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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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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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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drops of jupiter in her hair

turtle neck tank crop top - pop couture*
skater skirt - topshopboots - topshop
 spike drop earrings - pop couture*
nails - topshop eclipse

This outfit somehow reminded me off sexy office chic which I have never ever pulled off and yes, I know, it's very grey, but I really like it. I absolutely adore the burgundy boots and they are mega comfortable, seriously walking in heels is a mean feat for me, I'm usually useless and am that girl you see carrying her heels home at the end of the night. Classy bird. 

I want to take a moment to introduce to Pop Couture, I have got a post about them coming up shortly from their event I attended last night which was SO lovely - I met so many really lovely bloggers there and we all got chatting away so if you're reading this HEYYY! Pop Couture is home to some really gorgeous pieces and I've been browsing their site most of this afternoon after an early morning lecture, not only that but the price tag is a very warm welcome for us students. The earrings I'm wearing above are a very cheap and cheerful £3, bargain!

I've gone back to a more nude lip again recently after braving bolder lips for quite some time now I think it's time to strip back a little. What do you think?

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We're not in Kansas anymore

Jacket - Miss Selfridges
Bobble Hat - topshop Mittens - primark
Dress - topshop Millicent Studded Boots - topshopj ewellery - delilah dust*
nails - ted baker*

Not the most glamorous and beautiful backdrop for a photo shoot but I quite like it against my how dolled up I am. Jemma took these snaps of me before we headed to the Motel Rocks Xmas Party in East London for a night of cocktails, pampering, and photo booth fun (wait, for my next post to see more!). I had a wonderful time and met so many lovely bloggers as well as singing a long to a collection of tunes - Lauren I'm looking at you!

The aztec print of this dress is what sealed the deal when handing over my card, it has a real wintery feel to it and I thought it was perfect for a Christmas party as well as a daytime dress. I am the biggest pansy when it comes to braving the cold so you might be able to tell in the shots of me without my trusty leather I am f-r-eeee-zingggg! I was forcing my poser face and literally hopped, skipped, and jumped back over to my mittens and hat as soon as I could.

After having such a good night it's always hard to come back down to reality and go back to typing up mundane essay's and religiously annotating text books but university calls so I best leave it here - who else is wishing it was the Christmas holidays already?

If you like the jewellery items be sure to check out Delilah Dust - there are plenty of gorgeous handmade items and you can use my discount code 'little red' for any purchase you make :)

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Float down like Autumn Leaves

Dress - topshop Knitted jumper - primark
Jacket - Miss Selfridges
Bobble Hat - topshop necklace & bracelet - delilah dust*
studded millicent boots - topshop

Another week done and dusted and the day light hours are becoming increasingly less but I actually quite like the gloomy weather we've been having as it always makes me feel cosy when I'm wrapped up at home. However, snuggling up in my duvet is not on the agenda for me this weekend as I have a quite a busy time of it with my friend's 21st Fancy Dress Party tomorrow evening where I'm transforming, hopefully, into an elegant 1920's flapper. I'm more excited to see Jon's costume though as he's going all out as Thor from The Avengers donning a long blonde wig and everything!

I have mentioned Delilah Dust to you all before I am sure but I cannot reiterate enough how much I love Antonia's handmade pieces and for such a purse friendly price tag too which you can also reduce further still if you use my discount code 'little red'. I can't wait for my order to come through and the one off gem stone necklaces are my favourites. 

What are you up to this weekend? Do you like my bobble hat, it caught quite a bit of attention from the old ladies sat outside Greggs!

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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?

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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?

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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?

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toothpaste kisses

Chiffon Dress - Oasap*

shoes - new look

This little beauty only arrived on my doorstop this morning but I just couldn't wait to share it with you as I've fallen a bit in love with it and have been floating around my garden pretending to a fifties housewife all afternoon as it does make feel rather regal.

I love the contrast of the white with the mint pleated skirt (attached as part of the dress) and collar tips, it's such a stunning summer outfit and once slipped on I guarantee you will feel particularly classy and elegant and might have to resist the urge to prance around. Its lightweight feel makes it comfortable to boot on top off gorgeously girly - I even whacked out the pink lipstick! 

There's not much more I can say in terms of bigging this item up, it's taking pride of place in my wardrobe.

p.s say hello to Maxxie, my neighbours cat, who actually lives with us as it just won't leave and scratches at the living room window to be let in if we do try to urge him back towards his owners. He is a cutie though, right?

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its not easy being green

grey vest top - h&m

 high waisted pastel green pin stripe shorts - topshop

green plimsoles - h&m (old)

necklace - topshop sale (old)

nails - 'mermaid' topshop

Hello sunshine! Topping off my week by being able to lounge in my sunchair, after dusting it down from its year long hibernation in the shed, and catch up on some reading whilst the rays beat down upon my milk bottle skin adding a new cluster of freckles. Lovely jubbly. I even braved bare legs in these pin stripe hot pants in public which is a big thing for me as I've always had issues with having my legs on show but some how today I plucked up the courage and let the sun beat down on them quite happily indeed.

Earlier this week I was notified that I'd been picked , well this little ol' blog had been picked, by the editor of Pocket Change as their 'Editors Pick' which left me absolutely stunned as I always get whenever my corner of the internet gets any mention whatsoever. Later in the week I was then also e-mailed by Clare from Dotcomgiftshop who informed me I'd been added to their list of top shopper blogs alongside the stunning Gem Fatale! They were awfully nice about me and made me sound so much cooler than I actually am in their little intro to 'Little Red' which you can find here. I'm really chuffed and overwhelmed by all this new found praise and support so here's a MASSIVE thank you to you all once again - cheeseball soppy mode ensues - your support really does mean the world to me so sending you all virtual hugs right now.

Tomorrow Jon and I are off to Hyde Park to enjoy one of the final days of Olympic fever and soak up the patriotic pride that's left London positively glowing these past two weeks. We've prepared a not so little picnic, brimming over with savoury snacks and chocolately goodness! I cannot wait and if the weatherman is correct the sun will add to what I'm sure is going to be a perfect day out. Keep and eye out for a little photo diary post of tomorrows events.

Hope you're all are enjoying the weather, have you got any plans for the final few days of the Olympics?

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rule britannia

August 1st , 2012

top - new look

jeans - topshop

plimsoles - miss selfridges
lipstick - look loud lips in toffee cup

eye makeup: Look Triple Hit Eyeshadow - party fever shade 3

Look Statement Eyes - LBD shade 16

Look Statement Eyes- Bare shade 3

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

I was messing around with some of my new eyeshadows, in particular the look triple hit trio shadows, and I created this look to go with a nude lip for an evening look. It is a bit of a twist on the smokey eye opting for purple shades rather than my usual dusky browns but I actually really like it and look forward to wearing it on a night out. What do you think?

I'm also recently really getting into olympic fever, if you follow me on twitter you might have seen me pretty much live tweeting most of the games as I have literally been glued to the olympic channels on sky. I'm quite patriotic, well very patriotic, on the whole any way inheriting also the soppy, emotional gene from my dad you can find me welling up over the men's gymnastics - which our boy were absolutely sensational in! - as well as young South African Chad Le Clos beating his hero, Michael Phelps, in the swimming.
I love the national spirit and living in London especially we have all really soaked up the atmosphere and I was literally jumping around when Helen and Heather got gold for us today in the rowing - beaming with pride! Come on Team GB!!

Have you got the olympic bug? What are some of your favourite olympic moments so far?

p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway, you've only got a fews day left to grab a chance to win some look beauty goodies, good luck!

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