It's about time

I mentioned a while ago I was lucky enough to get a watch for Christmas but I hadn't decided which colour or brand to go with. After a long time trapsing through websites and trying on styles in shops I decided to go for this beauty.

I was toying between a Marc Jacobs rose gold watch, which I still absaloutley love and this Michael Kors gold one. I decided in the end that the gold would be timeless (no pun intended) and would go with more of my outfits. I want to keep it for a long time and I think this was the best choice. I still may invest in the other watch when I come in to some money as it looks good with my skin tone and is so on trend but my bank balance will have to make the final decission on that one.

I know a few people have purchased a similar watch, which one did you get if you do?

Sunday spending summary: Beauty Binge

I took the beauty aisle at Tesco Thursday like a mad woman. Running low on a few essentials I decided to stock up and explore with some new products at the same time.

Having recently broken out with a bad case of spots (pass me the brown bag will you please?) I decided to invest in some magic potion to cure the bad spell I am experiencing. I don't normally suffer from achene or spots bad enough to have a 'go to' cupboard of lotions so spent quite some time reading all the bottles my local Tesco had to offer. If I'm honest, they all kind of said the same thing and I didn't want to spend too much as this was a one off. I decided to go for this Neutrogena daily wash and chose the Grapefruit for a fresh, fruity scent to waken me up in the mornings.

I have been using Nivea Pure and Natural wipes the last few months and have loved them. They are so soft without drenching my skin and remove my make up satisfactorily. They didn't have the exact ones I wanted so chose these for dry skin as I personally suffer from this and they were on offer at half price for £1.49.

Running low on dry shampoo I have been missing Batiste's quick fix incredibly. I had a choice between original, tropical and blush but chose the rose fragranced bottle as the tropical was more coconut based scent than the pineapple fruit one I had imagined it would be.

This nail drying spray is also an essential in my make up bag and its recent absence has affirmed this. I'm always doing my nails last minute, ( I sound like a right busy body, lazy beauty type of gal right?) just as I'm running out the house so I am so happy to have this back.

I love to freshen up when I am on the go and decided to re buy on an old favourite. I always used to have an Impulse bottle in my bag for nights out or when I didn't want to use my favourite perfume. I guess I was in a fruity mood yesterday as I chose this Pear and Jasmine bottle which I believe is going to help in the 'keep fresh' feeling.

Finally some Elvive multi vitamin shampoo. Since dip dying my hair I have become really conscious about looking after my hair. My hairdresser always says I have really healthy hair which is fab. I barely dye it and always make sure I use protection mist when straightening my hair. I have also been using moisturising masks int he last few months which I believe has made a huge difference but for me personally, also speeds up the blow drying process. ANYWAY, I took for a change in my shampoo which I have noticed, always has a great effect on your hair instead of sticking to the same bottle. This one smelt really fresh and clean which I have found I prefer than to sticky, juicy or musty flavoured scented shampoos.

Anyone tried any of these before? xx

C'est La Vie - Wednesday Want

I may be watching too much of The Big Reunion on ITV 2. I may be a little too exciting for the LG Arena tour in May and maybe reliving my youth with the catchy pop songs and disastorous outfits ( Bewitched's double denim to be exact). Or I may just be bang on trend and persusaded by my own blog post yesterday but yes.... I am wanting a denim shirt this Wednesday.

These are my favourite high street pieces so far. I love detail so the Miss Selfridge jewelled collar shirt and the Topshop Moto one are high contenders right now.

JJB Sports

Topshop

Lillywhites

Miss Selfridge

I have been hesitating for some time on this purchase because I am not sure I would end up getting the wear out of it or end up styling it how I envisage it. So, as always, I have been doing my research and found this outfit inspirations on Pinterest which are tempting me and thought I would share some of these cool outfits.

 

 Anyone got any styling tips for me?

xxx

Every penny counts

Working the Next Sale it is impossible to avoid this discounted season on the high street. Combine this with just being paid today, my hands are itching to dive into my purse and splash out on some bargains. Clicking through River Islands sale I was inspired by some great pieces hidden among their pages. I really want my money to stretch this month so mocked up some sale outfit ideas to make the purchases worth while. You may have similar items in your wardrobe which you could recycle to make your splurge even better. I love all these items and can see so many outfits among all the sale items. I am loving the bright blue blazer which would also go great with the patterned blouse in the second picture and I am a sucker for all these cute prints. Whats your favourtite? Made any sale purchases yet?

Prints really add fresh air to any outfit and can be teamed with any basic hidden in your wardrobe. These cute skirts are ideal for when the weather perks up and these harem trousers make a bold statement in this current cold spring.
 
I am in love with this bright pink skirt which can be worn day or night. It is so versatile, perfect to bring out subtle pinks in prints, layer up with jumpers or team with ur favourite top for a night on the town.
 

I would love to pull of these skinny jeans! I went through a stripe craze a while back and I feel it may be returning... Again, you could rock this with a crop top for a night out  or a bright colour to avoid the obvious black option. These trousers are great to wear with a denim shirt  as it avoids the whole double denim look that I am sorry, I am just not brave enough to embrace just yet. Denim shirts are everywhere at the moment but this one is cute with its studded collar done up or left open. I love introducing tailored pieces into my outfits and this blue jacket is perfect for smart/ casual occassions. The bright blue is ideal for spring summer, lifting spirits and injecting a new colour into the outfit.

I feel my purse getting lighter...

With nothing but your T-shirt on

Times are hard and money is as tight as Russell Brands suspicious jeans. Days are spent day dreaming about a brand new wardrobe whilst your coins rattle in your piggy bank. But do not fear, I am hear to save the day with....a t-shirt (yes, gasp!) The beloved t-shrit is often regarded as a boring 'staple' item or if lucky, is only seen underneath your bed sheets as a pyjama substitute. Come on, lets bring back the day where the t-shirt is transformed from day to night and we all pretend were a rock chick wearing that t-shirt your brother brought back from his latest gig. Forget about indulging in a new blouse for a 'special occasion' (that never seems to arrive) or one that lets face it, you will only wear once and then will be too afraid to be seen in for another month at least because of its incredible on trend print. Once you think about it, its the best thing in your wardrobe, comfy and extremely versatile. Here are four looks to inspire you with items you may have purchased recently leaving you (ok, me) in this penny less pit.

London Fashion Week Favourites...so far

Whilst journalists fight for the front row seat, bloggers line up with cameras and wannabees push through the crowds: I am at home, working whilst the buzz of London Fashion Week ticks on.

I so wish I had got my act together and got myself there this year, definitely on my bucket list for next year but alas, at least I can share with you my favourite looks through I want, I need. As you know, I am a slave to the high street but it all starts somewhere and of course, London Fashion Week is the best place to spot the trends that will be transported onto your doorsteps in the likes of River Island, New Look and more.

Jena Theo stole day 1 for me. These looks are right up my street; edgy, grungy but packed full of colour showing grunge doesn't have to be all black. I love that the skater skirt is still going strong and am over the moon with this pink - such a great shade for A/W - nice and bright but a deep enough shade for the colder season. The paint splattered prints are very New York Urban to me, anyone else? I think this is something the high street is going to latch onto with us maybe seeing paint splattered leggings and tunics teamed with wet look leggins and disco pants. The final look I chose to show in this collection has a Motel vibe to it and I am sure they won't let me down with a skater skirt similar to this one.

Day 2 hits for me were Antipodiums bright colour collection and Sister by Siblings casual knits. It is so refreshing to see these neons from S/S are going to be continued right through to winter. I feel these two looks will again be easily transferred to our favourite high street stores. The bright neon yellow dress has stirred an excitement in me I didn't know I had for neon yellow, I would love to rock this outfit! This dress particularly screams River Island to me where I predict neon silky camis looking fab with patent heels and leather jackets.

I adore the Preen collection by Thorn Bregazzi. The subtle injection of the neon orange is grungy yet fun for the winter months. I would do anything for this collard shirt, it is so me, (as they say) and I think it would be a fierce addition to any working wardrobe to update your staple suits. This dress also caught my eye, cute and sexy the deep neckline plunges you from good girl next door to sexy senorita. I really hope to see this pattern and cut on the high street as I have my purse at the ready.

And of course, you got to love a bit of Mulberry. this smock dress would be a fabulous statement piece to any wardrobe; being able to layer it up with knits and jeweled collars to simple courts for the office. I don't know how I feel about the whole ' dress-over-the-trousers' look: kind of reminds me of my teenage days where I was desperately trying to be Avril Lavigne. Bright pink skirtini over my HUGE flares only sends shivers down my spine but I am sure Mulberry is going for a more sophisticated type of look and not taking inspiration from my muddled up childhood fashion. Tapered capri pants is definitely more their style. However, I am sure, Mulberry will make it work as after all, they can make anything fabulous.

 Have you been keeping up with London Fashion Week? What are your favourites and can you forecast any high street trends already?

Wednesday Want - VALENTINES

This Wednesday is based around wait for it, VALENTINES! And whether I get the date I am dreaming of or not, I am wanting a new outfit to celebrate (or console my broken soul! haha)  Single girls may claim  to despise the day but if were lucky enough to get brought a drink by the hot guy at the bar or even get asked on that date, we ALL get the butterflies.

I've put together these outfits to inspire you for the day of love whether you are out with your girls hoping to catch someones eye or on the date of your dreams. My favourite high street stores have got it down for coffee dates, casual drinks or a full on dinner date. These outfits aim to get you noticed and feel on top of the world so lets get shopping!

All these ideas are about colour. This year there is no time to hide behind your little black dress,  its about feeling confident, beautiful and making heads turn.

The first outfit is laid back and casual. Day dates are hard when its this cold but I think these shades of red will help you get in the mood for Valentines. My second outfit is definitely my favourite: girly but brave. This could easily could be worn for day time too by throwing on a lightweight jumper, tights and a delicate scarf. If the pink is just a bit too much you could always opt for a black cami but I think the pink brings out the colour of the skirt and will be a breath of fresh air for your date.

White Princess is also wearable for your drinks date if you are not brave enough for a skirt. I love the crystal cream and whites as they add a bit of sparkle and the light coloured jeans are feminine and ideal for s/s. The string bag teamed with the flats is a great way to keep the outfit casual and maybe the perfect items for a getaway if things go terribly wrong...

Lady in red is bold and beautiful. I avoided teaming it with black and introduced a cream which softens the bold red. With these simple rings the dress does the talking making it a delicate delightful outfit. I really encourage people to try injecting a bright bold colour such as red, even if its some glossy heels as this can give a great boost of confidence and will definitely make sure you are a date to remember. Finally if you need something a little darker, a bit grungier this Miss Selfridge dress is perfect striking the perfect balance between safe and sexy. Picking up on the turquoise and teal pattern these shoes will make sure your date is looking at you top to toe. You could always swap these for some plain black heels and the outfit would still look fab but be brave, go for the brights!

Valentines Outfits by katie-constable on polyvore.com

Has anyone got any plans for Valentines? Just remember, it doesn't always have to about dating tomorrow: going out with your girls, having drinks and feeling fabulous with the people you love is just as exciting as dating. Whatever your plans are.... HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Legging love affair

Winter demands thick layers, warmth and comfort and this winter gone I turned to leggings. Nothing feels better than having that release from denim and pulling on some light, soft to the skin jersey. It is fair to say with this dodgy weather Winter is lasting longer than expected and this means my wardrobe needed expanding to accommodate for my legging love affair.


I am not a bum barer type of girl (where you can pants through leggings, yuk!) so I was looking for something longer that looked smart yet trendy.

I managed to grab this dress from River Island  in the sale a few months ago which was amazing as I saw and loved this when it was full price. They only had a 6 left, which I brought, a little hopeful but Hurrah! It does fit. Maybe a little tight but IT FITS and that is all that matters. You could probably get away with wearing this with tights but as it comes quite short at the front I felt leggings were more suited, got to love a legging.

'They're Real' Benefit mascara Review

In attempt to shake up my make up brand I splurged out on this Benefit mascara. I normally stick to cheap sticks such as Max Factor or Rimmel but after being impressed with the Benefit's Bad Lash mascara I decided it was time to invest in my make up bag.

When I saw this in the shop they had images showing a before and after effect. I was pretty impressed with what I saw and decided to try it myself. I can safely say this mascara is the best I have tried to date. Whether that is just from taking a few steps up the label ladder I am not entirely sure but this product does a great job in elongating my lashes. I wouldn't say it thickened out your lashes but it definitely makes a noticeable difference without being too over powering. They look real, just as the bottle says.

The product is tough to remove, seeming quite thick but actually it doesn't feel heavy at all on the eyes. I decided to show my before and after so you can see the dramatic effects.

Before - no mascara.

After - WITH Benefit 'They're real' mascara.

£18.50 was quite a jump in price point for me compared to my £5-8 mascaras but with these results, I am quite happy to pay the price and highly recommend it as a must for your make up bag. Has anyone else tried it or got any other brands to recommend?

xxx

Wednesday Want - Watch wear

I was incredibly lucky for Christmas to be given a watch from my parents. My mum wanted me to choose the one I wanted and I still haven't decided. Girls, I need your help! For a while (and still) I was toying between brands - Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors? Now, it's the colour.

To begin with I felt that gold has been copied so much now it has lost its value but I think it would stand more seasons and go great with a lot of things I would wear. However, I love the rose gold as it is new and exciting and not many people have got them (yet)but even though it is bang on trend for SS13 feel it might go out of fashion quickly .

I really want to make sure I am getting the right one because as we are all aware, they are very expensive. I want it to get lots of wear out of it and keep it for a long time.

After scouting around for some time, these are my personal favourites. Can you help me narrow it down?  Come on girls, help a sister out!

WW Watch wear by katie-constable featuring a marc jacob

Sleeves up! SPENDING SPLURGES #7

I have been waiting to buy this coat since attending the Missguided AW press day and finally I have it. I originally ordered a ten just before Christmasa thinking I could  wear lots of layers underneath but actually it was too big. I always love a leather jacket as it always manages to rock up an outfit but now I have this beauty to add to my wardrobe. The leather sleeves and khaki park middle gives a grungy edge as well as injecting a new colour into my wardrobe. The fur gives that bit of glamour and the zipped pockets are positioned perfectly with lots of room, ideal for winter gloves and essentials . I never thought I'd rate a jacket on its pockets but there is a first time for everything!

I am actually surprised how warm it is as the jacket itself is quite light in weigh. However, the jacket is a great length covering my back midriff and the fur lepels are great for snuggling. Missguided said they wanted their new range to have quality without loosing a good price tag. At £49.99 you expect good quality - I think any more I would expect more padding but for the price and the fashion statement, Missguided has delivered, EXTREMELY happy customer :)

I know a few people are getting bored with the khaki and leather sleeve contrast look but I'm on the bandwagon and loving it. Already had lots of people complimenting it and asking me where I got it from.

There are lots of varieties of this jacket on the high street such as River Island, New Look and Topshop. The design is becoming varied too with denim and leather, army print and lighter shades for SS but with this being the one I first saw, I will stick to my instinct.

      


Anyone else took to this trend? xx