Christmas Came Early

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My mum visited this time last week for a Christmas shopping trip, where I got to pick out some presents. There surprisingly wasn't anything much that I wanted, except for some new heels.

I had already spotted these Topshop beauties online but was too desperately poor to invest, and then I saw them in the Selfridge's shoe hall and knew I had to have them. I spent the rest of the day looking around still, and in the end we were chasing them down in 3 different London stores before finally finding a pair in my size.

It was worth it though, and I lasted a very long night in them at the Levi's Christmas party this week. Amazing effort considering the alcohol levels consumed...

Apologies Ms. Prada - I was never really going to get my hands on one of your beautiful Miu Miu pairs, which I have spent months and months lusting after...

When I was seeing the mother off, a woman breezed past us in the station wearing a pleated black maxi that looked perfect, blowing around in the wind. Yes, I am still hooked on maxi's despite my lack of ability to wear them practically.

Anyhow, this woman - I figured - was just one of those annoyingly cool looking people who always has perfect clothes (you know the type) that I'd never be able to find. That was until I discovered that her skirt was from Topshop. Yes, Topshop to the rescue once again.

I had to search all of Flagship only to find shorter versions in several colours, but no black maxis.
Thanks to Topshop.com, another Christmas present from the mother is on its way to me as we speak...

It's weird, because before this past week Topshop hadn't been in my good books for months. I usually have a list as long as my arm of things I want from there but lately the spark has been missing, but it seems to be making a come back.

And finally... Wow, can I rant??

I just got back from a cheeky trip to Nandos with my dearest friends/roomies where we swapped Christmas presents before we head home over the next week.

They seriously are the best...

and it's still a whole week + half a day until Christmas morning. Getting SO excited now...

Post Title → Christmas Came Early

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Christmas Gift Guide '09

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It's officially one month until Christmas now, so if you haven't thought about what to buy for the girls in your life - or anyone for that matter - it's probably about time.

I've completed most of my shopping now but there's always the last few bits I get completely stumped on - The parents.

They never seem to want anything, and if they do they will usually buy it for themselves by the time Christmas comes around. Living away from home doesn't make this any easier...

I do love buying gifts for people however, and I've compiled a few little fail safe treats that might inspire some last-minute shoppers, or even inspire any of you to add some more things onto your own wanted lists.

It might also help anyone who's stuck on what to buy me, as I would love any of these gifts personally (cheeky hint!)...

1 - Sugar Coated 'Grape Crepe' charm bracelet - £10




2 - Accessorize 'Eiffel Tower' cluster necklace - £6




3 - Topshop grey marl 'premium' knitted robe - £30




4 - Diptyque John Galliano Candle @ Liberty - £38




5 - Benefit Celebutante kit @ HQ Hair - £29.50




6 - John Lewis brushed aluminium collage frame - £19.50




7 - Marc by Marc Jacobs plum enamel stamped metal bangle @ Net-a-porter - £90




8 - Kerastase Resistance Age Recharge Masque @ HQ Hair - £21




9 - Illamasqua 'Dramatic' false lashes @ ASOS - £11




10 - Urban Outfitters 'Chairs' jewellery stand - £40




11 - Miss Selfridge satin multi-pack briefs - £9




12 - Alexander McQueen skull print scarf @ Net-a-porter - £140

Post Title → Christmas Gift Guide '09

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A Few Beauty Essentials...

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As opposed to doing another christmas wish list themed blog (way too many gift guides floating about now, and who is really still buying all their presents?) I thought I would share a few things that are, in my opinion, some essentials that you may want to treat yourself to.

A Mason Pearson boar bristle brush, (that's a lot of B's). This extra large brush is £75.25 on HQ Hair, but if that price is a bit steep for your budget then you can do as I did and buy the child sized brush for £29, which is still actually a decent size. These brushes are great for distributing the oils in your hair, and the natural bristles are much better for your hair than plastic.

Kerastase already has a fab reputation, but if you can only afford one thing from their hair care range be sure to invest in a deep conditioning hair mask. They have products to suit many a hair problem, and your hair will definitely thank you for it. This Nutritive Masquintense Fins is designed for very fine/dry hair and is £20.40, also from HQ Hair.

Just as I was about to give up on ever finding a concealer to lift my confidence and hide my incredibly dark circles, I decided to give trusty Benefit a go and spent £13 more than I already was on their Boi-ing concealer. Described as industrial strength, I can see how. Its thick creamy formula is a must, especially after sleepless nights. It's worth the £15.50 price tag (http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/).

A good body brush is for life, not just for the summer. Combine this with a good body scrub and get your circulation going, keeping away those nasty lumps and bumps on your thighs and giving you super smooth skin all over. This nifty brush is only £4.31 from Boots.

I'm personally not one for painting my fingernails. It usually chips within two days and I'm too lazy to keep re-doing them, so I just keep them neat and short with a nice coating of Sally Hansen Diamond Strength. It's a base coat, top coat, gloss and strengthener in one. I also use it as a base coat for my toe nails, which are actually never, ever seen without colour. It lasts me forever, I usually get a new bottle every christmas. You can purchase it from Boots for £7.78.

There are many things I'm yet to discover - such as the miracle body lotion or the super exfoliator - but I still have a lot of time to stumble upon these. I have learnt the wonder of taking a good A-Z supplement, and Sea Kelp tablets are great if you want to speed up your hair growth (don't expect miracles though, you still need patience). In the mean time however, if someone would like to donate £200 to me for a permanent blow dry at Daniel Hersheson's then please don't hesitate!

Thank you for reading x

Post Title → A Few Beauty Essentials...

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