May beauty favourites 2016

After a few months of not blogging I'm finally back with full force and I'm ready to post regularly again. 

Today I thought I would share a few things I have been loving through out this month. Not only have I been really enjoying many makeup and beauty products but I also have been loving some foodie items! 

Since the weather has been so lovely here in England, I've been all about that GLOW, and to help me achieve that I've been really enjoying the Topshop pressed highlighter in 'Cresent Moon'. As a fairly pale lady (when I say pale, I mean white like paper) it's a fab champagne toned highlighter full of micro glitter that leaves a very intense sheen which is perfect for my fair skin! At a pretty decent price of £10.00 for 6.5 grams, it's a must have in my everyday makeup kit.

Keeping the makeup theme, I have recently discovered the new Loreal cushion foundation in the shade '01 porcelain' which I have found to be the perfect coverage for the days I am at work, when I need a little something but not too much coverage. I apply the product with a buffing brush and usually layer it up to 4 or 5 coats. The great thing about this is that it's so light that you can apply as many layers as needed and it will never cake up. It costs £9.99 and comes in a handy little compact with a mirror and a flat sponge. 

Lastly on the beauty section I've been obsessed with this huge pot of loveliness from the brand Calcot Manor. The Lazy Evening Moisture Soufflé is a gorgeously scented body moisturiser that I use after my bath in the evenings after a long day. The deep woody with a slight fruity scent really helps me to wind down and relax for the night and for a mere £6.00 you can get this massive 500ml tub at your local Tesco! I defiantly have to check out more of the Calcot Manor products as I'm in love with this body butter!

On the flip side, over the past few months I have been trying to get into more of a healthy lifestyle by eating more fruit and vegetables and going to the gym more. I've also been loving snacking on raw veggies rather than impulsingly buying crisps or chocolate, but I will go into depth in another blog post, I may even do a what I eat in a day or healthy recipes sort of post!

That's it! I hope you've enjoyed this months favourites. This month should be a good one as its my birthday month (woohoo) ((21st on the 10th of June)) and it's also officially summer so expect lots of summery outfit posts! 

Post soon,

Love Danielle xoxo

Welcoming 2016 with open arms | Happy New Year

So another year has been and gone, and it's time to look back on all the highs & lows of 2015 and say HELLO to 2016.

This time last year, I did a new years post about the year ahead. All about my fancy new job at a designer boutique & organising myself to move out with Liam. Fast forward to a year later, a lot has changed. Unfortunately, I was made redundant from said job, which meant I had to take a Christmas position at a Jack Wills store. I am also still living with Liam's mum and frantically saving up to move out! So not such a great start but moving on, Liam and I are still very much in love and I have found my job forté. I have discovered that makeup artistry is my calling, so that's what I'm running with! I am currently working part time as a sales assistant and trying to build my makeup business in the mean time.

So with 2016 right ahead my goals for this this year are, to be more organised, I bought myself a Filofax with a week to view planner that I can keep in my handbag to stay up to date with everyday tasks and events! I also want to be healthier, I already go to the gym around twice a week but I want to push that even more and eat more healthy by making my own meals at home and not relying on ready meals and takeaways for dinner. Lastly, I want to get off of technology and start living. I have noticed over the past year, that many of us, including myself, have been glued to their phones constantly and it's time to stop this bad habit. Having an obsession with it makes me seem unsociable & rude. So let's all put our fancy new iPhones down and start living a real life. With that being said, I have decided to start blogging once a week and commit to it. Rather than blog for a whole week and go m.i.a for a month. 

So yeah, that's my New Years goals and resolutions! Granted, 2015 didn't turn out how I expected it to but it's time to leave that behind and welcome 2016 with both arms open!

Happy new year everyone!

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo

Autumn shades of brown

When it comes to the Autumn season, I love wearing more of the more neutral colours like shades of brown and gold. So, I've paired these colours with cooler ones such as black and red just to bring the whole outfit together. I feel the colours in my Autumn wardrobe really suit the weather and because they are all similar shades they can be all easily paired and mixed together.

 

Here I'm wearing a cream, thin roll neck jumper from River Island featuring these flattering rosy glitter stripes, which brings a little life and colour into the outfit. I paired it with my go-to A line black skirt from Topshop, some simple black tights and my H&M black slipper shoes. Over the top I am sporting my favourite mink hue coat from Marks & Spencer's. It's a simple structured coat and is made out of a thick wool blend, which keeps me super warm when the wind decides to pick up! Just for a slight pop of colour, I've painted my nails in OPIs Malaga Wine, a beautiful dark blood red shade.

So, that's it for today's post! I've decided to continue blogging once or twice a week but every Sunday night is guaranteed! I hope you enjoyed and I will see you soon!

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo

Shop the look

River Island | striped roll neck jumper - (similar) here

Topshop | black a lined skirt - (similar) here

H&M | gold buckle slipper shoes - (similar) here

OPI | Malaga wine - here 

Marks & Spencer's | wool blend coat - (similar) here

Paris is always a good idea | Outfit Styling

If you know me well, then you would know that I have an unhealthy obsession with France and the Parisian style, so when lots of goodies came in for the Autumn/Winter 2015 range I knew I had to style some items together!

 

 

 

With the monochrome theme running throughout I wanted to add a pop of colour with a very autumnal burgundy shade. Adding some plain black ballet pumps and a side black suede satchel to hold all of your bits in would seriously pull the whole outfit together.

This is a perfect seasonal transition outfit that is still comfy and casual. You can get all of these amazing pieces at any one of the Question Air stores or online at www.questionair.com.

Outifit details -

Paige Katrina pants - Black £239.00
Sundry Paris Boy tee - White £75.00
Sundry Love Boy tee - White/Black £65.00
Rag + Bone Brim fedora - Rust £190.00
Feather & Stone Hamsa bracelet - Berry £30.00

Casual Parisian | Outfit Post

Over the past few weeks here in the south of England, the weather has been very changeable. With showers, sunny spells and storms all in one day, It can be really hard to know how to dress for the day ahead. So my go-to outfits, always include some type of Jean, weather it's a ripped skinny jean or a classic black straight leg.

I find jeans are lightweight enough for the sunnier days yet cooler for the days I need a few more layers. I also like to throw a little bit of Parisian style in with my daily outfits, as I find the everyday French woman very classy and well dressed. So, I end up with this Parisian/high street highbred outfit, that I'm absolutely loving. It's simple yet a statement and once the weather does turn, I do like to chuck on a light weight trench coat paired with a understated black umbrella, practical yet glam.

Outfit details -

High waisted skinny jeans - Jamie jeans from Topshop

High necked Breton striped top - H&M

Gold embellished slipper shoes - H&M

Pearl drop earrings - Accessorize 

Moonstone charm necklace - 'October' necklace from H&M

Red lipstick - Loreal Paris color riche in 'Liyas pure red'

I hope you enjoyed this rainy day outfit post!

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo

Christmas preparations | researching gifts and decorations

I know we all hate to admit it but Summer is on its way out and Autumn is slowly creeping up on us. With that in mind, as the season is changing, christmas is the first thing on my mind. Ever year I tell myself to start prepping for the holidays early enough so I can be organised and not totally broke by the end of December. So, I've decided that as the weather is getting cooler, I might as well start now. With my trusty sewing machine by my side, I am ready to face the run up, to the thing we call Christmas.

Over the next 4 months I will be regularly updating you all as to how I'm doing with the progress of gift planning and decoration designing. The first step for me is to do some research on Pinterest, as we all know Pinterest is the home of all things creating, making and decorating, so naturally it is my first option. I have found some fantastic ideas on here and a few favorites that I though I would show today. 

Sewing is probably one of my favorite things to do around the holiday time, so I found this cute and simple tutorial on a sleeveless jacket, perfect for the cooler weather. (Via burdsstyle.com) As sewing clothes is so versatile this would be an amazing gift anytime of year, which is why I can easily prepare and make this way before the holiday season. 

Another option you can do before the Christmas season are these monogrammed mugs filled with hot chocolate goodies. (Via handmadeandcraft.com) Anything with a long shelf life would be ideal to make now. Hence why in the post you won't find any baking tutorials, only because by the time Christmas comes around, that amazing gingerbread house you made will probably be uneatable and have an unpleasant stench to it. Not something I would recommend for the start of September!

Last but certainly not least are these cute little 'pop in the bath' tea bags. (Via mayamade.blogspot.com) As a proud lover of Pinterest for many years now, I am surprised to say I have never seen or thought of something as unique as this! An easy diy for the people out there who are only good at hand sewing. I love the fact you can switch up this gift by filling it with anything that the recipient likes. For example, lavender for the person who stresses a lot or oats for the person with dry skin. It can be changed accordingly which Is great. Perfect for the bath loving person in your life.

So, grab your needle and thread and let's get this Christmas preparation going! 

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo

Birchbox August 2015 | #beautyjunkie

As I got home from a long, rainy day at work, I stepped through the front door to a very welcoming sight, this months Birchbox! After last months summer themed extravaganza, I was very impatient for the next little beauty filled surprise to come through my letter box! 

About 5 days before I received the August box, I was notified via Facebook that this months theme was 'beauty junkie', and as we all know I am the biggest beauty junky around. So to my delight I was presented with 5 luxury beauty items from skin care to hair care.

Upon opening the box I was presented with their familiar booklet of product information and a nifty little emoji sicker sheet as an extra treat. Underneath, they included a more shallow yet thicker drawstring bag with the little goodies stashed inside.

Now onto the products. 

Kebelo clarifying shampoo -

This 50ml tube is a hefty sample to say the least, with a very fresh scent with ingetients such as seaweed and milk. This shampoo is supposed to rid your hair of any product build up, yet not leave your hair straw like with no moisture like most other clarifying shampoos. On their website it states that is can be also used as an 'invigorating body wash'. So I am very looking forward to trying this one out! Full size (250ml) RRP £13.95.

Rituals Fortune scrub in sweet orange and cedar -

Another huge sample this month of 70 ml and wow does this scream Autumn to me. The citrus, musky scent sends me straight to a vision of fallen brown leaves with a crisp breeze in the air. Rituals is a big brand that I, myself know and trust and I'm pleased to see it in the August box. Full size (150ml) RRP £10.00.

The Balm bronzer in 'balm desert' -

With another very well know brand in this months box, you can't help but be happy with this little guy. This warm toned, matte bronzer/blush has mostly natural ingredients with healing properties, so you can feel secure knowing that this product won't make you break out like most unfamiliar products you use. This sample has a handy magnetic case to keep it shut, which is fab for travel. And the size of it is great for on the go bronzer touch ups. Full size (6.39g) RRP £15.50.

Lord & Berry blush in 'Lotus' -

This dark red toned brown blush is perfect for the upcoming cooler months, and with a slight shimmer undertone its a great brightening product. It's a perfect sample size to fit into one of my mac pallets so it can be doubled up as an eyeshadow! Full size (4g) £18.00

Huygens exfoliating cream -

As a brand I'm not too familiar with, this Paris based company focuses on using mainly natural ingredients to help your skin where it needs work. This small pot is full of luxurious ingredients such as sesame oil, rice powder and green tea. With a thick grit formula, this scrub is great to use on your t-zone and even rough patches on your body such as your elbows and feet! A fab universal product that I can't wait to try out. Full size (50ml) RRP £17.90

L. Erickson grab and go pony -

This simple hair band is supposed to keep your hair in place with no movement and doesn't damage your hair due to the fabric outer layer. One accesory that I always seem to loose, so you can't go wrong with another hair band. Full size (15pcs tube) RRP £11.50 (colours to choose from: black and grey, beige and brown, blue and grey or pink and gold.

With another very successful month, this customer is very happy! Roll on September!

Post soon, 

Danielle xoxo

Birthday in Brighton | Monochrome OOTD

After having a wonderful time in Brighton for my birthday, I thought I'd let you know how our day out went. Liam and I stayed at a lovely little B&B just a little off the seaside called Snooze, we stayed in one of their amazingly spacious rooms that overlooked some beautiful and very  instgramable houses! We went to visit all the off road 'lanes' and saw loads of quirky boutiques filled with all kinds of goodies! We also went to Seaworld where we saw so many different types of fish and marine animals! Liam and I then ended the afternoon by grabbing a bite to eat on the end of the pier, it was such a wonderful day and it was probably the best birthday I've had in a very long time! So onto the outfit of the day! 

Outfit details -

Pinstriped dress; A birthday present from Liam but I believe was from wantthattrend.com for around £20.00.

Cream cardigan; Riverisland £18.00.

Black stroppy heeled sandals; Topshop £24.00.

Black quilted shoulder bag; unknown (sorry) around £20.00.

Cat eye sunglasses; Topshop £14.00.

Red nail polish; Essie's 'Forever Yummy' £7.99.

Lipstick; Chanels rouge allure velvet in 'La Pétillante'.

I hope you enjoyed my twetieth birthday post! 

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo

Officially an adult | Remeniscing my teenage years

So, as I'm currently sitting in a little coffee shop enjoying the gentle music and the sun shining on the green grass outside. I am in deep thought, there are 5 teenage girls next to me chatting and laughing about makeup and boys, and it makes me think how four years ago I was there in their position, not having a care in the world and only thing I needed to worry about is how long my hair could get. And now I am lounging here with an extra strong latté in my hand, knowing that this time tomorrow I will be twenty years old, it kinda scares me. I know that nothing between the time of now and tomorrow will change, but it's crazy to think that today is the last day of me being a teenager, officially. To be honest, my life couldn't be any better, I dreamed about where I am now. It's crazy to think that I was once a lonely, depressed teenager with braces and now I'm a fashion blogger working with high end fashion clothing and with a loving boyfriend who I am wanting to marry. I am happy, my life is on the high but yet I'm still scared to turn twenty. Why is that? Is it because I know now that I can't turn back and still act like a teenager if I needed to? Who knows. But I am going to try and turn these scared thoughts into excitement. I am older and there's nothing I can do, I just have to sit back and enjoy the ride of life. So to all the teenage girls who are sitting there, wanting to commit suicide for not being popular or for not being pretty enough. Don't worry. I was there and I got through it and you will too. Trust me, when it comes to the day before you turn twenty, those worries will not be there anymore. So enjoy your childhood while you can, and live your life being free. Just like I should of. So happy birthday to me, and goodbye to teenage Danielle. You will not be missed.

Post soon,

Danielle xoxo