At Last

Matalan dress, Primark tights, Clarks shoes c/o Sarenza


And at last,
I've come to my final shift before my week off. Before this job I only ever had weekend work, and so the pleasure of an entire week's break from the normal was fairly unknown. I also under-estimated just how much I would appreciate it. I have no plans, and that suits me fine...right now all I want to do is chill out with good books/crap TV and make the most of this weather if it lasts.
I also hope to experiment in the kitchen in terms of baking, making meals and creating snacks. I miss whipping up treats whenever I felt like it...although I wouldn't change my life right now for the world.

 

I was also lucky enough to be sent a selection of goodies from Vivo cosmetics to review,

Launched this month, Vivo announced a line "alive with colour" exclusive to Tesco. Full of catwalk inspired colours at supermarket prices, Vivo is already being compared to the likes of MAC.

((note to local Tesco store, PLEASE start stocking this now, thanks))

I was sent the following:

1. Baked Shimmer Palette, £6. These are really beautiful, the eyeshadows apply like a dream and the blusher, despite looking quite bright suited my pale (and I mean ghostly) skin perfectly. I will be re-purchasing this.

2. Lipstick in Coral Flair, £1.99. Previous experience with cheap lipstick has been awful. Drying and garish colour. This was neither. It applied silky smooth with a more subtle hint of colour than one might expect...though it is easily buildable. There was a gorgeous hint of the smell of Vanilla too.

3. Primer, £6. My only complaint with this is that the tube feels half empty. I'm usually loyally to my Witch primer, but I can see myself alternating between the two, depending on what kind of day my skin is having ((current status, bad, hence no photos of my face wearing the makeup!))

Huge thanks to Vivo for the products. If you see these in your local Tesco then I suggest giving them a whirl...best budget cosmetic brand I've tried to date.

Happy Friday folks..here's hoping for a hot and sunny weekend

xxx

Exclusive!

"Award winning jewellers EC One are really excited to launch a brand NEW & EXCLUSIVE collection from Lucy Hutchings.   Her unique costume jewellery is loved by many and has won wide acclaim within the industry and this new collection is no exception; gold plate, Swarovski crystal and glass beads create a collection that’s understatedly chic."


When this e-mail popped up in my inbox, I just knew I had to feature it! Gorgeous, unique jewellery at an affordable price?
Where do I sign up?

From top to bottom;


1. Caged bead necklace, £27
2. Crystal and ball necklace, £30
3. Caged petrol bead necklace, £27
4. Crystal and ball chandelier earrings, £39
5. Caged petrol bead earrings, £36




All available to buy at EC One


Which one is your favourite?

All a Blur

Far be it from me to actually complain about the gorgeous weather we are currently having, it is, after all, a long time coming. However it does make life a little confusing. Suddenly reverting back to short sleeves, the hotpants brigade back walking around town, the fact it is warmer now at the end of September than it was all summer.


END OF SEPTEMBER?
I seriously refuse to believe we are this far through the year. Complete denial (except for the fact I might have already sorted a couple of Christmas presents).


Life really is a big, confusing blur right now. Which takes me back to my title. And my photos (Tesco dress, New Look tights, Yull shoes)


Happy Mid-Week!

xxx

Half Light

You can tell this was a Monday outfit, because the photos came out worse than any other day. Damn you Autumn and your stupid half light. If rumours are to be believed (and around these parts, they are currently just rumours) we are due for an Indian Summer. This pleases me greatly, especially if it lasts in to the weekend (I for once have grand plans) and further, in to my week off.

Vero Moda dress, Primark tights and Kate Kanzier loafers.

A new sweet shop has opened in Bristol, called Fizzy Lips. Somewhat expensive but I got to indulge my love for all things peanut butter...although, thankfully, the pepsi isn't peanut butter flavoured.
I wish the UK would cotton on and bring out exciting M&Ms, I tried the USA coconut ones the other day and loved them. Anyone care to send me mass supplies?*

Happy Tuesday folks

xxx

*I am half joking, but if anyone did want to do a little exchange, I would be delighted!

What I Wore

This is what I ended up wearing for the fashion fun yesterday. Before I went to bed the night before I had a couple of outfits in mind. By the time I woke up (late) Sunday morning, I didn't fancy either of them.

The Lace Dress is from New Look (back in the Spring now), the tights are House of Holland and the boots are my new best friends, Chelsea from Yull. I also wore a vintage velvet blazer.


Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway with Joe Browns, the winner of the amazing prize is Maria! I love holding giveaways so stay tuned for more!


How was your weekend?

xxx

Colour from Cabot

This weekend I'm blogging live from the Cabot Circus Fashion Tour. Fabulous and fun with hourly runway shows and discounts galore it's great to see Bristol recognised as a fashionable city at last. This is the first fashion event I've been to in Bristol and I am sincerely hoping it won't be my last.

My favourite looks and trends from the show I caught included


Oasis- 60s inspired monochrome, from sleek office looks to stand out night wear.

(shoes from New Look)


Dorothy Perkins- DPs is HOT on colour block this season, jewel colours reigned supreme with options to keep it subtle or go all out clashing.

Zara- Citrus Noir was the theme here. Bold shades of yellow, ranging from mustard to lemon paired with black to make an impact. I never in a million years thought of myself as someone who would lust over yellow but after seeing this show I am well and truly converted!

(shoes from New Look)

Handily everything seen in the shows is labelled up in the shops ready for instant purchasing. Without discounts in many of the stores, and excellent show styling I sense my bank account might be in trouble.

Boots made for Walking

At the start of September I blogged about the "coming soon" limited edition boots from Yull. Well, the wait is over! I got home from work yesterday to find the arrival of my Chelsea boots and any doubts I had about whether I needed these or not were erased.
Say hello to the perfect flat boot. I'm so glad I went against my conscience and ordered a pair of these. They fit (true to size) like a dream and are so buttery soft. I really must resist ordering Fulham, too...that would just be greedy, right?

Happy Saturday folks,
remember today is the last day to win with Joe Browns!
xxx

Well Damn, Damart

When Damart got in touch with their Autumn/Winter lookbook (styled by London College of Fashion Students) I didn't expect to be impressed, although I should have known better having previously having to eat my words about them.

Someone got a hot new makeover!

A mixture of beautiful knits, faux fur, dresses and tailoring Damart has re-vamp and is starting to appeal to a younger audience.

Prices are good, a knit will set you back around £33 and there are some gorgeous accessories to compliment the collection...

and of course, it wouldn't be a Laura post without a mention of the shoes!

Chunky boots with a Thermolactyl lining to keep feet snug? I'm SOLD. Not to mention a huge range of what made Damart famous...THERMALS!


Well done Damart,
I'm a convert.

What do you think?

xxx

thursday

Thursday; my half day. Do some work from home this morning, work the flu clinic (first of the season) this afternoon. Four hours with the nurses logging vaccines and chatting to patients, I'll do it! I've never witnessed so much excitement over getting a needle jabbed in your arm, the letters went out this week and since then we've been a flu hotline.

Wearing jumper dress from Next (about 18 months ago), New Look tights and Jeffrey Campbell sweat boots c/o Sarenza.

Do you get a flu jab? I'm getting mine this afternoon....no germs for me, please.
xxx

A Shoe for all Seasons

So, this is part two of my post about Sarenza's fantastic competition that could land you £800 worth of shoes. As an ambassador for the site, I've had the fortune to test their several times now. I've already raved about the excellent customer service (seriously, fastest and most helpful responses ever) and as shoe websites go, they have hands down the best selection of shoes I've seen...name an occasion and I bet you'll find a shoe for it. This post today is going to take a look at my top picks of the new season collection and what I'll be lusting after to complete my truly British winter footwear wardrobe.

No post on British footwear style can be done without a mention of Hush Puppies. A brand I grew up with (and to be frank, loathed due to it being the only place I could get school shoes) which has suddenly leaped back on to my radar with some stunning pieces. My new skinny cords are crying out for these Lover shoe boots (£70) in a colour that stands out from the crowd.

These Timberland pull on boots (£136) are just the things for an English winter...durable, snow worthy attire that will look stunning with thick tights (in a multitude of colours, of course!) and knitted dresses...and jeans, and skirts, and shorts...and yeah. The fluffy lining should keep frostbite at bay, too.

Irregular Choice can be a bit of a marmite brand, but I think these Otters boots (£80.64) make the perfect party shoe. Who wants to walk home in flimsy stilettos when it's freezing and wet outside? Not me, that's for sure! The perspex heel and snake print outer make these on trend and practical. I'm wondering how to justify yet another pair of boots...

And finally, for the dream work shoe. Secretary by Shellys (£82.44) are both high enough and sturdy enough to keep out the worst of the elements, yet feminine and just a little bit mad men. I'll be dreaming of these as my feet shiver in flimsy flats and leaky boots. Perfect with a midi skirt and sheer blouse I think!


What shoes scream "Great British style" to you? For me, what sets it aside is a quirky edge and the ability to cope with a multitude of (awful) weather.


Check my last post for how to enter the competition yourself, and link me to your reviews!

xxx

A Fantastic Oppurtunity from Sarenza

As many of you know, I'm a Sarenza Ambassador and I would not be doing my duty if I didn't direct you toward this fabulous oppurtunity to win a staggering £800 worth of shoes!

"Sarenza wants the fashion Queens of the UK to show their European neighbours what British style is... ;) The creative, fun and inspiring British style has long been the envy of Europe, that’s why the best reviews and style pictures will be featured on their international sites across Europe, so feel free to include photos of you in your post to illustrate your review!    

Every entrant to the competition will be invited to our very special event on the 28th September in London too, that we are currently organising to give you an exclusive preview on the coming collections and get your feedback on the latest British styles and trends (as well as chatting about our favourite subject...shoes!"

If this sounds like something you're up for then here are the guidelines:

• You have until the 30th of September to write a review on your blog about your favourite items from the new Autumn/Winter collection and for a maximum amount of £800…   
• The theme of your review has to be: ‘pure British style!’ and to make your entry valid, please include the links to the product pages of the items on the Sarenza website in your post.   
• Sarenza will then select the 15 most exciting reviews and feature them on the Sarenza blog. In this blog post, Sarenza will encourage readers to vote for their favourite review.  
• The blogger who’ll get the most votes will win £800 of vouchers to buy the items she reviewed, and one of the people who voted for her will receive the same prize, decided by a draw.   

Good luck folks, I can't wait to read some of your reviews, and mine will be posted here in a coming post!

xxx

under + over

(ignore the tired face/total lack of makeup)

Operation cords ended up back where it started when I spied a new arrival in my local New Look. Somehow I always end up back there for my basic needs, £22.99 and in a variety of colours...I sense a repeat purchase. Teamed with a basic Peacocks tee and Matalan cardigan for a cold annd drizzly day off. I quite like this trousers lark.


Happy Tuesday

xxx

that monday feeling

A bit dim and blurry, generally not quite with it? Yeah, it's Monday alright! Have a good one xxx

(don't forget to enter)

Wise Words

Just another reason to add to the endless list of why I love Johnny Depp

here


xxx

bugged

It was only a matter of time before I came down with the first bug of the season. Hazard of working at a doctors surgery...though after a while you do build up an immunity so hopefully this isn't the first of many!

Anyway,
what better way to have a lazy Saturday recovering than in a draped snuggly knit, especially when it is as awesome as this one that Matalan kindly sent me?
Currently loving all things tribal, this knit is just perfection, even if, in true Laura style, I haven't quite mastered the art of looking "finished" and it's hanging all wrong.


Happy weekend folks,
I hope your germ free and have fun things planned!

xxx

fridayfridayfriday

 

FRIDAY!
Weekend is here! I'm wearing a new cardigan. I've been home a year. I'm off this afternoon. There is a box of m&s white chocolate/lemon wafers with my name on it.

Hurrah.

What Nature Valley Did Next

 

Long term readers of the blog will know how much I've championed Nature Valley on here, with their fun events and delicious bars,

as well as getting involved with the 2012 Olympics they are currently running an Urban Gardens event which will take place around the country in coming weeks

"The events aim at bringing a bit of country fun into the city: charming fete games, lovely prizes and yummy Nature Valley bars… And you don’t have to be too good at ‘Splat the rat’ to enjoy a free Nature Valley bar"

Let me know if you pop along!

 xxx

that dress

It just had to be the first worn of my new purchases. I wish it came in more colours...I could make it my work uniform!
xxx

Green Bug

Since harvesting my first crop of tomatoes this year (after a somewhat uncertain start) I've been bitten by the gardening bug. I think I've mentioned before my desire to grow my own fruit and vegetables and now I have had some minor success this has become greater. Space in our garden is somewhat limited so I've been looking for tips and tricks for growing in confined spaces...


Container growing looks to be the best option, indeed our tiny little tomato plant flourished in a bag of compost in a small wooden trough and rapidly took over it's little corner of the patio, apparently lettuce, cabbage and potatoes will also flourish in this type of environment, and if those don't appeal I'd hazard a guess that with the right type of soil you'd get away with most things.

 

 I'd love to hear from any readers who have had success with growing in containers...what have you grown and did it take much care (my green thumbs are lethal at times)

What about growing fruit and vegetables indoors? Does that work at all?

One day, I'd love an allotment,

until then...I NEED HELP!

Nothing beats the taste of home grown produce. I love when people at work bring in their crops for us to take home...

*trundles off in a day dream about making jam and chutneys from home grown things*

xxx

This is a sponsored post but very relevant to my current interests and dreams. I really do think I missed my calling in life as a farmer

shopped

 

Nothing quite like a bit of retail therapy on your day off! I didn't manage to get the wardrobe basics I was after...nor the skirt of dreams/knitwear from River Island (hello disappointing store at Cribbs) but I'm still pleased with my haul.

1. Jumper from Next, £18. You can't really see but this has nude tone flecks through it. It's just the right size of baggy; achieved by going a size up and will be perfect for work and with jeans.

2. Surprise of the day, velvet trimmed peter pan collar dress, £24 from Jane Norman. That shop really does contain some hidden gems. You do have to hunt though, there were about four things I would have worn hidden among a hell of a lot I wouldn't.

3. Lavender cardigan, £12.99 H&M kids. The H&M at Cribbs is a mess, to put it nicely. I couldn't find anything I had previously seen there/had seen in other Bristol stores and gave up hope in the adults range. Attracted to a Bambi jumper in the kids range and wandering over for a closer look, I found this cardi and slipped it on. All the cardigans in the regular range were either too thick or too thin, but this is the perfect mid-way knit and fits like a dream. Nice price, too!

4. Dress, £18 from Dorothy Perkins. I originally wanted a single colour one, namely the hot pink but the colour washed me out. I found this one in a promotional section reduced to £20 down from £38 (I believe) and tried it on. Love. Love love love. A flash of my NHS card secured another 10% off (I failed to print off a 25% off everything voucher)

I'm on a mission for some skinny cords, but this is turning in to a nightmare...skinny trousers in general are a nightmare for me. To fit my thighs means getting a size too big on my waist..which results in falling down trousers that even a belt won't help...but I'm not giving up...they must exist somewhere! I'm also wanting more block coloured dresses (New Look have some great ones) and some knitwear from River Island...but that's going to require another shopping trip, and another pay day!

What have you bought this week?

xxx

giveaway still on!