Leeds Shopping Haul

Last week, I got to spend a whole week back in my home of West Yorkshire - On the Wednesday I got to spend a lovely day in Leeds with my mum shopping and visting the handmade burger co. (honestly, best place ever).

I, as always, thought I'd show you what I ended up buying and with the high street in Mid Season Sale, whats not to love!...

 Primark

 Door hanging hearts - £2.50 for 3
Our house seems to be lacking much in decoration as we're currently renting and don't want the post-move deposit scandal that landlords love - but I think these are so cute for like doors or something in our hallways

 

Hufflepuff T-shirt - £6

I adore these shirts! I've been after the hogwarts one for ages so couldnt resist this! I obviously geeked out and got my house ;)

Floral Lantern Lights - £6

Again with the decoration thing, These are perfect for our bedroom as its currently very very bare on the walls but I'm hoping I can somehow put them round our unused curtain rail (we have a blind).

 

 Wonder Towel Dress Thing - £7
This is one of those things that's either gonna be awful or a complete genius idea! I'm that girl that after a bath or shower spends ages with a towel wrapped round her whilst trying to keep it secure the whole time. I will report back with my thoughts :)

 The Simpsons PJ's - £6
I love any clothes that refer to popular culture, especially pajamas as I spend all my non-work hours in them! I also love The Simpsons and seem to have a growing collection of things with bart on!

 

Handbag - £8

I love love this bag! For Primark, its such a good quality. I'm quite a snob when it comes to Primark and do normally buy things that still look more expensive - and when the stitching looks tatty I won't buy it!

Victorias Secret

In the past I havent posted what I got from Victorias Secret but I dont see the issue now, I've only taken pictures of underwear patterns rather than wasting your time showing you my knickers!!

 Coral and Pink Nightie - Was £45 Now £21 -
I adore this so so much! I wouldnt normally spend that much on a nightdress but its so so pretty and the colours are beautiful and its quite understated but the lace gives it that slight bit of something.

 Underwear - Was £9each Now £3 each
These are honestly the nicest underwear ever!!! I bought 3 pairs at full price a few months back and I can't believe how cheap they are now!!

Debenhams

Benefit Agent Zero Shine - £18 (Used debs points) - BUY

I've been after this for months now! Theres some really  good benefit products just come out but I decided I needed to get this as the warm weather has been making me shiny too so if theres a good time to review this on my skin, its now! 

Topshop

 Underwear - 3 for £10 (£4 each) - 
Rugrats - BUY
Eeeee how amazing are these!! I only wanted the Rugrat ones to start with but then I saw the Mermaid ones then I thought for £2 I'll get more haha!

Henry Holland Eye Test Tights - Was£12.50 Now£3 - BUY
So so happy I saw these! I wanted these back in March time when I saw them in the Nottingham branch and was debating buying them for full price and whilst having a mooch whils my mum was trying clothes on, I spotted the last pair of these are refused to let them go! So happy with this buy! 

 Dolly Shoes - Was£22 Now£10 -
I spotted these quite late on (and had put things back) but thought they were adorable and perfect for nice weather!

ZARA

 Addicted to Black Top - £9.99 

Pizza T-shirt - £7.99


Urban Outfitters

AJ Morgan Sunglasses - Was £16 Now £8
I was actually on the hunt for some new sunglasses after losing mine! I guessed I'd be spending over £15 as its prime sunglass season so was rather happy to find these!!

Flash By Jimmy Choo Perfume Review

Flash by Jimmy Choo EDP - Prices from £35.50 - BUY

I haven't mentioned this since I purchased this in my January Sales post all those moons ago, if you want you can check out that post here

I bought this as my old housemate had it and I adored the scent!!
Flash is bursting with an array of aromas which are meant to be add that extra 'sparkle' to any night out. In fairness, I can complete agree, I wear this when I'm going out for the evening or to meet friends as its got a really mature and evening out scent about it. It screams classiness (even for a girl like me).

The variety of scents mixed in this are Pink Pepper, Strawberry and Tangerine which I where my love for fruity scents comes out to play but then its backed up as a nighttime scent with the addition of White Flowers and Tuberose.

I know it seems unimportant but for some reasons, Bottles have just always been such a vital part of the overall display of perfume and this does not disapoint! I think its aim of classy / sparkle / evening theme is completely shown in one bottle.

I was lucky to get this in a great deal however, I know it is one of those scents that certain stores do alter the price, I know my local Debenhams has it on offer in the gift set at the moment!

If you're after a night out fragrance or something to add that little bit extra to date night..then this is for you!!!

Have you got a perfect fragrance??

xXx

Debenhams #lovedemin Menswear Competition.

If you're a frequent reader of my blog, then you'll be fully aware of my ridiculous love for Debenhams. I work right round the corner from the HUGE Derby store and dread to think how many lunchtimes I've spent wishing how much of the pretty things I could afford!

                                              

When approached about this amazing competition thats currently running I couldn't say no! The idea is to style two outfits based on the theme of Demin, possibly the most timeless fabric around!
I often talk about my other half, Jamie in my blog as we now live together and not knowing many people in Derby, he's a huge part of my day to day life so I'll often bring him into my posts! 

The first look is a casual piece ideal for a gig. Being a music journalism graduate, going to gigs is something I know all too well and well dressed men is always an added bonus!

For this look I've opted for a smart/casual look. I've chosen a checkered shirt purely because I think a guy at a gig in a check shirt can never go a miss, Although most would wear this buttoned up I love an open shirt with a t-shirt underneath. This Mantary Purple Checkered Shirt, £40 (HERE) fits the bill quite nicely.

The t-shirt of choice for me is something that really needs alot of thought. I usually love a good motif print but under the check shirt it can alook a little bit too much so I've opted for this Fred Perry Pocket T-shirt, £35 (HERE). I think its perfect as a solid under colour but then if you get a bit warm, take off the shirt and you unleash a whole new look.

The Jeans I've picked for this look are a classic pair of Levi's. My go-to brand for demin and one of the few brands that have proved you can wear these for years to come. I've chosen the 506 Dark Stuff straight leg, £95 (HERE). I would normally love a guy in a pair of skinnies but for a gig, these would be a bit roomier for the heat of those crowds!

I've gone for a simple pair of Navy Converse, £45 (HERE) because I'm sure thats standard gig attire these days.
Finishing off this outfit are this pair of Storm Grey Aviator Sunglasses, £35 (HERE) because all that queueing up outside needs some sun protection surely?!


This 2nd outfit is based around a smart dinner date. As a girl thats not actually been on a dressed up date, this is purely based on every well dressed man I've seen passing my work on a Saturday evening! 

I've gone for a contemporary suited look for this as I think in terms of men getting 'dressed up' there has never been the biggest range of options so for me a shirt and smart shoes is a great look.

For a shirt I've gone with this Thomas Nash Dark Grey Shirt, £15 (HERE). I think a white shirt is abit wedding-y as part of a suit so a dark grey one is very date night whilst still looking incredibly smart.

As far as demin goes, I think a black demin is ideal for a dinner date as its still super smart but also have that cool twist to it. I've picked a straight leg fit for this look as it holds in place much like a suit trouser so will blend in with any uptown restaurant. These Jeff Banks Jeans, £45 (HERE) are so smart and I'm actually considering showing these to Jamie as they're so nice!

Being a lover of all things with a vintage twist, I love a man in a pair of brogues and these Ben Sherman Black Brogues, £65 (HERE) would go great to add that little something to this evening out.

 To finish this look I've picked this J by Jasper Conran Leather Wallet, £25 (HERE). Although I'm a big believer in splitting the bill, its always helpful if he has a wallet on him!

 
So there you have it! my top looks for the special man in my life. Jamie approved of these looks (but I'm sure he was just agreeing to shut me up for a bit longer haha!)

If you fancy having a good yourself all the details can be found here.

Let me know what you guys think of these and would you choose anything different??

January Lusts

Its the end of January, you're finally getting paid and after a month of lusting after so many pretty things, its time to treat yourself again! Throughout the month theres loads I want to buy but either can't afford or know I should hold off for a bit,

I'm going to do these monthly posts of a few bits I want to treat myself too throughout the year.

1) Prada Candy Eau de Parfum - Prices start from £30 - BUY

I literally just smelt this whilst on my lunch today and I think its beautiful, its so fruity and girly. Even 5 hours later I can still slightly smell it on me.

2) The Lush Valentines Range - Prices start from £2.95 - BUY

In a few weeks I will be posting all about this range but all I know right now is that I want it all, especially the Massage bar and the Bath Bomb (even though I've heard its pretty boring for the price)... :/

3) Bourjois 1,2,3 Perfect Foundation - £10.99 - BUY

After squeezing the last of my Benefit foundation out and moving onto my substitute of Rimmel. I saw this a few days ago and shamefully tested it on my hand. I found from my quick test it blends it perfectly and the smell of it is to die for. I've since read some reviews mostly positive so I'm planning on making this my next purchase.

4) Vivienne Westwood Watch - £155 - 

Since becoming a watch repairer, I won't deny, I;ve become a bit of a snob when it comes to buying nice one and even worth when it comes to realising how much theyre REALLY worth. Your fancy Michael Kors watch could be made for less than £40 (it was such a kick when i found out)

5) The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine - £23.50 - BUY

Since release day I've wanted to get my hands on this. Being a HUGE Porefessional fan, I love that this is a mattifying powder and can't wait to try this out.

6) Nina Ricci La Tentation Eau de Toilette - Prices from £40 - BUY

Being a big Nina Ricci fan already, I was curious to how her new fragrance was going to smell and it does not dissapoint. Its still  got the fruity undertones (obviously with the apple shaped bottle) and full of sweetness. The bottle is a vivd pink with a unique texture to it. This will hopefully be a purchase over the next few months.


Have you tried any of these for yourself? Let me know what you think.

xXx

Beauty: Benefit Blusher - Coralista

Coralista, Benefit - £23.50 -Buy

Having rather pale skin and ginger coloured hair means I often look really washed out if I don't make some kind of effort. Blusher has always been my go-to product even on my 'I'm too lazy to wear foundation' days so finding one which compliments my skin is a must.
I actually found this completely by accident-ish when a girl at the Benefit counter reccomended it to me after I was moaning about how I'm sick of standard pink shades.

Coralista was ultimaely the shade for me, with peachy undertones this blusher still gives me the familar pink tint but the peach gives my face a healthy looking glow.

I bought this last April and I still have some left in the box (granted its the last bits around the edge but its still wearable everyday).

As much as I love this product and would recommend it to any girl wanting to venture out in her colour chart, there are a few pros and cons to this blusher.

Pros

Normally you'd look at the cardboard box and think, theres no way thats going to last but almost a year on and its still in amazing condition. Granted I have looked after it, but don't be fooled, its just as tough as any other product.

The mirror inside - super handy for out and about. I like to be pretty discreet when applying make up in public cos I'm sure I look like such an idiot so the mirror inside means I can keep it simple without compacs and brushes flying around.

It lasts forever - when products take a hit on my bank account, its nice to know I'm almost a year on and still able to use it everyday.

You don't need to apply very much to get the desired effect (until it starts to run low)

Cons

It loses its shine after a while - As the blusher starts to wear out, the amount you need to apply / the fresh glow it gives your cheek starts too aswell.  I'll admit using it everyday means you get use to the colour on your cheeks but it takes a good few dustings to get the brightness back.

The smell - I hate the idea of saying it smells, but I actually fell in love with the scent at first however, over time it does start to lose this. - I understand most people probably dont smell their make up so this isnt really a con but the benefit counter girl did mention the nice smell whilst selling it to me -

The brush - As with most products this comes with a brush with is great for out and about but it gets pretty bulked up quickly with the product so requires a lot of cleaning. Ive found you can prolong its life by leaving the plastic insert inside and keeping the powder and brush seperate. This also helps in terms of hygiene too. 


Overall, this blusher is beautiful especially now we should have slightly nicer weather should be coming upon us.

For the £23.50 price tag, I'd def say go to your local Benefit counter and get it tested on your skin first to see how it looks on you, but I can't imagine it not suiting many girls!!


What Benefit blushers do you use? I need to start broadening my options with some more of the shades.

xXx

VAT Free Shopping at Debenhams

So its basically a 20% off sale on beauty and fragrance selected items at Debenhams at the moment. I've become a huge lover of the department store over the last 12 months and I'm dying to get myself at least something as some of these are a great little deal.

I've picked out a few of my favourites that I've either owned, own or really badly want!!!!

1) Benefit: The Pore-fessional. £20.42 - One of my favourite items ever. Last ages and its perfect for days when you don't have time to cover your face in foundation as a quick cover up.

2) Paco Rabanne: Lady Million - £30.42 - £50.17 - My favourite perfume had to make a cheeky appearance somewhere. I'm literally on the last few spritz of mine (and have been for quite some time) as I can't bare to let go.

3) Clinique 3-step Introduction Kit - £16.67 - Firstly, you need to know your skin type before purchasing these so I'd always advise going to a counter girl as this is always the most effective route for not spending money on something unsuitable for you. I've got the Type 2 set and minus the smell (I do plan on reviewing this) Its great at making your skin smoother and feeling fresh.

4) Jimmy Choo: Flash - £30.00 - £38.33 - I have a sample of this perfume from a goodie bag I received and its beautiful. Really tempted to pick this up whilst its on offer.

5) bareMinerals Prime Time - £17.50 - I'm a bit of a rookie when it comes to the bareMinerals range but I'm planning on making a purchase soon and as you've already seen I'm a lover of a good primer and with a large variety of primers (also in the sale) it makes it more appealing knowing one will probably suit my sensitive skin.

6) Urban Decay Smoked Palette - £29.17 - UD was one of the very first higher end product I bought about 4 years with the potion pot and I've still got it now. This kit contains 10 eye shadows, an eye pencil and a mini potion primer. Such a great deal. I've been dying to venture out on my eye colours but haven't quite found some that I love but the grey 'asphalt' shade in this is beautiful.



This is just a few of my picks but I could of carried forever. Get over to www.debenhams.com to check out the full range for yourself.

Have you got your eye on anything in the sale that I've missed?? Let me know cos no doubt I'll want to buy that too!!

Stevie-Leigh X