HIGH STREET HITLIST

Living within the confines of a constant budget is BLOODY HARD, especially when one of the biggest pleasures in my life is blowing cash on makeup and cosmetics. Which, when I read that back, makes me CRINGE inside. There's got to be more to life than moisturisers, serums and lotions at upwards of £50 a pop, right? RIGHT????!!! 

The past few months I've found a few actual GEMS in the likes of Boots and Superdrug - most for under a tenner...

Tresemme Split Mend Intense Recovery Masque 

Buy it here for £3 when you place a total order for £10, or usually £5.75 at Boots

Replaces: Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advance Restorative Treatment £26.95 at Feel Unique

Rarely have I been wowed by a hair mask or conditioning treatment. After going blonde, like BLEACH blonde at the end of last year, then dying it back to brown in February, my hair was pretty much ruined. Lots of it snapped and fell out (at the hairdressers. I ALMOST cried), and the hair left was weak, brittle and damaged beyond belief. THAT'LL TEACH ME! 

This is the first thing I've used that made a visible difference after just one use - and believe me, I tried just about EVERYTHING. Even the Philip Kingsley Elastacizer failed to impress, but this budget baby gave me noticeably smoother, softer, less unruly hair after the first go. It claims to actually FIX existing split ends and reduce new ones over time, and while I don't believe in hair WIZARDRY of this kind, I can vouch that it's doing SOMETHING for my poor, poor hair. 

One of the first ingredients is hydrolyzed Keratin, which, for a high street product under 6 quid, is pretty amaze.

Another happy side effect from regular use is that I've noticed my hair is starting to feel a little thicker and more lustrous. It's bouncy, shinier and altogether BETTER. It doesn't tout volume as a result, but it's another happy accident, as well as locks that smell delish. Try it out, I bet you love it.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Agent Perfecting Creme

£5.59 from Boots (newly rebranded, but mine looks like this one above)

Replaces: Morrocanoil Hydrating Styling Cream £23.75 at Feel Unique

Sticking with hair, this has ALSO been a saviour of sorts. I actually think I've mentioned this on here before, and I know I've used it for years, but over the last 3 or 4 months I'm never without it in my bag.

After aforementioned hair disaster (you could definitely call it that) I've been left with lots of damaged hair, broken off at different lengths, and stupid flyaways that stick out all over the crown of my head, giving me an unattractive HAIR HALO should I be unfortunate enough to be lit from behind.

If you're not one for hair oils (I have oily skin, scalp and hair - slathering oil onto my hair is about the last thing I want to do), this is a great option for smoothing over a finished, dry style without weighing it down or greasing it up. Rub a decent squirt between hands, smooth through from top to bottom, and BOOM, flyaways be gone. 

I also find that throughout the day, my ends get drier and drier so that by the evening  it's absolutely desperate for a drink. Rubbing some of this through the ends refreshes it really nicely, again without overloading my hair with loads of product. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

£3.25 from Amazon

Replaces: Origins Clear Improvement Mask £22 from Origins counters

I must have tried literally THOUSANDS of clay-based face masks, and this is ALWAYS the one I reach for first. A thick, gloopy, minty green mask that dries hard and does that weird cracking thing on your face if you try to move it, but honestly one of the best things ever at sooking out oil, dirt and grime from the skin. For this price, it's a STEAL, and it's super effective. It can dry out the skin a bit, so follow up with a good moisturiser, but if you've got oil issues, stubborn plooks and open pores you have GOT to give this a go.

I coaxed my bf into giving this a try last night and I THINK he gave it the thumbs up. I asked him if his skin felt any different and he said no, but when I inspected it at closer range there were definitely fewer open pores on show. SO WHAT DOES HE KNOW?!

La Roche Posay Effaclar K

£13.00 from Boots

Replaces: Paula's Choice RESIST Skin Transforming Multi-Correction Treatment £38.80

A little pricier now, but totally worth it. I, like everyone else, tried the LRP Effaclar Duo and liked it, but wasn't blown away. I found that, despite being targeted at sensitive, imperfection prone skin, sometimes it would sting, and now and again I'd get these weird dry, flaky patches where I'd used it. Plus, it didn't do what I really wanted - EXFOLIATION. 

This Effaclar K lotion from the same anti-blemish range contains AHAs and very little alcohol so it gets rid of dead skin cells daily, but isn't as drying or irritating as the Duo, and I prefer its slightly mattifying effect as a makeup base for daytimes.

Over the few months I've been using this I can say that I've noticed a reduction in new scarring, and the overall surface of my skin is smoother. I'm still cursed with the odd breakout, but I find this clears things up fairly quickly and smoothes over any raised areas a peach. It's moisturising enough during the day to be used alone, but at night I slap on a cream over the top, or alternate it with oils and serums. Nevertheless, a necessary step I wouldn't be without now.

It smells weird though. Like, be prepared. It's odd...

Korres Wild Rose Brightening and Line Smoothing Serum

£9 from TK Maxx (or £26 from Amazon, £30 from LookFantastic.com)

Replaces: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Complexion Correcting serum £42.75 from Feel Unique

So, this is a bit of a cheat. OK, a total cheat. RRP for this seems to be around the £30 mark online, which is why, when I spied it in TK Maxx for less than a tenner, I just HAD to get it! 

It's designed for older skins - hence the anti-wrinkle claims - but of course it was the word BRIGHTENING that attracted me. On a never-ending quest to brighten and perk up my sallow, sometimes dull skin, anything that claims to do this is OK by me. Happily, this serum is a nice, creamy consistency which takes around 5-10 mins to soak in fully, and adds a lovely extra layer of moisture. I do notice that it plumps up my skin nicely, and leaves it feeling really...juicy, without leaving a sticky film. It seems to appear more nourished, and any latent redness fades quickly after massaging this in. I'm really not a huge fan of the smell though, but as it doesn't contain any artificial fragrance (or prabens or mineral oil or any of those nasties) I can't complain really. 

TK Maxx often has the odd gem in their skincare section, mostly from brands like Lavera, Melvita and Korres. I've even seen a REN hand cream! Basically, you can often be lucky with a nice selection of natural/cruelty free brands usually only available online or in Whole Foods, at a FRACTION of the RRP. Definitely check one out if you can.

Avene Skin Recovery Cream

£9.37 on Escentual.com or £12.50 at Boots

Replaces: Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream £26.00 from Feel Unique

I KNOW I've mentioned this guy before, but he's still a total favourite I always repurchase. Now and again, despite having pretty hardy, oily skin, I'll develop the odd dry, flaky patch. LOVELY! Seems to spring up for no reason, often on my cheeks, or just under my eyes. I don't use an eye cream (though I know I should) and I just take my normal moisturiser under there and over my cheeks, and 9 times out of 10 this is sufficient, but for the days when patches of my skin is irritated, seemingly for no bloody reason at all, I ALWAYS come back to this and it sorts it right out. 

It's 67% spring water and the rest of the ingredients (only 13 in total) are designed to calm inflammation and intensely moisturise. It's weird, because the second ingredient down from water is mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) which I've literally JUST told you is a NASTY ingredient, causing breakouts and offering no visible skin benefits, however I can categorically say that I've had ZERO negative side effects from using this on isolated areas on my face. Quite the opposite, actually. My sore, dry skin loves it.

Burts Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Treatment

£3.69 at Boots or £4.95 at Feel Unique

Replaces: By Terry Baume de Rose £38 at Space NK

 I am a die-hard 8 Hour Cream fan for a lip balm as I just don't think ANYTHING works as well as that (although I've yet to try Lanolips and I've got a good feeling about it!), however it's pricey, and this Burts Bees alternative is ALMOST as good, and certainly better than Vaseline, or even any of the other Burts Bees chapsticks in the range. 

The silver-lid variant is described as "ultra moisturising" and it definitely is. The other flavours (versions?) I've found to be too waxy to actually penetrate the skin, instead creating this thick, sticky barrier over the lips. Yes it prevents more moisture leaving, but it doesn't absorb well, or actually fix flaky lips at all. This version DOES all of that, thanks to its slippier, lighter texture which glides on much easier and really feels like it's doing something. A winner if you're strapped and can't justify the likes of the By Terry Baume de Rose or Dior Creme de Rose, or any of the rest. At the end of the day, this does the job and does it well.

PHEW. I mean, yeah, none of this stuff is MEGA cheap, but all do what they say WELL and are, for the most part, readily available. I don't know about you but there's some things I'm happy to go without when I'm skint, but skincare/makeup/cosmetics isn't really one of them. Substituting expensive products for these more affordable babies has been no detriment to my skin or hair, and a big advantage for my bank balance.  I know I am the saddest person alive, but I'd rather eat beans on toast a week out the month than give up slathering my hair/face/body in good things. Is there a support group I can go to?

LANA DEL REY FOR H&M

So come September, Lana Del Rey will be the new face of H&M's autumn collection. Interesting...

I have a  very weird love/hate relationship with miss Del Rey... Sometimes I think shes awesomely cool and kinda wanna be her, other times she makes me CRINGE so bad I can't take it. She's this odd mix of edgy and cheesy, no?  But here in these promo shots for the collection out in September, I have to say I think she looks fantastic. But then, I love a shameless bouffant and costume jewellery so I do...

Her hair. I need her hair.

Doing what she does best - 60s, pouty, sexy - I reckon she's nailed it. Judging from these pics (the only two I could find online) the fall collection at H&M is sure to include loads of pastels, angora and bling - luckily I can get on board with those. What do you guys reckon? Is Lana a good fit for H&M?

Here she is pretending to be Jackie O. I actually love the chorus in this song but I can't BEAR the bits when she does that stupid talking nonsense... "Money is the anthem of success..." AHHHH It's so awkward mate, just sing!

TOPSHOP AW12 PREVIEW

Today sees the launch of Topshop's AW12 Preview shots. They're going for 7 key looks this year - the imaginatively named Punky Checks, Master Mod, Wild Wild West, The Sweater is Eveything, Yes It's My Boyfriend's, Sixties Siren and Collared Style.

From the descriptions alone, I can safely say that on the surface I dig four of them... I do like a bit of Mod-style tailoring, love nothing more than an oversized Boyfriend coat, novelty Sweaters enjoy a sacred place in my heart, and embellished Collars have my vote. But as for Punky Checks, Wild Wild West and Sixties Siren? YAWN. Either they've done it before (sixties), I'm afraid I'm too told (punky checks) or it simply makes me boke (wild west, eeew!)

But I have to say, I think the images kind of let Topshop down. Judge for yourself...

This is supposed to embody "Punky Checks." Could do better.

They just DON'T grab me in the same way last year's collections did. Remember the brightly coloured cigarette pants, creepers, boxy tailoring and faux fur? I'm sure faux fur and dresses will come for high winter (aka work night out season) but as for the rest, it's pretty lacklustre, especially in comparison.

I DO hold out hope for a slew of awesome coats though, what with the promise of Boyfriend styles, statement collars and tweed. But as for the rest I'm genuinely a bit bummed. The images have an air of depression around them, no? Maybe it's just cos the girls are so DOUR looking...

What do you guys think, are you excited for Topshop's AW12 trends? Am I being too harsh (again)?



EDIT: I actually just found THIS LINK to another collection called Scandi Girl but the link to "shop Scandi Girl" hasn't been configured and it isn't included in this promo release for autumn so I'm guessing it'll be released later in the year. It looks like more of the type of thing you'd expect from Toppers and something I can DEFO get involved in. You heard it here first!

EDIT AGAIN: OK, on further investigation it seems that Scandi Girl is actually a trend for Spring/Summer - except that the lookbook images for it include hats, scarves and faux fur galore? Not sure what's going on here. THIS is the type of thing I wanna see for winter not spring? Confused.

WHISTLES SUMMER 12 LOOKBOOK

Totally classy, totally gorgeous.

I think there's still a High Summer campaign to come out, but for the time being this SS12 lookbook from Whistles is ticking all the right boxes for me. Whaddya reckon?

Serious brow/red lip envy going on in that last shot. Swoon!

VERSACE FOR H&M: TOP PICKS

I must confess straight off the bat that I'm not always a lover of these designer/highstreet hookups and I'd even go as far as to say I HATED the last Lanvin for H&M collection with a burning passion. Thankfully this time round with their hotly-anticipated Versace collab, everyone seems to have got it right. Hurrah!

So I KNOW we've all seen it and talked it to death, but just for the  hell of it here are my favourite looks from the collection which hits the shops on Thursday.

Not sure if this is a top and skirt or just a dress but either way ME LIKEY. I don't much care for the rest of the prints in the collection - pink hearts etc, but this blue azure, leafy palm and leopard print hits the spot.

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This look totally SCREAMS Versace in yer face, right? Necklace, aye. Dress, aye. Shoes, NAW. Two outta three ain't bad. The little gold number is perfect for Christmas parties but beware unless you're super slim and petite or modelesque. I wouldn't wear it myself but I'd love to see it on someone who could pull it off.

Black leather and gold, NOW YER TALKING! Just a few of the leather jacket looks in this collection. Love the contrast in texture between the jacket and skirt- I usually like to try and mix up the fabrics if I'm wearing head to toe black myself. Basically I would rock everything here.

I don't actually own a gilet - weird - but I now feel very strongly that I should. Immediately.

If I met a dude wearing these breeks and jacket I'd have to rob him of his dignity of them. Especially that jacket.

Different breeks, same insane love for them. And there's that awesome tropical print again. Swoon.

Masculine, demure, modest, unassuming... NAWT. I don't think Donatella even has these words in her vocab y'all. Totally mental, totally Versace, totally love.

Not so much the jacket cos it hasn't got a collar (collarless jackets are the devil) but yes to the top and skirt underneath. Very much feeling that Greek/Italian meander pattern at the bottom of the skirt - reminds me of Classics lectures and slide after slide of ancient Italian friezes and whatnot. Anyway, kinda loving it.

Surely the piece de resistance? The already massively-blogged-about leather and gold studded dress. I'm tempted to set my alarm for 6am on Thursday JUST for this baby alone. At £180 it's not cheap but it's going to be the stand out, sell out piece - trust me!

Leather and gold belt and necklace. Yes, the second one is a necklace. BEAUT.

There are, of course, loads of other dresses, jackets, skirts, tops, leggings, bags and jewellery in the collection - even couch cushions! - but these are my personal favs. Not sure what time the Glasgow store opens on Thursday morning but I'm gonna phone and find out... See you in the queue!

What do you guys think of the collection? Also, weirdly, don't you think THIS little ditty totally works as the perfect soundtrack to these images? Go go GAGA you absolute heidcase!!

MONKI COMES TO THE UK... FINALLY!

Swedish Fashion brand and retail concept Monki have announced they will be opening a pop-up store in London's Selfridges from September 1st.

Um, AHHHH!!!

I've been a mahooooosive fan of Monki ever since I first saw Mademoiselle Robot's first video as part of the Monki TV series - which by the way is a hugely enjoyable collection of videos about interesting bloggers' personal style, neighborhoods and blogging/styling advice. To say I am mildly addicted to their sleek, engaging website is a gigantic understatement!

I am also consistently impressed with their imaginative and high-end lookbook shots. Have a gander at what I mean... Magical!

 Cool, eh?

As for the clothing itself, the Monki collections are reasonably priced and offer up a more diffused, high street version of that other iconic Swedish fashion brand Acne's streamlined, modern tailoring, draped dresses and uber hawt accessories. Susie Bubble sums up the whole feel of the look Acne and Monki embody as SCANDI-COOL. Love it.

Here's a few of my fav collections from the website:

If I lived in London I would most DEFINITELY be heading over to Selfridges on September 1st, and these would be the first things in my basket.

I can only hope, if they sell well (and why wouldn't they), that this just MIGHT herald a British invasion on a grander scale...

What do we think? Are we excited for Monki?