Everyday Essentials #1 | The Neutral Bag

I "borrowed" *ahem, stole* this lovely little cross body bag from my mother. I was actually lucky enough to be gifted my own Mulberry bag last year (the Roxanne) but it tends to be too heavy for everyday use. I don't really carry much with me on a daily basis so I find something compact and light to be an essential.

I believe bags are one of the best investments you can make (fashion-wise); an expensive usually both timeless and long lasting so you are guaranteed to get your money's worth, as opposed to a pair of shoes which could go out of fashion in no time. I think it's always best to chose a neutral colour, think tan, brown or black, as this maximises the versatility of a bag.

Of course, you don't have to spend a lot on a well-made bag; they are also readily available on the highstreet. Topshop has some lovely leather bags at the moment and if you are willing to search for a bargain, try TK Maxx.

Would you invest in a designer bag? What's your everyday bag?

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P.S: I might make this into a mini series and post about all my wardrobe essentials - is this something you'd like to see? Let me know!

Review: L'Oreal Micellar Solution

I've been wanting to try out the infamous Bioderma for a while, so after hearing about this 'dupe', I decided to pick it up. Sinc Bioderma itself is pretty pricey (especially if you live in the UK and have to order it online), I thought I'd give the much more reasonably priced L'Oreal version a go for only £2.50!

I was very impressed with the way the micellar solution removed my makeup; it literally melts it away without the need to rub your skin. I just soaked some onto a cotton pad and held it on my eyes for a couple of seconds and it removed all my mascara. 

Having never tried Bioderma, I can't compare the two, however, if you live in the UK the L'Oreal Micellar Solution seems to be a much more readily available and cheaper alternative. I'd definitely recommend trying a micellar solution, and after loving this product so much, I might even splurge on the real thing in the future!

Have you tried any other micellar solutions? Do you think Bioderma is worth the money?

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Review: No. 7 BB Lips

Firstly, I'd just like to apologise for my absence over the last few days! I don't really have any excuse other than that I've been feeling a bit uninspired. I really hope to make some fashion posts in the next couple of days so look out for those!

I picked up this lip product by No. 7 to wear at my prom (check out my previous posts for photos). I was intrigued by the concept of a BB cream for lips and since I wanted something more hydrating than a lipstick, this seemed perfect.

The shade, 'Belle Pink' is a dark rose colour, although is fairly sheer on the lips. The pigmentation resembles that of a tinted lip balm. Having quite dark lips, this colour is perfect for everyday wear, leaving a subtle glossy finish.

I feel this product is somewhat a 'dupe' for the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfecter (unnecessarily long name!). Personally, I've never tried the range so I can't make a comparison, but the concept seems to be the same and even the packaging is similar.

Have you tried out the BB lips? What's your go-to everyday lip product?

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New In | Topshop Adonis Boots

I've been lusting after the Adonis 2 boots in Topshop for a long time, so when I saw them in the sale, I was quick to snap them up. The pair I chose are a faded wine colour which is reminiscent to that of the Jeffery Campbell Coltranes.

At £50, these were still fairly pricey but it's still a lot of money from the original £75 price tag. Plus, they are real leather and look very sturdy. I got these in a size 5 and they fit perfectly. However,  I'm usually a size 4, so I'd recommend trying them on if you can or maybe going up a size.

I'm sure these will be a staple in my wardrobe. I personally love the way they look with dresses or skirts and bare legs in summer, but I can also make use of them in autumn and winter. The buckles, although not particularly practical, add interest to an outfit, and the heel gives me a bit of (much needed) height.

Have you checked out the Topshop sale? How would you style these boots?

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P.S. I've been shopping a LOT recently, so hopefully they'll be a haul post soon - let me know if this is something you'd like to see in the comments!

Currently Coveting | Holiday Edition

Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio - Sephora | Coudorouy Circle Skirt (Summer Peach) -  American Apparel | Benefit They're Real Mascara - Sephora | Korres Lip Butter (Quince) - Sephora | Luma Skirt - Brandy Melville

In just 12 days I'm off to Barcelona with my family. We don't often get away in summer because my parents are busiest at work, which makes it even more exciting!

As an avid shopper, I've already done my research and prepared an extensive wishlist for my holiday. I was very happy to discover there are a few shops that aren't available where I live, namely American Apparel, Sephora and Brandy Melville.

I've listed a couple of things I want to get and I'll be sure to share my purchases in a haul post when I get back!

Are you going on holiday anytime soon? Have you got any recommendations in Barcelona?

Prom 2013

Dress: Valentino | Shoes: Zara | Clutch: Alexander McQueen | Ring: Topshop | Bracelet: Topshop

Yesterday was my Year 11 leavers prom and it's slightly scary to think how fast the past couple of years have gone.

To be honest, parties aren't really my cup of tea but me and my friends went as a group and, despite the awkward start, the evening wasn't too bad!

Although the food was disgusting and the playlist resembled that of a Year 7 disco, it was fun to spend time with my friends and get dressed up.

Anyway, here's what I wore! I had my hair in a plaited updo and I had Essie's berry coloured 'Chocolate Cakes' on my nails to match my lips.

Have you had your prom? What did you wear?

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Favourite Summer Nail Polishes

As you can probably tell from the picture above, I've accumulated quite a collection of Essie nail varnish in the last year (and that isn't even all of them), so I thought I'd share my favourite shades for summertime.

001. Off the Shoulder

This hot, barbie pink is not something I would usually chose, but I think it's fun for summer to add a pop of colour to an otherwise boring outfit.

002. Orange, it's Obvious

I mentioned this in my last post, but I had to include it because it's a current favourite of mine. It nails both the neon and orange trends in one go!

003. Sugar Daddy

A simple pale pink is an essential for all seasons and this pretty shade looks put together without being in your face. It would also be great for a french manicure.

004. Sand Tropez

Another neutral which I love is Sand Tropez. It's a gorgeous sandy beige which gives a really polished, mannequin-esque look.

005. To Buy or Not to Buy

This shimmery lilac nail varnish looks perfect in summer because the sunshine emphasises the subtle flecks of shimmer.

006. Mint Candy Apple

This is a cult product from Essie, but nevertheless, I felt I should include it because the colour is truly beautiful! It looks amazing with a tan and also looks great on toenails.

The quality of Essie nail varnishes is amazing; they come with a large brush and the consistency is thick without being gloopy, making for easy application. At £8 per bottle, it isn't the cheapest nail varnish brand on the market but, in my opinion, it's totally worth spending an extra couple of pounds.

What do you think of Essie nail varnishes? What are your favourite nail colours for summer?

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P.S - I really wanted to do my first outfit post today, but I've been a bit under the weather so I've had to put it on hold until I resemble an actual human being rather than a snotty, flemmy mess (ew).