2016
So I'm kind of wanting to kick of 2016 with a bit of a blog overhaul. Not anything drastic, I'm still wanting to post mainly fashion with occasional beauty bits, and I'm clearly not advanced enough at coding to make it all fancy, but more so with the quality of my posts.
I got so focused on blogmas through December that the quality of my posts was nowhere near the standard that I want. I thought I would be free from work and have lots of time to spend on them but instead I got a promotion (yay, money!) so I just want to make the time to put out posts that I'm happy with and not get stuck into a routine of putting out anything and everything.
I hate the whole idea of 'new years resolutions' because they never get stuck to, but I always set goals for myself because if not, I'd probably get nowhere, lets be real.
So my goals for 2016:
- Exercise - Everyone says it, I know, and I don't want to focus on losing a set amount of weight, but last summer I was in such a good routine with my workouts and I don't know what happened really? I just want to get back into my running and yoga more than anything.
- Grow my blog and social media platforms - I know it's not all about numbers and I don't wanna jinx it by setting specific targets, but an increase of this year would be great. Everyone likes recognition for their work, right?
- Improve my photography - This starts with my saving for a new camera! I just feel like there's a lot of tricks and skills go into photography and I'm such a geek, I love learning!
- Reading more - I used to be such a bookworm and I got back into reading again at the start of last year but then got busy. I want to make an effort to stick to it, whether it's biographies, fiction or whatever!
Have you got any goals you want to achieve in 2016?
Loves. Emma.
Fur Vest
Its that time where it's too rainy and windy to get outfit pictures outside in the only free time that I have, so I had to get creative. Well, I say creative, it's not really I just found a somewhat tidy, well-lit part of the house to get indoor pics! I have another piece to add to my growing faux fur collection now in the form of a vest/gilet which makes a nice contrast to the coats I own.
I originally wanted to get a fur vest in cream, but when I found this grey one I changed my mind. I thought it would go much better with more things in my wardrobe, being monochrome and all, and it's super soft material. Although I won't be fastening it up, it does have little hooks to make it possible, and it has pockets which are just the right size. I also like the high round neck style of the neckline, and the length is the perfect not cropped/not too long fit.
I went for another monochrome look (surprise, surprise) and put on the faux leather pants I had on in my last outfit post too for a bit of a fur/leather texture clash! They're proving super versatile and I love the look of them with some platform boots. I kept thing somewhat simple with a basic white v-neck!
Vest - Matalan
Pants - H&M
Tee - ASOS
Boots - H&M
Are you liking the fur vest trend?
Loves. Emma.
Fave Red Lips
A red lip is my favourite beauty look, ever. I think it's a timeless classic and can really transform a look! So I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourites to use. Aside from my MAC lippies, I tend to stick to drugstore brands so these are all quite affordable options.
My all-time favourite lipstick ever, ever, ever! I'm just in love with the colour of this. It's a super gorgeous, bright, orange-toned red with a matte finish. It's ultra long lasting and although it can be somewhat drying, it's not enough to put me off at all.
I did a post on the new matte range from Maybelline when they came out and I'm still such a big fan. I have both the Siren in Scarlett, which is a classic red shade, and the Craving Coral, which is more of an orange/coral shade of red and I use both so much. They don't have the lasting power of MAC, but they're not so drying and have such a nice finish.
I've only recently got into the NYX lip creams, but I'm loving them so much that this one has come straight into my favourites! The only thing I don't like about this is how drying it is, it's not great for reapplying all day, but it's such a nice, bright shade.
This is my 'in case of emergency' red lip which I keep in my makeup bag on me at all times. It's one of only few which I have that isn't a matte finish, but I love it because it's actually a balm, so it's super moisturising! It's such a good, strong colour and although it doesn't last long, it's still a great choice.
What are your top red lip colours?
Loves. Emma.
Nail Update: Snowy Sparkle
After watching back-to-back Christmas films on my day off I was feeling particularly festive when it came to painting my nails. So here we have a snowy sparkle design! I had the image of the snowman design in my head for ages before deciding what to do on the other nails! I think he looks pretty cute if I do say so myself (the guy on the other hand, however, shall not be spoken about...)
I went for a nighttime, snow setting scene on the rest of my nails using a navy blue for the base, sponging on white at the tips and covering in glitter. This is my favourite glitter nail polish, it's the Alexa Holographic by Nails Inc and is such a nice polish for coverage and a subtle effect. I used the WAH nail art pen in black for the snowmans face with a splash of WAH 'In a daze' for his nose. I love the effect of both designs and think the glitter on them all ties it off nicely! Obviously, I had to use my trusty WAH top coat to seal it all together and leave my nails super shiny.
Do you themed nail art designs?
Loves. Emma.
The Cosiest Coat
I can't stop buying faux fur. Whether it's coats or scarves I just keep falling in love and buying more and I'm genuinely concerned my wardrobe is going to break it's so full. But look how cosy and cute this coat is! It's the warmest, snug coat I've ever owned and I had to get it in a bigger size because it's all there was, but that just means it's even cosier so I'm happy with that.
As much as I love the burgundy fur coat I got recently, I think this one is much better suited for me because of how versatile it is. Being plain black it will go with virtually anything in my wardrobe and makes for the most fashionable throw-on coat! It's not overly thick, meaning it's not at all rigid and is super comfy to wear and it has a nice cosy collar and big pockets to keep my hands warm. There isn't anything not to love about it?
Although, as I mentioned, it is great to go with most of my wardrobe, because of the length of it I think it looks perfect with dresses/skirts. I went for this polo neck dress which is my ideal winter dress and paired it up with some distressed tights and trainers to keep the look uber casual.
Coat - TK Maxx
Dress - Boohoo
Tights - Primark (ripped by me)
Trainers - Reebok
Are you a faux fur lover too?
Loves. Emma.
The Body Shop Cranberry Ice Range
So, I think everyone knows that The Body Shop do great body products with amazing scents. I'm a big fan of them all year round, but the Christmas ranges in particular are so dreamy. I had the Glazed Apple range last year and loved it so much, but for a change this year I decided to get Cranberry Ice. It was going to be a toss up between this and Frosted Plum (which also smells amazing!) but when I was at an outlet they only had cranberry and apple on offer.
I got four products which came in a gift set and the first two are the shower gel and a shimmer lotion. The smell of all of these is so intense it fills the whole room. My mum actually thought I had a cranberry candle it's that strong! The shimmer lotion is a lot more sparkling than I anticipated and definitely not ideal for an everyday lotion, but it's perfect for a holiday party and is super moisturising too! The shower gel is, a shower gel? I don't really know what to say about it, it cleans you and leaves you smelling super nice, win win.
The body butters from The Body Shop are my favourite for a pamper night treat! I went off of them for a while because they take so long to soak into the skin, but I think in winter especially that extra moisturisation is such a nice treat. And with a scent like this, you can't go wrong really! The last in the set is the Frosted Cranberry hand cream which, again, is strongly scented, but is also like such an ideal hand cream. It's not too thick, doesn't leave your hands sticky and all in all I am rather in love with the whole Frosted Cranberry range for Christmas.
Have you tried any of the Limited Edition Christmas ranges? Which is your favourite?
Loves. Emma.
Lusting: ASOS
ASOS is one of my favourite places to shop, they just have everything! I love how they cover so many brands and such a vast price range, so here's a round up of a few pieces I'm loving right now.
1. Fashion Union Heritage Check Aline Mini Skirt With Pockets, £28
The pattern of this skirt is like a houndstooth/checkered mash and I love the simplicity of it with the black buttons and pockets. I think A-line skirts are so flattering, I really need more!
2. Pull & Bear Double Breasted Camel Coat, £59.99
I've had a bit of an obsession with coats lately and I love the chic style of this one. Ithink camel is such a neutral colour that can go with everything and I like the rolled up sleeves on this.
3. ASOS Cape With Button Detail, £35
I think the style of this is so unique! It's like a jumper/cape combo and it looks like one of those effortlessly cool pieces. The silver buttons add that little bit extra!
4. Mango Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat, £79.99
I've wanted a coat like this for so long! I love faux fur and prints and statement coats so this is just perfect. It looks super cosy and I think it's the perfect length.
5. ASOS Tailored Dungarees In Check, £55
Dungarees are one of my weaknesses in life, they're just so easy to throw on and style up or down. This pair are so unique and I like the 3/4 length and the tailored style.
6. ASOS Oversized Fluffy Scarf In Colourblock, £18
Oversized scarves seem to be everywhere at the moment and I don't know why I haven't got one yet. This looks super cosy and I really like the simplicity of colourblocking.
7. ASOS Western Shirt Dress In Grey Cord, £31.50
I don't actually own anything in cord and I feel like I should. I was originally looking at suede dresses when this one stood out the me. I love the shirt style and how fitted it is!
8. ASOS ASTRONOMICAL Pointed Ankle Boots, £38
I wanted these a while ago and when I asked for them for Christmas my brother refused saying he'd never buy me anything with a snake print effect. He has no style, I know. But I think they're so nice and am gonna have to get them myself now.
9. ASOS Glitter Sequin Black Sweat T-Shirt, £55
I couldn't do a lusting collection before Christmas and not include anything sparkly could I? I love how this is sequined and perfect for going out, but still that laid back casual style that I love.
What pieces are you liking best?
Loves. Emma.
Winter Wardrobe Must-haves
I always much prefer my winter wardrobe to my wardrobe in any other season. I just love wrapping up in layer upon layer and being all covered up and cosy. Looking through my clothes lately, there seems to be 4 staples pieces I am really loving so I thought I'd share, because I'm just that generous!
The pieces I collected below are all from Topshop/ASOS/H&M via Polyvore.
Faux Fur
Whether it's a coat, scarf or whatever else I'm a big fan. I've just done two outfits posts recently with a new faux fur coat I got. I think it can be such a timeless, fashion piece.
Hats
I'm a big fan of hats all year round really, but particularly in winter when I don't want my head to get cold! I love throwing on a bobble hat and being cosy, but I just as much like an excuse to pull out the fedora and get all chic and sophisticated (two things I am not!). Also great at hiding bad hair days which I have a lot of.
Over-the-knee Boots
I did a couple of blog posts on OTK boots a few months back with some different pairs that I have, and I'm still loving them! Whether they're a chunky heeled pair, flats for everyday or a fancy pair for evening wear I love them all! They look so good with jumper dresses too!
Polo Necks
Cosy jumpers are my favourite fashion piece for winter as I've mentioned many of times, but throw in a high neck and it's like heaven! There's nothing cosier tbh. A tighter fit polo neck also works great for layering and they can be so versatile to wear!
What are you winter wardrobe must-haves?
What are you winter wardrobe must-haves?
Loves. Emma.
Nail Update: Dusty Pink
I haven't done a nail update in quite a while now, so I thought I'd do one before I get into the festive tones for Christmas! This is a pale, dusty pink shade which seemed only too fitting for the icy cold temperatures for winter. Nails Inc are always such good quality polishes I don't really need to mention that do I? But I do really love the finish of this, it's not a perfectly smooth polish as it's a cashmere effect, but the blend of a matte polish and glass pearls give it such a nice pearlescent sheen. It's the Cashmere Pink from the Alexa collection, which is definitely a collection I can recommend in full!
What are your favourite shades for Winter?
Loves. Emma.
Polo Neck Perfection
Tip: If you don't like fluff, don't buy a chenille jumper from Primark. This has literally left a trail of fluff EVERYWHERE. I've washed it twice in the hope of getting it all off but it just creates more. Nightmare. But it's super cosy and looks cute, so that's all that matters, right? This is the other jumper I mentioned in my previous post that I picked up on a recent trip to Primark. Seriously, if you want loadsa jumpers for winter they've got you covered.
I went for the burgundy colour in this jumper because it's just one of my favourite shades for Autumn/Winter. It's a combination of burgundy and black threading which makes for such a nice effect, and obviously, being chenille, it's super soft. I'm not sure if I have weirdly long arms or something, but I went 3 sizes bigger in this and while it's oversized in the body, the arms are only normal length. Huh.
I decided to pair this up with some of my favourite dungaress which I picked up from River Island in the summer. I just love the copper detailing on them and the fact they fit big enough to tuck this massive jumper in was amazing. I added black tights, obvs, because it's freezing! And kept it casual with my burgundy Vans for a bit of colour co-ord!
Jumper - Primark
Dungarees - River Island (old)
Shoes - Vans
Do you like a polo neck/pinafore combination?
Loves. Emma.
Laced Up
When I went into Primark the other week, before I got distracted by all the cosy scarves, I spent a good amount of time trying to choose which jumpers I wanted. They've got such a good selection at the moment! I ended up only getting two because I just couldn't justify more than that. But they're an amazing two!
I'm really loving deep, plunging necklines at the moment so when I saw this lace-up jumper it was a no brainer really! There were quite a few colour choices (maybe 3 or 4?) but I went for this muted grey colour because I liked the simplicity of it. They were sized in S/M/L and I went for the medium, because if there's anything you should know about my style it's that I love everything over-sized. It's a super cosy material, and makes a perfect statement winter warmer!
I decided to pair the jumper with a pair of old jeans which have an array of patches and patterned detailing. They're quite a unique pair which I picked up from River Island last year, but with the fading of the denim and the grey undertones of the jumper I thought they were a perfect match. I also added a pair of old chunky black boots which have been one of my best purchases and are a winter staple for me.
Jumper - Primark
Jeans - River Island (old)
Boots - River Island (old)
What's your favourite style jumper for the season?
Loves. Emma.
Black Splash
First of all, sorry about these photos. They're the best I could get with the current fog situation! But anyway, I'm really digging this outfit lately! Patterned shirts are a big love of mine, I think they're so easy to wear and can often need very little styling.
I originally ordered this shirt along with the skinny scarf of the same pattern, but alternating colour ways, but unfortunately the scarf sold out. So I decided to style it with this plain black skinny scarf I had, and paired with the fedora hat I think they made a great combo.
Because this is a mens shirt, it could actually be long enough to wear as a dress, but I liked the idea of tucking it into a skirt instead for a different effect. I wanted to keep everything else black to tie in the splashes on the shirt.
Shirt - Nick Grimshaw X Topman
Skirt - Primark
Scarf - Mango
Bra - New Look
Hat - ASOS
What do you think? Are you a fan of patterned shirts?
Loves. Emma.
