Moroccan Oil

I’ve finally got my hair the length I want.  I’ve always tried to grow my hair, but loved the excitement of coming out of the hairdressers with a new style, and therefore never managed past my shoulders.  However with willpower I have managed to resist the hairdresser’s scissors, other than trims, and now love the way my hair can be curled and still long.  Although I’m still faced with an internal quandary when entering the hairdressers (knowing I’ll leave looking pretty much the same!) for the time being, I’m still going strong.  However the ends of my hair aren’t so much. 

I’m definitely a GHD addict and along with regular dyeing, my hair has its fair share of damage at the ends.  This leads me to my current debate as to whether to finally get on the Moroccan oil bandwagon.

I’ve heard a lot of buzz about the Moroccan oil and its amazing conditioning and strengthening properties.  Currently it has a 4.2 rating on Makeupalley - pretty darn good.  It is for these reasons that I was particularly excited when my hairdresser brought out a bottle in a recent trip to the salon.  My hairdresser used the oil from the mid section of my hair down, concentrating on the ends.  I couldn’t say I could see an immediate difference when looking at my hair, however upon touching it did feel noticeably softer.  The effect also lasted longer than I expected, even after washing my hair.  So it all looked promising apart from one thing...the price.

Now I don’t mind spending a bit more on hair products that work really well (case in point, I couldn’t be without my Kerastase Ciment Thermique) however £29.85 for 100ml?  I’m not sure if I can bring myself to do it.  Has anyone else bit the bullet and gone for it? 

A Bargain

My local New Look has recently had a makeover, with the greatest transformation being the shoes section.  I’ve always known that New Look can be great for inexpensive pretty shoes, yet I often found myself turning instead to the likes of Zara or Office.  However, when confronted with the new and shiny display I began to appreciate the gorgeous array of shoes New Look has to offer.  After browsing for quite some time, I finally settled upon a pair of nude satin and lace heels.  Not only were these beauties perfect for a wedding that I’m attending next month, they were also a steal.  Originally £20, they had been reduced to £15 and with my student discount I got them for just £12.   

New Look - £15

In other news, I also found this beautiful cropped jumper from River Island.  I love the bright floral pattern which I’m hoping will brighten up the transition into Autumn! 

River Island - £19.99

Have you discovered any bargains this month?

September Purchases

September is a strange time.  It’s a time in which you find yourself torn between embracing the exciting new Autumn/Winter collections that line the shelves or desperately clinging onto the last remains of Summer.  Consequently my recent purchases have tended to be on the borderline, with basics and layering being the main objectives. 

My first purchase is a grey long knit cardigan from Zara: 

£25.99 Zara

 

Whilst Zara is fantastic at keeping up with the trends on the catwalk, it is also great for basics.  I always find it difficult to bring myself to buy basic items as I tend to gravitate towards prints and details that catch my eye.  However, I know that this cardigan will be extremely versatile and soon one of my most worn items.  I particularly like the ribbed and button details on the sleeves.  The arms are quite long on me but can easily be bunched or rolled up to make the look more casual.

Next I picked up two ribbed vest tops from Topshop in their 2 for £12 offer:

2 for £12 Topshop

 I had a difficult time choosing my two colours and my eventual decision epitomizes the September fashion quandary. The first colour I chose was a beautiful berry colour, perfect for Autumn, whereas my second colour was my favourite colour for summer, peach. 

I decided not to delve into the array of boots on display along the high street, but instead selected a pair of flats from Zara:  

£29.99 Zara

                                     

These shoes are slightly pointed which I often prefer to rounded ballet pumps.  They are made of a grey metallic mesh which is simple but attractive and will go with pretty much anything.

My final purchase was what I like to refer to as my Nestle clusters necklace!   

£12 Accessorize

This long necklace has a gold chain and pretty little pearl clusters and is from Accessorize.  It is perfect for wearing on its own with basics but would also look great layered. 

So, as you can see, my current thinking is to retreat back to the basics!  What’s your September shopping strategy?

The Power of the Mannequin

On a recent shopping trip I began contemplating the power of the shop mannequin.  I began this reflection after I found myself uttering the question ‘yes but where is the shirt that’s on the mannequin?’.  Now I like to consider myself pretty in control when it comes to shopping, I know what I like and I like to think I also know what suits me.  However this all changed when looking at a certain green tartan shirt in River Island lately.  Now as the photo below shows, this shirt looks pretty unremarkable hanging on the hanger...

Green Check Tartan Shirt - £26.99 - River Island

  But wait, this is where the magic of the mannequin comes in.  The particular mannequin in question stands directly at the front, as you enter the shop, arms outstretched.  The shirt is paired with a cute little vest and tucked into some denim shorts.  Suddenly images of camp fires and summer evenings are conjured up and you find yourself searching for your size on the rail.  Sometimes the clothes are laid out adjacent to the mannequin, otherwise you have to trawl around searching.  Luckily in this instance the shirts lay nearby.  I pick one up and on my way to the changing room I see a number of girls also clutching the same green shirt, all of whom, I’m convinced, are seduced by the lure of the mannequin.

To provide another example, we have Zara.  Zara has recently created an online shop.  I, for one, had been waiting for this moment for a long time, desperate to finally be able to have Zara delivered directly to my door.  However upon browsing online the night before and entering the shop itself the next day, I soon came to realise that I, in fact, do not just love Zara clothes but the atmosphere of the shop and most importantly the mannequins.  

Whilst it’s both fun and creative putting together different outfits, people are also in need of easily digestible fashion.  They want to be inspired, see what goes with what, and how different colours, materials and accessories can go together.  Mannequins don’t just have the power to entice you into a shop but aid your shopping experience once inside.  They provide a comfort, demonstrating how wearable the clothes truly are.  So whilst I love the internet for its convenience, I’m certain that nothing will ever be quite the same as a glorious walk around the shops. 

Love Lipsy

I love Lipsy dresses.  Lipsy has quickly become my go-to on the high street when in search of beautiful day and party dresses.  The range includes lots of different shapes including babydoll, bandeau and one shouldered dresses to flatter all different body shapes.    Here is a selection from my Lipsy collection and why they work...

 

Floral Print Babydoll dress

The babydoll shape of this dress with a tiered skirt is very flattering as it is fitted on the bust but skims over the hips.  The floral print is summery and fun and the black exposed zip creates a slightly edgier look.

Rose Lace Tea dress

This dress has a beautiful rose print with black lace edging.  As with the floral dress it is fitted on the bust and skims over the hips.  The frilly sleeves make this dress very girly and is perfect if you like to have your shoulders covered.

Rose print Pencil dress

This is a perfect dress for creating and accentuating an hourglass figure.  The scoop neck top with the fitted pencil skirt make this a classic style with a gorgeous rose print.

You can buy Lipsy on www.lipsy.co.uk which has also recently started to stock other brands such as Miss Sixty, Junk Food and Disney Couture.  Of course you can also get your hands on their dresses through ASOS (another love of mine!).  So next time you’re in the market for a new dress definitely check out Lipsy.