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.

Spending splurges III

After reading Emmerliejays post on her new Topshop ankle boots and spotting a few people in London, I have been toying friviously with the idea of purchasing a pair of ankle boots. I loved the edgy look they were giving peoples outfits, it instantly attracting my grungy side. The cheaper alternative Emmerliejay came up with (here) which really fitted the bill for my tight budget type of spending, so I decided to do a bit more research into my upcoming investment.

I decided to play around with some outfit ideas which you will find in my post here to really make sure this wasn't going to be another pair left in the back of the cupboard. I have only ever had one pair of boots I have loved. My military, or JLS boots (nickname created from many HILARIOUS unfashionably educated men, cough - bitter? no.) from River Island have literally seen better days after the fit felt like Cinderellas glittery slipper. The look was also perfect for rocking up some of my looks and of course they were ideal for saving my tiny toes from the winter cold. (However, it must me noted there was NO grip on the sole which didn't save my humiliation on a few slips and slides.)

But I took the plunge and went straight in and brought the Topshop alternatives Emmerliejay recommended. I really did love these and with a cheeky bit of student discount they really are a steal. I decided to keep in the bag for a few days however in case I found something else I liked after looking online. I cant really explain it more than a fashion sixth sense and it obviously meant something as I came across these and just fell in love. PERFECTION.

These are from Next at £65. They are a little more pricey but with my discount only came more expensive to the Topshop pair by £5. The heel is a little higher and combined with the cut around the ankle makes my legs look a lot slimmer, or so I feel. The studs and the silver plating on the ankle make them a bit more unique and as I always say....will  help 'rock up' my outfits a bit. I love them, litterally LOVE, I am so happy I waited out. They are actually pretty much identical to Emmerliejays Amelie Topshop boots apart from a slightly higher heel ( I think). I didn't really realise untill I wrote up this post so I hope she doesn't mind - I obviously just loved the ones she chose! A happy shopper indeed :)

K xx

Beautiful Ends Herbal Essences: REVIEW

Hello,

I thought I would do a quick product review today (Ok, so it isn't that short). I haven't done one of these yet and if honest, am slightly nervous. I am not an expert in beauty products but thought it might be useful for anyone reading my blog to get an unbiased and completely ammature opinion of some of the products out there.

After my last hair appointment my hair dresser pointed out my hair was looking a bit dry. This was a surprise as even though I don't go much due to a) the cost and b) I don't need much doing to my hair - she always says my hair is in great condition. I don't do anything in particular to my hair apart from wash, blow dry and straighten or curl. I used to be really bad with protecting my hair due to many products being quite heavy and greasing up my hair. This is a nightmare as I have such thick, long hair I hate to be washing it every day. I do make sure I use Tony and Guys protein protection mist now though every time I straighten it as it made a big difference to the healthiness of my hair and also gives it a smoother finish.

I decided to invest in a hair mask after using one that came complimentary with a magazine and my hair dressers advice. I think it was a Pantene one and I thought it was amazing. Anyway, after a while I popped into Boots to find an equivalent. I didn't really want to buy a large pot but with no sachet options and with it being more worth while buying a pot - I decided to go for it.

I can be a bit tight with my money when it comes to beauty products, I really don't know why but I wasn't really keen to pay £5 for a hair masque. It is probably considered cheap but I am just not use to paying that much. I decided on Herbal Essence's Hair Masque's as it was on offer at £2.09 a pot. I couldn't decide for ages which one to go for so I brought two - the Beautiful Ends for split ends and dry hair and the Hello Hydration one.

Herbal Essence Hair Masques Beautiful Ends and Hello Hydration both £2.09 Boots.

Now, they might do exactly the same thing, but I wasn't sure and thought I might as well get two for the price of one. If anyone knows if they do make much of a difference I would be happy to hear about it :)

So far I have used the Beautiful Ends pot and am really pleased. Normally Herbal Essence products can be so soft it makes my hair greasy but with this I had such a soft finish and have not experienced any unwanted grease. My hair felt light and yes, cheesy as it sounds, completely revitalized. I noticed the effects as soon as I blow dryed it with my hair having a nice shine and my hair looking brand new. The texture is so similar to the conditioner that actually I wondered whether it was the same thing but like I said, it has had a different effect on my hair that it can't be. It has a yummy raspberry and silk smell which is quite musky and lingers. If you are not a fan of fruity smells maybe this isn't for you but I love it as it makes me feel like it has had a good wash. You leave it on for 5 minutes and use once a week and I will definitely continue this regime.

Beautiful Ends, Herbal Essences £2.09 Boots

I don't know about any other brands, has anyone else tried anything? Probably next time I will try something different but for now, I would definitely recommend Herbal Essence if you are new to this sort of thing. Its on offer at the moment and is so worth the price. I can imagine that yes, it is probably a good masque for a starter. Cheap, quick and easy I would say go for it :)

K xx

Spending splurges

I've caved! I have spent again! My 'YOLO' attitude has returned. Booking a holiday and working extra hours to pay for it as a bad combination. New summer lines are tempting me for my week in the sun and with the quiet bank holiday I am spending my shift at Next looking at what I can buy or persuading myself that with my discount, every item being 'a need' and a bargain.

The first of my purchases was not actually from Next but with Boots next door I am constantly popping in. I never normally spend much on make up or jewellery, I always want to buy tons of jewellery to update my outfits and splash out on some expensive, quality make up but I just can't ever justify the cost when I could get a new outfit instead.

However, with my holiday coming up and cringing over last years photos where my exposed skin attempted to gain some rays I decided I needed to invest in a holiday foundation. I don't really like the idea of wearing foundation on holiday, I laugh at the vanity of those people who feel they need to wear it. I personally think its a good break for my skin and i'm only going to sweat it off anyway. ( Heat and I have constant issues) Despite this I am turning, I hold my hands up, I wanna look good! I still don't want to be seen to be wearing heaps of foundation but having something to skim over my imperfections might make me feel happier about my holiday snaps. I wanted something light, that offered protection but gave me some coverage.

Playsuit: Next, £26, Wedges: Next, £45, Foundation: No 7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream £12.95

Asking the cashier at boots she gave me what seemed a great yet honest recommendation saying she uses No 7 and that a lot of their foundations are light and have UVB protection. She also pointed out I had just been given a £5 off No 7 voucher making my purchase even more justifiable. In the end I went for No 7 Beautiful Skin. I am incredibly pale so went with the fair tone and suffer from dry skin so chose the Normal/Dry. It has a 5 star rating from UVA, is hyper-allergenic and has a protection of 15 SPF. My full review will come after my holiday when I have tested it out to it's full capability. Watch this space!

I then nabbed these wedges from Next for £45 (less with my discount) and this playsuit for £26. I love walking in wedges, I feel so much more confident and at ease. My work mate said she has some and they are the comfiest shoes she owns, again, another reason to spend the pennies. I think they will be perfect with a lot of my summer dresses with their natural tone and hessian heel.

I then couldn't resit the colouring for this playsuit. I noticed a lot of my outfits for holiday were block colour so was on the browse for bright and printed clothing. I am into orange tones right now but think this will work even back for the slightly colder British summers as well as being really comfy.

Anyone else been spending their pennies?

K xxx