A Woman's Obsession

Today, I experienced something known to all women. It's a universal love and, essentially, the weakness of the female species. I am, of course, talking about a woman's infatuation with shoes. They are the most coveted part of our wardrobe, our treasured hoard.
Nobody can explain this obsession, it is simply part of being born W.O.M.A.N (at least that's the excuse we give to those gullible but adorable males).
What is it that makes us stop in our tracks and 'oooh' at so humble an object? Why do we lust after names like Jimmy Choo and Loboutin?

My honest answer?

I really don't care... I'm happy enough to give in to this craving and indulge it as often as I can. The suspects today are an extremely fabulous pair of black round-toed courts by Zigi. They gazed at me from an Urban Outfitter window, begging me to love them! I wanted to, oh how I wanted to! Unfortunately, I could not give in to my desires this day but I thoroughly intend to as soon as possible.

xXx

Daily Makeup Survey

Thought I'd give this a little go for fun =]

1. What time did you do your makeup today? Around 11:30 before I headed off to work.

2. What’s the least expensive beauty item you used? Boots 17 Hide Away concealer

3. What was the biggest problem you needed to correct? A wee breakout around my mouth... that time of the month, don't you love being a girl!

4. Did you apply false eyelashes? No, I rarely bother with falsies.

5. Did you do anything while applying make-up? Just got my bag ready for work.

6. Biggest make-up mishap today? I smudged my mascara when I blinked =[

7. Did you have a makeup inspiration in mind? I was just going for a fairly natural look so I just improvised.

8. What was the most time-consuming part of your makeup routine? Probably the eyeshadow, blending and such.

9. What part of your routine is the most fun? Eyes! Love doing eyes!

10. What part of your make-up makes the biggest difference in the way you look? Mascara

11. Neutral or colorful eyeshdaow? Neutral, I used the beige/brown colours from the Smashbox Muse palette.

12. Liquid or mineral foundation? Liquid ~ GOSH Light Wear in Ivory

13. Do you do your hair or make-up first? Makeup...

14. Did you pack a make-up bag to take with you for the day? Yeah, I was in work and then had to go straight to an interview. I needed supplies for touch ups!

15. When did you finish your make-up? Around 15 minutes after I started.

<3

XxX SK XxX

Haul & General Update

Hey all, it's been ages since I updated this!
I've just been so busy and stressed the past two weeks that I've not had much time for anything other than working, eating and sleeping!

But, I decided to treat myself the other day and bought a few bits & bobs to cheer myself up after an awful weekend!
First of all, I bought a plain mint green polo neck from New Look. I love polo neck jumpers.
I also got a gorgeous underwear set from Knickerbox in Ann Summers, it's the really pretty white set with the silver stars. Super cute! <3

Then I took a little wander over to CULT to see if they still had the shirt dress I'd admired in the window the week before. They didn't sadly but I did find these two fabulous winter dresses! And, even better, they were only £10 each in the vintage sale. Not sure which I prefer yet. I love the cut of the orange one but the greens in the other are beautiful!





So, that satisfied my retail urges for a little while longer!

In other news, I may be in with some luck in the job department. I am attending a recruitment evening for a high end fashion store, I think it's code for 'group interview' if I'm honest, and I am also waiting on a call from another store manager for a phone interview. I hope something comes from one of them! Royally sick of where I am now and having a few problems (sadly I can't really discuss them on my blog)

Hmmm, what else? Me and the boyfriend have started to clear out our flat in preparation for Christmas, and also because we need to clear some space and find new homes for things we no longer want/need. Our goal and reward at the end is to hopefully buy a cosy swivel chair that seats two. Cuddles and late night random chats to be had when we get it I think. =]

My dress for Christmas also arrived. It's a vintage 70s mini dress with a Victorian-like style to it, which I found very unusual for a 70s dress. It's dark brown with 3/4 length sleeves and the neckline and sleeves are trimmed in cream lace! It doesn't look like much on the hanger and I may get it taken in a little because it's a bit loose on me. I'm going to pair it with ribbed cream tights and brown suede court shoes.
What do you think?



I've also been resisting the urge to adopt a gerbil I saw in Pets At Home. They have a little corner tucked away with unwanted animals and the only one there the past few times I've been in the only resident has been one gerbil, name of Alfred. The name sold me if I'm honest. I like to name things with 'old fashioned' names. For example, my laptop is called Blanche after a character in a Tennessee Williams play. But Alfred called out to me and I am so tempted to go in and give him home. Sadly I'm not supposed to have pets in the flat and I don't know whether to risk it...

=[

Much love

XxX SK XxX

Boom & Flash! Fireworks & Review

Remember, Remember The Fifth Of November!
So, tomorrow is Guy Fawke's Night.
The night when we mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in which Guy Fawke's and his accomplices tried to blow up Parliament in 1605!

I decided it was good idea to make my nails super colourful and fun in lieu with Bonfire Night. All those colourful fireworks...

Also, it seemed as good a time as any to cram a little review onto here =]

So, here are the colours I used and the finished article:

- Barry M Nail Paint in No 136 Tangerine
- Barry M Nail Paint in 161 Vivid Purple
- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 544 Pink Lady
- Barry M Nail Paint in 295 Turquoise
- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 552 Yellow Bombay

and

- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 01 Base/Top Coat



On a side note, don't you love my bedspread! <3



So, I realise I may be a little old to paint my nails like this now. But it's all in fun and part of me still thinks it's so much fun!
Haha!

Anyway, reviews!

Barry M Nail Paint

As a brand, Barry M is amazing. They make amazing, affordable products that I love. However, as far as the Nail Paints go, the standard isn't the same. I find the Barry M Nail Paints a bit gloopy unless you shake like a tectonic plate! Colour wise, there's a great choice. I do still like the range though... there are worse nail products out there. I'm just a little disappointed in Barry M as the rest of the brand is so good.

GOSH Nail Lacquer

These things are fabulous!! Talk about quality... The colours glide on so easily and the polish doesn't get thick in the bottle like others can do. Colour wise, the GOSH range is a bit more limited than Barry M and a good majority of the colours are pretty safe reds/pinks etc. There are a few shocking shades though and Pink Lady & Bombay Yellow are two of them! The Base/Top Coat is an invaluable little asset and keeps your nails chip free much longer than other top coats I've used in the past.

I think both brands make decent nail colours and are both worth a look at. GOSH is a little more expensive than Barry M but you will see were the extra few quid went!

Have a fun Bonfire Night all!
And be safe!

xXx SK xXx

Cutex ~ Caring For Your Nails

I know a lot of people that are really rough on their nails. Biting them, scrubbing away with cheap polish remover, scratching polish off etc.
It's sinful...
and also, unhealthy nails just look manky!
But fear not, for I have found the perfect cure!

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover



This stuff is amazing! Seriously...

A small dab of a lightly soaked cotton wool pad and it removes even dark polishes in one stroke. Not only that, but it leaves your nails feeling really smooth and healthy. It contains vitamins and moisturisers, and even makes your nail tips whiter.

The remover also has a faint whiff of something sweet, but I can't put my finger on it because it's still got that sharp tangy smell.

But I would definitely recommend this to anyone!

xXx SK xXx