Lipsticks&Macaroons

OUT with the old and IN with the new

2015-07-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

This week I have had a massive clear-out happening in my wardrobe...yaay you know what that means right? NEW STUFFF

Anywhooo some of you might know I have been using the App called DEPOP for some time now, as I see it as a great way of selling barely worn or never been worn clothes( which I have a load of eeek) some of my old shoes and accessories! At least you know they're going to loving homes eh? ha

For any of you who want to check out what I'm selling and follow me, my username is: @Kates24

Now for the NEW...there are plenty of stores that are having summer sales at the mo (well except River Island....sigh...one thing worth waiting for all summer am I right girls?)

Zara, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius and a load of other online stores have some amazing stuff on sale and of course not on sale! Does anyone else have this problem too? Go into a store and fall in love with the full price stuff :(

I am dying to pick up a few essentials that my wardrobe is missing over the next few weeks

So that's all for today guys, I just thought I would give you all a quick update on what's been going on this week!

Hope you all enjoy the rest of the weekend :)

Katie

June's payday wish list

2015-06-26T05:01:00.001-07:00

Another month is nearly over with and it's finally payday...Wuhoo thank god for that! Is it just me or is this year just flying by?!!

Anyways here's a roundup of all the things that I am lusting after this month....

There is a mix of both beauty and fashion related pieces

Taking inspiration from the über stylish and one of my all time favourite bloggers Sincerely Jules...I am on the quest to find the perfect pair of white skinny jeans!

I've fallen in love with these two pairs of shoes from River Island...especially the platform espadrilles! A few of the girls in work have these and they highly recommend them and for €32 you can't go wrong! The second pair are part of the limited edition range and come it at a whopping €80 but are bang on trend at the mo!

This month was the one time of the year when all of my beauty products have come to the end at the exact same time sob sob! So I've had to reorder my new favourite foundation which is the Laura Mercier oil free photo edition foundation! But while I was browsing the Brown Thomas website I came across the eyeshadow sticks also from Laura Mercier, which are meant to be amazing!

And finally, a duster coat or a sleeveless duster blazer! I have been on the hunt for one of these for the past few months but just haven't found the ONE just yet! River Island, New Look and Missguided have some fab ones so perhaps a purchase will be made over the weekend heehee

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend and a lovely payday!! AND don't forget

Katie x

Mini haul

2015-06-15T12:05:00.001-07:00

Hello loves <3

It comes as no surprise that I have done a bit of shopping this month haha..as those of you who know me well know that it occurs on a much more regular basis than it should! But yolo!

Soo here's a few bits that I've picked up over the month SOO far....

I picked up this adorable crop tshirt and plastic tumbler glass in Penneys!

Now us Irish gals are always on the search for a new tan & I've heard great things about the Sunkissed tan which is available in Penneys so I thought I would give it a go as im all outta tan at the mo.

The next thing is SoSueMe nail polish in the shade Rock Candy... I have high expectations for this polish and love the colour range (I found it hard to pick just one but thought I'd better try it out first) so it better live up to €7 price tag!! Haha

I was back over in London at the start of the month for my bestie's birthday. We went to a polo match (very sophisticated I know) it was an amazing day out & weekend all round. Anyways I nabbed this uber cute bright orange blocky heels to go with my outfit in work. They're super comfy considering I was in them for about 12 hours (eek) and a steal at that for €59 as they are bang on trend at the mo!

And lastly one cannot go into Penneys and leave without an exfoliator..especially at this time of the year ☀️

So that's a round up of my mini haul which is mainly Penneys. No surprise there at all for those that know me!

I will have a full post up tomorrow on my trip to London so keep an eye out for that!

Katie

My weekend in London

2015-05-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Now I know it's been a few weeks since my weekend in London, when I went over to visit my bestie MJ... BUT I thought it was about time I did a blog post about my activities/outfits from my whirlwind visit!

I did of course indulge in some retail therapy in Selfridges!

Now it's not what you are all thinking haha okay! It was in the PRIMARK section on the ground floor in Selfridges, it carries all of the best selling lines from the current S/S'15 collection and also the Limited Edition pieces....here's a quick peep at what I bought and some of my outfits whilst I was over there.

So hope you enjoy <3

On Friday evening we had cocktails in the W London hotel before our show. We went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was soo good! I would highly recommend it!

SATURDAY; We attended the Vogue Fashion Festival. Which was just an amazing experience for all fashion and beauty lovers like myself....we started off by getting our nails done by the Topshop team,then make-up done by Bobbi Brown and our own photo-shoot and Vogue cover shoot, in which we got to pick our own Chanel accessories (wow) it was just an all round brilliant day!

My outfits details are as follows: Mac/trench coast from Bershka, jeans by Zara, hat and grey top from Penney's, shoes are from Dune(no surprise there eh?) and finally my Michael Kors black bag.

On Saturday evening we then headed out to a friends house warming party. I kept my outfit very simple and comfy, I paired my favourite ripped skinnies with a plain white cami from Missguided, new heels from Topshop ( which I lasted about 10 mins in :) my new favourite bright yellow jacket from Stradivarius and one of the new necklaces from Primark.

Sunday we had a chilled day and wandered around Primrose Hill and around lots of cool markets in other parts of the city (remembering names is not one of my strongpoints!) but we finished off the day with a few too many cocktails in Ladybird in Angel, food in Chipotle, ice-cream then to bed.

Here's a peek at what I bought on my trip which includes the duty free in both Dublin and Gatwick airports. It was an all round great weekend and can't wait to go back in a few weeks!

Well I hope you all enjoyed today's post....:)

Katie
xo

Beauty & Makeup Splurge

2015-05-18T12:27:00.001-07:00

I am by no means a beauty/makeup expert...but I am someone who is constantly searching for the next big thing... in the beauty and Makeup industry....like a foundation.

While I am loving the new Laura Mercier Photo Edition foundation...(which replaced my favourite Silk Crème foundation sigh) I am still on the hunt for the best of the best :)

Nevertheless, here are a few of my favourites that I have invested in over the past few months and am LOVINNNNG!!!! <3

Featured in the above photos are:

Mac Lip liners in Spice and Soar, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder, Mac Lipstick in Cosmo, Hourglass Ambiant powder in Dim Light(Amaze), NARS creamy concealer, Benefit the Roller Lash, NYC Bronzer, NYX Wonder pencil in Nude, L'Oreal Brow Plumper in light/medium, Laura Mercier Silk Crème foundation (which is now discontinued sigh) Wet N Wild Comfort zone pallet, Mac Warm Neutrals pallet, Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright, Got2be Hair Elixir and lastly Zara Women Femme body spray(you gotta smell this <3)

Let me know what your beauty/makeup favourites are down below

That's all for today ladies....Stay tuned

Katie

Did u say shoesss??

2015-04-21T09:21:00.001-07:00

I I'm absolutely obsessed with strappy heels/sandals at the minute...they're prefect to dress up any dress/skirt or shorts or to pair them with your favourite pair of ripped skinnies and they will look fab!!!

Here are a few of my favourites

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine and having a good week!!! Roll on payday on Fridays yaaaayy!!!

Katie

Summer hair ideas

2015-04-16T02:55:00.001-07:00

Are you thinking of getting the chop?? Trying out a new bold colour for summer'15

Here are a few of my favourite hair styles/ trends at the moment

Have a fabulous day ladies

Katie

Xoxo

Indeed laboratories

2015-04-05T05:43:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!

HAPPY EASTER...hope your all having a lovely weekend and eating lots and lots of chocolate ha cause I am!!

I picked up these new skincare bits yesterday in boots that I ordered online as I have run out of my usual serum and moisturiser!

I have read and watched a lotttt of really good reviews/videos on YouTube and thought I would give these a try out ;)

Have any of you tried these out??

Let me know down below!!!

Katie

Help me out!!!

2015-03-29T05:02:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking long and hard over the past few weeks about picking myself up a pair of new balance sneakers! Butt I need your help ladies there are sooo many different colours and patterns I'm confused and I'm not sure which ones to get???

Pictured above are the options

-black & grey 420's

-grey & yellow 420's

-black, grey & orange 410's

These are the prefect go to shoe for this time of the year when it's not quite summer or winter! You Irish gals know what I mean ;)

Let me know what your thoughts are below

Katie

My OOTD

2015-03-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

Right ladies here's my first OOTD (outfit of the day) for all you newbies out there!!! Haha

Keeping it super casual today as I'm feeling lazy...while the sun is out to play it's still quiet chilly brrr

-My ripped jeans are River Island (about 2yrs old) they're the Amelie super skinny with a ripped knee

-jumper is H&M last year which is super cosy

-fringed booties are from Penneys (literally like slippers)

-watch is Michael Kors

-necklace is from My Name Necklace

Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend xxxx

New favourite tshirt? Hmm yes

2015-03-28T05:22:00.001-07:00

Sooo guys it's been a while since my last post but I nabbed this cute slogan tee in the River Island mid season sale yesterday for €12....a BARGAIN!!! & It was too good not to post it ;)

If ever they're was a tshirt to sum me up in a few words this is it!!! So snap them up ladies while they're still available!

Ps..New post is coming soon ladies xxxx

My Spring/Summer '15 Wish list

2015-02-16T10:30:00.001-08:00

So ladies I know its been a while since my last post but I have been busy in work and busy with my baby sister's ever approaching 21st birthday celebrations....

Here are a few things that I'm lusting after for the new season ahead, these include clothes, beauty and makeup! With the sun shinning today I am feeling somewhat inspired for the new season ahead.

A big trend carrying on from the end of last year into this year is the RIPPED DENIMS TREND. I am yet to get my hands on a pair but these are definitely on my wish list.

Jeans are such a staple part of any girls wardrobe and these are a few of my favs

These are available from River Island @ €50 and Misguided @ €40

Next on my wish list is something in either Snake/Reptile print which is a huge trend for Spring/Summer '15 and I am dying to get my hands on these beauties in work....:)

These are not available for another few weeks but as soon as they're in stores these babies will be mine <3. Paired with some ripped denims and a classic tshirt this is the perfect summer '15 outfit!!

Platforms are also making a huge comeback this year taking inspiration from the 70's ....there are lots of women around the world rejoicing right now...they will come in a variety of bright colours like pink, orange, cobalt blue and tourqouise and are available from Dune in the coming months...so stay tuned!!!!

Khaki is also having a bit of a moment at the minute & on my wish list is a khaki blazer or Parka jacket. Also a pair of khaki trousers as seen as on the uber sylish blogger Julie Sarinana

Now moving away from fashion related items for a moment I have been lusting after the Hourglass Ambiant Lightening powders for some time now (I blame this entirely on YOUTUBE), but priced at a whopping €58 each from Space NK I may have to wait a while before purchasing this dreamy powder.....sigh #firstworldproblems

The Sports Luxe trend has been making waves in the world of fashion for quite some years now, but it has gone up a notch again this year and I think I just might hop on board with this one as I was a major tomboy when I was younger so it would be rude not to!!! Put these pretty trainers with a pair of skinnies or leather pants & BOOM you have got a very fashionable look.

With all this cold & dreary weather we have been having lately my skin is crying out for summer sunshine and my hair is also feeling very limp and flat....it definitely needs a boost, a really good treatment for dry & dehydrated hair is the Philip Kingsley Hair Elasticizer...@ €40 from Feel Unique I think this is a must have come Pay Day!!!!! ( I know my hair will thank me one day!)

Lastly on my long list is to stock up on some much needed BASICS.... as after all where would a girl be without them in her wardrobe ahem.... LoST. I will be stocking up on some vibrant coloured jumpers to layer over shirts , a cute denim shirt, as DENIM is another trend for S/S'15. Flowery blouses also to tuck into jeans & skirts and some basic tshirts which are my favourite "go to" casual day outfit.

So there you have my S/S '15 Wish List they're are so may reasons to be uber excited about the season ahead it's full of colour and of course many prints...so I cannot wait!! Let me know down below what trends you are most excited about for the new season????

I hope you all enjoy today's post and don't worry there is plenty more to come in the future!!! But until next time

Katie

XOXO

Lets talk about leather

2015-02-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

So ladies today I want you're opinions....on LEATHER

Leather is the one item of clothing that never fails to go out of fashion & here are a few of my favourite ways to incorporate leather into my wardrobe.

Black leather of course is my favourite as many of you who know me well I am always dressed in black whether its for work or outside work.

A simple black 'biker' or 'classic style' leather jacket is well worth investing in...well in my opinion they have fabbbulous ones in Karen Millen but those are what mega payday dreams are made of haha!!

However.... Zara have a great range of faux and genuine leather which are a great alternative.

Next..... leather trousers which are not for the faint-hearted BUT if you can find the perfect fitting pair they will be your new best friend foreever! I got a pair in River Island last year and I lovvve them, the fit is perfect (length is good for us shorties out there hollaa) they are the perfect day to night out option, dressed down for work with a simple pair of leopard flats and a simple black court shoe/sandal for night time.

An alternative & fun way to add leather into your wardrobe is a cute pair of 'over the knee boots' which are everywhere at the moment. I got myself a gorgeous pair in work (aka Dune) I'll post the picture and link below as they're suede and leather.

A short but sweet post today ladies let me know what you think about leather and whether it's a must in your wardrobes??

Till next time,

Katie

xoxo

www.dunelondon.com

It's finally the weekend

2015-01-31T02:33:00.000-08:00

Have a fab weekend guys <3 it's pay weekend so let's do some shoppppinng!!!!

Makeup must haves

2015-01-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hello lovies,

Hope you are all well and the mid-week blues aren't hitting you all too bad haha!! It's finally getting closer to payday what a relief!!!!

I thought I would change things up a bit this week and do a post on things beauty related, specifically make-up which is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Now I am by nooooo means an expert or do I claim to ever have 'perfect' makeup, that's what I have my sister for but this is just my thoughts and opinions on things I have learnt over the years playing around with makeup!! Ps...My sister also has a blog if ye haven't checked it out already about all things beauty and makeup related.....@ Aimeesbeautybox

Anyways moving on as mentioned this post is mainly about my 'makeup staples' or for those of you who might be starting out with makeup these would make a good 'basic collection'

First of all the best place to start is with your foundation. It is so vitally important that the foundation that you chose is (a) right for your skin type then (b) decide on what kind of coverage you would like next! Believe my I've made this mistake one too many times and I have verrry sensitive skin.... so here are a few of my top 5 favourites

Estee Lauder Double Wear
L'oreal True match
L'oreal Infallible....(amazing just like double wear)
Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation (still testing this one out verrry pricey)
Vichy Dermablend

I like to use high/ full coverage foundations as I have skin problems :( but many of these above foundations can be mixed with an illuminating primer to give a dewy finish rather than a matte one!

Concealer is next, the world has become obsessed with 'contouring' and 'highlighting' of late thanks to Miss 'KIM KARDASHIAN' and many other celebs. I haven't really mastered this art yet unfortunately ha. So I try to highlight with concealer. My 'holy grail' concealers are the Collection (Lasting perfection), Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer, Rimmel's Wake Me Up ( excellent for under the eyes) and finally Maybelline Instant Age Rewind this is by far my fav.....its sooo good for under eye bags and to highlight!!!!!

To set my foundation and concealer I use Rimmel London's 'Stay Matte' this is the best I've ever used end of !!! Bronzer is next & for us Irish gals if it's not Fake tan- this is a must especially during winter to give us that healthy 'jlo' 'gloowww'. Bourjois Paris Poudre Bronzante (aka chocolate bronzer) is excellent for this and can also double up as an eye shadow too. Now shout to all my blush gals... my sister very rarely wear blusher, but I love it just to add a pop onto your checks. Anything pink / mauve is purrfect....to sweep over the apples of your cheeks.

'DE BROWS' you can find about a million different tutorials on YouTube about this, but I don't think I will ever be able to recreate their perfect 'brows' ha-ha so for me the easiest thing to do my eyebrows with is Rimmel's (again I know :)) eyebrow pencil in 002 Hazel and then set them with Benefit's 'Gimme brow'- defo worth the money girls its amazinnng!!

When it comes to eye shadow if you are a beginner to makeup or are just looking for the perfect everyday pallet the best one I've used is Urban Decay's 'Naked Basics' I lovvve this for my everyday especially when you are in a rush in the mornings its the perfect non fuss brown Smokey eye . Its also very handy to carry in you handbag because it has a good sized mirror to touch up your makeup throughout the day!!

While on subject of pallets a brilliant little contouring and highlighting pallet for those who are like me and a hesitant of this trend (let's face it it's not attractive to have brown streaks all over your face ) or you are just starting with 'contouring' Seventeen's duo is ideal & for under €10 in Boots it's a steal in my eyes!!

Lastly, an excellent way to set your makeup for a night out in the town with the girls or for a special occasion is to use Urban Decay's setting spray/ or alternatively La Roche Posay's Thermal Spring Water. Spray this all over your face and your makeup will not only look flawless but last all day!

Well ladies I hope you all enjoyed today's post as it was slightly different :)

But I will be back to my usual Fashion related posts next week...! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

Lots of love,

Katie
xoxo

Leopard print love (meow)- Animal inspired fashion

2015-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Now it may come as no surprise to those that know me very well that I am a fond follower of the old leopard print in my wardrobe

Whether it's shoes, accessories or handbags...safe to say I have invested enough of my hard earned money on this infamous print. Which is also adored by many of the fashion elites!! Such as Olivia Palermo, Millie Mackintosh and Alexa Chung.

Like pictured above! My ootd features jeans from River Island (about 2 years old) jumper is from H&M, necklace from 'My name necklace' and my slip-ons are from Dune. Which are now ladies in the sale..for €38 I'll link them below

I love mixing and matching colours such as black, which we have to wear for work with a pop of leopard print with a simple belt or cute loafers / ballerinas are my favourite ways to play around with this.

For those that are not so sure about mixing their style up with prints, an easy way to include this print into your wardrobe is to take it in small steps first. Like a leopard print belt as mentioned, a bracelet, a scarf, handbag, hair accessory, jewellery or shoes as shown above.

Olivia Palermo shows us how to do this so effortlessly

These looks are just so simple but yet so fabbbb I love everything about her style. Her style is very attainable for the everyday person while we may not all have a lots of money to spend on designer clothes we can still achieve this look very easily on a budget friendly wardrobe.

Now for those who are not afraid of embracing clashing prints and patterns here are a few pictures of celebs rocking their prints ✌️

So that's all for today ladies hope you all enjoy the post and keep reading :)

Plenty more posts to come in the next few weeks!

Katie

Xoxo

Friday.....

2015-01-23T02:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday everyone...weekend is almost here ☺️

New post will be up later

Xxx

What's in my bag???

2015-01-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Let me guess what you're all thinking another blog post in one week Katie? Shock horror haha....well I had a day off today and in retail that can be very rare especially in the middle of the week!! You know I love ye all gals..forever :)

Anywhooo thought I would throw my hat at doing one of these posts as I lovvve reading and watching these kind of posts/ videos on YouTube!

So here's my 'What's in my bag'

My bag is a Michael Kors 'bucket' style bag in black of course (classic Katie style)

Now I know I know...what you are all thinking...didn't everyone & they're mother get something from that 'Michael' fella for Christmas well NOooo

I got mine in New York last February while I was on holiday with my besties...it was my splurge purchase it cost me around $215 but definitely worth the buy girlies!

Here's an up close shot of my bag and wouldn't be complete without my pink fur Pom Pom keyring from Dune (wink wink) check out my last post for the dets

And now for the inside...drumroll please ;)

What a random bunch of stuff I know...I have a diary for 2015 essential for work and bits n bobs ( thanks Santa) not one but two wallets. Firstly my Mulberry one which was a 21st / graduation pressie from my wonderful parents & the other one is from River Island that I bought for Thailand a few months back!

My leopard print makeup bag (*Dune), a cuppa soup perhaps today's lunch?? A twix bar a girl never knows when she may need a choccie fix? Right girls anyone else do this too? A nasal decongestant lovely ha but an essential for winter months and lastly a back combing brush from Penneys!

Finally a quick snap of inside my makeup bag that I use for work! Not one but 4 lipsticks ha I wasn't lying when I said I've a hugge collection!!!! All of them are Mac of course my fav brand of lippies, 2 lipliners from Mac the in the popular shades Whirl and Soar (Kylie Jenner apparently uses this)

And that's a wrap guys and dolls. Hope you all enjoyed it because it's one of my fav blog posts to read...and until next time

Katie

Xoxo

Hot or Not

2015-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Sooo ladies a big question in my house at the minute is whether this particular accessory which is gaining huge momentum in the fashion circles of late is a 'gotta have' or 'gotta go'

I have to say this cute accessory is a 'gotta have'a simple but yet very stylish way to jazz up and completely transform an everyday bag from 'drab' to ' fabbbb' and I am defo joining the pom pom party!

With many high street stores such as River Island, Topshop & Dune (rude not mention my workplace) selling this flurry Pom poms in a variety of colours. I will link these all below :) Prices range from €10-€30 not too bad considering it doubles as both a bag key ring and an actual keying for keys!!!

But perhaps without the influence of many celebs such as the infamous Jenner sisters (aka big lips and miss supermodel ha), Cara Delevingne, the Made in Chelsea gals and my absolute style queen roll out the red carpet please for Miss OLIVIA PALERMO that this cute accessory would never have been accessible the 'average ' person.

Olivia has such an effortless style, with the mix of both colours and textures she makes every outfit look fab! Meaning every high profile designer wants her in they're clothes...okay slight off topic!

But her cute Pom pom bag key ring pictured above is in fact a luxury designer Fendi to be exact these cute designer charms are called Fendi Monsters!

But Olivia shows us ahem normal people how to tranform an outfit showing her playful side and most importantly to have fun with fashion! As let's face it that's what fashion is all about...most women dress in fact for other woman as we can in fact admire and recognise someone's sense of style when we see it!!

And lastly I would like to take the time and opportunity to thank each and every one of you all who had taken the time out to read my first blog post and subscribed it means a lotttt as it was hugely nerve wrecking but knowing I have all of ye hanging along with me keeps me going!

Let me what you all think down below

So until next time ladies

Katie
Xoxo

Ps links to done fabulooous Pom Pom charms are below

http://m.michaelkors.com/product/fur-pom-pom-keychain/_/R-US_32H4MKCK3F

http://www.dunelondon.com/mobile/jaffa-faux-fur-pompom-keyring-0920505680003530/

http://www.riverisland.com/girls/gifts--beauty/White-faux-fur-pom-pom-key-ring-810929

Welcome.......

2015-01-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Hello ;)

So this is kind of daunting to sit down and actually write my first blog post but I'll give it a whirl!

I am a massive fan of many fashion and beauty bloggers for many years now such as
Thunder and Threads and So Sue me to name a few Irish gals so I thought why not give it a try myself.

I did my degree in Retail and it comes to most of my family and friends as no surprise that I'm an absolute SHOPAHOLIC in fact that gif image that we have all seen on Facebook 'Thanks Penneys' is now a main phrase in my everyday conversational language ha! So obsessed with Penneys I even found myself basing my thesis in college about this massive Irish 'disposable' fashion retailer.

My obsession with fashion started many years ago now even though it may come as a surprise to some that I was in fact a massive tomboy when I was much younger I know right phfttt! But throughout school and college my love for fashion expanded and my poor student wallet was deflated. But four years on still a love for fashion I now find myself in retail in Dune!! I know right one thought SHOEEEESS and yes I now have a massive collection of fabulous shoes ;)

Fashion and beauty have now become one of my true loves, every night I find myself creeping on YouTube on how to contour this n that, this seasons 'smokey eye' and whatnot. I now have a lipstick collection that any country would be proud of ha not messing as you can never have enough shades depending on what mood you are in!I'm by no means an expert ha that's what I have my fab sis for.....(she's amazing at makeup and a beauty junkie) but a career in the fashion industry would be my ultimate DREAM....it just hasn't happened yet!

My blog will contain info about fashion and beauty trends, food ( well I'm a sweet not savoury kinda gal) so cupcakes and macaroons are up my alley!!!

So that's it short and sweet guys,

Hope you all enjoy my blog and hit that subscribe button

Until next time

katie <3