An Ode to Collars

Hey Everyone!
Guess what?! My March to-do list is complete -gasp- -woop- -falls to floor in relief-. It's safe to say that this month has been a crazyyyy one in terms of school work. I'm actually surprised I've published a whole 4 posts- albeit most were written on the bus to work. On a completely random side note: an English teacher pointed out my incorrect use of dashes today and its made me so conscious of how often I use them. I did though look up an online grammar rule book (my life is simply riveting) and for informal use, the dash is ok. So the verdict is: they will permeate my blog posts as always but will be kicked out of my essays. It must always be so easy to tell what time of day I'm writing posts because at night I get completely side tracked; providing you with random and entirely pointless snippets of my consciousness.
Anyhoo, if you have read Julz' Obsessions for some time, you will know of my love for collars. On anything. Dresses, tops, playsuits, by themselves. I am pretty much attracted to every item of clothing with a collar. They featured in this wishlist, this haul and this one too. I even made my own collar in one of my infamous Julzy DIYs. Collars were really big around 2 years ago, and since then I have kept them closely on my radar. So, when I noticed that they featured on the SS14 catwalks, specifically sharp white collars, of course I felt the need to spread my joy. I'm loving this alternate approach of contrast. Just when you think there's only so much you can do with a collar, bam, it reinvents itself. The contrasting white collar strikes a happy medium between cutesy oxford style and crisp lawyer. Basically, it says 'ooh hey I'm so sophisticated- not only am I wearing a super-swish outfit, I'm setting it off with this bad ass collar'.
Two of my favourites featuring on the SS14 runway are Alexander Wang and Valentino.

Image Source

I'm particularly liking the Alexander Wang look. The powder blue is perfect for spring and I love how the outfit is tied together with pops of white. Lately I've been lusting after a co-ordinate. Also, the lazy, pyjama-esque clothing is balanced really well by the killer heels. 

Valentino's offerings do not disappoint either. One word: monochrome. I'm still loving it, as I'm sure many of you are, and I'm glad it has resurfaced this season. These laid back sandals give the look a relaxed vibe and the necklace perfectly compliments the collar. 

As always, when falling head over heels with a trend, after analysing the catwalks (and sadly admitting to myself that the outfits are too out-there for everyday wear), I look to see how my favourite fashion inspirations are werking it (how are we feeling about that phrase- I'm kind of giving it a test run?)

Source 1, 2 & 3

Now, being the busy lady that I am, due to having school 5 days a week and work for 2, I don't have the time to trek in and out of high street shops looking for the perfect dress to satisfy my collar needs. This is where online shopping comes in. I've lately discovered ark.co.uk, whose collection of collared dresses has caught my eye. At reasonable prices and a wide range of styles, its difficult to pick a favourite, so I thought I'd share the selection which I am currently lusting after. 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Trying to convey my love for this style of dress is near impossible besides writing asdfghjdfdfhef. I could definitely see myself wearing everyone of these. They seem versatile yet suited to my style. The first two are perfect shades for spring. I really like the orange as its a really unusual hue of which I own nothing of the same shade and I'm a total sucker for a skater dress. Imagine these with white cat eye shades,  flip flops and some fake tan on a summers day. I would style the other three for the last remnants of winter: tights, chelsea boots and a leather jacket. When its sufficiently sunny enough to sport a dress but not warm enough to get legs out. 
Which is your favourite from the Ark line up and how would you style it? Do you have any fashion obsessions to match my collar infatuation? *Compensation was received for this post*

My Go To Winter Lipstick 2014

Hey Everyone!
It is becoming a bit of a tradition to post a review of my favourite winter lipstick- just as winter is pretty much over. On one hand this doesn't give you much of a chance to wear it as a winter lipstick, but on the other the fact I've left it so long to post about emphasises just how much of a test run I've given it. 
Last year, I was all about the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in shade 107 (as was everyone and their granny). This year, I needed a purpley lipstick to match my Christmas dance dress as the Kate Moss was too red-burgundy. I searched Superdrug high and low- honestly it is mission impossible to find a good vampy lipstick in there- anytime I thought I'd done it it swatched berry-pink. I did later discover that Collection do a few good dark shades.
In this desperate search, I popped into Topshop to see if they had any offerings. Within a few minutes, I was at the checkout paying for their lipstick 'Depth'. There's actually a bit of an embarrassing story associated with that: when the checkout girl asked me if I wanted a bag for the lipstick I said 'Oh no I'll just poop it in here'- POOP?! *hangs head in embarrassment and doesn't return to Topshop for several weeks*

Anyhoo, the lipstick turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It is a rich, creamy, oh-so-pigmented formula which looks scary in the bullet but amazing on the lips. In fact the colour is so bold that I often dab it off then reapply to make it a smidge more subtle. I always thought that for pale kids like myself dark lipsticks were a massive no-no but surprisingly I think this works with my skin tone really well. For being such a daring shade, I don't experience any bleeding off the lips and touch ups are required only after about 3 hours. I won't go on about the packaging too much as you can pretty much see it in the picture and I'm sure you're aware of the standard cutesy Topshop lipstick packaging. I will say though that it makes a lovely little click when you close it which, sad as it may sound, I find huge satisfaction in. The formula is non drying and has a slight shine. This lipstick blends really nicely with other products so is pretty versatile.I think this bold lip brings together every make up look and just says 'hi I've made an effort'. An all round winner in my eyes. I'm now super eager to try more bold lipsticks, especially Topshop ones.
What was your go-to lipstick this winter?

The Sunday Post #16

Hey Everyone!
My Life I have been completely non-stop this week- I'm so thankful this is a long weekend (Friday/Monday off school woo!). On Thursday night I went to Nando's for the (kind of) first time. I went in New Zealand a few years ago but can't remember it at all so I've pretty much never been. Now I see what all the fuss is about! It was amazing: the atmosphere and the food were just fab. Friday was pretty productive: my friends and I visited the travel agents about a summer holiday next year, I took lots and lots of pictures for upcoming posts (I like to do them as lots), I planned my english essay (too bad I didn't write it though) and went to a family gathering. I've also worked 19 hours this weekend (yep, safe to say I'm sleeping and typing!) so tomorrow will be a life saver for catching up with everything. 
Update Can you believe that I've managed to stick to my posting schedule this month?! I'm pretty proud, even if I do say so myself, having missed only one sunday post (and let's face it these are just random rambles!). For October I'm going to be posting every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm and the odd post on a Sunday (probably just if I have anything to share!).
Current Favourite I bought a new bag woop! Its been on the agenda for ages: my old brown one was literally hanging together by a few strands. 

This was £6 and I really like the colour as I think it'll go with pretty much every outfit. I also like the zipped compartments and the fact its slightly bigger than my last so I can fit an umbrella in there.
Last night I also watched The X Factor for the first time this year all the way through and really enjoyed it. They really do make it as dramatic as possible. I wish I had the time to keep up with it but I'll definitely be tuning in when I can. I also love Nicole's hair and makeup- its just perfect!
How has your week been?

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me Review

Hey Everyone!
Over the time I've been blogging, I have managed to (somewhat) train myself to resist the hype of a product and only purchase it after making myself wait for a few months to make sure I actually want it. But, when I heard that Maybelline Baby Lips had launched in the UK- all of that logic went out the window and I wanted to get one immediately.
After searching quite a few Maybelline counters over the past few weeks, I finally found this at the very bottom of one in a small Boots store. What surprised me most was that they were well stocked and I could actually get my hands on the shade I wanted.

First off, I love the packaging. I think it looks really American and I like the young, bright and bold theme and clashing colours. I would certainly be drawn to these in the drugstore even if I hadn't heard of them. The actual plastic casing is however very light and seems a bit flimsy which I guess is only to be expected from such a reasonably priced product.

Bare lips

Wearing Baby Lips

As soon as you take the lid off, a yummy cherry smell hits you. The product is really silky and glides onto the lips really easily. It leaves a nice rosy colour on the lips which is impressive as mine are very pink anyway and it lasts a couple of hours. It does transfer a little onto cups etc but that's something we'd have to deal with with most other lip products anyway.
What I'm most impressed with is that, unlike Vaseline (my go-to lip balm), your lips don't feel dry when the product has worn off. Instead, they just gave a good, lasting dose of moisture.
For only £2.99- I think this is a great little product and will definitely be my go-to lip balm from now on.
Have you tried it?

The Sunday Post #16

Hey Everyone!

Here I am back again with another weekly update/ diary entry style/ ramble-athon post!

My Life

This week was quite weird as I was only in school for 3/5 days. On Thursday I had work experience all day (which was actually really good!) and then on Friday I was at an open day thingamabob. I think this week has marked the beginning of autumn as the leaves have started falling (I really want to pick up and press some nice ones before they're all rained on!) and the heating has went on. Is it just me or does anyone else like the smell of the radiator being on? Today will hopefully be a catch up day- though I have a pretty unrealistic to do list (when don't I?!)

Update

I'm doing great with the whole scheduled post malarky- I now need to start working on October's posts! On a separate note, would anyone be interested in a blog button swap if I had one in the sidebar?

Favourites of the week 

Song: Katy Perry Rawr- you have no idea how much I've been singing this this week! Alone in my room? Yep. In school? Yep. Humming it to myself randomly in the street without realising? Of course.

Nail Polish: Topshop Nails in Eclipse - I am so in love with this. I am considering breaking my nail polish spending ban and getting another one in a different shade. I have to take it off for work- but I just repaint them after and its on the rest of the week.

TV: I sat down to watch The X Factor last night and I actually really enjoyed it! I haven't seen any of the arena auditions yet but I'm really enjoying the panel. 

How has your week been?

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle Review

Hey Everyone!
You know when you want a product for ages, and ages, and ages and you finally get it and its really disappointing and not worth it? Well this is not one of those situations at all!!
I'm sure by now you'll be aware (by my constant references to it in blog posts and tweets) that I'm head over heels with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle at the moment. It was a birthday gift from my cousin and I honestly can't believe I have gone so long without having it.
The packaging is very sophisticated and high end- as with all MAC products it comes in a sturdy black plastic case with flecks of silver. The baked powder looks absolutely gorgeous- very marble like. The only problem I have with this product (getting it out of the way quickly) is that its quite messy and the powder gets all over the packaging even when its just sitting on a flat surface all day. I just use my brush to clean up most of it though.
To apply, I use a medium sized fluffy powder brush and sweep and dab it up my cheekbones. A little goes a long way with this rich, almost creamy powder and it blends easily. The gold flecks catch the light beautifully and it gives a lovely glow. It is the most gorgeous highlighter I've used and in my opinion transforms your whole makeup look.
I have been wearing it with my Bourjois Rose D'Or Blush and the two compliment each other beautifully. My cheeks are now the attention grabbers of my makeup!
Although this comes with a heavy price tag, I would highly recommend this as an essential for any makeup lovers collection. It is my new HG cheek product and I don't think any other highlight will ever come close to being as good as it!
Have you tried it? What do you think?

The Sunday Post #14

Hey Everyone! 
Happy September! Today's post is a bit later than usual as I've been busy all weekend- but better late than never. Though its going to be short as I have Politics homework awaiting (yawn).
My Life This week has consisted mostly of school. I'm still in summer mode so when I come home I am generally being unproductive. Though I did wash my makeup brushes, put on fake tan and paint my nails way too many times- which I guess is something. I'm going to get focused this week and manage my time so that I can keep up with school and blogging.
As I mentioned, this weekend I have been super busy. On Friday I went to Pizza Hut for a catch up with friends- we got the Happy Hour deal which was great value. Then on Saturday I had my induction for work woop! It was actually really enjoyable! Then today my family and I went shopping and ordered some new furniture for my room from Next (which I am sooo excited to arrive). We also went to the best shop on the planet, also known as Ikea. Is it just me that thinks of a visit to Ikea like a day out? I am always soo inspired by the showrooms and want to buy heaps, though today I managed to restrain myself.
Update I have a new posting schedule this month. I have it planned out in my post planner (ooer how fancy) that I'll be posting every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 5pm and an extra post on a Sunday. There's a whole lot to look forward to including my nail polish collection, lots of reviews and an autumn bucket list- so look out for those.
Favourites This week I've very much been liking shopping my stash. I had a makeup clear out during the week (more on that coming soon!) and while scouting through my makeup found some things that deserve a bit more love. I've been using MAC Mineralize Satin Finish foundation that my cousin gave me daily and actually quite liking it. I think its like a high end version of Wake Me Up. 
This week also saw the return of one of my favourite tv shows: Celebrity Juice. I just love it- I was excited for it all week. Do any of you watch it? 

How has your week been?

Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara Review

Hey Everyone!
So, by this stage, you will probably know of my addition to mascara. I try out many, many different kinds in the hope of finding my HG and I think at the moment I have around 7 open (eek!). Now, far be it for me to refuse the drugstore praise, as I buy most of my makeup, there but when it comes to mascaras I think high end brands do it much better.

A mascara I've been absolutely loving lately is the Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara. I have the sample size (possibly from bonus time a while back) and I have been using it daily for the past few weeks.
The packaging is what you'd expect from Clinique: clean and simple. The writing has actually rubbed off the tube which I found surprising as this usually wouldn't happen with higher quality products but I'm just putting it down to the fact I use it so often and I've had it a while. 
The brush is the perfect shape and size for coating hard-to-reach lashes and gives you a lot of control. It goes on very easily and dries fairly quickly but you can then continue to apply it without clumping. It separates, flares, lengthens and defines lashes amazingly. It also holds a curl pretty well. In my opinion ticking even a few of those boxes is impressive. Admittedly, I have other mascaras which are more dramatic and volumizing, but this can be layered for a more intense effect.

It strikes the perfect balance between staying power and being easy to remove. It doesn't quite stay precisely in place all day (there is very slight smudging on the bottom lash line- though remember I have oily eyelids) but there are definitely no panda eyes or flaking. Its also very, very easy to remove compared to They're Real or Telescopic. I'd say its about 4/10 effort points to take off. 
The only downside of this mascara is the £16.50 price tag. I do think its worth it though- after all, its only a few pounds more than some drugstore ones and its pretty cheap compared to other high end mascaras.
I absolutely love this (and Clinique mascaras in general) and will definitely repurchase after I get through my many, many mascara tubes. 
Have you tried it? What do you think of it?

The Sunday Post #12

Hey Everyone!
I haven't written The Sunday Post in ages! I thought that because I'd neglected it so much I'd give it a little revamp with a new picture (which I think is extremely pretty- if I do say so myself!). 
My Life  Well, summer is officially over as I went back to school on Thursday. I've never experienced 6 weeks going by so quickly! It seems unfair how summer is so short while winter is so long. I am going to post a few snaps from over the summer towards the end of this month so look out for that. At the moment I'm so reluctant to get back into the 'school' routine. I was partly looking forward to seeing everyone in school and getting to wear my new uniform but now that's over its just work work work. I'm going to try harder this year not to let school take over my life and make blogging a priority too. 
Highlight of the week was definitely Saturday. 2 AMAZING things happened- I got a job (finalllyyy!) and while out walking me and my friend found a £20 note!! WOOOHOO! Seriously-my lucky day :D
Update You may of noticed a couple of small changes I've made to the layout such as new social media icons and a new signature at the end of each post. I'm really happy with the design now as all the colours tie in with each other. Also, I've been really making an effort to get myself organised with upcoming posts and  ideas for posts so that I can finally get back into posting every other day. I even found some printable blog planners which then led me on to some amazing organisation blogs. Don't you love it when you stumble upon a whole genre of blogs that are so inspiring and you didn't even know existed? So the plan is to post every other day at 5pm until at least the end of this month. I have also made a mental note to start using my instagram again as I was looking back on the instagram posts I used to do and had forgot how great a way it is to mark the week. If you aren't already- follow me julz_obsessions and I'll follow you back!
Current Favourite I have soo many favourites at the moment because I haven't shared one in so long! I'm loving Avicii's Wake Me Up- in my opinion its the summer song of this year. I've also been loving Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara (review coming on the 30th) and MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle (review coming next month).
Let me know how your week has been :) Happy Sunday!

The (Slightly Belated) Sunday Post #11

Hey Everyone!

Firstly, a big hello to my new followers. I'm hoping that people will start to use GFC again after the migration to Bloglovin'- I just don't like it as much. I feel like I'm always saying this, but apologies for the lack of posts of late. I haven't written an 'news' kind of post in a while- so I thought I'd give you a quick run down of what has been going on. 

My Life

Probably the most exciting thing that happened recently was my birthday. I had a cute little family celebration, and was lucky enough to receive some lovely gifts. Other than that, I have just been preparing for my trip to Africa (I'm leaving tomorrow!) and watching wayy too much tv. Oh talking of TV- how great was the Wimbledon final?

Update

I'm not sure if I've already mentioned this, but I am taking a little break from Youtube. I may go back to it in the future, but for now I want to focus on blogging. I'm going to schedule a few posts for when I'm away then get into some sort of posting routine when I'm back.

Current Favourite

I have been in love with The Carrie Diaries over the past week! I watched the whole season in a few days. The fashion, characters, setting- everything is amazing! Do any of you like it?

How has your week been?

Review: Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick in Pink-a-boo

Hey Everyone!

 One of the perks of shopping at high end makeup counters is the freebies- especially at bonus time. As a girl on a budget, this isn't something I do often, so I always tag along when my mum is. This lipstick was part of a spring bonus at Clinique a few months ago, and was given to me because my mum wasn't too keen on it.

I'm not a big one for lipgloss: I have tried a whole lot of different kinds but the texture and lack of pigmentation always put me off. However, I think this Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick strikes exactly the right balance between lipstick, gloss and balm.

The packaging is pretty and high quality. The product is rose pink in colour with flecks of gold shimmer. Its very smooth and soft with the texture of a lip balm. On the lips it gives a lovely sheen and good amount of colour- perfect for day to day. Its lasting power is pretty surprising- it will stay put for a good few hours. Its moisturising and doesn't feel sticky at all. It reminds me of a higher end version of the Revlon Lip Butters.

This is my go to product at the moment- its so easy to pop on and go. I'm always more into eyes than lips and this is a great, subtle option.

The Sunday Post #2

Hey Everyone!

My Life

Well its official- my 'mock'/practice/ back up exams have begun. Eeek! Maths was first on Friday and English is tomorrow! I've spent the whole week in the library- I've barely saw the light of day! On the bright side, on Friday I (perhaps stupidly) decided to have the afternoon and night off. I sorted through makeup, watched Pretty Little Liars (has anyone been watching- ITS AMAZING!) and caught up on YouTube.

Weekly Favourite

So, for my English course this year we are studying The Great Gatsby and with a few exceptions, I have never loved a book more. I think you get so much more out of a book when you study it! I cannot even explain my excitement for this film. There are two trailers out and I know pretty much all the words of haha! Watch them and feel the anticipation! Random but yep, I thought I'd share my huge love and excitement for The Great Gatsby.

How has your week been?

Weekly Favourite!

Hey Everyone!

Today sees the beginning of a new post series/ category woop woop! I have been thinking lately that I'd like to have a post (more frequent than my instagram one) to give updates as well as tell you what I've been loving (or obsessing over if you will) that week whether it be a makeup product or a song.

This weeks favourite is the film 'Les Misérables'. I went to see it last night and oh my, I've never cried so much at a movie in my life (yep, that includes Marley and Me and Titanic- which is saying something!) It was truly epic and up there with the best movies I have ever seen. I would never have thought I'd have enjoyed a film that's whole script is sung, but I did! There was not one part I thought could have been done better. I came out of the hall with the biggest panda eyes you ever did see (They're Real mascara didn't fare too well with tears to say the least). I'm going to see it again, this time with my mum, on Friday and until then I will be mentally building myself up for the roller-coaster again haha! The casting was amazing and it was so compelling.

I would definitely 100% recommend that you go and see it if you haven't already! 

What have you been loving this week?

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?