Hey Everyone!
For me, when 'high street shops' are mentioned, I automatically think of around 5 well known, regularly hauled and hyped names. Topshop for those treat purchases, Primark for affordable basics and the odd treasure find, and so on. In all honesty, until a few weeks ago, if Matalan was mentioned, I would automatically think of clothes for older ladies and kids. How wrong I was. I popped in out of interest and was very pleasantly surprised.
On my first trip I bought the royal blue bottom mismatched bikini. I like that the top and bottoms are sold separately as I am often a different size on top than on bottom and sometimes I like to switch up patterns. I also went in after work a couple of days ago for a quick look about in the hope they might have a few beach essentials. Their summer sale is now on and its absolutely brilliant. For £15 I got the aztec bandeau bikini top, tortoise bottoms, a beach towel and the beach bag! Matalan is definitely the place for last minute holiday bargains. I would absolutely recommend popping in- their range completely surpassed my expectations.
Have you shopped in Matalan lately? Have you found any luckies?
Hey Everyone!
With so much hype surrounding the Maybelline Color Tattoos, a few months ago I gave in and picked up the shade On and On Bronze. It took me a few weeks to really get into this product: I think it takes quite a lot of practice/ playing around to get the hang of how to use it. After a good while of everyday wear, I feel equipped enough to write a review (probably the hundredth you've seen, but here's my tuppence anyhoo).
The packaging is sturdy and practical. It is quite simplistic: not the prettiest product on a dresser but I guess its whats on the inside that matters. To apply, I use my ring or pinky finger and apply by small dabs on the eyelid. Only a little product is needed because the formula is so creamy. What is most striking about this product is the richness of the colour. The photograph really conveys its depth, shimmer and pigmentation. Its super buildable, so is perfect for if you're looking for a light base or a more intense look. I usually wear just this with a tiny bit of MUA matte eyeshadow in shade 19 (a dark brown) blended into the crease. The lasting power is better than standard drugstore powder eyeshadows, though it definitely does not last 24 hours (at least on my oily eyelids) and will sometimes crease after about 5/6 hours. It is not at all a pain to remove though- just a sweep of my Garnier Micellar Water does the trick. I think this product will last for a long time but I will probably repurchase when it does run out. I'd also like to try other shades.
'Bikini Body' is a phrase we hear everywhere at this time of year: '10 steps to that perfect bikini body', 'Get that bikini body in just 30 days', 'Are you bikini body ready?'.
That alliterated phrase. What does it even mean?
Google it and you're faced with an array of slender, toned, tanned models and celebs. Washboard stomach? Check. Big boobs? Yep. Perky bum? Of course. Don't get me wrong, all of these ladies are gorgeous and hats off to them for what must be a huge commitment to the gym and a flawless diet. What I wonder is: are we all supposed to aspire to this one image of ideal?
In January I got it into my head that by summer I could alter my body to mirror the tsunami of bikini body images you'll find everywhere from magazines to adverts to apps. I made exercise plans, watched fitness videos, bought running shoes, and scrolled through Pinterest and We Heart It for 'fitness inspiration.' I'm not saying I went all out and nothing happened, because I really didn't commit to the exercise plans I made. My body is the same as it was in January but its taken me until now to think, what if its ok to just wear a bikini the way I am? What would be so wrong about that?
While exercise and a balanced diet are things we should all be incorporating into our lives, this should not be done with the intention of altering your body (unless its for health reasons etc). For example, I should accept the fact that my body is always going to be naturally bottom heavy. Even if I went to the gym everyday chances are I'd still carry extra weight on my legs because that's just my build.
Its important to remember, in this media frenzied society, that the images we are bombarded with of the 'ideal bikini body' don't reflect anywhere near what the majority of people look like or can achieve. Sometimes, it takes a reality check, or a little moment of inspiration, to realise 'Oh wait- there are other options.' Mine came a few days ago when I was looking through Tanya Burr's holiday snaps and saw her in her bikini and just thought wow. She looks amazing. Totally embracing her figure and not being afraid to do it with confidence. Everyone has a body. Anyone can have a bikini. Surely that means everyone has a bikini body?
So, instead of being disappointed in myself for not dropping a dress size or becoming a toned goddess, I'm just going to put on a bikini the way I am. Really, when was the last time you looked at someone and thought 'OMG they should not be wearing a bikini- they need to cover up from head to toe before I am sick?' because I personally never have. To be honest, most people are too preoccupied with their own thoughts and dramas to look twice at the girl who had that double cheeseburger instead of doing that hour workout.
There is no such thing as a perfect bikini body. Everyone's bikini body is different. We all have our own 'perfect' body: the best body we can realistically achieve. I have realised that its not possible to change your body into someone else's. Your body is yours and you're going to have it all your life so you may as well accept it; and maybe even love it.
Hey Everyone!
Will you be watching the Commonwealth Opening Ceremony tonight? Apparently 1 billion people will be. I am so excited! I remember being transfixed to the TV on the night of the London Olympics Opening Ceremony and this is going to be even better because its in my city. Glasgow is just buzzing and its amazing to be surrounded by such an atmosphere. I may be singing to a different tune tomorrow if my trains to work are disrupted but so far I have loved being in the heart of the city centre. I'm off to get a shower, get snacks and be ready to watch the build up. Yayy!
Hey Everyone!
When I initially set out to do this post, it was going to be a collective haul but in the process of picture taking I realised that I've bought enough from Primark over the past few weeks to justify a whole post of its own. Primark hauls (both videos and blog posts) are probably my favourites as it gives you a chance to see whats in store.
I've been buying mainly for my holidays to Portugal and Greece (which are both really soon woo!). I try not to spend too much on summer clothes because I don't get a whole lot of wear out of them as the Scottish weather is so unpredictable (though for once this year it has been pretty decent). I've also found myself going around Primark picking up random bits and bobs and thinking 'I'll find somewhere to wear that!'.
My most recent purchases are the pink playsuit (£14), printed trousers (£11) and foil tee (£8). I love the playsuit and trousers- they're both surprisingly comfortable and they don't look like they're from Primark at all (although I have a feeling that the trousers will be seen on everyone and their granny in the next few weeks). I was, and still am, a little uncertain about the foil top as something about it reminds me of wrapping paper.
I've never noticed in previous years but this summer Primark's range of swimwear is fab. I personally don't see the point in spending over £30 on a bikini in Topshop (although they are gorgeous) if you're just going to wear it a couple of times when you can get one for just over £10 in Primark. I can't remember exact prices for the rest of my loot because its been a while since I bought it but I think the sunglasses were all between £2 and £3. The cami tops (<£4) are really light and comfortable although I do feel the need to wear a strapless bra underneath rather than having straps showing. I loved the colours of the tropical top (~£4) although its a bit see through. As you can see, I've been suffering a bit of an addiction to the printed shorts. These are loose and pyjama-like which is perfect for the warm weather and paired with one of the cami tops they make a cute, lightweight outfit. Finally, the denim shorts £10 are a really good fit and are similar to ones for treble the price in Topshop. Also worth mentioning, but not photographed, is my new silicon mint phone case which I got for only £1. Considering the difficulty I've faced trying to get a reasonable priced cover- I thought I'd share. Despite Primark's affordable prices, my bank account is still crying itself to sleep at night after all this. The same cannot be said for me though- I'm so excited to wear it.
What have you picked up in Primark lately?
Hello friends!
I've lost track of the number of posts I've opened with 'I'm back!' or 'Remember me?' etc etc. I'm so inconsistent but thank you so much for those of you who are still around! After every lengthy absence from blogging I have the urge to dive back in with an updatey post-I feel like I need to let you know what I've been doing. I'm going to keep this short and sweet and make it just like one of the weekly instagram run-down posts I used to do back in the day. Its weird: when I started looking for pictures to sum up the last two months I realised I really need to start taking more pictures.
So, main things that have been happening:
•I done my exams, finished school and went to prom.
•I turned 18 ahhh woopee!!
•I went to the music festival T in the Park.
Other things:
•I've been eatting lots of yummy food (bye bye that bikini body I thought was possible).
•I've become absolutely obsessed with Jake Bugg.
•I've been really into fake tan though I think I've managed to make 90% of applications disastrous before rinsing.
•I've been on an absolute mission to tidy and organise my room.
I have lots and lots of posts planned and let's face it, its SUMMER- I have all the time in the world to write up blog posts so expect lots of content from me- yay!
What has your summer consisted of so far?
