ETSY SPOTLIGHT

I can't even remember the last time I logged into Etsy before today - isn't that ridiculous?! There was a time a while ago when I was utterly obsessed with it, and then real life muscled in and spoiled all my online vintage-shopping fun. Sadface.

Anyway, I took the notion to get stuck back in and today I stumbled upon adorbs Australian shop Red Leather Yellow Leather and what a find! Supercute 90s goodies galore...

Have a gander at my faves:

 

Check out the shop for more of the same - perf for summer, no?

Wish I'd spotted some this goodness earlier as I'm off to Rockness next weekend and there's apparently a THRIFT SHOP fancy dress theme on the Saturday... I'd LOVE me that kimono jacket! BOOOOOO.

RECENT PURCHASES: MARCH

It's been AGES since I've done a recent purchases post. Like I mean months and months. Don't be fooled, it's not been because I've not been BUYING stuff... AS IF! I guess I've just been lazy about keeping track of it all. But over the past few weeks I've made a consented effort to keep a note of where all my money's been going... To GUILT myself into a spending ban, if nothing else because SERIOUSLY, it really is out of control.

Anyway, yeah, here we go.

Antipodes Apostle skin brightening and tone correcting serum

Sigh. Yes, another brightening serum - they are my own personal brand of heroin and I am DEEP into my addiction. I'd run out of my REN Radiance Perfecting serum (did I even mention that in a blog somewhere?) and to be honest I wasn't wowed at all. I never DON'T use a radiance/skin tone correcting/brightening serum though, so I guess it's hard to gauge results. But retailing at over £30, I had expected to see SOMETHING happen and, honestly, I didn't. Thankfully the same can't be said for this! It's dispensed via pipette (like ANR) and the weird red fluid and smells like crushed up fruit, because basically that's what it is. It smells GENUINELY like you could eat it.

After patting in twice daily for about four/five days now I can say that some annoying scarring from a few recent breakouts has definitely reduced. Also, a few minutes after putting this on, any residual redness on my skin has completely vanished. It can leave your face feeling a bit tight so a moisturiser on top is a must, but overall I'm really loving it so far - feels and looks like it's actually doing something. Yay!

Caudalie Eau De Beaute Beauty Elixir

This is a firm favourite I've gone without for ages and I don't really know why. Well, I do really - the price. It's basically some lovely oils dissolved in water that smells heavenly and can be spritzed under or over makeup, but it's not cheap.

I caved though, because I love it so much. I use this in place of a toner, which I always felt was a bit of an unnecessary step, but this definitely wakes my face up a bit (wow, clarity), closes pores and makes whatever you put on next (the serum usually) sink in much quicker. I don't know exactly how it works but it does and I love it.

Caudalie Divine Oil

I blame Estee from Essie Button on this ENTIRELY. I have no idea what video it was but I was watching one of hers on YouTube (actually I think it was a winter favourites or something) and she mentioned this multi-purpose body oil and how it smelled AMAZING and that was it. Hooked.

I've been using a Soap and Glory body moisturiser for a while - God knows what one, there's hunners! One that comes in a squeezy tube not a tub - and it's been working OK but nothing to write home about. The sweet scent is nice but after weeks it can start to grate a bit and I've been after something a little more sophisticated smelling for a while. This is DEFINITELY it. I used the NUXE multi-purpose oil a while back and loved it, but this is even better since it comes with a spray pump and smells ACTUALLY heavenly. Sweet, woody, rosey, mmmm just actually SO GOOD! For best moisturising results I spray it all over when I'm still a bit damp after a shower and it sinks right in.

[Every time I write the word "multi-purpose" I have to fight my fingers not to type multi-porpoise. FACT.]

Joico K-Pak Reconstructor

This was a totally random, last minute basket-addition on Feel Unique. I had in the back of my mind that I was MAYBE looking for a nourishing hair mask of some kind, but I'd done no research and I'm pretty sure I just bought this cos there was some money off. Like £5 or something, but still....

My hair has been kind of dry and damaged recently. I had some highlights (how 90s) put in a few months ago and then decided to lighten the ends myself a bit for a sort of UBER soft ombre effect. I used the L'Oreal Wild Ombre kit in number 2 by the way, and I was really pleased with it. It didn't make a massive difference but I wasn't looking for one so it suited me fine, but if you were looking for a dramatic ombre effect you might be disappointed. AAAAAAAAANYWAY, as a result my hair hasn't been in the best condition. Some days are better than others but it's generally a bit dry, tuggy and breaks easily.

I've only used this once and I liked the results. It made my hair feel smooth and nourished without weighing it down, but it smells REALLY weird, like over-ripe bananas and oats or something. Kind of like it was once a "fresh" product that went off. Not sure if I can really stomach it to use it often... Every time the wind blows and you get a waft - BOKE. We'll see.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 hour eyeshadow

Jumped on the bandwagon and bought On and On Bronze. Can you believe this is my first foray into cream eye shadows? I like it I guess, but I never normally have a problem with eye shadows creasing anyway so I wasn't looking for it to solve any particular problem really. It's very creamy, blends nicely and lasts all day. Am I BLOWN AWAY? Nah, but it's decent enough. Although it's a bronze, it's quite cool-toned which doesn't work brilliantly with my colouring so bear that in mind, and it's SUPER shimmery.

MAC's Satin Taupe

I've wanted this FOREVER but the stupid MAC concession in Silverburn has been out of it for weeks and I've given up trying to get anyone to serve me in Frasers - actually a shower of rude, ignorant eejits working in there and I don't care who knows it. SO many times I've had a bomb burning a hole in my pocket ready to drop on loads of stuff, but no one has approached me even though I'm OBVIOUSLY mooching about totally clueless, or sales assistants have blatantly ignored me and carried on their own conversations behind the till. I've walked out loads of times absolutely fuming and spent the money elsewhere.

Rant asise, I finally manged to get my hands on this and I'm completely underwhelmed. The formula is lovely, typically of MAC shadows it's high quality, soft, blends like a dream and lasts all day, but the colour is totally wrong. I should have known it wouldn't suit me - GAHD! When will I learn, I only suit warm-toned bronzes and browns on my eyes and this is very grey and ashy, it almost leans a little purple in some lights. Basically it makes me look like I haven't slept in a week/have the beginnings of a shiner forming. Not good. If you have brown eyes go get it though, bet it would lovely.

MAC 217 brush

I've been using a cheap No7 version of this for donkeys but finally got the real deal and it's as good as the hype - blends amazing, feels sturdy and solid but can be really gentle and subtle. Never picks up too much product and reduces fallout. It's pure good.

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse 301 Dating Coral

This looks super pink in the picture but in reality it's a lovely soft peachy coral colour. Still obsessed with coral lipsticks and this is just the latest edition to an ever-expanding collection. I'm really loving creamy lipsticks at the moment, as opposed to matt, drying ones, and I prefer the formula of these to the Revlon Lip Butters as I find them a bit sticky whereas the Rouge Caresses are much more moisturising. I do find that this acts as a slight stain on my lips as after the glossy/creamy finish has worn off the colour hangs about for another couple of hours. It's a subtle shade but warms up the skin and looks amaze with a tan. Love it.

black Topshop playsuit £40

Another whim, but you can never have enough LBPs for going out, right? Topshop is the only place I can buy playsuits that actually fit me thanks to their petite line - everywhere else, and even the regular line in Toppers, playsuits are cut for GIANTS. Saggy-crotch is not a cool look guys! Anyway, this fits nicely - the sleeves are quite tight and the shorts are VERY short but with tights it's all good. It's tight enough to fit me properly at the waist as well and not BAG out which is always nice. Bit fancy, bit goff, bit bangin. Done.

Stripe Topshop dress £38

I bought this without trying it on as I was pushed for time and figured it might be nice for work but I REALLY should have bothered because it's a very weird fit. I got a 10 but it's cut really big so the shoulders and waist are stupidly baggy. Obviously, because it's me, the ass bit fits fine but it's everywhere else that it's too big. Comically so. An 8 will be out of the question due to my BOOTAY so I think it's going to need to go back. It's such a frustration when dresses that look like they're cinched in at the waist aren't quite cinched enough. Proper grinds my gears. If you are boyish I'd say this would probably work much better but go a size down to be safe.

Kurt Geiger leather Winchester Chelsea Boots - £50 in the sale

Such a bargain, these were originally £130! Spotted them in T5 when I was down in London but they had sold out in 5s and ordered me one of the last two pairs left to be delivered to the Silverburn store. They're really comfy and shiny and (though you can't tell from the pic) VERY pointy which makes me think/act like I'm one of the Horrors circa 2007. Mind them? Anyway, yeah, love. I'm not convinced they suit me massively cos they come up quite high and cut my wee legs off right at the bit when my calves start to get a bit fat but C'EST LA VIE.

Volkswagen Polo S white - PURE HUNNERS

Yassssss! Actually so excited for this! I've had a lovely wee yellow VW Fox for about 4 years now but it's getting a bit past it and I'm doing more driving with my job so I wanted something a bit more sturdy. The Polo is inbetween the Fox and the Golf and my new wee one is white and has amazing, mind-blowing things like CENTRAL LOCKING and a bit for your IPOD and AUTOMATIC WINDOWS and lots of fun things like that which the Fox, bless it, never had. I pick it up on Friday and I'm so so so so pumped I can't even wait. Jesus, I am so sad.

So there you go, reasons why I've been skint recently. I also went on a mini break last weekend which was SUPPOSED to be a romantic getaway but because my life is ACTUALLY a farcical chick lit plot, THAT fell apart and I ended up going with my awesome pal Laura instead. We stayed at the Isles of Glencoe hotel in Ballachulish next to Glencoe and it was honestly so beautiful, I've never seen scenery like it. Hutch and I are not big OUTDOORSY types but we managed a walking trail thing up a big giant hill and did lots of boozing and sleeping and laughing and eating and it was generally brilliant. So yeah, I guess that counts too cos it wasn't cheap either.

And, not to be a pure cheeseball, but it just goes to show that even if things turn to utter shit it's nothing that good pals, good booze and good times can't fix. FOR. REAL.

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...

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!

AUTUMN TOPSHOP WISHLIST

After feeling pretty uninspired by Topshop recently (What was with all the bustier-style cropped tops and tie-dye denim for summer? Sheesh, way to completely alienate anyone over 17, TOPPERS!), along comes a whole SLEW of autumn winter goodies to lust over. Joy!

Anyone else just VASTLY prefer the autumn highstreet offerings in general? I can't be alone in this, surely?! Anyway, here's my favourites :)

Black lace cropped top.

Wait, wasn't I just slagging cropped tops? I'm a FICKLE MISTRESS right enough! But, see, this one's OK cos it's black lace which already means it's badass, plus it's got long sleeves and doesn't look TOO mentally cropped. I imagine this paired with my high-waisted faux leather skater skirt from H&M and Litas. Winter night out outfit sorted!

Winter floral print open-back tunic

The eagle-eyed among you might have spotted that this is EXACTLY the same as another floral tunic I just bought earlier in the month, but I saw this the other day and fell head over heels. I now need to own both. Don't judge me.

Fitted red cross dress

Love this. I was in two minds in the shop cos the 10 was quite clingy (hello wobbly bits) but 12 wasn't quite fitted enough - literally the story of my life with bodycon stuff in Toppers! But as soon as I left the shop I regretted not buying it and I may well nip in on my way home from work today to pick it up. I'M SO BAD! Not 100% sure where to wear it though - it's a bit MUCH for work, but the fabric is quite thick (almost woolly) for a night out? Hmm.

Mohair boyfriend coat

It's kind of ridic to be lusting after this since it's VERY like my winter coat of last year (fondly nicknamed the hairy vagina coat) which is still going strong, but I'm a sucker for mohair and a boyfriend shape, plus it has cute buttons and pockets...

Maroon Mary Janes

I wish I was going back to school just so I could wear these with my school uniform, but in reality I'm pretty sure I'd never have an occasion to wear such beacons of pretty preppy goodness, made all the more edgy by the slightly too-thick sole. ALMOST creeper-esq. Still doesn't stop me wanting them though. Plus that coat and these shoes are giving me the MARGOT TENENBAUMS bad style...

Lipstick in Mexican Wave by Louise Gray for Topshop

I've been LOVING orange lipsticks recently and have been swithering about getting MAC's Morange for a while...until I spotted this wee potential alternative! Slightly more red/coral than the 'true orange' of Morange, this would make a poifickt segway from red to orange for winter. No?

Cosmic print pyjama sweater and bottoms

I. NEED. THESE. My current "pyjamas" are absolutely abysmal - old, mismatched and generally mortifying. This winter I absolutely HAVE to have this cosy cosmic pairing. Maybe then I might be able to open the door to the postman once in a while without CRINGING like the utter jake I am.

What do you guys reckon, are you excited for Topshop's new season offerings?