I’ve started this post at least 6 times now. Brain officially fried.

I have so much going on IRL atm so you’ll have to excuse me but I wanted to get the competition results up tonight and also share my new boots with you all.

They’re by a brand called ASH and the style is Tennessee. They are incredibly OTT and for that reason alone I had to have them as soon I clocked them. I purchased them from Spoiled Brat and the service was fab. If you’re a teeny tiny UK size 2 or 3 then hurry as they still have your size!

A bonus is that they are ridiculously comfortable and SO toasty. Downside, they’re quite heavy. I’m gonna have calves like The Rock! (<<YUM)

Check out the detailing, gorgeous mixed metal studding and distressed leather. Ugh! They’re disgustingly beautiful! And I think they’ll just get better and better with age

Oh and my leopard leggings are from Republic. Just £10 and I can really recommend them. Super nice silky fabric.

AND without further ado the winner of the Technic Carnival Nail Polish is

Congratulations Charli! I’ll be in touch shortly to get your postal address. Thanks so much to everyone who entered xo

1. How old are you in five years? 37, almost 38… oh christ :/
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My two sons and my husband Matt. We made pizza and watched Star Wars ♥
3. How tall are you? 5 feet 6.5 inches
4. What is the last movie you saw? Star Wars obviously. Previous to that it was Overboard, a really old romantic comedy with a Randy Newman theme tune. Epic 80′s
5. Who called you last? Matt. I missed the call. I miss a lot of calls
6. Who did you call last? My Mum, asking her to babysit. She said yes #winning
7. What was the last text message you received? My Mum “You rang. Out doing lotto. What’s up?” She has only recently learned to text so this amazed me
8. Do you prefer calling or texting? I prefer to call, but short calls and to the point
9. Are your parents married or divorced? Divorced. About 16 years ago
10. When did you last see your mother? Last week. We walked the dogs together and drank lots of tea
11. What color eyes do you have? Hazel
12. When did you wake up today? 6.45am via alarm. I actually got up out of bed about 7.10…
13. What is your favorite Christmas song? Dominic the Italian Donkey. I wish it wasn’t but it is
14. What is your favorite place? Anywhere near the sea. Must be the Pisces in me
15. What place do you prefer the least? Cork. Ex-boyf. Bad experience
16. Where do you think you will find yourself in ten years? Traveling around Europe with my husband and possibly the teenagers (scary thought)
17. What scared you about the night as a child? The thought that I might not make it over to sleep before my parents started “doing it” next door. They may have divorced but they definitely fancied each other *cringe*
18. What made you really laugh last? Gosh too hard to pinpoint just one thing. I am BIG into laughing
19. How big is your bed? Double with a king size quilt. Matt and I are spooners so a bigger bed is unnecessary
20. Do you have desktop or laptop computer? Both but I use my MacBook Pro 15″ most of the time. It has a faulty hinge as I am VERY hard on my computers
21. Do you sleep with or without clothes on you? Mostly with. I don’t have a preference but I do live in the UK and it’s cold so clothing makes for a more comfortable Zzzzz
22. How many pillows do you have in bed? Four, two each
23. How many provinces have you lived in? Quite a few. I was fairly nomadic as a teen and in my twenties, hopefully settled now
24. Which cities have you lived in? Belfast, London & Reading
25. Do you prefer shoes, socks or bare feet? Socks or tights. Rarely barefoot as I cannot stand cold feet, actually feet turn me quite a bit so it helps if they are covered
26. Are you social? Less so since having children but in general yes
27. What is your favorite ice cream? Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough
28. What is your favorite dessert? Rhubarb Crumble
29. Do you like Chinese food? I do, favourite dish would be honey chilli chicken and noodles
30. Do you like coffee? Only in the past year, and now I’m addicted :S
31. What do you have for breakfast? Lots, full cooked/ egg and soldiers/ weetabix and soya/ yoghurt and fruit
32. Do you sleep on a particular side? Left hand side of the bed and on my back. I snore
33. Can you play poker? Yes and 21′s
34. Do you like to cuddle / snuggle? So much, I am extremely tactile with my husband and children. Which always surprises me as I’m not like that with my parents or friends
35. Are you a dependent person? I am. I like sharing my life with a significant other and although I can and have lived alone I think life is more fun as a pair
36. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Jessica Biel. Apparently all the sexy ladies are born then
37. Do you have children? Yes 2 of my own and 2 step-children. I’m extremely blessed
38. Do you know any other languages than English? yes, I can converse in basic French
39. Have you ever driven an ambulance? No but I’ve been driven IN one
40. Do you prefer the ocean or a pool? Definitely the ocean. It’s hypnotic to me
41. What do you spend any money on? Boots, books and too much off eBay
42. Do you have precious jewellery? Lots and one of my new years resolutions is to wear it all more. One life people. NOT a dress rehearsal
43. What are your favorite shows on TV? I love Californication, Masterchef, Biggest Loser, Eastenders. I’m a big telly fan
44. Can you roll your tongue? I can. I can also curl it into a cauliflower shape #talented
45. Who is the funniest person you know? My brother. He has a very dry wicked sense of humour
46. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Under no circumstances and I am suspicious of adults that do this
47. What is your ringtone? Standard ring ring. I’m always scundered for people with song ringtones
48. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Personally no, but I think my Mum might have some stuff
49. What are you closest to you right now that is red? My MacBook Cover. It’s by Speck
50. Do you flirt much? Not that I’m aware of. In fact I’d hazard a guess I come across as quite cold & unfriendly until you know me
51. Can you change the oil on the car? No. I have no desire to either. That’s what mechanics are for
52. Have you received speeding ticket ever? Yes and 3 penalty points #badgirl
53. What was the last book you read? I got this – Jennifer Hudson. It made me dislike her. Dare I say that she doesn’t come across as the sharpest tool in the box when reading it…
54. Do you read a newspaper? The Daily Mail. It’s an atrocious rag but I love it
55. Subscribe to a magazine? No. In fact that’s one addiction I have well and truly kicked. I rarely buy magazines anymore
56. Are you dancing in the car? Not right this second but I am a car dancer and I do like to belt out a good show tune while picking up my penalty points…
57. Which radio station did you listen to you last? Radio 1. I remember because it was Fearne Cotton presenting and I like her accent
58. What was the last thing you scribbled down on paper? My signature. Cheque to the taxman. Bastard
59. When were you at church last? A looooong time ago. Actually is was a chapel for a friend’s wedding. They make me uncomfortable
60. Are you happy? In my heart, yes. In my head, not always xo

Inspired by Emma’s post. See her answers here

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

Leather Jacket – All Saints via eBay (the style is Mahonie)
Jeans – Topshop Jamie
Oversized White Tee – River Island

Plaited Chain Necklace – Kate Benjamin via Accessories Direct

I just adore this chain as it feeds into all my current jewellery loves; statement, layers, mixed metals. It’s also a dream to wear as it is deceivingly light. I highly recommend checking out their sale, brilliant reductions and so many stunning pieces.

Next on my want list is this Jacey Withers Ship Pendant. It’d make a lovely Valentine’s/ Birthday/ Just cos it’s a Tuesday present…. oooh and it’s currently reduced as well… (take the bait Matthew…).

Watch – Swatch
Bracelet – eBay
Faux Fur Bag – H&M

Boots – River Island Sale (the style is Shifty Herit)

So delighted with these boots as I had been giving longing looks over in the direction of the laid-back Banddit Boots but they were just too pricey. These were just twenty tiny pounds and have satisfied my urge for a less structured boot. The studding is just an added bonus

Oh and yes, blonde. Well actually for the past fortnight I’ve mostly been bright orange as I couldn’t decide whether I was going to take the plunge with the “obnoxious red”. I got cold feet though and so I’m blonde. Forever fickle… that’s me folks xo

P.S In answer to Why no face?! COLDSORE SIZE OF BEN NEVIS

Now that we have moved and unpacked (most) boxes my mind can turn to making this house a home. Although detached our house is quite modest and therefore storage is limited. I’m constantly on the look out for nice boxes, shelving and space-savers.

This metal wall hanging is from NEXT and although this particular design is past season they currently do a shabby chic version for £12 here

I have a massive jewellery box for all my good pieces but I was really desperate to find something to house those “every-day” pieces. The ones that aren’t worth putting away but inevitably end up strewn across your dressing or beside table.

This fits the bill. It’s also useful for holding hairbands. The only negative is that it’s not designed to hold ALL of your jewellery. Definitely best suited to necklaces, but that suits me fine, as they are the ones that get tangled on me. I think it makes a really nice addition to the wall in our bedroom too, almost like art…

I also just HAD to show you this great TK Maxx find. I’m the type of person that finds one piece they like and builds the style of their room around it. THIS is my veranda inspiration. At the moment the veranda is dull and dusty, but come spring I hope to find even more weird and wonderful shaped Moroccan lanterns, large jeweled throws for the outside sofa and a huge brightly coloured rug and cushions ♥

Finally I would like to give a huge virtual hug to the lovely Georgia of On My Mind (formerly WelshBeautyBlog). Thanks to her general loveliness I have had a visit from the Fairy Hobmother of AppliancesOnline and will shortly be the proud owner of a crepe maker Woo Hoo!!

I know that the Fairy Hobmother has been granting quite a few wishes around the blogosphere lately, so watch out! Next time, it could be you! xo

Wearing my festive jumper/ sweater dress. It would be indecently short on me as a dress so I pair it with lace trimmed cycling shorts from Topshop, dotty Primark tights and sparkly Zara shoes (purchased on my Summer holiday).

Dinner was at my Mum’s house and as usual she outdid herself with the fabulous table decoration. My Mum and I are very similar, in that we are drawn to the more bright and childish Christmas ware. If it doesn’t feature a Santa/ Snowman or Ruldolph then it doesn’t say Christmas to us!

Noah (6) sharing his seat with two of his new friends, Bruno the Dog (Build-A-Bear) and Mosh & Chat Katsuma. Well done Santa

Dinner was particularly tasty. I rarely have seconds (unless it’s the Chinese Buffet… then I have seconds, thirds and fourths…) but I couldn’t get enough of the turkey this year. Scrummy!

My mother (60) and Izaak (10). Pray to goodness that I’ve inherited her ageing genes. I think she looks fab!

One looking at the lens… other looking at the display screen #fail but YAY for matching Christmas jumpers!!!

My brother even made dinner this year which was great. Fingers crossed 2012 is a good one for him cos 2011 has been pretty sucky tbh

ATTACK!!!!

…..until an impatient Izaak can track Santa again

All in all Christmas was everything I could have hoped for and more. Hope yours was enjoyable too xo

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

NOW on to the Sales. I really didn’t buy much this year. Well…. definitely a lot less than previous years but still probably too much *shrugs*

First up is this light from NEXT. I think this is my top sale bargain as it was just £20 and will look amazing in our dining room. WIN!

Then these mid heel leopard booties from M&S for £15. Ridiculously comfortable and I totally fell for the little ruching detail.

Also this colour block scarf from M&S reduced to £12 from I believe £29 (say whaaaaat?!). I live by the sea and you can NEVER have too many scarves, hats and gloves. Also my beloved multi-coloured one from Tesco is starting to look a bit shabby so this is a nice replacement.

That’s it for now, I’m waiting on a few online purchases arriving but nothing too mind-blowing.

What’s been your pick of the sales? xo

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Just a quick and somewhat random post. I wasn’t even going to share this one as it’s just mundane (for me) but I’ve noticed negative blogs towards this product recently and felt I had another side to share.

The product in question is called Colour B4 and was originally marketed by a celeb hairdresser, Scott Cornwall. He has since disassociated himself with the brand for legal reasons but after enquiry I’m satisfied that they do not relate to product safety.

So here’s the background. I’m addicted to dyeing my hair. Anyone who has ever known me since the age of about 13 can testify to this fact. Colour B4 is a “Hair Colour Remover. Safely rewind to your colour before. Extra strength, extra gentle.”
I have bought the Colour B4 Extra Strength three times and used it three times, on (…yes you guessed it) THREE separate occasions. Most recently last night.

Yes it reeks (chemicals normally do though) and to use it to best effect you need to wrap your hair in cling film (or as I do a plastic bag) and leave for one hour if removing really dark dye. On rinsing you MUST spend at least 15 minutes under the shower. They recommend 12 but trust me, I’m Mrs Three Times. I knows what gets results

Before

After

Yes it is gingery and yes, my roots are my virgin natural brown but if you understand anything about how hair dyes and removers work then this shouldn’t be a surprise. I’m not going to go into detail here (that’s what Google is for) but basically every dye including those oh so innocuous looking “semi”-permanent ones cause permanent change within your hair. Colour B4 can only take you back to that stripped back colour. Personally I’m more than happy with what it does.

Previously my monthly whims would have seen me bleaching the life out of my poor hair. Colour B4 lets me indulge my fickleness without being quite so evil to my hair. Truly hand on heart I don’t find it damaging. I’ve saw people complaining that it gave them chemical burns, however what they don’t say (or do in the next paragraph) is that they bleached their hair directly after using the product. You’re not meant to do that. Chemicals + more chemicals = risky business

I let my hair rest and then in a fortnight I will either get a full head of highlights or dye it bright obnoxious red. Haven’t decided yet, but that’s the beauty of it

There are negatives though and for me they are these

• Your hair will STINK like rotten fart for up to a month when wet. I haven’t found any way of making the stinky process shorter. Just lots of strong smelling shampoo needed! Haha! Thankfully when dry it doesn’t pong
• When using the buffer under the shower your hair will feel super super dry. Like when you use one of those cleansing shampoos that make your hair squeak multiped by ten. I think if your hair were ALREADY in a delicate state then this is where YOU could potentially cause breakage by pulling on it/ trying to de-tangle. Just let the water run through and then use a big massive dollop of conditioner (like Aussie). It’ll be super soft again after that and this step doesn’t need to be repeated in subsequent showers as that drying effect only happens straight after using the buffer.
• It’s pricey (but nothing compared to a salon colour correction). I have thick hair but obviously short and I need two boxes to cover my hair sufficiently. Not much change from £25

Even so, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Colour B4 BUT YOU MUST HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED

xo

P.S I was not paid for this post and the product was purchased with my own pennies

Howdy folks!

Hope you’re all having a lovely Christmas build up. So far my week has been tops! Lot’s of yummy treats, family time and last night Love Actually & Pork Scratchings! (a must watch film at Christmas time). My heart is literally full to bursting with love and happiness and I am super dooper thankful for everyone and everything I have been blessed with in my life!

Of course, I realise that not everyone will be feeling this way coming up to the festive period and that it can in fact be a very bleak time of year for some. With that in mind I would urge you (if you have the means) to give a little to a charity.

CRISIS is one close to my heart and you can donate to their appeal here. Your simple donation will mean a lovely warm Christmas meal and chance for a shower/ shave/ haircut etc. Things that most of us take for granted.

 
 
 
If you are local you might also consider donating to Assisi Animal Sanctuary who do fantastic, tireless work rescuing our furry friends without any funding other than what you and I give. They operate a no-kill policy (last year rescuing 2,300 animals) and as you can imagine until each animal is rehomed the costs are significant. You can donate here or just head to Pets At Home in Bangor and buy something for the animals. The lovely staff there will sticker your purchase and everything gets delivered direct to Assisi in time for Christmas!

There are literally hundreds of worthy charities I could list but I’m sure you’re all well aware of who and what you can donate to. Stop thinking of doing it and actually DO IT!! 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

Dress – H&M £14.99

Boots – Topshop Ambush £75

Coat – TU Clothing @ Sainsbury’s Sale £17.50
Scarf – Florence & Fred @ Tesco £8
Lipstick – Studio Make-up Really Red

Necklace – Urban Outfitters Sale (donkeys ago)

Well how are we all doing? I’ve finally moved (again….) and although there are still a mountain of boxes to unpack I’m trying to be upbeat. Not sure whether it’s a subconscious thing but this past week I have found myself dressing head to toe in black which perfectly matched my mood, well… barr Saturday night when I wore a red dress to an Xmas do *inserts grainy phone pic*

What is a very conscious realisation though, is that wearing bright colours makes me feel sunnier. So this is my excuse for dressing like a real life rainbow today, and I think it’s working. That smile almost reaches the eyes… no?

Loving

• Wrapping up for Winter. Hats, scarves and mittens. I adore them all and feel happiest when bundled up in all of these things walking the dogs on a windy evening ♥
• Statement necklaces – Think big & mutiple layers. They dress up the simplest of outfits with minimal effort
• Primark Super Cosy Tights – Loved these last year and once again they get a massive thumbs up from me. Who couldn’t adore fleece lined tights?! ‘MAZIN!
• Sweet Potatoes – Let me count the ways I can cook thee… Delicious, nutritious and ready in a flash!
• Getting up early – Say whaaaat? No but seriously. Hear me out. It’s 13 miles drive to the boy’s school and I like to leave around 8am to get there in plenty of time. This means I now rise at 6.45am (previously I got up around 8 as boy’s school was 2 minutes drive up the road). I don’t know why but it’s invigorating getting up earlier. Everything is less manic and more organised. I need that in my life

Not Loving

• H&M returns and general customer service. I had to hold for over 15 minutes just to ask for a Royal Mail return label. This should be included as standard with Northern Ireland deliveries as unlike the mainland we cannot ring the Hermes courier direct to book returns. Not impressed
• Unpacking – nuff said
• My hair – I’m not sure whether the water is different in County Down but it’s not been behaving itself at all this past week. Soooooo tempted to hack it all off again but chanting “persevere, persevere, persevere” whenever the dark thoughts come

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

Let’s just get stuck right in shall we?

I am up to my eyeballs in life stuff at the minute and my current daily uniform consists of paint splattered jeggings and an equally decorative jumper. Wouldn’t make for the most dynamic outfit shots….

So I’m a little stressy (but in the productive way) and free time is sparse. This hasn’t stopped me indulging in some retail therapy tho, helps relive the tension dontcha know

Oxblood Pleather Shorts from Topshop £30. Gorgeous colour, really Xmassy and easy to wear with thick opaque tights and ankle boots. What’s not to love? Well, if you buy online the sizing. It’s atrocious. I would suggest the Size 14 if you are normally a UK Size 10-12. Anything smaller would imo be indecent (think arse cheeks hanging out to say hello).

New Look Mittens £5 ish pounds. Everyone comments on these. Pure 70′s and ultra cosy. On the downside they (along with any mitten) are of course deeply impractical. It’s like having a pair of flippers and I struggle to lift anything when wearing them. Cute tho

Versace for H&M Leggings £24.99. I couldn’t resist. In fact if money was no option I’d have bought lots from this collection. Not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but isn’t that the beauty of fashion and life. We all like different things? Quality wise these are not your average Primarni style leggings. Very heavy glossy material and ridiculous flattering. WIN

Charity Shop Purchase and I could not have been more delighted when I clocked this. I have been after a decent vanity case for an age. The modern equivalents just don’t cut it size or quality wise. My ultimate aim is to reduce my (still frankly embarrassingly large) make-up collection to the point where it all fits in this. Rome wasn’t built in a day tho…

One of the rare days where I did actually wear real clobber and a visit to the hairdressers. Namely Hedonist Hair on Botanic (apologies if you do decide to click the link. Their website hurts the head and eyes. Trust me).

You clicked didn’t you? Matt had bought me 2 cuts and a 50% off colour deal through Living Social and I must admit that because of the price my expectations were low. However I was pleasantly surprised, the salon is quirky but cool and the stylist I had (I believe her name was Cathy) was bubbly and friendly. She also listened to me (massive thumbs up). I told her I was growing it out and simply wanted a tidy and a bit of shape to the back while the layers grow down. Now at this point what normally happens is the stylist nods and proceeds to “thin out” my hair and generally undo all my hard growing out work. She didn’t. Refreshingly she did EXACTLY as I asked. SUCCESS!!

Now on to what has been taking up almost all my days and nights. Decorating. Yes painting, papering and sanding shit. I’m doing it all and YES, I too wish it were more exciting. We are moving house this time next week and I still have an absolute mountain of work to do BUT I really feel like I’ve broke the back of it today. So YAY!!

This afternoon I completed our bedroom (carpet is coming on Thursday). I kept it pretty neutral. Cream walls and a simple floral paper behind the bed. That way I can put any duvet/ curtains with it.

In natural light (on a dismally dull day) it gives off an almost silvery hue

Under lamplight it takes on a lovely warm buttermilk colour ♥

Finally… if you’ve made it this far give yourself a little round of applause and feast your eyes on my sneak peek….. what’s in the box???

Find out this weekend

xo

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/2011/11/19/black-magic/ http://dressjunkie.com/2011/11/19/black-magic/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:22:49 +0000 dressjunkie http://dressjunkie.com/?p=4222

I feel like I should be pulling a rabbit out a hat in this jacket.

Leopard Blouse – Primark £10
Pleather Trousers – H&M £14.99
Red Blazer – River Island Sale £25
Bag – H&M £14.99
Boots – Topshop Ambush £75
Necklace – Topshop £16
Earring/ Cuff – Topshop
Necklace – Topshop
Lipstick – MAC Russian Red

I actually drafted this outfit post late last night and planned to write up some text/ waffle today. But I’ve just had to have my Dad’s cat put to sleep (he’s currently in Arizona but aware) and I totally under-estimated how upset I would be about an animal that wasn’t my own. So please forgive me for the lack of craic in this post.

I’ll be back on form in the next one. Pinky swear xo

Sugarhill Boutique Deery Me Playsuit – MyLabel £35
XO Necklace – Farah M Designs £8
Horn Necklace – CC Skye @ HoF (Past Season)
Boots – ASOS £37.50

Just a quick outfit post. I first spotted this Playsuit on TOWIE and was immediately drawn to the adorable pattern and the fact it had long sleeves (season appropriate…ish). It retails at £54 which personally I think is waaaaay over-priced but happily I found it on sale at MyLabel. For size reference I am wearing a Medium (UK 10-12). I think it’s a fun little outfit and I was relatively warm even without a cardigan, although when I went out later in the day I added my leather jacket and a chunky scarf.

On the down side it creases like a mutha so it’s definitely not for smart wear. Oh and THIS happened *blushes*

My boots are my latest loves from ASOS. I’d been stalking them for a while and was delighted to find them in the sale selection last Sunday. Again for size reference these are a narrow fit. If you don’t have narrow kebs like me I think you would most likely find them uncomfortable. However they suit me down to the ground and my feet feel really well supported, comfy and warm in them ♥

xo

P.S Did you spot the difference…..?

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

Stats: Mini Cooper (2007), Pepper Pack, Full Leather Interior, Hands Free (frankly it’s a bit sexy!)

My new Mini and I went for a wee burn around the back roads today. Our soundtrack was Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (cheers Dad!) and the mood was mellow. In fact I think we fell a little bit in love….. xo