MINK & STONE DARK BEAUTY BRACELET - MY DESIGN

Hey wonderful people. How are you all? I am very excited to share with you a piece of jewellery I was given the opportunity to design. 

I met the lovely Miisa from MINK & STONE at #BLFW. Miisa showed me just how easy it is to create a piece of jewellery on the Mink & Stone website. There are a choice of 7 necklace styles in varying lengths or a bracelet if that's your preference with either silver or gold metal.

You can make up a personalised tray of goodies to play with and have fun creating your own design. There are easy search options under colour, use, material, collection or size group.

Each bead is priced so if you have a budget it makes it a bit easier to select choices within that frame. I had been gifted with £15 credit. My bracelet came to just a little over that and I think was totally worth it.

DARK BEAUTY - A FEMININE CREATION OF LOVE AND DESIRE

As you can see you can name your piece adding a short description of the inspiration behind it. Mine is featured on the inspiration page which you are given the option to do if you wish. It can then be shared on various social media. The more people that 'like' your design the higher up the inspiration page it will sit. It's a great idea as others can not only view the materials used and be inspired by your design, but they also have the option to purchase your piece. If they do you can then earn credit to put towards future designs.

Your design will be custom made and shipped to you within 2 weeks. There was a delay in receiving my bracelet as the black crystal hearts proved to be very popular so mine came in less then 3 weeks.

As you can see my design only uses 4 bead styles, yet I think looks beautiful (pats self on back). It was very satisfying hearing the clink of the beads tap together as they slid down the chain landing next to each other. Seeing my design develop before my eyes was very exciting and addictive.  

So why not get creative and have fun designing a piece for yourself or even as a gift. It can be sent to the recipients address with a note saying "designed for you".

Let me know if you design any pieces in the comments below so that others can view them too.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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#LIPGLAM

Hello lovely people. Today I have a review for you of a multitasking balm that was gifted to me at #BLFW.

#LIPGLAM

This balm appears to be just a lip balm, but no this product claims to do much more than that.

LANOLIN LIPBALM

CUTICLE OINTMENT

SPLIT END SOOTHER

LIP & MASCARA PRIMER

EYEBROW BALM

SOOTHES CHAFING & RASHES

DRY SKIN RELIEF

Extracted from sheep's wool this 100% natural emollient offers an instant moisture hit.

So does it work?

As a lip balm it's very satisfying. It leaves a layer of moisture which lasts up to 8 hours. It's very glossy so your lips will look more plumped, but it isn't a lip plumper with that tingling zingy feeling. My lips did feel very moisturised and soft. I suffered a lot less peeling than usual.

As a cuticle ointment it sinks in nicely and feels nourishing. I like to smooth the excess over my nail too for a subtle sheen.

I don't tend to suffer with split ends as I get my hair cut so regularly so I am not sure how it works for those who suffer them.

I tried it on my lashes as a primer, but I found that my mascara didn't apply as full and separated as usual. Because of the consistency my lashes clumped just a little and the mascara was unable to lengthen my lashes as well. However as a conditioning treatment I think it would be fine to use at night on the lashes. I'm not saying it will make them grow, but just keep them smooth as they are hair.

I tend to have a fringe and if I apply eyebrow mascara to my brows I don't really need anything else to keep them in place so I didn't test it out for that.

As a general balm for chafing and dry skin relief I think it would be a great moisturising staple product not just for us ladies, but the whole family.

My only frustration is how messy the tube gets at the opening. I use this mainly as a lip balm and I have always found with these type of tubes for lip treatments they do get messy. Perhaps a doe foot applicator like a lipgloss or a twist up stick would be nice options for those just wanting to use it as a lip balm? I am not sure if this formula could be made like that, but I would be more likely to purchase it myself in the future if that was the case. 

Would you try this product and for what purpose? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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#BLFW JEWELLERY

Hey there beauties. You may or may not remember me attending BLOGGERS LOVE FASHION WEEK DAY 1. I met lots of great brands and was so kindly gifted with lots of exciting things including items from these brands who you can learn more about in the link above.

IRIDESCENCE

This diamante and gold vintage inspired necklace is the perfect way to add interest to an outfit. It would look great with an open neck, something off the shoulder or strapless. Likewise it's ideal to wear under the collar of a shirt.

NORENZO

This beautiful colour petal layer ring is so different from other jewellery I have seen. This is a real statement piece perfect for the spring/summer season with it's handmade floral diamante design. Sabreena is very talented at creating so many wonderful pieces available at Norenzo. If you love floral accessories that I believe have a very modern take on traditional vintage items check out her line now.

JUST TRADE

These handmade triangle studs will never date with their geometric design. Great for everyday wear as a simple statement. The Aztec and tribal trends seem to always pop up at this time of year so they will fit in perfectly with those too.

JOE BROWNS

I love this peace and love style beaded bracelet. It's quite neutral in tone with just a pop of green so great for mixing and matching with various outfits. Joe Browns are anything but a boring brand. They have such a variety of clothing and accessory pieces for men and women. Once you start looking through their site you will be on there a while.

I also have another piece of jewellery from a brand that I met that night, but I designed it myself so expect that post soon.

Let me know which of these brands excites you and any favourite pieces in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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BLOGGERS LOVE LFW GIFTING LOUNGE

Hi everyone. In this post I want to share with you my experience of attending the Bloggers Love LFW Gifting Lounge on Tuesday evening at the Hoxton Arches.

This was a new venue for Bloggers Love events as I know Danielle who runs the show has been trialling out different event spaces since the closure of The Penthouse London last year. I was excited to see how guests would be dressed due to the Gossip Girl theme. There were some signature Blair Waldorf headbands and of course more grunge styles from Jenny Humphrey fans as well as other great cast member resemblances.

For the first time this Bloggers Love event had the brands around the edges of the room with all guests in the centre. After chatting with a couple of brands I turned around to see the room filled with guests and more piling in. It was a struggle to speak with all of the brands I must admit. Bloggers Love events have become very popular over time due to Danielle's amazing efforts which is why some travel from afar to attend.

There was dinner party arranged for bloggers who wanted to attend prior to the gifting. It was meant to be a 3 course meal from a choice of 3 set menus which bloggers had to pay I believe £28 for to attend. I did not book a place as I wasn't sure I could leave work in time so I just went to the gifting session. 

There were a lot not so happy faces in the room when I got chatting with other bloggers who told me that the caterers cancelled so they had pizza and water instead. I can understand their frustration as £28 for a pizza is very steep. 

I believe that bloggers were given the opportunity to choose their pizza toppings, but the pizza boxes arrived unmarked so some people said their pizza was cold or the wrong topping. A couple of bloggers that cancelled due to there being no gluten free option were refunded.

I think that if I had booked the meal for myself I would have declined the offer of the gourmet pizza and requested a refund. Not because I wouldn't want to have pizza, but simply because of how much the pizza would cost.

For a full explanation of what happened on the night from Danielle please see this link!

So now let me get on to the good bits as there definitely were some fab brands to meet :)

NADIA MINKOFF

Nadia Minkoff has always been a firm favourite with me at the Bloggers Love events. These muted tones would suit any fashionista's wardrobe palette. The Spring/Summer 2015 collection however boasts bright hues including lemon, cobalt and orange which have me excited for colourful styling.

The jewellery is exquisite with wearable styles as shown above that I would wear all year through.

I was very kindly gifted with a pearl choker necklace that I can't wait to incorporate into many looks.

SOUKSY LONDON

OMG there were so many items in this collection that I wanted. I met the lovely Nikki Dominic who told me about her wonderful travels which inspire her to create. I was kindly gifted with the MAIZIE NECKLACE. It's truly beautiful and one I will treasure.

With a quote at the forefront of this brand saying "Accessorising is a way to say who we are without having to speak" I totally agree. The items on the Souksy website are heavenly statements to show off your true style and personality.

BETTY'S BIKINI BOUTIQUE

Ellie started Betty's Bikini Boutique to create customised swimwear styles for beach babes of all shapes and sizes to suit their individual needs and fashion tastes. Ellie includes a variety of embellishment choices in her designs for each customer to create their own unique pieces. So if you are a bling queen, like fluffy feathering or even chains and spikes as above (my favourite) why not consult with Ellie in time for your holiday's this year.

IKRUSH

IKRUSH have an insane amount of great fashion and accessories on their website at such fab value pricing for girls who want to keep up to date with trends.

LOUISE-MCLEOD

Emma and Pippa have designed a beautiful range of jewellery items including Hamsa hands, peace signs, tassels, wishbones, beading and gems. My favourite items are the ones shown above.

AKA

AKA are a contemporary and progressive luxury menswear and ladies wear brand with a minimalistic and monochromatic approach. With intricate hand-designed prints such as their OTHERWORLD DRESS and their ZANGA SHIRT DRESS it makes you think for a minute why we ever needed colour TV. Sometimes simple is all we need. I was given the option to choose a piece so I went for the YENA MESH TEE BLACK. I will love adding a white vest or even various bright shades underneath to make the AKA logo pop.

CLOUD9 SKIN SOLUTIONS

This was a very interesting skincare brand to meet as although their range wasn't immense the contents appeared to be wondrous. With solutions for cellulite, varicose veins, dry/damaged skin, scar minimising and spot treatments. I was told that I will be sent the Tranquility Ultra Soothing Cream for Dry Damaged Skin which I will be happy to let you know how I get on with.

LUXSIT ORGANIC CARE

This skincare, haircare and body care brand have a wonderful array of products that I want to know more about including a BB Cream. I have been gifted with their BALANCE BODY LOTION which smells divine. I think they were going to send me over their eye cream too so that I could review it for you.

There were a couple of other brands there on the night most of which I have spoken about in other Bloggers Love posts so check out those too :)

I know a lot of people were disappointed by the Bloggers Love event. I think that because it was so packed at the venue and with the the upset over the meal a lot of bloggers felt let down.

I have attended pretty much all of Danielle's Bloggers Love events and always come away feeling satisfied to some degree.

Even though this was a gifting event brands were not obliged to gift to all. It was an opportunity for bloggers to meet with brands and if they were lucky to be gifted.

I am a bit confused as to why as a VIB I was not given a priority gifting card at this event as usual, but I believe that bloggers who attended the meal were gifted them instead? I was however gifted at the event which I am grateful for.

If bloggers did not request a refund and decline the pizza I think they should put this one down to experience. I am told they were informed of the change prior to the pizza being ordered. 

It wasn't an ideal part of the night, but if you went to a restaurant ordering a 3 course meal and they gave you a pizza would you eat it and then complain afterwards? That may sound harsh, but I think it's a valid point.

I for one have not been put off attending future Bloggers Love events and have just applied for the Bloggers Fashion Week being held over 2 days in March.

Let me know if you will be attending the Bloggers Love Bloggers Fashion Week in March. I hope to see you there.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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GLOWBEADS ROYAL BLUE GLOW BRACELET

Hi sweeties and welcome back today. I have a fabulous piece of jewellery to share with you that is different from any other. 

In November I met with the jewellery brand GLOWBEADS at the BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 1. I was kindly gifted with a bracelet that I am sure you will love.

WITH FLASH

WITHOUT FLASH

ROYAL BLUE GLOW BRACELET

These gorgeous glow bracelets glow as the light catches them day or night. There is a vast range of shades including mixed coloured bracelets that come in different bead sizes. 

I love how it's like wearing a suprise to anyone who notices your glowing piece. Like your own little aura. 

It's so wearable for all ages and fun too. I believe that the glow is captured in the same way the cats eyes you see on the road work. Clever stuff!

Check out this link and tell me your faves in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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YOURS TRULY ORGANICS FACE BASE FACE BALM

Hi everyone. How is your day going? Are you busy Xmas shopping still or chilled with everything prepared? Thank goodness I have all my presents now, phew.

I have a skincare/make-up review for you today of a product that was gifted to me at the BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 4.

YOURS TRULY ORGANICS FACE BASE FACE BALM

Info: A highly moisturising face balm with a formulation to improve skin elasticity and regulate the skin's sebum production. A brightening product that acts as a great base for make-up.

So what did I think?

When meeting Yours Truly Organics at the Bloggers Love Hub I was informed that most products were aimed at oily, problematic and acne prone skin. I have dry skin and so when asked to try this product I mentioned my skin type. I was told that this may still work for me as it's meant to be quite moisturising and a great base for make-up.

For the first few days it felt fine on my skin. I applied it in the morning before make-up and at night as a moisturiser. Unfortunately after those few days it did feel as though my skin was drying up a bit and although it didn't feel tight it felt less supple. My make-up started to look patchy as my skin was drying up and so after about 2 weeks use I decided this product was just not for me.

I do not think this is a bad product. I just believe that my skin type is not right for it. It obviously has a mattifying effect so for oily skin types I am sure it would be worth trying. I can not give any type of real results of it as a make-up primer because the skincare side of it wasn't for me so of course the make-up side wouldn't be either.

The simplicity of the packaging I find really attractive and pure.

I would love to know if any oily, combination or other skin types have found this product to work for them. Leave all comments below so that others can learn from your experience.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 3

Hi my lovelies. How are you all on this drizzly Sunday? Snug and warm indoors I hope. 

Today I have a photo filled post for you featuring lots of fab fashion and beauty brands. I attended Day 3 of the Bloggers Love Hub at the Kanaloa club on Monday evening. I unfortunately missed Day 2, but you can view my post on Day 1 here! Without anymore rambling here are the fab brands :)

I couldn't help but stand up from my VIB front row seat when I saw these exquisite designs from KOYAWO. They moved beautifully.

COLOUR CHASE COSMETICS are a cruelty free and paraben free cosmetic brand with a very exciting line of matte lipsticks with a creamy, non-drying formula. There is also an ultra rich pigment line which can be used as eye shadows, liner and I suppose just about anything else. The thing that drew me to this brand the most is the variation of shades. There are some real colour pops as well as more muted tones. I have been very luckily gifted with two of their lipstick shades so let me know if you would like a review of those.

GOLD COLLAGEN is a sugar-free liquid beauty supplement that nourishes skin from the inside out targeting the visible signs of ageing. One shot is 20 times more effective than applying a collagen skin cream or taking a collagen pill. As we age skin becomes dull and less elastic. Collagen plays a major part in keeping skin supple, smooth and youthful. Dehydrated skin looks less plumped and vibrant. This is when fine lines and wrinkles start to appear or deepen if already visible. This product claims to reach the dermis deeper layer of the skin producing more collagen and hyaluronic acid to fight against the ageing process. It is recommended to drink 1 bottle each day for at least 4 weeks, but preferably 8 weeks or more for the best results. So for healthy skin, hair and nails will you be trying out this peach and passion fruit flavoured tipple? I have one bottle which I think is worth a shot ;)

SLENDERTONE are a brand that I was happy to see there. With a variety of appliances to tone those parts that need some help firming up they are a popular brand. I have a Slendertone Abs belt of my own and I really do think that when added to a healthy diet I do feel more toned and firm in my abdominal area. I was very kindly offered the opportunity to review a product of my choice and so I chose the Face toner. After I feel I have had enough time to see a difference (12 weeks scientifically proven results) I will post my review so keep an eye out for that!

SNIFFY WIFFY are a skincare brand that aims to take care of your skin and remind you to check yourself. Yep you didn't read that wrong. Sniffy Wiffy have a collection of handmade body products labelled with simple guides for checking your bits and bobs (that's breasts and testes ladies and gents). This way we can all SNIFF out Cancer at the earliest stages. With every purchase a donation is made to charity too. I myself check my breasts every month. So get checking while you get pampering ;) I was gifted with four scents of hand cream which I will of course review for you.

HIFAS DA TERRA are a mushroom based line of products. That sounded a little strange to me at first, but let me tell you that if they have me interested (which I am) and I don't eat mushrooms ever there must be something to them. There are so many mushroom types with a host of benefits for you inside and out and your pets. Yeah I know crazy right. So what types of products does this brand offer? Raw mushrooms and spices for cooking, honey blends and chocolate. Supplements including ones to fight infection, immunity balance and digestion as well as capsules for pets and syrup for children. Plus skincare and a massage range. Phew I think they have it covered for all the family. I have been gifted with some serum samples as well as the facial soap shown above. As I have IBS issues which some of you may know I have been asked to follow up and speak with this brand to discuss which products would be most beneficial for me and I believe review for you.

ZUZKA NATURAL BEAUTY cover skincare for both men and women as well as body care, hair care and 100% pure mineral make-up. The scent of their products are absolutely amazing all handmade from organic herbs, plants and flowers. Free from harsh properties and cruelty free they have advanced skincare for all skin types. Susan Kohutova is a qualified beauty specialist and registered medical herbalist with over 20 years experience as a consultant and therapist. Susan herself previously suffered with extremely sensitive, allergy prone skin and so decided to develop her own range free of the main skin irritants. These therapeutic formula's are designed to nourish and care for your skin while pampering you with their herbal aromas. I truly felt like I could drift to sleep while sniffing away at these products. The formula's felt lovely. I have been gifted with the Organic Precious Oil and Manuka Balm so I will of course review those too :)

BOW BOUTIQUE have a fantastic celebrity inspired on trend fashion and accessory line including bodycon, sexy designs for girls who like clubbing as well as fashion wear for an evening meal or event.

MIFANI are what I like to think of as shoe candy. Choose embellishments to rock your current footwear or purchase Mifani's own custom designs. It's customising made easy for fashionista's who like to change things up.

MATTHEW CALVIN is the designer and producer behind this stylish and contemporary jewellery line. Made from quality hand crafted materials this range with it's clean, simple lines has a very modern edge. If you would like to have a truly unique experience at Matthew Calvin you can take part in the bespoke service which includes engravings, reconditioning or replicating old jewellery, custom designs and full day design and production experiences. I love the purity and sustainability that Matthew Calvin offers. These pieces are meant for keeps!

SUMAYAH DERIA have a line or elegant, modern evening and event wear. There are lovely applique designs as well as sequined pieces in this range which boasts rich jewel tones and more muted shades. The brand tee is a great every day piece that could easily be mixed and matched with a blazer and jeans or a high waisted skirt and blanket scarf for example.

 Hair care and styling brand UMBERTO GIANNINI and CHARCOAL-SPA were also in attendance, but I did not unfortunately get to speak with them. I did meet Charcoal-Spa at BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 1 however if you would like more information about this skincare brand as well as the skincare brand NDULGE who also attended Day 3.

To go forward in time here is Day 4 of the Bloggers Love Hub. I missed Day 2, sorry lovelies.

Let me know your favourite pieces and/or brands from this post in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 1

Hi lovelies it's good to know you are here. I have an exciting post for you today featuring great fashion, accessory and beauty brands that are new to me. I went to day 1 of the Bloggers Love Hub on Monday at the Mahiki club. I not only met great brands, but also bloggers and vloggers too.

I met on the left the lovely Helen (aka Melon Lady Baby) who vlogs, blogs and sings her heart out. On the right is the fabulous Leanne Lim-Walker who also has many talents including fashion photography, marketing and PR management as well as blogging and her YouTube channel.

I have been following these ladies on their social media for such a long time as they really know how to engage with their audience and of course have a great sense of style. So if you are not already following them (tut tut) click on the links above. You won't regret it!

The Blogger Programme that Helen and Leanne were there representing are a platform to connect bloggers and brands. It's free to sign up and promote your blog. There are many opportunities to work with brands, plus competitions and job opportunities as well as getting to know other bloggers.

Steam Chains Jewellery have a great line of upcycled and unique chains and pendants put together from old watch parts, trinkets, charms, coins and treasures. There is also the option to personalise your piece whether you want something special for yourself or as a gift.

Ndulge are a natural organic brand that specialise in soothing remedies for problematic and sensitive skin concerns. With both scented and unscented items in their range of handmade soaps, bath and skincare products as well as candles to add to the Ndulge-ent atmosphere we all want to create when pampering ourselves. Ndulge want to help relieve your stress invigorating your mind, body and soul with their cleansing, soothing and moisturising remedies.

D-Jewelsus have a very different style of jewellery than any I have seen on the market recently. Their geometric and 3D pieces are very cool, but the piece that stood out the most for me was the shimmery collar above with framed sections of soft mohair. I love that each side of the collar is different in shape and size. The light catches it brilliantly. There was also a studded version of this which I had my eye on.

Charcoal-Spa have a streamlined collection of products all made from charcoal. Why may you ask? Charcoal has detoxifying properties. Ancient Egyptians used it to keep wounds clean. There are 3 key items within this range including the detoxifying salt scrub, the detoxifying face mask and the charcoal soap. You can also purchase the detoxifying candle to cleanse the impurities from your environment whether at home or work. It does sound like 'Black really hits the spot'!

GlowBeads are a fascinating jewellery collection of handmade bracelets and necklaces that come in a rainbow of colours. They look very subtle in the natural light, but when flashed with light they glow amazingly as shown above. There are also items such as keyrings, home decorations and children's pieces available. I was very kindly gifted with a bracelet that I will be featuring on my blog soon so keep an eye out for that.

Madame La La are a new tanning range to me. I am told that this lightweight self tan mousse is very hydrating with anti-ageing properties. It comes in two shades of the regular Madame La La Tan for a deep golden colour and a light version for a subtle glow. Both develop within 3 hours and last for 10 days as if you have spent 2 weeks on a Malibu beach. It's innovative colour customising technology adapts to your natural skin tone. I am told that there will be a new and exciting product being added to this range so keep a look out for that. I was gifted with the light version of this so lets hope it works well.

Cheeky Poppins have the answer to your customising needs. Want to adorn your accessories, clothes or hair with items that are cute, dazzling or bright? You also want to be able to customise without commitment swapping your customising items around depending on your mood? Perfect! Check out Cheeky Poppins who have adornments to flatter your personality and make a feature of your chosen pieces. I was gifted with the Mary 2 Shoe Clips that I love :)

Made Of Carpet have a range of bags that would have Mary Poppins herself jealous of. The Voyage Elite and Express bags above were my faves. I prefer the square designs for a more modern take on the Mary Poppins trend. The bags are lined so protected from wet weather.

You guys can use this code for a massive 25% discount! ROCKERS

LinmiR create bespoke millinery including turbans, hats, fascinators, couture and bridal pieces. I was asked to choose a piece that I liked so that it can be made for me. I am very excited as the headband I chose can also be worn as a belt or necklace.

At the blogging cafe I met some lovely bloggers including Naddy from jewellery and accessory line Stella & Dot. We had fun chatting about of course blogging while taking Selfies with the instax camera.

In my Bloggers Love gift bag that I collected at the cafe I also received the Vita liberata NKD SKN matte wash off instant tan in medium as well as their tanning mitt.

Catwalk time. These were my favourite pieces from the Eva Cammarata show.

Eva Cammarata are an ethical luxury label produced in the UK and Italy using organic and biotech fibre. Combining traditional techniques with digital manipulation to create interesting prints and innovative knitwear.

Emily Darcy Adams was lovely to meet at the event giving photography advice to those wanting to have a better understanding of how to create the best images for their blog. Emily will hopefully be putting together a workshop for those keen to learn while trying out techniques with other bloggers.

Let me know your favourite brands and pieces from this post in the comments below.

You can skip forward to Day 3 (I missed Day 2) of the Bloggers Love Hub here and also Day 4 here.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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