Life's Little Luxuries... Pip Studio @ Amara.co.uk

Hey Everyone!

This evening I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful online gift and home accessories store- amara.co.uk. If like me you are a sucker for luxury items and unique designs, you may kick yourself (as I did) for not discovering it sooner. 

Amara was created in 2005 by Interior Designer Sam Hood and sells an array of designer brands including Missoni, Cath Kidston, Ralph Lauren and much more, meaning you'll never fail to find the perfect gift. 

When I was contacted about featuring one of their brands 'PiP studio' on Julz' Obsessions, of course I was delighted. The day after my parcel was sent out, I had a knock at the door (never leaped out of bed quicker!) from DPD courier service. This is the best online delivery I've experienced to date- I even got a text to let me know when it would arrive.

Its safe to say that the PiP studio range is every girly girl's dream. Its a vintage-inspired explosion of pretty florals, bright colours. With a motto like 'Happy products for happy people,' its hard not to like it! What's even better is that because the brand isn't that widely known (to my knowledge), its unique, and you can be that one person who has the amazing home decor that no one else does- a theme that runs with most of Amara's brands. 

Firstly, I received Flowers in the Mix Filler Cushion*. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate how darn pretty it is. This cushion instantly fuses a vintage chic style into a room. Its really sturdy (exactly as a cushion should be) and is great quality- from the stitching to the material. The main colours are pink and green which coordinate with my room perfectly yet the aqua and yellow harmonise with it beautifully also. I really like the contrasting rim- I'm actually tempted to draw it in a notebook or something-its so creative. To be honest I never realised how such different designs would work so well together.

Next is the Flowers in the Mix Bolster Cushion*. This is a longer, more 'pillowy' cushion. It is the snuggliest thing ever- it just moulds around you and you sink into it. It is the same lovely fabric as the filler cushion and again, I think the bold, contrasting fabrics really compliment each other. Also, weird observation- the drawstring side will make it really easy to wash. I am currently sitting on my bed with my back against this cushion and it is so comfy- it will definitely be my travelling accompaniment from now on.

I think the cushions look amazing against both plain background and with clashing florals. Who would have though two simple cushions could improve my bed in such a way? If your looking to revamp your room but aren't up for a full decor change, add a few of these gorgeous cushions and taadaa- room transformed. 

I think these cushions are gorgeous additions to my room, even if I do say so myself, and I have definitely discovered a new obsession with PiP studio @ Amara! Even my mum is head over heels- I have already had to take them back after she sneaked them into her own room, which makes me think- Amara really have succeeded in stocking the perfect gifts- Mother's day is soon after all!

Do you have anything from PiP studio or Amara? Aren't these cushions just the prettiest things you've ever seen?

My New Favourite Shop - TKMaxx

Hey Everyone!

To me, TK Maxx has always been a shop that's just kind of 'meh'- I would buy something occasionally, for a fair price. Either my vision was badly hindered or recently TK Maxx has become a whole lot better. 

Firstly, I love their clothing. They stock an enormous range of brands, often small boutiques, meaning your unlikely to be wearing the same as someone else. They strike the perfect combination between great quality, stylish clothing and an affordable price. 

I think TK Maxx is absolutely amazing for Christmas shopping. If I had to get all of my gifts in there- I would probably manage it. They have beautiful gift sets from many different brands including Cath Kidston and Baylis & Harding, all of course at a discount price. I also discovered while browsing a couple of weeks ago a great selection of elf cosmetics Christmas sets (my eyes were popping out of my head as you can imagine). Also, their Christmas section is like a winter wonderland- ooh you get excited just looking at the selection of baubles and stockings. And the home decor section is beyond describable- shabby chic galore.

I love the very strong American theme running through the shop. As a avid (verging on obsessive) viewer of many YouTubers from across the Atlantic, I often find myself thinking 'I wish we had that here' but TK Maxx meets that wish, stocking brands like elf and NYX. 

I can say, without doubt, that it is my favourite high street shop at the moment because of its huge variety and affordability.

Where is your one stop Christmas-shopping store?

Instagram | The Last Fortnight In Pictures #8

Hey Everyone!

I realise over the past while my blog has kind of turned into a place where I rarely post and when I do its moaning about how busy I am. And do you know what? It looks like it'll continue like that for a while. School is so crazy its so hard to stay on top of everything so I think if I aim for like 2/3 posts a week I'm doing well. 

However, despite scary school shiz, the last few two weeks have been good! I discovered a fabby new app for Android which allows me to add sparkles to my pictures and make them look extra cool before I instagram them, I've been going out for meals quite a lot and today was great! I went to a vintage tea room for afternoon tea which was amazing and I also done some shopping (haul will be uploaded to my channel soon).

From left to right and down:

my study schedule is proving rather hard to stick to | is it just me that is completely enabled by these vouchers? | ah hello there | soap & glory pampering night- don't mind if I do | m&m clock | my nails-  attempted a floral design using Islay's tutorial- it went ok | arghhh sooo much work | pretty picture | Cath Kidston stationary - can I have it all please? | more Cath Kidston | wish my room looked like this | look I found wellies named after me- who cares about the spelling difference?

I'm pretty proud of myself this past fortnight for taking a good number of pictures as my days are pretty similar. 

How has your week been?

Decor | Cute Up-cycled Glass Jar

Hey Everyone!

This is a bit of a different post today- decor I was inspired to create by similar ones I saw on pinterest and by my shabby chic obsession.

To make this, all I did was wash out an old glass coffee jar and fill it with a selection of pretty things. You could use anything; from sweets to dried flowers. I chose shells, pearls and sparkly jewellery as I like the contrast between them.

I then covered the lid in a Cath Kidston napkin and secured it with a white elastic band. You might notice that the napkin is the same pattern as my make up bag which I like as they tie in with the pink and green theme of my room.

As I mentioned, although my room is pink and green, I absolutely love shabby chic decor and I am trying to incorporate small hints here and there without changing my room entirely.

I love how simple yet pretty the jar is and how is adds a really interesting touch to an otherwise boring surface.

Would you consider giving it a go? Would you like to see more decor or DIY posts in future?