OOTD - Playing Hot & Cold

It's been ages since I last did an outfit post, Daisy cost a small fortune so unfortunately my other love (shopping) has had to go on the back burner. This has resulted in me having no inspiration to piece any interesting items together and all my outfits have been looking very boring and samey. I often find it really tricky to know what to wear during these transitional months; One minute it's glorious sunshine, and the next (like now) It's snowing again! This is a little outfit I put together the other day, using old neglected items from the bottom of my floordrobe, to welcome in a little bit of sun.

Scarf - Zara

Dress - Topshop

Shirt - H&M

Necklace - Topshop

Bag - Radley 'Holloway'

Boots - Office 'Dextor Strap'

Lips - Revlon 'Smoked Peach'

I'm hoping that when pay day comes around this month I'll be able to treat myself to a few new bits to get my wardrobe ready for spring, what do you think are the key pieces for S/S 2013?

Becca.

Boots Beauty Haul

I went into Boots the other day to buy a new conditioner and as is always the case with these pesky little 'drug store' trips I came out with a lot more than intended. My skin has been really suffering with all these temperature changes, my usually oily skin has become incredibly dry and patches of Eczema have flared up on parts of my face (mmm). Couple that with my Mascara and Primer both running out at the same time and a genuine addiction to lipsticks, things obviously got a little out of hand.

Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion with Shea Butter - I always use Aveeno products when my Eczema flares up and as it's really bad at the moment I decided to invest in a new lotion. I can normally tell pretty instantaneously if it is going to work for me and unfortunately this one isn't. I thought the added Shea Butter would make it extra moisturising but it just hasn't felt any better and it leaves a residue on the skin that I'm not keen on. I think if you were just looking for a good moisturising body lotion you may like this, but for Eczema it's just not up to the standards I generally expect from Aveeno products.

Dr.Jart Pore Refine Recover Primer - As I already mentioned, my Collection 2000 'Primed and Ready' Primer has just finished and I have been on the look out for a new one. I did think the Collection one was good value for money but it was too thick and silliconey for my liking and I do feel like it highlighted any dry patches rather than smoothing over them. Previously I have also tried the Benefit 'Porefessional', Clarins 'Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch' and L'oreal 'Lumi Magique Primer' and whilst I liked all 3, with the Clarins one being a definite front runner, I decided to try something new and plumped for the Dr.Jart one after hearing so many rave reviews about other products such as the BB creams. So far I have only tried this primer once but the initial impressions are good, not overwhelming, but good. It is a gel that leaves you with a slightly dewy finish which is quite unusual for a primer. I will do a full review when I have fully made up my mind about it but so far so good. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - After hearing so much hype about this product I just couldn't resist picking it up when I saw it for 1/3 off in Boots. It is essentially a treatment for oily/blemish prone skin, and whilst my skin has been feeling more dry lately, I have been breaking out all over the place and I know now the weather is warming up slightly I will be back to my usual oily self in no time. I tried this last night and this morning and I just love the way it sinks into the skin. Obviously I can't say much on it until I have tested it further but first impressions are very promising and I have high hopes for this massively hyped product.

Organix Macademia Oil Conditioner - My hair is super dry after dip dying it and using heat on it so I was in desperate need of a good conditioner to put some moisture back into it. I haven't heard much about this range on any blogs I read but I thought I would give it a try anyway as I know Macademia Oil is meant to be amazing.

Maybelline 'The Falsies' Mascara - For some reason I never buy anything from Maybelline, apart from the Colour Tattoos I don't think I've actually tried any of their products. I don't know what it is about them but their products just never appeal to me and I always find myself getting more drawn in by other highstreet brands such as Revlon and Rimmel. I've heard a lot of people go on about The Falsies Mascara though and decided to give it a go while Maybelline were on buy one get one half price at Boots. The wand has a curved brush with plenty of bristles but the Mascara is quite wet which I'm not a big fan of. I think I'll be sticking with my favourite Clarins 'Wonder Perfect' Mascara in the future.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in 'Electric Orange' - I just love orange lipstick so couldn't wait to get my hands on this shade when I heard about from the Vivid Collection. This is the first and only time I have ever felt excited by any Maybelline products and I am pleased to say the pigmentation and formula is excellent. Electric Orange is a true, neon orange unlike my other favourite orange, Topshop's 'Infrared' which has a lot more red in it. I will definitely be picking up more of these shades, Neon Red is next on my list!

I'm really enjoying seeing all the new products highstreet beauty brands are bringing out for Spring/Summer. I am desperate to get my hands on a few of the Rimmel 'Apocalips' lip laquers that everyone is raving on about at the moment but all the colours I've had my eye on were sold out with them being on 3 for 2. What are your favourite drug store beauty buys?

Becca.

My Autumn/Winter Shoe Collection

I feel that it is something of an occupational hazard when working in a shoe shop that you end up buying a lot of shoes. I've worked for Office for around a year and a half now and I have developed quite the footwear collection so I thought I would do a little (massive) post showing you the shoes I've been rocking for these Autumn/Winter months!

Converse All Star Low - Office 

Not the most weather appropriate shoes in the world but I love wearing my white Converse all year round. They are super comfy and literally go with anything! I think Converse always look better when they've got a bit scuffed up and are more worn looking so I am pretty happy with the stage mine are at. Just a little note for if your ordering Converse online or not trying them on, they come up pretty big so you're better off going down atleast a half size; I'm a 6.5 and I got a 6!

Studded Ankle Boots - River Island

One of my few pairs of shoes not actually from Office I have had these little studded biker boots for a good 2/3 years now and I can happily say they are my favourite boots OF ALL TIME. These have studs missing, scuffs all over and pretty much no insole left inside but I think they look better than the day I bought them! They are super slouchy and loose and look so nice with skinny jeans tucked in.

Lace Up Boots - Office

I bought these little cute lace up boots from Office last year. They are such buttery soft leather and a really nice change from the standard tan/black boots. 

Vans Authentic - Office

It took me a while to buy a pair of Vans for some reason. They were everywhere over Summer but I wasn't massively keen on any of the colours but as soon it hit Autumn I knew I had to get this Burgandy pair! They are so so comfy and make every outfit look casual but thought out. As with Converse, these come up quite big; I am a 6.5 and went for the 6!

'Keeper Lace' Boot - Office

This is the comfiest boot ever and really seems to dress up any outfit! They are a gorgeous black suede with a really 90's chunky heel; Me and the girls at work call them 'Clarissa' as in Clarissa explains it all? You'll have to be a true 90's kid to know what I'm on about ;) I'm not a big fan of these with jeans but they look so lovely with tights and dresses.

Leopard Studded Shoe - Urban Outfitters

I received loads of compliments on these after featuring them in a recent outfit post, you can see that here. They were a total bargain in the sale and I think leopard print is perfect for Autumn as it looks amazing with all the dark berry colours that are around. I love the tiny heel with the studded detail and they are really easy to style.

'Debatable Lace Platform' Boot - Office

These are the latest addition to my shoe collection and were an absolute bargain after being reduced to just £25! They are clearly a total copy of the Jeffrey Campbell Lita's but what I really love about these is that they come a lot lower on the ankle so are much more flattering if you are concious about your legs like me. Im going to be wearing these with dresses and tights all through Autumn/Winter for Christmas parties as they are so comfy and give an 'edge' (cringe) to any outfit.

'Nikita' Boot - Office 

This is probably my most worn boot, hense why it is looking a little worse for wear! This is just the easiest little ankle boot to wear and literally goes with everything.

'Les Ballet' Studded Pumps - Office 

This is easily my most worn shoe as I wear it to work most days. It is so unbelievably comfy and the leather is incredibly soft. I love the fact the studs are black as I think they go with a lot more than if they were gold or silver and look a bit more expensive. These are getting so scruffy now but I love them that much I think I will buy another pair!

Slippers - Primark

It wouldn't be an Autumn/Winter post without a pair of slippers so these are the ones Im currently wearing and they were super cheap from Primark! They are lovely and soft inside and keep my feet toasty in this freezing cold house!

So they are the main shoes and boots I've been wearing so far this Autumn/Winter. Let me know if you've liked this post as I could do something similar for my heels/going out shoes and also a similar one when Spring/Summer comes around. A few of my friends and little baby Lily are coming round for a take away tonight so I better go clean this mess up...

Becca.x