Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | Last Minute Gifts!

Even though it may only be a few more days until Santa comes knockin', you may still not have all your Christmas pressies purchased. Even if you think you do, it's always good to have one or two on hand for someone you may have forgotten about *oops*. Here's a list of some inexpensive gifts that are easy to get a hold of!

1. Baked Goods

Baking is always a good idea. It doesn't cost much and shows you've put some time and effort into the gift. Go for something festive like some mince pies or cookies and brownies always go down a treat!

2. Candles

For someone you don't know too well, or better yet someone you know loves candles- a candle is a perfect gift. For lovely candles that aren't crazily priced Yankee Candles are your best bet. For a higher end option Jo Malone is the Chanel of the candle world. Think luxury and subtly delicious scents and they also do some great gifts sets and fragrances for both men and women. My personal current favourite is Peony and Blush Suede! 

- Yankee Candles- from €15

- Jo Malone from €40 available in Brown Thomas 

3. Socks

Socks may not be the most original gift but they are always guaranteed to not go to waste! I am obsessed with Topshop socks. They have everything on a sock so whatever the person loves- cats, hearts, plaid whatever- it's most likely on a sock. They even have Christmas themed socks which are adorable.
-Topshop socks £3.50 

4. Hot Chocolate Kit

This is another great gift for absolutely anyone. Most people love hot chocolate and I think a little hot cocoa kit is a fabulous winter appropriate gift. This year Boots are actually stocking Starbucks gift sets so pop in and pick one up!
- £16.50 from Boots

5. Body Scent Sets

I love anything Old Spice for men. Boots have a good range of the products and they smell sooo good! They also do lovely gift sets such as the "Unleash Your Wild Set" set which is perfect for any man in your life!

  - €10.49 from Boots

Do you have all your gifts purchased? Or will you be part of the Christmas Eve last minute shopping madness? 

Look For Less: Cara Delevingne

It's been too long since I've done of these Look For Less posts- but better late than never, as they say! I thought, who better to do a look for less on than the model-of-the-moment, Cara Delevingne. Her style is quirky, but cool. Her typical look would be a leather jacket, jeans and maybe a beanie or some over-sized sunnies. 

I decided to re-create this particular look, as it's a little less out-there than Cara's typical style and is easier to wear for the average woman. Here are my picks to create your own off-duty model look without needing the salary of one!

The main focus of this look is the leather jacket. This offering, from Topshop (£58), adds an element of grunge to any look, without going overboard. The quilted details along with the zippers and buckles make it slightly different than your typical biker jacket. The rest of the outfit is kept pretty simple. Cara pairs her jacket with a simple white tank (Forever 21 €7.75) and a pair of grey skinny jeans (Topshop £36). The look is complete with a pair of black ankle boots (River Island €87) and a simple black shoulder bag to carry all your essentials (ASOS €46.39).

If you really want to channel your inner Cara, pair the look with casual, relaxed hair. Keep makeup simple, with your main focus on the famous "Cara" eyebrows.

How I Style: Skater/Circle Skirts

Skater skirts (or circle skirts) are everywhere lately and are a staple fashion item for Spring and Summer this year. They're one of my favourite clothing items for this season and I know I'll be wearing them all the time when the weather (hopefully) warms up! 

Skater skirts can be worn multiple ways. They're also super flattering and suit any body shape so don't worry if you feel not all trends work with your shape, as this one is pretty universal. I'm going to show you two looks, on how I style skater skirts. One is for casual occasions and the other for slightly dressier occasions.

• Casual 

This is the perfect look if you're going shopping, to the pool, meeting with friends- really any casual occasion. It's comfortable and stylish so it ticks all the boxes! I decided to go with a light wash denim skater skirt (€25 River Island) as it's super versatile, and can be worn with numerous pieces. I paired it with this simple cropped tee (£8 Topshop) which is a staple piece for Summer. To finish the look pop on some crotchet Toms (€58 Schuh) and a tan fringe bag (€45 River Island) to carry around all your essentials.

• Dressy

This look is perfect for a night out, whether it be to a party or just out to dinner with family or friends. I adore this lace circle skirt from Topshop (€38) as it can be dressed up or down and adds a touch of femininity to any look. This embellished top (£39 Miss Selfridge) is stunningly detailed and instantly glams up the ensemble. Top of the look with some killer wedges (£80 Topshop) and some rings to add a pop of colour to the outfit (£2.50 Misbehave) and you're good to go!

I hope you like these looks and let me know how you style skater/circle skirts!

Summer Fashion Essentials 2013

Summer is right around the corner, and we all know what that means- a perfect excuse to go shopping! It's time to trade in your winter boots for some sandals and your heavy jumpers for a few crop tops. To help not break the bank, I've narrowed it down to a few essential pieces that everyone should have in their Summer wardrobe. 

♡  High-Waisted Shorts

Left-Right: MissGuided €32.41 //ASOS €39.39

Shorts are an obvious staple piece for Summer, and high-waisted are even better. They are super flattering as they hide any lumps and bumps and keep that tummy in, not to mention they're extremely versatile. 

♡  Crop Tops

Left-Right: Topshop £28//American Apparel €24

Crop tops are a huge trend this season, and are perfect for those hot Summer days (which we don't get a lot of, *sigh*). They can be worn poolside as a swimsuit coverup and are also great paired with anything high waisted if you aren't comfortable with baring your tummy.

♡  Skater Skirts

Left-Right: Topshop £16// River Island €25

Skater, or circle skirts, are huge this year and are my favourite style of skirt. They're flirty and fun and also high-waisted making them super flattering as they accentuate the waist and skim over the tummy and hips. They are available in numerous patterns, colours and textures so whatever your style, you'll be sure to find a skater skirt for you.

♡  Gladiator Sandals

Left-Right: ASOS €59.09//Forever 21 €26.90

Gladiator sandals are a reoccurring staple in my Summer wardrobe. The reason being is that they're comfortable, stylish and can be paired with anything- what more could you want in a shoe?

♡  Summer Dress

Left-Right: ismodo.com €38//Motel €47.50

This is an obvious choice but I thought I'd state it anyway. The Summer dress is an essential item as you're guaranteed to wear it. Getting a dress that is suitable for numerous occasions is key. Choose a dress you can wear to a barbecue, the beach and even a party to save a few bob. 

♡ Swimwear

Left: Bikini €7 Lace Kimono €17 both from Penneys/Primark // Top-Bottom: ASOS bottoms €21.01 top €23.63// River Island Fullsuit peplum €40

Again, another obvious essential. The main tip here is to choose swimwear that is right for you. If you don't feel too confident in a bikini, try a full suit or a tankini. Another great option is high waisted bikini as it hides the tummy and gives that retro Marilyn Monroe vibe. 

Review + Swatches | Topshop Lipstick in 'Saint'

Hey Everyone.

Topshop makeup line is loved by the beauty world, and is one of the best highstreet makeup brands, in my opinion anyway! I've reviewed a few of their makeup items before, including a lipstick and a few of their gorgeous nail polishes. I've been recently longing for a nude-pink lipstick but didn't fancy forking out close to €20 for a MAC lipstick so I decided to try one of Topshop's offerings.

 The shade I went for is entitled 'Saint' and is the perfect peachy nude-pink. It is nude enough without looking like you just slapped foundation on your lips! I love Topshop's makeup packaging. The lipstick comes in a sturdy cylindrical tube. The details of the packaging are the stripes in the lower half of the tube and the writing 'Lips' in a pencil-written style. The sticker at the bottom of the tube is very handy as it is the same colour as the shade encased.

The formula of the shade took me a bit longer than usual to get used to, as it does tend to stick to any dry patches on the lips, so make sure to apply a lip balm prior to applying the product. Besides that slight glitch, it glides on smoothly but does need to be layered if you desire a more prominent nude lip. It gives a natural, yet pretty colour. 

Above: lip swatch Below: hand swatch

Overall, I think this is a great product and very pretty colour. If you're on the hunt for a new nude lipstick, this one is a great high street offering.

Available from selected Topshop stores and their website for €12