The High Fives- July 2017

C'mon, own up! Who stole July from right under my nose?! I swear it was just the 1st of the month and now it's gone...bonkers!

I've had such a busy month (I'm always saying that, eh?!) and haven't quite had the time to discover as many new found faves as I would have liked but I do still have a couple of gems for you to peruse! As I'm prone to doing from time to time, my focus switched over momentarily to home decor (and crafting!) and away from beauty and fashion In July but you can bet I'll be back in style mode come August when I'm going on holiday! That's just how I roll! Anywho, here's my July High Fives....

Fan-Girling over....

Instagram home decor/interior pages have been my jam this month. Man alive, there's so many good 'ins on my radar! I love seeing how other folks piece things together and what colour schemes they use throughout their homes. I love me a hack or a bargain find so I've trawling Instagram non-stop recently and boy, am I itching to get decorating again?!! If you're looking for inspo for your humble abode be sure to check out Violet and Thistle, My Home Impression, Lucy J Whitehouse, Theresa Gromski, Malmo and Moss, and On a Wing and a Chair. 

Get Listening to....

As I'm a big advocate of podcast listening, I feel it's only right I continue the theme and recommend at least one new one that I've discovered each month. Although there's only been one episode realised thus far, I'm  waiting with great anticipation for more of popular Youtuber beauty and lifestyle guru, Estee Lalonde's recent release, THE HEART OF IT WITH ESTEE LALONDE. In this pilot episode she discusses her first experience of protesting at  as a young person living in Canada and what standing up for what you believe in means to her now as a woman. A very open, honest and thought-provoking account of getting to grips with what is important to you, respecting others' views and how you can make a difference in the world. Give this a whirl for sure! 

Quids in with....

Never one to turn down the opportunity to nab a bargain, I've been loving using Quidco this month. Offering cashback on 1000s of online retailers, it's the UK's top cashback site.  Mimi uses it for many of her on-line purchases but annoyingly there's been so many times I've just clean forgotten to check for Quidco before buying something. It's simple to use and although you don't always receive the money immediately you will, of course, eventually (I got a little surprise of £41 back from purchases I made earlier in the year when I signed back into my account the other day). 34% cashback from my airport parking? Eh, yes please! There's an app and it's super easy to use! Go on, start saving some dosh! 

Fill up at....

Hubby and I decided to check out Big Feed a few weeks back to see what all the fuss was about. Attracting a lot of interest since it started earlier in the year, this street food social held in a warehouse in Govan offers live music and a variety of food vendors serving up all sorts of yumminess, from seafood to burgers, mac 'n' cheese to cupcakes. I opted for fish tacos and Rob a burrito and they were delish. It's such a cool concept and with fairy-lights, mismatched furniture and boardgames there's a relaxed, fun-for-all vibe which we really enjoyed. Highly recommend to anyone looking for grub and somewhere new to hang out on a weekend! 

Just Because....

On a visit to Princes Square in Glasgow city centre, I was lucky to grab myself (and Mimi and mum) a gorgeous bottle of Jo Malone Basil and Neroli. I say 'grab' as I literally did....using one of those grab machines you get at the arcades! As part of their Just Because campaign, this giveaway grab machine was visiting the Glasgow store that weekend and we were lucky enough to win ourselves this stunning scent. Having been a loyal Pomegranate Noir gal, I'm delighted to say that I have found another love in this lighter, fresher scent. Always nice to find a new perfume..especially when you win it! 




Happy August peeps! See you real soon!
Weesse x

New-Found Faves (pssst, that don't break the bank!)

Well hello there, long time no see! 

Been a rather hectic few weeks work-wise & I guess something's gotta give when life gets in the way...sadly it was blogging. Sad face. 

But HOORAY, Mimi & I are back & have lots of favourites to share. 

Here's my recent purchases...

First up, is Johnson's Baby Oil! Yup, I've been slathering myself in it over the last month (nothing weird, I promise!) and I'm really feeling the difference in my skin. Don't know what made me buy it actually but I'm real glad I took the plunge & splurged (heehee!). I can be real lazy when it comes to caring for my skin sometimes but this is so easy to apply straight out of the shower or tub & gives you a real sheen that looks especially sexy on sun kissed/fake tanned skin. I'll be sure to continue making this a part of my daily routine to ensure I'm ready to bear some more flesh as the sunshine arrives (it'd  better appear pronto!) & as it's a major bargain purchase I don't need to use it sparingly. Result! 

  I am always (like most girls I know) on the hunt for the perfect mascara. One that lengthens, thickens, separates, cooks the dinner & does the dishes. Well not quite, but one that is a triple-threat but doesn't break the bank. I've tried umpteen brands over the years & have accumulated a few favourites that I do go back to but I'm always open to trying new ones.

   My mum recently recommended I try her go-to mascara. She's also tried & tested a heap of different makes but loves the SEVENTEEN Waterproof Mascara which I concur is pretty darn fabulous. It does all of the above tricks (aside from the housework part), doesn't clog on the lashes & is another purse-friendly find. A new fave indeed. 

Recently I decided to road test Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion Sensitive in attempt to up the ante in my ever-fluctuating skincare routine. When I can, I love to use Dermalogica products & recently I have been trying to have a salon facial every 2-3 weeks to keep my skin blemish free & in good condition. After all, it's always nice to let an expert take over & do the job right. 

 Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash has been a firm fave of mine for years so I hoped the Deep Cleansing Lotion Sensitive would step up to the mark. It did not disappoint! Although the exfoliator is pretty thorough at getting all my make-up off, the lotion clears away the remaining debris & seems to be keeping those pesky zits at bay. Hallelujah! Although it's more a toner-like formula it doesn't leave my skin feeling too taut or stripped of moisture. I wear full coverage make-up everyday so anything that gently strips my face bare at the end of the day & helps fight off any spots threatening to emerge gets my vote. Another cheap purchase alert....can't beat it! 

 I'm the kinda gal who buys a lippy in 'not my usual colour' & then ends up not wearing it. Aside from a pillar-box red for when I'm performing, I tend to opt for a similar shade of lipstick time & time again as I find I don't suit many of the colour palettes out there. A while back I bought Rimmel's 'Vintage Pink' & adored it, wearing it religiously.  I aimed to pick up another when I'd reached the very last dregs of the bullet but kept forgetting, until a few weeks back when I was patiently waiting on a prescription in the pharmacy. Sadly they didn't have it in stock but I discovered another beaut in the shade 'Asia' from their Lasting Finish range which I now wear daily. It's my perfect lip colour & as a brand I find Rimmel's lipsticks not too drying & sufficiently long lasting. 

How would I describe the colour? Mmmm not sure, so here's a photo! 

  Next up, is not one but TWO Loreal new faves. It's fast becoming my go-to brand. Quality without the price tag of higher-end versions.  When it comes to bronzer I don't have an extensive list of demands-as long as it's not too shimmery & not too drying on the skin (and the perfect shade of course) I'm a happy camper. Like so many of my other cosmetic purchases, I'm a creature of habit & tend to stick loyally by the same few brands for each of my make-up routine products. For years I was a Benefit Hoola girl, then I went on to a more Drugstore budget & returned to Rimmel's Natural Bronzer on repeat.  

  If you read my January favourites post, you'll know I discovered & fell head over heels (as did my purse!) for Loreal True Match Liquid Foundation as a more affordable dupe for my Estée Lauder Doublewear Foundation. It was with this find that I also decided to try out their Glam Bronze Powder Duo, taking advantage of a '2 products for £14' offer in Boots, which meant I had nothing to lose venturing out my bronzer comfort zone. Again, I wasn't disappointed. Ticking my must-have it boasts a gorgeous shade of bronze, sturdy packing (that means, like some others I've tried, doesn't risk you smashing it in to smithereens if you take it out & about with you!) & a handy slim-line contouring brush that I've been using to give definition in to the ol' cheekbones. Can't grumble with this one & I can safely say, having partially hit pan now (bought it in January so that's good going!), I'll be repurchasing this for sure. 

Again, through circumstance (and by that I mean the offers in Boots! A girl can resist a bargain!) I also, more recently, ended up buying Loreal's True Match Concealer. I had found a real favourite in Miss Sporty's version (also available in Boots) but the thicker consistency and lasting power of the Loreal one tips the barrel. I choose the the lightest colour as I mostly use it for under-eye correction and highlighting. 

 And there you have it. A perfectly formed collection of affordable new-found faves of mine that I'll be taking with me right in to Summer. 

Until next time. Peace out.

W x

COAT It Be Magic....

Mimi here!

I love a good pun (see title). I love a pun even more when it's used in reference to something I love more than puns. Like cats, chocolate, blowing out birthday candles and coats.

Right now, as you may know, my obsession is with the perfect grey coat. I got the perfect camel coat just a few weeks ago from Primark at a mere £25 (although one of the studs fell off so am now having it repaired!). I have been on the hunt since then for the perfect pale grey woolen structured coat, knee length or longer.

My hunt so far has been unsuccessful. In fact, PERILOUSLY so. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few contenders (said in the voice of John Anderson from Gladiators). Some "close but no cigar" versions available online and on the high street have been as follows:

Boohoo £40

PROs: Cheap!
CONs: Sweater material, doesn't have the luxe heaviness of wool

Whistles (or Next) £375

PROs: Sleek, stylish, perfect colour.

CONs: What, am I made of money?

 

Mango at John Lewis £119.99

PROs: Perfect colour, love how there's no buttons etc
CONs: Less structured than what I would have liked.

Xu112 (eBay): £56.99

PROs: Perfect colour, no buttons, heavy look
CONs: Sizing from Chinese stores can be tricky, quality is always an issue as well (previous experience)

Dorothy Perkins £55

PROs: Cheap(er) than others, no buttons
CONs: Not quite long enough...also the cost vs quality ratio isn't quite there for me


So...I'm not fussy (at all)...okay maybe I am a bit. HOWEVER, Saviour came for me today in the form of a glorious MANGO 30% coats and selected knitwear promotion (instore AND online). I had seen this beauty a few days ago, but the cost was putting me off slightly:

Mango originally £129.99

One hundred and thirty smackaroonies is a lot of money to me, so I held off...and I'm glad I did. With the 30% off promotion, I got this glorious coat for £90.99. I LOVE Mango with an absolute passion and always buy my staple items from there as the quality is so good (their jeans are particularly great...I wear these jeggings religiously). AND because my order was over £30...free home delivery! Hopefully this bad boy will be with my by the weekend.

It has everything I am looking for. Pale colour? Check. Minimal fastenings? Check. heavy look and feel? Check. Structure? Check. I may replace the black button with a grey one. But I might be so head over heels in love that I won't give a monkeys.

If you would like to take advantage of the offer on coats, jackets, cardigans and jumpers, enter the code 5MNG at the checkout. Offer ends 22nd October 2014.

I am now currently resisting the urge to go to my nearest Mango and try it on! If I do and I reeeeaaalllly love it...the offer still stands IN STORE and I could buy it there and then! Don't tempt me!

Now, my new obsession? JUMPER DRESSES.

PS: Really need to stop buying grey clothes #looklikeablackandwhitemovie.

Winter Is Coming....

....and I loves me some knitwear!

Like, I really love it.

For our readers in the UK, you will know that we had been experiencing a bit of an unseasonable warm front over the past few weeks...20 degrees in September?! Cray. Zee.

THIS was not an ideal climate for my absolute most favouritist form of clothing. Knitwear.

My ranking of favourite forms (or features) of clothing runs something like this:

1. Knitwear
2. Skirts/dresses with pockets (HOW convenient?!)
3. Faux fur (or vintage, never new)
4. Leather (or pleather)
5. Tartan or "plaid"

So the day that I wear a leather skirt with pockets, a faux fur jacket and a massive tartan woolen scarf will be a good day fo sho.

I was kinda halfway there with this outfit. The coatigan has faux leather sleeves and trim, and the scarf is so cosy yet light. I did however wear this on a day where it was 20 degrees and had to half strip off in every shop I walked into.

Scarf- £5 Primark IN STORES NOW
Bag- £8 Primark IN STORES NOW, other colours available
Dress- Primark (last season)
Boots- Primark (2 years ago)
Coatigan- £20 Jumpo London, purchased at 2013 Clothes Show Birmingham (alternative sold HERE on eBay)
Stack of rings- £8.99 Parfois
Large ring- £3 Argento (SALE ITEM)

HOT. But seeing as the temperature has recently dropped (proven by the fact that I had to scrape my car windscreen this morning)...it's all about the knitwear baby!!

My go-to outfit at the moment is a knitted dress, belt, snood, tights and boots. Another more casual alternative is my pale grey skinny jeans and any massive chunky knit jumper. I am a lover of a knitted dress- this one is from Primark last year but they have a few in this season starting at around £12. INSTANT look.

You can of course invest in some cashmere that's going to last you much longer, but to be honest if you look after your cheaper stuff it might just last as long! Making sure you don't wash your knits at too high a temperature and taking care when ironing (shiny jumpers = not cool) is a good place to start.

If you're looking for cheaper less" alpine" head-to-toe knitwear options, why not consider woolen accessories instead? A great way to transition into autumn and Winter without looking like you're just back from the slopes. TOP TIP: When looking for new knitwear accessories, don't ignore the men's department ladies! I got this wine chunky knit snood from Primark's Cedarwood State menswear range for £5. An actual fiver. AND it comes in tan too!

Look how happy I am to be wearing this snood. LOOK AT MY FACE. #sheerjoy

Here are a few of my top picks for knitted accessories. in stores and online NOW.

Wool Fedora Hat
Mango £34.99

Tartan/check scarf
Primark £6

Grey woolen tights
Primark £3

Cream and grey checked scarf
Zara £25.99

Leather detail gloves
Mango £35.99

So there you have it. You don't have to go head-to-toe woolly to rock some crackin' knitwear.

But I will. Cause I LOVES IT.

If anyone needs me I'm the one hiding under four massive tartan scarfs and a fedora.

What I Bought (WIB)

Just call me the "Mean Girls" Gretchen Weiner of the blog world, as in I am trying my hardest to make a lesser known (okay totally made up) phrase a "thing" (although my thing is not "fetch").

Welcome to my new slot which may or may not happen every week, What I Bought (or WIB). A bit like the MIB with just as much sharp tailoring but a bit less Will Smith.

I am OBSESSED with oversized coats. Mainly in pale blue, pale grey and camel. But they are simultaneously ruining and enriching my life. I NEED one but I don't HAVE one.

Primark have had a range of nice affordable coats but due to them making them a tad too big, it seems only the larger sizes are available. I really wanted to try and get one for less than £35 and even my old faithful eBay wasn't giving me any love.

Until....

I walked into Primark this morning. Primark at 9am is golden. The floor is clear, clothes are sized, there's no queue, and the fitting rooms are empty. There's no screaming children, and the footwear department doesn't smell like feet (yet). I looked forlornly at the oversized coats, dying a little inside when I noticed they had a camel coat with a faux fur collar (exhibit A).

Image courtesy of Primark

"That's nice" I thought. "If only it had the nice lapels and concealed buttons I so desire in an oversized coat".

THEN I noticed a wee label hanging from the coat....and it said....

"DETACHABLE COLLAR"

Shut. The. Front. Door. 

Could it be, that hiding under this collar was the perfect lapel of an oversized coat?!?!

YOU BETCHA.

Not gonna lie. I had to restraint myself from doing a wee victory dance.

Also bought a mustardy limey jumper for an actual fiver and a stretch jersey pencil skirt in charcoal grey. Also a fiver. Today I happen to be wearing last week's purchase, which is a pale blue chuinky cable knit jumper, £8 (Exhibit B).

Image courtesy of Primark

So there we have it...for £35 I have a jumper, a skirt and a coat which has 2 fabulous looks. Now I just need it in grey. And blue.

So fetch.