Boxing Day Sales

Hope you all had an amazing Christmas!

Thanks to seven years of working in retail and working numerous Boxing Days at 6am at Next, I always cursed those who ventured out to burn some plastic. I swore I'd never do that but alas it's what I found myself doing this year. In my defence my boyfriend's nan lives 5 minutes walk from the town centre and we always go there Boxing Day. I was already passing through.... So what did I buy? Lots of things I don't really need!

I was kindly given a Next gift voucher for Christmas so headed for there first. As always I came out with shoes. Next always have such cracking shoes in the sale. You always need numerous pairs of black heels in my opinion and I love the snakeskin effect of these and the gold detailing on the heel. For £14 I couldn't pass them up! These navy flats are amazing aren't they? I'm loving boyish shoes at the minute and the pointed toe will help jazz up any outfit.

I popped into Topshop and was underwhelmed by the offering in the clothing rail - all the good stuff had clearly been snapped up! But I do have a soft spot for their make up, especially their lip products. Rio Rio had been on my wish list for ages so was very pleased to find it in a set with the blusher for £6. The eyeshadow palette completely stole my heart and I'm looking forward to road testing it on NYE.

Finally I popped into Boots which is my favourite place to shop when it's sale season. I'm such a product junkie and love all the gift sets that get market down to half price. I was overwhelmed with toiletries this year for Christmas so really didn't need to buy anymore but I couldn't leave without something from Soap and Glory. I wanted an everyday perfume as my Philosophy one has run out and I'm yet to replace it. I love this body wash anyway so I decided to try the fragrance too. I was very restrained and could have bought most of the shop but I had my sensible head on for once.

Did you manage to pick anything up the Boxing Day sales?

Read more

Review: Rush, Loughton

There's nothing I love more than having a good pampering session so when Rush got in touch and offered me a complimentary blow dry, I couldn't say yes please quick enough. I had so much about Rush but had never had the opportunity to visit a salon.

Rush opened on Loughton High Street earlier this month and it was all sparkling and new when I visited - it was literally just over a week old. I was immediately whisked off to have my hair washed by the lovely junior. She happened to be from the same town as me so we had a lovely chat and she did a very good head massage. I thought I was going to nod off there and then. I loved the little touch of the drink and a few pretzels to nibble on. Food is always the way to my heart!

I was in the salon for over an hour while the owner preened and primped my hair into a voluminous masterpiece. Just look how beautiful it is?! I certainly had a spring in my step when I walked out. He talked me through every product that was put in my hair and constantly asked if I was ok and happy with the service. The blow dry lasted all day which was very impressive considering it was done at 1pm - it still had a little oomph after i'd slept in it. I'd definitely go back if I was after a little helping hand before a special day or even a well deserved treat.

If only I could afford to have a professional blow dry every day eh? That would be the life!

Read more

All black everything

Outfit:
Black roll neck jumper: Primark (similar)
Black crepe cullottes: Topshop
Black quilted leather jacket: Zara (similar)
Chunky heeled faux suede courts: F&F (similar)
Faux pearl stud earrings: c/o Susan Caplan

Sometimes when the weather just isn't playing ball you just want to wear all black in mourning for the long lost sunshine. There's something about an all black outfit that I love especially when there's a mix of different textures. A little bit of red lippy helps to keep it from looking too boring. These cullottes are my new favourite thing surgically attached to my body. I was persuaded by my nan to buy them during a weekend away- the girl has style! If you ever need to be talked into buy some unnecessary purchases she's the one to go too. My bank account weeps when we go shopping.

I was very kindly gifted these gorgeous Susan Caplan earrings - aren't they pretty? Founder Susan sources gorgeous vintage jewellery which means every piece is unique. She sells a wide range including earrings, necklaces and bracelets - well worth having a little mooch!

Read more