MBMJ

Shirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs/Jeans: Topshop/Boots: Vagabond, similar here

I got this wonderful MBMJ shirt from Coggles the same time I got that sequin Markus Lupfer jumper. I'm in love. It's 100% silk and a dream to wear. It is a little on the big size for my petite (5ft 2) self but a medium was the only size left and I just had to. I do love a good shirt as a safe option for a polished look, so I'm happy I grabbed this one before it sold out.

Plus, who can say no to Marc Jacobs?

A Californian Summer: Part 5, Santa Monica/3rd Street Promenade

 

This is the fifth and final post for A Californian Summer which concludes how I spent the summer of 2014. Sorry it has arrived so late, uni work has completely swamped me over the last month. However, I have finished the term now and I'm a couple weeks into my Easter break so hopefully I'll be blogging a lot more.

So, the final location is Santa Monica and more specifically the beach and 3rd Street Promenade - which is a shopping district near the beach. It is one of the more famous beaches in LA as I'm sure the majority of you will know. I have been to this beach before when I previously visited LA so I didn't spend a great deal of time there compared to some of the other beaches.

For those of you who are observant, this is indeed the same outfit as the one in the Manhattan Beach post - this is because we did both beaches in the same day. The first and second to last pictures are shots of the wonderful Brandy Melville store down 3rd Street Promenade. A brand with clothes I adore and a style that is definitely synonymous with California.

I hope you have enjoyed these series of posts, I know I've enjoyed reliving one of the best holidays I've experienced.

Tom Ford Indian Rose Swatch & First Impressions

This is just a quick post about the beautiful Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose and my first impressions of it as this is the first Tom Ford product I've bought (I know, where have I been?!).

Obviously, all of the packaging is beautiful. I mean, it's Tom Ford, so I'm not gonna bang on about that. Indian Rose is a really pretty rosy pink/nude toned lipstick that isn't mega out there, but it certainly isn't boring either. It has a creamy, moisturising texture that applies like a dream. I can't really comment on wear time all that much, as it is first impressions, but with a lipstick of this high quality I'm sure it lasts long enough.

It's safe to say I love this product and can't wait to buy more from Tom Ford. When I bought this the sales assistant used their Shade & Illuminate palette on me too, which I completely fell in love with. That is definitely next on my hit list.

A Californian Summer, Part 4: Santa Barbara

The penultimate post about my time in California last summer.

This post is a little different in terms of location because it will be the only one which is not in LA. I would actually have seven posts for you as I also visited Palm Springs/Desert and Washington DC. Unfortunately, I don't particularly have any decent photos in those locations (sigh).

So, the beach pictured here is Butterfly Beach. It was just as pretty as the name suggests. Apparently it's a celebrity hot spot, but I didn't see anyone of note when I was there.

The architecture in the center of Santa Barbara was all traditional with that classic terracotta red, plus a lot of fun street markets. A refreshingly different setting to the cityscape that is Los Angeles.

Black Laced With Blue

Top: Ted Baker/Jeans: Topshop/Jacket: Topshop, almost identical here/Boots: Dune/Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

This pretty, sheer lace top from Ted Baker was a sale piece I managed to snap up before it sold out. I'm in love with the endless detail: from the neckline to the ribbon tie it has at the back (I forgot to take photos of that). I have a thing about lace and leather, so pairing this top with this Topshop jacket was kinda obvious. To be honest, I reckon you can throw a leather jacket over most outfits and 9/10 times it'll look good.

How Much Does My Face Cost?

I first saw this post on Annaboho and thought that I'd give it a go too. I'm featuring products that I use day to day/the ones that I use the most often. This doesn't mean I use of the the products pictured all at once, I often mix and match for different looks. So here goes:

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette - £38

 Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Topaz Chameleon - £28
Chanel Vitalumiere foundation - £36

Nars Sheer Glow foundation - £31

Two Faced Sweetheart Perfect Flush Blush - £24

 Estée Lauder Double Wear Compact (I use a darker shade as a bronzer) - £31

Tom Ford Lip Color in Indian Rose (review/swatches coming very soon) - £37

Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll mascara - £25

Soap & Glory Supercat Liner - £6

Chanel Les Beiges powder - £39

Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Eye Pencil - £20

Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil - £2.99

Sephora Collection 8-piece Professional brush set - roughly £49 ($75)

Total = £366.99

Some of you might think that's an absurd amount of money and some of you might spend just as much or more, but we all know we all buy products we don't need. It's just one of the problems of being a bit of a make up junkie. The products here range from £3 to almost £50, but I think it's safe to say that I'm mostly a high end kinda gal.

Loser.

Jumper: Markus Lupfer/Shirt: The Kooples, similar here/Skirt: River Island

First outfit post of the reboot, woooo... Anyway, I had to feature this wonderful Markus Lupfer jumper which I got online from Coggles (it's sadly sold out now). I feel like I use the word "loser" a lot, so add that to the fact it features pink sequins and it's practically made for me. If you haven't heard of Markus Lupfer then definitely check out his designs. They're all fun, cute and youthful with a lot of slogans without being too OTT. I'm really loving the SS15 collection and hopefully I'll get my hands on a few pieces soon - particularly lusting after this look.

Let me know what you think of Markus Lupfer below and if you have any pieces

x

The Maine - English Girls

I haven't done a music post since I rebooted my blog, so I feel like it's about time.
The Maine are a band I loved when I was growing up and I must admit, I've had a lapse in listening to them now I'm a bit older. They're a band that have had some darker days of recent years, but it's safe to say that they are back. Their new single English Girls is ridiculously catchy, it's infectious. The single comes from their fifth album American Candy, which is out March 31st and is available to pre-order on iTunes and basically all other outlets now. This song is a fun, pop-punk/rock gem that I've had on repeat since I first heard it. Watch the official lyric video here and let me know what you think!



Photo: The Maine Facebook page

A Californian Summer, Part 3: Manhattan Beach

Shorts: American Apparel/Top: Topshop (really old)/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Just writing a quick post today on Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles for part 3 of documenting my summer of 2014. This beach is everything you could ask for or dream of when thinking of California. Sandy beach, boardwalk and pier and also south-facing so you can watch the sunset. It's also quite good to get away from the other really popular beaches in LA like Santa Monica, Venice etc as I had a nice a peaceful evening just reading and watching the sun go down. I don't really have anything else to say besides that, it was perfect.

YSL: Babydoll Mascara & Rouge Volupte Shine Fuchsia in Excess Review & Swatches

If someone were to ask me: "if you could only shop at one brand for make up, what brand would it be?" I would not hesitate to answer with Yves Saint Laurent (yes, they trump Chanel for me). I would also give the same answer if they were to ask the same question but for clothes instead, however that's a whole different story.

I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons why I love YSL so much is that the packaging for all the products is stunning. And another reason why I usually order directly from their online boutique is that they always throw in a couple free samples, they offer free standard delivery and the products are gift wrapped in tissue paper.

So starting with the mascara, I adore this product. I'd describe my lashes as problematic to say the least. They're very thin, short and straight. This means that the majority of mascaras just make my lashes flop back down, even after using a curler. This effect is usually inevitable, however YSL's Babydoll definitely puts up a great fight. My lashes still have lift and length and don't completely go back to their naturally straight state, which can be seen below:

Lashes with 2 coats of mascara

Now, moving on to the lipstick. Fuchsia in Excess is a wonderfully bright, medium-toned pink which I'm in love with. The finish is high-shine and glossy so therefore it's not completely opaque upon first swipe, however it is buildable. In terms of wear time, for a glossy lipstick, the lasting power is pretty good. I usually get about 4 - 5 hours and once the gloss fades, it leaves a nice stain behind.

Lips with 2 coats of lipstick

Bare lips & bare lashes (left), 2 coats of mascara & 2 coats of lipstick (right)

And so, my love affair with Yves Saint Laurent continues...

A Californian Summer, Part 2: Beverly Hills

It's no secret that Beverly Hills is one of the wealthiest areas in Los Angeles and I can tell you now, it most definitely lives up to its reputation.

Naturally, Rodeo Drive is lined one after another with upscale shops like Chanel, Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent (how could one ask for more). Although I didn't have much chance to have the full Rodeo shopping experience, I did have a little exploration through Ralph Lauren and also into Chanel looking for my favourite foundation.

I can't say there is all that much to talk about when it comes to Beverly Hills, it's exactly what you expect it to be - whether you love it or hate. The obvious reason to love it is, if you're a chronic shopper and lover of fashion like me, then there isn't another shopping destination like it. However, the obvious reason to hate it is, well, if you don't like shopping and the superficial nature of the whole area (but who wouldn't be aware of that when entering Beverly Hills). The sheer amount of wealth in the area is undeniable, especially since I saw an actual Bugatti Veyron. Legit.

 I know. It's beautiful. 

Beverly Hills is a completely different world to most of the population, but definitely a desirable one at that. The shops = amazing and aesthetically, it's one of the prettiest areas in Los Angeles. It's not for everyone, but a girl can dream.

Dress: H&M/Bag: Steve Madden/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

And one quick note before I go, my California playlist is just below in case you missed it last week and again, thanks for reading.