Weekend Wishlist: The Zara Edition

// All from Zara //

Following my little shopping trip which resulted in many a Zara purchase last weekend, I'm finding myself a little bit obsessed with the place. There are so many gorgeous pieces I wish I had picked up, and every time I pop onto their website I find myself tempted even further. The funny thing is, although I've always liked Zara, it's never really been a shop that particularly excited me, yet now I can't get enough of it. I really think the quality and variety have come on leaps and bounds over the past year or so, and there are now so many iconic pieces being churned out it's hard to keep up. What I really love about Zara is how well-made their pieces are, and the way in which they are able to keep up with the trends while still remaining chic and sophisticated. I know that anything I buy from Zara will last me years, so I'm not all that put-out by the prospect of forking out for a blazer or handbag - when it comes to classic, timeless pieces I'd rather pay that little bit more than go for a cheap option that's going to fall apart in five minutes. I save the likes of Primark for the fast fashion and rapidly moving trends, which it does so well.

At the moment I'm mostly craving brightly coloured blazers. I love how they can be dressed up or down, and a good pop of colour is all that's needed to take a monochrome outfit into Spring. I'm also lusting after a really good quality handbag, as I tend to chop and change quite easily and as a result usually pick up cheaper options that don't quite stand the test of time. I'm after a spacious neutral or black bag that has plenty of space for all the junk I cart around, but that is also easy to organise so I don't find myself having to rummage it through it for my phone or purse, which would inevitably be residing right at the bottom. Of course, while seeking out such bags, it was impossible not to be drawn in by one or two of the brighter, more ornate looking clutches. There are some gorgeous beaded and embellished numbers in at the moment, and being the sort of girl who usually throws caution to the wind and just grabs whatever's prettiest, I'm going to have to exercise some restraint!

Footwear-wise, I'm looking to update my collection with some bright boots and shoes, and I must admit that I'm still partial to a bit of animal print or stud detailing. I know they've been done to death by now, but I love the fact that shops and designers are still coming up with new variations and managing to keep things fresh. I'm quite happy to see these trends continuing on into the next season, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they are going to be combined with more traditional Spring/Summer styles, as well as the lighter, fresher colour palette of pastels and pretty brights.

Last but not least, there are some stunning statement necklaces in for the warmer months, and personally I love to keep a stash of these to brighten up basics, as I find that they help me to get so many more outfits out of my wardrobe, and get me wearing items I might otherwise cast aside or reject as being a bit boring.

Have you popped into Zara lately? If so, what caught your eye?

xx

Weekend Wishlist

Dior Radiance Skinflash Pen -  Studded Jumper -  This Works Perfect Look Skin Miracle -  Peplum Tee   - Jumper -  Pyjamas -  Bralet -  MUA Cream Blush in Blossom  - MUA Pro Brow Kit  -  Anchor Earrings  -  Origins Make a Difference Night Skin Rejuvenating Gel Cream  -  MUA The Artiste Collection  -  Bonsi Stud Boot 

This week's Wishlist is all about chunky winter knits and cosy loungewear - in fact, much like last week's. Now that the nights are drawing in, I'm all about snuggling up on the sofa for comfy evenings in, with films, pampering and cake all on the cards (although not too much of the latter!).

I know you're probably getting bored ofstuds featuring on my Wishlists by now, but in my defence it's not as if I've bought everything I've wanted, and it just so happens that most of the nicest pieces in the shops at the momemt seem to feature them in some way or another!

There are lots of makeup goodies on my shopping list too. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I knew I was going to be wanting the majority of the MUA collection, and with their extremely reasonable prices it'd be rude not to really!

I think everyone's skin deserves a treat now that the weather is getting chillier, and we could all do with an extra hit of moisture, so the Origins Make a Difference Night Skin Rejuvenating Gel Cream is just what the doctor ordered. Add to that a good brightening concealer to banish dark under-eye circles (which are pretty much a given with the equally dark winter mornings) and I think my face will be thanking me.

What's on your Wishlist this week?

Hope you're all having alovely weekend.

xx

Weekend Wishlist

1. Gold Flower Embellished Tee   2. Bowler Hat   3. Coin Stud Bralet   4. Angora Jumper   5. Studded Leather Purse   6. DIY Stud Set   7. Studded Platforms   8. Fox Collar Tips   9. Laser Cut Clutch   10. Hi Tops  11. L'oreal Lumi Magique Highlighting Pen 12. Striped Jeans

I seem to have created bit of a Topshop Shrine this week, as scanning the New-in section, I found myself lusting after pretty much everything! If I was in-store, I'd happily buy up this little lot and then trot off home without the need to go elsewhere.

I'm a bit scared of the huge, chunky platforms, and I'm not sure that I could pull them off, as this kind of shoe can be somewhat unflattering to the legs. However, they are certainly pretty to look at, and in my book that certainly warrants a try-on at least.

My favourites this week are the two clutch bags, with laser cutwork and studs being two of my all-time favourite details when it comes to accessories. These two beauties are so different, but with their neutral colours I would always have a little bag on hand to suit every outfit.

You may have also noticed the L'oreal Lumi Magique Highlighting Pen has snuck it's way in amongst all the Topshop goodies. I had actually never considered trying this product, but after reading this review on 'Day in the Life of Ems', I am intrigued. Most of you will be well aware about my recent problem with dark circles and puffy eyes, and Em assures her readers that this product really does the job, so I really do feel the need to try this out and see if it's really up to it!

After creating my Wishlist this week, I saw lots of gorgeous little makeup sets over on the Benefit Cosmetics site, and I'm really annoyed that I hadn't seen them before. Here are the two I am the most eager to get my hands on:

How to Look the Best at Everything

This cute little set contains everything you need for flawless skin, including The Porefessional Pro Balm (which I've already got in a sample size, but having seen how well it counters oil on the forehead I am ready to restock), a mini Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, Boi-ing 02 and 03 Industrial Strength Concealer and Hello Flawless powder. 

I love these kits and think they make fantastic presents. I will definitely be popping this one on my Christmas wishlist (too early?) and checking out the rest of the selection for friends.

Is it just me, or have you already started thinking about Christmas goodies too!?

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

xx

Weekend Wishlist

1. Petite Lace Peplum Top, £28, Topshop

2. Shopper, £39.99, Zara

3. Petite Mink Peplum Top, £26, Miss Selfridge

4.  Applique Messenger Bag, £79.99, Zara

5. Striped Leigh Jeans, £40, Topshop

6. Studded Leopard Vectras, £28, Topshop

7. Nails in Pinch Punch by Louise Gray, £6.50, Topshop

8. Studded Ankle Boots, £89.99, Zara

(Click on the linked shop names and you will go directly to the page for each specific item)

I'm all about the accessories this week, and after a mini-spree in Zara yesterday, there are several beautiful items I couldn't help but add to my Wishlist. I find Zara to be a bit hit and miss in terms of clothes - sometimes they have some amazing iconic pieces in, and other times there is nothing much that catches my eye, but the sections that always reel me in without fail are the shoes and accessories. I can't say I am overly thrilled by their prices in these areas though - at £79.99 for the Applique Messenger bag, this is one item that'll be staying firmly on my wishlist. My favourite find of the week though, is undoubtedly the gorgeous studded ankle boots, and I am going to struggle not to treat myself to those.
I'm really excited about the Louise Gray/Topshop collaboration, and would happily go home with all the nail polishes in the range. She has also done some other lovely cosmetic bits and bobs and several statement items of clothing, so if you haven't checked those out yet then get on over to the Topshop site and have a little look before they sell out.

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend so far!

xx

Weekend Wishlist

A bit of a crowded Wishlist for you this weekend!

Studded Eagle Jumper, £36, Topshop
Cutwork Peplum Top, £40, Warehouse
Floral Lace Jumper, £40, Warehouse
Studded Shopper Bag, £60, Oasis
Facehunter Book, £14.90, Topshop
Phoenix Jumper, £39, Miss Selfridge
London Studded Belt, £18, Topshop
Chunky Star Ring, £12, Warehouse
Petites Studded Maxi Dress, £49, Miss Selfridge
Horse Print Scarf, £18, Warehouse
Nude Studded Boot, £65, Miss Selfridge
Union Jack Clutch, Accessorize
Indigo Studded Jeans, £45, Miss Selfridge
One Ginger Morning Shower Gel, Treacle Moon (available at Tesco)
MUA Going for Gold Eyeshadow Palette,

I've been bit greedy this week. Once again, there is a plethora of treats in the 'New In' sections of almost every online store I frequent. The chilly weather has got me lusting after cosy knits, particularly printed and studded ones, and I am also loving the patriotic 'London' belt and the Union Jack clutch, as I am feeling quite proud to be British at the moment thanks to our wonderful Olympic Team. Go GB! It's also a great excuse to get my hands on the 'Going for Gold' palette by MUA - well, better late than never, eh? Anyway, the Olympics are still going, so the way I see it, it's still completely relevant.

I've been back to work this week and I can't tell you how shattered I am feeling now! After four weeks of rest, going back to being on my feet all day (in heels, of course!) has more or less done me in, and that's not to mention the mental fatigue my job seems to give me! If you don't already know, I teach English as a foreign language, which has it's moments, but you can imagine what it's like having to deal with pupils who are not interested in learning, or unruly groups of teenagers! Ha. I have actually been so tired that I have fallen asleep at 9.30pm every night this week, and believe me, that is NOT like me at all - I usually go to bed at around one or two in the morning! And it's not that I sleep all day either, I actually get up quite early too, but as my husband works until late, we usually stay up to spend some time together, as we work very different hours.
To be honest, I can't say that I've been up to much else this week, as I haven't really had the time! But I plan on a nice relaxing weekend consisting of snuggly jumpers, cups of tea, hazelnut lattes, homemade facemasks, deep conditioning hair treatments, nail art and magazines. I would say blogging and blog reading, but that very much depends on my unreliable internet!

Hope you're all having a splendid weekend!
What's on your Wishlist this weekend?

xx

Weekend Wishlist

So, I hope you can forgive me for not providing the direct links and the prices for this week's Wishlist. The reason for this is that my internet is playing up yet AGAIN, but I won't go into the boring details too much as you've heard it all before. All I will say is that I have extremely limited connectivity that keeps cutting out, making it very difficult to put together a  post for you at all. To make things easier, I have chosen all of this week's must haves from Topshop, so if you head over to the new in section then you should be able to find all of these lovely bits, bar the Ren face masks, which you can track down over at Ren's own site, here.

I'm finding that my Wishlists have become a bit of a mad mix over the past week or two, as while I am still busy lusting after pretty Summer pieces, the Autumn/Winter trends currently hitting the shops combined with the rubbish weather have got me also eyeing up some cosy jumpers and printed jeans to snuggle up in. I love these dusky pink heart-print jeans, and think they would look great now with white basics and sandals, continuing on into the Autumn and Winter with cosy knits and boots. Speaking of cosy knits, I'm a little bit in love with this lovely pony-print jumper. It does actually look quite thin though, again making it a versatile piece  suitable for year-round wear.

Topshop have got some gorgeous new nail polishes in at the moment, including this Crackle Topcoat in Black Dynamite, and the beautiful lilac/purple glitter polish in 'Firework'. But my favourite find of the week is, without a doubt, these gorgeous studded leopard-print shoe-boots. You can't actually see the stud detail very well in the picture, but if you look closely then you will see them decorating the toe area. I love a good statement boot, and live for them in the Winter when clothes tend to be from a darker colour palette, as they can be a fantastic way to brighten things up a bit and add interest to an otherwise basic outfit.

I am absolutely itching to try both of these Ren facemasks, as lately I have been really enjoying having a bit of pamper time, but as I mentioned in this month's Beauty SOS, I am yet to find the perfect product for my skin. Really, I am looking for both a clay mask to combat any oiliness and clear up blemishes (I don't get many, but my skin has been misbehaving a little bit recently) and a lovely, luxuriously moisturising one just for a treat. I have been hearing whispers about Ren's masks for a while now, and one of you recommended I try the Invisible Pores Detox Mask, but while having a browse on their website, the Glycolactic Radiance Mask also caught my eye. So there you go, call me greedy but I want them both!

I just would like to say in advance that I don't think I'll be doing a 'Week in Pictures' post this Sunday, as it takes a bit of work to edit and put the photographs together, and obviously with my current internet woes this would prove quite difficult. Instead, I'll be posting a couple of other things I had already prepared for other days, and then maybe next week when I have got things sorted I will be able to get the missing post up. You will still be hearing from me on a daily basis though, as luckily I have been very organised this week and written lots of posts in advance, so I will be able to just publish those from my phone.

Hope you've had a great week and are enjoying a weekend of relaxation and release.

Have you been watching the Olympics?

What's on your Wishlist this week?

xx

August Agenda

I absolutely cannot believe that today is 1st August! It is freaking me out how quickly this year is going, it's almost time to start thinking about Christmas again already! Too early to start compiling my Christmas Wishlist!? No, never! Just as well really, as I actually do have a bit of a mental one going on in my head already! 

Anyway, being the first of the month, it's time to dust off July's Agenda and see how I did with my little tasks, and also to set some new ones for the coming month.

So, here were the things I had hoped to achieve in the month of July:

1. Learn to do a fish-tail plait/braid.

Mission accomplished. I actually did this one on the same day as I put up the post. Check me out, being all organised and one step ahead. You'd think that boded well for the rest of the month, wouldn't you? Yeah.....

2. Bake Macaroons and Slutty Brownies.

Fail. And this one isn't even a chore! To be honest, I think the fact that my husband's family fed us so much cake when we went to stay with them kind of put me off a bit - I literally felt sick by the time we left to come home! And I've also been ill three times this month. Maybe next time!?

3. Save my pennies.

Well. Isn't that ironic. I did indeed save as many pennies as I possibly could this month.....and then, as many of you will already know, my car essentially died and cost me a LOT more than the pittence I had saved. So actually, it was like I took this task...and achieved the complete opposite. Yay. Oh well, not to worry -  apparently I (and most of the other #bbloggers on Twitter) have won a small fortune on the South African lottery without even playing it, so all our financial problems are soon to be a thing of the past! 

(Just in case anyone missed the sarcasm there....yeah, that's what it was).

4. Get away.

I don't think this one needs much of an explanation. It didn't happen!

5. Blog every day.

Huzzah- I'm going to give myself a gold star for this one, as even though I didn't technically blog every single day, the only exceptions were when I was ill and when I was having internet problems, and in spite of this I still finished the month on thirty five posts! Win!

6. Do something crafty.

Well. I cut up an old t-shirt I never wear and made it into something else I will never wear. Does that count?

In my defence, I have ordered some studs from Ebay, so expect to see everything I own, including my dog, covered in those very soon.

So, I scored a grand total of............................2 out of 6. How embarrassing. But do you know what? I'm not really all that bothered, as I feel that I've achieved a lot this month anyway. Blogging as consistently as I have was the most important challenge to me, and I have also managed to get some exercise most days and do some more work on my secret little venture, so I feel quite satisfied in spite of my score for the month!

August's Agenda will be as follows:

1. Plan looooads of extra activities for my classes in advance.

Some of you will know that I teach English as a foreign language, and lessons start again next week. I always try to plan lots of fun activities to keep my pupils' enthusiasm levels up, but often, they only last me until about half way through the term, and then I am desperately looking for more! So this time, I am going to make sure I have more than enough at the ready so that I don't have to stress about it later on.

2. Finish my secret project.

I'm afraid I can't really tell you much about this one until it's ready, but let's just say it is a new little business venture of mine. Hopefully, I will finally be ready to reveal all in next month's recap!

3. Keep up the daily exercise.

Self explanatory, really.

4. Have a nice day out with the hubby!

Again, this one is penny-permitting, but I'm including it anyway as I wish to start the month with optimism!

Just those four for this month I think, as the first two are going to be taking up a lot of my time!

(By the way, the photos in this post are just a couple of my favourite Instagram pics from the past month.)

What tasks and activities have you got planned for yourselves over the coming month? Do you find setting yourselves goals helpful?

xx

Weekend Wishlist

Catseye Sunglasses, £16, Topshop
Spiked Gilet, £75, Topshop
Head Piece, £7, River Island
Lace and Floral Print Top, £18, River Island
Ikat Print Dress, £36, Topshop
Studded Millicent Boots, £40, Topshop
Rabbit-print Satchel, £45, Accessorize
Lampshade Print Peplum Top, £18, River Island
Print Shirt, £37, Miss Selfridge

Continuing along with the theme of prints and studs, the high street once again has some fabulous key pieces in their 'New in' sections this week. If I had actually bought all of the things I have featured over the past few weeks, then my wardrobe (or closet, for some of you) would be full to bursting with gorgeous printed chiffon shirts and, of course, studded bits and bobs. Miss Selfridge have been doing some great long-sleeved shirts with more sophisticated prints, which will take you right through into A/W, whereas River Island has been awash with pretty summer florals on short-sleeved pieces, which are pretty perfect for wearing now that the sun has been making the odd appearance.
I have got millions of pairs of sunglasses already, but I am horrific at looking after them and the majority of them are scratched or bent! I'm the sort of person who likes to have a choice when it comes to eye-wear, and I enjoy mixing and matching different pairs with whatever I happen to be wearing on any given day. The cat-eye shape is a particular favourite of mine, and I really like Topshop sunglasses - I feel that they are actually doing something to protect my eyes when I wear them, whereas ones I have bought from some other high street shops might just as well be clear, as I still have to squint when I step outside.
I'm still loving the animal print trend (as in, prints featuring actual little animals), and this rabbit print bag from Accessorize looks spacious enough to hold my folders as well as my makeup and other essentials when I go back to work next week. And as for the headpiece, well, isn't it just the perfect boho-style finishing touch to any Summer outfit?

I absolutely loved watching the Olympics opening ceremony on TV last night, and thought that the organisers had done an amazing job. It was really nice to see it all go off without a hitch in spite of the negativity that has been surrounding the event in recent weeks. The amount of uncomplimentary news stories that have been splashed across the papers has been bordering on ridiculous (although some of them were certainly in need of being written), and I am really glad to see that people are finally getting behind the games and entering into the spirit of things. I must admit though, I was surprised to see how bored the royals looked at the ceremony! The Queen, who appeared to have come dressed as a flamingo, bless her, could barely raise a smile, and Wills looked completely disinterested when the British team came out!
I'm going to be honest here - I wasn't all that bothered about the Olympics myself until I watched the event last night, but now I am quite looking forward to it all, and am going to make an effort to watch some of our athletes in action!
Did you watch the ceremony? What did you think? And are you excited about the Olympics?

What's on your wishlist this week?

Desire of the Day #2

Coral Spiked Loafers, £24.99, Own the Runway

I know I said that I was probably going to keep these posts for beauty products, but what the hell. This is what I am desiring today, so I am going to post about it!

As most of you will probably know, I have gone a bit spike and stud mad in recent weeks - you only have to look back at my past three Weekend Wishlist posts for evidence! I don't know what it is about them, but I just love the way you can take a feminine, floral fabric or a soft, pretty colour and toughen them up with a spot of studding. I adore that contrast. I suppose it's a little bit reminiscent of how we started singing on leather bikers and tough boots over the top of pretty dresses a few years back. I'm still not tired of that look, even now, and studs are a great way of bringing it bang up to date.

You will probably also be aware of my love for all things coral if you are a regular reader, so obviously these little beauties are my absolute dream combo, shoe-ified. The only downside is that I'm a bit of a shortie, and will usually be found wearing heels, but somehow I just haven't felt the same way about studded heels as I have the flat pumps and loafers I've seen. In all honesty, I probably won't be buying these, because whenever I have bought flats in the past, they have always, no matter how beautiful, ended up unworn. Unworn, but loved, I might add, but that's not really good enough, is it? I just feel that I look much more in proportion when wearing heels, even small ones, so I suppose I am going to have to lust after them from afar. 

They are perfect though, aren't they?

xx