Todays Nottingham Haul

Today marks my first weekend off work since November and as the boyfriend is working the West Ham game I thought I'd travel the 20mins to Nottingham for a shopping trip.

Last time I went was my Birthday last November and I'd never been before so it was quite brief and mostly me wanting to find the MAC store.
Although I've had an amazing day, theres just SO much choice of stores! everything from your standard high street to the best high end brands own stores!

I wished I was richer as it was an amazing place to shop but I did buy some lovely bits!


 Topshop

I was actually really good in Topshop, I nearly caved twice into spending more money but luckily?? they didn't have my size in what I loved so they actually stopped me buying, although I def won't be seeing if they have it online after!

I ended up walking away with this,

 

 Topshop Lipstick in Whimsical - £8 - BUY 

I've never actually bought a topshop lipstick before (minus the bullet - which I've now realised is quite similar) but I was recommended this shade so for £8 I thought why not?

Superdrug

 

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturiser - £4.99 - BUY

I've mentioned countless times how lazy I am with everything so I'm hoping this will kick me into moisturising more!

Batiste dry shampoo in Cherry and Blush -  was £3.99 now £1.97 - BUY

One of the most handy essentials for inbetween washes. I didnt plan on buying these but the fact they were less than £2, I couldnt resist. I only pick these up when theres an offer as I think for what they are, they are a bit pricey

L'oreal Matt and Messy Salt Spray - was £3.75 now £1.85 - BUY 

I recently read a post about salt sprays and heard this was a pretty good buy. I actually clocked it was only £1.85 a few days ago and even if I don't rave about it, I don't think I'll lose out.

MAC

 

 MAC Lipstick in Rebel - £15 - BUY

The fact theres an actually MAC store in Nottingham makes me just want to buy things! I was going to buy the shade Heroine which has just re-launched but when I saw it in store, I couldnt help but think it was abit too purple for me. Rebel is a a deep purple so its still a shade  I'd feel comfortable wearing. Its also a Matte finish which is one of my favourites!

H&M

 Crop Top - was £6.99 now £3

 Cut out dress - was £17.99 now £10

Boots

 Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner - £6 - BUY

Everyone raves about this, and I wanted to try it for myself! I currently only ever wear my Collection eyeliner which I discussed HERE, so I think a change was in order!

Rita Ora for Rimmel Nail Polish: £3.69 each - BUY

Pillow Talk

Breakfast in Bed

I mentioned about the launch of these what seems like ages ago but suddenly they are here, I adore these 2 shades. Breakfast in Bed has been sold out everywhere but I finally found the last one on the shelf!

You can view my post on the full range HERE

Nail Polish in Mind the Gap, Victoria - £3.69 - BUY

They were on 3 for 2 ;)

Primark

 Black Skirt - £5

Mint Green Skirt - £10

 

P.S Nail Varnish - £1 each

 Black Slip On's - £4

I wouldn't normally buy these but my vans were killing my feet as they've sadly worn away so these were just to save my feet.

Lush

 Secret Garden Bath Bomb - £2.95 - BUY

I only mentioned this yesterday HERE but I love it

Brightside Comforter - £4.50 - BUY

King of Skin Body Butter - £5.50 - BUY

So thats todays haul, have you had any goo shopping trips lately? or tried any of these product to give me a heads up on them??

xXx

Boots Hidden Clearance Gem

Hidden in every Boots store is a small shelf of absolute gems. This is also called the clearance shelf and I've only recently discovered mine.

They obviously don't go shouting out about these as they're full of bargains and I'm guessing they're not always amazing but I'd recommend finding your local one and having a nose before doing your Boots shopping.

Luckily for me, there happened to be 3 huge shelves full of products this week, mainly full of 17 make up products, I think this is because the company recently rebranded themselves from '17' to 'Seventeen' but it was HUGE!  Not being hugely familar with the brand myself I did limit my spending to trying a few products but with a few more bits in tow, these are the bargains I came away with:

note - my 'buy' links are all to the full price items on Boots (I'm guessing clearance is subject to each individual store)

1) Dr. Ceuticals Body, Tone and Tan - FullPrice: £14.99 Clearance:£4.00 - BUY

This brand isnt one I'm actually aware of, however the lotion claims to firm and shape, show slimming effects and provide a natural glow.
I'm not all that guilable for 'slimming effects' on skincare products, however I do believe they tone (this is just the rubbing effect you do which increases blood circulation you can achieve this with any body lotion but I'll give high end brands the benefit of the doubt to state their claims).

I probably won't actually do a full review until summertime when I love a natural built tan from lotions but I'm excited to try this out, especially for £4.00.

2) 17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder - FullPrice: £4.59 Clearance: £1.50 - BUY

The link is to the new rebranded version of this product and from first appearance you can see why. The leopard print on the product is a little bit outdated now and dare I say, a bit young/chavvy? I've bought this simply to give it a cheeky review and experience abit with ome bronzers. I'm yet to venture out of the occasional bronze useage but I think this will be great to try with hints of golds and deep browns I'm hoping this will provide a great finishing touch. The only thing that puts me off is its 'wash off' claim. I don't like the idea that it has to tell me it will wash off making it sceptical it won't look all that natural, (please don't make me look terrifying).

3) 17 Hide & Chic Anti-Fatigue Foundation - FullPrice: £6.29 Clearance: £2.00 - BUY

When it comes to foundations, I'm normally abit of a snob and spend a tad more on a good quality one. I mean, it is covering your entire skin so you need to be kind. The downside to this is, they run out and I'm poor so as a quick back up I bought this in soft ivory. It was the lightest shade on offer I'm hoping it'll suit my skin tone, if not, £2 isn't the worlds worse lost.

4) Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Nail Polish in Razzle-Berry - FullPrice: £6.99 Clearance: £2.00 - BUY

Considering this is in perfect condition and was literally on the main shelf last week, I was so pleased to grab this at such a good price. Sally Hansen is very hit or miss with me but these are lovely. The sugar effect isnt too messy and the blue colour is so vivid. They actually had both the pink (cotton candy) and the green (sour apple) but as both had been opened and were starting to crust I decided against them.

5) No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Stand Back - FullPrice: £6.00 Clearance: £2.00 - BUY

Although this colour isn't on the link above, I'm sure you'll find one you love with the array of choice they have on offer. These are so bright and unique. I can't wait to try it out soon.


TIP: I would always advise you check the products before buying as sometimes they are old testers / being opened / not completely full and although you're grabbing a bargain, its still nice to get a brand new product.

Rita Ora for Rimmel

L-R (Top to Bottom): 863 Do Not Disturb, 823 Blindfold Me Blue, 613 Midnight Rendezvous, 313 Rita Rouge, 323 Don't Be Shy, 303 Raw As Night, 403 Oragasm, 513 Let's Get Nude, 203 Lose Your Lingerie, 703 White Hot Love, 873 Breakfast In Bed, 853 Pillow Talk

If there's one thing that every girl seemed to love, its the day Kate Moss announced her make up collection for Rimmel Cosmetics.

After a successful run, the brand has announced that the next big thing, Rita Ora will be launching her own collection of Nail Polish and Lasting Colour Balm range, which I happened to buy for myself the other week.

The nail range, which will be part of the 60 second fast dry collection are beautiful!

She'll be releasing 12 new nail colours and 5 lip shades. 

Personally I adore this range of nail colours with Lets get Nude and Do Not Disturb already on my To Buy list. The promiscuous names are so good too!

The collection launches March 19th with prices starting from £3.69

Which will you be buying?

xXx

Graduation at Topshop

Sorry for the tacky title but I couldn't think of something creative.

Weather you're graduating in a matter of days or not for a few years (lucky you!) finding the perfect graduation dress is vital. You've worked for this day for 3 or more years, why should you not treat yourself with an all new attire for the day.

I've scoured some of the best high street finds to get you an idea of some of the cutest dresses out there. I'm starting with Topshop today and will bring you the likes of River Island and Miss Selfridge tomorrow.

NOTE:  I've picked completely neutr colours to add that in keeping touch to your outfit.
al shades of dresses/shoes/bags to keep everything completely all-uni friendly. Feel free to throw in your universities

Personally, I'm opting for a bit of red in my outfit as this is the colour of Staffordshire Uni but for this post, I'm keeping everything simple (I'm not being morbid with pure black dresses)

I've also kept everything to dresses. I know this isn't to everyone tastes but I think girls in dresses at graduations look lovely and more appropriate.

1) Poppy Lace Dress by Jones and Jones - £60 - here
2) Plain Bodycon Dress - £24 - here
3) Fold Top Clutch Bag - £58 - here
4) Daisy and Bug Ring - £8.50 - here  - Seriously want this!
5) Horse Head Necklace - Was £10 Now £5 - here
6) Logic Studded Sandels (Heels) - £65 - here
7) Nails in Beacon - £6 - here
8) Maylee Dolly Shoes - £26 - here



This is such a small collection in the range of dresses to chose from.  Let me know what dresses you'd chose from the website and link me below!?

Stevie-Leigh X

Topshop Sale Haul

So if you haven't noticed yet, the summer sales are well and truly under way on the high street and at a time when I can't be spending a single penny due to moving in with my boyfriend in a few weeks time and scraping together a deposit, this is killing my inner shopper.

However, I did allow myself to have a cheeky trip to Topshop - one of my favourite high street stores (and nicely getting cheaper these days - if anyone else has noticed). I find that their clothes have always been really nice fitting to my figure, despite being of the curvier variety I can always get away with buying a Size 10 which I'm not going to cry about.

I also find as a brand, the range they offer for different women is continuously getting better with the Petite section being an absolute god send to 5foot1 me.

Anyway, I got the 'pre shop' email off them and thought I'd have a cheeky look to see if I could grab myself a bargain and of course I did. I never spend more than £15-£20 on an item in the sale, purely because I love a bargain and I've got to be a little bit careful now the days of Student Finance are over.

Besides the online shop - I did pop into store (I'm a terrible person) and buy a few more bits.
 
Here's my own Topshop Summer Sale goodies....

Lipstick Case - Was: £6 Now £3 -

This one has sold out but you can buy the Glitter one here

I've been after a lipstick case for months and thought I'd have to do an antique shop run to get my hands on one but for now, I'm pretty happy I've found this one.

                                       Pink Lipstick in Bombshell - Was £9 Now: £5 - Here

I'm fairly new to pink lipsticks normally settling with the standard red shades. I've also read alot of      reviews about Topshop lipsticks - some bloggers loving them and others hating them so I think its time to have my own opinion - Review coming soon.

KAPOW Tights - Was: £8.50 Now: £4 

The BANG tights can be found here

I'm a massive sucker for novelty tights - I'll probably upload my Henry Holland collection one day. But sadly I don't have HH money at the moment so these comic book style tights are perfect for now.

Petite Studded Bralet - Was:£18 Now: £5 - Out of Stock

I couldn't resist this from the online sale for a fiver. Plus I got the last one which is always a result.

Star Bodycon Skirt - Was: £22 Now: £12 - Here

I've been after a long bodycon skirt for ages (although being so short, I can wear this as a dress). I bought it in a size 10 so its going to be my target skirt.

 Long Skull Necklace - Was: 16.50 Now: £8.25 - Bought in store

Anyone that knows me, knows I love a good skull and this is beautiful. With coloured crystalled all over it, its so so cute.

Peel Off Nails in What'Up - Was: £6 Now: £3

I bought this by accident as the sale sticker was covering the 'peel off' and there's a reason its in the sale. Its awful. I don't understand the concept unless you suffer from varnish allergies. I literally applied this and it had completely wiped off an hour later. If perhaps you cant wear nail varnish for work and worry you'll forget to remove it its ideal but if you want lasting colour, don't buy this. 

I want to know what you guys have been buying in the sale???!! This is one of my favourite times of the shopping season and I'm so curious as to what others have been buying!

Stevie-Leigh X