OOTD - Drinks With The Girls

One thing that I love about pay-day weekend is the excuse to treat yourself.. the feeling of "hey, I've worked hard this month.. I deserve this!".

With this in mind, when a girlie night happened to fall on pay-day weekend.. I couldn't resist treating myself to a new outfit *plus - because like most girls  - I simply had nothing to wear.. obviously*. So after work on Friday I plodded of to New Look to see what I could put together.. (It's safe to say that after the 3rd time wandering around the store, my boyfriend regretted his offer to come with me).

S'cuse the background.. this was taken at my friend's
house before venturing off.. 

Top -  £7.99 [x]

Trousers  - £14.99 [x]
Necklace  -  £7.99 [x]
Shoes  - £27.99 [x]

A few of the linked items do slightly vary from the ones I'm wearing as New Look's website doesn't currently have the exact items available online.

I love this outfit as it's perfect to wear out if a dress isn't feeling all that appealing - who doesn't have those days where having legs on show is the last thing on your mind?! - plus it can be easily dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a casual day-time event *think sandals and an oversized hand-bag*. 

What are your current evening ware staples? 

I'm always on the look out for an excuse to go shopping! 

xxx

Pandora Rose

Whilst enjoying one of many lunchtimes spent browsing clothes/accessories online, I recently stumbled across Pandora's new collection.. Pandora Rose.

Like most bloggers out there, I am completely in love with anything rose gold.  So when I stumbled across this collection I knew it was something that would need to find it's way into my jewellery box.

Here are a few of my favourite items.. 

1. Heart Stud Earrings - £70.00 [x]

2. Bow Ring - £55.00 [x]

3. Smooth Heart Charm - £30.00 [x]

4. Darling Daisy Meadow Charm - £55.00 [x]

5. Silver Bracelet with Rose Gold clasp - £65.00 [x]

6. Sparkling Heart Charm - £40.00 [x]

I'll admit that I'm usually pretty easily drawn into Pandora's jewellery (it's always so pretty) & this new collection is no exception. I can especially picture myself with the rose gold bow ring *thinks wishfully about pay day*. 

What are your thoughts about the new Pandora Rose collection?

xxx

Disney Vans

If - like me - you're Disney fan, then I'm sure by now you've heard about the collaboration between Vans & Disney to bring a whole new collection of shoes, clothes and accessories. As soon as I saw this first advertised, I know a pair of the shoes just needed to be added to my wardrobe... It's the MAC Cinderella excitement all over again! *uh oh*.

So when the collection was finally launched, I'm not ashamed to admit that I was straight online ready to make a purchase the minute I stepped in from work. After a lot of internal debate over which shoes to buy (Minnie Mouse? Winnie The Pooh? Disney Princesses?) I finally decided on something a little different but - in my opinion - still very cool. Disney Villains.

Even the packaging is cute!

I adore these shoes & have already received compliments when wearing them. They're a great way to add a little bit of fun to an outfit, whilst still offering the comfort/practicality that comes with Vans. 

Admittedly the items in this collection aren't exactly cheap... most of the adult sized shoes are priced at around £52.00 (you'll pay more if you opt for hi-tops) but personally I don't think this is a crazy price to pay considering classic Vans tend to retail for around £47.00. If you can't treat yourself when something cute and Disney themed becomes available, when can you?! 

Now I can't help but eye up the other items in the collection.. I'm 100% sure that both the Princess T-shirt & the Minnie Mouse jumper would easily fit into my wardrobe! 

What are your thoughts on the Disney Vans collection?

xxx

Favourite Spring/Summer Accessory

When I hear the word hat I can't help but have flashbacks to being around 5 years old and running around on holiday with a *very out there* cap on to protect my little head - bonus points if there was a bit of material that rolled down to protect your neck.. Safety first!

But recently - I've rediscovered just how much of a difference a hat can have on an outfit..

After spotting this accessory in Primark - for the bargain price of only £8.00 - I thought the discovery was surely too good to be true. However once I got it home & tried it on, I was delighted to see that this hat - the absolute bargain - was perfect *grins and squeals in excitement*.

The more I look at this, the more I notice the odd shape of my
arm.. I'm pretty sure it's not always that lumpy?!

One of the main things that's fuelled my love for this spring/summer accessory is it's versatility. This can easily be used for multiple purposes.. Going for a posh lunch & need to dress up? Wear the floppy hat. Day shopping with the girls & feel your outfit is lacking? or - on the opposite end of the scale - popping into town & want to cover that 3 day old hair? (Seriously... who has time to wash hair these days?!) You can easily throw this on.

Unfortunately as Primark doesn't have a website I can't provide a link to this exact version. However I've linked a few that are available on the high-street.

New Look - Asos/River Island - Misguided 

What's your favourite spring/summer accessory?

xxx

Disney Wishlist

If you read my recent May Favourites post, you'll know that I have been loving Disney even more so than usual recently.

There's just something about either wearing an item of Disney themed clothing or accessory that always seems to make me feel so happy.. I think this is due to a mixture of all the happy childhood memories associated with Disney films/songs/trips to Disneyland (plus I'm a huge child at heart). So I couldn't resist putting together a Disney themed wishlist for this Sunday's post.

1. Disney Princess Lipsmakers - Claire's Accessories - £5.00 [x]

2. Sketched Mickey Top - Asos - £37.00 [x]

3. Minnie Mouse Travel Mug - Disney Store - £6.00 [x]

4. Mickey Mouse Cabin Case - Disney Store - £80.00 [x]

5. Minnie Charm - Pandora - $45.00 [x]

(only currently available in the US but fingers crossed this collection 

will come out in UK Pandora stores soon)

6. Disney Princess Tshirt - Vans - £25.00 [x]

7. Bambi Pyjama Set - Topshop - £22.00 [x]

8. Little Mermaid Shoes - Vans - £52.00 [x]

9. Disney Chalkboard Quotes - Etsy - £11.00 [x]

I could easily see my pay cheque vanishing if I was to treat myself to each of these items.. but they're all so adorable! 

Which is your favourite Disney themed item?

xxx

Make up Revolution: The One Blush Stick

I had my eye on the Multiple Stick from NARS for a while now.. it's absolutely beautiful, but I couldn't decide if parting with the £30.00 price mark was the best way to go only to be disappointed & ultimately out of pocket... or worse, discovering that there's a cheaper dupe out there somewhere.. *shudders a little at the thought*.

So when I stumbled across Make-up Revolutions "The One Blush Stick" I couldn't resist adding it to  my basket. As you can see from the photos below the two products do seem very similar. Obvious similarities include; the packaging, shade name "Malibu" and how each are described as multi-purpose across both cheeks and lips (the NARS version does also boast that it can be used on eyes).. Although personally I can only really imagine using this as a bronzer for contouring.

Source 

Now I can't really say whether this is a dupe - although it does appear that way - as I haven't actually tried the NARS Multiple Stick *sobs a little*. So I couldn't in anyway make a fair comparison.

When I purchased Make-up Revolution's The One Blush Stick, it's safe to say that I definitely didn't allow myself to get my hopes up.. Sure I wanted it to be the answer to all my contouring dreams & secretly hoped it would sculpt my cheekbones so they'd pass an inspection from Kim K herself.. but I knew this probably wasn't going to happen. But - *dramatic drum roll* -  I have actually been very pleasantly surprised.

Key factors:

• Blending - I use my Real Techniques Stippling blush with this product & was pleasantly surprised just how effortlessly it  blends into my skin.
• Colour pay off - Another element that didn't disappoint.. a little goes a long way but if you're after a slightly heavier look the product is easily build-able.. or if you wanted a subtle look, you can mix the product with a little water to tone it down.
• Price - £5.00 - Bargain.. what more can I say?
• Shade - As mentioned earlier I have the shade "Malibu", which I can only describe as a sheer brown with a slight rosey tint/undertone which I find this to be perfect for my skin tone.. 

After trying this product as a bronzer I can safely say I'm tempted to try out one of the different shades & seeing how they work as a blusher.. 

Have you ever tried Make-up Revolutions Blush Stick?

Or maybe the NARS Multiple Stick?

Let me know your thoughts..

- Side note - I was going to add a photo of this product on, but it was one of those days where my face just didn't want to cooperate with the camera *sigh*  - 

xxx

Monthly Favourites - May

Whilst having a look over my beloved Small and Blonde it stuck me that I haven't put together a monthly favourites post for a while now.. so I've decided to share of few of the things I've been loving the most throughout the month of May..

1. Peach Backpack - New Look [x] - 
I'm one of those people that will always over-cram their handbag & then complain that it's too heavy/wont shut properly.. So when I saw this adorable little back-pack in the sale on New Look's website I couldn't resist treating myself.. It's so useful for those days when you have lots to carry (i.e. when you're popping to the gym after work & really don't want to cram trainers into your handbag) yet it's also pretty cute. I love the shade & the simple metal detailing.

2. Birmingham Pride [x] - 
I wont go on too much about this one, as I wrote a whole post about Birmingham Pride - but this was one event that really stuck out to me this month. It was such a great experience & I loved showing my support the LGBT community.. (& of course.. I loved having my face painted!)

3. Make-Revolution Bronze Stick [x] - 
I've been eager to try product like this for a while now but the only version I could find came with a pretty high-end price tag.  Of course until I stumbled across this from Make-up Revolution. After trying this a few weeks ago it's quickly become a staple in my collection as I find it perfect for applying bronzer & it blends beautifully. 

4. Disney [x] - 
Okay, Okay.. I love Disney every month.. But I seem to be loving it just a teensy bit more than usual lately.. I've found myself singing away to classic Disney songs a fair amount & happily snuggled up on the sofa with a good old Pixar or Princess film.. Now if someone could just whisk me away to Disneyland (Paris or Florida... I'm not picky) it would be perfect! 

5. Belvita Yoghurt Crunch [x] - 

I know this may seem like a slightly strange product to feature, however I honestly love these breakfast biscuits.. to the extent that I get excited when 10:00am comes around at work & it's time for my breakfast snack. Admittedly I'm sure they're not the healthiest.. (come on.. fruit will always be a better option) but I find these to be a perfect way to keep me going until lunch.   

6. Barry M - Gelly Hi Shine Varnish [x] - 

Barry M are always a go-to brand for nail polishes for me as I love their effects & colour range.. but currently I am loving the hi shine range. I recently purchased the colour shown above & can't wait to purchase other shades. There's something about the shine that I personally find gorgeous.. plus so far the polish has lasted well on my nails before chipping - bonus!

7. Lost [x] -

I know, I know - Lost first came onto our TV screens years ago.. However I recently (whilst trying to find something to fill the Orange Is The New Black shaped hole in my heart) I stumbled across the series on Netflix. I have recently came to the end of the first series & although some people have said they didn't enjoy it all that much, I can safely say I'm hooked!

8. Liz Earl Toner [x] - 

This is another product I've mentioned previously in a post but I felt it really deserved it's own little mention in my favourites. I'll admit that some days after cleansing, I just can't be bothered with the extra step of toning after. However when I do use this product, I'm always so happy after. It always leaves my skin feeling smooth & clean, but without drying it out.. In my opinion this is a product that is definitely worth the extra pennies. 

What products have you been loving throughout May?

xxx

Makeup Revolution Lipstick - Review

After a particularly stressful end to a recent week at work I decided I really did deserve a little treat. In a bid to not be tempted into sweet-tasting treats *the flat stomach will thank me later* I found myself browsing the make-up counters in Superdrug.

As I've mentioned in a few of my recent posts, Make-up Revolution is a a brand that  has definitey caught my eye. In my opinion the items are of great quality at very affordable prices. This is perfect for experimenting with new products & styles.

I've been wanting to expand my lipstick collection for a while now.. So after browsing the Make-up Revolution counter I stumbled across the gorgeous dark purple "Rebel With A Cause" from the brand's Vamp Collection. (I know, I know.. Heading into summer it's all about the bright colours. However there's just something about a dark lip that I love for a night-time look.)

A little summary:

• Packaging: This product may not be as glamorous to look at as other lipsticks available but it does offer a simple & clean packaging with rose-gold detailed lettering. Plus I love that you can easily see the shade through the plastic cap. 
• Finish/Colour Pay Off: When I first tried this lipstick I applied it over a lip balm & found that it really neutralised the colour.. However when applying it directly to my lips the result was the dark & vampy look I was after. 
• Price: This retails for an extremely affordable £1. Perfect for all budgets & for when you need a little, inexpensive treat.
• Formulation: If you've read any of my previous lipstick reviews, you'll know that drying lip products are a pet peeve of mine.. however luckily this lipstick has a beautifully creamy formulation, leaving lips feeling happy & moisturised. 
• Added Bonus: That "plastic cap" I mentioned earlier.. not only does it conveniently show which shade of lipstick is inside.. oh no.. it also pops off to reveal a mini pot of same-coloured product. This is perfect for use a lip liner when paired with a small lip-lining brush. 

In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this product & I'm sure I'll be treating myself to more lipsticks from Make-up revolution soon. 

Have you ever tried lipstick from Make-up Revolution?

What are your thoughts?

xxx