Holiday Pastels

Photos by Katie Field

Pastel colours seem to have been ever creeping into my S/S wardrobe this year as you may be able to tell from the photos above. Just maybe. 

I love how bright and summery they make you feel regardless of the miserable weather we've been having recently. What happened to summer eh? My dress is from Joy, a payday treat for myself a few months ago and I'm still having a love affair with it. It makes me feel like an American Ice Cream seller (not something I thought I'd aspire to be, but fashion wise I'm loving that career choice). My cardigan was a bargain sale purchase from Urban Outfitters a year or so ago that is a staple regardless of the season. It goes with so many different outfits and really is the comfiest thing.

Shoes wise, these are another sale item that I picked up last year at Topshop. They've come out quite purple in the photo, but they are in fact quite a dusty pink. They remind me of shoes I used to wear as a child and make me feel like I should be frolicking somewhere. Finally my bag was a Birthday gift from Topshop, its one of those bags that I would never pick myself citing it as impractical due to its hue. But actually, its one of my most used bags I own and I love that its not just a common neutral colour.

Whats your take on pastel fashion?

Aimée
Xxxx

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My Festival Essentials.

Tomorrow I'm off to Glastonbury! Wahooooo! Literally am beyond excited. I'm definitely NOT looking forward to the toilet facilities, or lack of. But, theres sooo many people I'm excited to see and I can't wait to be in full cliche festival mode, flower crown and kimono intact.

I thought I'd share with you the things I've picked up in preparation. I don't think I've gone too overboard, so I'm pretty happy with myself!

The obligatory flower crown is from topshop! I especially liked this one as it has a ribbon tie, making it so much easier to keep on my head! The elastic ones always stretch too quickly or just pop off my head. Either I've got a huge head or I need to invest in better elastic...

I got some new shorts this year, in a lighter more 'washed out' denim. They were in the H&M sale so I was pretty chuffed! I also fell in love with ALL of the tops in H&M. They're totally winning at summer clothes this year. I got 3 or 4 really cute summer tops to go with my shorts which I'm actually really excited to wear!

Top right is a Boohoo Kimono. Its a super pretty floral pattern with lace tipped sleeves. The picture of it online looked like the sleeves were 3/4 length but they're actually full length! I won't lie, I'm a little disappointed so I may be doing some late-night sewing! Its super pretty though, and it'll be a really great coverup!

Practical Aimee came to the fore with my next purchase, which was a mac from Primark. Its really long and folds down to a tiny pouch so I'm pretty chuffed with that.

I got some super cute sandals from Primark too! I have an exact pair in Mint Green from Urban Outfitters which were like 30 Quid! So anyone looking for a bargain? Hit up Primark!

My sunglasses are also a new buy - does anyone else always feel like they need a new pair of sunglasses every summer? These are from River Island and I'm in LOVE. I think I've finally found a pair that suit me - hooray!

I won't lie, I know the tiny backpack is totally a 90's throwback. But the 90's are definitely in at the moment right?? I wore it out today and I'm already obsessed with it. Its just so damn cute!! Also, for practicality reasons its so handy having both hands free! I usually lug around a huge bag and kill my arm in the process, so I'm excited to start using this.

And there we have it, my Glasto essentials! Please pray for dry weather with me!

Anyone else going too??

Aimée
Xxxx

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Review: Topshop Matte Nail Polish in Cryptic

Red nails have never really been my thing. I've always found them too garish, too vampish and definitely would never have thought they'd of been on my nails. However, matte nail polishes are a revelation to me. Thinking back my main issue with red nails was always the glossy finish, but with a matte finish they're much more understated.

Topshop have a great range of matte polishes which are really affordable and a great quality. I also really love the packaging which has almost 'frosted-glass' sides and a clear window stating the finish of the polish. As a matte finish, the polish dries a lot quicker than regular nail polishes. I don't find it lasts as long, although I do feel this may be due to the lack of top coat. You can actually buy a Matte finish top coat from Topshop but as yet I haven't felt the need for it.

The shade is a lovely bright red which feels really festive, great for this time of year! However, I'm sad to say you can't actually buy this polish anymore! I didn't realise until writing this post that the polish was part of the Limited Edition A/W Collection The Damned. After having a look on the Topshop website though there is a great range of matte polishes out, including Bad Orchid which is a great plummy purple for Autumn/Winter.

What're your thoughts on matte nails?

Aimée
Xxxx

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Review: Topshop Blush in Primetime

After 3-4 hours of wearing Primetime 

Considering Topshop is primarily a highstreet clothes shop I really think they excel in their make-up collection. Their lipsticks and nail polishes are such great quality and now I've delved into the world of their blushes I can safely say that it'll be a permanent fixture in my make-up bag.

I picked up Primetime which is a cream to powder blush in a gorgeous bright pink shade. The blending ability of this is insane. It blends out so flawlessly and gives you a lovely rosy glow. I struggled to take a picture that showed the blush to its best ability, so the above photo is from a recent day out with my boyfriend. I'd been wearing the blush for at least 3 or 4 hours by the time we took the picture and I think it still gives a lovely radiant glow.

The blush is really pigmented so a little goes a long way. When applying I use my fingers to dab a little on the apples of my cheeks before blending it out. I'm sure a Stippling Brush would give the blush a gorgeous look after applying, but for the moment my fingers work just as well.

I'm definitely going to invest in more Topshop blushes in the future. Are there any shades you'd recommend?

Aimée
Xxxx

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October Favourites.

So its October Favourites time and there's quite a few products I've been loving! Including a cheeky candle purchase too!

Recently I've been really getting into my Stila In The Light Palette. I've actually had the palette for ages, but I always seem to forget I have it and find it lurking at the back of my make-up drawer. This month however, I've had it on the go almost everyday and been totally loving it! The 10 shadows are beautiful and super pigmented. They also blend really easily which is great for me as I'm still a bit of an eye shadow novice! My only issues with the palette is that there isn't enough matte shades for my liking and it doesn't close securely which makes travelling a slight issue. But a spare hair band solves that issue. :)

If you read my recent review (here) you'll know that I've been obsessed with Benefit's High Beam ever since I bought it. The lovely pinky-champagney colour works so well to brighten my face up for Autumn. Using it underneath my brow bone also gives a lovely definition to my brows as well. I won't harp on too much as my review says it all, but basically I LOVE it!

Now its Autumn and the run up to Christmas has officially hit, you've got to have a staple red lipstick on the go. My current go-to is Topshop's Rio Rio. Its creamy, moisturising and has great colour pay off. With a lip liner to prime the lips it has great staying power and a lovely matte finish. At £8 I think its really great value too!

As seen in my previous post this week, I am in love with the miracle hair worker that is TIGI's Wonderful Tonight. Want an overnight treatment that leaves you with that 'just left the hairdressers' feeling? Then you need this bottle in your life! It makes my hair feel so soft and shiny and it smells super yummy too!

Bronzer is something I've never really used. I always seem to struggle finding the perfect shade for me, but the Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder has found a permanent place in my make-up bag. I have it in the shade fair/medium. The powder is really finely milled, giving a really natural finish on the skin. I really love the packaging too, with a massive mirror which is great when I'm travelling!

Lastly, a somewhat different addition to normal! On a recent trip to Waitrose, I found this Fig and Plum candle on offer and couldn't resist it. It smells amazing and has really gotten me into an autumnal mood. Fig seems to be a favourite scent of mine at the moment, so you might see a few more candles popping up here and there!

So there's my favourites for this month! What've you been loving? :)

Aimée
Xxxx

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My Top 3 Products for Autumn.

Growing up, I lived for the warmer months with the only highlight of Autumn/Winter being the Christmas period. But in recent years my love for layering, jumpers and red lips has grown and grown and now I can't wait to get my winter coat out. The chilly weather is also the best justification for copious Starbucks trips, woolly tights and mulled wine! So I thought I'd share with you three beauty products that will be permanent fixtures in my make-up bag this Autumn.

Without the sun to brighten my face and give me much needed Vitamin C I find that my skin starts to look a little dull. This is where highlighter comes in and saves the day! Benefit High Beam is actually a recent purchase of mine, and a full review will be on the blog next week but I'm already obsessed with it. Its a beautiful champagne pink like colour, and the nail-varnish style applicator makes it so easy to apply. I dab the brush on the back of my hand, then dot the highlighter along my cheekbones and sometimes on the brow bone before blending it out. It gives such a lovely dewy glow that's perfect for brightening up your face in those colder months.

Aside from dramatic lips a smokey eye is synonymous with Autumn make-up so you may be confused as to why I've chosen such a neutral shade to be my staple. I absolutely love the Maybelline Colour Tattoo's and the shade On and On Bronze is perfect for wearing on its own paired with a bright lip or as a base for a smokey look. The formula is so creamy that it really glides onto your lid and stays put all day. Perfect for daytime wear! I recently just hit pan on this shadow which I think is testament to how much wear I get out of it! I was a fail and forgot to swatch it with the other two products, but if you click here you can read a full review of the shadow with swatches.

Bright red lips are a classic and reminds me of glamorous women in the 50's. Though recreating this look with the perfect red lipstick can be tricky as there is SO many red lipsticks out there, Topshop's Rio Rio is a definite favourite of mine. I actually bought it almost a year ago and found it way too drying on my lips so I never really used it. However since using the Lush Lip Scrub my lips have been in much better condition and I thought I'd give it a go again. I'm so glad I did, as the colour is really flattering on me! Its definitely my go-to red lipstick now. Its creamy and moisturising  in texture and super pigmented, it also lasts really well and I love the matte finish. Topshop lipsticks have often been compared to MAC in quality and I'd definitely have to agree. If you're on the lookout for a good red lipstick and don't want to splurge too much this is definitely the one to try.

What're your favourite products for Autumn? :)

Aimée
Xxxx

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Wishing for Autumn.

Whenever someone asks what my favourite season is, I will always shout SUMMER! But, I have to confess the past few days I've begun longing for a fresh chilly breeze, wrapping up in a big jumper and the chance to make more excuses for a Starbucks than I already do. So with that in mind I thought I'd share with you a little A/W wishlist to sate my autumnal needs for now. (I might add, that it probably won't help in sating my endless shopping needs however!)

Why are pretty things so expensive?! I have literally wanted a OnePiece onesie FOREVER. (That pattern in particular being my favourite!) They just look like the most comfiest things alive, and my Primark onesie just isn't cutting it anymore. Unless I win the lottery anytime soon, I think my dream of a OnePiece is just that. 

The Topshop shoes may very well be the cutest shoes everrr. I realise they're not particularly autumnal, considering the cut outs - but they would definitely look cute with a pair of tights and I think that's enough to include them in my list. Being only £35 however, I don't think they'll be staying on the wishlist too long....

When it gets to coat season, a statement bag is the one thing that completes your look and Michael Kors knows it. Most girls have that one designer bag that they lust after forever, knowing full well that it's probably out of their reach. Mine is the Selma Satchel. At £315, its not anyway near the expense of some designer bags - but its definitely still way out of my reach. Fingers crossed on that lottery guys!! 

Ted Baker always seem to make the most beautiful yet classy dresses. This in particular being one of them. I can literally see myself prancing around town in it! But alas, I think this may be a few too many pounds for my pocket :( 

Lastly, the Topman jumper. I realise this jumper is aimed at men - but don't you think guys get all the best jumpers?? I'm in love with the colours in the pattern and being made from Lambs wool I don't doubt that it must be ridiculously comfy! If this doesn't end up in my wardrobe, I may just have to buy it for my boyfriend instead!

So there we have it, my current A/W wishlist! What are you lusting over at the moment?

Aimée

Xxxx

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Review | Topshop Lip Bullet in There She Goes

I'm a big fan of this style of lip product, like the Clinique Chubby Sticks and Revlon Balm Stains I find them so easy to use and love how comfortable they are on the lips. So when I was in Topshop a few weeks back it was inevitable that one of their Lip Bullets would be coming home with me. I chose There She Goes as I wanted something a bit more neutral so I could wear it in the day. Especially with the summer weather finally approaching I thought it'd be a really lovely shade to wear.

I haven't used it a massive amount yet, but I still wanted to share this post with you as for the quality of the product I think its really worth the money. Being from Topshop it's in a pretty good price range of £8, and comes wrapped in their signature pretty packaging.

With the twist up applicator its super easy to apply and is really travel friendly for your handbag. I wouldn't say its massively pigmented, but its definitely build-able which is great for me as I wanted a subtle finish. It feels really moisturising on the lips and leaves a dewy finish.

The only downside is that the shade is really quite shimmery, which isn't something I particularly enjoy. When I swatched it I don't think I truly noticed the shimmery particles, but as the product is build-able its not hard to strike a good balance for my preferences.

Essentially - so far so good! Let me know if you've tried any of their other Lip Bullets, as this was the first shade I've tried. :)

Aimée
Xxxx

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A Beauty Lovers Birthday.

My baby cousin Lilia helped me blow out my candles :)

Annoying middle parting - darn you!

So I am a very lucky lady :) It was my Birthday this week and my sister made me this amazing cake!! Aside from tasting superr yummy (coffee and chocolate with chocolate frosting - don't ask about the calories!) it just looks incredible! And, as it was completely make-up related - I thought you lovely readers might like a peek :) I think the brushes are my favourite - they just look so realistic!

Aimée
Xxxx

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My Everyday Go-To's.

Like most bloggers I tend to shake-up my everyday make-up routine quite a bit with new products I want to try. But, I've noticed for quite a few weeks now I've been using the same staple pieces every morning. I don't have a particularly adventurous everyday look, with eyeshadows and lip products only sometimes slipping their way in. (I'm on the hunt for a good staple everyday eyeshadow - any suggestions?) But, I thought I'd share with you my current staple pieces that always seem to make their way onto my face.

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer in 002

L'Oreal True Match Perfection Foundation in N2 Vanilla (review HERE)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light 2

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed

Max Factor Colour X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (review of shade Anthracite HERE)

MeMeMe Fat Cat Mascara in Black 

Louise Gray for Topshop Mascara in There and Black (review HERE)

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose

There we have it, all the products I use on a daily basis. I'd like to just add a quick note about why I'm currently using two mascaras! My beloved Louise Gray mascara has started to get a little clumpy (I have had it a fair few months to be fair!), and my Fat Cat mascara doesn't provide enough impact. But, if I combine the two, applying Fat Cat first to separate and lengthen my lashes - adding Louise Gray afterwards makes my lashes stand out and gives me the wide awake look I so desperately need in the morning! 

What are your staple everyday products of the moment? Any recommendations? :) 

Aimée 

Xxxx

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Muddy Walks and Aztec Prints.

DISCLAIMER: This is a picture heavy post to soothe your tired Monday morning brains. I do hope you enjoy looking at the pretty things :)

Showcased in this post, are pictures I took last weekend of a muddy walk on Box Hill, Surrey. I've also included a little 'haul' of clothes I've bought recently. The Topshop Black and White Boyfriend Coat that I've lusted over for a good month or so and finally caved to buy. The super comfy H and M aztec print jumper, that I can't find online but was £29.99. The floral skirt, courtesy of Primark, which was about £10. Finally, the black quilted ballet pumps, again from Primark at the bargainous price of £6.

I hope you enjoyed this Monday post, and I hope you all have a lovely day :)

Aimée
Xxxx

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STOP PRESS: Products I actually emptied...

I feel I can speak for most of us when I say that actually finishing a product is a momentous occasion. One that hardly ever happens and should be exclaimed for all to know. As confessed addicts to buying superfluous amounts of beauty products its quite a feat actually finishing a singular product and for me personally I get bored of using the same things. Regardless, here I am with some 'empties' and I thought I'd share this one-off occasion with you!

Lee Stafford: Blow Dry Your Hair Faster Spray; This spray found its way into my possession so long ago I can't even remember. Its meant to make blow drying your hair quicker, which with my thick long hair sounded like a godsend. It also has a heat protecting agent in the product which is a plus. At the time that I was using the spray I never noticed a drastic difference in the time it took me to dry my hair, but it did seem to de-tangle my  hair slightly and obviously protect it from the heat. This on its own wasn't enough for me to consider re-purchasing, and since finishing the bottle I haven't really noticed that my hair takes any longer to dry. So my verdict? It definitely doesn't do what it says on the tin for my hair.

Aussie: 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment; As with all Aussie products you know the quality is going to be brilliant. I used this once every 3 days on my hair, and I did notice an improvement in the condition of it. It felt smooth, soft and really healthy. It also made my hair smell great! I do really like this product, but it wasn't Holy Grail material and I'm still on the lookout for the perfect conditioning treatment. Its definitely worth having as a back-up though.

Lee Stafford: I Hate My Hair The Day Its Washed Solution Spray; I bought this at the same time as the first spray mentioned, and again it was a product that sounded amazing. The day my hair is washed it's usually full of frizz and quite hard to style. This product claimed to calm all that and for the most part it did. Until, I found hair oils. Nothing can beat a hair oil on my hair, especially my Ojon Rare Blend Oil (Review HERE) which I love. This is a good product, but I would say that hair oils are much better if you were looking for a smoothing style product.

Topshop: Nail Varnish Remover Wipes; This is a pretty boring product, but I thought I'd include it anyway. I bought this quite a while ago and only really finished it because it was the only nail varnish remover I could find in the house. I actually really don't like these, the wipes are so saturated with remover that they really sting if you accidentally get them in a cut on your fingers! Not your average review comment, but I always seem to be cutting my fingers by accident! The wipes really didn't work very well either, and would take me ages to completely get all nail varnish off. I much prefer the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover that I mentioned in my December favourites, so much less hassle!

Lee Stafford: Hair Growth Treatment; I feel like this post has been quite negative, but this product I actually really do like! (Hooray! I hear you say!) Its targeted at people who are trying to grow their hair but notice that it never grows past a certain length. My hair literally just stopped for about a month, until I used this treatment and I noticed a real improvement. You only need a small amount every time you apply the product so it really does last quite a while. I haven't repurchased just yet, but I definitely will be re-investing as I really did notice the effects.

Dermalogica: CleanStart Welcome Matte Spf15; This is a moisturiser that I received in my October Glossy Box, that came in a set with a toner and foaming wash (Review HERE). I hated the toner and wash, as they made me completely break out, but I really liked the moisturiser. It made my skin soft and supple without feeling like it was weighed down. It really is a nice product, but since then I have found better moisturisers so I won't be repurchasing. Also, call me odd, but I didn't really want to buy a singular product out of a set, it just felt odd.

So that was crazy long, but I hope it helped you if you were intending on buying any of these products yourself. Let me know if you struggle to finish products too?!

Aimée
Xxxx

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Dress It Up...

Dress It Up. Its the name of my blog, but what do I actually mean by it? I love getting dolled up, wearing pretty things and generally making quite an effort with clothes. I so wish I could do the 'casual' look, but it just doesn't suit me. I literally look like I've rolled out of bed rather than spending hours to look like I've just rolled out of bed. Therefore my answer, is to wear casual clothes and dress it up with a statement piece so I don't look so plain! See what I did there? ;)

The necklace I bought above was a New Years splurge from Topshop. I really love detailed collars on shirts, so when I saw this beaded beauty in necklace form I knew I had to have it and its been an outfit staple ever since!

 

Be it a plain dress, skirt and top or jeans and jumper combination  I really think the necklace just adds a bit of oomph to the ensemble.Even when I'm wrapped up in my coat (which is a must with this current weather!) I think it looks so cute peeking through. :)

So there we have it, the 'meaning' behind my blog name. I have tried to find a link to the necklace on the topshop website, but I can't find it anywhere. I have seen it recently in store though, if it takes your fancy. :)

I hope the New Year is treating you all well! I'll be back soon with beauty and craft posts!

Aimée 

Xxxx

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