Sunday Inspiration

I've got a jam packed post of inspiration for you this evening. Enjoy!

[Source]

Dita always look so effortlessly stylish. No fair!

[Source]

Rockabilly styled bandeau dresses. I'm quite taken with the yellow ensemble, and both of the ladies' hair styles, even though they're lower cut than I'm usually comfortable with.

[Source]

A vintage rockabilly wedding. How beautiful is this dress? I've never actually given 'my perfect wedding dress' much, if any thought, but I've fallen in love with this beauty. I think a classic fifties style will be considered if I ever find a man stupid enough to marry me.  Considering I feel best in fifties shapes, it just makes sense.

[Source]

Another stunning rockabilly frock. Polka dots and nautical always gets the thumbs up from me.

[Source]

Ahh, so many pretty colours in one outfit... I want!

[Source]

There's nothing I don't love about this outfit. Amazing skirt, pretty cardigan, and cute sweater clips. The colours work so well together. I don't have anything baby pink in my wardrobe, but I'm now wishing I did so I could recreate the colour scheme. I wish I had her wardrobe!

[Source]

Oh how I long for that gorgeous skirt! Did I post this before? I'm not sure, but I don't care. I just adore this skirt!

[Source]

I'm not ordinarily a fan of insects, but I do love the print of this mint dress. Well, you know me; give me a quirky pattern and I'm all over it like a kid in a sweet shop.

[Source]

Just when I think I couldn't love Lulu Guinness lip clutches more, I come across a sneak peek of their S/S13 collection... I'll take one in every colour, please! And perhaps two or three extra in berry, just in case.

[Source]

Stunning eye make up! One to try, for sure.

[Source]

Cute polka dot heart nails I will have to try soon.

[Source]

This adorable deer necklace led me to a fantastic Etsy shop filled with wonderful accessories (the source will lead you there). I want to buy them all.

[Source]

I'm so nosey and enjoy seeing how other girls organise their wardrobes and dressing tables. This display has so many great accessories on it putting mine to shame!

[Source]

Glittery shoes... *contented sigh*

[Source]

Some stunning pairs of shoes to drool over...

[Storage]

An upcycled bookcase modified to display lots of wonderful pairs of shoes...

[Source]

A heavenly crafting/vanity area. 

[Source]

Why have I never considered tying lace to balloons instead of ribbon or string? It's such a simple adaption, yet they look so pretty and chic; perfect for sophisticated gatherings! I shall be doing this in the future!

[Source]

Chalkboard mugs... surely an easy way to stop people asking that inevitable question while you've got your nose in a book? And let's face it, they're awesome, too!

[Source]

Now this is true talent!

[Source]

Chickens... in jumpers? Now I've really seen everything!

[Source]

I've no idea why there are penguins in what appears to be a plane cabin... but... penguins! 

[Source]

One of life's inevitable conversations! Nothing like the relief of getting home after a long day and freeing yourself from an uncomfortable bra. Who's with me on that one?

[Source]

This used to be an accurate portrayal of my relationship with my wardrobe.

[Source]

Nobody ever says such a thing.

[Source]

I agree. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Sadly, attached to this image on Tumblr were a load of Facebook comments from ignorant people saying 'no'. One girl wondered why the fat girl was wearing a bikini, whilst the slender girl in the centre with the ''best bikini body of them all'' was covered up in a one piece. One man commented with ''fuck that if your fat go fucking kill yourself.'' (Quite frankly he should be more concerned about his terrible grammar, spelling, and punctuation). 

It's only a drawing, so why does a sketch of a fat girl in a bikini provoke such responses? Why is the idea of every size being beautiful so ridiculous and unimaginable for some people to comprehend? Size does not equal a person's beauty, value or worth. I wonder if they ever stop to think that there's a person with feelings beyond the shell they judge. I wonder if the person who suggested fat people should go kill themselves even stopped to consider that his comment could have had a damaging effect on somebody struggling with low self-esteem due to years of comments like his. I'm thinking not. I wish people could look past their ignorant little noses, and think for themselves. Away from peer pressure, and what society has taught them about what's beautiful, and actually make their own opinions and conclusions. Everybody is beautiful in their own way no matter their size or shape. Don't let narrow minded idiots make you feel like you're not.

The image is perfect, those comments were not.

[Source]

It really is. Don't waste your life hating yourself.

[Source]

I won't lie, living with disc injuries is far from a dream.

[Source]

... but I also don't see the point in letting my injuries suffocate me in negativity 24/7. I have no intention of giving up the fight, or letting the negative moods win.

[Source]

This is so true. I honestly don't know where the last ten years have gone. I have so little to show for them. Thank goodness my injuries have given me the wake up call I needed.

[Source]

The above has always been a real pet hate of mine. Gay is not a synonym for stupid, kids.

Beauty Advent Calendars

With just two weeks until December, and just over five until Christmas, my thoughts are firmly focused on preparing for the festive season. Some may say it's a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but it's never too early to start preparing.

I'm not sure about you, but when I was growing up, we always counted down the days of advent with an advent calendar- usually one with festive shaped chocolates behind each window. They weren't the most sophisticated of calendars, but thankfully these days advent calendars have come a long way, and beauty companies have started doing their own take on the tradition. 

Yes, that's right, there are beauty advent calendars in existence with a different beauty product behind each of the 24 doors!

My favourite find is the Ciate Mini Mani Month nail polish calendar. Behind every door is a mini nail polish waiting to be discovered. There are seventeen mini paint pots, four mini caviar blends, and three exclusive glitter polishes to keep your nails looking pretty throughout advent. It costs £38, which is a little pricey, but if you think this costs the price of just four of their polishes it's not bad at all, and perfect for a pre Christmas treat! Oh, and if you sign up to Ciate's newsletter you get 10% off your first order! I love nail polishes and Ciate, so I really hope to get my hands on one.

The You Beauty Advent Calendar contains a range of beauty products from top name brands,including Benefit and L'Occitane. This one retails for £59.95, although the products together are worth £210, so this one sounds like fantastic value.

Now if you love your luxurious big name beauty products, this beauty advent calendar from Selfridges may be the one for you. It contains a selection of skincare, make up, and fragrance products from luxury brands such as Lancome, YSL, Kiehls, Armani, and more. This one comes in at £82.00, which is a bit of an investment but it's a fun way of trying out some beauty products you might have always wanted to try but never dared to invest in because of the price.

The Liz Earle 24 Days of Christmas calendar has a beautifying botanical treat for every day of the festive season. Behind each number is a mini skincare, bodycare, haircare or fragrance to pamper you through advent and beyond. At £100 this set isn't for all of us, including myself sadly, but it would be great to indulge in if your budget allows because the range of products sound amazing.

I'm sure there are probably a few others out there, but these are the beauty advent calendars I'm aware of.

Which one would you go for?

Would you try a beauty advent calendar, or do you prefer more traditional ways to count down to Christmas?

Manicure | Green and Glittery

On Sunday night I painted my nails with a new polish combination: three coats of Barry M's Teal, and a touch of Barry M's 'Green Glitter' to the tips. For the last three days I've been attempting to photograph the results, and each day, I've failed miserably at capturing the true colours.

I think I have a colour-blind camera.

Teal is a very metallic, two tone polish, but although it appears practically petrol blue in these photographs, the polish is actually an aqua-marine/green teal with only a slight hint of blue! I'm not sure why my camera refused to pick up the green; out of hundreds of photos these are the only shots that showed a little hint of the true colour. Similarly, the emerald green glitter hasn't been portrayed well in these images.

Both are equally beautiful shades. I'm not usually a fan of metallic polishes, but the blend of green and blue (of the teal) is entrancing and makes me nostalgic for the sea; the colours remind me of the waves in Cornwall on a sunny day. As I usually find with Barry M Nail Paints, this polish glided on, set reasonably quickly, and turned opaque after two coats. 

The green glitter is a pretty, vibrant emerald green and was a no fuss way of adding a little sparkle to the look. I just painted one thin coat to the last third of my nails for a discreet look, but it could be built up for a more intense nail. Glitter is particularly perfect for wearing during the festive season!

Both polishes only began to chip after the third day of wear. As is usually the case with glitter, it took a little elbow grease to remove, but I soon had my nails all cleaned up and ready for a new colour.

Overall, I was pleased with how nicely these two varnishes complimented each other. My younger Sister liked it so much she decided to give it a go herself. I'll definitely be wearing these two together again. I've definitely converted myself back to glittery polishes, and can't wait to snap up some more of the Barry M beauties!

My 15 Tried and Tested Christmas Shopping Tips

In the lead up to Christmas, I am going to bring you a series of posts based around the festive season, providing tips and ideas for shopping and gift-giving.

Today I'm going to begin this series with 15 of my Christmas shopping tips. (Although many of them work all year round, too). I follow most of these tips regularly to get the most out of my limited means, and I really do find that my money stretches further without having to compromise on quality or quantity of gifts.

 I know we all stress over our finances at this time of year, so I hope these tips can make the festive season a little less stressful for you...

Louise's 15 Christmas Shopping Tips

1. Set a budget and stick to it.

First thing's first: think about your finances. Calculate how much you need for essential living expenses like food and bills, and then see what you can realistically spare for presents. Set a budget for each person without exceeding your means, and stick to it!

2. Spread the cost over a few pay days if you can. 

Buy a few Christmas presents each time you get paid leading up to Christmas instead of all in one go. Spreading the cost of shopping will put less strain on your finances, and leave you with a little money for personal treats or savings each pay day. Do I have to mention how smug you'll feel when you're organised early, too?

3. Cut down that present list.

You might feel like you're obligated to give gifts to every one of your Facebook friends, but be realistic: 

you don't! When was the last time you even talked to that old friend? When was the last time you saw Great Auntie Doris' distant second cousin? You might have been five? There's my point!

Buy presents for close family and friends, and stop there. A thoughtful Christmas card with a personal message will show distant relatives and old friends you're thinking of them.

4. Secret Santa

If there are a lot of friends in your social group or you work with a large team of people, why not set up a Secret Santa? Everybody will buy and receive one gift; the office will be filled with excitement; and everybody will probably appreciate having a few less presents to pay for.

5. Avoid putting everything on credit and store cards.

It may seem tempting to stick everything on credit to solve all your money woes, but it's not recommended. If you don't pay the minimum payment at the end of the month, and only ever pay the minimum due each time, you'll soon find you owe far more than what your purchases cost you. Think wisely before you break out the plastic. Do you really want to ring in the new year worrying about paying off your credit card?

Remember, your family and friends wouldn't want you to get in to debt just so you could buy them a Christmas present! Shop within your means.

6. Have a clear out.

Need some extra cash? Why not set aside some time to declutter the house, and sell all those unwanted things?  You'll have a less cluttered house, and extra money to put in the Christmas fund!

You could:

~List them on eBay: Old or new, you can sell almost anything on eBay. In my experience, clothes sell particularly well- I've had old high street clothes fetch up to £20 a garment in the past. I've ever sold corrupted iPods because people buy them for parts! You'll probably get much more for your pieces on eBay than anywhere else.

~Alternatively, grab a pitch at your local boot sale and watch the pounds add up as thrifters snap up your wares.

~Sell your old mobile phones to mobile recycling sites:- I'm sure you're all familiar with mobile phone recycling companies such as Mazumamobile.com. The brand, model, and condition will determine how much you'll get. I sold an old functioning Samsung Tocco Lite last year for £17, but an iPhone would gain you more.

7. Always check for discount codes.

Whenever I shop online, I do a quick search to see if there's a discount code I can use to bring down the price of my purchases. I usually find one. Even 10% off an order can make all the difference, and that's 10% more in your purse to spend on something else. I usually type "[insert shop/brand name here] discount codes" in to a search engine which will usually bring up several sites that will show the latest codes available.

I often use myvouchercodes.co.uk, hotukdeals.com, moneysavingexpert.com, and moneysupermarket.com amongst others.

8. Take advantage of promotions, and offers.

 Keep your eyes peeled for promotion events, and flash sales. They'll pop up regularly before Christmas as retailers compete for our custom and try to bring in extra sales, which provide us with lots of opportunities to pick up great gifts (and party clothes!) for less. Take advantage of all those '3 for 2' and 'buy one get one free' offers, too!

9. Don't be afraid to buy from the sale sections.

Sales aren't all about bargain bin rejects. These days you can find some fantastic gifts for less. Sales enable us to purchase awesome things we couldn't possibly afford full price. They allow us to give more for our money. Being able to buy more for our budget is particularly helpful when trying to fill beauty boxes, hampers, and stockings. And, of course, sales may help you save a few pounds when you really don't have a lot to spare.

10. Use your loyalty cards points.

If you carry loyalty cards which collect points with every purchase throughout the year, make sure to check if you have enough points to turn in to purchases! It's surprising how quickly they add up. Boots Advantage Card points could pay for some great gifts or some make up for the Christmas party, and those Nectar Card points could be used towards your Christmas food shopping in the supermarket.

11. Like and follow your favourite brands on Facebook and Twitter.

Most companies promote themselves through social networking sites every day. They keep you updated with all the latest sales, promotions, and competitions and often share exclusive promotions, and flash-sales that will not be announced elsewhere. So if you're a social networking addict this is the perfect way to be on the ball.

12. Sign up to receive newsletters from the companies you love.

The big name brands usually email newsletters to our inboxes a couple of times a week to share all the latest promotions, sales, and discount codes. Some companies also offer a discount code for signing up which you can use against your first purchase, and some may even send you a discount code on your birthday! It's a no-brainer, really!

13. Can you get the same cheaper elsewhere? 

Before you hit the checkout button, step back and do a quick search. Can you find the exact same product elsewhere for a lower price?  Can you get it somewhere that has a free delivery option? 

Buying CDs, DVDs, or games? Compare prices between Amazon, HMV, and Play.

Shopping for books? You can often pick up books for far less than the RRP with the weekly shop in the big name Supermarkets, and Amazon sell many under the RRP, too.

Looking for something fashionable? Check ASOS. They sell products from lots of other brands beside their own- such as Cath Kidston, River Island, and Benefit, and they offer free delivery and regular promotions!

14. Do it yourself.

If you have a skill and a house full of materials, why not make something for a friend or relative? You could make some awesome jewellery, bake some festive treats, make a mix CD, knit a scarf... draw, sew, crochet... what ever it is you do best! Your loved ones will love the personal gesture, and if you already have the materials you'll save yourself a little money, too.

15. Pick up things throughout the year.

Okay, it's too late for this one now, but next year you could pick up presents throughout the year. A gift here, a gift there, and when Christmas rolls around again you could have a stockpile of gifts even Santa would be jealous of!

Just remember, Christmas is just one day of the year, and your friends and family wouldn't want you to go in to debt to pay for their gifts. Your loved ones will understand if you don't have much to spare, and if you can't afford to spend much, why not spare your time instead? Invite your friends round for dinner and and have  a catch up over a couple of movies and some drinks instead.  After all, isn't spending time with the people you love the best part of Christmas, anyway?

A Wednesday Wish List Which May Never Be Anything More

With less than seven weeks to go until Christmas, I'm technically keeping all personal purchases to a minimum until I've finished my Christmas shopping. I also have to scout out gifts for four family birthdays which fall between the end of November and Christmas Day, all on a very tight budget so I've had to ban myself from treating myself.

 However, since I have to do all my gift buying online, it's pretty much impossible to avoid my favourite websites, and through window shopping I've seen lots of lovely things I would love to own. I've put together a wish list, but I fear most of these things will never be anything more than a wish unless they're still available in the new year. It doesn't hurt to dream, though, right?

1. Samya (via New Look) cream lace heart jumper £40.00

This jumper has lots of pretty lace hearts all over it. It's not often that I see heart print patterned anything that isn't sickly girlie, so this one makes a refreshing change. It would look great with jeans for a relaxed but smart look.

2. ASOS sweatshirt with fox window panel £25.00

I'm loving the motif jumpers which are everywhere this season, in particular anything with a fox motif. This one is adorable, and I'm needing it so badly!

3. ASOS Curve tea dress in ditsy floral £35.00 £28.00

I came across this tea dress on the weekend, and my eye was drawn to the lovely floral pattern, and the awesome collar. It got bonus points for having sleeves! Why is it so hard to find nice dresses with sleeves? Even in Autumn and Winter! Not everyone wants to flash their arms, nor do we all want to ruin the look with a cardigan. I hope this makes it in to my wardrobe eventually.

4. Evans 70 denier tights- teal, purple, berry £6.00

I bought some of these tights last A/W, and I love them. The colours are really fun, and they're very hard-wearing. I'd love to stock up on some fresh pairs to add some colour to the grey Winter days.

5. Dorothy Perkins berry textured frock coat £69.00

I can't afford to invest in a new coat this year, although there's really not much point since I rarely leave the house, anyway, but, I adore this coat. The mauve-grey colour is so unusual, and I like the texture of the fabric. It's quite a long coat (about knee length), and would go great with my dresses (and everything else)! The belt and collar details are nice touches, too.

6. ASOS Curve dolly skater in paisley £55.00

I'm still lusting after this paisley number I shared with you on the weekend. It's. Just. So. Pretty.

7. Topshop Labyrinth top and short pj set £18.00

I'm completely head over heels in love with these PJs! I grew up watching Labyrinth all the time; my Sisters and I were obsessed with that film, and I still love watching it now. It's definitely one of the best films from my childhood, and I think my eyes almost popped out of my head when I stumbled up on these when browsing for present ideas. Amazing. I wonder if these would fit me...

8. Parisian (via New Look) dark red cropped studded jumper £16.99

Now, this jumper is unlikely to ever fit me, but it's amazing! Oxblood red, and studs with a nineties grunge edge... be still my beating heart. I'm not one to bare my midriff (it's not for me), but I'd love to wear something like this over dresses, or high-waisted skirts with a camisole underneath. <3

9. ASOS chunky rib cardigan in pastel pink £35.00

This chunky knit cardigan looks so warm and comfortable- great for slobbing about in!

10. Dorothy Perkins wine bunny print robe £28.00

This dressing gown has bunnies on it! And, I'm a crazy bunny lady, so I just have to have this robe to keep me warm on cold mornings. I love how bunny motifs are popping up a lot at the minute.

11. River Island black quilted studded bowler bag £40.00

I need this bag NOW! I think I clearly have a stud embellishment problem! This bag is beautiful. One for the Christmas list, I think.

12. River Island black studded vanity case £40.00

And how gorgeous is this studded vanity case? I don't know what I'd store in it or where I'd take it, I just know I must have it.

13. River Island black studded suitcase £65.00

I'm unlikely to be fit for heading off on a globe trekking adventure anytime in the foreseeable future, but I think this suitcase is amazing. It looks so sophisticated.

14. Dorothy Perkins crochet and bead collar £16.50

The detail to this stunning collar is so intricate, and it would make any top or dress look instantly elegant. It has such a Victoriana feel to it.

15. Alice Hannah (via ASOS) angora and lambswool blend peter pan collar £29.00 £18.00

This collar is also pretty, although far girlier than the former. I like how it's covered in faux pearls. And the angora/lambswool blend would hopefully mean that it's tactile, well made, and luxurious.

16. River Island beige croc make up bag £13.00

Okay, I don't need another make up bag, but I think this one is aesthetically pleasing.

17. River Island red chelsea girl mini satchel £26.00

I have a soft spot for satchels and River Island bags in general. and this small red bag is beautiful. It looks quite retro, and the colour is so classic it could be used year after year.

18. Crown and Glory not a lotta Rosie headband wine £15.00

I've seen a lot of bloggers wearing Crown and Glory headbands over the last weeks and months. I've not jumped on the bandwagon yet, but I can't deny how taken I am with them. This red rose one in particular is gorgeous, although I'm not sure how well it would work with my hair colour.

19. Topshop nail art brush set £7.00

20. Topshop nail art set in black and pink £5.00

I'm currently enjoying trying out nail art designs on myself, and am looking to expand my tools and nail pen colours so I can give lots of other designs a shot. I think I may take advantage of Topshop's current free delivery offer (which rarely ever happens!), and allow myself these tools come pay day.

Which pieces are your favourites?

Have you replaced buying personal treats for Christmas shopping yet?