Engagements and Lace

Jumpsuit: Need That Look

Shoes: Primark

Belt // Bag: River Island

This Valentine's Day was spent with lots of loved ones. With a week off work I was able to head round to my Gran's house and join the Friday Club once again, then heading to an Engagement party at night, through in Linlithgow with my boyfriends family. Since it was Valentine's Day, the day of love, it had to be some form of pink or red ensemble.

I instantly fell in love with this gorgeous pink, lace jumpsuit, similar to Lucy Meckleburgh from Towie's. Jumpsuits have been something I have grown to love. They are unbelievably comfortable to wear and you never need to worry about anything being on show or too short. The only downside is when you are heading to the loo, but that's hardly enough to put me off!

The pink lace was a little much so I popped on this gold and black belt to break it up and add some dimension. It also creates some curves. I decided to stick with nude shoes as they blended with the nude fabric and created the illusion of longer legs. Tying it all together with a gold clutch bag!

I wanted to keep my make-up quite natural and understated so I used my Double Wear as a base to give me flawless, airbrushed skin.I always use this foundation when heading to a special occasion, it doesn't budge and gives such a beautiful finish. Sculpted with my Sleek contour palette then added lots of Benefit's High beam to the cheek bones. I also used the bronzer on the lids of my eyes to add some dimension. The only statement I used was on my lips with Rimmel's Apocalypse Lip Lacquer in 102 Nova.

What did you all get up to for Valentine's Day?

Let me know what you think of this look?

Lori x

Swinging Sixties

Blazer: Marks and Spencers

Dress: Missguided

Tights // Boots: Primark

Earings: Swarovski

An unexpected afternoon lunch was on the cards this dreary Monday afternoon when my Mum invited me along to join her and her friend for lunch - Who am I to turn down a free lunch?

I always have and probably always will, love the sixties era. There is something so beautiful and chic about the style that I just adore. The women of the sixties weren't afraid to wear bold colours and patterns or experiment with crazy eye make-up - think I was born in the wrong era. When I saw this high neck skater dress on Missguided I knew that it had to be mine! Due to the cold weather it was essential to pop on thick black tights, although the dress is on the short side, I'm sure tights would be on regardless. It's funny though, white is never a colour I opt for regularly, in fact it's probably a rare occurrence you would catch me in the shade resembling my snow-like skin - I always feel that it can wash me out. However, there was something about this dress that made it into my basket and quickly hit the 'check-out' button before I could turn back!

This blazer was a present for Christmas which I haven't had a chance to wear yet. Lets be honest, it has been far too cold to step outside without a ski suit on, never mind a blazer. Two, my blazer may be ridiculously pretty but it is also ridiculously hard to pair with anything patterned. Noting that I was wearing a plain white dress I seized the opportunity to pull this off the hanger, I think I heard it squeal with excitement about it's first (of many) outings!

You may have noticed that I have been messing around with my photos over the last few weeks. I am trying all different things; outdoors, indoors, settings, styles - trying to find what's best for me. I'll get there eventually! If you have a preferred style then please let me know what you like best?

Lori x

February Beauty Wishlist

This is a new post which I have seen kicking about the blogosphere for a while now but have never quite got around to doing one! However, I thought, why not jump upon the Wishlist bandwagon? and since it's a Wednesday lets make it a Wednesday Wishlist! I haven't quite decided how often I will do this, whether it will be fortnightly or monthly - We shall just have to wait and see!

Tangled Angel Brush //  Bare Minerals Concealer // Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highligher // Kardashian Beauty Lip Kit // Real Techniques Beauty Blender // Nars Guy Bourdin Coeur Battant // Nars Lip Pencil 'Damned' // Urban Decay Beauty Balm // Babyliss Perfect Curl // 

Some of these products I have been lusting after for a while, for example, the beauty blender and the babyliss perfect curl. The beauty blender just seems like the ideal applicator for my concealer, not smudging it out. The curler? Well, who doesn't want fuss-free curls done in no time...um, hello, I do! They may also stay in for longer than half an hour...

Make-up wise, which is quite a lot, the Bare Minerals concealer is something I have been wanting for months and yet, still haven't got around to buying. One of my favourite YouTuber's Leighannsays is forever going on about it, and she always looks amazing so I have been dying to try and see if it lives up to the hype. First of the two lip products is the new Kardashion Beauty range and their nude lip kit. I still haven't found my perfect nude lip but this looks like a pretty good fit! I already have a Nars lip pencil in 'Red Square' which I'm sure you will all have seen, but after seeing Amelia talk about 'Damned' in her recent video it has to be mine! They are very creamy and have great lasting power so a few new shades wouldn't go a miss. The other Nars product is the Guy Bourdin blush - how I wish I had got the limited edition blush palette when it was out *palm face*

I have been using the Urban Decay foundation for months now and, if I'm honest, I wasn't really expecting to rate it - how wrong was I. It is one of my favourite foundations - perfect shade match! So when I saw that they are bringing out a Beauty Balm I think I may have squealed! Will be the perfect addition to my collection for days when I am not at work and prefer not to wear a full face. The 'Girls Meet Pearl' Highlighter has been in my wishlist for ages now too, I have had the travel size before and absolutely loved it for a natural daytime glow. It's not as striking as high beam which I feel is a little much for a daytime look.
Lastly, the Tangled Angel Brush just looks so dreamy! How cute would this be on your dresser? It claims to be anti-static which is definitely something that interests me.


So there we have it for February's wishlist, maybe this will make you want them too! Or, you could even point your other half in this direction, Valentine's Day is only just over a week away after all..

What do we think of these type of posts?
Would you like them to be a regular occurrence on the blog or will once monthly do you just fine?


Lori x

Christmas Panto

Scarf: Gift

Top: New Look

Jeans: New Look

Jacket: George at Asda

Boots: Kurt Geiger

Bag: Paul's Boutique

Lipstick: Mac in 'Glaringly Hip' 

Yesterday I was off to the panto with the family! It is a tradition every year for me and my family every year to head off to panto land and we all have an absolute ball! The tradition started when I was seven and I was a child dancer in the pantos (I performed in them for four years, from ages seven to eleven) and every year my group would be performing on my birthday (Boxing Day) and my family would always come along to see me and the cast would sing happy birthday to me on stage! Great memories. Afterwards we headed out for dinner, this holiday season has been filled with family time which I have loved! 

This new camera loves to show off just how pale I am!

Hope you like this look!

Lori x

And I Want To Thank You

All through life we are faced with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows - with a little in-between from time to time. As of last week my life took a lovely turn for the road upwards thanks to all of you! I was one of two winners of the 'Inspired Magazine Guest Blogger Competition' and although I am still in shock and completely overwhelmed I wanted to say a big, huge, massive THANK YOU! I started blogging because I had a secret passion and desire to do it and finally with a little encouragement from my inner fear I finally began - I have never been so glad I did. Who would have thought that just over a month of blogging has presented me with such an amazing opportunity!? Not me anyway!

For my first post I thought I should do an 'About Me' and introduce myself to those of you who don't know me and a thanks to everyone who does and helped me to win this amazing opportunity (or those who attempted to silence me by liking my page that I posted 10 thousand times - I am eternally indebted to you all). Unfortunately I wasn't able to post that article as the website is based solely on fashion and beauty but I still felt the need to thank everyone who has been reading my blog over the last two months and helped me win this amazing opportunity! I won't let you down!

Yesterday I got my first article published which you can view HERE!! Feeling oh-so Carrie Bradshaw at the moment! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for my articles over the next month.

I look forward to writing for you all over the next month - finding you all the greatest buys and bringing you all of the latest trends! If you have any suggestions for topics or what you would like to see then feel free to let me know!

Thank you all again

Lori x

Friday Fabu-List

Today's Friday Fabu-List is going to be linked to my post on Monday about the new colour of the season which is looking to be cobalt blue. I have been seeing it everywhere of late and I have picked some of my favourite pieces from the high street/ online to help you through the season.

River Island £45

Love these court shoes! I think they would be perfect to brighten up a pair of jeans and cami or add to a cream dress to give it a little something extra. Or if you are feeling brave why not colour clash?

Missguided £26.99 

This playsuit is absolutely gorgeous, really on trend with the scalloped shorts. I am obsessed with these gold plated belts just now and really think they add a touch of class to an outfit. Definitely an outfit for breaking out the dance moves!

River Island £120

This jacket is on my wishlist! It is gorgeous. I live in leather jackets and this would be perfect if you were starting to get bored of the your plain black bikers. This would look gorgeous with some jeans and biker boots.

Internacionale £14.99

I have noticed a progression in Internacionale and think it has came on leaps and bounds over the last year or so. They have really stepped up their game and became quite the contender on the high street scene. Love this clutch and think it would be great on a night out again an LBD.

Topshop £36

This is amazing! I am a huge fan of playsuits and I feel a lot more comfortable and secure in them - especially on nights out. I can dance around like mad as much as I like. Love the back of this as well, really classic with the string straps. Also a big fan of the drawstring middle to add shape to the waist.

River Island £45

River Island are really knocking it out the park on this cobalt blue trend! They have so many amazing items to bring to the table. This jacket is amazing! Dying to have it. Love the gold buttons and tuxedo style jacket - will add a dressy feel to any outfit.

New Look £7.99

If you aren't too sure on this colour and aren't ready to dive right in then maybe adding some simple accessories will add the seasons must-have colour to your wardrobe. Why not opt for this amazing leopard print scarf? I think this will most probably be getting purchased by myself! Team it with some boyfriend jeans and a simple white tee.

Hope you like this weeks Friday Fabu-List, I have linked all of these items to where they are located on each website if you have been tempted to buy any of the above. Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas for my next list!

Lori x

Fallen Floral

Shirt: Gap

Blazer // Jeans // Bag: New Look

Yesterday I headed out on a shopping spree with my Mam and we decided to head up to The Centre in Livingston for a change. The weather was horrible yesterday, very dark and gloomy which instantly put me off wearing any dresses or shorts. Looked out my shaper jeans (feel like I should do a proper review on these as they have made an appearance in a few of my blogs, let me know your thoughts? Would you like a review?) Went for the lighter shade today and teamed them with this gorgeous floral shirt from Gap.

I am not a Gap shopper, in fact, it is very rare you will find me in a Gap store however I just happened to pop in to one when I was in Glasgow last week with Craig (boyfriend) who was looking for a long sleeved white top - which, fyi, is apparently impossible to find! No where except Gap sold them and I mean no where! Literally hit up every store before going into Gap as a last resort. Anyway, slightly off subject, I spotted this number and had to have it!

Another pink number from me - shocker! Maybe I'm starting to convert... 

I know this won't be to everyone's taste as it is most definitely bold but I felt it was perfect to brighten up my day (since the weather wasn't going to bother to do that). Wanted to keep the girly-ness of the shirt to a minimum so dulled it down with my black blazer - wardrobe staple - and a black handbag.

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Light Porcelain 

Blusher: Maybelline Expert Wear Blush 77 Rose // Sleek contouring kit

Concealer: Revlon Colourstay in 01 Fair

Mascara: Smashbox Full Exposure Jet Black 

Brows: HD Brow Palette

Eyeshadow: Creaseless Cream Shadow Liner

Lipstick: NYC Lip Balm in shade 350

Kept my make-up look to a minimum today as my shirt is as bright so opted for nude lids and lips. As you can see I refrained from my liquid eye-liner today which I may start doing more often to give a more natural look and finish. Used my gorgeous NYC lip balm in shade 350, to give my lips a little extra shimmer. Who knows, maybe I'll try and add this look into my casual weekdays? Possibly not - I do love my liquid liner after all!

Hope you like this look!

Lori x

Red Lipstick, All On The Paper

Top: Topshop 

Skirt (braces attached): H&M

Jacket: Primark

Scarf/ Tights/ Boots: New Look

Bag: La Moda

Today was date day with my lovely boyfriend Craig and we decided to go a jaunt into Glasgow City Centre. He was out looking for a suit and I was just looking for whatever I could get my hands on basically! Typical!

The weather was obviously up to it's usual tricks with dark clouds looming above however, I decided to be brave and risk no hood. To be fair, I have hardly any jackets with a hood on them and I'm not a massive jumper wearer so my warm leather jacket it was.

Got this cute skirt with braces attached when I was in London with my Mum a while ago on sale for like £7 - absolute steal! Really love it. I think that the dark grey keeps it quite understated even with the 'LOVE IS HARD' writing all across it. I wanted to highlight the braces and so opted for this super soft top from Topshop. These burnout style tee's are everywhere at the moment and a great investment. I'm looking to get them in a few colours as they are handy to throw on with jeans.

Needed some tights today as it is definitely not sunny enough to go bare legs! Plus the fact I am constantly freezing so it's just not worth it! Got these boots at Christmas time to get me through and have finally pulled them back out since the sunshine has been and gone. 

I just bought this bag from La Moda and I am absolutely in love with it! I am a big bag person and this is certainly a big bag! I hate trying to cram things into a tiny bag, what is the point when you can get beauts like this for amazing prices! Studs have been massive this year and I still don't see them disappearing any time soon. This also ticks onto the monochrome trend, I personally think this is a classic piece that I will get lots of use out of.

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me 115/ Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Porcelain

Eyeliner: Miss Sporty Studio Lash Eye Liner

Elizabeth Arden Pencil Liner

Lipstick: Kate Moss Rimmel 22

Brows: HD Brows

Mascara: Mac Factor Clump Defy

Blusher: MUA 

Today's look was unfortunately done by hand i.e foundation, as I washed my brushes last night - absolute nightmare of a task! - and I was still waiting on them drying this morning. Went for a classic liquid liner look with a slight cat flick at the end to open up my eyes. Just got the HD Brow kit and was so excited to use it! I could go out without any make-up on as long as the brows are done! Will review my HD Brows soon and let you know my thoughts! I never had any contour today again due to lack of brushes! Decided to add a statement lip to add colour to my overall outfit as well as distract from my lack of make-up expertise today!

Hope you like this look!

Lori x

Where The Sequin Spell Fell

Blouse: Primark

Black Top (Worn Underneath): H&M

Skirt: Warehouse

Shoes: Amanda Wakeley

As a belated birthday present to my Dad I took him out to our local restaurant Benkaz for a meal! If you haven't been here before be sure to check it out. The food is absolutely amazing, I have never been disappointed! I phoned up earlier on in the day to book and asked if they could organise something a bit special and they decorated our table with balloons and banners. Was really lovely and a great touch for my Dad! 

Anyway moving on from talking about the food, which left me absolutely stuffed! Too. Much. Cheesecake! I didn't have any particular outfit planned for tonight as it turned into a last minute decision to go now as opposed to the weekend. 

This skirt was one that I got months ago and hadn't worn, tags and everything still on it and so I thought why not? I love the contrasting colours of sequins with the blue and white. It's styled to be quite dip-dye except the colour doesn't change from top to bottom it's just blending in and out throughout the skirt! I think this skirt is so versatile and you could really dress it up for a night out. I wanted to show off the black band at the top and opted for tucking my blouse in.

My blouse was one borrowed from wee Ann's closet as I couldn't find anything in mine to go with. I found this gorgeous black one with a pussybow tie at the front - which I love! I think pussybow's give anything a classic edge and makes it quite girly. I prefer to tie the bow lower as opposed to at the neck to give it more of a laid back feel. The blouse is sheer and so I decided to pop a plain black top underneath to be more civilised in a restaurant, with my Dad.

I absolutely adore these heels! I got them as a present around a year or so ago and how amazing are they? Who doesn't love a pair of Amanda Wakeley's? Not a huge sling-back lover as I tend to find they just fall off my feet, however these are very secure. I also like the fact that they aren't too high and easy to walk in. I am really not a fan of massive high heels - unless it is an ankle boot, then I can concur a mountain! - because I actually can't walk, and there is most definitely nothing worse than seeing a woman unable to walk in her shoes! What's wrong with a smaller heel that you can stride in?

Went for a pinky smokey eye tonight, thought I'd change it up a little and add some colour in with some orange lipstick thrown into the mix just for added effect.

Hope you like this look!

Lori x

The Belle of the Ball

13 Bank Street

Falkirk

FK1 1NB

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Dress: £189

  

Dress: £375

 

Dress: £299

Dress: £20

 

Dress: £49

  

Dress: £55

  

Dress: £65

 

Dress: £35

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of heading along to 'The Belle of the Ball' Boutique, based in Falkirk which is only a short drive from me to begin my first review! I've been so excited about this all week! I was met by the lovely and extremely helpful owner Lisa who made myself and my mum (also photographer for the day) feel right at home! 

Now who doesn't want to spend their day playing dress up?

I got to test drive some of the beautiful stock draping the walls! Being the only stockist of Primavera in Scotland, I had the privilege of getting to wear and snap some of the beautiful dresses. The purple sequins dress above is a Primavera number and it was absolutely beautiful on! I adored the train on the dress and would be a great investment for a ball or prom if you really want something to stand out! The dress stocks only one of each special occasion dress so if you want it I would be quick on the up-take! I think this is such a unique touch to the store as it means you'll never need to worry about turning up at an event in the same gown! (Every girls nightmare!!)

The Belle of the Ball stocks a wide variety of labels from AX Paris, La Femme to Sticks and Stones and Papparazzi both by Mori Lee. There really is something for everyone! From floor length to shorter styles the price tags can be anything from £15 up.

Another trait the store has just recently began is a 'Pre-L<3ved' section where you can sell your own dresses via the store, as long as it is two years old or less and is obviously in great condition! So if you have any gowns gathering dust and cobwebs in the back of your closets be sure to take them down here and get more information on this.

All of the dresses above are just some of the items I went mad over! I was literally like a dog with two tails and could have spent the rest of the day trying on everything else, however, I felt that I had enough material to satisfy all you lovely followers! Plus, I honestly couldn't handle any more beautiful, sparkly gowns! I mean, have you seen the gorgeous floor length black, sequin number?! Isn't it amazing!

I also want to say how beautiful the actual boutique is. Anyone who knows me understands how much I hate racking through clothes rails and messy stores! I like to be able to see where clothes are and other sizes available - even in sale racks! The store, as you can see from pictures above, is immaculately laid out and the changing rooms are very Hollywood-esque with the gorgeous light up mirrors - really great extra touch! You are sure to feel like a movie star here!

Myself and the lovely owner Lisa

I would highly recommend this boutique to anyone looking for something that is extra special - You are sure to find something that will tickle your style buds! I had a fabulous afternoon with Lisa at the store and shall hopefully be heading back soon to top up my wardrobe must-haves!

Make sure you jump over to The Belle of the Ball on;

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Lori x