Wishlist #4

If you know me or you're familiar with my 'wishlists', you'll know I don't do things by halves. I'm unashamedly greedy (hence the name of my blog) and I am forever hunting for my next spend. I have a list as long as my arm on things I'd like but perhaps don't need. Here's the latest lot to have me pondering how many rations of beans on toast I can suffer to slip in a bit of shopping this month. 

Topshop Glow highlighter in Polished. The RMS Living Luminizer is pretty intriguing I have to admit but £30 for a teeny pot, I'm taking my chances with Topshop's offering to ease me into upping my glow before I commit to the big spend. 

Keeping in the glow theme, Dior Glow Maximzer primer has been swatched several times in Debenhams since it's recent launch. I've tested it on the back of my hand and done the whole 'twisting of the wrist' action to see it glimmer and catch the light, and boy it's pretty. I don't know how it would work under foundation, maybe I'd apply it just to the parts of my face that I want the light to reflect and give me that glow or just slap it on all over and embrace the disco ball look. There's only one way to find out.. 

You know my love for a good strong brow and I'm always up for perfecting my arch so the launch of Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade is music to my ears. The waterproof formula is what I'm interested in mostly as I am guilty of touching my face too much resulting in smudged and wonky brows, not a good look. This seems like such an obvious requirement for eyebrow colour so well done, Anastasia. Now all I need is an extensive Google 'sesh to find my shade. They all seem a tad warm in tone and though I'm blonde I like a dark and cool tone for my bushy brows. Here's hoping Google has my answer. 

After I ventured into the phenomenon that is Hydraluron with their face mask I've finally caved and have now decided that I need to have the serum. Gah, peer pressure for you eh? 

The Maxfactor False Lash Effect mascara seems to be popping up all over the place at the moment. It's quite a cult mascara that I've used tubes and tubes of myself in the past and it's caught my attention again just recently. My current mascara is CHANEL Le Volume and it is fab-u-lous so when that bites the dust, Maxfactor will be my next stop. Who knows, maybe I'll rekindle my love for it. 

The funny looking contraption is the Sarah Chapman Facialift massager-thingy which I have been having a go of (and the boy, too) everytime I'm in Space NK. We really like it and I really want this. Great for an at-home facial as this supposedly mimics the tapping and knuckling effect of a professional facial that brightens, tightens and reduces puffiness. 

Clarins is my favourite skincare brand, hands down and so when I saw the launch of their new Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream it was a no brainer really. Top of my wishlist it goes. 

I'm almost exclusively wearing heels just recently and while I'm quite thrilled by this as I feel like a 'proper' grown up tottering around, my feet are quite upset with me and at the weekend my heeled ankle boots just aren't cutting it so I'm on the market for some sophisticated flats. Zara is my port of call and after a quick perusal online, I spotted these. The £59.99 price tag is tough to swallow but now I've seen them, the damage can't be undone. *virtually nabs them* Mine! 

Last up is sadly just a wish on the list. Celine sunglasses are my most coveted item but alas, I don't have the spare sterling laying around for such a purchase. Come on Zara, make a copy and stat, this low sun is getting unbearable. 

A very beauty-centric wishlist I'd say. I've not lost the fashion bug, I've just been doing a fair bit of clothes shopping lately so there isn't much else I want (who am I kidding? Of course there is) so I'll have a haul for you soon. Oh and I may have picked up a thing or two from my wishlist already. Just sayin'. 

Rachel xo 

Graduation. What to wear?

In two weeks I'll be graduating from University after 4 years of pain-in-the-arse translations, library all-nighters and writing the word 'acquisition' more times than I care to remember, thanks dissertation! So to mark this very special occasion I've been shopping at a a rate than even scared myself and I know how to shop, in preparation for the most picture perfect outfit I'll ever wear, Wedding Day aside of course. 

To add to my conundrum of 'what to wear' I have the Mister's Graduation 4 days prior to my own at the same venue ( we went to the same University) so I've got to secure two outfits.  Aaron's day will be a good road test for the weather and to spy on what other girls from different courses have come up with for their big day. A few of my friends who did 3 year degrees gave some pearls of wisdom; 

Don't wear a flowy dress. If it's windy you'll be concentrating on keeping your hat on and you don't want to flash your knickers too!

Don't wear something too loose fitting. Too boxy a cut and paired with your cape over, you may well just end up looking like a sack of spuds.

The LBD is your friend- Figure hugging, classic, safe.

For Aaron's day I'm thinking outside of the box and I've picked up a (p)leater pencil skirt from ZARA, which was a steal at £29.99 and I'm thinking of pairing it with my new Topshop fluffy knit. Too risque? 
Or a black dress with a patterned blazer? Or a white crepe Topshop dress with a black oversized blazer? Oh I quite like the sound of this one, I'll remember this one for my next 'drinks' night.

Then we have my day. I initially wanted to wear a white dress and picked up the Crepe Shift Dress, but I fear it may be a little too sheer? Nothing a good set of pants can't fix though surely? 
 
Next to land on my doorstep was a ZARA dress with a mesh instert and sleeves. This is stunning and ticks all the boxes. black. Fitted. Good length. My only problem is, how shall we say...quite a handful, and I don't want too much cleavage on show.. 

I might wear my hot pink dress from Topshop I wore here. 
 

Can you tell I'm really putting  thought into this? I don't want to freeze to death all in the name of fashion (well, maybe one day I will..) but you know, style over substance is my mantra in this case.

Damn you Coventry for having winter ceremonies. At least the hat will keep me warm, right?

Rachel xo

Lust List: Pastels

This lust list has unintentionally adopted a pastel hue but it is pretty so I aren't complaining. 

The chartreuse coloured shirt from Topshop has already made its way to my wardrobe as I couldn't resist something so bright.  Worn with my faithful joni jeans and sleeves rolled up,it is a lovely little outfit.

 I am all for a good white tee as they are a staple piece. Love the slogan too. 

Ahh these lilac shorts, Topshop, are keeping me up at night, they aren't in stock in my size and I know I could style these in lots of ways. Want, want, want. They could be worn on holiday, with a clean cut tee, styled up a black top and heels or even transfer over to colder months with tights and a leather jacket. Such a versatile piece to justify the slightly steeper price tag. I am now on the hunt for these or something similar. 

Another Topshop item on my list, peach silk cami, can be layered with either my white or black blazer. So pretty for this time of year and only £18. 

Final thing is this white wrap front dress, I know I wont actually ever buy this but it can still be admired from afar. I have read such bad reviews on this and the red verison on Topshop's website- mainly concerning how the wrap feature- which is what makes it special, gapes quite a lot. Now, being a fuller bust myself I stand no chance in pulling this off. 

I have been doing some work experience these past two weeks and I had such a fun time but lord, it has tired me out. I've now found myself my first 'post-uni' job and I'm contracted until Xmas so I will have a steady time schedule and even better, a steady income so I hope to really work on my blog as I have thoroughly caught the blogging bug- I read them everyday and have a million and one unfinished drafts so if you do like to read, please stick around! 

Happy Summer, so glad we are finally having some proper weather. 

Rachel xo

Skirts

Clockwise from top left Zara// Missguided// Kenzo// Zara// Topshop// ASOS// Zara. 

Lately I have been doing a little skirt flirting and there are an array of styles to pick from. I am usually a dress or jeans girl and my wardobe is definitely lacking in the skirts department.

You can not go wrong with a maxi skirt and this semi sheer number from Topshop is gorgeous. Perfect colour for Summer and this is a transitional piece that can be layered with a black chunky knit and boots as the months go on. Listen to me talking about A/W when our S/S has only just kicked in.

My absolute lust item is the Kenzo blue wrap skirt, the shape and structure of this skirt is flattering and could be styled for a day or evening look. Unfortunately it is out of my price range but a girl can dream. 

I have my eye on the green skirt form ZARA, I don't typically 'do' green but I think this would a good pop of colour to my wardrobe . Lime green is on trend currently so this darker hue would be a good compromise for myself. 


Rachel xo

White

It is safe to say that Spring has finally sprung. Now things are really lightening up, so can our wardrobes. A pop of bright white will emphasise those tans we'll be working on in the coming months and so I picked a few pieces for inspiration to a little white-washing this season. 
This look can be worn head to toe for a real style statement and it isn't as difficult as it sounds. 

Top left: Topshop dress// The asymmetric length is a gorgeous detail of this dress that really makes it look sharp and stylish. 

Top centre: Topshop organza tee// The sheer panel and ribbed texture add a little something more to dress up this classic white tee. 

Top right: Topshop dress// This dress is leather look and the simple cut is beautiful. 

Bottom left: Zara bag// This bag comes in an array of colours and is only £22.99. The perfect size for your day to day handbag duties. Snap one up now! 

Bottom centre: Topshop vest// Wear this crop top with high-waited jeans or a skirt. The mess panels really dress this up. 

Bottom right: ASOS Skirt// This skirt is linen which a light material perfect for warmer weather. I love that is a wrap skirt, too. 

Hope you have seen something you like on here to try on the bright white look yourself but if all else fails, and you know you're the type of person who will spill anything and everything down yourself, remember, you can't go wrong with a crisp white tee. Very affordable and it is always on trend. 

I'm off to buy the skirt and I'm also tempted by a lot of the white heels I've seen around, Kurt Geiger so some beauts but I'll have a shop around. 

Rachel xo 

April Showers

Let's face it. Here in Britain rain is quintessentially British and though we are having practically  a heat wave these past days compared so these grey skies we are sadly quite accustomed to, we have to be prepared for a little drizzle here and there. I've compiled a few favourites that are on the market that keep us dry whilst but look great. Think of it as an accessory, for how often we reach for one, we might as well wear them well. 

Top left, Topshop. Paisley print that will brighten up your day.

Top middle, River Island. Lilac with a skull handle detail and crystal embellishment.

Top right, Accessorize. Spring in a print, blossoming flowers.

Bottom left, Topshop. A nod to the nautical trend.

Bottom middle, ZARA. Panther print. Always a winner.

Bottom right, River Island. A dome that will keep you well protected and the neon pink is a nice touch.

Here is to hoping we won't need our umbrellas this Spring/ Summer but if we do, atleast we can style it out a little with these beauties. 

Is it awful I wouldn't mind a little bit of rain to justify the Zara purchase. No, I take that back. 

Rachel xo

Summer Shorts

Every year it rolls around, prompting women across Britain to take take those extra minutes shaving, applying a little self-tan and maybe taking the stairs at work for a little leg difinition. Ladies, Spring/ Summer is on it's way - albeit 5 minutes fashionably late, and so comes with it the appearence of shorts on our high-street to perfect our pins. 
Here is a pick of some of the best I've seen so far.

1. These embroided shorts from ZARA are amazing. You can dress them up for cocktails in the lighter evenings we're having or dress down with a simple tee. Simple but beatiful. More of an investment though at £59.99. 

2. City shorts have come back around as tailoring has become more and more popular and found in most shops currently. This pair from River Island are on trend with their tile jacquard print and with the matching blazer available, it is a stylish nod to the power suit. Suit up, look sharp. 

3. The 'skort' from ZARA is so lovely versatile as it looks like a skirt from the front but they are actually shorts. I have something similar from last year's collection but in grey. They are also available in black if, like me, you live by the motto 'I'll stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour'. 

4. These lime lovelies are from H&M and only £17. The colour and texture are so interesting and would really bring an interesting element to you outfit. Team with a loose white shirt, sunglasses and you're good to go. 

5. These shorts from  ASOS are stunning. They're high waisted and have a scalloped trim. I could definitely see this at a festival with the folk inspired print, although perhaps they are too gorgeous to grub up. 

6. What Summer would be complete without a fantastic pair of denim shorts? A staple piece in any wardrobe. This pair from Topshop are high waisted which are really flattering for any figure and a stretchy denim which makes them more comfortable. 

Will you be sporting shorts this Spring/ Summer? 

Rachel xo

Wedding Belles Part 2

One post just isn't enough to indulge in all the beautiful dresses on offer for Wedding season. 

1. ZARA Beautiful and delicate print. 
2. Topshop Cobalt blue is on trend and the soft pleating and dipped hem really add a little elegance. 
3. ZARA Love the shape of this dress and the soft floral pattern makes it really beautiful, without the floral, it would be a white dress and if there's one thign we all know, do NOT wear white to a wedding. 
4. Topshop Orange is bang on trend this season and this dress does not disappoint. Quite a structured dress in a soft fabric. I saw this dress at the weekend and it is stunning. 
5. ASOS The sweetheart neckline is a lovely detail and the colour is striking whilst the soft lace embalishment balances this lovely dress. 

Such lovely dresses and I now need a dozen wedding invites, stat!

Wishlist #3

So another week has passed and I have been buried beneath Uni work so this afternoon I did a little window shopping via my laptop and I have found a few pieces I need, seriously. 

The white skirt is different to anything I have and I love the sheer panel, a night-out staple piece. 

The neon yellow clutch, I have talked about the orange version before but I think I prefer this one and yellow seems to be having a moment, I've seen a lot of it in shop windows recently. I don't seem to suit yellow so this is nice way to incorporate it into my wardrobe. 

Seeing as I have just said I don't suit yellow, this jacket choice may be a little hypocritical. I think I could get away with this as it has the white marl look to it which breaks it up a little. 

The white necklace is from Topshop, the best place for jewellery in my opinion. White jewellery can look a bit cheap- again, my opinion- but I like this as it has the spikes which is a trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon and I would wear it with a simple black top. 

The pink jumper is beautiful, it is from Topshop and I've got the same jumper in Khaki and Black so this summery pale pink would be a welcome addition. 

I have tried to be quite strict with my spending recently but I just want to shop now. Ugh, shopaholic not so-anonymous. 

Rachel xo

 

Zara shoes, want.

Zara can do no wrong in my eyes and after having lived in Spain for year, in small city where Zara was the only women's fashion shop, I fell all the more in love with its fashion. Their shoes in particular are beautiful and these 2 pairs on now on my wishlist. 

They add up to £100 combined so I may just have to wait on a purchase but I think it is still relatively affordable if you compare them to Topshop prices. The black court shoes with gold-capped detail are stunning and would look lovely in an evening or to dress up a simple jeans and a blazer. That is at least how I would wear them.  

The sandals are also very much coveted by me, I got some lovely back wedge sandals from Topshop for my birthday last month and want a nude pair too and I love the contrast between the nude leather and the dark mahogany? wood heel. 

Want, want. 

This blog makes me look so greedy. 

Rachel xo  

'A-Z' A is for Animal Print

For my little A-Z series of all things beauty and style related and I am starting, naturally, with 'A' for Animal Print. Love it or hate it, it is always available on the high street and can be done quite well, too. Dependent on how much leopard love you have, there are plenty of ways to incoporate it into your wardrobe. 

The sunglasses are from Zara and I personally love them, a subtleway to wear leopard print and sunglasses mean sun shining, nice weather out.. What is not to love? 

The scarf is also from Zara, it is not your typical animal print with the yellow and blue colours but it is lovely and bright which could really spruce up your outfit. 

The iPhone case is only £8 from River Island. 

Nail Rock wraps, another affordable and quick way to add a little something to an outfit. 

Red and blue animal print dress, ASOS. Absolutely love this dress, it is not obviosuly animal print but the shape and colours look lovely. I would wear this for the day and evening. Dress it down with a leather jacket and boots or slap a bit of tan on your legs, your best nude heels and clutch bag and you're ready for a nightout. 

The knickers are from Topshop, they are a high brief which maybe isn't practical day to day (VPL) but they look beautiful and I like that they arent the typical brown and black leopard print. Very glamorous. 

The shift dress, ASOS is a perfect day dress, you could wear it with black tights and a jacket. 

Found this snap of me wearing a Topshop wrap dress in leopard print, I like it as it's a bit different as it's grey toned.

This is a fovourite scarf of mine, from Warehouse, I bought it when I was a Fresher and it is huge, literally wrap myself in it when I'm cold, love it and it is my 'go-to' scarf. 

Yes, so that is my love for a little bit of animal print declared. It can be done without looking like Kat Slater. 

Rachel xo

Bolsa

A new handbag is a great way of updating your look quickly and affordably whilst putting a spring in your step when you're carrying your new arm candy around. The high street has come up trumps with their selection of styles just recently and I picked a few of my favourites and wanting to sing their praises- not literally. 

1. This peach delight is from ASOS   and it is a perfect little clutch for Spring and the front pocket very loosely reminds me of the Mulberry Willow bag, front pockets are in ladies! 

2.   The Zara studded bowling bag  is a bit pricey and not Spring looking at all but when is new black bag enough black bags? Never. The studded detail is an alternative to the Alexander Wang Rocco bag that was a style staple for a long time. Again, note the front pocket. It's a trend I tell ya. 

3. The YSL rip off  clutch is from Ebay  and I mainly like this for the colour, it is described as Dark Beige and I see it as a taupey grey, I love this tone of colour all year round and the simple design is beautiful and you could wear it everyday. 

4. Who doesn't love a bit of animal print? This clutch is another great find off of ASOS.  Perhaps more of an evening bag or if you had somewhere to dress up for in the day but still a lovely bag I would be happy to clutch onto as I went about my day. 

5. I have seen a lot of these neon box bags around recently and ZARA didn't disappoint with their own one. I really want this bag as it is just so cool and I don't have anything like it. The box bag has a zip pouch within it so your things wont clack around in the plastic box, but you could remove it too if you wanted your phone and lippy to be seen, which looks cool too. Want, want, want. 

6. This bag by Pieces but found on ASOS is, for lack of a better word, perfect. The size is suitable to lug around all your things at once, the shape is the popular 'bucket' that Zara did so well last year and I love the colour, nice and neutral grey but it has the ombré effect, which can be a little bit too 'done' but I like it on this bag. 

Do you like any of these bags or spotted one yourself? 

Rachel xo  

A mixture of pieces

Hello! This is quite a mixture of things that I like currently, with no real theme other than I would happily have them all in my wardrobe. 

The cut-out top is from Cheap Monday and I really like this, it is a simple piece but the elbow detail is a bit different, I have the odd 'cold shoulder' tee and last year the elbow patch detailing was a big thing, neither I was huge on so I think this is a happy medium of the trends and I would like this, comfy but stylish, lazy fashion, my kind of thing. Though at £35, I might even have a go at some DIY, snipping and cutting a black jersey top, I did get an A in Textiles GCSE after all. 

Who can ever have enough Zara handbags? This will be my next Zara baby. I love their bags, they are such good quality for the price and I haven't got a nude handbag so it would be a welcome addition. It is nice and big too, to haul my entire life around. The plaited handles are a nice detail too. It is £39.99. 

I saw this jacket in River Island earlier in the week and really liked the look of it, I don't often see things in River Island and haven't bought anything from there in months now so I am pleased to be seeing new things this season that I do like and would buy. I saw the lovely Lily Pebbles Instagram of her wearing a jacket similar to this and commented asking if it was this one, and she was nice enough to reply to me, turns out hers was from Romwe. Anyway, yes so this jacket is £65 and fitting with the monochrome trend which is my absolute favourite.

The smock dress is from Topshop and I recently bought this dress which is the same sort of shape and I love it. I wore it on a night out but it can also be worn in the day with tights and come the Summer months with bare legs and my new wedges I got for my birthday. I like the check pattern of this dress and the colour too, I am guilty of having a colourless wardrobe so I am making a concious effort to introduce a bit of colour. I even bought a neon pink jumper from H&M for my birthday and I gave myself a mental pat on the back as I paid at the till. 

Rachel xo