All you need is love...and lipstick

Christmas shopping made easy?

2011-11-23T10:26:00.001Z

If like me, you like to get a head start on your Christmas shopping...and try to stick to a budget, this may be of interest to you.

I've been waiting (well hoping and praying...) for the announcement that once again, Selfridges are offering up to 20% off instore and online for one weekend only. It has been my lifeline for the past few years, helping me to get a ton of presents sorted, and saving me a bit of money in the process. So imagine my glee when I found out it was happening again. And that weekend? The one coming right up!

So this weekend, you can get up to 20% off all fashion and accessories and 10% off all beauty. Pretty amazing no? And all you need is this voucher, right here.

Don't say I never give you anything!

This can be used in all Selfridges stores, but if you need to get your fix online these are the codes you need...

SELF20 - 20%* off fashion, accessories and homewares
SELF10 - 10%* beauty, fragrance and wines

Go forth and shop! And if some presents for you accidently drop into your shopping bags, don't worry, I won't tell :)

(T&C here)

Buy It Now - Statement Sequins

2011-11-11T13:58:00.002Z

Patterned sequin dress, £175, Topshop

Black sequin wrap dress, £90, Warehouse

Honeycomb sequin dress, £125, Miss Selfridge

Black sequin tee, £45, Oasis

Gold sequin tee, £24.99, H&M

Animal print sequin blazer, £40, River Island

Knitted sequin jacket, £55, Topshop

Erodes sequin skirt, £165, All Saints

Black and gold sequin front skirt, £14.99, H&M

Patterned sequin shorts, £60, Topshop

Gold sequin shorts, £55, Warehouse

20% off Uggs at Selfridges? Go on then....

2011-11-10T15:13:00.000Z

Now I know, I know, this may not be the most 'fashion' post but I can't help it. I bloody love UGGs.

I bought my first pair about 7 years ago and they are well and truly my winter staple. In fact as soon as the temperature dips below about 16C I am yanking on that sheepskin and keeping my feet toasty warm!

So I was rather pleased to learn that Selfridges currently have 20% off all UGG boots online - from the classics to the more 'fashion' styles, and considering the price keeps creeping up every year (what's with that eh?) it looks like the perfect time to get your new pair ready for winter.

Click here to see what's on offer...

I've got my eye on the Maylin Cuff boots (how warm!!!) but I also rather fancy a pair of slippers...

Maylin oversized cuff boots, £204

What about you? Are you an UGG fan or are they your fashion nemesis?

Let me know if you take advantage of this offer...and be quick, it ends Sunday!

Gok for Tu...collection 2.

2011-11-08T08:36:00.000Z

You may remember I posted about the original Gok for Tu collection at Sainsburys a couple of weeks ago...well now I have the date for the launch of the second collection.

The first collection brought Sainsburys its best ever clothing sales on the first day of release, and from the looks of the first photo released, this may just repeat this success.

The theme of the collection has a real 'day to night' feel with sequins and satin, and the navy and black separates are interspersed with pops of bubblegum pink. Following this theme, the wrap dress, which was the best selling product from collection one, has been reproduced in navy and pink. I love the look of the gold sequin cami and the black satin tuxedo jacket so here's hoping the rest of the collection is just as strong....

The collection is out on 17th November - will you be adding a few pieces to your Sainsburys basket?

Wish List Wednesday

2011-11-02T13:19:00.001Z

It may be the time of year (hello fireworks and early Christmas lights!) but there's a lot of sparkle on my mind right now...

'Rainbow Connection', OPI

I am a big fan of OPI polishes, particularly the duo-chromes and glitters...pretty much the best you can get. This crazy multi-coloured glitter polish is from the new Muppets collection and really really must be mine!

Black embellished shoulder dress, £55, Warehouse

Simple yet with enough sequins to make an impact - this dress is the perfect addition to a winter party wardrobe.

Lurex sweater, £44, Topshop

Perfect layer for the daytime, or ideal to dress up with some skinnies and a pair of killer heels - I love this sweater.

Glitter enamel earrings, £10, ASOS

Love these earrings - the statement shape is bold without being girly and the glitter enamel makes them the ideal partner for the LBDs I'll (hopefully) be donning around Christmas. They'd look fab with jeans and a t-shirt too, no?

Paris in the autumn...

2011-11-01T09:56:00.001Z

...fabulous place. Good friends, good food, good times.

Creme brulee...for lips?

2011-10-27T12:12:00.003+01:00

If like me you have a bit of a sweet tooth, even when it comes to your beauty products (hello Mac lipstick and your amazing vanilla scent) this may just excite you...

Selfridges have exclusively launched a special edition of the famed Vaseline Lip Therapy in none other than a creme brulee flavour...yum.

To go alongside the launch, Vaseline has set up a pop up stand in the London and Manchester stores where you can try out the new flavour balm and get snapped in a photo booth. Oh and apparently there are some male models too....not a bad deal for something almost everyone sees as an essential eh?

You can buy the new lip therapy here...just try not to lick it all off!

It's a rocky rocky road...

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000+01:00

Continuing from my last baking post....what I did with the rest (well most) of the chocolate sent to me by Sainsburys.

It's getting to the time of year when I start thinking about my Christmas baking plans - every year I make a hamper of homemade goodies for my in-laws and distribute treats amongst my friends - well, what's Christmas without a little indulgence?

Rocky roads are one of those great treats to pop into a hamper (cellophane bags are a Godsend for foodie gifts) - and are pretty much failsafe...as well as totally healthy *cough*

So here is my recipe for rocky road....take it as you will, add what you like and take out what you don't - except for the basics, of course...

Rocky Road

You will need...

350g dark chocolate (I used a mixture of dark and dark fruit & nut)
125g butter
3 tbsp golden syrup
200g rich tea biscuits
100g marshmallows
Handful sultanas
Chopped glace cherries (to your taste)

Place biscuits in a sealed food bag and smash with rolling pin

Melt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup over a gentle heat. Put aside half of the chocolate mix.

Add the biscuits, marshmallows, sultanas and cherries to the rest of the chocolate, mix well.

Spread the mix out in a deep baking dish (I used a silicone brownie tray) and even out

Pour the rest of the chocolate mix on top, transfer to the fridge and leave to cool for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) - before dusting generously with icing sugar and cutting into generous chunks.

Finally....enjoy. And try not to get chocolate everywhere :)

Wish List Wednesday

2011-10-26T12:48:00.000+01:00

This week I am very much about bold knits and velvet dresses...can you tell?

Mustard cable knit, £46, Warehouse

Star print sequin detail sweater, £46, Topshop

Slouchy spot jumper, £39, Miss Selfridge

Velvet sheer sleeve dress, £50, Oasis

Burgundy velvet halter dress, £95, Topshop

What's on your wishlist this week?

When life gives you chocolate...

2011-10-24T19:59:00.003+01:00

...you bake!

When I was sent a box of chocolate bars by Sainsburys last week, my first thoughts were -

1. Wipe the drool off my mouth
2. What can I bake?

Normally I would instantly turn to my beloved chocolate fudge cake recipe (find it here) but I decided to listen to the boyfriend and see what he wanted. The verdict? Cookies.

So here you go - my favourite chocolate chip (well chunk) cookie recipe - failsafe and delicious!

You will need:

Oh, and...

125g butter
100g golden caster sugar
75g soft brown sugar (mix this with demerara if you like a bit of crunch)
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
150g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
100g chocolate (milk, plain or white - or a mixture) - chopped into chunks

Heat your oven to 190C and get a couple of baking sheets ready - I like to make these nice and big, and the recipe produces about 12 cookies.

Melt the butter over a low heat and add to the sugar. Mix until smooth.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Sift in the flour and baking powder and mix well.

Add the chocolate, mix well and drop onto the baking sheets in large blobs (I tend to do a dessert spoon full). Make sure they are spread fairly far apart.

Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling tray and enjoy whilst warm....and try not to eat them all at once!

Next up? I'm thinking rocky road...yes yes? Let me know if you have any baking requests :)

Oh, and if you have a failsafe chocolate recipe, please share!!

Wish List Wednesday - Gay Paree

2011-10-19T12:54:00.002+01:00

Next Friday I am off to Paris for a long weekend - excited much?!

I haven't been there for absolute years and I cannot wait to stroll around the Parisian streets, gorge myself on patisserie and swoon over the designer stores. Oh and maybe fit in a sneaky trip to Disneyland too...well it would be rude not to right?

I'm on a strict budget so rather than a pre-trip shop I will be raiding the wardrobe, but this is what I would love to be wearing next weekend...

Sequin poodle sweater, £290, Marcus Lupfer at Glassworks Studios

Black pleated leather skirt, £95, Topshop

Cream jewel neckline dress, £60, Topshop

Black quilted leather jacket, £150, Warehouse

Black strap detail boots, £65, River Island

Croc embossed leather clutch, £60, ASOS

Black studded gloves, £25.99, Zara

Oh that's a lot of black! What's on your wishlist this week? Do you have any Paris tips for me? Let me know!

Buy It Now - Glitter Heels

2011-10-13T16:05:00.000+01:00

Black 'Gorgeous' court shoes, £60, Topshop

Black 'Charlotte' court, £45, Oasis

Turquoise 'Hysteric' platforms, £40, ASOS

Silver 'Amelia' courts, £120, Kurt Geiger

Silver 'Whirl' platforms, £90, Dune

Silver low heel court, £29.99, Zara

Gold 'Sassy' Court, £40, Miss Selfridge

Grey 'Printers' platforms, £65, Aldo

Black 'Astrid' ankle boots, £80, Topshop

Wish List Wednesday

2011-10-12T12:30:00.000+01:00

What's this? A wishlist? On a Wednesday? Say it isn't so!

Yes yes I know I have been more than a little slack recently, life has a funny way of getting in the way of things. But I finally have spare time and I'm getting back into the swing of blogging...hurrah!

So here is what I am lusting after this week....and by lusting, I mean not buying. I bought a car last week which means goodbye savings and hello sensible spending. The agony!

So everything on here this week is decidedly not 'sensible'. I hope you approve :)

Polka dot frill neck dress, £65, Topshop

Everything about this dress screams 'crazy lady' which makes me want it even more.

Sweater dress, £102, Wildfox Couture

How could I not want this sweater dress?! I am a huge Wildfox fan and this screams out to me for obvious reasons *peers at URL*. No wait. Not want. NEED.

Pink suede 'Heath' wedges, £80, ASOS

Ok, so who actually needs pink suede and glitter wedges? Who cares. They are bloody amazing.

Teardrop earrings, £20, River Island

And these earrings are just what I've been looking for recently. Statement drop shape in a vintage rather than girly style. Whether I could go a whole night without wanting to tear them out? Well that's another matter entirely.

What's on your wishlist this week?

How to look good, er, dressed - Gok for TU

2011-10-04T12:31:00.001+01:00

Now I don't know about you but over recent years I have started to find I no longer warm to Gok Wan the way I used to. Sure he knows his stuff, but there are only so many times I can watch him add £30 worth of haberdashery to a 20 quid top....because really, who has the time and inclination to do that?

So when I was contacted by Sainsburys with images of his new collection for Tu (launching on Thursday) I was a little apprehensive to say the least. But you know what? I'm actually rather impressed! No naff corsages or random ribbons - just well cut, simple pieces designed to flatter your figure and that give a nod to recent trends without going overboard.

Here are a few of my favourite looks from the collection, that I could see fitting in perfectly with my work wardrobe....and maybe play as well.

Stretch jodphurs, £20

Swing tux, £35
Perfect fit trousers, £25

Reversible kimono, £30
Palazzo pants, £30

What do you think? Will you be picking anything from the collection?

Gok for TU launches at Sainsburys on Thursday 6th October

Wish List Wednesday

2011-08-31T14:40:00.000+01:00

Wednesday? Already? Thank you bank holiday!

Hope you all had a lovely long weekend - I unfortunately, like many others, am now suffering with the beginnings of a cold...so warm, snuggly clothes have been catching my attention. Thick chunky knits, simple flats and patterned dresses are all I want to wear right now.

Red printed Chelsea Girl dress, £25, River Island

Navy heart print dress, £45, Miss Selfridge

Chunky tweed knit cardigan, £55, Oasis

Yellow aran knit cardigan, £48, Topshop

'Mars' pewter loafers, £30, ASOS

Ahhh...comfortable, cosy and warm. Just what I need.

What's on your wish list this week?

Buy It Now - Slippers

2011-08-26T12:08:00.000+01:00

'Mikey' leopard print slippers, £30, ASOS

'Vava' pom pom slippers, £28, Topshop

'Vectra' studded slippers, £28, Topshop

'Embrace' heart slipper, £28, Miss Selfridge

Leopard chain front slippers, £30, River Island

Buschur glitter slipper, £50, Aldo

Wish List Wednesday - Hello ASOS!

2011-08-24T13:00:00.005+01:00

In case you hadn't guessed...this week's wishlist comes courtesy of ASOS, who have been consistently impressing me over recent weeks. These are a few items that have made their way into my saved items, ready for pay-day consideration -

Geo print pussy bow dress, £55

Love the print and the cute shape of this dress - perfect for work or play. It looks super short, but the model is 5'10" and I, most certainly, am not.

Burgundy spot dress, £40

Another very sweet frock - the gathered waist and quirky button detail - along with the sleeves (who doesn't love sleeves?!) makes it a real winner.

Scallop hem blouse, £30

Scallop hem? Peter pan collar? I'm sold.

Suede lace up shoes, £35

Love these shoes. My big feet mean that traditional brogues can look a little 'manly' - the soft suede and bright colour ensures that these lace ups are nothing of the sort.

Horse detail cross body bag, £20

I am a big fan of anything horse related (as I write this I am sporting my House of Harlow horseshoe necklace) so this is a definite must have for me!

Are you loving ASOS right now? Or have you sworn allegiance to another brand?

Buy It Now - Patterned Knits

2011-08-22T13:18:00.000+01:00

Pink and black sweater, £46, Topshop

Green and black sweater, £35, River Island

Tile print sweater, £45, Warehouse

Aztec cardigan, £45, Miss Selfridge

Navajo cardigan, £65, Topshop

Navajo cardigan, £55, Warehouse

Textured cape, £55, Oasis

Wish List Wednesday

2011-08-17T13:00:00.001+01:00

Geometric print dress, £30, Topshop

So wrong it's right? I love the clashing prints on this Topshop dress - can just see it with a statement necklace and chunky ankle boots.

'Valerie' studded ankle boots, £140, Kurt Geiger

Talking of ankle boots...these are rather good, no? The perfect boots to team with skinny jeans, toughen up florals and keep your feet warm under a maxi skirt. Love.

Navajo print jumper, £38, River Island

Another 'so wrong it's right', I tried this jumper on last week but balked at the price of the maxi skirt I'd teamed it with and walked out of River Island in a huff. However I may just have to go back for it. And the skirt too, once I get paid of course :)

What's on your wish list this week?

Deja Vu

2011-08-16T14:20:00.000+01:00

Are you one of those that has fallen in love with sheer panel polka dot dresses that dominated Stella McCartney's a/w collection, and have been seen on countless celebrities?

image source - style.com

Don't have the designer budget? Never fear, once again ASOS are there to provide a 'touch' of designer inspiration at a palatable price.

Spot mesh dress, £40, ASOS

Get those fingers a'clicking....this is bound to go quickly!

Thing of Beauty

2011-08-12T20:19:00.002+01:00

Metallic leather satchel, £110, Cambridge Satchel Company at ASOS

Just a little something to set your weekend off with a bang...incredible yes?

Wish List Wednesday

2011-08-10T13:00:00.000+01:00

It feels a bit fickle to be writing about clothes and beauty when there is so much else going on right now, so my main wish this week is that you and your families are all safe and well.

But I don't know, rather than denouncing all things 'shallow', perhaps it is best to carry on as normal, as best as we can, to prove that mindless idiots can't dominate our every thought. So here we go, a few pieces from some of my top UK retailers to prove that there are some fabulous things to be proud of in even the bleakest times.

Burgundy chiffon blouse, £35, Topshop

Cream lace belted dress, £35, River Island

Floral maxi dress, £40, Miss Selfridge

Really horrible to see the Manchester store yesterday - here's hoping they get back up
soon as there are some wonderful pieces at the moment.

Mustard belt, £28, Warehouse

Leopard print boots, £60, ASOS

See - something to be proud of.

Hope you all stay safe and this all blows over soon. I feel so much for all of the people who have lost their homes, cars and livelihoods to this mindless vandalism and hope they can all receive the help they deserve.

What's on my face right now.

2011-08-08T19:35:00.004+01:00

As new products make their way into my hands, my make up/skincare routine has changed steadily over the past few months. This is what I'm loving right now...

Dermalogica Microfoliant

This was thrust into my hands by my mother last time I went to visit, as I lamented the cost of a good cleanser. Her sensitive skin doesn't need a daily exfoliator, but mine definitely is starting to show the benefits. It's a funny old product - a water activated powder that promises to even skin tone, reduce uneven pigmentation and clarify. And it seems to be working pretty well so far! Fingers crossed in a few months my spot scars will be gone and my concealer can be thrust aside.

Illamasqua Skin Base (#8)

As soon as I heard about this foundation I had to get it, but I decided to hold tight and wait until I could get into a store rather than guessing my shade online. And boy I'm glad I did, as I was matched with a shade about 4 up from what I'd imagined!

I know a lot of people have had issues with this, primarily due to flaking, but my combination/normal skin loves the stuff. This may be due in part to the fact that I use a primer first, but the finish is fantastic and lasts ALL day. One of the main selling points to me was that this doesn't contain SPF. I don't know why so many foundations do as there will be so little protection from the little blob of foundation, and there is no way it will provide the same coverage as a good sunscreen. By eliminating the spf, the dreaded 'flashback' white face is avoided...hello cameras!!

Mac Prep & Prime Skin

Whilst on the subject of foundation/primer - this is my current 'go-to' primer. It's my second tube and I am still loving it - just one pump covers my entire face and smoothes my skin perfectly before I apply foundation. And it definitely cuts down the 'mid-afternoon shine' that has blighted me many a time. Will it be another re-purchase when this one runs out? I think so!

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4D

I am a cynical mascara purchaser, to say the least. Being a natural redhead I am 'blessed' with blonde lashes and brows, so a black mascara is never far from my clutches. I'd heard a few good things about L'Oreal's latest offering and I am so glad I picked this up. This adds the perfect amount of volume, length and colour without clumps.

My mascara application method? As much as possible!

I bought this when on offer in Boots (which may be over but is still on at Superdrug) and got a free colour infallible eyeshadow to replace the Mac Brule I smashed a few months ago - thanks magnetic palettes! I am also a big fan of this shadow, which does in fact seem to last all day without a primer...pretty good for a 'drugstore' product.

Mac 'Musky Amethyst'

The only item I picked up from the Semi Precious collection that debuted a few weeks ago, this lipstick is a bit of an unseasonal purchase, but I had been after a rich plum/berry lipstick for about a year and this fitted the bill perfectly. It's a frost finish so perfect lips are a must, but the colour is exactly what I was after, and the finish means it can be worn as a sheer stain or layered up for a rich vampy pout. Perfect with soft dewy skin and I can see this sticking with me right through winter.

What are your beauty must haves right now?

Wish List Wednesday

2011-08-03T13:00:00.000+01:00

What a conundrum. I start to stock up on pieces for my autumn wardrobe and the weather finally heats up, relegating my long sleeved dresses, trousers and knitwear to the back of my wardrobe.

So this week's wishlist is all about transitional items, that can be taken from the humid 30 degree heat we're expecting today, to the cooler climes of September and October....

Sailor blouse, £39, Miss Selfridge

Perfect teamed with jeans or tucked into a skirt, this blouse is light enough for the summer months and the long sleeves and soft colour ensure it will 'work' well into the autumn.

Pink chunky knit sweater, £35.99, Zara

Ok, so this may not be suitable for the 30 degree daytime heat, but I think it would be the perfect sweater to chuck over a delicate summer dress for those evenings spent lounging in a beer garden. And as it gets cooler, how lovely would it look over a little skirt and black opaques, or teamed with jeans and pumps? Definite must buy for me.

Burgundy jersey maxi skirt, £25, River Island

The maxi skirt is one of the best transitional pieces you can get. Worn with sandals and a vest when it's scorching, or teamed with a leather jacket and ankle boots when it's cool. And I love the colour (and price) of this River Island number.

Silk printed midi dress, £80, Warehouse

This midi dress is stunning, and would look just as good teamed with sandals as with ankle boots and a leather jacket.

What's on your wishlist this week?

Thank you H&M

2011-08-02T19:15:00.004+01:00

I've mentioned a few times that my love affair with Topshop has been gradually waning. I fall in love with items on the website (note my Toppers filled wish lists!) only to see them in store and become instantly disappointed with the poor quality and awkward fit. The prices are gradually increasing, the hem lines are decreasing (there are many great work dresses I try on that barely skim my bum) and for the past few months I have been looking for somewhere else to shop.

Enter H&;M.

I have been consistently impressed by this store over recent months. A little while ago I walked the length of Oxford Street and bought something in every H&M on the way.

Last week the autumn/winter catalogue dropped through the door and I was instantly drawn in by the rich colours, flattering shapes and amazing prices. So when I managed to get to a store last week I scooped up armfuls of new season stock and came out with these two dresses.

They may not be the most original shape (remember the infamous Zara dress sported by Frankie Sandford and copied by a million others?) but there are a few things that make them special. The length is long enough for office wear, the sleeves go well past the elbow (rather than sitting at that awkward section of the upper arm) and the colours are perfect for autumn. But the best thing? It has to be the price. £14.99 each. Yep. Less than 15 quid.

I firmly recommend you get yourself down to H&M sharpish. Let me know what you get!