Autumn vibes

 
I always get a wee notion to blog around this time of year. Something about the nights drawing in, the autumnal colours and of course, the pumpkin spice lattes, makes me feel all cosy and nostalgic. 

In my Autumn is in the air post last year, I was already fully ready to embrace the new season by the beginning of September. This year I'm grateful for a slower transition out of summer because it seemed to go by in a flash. We've had some serious sunshine over the last week (unheard of in Scotland) so I'm dipping my toe into autumn without the darkness and freezing-ness. 

I'm a creature of habit, and many of the exciting things about autumn I mentioned last year still apply. What I'm most loving about autumn right now is:

• pumpkin spice lattes - but this year skinny and decaf - they taste just as good 
• gold glitter nail polish - cos I've finally stopped biting my nails
• autumn makeup - red eyeshadow and Velvet Teddy
• cropped camel jacket - third hand #lovetheplanet
• taking photos of nature and other gems while out running
• burning candles
• chilli con carne for dinner
• pinning to my autumn board on Pinterest
• my new matching white hoodie and joggers - channelling Molly Mae

And now restrictions are mostly lifted, I'm thoroughly enjoying doing fun things again and savouring every second. A real highlight was last weekend when I went to see Chicago. It was the first show back at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow and it was incredible. 

What do you think is the best thing about autumn?

Autumn is in the air

Usually when this time of year rolls around I'm just 

not ready 

to say goodbye to summer. 

I'm a summer baby and love nothing more than long days and light nights. This hasn't been a 'usually' kind of year though.

Even though it seems like we've been in Julember for months, I also feel like spring and summer have had their time. I've been out walks (and now runs!) almost every day since April, so for the first time ever I've noticed nature and the transition through the seasons. Now the leaves and pine cones are starting to fall and I couldn't be more excited.

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.

Hello September...

While I myself sometimes find myself having to put in a bit of extra effort to read other bloggers' update posts, I also have an unsuppressable urge every now and then to write a big one of my own. I'm going to keep this one short and sweet though (hopefully) so it doesn't feel like you're climbing Everest to reach the end. 

Blog Stuff

• I'm so proud that I managed to keep up with my August schedule of 3 posts a week.
• From now on I'm going to be posting once a week with the odd extra post so that I can keep consistency without compromising studying.
• I'm so pleased to have reached 300 Bloglovin' followers and 320 GFC followers.
• Be sure to let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like me to post about.

Life Stuff

• I'm really pretty ready for the autumn. I've already been living in cosy jumpers and darker colours. I like the thought of being cosy on winter nights with candles and hot chocolate!
• I'm starting university this month! I'll be studying English Literature, English Language and Sociology.
• As of yesterday, I've been working for a year. I'm also now training as bar staff.
• I've been doing driving lessons. Its going really well and I'm enjoying it a lot.
• I went on my first holiday with my friends to Malia and it was absolutely incredible. I've never wanted to stay on a holiday more.
• I've finally been making an effort to drink more water- hooray!
• I've achieved most of my summer bucket list but I've decided not to write an autumn one because last years was a bit of a fail. Who has time to go nature walks and take pictures of leaves anyhoo?
• TV wise I'm still loving Doctor Who and PLL and I'm so excited that The X Factor is back!
• I'm loving Ed Sheeran's album 'X'.

Hobbies To Try Update (See this post)

• I'm going to my first yoga class in 2 years tomorrow.
• I made really simple bracelets and loom bands.
• I tried 'colouring pages' (yes it really constitutes a hobby) and while it could be seen as relaxing, I found it pretty under-stimulating and time consuming.
• I haven't done any actual origami, but I have pinned a lot of ideas. I'm basically half way there.
• I haven't managed much reading (still on summer reading book 3/40), running (lol) or scrapbooking. I still have a fortnight though!

I think that's everything! What's new with you?

Autumn OOTD #1

Hey Everyone!

It stuck me a few days ago that I hardly ever do OOTD's and since I do like to have a bit of fashion incorporated here and there with beauty and a heap of other random stuff, I set about getting some pictured. I hope you'll excuse the fact I photographed all 3 of my autumn OOTD's (#2 & #3 coming in the next few weeks!) in the one day. I almost never have the time (or the lighting) to take a picture of the outfit I'm wearing that day so just do a kind of lookbook and divide them up.

Top: H&M

Skirt: Primark

What I love most about this outfit is the colours. The light mocha/ mauve colour harmonizes so nicely with the burgundy and both are perfect autumn colours. I hardly ever wear any of the two maxi skirts I own and  really should make the effort to as they're really comfortable and still on trend. I went for quite a casual look with this basic top but the outfit could be made fancier by the addition of jewellery and accessories (I was planning on adding a belt but the brown I had didn't go). I'm actually also wearing my own ring from Accessorize (even though you can't see it) which is so cute and again, perfect for this time of year. Isn't it weird how you associate different animals and colours with different seasons? Also, for those of you who are interested, the makeup look I'm wearing here will be posted next Tuesday.

Hope you're having a good day so far!

Autumn/ Fall Hair Trends & Ideas #AD

Hey Everyone!
It seems like all I talk about recently is hair (here and here!), how mine is boring yada yada and how I am constantly trying to find a hairstyle that is simple, quick and looks good. So, instead of having a good old moan today, I thought I'd turn to the A/W 13 fall hair trend reports for a bit of inspiration and give a few styles a go.
There seems to be a whole lot of low pony tails, intricate plaits and tousled down dos. Embracing your own hair seems to be big, rather than straightening or curling- which suits me perfectly! To try these out all I did was wash and blow dry my hair (I don't use heat on it a lot so this was a special day!). I'm currently using a strawberry Avon shampoo and conditioner combination which smells lovely. I also used Umberto Giannini Salt Spray and my tangle teaser as well as a few bobbles and kirbies. 
Instead of going to town with the teasing brush, mousse, hairspray and tongs, I decided to see what I could do with my naturally straight, pretty flat hair. Obviously my hair is pretty long now (yay) and you might struggle to interpret these yourself if you have shorter hair.  A possible solution to this is hair extensions which give you a bit more to work with and are great for instantly long locks without waiting for it to grow. These are available online at http://www.tedhair.com/ . Just always ensure you give your hair breaks from extensions and use a good conditioner. Shiny hair is a sign of health after all. 
The Down Do

Here we have the simplest of the simple: a straight blow dry side parted style. Although I do like the look of this in general, for me its quite impractical as my hair always goes in my eyes/ covers my face and it does my head in. I have lately been considering getting a side fringe but I'm worried the hairdresser would do it 'choppy' rather than 'sweeping' and blending gradually into my hair. Don't you just love the technical terms of hair?

To solve this 'half the face covered' problem, I popped in a little white rose kirby accessory (which Melanie very kindly sent me!). Admittedly, it is more of a summer accessory, but since I'm still a little peeved at how short summer was, I'm hanging onto every last drop of it! I do think it looks really pretty though and although I haven't specifically spotted the likes of this on the A/W catwalk, I think its a good alternative to the complicated mini buns and side plaits. I wear my hair kirbied when its down on an everyday basis so maybe I should switch it up a little and wear a cute accessory like this.

An alternative hair-down style is this swept look. It seems to be everywhere just now but I haven't quite mastered it. If I were to wear it out it would just flop. I'm mind boggled at how people's hair stays in place like this without falling into a shed (defying gravity anyone?). I think I'd need a whole lot more product and back colmbing to have even a chance. Let me know in the comments if you have any tips/ insider info on how to work this style.

The Fishtail Plait

Next up, a side fishtail braid. I've loved this style ever since it surfaced over a year ago and its popping up again everywhere this season. Its an interesting alternative to the run of the mill plait and is so simple to do once you get the hang of it. All you do it divide your hair into two sections and alternatively take small strands from each side and cross them over to the other. (Google a video tutorial if that makes no sense!). For a messier look, I tugged loose the braid and added the white rose kirby. I also like this style as it really highlights my ombre. 

The Up Do

Ok so admittedly, I didn't see one high ponytail while browsing fall hair trends, but I couldn't not include this as it is pretty much my go-to. Its simple, super quick and again, makes the ends of my hair contrast nicely with the top. I have a similar tutorial on it here (excuse the onesie).

This style incorporates two of the big hair trends of the moment: the bun and the braid (that sounds like a film!). Its super simple to achieve: just plait a high pony normally and twist into a bun. Its a versatile style and if you wanted to make it more relaxed and messy just partly pull bits out.

The Low Ponytail

Search 'fall 2013 hair trends' and pretty much every second result will be a sleek low ponytail with some sort of plait incorporated. I went for a simple plait to one side and tied it all at the nape of my neck. I then pushed the pony through itself to create this more intricate looking style. Whilst I like this for being elegant and something different, I probably wouldn't wear it on an everyday basis. I guess I'm scarred by my middle shed low ponys of my childhood haha.

What is your favourite hair style this season?

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Currently Loving... Candles!

Hey Everyone!

I'm getting stuck into my autumn bucket list with something fairly simple- burn my candles! I don't know about you, but I think candles are quite a wintery thing and I hardly use them in summer. Therefore, by this time of year, I'm extremely excited to get back into them.

I currently have a set of tealights from Wilkinson (possibly orange and ginger) which look cute in my little candle holders- but don't have much of a scent- if any. Then, I have this pink Ikea one which smells nice and has lasted ages. I'm actually really picky when it comes to candle scents- I only like about 10% of those I smell when shopping for them. I am also really easily frustrated when candles burn at an angle and leave loads of unused wax around the sides. Enter Copenhagen Candle Company with their three-wick bad boys. I bought the Fig & Herb one from TKMaxx last winter and burned it heaps- and I still have half left for this year. The smell is gorgeous and literally fills the whole house. I was gutted when I went back to TKMaxx and there were none left. Then, during summer, I saw that they had returned and couldn't say no to this Strawberry one- I can't wait to burn it but  I'm saving it till I've finished the others.

What's your favourite brand and scent of candles?

The Autumn Bucket List

Hey Everyone!

The first official day of autumn is in 2 days! I actually thought it started in early September at the latest but nope- according to my friend Google- 22nd September is the official date. So, with a new season comes a new bucket list. Admittedly, I've been in an autumn mindset for quite a few weeks now. You can't blame me: summer lasts about 2 weeks in Scotland (if we're lucky!)

I've actually already made a start on some of these! I switched up my wardrobe before school started: saying goodbye to those summer dresses for another year (most still unworn) and bringing out my woolly jumpers. I've also been burning candles I want to use up because I recently bought a new three-wick strawberry one but I won't let myself burn it until I've used up my smaller vanilla one and green tealights. I've also got a job woohoo! And as for the 'get back on track with blogging'- I think I'm doing pretty well.

I'm so into bucket lists at the moment I think they're so productive and a great way to look back on and keep track of your goals.

What do you hope to achieve this Autumn?

Wardrobe Staple: Biker Jacket

Hey Everyone!
Ok, so I'm a tad late to the party- but at least I've finally showed up! In truth I've wanted a faux leather biker jacket for ages but kept thinking 'No no its just a phase, they'll go out of style and they're too expensive anyhoo.' But in actual fact this style of jacket has been recurring  in shops for the past year or two and is still going strong. So, when I spotted this one in H&M I tried it on and loved it instantly. I decided to make myself wait a few weeks, just to make sure I definitely wanted it, and then purchased it online recently. 

The jacket is supposed to be £29.99 + P&P but I was extremely lucky and managed to find voucher codes online to get 25% off plus an extra £5 off- result! In the end I paid just over £20 which I think is the bargain of the century.
Since it arrived I've worn it a lot and can definitely see it being my go-to for autumn and winter. I love that it goes with many different outfits (I might actually do a How I Style post!) and is a really nice fit and shape.
This is available at H&M and don't forget to google discount codes!
Hope you're all having a good Friday 13th and haven't walked under any ladders or seen any black cats!

A/W 12 Trend | Statement Fur

Hey Everyone!

I mostly do beauty related posts but I really interested in fashion too and I thought I would do a few posts on what sort of thing I'm really liking this season. There are two parts to these posts- I'll post some examples of the trend on the catwalk then how I would wear it. 

When the first crispness of winter arrives, I am in no way hesitant to reach for that extra layer (or five). What makes more sense that to cosy into a protective fur jacket (faux, of course) and this season is all about making statements with that fur. 

Not being one for shawls myself, I would wear an oversized fur coat (à la Carrie Bradshaw) and cute accessories.

From experience, I have found fur jackets like this to cost an arm and a leg, so I would recommend having a nosey around vintage stores- you never know there may be some luckies!

Will you be sporting faux fur this season?

Instagram | The Last Fortnight In Pictures #10

Hey Everyone!

Apologies for the lack of posts of late, the last week has been manic! I've got a few posts planned- just need to find the time to write them and likewise videos. Looking at these instagrams, I've had quite an autumnal themed fortnight; I never used to be that interested in seasons changing but I think the blogging and YouTube world gets you so excited and appreciative of it :)

From left to right and down:

Making up Halloween bags | my burgundy nails- love this colour right now | I love these at this time of year | pretty leaves | orange nails and brown bag and shoes- how seasonal am I? | hey there :) | perfume envy- can you spot dot? | I went to see Cheryl argh she was amazing- post to come | pretty roses |  this is the stuff that gathers in my pockets within a day | I have watched this about 6 times in the past 2 weeks | how cute is this cupcake my mum made me?

I love this type of post as its like a kind of picture diary. I'm currently watching Xtra Factor on +1 and I need to wrap this up as I have school tomorrow eek! I will be pretty busy this week too as I'm doing a show which I love but it means I have about 5 minutes for homework each night! Hopefully the week after things will calm down though and I can get bloggy blog blogging :) 

Oh and as a quick extra- I went to see Paranormal Activity 4 last night. I've not seen the other ones and I was so scared- it was so jumpy! I did think some parts were quite funny though as they were so unrealistic. Though I woke up at 5.25am this morning heart racing and sweating after the most horrible nightmare and I kept thinking the scary woman was going to jump out of my floor and kill me. I don't think I'll be watching any scary films for a while! Have you seen it? What do you think?

How has your fortnight been?

A/W 12 Trend | Black Leather

Hey Everyone!

I have a new post series; Autumn/ Winter 2012 trend. I mostly do beauty related posts but I really interested in fashion too and I thought I would do a few posts on what sort of thing I'm really liking this season. There are two parts to these posts- I'll post some examples of the trend on the catwalk then how I would wear it. 

Leather is a material that, in my opinion, will come into style multiple times in the future which makes it a sensible and justifiable investment now. Its the definition of edgy and is constantly being reinvented on the runway.

As always with catwalks, they exemplify the extreme of trends. I personally prefer to wear them more subtly with one statement piece. I love the Topshop leather jackets- particularly the studded one below.

If, like me, you find yourself on a budget and cannot pay £65 for a leather jacket, incorporate leather into your autumn/ winter wardrobe through bits and bobs you can find in the sale like this sheer black blouse from New Look.

Do you like the black leather trend? How will you be wearing it this season?