Wishlist

Believe it or not, I've been in the 'I don't need anything/ I have so much already' frame of mind for quite a few months now. I've not been buying makeup or many beauty products at all. Besides essentials like foundation, I have enough mascaras, eyeshadows, body lotions, etc. to keep me going for ages and Christmas has topped them up. I'm actually quite good at not buying things for the sake of it. Most of the time I just can't justify the cost (Ted Baker bag I'm looking at you). As a result, I accumulate quite a long list of 'maybe, maybe not' things I have my eye on in stores. Here's what's on it on at the moment:

September Haul

I have convinced myself that since I'm going back to uni soon, and (ahem) won't have time to spend money, I should spend my summer earnings now. Anyway, I need lots of new outfits for going back. I'll go to any lengths to justify spending.  Jeans are always a tricky item to buy. Usually either they don't get past my thighs or they are massive at the waist so when I find a style I like, I always buy multiple pairs. I've always wanted a pair of Topshop jeans but when I tried on a pair of Jonis a few years ago they were disastrous. I hadn't even considered that other styles would be a totally different story. I'm now in love with the Leigh and Jamie jeans. I struggle to get my size in store or online so when I seen 2 pairs I just went ahead and bought them both (with a slight tear in my eye at the till). I also really love the Zara basic range. For simple tshirts, you don't pay much more than Primark and you get better material, fit and quality. 
I saw the Barry M lipliners recommended on a Youtube video a couple of weeks ago and since I'm pretty obsessed with brown lip products at the moment, I picked one up for £2.99. While I was in Superdrug, I stocked up on my favourite Simple skincare products as they were on special offer and came with a free Vaseline. I also bought MUA's Pixel Perfect bronzer. I've used their Mosaic Bronzer for years and love it but it seems to have been discontinued (cry) so I've decided to embrace its replacement. Finally, I had a voucher for a No7 Match Made lipstick from the bonus-time summer box. The woman at the counter done a skin tone analysis and gave me a little information card with the shades that best suit me. I've already mentioned my love for brown lipsticks at the moment so I used my voucher to get 'Spiced Latte' worth £9.95! 
All in all, it was actually a pretty sensible shopping trip as I see myself getting plenty of use out of all of this.
What have you bought lately? 

Adventures in Brighton

This year for our family summer holiday we decided to stay in the UK and spend the week in Brighton. It was absolutely amazing! And what made it even better was that my cousin who lives in New Zealand who I haven't seen in years came too- yay! We stayed in the Queens Hotel which was really lovely. The building was quite old but our room was enormous and most importantly, they replaced the biscuits and mini toiletries everyday (my family and I would give Ross Geller a run for his money when it comes to hotel freebies). I laid out all my makeup and brushes on my bedside cabinet- it was so nice to look at and very insta-worthy but I wouldn't have it at home as it would be a nightmare to clean. The hotel also had a lovely breakfast buffet and bistro/bar where we had tasty cocktails.

Brighton honestly has so much to offer. I don't know if its just because so many bloggers and youtubers go on about it but my excitement for visiting was so real and it didn't disappoint at all. It was as hot as when I visited Lisbon last year too because of the heat wave. Brighton scores top points from me with regard to food, shops, friendliness and general photo-worthiness. My favourite place to eat was an Italian restaurant not far behind our hotel called Al Duomo which had delicious food and reasonable prices. The selection of restaurants was amazing so the fact we went to Al Duomo twice for dinner shows just how great it was. Other tasty treats worth noting were MooMoo's oreo milkshake on the pier and Angel Food Bakery's strawberry and cream cupcake.

I done a heck of a lot of shopping too. Is it just me or is there something very enabling about shopping on holiday? I have an 'oh I'm on holiday I'll just spend £19 on a makeup brush' kind of mindset. Lush, as per usual, didn't disappoint. The lovely woman who worked there was telling us about their current campaign #gayisok, part of which was to share a picture online with their new 'Love' soap which is gold, glittery and gorgeous. The lanes were so interesting though quite hard to navigate. There are so many cute little shops selling jewellery, crafts, antiques, homeware, books, clothes, makeup and more. I saw a shop called 'Ju-Ju' which interested me immensely because that's what my family call me. Also- Sammi from BeautyCrush walked by me! Its the weirdest experience seeing someone from YT in real life because you feel like you know them, but they don't know you. 

On Wednesday we also went through to Eastbourne and the 14 year old inside me was squealing because that's where 'Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging' was filmed and I used to watch that film every night. We also went to the Toy and Model Museum close to the station- my family and I love that sort of thing.

Overall it was one of my favourite holidays ever- I can see what all the fuss is about now. If you get the chance to visit you should- its such an interesting place. I definitely want to go back.

Autumn Fashion & Makeup Haul

I'll admit it: the prospect of starting uni as well as my excitement for autumn and poring over high street shops' websites for hours finally got to me and I went on a bit of a blow out. You might look at this and think 'you were quite restrained' or, you might be on the 'omg you got all this on one shopping trip?!' camp. For me, this is way more than I'd usually haul but in my opinion, its justified by the above reasons and by the fact it was mostly paid for by the tips I'd been saving for months. 

Apologies for the less-than-great picture quality. I thought it was better to hang what I could up so you could see it better. My camera also decided to run out of charge so today's snaps are 50% camera, 50% iPhone- eugh.

Superdrug: Sleek Palette £9.99 / MUA Palette £4 Boots: Natural Collection 2 for £3.50 New Look: Coat £44.99 (£49.99 without student discount) Primark: Pink Jumper £8 / Grey Charcoal Cardigan £12 / Grey Charcoal Shoes £4 / Grey Gold Scarf £4 / Black Chiffon Blouse £8 / Super High Waist Skinny Jeans £10
Its safe to say that I am so excited to wear all of this and be all cosy for the approaching season. I had an absolute rush of happiness the other day when I first noticed the leaves on the ground (probably also fuelled by the shopping buzz).
I should probably get off to sleep now and try and rid myself of what I think is freshers flu. In all honesty I thought it was a myth/ I would definitely be immune since I'm living at home but general tiredness and a throat which feels sliced have gotten the better of me. 
If you'd like to see any Freshers/ starting uni themed posts be sure to let me know. I currently have a stationery one in the pipeline. Also leave a comment telling me what you've been hauling lately.

Step Into Christmas...

 Hey Everyone!

Its officially December woot woot! Today was absolutely lovely- I really made the most of my first day off in ages. I went into town with my mum and it was so Christmassy. It was great because we weren't looking for anything particular so we could just enjoy the atmosphere. It was crazy busy- especially in Debenhams which had a sale across all beauty. We sauntered about and popped into Starbucks and I got a Peppermint Hot Chocolate which was delish (and big thumbs up to the Starbucks lady who spelled my name right!) We also went into Lush; their employees are so 'out there' and positive, the smell is amazing and the Christmas sets look fantastic! The day has well and truly got me completely in the mood for Christmas!

Have you been doing anything festive lately?

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?

Video | Mini New Look Haul

Hey Everyone!

Just a quick post to accompany my new video. I thought I would take some pictures so you can see what I bought easier. 

New Look is a shop that I don't often find myself shopping in, then once in a while I'll go in and there's a major sale and I'm like whoaaa I need to come in here more often. My local store hasn't got that great a selection so I tend to go to the one in Glasgow which is huge and its recently been all changed and I really like the new design though I do find myself a bit confused with the layout. The changing rooms are beautiful though- kind of shabby chic themed (which of course, I love) and there were little signs in each as a means of organising your stuff which I thought was pretty cool.

Have you been to New Look recently? Picked up any bargains?

Saturday Shopping 1: Boohoo

Hi Everyone!

This is my first Saturday Shopping post. Every Saturday I will do a shopping themed post which will consist of hauls, favourite shops or favourite trend. Today I will start with my favourite online store Boohoo.

 I have put together a selection of my favourite pieces which are available from boohoo now. I have numbered each item and the links to their pages are below.

1- Frankie Floral Printed T-shirt 

This top is down to £6 which is a great bargain. It's simple and girly and great for spring.

2- Kate Vintage Floral Skinny Jeans 

These jeans are absolutely gorgeous. Worn with a plain top, these are an attention grabbing piece. 

3- Jen Peter Pan Collar Dress

This is my favourite of today's post. Its simple yet classic and has a contrasting peter pan collar (which I LOVE). This could be worn day or night and is the perfect wardrobe staple.

4- Jen Zip Side Wedge Shoe Boots

These are a lot a slightly more expensive take on my own black wedges. The gold zips make for very nice detailing and these go with almost any outfit.

5- Macy Floral Shell Top

This super cute top screams spring and will literally go with everything because of its neutral colour. Hurry though there's not many left in stock. 

6- Rose Floral Zip Back Playsuit

I love playsuit and I would buy it immediately (if I wasn't trying to save!) A must for any spring/ summer wardrobe.

7- Kara Cropped Wool Coat

I'm currently loving side zipped jackets. This woollen one is probably a piece more suited to winter but there are still a few weeks to get use out of it.

8- Ashely Stripe Twist Lock Satchel 

A great bag that fits all of your essentials, matches many outfits and seems comfortable to wear. A definite consideration for a new bag (which I am in desperate need of!)

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I think mine will consist mostly of studying-yawn.