Tan, Lashes & Big Hair!

I have moved around a lot in my life, eleven times to be precise, and 7 different schools before my last 5 years of education in a Boarding school.

I wouldn't particularly say that my location would depend on how I dress/look. However, since coming to Newcastle to go to University, that statement has changed just slightly.

If you watch Geordie Shore then you can see the girls getting ready for a night out, tan, lashes and false hair. Well it really is like that up here. Not all girls, but a lot of them put on the tan and lashes. Since being here, I can admit I am one of them now, but what can I say? I was originally brought up here! I would hate to go out clubbing now without any tan on or, even worse, no lashes on! Newcastle really is all about dressing to impress when you go out. Apart from those that get absolutely trollied on a night out that they've got eyelashes hanging off their faces and drink stains all down them, they really don't care. Not a great look girls!

 Come rain or shine though, or even snow for that matter, the girls dress to their best. After all, it is the best city for nightlife!

I do think however, that depending on where you are going on a night out will have some input into what you wear. Some clubs are a bit classier than others, where are some are just a little bit more laid back. Then again, it depends on peoples tastes and styles to what they may wear out no matter where they are going. During the day though, wherever I am on a casual basis won't encourage me on what to wear, however, for a lot of Geordies, the false lashes, tan and big hair still stands for daytime appearances too!

London Edition - Glossy Box

Well to match my London themed weekend, a Glossy Box was waiting for me Monday morning!

September is a really important month for the Fashion world. The reason for that is because, July Issues of magazines only has a low amount of Fashion pages in due to the fact designers are already making their Autumn/Winter collection, it is also the time where you'll find most stores are in their 'Sales', and so there is a lull. Where as August and September are building up for the start of school and University again.

In the US is signifies a fresh start. It's something that has gone on for years, and the fashion world is just set in its old ways. The September issues of magazines, especially Vogue, show their most lavish photoshoots, and where you will find the most adverts.

A great film to watch regarding this is 'The September Issue', which shows the process of them putting together, what was at the time, their biggest issue of Vogue in September.

Anyway, so it is also a big time for the fashion world because of the NY Fashion week as well as the London Fashion week which is in progress right this minute. So hence why Glossy Box have sent out this edition.

So this month box was actually really aesthetically pleasing!

Glossy Box - London Edition

I really liked this month's products. Last month's I wasn't that impressed, so was not so hopeful for this month's. Loved the patterns on the tissue paper and everything about the London theme.

So inside I had:
- Toni & Guy Shine Gloss Serum
- Be A Bombshell Eyeliner in - Onyx
- HD Brows Blusher (Number 2)
- Elizabeth Arden 'Untold' Perfume
- Eyelure Pre Glued Lashes

Well, I need a new serum as well as blusher so that was perfect timing!
You can never have enough eyeliner either! As well as lashes, I have a few boxes full of lashes. And perfume is always nice to have too!

I can't wait for the October one already, I will probably forget that it's due because I will be at Uni so that will be a nice surprise to find in the post!

Glossy Box - Highflyers August Box

My first box has arrived!!

I used to be with 'She Said Beauty', but stopped about a year ago when it became pointless to me. I thought I would give Glossy Box a try! They've had good reviews, and I always read about them on blogs, so I thought why not!

My first box arrived this morning and it looked like this: (Excuse the rubbish photos, I was doing it in bed I got too excited to wait!)

The packaging was pretty neat, polka dot box which opened up to a pale pink hard box with the Glossy Box symbol on the front. I opened it up to an August leaflet and then underneath there was a neatly tied ribbon. Just like the 'She Said Beauty' boxes. 

So this was what was in my box! 

Viva La Juicy Noir Perfume

Jelly Pong Pong Eyeshadow and liner

Oceane Make Up Remover Pen

Emite Eyelash Curlers

Purity Made Simple Cleanser.

I have never used any of these products so it will be interesting to see how they do. I probably won't use the eyelash curlers. I love perfume samples because they are great to take away for the weekend instead of having a big bottle, or even just to slip into your handbag for a top up during the day. 

I used to use Jelly Pong Pong stuff when I used to buy it from the NEC Clothes Show, but then I discovered more make up as I got older and ditched that brand. However, I will try it.

I can't see the pen being that useful to me... as I like to use wipes, but it may be good for around the eye because my eyes are so sensitive when it comes to taking make up off.

I've used eyelash curlers in the past, and the best ones I ever had were some cheap ones off E.L.F (Eyes, lips, face) I'll only ever use the curlers when I'm not putting a eyelash strip on.

I have been in fact looking for a cleanser, so this will come in use. Especially with my travelling back and forth at the moment, its probably a good size to use for another 3 weeks!

It won't be long till my September box comes because I ordered my August one late. It's actually quite exciting receiving the box and not having any idea what is in them!

My Everyday Make Up Products

So as you can see I'm a bit of a MAC fan... but to be honest I have't really tried many other brands. I think that's because I'm happy with MAC... but if anyone can suggest any other brand that is better then please do let me know! I'm too scared to step outside my comfort zone with make up so if people tell me about an amaaazing other product, I'll give it a whirl!

Products I use:
MAC Prep & Prime Skin Visage
MAC Studio Fix Foundation NW25 (That does go up to NW33 in Newcastle... I can't be the only pale person there!!)
MAC Moisture Concealer NW20
MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter in the colour Forecast
MAC Skin Finish Powder in Medium
MAC eyeshadow in Concrete (Which I lightly use on my eyebrows... I need to actually get a pencil!)
KIKO Eyeliner in Indigo Blue
Ardell Wispies Eyelashes
MAC Blush (The shade has rubbed off on my...)
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Raspberry Swirl (Only applying one layer as its very bright!)

So basically, I use a non oil based moisturiser (The 'Clean & Clear" one), just because I hate to have a shiny face! I then wait till thats dry and run on two squirts worth of my Mac Prep & Prime Skin Visage, literally can't live without this primer!! (Little trick too if you use this, when it has 'run' out, pull off the top, this may take some pulling/cutting ((Haha)) and inside you'll have a fair amount of primer left. Like for me a weeks worth really!)
With my Real Techniques Foundation brush I apply my foundation, and then buffer it in with their Stippling Brush to get an even finish. It also kind of pushes the foundation in so you get a good cover for the day.
I then apply the concealer around my eyes and quite far under, and blend in with a blending brush (not sure on the make) I then apply highlighter to my cheek bones and my brow bones. Blending that in too. I tend to blend upwards on the cheek bones.
I then use a flat square brush thing to apply my shadow to my eyebrows. Then with my KIKO eyeliner I apply that to my top lid. Sometimes I will put a bit on the bottom lid and blend it, but thats rare. I then stick my lashes on. (I don't always wear lashes, but these lashes are so natural, adding volume and length, they look great!)
I'll apply a little blusher to my cheeks, sometimes I use Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer instead, kind of depends on what colours I'm wearing in my outfit.
Finally I'll use the Mac Raspberry Swirl lipstick, or my trusty Lip Smacker Sprite Flavour lip salve to finish it all off.

To take off my make up at night (which you should always do before you go to sleep, its soooooo bad for your skin if you don't! Your skin needs to breathe too!) I always use Johnsons Baby Wipes because they are so gentle on your skin, leaving my skin baby soft at night!

Sleep in Rollers - Review

Last night at around 10 o'clock I started putting my "Sleep in Rollers' in. Well I've put normal rollers in before (I'm not very good at them mind!) but these were quite a bit harder to put in I thought! So after what felt like an hour I had the majority of the rollers in. I had them all gripped in with two grips to be secure. I then finished with a spray of hairspray.

Box of rollers

What was in the box: Hair Grips, DVD and rollers.

Rollers in before bed

When I had them in, I thought I'm not going to be able to sleep with these in, they weren't as soft as I imaged them to be. Anyway, I got into bed, and laid down, they weren't too bad. They weren't super soft so your head was raised above the pillow, but when I found a comfortable position I was fine.

I did noticed that I woke up a lot in the night to change my head position and you kind of have to shuffle your head a bit to get the rollers to sit in a comfortable place. 

Anyway, when I woke up I showered and put my face on and then took the rollers out. When I first started taking them out I didn't notice anything like you would from plastic rollers. But when I had them all out, I liked it a lot!

I had volume with some slight curls. I didn't backcomb the roots before putting the rollers in, so I might do that next time to get more volume from the root. I liked the outcome a lot, a natural volumised hair style. And with time, I will get better at putting them in! So they may improve!! Here's some pictures of the outcome!

Morning!

Volumised hair

My Everyday Essentials - August

August's essentials

(Left to right - Lip Smacker Sprite Scented, Barry M Gelly Nail Polish, Batiste Cherry Scented Dry Shampoo, MAC Prep & Prime Skin Visage, Jimmy Choo Perfume.)

Yves Saint Laurent - Lipstick

I need this in my life! I love this pale pink colour called 'Lingerie Pink' and it has had so many good reviews! I WILL get it!  <3

Yves Saint Laurent

Back into pinning

I have now got back into pinning on pinterest! Great way to collect great images!
I'm also uploading my blog images onto here too!

http://pinterest.com/abbyfield1/boards/

Check it out: http://pinterest.com/abbyfield1/boards/

Holding the fort while Nicola's away!

So Nic is officially in Las Vegas, at the FN Platform trade show! She's almost finished completing her set up, and it looks great tied in with the London backgrounds that actually match to our photoshoot we did with the shoes!!!

Shoes are all looking great, and I'm sure Nic is going to have loads of orders rolling in!!

While Nic is away it is only Amanda and I in the shop. I'm at home at the moment having a day off and will be back up to Suffolk tomorrow. (After it took me 5 hours to get home last night when it should have taken max of two hours... I definitely needed a day off!!)

Nic said to us as she left 'Look after my baby!' Now Nic has left me loads of times before in the shop while she has gone off buying in Milan or wherever out of the country. Think this time it is a huge opportunity as she's in America, which isn't exactly close to home!! (Even though she has shown me her hotel she is staying in before she left, oh my goodness, I have to go to Vegas!!) She knows we'll look after her little shop!

Well, the shop is still standing, and Amanda and I have been doing great with the sale! (Check the sale out online if you want! http://www.nicolasexton.co.uk/index.phpdispatch=categories.view&category_id=353)

Shopcade - new obsession!

Now I normally hate the adverts that come up on the side of my Facebook, just because to me they seem inconvenient and annoying just being there!

Well I saw this one 'Shopcade' and just from the picture it looked quite interesting. Well, its safe to say, its a good enough site that I have even downloaded the app for it!

It is basically a place where you can collect and share items that you like on the site. You can also get alerts on offers that are going on items. They have all sorts of things on there from New Look to Alexander Mc Queen, showing you all the big discounts. You can 'want it', 'tag a friend' or 'shop it'. It also has brands that I have never heard of, but I can see their products in big clear images and see what they have to offer. There are things on there a little different and something that not everyone will have like most people do from main high street stores.

Heres a screenshot of the first things that popped up when I saw the site.

The good thing about this is its all pictures so you can just see the product and if something catches your eye you either hoover over the image or click the image to see the price of it. You can either specify what you want to look at or you can just see 'What's New' or 'Trending', so its good to see what other people are liking.

It is almost like Pinterest for fashion, but better because you can see the prices of the items and where they are from! Think I'm going to become quite addicted to this!

Give it a visit yourself! https://www.shopcade.com/

Pinks and Blues

So, I started writing a post yesterday and I re read it and I sounded soooo grumpy! (I was in a grump for some reason!!) I deleted it and thought I would re write it again today while I have time!

So yesterday was meant to be a nice warmish day, so the weather forecast said, and recently it has been quite right as seen as we did in fact have a nice heat wave for a few weeks. (Which needs to come back!) I thought I'd wear a dress to work as seen as we are in further reductions meaning all the shoe boxes are on the shelves in size order, so Amanda and I don't have to run up and down the steep stairs we have leading to the stock room! Anyway, so this floral dress is H&M, as is the navy blazer, the tan belt is from Bershka.

I thought I'd match my lips to the pink in the dress too, hence the similar picture but with a mug shot of me in the middle. I also have an electric blue eye linter on on my top lid which you can just about see in the bottom picture. My lipstick is Raspberry Swirl from Mac and thats a Cremesheen finish (love their cremesheen finish lipsticks) and the eyeliner is from KIKO which you can only buy in their two shops in London, or abroad. (You can order online however.)

It only started to rain a little yesterday, but luckily when it was time to go home it wasn't raining, but it was rather windy, which made me cold on my walk back to my friends house on the other side of the town.

I know I said last week I was going to do a review on those 'Sleep In Rollers' I promise I will on Tuesday when I'm on the train back to Bury again as I'll pop them in my hair monday night (hopefully I'll have a decent nights sleep!) Getting kind of used to my short hair now, it looks so much more healthier and just generally looks nicer. I have though been using some new products (My Mum's close friend used to be a hairdresser and so she's been telling what to use, and even giving me things to use!), so I'll let you know what I use on my hair tomorrow!

For now, enjoy your sunday everyone! (I'm at work - and its dead, hence why I'm writing this! Train home after work, wahooo!)

Mirror

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Yolandi - Music Meets Fashion!

Recently, a friend of mine showed me this duo from South Africa, Die Antwoord. When I first watched their music videos I felt like I was watching a horror film!! (Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uee_mcxvrw and you'll get an idea of what I mean!)

I watched a few more of their videos, and even though I'm probably not a huge fan of their music its self, I noticed their style was really original.

It is definitely not something I would like to look like, but it made me think of the different culture that these people live in South Africa. Not to mention Yolandi has an amaaaazing body!

Yolandi & Ninja Die Antwoord

After reading this interview in the W Magazine with them both, it then made sense why they dress the way they are, and why they write the music they do!

(http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2011/01/yolandi_visser_ninja_die_antwoord_musicians/)

I then looked into them a bit further, more so Yolandi and fashion. It turns out that Yolandi is actually an inspiration to designers with the way their garments are modelled down the catwalk. Here is the designer Riri Sugawara's collection 'Dans la vie' which, the hair and make up was inspired by Yolandi....

Yolandi Inspired

Hair & Make Up

The stylist was Bill Watson from Toni & Guy. The look was to be extra long, tight, with a reverse plait.

Yolandi has even collaborated with Alexander Wang. The range is sportswear which is called 'T' ranges from tees, jumpers, sweats and tanks. It doesn't have anything to do with Die Antwoord but the campaign they did for it was entertaining, even though Yolandi swears every other word. 

...

Well, that's a little bit different. Not sure how that's going to work out for Wang but I'm sure we will see!!!

Wang said: "Where music leads, I follow," he says. "[Die Antwoord] is a different thing than what we might say is `fashion,' but fashion is still what they wear and how they portray themselves, visually. That's what I love so much." ELLE.com

Nicola Sexton jetting off to Vegas!

Nicola hits the headlines before jetting off to Las Vegas!

Nicola is flying off to Vegas tomorrow morning. I can't begin to say how busy she has been, and how busy we have been back in the shop prepping her to go. I can personally say I didn't have a clue how much would go into an independent about to wholesale in the USA! Now I do after all the work I have been doing! It's definitely going to be worth it for Nicola.

Nicola's shoes are the best selling shoes in the shop. Comfortable yet still very fashionable. Even if women think they have the most awkward feet, we can pretty much guarantee we can fit them with a comfortable pair of shoes!

Check out the most recent article written about Nicola's success and her prepping for her adventure in Las Vegas! (http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/shoe-designer-in-bury-st-edmunds-hopes-to-put-her-stamp-on-america-1-5382693)

Heres a sneak preview of some of her S/S 14 shoes coming in next year!

S/S 14 

S/S 14

S/S 14

Smart travelling

You know when you have one of those days where you have loads of clothes that you could wear, but you have NOTHING to wear?! Well I had one of those days yesterday. Honestly, I need some new clothes! This was about the third outfit I tried on yesterday, and all I was doing was going back to Suffolk on the train!

So, in the end I ended up wearing this Bershka Electric Blue Blazer, Topshop Lime Cami, Topshop Necklace, with my new Topshop Highwaisted ankle length jeans. (Which are in actual fact not that high on me, I would like a higher pair!)

I may have looked smart travelling but at least when I was on the train from London Liverpool Street I kind of fitted in on my train coach with all the suited business men!

OOTD - 14/08013

Last weeks train stamp

They arrived!!

Ooh my goodness! So I opened the box that was delivered with my shoes in, looked at them and thought they are going to be toooo big! I tried them on, and they are a smidge too big, but I need a cushion for the balls of my feet anyway as the strap across isn't very tight, so they are fine! But I LOVE THEM!! 

I'm yet to try them with my dress, and I don't really want to show you guys my dress yet until the actually night when I'm actually all done up, and looking half decent!

These shoes though! Insane. And the heel height, well, I've been practicing and they aren't actually that hard to walk in, the platform helps. (I'll try saying that on the night of wearing them, on grass, after a few glasses of champagne!!)

Now I don't like straps around my ankles normally because they make my ankles look even more skinner than they already are which I hate! But actually these straps aren't too bad. Love all the crystals around the toe strap and the heel back too! They are just so nice! Even my sister, who isn't that fussed on shoes, was like "they are SO nice!" Eeeeekkk! I don't think I've ever liked a pair of shoes as much as I have these!

Steve Madden Shoes!

Orange lips

I'm a wuss when it comes to trying different colours on my lips. I either like my lips relatively pale (not with foundation! Can't stand that! A sprite lip balm which does the trick for me and it smells like sprite too!) so today I thought I'm going to wear my Mac Sheen Supreme in the colour "Gotta Dash!" Which is an orange colour.

For my outfit I though it has to be something that would match with my lips. So I wore my new Bershka trousers which have piping down the middle on the front, something a little different. My new Topshop cream cami top, with a Topshop animal print silk scarf which was bought for me as a gift a few years ago. And for shoes I wore some cream studded loafers from again, Topshop. And in case I was cold, a navy blazer. 

OOTD 11/08/13

Today was my last day of work for this week. 6 days straight! I tell you what I could sleep my next two days off away! 

Spent way too much on clothes and shoes this week! Need to start saving! 

Keep an eye out for a fair amount of review posts and and blog posts the next few days while I'm home. Got lots to try on and show you, not forgetting the "Sleep in rollers"! 

Ill keep you posted! 

Brights to brighten my day!

Today was a glum day (weather wise!) and so I thought I'd wear something colourful... and as seen as I purchased this in the Topshop sale the other day, it had to have its outing! Again everything is Topshop. The necklace is from the shop Nicola Sexton by the designer 'Bill Skinner', cute little honeycomb ball with a insect on top.

Couldn't go wrong with this midi skirt for £12 in the sale, liked it for a while but didn't think I'd suit it, but went for it anyway, and I do like it, even if horizontal lines do make you look wider!

OOTD 10/08/2013

New outfit ready to wear for tomorrows work day as well as travelling home after 6 days working straight! A rest is definitely in need after this hectic week of work.

Pin It - Mollie King

I've never really used Pinterest with a keen interest like I have other apps like Instagram. But recently I have been looking on there for outfit combinations that might catch my eye. I'm always looking at ways to wear a item of clothing differently, or with something I might not have thought of before.

It's also a good site to keep track of inspiration for the future, something I do for my university course, if for example I liked a photographer etc I'd 'repin' it so I can come back to it later.

I recently looked up Mollie King (the blonde one from 'The Saturdays') for my friend as we were looking for a new hair style for her. I then realised how attractive Mollie is, better yet, how her fashion sense is amazing! (or should I say her stylists fashion sense!) Nevertheless, I pinned loads of pictures of Mollie where I liked what she was wearing. Not only is her fashion sense on the same line of what I like to wear but her hair length is similar to mine. So then I got looking into her hair styles and getting some ideas of how to do different things to my hair at this length. Here is a few snaps that I love of her outfits as well as hair! She is beautiful!

Mollie King Beauty

Mollie King Outfits

Mollie King Outfits

Totally Nailed

Something which I started to treat myself about a year and a half ago was my nails. I first got my nails done when it was my Leavers Ball at school (many years ago). I didn't have extensions but had them french manicured.

It was later when I was doing a lot of sewing for a company I used to work for that my nails were continuously chipping. So I thought a way to solve it was to get extensions and overlays. So ever since then I have had them done! I had them off once since then... that didn't last long due to not being able to do much with my nails as they would break so easily!

Few previous designs/nails

So I go every 3/4 weeks to get infills and a new repaint/pattern. Its so nice to have nice nails, something I don't have to worry about now because someone else does them for me! Its something I couldn't do with out now. I can't stand chipped nail polish on hands and so this is why its so convenient for me because rarely do my nails ever chip now having them on acrylic. It's also nice to have some pamper time when I do actually get some time to myself!

New Nails - OPI Pink with flowers

I always look up on instagram and pinterest for new nail art designs thats I love and want to have done. I have recently found a blogger on 'She said beauty' who is obsessed with nail art, so I checked out her designs, here are a few that I love!

Check out her website www.totally-nailed.com or her She Said Beauty page: https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/naillovin

Goodbye Sleeples Nights - Hello Great Hair!

"Sleep In Rollers" are something that I have always looked at purchasing, but have always urm-ed and arr-ed about.

So the other day, I manned up about it and purchased the Black & Gold Glitter range >>>

Black & Gold Sleep In Rollers

I love having big curly hair, and have seen a few reviews on the product already so I thought I would give them a try. They are currently sat at home in London after being delivered today, so I will have to wait till I get home to try them out! We'll see how they cope in my relatively short hair! (And yes I do already miss my long hair :( HURRY UP AND GROW ALREADY!!) 

I will blog a review for you all next week!