holiday packing tips

With the weather in England being so unpredictable at the moment (one minute its sunny, then the next a huge downpour!) the one thing I can look forward is hot summer holidays on the beach.

Normally on a summer holiday I take checked in baggage, this year I have decided to only take a carry on bag, so I need to pack light, but practical.  The bag I am taking is the Ted Baker Paris suitcase.  Since my lovely boyfriend bought me this for Christmas, it has already been on 4 trips.

English Seaside

The first of my summer holiday trips is a weekend by the English seaside in North Devon.  Even though I am going at the beginning of July, sunny weather can not be guaranteed! 

5 Essential Items

1. Vests and tees for layering

2. Chunky knits for cold nights

3. Pac-a-parka to keep dry if there are any surprise showers!

4. Snood perfect to keep cosy on the long car journey

5. Comfy pair of stretch jeans or leggings for long walks along the coast and countryside

City/Beach Break in the South of France

The second of my summer trips is to the gorgeous South of France.  The last time I visited this lovely region was about 5 or 6 years ago, on one of my last family holidays.  This year I am hoping to join my family for a couple of days lying on the beach and soaking up some French culture.

5 Essential Items

1. Orange Gilly Hicks Leather Sandals, perfect for the beach to city transition

2. Striped bikini for lazy days on the beach

3. Kindle for a good read on the beach

4. Maxi dress to wear to dinner in the evening and as a beach cover up

5. Tinted Mositurer, wearing foundation in the sun feels to heavy.  I love the Benefit "You Rebel 

     Lite" and it has SPF 15, so doubles as sun protection too!

Clubbing Holiday in Ibiza

For the 3rd summer in a row I'm off to the party island for a week of cheap cocktails and dancing until the sun comes up.  In Ibiza it's important to wear comfortable clothing as a night out can last up to 6 to 8 hours!

5 Essential Items

1. A cute playsuit for every night

2. Florescent coloured bikini

3. Jelly sandals, I bought some last year from River Island

4. A travel sized fruity perfume or body spray to keep in your bag

5. A pastel coloured cross the body bag, at the moment I am loving this pastel green one from 

     River Island

paris weekend

Even after the 6th visit, Paris doesn't disappoint.  I had such a lovely girly weekend with two of my friends and despite only being in the city for 3 days, we managed to cram a lot in!

As I was in Paris, I of course visited the current Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs exhibition at Les Arts Decoratifs, which is a must see.  The two-floor exhibition explains the history of the Travel Trunk and houses some gorgeous fashion and shoe pieces.  Unfortunately you weren't allowed to take pictures, but pictures and further information can be found on the museum website.  The exhibition is showing until September.

easter weekend

So after a chocolate filled 4-day weekend, it was time to return to work today and start a diet!  I had a very relaxing weekend, which is just what I needed after starting my new job a month ago.


I did manage to go shopping this weekend and picked up a gorgeous scarf print playsuit from Republic, which I will show very soon.  Unfortunately the weather wasn't great over the weekend, so haven't manage to wear it yet, hopefully the sun will be coming out soon!


This week will pretty much be spent working, packing for Paris and a couple of birthday celebrations :)


Here's a few pictures from my weekend.

New purchases from Republic

Easter Treats :)

Starting to pack for Paris

pastels

Pastel colours are going to be huge this Spring / Summer and what better way to wear the trend than on your nails!

I actually mentioned these Topshop nail polishes in my February favourites post.  World End is a gorgeous baby blue colour and Waterlily, a lovely pale purple.

Pastel purple "eek" toes.

Pastel blue fingers.

dreaming of paris

Paris is one of my favourite cities and I have just booked a trip for next month, which shall be my 6th time visiting this wonderful city!

I just love the whole atmosphere and everything associated with Paris including the glamorous shops, little cafes, gorgeous architecture and of course the fashion.

Here are some pictures from my last trip in August 2011.  I was only in the city for 1 night passing through to Disneyland.  I had previously visited in the Winter, but summer in the city was lovely.

spring is finally coming

The weather is finally getting warmer (despite a little snow shower at the weekend!) and I'm so excited for Spring/Summer 2012 fashion.  The colour palette this season is gorgeous with pale blue, mint green, strawberry milkshake and pastel purple.  The high street stores are beginning to receive their new stock, so it's definitely a great time to clear out your winter wardrobe.

Spring/Summer Wish List

Pink Bag - Topshop

Mint Dress - Boohoo

Pastel Pink Dress - Republic

Pastel Collection - Models Own 

Pale Pink Jelly Sandals - River Island

Baby Blue T-shirt - Topshop

Mint Handbag - Topshop

soap & glory cosmetics

Some products from the cosmetics range.

Show Good Face.  I am yet to find a really good foundation that suits my combination skin.  After trying this, my skin has become very dried out especially on my forehead and nose.  During the day I feel my skin needs to be cleaned and a fresh layer of make-up needs to be applied.  I feel disappointed with this product, but unfortunately this does not get on with my skin. 

Treat & Treatment.  I mentioned this in my previous post for February favourites.  This is perfect for hiding dark circles as it has a yellow tone to it, to help neutralise the colour.  I have been using this every morning underneath my foundation and will definitely be re-purchasing.

Thick & Fast.  I was so excited when I received this in the post along with March's Elle magazine.  The brush is quite chunky and thick, giving a lovely voluminous look to your lashes, perfect for the evening.  However, again I was left feeling disappointed when after applying this product my eyes continued to water until I removed it.  This has never happened to me before and I do not have sensitive eyes, I will wait a few weeks until re-trying this product again.

Face & Body Brush.  I needed a new travel face brush and as there was an offer in Boots when I bought the other products, I thought this would be a good investment.  When I went to Venice, this was the main face brush I took.  Because of its size, it smaller enough to package easily for travelling or for your handbag, but still gives a great coverage.  I would love to try other brushes if they brought any more out.

All the products are package so nicely, which probably was the main reason for me wanting to try them and they are priced around an average of £10, making them competitive with other drug store brands, yet still reasonable.  I will be trying more products in the near future, I have heard good reviews about Kiss Ass Concealer and A Great Kisser lip balms.

All products can be found at Soap & Glory or purchased from Boots.

february favourites

Soap & Glory Eye Trick & Treatment.  I purchased a few items from the new Soap & Glory cosmetic range at the end of last month.  This product is definitely the best out of what I bought, it covers up dark circles so well without having to use to much.  I have also been using this on blemishes as well.  Review to follow on other products from the Soap & Glory range.

Get Real Benefit Mascara.  After reading a couple of good reviews about this product, I thought I would give it go.  As you know I am a massive fan of Benefit products, so this was a must to try!  And I was disappointed.  The brush is perfect for catching the smaller and bottom lashes, whilst making the bigger ones look longer and not too clumpy.

Topshop - Waterlily & World's End, both gorgeous pastels colours, which is on trend for Spring/Summer 2012.  Wearing these colours feels like summer is getting closer :)

Benefit Moisturiser smells absolutely gorgeous!  It's really hydrating without being too sticky.  I have been applying this twice daily for the past 4 months and will definitely be re-purchasing when it runs out! 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush has been perfect for putting on foundation.  I bought this a couple of weeks ago and have really seen good results when applying my foundation.  It's so easy and gives a lovely finish.  Boots are now stocking Real Techniques, so I can't wait to try the other brushes in the range.

february in pictures

Rimmel Cranberry Nail Polish    /    Kindle :)

Getting ready for birthday night out    /    Aztec Cocktail

Pre-drinks    /    Chocolate at Cadbury Land

Getting ready for dinner in Birmingham    /    Hot chocolate at Cadbury World

Creme Eggs :)    /    Birthday Cupcakes

Birthday Lunch    /    Pastel "eek" Nails

Strawberry Chewing Gum

january 2012 favourites

Most used products in January 2012.

 

1) Urban Decay Naked Palette
       I bought this palette in duty free when I went on holiday last summer.  This is pretty much the only eye shadow colours I have used since I bought it!  The colours are all very wearable for both day & night.  My favourites are Naked, Sidecar, Buck & Half Baked.

2) Bourjois - Foundation & Mascara
       Both these products have been in everyday make-up bag for the past 2 months.  The Healthy Mix Foundation gives you a really good coverage without being to thick and because it has fruit extracts in it, it feels healthy for your skins and smells amazing!  I have yet to find another mascara that I love more than the Volumizer. It has 2 steps, the first being longer lashes, which I use for daytime and the second is fuller lashes, perfect for the evening.  I have had so many good compliments whilst wearing this mascara.

3) HD Brow Kit
         I had never heard of the HD Brow Kit before I received mine from GlossyBox, I had always used a pencil.  The kit came with a small angled brush which really helps to give a more defined line than a pencil.  And because the kit is powder, it can also be used for a smokey eye effect too.  I currently use Dark Brown on my brow, then Carbon on my lid as eye liner, which also help to make your lashes look fuller.

4) Benefit Bella Bamba
       I received this product for Christmas in a set with 3 other Benefit products.  The colour is a lovely bright pink with a little bit of shimmer.  It is the first of the box powders to have the new packaging, with a lift up lid & mirror.  I do like the packaging, however, I never use the mirror included.  I still think my favourite Benefit blusher to date is Sugarbomb, so I look forward to trying Hervana to see if it's any match!

5) Tresemme Dry Shampoo
       After using Batiste dry shampoo for a while, I thought it was time for a change and I had heard that the Tresemme dry shampoo was really good, so I decided to try it.  I like that the product didn't come out white, unlike Batiste dry shampoo.  Also this product really does volumise hair, so I have been using it in between washes and for an extra boost in the evenings.

6) Lush Snow Fairy
        I fell in love with Snow Fairy last Christmas after seeing it at Clothes Show Live.  I don't know how I survived without it! The smell & colour are both gorgeous and it can be used on both hair & body.  I managed to pick up a 100ml bottle whilst in Venice, I was so happy to see a lush there :)  This year Lush bought out the Snow Fairy Wand, which is a bubble bar.  All you need to do is swirl it in the bath until it turn pinks & smells of candy floss :)

verona - romeo & juliet

Whilst in Venice I persuaded my boyfriend to go to Verona for the day, the home of Romeo & Juliet, well the story of Romeo & Juliet!

After spotting a Lush whilst walking to the train station, we bought our €8 tickets & boarded the train for a 2 hour journey to Verona.

The balcony, as my boyfriend pointed out, was literally just a balcony, but to me it felt so romantic.  There was writing over every inch of wall of the courtyard, one wall in the house & the tomb, as well as padlocks chained to the gate in the courtyard.  It was nice to see so much love in one place!

Touching Juliet's right breast is supposed to bring good luck.

Juliet's Tomb

After dragging my boyfriend around Juliet's places, we ate a lovely pasta dish in a restaurant on the main shopping area.  So we both went back to our Venice hotel happy :)

I write this whilst at work (ssshhhh!!) dreaming of another holiday!  I finish my part time job in a high store this week & begin full time work at my Dad's company in the office.  The job is more related to business & maths, so will hopefully give me good experience for my career in Buying/Merchandising.

I've been to applying to yet more jobs & received an online assessment to complete.  I have also purchased a Buying book, which I will be reading everyday.  Hopefully my dream job is near!

venice - the floating city, italy

A few pictures from Venice ......

Jacket - H&M / Cardigan, Top, Leggings & Chelsea Boots - Topshop / Bag - Urban Outfitters  

Jacket - H&M / Cardigan, Jeggings & Ballet Flats - Topshop / Scarf - Primark

Sunglasses - River Island

I got back home last Friday after 5 days in Venice.  The city is so beautiful & probably my favourite in Italy (so far!).  We spent so much time just walking around looking at the canals & bridges with the gondola's & water taxis, Venetian buildings & most importantly the shops & boutiques.  The general atmosphere was so relaxing & peaceful.  The sun shone for our whole trip, however it so cold!  It was the type of weather where you needed a scarf & sunglasses!

We also visited the beach, but as it wasn't peak season it was completely deserted, but still looked gorgeous in the sun.  I would definitely like to re-visit in the summer :)

Of course we tasted the local cuisine.  I couldn't visit Italy without trying the famous pizza & gelati, which  lived up to its hype.  We ate pizza for lunch everyday!

Back to reality now, working 6-days a week & continuing to apply to fashion buyer jobs.  No luck so far :( so I'm hoping to do a couple of work placements over the next few months to improve my CV.