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What I Took On Holiday - Tried & Tested

31/7/2018

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I'd thought I would write a blog post on not what items I am excited to take on holiday but what items I have taken on holiday that's been tried & tested and  really impressed me.  I visited Croatia for a week to take in some of the incredible sights. Of course there was some sunny, relaxing beach days too. Below are some of the items I took with me that really stood out & is worth the space in my suitcase. I will definitely be taking these again with me  when I go to visit Majorca. 

La Roche-Posey Thermal Spring Water, £3.50
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It was very warm in Croatia. Temperatures for most days ranged between 27 - 32 degrees.  Due to the change of temperature from being out in the sun & then indoors with the cold air con , my face felt slightly dry. This spring water from La Roche Posey is a godsend. It refreshes & cools my face. It adds moisture to the skin and takes away the tightness you get when being in the sun all day.
It's great to have  when you are on a plane & makes a nice base for under your make up. I was literally spraying this on my face all day. It is very similar to the Caudalie Beauty Elixir but for a fraction of the price £3.50!! . I would even go to say that the La Roche-Posey one is slightly better,

John Lewis Valencia Textured Stripe Tie Multiway Bikini, Top £29
& Textured Stripe Ruched Bikini Shorts, £22

I spent weeks leading up to my holiday to find a perfect bikini and then I found one with just a few days to spare in John Lewis. I didn't want a bikini that showed too much. This bikini is comfortable & fits in all the right places.  The top is very flattering and can be worn strapless if you are looking for a tan without those annoying white strap marks. The briefs fitted over the bum nicely.
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It's a lovely colour & easy to wash. I didn't feel self conscious or embarrassed on the beach wearing this bikini. It is now a holiday favourite.

BareMinerals GEN NUDE Powder Blush, £22
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This powder blush from BareMinerals is in the shade Pink Me Up. It is the most flattering swash of pink on the cheeks that's looks really natural. It glides over the skin like silk & I would say it is suitable for all colour skin tones. It is buildable if you want a more in depth colour.
Its looks so good on the skin. I find it really brightens my face up & makes me look healthy.
I don't like to wear too much makeup on holiday but a swash of this with a great liquid lip & a bit bronzer is all I need.

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil for All Hair Types, £9.99
Now something for hair.  My hairdresser actually recommended this for me. I have bleached highlights in my hair so it can get very dry on the ends, especially in summer in the sun & heat. My hairdresser said when I am on holiday put a few pumps of this oil on the ends of your hair then tie it up. Trust me she said it will help enormously. And it did. Days at the beach or going in to the pool I did just that & my ends were still soft at the end of the day.

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My hairdresser also said it works just as well as one of their expensive brands in the salon. I found a smaller bottle of this oil in Boots for less than £4.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, £17
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Best liquid lipstick ever!! A strong statement I know but this is the one! You know when you are continually searching for the perfect lip shade, well for me I think I have found it.
It's in the shade 'Double Dare' which is a beautiful deep dusty pink colour. Perfect for holidays. It stays on for a long time and the sun & heat won't make it slide off. 
Even when the colour has slightly faded, it still looks good. It's a matte finish but is so lightweight and non drying it doesn't feel like your wearing any. Above all else this liquid lipstick lasts a long time & doesn't dry up in the tube. It's actually good for value for the high price.

Vero Moda Bright Floral Mini Dress, £32
I love everything about this summer dress. It is the perfect length, falls a few inches above the knee. The front chest area is not gaping & covers all your bits.  I love the colour yellow, this a pale yellow with a bright floral pattern. Feels really lightweight on. Sometimes summer dresses don't look quite right or fit properly on me This one was perfect & I am so glad I found it. My photo doesn't do it justice. Click on the stock photos underneath for a better look. You can find this dress at ASOS.
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Lancaster Tan Maximiser after sun soothing face and body moisturiser, £29
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I have been using this after sun for years. A  great moisturiser for when you skin has gone dry after being in the sun all  day. If you have sunbathed a bit too much & have gone red or burnt yourself, this after sun is really good for that, soothing on the skin. I pretty much use this all year round. Even in winter. When my face feels dry I put a bit of this on.
It is also great if you have tan because this will make it last just that little bit longer. Maybe I'm crazy but I think it makes your tan look a better colour too.

Wacoal Halo Lace Moulded Strapless Bra, £35
I've spent years trying to find the best strapless bra. More often then not most are really bulky or make your bust look enormous or they give you a double boob! (Four boobs anyone!!) Or you have to keep yanking them up, all day long. Then I found this Wacoal one. The most comfortable strapless bra. Does not fall down at all. It's really thin & lightweight. 
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It's not padded but gives a great shape & is underwired. I bought this in both shades nude & black. Perfect for strappy tops & dresses or any off the shoulder garments.

NUXE Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse Or, £21
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The bottle in the picture is the 10ml, the 50ml is the £21 priced one. I got this oil in an advent calendar last year. Didn't think about using it until I just threw in my makeup bag I took on holiday. I'm glad I did. It leaves your skin feeling silky smooth & the shimmer makes your tan look fantastic.  It's not greasy &  a little goes a long way. A bit of a luxury this one.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, £16
I always take an eye cream with me on holiday. My under eyes gets dry on the plane, dry from the sun, puffy from tiredness. I also find if I haven't been wearing my sunglasses, the sun actually makes my dark circles worse. This eye cream worked wonders. Hence the name of it. Lol! Gives just the right amount of moisture for the eye area, not at all greasy.  No eye cream is ever going to take away dark circles but this helped tremendously. You only need to use a little of the product & tap it gently under the eye area. It sinks in quickly so is great under makeup.
Key ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, Cucumber Oil to calm & brighten, Witch Hazel to reduce inflammation & puffiness and it's 99% natural, so ideal for sensitive eyes.
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Products Mentioned

La Roche-Posey Thermal Spring Water, £3.50
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, £12
  John Lewis Valencia Textured Stripe Tie Multiway Bikini, Top £29
John Lewis Valencia Textured Stripe Ruched Bikini Shorts, £22
BareMinerals GEN NUDE Powder Blush, £22
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil for All Hair Types, £9.99
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, £17
Vero Moda Bright Floral Mini Dress, £32
Lancaster Tan Maximiser after sun soothing face and body moisturiser, £29
Wacoal Halo Lace Moulded Strapless Bra, £35
NUXE Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse Or, £21
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, £16

I had a fantastic holiday in Croatia. I'd thought I would share a couple of my holiday snaps with you. If you are thinking of going to Croatia definitely go. I would go now as it is getting a very popular  holiday destination. We stayed at the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Hotel. It was superb. It had 3 pools, a private beach, nice food. It is a little out of the way but that just  made it quiet & peaceful. It had wonderful scenery all around, so no matter what room you get you'll be guaranteed a good view. They have an excursion desk where you can go on some reasonably priced trips. We visited Bosnia & Montenegro. For more information check out their website here. Next stop, Majorca.......
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Christmas Gift Guide 2017

2/12/2017

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Stuck what to get a family member or friend for Christmas? Here I have put together some gift ideas to give you some inspiration. Ranging from beauty, books, cosy winter wear and much more.

 NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Vault, £65

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30 mini liquid lipsticks from NYX's Lingerie collection. These lipsticks are creamy & lightweight. A firm favourite of mine. This gift set is a great way to experiment with colours and see what shades suits you best. Contains six new shades. I recently got given this for my Birthday and I love it!
SHOP
NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Vault, £65


Ready Player One By Ernest Cline, £4
Before The Fall By Noah Hawley, £6.29

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Ready Player One is a perfect novel for those who like gaming and/or 80's nostalgia. The story is set in a bleak world in the future in the year 2044 where almost everyone on earth is plugged into a reality world called the OASIS. When the creator of the OASIS dies, a prize to takeover the entire company ensues. Riddles & clues are released to find the hidden keys when eventually all collected, wins the OASIS empire. I am two thirds the way through this book and I love all the 80's film, games and TV references which reminds me a little of Stranger Things. This is an utterly brilliant read and will have you hooked. Suitable for all ages. Buy it for someone this Christmas before the Steven Spielberg film is released next year.
Before The Fall is a story about how everyone came to be on a plane that crashed and why it crashed in the first place. It's written by Noah Hawley who also writes the Fargo TV series (if you've never seen it, do so! All three series are brilliant) . If you've watched the series you'll know there is always a lot of plot twists and shocks involved. This novel will no doubt be the same, that's why this is on the top of my Christmas list.
SHOP
Ready Player One
Before the Fall: The year's best suspense novel

Stranger Things Cap Logo, £18 & Lunch Box, £20
Stranger Things Action Figure 3 Pack, £19.99

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Give someone a Stranger Things Christmas. Dustin's cap & the lunchbox are from Topshop. Check out their collection. A lot has sold out but there are a few items like the above left. The three figurines are from Forbidden Planet. They come in two sets. One with Mike, Lucas & Eleven and the other with Will, Dustin & Demogorgon. I reckon these item will be worth something in years to come. 
SHOP
Stranger Things Cap Logo, £18
Stranger Things Lunch Box, £20
Stranger Things Action Figure 3 Pack, £19.99


Hobbs Eleanor Check Scarf, £49
Miss Selfridge Embellished Rib Hat, £14

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Cosy accessories make a wonderful present in Winter. This scarf from Hobbs is on trend this season with it's red checks. A pop of colour to jus up your winter coat. Has a fringe edging for a casual finishing touch. 
I like that this hat from Miss Selfridge is slightly different from your usual bobble hat.  Instead it has a floppy top finished with a fluffy pom pom.
SHOP
Hobbs Eleanor Check Scarf, £49
Miss Selfridge Embellished Rib Hat, £14


John Lewis Lizzie Leather Slim Continental Purse, £39
Mulberry Darley Small Classic Grain Leather Medium Wallet, £295

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Two different price points.  If you want to spoil someone this Christmas but cannot quite afford a Mulberry handbag then one of their purses is a great alternative. Has all the card slots and a zip pocket so you don't lose all your coins, luxury leather with a nappa  interior finished with the Mulberry signature postman's lock. John Lewis has a cheaper version that looks very similar, a great size for the new £5 & £10 notes and comes in 9 different colours.
SHOP
John Lewis Lizzie Leather Slim Continental Purse, £39
Mulberry Darley Small Classic Grain Leather Medium Wallet, £295


WoodWick Dancing Hourglass Jar-Jolly Gingerbread, £23.99
WoodWick Dancing Hourglass Jar-Crimson Berries, £23.99

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These candles smell amazing. I have the gingerbread one and it smells good enough to eat. They have a special wick that when lit, you will hear the soothing sound of a crackling fire.  Woodwick candles use only natural components mixed with wax, never any harsh artificial ingredients. This would make a stunning, cosy gift this Christmas. Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on.
SHOP
WoodWick Dancing Hourglass Jar-Jolly Gingerbread, £23.99
WoodWick Dancing Hourglass Jar-Crimson Berries, £23.99


Harry Potter Collection at Primark

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Know any Potter fans? Primark have a large collection of Harry Potter goodies this Christmas. The range includes t-shirts, pyjamas, baubles, homeware plus much, much more at a great affordable price. 
SHOP
In store only

Here are a few other ideas.
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reputation
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NARS Man Ray The Veil Cheek Palette, £35
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Kiehl's Holiday Limited Edition Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter, £37
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Sainsbury's Home Ochre & Mulberry Check Throw, £15
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Louche Cassy Cat Pom Pom Keyring, £8
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Daytime Pyjama Shirts

7/3/2017

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Topshop £32
I often wondered when staring at my pyjamas in the mirror whilst brushing my teeth, why no one has really thought about making a pyjama shirt for daytime. I find them extremely flattering and comfortable. I thought how stylish they could look tucked into a pair of jeans.

Low and behold they have now become a trend, wearing them as part of your daytime outfit. They are , of course, a bit more fancier then your average nightwear. At present there are different styles in the shops  including cropped, silky  and floral to name but a few.

The shirt in the picture above is my new purchase from Topshop. I love the hummingbird pattern and the silky feel to it. As it's cropped I wear it over a black vest top. Sometimes buttoned up or sometimes unbuttoned and worn like a thin jacket.

Below I have picked out some of my favourites in the shops right now.

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Topshop £29
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Lipsy at ASOS Pyjama Shirt £25
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Topshop £29
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New Look at ASOS £19.99
What do you think of this trend? Let me know in the comments below :)
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London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2017 Favourites

26/2/2017

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Day one

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Daks
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Teatum Jones
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Roberta Einer
This year the  London Fashion Week shows all had something in common, 'Sleeves'. Whether it was coats, jumpers or dresses, the sleeves took centre stage.  Flute, long, puff, ruffle, or furry the unusual sleeves were present in almost every show.

day two

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Emilia Wickstead
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Edeline Lee
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Julian Macdonald
As the week was showcasing autumn/winter collections  there was, as you would expect, plenty of long dresses and long coats. Coats made of tweed.  Jumpers asymmetric at Burberry.   Colour palettes of white or black, as well as patterned wear from Erdem and Christopher Kane.  

day three

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Mary Katrantzou
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Mulberry
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Topshop Unique
Accessories included long gloves, scarf's and beanies. Round handbags at Mulberry, compartment bags at Anya Hindmarsh.

day four

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Burberry
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Erdem
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Sharon Wauchob
Natural makeup was a running theme this year as seen at Burberry. There was some flash of colour of  blue & pink eyeshadow at Fydor Golan, Central St Martins and  Natasha Zinko. Some smudged lipstick at Preen. Topshop and Eudon Choi  both went for a russet lip.

day five

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Emilio de la Morena
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Isa Arfen
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J.JS Lee

ACCESSORIES

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Globe-Trotter
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Malone Souliers
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Hill and Friends

make up

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Burberry
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Eudon Choi
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Central Saint Martins MA
Above are some of my favourite outfit & makeup looks from the week. To see more, head over to the London Fashion Week website here.

Finally,  here is my absolute favourite  ......... I mean, why not?
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On/Off Presents
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