Christmas Present Ideas For Girls

Christmas is just around the corner *eep* and you can feel that festive buzz around the shops. This year my plan is to start searching and purchasing now so that I can focus on cute wrapping and cards nearer to christmas. To get some ideas flowing I've compiled a list of present ideas and places to look, perfect for sisters, friends and even mums.

(ALSO the photo above reminds me of winter, its not really relevant but it's pretty)

Books

A little selection of books that you'd be proud to keep on your bookshelf.

Sali Hughs : Pretty Honest . a beauty book for someone just testing the waters with makeup or a total expert. it's pretty much a makeup bible. 

Alexa Chung : it . for any fashion lover this is a staple. the pages are made out of lovely thick matte paper, and the photographs make it look like a work of art. 

Lena Dunham : Not That Kind Of Girl . a feminine and hilarious book, I was totally hooked.

Marine Keegan : The Opposite Of Loneliness : a collection of poems, essays and short stories. beautifully written and completely absorbing. 

Nail Polish 

Who can go wrong with a set of unique colours to jazz up any collection

Essie : All I Want For Christmas Gift Box . why not make it easy and buy a pre-chosen selection of christmas shades 

Topshop : Mini Nail Pyramids . cute little polishes in shimmery shades, fit with a ribbon for hanging on the christmas tree 

Cozy Scarf 

Everyone needs one scarf, or two, or five... I couldn't pick particular ones, instead I've listed some shops that sell my favourites

Topshop . not too expensive and they sell the basics like a big grey scarf .

Zara . look here for thick, soft and patterned ones you can't find anywhere else .

Asos . you're guaranteed to find what you want here with so much choice.

Face Mask 

They're something I always look at adoringly but never take the time (or the money) to purchase. 

Origins : Ginzing . to wake up tired and grey looking skin .

Superfacialist by Una Brennan : Pore Purifying Clay Mask . intense but great I've found for troublesome skin.

'Splurgy' Gifts 

Fujifilm instax mini 8 .  a great little polaroid camera that produces cute credit card sized photos, to get you snapping away on christmas day 

Ion pure lp record player .  a great present for a lover of old music. since getting mine I've loved going into record shops and flicking through loads of albums in search of something tempting . what's great about this one is it comes with cables to plug into your laptop, to convert records into music for your iTunes library. 

Shops You Can't Go Wrong With 

Sometimes it's best to just cruise around in search of the perfect gift, if so here are some starting points

Waterstones . for the corner they always have filled with lovely bits and bobs that perhaps aren't needed, but definitely wanted 

Happy Jackson Company . any stationary hoarder would love something from here. i personally lurve their notebooks. 

Topshop . perhaps it's me but I'm sure their knick-knack section has grown over the past few christmas'. They have an array of pretty phone cases, purses, accessories and ready made makeup bags that would make a lovely secret santa gift. 

Phew, a lot to get through there. That's certainly got my present-buying ideas going, hopefully it did the same for you. 

Georgina 

Autumn / Winter Palette

  A little bit of beauty, fashion and other things pulled together to form a little round up of what I'm reaching for at this time of the year. I did one of these for Spring, and liked the whole format. This time I've used the whole "holding-the-items-delicately-to-make-it-all-look-casual" type thang, enjoy. 

This first pick is of the lippy Rebel by MAC. A pretty bold and daring affair. I must admit I had to psych myself up to wear this out in all its dark and dramatic glory. It's gorgeous buffed into the lips for a soft and smudged look, but it looks equally good generously applied. It's quite blue toned, I find on my paler days layering it up with an orangey-red shade helps. However it's an overall staple that I think brightens up any lipstick collection.

                      

This gorgeous shadow is another item from MAC called Mythology. It looks pretty ordinary in the pot, but once smudged onto the eyelid it becomes a to-die-for deep red, shimmery gold colour. I love to wear it packed all over the lid, sometimes with a cream eye-shadow underneath if I'm going all out. It's such an eye-catching colour I've found all it needs is a quick blend with a brown or neutral shade and your set to go. I have brown eyes and it works nicely to create a dusty, slightly smokey look. But it would also look lovely with blue eyes, to make them pop.

The last week or so here in England the weather has suddenly turned colder and dryer and my skin has definitely been feeling the effects. My skin is oily to combination and I've found that the harsh weather has caused it to look duller and dryer than usual. Using this Origins GinZing face mask once a week as well as a nourishing moisturiser is helping my skin to adjust and look healthier.

I picked up this red Corduroy Pinafore Dress from Toyshop only a week or two back and have fallen in love. The plush red colour and boxy shape just reminds me of Christmas, I think I'm going to be wearing this often. I had slight issues with sizing however, I found I had to go a size up so that it would fit loosely and keep that lovely shapeless look, but this meant it was slightly too long and so I had to take it up a little. Nevertheless this is a lovely wintery piece that can be dressed up or down, I think a pair of cozy knee high socks would fit perfectly.

                              

I seemed to have picked items in pairs for this post - a second item from Topshop bought in June this year. Not an item I expected to be bringing with me into the colder months, however this snug little jacket has surprised me by being warmer than I expected. I love to pair it with some black skinny jeans and a comfy tee for a grungy and casual look. Or I'll throw on a pastel pink maxi-midi skirt, embracing the 50s edge, a band t-shirt and put my hair in space-buns for a slightly crazy and contrasting outfit I can't resist.

I won't talk for too long about this Molecules 01 perfume. All I'm going to say is that it's lasting power is truly amazing and the scent, well I can't get enough. For links and more chitchat about this item click to see the post here.

And finally, an item that I also spoke about recently; my white Moleskine journal (click here to see how I added the black label). In the colder and darker months where I'm inside sadly a lot of the time, I find myself reaching for this to write random thoughts down about nothing in particular. Sometimes I find getting all thoughts down on paper can clear your mind and help me to feel a little calmer. 

Any items you've been reaching for a lot lately? I'd love to hear.

Georgina 

Staple Autumn Scent

I’ve never been one for fancy perfumes I’ll admit, I always gravitated towards the cheaper ones that can be broken, lost and replaced without a fuss. The Eccentric Molecules, Molecule 01 perfume however is different, and I have been converted. 

One great thing about this perfume is that it smells completely different on everyone. It seems to have a woody undertone that is unmistakable on most people - perfect for autumn / winter. However on me this perfume smells spicy and musky when it’ll smell much sweeter and more floral on a friend. The lasting power is also amazing, I do one spritz in the morning and it lasts the whole day - no top ups needed. 

The thing that drew me to this scent was the description it has when you view it online, it says on Cult Beauty that the perfume has a 'basenote that adds allure to a scent, which works as more of an effect than a fragrance.' This whole idea that a perfume will affect the people around you is something that sounds pretty necessary  if you ask me! And the raving reviews it has seemed to back up the claim.

I have to say I agree with the description, I’ve never had so many comments and questions as to what I’m wearing. For the time being I’ve just got the little bottle and I don’t think it’s going to run out anytime soon, but I’m sure when it eventually empties, the large bottle will have to purchased!

Georgina

Spring Palette

  April is upon us which means the spring trends and sunny weather are getting ever closer!
Seeing the daffodils come out for Easter here in the UK is a little reminder to roll out the pastel shades, sunnies and head on over to the shops to have a peak at the spring trends and mournfully stare at the price tags. I thought today I'd compile a little visual list of all the staple items that always seem to come back around whatever is new in on the high street. 

Topshop Boyfriend Jeans 

You can't have spring without a pair of washed out ripped up jeans. The perfect 'in-between' for those days when you want to cover up without baking in tights or skinny jeans. 

Naked 2 Palette 

An array of bronzes, topes and silvers for a super quick wash of shimmer. 

Maybelline EyeStudio Colour Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow - On And On Bronze 

An in-expensive and quick way to prime for eyeshadows or just slap it on and blend for a smudged glow to the eyes. 

MAC lipstick - Pure Zen 

A very slight natural wash of colour, similar to wearing lip gloss except without too much gloss or stickiness. 

Amazon Kindle 3g with keyboard 

That dreamy scene of lying outside in the grass with sunnies and a book..

New Look Sunnies 

Do I even need to put anything for this one?! A definite, even if they're only used for those random bursts of sunshine England has become quite used to. 

Body Shop Coconut Body Spray 

A pretty cheap and long lasting burst of fragrance that gives hints to the summer. 

Set of 3 Chokers Topshop 

Jazz up a plain outfit with these festival-esque pieces. 

Chirpy and cheerful colours.. what a surprise! 

Topshop Nails in Green room  

Rimmel 60seconds in Rose Libertine

17 Lasting Perfection in Orange Soda 

Rimmel 60seconds in Oragasm

Georgina

5 Ways to style the Grey Tee

  I think if I had to pick one ultimate staple item of clothing, a grey t-shirt would be up there at the top. Throwing a super massive grey tee over practically anything is not only comfy but makes it look like you’ve actually thought about what your wearing. The one I've got here is from Topshop, I bought it practically double my size so it looks super slouchy on. 
Below I've thrown together a few ways I wear the grey t shirt that may help anyone looking for some new everyday looks.

Of course before we get into any other outfits I had to mention the jeans and tee combo. I've added some Nike free runs and a bomber jacket for a comfy and casual vibe. This is perfect for a day when I know I'm going to be on my feet a lot. The ripped jeans add a bit of detail to a simple outfit and the funky socks - because why not?!

This gorgeously floaty 50s style skirt I picked up from Topshop in a sale not long ago and have fallen in love with it. It's not often I get to float around in a long skirt and so I've fully embraced it! I added this fur trimmed parka on top to carry through with the over sized vibe and slipped into some black cut out boots.

Grey on grey 
Who can go wrong with a grey-on-grey combo? Another super simple outfit that would work beautifully with a bright red lip and statement necklace. 

I always think of a pinny as more of a festival-esque piece but throwing on some woolly tights and layers of jumpers could make this a winter to spring transaction piece. The grey tee with its baggy sleeves make this outfit look kinda cute and school girl-ish which I like to embrace every now and then! 

These black and white patterned trousers perhaps add a bit of formality to the outfit but paired with some worn in converse and of course the baggy grey tee, it looks super grungy and perhaps a tad vintage-y? 
So there you are, some of my favourite combos to thrown on here and there, which one was your favourite?! 

Georgina 

The Laser Cut Out Purse

I don't normally go to such extents talking about something I keep my cards and change in, but this purse from Topshop is so delicious I thought it deserved a whole post to itself. The cut out detailing on the front and back adds a delicate touch to an otherwise plain black purse. And the colour, well, it goes with every bag.
This cut out pattern is something I want to find more of, whether it's in this satchel from asos or in these cute pumps from Topshop.

Budget Work/School Minimal Makeup

  Prepping your face for the day not only makes you look great (well, at least that's the aim) but it also wakes up your skin and hopefully keeps it nourished throughout a working day. Returning home in the evenings and seeing no trace of that concealer you'd religiously applied before rushing out that very morning is something no one wants, we've probably all had it though right? My aim is to avoid that heart-sinking moment, spending as little amount of money as possible. I've listed down below a few products that nudged their way into my daily makeup routine and ones that really work for my skin (normal to oily). 

Yes To Carrots Day Cream 

Even if I wasn't wearing any makeup this would still be a must. Although my skin gets very oily throughout the day, after washing my face in the mornings my skin needs to be fed moisture and this really locks it in. I noticed a big difference in my complexion after I started using this. It's quite a rich cream, as it says on the tin, so a little goes a long way. 

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer 

I hear this is a dupe for the Benefit Porefessional primer, and although I cannot say whether that's true or not, I can say this is a brilliant 'smoothing-out' primer. Once I've applied it to my skin any makeup that I put on top sits much better, this 'smoothness' also lasts pretty much all day.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 

I'm not a big fan of full-faced foundation (especially just for school) so a BB or tinted moisturiser is the perfect middle-ing option.If my skin's having a good day I will just skip this step and go straight to concealer. This Maybelline BB Cream feels so refreshing in the morning and keeps my skin really moisturised throughout the day. It's one of those products that feels like it's doing my skin some good instead of clogging it all up.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

Such a classic, hyped about, drugstore concealer. I know. But it's just so darn good for the price, I don't want to replace it. I use this both under my eyes and on any blemishes. I have been eyeing up the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller for a while, but in the mornings I find it quickest to use just one product for concealing.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Yet another praised drugstore product, one that I have repurchased quite a few times. I must admit the packaging isn't great, especially for travelling. But the product inside is great at what it does; mattifying and keeping the face shine free. My one is super battered from carrying it around.. I think I'm in desperate need of a new one. 

 I thought I would stick just to base products here, as my eye makeup changes a lot depending on how much time I have. Sometimes I'll leave the whole eye completely bare, whilst other times I'll feel like a thick black eyeliner look. I hope this was useful to any one searching for some budget makeup items. Another post soon! 

-Georgina-

White Nails Whatever The Season

  White nail polish has to be my all time favourite shade. There is something so simple and chic about it plus it looks great on pretty much any skin tone. I remember last summer everyone was lacquering it up - Instagram was swarming with mirror selfies where you caught a glimpse of white nails clutching a phone or camera. Even in mid January, when even spring feels like a long way away, white seems to be a colour you can pull off.

  The one I'm using here is Rimmel 60 seconds 703 White Hot Love. I picked this up quite a while ago from Boots, I wanted to try out this whole 'dries in 60seconds' claim. I must say it's not a bad nail polish for the price, it's pretty opaque and dries fast (although I wouldn't say in 60 seconds). After two layers and a top coat I'm good to go- my nails are officially prepped and primed for summer.. 

--Georgina-- 

You Can Never Have Too Many Rings

As the title suggests, I have a little bit of a love for shiny metal things that I wear on my fingers. Yup. Sounds weird when you say it like that. I am always drawn to someone's outfit if they're wearing heaps of rings on both hands, it looks so effortless and adds a bit of sparkle to a plain outfit. I seem to go through phases with my rings, wearing a bunch in the same order, switching them up every few weeks. I thought I'd share the rings I've been religiously stacking onto my hands every morning for any other curious ring lovers out there.   

 I think we can safely say this is the most statement and beautiful ring I've got on. The colour looks glorious in every lighting and adds a burst of colour to my otherwise silver-y collection.  I couldn't find it on the Essentials website but am pretty sure it can be found in store.

The wave ring and plait ring (I couldn't find quite the same ring on the website, but it's very similar). 

The twisted ring and silver ball ring.

 These final two rings I bought in a collection from H&M. I'm not going to lie, they're not the best of quality, but the geometric shapes in midi and normal sized rings made them a must-have. 

 So there you have it, a little insight into my oh-so-loved jewellery collection. Perhaps you love chunky silver rings or delicate pearls.. I'd love to hear..  

--Georgina--