Sunday Kind of Loving

Yesterday i took my mother into central London to do some shopping and treat her to afternoon tea. After a good nose around the shops, and her trying on a thousand blazers we made our way to Beas of Bloomsburys in St Pauls. I had come across it's sister tea shop in Holborn when i was interning at Stylist, with the most gorgeous looking cupcakes and large meringues, it resembles my own personal heaven! With it's very popular nature and the tea shop being rather dainty, you are only able to book a table at St. Pauls shop. Tucked away just behind the cathedral, we ate mini baguettes, scones and cream, mini meringues, the most fabulous iced cupcakes and miniature marshmallows; with a pot of tea for two for £15 a head. A very, very reasonable price to pay for a decent afternoon tea in London town i dare say. The tea shop is so lovely, i really recommend a visit to Beas in Holborn, even if your popping in for a take out cupcake!        

Never mind the beautiful creation right there, look at all the cupcakes in the wall!

I made a few purchases on the day naturally, i first went to one of the H&M 's on Oxford St, which at the moment have some fabulous (affordable) spring/summer pieces in. I don't feel so guilty buying summer clothes when i know they aren't high prices - i'm looking at you Topshop.

Broderie detail striped breton teeshirt - (£9.99)

I'm drawn to stripes. I own endless stripy dresses, tops, jumpers, you name it. I couldn't resist. I can't wait to wear these with my denim shorts in the summer.  

Long Knitted Cardigans - Cream & Grey (£7.50 each)

These were reduced to half price, i needed no reason. I live in cardigans, so at the price, there was no question about it. I seriously urge you to hunt these out!

Scarf  - (£12.99)

I'm pretty obsessed with oversized scarfs, just me? Yes. Despite the fact it's actually a cape/poncho thing, i can't wait to team this camel scarf with my black Zara blazer, plus how perfect is this for an aeroplane journey? 

Camel Court Heels - Primark (£12.00)

On our way home we nipped in to Primark in East Croydon, amid the flurry of half-term teens i managed to score some rather nice pieces! I say this proudly as i never, repeat never, find anything in Primark. I picked up these court heels, as i cannot bare to part with zillions of pounds for heels i literally only wear once in a blue moon. I'm a flats girl, through and through. But these are the perfect all round colour/shape/style for those 'oh dear lord, why do i not own ANY suitable heels?' Sorted.

 Sheer Blouse - (£8.00)

I had to double take a look at this, from Primark are you sure? Yes! And as simple as that i bought it in a heartbeat. 

Do you have any tea-room recommendations?

 Preferably affordable.

Love & Lust?

Let's just take a minute to appreciate the beauty that follows..

And breathe. I fell head over heels in love with this bag today, its beautiful.

Mini Leather Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs (£220.00) 

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand.

First of all i must apologise for the abundance of hair posts, clearly 2011 is the year of the hair do's/don'ts. Since purchasing the Lee Stafford Hair Growth product mentioned here, i can honestly say that unless i bought this in the truckload, i don't think i would ever notice a difference. Of which firstly i can't afford and secondly, i don't think my local Boots would appreciate me rolling up in a white van really to raid their stockroom. Continuing my search for long tresses, and despite ignoring the fact that my hair dressers announced in a matter of factly way that my hair may just be done growing, i'm holding on to the thought with tightly gripped hands that if i nourish my hair and keep it in tiptop condition, it will bound to grow long. Heres hoping.

So heres the plan, let me introduce you the brand spankin' new hair routine, products that are paraben and sulphate free. Let me break it down in simple terms, sulphates and parabens are chemicals used within the cosmetic industry, whilst deemed 'safe' for usage, by cutting out these extra chemicals it is a more gentle, 'organic' way of washing one's hair. I'm not going to pretend that i know all the in's and out's of this chemical talk, you only have to look at my science GCSE certificates to know that i'm no expert.. trust me.

Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner - Liz Earle (£7.50 each)

These two products have certainly been raved about constantly on blogs and in magazines, but alas i bought these with my own pennies. After receiving a sample from a dedicated Liz Earle friend, i was instantly smitten. Without the jargon of most shampoos and conditioners promising shine like no other, i was pleasantly surprised to actually see real results. However, being sulphate free these babies do no lather like your average shampoo, so i'll be interested to see how much of a squirt i have to use to give my hair a good scrub.

Intensive Hair Treatment - Wen (£18.95)

Next up is a hair mask by the brand Wen, of which i received as a press sample. This cucumber fresh smelling mask comes in at a rather pricey £18, but with only a selected number of brands producing natural products its clear to see why it holds a high price. The thick cream will definitely be a must have to use on my Sunday evening routine, i'm interested to see if it can measure up to my trusty Aussie Three Miracle.

Let It Be Leave in Conditioner - Tigi (£5.70)

After searching high and low for a natural leave-in conditioner i finally came across the Love Planet Peace range from Tigi. I snapped it up in minutes when i saw the scent was cherry almond, its smells so yummy, i find my self having to stop myself from eating it. I find a leave in conditioner is vital for my ends, especially as my hair is so fine, it really needs that extra love and condition from heated styling.

I plan to give these products a full month trial before i present my verdict, some products are pretty pricey to go au natural (such as Aveda and Wen) but the products from the Tigi line are cheap as chips online. I bought mine from Active Beauty, which has free delivery and sells good quality brands such as Burts Bees and Kerastace at very, very good prices. 

Have you used any natural products? 

All of the lights

After growing my hair for what seems like a decade (six months if we are being precise), i now want to hack it all off in a bob after seeing these photos of ScarJo in the latest Mango S/S 11 promo campaign. This overwhelming desire choppy long-length bob will have to remain in the back of mind, at least over summer where tumbling curls seem to be a distant hope!

Short vs Long?

I feel like everyone and the cats mother are after luscious long locks, part of me wants to go for the chop for this very reason alone. But i think i'll hold back, maybe A/W 11? 

everyone is starry eyed.

The much awaited new capsule collection hit the Topshop website this morning, Stand Storm effortlessly brings to mind  and reflects the 'eclectic mix of sun bleached neons and tarnished, dusty metallics,' inspired by the Nevadan festival Burning Men. The Topshop collections never seem to fail me in terms of quality, imagination and pricewise. Slowly the highstreet is catching up with the latest trends and needs of the make-up industry, and it's just not all about pale pink lippie and blue eyeshadow.

Eye Crayons in Equinox & Zephyr (£8.50)

These remind me of the Mac shade sticks, albeit more affordable. With a metallic finish, they can be used alone for a smokey eye or to be layered under shadow to provide the perfect base. These are the two must-have items i definitely want to try, especially that gunmetal shade. 

Liner in Perpeptual, Infinite and Tarnished - (£8.00)

These are designed as semi-perminant liquid liners, but i'm guessing thats just jargon for long-lasting. Although these shades look a world a way from whats available for that price, the green and gold would look lovely on redheads and brunettes, but looking at the shades they don't look particularly pigmented, no?

Eyeshadow Mousse in Tundra and Glint (£8.00)

Another item rather exciting, great washes fr colour or to be used as a base for shadow. I really hope the quality and pigmentation on these really live up to the hype of the Benefit/Mac cream eyeshadows. Let's hope Topshop bring these to their main line in a whole host of different shades, including a basic eye primer shade.

Creme Lipcolour in Daze and Tawny (£7.50)

Described as a creamy liquid lipgloss, it creates a moisturising matte finish, Matte finish, say what? Interesting. 

Lipgloss Stick in Albaze & Glisten (£8.00)

Described as a sheer, moisturising lipgloss is slightly disappointing, with the amazing, sleek packaging and pop of colours i though these would prove the richest pigmentation. Although, who am i kidding? Sheer pop of colour is right up my street, but i know plenty of friends who would love that rich amount of lipstick in these two shades. On the fence here. 

Nails Duo in Zealous & Wilderness (£9.00)

I love these colour combinations! For a neutral nail kinda girl, i definitely think i need to step out of my comfort zone and try that blue!

All these items are ready to be purchased on the Topshop website, yet i see the blushers, highlighters and  baked eyeshadows are no where to be seen yet - saving best till last? I hope so! What are your first impressions of the Topshop make-up? 

I can't say i'm desperate to get my hands on anything just yet, but i'm sure i'll give the crayons a good play with when i'm next in store.

Before you, my whole life was acapella.

Style inspiration as cliche as it sounds, does come from anything and everything. From a film, to the latest copy of a fashion monthly, or even what my best friend is wearing - it can totally inspire you. I own some lovely pieces, but always get stuck in such a rut styling them. Looking at how a style icon or a friend wears something a certain way, can completely change your perception on an item of clothing, sparking outfit ideas you never thought off. Apart from stealing major styling tips from the likes of Diane Kruger, Olivia Palermo and good old LC, one flawless character who's bringing back the 60's is January Jone's character Betty in Mad Men.

Mad Men, if you've been living under the rock for the past two years, its an American television program centred around the glamour and glitz of a New York 1960's ad agency. Set in the ruthless Stirling Cooper office, afternoon whiskeys, endless chain-smoking, frivolous office romances are the norm and not forgetting the stunning 60's style. January Jones plays Betty, wife of leading man, ladies man Don, mother of two - she is the ultimate perfect and oh, so glamourous housewife. I can't personally get enough of her perfect style. Cocktail dresses galore and her effortless Grace Kelly curls, Betty Draper is one major style icon.

Tan Spot 50's Dress - Topshop (£36.00)

Tan Mini Skinny Belt - Topshop (£12.00)

Mac Lipstick - Costa Chic (£13.50)

Cardigan - H&M (£9.99)

Shoes - H&M (£7.99)

I've had my eye on this dress since it hit the Topshop website, i bloody adore it. 

If you haven't already, watch Mad Men, i can't be held responsible if you become equally addicted.

Who are your major style icons, character wise? 

Hey you, with the pretty face, welcome to the human race!

With such horrid weather, let's face it there are only so many new Spring/Summer clothes we can hoard. Yes, i understand that i pretty much desperately need that summer dress, but it's rather sad to think that it probably won't make it's debut for at least a couple of months - by then i'll of already fallen in love with about fifty other summer dresses. So for the few last weeks, many beauty purchases have been bought. This is only the beginning. 

Tangle Teezer - (£9.99)

It does what it says on the tin. The tangle teezer was, i must admit, a rather impulse purchase. Since growing my hair, the daily combat with my brush and soaking wet hair isn't fun. And when you aren't blessed with the natural thick locks, i intend not to fight them! Since purchasing the tangle teezer, what would be a 5 minute argument, is now a two minute brush. I severely recommend these rather bizarre looking contraptions, and in all honestly my hair is in so much better condition from it.

NARS nail varnish in Orgasm - (£13.50)

Not being able to wear the blush version without my pores screaming out glitter overload, i most eagerly snapped up the varnish from ASOS, with 20% student discount. This golden, peachy pink shade is the colour of my summer.

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment - (£7.00)

I don't believe for one moment that a hair conditioner can actually make your hair grow, but my curiosity got the better of me when it was on offer in Boots, two for £8. Do the math. Considering Lee recommend an 'egg' shaped handful, thank god it was on offer. I can't see many eggs coming out of one tub alone. It's a great mask and conditioner (nothing compared to good old Aussie) but really, i think i would need more than two tubs to see any kind of difference. But if does work a little magic, i will cry in happiness. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette - (£32.00)

Talk about jumping late on the bandwagon, eh? For all my non-blogger readers, the UD Naked palette, is the one palette to rule them all. Not much of an eyeshadow wearer, i have definitely been, using the word roughly, attempting to create some neutral looks. After lusting and pondering the release of this palette, then leaving it forever to purchase it sold out. Thankfully, it came back on the Debenhams site for two hours before it sold out again, sorry ladies! Although i'm sure it will be back soon enough, i can't give enough love to Virgin, Sin and Side Car.

Laura Mercier blush in shade Lotus Pink - (£19.50)

I'm pretty much obsessed with Laura Mercier, and with £10 left to spend on my Space Nk card, i barged right on in to buy this beauty. More peachier in real life, it has a really bright pow effect, very different to Deep Throat by Nars. This blush is only to be worn with the simplest of make-up, as it certainly packs a very bright punch.

Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer - (£13.50)

Not going to lie, my Studio Fix concealer is my one and only, holy grail concealer. But with all these late night, early mornings (bloody weird sleep pattens) my under-eye circles are not thanking me. This Pro-Longwear concealer, is very full coverage, so only needed for very, bad skin days. Works wonders on blemishes or dark circles, yet it literally needs the smallest amount. 

That is part of my stash i've been building up. Have you tried any of these products?

Irreplaceable.

Topshop Peach Dress - £50.00

I finally bought it! Despite the fact that it creases like crazy, i still adore it. I personally can't wait for blue skys and sunshine, dreaming of summer days.