Diamonds aren't my best friend, but I think I'm a girl

I love to wear lots of jewellery. Thrown on a pile, they make me feel sophisticated and like a pirate's mount of treasure

  

However, I do have to confess, I absolutely adore the cheapest of the cheap. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a beautifully crafted a watch or whatever it may be, but the feeling of a brassy ring turning my finger green on a warm summer's day, can't express it! Anyone know what I mean? Most of my collection is made up of high street pieces and vintage, I own nothing expensive. Oh, and I have never bought a piece from the high street for full price, because why would you? It all goes on sale!

I thought it might be nice if I showed you just some looks and pieces I love wearing. These are by no means my collection, just my current favourites!

Everyday: Day to Night

Gold hoops- New Look 

Gold Thick Chain- modified from Topshop

I love this kind of look as it reminds me of the tacky hated fashion trends of the 80's/90's. It makes me feel as cool as an urban girl from some cool city like New York, is that a bit sad? I find this combo really goes with most casual things I wear (often t-shirt and jazzy skirt) I just like it, so cheap and dirty 

ANIMALS!!!!

 

The amount I love animal accessories is despicable, frankly. This is but a fragment of a wide collection of animal themed pieces. Its a combination of adoring animals and detailed pieces. I always like the metals used to make this kind of jewellery. It tends to be bronzey and worn looking, which I think looks really subtle and interesting.

 

 Work

 

My pieces at work have to be subtle. However, I like to express myself through interesting shapes, colours and combinations. I can't wear any statement pieces, but I love to rock some boho like colours, interesting shapes, and just simple layered key bits. 

Jewellery is such a personal thing, and I think it highlights style more than anything else you wear. I love looking at what people choose to wear, I hope you enjoyed this post!

Summer Battles

Long time no speak amigos!

But I'm back, indubitably with a post you're sick of reading about? Yes, these are my summer essentials. I find summer a right pain, all sweaty Betty going on. These products help me feel sane and go about my day (my obvious staple for this is

B-O-dorant but I'm not that icky) Enjoy!

Eau Thermale Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser

When you feel all yucky and sweaty and you just want to clean your mug, this is your guy. Its a milky cleanser which you don't use water with and you may be thinking, 'You plonker I want a cool down'... Fear not my lambs, just follow on to the next product...

BUY ME HERE

Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray

This product saved my life. Lets end it there. No not really, but it is cracking. I have somewhat an obsession with French skincare, and am quite the explorer in this field. Avene is an amazing brand, and I believe that all of their skincare is actually based upon this stuff. I believe it met all of the claims that are advertised with this, something so few products do. A spray of this and you feel so cool and fresh! My favourite ways to use this is as part of makeup removal as a toner, as an after sun or for a cool down, and when my skin is sensitive or red. At a humble £6.50, it's worth a go

BUY ME HERE

Tinted Moisturiser Spf 15

This by all means is not the greatest product in the world. The colour range is off, it smells funny and it takes a little bit of work to get a good finish. BUT it's £1.50 a tube, and if you know what you're doing with a decent makeup brush, you'll get very good results. I'm a big ELF fan (bar the shipping fees, I bloody hate shipping fees) and with a decent stipple/buffing brush, and a little blending, you can actually get a good coverage from this. The SPF makes it perfect for those (rare) sunny days. Give it a go and see how it treats you!

BUY ME HERE

No7 Cheek Tint Blusher

A lovely cream to powder blush, which makes it easy to blend into 'glowing' cheeks whilst leaving the skin nice and matte. This gets a bit of stick about its consistency but i disagree. The shade 'peach' is perfect for some colour without bronzing, something I don't enjoy doing

 

 

 

HIYA

THAT GOT YOUR ATTENTION DIDN'T IT

Thought I'd share some of my recent buys with you, just because I enjoy peeping at other people's myself.

Aztec print black and white skirt. Primark £8

Brown brogues with felt detailing. Primark £8 *on sale*

Red Tartan high waisted skirt. Boohoo.com £8 *on sale*

Tie-dye dress with cut out hip detail. Boohoo.com £14

THIS IS NOT FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS

(I'm not a fan of that shop, they're a bit evil, but I won't rant)

vintage authentic army jacket. Vintage shop in central Newcastle called FLIP £14.99 (BARGAIN RIGHTZ?)

Faux brown leather messenger bag with gold hardware. H&M £14.99

headband with gold sequins feature pattern. Vintage £1.95

Skincare Routine For Oily/Acne Prone Skin

Being 18, I'm fully aware that my skin is very likely to be a pain and i just to embrace the fact I have good genes and (hopefully) it'll all calm down in the end. My daily skincare routine is one that is currently working for me really well, but you have to bare in mind everyone is different, and elements such as diet and pollution will also affect your skin. I have tried MANY different kinds of products, with varying price tags and I can definitely say this is the best my skin has reacted to anything for a while. So here it goes! 

WARNING: my favourite brand will be very clear upon reading this...

MORNING 

everyday ...

Wash my face using Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub 

 

Effective at removing overnight oil build up whist feeling really refreshing (smells amazing too!) The ingredient I think it what's really helping fight off those impurities I'm prone to is Salicylic Acid. I know this can work differently for different people but if you've never tried anything containing it, this is a good place to start. 

I'm not one for toning, I think at my age it's not too important. A splash of cold water does the job perfectly!

Most important for me, despite having oil skin it the moisturiser. The products I use to fight off my acne can be drying, and over drying oily skin can increase oil producing, hence worsening the situation!

Olay Complete Care Daily UV Fluid SPF15 100ml

 

Light but moisturising, this is my perfect moisturiser. This acts as the perfect make up base too. Couldn't recommend it more!

once a week...

Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish 

 

I've never seen such a dramatic before and after as when I use this. This scrub really cleans and brightens the skin. This is quite a pricey product and in all honesty, whilst I love this product, I'm more using it up rather going out there to use it. 

EVENING 

everyday...

Remove make up and cleanse the skin using Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash 200ml 

 

Same formula as my morning face was but is more gentle and and effective at removing make up. 

Same thing with the toner! 

 The moisturiser I use at night is Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser 50ml 

This moisturiser is strangely zingy! It has the most pleasant tingle when you apply it, which is odd for this kind of product. I couldn't use this in the morning as it's too heavy but perfect for the night time. 

from time to time...

On those lazy days, my favourite cleansing wipes are Neutrogena Visibly Clear Deep Cleansing Wipes 25 

 

 

 

Get Your Socks Into These Beauties

This feature is inspired by this month's issue of FRONT magazine (yes, I know, it's a little bit wrong for me to enjoy a magazine which is technically a 'lads mag' and we all know the connotations of them, but I absolutely dig FRONT. I don't think they objectify women and they can have interesting features, except sometimes getting their music ALL WRONG. but this isn't the time to debate, it's a time for shoes. Maybe a lot of people see these magazines as negatives because there aren't female aimed equivalent publications? Do women want this? SHUT UP MARIA) 

Here's some shoes, all kinds of shoes, it's a shoe emporium TRALALALAAAAAA!!!

1. adidas Neo Daily QT Trainers  

2. Nike Ruckus Mid 

3. Nike Blazer low vintage black suede

4. Vans Authentic black mono

5. Black cross front low wedges Dorothy Perkins £32

6. KRAFTY Cut Out Brogues Topshop £56

7. Mildred t-bar black Office £45

8. Mick nude Office £60

9. Nike Dunk Hi AC Obsidian

10. Nike Coast classic TM red/burg

11. Nike Toki bbq brown

12. Nike Air max 1 Julep blue/lime

13. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy heel platform turq suede Office £105

14. Pink Cross Over Low Wedge Dorothy Perkins £32

15. Sweet Curve High Sling Backs Topshop £75

16.  Black Platform Mary Janes Dorothy Perkins £42

17. Jeffrey Campbell Kelley Sole Struck $114.95 (international shipping)

18. Mirar Pink H By Hudson £140 

19. Bolero Flax H By Hudson £100

20. Slingback Black Lace Ups Berite Ebay Outlet £34

 

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things

(big up Julie Andrews)

Sorry I've been gone for a while, here are some of the things that have been keeping me away

A Weekend Of MakeUp With Me

Friday 

Day to night, easy transition 
Simple winged liner using Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner. On the lips I used Collection 2000 Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream in Cotton Candy.
(Please excuse my stump hand in the first image)

Saturday 
Night out
On the eyes I used the blue from the sunset Sleek pallet with a 17 kohl eyeliner in an electric blue. Then lined the lash line with a slight wing with a black gel liner, using it also on my water line. I just used a simple balm on the lips.

                                 

Sunday 

Plain and simple work look

Very lashy look using the double ended Estee Lauder mascara, accompanied by the classic winged liner. On the lips I have Revlon's Pink In The Afternoon

Best TV shows to get your eyeballs on

Classics 

Arrested Development 

Dysfunctional family, check. Will Arnet, check. Child Michael Cera, check, Tobias Funke's innuendos. Unfortunately, this true genius was axed in 2006 though three strong series were made. Damn you America and your lack of knowing what's funny. Fear not my humorous lovelies for a movies is in the works! YESSAAIIII

Black Books 

Proper British comedy that's so devilishly unexplainable it makes the most sense. Black Books has such a strong cast including Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran. I highly recommend you check this out. If you're in the UK it's ALL available on 4od FREEEEEEEEE. 

Peep Show 

 Welcome to the complex world of a cynic. If you ask me what British channel 4 stands for I'd reply Peep Show. So cleverly simple, just a couple of ageing men being pretty pathetic really. An absolute legend of modern TV, if such a thing exists. Love. All hail Super Hans.

Thick Of It  
OK, so, this is a political drama. But as long as you enjoy laughing till your sides hurt at the most genius insults known to man it doesn't even matter. Watch this stuff and you'll understand. Intellect does not come into this, in fact, the whole show is somewhat about a lack of just that. Genius stuff. And a film of it too!

Watch It Now Because I Have No Doubt Evil TV Networking Companies Will End It Soon 

Because this these shows are all still currently airing, and I do not want to ruin them for anyone (I'm the queen of plot spoilers) I will simply make you aware of them with trailers. Basically, I don't watch TV ever, but I make a conscious effort to be hooked on the following shows...

 

Community 
Trailer for season three (currently airing in the US) 
This is a trailer for season 3, therefore it reveals little about the show. Can I point out it is a mockery of modern cinematic trailers, hence the epic music. This is one of the cleverest, most well constructed shows to come out of America so start from season one and YOU WILL BE HOOKED. #sixseasonsandamovie 
 

Supernatural 
Trailer for season seven (currently airing in the US) 
This is the last series of this show (WHICH MAKES ME WANT TO CRY). Again, start from the beginning, this is an INSANELY amazing show, which despite this trailer isn't at all scary or full of gore, but in fact pretty hilarious whilst exploring some seriously deep issues which I won't get into because no one actually care. To be honest, I think I could write quite a hefty essay on this stuff. 

Danger 5 
TRAILER  
THIS IS EXACTLY HOW IT LOOKS. Scale model dinosaurs YES, a leader with the head of a bird YES, a Russian foxy militant spy YES.  The best thing to come out of Australia? Yes sir, yes it is. Thank God for Hitler, am  I right? please note I do not mean that literally, this is a hilarious show and a mockery needs to be made from those who perished out world I DON'T ACTUALLY LIKE HITLER.

 

Death Valley 
TRAILER  
 I never thought I could truly enjoy something MTV produced on a conscious level, buy hear yee hear yee I'm a-lovin' this. Just when you think the vampire and zombie thing has been drained of it's last juices (D'YA GET IT HAHAHAHAHAHA) this comes and smacks you in the face. I Love when a show has some new faces too who you know are going to blow your mind on the screen soon. WATCH THIS IT'S HILARIOUS

Spring Wishlist

1. Your Eyes Lie. Everyday basic wear, unique and can make any outfit that bit more interesting BUY ME HERE

2. Topshop. I work in an environment where I'm expected to look a certain way so when i can add a bit of girly excitement to an outfit I jump at the chance. I'll be  rocking things like this for work all Spring/Summer and I think this one will be especially flattering BUY ME HERE

3. Topshop. The transition dress... a whole day swanning around a park and eating cake followed by a sweaty club. All you have to do is add a pair of heels (not that I would, I'd simply change my boots and add eyeliner, but you get the feel) BUY ME HERE

4. Bertie Ebay Outlet. My PERFECT medium between a summer shoe and a boot, and the closest I'm willing to go to a sandal. I think these are truly beautiful shoes that will last forever. They will go quickly so hurry!!! BUY ME HERE

5. Rockit. Fun pattern and a floaty fit, the perfect skirt for the warmer weather just to run around in being a general girly BUY ME HERE 
PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS A VINTAGE SHOP SO SINGLE STOCK APPLIES, AS DO LIMITED SIZES 

Top 10 films to make you feel better about being a woman

If you're not already fist pumping 24/7 about your lady parts (if you have lady part that is, honchos are also welcome), then by the wonderful medium of motion picture I hope to encourage you do so.

10. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World 

Ramona Flowers 

  

You know when someone is so over done, over talked about, overrated? This is not the case with Ramona Flowers. Despite the fact that my generation of cool hip parents are more than likely to all name their spawn after this bundle of joy, I care not, for she is blessed with the best fictional name of all time. And she changes her hair for deeply rooted unexplainable reasons (LIKE ME. FYI, my favourite is green) 

She doesn't let no man just have her, you must battle. And she's got wicked skills, and is just generally the best ever. 

9. The Graduate

Mrs Robinson 

 The ultimate fox. Yes, she is a little bitch *spoiler alert* but when you're that cool and charming does it matter? Also little fact, despite wor Dustin Hoffman was supposed to play a bairn seduced by a mature lady, she was only a few years older than him. OH YOU OLD DOG 

8.  An Education

Jenny Mellor 

 

A true story about a girl who must choose between her dreams of an Oxford education or whether to hang with a hip handsome older gent. I guarantee this will make you pat your crotch and say 'thank God I didn't grow a tadge in the womb'. Do we need a man, or An Eduction? HAWAY MAN THERE'S NO COMPETITION, GAN FOR THE GUY WHO TAKES YA TO PARIS (I'm obviously joking, I'm an academic snob)

7. Hard Candy 

Hayley Stark 

  This young androgynous piece of Ellen Page is just such a powerful young character. She's intelligent, knows how to handle herself, and is capable of unspeakable things (ouch). Generally brilliant film full of twists, with the central theme of a rock solid kid with a quite a head on her shoulders. 

6. Amelie

 Amelie

The single cutest film known to man, with the single best hair cut ever for the single most iconic character ever know. Amelie is a lady who does things no woman would dare, and manages to be French all at the same time. Everyone loves a friendly nutter, and when they're this good at making a man meet them, there is little else you need.

5. Fifth Element 

Lilu 

 Lilu's character represents the greatest being in the world that returns to save the planet from an imminent death. The face this 'being' comes to Earth as a lady says a lot, right? She's also insanely smart and strong, and obviously beautiful. And she gets to chill with Bruce 'tank tops' Willis, which is always nice.

  4. Planet Terror

 Cherry Darling 

 Miss Darling can truly stand up for herself, don't need no man, and she's super beautiful. Oh, and did I mention she handles loosing her leg pretty well... by attaching a machine gun to it (I'm aware this is a rip off of the Japanese film Machine Girl, but this is Tarentino, duh)

3. True Romance
Alabama 

  Alabama is my ultimate female icon. She's brave, loving and isn't afraid to prance around in a blue bra. I also have a weird bond with ladies of the night, I wonder why... She is continuously shown to be really tough mentally and physically. I love that this doesn't translate in her costume. I think the idea that a woman shouldn't be feminine and slutty if she wants to be taken seriously is about as backwards as Russia's agricultural system in the mid to late 1800's. That's me proving with a simple modern history analogy that WOMEN ARE SMART AND COOL.

2. Barbarella 
Barbarella 

 

I find it DISGUSTING that this film received a mere 5.8 on IMBD. IT'S ABOUT A LADY, WHO IS THE ULTIMATE SEX BEING. It's absolutely flawless. The costumes (credited to no less than Paco Robane) are ever changing due to Barbarella's continuous struggle to keep her clothes on. If you haven't seen it, and want to feel like the ultimate sexual being, this is for you. There is just so much nude Jane Fonda, I'm going to put it on right now I'm that excited. 

1. Alien 

Ripley 

 Absolutely lethal, independent, unbeatable. And, of course, a woman. She needs no more than to say she's one of the toughest characters ever, regardless of her gender.

How to be beautiful like a proper student

So I read dozens of blogs and watch tons of videos about how us who pretend to be in education but are really just pissing about can save money on our ever important beauty routine. Usually, I've found the recommendations are along the lines of 'find a Mac dupe', or 'get yourself a cardie from Primark instead of Topshop'! Well, I can guarantee, the following guide will go beyond saving £3 and turn to dirty tactics and being a filthy cheapo without anyone even knowing...

Skincare

1. Beauty starts from within. If you're waking up with boils on your face, maybe consider it's because it's Wednesday and you've already had three takeaways. 

2. Let your face have an occasional day off from the old slap! This way, it'll last a bit longer and your skin is left to breath as if it had been reborn.

3. Now, this is where it gets a bit dirty. You think you have to start using cheaper brands of skincare due to the pinching budget? WRONG. In fact, aim higher. Top skincare brands offer tester samples like there's no tomorrow (especially if you pretend to write a successful blog...) Raid all your department and drug store and stock up.

4. It's what your mama taught you, and I stand by it. There ain't no better toner than cold water. 

5. Think homemade. Have a little google of recipes for homemade face/body scrubs, face masks, hair masks the lot. I have a cracking sugar scrub recipe that I find works a gem. 

Makeup

1. It's got to be saved again... Lurk around those high end beauty counters! I'm currently using Chanel foundation for the decent price of £0

2. Simple, but don't be wasteful. Buy products and use them up till the end. Or maybe you shouldn't have bought it?

3. Look out for tacky makeup stands you can find in most shopping malls in the UK. They stock a high number of quality brands at below trade price. They often get dismissed but they're find once you dig your way through the stacks of plastic false nails, vajazzles and L'Oreal's RollOn Foundation (WHY DID THEY THINK THAT WAS FINE)

Fashion

 1. Charity shops are the ONE. Now that they've gotten pretty hip and happening, most of them have improved their smell too. Have a little rummage and I guarantee you'll find some amazing stuff

2. MAKE DO AND MEND, still ever so relevant today. And why not? That way you know you'll be unique. 

3. Steal you acquaintances clothes. But seriously. Have you ever looked though your friends/boyfriends/sisters wardrobe? You know we all have that corner that we stock unworn clothes in? Well that's the corner to raid! They can't quite throw them out but they'd be happy to see you strutting in them

Not being a vegetable and leaving the house occasionally

1. There are simply tons of venues out there that will put on club nights for students for pennies, take advantage!

2. Have a W I C K E D house party (and invite me)

3. Visit local businesses such as small cafes/restaurants or opt for an independent  cinema. They tend to be a lot cheaper, friendlier and overall a better experience. 

4. Go for a little stroll 

5. Volunteer. Not only you benefit that way.