WEEKEND WISHLIST

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Whenever I go through a period of shopping online, I always feel like I haven't been shopping in ages. I don't know why but I'm guessing it's because I'm unable to physically see the damage of passing sums of money over. I'm not sure I like it really, especially when there's always something I want but can no longer afford. Nevertheless, I still can't stop myself from wishing.

So, this week it starts with Vero Moda. Not usually a shop I buy from, or ever go in infact although I came across the website through well, boredom really and ended up finding this gorgeous Madeline shirt. As they are a Danish brand-label it's no surprise that the website is in euro's, which often puts me off. However, after picking your country it translates their currency into your own, similar to the NastyGal website. This makes shopping internationally for me, so much easier. The 3/4 length sleeves makes it ideal for the next upcoming season and perfect for layering under chunky knits in the Winter.

More boots, send help! Even after recently buying a pair of Deena & Ozzy boots, I still find myself wanting more. Looking at it in a practical way, at least my winter boot collection would be complete right? They do look quite like slippers due to the poor quality sole I will admit, but the fact that they are fur lined sold them to me. I can imagine slipping them for college on a cold morning and being snug all day.

Now for the thing I want the most, some military style trousers. They're similar to the leggings I posted in my last wishlist from H&M and over double the price but I find them way more versatile as being trousers, they can be worn both casual and smart. With work placement coming up, I want a pair of smart trousers that are nice without making me look like a school teacher so I think these would fit the criteria just fine.

Ever since visiting a vintage shop and seeing a shirt with collar tips, (that was ridiculously overpriced) I haven't stopped looking around for a pair to add to my own collection of shirts. As I find myself either wearing gold or silver, I figured instead of two different pairs, I'd go for a pair of rose gold ones. At £6 from Monki instead of £10-16 at Topshop, what a bargain.

Next is a luxury that I've been wanting to buy for some time now yet never been able to justify the price. This perfume, Thierry Mugler "Alien" always reminds me of one of my friends, it's her signature smell and every time I'm around her I find myself wanting it even more. For £42 a 30ml bottle, I don't think it will be added to another list until at least Christmas.

And at last but not least is this bag. I remember seeing it and having to take a second look to believe I'd seen things properly. The stag figure head situated on the front clasp reminds me so much of everything Christmasy. I love bags that give you the option between a shoulder strap and an arm strap, often I find my shoulder getting achy after carrying a bag on it for a long period of time and so it's good to mix things up a little. I shall not rest until this bag is mine, that's for sure.

HIGH STREET VS DESIGNER

Alexander Wang Kirsten Multi-Strap Suede Satchel - £750  £300

Now I know I, for one cannot afford anything remotely designer so why is it that I and many other people in the same boat, still put myself ourselves through the pain of looking at them? Who knows.

Although designer brands are going to be much better quality than anything found on the high street, are they really worth the price tag? Or are we paying for the name as opposed to the product? I think there's got to be some truth in that somewhere. Regardless of whether or not it's true, Alexander Wang did good on this bag. I think the fact that it's such a statement piece makes me attracted to it, I can imagine it would look amazing with a more casual outfit with a pair of jeans and some leather.

One thing that would worry me most about buying a light suede bag this expensive would be maintaining it. If I owned it, I don't think I'd ever want to take it off my shoulder or put it on the floor, especially being suede, it would be the biggest terror to clean.

As the bag is on sale for less than half of it's original price, it does make the bag more affordable however at £300, it is still quite a steep purchase.

eBay Suede Multi-Strap Satchel- £32.99 

After seeing this bag almost everywhere through celebrities such as Amanda Seyfried, it's no surprise there are dupes readily available at a fraction of the price (not that I'm complaining). 

In terms of how they differ in appearance, it's obvious that the straps on the original Alexander Wang bag are  more compact to the bag itself as I feel the eBay dupe looks a bit more scattered, I think I like that a bit more though. Another good thing about this dupe is the fact that it's not real suede, as I mentioned a previous post, I do avoid purchasing any products made with animal goods and so this does make the bags appeal increase.

Often ordering online from unknown sellers can be quite hit and miss and so it's almost a gamble that the product itself is going to look exactly as the picture suggests. Fortunately I managed to find that Kavita from She Wears Fashion actually brought the bag and featured it in one of her blog posts. Actually seeing her wearing it has definitely made me want to go out and order one for myself!

What do you think about the quality of this dupe? Has High Street outdone Designer?

My Recent Skin Care Makeup Products

All reviews my personal opinion and on the basis of my own skin type.

    Skin Wisdom 24hr Moisturiser £2.66

    Benefit Pore Professional Primer £23.50

    Clinique Moisture Sheet Tint- Blond

    Rimmel Stay Matte Powder- 001 Transparent £3.99

    No7 Bronzing Powder- Sun Kissed

Everything else:

    No7 Brow Pencil- 15 

    No7 Intense Volume Mascara- Black 

    Essence Get Big Mascara- Black

    MAC Matt Lipstick- Pink Plaid

For me, moisturiser is the most important product I use on my face and find it really makes a difference on the finished result of my makeup as well as keeping my skin hydrated during the day. As my skin is temperamental, to most things in fact I tend to go for beauty products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free, often I find that this reduces the quality and texture in relation to how well moisturisers in particular work on my skin. Although I usually go for a thicker based mosituriser such as The Body Shop's Carrot Cream (review here) which was unfortunately discontinued, I've been on the hunt for a similar product that suits my skin as well. So far, I've found no problems with Skin Wisdom however I wouldn't rave on about it, I guess it's just OK. 

Before applying my foundation, I apply Benefit's Pore Professional Primer to the areas of my skin most prone to blemishes and also under my cheek bones, I find this is the area of my skin that is more likely to turn blotchy as the day goes on. As far as my opinion goes on this product, I'm still undecided. I find using this product definitely helps to sustain my foundation on for longer, however in terms of diminishing the appearance of pores I'd say it does very little, if not nothing. As I was lucky enough to grab hold of this 7.5ml sample in Glamour magazine a few additions back, I didn't have to pay the price of £23.50 in order to give this product ago, especially after reading so many positive reviews on it. As to whether or not I will purchase a full sized tube after I run out, who knows. 

Next is a product I've only been using since the start of summer. After a disastrous relationship with the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation and my skin, (review here) I've become so wary about trying new skin products, especially foundations. After talking about it with my boyfriend's mom, she suggested I try Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint Foundation and kindly gave me a tube. At first, I was apprehensive about using a tinted moisturiser as my daily foundation, purely because I like my foundations to have at least a medium coverage. I admit, I was pleasantly surprised. As this product is allergy tested and 100% fragrance free it's been perfect this summer for the days when I don't want to be using a heavier product on my face due to the fact that my skin tends to get more sensitive/greasy making me more prone to break outs. Unfortunately, after doing some research I've found out that they've actually discontinued the product (always happens to me). As I won't be able to get my hands on it anymore, I think I'll go back to using Maybelline Super Stay 24hr until I pick up the courage to try something different.  

For the final touches to my face, I use Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder in the shade Transparent. I just find this helps to smooth out any uneven tones found mainly around my jaw and chin area and also helps to set my foundation. It's the only makeup I've used religiously for years and is something I always re-purchase. At a price of £3.99, this product is a total steel. 

As being pale is one of my most biggest personal flaws, it's always necessary to finish my makeup off using a bronzer. No7's Bronzing Powder in "Sun Kissed" is one of the loveliest product's I've used in terms of face powders/blushers. The contrast of browns and creams is so easily blended into your foundation and really helps to lift my skin tone. 

Although I'm satisfied with all items featured in this post as of recently, I'm yet to find a range of products that have no disappointing factors to them. I'd love if if you guys had any recommendations for fair skin that I could have a look out for or even possibly try! 

I've also found that my posts have been quite word-heavy recently, I hope you guys don't mind! Let me know of any other posts you'd like to see, I'd be happy for suggestions! 

10 DAY SALE

I realise my blog has become a shoe overload recently, sorry! But I'm having a clear out and unfortunately that means letting go of things I don't want to but probably should. Starting with my trustry Topshop Lita style platform heels featured above and a vintage open/cold shoulder shirt.

To visit, buy or make an offer visit here
SOLD

Competition: Passion For Fashion

I was recently contacted about entering an exciting competition called "Passion For Fashion" held by Money Supermarket. Entrants are asked to design five different outfits for Autumn/Winter, calculating at under £200 and in order to suit five different occasions, office wear, casual, first date, outdoor and party. There's nothing more I love than internet clothes browsing and telling you about my finds! But when you can do this and, get the chance of winning some very exciting prizes then what have you got to loose? If you're interested in entering and want more information about how to get started then visit here to find out more. 

All the outfits I have created are put together based on my own personal style and what I would wear under the chosen category.

OFFICE 

1 Zara Suede Combined Shopper £49.99 / 2 H&M Covered Heel £29.99 / 3 Miss Selfridge Black Tunic Dress £35 

4 Radley Walker Umbrella £30 / 5 River Island Leopard Helen Watch £18 

Total Price= £162.98

As soon as I saw the word "office wear" mentioned, I kinda scared myself into thinking it was an impossible task considering I, a teenager with no office work experience has never had to think or even imagine, style in the workplace beforehand. For me, I think this made it the most challenging outfit out of the five. I put my mind to the task regardless and created this! 

I think once you get past ways of working with different clothing that maintain a professional look, it's easy to get to terms with adding different (yet suitable) pieces to suit your own personal style. Take this dress for instance, simple and black with mesh sleeves yet very smart and also so easy to work with. 

Paired with metal covered heels and the contrast of the browns within the watch and the bag helps to give the outfit that well deserved edge.  

Finally, I added this gorgeous Radley printed umbrella, just for safes keepings as after all, a Brit stepping outside the house without an umbrella is a risky one at that!

CASUAL 

1 Monki Evelina Hat £5 / 2 Cheap Monday Cryokine Sunglasses £18 / 3 MAC Pink Plaid Lipstick £14

4 Topshop Washed V Tee by Boutique £25 / 5 Dr Marten Originals £60 via eBay / 6 Cheap Monday Second Skin Jeans £50

Total Price= £172

What casual day is without a hat? I think my over-sized beanie from Topshop was my survival kit for both warmth and comfort last Autumn/Winter and is possibly why I plan on stocking up on these ridiculously cheap Evelina hat's from Monki this upcoming year. 

The thing I like most about "casual" outfits is that they are so easily put together, yet still look like you've put way more effort in than you actually have. I find sunglasses an essential when it comes to the less casual days (or should I say the days where you don't bother wearing any makeup), I don't know what it is but they somehow make you feel better when your not feeling up to scratch. 

Anyway, let's talk jeans. So versatile and so comfy that it's almost difficult to not want to wear them every day for the rest of my life. Although these Cheap Monday jeans are a little on the pricey side, it is definitely worth investing in some more expensive jeans if it means the quality is there. After all, I personally don't think I will ever stop reaching for mine. 

Footwear, I chose to pair this outfit with some classic Dr Martens. Just because, why not? Another investment I must admit, however I've had my docs for three years now and they are still going strong. Plus, if you're like me and need some encouragement to splurge that much money, I've linked you to the cheapest option I could find (almost £30 cheaper) yep, you heard. 

Lastly, the lipstick I find myself going to the most "Pink Plaid" by Mac. While it makes my lips feel like they've been smothered in vaseline after just one appliance, it also makes them look nice too with almost the least amount of effort required.

FIRST DATE

1 Topshop Tencil Jersey Panel Biker Jacket £45 / 2 Converse All Star Leather High Tops via eBay £54.99 3 Monki Becka Top £6 / 4 H&M Jersey Sequin Skirt £14.99 / 5 Barry M Lipstick "Peachy Pink" £4.49 / 6 Select Studded Bag £14

Total Price= £139.47

First date's are always the outfits you put the most thought (and worry) into. For me, it's about having a focus point that is considered a bit more dressy and then dressing them down with other items. In this case I've chosen this gorgeous sequined skirt from Miss Selfridge. Adding the leather finished Converse helps to create the right contrast between what could be considered "too much" paired with say a pair of flatforms. 

For the rest of the outfit, I chose to stick to the theme of black as for me, I feel it works better than having a range of different colours. Apart from the lippy of course, you can't go wrong with using a bright lipstick to add a pop of colour to a dark outfit (unless your a first date kissing type of girl). 

Personally I feel this outfit would be ideal especially if you are unsure of where you're going as it would be appropriate for a varied amount of occasions, whether that be for a meal, a drink or even a more casual date to the cinema. After all, you want to be able to feel comfortable in what you're wearing. 

OUTDOOR

1 River Island Black Coated Molly Jeggings £40 / 2 Monki Lerima Top £5 / 3 Zara Studded Leather Shopper £69.99

4 Topshop Camoflage Cardigan £46 / 5 H&M Ankle Boots £29.99

Total Price= £190.98

"Outwear", most definitely my favourite outfit out of the lot, I think mainly due to it being so me. Again, I feel using key pieces like a pair of faux leather jeans with a simple plain white t-shirt and throwing this gorgeous camoflage cardigan from Topshop over the top helps to give the outfit something different. Don't forget, cardigans are also so easy to layer or even be layered. So necessary once the colder days and evenings start coming in.

It's all about the details with this bag, firstly it's size. If you're similar to me and like carrying a bag that is excessively big around with you which only ends up being filled with unnecessary junk then this is perfect (not to mention the studs). 

Boots, self explanatory as an Autumn/Winter staple I think. Anybody who knows me will understand just how much I am loving western style shoes, boots and heels at the moment and is why I can't wait to get my hands on these boots from H&M so that I can create this outfit myself. I think layered with multiple pairs of socks, they are everything you need in a shoe for the approaching season.

PARTY 

1 Motel Pearl Strapless Skater Dress £42 / 2 Rihanna Reb'l Fleur 30ml £19.50 / 3 ASOS Plate And Spike Belt £15

4 Mac Longwear "Dress It Up" £16.50 / 5 Select Stud Clutch £8 / 6 Gogophilip Skull Ring £5 / 7 Zara Court Shoe £49.99

Total Price= £155.99

I'm quite surprised the outfit usually considered the most expensive when shopping for in real situations, turned out to be one of the least expensive out of all five. I guess it just goes to show, right? I know from my own personal experiences when shopping for a party outfit, I always look for something strapless. I'm not sure what it is but I think they look so elegant, especially with the love heart shaped front like this dress from Motel.

I am always one for matching my accessories and in this case, shoes. Having the rose gold effect running throughout the outfit brings it together and I think it works really well.

As for lipstick, I decided to use one of Mac's long wear lipstick/lipcreme's in the shade I feel works best with the outfit "Dress It Up". Although I am yet to try, I have heard nothing but good feedback from those who have. Who wants to be re-applying their lipstick all the time when they're out anyway?

To finish the outfit off, I featured my favourite perfume by Rihanna. There is nothing more I hate that paying for an expensive perfume that doesn't last on your skin for longer than an hour. Reb'l Fleur is so inexpensive and yet I still find myself waking up the next morning with the scent on my wrist, definitely my party necessity.

I hoped you enjoyed this post guys and don't forget to give it a go yourself for a chance of winning!