Standing Tall

Blue Seahorse Tunic

My last post championed the unspoken hero hue of yellow and I guess if this post had a shinning grace it would be blue. 

My likeness for blue is not something I have only just discovered. I have always had an attraction for the colour for as long as I can remember. If your a regular reader of Give Me More you may be able to think back to my trend posts on the electric, bold version. 

Lately I have fancied the softer, dusty and pastoral variants that give a more delicate touch to an outfit. But for this look, made up of a Primark white colourless, Scolloped edged jacket (well done Primark), a light blue Sugarhill Boutique seahorse patterned shift dress* and royal blue New Look heels, I wanted to see what pairing the two types of blue looked like against one another.

I thought it may have gone horribly wrong but somehow the clash makes for an interesting look, which is balanced nicely with the no-frills jacket. So far, my wardrobe is becoming ever the more colourful and now I am starting to become braver with mixing and matching too. I'm not sure what it is either. There must be something in the air...

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HUGE Body Shop Haul and News

This blog post has been a long time coming but I just hadn't managed to make it happen how I intended - with a video review. Instead I choose a less time consuming photo post instead because these last couple of weeks have been manic. So, before diving into the review I best fill you in. If you don't already know I'm starting work tomorrow! And moving to London. So, it has been an extremely busy time getting ready but also cramming in seeing everyone I care about before I leave. I'll be working for Liz Earle in the marketing team and because of this there will be some slight changes to the blog. 

This will be the last beauty post. I can't say forever but it may very well be. My role requires this so it is something I am certainly going to comply with but does mean that a huge (and core) part of my blog content and format will now be no more. However, I quickly made peace with the idea as more important things will be happening around me and this opportunity isn't something I was going to miss. So, I have decided to replace the beauty part of my blog with lifestyle. That may include cooking, interiors, my working life, outings and an increase in look / style posts. Although one element is ending, it will open up more variety onto Give Me More and take it back to what it originally intended to be: a fashion blog. 

Hopefully, the new changes will be welcomed and I will try to use this time to document and explore my journey into the big wide world of work and the capital. Also, even though in the pass I have tried to commit to daily posts I am no longer going to put myself under so much pressure. From now on expect posts on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday... with the potential of an extra dose on a Saturday depending on what deadlines I have going on. But this new structure will begin next week. However, I want to get my Instagram and Twitter looking more interesting so will try to post daily on there with outfit details and more. If your not already following me there make sure you do now! Here @holliefur and Here @holliesworld. 

Finally, on to the Body Shop review. I've become a big admirer and user of Body Shop products lately and have to say that from body scrubs, to butters to fragrances I'm seriously impressed. The summer scents are fruity, fresh and invigorating and leave your skin feeling and smelling wonderfully dreamy. Since I can't pick a bad one amongst them I though instead I would pick out my top 3. 

The first one being the Coconut Beautifying Hair and Body Oil. This comes in a variety of scents from Mango to the newest addition Sweet Lemon but for me it will always be the tropical creamy scent of Coconut. On the skin things are left hydrated with a shimmering finish thanks to its lightweight blend of nut oils including Community Fair Trade marula oil. But it is on the hair which really gets me excited. With damaged ends I apply a mixture of water and droplets of this nourishing oil to the mid-ends of my hair for a mask like effect. Leave for up to 20 minutes and rinse. For on the go treatment I carry a spritzer bottle with a combination of 70% water to 30% oil and spray my hair when it begins to feels dry instead of using serum. 

Shea Butter is next and it is down to its unique smell and gorgeous formula that soaks into skin without leaving it tacky or greasy. As someone who enjoys munching on almond nuts and so on Shea Butter has a n earthy, distinct and nutty smell that almost doubles up as a perfume on the skin. I just love how it melts as you warm it up in the hands and leaves skin radiant and glossy. 

Last up is the Madagascan Vanilla Flower Fragrance Mist. This warm and sensual blend of floral and oriental notes is inspired by the tropical island. And I love nothing more than a product that mentally transports me on holiday. I am a big fan of vanilla in anything, food, candles and creams but to be able to easily spray this scent directly on to me or in a room is a delight. The Body Shop fragrances come in every scent imaginable so if vanilla ins't your cup of tea something certainly will be! 

That's it! That is my last beauty post done. Make sure to keep checking out the blog this week for a very special blog post and a look / style post thrown in there as well as a round up of my first week on the job!

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Neon Glamorous Workwear // M&S Collaboration

Photographer: Georgina Martin // Stylist: Myself // *Dress & Bag: Marks & Spencer

I was extremely lucky to be contacted by M&S and asked to choose some pieces from their latest collections in honour of some specific trends. Of course I was more than happy to comply and decided to coincide the look with workwear as I will be joining the marketing team at Liz Earle in London very soon! With that in mind I knew I had to pick pieces which would stand out of my wardrobe and make a great first impression. 

There were many trends of the season to choose to emulate from floral, abstract prints to one of my current favourites white-out. But as someone who struggles with wearing colour I wanted to catapult out of my comfort zone and tap into the neon/colour-block trend. I chose this beautiful Neon yellow A-line pleated skater dress as I loved its simple yet impacting design. I especially like the small details such as the angular deep set neck line around the armholes. It looks and feels structured without compromising on femininity and comfort also the length means it can be worn with peace of mind. To give it a more casual twist I paired it with a thin brown plaited belt which also emphasises the cinched in waist that this dress delivers. 

I also chose the Grey Winged Tote Bag to go against the dress and like how it's soft and light hue contrasts against the bright and bold yellow of the skater dress. As this was a look which could easily be transferable from the office to the evening I opted to add some small heeled sandals into the mix which I feel really sets off a summer vibe. It would look equally as cute with flat loafers for the day or could be updated for a night out with stilettos and a statement necklace. Making this a very versatile little dress. As for the bag well since this photo-shoot it hasn't left my side and goes with every outfit I've worn, proving to be a roomy, practical yet stylish piece of arm candy. Perfect for life in the capital.

With special thanks to Georgina for taking these snaps and adding some serious quality content to my blog and as I model for a friend's brand too there will be more of Georgina's photography of me to be sported on Give Me More very soon! Life is going to be changing massively due to the move South and you can look forward to more lifestyle posts about my journey and experience. So, make sure to keep checking in :)

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The Only Red You'll Ever Need

All hail the ultimate red lipstick by who else but the high-end cosmetics legend that is Chanel. With huge thanks to Ellis for bringing this beaut into my life, I now have the pleasure of swiping this all singing all dancing lippy onto my face whenever I feel like it. And the urge takes over quite often. Let me introduce you to Chanel Rouge Allure in 97 Incandescente - the only red you'll ever need. 

It is everything you'd hope for in a red lipstick. It isn't too shiny or glossy instead it has a satin, velvety finish that oozes sophistication. The colour has a flattering warm undertone which brightens and sets off your natural skin tone. The pigmentation isn't too intense meaning you can feel comfortable wearing this lightly in the day whilst building up the layers to a more intense colour saturation for the night. The formula doesn't dry your lips out which is probably down to the fact it isn't quite matte but the hydration doesn't leave you reapplying countless times a day as with other lipsticks. This one can be lightly applied and built up to leave a constant stain on the lips that doesn't bleed and lasts for hours. It may bare a price tag that would make your eyes water a little but I'd much rather invest knowing I'm getting incredible quality and predictable results rather than waste pounds on not so great cheaper alternatives. 

So if your searching for a new red lipstick, I've made that a whole lot easier for you. As with Incandescente the search really is over.

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Birthday Treats: Fashion, Beauty & Accessories!

   

Good Morning! I finally have a new video discussing my birthday gifts from friends and family as well as I couple I gifted to myself... This could have been called a H&M haul has 70% of the items discussed are from the shop. Obsessed a little it may seem. So, please press play for plenty of clobber from my favourite patterned jeans to a bargain minty sweater as well as my newest fierce lipsticks and statement jewellery. I'll be sure to get actual style post of the content in action very soon too. For now sit back and enjoy me ramble on as usual about the latest additions to my draws. 

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Fake Tan All Stars

It is summer this month and here in Britain the weather conditions have been swinging from almost abroad temperatures to buckets of rain. But that doesn't stop me yielding for the fake tan. I don't know quite what it is about the stuff, it is just such an infallible outlook to, lets face it a superfluous being. But you could say that about the whole beauty industry - heck the whole fashion industry. The world would be a much blander place without them though. I don't care whether some folk still think it is strange to go faux glow. I feel better with a tan and If I'm not going on holiday I feel better getting it out of a bottle instead of under UV lights. So, speaking of these bottles of brownness what am I reaching for this Summer? 

St.Tropez Bronzing Mousse and St.Tropez Bronzing Lotion Face: For regular readers it is no surprise these bad boys are on my hit-list. I can always rely on the iconic fake tanning brand to deliver up on the goods. For me it is all about their mousse. Quick, easy and even it leaves an immediate golden sheen before developing into a deeper hue. I've stopped using this on my face since the purchase of their bronzing lotion for face which I adore. It is light and nourishing whilst delivering buildable colour. As a duo it is faux glow perfection. 

Vita Liberata Phenomenal Luxury Tan Lotion: What the St.Tropez lacks the Vita Liberata provides. And that is odourless tanning. There is no tell-telling fake tan smell with this luxury tan and I love the deep, rich chocolate shade it produces. Does it last 2-3 weeks? Not really but a solid week to a week and a half it certainly does. So, for me that is good enough to justify the price tag. Even if it does make me slightly wince.

St.Moriz Instant Self tanning mousse: When the expensive fake tans run out and the bank balance looks miserable I go to this great cheap as chips alternative. It is always good to have this inexpensive bottle in the draw as it gives you instant colour - and good colour - in no time. But you do need to use it irregularly to stop it drying out your skin. It doesn't wash off as evenly as the others discussed but as an affordable option it is one of my top recommendations.

What fake tan products are you loving this Summer? Any I should check out?

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Face It

Last weekend I went to the capital to visit friends and spent my days wandering the streets window shopping which obviously led to actually shopping. So, to somehow justify my spending I went for brands not readily available here in my home city. 

This included the Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask and Muslin Cloth which came with a free 50ml sample, I choose the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. I am seriously getting into face masks and can see it becoming a dangerous habit for my bank balance but where glowing, soft skin is concerned I just can't turn away. I've always loved Liz Earle as a brand and we all know have incredible their hot cloth cleanser is so deciding to head to them for other skincare products was a no brainer. 

The shop was situated in a quiet spot and for London it felt very zen and relaxed. The staff at Liz Earle were second to none and helped my friends and myself with our enquires making me yearn to go back time and time again. After heading back home and having a skin detox using the facial mask and tonic duo I can report that it was money well spent. You know it works deep down in the pores when you wake up with a couple of spots on your face. A negative you may think but it just shows that it is working at lifting out nasty impurities. But the immediate positives are a super soft and radiant face. Oh baby.

Next on the hit-list is the Nars Creamy Concealer in Custard which has been a product I have been lusting over for months. As someone who left concealer out of their makeup routine only shy of a year ago I now can't go a day without a swipe of the staple. Golly gosh this is a damn good cover up. For the under eyes it has fantastic coverage with a subtle dewy sheen that can be set easily with powder. It's applicator makes things super quick and easy for even on the go touch ups. Long-wearing, buildable and pretty this may be the start of a long love affair...

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Hair Heaven: The Dye You Need To Know About

Lately my hair has been feeling very dry and limp, difficult to style and looking rather lacklustre if I'm honest and although my hair does get to a point of wishy washy before needing to be re-dyed this time round things just felt more dull than normal. So, whilst searching for a home dye brand and colour to revitalise my locks I came across a couple I had used last time on my hair including the Garnier Olia Permanent Dye Kits which when I started reading through the reviews for I understand the reason behind my less-than-average mane. 

Apparently a large percentage of women (and men maybe) have experienced very dry hair after this colourant begins to wash up - in fact some noticed a difference in their hair quality almost immediately and disliked the overall colour and look of their hair. My experience was very similar, but I put it down to the colour I bought as the no ammonia and oil formula had me thinking surely this dye would give me amazing, shiny and mulit-tonal tresses. But now I know that it has actually most likely contributed to my recent bad hair days. So, a word of warning is personally avoid this dye in the future!

It became really important for me to look for a nourishing dye that would help make my hair feel soft and supple again. It may feel like a weird thing to dye hair to achieve this when essentially this is rather damaging in the long-run but home kit dyes have come a long way and it is great to see so many having a less harsh effect on hair and including some beneficial ingredients. And for me masks galore just wasn't cutting it. But I was desperate for a rich brown overhaul to cover my damaged looking lighter ends. So, to dye I went.

After a lot of research I finally decided on L'Oreal Excellence Crème in Natural Brown for several reasons. The dye is a balm-like-consistency and includes hair goodness like pro-keratin for hair strength, ceramide a replica of hair's natural cement for smoother locks and collagen for its known firming and replenishing qualities. A list that make my ears prick up like a meerkat hunting. 

Honestly I never reached for this dye in the past as I was seduced by other brand's packaging and headshots but this fairly classical yet dated box is a great find I think I might just stick to. It has to be one of the easiest and most enjoyable dyes to work with and its creamy texture matches real salon dyes and is so easy so cover the hair with and blend. I loved the protective serum that came with it to put on before you dye your hair to help keep hair as soft and unhurt and possible. The overall smell wasn't too intoxicating and one box did my entire head. 

Knowing how dyes can be I went for 5 medium brown instead of a dark brown as I know by now dyes always run up darker than on the box. Also I wanted to ditch the red, caramel undertones I normally favour for something more natural and simple and I adore the results! My hair feels a million times better, softer, shinier and more manageable. Obvious I'd like to see how it washes up so will report back in a month's time or so but for now I am one happy bunny. The serum allowed for parts of my original colour to break through giving a subtle highlighted effect that stops this block colour looking flat. So, for me this has to be a solid 9/10 in the home dying world. It looses one point for it does go darker than it looks on the box but as someone who wants colour to last as long as possible I don't mind going a little darker initially anyway. Have you tried L'Oréal Excellence Creme?

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S/S Haul Beauty Buys and Review Video

   

My makeup bag has had a bit of a Spring / Summer update as I try to ditch my go-to wintery darks and adopt lighter shades for the new season. Although my heart will always have room for black all year through this video delves into some new products that offer an alternative to the staple hue. Alongside liners galore, I discuss an old mascara flame, an item from a brand I never thought I'd buy from in my twenties and a infatuation for a fairly new interest in my life, eyeshadow. So, tune in for this high-street to high-end haul video reviewing my latest splurges. 

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Straight Up Glad Rags

I am a gal who loves her stripes and you know what they say; a zebra never changes their stripes and all that... so I guess it will be a lifelong lover affair after all. If you aren't so enamored by the line print then this might not be your thang because this my darlings is stripes on steroids. But for me it is a whole lot of dress to love. 

It is the Jenny Dress* from jones + jones - a brand you may have come across within the likes of Topshop - that has given my wardrobe a princess touch. With its net-trimmed petticoat skirt signature to the feminine label and cinched in waist it doesn't hold back in the fun and flirty arena. As someone who doesn't shy away from girly indulgences I feel I can embrace its modern-vintage silhouette and pattern but for those who prefer their garments with less drama the brand have many other frocks to get you fixed. I fell for numerous pieces, including the Ella Playsuit which I think I'd give my left arm for - not literally but you get the meaning.

But fancies aside this is a company with values I respect. jones + jones is proud to support British manufacturing by designing and producing all our products right here in the UK and they also make great efforts to source all their fabrics here too. I adore how they keep things small and local within their team based in London, putting their heritage birth land first with a boutique in the Spitalfields market. So, If you need a pick-me-up piece with a distinct difference then jones + jones will hook you up!

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You Gelly?

A quick post today just highlighting a revelation for myself. Recently my Aunt who is a Beautician gave my tired nails a face lift or tips lift shall we say with Gel Polish. Not gel nail polish you buy from the Barry M counter but the real mccoy using layers of different lacquers and UV light to set. Well two weeks later and they are almost as good as new which with nails that have been known to chip the same day as painting is a miracle. It almost makes me never want to go back to normal polish again. For those thinking of trying something different to acrylic nails or just want a recommendation for holiday-proof tips then gel is the way forward!

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

One the perks about blogging is that every now and then you get kind people out in the industry taking note of your slice of the internet and offering you products to review. It would be rude not to right? But I don't collaborate with everyone and always try to make sure whoever is contacting me offers something I love and think my readers would too. So, when the opportunity arouse to pick a timepiece from the new Citizen Drive collection I jumped to it. 

If you are a dedicated Give Me More follower you will know that the only watch I own is my trusty and much loved Michael Kors rose gold number gifted to me by my boyfriend. I was never a watch person before that moment but from then on it seemed to rarely leave my wrist. I think watches are really having their moment and for good reason - designs are better than ever and they somehow inject a look with the cool factor. That's right, I used the word cool. It may be a phase coined in our adolescent youth but I'm bringing it back in this instance. I just can't think of a better description! In-line with my MC piece I wanted to select something from the Citizen line which held a similar chunky aesthetic but in a lighter metal. Which led me to opting for this rather gorgeous AML Citizen Eco-Drive watch in silver and rose gold. And another cool thing about this make is that it doesn't require batteries, it powers using sunlight. 

When it arrived at my address I instantly fell for its classy yet androgynous look - even Tim was eyeing it up. When styling I thought it was enhanced stacked alongside other arm candy, like this Pandora charm bracelet and Kurt Geiger bracelet as their cream and nudey shades married perfectly with the dual neutral hues of this timepiece. Then feeling colourful I went for this lively yet casual Basic V neck top from Tobi with my awesome H&M Low Skinny Ankle Jeans (as a no jean kinda gal these have changed my outlook). Completed with my almost matching Other Stories Neon Pouch and Dorothy Perkins heeled sandals. Overall, a really wearable outfit ideal for these sun-filled days of late here in the UK. Let's hope things stay sunny, it is giving me reenergised inspiration for styling! What do you think of the Citizen watches? Which one would you have chosen?

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Hair Height Heralds

Yesterday it was all about hair health because we all need to keep those tresses in check but as a volume loving lady I'm not saying that you can't also have fun with your hair. Once the basics and nutrition is under control you can add more exciting things into your hair regime. I'm talking volumising vixens that but the oomph back into your look.

Let's begin things off with this Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray a cult beauty product which I like to layer with the Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion for maximum effect. Everyone knows the power of this marvel which injects body into fine and limp locks. But sometimes I feel the need for added volume and put on mousse as well like this John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse which has now been given a face lift. Or I'll apply a the renowned TIGI Bed Head Superstar Blowdry Lotion For Thick Massive Hair - Oh baby. A serious body builder than also doubles as a heat protector. 

Once hair is dry and bouncy I go in with dry sprays or powders if I am feeling really in the mood or if my hair needs a lift in-between washes. I love the Toni&Guy Casual Sculpting Powder for its transparent and weightless texture and messy height. But for fuss-free on the go thickness I will reach for either the L'Oréal #TXT Volume Supersizing Spray or TRESemme Texture Style Divine Definition Spray the latter being my favourite for blow out big hair.  

But nothing compares to the trusty brush and back combing method which instantly bigs-up your look. But with these potions under your belt you'll need a lot less brushing and have a longer lasting volumised hair style to work.

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Hair Health Heros

If you have been anything like me over the years' with your hair then I'm sure now you are giving it some much needed TLC. Bless, my tresses have been chopped, dyed, stripped, lightened, darkened and frazzled. As a lover of hair height I still take to back combing as part of my daily routine and heat as a styling tool has been a beloved method since I ditched the flower slides and puffy scrunchies. So, these days I am taking the time to give something back and treat my dry and slightly damaged locks. 

For me the A-team come in a surge of five hair warriors that help me bring life, nutrition and suppleness back to each and every strand. I'll start with washing - the laborious task that I quite honestly put off for as long as my hair will allow me. At this moment in time I have been using Wella SP Repair Shampoo which claims to restore damaged hair and protect from further damage whilst importantly for me removes daily impurities (such as product build-up). Special supplements like Hydrolysed Keratin and Wheat Germ Oil work to feed, nurture and calm the hair structure and smooths the hair cuticle to diminish the appearance of split ends. 

Next Schwarzkopf Essence ULTÎME Diamond Color Intensive Mask helps bring some intense nourishment and shine to my hair whilst locking in my colour. It smells classical and leaves my hair feeling super soft and tamed. Yes. Now hair is washed and ready to dry I spray on layers of Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion which is my infamous weapon in hair health. It has not only improved its condition and look but all those lovely natural botanicals and extracts have actually helped my hair to grow. Check out this post for all the dets. 

Before I whack out the blow dryer or straighteners I am making great strides in remembering to save my strands with heat protection. Right now the Toni&Guy Protein Protection Mist is my hero. Amazing coverage from heat but not only that its dispenser coats hair well and lets be frank the bottle looks the part too. It also conditions and detangles hair. For nasty fly aways and frizz I turn to serums like this Charles Worthington Straight and Smooth scented with red berries and vanilla bean it leaves an irresistible aroma as well as smoothing down hair cuticles. I don't leave the house without it. Hair health Sorted.

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Get Summer, Holiday Ready With Boots / Review Video

   

This is a review video on a #BootsCamp Boots box I received full of products to prep and prepare skin for the summer and holiday season. Watch for my opinions on such featured goodies ranging from fancy fake tan to a new sort of exfoliator and if you do fancy following them up for more information or to buy head to the links in the info bar from the direct youtube video. 

Also I apologise for the lack of blogging at the moment I will find the time to explain in a dedicated post. I have a new camera and this is the first official video that I have shot with it. I absolutely love using it and the quality it delivers but please bare in mind I am still learning how to work it! As with my new editing software which is apparent in a few video mishaps you will see. I hope you enjoy.

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Spring Tips Nail Edit

I must admit I've really been getting into nails a lately - it is rare you see me without a polished nail in some sort of colourful hue. For the once lazy nail artist (If I can even call myself that) I am loving taking the time to really step up my game in the tips arena. This had led to a new obsession with buying Spring polishes in hope of forming an elite edit on trend lacquers. The question is what are they and how did I fair?

Seventeen Gel Nail Polish in Azure Amore: Let us start things off with this unbelievably beautiful dusty blue shade from Seventeen cosmetics. Blue has to be one of my favourite colours of the Spring season and I think this tiny bottle embodies the exact light and happy Spring blue tinge. Better still it claims to last up to 8 days. On my nails it tallied a solid 6. Pretty darn good. 

& Other Stories Moire Green "Green Neon": I was never into almost white nails until recently and now you can't stop me searching them out. This is my first venture into the whiteish tip adventure and it comes from Other Stories. It took me a while to select this white-green shade that looks awesome on the hands. It makes skin look brighter and somehow nails healthier. But I'm more interested in the look against bold colours or white trousers. In love.

& Other Stories Twill Blue Nail varnish: Keeping the Other Stories admiration going I have been head over heels for this rather bold royal blue. It is a pigmented and intense dark blue but without being neon or boringly navy. A super trendy hue that brings life and attention to any outfit and may I say looks cracking on the toes too.

Cynthia Rowley Mint green and Purple Nail Polish: I have searched high and low to find you guys a link to these nail colours that came from a trio of shades but the mighty Rowley is making that mission very hard indeed. I bought my set from TK Maxx and was drawn to the playfulness of such polishes. I have pulled out my favs from the collection; this pastoral mint green and purple with gold shimmer. Build the layers up with these matte drying lacquers for drama overload and if your like me and prefer the shine pop on a glossy top coat too.

Maybelline Colour Show Nail Varnish in Nebine: Last but by no means least is this dainty baby pink colour from Maybelline. It is the delicate rose amongst these rather impacting thorns of Spring nail colours but they won't get lost in the crowd. Everyone needs a perfect shade of pink for them amongst their polishes and for me Nebine is it. Nothing says feminine like a soft, creamy yet opaque polish then a true girly pink polish. Some days you just go all gooey. 

On the hitlist is another bold coral lovely, a pale white yellow and a quick drying top coat! But for the Spring Tips Edit I'd like to know, did I nail it? Couldn't help myself. On a final note I am beyond excited to report that I have infact invested in a Canon EOS 600D camera and am looking at it adoringly as I type. I can not wait to test this badboy out and up my picture and video quality up. This post my very well be the final one taken with my humble Panasonic Lumix! 

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Skincare Talk & Regime Favourites

   

As skincare has been one of the biggest requests for me to cover I thought I would use the medium of video to cover a whole lot of facial products that I'm using at the moment. It delves into my feelings about the products I own and also brief background into my skincare issues, which I fail to mention is now combination to normal. I cover every base from removers, toners, masks, exfoliators and moisturisers, all in the order you'd use them. There are some luxury specials and bargain buys so, hopefully there is something for everyone. Also, stay tuned till the very end to here my best skincare product recommendations. It's a doozy. It is a long one but I hope you enjoy!

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Lather and Rinse

Is it a little sad to get so excited about soap? Maybe but when it is soap as beautifully packaged and scented as these I think it's only natural to get a little over the top. These babies make up the last of my & Other Stories splurge and I may have saved the best until last. As someone who prides themselves on bath lovin' the only thing that would make this purchase better would be bath oil and candles - which I think Stories should totally be already doing. 

The first is a hand soap called Punk Bouquet which for some reason just makes me think of Keeping Up Appearances; it is pronounced Mrs Bucket darling, the t is silent. No, only me? Okay then. If you think I've gone off on a mad one just take the time to youtube it. Anyhow back to this larvley soap. The smell is a concoction of - and I quote - 'Tiger orchid and dewy lotus flower entwined with nutty almond and sweet tonka beans, overgrown by tree moss and topped with a splash of tangerine'. Can you see why I bought it? How sensational does that sound. It looks the part sat atop my Mother's new bathroom sink and gifts washing customers with a rather luxurious hand cleaning experience. Plus I love the peachy pink colour of the formula.

The next and best soap purchase was the Secret Haven Body Wash. Now if you thought the first one sounded good prepare yourself for this aroma extravaganza. 'Tangy peach and dreamy coconut meet a garden of peonies, lilacs, and dewy violets, with base notes of relaxed sandalwood, vanilla, and soft musk.' Sigh. If I could only wash myself in one thing all my life it would be this body wash. The scent is so relaxing and warming. I am seriously digging the hand written print label too which looks very feminine sat on the edge of the bath. If I haven't managed to make you go gaga for these products just take a gander at their soaps yourself and then at their prices. Such variety and quality for few pounds. Next on the hit-list is their body scrubs and hand moisturisers. Have you tried Stories body and hand washes yet? What are your favourite soaps to use?

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Style Station

If you watched my latest haul video you will have already previewed these delightful pieces from Persunmall. You can take a look at the video here if you haven't seen it yet. Taking advantage of their blogger programme I selected some key spring items this month to add colour and lightness to my wardrobe. I went for this Black Half Sleeves Chiffon Dress which also comes in blue for its modern take on the LBD. It has cut out sleeves and a cinched in waist that feels effortlessly chic. Its simplicity screams for some accessories so I choose to pair it with a statement necklace and bold berry lip. Feeling favourable to yellow lately down to all the daffodils I also got this Chiffon Vest in Yellow which looks great with jeans and skirts. I tend to buy dresses over tops so I needed some basic tees and vests to take me through the warmer months and help me utilise my wardrobe. I also got a beautiful lavender coloured Boat Neck Puff Sleeves Dress but it is unfortunately too short at the back to wear as a dress! I could potentially wear it with thick leggings or tights but I've also considered making it into a top... we shall see how that goes. Last but by no means least is my favourite piece, the white Lace Hem Mini Skirt which is pretty mini. You can't actually see anything but it cuts things fine. My bottom is just retaining its modesty. I just adore the textured fabric and sheer panel hem detailing at the edge. Its high-waist fit is very flattering and with it being a lovely bright white it instantly makes an outfit look summery. That's the lot and all round I'm a pretty happy bunny. 

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Stories Shopping Spree

It's a good job I don't live in London because if I did I would be seriously in debt thanks to binge shopping in & Other Stories. I have been following this brand's inception into the world ever since they released their first conceptual teaser video. I adore the story themed collections, snippets of behind the scenes and sense of authenticity surrounding the brand. It has a hand-made yet modern approach and visualisation which draws me in like a moth to a flame. So, I have to be very careful to limit my browsing of their online store. But when a certain Easter Treat email popped up in my inbox informing me of a free gift with every purchase I just had to make an order didn't I! And these are some of the bits and pieces I bought as well as my free gorgeous gift. 

I have been searching high and low for a white nail polish with a hint of colour to beautify and modernise my tips. I love the way light colours look on nails but getting the right shade is so important. Too white and things look seemingly D.I.Y tipp-ex and too much colour the white illusion is no longer apparent. Finally, I found a lovely white shade in the Other Stories mountain of nail lacquers and this one comes with a pale mint green hue called Moire Green "Green Neon". I was also lusting after the vanishes with a touch of yellow but they were yet to come into stock! But regardless, I am super happy with my purchase. You need three to four layers of this thin but creamy polish to get maximum pigmentation but the outcome is beautifully contemporary and spring ready. 

I just can't seem to stop buying coral lipsticks and so naturally this led to selecting an orange lippy from the stack at Other Stories. I chose the Burdet Orange "Reddish Orange" Light shade and have been loving wearing it on my lips. It is a highly rich and pigmented formula which feels soft and hydrating on the lip. The shade is bold yet wearable and warms the complexion without being too deep. It can be swept on for ultimate colour drama or subtly dabbled for a stain like effect. It's slippery texture doesn't bleed but does transfer onto glasses easily when drinking so the lasting power isn't the best but good enough. For me this is up there with my favourite spring lipsticks so it is safe to say you'll be seeing a lot more of me in this baby. 

With my purchases I got to choose one complimentary sample and one Easter Treat. For the sample I went for the Cotton Care Winceyette Shower Cream which is a beautiful soothing and fresh smelling body wash. I got really excited when I saw bags available for the Easter Treat as I have been wanting a travel makeup bag for sometime now. I opted for the Lime / Lemon Leather Pouch which should have been £25 and I have been thoroughly enjoying using it. The real leather fabric makes it durable and luxurious but my favourite aspect is its summery bright pop of colour. It fits capsule cosmetics perfectly and as it is so thin and nifty it takes up minimal room in your handbag. Plus you can always use it as a small clutch for meals out too! So, it has been a pleasant shopping spree at Stories.com and I shall reveal a couple more items I bought in a future post! For now make sure to check out my updated Youtube channel here and you can follow my twitter and facebook here and here too. Thanks to all who are already subscribed, it means the world!

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