Skortin' (take two)

Studded Shirt: Zara

Grey Vest: Topshop Boutique 

Black Skort: Zara

Hawaiian Wedges: H&M

Hey guys :) So I am still not bored of the Zara skort. I think they are so versatile and I will probably continue to wear them throughout autumn and winter with thick tights and some chunky knits. Take a look at my first white skort ensemble HERE.  I also have to point out that these photos were taken before I went on holiday back in June which is why I look like Casper the ghost.

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B. 

The White Nail

My instagram white nail collage!! 

If you follow me on Instagram you may already be aware of my nail colour obsession of the past few months. There is something so, just...cool about the white nail trend. It is so crisp and clean and polished. In the past few months I keep going back to a classic white nail polish whenever I'm in-between colours. I'd like to think it's become my signature colour! My go to polish is Revlon's White on White which I bought years ago for a solid white block shade. For a more sheer white nail I go for Essie's Ballet Slippers. If you're feeling in a bit of a nail polish rut lately, give the 'white hot' trend a go!

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B.

The Haircare Edit

What do I use on my hair? What are some of my top picks? Read on... (and trust me, this list is NOT exhaustive, I am a hair product FANATIC!) 

My hair is honestly nothing to write home about. After years of dyeing and applying heat to it, the condition has never been great, but I believe I am now using the best products for my hair for it to reach its optimum condition and appearance. I have tried and tested a hell of a lot of shampoos and conditioners throughout my 21 human years, and unfortunately, along with the likes of skincare, this is an area where you have to spend a little more to get results. My go to shampoo/conditioner duos are both pretty pricey, but work like an absolute dream. Along with the Philip Kingsley elasticizer which I use every other wash for a deep condition, I always now turn to the Bumble and Bumble Surf duo and Living Proof's restore partnership. Both leave me with hydrated, glossy locks which result in me needing much less styling. 

However, sadly, I am not one of those lucky girls who can saunter out of my shower and do nothing to achieve gorgeous, glossy, smooth waves (I'm looking at you Kate from Lost...are we actually expected to believe she had perfect glossy hair CONSTANTLY whilst shipwrecked on a deserted island for months without once even appearing to pick up a hairbrush?). Rant over, my point is, my hair DOES WHAT IT WANTS usually, so styling products are necessary. 

THEREFORE, after a good wash with the afore mentioned, I will whack on some Moroccanoil (the queen of hair oils) and either dry my hair or let it dry naturally for less heat exposure. When it's dry, I spritz on some of the Lee Stafford heat protection spray (it smells amazing...and it's PINK) and work in some Bumble and Bumble de-frizz serum. Next, I style my hair by creating waves with my ghds in layers, and when I'm done I will either use a curl spray like Toni & Guy's sea salt spray or Bumble and Bumble's surf spray, or some texturising spray like the V05 one with some of their root powder. Last, I finish with a shine spray, like the Charles Worthington Shine Booster. As you can see, I think it is  much easier to spend less on styling products and still get results.

What do you use on your hair? Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE if you have enjoyed this post. 

B. 

That Dress..

 Shoes, Dress & Belt: All Topshop 

Hello all you lovely people. Firstly I just have to say sorry about the colours and quality of some of these pictures; my photo editing programme was on one. Secondly I have to admit that this dress is borrowed from my (adopted) cousin Charis and so I cannot take credit for owning it, although I wish I did. It looks so much more expensive than it is and with some bright orange accessories I think it is such a special dress. It's an old Topshop number and reminds me of the days when we both used to work there and did clothes swaps all the time so we could both wear the latest pieces. Charis is getting married next year so this little post is for her! 

Hope you are all well and remember to follow me on Bloglovin' HERE if you'd like to :)

B. 

The Tech Accessories

I thought I would do a little post on the leather goods I carry my (limited) technology around in. If you're an iphone/laptop/kindle/ipad user you have to agree that half of the fun is searching for some fun covers and plush leather cases for them. My kindle is my oldest 'gadget,' and as soon as I bought it I took a look on Amazon for a pretty but sophisticated case. I found this purple leather Belkin kindle case, and have been happy with it ever since! Next was my Kate Spade leather laptop sleeve which I received from my brother for my birthday. I love the bright orangey red colour and simple design; it's so stylish but also bold. Last up is my new Whistles croc iphone case, which I have had to buy to cover up the the God awful crack on my screen (ssssh!). I have a few more bits on my techy accessories wishlist too...up next you ask? A cool case for my Nikon D60 of course (And then an Ipad case...and an Ipad to go inside). What do you keep your expensive techy bits in? 

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B. 

The Best of the Bases

I have a confession to make: I am OBSESSED with buying new bases. One of two situations may occur: I read a great review of a base on a blog or I see a new BB cream/foundation advertised and BAM, something just comes over me. I think it's just that irresistible pull of the possibility of flawless, magical skin that gets me every time. Along the way I have tried and tested bases that I both love and loathe, and here is my ultimate guide to some of the best...

The best of the BB's: BB cream is, of course, a relatively new phenomenon. I sampled many since they first hit the stands, and really wasn't a fan of the formula as I prefer a heavier coverage to feel comfortable and confident about my skin. I do however love the Diorskin Nude BB creme and the Dr Jart BB, especially in the summer. The Dr Jart is lovely for on holiday for boosting your tan and giving a light coverage poolside (and has an SPF). The Dior BB creme is gorgeous for home and holiday, and gives the ultimate 'your skin but better' with a gorgeous velvety texture. 

The Drugstore Picks: I used to be such a foundation snob, but there are actually some incredible options on the 'high-street' which are affordable and do a great job. My all time favourite drug store foundation is the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation (the serum-gel formula). This, along with my close second (Rimmel's Wake me up foundation) are perfect for combination skin on the oily side like my own. They provide a perfect medium coverage glowy finish which is not at all greasy. This is hard to come across, even in more expensive formulas. A foundation I would recommend for normal-dry skin or to anyone wanting a lighter coverage (but heavier than a BB) would be Revlon's latest base offering: Nearly Naked. This gives a completely natural finish and glow, and feels light on the skin. I ALSO really like the Vichy Dermablend foundation which gives great velvety high coverage, but again, I would recommend this more for drier skins as it can be a little greasy for me, especially on the T-Zone.  

The High-End hereos: If you have more of a budget, I would definitely try some of the higher end options, as most feel luxurious and 'expensive' on the skin. Dior's Forever Foundation is quite possibly my all time favourite base, as it gives perfect coverage and more of a matte finish; ideal for skin like mine which can get a little greasy throughout the day. I would not recommend this for dry skin however. Nars' Sheer Glow Foundation and YSL's le teint touche eclat are foundations I would recommend for drier skin types. I found them a little too on the greasy side for my skin, but know others with normal-dry skin have loved them and said they give a gorgeous glow. 

Which foundations are your favourite? Enjoyed this post? Follow on Bloglovin' HERE. 

B. 

The July Favourites

This month I have been loving SO MUCH. With my birthday this month and my splurges in duty free, I had plenty of new bits to play with and fell in love with so many products. Most are unfortunately high end and a little on the pricey side, so sadly are not too purse friendly for the future! 

Let's start with makeup. My ultimate product of the month has to be the Estee Lauder cheek gelee blush in Tease, which I found in Cyprus when it had sold out everywhere else. This blush gives colour and highlight in one and is gorgeous. For blotting and helping to create a natural glow I have been loving the Chanel les beiges powder, which I finally caved in and bought in duty free. Also from Chanel is the new le volume mascara, which is honestly one of the best mascaras I have ever used. For lips, the Bourjois colour boost in Peach on the Beach is my one and only. Last is the Dior BB cream, which I received for my birthday and wore non stop on holiday to give me a light, glowy coverage. 

Onto skincare, I have completely fallen for the Origins Drink up Intensive overnight mask. My skin feels super dewy and moisturised the morning after I use this. The Emma Hardie amazing face cleansing balm has been my other skincare saviour for the past 2 months, but sadly so far I have only been able to afford/get my hands on testers and smaller pots. I have also been using the Cetpahil gentle skin cleanser which is an affordable blogger favourite and another French skincare wonder. Tanning wise I have been blown away by the Clarins instant smooth self tanning for face, which gives a beautiful glow and doesn't botch up your skin! I also like the Rodial brazilian clear tan in light (which came as a magazine freebie!) as it is so easy to apply. I have been applying it after using my Waitrose baby bottom butter, which was bought for me by a friend who works in Waitrose and said it was selling like hot cakes after being featured in a top beauty article! For hair, Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer has saved my post-holiday dry frizzy locks.

What have you been loving this month? Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE if you'd like :)

B.

Clueless

             

Necklace: Zara

Leather top: Zara

Tartan Skirt: Zara

Neon Shoes: Zara 

Hey guys, 

I hope you've all been doing well. This post is dedicated to Zara's new A/W campaign (and is a little 'Clueless' inspired!), which is sprinkled with beautiful coats and drop dead gorgeous tartan and black lace pieces. I am hugely looking forward to the autumn to wear some warm, cosy pieces, but will miss the sunshine no end! Pretty please follow me on Bloglovin' HERE :)

B. 

The Birthday Post: 21 in BARCELONA

I thought I would share with you all some of my snaps from my recent 21st birthday, including my trip to Barcelona with one of my best friends and our Mumma's. It was such a lovely birthday and trip. I had a great day, spending my time at the spa and then partying hard at Movida in London. I wore my motel dress with a giant statement necklace and shoes (see it above). I also received some lovely presents including my beloved Michael Kors watch, a Kate Spade laptop case and some books, makeup and other little bits and pieces :)

Barcelona was also so much fun, and included a bus tour, cable car ride, trip to the Hard Rock cafe and some Spanish markets, the Gaudi Cathedral, a night by the dancing fountains and of course some shopping, including a trip to Sephora (heaven). 

If you've liked my snaps follow me on Bloglovin' HERE :)

B.