Bristol Fashion Week AW14

Friday evening, I had the delight of being able to go and see the Bristol Fashion Week Blogger show at the Mall Cribbs Causeway. I've been before a couple years ago and loved it, but this time managed to be even better! It's 18 catwalk shows over 5 days hosted by the lovely Mark Heyes and Andrew Barton.

This show was their Autumn/Winter 2014 one which I was very excited about to see all the autumnal colours and fur coats etc (one of my favourite parts of this time of year!). There were some really lovely pieces in the show from the high street stores this year which I am definitely going to be looking for when I'm shopping next!

I've picked out a few of my favourite looks or items, all things that you can get in the shops now hopefully! Some pictures are my own and some shot by the Mall's team themselves, who as always did a great job with the event!

Jack Wills had some lovely items for Autumn/Winter in the show. My favourite was probably the playsuit in the right picture, I loved the print and think it just looked so casual but could be smart!

There were lots of Parka's around as well this season, which I think have really come into their own the past few years and become one of the must have coats. I love the colours of all these ones and that they still have a lovely flattering shape despite looking nice and cosy.

There was also a lot of autumnal purples and greys and then red colours for winter which are probably all my favourite colours and looked great! I loved all the layering going on with capes, scarves and chunky jumpers.

What I really love about going to see the Bristol Shows are that they don't just show the clothes, the models dance, you get a great conversation between Mark and Andrew throughout and some great live music!

 What are you looking forward to seeing this season?

Love Hope xxx

What's in my Make Up Bag?

One of the posts I most love to read or videos I most love to watch are 'What's in my Make Up Bag' editions. Both because I like being nosy, but also because I like to see what people trust to use everyday and have tried and tested. So I thought that was what I would do for you today.

Most of the items in my everyday make-up routine I've used for quite a while with only the eye and lip products really switching up between the days. I also have got into the routine of not wearing foundation every day so at the moment don't have one I'm loving!

• Benefit Porefessional Primer - I love this primer, it smooths on so lovely and really helps keep my make up in place throughout the day.
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer on 'Warm Medium 3' - This concealer has been a staple in my make up bag for years and I've repurchased it so many times I don't think I'll ever be without it!
• Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer on 'Soft Beige' - I love this concealer for under my eyes and really love it, it so brightening and moisturizing, great for those dark circles!
• Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot - I used to only use Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, but tried this one and I think I like it just as much!
• Make Up Revolution Baked Bronzer in 'Golden Days' - I picked this up about a month ago and have used it pretty much everyday since, it's gives a lovely glow but is so nice and natural too. 
• Benefit Rockateur Blusher - Possibly my favourite ever blush! I always go back to this one and love how it looks on each skin tone different times of the year. 
• Benefit They're Real Mascara - Another favourite of mine for ages, I've never found a mascara I liked just this much!
• Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil in ' Love is Blonde' - I can spend ages on my brows and love how easy this is to use, the tint is great and pencil really waxy so looks really natural. 
• Soap and Glory Supercat Black Eyeliner - I used a L'Oreal eyeliner for year but tried this one and never looked back. Being a pen, it's so easy to use!
• Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in 'Nudist' - One of my favourite lip products ever! I have repurchased this so many time and love this colour for everyday wear.
• Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Cherry Me' - As seen in  many of my previous posts, I always carry this and wear it in the morning to both moisturise and give the perfect natural tinted colour.
• Sleek Contour Kit in 'Light' - A great travel item with both a bronzer and contour that are greatly pigmented and blend really well.
• Real Techniques Brushes (Expert Face Brush, Blush Brush, Multitask Brush) - I love these brushes and don't want to ever be without them! They're so soft and easy to wash and really help create a great base for make up!

Do you have any make up bag favourites?

Love Hope xxx

A Couple of My Favourite Looks From London Fashion Week

Despite having never being lucky enough to go yet, London Fashion Week is probably one of my favourite events of the year. I love looking through all the shows online and in magazines, seeing both the outfits on the catwalks and what people wore to go see them. I love seeing all the different styles and then taking inspiration for my wardrobe or what I'm looking for that season, you can always find a good high street dupe with designer inspiration.

Here are a few of my favourite bits from this seasons London Fashion week, both designer catwalks and attendees.

I love Topshop and think they had one of the best shows this year! I loved the colour blocking that could easily be casual wear or dressed up more. The sparkly dresses were beautiful as well, I'll definitely be looking out for these SS15!

Tanya Burr is probably one of my favourite bloggers and I love her style! I've seen this dress in Topshop before and think she looks so lovely in it! It's such a great classic look and I love the slight A-line skirt, definitely something i'm excited to see more of this season!

Everytime I see pictures of Millie Mackintosh recently I always love what she is wearing! I absolutely love these outfits she wore to LFW this week, so classic but stylish, she's definitely my style inspiration at the moment!

I've never actually heard of this designer before but when looking through the shows online I came across Mary Katrantzou and fell in love with her collection. I love the neutral colours and black and white detailing, I think all these looks are just so pretty and definitely something I want to find to wear of a summer evening!

I think this look Poppy Delevingne is wearing is so chic! I love that it's something you could wear easily from daytime to nightime and love the velvet effect of her trousers. I might have to try and find this outfit for myself!

These are just few looks I loved this time round, I also loved Alexa Chung's style and some bits from many other shows like Burberry and Mulberry. I'm so excited to see what the high street does with all these trends too!

Are there any looks/shows you loved this London Fashion Week?

Love Hope xxx

My Autumn Beauty Wishlist

As with my Autumn Fashion Wishlist, I have noticed this year there are a few gaps in my make up collection for this season of either things I think are staples or just really think would be nice for Autumn make up.

I've compiled a little list of bits which I think help to make the perfect look for this time of year that I don't yet have, and a of couple treats as well! Some of these things I've actually wanted for a long time now but never splurged to get them, so chances are you may see these on my wishlist for some time to come!

(Going left to right, top to bottom)

1. Zoeva Rose Gold Brushes Set - I have positively swooned over this gorgeous collection since it came out, but never had the opportunity to treat myself. Hopefully this Autumn there will be one, if not this may just be on my wishlist till Christmas!

2. Benefit Gimme Brow - Brows are a huge deal for me, as most people, and I am forever striving to make them perfect. I've seen more people use this lately and think it'll be really lovely to use on its own when wearing little make up.

3. MAC Studio Fix Powder - Another item I've considered for ages but never got around to trying. As the winter months draw in I like to control my combination skin more and think this may just do the treat!

4. Ghost Eclipse Perfume - I picked this up on a whim a few months ago to smell and absolutely fell in love! It's not too strong or sweet and I just can't get enough!

5. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - My Naked 1 Palette is so well loved, I use it almost every day and don't think I could live without it really. Ever since this release though, I have longed for this palette and think the gold/pink tones will look lovely and delicate for Autumn.

6. A Satin Bronze/Gold Cream Eyeshadow - This is one of the things I have searched to find for years and will continue to until I find the perfect one!

7. A Berry Lipstick - I've also searched for ages to find a perfect tone berry lipstick as well with both this Bobbi Brown one pictured and Kiko's 'Hot Spice' being in the running as the perfect lipstick colour for Autumn.

8. Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in 'Chilli' - I love the formulation and colours of pretty much every Barry M Gelly Nail Paint and think this colour is great to compliment the Autumnal tones!

Are there any beauty items on your Autumn Wishlist?

Love Hope xxx

My Autumn Fashion Wishlist

As the seasons change, so must my wardrobe, which of course means shopping! As much as I love the Summer, I'm actually really excited for Autumn this year, mainly because of the outfits you get to wear! I love layering with cute jumpers, a leather jacket and boots, and cosying up whilst the weather gets colder.

However, I realised this year that many staple items that I love wearing in Autumn of mine are either worn out or there's gaps in my wardrobe. So, I decided to put together a little 'wishlist' of items I hope to get this Autumn to fill those gaps and be staples for my wardrobe for years to come.

(Going left to right along the rows, top first)

1. Suede Ankle Boots - These ones are from New Look which I actually saw ages ago, tried on and absolutely loved! However, being the middle of August, I thought it would be silly to buy them just yet so have waited till the weather is slightly colder.

2. Black Blazer - I think this is just a great staple item to have in your wardrobe for casual or smart. You can throw this on over a t-shirt as a jacket/to look slightly smarter, or in the evening over a dress so easily.

3. Tartan Scarf - A trend that keeps coming back every Autumn/Winter and one I love! These scarves are so cosy but stylish and perfect with a leather jacket.

4. Raspberry Backpack - I love this backpack from Accessorize and think the colour is perfect for Autumn! Really handy for day to day wear as well!

5. Denim Shirt - As shocking as it may be seeing as they're so popular, I have never owned a denim shirt. However, this one in New Look is so soft and I think I'll get a lot of wear out of it!

6. Leather Jacket - Since the first time I saw this leather jacket in River Island I have been hooked! I love the huge fur collar and that it's also detachable for a more casual look. I think it'll be really cosy but also looks quite luxurious for a little bit extra some days!

7. Rose Gold Watch - I may not get the Michael Kors one in particular (it's quite a treat item to buy) but I do think a rose gold watch is perfect for Autumn and it's probably my favourite colour for jewellery.

8. Satchel - I think satchel's are so cute but smart and so easy to dress up or down. Being handbag obsessed as well, I can always find a reason for a new bag! 

Do you have any things on your wishlist this Autumn?

Love Hope xxx

Soap and Glory Skincare Series - Facial Wash

So recently I decided to start a little series for my blog of a brand that I absolutely love! I have always had quite troublesome skin (as many teenagers find) and am extremely strict with myself when it comes to skincare. No matter what, I will always remove all my make up at night, cleanse my face (not with a facial wipe either) and moisturise without fail. However, like many people, I still strive for that perfect, blemish free skin and am always eager to try new things. 

Soap and Glory has become one of my favourite make up and body and bath brands over the years and from the get go of them being in Boots I fell in love with pretty much everything they bring out.  Quite conveniently a couple months ago, I was just coming to the end of my facial wash and wanted a new one, so popped into Boots and picked up this 'Face Soap and Clarity 3-IN-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash'.

This facial wash is really lovely, it feels and smells really fresh and does leave your skin feeling really clear even when you've had a full face of make up on all day. It has tiny 'scrub beads' which gently exfoliate and get rid of any dead skin. The first time I used this it did feel slightly odd as I had used the Liz Earle Hot Cloth cleanse and polish for a while, however for only £8.00 (and also normally either on 3 for 2 or special offer) you can't really go wrong. The 150ml bottle has also lasted me about a month or more using it both morning and evening every day so well worth the price and more!

I'd always rather spend a bit extra on skincare as in the long run it means you would hopefully not have to wear as much make up. I'd definitely recommend giving this a go if you want a bit of a change up in your skincare routine (as long as you check it fits your skin type which it should hopefully do most) and want to try something new!

Let me know if you like this little series or if you have any skincare products you really like?

Love Hope xxx

Mini Make Up Revolution Haul

Recently, as I mentioned a couple of blog posts ago, I visited Superdrug's new Beauty Studio in Cardiff. So obviously, being the make up addict I am, I had to pick up a couple of bits. I ended up picking up 3 products from the Make Up Revolution range that I have never seen (other than online) or tried before. I've not been using them for too long but so far I really like them!

I picked up the eye shadow palette in 'Iconic 3' which has some really lovely pink nude shades. The eye shadows have a good pigment and payoff for everyday neutral colours. I really like these for just a wash of colour over the lid, particularly with the shimmery shades and they blend quite well when you build them up. As many people have probably said before I think this is a good little dupe for the Naked 3 Palette if you don't want to splurge and a bargain at £4!

I've always wanted to try a 'baked bronzer' but been a bit hesitant as to what it would look like. I swatched this one in the shop though and thought it looked just beautiful! I wouldn't use it for a contour as I would some bronzers, but it adds a beautiful very subtle shimmer when I apply it to the top parts of my face that the sun would hit naturally and gives off a lovely glow. I also tried this as an eye shadow when I was in a rush and loved the easy bronzed look that just gives a touch of highlight when needed.

This Blush and Contour palette is great! I picked it up in the shade 'Hot Spice' which consist of some coral shades, a couple of light grey/pink toned contours, a baked blusher and highlighter, perfect for travelling! They're really lovely and pigmented and blend well as a contour easily. The blush shades also look really nice and natural and are really easy to wear everyday or built up for a bit of a stronger evening look.

I'll definitely be purchasing more from Make Up Revolution soon!

Have you tried anything new lately? Or is there anything from Make Up Revolution I should pick up next?

Love Hope xxx