What I Wore: 2012

01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09

I saw a few of these posts popping up and really liked the idea, I a huge fan of documenting every little thing that happens in my life, am always on twitter and instagramming silly little things (add me, i'm 'ohlittlered') and so why not my favourite outfit posts of 2012? All outfit posts are linked above if you want to know specific clothing details!

This year has zoooomed by, I feel like it was only April a month or so ago but now I find myself approaching my final term of uni, looking to move out properly on my own and begin the rest of my life out of education...eek! I haven't taken as many outfit posts as I would have liked this year and have only really started getting the hang of posing away just for this blogs benefit but they do make my favourite posts and so I hope to do a lot more in 2013. SO weird thinking it will be 2013, I'm getting old...

I want to become a bit more ambitious with my wardrobe next year. Think bold prints and maybe some more arm candy, I'm not the biggest advocate for jewellery. I normally don't bother taking outfit photo's because mostly I find my outfits being repeated or too boring to really show you. I live in my disco pants and baggy jumper and there's only so many of 'those' posts you can put up. I want to wear more trousers next year and grunge things up a bit, we will see!

Are you thinking of switching things up in your wardrobe come 2013?

Wishing you all a fabulous New Years whatever you're doing, see you next year!

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christmas presents

001.MAC Gift Sets - 002. Bath & Body Works Candles - 003. Topshop Socks - 004. Soap & Glory Goodies - 005. Sanctuary Spa Gift Set - 006. Queen of the House Notebook - 007. Angel Biscuits - 008. Scult your own perfect boyfriend - 009. Topshop purse - 010. Soap & Glory Make-up - 011.Pink Smarties - 012. Soap & Glory Moisturisers - 013. Heatable Slippers - 014. Lush Christmas Gift Box

I know these posts can be accused of being boastful but I love to read them myself being a bit of a nosy parker and I have been requested a few times to put one up myself so here we go...

I had quite a modest Christmas this year as me and my boyfriend both set ourselves a smaller budget opting to go to the theatre together in January instead of spending too much of gifts. However, saying that I have been really lucky to be treated to various niche and novelty gift sets and the cutest snuggle boots that I can heat in the microwave to keep my toes toasty, eep! I've was spoiled with Soap and Glory goodness this year and can't wait to lather up with their assortment of bathtime products that all smell so heavenly. I have a few gift vouchers that I'm saving up for a post first draft of dissertation shopping spree...
So excited to own some of MAC's lip glass glosses, I'm not a huge lipgloss fan but I've really loved the sultry nude shades that Jon's mum picked out for me - bring on Kim Kardashian lips.

Festive socks for the win. What was your favourite present you received?

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velvet dreams

velvet playsuit - Lavish Alice*

 leather jacket - miss selfridges

millicent studded boots - topshop

nails - deborah lippman*

These outfit pic's were snapped pre-christmas whilst sauntering around Picadilly waiting to watch Viva Forever with the babe that is Jemma. We adopted a empty doorway for our backdrop and posed anxiously whilst tourists pointed and stared - oh well, all for you guys! 

I received this gorgeous navy playsuit from Lavish Alice- you might have noticed I've had a bit of a velvet crush as of late and this snazzy little number fit the bill perfectly. I love the long sleeves and floatiness of this playsuit as it makes it super comfortable and more wearable during these colder months. I just had a peek on the Lavish Alice site and it is also now on sale knocking £10 its former £38 price tag so go, go, go!

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas? I had such a lovely day that was only slightly spoilt by a hangover that left me cuddling the toilet in the earlier hours of Christmas morning but don't worry it didn't put me off stuffing my face and waking at the crack of dawn yelling "ITS CHRISTMASSSSSSSS". With selection box upon selection box at my fingertips, cheesy soap Christmas drama, and family and friends, I really couldn't have asked for much more! How did you spend your Christmas day and was anyone else slightly let down by Derek Branning's death on Eastenders? I wanted a punch up or something!

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and the bells were ringing out

Sarah Wine Peter Pan Collar Dress - Oh My Love*
Clutch - Next*

I think is possibly the most fitting dress for the festive season, a gorgeous deep burgundy velvet with lace collar and sleeve embellishments. On the two occasions I've worn this since receiving it I have always received comments such as "you look like you're an elf!" and I suppose it does have that feel to it around this time of year. It's extremely flattering and I feel mega Christmassy and feminine floating around in it! Oh My Love has SO many gorgeous pieces just like this dress and I've added one or two items to my Christmas wishlist...

You might have noticed I've been a little bit absent on here recently but that's due to the final rush to get deadlines met during the last couple weeks of university which I can happily tell you is done and dusted for this year! Cannot believe I've complete my last ever autumn term at University and am back home wrapping presents and thinking of the perfect party dress for New Year, where has this year gone?!

I'm back home for a month now and although I have my dissertation to be getting on with I will be blogging again a lot more. I'm really in the spirit this year and even dabbled a little in gingerbread baking the other day using festive dough cutters and everything - get me! 

What have you been doing to get into the spirit?

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Feeling Festive: Gifts for Girls Under £10

001. Festive Socks - £3.50 each or 3 for £8 - 002. Colour Me Good, Ryan Gosling £7.50 - 003. Models Own Wonderland Polishes £5 each - 004. Lip Balm Duo Set - £5 - 005. Christmas Tin Candles £6.59 each - 006. Mushroom Mug -  £10 

Struggling to think of gifts that are still just as cute and fun on a smaller budget? Look no further  Here's just a quick assortment of ideas for less expensive gifts and/or stocking filler for those special girls in our lives, all for under ten quid. Yes, that's right £10. I know I would love to unwrap any one of these on Christmas day and think they'd make great gifts as part of a Secret Santa or stocking filler for friends, girlfriends, and female relatives...

I've already picked up a number of the Christmas tin candles, I couldn't help myself! What do you think? Have you found any cute gift guides for those on a budget?

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Louise Thompson for Goddiva Fashion Launch

Phew! That was quite a few photo's to get through but I just couldn't help but show you the mini burgers and assorted canapes that were on offer - I am a massive food junkie and so foody treats will always take pride of place on this blog.
Back to the matter in hand though! Just over a week ago now I was invited along to the launch of Louise Thompson's (for those of you who are reality tv fans you will already know she stars in 'Made in Chelsea') fashion range for Goddiva Fashion. In all honesty, upon first look at the range online I didn't think all that much of it. I'm not a girl that fawns over glitz and glitter, and a lot of the line I wouldn't know where to wear the pieces to as some of the dresses are quite formal or aimed more for prom. However, after being welcomed to the Mayfair Exchange with a glass of champers by the lovely team behind red hot pr, I zoomed over to the rails to get a closer inspection. Among my favourite pieces were a rose petal ruffled jumper, a scalloped bodycon baroque dress , and a very glitzy little number with cut out shoulder pieces which I luckily enough got to take home with me (outfit post coming soon!). Needless to say my opinions were altered for the better after trying on the more casual line of outfits and bodycon dresses suited for a night out with the girls.

Meeting Louise was strange seeing as I've watched her pretty much every Monday evening on E4. She was extremely down to earth and we got chatting about university deadlines and dissertations, it's sometimes hard to remember she's just another university student too. She was open and honest about her input into the range and happily posed away for photo's with a gaggle of eager bloggers. For once in my life, I actually felt quite tall too, Louise is SO tiny! I even caught a glimpse of Spencer waiting outside for Louise in a London Black Cab (in true Chelsea fashion) whilst me and Jemma opted for the tube armed with a very generous load of jam packed goody bags which I can't wait to delve into!

Have you had a look at the Louise Thompson range? Are you a bit of a MIC junkie like me?

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feeling festive: winter nails

Models Own Blizzard and Southern Lights - £5 each or can purchase Wonderland Set for £20

If I'm honest I never paid much attention to my hands and so for a very long time my nails were left beyond the realms of neglected. But after years of trying to curb my nail biting habit, I have, finally, somewhat broken the habit and feel ready to pamper my nails. 

As winter is upon us I thought it only right to don a very festive themed winter nails post as since receiving my Models Own Wonderland set in the post for a mere £20 - absolute bargain! All polishes within the set embellish the arctic and all things wintery, with five very glittery shades to choose from. I opted for the chilly blue hues of Southern lights with silver flakes of Blizzard to accent. I have been overwhelmed with compliments and have found myself setting up my own little salon in my bedroom for family and friends. 

I think any one of the Wonderland Models Own polishes would be great little stocking filler or buy the full set as a gift for someone special!

What do you think? Show me you winter nails!

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Take Out Candy

Take Out Candy - Cyber Candy £3.40*

Do you have a bit of a sweet tooth? Are you a fan of fizzy sour snakes and chewy gummy bears? This Take Out Candy Box from Cyber Candy has it all. A cluster of all your favourite pick 'n' mix sweets in a ridiculously cute Chinese style Take Out Box. These boxes always remind me of the Big Bang Series as they always seem to be having a Chinese Takeaway, and where I live our regular Saturday take out doesn't come packaged half as pleasing as this. 

For £3.40 I don't see where you could go wrong, you are also given an authentic pair of chopsticks to try and pick out your selected tasty treat like a pro! I'm awful at it so find myself just digging in and devouring as much as I can before my brother pinches the lot! I think these little take out candy boxes would make a really sweet, see what I did there ;), present for younger siblings, cousins, or just a greedy uncle this Christmastime. Great for those on a budget and looking for novel gifts to add together for a more personalised present. Coming from a family where I have at least seven younger cousins under the age of ten, I know that they would love these instead of the bog standard Chocolate Selection Box jobby from tesco. Warning! It will probably cause hyperactivity, sorry auntie! But then again it is Christmas...

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I'm living on such sweet nothing

Dress - Pop Couture*
Millicent Stud Boots - topshop
bracelets - topshop
earrings - pop couture*
nails - models own Southern Lights & Blizzard

If you saw my post on the Pop Couture Event that I attended last week you will already know that they were generous enough to let us choose an item of our own to review. I chose this plush velvet, burgundy dress, and I absolutely love it, don't you?

Yes, so posing in it whilst we're experiencing minus degree weather, and in front of a very amused crowd just off Oxford Street, was more than just a little bit chilly especially with the waistline cut outs, but I had to show off the beautiful detailing. What I didn't manage to catch on camera is the black lace back with golden flecks which, together with the gold studded collar chain, help to complete this dress as a go to night out number. For £22 I think its a complete and utter bargain and I can't thank Pop Couture enough

I was hurrying around the glittering streets of London again last for Louise Thompson (from Made in Chelsea, for any reality tv junkies like myself) for Goddiva Fashion Launch but more on that in an upcoming post! It's beyond amazing witnessing my city in all its festive glory. Oxford Street was, as always at this time of year, brimming with tourists, shoppers, and locals all taking in the Christmassy atmosphere and I well and truly caught the festive bug - squeee! I even popped up my Christmas tree this evening, earliest its ever been up and all I have to say is bah humbug to it being bad luck, I like being keen, okay.

Are you getting into the Christmas Spirit this year? *plays Mariah Carey's 'All I want for Christmas' on repeat..*

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Topshop Lipsticks: Beguiled & All About Me

Topshop Lipsticks in Beguiled & All About Me £8 each

Bit late in the game maybe, but I am well and truly a Topshop make-up range convert. My personal favourite items from their range is obviously the lipsticks, holla my fellow lip junkies!

I currently only possess two in my ever growing hoard of cosmetics, but Beguiled has become a fast favourite, especially fitting for the autumn/winter period. I find myself picking it up almost daily, feeling bolder and braver every time I wear it, and its battered appearance is a result of having it always readily armed in my purse. You can see me wearing it here, here, and here.

Beguiled looks a bit forbidding in tube form but once applied is a much softer plum with pinkish undertones. I find Topshop lipsticks highly pigmented and easily build-able for more of a statement lip which Beguiled is perfect for. 

Next up, All About Me. Pinks scare me. Hot Pinks especially. I'm extremely fair skinned with red hair and so I've always listened to the warnings of darker pinks and yellow clothing being off limits. However, I'm glad I rebelled and tried it out for myself. All About Me is an accurate title for this lipstick as it really won't fail to get you noticed. It leans slightly lilac in its undertones, and due to its vivid barbie-pink-come-bad-girl shade it can make teeth look slightly yellow compared to a blue-toned classic red but if you're up to date on dental hygiene you'll have nothing to worry about!
I love the bright pop of colour with a toned down eye look and pale blush. I normally slick it on when wearing a very understated outfit, say a classic LBD with a twist, or jeans and a slouchy jumper. I think this lipstick would look especially gorgeous on medium to dark skintones but us pale girls can reap its rewards to.

What are you favourite Topshop lippy shades?

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feeling festive: xmas bucket list

I saw Becky come up with a Christmas Bucket List and I really wanted to make my own. I'm always one of the first to get really excited about Christmas - it's my favourite time of year and I just can't wait to get all my decorations and tree up and start wrapping gifts to pop under the tree! I always make such elaborate plans to do SO many things around the festive season but never wind up doing any of it so I've made a short and sweet festive bucket list which I want to complete this Christmastime. 

I come from a REALLY big family and so Christmas is always packed and noisy and full of children running around, you know just a general buzz, but I love it that way and that's why I'm really sad that this year most of my family are away in America for my Uncle and Auntie's wedding, which I can't afford to go to *sniff, sniff* - needless to say, Christmas this year is going to be veryyy different and it just won't be the same surrounded by the motley crew that is my family. I'm going from spending Christmas with a hyperactive bunch of over twenty to a small and quiet day of six. I'm determined this Christmas will be just as good as any other and although Christmas is a very family orientated time for me I've decided to give a little back to other individuals that I don't know and that are more in need this year by helping to make decorations and home made Christmas gift packs.

What's on your Christmas bucket list? How do you normally spend the festive season?

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Pop Couture Xmas Party

On Thursday evening I made the journey from Reading, which is where I live for University, back home to London for the Pop Couture Christmas Event. After numerous train cancellations and delays I felt a bit deflated and not in the mood to travel to be in London, for a mere two or three hours, especially with the gusts of wind and rain being thrown in the mix. However, I am SO glad I did. I had an amazing evening at the Neo Barbican and met some really lovely bloggers who were all so down to earth and we all had a good natter over yummy cocktails and in between scoffing on canapes - okay, that was mostly me. I was super hungry.

I bumped into some friendly faces recognisable from twitter, such as Milly and Julie, as well as many new like the gorgeous Jo, Desiree, and Banke - hi girls!
We was all lucky enough to be given a tag on which we had to write our name and size before greedily eyeing up the array of printed trousers, velvet dresses, and glamorous peplums on display for us to choose an item from for our very own. I chose a burgundy velvet, cut out dress (see above) - it was calling my name and I can't wait to try it on when it arrives! If that wasn't already enough we were also treated to mini makeovers and many of us opted for a bold glittery lip, Lauren and Jemma chose a midnight black lip but I was a bit wary and asked for purple instead - I am in love. Despite the very odd looks I received making my way home through Paddington station, and sitting among businessmen on their way home, I loved the pop of purple and glitter combo and really wished I asked what exact MAC lipstick she used.

Pop Couture is a great fashion brand which is suitable for those who still want to look fierce on a budget - I couldn't recommend checking out their site enough - cards at the ready, girls!

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