March 5, 2016

CURRENTLY COVETING: THE ONEPIECE



Studying in the UK has been pretty great, however the gloomy weather has been a STRUGGLE. I can't lie I need Vitamin D bad and have been on the verge of binge buying Wowcher trips to Malta to get out of the cold. Luckily I will be heading to India in a few short days where the sun awaits. My group of friends here and I are planning for a summer trip to Greece in June right before we have to hunker down to work on our dissertations. A trip to the beautiful beaches of Greece means that it is officially almost swimsuit season and I am in need of a new one. 

March 1, 2016

CURRENTLY COVETING: GLOWING SKIN


Here in Newcastle Winter seems to be lasting forever and my skin has taken a hit. I recently had to write an article on getting glowing skin for my School's Newspaper The Courier and I thought I would share that article here. Achieving glowing skin isn’t impossible you too can have skin that looks like it has been airbrushed to perfection. It just takes a solid routine, some go-to products, and a positive can do attitude.

Step 1. Hydrate
The first, and most important step to achieving a sparkling complexion is super simple, H2O
Beauty comes from the inside out so we have to treat our inner self just as well as our outer. What we put into our bodies effects the outside of our bodies, so if you are feeling your skin is looking extra dull and dry ask yourself if you are getting enough water.

Step 2. Cleanse
It is key to make sure to wash the day away from your skin, luckily there are so many options for cleansing that you can find multiple options that work for you. Make sure to really scrub with some kind of electronic brush like a Clarisonic it gets below the surface for a complete cleanse. Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is all natural and mixed with a little water it clears the dirt away without being too harsh on your skin. Cleansing waters are a big trend right now and they are also a lazy person’s bestfriend because you don’t have to rinse it, just slap some on a cotton pad and go to town. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is an affordable option. Cleansing oil is great if you subscribe to full face glam makeup on the daily; these oils break down your makeup for easy removal. L'Occitane Immortelle Oil Make-up Remover and Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil are wonderful oils.

Step 3. Exfoliate/Mask
This is a step that isn’t needed every day, only about 2-3 times a week depending on what your skin is up to. Lush Cup O’ Coffee smells amazing and helps remove any dry flaky skin; you can also use this scrub on your body. Lush has a plethora of masks options and are pretty affordable as well, I recommend BB Seaweed for baby soft skin.

Step 4. Tone
This is a step that a lot of people forget to do but it is essential if you want to clear up your complexion. Toners help to brighten and even out your skin by lifting imperfections from the depths of your pores.  Toners come in many strength levels and can be drying depending on the strength. They make toner for every type of skin so just make sure that you read reviews or YouTube your favourite guru for suggestions. Pixi Glow Tonic is a great one because it is oil and alcohol free so your face won’t scream when you apply it.

Step 5. Moisturize
Last but certainly not least is moisturize, especially in the winter when the cold and wind are hammering away at your face. Make sure you add a little sunscreen if what you are using does not have in it. Neutrogena Hydro gel is light and your skin will say thank you after using it, it is instant moisture. If you like to go au natural, try coconut oil! Coconut oil is magic and helps protect your skin from the elements, you’ll also smell super yummy.


December 16, 2015

CURRENTLY COVETING:ALL THINGS VELVET

With NYE and some holiday parties coming up I found myself wondering, how does one  look sexy as a grown up... do you lose the sequin dresses? I dunno about all of that I am basically a cat and love sparkly things but for the last year I have been obsessed with all things velvet. I think it is so luxurious and sexy with out trying too hard. Plus the fabric is forgiving , it seems to just slip and slide over any extra lumps and bumps. I found some great plus options for this party season so go against the grain, ditch your itchy sequin dress and slip on some oh so plush velvet. Happy shopping!

Asos Curve


Public Desire Ankle Boots

ASOS Curve
Missguided Sequin & Velvet Dress

December 1, 2015

CURRENTLY COVETING: WIDE CALF RAIN BOOTS

It's the UK so that means it rains A LOT. I am going to be heading to Dublin and Belfast in 2 weeks and I'm in serious need of a solid pair of wellies. The problem that I run into with all boots is calf width, they are never wide enough. I try and not let myself get frustrated but what I really want to do is yell "my big calves deserve stylish boots too! This is CALF DISCRIMINATION" but I decided to do some research and see what I could find instead. 

*Hunter 
Apparently you just have to bite the bullet and fork over the cash, these babies are not cheap. The Huntress, is the option for a wider calve; although the short and the new adjustable series may be viable options for me.  I have small feet and can actually fit a kids 5 but my calves CANNOT (if your calves are 14 inches or less save yourself some coin and grab the kids). 

adjustable short - £90

Huntress - £95



Joules
 Allegedly the Joules have a wider shaft which mean they are curvy girl friendly; the price on these are a bit more reasonable too. They too have a tall, short, and ankle option. This brand is more my style. I like color and patterns and sparkle. Mindy Lahiri from The Mindy Project is my style icon, which basically means I like to wear all of the above TOGETHER!

Printed Wellies - £39.95


Evedon printed Bow Wellies - £79.95


Printed Wellies - £36.95

*just purchased a pair during the black Friday sales from COUNTRY ATTIRE , brb with my thoughts later.

November 29, 2015

CURRENTLY COVETING: WINTER WHITE

In honor of the official start to the holiday shopping season, I decided to do a little digital window shopping. There are some really good deals out there and the plus size market is really serving up greatness for us this year. I love white and cream and would wear it more if I could manage to eat with out spilling all the things on myself. I love that I can wear it any time I want here because the Brits don't seem to mind that stupid "no white after labor day" rule, mostly because they don't have a labor day but minor details. Anyway see some of my coveted  items below and happy shopping!

Girls night out tribal dress

alternative NYE dress





knit midi
                   
cozy jumper dress
                
tuxedo party dress 

October 28, 2015

DIY COFFEE CREAMER


Hi friends! It has been awhile since my last post, I deeply apologize! Things just got crazy, I was sick for an entire week and then grad school life hit and assignments started. I am in the middle of writing my 2nd essay now. I wanted to get on here and write a quick post about how I made my new home in Newcastle feel a bit like home home. 

October 1, 2015

PRIMARK = BAE


It has been a full week in Newcastle and I cannot believe it, time is zipping by. I have spent time exploring and settling into my dorm room. I am pretty satisfied with my accommodations, I have my own bathroom which was clutch for me. However, after one night in the bed I knew I needed 3 things, new sheets, new pillows, and a mattress topper ASAP!