Perfume Pick: Viktor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb'

Hi Lovelies!

Today's blog is short and sweet - fitting really since I don't plan on sugarcoating my love affair with Viktor & Rolf's 'Flowerbomb' fragrance. 

When I first discovered this iconic perfume a few years ago, Dutch duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren managed to sell its pretty package to me instantly - even before I got to sample its evocative floral scent. With a polished petal pink bottle, rose gold spritzer and signature V&R branding, Flowerbomb was the debut fragrance by this designer label to hit the headlines. Certainly a luxury item that belongs front and centre on any fashionista's dressing table.

Although I don't own Flowerbomb amongst my worldly possessions just yet, I'm always enticed by its evocative floral notes whenever I visit my favourite beauty counters. I've recently been soaking up some style-spiration from InStyle's latest party issue as well. While flicking through the magazine I spotted a glossy four page spread advertising the perfume, with a pull-out scented sample - just enough to whet any fragrance fan's appetite for floral bouquets.

Since Flowerbomb is a little on the pricey side (at £45 for a 30ml size) I may have to live off cheese and crackers if I plan on treating myself to this bottled beauty. One day, she will be mine... Oh yes! ;) 

Which luxurious scents are at the top of your 2016 festive gift list? I'm sure there's at least one bottle you'll be lusting over... hint, hint.

Oh Hi Autumn, It's Been a While...

Hey Guys,

So it's been a while since I last posted on here, but I'm not going to sugar-coat the fact that sometimes work and life have to take priority. By no means do I LOVE blogging any less, but as we get older, our lives begin to take on that bit more responsibility... who here can relate to this? I'm 27 now, who'd have thought it! ;)

Moving on to today's post, we've officially hit October which is my personal fave time of the year (YAY!) I'm sure I'm not alone when I express my adoration for the autumn season, right? It has all the cosiest things for us to indulge, from stylish sweaters to layer up on, autumnal coffee flavours for the senses to take in, crisp leaves that fall like a breathe of fresh air from the trees, not to mention an excuse to trek new country and go hiking. But let's not forget the main event which happens like clockwork on the 31^st... HALLOWEEN! ;) Me and my guy adore all things horror, so I'm sure the rest of this month is going to be a corker.

Trick or Treat?

Just to kick Autumn off to a beautific start, last week I treated myself to a gorgeous lipstick hue. I'm a sucker when it comes to Superdrug beauty discounts, so naturally, perfecting my pout is always the best excuse for me to freshen up my make-up kit while pinching a few purse strings at the same time.

Max Factor- Colour Elixir Lipstick in 'Mulberry': The Verdict

I've heard great reviews about Max Factor lippies, and have been on the hunt for a rustic shade that will serve to polish up my look for Autumn. In that spirit, today the spotlight is on Max Factor's Colour Elixir lipstick in 'Mulberry'...

Colour:

The focus for fall is all about warm lip tones. This shade is not too overpowering so you can wear it from day to night, and with or without lip liner (always a bonus if lipsticks don't bleed when worn without liner!) Think of a sultry, festive red with a slight metallic sheen... that's what this Mulberry tone is all about, and I LOVE it.

Any lip shade that contrasts with my natural pale skin tone is a winner for me as I just love the retro look. I would choose alabaster skin tones over tanned any day!

Application/Texture:

Glides on super slick and is very easy to apply, so no cakey textures here! You can feel this lipstick conditioning your pout, but it's not quite as creamy as some of my other products. I always prefer to apply a lip balm prior to wearing lip products of any kind anyway - I'm a tad O.C.D that way ;) It doesn't leave an undesirable outline after eating or drinking either, just fades naturally as you would expect from any lipstick.

Packaging:

Goldfinger would be proud of this one. The gold chrome outer case creates a luxurious experience with every use, and I like the fact that the vampy Mulberry shade can easily be identified at the base of this product, unlike other 'all black' lipstick cases.

Final Rating of Product:

Based on the above points, I would have to score this one at 9/10. This lipstick is only one point short of perfection in my eyes, and that's because true perfection is very hard to find. The shade goes with any autumn outfit, but I like to wear it with my New Look tartan shirt as it picks out the red tones nicely.

Which lip products have you been lusting over lately? :) Let me know what you're up to this October in the comments section below...

Festive Favourites...

Hey Bloggers!

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and Boxing Day this year? This has been the perfect time of year for us eat and drink what we like, and still go guilt-free. It's also been a time for me to put my work deadlines on hold, even if just for a day!

So what did Santa bring everybody, presents-wise? Feel free to let me know in the comments section below...

Practical, token gifts are my fave because 1) I'll actually get some use out of them, and 2) I'm not a greedy bugger! ;)

I got a couple of cute lil' notebooks. I will definitely fill these before the end of 2015, with the rate that I write notes at! I take my notebooks everywhere, because well, you never know when a great idea will strike. That and I'm a genuine stationery geek, hehe!

Paperblanks - 'Spirit of Womankind' Notebook

Caroline Gardner - 'Hearts' little case bound book

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Tidbits - A/W '14

Hey Bloggers,

How are we all enjoying Autumn '14 so far?? Here is a selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle snapshots taken over the past couple of months. As always, I like to document my musings, purchases and trips in visual form, especially as autumn is my all-time favourite season... that and I don't have an Instagram account! ;) Feel free to leave any comments below - which pictures do you like? Also, I would love to read your autumn related blogs, so you're more than welcome to share those too.

Scenery/Street Art

Beautiful Sunset - Docklands, Preston.

'The Butterfly Effect' - Serpentine Wood, Kendal.

Cute Bee Graffiti Art I spotted just around the corner from my sister's apartment - Manchester. :) 

Cafe

You can't beat a smooth Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream during the chillier months!

Flexing my photography skills in Starbucks ;)

Fashion

Killer heels, London Calling printed socks, tartan leggings and vintage pinstripe pencil skirt.

This tee has been worn to death - I LOVE its faded font and simplicity!

Nude stiletto pumps, black lace anklets, monochrome leggings and embellished pencil skirt.

Manicures

Orly pristine white manicure with leopard print nail decal detailing.

Orly green manicure worn with my 'go-to' black accessories. 

Autumn Beauty Essentials

Autumn wouldn't be autumn without a statement red lip!

Novelty lip balm with a fresh cucumber/mint scent - gift from my Twinny. :)

I always keep some Nivea lip care goodies in my travel make-up kit. I'm using the luscious watermelon balm at the mo - it has a natural pink sheen which acts as a good lipstick base, and the scent is out of this world!

From L-R: Lilac Hair Chalk, Rimmel 'Brit Manicure' Polish in Ivory Tower, Rimmel 'Velvet Matte' Polish in Sumptuous Red, Baby Pink Hair Chalk.

Scent

Shay & Blue 'Sicilian Limes' Perfume - officially my new favourite scent!

Note: All Images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Kit Harington for Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo recently unveiled an exciting Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign starring British Game of Thrones actor, Kit Harington.

Immaculately photographed by Peter Lindbergh in Los Angeles, the campaign images were carefully captured at a private home designed by the late American architect, John Lautner. Known for his progressive engineering and space-age creative flair, there really couldn’t have been a more appropriate setting for Jimmy Choo’s latest luxury effort.

Now I must admit, I'm a huge fan of a celebrity fashion campaign or two, so when I heard the news that Kit Harington would be starring, naturally I was stoked. Kit, who is most famous for his role as Jon Snow in HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones series, models a series of fresh designer products, including eyewear, footwear and accessories. I love the fact that actors like to elude their talent on projects of all nature, and who better to have starring in a global campaign than a man who has it all. Kit is somebody who can act as well as look the part, both of which are certainly portrayed throughout his dramatic advertorial imagery.

This slick new campaign tells a story of the British actor and a female model in a love affair, with a modern backdrop intertwined with luxurious fashion pieces. Both the campaign video and striking images showcase the new men’s Autumn/Winter collection in an edgy light, as well as introducing Kit as the new face of Jimmy Choo’s first fragrance for men, Jimmy Choo MAN. And if that wasn’t enough to appeal to your senses, the Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses capsule collection is also highlighted.

Lindbergh’s imagery captures the electric atmosphere of some intense romantic emotions, while Kit’s masculinity and sensuality seduce throughout.

Sandra Choi, Creative Director at Jimmy Choo expressed her thoughts on the outcome of her latest fashion campaign:

“Kit was the perfect choice for the campaign – he has an innate confidence and projects a playfully rebellious nature. He has an overtly masculine style that feels effortlessly cool and a great sense of humour. Beneath that intensity he is a true gentleman. Peter Lindbergh perfectly captured the spirit of the Jimmy Choo man.”

Set to appear in September issues of high fashion publications across the globe, the Autumn/Winter campaign is accompanied by an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Kit Harington himself. This can be viewed on Youtube here.

Note: All images not taken by me.

Festive Spirit

Here are a selection of images I took during the last few days of 2013. As you can see I have treated myself to lots of niceties here ;)

Gothic-Glam

Green with Envy

Sparkly Crucifix bracelet I bought whilst on a hiking trip in Kendal

M&S Treats courtesy of my Xmas Gift Card (Love you sis!)

Adorable Momiji Perfume I found in M&S - love the quirky packaging!!

"She believed she could. So she did."

Parisian Chic 

Christmas Cheer

Music is Passion

Two of my Hand Bag Essentials: Solid White Musk Perfume from The Body Shop and a copy of the latest Glamour Mag

Cute little Bunny light-up night light

Kiss me Quick

Happy New Year from Paint Me Up...

Hey bloggers,

As I never got the chance to publish my final post of 2013, I've made it my news year's resolution to let my blog shine throughout 2014! ;) So how did everybody celebrate their new year? I actually decided to stay home and bring in the new year with my boyfriend. Just the 2 of us enjoying Patrick Swayze movies, tequila flavoured beer and even our own private firework show from the house next door, hehe! ;) Of course it's always glamorous celebrating the new year on a night out, but every so often you can't beat relaxing with your nearest and dearest which can be just as fun. ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ Here's to a joyful and productive 2014!!

Love, Dawn xx

Autumn Treats

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you're all enjoying the festive autumn period so far, even if it is absolutely freezing!! But as I've always said, autumn really is the BEST season for fashion, chocolates, decor and well, just about everything else in the lifestyle sector.

Here are a few of the things I have been loving at the moment for Autumn...

Donut Buns! The rose hair accessory I picked up in a charity shop ;)

Mint Chocolates! These are a rather large box of Thorntons bought by my beloved for me on our anniversary :)

Magazine Freebies - As you can see, Elle magazine had some Benefit lip glosses on offer which I just had to have!

Experimenting with Autumnal make-up looks. Smokey eye with a red liner gives a modern update to the more traditional smokey eye look.

Costa's cute Christmas take-out cups! :) There are 4 designs in total to try.

Fingerless Mittens are great for keeping hands warm and can be buttoned back when you need to scramble for your coffee/train money like I do! ;) These cross design mittens are from Primark and are a winter bargain.

Berry coloured accessories are an Autumn must-have. I've always wanted a pair of M&S 'Autograph' shoes and managed to pick these up for about a quarter of the price they would have originally costed, yay! ;)

Starbucks Red take-out coffee cups are iconic and pleasing to the eye! :)

Melon coloured statement lips. I'm loving this lippy shade at the moment as I tend to wear a lot of black clothing, so it mixes things up with a nice pop of colour. :)

What things have you been treating yourselves to this Autumn?

Note: All images are taken by myself (Dawn)