This is just a quick post to make you aware (if you’re not already) that Technic are doing a dupe for OPI’s Rainbow Connection. It’s just £1.25!! a bottle over at Lovethymakeup

Updated Pic of it Layered ♥

Now, I don’t own the OPI version, but from looking at swatches online I would say that this is VERY similar and totally worth picking up if you’re into your glitter polishes. Above is just one coat (I was in a rush) and I was impressed with the amount of glitter it deposited. Hopefully it’ll layer well.

It’s worth noting that the first swatch doesn’t do the glitteryness? justice. As you can see in the last pic my camera phone couldn’t even cope with the shine it gives off. It’s much more sparkly IRL.

Leave “Enter Me” below if you would like to be in with a chance of owning a bottle (as I bought two). I realise that it’s not an expensive prize, but it is free so….. *shrugs*

I’ll pick the winner via random.org on Sunday night. No third party entries (ie money supermarket etc). Will post worldwide. Over and out

xo

I didn’t set out to intentionally buy three bits of jewellery with hearts on but it seems that my subconscious has fallen foul of all the Valentines Day marketing. I am an advertiser’s dream!

Crucifix Earrings  – £3
Gold Heart Earrings – £3 (described as light orange on website….. lies)
Red Crystal Heart Earrings – £6 (can’t find these online, sorry!)
Robot Pendant – £8 (Note that the website describes this as “goldtone”. It’s silver. For realz. Someone obviously got creative over at RI)

I especially love the robot necklace, just so darn cute and I think it will layer really well. If you like it too then snap it up quick, as this was the last one in my local branch! xo

Playsuit – Peacocks £22

Aviators – Topshop (Past Season)

Jumper – New Look Sale £12 (can only find it in red here)

Shoes – Charity Shop £3

I made an online order with Peacocks just last week as I really like a lot of their Spring/ Summer collection, so I’m saddened (but not shocked) to hear that they seem to be facing near inevitable administration.

For now though it’s business as usual and so I urge you to get down to your local branch and buy this playsuit. It’s just soooo comfortable, flattering and easy to dress up or down. I can’t wait to wear it bare legged in Summer

Of course as it’s not really the weather for it right now I paired it with opaques and threw a mustard (currently addicted to this colour) wooly over the top when I got chilly. I think it handles it well and ends up looking like cute culottes ♥

My shoes which are in the mud out of shot are another comfortable addition to my wardrobe. Not everyone’s taste I’m sure but I just loved the grain and rich tan leather. Plus someone has done all the hard work of breaking them in. A bargain at £3

xo

Jacket – Zara £119 (Sold out online)
Boots – Next £78
Bag – Bimba & Lola (Past season)

Dress – Pearl Lowe @ Peacocks £20

What a busy little weekend I have had! Yesterday I ventured into the city for lots of Christmas goodies and ended up in Build-A-Bear for OVER AN HOUR. If you don’t know what this shop is, it’s basically hell disguised as something fluffy and fun. Long queues, lots of screaming children having Build-A-Bear parties and loooooong queues. Plus add-ons, so a bear that initially costs £15 at the start (of hell) ends up ringing in at an eye watering £38!! once it’s been dressed and given a heart. Did I mention the never-ending QUEUES?!?!

Ugh, anyways… hopefully there will be one very happy little boy on Christmas morning and my measly hour of delirium will all have been worth it. Oh and you know how you’re not meant to shop for yourself while buying presents for others? Yeah well I failed, multiple times… oops…

While making one such purchase (chunky mustard circle scarf) in Accessorize I met one of my lovely blog readers. I was so chuffed! She has a YouTube channel about Plus Size Fashion which you totally need to check out here

Saturday night my Mum took the kids so that Matt and I could have some (much needed) couple time. We hit up the Christmas Market in Belfast for currywurst, macaroons and crepes ♥
Then today we spent the day eating out and doing the last of Santa’s shopping. It’s been a lovely 24 hours

xo

]]> http://dressjunkie.com/2011/12/18/oh-buoy/feed/ 6 http://dressjunkie.com/2011/12/15/tally-ho/ http://dressjunkie.com/2011/12/15/tally-ho/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:15:03 +0000 dressjunkie http://dressjunkie.com/?p=4355

Hands up who has a faux fur addiction? *raises both hands*

This gilet was reduced to just £30 in River Island a few weeks back. It’s sold out online but check out your local branch as mine still had a few even up until yesterday. It’s extremely cosy as you would expect and I just love the sixties vibe it has going on. I’d classify most fur as sexy but this one is definitely cute!

The hair has been scraped back into one of those ridiculous 2″ ponytails that I always ridicule others for. Frankly it’s this or the chop right now as I am totally fed up with my unruly barnet.

My boots are from Next and cost £78. More than I would have liked to pay but I think this design is a forever classic and I wanted to invest in a comfortable, quality leather pair. I tried SO many on, including most notably the Topshop Dashing ones, which are around the same price but imo really uncomfortable and badly sized.

Next isn’t somewhere I would normally shop but they’re definitely on my shoe-radar now. If you likey too then check them out asap as these appear to be selling out fast!

xo

Did you guess correctly?

I am thrilled to be working with Voucher Codes on their latest “Most Wanted” campaign. Of course, when I opened the email and read that they wanted me to road-test GLITTER SHOES on your behalf I knew it would be an obvious hardship…

Dress - River Island (2010 Sale)

My shoes are the ASOS Pepper Peep Toe Mary Jane Platforms (bit of a mouthful) in glorious ruby red. When I first opened the box I couldn’t help but squeal with delight, but having been burnt by ASOS sizing issues in the past I was also anxious that they wouldn’t fit. I needn’t have worried, the UK size 7 is refreshingly true to size. No gap at the back, no ugly overhanging toes at the front. I’d go so far to say these are my perfect fit.

The attention to detail is excellent. The Mary Jane strap is elasticated but also has a functioning buckle. A god send in design where I am concerned as I am very narrow across the top of my foot and these kind of straps are usually baggy and offer little support. I love the fact that the peep toe is colour-matched to the upper. So often this is not the case and I personally think it’s a tell tale sign of a cheaper shoe when they differ. I’m always lusting after the latest Miu Miu sparkly creations but if the high street can keep getting the quality as right as it is with these I think the big designer labels are in real trouble!

Comfort wise they also get a massive thumbs up. So far they have withstood a night of dancing and I have zero blisters/ discomfort to report. I think it’s the concealed platform that does the trick, in fact I’ve noticed that I always favour going out shoes with this feature. All sequins are also present and accounted for. Yay!

Price wise these normally retail for £50 which I think is excellent value considering the finish, comfort and style however the whole Pepper range is currently on sale. Most at £37.50! Have a nose here. I am sorely tempted to treat myself to the black glitter ones too. Can a girl ever have too many sparkly shoes?….

You all know how much I love a bargain, especially in this current climate. It’s extremely rare that I’ll just purchase something without searching for a discount code first. Free Delivery is also a BIG pull for me, I really begrudge paying shipping costs. Stay savvy and be sure to check out Voucher Codes ASOS offers page here first should you decide to splurge! xo

P.S How dodgy does my hand placement look in my outfit picture? I SWEAR it was just behind my back LOL

Basic Black Bodycon Skirt – H&M £2.99
Scalloped T-Shirt – River Island £16
Faux Fur Cardigan – Topshop Sale £25
Dotty Tights – Primark
Boots – ASOS £75
Mixed Metals Ring – An Ex-Lover
Necklace – Topshop Sale £3
Bag – Miu Miu

I have my hair up today, well when I say up I mean half up and then the stragglies are pinned with kirby grips. My hair could really do with a wash but I’m having some ear woes and currently treating it with this liquid stuff that you have to dropper in and then it kinda leaks back out again…. is this an over-share?

Anyways I didn’t want to waste a hair wash (I’m all eco-friendly me) so that’s why it’s greasy like this today. It’s odd tho, I’m reminded of how much I like my hair off my face (part of the reason I favour pixie crops so much). I might persevere and grow my hair out to like ponytail length or something. Maybe…

Make-up wise I’m wearing Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. I REALLY can’t recommend this enough. My skin is dry as hell atm and this is the only foundation looking half decent on me. I’m not a fan of the original Healthy Mix tho, it was a blending nightmare for me, but the serum is super. Blush is NARS Crazed ♥ and I have MAC Sumptious Olive and Club on my eyes. Lips are a new purchase, Boots No 17 Supreme Shine in Barely Blush. It negates the use of a gloss which is nice and I thought the pink was pretty without being too Barbie.

The star of today’s outfit is my cardy tho. Off the back of my recent H&M Gilet I am now powerless to resist all things faux fur. This was in Toppers recent markdowns. Originally £50 (no way would I have paid that) to a more reasonable £25 (but still quite pricey I thought). It’s not ground-breaking in terms of design, from the back it just looks like a plain Fisherman jumper but it’s very warm and practical.

xo

]]> http://dressjunkie.com/2011/11/20/dotty/feed/ 13 http://dressjunkie.com/2011/11/07/these-are-a-few-of-my-favourite-things/ http://dressjunkie.com/2011/11/07/these-are-a-few-of-my-favourite-things/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:05:46 +0000 dressjunkie http://dressjunkie.com/?p=4187

Loving:

• MAC Patina Eyeshadow on the lid with MAC Print blended into the Outer V – A wee buns killer combo!
• Topshop Neon Rose Cream Blush – Cute and flattering on my dry skin
• Barry M Wink Eyeliner – It’s still love. Lazy lovely liner
• My H&M Gilet – Wearing it everywhere other than bed!

Not Loving:

• L’Oreal True Match Foundation – Let me count the ways I loathe thee. Horrible smell, consistency, colour AND it broke me out like crazy
• The cold – Brrrrr! Nuff said
• My bank balance – YIKES!

xo

Black Jeans – Topshop Jamie £40
Black Cardigan – H&M Basic £9.99
Navy Faux Fur Gilet – H&M £29.99
Boots – M&S (Past Season)
Brooch – Topshop Sale
XO Necklace – Farah Designs £8.00

Safe to say that I’m not looking my freshest at the minute. Could be something to do with the fact I am constantly in pain after my recent car accident. I don’t mean ouch sharp pain either. I mean constant ache, hurts to hold the weight of my own head pain. And sleeping? Well that’s been intermittent. When I can get comfy it’s fabulous but I’m afraid those times are few and far between *grumble*

I’ve also had one of those gurny weeks. For anyone that isn’t familiar with a good gurn it’s basically where you cry your eyes out. A lot. My poor little Mini was wrote off by the insurance company as the suspension damage was too great to warrant repair. I loved my car. I’m aware many can’t relate to that (most people I know for instance). But I did, I loved that car like a pet and saying goodbye to it was really hard. I know… I know, there are people with REAL problems but I feel how I feel and that’s allowed.

It’s all the more sore as I had 3 days to find a new car before the courtesy car had to be returned. I didn’t feel ready really but needs must and a new car I now have. I’m sure in time I’ll grow to appreciate it just as much.

Definitely time for a little positive, right?

I totally heart this H&M Gilet. £29.99 normally but I had a code (sorry now expired) and picked it up for £14.99. It is thee cosiest happy-making piece of clothing ever. It even has pockets and we all know how much I love a good pocket! I love the colour too, tones of black, brown and navy. Refreshingly different to faux furs that do the rounds every Winter. You need this one in your life! xo

I was delighted when I learned that the recent #ASOSsavvysunday was going to be 50% off Winter Coats. I am big into my outerwear. Living in these chilly climes you can be sure that a good coat will never go to waste.

My first choice was this Aztec number. Normal RRP £100. Sale Price £50
I cannot describe how disappointed I am with this coat. It ticks so many boxes for me in terms of colour, pattern and material but sadly it’s let down by sizing and fit. The sleeves are meant to be full length but they hit that really annoying wrist point on me, which I’m guessing would only be exasperated with knitwear worn underneath. I’m positive that I would constantly be trying to tug them down. The other issue is that this is the size SMALL. Now I realise that there is a certain amount of balloon design to the coat but it really is just utterly shapeless from the front. All the more annoying as I love how it looks from the back.

So my dilemma is this. Do I see if I can let the sleeves down slightly and re-sew or is it really doing nothing for me? Honest opinions please. EDIT: My lovely fashionistas have spoken and it is unanimous that the jacket should be returned

Next up is this shaggy faux fur. Normal RRP £80. Sale Price £40
I saw myself channeling my inner Rachel Zoe in this one. It’s a nice fit and length on me, the arm length is acceptable but again far from generous (and my arms are not above average in length I assure you). What’s with the stingy arms ASOS?! The material itself is soft but I dislike the colour tone (almost like dirty snow in good lighting) and it looks very plastic/ shiny IRL. *le sigh* This will definitely be returned.

On the plus side I’ve just saved myself the guts of £100

The only success from my order was the 2 Models Own Nail Polishes from their new Beetlejuice Collection. I opted for Pinky Brown (with this being my stand out fave so far) and Purple Blue (jury’s out)

xo

Just a quick post to share 2 things I am absolutely loving at the minute

• Big Brows – I started growing my eyebrows out again a few months back. The in between stage wasn’t so great, but now that they are mostly back to their unplucked glory I think they look major. A fuller brow definitely makes for a more youthful face and I’ve even taken to filling them in darker than usual. Though if I go overboard and start resembling Helena Bonham-Carter please be sure to have a kind word with me!
• Barry M WINK Eyeliner – A complete revelation for me. I am serious when I say even the most cack-handed person could apply great liner with this. Best of all it’s just £4.99 and doesn’t budge all day! I have the stunning Aine of Peasoupeats to thank for this discovery!

Toodle pip! xo

Last week I finally bit the bullet and joined the masses by signing up for my first Beauty Box. I’d resisted temptation for several months but when the gorgeous Holly posted a 50% off link for Carmine I’m afraid I was powerless to resist.

First impressions -

• Receiving a box of surprises in the post gets me excited and makes me feel special. Ok…ok… so I’ve technically gifted it to myself… but still, it feels like a lovely treat
• I really dislike the box. It’s nigh on impossible to get into, I feel that the top and lid fit so tight it’s creating a vacuum as I try to pull it off. Frustrating. When I do get in I just feel the colour choices are all a bit garish, especially that lime green. I can see what they were going for (Christmas present feel) and I applaud them for trying to set themselves apart from every other powder pink & black box on the market but well…. it’s fairly ugly
• Realistically I see myself using just 3 of the products, and one of those is a Caudalie 10ml tester…. however the hand-cream I can see my Mum getting use from. The Sandler eye dust thing… just a complete meh product. No redeeming features at all there

Conclusion –

I logged in shortly after and cancelled my subscription with Carmine because whilst I have discovered I really LOVE the Beauty Box concept I feel that this particular company has packaging issues to iron out. I’m going to keep an eye on them though and perhaps revisit in the future.

In the meantime I have signed up for 2 more beauty boxes, Feel Unique and Boudoir Privé (I liked that this one didn’t charge p&p). Mainly because I think that £10 or so is a reasonable amount to flutter on something fun like this. I regularly waste a lot more than a tenner in Boots & Superdrug! Plus there’s the fact that I can dip in one month or pull out the next.

Treat yourself! xo

My new Winter coat. It was a rather bargainatious £39.99 from H&M. I don’t think it’ll be everyone’s taste but I absolutely love it. I feel very Evil Disney Queen in it… and slightly toilet roll doll… (I’m not really selling this one am I?….). But most of all I feel toasty warm and weather appropriate. I also think it compliments my figure as it nips in at the waist. So many of these quilted style coats are shapeless. Bah to that!

Sadly I have no link to share, I can’t find this on the H&M website anywhere. That’s not to say it’s not on there, I find their website to be a complete pain in the ass to navigate! It’s in stores now though so grab it while you can! xx

P.S Yes, I’m wearing UGGlies. Deal with it

Leather Jacket – Michael Kors via TK Maxx
Lace Trim Vest (Just seen) – Only Hearts
Camel Stripe Cardy (Just seen) – Zara Basic (Past Season)
Bodycon Skirt – H&M £3.99
Footless Tights – Primark Super Cosy
Boots – Topshop Ambush £75
Scarf – Tesco £8

Today’s outfit is ALL about the scarf. The OH-SO-AMAZEBALLS scarf. Can you tell I love it?

I first spotted it in the promo pics dotted around my local Tesco branch. However every rummage in their accessories section proved fruitless. They never seemed to stock the scarf. Major suckage.

Thankfully it was in stock online (although the internet pictures are awful) and I avoided my pet peeve of postage charges by having it sent to my local branch. A very painless process which I can highly recommend! The scarf itself is soooo super cosy and extremely well timed as the temperature has taken a major nose dive here. It’s also only £8 and nowadays I feel that really is a bargain for something so cute.

So….. how was your weekend? Mine was good until about 10pm on Saturday night when a motorist FAILED TO SEE ME (SAY WAT?!) and ploughed into the side of my gorgeous Brum. Not a good experience. On the up side though, nobody was seriously hurt and they were properly insured.

I dropped Brum off to the garage this morning for repair. It’s going to take 6 days! Eek! Very glad I’m not on the receiving end of that bill!

xo

It’s been a while since I bought cosmetics. A combination of things really. Obviously I’ve been working full time in a professional atmosphere and therefore the need for bright blushers, rainbow shadows and false lashes hasn’t been great. Also I’ve been spending most of my pennies on clothing and shoes. After losing such a substantial amount of weight this year a new wardrobe was a must (any excuse).

Now that my wardrobe is looking a lot healthier I’m sure the make-up counters will be getting a bit of my love again. I’m breaking myself back in gently with a touch of online shopping first tho…

I plumped for a Watercolour blush called POP by Daniel Sandler. Basically a rosy pink which they describe as Watermelon. Watermelon is more red to me, non?

I also threw the Watercolour brush in my cart. I believe it was reduced from £20 to £5. Would have been rude not to at that price…

The site I ordered from is Escentual.com. I’ve never purchased from them before but I had no issues here. They delivered quickly, the items were well packed and they even threw in a free nail file (actually useful = win). Only real complaint was the postage of £1.95. I’m used to getting free p&p from similar sites such as Feelunique but that’s just me being a tight arse

So what do I think of the blush?

First off, this will last an absolute age. One teeny tiny drop was all I needed to give myself the rosy glow you see above. The product info does say that this is buildable, but tbh would you really want to add much more than this? If your second job is that of Coco the Clown then perhaps, if not…

The brush applies the colour well but it’s hardly groundbreaking. I’m sure I wouldn’t have purchased it at £20, after all it’s just a synthetic angled brush. However, it is nice to have a dedicated liquid/ cream blush brush. Saves me dirtying a foundation brush or better still my fingers. This would most definitely stain.

Overall I really like the product. I’d count myself as being quite “out of touch” with the make-up world these days (confession: I hadn’t even heard of Daniel Sandler) but I’ll definitely be checking out more from Sandler’s range. The pricepoint I feel is too high at £14.99 (although £5 from each sale of this particular POP blush is donated to Macmillan Cancer Support) but I would treat myself every once in a while.

Anyone tried anything else by Daniel Sandler? Any recommendations for me? xo

This is what I wore to attend a meeting at my son’s school this evening (Dress – H&M £12.99). He’ll shortly be sitting a series of important exams that will determine which “big” school he will attend after leaving Primary.

I can’t quite believe that my little baby (which he’ll always be) is having to undertake such things and I wish I could do it all for him. The test while not compulsory is necessary if he is to avoid the disappointment of not being able to attend the school of his choice. It’s quite a f*cked up system. The official line from the government is that no formal exams are required to attend grammar school in the UK (inc Northern Ireland). It should be based on criteria such as overall school performance, post code, family already attending etc etc.

However the grammar schools themselves have decided that they will make entry conditional on an exam…. (you see the contradiction here), and without sitting that exam you fail to pass go, nor collect £200 and head straight to high school (which I’m not knocking but wouldn’t be Izaak’s or our first choice).

So, tonight was an information evening and a bit of a question and answer session and I now feel somewhat better prepared to guide him through the process (4 x 1hr papers over the course of 4 consecutive Saturdays starting in November). Fingers crossed it doesn’t get too stressy for him, after all he is only ten! Lots of encouragement and TLC

My bag is the much coveted Modalu Pippa bag. Formerly known as The Bristol, however once Pippa Middleton was pictured here, there and everywhere toting hers they renamed it in her honour. How cool is that?!

It really is gorgeous, a perfect work bag in my opinion. Nice roomy compartments, solid structure and an optional shoulder strap (although I prefer it without). The finish is exceptional for the price, with little shell motif zippers and matching lining throughout. Just lovely!

Necklace – CC Skye £29 (HoF Sale)
Watch – Michael Kors
Cuffs – David Smallcombe (The Current Custom)

xox

These marker pen style lippies seem to be the latest craze. Hot on the tail of Max Factor’s Lip Tint Pens (which personally I didn’t rate… so drying they were sore) comes Revlon’s Just Bitten Lip Stains.

Application was simple enough. Just draw in your lip line and fill your lips in. Only issue here is how steady your hand is. I went slightly over in places and it’s not really a product that lends well to mistakes. You draw it in, it’s staying put… for quite some time…

Located on the end of the pen is a finishing balm. Uber moisturising and super shiny. This is where Revlon blow Max Factor’s product out of the water. You NEED the balm to combat the drying effect of the pen. End of

So how does it wear? Pretty well. This is shade “Gothic” at the end of a 6 hour wear. In fairness not a lot of product remains, however what is nice is that it has faded quite evenly, leaving an equally pretty stung look.

I’m a fan and at a fairly priced £7.99 I’ll definitely be picking up a few other colours.

I had one of those £5 off vouchers to use in Boots. Y’know the ones. My bag is always swimming with them though they’re rarely used. No7 just fails to ever truly impress me.

I did however want to try the new Exquisite Curl mascara, it’s been getting rave reviews and I’m trying to kick my L’Oreal Voluminous habit for good (animal testers…). With the voucher the mascara cost me £8. Fair enough. They were also running a gift with purchase, buy the mascara and get a free Define & Shimmer Eye Palette.

Tbh I clocked the colours and kinda wrote it off as “one to give to Mum”

I was wrong. After having a little play with it this morning it’s actually a really pretty palette. Perhaps more autumnal in hue than Spring/ Summer but really very nice all the same. There was minimal fall out (the majority from the lightest colour) and it was super easy to blend. I’m impressed, even more so because it didn’t cost me anything

As for the mascara, I really really like. I don’t think it gives curl AT ALL but it does give flattering volume and builds nicely without clumping. The only small negative is that it really does take you to pump the wand before use to get the curved brush coated adequately in product. Not ideal but hardly the end of the world.

Thumbs up No7. You’re back on my radar

If you haven’t already make sure you check out Ruth Crilly’s blog here

It’s a nice perspective on beauty reviews and recommendations. I love it!

xo

Saturday in Belfast was monumentally shit weather wise. It literally rained ALL day.

So I fought back with bright lips and mega glam falsies. Foolproof

I love these huge Ardell false eyelashes, they make the best reusable imo.

The eyes were simple and all shadows were from the Urban Decay Naked Palette (a true MUST BUY). Half Baked on the inner part of the lid, Smog on the outer and a smidgen of Dark House in the crease. No crazy blending. Old Skool eyeshadow

Eyeliner is MAC’s Fluidline in Blacktrack. I honestly hadn’t used this in 6 months easy, and you know what I kinda love it again. So cool when that happens!

My base was Dior Forever (full coverage) set with MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Powder. No blush, just a touch of Topshop Bronzer under the back of the cheekbones. Fresh but glamorous with a real pin up influence.

OOTD consisted of G12 @Asda Leggings, a Primark smock top (practical long sleeves) and my black Tall Uggs (I offer no apologies for my footwear choice).

Jewellery was my gold fill sideways cross which I’d resigned myself to having lost, but it had actually fallen into the Misters knicker drawer! I paired it with the latest addition to my collection, a cute pearl & silver chain from Accessorize which can be doubled up. £8. Bargain.

Finally I added a pop of colour with a River Island scarf £14.99.

xox