Charity Shop Haul: 28th April 2011

Charity shopping again... Went a little overboard this time which is silly because I don't have the spare cash. The bargains add up and I don't even have space for them!


So here are some of my favourites from today...

1)Warehouse Corset (I had this in a 10 which was too small, so really happy to find it in a 12!) £1.50, 2) Black New Look Oversized Dress / Vest (just visible) £3, 3) Jasper Conran silk trim dress £1, 4) Miss Selfridge purple tulip skirt £1, 5) Miss Selfridge knitted bow jumper dress (folded in on itself in the photo) £3, 6) Julien Macdonald passport holder and luggage tag set £2.50, 7) Christian Dior tights £1.


I also got a few bits for the home and for my cousin's babies. I won't bore you with those though ;) And a few items of clothing that are just big mistakes and will probably go back to the charity shop on Saturday!


xxx

Yesterday's Bargain Outfit: 26 April 2011

Grey Topshop Cardigan £3.99 from Oxfam. (I think this is meant to come up 'oversized' since it's a size UK 6 Petite and I'm a tall size 12! I don't think anyone would be any the wiser though ;) hope not!

Grey and yellow stripe top / dress £0 from a Big Wardrobe swap. Originally from Primark.

White Leggings £6 for a pack of two from Primark.

Black Fiorelli Bag £3 from Unicef charity shop.

Hello Kitty pumps - a gift from Scott (I think he got these from the kids section of a sports shop!).

Total cash spent on this outfit: £9.99 xxx

Easter Weekend Charity Shop Buys

On Saturday Scott sent me down the road with £20 to buy BBQ things... I came back (late) with these:

ASOS harem style jumpsuit - £5 from Unicef charity shop. I've never worn a jumpsuit and I wondered what it'd look like on... Over all I quite liked the style, though this one seems a bit strange round the neckline. Too many criss cross straps for my liking!

Topshop bubble hem dress. I picked this up for £4 from the same charity shop. Scott burst out laughing when he saw me in this. Apparently the skirt pattern looks like one of those 90s optical illusion puzzles where you squint your eyes and can see a picture in the middle. Well I tried it with the dress and there was no hidden picture! I wasn't put off by any of this and will still wear the dress!

I'd been after a really long maxi skirt for a while so I picked this one up for another £4. I was more keen to find a floral one that wasn't so 'flowy' but I'll still wear this a few times I think. It's a great length since I struggle to find maxi dresses or skirts that go further than my ankles.

Lastly, I picked up this Fiorelli bag for £3. Not my usual style but it seems quite vintage looking to me and I the clasp looked a bit 'Vivienne Westwood'. I'll probably use this once or twice then pass it onto someone else.

Sunday, tried my luck at a Bootsale... have no idea if I just left it too late, or if there wasn't a good turn out due to it being Easter Sunday... but either way, I didn't get a thing and was quite disappointed! Better luck next time I guess!

Outfit & Makeup for Saturday 23rd April

This is my first Outfit Of The Day post... I haven't done one until now because I've thought they were best left to the slimmer girls :-O 

Still, I wanted a chance to show some outfits that have been particularly good value, and some of my new make up bits that I've been trying out...

Under £10 OOTD:

All Saints vest top £0 (Big Wardrobe swap), Warehouse acid wash denim mini skirt (£3 from British Heart Foundation charity shop), Jewelled Jelly Sandals £5 (from Pitsea Market - brand is "Ella"). 

Today's Makeup Choices (so look away now if you don't want to see my ugly mug!):

I'm wearing The Body Shop Tinted Glow Enhancer as an alternative to my usual foundation. I have no idea of the RRP since I got it for £0 in a Big Wardrobe swap. 

MAC Select Cover-Up in NW15 under eyes. £13.50.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep as an all over bronzer / face powder.

MAC Powder Blush in Buff (Matte)

MAC Cooled Pink Creme Colour Base (I usually use a Benefit highlighter, either high beam or moon beam, but this makes a nice change as has more of a pink tone). 

MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara. This was free with a MAC online order :)

MAC Copperplate Matte Eye Shadow on my eyebrows (I can't get a good colour match with actual eyebrow products and this applied with a slanted brush works a treat). 

MAC Lipstick in Snob (Satin). I'm wearing this with MAC Dazzleglass in Get Rich Quick over the top, just to tone down the pinkness of the lipstick.

I've included the prices where I can remember, but some of these items I've had quite a while. All my MAC items come from the Covent Garden MAC store, or MAC online. Where some products can be bought cheaply on places such as ebay, I wouldn't recommend this with MAC because there are SO many fakes around!! Compared to other department store type make up brands, MAC is fairly priced and lasts a long time. You show your face every day so it's important to chose products that you're happy with. xxx

 

Good Friday: Bargain Sandals & MAC Haul

I don't know why I bought more MAC things this week, I'd already got a little carried away (to say the least) with eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushers. But I desperately needed a tinted moisturiser and a few other more boring make up items!


Recently I've discovered I've been getting spots :(( A concealor was desperately needed! I went for MAC Select Cover Up in NC15. It's a liquid, but still provides a good level of coverage and you get a lot of product for your money (£13.50). I have a feeling that this one will last and last! Since I really like this product I'll probably pop into the MAC store again as we get further into the summer months. I think I'll be needing a shade darker when I start to tan! NC15 is very light. A good piece of information to note, if like me, you struggle to find concealor / foundation pale enough!


I was also in need of a lighter alternative to foundation so I went with MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF15 (Light). A compromise since I was unable to get hold of the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer that I wanted. I'm glad I went with this product though because it was a better price (only £20, compared to £33 for the LM one), blends really well, and a great colour. Sometimes tinted moisturizers don't do a good range of colours which means I can never find one light enough. MAC did not disappoint here though!


My last MAC item is Prep + Prime Skin Refine Zone (£14.50). MAC describe this product as a "light oil-free emulsion that helps cloak visible pores while controlling oil and shine. Applies "wet" for a gentle micro-exfoliation: dries instantly to create an invisible, long-lasting natural matte finish. Ideal for the T-zone." While I'm not sure it quite lives up to this promise, it does dry instantly and leave the application area feeling silky smooth and matte. It may have helped to reduce visible pores, but it certainly didn't hide them all together (I think Dr Feelgood by Benefit does a slightly better job at this). I don't think this product did a great job at controlling oil and shine, but since today was incredibly hot and I was sunbathing for most of it, I don't think it's a very fair test. I will try it out a few more times before I come to a conclusion!

I popped to the market this morning since I was up bright and early! Since the recession, the majority of the market stalls are now left empty. There are still a few traders left though and a few bargains can be picked up. I bought these 'Ella' jewelled jelly sandals for £5. Much cheaper than I've seen them in shops! 

It's been a lovely day and I've spent most of it in the garden. Sunbathing isn't an easy task when you have a cat determined to muscle in on your patch though! :-P He likes to stay in the shade by burrowing under things. x

Monday Bargains: Summer Treats from my Postman!

Off work today since I was a bit under the weather. The only interesting thing that happened was when the postman knocked on the door and woke me up!


Here's what he brought for me today:

Jane Norman studded heart racer back vest £0 (from a Big Wardrobe swap), "Bud Girl" vest top £0 (swap), Body Shop Body Butter £0 (swap) and a stunning handmade brooch £0 (swap). 


Not a bad little collection for £0 and a bit of a summer theme too! 


I've got a plain orange patent leather bag from Marni that I haven't had a chance to wear. I might try adding the brooch to the clasp for a nice summery look handbag.


Vest tops will come in handy on my Cornwall trip in June, and obviously the body butter since I'm bound to get sunburnt at some point! :-O

Weekly Bargain Round up & My Makeup Box Clear Out

I've been doing quite well with my charity shop buys and swaps. But on the whole I have to confess that I've been a bad bargain hunter. My weakness being cosmetics, perfumes, etc. With a lot of these products, especially make up, I can't bring myself to use the cheapest products. Your face ad hair is on show every day so I believe in spending whatever you can afford to look the best you can.


Anyway, here are some of the clothes I've been receiving in swaps this week! :)

Lovely bundle from my fellow swapper and blogger, Mixnmatch! A pair of gorgeous biker style jeggings, an anchor print vest top and an 'Out of This World' t shirt from a Bigwardrobe swap. The t shirt shows a bible verse but it's is in a gorgeous design and not too 'in your face'. (As a Christian I like finding pieces like this which are not readily available in the UK). 

A also received a couple of items from another Bigwardrobe swapper. As with swapping, you sometimes don't quite receive what was described. I didn't realise that most of the buttons were missing from this lovely mac... luckily they're all in a pocket so I can sew them back on. I received these shoes from the same person and they more than make up for it. Stunning! 

I did pop into a charity shop yesterday afternoon and picked up this Abercrombie & Fitch top for £3.50 and this Anna Sui handbag for £2. Nothing too exciting but I'm more than likely get wear out of both!

Finally, on an entirely different subject, I've been clearing out my makeup box this weekend. Long overdue! I don't like to throw away brand new or lightly tested products so I always sanitize these and list them on Big Wardrobe for swaps. Though a lot of people like to buy their make up brand new, it's important to remember that some people may not be able to afford to. I hate waste and being able to pass on what I don't wear myself works out well for me. Anyway, here's what I've kept! I feel a lot more organized now! :)


xxxx

Free Fashion: My midweek surprises

I'm expecting a lot of parcels to arrive at the weekend so I'm updating now with a few recent things I've received from Big Wardrobe swaps. What I appreciate most about swapping is that for every new item that comes into my home, something old goes out to make the space for it. 

Here I've got a neon orange vest top for summer (long and loose enough to wear with leggings), a glittery green River Island cardigan with pretty buttons, a stunning black and beige dress from People's Market (a brand sold on ASOS), a Topshop shopper, and a collection of Barry M Nail Varnishes (with a few others thrown in too). 

According to the "sorry we missed you" card left in my letterbox, I also have a BUNDLE of packages to pick up from the depot on Saturday. Ooh, exciting! 

I'm also expecting a lot of make up which I'll mention in my next post. A relative is at a Space NK networking event this evening and has kindly agreed to pick up some Laura Mercier items for me. I cannot wait! xxx

Pound Shop Bargains and £2 Cancer Research Sale

Was up bright and early this morning and headed straight to town! First stop was Cancer Research (a charity shop and I'm sure most will know). They were selling most things in store for £2 each. I came away with a River Island tiger print long top / dress for wearing with leggings, a vintage patent black leather handbag and a pair of vintage looking heels with floral bows.

I also popped into Poundland and Home Bargains to pick up a few bits. Home Bargains are still doing the Girls Aloud Festival Lashes for 99p a pair so I got a few of my favourites. Couldn't resist some jelly beans either!! Haha! They're addictive! I got some nail stickers from Pound Land so I might have a go this afternoon and see how they turn out. Also discovered these Hello Kitty body butters for £1 each. The cherry one is particularly lovely, smells just like Cherry Drops! A great consistency too!

Day off work: Some highlights of my shopping trip!

Had a lovely day off with Scott today, we had a 2 course Frankie & Benny's lunch sitting outside in the sunshine, we caught up with the family, but more importantly, he let me go in Topshop! :-) And this is what I managed to scavenge in the 5 minutes where I lost him to Topman... 

The shoes are so pretty and I couldn't resist the dress... They also had it in an orangey red, but since I got a similar fabric and coloured dress (below) from Mango in a swap yesterday, I thought I'd chose white!
Dress: £34
Shoes £32

This dress from a Big Wardrobe swap was originally from Mango, and is in a lovely heavy linen fabric with a waist belt. It's seriously flattering! The best part is, it was 100% free. No postage charges because we met up and swapped in my lunch break!

These navy heels are originally from M&S, but I picked them up in a charity shop, in brand new condition, for £4.50. They're a lovely heel height for someone like me who's quite tall already. I'll look forward to wearing these to work very soon!

xxx

Scented Candles: 3 of my Favourites

I've always been a fan of scented candles, getting drawn in by pretty packaging and promises of exotic scents. I discovered that most I've been drawn to are just pretty and serve their purpose well enough as a candle, but the smell is either way too subtle or is non existent. 


I'm sharing my 3 favourites, which are not the cheapest, but are value for money in terms of quality.

The Laura Ashley Fragranced Boxed Candles beautifully packaged and are the most subtly scented out of my three favourites. These are perfect for gifts, and perfect if you don't want your room to be overwhelmed by a strong scent. I find that to get the most from these scents you need to leave them burning for a good few hours. The joy is that they don't burn down quickly so you can do this without the fear of using it up too quickly! 

These currently RRP in Laura Ashley for £14, but you can pick them up in the sale at the moment for £9.80 (http://www.lauraashley.com/home-fragrance).

If I want to fill a room up with a strong and distinctive scent, and don't want to wait for long, I'll always go for a Yankee Candle. Whatever scent you go for you're going to get a good strong fragrance and a candle that stands the test of time. These candles aren't the cheapest, but if you know where to look, you don't have to pay too much. Sales in department stores are you're best bet, especially in the Christmas sales if you enjoy the winter range! At the moment I'm loving Midnight Jasmine - a floral scent that makes me feel calm and relaxed. For a good price have a look at www.yankeedoodle.co.uk/x-cart/, they always have great offers on and seem to post quickly too! 

For an indulgent treat, I'd highly recommend Liz Earle's website as your first port of call. I'm a big fan of all the Vital Oils candles, in particular 'Harmony' (http://uk.lizearle.com/aromatherapy/vital-oils-candle-harmony.html) which has a real citrus scent to it. All these candles use a blend of real essential oils. They're small but seem to last a while too. I find they're a fab accompaniment to a relaxing bath! These RRP at £8.95. If I'm ordering my regular facial products from Liz Earle I tend to pop a candle in the shopping basket too!

I'm always open to suggestions. If you have a favourite brand for candles let me know!? Or a favourite scent within a range? :) xxx

April Charity Shop Day Out

I've run out of wardrobe space, drawer space, and even have limited floor space.... so.... I was restrained during my charity shop scavenge today and left a lot of good things behind, but I just couldn't resist these few!

1) Butterfly Print Top, Originally from Debenhams, paid £1.50

2) Demin Shorts with Belt, Originally from E-vie, paid £2.00

3) Tailored Shorts, Originally from Warehouse, paid £2.50

4) Versace belt, Real Leather, seems genuine though I'm no expert, £1.00

5) Guess Jeans Vest Top, Brand New with Tags, £1.50

6) Vintage Pringle Polo Shirt, £2.00

7) Abercrombie & Fitch Hoodie, £2.50 (still can't believe my luck here!)

8) Printed Summer Dress, Originally from Topshop, £3.50

9) Navy & White Floral Print Dress, Originally from Topshop, £3.00

10) Chiffon Floral Print Tea Dress, Originally from NEXT, £3.50

Until next time! xxx

Weekly Bargain Round Up: Summer Clothes & More!

It's Saturday morning and I've just been to the Post Office depot to collect my eBay and Big Wardrobe swap parcels....


Lots of summer clothes this week. I've put on a dress size each year more or less and gone from a 6 at my slimmest, to a 10-12 where I'm at now. So last year's size 8 summer clothes simply won't work!

I received this lovely Miss Selfridge dress in a www.bigwardrobe.com swap this week. So technically that makes it priced at £0. I love how flowing it is since it's pure silk, and I used to have the skirt version of this years ago, which I loved.

These are all other £0 priced items from bigwardrobe swaps. The black cropped cardigan will be perfect over strappy dresses this summer, and both the vest tops are oversized and I'll be able to wear them with tighter shorts, jeans, etc, and not have to worry about showing my lumps and bumps! The belt is a lovely extra that I'm hoping to wear with some of my dresses. I don't tend to wear belts that often but I think this one will add a little 'something' to an otherwise plain outfit. 

Here is a little round up of my non-clothing swaps and purchases of the week. 100ml Vera Wang Princess, a little used, so bought cheaply off eBay for only £23 including postage. The 50ml Vera Wang EDP, 200ml Body Creme and 4ml Parfum came to just under £30 including postage, again from eBay, and a huge bargain since the creme alone retails at £68. The lovely diamante cardigan pin (just visible) is another swap, as is the fluffly hot water bottle which will be perfect for keeping my new baby kitten warm (it's just 6 days old and too young to generate it's own body heat). 

I'm off for a bit of a mooch round the shops now so I may be blogging again very soon! xxx