Body beautiful for summer

It's that time of year again where the legs come out and you start panicking about all the neglect you've shown them during the winter months. In the ideal world it would be brilliant to think about laser hair remover costs as it will take the hassle out of making your legs look spit-span. But if this isn't an option, I find these steps help the most when shaving every other day becomes a necessity.

 

Legs
I like to use two sets of moisturiser during the summer months. I find Palmers Cocoa Butter works wonders on dry legs. The thick luxurious butter may take a few moments to sink in but it makes your legs feel silky smooth - yep I did just use that phrase! I used a body brush straight after around to top of my thighs to help keep the circulation moving. I find this works well with the odd bit of cellulite! Finally Garnier Gradual Tanner will help give you a nice glow - I find it tales around three consecutive days for a good tan to appear. Keep in mind once you stop it will start to go streaky. I tend to have it on daily and then scrub it all off during a pamper session by Sunday and start all over again.

Feet
When it comes to sandal weather there's nothing worst than crusty feet and unpainted toenails. I find Soap and Glory Heels Genius works a treat if you leave it on overnight in a pair of cosy socks. I love a bright statement nail polish for toes. My favourites at the minute include Rimmel Hot Shot, Essie Fear or Desire and OPI The Spy Who Loved Me.

What are your tricks to get summer ready legs?

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This week i'm loving: Blistex

Blistex Moisture Max and Blistex Lip Brilliance both PR samples.

I'm a lipbalm 'collector' to put it lightly. They're everywhere. I keep a few in my bag, a few at my desk and a few in my make up drawer so at any given time I can whip them out and get fabulous moisturised lips. Some admittedly work well than others. Blistex is a brand I keep coming back to time and time again. It has always done a top notch job.

I find the Moisture Max is the perfect prep for lipstick. I wear it throughout the day to ensure my lips are lipstick ready in the evening as let's be honest, there's nothing worse than dry cracked lips poking through. It kinda ruins the knock out effect of a red lip don't you think? It can get a bit sticky but this soon sinks in. I'm also a sucker for a lip balm in a tube. I really don't like the idea of sticking a dirty finger in and out of a pot - god knows what it will be like by the end of the day! This tube helps it to glide on easily.

I'm not really a lipstick wearing during the day - not quite brave enough yet - so I like a tinted balm to help enhance my natural colour. When I read it had a bit of shimmer I had to admit I was bit put off as I don't really like a disco ball effect happening on my lips. But once applied it had just the right amount. It's a pretty rosy pink and looks great as an extra to everyday make up. It makes you look like you've made a little effort for your daily commute. It also doesn't hurt that it helps to increase the fullness of your lips. Eat your heart out Jolie!

Have you tried any Blistex products?

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Hot pink

Outfit:
Mesh black midi dress - Asos
Pink Lipstick - Topshop All About Me
Pearl bracelet - Thomas Sabo
Genuine fake gun mental Michael Kors watch - Turkey
Pink two tone heeled sandals - c/o She likes

When I was asked to pick something from the She Likes website I didn't have to think twice before choosing these beauties. This style of shoe is fast becoming a firm favourite and the colour combination is gorgeous - perfect for the summer months which we will hopefully be getting! They're just the right heel for work too. My feet can't cope spending all day in mega high heels. I thought I'd embrace the pink theme with my toes, fingernails and lipstick. I do love matching!

This weekend will be spent making money. I've got my fingers and toes crossed. With a bootsale lined up on Sunday and a plan of ebaying my life away, I'm hoping that a Zara spree will be on the horizon. I'm dying to get my grubby mitts on this leather jacket as my Primark one is ready to be thrown away. Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?! I'm trying to curb my spending and save some of my wages so I'm going to only allowing myself a blow out with Paypal money. I've got a few holidays coming up and my wages never seem to go very far at all! Working in London completely ruins my bank account.

What do you have planned for the weekend?


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Nothing left to make me feel small luck has left me standing so tall

Outfit:
Off the shoulder black crop top - c/o Boohoo
Tulle black midi skirt - Next
Gold heeled black sandals - c/o Boohoo
Giant drop diamond earring - Primark
Gold cuffs - c/o George At Asda
Red Lipstick - Chanel Rouge Allure 99 Pirate

I attended the Boohoo press day a good few weeks ago and was very kindly given a voucher in the goody bag. As soon as I spotted these shoes on the website they went straight in my basket. I love the snazzy gold heel which helps make them look a little bit different. I was a bit worried about them giving me sausage legs - ankle straps can be a bit unforgiving - but I think they look ok. This strappy sandal seems to be my shoe of choice at the minute and I'm snapping up far too many different variations than is necessary. Primark have some cracking choices!

I wore this outfit out over the weekend for a girls night out with my mum and nan in the local noodle bar followed by numerous jugs of cocktails in Wetherspoons. Who says we're not  classy birds eh? I think we're going to try and make it a monthly date as what's better than having the chance to get dressed up and stuff your face. Maybe next time I'll give the crop top a miss as the food baby did not look attractive!

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Bygone Eras

There's a saying that fashion always come full circle and if you keep something long enough it won't be too long before it's the height of fashion again. Dungarees are a prime example and it's slightly worrying that I remember wearing them the first time around - am I really getting that old?

Simply Be is featuring a special article about five decades of fashion and it got me thinking about my favourite eras. My personal favourite fashion throwbacks take influence from the 1950s and 1960s. I am much more comfortable in full midi length skirts paired with structured Kelly bags. You can pick up Kelly bags from charity shops and bootsales fairly easily. But with the high street constantly going back in time to find influences you'll find plenty to tickle your fancy if rummaging isn't really your thing.

I feel wiggle dresses compliment my body shape the most. I feel confident and ready to shake what my mumma gave me when I'm dressed up to the nines. This style of dress is something that I can't seem to stop buying. One of my new years resolutions was actually to start shopping more vintage and I haven't yet put that into place. Thankfully there's still six more months of the year left and I feel a visit to Brick Lane is on the cards.

What is your favourite era for clothes?

Infographic by Simply Be

This post was written in collaboration with Simply Be

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It's the freakin' weekend baby, I'm about to have me some fun

Outfit:
Tweed oversized navy blazer - Primark
Floral silky tee - Primark
Acid wash ripped boyfriend jeans - C/O New Look
White plimsols - Vans

For someone who's not too keen on jeans and tees, I'm getting an awful lot more casual recently. Maybe it's laziness but outfits like this are all I seem to want to wear at the weekend. Now I'm looking back on it I'm not too keen on it but it served it's purpose well. I needed something comfortable to wander around Borough market last weekend. I'm not sure effortless boyfriend jeans really work on me - I feel much more at home in a midi skirt. Hurry up sunshine!

My blog has been redesigned by the absolutely brilliant Gillian - check out her blog! I think she's done an amazing job and I'm so pleased with it. It looks exactly like I imagined in my head and I finally feel proud of it! It just looks so much more professional looking.

I have a pair of spare tickets going spare for a wine tasting event next Tuesday in London. All you have to do is tell me in the comments below what type of wine you'll be and why! Simples! Unfortunately transport can't be provided but you'll have the chance to make the first 'social' wine and it'll be on sale in Tesco. Cool huh?!

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Holiday essentials

If you're anything like me, it can be a nightmare trying to condense your beauty products down to try and fit them in a suitcase when you go on holiday. They always seem to weigh an awful lot! These are just a few essentials that I believe are perfect for a trip away!

001. Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray
Hot weather can play havoc with your hair. I give up straightening my hair in the humidity as it just goes frizzy again anyway! I really can't be bothered to do anything fancy because let's face it, stuffing your face at dinner is much more important! This is where salt spray works wonders! I found this mini bottle worked a treat.

004. Caudalie Lip Conditioner
I've got to admit i'm a bit of a lip balm sell out, I carry so many around with me at once time and am constantly changing but this Caudalie product has a special place in my heart. I love the lipstick shape as it makes it so easy to apply and it doesn't go sticky nor does it melt in the heat. It works wonders on my lips, keeping them perfectly moisturised throughout the day ready for some lipstick in the evenings.

003. Etat Pur Biomimetique Micellar Cleansing Water c/o AX Paris goodie bag
I don't like to use cleansing water to take my make up off everyday - it's purely reserved for drunk and lazy nights. But a bottle of it is perfect for a holiday. It does everything so you don't need to carry around eye make up remover and a cleanser. I got this bottle in a goody bag from the Ax Paris event and it's doing it's job very nicely indeed.

004.Batiste original dry shampoo
Well i've spouted off enough rave reviews for this product so I really don't need to say anything other than make sure you pack it. It's a lifesaver to give your hair a bit of spring clean before you march down to the pool in the evening.

005. Ted Baker Rose, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Raspberry Body Spray
Sometimes perfume can feel to heavy in the daytime on holiday so I like to use a few spritzs of a body spray to keep me smelling fresh. They come in handy sized bottles and as they're made of plastic it helps to save a few kilos on your luggage allowance. Glass bottles can weigh a ton! This one was part of a Christmas gift set.

006. No 7 Protect and Prefect Night Cream
I have to use a cream at night otherwise my skin has a tantrum. This works great with the moisturiser below and helps to regenerate your sin overnight as it recovers from a day in the sun. I find the sun can be very drying!

007. No 7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream  Dry/Very Dry
I have to use a moisturising cream during the day and this one is perfect for taking on holiday. It had added spf so it doesn't matter too much if you forget to put suncream on your face first thing. Anyone else completely bypass their face too by accident?

008. Perfume samples
Like I mentioned earlier lugging a full size bottle of perfume on holiday can take up unnecessary weight. I tend to take a couple of perfume samples with me. That way you can have a different scent every night!

What are your holiday essentials?

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I can see clearly now

Although I don't tend to wear glasses on my blog - I have such a hard time taking photograph without having something reflecting off in all sorts of directions - I am quite simply as blind as a bat. This old school picture may help brighten up a dull evening!

I remember bawling my eyes out when I was told at the age of seven I'd have to wear glasses and by the tender age of 11 I was informed i'd have to wear them full time because i'd grown too lazy at taking them off between classes. Now I don't mind wearing glasses at all and quite enjoying picking out which ones to wear everyday - you tend to build up quite a collection over the years! But I often wonder what it would be like to wake up in the morning and actually be able to see without scrambling around for some specs. This is where eye surgery comes into play. It's something I've often thought about but truth be told I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to procedures. It's so important to find a reputable company as your eyes play such an important role in everyday life. 

In my opinion it's best to pick the experts so make sure you do plenty of research before you take the plunge. Optical Express could be your first port of call - there's even a test you can take online to see if you're suitable!

Have you ever considered laser eye surgery? Or have any of you even had it? 

P.S thankfully I grew out of big hoop earrings, a Croydon face lift and metal frames. No fringe has never been a good look for me. Who knew this 14 year old girl might one day be a fashion blogger  eh?!

This contains a sponsored link. 

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New Look A/W 2013 picks

If it's one thing New Look needs a gold star for, it's for the shoes. They always have such a cracking selection at really reasonable prices and it looks like next season will be no different. The black and gold sandals are calling my name - going to have to try and hunt them down when the time comes! I'm loving all the boot cut outs. They're perfect to jazz up a simple casual outfit.

Next season seems to be a never-ending stream of luxe fabrics, warm rich tones and ankle straps. By the looks of the weather lately it seems like we won't have too long to wait until we can wear these beauties! I wish they'd hurry up and pop up in the store!

What do you like best?

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When I was a child, running in the night, I was afraid of what might be

Outfit:
Light cropped denim jacket: Primark
Grey boyfriend fit t-shirt: Asos
Floral elasticated bottomed trousers: c/o George at Asda
Silver bow flat sandals: Random local boutique
White gem statement necklace: c/o New Look

I mentioned a little while ago that these trousers from the George at Asda press event were by far my favourite item of the day and they very kindly offered to send a pair for me to style up. Lucky girl eh? I've gone for a casual vibe first but they can easily be dressed up for a night at the pub with a blazer and heels with a top picked out from a colour in the flowers. Reason number 46893642 why I love patterned trousers so much! These are literally the comfiest things I own - they're so soft on your skin. We all know scratchy materials are a no go especially if you're a wimp like me.

Are unable to jump off the patterned trousers train like me?

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A blast from the past

Outfit:
Yellow 50s style dress: c/o Traffic People
Dove blue jelly heels: Vivienne Westwood

I was very kindly gifted this beautiful retro dress when I attended the Traffic People press day before Christmas. If i'm honest this is dress couldn't be more perfect for me if it tried. It incorporates my favourite era, it's my favourite type of length, it has sleeves and it's in my favourite colour. Any dress that I can swish about in like a lady gets the thumbs up from me! I don't often wear yellow despite it being my favourite colour like I said but it just instantly makes me feel happy. It reminds me of warmer climates - sunshine isn't something we get often in England! This dress was absolutely brilliant to take away on holiday to Turkey last week.

Has anything from Traffic People caught your eye?

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If you're anything like me, come the second week of payday you're as poor as a pauper and have to stay in and stare at the four walls for the remaining of the week. So when Blinkbox got in touch with me and aksed if I was interested in reviewing some films I jumped at the chance. Watching movies online is a great way to save some money. Along with some cinema worth snacks - pizza and chips and dip for me - it can make staying in on a friday night a lot more exciting.




 

Have you tried Blinkbox yet?

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Turkey 2013

After getting back from a week long trip to Turkey I feel like I need another holiday. Isn't that always the way?! Last week I spent seven days in the bosom of my family - my mum, dad, nan and boyfriend -  for my mother's 50th birthday. With beautiful weather - i'd forgotten what 30 degree sunshine feels like - it was the perfect place to wind down and relax. I've got to be honest I didn't really do a lot apart from a few afternoon trips and sleeping. One day I reckon I must have slept for about 17 hours on and off. I turned into a sloth it seemed! Bodrum is a lovely place full of character. It's just a shame it doesn't have a beach but the jetty soon made up for that. After consuming enough food and alcohol to look nine months pregnant, i'm already counting down the days until my next trip to Ireland!

How have you all been keeping since i've been away? Will I be seeing anyone at the Rush Hair event tonight?

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Byron - A restaurant review

Burgers at the moment are my favourite things to eat so when I asked my friends out for dinner I naturally suggested them. Let me introduce you to Byron.

This is my second time to the chain but i'm in love. The courgette fries are worth a trip alonge. These beauties are heavenly. I would never have thought to try them if Hannah and Aisling hadn't suggested them but I honestly think they're better than normal fries. The mac and cheese was a welcome side too, if not a little odd with a burger. That's my boyfriend for you! I opted for the special this time which is sadly not available anymore but I can vouch for the cheeseburger with bacon. It's just as good.

Overall Byron makes a nice change from many chain restaurants. It has a great rustic atomsphere and the staff are always friendly. The burger is brilliantly cooked with just the right amount of pink middle. The bun soaks up the juice without falling apart too - nothing worse than a soggy bun as i'm sure you'll agree. Byron's not just restricted to London either. They have restaurants in Oxford, Cambridge and Kent too so make sure you check them out!

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This week i'm loving: High waisted bikinis

Orange frill high waisted bikini - Asos
Pinky red gingham high waisted bikini - Asos

As you read this i'll be sunning myself in 28 degree weather on holiday in Turkey. God this holiday was well needed this year! I've taken these two beauties along with me. The orange one I brought last week and the gingham one was a purchase from last year. I think the orange - so much more neon in real life -  one is for posing only as it doesn't feel too secure on! Flashing everyone in the pool is not on my agenda. I absolutely adore this retro style. My boyfriend thinks the bottoms look like a nappy but I love how it all sucks me in and makes me feel much more confident by the pool. My dreaded love handles suddenly vanish! Plus I like to pretend i'm a 50s siren in Cannes. Who doesn't?

Have you given into the high waisted trend?

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April empties

001: Boots Extract Cocoa Butter body wash
I've said it before but cocoa butter is my all time favourite smell when it comes to skincare. I'm drawn to it like a moth. As always boots extract didn't disappoint. It lathered up rather nice and left a gorgeous smell on my body. I love dinky size body wasahes like this as they're so handy to take away!

002: Loreal Elvive Full Restore Repairing Shampoo

003: Loreal Elvive Full Restore Repairing Conditioner
I loved this conditioner. I felt it made a real difference to my hair. The conditioner made it so easy to brush when I came out of the shower - quite a feat considering how much I have! A lot seemed to go a long way too, making it great value for money. I think I might purchase the set again after my current set runs out. Maybe try something else in the range.

004: Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin D
This product is my holy grail. I've been using it ever since I had a growth spurt at the age of 12 and got my first stretch marks. You can only imagaine how traumatic that was for a 12 year old! It reduces the redness to silvery line and if you use it religiously you can hardly tell they're there are all! It so lovely and thick so feels luxurious on your skin. If you buy any mosituriser make sure it's this one!

005: Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream
This is never something I would ever go out and buy - at least not at this age - so it was nice to give it a shot when it came in my glossybox. As imagined it made my skin feel so soft but you did have to use a fair bit to get even coverage. I can't imagine it's going to a product that lasts a long time!

006: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
I got this little sample in John Lewis on Oxford Street where you can help yourself - genius idea! I suffer with terrible dark circles and am struggling to cover them up. I'm not quite sure if this does the trick as it was such a small pot but it felt so smooth and gentle on my skin. A little went a very long way as you gently pat underneath the eye. I'll be making sure I buy the full version when I get paid.

007: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstruction c/o Aussie
I recieved three of these shachets through Sarah who is an Aussie Angel. It had just the right amount of product for my hair and made a world of difference. My hair had a gorgeous shine the next day. Great news as straightening seems to dull it. Anyone else have this problem?

Have you tried any of these products?

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