Item of the Month: January 2016

Item of the Month: January 2016 (I'm a week late, shhh!) Kate Moss: Shade 48 Brown Lipstick

I absolutely love flicking through the pages of fashion magazines, absorbing the different styles and trends our high street stores will soon be blessed with. I gaze in awe at how the new pieces are being styled, taking inspiration and trying to adapt the new looks to fit my wardrobe. I'm usually one to flick the entire make-up section without even having a glance because 1) I refuse to pay the prices (I mean come on £40 for moisturizer?) and 2) I am not blessed with the talent to create the looks.

However, a range of magazines were covering the same look: the 90's brown lip, one I had never considered. It is a colour, that confused me- can pale skin people get away with it? What hair type does it go with? I don't dress like I'm in the 90's so will it work? I wanted to find a drugstore alternative to all the designer, luscious browns slapped across the magazine pages. 

After searching endlessly, and creating a wonderful patchwork of swabs on my hand, the whole thing just became slightly overwhelming. I mean, I didn't have many to choose from but some had a shimmer, some were a light brown, others near black. In the end I went for the Kate Moss: Shade 48 and I shall never turn back. Not only is is a gorgeous shade of brown that compliments my skin tone but it glides on perfectly and doesn't dry out your lips. With it being under a fiver, who could say no? 

Whilst it went well with my light ginger hair, now that I am a brunette again, I am even more pleased with the results. I can fully understand why it was such a big trend in the 90's and am ever so grateful that it has made it's return. I fully recommend that you try this colour and even if it isn't a shade you would normally go for, I think you will be swayed.

By night, team with a full black outfit for a deep, chic look. It compliments black well, creating a more mysterious element to your makeup. 

By day, wear with denim and a cute slogan tee. It makes the outfit look more mature and sophisticated whilst still having a playful feel.

It is my Item of the Month for many reasons and it doesn't break the bank. I seriously recommend you try this as you will not be disappointed. 

Well there you go, my first Item of the Month post. Whilst it was tricky to choose the item, I think this is a worthy winner. Thank you for reading!

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Things I should be good at ...but I'm not

Are you sure that as the years go on, time doesn't half? Like really, are there still 60 minutes to an hour and 24 hours to a day? Because in reality, we are about to complete the first month of the year and I haven't achieved half of what I had hoped. Whilst I could pin this down to my lazy attitude and my want to be doing something 'social' whenever I can, I simply blame the concept of time.

If I wasn't so particular about pictures in my blog, I would almost update it daily. However due to my desire to pose in pretty locations, my blog posts are always put on hold- mainly because of the weather but also because I need to make sure that me and my photographer (shout out to my Dad) need to be free at the same time, which isn't always easy!

So coming soon is a new feature on my blog: Purchase of the month but it has been placed on hold due to a lack of images. Instead I have rustled up a quick blog, more on a lifestyle basis that looks at the 10 life things, I should really be good at... but I'm not. 

1. Cutting in a straight line- being a teaching assistant this is highly embarrassing.

2. Getting toothpaste out of the tube- If the tube isn't at least 3/4's full I battle a daily struggle. I just don't understand, this should be simple and easy!

3. Putting my hair into a GOOD ponytail- I envy the girls that rock a full looking, not much effort put in, but still placed perfectly, ponytail. Please someone teach me, my morning routine could be so much quicker!

4. Eating fruit- I try, I really do but I just don't find it that pleasing.

5. Wearing matching socks- (unless I'm in my brothers trainer socks) One will feature a zoo animal and the other a Christmas character- Hey life's too short to waste time matching socks.

6. Opening envelopes- Someone please tell me the knack behind opening envelopes.

7. Finding an empty seat on a bus- It's such a panic situation, whatever time of day. The worst part is, when the bus driver can't wait for you to sit down, so sets off, causing you to do that embarrassing little stumble. *Tuck hair behind ears and slide onto seat, place in headphones and shut out the world*.

8. Painting my nails- I used to just have issues with painting my right hand, however with age my nail painting skills have crumbled. I'm impatient, unsteady and clearly not cut out for this skill.

9. Getting out of bed after I've had a shower- The best feeling is getting back into bed after a shower and getting all snuggly while you 'naturally' dry. However finding the energy to then get up and ready is near impossible.

10. Removing empty cups from my room- *sigh* I know the pile of mismatched cups is extremely unattractive but the effort it takes to remove them is worse.

The list can go on and on...

But there you have it a little bit more about the person behind this blog! Not exactly the usual post but coming up next will be My Purchase of the Month, so back to my favourite writing topic-fashion!

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx

Fashion and Beauty Lessons: 2015

On the 31^st December each year, we reflect on the past 364 days and whether we crammed as much in the year as we hoped and try to remember the New Year’s resolutions we made and broke in week one. 2015 was definitely a roller coaster to say the least and has opened my eyes, with numerous lessons being learnt about life and myself. I went from planning my entire life, to having no plan at all in three months. I have been brave, I have been heartbroken and I have been lost. However I have been so proud, so happy and so loved.

One thing I want to reflect on, is what I have learnt in 2015 based on fashion and beauty. To say the least, I have made many fashion mistakes in my time and I probably still make them today. I seem to get drawn to ugly items of clothing, well unique is good right? Gone are the days where I wore spotty tights, clashing with a heart printed over size cardigan matched with ankle socks and grey pumps. Thank you lord.

Below are some lessons I learnt this year- accompanied by previous blogging pictures:

1: Red lips are literally suitable for all occasions, come rain or shine. Paired with a floral print in the summer or an entirely black outfit in the winter, it gives a different feel but works every time. L’Oreal Blake is my all-time favourite red shade! 

 2: Be bold and take risks, whether it be with your clothing, your hair or makeup. People tend to take note when you make a more drastic change and come on let’s face it, we all love a compliment. This year I embraced a new hair colour, whilst returning to my ‘I don’t care what you think about my outfit’ attitude.

3: Buy staple, sensible items that will fit into your wardrobe. I throw out so many clothes and it has taken me to the age of 19 to realise that really it is down to my bad shopping habits. Instead of buying those bright pink shoes I could wear to one occasion, why not buy the black ones that can be worn all the time. All hail the leather skirt that I wear all year round. This is my second version of the same skirt!

4: A strong, sturdy, reasonable sized handbag is worth so much more than that little bag that can only fit your purse and phone in. No girl should ever have to choose between her lipstick and inhaler. 

5:Winged eye-liner is not a talent that can be learnt. You’re either born with the skill or you’re not. I am unfortunately not blessed with this talent and have to battle daily in a hope to leave the house on time with an okay, semi presentable flick. If there are tips out there, please share?

6:All black everything with the exception of white for my favourite trend of monochrome. It is effortless and so easy to wear. In my young teenage years I could never understand why my mum wore full black outfits outside of a funeral, now I am on the all black everything/monochrome bandwagon and I refuse to get off, until it reaches above 30 degrees! 

7:Simple jewellery still says a lot. I used to be one for big statement necklaces, dangly earrings and junk jewellery rings but in the year of 2015 I gained the lazy attitude and decided that I couldn’t be bothered wasting my time picking out the items to match my outfit. Instead I opted for a more simplistic look, of my every day Pandora rings and my Lucky Little Acorn Necklace which complement each outfit perfectly.

This year I shall make no new years resolutions because I know I won't stick to them. Whilst eating healthily and exercising more will be extremely beneficial, I refuse to count calories and say no to a brownie. For the first time ever I have no plan for the year ahead. Nothing is set in stone, instead I am on a free journey, waiting to see what life brings me. So here is to 2016, a year of no plans, just an undecided journey. 

Thanks for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx 

Pucker up: 6 essential shades

For someone that loves fashion as much as I do, my little interest in make-up breaks stereotypes. Whilst most people can pick out the right shade of foundation for their skin and know how to use an eyebrow pencil, my experimenting goes as far as "oooo, what third item can I get in this 3 for 2 offer?" Most people would struggle with picking which item out of the seven in their hand to choose as their free thing, I would struggle at finding three items in the first place.

If anyone was to ask me how to apply foundation, the idea behind concealer or how to contour I wouldn't even know where to begin. Realistically this could be a good thing as the amount of money I save is amazing. However I do feel as though I am secluding myself from the whole make-up world.

One thing I love and could not live without is lipstick. The creation that manages to transform an outfit immediately, compliment skin tones, complete a look. Below I have chosen my key lipsticks for this season. With dark purple being my favourite shade all year round, red being the perfect Christmas colour and a beige/pink adding a more subtle feel to a look, these lipsticks are affordable and spot on for the autumn/winter!

#1 Vamp it up -A couple of plums

Rimmel London 128 Starry Eyed
Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Liner 540 Hollywood Red

Why I love it: I laid my eyes on this lipstick over a year a go and have never looked back. This is my go to lipstick for all occasions, come rain or shine. It is a gorgeous deep, purple shade and to achieve a more intense colour I use Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Liner, shade 540 Hollywood Red across the whole lip. It is a long lasting, easy to apply, affordable lipstick that I suggest you get for your make up bag. Come on girls the party season is coming, team this with an LBD or glittery number and you're ready. 

What's not so good: Okay, I'm struggling to find a point here. I guess the only thing I could say is that it bleeds slightly but nothing ridiculously noticeable. I'm staying loyal to this lipstick. 

Price: Lipstick: £4.99 Lip liner: £3.99  

Mark out of 5: Got to be a 5/5

Barry M Super Satin Slick Lip Paint 171 

Why I love it: This is a new edition to my lipstick collection and is one of Barry M's new Satin Super Slick Lip Paints. I was super excited to try them out and I am super glad that I did. The glide you get from the lipstick is incredible and it is so soft on the lips. It is a gorgeous pinky-plum shade that I know will see me through all seasons. The main stand out point it the texture, never known a lipstick like it! 

What's not so good: It isn't very long lasting so I think I need to get a lip liner to accompany. But I don't mind reapplying, at least it doesn't stain. 

Price: £4.49

Mark out of 5: I'm going to go with a 3.5/5 for this one! 

#2 Rudolf the red lipped reindeer-My two go to lip smacker reds

Loreal Collection Exclusive by Blake

Why I love it: 'Blake' has created a very bright and striking shade of red. More for going out, teamed excellently with black. I love, love, love Loreal lipsticks-firstly because of the variety, secondly because of the smell and thirdly because of the packaging. This is not a shade if you like subtle but is definitely one to pull out when wearing a dark outfit. I love the texture and the coverage you get and it remains on your lips for a loooooong time! 

What's not so good: It makes your lips slightly dry, I think due to the thick texture. So just make sure to Vaseline once you've removed. 

Price: £6.99*

Mark out of 5: This one has to be 4/5  

Loreal Collection Exclusive by Eva

Why I love it: From the same collection, 'Eva' has created a more subtle and 'dull' shade of red, more suitable if you don't want your lips to be too striking. This is better for an every day look, again smells fantastic and the packaging is lovely. This will be lovely for the Christmas season and provides excellent coverage. 

What's not so good: Same point as above, dries the lips out slightly but it was expected as it's from the same collection! 

Price: £6.99*

Mark out of 5: It has to score 3.5 because I prefer a more striking look! 

#3 Plain Jane- A duet of sickly sweet shades

Loreal Color Riche 302
Loreal Lip Liner Couture, Color Riche, 302 Bois de Rose

Why I love it: Another Loreal lipstick to add to the collection, this time a lot more subtle and an excellent casual shade for when you want to wear lipstick but not be too dressy. The thing I love about this is that you get two colours for the price of one. With the lip liner, Couture by Color Riche, shade 302 Bois de Rose, you get a subtle, sophisticated deep pink shade. Without the liner a more glittery finish. You get a lovely thick coverage from a soft lipstick that glides on perfectly.

What's not so good: Without the lip liner, you need to constantly reapply.

Price: Lipstick: £6.99* Lip liner:£3.99

Mark out of 5: Only due to the reapplying it needs to be 3.5/5

Barry M Super Satin Slick Lip Paint 168

Why I love it: Another shade from the Barry M Satin Super Slick Lip Paint Collection, this time in a gorgeous neutral beige. I couldn't get over how easy it was to apply this lipstick due to the texture. I think this is a shade that you would have to try for yourself due to your skin tone but I was shocked that such a light colour worked with my pale skin. Just like the other one, the texture is what makes this an essential for your makeup bag. Your lips are left feeling healthy as opposed to dry and chapped.

What's not so good: Unfortunately my lipstick literally fell to pieces. I don't know whether it was due to my poor man handling or because the texture was so soft it literally melted. However I shall be re-purchasing because I love it. 

Price: £4.49

Mark out of 5: Has to be 4/5 even though it is destroyed. 

*prices may vary depending on where you purchase the item from. 

Well those are six shades that I definitely recommend, lipsticks are such a lovely finishing touch to an outfit. With Christmas coming up, they're affordable and an excellent stocking filler. 

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

xx 

Girl in Gingham

I opened up the photo album and was met with a musty smell, an old, worn out kind of smell but homely at the same time. Displayed neatly across the pages were black and white photos of my Nan wearing some amazing outfits. Boxed dresses, silky shirt and skirt combinations, not one hair out of place hair styles and amazing thick rimmed glasses. I couldn't quite believe how sophisticated, smart and chic my Nan looked in every photo.

It was clear to see that watching women in Hollywood films definitely inspired my Nan. There was a metallic skirt which looked super shiny. The ever so fashionable high waisted bikini on the beach paired with platform sandals. And the most classic of them all- a box dress, small heel and beehive combination that summed up the swinging 60's. I so wish that my Nan had kept all her clothes as it would mean that I could dress in the actual classics as opposed to a new updated version.

***

However my brown eyes sourced out a gorgeous box dress in my all time favourite River Island within the Chelsea Girl section. I flicked through the rail until I stumbled across a black and white gingham box dress with velvet detail. It ticked all the boxes (no I didn't need it but yes I wanted it!) So I went out on a little shoot and paired the dress with my beautiful white small heels and a beige and burgundy cute handbag-Here are the results. 

I absolutely love everything about this dress and it is something that can be worn in both the summer and the winter. I'm thinking of adding some chunky thick tights, boots and a long sleeve underneath for more cooler days but for now I'll enjoy wearing it bare legged with a sandal type shoe.

Would love to know what you think of it, please comment below!

Dress- From River Island
Shoes and Earrings from Primark
Choker-New Look
Bag- Camden Market

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

x

I even shop in the sky.

After having an extremely busy week, going to London to see Matilda, Birmingham to see Ant and Dec's Live tour, attending a Mummy Shower, working, shopping and catching up with my best friend, writing a post has been pretty much near impossible. This does mean though I have a lot to talk about this week, with all my new purchases etc.

To kick off this week I am going to speak about my new beauty buys, which for me is extremely rare. I am not one to venture out and try new styles of make-up, once I am happy with my look I stick with it. If someone asked me to create a smoky eye or apply foundation I would be screwed because quite frankly I'm not blessed in being talented with make-up. My make-up routine includes, attempting a flick on my eye lid approximately 5 times per morning, layering on the mascara and applying one of my many lipsticks to compliment my outfit. Anyway lets start with my recent buys which have all be tried and tested so I can tell you more about them!

The first items I present to you here were purchased at approximately 35,000 feet in the air, over a warm country, soaring high above the cotton wool clouds below. I love flicking through the catalogues on an aeroplane and making a cheeky purchase. This was not a cheeky purchase though, this was a MASSIVE  bargain-four different shades of Kate Moss lipsticks for an amazing £12. 

Each and every shade manages to compliment my skin, which is not something I can usually say. My favourite out of the four so far is shade #03. It is not a colour that I would have ever picked up on the shelf but it goes with everything and looks really smart. I definitely recommend this colour if you want a more subtle shade that still creates an impact. I love Kate Moss lipsticks because they enable my lips to be bold but still remain moisturised and soft all day. 

The second lot of items I have were also purchased high above the clouds, for yet again a brilliant price. Overall for the three separate products I only spent £16.Mascara and eye-liner are both necessities in my life and without applying them I would not leave the house. Eye make-up for me is a massive confidence boost. For £16 I got two tubes of Loréal Million Lashes Excess and a Colour Riche Le Khól in black.

I am extremely happy with these products overall. The mascara enables my eyes to look effortlessly sophisticated, creating long, spread out lashes without any clumps. The eye liner, is thick and bold and the pencil is so soft it makes applying it very easy. I heavily recommend this product to anyone. 

Whenever I need a nail varnish I head straight over to the Maybelline section and purchase a Colour Show nail polish due to the quick drying polish and amazing array of colours they have to offer. Grey nail polishes tend to be quite 'wishy washy' so I was pleasantly surprised when I painted #288 Cool Touch onto my nails. It was the exact colour I had wanted. I then had to buy #04 Alley Attitude which is a top coat that includes bright blue and black flecks. The plain grey was £2.99 and the top coat was £3.99. 

I am so in love with the top coats and know I will end up buying them in every different variation avaliable. If you want a good nail polish that is long lasting, then honestly head straight over to Maybelline and take your pick at the Colour Show options. 

The final item is one that I have now purchased a couple of times due to the fact it works so well and lasts all day. I wanted to try a gel liner for ages to see if it was easier to apply than the original eye liner that I used and I was extremely impressed with the results. I decided on Barry M Gel Waterproof Eyeliner because it was within my price limit at £5.49. The eye liner is thick and the small brush makes flicks much easier. 

It's fast drying, easy to apply and creates both thick and thin flicks much easier than some previous products I have used. I will definitely be sticking to this exact gel liner for my top lids. It is a good price and fits perfectly into my make-up bag. 

Well there you go, I hope you enjoyed and try out some of these amazing products. I always start off with a short blog but get so carried away when I type, I need to learn to shorten my blabber. 

Thank-you for reading, 

Mollie Isabella 

x 

Liebster Award

Thanks to the wonderful Mariah, click on this link to check her out, I have been nominated for a Liebster Award and this will enable me to let you lovely readers find out a bit more about myself. At first I had never heard of the Liebster Award but after reading all the rules I've realised it is a brilliant way to get new Bloggers extra followers.

So hello my name is Mollie (enjoy the cheeky little 'selfie' taken before the Ice Bar) and below are all the rules you need to follow along with my eleven nominations of Bloggers with under 200 followers- ENJOY.

RULES:

• Link back to the person that nominated you. 
• Write eleven facts about yourself. 
• You must answer all eleven questions given to you by the person that nominated you. 
• After completing the questions you must nominate eleven bloggers of your choice (with under 200 followers) and give them eleven questions of your choice to answer.
• You must not nominate the person that nominated you. 
• You must notify the nominee's that you have nominated so that they know and provide them with a link to your post so they can learn all about the Liebster Award. 

ELEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. I have a fear of all animals, it's both annoying and embarrassing. 
2. I LOVE music although I don't tend to experiment-I am in LOVE with Ed Sheeran and Bastille.
3. I could not live without my eye-liner or mascara!
4. I love lasagne. 
5. I have always wanted freckles just across my nose. 
6. I want to become either a fashion journalist or teacher-hopefully my gap year will help me decide.
7. My favourite clothes shop is River Island but I do love Primark especially for shoes. 
8. My favourite season is summer due to the sunshine but my favourite time of year is Christmas.
9. I have extremely pale skin. 
10. My favourite trend at the moment is Monochrome. 
11. I love Hollyoaks-I'm hooked. 

MARIAH'S QUESTIONS: 

1. If you could be any fictional character who would you choose?

-As sad as it sounds I would be Woody from Toystory. Living life as a toy would be pretty awesome, just think of all the adventures. 

2. What is the last movie/book/song that made you tear up?

-FAULT IN OUR STAR'S, the movie is absolutely brilliant and I continued to cry from about half way through. It manages to cover such a touching subject but add the beautiful element of romance and friendship which enables everyone to feel involved within the film.

3. What is your favourite quote?

-If I can't control my hair, how can I control my life?

4. Do you ever get mistaken as a celebrity?

-Nope but at work once someone said that I looked like Gabrille Aplin but the only resemblance at the time was the block fringe. 

5. Would you rather read from a paper back or Kindle/Nook?

-Paper back all the way. 

6.Are you an outdoor or indoor person?

-I would love to say i was an outdoor person but due to my fear of animals (especially cats, dogs, pigeons, ducks, all bugs, snakes etc) going outdoors can sometimes be a nightmare and exploring across fields etc is a NO NO. So an indoor person it is.  

7. If you could back in time what decade would you visit?

-Swinging sixties, just look at the fashion!

8. Where is your dream vacation destination?

-America (if the flight wasn't so long)!

9. What is one life goal you have?

-To make sure that I continue to make my family proud. They have made me the person that I am today and I hope that I manage to make them proud in whatever I end up doing. 

10. Peanut butter or Nutella?

-Nutella, I have never tried peanut butter.

11. If you could switch places with someone for a day who would it be?

-After thinking about this long and hard I am stuck between a couple of people. It would have to be either Victoria Beckham so I could spend some time with the gorgeous David Beckham or I would become a member of Bastille either Woody or Will so that I could meet Kyle and Dan. Both of these are very sad but opportunities I can't afford to miss. 

MY QUESTION'S TO MY NOMINEE'S: 

1. What is your favourite clothing store and why?
2. If you could have only one piece of make-up for the rest of your life what would it be?
3. What is your favourite film?
4. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be?
5. What is your dream ambition?
6. What is your biggest fear and why?
7. Why did you start blogging?
8. Who is your favourite singer/band?
9. Which season is your favourite?
10. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?
11. What is your favourite thing to do to pass time?

I TAG:

1. Sinead @ Enjoy The Minuscules 
2. Kate @ KateDruryy
3. Rachael @ Broomfie
4. Molly @ Mollypocketx
5. Kirsty @ Think like Kirst
6. Lauren @ Lauren Anna fashion
7. Chloe @ Chloe Alice lifestyle
8. Jane @ Jane Khodos
9. Sophie @ Sophella London
10. Amanda @ Flawless fashion fix
11. Lily @ Peastreet

Thank-you all for reading and thanks once again to Mariah for nominating me, enjoy nominating people!

Mollie Isabella