New Favourite Dress

I am such a massive ASOS fan, if I told you how often I browse the new in section you would be worried for me .... and my bank balance. Even so just lately every time I see one of those MUST HAVE IT items it seems to be sold out in every size, when I saw this olive dungaree dress I was delighted to see a size 10 available and quickly snapped it up. 

The thing I love the most about this dress is that it is just the right length, my 28 year old legs are no longer enjoying mini skirts. Secondly the fact that the detail is gold is totally up my street, I am the biggest yellow gold fan so this pleases me no end. The versatility is something else, in these photos I have paired it with a high necked jumper from Missguided and Topshop ballet flats for an every day look but it would be easy to dress up or even make it feel more edgy with a biker jacket and boots. 

Incase you didn't get it yet I LOVE IT 

And of course I paired it with Mabel 

The Perfect Shade

Happy Friday My Lovelies!! 

Just a short one from me but I felt the need to share, I have indeed found the perfect Halloween shade. If you are sat at your desk deliberating your halloween party lipstick options stop your worrying, put the kettle on and have a cuppa, I have solved it for you.... It is Cyber by MAC 

What are you waiting for? 

Christmas Dreaming

Today I was going to post some of the Christmas gifts I have purchased so far for my friends this year, as this blog is really my secret project I thought it would be ok as I don't imagine many would stumble across it but then I remembered Kirsti and Alex (I see you both) and they would potentially be having a little stalk so I decided instead to tell you what is on my christmas list so far. 

1. DUNE Ophelia Boots 

I first saw these on one of my regularly mentioned style inspiration blogs. The Little Magpie, you can read Amy's original post here. I don't usually go for kitten heels but some how these just work. I am always in black boots so the print adds a bit of sass and makes them perfect from day to night, which seems to be the look I try to achieve more and more as I am getting older. 

2. Clarins HydraQuench Serum

Seeing as I used to get more Clarins stuff for free than I knew what to do with I seriously begrudge paying £43 for this serum.. but.. it is so good, like seriously. At the start of the year I did three weeks and six flights in Australia and I nearly finished the bottle of this I had picked up from duty free. If your skin is in need of a boost in hydration and radiance look no further. 

3. Jo Malone Blue Agava & Cacao

This is my signature scent and always on my Christmas list. I have had lots of Jo Malone Scents over the past couple of years (you can read my collection here) but Blue Agava & Cacao is the first Jo Malone fragrance I was given and will always be my favourite. 

4. Snuggly Dressing Gown

This Christmas I am in the market for a seriously snuggly dressing gown, preferably with a hood (yes I do need a hood indoors) I am spending more time that I should probably admit to in my dressing gown these days and my old trusty primark leopard print one is leaving much to be desired right now,  definitely time for an upgrade. 

5. Zara Bag

I probably don't need a new black bag, but Christmas is about wants right? Recently I invested in a Mulberry Lily bag which I love to pieces however I do not want to be taking it on a night out where drinks and things may get spilt on it, it is very much for best. So this Zara bag will fill the day to night gap in my collection and will be big enough to fit in my blogging camera which these days is a must. 

6. Nixon Watch

In the summer I purchased an Olivia Burton watch which I though would become my everyday time piece, however the pastel strap is becoming damaged being worn underneath coats and jumpers. I hope this watch will be a more durable option, my husband has a fair few Nixon watches and they seem to last. 

What is on your Christmas list so far? Mine is growing by the minute now I am looking at All Saints leather jackets.... oops 

Rodial Makeup Review

Last week I stumbled across the brand Rodial. Who are they? I hear you cry. Well you have obviously heard of Nip+Fab if not for the fact that Kylie Jenner is their brand ambassador for the crazy names of their products. Click here to pick up their Dragons Blood Set. 

Well let me introduce you to Rodial. The sister company of Nip+Fab, Rodial as well as skincare produces makeup... and it is goooooood! I couldn't wait to try it out, there is lots to choose from here is what I selected. 

The Glamstick in Just Daisy seemed like the obvious choice. Designed with Daisy Lowe in mind this glamstick perfectly represents her rock chick style and is versatile enough to work day to night. If the perfect deep shade wasn't enough the coconut scent and moisturising action makes this truly a handbag essential, and for only £10 you can't go wrong. 

Everyone wants an instagram filter for real life right? Well look no further, Containing hyaluronic acid to plump out the appearance of fine lines the Instaglam retouch pen is a lightweight concealer perfect for brightening up any dark under eye circles. This really works and for only £10 a bargain.

If you are interested watching youtube videos, Rodial also has a new channel with some helpful tutorials you can subscribe here

LVNDR

I have been reading Em Sheldons blog EmTalks ever since I discovered my love for blog reading. There are a few blogs I go to for inspiration Inthefrow, The Little Magpie and EmTalks, so when I read on twitter that Em had been working on her own brand LVNDR (Lavender) I grabbed my macbook and went shopping. 

The first thing I picked up was the royal midi ring  I have very small fingers so for me it is less of a midi ring but I love it all the same. I wasn't expecting the diamonties to continue all the way round the band, especially when it's priced at just £4.99. It really does catch the light and looks like it would cost much more. 

My inner festival chick screamed a bit at the plaited tassel bracelets I will mention that it was very difficult to choose just one colour scheme, and I am fully intending on popping at least two more of the combinations on my Christmas list. 

I am a big giraffe fan. Since the start of the year when I fell in love with one in a Australian zoo, if it hasn't got a Shih Tzu on it it's got a giraffe ;) So this kissing giraffe necklace was an absolute must have. 

Thank You for taking the time to visit my blog, I will leave you with one of my favourite photos, that Australian giraffe!! 

Live @ the roof gardens

First things first after working all day an espresso martini is very much needed! 

I am lucky enough to work in London fairly frequently, and often get complimentary hotels. I always want to take advantage of the situation so when I found out I would be spending the night in Chelsea last Saturday I logged onto Design My Night to see what events I could attend. 

This time The Roof Gardens won. 

After dinner at Bill's we headed over to The Roof Gardens, and got lost trying to find the music marquee. We didn't actually see any of the flamingos they were probably tucked up in bed. 

The decor in the venue is stunning, the red and pink lights create ambiance even though they made my photos look a little off. The way they have incorporated the inside with the out is perfection the only way you know you aren't in the open is because it isn't freezing cold. 

The lineup for the night was four music acts none of which we had heard of, but we was promised an indie vibe which is what we got. We missed the first act so walked in just as Jay Scott began to perform with a unique way of playing the guitar. 

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The band Axel Jansson lost a bit of the crowds attention when three burlesque dancers took the stage.

A very red outfit picture, these lace up heels from Next were surprisingly comfortable. 

You will also notice I am sipping on my £12 rum and coke (which I mentioned in my previous post) The venue was interesting and a pleasure to wander around but I certainly wouldn't want to blow the cash you would need to to spend your whole night in there, and I think that is ok. The Roof Gardens don't really want you in there unless you are a person that doesn't need to look at the price tag and the amount of VIP members only areas makes that abundantly clear. 

Sunday Style

Sunday morning wandering around Chelsea seemed like the perfect excuse to wear my new sparkly trainers. Myself and Mathew spent last night at the Roof Gardens watching live music and sipping on £12 rum and cokes (more on this later) so after a yummy full english we headed out to explore.

Hat & Trainers: Zara, Duster Coat & Jeans: Primark, T-shirt: ASOS, Bag: Fossil 

I love this area of London, there is always beautiful gardens and houses to admire, unfortunately mainly the gardens are locked for resident use but that doesn't stop me from peeping through the bars. Thats ok right?

Travel Case: River Island

I am going to be honest and say there is now some blood on the inside of my trainers and I am £2.99 worse off as I had to make an emergency plaster purchase, BUT they are sooo pretty! I think they just need a bit of wearing in and it won't be the last time I put them on, however I would say if you are thinking of purchasing these trainers don't make one of their first outings a long stroll around London. 

Last stop today was a trip to Carnaby Street for Brandy Melville goodness and as always I was not disappointed! Can't wait to share with you what I picked up! 

Hope everyone had a fabulous Sunday xx 

Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows

A game changer

Favourites: Grandstand, Magic Act, Flame Thrower & In The Spotlight

I first laid eyes on these beautiful shadows upon the exquisite eyelids of my friend Alice. She is so beautiful everything she wears always takes your breath away so when I placed my order I wasn't sure what to expect, would they be as stunning on a mere mortal? 

The verdict is they are worth every penny, soft, long lasting and beautiful. The pigmentation is like no other eyeshadow on the market.. or at least that I have tried. Granted not all of these colours are too wearable for everyday, but some I have totally worn to the office. 

Definitely my favourite makeup product of 2015 ... so far. 

1. Houdini 2. Jester 3. In The Spotlight 4. Magic Act 5. Whimsical 6. Grandstand 7. Flame Thrower 8. Untamed 9. Mesmerized

The Perfect Pair

Just lately I have been living in converse so when I saw these beauties on Sophie Belle's Instagram I just knew I had to make them mine. 

I ordered from Zara online because then you know they haven't been making their way around the shop floor. These Sparkle Trainers will certainly turn heads, perfectly paired with a casual jean and plan tee. 

Is it weird to give your bag a name?

Meet Mabel

I have wanted a Mulberry bag for longer than I remember, I don't recall the exact point in which the love story started but it has been a long standing one. Obviously investing in a 'Mulbs' isn't a decision you take lightly, you are making a commitment, you need to be sure you have picked the correct partner. A bag who is going to fulfil your every need - thats where Mabel comes in! 

If there was a colour more universal than Black it would be oxblood. Oxblood is a colour match made in heaven, it looks stunning next to black, brown or navy. Mabel makes every outfit complete (I may have gone slightly off the dial here) 

So I have invested in a Lily which is the perfect size for a day to night bag, you can fit in all of your essentials without the bag being too bulking looking. The strap is versatile it can be worn either long or short and lets not even get started on the gold detailing because it is perfection. 

I think Mabel and I are going to be very happy together. 

If you don't want to spend the cash there are some really good alternatives available, this little beauty below (yet to be named) from ASOS is only £16. 

Baking Mad!

Thanks to The Great British Bake Off and the wonderful Mary Berry I now enjoy all things baking. Mainly the watching and eating part I've got to be honest, the cooking part is still growing on me. When my mum asked me if I wanted to go with her to the Cake and Bake Show at the Excel centre I couldn't say no.

Sadly Berry was nowhere in sight but there were stands and stalls a plenty with cakes, doughnuts, scones, baking equipment and afternoon tea companies. Anything and everything baking related was there. There was a stage with live cooking demonstrations although if you were further than 5 rows from the front it was tricky to see or hear anything that was going on which was a shame.

I had heard of the Meringue Girls prior to this little baking adventure, however I had never been lucky enough to try any of their products. Their mini ombré meringues come in every flavour imaginable. They are so sweet and dinky but at £5 for 9 they aren't exactly meringue on a budget. You can't deny that they look beautiful though. 

My personal purchase highlight was the chorizo and pesto scone from 'All'Scone' Bakery. I kept getting wafts of its buttery chorizo goodness on the train home and couldn't waited to try some toasted with a little dollop of cream cheese. Delicious!

One stage that was busy all day, and for good reason, was the Bake Off Live stage. A few familiar faces from the series popped up throughout the day to demonstrate a live bake which was good fun.

This was a fun day out and something different to do with my mum. It has inspired me to do more cookery and hopefully next year I'll be going back and purchasing more equipment rather than baked goods. Hmm perhaps not.

Love,

Alex xx

Fleur De Force Cosmetics Unboxing