Beauty: NYC Make Up Haul

L-R Clinique Cheek Pop 01 Ginger Pop, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush Natural Beauty, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush 60 Coffee Cake

L-R Yello-Out Clear Acrylic Top Coat, O.P.I You're Such A Budapest, O.P.I Red My Fortune Cookie, O.P.I Red Hot Rio, O.P.I My Paprika is Hotter Than Yours, O.P.I Toucan Do It If You Try, Nicole by O.P.I Drying Drops

L-R Burt's Bees Tinted Lipbalm Red Dahlia, Covergirl 305 Hot Passion lipstick, Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm 245

Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball and Marc Jacobs Dot Rollerball

Origins Super Spot Remover, Covergirl Flamed Out Very Black Blaze, Clinique Chubby Stick 09 Heaping Hazelnut

Just like I would never refer to myself as a shoe girl (you and I both know this isn't true), I wouldn't use the term 'Make Up Lover' to describe myself either. So how did I end up spending a small fortune on beauty products in New York? Your guess is as good as mine.

I fell head over heels for Duane Reade especially when I discovered O.P.I nail polishes worked out around £5 each. Yep I may have squealed a little too. I could have brought home a whole rainbow of colours but alas my nail polish collection makes my dad nervous. He's convinced it's going to cause a crack in our ceilings... I decided to spare him the heart attack and only bring home 7 bottles. I showed some good restraint! The Maybelline blush is absolutely amazing! I can't stop wearing it.

I couldn't resist this snazzy pouch at Chelsea Market although I can't for the life of me remember my the name. Schoolboy error! It made me laugh as I've only just really graduated onto lipstick in the last two years.

I wish I brought more of the Covergirl lip crayons. It just applies like a dream and is such a pretty colour. It's perfect for day way as it's not to in your face. It also creates a slight stain so isn't too shabby when it starts to wear off. It's enough of a reason for me to book a return trip right?

Read more

Powder blue

Outfit:
Powder blue midi dress: c/o Hobbs
Powder blue lady dragons: Vivienne Westwood (similar)
Silver ball bracelet: Tiffany & Co
Red lip crayon: Cover Girl

Hobbs was one of those brands I used to lust (and still do!) over when I was working hard in Uni. And eating lots of pizza.  I imagined i'd be dressed top to toe in the brand, wearing high heels everyday and swanning around in London when I got my first job. My first job was indeed in London but I lasted in heels for about a week and my wages still only stretched to Primark. So I was over the moon when they got in touch to see if I fancied something. I couldn't reply quick enough and this dress caught my eye as soon as I opened the website. It just so elegant, summery and pretty damn perfect. It fits like a glove and as Aisling has been telling me for god knows how long, you really do see the quality when you spend those extra pennies. I'll definitely be saving up my coins for another Hobbs dress. I think this may be the start of something beautiful...

This dress is going to get it's debut at Newmarket Ladies Day. I do love a day at the races! I've got a hot pink pillbox hat to match the heart on my shoes. If anyone has seen any hot pink clutches hit me up as i'm on the hunt for one to match!

Do you own anything from Hobbs?

Read more

Review: Big Easy

A few weeks ago I managed to finally drag myself to the newly opened Covent Garden branch of the American/seafood restaurant Big Easy. Having already visited the Kings Road branch I fell in love and was very excited one had opened a bit nearer to home.

It's not the cheapest of places to eat and is definately a treat option for lunch. But the portions are huge. Absolutely huge! I didn't eat anything for the rest of the day. I opted for the Carolina Pulled Pork and it went down an absolute treat. The BBQ sauce was sticky and tangy and went perfectly with the melt in your mouth pork. The chips were a little bit too well done for my liking but Lily helped me finish them off! The coleslaw had a tasty lemon tang to it and baked beans were moreish.

I'm a sucker for presentation and I loved how everything was served in seperate bowls. The brown greaseproof paper added a great rustic feel to the food. It was fairly busy but not overpowering or too loud. Service was a bit hit and miss. Sarah's main came out quite a while after everyone elses so that was a bit annoying. I think meals should come out all at one rather than in droves.

Next time I visit i'm zoning in on the delicious ribs Aisling chose. The girl did good!

Have you ever been to Big Easy?
 

Read more