Autumn/Winter 2014-15 Wish List

 

 

 

Gucci Pre-Fall Campaign Autumn 2014

 

 

I've seen a couple of things I fancy for this Autumn/Winter so far in the shops, online and in magazines.  I've listed a few below.

 

1. Waterproof coat

I need a waterproof coat to wear to work for the next few months before the big padded waterproof from last winter comes back out.  I've seen a navy one in M&S from their Stormwear range.  This would be great shape and length if I wore trousers to work but I don't so it would only be useful on my days off when I'm in my jeans... I wish normal trousers suited my body shape and I could wear them with stylish leather loafers.  My flipping feet are a nightmare! I want to be comfortable and stylish and the same time but they won't stay on my stupid feet, my ankles slip right out! So I either must wear a closed shoe like a brogue or ankle boot or shoes with a strap across to secure my foot.  Exasperating!  Anyway, I'll be on the look out for a waterproof coat that suits the shapes of skirts and dresses I wear.

 

2. Knitwear

I would like some thin(ish) knits to wear over long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses for on my days off work or on the way to and from work if it's a bit chilly.  Knitwear is tricky for me (like trousers and shoes, another to add to the list) because I have a big bust but a narrow waist.  If I clad my bust in knitwear it looks pretty awful to be honest.  I get cold though! Also knits hide my waist which is pretty much the only slim part of me and I would quite like to not cover that up thank you very much!  So, the hunt begins for flattering knitwear.  I love the look of a cute sixties mini-skirt with a blouse and knitwear with tights and a satchel every A/W season. 

 

3. Striped long sleeved t-shirts

I love a Breton striped top! I want ones to go with my blue and black skinny jeans for this winter so a decent thickness in fabric with ideally a full length sleeve which I can push up if a bit warm.  I would like to buy a good quality one to last me and as so many brands do stripes, I think I'll have plenty to choose from.

 

4. Ankle boots for daytime

I've got black and tan knee high boots which I won't bother replacing this year.  My black ankle boots are two years old now and have a little nick in the toe so maybe I will replace these but really I fancy a brown, tan or charcoal leather pair.  They would be for pretty much everyday wear and would need to be practical so I guess a flat pair or low block heel.  I invest in my footwear so I would be looking for leather and good quality.

 

5. Ankle boots black, heeled

For socialising in the evening, during the A/W season, I prefer to wear heeled ankle boots to keep my feet secure and warm too.  I think I have more smart/casual occasions than dressy ones, so these are more practical for me than a really glam pair of heels.  I have a suede, wedged pair and fancy a cool matte leather pair now maybe with a cool heel or buckle detailing.

 

6. Mac make-up

I have no Mac make-up and have never tried any of their products.  This season I would like to add a few to my make-up bag and see what their MUA recommend to compliment my features and skin-tone.

 

7. Urban Decay make-up

I see the beauty vloggers raving about the Naked eye shadow palettes by Urban Decay and the eye primer too.  I might begin with the basics palette and also the bronzer palette as my Fake Bake bronzer has hit pan now.

 

8. Warm shearling jacket

I really want a black shearling jacket this year! I want it to through on over skinny jeans for shopping or drinks with a blouse, striped tee or a piece of knitwear with ankle boots.  I would love this look.  I like black coats with collars to contrast with my blonde hair. It toughens up my plain Jane look.

 

9. Sheepskin lined gloves

I had the best pair of mittens that I bought in a Parisian market on a trip with my fashion course back in first year uni.  They fitted my small hands perfectly.  I find gloves too big and usually wear children's gloves.  They were my pride and joy.  They were the only gloves that had ever kept my hands warm.  They were black suede on the outside and fur lined.  I don't know what type of fur but I suspect it was real fur as they actually did the job of completely keeping out the cold.  I was so upset when I lost them and have not been able to replace them with anything remotely similar.  This year I would like to get some shearling gloves if I can find a well fitting pair.

 

10. Wellington boots

Ideally I would like a short pair that fit to just above my ankle (like Chelsea boots) rather than a tall pair but I will begin the search.  I just want a black pair to wear with my work clothes (I wear black tights everyday with either a dress or a black skirt) that from a glance just look like black boots.  I could also tuck my skinnies inside when wearing them on rainy days off shopping, running errands and dog walking.

The above are pretty sensible and practical choices.  This is because I buy less frequently now and try to only buy investment pieces that I really need.  I am de-cluttering still and buying endless fashion fads does not fit with that at all.  I'm sure I'll treat myself to some of the above and also one or two things not on the list too!

 

Kitty x





Review: Simple Kind To Skin range

 

Simple, the "sensitive skin experts" Kind To Skin range. 

 

From left to right, top to bottom: Soothing Facial Toner, Hydrating Light Moisturiser, Purifying Cleansing Lotion, Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleanser, Brightening Eye Make-up Remover Pads.

 

 



Eye Make-up Remover Pads

I thought I would try these Eye Make-up Remover Pads as when I buy a liquid remover it runs out within a week and I don't fancy buying 4 a month.  I usually use the Purifying Cleansing Lotion to take all my make-up off but I had run out and it had been sold out for a while.  When I went to buy it again and saw it was once again out of stock I was actually just looking to pick up face wipes and was just going to use them to remove my eye make-up only.  They dry my skin out if I use them everyday but for eye make-up they would of been just fine.  Then I spotted these pads and thought I'd give them a try.  I think for the days when I just use a swipe of mascara they will be ok but I usually line my eyes and wear a few layers of black mascara.  Because the eye area is delicate, I believe you should gently press the pad on the eye and hold there for a short while before carefully wiping away the make-up.  It's like with nail varnish remover, hold it on to let it remove the product to avoid as much rubbing as possible.  At only £1.99 for 30 pads (Home Bargains) I think for a light make-up wearer these will do the job.  For me I would need to use 2+ pads and they probably wouldn't last me too long if I used them most days.  Now I have managed to repurchase the Purifying Cleansing Lotion I will use that to remove my eye make-up.

Purifying Cleansing Lotion

This is a tried and tested make-up remover for me.  It is gentle enough for my sensitive skin.  I usually squirt a penny sized amount on a cotton pad and wipe over my face and repeat until my skin is clean.  I use this product to remove my eye make-up and have not reaction to it like I do with other products near my eyes.  I would thoroughly recommend this to those with sensitive skin.  I buy mine from Home Bargains were they charge £1.99 for it, that is why it is usually out of stock but Superdrug usually have it on offer.  Sometimes I stock up on a 2-4-1 or 3-4-2 deal.  Sainsbury's had a deal on recently so I shop around.

Soothing Facial Toner

After cleansing, I apply this toner to a cotton pad and wipe it over my face.

Hydrating Light Moisturiser

I have started using this light moisturiser underneath my make-up as it soaks in well and does not take my make-up off like heavier ones do.  I use a heavier moisturiser at night if my skin is feeling dry.  This Simple moisturiser should be ideal for my sensitive skin and it doesn't leave my face shiny.  My skin is feeling drier but I think I will stick with this and do an exfoliating scrub once a week and use my favourite heavy moisturiser Nivea Soft each night and see if that helps.

Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleanser

I have recently discovered this foaming cleanser.  It was on offer in Superdrug and as I am a fan of the Simple skincare range, I thought I would try it.  I love it! I take my eye make-up off first and then, with my face make-up still on, I wet my face and pump two squirts of the foam on to my hands.  I rub the foam cleanser onto my face avoiding my eyes and then rinse off.  It removes all traces of my make-up and leaves my skin feeling very clean.  It does tighten slightly so I always follow with moisturiser as I don't like that sensation.  My skin perked up after using only a week.  I don't use it everyday as some days I like to use the Purifying Cleansing Lotion.  I like both equally so I switch between the two.  I would thoroughly recommend this Foaming Cleansing.

Do you use any of these products?  Which other Simple products would you recommend?

Kitty x

August shopping haul

I fancied a little shop to treat myself as I have been really good lately and there were a few things I needed.

My last post was My Beauty Shopping List which you can read here

There were a few things I wanted to try from the beauty vlogs I've been watching on YouTube and as I was running low on moisturiser, blotting powder etc I took the first option to go and try some new products! 

I visited Home Bargains, Boots and Superdrug for my beauty and make-up purchases.  If I was shopping for high end beauty I would be picking them up from John Lewis.  They have a great beauty department in the Liverpool store and now sell Mac and Urban Decay products online.  Debenhams and Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar are also popular destinations for make-up and skincare in the city.  I like the set up in Debenhams and they sell Bare Minerals.  The HN Beauty Bazaar is a little cramped but they have Nars and Mac counters.  In the Met Quarter, another shopping centre in Liverpool, they have a Mac and an Illamasqua. 

I enjoyed my day shopping, I don't do it often so I pottered round and picked up a few things I fancied including clothes and accessories which I will cover first.

Forever 21

The age 21 is a mere memory now.  When I visited Forever 21 in NYC in 2010 I thought it was great and I was so excited when I heard it was to open a huge store in Liverpool in 2013.  I think I remember the NYC store more fondly due to it being such a fantastic trip.  I did pick up a leatherette mini skirt with a lace trim there which I bring out each winter, which I love.  I haven't found anything similar in the Liverpool branch.  I don't think it's my style.  It's a cross between Primark quality and prices with a Topshop style customer if that makes sense.  I don't usually go in as I've converted to quality over quantity now but every now and again I'll take a stroll through.  This particular day I spotted these cute little pouches to pop in my bag which I can keep things in that I want to find quickly and keep clean like my iPhone headphones, work swipe card, hair ties and clips.  I liked the pink and black equally and for only £3.50 each I bought both.  I might keep both or give one as a gift.  They make great stocking fillers for friends too.  They're cute aren't they? (Sorry for the early Christmas reference.  I don't shop early but if I spot something like that then I do pick them up.  Usually I start doing that Sept/October time. I walked into Card Factory this week and did a double take at the Christmas card display - it's August!  Clearly when August finishes and back to school is over the Christmas countdown begins).

Marks and Spencer

I know I will always find something I like in M&S.  The quality is great, most clothing items I've bought from there are machine washable and some are pretty stylish.  Obviously M&S are a go to for the basics.  I needed a pair of black skinny jeans for the autumn winter season.  I love my dark blue M&S skinnies and I have worn my lighter wash, ripped denim from their Limited Collection this summer quite a bit too.  These jeans fit well and claim to retain their dark colour.  From working in fashion retail for so long I know all too well not to use fabric softener when washing denim, not to tumble dry or hang over a radiator.  M&S denim CAN be tumble dried!  I love the smell of my clothes freshly washed and warm from the dryer.  I personally don't like the smell after drying on the line even though it costs nothing. 

I picked up a cream silky camisole from M&S too.  I need one to wear underneath my gold sequinned jacket and also for under my kimonos.  I know I'll use it this a lot.  If they have a black one I will probably nip back and get that one too.  If the sun doesn't return a black version will be of even more use especially with the black denim I've bought.

 

 

 

 

John Lewis

I've been waiting for these cat's eyes sunglasses to get reduced in the summer sale but I've waited over 2 months and finally bought them at full price.  They are from John Lewis and are their own brand.  They have a tortoiseshell frame with black arms so will go with a lot.  They are pretty big but they make my face seem smaller and slimmer, I hope.  I know the sun will now disappear because I've bought them but I will need them on my next holiday and on the odd autumn sunny day. 

I haven't got a holiday booked but I know when I do I'll want a beautiful beach cover-up like this Seafolly neon kaftan.  I love the blue tassel trim.  It was reduced slightly but it's a pretty good price for something I'll hopefully use each holiday for years to come.  I think I will get my money's worth.  It is longer in length at the back so I could walk too and from the beach comfortably.  I think I'll be in France next May on a girls break so I'll be taking this with me.

 

 

 

 

Now for the beauty purchases..

Boots

On an Essie Button recommendation, I wanted to try the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot super-translucent mattifying powder.  The #essiebuttoneffect strikes again!  I like a pressed powder for on the go, especially one that includes a compact mirror.  I've used this each day since and have not had to reapply once.  Just what I was looking for, perfect.

My eyebrows have a mind of their own and are definitely not even.  I've never bothered with them before but I am trying to grow the front bits to similar size and length and then will get them shaped.  I just brush them and try and even them out with a pencil now but they still don't look right.  I picked up a clear brow gel to try and tame them somewhat.

I had ran out of a base coat for my nail varnish so I stuck to my trusty favourite, Barry M.  I use this for both base and top coats.  It's a tried and tested, fool proof product.

 

Superdrug

I went to Manchester to visit a friend a couple of weekends ago and after lunch we headed to the shops.  I had been keen to find a Superdrug that stocked the Tanya Burr range of lipglosses and the one in the Arndale centre did have a few left.  I chose the Picnic in the Park shade as I had heard a few bloggers talking about it.  I wore it this Saturday night when I went for drinks with friends and loved it especially when the comments rolled in.  It's not sticky and as the gloss fades the colour stays. 

 

Home Bargains

My usual moisturiser is a heavy one.  It smells gorgeous and feels so soft, I love it but for a day moisturiser under make-up it is too heavy.  It takes my make-up off and I have to top up foundation and/or powder.  I think I have tried a Simple light moisturiser before a few years back but I don't know if it was this one.  Anyway, I know I liked it and it did the job so I've purchased this one and have been using the last of my old moisturiser at night or as a hand or foot cream only.  I think the combination of this new light moisturiser and the new blotting powder is working a treat, my make-up is staying in place all day.

 

I thought I would try these Simple eye makeup remover pads too.

 

 

I'll let you know what I think of the items I've bought when I've tried and tested them.

Kitty x

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 







Bloglovin

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11699753/?claim=7aga38fhkqj">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

My beauty shopping list

This summer, I discovered beauty bloggers and more importantly, beauty vloggers. This is the term created for when bloggers video their content instead of (or aswell as) typing up a post on their blog. I have not tried this myself yet (my life is no way as interesting as theirs) but I am loving watching the videos on YouTube. The first vlog I found was Essie Button.

https://www.youtube.com/user/essiebutton

I have mentioned Estee in a previous post, she goes by the name Essie Button on social media and her vlogs have kept me entertained this summer. I am learning a lot about make-up and beauty products and picking up some useful tips and tricks. Estee also has a second vlog channel which is more lifestyle, and documents her adventures with her boyfriend Aslan and greyhound Reggie. Their vlogs are cute and funny and have me gripped. Carboot sales, dog walks and currently a road trip to and around Scandanavia. I am not selling it am I but they are hilarious, trust me! 

As I have mentioned, this year I am saving my money up and it's going well but is so boring. No holiday for me this year and much less spending. Alongside hitting the gym, I've been watching these beauty bloggers on YouTube this summer. Exciting times! Estee and co have kept me entertained.

From watching Essie Button, I then discovered the below beauty bloggers:
Amelia Liana - https://www.youtube.com/user/amelialiana

Zoella - https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390

Tanya Burr - https://www.youtube.com/user/pixi2woo

Fleur Deforce - https://www.youtube.com/user/FleurDeForce

I have always gone for a natural skin look, I like a dewy glow rather than a matte face. I prefer a natural, sunkissed shade spring to summer. For eye make-up, I usually do a sixties heavy black eyeliner and even used to do a white waterline but now I have toned it down. I have never known what to do with make-up and have never been that interested. I think a make-up lesson will be useful for me so I may book into Mac and get some tips on what will suit me. Since I've been watching the beauty vlogs, I have been dying for my make-up to run out! I can't wait to purchase some of the items the beauty bloggers have reviewed and raved about.

Here are a few beauty and make-up products on my shopping list:

Simple Light Moisturiser

Soap & Glory Blot Powder

Soap & Glory Peachy Glow

Soap & Glory Archery Pencil

An Eyebrow Gel

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Maybelline Concealer

Barry M Clear Nail Varnish

A Tanya Burr Lipgloss

I can't wait to go and pick all this out this week! I also am keen to finally try some Mac products soon. I think I will need to go have tutorial though because I am clueless as to what will suit me and be useful in my make-up bag. I fancy trying a vampy look just for fun. Dark lips and a contoured face. I would look so different. Hide the blonde in a big bun and embrace the dark side.

Kitty x