spring

Next Spring 2017 Press Day

6 November 2016

Marylebone, London, UK
The lovely people at Next invited me down to London on 02 November to check out some of the pieces that will be features in the Spring 2017 collection, from Womenswear right through to the stunning Homeware range. Spending a day in London is exciting as it is, but being able to have a sneak peak and the newest trends is one sweet cherry on top. As I walked into One Marylebone, the wide variety of clothing and accessories immediately gave me a ‘jungle’ feel, as the shelves were decorated with leaves, vibrant green plants and wooden crates. The room was lively, perfect for spring.

Back to the Office

31 May 2016

Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
 A few months ago, I would be the last person to show even the slightest level of enthusiasm for the workplace. The idea of being in an office drives me nuts, but with my current job, working as a marketing executive for two amazing charities, Clothing Solutions and Beaneezy, I look forward to the office more and more. Now that I’m happy to see my desk multiple times a week, dressing for work has never been easier and it’s much more fun to experiment with different looks depending on different tasks throughout the day. With every work week, comes a favourite office OOTD – here’s mine!
I rarely wear skirts because I find it hard to pair them with the right tops. However, my mum’s a designer so she was able to put together this top and skirt combo to help provide the right silhouette and make sure I’m comfortable. I’m really fussy with the waistband of skirts, simply because they can instantly become unflattering if too high or too low (not cool). Since receiving my amazing necklace from Wattney Kay about a year ago in this post, I have loved using it to brighten up a look – still one of my favourite pieces of jewellery!

What is your favourite work week look?

Top – homemade // Skirt – homemade // Cardigan – New Look (similar) // Necklace – Wattney Kay // Boots – Next // Bag – Topshop (only available in red)
PS: hope you had an awesome bank holiday weekend!

That Khaki Coat

19 May 2016

Gilstead, Bingley, West Yorkshire
As you may know, I love a good coat. In my ‘Blue Marshmallow’ OOTD, I mentioned how much I really, really like coats – and that’s still true. On occasion, I have to avoid the coats and jackets section of a retail store because I know I have absolutely no self-control when it comes to shopping; and that’s exactly how I found today’s item. It’s a style that I’ve never really worn because I always believed extremely long coats would make me look very Darth Vader-ish and that’s not what I’m going for with my wardrobe. However, after trying it on, and completing a few twirls, I fell in love with that khaki coat.
The colour isn’t one I’m normally drawn to because I believed it would be difficult to find colours that wouldn’t clash with the texture and shade. Nevertheless, I’ve discovered the complete opposite. There’s actually quite a few items in my wardrobe that pair really well with this coat, blue jeans being one of those items. Everyone has a pair of classic blue jeans, no matter what the style. I chose the basic skinny jeans from New Look, but I also see this coat going well with some lighter distressed boyfriend jeans and looking very chic. I like to wear skinny jeans with my suede ankle boots (a forever favourite) because they elongate my legs without being uncomfortable.
As I’m feeling quite down at the moment, and struggling to focus on blogging (or just life in general), having a little gem like this coat is slightly lifting my mood. The Limited Edition M&S coat was bought during their recent spring sale and it was the very last one in store – which seems to be the case for most items I buy. Sadly, I couldn’t find the coat online with the product code as it’s been discontinued, but found a similar one linked below! The khaki coat is acrylic, polyamide and elastane so is full of stretch and extremely soft, it’s also a double breasted number, so I could pair it with a full dress to create a super stylish evening look!
 Coat – M&S (similar) // Top – River Island // Jeans – New Look // Shoes – Next (similar) // Bag – Topshop (only available in red) // Sunglasses  - Next

Stila Cosmetics Face Haul

9 May 2016

Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK
There’s always one brand you go back to, no matter how much you try to experiment with different products. For me, Stila has become that brand. As the frugal person I am, spending money on makeup is one of my least favourite activities (despite how much I enjoy owning it), but sometimes you really have to splash out on a product that you love. I really like Stila’s eye shadow palettes and liners, but their foundation and powders beat them all.
Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer - £29.50 (Shade: 06 Cocoa)
This foundation and concealer is absolutely perfect for the colder weather and contouring. The foundation is faultlessly thick without being too light and is very pigmented so there’s no need to go overboard with the amount of product used. The foundation can be spread lightly because it is such a high quality, and I don’t use a lot each time. I love that the foundation comes with a mini concealer on the top, which is a lot thicker but still the same shade. It works really well against the foundation and can even be layered on top. The product really is Stay All Day as I can apply it in the early hours of the morning before work and never have to touch-up before going out in the evening – plus, it comes with its own brush.
If I’m using a Stay All Day foundation I need the Stay All Day bronzer right? Well, that’s my logic anyway. I have always been a fan of Stila’s powder and bronzer range because they really help foundation to set and stay in place and absorb oils and grease. I used to use the Stay All Day Bronzing Powder (which is currently on sale for £9.00) but recently started using the bronzer for face and body – and I just love it. The best thing about the bronzer is the setting power, and that it doesn’t come off easily. There’s nothing worse than finishing a base for makeup, and then finding brown fingerprints all over my white walls and doors. The powder doesn’t lift off easily, meaning less need for setting spray!
Stila Perfect & Correct Foundation - £28.50 £8.50 (Shade: Deep)
This foundation has become the perfect product for the recent warm weather. If I’m ever going for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look, this foundation is the one to use. It’s so lightweight, I often forget I’m wearing any makeup. The light, bubbly texture is ideal for the summer or being in the holiday heat. The foundation is a lot more hydrating that the Stay All Day foundation and keeps my skin fresh and able to breathe. The foundation blends really well with other concealers, and is an amazing base for powders. Like the rest of Stila’s line, the product doesn’t come off the second you touch it, so I don’t have to worry about waiting for it to set.

Have you tried any of Stila’s face products? Did you like them? 

Let's Go to the Gym

6 April 2016

High Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
A year ago, I would never be seen at a gym. I always assumed gyms were for the super-fit, exercise enthusiasts. However, after one massive kick, and a spur-of-the-moment burst of motivation, I decided to try at least a whole hour one a few machines. Three hours later, I was loving every moment and decided the gym is my new favourite place. As much as I enjoy having a higher level of fitness and slowly losing weight, I also love shopping for gym gear and finding new outfits for each session. Activewear is just so much fun to shop for!
One of my favourite looks is this almost all-black outfit I wear when I have to walk to the gym. It's important for me to keep warm, as there's still a little snow on the ground; but I don't want to be wearing multiple layers because walking quickly will keep me heated. My leather jacket is a cold weather essential and an overall wardrobe must. The great thing about this faux leather piece is that it keeps you warm once you're warm - almost like a thermal. Because it's faux, the fabric is lightweight and easy to move in. The fur collar is a great accessory for this season too. I never carried a bag to the gym at first, but now that I've become more confident with going, I will shower and sometimes change into different clothes while there. This small but spacious Nike bag is absolutely perfect for me and holds just the right amount without becoming a burden. 
I have never owned a pair of Vans shoes until a few weeks ago. They were immensely popular while I was in school, but never something that I was into. However, while doing my weekly browse at TK Maxx, I came across this pair in the men's section and knew I would never seem them again. They're bright without being too 'in-your-face' and can be worn casually and for exercise. Vans shoes are way more comfortable than I imagined and I'm definitely going to look into getting another pair soon. 
MATALAN TOP // MISS SELFRIDGE JACKET (similar - Mango) // KARRIMOR LEGGINGS // TK MAXX VANS (similar) // NIKE BAG // NEXT SUNGLASSES
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