Christmas Party Week- Day 2- Skirts/Shorts/Trousers

Arrgggghhhhhh so the snow is now becoming one heck of a pain in the old arse now. Haven't been able to see the bestie to give her her birthday presents today, and it looks like York on Thursday is going to be cancelled due to the lovely weather. If anyone wants 2ft of snow, leave me a comment and I'll bag it up and send it to you.

So its day 2 of the Christmas Party Outfit week (apologies for the snow rant above) and its everything else which covers your bottom half.

Its only recently that I've discovered that I can wear other things for a night out apart from dresses and still look half decent. Some of the items below I'll definately be wearing out over Christmas. Personally I think the key to a perfect outfit is to buy pieces of clothing which will work with existing items in your wardrobe, or items of clothing which you would be able to wear in the summer or even next Christmas.

These are my favourites (along with some items I already have).

1. Skirts

Gold Jacquard Skirt £32 Miss Selfridge, Glittered Tulle Skirt £17.80 Forever21, Feather Mini Skirt £75 Topshop, Green Tulip Skirt £24.99 H+M.

Striped Skirt £7.50 Forever21 (I have a very similiar skirt to this from Asos), Sage Chiffon Stripe Mini £55 Topshop (I am in love with this dress), Zig Zag Skirt £6.99 H+M (I have this skirt, love it), Pink Pearl Sequin Embellished Skirt £44.99 River Island.

Asos Tailored Pleat Side Pencil Skirt £28 Asos, Devo Skirt £123 All Saints, Asos High Waisted Pleat Skirt £30 Asos, Asos Exaggerated Bow Mini £28 Asos (reminds me of the Lanvin for H+M skirts).

2. Shorts.

Waterfall Drape Shorts £34 Topshop, Leather Shorts £70 Warehouse, Gunmetal Sequin Shorts £45 Topshop (wish I had the confidence to wear these), Brown Leather Shorts £68 Topshop.

3. Trousers/Leggings.

Asos Front Pleat Chino £28 Asos, Grisgrain Hareem Pants £40 Topshop, Asos Slim Leg Trouser £36 Asos, Crepe Fold Over Hareems £38 Topshop (I have these and love them, but they're actually tapered leg trousers not hareems).

Khaki Paper Bag Waisted Taper Leg Trousers £42 Topshop, Faux Leather Stretch Trousers £38 Topshop, ignore those i've included them twice, Wet Look Leggings £20 Topshop (I swear by these in the Winter).

These are my picks- apologies about the amount of Topshop I have mentioned in the trouser post, but along with Asos I think they do the best trousers. With the items I've picked I believe you can wear 95% of these throughout the year- so you will get your moneys worth.

Now the other question is- What to wear with these?? You'll find that out tomorrow xx

Perfect Christmas Party Outfit- Day 1. Dresses

So to me for some reason Christmas parties or going out over Christmas wearing a dress is a must- it is the law. It is a law which I do my hardest not to break.

Due to the masses and masses of snow the North East has had last night, I think more likely staying in until the snow melts would be the best option for me at the moment :(

However for all of you lucky snow-free people and those who will dare to brave the snow here are my favourite party dresses (including a few of my own) on the high street now.

Devo Mini Dress £221 All Saints, Cream Pleated Swing Dress £39.99 River Island, One Shoulder Drape Dress £55 Topshop, Ceri Dress £100 All Saints (I want this in the Boxing Day Sales).

Asos Embellished Collar Shift Dress £46 Asos, Karen Millen Snow Lepoard Print Dress £250 Asos, Jone and Jones Bodycon Dress £55 Pretaportabello, Black Embellished Vest Dress £70 Miss Selfridge.

TFNC One Shoulder Sequinned Dress £40 Asos, Miso Embroidered Dress £39.99 Republic, TFNC Embellished Dress £55 Topshop (I have this and love it), Wisteria Lane Dress £195 French Connection.

Trollied Dolly Print Prom Dress £48 Pretaportbello, Kate Moss Dobby Dress £60 Topshop (my party dress), Rise Embellished Shift Dress £65 Asos, Whistles Zebra Scribble Dress £150 Asos.

Aqua One Shoulder Padded Dress £70 Asos, Silk Zip Back Tunic £50 Topshop (I have this and love it), Asos Drummer Girl Tulip Dress £46 (really want this), Oyster Sequin Dress £130 French Connection.

So what happens if you don't like wearing Dresses?? I'll show you my pick of Trousers/Shorts/Skirts tomorrow.

Do you always buy an Christmas Party dress?? What are you thinking of wearing?? If you have any questions or thoughts- leave them below xxx

The Perfect Christmas Party Outfit Week

Hello my lovelies,
I know from first hand experience how much of a chew on it is to find the "perfect" outfit for your christmas parties/nights out. Normally the idea of what type of outfit we have in our mind, we can never find in the shops- sods law I know.

Personally to me as my birthday is on the 4th January, I prefer to spend money on one dress which I can use for black (or mad) friday and then for my birthday night out. I then buy other pieces which go with dresses or leggings which I have, and work my wardrobe around that.

I've decided to do a weeks worth of posts along with JEM (today's been the first day I've been able to speak to her properly) on my favourite picks from the highstreet on all aspects of your party outfit (including hair/makeup).

I'm also going to throw in items which I already have to show you what I'll be wearing over the festive period (IF THIS BLOODY SNOW WILL BUGGER OFF).

If there is an item of clothing you like/don't know what to wear with it, or your personal items of clothing, let me know (either comment, tweet or email me) and I will let you know what I think.

Gok eat your heart out girlfriend

xxxx

Get the party poppers out...

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Going Hoola over Betty Hula

After reading reviews about Betty Hula on so many blogs, I was quite surprised when I had an email asking if little old (key word at the grand old age of 25) moi would like to try some of their products. After some careful consideration (and chatting to JEM) I decided to accept the offer as their products do fit in with the style of  the blog.

Betty Hula state that their products are “handmade using traditional techniques and the finest quality, fairly traded natural ingredients” and the scent definitely reminds me of holidays.

Here’s what I received.

First up is the “Secret” Anti Aging Oil. As I don’t really look my age and so far (touch wood) don’t have lines, I have decided to pass this over to someone older to try… Hi JEM. However even though JEM doesn’t look her age (she’s 75 in case you were wondering), she’s very keen to try this.  I’ve tried this on the back of my hand and even though it’s a “oil” under no circumstances does the product feel greasy. What’s in it- according to the website it’s a secret- who am I to argue with.

I have to admit I love the consistency of the moisturising creams, is very different to anything which I have used before (normally soap and glory/hawaian tropic). Its quite hard to explain- but its “light” if that makes sense. It absorbs right into your skin and the scent lasts all day. Personally my favourite out of the two is “Champagne and Spice”- probably cause it reminds me of Christmas. “Rum and Blackcurrant” is more of a summery scent- not my cup of tea at the moment in -4 freezing temps in Durham.

Would I buy a tub of this in future?? Yes as a treat I would- the packaging is kitch and cute and very girly (I’m a sucker for girly packaging). Price wise £14.99 for a 120ml tub- not too bad.

You can buy Betty Hula online from their website at www.bettyhula.co.uk and if your lucky enough to live in Leeds you can buy the products from Rose & Co.

Please note I was kindly sent these samples from Betty Hula, myself and JEM are not in any way affiliated with this company and/or paid for this review.  All opinions like everything else on the blog are our own.

Look what I woke up to...

After a 2 hour car journey into work, whats normally a 10 minute drive...

I now have the perfect excuse to order some Hunters...

Balls to doing work today haha xxx

The X Factor Frocky Horror Show- Week 7

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is so delightful, ans since we've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Feeling quite christmassy today with the snow showers we've been having in Durham... however what makes me laugh is how when there is a 1cm of snow on the ground Durham comes to an entire standstill.

Anyway on that random note, its that time of the week again...

1. Rebecca.

Oh Rebecca you sing like an angel, you have been dressing like a superstar... what went wrong this week?? I have to admit wear the vintage Ossie Clark top or trousers seperate but not all together. The red Topshop shoes are overkill, and the hair is a bit overkill. However if this is a one off all is forgiven.

2. Cher.

Cher rocking something decent for once from the highstreet (River Island). Personally with these types of floaty dresses its always better to get a few sizes smaller than your normal size so its fitted, as this swamps her. It pains me to say this, but this is my favourite look of the evening. She looks a lot like Cheryl in that picture too.

3. Prima donna.

So she managed to stay in the competition this week, when neither Cher nor Paije deserved to be in the bottom two. However I like her mentality to get rid of her roots- cut the blonde off. Go go go go.

4. Mary.

Oooooo Mary's gone a bit festive this week with her snazzy jacket. I still want to see her in some colour though- maybe next week... although there's more chance of snow than that happening.

5. Matt

So I think Rosie maybe is a secret idea giver for the X Factor. Look at her comment last week about Matt being a PE Teacher this week.....and what is he dressed as this week- A PE TEACHER. Rosie is either working for Simon Cowell or can travel forward in time :)

He does have lovely arms... maybe next week he goes topless?? Rosie do your thing please!!!

6. Paije.

Check out those half masts!! Did he deserve to go? Nope. Did he deserve to go for trying to make Geography teacher chic and cool?? Yes. Katie or Wagner should have gone.

7. The Beatles Misfit.

Does any of your work in immigration?? Will you check his papers... maybe we could get him deported before next weeks show?? However good on him for standing up to Cheryl- she needs to get that stick out of her backside (probs had it shoved up after last weeks guffgate).

8. One Direction.

Same old for them five. Wonder when will they have a change of image?? Hmmm.

Now I have some upsetting news...

On last weeks miming performance of "Heros" where were the chino loving, club tropicana legends that is..

DIVA FEVER.

If you find them, please return them in one piece to me or my dearest Cowbiscuits

Thanks xxx

Panic at the Disco!!

... well at H+M really.

So today was the day, the day so many people (including myself) has been counting down too, the Lanvin loves H+M collection FINALLY went on sale...

and I kinda forgot all about it....

Now after seeing everyone's tweets about the website crashing etc, I decided that I would be good and not go on the site, and go for a morning of actually doing work (shock horror).


Come lunch I managed to get onto the site no problem, got onto the home page. Feeling quite chuffed with myself that maybe I could actually get my hands on a piece from the collection. Shouldn't have felt that smug for long....

SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT SOLD OUT

Boooooooooooo.

These are my favourite picks from the collection.

all pictures from hm.com.

I really want the black ruffle skirt, but in cream. I'm wondering if Middlesborough H+M will have the collection in. No doubt it will be sold out.

Just need to think of the money which I have saved lol xxx

Temptation...

I like to plan, I like to make lists, I like to plan for the unexpected. I like a good plan!!

So as I'm off to York next Thurs to abuse CCO for some Mac goodies, the aim was to buy no more Mac and clothes until then....


Step into Fenwicks at Newcastle and that went straight out of the window.


Now whenever I buy Mac in Newcastle I always go to the small counter on the ground floor next to the doors (people from the NE will know what I'm on about), as I prefer the customer service there. However as it was so busy (probs cause the mua are so nice), I had to go to the main counter downstairs.


After seeing the swatches of Cut a Caper on Vivianna's blog I decided just to get that lipstick and nothing else. Did I end up getting that lippy?? Nope...

I ended up getting the empty 15 pan pallette, Woodwinked eyeshadow to go in it, and then my 4th choice lippy (Patisserie) as everything was sold out and they couldn't be bothered to phone upstairs.

Look at my poor empty pallette. I am really OCD about my makeup (no-one is allowed to touch it) hence the shadow being in a random place. Fingers crossed next week I can find some goodies to go in it.

Patisserie is on the left, Woodwinked on the right. Really liking wearing Woodwinked for work, and then mixing it with Honey Lust and Mythology for a more golden smokey eye.

As long as I can remember my parents would take me and my brother to Fenwicks to look at the christmas window, and then when I was at uni in Newcastle the "Fenwicks Christmas Window is Coming" signs would always get me in the mood for Christmas.

While looking through the Fenwicks Christmas Shop... I came across these rather interesting decorations..

Nice massive raindeer.

I wanted to get the owl to scare my Dad, how freaky is it!!!

Has anyone been to the CCO in York lately?? Whats the stock like??

Remember the blog has a formspring if you want to ask any serious or stupid questions xxx

Gone to Laura's Blog for the day...

Morning loves,

I'm featuring over at Laura's Blog today, go check it out and follow Laura'a fabulous blog!!!

Have a fab weekend peeps xxx

Ray's Poetry Corner

Eeenie, meenie, miney, mo

What colour Hunters should I get??

Fushia or Baby Pink or Aqua or Gold or Purple or Silver??

Decisions decisions!!!

Hunter Love xxx

The X Factor Frocky Horror Show- Week 6

So I may have been ever so slightly side tracked this week... what is it what I'm am supposed to be writing about??

Jasie O- you're like a fine red wine- you mature with age....

I could perve on you all day...

Anyway back to the point of the post...

1. Cher.

Nice to see that she has had eyebrows and decent make up for the last two weeks, however.... what on earth is she wearing on her bottom half?? Knee pads?? Kinda looks like she is wearing some sort of armour. Like the jacket, minus the gold cuffs.

2. Aiden.

Its Shakin' Stevens (go ask you parents haha). Did he deserve to go?? Nope.

3. Mary.

Oh Mary I am dissapointed- last week you were wearing navy and now you have gone back to old habits. No No No. Your Topshop headband is cute though.

4. The Brat.

What the..... HER BLOODY ROOTS ARE BACK!!! Where did they spring from?? Please go home.

5. Paije.

Its a blazer, its pink and it has shoulder pads- I NEED THIS JACKET IN MY LIFE!!!! How faboosh is this. What its a bloke's jacket?? Nooooooooooooooooo. Favourite male look of the evening.

6. Rebecca.

Oh Rebecca you sing like an Angel... I have that dress from Topshop in fushia. The dress needs a belt, or a necklace, and also a size smaller as it swamps her frame. Now is she wearing shiny nude tights here?? If so please leave them at home cause they don't go with the dress at all.

7. Matt. 

Matt you are looking pretty sexy... however why are you wearing a musical note tie?? You're not a music teacher, nor an old fart... why spoil the outfit. Shame on you... take the tie off.

8. Wagner.

Please go join the freakshow circus in Brazil and take Jedward with you.

9. One Direction- no picture as they blend right in with any other group of lads you see in day to day life. I've got these in the office sweepstake. Will they win... nope.

Did Aiden deserve to go this week?? Will she be saved AGAIN this week?? Roll on Saturday xxx

Jumping Ship

The lush Stacey from Girls are made from sugar and spice has allowed me to jump ship over to her blog to take part in her Talkative Tuesdays- why not go and have a gander and see what I have to say for myself... and......there are photos of me. Yes I do like to pose with stupid things once I've had a drink...that could be an idea for another blog post haha.

Anyway go check out Stacey's faboosh blog and show her lots of love cause she deserves it.

*click here for the article*

muchos love xxxx

Bobby loves a bargain

Hey Dolls,

I've been meaning to do this post for ages and ages, and after seeing Steph's post on her MUA lippies I said I would do some swatches for her of the ones which I have. Then that turned into the idea of a full blown post on all of my MUA stuff (minus my smurf blue polish).

Now before I go any further, the grey (shade 20-matt) and green (shade 6- pearl) eyeshadow and the pot of grey eyedust (shade 1) are little presents to go in with my besties birthday presents so obviously I wont be doing swatches of them. The pink (shade 16- matt) and light brown (shade 17- matt) I've tried to do swatches but my camera wouldn't pick them up. I normally wear the light brown for work, however you can't really tell that I'm wearing any eyeshadow.

So for lippies- I have shade 4 (light pink), shade 7 (dark pink) and then shade 13 (bright red).

I normally wear a cheap lipstick for work as I don't really want to waste my Mac lipsticks/lipglosses being sat behind a computer all day, so lately I've been wearing shade 4, and if I'm brave shade 7. Now I am normally the kind of girl to wear either pale pinks or nude lipsticks as I always have a smokey eye on a night out. I have been eyeing up quite a few of the Mac red lippys however I don't want to pay £12 for a lipstick which I don't like. Hence this £1 beaut, and to be honest pillar box red lipstick doesn't really suit me- it makes my lips look weird.

Finally bronzer in shade 1, blusher in shade 4 and shade 1.

The bronzer is an exact dupe for my Mac Refined Golden bronzer (why use the good stuff for work), and this is the bronzer I normally take with me on a night out. I'm not too keen on the smell of it though- smells like cheap talcum powder. But for a pound you can't complain, and you do get value for money.

Blush shade 4 reminds me of Mac Style blush, and a little does go a long way. Shade 1 is the colour I've been using in conjunction with my coralista. However like the bronzer it has the ming talcum powder smell.

I am a fan of the range, however I won't be recommending the mascara (shade 5, black).

Immediately after putting this on my right lashes, my eye started stinging and watering really bad. Now as I had my contacts in at the time I thought that it could have been that. I tried it again a few days later without my contacts in and my eye did the same again, and became very itchy and red. Obviously I've had some sort of reaction to it, and I warn others to be careful when using it.

Whats your experiences of the MUA range?? xxx

Its all about Ray

Hey peeps,

I was tagged by the fabulous Laura to do the its all about me tag :)
 

The people I tag are..

 

Steph at Ess-Jay24

Ellen at A Twenty Something

Hannahh at Beautylishious

Jan the Legend at Lipstickmamma

Emma at Emma Louise Howorth

 

(please go and check out their blogs)

 

Vital Statistics:

Me: Ray

Nicknames: Ray, RayBan, Rachy, Rach, Raquelle, Tits Magee (yes you read right)

Birthday: 4th January 1985

Place Of Birth: Durham

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Male or Female: Last time I checked I was a female

Occupation: HR Service Development, Quality and Systems Officer

Residence: Durham

Screen Name: Who is She??

 

Appearance:

Hair Colour: Red

Hair Length: Long

Eye Colour: Green

Best Feature: My Height??? 

Height: 5ft 10" (yes I am a jolly green giant)

Braces: No

Glasses: Yes but I normally wear contacts

Piercings: Ears 3 times

Tattoos: None

Righty Or Lefty: Righty

 

Your "Firsts"

First Best Friend: Kirsty

First Award: probably something at primary school for good behaviour

First Sport You Joined: Netball team

First Real Vacation: Majorca

First Concert: the mighty Take That

First Love: hmmm proper love?? don't think I've been in love

 

Favourites:

Movie: Rocknrolla, or Home Alone

Tv Show: Traffic Cops haha

Colour: pink and purple

Song: New Order- Blue Monday- tuuuunnnneeee

Candy: Skittles

Restaurant: Nandos

Store: Topshop and Selfridges

School: Cornforth Lane

Book: Harry Potter, omg and Sweet Valley High and Babysitters Club (back in the day)

Magazine: Elle, New, Look

Shoes: Uggs

Currently:

Feeling: narked off

Single or Taken: single :s

Eating: Nothing

Typing: this

Online: yes

Listening to: the hum of my laptop

Thinking about: how I am going to slice my fingers off depotting my Mac eyeshadows

Wanting: to go on holiday

Watching: my life tick away in front of me haha

 

Future:

Want Children?: maybe, I don't know. I like other people's children so I can give them back haha.

Want to be married: If I can find a decent bloke, normally pick the arseholes.

Careers in Mind:  working in HR- Living the dream haha

Where do you want to live: Dubai or America

Have You Ever.

Kissed a Stranger: on nights out?? yeah

Had Alcohol: Yes

Smoked: Yup naughty

Ran Away from home: No

Broken a bone: fractured my elbow

Broken someones heart: I wish

Broken up with someone: Yes

Cried when someone died: Yes!!

Cried at school: Yes

Do you believe in:

God: hmmm

Miracles: yeah.

Love at First Sight: Yes

Ghosts: Yes

Aliens: No

Soul Mates: Yes
Heaven: I don't know

Hell: Don't know

Kissing on the first date: Yeah

Yourself: try too

Half Full or Half Empty: Half full.

 

 

So there you go, you may have learnt something about me which you didn't know xxx