Friday 28 September 2012

A walk in the park & Converse

I have invested in some new Converse for the first time in - well, years.


As a teen I had multiple pairs and wore them to death but threw them out/gave them away when they were too battered to be considered presentable and my love for ballerina flats & heels grew. However, I realized in recent months that I didn't really own any sneakers, except for the odd pair I use for running or going to the gym in (which is, I'll be honest, never). These, however, go with almost anything and are good for those days when you just can't be bothered in anything more complicated on your feet :) As you can see, I got them in white but let's see how long they stay white for!

Literally a few metres away from my flat is this really cute little park, which is referred to as a 'neighbourhood garden' (based on the idea that everyone can 'share' it, I suppose). I knew it was there but had forgotten about it until today - it's very zen and peaceful, aside from the odd few kids running around screaming. I sense a new location for future OOTD's!






Hope you all have a lovely Friday!

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Love: Peplum tops

On my recent trip back to the UK, I picked up these peplum tops from Topshop. They had a number of different styles (plain or with trim around the collar) but this particular style caught my eye, I saw so many girls wearing them and they looked so chic! They had a number of different colours; I purchased in deep blue and burgundy. I know I am a bit 'late' as they have been available for ages but oh well! :)

Accompanied by my Topshop studded loafers, which I have worn to death!
The good news is that they are both still available on the Topshop website, here and here (the burgundy is available in either Petite or Tall)! They both have a zip at the back which in my opinion adds an element of interest.

What I love most about peplum tops is that they are so versatile: they can be dressed down and worn casually, or jazzed up with some pretty accessories, jeans and heels (my personal favourite) for a night out. The shape is also really flattering and for those of you who are not blessed with curves (like me), well, definitely give it a try :) both of these were £18. I have been eyeing up some peplum dresses and am a bit hesitant to buy; I haven't tried one on yet, but they look as if they would be less forgiving because most of the styles stocked are bodycon (as in: skin tight).

Not the best picture (taken in my hotel room) but here's what the dark blue peplum top looks like on me:


Apologies for the seemingly 'derp' face but you get the idea! :)
 
I have since expanded my collection with 2 more peplum tops from New Look (basic black and dark green), that's how much I love them! There are some others calling my name on the Topshop website as well...

How do you feel about peplum tops? Maybe you have the same Topshop one as me? :) Would love to hear your thoughts!

Sunday 16 September 2012

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap

A few years ago, I loved Victoria Beckham's 'pob' haircut so much I decided I wanted in on the action and hastily chopped off my long (but admittedly, super fried) hair. I kept this style for a while and absolutely loved it; it wasn't until halfway through last year that I decided to let my hair grow out again. As anyone trying to grow out their hair from a super short hairstyle will know, definitely easier said than done. Even now, my hair is only just past my collar bones and not in the best shape, thanks to my at-home attempts to achieve ombre hair, followed by a trip to the salon to fix said attempts (which meant my hair being dyed four or five times in one month, NOT something to be repeated!). After getting a salon dye job in July I decided to give my hair a rest by not colouring for at least the next three months. Much needed, because my hair had started to break off - quite a lot. Like I said, definitely not something to repeat.

Needless to say, I was on the lookout for a good quality product to help my overprocessed (fried) hair. After reading a ton of rave reviews, I was originally intending to invest in some Moroccan Oil. (Still want to try it out by the way.) However, I noticed one reviewer stating that the Redken Extreme Anti-Snap was even better than Moroccan Oil and much better for preventing breakage. If there's something my hair needs right now, it's definitely less breakage! So of course I had to try it. :)



Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave In Treatment


After I've washed my hair, I apply 3-5 pumps on my lengths and ends and then blow dry/straighten; I find that if I use this and then leave my hair to air dry, it doesn't give as nice a finish. It definitely makes the damaged ends smoother and makes your hair healthier-looking in general. As many will agree with me, though, it is definitely not a moisurizing product - finish with a serum if you need it, otherwise your ends will look rather dry. I've been using this for a few weeks now and have definitely noticed less breakage - I used to be able to literally pull the blonde ombre ends of my hair off, but they're a lot stronger now. It seems my hair is finally growing a bit as well. Another major plus: the smell is amazing, it smells fruity with a hint of vanilla. Unfortunately, the smell doesn't linger on your hair after styling, but it definitely makes getting ready in the mornings a bit more of a treat ;)

Thursday 13 September 2012

Essie Fiji

After years of being a hardcore OPI fan, I have finally found my new nail varnish love - Essie. These used to be quite hard to find where I live (Holland) so imagine my joy when they started selling them in local chemists/drugstores here! Reasonably(ish) priced, gorgeous colours and they dry really quickly to boot.

After lusting after Essie Ballet Slipper for what seemed like an eternity (umm-ing and aah-ing over whether I could justify the price for a 'barely there'/nude nail varnish, when I spotted Fiji next to it. Whipping out my phone to do a quick Makeupalley check (MUA fiend here), I not only noticed the ratings for Fiji were slightly higher than those of Ballet Slippers, but that the swatches were amazing, the colour described as 'the perfect pale pink' and 'makes you look tanned'' (definitely a bonus in my book!)

When I applied it, it was love at first sight. Here is a swatch on my nails:

Photo jazzed up with a bit of Instagram action :)

I love this colour, but knowing me I will probably purchase Ballet Slippers as well some time in the near future. I love me some Essie :)

What's your favourite Essie colour? Any I should definitely check out?