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

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 

Autumn Favourites

It is official, CHRISTMAS is on it's way. I know this for a number of reasons. Not only because we are now in November and the temperature is dropping rapidly but because shops are now playing Christmas songs, cards are splashed across the shelves, stocking fillers are on offer and oh yes, I have seen the Coca Cola advert.

***

It is time to list some of my Autumn favourites so far. Things that I could probably live without BUT I would definitely not want to. Things that keep me warm and have the autumn feel. Some of these items are from the current collections in stores but others I have recycled from last Autumn/Winter-check me out!

The authentic look, pixie shape, bright orange colour and oober cute fox face is what drew me instantly to these gorgeous bootie slippers. I received them last year for Christmas, purchased from H and M and I pray they do them again this year, so I can buy a spare pair. They are so dainty but keep my feet nice and toasty. I am so in love with them!

This monochrome dogtooth scarf, is also from last year. This was from River Island and I think it is perfect because it manages to complete an outfit. The simple yet, bold pattern is subtle yet striking. It is the perfect accessory as not only is it bang on trend but it also manages to keep me warm. I am really in love with big, thick chunky scarves at the moment but this is my favourite out of the ones that I have.

Featured a couple of blog posts ago, this is a coat purchased from New Looks current range. It is a wool blend, straight, collarless styled coat and works perfectly over any outfit. I love the deep pockets, an essential when I have left the gloves at home. I mostly wear this as a smart coat, avoiding all rain. This is definitely my favourite coat of the season!

It is strange because I never really buy pyjamas but I was fed up of not having a cute matching pair, ready for the colder seasons. I am a real sucker for Christmas so found it essential that I bought a pair with a Christmassy theme. The gingerbread men are so cute and I love the red festive bottoms. These were purchased from Matalan's current collection for an amazing £10. It is strange, that a matching pair of snug pyjamas can make a nights sleep more comfortable.

This top doesn't exactly tick the 'warm' category. However I think we can make an exception due to the lovely brown mustard shade that I think really reflects the season that we are in. It is such a simple top and works perfectly with a pair of high waisted jeans, chunky boots and a leather jacket. It is currently in the H and M autumn/winter collection and a piece that I feel can be worn for a majority of the year.

I purchased these shoes a couple of months ago, so there is the chance they could still be in New Look. They are honestly the most comfortable heeled shoes I have ever worn.  They look lovely with a pair of skinny jeans and really add an edgy look to an outfit. Plus they are so easy to walk in thanks to the chunky heel- I can't be dealing with the skinny heels that feel as though they could snap. If you are looking for a pair of comfortable going out shoes, I heavily recommend these!

Although I was in love before the tour, since seeing him live I have fallen even further in love. Although this album has been my favourite since it was released in June, I can't stop listening to it. I also recommend his new book. He doesn't show off in it, he really delves deep into the story as to how he became the most perfect singer songwriter to date (my words, not his) and the illustrations are so personal and different. Plus he brought them out in my favourite colour to! Seriously recommend the both of these and well anything to do with Ed Sheeran really.


So I have taken a slightly different approach to my blog this time, due to being so busy and not having the best of weather, going out hasn't really been easy. I hope you like these items an they inspire you to get some lovely new autumn pieces.

Thank-you very much for reading, 

Mollie Isabella x

Stocking up for Winter...

Fluff, foxes and collarless coats were the vibes I received from shops on my recent outing. Yet again chunky boots have made an appearance alongside a lot of wool-wool blend hats, coats and dresses, meaning this is going to be one cosy Autumn and Winter. I'm glad to see the back of neons and the entrance of the deep, rich, earthy tones. This is the season of sophistication with the added cuteness of winter animals. Layering doesn't just mean a cardigan-layering means the full 'shabang'-think hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers, tops, vests, coats, why be cold when you can have layers? The textures make everything more interesting. The soft velvets and fluffs contrast the rougher wool and sequinned options.

Indeed I have been on a little spree, to stock up on some winter warmers. To make sure that although the weather can be dull, my clothing will not reflect that- to make sure that I am cosy, comfortable and my clothes reflect my love for this time of year.

Blue, baggy zip jumper- £10.00 Primark

Thick fox print tights- £3.00 Primark

Chunky soled, patent shoes- £14.00 Primark

Burgandy, velvet Kimono- £14.00 Primark

Super soft, super skinny jeans- £11.00 Primark

Raccoon print jumper- £12.00

Fox print, over the knee socks- £2.00 Primark

Chunky biker, ankle boots- £24.99 New Look

Collarless, wool blend coat- £49.99 New Look

Deep tartan scarf- £5.00 Primark

As you can see I have got a bit of a variety there, from animal print items to some very staple pieces. The thing is with winter, things come back every year so as long as I don't grow (considering my petite height of 5ft) this shouldn't be a problem. Thank-you very much for viewing my blog today. 

Mollie Isabella

xx