Fashion | The New Black Bag

Black Plate Premium Large Bag | £50.00 | Link

As soon as I see something that I like, I know I have to have it and it was the same with this Black Plate Premium Bag from Next. Out of all the handbags I own, I only owned one black bag and I had recently started to think that it was coming to the end of it's life so as soon as I spotted this one it immediately ticked all the boxes and I used up the last of my birthday money to buy it.

I love the simplicity of the bag, yet it still has attractive detailing. I'm also forever hoarding round crates of stuff with me so tha fact that it's big enough to fit all my junk in is another bonus. The bag consists of 3 compartments, 1 large zipped compartment in the middle, and the other two are either side and use poppers rather than zips. I'm always very safety conscious so anything valuable such as phone, money etc go into the zipped compartment and anything else like lip glosses and a ridiculous amount of sweet wrappers for when I can't find a bin go in the popper compartments.

At £50.00 some people may find this bag rather on the pricey side especially as it's just from Next. However, the quality is brilliant and so far it hasn't shown any signs of wear and tear like my Primark bags do in their first few weeks of life. I also like the fact that there is also an adjustable handle so that you can carry the bag in which ever way is comfiest, on long days out, with any bag I'm always swapping and changing the way I carry it in order to stop my shoulders from aching - perhaps that's a sign that I carry too much?!

There is nothing I could fault this bag for and I haven't let it out of my grasp since I brought it.

What's your recent favourite purchase?

Fashion | What I Brought In The Sales

Everybody loves a good bargain, especially in the sales and to me it has become more apparent that the Christmas Sales are a part of my Christmas, sort of routine, if you like. Working at Next is brilliant when it comes to the sales, not so much so with the 6am start on Boxing Day but it does mean that working there we get first picks of what's going into the sale and I can't resist a few bargains! So here is what I picked up from Next in the sale and a few bits from various other places!

The shoes if I can recall are probably the most expensive thing I picked up with one pair costing £16, but that's still so cheap for such pretty shoes! The Jeggings were a great bargain at £12 once I find a style of Jean which I like I then have to have them in every colour and I haven't these yet, so what a bargain! Snuggly jumpers are always a must when it comes to winter shopping, the blue and gold cost £10 and the grey £14. Baring in mind that knickers and bras have individual costs I was able to pick up two complete sets for around £10 each! What a bargain?! Finally, the cream Gillet was £14, I brought it before the sale in brown but chose not to get the cream as it would probably always end up being dirty, but I couldn't resist it at that price!

Finally the faux leather skater style skirt from New Look was £10. I've wanted one for ages so was chuffed and the white bra and knicker set was brought in the Ann Summers sale. The Ann Summers sale makes buying bras so much more affordable! I'm really pleased with all my sale buys and can't wait to wear them all!

What did you buy in the sale?!

Lifestyle | What I Got For Christmas

This post isn't a post about me bragging about what I received for Christmas, because to be honest, I found the generosity of my family, boyfriend and friends slightly overwhelming! No, I am writing this post because I enjoy reading others posts on what they received for Christmas or even birthdays, and I know I'm not the only one!

I received lots of lovely girly bits and pieces for my room. It's currently in the process of having new licks of paint on it and a few new bits of furniture, but I take so much pride in how my room looks and I'm always looking for more bits and pieces to make it look even more beautiful. The Katie Piper books were one of my favourites, I love Katie, and she truly is my inspiration. I think I may do posts on these especially the Start Your Day With Katie, I'm gaining my own positivity from her little quotes each day. And I've fallen head over heels for my onesie. It's from Next, and so incredibly soft, Mum couldn't resist getting it for me!

 

Again, I was a lucky girl and got the Kindle Paperwhite. I'd had the original kindle for just over a year before the screen broke, and I'm lucky enough to get a new one this Christmas, and I can't believe just how much better the Paperwhite is to the original. It means no more reading in bed and falling asleep with the light on! And of course, no Christmas is complete without lots of bath smellies!

 

The Soap and Glory Yule Tide Monty set was a favourite this year, I now have even more to add to my collection! Somehow Mum always manages to source pretty undies sets for Christmas which I love to bits. But it's always a bit awkward opening up a set of silk lacy underwear in front of your boyfriend and then the rest of your family, I think they knew what he was thinking just from the look on his face! The above picture are the presents which my gorgeous boyfriend spoiled me with. He has truly been incredible this year and I can't believe how lucky I was. The ring also came as a bit of a surprise as I had given many hints to which he said there was no way I was getting it on this earth. So after everyone had opened their presents he then finally presented me with it. There was a slight heart stopping moment where I did think he was going to propose, and so did the rest of my family! Haha.

Sadly, it's really hard to get a good picture of just how beautiful the ring is, it's silver with a diamond set in gold, and I absolutely love it and haven't stopped wearing it since!

Even now, reminiscing over Christmas I'm almost having to stop myself from welling up! Christmas 2013 has just been breathtaking. I spent the day with all my loved ones including my family, and Tyler's family. I ate tonnes of incredible food, although I didn't get merry due to being a responsible driver! Now more than ever so, I am incredibly grateful and in love with all the wonderful people in my life!

What did you get for Christmas?!

Primark Spring/Summer Shoes

Today is such a happy day. I had a job interview this morning which I felt went really well (keep your fingers crossed for me!) After the interview I then went and did some shopping as I desperately need to restock my summer wardrobe. Whilst hunting about in Primark I came across these gorgeous shoes, and I had to have them!

Firstly are these black faux suede pointed shoes. A while back I went off pointed shoes but the flats are starting to grow on me, which is why I picked two styles up today. I'm still not sure how I feel about pointy heels though! I tend to go for a lot of black in my outfits out of habi,t and I've found that I don't have any casual flat black shoes so for £5.00, these are perfect!

Next are these. They are the exact same material and style as the black shoes above except with an embellished bow. The black shoes above did actually come in this colour but they didn't have them in my size. But these will be great for jazzing up outfits with. As much as I love black, I'm also a huge neutral girl and will always go for browns and creams. These retail at £6.00.

Finally, are these gorgeous coral, embellished pumps for £6.00. I am absolutely loving coral this season and when I do want to spruce up my outfits with a bit of colour these will be perfect! They also do these in alternate colours, so the shoe is cream and the bow is coral. I might go back and get them next time but I decided that for now, 3 pairs was enough!

 

So there you have it, 3 pairs of shoes for £17.00!! I don't expect them to be amazing quality, but they'll do for this season.

 

What's been your recent favourite footwear picks?

Miss Selfridge Monday #2

Last week I started the first series of posts called Miss Selfridge Mondays as Monday is my least favourite day of the week and I like to make it better by doing some online window shopping at my favourite shop.. Miss Selfridge, so these are just a few of the things I've been loving and lusting over today.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

1. Perspex Triangle Studs £8.00 - I've recently stopped buying earrings as I haven' found anything which I like and I've gone off wearing the ones I've got. However, when I saw these I knew I just have to have them!

2. Barbie Slogan Cold Shoulder Top £22.00 - This I've just fallen in love with, Barbie was my idol when I was younger and I loved anything Barbie, she seems to be making lots of appearances in Miss Selfridge recently, and it's that perfect bit of tackiness for the summer!

3. Duck Egg Mesh Prom Dress £49.00 - Again, this is something else which I thought was absolutely gorgeous and a must have for summer. It comes in Coral too which I'd also love to have!

4. Sindy Green Bow Back Heels £42.00 - These shoes just speak for themselves, they're beautifull, and well.. essential! They also come in Coral to match most items on my wishlist. I can see this being a very expensive summer.

5. Woven Bow Trim Floppy Hat £20.00 - This is a why the hell not hat?! Not to be big headed but I really suit these types of hats and it's about time I purchased one for summer!

6. Rose Texture Pinny Top £29.00 - This little top is just gorgeous and it has such cute detailing on it along with cross back straps which just makes it perfect for those hot sunny days.

I can't wait for summer! Whats your favourite fashion style for summer?!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I've been a little quiet over the last week and that's because last week on Thursday was my birthday! I can't believe it had been a year since my exciting 18th birthday and I am now 19, which to some of you probably still seems like a baby, but it makes me feel old. I want to be 18 forever! I was so incredibly spoilt for my birthday and I'm only going to show you a selection of my favourite presents from my family, friends and wonderful boyfriend. As things like money, vouchers, knickers and socks aren't really exciting to photograph!

These are some of the lovely gifts which I received. I also received some lovely clothing too but haven't included them in the photo because they're in the wash from wearing them at the weekend.

My Mum brought me the Ted Baker wash bag to match my make-up bag which I had been trying to get my hands on for ages and eventually did, you can read my blog post about it here. So I'm ecstatic that I now have the matching set! This was perfect for my weekend away. My Granny also a lovely large 150ml Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. I absolutely love this stuff, it has to be my most favourite cleanser and now I'm stocked up, especially as I got some for Christmas too! The fairy lights are to replace my old ones which broke, I'm in love with them and have already placed them around my headboard of my bed. My bedroom looks so cute and girly at night with these lights, it's definitely my safe haven, and place I go to relax.

 I am mad on baking, and when I was out shopping with my Stepmum I pointed this book out to her and said how much I loved it and would one day like to buy it. She remembered our conversation and went and brought it for me! Yay! There will definitely be more foodie posts coming soon as I work my way through the cook book. I'm drooling even thinking about it!

 I love, love, love, love this gift from my Auntie, Uncle and Cousins! Recently I have become a major Vampire Diaries fan and have even gotten my boyfriend, Tyler into it as well. This is season 1-3 and we're currently half way through watching season 1 on Netflix, so I can cancel my subscription now I have the box set and save money! Are any of you Vampire Diaries fans, girls?!

 Again, my Dad and Stepmum did so well with these beautiful shoes which I have been lusting over for months, I now own them in cream and purple!! Miss Selfridge are great for shoes if any of you girls are looking for ideas.

 This really had to be the best birthday present of all!! My boyfriend was amazing enough to take me to Paris on the weekend of my birthday! I couldn't believe it when he told me, I was in so much shock and so, so incredibly excited! We have both been wanting to go to Paris for quite a while and were planning on organising a trip for March but I couldn't believe it when he surprised me with a trip for my birthday. I really am the luckiest girl alive. I had such an amazing time this weekend and I really can't thank him enough! I'm going to do a short post of a few holiday snaps of Paris soon!

As well as taking me to Paris for the weekend during the day on my birthday a delivery van pulled up and delivered me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever received from my boyfriend, that man is full of surprises!

It really has been a great 19th birthday and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family, boyfriend and friends. There really aren't enough words to tell you all how grateful I am, and how right now life is just perfectly amazing. 2013 has kicked off with a bang!

 

Don't forget to enter my 300 followers giveaway here.

 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

 

#94. Meet my new baby. - A short story.

Yes, yes this new Ted Baker Make Up Bag is my new baby! Jealous? You should be! It took me an arm and a leg to get hold of this! I saw them a while back and instantly knew that I had to have it. So I went onto the Ted Bake website and they were sold and had been sold out for months! The only one which they did have was the large wash bag at £29 and I didn't fancy putting my make up in that and lugging it about. So when I went to London for the weekend I went in to so many Ted Baker stores and House Of Frasers and not one of them had the make up bag in stock only the flipping wash bags. I then went back onto the Ted Baker website and did a live chat with a very nice customer assistant who told me that the only they could locate is in Manchester Selfridges. MANCHESTER?!?!?! Thats not really helpful when I live down South in Reading near London. She told me that they did postal orders and gave me number which turned out to be the wrong number! The guy in Manchester Selfridges was also so unhelpful that at the end of it I decided I couldn't be bothered and that maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

Then, on a trip to Reading to buy Tyler, my boyfriends birthday presents I cut through House of Fraser and right by my exit was Ted Baker and immediately it caught my eye. Yes!! They had one!! But it wasn't over yet!... I ran over and nearly knocked the old woman out the way who was eyeing it up and grabbed it. Finders keepers is all about the one who gets ahold of it first. I took it to the till to pay to be told by the girl that she wasn't allowed to sell the display one and would check out back for me at this point the old lady was right by my side and I knew that she was after it too. When the girl came back in her hands was the makeup bag all nicely packaged and she told me that it was the last one in stock. VICTORY WAS MINE!!!! At last I had the make up bag I had been lusting over for months and I didn't have a care in the world that it cost me £25 or the fact that the old lady went home with nothing. This beauty was mine and I have been cherishing it ever since. Sometimes a girls got to do what a girls got to do for something she loves!

 

Thanks for listening folks!

Do you have any short storys about something you've had to have?!

 

♥

#90 Addicted To New Look Accessories

Although I am constantly busy, I still make the time to go on a few small shopping trips, this tends to be when I've got a free period at college. I know, I know bad me! But with a giant New Look so close by I couldn't resist, and they now have some lovely things in for this A/W season. So whilst waiting for payday I thought I'd use the rest of my money and buy some gorgeous jewellery as I feel as though I want to accessorise my outfits more.

 

 

This little lot came to a total of £17.96, which is actually rather expensive considering you could probably buy 10 things for that price in Primark. But I couldn't help it, they're just so pretty!!

 



 

 

This little beauty cost me £4.99 and I love it, it is completly me and will go with most of my outfits, as I tend to wear quite a lot of neutral colours.

 

 

When I saw this ring I knew that I had to buy it and again, for  £4.99 I couldn't resist. Because I do wear a lot of neutral colours I feel as though I need to inject some colour into my outfits, and what better way to start doing this with some accessories.

 

 

 

Now, I have always loved my earrings, and when I would buy some they would always be very big, gold and have pearls. So when I saw these, they were right up my street. I've also been a bit bored of all my current earrings and haven't worn any in a while, so these are perfect and cost £4.99.

 

 

And finally, this was my last purchase. Ear cuffs have become really popular recently and me being me and staying in my comfort zone, I didn't really think that they would suit me so decided not to purchase any. However, I stumbled across this one for just £2.99 and thought I'd give it ago and to my surprise I love it and haven't stopped wearing it. The other earring to this set is just a plain pearl stud, so everyones a winner all round!

 

Have you made any impulsive buys recently?!

 

♥

 



#46 Lauren Pope For Little Mistress And Bank.

Most of you know that I am a total die hard TOWIE fan and fell in love with the cast when they first appeared on our screens. I know that lots of people don't 'rate' The Only Way Is Essex but for me if I don't watch it each week I feel incomplete. I wouldn't say that the girls are my idols or that I want to be like them, because I don't, but I do enjoy a good giggle watching them and the stupidity of the things which they come out with, as it cracks me up!
However, the fashion of the girls always intrigues me as it's constantly in the media whether it's being slated or praised. So when I saw on Twitter that Lauren 'Popey' Pope's new clothing range had been launched I had to check it out! However, after a bit of research I've seen that not all of it has been released yet and are 'Coming Soon' But here's a peak of what's to come.

"With a rapidly growing reputation as a ‘must-have’ label Little Mistress provides a collection of pieces with exquisite embellished detailing, lush layered textures and unique prints, including a range of unique girly designs created by ‘It girl’ Lauren Pope!"

Lauren Pope has designed a range of clothing for Little Mistress who deliver great feminine, chic and pretty clothing each season making sure that they are keeping up with the current trends, and this S/S season has seen the beginnings of Lauren's range being launched. Here is what is currently available from the webiste at http://little-mistress.co.uk/

Navy 60's Panel Dress, £40

Animal Print Jumpsuit, £50

Pink Shift Pleat Detail Dress, £45

Pink 2 In 1 Dove Print Dress, £42,

Little Mistress is also working alongside Bank and a small amount of Lauren's collection is also available to buy online and in stores. The collection is definitely something which I will be purchasing in the near future, as I feel that the prices are reasonable, I know that you could probably get a similar item cheaper and that you are paying for Lauren's branded name, but I don't think that they are really unreasonable, and I love how it's not the stereo typical 'Essex Fashion' which again everyone slates, but I just can't help but love parts of it, and lets be honest, who doesnt enjoy a good fake tan?! But... I am yet to brave a vajazzle...