Beauty: In my Spring make up bag


NYX 'Ladylike' Baked Blush c/o: This gorgeous blush is the perfect highlighter. It gives you such a glow and you only need a tiny sweep of product to make an impact. Keep a steady hand as it has a lot of shimmer - you could end up looking like a disco ball. It will look gorgeous with a tan!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Trooper: I picked this up in Sephora during my trip to Chicago after a recommendation. Hands down my favourite eyeliner! It's so simple to use and creates the perfect cat eye every single time. The thin nib makes it so easy to get the perfect curve. I'll definitely be shipping another one over from the US once this runs out!

Bio Sculpture Gel '197' Nail Polish c/o: This gorgeous shade is such a pretty colour for Spring. It applies so easily and gives you a gorgeous shiny finish - no need for a top coat to get that shine! It's slightly streaky on the first application but once the second one goes on, it's great.


Essie 'Hubby for Dessert' Nail Polish: During a jet-lagged induced spree at 7am in the morning, I picked up this in Walgreens on holiday. I obviously needed more pastel colours in my life... I haven't worn this yet but I just know it's going to be on rotation throughout Spring.

Kat Von D 'Berlin' Everlasting Lipstick: This was a cheeky splurge whilst I was in Chicago - I couldn't not pay a trip to Sephora! I'd heard a lot of good things about these lipsticks and they are certainly worth the hype! They dry matte and last forever! Seriously they won't budge. There's just something about Spring that makes me gravitate towards pink.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer: This saves my life. Every. Single. Day. It's the best concealer I've ever used and covers up those dark circles like a pro. It's lovely and thick and blends perfectly in. You've created a beauty Benefit!



Anatomicals Banana Lip Balm: I took this out of the beauty box at work when I needed a lip balm to combat the weather. It was a good shout! The smell is delicious - it immediately transports you to warmer climates. The change in seasons can be harsh on your lips so a decent lip balm is always a must. It's slightly gooey but does the job. You just need to make sure you only squeeze a little out!

Essie 'Blossom Dandy' Nail Polish: This was another polish that accidentally fell into my suitcase while I was in Chicago. I probably have five all similar to this shade but I'm a sucker for Essie and holiday money doesn't count right? It's such a pretty shade and is perfect for the warmer months. It only takes two coats before it's opaque and lasts a good few days before any sort of tip wear. Perfection!

Charlotte Tilbury 'Lost Cherry' Matte Revolution Lipstick: This was a very kind present from my blogging pals - they did good! I'm usually a red girl but this shade is stunning. It goes on like a dream and has good staying power. It's a great shade to add a little pop to your outfit - certainly makes a statement.

Maybelline Dream 'Coffee Cake' Bouncy Blush: I always find a cream blush is much more suited to Spring than a powder. I love this layered over a slight peach blush for a sun kissed look. Try not to be too heavy handed as you can tend to look like a clown. Build it up slowly!


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OOTD: Paisley Shirt







Outfit:
Sheer paisley shirt: c/o George at Asda
Blue mock zip skinny jeans: c/o George at Asda
Gem nude sandals: c/o George at Asda
British Racing Green leather satchel: The Cambridge Satchel Co.

I was contacted by George at Asda and asked to take part in their #geniusjeans campaign designed to show off their selection of jeans. Take a peak as they have something for everyone! The second part of the collaboration is coming next week! 

Whenever the warm weather starts to make an appearance, this is my go-to outfit. A pair of jeans and a thin shirt. British weather is so unpredictable that you just can't jump into bare legs head first. Chances are come the afternoon, it's going to be raining! These jeans fit like a dream with just the right amount of stretch to make sure that big lunch isn't going to cause you pain all afternoon. There's nothing worse than jeans that just don't get that massive pizza you managed to scoff. Amiright?

I still haven't finished my Illinois round up but thought I'd break it up so you don't get too overwhelmed. There's more coming later this week! I've got so much to talk about.

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Chicago City Guide

MileNorth Hotel
Whilst in Chicago I stayed in this boutique hotel. Located Downtown, it's just off the famous shopping street Magnificent Mile. The staff were really friendly and my room was insane. I was very kindly put up in a suite and it has to be one of the biggest rooms I've ever stayed in. It's even the proud owner of a rooftop bar - sadly it wasn't open for the season when I was there. The bed was massive and I slept like a baby all three nights. I'd really recommend this if you're ever in the city.

Wicker Park
If you've got a soft spot for second hand shopping, this is your neighbourhood to visit. It's got an abundance of vintage shops - some are quite pricey - alongside the famous consignment stores Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange. It's around $13-14 for a cab journey each way. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at Dove Luncheonette - well worth the queue!

The Signature Lounge at the 96th
The views from the top of this bar will blow your mind. I'm a sucker for a good view and this one is gorgeous. It's well worth the price of the cocktail to be greeted with that sight. Go at night and the city is absolutely stunning. It was one of my favourite parts of the trip. Try to go during the week and fairly early to avoid the queues. Keep in mind they don't take reservations.

Skydeck Ledge
The unique selling point of the Willis Tower is it has an impressive glass ledge that extends out 4.3 feet. It's such an odd experience to step out and peer down such a staggering drop. My legs felt like jelly as I tentatively stepped out but it was such an amazing feeling. It's the tallest building in the western hemisphere at 1, 353 feet. Definitely something not to be missed!

Boystown
This strip is full to the brim of LGBT bars and clubs. We only went out to one bar and stayed a little while because we had a band to catch. But it looked like it would be such fun and I have from a source that it was so much fun. If I ever come back I'll definitely schedule in a night out here! It's not too far from Wrigleyville which is also a fun place to have a boogie.

Firecakes Donuts
Oh Americans know how to do doughnuts right? These were incredible. So sugary and sickly sweet which is the only way a doughnut should be. Pick up a cup of their freshly squeezed orange juice too. I personally had a soft spot for the Old Fashioned Buttermilk and the Butterscotch Praline. Grab a couple to go and wander around the city enjoying the hustle and bustle.
Lou Mitchell's Diner
Lou Mitchell's is the starting point of the original Route 66 in Chicago. The portions are huge and the service is quick and to the point. It sets you up fantastically for the day! Have the scrambled eggs - they're so fluffy and dreamy. It's not the most fanciest of food but it's very good food. Nice comfort food which is always the ticket. They've been feeding the hungry mouths of road trippers since 1923 so there's lots of history steeped in the place.

Millennium Park
If the sun is shining, make sure you head to the park. Here you'll find the infamous 'Bean' aka Cloud Gate sculpture. You'll be able to see the beautiful skyline of the city reflected - take a walk underneath it. The park is a great place to wander around and gaze at the different sculptures, fountain and outdoor galleries. Grab a takeaway and sit down for a spot of people watching.
Odyssey Dinner Cruise
Lake Michigan is absolutely huge and the best way to appreciate it is with this dinner cruise. Setting off from Navy Pier, you'll be able to enjoy a three course dinner as the sun sets. It circles the river, offering you stunning views of the city behind you - I'm overusing the word stunning right? I just can't think of any other word! You'll get a free glass of champagne and a disco thrown in too for the price. Make sure you hop up to the observation desk for some great picture opportunities.
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A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

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sophie.warner89@yahoo.co.uk.

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