October favourites: Beauty, fashion, music

Happy first of the month!

It's favourites time yet again! October is definitely of one of my favourite months and I'm sad to see it ending, but it also signifies and brings into realisation that christmas is just around the corner (8 weeks, precisely). I have a wide array of favourite this month in all categories; beauty, fashion, music and, of course, randoms.

Starting with beauty favourites, I've been using Laura Mercier's oil free tinted moisturiser on a near enough everyday basis. I love how lightweight the product feels on the skin and yet still covers the majority of imperfections. I would class it as medium coverage with definitely the power to create fuller coverage. It's super easy to apply and helps to keep oils at bay for the whole day. Laura Mercier definitely know how to create perfect bases and this tinted moisturiser is one of my all time favourites in general.

Near enough all the rest of my beauty faves fit in the eye category. For my most used eyeshadow combo this month I have been loving applying Mac eyeshadow All That Glitters on the lid with Quarry quite heavily packed through the crease using a 217 brush. The 217 is the perfect tool for effortlessly applying colour to the crease and I can't live without it; I'm almost contemplating purchasing another. I have found myself reaching for L'Oreal's False Lash Telescopic more than my favourite American duo.  It lengthens the lashes like you would not believe and looks exceptionally amazing on the bottom lashes.

I've been wearing this Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade Tokyo and I really like it. The colour is a gorgeous rose pink and looks super pretty on. My only criticism is that, as they are so creamy, they don't have the best staying power and I find myself reapplying every hour or so. Annoying, but the colour is great.

- Urban Outfitters ecote motocross drape jacket, £68
- Zara checked shirt with contrasting collar, £25.99
- American Apparel corduroy circle skirt, £44
- Miss Selfridge gold trim faux leather biker jacket, £52
- American Apparel disco pants, £74

Autumn fashion basically involves layers. Now that we are transitioning into winter however I've been wearing tights with pretty much every outfit - yes, even with jeans. I get that cold. I love wearing tights with high waisted skirts, especially the American Apparel circle skirts (my favourites are burgundy and navy blue) - they come in very autumnal appropriate colours and go with almost anything. Collared shirts, in particular, look so cute tucked into skirts and very put together. This one by Zara, a tartan inspired checked shirt with contrasting white collar, is my absolute favourite. It can be simply dressed down by pairing it with dark skinny jeans or dressed up by adding leather shorts, black heels and statement jewellery.

Another go-to piece for autumn/winter has to be disco pants. For the best quality and colour range check out American Apparel (loving the cranberry colour)! Jackets are also a autumn into winter staple - not as warm as a fully lined coat, but still something for the cold weather. I love this Urban Outfitters ecote motocross drape jacket, it just looks amazing. For more warmth, faux leather jackets are a must. Pictured is a gorgeous biker jacket by Miss Selfridge which will go with almost every outfit and looks super stylish.

Music favourites!

I have been loving Miley Cyrus' album Bangerz which came out at the start of the month and especially the songs Maybe Your Right and Adore You. She has certainly received a negative reputation over the past few weeks, namely for her two recent music videos (you know the ones), but nevertheless the songs on her album are really well produced and executed. Definitely check my two favourites out, even if you're not particularly a fan of her. Haim's The Wire has been on repeat for this month. It's way too catchy and will get in your head and stay there for the whole day. I still love it regardless!

One of my closest friends has an obsession with the band Fall Out Boy. I never understood their obsession and wasn't a fan of their rock-esque music. Now after listening to their new album Save Rock and Roll I've completely my opinion. My favourite songs on the album are Young Volancoes and Just One Yesterday. Check out the full album here! Now it cannot be a proper music favourites without a One Direction song. Just yesterday they released Story Of My Life on iTunes and I have already played it over ten times. I'm so excited for their new album out at the end of November - hurry up!

Ok. I'll be honest. My "random" favourites this month hands down beat my fashion, beauty AND music favourites. And the collage above possibly is one of the most bizzare and unusual group of photos ever.

The first picture is of the cast of my new favourite show The Walking Dead. Quick synopsis: a group of Americans try to survive by killing zombies. Now I personally am not a fan of gore, and yes they didn't rate the show an 18 (or R in America) for no reason, but I thoroughly recommend watching an episode or two. I watched series 1, 2 and 3 in around two weeks, and now that season four has just started, I'm hooked again. I love the storyline, the characters are amazing with a good amount of British actors - Rick, the lead character, was in Love Actually, and it's so gripping. Definitely start from the first series though and I promise you'll be hooked in no time. Season four is on every Friday at 10pm on Fox.

Next is a book, The Fault In Our Stars, that I haven't been able to put down since I started reading it. I have yet to finish, but I am nearing the end, but I still think it deserves a mention in my favourites post. John Green, the author, perfectly depicts the life of a young girl suffering from cancer with heart and emotion yet with small doses of static humour and, of course, a beautiful love story intertwined. I've already cried, laughed and smiled like an absolute idiot at the pages, and I highly suggest you give it a read.

If you don't know who the boy in the third picture is then what is your life. I'm kidding, but still, Luke Friend from the current series of The X Factor is, in my opinion, the best contestant who I sincerely hope will win. He's so unique and has such an amazing voice. I'm no Simon Cowell, but it's a "yes" from me :P

Another favourites post complete, another month finished! I'm not particularly looking forward to November, but at least it means that December is getting closer. And we all love December, adios x x x

& Other Stories

Quick post; I just thought I'd share this really cute store called & Other Stories. They only have seven stories worldwide, one being in Regent Street, but their website is super easy to navigate and some really great stuff.

I was immediately drawn into the "beauty" section of the site where they sell anything from lipsticks to eyeshadow quads to foundations. And they are all reasonably priced considering! Blogger favourites include the contour cream at just £10 each as well as the wide array of lip colours on offer which are £12 each.

When I eventually get down to choosing what I want to buy, I'll definitely do a haul post :) x x x

September Favourites: Makeup, A/W Fashion, Music and Randoms!

Firstly, I can't believe it's October 1st. It's literally my favourite month with midterm coming up then halloween and my birthday. This year has gone so insanely fast. Secondly, writing favourites posts are always fun. Especially when I have products I've been truly loving. This month I have several beauty favourites as well my autumn/winter fashion picks, music obsessions and just some general favourites so, let's get started...

 Let me first of start by apologising that two of my seven favourites aren't available in the UK. I'm sorry.

You're probably sick of me talking about this, but it deserves another mention - Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara. This has definitely become a holy grail mascara of mine - it creates length, volume giving full looking lashes without the clumpy appearance. Please come to the UK.

Another favourite that needs to be bought over to the UK are the Wet n Wild Lip Colors. So cheap, yet so pigmented and come in the best variety of colours, from nudes to pinks to reds. I can't get enough of the four I own, they're so good. My current favourite has been "Spotlight Red", a bright, blue based red. I can see this being a constant favourite when we get into the winter season. It's very comparable to Russian Red by MAC, but notably cheaper...

Quarry eyeshadow by MAC is one of those shades that looks incredibly boring in the pan, but a must have nonetheless. It's the perfect transition, and crease, colour - especially if you have brown eyes as it has a slight purple undertone to it. I love using this shade smudged along the lower lash line to give warmth and some colour. It's more subtle that a black or brown, yet still really pretty for an everyday look.

My foundation favourite this month has been L'Oreal Lumi Magique (I have shade W3). I can't gush about it enough, click here for my full review for my full thoughts and stuff.

Rediscovering past obsessions is always nice. I used to use the NARS Powder Foundation all the damn time when I first bought it. Then it kind of got forgotten about. Now I've been reaching for it more, I remember how much I love using it. It's perfect to use either on top of liquid foundation to set everything and give extra coverage, or to use on it's own. For what it is, it's lightweight and doesn't look cakey. Pricey, but 100% worth it.

Gotta include Baby Lips! I love the shade Pink Punch, it smells heavenly and looks so nice on; really subtle.

Nordic rose cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Floral print kimono: Miss Guided
Burgundy and black camis: Topshop
Animal print cropped jumper: Urban Outfitters
High waisted jeans: New Look

Deciding my favourite clothing items of the month is easy: cropped jumpers, high waisted jeans, kimonos, plain cami tops and oversized cardigans.

Autumn weather in England is extremely bipolar; one minute it's raining and freezing, then the next it's warm and you just wanna take all your clothes off! For this I love wearing layers. I start with just a plain cami - easy to wear and come in so many colours. Then I throw on a baggy, oversized cardigan. I've been loving the ones from Urban Outfitters; they're thick, warm and some in some really lovely patterns. I then just throw on either high waisted shorts (plus tights!), or opt for some high waisted jeans. My most used are by New Look, especially the black and dark navy ones.

When the weather is more on the warm side, I've been really into kimonos. Miss Guided offers some really affordable yet super flattering varieties, plus I've seem them crop up on Asos and in stores. Pictured above is my favourite, black with green, blue and cream coloured flowers. I also love wearing cropped jumpers as they look amazing with high waisted jeans/shorts. Again, Urban Outfitters is the place to look for them.

I'm thinking about doing more posts dedicated to seasonal fashion picks. What do you think?







23 by Mike Will Made-It
It's probably the most catchiest song ever. The day I bought it on iTunes I played it 32 times in a row, yep, that addictive. It's featuring Miley Cyrus (who I love, but may not be everyones cup of tea), Wiz Khalifa and some person who I've never heard of in the likes of Juicy J. Seriously, what kind of name is that?

Wings by Birdy
This is such a cute, melancholic song that you need to listen to if you haven't already. Birdy has such a gorgeous voice for a 17 year old, and I love the video for this song too, it's very medieval.

Diana by One Direction
This song was leaked a few weeks back so I pray that you can still find it somewhere online. If not, then mark November 25th in your diary as thats the release of their new album. Anyway, the song Diana is supposed to be written for the fans who have suffered from depression or suicide. When you listen to the words it's really quite sad, but the song as a whole is really catchy and has some great hooks in it. Love!

Burn by Ellie Goulding
Yeah it's an old song, but I've been going through an Ellie phase and this is one of my definite favourites of hers. It's totally different to my regular style of music (to be honest, all of these songs I've mentioned are completely polar opposite to my usual style which is alternative/rock) but I just find myself listening to this all the time!

Yay for the random favourites!

First is iOS7 (for all you Apple users). At first I thought it was really childish but now I actually quite like it. It's simple to use and, I know it's stupid, but I love how the background colour is incorporated into the button colour and tab background, if you know what I mean (see pic!). And have you all seen the new iPhone in gold? *wants*

This past month the X Factor has been my guilty pleasure, it's pretty embarrassing. Well it's not as bad as my mum who downloaded the bloody app on her iPad. Nevertheless, I always watch on the weekends when I can. Team Shaz!

Ok a weird favourite this month is a YouTube channel that you've *probably* all heard of called SourceFed. A group of super likeable hosts post five videos a day each with current news stories. Yeah it may sound boring, but they present them with humour but actually convey important messages to keep us up to date with current affairs. They're short videos (3 mins on average) which make them perfect to quickly view if you don't have enough time to sit down and watch the full length news programmes.

Favourites completed! I really enjoyed writing this months post. Hope you did, too. Have an amazing October :)

PS, who's already downloaded their "countdown to Christmas" phone app? I have! 91 days to go...

The Best Fitness/Workout Clothes and Shoes

With any fitness activity or form of exercise you're main priorities include feeling comfortable, secure, cool (as in temperature!) and perhaps for some, looking good. Obviously it depends on what type of exercise you are doing when deciding on what to wear - some require loose-fitting attire whilst others may need more fitted and tight clothing. I'm going to run (no pun intended) through my favourite, and what I think are the best, fitness/workout clothes and shoes that are out there.

Regardless of what I'm searching for, whether it be clothes or shoes or general equipment, the main brands I gravitate towards are Nike and Sweaty Betty.

Nike are my go-to for shoes. They offer a range of types of trainer to suit particular sports and activities.

My favourites for running which I love are the Nike Air Pegasus+ 30 iD (£115). As it's by the Nike ID range, you can customise the shoe depending on the surface you run on. It has two traction options for either the road or trail. They are really comfortable to wear and feel secure around the ankle especially which makes it easier to run. For no extra charge you can create your own design by changing the colours which is good.

I love also love the Nike Air Max Fusion (£75) for other training activities such as dance. It has thick cushioning and flexibility specifically designed for indoor traction workouts. You can move easily in these - it feels as though you aren't wearing a shoe. It's made out of mesh/synthetic upper area for comfort and breathability.

For gym workout shoes, I highly recommend the Nike Free TR III Printed (£85) ones. Not only do they come in super fun patterns they are amazing for training at the gym. The flexibility promotes natural movement for a more barefoot-like feel. The upper material is thin for more flexibility and natural movement without any restrains. They are definitely the most comfortable workout shoes I own, hands down.

Clothing is important depending on what activity you're doing. These are my general favourite items that can be used for a multitude of sports and activities especially the gym, running and dance which are my favourites.

I like wearing capris when running or to the gym and, the best ones I have found are the Nike Explore Running Capris (£45). They are the perfect length, stay put, easy to move in and feel super lightweight on. I even use these in the warmer months as they are super airy.

For tops I love the Sweaty Betty range - they are super flexible, come in so many styles and bright colours and are made of really good quality. The best thing about the store is that they have specially designed attire for various sports - running, training, dance, gym, cycling and many more and it's super easily to navigate around the site, especially if you don't have a store near you.

Pictured are my two must-haves. First is the Sweaty Betty Finalist Workout Tee (£34) which can be used for any sport. It's loose-fitted so perfect for dance yet also comfortable to wear for running in the heat and also at the gym. The length is perfect and it's super flattering. I have three of these in white, black and purple! Next is the Sweaty Betty Athlete Workout Vest (£29) - these are great basic workout vests. They are slim fitted and are much longer than regular vest. They aren't clingy which I love as some I've tried are. I love the colour range, especially the coral/orange shade pictured (it's called "supernova pink" if you're interested). They look great with black capris/shorts for any activity. These are slightly pricy for a simple vest yet are worth it as they keep you cool and refreshed-feeling.

Another favourite store of mine for workout gear is Lulu Lemon however there is only one store in the UK which is near Coventy! If you've just started getting into fitness, I hope I've covered the best starting pieces to get. Xoxo

Fashion and beauty haul

I am so sorry about the lack of posts this week! I've just had so many exams and have had to use my free time revising like crazy. Now that they are over until late June, I thought I'd do as many posts as I can starting off with a major haul. I went to Guildford today and they one of the best shopping complex's I know. I went to Urban Outfitters, DKNY,House of Fraser (department store), Boots and a really awesome American candy store which I am in love with. Let's start...

From department store House of Fraser, I got a Clinique High Impact mascara and a new Clinique "Take The Day Off" makeup remover. This is my third one in two months - not good. But it is the best. In Boots I got two Essie nail polishes; one in Mint Candy Apple (mint colour, obviously) and the other in Tart Deco (light coral). I got some essentials including a Nivea deodorant and a Nivea lip balm. I also picked up LO'real's new mascara called Mega Volume Collagene 24hr which is said to be amazing! My old eye lash curler broke, so I picked up a new one, and finally I got the Dove Summer Glow moisturiser with a subtle self tanner. I can't wait to review it for you.

And because I spent over £30 on Clinique products, I got a free gift which is pretty awesome! In the pretty makeup bag I got a lipstick, an eyeshadow duo, a sample of a Clinique mascara, a corrector pen, deep comfort hand cream and a rinse-off foaming cleanser. Sweet!

There was also a DNKY Jeans store so I picked up this khaki denim jacket for a really amazing price. Normally they are pretty expensive so I'm very happy with this. They only had a size XS in stock, but I tried it on and it fits perfectly - I'm a size 8 so I didn't think it would fit!

I went into my favourite clothing store ever, Urban Outfitters! I didn't take a picture of the stuff I got because it's all packaged nicely and it would take a while to get nice photos, so I'll just list them. I was in need of a new school bag as the one I got from Egypt last summer had broken completely. I saw a really gorgeous black bag (£49) and knew I had to get it. Plus, it fits A4 folders in which is a must! I got two aztec style t-shirts (both £28 each which is pretty hefty) and a cross shaped necklace for £8. 

Wouldn't it be great if Primark and Urban Outfitters could switch price tags?

Lastly, I went to an American candy store that sells, not just candy, but everything! I saw loads of condiments, drinks, cereals, food (mind you, they did look disgusting) and rows and rows of sweets and chocolate. Being a major peanut butter fan I got some peanut butter M&Ms as well as Reece's peanut butter cups (not in picture). My mum also got this Oh Henry fudge bar.

So, thats it for today! I hope you liked this. If you want me to review any of the products shown let me know in a comment. And again, I'm sorry for the lack of posts!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I'm so sad One Tree Hill has ended. I've got the theme song stuck in my head! Listen here.

Simple and stylish blazers

The blazer has been a fashion essential ever since the idea of masculine chic was invented. The prominent structure of a blazer revitalises and pulls together any outfit.

Everything looks good with a blazer thrown over it. Fact.

For me, the best thing about blazers is the fact that everything works. Pair it with matching trousers and you get a conservative, work appropriate look. Or wear it with a tee and distressed jeans for a casual weekend look. Even layering it over a mini dress for a night on the town works.

The reason why I'm talking about blazers is the fact that, this year they are making a fashion comeback. Blazers are getting back to the basics in classic shapes, neutral colours and a reasonable balance of masculine and feminine designs.

Here are some of my favourites:

This Topshop Grey Boyfriend Blazer is great for those casual days. Pair it with skinny jeans, boots and a simple tee for an effortless yet stylish look. For £65.00, I think you could find something a little better with a much lower price tag, however if you have the money to spend, this is definitely a good choice.

-

H&M have always been a favourite brand of mine because of their vast selection of simple and colourful pieces. Their new blazers are simple yet fashionable with a wide range of bright colours. My favourites are the pink, red and blue and at £24.99 each, you can't go wrong!

-

Everyone needs that staple, black blazer that goes with everything and anything. I really like the look of this Theory Risea Stretch-Wool Jacket (it's called a jacket, but it's definitely a blazer) from Net-a-Porter. It's simple yet incredibly wearable, and you can see this by the image above - the blazer is paired with a white tee, high-wasted trousers and nude pumps.

Unfortunately, this bad boy costs £375 and I'm 99.8% certain most of us wouldn't fork out that much on a blazer - especially a black one. So here is a pocket-friendly alternative...

Here we have a black long sleeve blazer from River Island that is only £55.00 compared to the Theory blazer. My advice is to buy a cheaper blazer and dress it up by adding lavishing accessorises and pairing it with bright shoes.

-----

Leave a comment and follow me!

Suzanna

XOXO

Spring/Summer '12 at Louis Vuitton

This season there was so much to get excited about. Not just for the pieces but the whole spirit of the seasons. In all four major cities; London, Milan, Paris and New York, designers pulled out all the stops into showcasing their new trends and designs ready for the upcoming spring and summer. 

Spring/Summer 2012 is all about being pretty, being feminine and embracing your love of fashion by having lots of fun with it.

Louis Vuitton S/S '2012

Out of all the designers showcasing their pieces it was, in fact, Louis Vuitton in Paris who dedicated their show specifically to pastels. The Louis Vuitton S/S12 collection is the modern edge to the broderie anglaise and candy colours, which makes it classic and - most importantly - cool.

Florals and pastels are said to be in this S/S '12

Big laced collars were proven to be a statement trend at the Louis Vuitton S/S '12 show in Paris with most of the models showcasing a different collar trend.


Here is one of my favourite designs:
(you probably won't catch me wearing it though, mind you)

Some might say that this collection is granny-esque and something that our great great great grandparents might be caught wearing. However, I think that this collection brings a modern twist to vintage fashion - the fun, candy colours bringing a slight modern edge to fashion. Personally, I think the large, laced collars look intriguing and different which is why I think this collection is fault proof.

The icy whites and silver was injected with candy pinks, yellow and pale blue accented with touched of navy. The accessories, as always, were key and the collection had some gorgeous additions to their already world-famous collection.

Who better to walk the runaway with the latest trends other than creative director Marc Jacobs' best friend Kate Moss?

Gracefully, she walked it for a second year in Paris.

Kate looking beautiful in white

-----

*For more pictures and information on this years spring and summer catwalk trends go to InStyle or Vogue - they are the best.*

I hope you liked this post! More fashion-related posts will be coming soon as I find them particularly interesting to write. Thank you.

Suzanna

XOXO