It has to be Simply Bourjois-ful.

<3

Hello.  Sorry for the lack of posts of late; Uni work seems to be taking over during second year.  As the Easter hols commence however, I've decided I need a completely new skin regime.  With running around London, late nights & more caffeine than my body can handle, I definitley feel it's showing it's effects on my skin.

I was inspired by April's Vogue on their daycare beauty products; displaying lavish crèmes and serums at a purse pinching £50 a tub... Needless to say after a term of living in London a spare £50 to treat myself is nowhere to be found.

Back to the highstreet brands it is!  With this in mind I've decided to purchase Simple's 'Vital Vitamin - Day Cream' and the night cream version too.  At a mere £5.60 I hope I'm not too disappointed by this great find, but will let you know how they fair up.

I also purchased Bourjois' 'Healthy Mix Serum', a gel foundation that covers my skin really evenly complemented by a lovely smell too.  For 30mls it costs £10.99, not the cheapest high-street foundation; however I feel it really works with my skin & it'll get me by until I can purchase my all time favourite Dior 'Forever' foundation £31 on pay day!

Wishing for...

• Chanel's HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE Active Moisture Cream - £44
• Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation SPF 25 - £31
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 30ml - £36

Lauren-Eloise x

Zara Spree & Hair Update

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I love Zara. When I went a little while ago, I ended up taking about 20 things in to the changing room and having a hard time deciding what to actually buy.  Needless to say, there are items I still think about having left them behind.  How sad.  

The first thing I decided to get was this cute printed blouse with little studs on the collar and cuffs.  It's a really nice colour, the fabric's lovely, and there's a horse print version I like too.  I'll wear it with black skinny jeans and flats.

This simple light grey blouse is super comfortable and easy to wear.  It's quite low and sheer though, so a tank top underneath it is necessary. Cute buttons too.

This is SO comfortable and easy to wear, I absolutely love it! I can't find it on the website but it was about £16. It has raw edges, and a pretty low back so it looks summery and a bit sexy without being obvious.  Sorry about the clear lack of ironing that went on there.

The last thing I bought was this dress which, again, I can't find on the site. It's dark grey and very fitted with sleeves that end just above my elbows.  I'm tall (as you may remember) making it very short on me so I'd definitely wear this with opaque tights during the day but it would make a great sexy  number for a night out.  Again, very comfortable and easy to throw on and feel good in.

Also, I wear a very similar style from French Connection for work.  It's called the Samantha Stretch and they've brought out a navy and a gorgeous plum colour this season.  Universally described as 'the fit dress' in store, it's a sure fire hit for sexy success, and so it should be for about twice the price of this Zara option which was £35.99.

A little end note - I dyed my hair and I'm now a brunette! My stylist at John Gerard took me from brassy to classy in four and a half hours, leaving me with a fantastic head of healthy hair and a numb arse, and I cannot sing their praises enough. Easily the best salon service I have ever received, and believe me I've tried so many hairdressers.  I'm a one stylist girl from now on.

Sophie x

Inspiration and Realisation #1

Acne Rita Suede Aviator Jacket / Reiss Brandy Fitted Tailored Dress / YSL Obsession Satin & Suede Heels / VB Victoria Leather Tote

Can you tell I've been browsing Net a Porter? I've been really buying in to the fact I've turned 20 recently which has led to the purchase of some pieces I'd never previously given a second look. I think I reached a bit of a turning point, opened my wardrobe door and realised 'comfortable' really wasn't doing me many favours.

I'm back in Northumberland at the moment for some quality family time, but my list of desirables is certainly mounting.  I can't wait for the next trip to my beloved Zara where there are dresses, shirts and bags calling my name, Russell & Bromley who have a pair of really gorgeous ballet flats or Space NK so I can have a daub of some Chantecaille and By Terry.

I was thinking that in the mean time I might have to tide myself over with a cheeky purchase from American Apparel. Aren't they dreamy? Soft, squishy leather in gorgeous colours.  I was almost at the checkout when I found this tutorial showing you how to make your own and a DIY dream was born. When I get the material, I'll let you know how I get along!

Sophie x