Flared Sleeves

Top - Zara; Jeans - Topshop; Shoes - Dorothy Perkins; Necklace - Zara (old); Bag - Dune 

Hi everyone, it's been a while! Back with a little outfit post, pictures are so much easier to take when it's approaching summertime - no avoiding the rain, wind etc. (well, less so than in winter anyway! *we love the British summertime!*)

The 70s trend is really popular at the moment, but flared trousers aren't the best for those of us who have been blessed with teeny short legs, so I've opted for a flared sleeve instead on this beautiful Zara blouse. It also has lace up detail at the side - hitting another trend on the head :). I styled it with blue Topshop jeans, nude heels and a Zara statement necklace. This outfit has become a desk-to-dinner go-to for me, so easy to wear and perfect for those in-between spring and summer evenings :)

Review: Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil

Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil in Brownie Points

Like most other people I know, I love a good brow. I don't know how I used to not fill them with anything - I feel bare without a defined arch in my life! I normally use a brush and a powder to do my eyebrows, but I've picked up on a number of blogger girls using the Soap and Glory Archery Brow products for a more natural look. I chose the Tint and Pencil combination over the Pencil and Brush (intrigued by this tint business!) in the shade Brownie Points. 

My brows 'before' are quite dark and natural shaped anyway, but the light coverage of this pencil means I can build up to my desired colour easily, without going overboard (no furry slugs around here!). I used the pencil all over the brow first, and used the more pigmented tint in the mid to end area. I always fix my brows with a clear gel, brushing the hairs up a little so that they don't look too perfect, we like a bit of 'au naturale'! Overall, I'm quite impressed with my first dip into Soap and Glory cosmetics, will definitely be trying some more out :)

Review: Masterchef Restaurant & Bar

On Saturday 4^th October, my mum travelled down from Lincoln to visit me ready for our trip to the Masterchef Restaurant and Bar for brunch, something we had both been looking forward to for a couple of months. As we arrived at the Blue Fin Building in perfect time for our 11.30am sitting, I spotted a group of people outside smoking in chef’s whites, and while not giving off the best first impressions, I thought to myself perhaps it isn’t from the Masterchef restaurant. 

We were greeted with a warm welcome from the staff and shown to our table. The much hyped views of London from the building were a let down, as we were sat behind a partition to a staircase and couldn’t see out of any windows! Ross, our waiter, gave us our menus and couple of minutes to peruse – it could have taken a few seconds really. There was granola & yoghurt to start accompanied by fresh fruit and then a choice of either Jack’s ‘Maple Syrup and Bacon Pancakes’ or Natalie’s ‘Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg with Caviar’. My mum ordered a coffee and I ordered the freshly squeezed orange juice (£4.50 on the menu – but offered as complimentary – which we found strange, perhaps a way of keeping us sweet), and as we did my mum asked ‘Where’s Ping then?’ (the third chef who was supposed to be cooking for us) and we asked ‘Is she squeezing the oranges?’ to which the reply was ‘The chefs won’t be on site for another hour’. A great start, as we, and I expect the vast majority of the other diners, had booked especially for the chefs, and we had booked under the premise that they would be cooking for us, as advertised by the restaurant’s website. 

We made our orders (one pancake and one salmon) and heard the customers on the next table complaining about exactly the same thing. After speaking to them, it seems we weren’t the first to be disappointed, with some customers even getting up and leaving without eating. I have to say, those that did, didn’t really miss out on the food. The granola and fresh fruit was something even a five year old could whip together, with the fruit being served in a weird ramekin that looked like an old cat food tin. Then the ‘main’ course of brunch arrived, mine a few pancakes with some burnt streaky bacon slapped on top, and my mum’s two anaemic looking muffins with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, dotted with some lumpfish roe. I wasn’t expecting Beluga, but honestly, it was nothing special, nothing that couldn’t have been made at home in your pyjamas while sat in front of the television. At £20 a head for food like this, you’d expect the atmosphere to be special, but it wasn’t. A very clinical looking restaurant with mis-matched chairs, reminiscent of your average work canteen. No background music, not even a bubbly chatty atmosphere. It was all bland to say the least. 

As Ross approached to clear our not-so empty plates, you could tell he was ready to hear more disappointed tales in his body language. We explained that we were annoyed at the fact that we were sold this meal under the impression that we would be cooked for by our favourite Masterchef contestants, and not by his service, which I have to say was excellent, a very lovely and efficient waiter. He spoke to Tina, who I assume was the manager of the event, who said that we could have a glass of champagne on the house and apologised for the experience. We refused the champagne, just wanting to leave the restaurant as soon as we could, as our precious weekend time could have been better spent in Zara in Sloane Square. 

On leaving the restaurant, we gave a generous tip to Ross explaining that we wanted to show our gratitude to those who worked hard to make our meal enjoyable and those who unfortunately were on the receiving end of all of the complaints when they should have had some support from the organisers in such situations. All I can say is, thank goodness we had booked Cote Brasserie for dinner in the evening! 

In future, I’m not going to stop watching Masterchef because of this terrible experience, but I will never spend any money on anything Masterchef related or visit one of these ‘pop-up’ resaturants again when I could go to The Criterion and enjoy a champagne afternoon tea with delicious food for around the same price. 

Lusting

Tee - Whistles

I had a bit of a revelation this week, while watching one of Anna's (of Vivianna Does Makeup) videos - I realised I am in dire need of a wardrobe cleanse! So this weekend, I'm setting about streamlining my wardrobe, getting rid of the old and (hopefully) making way for the new! I'm really loving the classic tee and jeans combo, laid back but still polished and feminine. This Whistles tee has caught my eye, the material looks lovely and soft, and although I've never been one for a slogan, this isn't tacky or cringeworthy! Definitely one to pair with a pair of ripped skinny jeans and a pair of heeled sandals or boots!

Lusting

Blouse - Karen Millen

How b-e-autiful is this Karen Millen top?! I've been sitting on the sofa feeling like poop all weekend and have had lots of time to browse online sales that I might not look at normally. I never ever go in Karen Millen, but thought I'd have a look at what goodies they were offering in their markdown section. And here I found this lovely little lace blouse, which would look perfect dressed down at the weekend or up for dinner/drinks. I loveeee it. And what's even better is that it's HALF PRICE! Hurrah!

Mules!

Mules - New Look 

Finally finally finally, I have managed to get my mitts on a pair of mules. I said to my mum that I wouldn't fall into this trend but they have grown on me and now find themselves on my feet! I wanted a really simple black pair with a heel that was walkable in and look what I found sitting on a shelf in New Look, these babies! I love them, they're so comfy and make any outfit instantly look more glam. And the best part? The price - £19.99. I know they're not leather but I really could not say no. LOVE.

Flat Iron, Soho

When my mum was staying with me for the Summertime Ball, we took a little trip down to Oxford Street for some shopping, followed by a delish steak at a teeny tiny restaurant that I have not even noticed before on Beak Street. Flat Iron started out as a pop up, but has established itself as one of the best places in central London for a lovely bit of beef. 

My mum and I went at around 6pm on Sunday evening, and were seated straight away (at busy times prepare for a bit of a wait - builds the appetite!). The waiter brought us a complimentary cup of popcorn while we decided on what to order. The menu is an extremely limited one, more so as there wasn't a special on when we visited, however, we had come here for the main event so we weren't annoyed by this at all! My brother had been before and said that the waiters suggest that you have your steak cooked medium-rare. As a medium girl myself, I stuck to my roots and the steak was perfectly cooked for me, I could even have had it a little rarer, can't beat a really juicy steak! We ordered a portion of creamed spinach and a portion of chips between us, and along with the house salads was just the right amount for the two of us (we have very little stomachs and don't eat big portions, so if you're a big eater, order sides for yourself rather than to share!). I had to order a sauce to go with my steak, and chose the peppercorn, which was lovely and spicy and creamy! 

They also have a nice list of wines and fizz and a little something which I loved, a soft drinks menu that doesn't include your usual coca cola. This one had dandelion and burdock, rose lemonade and ginger beer - a little bit different which makes Flat Iron stand out even more. We passed on the pud (I KNOW!), I can't remember what it was however, something with salted caramel I think, but I assume the puddings differ from visit to visit. If you're visiting London/live here, I would thoroughly recommend a trip here, such a nice change from all the surrounding chain restaurants, lovely food and lovely service :)

Capital Summertime Ball 2014

Dress - Topshop; Sandals - New Look; Kimono - Zara; Bag - Oasis; Necklace - Zara

A few months ago I heard the Summertime Ball being advertised on the radio & said to my mum 'LOL shall we go?' to which she said YES! And the rest was history. One of the most fun days ever! It was also perrrrrfect weather, if a little bit too hot - but NO COMPLAINTS, it didn't rain hurrah! Our seats were right up in the gods, next time we are definitely going closer to the stage, even so, it was the best! I wore a black crepe Topshop shift dress with a peach Zara beaded necklace, strappy sandals and also took my new Zara kimono out for a trip to Wembley (although I definitely did not need it!). Obbbbviously, Union J were the best, but Calvin Harris, Clean Bandit, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell and Jessie J were also all amazing! I would 100% recommend for anyone thinking of going to go, but one warning, once you've been once, you won't be able to stop! :)

Lusting...

V-Shaped Silk Blouse - & Other Stories

How incredibly beautiful is this blouse? I spotted it last weekend when I was shopping on Oxford Street with my mum and fell in love. It's so flowy but still fitted and very feminine. I love the gold zip against the bright coral and the cape layered styling. Definitely going to spend all my weekends eyeing this up!

London Sun

Blazer - H&M; Necklace - Zara; Jeans - Topshop; Shoes - Primark; Bag - Zara

First outfit post in foreverrrrr! My mum came to visit me in London for the weekend and kindly took lots of photos for me (love having a photographer, sooo much easier than a tripod!). On Sunday, we took a little walk around Sloane Square and down the New King's Road, popping in Zara on the walk down (oops!). I bought this little H&M jacket just before Christmas after seeing a few of the girls at work sporting it. I love it! I did think it was a bit too jazzy at first but I've got used to it now! I've teamed it with a black woven cami, black highwaisted jeans and a little pink and gold Zara necklace :) let's hope we get a few more weekends with this kind of weather soon so I can post more outfits!

Weekly Want No. 10

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

(clickable links)

Finally I'm writing a blog post! I've had a long break over the winter, working full time means I have so little time to put into my blogging, & just as I was writing this post my flat decided it would blow all the fuses and not let me write it! The world is against me!!

Anyway, as little time as I have spent blogging, I have still been spending! I'm going to buy a pair of coated jeans next weekend and these skinny highwaisted ones from Topshop will be first on my hit list. I also really want to buy the H&M white and navy blouse, I love a blouse with a V-neck so this will be perfect! The Warehouse printed cropped blouse is also one of my favourites at the moment, it would look so nice with blue skinny jeans and patent nude heels for work in the summer. & Other Stories is fast becoming one of my go to shops, and the amount of times I've stood in there and debated buying this sheer jumper and black pouch is ridiculous! I'm also going a bit stud earring crazy, and these two pairs are my latest faves from Accessorize. The blue ones are amazing!

Weekly Want No. 9

1/2/3/4/5

(clickable links)

Hi guys! It's been a while since I did a wish list (and trust me, it's not through lack of wishing) so here's a little peek at what I'm loving at the moment.

I really want a roll neck jumper (this is without seeing what my neck looks like in one yet!) so I'm going to see if I can find this Zara one at the weekend, it has a gold zip all the way down the back too which jazzes it up a little! Also tempted to buy these false nails, they have a really pretty gold tip and I ammmm going out next weekend so maybe I'll treat myself, not like I need to!! These Accessorize earrings will be perfect for Christmas and New Year for yourself or maybe a little pressie for somebody :). I love this Missguided Swing Dress, it's made from a fabric with a slight sheen and would look amazing with black tights, black boots, a fur stole and perhaps this black bag from Mango. Selling it to myself already oops! Let's see how many shopping bags I return home with this weekend!

Cat in the Hat

 Blouse - Monsoon; Leggings - H&M; Bag - Zara; Shoes - Topshop; Hat - Miss Selfridge

Since I started full time work I've found that I never have time to take blog photos which makes me really sad :(! I also managed to pick a flat to move into with awful natural light, hence my fuzzy pics (ARGH! I have such bad luck with places I move into and lighting!). Hopefully you can forgive me on this occasion! It's so dark outside because it's absolutely teeeeeming it down with rain, yuk! So onto my not entirely weather appropriate outfit! My blouse is a little Monsoon number. I bought it for my mum and I've seen soooo many of the girls at work wearing it that I just couldn't resist. It's a crepe material with a lovely red and black all over print. I've belted it at the waist as being so short it comes down to my knees when loose! I teamed it with black leggings, black slipper shoes and my new Miss Selfridge floppy hat which I loveeeee! It makes me feel a million times posher (I am not posh in the slightest!). Feel a bit like I'm a Made In Chelsea girl. I can only dream!

Hope you're all well and thank you for continuing to read my blog despite my MIA-ness. Lots of love! :)

Kimono Love

Kimono - Missguided; Jeans - Topshop; Top - Glamorous; Shoes - Primark; Hat - Missguided

Sorry, I was definitely trying to be Millie Mackintosh in the first picture with my bowler hat! This Missguided kimono is absolutely beautiful! I love it sooo much! The fringe detail at the bottom adds so much, I can imagine wearing this with little black denim shorts and sunglasses as well when it's sunny on holiday near the beach (dreaming!). I paired it here with my Glamorous black cami, black Topshop Joni jeans and black flatforms. A little dark maybe, but the sun isn't shining at the time I'm writing this so it doesn't matter about being totally summery ;). The kimono also has a little wrap belt in the same fabric so it can be tied around the waist.

Giving You the Cold Shoulder

 Blouse - Forever 21; Disco Pants - Glamorous; Necklace - Accessorize; Shoes - Primark

I totally forgot that I had bought this blouse! I bought it mid-exams and obviously while chucking on any old jumper/top and jeans for the library everyday, put it in the back of my wardrobe and have only just found it now! It's from Forever 21 and has cut-out detailing. I know I called it a cold shoulder blouse in the title but it's not really, it shows the more flattering part of my collarbone (I have quite broad shoulders so I don't think cut outs suit me there!). It's fitted without being too tight and is fab for dressing down disco pants for going out for dinner or something :) I added my favourite Accessorize teardrop necklace for a bit of sparkle.

Return of the Disco Pant

 Blazer - H&M; Top - Miss Selfridge; Disco Pants - Glamorous; Shoes - Primark

Agh! So I hadn't worn my disco pants in forever until taking these photos, I forgot how tight they were but how much I LOVE THEM! For a boyish figure like mine, the high waist and clingy-ness is so flattering! I wanted to tone them down a bit to how I usually wear them on a night out, so opted for a Miss Selfridge peachy-coral cami top tucked in and a white tailored blazer over the top. I can't really bear wearing flatties with disco pants so I teamed with these black flatforms for a bit of extra lift but a helllll of a lot of extra comfort over stiletto type shoes! I wouldn't wear the blazer if I was going out to a club though, imagine the carnage, tears and dry cleaning bill....

Leopard Pleat

Skirt - H&M; Top - Glamorous; Necklace - Etsy; Bag - Miss Selfridge (old); Sandals - New Look (old) 

This skirt is my new favourite thing! I spotted it in Meadowhall last week, said I'd come back to try it on later, and then it had sold out in my size! How annoying! Fortunately as I was in London in the week, I popped into the Westfield White City H&M and found it. It's made from a pleated flow-y material and has a lovely green and black leopard print all over, perfect for A/W with tights or now without! I paired it with a gold River Island belt, my Glamorous black cami and a long chain crystal necklace from Etsy. My bag is very old (we're talking 4 years old!) and from Miss Selfridge. I'd definitely wear something like this to work :) smart but casual and comfortable enough for the office.

Summer Summer Summertime

Top - Glamorous; Shorts - Topshop; Sandals - New Look (old); Necklace - Next; Watch - ASOS (old)

So this wasn't the most apt title for a blog post looking out the window today (oh hey cloud!), but being in London this week and it being particularly warm and sunny I thought an outfit like this would be nice just for in the day, doing a bit of shopping or sitting in a cafe or bar! I bought these Topshop crochet shorts around two months ago on my first trip to one of the 'Outfit' stores, I could go crazy in those places! My cami top is by Glamorous. I bought a black version and also a cream one, they have a crossover strappy back and are so light and airy, perfect for the humidity. My necklace is a rose gold and glass number from the new season range in Next (loving their jewellery at the moment!) and my watch is an old season ASOS, also in a rose gold tone - who needs Michael Kors (bleugh!).

High Tea

 Dress - Missguided; Shoes - Primark

I have NEVER found a crossover front dress that actually stays relatively crossed over on me until this Missguided one! Normally there's a huge gape of material showing off a lot of bra, so much so that I have to pin or stitch the front of the dress so that it looks normal! But this dress is tight enough to fit me perfectly. I'm not normally a skater dress kinda girl (love my bodycon too much!) but as I'm starting a full time job soon, I thought I should get something a little more demure. Though saying that, this dress is very short (and I'm only 5ft 4, so tall girls be careful!). I paired the dress with flatforms though I think a lighter colour would be more flattering for the day time. I'd probably wear this dress with an embellished but not too fancy sandal, as I think the floral print does all the talking. My new favourite dress!

The Liebster Award

So Carly from CEE JAY ELL nominated me for a Liebster award, thanks Carly! We went to secondary school together maaaany years ago now and it's so nice to see somebody who I know getting into the blogging world, definitely check out her blog girls! :) I have been nominated for these before but have never had time to actually post my answers, so having a week left before I start work and a little bit of free time I thought I'd answer the questions Carly tagged me in! The Liebster awards are fab for finding new smaller blogs, and finding people who have similar views and interests to you! So be prepared for a little insight into my life!

Rules

1. Give ten random facts about yourself.

2. Answer the ten questions given to you by your tagger.

3. Choose ten bloggers with less than two hundred follows to tag with the Liebster Award, and link them in your post.

4. Pick ten new questions to ask your chosen bloggers.

5. Let your bloggers know they've been nominated.

6. Don't tag back!

Ten Facts About Me

1. I studied Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Nottingham and just graduated with a 2.1, however I no longer want anything to do with science! I love the subject but it's just not where I see my life going.

2. Next week I'm moving to London to start a new job as a Merchandise Admin Assistant in Ladieswear at Monsoon Accessorize which I'm super excited about. Working in a fashion based environment has been my dream!

3. I'm a cat obsessive! I have two babies, Witty and Eddie, and they are just that - my babies! Anything with cats on/cat related is my weakness.

4. I model myself on Kate Middleton, clothes, hair, make-up etc! She's so classically beautiful and I get told I look like her often (I can only dream!) but I won't complain at that comparison.

5. I hate fruit. Well, I don't HATE it as such. I would just much prefer to eat salad and vegetables. I end up wasting money on fruit as I buy it with good intentions and then revert back to my usual salads and it goes off. Oops. Also, those sugars are not good for my teeth!

6. I'd much rather go out than stay in. My favourite thing to do is go on a night out with the girls, have cocktails, go to a club etc. Nights in are okay, but while I'm young I'd rather go out and have fun.

7. Until I was in sixth form, I hated clothes shopping. I was a bit of a tomboy, okay okay, A LOT. I just preferred going to the football than spending my money on clothes. I'm so different now, and have definitely made up for my lack of shopping in more recent years.

8. I do like football, I'm not as mad on it as I used to be. I support Lincoln City and had a season ticket for many years, though now I rarely go!

9. If I could live off a food, it'd be antipasti. That and a glass of prosecco is heaven for me. I'm an easily pleased girl.

10. I don't own a pair of trainers or any form of sportswear. I don't go to the gym. My exercise is walking. Does that make me lazy? Haha. 

Carly's Questions 

You can choose to be one Disney character, who would it be and why? 

Marie from the Aristocats. Being a cat and wearing a pink bow....can life get any better?

If you could have any super power, which would it be? 

Understanding what goes on in a boy's head haha. No, it'd be to click my fingers and have an all over perfect tan without the need for mitts and fake tan!

If you were told you could only have one beauty product for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Foundation! I have a really uneven complexion and foundation is my saviour!

Heels or Flats? 

Heels always on a night out. For the day, flats, or flatforms to give a bit of extra height!

Nude or Bold Lip? 

I think I'm somewhere in the middle. I only wear a light coral ever.

What is your go to beauty brand? 

Rimmel everyday of the week. Relatively inexpensive and fab quality.

How would you describe your style? 

Classic, girlie with a hint of on trend. I don't follow trends as such, I just wear what suits me.

Why did you start blogging? 

I started last year as a distraction from breaking up from a long term relationship. I felt I needed something to take my mind off being upset and starting this blog has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I doubt I'd even have got job interviews if I didn't have this, I couldn't be happier.

If you could build a house anywhere, where would you build it? 

This sounds so sad, but somewhere around Lincoln/Nottingham. I'm moving to London but I just know I'll head back up to the Midlands when I'm older. I was born in Lincoln and I'll never stay away :).

You can be another person for a month, who would you be and why?

I would've said Kate Middleton but I don't think I could deal with a baby at the age of 22, so what about my future self? That'd be so scary though, imagine knowing what was coming for you in the future. I wouldn't complain if it was a good vision though!

Nominated Blogs

Ellen @ ellenblogsit

Alisha @ Alisha Magic

Nicole @ Lu-Lu-Nicole

Hannah @ Here's One I Made Earlier

Katie @ The Stylinguist

Rachael @ RachaelAmyy

Eva @ ElfieEva

Madeleine @ VanityRail

Abelia @ Abelia's Corner

Karen @ Mission;Style

My questions

1. What trend are you most looking forward to for A/W?

2. What's your favourite high street store and why?

3. Night out or night in?

4. If you could swap hairstyles with a certain celeb, who would it be?

5. What's your favourite magazine?

6. Cats or dogs?

7. What's your favourite app on your phone?

8. Favourite restaurant?

9. How many nail polishes do you own?

10. If I gave you £50 and let you loose on Oxford Street, which shops would you buy clothes from?