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 

"too glam to give a damn"

The best thing about reading, is the escape. When the book you're reading is so wonderfully written that you are involved. When you imagine the characters and get attached and they each have their own personal voice as you read. There is something that extra bit special about a book that is a little worn with turned corners and a bent back spine. It is such a wonderful pass time.

***

Throwing on a pair of boots and sunglasses in the same outfit, just didn't seem right. However with our unpredictable weather it turned out to be the correct choice. With the sun tearing its way through the clouds, my jacket seemed a little unnecessary. Putting on my sunglasses, I finally felt detached from winter. For once the sun shared some warmth. However the mud coated, puddled ground suggested that boots were the best option.

I must say, t-shirt weather is definitely the best. This slogan tee caught my eye due to it's sassy caption. I mean, "too glam to give a damn" gets straight to the point. The black velvet 3D lettering, stands out on the simplistic grey and white striped background, causing a simple yet bold casual tee. This is one of the only slogan tee's in my wardrobe but it has definitely made me fall back in love with them. With River Island managing to apply a quote to almost all their tops lately, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for another statement that 'says it all'.

If you haven't got a leather skirt in your clothing collection then I advise you add one as soon as possible. With the endless different outfit combinations you can create, I promise you it will be a piece you can wear all year round. There is something so effortlessly wonderful about an A-line shaped skirt and something even more intriguing when it is a 'leather look'. This is an item that has stayed on trend for the past couple of years and will definitely continue to stay strong in the fashion world. I mean, it may just be me but I love leather. When worn correctly it can be such a sleek look.

It was the finishing touches that completed this look in my opinion. From the navy blue boyfriend jacket to the yellow camera printed cup, they all added that extra little bit of detail. I absolutely love the fit of my boyfriend jacket, loose yet structured and the deep blue colour causes it to stand out against my pretty dull colour pallet. Accompanied by a square handbag, which is extremely practical. Perfect for those girls that like to carry everything from makeup wipes to hand gel, reading glasses to sweets (I literally fit as much in, just in case something happens). The wonderful camera print cup is more of a novelty really but I thought it worked really well due to the quirky slogan tee. To finish, my tortoise shell sunglasses and a copy of "Paper Towns" by John Green to escape into.

Wrapping my hair around the straighteners, the curls start to form, flicking here there and everywhere. Fastened in place with a couple of spritz of hairspray. For once I have made an effort with my hair, compared to the usual 7 day a week straight look. Of course I apply my everyday eye set up-pencil underneath, gel on top with a flick (attempted approx 10 times on my right eye to match my left) and mascara. Finishing the look by colouring my lips in, with a gorgeous deep shade. As I exit the house, I am excited because finally one month later I have found the time and had the weather to go out and get some images!

"Too glam to give a damn" Slogan Tee- River Island WAS £18.00 NOW £7.00

A-line Black Leather Skirt-River Island £25.00

Navy Boyfriend Jacket- LAST YEAR RIVER ISLAND £60.00

Chunky Black Boots- LAST SEASON NEW LOOK £24.99

Black Square Handbag- Primark £8.00

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses- Primark £2.00

Yellow Camera Print Cup- Primark WAS £2.50 NOW £1.00

Paper Towns by John Green- Waterstones £7.99

Well finally, I have got round to doing another blogpost! I have been so busy, the weather hasn't been great and I have had a bad case of "writers block". Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading!

Mollie Isabella 

xxx

I'm a walking mixture of shades.

 I have always had a huge indescribable love for red telephone boxes. Something so classic, yet not appreciated enough. Maybe it is the beauty within the colour, striking and sophisticated, who knows? Whatever it is, my dream house would feature one in the front garden.

***

I am getting quite worried with the fact that every item of clothing I buy is either white, black or grey. I am a walking mixture of shades with only my lips injecting a bit of colour. Okay, there is always the argument as to whether black or white are colours, but they're not featured within the rainbow, so that is enough justification for me. There is just something so stand out about monochrome and I seriously enjoy wearing it. I think that point is backed up with the fact I mention the trend at least once every blog post but until the summer, I refuse to let go.

I normally avoid horizontal stripes, due to the fact they seem to stretch your body out. However that didn't even cross my mind when my eyes spotted these wonderful black and white scalloped hem shorts. I literally have nothing in my wardrobe that can even compare to them so it was a definite risk, one that I am very glad I have taken. They are an item that can be worn all year round, now with black garments and in the summer with a brightly coloured top and bag. They're a definite wardrobe must have in my eyes. 

As soon as I saw this black wrap front top on the rail, my mind instantly paired it with the shorts. I sometimes find that wrap tops can reveal a bit too much but I must say that the shape and material of this top, make it perfectly suitable. It is the definition of a perfect finishing touch and I will definitely be getting my wear out of it. It also comes in a thicker light grey version, and a thin dark grey version. Due to the bold V neck, I didn't think a necklace was necessary so instead paired with some statement blue and silver earrings. 

For ages I have searched for a plain black handbag that would compliment any outfit. The answer lies within this gorgeous relaxed box shaped beauty, which comes with two straps. Sometimes you need the bag as the main centrepiece but here I have managed to find an effortlessly versatile bag that can be both a statement but subtle when you need it to be. With three separate compartments, it is also very practical. Who can complain at such a handy, all round perfect bag?

With the natural light, providing me with no 'flattering' close up's of my make up and earrings, I went back to selfie central AKA my bathroom to try and capture the shot. These earrings manage to spruce up an outfit-added to a simple tee and jeans combination and they cause an instant transformation. The light pastel shades also compliment the blonde in my hair. On my eyes, I have gone for a flick, slightly higher than usual and made my lashes as long as possible to try and achieve the false lash effect. I have never found a mascara that works as well as this and I highly recommend that you get it. The link and name is below. My lips are covered in a gorgeous shade of red. Due to the cutback of colour in the outfit, red lips were a must.

Clothes:
Striped Scalloped Hem Shorts- £8 Primark
Black 'Boxy' Bag- £8 Primark
Black Wrap Top- £12.99 New Look
Statement Earrings- £3.00 (Sale) Accessorize
Shoes were originally from New Look. However they are no longer sold in there. Replica's can now be found in Primark

Makeup:
L'oreal Colour Riche Pure Red BLAKE- £6.99 Superdrug (Available in most makeup stores)
Eyeliner Pencil Barry M- £2.99 Superdrug (Available in most makeup stores)
Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner Pen- £5.99 Superdrug (Available in most makeup stores)
L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara- £10.99 Boots (Available in most makeup stores)

Thank-you for reading another monochrome themed blog. I am sure that as soon as the bright bolds hit our stores, I will fall in love with another trend! Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

Mollie Isabella

xx

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