What kind of sick person follows up a blog post about an ASOS haul with their next ASOS wishlist?!
Me. I do. Sorry…
The save for thirty days feature of the website is so deadly. And the person at ASOS who suggested they have it must be the office hero. You can quite casually add whatever tickles your fancy and then when you’re feeling that incredible urge to shop – BAM. It’s all there, ready to be paid for. Damn them.
I’m not buying anything new for a while. I swear. I’m going to be good. But here is the contents of my saved list:
That’s right – I have a raincoat and coloured jeans here. Totally not something I’d normally buy. I am obsessed with yellow though and that raincoat looks adorable. I haven’t loved it enough to make the purchase though, so I guess I’ll just wait for a discount code.
I’m happy there is a range for short people like me. I bet the pants will still be too long…ahh well.
Hey, at least when I fly I have more legroom than most. That’s something. Short people, celebrate!
Been home sick after a shocking night of feeling unwell. (Oddly enough, these nights are less frequent than they used to be. So something is going right.) Luckily my ASOS order arrived today, so I’m not totally grumpy. Remember my previous post on the sheer shirts? (Surely you’ve thought of nothing else since I posted it, right?) A couple of them were bought and arrived this afternoon.
I know they are supposed to be loose but these seem SO BIG. I’m not too fussed but will remember that next time and go a size smaller.
Here’s most of what I bought. You won’t see me in them, I’m still in my PJs and look like death.
Accidently bought TWO of these grey tops. With the 25% sale it was all so cheap I didn’t notice. I’m sure I’ll find it a loving home.
I love the collar so much
As I sat there, taking photos of my new clothes with the light tent I thought: I am a massive weirdo. My mother was right all these years!
Happy Sunday! Are you enjoying those last precious moments of the weekend? I’m trying to relax with some fashion and beauty blogs. I’m finding fashion blogs a bit hard to read lately, so many include awkward leans, pouty expressions and outfits that look more at home in a circus. That sounds a bit catty but I guess I’m just becoming an old nanna who is judging the clothes these young people wear these days!
Any recommendations for good blogs without pouty faces and awkward leans would be great. I’m loving Buy Now, Blog Later and So Beaucoup!
I promised myself I wouldn’t do a post about Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters, which hit the stores this month and have been featured on many a blog since. Much better blogs than mine. But then they came in the mail and boy, I’ve been carrying them around the house for no reason, bringing them up in conversation constantly, screaming “SWEET TART” at random and scaring the shit out of the boyfriend. So I have to show them to you, dear reader. Because my family are sick of hearing about them.
Here is the collection I bought. I won’t go into TOO much detail about them as you’ve probably heard it all before.
Left to right: Lollipop, Tutti Frutti, Candy Apple, Cherry Tart and Sweet Tart
Everyone loves dot points:
Sweet Tart is the immediate favourite, it is a very flattering light pink shade on my pale skin and lots of fun
While not massively pigmented, these were stronger than I thought and gave my lips a lovely pop of colour, with a bit of a shine without the sticky feeling of a gloss
I bought mine on ebay, the cost of $21.95 dollarydoos is too much for these
If you’re not up for some online shopping, get your butt to Priceline or any chemist that stocks Revlon products
Lip butter in Sweet Tart, no filter so you can get an idea of the colour
Well I’m a little happy shopper! Would love to hear if anyone else bought some of these, or if you’re so outraged by the mark up in Australia that you’re not going to bother.
I’m torturing myself a bit, because I have many annoying bills to pay (car, house, lawyer, phone, waggghhh) that I shouldn’t be buying anything. At all.
Recently I’ve been lusting after sheer shirts and blouses. I bought a couple of tops from American Apparel of all places and now I’m hooked.
What I’m really after is:
Not too long (There is one at AA that was beautiful but would’ve gone down to my knees…I’m a shorty.)
Long sleeves, buttons
Perhaps a contrasting colour on the collar
After moping around for a while and being annoyed at myself for mentally designing a shirt that I’ll never find I realised that’s why God created ASOS. And I’m such a dope for forgetting that!
So super close! I would prefer the sleeves to be a bit longer, but apart from that it’s almost perfect. I would prefer NOT to have polyester either. Cos it…doesn’t breathe, if you know what I mean. (Or am I just sweaty?)
Not quite what I was thinking but I still love it. I’m leaning towards the nude colour though, just as I’m getting a bit obsessed with nude tops lately. Polyester, again?! Cmaaan ASOS! (They love Polyester like you don’t even know.)
I’m so excited to have bought Illamasqua’s Neutral Palette. I’ve been lusting after it since everyone started blogging about Illamasqua’s latest collection.
Illamasqua neutral palette
To be honest, I don’t know how “neutral” a palette is when it contains a black. This seems more like a standard smokey eye palette as it is actually quite dramatic. However, knowing how theatrical Illamasqua is I suppose this is as neutral as they get!
The colours are beautifully pigmented and really compliment each other.
Shades from left to right: Stealth, Vintage, Obsidian and Wolf. Vintage is by far my favourite, it’s so shimmery and pretty. I think that with Stealth I can wear it daily.
I’m so excited to get all dolled up and use this palette properly!
Are you loving anything from Illamasqua lately? I think it’s becoming a bit addictive for me.
Sheesh, this was supposed to be Hair Week, not freaking Aveda week. But I do have another recommendation for you from the brand, I guess I didn’t realise how much I like Aveda until this week. Hair week tends to bring out these emotional breakthroughs in people, so I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s like the ending of a rom com.
I am so lazy, I hate blow drying my hair. Especially when it was longer, it took forever and a day and I have better things to do, like playing on YouTube. So I bought a product to help me cheat my way to a nice hairdo without having to work for it.
Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother is not a miracle worker by any means, but still a good little product. You apply a small amount to freshly washed hair and either let it air dry naturally or blow dry it.
The benefits are:
Hair is less frizzy and easier to style
Great for those in humid climates, I usually take it with me on vacation
Protects your hair when heat styling
Shortens the length of time it takes to blow dry your hair which is bliss for a lazy girl such as myself
Do you need the rest of the Smooth Infusion range when using this? Honestly, I don’t think so. This does a nice job on its own. And I did try the shampoo and don’t think it was AMAZING.
Don’t use TOO much, especially you girls with fine hair, or it will weigh it down and look a bit flat.
I find this product a lot more useful when I’m blow drying my hair rather than just leaving it in to air dry. If you have straight fine hair, I think you’ll find it doesn’t do much on that front. However if you suffer from a bit of frizz, try it both ways. If you’re wondering where to find it, if you have an Oscar Oscar salon near you they have a huge range of Aveda stuff.
Let’s interrupt Hair Week as I can’t wait until next week to gush over House of Harlow with you.
I am not a gold person, by any means. Silver or white gold all the way. But there is something about House of Harlow that I’ll make an exception for. These designs are perfect in gold, and I don’t know why I don’t own every piece. Or even a single piece. This is such a big first world blogger problem, you have no idea!
Are you as in love with HOH as I am? I still can’t believe that Nicole Richie is behind this – as much as I adore her!
I love using Aveda products. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the smell, or maybe it just reminds me of being in a salon as it’s what my hairdresser uses, but I just love their stuff.
My current favourite is their Shampure shampoo and conditioner range. While most Aveda shampoos target a specific hair concern or type (protecting from the sun, adding volume to fine hair etc) this is more an “everybody” shampoo not really targeted at anything. I started using it when I needed a product to get rid of the yucky product build up I had in my hair, only intending to use it sporadically. However it’s won it’s way into my usual routine.
I should stress that although Aveda’s tagline is: “The art and science of pure flower and plant essences” that this is NOT a completely natural product. However there are 25 “pure flower and plant essences” which accounts for the yummy smell. I feel like I’m in a bit of a day spa when I use it.
The sensible thing would be for me to tell you what it does to my hair. I’m getting to that, yeesh. I love using it, my hair is silky and makes it shine. I find I don’t need to wash my hair as often when I’m using it, which is great! If you’re interested in the Aveda range this is a great starting point.
I have to grump a bit, it’s my nature – this product is like two or three times more expensive in Australia! I’m getting so sick of that.
Oh yeah it’s HAIR WEEK. A whole week dedicated to long, beautiful hair. Or short sexy hair. And all lengths in-between.
First up I have a little request, from Lindsay:
Help a sister out. I’m growing my hair long again and I need good, relatively affordable devices with which to wrestle it. Specifically, good straightening and curling irons for very fine, color-treated hair. Any other tips you could give would be much appreciated, oh Goddess of the Girly.
Someone told her I like compliments! That’s just sneaky.
There is SO MUCH I could recommend, but I’m just going to suggest a few products that are good for coloured, fine hair. Although my hair is a natural colour at the moment, I’ve had so many colours over the years and my hair is quite fine. So I’ve tried a lot of products in a quest to maintain it. Here are the winners.
ghd hair straightener
Ack! Lindsay said relatively affordable – but hear me out! First of all, in America they are $185 – that isn’t TOO much. We pay $285 in Australia – but we pay because it WORKS. And we’re just used to paying more.
The awesome thing about a ghd, apart from the time it will save you getting ready because it works so efficiently, is that it can also be used to curl your hair. ghd curls have a look of their own, I think. They are a bit more bouncy than a curling tong. They also really hold the curl, so the result lasts a long time. So really, it’s like two products in one.
A lot of people say it’s tricky to do a ghd curl, but I find it quite easy. There are a few different methods, the easiest one you can see in this video alone. You really need to see it to get it.
I’ve tried cheaper versions that claim to have the same technology as a ghd, but after a year it’s not working so great. My sister’s 4-year-old ghd is still going strong. It’s a good investment. So it’s more money at the start, but it’ll be the only tool you’ll need.
Big tip: Curls waaaay too bouncy? GOOD. Wait until it cools, then brush it out or run your hands through it, depending on what look you’re going for. Just as long as you wait for your hair to cool, otherwise your curls will be gone very quickly. I also think the bouncier the curl, the better it looks when it’s brushed out. So don’t worry if you have those crazy bridesmaid / year 9 curls at the start.
Moroccan Oil
Moroccan Oil is a very popular treatment that conditions and leaves your hair silky soft. If you have thick, unruly hair it can be a godsend. If you have thinner, lighter hair it can weigh it down and make it a bit lifeless. Thank goodness they’ve brought out a Light version so us ladies with thinner hair can enjoy it as well! It is as easy as putting through your hair after a shower, then letting it dry naturally or blow drying it. Little tip, a lot of people who hate it are using too much I think. A bit is all you need, and it lasts a long time.
Really nice for coloured hair that takes a beating.
Heat Protection
If you’re heat styling your hair often you really need to use a heat protection product. There are so many available these days, I usually use the ones that come in a spray bottle to give my hair a quick spritz before styling. But there are also creamy formulas that you can massage into wet hair before blow drying. If you have fine coloured hair, please make sure you protect it! I like this one by evo (such a fun lil brand) but I’ve also used the ghd ones to great success. If you’re not spending much just have a look at what you can get at the supermarket as there are heaps of options. There is no excuse not to use it!
Also your flat mates/partner/parents won’t want to kill you for leaving hair everywhere each time you blow dry or straighten it.
Pantene 3 Minute Miracle
This pack of three ampoules is actually quite affordable, because I use each one at least twice at the ends on my hair. You only need to use this about two or three times a week, perhaps if your hair isn’t feeling so silky or before a bit event. Really I can recommend anything similar you find in the supermarket, they are quick fix to silky hair and feel awesome.
Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion
Fine hair sometimes needs a bit of OOMPH. I add a bit of this product to my roots and it gives me extra volume. It can be a fun little product to use, especially when you’re growing out your hair and want to play with different looks and see just how big you can go. There’s a bit of a fancy video showing you how to use it on the website, but honestly I just sprinkle a little into my roots and scruff it up with my hands. No fuss!
Dry Shampoo
Any dry shampoo will do, though go for a dark one if you have dark hair to avoid looking like you have dandruff! Applying it to the roots it prevents your hair from being oily, so your day or two between washes is grease free.
Shampoo
Try a shampoo that is free from silicone, as after a while it just builds up and hair becomes flat. I do have products with silicone in them but I don’t use them every day, so it doesn’t build up. So if you are really keen on a shampoo with silicone just remember to use another shampoo to remove the build up each week and you’ll be fine.
I’m using Shampure from Aveda, I love the smell, the fact that it doesn’t lather up too much and it make my hair super silky.
Conditioner
If you’re going blonde, try a conditioner with a toner a few times a week to prevent your colour from going too brassy. Trust me, it works. But don’t do it every day, it’s not great for your hair!
Ack that is a lot of stuff!
But I haven’t even scratched the surface! Maintaining hair is starting to sound like a full-time job. At the end of the day, just don’t over style or treat your hair badly and you’ll be fine. And have FUN and enjoy your new long locks.
And when it gets too much – chop it off again! I might have to do that because after writing this list I’m too exhausted to even wash my hair.
Feel free to share your tips or give some advice to Lindsay! Also interested to hear what your hair is like – fine, curly, coloured? How do you beat it into submission/make it look it’s best?
Normal nail polish is SO annoying. You spend ages trying to get it perfect, then you bump something or scratch an itch. Or perhaps you get it right but it chips the next day.
You could say that ordinary nail polish just gives me a SHELLACKING each time I tried it, so I decide to try Shellac!
*crickets*
Even my mum wouldn’t laugh at that one.
Hey here’s a distraction – check out my HOT PINK NAILS.
Shellac hot pink nails
I’m so, so happy with them! They feel so nice and they have SUCH a shine.
Shellac manicures usually last about 2 – 3 weeks with minimal chipping. They look glossy as the day you had them done. They usually need to be removed in the salon as it can be a bit tricky, but there are ways of getting around it. My sister is in the other room removing hers…she is wearing foil on her fingers to do it. Eep.
Probably going to get a few odd looks at work…hmmm, oh well! Nothing wrong with clinging to what remains of the good weather with some bright colours. Would it be too much to wear Face of Australia’s Malibu Barbie with this, or would I really look like Barbie? Do I care? I can’t get enough hot pink.
I had this done at She Bar in Camberwell. Somebody needs to tell people in Camberwell that there is such a thing as later night shopping on Thursday, because all clothing stores were closed by 6pm which seriously peeved me.
Anyway, the lovely Bec at She Bar was so quick, chatty, lovely and did a great job. Shellac there starts from $35, which is a lot cheaper than most places.
Have you tried shellac? I’m interested in trying some other bright colours, would love some ideas!
Ps. I’ll share some Stevie with you to go into your Thursday night/Friday!
peta petal is a blog about pretty girly things that make me smile. I aim to write about beauty and fashion for REAL women.
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