Christmas Haul

This Christmas I was given this gorgeousness Aztec print midi dress as a gift. This dress is available from Penneys stores nationwide.

Another fab present I was given are these toasty Christmas socks. I'm in lov with the festive design on these wooly wonders. The socks are available in Penneys stores nationwide.

One of my favourite gifts this Christmas has been this fabulous bag from River Island. I had been eying this beauty up for a few weeks and was delighted by the surprise! You can shop River Island in the sale at www.riverisland.co.uk.






I also received this cute wallet from River Island as a gift and it goes gorgeously with the handbag. It has lots of compartments for all your cards etc.
www.riverisland.co.uk

My final gift was this amazing Lipsy watch. The watch has a silver and rose gold look and I really wanted a rose gold watch so I was delighted. I find this watch is glitzy enough to wear for special occasions. www.lipsy.co.uk

Penneys (Primark) Mini Haul

Today I will share some of the amazing bargains I have picked up recently at Penneys. I needed to pick up a few dresses for going out and for upcoming occasions. Here are my favourites:

The red long sleeve lace dress comes with a skinny leather belt. This dress has a slight scoop to the neckline at the back and cost €7.

The cream beaded V-neck dress is has an open back to it and the beads give it a glamorous finish. This cost just €3 in the Penney's sale.

If you are looking to embrace your inner biker chick, this dress is for you. I was cautious about the dress at first but loved the look when I tried it on. Another bargain at only €3.

A slip is a must have for any and every occasion. This essential for every fashionista cost only €6. 

Midweek Manicure and Pedicure

This week I am going to take you step by step through my midweek manicure and pedicure. This is a cheap treat you can do at home and it is very relaxing. Having your nails done really makes you feel great too!


Step 1. Remove old Nail Polish

Remove old nail polish using a nail polish remover and some cotton pads or cotton wool balls. I use the Cien nail polish remover from Lidl. It is handy to use as it has a built in dispenser which avoids mess and leaks.

See photo on left before nail polish was removed.

See photo on the right, Cien Nail Polish Remover from Lidl €1.49

Step 2. Soak Feet

I usually soak my feet in a tea tree or peppermint based wash. Use a basin filled with tepid/warm water and add the foot soak or foot wash and mix until bubbly. It is usually enough to soak your feet for about 15 minutes or so.

Step 3. Dry, Cut and File

At this point you are now preparing your feet for your pedicure. You need to use a fluffy towel and ensure you have dried your feet thoroughly. You then can cut your nails and ensure that they are straight across. If you cut your nails with a curve it can encourage in grown toenails. File your toenails straight across and remember to file in one direction only.

Step 4. Look after your cuticles!

Orange sticks are brilliant for pushing back your cuticles before a manicure or pedicure. You should also check that there are no quicks coming up at the side of the fingernails and give them an all round tidy up. At this point you can massage some cuticle oil in for good measure.

Step 5. Apply base coat

Applying a base coat is so valuable. It helps to protect your nails from staining. It also makes your nail polish last longer, and look more vibrant. I always apply one coat of base coat and let it dry fully before continuing.

Step 6. Apply your chosen Nail Polish

An easy way to apply nail polish is by using three strokes. Paint the first stroke down the centre of the nail. The next two strokes go on the left and the right hand side. This makes for a quick and even finish. I have chosen a striking blue from Barry M. The Gelly Hi Shine polish gives a fabulous glossy look finish. This costs €5.99 in Boots and the shade is called Blue Grape.

Step 7. Apply a top coat

I am not great at sticking to this step especially if I am in a hurry to get out the door. Using a top coat will help your nail varnish last for longer and give a nicer looking finish. The top coat I have chosen to use is the Nail Essentials Quick Dry Top Coat. This is giving my mani-pedi great longevity!

Step 8 Tidy up the edges for a sleek finish

You can twist an orange stick into some cotton wool and dip this in nail polish remover. You can then use this handy utensil to tidy up the edges of your nails if you have made any mess. Voila!

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Top tips for Vintage Shopping

1. Wear comfortable shoes
This is probably an obvious one, but wear some comfortable shoes. Even better than that if you have some comfortable shoes that are easy to get on and off. #winning

2. Plan your shopping trip
If you plan ahead for your journey, and you know the route, you can ensure that getting to the shops or market will be stress fee. If you can get to the shops early you can then have the luxury of beating the queues for changing rooms and get your hands on all the best stuff. #swag

3. Make a list
Be realistic, look at your wardrobe and make a list of what you need, or a wish list. This is something that will guide you and curb impulse buying that is all to easy when you are surrounded by gorgeous vintage goodies.

4. Wear suitable clothing
Wearing something stretchy and easy to get on and off will save you time. I usually wear leggings and a t-shirt or vest.

5. Bring Snacks
I don't know about you guys, but I get really hungry when I am out and about. I usually bring some apples, oranges, cereal bars and crisps or rice crackers.

6. Get there early
The earlier the better, as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. The early vintage shopping bird catches all the bargains!

7. Stay hydrated
This is something I stand by everyday, bring some water with you. That shopping is thirsty work guys.

8. Stay focussed
Staying focussed is key, I have to admit I find it hard to stay on track. I really try not to buy frivolous items that I don't need. Look for classic items, like the LBD, a cocktail dress, leather jackets etc. Something that won't go out of fashion and that you can cherish for years to come.

9. Bring a brutally honest friend
This is something that took me years to learn, you need to bring along a friend that can give their honest opinion when you are trying on clothes. A friend that is saving your feelings by being nice about outfits you try on that look ghastly, is not going to be much help.

Happy Shopping everyone!!


 

Wedding Guest Style

I thought I should write this post as a lot of my readers will be attending weddings coming into the spring and the summer. I myself had a number of weddings to attend so I have been very busy preparing my ensembles. Sticking to a fairly tight budget, I have a few bargains mixed with items I already owned.

Outfit #1

For this outfit I used a black and gold theme. I picked up this glitzy gold and black dress from Penneys for €7. The shoes I had bought many months ago from boohoo.com for €20. The black clutch bag was €3 from Penneys a few months back as well. Here you have an entire outfit for €30!!


Outfit #2

 

 

This royal blue dress is from A-Wear, I got it in the sale for €15 just before Christmas. I teamed it with two pieces I already owned. The royal blue shoes were €5 from Penneys. The multi-coloured clutch bag was only €3 from Heatons. The total cost of this outfit was only €23!

 

 

 

 



 

My 5 most loved products for November

I would love to share my most loved products from last month. All these bottles are empty because I couldn't stop using these beauties!

1.Cien Provitamin Conditioner- Volume and Style
Since I got my new hair extensions I have been flying through bottles of conditioner like there is no tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I need to add volume to my hair as I notice that it can look flat now that there is so much length to my hair. I picked this conditioner up whilst doing my grocery shopping in Lidl.

2. The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish
I got this body polish as part of a gift set from the Body Shop. I would tend to use this product as part of my exfoliation routine when I am preparing to put on some fake tan. The body polish does exactly what it says on the tin. There are lots of little seeds that scrub and polish your skin to perfection. This gem retails at about €14.50 at the Body Shop.

3. Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan
This fake tan has been the lifesaver for many last minute nights out this month! The foam is light, and also has a slight golden brown colour as you are putting it on. This is something I think all fake tans should have as it helps you avoid the dreaded white patches! When you are stuck for time this is the ultimate tan and I find that if you moisturise you can have a golden glow for 2 or even 3 days after you apply. This tan is also such great value if you are on a budget, at €7.99 you can't go wrong. Cocoa Brown is stocked in Penney's, Tesco and pharmacies nationwide.

4. Pretty Quik Manicure on the go- Instant Nail Polish Remover
I wish I could remember where I picked up this gem! The Pretty Quik Instant Nail Polish Remover is exactly as its name describes it. You get a little pot that contains a sponge soaked in nail polish remover with a criss cross incision in the middle. You pop your fingernail into the middle of the sponge, twist and voila your nail polish has been removed! This is also a bargain at only €3.00 in Boots stores.


5. Nivea Pearl and Beauty Cream Oil Shower
This shower cream has been great to keep my skin moisturised in the cold weather. I have found that my skin has been getting really dry from central heating and cold weather. You can really notice the difference after using this shower cream for a week. It is also great value if you are on a budget, as this retails at about €2.59 in Boots stores.

ELF Christmas Haul

Last week I received an email about E.L.F. having a 50% off sale on all products.

I was mulling over ideas on what to get my sisters as stocking fillers for Christmas so I checked out the sale on the E.L.F. website at www.eyeslipsface.co.uk.

I chose some gifts for myself while I was looking, as the prices are such great value it is hard to say no. I have bought makeup from the E.L.F. website in the past and found it to be of good quality and great value.

Glitter Nail Polish
The festive season calls for some glitz and this glitter nail varnish from E.L.F. will jazz up any ensemble. It can be used for all over cover, or you could paint your nails with all over colour and a statement nail.

This nail polish costs just £2.50, which is great value.

 

Festive Eye Shadow Palette

 

 I picked up a few of these 32 piece 'Festive Eye-shadow Palette', cost £6, as great gifts for my friends. These gifts are something that can be used so much over the festive season and throughout the year. I love the mixture of bright and smokier colours, it means that a wide range of looks can be created with one single palette.

E.L.F. are currently running a special offer on their website, giving a free gift when £15 or more is spent. I must say that almost every time I shop on the E.L.F. website, there is usually a great special offer or freebie available!

Plumping Lip Glaze

I know a lot of readers will know the 'Sexy Mother Pucker' plumping lip gloss by Soap and Glory at Boots. I am a huge fan, I love the effect and look that the gloss gives. For all the bargain hunters out there, I have found a cheap as chips version sold by E.L.F., the Plumping Lip Glaze, which retails at just £1.50 and comes in six luscious shades.