a mum you don't always have time to do all this so I asked Vithya what her top 3 essentials would be in her makeup bag, and I would probably agree with this too.

Vithya's top 3 makeup essentials:

1. Concealer

2. Eyebrow pencil

3. Eos lip balm 

Below are a few I have selected

1. MAC Pro Longwear concealer £17.50
2. NARS Radiant creamy concealer £22.00
3. BOOBIE BROWN Skin serum concealer £28.00
4. BOBBIE BROWN Perfectly defined long-wear brow pencil £29.50
5. MAC eyebrows £14
6. Laura Mercier Brow powder duo £20.50
7. EOS lip balm £6.50
8. CHAMPNEYS skin comforting miracle balm £5.50
9. BOOTS Botanics 93% organic super balm £5.99 

Check out Vithya's amazing work on her website, and social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration, she may also have a few classes left so hurry quick.

What is your makeup essentials? Comment below.