Five Things Friday: Luxury Christmas Wishlist

I've found myself trawling the pages of The Urban Retreat Boutique - a site dedicated to all things luxurious in the world of beauty, and I thought why not put together my ultimate luxury Christmas wish list as part of this weeks Five Things Friday, so here are five things I'd love to find nestled underneath my Christmas tree...

1) Laura Mercier steal my heart when it comes to makeup, I live by their tinted moisturiser but have never tried anything from their bath and body range. This Creme Brûlée Quartet looks and smells heavenly, with a candle to boot as you sit back and relax in the tub.

2) Morrocan Oil is something I've tried, tested and loved. I really need a new bottle to bring life back to my hair. STAT. 

3) I'm forever lusting over NARS palettes and the Guy Bourdin Crime of Passion is no exception - I think it makes the perfect night out travel kit - what do you think?

4) How gorgeous are these Diptyque Christmas Candles! I would still want this for the packaging alone, but this smells incredible. Chai Orange with hints of Indian spices - this is a real festive warmer.

5) During the winter my skin is lacking in hydration and in general needs a good spruce up, step in Omorovicza. This set looks fantastic for some luxurious pamper time with festive Myrrh and Frankincense oils. 

What's on your luxury Christmas wish list?

*collaboration with Urban Retreat


Bloglovin'//Twitter//Youtube//Facebook

Read More

An Autumnal Wishlist #1

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Autumn is now well and truly here, and with it comes the a/w wardrobe update and the skincare stash reshuffle. Monochrome is a strong feature in my wardrobe this season alongside cosy knits and layering. Warmth is an essential for me as I am a cold blooded creature, so I really want to invest in a snood like the one seen above from John Lewis. How snug does it look? Again I've stuck in the monochrome them and find that creams are easily paired with most outfits and would be a very welcome addition on my cold commute to work!

I've also been lusting after the NAR's Fairy's Kiss Palette which has a sultry selection of smokey hues. I could really see myself loving every single shade and what's more getting use out of them all. This palette would be great for an autumn night out with a nude lip - but for that I'll also need lip salve as my lips are really chapped at the minute. I love my Nuxe Reve de Miel but have been eyeing up this alternative by REN.

What's on your autumn fashion & beauty wishlist?

Read More

midweek wishlist: winter essentials

001. Twinings Calm Camomile, Honey & Vanilla Tea £1.29 - 002. Petite Military Coat - Topshop - 003. Autumn Leaves Candle - Yankee Candle - 004. Wonderland Set - Models Own - 005. Amber Stud Strap Zip Boots - Topshop

Winter Blues are setting in over at the Honey Hut (that's the name of our student home, named after the fact we have the only bright yellow door on a street lined with dull brown entrances), it's not a pretty sight with sniffling and coughing galore. We're all dosing up on Lempsip Max in the hope of banishing beastly coughs and splutters and so in order to cheer ourselves up we run afternoon movie sessions (mainly Disney or romcom, come on we're a house full of sick girls) and tea runs to try and liven our spirits whilst still trying to not let Uni work slip out of control. The obvious essentials would include medicine, Kleenex tissues, and a hot water bottle but I thought I would compile a wishlist of the not so essential essentials that can bring a smile to any soul suffering the dreaded flu...

Adding honey to our tea has been a savior to the throat as it acts as a natural soother and so, whilst adding items to my online Asda shop, Twinings Calm Camomile, Honey & Vanilla Tea is right up there on the top of my list! Us honey's are avid collectors of all things tea related with our own tray housing an assortment of fruit and herbal teas ready to get us through.  I've also been on the look out for a new winter coat and khaki green's are what I tend to eye up on every occasion and would go very nicely indeed with the burgundy topshop boots that have been in my basket awaiting bursary day...

I've recently stocked up on some autumnal scents to add that little touch (or should I say, smell!) of home to my room by completing an order to Yankee. I picked up two candles, one of which I might give to my mum for Christmas, I'm not sure yet, it really does smell delicious; which I will be putting a post up about very soon, so keep those eyes peeled!

Is your household becoming bogged down with cough and cold? What little treats do you like to cheer you up when you're feeling a little under the weather?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

                                                               instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

New Look #DenimComp

(All Items New Look) 001. Cameo Rose Black Leather Look Biker Jacket £34.99 - 002. Supersoft Skinny Jeans in Burgundy £19.99 - 003. Cameo Rose Black Studded Neck Peplum Top £19.99 - 004. Black Side Zip Shoe Boot Wedges £19.99 -  005. Berry and Diamonte Bangles £5.99 - 006. Silver Triangle Spike Earrings £4.99

I was recently approached about a blogger competition that New Look is running with Fashion Blog Asteria Sparkle, for full details about entering the competition click here. Closes 5th of October so get your entries in ! Competition revolves around New Looks new denim jeans launch! Tweet your entry with #denimcomp

I decided to keep my outfit simple and you could say it is not the most vibrant of outfits with the two key colours being black and burgundy, however, wine reds and berry tones have been snapped flitting up and down the catwalk at London Fashion Week and are a top choice for the autumn/winter season. I personally love the shade of burgundy used for the pictured skinny jeans as I think it suits every skin tone and just screams autumnal crunchy leaves and mulled wine to me, perfect for getting in the mood for Christmas! 

I love teaming up denim and leather so I went for this leather look jacket at a very student friendly £34.99, no need to break the bank balance to pull off biker chic!  I would quite happily wear this outfit on a night out as I find peplum tops to be hugely flattering and I love the added studded neck and sleeves to rock it up a little. My boyfriend always says a pair of fitted dark skinny jeans are what he finds sexiest and it just goes to show you don't leave to bare your pins to the winter winds this season to look good! I also think if you take away the heels and pair this outfit with a leather pair of boots it would be great for everyday wear to University, school or lounging around town with your mates.

New Look is really doing it for me at the minute, since attending their a/w launch a few weeks ago I've found myself browsing their rails more often after formerly abandoning them for Topshop. The prices are much more affordable and the quality is on par and their denim jeans are super snug to see me through the bitter cold and trudging back and forth to University this autumn!

What do you think is the perfect outfit for nights out during these colder months? What do you think of New Looks newest clothing range?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

                                                               instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

midweek wishlist: a/w

001. Aubergine Cross Stitch Bobble Hat - Topshop - 002.  Illamasqua Generation Q Eye Palette - asos - 003. Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Medium - Harvey Nichols - 004. Contrast Military Khaki with faux leather sleeves - ebay - 005. Smokey Oversize Jumper with Collar - The Vintage Set - 006. Autumn Leaves Lipstick - nars

My wishlist seems to be ever growing whilst my bank balance is ever dwindling, not a great combination I must admit. At the moment I'm saving for a last minute trip to Zurich to stay with my housemate whose there on a term abroad so my money is being set aside for the flight and wine money. Cannot wait.

Out of all the items on this list the Cambridge Company Satchel is what I'm eager to lay my hands on the most, I'm not often one for expensive bags. I don't really own that many sticking by my trusty Zara messenger bag and a small folk inspired handbag that I thrifted but I would finally love to be able to call something like this beautiful bag my own, that or a Mulberry but one can only dream! I've also stumbled upon The Vintage Set, a beautiful online store brimming with gorgeous one off items and for a very reasonable price too I may add. No unnecessary price tag just for the 'vintage' label here. Autumn is my favourite time of year and so I'm eagerly awaiting dusting off my old jumpers and beaten leather boots once more, fashion wise this is where I'm in my element!

What key autumn items are part of your winter wardrobe?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

                                                               instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

midweek wishlist

01. Sky Blue Sleevless Top with Gold Tip Collar - Glamourous - 02. Merrily Open Lace Up Shoes - Topshop - 03. Origins Super Spot Remover - 04. Origins GinZing Eye Cream -  05. REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask - 06. Topshop Lipstick in Whimsical

Make-up has been put on the back burner recently, having collected quite a vast array of cosmetic delights recently, I just don't feel like I need to buy much more whilst I already have a fair amount that I could put to good use. Therefore, I've recently got into skincare a lot more than my former naive self who protested 'I'm young so why would I need eye creams and renewal masks yet?!' but now is the time I have realised to take a bit more care and let these act as preventatives rather than miracle cures. 

Both Origins and REN Skincare have been countlessly advised to me and so I took the plunge recently and purchased a few REN facial skin care items which I will review in due course. The Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask did catch my eye and I have read a great review on it by Caroline which added my eagerness to test it out, however, at a handsome sum of £30 I chose to test this product out via 1/2 samples, that I was offered when purchasing the Invisible Pores Detox Mask, before committing to the hefty price tag. I've heard nothing but wonderful things so I'm hoping that it'll improve my blemish prone skin and brighten it up!
Not only have I been suffering from spots lately but dark circles and puffiness has taken over my eye area with a vengeance and that's why I'm hoping to purchase the much raved about GinZing Eyecream, student loan hurry up, please.

I spotted this cheep and cheerful top from Glamourous whilst fuelling my obsession to torture myself by online shopping when I have no money to spend, well done, Lauren, well done. Yet again I was caught admiring the Topshop make-up range of which I am yet to really test out for myself, oh if I was rich..

What have you been lusting after lately?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

                                                               instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

midweek wishlist: topshop

001. Sky Collar Dress by Sister Jane - 002. Dip Dye Maxi Skirt by Coco's Fortune - 003. Bird Collar tips  - 004. Topshop Lipstick in Inhibition

I have always loved the Sister Jane collection at Topshop and whilst torturing myself browsing on their online site, I'm on a spending ban you see, I spotted this cute little white number. The Galaxy like print on the collars adds that little something and although I associate that sort of print with tumblr hipsters I really do favour it on this dress. Shame I'm poor, boo hoo.

As you might be well aware England is finally basking in some long awaited sunshine which is has put many, including me, in a euphoric mood except for night time when the heat has become a pain in the a-hole and leaving the window for air just attracts mosquitos to munch on my flesh. Little Buggers. And so I've been pining for a/w season of late, it's my favourite time of year especially in terms of fashion, can't tell you how much I want to be back styling my layers of clothes. I noticed this dark plum lipstick in the Topshop make-up range and think it would be perfect for the colder months, think it might be my first purchase with my next student loan installment.

Am I only the vampire out there who is looking forward to a/w? 

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

                                                               instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

midweek wishlist

01. revlon just bitten kissable lip balm stain in sweetheart (oosh! that's quite a moutful!) £5.99 - 02. river island flatform wedges £35 - 03. topshop blush in neon rose £6.00 - 04.  topshop petite stud shoulder sweater £34 - 05. topshop co-ord mint boucle skirt £38

This weeks list is a bit of a topshop fest but as I'm on a spending ban at the moment I will just have to look and lust over as I really do need to start saving up for mine and Jon's holiday in September as well as for my first tattoo which I hope to get by the end of summer! 

I am excited to get my hands on the revlon just bitten balm/stains as I can't afford the more heftily priced clinique chubby sticks and I'm a sucker for balm/stain hybrids. I do actually have enough points on my boots card to treat myself...

As you can probably see my blog has had a bit of a tidy up and I'd love to hear your thoughts as I think it looks a lot more tidy? I'm not the best with html so this will have to do for now! Oh! I almost forgot to mention that I set up a facebook page for 'little red' just the other day (hopefully not too pretentious as it does seem to be the done thing these days) and so I'd greatly appreciate if you 'liked' and I do hope to be quite interactive on there and get to know you all better!

I'm currently sat here with Bob the Builder on in the background for some reason and a mug full of chocolate milk, I'm such a big kid! Oh dear, Lauren... I can't wait till Jon gets back from his holiday this Saturday and my sanity returns as I've lost touch with any concept of time recently falling asleep at ridiculous hours but yet waking up early still only to nap midday, not good! 

Anywhoo! Hope you're all well!

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

instagram: ohlittlered

Read More

£100 asos challenge

001. metallic playsuit with v front £38 - 002. trinity platform wedges £85  £34 - 003. Accessories: 1. Pieces Camma Ring £12 - 2. Cage Arm Cuff £12 £6 -  3. Just Acces Inor Bracelet £20 £10

£38 + £ £34 + £12 + £6 + £10 = £100

I've seen a fair few bloggers post their entries for The £100 ASOS Challenge Competition and having never been one to enter one of these competitions I thought 'why not give it a go' and this is the outfit I came up with that sums up to exactly £100 which is a lot harder than it looks to do, trust me.

The task was to piece together the hottest possible outfit you could for the allotted £100 budget and so I've gone for an evening outfit that hopes to dazzle and attract.

As the playsuit has quite a deep plunging v-neck I didn't need to accentuate the neckline and cleavage anymore so there was no need for a necklace although a cute silver pendant may do nicely there. I think for some this playsuit may be a bit daring but the combination of a metallic textured crepe fabric and gathered high waist are bang on trend and bound to place all eyes on you, this playsuit isn't for wallflowers. I've kept the colour scheme quite neutral, you don't need neon pinks and florals to stand out, with matching cream platform wedges which I had to resist buying even at their reduced price as I'm saving for a late holiday deal in September. I find wedges sooooo much more comfortable and easier to walk in as I'm no Victoria Beckham when it comes to trotting around in skyscraper heels.

For accessories I fell in love with the just acces inor bracelet as and ring combo as its understated yet extremely beautiful and its fragility is extremely feminine. On the other arm I would place the silver cage arm cuff and the teal stone of the camma ring adds a touch of colour that compliments the metallic playsuit and also resembles for me the yves saint laurent arty oval rings slightly but for a much cheaper price tag!

What do you think of this outfit? Is it something you would like to wear?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

benefit wishlist

001. b.right! Radiant Skincare 6 Piece Intro Kit £10 - 002. they're real! mascara £18.50 - 003. the POREfessional £23.50 - 004. watt's up! £24.50 - 005. girl meets pearl £24.50 - 006. erase paste £19.50 - 007. CORALista Blush £23.50 - 008. hervana blush £23.50

As you can see I don't want much from Benefit's range of cosmetics ;) 

Altogether for these eight little beauties I would have to fork over a whopping £144 - wishful thinking for an unemployed student like myself, however, I do hope to add to my benefit makeup collection piece by piece whenever I can and these are my top eight choices.
I particularly want to get my hands on the limited edition radiant skincare kit which is currently out of stock but for a cheap and cheerful £10 where can you go wrong?
I have samples of both the porefessional, which I absolutely adore, thanks to Glamour, and girl meets pearl which adds a much needed luminosity to my skin. As for the blushes I already own Dandelion, a pale rosy pink much more suited to paler skin tones as I believe it is not pigmented enough to show up on darker skintones, and bella bamba which is highly similar to NARS Orgasm and slightly too pink for me.

And isn't the packaging just super cute, I'm a sucker for good packaging!

Are you dying to get hold of any of the Benefit line or do you have any personal favourites?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

want: high end make up bag

001 NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia £29.50 - 002. NARS Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush Powder £21.00 - 003. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler £20.00 - 004. MAC Naked Lunch Eyeshadow (also lusting after Ricepaper, Shroom, Woodwined, and Coppering) £12 - 005. Benefit Porefessional Primer £19.58 (Usually £23.50) - 006. NARS Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil £17.50 - 007. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Ivory £23.50

Being a student I often have to budget my spending and so my current makeup bag consists mostly of cheaper drugstore brands, most of which I find work wonders for their less expensive price tag but nonetheless I want to venture out and try some of the more high end products out there. I do own quite a few MAC Lipsticks since first wandering in there last Christmas armed with gift money but as of yet I have not tried any other brands of high end lipstick and have been also lusting after a YSL Lipstick just for the gorgeous packaging it comes in as well as testing out NARS lipsticks as I find their blushes to be my favourites since first receiving NARS Orgasm Blush for my birthday; the pigmentation is unbeatable and I can't wait to get hold of Miss Liberty Highlighter!

What are your favourite high end treats? Or have you found any dupes for some of the more lusted after high end products?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton

Read More

I cannot get enough of...

1. I've recently become so addicted to this programme, another trashy America drama suits me just fine and this one really does pack a punch, pardon the pun. I really love the whole plot and history of this series and have found myself watching three episodes in a row without a thought or care in the world besides who is next on 'Emily Thorne''s list to revenge...

2. This post highlights just how much crappy tv I do watch as I've also become totally enamored with new sitcom 'Girls'. I really think you should all go check it out, I practically watched the whole first series in one sitting and have fallen in love with it. It's honest, hilarious and a real hit in my eyes and I find the frank sexual humour concerning young female adults really refreshing.

3. I love smoothies and have always pegged the Innocent smoothie brand as overpriced for what it essentially is but recently they've been on offer in Tesco's and I've been gulping my way through a variety of different fruity flavours!

4. DIY Collar tips are somewhat blowing up everywhere I look and Zara is my go to store at the moment which isn't such a good thing when I'm saving up for my first tattoo amongst other things!

5. I'm heading to Reading Festival again this year and was really excited to hear that Azealia Banks was playing, I really think she's one to keep an eye on and she's been on repeat on my spotify all week.

What can't you get enough of lately?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton

Read More

Things I do not need, but still want nonetheless.

1,2,3,4

1. The Kindle is something I've often thought about purchasing, and okay I did just cheekily relent finally and one is on its way to me. My justification is that it is an investment as and English Literature Student and avid bookworm, yes that's made me feel better. Can anyone give me any book suggestions?

2. NARS Blushes are my all time favourites and Luster is described as a 'sheer golden apricot' blush which I think will suit my fairer skin tone in replacement of more pink toned pigments.

3. I've joined in on the Essie Nail Polish hype and treated myself to a gorgeous blue shade called 'Lapiz of Luxury' and now I can't help greedily eyeing up more pastel shades for this gorgeous summer weather we are having, que torrential rain..

4. Again the summer sun is making me realise how dismal my flats collection is and I spyed these whilst browsing on the H&M website!

Is there anything you have you eye on? Or have you made any cheeky purchases recently?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//Youtube//HelloCotton

Read More

weekend wishlist #2

                                                                             1,2,3,4,5

001: Beauty blogger favourite and hair heaven, I've been after Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment for quite some time as my tips could do with some hair salvation. However, I'm finding it hard to justify the hefty price tag, any alternatives?

002:  NARS is one of my all time favourite brands and my go to for blushes and so I've been really tempted to try out the new Miss Liberty highlight!

003: Another hyped up craze is the new Maybelline Color Tattoo's which are a great alternative to MAC Paint pots, I've spotted a few shades in my local superdrug and for a much more student friendly £4.99! I think these would act as great eye primers and have been lusting over Bronze on Bronze! (Official launch is in April!)

004: The UK has recently been delighted to wake up to brilliant sunshine and it's time to swap my boots for my flats, however upon browsing through my shoe collection I realised I was in dire need of sprucing up my flat collection! I've had my eye on these studded Vectra's from Topshop and a cheeky online purchase may be in order!

005: I've been feeling a bit nostalgic recently and reflecting upon the good old days of 'run outs' and sporting a fine pair of denim dungaree's. I really liked the quilted pattern on Miss Selfridges denim dungaree's.

What have you got your eye on at the moment?

Bloglovin'//Twitter//Youtube//HelloCotton

Read More