Back To Nude

I'm not really a nail polish connoisseur like some of you may well be and believe it or not this was the first nail polish I have ever purchased myself. Every other nail polish I own has either been given to me as a gift or I've borrowed from my mum or a friend. (Thinking about this now, should I even be a girl?) I hate putting nail polish on, I hate waiting for it to dry, I hate the fact I normally smudge it or I've painted half of my finger too... Nail polish just isn't for me really! I'd much rather pay to have acrylic nails put on and done by someone professionally then not have to worry about my nails for a few weeks until I have to pay for infills. 

When I last got my acrylics put on I found myself admiring the shade of the nail technicians own nails. After her telling me it was an 'Essie' product I thought I'd take a look to the brand's website and ended up purchasing this little number...

After a few seconds of shock at how many colours and shades Essie have to offer I went for 'Sand Tropez', which is basically one of those "greige" colours, a mix of grey and beige. Personally I think the colour leans slightly to the grey side. 

As you can see from the picture I've painted over my acrylics which made it slightly easier for me than if I was painting my own nails. At first I found the application at first a little streaky so I did have to let it dry and then add a second coat but overall I was very pleased with the coverage. 

I would most certainly choose an Essie polish again but I would go for a brighter colour as it's more my thing. Although will be revisiting this shade for those days when I don't want my nails to appear too 'loud' but still look acceptable. 

You can purchase this product from www.essie.com 

If any of you readers think there's a shade that is a must have please recommend it!

Mini Haul

Hello my little lushies,

Yes... One big fat major uh-oh.

I was doing so well trying to keep the last of my money in my bank behind to pay off some more of my girls holiday to Malia in the summer but then... I went to Topshop and Tesco's. If any of you are like me then you won't be able to walk in to either of the stores without buying at least one thing. Although it was probably a good thing I was near enough skint or A LOT more money would have been spent and this teeny tiny haul wouldn't be as teeny tiny. 

I shall post some OOTD's using these items soon and I'll be reviewing all of the products once I've had time to test them all out so I won't say too much about them now. Just give you a sneak peak, so watch this space!

Clothing

I could not believe it when I seen these 'block check' leggings for only £25, (£22.50 with my student discount). I'd seen some Cigarette style trousers very similar in Tosphop that I'd had my eye on for a while but I just couldn't justify spending approximatly £45 for them knowing I'd only have them on a few times, so these seemed like the perfect alternative. They'll be perfect for a night out on the town or dressed down with a pair of converse to wear to college.

Secondly I bought some 'Disco Treggings' , the cheaper Topshop alternative to American Apparel Disco Pants, £30. I don't think anything will match completely to the American Apparel originals but these are the closest I've seen. To look at I thought I'd need a bigger size than normal but after taking a size 12 to the changing rooms and wondering back out twice to get a 10 and then an 8 I realised they do fit the same as normal bottoms from there. They just keep you sucked in a bit more once you've got them on.

Make-up

After Topshop I then took a little wonder in to Tesco. I don't normally look at their makeup section as I tend to get my Make-up from Boots or Superdrug generally but their 2 for 1 Rimmel offer caught my eye and I ended up leaving with 2 foundations plus a lipstick. I'm a bit of a pain when it comes to foundation even  if I find an amazing one that I love after a few months I like to try something else to see what other products are on the market that I like. I'm yet to try any of the products but I'm eager to try them and post some reviews for you all.

Any-one got any recommendations on which one I should try first?

Weekend Post

Before I start I'd just like to say I'm ashamed of the horrible photos I've rushed to show my weekend outfits. I was having so much fun I completely forgot to take photos of the outfits I was wearing, sorry!

Friday: 

This year is the year that most of my friends will be turning 18 so from now until September staying in and saving money is going to be rather difficult because of the amount of partying and celebrating that just NEEDS to be done. 

My Friday night began with a nice meal to Aqua for a late Valentines meal. If any of you readers are from the Bristol or Bath area you MUST go if you haven't already, the food they offer is simply just amazing. They also currently have a 2 for 1 voucher on voucher cloud at the moment (even more reason to go) but sadly I was unable to use this due to the time I went.

Outfit choice

I'm sure you've seen the monochrome trend popping up everywhere recently but hopefully like me you're not fed up of it just yet. I seen this Polka dot crop top in Topshop and just had to buy it. As a big lover of black and white anyway this trend is right up my street. I paired the crop top with a black skater skirt (as pictured), tights, a red belt, red Tiffany necklace, bowler hat, my leather jacket and Chealsea boots. 

Topshop crop top, £10 
Topshop bowler hat £25

Eee, Sorry about the classy changing room pic!

After the meal it was time to hit a local bar for my friends 18th birthday. I whipped off the tights and Chelsea boots and whacked on a pair of wedges to get me in the party mood. 

Saturday night

Saturday night called for a few too many drinks with my friends to carry on the birthday celebrations. The dress I wore caught my eye as soon as I seen it in the store and without even trying it on I had to buy it. It wasn't something I normally go for to be honest as I'm more of a plain jane when it comes to going out; a simple black outfit jazzed up with some accessories and a bright clutch but I loved it and it was nice to have a change.

Long-sleeved floral dress - £29 Topshop
Black open toe heels - £25, Chockersshoes
Red oversized clutch bag - £8, Primark

Such a cute flowery print don't you think?

I'd love to know what you got up to on the weekend and what your favourite trends are right now! 

In Depth

On Friday for my last day at college before half term I decided to experiment with my new Topshop lipstick, ‘In Depth’, that I bought the previous weekend. My previous experience of high street stores makeup offerings has generally been negative but I can confidently say Topshop lips are one of my favourite ranges available on the high street. Although not all of the shades I have bought have been complimentary to my skin tone I can't fault the products full coverage.

This isn't a colour I would normally choose to wear on my lips but with burgundy being part of two trends in Topshop’s clothing range this season, I thought I would experiment with this dark plum shade. My first thought was that it was a bit of a bold statement, however, I teamed it with my black leather flying jacket with fur inside, disco pants and Dr. Martens. Personally I felt the contrast in dark colours created a winter theme perfect for the morning setting when I woke up.

The incredible satin-velvety finish lasted for about 5 hours meaning I only had to re-apply it once near the end of my college day, after applying it at 8am. Re-applying wasn't necessarily essential as the lipstick had faded evenly still looking lovely just at a lighter shade. With a retail price of only £8 it was a great cheaper alternative to Mac's "Diva". In the run up to Christmas and being a big fan of bargain shopping I felt it was perfect for me and my bank account.

Liebster Award

So I woke up this morning to a blog comment from Beckie from 'Belle et Beaut' saying she'd nominated me for a Liebster award. I'd seen this term flying around the blogging community quite a lot recently but since I'm rather new to this I didn't know much about it. 

A Liebster award is an award given from one blogger to 11 other bloggers who have under 200 followers. I think this is a perfect idea to raise awareness about blogs which nobody may have really noticed before. 

The rules:
Firstly you must give 11 facts about yourself.
You must then answer 11 questions given by the person who's nominated you.
Lastly you must create your own 11 questions for the 11 people who you nominate to answer, (these 11 bloggers you nominate must have under 200 followers of course)

1. As much as I love my friends I really enjoy nothing more than being by myself every once in a while. Once I've been around people for long periods of time I begin to get slightly aggravated and need some escape time. 

2. I LOVE a bargain. Whether this is something in the sale in my favourite stores, something I've won in a bidding war on Ebay or an item I've laid my eyes on in a charity shop. 

3. As long as I've had to learn my left and rights, I've always got to make the 'L' shape with my hands to tell which one is which, (super embarrassing when I started my driving lessons).

4. Most people believe in Karma, the idea that those who do bad will have bad in return. I choose to look at it in a slightly more positive angle with the believe and life motto of 'Serendipity' - 'The act of something good happening without you realising' 

5. I hum way too much. Even when there is no music playing and most of the time I don't really realise I'm doing it.

6. When I tell my mum things I'm going to do in the future she tells me it's good that I have an amazing imagination but I like the whole idea that if your dreams don't scare you then your not dreaming big enough.

7. I realise most peoples facts have taken a line at a time. I'm not one for being short and simple.

8. From May I'll be on a "Gap Year" before starting University. One of the main reasons for this was that I didn't feel big enough to be leaving home and fending for myself.

9. In relation to number 8, my parents are amazing and literally help me with everything I do. Hopefully travelling in 2014 before going to University will help me with being more individual.

10. I always wish I didn't live in Bristol. If I didn't live here I would want to live here but because I do I can't help wanting more from life. It's such a beautiful place and I think I take that fore granted.

11. As much of a chatterbox that I am, I struggled to think of 11 facts to write about myself, it felt like I was being asked to write about 1000 facts. 

Now for answering Beckie's questions.
1. What made you start writing a blog?
Anyone who knows me knows I take photographs of literally everything and love telling stories about day to day life and purchases. Starting my blog felt like a perfect way to combine the two. 

2. Do you prefer online shopping or going to the shop?
Tricky one. I always manage to find more when I shop online. I come across so many amazing items that I never would have been able to find in store no matter how hard I tried but then on the other hand I like shopping in store so I can try on the item before I buy it. As much as your told online the models statistics and what size they're wearing, it never looks the same on you as it does on them.

3. What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure as stupid as it sounds it probably the Gangnam Style. Most people I know find this song incredibly annoying but me on the other hand, I have built up a nice little collection of me videoing myself every time the song comes on doing the dance. Although doing one in the college library with my headphones in probably made me look like a nutter and isn't something I'd recommend if you want to make new friends.

4. What beauty product could you not live without?
I couldn't live without my red lipstick! Most people wear the colour red when making a statement or on the odd occasion but I can't get enough of mine and rarely ever leave the house without it on (especially on those Sunday mornings when I'm hungover it's so good to have a bright lippy on to take attention away from your tired looking eyes).


5. How did you come up with your blog name?
A very close friend of mine was once complaining how they would love to be known as a hero when they're no longer alive. I told them that they'll be a hero through someones eyes. At the time I didn't realise how powerful what I said was but now I think you can apply it to anything. Since this was a fashion/beauty blog and I know I stalk so many people (mainly celebrities) to see what products they've recently bought or what they've been wearing I realised that there's probably someone in this world that admires what make up your wearing or what clothes you've put together as an outfit.

6. High end or High street?
Oh I wish my bank balance would allow high end to be the answer to this question so it looks like high street is the only answer I can give. High street stores are now able to produce goods seen on the cat walk which look near enough identical and at a fast pace but with a much smaller price tag. I'm a big fan of 'It's not what you wear but how you wear it' although I would say there is nothing better than setting your outfit off with a high end hand bag. 

7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I could answer this question with so many answers of places I dream of going but I've never actually been. I love London but I'd also like to live somewhere slightly warmer. Maybe I'll be able to get back to you on this one after I've travelled a few places next year. 

8. What is your favourite make up brand?
I've found that most people seem to stick to one brand religiously, I'm a little more flexible. I try different products and use whatever works for me and for my skin. If I was asked what my favourite lipstick brand was it would have to be MAC handsdown. Whereas if I was asked my favourite brand for foundation I wouldn't be able to answer the same. As good as MAC foundation is to most peoples skin, sadly it does no favours to mine and always brings me out in yucky spots. 

9. What is your top skincare product?
There is only one product that comes to mind when I think of skincare. Normally I wouldn't just go for the cheapest product on the market as it normally ends up being no good for your skin but I just love the Simple range, especially their 'kind to skin hydrating light moisturiser" which I apply first thing in the morning and last thing at night. 

10. What is your favourite eyeshadow?
"Naked - Urban Decay". I got the pallet for a New year's present and I love it. Although I only ever wear eyeshadows when on a night out. (I would really recommend this product with my favourite shade being 'half baked')

11. Who is your favourite blogger?
Lydia from 'fashioninflux' has to be my favourite blogger. If you haven't already I would really reccomend checking her out at http://fashioninflux.blogspot.co.uk

My nominations
The lipstick, The girl and her wardrobe
My name is erin
Belle et Beaut
Park Bench Poet
A Dot of Daisy
Blonde But Not Least
Viva La Shoes
Duster Knuckles
Fatty Withers
The Style Duckling
Daisy Olivia

My questions
1. If you could grab an interview with ANYONE to feature on your blog, who would it be and why?
2. What is the reason behind your blog name? 
3. What is your most recent beauty product you have purchased?
4. Would you recommend this product and why?
5. What is your favourite store? (High end or high street)
6. Where is your favourite destination you've travelled?
7. Why did you start blogging?
8. Who is your favourite blogger?
9. Which celebrity style do you admire most?
10. What is your favourite foundation?
11. I've cut this short by one question seeing as it's pancake day. Go and make yourself some pancakes!

The Macbook that makes me purchase.

After finally receiving my new Apple Macbook Air 11" I've got a little laptop happy... Which has also made me a little shopping happy too, whoops! 

My Macbook Air is a lot smaller than my other Macbook which I think is a good thing, it means I'm able to put it into nearly every bag I use on a daily basis so I can take it and use it anywhere I go.

While watching the money disappear out of my bank account for this pricey little item I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything else this month BUT I stupidly watched Zoella's Topshop Haul video and fell in love with this little number.

Black And White Boyfriend Coat, £75

I just can't wait for it to arrive. I'm sure it will be part of many of my outfit choices this season.

January Inspiration

January to me is a month of cold weather, exams and a having a lack of money. As you can tell I don't feel very highly about January, infact, I wish I could sleep all the way through it.

I know I've flicked forward a few days but I felt this quote from my "Start Your Day With Katie" book by Katie Piper applied most to my life at the moment. I'm sure the rest of you students will agree with this because of all the work required for January exams and dreaded coursework deadlines. This provided me with motivation to keep going.

My Christmas Break

Being a student I'm still lucky enough to get half terms so thought I'd post about my favourite parts of my few weeks off over Christmas and the New Year.

Your probably thinking that the photos in the collage I have posted look a lot like Instagram pictures, you couldn't be more right. Seeing as my brother stupidly dropped my Apple mac off the side of his bunk bed I have to cope with blogging from my phone for the time being.

Top left:
A photo from one of my many recent trips to London. This one being a snap of the international food stalls in Camden Market. For those of you who haven't been to Camden I would thoroughly recommend paying it a visit as there is something for everyone. "Camden Market" actually refers to the several markets that cover the Northern end of Camden Town with each market having its own character. As well as the market you will also find quirky vintage shops such as 'Lost and Found' where I managed to pick up a new Levi's denim jacket at a perfect price.

Bottom left:
This photo was an OOTD or should I say of the night. I wore this outfit to a club in Bristol town on the Saturday before Christmas (hence the Santa hat to get me in the spirit). This was the first time I had worn my backless leotard from American Apparel and I loved the fit, although I wasn't brave enough to go out braless I managed to find a cheap 'stick on' bra from Primark for £5. The instructions stated it would stay on for 8 hours which it did but at times it didn't feel very secure. I expected this due to the small price tag. I teamed the leotard with my black disco pants which were from EBay as my bank balance wouldn't allow me to have the real thing. To complete the outfit I added a small red belt and an oversized red clutch bag from Primark. This clutch bag is perfect for those who'd like eyes kept off of the extra weight put on over the Christmas break from over indulging. (We all do it).

Two photos on the right:
These were both taken during my 4 day, 3 night break at Longleat Forest, Center Parcs over the new year. The top photo is of me and my boyfriend at 12o'clock as we welcomed in 2013 with an amazing firework display by the lake in the complex.

If you've been to Center Parcs you will be familiar with the photo in the bottom right, the famous water rapids where I spent many hours over the days and nights jetting up and down.

Happy 2013 x