Monday 30 November 2015

Blogmas


So I have decided to take the plunge and join in Blogmas. From tomorrow I will be posting everyday until Christmas Eve, meaning 24 posts will be on my blog on the countdown to Christmas day. This is going to be a huge challenge for me, however I think it will be super fun and I like to challenge myself every once in a while. My regular routine for posting is three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. So blogging everyday is going to be completely different, and probably quite stressful! I love Christmas, and for me it officially starts on December the 1st. I have had so much blogging content that I have wanted to get out over Christmas, so this seemed liked the perfect way. I am going to be doing mainly Christmas related posts, but also a few other posts which I regularly feature such as hauls and reviews. I am excited to take part in this challenge, as I have always wondered how bloggers manage to blog full time. If you are taking part in Blogmas, please let me know, so we can all offer each other advice and encouragement, as this is my first year taking part.

Lucy
xoxo


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Sunday 29 November 2015

The Best Christmas Jumpers



I've put together a quick guide of all my favourite Christmas jumpers which are available this year. Unfortunately, I can't include Primark as they do not have an online site, but if you are on a budget they have so great ones for about £10. Here are all the best ones from online for all different occasions and events - I hope you find one you like...

First up, this one simply made me laugh. For the Love of Tinsel is from ASOS and costs £32, perfect to wear throughout the festive season.The Red Christmas Penguins jumper is £24 from Debenhams, and I really like this as it is just really cute. I adore Gingerbread designs at Christmas and this is one of the only jumpers which I can find, where they have not cut the leg off the gingerbread! It is the most expensive of them all from Marks & Spencer and it costs £35.

 On the Naughty List  is from ASOS and is £30, it has a little cheeky slogan which I totally love. This Polar Bear  is £28 from Next, and is an another overall cute Christmas design, which is very Christmasy, and would make the perfect Christmas day jumper. The cheapest of the bunch is the Team Rudolph design from Asda for £10. If you do not like anything over the top, this is a great option to go for. If you like big, slogan jumpers this is a great for to go for its £24.99 from New Look and says Sleigh Bells Bling , this is big and fluffy and would be really comfy. Party Penguins is an overall very cute and cheery jumper and is such a bargain as it is £12 from Tesco.

As I have already said I totally love gingerbread. This is a cute Gingerbread Girl design from Missguided and it costs £15. I love the tartan print of the jumper, making it a little bit different to the rest. The Elf Made Me Do It jumper is such great value from Tesco at £12. I think this is the one which I am going to go for, the slogan made me totally laugh. If you are the ultimate Rudolph fan then I have found the jumper for you, this Fluffy Reindeer is £18 from Matalan. It has the super soft, fluffy material which is all snuggly and warm.

I hope you have find a jumper which you totally love. Let me know if you pick any of them up.

Lucy
xoxo
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Wednesday 25 November 2015

ASOS Velvet Black Boots



Velvet is everywhere this season, and I have been wanting some black velvet boots for ages. I have seen a few different pairs in a variety of shops, but they have all been above the £70 mark which I cannot afford, especially with Christmas just around the corner. I was having a little weeknight browse on ASOS when I came across these velvet lace up black boots. I was not initially sure about the lace ups, but when they arrived it makes them look more classy and expensive. As there was a 20% off Unidays discount offer on, I ordered them straight away. For £38, I think they are really great value, and I have officially assigned them my Christmas season shoes. I am no longer into wearing huge, strappy heels which are often very uncomfortable, and now I opt for a good old pair of heeled boots.

When they arrived on my doorstep on Sunday morning, they were just as beautiful as I hoped. The velvet is soft and they are super dreamy. I am worried that the velvet might get ruined quite easily, especially in the rain so I am going to have to be really careful with them. The block heel height is 3 inches which I find is just enough to still look dressy, and be able to be comfortable all night. I am really excited to give these their first outing, and I have already planned it for a night out in 2 weeks when I go to London.

Do you like the velvet trend?

Lucy
xoxo
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Sunday 22 November 2015

Get To Know Me - 50 Facts About Me


I thought as I have had my blog for over two years now, it was time for you guys to get to know me a little better. So here is 50 facts all about me...

1. Student Children's Nurse
2. Hate bananas
3. Favourite colour is pink
4. Have a phobia of trauma to the eye
5. Fall in love easy
6. Favourite shop is Selfridges
7. My shopping dream is to own a pink YSL bag
8. Want to get more piercings - top of the ear
9. Want to travel the world - everywhere!
10. Passed my driving test first time
11. Want a small dog once I get my own house
12. Love ginger hair on boys
13. Ideal man would be Prince Harry
14. Obsessed with PLL
15. Size 3 feet
16. Gold is my favourite colour of eyeshadow
17. Would to go to NYC on a huge shopping spree
18. Actually really good at saving money - so tight!
19. My favourite place to go on a date would be the seaside
20. 5 foot tall
21. Really loved school
22. 1/8 Irish
23. 1/8 French Canadian
24. Would love to own a flat in central Manchester
25. My dream job if I wasn't a nurse would be to do something in fashion/blogging
26. My style icon is Lauren Conrad
27. If I hadn't of a nursing degree would definitely of done history
28. The thought of being buried alive absolutely terrifies me
29. My first job was at 15 sorting out files at my dads work for the entire summer
30. One Tree Hill was my most watched programme as a teen
31. Favourite place I've ever visited is Italy
32. I hate getting on a train with my suitcase as I'm too small to reach the overhead cabinets
33. Want to be a bridesmaid I'm 21 and it's my dream! Hurry up people....
34. Do want to get married and wear a beautiful lace ivory dress
35. Want to have twins (my dad's one so hopefully!)
36. Not a fan of cats at all
37. People who are disrespectful and overly confident grate on me
38. I believe in karma and it is a bitch
39. My favourite meal is Spaghetti Bolognese and it has been since I was tiny
40. When people don't lock doors - they're there for a reason
41. My dream car since I was little is owning a black convertible Bentley
42. Want to achieve everything in life which I set out to
43. Favourite cocktail is a strawberry daiquiri
44. Rubbish at all sports at school
45. Danced for 18 years of my life
46. Support Manchester United
47. Frankie Bridge is my idol
48. Hate being alone
49. Getting bored sooooo easily
50. Like cooking and baking

Lucy
xoxo
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Friday 20 November 2015

Skincare Update



A month ago, I decided it was time to invest in some new skincare products. I placed a feelunique order where I picked up two minis from Antipodes these were the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream and the Divine Face Oil.  I like both of these products, especially the day cream. I like a morning cream to have quite a think consistency and this has that. It has a lovely fresh scent, which is exactly what you want first thing in the morning. You have to give it a good blend, in order for it to be fully absorbed into the skin. Less is definitely more when it comes to this, which is great with a product of this price. It feels really hydrating and gives, the skin an overall boost. I have never used oils before, so was a bit anxious about using this. However, I am slowly getting round to liking it. It definitely takes some getting use to. But this isn't too overpowering or thick on the skin which I really like. It definitely adds moisture, and hydration into the skin, which is exactly what I need before I apply my makeup. These work really well combined together one after the other, and this has become my morning routine after cleansing.

For my night time routine, I have introduced the Antipodes Joyous Protein Rich Night Serum. I really, really wanted to love this, but I can't. I thought this would be perfect for my dry skin, but I simply do not like anything about it. My most disliked factor of all for me is the scent of the serum. I thought it would smell delightful, as it contains blackcurrants and berries. However, to me the smell is really off putting, I can't put my finger on it's exact scent but it is not nice. It is very thick and it lingers on top of my skin, even when I have only used half a drop. It just does not seem to work well with my skin at all, which is hugely disappointed. On another note, the product which I have been most impressed with is The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Night Lotion. The texture is lightweight, soft, and silky, and sinks into the skin very easily. It is aimed for blemish prone skin, which is exactly what I need. I do not necessarily think that my skin has had a grand transformation since using this. However, my skin has not got any worse, and I think that with further use I will see more results. It does has a strong tea tree scent, and personally I don't find off it putting as it is refreshing and cooling.

Have you got any new skincare treats?

Lucy
xoxo

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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Autumn Edit: Nails


I recently picked up my first ever essie nail varnishes. This may be a shock as I have had my blog over two years now, and for some reason I just haven't ever purchased an essie varnish in my life. This is despite, lusting after so many different shades in store and on other's blogs. I know that the shades I picked up are not necessarily your classic autumnal shades, however I have fallen in love with both of them. Chubby Cheeks is my favourite of the two, the vibrant mix of orange and red. This will look great worn in the festive season, and will definitely get me in the Christmas spirit.  Flawless is a pale pink, I usually always go for more brighter shades but this caught me eye. I like to be able to have nail varnishes, which you can rely on to look neutral for everyday wear. In terms of the range of colours which essie sell, they have a huge array and I am definitely going to pick some more shades up soon. I like the formula of them both, and they did not chip particularly easy. The only downfall is that the tip of the brush is quite thin, and I much prefer a thicker brush like the Maybelline Super Stay 7 Day range.

Do you have any essie recommendations for me?

Lucy
xoxo
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Sunday 15 November 2015

Tanya Burr Candy Glam Palette



Last week, I was super happy when the Tanya Burr Candy Glam Palette  landed on my doorstep. I have been wanting this for a few weeks since it got released as it had been continuously out of stock. I signed up to the emailing service where they notify you when its back in stock. I got an email to confirm it was back in stock, and a few hours later it was sold out again. So last Tuesday when I got another notification, I made sure I ordered it there and then so I didn't miss out again. This is currently on offer for £10 (£12 full price), which is really great value for what you get in the set. You also get free delivery with your Superdrug health and beauty card.

This beautiful palette come with 9 special edition eyeshadows purposely made for the palette in the shades - snowflake, chandelier, plumberry, creme brulee, date night in Paris, ballet slippers, baking brownies, teddy bear and starry night. It also contains a blusher in pretty peony and a bronzer in beach bronze, which both feature in one of her new cheek palettes. This palette finishes up with a lip gloss in the shade daydream. I was dying to try this out straight away, and first impressions are that the eyeshadows are beautifully pigmented. The shades are gorgeous and I have been particularly loving plumberry and creme brulee, they are so wearable and are definitely going to be my go shades. I think the 9 shades have been really thought out, as there is such a good range of shades and colours It is really versatile as you are able to make a simple everyday eye look, but add intensity with the darker shades within the palette for a more smokey look. Many have been comparing the beach bronzer to Nars' laguna bronzer. I have to say it is similar, I think it is a little bit lighter in the tones running through it which I really like, and it is a great bronzer. It is one of the best parts of the set for me. The blusher is following along the lines of Nars' orgasm blusher. I find this very shimmery, and quite a vibrant pink. I made the mistake of doing a big swirl in the pan, and my cheeks were like disco balls! So a little differently goes a long way, but if you don't like a highly shimmering blusher, I don't think this would be necessarily suited to you. All in all, I am really impressed with this set from Tanya, and it would make a great Christmas present to someone wanting to try a range of products from her range. I think it will become super handy when I am travelling, as it contains so many essential products all in one place.

Lucy
xoxo
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Friday 13 November 2015

My Updated Marble Background



I recently decided that I needed a new marble background, and whilst browsing on Asda's homeware department I came across this Marble Print Worktop. I love the effect which a marble background creates on photos, and I will use this regularly for my blogging photos. I thought this would be a great alternative to my original marble background, which I bought from Wilkinson's. It was a sticky back adhesive, and it does do the job. However, it gets really dirty and can spoil really easy. Whereas, as this is glass it is super easy to just wipe clean, and keeps in perfect condition. This was £5, which is such great value. I love that this has slip resistant stands on the bottom. so it stays right where it is when you are taking your photographs. It is not top heavy to carry or move, which is an added bonus. I am super happy that I managed to find this, and for such a great price.

Lucy
xoxo
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Wednesday 11 November 2015

Autumn Edit: Perfumes


I love buying and receiving new perfumes, so I thought I would let you delve into my current favourites.

First up, Honey by Marc Jacobs, I have recently got back into loving this. It is super sweet which is what I like. I am not into woody and overly floral scents, I will always gravitate towards a fruity scent. I can instantly smell the mandarin and orange in this, and then when it settles the scent of the peach and honey really come through. I would probably see this is more is a Spring/Summer fragrance, but to me if I like a perfume I will wear it all round.

If you have been a reader of my blog for a while, you will know since my birthday in July when I received this I have been totally adoring it. It is the Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey, it is my first ever cologne, and you can completely tell the difference. It is much stronger and fresher, and lasts so much longer on the skin which is exactly what you want. You would think that this would be very similar to Marc Jacob's Honey as it has similar ingredients, but in fact they are very different. They both contain nectarine and honey, but this has additional notes of plum and blackcurrant, making it not quite as sweet. Also, in this you can smell a hint of floral notes, which adds an additional twist and freshness to this.

I have had Vera Wang Be Jewelled in my collection since last Christmas, when I picked it up in the boxing day sale in Selfridge's for half price. I am so glad that I picked it up, as it is really different to anything else which I had previously owned. When researching exactly what was is in this, I discovered it actually contains champagne - how amazing! This is a girly fragrance, and is once again fruity. It contains different scents completely to the previous two as this is primarily red currants, and of course champagne.

Viktor & Rolf's Bon Bon is such a unique and fresh fragrance. As always it is a fruity scent, containing orange and peach. But the secret to this, is that it contains caramel. It adds the sharpness to the scent, and turns into a dreamy mixture of total heaven when settled into the skin. The packaging of this is really adorable, and looks delightful placed on your dressing table.

What is your current favourite fragrance?

Lucy
xoxo
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Sunday 8 November 2015

6am - 6 Products in 6 minutes



6am means simple makeup and most of all as little products as possible as I simply do not have the time. I complete my simple skincare routine containing Clinique Cleansing Foam Wash and then apply my Antipodes Vanilla Pod Day Cream.

First up for my base I apply my L'Oreal True Match Foundation, using my new Real Techniques Sponge, which has been working really well. I really like this foundation and I like the medium coverage which it offers. I love the great shade range available in this collection. The inevitable Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, gets applied to my face most mornings. I need a high coverage concealer to help hide blemishes especially around my chin, and this works perfectly. Sometimes I will apply a powder and bronzer, but most mornings I opt just for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra (the middle shade). This blush is perfect and adds dimension and a light shimmer to my cheeks. It is great for my fair skin tone and adds some live and glow to my face. My favourite ever eyeshadow is MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow. As much of a bold statement in which this is, there isn't an eyeshadow in which I own which I use as much as this. It is the perfect mid toned golden shade, adding just the right amount of shimmer to the eyelid. As you can see I have practically nothing left, so next time I am in Selfridge's a new one needs to be purchased. I literally apply one coat of the Maybelline Lash Sensation Mascara to my eyelashes. and they instantly make me look 10x more awake than I actually am. This mascara gives a really lovely curl and adds volume. The Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz is the best eyebrow product which I have ever used. I love that this is a two in one product with the spoolie on one end and the product on the other. I quickly brush my brows through with the spoolie, and then apply the pencil in natural stokes along the natural shape of my brow. It works a dream and takes me less a minute to get them just how I want them. The shade range is brilliant I have the shade Taupe, and it is a great match to my natural hair colouring.

What are you essential morning products?

Lucy
xoxo

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Friday 6 November 2015

My 28 Days Shopping Rule



My 28 day shopping rule is coming quite famous amongst my friends, so I thought I would explain a little further. An old friend from primary school posted on Facebook saying she's just found £600 of clothes in her wardrobe with tags still on. I quickly explained my 28 day rule, and she said shes going to take it on, as she knows I am a 'shopaholic'. My other friend then commented saying that shes incorporated my rule, and it has worked a treat, so I thought it was time to share it. Having £600 worth of clothes with tags on is an extreme example, but it can be easy to do when you get drawn in. A lot of my friends have graduated this year, so they have just gone into full time work for the first time, and I'm already looking forward to that pay myself. Is it sad that I'm already planning out a year in advance what I'm going to buy? I ain't going to be earning thousands, but it will be a lot more than what I get currently. I took a gap year before I came to uni and worked practically full time in retail. I remember getting £600-£700 in my wage and literally not knowing what to spend it on, as I had previously got £200 from just working the weekends. On pay day I would always take myself into town, and go a little manic. Topshop was always my go to, and my motto was I've earned it, I can treat myself. It didn't help that my best friend was on a gap year too, and it was our little monthly treat to ourselves. I was naive, but it was my money and it was always only going to be for one year. But after a few months I  had piles of clothes which still had labels attached, and  had never been worn. I had a uniform which I would wear 5 times a week, and I simply didn't need a mountain of new clothes every month.

 Thankfully I learnt quickly, and me and mum invented the 28 days rule. Every 3 weeks or so, I would go through my wardrobe and anything with a label on would be taken out and put on a pile. I would look at the receipt and the date in which I bought it. If it was getting close to the last return date usually 25/26 days it would be returned by the 28th day for a full refund. They was a few rule exceptions including  - unless I had an item for a planned occasion, it would be returned that weekend. This rule works an absolute treat now, if I've had lots of opportunities to wear an item and I haven't then I simply don't love it. I only keep things which I love, and I know this as I don't return many things now. If I love an item I want to wear it straight away so it will never make it anywhere near the 28 days anyway. How many times have you looked in your wardrobe, found an item, and looked at your receipt and it ran out yesterday! It's so infuriating and you just end up keeping an item for the sake of it.  Incorporating some simple rule for yourselves works a treat, and honestly you will save money which you are currently wasting.

Now, I don't know how you store your receipts, but I used to have that scattered across 5 different handbags, in my purse, coat pockets and across my bedroom. But now I have a plastic wallet which I keep all my receipts in, so if you need to return it you can, and with ease. I also think this is really important for faulty items, as having proof makes your case so much simpler.

I have changed a lot since three years ago on that gap year when I was 18, and it has differently done me some good. I differently think that I still treat myself a lot, maybe even too much still, but that is how I choose to spend my money. At the start of the month, I think about how much I want to spend that month on myself. I think about all the plans which I have made, to see friends and planned days out, as this can totally differ from month to month. Obviously taking into account all the important things like bills and all other necessities. I also look at how much I had left from last month, and usually move it into my savings account, as I love knowing I have that as a safety net for when I need it. I then set aside a certain amount, my mum always calls me a 'careful christian', or in my dads words 'tight'. I just hate the idea of wasting money, I thoroughly think about big purchases. My sister is the total opposite she's on a much bigger budget compared to me currently, but she really does not have a care in the world. I sometimes think I wish I was a little more relaxed, but I hate the idea of being literally penniless. I hate not being able to do anything at all because your down to your last tenner, because you went on a night out and bought a new dress which you obviously could not afford. I simply like to set myself a little budget, say £50 a month to spend on clothes and makeup. Like I say everyone's budget is completely different and when I'm working full time this will obviously increase. This is only a guidance, and if I've not bought much within a month I will treat myself to something extra. 

I hope this inspires some of you shopaholics to be a bit more thorough and ruthless with your shopping habits!!

Do you have tips and tricks to help you save?

Lucy 
xoxo
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Wednesday 4 November 2015

Home Wishlist




I love browsing homeware items online and in store, I've put together this little wishlist of all the things in which I hope to buy over the upcoming weeks and months. I think some simple, but effective home furnishings can really turn a house into a home. I have found this since moving away to university buying some things which have a place inside my room, makes me feel a lot more homely.

This metallic & candle is from West Elm which is a brand which I have never shopped at before as I don't think there is a store within my area. However, the shop online is really lovely, and features so really unique pieces. I am a sucker for candles and this is totally up my street.
Now I know this only a marble ceramic plate, but I have been wanting this for ages. I think that it will look really effective in blog photos, and I was planning on ordering it online I then learnt that H&M have opened a section in the Trafford Centre Selfridge's so I am definitely going to pop in next time I am home and pick this up.
I don't really know what I would do with this copper plate! However, once again I think it would look effective in blog photos as a statement part of a photo. I also think it could look really on my dresser, with my perfumes placed on it.

This rectangle art deco mirror is a unique shape, and I think is simple but quirky. I love mirrors which hang on a chain and this would look great hung above my dressing table.
I have seen these copper alphabet letters in a few shops, and have really been wanting to pick one up. But to be honest I am not quite sure what I will do with this. I saw this one from Oliver Bonas and was surprised at it being just £10. Oliver Bonas is a fab place for home decor and an order is going to happen in the imminent future.
How gorgeous is this brushed check throw? It is from Next who have a great Autumn/Winter range in at the moment. I think a feature throw like this can add so much character to a room, and it is such a simple accessory. I love checked designs anyway and these colours are perfect for Christmas.

This wire basket  from H&M is perfect for storing bigger beauty products like dry shampoo, lotions and skincare. My products are always scattered everywhere and this is such a pretty storage idea, to keep everything together and easy to access.
I was instantly drawn to this embellished cushion. Cushions are my absolute weakness, I adore them. I love having them on my bed, and having seasonal designs. For £16 it is not cheap, but this would look great as a central piece of your bed or sofa with plain cushions on either side.
I have seen these designs of lights on a few people's blogs and YouTube channels, and I think they're are cheesy, but also quirky. I like the star light the best as I think it would add some overall vibrance. and make my room look less plain and boring.

What is on your home wishlist currently?

Lucy
xoxo

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Sunday 1 November 2015

November Wishlist




I have been  looking for some Knee High Boots for ages now, and when I spotted these online from Next I really fell in love with them. I want a suede pair, and I like the intricate detail on the front of the boots. I think the wooden heel is a gretat contrast compared to the black suede of the boots, and I they look really chic and sophisticated.

I saw a girl at uni wearing this River Island Off The Shoulder Top, and it look really lovely and stylish on her. I love the cold shoulder design alongside the tear drop neckline. I think it looks much more expensive than £22, and I am 100% picking this up on payday.

Buttoned skirts are everywhere this season and this Miss Selfridge Camel Button Skirt definitely does not disappoint. The design of this looks very high end, so at £30 it is definitely a great piece to have within your wardrobe. I love a line skirts, as they can be so flattering as they emphasis your waist and skim over you thighs, which is exactly what I need.

The colour of this Zara Burgandy Soft Tote  is what caught my eye to it originally. The TRF range from Zara is my absolute favourite, and they always bring out such great value bags each season. This is so well priced at £19.99, and I think the simple detail of the buckles complete the bag. This is a great size, as you can fit all your handbag necessities in, without it looking too big.

Since making this wishlist I actually went into store and pick this Zara Stripped T-Shirt up. It such a lovely, unique design, I like how jazzy it is. I would say that I usually get a XS/S in Zara tops, but this is sized exceptionally small and a M fits perfectly. Zara have brought out a wide range of tees for £12.99, including this and they are really great value for money.

This River Island Long Line Check Shirt is not something which I would naturally venture for, but I think it would be a great piece to have this season. I like the longer length as this meanings you could wear the shirt with leggings and jeans. It is something you could easily pop on easily and wear it with some thing simple as it is a detailed design.

Whilst browsing I came across this Topshop Denim Dress, and I instantly thought oh that will look nice! This is a really lovely autumnal piece, the long sleeves and button up make it a little bit warmer. I think would a make a great layering piece, you could wear this with a tee shirt and jeans, unbuttoned. I also think this would like great fastened up with my fur gilet, it is not cheap at £40 but I think I would get a lot of use out of it, and I really want to snap it up as it belongs in my wardrobe.

I simply put this ASOS Lace Up Cold Shoulder Top in my wishlist, for anyone needing a fancy top which is suitable for all occasions. At £20 it is a top which you can wear casual in the day with jeans and flats, or you can dress it up at night with a skirt or cigarette trousers with some heels.

I have featured cigarette trousers in a few wishlists, and I am still yet to pick some up. This month I totally love these aubergine Topshop Cigarette Trousers. I think these are a very versatile piece of clothing to have in your wardrobe. I can see myself wearing these a lot when getting to closer to the festive period, as I love wearing trousers which can look classy but also dressy when I head on night's out.

What have you got your eye on to pick up in November?

Lucy
xoxo



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