H A I R | Alchemy Oils Grapefruit Remedy

28 October, 2014
Hair Oil*: c/o Alchemy Oils

As someone who has bleached their hair to the point of deterioration, I have a dependency on slathering my hair in oils to help nourish and soften it. Even though I last put peroxide or any type of colour on my hair over a year ago now, the ends of my hair are still in need of daily TLC and it has a tendency to break easily.

I've tried a number of hair oils over the years and I'm always on the lookout for a new brand to try. That's why I couldn't pass up giving Alchemy Oils' grapefruit remedy a go! Upon initial impressions I loved the packaging of the oil, as it comes in a glass bottle with a push in cork. In fact, it kind of looks like a potion! However, although it does look fantastic, the packaging isn't too practical as it's awkward to get the oil out of the bottle without pouring out too much or spilling it everywhere (I'm speak from experience as you may notice the staining all over the label in these photos). A pump would be more practical, but not quite as aesthetically pleasing.

I've not used this oil for a deep treatment, but only applied it to the ends of my hair after washing it as a leave-in treatment. Believe me, when I say less is definitely more with this product. The first few times of using it I slathered my hair in it from root to tip only to find that once my hair had dried it looked an oily, greasy mess! It doesn't seem to sink in as well as some other oils I've used in the past. Therefore, I apply the tiniest bit to the ends of my hair to help strengthen and soften it, which works a treat.

The grapefruit smell of the oil is absolutely delicious and I've really enjoyed using this product. I've been using it a little over a month now and I've only used around 10% of the bottle or so, which includes the amount I lost by spilling it. Although this oil retails at £17.99, it'll definitely last the best part of a year.

Have you tried Alchemy Oils grapefruit remedy? What did you think?


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G I V E A W A Y | Win a Pair of Carrera Sunglasses

26 October, 2014


I've teamed up with Sunglasses Shop to giveaway a pair of iconic Carrera sunglasses worth up to £100. I picked out the oversized and colourful 5001 frames, which have been seeing me through the last of the sunny days this autumn before those dark winter days take hold. Although, I don't quite rock them as well as Cara D. Carrera are a favourite among celebrities alike and they're the alternative pick to the traditional Ray Ban frames. Hell, even Kanye is a fan!

For your chance to win just complete the mandatory steps in the form below including commenting on this post, which pair you would love to win! The giveaway will last two weeks ending on the 9th November 2014. One winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within one week, the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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O U T F I T | Every Other Freckle

23 October, 2014




Anyone remember the Burberry Prorsum A/W '14 collection and in particular those block coloured wool capes that were draped across the runway models so effortlessly? I certainly do. Then again, I'm Burberry's biggest fan girl. Although, I won't be owning a genuine Burbs anytime soon, this Chiara Fashion cape will certainly do as it's pretty close to the real thing. I've had a few 'fly away cape moments' when a gust of wind strikes, but it's so soft and snuggly that I think I'll struggle to ever take it off throughout the colder seasons.


I've been pretty much living in my new ASOS high-waisted flares (available here), which make a pleasant change from the usual skin-tight skinnies. I would recommend you size down in these though, I opted for a size 10 as I'm 'bottom heavy' but these are pretty baggy and I wish I had gone for a size 8. I'm so happy bell bottoms are back and 70's style is the in thing!


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S P O T L I G H T | Kindest Of Stranger

20 October, 2014


I was recently contacted by Anthony Nolan, a blood cancer charity, who have recently launched a campaign that struck a certain chord with me. Their 'Kindest Of Stranger' campaign focuses on everyday little kindnesses and gestures from people we've never met. It's inspired me to share my own experience of when a complete stranger off of their own back went out of their way to help me out.

Last summer, just before I left Southampton, James and myself decided to venture on a day trip to the Isle Of Wight, which is only a 30 minute ferry ride away from the Southampton docks. The day started perfectly as the sun was shining and we had a mooch around one of the sea side towns spending all of our pennies in the charity shops there. As we only had the day there we wanted to cram in as much of the island as possible. Unfortunately, neither of us drive, so we had to rely entirely on the irregular and overpriced public transport there. When it got to around 3pm, I decided I wanted to go to an alpaca farm, which happened to be about an hour's journey away the other side of the island. James agreed, so we jumped on a bus that took us on a journey through the picturesque countryside. As we had no idea where to get off, the ever so kind bus driver dropped us off right outside the farm, which was literally in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, when we arrived the alpaca farm, it was a bit of a disappointment.

After paying our entrance fee we hobbled up a huge hill to see some alpacas from around 300m away. No matter how much we tried to grab the herd of overly smug alpacas' attention they just weren't interested in meeting two gawking, overnethusiastic twenty somethings. I'm not quite sure why not, because we're bloody great! Feeling both defeated and deflated we trudged back down the hill to the farm cafe to wait for the next bus into town, which happened to be an hour away.

The cafe wasn't as convenient as we would have liked as we sipped our cups of coffee to the sound of the loudest squawking angry parrot. We started conversation with an older lady we had met with her husband and grandson on the way down the hill. We had advised them not to bother climbing the hill as the alpacas weren't interested in interaction that day. Upon hearing our situation of how we were stranded until the next bus, she kindly offered us a lift back to the main town, which was an hour away. So, there we were, squeezed between a couple in their seventies with their grandson in their tiny car on a road trip across the Isle of Wight!

If it it wasn't for the kindness of that couple, who knows? James and me could still be on the alpaca farm or we could well have killed each other after going completely mad from the constant noise from that damn parrot! I'm not anti-parrot or anti-alpaca, even though it may seem it after this post. I promise.

What's the kindest thing a stranger has done for you or what's the kindest thing you've done for a stranger? Will you be joining the #thankyoustranger campaign?

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O U T F I T | About Your Dress

19 October, 2014

Dress*: c/o Quiz Clothing / Watch: Michael Kors / Mules: Forever 21 Sale

Looking a little girlier than I'm used to in this off the shoulder, red skater from Quiz Clothing. In fact, this dress is aptly named the 'Bardot' after the silver screen vixen, Miss Brigitte herself.


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O U T F I T | Suitcase Full of Sparks

15 October, 2014





Duster*: c/o Oh My Love / Dress*: c/o Blue Vanilla / Bag: Primark / Boots: Vagabond (similar here)

 Merci beaucoup to Blue Vanilla for this little tile-print, sixties style, collared dress.
It's pretty much ideal for the Autumn months as it boasts quite a thick material and sits well with a pair of black tights, unlike a lot of dresses.

I've had a lot of compliments on this rucksack. I must admit I was surprised how strong Primark's bag game is. Just a little after payday I walked out with three new bags, that I definitely didn't need but couldn't leave without. This shopper bag/rucksack hybrid was definitely one I couldn't have left without. It was only £10 and although it's available in black too, there was just something about the blue that looks a million times better.

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I N S P I R A T I O N | Autumn Styling

14 October, 2014




A change in season, means a change in wardrobe, which after months of skipping around in sundresses and kimonos leaves me a little overwhelmed. How the hell do I dress for this dreadful, torrential weather, whilst at least attempting to remain in good form? I've been scouring the internet for any sort of styling inspiration and also dabbling in a little internet shopping here and there. It was during one of my online window shopping missions I discovered the lookbooks over at Simons.

Now I've never been one for androgyny; I love a floaty dress too much. However, their Autumn Winter collection and lookbook has got me itching to try it. I envy the laidback, cool vibe this girl gives whilst wearing a pair of slacks and fedora!

What do you think of the androgynous trend? Is it for you?
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O U T F I T | Cucucuru

11 October, 2014





















Autumn. There's just something about Autumn that I cannot help but love. I know so many people dread this change in season, but I, for one, get excited by it. The chilly mornings where you can see your breath in the air, the leaf-carpeted ground that has that satisfying crunch as you hurry over it and that golden glow those outer surroundings only seem to acquire during these months before it fades to Winter. Oh, and the return of ponchos! I bloody love ponchos.

I remember a 'poncho-fad' that hit in the early noughties in where every kid on the block had a wooly poncho to wear to school (mostly likely purchased from Tammy Girl - oh, where are you now, Tammy Girl?!), then as quick as they suddenly appeared as on trend they disappeared and were deemed as a bit tacky. My love for anything with an excess amount of material over the arm; anything that make me feel like I have wings is a winner! Ponchos are no exception.

This beautiful, floral embroidered poncho was from a relatively new, start-up, independent vintage boutique, House of Bricks Vintage. Owned by sisters Georgia and Josie, House of Bricks is a haven for one-off, hand-picked pieces right from the swinging 60's up to the early 90's. Be sure to check out their most recent, candy-coloured lookbook here. Warning: You'll want everything.

My Forever 21 obsession continues with this eyelash lace, maxi skirt (available here), which I absolutely had to own. It's only a little over £20 too, which is a bonus.

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O U T F I T | Broken Brights

09 October, 2014




 
Jacket*: c/o Superdry
Boots*: c/o Superdry

Despite my penchant for spending money I haven't got, on clothes I don't need, I've always had a tendency to not have classic wardrobe staples in my collection. I'll blame it on my obsession with over the top vintage pieces and all things fabulous. However, I FINALLY have a classic leather biker jacket! Thanks, Superdry.

You may or may not have seen my post here, where I attended Superdry's in-store event for Vogue's Fashion Night Out, so you might already know how much of a fan of the brand I've become. I've worn this premium, leather biker jacket (available here) almost every day since I received it last month. I don't know how I survived previous Autumn seasons without a staple, black, leather biker as it's so easy to throw on and toughens up any outfit. It just so happens to go together like beans and toast (mmmmm!) with my Gun Metal Dillanger ankle boots, which have a wonderous shimmer effect on the front panel of leather!

Since moving back to London, I've been more formally introduced to Forever 21. There just so happens to be one conveniently placed on my commute journey back from work, so I'll pop by several nights a week or so. Oops. I can't say I feel that guilty though as everything is just so cheap. For example, this floral maxi dress cost me under £12! Bar-gain.

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O U T F I T | Lavish Alice

04 October, 2014




Playsuit*: c/o Lavish Alice
Photos by Lix Hewett

Around a month ago I shot few outfit photos with someone other than my boyfriend for the first time. I was a little uneasy, as I'm pretty much a doofus in front of the camera with strangers and suddenly freeze up. However, the lovely Lix Hewett helped out quite a lot in making me feel a little more at ease.

This dark, floral, scuba playsuit is from Lavish Alice. I've been a fan of the brand for a while, but they've recently re-branded their image by stepping up their model images and their products to look a lot more premium. I want absolutely everything online, including these incredible, crossover, culottes (gimme, gimme, gimme!). Despite being a playsuit, the thick scuba is perfect for this autumn period and the dark print would work well with a pair of black opaque tights too, so it'll definitely be making several reappearances this season.
 

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V F N O | Superdry

02 October, 2014






Leather Jacket*: c/o Superdry
Boots*: c/o Superdry 
Jumpsuit*: c/o Oh My Love
Hat: ASOS


Early last week, after work, myself and gal pal, Harriet, headed up to the West End for Vogue's Fashion Night Out (#VFNO). I had never been to VFNO before, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but the streets of Oxford Street and the surrounding area were alive with the style elite of London, each with an arm full of shopping bags and a champagne fuelled haze. I was pleasantly surprised at the huge turnout and the amount of stores taking part.
 
Our first stop of the evening, and most definitely the best stop was the Superdry Regent Street store. Superdry is honestly a brand I would never have associated myself with previously. In the past, when I thought of Superdry, bright slogan t-shirts and branded windcheater jackets would come to mind. However, recently whilst browsing the Superdry website I recently realised how wrong and narrow-minded I was to assume such a thing. Superdry are much more than bright colours, outdoor clothing and slogans; they've developed a Premium Collection which a lot higher end and on trend, taking notes from the catwalks each season.


The best way to sum up my feelings about the Superdry Premium collection, particularly the leather items, is 100x the heart eyed emoji! The Superdry team treated us to an evening of endless pick n' mix, on hand styling advice from MTV's Lilah Parsons and a live acoustic set by The Fireflies. Thanks Superdry, I'll be back next year!

What do you think of the Superdry Premium collection?


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