Monthly Archives: August 2015

My Style: Blush Tinted Fashion

I’m loving this nude blush pink hue. I’ve bought the Issa dress from The Outnet for a wedding abroad next year. These are my dream accessories and another dream dress. 

  

  1. Blush Drapy Dress 
  2. Valentino Pink Rockstuds
  3. Issa Blush Wrap Dress
  4. Chloe Drew Bag
  5. Dolce & Gabbana Pink Sunglasses 

My Style: Mango

I really love the Violeta Range at Mango. It’s aimed at size 14 +. It’s shoes and coats in particular are outstanding. AW15 is no exception and I have spied 3 coats I love. I struggle with the bust size in the normal Mango range. All of the items below are from Violeta. 

  
There’s a lot of fringe action going on and it’s better to look on the website via the links below to get a better view as there is quite a few images of the detailing on the coats and other items.

  1. Navy Zip Fringe Coat
  2. Grey and Navy fringe coat
  3. Navy dress
  4. White lace sleeve dress
  5. Black skinny jeans
  6. Black and white long cardigan Coat
  7. Black leather fringe detail boots 

I subscribed to Mango and often get a 30pc discount code emailed through 1/2 per season from Mango. I’m trying to weigh up whether to wait it out or dive in anyway. 

My Beauty: Space NK

I am a marketers dream when it comes to gift with purchases GWP. I received an email from Space NK this week to say that the infamous GWP will happen shortly and to watch my inbox. Space NK have 2/3 of these per year and the contents is usually fabulous. It does require quite a high spend to qualify – £160 this time round  – but I try and either stock up on staples such as Emma Hardie Moringa Balm or Acqua di Parma and this time round I’m thinking I could buy some xmas gifts. I’ve been looking on the Space NK site and compiling my list of gift purchases so I’m ready to go when I get the email. I would love to receive any of these items as gifts and have given or received some of them previously. 

  

  1. Aesop Hand Wash
  2. Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil
  3. Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Bath Cream
  4. Kiehls Creme de Corps
  5. Ren Rose Otto Shower Oil
  6. Diptyque Figuier Candle
  7. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Below is an example of a previous GWP. I’m waiting patiently to see the contents of the forthcoming one. Whilst writing this I got a further email from Space NK revealing 3 products – a mini Diptyque candle, Laura Mercier Lipgloss and an Algenist serum. There will be a further reveal each day so I suspect the gift will be on sale next week. 

  

My Beauty: August Empties

These are my significant empties this month. They are largely repeat purchases for me. Clarins body products feature heavily and I tend to stock up during GWP time where I tend to choose 3 of the same gift items so I know I will use them – usually a combination of the products included here. The Clarins shower gel, scrub and body serum were all part of the GWP. The smell of the serum in particular is incredible and it drys really quickly so I can get dressed instantly. In the last GWP I asked for three serums and Clarins were happy to oblige. I use the Moisture Rich when I want a more intense moisturiser usually at the weekends when I’ve got more time for it to dry. 

I love L’occitane bath products and this one provides oodles of beautifully scented bath bubbles. I use this one for both m & me and its lasted ages as we don’t use it every day. 

The Aveda Exfoilant is a “natural” exfoliating toner. I love the smell and how this feels on the skin. Gentle enough for every day use. 

Lastly the Clinque Chubby eye crayon was part of a GWP – its a minky lilac (lavish lilac) colour on the eye which I probably wouldn’t have tried but for it being the GWP due to it being labelled lilac but I’ve been wearing this a lot and I like the minky colour and the ease of use as well as the staying power. 

   

  1. Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion.
  2. Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum
  3. Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower
  4. Clarins Exfoilating Body Scrub
  5. L’occitane Foaming Bath 
  6. Aveda Exfoliant 
  7. Clinque Chubby Stick for Eyes 

My Life: 5 Invaluable Gadgets

1. Nutribullet
This was on my Christmas list last year. I love it. It’s so easy to use, compact and quick. My favourite blend is spinach, coconut water, banana, apple and pear. Delicious. Such an easy way to consume nutritious food. M loves making her own smoothies too. 

2. Julienne Peeler by Oxo Goodgrips

This is a fast and easy way to make courgette and carrot spirals. I did think about buying a spiraliser machine but thought I’d try this out as a cheap alternative beforehand and it does the job perfectly. 

3. Emoji MicroPedi

Really does deal with the hard skin on feet and leave them smooth and soft. At a pedicure recently the Therapist remarked how soft my feet are and this is down to an occasional recent use of this little wonder. I bought this with my Boots Advantage Card points. 

4. Babyliss Big Hair

I have very thick hard to manage hair. This is the only way I can get my hair looking half decent. The rotating brush creates tension in the hair replicating the effect of a hairdresser blow drying the hair. Really easy to use. I’ve been using this for 3 years and it’s invaluable for me. 

5. Phillips Diamond Electric Toothbrush.

This beauty has 5 settings. In a rechargeable glass beaker. Teeth feel super fresh and clean after using. 

My Beauty: Hair Favourites

  
I have used Kerastase shampoos and conditioners for years. I do often stray and try something cheaper but without fail always come back to Kerastase. I’m using the shampoo from the resistance range which deals with my very thick hair in short order. All the shampoos work well on my hair which is very thick and needs chemicals to tame it. I would say this is my favourite shampoo from the range. I like the lait vital conditioner as it’s not too thick but very nourishing.

I like using an oil as the first step before drying my hair. I’m using the Loreal elvive oil which is under £5. I’ve used the Kerastase Elixir Ultime one which is undoubtedly a superior product (but 6 x price) but this one gives it a run for its money (same brand so you are getting the Kerastase technology for a lower price). 

I then use a blow dry spray from KMS to protect the hair. This makes a big difference in drying time for me. Love this product. A repeat purchase for me. 

Finally I use the Aveda Brilliant drops to smooth my hair in between washes. Another repeat purchase. This smells incredible I wish Aveda made a perfume of this fragrance it’s just gorgeous. Gives great shine too. 

My Life: Sunday Night Inspiration

I took my mum for a Jessica pedicure at Maison Talbooth in Dedham today including a lovely hot stone foot massage. Divine! It’s in such a spectacular setting I really want to try a spa day here and experience the outdoor pool. 

I am now just perusing the treatment menu, salivating over the Aromatherapy Associates massage treatments and mentally compiling a wish list. 

This is the view that I will never tire of. How beautiful is Essex?!

  

  

  

 

My Style: Workwear wants 

 I’m starting to think about my Autumn Winter Work wardrobe. I’m quite conservative when it comes to my work wardrobe and largely consists of navy black and grey classic pieces that can mix and match with existing wardrobe items. I’ve spied a couple of dresses, a very versatile Tweed jacket and a structured top from The Fold which I love. I prefer winter work wear I think it’s easier to look smarter I find hot weather poses a real dilemma on what to wear. 

I love slingbacks at work, I’m always having terrible trouble with shoes hurting my heels so this is my compromise however I always travel to and from work in flats. 

I love the pop of colour from the Mulberry Lily in Poppy. This is very similar in colour to the Hibiscus colour I got on the sale this summer but slightly darker and more autumnal. 

 

  1. LK Bennett Tweed Jacket
  2. Marks and Spencer Printed Dress
  3. LK Bennett Ponte Dress
  4. LK Bennett Black Slingbacks
  5. The Fold Structured Top
  6. Marks and Spencer Cullottes
  7. Mulberry Lily in Poppy