Shopping Trip

Over the past month, most of my time has been dedicated to studying for end of year exams at uni and handing in assignments but I can finally say I have finished my first yet at university.  As a reward my Mama treated me to a day out at Newcastle for retail therapy and of course a few cocktails.
A visit to The Botanist was needed for typically British pie, mash and peas for lunch and we couldn't resist ordering a raspberry mojito each. However, we seemed to be more interested in bar hopping than shopping and only managed to visit Fenwicks and Topshop. Obviously, a trip to Fenwicks meant visiting the Mac Cosmetics counter and obviously I had to buy a lipstick. I settled with Honey Love matte lipstick and Boldy Bare lip liner. When shopping in Topshop I must take every piece of clothing into the changing rooms but walk out the shop with one cami vest. This time I walked out with a pair of black lace up flats, cropped Bardot top and a play suit to wear this bank holiday Sunday.

Fur Gilet- Topshop

Top- Topshop

Tailored Trousers- Topshop

Lace Up Heels- Public Desire 

Bag- DKNY

Student Loan Wishlist

So it's Student Loan Day tomorrow, everyone's favourite day of the semester right? My night has been spent debating whether to spend my student loan on worthwhile essentials to help me through the last semester at university or on a new wardrobe to get ready for the summer? Hmm... such a hard decision.

As you can see my wishlist is a long as my arm. This is because I seriously love the trends this season, whether its the 70's or Utility, both styles need to be in my wardrobe. However, this is just casual wear, we can't forget a few dresses and strappy heels for a night out. I wish I could wear heels all the time but studying a science degree and working in labs twice a week means that wish is not very practical. 

I've came to the conclusion that maybe a shopping trip to Newcastle is in order. I'm thinking to treat myself at the High Street stores and take full advantage of 20% off for students at Public Desire so I can at least look fabulous in my last semester.

My Everyday Make Up

Since being in primary school I have always suffered from spots. I was referred to a dermatologist at the age of 13 and now I have to take regular medication. However, recently I've had a major spot breakout and it is due to no fault but my own. This is because I was getting fed up of taking the medication and wanted to see if my skin would stay clear without it. This was the case for the first 3 weeks as the tablets were still in my system. But, over the past 2 weeks my face has exploded with spots and I have now had to start taking the tablets again.

Because of this explosion, my make up skills have improved while trying to cover up the mess. So, to procrastinate and to make an excuse not to revise, I've decided to write step by step how I cover up the acne and create my everyday make up look.

Firstly, I cleanse and moisturise using No7 quick thinking wipes to erase any leftover make up I have missed from the night before. Then, I use both Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean and Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion to hydrate my skin. 

When applying the make up I tend to follow this "procedure":

• I start by using Benefit's The Porefessional to minimise my pores before adding a foundation base. This is then blended into my skin using a No7 Powder Brush.
• To try and hide the larger spots, I use Benefit's Boi-ing concealer (shade- 01). I use this shade first as it is more suitable for my skin tone.
• Then to apply a base, I use Estee Lauder  Double Wear foundation (shade- 2C3 Fresco) and this is applied with a No7 foundation brush. To make sure my skin tone is even, I use a Real Technique Expert Face Brush. When this is done there are still some visible spots and to erase these I use Boi-ing concealer (shade- 02) which is used as the foundation gives me a darker skin tone. To stay in place, No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder (shade- medium) is used.
• Next, I begin my attempt of contouring. This starts with applying Benefit's Hoola under my cheekbones, temples, eyelids and the sides of my nose. Then to illuminate, NYX Illuminator (shade- 02 Chaotic) is used above the cheekbones and Benefit's High Beam is added to the cheeks, under my eyes and the top of my nose. To apply and blend in this make up the Real Technique Blush Brush is used.
• The hardest part is next, the eyebrows. To draw on my brows I first brush with a No7 eyebrow brush. To follow, I use the HD Brows Palette (shade- medium brown) to try and draw on my eyebrows evenly. I never use the wax as I don't like the finishing look it has on my brows. After, I apply High Beam again on my brow arch.
• For the eyes, I begin by using the W.O.S and Venus eye shadows from Urban Decay Basic Palette in the corner of my lids. I then apply Benefit's They're Real Eyeliner and finish with L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Excess mascara.
• I finish with applying lipstick and my all time favourite lipstick is M.A.C Twig. At the moment I am loving the neutral lipsticks but I still need to invest in a lip liner to match.

Mario Testino- Towel Series

Mario Testino. Vogue's first choice fashion photographer and the first to capture Kate Moss is now known worldwide. I adore all of his collections, however, his towel series has to be my favourite.

Every iconic model you can think of, Cara, Candice, Jourdan, all photographed in a simple and elegant manner. Although they're simple, Mario is able to make each and every photograph different in it's own way and that is what I love about Testino. 

Those 70's Vibes

The most talked about trend this season, exhibited by the likes of

Gucci and Chanel, is undoubtedly the cool and slick seventies. Flares, suede and the t-bar platforms, everything you can remember from the seventies reworked and styled to harmonize with today's generation. I love this trend as it has connotations of freedom and happiness. I believe that Karl Lagerfeld had this in mind when selecting his models to lead the march of his Chanel S//S 15 catwalk. Could he have chose Cara Delevigne to lead because of her known independence and her influential manner? 

Since Paris Fashion Week my student loan has seen better days, I now have an obsession with flared trousers. Miss Selfridge has an incredible selection of flares and I couldn't resist buying the floral flare co-ordinate. This is great for the summer too because the  material is so light for the warmer weather. For the finishing touches, nothing is more 1970's that a floppy oversized fedora. I wear it with every 70's influenced outfit.

I now have a wishlist for the 70's collection in ASOS. Their collection is packed with tassels, co-ordinates and chiffon dresses. There is so much to choose from and at a reasonable price but I'm now waiting for my next student loan.

Dolce & Gabbana- Mamma

Dolce & Gabbana celebrating motherhood, the most talked about catwalk of Milan Fashion Week 2015. Children, toddlers and even a pregnant model, Bianca Balti, paraded down the Italian catwalk last week to Spice Girls' 1996 hit- Mamma. I know that it is appreciated by others and myself to see something more familiar on the catwalk which we can relate to, not just the size zero models which lower our self esteem. Models, mothers and their children dressed in dresses and skirts decorated in sequins and ditsy doodles was definitely an iconic moment for Dolce & Gabbana.

Over the Knee Boots

Public Desire. Everyone's favourite online shoe store. You need to get your hands on a pair of their 'AMIE' over the knee boots! They're so comfortable and even better, they make your legs look ultra thin. Bonus. However, if you're not a fan of wearing heels, Public Desire also have the 'MELISSA' over the knee boots which have a smaller, more practical heel. The boots can either be part of a casual look by pairing them up with a cape and polo sweater or be worn for a night out with a sparkly top, sleeveless leather jacket and a pair of skorts. 

Boots- Public Desire

Cape- Miss Selfridge

Polo Sweater- Primark

Leather A-Line Skirt- River Island (not shown)

Boots- Public Desire

Skorts- Zara

Top- Topshop

Sleeveless Leather Jacket- Topshop

Bag- River Island