31/03/2016

5 Fashion and Beauty Bloggers You Have To Read!


Good evening everyone, hope you're all having a fulfilling Thursday! I've spent the day shopping and eating in Selfridges and may have made a super exciting purchase that will be feature in Sunday's post! But nonetheless all this fabulousness means that I haven't had a chance to blog today, which is why today's post is going up a little later than usual!

The five blogs I'm going to talk about are all amazing in different ways, so stay with me as I take you guys through some of my all time faves!


1 - In The Frow

When I'm talking about 'blogging goals' you can bet your bottom dollar I'm talking about this girl! Victoria is an absolute inspiration, from her posts to the lifestyle she's built for herself. I get major blogger envy watching her jet off around the world (even though it means amazing travel posts!) and her photos are always absolutely stunning. I would have to say I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of her already because she's literally taking the world by storm!


2 - Blog Eighteen

Ahhh next up I wanted to talk about my girl Lisa! I've been following her blog religiously for a few months now and it's safe to say she's my blogging bestie! Not only does her content make for a fabulous read, she always looks fantastic and is genuinely the nicest person! (Not gonna lie I have major shoe envy for her new Valentino's though!) 

I would highly recommend checking Lisa's blog out, if only for the fact that her photography always looks second to none! <3


3 - Hello October

Another one I'm sure you've heard of! If you're looking for outfit inspo and serious handbag envy (Givenchy Antigona I'm looking at you!) then this is the blog for you! I'm also a massive fan of the layout of this blog and it definitely gives me inspiration for my own!


4 - Iridescent Places

Caroline is one of those bloggers you can just tell is definitely going places! Her posts are always photographed beautifully and the times I've spoken to her on twitter she seems really sweet. If you're looking for something girly yet not just another beauty blogger, then Iridescent Places is the place  for you!


5 - Pint Sized Fashionista 

Okay so Lailli and Alizey's new blog is launching tomorrow (does happy dance) so I've included a quick shot of their YouTube channel. Run by two twins PSF is the epitome of luxury fashion and beauty. Naturally you can expect a lot of Chanel and Louboutin so if that's not your thing then you might want to avoid this one. These girls are totally unapologetic at owning such lovely things (they've worked for them) which is so refreshing because I often feel that bloggers have to justify expensive purchases to avoid the haters. So in general I'm obsessed with these two, they give such in depth reviews which is perfect if you're considering a designer purchase. 

*

Okay, thanks for reading! Leave your blogger recommendations below as I love discovering new blogs to read!


SHARE:

27/03/2016

Celebrate Easter 2016 With Me



Happy Easter to all those who celebrate it! Now as I mentioned in my Good Friday post, my family isn't religious but nonetheless are using the bank holiday weekend as a great excuse to have a get-together! So for today's post I wanted to share a few of my snaps of Easter Sunday!




My mum managed to get hold of these absolutely beautiful flowers from Waitrose which make the perfect centrepiece. Naturally whilst we ate dinner we had to move them because they're so big we couldn't see each others faces!


And what would Easter be without copious amounts of chocolate?! I haven't actually started my eggs yet as I've been devouring lemon meringue pie all day but I'm very excited nonetheless. 





Since we had family over, we ended up having the pescatarian version of Sunday lunch. My mum makes a mean dauphinoise potato and this coupled with salmon and vegetables literally makes up my dream meal!





We followed up with homemade lemon meringue pie, which anyone who follows my twitter might remember my obsession from a few months back! It's safe to say, I'm incredibly full and intend to spend the next few hours lounging on the sofa!


Do share with me how you guys spent Easter Sunday!


SHARE:

25/03/2016

Good Friday Sunshine Lovin'



Good morning my lovelies; how gorgeous is the weather today?! Seriously this is what spring is supposed to be like, am I right?! 

I thought I'd just share a few pics with you all today as to how I'm spending my Good Friday. To be honest my family isn't very religious (okay, not at all religious) so we won't be going to church or anything like that over the Easter period. But nonetheless, the long weekend is a fabulous time to be spent with family, enjoying some much needed downtime. 

Do let me know in the comments what you guys are getting up to, and don't forget to leave me links to your blogs because I'm always up for checking out new material!



Top: Free People, Jeans: Hollister, Shoes: ASOS



Sunglasses: Polaroid, Bracelet: Kate Spade, Rings: Pandora. 


Happy Easter! X


SHARE:

24/03/2016

Book Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.


Good morning lovely people! Today I'm back with another book review, once again for a contemporary novel. I seem to be on a bit of a romance kick recently as you've probably gathered from my last couple of reviews and this book was no different. 

I'll leave the blurb below in case you haven't heard of this book and then I'll give my general thoughts and feelings before hitting up with the spoiler section!

*

The Sky Is Everywhere is about love and forgiveness. Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life – and suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two boys. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow; the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...

*

So I had mainly mixed feelings on this book. Overall I did really enjoy it however due to the very nature of the themes explored (loss, grieving etc) in times it felt quite heavy. I definitely didn't laugh or smile as much as I had expected to. With that being said, however I did like the story progression and I felt as though the characters had a nice arc. All the subplots and side characters were really unique and well done also. One thing I would say is that I didn't find our main character that relatable. In a way she was, (I get being introverted and shy and feeling like you're living in a shadow) but I haven't lost a sister, and I can't even imagine how horrific that would be. Neither have I had to deal with the absence of a mother for the most part of my life, so once again I felt it hard to relate to Lennie's family situation. 

I think if you're looking for a book that has a deeper meaning than most YA contemporaries then you'd probably enjoy this. Overall I'd give it 3.8 stars and a 70%.  

*

Now onto the spoiler section, so if you haven't read this book, go away, read it and we can discuss!

*

Right so first of all we have this love triangle going on: Lennie X Joe, or Lennie X Toby? Right from the off I could see how this was going to develop and I was definitely sitting firmly on Joe's side. However I could see why Lennie was so attracted to Toby, he represents everything about Bailey and no one seemed to understand her grief (in Lennie's opinion) like Toby. However it was not a healthy relationship, they were essentially using one another to feel closer to Bailey and in turn feeling a lot of guilt. I mean, he was her boyfriend?! Like WTF?! 

And as soon as she started messing with Toby behind Joe's back I just knew he would find out. I mean it was so stupid. Like why didn't she just tell him that you know, before they were dating she was kinda seeing Toby? And then she should have just stayed away from him?! Like it didn't make sense to me, she was playing them, and I felt bad for Joe especially who really liked her. Gahh, so many poor life decisions! 

So yeah, I was glad that her and Joe managed to work things out because I did ship them. I mean I wasn't like overly fangirling but they were a good couple. 

Okay now let's talk about her mum. I've gotta say I was expecting her to make an appearance. I mean for continuities sake, it was better that she didn't, but nonetheless I think it would have made a great plot twist. Lennie could really have done with her mum at points and it would have been interesting to hear more about why she left and why she is the way she is. But I totally get why she didn't include that storyline and I've made my peace with it.

Lastly I wanted to highlight some of my favourite side characters. Her gram to start with was just so funny and sassy and made such a fab double act with Big. Both of them made me laugh so much in that scene when they were pretending to tag along with Lennie when she went off to see Joe. I loved how obsessed she was with the flowers and her artwork and the colour green. So many unique things that we don't often get to see in YA. And of course Big was fantastic. Like, the amount of puns we got surrounding his height just made me chuckle, he was like the epitome of hippie-cool. 

*

And that's all, if you've read this book, do share your thoughts below, along with any book recommendations! I will literally read anything so hit me up with your faves!



SHARE:

21/03/2016

Facing Body Negativity.


When I was brainstorming blog post ideas earlier in the week, this one just came to me. I'd been scrolling through Eva Gutowski's Instagram and saw this particular image of her in a lacy bralette. Now like me, Eva is very slim and with that comes the inevitability of being mostly flat chested. And since this bralette was made of a very thin material it just highlighted this. Naturally I thought I'd have a little look at the comments and what I saw literally made me want to throw something. It was girls, (the same girls who preach feminism and body confidence) saying things like: "And I thought I was flat chested?!" and: "Eww she's so flat!" 

First of all this made me really angry. Because of course Eva isn't under the delusion that she's curvy. She's not stupid, of course she knows that she's small chested and definitely doesn't need a bunch of nasty, immature twelve year olds telling her so. And just because she has millions of followers doesn't mean she won't read these comments and see the rude, hurtful things people write.

It just utterly confounds me how some people think they have the right, to hate on other people's bodies. Imagine: How would you like it if someone commented on your Instagram saying things like: "OMG you're really fat!" Because at the end of the day, calling someone "skinny" or "anorexic" (and don't even get me stared on using real-life illness as an insult) is just as bad as calling someone "fat". 

*

Now personally I haven't really experienced a lot of body negativity over the internet. Unfortunately it mostly seems to be directed to "famous" Youtubers and bloggers, where the comments are likely to blur in with the masses. 

And yet whether someone has 10 followers or 10 million that is still not an excuse to body shame. As the old saying goes: If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all! 

*

Another thing I have a problem with is how young people's body issues are developing. Ever since I thirteen I've absolutely hated my nose. In my opinion it ruins my face and for many years now I've wanted to get a nose job. It's pretty much become a standing joke in my family that I've refused to get married (which wouldn't happen yet anyway, duh!) until I get my nose sorted because I don't want to spoil the photos. Because of a few comments I've received over the years I'm prepared to pay thousands for someone to alter one of my main facial features so it looks better aesthetically. I'm not really sure what I make of that. 

But at thirteen is it really necessary to have these thoughts and opinions?! I remember being in year 6 (so 10 / 11 years old) and my friend, who was of Chinese descent, saying that when she's older she's going to get stitches put in her under eyes to pull her lash line down. At 11?! 

It's absolutely insane, is it any wonder our generation is obsessed with their looks when we're constantly being told we're not perfect? Because guess what?! Newsflash: no one is. Everyone has things they want to change about themselves. I bet even Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne have things they dislike, which to us might seem totally crazy, but I bet in their heads is as rational as me wanting a nose job!

*

The last thing I wanted to talk about is the issues of men wearing makeup. I was on Twitter the other night and saw some girl had retweeted a picture of a guy wearing a full face of makeup with a caption like: "this is so gross, imagine if this was your boyfriend?!" And I'm like, "If that was my boyfriend I'd be hella jealous of that contour, because it slays." 

And correct me if I'm wrong, but nowhere on your new eyeliner does it say: "this product is exclusively for women only!" Because it's not. Yes for so many years women have been the main users of makeup, but we live in changing times. We're constantly seeing posts in which people scorn men for saying things like "I'll take her swimming on the first date, so I can see what she really looks like!" and yet the same women who are all for looking glamorous and being able to dress the way they want hate on certain men for doing the same thing?! It's so hypocritical. Gender equality works both ways ladies. 

(Plus guys in eyeliner are super hot. Just me?!) 

*

So I guess the purpose of this post was for me to put out my opinions on the way society treats beauty and aesthetic. It's so wrong that people feel they have the right to hate on people for the way they look or the choices they make. If you're not mature enough to keep your mouth shut, then you shouldn't be allowed on the internet. End of. 

*

Okay thanks for reading! I'm aware that this was slightly (okay very) ranty but I just had to get this off of my chest!


SHARE:

20/03/2016

Beauty Review: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation.



Good Morning! So it's officially spring and someone seems to have reminded the sun, as I awoke to some glorious sunshine this morning! Today I wanted to share my thoughts on one of my favourite foundations - The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse.

*

The Product: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

The Price£7.69

Quick Picks:

The packaging: 4.5 stars

The product: 4.5 stars

Value for money: 5 stars

*
For the most part of six months now I haven't really worn liquid (or mousse) foundation. Since my skin has been on it's best behaviour I haven't really needed anything other than my beloved Body Shop All-in-One Face Base. However recently I've been suffering from super oily skin (if anyone has any advice on how to combat this it would be much appreciated!) and have been finding that my makeup is beginning to slide off come lunchtime. So on a whim, the other morning, I decided to dig out one of my favourite foundations and give it a go.

And honestly I'd forgotten how fabulous it is. I like to apply this using the Real Techniques buffing brush as this helps give an even and blended texture. In terms of coverage I'd say it's medium, though it definitely has the ability to be builded on. I've found that even without powder, this really helps my face stay matte, and whilst I am still getting oily down my T-zone, it's no where near as noticeable as it was before.

Packaging wise, I love the glass container - it's very reminiscent of the Maybelline Color Tattoos, though obviously larger in size. And because it's a mousse, it feels very light and airy on your skin, which definitely is a bonus because clogged pores are a major no-no. 

I would highly recommend this as a drugstore foundation, especially for spring / summer. The price is very reasonable and the colours fit well with my skin tone. 

*

If you've ever tried this foundation, I'd love to know what you thought!





SHARE:

19/03/2016

Stepping Into Spring with Boohoo.





Whilst the sun may be firmly sitting behind a blanket of cloud and we're still occasionally awakening to frost covered cars, there is no doubt that spring is in the air. On more than one occasion I've heard people exclaiming at 6pm: "I can't believe how light it still is!" or "The weather was so lovely today!" and it really makes me excited for springtime. Because having the weather warm up opens so many new opportunities, some of which I'd like to share with you guys in today's post. Because I'm a firm advocate for adoring the warmer months, for the ample fashion opportunities and a chance to get my tan on!




1 - The Fashion.

Is anyone else incessantly bored with the jumper / skinny jeans combo? I know I am. During winter I live in knitwear, which is fine, but I'm ready for a change. In my opinion spring / summer fashion is by far the cutest - think bright bold patterns, lace, crop tops... I just love it all! So for today's look I've tried to incorporate some of my favourite trends for the warmer months whilst still retaining my faithful jeans. (It's definitely not warm enough for shorts yet!) 

Both my crop top and jeans are from Topshop and my bag is Fiorelli. But in terms of the latter, I've had it years so unfortunately it's probably not available anymore. 
When it comes to adding a pop of colour, nothing is better than a bright handbag / shoe combination. I'm totally guilty for owning about fifty pairs of black heels, so when the lovely team at Boohoo contacted me asking if I'd like to try a pair of shoes from their new collection, I decided to push the boat out and go with something bright! And I absolutely adore them! They're really comfortable (I find most cage style heels are) not too high, and the colour is gorgeous. I don't think the website does them justice to be honest and I would highly recommend. The only thing I would say is maybe go a size down, because I found them to be slightly too big on me.

*


(Similar linked)

(Again, this was from last years collection, similar linked)

*



2 - The Weather.

I mentioned above just how much I love the warmer weather. And whilst I'm not one for lying out in the sun for hours on end, burning to a crisp, something about feeling the warm sun on my skin makes me truly happy. I love how many different opportunities arise with spring / summer, like picnics and sunset walks and laying in the garden reading a good book. As much as I enjoy cosy winter, it's time for it to move over! Spring is here, and it better be staying!


3 - New Life

I know this may sound cliché and to be honest I'm not religious, but that doesn't mean I don't love seeing baby lambs and beautiful flowers and blossom covering the trees. We have one tree in particular in my garden, that come April time, fills with stunning pink petals and it's truly a sight to see! And because I live in the countryside, there are often baby lambs and calves all around! Spring also means Easter, which means chocolate. (I mean duh!) So look out for the Instagrams of Lindt Bunnies any time soon!




Okay my lovelies, thank you for reading! I'm off work this week, so look out for pretty much daily content! And be sure to follow my Instagram as well, I'm trying to post more on there!

*Some items in this post were sent to me for review.*


SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig