My Intimate Jewellery Collection

Hi there lovelies. Today I want to share with you the very last post of my jewellery collection.

This jewellery box was gifted to me a few Xmas' ago by my boyfriend's family. I do love the design. This is where I keep all of the jewellery items that are most precious to me.

Here I have some bracelets. The leather one with my name on was given to me by my cousins when they visited Florida as kids. The charm bracelet and some charms are from my man. Some charms were later added as gifts from his family. The beaded bracelet was to represent my Gran at her funeral because she loved to wear this type of thing in her later years so all of the girls wore one. My Mum's silver bracelet that she used to wear is also there. My baby bracelet is there too :)

To think I was once that small :)

These are my rings. The flower one my cousin bought for me when we were kids. One of them is my Mum's old ring. The other rings were gifts from my fella. In the box is my Mum's wedding ring that fits my wedding finger perfectly. Spooky huh. My parents divorced when I was 3, but they remained such good friends until my Dad passed in 2006. They were like best buddies which I loved :)

A lot of these earrings were presents from my Dad, but one pair is from a friend who passed away and another from my Gran who has also passed on.

There is a mixture in the lower drawer of this jewellery box. The Vicky badge my cousin made me when she was a little girl. The medal was my Grandad's. Again some of these items were gifts from my Dad and Gran.

I hope this series of posts about my jewellery collection and storage has given you ideas of how to store your own jewellery as well as getting to know me and my style a little better :)

What is your jewellery style? Do you have a favourite place to purchase yours? What are your most precious jewellery items? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

E.L.F. Concealer & Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Reviews

Hi there people. I have been so lazy today getting in and out of bed. I don't know what's up with me I just feel wiped out. Anyway I hope your weekends are going well. Today I have two product reviews for you from E.L.F. and Clarins.

Top: E.L.F. Studio Concealer Ivory, £3.75

I used this concealer straight from the tube to swipe underneath my eyes and on the blemished areas of my face. This went on really smoothly as it's a creamy formula, but it not at all slippery as it dries slightly more matte on the skin once applied. It does give you time to blend with either your fingers or a brush. I usually went with using my fingers as the warmth from my fingertips helps to set it in nicely. I used a slight patting motion. The colour match for my skin is really good. I would certainly recommend this for paler skin tones. I really enjoyed using this product as it worked as good as higher end concealers I have tried and is great value because it lasts for ages. I would say that this lasted about 3-4 months. Because it can be applied using your fingers it is travel friendly too so no need to carry a make-up brush around. The packaging looks slightly different on the website now as their is no concealer shade around the middle, but I believe the product to be the same. I would definitely repurchase this product. This comes in three other shades of beige, honey and tan.

Bottom: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, £16.99 for 100ml with free delivery

I think I got this free sample when I purchased something else from Clarins. This product is said to work towards minimising age spots, softening the skin and strengthening the nails. I don't have age spots on my hands so I can't say how it works in that way and my nails are usually pretty strong anyway so for me this product was really just used to see how it cared for the skin on my hands. The scent of this white cream is quite pure and delicate. I have to say that this was a really nice hand cream to use. The cream was not sticky or greasy. It left a smooth layer over my hands and did actually make them feel softer with continued use. I would say that if this product does work for age spots then yes I would pay this price in the future if I get them on my hands, but for now this is a product that is a bit too expensive for me to use just as a hand cream.

Have you discovered any great products from E.L.F. or Clarins recently? What are your favourite concealers and hand creams? Let me know with your reasons in the comments below.

Love to you all

Chateau Boutique Launching In October!

Hey there beautiful people and Happy Friday. I hope you are all looking forward to the weekend. I was so gutted that I missed out on the Bloggers Love Girls Night Out event last night as I got a really bad migraine and didn't feel well at all. I'm still feeling under the weather, but I get bored easily when I am sick so blogging is my salvation :)

I featured the fashion brand Chateau Boutique previously on my blog when I attended the Bloggers Love London Fashion Week Event. Today's post is to provide you with more information about Chateau Boutique and their October launch.

Chateau Boutique is a new and exciting independent retailer based in Newcastle upon Tyne with items also soon due to be available online. The boutique owned by Tara Gardiner is situated at the heart of the city centre in Newcastle upon Tyne in a beautiful listed building right next to the Castle! 

The website launches on the 21st October selling ladies fashion, shoes, jewellery, accessories, homeware and gifts. Chateau Boutique also offer a tailor made bespoke design service where you can have a dress created especially for you designed either by yourself or the team at Chateau.

Q&A session with owner Tara Gardiner:

How are you different to other retailers out there?

We don't just cater for one type of girl we cater for everybody. I chose to have 5 different types of muses to start off which are girly girl, good time girl, power girl, it girl and quirky girl. I will add more muses as time goes on as everybody is different and I want to appeal to everybody out there. Fashion is for everyone!

Why is there such a high difference in your price points?

Since social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter came along young girls don't want to be photographed in the same dress twice. This is why I decided to stock fast fashion as well as designers so girls can wear a dress for a night out and it wouldn't matter if they never wear it again.

It is very import for me to stock lower priced garments. Being based in Newcastle upon Tyne the nightlife here is so big that girls tend to go out a lot. This is where the fast fashion is much more convenient for girls these days. People tend to make more of an effort for race days, bank holidays and special occasions which is why we will be stocking higher priced garments also.

Why do you make so many kaftans?

I used to travel quite a lot, lived in hot countries abroad and have struggled for years to find good kaftans. I now have a bit of an obsession with them and have even started wearing them during the day. You can easily dress up a pair of jeans and a vest top by wearing a kaftan. We at Chateau Boutique make them in a variety of different styles, prints and colours and we will keep them in stock all year round. Our kaftans are the best!

Where do you find inspiration for designing your garments?

Most of my inspiration comes from travel and I love architecture. When I'm away from my familiar surroundings I notice things a lot more, taking more time to look at things and pay attention to detail. I love to draw from buildings and as no two buildings are the same they always keep me interested.

What is your background in fashion?

I have a degree in fashion so I am qualified in all aspects of fashion from design to marketing. I also worked for one of the top British designers on Regent Street whilst studying in London. I have always had a big interest in fashion from a very young age and it was always the plan to either become a designer or open up my own shop.  

What has inspired your latest collection?

Whilst studying towards my degree in fashion I decided to focus mainly on the business aspect of things. Having started several business' already in the textile industry it came a lot more natural to me, but I didn't have as much time to design anymore. Then after I graduated I moved to Athens, Greece and found that living in a different culture surrounded by the most amazing ancient architecture including the Acropolis it was easy to feel inspired again. A lot of my latest designs were created whilst living in Athens so there will be a lot of bright colours and structured garments.

You also offer a bespoke design service, tell us about that?

Last year I attended the Oscars (Academy Awards) in Los Angeles and really struggled to find 'the perfect dress'. As it was a big event it had to be something spectacular and fit my body perfectly. After failing to find a dress that was suitable I decided to design my own gown and have it tailor made. When I wore the dress I got so many compliments from A list celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. It was truly amazing and really gave me the confidence to start taking my designs more seriously.

Tara Gardiner with Heidi Klum at The Oscars in this beautiful tailor made sparkly dress designed by Tara. 

Here is the dress as featured previously on my blog, Link!

Where did you come up with the name Chateau Boutique?

I took the word castle from the address of the boutique which I am very proud of as the location is one of the oldest parts in the history of Newcastle upon Tyne. As my ancestors and family name originates from France I decided to translate this into French to come up with the word chateau. This way I feel the name has meaning and is personal to me.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

We have a website that launches on the 21st October 2013. I have been working on this alongside the boutique and my own collection, Chateau for the past year now. I want to give people a unique online shopping experience that is fun and easy to use. There is no other online retailer like us out there. It is going to be very exciting. 

Register online now at www.chateauboutique.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning £500 worth of vouchers to spend online or in store!!

I am very excited about this launch and I hope you are too. Tara is such a lovely person that obviously has fashion in her heart so make sure to keep an eye out for this new retailer with lots to offer.

Love to you all

My Fashion Union Wish List

Hi there beautiful people. It may be Monday, but I have something to cheer you up. Would you like to win £500 to spend at fashionunion.com? Of course you would. The idea is to create a wish list of your favourite products from Fashion Union. The 8 most favourite entries will then be posted on the Fashion Union Facebook page and their Facebook fans will decide the winner. For full entry details see this link! 

fashionunion.com

So here is my wish list :)

Black Baroque Print Knitted Dress ~ £24.00

Print Long Sleeved Printed Kimono ~ £28.00

Black Chiffon Playsuit ~ £25.00

Black Curved Brim Bowler Hat ~ £12.00

Black Dungarees ~ £30.00

Black Cross Over Buckle Peep Toe Platform Shoe ~ £25.00

I think these are real staple pieces that would take me nicely through the autumn and winter seasons.

Good luck to all of those who enter. Remember entries need to be in by 5pm on Monday 30th September!

Love to you all

4 Body Care Products From Boots & 99p Stores

Hey there beauts and happy Sunday to you. What have you been up to this weekend? Enjoying the fashion at London Fashion Weekend or the beauty at Olympia Beauty perhaps?  

Today I have a few product reviews for you for the body.

Left To Right:

Boots 24 Hour Protection Unfragranced Anti-Perspirant

I believe this was around £1.00 for 250ml. This alcohol free item worked well as an anti-perspirant. If you are not into scented products then this could be for you.

Impulse Loving Words Body Fragrance 75ml

I picked this up in the 99p Store. This was a really nice mixture of a fruity yet floral aroma. I like the twist tops on the Impulse cans as you don't lose the lid and the spray is not accidentally used if in your bag.

Boots Shower Cream 250ml

I believe this was less than £1.00. This had a lovely baby soft, creamy scent and the product felt nice on the skin. I am not a fan of shower washes with handle designs though as I always find that product is hard to get out of there and so some gets wasted.

Keep Clean And Moisturise Luxury Body Lotion Vanilla And Anise 250ml

This was another 99p Store purchase. Here is my original post from the range that I picked up. In those first impressions I said that the anise must give it an edge as the vanilla scent was not too sickly for me. I find some vanilla scents too overpowering, but this really is not. It smells much more expensive than 99p. The cream is lovely and thick, but the pump does stop retrieving product just over half way through the bottle. I find that pumps and thick creams always seem to end up doing this.

These are some great products for everyday use that I would certainly repurchase, especially due to their inexpensive cost.

I could not add links in this post as I could not find them on the Boots and 99p Store websites sorry.

Have you found any bargains from Boots own range or in the 99p Stores? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

London Fashion Week Event With Designer Sofia Dourvari & Other Brands

Hi there gorgeous people. I have a feeling that this weekend is going to end all too quickly like last weekend did. Weekends should soooo be longer. Anyway enough of my rant and on to the good stuff.

I attended the Bloggers Love London Fashion Week event party on Tuesday evening. It was a very exciting event with a catwalk show from LFW designer Sofia Dourvari and many fashion items from various brands. The event was hosted by Prince’s Trust Ambassador, celebrity stylist and make up artist Lewis-Duncan Weedon who is also the face of several brands including Pavoni Bags. Lewis-Duncan Weedon has also been a two time recipient of 'Best Dressed' award. There were drinks and candy floss for guests to enjoy too. I will take you around the fashion brands that I spoke to first.

olliemay.com

The first brand I visited before the show is Ollie May. This is one of their very gorgeous dresses. Unfortunately most of the pieces had actually gone by the time I arrived which was actually early.

I was asked if I would like to take a piece from the Ollie May rail. I chose this Claire Sequin Blouse which is £26.00 on the Ollie May website. This is a size 10 (M). It's a little big on me, but I am think of styling it with a high waisted skirt. I love the collar as it makes this feminine peach blouse pop.

Great space age inspired items from 15thlane.com

Shiny Texture Fabric Tee ~ £24.99

Robot Print Shirt ~ £22.99

Just how adorable are these Cruciani friendship style bracelets from brunioltremare.com. So cute and pretty. £10 each.

Gorgeous girls wearing these fab colourful tube skirts from sexkittencouture.com

I love the look styled with the t-shirt tucked in. Relaxed yet still sexy. These striped designs are 59 Euros each.

beckysboutiques.com featured a range of bandage style dresses. This embellished design stood out for me.

There was so much of a buzz around this fashion line that I could not snap the whole rail. The brand is chateauboutique.co.uk. Chateau Boutique offer custom designs as well as a ready to wear range. Make sure to check out the link for the chance to win a £500 voucher to spend online!

I was asked if I would like to take a piece and so I chose this chiffon yellow and orange cheetah print dress. This photo really does not show just how neon it is, but I can tell you it's bold and beautiful. I wasn't sure about the size so I was offered to take another one too. This one is shown from the front in a size S/M.

This is the same dress from the back in blue and pink, but in a size M/L. The S/M is a better fit on me, but I will make them both work. I am looking forward to styling these up too.

 

These beautiful girls introduced me to the handcrafted designer jewellery brand Innaya Couture. My preferred pieces were the blue stoned bangle which came in a variety of shades and the head piece worn in the photo above. I love the asian inspiration behind this collection of jewels.

I received some products from laurensway.com including the Big Bun (Big) ~ £9.95, the Darker Than Dark Self Tanning Bronzing Lotion ~ £17.95 and the Darker Than Dark Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse ~ £19.95.

I also received the Rana Argan Oil ~ £9.00 or £23.00 depending on size. This spray can be used on hair, skin and nails.

I liked the kimono prints at dressedbylauren.bigcartel.com.

Crystal Amaze were also there on the evening. I have featured them previously on my blog which you can view here.

I sadly missed speaking with loveumbrellas.co.uk. They have some beautiful designs that make the rain a bit more bearable.

And now on to some of the pieces in the catwalk show from designer Sofia Dourvari ........

Left: Designer Sofia Dourvari with one of her models

Right: Host Lewis-Duncan Weedon

Sofia Dourvari is the creator of this luxury ladies wear brand. Many of the designs hark back to the designer’s Greek roots with inspiration taken from Greek architecture, flowing lines inspired by the all natural elements. Sofia officially launched the high-end, luxury range of women’s clothing in 2011. During her studies Sofia won the Best Designer Award in the International Student Festival (2007).

“Fashion and design have always been my passions and my philosophy is to create elegant feminine designs that are creative, unusual and suitable for a wide range of occasions, from parties, galas and events, to weddings and formal dinners and even for the office. I like to create timeless designs suitable for ladies of any age, in both classic, practical shapes, in either pencil or skater-style, as well as dramatic floor-length gowns.”

I am so glad that I got to see some fabulous pieces from a great variety of brands as well as the wonderful creations from designer Sofia Dourvari.

Let me know your favourite pieces in the comments below.

Love to you all

My Beauty Cutey Skincare & Fake Tan Wish List

Hi there beauties. What are you up to now that it's Friday night and the weekend is finally here? I have a pretty quiet weekend on the cards with just a few jobs to do and a lot of blogging.

I have guest blogged at Beauty Cutey and wanted to share the link with you. The post is 'My Beauty Cutey Skincare & Fake Tan Wish List'.

My aim was to find the best products on the Beauty Cutey website for my needs which is all explained within the post.

There are many fab make-up, skincare, hair care, nails and fake tan products on the website so check them out in this link!

Let me know if you have tried any of the products on my wish list or from the Beauty Cutey website and your thoughts on them in the comments below. I would also love to hear your wish list picks from the Beauty Cutey website :)

Love to you all

Facial Skincare: 3 Product Reviews

Hi loves. Today I have 3 products for the face to review for you so I will just get straight to it.

Left: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, £27.00 for 250ml

A soap-free, foaming gel cleanser. Removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. Suitable for all skin conditions.

This was a very deep cleansing gel that made my skin squeaky clean literally. It left me feeling refreshed like I had clean new skin. The formula was not irritating. My only disappointment is that the writing as you can see was coming off the bottle. Annoying when you can't remember the exact name of a product. There are various sizes and prices on many websites for this product.

Centre: Pukka Ayurveda Radiance Serum, Currently reduced from £32.00 to £24.00 for 50ml

I received this product in my July GlossyBox. All information about this product can be found in that link. This was a very runny formula and it was very easy to apply too much. You only need a small amount to cover the entire face and neck. It did feel like a natural and nourishing serum which left you with a glow on application, but that did not show through once I applied my make-up.

Right: Docteur Renaud Raspberry Soft Cream, £25.00 for 50ml

I received this product in my February GlossyBox. All information about this product will be in that link. This was a lovely product to use mainly because of the scent. It really does have a gorgeously raspberry sweet smell as I first stated in my initial impressions. The cream itself makes the skin feel supple and sinks in nicely. This is a limited edition product though so I am not sure how long it will be available. This does come in various prices and sizes if you search online.

So that's it for these three reviews. Which face products have been your favourites lately and why. Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

 

My Earrings & How I Store Them

Hello darlings I hope you are well. Today I am going to show you my earring collection and my storage solutions for them. So here we go :)

When I found this candle holder in Flutterbyes I thought it would be perfect for holding my stud earrings and I was right. The little holes in the butterfly pattern display the earrings perfectly. Some of these earrings are from Aldo, Primark and Bank.

 

This pink plastic 3 drawer unit was given to me by my Mum ages ago. I have seen these sold in many pound shops and places that sell household items so they should be easy to find.

This drawer holds all of my random earrings. I know that at least one pair is from Primark and my friend bought me the purple heart earrings.

Here are my silver earrings. These are from Primark, Urban Outfitters and Lucy In The Sky (present).

In this drawer are my gold earrings. These are from Primark and New Look.

So that's all for my earring collection. I hope you are enjoying viewing my jewellery and storage ideas. Let me know how you store and display your earrings in the comments below.

Love to you all