New Years Resolutions every twenty something should make

It's that time of year again, the 'New Year, New Me' pictures of salads and gym gear are about to inundate your Instagram/Faceboom/ all other form of social media. Let's be realistic, if you haven't reached your goal weight, given up smoking or ditched the sugar by the time you've reached your mid twenties then you probably aren't going to do it now just because it's January again. So do us all a favour and stop clogging up our newsfeeds and instead make some of these simple, yet realistic changes:

See the world - I thought I had to have a career and I had to have it in my twenties so I've spent my life working for something I'm still working to achieve. I've realised later than I should have that the time to travel is whilst I'm still young enough to appreciate it. 

Stop self shaming - there are plenty of people more than willing to do it for you, don't agonise over things you can change.

Stop comparing yourself to others and their choices, at least if you listen to your instinct and it's wrong you can blame yourself and not resent others for it.

Follow your heart - your head can be too sensible, if there's a time to screw up, it's now. 

Visit a European City on your day off - be spontaneous, many cities can be reached within two hours and realistically you'd spend that time travelling around London anyway! 

Stop dieting - eat your vegetables, drink plenty of water and go for a run now and again.

Don't kill yourself if you don't go to the gym, you can always go tomorrow.

Don't sweat the small stuff - shit happens, life goes on.

Clear out your wardrobe - if you haven't worn it in a year then get rid, why add clutter where it isn't needed. 

Find your passion and follow it, it's a tale as old as time but life really is too short! 

Take a social media break - live in the moment not on the Internet 

Let go of the past - it's a cliche but it's in the past for a reason

Meet a guy on a night out - get rid of tinder, if you fancy a guy talk to him, what's the worst that can happen

Stop playing games- if you want to text a guy then just text him. Again, what's the worst that can happen?

Give blood. 

Splash out on new underwear - it will make you feel better, I promise.

Keep in touch with long distance friends that are still true friends and cut out one way friends. 

Christmas Gift Ideas

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Buying gifts at Christmas can be tricky, even when you really know a person it can be so easy to get wrong. That said, I always think that it is best to give something personal and something that shows you have put a little thought into your choice, let’s face it, anyone can buy a perfume or gift card (the exception being for guys of course), buying clothes is usually a no go for most people and cosmetics and toiletries are always, in my opinion, a waste as a gift. Females usually know what products work best for them and you'll never really know exactly what she has in her glam box and therefore be at risk.

My sister once said to me that the key for gift giving lies in purchasing something your recipient will need but not necessarily buy for themselves. As a sort of tradition you can always guarantee that the two of us will always be unwrapping pyjamas from each other come the 25th, because, well who doesn't need an extra set! You'll find most girls will have some kind of list, whether they have told you or not, that said I’ve made one of my own of the things I’ll be most excited to receive come Christmas morning.

Beauty Review: H&M BB Cream Brush

I know, you read the heading and wonder is it even worth reading about a high street clothing retailer's cosmetics line? Well I've always remained sceptical over high street cosmetics. Don't get me wrong I love a piece or two from Rimmel (I even rate their nail polishes over the likes of Chanel) but as a rule I tend not to purchase make up from lower end brands purely because I have sensitive skin and these brands just don't give me the lightweight feel when compared to their luxury counterparts. 

In addition, I've never really used make up brushes, preferring to use my fingers as I always know they're clean, despite knowing it won't give me as even a coverage. Recently however, I was in Leeds when I realised I'd left a lot of make up essentials back home in London. I'd arrived too late to go shopping so a quick dash into H&M to grab a few brushes and eye liner etc left me pleasantly surprised. 

As I've said I don't rate brushes for foundation, I noticed however a 'BB Cream Brush' at the cash desk - I have to say this is possibly one of my favourite beauty purchases ever! It caught my eye as it's basically a replica of the Shiseido flat top brush but for a fraction of the price. Having sensitive skin I've found plenty of foundation brushes are too harsh on my skin. This brush however left my skin as smooth as before application and gave me an even coverage that more or less lasted throughout the day. I can't believe I've lived for so long without this little miracle! 

Beauty Review: Marc Jacobs Gel Definition Mascara

                          

Having searched high and low over the years for the perfect mascara and trying every brand from Chanel to Rimmel I honestly thought such a thing didn't exist - until Marc Jacobs launched his own beauty brand just over a year ago. As the range is available exclusively at Sephora and selected Marc Jacob's stores, my problem then became getting my hands on the product seeing as I had no trips planned to anywhere that stocked it. 

Luckily a work colleague recently took a trip to NYC and actually remembered to stop by Sephora to pick up my order - including the Lash Lifter Gel Definition Mascara. To say it was worth the wait was an understatement. My main problem with previous mascaras have been clumpiness and the fact that it comes off with even the slightest touch, to my delight I had no such problem with this latest product. 

Despite a number of negative reviews on Sephoras website I found that the mascara both lifted the lashes and added volume, I even felt confident enough to go out on a Saturday night without my lashes. My main issue with mascara is that I tend to subconsciously touch my eyes during the day, quite often resulting in my looking like I have two black eyes by the time I finish work, but thanks to the micro-crystalline powders used this is now a non issue. 

The mascara neither flakes at touch nor runs when wet, in fact my hair dresser recently came round (she's my best friend so it's usually an over the bath rinse out of hours) and instead of looking like a giant panda after washing, like I usually do, the mascara was all still firmly on my lashes. 

At $26 (£16 roughly) it's certainly one of the cheaper mascaras on the market and as I recently found out (after my friend had returned from NYC) Sephora now actually deliver to the UK - although delivery costs £10 and must be over £75 before sales tax to qualify for the flat rate charge, this however only makes it a perfect excuse to order more cosmetics ( I also highly reccomend ReMarcAble Full Coverage Concealer). 

Look of the Week: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is one of those actresses you either love or hate. Myself, I totally love her, even more so after she opted to wear this deep blue Richard Nicoll gown to the LA Premiere of Interstellar last night. Satin is a brave choice for many of us, it works perfectly on the Oscar winning star who accessorised with a star embellished necklace, by James Banks Designs, which draped down her bias cut dress. 

Payday Purchase

As you can see from my last post, I've become a sneaker convert. I've been practically living in my new Nike's when not at work and it's become a necessity for me to buy a new pair. I was going to treat myself to a new colour of the Air Max Thea's (if you like something buy it in bulk right?) when I noticed and entire Converse wall in Foot Asylum.

It's been a while since I bought a pair of Converse. I did the whole Converse/Skinnies/Blazer look to death in Uni and as a result put myself off of them. This style however, are the perfect pair to get me back into them.  With a snakeskin texture, leather effect laces and metallic toe cap these are certainly more feminine and stylish than your average Nikes. 

I also treated my nephew to a pair for his Christmas present whilst we were there. Whilst the star print would look more than a bit Chavvy on larger feet, they don't half look cute on his little size 12's. 

Payday Purchase

Wow, it's been a while since I wrote one of these. I feel like every time I write a post I have to justify why I've not written in so long, more to myself than anything if I'm honest. A sign of my own laziness I'm sure! 

Stepping aside from the procrastination and onto the matter at hand, my latest purchase. 

I've never been a fan of trainers, I've always had this thing in my head that certain things are for men only - pints, football and trainers. Weird I know, but lately the influx of trainers worn for fashion as opposed to function has become hard to ignore and who am I to avoid such a blatant trend. Well I've ignored it for the past year but at least I'm finally latching on. 

After going from a trainer hater to someone in desperate need of a pair in the space of a day I enlisted the help of the only person I could trust with such a decision regarding my footwear. Together we went to Westfields and after visiting numerous shops and heated debates over what I should get (he greatly favours Huaraches whilst I was partial to a pair of Flyknits) we both decided we liked the Air Max Thea (above). Surprise surprise not a single shop in Shepards Bush nor my local high street had my size, luckily however a planned trip to Manchester that weekend worked in my favour.

As mentioned, there was a two day lapse in picking my trainers and actually purchasing them, in the mean time I realised my usual attire of 50's style skirts and skater dresses would hardly work with this new choice of footwear. Therefore I spent the next two days shopping determinedly, buying my new jeans for the first time in years and even a new coat especially to wear with my trainers.  Any excuse!

Beauty Review: L'Oreal Nude Magique Blur Cream

Since moving back to London, I've really got into my beauty blogs. So when I read about this new 'wonder product' from L'Oreal I had to try it. It took me a few different shops to actually get my hands on the products (that's a good sign if something has sold out surely!) so I'm probably a bit behind with my review. But here goes anyway...

'A unique lightweight texture that instantly fuses with skin to blur imperfections away for a flawless look' is how L'Oreal market the product, note specifically that the word 'primer' is not mentioned.

The product comes in two shades which, along with the marketing of the product, would lead one to believe it's something you could wear on days when you just don't want to wear foundation. That's my main bug about the product, it has zero coverage which basically nullifies the point on the product. If that's what you're looking for I would stick to a BB cream (Smashbox Camera Ready is my reccomended option). 

Coverage aside, the Blur cream has a lightweight texture which mattifies any oily patches - it's not dissimilar to the Benefit Porefessional. You apply it like you would a regular cream and it feels as smooth as any other primer. 

Due to the coverage issue I still felt I had to add a little concealer on my dark circles, but on a night out the Blur Cream kept my make up in place and I felt little to no need to touch up during the night.

At £9.99 it's cheap for a primer which does make it a good option, but that's all I would reccomend this product for as, if you're like me, you'll still need to apply a concealer and foundation on top.

Wear the Trend: Espadrilles

Espadrilles are not something I would usually choose to put on my feet, largely in part to their surge in wearers over the past few years courtest of TOM's.  Since Chanel have decided to market a new range however?  Well, consider my mind changed.  The French fashion powerhouse have created this stunning range of two tone espadrilles that can pefectly compliment any outfit and as such, mainstream retailers have followed suit and have plenty of feminine style to offer us.  Unfortunately the price tag of the Chanels are a bit too much than I'd like to spend on a flash in the pan item.  Luckily the high street as always has plenty of just as nice styles for us to choose from for much more purse friendly prices.

 

1)  Madison Black Espadrilles - Carvella  £75

 

2) Pink and Gold Espadrilles - H&M £14.99

 

3) Lespy Espadrille - Dune £39

4) Koala Espadrilles - Topshop £45

 

 

 

 

Kim Kardashian lands Vogue cover!

Evidently I've not had time to blog much time for blogging in recent months, there are some things in life, however, that to disregard would be foolish. This moment is one of them - the moment Anna Wintour publicly lost her mind. 

There is no dispute that Kim Kardashian's wardrobe has evolved dramatically since her partnership with self confessed 'God' Kanye West began. Sure sometimes she looks amazing, other times like her butt is about to bust out of her cream trousers. Is it right then that the reality star has finally landed the front cover of the biggest book in the industry - American Vogue. 

The cover, shot by Annie Leibovitz and accompanied by the hash tag 'worldsmosttalkedaboutcouple' was posted on Kim's Instagram account with the caption 'this is a dream come true! Thank you @voguemagazine for this cover! OMGGGGGG! I can't even breath'. She isn't the only one. 

Considering the Vogue editor in chief vehemently refused to allow Kim at the Met Gala in 2012, it makes the mind boggle at what Kim would of had to do to get this cover - one that places her alongside the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett Johansson. In my mind there can be only one logical explanation - the best April Fools the world has ever seen? 

The Mulberry Cara Delevingne Collection

It was announced earlier in the week that girl of the moment Cara Delevingne had teamed up with British brand Mulberry to launch an exciting new collection and today the results of said collection were unveiled during a photo all at Claridges hotel. 

The collection offers us a versatile bag that comes in three sizes and three finishes as well as being one that can be worn as either a rucksack, on the shoulder or held by hand. Each bag includes the models own personal touch such as 'Made in England' printed at the bottom of every bag aswell as a small lion river and heart shaped patch inside the bag ( references to Delevingne's own tattoos). 

Previously the face of the brands last two collections this marks Mulberrys first collaboration since that of Lana Del Ray in 2012 and comes at a time when the brand are aiming to change their aesthetic from 'affordable luxury' to more upmarket. Prices vary from £890 to £2500. 

Miranda Kerr becomes the latest face of H&M

Considering H&M are launching their first Australian store later this year it's hardly surprising that the brand have chosen the countries hottest supermodel to front their SS14 campaign. 

Joining the likes of Gisele, Vanessa Paradis and Amber Valette the former Victoria's Secret model announced via social media site Instagram that she will be the face of this years summer launch, a campaign that last year had superstar Beyoncé fronting it. 

The latest campaign is set to coincide with the retailers Australian debut which will see one of their largest stores in the world open in Melbourne. The first campaign images are expected to be launched in March. 

Look of the Week: Hayden Panettiere

Awards Season is a perfect time to restart the LOTW feature, not only do we have a plethora of actresses to choose from but we can compare her outfits throughout the rest of the upcoming ceremonies. Marvellous!

This week I've chosen actress Hayden Panettiere as my best looks and for - bizarrely - a reason different to her wearing the best outfit of the week (I was in love with Ms Watsons dress an trousers combo). No, the reason I have chosen Hayden is for her sheer determination to wear a designer she loved, even when pretty much told she couldn't - something us mere mortals will sympathise with. 

Now we all know that designers are quite specific when it comes to loaning their dresses and Tom Ford is one such designer, he'll loan only one dress per red carpet. This year the honor fell to Naomi Watts and Hayden was told to look for another designer for her strut down the red carpet. 

It's common knowledge of course that designers will loan dresses - what kind of actress wants to pay tens of thousands for a dress they can only wear on one occasion - but the young starlet, upon being told no can do by the house of Ford did something they didn't expect of her and actually went out a bought (yes as in spent her own money) a $10,000 dress just so she could walk down that carpet and announce his name as who she was wearing. Fabulous. 

Beauty Review: Cleansing Oil

You may remember at the end of last year I listed a number of things I had resolved to learn this year, top of my list was skincare.  Luckily I had told my sister this was my plan in the build up to Christmas and, being the amazing sister she is she went out and purchased me my first essential skincare item- a cleansing oil. As part of my resolution I've taken to searching blogs for the best products out there, as we all know magazines and editors are paid for their opinion where as bloggers write what the really feel, hence my decision to write my finds on here. 

I've always been relatively good with my night routine - remove make up, cleanse, tone, moisturise and exfoliate twice a week. Now that I've written that down I can see that that is a lot of effort to go to, especially now I'm aware of the wonder that is a Cleansing Oil. 

So why is this product much better than other skin care products you ask? Allow me to explain. Cleansing oils naturally balance skins natural oils with natural botanicals healing, protecting and nourishing the skin. Ever heard of the saying 'like for like'? Well it applies here. The oils you are using dissolve existing oils in your skin that have hardened with impurities and have got stuck in your pores and the water you use to rinse wash that away. Non oily cleansers, on the other hand, contain detergent like chemicals that essentially remove the necessary oils from your skin which will leave you with that tight feelin that has you reaching for the moisturiser. 

Personally I have dry, sensitive skin and the best thing I find about the Shu Umera Ultim8 cleansing oil is that I'm not left with that tight feeling and don't even feel like I need to moisturise at night after use.   The product might seem expensive - retailing at £36 for 150ml or £72 for 450ml (the product has an expiration date of 6 months so I would highly recommend the 150ml bottle) but, as with most things, you get what you pay for. Whilst the Ultim8 option is basically the jack of all trades, Shu Umera offer other type of oils, from anti aging to combination skin. Whatever you want 

- they've got. 

2014 Golden Globes

It's that time of year again, Christmas has barely passed us by before awards season is upon us. Having said that, there is probably nothing better than seeing a host of celebrities in my favourite designers to inspire me to work harder and get that beach bod.

Whilst the Golden Globes are primarily known for being an indication as to what films will perform well at The Oscars, as well as being great opportunity for us to review some gorgeous celebrities in gorgeous outfits (see our gallery of Hits and Misses here: http://goo.gl/RfgK64), this year offered us some great moments to remember exactly why we love some of our favourite celebrities. 

First up - Leonardo Dicaprio. Oh Leo, how we love thee, even more so now that he left his stunning 21 year old, Victoria's Secret model girlfriend at home in favour of walking down the red carpet with his Mum, what's a cutie! Leo was up for his 9th Golden Globe nomination an whilst he should have won each of those awards he yesterday won his second for Best Actor - Musical or Comedy for his performance in The Wolf of Wall Street. Let's hope he finally gets his much deserved first Oscar!

JLaw being JLaw - by any account she is by far one of the most down to earth celebrities around and last night just reaffirmed our love for her even more. First there was the Taylor Swift photobomb after which the actress told the pop star she wanted to push her down the stairs. Next she was seen at her table, well just being the JLaw that we know and love, goofing around and giving beau Nicholas Hoult a big kiss after winning her category, finally confirming that they are indeed back together. Finally, whilst she has been panned for her choice of outfit, it has spawned a whole host of Internet memes and it wouldn't surprise is if she had chosen the dress having for seen this.

Emma Thompson and her shoes. Not only did that star arrive to present an award with her Louboutins in one hand and a martini in the other but she then proceeded to throw the shoes over her shoulder - queue a round applause from women everywhere who now breath a sigh if relief to know it's ok that they feel pain after walking in the for more than an hour. 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. What a duo, their agents are surely very busy people right now. Whilst Gervais was known for his steely and awkward jokes at the expense of his audience these two however, poked fun at their guests without ever being inappropriate. Some of the best jokes included 'Gravity shows us that George Clooney would rather float in space and die than spend one more minute with a woman his age' and 'Like a supermodels vagina, let's all give a  warm welcome to Leonardo DiCaprio'. Pure Comedic Gold.

H&M returns to Fashion Week

Despite being missing from October's SS14 fashion week, fast fashion retailer have announced that they are set to return to the Parisian runaway on February 26th, showcasing another exclusive Autumn Winter collection - newly dubbed H&M studio. The collection will be live streamed on the brands website and will be available from September alongside the brands RTW collections.