London Summer Meet Up

On Tuesday this week, Kate and I headed up to London for our #LDNSummerMeetUp in Covent Garden. We've been planning this for a while now and so for it to actually happen was a bit crazy, but really exciting! (Check out Kate's post here.)

Kate stayed at mine and we travelled up to London on the Tuesday morning to meet everyone. There were eight of us which went shopping in the Oxford Circus and Covent Garden area, and then two more joined for lunch. I bought lots of lovely things (although there won't be a haul as the majority was underwear!) - one product which I'm excited to try though is the Stila liquid eyeliner. We had lunch at The Diner in Covent Garden which was great - I'd eaten there at a previous meet up and so knew what to expect, and the food definitely didn't disappoint!

We stayed in London a little longer to do some more shopping - Kate and I were originally going to eat dinner at Wagamama but we were just too full from lunch! We also put together some goody bags which we gave out on the day which included products from St Moriz, Jewellery Box, Balmi, Popband, Timeless Truth and NSPA. As we had a smaller turnout than we had originally planned for, we had quite a few goody bags left over and so both Kate and I will be doing giveaways in the near future! Mine will most likely be going up next week, so keep an eye out for that.

Thank you so much to everyone who came - it was such a great day and hopefully there will be some more meet ups in the future to come to for those of you who couldn't make it!

Prom 2015

Last night I attended my leavers prom with the rest of my year, which was held at our school. It was the final event (other than results day) with everyone getting together, so it was definitely a bit emotional at times. Although we were a bit wary of it being held at our school, the place was decorated so nicely with lots of fairy lights and drapes, which made for a stunning setting. From the free bar to the amazing fireworks display (our prom is the best), it was a great night overall and I'm going to miss everyone so much!

I chose a dress from Boohoo, as it was quite inexpensive but still really pretty, and I loved the sequins on the front. With this, I wore a pair of black strappy heels from New Look, a clutch from H&M (I didn't photograph this but it did feature in this previous blog post) and a Barry M Nail Paint in Coconut. I did my hair and make-up myself and kept things fairly simple, with a sparkly brown eye and a nude lip. I curled my hair using straighteners and pinned a couple of pieces back. I really liked how this all turned out, and it just goes to show that you don't always need everything to be professionally done!

Have you had a prom this year?

Weekend Wishlist | Summer Loving

L-R - Shop Dixi earrings, Barry M nail polish, Shop Dixi ring, H&M shoes, New Look dress, Topshop sunglasses, Shop Dixi ring, Hemsley and Hemsley book, Nars foundation.

Another Sunday, another weekend wishlist! This one is more summer themed, as it's been getting a bit warmer recently and I can't wait for summer now! As soon as pay day arrives, I'll most likely be buying some clothes and bits like this for the warmer months - updating my wardrobe for a new season is one of my favourite things to do!

Weekend playlist: All my music on Spotify (username is sophieem5) - but mainly Marina and the Diamond's album FROOT
Weekend reading: Nothing unless you count my school textbooks for revision!
Weekend watching: Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy & The Island with Bear Grylls

What's on your weekend wishlist?

(Disclaimer: none of the pictures shown above belong to me.)

Eighteen | Birthday Haul

If you didn't know, about a week ago I turned eighteen! It feels crazy to think I'm legally an adult and can do a ton of things now, like vote or buy alcohol. I spent my actual birthday relaxing and opening presents with my family, and then this week I went for a meal with some of my friends and also went out yesterday with those who were old enough! I had such an amazing time and am so thankful for all the nice gifts.

Above are some of the presents I received from my friends and family. From my family, I was given some money towards a festival ticket, art supplies, a blender (so I can make lots of nice smoothies - hence the book), cooking books, clothes and lush goodies. From my friends, I received more art bits, some make-up items, jewellery, candles and some seriously pretty plants as well as a copper and glass container to put them in. I've probably missed a few things but I was so lucky to get all of these amazing presents and I just generally had a great birthday.

What gifts have you received lately?

January Blues Wishlist

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
(Disclaimer - None of the above pictures belong to me.)

It's wishlist time again! This wishlist has a bit of a blue theme - blue is my favourite colour and I also think it looks really nice at this time of year.

The first three things are all from Topshop (what can I say, I love their clothes!) - firstly, I absolutely adore this navy striped jumper and I think stripes are an essential for any wardrobe. Next is one of their cute scallop frill tops which I've been eyeing up for quite a while now - they're simple, easy to wear and would go with lots of different things too. The last Topshop item is a pair of blue and green tartan leggings. I love tartan prints, and I also really like Topshop leggings in general as they're super comfortable.

Next are a few make-up items. I included a couple of nail polishes - Rimmel's Pillow Talk and Essie's Chinchilly. Pastels and nudes are great for the winter and so these two would be perfect choices. I've also had MAC's Plumful lipstick on my wishlist for months now but every time I pop into one of their shops, they're always sold out - maybe this month I'll finally end up purchasing it! And lastly is a pair of suede boots from River Island. They're so simple and pretty, and I also love the zip down the side.

What's on your current wishlist?

Covent Garden At Christmas

(A quick note: my upload days have been quite random recently - as I've been off school I've had more time to dedicate to blogging so that's why there's been a few mid-week posts, however this week Sunday uploads will resume as normal!)

Yesterday I headed to London to meet up with my lovely bloggy friend Thalia, who I hadn't seen in ages. We mainly spent our time in Covent Garden, which was so pretty with all the Christmas lights still up. We did a bit of shopping here and there - I picked up a gorgeous Moleskine diary and some jewellery from Accessorize in the sale. We just generally had a nice walk around the shops, before having lunch in Nero. Later on we headed over to Knightsbridge and had a look around in Harrods (I was on the hunt for MAC's Plumful lipstick but everywhere was sold out!), and Thalia also introduced me to her favourite Topshop where I picked up a jacket in the sale! We also snapped a couple of outfit pictures outside Victoria on the way back...

My outfit -
Coat - New Look
Floral blazer - H&M
Snood - New Look (I think, it was a gift)
Top - Primark
Jeans - Topshop
Bag - New Look

Thalia's outfit -
Coat - Dorothy Perkins
Dress - Topshop
Scarf - H&M
Bag - Dorothy Perkins
Boots - Topshop

Overall, I had a great day and it's made me realise how much I love going to London!

What I Got For Christmas 2014

Let It Snow by John Green, I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, lots of chocolatey bits, four Lush products - Butterball, Northern Lights, Creamy Candy Bath and Pheonix, two rings - one freshwater pearl ring and one silver rabbit ring, New Look bag, Fat Face pyjamas, Bobbi Brown Warm Eye Palette and No Smudge Mascara, New Look dress, Pull & Bear skirt, Pull & Bear tweed backpack.

First of all, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas (if you celebrate it)! I spent mine at home with my family, opening presents, eating lots of nice food and watching TV. Every year I like to do one of these posts, where I show you what I got for Christmas, and this year is no exception! Just a little disclaimer to say that I'm not trying to brag, I just personally enjoy reading these posts and they always seem to go down well with all of you!

I was very lucky and got some lovely things this year. As I mentioned in my Christmas wishlist post, I didn't ask for anything in particular so pretty much everything was a surprise! I got two bags this year - I really love the burgundy one from New Look which I chose myself, and I also got a cute backpack from Pull & Bear. One of the most surprising presents I received was the two Bobbi Brown products from some family friends. I've always wanted to try Bobbi Brown and never have, so I was really happy when I opened these! I'll most likely have a review coming in the new year. I got some lovely clothes bits too which I can't wait to wear, and of course lots of chocolate goodies! I can't wait to wear my pretty rings that my Mum bought me, and I'm also looking forward to reading the books I received.

Thanks so much to my family and friends for my lovely presents - I had a great Christmas!
What did you receive this year?

My Christmas Wishlist

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
(Disclaimer - none of these pictures belong to me.)

Seeing as Christmas is nearly here, I thought it was about time I shared my Christmas wishlist with you all. I didn't ask for anything much this year - just odd bits here and there - so this is just an idea of what I hope to get!

The only thing I know for sure that I'm getting is this bag from New Look, which I chose myself. I was in need of a new bag, and I wanted something a little different, so I thought the burgundy colour on this one was a nice change. Next are a couple of things which weren't on my list, but I will most likely be buying them as presents to myself! First up is this gorgeous pair of boots - I love the heel on them and also the textured material that they're made of. I've also been eyeing up this cute beanie with a faux fur pom pom, which would be perfect for winter.

I always like to ask for nail polish, as you can never have too much! I thought this gift set from Essie was cute, and I also wanted the colour Bahama Mama. Lastly, I like to ask for some Lush bits in my stocking, as I don't get to buy them for myself very often and it's nice to have some bath bombs to use during winter. I particularly liked the look of their Christmas Yog Nog soap, which supposedly smells amazing!

What's on your Christmas wishlist?

Winter Warmers Wishlist

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Today I have another wishlist for you - and this one is winter inspired. I'm not sure if it's officially winter yet, but it's been so cold recently it might as well be! 

The first things on my wishlist are a few clothing bits. I absolutely adore this teddy dressing gown from Topshop - it's so cute! I love the little hood, and a dressing gown is always an essential for winter too. Next is a Christmas jumper - I know it's a bit early to be cracking these out, but I feel like this one is more winter themed so you could probably get away with it. It looks so cosy too! Also from Topshop is a green fluffy jumper. I already own a black one from Primark but I feel like this one seems like a lot better quality, and I really like the colour as well.

Next is this adorable brown backpack from Roamans. It’s practical and the perfect size to throw in all of your essentials and go! I also included this pair of boots from Loveclothing. I don't own many boots, but they seem like a winter essential and I love the heel on these ones. And lastly is a beanie from the brand Reason. I'm definitely a beanie lover, and this one just looks like the perfect size and colour.

What's on your winter wishlist?

Weekend Wishlist

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

You may know by now that I love to do a wishlist on my blog every so often, and seeing as it's officially autumn now, I thought it was a good time to do another one. I've included a few clothes items, a beauty product and a couple of extras too.

The first thing on my wishlist is a nice coat/jacket. I absolutely adore this navy parka from Topshop - the furry lining looks so soft, and I can just imagine it going with every outfit. However, it's super pricey so I might have to wait until Christmas to get my hands on it! The other option I included is this coatigan from New Look. The material is a bit thinner, but I love the pattern and I think it would look nice with a fluffy jumper underneath and a pair of skinny jeans. Lastly for clothes/accessories, I adore this mustard twist scarf from ASOS. I've actually already ordered it, but I wanted to include it anyway because it's just so gorgeous and cosy-looking!

Onto a few extra bits now - firstly is a Remington curling wand. I've tried curling my hair with my straighteners but it just doesn't work for me - I think my hair is too thick! I want to wait for my hair to grow a bit more before I get this, because I can imagine curls looking really nice just on the ends. A new release which I've been eyeing up is the Naked 2 Basics palette. I literally love all of the colours in this palette, especially the browns, and I think I would get a lot of use out of it. Lastly is a book that I've had on my wishlist for absolutely ages, and it's Mindy Kaling's autobiography. I love Mindy Kaling and her show The Mindy Project, so I can't wait to read her book too.

What's on your current wishlist?

Midweek Wishlist

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Seeing as the weather's been pretty horrible recently and I also just haven't had any time to take photos due to work experience, I thought I'd do another wishlist! With summer coming to an end, I'm looking to get a few more pieces to add to my wardrobe - mainly some bits for school, as well as a few casual clothes and possibly some make-up.

I've seen these strappy camis from River Island going around a lot recently and I really want to pick one up - I like this purple and yellow flower one, although the plain ones also look great. I also desperately need a new pair of jeans as mine are all fairly cheap and a bit worse for wear now, and I think the Joni style from Topshop look super flattering. Next is a casual blue shirt - I've wanted to pick up this style of top for ages and just haven't gotten round to it, but this one from H&M is really affordable and simple which is perfect for me.

Next is this poppy print blouse from Topshop (can you tell I like my prints?) which I absolutely love - I think it will be perfect for school as we have to dress fairly smart. Like most Topshop things, it's on the pricier side but I definitely think it's worth it. The last top is also from Topshop, and it's made from two quite unusual prints but ones that I really like. It's created out of recycled fabrics which I think is an amazing idea, and I would probably pair it with a black skater skirt for school. Lastly, I threw in a couple of make-up items from the Body Shop. I definitely think the Body Shop have upped their make-up game recently, and I have my eye on a few different things, with two of them being the BB cream and the InstaBlur primer. 

What's on your current wishlist?

Outfit | Summer Playsuit & Sandals

Playsuit: Quiz Clothing*
Sandals: Ipanema*

Before I start, I quickly wanted to mention my new blog design! It was done by the lovely Phil over at Pipdig, and I absolutely love it. I really like the simplicity of it - if you're interested in their designs, you should definitely check them out as they do both premade and custom templates.

Today is another outfit post. Sorry if you prefer my beauty posts, but hopefully I should have a few of those coming up soon! Anyway, I really like this playsuit from Quiz Clothing - I think it's perfect for Summer, plus the aztec print is cute as well. I think it would be great for throwing over a bikini, or you could easily dress it up for the evening too.
I also adore these sandals/flip flops from Ipanema - my favourite thing about them is the toe part, as it's a lot more comfortable than normal flip flops, and it also has a support at the back which is great too. I really like the monochrome pattern on the soles, as I think it would go with anything!

What do you think of this outfit? And what's your favourite thing to wear for Summer?

Mini Summer Lookbook | Dresses

I know I haven't posted in ages - as you may be able to tell I have upgraded my camera - and it took a while switching over. I'm having a bit of trouble with the video at the moment and getting it onto my computer (if anyone else has the Canon EOS M and can help, let me know), so the Youtube aspect may be put on hold for a while. Anyway, I'm finally back with a little mini lookbook, showing you a couple of dresses that I think are perfect for Summer!

Outfit 1 -
Dress: Chi Chi*
Shoes: Primark
Nails: Barry M Pomegranate

Outfit 2 -
Dress: Wal G*

I absolutely love the first dress from Chi Chi because white is really on trend this season, plus it's a great formal option for something like prom. I also love the Wal G dress because it's more of a casual option, and the collar is really pretty too. I paired them both with flats, but you could easily wear them with anything.

What's your favourite dress for summer?

Weekend Wishlist | Summer Style Edition

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Seeing as it's pretty much summer now, I decided another wishlist post was in order to show you the clothes I've been eyeing up recently. I'm not really sure how to describe my style - I'm definitely not a monochrome girl because, as much as I like black and white, the majority of my wardrobe (and this wishlist) is filled with colour. I would probably describe it as casual and simple, with comfort coming first - and I would say that this wishlist definitely fits that description.

I've been wanting a backpack for absolutely ages now - I'm going to Greece again this summer and I think this Monki one would be perfect for carrying my day to day stuff. I also adore these trainer type shoes from Topshop - aren't they adorable? I love the tropical print and I think they would look great with jeans or shorts. Next is a skort - again from Topshop - which is something a bit different and more smart. It would be great for evenings out and I think it would look perfect with a plain white t-shirt.

I also love this striped top with a cute floral trim - I have been trying to collect more casual tops because all I ever seem to buy is smarter ones for sixth form and I end up with nothing to wear on weekends! Again from Topshop (what can I say?) is this pair of pretty scallop shorts in a pale blue colour. I adore these and I think you could easily dress them up or down. And lastly is something that I think would be good in the day or evening and it's this Lavish Alice blouse from ASOS. It's been sitting in my favourites for a while and I just love it - the elephant print is the cutest thing ever! Despite it's high price I have a feeling it's going to be falling into my basket very soon.

What's on your summer wishlist?

Huge Birthday Shopping Haul - Boots, Primark, H&M and Topshop

As you may know, this Saturday is my birthday! I'm actually working all day, so last weekend my Dad took me shopping to pick out some things that I wanted. I didn't ask for anything in particular this year, so this was much easier!

The first place I went was Primark. Firstly I picked up a couple of vests - one yellow lace top and one thin navy top. I also bought some new pyjama bottoms as I absolutely love the Primark ones and definitely needed some new PJ's. I then chose a couple of cute gold necklaces, as I really wanted some new jewellery. And lastly, I got a 5 pack of ankle frilly socks along with some pretty black flats.

Next, I went to Boots - where I probably did the most damage! To start with, I bought a few nail polishes - I got one of the new Barry M Gelly's in Huckleberry, one of the new Models Own speckled polishes in Magpie and an Essie one in the shade Splash of Grenadine. I also got some lip products (a girl can never have too many) - I picked up the Maybelline Colour Sensational Gloss in Cashmere Rose, as I've heard so many good things about it recently. I also chose the Revlon Lacquer Balm in Demure which I've been eyeing up ever since they were released. Next, I bought the Soap & Glory Archery in Brownie Points, which again I've wanted for a long time, and the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. Lastly are a couple of boring bits - the Blistex Intense Moisture Lip Balm and the Blanx White Shock Treatment. 

I then went to H&M and Topshop and got a couple of things. In H&M, I got a simple black bag as the one I use at the moment is really tatty and so I needed a new one. I also spotted this gorgeous white jumper with big black daisies on that I love, as well as a cute silver arrow necklace. In Topshop, I picked up a pair of thick leggings/trousers in a black and white checked print, and a dress that I've had saved to my favourites for way too long!

And that's everything I bought! What have you picked up from the shops recently?

Birthday Wishlist

As my birthday is in less than a month (5th April, mark your calendars), I decided it was time to share my birthday wishlist with you!

The first thing (and also the thing I want the most) is the Zara Mini Office City Bag. I've been needing a new bag for absolutely ages as the one I use at the moment is completely ruined, and this bag from Zara is definitely my favourite! I was going to be different and ask for the grey one instead, but to be honest I just love the black one too much! Next is the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. Again, I've been eyeing this up for a while now and I actually prefer the colours in this to the newer Naked 3 palette. 

Then I added some clothes to my list. The first thing I like is this dress from Topshop. I saw it in the shop the other week and have had it saved to my favourites since then - I adore the print. I also saw this cute cat skirt on ASOS - who doesn't love cats?! I've had this Monki top saved to my favourites for ages now too, I love the floral print - I think it's so pretty. And lastly on my birthday list is this gorgeous mint green purse from ASOS. As I am asking for a new bag, I thought why not ask for a new purse too, and and I adore the colour as well.

I'm not expecting to receive all of this by any means, especially as I'm also asking for driving lessons - yay! I can't wait to start learning to drive, I think it'll be great!

What's on your current wishlist?

Share the Love Saturday: Sighh Designs

Today's post is a little bit different to what I usually write, but I really wanted to share one of my favourite online shops with you all - Sighh Designs.

Sighh Designs is run by Polly, whose Instagram I've been following for as long as I can remember, and so when she opened a shop I was so excited to have a browse. She designs everything herself, and personally I'm a huge fan of her work - the drawings are just gorgeous! I've been putting off buying one of her phone cases for a while now as they are on the pricier side, but I really wanted to support Polly and so in the end I caved, and ended up purchasing one of her pocket mirrors too. Polly now also runs a blog, which you can see here, and I've also gone and popped her shop button in my sidebar so my readers can easily access it. 
I'd love for you to all check out Sighh Designs and let me know what you think!

Weekend Wishlist

L-R - River Island Dress, Anastasia Brow Wiz, Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms, ASOS Shoes, Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Sticks and Zara Mini Office City Bag.
(Note: none of the above pictures belong to me.)

Today I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been lusting after recently. The first is a really gorgeous dress from River Island that I've had bookmarked for weeks, which I think would be great for going out. Another thing I've been wanting for a long time is the Anastasia Brow Wiz - I've heard such great things about it but the only thing holding me back is the price. A new release that I've got my eye on is the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms. They have a great selection of shades and I can't wait to pick up a few. Next are a pair of shoes from ASOS. Shoes aren't usually at the top of my wishlist, but for some reason I absolutely love these - especially with how the model wears them with frilly socks - so cute!

Next are a couple more make-up items, again that I've been wanting for a while - the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara and the Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Sticks. I've heard amazing things about both of these products and can't wait to try them myself. And lastly is a handbag (again not usually something that is on my wishlist) - the Zara Mini Office City Bag. I think this would be the perfect size for everyday and I love the colour too, although I do also really like the grey one!

What's on your current wishlist?

New In: H&M Boots and Clutch

H&M Boots and Clutch*

Before I start, I just want to take the chance to wish you all a happy new year, and to say thank you to everyone who has supported my blog throughout 2013 - I managed to reach 500 Bloglovin followers last night which was amazing, so thank you!

Anyway, I was recently contacted by Bloggers Edit about trying out some H&M products, and as H&M is one of my favourite clothes shops, I jumped at the chance! 

The first thing I received was a pair of black heeled boots. I've actually been searching for a similar pair to these for ages now, and so when they came in the post I was so so happy - if you know me then you've probably heard me raving about these a lot recently. I ordered a 4, which is my normal size, and they fit perfectly. I'm not usually a heel girl, but these are so comfy and I absolutely love them! I've worn them a couple of times now and I can easily see them becoming my new favourite pair of shoes.

I also received a gorgeous black and gold clutch bag. When I saw this online, I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not, but when it came I actually ended up loving it! I love the cut out effect it has, and I think it would be great when going out in the evening. It also has a longer strap inside which means you don't always have to carry it around. I actually have quite a formal party coming up this month so I'll probably end up taking this! 

What have you bought from H&M recently?

Daytime & Evening Winter Outfit Ideas - featuring Mark Milton

Daytime outfit - Topshop dress, New Look bag, Boohoo pumps and Mark Milton necklace and bracelet.

Evening outfit - Topshop dress, Topshop shoes, New Look clutch and Mark Milton necklace and bracelet.

I was recently given the opportunity to share Mark Milton's jewellery range with you, and so I thought it was best to show how I would personally wear them, incorporating different pieces into both a daytime and evening outfit for winter. Mark Milton produces a range of fine gold jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets.

Because of the jewellery being quite formal, I decided to go for a fairly dressy daytime outfit, however I do think you could also wear the pieces with something more casual.  For both outfits I chose quite simple but classic clothes which I think works well with the jewellery. For the daytime one, I picked a simple burgundy dress and paired it with a black bag and black shoes. I also chose fairly simple pieces of jewellery to go with it. For the evening outfit, I picked another Topshop dress, this time a monochrome one. I paired it with a gorgeous pair of heels and a black clutch, which has small amounts of gold to go with the jewellery. For the jewellery, I chose two matching pieces, both of which are quite statement and so would be the main focus of the outfit.

Overall, I really like Mark Milton jewellery, my favourite pieces of theirs probably being their necklaces, which you can see here. Although they're not really in my usual budget, I think they would make perfect gifts for family and friends!