The Spring Beauty Edit

Spring happens to be my favourite season, for one I'm an April baby, two it's a happy medium between too hot and too cold, and three has to be my spring time make-up stash...

Spring time marks the transition from autumnal plums to perky pastel shades, and I'm particularly loving the new scented pastel collection from Models Own. I spent a good ten minutes or so perusing the Models Own counter in boots just scratchin' n' sniffin' the array of scents and eventually picked up Apple Pie, another gorgeous mint green to add to my ever growing hoard of pastel greens, and Grape Juice, a pinky toned lilac shade. During the colder months I really don't pay that much attention to my dainty digits but come spring/summer my nail polish stash comes out to play and pastels such as Essie's Ballet Slippers brighten up my day.

Coral hues, peaches, and pinks dominate my blush and lipstick picks with MAC's Cut A Caper and Betty Bright finding their way to top of the class, finished off with a slick of Pink Shell, a beautiful peachy pink lipgloss from Artistry. Come spring I truly own the title of cream blush convert as I wave bye-bye to powders for a more dewy finish, and my top choice at present is Stila's cream blush in the shade Lilium. Since bringing this bad boy home I have fallen a little bit in love with this blush which blends in effortlessly to reveal a dusty rose shade which appeals to my fair skin tone, and can also be used on both your cheeks and lips. I must say I have become a bit addicted to Stila's cream blush offerings and hope to get my mitts on Gerbera next. Another affordable option are Topshop or Revlon Cream blushes, Head Over Heels by Topshop is a staple in my spring/summer stash (review here).

Bronze based shadows, champagnes and rustic amber hues are also top of my spring time picks for the eyes with a new favourite being in the form of Stila's Smudge Pot in Kitten, as well as an old time classic MAC's All That Glitter's which adds just the right amount of colour when swept over my lids.

What are your Spring time picks?

Not all the items displayed in the photo above have been mentioned but feel free to ask any questions in the comments or on twitter @ohlittlered 

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remember the little things

Sometimes we forget to take a step back and appreciate the little things in life, I mean hey, it's easily done. With all our ongoing 'dramas' whether it be school, university, or work, life has a way of keeping us all on our toes at one point or another. My great nan used to always say, "Lauren, don't forget the little things in life" - at the time this was just something I nodded at, and back then my main problems in life was that my pack lunch box didn't have as many good treats in than my friends....
So, here's a little post of some of the little things that are making me smile at the moment and that I would not normally appreciate, hope you enjoy!

A large mug of green tea, not only does it make me feel like my insides are getting a good ol' detox but it also fills my room with the most gorgeous minty scent. Mmm, my nostrils love this little treat.

Okay, so there's a bit of a theme going on here. I am trying to eat a lot healthier and only fill my body with goodness in the hope this will transpire on to my skin and hair. Yeo Valley Yoghurts are heavenly, I could quite easily sit and eat a whole tub in one sitting and in that way they are acting as a replacement to my much love Ben & Jerry's. What are your healthy eating treats?

Little touches of colour such as this Ikea pot plant never fail to brighten up my bedroom and this little shrub does make me smile, I must admit. Being fake as well I don't have to worry about keeping it alive, I have a bit of a reputation as a flower killer...

Every now and then I indulge and snap up a few new Essie shades from Boot's and this month's favourite has to be 'Ballet Slippers'. A gorgeous milky, pastel pink that I've been lusting after for quite some time and it's finally part of my collection, yay! 

Interiors and decor posts have become a bit of an addictive read of mine for the past couple of months, I'm currently in the half-way stage of transforming my bedroom into the oasis I have envisioned. Wilkinson's have some great little decorative pieces and I picked up this silver mosaic tea light holder for around £5, bargain! Isn't it pretty?

What little things have brightened up your day recently?

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The Sunday Post: Dungaree's and Dissertation's

Sheer White Blouse - H&M

Denim Dungaree's - Topshop

Wishbone Above Knuckle Ring - The Bohemian Collective*

Rose Gold Watch - Michael Kors*

I'd just like to start this post with a massive HELL YEAH, my dissertation is done and dusted. I can't even express in words how happy, relieved, and proud this makes me all at one time. In true Lauren style I left a big chunk of it to be done at the last minute, I know I work better under pressure but this was something else. I couldn't even cry I was that stressed but I got it done and I'm really happy with it, fingers crossed it goes down well. I went on a bit of a Boot's haul as a treat after I'd handed it in so expect a post dissertation haul to come soon. 

This weekend consisted of Iron Man 3 and therefore lot's of drooling over Robert Downing Jnr. Hnnnng. I absolutely love marvel comic's and films but although I really enjoyed the film, it wasn't as good as I had expected. The rest of the weekend was filled with dancing to 90's one hit wonders, who remembers Marvin and Tamara? G to the R Double O V E, Get on my Groove Machine! Me and my friends are quite obviously hell raisers on our Saturday nights...

This Week I've Been Listening to: 

• I've had 'Chocolate' by The 1975 stuck in my head all week. Get out already.
• Might have also performed my own production of 'Hairspray' in my room this morning, you can't stop the beat...

I've Been Watching:

• Re-runs of 'Angel' - not as good as Buffy but I'm still addicted to when vampires were actually cool and not soppy, sparkling creatures.

I've Been Reading:

• I've just started reading the second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy, 'Catching Fire'. It's nice to be able to actually read books simply for me again instead of annotating every last inch of a novel until I hate it.
• The beaut is back. If you haven't read Lily Bee's blog then you're missing out. A great girl and beyond stunning, I'm glad to see Helen posting more regularly again!
• The Spring Trilogy Post's over on Essie Button are well worth a look. I love Estee's sense of humour and watching her video's, as well as reading her posts, never fail to put a smile on my face.

Do have any good reads to recommend, I'm looking for more books to add to my summer reading list!

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Coral Lovin': Head Over Heels Cream Blush

TopShop Cream Blush in 'Head Over Heels' 

The sun appears to be rearing its very welcome head and in turn my summer make up stash is finding its way to the front of my collection, and out from the dust ridden (joke!) depths. Whilst I was re-arranging my makeup ready for the sunnier months, I stumbled upon this old topshop gem that was yet to even be swatched, and I just had to try it out.

I'm a massive fan of the Topshop beauty range. It's bang on trend without having to make a dent in your bank account. This cream blush was only £6 and I can already see myself getting a lot of wear out of it this summer. I love the coral flush it brings to my cheeks and it can add a really subtle pop of colour, so don't be put off by the neon shade in pan form. I find it super easy to apply using my RT Stippling Brush and would advise using a little bit of product at a time to build up to how bright you want it to be. It's easy to blend and I find the staying power to be great for it's bargainous price tag, lasting up to four hours. 

I've been swapping my powder blushes for a lot of cream blushes recently and, for me, the dewy look has given me a much more healthy glow. Would you like to see a cream blush collection post? Have you tried any of the Topshop cream blushes?

p.s. did any of you spot Estee from Essie Button in the last picture? 

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twenty one

I thought I'd pop up a few snaps from my 21st birthday which was yesterday. I still can't believe I'm twenty one, I still think I'm in my teens most of the time! I had a wonderful day and was throughly spoilt this year, I am a very lucky girl and I hope my friends and family know how much I love them. As always, I woke up VERY early, eager to make the most of the day as Jon had taken the day off to take me to Westfields. I was extremely excitable and had VV Brown's 'Shark in the Water' on repeat. It's my happy song, okay.

I won't go into much detail about what I was given as I know a lot of people see those sorts of posts as boastful but I would like to send another very big thank you to my mum and nan who went all out and not only treated me to a new dresser and drawers (post coming soon!) but to this little baby. I don't want to even get it out the box at the moment as it's just too perfect and I have a track record of being a klutz. This watch is just SO beautiful. My dad and his girlfriend Julie also treated me to Vaccines tickets (eee!) and a trip to New York at the beginning of next year! Thank you isn't even enough and I just can't believe it. I've always wanted to go to New York and I'm literally counting down the days, I need to get saving for my spending money, mainly for Sephora eeeep!

Jon was naughty this year and bought me a new camera, I actually cried when I opened up the present as I really wasn't expecting it. We took it out with us to get a feel for it and create some photographic memories of our day. Jon see's it as his new toy as he takes my outfit photo's for me and we both can't wait to get snapping!

After over five hours roaming the shops, and spending my birthday card money quicker than you can say 'bazinga', we had dinner at a cute little American Diner which had a bowling alley next to it as part of a dine and bowl deal. The food was gorgeous, nothing beats a good burger. You can see more snaps on my instagram @ohlittlered if you want to see more! We then pottered around East London, playing around with my camera settings, and taking in what turned out to be a really gorgeous sunny day.

By the time we got home around half eight, I was ready to get into my PJ's and tuck up in bed with a good movie. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday and can't wait for this weekend when I'll be celebrating with my friends, hopefully having the first BBQ of the year (fingers crossed it stays sunny!), and a little family buffet to see the rest of my family and celebrate both mine and my granddad's birthdays. Until then I have to get back to reality and the hell that is leaving a big chunk of your dissertaion to the last week before its due in. I always do this but I find I work better under pressure, so I best get back to it.

P.S. Thanks to all of you that left such lovely birthday wishes, you little cuties!

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lily lulu

Shift Style Faux Leather Peter Pan Collar Dress - Lily Lulu*

You know when you see that dress online or in a store and you just have to have it? That's what happened when I spotted this sixties inspired number by Lily Lulu Boutique. Bang on the monochrome trend, I opted for the dress in white instead of the black which would have been inside my comfort zone. I felt transported back to the times of Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick and I think come summer, mix this dress with a sultry smokey eye and you've got a winner.  

I'm always a worrier when it comes to white clothing as we've all had our too sheer moments where it can be a little too see through but this dress is made of thick polyester and the loose fit makes for very comfortable wearing, and lot's of swishing about...

Have you had a look at the Lily Lulu Boutique range? You can them on Asos Marketplace, so what are you waiting for?!

p.s. please excuse my squinty eyes and knobbly knees...

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mr. blue sky

lace collar top - topshop

rita trousers - monki

konnie cage cut out sandals - topshop

Today has been b-e-a-utiful! Spring cleaning done all that was left to do was to bask in the sunshine, finally. Me and Jon made a little picnic and sat watching the Arsenal game in my garden. My house backs on to a farmers field which is also used a public footpath where everyone takes their dogs to walk by the local horse fields, it really did feel like Summer today. I hope this weather keeps up, I smell the first BBQ of the year on its way. It's also my birthday in two weeks time and I'd love the sun to stick around.

There was a  massive cofuffle with my topshop order that I made over a month ago, after various e-mails I finally found out my order had been lost by the courier. Topshop sent me over a speedy refund and I had re-do my whole order only to find out the konnie cage cut out sandals that I'd wanted in tan were sold out, thankfully they had some left in black. I LOVE THEM. They're so comfy and go with pretty much everything. What do you think?

I also picked up these blue and white print trousers from Monki. I find trousers like these great for the British Summer. I'm not one to get my bare legs out a lot, I find them shockingly pasty and I can never be bothered to fake tan so loose elasticated trousers are my saviour. I picked up quite a few pairs of printed trousers recently and I think I've become a bit addicted to their genie like quality. 

Are you enjoying the sunshine where you are? 

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Easter Weekend Edition: Weekly Peek

This Easter Weekend has just flown by, and I've had such a lovely time. On Saturday night me and my friends headed up to Camden for a bar crawl and ended up bumping into my childhood best friend who was out celebrating her birthday. Me and Jon ended up joining her  later that evening to continue the merriment, and let's face it one too many jager bombs - sorry, Liver. As you can probably imagine Easter Sunday was spent mostly recuperating and tucking into good food.By nine o'clock I was ready to tuck up in my duvet and take full advantage of the new Disney On Demand Channel on Sky! Today's plan is to eat my remaining hoard of Easter Egg goodness, catch up on some blogs, and not get out of my pj's all day.

We've been looking after my nan's dog whilst her and my papa went away for an Easter Break to the midlands. Storm has to be the soppiest dog I know, she's such a sweetheart. I've been taking her for walks around our local forest and it's been so nice to get a good long walk even though my legs are killing  from the 30 Day Squat Challenge - anyone else braving this too?

This Week I've Been Listening to:

• Bastille's 'Pompeii' has been stuck in my head for days, hence the obvious title for this post.
• AlunaGeorge and their rendition of 'I Wanna Be Like You' - anyone who does a Jungle Book Cover is a winner in my books.

I've Been Watching: 

• Meg's (from Lips So Facto - check her out!) video on four ways to wear winged eye liner - an art I am yet to master sadly! 
• I've also been wearing my major envy face watching Zoe's vlog of her trip to Disney Land Orlando, I want to visit Harry Potter World SO BAD.

I've Been Reading: 

• Might have got oh-so-slightly engrossed in Kate's new project, Nouvelle Daily. Such a great concept and fantastic read, so easy and simple and great for lazy day reading.
• I have a new found blog love in the form of Little Winter - I am in love with the Little's cosy home, the photography and how cute are the little garden mushrooms in this post.
• Becky got me drooling over these adorable cookies in a cup - hands up who thinks Becky should open her own bakery already?!

What have you been up to this Easter Weekend?

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