Winter is Coming

Winter is upon us.. Even though hello it's Ireland it's always cold. Still, this time of year is when you have the excuse to sit by the fire, drink tea and watch films and not feel as bad ;)

I love Winter style, and let's be real my wardrobe was made for the cold days, and when we do have the odd Summer's day I haven't a clue what to be wearing! My wardrobe is full of knitwear, boots and cosy scarves. This is definitely the time of year to throw on your tights and your favorite dark lippy.

A girl can never have too many Winter essentials and here are some of my favorite picks out there and also some purchases I have made recently.

Forever 21 Heart Pattern Tights

I love wearing tights and especially in Winter, it's so much easier just to throw them on with a dress and its also a major plus because your going to be majorly warm! I really need to buy different styles of tights so this is why I picked these as a favorite because I don't have anything like them! €7,90.

Topshop Scarf

I love this color, it will look great in the Winter with a plain black coat to brighten it up! I have loads of scarves but I would love to add this one to my collection, €20.

Look at these cuties, I couldn't resist them when I saw them in Next. Yes they are penguins ;) I think they were €12, definitely worth it!

Topshop 'Wicked'

Topshop 'Nails in Panther'

Topshop have a really good range of makeup and nail varnishes, and I sometimes just go into the shop to see what new makeup they have. They are really affordable and they have a good range of colors for everyone. I haven't tried any of their lipsticks or nail varnishes, but these two are potential purchases for me especially for the Winter. Dark nails and dark lips are a must in the Winter. The lipsticks are €11 and Nail Varnishes are €6.50

Homeland Boxset

Nettle and Sweet Fennel

Winter Holidays are definitely a time to catch up on tv and new shows that you have missed. I am for sure going to be jumping on the Homeland bandwagon and going to watch Season 1. I love Twinings brand and especially this nettle and sweet fennel. Even though I would drink this anytime I think its especially good for the Winter months, it's meant to cleanse your system, I don't know about that but I just love it ;)

Dunnes Stores boots

I love boots, they can be worn with jeans, skirts, shorts and dresses. I saw these pair and instantly wanted them, they were only €19. They had them in black too but I think brown goes with everything! These are perfect for winter and are super cosy!

Yankee Candle 'Shea Butter'

This smells amazing, I was in the Yankee candle shop in Blanch and seriously was lost in there with all the smells and wanted to take home everything. The girl in the shop recommended this one, and I have been loving it. I'm not sure how to describe it only that its a relaxing smell if that makes sense ;) and not overpowering. It says its for stress relief, so hence the relaxing smell. Defiantly another Winter thing I love is smells, and I really need to get a Christmasy smell like cinnamon to make my room smell great ha!.

Happy Winter ;) 

C

x x 

It's All About The Nails - Golden Rose

I have purchased new brand (well new to me) of nail varnishes by Golden Rose Cosmetics http://goldenroseuk.co.uk/ and were surprisingly AMAZING. Not only the price is amazing but the product itself. Hands down the most addictive purchase is Barry M when it comes to nail varnishes, around 4 euro a bottle and most of the time you end up purchasing three due to Boots 3 for 2 deals! Golden Rose Cosmetics are affordable and have great variety, the nail varnishes are around 5£.
I however found them on my Autumn travels in Lithuania when shopping in Drogas and one bottle cost me 1.50!! The check out lady though I was mad, being so excited about this product. These are my purchases, two different kind of finish matte and normal glossy varnish.

1. Golden Rose Matte - 07

2. Golden Rose Matte Velvet - 110

3. Golden Rose Matte - 10

The colors I picked are this seasons most wanted. I have never worn matte nail varnishes and it blew my mind how nice it looks when dry! The lighting in my room wasn't great but I have uploaded my favorite in better light.

My favorite shade is the 07, kind of burgundy color with a deep and dark finish. You will not believe how quickly it dries also, maybe its because they are matte.. or maybe its just because its a great find.

These are the glossy finish, like all standard varnishes. I picked a palette which goes together for mix and match kind of idea. I love putting two different colors together and even having every second nail a different color.

1. Golden Rose Care & Strong - 171

2. Golden Rose Care & Strong - 222

3. Golden Rose Care & Strong - 197

The great thing about this collection you dont need a million coats to have a nice finish. Regarding black nail polishes its hard to come across ones that dont need 3/4 coats before it looks completely black with a nice finish. With Care & Strong collection I found you need 2 coats max for a nice effect. 

Where to find them: 

I have been looking and hunting about for bargains and it seems your best bets are http://www.beautycosmos.com/0,224,golden-rose-matte-nail-lacquer.html for the matte finish polishes and http://www.ebay.ie/sch/i.html?_nkw=golden+nail+polish at a great price range starting with 3 euro.

E. ❤

Shoes Lover - Black Obsession

Before I went on my holidays to Prague in July my friend came over to help me pick what night time outfits to bring and heels. As she was looking at my shoes she said 'God how many black pairs of shoes do you have'. Then it was only weeks after when I was clearing out my wardrobes that I noticed, "Yes I do have a lot of black heels". I decided to make a post including my 3 favorite pairs, and some outfits that I have worn them with. I'm not too sure of the exact prices but most heels in New Look are €30 and the wedges from Dunnes Stores were around €20-25.

New Look Heels 

New Look Boots 

Dunnes Stores Wedges

All three shoes mentioned above are my all time favorites and have probably been worn for the majority of my nights out. The heels from New Look I thought were unique and a style I didn't see too much of. The boots from New Look also were a love of mine when I saw one of my friends wearing them and I said I needed to have a pair. The wedges are my favorite from the three, an absolute steal from Dunnes Stores and are so comfortable.

Here are some looks I have teamed the shoes with;

Topshop Black Dress (Sale) 

River Island Black Playsuit

River Island Black Silky Top and River Island Dark Green  Jeggings/Jeans

Topshop Flowery Dress (Sale) 

River Island Black Jegging/Jeans and Penneys Floral Shirt

I love all of these looks are simple and go with all of the above stated shoes.
I'm not too sure of all of the prices, the Topshop dresses were bought in a sale. The River Island jeggings/jeans I think were about €30, the silk top was around €22 and the shirt from Penneys was €13.

x x 

C 

Arthurs Day Special

Arthurs Day refers to series of music events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Arthur Guinness organized in 2009.
Guinness drinkers are expected to raise a glass of the black stuff in memory of Arthur Guinness at 17.59, this being a reference to 1759, the year Guinness was established.

This year Arthurs Day is going to be hopping on the 27th of September. The music line up looks UNREAL, spread across Ireland in 500 locations! So the only thought in my head this week is what to wear, different locations means different outfits. I put together a day time and night time option for this celebration. (Arthurs Day Special 1 & 2)

1. Studded Biker Jacket - Topshop

No one should be without a leather jacket, its so versatile and goes with everything! Topshop is pricey but sometimes its better to invest in a product with some quality, specially if you are going to wear it out as well as casual. Last year I purchased a fake leather jacket, which was gorgeous but when I wanted to wash it I realized I could wash it or dry clean it. Always check the label. Priced at 80 euro.

2. Crackling Topcoat In Black Dynamite - Topshop

Cant remember when this crackling nail varnish came into trend but I have loved it ever since! It makes your nails look that much more glam... This colour is amaze priced at around 7 euro.

3. Burnished Stud Waist Belt - Forever 21

Sometime high waisted shorts need a little something and a belt really dresses them up. Once again Forever 21 never fails for accessories and you can never have to many belts, only 4,90.

4. Rhinestone Cross Earrings - Forever 21

These cross earrings are very rock chick and perfect for this kind of event I might add! Studs tend to fall out of cheaper accessories so this needs to taken into consideration, but when they cost 3,90 its not that devastating when you need to throw them out.

5. Grey Star Studded Boots - River Island

Boots. Ah who doesn't love a nice pair of boots. Kesha is so right when she sings about Boots & Boys. Sometimes it seems like really important factors in life. Unlike boys these boots will probably never leave you or disappoint. Shorts, skirts, dresser or whatever they are the perfect match. Pricey but meh they are beautiful, priced at 95 euro.

6. Aztec Crossed Top - Topshop

Loving maroon shades right now! A semi cropped top, has a bohemian feel to it. Goes perfectly with the shorts I might add. Only 15 euros in Topshop... Just saying.

7. Mid Wash Embellished Shorts - Miss Selfridge 

These high waisted shorts made pretty with the "mid wash" look and the copper studs.. Once again they could fall of and when buying definitely need to be looked at to see whether they are all there and how loose they are. Priced at around 50 euro, probably could find a cheaper pair and pimp them out yourself, but they are cheaper then Vintage Clothing.

E. ❤

Things We Could Never Live Without - Lipstick

There are certain things in life I just can't live without like my iPhone, PJs, chocolate... and lipstick. I guess you can categorize me as a lipstick kind of gal.
I can't remember when this craze of wearing lipstick started as I always used to wear lip glosses, now they seem annoying and sticky. You know the feeling when as soon as you walk out the door and the wind throws your hair all over the place (we do live in Ireland, no weather is predictable) and your hair instantly stick to your sticky lip gloss. Yeah that feeling right there made me stop buying them. So with that thought here is a review of a few of my favorite lipsticks right now that I just could not live without.

1. Mac - Blankety
My favourite shade ever! Kind of nudeish with a hint of creamy purple. I love my nude colours for everyday and going out. It doesn't dry out your lips and is so creamy it looks like your almost wearing gloss over the colour. The lady in Mac Cosmetics told me this was the shade Kim Kardashian wears... I wasn't convinced. Priced at around  € 14

2. Mac - Viva Glam Gaga 2
I love this lipstick nearly as much as Lady Gaga, after all she can do no wrong. I used the whole lipstick in a few months and even when it was gone I still managed to scoop to the bottom with my lip brush. Its another nude shade, very pale for people who are not into nude colours this is probably not for you. It is perfect for going out when you're rocking the smokey eyes look! Priced at around € 14

3. Benefit - Shy
This is a light pinky shade suited for everyday use, I find it too light for night time. It comes off fairly easily but doesn't dry out your lips which I find with a lot of other lipstick. Sometimes Benefit can be overpriced compared to a lot of other brand but this lipstick is worth it. Priced at around  € 18

4. Natural Collection - Fig Leaf
Not everyone has heard of the Natural Collection, it is a Boots brand. Very affordable and cheap make up. I bought this lipstick during one of the poorer student weeks and was very happy with the find. The shade is matte nude brown. Its great coverage and looks the exact same colour on your lips! Unfortunately it kind of dries out your lips if you wear it too often, and it broke in half before I finished it. This has happened to three other tubes I have purchased. Nevertheless for the price of around € 4 its worth a purchase!

5. Benefit - Do Tell
Another Benefit purchase. I got this lipstick a year ago and did not start using it since this summer. I am not very brave with my lipstick, I am more of a crazy eyes kind of girl. This is a shade of deep, dark reddish/purplish kind of lipstick. I love it because although its dark colour it doesn't make you look like you have had a lip job. (I always feel like I have huge lips when I wear dark or really red lipsticks.) Priced at around € 18 

E. ♥