NEW YEAR, NEW JOB

Well hi there, and a happy new year to you, my lovely readers!

I've been a bit AWOL the last few weeks, haven't I? While other (more ORGANISED) bloggers were furiously bashing out glossy gift guides and seasonal party-wear posts in their thousands, I was buried deep, DEEP in a festive food-and-booze-induced coma that I'm only NOW dragging myself out of like a grumpy muthabear after hibernation. YAWWWWWWN!

In case anyone is interested, my Christmas was simultaneously both quiet AND boozy, spent at my aunts pulling crackers, eating FAR too many pigs-in-blankets and quaffing copious amounts of expensive gin. HICCUP. New Year was much less quiet and MUCH more boozy, spent at a house party in Clydebank playing drinking games till I eventually passed out. Thumbs up all round really!

HOWEVER, as you may have guessed from this title, I am starting 2013 with a NEW JOB. As a Communications Executive for big fat company no less! Cue lots of excitement and more than a BIT of trepidation as it slowly dawns on me that not only will I have to act the part on a daily basis, I'll have to LOOK IT as well...

Where I work just now the dress code is super casual, meaning that virtually anything goes. Naturally I opt for comfort and practicality on a daily basis which doesn't tend to differ vastly from my out-of-hours style, except I maybe tone down my inner goff slightly (but I'm definitely becoming a lazy dresser in my old age). At this new place though, as far as I could tell from my interviews anyway, the dress code is SMART. Which is fine, and is probably the NORM, except I've never had to dress like a grown up smart before, and to be perfectly honest it's WAY outside my comfort zone.

But I'm nothing if not up for a challenge so today I had a wee browse round some online shops in preparation for a day of SMART CLAITHES SHOPPING on Saturday. Here's what I liked...

COS

Cos turned out to be my favourite stop for minimal dresses. These are just a selection but to be honest I'd happily wear any of the ones featured on the website. That top left velvet number might be a bit much for work but I LOVE it, and same with the mustardy marl-knit jumper dress... Honestly, it's so difficult to find a quality jumper dress that has a waistband! As bottom-heavy gal (REPPIN THE PEARS) it's a VITAL component as anything without one looks sack-like and shapeless, gaping unattractively at my middle and clinging to my bum. Which doesn't exactly scream PROFESHUNAL, does it?

HOBBS

I was also pleasantly surprised by the NW3 range at Hobbs, especially for prints. Click to enlarge, but yeah, those ARE ducks on that red dress, AND WHAT?! I'm a fan of a ZANEY print at the best of times and nothing says, "hey, I'm a fun-loving, wacky communications exec" like a crazy-but-classy duck print, right? RIGHT?!

TED BAKER

Ted Baker also surprised me in all-round goodness, especially that velvet blazer and 60s black and white dress, and my mind's definitely been changed about the brand after that quick swatch online. I'm not sure what I expected if I'm honest, maybe something a little bit naff? I've been in to the Ted Baker store in Prince's Square twice in my puff, (once to hurry through to the mall out of the rain and once to help shop for a friends boyfriend) so I am about as unfamiliar with their style as it's possible to be, but I'll be sure not to overlook them again.

WHISTLES

Probably not a huge shock for most, but I found Whistles best for the slightly more casual end of the work-wear spectrum. I have a couple of silk t-shirts and tunics from Zara which remind me of the type of thing on offer at Whistles and it's a classic look that can't help but be smart and chic without really trying. And let's face it, anything that requires minimal effort is a winner with me!

I've not included places like Zara or Next or wherever else because I'm just ASSUMING (rightly or wrongly?) that they'll be obvious places to hit for smart staples, plus I wanted to push myself to have a look at shops I wouldn't normally. But yeah, can you tell I'm massively out of my element here? I'm sure once I start trying things on I'll get the hang of things I like and don't like, and it is a WEE bit exciting, contemplating a whole new weekday wardrobe - sort of like playing dress up. I just hope I manage to strike the balance between matronly and tacky... It's an issue.

Finally, in the spirit of getting ones SHIZ together, I have to add a picture of  this wee GEM I've just placed an order for...

This, folks, is Moleskine's limited edition Le Petit Prince 2013 daily diary and it's a BEAUT! The eagle-eyed among you may notice the significance given the name of this here blog... Swoon!

Yeah, so that's that.

I'm not sure what this change will mean for Forty Four Sunsets. *sadface*  I tend to do a lot of blogging on my lunch breaks here, but I've a feeling that kind of thing won't be possible at the new place and I've already got list upon list of things to do with my new-found EVENINGS and WEEKENDS (no more mental shifts for me - hurrah!) including joining a gym - DO NOT LAUGH - and possibly doing a part-time night course at college or something, maybe in creative writing? Or maybe something bonkers like basket weaving - just because I can! Plus, yi know, generally having a life again. So it could be difficult to fit in posts for a while, at least until I find my feet. 

But stick with me, I promise I won't abandon FFS! I mean, where else will I get to indulge in my love for CAPS LOCK AND RAMBLING AND RANTING ON FOR FAR TOO BLOODY LONG FOR NO REASON TO VIRTUALLY NO ONE AT ALL and linking obscure YouTube clips and weird Google images furtively into text that may or may not have anything to do with the point I'm making etc...?

I've been at this too long, can you tell? Time to wrap it up. Hope you all had a BONZER festive season and let's all make 2013 OUR YEAR, yeah? Yeah. Cool.

ZARA: BACK IN BLACK

I've decided I'm going to get back in touch with my inner goff this winter. Over summer I enjoyed a bit of an unexpected love affair with all things floral, and it was mighty nice while it lasted, but after I spotted THIS adorable wee goff in Look magazine this week...

..and read THIS article by my pal Carrie at The Herald, I'm full on obsessed with all things black again.

Zara has a FIT collection of classic black pieces for autumn and winter including leather, embroidery, studs and chunky knits for a hot, GROWN UP GOFF look. What do you reckon? Banging, right?

I. NEED. EVERYTHING. It seems the less money I have, the more fantasy wishlists I create - torturous! Anyone else do that? I know you do, don't EVEN pretend.

Also, sorry this post is so similar to the last one, but, like, shut yer freakin gob OK? HAPPY FRIDAY!

RECENT PURCHASES: MAY

Not too much to report, Recent Purchases-wise yet again! Last month I spent a BOMB on partying, food, mooching about and generally having a gay old time, so I've been trying to be frugal since I got paid but it's SO difficult!

Anyhoo, let's crack on.

Skeleton crop top with cut out shoulders - Topshop

This wee tee was only £14! Bargain! I'm loving this shoulderless trend and I actually got another gorge floral shoulderless dress from Toppers a while ago but forgot to include it and now it's gone from the website. BUMS. Anyway, this wee number was a steal and is super-cute on. It actually wasn't that cropped so I cut off the hem (!) to make sure it sits right on the waistband of my faux-leather H&M skater which is how I plan to style it up this weekend. It's pretty high-necked so perhaps not one for you lovely CHESTY WUMMIN, but with my hair up and a bold lip I think I can just about pull it off. Love.

Something Wicked cropped tee - Tee and Cake at Topshop

I am a sucker for a Shakespeare quote and Macbeth is my favourite so when I saw this I grabbed it to trying on, not really sure how I was going to make it work. Turns out it's a TRUE CROP which means midriff, something which really isn't cool for me (or anyone else rapidly encroaching their mid-twenties) but again, it'll work with very high-waisted shorts or that faux-leather skater I mentioned. If all else fails it'll be a super cosy jammy top - the cotton is really thick and soft...

Oatmeal open-shoulder top - Topshop

Can you spot a theme here? Yeah, I pretty much raided Topshop last night. Another shoulderless wonder, this uber-light knit is cut to fall really flatteringly and is an awesome basic to throw on with loads of other stuff in my wardrobe, plus the no-shoulder detail adds a bit of edge. Beware, it's pretty sheer though...

Crochet and chiffon cardigan - TRF at Zara

I'm going on holiday next week - WOOP! - and I was in desperate need of a wee cardi like this to chuck on over strapless beachy dresses or for if it turns chilly in the evening. This  off-white crochet number is perfect and it's stunning on - looks like it's worth at least double it's crazy £25.99 price tag!

Dr Weil for Origins Mega-Bright serum

I recently attended a beauty lock-in event at House of Frasers in Glasgow (more on that to come soon) and after a glass of cava (or three), I found myself stumbling over to the Origins counter lustfully eyeing up this baby. It's been on my periphery for a while - y'all know how much of a freak I am for skin brightening goodies - but I could never really justify the £46. The shrewd but lovely sales girl noticed my hesitation and went on to tell me loads about it, most of which I've now forgotten to be honest. But her schpiel worked and I've been using it semi-religiously every morning for around two weeks. I can't say I've noticed a huge change overall, but certainly after you put it on you can see a difference. I think it's mostly to do with the slight iridescence to the serum itself than anything else, but I have my fingers crossed for more long term visible results in skintone. One thing to note, it's quite silliconey which means it can feel weird putting any kind of emollient moisturiser over the top. I've also noticed if you use too much and vigorously rub it in it can ball up and flake off, which is NOT COOL so less is more peeps.

Origins Brighter by Nature high potency brightening peel

Yup, I was suckered into this too. I explained my night-time skincare routine to the sales assistant and she told me I was lacking a glycolic treatment and a mask, both to use a few times a week. I couldn't really argue to be honest, I mean I HAD tried the Alpha H Liquid Gold (which I still have by the way, should really throw it out...) but unfortunately every time I used it I woke up with horrible little spots that took ages to go away. I think it's just too harsh for my skin, and I've never noticed the miraculous effects others seem to rave about... Anyways, I decided on this even though I suspected it might be a similar type of product (akin to a 30% glycolic peel apparently!) and I was right :( I've used it twice and both times it stung and left me with those painful wee red spots. BUT, after a day or so once my skin has calmed down, it has been feeling a bit smoother. Not brighter as such, just less red and clearer overall, but it's hard to know whether that's solely down to this or my new moisturiser (coming up). I THINK it's working but I'm still undecided whether it's worth the unsightly side-effects...

Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask

Although my skin seems to be changing to more normal/combo instead of combo/oily, I do still get the odd breakout now and then. Thanks to some crazy partying recently (Kirsten's 25 going-away parties amongst other things) I've accidentally fallen asleep with my makeup on a few times with some NASTY results. I opted for this as my final Origins splurge to hopefully sort things out once and for all and I'm pleased to say it definitely worked. It does exactly what it says on the tin - soaks up any excess oil, deep cleans and dries out potential spots before they come to the surface. Putting it on is like smearing toothpaste all over your face though, which is well weird! The consistency is super-thick and it smells strongly of camphor which I don't love. But I do like the effects - definitely a winner.

Lancome Hydra Zen neurocalm soothing moisturising cream

This is a bit of a cheat cos I didn't ACTUALLY buy this, it was in my goodybag from the Frasers event a few weeks ago. But I'm including it cos I think it's worth mentioning since I've been using it pretty much non-stop ever since. So after I'd used those brightening peel pads my skin was really tight and red - not something I'm used to since using the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish virtually every night for 4 months. I noticed I'd been given a sample pot of this from the new Lancome Hydra Zen range designed for sensitive skin and tried it out after my Advanced Night Repair as usual. HOLY COW. I've never woken up to such soft skin before! Seriously, when I wake up all I want to do is stroke my face for ages... The heavy glass pot feels luxurious, it smells delicious and is absorbed quickly. This white pot is an oil-in-water version and they do an oil-free one, but I don't think it has SPF which is disappointing otherwise I'd be snapping it up to use in the daytime too. If you have sensitive skin I'd highly recommend this,

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara

I first tried this in November last year and I LOVED it but stupidly decided that at £22 it was too expensive to repurchase. I got myself another Maybelline One-by-One mascara to take its place but I've had to admit that it just PALES IN COMPARRISON. Whereas the Maybelline one dries out in a matter of weeks, has a stabby, synthetic brush and goes clumpy and flaky after 2 coats, this does none of these things. The tapered wand makes it perfect for getting every single tiny lash, top and bottom, and the formula stays 'wet' for ages, both in the tube and on your eyes which reduces any dry flakyness. It's not the most smude-proof mascara out there but then it isn't waterproof so I guess I can't judge it too harshly for that. Simply put, I love it. Plus, weirdly, it smells really nice too, though beware when trying to sniff it. Black smudges all over your nose isn't a hot look, TRUST ME!

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips (bought from eBay)

So I've never had a huge problem with the colour of my teeth before, they've never been YELLOW or particularly stained (unless you count a night on the red wine...) but who WOULDN'T want their teeth that little bit whiter eh? My mum recently got her teeth whitened at the Girl's Day Out Show in Glasgow a while back, and the results were not bad. You could see a slight difference but nothing spectacular, and she paid £60 for the priviledge. I'd been thinking about doing the same, but I remembered seeing reviews of these on

YouTube and they were all overwhelmingly positive so I decided to go for it. I'm glad I did! A pack of 20 upper and lower strips cost me just over £20 and I've only been using them for a week and I can definitely see a difference. They're pretty fiddly, take half an hour to develop and can sting/make your teeth slightly sensitive afterwards, but in terms of results, they speak for themselves...

OK, so I AM wearing a blue-red lippy and I took this on Instagram with a filter, but seriously, they are definitely, DEFINITELY whiter. They're not quite Ross from Friends yet, and I'll stop using them if they start to go that way, but for the moment I'm very happy with the results. Be careful using them cos they're not approved for sale here and if you're worried about sensitivity or whatever, maybe steer clear. But the bottom line is they work.

So, aye. That's what I've been buying/using recently. As I mentioned I'm going on holiday next week and still have a few beachy, summery things to get before I go so if I have enough time I'll show you guys what I get. If not look out for holiday pics in a couple of weeks! I'll also be posting the link to a guest blog I've written all about BB creams (once I actually write it!), so look out for that too. Along with some more info on the Frasers beauty event... Jings,  my to do list is out of control at the mo!

ALSO, incase anyone is wondering what I actually DO to fund all these purchases, a colleague of mine wrote about A Day in the Life of a Subtitler for my company's blog. Check it oot if you're nosy curious.

RECENT PUR-CHASES

Actually, although it doesn't look like it since I appear never to be able to live within my means, I've been PRETTAY, PRETTAY, PRETTAY skint this last month or two.

Birthdays, ultimately fruitless trips down south, and more nights out than you can shake a stick at have taken their toll. GODDAAAYUM I'm sick of being skint!

That said, over the last wee while I have still managed to pick up a few shiny new things. Take a peek:

Gold jumper from Zara. Festive or what?! The ultimate dress up or dress down piece, perfect for chilly, wintry nights at the pub and awesome with skinnies or a leather skirt. Love, love, love it. Zara knitwear is having a definite moment just now...

THOSE Topshop boots. You know, the Acne copies that sold out everywhere during the summer. Aye, I caved. They are a slightly lower heel and much comfier than my Topshop heeled Chelseas and I've practically been living in them ever since I snapped up the last 5s in Topshop Argyle St last week. Love.

Topshop velvet leggings. I'm actually not sure about these in real life. They make my thighs look GINORMO and bumfle unattractively around the crotchital area. But I just love the IDEA of them. So far the tags are still on and the jury's still out. They may well go back...

H&M pleather flippy skirt. I've had this for a couple of weeks, and together with the Topshop boots it's hardly been off my bum. I LOVE it. I saw it on someone else's blog ages ago (forget who now) and made a mental note to get it on payday. And get it I did. Goes with everything and is only £19.99. Makes sense people.

Barry M Berry Ice Cream nail polish. SUCH  a gorgeous colour on. Shame my nails are absolutely horrific. I feel a new year's resolution coming on...

Skin 79 Intense Classic BB Cream. GAHD, what a drama I've been having with foundations lately. I'm totally sick of Estee Lauder Doublewear and its cakiness, so I've been trying other, less matte cream foundations over the last month. I'd been hearing all this stuff about BB creams and after hours spent watching reviews on YouTube some gentle research, plumped for this yin off of an American site.

There are some big pros and cons to this cream. The coverage is INTENSE as the name would suggest, which is good if you want maximum coverage, duh. But it's got an SPF of 35 which makes it really thick and very whitening on the skin. I personally don't mind the whitening aspect, as in the winter I normally steer clear of the fake tan anyway, but I know loads of folk won't like that. Also, I wasn't sure I really got the whole 'one shade suits everyone' thing. It comes out the tube a weird grey colour, but eventually oxidises to match your face... or there abouts. Once on though, it stays put. And thanks to the creamy finish it never looks cakey or dry.

I wore this alot in Italy as I do tend to burn easily, so the high SPF and coverage was great, and so was the dewy finish. But now that I'm home I'm defo finding it a bit much. Which leads me to...

Illamasqua Skin Base foundation. I finally feel like I've found my ultimate foundation! Based on BB creams, this foundation is meant to cover,conceal, brighten and enhance. But Illamasqua have removed all the SPF properties normally associated with BB creams, which is great for a night out so you don't get that ATTRACTIVE, your-face-is-ten-times-whiter-than-your-neck reflection thingmy that tends to happen in photos when an SPF is present. Anyway, I love it!

 I was matched with shade 06 when I went in for the tester, but when I went back that shade had sold out. The helpful girl in Debenhams said I could also be shade 05 too since my skin has a slight pinkiness to it. Sure enough it's ALMOST the exact perfect shade. I do find it a touch pink, but with a dusting of some creamy loose powder over the top it's ideal.

Not too thick, creamy, pigmented, easily-blendable... I'm not sure there's much else I need from a foundation. It's £25 which ain't cheap, but a little goes a REALLY long way.

So aye, those were my pur-CHASEs over the last lil bit. I'm away to eat beans on toast for the next 6 weeks...

ZARA BAGS - AGAIN!

UH OH.

Today is pay day.

Dangerous!

First on this month's TO BUY list is this gorgeous Zara bag I've been obsessing over covetting, ever since I saw Olivia Palermo rocking it on the streets of NYC:

Oh, 'Liv, you do know what you're doing accessory-wise doncha?

Yesterday I wore my grey & black striped maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters and a vintage silk leopard-print tshirt to stoat about town, and I couldn't help but feel like what my ensemble was missing was a LARGE, RED, LEATHER BAG.

"Hold the phone," I thought. "Doesn't that massive leather bucket bag from Zara come in a beeyootiful tomato-red colour too?"

Why yes, yes it does.

Come on now, isn't that a sight for sore eyes? Zara, you are really out-doing yourself on the bag front at the moment. Props to you. Perfect shade of orangey red, and JUST ABOUT big enough to house all my summer essentials such as an overly-large purse, Ray Bans, one broken lense from Topshop Ray Ban imitations, one large handfull of coppers, hundreds of hankies (clean and not so), browning banana, Vicks nasal spray, unidentifiable crumbs, four different kinds of lip balm, fluffy unwrapped Werthers Original, several hairbrushes... etc. (Remind me NEVER to do a What's In Your Bag feature.)

Anyway, ama defo head out to purchase this, possibly this evening... If I have time before Harry Potter that is.

Love ya, Harry! HARRY! HARRY DON'T DIE!!!*



*Harry doesn't die.**


**OR DOES HE?! ***


*** No, he actually doesn't.


EDIT: Speaking of Harry Potter, this shall also be making it's way to me ASAP:

Silver Deathly Hallows ring from Loki and the Dragon on Etsy.

WIN!

CHRIST ON A BIKE

It's official, bloggies. Found my perfect leather backpack and it is GOOOOOOD!

ZARA! What are you trying to do to me?!

Regardes:

 

This hot piece of leather action is £109 and will be MINE before the month is out. Mark my words...