Catch-up

I'm sorry for my week long hiatus from the blog world. I've been pretty busy the past week and rather than do my usual weekly round up/ picks of the week I thought I'd share  few things I've learned in the past week with you...

I didn't ride a camel, but I wish I had done! From pinterest

- Flying makes me feel rich. In other words, time spent in airports makes me spend money I don't necessarily have in duty free shops! I purchased my first ever MAC item (!) along with a very swanky Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream lip protector.

-Being a western woman in the Arab world is a lot harder than in the UK. I appreciate being able to walk down the street without drawing stares, propositions and catcalls which certainly isn't the case in the Arabic country that I was visiting my friend the past week. I wasn't showing any skin from my neck down. I was not particularly comfortable there because of this which is such a shame as otherwise it was a beautiful country!

-Always check your flight details. Seems obvious right? Well.. apparently not for me! When I arrived at the airport to come home, I had a very confusing few minutes where I couldn't understand why my flight wasn't on the board. Turns out my flight was the following day. Doh!!

-Parents are sometimes heroes in times of need. Because of my flight debacle I had to miss loads of house share viewings in the New Town I'm moving to. My mum, bless her, picked me up from the airport and drove me straight there to stop me missing any more! I think I better order an extra big bouquet for mothers day this coming Sunday!

-Free things are not always worth taking. Notably the full English breakfast option when staying in B and Bs. Far too big, far too fatty, I always regret it. I need to remember, just say no! (I used to really like these breakfasts but I just can't stomach them any more :-().

Right... I'll try and post more regularly from now on!

Cheerio!

Picks of the week/ Weekly roundup

Fashion
My fashion pick of the week is this wonderful cardigan that we found when sorting through my mum's wardrobe. It was knitted for her by her aunt ages ago and she's given it to me! It's really cosy and great just to throw on!

Beauty
I've been striving for a dewy/  iridescent skin look lately- I think it looks very youthful. I want to buy a powder that gives me this finish (any recommendations?) but for now I've been using my clinique colour rub and the highlighter that comes in the sleek contour kit. You can see both these items in this post.

Books
Before I started my reading challenge I actually finished two books this week. One was a chick lit book called RSVP. It was okay, classic chick lit. The other was a Poroit 'Peril at End House'. I really enjoy Agatha Christie books. They're so easy to read and very entertaining!

Read more about it here

Music
I've added this section this week. Mostly because I've become obsessed by this song by Emili Sande. I think it's kinda a through back to big 90s tunes by Whitney Houston and people like that. I love it!

Film
My film this week is One Day. I'm a huge fan of the book and I wasn't keen on seeing the film because I thought it might spoil it! I saw it last night however and I enjoyed it! I thought Anne Hathaway's accent was truly awful but it didn't take all of the enjoyment away. Jim Sturgess is sweet!

From Pinterest

Money
I've been fairly good. I bought some cosmetics but nothing extravagant. I need to keep it up though!

Food
I made another banana loaf. Because I've given up chocolate I made this one with hazelnuts and rum soaked raisins! It looks crumbly in this photo but that's only because we we impatient and wanted to taste it before it cooled!

Health and Fitness
I've been swimming and cycling this week. I'm still not 100% (come on immune system, start working!) so I'm happy with what I've done. I've also given up chocolate for lent although I had an ice cream today (with chocolate in and didn't realise until about an hour later!).

So... aims for the week ahead.. pretty much the same as always, spend and eat less and exercise more!!

Hope everyone's had a good week :-)

What I bought yesterday..

So I know I am on a spending diet but I'm not very good at it! I spent £22.68 in Boots yesterday :-( I thought I'd share my purchases...
                             

source

                                                           La Roche-Posay Anthelios melt-in cream spf 50
 I'm quite serious about using sun protection and I think it's worth spending a bit more (this was £14.73) to get one that sinks in well so I'm comfortable using it daily! My job will entail working outside a fair amount so this will be important.

Source

                                                             No 7 BB cream for normal to dry skin in Fair
I got seduced by the £5 No 7 voucher. I'm not the first person and I'm sure I won't be the last! I wanted to try a BB cream and so I thought why not? The colour works well for me. I'll see how it goes and let you know! This was £7.95 after the discount so not too bad!

Source

                                                                           Diorshow New Look mascara
No... I didn't. But the lovely lady at the Dior counter gave me a free sample! I'd gone to see what powders they had and when I discovered that the one I wanted was £45 I think she felt sorry for me! Diorshow 'regular' is my 100% favourite mascara for full voluminous lashes and I'd repurchase it if it wasn't so pricey! It's strange because the thing I liked about it was the big brush. This has a tiny brush so I'm not convinced it'd be the same. I already have a favourite little brush mascara (Clinique lash power see here) but we'll see!

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Spring wish list

I cycled into town today to pay a cheque into the bank and had a sneaky look around the shops while I was there! Let me just tell you, it took every ounce of will power I had not to buy anything! I did by some beauty supplies but nothing too extravagant! I'm loving the spring/ summer trends. I thought I'd do some virtual shopping instead, sharing my favourite looks for the coming season.

Yellow

£40 from Warehouse but they have 25% off at the moment!

£17.99 from New Look

I love yellow! It's one of my happy colours (you know a colour you look at and can't help but smile!) so I'm really happy it's in fashion wise. I really want the warehouse knit!!! I like the simple top from New Look but I wouldn't pay that for what it is!

Crochet / Lace

£29.99 from Zara

59.99 from Zara

I really like the boho, hippy vibe of crochet and lace. There's loads in Zara at the moment and these are just a few I'm lusting after. I'd quite like to find a little waistcoat in crochet material. I know there's lots about but I need to find one for a good price!

Luxe

49.99 from Zara

49.99 from Zara

I saw these shoes on buy now, blog later and really liked them! I think the shape is really flattering! Also the height is good for me because I'm not great with heels. I know kitten heels are controversial but I like these! Also, I would like a semi relaxed black blazer and this one is perfect!

Jewellry

£8 from Urban Outfitters

£16 from Urban Outfitters

£12 from Accessorize

Skulls aren't normally my thing but I think these earrings are really cute! This necklace is a much more vibrant turquoise colour in real life, I love it! I think the accessorize necklace is really simple and really pretty!

So.. roll on my first payday! Or does anyone fancy buying any of these for me? Ha ha!

Cheerio!

HRH collection

One of my recent (but before the spending diet- don't worry!) purchases was a chain necklace from HRH collection. Before I share the chain, I want to talk about the girl that makes them. Her name is Alex and I've followed her blog and youtube channel for a while now and have always admired her classic yet modern style. Her chains are so much a part of her look and for a while I've wanted to try one to see if I could emulate it.

I decided that I'd start with one single chain as this isn't my usual style (and also the price!) and so I went with the 'Sheba' necklace.

As you can see it's a fairly heavy duty chain comprising of two types, one smooth and one textured. I'm struggling to style this so I don't look like a wannabe rapper...  I don't think I'm cool enough to pull it on its own. I think actually paired with the sheba necklace that she designed it with, it would look more of a statement piece and suit me more. So.. until I have money to spend on another necklace, I have come up with a solution...

The sheba.. restyled!

I folded it in half, doubling up the chains, separating them by texture. I prefer the necklace on me this way. I did it with ribbon, so nothing permanent so I can undo it when I want to. I also think the ribbon gives the hard chain a slightly girly-er  edge.. This necklace doubled up is actually just like her 'original cuff' necklace so maybe I should have just got that one lol!

I need to neaten up the ribbon..

What do you think? I'm looking to expand my collection now! Her stuff is really popular and when I saw on facebook that she'd restocked recently I was so tempted to get another piece. I want the ombre bracelet but I resisted because of my spending diet! Aren't you proud?! Also if anyone has any tips to make it work just how it is, I'd love to hear them!

Coincidentally, you can see my mini mannequin that displays some of my necklaces in my bedroom. It's from Hobby Craft and I just painted it black. I decorated one more elaborately and gave it as a gift to my mum a while back. 

Cheerio!

2 alternative interview outfits

2 alternative interview outfits by bm25 featuring shirts & blouses

 I saw this competition on the lovely undergrad's fabulous blog and fancied having a go. I know I can't win as I don't live in the US but I thought, I've just got that hang of this polyvore malarky so why not!?


The first outfit is something that I would wear to an interview (although not to a really formal interview- I'd stick with a dark suit for that, but that's boring!). It's preppy, girly yet very comfortable and functional. I's wear my hair down in lose waves or maybe half up.


The second is what I'd wear to an interview if I worked in a creative environment (which I don't). How cool are those trousers though!!? I kept the rest of the outfit quite plain except for a statement ring to smarten them up.

My 30 piece capsule wardrobe

From polyvore

My 30 piece capsule wardrobe by bm25 featuring skinny fit jeans


I thought more about this 30 item capsule wardrobe mentioned in jest here and I thought it'd be fun to create a fantasy capsule wardrobe inspired from my own clothes using polyvore.

Not all of my recent buys make the cut (oops!). I felt sad when I had to replace my uncomfortable but pretty leopard print mocascins with a waterproof jacket. Boo! The reality is that I lead an active life and the waterproof makes more sense but still..boo! These clothes would allow me to do my hobbies (save extra equipment, which I included things like thermals, proper waterproofs etc..)

So here we go..

Coats and Jackets:

1. Black blazer- Will make up a suit or can smarten up jeans or a dress.

2. Leather jacket- mentioned here. Can be smart or casual and was too expensive not to include!

3. Grey Funnel neck coat- Need a warm, smart coat for UK weather. Mine is darker than this one and from Zara.

4. Black waterproof jacket- UK weather.. need I say more? I am also fairly active!

Trousers:

5. Black smart trousers- For work. Had mine for years.

6. Brown smart trousers- Just bought these from M+S. Were a bargain in the sales.

7. Dark jeans- I would have liked to include more than 1 pair of jeans but 30 things fill up quite quickly!

8. Jogging bottoms- For exercising/ lounging

9. Zip-off walking trousers- For travelling/ sailing/ walking. Would rather something prettier but nevermind!

Jumpers:

10. Beige cardigan- This goes with everything! Mine is from Zara.

11. Navy cashmere V neck- A bit of luxury! Last years Christmas present.

12. Red cashmere jumper- A bit more luxury! This years Christmas present.

13. Purple fleece hoody- Warmth/comfort.

Shorts:

14. Board shorts- For active things in the summer.

15. Denim shorts- I really do live in shorts in the summer!

T-shirts/ tops:

16. White- I'm definitely too messy for only 1 white t shirt though!

17. Black tank top

18. Yellow tank top- one of my fave colours <3

19. Stripey long sleeve t shirt. Mine is from topshop. Could be smart if needed.

20. Pink/ white collared shirt. Mine is from Crew

21. Cream long sleeved lace top. I love this, mine is french connection! It's very classy!
22. Short sleeve flowery blouse. Recent purchase from H&M.

Dresses:

23. Flowery sun dress- For girly days and summer tea parties.

24. American Apparel purple multiway dress- This is made for a capsule wardrobe. It can be worn so many ways. You can watch a video explaining some of the ways here.

25. Black smart dress- I got mine tailored in Vietnam so I couldn't not include this!

Shoes:

26. Black flats

27. Birkenstocks- I did orgionally have cheap flip flops as well but these are comfy too which is a bonus!

28. Trainers

29. Ankle boots

30. Black heels- Nude ones would also be good!

 If I had another 5 items I think I'd include more casual tops, a pair of pretty flat sandals and a skirt.

My next mission is to work out what accessories I'd need lol! I think I'd need a lot to add variety to some outfits! This has actually been a really fun exercise and has made me think what I really need the clothes for! There are a lot of things that I'm sad I couldn't include but many that I think I could do without!  Also another good thing is that rather than look at things that you want to buy to make a capsule wardrobe, it makes you look at what you already have! If anyone else has a go, i'd love to see yours!

Edit* It's pretty funny, I've actually been back and edited this a few times because I've been thinking and suddenly thought 'oh I can't live without this' and swap something in! I swapped some knee length boots for a blouse! Also, I was thinking this wardrobe covers all seasons so maybe I'd be allowed a few extra pieces to cover the seasons ;) What makes me think I'd be no good at actually implementing this lol! hmmmm..

..isms

Lately I have been struggling with my inner self and my views on consumerism vs. minimalism. I can go from vowing to throw out all but 30 of my most prized possessions  to 30 mins later doing some sneaky online shopping...

From pinterest - Would I want this?... Yes.. or Maybe...Hmmm

The result of these battles has favoured consumerism and I am the owner of various shiny new items! All my purchases have been in the sale and have been what I consider a really good deal but they have undoubtedly taken me further away from my 30 piece fabulous capsule wardrobe. You know why I think I want to buy things? Well it's mainly because I spend quite a long time browsing blogs and youtube channels watching hauls and looking at outfit of the days etc. I spot things and think.. Oh..well I neeed a pair of studded boots! This is what I think I have a problem with. A while ago, I was about to buy a leather mini skirt for £20 just because a. it was a 'good deal' and b. because it was fashionable. I know the chances of me actually wearing this mini-skirt would have been slim. I lack confidence and I rarely go to events where a leather mini-skirt is normal. I normally put things in my basket then falter for a while deciding whether I really need something. Sometimes, by the time I've decided to buy it, it's sold out which is probably quite lucky!  However, I bought a really pretty floral blouse that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of. I don't mind buying things like this that I know I will get my wear out of! I also bought some red jeans for £9.99 from Zara and a long sleeved mustard coloured top from New Look for £3. I also did some online shopping for potential work shirts from Crew but they haven't arrived yet so if they're terrible, they might go back!

Enough with the justification... I've picked up a few good tips from minimalism blogs to try and work out what I actually wear in my wardrobe to try and slim it down a little to make up for the extra few items.

On another note, I find it really funny when people are doing hauls and they say I 'picked up' this and I 'picked up' that.. Does anyone else think it sounds like they just wandered up, picked the thing up and then wandered out without paying.. or is that just me !?

Recent things I have enjoyed..

 Buyapower/ moroccanoil

From pinterest

Buyapower  is a website where they sell  a limited amount of various beauty products and the more they closer they get to selling the total number, the cheaper the price gets. I've seen things in the past that have tempted me but I've always resisted. However, yesterday, when I saw that they were selling a 100ml bottle of moroccanoil for £21 I got a little bit excited. Turns out, I was in the nick of time, as I grabbed the last bottle of the offer!

I love moroccanoil! Following a disastrous set of highlights about a year ago, I've been on a mission to recondition my hair and moroccanoil does wonders. The only bad thing about it is it's pricey, so much so, that last time I ran out, I tried a cheaper loreal alternative which unfortunately does not cut the mustard! Nevertheless, I'm very excited that I snaffled this bargain!!

The Artist

From pinterest

From pinterest

I saw it last night and loved it! I laughed, I (almost) cried and I bit my nails in anticipation. Go and see it if you haven't already. I love old movies and knew that I'd have no problem with it being in black and white but I wasn't sure how I'd cope with the silent thing! After seeing it I think if anything,  it enhances your viewing. It makes you read more into the expressions because you don't always know what is being said.

Food

I've tried out a few recipes that I've seen on blogs recently. Both of them have been American written which has provided a few immediate translation difficulties. I'm getting used to using cups as a measure though now!

I tried this recipe. It looked delicious. I didn't know what wheat berries were so I used bulgar wheat. I'm also not sure if what I know as curly kale is the same as kale in the US. Also, in absence of my 'local middle eastern grocery store', I made my own pomegranate molasses and I think it turned out okay. My only problem was I think I overdid the curly kale, quantity wise... it was tasty though!

As you can see.. I've discovered food photography isn't as easy as it seems..

The second recipe was the one I posted in my last post, the reese's peanut butter banana bread. I just put chunks of chocolate instead of the reeses. I also assumed that baking soda was bicarbonate of soda?? Who knows!? Anyway, this was delicious :-) Quite crumbly but that doesn't affect the taste one bit!

Mmm.. tasty!

Recent fashion purchases/ the last for a while?

By urbancode at ASOS. This was a major purchase for me.. I've wanted a leather jacket for ages but have struggled to find one that I like for under £100. This one was £77 (which is a lot for me!) and I'm so glad that I took the plunge. I love it! The fur collar is detachable which I think will be good for summer/ when fur collars aren't in any more. I hope I'll be wearing this jacket for many years to come!

Here starts my obsession with playsuits... These were both from ASOS and were £12 each. I didn't mean to keep both, I meant to send one back but I liked them both... doh! Oh well! I've worn both already and while I really like them, one downside of them is that they were a pain to get out of when I wanted to go to the loo!

That's my recent 'haul' as people like to say. I'm not sure I like the word haul, I'm not sure I'll use it again.. Anyway, something I've been thinking about for the new year is to try and impose a ban on spending any money on clothes... Dun dun dun.. will I be able to do it? Who knows? It may end up being just a January ban, but we'll see.