PRETTY YOUNG THING

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

10 December 2014

HARD DRIVE: SAMSUNG* // RITUALS SHOWER GEL* // RITUALS MOISTURISER* // PACO RABANNE 1 MILLION AFTERSHAVE // CHAMPNEYS SPORTS THERAPY GIFTSET* // THE BLUEBEARDS REVENGE AFTERSHAVE* // PHILLIPS WET OR DRY SHAVER //DESKTOP POOL - TESCO*

Here's the latest post in my festive series, it's the gift guide for men. I think men are tricky to buy for so I thought i'd put together a few gift ideas. First up, I thought i'd include this Samsung hardrive, my dad has a hard drive already but it's really hold and doesn't have that much memory, this Samsung one has 1tb of storage and its really lightweight and portable. Next up, who doesn't love some luxurious bath and shower products, this Rituals shower gel smells amazing, it's designed to cool the skin so it's great for men who need a cool down after work or a session at the gym. Another Rituals product is this moisturiser, I always get my dad a moisturiser as it's something he wouldn't bother buying himself. It adds hydration to the skin and lasts up to 24 hours, its lightweight so soaks in really fast. My dad has asked for a bottle of Paco Rabanne 1 million aftershave this year, it's very rare that my dad will specifically ask for something, I picked this up over the Black Friday weekend, it was a bargain at £36 for the 100ml bottle. The Champneys sports therapy is a lovely giftset to give this christmas, Again the products are ideal for men who don't buy themselves skincare products. Inside theres a facewash and a moisturiser. I got my dad this Phillips wet or dry shaver earlier in the year, it might actually have been last christmas. It was on offer, I think it was like half price! I think every dad or husband needs a shaver. They are so easy to use and so quick, great for when men just want a quick fix. A fun little gift for any mans stocking is this desktop pool game, it's a fun addition to the office/ workplace. It's only a fiver so you could even get it for a secret santa gift or just as a little extra gift for someone.

DECEMBER FASHION WISHLIST

9 December 2014

BOOTS: PUBLIC DESIRE // JACKET - BLK DNM AT AVENUE 32* // TOP: RIVER ISLAND //

SKIRT: MISS SELFRIDGE // BAG: ZARA

Here's a very monochrome looking wishlist, i've been wearing alot of black recently! I think everyone tends to wear more black when it's cold. First up are these gorgeous boots from Public Desire, I picked up my first pair of Public Desire boots at the clothes show earlier this week. I've now found myself browsing their website for more boots I want. I love this Biker Jacket from BLK DNM which is available at Avenue 32, I'm working alongside Avenue 32 to promote BLK DNM, they have some gorgeous jeans and tshirts. I love Biker Jackets, they are so versatile and you can wear them season after season! I've recently ruined my Biker jacket so i've been on the lookout for a classic style like this! I love this top from River Island, i'm loving roll necks right now! They are gorgeous and so on trend and keep your neck snug. The skirt is perfect, I have a skater style skirt which is pleated, its similar to this one however I prefer this one, its midi length and just so pretty. I think it would look perfect with the roll neck and the biker jacket. Finally, this gorgeous bag from Zara has been on my wishlist for ages!! I love how practical it is, perfect for everday! Either for work or shopping, Its black and would be perfect with this outfit.

CLOTHES SHOW SHOW 2014

8 December 2014

I went to the Clothes Show today, i've been quite a few times before. For the last few years i've been offered a press pass. I went along and was really excited because there was lots of really exciting brands there.

I had a wonder around the market halls, I was excited to see Flamingo Candles, Public Desire and Spectrum Collections. There was so many great brands there such as Models Own, Ciate, Barry M, Nip and Fab, ProBlow and many more. The brands have such amazing offers and products available at the Clothes Show.

I then went to watch The Alcatel One Touch Fashion Theatre to watch the fashion show. The fashion show is always so good. There was some really good choreography and some amazing clothes!

The music was really good, as usual, there was loads of really great routines.

Overall, I had a really amazing day, I got to speak to loads of brands and built some great relationships with some really great brands. I also got to find out about new and upcoming brands that i've never heard of before which was really exciting.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: PERSONALISED GIFTS

This year i've spotted alot of personalised gifts for christmas. I thought i'd put together this post to give you guys a few Christmas gift ideas.

First of all this Personal Planner*, you can completely personalise them yourself. You decide what colours are used, what extras are on each page, note sections etc. I've actually made one for my mom and used one of my graduation photos so it's really special and unique. I know she will love it!

You can have a look at the different options on the personal planner website, you have until the 14th December to order in time for christmas! Heres my review of my own Personal Planner

Next up is this photo cushion *from Photobox, they have different sizes avaliable. The smaller sizes allow you to add a cute border. I chose to create a collage and use this as my image. I'm so happy with the print quality. There is so many different ways you can personalise your cushion. If you can't find a cushion with a pug on, then make one! You can upload any photo you want. Photobox recommend you order by the 11th for Christmas Delivery!

Also available from Photobox is this ipad mini case*, again you can edit these in any way you please. You just upload your chosen photo and they print it onto the case for you. Again I chose to upload a collage style image so I could have loads of photos. The quality is great! This would be a great gift for anyone, Dad, boyfriend, sister, mom or friend. Again order before 11th Dec 2014 to avoid disappointment. They are avaliable for Ipads and iphones.

This Frame Again frame* is another great gift idea! Suitable for everyone, they are £9.99 and are so easy to order. You just choose a photo from your Instagram or your computer and edit your frame as desired. You can edit the colour of your frame so they are great for anyone. They are also magnetic so you can stick them together which I think it such a great idea! You can order until the 18th Decemeber for standard delivery or the 22nd next day delivery;

Finally the Personalised Nutella again... At only £3.99 its a bargain! You can have any word or name put on it so they are perfect! Even if someone isn't a huge Nutella fan, its a keepsake! You can reuse the jar aswell, for your brushes, keep your pens in there etc! These are available instore at Selfridges.

REVIEW: BENITO WOW LASHES

6 December 2014

I went along to a press event recently which was held as House of Fraser in Birmingham, It was actually the Help Harry Help Others Grotto Launch which i've blogged about here. I was asked if i'd like to try lash extensions by Benito and I jumped at the chance. I've never tried eyelash extensions before so I was really excited to give them ago.

First of all I had to remove my eye make up so i'd maybe recommend not wearing any eye make up if you do decide to have your lashes done. It was abit of a hassle taking all my make up off so if I was to ever get them done again i'd wear no make and maybe have a cheeky trip to the beauty counters to get my make up done ;)

Then they stuck a pad under my eye which they applied over my bottom lashes, i'm guessing this is to stop your lashes sticking together.

Next they started to apply the individual lashes which was surprisingly relaxing. All together this took about 40 minutes. The lashes I went for were the Dramatic Lashes which last about 10 days. They are semi-permanent and would be ideal for a holiday or a special occasion like a prom or a wedding.

I think the after care is very important. You have to keep your lashes dry for 12 hours so the glue can set and you can't touch the lashes whilst they dry. You can't use any oil based products to remove your make up as this can cause the lashes to come loose. Also you shouldn't use mascara over the top.

I had the lashes on for about 3 days and then I had to have them taken off. They were amazing! I loved them, they looked so good. Unfortunately I was quite ill last week when I had the applied. I had Laryngitis so my eyes kept streaming and I do feel like they dry aswell as they could have. I do think it depends on the aftercare and if you let them dry properly I think they could have lasted longer. The lashes did start to come loose after a couple of days but as I said I felt they didn't stick well because my eyes were so wet. The lashes didn't irritate me at all, I find my eyes can be sensitive but they were fine. I was surprised with how natural the lashes felt and how comfortable they were.

I would have them done again, I think they looked amazing. I think i'd maybe go for the natural lashes as they last longer and you can have more applied to keep them looking fresh and full. I think £45 isn't that bad for the dramatic lashes. They look so good and I had so many compliments. The natural lashes are £65 but as I said they last longer and easily maintained.

You can find out more here on the Benito website.

*I had these lashes applied for free, this review is truthful and honest, read my full disclaimer here

EVENT: #BULLRINGBLOGGERS CHRISTMAS

5 December 2014

Yesterday I went along to the Bullring Bloggers event, it was a really good event I had such a great time catching up with fellow bloggers and networking with brands. There was so many amazing brands such as Selfridges, Benefit, Umberto Giannini, RMK, Charlotte Tilbury and Chaophraya.

There was tables set up in a room and each brand brought along a selection of products for us to see.

My favourite tables were the Selfridges beauty hall tables. There was a selection of amazing products such as these gorgeous exclusive Alphabet pouches, these cute Tom Ford lipsticks and much more.

There was food and drinks for us, there was this gorgeous chocolate selection from Hotel Chocolate and this cute Millies Cookie. Chaophraya were on hand with some amazing appetizers, I had the most amazing Chicken in peanut sauce.

Umberto Giannini were doing hair treatments, they were curling peoples hair and did some amazing up do's

Beauty brands such as Benefit, RMK and Charlotte Tilbury were showing us there must have products, Benefit brought along some of their new Christmas Gifts and were showing us their most popular products. It was great to find out more about RMK and see some of their brands. I've never tried any Charlotte Tilbury products so it was great to have a look at their latest Supermodel Genius Tutorial Video Box and find out more about their products.

I had a great time at the event, I got to find out loads about brands and their products and I also got to catch up with fellow bloggers and meet new bloggers. I'd like to thank the Bullring for my invite and to all the brands who were involved.