Piece Offerings.

Firstly, I feel I should address the sizeable elephant in the room- yes, it's been like forever since either of us did a blog post. We apologise profusely and could, but won't, promise that it will not happen again as, we both know....it probably will! 

That aside, I felt it was time to share my recent faves in the hope that you too will discover a new friend and forgive me for failing to keep you up to date with any discoveries I've made in the world of fashion or beauty. Lame peace offering? Ah well, feel free to read on regardless.... 

If you know me, you'll know I'm my mother's daughter and ADORE a bargain! I unashamedly rarely pay full price for any additions to my wardrobe. As I don't really need them I will happily await that jolly big red sale sign in the window of my favourite high street shops or search on-line for a cheaper dupe of a piece I'm lusting after. 

So here's what my recent bargain-hunting escapades have unearthed.....

Photo from www.next.co.uk

Something I've been on the lookout for for sometime now has been a black knee-length leather (or pleather) A-line skirt. I have a long version from H&M which had been a real wardrobe staple of mine for a few years but feel it's more of an evening piece. I wanted an alternative to skinny jeans, which have become my weekend go-to. Wading through the rails in my local NEXT CLEARANCE shop I discovered this little beaut and instantly fell in love. I subsequently crossed all fingers and toes as they only had one in the shop and if it didn't fit I was likely to be in a bad mood for the rest of the day. Luckily it did (Next sizes are very generous, eh? I'm normally a size 12 on my lower half but this is a size 10 and I've got plenty of wiggle room). Originally £22, I got this for only £10. Bag yours now! 

BLACK 
http://www.next.co.uk/g5090s9#461685

METALLIC version 
http://www.next.co.uk/clearance/746541

I also nabbed a pair of culottes/wrap-over skirt for £4 but sadly I can't find these on-line. I have however concocted a list of a few others that may take your fancy. I rarely buy trousers (it's never a fun or rewarding experience) but when I spotted these I thought it was worth the risk of trying them on and possibly hating myself to find an alternative to the trusty LBD. Thankfully there was a positive outcome and I now may take the plunge more often when heading to the changing rooms,  without the fear of imminent self-loathing! 

Photo from www.zara.co.uk

ZARA just know how to do things, right?!

https://m.zara.com/uk/en/woman/trousers/culottes/flowing-trousers-with-knot-c0p4540009.html

H&M comfy-look culottes 

http://m2.hm.com/m/en_gb/productpage.0507382001.html#Black

New Look 

http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/trousers/black-tie-waist-culottes_391611001

If you're still pining after a Self Portrait dress but will never part with the wads of cash it requires, fear not as there's still plenty lookalikes out there to satisfy your burning desire to be the belle of the ball at this year's summer wedding. Although I didn't buy this recently (wore it last year to an Autumn wedding), this is the perfect dress for a wedding guest who wants to be able to wear it again. I got this in navy blue from TKMaxx for around £13 (told you I can sniff out bargains) but at £35 this is still a steal as this dress is beautifully made. Worried about wearing black to a wedding? Team it up with brightly coloured accessories & you'll be perfectly in keeping with wedding etiquette. But who actually adheres to that anyway?! 

Danity dress

http://www.rockmyvintage.co.uk/brands/danity/black-floral-prom-dress.htm

A New Look version 

http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/black-premium-lace-cold-shoulder-skater-dress-_511280901

Another similar style

http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/black-v-neck-cut-out-lace-midi-bodycon-dress_511300509?productFind=search

If you're looking for a more affordable option to the ever so popular Converse trainer look no further than Sports Direct. I have been wearing my white and grey Lee Cooper dupes for months (were only £5 a pop) and they're still going strong. Check out these Dunlop versions in silver. 

Dunlop pumps

http://www.sportsdirect.com/dunlop-canvas-low-ladies-trainers-248030?colcode=24803044. 

I loves me a shirt. I loves me anything grey. So combined with a bargain price tag, you'll find me to be one happy bunny. Picked up this striped, loose-fitting number by Velvet Heart from TKMaxx recently for £13. Although not available online, it may still be in store. Here's a very similar version from Velvet Heart. http://www.tkmaxx.com/womens-clothing-clearance/grey+white-striped-blouse/invt/01046557

If you hurry down to your local Primark you'll bag these babies for a mere £3! I got them in black, whilst Mimi opted for the white! Very on trend and ideal for wearing into the spring with a leather-look skirt or skinny jeans. They'll make any summer floral-print dress look a little more edgy. 

https://m.primark.com/en/product/white-cut-out-western-boots,R35397116968467

Well I'm all out of bargain buys and trust dupes for now but I hope (note the non-committal tone) to be back very soon with many more. I hope you accept our sincere apologies for the radio silence and wish you a merry shopping trip or two in the coming weeks. 

Hasta luego folks,

Weesse x

Weesse's Giving Guide....Part One

I LOVE Christmas!

Like, ADORE it! I love everything about it. The build up, the music, the films, decorating the tree, the scrummy food, quality time with family and friends & all that jazz. I also love giving gifts so it's just an ideal time of year for me. Howevs, I'm the biggest procrastinator when it comes to selecting gifts for peeps. I trawl the Internet for weeks in advance, hit the high street & lose countless hours to Pinterest as I feverishly try to locate the perfect pressie for each of my recipients. And it's blooming knackering! 

My plans to be super duper organised this year have been scuppered due to crappy back pain (Boooooooo!) so in my house arrest-cabin fevered state I'm thinking that online purchases will be the way to go for me this year, to ensure I don't end up in a tizzy the week of Christmas, running around grabbing gifts that I'm not really happy with. Hate Hate HATE that! 

Of course, like most I'm on a budget (always!) so I gotta be clever with my choices. The present has got to fulfill some criteria before it even becomes a contender. 

These are as follows (in no particular order): 

Be within budget
Be pretty, quirky, fun or practical 
Be personal 

I've made a start & thus far, I'm quite happy with my selections, although I do have HEAPS still to get. In my online travels I've discovered some lovely ideas for gifts & thought I'd share them with you. Just in the off-chance it may help someone out there who's feeling lost, uninspired or is in blatant denial that they need to start thinking about it pronto. Please note if you're likely to receive a gift from me....don't worry there's no spoilers here! Just nice ideas that may work for other. 

For Everyone

Photo from www.matalan.co.uk

A few weeks back I saw a billboard add for these alphabet scarves from Matalan in support of Alder Hey Children's Hospital  & thought they were such a cute, personal gift that are for a good cause, are great quality & don't cost the Earth (Only a tenner for the adult ones and a fiver for the kids' versions). They've ran out of some of the letters already but apparently more are due in and if you sign up to their email alert they'll get in touch when they become available.   Everyone needs a new scarf at Christmas (it's like the law) & with a range of cool colours & your initial on there, it makes for a super gift that gives back to those less fortunate. Result! 

Photo from www.guitarguitar.co.uk

This a bit of wild card pressie but I really think it could be for anyone. It's a ukulele (or a uke to the pros out there)! It's small, easy to learn and fun to play. Over the last few years it has over took the recorder as primary school teachers' go-to instrument for teaching music to pupils and with so many YouTube tutorials to hand (Check out 'Ukulele Mike'), you could be playing your favourite Crimbo tune by the time the brussels are ready.  They come in various colours, are relatively cheap and it's something a bit different for someone who like a fun surprise on Christmas morning. 

Check out Guitar Guitar Glasgow for their range or go in store. They're are loads of online sites offering deal too.  

For Her

Photo courtesy of www.burtsbees.co.uk

I actually got given this as a birthday gift in September from our lovely friend Jules and instantly fell in love with this range. One sniff was all it took. Burt's Bees originated in Maine in 1984 when the founders Roxanne Quimby and Burt Shavitz had a chance encounter, hit it off and and started a business creating candles from unused wax from Burt's beehives. The rest is history as they say (which is most interesting and worth a read) and they've created a uniquely packaged, gorgeously nature-based products that smell so yummy and feel great on your skin. Granted

I've only tested the products in this particular set so far but I definitely intend to try more of their range.  As I type this I have my tootsies slathered in the coconut foot cream under a pair of fluffy bed socks!

Best Buys

The Burt's Bees site has this in sale at the moment for £12.99 including other products and gift sets. However Boots also stock a lot of the range and if you're planning on taking advantage of their 3 For 2 offer, this particular set is currently the same price and you'll bag 1,299 Advantage Points too. A wee gift for you too!

Photo from www.selfystick.com

If your best friend, sister or mum loves taking selfies but hasn't quite got the knack of ensuring her full face is the pic, this is the pressie for her. A novelty gift that she'll love and that all the family can enjoy all year round. My hubby recently bought our dance troupe, The Kennedy Cupcakes a Selfy Stick and I tell you, we had sooooo much fun with it. A rather long wait at a gig was no longer a drag as we kept ourselves occupied creating fun groups selfy pics and videos. 

It comes with a Bluetooth remote and is relatively compact for taking on a night out. Holiday pics will never be the same again with this. 

For Him

My hubby is very difficult to buy for as he buys everything for himself. Throughout the year, if he sees something he likes, he buys it , hence making birthdays and Christmases a bloomin' nightmare to be honest. I like to buy surprise gifts for folks so sit doesn't sit well with me to have to purchase a gift that's been requested (unless there's  been a wish list for me to select from, leaving the element of surprise intact). I therefore rrrrrreeeeally dislike just giving vouchers or money. Im in no way criticising those who choose this option and in fact, I personally very much like and appreciate receiving cash to splurge in the January sales but when it comes to gifting I'd much prefer to pick out a gift that I feel is just right, wrap it up and see their reaction on Christmas morning as they tear off the paper to reveal the surprise. Selfish as it may seem....I want to get something out of giving a gift! 

The above quandary continues with hubby as we speak and with mu dad's birthday being 23rd December, he's not much easier to buy for either, especially when you're competing with mum and Mimi to purchase his favourites first.  

Photo from www.dermalogica.co.uk

When it comes to skincare, some men do and some don't...care that is but if they've got the tools to hand, they'll be more than likely to start. I've always been a fan of Dermalogica products and although of course I've never tried this kit (no jokes about having stubble!), you can bet you bottom dollar that this will be worth the money for your man. There's lots of sites offering their Shave Kit but two of the best prices I've come across are on UK Beauty Club  and John and Ginger. 

Check out www.dermalogica.co.uk for their full range of products available. 

Photo from www.beardo.co.uk

If he aint into grooming and he loves a novelty gift with a purpose, I recommend a Beardo UK hat. They were quite popular last year but if your man or mate hasn't already asked Santa for this, I think it's a winner for the guy who likes a laugh (and doesn't mind others laughing at him!). There's an option to remove the beard on some of the range too for those clean shaven days. Prices start at £20 and there's even a kid's version!! 

Stocking Filler Alert!

Photo from www.beardo.co.uk

They also sell this novelty set of beer tashes. Not as practical as the hat but think of the Christmas Day photos!

So, will that do you for now? Bear in mind it still is only November so there's plenty time for me to wrack up another list of potential pressie ideas for you. 

Happy shopping. Off you pop to buy a Selfy Stick, a Beardo hat and a ukulele.....can't WAIT to see the pics! 

Weesse x

REVIEW: House of Fraser Glasgow Urban Decay Event

Hi there!

Mimi here, completing my first blog entry for the Mimi and Weesse blog! Hope you are enjoying our posts so far. If you would like us to cover anything or review any products or services, please get in touch (totes not a hint to send us free stuff).

This post is a review of an Itison event I attended last week. House of Fraser in Glasgow were running their 'Beauty Confidential' event, which comprised various elements including demonstrations and discount offers. I purchased a ticket for the Urban Decay launch for the Thursday at 5pm and couldn't wait!

I arrived at Urban Decay and was greeted by the lovely Dionne. Orange juice in hand (pink fizz was also available) I was shown to a seat and so my 45 minute personal consultation/makeover began. The Urban Decay area was absolutely buzzing with various other ladies all getting tips and advice from the reps.

The event marked the opening of an UD area in Fraser's, with the only only one in Glasgow being at Debenhams, so Dionne was keen to talk me through various products while she asked me what kind of "look" I wanted to go for that afternoon. I have a confession to make: I LOVE getting my make-up done. Like, love it. I find it crazy relaxing. I even love watching people do their own make-up (see when people do their make-up on the train? Could actually send me to sleep it's so chillin'!). Therefore, it really didn't matter to me what Dionne done to my face, so long as she stroked it with lovely expensive make-up brushes and I got to smell lipstick I was happy :)

In spite of my indifference, Dionne was keen to keep me involved in the process and she showed me various different foundation samples and primers, asking me what kind of skin I had and what make-up preferences I had (heavy all the way baby). She started by prepping my face with their Vitamin Spray, which smelled just like Watermelon, followed by their Primer placed on my oiliest parts (forehead, nose and chin). She then buffed in their loose powder which, although a powder, contains tiny beads of water which add moisture and hydration. Right away my usually shiny forehead was matte.

After choosing a foundation shade (I was shade number 1), she contoured my face just so with a contouring palette. I was amazed at how little she used and the effect it gave me...this, I was told, was due to the high pigmentation levels in the product. A little really went a looong way!

Once my base was complete, we moved onto eyes. Now, UD is famous for their shadow collection, the NAKED Palettes. She showed me their NAKED2 palette which was full of gorgeous shimmering metallics and browns, as well as more matte neutrals. 

After prepping my eye with Eden (and eye-shadow primer is ESSENTIAL so I am told) she asked me to select my 3 favourite shades and got to work blending those bad boys together. After a precisely applied flick of black liner and light coat of mascara (according to Dionne I have good eyelashes anyway) all that was left were the brows.

Now, brows are a big thing to me. Like a BIG thing. Like MY thing. I like to think when I die, my tombstone will read "Emma Corcoran: brows were her thing". We had a long chat about our mutual brow appreciation and how they are most definitely a personal thing. I have not been blessed with symmetrical brows, nor are they dark in colour. I also have the odd bald patch meaning filling them in on a daily basis is A MUST. I normally use Boots' Natural Collection's eye-shadow in Walnut mixed with Illamasqua's Sealing Gel which gives me a nice liquid gel consistency pigment to paint on. Dionne however showed me how to use UD's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, warmed up on the back of the hand with a  small angled brush, to create a long-lasting defined line. Now at first, the shape wasn't me. It was good, just not "me". But, after taking a photograph I realised she had actually attained some symmetry between my brows and that the shape actually suited me, even if it wasn't what I was used to (more curved than straight). It was conclusive...brows were definitely still my thing.

After applying a slick of a gorgeous matte nude lipstick, my 45 minute (which was in reality 1 hour) makeover was complete, and I was delighted! For a measly £5 I had been given a whistle stop tour of UD's best products, as well as a few of the newbies on offer, all while chatting to a really genuine and friendly rep. There was no pressure to buy any full size items and I even left with a couple of sample-sized products to boot. RESULT!

A quick takeaway order in Yo Sushi and a visit to Zara later, I snuck into the changing rooms to take this selfie of my makeover.

Moral of the story: get your make-up done once in a while. Even if you're not going anywhere (I wasn't). It's relaxing, usually cheap and you deserve it, right, okay?!

Second moral of the story: Try something new. Reconsidering my brow-filling regime as a result of Dionne's advice. She MUST have been good.

So go check our Urban Decay's new store in House of Fraser in Glasgow- great selection of products, and if you have never tried the brand you don't know what you are missing!

Mimi x

PS- That tan leather skirt behind me in my selfie? Bought it and I loves it. Here's a link :)