Bright yellow and dotty.

Hello ladies,

This week I had a bit of Superdrug haul. Aussie hair products were 2 for £5, including their Lusciously Light conditioners, so I decided it was time to try them out. I have to say, so far I'm very impressed. My hair doesn't feel greasy or heavy after applying and has remained soft ever since my last wash. I will do a proper review in a couple of weeks time to let you know if the product lives up to its reputation, but here's my hair after one wash:

For now, here's a look at my news Barry M nail polishes. I've been wanting a yellow shade for absolutely ages and Barry M provided the perfect summer shade as expected. I also picked up a Blueberry Ice Cream colour, just perfect for those summer days.

But instead of applying them as usual to give you a look-see, I decided to try something different. As a lover of spots, stripes, florals and generally anything girly - I thought yellow and blue polka dots might be just the treat.

This is the yellow by itself. The initial colour is actually quite good. A couple of coats are needed to ensure full opacity, however I think this is quite good compared to some other light shades that I own.

For someone who is very inexperienced with any form of nail art I am actually quite impressed with how this turned out. This was achieved by simply dabbing over the yellow lightly with the blue brush. Luckily the Barry M brushes aren't too thick so as long as you do not put too much polish on the brush it's pretty easy to do. I quite like this as a cute, summer look and cannot wait to try it out other colours.

What do you guys think?

Sami xx

Soap addict.

I know many think it's something to be ashamed of, but I just love soaps! I've been watching Eastenders almost since birth with my family and Hollyoaks helped me through my teenage years. The more ridiculous the storylines, the better - I don't think there's a better way to escape real life for half an hour.

Anyway, on browsing through the Look website I just had to stop and take a minute to look through some of the outifts worn at The British Soap Awards. Some got it wrong and some got it so right...here's what I thought.

SO RIGHT:

Michelle Keegan

 - I think she looks absolutely stunning. This is such a glamorous, sleek look that stands out above everyone else on the red carpet.

Jane Danson wearing Forever Unique

- I love the lace detail on this dress, it makes her bold, black choice a classic red carpet success and looks so elegant with a few curls hanging down from her hair.

Ashley Slanina-Davies

- Smart, sleek and sexy - a totally sophisticated outfit for the red carpet. I wouldn't usually agree on showing quite so much flesh but Ashley's naturally petite figure means that she pulls it of beautifully.

NOT SO RIGHT:

Shobna Gulati

- Sorry Shobna, it was a very brave and bold choice...but I'm just not feeling it. It's all just a bit TOO much.

Jennifer Metcalfe

- Don't get my wrong, I LOVE the tailored look - I just feel like Jen's forgotten her shirt. A bit too much skin for me.

Charlie Clemmow

- I just don't get it. From the hair style, to the tennis-style skirt, to the leather collar neck - none of it seems to make sense together.

How can some go so right, and some so wrong? Credit where it's due though, there were definitely some brave attempts!

Sami xx

all photos from look.co.uk

The bikini post.

This is a post that I have been meaning to do for a while. As a size 14 girl with a bigger bust, bikini shopping is not exactly my favourite way to spend my valuable shopping time. I want what I see in the magazines, but it turns out that my size is not exactly a high street regular, so this time of year presents me with a few problems.

1. I need support. No one wants to see a Baywatch wannabe.
2. I don't want to look frumpy, but those stringy bottoms just aren't flattering on me.
3. I am ridiculously pale, so I need colours that aren't going to make me ghost like.
4. I can never seem to find a shape that makes me feel confident when I'm literally at my most exposed.

SO, bearing all of this in mind and the fact that I am going on holiday in roughly a month - the search has commenced.

Next Turquoise Underwired Bikini with High Leg Briefs - £26

Bravissimo Panama Plunge Bikini Top with Bikini Brief - £52

Simply Be Loren Underwired Halter Bikini Top - £31

ASOS Purple/Cream Spot Moulded Bikini - £16

I ended up buying the final option from ASOS. Although it is not necessarily my favourite option (I really love the black and white stripes from Bravissimo) I am simply not made of money and this purple ASOS set seems to tick all of the boxes. The dots will make me feel fun, fifties and girly while the shape and halter neck should give me adequate support. I'll let you know if ASOS lives up to my hopes.

I can't wait for sun, sea and cocktails! Now just to buy some summer dresses to take with me as well. Gosh, I love summer.

Sami xx

Cutie Pie.

Hi guys,

Sorry for the lack of posts recently - I have had an absolute mountain of work to do and so blogging had to take a back seat. But the good news is that I handed in the last of it today and should now be posting much more regularly.

Anyway, those of you who have followed for a while will know that I have a complete weakness for quirky jewellery. I am always looking for news places to find something a bit different and on reading some of my favourite fashion mags I came across Cutie Pie Jewellery. Here are some pieces that caught my eye:

Afternoon tea necklace - £16

Paparazzi camera charm necklace - £12.50

You shall go to the ball necklace - £8

Golden compass vintage necklace - £16

Story time - £25 (down from £42) - As worn by Jameela Jamil at Fashion Week!

I particularly love the kettle-clock necklace - SO cute, just as the name suggests. 

The great thing about individual websites such as Cutie Pie is that everything is home-made, in this case by the obviously talented Danielle Butler. So the jewellery that you receive could be exclusive, or at least limited edition - giving it that extra special feel and meaning that you won't see your latest purchase on every other girl on the high street. I think that it's great to support businesses like this and lovely to know that extra care went into creating these beautiful pieces.

It's safe to say that Cutie Pie has been added to my favourites, and will no doubt be making a dent in my ever-decreasing bank account.

Sami xx

Oh wow.

So, I am not really a huge Royal Wedding fanatic. You wouldn't catch me at any street parties and I was not watching coverage from stupid o'clock this morning. But of course, like most other women in the country, I had to see what the bride was wearing - and didn't she look gorgeous in that Alexander McQueen dress. Beautifully done by Sarah Burton.

From weheartit.com



Gorgeous fabrics, delicate lace and satin came together to produce a perfect dress for a royal bride. Although her day is definitely not my idea of a dream, her dress just might be.

Sami xx

Just loving gossip girl.

I don't know about any of you, but I was extremely relieved to see the new Gossip Girl episode pop up online last week. I have been a fan for less than a year, but it turns out that this is all it takes to become a total addict. Gorgeous characters, complex storylines, endless amounts of gossip and some of the most wonderful outfits I have ever seen - what more could you possibly want from a TV programme!?

Anyway, while clicking through Look Magazine's website earlier I was stunned to come across GG's leading lady, Blake Lively, with a brave new look. Everybody's favourite blonde has gone strawberry - and she looks amazing.

All images from weheartit.com

I am ridiculously jealous that she can pull this look off - but then again there doesn't seem to be much that looks bad on her really.

Maybe this will inspire me to do something daring with my hair instead of getting the same blonde highlights time after time. I'll keep you posted.

"You know you love me, xoxo"

Sami xx

Snap, crackle, pop!

Hiya ladies,

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Keeping up with uni work, work placement and blogging was a lot harder than anticipated.

But the good news is that while I was on a lunch break I got the chance to pop into Boots and take advantage of the 2 for £5 deal on Barry M nail polishes. Somehow I managed to pick up a crackle nail polish from their nail effects selection instead of the normal kind, but this was actually quite a nice surprise!

Pink nail effects - Barry M

You can imagine my confusion when I first attempted to apply this to my nails as a base coat and found myself with a rather crusty effect. Luckily, after my blonde mistake was pointed out by my little sister (who quite frankly found the whole situation quite hilarious) we removed my catastrophic attempt and got on with trying it out properly.

I have to say I was impressed! You could hardly say that the pink glided on as you would expect with normal polish, however this is kind of the whole idea. It seems to dry almost instantly, and although it does not feel any different you can immediately see the colour cracking to reveal the base coat colour popping underneath.

The only problem that I have is that my nails don't have that smooth finish which I always love with the freshly painted look. It might be something that I sacrifice every so often though - I feel like this effect gives my nails a bit of an edgy look that I would love to wear on a night out.

I spent the remaining £2.50 on this minty tinted sky blue shade:

I had so many compliments on my nails while wearing this shade for a couple of days. The colour went well with a lot of my spring wardrobe and I am pretty sure the same will apply to my summer one too. It's also great for extending the appearance of your fingers which is ideal for my teeny hands!

Overall I was hugely impressed with my Barry M nail polish haul.

Have you bought any good nail polishes recently?

I'm always on the hunt for more!

Sami xx

Colours of the rainbow.

When I was about 15/16 I had skinny jeans in almost every colour of the rainbow. My older, supposedly wiser self eventually told me to leave this phase behind and send them to a charity shop to be loved by new owners. But it seems, in this instance, I gave my pride and joys away a little too early. Block colour skinnies are making a come back.

I'm a huge fan of the nerdy geek chic look and I think some of these beauties with a blazer could be a wonderful spring look. For this reason, I have decided to embrace my teenage thoughts and add some to my wardrobe. But the question is, which ones?!

Topshop

Topshop MOTO Pink Seven Eighths Skinny Jeans

American Outfitters

Next - Red Skinny Jeans

Asos Rose Skinny Jeans

What do you think of the block colour skinny jean look?

Sami xx

Pretty in pink

I wouldn't say I am the girliest person you could ever meet. In fact, up until a few years ago you would very rarely have seen me in a skirt. But now I like to feel feminin, some days more than others, and I think that splashing pink into an outfit can be just the way to do it. I've always felt that I have to be a bit careful - with long, wavy blonde hair sometimes pink can be a bit much but I think it's good to use it to highlight a look.

Today is a feminin day.

New York Colour - Midtown

A good place to start is with your nails. I don't know about you but I'm one of those people who really uses their hands to express themselves when talking. This had led to a few burns in the kitchen and things over time, but it also has its benefits. My hands are always moving and therefore where ever they move the pink moves with them. I think this is a great way of highlighting a look.

New York Colour is also a great make. It's not too expensive so perfect for any penniless students out there and it glides on beautifully.

Floral tights - Marks and Spencer

Today I have also used tights to bring pink into my outift. These were about £8 from Marks and Spencer and although I often resent spending that much money on tights, I think these ones were worth it. The sun's been hiding again over the last few days and unfortunately I've been feeling the need to cover up a bit again so these are ideal. They allow me to feel girly but warm - and the two do not always come hand in hand around this time of year. I love these litle pink flowers as well - perfect for spring.

Do you wear a lot of pink?

Sami xx

Suited and booted.

With this week's work placement I am out of my usual fashion comfort zone. I need two weeks worth of stylish office wear suitable for running around like a manic journalism intern and I have a feeling that my jeggings and floral tops just won't cut it!

I have always thought that it is very easy for men to look good in suits...then again I am a big fan of the suited and booted male. But when it comes to women I think it can be far too easy to slip into a routine of dull and drab office wear - and this is not a category that I want to fall into.

So, as always I have turned to my favourite fashion websites for inspiration and have found some beautiful (although perhaps not very practical) ideas...

From weheartit.com

From Harper's Bazaar UK site

From Harper's Bazaar UK site

From graziadaily.co.uk

From vogue.co.uk

From yayer.co.uk

I think the key to maintaining a fresh office look for spring is a splash of colour. Whether it's a bold statement dress, a block blazer or even a bright bag to accessorise - colour keeps you out of the drab.

How do you perfect your office look?

Sami xx

Saturday shopping.

Is there any better way to spend a Saturday? I literally 'went to town' in Basingstoke with my Mum and Grandma this weekend and came away with some wonderful finds.

After walking around Monsoon and Marks and Spencer with them I dragged them into H&M. I don't know about you but I always seem to fall in love with something in this store so it's the perfect spot for a bit of retail therapy. Here's what I came away with this week:

£29.99

I plan to bring the dress in at the waist with a beige belt and team it with my beige suede shoes for a night on the town! Unfortunately deadlines and exams mean that this probably won't be for a while but it is giving me something to look forwards to. It doesn't show so well in the photograph but this dress is covered in midnight blue lace flowers and hides all of those unwanted bumps and lumps perfectly. I can't wait to wear it out for the first time. 

£14.99 (in £10 off knitwear!)

Oh I do love a bargain. At just £15 this jumper is perfect for slobbing around casually and for teaming with my grey skirt, waist belt and tights for this weeks work placement. Well, that was my excuse for this buy anyway!

Dress - H&M

Cardigan - Topshop

Necklace - Topshop

Shoes - Jones Bootmaker

This was my outfit for today. I bought the H&M dress for £15.99 and my lovely Mum treated me to the Jones Bootmaker shoes which were way outside of my price range!

I spent the day walking along the beach with my family so this outfit was just ideal. I love the way that the dress has a dipping neckline with a pinched waist as this is perfect for my hourglass figure and it makes me feel effortlessly girly and summery. These aren't my usual colours but I really enjoyed wearing them so I think I will keep my eyes peeled for a few more brighter items.

And these shoes...well, they are my new favourite pair. They go with skinny jeans, skirts with tights, skirts without tights, shorts, dresses....everything! I know that this brogue look is in at the moment and it's a trend that I am particularly happy to participate in. I feel like I now have the perfect summer pair as the slightly more dolly shoe shape leaves my feet feeling much more elegant and (importantly) aired! As they are Jones Bootmaker's they are also made with wonderfully soft leather and are like slippers to wear. I am, once again, in love with a pair of shoes.

Did you buy anything nice this weekend?

Hope you all had a good one.

Sami xx

Yayer purchase excitement!

Hiya ladies.

Sorry it's been a little while - this Easter uni break has been much more hectic than anticipated. But luckily some of these hectic days have involved shopping so I have a few new posts to share with you.

And I'm going to start with my first ever Yayer purchase!! You may remember from my Yeah, Yayer post that I have had my eye on a few items from this website for a while, and with a few extra pennies in my pocket this week I decided that the No Love Lost cardigan was a worthy investment!

I have to say that I was very impressed with the processing of my order. Ordered on the 3rd April, dispatched on the 4th and arriving on the 5th everything just went completely smoothly. And the cardigan is a perfect fit. Obviously being from the vintage section of the site it does have a used feel to it, however the store have maintained it's great condition giving me a chance to give it a new story.

This cardigan makes me feel remarkably retro and is so colourful and patterned that it kind of goes with nothing and therefore everything at the same time. Most of the time I think I will just team it with some skinny jeans a black top to brighten up my look. This is definitely my new favourite purchase!

Is anyone else loving the retro look at the moment?

Sami xx

J'adore Paris.

They say Paris is the city of love and for the first time in my life I have truly seen why - I fell in love with everything about it. For somewhere so bustling and busy it seems remarkably calm but perhaps it is just being in the presence of such beauty. Where ever you stand you are surrounded by incredible, historical buildings created with care you could just not imagine in this day and there is something unique about Paris that you could not find anywhere else.

I could have stayed forever but, just for now, I had to settle for one day - and what a day we had.



Unfortunately all of the sightseeing left little time for shopping, but I plan to go back as soon as I can gather my pennies together to take full advantage of that side of the city. We just wanted to take everything about Paris in and there was so very much to take.

We travelled in a large loop from the Notre Dame to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower before heading back towards the Latin Quatre for dinner. Our candle-lit meal looked out towards the Notre Dame and the waitor even presented us with a rose on leaving which I thought a very fitting end to the day.

Someone take me back now, please?!

Have any of you ever been?

Sami xx