Dani Johanna - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle UK Blog

I hate these blurred lines | Outfit

2013-05-19T20:43:00.002+01:00

Dress: Primark | Shoes: Vans from Zalando*
Primark is really impressing me with its collection of dresses lately. I picked this one up a few weeks ago and it's so useful to have. A simple monochrome flower pattern with sleeves. Perfect for daytime and I can get away with wearing it for work meetings too. I had to add a bit of colour though, so my new Vans came out to play again!

After an incredibly busy week, I was really looking forward to this weekend, and it hasn't disappointed me in the slightest. I acted like a big kid at Go Kids Go, which is like a huge wacky warehouse. So much fun, but I was absolutely exhausted after an hour of running around and throwing balls at people in the ball pit. Today, I had a day out in Stourport with Alex, where we had a picnic in the park, played crazy golf and spent money in the arcades! Again, big kids but so much fun.

The only thing I will say is that I missed the Eurovision final and I'm genuinely gutted about that. It was the first year in my entire life that I've missed Eurovision (it's like a tradition of mine)! But it's safe to say that I'm currently catching up on it right now! I'm such a geek...

Photoblog: May 2013 (Part 1)

2013-05-17T12:30:00.000+01:00

MAC Please Me Lipstick | Review

2013-05-13T10:00:00.000+01:00

MAC Please Me Lipstick - £14
Another favourite in my MAC collection, Please Me is a rosy pink shade that's actually matte. I didn't quite realise this when I bought it but it's still flattering and is very pigmented. It's fab for everyday wear, but it does dry my lips out. I have to make sure my lips are really moisturised before applying, but I could also apply clear lipgloss if I wanted a glossy finish.

Even though it does dry your lips, the colour lasts a good few hours (around 4-5 hours) before reapplication (although occasionally it makes my lips look chapped as it settles on the lines, so I do reapply it), and is smooth to apply.

I don't use this lipstick as much as I would like to, as it depends on how dry my lips are that day. Saying that, I hope this lipstick lasts a long time, as I don't plan to repurchase it (unless my lips become constantly hydrated, which is doubtful)! I do love the matte shade though, so I do recommend if you don't suffer from dry lips like me.

If you let me, I won't let go | Outfit

2013-05-10T14:35:00.000+01:00

Shirt: Primark | Skirt: Topshop | Chelsea Boots: eBay
I really love how this outfit goes together. The skirt brings a much needed pop of colour, contrasted with a black polkadot long sleeve shirt. The main part of this outfit is my new Chelsea platform boots from eBay. I'm totally late joining the bandwagon for these (as I always am for trends!) but I've fallen head over heels (hopefully not literally) for them. They fit like a dream and are very comfortable to wear if you're on your feet all day. They do make me look like a giant though...

I'm trying to settle down into a routine again, and actually plan out my evenings. Time just flies by lately! I still need to catch up on sleep from my London weekend... I had such an amazing time there and I can't wait to go back next month! If you haven't seen what I got up to, you can check out my little photoblog here :)

London and Beyonce | Photoblog

2013-05-08T14:09:00.000+01:00

I'm still into you | Outfit

2013-05-04T09:30:00.000+01:00

All: Primark This is possibly one of my favourite new outfits at the moment. I think it cost £16 all together (give or take a few £££) but I just love each item! I seem to be buying more crop tops than ever but this triangle pattern top (is there a name for such a pattern?! I don't know!) with different texture patterns and colours within it is so different to what you usually find. It's a loose fit, not too short, and the colours mean you're not restricted to wear this just during the summer. The skirt is a surprising buy for me, as Primark do tend to be way too short for me (especially with dresses)! This skater skirt is just right for me though, and I love the shade of blue. Just a quick post today as I'm off to LONDON! Can you tell I'm excited?! I've been counting down for this weekend for ages now. My best friend Jess and I will be there from Saturday (today, obvs) to Monday, and we plan to see as much as possible. Covent Garden and Camden Market are definitely on the list! As is going to see a certain artist perform at the o2 on Sunday night... YAY BEYONCE. If you're around in London or know of any great places we should go (to eat, see, dance, drink), let me know! (: Hope you all have a fabulous Bank Holiday!

what's going on with your fringe, love?

Photoblog: April 2013 (Part 2)

2013-05-02T14:44:00.002+01:00

Up all night to get lucky | Outfit

2013-04-28T14:23:00.003+01:00

Shirt: Glamorous | Shorts: Motel Rocks
I don't know what attracted me to this shirt... It's got a very retro, vintage feel to it. I love the patchwork and the variety of floral patterns and colours in it. The main pattern is quite sheer, which I like, but you don't need to worry too much about flashing your bra around (so it's great for smart/work wear). I love the way it fits too, and the sleeves are just the right length. I definitely need to get a few more wears out of this before summer, but it'll be a sure hit for autumn too. I also love these pleather shorts from Motel - such a great fit, not too short and high waisted.

Well I've had a very busy few days, so I've promised myself to do a couple of blog posts and relax for the rest of the day. I need it. I went to see Rudimental last night with my best friend, which was surprisingly good! Not a gig I would usually go to, but I'm glad I went as it was a lot of fun and it was actually a brilliant gig!

I'm off to London next weekend to see an even better act though... Beyonce! So excited, even though our seats are a million miles away from the stage. If anyone is in London Saturday-Monday, give me a shout (:

MUA Pro Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit | Review

2013-04-25T13:55:00.001+01:00

MUA Pro Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit - £3.50 (Superdrug)
I'm an avid user of the HD Brows palette, that I received in my first Glossybox (which feels like yonks ago) and I can't really leave the house without my eyebrows shaded in anymore. However, I needed to find a cheaper alternative as I can't afford the HD Brow palette.

The MUA Pro Brow Kit was something I was recommended, but I was apprehensive as it's incredibly cheap compared the HD Brow palette, but I needn't have worried. Yes, it's not as amazing, but it's definitely a good alternative that will do if you're on a budget.

You've got two shades to use (although I tend to mix the shades together) to fill your eyebrows, along with a clear gel to help set your eyebrows perfectly and a matte highlighter for your brow bone. It also comes with a mini set of tweezers, which is pretty cute! The mirror inside is a pretty decent size too, so you don't need to struggle to see into it to get the desired look. The pigmentation is okay... My eyebrows look darker, it lasts most of the day but the colour doesn't sit very well on my brows. I feel like they're not filled out as much as I'd like.

Overall, I'll happily buy this palette again when I need to. It's cheap and it does the trick. I'll definitely be keeping my HD Brows palette for special occasions though!

I've been waiting all night | Outfit

2013-04-22T09:30:00.000+01:00

All Primark
I'm not usually one for printed skirts, but this one really caught my attention. It's not too print heavy - it's just really cute, using nautical colour and featuring what can only be described as a selection of trees (random, but I like it). It fits well around the waist, but it does come with a belt (more as an added accessory than actual use though). The length is great, so I can't wait for summer when I can wear this with bare legs!

This weekend has been one of the best weekends I've had in a while. Stupidly busy, too much money spent but good fun all round. After having breakfast at Frankie & Bennys (I seem to be getting addicted to the bacon and syrup pancakes there!) with my boyfriend and my best friend, I ended up going to Dudley Zoo for the day with the boy. It was a really nice day weather-wise, so we had to make the most of it, so what better way to do that than to go see some animals?! I felt like a little kid. I was tempted to get my face painted by the end of the day. Jokes. The really steep chair lift was pretty terrifying though... Photos will be up on the next photoblog, or there's some on Instagram if you follow me :)

Tell me do you feel the same | Outfit

2013-04-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

oh hi chin and bra strap. deary me.
Top: Topshop | Skirt: ARK | Hat: eBay
I love midi skirts this season, and this Aztec colourful number is from Ark, which is slowly gaining my fashion respect again. I used to love that shop when I lived in Sheffield, but ever since I moved back home I felt it went downhill (and so did its audience due to the shop location... I will say no more). This skirt is quite stretchy but fits like a dream. The material is thin, but you really can't tell when you're wearing it. I love the mix of colours and patterns in it too! I matched it up with my Topshop peter pan blouse and my new bowler hat. Yes, yet another trend that I'm seriously late in joining! This hat only cost £7 and I absolutely adore it! It's going to be stuck on my head for quite a while now.

I've had a pretty good week this week, both at work and, well, in life. I had a day off on Tuesday so I dragged my boyfriend around Worcester to check out all the record shops. I didn't end up buying any (although made up for it with shoes...) but he did. He doesn't even own a record player yet. Unfair much. I also need to recommend going to Carluccios - ahmaaazing food there. They do pasta crisps. CRISPS MADE FROM PASTA. It's like my new favourite carb.

Tomorrow, I'm supposed to be off to the Brum blogger meet with fellow Midland bloggers, but unfortunately I can no longer go! I'm gutted as I've been looking forward to it for SO long, but stupid me doesn't use a diary properly and triple booked myself. Are you going to the meet? I hope you have a fab time if so! (:

The Great British Florist | Review

2013-04-17T09:30:00.000+01:00

The Great British Florist*
Most girls love flowers - it's almost a fact. When I was offered a posy bouquet a couple of weeks ago, I of course jumped at the chance. My white roses that my boyfriend bought me were on their way out, so it was pretty good timing!

I've never heard of The Great British Florist before. To be honest, I've never bought or received flowers from an online store before. It doesn't have a massive selection, but what it does offer is handpicked posies and bouquets to suit each occasion. Sometimes you don't need loads to choose from.

They arrived really quickly, in the biggest box EVER. I was surprised at how well packed it was - the flowers weren't damaged in the slightest. The presentation was lovely too as they were hand-tied - it was a shame to take them out to put in a vase to be honest.

I can only presume I received the British Posy, as each posy is different and handpicked - I quite like that it was surprise and the flowers are unique to me. The posy was filled with a variety of flowers... I can't tell you the names of each one, because I have no idea, but they're all so pretty and colourful, and the smell of them is gorgeous (but quite strong when you first open the box)! They also lasted quite a while - flowers only tend to survive for a few days, but these lasted just short of a week, which was pretty good going. I also received a thorough guide on how to ensure my flowers last longer, which I thought was a really nice touch.

For around £35, the flowers are pricey, but if you want a high quality florist that will deliver your flowers safely (and quickly) then I recommend The Great British Florist. I hope they get some more selections soon (maybe smaller bouquets or the ability to choose your own flowers).

Photoblog: April 2013 (Part 1)

2013-04-15T09:30:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new age, to the new age | Outfit

2013-04-11T09:30:00.000+01:00

Dress and socks: Topshop
I'm officially rubbish with outfit posts, but bear with me. This little number ended up in my wardrobe pretty quickly, all because of the cat face. It's quite a standard Topshop fit - very slimming, floaty yet fitted at the top. I'll be honest, I only bought this because of the cat face... And I still stand by that decision. The design is very quirky, especially since the cat eyes are perfectly placed on your chest.

The last weekend was so good, but it absolutely flew by. I went to Coventry for a work event on Saturday, tweeting for one of my clients, which was great fun. I nearly had the chance to meet Gino D'Acampo, but the day was so busy that we had no spare time! Hopefully I will meet him next time! I also got to have some munches with my friend's baby boy and had a lovely catch up with the girls whilst celebrating my friend's birthday! Sunday was possibly my favourite day though - most of the family came round for the day as my brother, sister-in-law and baby niece (from Holland) were visiting! Seeing my baby niece dance to Red Hot Chilli Peppers' Give It Away was possibly the highlight of my year so far. So cute!

Random thought to end this post, but can you believe that we're in April and yet we haven't seen a significant amount of sunshine yet? I remember we had some lovely weather in March last year... Instead we've had snow. What is going on? I want to get my summer wardrobe out again!

NARS Blush in Deep Throat | Review

2013-04-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

NARS Blush in Deep Throat - £21.50
This blush is my first ever NARS blush, and it's possibly my favourite ever. It's a lovely medium pink shade, with a peach undertone so it's quite warm compared to some pink blushes. The pigmentation is amazing - one sweep of product is enough. It's quite shimmery (with gold tones), but subtle at the same time so it's not too harsh on your cheeks. I'd be happy to wear this for both daytime and nighttime looks because of this.

I think it suits my skin tone perfectly, but it's versatile for others too. It almost makes your face look fresher as it looks just like natural colour on your cheeks (as long as you don't apply too much). I'll be honest, as much as I adore this product, I haven't used it much since I've bought it. This is purely because I can't afford to keep replacing it, and I'll be gutted when it runs out! I'm only using it for special occasions at the moment, but after writing this review, I might have to dig it out of my makeup drawer more often...

The price (£21.50) is very steep, but you can tell it's high-end product, and you won't need to use much at a time, so it should last a fair while! It's such a luxurious blusher and I really need some more NARS in my life... When I've saved some money.

One last note: Whoever thought of the name of this blush (along with other great NARS product names)... I salute you.

Keep dancing like we're 22 | Outfit

2013-04-05T10:00:00.000+01:00

Dungarees: Ark | Tshirt (DIY): Drop Dead Clothing
I didn't think I'd find myself in dungarees, but I absolutely love these ones from Ark. An indigo/dark blue shade so they will go with a lot of my tops. I'd wear them during autumn/winter as well, due to the colour. Light denim is more for summer in my eyes (so, yes, an excuse to buy some more dungarees)! The front panel isn't too prominent, so I've found myself enjoying wearing these more and helped 'ease' me into the trend. I'd probably wear tops and jumpers over it too, so it looks like I'm wearing shorts instead. Multi functioning outfit for the win.

I've fallen way behind in the world of blogging, which I knew was going to happen. I'm currently keeping busy with my new job this week. I'm loving it so far, and fingers crossed I will continue to do so as well! There's so much to take in and learn though - my little brain is struggling right now, hence why my blog has had to take a step back until now! Saying that though, apparently I've been voted as Insider's Tip of the Month on Inside Fruits (alongside the fab The Style Box) - such a lovely surprise and reminds me why I blog! Maybe that's the motivation I need to get back into it.

I had a lovely Easter with the family, and this week has flown by because of my new job (which I'm really enjoying at the moment!) but I'm currently very excited for this weekend. My friend's birthday (meaning more munches with her newborn baby!), an event in Coventry for work AND my brother, sister-in-law and niece from Holland are visiting on Sunday. So excited to see them all again, and very intrigued to see how much my baby niece has changed again. (:

Photoblog: March 2013 (Part 2)

2013-04-03T09:20:00.000+01:00

Suit and tie | Outfit

2013-03-29T09:30:00.000Z

Suit: Zara | Shirt: Primark
I like to call this my 'lucky suit'... Even though it's a little bit too big for me now. I wanted a suit for important occasions, such as job interviews. Every time I've worn it, luck seems to go my way. I love the denim feel to it, and the fitted look (although, granted, it's not THAT fitted right now). The trousers are also ankle grazers, so adds a bit of an edge to what could have been a really standard suit. I teamed it with my alphabet shirt, because hey, I work with words.

I've been meaning to post this outfit for a while (notice the sudden bright hair compared to my last outfit post. Oops) but I didn't want to officially announce anything until now. I had my last day at Quicksilver PR yesterday. It was very strange leaving the company, as the people I worked with were fab. I even received a vintage jewellery box and a bottle of wine as leaving presents. Going to miss working with the Quicksilver PR team!

However, I'm off to pastures new and a new job at Rave Communications to work solely as a Social Media Executive. Definitely what I would consider a step closer to my dream (Head of Social Media at Walt Disney World, HELLO) and I'm really excited to start working there! So yeah... Thanks lucky suit for striking again!

Amara's Newgate Covent Garden Alarm Clock | Review

2013-03-27T10:00:00.000Z

Newgate 'The New Covent Garden' Alarm Clock in Dreamy Pink*
I've been changing my room over the last few months, updating items and adding quirky little pieces just to make it more 'me'. I was very excited when the lovely people behind the homeware website Amara contacted me as it meant I could further adapt my room exactly how I want it.

One thing I've needed for a while is a new alarm clock, and this gorgeous 'Covent Garden' alarm clock fitted the bill perfectly. I love the old style of it, with twin bells on top. It's bloomin' loud when it goes off, so I haven't used it all the time (it makes me jump every time). Such a classic item, modernised with the light pink colour - it looks very cute on my bedside table!

For only £20, I absolutely adore this clock. I will probably just use it more as a decorative item, but it works perfectly well for an alarm and it comes in other colours too!

Whether you're looking for something to splurge out on, or you've got a tight budget to stick to, Amara has a great selection of designer homeware items. I'm now eyeing up these trinket trays, paperweights and this Peter Pan wall decor!

Take the pieces and build them skywards | Outfit

2013-03-25T14:34:00.001Z

Dress: Primark | Vans: Zalando* | Rings: Temporary Secretary
Primark has a lovely range of Spring/Summer dresses at the moment - this denim look polkadot dress went straight into my wardrobe when I spotted it. It's a good length (as long as it doesn't shrink in the wash) for tights or bare legs when we finally get some decent weather. It's also got cute bow detailing on the front pockets (which I forgot to photograph - oops) and comes with a belt to help show your figure a bit more.

I decided to go for a bit of colour contrast and wore my gorgeous new authentic slim Vans that I bought from Zalando. I've wanted a pair of Vans for ages, so I couldn't resist this baby pink version. Enough to brighten up an outfit and will be perfect for summer. Zalando also offers women's clothes so I'll be sure to check out the website again soon (even though my heart sunk a bit when Yodel was delivering my shoes... All ended well though)!

As for the rings, I've been meaning to make a cheeky TempSec order for ages, but I knew the time had come when I saw the food rings! I love kitsch and creative rings like this - maple syrup pancakes and strawberries ON A RING? Won over right there. I also adore the silver pyramid ring too - chunky and yet quite subtle. I need to stock up on more silver rings like this.

After a lovely weekend, I'm now in my final week at Quicksilver PR. Time has literally flown by and I can't believe I've only got 4 days left here. I'm very excited for my next opportunity though! The last few days have been rather nice though - One particular highlight was that myself and the boyfriend went to see City and Colour & Biffy Clyro on Thursday night, which was incredible. We were right at the front of the gig and seeing Simon Neil perform Machines right by me was like a dream. Ah-mazing.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb | Review

2013-03-21T13:35:00.003Z

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum - 30ml
I received Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb perfume for Christmas after going on about it all year. It's a sweet perfume, full of floral notes - matches the name! It's not too strong when you first spray it, but it settles to a really nice and refreshing fragrance. It's feminine and quite sexy too. I always feel amazing when I wear it, which is odd to say for a perfume, but I do.

The only negative I can say about this perfume is the price. I received a 30ml bottle, which costs £49. FORTY NINE. It should last a long time though as you don't need a great deal and it lasts a long time. I love the bottle too - it's really cute and modern, and can easily pop it into your handbag. Again, the fact that it's shaped as a bomb, like the name states, is very different to what you normally see. It looks fabulous on my shelf anyway!

This is possibly the first floral perfume that I really love. Most are so overpowering, with so many flowers thrown into it. You don't get that with Flowerbomb at all. I just wish it wasn't so damn expensive...

Follow baby, we gonna live forever | Outfit

2013-03-19T17:36:00.002Z

Top: Primark | Disco pants: Glamorous | Bracelet: Vintage
I've jumped the disco pants bandwagon. Better late than never, right? I'm amazed at how slimming and clingy they are, and yet they actually cling to the right places. I can't help but feel a bit 'on show' when I wear them though. I know they're not leggings, but they're not exactly trousers either. I do love them though and I'm sure I'll get used to wearing them (even if I mainly wear longer tops with them for the time being)! For £30, they're a great dupe for the ever-popular American Apparel version, which I can't see myself buying anytime soon - these are good enough for me!

I've been non stop so far this week, with doctor's appointments all over the place and my parents going on holiday tomorrow... Okay, I don't sound that busy, but I'm exhausted. I'm now on antibiotics (two lots in fact. TWO!) and all I want to do is to get into bed tonight with a cup of tea and watch rubbish TV. I'm allowed to feel sorry for myself for one night, yes? I may do a bit of online shopping too... Any recommendations for new season stock that I can feast my eyes on?

Photoblog: March 2013 (Part 1)

2013-03-16T09:30:00.000Z

If it gets rough, it's time to get rough | Outfit

2013-03-14T09:00:00.000Z

Dress: New Look | Leather jacket: Topshop
I actually love the simplicity of this outfit. I can't get enough of mini dresses at the moment, and there's fabulous range in New Look in different colours and patterns at the moment. I picked up this aztec style one a few weeks ago and I love it. It's very clingy, but it doesn't cling to the wrong places. It's quite flattering.

I wore it with my gorgeous leather jacket and my old military boots for a bit of a 'rock chick' look. I can't wait to doll myself up and wear this with some bright chunky heels for my next outing!

Despite the fact that my knees are still giving me mischief (hi new meds), I've been trying to carry on as normal. For one thing, I managed to get my tattoo on Saturday and I love it! Two hours of agony was definitely worth it.

I also had a lovely day on Sunday, seeing family and spending time with my mum (well, it was Mother's Day after all) and watched Silver Linings Playbook. I adore Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. 'Nuff said. Anyway, I bought my mum a poster from Cut Out & Keep and some baby daffodils. What did you get your mum for Mother's Day? (:

Palmers Swivel Stick | Review

2013-03-12T19:09:00.003Z

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick *

Having dry skin can always be an issue for me no matter what time of year. Occasionally I get dry patches on my face or my hands, which just looks plain stupid and is pretty uncomfortable to suffer… I don’t really own a compact face cream that I can fit in my handbag in order to carry it with me wherever I go.

When I heard about Palmers Swivel Stick, I was really intrigued to see what it was like. I’m already a fan of its Daily Calming Lotion, so was hoping for the same results with the Swivel Stick.

The Swivel Stick aims to soothe and soften dry, chapped lips, but it's also great to apply on other areas to moisturise your skin. With added SPF30, it's useful to keep with you for added protection for your cheeks, nose and other exposed areas when in the sun (although obviously don't swap your suntan lotion for this).

It definitely lives up to its Palmers brand name. The smell of cocoa butter is insane. I’m still not a fan of the strong scent – I just can’t get used to it. Whenever I apply this product on my face, all I smell is chocolate. It’s even worse when I apply it around my nose. I can’t get away from it then!

The size and shape of the product means it’s great to keep in your handbag for emergencies or a skin care pick-me-up. It's helped save my skin from any sudden dryness during the winter months, but it won't be replacing my favourite lip care product.

For around £6, it's useful to have but it's not essential. I won't be repurchasing it though, purely because of the extreme smell of chocolate lingering around my nose (it doesn't even smell like nice Cadburys chocolate. I could handle that). It is useful to have for emergencies though, and the product will last a very long time as you only need to use a minimal amount at a time, so it's worth the money!