As my graduation is looming I've been thinking of treating myself to a piece of jewellery to mark the occasion. For my 21st birthday my brother Billy designed the most exquisite daisy necklace with a canary yellow diamond in the centre which I wear daily and brings me so much joy when I catch it in the mirror. In my 1st year I promised myself I'd treat myself to a delicate Monica Vinader ring when I graduate. However the year's have been rather gritty and let's just say I feel like a skull ring is more apt. Make of that what you will!
The Great Frog is an ace jewellery shop in the heart of Carnaby street renowned for their rock 'n roll statement pieces.
My hostel hopping days have come to an end (for now) and it has left me with a bunch of empties. One of theperks of living on a shoestring is finally working my way through the abundance of lotions and potions that are mounting up in my bathroom. When I'm at "home" it's easy to become lazy when it comes to my skincare routine. However whilst I was HH'ing I made the time for my routine - even if it was at 3am before tiptoeing to my bunk bed - as it was my one luxury. I may have been staying in £12 a night beds, but I always remembered to pack my Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer... lol @ my priorities.
I got this contraption in the goody bag when I went to Estée Lalonde's eventback in November. Although it's a princess product that I would never buy for myself, it was quite a relaxing pastime and lord knows I love almond oil!
The vitamin E range at the body shop is hands down my favourite and I'm yet to try a product that I don't absolutely adore. Will definitely be repurchasing!! +
There's a reason so many people rhapsodise about this foundation. As long as you moisturise before applying, you'll never look back. I still can't believe it's only 8 quid!
I picked this up in duty free as it's a fragrance my mum wore for years and is so sophisticated. The official Chloé Perfume is around £40 but I spotted this 'deodorant' for £15 (!!) and I honestly can't tell the difference, as this too has a spray applicator. I use this as a perfume and although it's on it's last legs, it's lasted ages thanks to the generous 100ml bottle. I feel like I've discovered the lost world of Atlantis...talk about beauty hack!
I was toying with the idea of treating myself to Philosykos last summer but couldn't bring myself to drop £60. I ended up picking this up in duty free (I don't remember a time when I'm not in duty free) on the way to Corfu and wore it all summer. I received so many compliments as it's such a fresh and quirky scent. Although the staying power isn't too strong, it's a good size to pop in your handbag and at £18 you don't feel guilty liberally spritzing it throughout the day! In terms of describing the scent, many people have likened it to Dolce & Gabbana's Sicily.
It seems redundant to recommend a lip balm as there's so many but this one was a stand out product. Although it's probably the cheapest lip balm I've ever owned, it's super hydrating (no shit Sherlock). As if it wasn't perfect enough, it also has SPF15!
As a random side note a friend of mine was rocking this shade of iced blue eye shadow the other day and I just had to ask where it was from ~ maybelline if anyone's wondering. I think I've found my summer look:
This concoction of argan/macadamia/almond/rose oil smells incredible ~ many people have actually said it smells like Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille. The oil itself leaves a beautiful sheen.
This came free with Glamour magazine and transformed my make-up game. I always moisturise a few minutes before applying my base to prep my skin and this is hands down the best moisturiser I've ever used. The fact that it's banana yellow also put a smile on my face every morning. Bonuses: a little goes a long way and despite the bold colour, it isn't heavily scented.
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate //
My skin soaked this up and didn't feel greasy at all. However as it's an anti ageing product, I doubt I'll be picking up a bottle any time soon.
I was over the moon when this came free with Elle as I'm not one to buy high-end mascaras as drugstore ones are just as good (if not better) and a fraction of the price. I must say though this was a dream ~ so much so that I'm tempted to buy the £20 full size! It never clumps and truly does hold a curl.
I'm always on the hunt for natural sweeteners so this agave has been a favourite of mine. I think I'm going to give date syrup a whirl next. I also recently ran out of this coconut sugarthat I found in planet organic ~ it was devilishly tasty in my builders' brews!
These make everything better ~ not only are they hella good for you, but they add a crunchy texture. Here is a scrumptious recipe for chia pudding - do your future self a favour and bookmark it!
I've drank more coffee over the past month than I have all year - cheers, dissertation! When I'm not doing an all-nighters in the library, I like to sip this coffee alternative in the morning. It's delicious and made from a blend of barley, chicory, malt and figs! Nestle's Caro is another fab option if you're in the market.
My go-to snack when I'm supermarket sweepin' round the sainsbury's local in Greenwich at 11:58pm before hitting up the library. Well, that and a bunch of cheese twists ~ it's all about balance! Bonus points that the packaging has a mango wearing a top hat!
I've been having these tablets for many moons but accidentally bought the non-chewable version recently. Don't make the same mistake as me as they were like swallowing chalk!
Random AF...
These Russian nesting doll highlighters from paperchase were too adorable to not mention. I may be studying for a degree, but kawaii highlighters will always be in my pencil case!
What products have you used up lately that you'll be repurchasing?
I thought I'd give a wee shout-out to the marvellous Persepolis cafe in Peckham. The Persian emporium has been running for over fifteen years and brings its neighbourhood pride. I implore you all to head to snackistan for some delightfully mean grub as soon as you get the chance.
Persepolis is also a treasure trove if you're looking for exotic ingredients. Time out once described the joint as charmingly bonkers and I couldn't agree more!
If you're in the mood to try radical concoctions of flavours that I guarantee you've never tasted before then Persepolis should be on your hit list. You can't miss the garish yellow building and its hospitable flaming red head owner, Sally. Who also just happens to potentially be Peckham's biggest fan.
Unpretentious, scrumptious food awaits! The Turkish delight sundae is a firm favourite of mine...
I was scrolling through my drafts recently and noticed a style crush post that I 1/2 wrote back in 2k14 on Ukrainian model Lera Pentelute, which for some unknown reason I didn't put live ~
curiouser and curiouser.
Lera has modelled for Next/American Apparel/The Reformation, is a USC graduate and in her spare time dabbles in fashion illustration. Here are some of my favourite shots of this mega babe...
As soon as I saw this crimson dress I hopped over to ASOS in hope of finding something similar to take to Greece for the summer. This grungier version is now on its way to me.
The clashing colours on this bomber jacket are killer ~10/10
Let's just say I can't wait for the next 21st do...
Original style icon.
A witch ought never to be frightened in the darkest forest, Granny Weatherwax had once told her, because she should be sure in her soul that the most terrifying thing in the forest was her. -
Terry Pratchett, Wintersmith
If anyone knows where I can buy this funky forest green coat with daisy sleeves, hook a sista up!
Here is his haunting rendition of Mazzy Star's Fade Into You, which is featured on the ReLove playlist on kasetophono. If you're curious this is a Greek music station that my friend introduced me to recently. Their website has groovy mixtapes for every occasion from Sunday morningto Tarantino's road trippin.
"Colours your eyes with what's not there." Ugh, this line goes right for the jugular. 💘
If you fancy following Lera and her cosmic sketches, you can find her here.
I'm so enamoured with Lera's groovy doodles ~ I'd love to collaborate with her in the (hopefully not so distant) future when I publish my writing and need an illustrator. I adore her offbeat characters and artistic colour choices. Shoot for the stars, folks!
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