My New Babies from Barratts!

I’m sure I’ve mentioned before on here how I don’t usually go crazy for shoes.
However that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good pair when I see them.
That’s exactly what happened when I saw these babies on the Barratts website.
I’ve had shoes sent to me before from Barratts, and I was so happy with them.
These are no different, although I may possibly have fallen in love with them a little bit.
I’ve been looking for a pair of statement trainers, and I knew plain ol’ Converse etc wouldn’t do.
That’s not to say I don’t like them, they just don’t stand out to me and I wanted something that stood out.
These pretty much have everything I love on a trainer; flatform, hi-top, gold gold gold – check!
They also come in black, but I managed to resist, although I think I want both pairs now.
These are the perfect trainer for me and they look even better in person than online.
Look out for some OOTD posts featuring them soon!
You can browse the Barratts website here, or purchase these here.

Review: Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser

Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser for Troubled Skin*

Manuka Doctor has become a well-known beauty brand in recent years.
I have several of their products already, and appreciate that they use natural ingredients.
Their new foaming cleanser for troubled skin was a welcome addition to my collection.
Pros:
+ Foamed well
+ Natural ingredients
+ Felt gentle when applied
Cons:
– Dried out my skin
– Product was difficult to remove from the container

Notes:
I’m still not quite sure what Manuka Doctor means by ‘troubled skin’ but I can make a guess.
I have combination skin so I was a bit unsure of whether to use this when I first received it, however I went ahead and tried it anyway. As expected this dried out my skin, especially on my cheek area, which is always the worst for me. It wasn’t terribly dry, but enough that it was uncomfortable without a moisturiser. I do use a moisturiser and it seemed that the combination of the two didn’t agree with me as I broke out quite badly. However I liked the feel of the product when applied and that it uses natural ingredients. I think I would use this again but not daily, as it doesn’t agree with my skin. 
You can purchase this from Holland and Barratt for £16.99, here.

Photo Diary: Street Art in Shoreditch, London

This post is image heavy, so I’ve popped the rest below

I’m very lucky living so close to Shoreditch, and I often spend my free time in the area.
Street Art is a big part of the ‘neighbourhood’ and new pieces pop up all the time.
Some people might call this graffiti, but to me it’s art.
I wanted to share some of my current favourites with you.
A lot of the pieces are colourful and fun, whilst others have a deeper meaning.
Art & Fashion are a big part of Shoreditch, so it only makes sense that artists come here to show off their work.
It’s brilliant that these artists can work with such large canvases and bring life to the old buildings.
Which piece is your favourite?

Photo Diary: Tatty Devine Brick Lane Tour

Tatty Devine’s Brick Lane Store, London

A few weeks ago I visited the Tatty Devine store on Brick Lane for a workshop.
If you missed the post earlier this week, and were curious as to what I made, you can find it here.
Anyway, I couldn’t resist taking some photos of their new collection, and some old favourites, whilst I was there.
I remember when I first visited the store, and it’s safe to say it has changed a lot!
The Brick Lane store is now spacious, inviting, and filled from floor to ceiling with goodies.
When I took the photos I wasn’t sure how they would turn out and if I would even use them.
Well I love how the collection looks so much that I wanted to share the photos with you.
I guess that the pieces don’t really need an amazing photographer as they’re so gorgeous.
They really speak for themselves, right?
My favourite pieces are the Lotus Flower Celebration & Sunrise Necklaces.
What pieces stand out for you?

Review: Flash.ON Nails

Flash.ON Nails with Frida Kahlo Print*

Flash.ON Nails is a new, exciting brand on the block.
What’s it all about? It’s an innovative new way to style your nails!
Images or designs are printed onto false or natural nails using machines.
This original concept is a great way to express yourself through your nails.
When I was contacted by them I knew exactly who I wanted on my nails.
It was shortly after my ‘Celebrating Women’ post, so of course I went for for my idol; Frida Kahlo.
I knew that I wanted the picture I sent to be bright and colourful, and prominently feature Frida.
I just can’t get over how well they came out. The image transferred brilliantly and was exactly what I wanted.
To be honest I’m a little scared to wear them as I haven’t worn false (glue-on) nails for a long time.
That said, I really really want to wear them and show off the fabulous image.
It can be pretty tough being so indecisive sometimes.
When ordering you receive nail glue and a top coat along with your nails, so the design lasts longer.
You can choose a design from the range or have a custom image put on your nails for a little bit extra.

I was also impressed that you receive 20 nails, which is great for those who lose or break nails easily.
You can order your Flash.ON Nails online here.
Prices start at £7.95 a set.

OOTD: Ski Holiday Chamonix

 
 (Kit from various ski stores around Chamonix & Argentière)
 
Now I bet you weren’t expecting me to look this good so early in the morning, were you? Joking aside, as I am currently on a skiing holiday in Chamonix I thought I’d share a fitting outfit post. I was kitted up the morning after we arrived in France, as I don’t actually own any ski gear. The decision to own any kind of sports equipment went out the window after I left high school.
I didn’t really have much choice with the boots and skis as I rented them. However I do love how the rental guy matched my boots and skis to my coat. He was a pretty funny guy who enjoyed my comments about how ski boots could be practical & flashy. We also had a laugh after he asked me whether I wanted “gloves or muffins” – a lost in translation moment. The French word for mittens is ‘moufle’ which kind of sounds like muffins, but only ever so slightly. I felt the need to share that little anecdote with you all…sorry.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be investing in any ski gear anytime soon.

Tatty Devine Neon Elephant Necklace Workshop

The necklace we would create, in our own design

Working hard: After choosing our colour scheme and decorating with crystals we put it together ourselves
My final piece: Neon ombre with gold crystal eyed elephants

When I heard Tatty Devine were holding a workshop involving neon and elephants I was excited!
I love elephants, they’re such loyal, beautiful creatures and of course I’m addicted to neon right now.
Unfortunately though I found out too late to grab tickets, as they had all already sold out.

“So how did you go then?” I hear you all ask.
Well, that is all down to the lovely Charlotte from Tatty Devine.
She had seen my dismay publicly displayed on Twitter and saved me a ticket.
I feel sad that someone pulled out of the workshop, but I was very happy to be able to attend.
It was all very last minute, as in I didn’t know I would be going until the evening before.
Still, I jumped at the chance to go and said yes, of course!
The workshop was as fun as always, and the staff as welcoming.
The lovely assistants were there to make sure everyone got on ok, and didn’t poke an eye out.
Thankfully all eyes remained intact and we all learnt how to put together a necklace, a la Tatty Devine.
For my necklace I went for an ombre neon colour scheme, to compliment my teeny tiny elephants.
After the workshop ended we all spent our 10% off (complimentary when you attend a workshop).
I enjoyed walking around the store after everyone had left and chatting with the lovely ladies.
I even love the new collection so much that I had to take some photos for another post.
Keep an eye out on Tatty Devine’s event page for future workshops.