I've Been Haulin'

ASOS Crop Top | ASOS Checked Skirt | ASOS White Tee
Maybelline Brow Drama | Soap and Glory Brow Archery | Garnier Miceller Water | Yes To Tomatoes Daily Repair Treatment | Barry M Speedy Nail Polish 'Pit Stop' 

In preparation for my 5 day UK break coming up in a few weeks I thought I'd head to ASOS and Boots to get some holiday clothes and makeup because why not... 

If you saw my ASOS wishlist a few weeks back then you'll have seen this striped crop top which I was lusting after... I just couldn't stop putting it in my basket so I just thought eff it and bought it! It's a lovely thick-ish material, nothign too heavy but very good quality, long wearing and seems like it will wash well! I went for a size up as I don't like my tummy showing and it fits perfectly. It's still slightly cropped but long enough for my own comfort, I can't wait to wearing this with my dungarees or high waisted shorts - an easy way to brighten things up!

This tailored mini skirt was in the sale for only £15 which was too good of a bargain to resist since I love this style of skirt and a grey one would add to my collection. This will look great with the next item with or without tights, dressed up or down so it really is a versatile piece and I'm glad they had my size left! 

The last thing from ASOS was a simple white tshirt with a v neck, such an easy piece to throw on with various things. I tend to wear a lot of black/dark tops so this will brighten up most of my outfits and I love the v neck, I'll definitely need to pick more up in this style. The only criticism I have is that this top is quite thin but it will do the job nicely. 

Next up is makeup and it seems to be very brow heavy.... first I picked up the Maybelline Brow Drama in the shade Medium Brown cause I feel like sometimes I just want to put on a brow gel and be done with it - particularly when I'm at work all day cause I go for a very simple (read: lazy) makeup. To go alongside this I picked up the Soap and Glory Brow Archery, I was torn between getting this and the solar powder but chose this to try alongside the brow gel from Maybelline. But lets face it, I'll be picking up the solar powder pretty soon cause I'm dying to get into bronzer. 

Then I repurchased my favourite miceller water from Garnier, no other compares and it dispenses just the right amount unlike others! Sticking with skincare, I was after a treatment to clear out the major breakout I have going on, on my chin right now as nothing is sorting it out, I aimed to pick up the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and it did make its way into my basket until I spotted the bright packaging of the Yes To... ranges. I spotted the Tomato Daily Repair Treatment and as it is cheaper I thought I'd give it a whirl. First up, it has a pump!! Unlike the Effaclar Duo it has a pump so you know you're using the right amount of product so I just hope this works! I'll keep you updated. 

Finally is a result of binge watching Vivianna Does Makeup's videos (for the millionth time...) and seeing her rave about the Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Polishes. I've always been a lover of Barry M, they have every shade you can every imagine and for the teeny price tag they're incredible quality. I have no time when it comes to painting my nails so I tend to not bother so the promise of quick drying is a winner for me I picked up this pastel grey (not purpley, or bluey, actually grey!) named 'Pit Stop' and I love it! It only took two coats to be opaque and did indeed dry super quickly! Winner. 

x

Current ASOS Wishlist

Crop Top (£16) | Dungarees (£45) | Mesh Insert Top (£20) | Swimsuit (£20) | Shirt (£25) 

It's been forever since I spent a good while browsing online to put together a wishlist so I thought where better to start than ASOS! Everything you could ever want for any occasion, they will almost always have it and since I just booked a 5-day break for a month's time with my boyfriend I thought now would be the perfect time to find some new bits and document my finds for you guys! 

The first thing I spotted was this stripped crop top which is navy stripes with yellow neckline and arm banded detail. It caught my eye straight away as it's something different to your average crop top and can go with so much! I'm always conscious of wearing anything cropped as I'm very self-conscious of my stomach (I'm working on it but it's gonna take a fair while...) but I'd definitely be comfortable wearing this with my high waisted denim shorts from Topshop, the dungarees featured next, or a high waisted skirt. 

Dungarees. Taking things back to my childhood when I hated wearing them but now I think they look so cool! Bang on trend for this season but also versatile enough to wear in any season, particularly if they're full leg like these ones. They'll be so easy to throw on and head out the door with. 

This top would be perfect to dress up or down due to the mesh detailing adding something a bit extra. Nice with skinny jeans and some nude heels or tucked into a pair of shorts. 

Swimsuits -eeeeek.  I'm 1000000000% not ready for swimsuit season. To compromise, I wanted to find a full body suit rather than a bikini and I love this one. I think it's something I'll have to order, try on and see what happens. I love the plait detailing on the crossover back, I think it makes a plain black swimsuit a bit more interesting. 

I've always been a fan of blouses so obviously I was naturally drawn to this one, I like how ASOS have styled it tucked into denim shorts, I'd probably style it pretty much the same. Blouses like this are great cause you can dress them down in the summer but also pair them with jeans and they're perfectly fine for autumn/winter. 

wish list: summer edition.

dress | serum | eyecream | lipgloss | brushes | jeans

Oh how I wish I wasn't in my overdraft right now so I could splurge on all these goodies, but alas, my student loan well and truly ran out a long time ago. Although, I have a wedding and reception to go to in less than a month and I am yet to have an appropriate dress so I think I may treat myself to the Topshop dress and maybe the Tanya Burr lipgloss so I feel a bit special on the day. Weddings are rare occasions in my life (although now I'm getting older, they will probably become more frequent), so I'm using it as an excuse to treat myself, oops!

050514 what i wore today

*in bright light*

*in natural light*

Now I have finished university for this year, I'm glad that I can do more 'impromptu' posts such as this because they interest me and i enjoy reading so I hope you feel the same! Today is going to be filled with Jeremy Kyle, picking up my essay and finding out my mark, having a wander for some fresh air and relaxing watching tv with my chums!

My outfit is super casual and low maintenance because of this, the crochet top was bought about two years ago and until today I had never worn it, I don't know why, it's actually really nice! Model's Own 'Beach Party' was a polish I bought last year and wore once I think, shame on me! It's lovely and really brightens up and outfit instantly without being too overpowering and it matches the lipstick I'm wearing which is 'Infrared' by Topshop but I most definitely have my eye on 'Morange' from MAC for the warmer months.

For my eyes I just used a swish of 'All That Glitters' from MAC which is a beautiful peach toned shimmer which really brightens up your eyes instantly, a little bit of 'Charcoal Brown' in my outer corner and crease and then 'Vanilla' in my tear duct area to brighten even further.

For hair I just quickly straightened my whole head, not really bothering about it being poker straight and pulled it into a 'bit up and a bit down' (anyone else call it this, it's always what my mum used to do when I was a little 'un - yay for 90's kids!) which is a style that I'm really enjoying at the minute whether in the day or on a night out cause it keeps your hair off your face without having a messy bun or scraped back pony tail, I just need a scrunchie and I'm totally set!

weekly roundup #4

cause i like to make my mid-morning/essay writing snack look pretty / perks of living in a 5th floor flat / mac #217 dupe / pub lunch in the sun

I've had a pretty good week this week and today topped it off wonderfully. Again, I've been doing lots of research and writing for my essays but it's going very well and seem to be motivating myself well so I treated myself to a night out on Saturday. It was a really good night overall, I spent a little too much money but I woke up without a hangover and it was a wonderfully sunny day. (17 degrees, holla!) You guys should be grateful you do not have me on snapchat, it was a sight to behold to say the least (dramatic rendition of Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo anyone? Um, didn't think so.)

I've spent much of the week on my own which has provided me with lots of time to do my essays, time to think lots of stuff over and to perk myself back up again (hopefully), it has been an emotional week in my flat and I for one, am not excluded from all the crying that went on! 

Hoping for a positive week with less tears and another essay done!

sneaky shopping trip

What we planned to be a small trip into town to shop turned into over £100 worth of goods being lugged home... just for myself. oops. 

All the beauty in boots was 3 for 2, which is just too good to resist in my opinion so I picked up:

Revlon Colour Stay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin ('Buff'):

Repurchase of a well loved foundation. It's only flaw is that it doesn't have a pump which buggs me no end and I'm sure one bottle would last longer if so much wasn't wasted by pouring it on the back of my hand. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealor:

Another repurchase and has been raved about by everyone and their mother!

Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo ('Rose Gold'):

I already have 'On and On Bronze' and 'Permanent Taupe' and love them so fancied a lighter shade for spring. Lovely alone or under powder eyeshadow to increase the lasting power.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick ('Amethyst Shimmer'):

A bit of a different choice for me as I've never owned a purple shade of lipstick, I'm very much a pink, coral or red kinda girl but I fancied something different. This swatches lovely and the shimmer isn't too much, can't wait to try it out. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss ('22'):

Hate that the Kate Moss collections don't have lipstick names only numbers, but aside from that this is a pink-red which is just another hue of red/pink to add to my ever-growing collection. It's beautifully pigmented and will look great in spring and summer to brighten up my neutral eyes!

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer:

I currently own the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer which is nice but I wouldn't necessarily repurchase it. I have fairly big pores and this primer doesn't deal with this, it's primary use is to pro-long makeup which it does a good job of. But I do need something with minimises the look of my pores but also pro-longs the wear of my makeup, so in fear of spending another ridiculous amount of money on a primer I picked up this Rimmel one! If you have any suggestions on a good primer for this, please let me know! 

Topshop 'Tile Print Tunic' found here for £34. Although this dress was a little more expensive (which caused me to umm and ahh...) the material is lovely and thick, the top is nicely fitted while the skirt hangs well. Can't wait to wear this with tights for the meantime and then with cute sandals when the weather warms up!

New Look jumper in the sale for £12. I can't get enough of jumpers... it's becoming a problem. I have a few pastel colours and grey, etc, but not a black so for £12 I thought why not!

New Look 9/15 Range Floral Skirt in the sale for £6. Absolute bargain! Yes, this is from the children's section at New Look, but admit it, they have some nice stuff! I'll wear this skirt with black tights and my Chelsea boots for the mean time but as soon as the weather hots up, my legs will be out! Good to be paired with a simple vest or crop top in the summer or a jumper for colder months.

H&M 'Fine Knit Jumper' found here for £12.99. Nice slouchy fit which is just thick enough to not have to wear a vest top underneath, but you could layer one underneath for extra warmth! So so comfy and I'll be wearing this with jeans and leggins, perhaps even a black skater skirt. 

H&M Gold Chain necklace found here for £3.99. A simple staple necklack which is long enough to double up (ie. go around your neck twice without being tight). 

In addition to all this, I bought lots and lots of underwear sets but I'll save you seeing photos of those! I bought a few from primark and a few from newlook. 

Would you like to see outfit posts on how I would style these items? How would you style them? Any makeup bits that you recommend? Do you know a pump that would fit the Revlon Colourstay Foundation?

thinking positive

Ever have one of those days where you feel like absolutely nothing has gone your way and you're left feeling deflated, unmotivated and just sad in general? Don't we all? I can't be alone on this!

I saw this little quote on pinterest and decided to share it on my blog because I think it's a little gem of advice and something I'm definitely going to remind myself of whenever I'm having a totally poopy day.

It's extremely difficult to pull yourself back up again when you're just in 'one of those' moods but if you look properly at how your day went I'm sure everyone can find at least one thing that went right. It could be anything, even the little things that we take for granted every day. Did you have your favourite breakfast? Your mum say she loves you before you leave to go to school/work? Listened to a good song? Hair went exactly how you like it? It could be anything! 

I was having what I thought was a disaster of a day filled with a lack of sleep, a day full of lectures and arguing with someone but looking back on it, my day was filled with life long friends, laughs, a day full of learning about my dream career, and ultimately I had a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my tummy and was surrounded by people who like me just for who I am. 

Another thing I find useful, especially now I have moved out, is that I ring my mum or grandma. Even if I don't express my upset, just hearing their voice and asking about their day cheers me up just a little. Nothing beats a cuddle with your mum but just hearing her say she loves you is a close second. 

One thing that never failed to make me smile is listening to that song that you just love and whenever you hear it, you just can't help but sing along. A good dance and mime around your bedroom can work wonders, just getting your blood pumping and getting all the negative out of your system is a miracle worker. Anyone for a dramatic rendition of Timber by Kesha?

I know thinking positive is a lot easier said than done and when you're having a crappy day the last thing you want to do is think about the day, you just want to forget it while devouring a tub of Ben and Jerries and watching The Notebook but it can be rewarding to remember the good things. It not only makes you feel a bit more positive but makes you appreciate what you have.

I'm not really sure of the reason for writing this post, it is a lot more personal that my others but I feel like sometimes I need to get things off my chest, which is another good way of feeling a little happier. I think it will be good to look back on this post in the future, whether that be in a week or even a few years down the line, read my own advice (and hopefully take it!) and see that this little quote is as much relevant now as it will be in the future.

Apologies if you don't like this sort of post but I think it has been beneficial for me to get this off my chest, plus if you take anything from this, then remember this little quote and always remember the positives, no matter how small they are.

most loved this week

Hollister Body Mist in 'Tippers Beach'

This was a stocking filler at christmas from my grandma and it has been a god send! I love the Impulse body sprays but always find that the scent doesn't last very long on your skin/clothes so I feel like I'm spraying every few minutes and am forever repurchasing. This spray smells delicious, it is very floral and sweet and is very strong so lasts for ages which means you aren't forever spritzing yourself. Now I never leave the flat without this in my handbag, especially on long uni days in hot lecture theatres. I've had so many compliments on this scent and when this runs out (which will not be for a very long time) I will definitely repurchase one of these sprays, if not in this scent then another that Hollister has to offer.

Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti

I had never previously owned a lip butter as I'm very much a lipstick kinda girl but I thought this would be a good addition to my lip collection for days when I want moisturised lips with just a slick of colour. Since winter is coming to an end (I hope...), I thought I would go for a fresh peach for the spring! I've worn this a lot this week and I'm sure I'll continue to enjoy it in the spring and summer months. 

Clean Bandit - Rather Be feat. Jess Glynne

I first heard this song when it was featured on Celebrity Big Brother and used the trusty app that is 'Shazam' to find out what this song was... and I haven't stopped listening to it since. If you haven't heard it yet, I highly recommend you listen to it, it's so uplifting and upbeat, I just want to sin and dance when I listen to it, a real feel good tune to brighten up your day! 

ootd: floral skirt and cropped jumper

A very 'Topshop heavy' outfit, saaaarry! I wore this to go to church and then for a three course lunch with my entire church congregation. 

I saw this skirt the last three times I'd been to Topshop and lusted after it and on the fourth time I couldn't resist! Now I love my jumpers but I'd never bought a cropped jumper before and I'm so glad I did. It would look great with some black high waisted skinnies (the next thing that needs to be added to my wardrobe!) but equally nice with a black skater skirt or this floral one and boots. 

Apologies for the lack of decent post since Monday but this week has been filled with celebrations for my friends birthday so I've been very busy and drunk (oh student life!) and this is the first time I've properly sat down by myself all week! 

playlist of the day: week two

Demi Lovato - Heart Attack (Alias Club Remix)

This week has been a week full of getting back into being at university, drinking a lot of alcohol, a couple of kisses and upbeat/feel good music. I've pretty much listened to my "pre-drinks" playlist on spotify all week due to going out a few times and feeling quite positive about life. 

The one song in particular that I've had on non-stop (especially while in the shower, cue dramatic shower singing) is Heart Attack by Demi Lovato but the Alias Club remix, although I do like the original. The lyrics are brilliant and I feel it's quite relevant to my life at the minute, I'm ditching being sad about not being in a relationship (although I do miss it tonnes) and enjoying being the young, single girl I am.

This week was a bit of a change to last week where I stayed in on my first weekend back at uni, compared to going out clubbing a fair amount over the past week, hence the dramatic change from the 1975 to more upbeat and "get into the party mood" songs. My music choices really do reflect on my mood and what I'm doing at that time, so I'm hoping that'll be reflected in this series!

new year's resolutions 2014 - new year, new me cliche

So another year has passed and this year I have decided to actually write new years resolutions which is something I have never done before, I know shock horror! Now apart from September onwards, last year was a pretty crappy year to say the least and I found myself being extremely unhappy all the time, well not this year, this year I'm going to improve my life and in turn be a much happier person. So here are my resolutions this year and how I plan to make the coming year a much happier one for me. 

Record more moments

I want to try and write something, whether that be one sentence or 10 pages in a journal every day this entire year to try and keep track of everything that happens this year and then I can look back this time next year and perhaps remember some of the good things that have happened and I may have forgotten about!

Branch out of my comfort zone

This one is pretty self-explanatory, I want to try new things, push myself to meet new people, go places, be spontaneous and do things just because I want to and not overthink things and talk myself out of doing stuff like I always do!

Use my Canon 1100d more

I feel like, for such a big investment that my camera was, I'm not sure I really get my use out of it. So I intend to take more photos to not only document more memories (and put them in my journal rather than just online!) but to also develop my currently limited photography skills and learn more. 

Blog more!

I have set myself a new schedule of two posts a week: Wednesday and Saturday, you lucky devils! So I will try to stick to that as much as I possibly can, but when things get a bit busier, then I want to try and at least blog once a week. 

Eat healthier

Last year I had a lots of ups and downs when it came to food so this year I intend to eat as healthy as possible, and I won't starve myself of little treats now and again but I want to cook proper meals and eat more fresh produce. 

Exercise at least once a week

Whether this be a video workout in the living room with the girls or going for a jog with the lads, I want to d more to tone up and get fitter. 2014 is the year I get a hot bod! haha. 

Make more time for friends

I want to try harder to stay in contact with people this year, including going to see my bestest friend in the world in Sheffield and just making more effort to drop people a text and asking how they're getting on, which let's face it, isn't difficult. 

Achieve a 2:2 or above in my first year of uni

I want to actually do my pre-reading, attend more seminars and try my absolute hardest on the 4 essays I have due in April!

Look after myself

I want to start respecting how far I have come in the past year and look after myself both physically with exercise, healthy eating and skin care, but also emotionally. I want to stop being so tough on myself and start accepting the mistakes I am bound to make. No one is perfect, certainly not myself and I need to start remembering that and realising that I'm gonna make mistakes and chance are, push people away who I really care about but it's never too late to start again.

Well, before I go all soppy on you all I shall leave it there for you! Hopefully this year can be much better than last year and I can stick to these resolutions.

Hope everyone had a wonderful new years eve and I wish nothing but happiness for each one of you in the coming year. 

Have you made any new years resolutions? Let me know!

See you Saturday for a new post! xox