Haul / Clothes

SALE SALE SALE !!!

I bought a couple of pieces that I have been eyeing for a while from Ted Baker; a few days ago, I was in House of Fraser by chance and - at half price - I couldn't leave these beautiful knits behind. 

Also, I still had some money left on a Christmas giftcard so the damage wasn't too bad ;)

Ted Baker - Loris Floral Wrap

Ted Baker - Amberly Geo Print Knit

I've been looking into adding a Mac to my wardrobe for year but never managed to find the perfect one before; most of them are double breasted, which I like, but not very flattering on my body shape.
This Zara coat has an unusual, shiny finish - it's not cotton - so it looks a bit smarter if you're dressed up.
It comes in dark blue too, which is really nice too but I really wanted a traditional, neutral trench coat, myself. Also, It has no buttons so it looks great just thrown over the shoulders and I really like the striped lining - Great touch!

Zara Trench Coat with Belt in beige

Finally, I really needed some new trainers for the gym. I go to Sports Direct usually and - although that shop makes me cringe - the Nike selection is huge and you can always find a good deal; I think I paid £39.99 for this pair which I'm fine with that, they are super light and didn't give me any blister from day one.

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo

The Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo is a limited edition, part of the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013.

As soon as I saw pictures online I was immediately drawn to it; I liked the shades of brown and the lack of orangeness. In fact the side on the left is a pinkish brown and the side on the right is more of a reddish brown. 

Personally, I find that these nuances tend to resemble more of a natural tan. I also have another bronzer which is pretty brick/red looking - Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Bronzer in Fiji - and complement my skintone real nicely.

I twirl my brush on both sides but you can of course pick and choose; the lighter shade is matte and the darker has a slight glow to it.

By the way, I didn't realised how HUGE it was until I saw it at the counter! I actually really like it, it's still pretty compact ad slimline.

I still had a gift card from Christmas so, technically, I didn't pay for it but I'm glad I got it and I'm getting a lot of use out of it.

heavily swatched 

The lovely lady in House of Fraser also gave me a sample of the SPF 50 Protective Face Base, the new primer. I've only used it once but first impressions are good: feels really smoothing and lightweight on the skin. I'm pleased it has such an high spf, especially with summer approaching, and a little goes a long way so I bet that wee pot will last me a few months. :)

Have you bought anything from Bobbi Brown recently?

x

Haul / January Sales

Hobbs Caravaggio Dress £199 £59
ohhhhhh I'm so pleased about this purchase!
I've been eyeing this dress since I saw it in August and finally, at under 60quid, I can afford it. :)
Beautiful print, soft at the touch and flattering waist and sleeves. Smart enough for a friend's wedding later in the year... it will both suit a spring or autumn event.

Oasis Crochet Ruffle Snood £16 £7

I actually thought this was a scarf but turned out to be a snood, not an issue for me.

I spotted it in the sale pile and loved the colour and lace knitting pattern - I couldn't leave it behind for 7quid.

Ted Baker Nail That Performance £12 £6

I already mentioned how I wanted this nail set when I go the lip pens tin.
I have only tried 2 colours so far but I'm impressed: colour is pretty opaque with only 1 coat and the glitter is very fine, leaving a smooth surface. They also dry very fast. I suppose the real test is to see how long they last without chipping.

Ted Baker Rowon Rocking Horse Earrings £29 £14.50
I couldn't resist these sweet Ted Baker's studs at half price. Love the rose gold colour, unfortunately the matching ring was too small.

Ted Baker Jewellery Travel Box £46 £31
uh! Apparently Ted Baker theme going on... ;)
I received an House of Fraser gift voucher at Christmas so I picked up this small jewellery box. I chose this colour combo 'cause it's smart and it'd look beautiful on any dressing table. It comes with a magnetised compartment inside.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet-Creme £20 £10
I bought this in Debenhams - I think they are discontinuing Caudalie so everything is on offer; the packaging has now changed but I don't mind this bottle.
I have plenty of day creams that I need to finish first, but this is one of my favourite and was on my list of items to repurchase. You can read my review here.

Finally not sales related but I also got some yarns and needles to getting started with my NY resolution: knitting. I discovered John Lewis has got a wide section... I couldn't wait and I've already started - I'm enjoying it very much... any other knitter out there??!
xxx

Christmas Presents

Happy New Year!!!

I took a well deserved (well, in my opinion) break over Christmas; I still had to work a couple of days during the holidays (which sucked big time!) but for the rest I literally did sweet nothing.

I had a lovely Christmas and New Years Eve and consciously tried to detox from technology a bit; I still checked my phone (constantly?) and used the iPad but I haven't turned up my desktop in 2 weeks and felt right, actually - I now feel totally recharged and got few post to share!

... and what's the best way to re-start then Christmas Presents?!

Once again, I was spoiled rotten and love everything I was gifted... it's fair to say that Richard and I give each other a list because I hate surprises and I stink at coming up with ideas every year.

Although, I also realised that I need to stop to buy myself stuff because I was actually straggling to come up with things that I really wanted.

I love Lowie pieces but they are fairly expensive plus the book is to start off my New Year Resolution - knitting!

Hat is a lovely present from a friend that knows me well and my love for owls - soooo adorable and makes me look cute! ;)

Swatch Lady Collection in artic sea - This watch is just too cool and I couldn't resist. It comes in so many gorgeous colours but I went with the minty pastel green. It has a long bracelet that wraps around twice. I'm gonna wear it layered with more arm beauties.

Calendar was a sweet wee extra from my hubby... and I totally melted 'cause I'm obsessed with pugs!!!

Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules perfume - a wild card really because I had never smelled this before; honestly, I still need to make up my mind about it: I don't hate it but I was expecting more... on the other hand, my husband really likes it. I heard it works well layered with other scents so I'll try that next.

Plantini is a gorgeous Victorian metal planthouse to build - I think it will make a very interesting decoration piece.

Nike gym bag - I love the colours on this bag and I have been eyeing it for months... when I spotted it on sale, I added it to my wishlist. I'm very pleased, I thought it would be too big but it's actually perfect for everyday use.

Comete Gioielli Romantica Necklace - my parents sent my this necklace that matches the bracelet from my birthday post. Stunning!

The blue framed tile is already on my kitchen wall and the Swatch Bijoux Glamorous Love Earrings are a present from my sister; she knew they would match my Love Explosion ring and my Swarovski Malaysia set, too! They are great studs for every day, too and I haven't taken them off yet since I got them.

ummm, do you remember when I said that I kinda of like pugs? Well, we're bringing this obsession to a whole new level here... Richard's sister got me the Flying Pugs from Dwell. I cannot wait to put them up on the wall! :D

 New Pjs and dressing gown are in order every year, of course - posh ones if I may add, this time. Love the colour on those Calvin Klein trousers and the stars on the robe.

Givenchy' Dahlia Noir eau de toilette is beautiful - I urge you to go and have a sniff, it's just up my street!

Gift vouchers from House of Fraser and French Connection from Richard's mum and she also gave us this lovely frame - ideal for a wedding picture!
Finally, my parents also sent me some extra presents to open on the 6th January - the Epiphany is just as big in Italy as Christmas; It's a national holidays and more for kids really which get sweets and presents.
My parents got me the matching earrings from Comete Gioielli and a card game; this is our family thing: since I was a child I would always get some cards or board game and I still love them *geek* :)

What did you lovely ladies receive?
xxx

Haul / House of Fraser

'Evening Ladies!

Just a quick heads up: if you're on O2 and download their priority moments app, there's a promo code to use in House of Fraser. You need to spend £40 and you'll get a voucher worth £15 (to be spent in January 2013)... not bad at all. 

Anyway, I was in town on Saturday and went to pick up a couple of things that I've been wanting to try for a bit - It was also 10% off beauty department... double whammy!! ;)

Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer

I swatched this in SpaceNK few months ago, just out of boredom, and I was hooked.

It made my skin looks so healthy and radiant (dah!) and it went straight on my wishlist.

I have also seen it in many youtube videos and it does make the skin look beautiful.

It's a rosy/champagne shade and it's supposed to shine through your foundation and - as you can see in the picture below - it makes a huge different to my hand. I can't wait to try it out!!!

Nars Blush in Sin

I've been pondering to buy this one for a while; I tend to prefer warmer toned blushers so I pretty much checked it out every time I'm at a Nars counter but I was never convinced enough to buy it. 

Until the lovely saleslady tried it on me - It was instant love! I couldn't believe how this cool shade suited my skin in such a discrete way.

Sin is a deep plum, berry shade with just a tiny bit of gold sheen - Perfect for winter!

I can see myself pile it on my cheeks until march - definitely a new staple in my collection.

About the voucher: last year, I treated myself to a Bobbi Brown lippie - I'm thinking of getting another lipstick... Tom Ford anyone??! :D