Passion For Fashion Challenge

I was recently contacted by Money Supermarket to enter their Passion For Fashion competition where you create 5 different outfits for 5 different occasions. We have free reign of the interweb but each outfit must come under £200. As a thrifty bargain hunter myself, I was looking forward to the challenge as you can really find some great gems amongst the online retailers. I am in no way a fashion guru and more often than not, you'll find me in a t-shirt, jeans and converse ensemble so the outfits I've chosen are very much in my comfort zone!

So, without further ado...here is what I created!

OFFICE WEAR

Dress | Glasses | Bag | Shoes

Each workplace is different and what is suitable for one office environment can be a big no-no for another. I've chosen this shift dress from the F&F range at Tesco and what great value it is! Something simple paired with flat loafers accompanied with a tan satchel to keep all your office essentials in is important. If you're a glasses wearer like me, then these RayBan glasses will make you look like the trendiest office girl there is! This outfit can be changed between each seasons; black tights for the Autumn/Winter time and a knit cardigan or bare legs in the Summer time!

OUTDOOR

Top | Jeans | Gilet | Shoes | Backpack

I wasn't quite sure what the 'Outdoor' themed outfit was aimed at so I took a stab in the dark and opted for an outfit that I would wear if I was away for an activities weekend, a walk up Ben Nevis or a typical Summer's day in Scotland! Gilets are so practical and an essential item for the Autumn/Winter time. I paired it with a stripy plain top and straight jeans as skinny jeans can be a bit tight for long distance walking and flared jeans are a big no when walking around the hillside! I own a pair of tough-wearing hiking boots and they are great for Autumn/Winter time because they keep your feet warm and as they are hard-wearing, they will last through all the elements! And no outdoor outfit is complete without a backpack to keep all your belongings in and even a flask of tea or coffee for those walking breaks!

FIRST DATE

Shoes | Top | Skirt | Blazer | Bag

Going on a date can be a daunting occasion so it's important to feel comfortable yet confident in what you're wearing. You could be meeting your life-long partner for all you know! I went for a fun flirty outfit for a lunch, coffee or cinema date. The skirt is such great value! I'm tempted to go and buy it now whilst there is still one in my size! Teamed with a plain black t-shirt and a structured blazer, you'll be ready for an impromptu walk if need be! Western style boots are making its way slowly into the trend right now and I spotted these in Aldo whilst in London and they are love! They have such a wearable everyday heel (especially for a shorter girl like me!) and can be paired with a variety of different outfits. Last but not least, a small cross tan bag to keep your hands free for holding hands <3

CASUAL

Top | Jumper | Shoes | Jeggings | Bag

My casual outfits tend to be a t-shirt and jeans combo, but I've been seeing a lot of knitwear slowly making its way to the stores so I tried to incorporate that into this outfit. The plain cami top is great under the cable knit jumper from Miss Selfridge and paired with some comfy jeggings from Vero Moda, you'll be rocking the casual look! No outfit is complete without shoes and a bag! I picked these hiking boots as a nod to the 'countryside' style I've seen floating around and the spiky studs on the bag will give it an edgy feel!

PARTY

Dress | Shoes | Bag | Necklace

Who doesn't love a party invite? Such a great excuse to buy a new outfit! I'm a very subtle girl when it comes to parties, no bodycon dresses or low cut tops for me! I love this dress from New Look as the skirt looks so floaty and the waist belt will bring out all your best features. I picked these heels from ASOS and they have the cutest bow on the back. A lovely cream clutch bag to carry all your girly items; phone, keys, money, mobile and lipgloss! Lastly, I love Ever Ours for their kitsch jewellery and this windmill necklace will get lots of compliments from your friends.

So these are my 5 outfits that I've created! I've loved doing this challenge and I've come across some great bargains. My favourite outfit has to be either the 'first date' outfit or the 'party' outfit. So does anyone have a spare £1,000 lying around?

What do you think of the outfits I've styled? Which one is your favourite?

Vanessa

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London Purchases

I didn't really know how to approach doing this type of post and I even considered embedding a YouTube video but I truly believe that I'm not quite ready/prepared to put myself out there on YouTube yet. So this is my best offering to show you what I bought from London.

My criteria for making purchases was simple. I was only allowed to buy things that I can't get back home i.e. it's not readily available. I exercised an amazing amount of self control and my bank balance can weep no longer!

 If you follow me on Twitter (@ParisianOrchid), you will know that I was very overwhelmed in Forever 21. It wasn't what I was expecting and I must admit, the ones in America are better (possibly a very unpopular opinion, but I'll just put that out there!). The only thing I got was this mint green tank top. It's pretty but nothing too spectacular! 

I always love the sales when it's right at the end where it gets discounted even further! I mean, you're going to be sifting through the stuff no-one wants but you can stumble upon an amazing find if you're lucky enough. I got this red top from Urban Outfitters half the normal price. Yayzers!

I then got this green t-shirt from a store called The Sting where there are lots of different brands in the same store. Again, on sale and I think it's quite 'quirky'.

 Whenever I hear the words Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister, I tremble at the thought that I would just look like a sausage bursting out its casing if I wore any of their clothes. I didn't hold much hope out for Gilly Hicks which is the sister brand to the Abercrombie & Fitch but I wanted to have a gander around their store anyway. Yes, I ended up getting two jumper cardigans *hangs head in shame*. In my defence, they are the softest things to ever touch my skin and they feels so much more comfier than the tighter cardigans from the other brands. I live in Scotland, they shall be worn very often!

I was reading Temprary Secretary's blog and she posted about Urban Outfitter's Twinkie nail polish and I knew I needed it in my life. I mean, a nail polish with actual stars in it?! It's times like these that I think I was a magpie in a past life!

Lastly, I went to a Victoria's Secret and I bought some underwear but I really don't think this is an appropriate forum to post about them! But I can show you what my friend bought for me as a belated graduation gift. She let me choose a toiletry item because they were part of a mix and match deal and I chose the Hello Darling Eau De Toilette. I was torn between two different scents but I finally settled on this which is a white nectarine and peony scent. Smells like a flirty summer spent reading books in a park *sigh*.

So this is my 'haul' (urgh, I really dislike that word...kind of like 'moist' *shudders*). I think I was very level headed and bought things that I will actually use which is always a bonus!

What have you been purchasing recently?

Vanessa

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'By Piccadilly Station I Sat Down and Wept':

WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY POST

So, over the past few days I've been in good ol' London town! It was great to get away for a few days before I start intensive training at my new job. I went to visit my friend who lives and works in London so there wasn't really a lot of time to do the usual touristy stuff but I knew I wanted to visit the Olympic Park! Along with intense shopping, it was a great weekend!

On Saturday, it was like a rainstorm in Central London so our plans of shopping on Bond Street was scuppered! On Sunday we went to see the Olympic Park and little did I know, it was right next to Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford! My bank balance suffered a little that day but it was worth it! I also tried Pinkberry for the first time and it was amazing, I think my friend is well and truly hooked on it now! On Monday, we went for a walk down to the River Thames in Kingston and it was a nice finish to the weekend before leaving to go back to Scotland. 

I'm glad to be back where the pace of society is a little slower and to start a new chapter in my working life! I'm glad to be back blogging too! I've missed my little space on the interweb and the blogging community in general!

Vanessa

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Weekly Wishlist #2

Clarks Hamble Oak Brogues: £49.99

Origins Vita-Zing: £27.00

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Polish: £4.99

Guitar Capo: £4.80

I really struggled this week to put items on my wishlist (I shouldn't be given the title of 'blogger' anymore!) as the only thing I really wanted this week were those Clarks brogues. I tried them on in the store and they were seriously the most comfortable shoes ever! They had that soft padding in it and it just added that little something extra to a shoe (I sound insane). I've been hunting down a pair of wearable brogues and I think I have finally found them, I just need to wait until the end of next month for my first pay check to get them!

MummyOrchid had always raved about Origins skincare so whilst buying a new cleanser and moisturiser at an Origins counter, I asked the nice lady if she could tell me more about the Vita-Zing moisturiser because I had heard such great things about it. She managed to hook me in with her descriptions of natural ingredients and the smell is *amaze-balls*! I'm really excited to make this into my next skincare purchase.

I have enough nail polish to paint the nails of the world over but don't the new L'Oreal nail polishes look so pretty? My favourite is definitely 'French Riviera', I always crazily stare at it whenever I'm in Boots or Superdrug (crazy woman alert!). The size looks reasonable as well because let's admit it...who manages to get through an entire bottle of nail polish? 

Last but not least, and something not remotely related to beauty is that I want need a new guitar capo. I like the look of a springy one because the one I have now requires manual twisting and it hurts to do so. I've just been putting off buying a new one because actually...well...I....err...I don't know why!

Anything been catching your eye this week that you've been wanting?

Vanessa

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P.S...If you follow me on Twitter (@ParisianOrchid) then you'll know that I'm going to be going to London this weekend so my blog will be a little quiet this week. Never fear! There's much on this little blog for you peruse and if you follow me on Twitter then you'll be updated with my crazy shenanigans, because lets face it...trouble follows me wherever I go!

What's in my make-up bag?: Travel Edition

This week, I will be leaving the land of Scots and travelling down to London for the weekend to visit my friend. I thought it would be a good idea to show you the contents of my make-up bag that I'm taking with me!

The make-up bag is from John Lewis that I got ages ago. I think this was my first ever make-up bag and every single piece of make-up actually fit in here! How things change...! Grab a hot beverage of your choice, relax and let's get going!

Super + BB Cream

So I don't have to take a foundation brush with me, I'm sticking with BB Cream that can be applied with my fingers.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Powder. Standard.

MAC Eyeshadow Quad

Contents include: Nylon, Satin Taupe, Naked Lunch and Quarry.

Vivo Baked Blush in 'Peaches & Cream'

Was debating between two but I think this one will come with me!

HD Brows Kit

For lovely eyebrow goodness.

Revlon Lip Butter in 'Sweet Tart'

I really like this shade and great for day and night!

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

Eye base/primer

Benefit Porefessional

I've tried this and I'm not a big fan. Makes my face feel slick *shudders*. I'm willing to give this another try before disposing of it!

MAC Lustre Drops in 'Pink Rebel'

Favourite liquid highlighter! Love mixing a little of this in with my BB Cream.

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil 

Seems pointless to bring this as well as the HD Brows Kit but this actually matches my eyebrow colour better.

17 Peep Show Mascara

Love this mascara! So inexpensive as well!

Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in 'Honey'

I have been loving the balm stains! So wearable and easy to apply as well, no need for a mirror really!

Majolica Majorca Cream Eye Pencil

It's so mini you can barely see it in the photo! MummyOrchid is going to HK in November so she's going to pick me up a full sized one!

Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On

For the mornings after the night before where I might have consumed a bit too much wine!

That's it! A bit excessive? I think so but I'm trying to use up as much make-up as I can before buying any more so it's well justified! 

What are your key essential make-up items when you go travelling?

Vanessa

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House of Fraser Blogger Style Challenge

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Ever since doing the ASOS £100 challenge, I've been on the look out for more challenges to do. I came across the House of Fraser Blogger Style Challenge and I jumped at the opportunity to put together a look for next season. The best part about it is that there is no price limit and I might win £200 worth of HoF vouchers! Bonus! I didn't have a theme in mind when putting together this outfit but when I finished, it kind of looked like something I would wear to an Autumn picnic in the park (preferably Central Park!). So here is my final look...

Alexon Black Chiffon Cowl Neck Vest: £45.00

Mint Velvet Charcoal Knit & Woven Jacket: £79.00

Current Elliot Skinny Legging Jean: £205.00

Pied A Terre Pinsky High Boot: £225.00

Coast Theresa Short Tassel Wrap: £35.00

Dune Dapper Large Leather Hobo: £140.00

I decided to go for a really casual look with nothing too crazy going on. I went for neutral colours to build up the outfit itself and the knit jacket is great for the days where it's not cold enough for a jacket but just breezy enough to need one (let's admit it, the British weather likes to throw temperatures like that at us!). Skinny jeans are a staple for any wardrobe as well as a trusty black top to wear for any occasion. The burgundy Coast wrap adds a dash of colour and reminds me of falling Autumn leaves from the trees. I also paired it with high riding style boots (in case there are any pesky puddles or bundles of leaves to walk through!) and last but not least a beautiful leather hobo bag to finally complete the look!

I love this final look and I would definitely buy this outfit if my money tree would start growing! With my luck, I probably won't win. There are already some fantastic outfits already submitted by some lovely bloggers and I'd encourage you to have a wee snoop at them like I have! But I've loved this challenge and it's let me be a bit creative and I guess, think outside the box a little.

Will you be trying out this challenge? Good luck to you if you already have!

Vanessa

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FOTD: Lunch Date

I need to acknowledge two things before I properly start this post. 

1. I have NO idea why my photos have turned out such bad quality. I can't even re-shoot because I've taken all my make-up off! Disaster!

2. I didn't actually go on a date, I just had some lunch with friends. Pizza Express is yum in my tum!

Now that's out of the way! 

It's been absolutely horrendous weather here in Scotland and makes me want to dig my Uggs out of the depths of my Winter footwear cupboard and start thinking about Christmas! My mood is suddenly changing to match the weather and everyone's driving gets 10 times worse (cue road rage!).

This is what I call 'rainy day makeup'. I used the two matte shades from my UD Naked palette and used a warmer toned blush and off I go. I pretty much keep everything the same but change up my foundation as the weather adjusts. I'm slowly starting to use all my makeup up and although I don't have a vast collection, I'm quite thrifty when it comes to cosmetics as it can expire. 

Do you have 'rainy day' makeup? Are you good at using up all your makeup before splurging on more?

Vanessa

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The Great British Bake-Off Returns!

Source

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will notice that I love baking. My love of baking goes hand in hand with my favourite show; The Great British Bake Off. It returned to our little tele-boxes yesterday evening (I watch it on BBC iplayer as I let MummyOrchid watch her favourite Scottish soap opera!) and by gosh did it get my baking juices flowing!

If you haven't seen this show before, it's where 12 amateur bakers compete against each other in an effort to win the show and be crowned the best Great British Amateur Baker. They compete in baking challenges that showcase their skills and knowledge. This is of course judged by baking royalty; Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. Presented by two of my favourite presenters, Mel and Sue (anyone remember that programme they did AGES ago?), their gentle humour really pushes this show to the next level!

There is a great mix of bakers this series and I can't wait to watch their baking journey! You can catch this show on Tuesday nights at 8pm on BBC Two.

Are you excited that this show is back on? What's your crowd pleaser signature bake?

Vanessa

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