Style Diary Thursday

I'm loving the grunge/90s look at the minute and after investing in a pair of (replica) Doc Martens my love for the look has grown. I borrowed this dress from my mum and love the flowery pattern but instead of teaming with flip flops and a cardi I wanted to toughen the look up with boots and a worn denim jacket. I'm having an on-going love affair with this white tassel handbag and can't tear myself from it! This look is perfect for the cooler summer weather and I feel ever so tough girl in these boots...

Dress-mama's wardrobe, Jacket-£35 Next

Boots-£15 Primark

Handbag-£30 TK Maxx

Bank Holiday Beauty Fix

So, it's just been payday & it's the August bank holiday weekend. This means one thing & one thing only...beauty splurge (especially considering Boots have a 10 points per £1 offer on at the moment - we know I'm a sucker for advertising). 

As per I couldn't resist Essie but this time I splurged on a new shade 'Tart Deco' & an all important top coat which will help me keep my nails in good condition for longer, so technically it's an economical investment. 

I bought this shade in prep for my holiday in a few weeks, it'll look great in the sun. The top coat will also help keep my toes in tack during all my sight seeing I have planned. See, I told you it made sense!

Essie in Tart Deco - £7.99, Essie Top Coat - £8.99 both from Boots

Kathy x

Product of the Week (end)

Sorry it's a little later than usual gorgeous readers but we have been super busy at A&G but as promised every week this is my top rated product; Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Infusion hair mask. 

My mum bought me some pamper products recently and since I spent last weekend covered in mud (and who knows what else, shudder) I decided to treat myself to a hair treatment. 

The mask is super simple to use, after washing your hair towel dry and apply the mask from root to tip using a comb to spread it evenly, relax for 5 minutes and rinse! The results are fantastic, not only does it leaving your hair smelling like chocolate it also gives it shine and conditioning for any dry ends.

Bex

The Smart Gals Guide To Being Festival Savvy

I've just been to V-Festival and it was A-mazing! I got to see so many amazing artists, including the flawless Queen Bey! I survived mud, portaloos and a sh*t covered tent (seriously someone took a sh*t on another persons tent). As much as festivals are about showing off your fashion credentials there are important steps you can take to keep your skin and hair healthy and of course avoiding the dreaded festival flu! 

1. Wellies-Obvious but essential! They keep your feet warm and dry as well as being flat so you can stand comfortably through hours of your favourite acts. I opted for Cath Kidson wellies, keeping me looking girly knee deep in mud! 

2. Thick socks-Again essential for keeping your toesies warm, especially if it's raining; keep your feet and head warm and you limit your chances of getting festival flu.  

3. Rain coat-Okay so it isn't the sexiest piece of clothing in your wardrobe but when its chucking it down and your using a programme to keep your hair dry, you will be wishing you'd brought your good ol' rain coat! 

4. Sunglasses-If you're fortunate enough to enjoy some sun at your chosen festival then you NEED sunglasses. There is nothing worse than squinting the whole way through The Script (hello Danny!!) and it's important to protect your eyes from the sun. 

5.Over the shoulder handbag-This is important for carrying the valuables you don't want to leave in your tent; purse, ID,phone...vodka) or alternatively opt for a small back pack. 

6. face/body wipes-the likelihood of having a shower is slim so keep (somewhat) fresh by having a baby wipe bath every morning, mmm fresh! I only use makeup wipes in an emergency but its difficult to cleanse, tone and moisturise at a festival, especially after a few ciders but try to remember to take your make up off and let your skin breathe. 

7. Moisturiser/lip balm-Being outside and drinking alcohol can leave skin dry so make sure you moisturise every day and keep skin happy! Lip balm is also important to keep your lips from peeling and drying out during the day. 

8. Sun cream-At a festival a couple of years back my friend (who is very fair) got sun stroke and had to stay in her tent for the rest of the weekend! avoid this by packing some sun cream and top up throughout the day. 

9. Pan stick-Doing a full face of make-up everyday is a lot of effort when it's just going to sweat off anyway but again Danny O'donoghue was present so i felt an effort must be made! Pan stick is a foundation and concealer in one, it will hide blemishes and give your skin a boost of colour. 

10. Deodorant- Well, pretty self explanatory...

11. Hair band/Hair bobbles-Greasy hair is not a good look, keep plenty of bobbles handy to scrape hair back and even add a pretty hairband to distract from the grease. Nice. 

Bex

Style Diary Thursday

I thought I'd share a little insight into my everyday style, after all we don't all get super glamorous on a daily basis. At the moment I'm obsessed with dresses, this unusually warm summer season makes me want to get my legs out. Also, my Michael Kors bag rarely leaves my side (I'm pretty sure this is what you call love).

Street style features are my favourite section in magazines and without a doubt give me the most inspiration. Where do you get your day to day inspiration from?

What I wore:

 Dress - Urban Outfitters, £55, Necklace - gift, 

Statement Ring - Topshop, £8.50, Gold Rings - Zara, £9.99 (part of a pack of 4), 

Watch - Urban Outfitters, £26, Bag - Michael Kors at Fenwick, £315,

Boots - Urban Outfitters, £75

Kathy x

Product of the Week

I've been avoiding sharing this little gem for quite a while because, quite frankly, I want to keep it to myself. But, alas I am not that selfish & have decided to share my favourite beauty product of all time with you, you lucky things.

 

The product in question is Mac Matte Lipstick in 'So Chaud' which I wear day, night & pretty much anytime I get the chance to. It's a lovely reddish orange that has been everywhere this spring/summer & is set to stay a beauty favourite in the autumn/winter season. It's £15.00 but for that I think you're getting a beauty essential that lasts for ages. Add a layer of Lipcote on top and the colour will last even longer!

 

 

Kathy x



Look After Yourself

My Auntie Irene bought me Bobbi Brown's 'Beauty Rules' & ever since I've been a devoted fan - this woman speaks a lot of sense (Both Bobbi Brown & my Auntie Irene). Bobbi preaches about the importance of beauty and fashion being connected to the way you treat your body. For example the best beauty tip is to respect your body: eat & drink well & the results will be clear.

 

Reading this book inspired me to change the way I treat my body, I didn't give it enough respect & lack of excerise & a few too many nights out were starting to show (I like to call this the curse of freshers year...which somehow followed me into second year...don't even know how that happened...). Not one to do things by halves I entered myself in to a half marathon & began to train & eat cleanly (although I can't bring myself to give up Dr Pepper & red wine).

 

With one month to go until the half marathon I can honestly say I feel so much better within myself & the fact I'm doing it for a good cause (The MS Society) makes me feel even better. I wear things I wouldn't have dreamt of wearing at the beginning of second year & my skin feels so much better. I also don't feel so guilty after a night out, I feel like I deserve a treat.

 

My top tip if you're going to start training is to always have a 'power song', when you're losing steam put your chosen power song on & it'll help you go that little bit further. Make sure you change it regularly though, if you keep it the same for too long it loses the desired effect! Hope this helps!

 

Left to Right: My new Nike Free trainers (Make me look like Usain Bolt, what's not to love?), Bupa Great North Run: It's real - I'm doing a half marathon, the badge even says so, My current 'power song' Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey remixed by Cedric Gervais.

 

Kathy x

Olay BB Cream Review

I'm every advertisers dream, I fall for all their ploys. As soon as I saw Jessica Ennis was the face of Olay's collaboration with Maxfactor I knew I wanted to try it (well she is naturally gorgeous so it's worth a shot!). 

I've tried BB creams in the past and not been very impressed but as soon as I got a smell of this one I was sold - it reminds me of summer and holidays. You don't need to use much either (which I found out on my first attempt), a little goes a long way with this product even though it's not too heavy. I wanted to make the switch from foundation every day to BB cream to give my skin a break from heavy products and so far so good! Although I still suffer from the odd blemish I just use my Eco concealer brush (I like to think I'm doing my bit to save the world) and Benefit boi-ing concealer to cover anything that requires a bit more coverage.

 

Kathy x

 

Summertime Sales

Recently I've been suffering from the worst of all first world problems, no Internet. I'm not going to lie its been tough but I'm back in the civilised world now in my lovely new flat and I'm about to bombard you all with posts (don't say I didn't warn you)!

I'm not known for my bargain hunting skills for nothing but this summer I've gone a bit baserk and my overdraft is not happy (yolo and all that jazz). My message to you all is to get out there and embrace the lack of financial security and all the pretty clothes...

 

Jumper: French Connection - £20, Loafers: Dune - £35

 

Don't worry, I'm not going to wear all these beautiful pastel yellow pieces together but the amount I've invested in recently just proves what a big colour this is at the moment and I have a feeling it's here to stay. These Dune beauties are one of my favourite bargains of the season, reduced to £35 from £70 they're amazing quality and super edgy. 

Heels: Kurt Geiger - £35

Like most young women I'm into my Kurt Geiger, my bank balance not so much. So when I saw these little beauties for £35 instead of £110 I had to refrain from doing a victory dance in public. I'm in love with the block heel this season.

 

 

 Clutch Bag: Next - £10, Flatforms: Next - £20

 

Finally I paid a visit to the Next sale which impressed me so much (and it takes a lot to impress me). I wasn't with the keen beans at 5am waiting for the store to open, I love shopping but not that much, but I picked up a couple of things that I'd had my eye on for a while. The great thing about the Next sale is that everything is half price or better and there's no further reductions so there's no risk of you kicking yourself the week after when you see it's even cheaper! 

What are your favourite summer season bargains?!

Kathy x

Product Of The Week

Recently at one of the local markets in my home town I came across these great aromatherapy and massage products by Louise Shiels! 

The products are all hand made and range from exfoliating scrubs, bath bombs and massage oil. All products can be specifically tailored for you; for example they make pregnant friendly products which smell great! 

I treated myself to some massage oil which smells so delicious I sometimes dab a little on to my wrists as a perfume. The smell is so lush because of the essential oils used which include chamomile, rosewood, neroli, sandalwood and geranium. For a night of relaxation pop a few drops in to your bath, your skin will have never felt love like it...or if you have that someone special in your life what's a better way to treat them than a sensual massage (wink). 

Check out The Orchard on Facebook for more info and products!