In Between // Outfit Post

I'm not so much of a fan of summer, the heat, the comfortable nights, and so on.. but one thing I DO love about summer, is wearing pretty dresses. Wearing jeans gets tiresome after a while, though I do live in for shorts and tights. Right now its a litttlleee too cold. About 5 minutes ago it randomly started snowing and turned to hailstone. 

I wore this gingham slip dress a lot last summer, and was one of my favourite pieces at the time. After neglecting it for what seems like forever, I decided to team it with a trusty long sleeved band t-shirt to make it extra cosy. Alongside some simple chunky heeled boots, for a cute wintery-ish look. (Not sure if thats a word, but we will go with it). Or I probably look like a dinner lady, you decide. 

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GINGHAM DRESS // MISSGUIDED

T-SHIRT // IMPERICON 

BOOTS // BOOHOO 

CHOKER // WANDERDUSK

Music I'm Into At The Moment

It's been a while since I posted, but in the space I have been gone, I've been doing a lot of music researching and listening. Something I also figured is that it has been even LONGER since I have done a post regarding that sweet stuff. I think that means it calls for sharing of what I have been indulging my ears in lately.

Polaris 

Best start this off with a confession. I was awaiting their debut album, The Mortal Coil, after being obsessed with their previous EP The Guilt & The Grief. I gave TMC a brief listen before becoming ignorant to it and not picking it up again, I at first found that this just didn't grab me. Lately, I have been giving it another go. Second time around it now has me under its wing. Crooked Path had become my anthem at the moment. I'm sorry boys this took me so long. But what an absolutely incredible album.   

Forever Came Calling 

These guys are one of the most underrated bands I have ever come across. A few years a go they supported Four Year Strong, and I lost my absolute shit when I heard they were announced as support. They were even better live, than what they are through your speakers. A talented bunch of guys that haven't given up (thank God) and are back once again with a new EP on the horizon. 

I hope this / they get the recognition they deserves this time around. 

Thornhill 

Recently signed to UNFD, these guys had me from the second I heard them. This is a band I would sum up as being everything I enjoy about music in a nutshell; not to mention Australian (cause we all know they produce some of the best Metal bands).

I have my eye on these guys, because I think we will be seeing a lot of them this year.

ISOTOPES 

Thanks to Dreambound I came across this band due to them. One to get stuck in the head for sure; well it's been stuck in mine. That chorus.

VOULOIR

I recommend anyone to subscribe to Dreambound on YouTube, because they are one of the main places I go to to discover new music. Shout out to them again for discovering Vouloir.

The vocals remind me a lot of Casey. But the lyrical content of the two songs I have heard so far are pretty deep and in their own way beautiful. If you like sad music I strongly recommend these guys.

HAPPY LISTENING!

x

Lime Crime Plushies // Milk Tea, Smokey & Marmalade

Let it be said; if there is one brand that knows how to do colourful lip products like no other, Lime Crime holds the title for that. Plushies are described to be as soft as a teddy bear, but still giving us the same matte effect of Velvetines; so whats the difference? And do these new lip products live up to the hype?

The packaging for Plushies is very eye catching. I think like many I am a fool when it comes to packaging of products. I mean that's usually the first ting you see when new products are announced, right? Unlike most products, you can actually see the product through the packaging.

My first thought when applying the Marmalade shade for the first time, was how it felt so soft on my lips. I soon realised that this was more of a sheer product, yet build-able. My problem was, once building the product upon my lips, it seems to go flakey. After easting greasy food it flaked even more. I would definitely say these are perfect for that sheer look, but if you want to go for more of a staple look (as I do!) then you are probably better off sticking to velvetines. 

Price wise if you are interested to know; I got a bundle deal for my Plushies, and got 3 for $48. With shipping to the UK, this came to a total of around £44. Their delivery is extremely fast! I ordered Sunday evening and they arrived on the Thursday, so this I would definitely recommend if you find items which aren't available in the UK yet, and you just can't wait to get your hands on them. 

x

December Everyday // Outfit Post

  

I wasn't really a fan of the 'distressed' clothing look, but this jumper was way too cute and emo to turn down, and the distressing works well for it, even if I do say so myself.

As its long but still a little too short to wear by itself, I teamed it with a mini skirt, to give it an extra bit of length, but also still making the jumper the main event.

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SKIRT // H&M
DISTRESSED OVERSIZED JUMPER // ROKOKO AT ASOS
BUCKLE BOOTS // H&M (SIMILAR)

Why I Cancelled My Birchbox Subscription

There is something exciting about having a box of treats arrive at your door each month, where the contents are unknown. 

It's something to look forward to every month, and with regarding to beauty box subscriptions; if you love beauty products, this is a great way to discover new brands and items each month.

This was the selling point for me with Birchbox. I really loved the feeling of having a box of unknown contents arrive at my front door every month. But every month without a doubt I would be let down.

A BOX TAILORED TOWARDS ME?

I've in fact tried Birchbox twice. Once around 2013, and again in 2016. What won me around again for the second time was that from pictures I saw on social media, it looked like the contents of the box had dramatically improved since then. But in fact I look at this now, and pretty much every item being a sample, you could probably get in a magazine, or as a freebie from a beauty website when making an order. The contents were never tailored towards me, I got a bit sick of receiving hair care products - something I already stated on my bio that I wasn't interested in. 

FULL SIZE ITEMS?

Even the times we were promised full size items, a few times I felt we were cheated into believing these items were 'full size £20 + items' or whatever it was they were claiming. When they were clearly NOT. I was astonished to see that when I had received these items, you only had to go online and see that pretty much every other person was claiming the same thing. Still, Birchbox never owned up to this. I mean why would they? They already pissed off a bunch of customers.

BIRCHBOX POINTS?

The thing that sealed the deal on this the most was the Birxhbox points system. Every month, by filling in reviews on the items you had in your box you would gain more than £5 worth of Birchbox shop point; thats almost HALF of what you payed already for your monthly box. Which meant every 2 months or so you'd be gifted with a £10 voucher to spend on their online store. This for me made it worth. Unfortunately, they decided to scrap this idea, by giving us 'better' loyalties. What..free shipping if we buy something thats featured that month? Hmmm...

CUTE STORAGE? 

Sure! You get a cute little box every month, the packaging is great! I will give them that... but that novelty wore out for me quicker than I thought. They make good storage for a few pens, but you soon realise that you can't actually fit that much into them.. and they for me started to look cluttered.. they don't even match and that annoys me. Nor do they go with the kind of decor I am personally attracted to.

AN ALTERNATIVE (FOR ME)

I've found a subscription box now thats more tailored to myself which I feature on here every month. So far, the contents have been worth the money - even if it is a little more pricey, you get quality and quantity! I actually use the contents of these boxes, and not just the odd thing here and there. I have a massive stash of Birchbox supplies which I am either a) probably never going to use, or b) use them as stocking fillers at some point. 


I am certain that Birxbox will tailor to some peoples needs, but for myself; it just wasn't 'the one'.

x

Witch Casket Unboxing // January 2018

First things first; I'd like to make a special thanks to Link (aka Linkazoid, aka Mousey) for his special guest appearance in months Witch Casket unboxing video. It was his debut acting appearance, and I think he nailed it. Absolute superstar.

I managed to do my first month of opening Witch Casket without seeing any spoilers before I got my hands on it, very proud of myself, as I usually stalk Instagram and see what is in the box before I get mine. Probably a bit like what you are doing now by reading this.

This months theme was "The Book Of Shadows", and in this wonderful box of joy, was a bunch of awesome stuff. I saw the notepad and I got sweaty cause if you know me, you'll know that I have a thing for stationary.. like a major thing. I can't go into a supermarket without going down stationary village. This notepad reminds me a little of the one I got for Christmas, by Killstar. I stuck my sticker on the front too which was also in this months box, and now it looks even more spot on! 

Let's talk about this spoon then. I didn't think it was possible to be excited about a spoon. But then never before had I seen a spoon, THAT HAS A SKELETONS SKULL ON IT. I am refusing to use it though, as I know it will probably end up going missing. So this ones staying in the box of things to use, once I have moved out haha!

Once again, there is an amazing art work print in this, which I absolutely adore. It's probably my favourite piece yet. This has made it on to my wall, and it looks SO pretty.

List of contents can be found below. And of course.. THE UNBOXING VIDEO! FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS... 

x

Roses For The Dead // Outfit Post

I couldn't not wear something with a rose print, and NOT name the post after a Funeral For A Friend song now, could I?

I've had this bodice for quite some time; it's not in stock anymore, but there are some different pieces on their website with the same print. I had to share this anyway, as it is a beautiful print.

Mom shorts on the other hand, a timeless classic. I find that skinny jeans, skinny fitted shorts etc, don't tend to fit my body shape, and that slim fit mom jeans suit me a lot better. 

These Lost Ink boots are I found on Asos. They have pull ring detailing on the back which was the selling point for me. I love the pull ring trend at the moment.

Links to items below :)

x

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BODICE // MOTEL ROCKS (SAME PATTERN HERE)

BOOTS // LOST INK 

HIGH WAISTED MOM SHORTS // ASOS

Philips Hue Lights

Technology is probably not my area of expertise, nor does it really have my interest, and I suppose it doesn't really fit alongside what I usually post about. However, the Philips Hue is an exception; I just had to talk about it. 

You see, when Dan came home raving about how cool a set of 'lights' are,  admittedly I tuned out at first, I didn't really listen. I thought it was just him going on about some more gadgets. Eventually a light went off in my head (see what I did there) that this might not actually be a bad idea. I think he had me at the part he said you can download a third party app to get the lights to flicker along to your music. Gig in my own house? I'm sold. Moshing around by myself will never be the same again.

So we have them now, and I am glad I came around to the idea. You control them via an app on your phone, but you can also just use the main light switch. I'm not sure how all the fancy bits work, like I say I am no tech wiz, but it comes with a kit to attach to your wifi, in order for the app to work.

We got a main white light bulb, and a second portable light, which means it can be placed anywhere you like. Both allow you to adjust the brightness. The portable light allows you to change to any colour you like. The brightness of both these parts are amazing, I can actually see what I'm doing now when I do my makeup in the mornings, it doesn't so much feel like I am sat in a cave. 

It's been lovely to be able to dim the lights at night. I'm used to having fairy lights, but at the moment they may take a back seat. Were hoping to get LightStrip in the future which will pretty much act as fairy lights, only we can change the colours!

I would most definitely recommend these to anyone if you're like myself and like your fairy lights, or find different coloured lighting relaxing. Scroll down if you want to see the portable lamp in action!

My 100th Post!!

WOAH!! 100 POSTS!! 

I actually stuck to something? Now theres an achievement!!

Keep Your American Dream // Outfit Post

These boots are probably one of the best bargains I have ever spotted. As a one off I ventured into Matalan, a place I have never really thought of looking for clothes, but as I was passing by one day my feet dragged me in there. 

Within a few minutes I spotted these boots and fell in deep love. They have a slight heel, but great for every day wear. 

The t-shirt dress I have had for quite some time, and was from Missguided. It's the cute little neck line I love the most on this. 

T-SHIRT DRESS // MISSGUIDED
BOOTS // MATALAN
CHOKER // DEPOP
SHIRT // MOTEL 

December Haul & Lookbook

Like a time traveller, i'm taking you back to 2017 one last time and showing you a bunch of things that I either purchased or was loving through the month of December.

I've been really enjoying making the odd video here and there, so I am going to try and do this more regularly. It's nice to be able to show you things in more detail, too! 

It's almost the 15th of the month, which means it's nearly time that my Witch Casket will be dispatched. Can you tell I am really excited? Because I am, I have been counting down the days haha. I will be doing and unboxing video again the second this beauty arrives in my hands! This will be the next thing I film. After that I'm planning on doing a January haul.

I'd love some more ideas on video content, I'm currently pen and paper in hand, brainstorming.

Enjoy! Links are down below to all the items featured 

:) x

CRUSHED VELVET LONGSLEEVE // H&M

TAROT CARD SMOCK DRESS // ASOS

DREAMBOUND T-SHIRT // DREAMBOUND

LEOPARD PRINT SKIRT // MISSGUIDED

FLUFFY CARDIGAN // H&M

LIPSTICKS // MAC COSMETICS

The Blair Snitch Project // Outfit Post

               

There something about tartan trousers I have always felt a drawn too, and now is the time I have took the plunge into owning a pair. They had to be green, my favourite colour which is probably a surprising fact to most, as all I ever seem to wear is black. It is nice to wear a splash of colour once in a while. This is probably about as colourful as it gets.

These boots are almost the most comfortable yet warm boots for these winter months, and to top it all off are made of my most favourite material ever, velvet. I kinda feel like a member of the army in this outfit, just find me a hat.

Boots // Asos Adverture Lace Up Boots 
Trousers // Pull & Bear
Roll Sleeve Crop Top // Boohoo

Jeffree Star Cosmetics // Favourites of The Holiday & Family Collection

Christmas time is a great time for those limited edition makeup releases, the only downfall is; you just can't get them all! Not without taking out a loan. Like every year, I usually select one of the collections (though it is hard) and I politely ask as one or two things as a Christmas gift! 

This year, it was by a long shot that I wanted to own and try out some of the pieces from the Jeffree Star Holiday Collection and the release which he did just before; The Family Collection.

The Family Collection // Velour Liquid Lipstick, Nathan

As an early Christmas gift to myself, I got my hands on the Velour Liquid Lipstick shade which caught my eye the most, Nathan. Described as a 'terracotta nude', it had my at hello. I was so happy with this shade when I received it; I tend to think more peachy / orangey nudes suit me more, as it compliments my skin tone and goes with my own personal style. The formula lived up to its expectations, and the brush was perfect. (I have had a new JS liquid lipsticks before that have had a dodgy brush, making the product harder to apply).

The Collection Collection // Velour Liquid Lipsticks, Berries on Ice & Christmas Cookies

Next up we move on to The Holiday Collection pieces I own. The more I look at this selection of liquid lipstick colours, the more I want to own the rest of them. The look of M§edusa is definitely growing on me for sure. Personally, from looking at swatches online, the two that I would no doubtably gone for all along were the shades Berries on Ice and Christmas Cookies. Despite my hefty nude lipstick collection, I am also a big fan of dark vampy colours, and was hoping Berries on Ice would give me just that.

I have to say, and I am going to be honest, but I felt slightly let down by Berries on Ice. The product went on patchy, and it took a while to build up colour. Even so, the product STILL looked patchy, and I couldn't achieve the bold lip I was going for. I'm really disappointed with this one. 

Christmas Cookies, described as a Soft Peachy Nude, makes it a bit obvious already that this was the shade for me. I absolutely love it, and out of all three of the JS liquid lipsticks in this post, this has to be my favourite. 

L-R: Nathan, Berries on Ice, Christmas Cookies

The Christmas Collection // Skin Frost, Neffree

This was a very daring makeup selection for me. I'm not one for coloured highlighters. I have myself a tasty selection of pinks, but never have I gone for anything more 'out there'. I felt like this was a good start, with its ever so slight hint of purple. And I think it's sad to say that this is also where it ends for me. 

Don't get me wrong, it is an absolutely beautiful colour. The product itself is MASSIVE, I wasn't expecting the pan to be so big, but this was my first JS Skin Frost product. I know even if I was to use this as a daily product, that it would last me probably until the day I die; a little product goes a long way. But, I just don't think I could personally pull this shade off. 

Last Words

I have tried a lot of liquid lipsticks over the years, and have always managed to come back to the Jeffree Star ones. I honestly think they are the best liquid lipstick out there, and worth every penny as a treat now and then. The selection of colours coming out constantly, and the fact that this product lasts through eating, drinking, whatever else, makes it almost irresistible. There is also the most important this to mention to; they are all cruelty free!! :)

☾ ☼ ☆

x

Anxiety at Gigs

It was just before Christmas, when I went to see a band called Daisyhead. I'm not going to claim I am a fan as such, and I had only really listened to them from being in the same room as my boyfriend when he had been listening to them. It had been a band he has wanted to see for such a long time, and I just went along for the ride.

Despite this, I was looking forward to it for a number one reasons; firstly, I actually enjoyed the sound of their music (which is unusual for me, as we both share different tastes for the majority), and then of course secondly the obvious; It was a gig, nothing quite beats live music. Thirdly; it was an adventure.

Underoath // London Forum, May 2017

I was having an okay day. Okay for me at least. One of those days where you feel you can face a challenge; that challenge being going out the front door and tackling to horrors of London. Which I am sure many people will be able to relate to who also struggle with similar things to myself; London can be very daunting. But I did it, I got there.

But when the band came on. I felt stiff, unable to move, I felt claustrophobic amongst the crowd, and I was worried I was being watched. I felt very aware of myself and my surroundings. At some stage I even felt like I had to leave the room, but I also on the other hand, was too scared to move. This happens a lot.

The most upsetting part of it was that I was actually looking forward to it. It wasn't something I was dreading that day. I thought I would be okay. But then that's not always how this illness works.

I wanted that day to come home and write a review of my experience, I wanted to share this on my blog. But I couldn't even move my hand into my pocket to grab my phone, to take a picture. 

I have realised this happens more when I am not so familiar with a band. If I am seeing a band I love, and I am involved with the crowd and the band, then I ultimately forget about my surroundings and it has an opposite effect. Almost like I am releasing my stress and it is the greatest feeling. 

One thing that my anxiety will not have control over though is this, I will not let it. I would be interested to know if anyone else out there has experienced this?

x

January Wishlist

Aside from the December Christmas Gift Guide I did last month, it's been a while since I've gathered together a bunch of awesome finds that I have my eye on. So being the start of a New Year, I thought I would do just that. 

Januarys a funny kind of month; it feels a little sad for many. The Christmas spirit has been and gone, and it's back to work for most. So what better time than to treat yourself, because of course, nothing is better than retail therapy.

H&M // Leopard Print Coat Faux Fur Coat

£59.99

10% OFF ON FIRST SIGN UP. MANY OFFERS FROM THEN ON WHEN YOU BECOME A MEMBER (FOR FREE!)

I shall not rest until I one day own my very own leopard print coat. I am a major leopard print fan. I have pretty much everything leopard print ever, EXCEPT of course a coat.  I nearly got this for christmas but went for the safer option of getting a neutral coat with no pattern as I knew it would go with more of my outfits. So this is more of a lust rather than a need.

FIND IT HERE

MOTEL ROCKS // STRAPPY LEOPARD PRINT DRESS

£30

25% OFF WITH CODE LOVE25

I promise this whole post won't be based around leopard print. That however, will come in due time. Patience.

I pretty much am on Motel every single day, because they are constantly bringing out new styles, prints, and all of them I love. They have been a bit quiet recently, but the other day dropped a load of new stuff. It was worth the wait. I have invested my Christmas money into some great purchases. Stay tuned.

FIND IT HERE

BOOHOO // CORDUROY SKIRT

£20

DOWNLOAD THEIR APP TO GET NOTIFICATIONS OF DISCOUNT CODES. THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH EVERYDAY!

Another trend I am into lately is corduroy. This cute lil skirt will be great to wear with band t-shirts. It comes in various colours too.

FIND IT HERE

LIFE CLUB // BAD SEEDS LONGSLEEVE

£18

Well, I think this is a bit of a bargain. £18, for a longsleeve?!

I recently discovered this brand, and this longsleeve is currently in pre-order. Not only tops and t-shirts but they also do pins and patches; they have some really cool designs! Another thing I loves about this brand, is they are giving some of their profits to charity; an animal shelter to be exact. 

FIND IT HERE

ASOS // T-BAR SHOES

£22

10% STUDENT DISCOUNT. 15% AFTER SIGNING UP TO THEIR EMAILS.

Probably a litttle too chilly for these at the moment, but I got my eye on them for future reference. 

FIND IT HERE

DOLLS KILL // TARTAN JUMPSUIT

£25.84

10% OFF WITH EMAIL SIGN UP

Tartan - check, able to be layered - check. I'm just going to put this out there though, I would probably opt out of the florescent top, until I of course become a lollypop lady. Luckily for us, this part come optional. 

FIND IT HERE

HAPPY JANUARY! 

x

My Favourite Makeup Products

I never realised how difficult it would be to make a decision on my favourite makeup products until now. I have a lot of 'favourites' but if were going to make this easier, I chose mainly products which I use on a daily basis. 

I think I have also shocked myself in how many products I actually use on a daily basis; its not something I have stopped and thought about, until now. 

I'm pretty boring when it comes to my mascara, at the moment I am using Bourjois Volume Reveal, but if I was to pick one I would live in forever, that's easy; Benefit Push Up Mascara.

So heres something about me; my makeup obsession is quite blatantly lipsticks. Until recently, it would have to be said that MAC were up there with being the brand I go to in that department most frequently. However, I'm trying to go cruelty free with my makeup products, so I haven't purchased any in a while. I am however using up what I have got.

There are probably 4 I go to and from on a regular day; Velvet Teddy, Whirl, Mocha and Kinda sexy; all as you can tell, are nudes. I'm a big fan of the grunge look for makeup, and I don't tend to try any other looks. As you can tell, they are coming to the end of their life forms, and now represent stubs.

If were going to talk brands here and favouritism, I have a very large place in my heart for Too Faced. I'm also an avid collector of their eye shadow palettes, though I'm falling behind a bit and I have some catching up to do. 

The Too Faced, Chocolate Bon Bon Palette is one I reach for pretty much every single day. (Again you can probably tell that this is a love of mine at the moment). I also recently got my hands on the Love Light Highlighter in shade Ray Of Light, whilst in Rome. I've recently given in and started to use this one. It is absolutely beautiful, perfect for my skin tone being a pasty pale girl, it can be both subtle and build-able.

ANOTHER brand love of mine is Lime Crime. This Venus Palette is to die for. When I said I love the grunge look, this palette is the  most perfect eyeshadow palette for just that. I can't bring myself to use it yet as it's too pretty, and I have had it for nearly 2 years haha.

I spent forever, YEARS even, trying to find the perfect foundation and concealer for my skin. One that will both last all day, have a matte finish AND suit my skin tone (pasty pale remember). Most days I stick to a drugstore brand; Revlon Colorstay in the lightest shade Buff. This is still quite dark, but if i'm wearing tinted body moisturiser, it blends in really well and is perfect for me. If however I haven't done so in a few days, I opt for Lancome also in the lightest shade, which is the palest foundation i've ever found. It's a slightly more expensive option but I don't use this as much as I do the Revlon one.

To conceal I use Kat Von D, Lock It concealer in shade N1 (lightest shade, see this trend?), and it is the only concealer i've ever liked and stuck to in my life. It's also the palest concealer i've ever found, and very very pigmented, which I love, because it means I don't have to whack on so much foundation. It also has a matte finish. 

To set my makeup I use Soap and Glory, One Heck of A Blot. I have mentioned this before when I first started using it, and I have stuck to it ever since. I carry it with me everywhere I go and throughout the day I give my face a little dab and hey presto, shine is gone! There's no colour to it either, nor does it oxidise. It's a winner winner chicken dinner.

Last but not least; brushes! I have to be honest with you, i'm not really one for using brushes as such, I prefer to use my fingers. Having said that I do love Spectrum Brushes, they are inexpensive and do exactly what I need them to do. So this one doesn't really break the bank.

x