affordable

What’s new to my makeup bag.

IMG_5283I wanted to share with you some new drug store products that have made it into my makeup bag. numbered

  1. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primmer. £6.99. This primmer is nice and moisturising, it is a little on the thick side but it does provide a nice smooth base for your foundation and it also has a slight shimmer to it making it illuminating too.
  2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in shade Light. £5.99. This concealer is really creamy goings on really well and blends out nicely with out drying out your under eyes.
  3. Revolution Baked Highlighter in Peach. £3.00. This is so gorgeous, I also have the Golden Lights shade but picked up Peach for a more rosy highlight. It is very pigmented and finely milled. It applies really well with a large fluffy brush and is pink without being too much perfect for my fair olive skin tone.
  4. La Cross Premier crease shadow blending brush. £2.49. I got this brush on Ebay, it is such high quality, super soft and fluffy while dense enough to make blending your crease shadows so easy.
  5. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in copper. £7.99. This is a creme high pigment shadow, its called copper although I would describe it as a rosey champagne, it has such a nice shimmer looks gorgeous swept across the whole lid or as a highlight on the inner corner.
  6. Sleep Makeup Divine Eye Palette in Au Naturel. £7.99. This is my absolute palette at the moment. I wear them during the day or night there’s such a good range and I have used every colour. The champagne shimmer in the top right is my favourite as well as the mauve matte brown, shimmer khaki and the shimmer deep plum. So pigmented and creamy they blend really well, stay put through out the day and when the shimmers are used with a damp brush they literally make your look.
  7. Revolution Ultra Bronzer. £3.00. This is a huge pan for the price, and a great build able cool matte bronzer which works for subtly warming up the complexion through to a full on contour. Great bronzer for fair skin.
  8. Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara. £7.99. Oh My God! this is literally the best mascara ever. If you like slightly clumpy full lashes then this is amazing. It goes on so quick and instantly wow! and it lasts all day, doesn’t crumble and is flexible and comfortable on your lashes.
  9. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade Vanilla. £9.99. I have tried other foundations but I just keep coming back to this one. I love hydrated dewy makeup at the moment and this is exactly that, it has a medium to high coverage and applies so nicely. I have the shade Vanilla 52 mixed in with Light Beige 53 depending how much colour I want. I also find these foundations to have yellow undertones, perfect for my olive skin. Other light foundations I have tried have been too rosey.
  10. Olay BB cream in fair. £9.99. I picked this one up the other day from Superdrug where Olay was buy one get one free. I got their complete lightweight day fluid and also picked up this bb cream as it was free. It is so hydrating and moisturising with a subtle hint of coverage. I like to use it on its own or under my foundation when I want a little extra coverage and hydration.

So these were my latest additions to my makeup bag and this below, is my makeup bag. I got it for Christmas its from RiverIsland and is quite large but its a perfect size for my everyday makeup and its just so pretty in Nude and rose gold leather.

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I am loving a super highlighted, dewy completion with a mauve and dark dusty pink smoky eye at the moment. I think I am trying to get into the spring session even if the weather isn’t ready to yet.

All of the products are available in Superdrug online or in store.

I also got my nails done today and for the first time in ages I have gone for a deep dusty pink. It’s OPI You Sustain me. When your fair and have dark eyes its hard to wear pinky pinks as they just don’t go with your skin tone but I would defiantly recommend trying a cooler pink such as a mauve shade or one with a brown tone to it.

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The best of ASOS Lingerie.

When it comes to shopping online ASOS is always the first stop for me. They stock so many brands from big names to more affordable fashion but I have noticed recently their own brand lingerie and night wear has really picked up this season. Here are my top picks for right now. Affordable glamour and luxury.

asos lingerie

Lingerie needs to be delicate -lace and satin is always a winning combination. Multi straps create new lines and shapes which are so on trend right now. These are my top 5, from left to right we have:

ASOS Eyelash Lace Marylin Caged Underwire Bra £20 with ASOS Eyelash Lace Marylin CagedBrazilian Pant £10 this is a girly classic, the black set is an absolute staple and this eyelash lace half cup is such a pretty shape.

ASOS Rebecca Cross Front Longline Bra £18 paired with ASOS Rebecca strappy thong £8 is a stunning addition to your lingerie it’s a more unusual golden khaki colour which would compliment glowing skin.

ASOS Brandy Lace High Leg Body £20 this little lace piece is gorgeously delicate and easy to wear.

ASOS Lace Risky Business Strappy Triangle Bra £20 with ASOS Lacey Risky Business Strappy Thong £10 this set is so elegant, burgundy is a sophisticated red, it’s soft cup and strap detailing would add a little effortless beauty to a casual look.

ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side Teddy £25 is literally to die for, on the website it is paired with an over sided mottled grey cardigan for complete effortlessness. This is my absolutely favourite must have right now. Delicate burgundy satin trimmed with black lace in a wrap around tidied in a bow.The cut of the piece is so right showing enough but still comfortable. The fine straps continue the elegance to a T. I would love to wake up on a saturday morning feeling all elegant in this Teddy.

Image 4 of ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side TeddyImage 2 of ASOS Plunge Wrap Bow Side Teddy

Asos also have 20% student discount right now so go treat yourself.

http://www.asos.com/Women/Lingerie-Nightwear/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=6046

Caring for and cleaning your Pandora.

Pandora bracelets and charms are made from sterling silver or gold. It is important to look after your bracelet to keep it looking it’s best. Silver like some other pure metals can tarnish with age leaving a dark black or green residue on the surface reducing the sheen and appeal of your jewelry.

I wanted to share with you how I cleaned my charms and bracelet. So I have a double strap grey leather bracelet as well as a silver bracelet. Recently I have been wearing all my charms on my leather bracelet so the silver bracelet has been in its box. while I haven’t been wearing it, it has really discoloured and oxidized, it was defiantly time to clean and refresh my bracelet and charms.

I have tried a few different cleaning products; a silver polishing cloth -did nothing, a liquid solution you submerge your jewelry in -also did nothing. Then I discovered Silvo. It works so well and it’s so easy.

Silvo is a little tin of cloth that has been soaked in cleaning polish. It’s so easy to use.

First remove all your charms from your bracelet.

Tear off a small wodge of the pink Silvo cloth and simply rub over your bracelet, the black tarnish with immediately lift from the silver. Continue until you have rubbed down the entirety of the bracelet and the charms.

Next buff off the cleaning residue with a white kitchen towel and even more dirt will lift and the jewelry will gain shine.

So simple. Even charms that didn’t seem dirty came out brighter and shinier.

I brought my Silvo from Sainsbury’s for £2.50 and I am sure it is available in most stores in the cleaning ales.

The Perfect Wearable Wardrobe.

The key to the perfect wardrobe is creating a succinct collection of versatile pieces you can mix and match to build any look for any occasion.

It all comes down to making considered purchases instead of buying everything you see or like -too much clutter only makes it harder to find something to wear.

It’s important to really know and understand your style and the look you are going for, so you can really know what to look out for when your shopping. This should help keep a theme running through your wardrobe allowing you to mix and match in so many more combination.

Next, have a sort out. The season has just changed so now is a perfect time to go through your clothes. If you haven’t worn it in ages, or you don’t think you’l wear it again then loose it -why do you need to keep something you never wear.

On the bottom: I think you need a classic pair of blue skinnys for the casual days a pair of black jeans to dress it up slightly and a pair of smart trousers. Also consider a couple of skirts, a simple mini skirt, a midi pencil and a button through A line skirt.

bottoms

On your feet I would say a pair of Nike Roshe runs, then a pair of Loafers, heeled boots and then the strappy heels/ stilettos will work with any outfit and take you from popping to the shops, to a lunch date, to night on the town.

shoes

On top the choices are more open but my advise is go for a selection of versatile pieces. Get a couple of camis, a sweater, a couple of long sleeve tops in different styles and a selection of vests and jumpers. Try to get a mix of different, lengths, sleeves, fabrics and colours. Try to avoid getting similar tops in the same colour.

tops

Dresses wise go for a fitted midi little black dress, this will work perfectly for any evening look then go for a couple of shift/ t shirt dresses that you can dress up or down with heels and a clutch or flats and a tote/shopper.

dresses

Accessories: Find a warm scarf that goes colour wise with everything a neutral colours works well such as grey, black or khaki works well for me, then find a large clutch for the nights and a tote/ shopper for the day. Then finally coats and jackets are really important, I would say invest is a smart coat shorter coat and a long warm wrap up coat,

acsessories and coat

Ta dah! that’s it.

Phew I know that seems like a lot and a bit complicated but I hope it helps. As you can see from my wardrobe I like simple shapes and minimal pieces. Tan, Khaki, denim and black are my autumn go to colours. I tend to stay away from patterns for some reason but create interest by mixing fabrics and textures so leather, croc, suede and patent which feature heavily throughout. All the pieces are very interchangeable and work from everyday casual to a night out.

Clothes featured can be found at Asos, Newlook, Pretty Little Thing, Missguided, H&M, Riverisland and Forever21.

For more details please leave me a question in the comments below.

Wrap up Warm.

The weather has taken a turn for the worst and I feel this wet and windiness might be here for a little while.The good thing to remember about this change in the weather is it gives you a chance to change your wardrobe. You can bring out the coats and knits from last year and start considering some new pieces.

Here is my low down on the best coats this season.

For me it has to be Khaki or Camel. These two colours are so on trend this season, very autumnal and both go so well with any outfit. There are four main styles to look out for; the waterfall coat, the trench coat, the duster and the boyfriend jacket.

Here are my affordable favouites.

The khaki trench coat £39.99 Newlook

Newlook trent

This coat is so gorgeous, its a midium to light weight coat perfect to dress up or down.

Waterfall Camel Coat Missguided £30missguided waterful coat

This shape is very flattering and feminine and looks so nice undone and relaxed.

Suede Duster £50 in Chestnut Boohoo.com

boohoo suede duster

Suede is a key fabric for this autumn so why not really get your 70’s on with this maxi duster.

Khaki Boufriend Jacket Newlook £29

newlook boyfriend jacket

This coat is perfect for adding a more formal feel to you look day or night. It looks so good here over a leather skirt a ribbed high neck knit.

This season is all about textures; suedes, ribbed knits, cords, leather. pair a leather A line skirt with a ribbed sweater under a suede jacket and you are away.

All the links are below. Let me know what you think in the comments section.

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/khaki-drape-belted-trench-coat-_333499434

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/boutique-bonded-suedette-duster/invt/azz01713

https://www.missguided.co.uk/clothing/category/coats-jackets/belted-waterfall-coat-camel-camel

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/khaki-textured-boyfriend-coat-_347282034

Work shoes.

You may have read in previous posts or seen on my Instagram https://instagram.com/katie_clarke94/ I have a new job; as a cover corporate receptionist, I travel around London filling in for leave and sickness at the large office buildings around London. I have to be well dressed and professional, in a black pencil skirt, jacket and blouse with a pearl necklace and earrings. The uniform is provided but I have to supply my own shoes. You don’t want to know how long I was looking and how many pairs of shoes I ordered and sent back until I found the right ones.

If you’re anything like me I wanted a comfortable pair of relatively high heels in black leather. Sounds standard but it was really hard to find what I was after. Turned out Newlook is the place to go for the widest range of shoes suitable for the office.

Here are my top three. Number one: Black Comfort Leather Platform Courts by Newlook originally £34.99 but reduced to £14 in the sale. The shoe is very comfortable with a padded sole, they fit true to size and being genuine leather they will soften and mold to your foot. The shoe has a rounded toe, small platform and an 11cm heel giving them a classic and sophisticated look.

Comfort courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-platform-court-shoes-_330611401

For the wider foot Newlook has come out on top again with their Wide Fit Black Court Shoes now £10 in the sale!! These shoes are perfect if you have a broader foot they again come with a rounded toe and discrete platform with a 10cm heel and have a elegant finish.

wide fit courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-wide-fit/wide-fit-black-court-shoes-_342919401

Finally if you are tall or you really struggle in heels and are looking for a lower pair, why not consider these Black Comfort Leather Pointed court shoes again currently in the sale at £12 these have a lower 8cm heel in a soft leather again with a padded sole.

pointed courts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-shoes/black-comfort-leather-pointed-court-shoes-_330585701

So there we go Newlook has turned out on top when it comes to formal shoes for work. Obviously there are other places that sell black courts but I didn’t like the styles or shapes and they were no where near the price of these ones from Newlook especially as they are currently all in the sale. Happy shopping everyone.