tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559155786959284802024-03-19T10:54:36.441+00:00Onyx: Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle BlogOnyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-60465866379696070862014-08-05T16:24:00.000+01:002014-08-05T16:24:40.723+01:00Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Recently I made a trip to Paris. I don't know how I've got this far in my life without ever visiting Paris before, in fact until last year I'd never visited France. Getting there was incredibly straightforward on the Eurostar, again, how have I never used it before?! Now I have, I will certainly make future trips to other destinations.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I was in Paris for 3 days and took a tonne of photos but I've managed to condense down to a few for the blog which I think sum up my experience there. The highlights for me were:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Seeing the Eiffel tower lit up at night time and people having a moonlit picnic beneath it.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">A trip on a boat along the Canal St. Martin. There are plenty of boat tours in Paris, and most will give you a whistle stop tour of all the main sights of the city, but I chose the Canauxrama because it showed you more of the Parisian's Paris. It departed from Bastille which is where I was staying, and headed North along the canals. It was very relaxed and a great way to spend the first day.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The day spent around Montmartre. A lot of people go here to see the Sacre Coeur, then leave to go back to the main city. I spent a day just milling around the village and it was great to experience this different more tranquil side to the city.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The apartment where I stayed. First of all, it was in a fantastic location, the Bastille area is a popular neighbourhood and I feel like for 3 days I was living like a Parisian, albeit with a toddlers handle of the French language. This was my first experience of using Air bnb and I have nothing but good things to say about my experience using the site.</span></li>
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-75263104078481170462013-12-27T17:21:00.000+00:002013-12-27T17:21:11.491+00:00Ciaté Very Colourfoil Nail Manicure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have finally been introduced to Ciaté paint pots. After reading numerous blog posts raving about the quality and seeing the wide range of colours, I've waited for the day to try Ciaté. Even in London though, I've not found this brand too easy to come by. Anyway, that day has finally come, albeit in the form of Ciaté Very Colourfoil Nail Manicure, thanks to TK Maxx and their random selection of nail kits. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0w7bAe_1nI/Urw-84G1ELI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/dBuIwoVD0F4/s1600/DSC_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0w7bAe_1nI/Urw-84G1ELI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/dBuIwoVD0F4/s640/DSC_0792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've only ever bought a manicure kit once before in my life. It was by Maybelline and contained various pieces you would need for a French manicure: a natural shade, a white tip and some stickers that you use to block the colour when applying the white tips. I find these kits very useful for somebody like me, in other words, pretty clueless about manicures, (I have never had a professional manicure of any description!) because you don't need any extras and they usually even contain a step by step guide to help you. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Foolproof! </span></div>
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Here is a visual so you can see what you're getting in this kit.</div>
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I wasn't really sure why they put the nail wheel in there to be honest. I'm not going to waste the foils experimenting on it, but I think this will come in useful for showing nail swatches in the future so I'm not complaining. </div>
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More usefully in the kit, you get a 13.5ml bottle of Ciaté paint pot, in this case, a shade called Cream Soda. This applies like a dream and is worthy of a blog post in it's own right but I'll spare you the details and assure you Ciaté paint pots are worth the hype. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Along with the paint pot there's a pot of "foil fix" or glue as I call it, and of course, the colour foils. There are 6 of each colour, and 6 colours in total, all with suitably suggestive names such as Fling and Feisty. They look pretty awesome to be honest. This kit had a range of gold and silver, including a couple of holographic, and a plain green and pink.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The instructions tell you to spot the glue wherever you like on the nail and then allow to go clear and tacky before placing the foil (face side up over the nail, pressing firmly down and then peeling off to reveal the foil effect. What I like about this kit, is there isn't a prescribed where of doing this so there is room for creativity; (as well as error!) you can allow each coating of foil to dry and apply two or even three or more different colours over it. Originally I applied two coats of different colour foil on each nail on top of the original paint pot. This had incredible staying power and I had not so much as a chip until day 4 of wearing this.</span></div>
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I've since taken this foil manicure along a festive route and used the green and gold on top of a red nail polish to create this. Admittedly, looking up close at it, it's pretty messy, and I could've done a better job. But when I'm not staring closely at my nails, I quite like catching a glimpse of my uber sparkly, seasonally appropriate nails. I'm on holiday from work at the moment, and let's be honest, this won't be quite as relevant come January. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0o3ujvav30/Ur14v_1fXTI/AAAAAAAAEV8/L4g6uSKzmrY/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0o3ujvav30/Ur14v_1fXTI/AAAAAAAAEV8/L4g6uSKzmrY/s320/DSC_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBqegaWQIo8/Ur14_t3dtxI/AAAAAAAAEWU/bkJHK8q-8tY/s1600/DSC_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBqegaWQIo8/Ur14_t3dtxI/AAAAAAAAEWU/bkJHK8q-8tY/s320/DSC_0819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are 3 different versions of this kit, Wonderland (this one), Carnival Couture and Kaleidoscopic Klash, the latter two being much bolder and brighter than the one I've shown here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This certainly isn't one for everyday and at full price £18 at RRP, I think is a bit of a rip off. However, buy from somewhere like TK Maxx and this will cost you £9.99 which considering a full size bottle of Ciat<span style="background-color: white;">é will cost you £9, this works out a good deal.</span></span><br />
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Overall, I'm happy with this as a purchase and for a spot of creative decorating on my nails.<br />
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I hope everyone is enjoying the festive period. I'm enjoying the rest, and spending quality time with loved ones. Tomorrow I'm catching up with an old friend who I've known for 16 years, but haven't seen for the last 2! Then I'm heading back to London at the weekend for NYE. I'm probably going to go into town to see the fireworks because in all the years I've lived there or have travelled down there, I've never been to see.<br />
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What are your new year's plans?</div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-33124179594183955192013-12-24T20:42:00.001+00:002013-12-24T20:42:18.436+00:00Winter coat 2013/2014 - Marvin Browne <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had been on the hunt for a new winter coat ever since the first bite of winter's wind. I am all about being thrifty and finding a good deal, but some things I feel the quality should not be compromised on; that is boots and coats. These are staple items that you put with the rest of your outfits and hence why I have a comprehensive set of boxes to be ticked before I buy!<br />
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I had given up on my hunt because none of the coats I had seen checked all of my said boxes. They were either too long, too short, sleeves too long, wrong material/colour, too expensive. I will accept that I am a fussy coat consumer.<br />
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Anywho, pottering around Spitalfields market, East London, fruitlessly looking for anything that could make a Christmas present for my loved ones, I stumbled upon a little coat stall. Now usually I do not associate market stall clothing with good quality but on closer inspection of Marvin Browne's coats I could tell something was different. This is exactly what I love about London markets, the wade through the numerous stalls of tat before finding those gems of good quality products that you just wouldn't get on the high street. I noticed the Marvin Browne coats hanging on a very unobtrusive rail and did what I can only describe as "copping a feel" as a I walked by. I had no intention of stopping and observing closer, as I said, I'd given up the coat hunt. But something made me go "ooh!" and I had to stop and find out a little more about these coats. I think you know you're on to something when the feel alone grabs your attention.<br />
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The coat I had fondled was a wool and cashmere blend, extremely soft and happened to be in the exact colour I was looking for, camel. It was, alas, a little too tight under all my many layers, but the very helpful assistant advised me that the pure wool versions of the coat tend to come a little bigger because they are made from a thicker material. She also told me that all of the coats I could see were cut from the exact same pattern, the only thing that differed were the materials and patterns. I knew I was going to buy one of these coats from that moment. There were quite a few different varieties to choose from, but knowing I loved the classic shape of the coat and that I only had to choose a material and colour meant this would be as easy as picking out a pot of Dulux.<br />
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As I mentioned, a coat is an investment, a staple item, and I wanted one that I could wear with or without my winter warming layers, so I opted for the pure wool version which fit perfectly. The camel equivalent came a little darker in the pure wool and I wasn't as keen on this colour, but I did however find this dark military green very appealing. I also want to add at this point that what I found helpful from the assistant was her honesty...I'd tried on the bigger size in the cashmere, and she told me instantly, it was no good, you can't seen the darting detail like you could in the smaller size. Honesty is definitely the best policy as far as I'm concerned, I'm not shopping for validity from others, I want something that fits and actually looks good! So kudos to her.<br />
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So, this coat had so far checked all of my boxes, perfect length, perfect shape (what's not to love about a classic?) and the sleeves weren't too long! The only thing I needed to know was the price. For the cashmere/wool blend, a coat would cost you £95, for a pure wool version: £80. Now there was the thrifty part of me shouting "No that's too expensive." I paid £20 for this wool coat in the sales two winters ago...<br />
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but then there was the realistic side of me that knew this is exactly what I would have paid in the high street. Yet here I would be buying a coat that I was unlikely to encounter somebody else wearing (I'll brush over the fact that I kept bumping into a woman who had just 5 minutes before me purchased the exact same coat). Not only this, but this is a British designed, British made coat which also means it ticks all my ethical consumer boxes. When you weigh it all up, this is a darn good buy, and deservedly, in the 10-15 minutes I was at the stall, at least another 5 coats had been sold.<br />
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You can find out more about Marvin Browne coats via <a href="http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/stalls/marvin-browne">http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/stalls/marvin-browne</a><br />
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-52100965114227348462013-12-23T23:01:00.002+00:002013-12-23T23:02:24.328+00:00MAC Margin Blush<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hardly an unsung hero in the makeup community, I'm sure everyone has heard of Margin. Beauty bloggers and celebrities alike admire and endorse this blush, and for good reason. I've had this on my wishlist for a long time, and am pleased to be able to finally cross it off. MAC describe this blush as a peach with golden shimmer.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMZ7LjVfHvo/UnJ4gvoP-KI/AAAAAAAAECE/7XDx1oaNEyg/s1600/DSC_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMZ7LjVfHvo/UnJ4gvoP-KI/AAAAAAAAECE/7XDx1oaNEyg/s640/DSC_0672.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The peach colour is universally flattering, suiting a range of skin tones. I'm pretty pasty this time of year but the blusher suits my skin tone with a tan or it's natural winter hue. The blusher has a frost finish which means the golden shimmer has an almost metallic finish, but this is subtle enough to look pretty and not make you too shiny faced like some frosty finished blushers I've used previously.</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIEXPM7Zr4o/UnJ3CCIahXI/AAAAAAAAEJs/F6G4YMcC7RM/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIEXPM7Zr4o/UnJ3CCIahXI/AAAAAAAAEJs/F6G4YMcC7RM/s640/DSC_0668.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of this wonderful blusher applied on my face so you can see the understated effect you get. It gives the perfect "natural glow" look which will complete any natural make-up look you want to create as well as when you're feeling like going heavier on the eyes or lips and you want to keep the cheeks natural looking.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-91hWoHwZI/UnKIqWdFuUI/AAAAAAAAEHk/YhcuxHqgmCc/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-91hWoHwZI/UnKIqWdFuUI/AAAAAAAAEHk/YhcuxHqgmCc/s640/DSC_0722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope this has helped you if you're looking for a new blusher. It's definitely one I will be repurchasing when I've used it up, which at the rate I'm using it will be sooner than I think! </div>
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On another note...I cannot actually believe it's Christmas in two days!!! I've managed to escape London and am back visiting my parents which is just lovely having meals cooked for me and being looked after, and of course, lots of love from Layla.</div>
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-10102510085532386212013-07-29T19:12:00.000+01:002013-07-29T19:13:49.227+01:00A little update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I always feel a little sheepish when I return to blogging after the longest time not blogging. Life has just been a little bit mental over the last few months, you know how it gets... I am going to make more of an effort to be part of the blogging community over summer though. Whenever I'm not a part of it, I do really miss it!<br />
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I took the inevitable plunge of buying a DSLR which I'm absolutely loving. It's keeping me busy lately, expect lots of snaps around London to follow soon!<br />
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Yesterday I went for brunch at a place called Pimlico Fresh. They serve very delicious, if a little pricey breakfasts and lunches. I was looking for an alternative to The Breakfast Club for a place to get fresh, tasty food, with quirky decor and an eclectic mix of people. Pimlico Fresh is definitely all of these. I particularly liked the communal benches inside the cafe. I can't find a website for it, but you can read more reviews here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pimlico-fresh/279204625442028">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pimlico-fresh/279204625442028</a><br />
What I didn't enjoy about the place was the lack of toilet facilities! But this turned out to be a good thing it seemed, because it led me to a very extensive second hand sale in Pimlico academy (on the search for said toilet facility.) What a hidden gem it was. So many good finds there, I saw a girl pick up a vintage type writer for under £20 which I know she would have paid a lot more for anywhere else. Granted there was a lot of rubbish there to sift through too, but on a lazy Sunday, I had plenty of time to peruse the mountains of treasure! I came across this top which a lovely lady used to own.<br />
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She bought it from Whistles on the King's Road in the 1980s, back when she was working in John Lewis and in her words "spent all of her wages on clothes". We can all relate can't we?! Even without the label and the story behind the top (there's something really appealing to me about owning something that has a bit of history to it!), I still would've bought this top, I love the dusky pink colour and the feel of this top which I obviously can't convey in a photograph and quite smugly I paid £3 for this.<br />
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I also bought this rather cute little cami from Topshop. Bit pricier than my second hand Whistles purchase at £22 but I think I got caught up by the heatwave we've been enjoying and decided I needed something bright and summery. Maybe the heatwave is dwindling, but if nothing else I will love wearing this on holiday.<br />
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Jewellery wise, this chain on rope necklace is from Topshop priced around £16 if I remember correctly.<br />
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The ring is a recycled fork which I purchased from a very cool shop inside Greenwich market. I can't remember the name, but their whole ethos is about upcycling old things so there's some very interesting things to be found in there.<br />
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-59609064472059103792012-11-04T18:11:00.000+00:002012-11-04T18:11:50.558+00:00OOTD 02.11.2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've been in a bit of a jeans rut for a while. I'm a jeans girl, I can't help it. But I'm trying to break this habit. I love dresses, and although it took me until I was well out of my teens to realise that I could wear dresses, that there was a dress to suit everybody, I am now a bona fide dress-wearer. Lately I'm enjoying the skater dress. There are lots of variations of this dress on the high street, and places like Boohoo at the minute, but the fitted top and floaty bottom make for a timeless dress that I'm sure I will be getting a lot of wear out of.</span></div>
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I found this version in Primark for just £13, I also bought a black and white stripy equivalent. I seek out this shade of navy blue and the berry red and forest/racing car green equivalent for this time of year. It beats always wearing neutrals when I feel like an injection of colour, and brights just don't do it for me in Autumn/Winter. The material is thicker than you would find on a summer dress, and I'm actually finding this quite a warm outfit when paired with thick, opaque tights and boots. I wasn't a massive fan of the belt that came with it so I whipped it off and put this leather plaited belt through the loops instead for a very simple, yet suitably autumnal ensemble.<br />
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<b>Have you found yourself any Autumn dresses?</b><br />
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Happy Friday everybody.<br />
x</div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-50940537535882910372012-10-31T17:59:00.000+00:002012-11-01T20:32:13.910+00:00Why do you wear make-up?<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A couple of weeks ago, I was offered some food for thought by
a four year old when they asked me the question: What is that on your eyes?
When I explained it was make-up, it was followed by the question "Why do
you wear it?" I should have seen this coming, children are naturally
curious, but I found this a difficult question to answer to someone so young. I
don't often think about why I wear make-up, but if I had to break it down and
tell you why I wear make-up I could.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">To look
better. Pretty simple really, make-up is a man-made miracle. It improves our
appearance, and how far you want to go with this is up to you, whether you want
to completely transform your appearance or just enhance what you have
naturally. Sometimes the make-up I sport is purely functional – to smooth out
my skin, hide blemishes, make my seemingly non-existent eyelashes visible, that
kind of thing..</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">To feel
better. Which leads on from point 1. If I look better, I feel a bit better
about myself. I realise this is superficial, but I doubt there’s a female out
there who doesn’t feel the same about make-up. Would we be wearing it if it
made us feel bad about ourselves?!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">I
enjoy make-up. Yes, it has become habit, one that’s hard to break and I wouldn’t
know what to do with myself and my extra time in the morning if I took my
make-up application out of the routine, but I enjoy the process of doing my
make-up. I’m a creative person, so I enjoy creating different looks and
experimenting with colour and techniques.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think what’s important to clarify here is that these are
personal reasons, reasons that affect me. I’m not wearing it because I worry
about how others perceive me. I wear make-up for myself. But, when you feel good
about yourself, this gives you a sense of confidence which then affects how you
present yourself with other people. There are times when I leave the house
without my make-up, when it’s not necessary to wear it. I’m not thinking what
are people wondering about me because I’m probably doing something where I
really couldn’t care what I look like, such as jogging! So wearing make-up for
me is not a case of hiding behind it, but enhancing what I have and choosing
the way I want to present myself to the world, much in the same way that people
choose their sense of style in clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s easy for me to write this as a blog post and I’m sure
those of you reading this have similar reasons for wearing make-up. But to
explain this to the younger generation just seemed a somewhat difficult feat,
to be able to articulate it in the same way I just have. Because the simple
answer to why I wear make-up is to look and feel better. But to someone younger
this could be misconstrued to mean you’re not good enough if you don’t wear
make-up. Definitely not the message I would want to put out to an easily
influenced young mind. I was well into my teens before I got interested in
make-up, I’d guess around 16, but never felt pressured to wearing it, but I
think things are changing and there is much more pressure much earlier on for
young girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anyway, the purpose of this post was, I suppose, to explain
why <i>I </i>wear make-up, and to think of
reasons why other people might. I think whether you wear it to conceal or reveal
is entirely your decision. As I’ve said, I’m a mixture of the two, but what I
find sad is there might be people who <i>depend</i>
on make-up. I’m pretty much a beauty fanatic, but would not label myself in the
category of dependent upon it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>So, readers of the blogosphere, why do <i>you</i> wear make-up?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-1159205614049514182012-10-26T19:28:00.001+01:002012-10-26T19:28:03.869+01:00Batiste Wild, Lace and Graffiti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My love affair with Batiste is no secret. It's become as much of a staple to me as deodorant. I use dry shampoo on the days in between washes to absorb any excess oil and giving your hair a bit more life. It's also useful for when you've washed your hair but want to give it a bit of a volume boost at the roots. It feels completely like cheating and that's the appeal. There are a lot of dry shampoos on the market, but I never tend to look twice at them with Batiste being a brand I trust to deliver. The bottles are attractively decorated, the scents are gorgeous and now there's even more to choose from. The bottles that don't state they are for a particular hair colour are the standard dry shampoos that don't deposit any colour but instead a white-ish powder which you then need to give a ruffle with your fingers to blend it in. The only difference in the bottles above is the fragrance. </div>
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Blush was my favourite scent but the release of the new range has given me a new favourite. Lace - "seductive and elegant"...I would have to agree! It reminds me greatly of a perfume I have used in the past but since I never repurchase perfumes (bar Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao) I can't remember the name. But it's good enough to be compared to a perfume, who knew a dry shampoo could smell so good?! I might have to stock up on this one in case they discontinue it. The picture below shows 3 of the most recent releases. I'm missing the Paisley one which is a Superdrug exclusive. Graffiti is the Boots exclusive which if I'm correct is either very similar to, or exactly the same as the scent of the Brit Batiste from a while ago. Wild is a more original scent which I can't really compare to anything, it's probably the least girly scent out of the bunch.<br />
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So I feel that's enough waffling about dry shampoo. I thought I'd fill you in on my current reads as I always enjoy reading what other people are reading...if that makes sense. I joined my local library because I rarely read books twice. I'm also a bit anti-kindle, I like the feel of a book, I don't really know why. I'm also a huge lover of shopping in second hand book stores and love discovering new ones so if anyone knows of any in London please send your suggestions for new ones for me to check out!<br />
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Right now I'm reading Two Little Boys by Duncan Sarkies, which has nothing to do with Rolf Harris. I chose it primarily because it was endorsed by one of the actors from Flight of the Conchords which I love so didn't feel the need to find out much more about the book. I'm glad I picked it up though, it's a bit of a dark comedy which I enjoy and is an easy read, there's a few great one liners in there. I do have quite a short attention span so I often have two books on the go. I'm about to start 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami which sounds quite promising and was in the top 10 a few months back so I'm hoping it lives up to the hype. It's a beast of a book which is another reason I tend to read two books at once - one for the tube commute, the other for home. I just need to not get the plots and characters confused.<br />
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My plans for the weekend include crossing off another thing on my to-do list for the year. That is, going on a Boris bike ride (for those of you outside of the UK, they're the bikes available for public use around London with docking stations at various locations). I'm doing quite well on my list so far so I hope I commit to this. It is very cold though, so I might just read my books instead.Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-67134843173503198312012-10-22T21:29:00.002+01:002012-10-22T21:29:39.157+01:00Oh My Love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I first found the brand Oh My Love in the basement of Topshop last year in the form of a t-shirt (picture at the bottom). I was impressed with the quality and the design of the top so wanted to find out a bit more about them. I discovered an Oh My Love dress in Topshop a few weeks later that I fell in love with but in size XS was a little too snug. I checked online and found that they have their own website with a much wider range than I found in the store.</div>
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This is the Agatha Ponty dress and I honestly consider it to be a wardrobe staple. I chose black because a girl can never have enough LBD's no? But it's also available in dusky pink and wine red. The material is figure hugging but also very soft and of a fairly thick quality. There is a seam around the waist which helps to differentiate the bottom from the top so you don't necessarily need a belt, though I chose to team mine with this tan leather plaited belt.<br />
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It is a bit on the short side, but I think the conservative top balances this out quite nicely.<br />
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The envelope bag is from New Look and is available in an assortment of colour and material combinations. I quite liked the soft, dusky colours of this one. Primark actually have an identical version of this in black and light grey if you want one for half the price, I made this sad discovery today. The bag has a chain handle so you can wear it on the shoulder, but I prefer it as a clutch, just a personal preference.<br />
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Agatha Ponty dress: £35, <a href="http://www.ohmylove.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/agatha-black-ponty-dress" target="_blank">Oh My Love</a><br />
Belt: taken from some Primark trousers.<br />
Ballet pumps: £10, New Look.<br />
Envelope bag: £15.99, <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/grey-pastel-envelope-clutch_250210499" target="_blank">New Look</a>.<br />
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This is the previously mentioned t-shirt. I like the batwing style and the slouchy fit. Sadly the black stag motif faded after several washes, but I went over it again with a fabric pen and quite like the effect that was left behind. In hindsight, I should have hand-washed it from the beginning, but never mind.</div>
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T-shirt: £20, Oh My Love<br />
Shorts: Forever 21<br />
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There's currently quite a good sale on right now which is worth a browse. <a href="http://www.ohmylove.co.uk/">http://www.ohmylove.co.uk/</a>Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-68451500366855728522012-10-17T17:16:00.002+01:002012-10-17T17:16:34.029+01:00OOTD 17.10.2012<br />
Here is my outfit of the day. It's getting pretty chilly outside now, but that doesn't mean our shorts become redundant. I bought this pair of velvet shorts last year from Topshop, I thought they were a bit overpriced at £32 but I vowed to myself they would see me through a few seasons. Luckily they did and so cost-per-wear they've actually worked out quite bargainous! The shorts have reappeared this season so you can still get your hands on a pair if you so wish. They also come in a gorgeous berry colour which is tempting me, but I think having one pair of velvet shorts in my life is enough.<br />
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I've been lusting after a Cambridge Satchel Co. satchel, but in the mean time, I'm wearing this satchel from New Look. It's a pretty standard satchel and does the job.<br />
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I bought these earrings a while back from Laura Laura, and am still in love with them. They often get compliments and I like the originality of them, particularly when the buttons don't look exactly the same and have some variation on them.<br />
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This jumper I found in New Look on Oxford Street, (the one at the Topshop end) and is by a brand called Pink Boutique. I quite like that New Look now feature smaller brands as it means you can find things that are a little bit different.<br />
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The crucifixes give it a slightly edgy look, while the fact that it's as snuggly and fluffy as a Pomeranian puppy completely tones this edginess down. Whilst I like having my own style, my clothes have to feel comfortable too. What's the point in a jumper that looks good but is itchy as hell? I can't show you in these pictures, but I can assure you this is one of the softest jumpers I've owned!<br />
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Velvet shorts: £32, <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=21&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=6165088&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208529&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20" target="_blank">Topshop</a></div>
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Jumper: £28, by Pink Boutique from New Look Oxford Street, you can find similar <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/v-london-black-and-white-cross-print-jumper_268176801" target="_blank">here</a>, or check out Pink Boutique's knitwear <a href="http://www.pinkboutiquestore.co.uk/knitwear-73-c.asp" target="_blank">here</a> </div>
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Satchel: £20, New Look</div>
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Boots: £20, Primark</div>
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Earrings: £5 for three pairs, Laura Laura, similar can be found <a href="http://www.lauralaura.net/page4.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I must apologise for the bush/tree thing in the background of nearly all these photos, I thought it looked better than having more of the table though. I'll move it next time. x</div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-32841585242338717092012-10-16T21:55:00.000+01:002012-10-16T21:55:08.361+01:00Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine, Magnetic and Web Effect Review<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This evening I have frantically been wrapping up items I've sold on ebay. I have terrible hoarding tendencies and so from time to time, having a good purge makes me feel a little bit better! I like thinking that things I don't want yet hold on to, neglecting them, can go to a better home where they will actually be used/worn with a bit of love and care. I will ship these out tomorrow after work along with finding a present for a belated birthday like the terrible sister-in-law that I am...</div>
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This will be a three in one review of the nail polishes I showed you a few days ago. I've had time to try them all out now so can offer you my verdict. First up is the magnetic nail paint in Magnetic Sparkle Gold.</div>
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Love this, just LOVE it. I've recently found a whole new love for glittery sparkly nails which, after childhood, I didn't think would happen again, yet here we are...<br />
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This is also available in red stripes which I think would look very festive for when the big C word comes around which I won't say now because it's still October! I'm sure you're all over the hype of magnetic nails now but I'm still keen on it. I don't think it's been done to death like certain nail crazes, aka shatter effect nails. Which brings me on to...<br />
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Web Effects nail paint? Not really Barry M. It's a croc effect at best. It's OK, as long as you do it over a light colour which might I add MUST not be dry when you do it! Over black, which I thought would be cool for Halloween, it looks horrendous, but here I did it over gold and it looks OK. I can't really say much more about it because I'm just a bit let down by Barry M here. I suppose I could rock this look on Halloween, and when it's passed, this can be my giraffe nail look.</div>
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And finally, Gelly Hi-Shine, oooh the Gelly's! I was quite excited about this range. I wanted a pastel purple and do really like this soft lavender shade called Prickly Pear. It is ridiculously shiny too so it lives up to its name. Apart from this one, the colours in the range aren't anything I don't really already have some variation of, apart from maybe the tealy type colour. My main criticism however, is not the limited choice of shades, but in the Hi-Shine on this polish. I don't really think it's worth marketing it as a new effect and selling it for £1 more than the regular nail paints. The overall effect isn't anything you couldn't recreate with a decent top coat which I tend to put on over my nail polish anyway. The only benefit I could see is that you can get away with just two coats of this and no top coat which I would find quite handy if I was going away and didn't want to pack lots of bottles of nail polish. Apart from that, I'm happy sticking with topcoat!Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-84533320817146220732012-10-07T21:55:00.000+01:002012-10-07T22:56:44.430+01:00OOTD 07.10.2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend was spent exploring shops and markets around town. The weather was glorious, crisp but sunny which is the best we can hope for in October in the UK. I went to Borough market for lunch, bought some fudge to munch on over the X Factor, then headed to Butler's Wharf for a little stroll before facing the crowds at Westfield at Shepherd's Bush to hunt for some inspiration for the wardrobe upheaval I'm planning on having. I'll start here with the jacket...</div>
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I am rarely one to jump on a fashion bandwagon, I like to dress for myself and wear things that suit my body type. I also prefer investing in pieces that could potentially see me through a few seasons, rather than trends that only last one season. Having said all this...I really needed a new jacket, we are in that transitional weather where it's not cold enough to dig out the winter coat but more than a light-weight jacket is needed.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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I saw the khaki jacket with faux leather contrast sleeves in Topshop and fell in love. I tried it on but it just wasn't meant to be, it seemed to bury me and was very unflattering on my figure. I know parka coats aren't designed for flattering but it just was not for me. I'm glad that other clothes stores have cottoned on to this trend and everywhere seems to have their own version of the contrast jacket.</div>
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I went into New Look, which for me can be very hit or miss but often has a few little gems that pleasantly surprise me. This contrast sleeve jacket was the surprise of the day. It differs to the Topshop version in that the main of the coat is made from faux leather, while the sleeves are a different material, in this case, black and white boucle.</div>
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Contrast Jacket: <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/black-boucle-sleeve-biker-jacket_259606901" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">New Look</span></a>, £44.99<br />
Acid Leigh Jeans: Topshop, £40<br />
Scarf: H&M, £6.99<br />
Boots: Primark, £20<br />
Casio Watch: Camden market, £6<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUtPUk4F4jQ/UHG_zMrUPgI/AAAAAAAACAM/lzTsqlD4DiY/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PUtPUk4F4jQ/UHG_zMrUPgI/AAAAAAAACAM/lzTsqlD4DiY/s640/055.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I love the "edgy meets twee" of this jacket. The body has an asymmetric zip which gives it a bit of an edge, while the sleeves are saying middle aged and I love this juxtaposition.<br />
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Hope your weekend has been fabulous ladies.<br />
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Tell me your thoughts on contrast jackets!<br />
xXxOnyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-18947599377671982542012-10-07T20:43:00.003+01:002012-10-07T20:44:39.576+01:00Barry M New Nail Paints, Autumn 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's no secret I'm <strike>a little bit</strike> completely obsessed with Barry M Nail Paints. I have a ridiculous tally of them now. I was curious to try out the new Gelly Hi Shine in particular, I loved the effect of the magnetic nail paint I bought awhile back so I also picked up a pretty sparkly one! With any two Barry M purchases you currently get a free Effects Nail Paint. Curiosity got the better of me and I opted for the orange web effect. Obviously in anticipation of Halloween, this is a bit of a twist on the crackle and croc effects. I think I'm going to try this over a gold polish so I'm not too overly Halloween themed!</div>
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Left to right: Prickly Pear, Magnetic Sparkle Gold, and Web Effects.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rK2QmtZj1Bk/UHG_0pwdxhI/AAAAAAAAB_4/CjgzIxuBrJo/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rK2QmtZj1Bk/UHG_0pwdxhI/AAAAAAAAB_4/CjgzIxuBrJo/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Right now I'm wearing Prickly Pear. I love pastel purple shades and the high shine this one has on it, my nails are very preened and glossy, I definitely didn't need a top coat. Pictures of all 3 nail paints to come...<br />
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<i><b>Has anyone tried the latest Barry M, what are your thoughts?</b></i>Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-69415192863304989162012-10-01T17:55:00.001+01:002012-10-01T17:56:28.899+01:00OOTD 01.10.2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today started off extremely dull outside, and I decided to go with this lacklustre feeling by blacking out my outfit. No matter what colours are in fashion, I cannot help but love reaching for black clothes. An item of clothing might be available in a few colours, but you can guarantee I'll want the black version. This is boring, I know. But with black, you never fail.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sI7jtQEiE1I/UGnDihrNHUI/AAAAAAAAB4w/EAJxjRSQxYQ/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sI7jtQEiE1I/UGnDihrNHUI/AAAAAAAAB4w/EAJxjRSQxYQ/s640/041.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have a confession...</div>
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I'm new to leggings. Not new in the never worn them before way, but new as in I'm rediscovering them, I grew up in the 90s so leggings were very much a part of my world. When they reappeared, I wasn't too pleased to see them initially. But I've warmed to them now, and worn correctly, they can be flattering.</div>
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I particularly like these ponti panelled leggings from River Island, they're priced at £20 which is rather a lot for a pair of leggings, but they feel very well made and are a sturdy material which should survive a fair few washes. I really like the contrast in materials, with the panel being slightly ribbed in texture. They remind me of a jodphur which isn't actually as awful as it sounds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRmz-KAQEZE/UGnDJmWrStI/AAAAAAAAB4s/K4hkt6hRowo/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRmz-KAQEZE/UGnDJmWrStI/AAAAAAAAB4s/K4hkt6hRowo/s640/032.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
These boots were a risky purchase. Primark (I love you but...) aren't well known for their good quality clothing. I have been after a pair of casual ankle boots with not too big a heel so they are comfortable to wear day and night for a little while now. I felt they should be an investment so I was prepared to spend a bit on them. I searched and I searched, and nothing really grabbed me. Then I saw these beauties.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw15tchx_Zc/UGnDqVmsjvI/AAAAAAAAB40/BNSjmo2hK-o/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw15tchx_Zc/UGnDqVmsjvI/AAAAAAAAB40/BNSjmo2hK-o/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They were just what I was looking for, not neccessarily with the studs, but I do really like this trend so decided to snap them up. I know full well they won't see me through many winters, if even this winter alone, but for £20 I can't argue too much and I can look for a better pair at a later date.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drYZAxFDkTA/UGnDwHKenPI/AAAAAAAAB44/v8I6y1GRnc4/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drYZAxFDkTA/UGnDwHKenPI/AAAAAAAAB44/v8I6y1GRnc4/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Black loose fitting top - Topshop<br />
Ponti Panel Leggings - <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.riverisland.com/women/trousers--leggings/leggings/black-ponti-panel-leggings-622619" target="_blank">River Island</a></span><br />
Boots - Primark<br />
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So that's my very unimaginative outfit of the day.<br />
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<i>Does grey weather bring out the dull in you too?!</i>Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-64433928799966002842012-09-21T22:43:00.000+01:002012-09-21T22:46:41.617+01:00OOTD 20.09.2012Hello blog. I haven't posted an 'outfit of the day' post in an age, like many things on this blog. So in a bid to prove I've returned, here is one. Ok, I wore this yesterday, and not even all day, but I liked this combination so I'm sharing it with you.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48y3y2HK-aE/UFy10oJbJgI/AAAAAAAAB2A/v9M7CQR4R8g/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48y3y2HK-aE/UFy10oJbJgI/AAAAAAAAB2A/v9M7CQR4R8g/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I find the dip hem skirt a great twist on the maxi skirt. You get the best of both worlds of a midi and a maxi and the asymmetric effect is effortlessly pretty and girly. I'm not one to do completely girly though, so I love to toughen it up with a t-shirt and wedge shoe boots. I do realise I'm about as tough as a bag of marshmallows but you get what I mean...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DHQAXRu0M4/UFy3C_j6NMI/AAAAAAAAB2E/bIhMKF16n5c/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DHQAXRu0M4/UFy3C_j6NMI/AAAAAAAAB2E/bIhMKF16n5c/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm in desperate need of a haircut, roll on my Tuesday booking.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHGG8kIXFXU/UFy3tQ6GOTI/AAAAAAAAB2I/zQt5osaLj6k/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHGG8kIXFXU/UFy3tQ6GOTI/AAAAAAAAB2I/zQt5osaLj6k/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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T-shirt: 'Tee and Cake' from Topshop.</div>
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Skirt: Dorothy Perkins.</div>
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Shoe Boots: New Look.</div>
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Belt: taken from a 'Louche' dress from <a href="http://www.joythestore.com/louche-zaza-wrap-belted-dress-10" target="_blank">Joy.</a></div>
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Thought I'd share a couple of snaps with you from last weekend aswell. I took an impromptu visit to Oxford, somewhere I've never been before, and what a beautiful city it is. I also took a lot of pictures on my Diana so bear with me, they will be here maybe before Christmas!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTaafZcqZKc/UFy5F282B2I/AAAAAAAAB2M/Sq2gPdyjj_E/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTaafZcqZKc/UFy5F282B2I/AAAAAAAAB2M/Sq2gPdyjj_E/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Have a fabulous weekend!</div>
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xXx</div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-19414565298975588912012-09-17T23:59:00.001+01:002012-09-17T23:59:41.253+01:00Birthday Schtuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My birthday was actually nearly a month ago now, but here I am just getting round to showing you my lovely presents. For a while, I've been interested in photography and have been intrigued by the analogue revival. I've frequently gone into the Lomography stores around town, telling myself I'll buy one, 'one day', but then never actually got round to purchasing one. I was very pleasantly surprised on my birthday to open the Diana Mini in pretty much the most perfect colour - Coral Fusion, complete with flash and colour gels for adding a flash of colour.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxpJ9fbWios/UFEOCLzzBMI/AAAAAAAABvU/sCdsH_Z-Fgg/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxpJ9fbWios/UFEOCLzzBMI/AAAAAAAABvU/sCdsH_Z-Fgg/s640/photo.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Also in the picture is the gorgeous perfume Un air d'escapade by Givenchy. I saw this at duty free in Croatia and was tempted to buy it, partly because I loved it and partly because the limited edition-ness of it was appealing, I don't like to smell like everyone else! Luckily I didn't buy it, otherwise I would've had two bottles, but again this was a very well thought out and well received present.<br />
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Next, presents from my lovely housemates. I am doubting the boys of the house had little to do with the choice of these presents - a Cath Kidston mug and a Nails Inc nail polish, both of which I love. </div>
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I mean seriously, LOOK at this bottle! It's stunning...more photos of it on my nails to come. It's in the colour Jubilee which is red, silver and blue glitter particles.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVZWuCbGa7A/UFEQTLUpUQI/AAAAAAAABvo/k9L5u0LSUGw/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVZWuCbGa7A/UFEQTLUpUQI/AAAAAAAABvo/k9L5u0LSUGw/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This foot spray is really refreshing after being on your feet all day, and a good idea for a gift aswell I thought, I often forget to pamper my feet. I also really like this bracelet, which is magnetic and you can alter the size of it as you wrap it around your wrist.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWVdCQkLVJY/UFEOz6ItXDI/AAAAAAAABvc/8daxOC0RWmI/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWVdCQkLVJY/UFEOz6ItXDI/AAAAAAAABvc/8daxOC0RWmI/s640/photo.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Some essential film for Diana, it takes the standard 35mm film, you don't necessarily need the Lomography's own brand, although they do seem high on the colour count compared to others I've seen, 800 as opposed to 400 or 200.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4fVvFa-0BM/UFEQB6M8WaI/AAAAAAAABvk/PKve_gyMFLg/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4fVvFa-0BM/UFEQB6M8WaI/AAAAAAAABvk/PKve_gyMFLg/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Diana in all her glory. She's been on a few adventures with me already, and hopefully a lot more to come. I haven't actually got a film developed yet, I have however, drastically ruined my first attempt because I loaded the film incorrectly and it ended up tearing. At least I didn't take too many photographs as I was experimenting, but that was a lesson learned. I'm sure some people will fail to see the point of this camera when we live in such a digital age, but for me that's kind of the point. We forget how to do things manually and picture taking has become rather stale, I quite like the fact that I don't know how these photos will turn out, and I will actually have to get them developed and printed, I couldn't tell you the last time I printed photos that I could hold in my hand!! There's also lots of cool tricks you can do with a Diana and the other Lomography cameras, I'm having a go at some double exposures, where you layer two shots on to one...we'll see how that goes.Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-58523644636908255332012-09-07T01:02:00.000+01:002012-09-12T22:28:02.989+01:00So long Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every year I try to go abroad, and last year, for one reason or another, I didn't get to go. This year, as part of my new year's resolutions, I was going somewhere abroad<em>, anywhere</em>, and I really didn't care <span style="color: black;">where. My criteria were very few: hot, coastal, not UK.</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbYFtCUCZEY/UEkpX_7r1_I/AAAAAAAABpw/uSNbN-drzcw/s1600/269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbYFtCUCZEY/UEkpX_7r1_I/AAAAAAAABpw/uSNbN-drzcw/s640/269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My friend and I had chatted briefly about <span style="color: black;">going to Croatia, I knew little about it, but enough to know it was somewhere that appealed, and it met </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;">my unfussy criteria, so it was a hit. It took little
more than a phone call and a quick internet search while we were on the phone,
and suddenly, we were booked on a flight. I think that bar all the trips I went
on whilst living in America, this was my first holiday abroad with a friend
rather than a partner or family.</span></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlP5yaTAH8o/UEkmaD4fmPI/AAAAAAAABoY/W7Tpc2NSXJM/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlP5yaTAH8o/UEkmaD4fmPI/AAAAAAAABoY/W7Tpc2NSXJM/s640/189.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In Dubrovnik</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Luckily, we had similar ideas of what we wanted to see and do, and in the 9 days we were there, managed to fit in lots of travel and sight-seeing as well as, of course, a bit of beach lounging.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrHWqbWWrlw/UEkoUXr5avI/AAAAAAAABog/ZIuKU1koB7I/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrHWqbWWrlw/UEkoUXr5avI/AAAAAAAABog/ZIuKU1koB7I/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">We started in Dubrovnik, a beautiful walled city with lots of ancient history...</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">caught a coach to Split – another equally as beautiful and old city, and in my opinion much underrated, there’s lots to see and do here. We then caught a catamaran to the glitzy of Hvar where we also made a couple of day boat trips to neighbouring smaller islands. The coast is beautiful, the Adriatic Sea crystal clear and pleasantly warm to swim in. Croatia is a very interesting place to visit, it’s on the cusp of all things Euro, still maintaining its own authentic identity and has many different influences depending where you are geographically in the country, something that makes it unique. If you want a Mediterranean style holiday somewhere still relatively untapped by tourists, especially in comparison to Italy then go to Croatia. I would love to go back, whether I will anytime soon...I haven’t decided, there’s still too many places I haven’t been on my wish list to warrant going back just yet. But I’m definitely starting to think about my next holiday already and thinking about going to somewhere like Bulgaria or Hungary, I have garnered an interest in middle Europe now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">Now I shall bore you with some snaps, sorry if this </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">is too pictorially heavy for you.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's lucky to rub his nose apparently.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Xok5NpXFE/UEkohVWNZFI/AAAAAAAABos/funxXUz_Dz4/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Xok5NpXFE/UEkohVWNZFI/AAAAAAAABos/funxXUz_Dz4/s640/065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Al fresco dining on every side street.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Around the city walls.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm in a bath.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dumbledore.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The local brewski.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The beautiful Hvar.</i></td></tr>
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-27944014990564453082012-08-31T14:17:00.000+01:002012-09-07T11:05:36.955+01:00Barry M Chameleon Nail Paint<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Barry M really do spoil us with their range of nail effects and I'm not going to lie, I want to try every single one of them. The chameleon nail paints have been around for a few weeks, I first discovered them in Topshop, Oxford Circus before I saw them elsewhere, and was quick to snap up this colour, the blue/purple effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was also very quick to try this product out once I was home, going into it a little blindly as I hadn't seen the promo pictures or knew anything about it. First experience of this nail paint - not a good one. I whacked the blue paint all over my nails, great shade I thought. Then came the magic of applying a top coat... All I can is, it was disappointing. The hint of blue that I thought would remain had been replaced by an irridescent purple shade. It was nice in itself but not what I would call a true chameleon effect where the two separate colours are clearly seen in different lights. So I was a bit let down, and left this nail paint in my bag of what has become a funeral pyre for unwanted nail polishes. Until...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw how this product had been used on the model's nails in the promo picture, and suddenly I was digging through that pyre once more to recreate the look. It's very simple, you start the same, with a coat of the chameleon on top, except this time, not over the whole nail, put partially covering the nail, just down the centre. This way you get the base colour and the secondary colour both showing on your nails, voila!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLahteK8_aM/UBfrhLYZfBI/AAAAAAAABPA/awRmpnFiRv4/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLahteK8_aM/UBfrhLYZfBI/AAAAAAAABPA/awRmpnFiRv4/s640/108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is probably the easiest effect to create, although if you're very creative and have a steady hand, you could create much fancier effects. I wasn't feeling particularly fancy and I think this still looks very effective. </span></div>
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-63377114165779693562012-07-31T17:37:00.000+01:002012-09-07T11:12:23.364+01:00A slight hiatus...I have been out of blogging action for a fair amount of time now. This is a massive understatement. I don't really have too many excuses for this...I've been busy, I've moved house (twice in fact), I started a new job, everything...changed! I don't really know where to begin when it comes to filling you in on the last 10 months of my life. But I guess since so much has changed and this feels like a fresh start to my blog, I won't divulge too far back. I'm also not entirely sure what direction I want my blog to go since my obsession with beauty seems to have subsided somewhat. I would like to contine sharing my thoughts on new products I have found as well as updating you on my current antics around London - it's exciting times for us right now hosting the Olympics. I have been to a few events in honour of this, and I'm almost Olympic-ed out but I will share a few snaps with you to kick start my blog revival.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Rizzle Kicks at Wandsworth torch festival in Tooting Common.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Tim Henman at Wandsworth torch festival.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Opening ceremony, as seen in the pub.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Queing to go in to Hyde Park.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Hyde Park Olympic Festival - Day one of Olympics.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>After devouring too much hotpot in China town, we found one of the Olympic mascots.</i></span></td></tr>
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I'm also feeling a little out of sync with the new blogger and google + set up. I miss the ease of editing my photos with piknik but I'm sure I'll soon be convinced that this way is easier and there will be no looking back.<br />
I will end this post by saying a massive thank you to those that have continued to follow, or began to follow (hello) , reaching 500 subscribers while I've been gone is a huge deal to me, so thank you!<br />
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-10713140775365369642011-09-16T12:06:00.001+01:002012-09-07T11:19:07.435+01:00He Shi Gradual Self Tanner ReviewThis is a review I have been meaning to do for a while now. Since summer is over now :( and we are done with our mini Hawaiian heat wave, it seems an appropriate time to be writing about a product which potentially helps to hold on to summer skin for a little longer.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OJ6IxVWpqiPwIrUCDP6BqawRj0I4uHnglnOJ7sRsEnkAxBD6KVpBNfYaXTiZyZEbpn_TL_AndT9dM_S1vIF18oQHE_S3Kx3UXHi9SJ0yO4D-bT9lgnBzrRek7ZRBkw7VGyQBl3YEj84/s1600/029a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651214862884246674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OJ6IxVWpqiPwIrUCDP6BqawRj0I4uHnglnOJ7sRsEnkAxBD6KVpBNfYaXTiZyZEbpn_TL_AndT9dM_S1vIF18oQHE_S3Kx3UXHi9SJ0yO4D-bT9lgnBzrRek7ZRBkw7VGyQBl3YEj84/s640/029a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a>The product in question is He Shi's Gradual Self Tanner, which is from a brand that has been circulating the blogosphere for some time now. I was rather intrigued about this brand and was happy to try out the self-tanner. Ordinarily, I am not one for tanning, naturally or otherwise. I can't spend hours basking in the sun without thinking of those staying safe in the sun adverts and honestly do not want to damage my skin for the sake of a bit of colour. Don't get me wrong, I love laying on a beach as much as the next person, but believe in doing it safely. That's why I'm not opposed to fake tanners, if it's done tastefully, in other words you haven't made yourself orange. Personally I don't have the time or patience for fake tan, but I was curious to try a gradual tanner as they work slightly differently to your standard fake tan.<br />
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The sciencey bit: basically, the active ingredient that makes any self tanner work is dihydroxyacetone or DHA for short. It's essentially a type of sugar and when applied to your skin, reacts with the top layer to brown it in a similar way that food browns when it's left exposed to air. Since it is just the top layer of skin that the DHA reacts with, it lasts for just a couple of days until that layer of skin has been washed away. Gradual tanners have a much lower concentration of this ingredient than regular fake-tan which makes the effect more subtle and allows you to build up the tan gradually.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MQDkfKIQORqa2EKRiLKrt17pBHM4jDa15gdx-TH0ILcqvQunwDeRIRNz5k0q7h1sppjsQprJU0qFZUIjeGGH4dsL2imLVVBJSwy6yqVFkA6gpAupGd9qyc4aAeyPPlBP4_lX2GP8wE/s1600/030a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651214855841055362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0MQDkfKIQORqa2EKRiLKrt17pBHM4jDa15gdx-TH0ILcqvQunwDeRIRNz5k0q7h1sppjsQprJU0qFZUIjeGGH4dsL2imLVVBJSwy6yqVFkA6gpAupGd9qyc4aAeyPPlBP4_lX2GP8wE/s640/030a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>I tried the product over a few days to see how well the colour built up and was really pleased with the result. Day one, the tanner did not immediately seem to make much of a change to my skin tone. I would say it took a few hours before I noticed any change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_dFe9J5lsA5raqYRzx_lEjgVdCMJzCBL0Ho2Xxq17-FLDgnkheSS_aeFqLW4BwFLZnU1rKsIueAScaFWc-uf83xZ1yhDAHoO8HBioNNZTRuJGp65MRlztAcPRs2QWvRuWyZj4-afHj0/s1600/017a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651213200101264530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_dFe9J5lsA5raqYRzx_lEjgVdCMJzCBL0Ho2Xxq17-FLDgnkheSS_aeFqLW4BwFLZnU1rKsIueAScaFWc-uf83xZ1yhDAHoO8HBioNNZTRuJGp65MRlztAcPRs2QWvRuWyZj4-afHj0/s640/017a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="551" /></a>Day two, after being on my skin for a few hours now, I could definitely see a difference. The result was a very evenly distributed amount of colour over my skin, the only giveaway was my back area which I had not managed to apply very successfully! I would recommend getting someone to help you so you don't end up with a streaky back like I did. Applying the product anywhere else wasn't a problem, I found it rubbed quite easily into the skin, pretty much as simple as applying a moisturiser. Excuse the bra flash, apologies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyvv1w5RzVJWWYzIol5eoa3_LFUBhiTeapMPsYsi7m-CvS4sD4yW25mS5NXIxrrrNCZFCmXh5s2F_9lwP7j6Crt2BpeD_0JRNp-vWNpCj_8CeUqjjzmkCQKA1RtesxsTl8vsGM2c4l4s/s1600/009a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651213195854879042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyvv1w5RzVJWWYzIol5eoa3_LFUBhiTeapMPsYsi7m-CvS4sD4yW25mS5NXIxrrrNCZFCmXh5s2F_9lwP7j6Crt2BpeD_0JRNp-vWNpCj_8CeUqjjzmkCQKA1RtesxsTl8vsGM2c4l4s/s640/009a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a>The picture below is day 3 which is when I think I had reached as brown as this would make me, or at least as brown as I was willing to go. I like a sun kissed glow, rather than an obvious tan. As far as self tanners go, and I don't have a lot to compare it to as I don't ordinarily buy this type of product, but I believe this to be good quality, reasonably priced for the size as you would get a few applications from the bottle (£14.50 for 200ml). It has quite a thick consistency but a little amount does stretch quite far. Comparing this to another gradual tanner I used (Johnsons I believe) where the consistency was very runny and I needed to use quite a lot to achieve any sort of results this is miles better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwdOu7ph4uB47IObyjWuKHeAkzZ6OhqFF94pfm8BhnnLn1tLdODU-0FxBx-FtFa6KrkQqW7i5ENgvoI3sId1IW1Wh2Anw7oPC-oVKv-kYgUDbZIxquHfvqQRkj-XKh7YZv6YkKqGu8SI/s1600/012a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651213189889032082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwdOu7ph4uB47IObyjWuKHeAkzZ6OhqFF94pfm8BhnnLn1tLdODU-0FxBx-FtFa6KrkQqW7i5ENgvoI3sId1IW1Wh2Anw7oPC-oVKv-kYgUDbZIxquHfvqQRkj-XKh7YZv6YkKqGu8SI/s640/012a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a>If you're a little scared or completely uninterested with using fake tan but wouldn't mind giving your skin a bit of a boost now that summer's over then I would recommend this for that. I'm a bit indifferent to skin tone myself, so would not be too fussed about buying any more, but I did enjoy trying this out and can see that this would appeal to tan lovers.</div>
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The product was sent to me to try but as usual this does not affect my opinion in any way.</div>
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Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-5801222849020331722011-09-11T17:24:00.002+01:002012-09-07T11:20:57.665+01:00A little update...So this is not a particularly pleasant or easy update to be making, but nevertheless, I think I should make it. I've been quiet in the blogging world lately, and it has been for good reason, so let me explain...<br />
As of a few weeks ago I ended my five year relationship. This was not a very easy decision to make, nor was it one I did hastily. Things were not right for a while and it became a case of breezing on, pretending everything was OK. We had tried long distance, it never worked, we tried living together and it seems that didn't work either. As hard as I tried, it just seems the relationship has had its day. Whoever ends it, it's always a difficult thing to go through, but I am coming round to it now, and being more optimistic about the future. I am about to go through a lot of changes, starting a new job, moving into a house share and facing city life as a singleton. It's daunting but it feels right at the same time. Currently I'm spending a lot of time looking for a house to move in to, I'm not sure exactly where, but definitely closer to the centre, as close as my budget will get me! <img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650822072056143890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J_GsSDDeHv4ppykDuei54WQpM44fC7WbEfbsY-bU6LKhz3ygncj1zsgxxK_OetpA2lYUq5QPYVPYF3MFNzsVYhQKhSdYMeJSFVAw4QtxyoEQoiiSgCqx_8lncAqn1Zfd1pFhUehOgrA/s640/013a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" />Times like this I tend to find myself searching for inspirational quotes. I really liked this plaque thing that I found at Camden market. I think this may become my new motto.Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-6993722740205559602011-08-23T18:04:00.000+01:002012-09-07T11:22:44.577+01:00Birthday OOTD<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644096210151000322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrUyM7WC7mkt9LVw-hvf9_87jH_CmAixiFvr2Ugk4Unj58k0VGKbiHOa70BFJ215pm3rNyYX6vJ9U5kVWBLpK45YZ3obyljRyiL4jJgoYthz7JRwmsfKX7AXswPHB-hfSmjChmofRqpE/s640/072a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" />Quick little OOTD post. I'm wearing my favourite pair of black Topshop jeans, these are the high waisted Kristen jeans, sorry if you've seen these in a tonne of my other posts, but I love them!
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I love this cobalt blue top. This was a gift from my Mum. I love the gold buttons and when this isn't tucked in, it has a nice flattering shape to it. This blouse is also available in a bright red and white version, the latter I am tempted to buy with my Topshop gift card!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeymovENXr20_ZPBRU1nsY_k4yfpF2jQiguiZpFZxYc2PHOBJAIt_8WBNH2XX4DnCcVggTWssdOcwNiUIsY5VIUeEA9PnS22YKoF3dTvOW7SwTMPE1DL9lQTwbR58RlXxeKQLPzrUA_pA/s1600/069a.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644096213077716946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeymovENXr20_ZPBRU1nsY_k4yfpF2jQiguiZpFZxYc2PHOBJAIt_8WBNH2XX4DnCcVggTWssdOcwNiUIsY5VIUeEA9PnS22YKoF3dTvOW7SwTMPE1DL9lQTwbR58RlXxeKQLPzrUA_pA/s640/069a.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a>Shoes are from ages ago, but I barely wear them because they're mega uncomfortable. I'm not going anywhere tonight though because I've done too much before my birthday and have plans for later in the week so need to save some pennies!
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Tomorrow I'm off to Bath to visit a friend and will be back on Thursday so I will show you lots of pics from my trip. I'm quite excited to go somewhere new!
Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-1635532983636357112011-08-23T17:11:00.001+01:002012-09-07T12:10:22.367+01:00Be HappyI saw this tag on one of my favourite blogs <a href="http://www.superficialgirls.com/2011/08/be-happy.html">Superficial Girls </a>and decided to do it as I think it would be great if lots of bloggers did this to spread the joy. It is the "Be Happy" tag where basically you post 5 things that make you happy, as simple and sweet as that!
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I'm not sure if she SG started this herself, but she says "Do a blog post about 5 things that make you happy and include a picture of yourself smiling or something that makes you happy! I tag everyone!!"
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51MhhrqKJo3Be7VORmDWdr01oziv6nX9vty9Awy3xAYwq3Zq_OIycHmLAQfvY4tsTDfdkxRCuHLfb9qCWaEyDC5q5sXdb07A0R_1K7D30bMfDg2kqZuQr-DY1fV_jYgCUVwlJijV5LTs/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51MhhrqKJo3Be7VORmDWdr01oziv6nX9vty9Awy3xAYwq3Zq_OIycHmLAQfvY4tsTDfdkxRCuHLfb9qCWaEyDC5q5sXdb07A0R_1K7D30bMfDg2kqZuQr-DY1fV_jYgCUVwlJijV5LTs/s640/photo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<strong>1. Music</strong><br />
I put this as my number one because I literally couldn't live without it. Music is incorporated into every aspect of my life, in the words of Eric Olson "Music is what life sounds like." Too true.<br />
<strong>2. Friends & Family</strong>
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I hold dear everyone who's a part of my life.<br />
<strong>3. Blogging</strong>
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Of course! I love having this little outlet to share with you all. Reading your comments and your own blogs is a little source of happiness for me.<br />
<strong>4. London</strong>
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I find plenty to moan about living here, but when it really boils down to it, this is one of the finest cities and I love my London.<br />
<strong>5. Outdoors</strong>
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Nothing beats being outdoors in the sunshine, but I love and appreciate nature and a bit of fresh air any time of the year. I love to walk, it really clears my head, I could walk for miles somedays.<br />
So there's my five things that make me happy. Today is also my birthday!! So that's another thing to be happy for I guess. <strong>Let me know what yours are!</strong>
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<br />Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-42692366451598843552011-08-22T20:07:00.000+01:002012-09-07T12:12:07.979+01:00Lush Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGP9u45Fj89H5EAK7Txz2qZI1ldm6tCdTfA_lZoqHzZQGO3sn9fDo2sEXo0nMiGQltgE7XWwJ273rxwFpYPUYb_4vV4-PbDv1WYC7HtiyFIk4u9ffUJaj7FEpYW2ym1WX06d_e1VdQnU/s1600/008.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643692943666951266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGP9u45Fj89H5EAK7Txz2qZI1ldm6tCdTfA_lZoqHzZQGO3sn9fDo2sEXo0nMiGQltgE7XWwJ273rxwFpYPUYb_4vV4-PbDv1WYC7HtiyFIk4u9ffUJaj7FEpYW2ym1WX06d_e1VdQnU/s640/008.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>I recently traded in 5 black pots at Lush to receive a free face mask. I have used a couple of Lush masks before and always like to try something new so this time I chose Cosmetic Warrior. I'm surprised I hadn't tried this one before. It contains tea tree oil, which is pretty much the dominant smell when you open the lid, and also happens to be one of my favourite ingredients of skin care. It has natural anti-bacterial properties so is great at combatting spots.<br />
Lush masks feel like a real treat, even though they're quite inexpensive compared to some brands, and in this case, completely free! I think they're great for prepping yourself for a night out, but I would suggest possibly doing the face mask a few nights before you go out as it brings spots to the surface the next day. This does not mean the mask causes spots, but it draws all your impurities out.
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<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643692566597391218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcTWLnM5jefrIUG0O-F4a4dKwfFsj2gsz48kLdqdo5nvDDDzBE6osnedys-2dGAkVbbLRQx0l0ZGQbnOgx7pNRfx9L3sKODJNgNgt2nNoyUhyphenhyphenSq43RHSygXmVI13qcEPs3fbalfrpBCk/s640/009.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />
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This mask has a nice feel to it as it dries. It contains eggs which you can feel give the tightening effect on your skin, but it also contains honey, so when washed off, you're left feeling nice and moisturised. Definite thumbs up from me.<br />
I feel I've been missing from the blogging sphere for a while. I've been back at my parents house in the Midlands for a few days and didn't take my laptop. Sometimes I think it's nice to have a little break, though I have missed it. Whilst up there my brother turned 30, so I went out for a surprise meal for him to celebrate. It was a lovely evening, in one of my favourite restaurants in the town I was born in. It's a little family run Italian restaurant and the food there is absolutely amazing, as is the service.<br />
I also finally got to meet my best friend's little baby boy called Harry, who at 11 months, is surprisingly not so little anymore! I'd only seen him in photographs before and was expecting the same tiny little man, but he's grown so much.<br />
I've had a lovely few days up there, but I'm back home now with lots of posts lined up. Now to sit and catch up with your lovely blogs!Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355915578695928480.post-30315315475506188432011-08-08T20:11:00.000+01:002011-08-08T20:11:00.903+01:00Weekend Overview 6th/7th August
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<br /><div>Over the weekend I went to check out Mevali in Greenwich which is a hookah bar and restaurant. I have to say it wasn't quite what I had in mind having been to a few hookah lounges in the past. When you walk through the door you feel like you've stepped into a cafe with lots of tea making paraphernalia on view. It's only when you walk right through and step into the back yard of the restaurant that it becomes more like a hookah lounge with lots of benches and heated umbrellas above. I found this layout, although it made hookah seem more of a daytime affair than an evening one, is very homely and welcoming. We ordered watermelon flavour hookah and I love the way they look, I want one of these in my home. I realise it's not the healthiest of past-times, but it's nowhere near as bad as regular smoking as it doesn't contain all the carcinogens of cigarettes and there is something very relaxing about hookah and it's a nice way to spend an evening chilling out with friends. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638541244601667090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZgutwjPJpaKD3ri1XVATXZ61mNdxgXDK6rRuzp9CRXz_8Q8YJDgq4_zFgCJ81i8eS0IobT21A9NuaYvU9LMHZa42Y5DMFeOBP2HtKy5JPmbVztnxf791r9TMmVahv7rsUnXvm_vZqZ0/s400/038a.jpg" /> We ordered a large plate of mezze too which was full of delicious little bites.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638542614171769874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5kdUn1v6ZFDSGSvIkKKI5WNMHrUd_VijXzyYFJ4kIaN7KiyTkSru3kcoBnQqyEDBOZT88GsIFcBm6qQwZFt7t-_5BpyfregT04zbllyyenkSWNi525yMbJm4FNin3Ynazs1Vpt_6u-k/s400/041a.jpg" />On Sunday, I dodged the showers and managed to hire a rowing boat out on the lake without getting rained on. We went to Danson park, because sometimes it's lovely driving out, in the opposite direction to the city. Much quieter and peaceful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GT8SE-1ecQoQ7v-yEGpil40lHdSrc_-ZSuXFZkerelXY-gcEUm1yvnCj2RB8SQL_hLLpCxi70Y97ZgMpMatZ7GtC27hFUf8WLZ-Ki2QWe0WWncvK6jmjYyQJZVpA95Qfq-snS4vIOUs/s1600/016a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638557773281593634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GT8SE-1ecQoQ7v-yEGpil40lHdSrc_-ZSuXFZkerelXY-gcEUm1yvnCj2RB8SQL_hLLpCxi70Y97ZgMpMatZ7GtC27hFUf8WLZ-Ki2QWe0WWncvK6jmjYyQJZVpA95Qfq-snS4vIOUs/s400/016a.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638564180015264226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrW1isCrsTZdifGaH7Bh0GqvpZNip4yEuwlK_okJA2VUh55ioA_0VRZikK_hjI_nTUbNCNofA4-iqZO5sQr2gF1w9tUnpSlzk5KT4GdmDPruOHH2Uc5YdixKQ60JVKEXH1brB5vEbb8c/s400/014a.jpg" /></a></div>Hope you had a lovely weekend too, I will be posting a few reviews this week including the MAC and Lush products I bought, aswell as some He-Shi and Purity products so watch out for those.
<br />Onyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386620419059269330noreply@blogger.com6