Five of the Best...

I think secretly, deep down everyone has a rock chick side just waiting to jump out (air guitar is totally optional). I'm not a huge lover of being massively girly with my style so I do tend to stay away from things that are too twee, and the whole avenue of 'Granny chic' style. Indie/Rock inspired style is never really off the trend radar, so don't be afraid to experiment.

The best way to achieve an instant rock chick look is lots of eyeliner, paired with a band t-shirt. I love band t-shirts. I currently own 3 (and counting). If anyone is particularly interested, they are The Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses and Goldfrapp. The only rule I have for band t-shirts is that I only buy t-shirts of bands I actually do like. Otherwise you just run the risk of looking like a desperate fashsionista. I can recall a conversation I had with a random girl on a night out who couldn't name a single Stones track, yet she had those famous lips splashed across her chest. I just found it a bit weird.

Once again, I've done the shopping so you don't have to ;-) So, here are my 5 favourite tee's straight from the internet:

Run DMC Tee - truffleshufffle.com - £24.99

Run DMC, the legendary hip hop outfit of the 80's. Consisting of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell. The logo is the bands original, so wear with some high top trainers to pay homage to the original pioneers of hip hop, ghetto style.

Pink Floyd Tee - Amplified clothing - £24.99

'The Dark Side of the Moon' is Pink Floyd's 8th studio album, and the iconic image you see on the tee is the albums artwork. Wear with a flowery headband and a long floaty skirt, reminiscent of 60's and 70's hippy trippy style.  

Rolling Stones Tee - truffleshuffle.com - £29.99

This 1978 US tour Stones tee is slightly different to the standard 'lips' ones. This one details dates of their 1978 tour, a definite fan favourite. Wear with red lipstick, and a cheeky smile. 

Blondie Tee - truffleshuffle.com - £34.99

‘Call Me’ is obviously one of Blondie's most popular songs. The fact that this is a pink shirt and not the usual black backgrounds we see on most band tee's means it's a little more girly. Perfect for those who aren't ready to be too edgy. Wear with a bouncy blow dry to emulate Debbie Harry herself.

Guns N' Roses Tee - truffleshuffle.com - £19.99

The classic Guns N' Roses logo has been given a summery twist with this strappy tee. Perfect for summer rock gigs/festivals/Saturday afternoon in the pub. Just don't wear with massively curly hair, or you may look more like Slash than you think ;-)

Until next time lovelies x

Sanctuary Review...

Just before Christmas you may have seen my entry about my 'Secret Santa' present - a Boots Sanctuary set. Well, after using the products for a good few weeks now, I thought it an appropriate time to start reviewing my loot...

And that's exactly what I did. First up, the 'Body Lotion'.

First of all, for those who don’t know, ‘Sanctuary’ is Boots’ slightly more upmarket bath and body line. Included in this line you will find everything for the body, body and skin care. With prices starting from £9.50 for a 300ml tub of the body butter it isn’t exactly for those on a budget. The idea of the line is so that people everywhere can create that ‘spa luxury feeling’ at home. (Just to let you know, I’m reviewing the travel sized bottle - £2.50 for 75ml)

The packaging is clean looking, with the distinctive orange and cream colours that fans will associate with the Sanctuary brand. The bottle is a cylinder shape with a screw top, and not a dispensing pump. The screw top means that it is easy to tip it upside down when the bottle starts to come to an end. After all, you do want your money’s worth. I like this about the bottle's design; it is practical as well as stylish.

The smell is the typical orangey, citrus like Sanctuary smell. It reminds me of sun tan lotion, and holidays abroad. But, as it sinks into your skin, the smell becomes spicier, like the type of aroma you typically get after lighting a scented cinnamon candle. I like the fact it smells like scents I associate with both summer and winter. The only thing I would say is that the application and consistency of the lotion isn't as smooth as others that I've tried.

Once on it does sink in quite quickly, but I did notice that my skin looked as if it had a greasy film to it. I wasn't by any means 'over applying' so I couldn't quite understand why. My skin did feel moisturised, but not as much as it has done, compared to other body lotions I use on a regular basis. I'm going to put this down to the extreme cold weather we've been having! (My dry prone skin needs a lot of moisturising this time of year) If you suffer from the same problem as me, I'd suggest using this lotion when the weather is slightly warmer, well, when there isn't the threat of snow every two minutes!

Final Verdict?

I'm going to give this lotion a very well deserved 7/10. Whilst it isn't as moisturising, or as smooth as I'd like, I do love the smell, and the lotion's scent was something I could still smell a good couple of hours after application. 

I don't think I would rush out and buy more of this, but it is nice for those times when I fancy a change from my usual. I may also save the application of this for the warmer months of the year, when my skin doesn't need such a massive injection of body lotion! Plus, the sleek and stylish little bottle looks very cute sat on my dressing table. 

Until next time lovelies x

Flower Power...

It's funny how inspiration for blogging comes at the most random of times. Inspiration for this blog post came when I was on a work night out a couple of weeks ago, sat in a Japanese restaurant in the middle of Manchester (of all places). Said restaurant was actually 'Sapporo Teppanyaki' off Deansgate. If you haven't been, and live in the Manchester area, I suggest you go. It's amazing! The food is wonderful, and the way they cook it is even better. Potato catching anyone? ;-)  Anyways, I had a great night with some good company; so once again thanks for letting me tag along guys!

So, whilst eating we were 'discussing' one of our colleagues love for flowered shirts. Or should I say he was being ripped for wearing one, until I piped up saying that I did actually like his shirt. 

As a rule, on guys or girls, I do like flowery shirts. Not the OTT type like what Noel Edmunds regularly wears on 'Deal or No Deal', or those Hawaiian style ones that should have been left in Benidorm circa 1970, but more subtle flowered designs can look very nice and very fashionable on both sexes. I know some people may look at this and think "no way", but you aren't going to look like a 60's hippie if you follow these easy tips. And remember, it's about how you wear it, and how confident you feel in your outfit!

No, no, and no!

  

Girls...

- Wear with denim, leggings, skirts or tailored trousers to suit your mood. Wear with flats or add heels to take it from office wear to night wear. 

- Keep make up natural and not too heavy if you like a more 'girly' type of look. However, if you want to rock it up, a sweep of eyeliner, some red lipstick and some rock chick inspired jewellery is all you need to help the shirt do the talking. 

- Un-doing buttons is good if you don't like the 'buttoned up to the top' trend. But don't undo too many, or people may get more than they bargained for! ;-)

Oasis 'Midnight Garden Print Shirt' - £45

ASOS 'Vero Moda Floral Blouse With Hi Lo Hem' - £25

Guys...

- Wear with jeans for a casual look or with smart trousers for smarter occasions.

- Leave the cowboy boots and Stetson though, you don't want to end up looking like an extra from Dallas.

- Keep accessories to a minimum in order to keep the shirt the main focus of the outfit. 

ASOS 'Ditsy Floral Shirt' - Was £25, now £13.50

River Island 'BLUE FLORAL STRIPED DOUBLE COLLAR SHIRT' - £30

Until next time lovelies x

Trends for 2013...

I read an interesting article the other day. And it got me thinking (dangerous, huh?). In a nutshell, the article talked about a change in the fashion industry throughout 2013. Said change being the fact that 2013 will be remembered as 'the year of no trends'. Yes, that's right, no trends.

With the rise of cheap and disposable fashion (I think we can single handedly thank Primark for that) and designers bombarding wannabe fashionista's with trend after trend after trend, it appears we have exhausted all available trend outlets. The fashion industry nowadays has a faster turnaround of clothes, with 'trendy' items only being viewed this way for a couple of seasons maximum. Walk down any UK High Street and there are so many trends to choose from. You could have a totally different look everyday of the week! The trend cycle seems to go round much quicker nowadays compared to times gone by. Trends nowadays can be out in just one season (who can remember that god awful neon trend? In my opinion, day-glo is only suitable for a rave themed night out), where as a decade or so ago, they could last several seasons.

It appears that the fashion industry has now started to turn their backs in dictating trends via the catwalk and is now embracing the concept of ''personal style''. Like previous years, there doesn't seem to be a 'stand out' trend. During this year you can be androgynous, lady like, disco diva or boho. Take your pick.

Or, for the cynical out there, could it be that the fashion industry is running out of ideas?! Shock horror! ;-)

I'll be honest, I like seeing what's on the catwalk at those key times - S/S & A/W, but I don't slavishly follow trends. Let’s face it, not everyone looks good in every single trend. And not everyone likes every single trend. And fashion should be fun, and not about point scoring as to who looks better in that peplum dress on the dance floor, or which girl is rocking the faux fur coat and top knot better on the bus!

Perhaps a more relaxed approach to trendsetting is what we need. A world where girls throw away the rule book and say "so what - if I like it, I’ll wear it!" Where people buy things simply because they like them, not because they think they should be wearing it, because this month’s Vogue told them they should. 

We all come in different shapes and sizes, and fashion should reflect that. We all deserve to feel good and confident in what we wear. Fashion shouldn't alienate a certain shape or size, and one good thing about a considerable amount of trends means that there's something for everyone. I think a cheeky peek down any UK High Street shows that. It's all about putting outfits together and making them work for you, and only you.

After all, variety is the spice of life. And we should embrace this variety.

Until next time lovelies x

New Year, New You?

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful NYE (whatever you did) and spent it with all those who are important to you. For the first NYE in agess I stayed in! And guess what? I had a really enjoyable night! I started the night with wine, finished it with champagne, and in between danced to Jools Holland, the music channels, and watched everyone else's fireworks from my drive! ;-) Cheeky but who cares?!

I'll hold my hands up; I'm not a huge fan of NYE. I just find it a little depressing, I mean after NYE we go straight into January (possibly the worst calendar month), and all the festivities of Christmas are suddenly over. The nights are still dark, and let’s face it, when those decorations go down; the house looks very bare for a while! By mid January I start to perk up, and I begin to think about the joys of the impending spring. Longer days, birds chirping, pastel nail polish, and flowers blossoming through. I love going for walks and seeing daffodils growing.

During this time, many of us will all make resolutions of some sort. Whether we stick to them is another matter. I have noticed a fair few people lamenting over the mediums of social media that the whole concept of a 'New Year being a New You' is total rubbish, but the more I think about it, I can't think of a more appropriate time to start afresh! Obviously, if you are expecting to wake up on January 1st having had a complete personality/body transplant, then I think you need to slow down on the old mulled wine (and maybe see a doctor?). However, small and doable changes can easily become part of your daily routine! If making resolutions, remember to make ones that you can stick to. Think realistically and you will be more likely to keep a successful and lasting resolution.

What's my resolution? To learn how to ballroom dance! Hey, I'm in no way shape or form expecting to be Strictly perfect but I will give it a bloody good go! How is my resolution going so far? I've found a dance school near to me... So all I need to do now is ring and book my first lesson... Eeek!

I hope everyone's dreams come true in 2013, and I wish all the health and happiness in the world for everyone! No matter what trials and tribulations 2013 brings, greet them with a can do attitude. I also want to thank everyone for reading my blog this year. I've loved everyone's comments about it - they really have made my day. Stay tuned for more of the same guys!

Stay classy ;) Until next time lovelies x

January Sales...

The January Sales. The best sales in the sale calendar. Massive savings on a whole range of items (not just clothing, but things for the home, holidays and even cars too) means that people go slightly mad when the shops open on Boxing Day. Now, I do love shopping but I could never handle a busy shopping centre on Boxing Day. And don't get me started on the people that queue from 3am just to grab the best bargains! I'm not quite that hardcore.  

I always seem to do pretty well in the January Sales, well, and any Sale for that matter. I nearly always come away with some quality items! Friends have asked how the hell I get so lucky so, I decided to share my tips for successful Sale shopping...

- I never go shopping on Boxing Day. Boxing Day to me is having a nice lie in, eating turkey sandwiches, watching telly, and later on a night out with my girls! Going a couple of days later means that there are still bargains to be had! And the shops aren't as busy. 

- Always have an idea in mind of what you want. That way you don't spend all day aimlessly walking round shops in the hope you may find something. I'm not saying have an exact idea of what you want, just a general one. This forward thinking gives your trip some direction. 

- A lot of shops do discount things up to a whopping 75% off. When buying things with that much off always take a good look and think "is it worth it?" and most importantly, "will I wear it?". Items discounted that much are only often discounted to such an extent because shops can't sell the clothing.

- Sales are perfect opportunities to invest in good quality 'basics'. Basic items are things that will see you through season to season, and never date. I'm talking about jeans, jumpers, LBD’s, heels, coats, classic tailoring etc. Snap things like this up from the more expensive end of the High Street. Shops at the 'higher' end include places like Reiss, French Connection, Ted Baker and All Saints. You may only get a maximum of 25% - 50% at a push at these places but it's still better than paying full price!

- Always take someone with you. More importantly, make it someone you trust to tell you what looks good and what doesn't. Similarly, don't be persuaded by shop assistants who may try to tell you anything just to get you out of the changing rooms and parting with you hard earned cash! 99% of sales assistants are great and will advise, but trust me there are some that really aren't so honest. 

- Take a large brolly with you. Not so much as a rain guard but as a weapon to keep other savvy bargain hunters away from you’re soon to be purchases! ;-)

So, as I went Sale shopping today, what did I buy?

Jack Wills 'Fairdown' Gilet - £98 down to £79. 

Warehouse Cable style knitted jumper. £35 down to £25.

A close up of the jumpers detailing.

Until next time lovelies. In the meantime, happy shopping! x

Secret Santa...

The other day it was 'Secret Santa' giving at my work. Being my first one as a working woman I was a little bit unsure of what it was going to be like. Was it going to be like Uni times with slightly 'rude' pressies (you know what I mean, Ann Summers chocolate willies etc) or would be a more grown up affair? Cue my delighted surprise when I unwrapped a Sanctuary bath set! Sanctuary is of course Boot's popular bath and body cosmetics line. The distinct sweet orangey smell will perk up even the most boring of bath times. I also associate the scent with holidays and sun cream. I do happen to 'borrow' a lot of my Mum's Sanctuary products, so I'm pleased to finally have some of my own!

The set is miniature sized versions of the full sized products available on a daily basis in pretty much every Boots store. I like the gift sets you can get at Christmas. It means you can have a selection of good quality products for a fraction of the price. The full sized Sanctuary products aren't cheap in my opinion! Altogether the set contains:

• Body Lotion
• Body Scrub
• Body Wash
• Foaming Bath Soak
• Luxury Bath Float

Watch out for plenty of posts in the New Year reviewing my loot!

All that's left to say now is a big thank you to whoever had me for Secret Santa - I still haven't worked it out yet!

And, considering that I'm writing this on Christmas Eve - Merry Christmas everyone! Have a fabulous and festive time!

Much Love x