...OBSESSED.

Do you ever find yourself inexplicably lusting over something, a piece that really just isn't 'you' but for some reason, you've fell for it hook, line and sinker?

Yes? No? Well, that's where I'm at now, and have been for the past week - I can not keep my eyes off this dress from River Island. 

EVERY time I'm online, which is a lot of the time, my fingers tip-tap their way to the River Island website, and before I know it I'm ogling this far-from-my-usual-style floor length number. And just to add to my confusion, they've thrown an oxblood version into the mix. Yeah, thanks for that, RI.

Images via River Island

I am not the biggest fan of the maxi in general, and that's why my need - yes, NEED - for this dress shocked me initially. But it's something about that v-neck, the capped sleeves, the draped column and curve-loving ruching that has me coming back to it, day after day after day. And will probably mean I end up purchasing both colours too - I'm thinking burgundy for NYE and grey for every other time after that.

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...NEW ADDITIONS // SKINCARE.

I'd come to the end of a few products this last week, so it was time to throw a few new things into my everyday skincare routine. I splashed out a little and also got a bit of a bargain in there too, which took the spending guilt away somewhat!

Superfacialist By Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Cleansing Wash - £7.99 

I'd seen this Cleansing Wash from Superfacialist By Una Brennan doing the rounds on a few blogs over the last few weeks, and it seemed to get great reviews so I picked some up with high hopes.

Because of it's gel formula, I've been using this for my morning cleanse, so I can't comment on its ability to remove make up but it does leave my skin feeling soft, fresh, clean and bright each day. However, there is one downfall with this product - The scent. I can't put my finger on what it is, but I'm really not enjoying it. I will use it until it's gone though because it does it's job well, but I won't be repurchasing after this.

If you fancy giving it a go, the whole range is currently on offer in Boots with 1/3 off.

Origins United State Balancing Toner - £18.00

Next up came my little splurge. I'm not even sorry.

I feel like this Origins Balancing Toner is going to be my miracle product this autumn/winter. I have hellish combination skin, and as the temperature drops, despite having an oily T-Zone, I also get dry, flaky patches right between my eyes and on my nose - I know, go figure? - so when I stumbled across this magic potion claiming its ability to balance the most unruly of skins, by hydrating where needed whilst soaking up any nightmare oily patches, I was immediately sold. I wasn't even deterred by the price tag - I mean, you can't put a price on good skin, can you?

The scent is very intense and it gives a slight tingle, which is what I want from an exfoliating toner. I'm enjoying using it so far, but time will tell whether it lives up to its claims. Fingers crossed!

No 7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover - £8.50

Boots are always giving away vouchers to save money on their own make-up and skincare range, No 7, and when I purchased my Una Brennan Cleanser, I received a £5 Off voucher for the skincare range. 

Obviously drawn in by the prospect of a bargain, I went straight over to the counter to check out its offerings. I've never actually used any No 7 skincare so was quite interested in a few things but stuck to something I knew I actually needed. I've heard good things about this Eye Make Up Remover so I picked this little bottle up. Costing only £3.50 with my voucher, I was very happy with this dinky little bottle.

Definitely worth the hype, this double layer make up remover makes light work of even the heaviest cream shadows, sweeping all traces off with zero effort. I think this may be my go-to from now on, and I'll be trying out some of No 7's skincare range in the future too.

Have you tried any of these products? Would you recommend any other products from these brands?

...LUSH-IOUS LOTIONS & POTIONS.

 

On the recommendation of a work friend, I paid a long awaited visit into Lush last week to see if they could help me fix my face, which has become my worst enemy over the past couple of weeks.

Lush Cosmetics 'Cosmetic Warrior' Fresh Face Mask - I Couldn't Not Buy It Really, Could I?

The staff in there were, as always, very knowledgeable about their products and guided me in the direction of the Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask. Targeted at breakout plagued skin, this miracle mask contains honey, spot busting tea tree oil and garlic(!) and is the exact thing I needed to win the battle against blemishes. I have used it twice now and as well as leaving my skin feeling beautifully soft, it has definitely sent my pimples packing.

NB : Don't be put off by the garlic in it. The smell is masked by the tingly tea tree oil!

Lush Cosmetics 'Yuzu & Cocoa' Bubbleroon - Cheeky!

Obviously, I couldn't leave without picking up something to turn my Sunday night bath into a wonderfully colourful and bubbly spectacle. That's where this 'Bubbleroon' comes in! Perfect to banish those Sunday night end-of-the-weekend blues, the grapefruit and bergamot oils lift your spirits while the shea butter keeps your skin feeling super soft. 

I split mine in half before crumbling under running water and got more than enough bubbles, so you could get at least 3 good soaks out of this - amazing value for money!

Lush Cosmetic 'Helping Hands' Hand Cream

The last thing I picked up while I was there was a little sample of their Helping Hands Hand Cream. In the winter my hands really suffer due to the weather and I get pretty nasty dry skin between my fingers. It's began to rear its ugly head already, so I thought that a natural cream may be better than my usual faithful Soap & Glory Hand Food which may irritate it slightly with its fragrance.

Although this cream is great for keeping the rest of my hands soft, I find there is a very fine line between just enough and too much, and it can leave your hands looking and feeling greasy if you cross that line. I've decided I'm going to pick up some Ultrabalm instead to try and target those extra dry bits.

Have you picked up any Lush products lately? Are there any you couldn't live without?

...MEADHAM KIRCHHOFF X TOPSHOP.

The latest collaboration to hit the rails in Topshop comes from the eccentric creative minds of design duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff.

At first look, you are bombarded with frills, pastels, glitter - everything we are accustomed to - and it's quite a lot to take in. A little bit doll house-cum-hocus pocus-cum-Elton John-cum-Woodstock is the best way I could find to describe this attack on all the senses. But that's not to say it's a bad thing.

Entitled 'The Cherries', the collection is said to have been inspired by an imagined all girl band (think more Joan Jett & The Runaways, less Girls Aloud...) and each piece in the collection pertains to one of the four girls personalities.

You can see inspiration from many of their past collections, the most memorable of these probably being the Courtney Love inspired spectacular of SS12.

The majority of the collection is far from my personal style but I've got my eye on the navy lace trim skirt and if anyone would be so kind, the black and red Mongolian striped stole - I've been a good girl this year, I promise.

Has the collection got your attention?

...GET ON YOUR DANCING SHOES, YOU SEXY LITTLE SWINE.

ARCTIC MONKEYS

FINSBURY PARK

24TH MAY 2014

I'LL BE THERE. WILL YOU?

...NO BRAINER BARGAIN // THE BODY SHOP

The Body Shop are always impressing with their online and in store offers and giveaways and this weeks does not disappoint! 

As well as a 35% discount when you spend only £5, they are also throwing in a 'Free Mystery Gift', and who doesn't love a freebie? 

On my shopping list this week has been The Body Shop BB Cream, as the new Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation I bought has sent my skin into melt down! Luckily, I got the email to let me know about the offer yesterday before I got to the store so held off and purchased online when I got home. 

I couldn't believe my eyes when the 200ml sized tub of Shea Body Butter was added to my basket - FOR FREE! That's £13 worth of free product for those of you not seasoned in body butters - I must ask though... Why not?!

So add that to the £4.20 I saved with the 35% off and free delivery too, and you've got yourself one very happy Tal! 

Use the code MYSTERY at the checkout to bag your bargains! 

...MY FIRST GLOSSYBOX // NOVEMBER 2013

I'd been toying with the idea of a subscription beauty box for while, but was a bit unsure as to which one to commit to. I signed up to Latest In Beauty a while ago, who offer a non-subscription alternative, where you can build your own beauty box of luxury samples without commitment each month. They also offer limited edition boxes compiled by beauty world insiders, but I decided I wanted something a bit more regular, especially as I have now embarked on my adventure into blogging.

After looking at a few different options, I chose the original beauty box - Glossy Box.

 

First impressions had me more than a little excited and I couldn't wait to unwrap this little package of luxury. It feels like a real treat, lifting the lid, untying the cute pink ribbon - lovely touch by the way! - and taking that first peak inside.

 Yves Rocher France  

Hand Cream // www.yves-rocher.co.uk

You may have read my previous post about my holy grail product, Soap & Glory Hand Food, and know that I am yet to find anything that tops the dream cream for every day use, and I'm afraid, Yves Rocher, you are not the one to do so either. The main thing I disliked about this product was the scent. It smelt a bit cheap if I'm honest. I don't think I'll be putting this to use!

 Elegant Touch

Rapid Dry for Nails // Available at New Look, Superdrug and Boots

First things first, I am a self confessed nail addict, and I'm not ashamed to shout it from the roof tops. Friends mock me for spending hours at a time giving myself an at-home mani, but the reason it often takes so long is because of the time it takes for polish to dry (Ahem, Barry M - I'm looking at you.) So when I saw this ingenious creation staring me in the face it felt like all my Christmas's had come at once... Oh, how wrong I was. I tried it out that same evening and even on the most glossy of colours - Barry M's 'Navy' in fact - it seemed to take the shine out of the polish and give it a sort of scratchy looking finish. Super disappointed, but I will give it another shot - Everything deserves a second chance, right?

Vichy

Idealia Life Serum // www.boots.com 

Another product that put an ear to ear smile on my face, this beautifully silky serum has cult product written all over it. I'd used a small sample from Elle Magazine not so long ago, and couldn't wait to get this stuff on my face again - Even the scent smells like it's doing your skin good. I've been having a new foundation induced breakout this week, so my skin isn't at it's best, but after only 3 days of using this, the redness that plagues my cheeks on a regular basis had definitely subsided quite a bit. I don't think I'll be adding this to my regular routine as the £29.50 price tag is a little out of my budget, but if you can afford it, you should definitely indulge yourself. Your complexion will thank you later.

 Scholl

Dry Skin Exfoliator Skin Cream // www.boots.com 

So... Definitely not the most glamourous product in the box! But hey, lets be real here, beautiful shoes are only as pretty as the feet that are in them. That said, I am quite averse to feet - mine, yours, that womans on the PedEgg advert - and so, I haven't used this, and it will probably sit at the back of a drawer until the Summer rolls around again and I pluck up the courage to venture to the far end of my legs.

Emite Make Up

Micronized Eyeshadow - Dams // www.emitemakeup.com

This was the stand out product in the box for me - A beautiful, silky, shimmering neutral shade that applies like a dream. I've been using this daily since I discovered it nestled in the comfort of my Glossy Box and I will definitely be trying out this brands other shades in the future. It looks great worn alone for a subtle sheen and is perfect for use in the inner corners to brighten up a smoky eye. A big thumbs up from me!

Overall, I think the Glossy Box is great value for money (£10.00 per month plus £2.95 p+p - It is delivered by Hermes Couriers). There is always going to be a product or two that you may be disappointed by, but I like that it can introduce you to new brands that you may have otherwise never come across. 

I'd recommend a Glossy Box subscription, even if to just try it out for a couple of months - you can cancel your subscription at any time. 

Did you receive this months Glossy Box - What were your opinions of the products? Are there any other beauty boxes that you would recommend?

 

...PLAYING OUT // VAMPIRE WEEKEND @ THE O2.

This week I hauled my ass down to London to spend some quality lady time with my beaut of a best, Laura, and the musical offerings of the amazing Vampire Weekend.

Babe.

Needless to say, the show was fantastic, playing all my favourites, new and old. Definitely missed Oxford Comma due to an ill-timed toilet break though - I was kicking myself! 

A beautiful floral backdrop made for visual treats too.

But apart from that little mishap, and also nearly missing it altogether because we were too busy sipping cocktails in the VIP Lounge(!), the gig was everything I'd hoped it would be. The O2 is a great venue, and really has everyone's food and drink needs met under one roof. It would even be a great destination just for a bite to eat or drinks out with the girls as it's also so easy to get to.

I'm so glad I've finally gotten round to seeing this cute foursome from New York play live. Between me and you, I have a bit of a crush on Ezra Koenig, even in the Top Gun-esque khaki jumpsuit he donned for the show!

Seriously, the tastiest cocktail in the world, ever.

I personally went for separates for the occasion, wearing my staple Autumn/Winter leather skinnies from Topshop, a grey oversized jumper from Marks & Spencer's menswear collection and my metallic pointed Kurt Geiger heels, which were a HUGE sale bargain a couple of years ago. All topped off with a small splattering of gold hardware flung around anywhere that is deemed appropriate.

I would definitely recommend catching them on their next tour if you're a fan.

Were any of you at the show too?

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...DARIA WERBOWY.

 Crushing so hard right now. What an incredible beauty and talented model. I mean, imagine actually looking THIS good with all your body twisted and tangled like that?! Imagine.

Image via becauseimaddicted.net

I'd probably fall over if I even tried.

...CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT // SOAP & GLORY HAND FOOD.

 

You know those products that you fall in love with at first try and any other reincarnation of them just won't do? Well, this joyous little pink tube is exactly that.

Since discovering it a few Christmas's ago in a Soap & Glory bundle, I have never looked back. Don't get me wrong, I have played the field a little, but nothing else has lived up to this sumptuous hand cream.

 

The clue is in the name - your hands literally do eat it up, taking hardly any time to soak in, leaving your fingers soft, smooth and smelling sweet as a nut. A macadamia nut in fact - just one of the ingredients alongside shea butter and marshmallow (yum!) that gives the cream its smoothing qualities and delicious scent.

I don't think I will ever stray away from this essential product and think that this should be a handbag/bedside table/bathroom staple for everyone. Mine never leaves my side. It's only available at Boots and you can get a full size tube here and a handy little travel size to pop in your handbag here.

Have you found a rival for this dream cream?

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...MAN UP.

The last week has seen a sudden influx of mens clothing into my wardrobe that I can see being the start of a great love affair.

After a sleepover at the boys, I was ill prepared for an impromptu crazy golf date a few weeks back. This resulted in my raiding his wardrobe for an easy tee to throw on with my jeans, during which I was encouraged to don this jazzy Zara number.

Needless to say, it's not appropriate golfing attire, so I settled for a grey v-neck tee, but claimed the shirt as my own for another occasion. I've since teamed it, unbuttoned just enough, with black leather skinnies, a sharply tailored white blazer and a chunky gold chain resting within the confines of its sturdy manly collar.

I can't help but feel a little bit naughty when I wear it, like I've just rolled out of bed on a Sunday morning and grabbed it up off the floor...

My next menswear addition came when I found myself craving a slightly oversized, super soft v-neck jumper and recalled the lovely M&S number that I bought for my grandad last Christmas. Just trust me on this one.

  I like to style it with the sleeves roughly rolled up to just above the wrist. Add black jeans, pointed courts and a tiny showering of hardware wherever you are so inclined and you've got yourself a perfect Autumn look. So perfect in fact that I couldn't resist the navy version too.

Get yours here.

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...READING LIST // 'MAN REPELLER' - LEANDRA MEDINE

Since discovering her blog, 'The Man Repeller' many moons ago, I have came to the conclusion that Leandra Medine is one blogger that I would LOVE to hang out with. On this occasion, it is not because of her obviously and undoubtedly majestic wardrobe, her envy inducing events calender or ever growing list of fashion friends, but instead it is because she is just so god damn normal.

Her blog isn't full of twilight landscape photoshoots, pertaining to the unattainable for most of us, and she isn't a former model. She doesn't take herself too seriously, in fact, she does quite the opposite. She is off the scale hilarious, and on top of sharing her witty sartorial anecdotes, she indulges us in topics on a daily basis that remind us that at the end of the day, Prada-clad feet aside, she is just your average 20-something like you and I.

Her recently published book details some of the pinnacle moments in her life, of which she associates with pieces from her wardrobe that have played a big part in some of her most important lessons and memories. 

A laugh a minute, and a must read for women of all ages. We can all relate to at least one of her giggle inducing tales - From getting your period at the most inopportune moment, to getting dog shit on your new shoes, Manolo's or not!

'Man Repeller : Seeking Love. Finding Overalls' is available here.

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...RIMMEL SALON PRO : 393 'DESIRE' & 321 'SUMMER ORANGE'.

Same old story - Quickly pop into Boots for a couple of inexpensive bits, get sucked in by the '3 for 2' offers and spend a good half hour circling the make up aisles... Well, in this case, it turned out to be a '6 for 4' offer. I know, my bad.

I'm not even sorry though, because it led to me discovering THE ONE. No, I'm not talking about the man of my dreams, I'm talking about the nail varnish of my dreams.

I kid you not, you MUST buy this. The colour on my nails is 393 'DESIRE' and I could not have thought of a more suitable name for this little bottle of perfection. The formula is thick, glossy, smooth - A one coat wonder. And the colour - A deep purple-y molten chocolate brown. Yep, purple melted chocolate. 

I like to change my nail colour at least twice a week, but I would quite happily coat my claws in this all season long. 

I also brought home shade 321 'SUMMER ORANGE' because, despite the name, I do love an orange nail through Autumn. I was a little let down by this one though, as the formula was a lot more sheer and actually required THREE coats to get a fully opaque finish. It is still lovely and shiny though, and will be a much coveted shade over the next few months.

You can purchase both colours here and they are still on 3 for 2 for the foreseeable future!

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...FREEDOM @ TOPSHOP - GOLD RUSH.

My frugality becomes hugely apparent when it comes to accessories. Call me cheap, but I do find Topshops jewellery just a little overpriced. That said, when the sale hits, I'm all over that shit.

 

Casually strolling through my local Topshop the other day, without actually intending to buy anything, I spotted one of the habitually stylish Topshop girls showering the jewellery stands with those excitement inducing pink stickers - '1/2 PRICE' - attention grabbed. I think I was quite reserved though, and only came away with three little additions to my ever growing accessories collection.

 Never one to shy away from chunky gold chains, this basic necklace was a no brainer. And even more so with the addition of the padlock charm.

I think the tessellated triangles of this geometric bracelet appealed to my need for order and threatening OCD, but that's another story. 

Lastly, the simplicity of this thin cuff is the perfect minimal addition to the wrist, both alone and with friends. It currently has a small 'T' charm but that's probably definitely coming off. I think it detracts from the simplicity of the piece which, after all, is the whole point, right?

Both the necklace and cuff appear to be sold out online, but this is a cute alternative that combines aspects of both. 

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...NOW PLAYING // LORDE - 'PURE HEROINE'.

Image via Google

I may have been a little slow on the uptake, given that I only heard the infectious 'Royals' for the first time yesterday, but having given the full album 'Pure Heroine' a good listen today, I was instantly hooked.

New Zealand born Lorde has a voice that intrigues, like she could be so many different people all at once. Soft and innocent in one breathe, full of attitude and a cheeky twang in the next.

Her lyrics read like teenage memoirs - hardly surprising as this bewitching songstress is a mere 16 years old. Doesn't it make you sick?! I JOKE. But seriously, treat your ears to this addictive album this week. It's probably the best thing you'll have heard in a while.

I'm loving '400 Lux' and 'Team' - What are your favourite tracks?

...NICOLAS GHESQUIERE TAKES THE REIGNS AT LV.

No surprises there then.

Louis Vuitton have finally announced Nicolas Ghesquiere, the genius that catapulted Balenciaga from a failing, behind-the-times brand into one of the most sought after, modern thinking and fashion forward brands in the world, as their new artistic director this evening.

Image via Google

Since he parted ways with Balenciaga last year after his 15 year tenure at the design house, there has been more than a little speculation as to where his talents would be brought to next.

Then, after the presentation of his breathtaking SS14 show and what would be his last at LV, Marc Jacobs' departure from the brand was announced and naturally, rumours started to fly that Nicolas Ghesquiere would be his replacement.

Image via Vogue UK

Marc Jacobs transformed Louis Vuitton in the time that he spent at the helm of the brand, with high profile collaborations, spectacular shows and his fair share of shock provoking movements in every aspect of his artistic direction.

Ghesquiere definitely has some big boots to fill but I for one can not wait to see what he offers up next Spring.

Thoughts?

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