OOTD - American Apparel Disco Pants

LOVE wrap dress (worn as top) - Topshop
Disco Pants - American Apparel

I never EVER do outfit posts or anything like this, just because I never think anyone would be interested in what I wear. The last ones I did were a few from my September holiday to Lanzarote, and that was mainly just to show of my tan! But I decided to try one last minute and show you all how I styled my Disco Pants when I went out last Saturday night. With there being about eight foot of snow and temperatures being freezing, I decided not to brave the bare legs and opted for my Disco Pants. I think everyone should own a pair, they're literally amazing and I wear mine so much. They're simple to dress up or just throw on a shirt or jumper to make the look casual: sorted!

I put mine with a LOVE dress that I blogged about last week (link here) that I picked up in the January sales from Topshop. To be honest when I was getting ready I totally didn't have this outfit planned out, and I literally threw loads of options into a bag before I went to my cousin's house. I stumbled upon this outfit and decided that it actually worked quite well together, as the dress was so easy to tuck into my Disco Pants.

I think this could work quite well for a casual look too, with some flats and a leather jacket. I opted for my New Look black wedges and my Primark studded clutch, which obviously I don't have here and decided to substitute with wine. I never know what to do with my arms in a photo so I guess holding the wine helped a tad.

I'm definitely going to try and do a few more outfit posts as they're actually quite fun to do! I'm thinking that this could definitely be my late resolution of the year... what do you think?

Instagram/Update

Snowy branches / Healthy breakfast / Tequila with the girls / Snowy garden / Healthy eating and exercise / Trying out samples / Alfie and Pluto / Me and my cousin / Mulberry

Just another little update guys as I haven't actually got a lot to tell you about at the minute. The snow has finally gone, thank god! I hate the cold and its been awful trying to get around in my little car in the snow, I'm glad its finally on its way out. Me and the girls have finally booked our summer holiday to Magaluf and I'm super excited! I need some sun and a tan in my life. I've been working like a mad woman so the only thing I've really done if have a night out for the last three Saturdays with the girls... I don't know what's wrong with me going out all the time. Its mega spending time from now as I have a lot to pay for, but there's so much I want. I have a huge list of new make up I want to try, its going to be so hard to budget.

Latest In Beauty Samples - January

Latest In Beauty's Little Beauty Box - £1.50 (plus p+p)

Its been a while since I've had the chance to try any samples that Latest In Beauty have had on offer, purely because I've been so busy I just haven't had time. A few months ago I found that I had actually tried all the samples on offer at Latest In Beauty, or at least the ones I actually wanted to try. I decided to give it a few months to see if anything new came up so I wasn't just requesting things to try for the sake of it. Anyway the waiting paid off and there were actually some samples I liked the look of this month.

The first sample I received was the Britney Spears fragrance duo, which consisted of Fantasy and Midnight. I love trying perfumes and I'm always looking for something new, so it made sense to try these as I'd never smelt anything Britney before. To be honest I didn't really like either of these as I just thought they were quite musky and heavy. I'll not talk about them a lot in this post as I'll be doing a proper review soon, but first impressions weren't all good on these.

The second sample I received was Weleda Cellulite Oil. In all honesty I don't have any cellulite (yet) but from reading the reviews I actually quite liked the sound of it. Its more of a massage oil that is supposed to help tackle cellulite, so I'm sure it will come in handy one day. I was thinking that I could maybe do some extra research and start to use it in hope that it will prevent cellulite? I don't know, but watch this space.

The third sample I received was the Kim Kardashian fragrance, which I absolutely LOVE! It was one of those things that I really didn't think I would like, but after the tiniest smell I fell in love and I actually really want to buy it. There will be a review coming soon, so watch this space.

What do you think of the samples? Which ones would you like to try?

The Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Emilie at emiliethehackett for nominating me for my third or fourth Liebster Award (I can't really remember which.) I always find it so amazing that people actually read my ramblings and think of me when doing things like this, so thank you!


RULES

- Answer 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer 11 questions from the person that nominated you
- Nominate 11 new blogs, then make 11 questions for them to answer

11 Facts About Me:

1. I don't have a middle name, but I actually wish I did.
2. I have the worst habit of biting my nails EVER! I have to keep them painted 24/7.
3. I have a brother four years younger than me.
4. I have a 2.1 high honours degree in Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University. 
5. I have four tattoos and nine piercings.
6. I jot down everything I eat in a food diary on my iPhone.
7. MY guilty pleasure is bags! I have a little collection coming along at the minute.
8. I have two pet ducks, who I massively love!
9. I can't start the day without a cup of tea. Milky, two sugars.
10. I work at Matalan and I actually really like it. 
11. I could count the number of my best/true friends on one hand, the way I like it.

Emilee's Questions:

1. If you could have a super power for the day, what super power would you want?

It depends what you would class as a super power I guess... but even then I don't really know haha!

2. What do you prefer, early mornings or late nights?
To be honest neither haha. I hate getting up early but I get tired so easily. If I had to pick one I guess it would definitely be late nights.

3. Who do you look up to?
I look up to my Mum, obviously, she's the main person. I actually look up quite a few people but it would take me far too long to explain everyone and the reasons why.

4. If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you'd buy?

I'd buy a third Mulberry bag without a doubt. Or maybe a Vivienne Westwood or Louis Vuitton... either way it would be a designer bag of some sort.

5. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?

Usually check my phone, or switch my alarm off. 

6. What do you most enjoy blogging about?

Beauty and make-up products are mainly what I love to write about, but I just like to review things or write about things I love. I wish I had the confidence to do more outfit posts though.

7. Can you/do you play an instrument? If not, what would you like to play?

I can't and I don't play any instrument. I've never really had the want to learn, probably because I used to hate music lessons when I was at school.

8. What's your favourite make-up brand?

I don't really think I have a favourite because I tend to jump from one to another so much. I can never find one thing I absolutely love.

9. If you could visit one last place for the day, where would you go?

Wow thats hard! Erm I have no idea to be honest. There's so many places I want to visit, but it would just take a day to get there haha. I love London so maybe there? That's got me thinking now...

11. Did you notice I missed out number 10?
I actually did, haha!

Real 11. What was the last thing you bought?
A dress from Lashes Of London, but its too big :( I hate ordering things online because I never know whether to order a size six or eight! Girl problems!


My Questions:
1. Where do you see yourself in five years?
2. Name one beauty product/male-up item that you would recommend - and why?
3. What advise would you give anyone thinking of starting a blog?
4. Which do you prefer, summer or winter?
5. What made you decide you wanted to start a blog?
6. What is the once piece of clothing/one accessory you can't live without?
7. Do you like to travel? Where is the best place you have been?
8. Do you keep a journal or diary?
9. Tell me about your best friend:
10. Who/what is your favourite blog at the minute? Link so we can all be nosey!
11. Where is the one place you REALLY want to visit?

EmilieTheHackett, Unwritten Hollywood, MegsBudgetBoutique, Heidi-Likes, TeaWithMilkAndSugars, AlElizabeth, SummerHollyday, JerranFJ, BeautyIsUnwrittenxo, ConfessionsOfAFashionJournalist, BeccaTalksBeauty

My Favourite Sale Buy - LOVE Dress

Love Dress - £19.00 (Topshop)

I picked this dress up at the beginning of January in the sales, but I've literally only just remembered about it after wearing it the other night. I've been a massive fan of Love for a while now, ever since my first purchase last year for my birthday night out. I actually bought this exact dress but in a green/blue colour but unfortunately the colour ran when I washed it. I haven't worn it since because I'm paranoid the colour difference is really noticeable, and I was gutted because its one of the comfiest dresses ever.

When I saw this little beauty in the Topshop sale I had to have it! I do sometimes struggle with the sizing because they only do a S/M M/L kinda thing, but with my other dress I tightened it at the waist with a belt and it was perfect. I do find the wrap dresses are a little big on the top half, so I usually put a black vest or strapless cropped top (I can't remember the exact name of them.) Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of me wearing it yet, as I was in far too much of a rush to take an outfit picture (bad blogger) but there's no doubt I'll be wearing it again soon.

Love have some gorgeous things on their website at the minute, I literally have to stop myself from buying every time I go on for a browse. I have an amazing backless dress that I still haven't worn yet from the last summer sale - maybe this should make an appearance soon when its a little warmer?

Are you a fan of Love? What is your favourite buy?

Instagram/Update

Snowy garden/ Nights with my bestest/ Pluto / Healthy eating kick/ Power cut/Gorgeous journal/ Reading material/ Mickey Mouse Pjs/ Down time

I haven't done an Instagram update in a while, I've decided to make it a regular thing. I know its only Tuesday but I thought I'd show you all a bit of my life from the past two or three weeks. I've been working loads since Christmas and I'm only just starting to have time to myself. As you can see, where I live has been hit by the snow! I hate it for driving and just the cold in general, but I have to admit its so pretty. I've got so many exciting things to plan too, which I've finally started thinking about. I'm going to make sure this year is the best!

What have you been up to this week? Anything exciting?

Real Techniques Foundation Brush

I recently jumped on the Real Technique bandwagon and decided to invest in the Core Collection, and I can honestly it was the best £16.00 I've ever spent. I bought them from Amazon so they were a little cheaper than the usual price, which is always a bonus. I reviewed them here if anyone is interested in taking a peek too. Anyway, I the only point I'd make is that the foundation brush you receive in this collection is so tiny and I found that I really couldn't get a good finish with it.

I continued to use it anyway but I found it just took so long to apply my foundation because of the size of the brush, which to be honest I was a little disappointed in. I later saw that Real Techniques did a more suitable foundation brush on their website, so obviously I popped it on my Christmas list... and Santa was very good to me. This brush has an angled edge and is a lot bigger in size, which obviously makes applying foundation a lot quicker and easier.

It is really easy to build coverage with this brush too, and you really do get such a flawless look to your skin. Ever since I've started using Real Techniques brushes I haven't had one horrible steak of foundation, which is amazing in my opinion. I really like that the brush looks really sleek, and it is self standing too which is so handy to store it... but saying that I actually just tuck it into my Core Collection pouch. I've found that the other foundation brush is actually quite good for applying concealer, so I'm still getting use from it. Every cloud I guess.

I absolutely love these brushes and they continue to work for me every single time I use them. I'm already eyeing up some of the other sets and single brushes they have to offer, so there will more than likely be a lot more posts like this in the future.

17 Nail Polish Collection

I got this cute little nail polish set as a stocking filler from my parents at Christmas, and I absolutely love it. All of my family know I'm a bit of a nail addict so I seemed to get absolutely loads of nail-based presents, which in my books was the best! I've never really used 17 products before but these mini polishes looked such lovely colours and I couldn't wait to try them. I don't actually know the price or any details like that as it was a present, but I think 17 is a Boots product? I'm not sure anyway.

The photo above shows all the colours in the set, which is actually a really good range of colours in my opinion. I don't know all the names of the individual polishes, but when I find out I'll update this post and pop the names in a caption. I have such a hard time choosing what colour to paint my nails, as I like to make sure they kind of patch all the possible outfits I could be wearing. From this set I decided to try the nude coloured polish, which looks so creamy and luxurious in the picture.

The polish was a really good consistency and painted onto my nail really easily. The brush was just the perfect shape for my nail, which is always a plus, I hate having to wipe excess polish away where the brush has been to wide for my nail. The polish is quite thick so for this particular colour one coat would be fine for a good coverage, although I did actually apply two. It dried really quickly and looked quite matte which was obviously unlike the photo, but I think that's probably down to the nail set I sampled it on. I applied a clear topcoat after which sent the polish really shiny and made it look almost professional and flawless.

Even though I've only tried one polish up to yet I'm really impressed with the standards and the colour of the polish. I've only had it on for a day so far so we shall see how long it stays in good condition. I'll definitely be using this set again to try out more of the colours.

Marc Jacobs Dot

Marc Jacobs Dot 50ml - £47.00

If you've followed my blog for a while, you will know that I'm a massive Marc Jacobs fan and actually have a small collection of his perfumes. If I had unlimited money, or even just won the lottery, there is no doubt that I'd be covered head to toe in bags and jewellery. I have all of the Marc Jacobs perfumes apart from Daisy, which I haven't actually smelt but when I do there's no doubt I'll be buying it. I just seem to love every single one, so Daisy will more than likely be added to the list.

Dot has to be my absolute favourite so far! Its so fruity and the scent just reminds me of summer, which is just what everyone needs with this absolutely freezing weather. Dot has hints of red berry, orange blossom, coconut water, dragon fruit... the list is endless. All in all its really really fruity and really does smell absolutely lovely.

I only usually get perfume for my birthday or Christmas so without this sounding harsh, I don't really look at the price a lot. Obviously if its mega expensive I wouldn't even ask for it, but I think that £47 for a 50ml bottle is round about okay. I know everyone has their own views and exceptions on perfume budgets, but for me Marc Jacobs prices are reasonable. I think its around £38.00 for a 30ml bottle and anything up to around £65 for a 100ml, so I guess there's something to suit all budgets.

I think this would be the perfect scent for the summer. Its really light and you really don't need more than a few squirts for people to realise you're wearing perfume, if you get me? Its not too overpowering like some fruity perfumes can be and well, I just love it!

Do you love Marc Jacobs scents? Which is your favourite?

The Easiest Cookies, Ever!

This is literally the best thing I have come across in a LONG time, I think I got a little too excited about the whole thing really. Anyway, I know this is a bit of a different post to my usual ones but I've decided I'm going to try and add some varied content to littlegoldstars. My friend told me that you could buy cookie dough in a tube agers ago from Sainsburys but because I never ever go in, I just haven't had the chance to try it. Cookies/cookie dough is my absolute favourite and an absolute weakness. I saw this in Tesco a few weeks ago and was so excited that you could buy cookie dough! I think it is usually about £3.50 ish but it happened to be on offer for £1.50 so I jumped at the chance.

I started off eating little bits straight from the tub (its amazing) until deciding that I should actually try and cook them. I'm not a baker or a cook and I rarely step foot in the kitchen, but honestly these were the easiest thing to do and they tasted amazing. All you do is take out the cookie dough and warm it in your hands until its a little softer, or I guess you could pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. You then tear off little pieces and mould them into balls, place on a baking tray and pop in the oven. Simple! On the instructions it says to leave them for 12-15 minutes I think, but obviously if you want them a bit chewy you leave them in a little longer.

My dad got involved while I was trialing this and has the idea of literally cutting slices from the actual chunk of cookie dough. These were obviously bigger than my correctly done balls of dough and consequently multiplied in size while cooking. We ended up with normal sized cookies and giant ones, but to be honest it didn't matter because they were both amazing. They also do ginger bread and chocolate brownie packs too so I'll definitely be trying those soon!

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

Maybelline foundations have been taking a back seat recently to the absolutely wonderful creations that Rimmel seem to keep throwing out. I swore nothing would be as good as Wake Me Up, as that was my absolute favourite thing ever over the summer, but when I started to see reviews about this I was very curious. I've never really tried Maybelline foundations much so I never really know what to expect, but seeing as there was the opportunity to try a free sample I thought why not?

I wasn't entirely sure what shade would suit me best, and to be honest there weren't all that many to choose from... it seemed like I had the last pick of all the remainders. Anyway at the time I still had a light tan so I chose what I thought looked best for me, which was shade 120 - Classic Ivory. On the website the colour looked near enough perfect but obviously it isn't ideal matching to a computer screen. I found myself waiting a few weeks for the sample to appear and to be honest I'd actually forgotten about it by the time it arrived.

The packaging that it came in was actually really good in my opinion and made it look super slick. I quite like packaging on a product and it was a nice surprise to it just being a little sachet or the tube just packed in an envelope. It was also nice that they included a little colour chart and then told you what your shade would be in the foundation, as well as the concealer and powder. I love it when you get a little help with things like that, I'm always useless at picking colours for myself.

The foundation itself was TOTALLY the wrong colour for me and left me looking majorly orange. The colour that I saw on the website couldn't have been further away from what I actually received, I actually couldn't believe that they classed that shade as an 'Ivory' kind of shade at all. It was far too dark for me and actually left an awful orange tint to my skin which lets be honest, absolutely no one wants or needs. The foundation itself felt okay on my skin but I think altogether I was totally put off by the colour I'd turned. I was in two minds on whether to go and actually buy the right shade to try, but all in all I guess I was put off the idea.

Overall, I don't really have a lot of good to report on this product. I think the overall colour situation sort of masked the fact that I actually had to review this product as a whole. I just wanted to get it off my face as soon as I could, so I'm actually really disappointed. Hopefully I can rebuild a lovely little relationship with Maybelline foundations one day, but for the moment Rimmel will always be my one true love!

Christmas Beauty Presents

I know I've done a little Christmas post already showing a few of my presents, but I decided to show some of the beauty presents I received. Christmas is always the perfect time to add a few essentials to your list and get stocked up, so that's exactly what I decided to do. My family know I'm a lover of anything beauty/make-up/skin care related so I guess I'm pretty easy to buy for. I love getting sets because I'm absolutely stocked up on shower gels and bath things for literally months. My favourite is the Soap and Glory set that my best friend bought me, Soap and Glory is always a winner with me. I also love anything Nivea, so obviously I got two sets filled with moisturisers and lip balms. I guess I'm a bit of a lip balm hoarder, I think I have enough now for one in every single bag as well as my coats and car.

Another winner with me is nail polishes and really anything to do with my nails. I'm a tad obsessed with doing them too so I think I've been stocked up for life. My all time favourite is Models Own. My mum tried to get me the Winter Wonderland collection but it was sold out everywhere, so she was super cute and bought me a few of the individual polishes from the set. I've only tried Southern Lights yet, but its absolutely gorgeous.

My boyfriend bought me the Ted Baker wash bag and I was so surprised when I opened it. I absolutely love  dogs and having this little cute French Bulldog on it was the best! At least I think it is one, that's what I've been calling it... but anyway they're my favourite! I don't really tend to have a wash bag as such for my toiletries and things, so this will definitely be handy when I go away.

Anyway I'm starting to ramble a tad now, but these are a few of the beauty presents I received. No doubt there's things I've missed off but I'll probably be doing reviews soon so it'll give me chance to see if I've missed anything.

What was your favourite beauty present?

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub - £5.25

I've always loved Lush products, but seeing as I've been a poor student for the past three years they haven't really been on top of my to buy list. The first ever thing I got from Lush was a chocolate lip butter and it was absolutely AMAZING! I used it so much and actually just used to basically eat it, so as you can imagine it didn't last too long. I tend to buy Lush products as presents for my friends and family more than myself, so I decided to have a little treat. Actually my boyfriend bought this for me, but that still counts right?

I'd seen a few reviews on the lip scrubs and decided that I'd have a try for myself. There were three different flavours in my local store and I had a really hard time deciding between Mint Julips and Bubblegum. I must have smelt them both a million times. In the end I couldn't resist the Mint Julips and as soon as I'd bought it, it was straight on my lips. It is basically a mint chocolate scrub which is extremely sugary and sweet, just my cup of tea.

You apply it to your lips to scrub and buff them, which I do by rubbing them together and almost grinding the scrub in? If that makes sense. On the tub it says to lick off the excess sugar scrub then apply a Lush balm after, and obviously it takes so amazing. I could literally sit there and eat the whole pot, its so yummy.

I've used it a couple of times a day since I got it because I've found that my lips have been so dry, and it has started to make an improvement. It helps to buff away the dry skin and it makes your lips feel amazingly soft after. To say I've used it a fair bit I haven't even begun to make a dint in the scrub yet, which makes me think that it will be one of those things that lasts agers. A massive plus in my books!

Do you use Lush Lip Scrubs? What is your favourite?