30/04/2012

Pastels

From all of the spring and summer trends I've seen so far, it seems that pastels are the most wearable and adaptable to suit any style. The most simplest outfit (i.e. jeans, t-shirt and wedges) can be transformed into a really nice, well put together ensemble. 

These are some of my favourite combos:


First row: River Island, River Island and Miss Guided
Second row: J.Crew, Topshop and River Island
Third row: H&M, River Island and Mulberry

Cute, right?! Looking at most online stores and recent fashion shows it seems that popular colours this spring and summer will be coral, pink and off-white/beige. It's obvious as too why: they're so wearable and, aside from the Mulberry bag, pretty inexpensive! I have found that River Island have a lot of pastel related trends on their website - check it out here as well as Miss Guided, here!

Thanks for reading :)

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I've just ordered some stuff from House of Fraser, so a haul-type post will be up later this week. I normally post around 17 posts per month which, unfortunately, will decrease in June because of exams. I only have two exams this month (well, in May) so after that I'll be revising like crazy. Hope you guys understand! <3

29/04/2012

Neutral eye makeup

Just a quick post today.

Eyes:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Semi Precious Crystal Pink
MAC eyeshadows in Cork, Carbon and Blanc Type
Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara - review
Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Black

Brows:
No7 brow pencil in Espresso
MAC brow set in Clear

That's it. See you mid-week :)

Suzanna xoxo

27/04/2012

The new L'Oréal EverPure and EverSleek hair expertise range





























I was in Boots the other day and was looking for a new heat protectant as my trust Tresemme one has completely ran out. Browsing the isles I came across the new LO'réal Paris' Hair Expertise line with shampoos, conditioners, serums and hair protectants.

I decided to give the EverSleek Smoothing Mist Heat Protectant a go. On the bottle it says that it's for "frizzy, overworked hair". I don't particually have frizzy hair (and if I do, I would use my Moroccan oil) but I do have overworked hair.

First of all, I love the smell it gives. It's very nice, but if you don't like the smell it vanishes completely within a few seconds. Secondly, and most importantly, it works well as a hair protectant. So, how do you know when it does work? Sometimes - and especially after blowdrying your hair - when you straighten your hair (I don't want to say it, but) smoke comes off the appliance. If this hasn't happened then you either have found your perfect heat protectant or you don't straighten your hair as much. Note that I straighten my hair every day. Bad, I know. Anyway! After using the EverSleek heat protectant, I have found that it doesn't do it anymore which is awesome.

Another great thing about this product is that it claims to double as a smoothing mist to control frizz. I can't say whether this works or not as I use many other products on my hair, but it seems legit.

I also picked up the EverPure Colour Care Protective Mist for my mum, who dyes her hair every four weeks. So far, she says she hasn't noticed a difference but it's much harder to tell a difference on coloured hair I presume.

Overall, I think it works really well. My normal hair care routine has changed since my old post, I might do an updated one. But, let me just say that the heat protectant, my Paul Mitchell super skinny serum and Moroccan oil are the dream team - I recommend them all.

If you want to try it, it's £6.99 here!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Have a great weekend!

25/04/2012

When words fail, music speaks...

The quote above is by William Shakespeare.





Friedrich Nietzsche once said "life without music would be a mistake" and Lady Gaga currently says that she is "married to her music". We've been blessed with so many talented artists over the decades that I feel that the current generation of artists are horrendous. Who wants to listen to Justin Bieber when you can listen to Bob Marley? Or sing along to One Direction when you can listen to The Beatles for hours without getting bored? I hate being cliche as I always see people on YouTube write this, but I am only fifteen years old and I prefer 60s/70s/80s and early 90s music to what's played on the radio today. Older music is much more meaningful, whereby they talk about serious issues and things that are much more relatable and important. Nowadays, you've got artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj who are basically insulting the origin of music. Don't get me wrong, they are good if you like that type of (rubbish) music but I personally hate it.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my favourite bands. I have no favourite singers.


I have literally grown up listening to The Beatles . As well as my parents being huge fans, my dad was also good friends with Ringo Starr (third from left) and used to go round his house to babysit his son. This was thirty years ago, mind you! It's great that they are a proper English band and managed to literally conquer the world of music. I have all of their songs on iTunes (yes, all 212) and they are all equally as good.

Favourite song/s: Let It Be and Penny Lane




Thirty Seconds To Mars are another favourite band of mine. For all of you who haven't heard of them, they write and produce rock/alternative songs. I never normally go for current bands, but considering they've been going since the late 90s I think it's ok. Lead by Jared Leto (centre) they are seriously amazing. If you haven't heard them or listened to them, I totally recommend it. I think, however, you have to be in a certain mood as it's rather "shouty" at some points.

Favourite song/s: Closer To The Edge

I'm pretty sure you haven't heard of these guys. Scottish band Deacon Blue are probably my favourite band of all time. I think they're "on a break" at the moment as Ricky (far right) and wife Lorraine are focusing on their solo careers. Despite this, their music is incredible. The first time I listened to them was when I was four and I've seen them five times live so I absolutely love them.

Favourite song/s: Fergus Sings The Blues, Loves Great Fears, Dignity and When Will You (Make My Phone Ring)?


Irish band U2 are another favourite. Near enough all of their songs are amazing as they have hidden meanings and messages. I love the song Sunday Bloody Sunday as it's about an Irish massacre that happening in 1972. It's a sad song, but they also make up-beat cheerful songs which are my favourites. I was so jealous of everyone at Glastonbury when they headlined the main stage - they were phenomenal - I watched it over and over again!

Favourite song/s: Where The Streets Have No Name, Vertigo and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.


Those are my favourites, but I obviously have other bands and singers that I enjoy listening to. These include; Foo Fighters, The Fray, Blink-182, Young Guns, Nickelback and The Maine.

I have to thank my dad for getting me into these bands. Without him, I'd still be listening to mainstream music like everyone else! When in conversation, some people ask me what my favourite bands are and it shocks me that the majority have never heard of them. In return, I ask what their's are and they reply with the usual - Lady Gaga, JB, The Wanted etc. I do have one friend, who surprisingly has the same name as me, that loves my kind of music. We always share each others iPods which is nice.

My top played songs on iTunes this week are:
- This Woman's Work by Kate Bush (182)
- First Date by Blink-182 (98)
- This Is War by Thirty Seconds To Mars (73)
- Like We Did by The Maine (56)

Anyway, that concludes my post about music! I love doing blogposts that aren't fashion or beauty related once in a blue moon. It is much more entertaining for me!

Please check the Upcoming Posts tab at the top and don't forget to leave me suggestions. I'm always adding stuff to that list.

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Barcelona lost!!! I actually couldn't believe it.

24/04/2012

Spring Topshop haul

I'm sure you are all aware that Topshop are having a major "spring" sale right now. There is up to 50% of pretty much all of the winter items and some of the upcoming summer items. So, taking full advantage I logged online and browsed for a good half an hour. I am always hesitant to buying online as I have had many negative experiences whereby they've hacked my card, lost my order somehow or simply take months (literally!) to arrive. To prevent number #1 happening again, I always make sure that the shop accepts PayPal - it is the most safest way to buy online, pretty much guaranteed.*

Any-who, in my final basket were four lovely items with price reductions that I simply could not refuse. My aim was to get full-sleeved items as spring in England is cold, but of course I had to get some items for summer. Oops.

Le pictures:


Chaos sweater. I think this will look nice with light blue shorts and large gold jewellery. I love sweaters like this, they are so nice and comfortable. Plus, it's by my absolute favourite in-store designer Illustrated People that make effortless, almost American themed, items. They remind me of a cheaper alternative to the incredibly expensive Wildfox Couture. The majority of their stuff costs almost half the price of a baggy beach jumper! Here's a link to their online store via the Topshop website.


This one is really simple and the reason why I got it is because of the little lion emblem. I love little details like that; strange reason to get it, I know. This cost me £12 which, I think, is pretty awesome considering it was £28. If it wasn't on sale, I don't think I would have got it. Get it here!



I saw this in the store and I absolutely loved the "netted" look it had about it. The only thing that put me off was the fact it looked - and felt - uncomfortable. Despite this, I picked it up anyway due to the huge reduction and I absolutely love it. I tried it on yesterday with some pale blue denim shorts and some black boots and it looks great. I must admit that I didn't go outside wearing it as it was raining/thundering/nearly snowing! I know I definitely will when summer comes around. 

I couldn't find it online, sorry! :'(










This is probably the worst image I have ever took. You can't even see what it looks like. Omg! I'll try and describe it. It is a dark grey (don't get put of by my idiotic camera lighting) lightly baggy cami with the words Established embossed on the front. It's safe to say that I am probably the most boring person when it comes to fashion. I always go for the effortless, lazy look. Jeans, a baggy t-shirt and boots are my favourite combo for winter and for summer, replace jeans with shorts. Simple as. This is mainly why I always buy clothes like above. I have so many tops like it, it's unhealthy. Once, I tried to get into layering and it went completely wrong. I have learnt never to copy anyone else's style completely - adapting it to suit yourself is fine but copying someone - especially without full confidence in what your wearing - doesn't work and it looks so wrong. I have learnt that. I now know not to mix leopard print, floral and colour blocking in one outfit. Yes, it sounds weird but at the time it was cool, ok?! Ha-ha! 

Going off in a tangent here...

I find Topshop to be ridiculously expensive (for what it is) so when the sales come around, I get happy. If you haven't already check out the online sale here or go into your local store. I advise going online first as they have more stock available online than in store!

Happy shopping.

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Anyone looking forward to the Barcelona vs Chelsea match tonight? Yes, I'm a girl, but I love watching football. Even though I support Arsenal, I think Barcelona are my favourite international team. I'm definitely going to watch! Thank god for Sky Sports.


*Not paid to say that.