Going Out// Cut out Dresses

Hello all! I've been doing my usual and obsessively online shopping. So the boyfriend recently told me that for my birthday, he's intending to take me on a shopping spree (Yipeee!) and has got me thinking about what I want most in my wardrobe. As I'm at university, I go out to clubs a lot and I'm always looking for a nice outfit. For me, the getting ready bit is my favorite part. As my birthday isn't until the 18th December, I thought I'd have a look round now to see what's in fashion.

Across every website I viewed (and I looked at a fair few believe me) cut out dresses seemed to be the in thing. So as it's Autumn/Winter time, I thought I would pick out my top five favorites that I think are perfect for this seasons partying!

River Island £20.00 (Both)

I'll start with my favorite of the selection. Red is one of my favorite colours and I own far too many red dresses already! This one is actually backless which I think is quite unusual for highstreet dresses. I usually think of River Island as being quite expensive (for the highstreet) and so I actually think these little beauties are a bargain for just £20.00. I'm quite confident the red little cutie will be joining my wardrobe sometime soon, although I'm going to have to do some research on what bra you wear with it. Teal is also a very current colour on clothes this season and looks great on this style of dress. Not sure why the image is making the dress look like a textured material, as far as I'm aware, the materials just plain.

Select £12.00 (Left) Jane Norman £30.00 (Right)

The select dress is only £12.00! Though the photo's don't show it, this dress is actually textured which is not only more flattering in my opinion, but also makes it look more expensive. The berry colour is also really current and if you team it with Rimmel As You Want Victoria (Shade 360) lipstick, it's a gorgeous going out look. I'm not usually a fan of all black dresses as I think they can sometimes wash you out but I think this one is so cool and futuristic looking! It's £30.00, so still reasonable but on the higher price end of this selection. If you're brave enough to flash a bit of skin this is the dress for you. I haven't really visited Jane Norman or the website much for clothes, but the selection of dresses is really quite good so if you have time to, I would definitely check them out. 

Topshop £45.00 (Right) New Look £22.99 (left)

As I mentioned earlier, Teal is a colour that seems to be everywhere this Autumn so I've included another teal dress. When I saw the other teal dress I liked it, and then I saw this one and I LOVE it. The futuristic looking back was such a surprise! It looks quite plain from the front, I thought about adding a chunky gold Aztec necklace to spice it up a bit. Then I saw the back and thought it looks amazing, and not anything I've seen anywhere else. For £22.99, New Look has got a winner, one i'll be asking for my birthday!

When Topshop dresses are at this price, as a student I begin to loose interest. But I can't stop looking at this one. I showed a friend and she thought it was absolutely hideous. I think it's like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. I decided to include this as the other dresses are plain (in that they are block colours.) Block colours do tend to carry from season to season and stay in fashion a little longer. That being said, Christmas time is the time for glitz and glamour and I think you can get away with this one. Paired with some statement gold jewelry I think this would be a really cool outfit. Still not sure of the price, but for a new years outfit with something a little different, you might be willing to invest.

Hope you've enjoyed my little collection, I might be adding similar blog posts soon in the run up to my 21st Birthday. Exciting stuff! As always, it's a pleasure!

Lots of love,

Purchase// Winter Wonderland Coat

So I have already written a (rather long) blog post, gushing about this parka. You'll be glad to know (probably because now I'll shut up about it) that I finally have it hoorah! I've actually had it a while but hadn't got round to blogging about it. The day I received my student loan I went in and purchased it and was the happiest day of my life (just kidding.) Was pretty chuffed though.

So here it is in all it's glory. I actually felt pretty rubbish when I took this photo because freshers flu is going around. Still couldn't help feeling delighted every time I saw my reflection in a mirror with this coat on. Sounds big headed, I don't mean it like that haha! I've been annoying my flatmates because I've been going on about how I want it to get colder so I can wear it without looking weird. Apologies that the quality is really poor on this photo, it looks fine on Instagram but when I scaled it up it lost focus.

Hello Autumn!

I went to visit my boyfriend for the weekend (we do long distance while at university) and wore this coat. He said he loved it (though he has to really) and that made me love it that little bit more. Here I am taking a cliche' picture in the leaves with the caption 'Hello Autumn' because I'm actually delighted that it's cold enough to wear it.

Seriously how sad can a girl get about a coat? But simple pleasures (for the small price of £55) are what life is all about. I promise that this will be the last blog entry about this coat and I'd like to apologise in advance if I forget and do another one!

Lots of love and thanks for reading.

Tag// What's in my Bag?

Hello all! You would not believe how busy my university has kept me already. I've had four essays, a leaflet and two anatomical fish diagrams all due in the same week! Anywho, enough with the excuses! I've seen this tag flying around everywhere and I've only just thought about doing it myself now I've purchased a new bag i'm not ashamed of!

This bag was only £10 from New Look in the sale, and isn't it lovely?! I fell for it because of the neutral colours, it will go with just about everything. The pocket on the front is handy too as you can put those little bits in that you don't want to be rooting in your bag for.

So this is the day to day contents of my bag that I take to lectures and meetings. The only things I haven't included that is a regular appearance in my bag is my lab coat. It's stained from when I dissected fish (It has been washed though!) so not what people want to be seeing!

Aberystwyth University Diary (Grey book, left)
This diary has been an absolute life saver. I have dates thrown at me left right and center by lecturers who expect me to just remember them. I think I would break down if this where to go missing as it has my whole life in it. Probably the most important thing in my bag.

Ring binder Notebook (Black, left)
 This plain black notebook was just one I picked up on a whim and it's been so handy. Anything that doesn't go in my diary goes in here. I have lots of little notes jotted about with blogging ideas and tags i've heard about so very handy.

Pencil Case (Purple, center)
I'm not really going to say much about my pencil case as it's pretty self explanatory. I have to keep it on me for all these dates and information lecturers toss about. It's also handy to have pens in your bag!

Cath Kidston Umbrella (Red, center)
This cute little umbrella has been a life saver, or rather a hair saver! I was brought it for Christmas a few years ago and I love it. Living in Wales is fantastic, it really is, but it can sometimes rain. Constantly. There have been so many times I've been caught out without a coat that I've taken to keeping this little cutie with me always.

Purse (Nude, right)
This is a pretty standard thing in a bag. Still I wanted to talk about it because it's so cute, and it co-ordinates with the bag (obsessive much?)  Suprise suprise it's from New Look, though I actually didn't buy it. Whilst on my cruise we visited Guernsey that had a New Look store (Had to go in obviously) and I showed my boyfriend the purse with the intention that I'd buy it once I came out the changing rooms. Anyway, he beat me to it and treated me to the little beauty. So I know it's cheesy but thank you very much Stephen!

Makeup Bag (Peach, right)
 I'm not the sort of person who takes a whole makeup bag around and topping up all day long. I have nothing against those who do, I'm just too lazy to do it. That being said, I like to keep some little bits like lipstick, mascara and foundation just in case. I mentioned about being embarrassed about bags earlier, this is usually due to makeup leaking in them and leaving them looking like a Maybelline bomb has gone off! Currently in my travel makeup bag is the Maybelline dream satin liquid foundation (I am planning on doing a review next time I buy a bottle), Rimmel Scandal Eyes flex mascara with lycra (again I WILL do a review... eventually), Apocolips lip Laquer in Celestial and Rimmel moisture renew Lipstick, shade As you want Victoria. (360) I will make it my priority to do a review on this liptstick because I am absolutely in love with it!

So that is the contents of my bag. Sometimes things like perfume or deodorant creep in there but these are the main residents. Hope you enjoyed my blog post and as ever, thanks for reading!

Much love,
Laura.

Wish List// Winter Wonderland Coat

 

 The IT Coat this winter.

Hello all, I've been doing my usual and have been scrolling through every website and driving myself mad trying to find a parka. For me, I prefer to spend a little more on a good quality coat that will last me for years. That being said, buying a coat becomes a big deal for me (I'm a looser.) So I have had my eye out since last year for a nice new coat, but didn't find anything in store that I liked. I did notice that yet again, the kaki parkas were in all the stores. To me, they are a good investment and something that will be fashionable for years. 

I visited the Dorothy Perkins website as a few years ago (about four now actually) I brought a toggle coat. It still looks the same as when I brought it, and it has had some good wear. When I saw this, I almost cried with happiness (slight over exaggeration) and decided at once that I would make it mine. I haven't purchased it yet, I'm waiting for my student loan to come in and then this little beauty will be joining my wardrobe family.

Until then, I'm playing the waiting game and constantly returning to gaze longingly at this coat through my computer screen. When that lovely day comes that I make this little beauty mine, I will be posting a million photos rest assured.

As always, It has been a pleasure.

Lots of love.

Review// MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette

Review Time (yayyyyy) and you are bound to have heard of this one. The whole blogging world has been set a twitter by the MUA Undressed Eyeshadow palette that was released this summer. It has became such a buzz as it mimics the rather fabulous (and expensive) Urban Decay Naked palette. I have yet to own the Naked palette and after reading so many reviews, decided I would try this one first. This little beauty costs just £4 for 12 different shades.

First things first, for just £4 you cannot ask for fancy packaging. That being said, this looks really neat and classic. So far so good. The back (seen above) shows the numbered eye shadows which is always handy and is utilized by  tutorials on You Tube. If you have time (and if you do buy this, I would recommend to do) check out the various tutorials as there is a surprisingly wide variety of different looks online.

Included in the set is also a two headed eyeshadow tool. Presumably, you use one end for the lighter shades and darker on the others. I have a large collection of brushes that I use to apply my eyeshadow so I probably wont make use of this but it is a useful tool for people who may not have brushes.

 The range of shades begins with shade one, a light shimmery white to a dark grey/blue and a range of brown and gold shades in between. With just these colours you can create a great range of looks which will suit blue, brown and green eyes. Most of the colours are a shimmery consistency, and only two with a matte finish.

 

(Swatch starting top left with shade one until shade 12 bottom right)

Because I don't own the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I can't compare. That being said, there are so many reviews online that do just that, I don't feel the need to go too much into a comparison. As far as the quality is concerned, for £4 I am very impressed with the ability to blend and the finish of these eye shadows. You can find that there is a lot of fall out after using, but not as much as you may find in other high street eye shadows. Shades 3 and 5 are not really that visible on the swatch but these colours are usually the best at defining your eye crease whilst still looking natural.

Overall, I am very impressed and will definitely be using this on a day to day basis. Great quality for the price and excellent value for money. Happy customer!

Thanks again for reading and if you have any suggestions of products I should try please comment below.

Lots of love,

Tips&Tricks// Going to University

Going To University

I am due to start my third year of university and I can tell you that it is an experience you should not miss. That being said, there are stressful things that come with being a student. Firstly, moving in initially is quite a stressful process. Anything that can smooth the whole ordeal should be done. I've mentioned in some of my previous posts that I am due to move back this month. Despite this being my third house, it is still a long process. 

So fellow students, I've devised this post just for some tips and tricks for freshers (and partly for myself!) 

1. Make sure you know all the information you need.

In uni, information is thrown at you left right and center, and you will be expected to know it. This also comes with renting accommodation both with and outside of your university. To help maintain this information overload get yourself a notepad. Something you wont mind looking at (a lot!) I had an all purposes butterfly notepad that all my accommodation and important notes went into. This helped a lot as some information you can add in before you move away to make the whole transition smoother.

2. Plan how you want your room.

By now, you may have an idea of where you will be staying (I have done this post late so you may already be there but this still applies to you.) I found that things do get stressful sometimes, housemates may argue or more likely, the house might be none too clean. If this is the case, you may find that your room is your safe haven. I know I'm not painting a great image of university so far but these are only a few points to consider, it is just as good as you imagine it will be.  That being said, making your room as comfortable as possible is key to keeping you relaxed in your own space. For example, I love old films and the Hollywood glitz and glamour. My room was themed around Audrey Hepburn and Marylin in black and white. It's easy to match and you can bring in your favorite colour to make it pop.

3. Get Skype.

Me and my boyfriend do not attend the same university and have to do long distance (sigh) and so Skype is a must. I also use it to keep in touch with the mama and papa and friends from home. It doesn't take long to set up and a 10 minute chat a week can be enough to reassure your parents that you are still alive and well. 

4. Find recipes you enjoy.

I am quite a fussy eater so this was a must for me. Again, I just got a notepad and kept an eye out for any recipes in magazines to cut out and stick in. I also made a shopping list early that could stay in my purse and prompt me to shop.

5. Avoid buying magazines.

I am no stranger to LOOK, VOGUE and ELLE but these are the sort of luxuries that I found myself spending loads on. then they would clutter my room, never to be used again. My advice is, if like my mother, yours buys weekly magazines, get her to post them to you. It doesn't cost a lot, and the magazine is getting recycled.

6. Be yourself and have fun!

Anyone can only do so much reading and preparation but there is nothing better than experiencing it for yourself. Go out, be yourself and enjoy the experience. Watch you money and you will have an amazing time.

Good Luck and lots of love!

Review// Miss Sporty Fabulous Lash

  

Hello all, review time! Again, I must apologize for  my absence from the blogging world. I will be returning to university soon and have been completely stressing myself out over nothing. Anyway, back to the point. 

If you asked a woman which makeup product she could not go without, it would be mascara. That's because there is nothing more feminine than a woman's lashes. There is a reason my blog is called lipstick and lashes!

So, this little beauty sells for just £2.99, it is that cheap! For the price, I was very skeptical that the results would be anything special. But, for a nice change, here is a product that does what it advertises. After using this mascara, my eyelashes are longer and hold more of a curl. To get the desired effect, I just layer up coats until I'm happy and then leave to dry. It might sound odd to include my exact method but any hardcore mascara user will know different products need different techniques.

If you haven't found that all important IT mascara I beg that you try this one. The miss sporty brand is an unsung hero of the high street. Hope you have enjoyed my review and suggestions are always welcome.

Thanks as always,