12 Days Of Blogmas - Top 10 Posts of 2013

Here are my top 10 posts of 2013 by page views. I'm hoping that by looking at this I can help improve my blog in 2014 and give you more of the content you want. If you haven't seen these before you can revisit them in the links below.

1. Tallinn, Estonia
2. Lookbook: Peterhoff Palace
3. Lookbook: LEO
4. Lookbook: Oslo
5. Oslo, Norway
6. London - July 2013
7. Ticking off Trends
8. Review: Maybeline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation
9. Michael Kors Watch
10. Tutorial: Basket Weave Nail - Inspired by Rodarte SS13

12 Days of Blogmas - 2013 Reflections

Looking back 2013 has been a pretty rubbish year for me all in all with certain parts of it completely broke me down and turned me into a shell of my former self for months on end. As a general rule I try to be a positive person taking inspiration from anywhere I can find so it has been really hard to get my mind back into a positive setting but I am sure 2014 will be much better for me with the things I am hoping to achieve.

Travelling was possibly the main highlight of my year and is always the time I feel most at home within myself I find it frees my mind and lets me see clearly and I have been fortunate enough to go to so many different places this year; though New York was definitely my favourite. I love big cities like London but New York was just a whole new level and I cannot wait to go back maybe I’ll get to in 2014. I have such a long list of places I want to visit and I'm going to narrow the list down and get a few more done hopefully next year and one of my resolutions should help with that.

My style has evolved again in 2013 and I’m so much more comfortable in my own skin now than I was when I started my blog. I have become more aware of what styles and colours suit me and how different clothes make me feel. I have always believed clothing should make your feel something; powerful, confident, sensual, playful, to me an outfit that makes you feel something is a perfect outfit. I managed to pick myself up some really nice designer pieces, classic and statement, this year too that I can see myself wearing for years to come, a few are pictured above. In 2014 I would love to pick up some more pieces that will stand the test of time and as I only tend to buy items that I absolutely love it shouldn't be a waste of my hard earned pennies either.

What are your 2013 reflections?

12 Days of Blogmas - Travel 2013

Travel is the one thing that truly makes me feel alive. Any by that I mean I feel free, like I can do anything, talk to anyone, like I want to dance in the streets because I am so happy and blessed to be visiting somewhere new and different. I have always said if I won the lottery jackpot I would take off and travel for a while. So this post is to recap my travels for 2013 from home and away.

Oslo

Copenhagen

Tallinn

St Petersburg – Peterhoff Palace

St Petersburg – Neva Cruise

St Petersburg – Spilled Blood Church

Helsinki

York

New York – Top of the Rock

New York – Lower Manhattan

New York – Brooklyn

New York - Nights

New York – Central Park & Grand Central

12 Days of Blogmas - My Top Hair and Beauty Products of 2013

I’m not normally one to stray from what I love when it comes to beauty products as I can find myself disappointed but this year I found a few new products that I did like and some I now can’t live without.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime – Brilliant for beautifying my hair it is such a versatile product and gives my hair so much shine and condition. I don’t find it makes my hair greasy as well even when I load it on over itself, although it has a hefty price tag for the small amount I need to use I find it is value for money and they have a variety for every type of hair that is the same strength but different texture. I went for the coloured hair version which smells very similar to Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle so I feel like I get a double whammy of product and perfume.

Maybelline Dream lumi-Touch Highlighting Concealer – I have always, always, always loved YSL’s Touche Eclait unfortunately I have had to scrimp on my make up this year as I don’t see the point in spending a lot on my works make up and that’s when I discovered this beauty. I love the feel of the product and the coverage is brilliant. It also helps that I can wait and pick it up for a steal when boots do a 3 for 2 offer.

Nivea Rescue and Care Hand Cream – As my hands are always in water and even more so in December as the mad pre-Christmas rush starts and my knuckles get so dry and cracked that it becomes painful. This product has been my little lifesaver this year as it has a really nice thick formula that just sits on my skin and heals my hands in a few applications. I honestly don’t know where I would be without this product this month.

Benefit Browzings – I’ve never done anything with my eyebrows beyond occasionally having them shaped, so when I went to try some new products out and the lady at the counter said I should try it I was a little dubious. Now however I feel strange if I go out without a bit of brow powder on. I use the light colour as I find I can build it up if I want it darker. It really does help finish off my make-up look to have my eyebrows done.

Yves Saint Laurent Volumpte Sheer Candy – This product is a recent addition to me as I like wearing lipsticks but I find so many dry my lips out. I asked at the YSL counter because a friend had given me one of her lipsticks to try and I loved the colour so I asked if they had anything that wouldn’t dry my lips out. So far I am really enjoying the feel of this lipstick I only choice a natural gloss as I wanted to make sure I liked the feel of it before I committed to colours but now I am looking forward to trying out some of the colours too.

12 Days of Blogmas - My Christmas Goodies

So I have been a fairly lucky girl this Christmas and got some really nice things for Christmas. My parents got me some Carvela boots I picked out, iGloves (essential for keeping my hands warm and texting) and a scrapbook from Paperchase so I can finally document my travels. I got a Nails Inc bling kit from my sister as she knows how much I love doing my nails and Kate Spades '20 years of inspiration' book which is full of images which have inspired the brand since its beginning and makes a perfect coffee table book. Plus a few DVDs and bits from friends.

My Christmas Day was spent down at my auntie and uncles this year, as we tend to alternate years for who cooks, eating lots of food, chatter and laughter and then Christmas tele to finish the day. It was perfectly relaxing. How did you spend yours?

The 12 Days of Blogmas

Happy Boxing Day everyone! I hope you had a great day yesterday no matter what you were doing. Personally this year I’ve been a bit of a Grinch so I am happy to see Christmas go and look forward to bigger better things and the next 12 days will be no exception. For the next 12 days I’m going to try something new for my blog that if I like it I will repeat year after year and that will be the ‘12 days of Blogmas’. I’m going to use it as a recap for the last year, popular blog posts, my travels, shopping and talk about my hopes for the future. I think looking back helps you leave it where it is and then work out how you can move on positively and it is a good way of forcing myself back into this blogging business. So I hope you enjoy it and come back to read more. Let me know what you think.

Chatsworth Festive Cheer

Lookbook: Checkmate

River Island hat, Topshop necklace, H&M Jumper, Topshop 'Leigh' Jeans, Primark boots, ASOS Checked Coat, Michael Kors MK5878 Watch

I really do love autumn and winter; it allows me to opportunity to layer my clothing which I find so much easier than trying to find summer clothes. This year I have gone a little coat crazy on ASOS since my favourite winter coat has been lovingly over-worn and finally gave in and fell apart.

This is possibly a blessing in disguise as I had been wearing that coat for years now and it was starting to look a bit dated in style. I got this checked coat in October and I love it as it looks great worn with neutrals or with bright colours.

London Lights

Lookbook: Hourglass

Asos Cold-shoulder Dress, Asos high shine legging, Primark Slippers, Michael Kors Watch, Topshop necklace

So this look is actually one of the looks I wear to work. My uniform is strict black and white with being a hairstylist but I can wear whatever I like so long as it is smart and fashionable for work which I think is always a great perk to have. I’ve never tried shiny leggings before so I was quite nervous about trying them but I actually enjoyed wearing them. I now just need to find other things to wear them with so I’ll be taking hints and inspiration from other bloggers and if you have a link for suggestions for me I’d really appreciate them.

Lookbook: Top of the World

Topshop Hat, Mango Top, Topshop Leigh Jean, Topshop Loafers, Michael Kors Watch.

I love hats. I’m not sure where else I can go with that sentence but I do love hats. I don’t wear them often because the British weather seems to love blowing them straight off my head but I think they can be the perfect piece to style up a simple outfit. I now have a small collection of hats in different styles and materials from beanies to trilbies.

I’m wearing my trusty Leigh jeans from Topshop and a Mango white shirt. I’ve never brought anything from Mango before but I actually really like the material and fit so I think I may get more Mango items in the future. Unfortunately we don’t have a Mango store in my hometown so I am restricted to searching the internet for their items.

Lookbook: Relaxed

Warehouse Jumper, Topshop Boyfriend Jeans, Vivienne Westwood Bag, Converse Trainers, Michael Kors Watch, Me & Zena Ring

So I am slowly catching up on my outfit posts which mean you may be seeing a lot of them over the next week or so. I keep finding more as well, I’m not even sure when I took them anymore. I pulled together this outfit for a cinema trip with friends. I have been trying to get some use out of the bag because I brought it years ago and I haven’t used it in ages. I’m finding this with a lot of the stuff I want to wear at the moment; I keep finding things in my closet I haven’t worn in ages and feeling like it is a new item again but struggling to find things to wear with them as my style has changed so much over the last few years. I’m still not sure about this bag. I think it may end up on eBay soon.

Lookbook: Shades of Blue

Asos Navy double breasted coat, Oasis thin jumper, Topshop Leigh Jeans, Asos cross body oval lock bag {similar}, Primark Slippers

Navy Blue is probably my favourite colour because it literally goes with everything, its calming and a great neutral to have in your wardrobe. I have a tendency to find blue and wear it all together on occasion, generally because I want a monochrome feeling without wearing black as I have to wear black for work.

This ASOS coat was a complete steal for me as I brought it at the start of summer in their sale for £35, which was half price and I love it! It’s not too thick and I can still fit a big jumper under it. Little did I know oversized coats would come into fashion for A/W, lucky me.

November Wish List

So now that I have exhausted all my New York photos and dreams of travelling I guess I really had better get back to posting outfits, beauty posts etc. So today I am going to share my wish list for the next few months. November always ushers in the start of the winter season for me as it is the final month of autumn and the weather in the UK always turns a bit odd (It is either freezing but sunny or raining but warm).  So here is my November wish list

1.  A Red Coat - Currently I'm crushing on this Zara red coat but I have ordered one from ASOS as well so I can compare and decide which I prefer. I have always wanted a red coat but I have never found one that the style and colour matched the vision in my head. These two are close so we will see which wins!

2. Jacquie Aiche Stackable V Ring - I have had my eye on this ring for a while, I love the simplistic design as I feel it could be worn casual or dressy. I will probably treat myself to it out of the money I made from my Ebay sales, it feels good to sell on some bits that I no longer want and get something new that I do instead.

3. New PJ's - I am a sucker for PJ's in the winter. The only thing I want to do is come home from work get in PJs and curl up with a DVD (glamorous right?). I have a voucher for £10 off at Next and at £26 minus the discount these Flannel Button up pyjamas will probably be keeping me cosy over the winter months.

4. Knee High Black Heeled Boots - I'm not sure why but I have had a fashion craving for some nice heeled boots which fit sleekly to my legs so I can wear them with tights or tucked in denim. My friend recently gave me some dark brown ones she doesn’t wear anymore so I think I’ll give them a go first to see how I get along with some so I can take my time searching for the perfect pair.

5. A Winter Dress – I love wearing dresses in the summer and I would love one that I can wear in the winter with tights and boots. I’m not sure whether I will end up with one because as a general rule I tend to wear jeans all winter until about March {other than the odd night out}. Currently I love Zaras Lingerie inspired dresses for the lace trimmings and tartan check prints.

Kate Spade New York Goodies

A few days ago I went to Bicester village shopping outlet for a day out with my family and I got myself a few little treats from Kate Spade New York while I was there. I thought I'd just share these with you today, I don't know whether a shopping haul post is something people would like to read on my blog but we shall see.

First up is the little bow ring which I have kind of adored for a while but they have never had in my size before so I finally managed to get one. It looks even better for the fact I had done my nails white with gold polka dots after feeling inspired by the free Kate Spade x Nails Inc polishes on Glamour magazine this month, of which I may have 3 because they are such beautiful shades. 

I also got the lovely white and gold bangle because I have been looking for bracelets and bangles to stack with my watch since I got it back in June but this is the first that I can see myself wearing a lot. I have to be really careful with bangles because I have such tiny wrists and if I am not careful they just slip straight off. But because this comes on a clasp it is much smaller than normal bangles so hopefully I won't lose it. 

Lastly I treated myself to this little pouch bag which I feel is an ideal size for my camera. This way when I decide to go out and take my camera with me I can just pack a card for money and go. If not it is still nice and small and could be worn under a coat for evenings in London or my hometown when I just want my phone and a card. 

Lookbook: Mixed Metals

Topshop sporty style top, Topshop fauz leather skirt, Kurt Geiger KAD sandals, Asos Bag, Michael Kors Chronograph watch, Topshop Rose-gold cross ring, Me & Zena emerald gem ring, Accessorize silver rings, Handmade Rose-Gold beaded bracelet.

I'm never really sure what to write when I do style posts. I suppose the inspiration behind each outfit would be normal, except for this outfit i just threw it all together. Through the summer I went crazy over these Kurt Geiger sandals over the summer to the point I felt they were surgically grafted to my feet! So incredibly comfy and with only a small heel ideal for both day and night. I have a lot of catching up to do with outfit posts as I took so many over the summer and haven't got round to uploading them yet, hopefully I will have caught up by Christmas.

Central Park & Grand Central - New York

Lookbook: Artists and Amateurs

Topshop Embellished Shoulder Jumper, Topshop Ripped Boyfriend Jean (similar), Converse Sneakers, Michael Kors Weston Satchel, Vivienne Westwood Watch.

Please excuse my funny face but I dont enjoy having my photo taken at all, especially by my dad. This is my second outfit post from NYC, unfortunately the weather turned and went cloudy but remained really humid. New York I love you but your weather hates my hair! Believe it or not my hair had been perfectly quaffed only a few hours before these photos were taken. This look is my Downtown look so to speak with it being jeans, sneakers and a sweater but I wore it while exploring uptown.

I adore uptown Manhattan, Central Park for its quiet serenity in the midst of the hustle bustle, Madison and 5^th Avenues for their shops {a lot of which we don’t get in the UK}, The Met museum which I wish I had actually had time to explore, the buildings. If I ever win the lottery I will be going back and exploring mid and uptown so much more.

Brooklyn - New York

Night Time In The City - New York

Lookbook: Rockefeller

H&M basic tee (similar), Oasis Leather Skirt (similar), Zara check shirt (similar), ASOS mirrored aviator sunglasses, Converse Trainers, Primark Bag, Vivienne Westwood Watch, Gemstone necklace

This is the outfit I wore for my first day of sightseeing around NYC; the weather was beautifully hot so I only wore my shirt when I was at the Top of the Rockefeller observation deck in the breeze. I couldn't believe how much love my skirt was getting off of Americans unfortunately Oasis is a British brand so I couldn't tell them where to go get one and I'm not sure ASOS ships Oasis to the US. The leather of the skirt is like butter, it just melts through your fingers and I can see it becoming one of my favourite skirts for AW13.

Lower Manhattan - New York

Top Of The Rock - New York

Back from NYC

I’m back from my mini adventure in New York and after too much food and walking everywhere till I was so exhausted I fell asleep and seeing more sights that I could normally hope to see on such a short trip all I can say is, New York I love you. So very, very much.

I’m preparing all my New York photo diaries and a couple of outfit posts from while I was in New York, though to be honest I was so busy running around excitedly exploring to take outfit posts so I will retake a couple now I’m home. Hope you are looking forward to them!

Lookbook: Armour

Warehouse Jumper, Warehouse Shorts, Kurt Geiger Sandals, Hard Rock Necklace, Vivienne Westwood Armour Rings, Accessorize Woven Ring, Ring from Santorini.

I have been experimenting with my style a little again and with the strange and unpredictable british weather taking us from hot to cold and vice versa in a matter of hours. I decided to try wearing shorts with jumpers. I have practically living in these Kurt Geiger sandals as they are excellent for being summer cool and transitional with the studded look.

I decided to keep the tougher feel by wearing both of my Vivienne Westwood armour rings. Silver accessories haven’t really been my thing lately; I’ve become more of a fan of gold accessories so it was really nice to wear silver again for a change. It was also nice to pull out some things I haven't worn for ages and get some use out of them.

I'll be off the blog for a little while as I am off to New York but I hope you will look forward to my posts when I get back from my adventures and of course a few more outfit posts.

I'll Meet You in New York City...

Not long now until I run off to New York and I can’t even explain how excited I am getting. I’m now starting to really plan where I want to go and what I want to do, making sure to write down where everything is. There are some things I’m leaving off my list this time I’d rather make sure I do a few things and really enjoy my time in America than rush around trying to do everything and then remember nothing.

So today what I would like to know is; have you been to New York and what did you do when you went? Recommendations for places to eat and places to see that might be just off the tourist routes or little known will be greatly appreciated.

Lookbook: Boyfriend

Topshop Ripped Boyfriend Jeans, Topshop Swing Vest, Dorothy Perkins Black Court shoes, Me & Zena Ring, Topshop Skull Bracelet, Michael Kors Chronograph Watch.

So I have to admit I may be a little in love with these ripped Topshop boyfriend jeans. They are so comfy and so easy to wear, I can accessorise them for day and night easily and I never thought I would say this but I’m even enjoying the slightly cropped length of them. For this outfit I decided to dress them up with black heels, a plain black cami top and some rings.

I’ve really noticed that my jewellery habits have changed and I don’t really wear necklaces anymore. There was a time I would even consider wearing rings; I always felt they got in the way but now I love them as a simple way of dressing up a daytime look. I particularly like my new Me & Zena gem ring that I got off of ASOS, the gem is such a lovely shade of green and it fits so well I forget I am wearing it a lot of the time.

AW13 Style Inspiration

I always think it is a good idea to get inspiration for your style and as I mentioned back in January when I did a post about Style by Inspiration I keep track of anything I find stylish on a Pinterest board. Well I am still doing that and for AW13 I’ve even made a private board of things for the upcoming season so I can spot my more recent trends to inspire.

So far I am loving leather skirts with tees and converse, chambray shirts layered under jumpers, oversized coats and jackets, floaty midi skirts with sweatshirts and heels, ankle boots with gold details and hats (even if the British weather is a bit windy for them at times). Ripped jeans, monochrome also feature but I still stay true to my love of relaxed mixed with edgy with a touch of girlie or Bohemia.  I find this way of looking at style means I spend my money more wisely and even look at what I currently own to update for the new season. As Vivienne Westwood once said "Buy Less, Choose Well". 

#13for2013 - Update

Here is an updated list of my goals for 2013 and if I have achieved them yet

Lookbook: Pleated

ASOS Off Shoulder Top, ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt, ASOS Across Body Bag, ASOS Caged Heels, Topshop Rings, Michael Kors Chronograph Watch

I am becoming a little bit obsessed with ASOS. It just makes life so easy with next day delivery that you can have whatever you want at the push of a button. It’s really doesn't help my shopping addiction that they have an app too. I pulled this look together for a meal out with my friend. I wanted something classy but simple and loved the idea of letting the skirt be the focus with all black for the rest of the outfit.

I've become a little obsessed with rings recently too and have taken to wearing quite a few at once as you can see. I'm slowly getting a nice collection up but I do feel I want to start investing in better pieces of jewellery as it all goes tacky and discolours your fingers otherwise. Now I just want a few good pieces of quality jewellery rather than lots of cheap pieces.

Dream Come True

Image from City Walker Tumblr

I never thought after years and years of trying and years and years of my travel partners dropping out on me that I would ever get to see America. It has always been a dream of mine to go to New York. Maybe it’s the movies, maybe it is because the city is so varying and different from this small town I live in, or maybe it’s because its somewhere my heart has always told me is meant for me but even without going I am in love with the city. So imagine my excitement that I finally get to go in October! It will also mark off one of my 13 for 2013 challenges of going to another continent.

 I’m already making a Pinterest board of to-dos and I am plotting the perfect capsule wardrobe for four days in the Big Apple {and that pesky Atlantic flight}. The idea of juggling comfy shoes and clothes that are stylish and easy to wear in multiple ways over 4 days allowing for hot and cold weather is a challenge I will happily accept.

 If you have and suggestions of where to go for good food, good sights and good shopping please, please, please comment I really want to make the most of my short time in this incredible city.

Lookbook: Dog Tax

Zara Plaid Shirt, Topshop Vest, Camden Market Necklace, Oasis Cherry Jeans, Mulberry 'Tillie' Bag, Acessorize Ring, Ring from Santorini.

So this post is a bit of an oldie in the lines of my clothing but I forgot all about posting it until I stumbled across it in my photo folders. I wore this last year when I had a day up in the Peaks with friends but it does have some AW13 trends in there so maybe I am a year ahead in style {or just love plaid and grunge}

I haven't had chance to spend much time up in the Peaks this year and normally I like to go up fairly frequently to escape my little town  and all the hustle bustle of everyday life sit in the grass and relax in the sun, or more likely cloud. I know I always wish I lived somewhere more interesting but I would never trade the Peaks for anywhere, up there feels like home.

Shop My Closet #1

Lookbook: Short Shorts

H&M Lace Panel Shirt, Topshop High Waisted Shorts, Michael Kors Chronograph Watch, Primark Studded Slipper Shoe, Topshop Rings, Topshop 'E' Necklace.

I wore this outfit back in July and am only just getting around to posting it now. I wanted something for a summer evening when it was boiling hot for a bonfire and meal with a friend. So I just pulled this together, its been so long and my wardrobe has been so varied since then with the ever changing British weather its hard to think why I thought of this but it was probably because I wanted to wear the shoes.

Darley Park Concert

York, UK

Lookbook: Helsinki

Topshop Orange Spotted Shirt, Topshop Black Leigh Jeans, Asos Bag, Primark Open Toe Studded Flats, Michael Kors Watch.

So this is the last of my outfit posts from my holiday {vacation}, I hope you have enjoyed reading all about my adventures and seeing the photos. I'm so glad I have done these posts as it will be really nice to look back on.

I wore this on the boat in the evening after Helsinki; I wanted something comfy as all the walking I had done over the previous 2 days around St Petersburg has completely worn me out. I fell in love with this Topshop shirt the moment I saw it. I have a thing for shirts to begin with but I adored the bright colouring and bit polka dots, it just looked so fun! I took all 3 pairs of my Topshop Leigh jeans away with me; the super soft fabric makes them extremely comfy they are almost like a second skin on me I’d highly recommend them to anyone in need of skinny jeans who doesn’t like a thick stiff fabric.

Feel free to check out all my holiday outfit posts and Photo Diarys

Oslo Photos + Outfit

Copenhagen Photos + Outfit

Tallinn Photos + Outfit

Peterhoff Palace Photos + Outfit

Neva River Photos + Outfit

Spilled Blood Church Photos + Outfit

Helsinki Photos

Helsinki, Finland

Lookbook: LBD

Black French Connection Prom Dress (similar), H&M Necklace, Asos Cross Bracelet, Warehouse Box Clutch, Asos Heels.

Formal nights on the cruises are a great excuse to dress up and have fun. I took this year’s cruise as an opportunity to have a feel to my outfit so I based as a modern day ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ because I think Audrey Hepburn can do no wrong and that film is wonderful. So I pulled out an old black Prom style dress from French Connection and swapped pearls for pearlescent jewels for my modern take on Holly Golightly. The Cage shoes were new from Asos and I am still wearing them in, I feel maybe 4.5 inch heels are a little too much for me but my stubbornness means I will keep trying to wear them, just for short periods of time or when I have to sit down a lot maybe.

Church of Resurrection on Spilled Blood - St Petersburg, Russia

Day two in St Petersburg for me was a walking tour to the Church of Resurrection on Spilled Blood. The weather was blazing hot and I had to make sure I was covered sufficiently to be allowed in the church so unfortunately not the most comfortable of days. We started our walk at the Field of Mars, which is a beautiful open space and you can just see the church above the treeline. Our guide told us all about the local area and some history. We took a walk down some of the canals and past the palace where one of the Tsars was assassinated to a park and then took some time to do some souvenir shopping at a lovely store which had everything from your cheap fridge magnets to thousand pound Matryoshka dolls {Russian Dolls}.

The church itself is an incredible sight, colourful and grand down to the roof tiles. Every inch of the building is decorated and the inside is an incredible feat when you learn that the walls are not painted but mosaic with minuscule pieces that took 2 people one year to make 1 square metre of the walls. It always amazes me that hundreds of years ago they could build works of art out of architecture without all the modern conveniences of architecture that we have now. Apologies for the photo heavy post on this one but I thought it wouldn't do any justice without them.