Christmas Party Outfits!

It's the most wonderful time of the year... but it might not feel like it when you're stressing out over what to wear to your next Christmas party! Fear not, for help is at hand - I've found four fabulous frocks and paired them with accessories to make sure that looking stunning at your next social is as easy as sipping the champagne!

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 This is a great outfit for a girlie night out, the office Christmas party or even New Year's Eve - it's smooth silhouette and mainly black palette will suit almost anyone! This dress is a bit of a blogger's favourite, and there's no question as to why - it's a flattering mid-thigh length and the sleeves finish at just the right point to hide any problem areas. It's also made of a heavy material, so doesn't cling and ride up like a normal bodycon dress, rather, it skims the silhouette and makes for an easy-to-wear and elegant look. The splash of colour at the top of the dress makes that bit more glitzy too, perfect for adding a bit of Christmas sparkle without feeling like a bauble! I've decided to pair this with platform shoeboots from ASOS, and a studded suede clutch from Topshop, both tying into the touch of gold on the dress and adding a fierce edge. Finish with a pop of bright pink lipstick, such as L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Impuslive Fuschia. Gorgeous!

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If you prefer something a little more feminine and girlie than bodycon, how about this gorgeous A-line floaty black dress, by Jones and Jones at Topshop? The sweetheart front is super-flattering and enhances a cleavage, or creates one if you're lacking. The crossover straps slim the back, while the sequin waistband draws attention to the tiniest part of your body, before filling out into a floaty skirt - perfect for hiding a tum! I've paired this with nudes for a 1960s feel, but it would work with any kind of colour scheme you fancy. This stunning feather clutch from Dorothy Perkins is made for special nights out, and is a real statement piece against a plainer dress. Let the feathers and sparkle do the talking, and try these simple nude platforms, also from Dorothy Perkins, for endless legs! Finish the look with a soft smokey eye and a slick of Lip Stick in Coy from Topshop for an effortlessly elegant retro look.

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If you're looking for something spectacular for a super-special evening, look no further! Nothing is more showstopping than a thigh-split maxi gown, like this stunning cobalt blue sequinned maxi from Missguided. The deep V and high split ensure all eyes will be on you! The deep blue is glamorous and festive without being too Christmassy, but so sophisticated and sexy too. I've paired this with subtly sparkly nude and gold platform peeptoe heels from Boohoo, and an edgy box clutch from Missguided too. Soft gold glows next to the sequins without threatening to steal the show! Finish off with matching blue glittery nails, such as Models' Own Bluebell. Showstopping!

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This outfit is the perfect mix of sexy, showy and sophisticated, with a dress that you can make as glamorous or as casual as you please! It's a stunning dip-hem dress from Miss Selfridge, with a high neck and long sleeves, perfect for chillier evenings. The soft gold-cream colour is flattering and elegant, and the Baroque sequins add just the right amount of sparkle! I've picked some plain black platforms from Dorothy Perkins, with a small amount of studding detail to keep some interest, but let the dress take centre stage. The same principal is applied to the clutch, also from Miss Selfridge, which is plain black all over, apart from some gentle studding on the front and a statement panther head on the main flap, great for tying the look together without being a statement too! Finish off with a sexy golden smokey eye, using a palette like Urban Decay's Naked Palette. Subtle but absolutely stunning!

What will you be wearing to your Christmas night out? Which of these looks is your favourite?

Laura Jayne xox

The Best Budget Christmas Decorations - Traditional Style

As tradition dictates, Christmas trees shouldn't go up before Christmas Eve. But I was too excited to wait another three weeks, and my little tree got all dolled up on December 2nd. I've spent the few days since putting it up fretting over whether it looks full and festive enough, mostly thanks to the gloriously overstuffed trees on This Morning, and I've been casually stocking up on extra decorations throughout the week whenever I see them.

There's so many different styles and trends you can go for with your tree; I always had a very traditional tree as a child, with reds and golds, tinsel and wooden decorations. But since moving into my own home, I've gone for a much more modern take on the traditional, with candy colours, glitter, sequinned birds and a blue snowflake for my tree topper, although there is a candy cane and a gingerbread man in there too! My colour scheme is a mix of deep blues through to bright blues, lilac and indigo, pearly pink, gold and silver - I know it sounds like a big old mash, but anything goes when it comes to Christmas trees, and the gradual brightening colour palette of mine looks festive and pretty, without being too feminine. I love the traditional look still, and I think I'll go that way once we buy our own home and have room for an enormous tree.

I've seen some really lovely decorations this week whilst hunting for some new ones, and while some are priced somewhat extortionately, there are some really gorgeous ones out there for pennies, if you've a keen eye! My own decorations are from Primark, Wilkinson's, Pound Stretcher and various pound shops, hardly pricey but ever so pretty. So this is my pick of the best traditionally-themed Christmas decorations around, great if you're on a budget and even better if you're looking for a fun, festive feel for your home!

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1. Bunting is a fabulous way of giving your home a quirky vintage feel, and this lovely Merry Christmas bunting from Wilkinson's will look great strung across the bookcase or fireplace, hung across the front door or even around your dinner table! Turn it around once Christmas is over and use it all year round for a shabby-chic look.

2. Christmas isn't complete without mistletoe, and this cheeky little robin clutching his own branch will certainly perk up your Christmas tree! Get him from John Lewis and hang him atop your tree, over a door, or even use him as your wingman at a Christmas party - who could resist?!

3. Wilkinson's are absolutely great for cheap and stylish Christmas decorations, and this hanging bird and heart is no exception, especially for just £1.50. A lovely addition to a traditional-with-a-twist tree, and not so festive that he can't be used throughout the year!

4. Not just for children, a stocking is fun and allows you to treat your loved ones to some sillier or smaller gifts, alongside their 'serious' ones. This Inuit boot-style stocking from John Lewis is a great twist on the traditional, with its festive print and furry trim. Buy one for yourself and hope you've been good enough for it to be filled on Christmas Eve!

5.  A wreath on your front door lets your neighbours and visitors know your style before they even step in the door! Go for something classic and festive, like this gorgeous red and white wreath made of bells, and tied with a red velvet ribbon. For just £8 you can ensure your whole home is filled with festive fun, from the front door and beyond.

6. Nordic and Fair Isle styles are a fabulous mix of the modern and the traditional, giving your home a touch of geek-chic all the while. These Nordic-inspired red and white baubles from Tesco are a bargain at £3.17 for a pack of 4, and will lend a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your celebrations. Why not get a jumper to match?!

7. Decorations aren't just for the tree, as this gorgeous gold reindeer proves. Covered in a dusting of glitter, this elegant stag is both old-fashioned and oh-so modern, and will fit in with almost any colour scheme you go for.

8. Robins are a classic symbol of Christmas, so this lovely little robin from Wilkinson is a lovely addition to a traditional tree. Made of wood and with a woollen pom-pom breast, it also evokes all those home-made or age-old decorations we all had on our trees as children. He's just £1.50, so you could even buy a few and make your tree the most festive nest anyone ever saw!

9. Thanks to John Lewis' beautiful Christmas advert, everyone is loving snowmen this season. These frosted snowmen baubles from Next are so sweet and look just like the lovestruck snowman himself. They're sold in a pack of three, so you can give your tree a childlike flourish.

10. A gingerbread man for your tree? How can you resist? I have this gorgeous little man myself and he definitely brightens up my front room! He's just £1.75 from Wilkinson's, and is just perfect for any style of decoration.

11. Candy canes are a Christmas tree staple, whatever your age or style! If you decide you can't resist eating any edible ones, these pretty coloured canes from Tesco are a lovely substitute, and they'll still be on the tree come Christmas Day!

How are you decorating your home this Christmas?

Laura Jayne xox

Christmas Gifts on a Budget: Girls

I love Christmas gift guides, and at this time of year they're everywhere! I'm reading tons of them to my heart's content - I love giving presents, sometimes I think more so than getting them. But I find that not many of these stick to a realistic budget (or realistic for me, anyway), so I've done my own version - gifts for girls under £10!

I do Christmas on a budget every year - as a student with rent, bills and food to pay, setting a £30 limit per person just isn't doable! I've managed to get everybody's gifts (minus my boy's, but he's special) for under £10 this year, some for even under £5. So it definitely is achievable, and you shouldn't feel like you have to spend a bomb to get people impressive presents: it's something your nan would say, but the thought really is what counts...

1. Cath Kidston Cosmetic Bag, £10 - Useful gifts are sometimes the best kind, especially if they're as perfectly pretty as this pink floral number from Cath Kidston. It's made from oilcloth, so it'll stay as good as new for years to come, and is big enough to store everyday makeup or serve as a washbag for weekends away. It also comes with a cute mini mirror too. If you want to spend a little more, then you can fill it with bath goodies or make-up gifts for an extra-personal present.

2. JW Anderson for Topshop Notebook, £7.99 - For the writer in your life, give them a little piece of designer goodness with this stylish anchor notebook from JW Anderson for Topshop. Handbag-sized so they can write down all of their moments of inspiration, or even just the shopping list, it's a super-stylish way to record their thoughts.

3. What I Wore Today Book, £9.99 - For any aspiring fashion blogger friends, the What I Wore Today notebook is perfect! Filled with blank pages, they can doodle their outfits, their dream looks, or even design pieces they'd love to wear. While this is great for artistic girls and established bloggers, it's also a lovely way to build confidence for any friends you have that might want to start their own blog. You're practically giving the gift of style!

4. Rob Ryan Mug, £9 - Everybody loves tea! So why not present them with a gorgeous cup to drink it in? Rob Ryan's whimsical prints are just gorgeous, and this blue and white enamel mug is no exception. Present it with some specialist tea for a real connoisseur, or maybe just some chunky cookies for a cosy afternoon in!

5. Glitter Envelope Clutch, £7.99 - For your stylish party-girl friend, a glitter clutch bag is the perfect accessory! This envelope clutch from H&M is cheap and oh-so chic, covered in soft pearlescent glitter for a gorgeous glowing look. It's also available in black with disco sparkles, for a more retro feel.

6. Heart Cake Stand, £9.99 - For your friend who loves to bake, this beautiful cream cake stand, shaped with hearts, is just wonderful!It's a great way to let them show off their baking skills, and of course, you can sample what they have to offer to - it's a win win, really.

7. Pink Fur Hat, £6.99 - While it's cold outside, this powder pink furry Russian-style hat is a gorgeous gift that will keep the recipient warm and looking good. In a gorgeous soft shade of pink, and lined with satin, it's a little bit of luxury on a budget!

Laura Jayne xox

Product Review: MUA Heaven and Earth Palette

This is something that every blogger and her dog has had their say on, but I've only just managed to get my hands on this so I know not everyone has had the chance to use it or even see it in real life, so I'm going to get my tuppence worth in too.

The Heaven and Earth palette by MUA is, quite simply, excellent. It's a palette of 12 neutral and easy-to-wear shades that will suit any skintone and any occasion. From a shimmering mother-of-pearl shade right down to a smouldering deep chocolate, you can use the shades in any combination to create your perfect look, whether that be office-appropriate, or sexy and smokey.

I haven't swatched these as really, so many people have done that there's just no point. The shades are very true to pan anyway, and apply just as they appear. They have little to no fall-out either; I've found that they don't drop off the brush when applying, crease, crumble or slide off my lid entirely - quite an achievement for a bargain palette!

As I said, you can mix and match anyway you like. For daytime, I like to use the champagne shimmer (bottom row, third from left) in the corners of my eyes, then wash a mix of the warm beige (top, third from right) and the deep gold (top, far right) over the middle of the lid, and then smudge the corners and outer third with a mix of the three softest, shimmeriest browns in the pallete (bottom, far left and second left, and top, second left). I find it makes a really soft but sexy daytime look, perfect for leaving alone or pairing with a statement lip.

Bloggers with access to high-end brands have said this is a great alternative to the £30+ Urban Decay Naked/Naked 2 palettes, and I can definitely see why. A great shade range, going from the pale and cool, to deep and warm, great quality and a sleek appearance, all for just £4! If you're lucky, you may get further discount, as I got my palette for £3, because the MUA Professional stand had just opened. I think that even if this palette was triple the price, I'd be happy to re-purchase.

Have you used Heaven and Earth? Did you like it?

Laura Jayne xox

Product Review: W7 Prime Magic Camera Ready Primer

I recently took my first real foray into primers. I never really saw the point to be perfectly honest; I thought they were a bit of a gimmick and couldn't see how they would do anything more than what my moisturiser could. The only primer I ever used was a miniature of Benefit's That Gal, and although I love the smell and the soft glow it gave me, it was masked by my foundation and I couldn't really see any benefit once my makeup had been applied.

However, things have changed. After watching Kate's make-up tutorials, I was convinced to give primer another go, and set about looking for a cheap option. I used Amazon to hunt down an affordable primer with good reviews; searching for makeup on Amazon is actually great for bargains and I would thoroughly recommend giving it a go, as you can find lots of drugstore brands for much cheaper, as well as brands not so readily available, like Technic and W7.

I chose to order the W7 Prime Magic Camera Ready primer, as it was just £3.99, and after doing some research, found that it had mostly great reviews. Luckily, I can add to those!

The Prime Magic primer is a clear primer, with no glitter or shimmer. It comes out of the tube quite thickly, not very liquid at all, and looks quite heavy and viscous, but it smooths on to the skin like a dream. The thickness means you only have to use a small blob, and it glides on and settles on to the skin very quickly. It leaves a matte finish to my skin, and makes my face feel velvety soft within seconds. I find that my skin is a bit oily at times but the primer mattifies my whole face in seconds, and allows me to apply makeup seconds after moisturising, which I could never do before. There's no cheap synthetic scent either, and so far it hasn't clogged my pores or broken me out either.

For staying power, I can't complain at all. Pre-primer, I had to re-apply powder to my face every couple of hours to soak up any oil seeping through my foundation. However, now I find that my makeup stays matte all day, with no need for touch-ups. Since starting to use Prime Magic, I've found that my makeup goes on better, stays on better and just generally looks better too - I can't believe I've gone this long without using any primer, but I'll definitely be buying this one again!

Have you used Prime Magic Camera Ready primer? What did you think, or do you have another favourite that you can't live without?

Laura Jayne xox

Blogger Challenge - Fashion Gifts for Under £35

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GiftsVouchers.co.uk are currently running a competition for all bloggers; the idea is to scour the web for five fashionable gifts, all for under £35 each! I've decided to get involved, and you can too by entering here - the deadline is November 9, so still another week to get your entries in. You can choose your prize too, with gift cards for Asos, Topshop, Boohoo or Amazon, or a JolieBox subscription. I know what I'd be choosing if I won - this horse clutch from Asos has my name all over it!

The Multi Zip Horse Clutch from ASOS is a great present idea for a friend or a sister this year; perfect for the party season, versatile and quirky too! It's leather-look so easy to clean, while the gold hardware makes it perfectly eye-catching. It closes with a zip for security, but its details are the best part - horse-shaped studs and tassels, anyone? At £24, this is a fun and fashionable gift that someone you know is sure to love.

Collars are a huge trend and are set to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Give the gift of style with Topshop's Mega Pearl Collar, £30. Who wouldn't love this, to throw on over an LBD for Audrey Hepburn-style glamour? 

Benefit's How to Look the Best at Everything complexion gift set is a great idea for beauty-obsessed girls. For £24.50, this set contains miniatures of some of Benefit's bestselling base products, including the infamous Porefessional, Hello Wow! foundation and Boi-Ing! concealers. I've linked to the 'Light' option but it's also available in Medium and Dark, so you can choose the right kit for your very lucky recipient!

I don't know about you, but this Jewellery Display Frame from notonthehighstreet is one of the most beautiful and unique ways I've seen to store your jewellery! You can choose the background of the frame on the site to best suit your receiver's tastes too, making it properly personal. The display frame is £24.99, and features eight brass hooks from which to hang jewellery, and it can be stood upright or hung on the wall for optimum exposure!

I can't think of anyone who doesn't love big, bouncy hair full of movement. Give the gift of great hair this year with a set of heated soft rollers, like these by Tresemme, available on very.co.uk. This set of 10 rollers comes in a handy storage case, perfect for girls on the go, and they heat up super-fast for a quick way to gorgeous hair! At just £25, you might even want to buy a set for yourself...

These are my picks for giftsvouchers.co.uk's Blogger Challenge - which one would you most like to receive?

Grand Day Out

Hello!

Thanks to hectic uni work (Honours year - not all that fun...) it's been a while since I've had time to post! But here's a little something I've put together from yesterday.

The boy and I decided to take a little daytrip over to Edinburgh. My boyfriend is from there and it was originally our first choice city when applying for unis. Luckily we got Glasgow instead - Edinburgh is gorgeous, but so much more expensive! We took a wander down to the Stockbridge area, which is full of stunning Georgian buildings and independent boutiques; it's somewhere I'd definitely be happy to live! These photos were taken in the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are just lovely, especially in Autumn. Red and gold crunchy leaves, squirrels, crisp winds... I love Autumn!

I'm wearing a duffel coat from New Look with a burgundy dress from New Look last year underneath. It was too cold to unbutton my coat to show it off! Lewis's jeans are from Next and his coat is Tom Wolfe, his lovely brown brogue boots are from Dune too. Doesn't he look handsome? *overly proud girlfriend alert*

 While we're here, here's a gratuitous Halloween costume photo too. I bought my Minnie Mouse costume last year, and then got my drink spiked the night before our Halloween party, so it never got worn and my poor Lewis had to go as a lone Mickey Mouse. This year, there was no doubt I was going to wear it at last! Lewis's outfit is a onesie from New Look (sorry, loving New Look today!) with Primark plimsolls that he painted himself. His face paint is all his own work too!

Laura Jayne xox

Review: Bourjois Volume Clubbing Ultra Black Mascara

We all have that one product that we rate above all others, right? I definitely have mine in Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara.

I've spent years trying to find the right mascara to give me full, thick and defined 1960s lashes, and nothing has really fulfilled my wishes. Maybelline's Volum'Express smudged under my eyes constantly (even the supposed waterproof version), 17's Va Va Voom didn't actually have that much va va voom, and L'Oreal's Million Lashes ripped all mine out whenever I removed it. Considering I first used and loved Volume Clubbing four-ish years ago, I really wonder why I strayed to any other mascaras.

Volume Clubbing is a thick, gloopy mascara on a seriously thick and chunky brush - might sound like a recipe for clumpy, heavy lashes, but there is magic within. Somehow, this translates to full, thick and defined lashes both top and bottom, with no clumps or mess!

Volume Clubbing was tested for resistance by clubbers and ravers, and when I used the original version, I found that it didn't budge until you wanted it to. This version is the Ultra Black, and I can safely say it's exactly the same in terms of resistance and staying power. I have a real problem with mascara slipping off my lashes and smudging under my eyes, but this isn't an issue here. The best bit is, it doesn't hurt/rip lashes out when removing - it actually comes off very easily! Bourjois promise a dramatic look, extreme volume and ultra resistance with Volume Clubbing, and I think they deliver on every aspect. I know I definitely won't be straying again!

What's your favourite mascara?

Laura Jayne xox

Review: So Pure Argan Oil

I know we all struggle with our hair - some days mine is my favourite thing, and some days I wish it belonged to somebody else. My hair is extremely long, very thick and quite wavy; all the ingredients to stress me out when styling it in the morning! My hair was always quite shiny and in good condition, until earlier in the year when I dyed it blonde - I loved it, but my roots grew through too fast and I dyed it back brown. Unfortunately, this has left me with dry, coarse hair, with more split ends and breakage than I've ever had before.

I've been looking into hair oils for a while - I adore L'Oreal's Mythic Oil (my hairdresser's product of choice, always a treat when I go!) but I couldn't justify the £15-odd for a small bottle of it, or the £30 for the famous Moroccan Oil either. Luckily for me, when I was at London Fashion Week last month (still getting over that...!) I managed to get my paws on a mini 10ml bottle of So Pure argan oil in one of the many goodie bags I managed to get!

Keune So Pure Argan Oil 10ml*

So Pure Argan Oil says it is a "luxurious hair treatment to restore moisture in dehydrated hair". I've definitely found this to be the case so far. I use a few drops on wet hair and run it through the mid-lengths and ends, I also massage it quite a lot into the ends as this is my main problem area. I've found it definitely smooths the hair shaft and makes a smooth blowdry a lot easier to create. I'm still suffering with split ends but only a few days after I use the oil - I think I could do with a hair cut anyway! The oil is paraben-free and as far as I can tell, fragrance-free too. It leaves no residue on the hair or skin and sinks in extremely quickly. It's not cheap, retailing at around £11-12 for a 10ml bottle like this, but I think I will reinvest when this bottle runs out!

This is my hair just now, so you can see what I'm dealing with! Thinking of getting it cut into a collarbone-grazing bob a la gh0stparties - what do you think?

*free sample

Laura Jayne xox

a quick catchup

hello! i've been a bit of a naughty blogger recently - no proper posts for over a week! my absence can be very easily explained: i've just started my honours year at uni, eeek! so inbetween thinking up ideas for creative projects and business plans, and reading a mountain of books for dissertation, blogging has fallen on the backburner a wee bit. but i have lots to post about, hopefully will get some of my recent purchases reviewed and posted today and tomorrow, before i start interning again next week...! have a lovely weekend :) x

Westfield Stratford City's Student Event

If you're a student like me, you'll no doubt be highly skilled in searching out the best bargains and will know off by heart which shops give you a little NUS discount! Saving the pennies is especially helpful at this time of year - I know I've already spent more than I can afford on uni books, a new winter coat and some winter boots, and all that before the arrival of Christmas shopping...!

So if you live in London, head down to Westfield Stratford City tomorrow (Wednesday 3 October) for an all-day student discount extravaganza - the first of its kind at Westfield. From 10am until late, you can enjoy special discounts at some of your favourite shops, so you can get your new winter wardrobe for much less! Stores such as New Look, Urban Outfitters and Office will all be offering 20% discounts, alongside Cath Kidston, Topshop, La Senza and lots more, so you can get everything you need for the season ahead without the buyer's guilt that follows us (well, definitely me at least!) after every shopping trip.

As well as the discounts in your favourite stores, there will also be money off in some of the tastiest restaurants too, so you can enjoy a whole day out without counting the cash. Restaurants including Pho and Las Iguanas are offering discounts and offers on food and cocktails, so make sure you bring the girls! Throughout the day, there will be entertainment throughout the centre, from acts such as cheerleaders to gospel choirs, and t4's Georgie Okell Djing exclusively in the evening!

It's so simple to take advantage of all the deals available to you - all you need is your student card and some comfortable shoes, as it'll no doubt be a long day! Just take your student card to the concierge centre on the first floor and collect an exclusive student pass - don't forget this, as it's the only valid identification that stores will accept. You can also save time and skip the queues by pre-registering here. To get a sneak peek at the available discounts (and plan your route now!) you can head over to the Westfield page and download the offers booklet, which will also help you find out all the latest trends, as well as deciding which stores to hit first!

Westfield Stratford is taking this opportunity to raise money for Breast Cancer Care; they aim to raise £10,000 during October, so you'll be asked to donate just £2 at the student event to aid those living with breast cancer. With all the discounts on offer, it'll be so easy to spare!

*This post is sponsored by Westfield

Westfield Stratford's 1st Birthday Celebrations!

This weekend (21-23 September) Westfield Stratford City in East London is celebrating its first birthday! The circus will well and truly be coming to town as magicians, clowns and mime artists will be there to entertain the crowds, while it will be giveaways galore throughout the mall to make sure everybody gets a gift at this birthday party!

Stores such as Lola and Grace will be giving away free cupcakes and tote bags, while in True Religion, cocktails will be served while a DJ plays in-store, and you'll get a free gift with your purchase. Even Mulberry will be giving away free bags (albeit the canvas kind - no freebie Alexas this time!) and there will be free skincare kits from Dermalogica to ensure you look party perfect! There will also be reduced parking fees (information here) at the weekend to ensure you can enjoy the celebrations all day long. Click here to take a look at all the amazing deals on offer to you this weekend!

Of course, if you're going to a party, you'll need to have the right outfit. Luckily, the stores in Westfield Stratford City offer the best in fast fashion and new trends, so I've picked my perfect party ensemble from the shops at the mall!

Playsuit - Topshop. Bracelet - Lola and Grace. Lipstick - MAC in Sunny Seoul. 
Shoes - Forever 21. Clutch - New Look.

This is my party-perfect outfit that can transcend a day at Westfield Stratford into the bars and nightlife of surrounding East London! I love the wintry glamour of this midnight blue playsuit from Topshop. The mix of materials, from soft sheer sleeves to plush velvet, is sophisticated and glamorous, and the cheeky cut-out back is subtly sexy too! I've chosen to pair this playsuit with blush-pink tones to brighten up the navy and create a cute yet cool look. The studded platforms from Forever 21 may be a little impractical, but the stilt walkers will soon make you feel like you haven't a problem in comparison! The ankle strap and platform details make these shoes ultra-wearable and easy to walk in - although careful if you're running to find all the amazing deals on offer! 

A soft blush-pink envelope clutch from New Look leaves little room for your freebies, but if you stop by Lola and Grace to buy this beautiful floral bracelet, you can always pick up one of the free totes on offer, to stash the rest of the giveaway items available! I've finished off the look with this beautiful frosted pink lipstick, Sunny Seoul by MAC. And don't forget, all of these items are available in stores throughout Westfield Stratford City, so be sure to pop by between helpings of birthday cake pops and candyfloss, as these won't be around forever!

Will I be seeing you at Westfield Stratford City's birthday celebrations this weekend? For any more information on events, offers and goodies available, take a look here!

*This post is sponsored by Westfield.

London Fashion Week

Hello! Sorry I've been a bit MIA for a week or so, but I've spent the last week working at London Fashion Week and time has run away with me in terms of blogging. I was there writing and photographing for TellusFashion and had one of the best weeks I've ever had - in fact, I forgot that it was actually work!

I saw some amazing shows from up-and-coming designers; TellusFashion supports emerging brands so we had tickets for some rising stars rather than the big, established fashion houses. However, I did manage to get a ticket into the sought-after House of Holland show, after a charming man in the press room decided he'd rather not go and gave me the ticket! It was incredible by the way, all neons and 90s rave - not necessarily my cup of tea, but fabulous to watch. My favourite shows of the week were Krystof Strozyna, Timur Kim and the Ones To Watch showcase at Vauxhall Fashion Scout - Charlotte Simpson's goddess gowns were breathtaking!

I pondered posting separate posts every day with what I wore, but I think I've left it too late for that, so I've decided to give you it all in one go! Here we are...

 

Day One

Dress - 18 And East. Belt - Vintage. Boots - SoYou Shoes.

I absolutely love this dress! I saw it a few months ago on one of Emma's wishlists and adored it, but it was too expensive for me at about £45. A few weeks later, 18 And East had a half-price day specifically on this beautiful 'plate print' and I knew I couldn't resist it any longer! Add to that an extra 10% off voucher and one for free delivery, and it was mine for about £18. I've been in love ever since...

 

 

 Day Two

Dress - Topshop. Boots - SoYou Shoes.

I bought this dress on eBay a few weeks ago specifically for Fashion Week and I loved it on sight. I like the smooth shape of it and the soft glowing quality the material has! I got streetstyled in this dress a few times so it must be alright..! I wore this with my Internacionale quilted pleather jacket and a leather satchel from Gap (pictured somewhere below). Can't wait to wear this dress again!

Day Three

Dress - River Island. Belt - Vintage. Bag - Gap. Boots - SoYou Shoes.

Ah, love this outfit. This is the dress I bought for my 21st birthday and I've been longing to wear it again, so what better excuse than Fashion Week?! It's comfy and quite flattering with the slim cut of the waist and the slightly flared skirt. I love the lemony yellow too, it really brightened me up I think! This bag is one of the biggest bargains I've ever had. I found it in the Gap sale section about five or six years ago and couldn't stop stroking the leather, as it was so soft. It was reduced from £180 to £20 in the sale, so I snatched it up and have used it ever since! It's 100% calf leather so it will last me a good while, and the leather's only gotten better the more I've used it. Perfect for Fashion Week too, as it went with everything and had enough room for cameras, notebooks, food and goodies too!  

 Day Four

Blazer - Miss Selfridge. T-shirt - H&M. Leather shorts - H&M. Bag - Gap. Boots - SoYou Shoes.

I wore this outfit on Day Four of Fashion Week, where I had the morning and early afternoon off. I went to the V&A Ballgown Exhibition (no photos allowed, but Rose has some wonderful ones!) and to the Hummingbird Bakery in South Kensington. I also got a wander along Oxford Street, where I haven't been shopping for years, since before I left London! It was a comfy and practical outfit - I re-bought these shorts after regretting selling them on eBay, and bought this t-shirt years ago when I first started working in H&M. The blazer was a bargain in the Miss Selfridge sale about three years ago too - sorry all my outfits aren't current stock! I liked the fun flamingo print on the t-shirt (hidden by my hair, oops) with the harshness of the leather shorts and masculine blazer. What do you think?

Day Five

 Body - Primark. Skirt - Zara. Boots - SoYou Shoes.

I really liked this outfit! I bought this skirt a few weeks ago after checking in Zara every week to try and find my size - eventually I found this one in the sale for just £12.99! I love the colour and the frill detail, it really adds some shape and interest to a classic pencil skirt. I chose a plain, unfussy top to make sure all attention stayed on the skirt and I think this simple black body worked really well. It was a comfy and stylish outfit, although you can only take the tiniest steps in a pencil skirt! By day five my boots were so comfortable too; a little tricky to break in but so worth it, I want to wear them every day forever now!

So those were my outfits for Fashion Week. Which one is your favourite?

Laura Jayne xox

Team East, Team GB - Team London!!

Even before the Olympics began, I was proud to say I was a Londoner. Despite living in Scotland for the last four years, south-east London has always been and will always be my home and my heart, as desperately cheesy as that sounds. For that reason, I can safely say I am most definitely #TeamEast!

I’ve seen my beautiful city torn apart by bombs and fear, ravaged by riots and sneered at for daring to believe it could host the biggest and the best Olympic games of modern times. Yet from all this, I’ve seen it rise from the ashes to become bigger, better and brighter than it has ever been before.

Let’s be honest, not many of us were particularly looking forward to the Olympics. Most of us were set at the default option, that London and Boris could only mess it up. How wrong we all were. London did us all proud, wherever we are from. I am one of the lucky ones to be able to say my hometown has played one of the most important roles a country can have, and it played it to perfection.

I’ve been waiting for these games for seven years. In 2005, five members of my secondary school, a specialist sports college, were sent along with the Olympic committee to Singapore, to help put forward the case that our city could do it best. My school played a part in securing the bid, and I felt a part of it as much as anyone could, bursting with excitement at the times to come.

The day after the bid was secured, London’s celebrations were silenced, with the tragic 7/7 bombings. If nothing else, surely it was time for us all to prove that we could fight back, we could become stronger. We could make the world sit up and notice us, for all the right reasons.

While the naysayers carried on damning the games, claiming it wouldn’t be any good, it would cost too much, and the stadiums wouldn’t be finished on time, some greater force pushed ahead and somehow, everything came together. The stadiums were built, the flags were out. All the signs were in place that something big was on its way. The cost became irrelevant as the frenzy for tickets began, and excitement reached fever pitch as the countdown continued.

27 July 2012 – a day we should all be proud of. The world sat down to watch with us as we all held our breath and allowed ourselves to dissolve into the biggest show the country has ever staged. From that moment on, we couldn’t hold ourselves back. I didn’t know if I’d really get into the sports themselves, as much as I loved the idea of the games. But the second that they were broadcast, I, along with millions of others all over the world, was hooked.

Literally, I couldn’t get enough. Luckily, my job allows me to watch some TV while I work, so the games were on constantly. Swimming, diving, athletics, dressage, tennis, and gymnastics – I loved them all. I didn’t even mind that they’d ripped up a part of my beloved Greenwich Park for the equestrian events when we were doing so well in them.

Two things stood out to me beyond anything else. One was just how perfect my city looked. How much it’s grown and changed in the four years since I left it behind. Never mind the Olympic stadiums – there was so much more that London, especially the redeveloped East, had to offer to its guests. The Shard, the cable cars, the Cutty Sark’s rebirth, and the shiny new Westfield Stratford centre, so perfectly placed near the Olympic park for convenient shopping trips in-between events (don’t deny it, you know you would have if you could!), showing of the best of British style and industry. This industry and innovation, slotted into the gorgeous heritage of the capital, makes for a heady mix.

The second thing was the sheer patriotism. I think in the last few years, we’ve all been guilty of criticising our country too much. The games brought about something different. For the first time in my lifetime, I saw people proclaim their pride to be British. Not Scottish, English, Irish or Welsh, but British. People lined the streets to cheer on competitors, waving flags and screaming with joy when we won. We jumped up and yelled at the TV when we were on our way to yet another medal, and we clamoured to see every possible event we could. And we were all met with the same feeling on the final day of the games – a feeling of ‘what on earth will we do now?’

Well, I have a suggestion. Let's hold on to this feeling of intense pride and excitement, let's carry on loving our capital city and all it has given us, let's continue to be proud of where we come from. Let's believe that we can do anything we set our minds to, and let's look back on this summer with satisfaction and the knowledge that we can say, "I was there."

Have you signed up to Westfield's Team East vs Team West competition yet? Which side of London do you love the best? It's Team East all the way for me, but what about you?

I've partnered with Westfield to bring you this sponsored post, but all written content and opinion is my own.

ooh la la, i've fallen in love

 Body - Primark. Trousers and belt - Kelly Brook for New Look. Shoes - Internacionale. Clutch - New Look. Watch - Oasis.

To be honest, Kelly Brook is never someone I've looked up to or admired. Mainly I find her irrelevant and a teensy bit irritating, so I tend to avoid wherever possible. However, it's really quite difficult to ignore her range for New Look. It started with a range of elegant vintage-inspired underwear, all silk and lace and feathers, longline bras and highwaisted knickers and marabou slippers. And now Kelly's branched out into an actual clothes range. I didn't expect much but I was pleasantly surprised! Everything is designed clearly with Kelly's shape and personal taste in mind; the range is very 50s-inspired with plenty of cleavage-baring wiggle dresses and crop tops. Most of the range was admirable but not really to my taste (after all, who really does have the figure for a plunge crop top, other than Kelly herself?!) but I loved these highwaisted crop trousers on sight. 

Print trousers have been high on my radar for a while now, despite being a dedicated trouser-hater until not so long ago. I've lusted after Topshop's pale blue spot ones, and bought a pair of dupe swan-print trousers from Primark too, but I loved the fit and feel of these red polka dot ones, how cute and retro they were, and how easily they could make a statement outfit. I bought these in the sale too, for a measly £12, down from £27. Even better!

Teamed with a sleek, plain top like this body really lets the trousers speak for themselves and stand out. I thought black shoes looked a bit too dramatic so the nude colour again puts the trousers in charge! I really do love these trousers - they might even make it into my LFW wardrobe!

Laura Jayne xox

darling you're with me, always around me

Dress - Warehouse. Belt - Primark. Watch - Oasis via ASOS.

Sorry there's only one photo uploaded today - I just spent half an hour taking outfit photos and this is the only one that came out ok (if you can excuse my gormless expression that is!). Must improve my photography quicksmart for London Fashion Week - I'm there on behalf of a magazine and will be reviewing and reporting on the shows, as well as doing street style. So if you're there and you look wonderful, watch out for me and my little Canon!

This is quite a laidback outfit today as I didn't really plan on doing anything, just a trip to the doctor for some bizniz and back home for a lazy solo night in, while my boyfriend and his brothers go and watch the football. Perfect time to eat what I want without any reproaching looks - Percy Pigs, I'm coming to get you!!

Laura Jayne xox

I stumble up to the window, open the curtains to blinding light

Blouse - Primark. Skirt - Vintage. Belt - Topshop.

  

Hello! Hope everyone had a lovely long weekend - it wasn't a bank holiday in Scotland but seeing as I'm on summer holidays at the moment, pretty much every day is the weekend!

I got this blouse about a year ago in Primark and it's quite a versatile colour, surprisingly. It goes with quite a lot in my wardrobe and I loved the soft floral print and the ubiquitous Peter Pan collar! The skirt I found in a charity shop maybe about two years ago, for £3 or so. I bought it just before pleated midi skirts came back into fashion so I was really pleased with it - a lot of my friends were spending £30-£50 on pretty much the same skirt! This belt is one of the biggest bargains in my wardrobe. I loved the black leather version in Topshop a few years ago, but couldn't justify £30 on a belt. I kept seeing it around in teal and purple too, and the lust for it didn't really go away. Then one day, whilst perusing the Topshop sale, I found the gold version hanging off a rack, the gold jaguars glinting at me. The sale stickers on had mostly rubbed off, but I thought I could see that it was £10. When I took it to the till however, it was just £1 - and with 10% student discount, I managed to get a £30 belt for 90p! Happy days indeed.

What's your best bargain? Do you like my outfit?

Laura Jayne xox

Laura Jayne's Face of the Day

I'm not normally one for 'face of the day' and beauty posts, because I don't use high-end makeup like most beauty bloggers, and I often don't photograph too well for close-ups! But I thought today I should maybe give it a go and see what everyone thinks - do let me know!

Left to right: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in Ivory; Collection Cover Up Stick in Light Translucent; Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink; Collection Smokey Eyes Palette; Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Golden Beige; Maybelline The Colossal Volum'Express in Black; MUA Lipstick in Juicy (Shade 15); MUA Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette. Not pictured - Collection Blush in So Pretty.

I wear a pretty basic face most days - my foundation is quite a light coverage as I don't like too thick a base, I feel it clogs my skin too easily. I love a matte look though, so the Dream Matte powder is perfect for creating a shine-free face that lasts nearly all day. I love rosy, glowy cheeks so a bright blusher like Sleek's Pixie Pink is great for lighting up my face and creating a good contrast, and I add a soft glow with Collection's So Pretty, which is a shimmery rose gold blush that is so gorgeous (unfortunately, it's not pictured as the compact smashed in my suitcase, and I'm yet to replace it!). 

I love strong brows, and although mine are already quite thick and dark, with a strong shape, I use the MUA pencil just to fill in any gaps and create a full line throughout. I try and keep it as subtle as possible - no one really likes a 'Scouse brow', do they? I love 1960s-inspired makeup so my eyes are normally the feature I play up most. Here I'm wearing a shimmery beige eyeshadow smudged with a chocolate brown, both from the Smokey Eyes Palette, and I have created a thick feline flick with black powder also from this palette. I usually use liquid eyeliner, but some days I like a softer, smudgier line, and then using powder and a wet brush is perfect. Thick, volumised lashes are my favourite thing, but I can't be bothered wearing false lashes every day, so I look for a good, cheap alternative. I've used The Colossal several times before and I always end up going back to it; it creates long, thick, super-black lashes that last all day without flaking or smudging. 

I love lipstick too, it's something I've really gotten into in the last few years, and my makeup bag is packed full of different shades and finishes. With a smokey eye, a classic nude is the perfect choice, and MUA's Juicy is great for no-lipstick lips. It's a soft, juicy pale coral, nude tinged with tangerine, that livens up the face without overcrowding or taking attention from the eyes. The formula is great too, very soft and moisturising, with a good sheen.

What's your make-up routine? Do you prefer budget make-up like me, or do you find high-end best for you?

Laura Jayne xox

Things I've Bought Recently

Hello! As usual, time is running away with me just now and I've left it too late to do an outfit post, but I thought I would do a little something on the items I've bought recently. I'm usually on a very strict budget and these last few months have been no exception, so the items you're about to see have all been very lucky outcomes of sales, charity shopping and good old eBay...!

Both of these peplum tops are from Primark! I've been considering the peplum trend for a while and wasn't sure if it would suit me, but I took a chance with these tops and so pleased I did! I loved the collar detail and the prints on these blouses, and although I wasn't particularly keen on the cheap satin-y feel of the tops, I felt that the shape and the print overrode that, as did the price, as these tops were just a pound each! I wore the navy one today and it just dresses up a plain jeans-and-pumps outfit so well, I know I'll be getting lots of wear out of these.

This shot is the back of a t-shirt I picked up yesterday from a charity shop. It's actually a cream slouch jersey t-shirt from Topshop Petites, but the back is so unusual and pretty that it's definitely the statement point. The back is a clear mesh material, with the black grosgrain seam reminding me of a stocking - it's a really subtle nod to burlesque dressing I think. I'm not sure what the original retail price of this t-shirt was but I picked it up for £3, which was brilliant! I wore it with my swan-print trousers yesterday for an attempt at dressy-but-relaxed - I think it worked quite well!

This is another charity shop buy; when I was at home in London a few weeks ago, me and my mum ventured out to the charity shops in Rochester, where the locals are prone to giving away new-season clothes, sometimes with the tags still on! This was such a buy. This Peter Pan blouse was from New Look's S/S range and I loved it when it hit the stores, but couldn't justify £25 for it. However, when I saw it for £3, I couldn't resist!

The eagle-eyed among you will spot that this is a past-season Topshop blouse. I was looking for something a little more grown-up that I could pair with jeans and still look like I was making an effort, and found this blouse on eBay. I loved the look of the balloon sleeves and the ruffles on the shoulders, all the while remaining quite sophisticated. I won it for 99p! I've worn it countless times in the last few weeks - it's such a good piece to just throw on on a lazy day and still look like I've gotten ready :)

This dress was a belated birthday present from my best friend back home. When she described it to me over the phone, I wasn't too sure, but when she's made up her mind she's stubborn as a bull, so I just had to hope I'd like it. Luckily, I really do. It doesn't photograph too well, but it's a lovely A-line tea dress in soft peach, and the print on it is tiny blue and white birds. The V-neck is a bit deeper than I'd normally go for but the modest length evens it out. It's very elegant on, much more so than I expected from a colourful printed dress!

 This pencil skirt is something I've been hunting for for a good while now. Miss Selfridge and New Look both had houndstooth pencil skirts on offer, but they were never quite right, both in terms of look and price. I stumbled across this one in Circa Vintage in Glasgow's West End, and knew I had to have it! It's vintage H&M and fits like a dream, very snug and pulls me right in - perfect! It was also just £10 - so I couldn't leave it there. I've worn this to a few smarter things so far, like an art gallery opening and to dinner, and I'm looking forward to dressing it up for the office next month when I intern at a wedding magazine. It's just the right amount of retro, especially when paired with Mary Jane heels and a bouffant hairstyle!

This Zara skirt was something I knew I had to have. I loved it months ago when it came instore, but couldn't justify the price tag for something I knew I wouldn't wear everyday. Then it went to sale, and I despaired when no store in Scotland had a size small left... And then I went back in on a whim and there it was, waiting for me! I think a boucle pencil skirt is just so classy, and the mint green colour adds a touch of fun to the look, and the peplum gives it a bit more sex by widening the hips and so emphasising a small waist. It was reduced to just £12.99, which I almost yelled with glee at when I got to the till! So far I haven't worn it, but it's coming with me to London Fashion Week next month so I'm sure it'll get a good outing then!

About a year ago, I bought these leather high waisted shorts from H&M, while I still worked there. I wore them a few times and sort of forgot about them, and then six months ago, I sold them. I regretted it almost every day since. So imagine my delight when I randomly had a hunt in my old workplace and found these hanging lonely on a rail, in my size, reduced by more than half price! I absolutely ran to the till with them, and I'm so pleased to have them in my wardrobe again; they'll be a staple for A/W.

Ah, my boucle obsession! It began with these shorts when I saw them back in spring in New Look, but they were about £30 and I just couldn't afford to buy them. I tried to forget about them and their lovely high waist fit, and the soft boucle wool, and all the pretty pastel colours and how they merged... I checked every few weeks to see if they were reduced, and one day they were. Cue a very happy Laura! They were just £6; unfortunately the matching jacket was nowhere to be seen but I live in hope...!

These are also a New Look buy - from the Kelly Brook range this time. I look at Kelly Brook and although I do see a very pretty woman, I don't see anything about her that I particularly like, so I always kind of swerved her range instore - although her underwear is just gorgeous! But clothing wise, I always assumed everything would be cropped-waist, or low-cut, or very tight and bright. I'm not really wrong - her range features a lot of tight-fitting and low-cut tops and bralets and dresses. However, she has really taken inspiration from 50s shapes and there were some real gems in there, such as these high waisted cropped trousers, which cost me just £12. There was a matching pencil skirt too, but I thought that would be a step too far... I've worn these a lot since I got them; they make an outfit very easy to put together and are a real talking point, as well as being so much fun!

Have you got any great bargains recently - I love to hear!
Laura Jayne xox