Manicure Monday #9 | Primark Fashion Nails

After an unexpected week-long break, I am back and ready to get down to business! I hope you all had a really good Christmas!  

For this week's manicure, I decided to do something a little bit different! I had planned to get my nails done before Christmas, but failure to get an appointment led to this solution.. Primark's Fashion Nails! They've got lots of different colours/patterns/embellishments available, and for only €1.50, they're a right bargain!

I chose this really cute black/clear heart printed set! There's four different styles within the pack, 3 seen above, then a clear, glittery style too!

                               

                                   

While I hadn't had a great experience with Primark nails in the past, I was quite surprised with this set! I have small nails, so I find it hard to get normal false nails to fit mine, but these one's fit almost perfectly, and aren't too long! 

What are your thoughts on false nails? Have you tried these ones, or do you have a different favourite? Let me know in the comments!

SIDE NOTE: Over the last week, this blog has reached over 1000 views, and I just wanted to acknowledged this personal accolade! I never imagined that I would get even 10 views in two months, so this is a big deal for me! I just want to say a HUGE thank you to anyone who has ever taken the time to read one of my posts, or even subscribe. It means more than you'll ever know. Hopefully, we'll continue getting bigger and better as 2014 rolls in! 

Until next time, and Merry Christmas!

Elle.

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Manicure Monday #8

With Christmas a mere TWO days away, I decided to go for the most festive colour I could find in my collection. Low & behold, I stumbled across the Rimmel London LYCRA PRO Polish in the shade 319 Ruby Me. It retails for around the €6 mark, and can be found on any Rimmel stand!

Ruby Me is a true red, and is perfect for this time of year! It's got a gorgeous glossy finish, that really complements the red. I just think there is something so classy about a red polish! It has Rimmel's signature Maxi Brush, that makes for super quick applications.  It does take a couple of coats to become opaque, but dries relatively quickly!

What's your Christmassy manicure look like? Tell me in the comments below!

Until next time, and Merry Christmas, 

Elle. 

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MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #2

This month's playlist is, of course, laden with Christmas songs, how could it not be?! I've also found some new artists that I've been loving, and rediscovered some that I'd forgotten about. Let's dive in!

1. Last Christmas - Wham
2. She Ticks All The Boxes - Bressie
3. You & I - One Direction
4. Bound 2 - Kanye West
5. U.S - Paper Planes
6. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
7. Knee Socks - Arctic Monkeys
8. Girls - The 1975
9. Disco Love - The Saturdays
10. Don't Save Me - Haim
11. 8 Days of Christmas - Destiny's Child
12. Move - Little Mix
13. Does He Know? - One Direction
14. From Nowhere - Dan Croll
15. Rage and Romance - Bressie
16. Teenage Icon - The Vaccines
17. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
18. Female Robbery - The Neighbourhood
19. Right Now - One Direction
20. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) - Michael Bublé

What have you had on repeat this month? Has it been all Christmas everything, or have you found some new artists? Let me know below!

Until next time, and Merry Christmas!
Elle.

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FESTIVE | GRWM: Family Dinner

With Christmas only a week away, there's bound to be lots of family dinners on the horizon! I recently wore this look for a big dinner with all my family, and I think I may recreate it for our annual Christmas Eve dinner! It's not dramatic in the slightest, the main focus is on the lip colour while everything else is super neutral! Here's how I created it! 

• For my base, I primed with NYC's Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer in the shade 684, then used my fingers to apply the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 103 True Ivory. I concealed under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, and the middle of my forehead with the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium, blending that out with my ring finger. I set this with Natural Collection's Loose Powder in Warm Translucent. 
• For my eyes, I primed my lids with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden. I used my Essence Eye Liner Pen to draw a thick line on my upper lash line, winging it out slightly at the outer corners. I curled my lashes, then applied KIKO Cosmetics' Luxurious Lashes Waterproof Mascara to my upper and lower lashes. Taking the darkest shade from the Essence Eyebrow Stylist Set, I filled in any sparseness in my brows. 
• Using my Sonia Kashuk Lip Brush, I lined my lips with MAC's Candy Yum Yum, then applied the same colour to the rest of my lips. 
• To complete the look, I highlighted my cheekbones with MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle, then set this with Natural Collection's Loose Powder in Warm Translucent. 

Products Used:

Outfit of the Day:

Denim Skater Skirt: New Look (€15; on sale)
Grey Tank Top: Zine @ Zumies ($6.99)
Black Leather Boots: New Look (€59.99)
Navy Cardigan (Not Pictured): Aeropostle ($31.99)
Tartan Scarf: Primark (€5)
Watch: Stand at The Outlets at Orange, California ($40)
Rings: Assorted (River Island, Primark, Dorothy Perkins, Claires) 

What are some of your favourite minimalist make up looks? If you try out this look, be sure to let me know in the comments! 

Until next time, and Merry Christmas, 

Elle. 

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Manicure Monday #7

This weeks polish is the Rimmel London LYCRA PRO Professional Finish in the shade 500 Peppermint. It retails for around the €6 mark, and can be found on any Rimmel stand!

While it's not exactly a winter-y shade, with a little over a week to Christmas Day, the name Peppermint had me sold! It's a bright, duck egg blue, bordering on a Tiffany Box blue! The application is made quick and easy with the trademark Rimmel Maxi Brush! It's opaque in 2 coats, and dries quickly, perfect if you're on the go over the holiday season!

What polishes are you loving this week? 

Until next time, and Merry Christmas, 

Elle. 

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BEAUTY | Sunday Pamper Session

While I have my daily skincare regime, I like to go that extra mile on Sundays to end the week, or begin it, on a good note!

I start by removing my eye make up, with the Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover and some round cotton pads. I have always used wipes to remove my make-up (these ones are €1.50 for two packs in Primark), but I've heard fantastic things about the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3-in-1 Purifying Micellar Solution and can't wait to try it out! Next, I use the Proformula Clear Skin Cleansing Facial Wash to remove any residual make-up and clean my face. I then use Boots' Essentials Fragrance Free Cleansing Lotion and Facial Toner to cleanse and tone my skin. That's about the extent of my daily skincare routine. Here's where it gets better! 

A face mask is the best way to get your face feeling fresh and clean, and it's always a nice little treat from the normal routine. I like to use Lush's BBSeaweed Fresh Face Mask. It's super moisturising and exfoliating, reduces redness and softens and soothes! After applying the face mask, I like to use Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub too. This removes dead skin and flakiness, and moisturises and soothes your lips. I find this is perfect for me as I like to wear matte lipsticks, so it ensures my lips are nice and smooth. And, you can lick it right off when you're done.. Yum! When my 10 minutes is up, I gently remove the face mask and apply Nivea's Soft Moisturising Cream to finish off.  

What are some of your favourite ways to pamper yourselves? Let me know! 

Until next time, and Merry Christmas,
Elle.

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FESTIVE | Get Ready With Me: Christmas Night Out

Over the Christmas season, there's always lots of nights out, whether it's a work party, a birthday, a family do, or even tackling the 12 pubs of Christmas, you'll want to look your best and most festive whatever the occasion! Nothing screams 'festive' like glitter, and lots of it. Here's my take on a glittery, smokey eye:

                                         

• I primed my eyelids with the Elf Primer in Pearl, then took my Bad Gal Palette from Sleek patted the 'Blade' shadow just on my lid with a flat shader brush. I then buffed the 'Gun Metal' shade into the crease, and my lower lash line, and blended 'Underground' in the outer V. As an inner corner & brow highlight, I used 'Innocence' from the same palette.
• I lined both my water & tight line with my Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Black Fever, then taking my Eyeliner Pen from Essence, I thickly lined my upper lash line.
• I primed my face, then buffed my foundation using a Sonia Kashuk Buffing Brush. I concealed under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, and the middle of my forehead, blending that out with my ring finger. I set this with Natural Collection's Loose Powder in Warm Translucent.
• I curled my lashes, then used my Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black to set the curl, and give definition. I used Benefit's They're Real over top for extra drama. For my brows, I used the darker shade in Essence's Eyebrow Stylist Set for fill in any sparse areas.
• Taking the blush from Sleek's Face Form Contouring Palette in Light, I blended it out on the apples of my cheeks, then highlighted my cheekbones with MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. 
• Using a Sonia Kashuk Lip Brush, I lined my lip liner with Barry M's Lip Paint in 156, then filled in the rest with the same colour. 

Products Used:

Outfit of the Night:

Striped Leggings: H&M (€12.99)
White Vest: Primark (€9)
Rose Gold Watch: Stand at The Outlets at Orange, California ($40)
Heeled Chelsea Boots: Primark (€20)

Do you have a go-to look for Christmas nights out? Be sure to let me know in the comments! 

Until next time, & Merry Christmas,
Elle. 

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Manicure Monday #6

This week's manicure is one of my all time favourite polishes. It's Revlon's Nail Enamel in the shade 185 Sweet Tart.

This polish is a blue-toned, almost neon, pink. It's a creme formula that gives a glossy finish and is opaque in one coat! This colour is very cute, and is a super fun way to bring neons into winter!

What are your thoughts on neons in winter? Are they a way to brighten up dreary days or a sad reminder of the past summer?

Until next time,
Elle.

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FESTIVE | Christmas Bedroom Decoration

Bringing the Christmas spirit to my room was something I've always wanted, but never really made the effort to do! It can be quite expensive, and time consuming, but I've complied a quick and easy way to decorate your bedroom for the holidays!

What Christmas would be complete without a tree? I recently purchased this 3ft white tree in Tesco for €7! The ornaments come in a pack of 24, I got those in a local newsagent for €3. There's your whole tree for €10. Ace! My mum also bought me a little bear ornament with my name on it, so cute!

Candles. Candles. Candles. I have a slight obsession with Yankee Candles, can you tell? Their Christmas scents are among my favourite all time candles, these ones below in particular! I got this set as a gift the last two years running, they come in a book-like package with 12 of the signature Christmas scents! The snowman candle was purchase from Heatons for around €2.

Candles From L-R: Heatons Snowman, Yankee Candle's Home For The Holidays

From L-R: Christmas Cookie, Sparkling Cinnamon, Sparkling Snow, Balsam & Cedar.

For my window display, there's a light up acrylic tree that came my aunt got in a local book club, it was around €10. The fairy lights are from Heatons and they were €5 for 100. I also have 50 berry lights from Primark, €5, but I'm keeping those for my new bed! I wrapped those around my curtain pole, along with a silver beaded chain from Tesco, €1.50. 

I haven't gotten my hands on Christmas bed linen just yet, but I have spotted a few around! You can find a gorgeous set in Primark and also here, here, here, and here! 

Will you be decorating your bedroom for the holidays? What are some of your quick and easy ways to decorate? 

Until next time, 

Elle.

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FESTIVE | Ultimate Holiday To Do List

I am a HUGE lover of Christmas, it's genuinely my favourite time of year, has been since I was a little girl! Now that December has graced us with her presence, I have complied a list of things that I think are essential at this time of year!

• A Christmas movie marathon is essential. Nothing gets me in the festive spirit like my favourite holiday flicks!

• Decorating the tree/house/bedroom can be tiring work, but so worth it once it's done! Keep your eyes peeled for my quick my quick & easy solution to festive bedroom decorating!
• Nothing screams 'CHRISTMAS' to me quite like the smell of freshly baked goods around the house! Cookies, cakes, brownies, pies, anything can be made festive by adding some cinnamon or vanilla. Yum! Also, building and decorating gingerbread houses/people are a fun activity! 
• What baking & decorating activity would be complete without some Christmas tunes? Here are some of my favourites: (you can peep my Christmas playlist here)
  Baby, It's Cold Outside - Glee Version
  All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
  Last Christmas - Wham
  White Christmas - The Drifters
• Curling up by the fire with a good book/movie, and a cup of tea, while all the lights from the tree twinkle around you.. It's like something straight from the movies!
• One of my most favourite Christmas activities is basking in the festive atmosphere around my city! I also find Dublin is extra magical at this time of year!
• I'm not sure how common this is in other households, but my family & I love driving around, looking at the light displays around town!
• It's one of my most treasured holiday pastimes, but I know for a fact that I'm a terrible gift wrapper! Unless it's square or rectangle, I'm useless! Oh well
• One of the more sentimental holiday musts is, of course, family time, There's nothing quite like spending quality time with loved ones! I especially love all the get-togethers my family have, it's nice to be all in the same place for once! 
• Last, but by no means least, "THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER IS BY SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR" Thanks Buddy the Elf! (Refer to number 4 for all your holiday tunes!) 

What are some things on your Holiday To Do list? Have you got any Christmas traditions that you just have to uphold? Let me know in the comments below! 

Until next time, 

Elle. 

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Manicure Monday #5

This week's polish is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in 670 Midnight in NY. This can be purchased from any Sally Hansen retailer. I'm not too sure on pricing, as it varies, & my bottle was actually a gift!

Midnight In NY is a glossy, black polish. It's got a very subtle shimmer throughout, which can be seen when the light hits it. It's a great twist on the classic black polish! The formula is quite thick, and is opaque in two coats. The brush is wide too, which makes for a quick and easy application!

What polishes are you loving this week?

Until next time,
Elle.

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FAVOURITES | November 2013.

I've got a wide range of favourites this month, some new, and some rediscovered, so let's jump right in!

My first favourite this month is Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner in Nude. I find this liner is perfect for any daytime make up look, as it's not as dramatic as black liner. The nude also helps open up your eyes, and helps make you appear more awake! Perfect for early mornings after those late nights! These go for €5.49 from any Rimmel retailer.

Next up is the Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Very Black. If there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I buy two things obsessively; mascara & lipstick! I just can't get enough! The thing I love most about this particular mascara is that the brush is quite small & thin, making for precision application. Ace! I've taken to curling my lashes, using this to set the curl, then going in with Benefit's They're Real to finish off! At €7.49, it's one of Maybelline's cheaper mascaras. 

In keeping with the things I purchase obsessively, my next favourite is, of course, a lipstick! It's 17's Stay Pout Lipstick in the shade Delinquent. Delinquent is a bright fuchsia pink and has great staying power on the lips. The formula is not drying in the slightest, and the finish keeps your lips looking moisturised! The entire Stay Pout collection is fantastic, they have a great range of shades and don't break the bank! The range is available from Boots, and retail at €5.69.

I've raved about Bleach London products countless times before (see here & here), but I'm not done yet! This month, I am loving their Super Cool Colours. What started as an innocent ombré with their Bruised Violet dye, turned into an all over colour in a matter of days! First time around, I diluted the dye with conditioner to get a muted, almost pink shade. A week later, I left the dye undiluted, and simply went for it! The result? A gorgeous, rich true purple! If like me, you want a quick & easy way to change it up a bit, then here is your solution. Simply shampoo your hair, towel dry it, and pop in your Super Cool Colour of choice. Et volià, you have transformed yourself! The dye lasts 2 to 10 washes, depending on your own hair colour, so it's not a huge commitment. They've got a great range of colours too! Can you tell that I'm totally in love with the Bleach brand yet?! I can't wait to try out some more of the colours! The Super Cool Colours retail for €6.79, and are available from select Boots stores & Boots online.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted my Ultimate Wishlist, and on said list was American Apparel's Denim Sherpa Jacket. Retailing for €135, it was, and still is, way out of my price range! Fear not, Primark has come to the rescue once more! They have a mid-wash denim sherpa jacket in stock, a dead ringer for American Apparel's one, and at €21, it's a fraction of the price AA are charging. Score! I honestly haven't stopped wearing it since purchasing. 

Last, but by no means least, we have the fantastic lads in One Direction and their 3rd studio album, Midnight Memories. Pegged to take top spot on all charts this side of Christmas, Midnight Memories is deserving of all the praise and success! There's not really much else I can say without gushing embarrassingly! Being completely honest, there is nothing about Midnight Memories that I don't like! I can tell it'll be on repeat indefinitely! One thing I will say, go for The Ultimate Edition. You can thank me later! Midnight Memories is available for download from iTunes, as well as in stores worldwide.

What are some of your favourites this month? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,
Elle.

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FESTIVE | Christmas Party Sparklers

This post actually marks the beginning of my festive season series! There's gonna be a bunch of different posts ranging from recipes to decor, fashion to beauty. So make sure you're following to be kept up to date with everything! 

From my trip to Dublin this past weekend & a perusal of all my favourite stores, one thing became inherently apparent, the major trend for this Christmas season is.... SEQUINS! Yay! 

There's no better, or easier, way to spice up an outfit than by adding a bit of sparkle! To avoid looking like a disco ball, I'd make my statement piece sequinned, while keeping everything else muted. Or vice versa! 

Here are some of my favourite sequinned pieces for this holiday season!

(Clockwise from top left: River Island Pink Sequin Midi Skirt, Lifetime of Nighttime Sequin Blazer, Missguided Ellie-May Sequin Long Sleeve Skater Dress, ASOS Premium Legging in Sequin Check)

Will you be rocking this trend at your Christmas party? 

Until next time, 

Elle. 

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Manicure Monday #4

This week's polish is NYC's In A New York Color Minute Quick Dry Polish in 228 Chelsea with Essence's Colour & Go in 112 Time For Romance over top of the ring finger! Both of these retail around the €1.99 mark, and can be purchased from Sam McCauley's Chemist & Primark stores around Ireland.

The NYC polish is a red shimmer with some pinky undertones. It reminds me of a candy apple red, as the shimmer element is not overly noticeable! The formula is thin, as it's meant to be sheer, but it is a buildable shade. The Essence polish is a deep red glitter. The formula is a little gloopy, but it works well as a top coat!

What polishes are you loving this week? How do you feel about the accent nail trend? 

Until next time, 

Elle.

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MUSIC | Monthly Playlist #1

I thought as a break from my usual spiel, at the end (or near the end) of each month, I'd post a playlist of what I'm listening to! 

This month's playlist has some new ones, some old ones and some cheeky guilty pleasures! Let's dive in! 

1. Story Of My Life - One Direction
2. Boy - Little Mix
3. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know - Britney Spears
4. Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood 
5. Take Me To Church - Hozier
6. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran
7. Dangerzone - Kenny Loggins
8. If I Could Change Your Mind - Haim
9. Not Like The Movies - Katy Perry
10. Can We Dance? - The Vamps
11. Her Every Flaw, Her Every Virtue - Bressie
12. Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell
13. Can't Sleep - Paper Planes
14. Over Again - One Direction
15. Borderline - Madonna
16. Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus
17. I Wish - Cher Lloyd ft. TI
18. Can't Fight The Moonlight - Leann Rimes
19. Holy Grail - Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake
20. You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates  

That's it for November's playlist! What have you been listening to this month?! 

Until next time, 
Elle. 

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REVIEW | 17 Miracle Matte Foundation

While I'm very adventurous with all other make-up, when it comes to foundation, I play it very safe! I've been using the Maybelline Fit Me foundation for close enough to a year now, and have found it hard to look past it! However, with the current 3 for 2 in Boots, I decided to get a little brave and branch out foundation wise!

I have an unhealthy obsession with matte finishes - lipstick, eyeshadow, powder, nail polish, you name it, I want it. But I'd never tried a matte foundation.. Until now! I purchased the 17 Miracle Matte Foundation in the shade Honey. It's marketed as having a "matte satin flawless finish" and "up to 16 hour shine control". I'm not going to lie, I was excited to use it. I had been stuck in my ways for too long, and I was ready for change!

My excitement, it seems, was short-lived. On first application, the foundation was cakey and patchy. Uh oh! After A LOT of blending and a dusting of translucent powder, it began to look somewhat presentable. Second time around, I applied a primer beforehand, and it was a disaster zone. My face looked muddy and discoloured in places. Not what you want before a night out. It looked so bad, I had to go back to my old faithful!

I'm not one to write products off without a fair trial, so I gave the Miracle Matte another shot. Third time's the charm, or so they tell me! Unlike the first two applications, I began by focusing on my cheeks, applying it to one at a time, and then the rest of my face. Surprisingly, it looked okay, for the most part. There were still some patchy areas near my jawline, it just needs some TLC!

My main issue with this foundation is it dries too quickly, making difficult to blend. No bueno! Because of it's quick drying, it also needs some time when applying. My best advice, take your time, go in stages! Coverage wise, it's a nice everyday foundation, I just prefer a higher coverage. When I'm determined to like something, I will not stop until I find some sort of redeeming quality!

Have you tried any matte foundations? Did you have better luck than me?

Until next time,
Elle.

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Manicure Monday #3

This week's manicure is all about nail effects! I went for two polishes, Barry M's Instant Nail Effects Nail Paint in 319 Foil and KIKO Cosmetics Sugar Mat Nail Lacquer in 635 Wisteria. The Barry M polish retails at €5.99 from Boots, while the KIKO polish retails at €3.90.

The Barry M nail paint is a silver foil effect, and the KIKO polish is a lilac 'sugar mat', which basically means it has a textured matte finish! Metallics and pastels are very on trend this season, and what better way to wear them than on your nails! Both of these polishes are super fast drying, so are perfect for 'on the go' manis, or for those of us with very little patience!

Have you tried any nail effects polishes recently? What are your thoughts on them? Be sure to let me know in the comments!

Until next time,
Elle.

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FASHION | Winter Warmers For Your Wardrobe!

I'm not one to have a favourite season, they all have their merits, but Winter is gunning for first in the fashion department this year. Big coats, hats and scarves, woolly jumpers.. BOOTS, what's a girl not to love? Here are some of my fashion picks that are guaranteed to warm your wardrobe right up!

1. Parkas

(L-R Primark Parka, RI 3-in-1 Faux Fur Parka in Black, Missguided Orla Faux Fur Detail in Burgundy )

Parkas are a perfect casual winter coat. Don't get me wrong, I love a good mac, or even a duffle, but sometimes, a casual outfit just doesn't match. Primark have a wonderful selection of parkas, one every taste, and are reasonably priced. Missguided have a great collection too, if you're willing to pay a bit more. While I look at winter coats as an investment, the River Island parka above is just a bit too much for my purse to handle. Doesn't stop me from wanting it, in fact, I think that makes me want it more. Where's the money fairy when you need her?

2. Hats. Hats. Hats.

(Clockwise from Top Right: American Apparel Wool Floppy Hat in Dark Rust, RI Navy Pom Pom Beanie, Black Hair Turban, RI Black Rolled Brim Bowler)

This is the one thing I take through every season. I love hats, a well known fact about me. I've even been told I have a head for hats, not sure if that's a complement, but I'll take it. Winter is perfect for hats, and the best part is, there's a great range that you can rock this season! Whatever look you want to achieve, I can guarantee there is a hat to match. You can look stylish and keep your noggin warm too. Result! Pictured above are some styles that I love and can't wait to wear!

3. Boots

(Clockwise from Top Right: New Look Black Cut Out Buckle Metal Tip Ankle Boots, Dunnes Tan Ankle Boots, Primark Black Heeled Chelsea Boots, Steve Madden Black TROOPA Combat Boots)

My second favourite thing about winter. Rainy days means exchanging our much loved converse and vans for sturdy, weatherproof boots. Yes! I don't know where my obsession with boots came from, all I know is I never want it to go away. Like everything else, there is something for everyone when it comes to boots. Heeled or flat, ankle, knee, or thigh high, you name it, you can find it.

4. Knitwear

(Clockwise from Top Right: New Look Grey Ombre Stripe Oversize Jumper, Forever21 Americana Dolman Sweater, Dunnes Heart Feather Jumper, Topshop Red Knitted Chunky Bobble Jumper)

While I'm not a huge fan of knitwear, I do enjoy a good oversized jumper in the aptly named 'sweater weather'. This winter season is all about the printed knit. How fun?! If prints aren't for you though, jumpers in deep reds, blues and greens are everywhere. Not to mention, who doesn't love a good striped knit?

5. Tartan

(L-R: Topshop Red & Green Check Treggings, Top to Bottom: F&F Checked Skater Skirt, New Look Red Tartan Check T-Shirt, Zara Two-Sided Soft Scarf, Pull & Bear Woollen Check Print Lingerie Dress)

Yes, I am aware that tartan is a print, but I am LOVING anything tartan this season. Coats, trousers, dresses, scarves, shirts, skirts, I want it all! The simplest way to add some plaid (see what I did there?), is with a scarf. The Zara one above is a tad pricey, but Primark offer a great alternative for €5! Go ahead, add a little grunge to your wardrobe!

Did I bypass some of your favourite ways to warm up in winter? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,
Elle.

Find me on:
Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

BEAUTY | Mini Boots Haul

Boots has become my downfall. I am totally obsessed, have you guessed yet? I can't seem to step a foot near the store without happily emptying my purse. Oops! Two recent visits to my local store resulted in this haul. With the 3 for 2 offer currently going on, it'd be rude not to partake, don't you think? I tend to get a little carried away, and it happens way more than I care to admit! Let's jump in. 

1. Seventeen Miracle Matte Foundation in Honey (€7.59)

2. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadowstick in Blackmail (€5.95)

3. Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in Going Steady (€5.69)

4. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof in Black (€7.49)

5. Collection Primed & Ready Smoothing Make-Up Primer (€9.59)

6. Barry M Lip Paint in 156 (€6.79)

7. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in Nude (€5.49)

Do you have any weaknesses when it comes to drugstores/drugstore make up? Let me know in the comments. If you want a review on any products featured, be sure to tell me! 

Until next time, 

Elle.

Find me on:
Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'

NEWEST OBSESSION | The Carrie Diaries

This new found love calls for an unscheduled post! I have become obsessed with The Carrie Diaries. I managed to watch the entire first season in less than 12 hours. Crazy!

For those of you who may have never heard of The Carrie Diaries, it is "an American teen drama television series on The CW. It is a prequel to the HBO television series Sex and the City and based on the book of the same name by Candace Bushnell. The first season of the show focuses on Carrie Bradshaw during her junior year of high school in 1984, and she explores life in New York while interning at a law office".

Nothing has made me want to go back in time more than this show has. The hair, the clothes, the music, I WANT IT ALL. Not to mention, the male cast is decidedly delicious. What's not to love? Show me a girl, who at some stage didn't want to be Carrie Bradshaw, and I'll congratulate her on not getting sucked in! Carrie's adult life, minus a few mishaps, was undoubtedly fabulous, so why would her teen years be any different? 

(L-R: Katie Findlay (Maggie), Brendan Dooling (Walt), Ellen Wong (Mouse) AnnaSophia Robb (Carrie), Austin Butler (Sebastian) and Freema Agyeman (Larissa). 

With clothes to die for, killer soundtrack, and a beyond gorgeous cast, The Carrie Diaries has me waiting in anticipation for the newest episode! 

Have you watched the show? What are some of your current favourite TV shows? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time, 

Elle. 

Find me on:

Twitter - Tumblr - Instagram @ellebolger - Bloglovin'