I bought this frock in River Island just after Christmas. It was a sale purchase and the lining of the dress was missing, so I paid just £10. I’ve used a slip from another old dress underneath it and it looks grand. It’s actually a UK size 16 but paired with a belt I think it works fine on my frame and the excess skirt fabric lends itself to excellent swishing!

I kept my make-up soft and girly. My foundation is the Avon Ideal Flawless Liquid and I’m really impressed with this stuff. Takes a bit of effort to work into the skin but totally worth it for the end effect. Eyeshadow is MAC Satin Taupe on the lid with a touch of Twinks and Soft Brown to blend out. I used a dark brown shadow from my Sleek palette as eyeliner and I’ve being using this method a lot lately. It’s not just as harsh as liquid/ gel eyeliner.

Blush is NARS Crazed ♥ and lippy is a MUA Lip Boom in OK.COM which is fast becoming my favourite nude ever *shocked*

Finally I threw on my faux leather jacket from Exhibit to toughen the whole outfit up a bit and left my hair loose. It’s getting really long (for me) and I haven’t dyed it in an age, so the bleach underneath is starting to show through. I think I quite like it tho, almost a caramel hue. I shall leave well alone….. for now

Hope you’re all having a great weekend xox

This is one of those posts where I show you a fabulous bag that I bought ages ago and is now unavailable for purchase…. you’re welcome

 Bag – AWear Sale

Skull Vest – New Look
Basic Black Skirt – H&M
Denim Shirt – H&M Sale
Boots – River Island Sale

Necklace  - River Island
Watch – Michael Kors

Well, how are you all? I’m a busy little bee at the moment. I’ve really settled into my new job, so much so that today I was informed that I’m being made Team Rep #geek

My husband will find this development uber amusing because he always ribs me about the fact that I can’t go into a job without being given extra responsibility/ promotion. Honestly guvnor, I try really hard to just be mediocre….

Monday – Thursday dress code is business. I tend to wear black peg leg trousers, flats and varying degrees of boring blouses. Friday is an optional dress down day, hence my bag lady/ hipster get up. You pay £1 and each quarter all the money is donated to a different local charity. With almost 700 of us I think that’s a pretty cool deal.

Hmmm what else do I have to tell you…. oh yes. I bought my first and only make-up purchase in an absolute age. MUA/ Alexandra Burke Lip Boom. For £3 each me likey, a lot, but if you don’t like chunky glitter in your lip gloss you might want to give them a wide berth. I’ll stick a few pics up over the weekend.

Ooooh and I’ve found a fake tan that I reeeeeeally like. One that suits even us white-as-a-sheet peeps. Stay tuned! xxxx

That’s how long the red lasted. 1st March – 31st. That’s a pretty short shift, even by my fickle terms….

So where did the red and I come unstuck? Quite literally there, in that it wouldn’t. Stick.

My hair beneath the red was/ is a series of highlights and colour tends to wash up quicker when applied over them. Every colour. BUT red in particular just washes up like crazy. In the past 30 days I can honestly say I’ve spent close to £100 keeping my hair red and as someone who is currently only employed “casually” that is NOT a great hairdo to have.

So I have applied a base brown over the red. Obviously this will also wash up to a certain degree and the red will show through but that’s no bad thing. Either way I can safely say I won’t have to spend any more than £5 on my hair for the next month.

Other things I won’t have to worry about are:

• Accidentally putting something pink on and looking… well… crazy
• Getting caught in the rain and resembling an extra from a scary movie
• Having to don plastic gloves every 3rd day and spend a good portion of my evening applying/ dyeing/ drying. What a yawn
• Ruining every single towel we own
• Strangers touching my hair – what is up with that?!

The thing I will miss

• How bloody cool it looked!!! My “normal” brunette bob just looks so meh in comparison, but what I do appreciate is the instant shine that has returned with the dark hair. Shiny equals Healthy (however much of an illusion that might be)

My husband was just reminding me that since Christmas I have been brunette, blonde, redhead and now brunette again. Perhaps I’ll give my hair a rest for a few months……. *wicked smile*

Current Fave Lippy - Topshop Infared

xoxo

Jacket - TRF @ Zara £59.99, Skull Vest - New Look £9.99

It started with the cray cray hair and now it’s a neon jacket. Natch!

This is really hard to photograph, in a lot of pictures in looks canary yellow but the one above (taken on Sat) probably best captures the actual hue. An in your face green-yellow. This jacket will get you noticed (and probably talked about…). The cut is divine, strong structured shoulders and clean lines. Zipped up it gives an almost corseted effect to the waist. LOVE!

Ring - Forever 21

My eyeshadow here is Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Morphine. They’re the fattish ones and I believe it cost around £14. So far I like and the creasing by the end of a few hours out was minimal. Most of all I love the handiness of it, swipe the colour on, use finger to blend. Voila. Lazy eyeshadow looks ftw!

Hair Update – SO MUCH MAINTENANCE. I mean everyone said it would be and it is. If you’re considering all I can do is reiterate that fact

xo

No need to adjust your settings… yes, I have indeed dyed my hair quite an “unnatural” shade of red.
33 going on 13. I make zero apologies

Leopard Blouse – Primark, Jumper – New Look Sale

I saw this jumper on Lauren from The Only Way Is Essex and had the wants but it was always sold out. Boooo! I was therefore VERY pleased to find it dangling on a sale rail last weekend. It’s a Size 16 but I think it looks dead on, in fact any smaller and I don’t think it’d be quite as slouchy/ cosy looking.

Bodycon Skirt – Forever 21, Boots – Topshop

This bodycon skirt was a recent purchase during a day trip to Dublin. At just over £20 it’s a little more than I’d usually spend on a staple skirt, however it really is top notch in quality. Very taut lycra, not unlike the Hervé Léger material. Uber flattering and gives a gorgeous smooth silhouette ♥

Make-up wise I am mostly to be found sporting my new favourite lilac eyeshadow. It’s from the AVON Purple Haze Quad.

I would really recommend this for people with green/ hazel/ brown eyes. It’s a lovely formulation for not too much money. I got mine on eBay for about £3.50. Bargain! xo

]]> http://dressjunkie.com/2012/03/12/red/feed/ 20 http://dressjunkie.com/2012/02/24/its-all-about-the-ruching/ http://dressjunkie.com/2012/02/24/its-all-about-the-ruching/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:45:53 +0000 dressjunkie http://dressjunkie.com/?p=4622

I audibly gasped when I clocked these in my local TK Maxx, for I am a sucker for a good bit of ruching. Just look at those buttery folds of leather *le sigh*

They are by All Saints, a brand that I never quite got until recently. I used to think why?! would anyone want to dress like a zombie cowboy/girl and pay £££ for the privilege.

I’ll be honest I still don’t get most of their dresses/ shirts etc for that very reason but what I do get is their leather appeal. They do leather so well. Like no one else on the high street. So soft, instantly worn in, uber flattering ♥

These little babies ooze sex appeal to me. A flash of toe, a glimpse of heel. I know my man will be a fan.

It’s still slightly too cool to perhaps be wearing these outside yet, but it won’t be long. Another month or so and I have a feeling these will be surgically attached to my feet. In the meantime I need to get my tootsies ready for the public. As is always the case in Winter I tend to neglect everything from the knees down.

So let the foot scrubs, filing and pedicures commence with gusto!

I thought I’d pop in a few pics of today’s outfit while I’m here. No full length I’m afraid as I can’t find the doo daa (technical term) that connects my camera to the tripod.

First tho, make-up. My foundation is Jemma Kidd Light As Air, a recent purchase from here. I opted for shade Light and it’s quite a good match. Slightly too dark (and I mean slightly) but will be perfect once I catch a spot of Spring sun. For reference I wear no 52 in Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum.

I’ve wore it 3 days in a row so far and these are my very early opinions. It’s a little too matt for my liking. It accentuates my dry t-zone. It oxidises throughout the day. Now that all sounds a bit negative. The pro’s. It smells nice, perhaps not important to some but I rate this as important. It applies like a dream, hardly any blending required, so nice and quick and easy. A little goes a long way, in terms of coverage. It lasts all day.

At this stage I wouldn’t repurchase due to the drying aspect but it may fare better as the weather improves and in turn my skin with it. I’ll keep you posted!

Lipstick is Revlon Pink Pout, probably the most drying lipstick I own but I just adore the pinky mauve colour. If anyone knows a more moisturising dupe please leave a comment xo

Lace trim vest – M&S. Technically this is underwear but I thought it went well with my Chanelesque cardigan which is from Miss Selfridge (sale). I was going to accessorise with a single strand of pearls but I have vowed to stop saving my “good” jewellery for special occasions. What if that day never comes?

I will therefore be doing the school run sporting my Vivienne Westwood Bas Relief Pearl and Crystal Choker. Mine is the gold version and originally purchased from Hervia. I’m not sure they sell it anymore though and their site appears to be under maintenance. If you do ever get the chance to own it, grab it. It makes even the most mundane outfit look put together xo

This is my current set-up when it comes to makeup storage (you can click on any picture to enlarge)

The six drawer unit is from Ikea and costs £24.99. It comes in red, silver and white. Beware though the white is actually cream. It is made from a powdered metal and was extremely easy to assemble. GO THE SWEDES!!

It offers ample space to house all of my cosmetic delights and I have used old beauty boxes to create divisions within. The icing on the cake is the fact that the unit is on castors and can easily be moved to the window should I require more light.

I’m also enjoying having all my makeup in one place again and I’ve even re-discovered some lost loves (I’m looking at YOU NARS Deep Throat and YOU Topshop Bronzer!).

If you’re in the market for an affordable but funky looking solution for your bits and bobs I can highly recommend this xo

I enjoy watching these kind of videos on YouTube and thought I’d have a go myself
Watch it in HD if you can xo

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