Mani Monday!

Hi hi hi (: 

Manicure Monday comes in the form of these little bargain buys from Primark Beauty. I actually got them quite a while back so these one's aren't readily available in stores right now, although if you search around on Ebay and Amazon you might find them. However, they are currently selling a pastel set and a lovely collection of blues so for £2, I think you should go and see for yourself. 

The set doesn't have a name, I'd say they were all jewelled colours. It includes a purpley blue, a blue/ pink/ purple glitter, a silver glitter which has various sequins in, and a glittered bronze. My favourite would be the silver polish, as it's really thick (gives the illusion of a gel nail) and it only requires 2 coats to get an even finish. 

They're all pretty different polishes in regards to consistency, texture and pigments which is quite odd but it is Primark and you get what you pay for. 

• Purpley Blue Polish- This is probably the one I wouldn't buy if it was sold seperately. It looks really rich in colour in the bottle but once it's on the nail it's almost invisible. It required 4 coats to get the colour in the photo, therefore took quite a while to dry. In fact, it took the best part of an hour to completely dry, this is no good if you're looking for a quick fix. 
• Blue/ Pink/ Purple Polish- I really like this varnish as it only took 2 coats to get an even finish and dried really quickly. It's a pretty standard glitter nail polish at the end of the day.
• Silver Glitter Polish- Not only is this my favourite of the set, but one of my favourite glitter varnishes in my collection. Like I said, it applies thickly so it looks like I've had it done professionally, but it also dried pretty quick. Bonus! 
• Bronze Glitter- I use this quite regularly because it's such an versatile shade to wear. It's easy to wear this from day to night and it doesn't chip that easily either. I wish they sold this individually!  

I'd definitely recommend getting yourself a set of these. Yeah okay, they're not the best quality but you get 4 pretty decent nail varnishes for a measly £2. 

£2!

XXX

MAY. Little Haul & Mini Reviews.

Hello little darlings, how are you all doing??

Is it just me that is slightly alarmed by how quick this year is going so far? Come on, it's May already! 5 months in and the sun has finally come out and you're all embracing it I'm sure. I spent the warmest bank holiday weekend of the year at work, boo ): 

I've spent a little bit (only a little bit!) recently so I thought I'd give you a peek of it today. It's a mix of beauty buys and clothing so here we go. 

Cíate Nail Polish in Pocket Money

So I cheated a bit here because I didn't actually buy the nail varnish, it just came as a freebie with last months Marie Claire (£3.50) and this was just a bonus. 

I've never tried any Cíate products before so I was excited to get this in my magazine. I've heard really good things about them, they're a high-end brand, and the bottle is adorable. Not only this, but Pocket Money is the PERFECT shade. I'll go as far as to say this is my all-round favourite colour in my collection, just because the caramel shade goes with anything. Anything. 

Pro's 

• The colour. 
• The brush is amazing, it leaves no track lines and application was so easy. I hardly had to concentrate.
• Highly pigmented, only needed 1 coat. 
• Hasn't chipped at all so far, woop! 
• Dried within 2 minutes, max.  
• It comes in the best bottle and I am a strong believer in making your product look as classy as possible. 
• Well, it was free but Cíate polishes are usually around the £9 price range. Normally I would say this is too much for a nail varnish but I'd pay it. 

No Con's!

Avon Perfect Kiss Lipstick in Smitten Red

Again, this is a Marie Claire purchase (£2.50 for this the June issue!) This time I got this Avon Perfect Kiss lipstick in Smitten Red, which is actually more pinkish than red. I've never purchased anything from Avon before but I've heard very good things about their make up range so I rushed to try this out. 

The results? I love it. 

Pro's

• Really nice, appealing packaging. It has a 'clicky' lid which I always look for because I've had many mishaps with the lid coming off in my bag and all of my belongings have been smeared with lippy. 
• Long lasting. I applied it this morning and since then I have eaten and it's all still on. 
• It's super moisturising, my lips feel really smooth and nourished instead of dry and chapped, which many lipsticks seem to make them. 
• Easy application, it glides on.

Con's

• Requires a couple of applications to get a block, all over colour.
• Maybe a bit pricey for £8.50. That's just my personal opinion though. 

Next Petite Vest- Charity Shop

I love charity shops as much as the next person, but I've got to be in the right mood to go through all the other rubbish that they sell in them. I was in the best of moods this day though as I got this little spotty vest and the jeggings below all for £3.50. This top was only £1.50, but can you imagine how much this was originally?! Primark do similar ones and they're not even this cheap. I like the fact it's light weight and floaty because it makes it perfect for the summer sun. 

Primark Jeggings- Charity Shop

I like Primark denim and I'll forever sing it's praises no matter what people say. Yeah, a couple of months down the line they kind of lose their shape but come on, the most I've ever paid for some jeans are £11 so you can easily invest in another pair. These were £2 from my local charity shop and they fit so well and they're comfortable. I couldn't ask for much else.

Grey Cardigan- Primark

Speaking of Primark, I spotted this grey and white, oversized cardigan on sale for £3 and snapped it up. I love it and I've found it goes with pretty much everything and it's a perfect cover up in the spring sun. 

Black Heels- Primark

My taste in shoes is going through a massive change. I used to love big platforms and sky scraper heels, and I still do for a big night out. However, they just aren't appropriate for a quiet night down the pub or having a relaxing meal with my friends. Here come these beauties, which are a really soft, mid heel, pointed toe shoe which I find I'm wearing everywhere. I can hardly take them off and they're only £10!

Oversized Grey Split T Shirt- New Look

I'm so glad I spotted this in amongst all the mess of the New Look Sale. I've been wanting a top like this for absolutely ages, but as I am skint most of the time I don't want to pay big prices for one. This one is super soft, has two splits down the sides so I can show off a nice bralet or top underneath, and only cost me £5. Yes, £5. 

Internacionale Oriental Shrug- Charity Shop

Another quality charity shop buy here for £2.50. I love the summery colours, how it hangs, and how it can completely jazz up a simple vest and jeans combination.

I'm so impressed with my bargain buys! 

Do you love charity shops too? Drop us a comment and tell us about your favourite second hand purchases (: 

XXX

OOTD: spot of leopard

 It isn't very often that I truly want to write an outfit post. Why? Well, I don't think any blogger will be ashamed to say how much bloody effort goes into one. Firstly, you have to reaaalllllyyy plan what you're going to wear because, I don't know about you, but I love nothing better than to just shove on my comfies and be done with it.

Secondly, once you've selected your outfit you then have to find a place to shoot it. There is literally no blank walls in my house to photograph against so I have to improvise by taking off all of my coats and scarfs off the back of my door (I have tons, it takes forever) and then balance my camera on makeshift podiums to get the right height. There is also no good source of natural light, it's like living in a cave.

Thirdly, my face always looks a mess, which is why I'm always cutting it out. It is the outfit that counts though, right? 

However, it's sunny and quite warm out and i'm in a good mood so I don't mind going through all of the above to show off my outfit for today/ this evening where i'll be going out for a bite to eat with my parents. 

(But, i'm not taking the rubbish off my door. Sorry!)

What I love most about this outfit is that it all cost under £30, yay!

Cream collar blouse- Primark 

Black peplum sweater- Primark 

Light wash skinny jeggings- Urban Outfitters

Leopard print shoes- Primark 

Leather bag- Charity 

Green leopard earrings & ring- Unknown, gift

I love my knitted peplum so much because it's so easy and versatile to wear and I really think it's an item of clothing that everyone should have in their wardrobe as it gives curves whilst at the same time hiding anything you don't want the world to see. It's also a bonus that I only paid £3 for it in the Primark sale but I know that they also do cotton/ t shirt versions and also a more fancy formal version in lace cream and black. 

So, I am hoping you all have a lovely day and rest of the week :) 

Enjoy the sun whilst it lasts!

XXX

Little Primark Haul

Hello lovelies. I'm really sorry for the lack of posts at the moment but I think Soph and I have been super busy recently. I'm back now though! I treated myself a little bit the other day, without spending big money so I thought i'd give you a little peak (: Where better to buy lots and not pay bucket loads? Yup, Primark. 

Cream Lace Blouse- £10

 

 I've had my eye on this every time I went into work so I thought it was about time to finally buy it. I must admit, it looked a lot better on the hanger (most things do) but I still really like it for £10. The detail is lovely, with the pleated bottom, lace panels, dimpled shoulders and cuffed wrists and think that it's a nice play on the simple white blouse. 

Grey Boyfriend Tee- £3.50

 I have so many plain t shirts but this is by far my favourite. I love anything that's boyfriend cut, as it's generally meant to look a couple of sizes bigger and more casual and those who know me know that I am fond of oversized clothes. This is such a bargain for £3.50, and I'll definitely be purchasing every other colour that they release!

Bow Tie Skirt- £6

 I was never a fan of skirts until recently, and now I have tons of maxi and midi's. However, I don't have many skater skirts so I thought it was time to add to my collection after spotting this at work. It also comes in blue with mini hearts and also a very vibrant flower pattern but I was drawn to this more than the others. 

Vine Backed Tights- £1

I actually can't believe these were only £1 (reduced from £3?) and they are my new favourite tights. The flower detail goes down the back of the leg and they loops around the ankles so they're not too in your face but still fun. I love the detail around the ankle so much that I'm tempted to get this tattooed there now!

Micket Mouse Tights- £3

 

 I've been wanting these for so long! I'm a big Disney fan and they've been in the shop for a couple of months but I eventually gave in and bought them. It's a good job too because they were the last pair! I know I won't be wearing them out very often but they'll be good for fancy dress and halloween time (: 

Tan Croc Bag- £3*

 *Bit of a cheat, but I actually got this from a charity shop which is why it was only £3! I think in the shop this would probably be around £12 considering the size. The detail is really nice on it and it also comes with a handy, long shoulder strap which is a must for me. It's massive inside too. 

So, there you go (: just a super quick post about my buys this week. Again, sorry about the lack of posts but I'll be keeping on top of them again now so don't worry, we haven't gone anywhere!

XXX

 

HUGE haul - Spring wardrobe!

Hello friends!

Today is the first day of spring, so first of all, happy spring! 

I can barely refrain myself from having a cheeky peak into people’s shopping baskets when I’m in the queue at Tesco, so you can imagine my excitement when someone posts a good haul for me to nose through. Lately I’ve been feeling so bored with all my clothes, and like I have nothing to wear and no particular style which always makes me feel a bit run down. I haven’t really made many new additions to my wardrobe recently, and as spring is on its merry way I thought it was about time to freshen it up a little. I don’t want you to think I’ve gone insane by buying this many things in one go, with clothes I tend to save up for a while and keep my eye out for the type of things I want then do a one off military-style sweep of every shop within a ten mile radius until I locate exactly what I want for the cheapest price possible. The things I’ve gone for should see me through spring and into summer and, inspired by Gok, I’ve tried to go for items that I can mix and match so it’s all nice and easy for me to throw something on for a 9am lecture and still feel stylish. Some of them are just basics that I needed for one reason or another, but I hope you enjoy reading.

New Look                                                                                                                                               

I’m absolutely loving all the ‘spiritual’ style things that are popping up in shops recently, and when I saw these t-shirts in New Look it was love at first sight. I really do appreciate that some of these symbols and things are not just passing fashions but representations of people’s values and beliefs, so I always make sure that I understand exactly what they mean and where they come from and do a little reading before hand. I don’t really subscribe to any religions but I find things like this so interesting.  

Hand of Fatima top: £12.99, New Look

Absolutely love the colour of this top, makes me feel summery already. The Hand of Fatima (or Hamsa) is said to predate Christianity and Islam, and goes by a few different names although Fatima was the name of Muhammad’s daughter. They are said to provide protection from the evil eye if facing upwards, and represent good luck and God’s blessings if downward.

Yin and yang top: £9.99, New Look

As soon as I saw this boyfriend style Yin and Yang top, I knew we just had to be together. It was definitely meant to be because it was the last one left in the shop! Yin and Yang are Chinese symbols of opposite, but complementary forces found in everything from femininity and masculinity to darkness and light.

Zodiac T shirt: £6.99, New Look

And finally I got this astrological chart top, showing the 12 signs of the zodiac. I thought this was really cool and unusual.

ASOS                                                                                                                                                          

Leather skinnies: £15, ASOS

I’ve been after the perfect pair of leather skinnies for longer than I care to think about, and I came across these bad boys from ASOS in the sale! They were exactly how they looked on the website and I’m so so so pleased with them, they’re trouser style so fine to wear with short tops, skinny fit, and the detailing and matte-effect makes them look like real leather even though they’re not. They’ll go with everything and not bad at all for £15!

Primark                                                                                                                                                  

Skull jumper: £10, Primark

I thought this skull jumper was really unusual and looks like something you might find in Topshop for about 5 times the price! It’s quite thin so it’ll be good for Spring and the 90s-esque almost-crop style is going to look amazing with high waist jeans or shorts. 

Black jumper: £5, Primark (reduced)

                                                       Essential black jumper!

Knitted vest: £6, Primark

I love this for Spring because of the contrast between the knit and the vest style top. I have a sneaking suspicion that this might go fantastically well with my leather ASOS skinnies. 

Midi dress: £7, Primark

I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to style this midi dress (falls just below the knee) or how flattering it will be, but I'm going to give it a go!

Maxi skirt: £8, Primark

Maxi skirt: £8, Primark

These skirts are so perfect for throwing on in spring or summer with a t-shirt for day or even a little vest or bralet for the evening. They’re so easy yet so stylish, I have a similar black one that I pretty much lived in last summer.

Closed toe sandals: £12, Primark

Half way between shoes and sandals. So perfect for those inbetweeny days that don’t call for shoes but aren’t quite warm enough to get your toes out! 

Bracelets: £1.50, Primark

And I adore these bracelets for £1.50, they’re so unique and will match my tops and earrings perfectly to jazz up my basics.

H&M                                                                                                                                                         

T shirt: £3.99, H&M

T shirt: £3.99, H&M

Boyfriend T shirt: £7.99, H&M

T shirt: £3.99, H&M

 Basic t-shirts in pretty simple colours that I can throw on with my skirts or jeans.

T shirt dress: £7.99, H&M

And finally I picked up this simple grey T shirt dress. I have the black version of this and they’re so easy to wear with bare legs and sandals or tights if it’s cooler. 

So I’m all set for Spring, now I’m just hoping the weather will keep up with me! Hope you enjoyed reading, let me know if you’ve picked up any spring things recently or any good bargains, and if you’ve just done a haul of your own then please link me below so I can read yours too!

Loves loves

Sophie xxx