Nike Flyknit Racers - Multicolour 3.0

Until the beginning of the year, I was never a 'trainer girl'. More often than not I could be found tottering around town in heeled boots, with ballet flats being my comfortable shoe of choice. Flash forward six months, and I have amassed a modest collection of different 'sneaker' styles, most of which were, embarrassingly for me, purchased on impulse. And, if I'm honest, that's exactly what happened with this pair too...

1am is, in my opinion, the optimum time for what I like to call 'shopping invincibility' - that mood where you feel like purchasing a £130 pair of trainers (that won't be making up part of your work wardrobe) is a great idea, and seem to think that checking your bank account in the morning isn't actually going to make you weep as a result of the aforementioned purchase.

Stumbling across these Nike Flyknit Racers in multicolour on the JD Sports website, and knowing that they had been notoriously hard to get hold of, I quickly lunged for my debit card and entered my details before I had the chance to talk myself out of it. It only seemed like fate that just one pair was available, and they just happened to be in my size- how could I possibly pass up such an opportunity?

Thankfully, I don't regret this impulse purchase at all, and have been wearing them on my rare days off! Despite their crazy colour scheme, they are surprisingly easy to style. As a very simple dresser, I love to pair these with monochromatic looks, allowing the shoes to do all of the talking!

What's your best impulse purchase?

Designer Shoe Dupes

It's so easy to make a ridiculously long wish list of designer items when browsing blogs, instagram, and pinterest. I don't know about you, but I have a list in my notes app that I continuously add to, and watch as it gets packed with countless designer items, the quantity of which is pretty unattainable right now! I'm also adverse to the idea of dropping big bucks on 'trend' pieces, yet still always find myself drooling over this season's wacky Charlotte Olympia wedges or quirky Moschino bag.

Recently I've really noticed that dupes have got better and better, particularly when it comes to shoes. Whilst I personally don't agree with counterfeit items, I love it when an affordable store is inspired by designer pieces, channelling their design into their own items, thus making trends more accessible to a wider audience. So here's my pick of my favourite shoe dupes currently available online, some of which will definitely be making their way into my wardrobe very soon!

Left: Gianvito Rossi 'Janis Low' - £515     Right: Public Desire 'Sophie Heeled Sandals' - £29.99

Left: Nicholas Kirkwood 'Beya Loafer' - £295     Right: Topshop 'Van Stitch Pointed Ballet Shoe' - £18

Left: Valentino 'Rockstud Flat Thong Sandal' - £ 560     Right: Missguided 'Studded Flat Gladiator Sandals' - £25

Left: Aquazzura 'Belgravia Flat Suede Sandals' - £420     Right: Missguided 'Lace Up Pointed Flats' - £20

What designer shoes are you lusting after at the moment? Have you found any good designer dupes?

My Favourite Jewellery

I have never been one for jewellery. I am all over other accessories- bags, shoes, sunglasses, hats. Jewellery has just never been on my radar, until recently that is.

A year ago, after becoming tired of relying on my phone for the time (which always ran out of battery), I decided that I'd like to get a watch. Not being a particularly 'sparkly' person, I struggled to find a minimally designed, sparkle-free watch that still retained an element of femininity, until I stumbled across Olivia Burton.

I quickly purchased the black and gold model, which subsequently became a staple accessory, rarely leaving my wrist for the following year. Although I am a gold hardware lover through and through, I recently noticed this silver and grey version of the watch, and thought I would give silver hardware a go! Being someone who enjoys matching hardware, it's nice to have the option to have a watch to pair with either metal colour.

Another brand I've been loving is Alex Monroe. His nature inspired pieces are so intricate and come in a variety of different metals. These dragonfly and feather necklaces are so easy to wear, and are so unique compared to anything I've seen from other brands.

What are your favourite jewellery brands? 

My Current Luxury Fashion Wishlist

So, firstly, I'm aware that everything here is black- I can explain! In the past I have tried to inject some colour into my wardrobe, but it always felt forced, so over the past year I have decided to brush those attempts aside and only purchase what I actually like. Now it sounds completely obvious that you should only purchase things you like, but it's something I definitely haven't done in the past, and I know I'm not the only culprit of mindless trend following! If it's black, cool. If it's colourful, that's also cool. I'm making it my mantra to only wear items I love, and develop my own personal style rather than imitating the style of others, as I did when I was younger. I have also been trying to purchase high quality classic accessories, as I feel that a beautifully structured handbag, killer heels, or a perfectly tailored coat can really take a 'simple' outfit to the next level. So, without further adieu, here are a few things I've currently got my eyes on...

Fendi 3 Jours Bag- £1700 

With its 'winged' shape, reminiscent of the Celine Trapeze and Givenchy Antigona, it is no surprise that the Fendi 3 Jours bag is one that I have been coveting for quite a while! It's subtle logo and sleek shape are sophisticated and understated enough for the office. I have been loving the practicality of a shoulder strap recently, and love that this bag has one long enough to easy be used hands free, as I find straps are commonly far too short to be comfortably used in this way (yes, i'm looking at you Givenchy Antigona!).

Burberry Trench- Prices Vary Dependent on Style

A classic burberry trench has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. Whilst I've not yet had the opportunity to decide which style or colour yet by trying on in store, owning one is definitely a goal for this year! I think you'll all agree that a trench is an absolute wardrobe staple, that can be effortlessly paired with any outfit.

Dior Sideral1 Sunglasses - £280

Throughout 2015 Dior sunglasses were inescapable, with the Technologic and So Real styles popping up on every blog and Instagram in sight. However, I have fallen in love with the 'Sideral1' style, in a 'typically me' black and gold colour combination. Their simple design is classic overall, with the gold rim giving them a little edge without being an item that will go out of style, making them the perfect pair of investment sunglasses.

Acne Jensen Boots - £370

For me, black boots are another wardrobe staple. I love pointed boots with skinny jeans, and after trying this pair on a few months ago, I fell completely in love. They are comfortable, my ideal heel height, and of exceptional quality - the ultimate black pointed ankle boot.

What wardrobe items do you like to spend your hard earned pennies on most? What items do you have your eyes on at the moment? Have you made any investment purchases recently? 

Bag Chat- Chanel Classic Flap Reveal

As a self-confessed long-time bag addict, I have pined over the Chanel Classic Flap Bag for years. With their intricate stitching and shiny hardware, for me they have always been the epitome of elegance within the 'handbag world'.

It was during a holiday in Paris last August that my bag dreams actually came true, when I visited Chanel's flagship store at 31 Rue Cambon. After hearing countless tales of 'waiting list' situations, I went to the store naturally expecting the 'Classic' ranges to be unavailable. Thankfully (...although not for my bank account) this was not at all the case!

(Apologies for any poorer quality photos- these were taken in my hotel room after purchasing...)

When purchasing from the Rue Cambon store, the packaging is different to that of other Chanel stores. The regular black box and bag are replaced with white packaging, but still have the beautiful Chanel ribbon and camellia flower attached.

The box is a hard 'shoe box style' rather than the magnetic boxes which are available in other stores.

Once opened, the bag is wrapped in beautiful tissue paper, and then in its protective dust bag which features a drawing of Coco Chanel. There is also a pamphlet detailing how the bag was made, alongside an array of stunning photographs that show the complicated process. 

Lastly, there is a care booklet and cleaning mitt, to help keep the bag in tip top condition! I like to store the bag within all its original packaging when it's not in use, so that it remains pristine!

So here it is! The Chanel Classic Flap Bag! Mine is the M/L size in Lambskin with gold hardware, and words honestly can't describe how much I love it. This model includes the famous 'double flap', which since 2009 has been made standard for the Classic Bags, making its contents very secure.

This bag is extremely versatile and can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. I personally prefer to wear the bag with the singular long strap, rather than with the straps doubled, as I feel it is more age appropriate for me at the moment. However, it is lovely to have the option of wearing the bag higher up on my body, which I'm sure I will do more in years to come.

I'm so so thrilled to have this bag in my collection, and hope you've enjoyed having a peek at it too! If anyone has any questions about the bag itself, or my Chanel experience, then please feel free to leave a comment. 

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe? What is your dream bag?

Domi 

Massive Beauty Haul And First Impressions!

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently packed my bags and moved from my little teeny home-town, to a big city, full of amazing shops which I had to travel for an hour to get to before. Not only is the shopping here amazing, but I'm right near everything, and as you can imagine, living a mere five minute walk away from a shopping centre is pretty lethal for someone like me!

Lots of beauty bits seem to have found their way into my flat within the past month, so I figured I'd show you all what I've naughtily been purchasing. I splurged... (Apologies in advance for the super long, picture heavy post!)

First stop- MAC. With a new counter opening, it'd be rude not to!

The first things I picked up from Mac were two lovely lipsticks that had been on my wishlist for a while. I chose Viva Glam V and Plumful, which are both absolutely beautiful.

I've been lusting after Plumful ever since I saw EssieButton's Mac Lipstick Collection Video, and trusted her opinion as a fellow pale skinned girl. It's a stunning berry shade, that's perfect for autumn, and those who (like me) aren't brave enough to rock Mac's Rebel as a daytime shade! I've also been loving Viva Glam V as a neutral everyday shade.

Next I strolled over to the eyeshadows, and was keen to have a look at the Mineralize Eyeshadow in 'Gilt By Assosciation', after hearing ThePersianBabe speak about it recently (I'm so easily influenced!). When swatched it's an amazing black/brown with gold glitter, and is great for a minimum effort, maximum effect smokey eye. The pigmentation is also great, as it is most of the time when it comes to Mac eyeshadows!

I also picked up four eyeshadows in pan form, as I wanted to try to incorporate some more colourful shades into my makeup looks. I chose 'Sketch', which is a purpley plum colour, 'Club', which is a brown green, 'Contrast', which is a rich navy blue, and 'Shale', which is a grey lilac. I love the look of 'Shale' with 'Sketch', as they're great for a purple toned smokey eye. 'Cranberry' is next on my wish list I think!

 

Last of all at Mac I purchased the Cream Colour Base in 'Pearl', Fluidline Gel Liner in 'Blacktrack', and 239 brush. 'Pearl' is a stunning cream-gold highlight, which blends effortlessly for a hassle-free glow. 

As a gel liner novice, I was unsure how successful application of my new fluidline would go, but it's SO EASY! I use a small angled liner brush from Crown Brush, which draws a seamless line, and the pigmentation of the fluidline is great. 

I've been on the hunt for a stiff eyeshadow shader brush, and this one fits the bill. It's great for packing on eyeshadow, which I think blend out using my trusty cult favourite- the Mac 217.

Next I ended up at Bobbi Brown, where I purchased my first Bobbi Brown product- the corrector. I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to buy one of their products, as I'm always interested in their counters and have heard great things about their products. The corrector is so far living up to the hype, and has been doing a great job at helping to disguise my unsightly dark circles.

Urban Decay's Primer Potion is another cult product that's been on my wishlist for months, that I finally decided to purchase. However, so far I'm pretty undecided on this one. It keeps my makeup in place for the whole day which is great, but I'm unsure of the finish on my dry skin. It seems to look slightly patchy or cakey on my lids? I'm not sure why, but I'm going to keep trying to make it work for me!

Last but by no means least is Laura Mercier's 'Creme Smooth Foundation'. I've purchased this foundation before, and can finally say It's my Holy Grail product. I've never used a foundation with such great coverage, colour, and beautiful dewy finish as this one, which is amazing for my dry skin. It's pricey, but it's worth it, and if I could only have one makeup item in the world this would definatly be it!

What have you been purchasing recently? Have you used any of the products mentioned, and if so what did you think?

I'm A Terrible Blogger...

Sooo, it's been a while again it seems. Nearly four months since my last blog post infact, and if you're still here then thankyou very much indeed. :D 

The past few months have sped by in what seems to me like a matter of days, and to be honest it's all been a bit overwhelming at times! Since my last post...

- I moved out and to another county
- I got a flat with my boyfriend
- I started University
- I got a new job working for Lush Cosmetics (if you'd like to see any Lush related posts then let me know!)

Since I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, I'd love to hear what kinds of posts you'd like to see on my blog in the future, so please feel free to comment below with any suggestions you have!
Hope you guys are all good!