Saturday 31 December 2011

goodbye, 2011

Sorry I've been a bit quiet after Christmas! But this will be my last post of 2011 so I just wanted to wish you all a very safe and happy New Year! (and happy new year to those on the other side of the world who have already entered 2012! how weird is that??) 2011 was quite a quiet year for me, and I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring! I will be right back after New Year though, I've been doing a lot of online shopping, oops, so expect a haul!

Everyone have a wonderful night, whatever you're doing. And here's to a good 2012 :)

























NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Month's Most Wanted

It's the last Month's Most Wanted of 2011! Can you actually believe that it's the end of the year?? I'm sure everyone says it every single year, but 2011 seems to have zoomed by. I'm glad to see 2012 though, I'm hoping it'll be a good one!

This Month's Most Wanted is going to be a bit bigger than usual, because of course it's the Christmas addition ;) Although saying that, I haven't asked for anything this year - so will more than likely just get money. Why didn't I ask for anything? Because I'm really not wanting that much... It's a bit different when you have a job, because if there's something I want, I'll wait til payday and I'll more than likely buy it. Anyways lets start with beauty...


















MAC Powersurge Eye Khol: I've seen Tanya Burr use this countless times throughout her tutorials and it always looks so gorgeous. It's a beautiful goldey-bronzey colour. Much more subtle than a black in the waterline.
[£13.00]

Jemma Kidd Light as Air Foundation: Everyone and their Nans have been raving about this foundation, and after dabbling in high end foundation (post to come), the hype has got to me and I've decided I need this in my life.
[£25.00]

MAC Frankly Scarlett Blusher: This is the most perfect winter blush... it may look a bit scary (pretty much bright red) I think with a really light hand it would give the perfect winter flush.
[£17.00]

Models Own Disco Mix Nail Polish: Possibly the most festive/party season appropriate nail polish. It is absolutely stunning, and impossible to find in Boots! Will have to venture online for this one.
[£5.00]

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel + Wake Up Booster: I tried this skincare range in a little travel sized kit and it was amazing. I loved everything about it and could not fault a thing. So it's probably about time I got the full sized products.
[£10.00 for cleansing gel, £15.00 for wake up booster]

And now onto the random bits and bobs I'd quite like to receive...




















Yankee Candles seem to be a bloggers favourite, so I'd love one or two of those. I also seem to be obsessed with car air fresheners (always changing mine) and Clean Cotton is my favourite Yankee Candle scent. I bake quite regularly and a hand mixer would make baking so much easier! Any vintage style photo frames are more than welcome, and some Henry Holland Suspender tights would be greatly appreciated. And I would love my all time favourite film (Lion King) and my top 3 films of the year on DVD. Duvet day anyone?

What's on your whislist? Hope you get all that you want!
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 18 December 2011

it's the most wonderful time of the year








































































Just thought I'd share a few photo's of the festivities going on round my end ;) One week today!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! (or happy winter time for those who don't celebrate Christmas)
NATALIE, XO

Friday 16 December 2011

one last haul before christmas

I'm aiming that this is my last haul until Christmas. I'll try and restrain myself! I'm off to Disneyland Paris in early January so I need to keep some monies for then! But in the mean time, this is what I've bought...
























Sparkly Jumper | H&M £14.99
Yup, I picked up the jumper I showed in this haul in another colour. It's a mix between a dark grey and navy. The sparkles are a lot less subtle on this jumper than the silvery/lilacy colour. I feel so festive in it! LOVE.

Batwing Top | Topshop £16.00
This top fits beautifully. I have nothing more to say. I got it in this steel blue colour which I love for winter.


























PU Trim Shorts | Miss Selfridge £32.00
I featured these in November's Month's Most Wanted, and I finally got round to getting them. I might return/exchange them because I'm not 100% convinced they suit me, but this might just be because they're too big.


























Sleeveless Peter Pan Blouses | Primark £6.00 each
I'm clearly having issues with choosing between colours... I seem to be buying multiples of everything. First these H&M lace skater dresses, then the H&M sparkly jumpers, then these blouses! They're really pretty! I find that the peter pan collars that go right to the bottom of the neck, just don't suit me, but the collars on these are a little bit lower and I find a bit more flattering. Plus they were only £6!!

























Pyjama Bottoms | Primark £5.00 each
The one thing I love the most about Primark is their pyjamas. They're so cheap, but last forever... come in a million different designs and are the most comfortable thing in the world. AND LOOK HOW CHRISTMASSY THESE ARE!

So they are my last purchases before Christmas *fingers crossed. Have you finished present shopping?
NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Boot Fetish

It's become apparent over the last couple of months, that I have some sort of obsession with boots. I've just recieved my 4th pair of the season through the post, oops. Chelsea boots in particular...

























So these are the latest addition to the shoe rack. They are tan, leather heeled chelsea boots. They are available in black too, which were my last resort if I couldn't find a good Allegra dupe - because they are a bit similar. The heel is much lower, so more day-time friendly. They are the River Island Cuban Heel Chelsea Boots. They are originally £40 but I got mine for £30 on ASOS as they're currently on sale (they've now gone down to £28), so go and grab yourself a bargain now! I couldn't resist them... even if my boot obsession is a little out of control. I vow not to buy anymore, until the new year? Ha!

PS: Did some Christmas shopping in these yesterday (walking for a good 3/4 hours, so comfortable!)

What have you been buying lots of recently?
NATALIE, XO

Monday 12 December 2011

Champagne Supernova

Just a quick face of the day! Feels like I hardly ever do these anymore... I tend to reach for the same make up all the time recently and it really doesn't change. But I thought I'd share what I look like these days ;) OH and yup I've dyed my hair a darker shade for the Winter.















Ignore the brows, they're unruly! Just a light champagne/taupe/bronze over the lid with winged eyeliner (when I'm I wingless?!) and kept the skin pretty natural, but bronzed.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation
Bourjois Mineral Radiance powder
Bourjois Chocolate bronzer
MAC Melba blush
-
Mix of Urban Decay YDK & Sellout all over lid
Urban Decay Half Baked in crease
Urban Decay YDK on lower lashline
Rimmel Glam Eyes eyeliner
Bourjois Volumizer mascara
Benefit Highbeam on brow bone
Elf Eyebrow kit
-
No 7 'Nude' lipliner
MAC Hue lipstick

And there we are! Nothing fancy schancy.
NATALIE, XO

Friday 9 December 2011

Is that you, Allegra?

Probably the most sought after boot this season - the Topshop Allegra's. They're everywhere, and rightly so because they're b-e-a-utiful. However, I don't think they are still available (haven't been able to find them on their website, or in store) and they also come with quite a hefty £75 price tag. Lets take a look at said boots...
And now lets look at the boots that the wonderful postman bought me this morning...


Do they or do they not look identical? To the point where it probably shouldn't be allowed, lol. Although they're not real leather of course, they're a pretty damn good 'dupe'. So, did I shell out some extortionate amount on Ebay? Nope! Believe it or not these actually cost me £30 + £2.99 delivery.

They're from the Desire Clothing Ebay page, they do also have a regular website, but I can't seem to see these boots on there! And here is the direct link to the boots. Totally recommend the seller, came within 3 working days, exactly as photographed. Definitely a steal! A saving of £42!

Hope you liked this post, especially if you were lusting over the Allegras!
NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 7 December 2011

It's a habbit...

Shopping is a habit, and old habits die hard. Even when it's Christmas and purchases are supposed to be for everyone else. I do feel like it's justified a tad though because I actually finished all of my Christmas shopping in October/early November, so it's well earned? Pfft.


Camel + Red Stripe Knit Cardigan | £12.00
Black 'Super Skinny' Jeans | £9.00
Patent Bow Flat Pumps | £5.00
ALL PRIMARK

Was so impressed by the cardigan... it feels and looks much higher quality than a Primark cardigan, it's super soft and the red stripes are perfect for this season. Black skinny jeans are a staple I've been putting off buying for ages (who likes shopping for basics? It's so boring!) so I just went with these. Been after some plain black pumps and these fit the bill. Don't recommend Primark shoes for everyday wear (especially pumps) because they get ruined.















Metallic/Sparkle Jumper | £14.99 H&M
I'm obessed with these sparkly jumpers, anyone else? I couldn't choose between this silvery-grey with lilac undertones or a darker navy kind of colour so will probably end up getting that colour as well! Amazing price and really festive! Can't beat a bit of sparkle.



















'N' Wash Bag | £16.00 Alphabet Bags
Bought one of these wash bags to use as a make up bag after seeing them on Lisa Eldridge's Christmas gifts video and instantly fell in love. It is HUGE, and also has a zip up side pocket which is nice. It's from Alphabet Bags which do all sorts of different tote bags etc. really good website if you're looking for gifts!

























Snow Fairy Gift Set | £10.95
Mask of Magnaminty | £6.47
Butterball Ballistic | £1.90
Cinders Ballistic | £1.95
ALL LUSH
No countdown to Christmas is complete without a pitstop in LUSH! The Snow Fairy set is for Dean's Stepsister, I think it's a great little gift for those you're not wanting to spend too much money on without looking like you haven't. The mask is also Dean's - he loves the stuff! The two ballistics are both mine and are my favourite LUSH products of all time. I get so excited at Christmas time to stock up on these. They both smell delish and Butterball makes your skin so soft! LUSH if you're reading please make these two permanent??























And my most expensive purchase apart from my car (and insurance) ever! Was so excited to receive this, it's a beaut. My old laptop was dying a slow and painful death, and the charger had also broken so I was having to steal my Dad's when he wasn't using his for work. Ideally a MacBook would've been nice but is such a crazy amount of £

Have you finished Christmas shopping or have you been treating yourself?
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 4 December 2011

New Booties
























Say hello to my new boots, with whom I am in love. I've been after a pair of brown ankle boots for absolutely ages and I just couldn't find the right ones. I did have my eye on some Kurt Geiger ones but they were sold out everywhere. These ones are perfect, they are distressed dark brown (faux) leather, wooden look low heel with a buckle and strap detail. They are comfortable as well! So where are they from? Ebay! At a really affordable price. They are on sale at the moment, so now is a great time to order them, perfect for winter and look great with everything. Just had to share this bargain with you!

Completely recommend the seller, they dispatched quickly at a good price and they actually feel like really good quality. You can find them here for £19.59.

What are your staple winter boots?
NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Max Factor Xperience foundation

























I've had this foundation for yonks now and it's just on it's last legs so I thought I'd finally get round to reviewing it. Let me just start by saying this is the completely wrong shade for me - it's too pale and far too pink toned. The Xperience range from Max Factor have an amazing colour range for you pale ladies! Nothing for darker skins though which is a shame, why are there no drugstore brands that have the whole spectrum??
























*Why this swatch looks like the perfect match, I have no idea. ANYONE WANT TO GET ME A NEW CAMERA PLZ?

I'm gonna start by saying this is the nicest feeling foundation on my skin I have ever used. They market it as being 'weightless' and it literally is... it doesn't feel like you have anything on your skin at all, not even as thick as a moisturiser which means it's runny in consistency. It blends perfectly and is effortless to apply. Now I'm someone who loves a good medium-full coverage foundation and I'd say this is medium coverage. Isn't going to cover everything but hey, what is concealer for? Because it's so lightweight you can apply another layer and build it up to full coverage if you so wish. The only place this foundation falls down for me is oil control. It says that it's oil free, and that may be the case but it doesn't stop any oil from collecting on my skin (how gross does that sound?). It has a semi-matte finish, and lasts on the skin reasonably well (around 8hrs when powdered, for me).

I think this foundation would be ideal for dry/normal skins, and is a great one for oily skins as well - it just requires more effort. It retails for £9.99 in Boots.
NATALIE, XO

Tuesday 29 November 2011

I spent some ££...

Had a little shop with my Mum last week and I picked up some more wintery pieces which are keeping me nice and cosy, even though the weather has been quite mild! To think we had snow this time last year is a little bit mental...

























Zip Pocket T-Shirt | H&M £7.99
Really simple piece... I'm a fan of pointless pockets on the chest, lol, and I love the zip detail. It's a really nice light, jersey (?) material. I'm dying to get this in the pinky/rose/nude colour as well because the fit is so flattering, and so cheap!

Navy Cable Knit Cardigan | Primark £14.00
Love this cardigan! It's so cosy and looks a lot more expensive than Primark (they also have it in cream which looks identical to the Topshop and New Look ones). The only thing  that lets it down is the buttons really - they're supposed to look like those grandad leather ones, but are really plastic.

























Grey Heavy Knit Jumper | Zara £25.95
Cannot express my love for this jumper enough. Zara is a store I often wander in to but never really buy anything. I made an exception for this jumper though. It's just a regular knit jumper but the sleeves are cable knit. LOVE. They also have it in cream and camel, camel is next on my list.


























Lace Skater Dresses (Cream and Black) | H&M £14.99
I'm not normally someone who buys the same thing in a variation of colours, but I adored these dresses and I couldn't decide between the two. The fit and shape of these dresses are so, so flattering. Plus for £30 for two dresses, how could I possibly resist? Already go so much wear out of these! The cream one with a biker leather jacket and 80 derniers is a-mazing.



























Bourjois Mineral Radiance Powder, £9.49 | Revlon Nail Polish 'Facets of Fuschia', £6.49
Been meaning to pick up the Bourjois powder for an age, it was in one of my Month's Most Wanted and I really do love it. The Revlon nail polish speaks for itself really doesn't it? Seriously... just look at it.

And that's what I've picked up lately!
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 27 November 2011

My week in photographs






























































My Mum got some bad news early on in the week, so being the amazing daughter that I am, I drove round there with some lillies and cream cakes (opted for chocolate choux pastries and strawberry jam scones), nomnom.   |   The dog going absolutely berzerk over the broom, does anybody elses dog do this??   |   My Stepdad was driving and saw this 'stack of £50 notes' so pulled over to pick them up. Only to realise it was novelty tissues. LOL.   |   Got a sample of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, hoping to dislike it. Loved it. Gonna have to buy it. Ouch.   |   Cooing over all of the sparkly shoes in New Look. Someone tell me the secret to walking in these?   |   I can't talk about this week without mentioning to Youtube Royal Wedding. Alli & Charles (CTFxC) got married this week and I urge you ALL to subscribe to them if you're not already. Was so beautiful! Even if you're not subscribed you have to watch this montage video because it is stunning. Dare you not to cry!
NATALIE, XO