Charity Shop OOTD #5

Again, here's my friend Shannon modelling some other item's we've recently found in the charity shop. 

Sunglasses - Ebay

Scrunchie - Unknow

Shirt - Charity Shop

Polo - Charity Shop

Bag - Charity Shop

Lipstick - MAC Up the Amp

ellalexandra

Stila Convertable Colour - Petunia

Blusher is not product I've ever been very interested in, I'd say I'm more of a lipstick girl.If I head into a makeup store 8/10  I'd probably purchase a lipstick. However this product really intrigued me, one reason being it's cream formula, multi-purpose as a cheek tint and lip product.

The blush colour I picked up was 'Petunia', a pretty grapefruit colour, it adds a beautiful soft rosey tint to the cheeks which creates a natural looking flush. I also love the consistency of this blush, it blends wonderfully creating a lovely dewy look, I can imagine it would look incredible on paler complexions.The packaging is great as well, it's so helpful having the packaging the same colour as the product - it is my pet hate having to dive to the bottom of my make up bag, search through tonnes of similarly packaged products just to find one in particular. This is cute, with it's compact mirror, if not a little plasticy- is that even a word?!

However there are several things I do NOT like about this product which provoked me to review this blush. Lip-wise, I feel it hardly shows up, it also feels suffocating, it feels as though I have a blush on lips Another aspect of the product I do not like how easily brush hairs stick to it. Obviously I photographed it un-used but after several days of using it, it looked a mess! Do not, I repeat, do not use your makeup brush to apply this product. I was so surprised as I used my Real Techniques to apply Petunia, but even then it created a state. Therefore I would not say that this product is worth £16 (ouch!), I am so glad I used a discount code to purchase this!

If you're a genuine blush enthusiast then definitely check this out but if you're just looking for an easy everyday blush then I'd say shop around because this blush is somewhat over-priced.

ellalexandra 

Charity Shop OOTD #4

Hello my lovelies!

#4 of my charity shop series today! This week - the lilac satin dress. Now when I first came upon this, it did look unflattering, not worth buying. However I think that's they key to being a good charity shopper - you have to be able to look past the mess/smell and imagine it on. I really think this dress reminds me of a Topshop or American Apparel dress. The colour is just incredible! On me I would say it looks a little more over-sized which I like but paired with the belt also featured in the photo's I think it can still be flattering. Shannon here has kindly modeled for me again.Ideally I wouldn't wear tights but what can you do - it's England. I think I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this light-weight, colourful dress this spring and summer.

Yet another great find!

Sunglasses - Zara

Hoops - New Look

Jacket - Mango

Dress - Charity Shop

Belt - Charity Shop

Shoes - Dr Martens

ellalexandra

Charity Shop OOTD #3

Hello my lovelies.

#3 out of my charity shop otufit posts today. This one includes my beloved chiffon long-line cardigan/top. Obviously this was meant to fit a much larger person but I think it looks great chucked on over a pair of leather shorts.I love the all-black colour scheme, which may be a little morbid for some, but I feel black never fails to look v.chic. I've also paired it with my shearling biker jacket.

I have previously worn this chiffon shirt as a dress as well, I think it looks really cool especially with my vagabonds. I just love the detail of the singular silver button at the top near the neckline, very unusual. Definitely a great find. The layering is also key to this outfit.I'm really into the layered look at the moment as the weather is very unsettled, I also think it adds a bit of interest to an all-one-colour outfit. 

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE CHARITY SHOPS!

Sunglasses - Ebay
Jacket - Mango
Top - Zara
Shorts - Zara
Chiffon Top - Charity Shop
Boots - Vagabond

ellalexandra

Charity Shop OOTD #2

 Hello!
Another charity shop OOTD for you today. This is my friend Shannon modelling some of thing's I've picked up recently. Both the top and denim cut off jacket are from my local charity shop. I love the top, its got a great 3D corrugated texture. The edges of the top are also lovely with subtle ruffled sleeves and bottom. I think the feminine top looks great with the cut off denim jacket which provides an androgynous edge and I'm all about androgynous dressing. Seriously, I would say this is one of my favourite pieces. It's an XXL men's denim coat. I like my coats over-sized but this was far too big, from the back I looked like Sponge-bob Square pants with a wide behind and skinny legs. To solve this, I cut out a panel from each side and re-sewed them. It did originally have sleeves also but being the proud owner of five denim jackets, I wanted one which was a bit different. I love how you can see the sleeves of a cool jumper or top through it, sometimes they're just too good to hide!
Double denim in a controversial thing, I have to say I LOVE THE DOUBLE DENIM VIBE. It look's ultra cool and is durable for festivals - the added floral hair-crown also providing the festival vibe. I think this jacket looks great with matching denim shorts - preferably without tights but Shannon felt it was too cold! 

Floral Crown - Ebay

Sunglasses - Ebay

Jacket - Charity Shop

Top - Charity Shop

Shorts - H&M

ellalexandra 

Charity Shops..

I've always thought that charity shops are way, way underrated. I am a big fan of the odd shopping frenzy in my local charity shop however, I know of many people who wouldn't be seen dead in one. I reckon it's time to change this perception. Over the recent years, it seems that many teens are now looking in them for rare 'grandad' pieces such as the huge baggy cable knits which have become popular. Walking into Urban Outfitters, it practically looks like a charity shop, is the price of clothing which deters us from entering these shops? I think so.

Lukes Hospice's £1 charity shop is my absolute FAVOURITE. I've found some amazing pieces! This has inspired me to do a series of charity shop OOTD's. I think this is a great way to show you how someone else's unwanted items can be your 'vintage renewals'. Once a week on a Saturday, I am going to post these, so look out for them, I hope they inspire you too.

This outfit is based around the dark blue over-sized shirt with a floral collar, which I've worn as a dress (with shorts underneath for protection haha). I'm planning to alter this shirt slightly though, so that I have a leopard print collar and leopard print edging so to make it a little longer! I think the use of different navy textures looks great, creating different dimensions.The bomber I've paired with it is very in trend right now and creates glamour with the sparkle to a 'vintage' piece, bringing it up to date. The small black handbag is also thrifted. I think it adds a quirky touch and goes well with my Vagabonds. The Ray Ban Clubmasters contrast with the whole outfit. Over-sized shirts are incredibly adaptable so check for one next time you pass a charity shop!

WARNING: Extremely pale legs due to lack of contact with the sun

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

Bomber Jacket - Topshop

Shirt - Charity shop

Bag - Charity shop

Shoes - Vagabond

Lipstick - MAC Candy Yum Yum

New hair!

It feels like it's been a while since I last posted aaaaaand I HAVE NEW HAIR. 

I've never been blonde before so I wanted to give it a try, however because of my skin tone I was worried about the colouring. I went to the BeautyCompany near where I live and got a student named Charlotte to do it! I couldn't be more pleased!

My hair now graduates from a rich warm blonde to brown at the roots which I personally love. I was treated really nicely and talked through each stage, asking for my opinions and checking whether I liked it. The best bit - I only paid £25. For almost a fully trained hairdresser with experienced on lookers for guidance I thought this was insanely good.

Here is the finish results, although I think that it looks a fair bit darker in the first picture : 

American Apparel Riding Pants

Possibly my FAVOURITE TROUSERS EVER. Just after Christmas I purchased two pairs of  the American Apparel Riding Pants in imperial purple and black, retailing at £64. I know they may be expensive for some but, boy, was it a good decision. I managed to find a 20% discount code which I jumped at, so look out for some of the generous discounts they give out!
Initially I was searching for several new pairs of trousers and many bloggers suggested these pants. They're made of a thick ribbed material with an incredibly heavy spandex waste and inner leg panels - great for warmth in winter. My favourite thing however is how high-waisted they are. They are the only trousers which.. do not feel like trousers oddly. Not only do they suck you in but they're as comfy as leggings or sweatpants! Plus they go with e v e r y t h i n g. 
I first ordered the black pair and a pink pair, named 'pink cheeks'. If I'm completely honest I wasn't too excited about the black pair but they have turned out to be my favourite! The effortlessly cool ribbed material makes them subtly different from other plain black trousers or 'pants'.  The pink pair however I was disappointed by. They were VERY see-through. Like, no pants are possible, see-through. Hence I sent them back and purchased the imperial purple which I love.

I know these pants are pricey but seriously, they're a 2013 favourite for me. I would love to expand my collection!
 The only thing that worries me is the term 'pant' which I have adopted, I no longer have trousers, only 'pants' - My mum was slightly worried when I said I was planning to only wear my pants out.

ellalexandra

Here I am wearing imperial purple:

The only difference with the black pair is the black hard-wear on the waist instead of gold!

Also seen : Dr Marten Shoes - Silver

Vagabond Dioon Lace Up Boot Black Leather with a Silver Toe Cap - Exclusive

During Autumn I had been looking out for a comfy pair of black boots with a slightly different style to them. For some reason I have a huge issue with wearing the same item of clothing at the same time as others - I don't know why, it's just something I've developed I guess. Watching various Youtube bloggers I came across a brand I'd never come across, Vagabond. I found out that it was a Swedish shoe brand which made exactly the style of shoe I was after! Starting in the 1960's, it originally made only male shoes but has branched out to produce some really beautiful women's shoes also. I could not have been more pleased to have stumbled across their site!

Vagabond do a tonne of styles, completely unique to anything I've seen before! They all seem to have the same chunky-ess structure which I love, yet simplistic. In the end I opted for the Dioon's with the silver toe caps. I love the old school laces because I feel that the heavy hard wear on the Jeffrey Campbell Coltranes for example, are too brassy across the straps. Not to mention the knock-offs, which I feel are made to look very tacky with the shiny plastic, whats wrong with simple laces? I feel the simplicity of the laces is great in balancing the detail out on the boot. The chunky, prominent heel and a bright silver toe cap are the total standout features of the boot, I have had so many comments on these boots for both the heel and coloured cap - even my mum praised my choice of boot!

The boots are made of a lovely supple leather which unlike my Dr Martens or other genuine leather shoes, have not rubbed AT ALL. My shoes are usually cursed, I swear. I usually end up with the most outstanding blisters but not with these boots - a definite first. What perhaps, is most surprising about these boots is the weight. They are the lightest boots I have ever owned by far! I didn't even think they were boots when I picked up the box they arrived in! I was weary that they may be like dead weights on my feet, considering the chunkiness of the boot.. but no. It is clear proof of their quality! Even for heels they are amazingly comfy.

These shoe's are worth a look in, definitely worth the money! I'll definitely be purchasing a chunky platform sandal pair to build my collection.

ellalexandra

OOTD #2

Here's to a bit of continuity and consistency. From now on I plan to blog every Friday and another day of which I am still undecided - most likely Tuesday. Anyway, today I have an Outfit Of The Day -  a post I love to read on others blogs. I have not photographed my outwear but here is a comfy and casual outfit of which I wore on 10/01/14.

Shirt - Zara
Mom Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - Silver Dr Martens
Lipstick - Topshop Ruthless
Rings - Pandora
Nail Varnish - Uknown silver glitter
Watch - Fossil, see blog post for further info

Zara Houndstooth Sunglasses

One of my most recent purchases is this pair of gorgeous hounds-tooth sunglasses from Zara. Yes, I know hounds-tooth was a strong Autumn trend but I feel this print is still really strong for the upcoming spring. Teamed with pastel clothing or accessories, I feel it creates an edge to a somewhat girly outfit. This is one of my favourite things to do as before now, I was not a fan of pale colours, however now, paired with a bold monochrome print I think the limp pastel colours become strong contrasting pieces in themselves.

Previous to this purchase I bought a pair of hounds-tooth trousers, also from Zara, which I can honestly say I've worn incessantly throughout the past Autumn and Winter months. I also plan to wear them in spring livening there dark print with some pastel spring colours.

What I really love about these glasses is not only there strong print, but their strong frame. The thick framing and over sized structure allow them to become a statement piece, again adding an edge to a girly outfit. The delicate cat flicks however regain
some femininity by emphasizing the eyes and creating a catlike structure to the face.The lenses have a slight ombre which I love because it shades my eyes from the brightest light and creates another great feature to the sunglasses. Not only that but they are 100% UV protective which a major plus. I do not buy sunglasses without the protection but nowadays even the cheapest sunglasses, even some Primark ones, have UV protective lenses. 
Another aspect of my purchase I loved, was its packaging. Unlike sites such as ASOS where the sunglasses only come with a felt or nylon sleeve, these glasses came in a gorgeous hard faux leather hard case in a tan colour. I feel this stylish case will really help to protect the glasses from the wear and tear usually caused by the contents of my handbag. Not only that but they ALSO include a felt sleeve for if you want to wipe your lenses or store them in something a little smaller. Both cases have the Zara logo on them but surprisingly this doesn't put me off. I thought the great colour of them gave a sophisticated appearance to the branded cases, making the logo a little less prominent. 

Since purchasing these this winter,I've heard some say 'sunglasses aren't for winter'. Aren't for winter?! These glasses create a cool vibe in any season, so why stick to summer? No matter what season I think a pair of sunglasses are a must and these are just perfect.

Rose Gold Fossil Watch - Stella Collection

One accessory that I had been yearning for, for quite some time, has been a rose gold watch. Wearing only silver jewelry, I really wanted to a watch which would match mainly my rings but any other silver accessories I have - rose gold seemed like a great alternative.
At Christmas I received this gorgeous Fossil rose gold watch which belongs to the Stella Collection. I was really pleased with this gift! Usually I'm not a fan of diamante but I love it on this watch! It's subtle and makes the watch look slightly more unusual. 
Sizing was an issue, as I have very small wrists however this watch was easily tightened by the jewelers for only £5! However now it's down to size, I love wearing this watch! Definitely check the Stella Collection out by Fossil if you're looking for a good quality watch at a reasonable price.