February Favourites

It's February! Know what that means? Days not being entirely enveloped by encroaching, chilly, dark nights? The first, tentative buds of spring finally reaching from the waterlogged flowerbeds? The anniversary of BBC's EastEnders pilot broadcast? The day on which Byzantine Emperor Justinian ordered the building of a new Orthodox Christian basilica in Constantinople in 532BC? No silly, it means It's a month 'til my birthday.

Time for some February favourites.

#1. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate

There is nothing more pretty than an elegant, sheer, tinted lip: and because of this, lip butters have been my go-to beauty product of the last year. After finally hitting pan with my trusted Korres Lip Butter in 'Plum' (a gorgeous, rich purple-y shade ideal for Winter), I thought it wise to update my collection with a colour more suited to Spring- and 'Pomegranate' did not disappoint. As always, the lip butters are hydrating, easy to apply, smell lovely and leave a delicate sheen and colour on the lips.

#2. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in Ivory 

I have a real struggle when it comes to buying foundations, especially as I have awkward pale, combination skin. However, this CC cream applies smoothly, has an absolutely perfect colour match, with just the right amount of coverage and, when paired with a good concealer and setting powder, leaves and almost flawless finish. I'm impressed. 

#3. 'S' Necklace 

I adore personalised necklaces, and this one that I bought from Illusy on Etsy is definitely my favourite so far. Set on a thin gold chain, the pretty gold disk with an 'S' punched partially though it looks beautiful with anything. I wear it almost everyday, and it has even survived a few (accidental!) trips in the shower. 

#4. 'On Chesil Beach' by Ian McEwan

Read as a recommendation from my A'Level English teacher, this wonderfully poignant novella is one of the best things I have read all year. Set in 1962, the story follows the wedding night of young newlyweds, Florence and Edward. The couple's love is undeniable, despite their differing social backgrounds; Edwards callous sexual eagerness; and Florence's sheer terror when faced with physical intimacy. The narrative swiftly alternates between the night in question, and the development of the couple's relationship; leaving a subtle aftertaste of the sweet blushes of timid romance, to the wobbly strides of nervous courting, ending in the awkward, and somewhat anti-climatic, embarrassment of first time love-making. It's a really beautiful, beautiful novella.  

ASOS Wish List | #1

Browsing the ASOS website, for me, is the perfect procrastination activity. In fact, I often enjoy to sit and stare longingly at my overflowing basket full of saved items when my day has been somewhat lacklustre. I know, what a gripping life I must lead. Regardless of my lack of social life, I thought I'd share with you a few items that have caught my eye recently.

                             

         

 

Sister Jane Layered Blouse in Tweed | ASOS Clutch Bag With Wooden Fitting | ASOS Drape Jumper in Oversized Shape | Pull&Bear Coatigan With Contrast Sleeves | ASOS Secret Garden Heels | Warehouse Cocoon Shift Dress | Glamorous Oversize Shirt in Polka Dot | New Balance 410 Burgundy Suede and Mesh Trainers

Sister Jane Layered Blouse in Tweed - £56.00

Oh goodness me, this is a thing of beauty. I love minimalism, and I think this would look beautiful over a pair of skinny jeans, low-heeled boots and with hair twisted into a loose chignon.  

ASOS Clutch Bag With Wooden Fitting - £20.00

I have been looking for a decent oversized, slouchy clutch bag for so long- and I think this one might just hit the mark. I love the salmon colour, and I think it would look so pretty in the summer with loose dresses and sandals. 

ASOS Drape Jumper in Oversized Shape - £25.00

I wear an awful lot of black and grey, so this year I'm trying to inject a touch more colour into my wardrobe. I would probably wear this with a plain silver band necklace and a few rings. 

Pull&Bear Coatigan With Contrast Sleeves - £59.99

Is it a coat? Is it a cardigan? Who knows; it's beautiful none the less. 

ASOS Secret Garden Heels - £35.00

These shamelessly remind me of school disco shoes. You know, the type to be worn with sparkly M&S dresses, that lingered- sticky and scuffed from school hall floors- at the back of the wardrobe. Maybe this is regression? I'm not going to fight it. 

Warehouse Cocoon Shift Dress - £60.00

This is the sort of dress that makes me long for balmy summer weddings, holidays by the sea and evenings out with friends. In short, it's a pretty, simple, summer posh-job dress. I'd pair it with loose hair and a statement necklace. 

Glamorous Oversized Shirt in Polka Dot - £24.00

It's big, it's spotty, it's got buttons. Would look good over jeans, trainers and with hair in a messy top-knot. 

New Balance 410 - £50.00

I have a love affair going on with New Balance's. My trusted navy blue pair have been with me up Mount Vesuvius, across London, though the streets of Bangkok and to serval outings in-between. They are my staple shoe and I even wear them with dresses.  

Spend-a-holic

It's official, exams are making me lose my mind to the extent that I no longer have any rational monetary awareness. Luckily, because of this, I thought I would do a tiny 'haul' blog post (inspired by Tanya Burr, Esteé and alike).

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Amy Ladies Watch, £165.00

I've been eyeing up this Marc Jacobs watch for such a long time- and finally today I plucked up the courage to buy it. The strap is black leather, with little gold circlet detailing on the holes- and the actual face itself is really thick and shiny, with a lovely weight to it. Alas, it wasn't cheap, but I have exam season lying on my conscience to justify it.

2. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup, Foundation shade 2 'Alabaster', £21.00

I'm always a little bit scared about approaching 'high-end' makeup counters, especially because I don't know an awful lot about the stuff I slap on my face. This embarrassment is only then furthered by despite trying every cream, gel, wash, tablet on the market, I still have incredibly oily skin- which I often feel isn't catered for in makeup. However, I feel like i'm on to a winner with this Clinique number- as the lady on the counter assured me that it 'controls oil breakthrough and keeps skin shine-free'. And, of course, I had to get the shade one up from albino (sorry, it doesn't look amazing on the swatch picture!). 

Oh, she also said it was ideal to wear to the gym...

to which I responded, 'Oh yes, I do hate it when I'm shiny on the rowing machine'. 

Pah, as if I go to the gym!

Have you bought anything nice recently?
Or have exams made you go a bit spend-crazy?

p.s I also bought my Year 13 prom dress today... but you will have to wait to see that!