RECENT PURCHASES: WINTER

Haven't done one of these in donkeys so I figured I better crack on.

It was genuinely difficult to remember what I've been buying lately - I only got paid half my wage at the end of October (the first half paid in the middle but all my bills came out then, ARGH!) so for the whole of November it felt like I was totally broke.

Cos I was.

Nevertheless, you know me...

Deena and Ozzy black pointed metal Hero boots (Urban Outfitters)

I was very kindly given a 30% off code for UO along with a preview of their SS13 collection which will be dropping soon. (MADNESS, NO?) I'm pretty sure this code was to buy something from this upcoming collection but when I saw these badboys I actually couldn't stop myself - I'd never have bought them otherwise, I SWEAR! I asked folk on Twitter if I should buy 'em and you all said yes, so really it's partly your fault too. THANKS, ENABLERS! They've not arrived yet but I doubt I'll be disappointed...

Pins and Needles paisley print lace up dress (Urban Outfitters)

This was in the sale so it's OK, right?! I'd had my eye on this for ages, ever since someone posted a pic of it on Facebook, and when it came down in price it felt like a crime to overlook it! One thing I will say though is that I had to have it taken up - Urban Outfitters' stuff is always cut for leggy models, not pear-shaped midgets. Which is why I've never successfully purchased a playsuit from them before - hello, saggy crotch syndrome... Anyway, newly-shortened it fits like a dream. Love it.

Tartan cotton dress from Topshop - eBay

Picked this wee bargain up from eBay a couple of weeks ago and I totally love it. It's one of those MAN REPELLER items - humongously baggy and shapeless and kinda ugly, but I have a soft spot for sack-like grungy dresses like this. Again though it's a bit long (story of my life) so I think I'll get it taken up or maybe have a go myself.

Vintage Tissavel faux fur coat - eBay

I actually just bought this this morning - SQUEAL! Isn't it a beauty? Listed as Buy it Now at just £25, how could I honestly resist? The only other fur coat I have is real (vintage also) so I'm interested to see how different this is to the real thing, but Tissavel has an excellent reputation for faux fur so I'm not worried. Can't wait for it to arrive - totes Christmassy and perfect as the temperature plummets.

Black paisley print lace dress - Topshop

I actually bought this a while back for the ROX Edinburgh opening party but changed my mind and went for something different in the end. Since then I've not had the chance to wear it since it's quite DRESSY on. Not one for a trip to the flicks with yer pals if you get me. However, with The Nutcracker this Saturday and The List's Hot 100 party on Tuesday, I'm sure it'll make it's debut soon. I'm planning to pair it with Lady Danger and a big huge bun. Sawwted.

Faux leather winter boots - Primark

This isn't really a great photo but these are cracking wee lace-up boots which I picked up for only £15! I'd been planning to buy another pair of sturdy winter boots one I got paid, but these have been seeing my through the frost and ice and I genuinely don't know if I need another pair now. If it gets mad snowy I may stretch to a pair of Hunters but my fur-lined Docs coped well last year so I don't see why they won't this year too.

Eyelash balcony bra and mini set - Topshop

Unlike loads of folk I know, I never used to have a penchant for pretty undies. FUNCTIONAL and PRACTICAL were always the name of the game, with the odd NOVELTY factor thrown in occasionally. But never did SEXY or PRETTY factor particularly high on my list. Partly because I don't massively love strutting around in my undies at the best of times, and partly because I always felt it was a bit of a pointless extravagance - give me a new bag or shoes any day! But recently I've been a little more conscious of what's lurking in my underwear drawer. I had a wee clear out the other week and OMAGAHD - the horrors! So many wrong-sized bras, half sets, random pants from ASDA multi-packs I don't remember buying... It was genuinely bad. So, yeah, I'm changing my ways and buying pretty sets now. I AM BECOMING A PROPER WOMAN, finally, at 25!

The Ameliah set from Agent Provocateur is my dream, cloud 9 fantasy set, but at over £400 those are some expensive pants and I'm not INSANE. This cute wee set from Toppers will do for now.

The bra is underwired but not padded which is a weird change for me (don't be wearing it under a t-shirt on a cold day) and it doesn't really hoick 'em up or squish 'em together, but it's very pretty so I can deal. I don't really love the pants all that much but they're a SET and apparently you should always match your undies in case you get hit by a bus, or something?!

MUA eyeshadow in number 19 - matt

Bit of a random curve-ball here. I actually bought this back in September as I was looking for a cheap, cool-toned brown eyeshadow for a change. I didn't like the way it swatched though (should have tried it in the shop but I didn't cos I'm a donut) and it's a little gritty and the colour payoff isn't brilliant. I recently discovered though, that this makes for THE BEST eyeshadow powder! Don't ask me how, when it's rubbish on lids, but swept over brows on a small angled brush this is the perfect colour and stays on for ages with a bit of brow gel over the top. I've always favoured brow pencils over powders but I'm totally converted now. Plus, it's like £1. Bargain!

Lee Stafford miracle shine spray with Argan Oil

I take terrible care of my hair. I have no excuses, I just can't be bothered with the time and effort. Consequently I'm well aware that at most times it's a frizzy, unruly, overly-long mess, or it's up in a bun and out of the way. I've never been one to bother much if it's a state, but the last couple of months it's been feeling more out of control than usual - basically I'm in desperate need of a good cut and conditioning treatment, but it's that old story of begrudging spending the money when I could have ACTUAL THINGS instead. Sob! I have such *PROBLEMS.*

Anyway, this wee spray is a miracle worker - it finishes my doo off after blow drying and manages the impossible task of making it look like it's somewhat shiny and in reasonably good condition. Unlike some pure oil sprays this is dispensed in a fine mist and doesn't weigh my hair down at all. I don't think it actually does anything beneficial to the hair itself, just makes it look a bit sleeker and more "done" which is a good thing when you just shampoo, blast dry and go. But I can only put off the inevitable for so long... Haircut, you're getting booked next week.

Sudocrem

This is my ONLY recent skincare purchase, can you BELIEVE THAT? Oh, except from a Korres jasmine lip butter which I just remembered about... Anyway, yeah, Sudocrem. I'm in love with it!

In terms of fancy schmancy cleansers, exfoliants, moisturisers, serums, treatments and masks I'm pretty well stocked. But despite being the kindest to my skin I've ever been in my life, I've still been dealing with the same old issues - blemishes, scarring, and now I've developed this weird red ,dry, irritated bit next to my nose. Love ya, winter!

My pal Yazmin swears by the occasional Sudocrem facial for sorting her skin out, so a couple of weeks ago I bought a pot and tried it out. It's the weirdest feeling, smearing what is essentially nappy rash cream all over your face before bed! But I have to admit that in the morning my skin was the best it's looked in a long time. Any potential blemishes threatening to pop up had vanished and the wee red sore patch was vastly reduced. My skin didn't feel dry or tight, just normal. But mind you I do have oily combo skin so if yours is dry I'd be cautious.

Since then I've been doing it a couple of nights a week, always to brilliant results. Sadly these don't seem to last without regular use, but Sudocrem is so cheap and readily available that repurchasing isn't an issue. Opinion online is mixed about whether or not this is a good idea (Caroline of Beauty Mouth would probably shoot me) but it's been working for me so far!

Unity necklace - Ortak*

OK, this is a wee bit of a cheat since I was actually given this for free by the lovely folks at Ortak, but I was PLANNING on buying it, I swear! I'd been invited to an event at the Glasgow store to launch their new Charming range of necklaces and bracelets as gifts for Christmas. I couldn't attend unfortunately, but I had a swatch at the press release and made a mental note to pick up this pretty wee silver necklace (all of them are a steal at £35) when I got paid.

Little did I know one was already winging it's way to me - so chuffed and surprised! It's definitely my favourite design of the lot but there's loads of designs to choose from. I've not been paid to say this, or to feature the necklace, but as I was genuinely planning on buying it for myself, and as I do honestly think any of the range would make a sweet Christmas gift I figured I'd include it anyway. So there.

So that's what I've been buying recently. More there than I thought... Uh oh! Plus, not even started THINKING about Christmas yet! Frankly the thought terrifies me...