Makeup By Born Pretty Store

I'm a makeup junkie. I absolutely love experimenting on new products, whether they're big, small or independent labels. love exploring what the beauty market has to offer. I was contacted by Born Pretty Store to trail a few of their makeup ranges available on their online store.

OOTD | M For Mademoiselle

Outfit Details

Location: Saatchi Gallery (Gardens) 

Camera: Sony RX100 

Top: ASOS Basics

Cardigan: Brandy Melville 

Jeans: Topshop 'Leigh' Jeans 

Boots: Topshop  //  Bag: Zara

Hat: Topshop

Jewellery: Topshop, Monica Vinader

Nibboxx

It still amazes me how the clean eating regime has suddenly boomed in the last couple of years. Everyone and their mother is jumping on the craze. Whether it's juicing, turing vegan or just cutting down on all the naughty foods for healthy alternatives. It is a market that is currently growing and changing.

Heart Glitterline Ear Studs by Body Jewellery Shop

When it comes to Jewellery, earrings in particular, I like mine dainty, cute and statement-ish. When Body Jewellery Shop (via Etail PR) sent me these cute heart shaped earrings, I was pleasantly surprise how suited it was for me.

OOTD | Crème Caramel

OOTD Details

Location - London Soho

Camera - Sony RX100

Coat - Topshop Petite 

Jeans - Topshop Petite 

Jumper - Topshop Petite 

Bag - Louis Vuitton 

Boots - Oasis

What's In My Bag

I was originally going to film a video for this, but I chicken out! So I'm here with a post instead. Is it me or does your voice sound so different on camera? I don't think I'll attempt filming again for a while. I'll happily hide behind a screen rather than in front.

October Wish List

I've decided to combined both September & October's wish list on today's post because the silly moo that I am, it totally slipped my mind to do a September list - doh!  This month's list is small, but it's definitely a good'un..

Sephora Collection : Sephora Cream Lip Satin In Marvelous Mauve

Girls, don't you just feel that extra fabulous when you're lipstick, as the kids would say, on fleek?  Makeup is all about feeling good in your skin and if that means piling up the lipstick, then I'll say add more! I'm a lipstick junky, there's no denying it, especially judging from the stash upon stash of lipsticks that I have in my collection. Whatever the look or occasion, I'll always thrown on a bright colour lipsticks because it makes me feel good and if it makes you feel good, then do it some more I say! 

Charlotte's Magic Cream

I've never come across a product that market itself as 'magic'. Some might add that using the term magic is a bit of an over exaggeration and to an extent, I agree. Charlotte Tilbury is doing something right with her marketing campaign because Charlotte Magic Cream is fast becoming more popular than her makeup range.

Natural World Coconut Water Hair Care Range

I am always on a look out for great hair care products, whether it's oils, shampoos or conditioner. A product that gives you shine and hydration for my thick, oriental, mid-length locks is no doubt a seller in my eyes. I'm literally strolling up and down the high street to find the perfect combination that doesn't dry out my scalp but instead leaves my hair feeling like I'm actually worth it. 

Vintage Inspired Necklace By Happiness Boutique

Jewellery with a bit of sparkle adds a pinch of sophistication no matter what outfit you wear. For me, I love a bit of bling. I'm a big jewellery hoarder - necklaces in particular! So when Happiness Boutique got in contact with me to ask if I can style/showcase their necklace collection, I was more than happy to jump at the chance. 

Orelia Jewellery

I was luckily enough to have been sent 3 cute and dainty statement pieces from Orelia via EtailPR to review on Lifestyle & Laffs. I'm a huge fan of Orelia jewellery as I love how petite and easily styled they are. I have really small, child-like sized fingers, so their jewellery has always been a go-to of mine as they are guarantee to fit. I've been a fan of Orelia  ever since I first discovered the brand a few years back in Topshop. I own quite a few pieces from their collection, so you can imagine how excited I was to receive these pieces. 

OOTD | Show Em'

OOTD Details

Location: Broadgate Circle

Camera: Sony RX100

Dress - Brandy Melville

Cardigan - Brandy Melville

Ankle Boots - Topshop

Statement Necklace - H&M
Bracelets: Monica Vinader
Watch: Michael Kors

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

The moment you find that one product that has change your skincare game, then you know you'll have to showcase it to the world. It's been SO long since I've found a product that has made such an impression, as it's not often I get wowed by a skincare product. 

Gardenia Soy Wax Candle By MBotanicals

As we say farewell to Summer and a big Hello! to Autumn, it can only mean one thing - layering up the blankets, cosy onesies, lots of hot chocolate and of course the scented candles. There is something so distinctively therapeutic about seeing a candle burn and inhaling the aromas as it slowly lingers around your room. It makes me unwind, relaxed and sends me deep in to my happy place.

The Urban Outfitters Marble Case

If you've read my July Wish List, then you'd know that I've been lusting over an iPhone6 marble case. Ideally I wanted to spend no more than £20.00 and durable enough to withstand major impacts on days where I decide to be clumsy, which shamefully is most days. 

OOTD | The Perfect Fan

OOTD Details 

Location - Bull Ring, Birmingham 

Camera - Sony RX100

Dress - American Eagle 

Sandals - Oasis 

Necklace - Topshop

Sunglasses - Topshop 

Bag - Alexander McQueen 

Accessories - Michael Kors & Monica Vinader

August Wish List

Lot's of high-end products on my wish list this month! I can't help but lust over all these beautiful pieces..

OOTD | Fairground Envy

OOTD Details 

Location - South Bank

Camera - Sony RX100 

Dress - Topshop Petite 

Shoes / Sandals - Oasis 

Necklace - Brandy Melville 

Bracelet - Monica Vinader 

Bag - Alexander McQueen 

Hair - Styled by GHD

Shadow & Highlight

A pop of colour is always a good option! Well, for me it is as I've recently been on a Eye Shadow buying spree - my credit card doesn’t know whats hit it! I’m always on a hunt for the perfect shade of colour that matches my dark brown eyes and also a highlighter that gives me that glamorous glow. I'm so happy with my recent purchases and guys, I’ve been experimenting and I think I’m in love..

From The Archive | Bangkok, Thailand ✈

It just dawn on me that this time last year I was back from the most amazing 2-weeks adventure filled holiday in Thailand. R and I packed our suitcases and headed to Bangkok and Chiang Mai last July/August to experience life in the East. We wanted to be cultured shocked, we wanted to see how the other side of the world lived and we wanted to experience Asia the real, uninfluenced way. And what better way than to start in the Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. 

London Eats | Eat Saigon ♨

Calling all Foodies, Londoners and Out-of-towners, head over to the bustling heart of Spitafield to sample a new taste of Vietnam at Eat Saigon - A family run Cafe specialising in home cooked Vietnamese food, made from the heart and from Mama's secret recipes. This is vietnamese soul food in the heart of London!

Dubai | Desert Safari ✈

Dubai never seizes to amaze me and this Desert Safari trip has officially been placed on the list of the best excursions that I have ever been on.

OOTD | Poster Girl

OOTD Details
Location - South London
Camera - Sony RX100 

Dress -Topshop

Shoes - Topshop

Clutch - Whistle

Braclet (1) - Topshop

Braclet (2) - Monica Vinader

Necklace - Accessorize
Rings - Accessorize

Hair - Styled by GHD

Happy In Twenty

Sometimes it's the smallest thing that can lift your spirits up, it can also be the big gestures that can raise your endorphin levels. Whether big or small, it is so important to acknowledge and hold on to the things that make you happy. 

July Wish List

It's July and my growing list of things I don't need, but really, really want is getting bigger by the minute. Above is a mixture of beauty, home ware, technology and photography items that I have been lusting over..

Hampton Manor Hotel

Summer weddings are the loveliest, especially if the weather grants you picture perfect sunshine and cloudless sky. R and I took a weekend trip Birmingham to celebrate, and to be part of our close friend's W&V special day. As you can see from the photos, the venue was absolutely stunning - from the location of the intimate ceremony room, to the grounds of this beautiful hotel. It was definitely a wedding to remember. 

OOTD | Little Black Asella

OOTD DETAILS 

Camera - Sony RX100 

Location - Hampton Manor Hotel

Dress - Ted Baker 

Shoes - Zara (2014) 

Hair - Styled with GHD
Necklace: Brandy Melville 

Watch: Michael Kors MK5735
Clutch - Whistle
Bracelet - Topshop UK
Rings - Various

OOTD | The Colour of Truth Is Grey

OOTD Details

Camera - iPhone 6

Location - Kings Cross

Dress - Topshop

Necklace - Brandy Merville

Shoes - Topshop

Hair - Taylor Taylor

Braclet - Topshop

Watch - Micheal Kors

Taste of London ♨

Taste of London is one of the biggest food festival in the UK, showcasing some of the best and newest restaurants in town. This year I decided to attend both Thursday and Fridays session, as it's been almost 3 years since my last visit. The atmosphere was buzzing and I was lucky enough to bump in to Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti during my Friday visit. All the food that I managed to try was delicious, with the portions being surprisingly big for a festival. It was a great 2-days spent eating my way through London's best restaurants.

Dubai | Afternoon Tea at The Burj Al Arab ♨

Dubai is one of the most glamorous cities in the world, with so much to do and see. It is also to the home to the only 7-star hotel to have ever been made - The Burj Al Arab. This 7-star upscale hotel screams absolute luxury for the rich and wealthies. It is so exclusive that only guests and people who have reservations only can enter. Entering The Burj Al Arab was pretty spectacular with everything spelling grand and rich.  We took a taxi here and was stopped at the entrance by one of the guards requesting to show our reservation confirmation before we could go in. The lovely Concierge team at The Atlantis, where we stayed for the duration of our trip, managed to secure a spot for Afternoon Tea at Sanh Eddar 'Reception of The House.

London Eats | Salvation In Noodles ♨

Every Asian household has one thing in common.. The love for Pho.  I grew up eating Asian food, my childhood pretty much involved food. Being raised in a Chinese household, (not) surprisingly there was a lot of Vietnamese influence in every dish my Mama masterfully cooked up. She's a pro at Pho and thats where I get my big appetite from for Vietnamese food. She always told me that food taste so much better when feasting amongst your nearest and dearest. And with that said, myself and two closes friends booked a table at Salvation In Noodles. I've been following Salvation In Noodles on Instagram (@sindaltson) for a while now and I don't know why I've taken this long to eat here.. 

The Sky Garden

London is home to so many tourist attractions and this one should be on everyone's to-do list when you're in town. Located in Fenchurch Street, the Sky Garden is a large observatory deck overlooking London's skyline. If you're lucky enough to pick a day that's sunny and bright, you'll get to see London in its naturally beautiful form. I was there during sunset on day of my Birthday (May) and the views were incredible - I fell in love with London all over again. Tickers are free and will need to be booked via the website Skygarden.london

London Eats | Dalston Yard - Street Feast

On a Saturday evening, in a little side road in trendy East London (Dalston) lies Dalson Yard. If you like food on the go, under a roof filled with cool, trendsetting east Londonders, then this is the place for you.

Dubai | Photo Diary (2) ✈

1. View from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa. Dubai looks incredible at night! We was lucky enough to catch a birds eye view of the dancing fountain from 124 floors up. 2. The world's largest indoor aquarium The Lost Chambers at the Atlantis The Palm. Being guesses at Atlantis mean't that we were able to visit this aquarium as much as we liked throughout our stay, 3.  The Lost Chamber Aquarium is home to over 65,000 marine animals. We past this aquarium every morning during breakfast - you could imagine how many pictures I took! 4. BH and I loved our evening walks around the Atlantis - it's even more beautiful at night. We loved walking along the private beach! 5. Dance/light show during the Desert Safari trip. Pretty spectacular! 6. Dubai Fountain - the largest dancing fountain show in the world. They played Michael Jackson's Thriller as I snapped this picture. 

Dubai has simply been the best and most memorable holiday to date. It has fulfilled all my expectations and even exceeded in some parts. A destination where luxury meets relaxation, a city built to accommodate those who wish to indulge in sunshine without the long haul flight, a paradise island for shoppers, and a city that caters for all sorts of holidayers. If you want sunshine without the added hours on the plane, then Dubai will give you just that and SO. MUCH. MORE.

Thank you for reading!

 xx  xx  xx 

*THIS POST IS NOT SPONSORED*

Dubai | Photo Diary (1) ✈

This holiday was all about sun, sea and relaxation, and that's exactly what we got got. Dubai ticked all the boxes and it really exceed our expectation. It is glitzy, glamorous and new, with so much to do and see.

Our package deal included flights with Virgin Atlantic and 7-night stay at the amazing Atlantis, The Palm. Our number one priority was to have fun and to spend some quality time away from he hustle and bustle. Let's just say that I did not miss home at all. Judging from my holiday snaps... can you blame me?

1. We went with Virgin Holidays, which was a prefect choice for us as it provided exactly what we wanted - luxury and affordability. We flew with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow Terminal 3 - flight time to Dubai was 7hrs.  2/3. BH and I spent the entire day at Dubai Mall - we shopped til' we dropped, did all the touristy things, and watched the Dubai Fountains. It is a huge shopping mall filled with more than 1000 shops and restaurants and even an aquarium.  4. The Desert Safari was one of the highlights of the trip. How often can you say that you star gazed in the middle of the desert? We went dune bashing, watched the sunset and so much more. It is definitely a once in a life time opportunity. 5/6. As  our final day treat, we booked a spectacular 7 course afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab. To say this was fancy would be one hell of a understatement. The only 7* hotel in the world.. say what?! The hotel is grand and lavish - rooms go for £900+ a day!  7. The beautiful Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which was one of 3 hotels that we were considering staying. 8. The world's tallest building, The Burj Khalifa.

I can only describe Dubai as spectacularly grand. It is a place where everything is brand sparklingly new with everything made, ready and waiting for you. It has a hint of LA'ness with its glitz, wealth and sunshine, but on a grander scale. I often felt quite small in such a big and build up city, but that doesn't detour from the fact that this city is absolutely stunning. Dubai, you rock! 

Thank you for reading!

 xx  xx  xx 

*THIS POST IS NOT SPONSORED*