Forget the dressing table, DIY instead.

I was saving up for a dressing table but instead I have just saved myself £££'s and a whole lot of space. I spent nothing on my new setup as I already had everything. A little bit of drilling and a few screws here and there and voila.

I was inspired by my mother-in-law who turned her TV unit into a dressing table which looks amazing, and now maybe I can inspire you.

Meet my new makeup station!

I used a vintage mirror that I got from a Charity shop years ago which is made from frosted and textured glass.

I used a cream wooden shelf from Ikea, here's how it fits in with the room.

I used some fairy lights from Paperchase for some jazzing.

I have the majority of my makeup on this shelf and some bits that I don't use are inside my bedside table.

The wicker pots are from Ikea, the big one holds all of my lipsticks and the small one has my pigments. I have put my brushes in a pen holder from Paperchase, and my favourite lipglosses are in a acrylic pot.

My face products along with some everyday items are in the basket and the paper suitcase holds even more makeup.

I have been saved, I can now put my bar chair underneath and sit down and relax whilst I put my makeup on. Perfect.

What other DIY options do you have for a dressing table / vanity area?

Not so much of a Tartan Tale..

One word. Disapointed.

Today was the launch of the Mac holiday collection for 2010 which is called 'A Tartan Tale'. I haven't been that excited about the collection and my thoughts proved to be correct as I only picked up 1 thing which was the pearl glide eyeliner in 'Lord it up'. It's a beautiful brown with tiny shimmers, it reminds me of 'Bourbon' from Urban Decay 24/7 liners.

I had my eye on 'My highland honey' which is the peach powder blush but it looks too similar to Ripe Peach and the effect when applied to the cheeks is almost identical. I also found it very chalky and powdery which is unlike Mac blushes. I don't really like tartan, particularly green tartan which put me off buying anything with that packaging. The sets however are fantastic value for money and still worth checking out, but not for me.

I picked up 'Constructivist' paint pot from the main line as I figured it would make a quick easy eyeshadow and look great with 'Lord it up' on the upper lash line.

A short trip to Superdrug and I purchased a Rimmel lip liner in 'Red Diva' which is a perfect red with a slight blue undertone, I plan on wearing it all over the lips as I like the matte finish. My eyes suddenly focused on 'Coral Fever' lipstick from Maybelline color sensational range, it's more orange than coral but in the pastel family with a lustre finish. I have nothing like it, it's more of a summery shade but I'm sure I can incorporate it with any season. :)

Swatches..

Did you know that H&M have launched a home range? Well you know now.

I checked out the collection today, I wasn't wowed by it in fact I was quite disappointed. But, there were still a few items that caught my eye.

Once you go to see the home collection instore you will be faced with a display of items, there is nothing you physically pick up and put in your basket, instead there is a tiny magnetic shopping cart that fits into the palm of your hand that you stick magnets of items on. You then hand this at the till and they get the stuff from the stock room. It's very cute but it just makes me think that they saved money and time as they don't steam the items and everything comes wrapped straight from the factory. Hmmmm, I had to iron when I got home. :/

Napkins £1.99

Linen drawstring bag £6.99

Cushion cover £7.99

My favourite purchase of the day has to be the fresh roses, 2 bunches from Tesco's! Isn't it amazing how a bunch of flowers cheer up a home?! Puts a smile on my face.


What did you get from 'A Tartan Tale' and the H&M home collection?

Outfit, 'Dark Deed' and Halloween..

Toady's outfit consisted of my new All Saints Tee, I teamed it with a waist belt, jeans and a blazer.


My makeup was very light..

Face: Mac Face & Body foundation, Mac studio finish concealer,

Eyes: Benefit it stick on waterline, Rimmel brown pencil eyeliner on upper lashline & Mac zoom fast lash black mascara.

Cheeks: Chanel bronzer and Mac moon river.

Lips: Mac Lazy Day lipstick

But then, I decided I would wear 'Dark Deed' from the Venomous Villains collection as Halloween was a good excuse.

Here are a few of the dark lip products I own which are: Rimmel Black Tulip lipliner, Mac 'Dark Deed', Bourjois 'Rouge Intomperel' and Estee Lauder 'Extravagant Berry' lipsticks.

and swatches..

Dark Deed us the darkest, I teamed it with Rimmels Black Tulip lipliner which is a perfect match!

Ta da! When the Hubby saw me he was like "What the hell is that" Errrr, I didn't know what to say as it is very striking and NOT easy to wear. :)

But, I do like it, it's very vampy and feels quite sophisticated.

Have you missed Peanut? Here he is! :)

Later on we headed to my Mother-in-laws...

She went all out and made an array of home made cakes and pop corn parcels. She made the most delicious chocolate brownies & almond cakes.. MMmmmm! *Drool*

The kids loved it.. :)

..and so did I, it got to a point where it was like "forget the kids" I'll eat'em all! :)

How was your Halloween? And what are your thoughts on dark lips?

Outfit + All Saints

'Paranormal Activity 2' was intense, it was as good as the first one but not better. We went to see it last night and I ended up wearing this ensemble instead of the jumpsuit as I wanted to be more casual for a Thursday.

I teamed it with skinny jeans and dark tan leather peep toes, I wore the new Orelea beaded hoop earrings and lots of random bracelets.

I also made a trip to All Saints yesterday... Uh oh!

I got 2 things!

The 'Forgotten Tee' t-shirt...



I just love the distressed brown fabric, the neckline is twisted and sits beautifully in a very flattering way.

I have always loved their tags. Some of them have tea stains and a burnt look to them too..

And.. I purchased the 'Dahlia' dress, it was developed from a vintage sample and is effortlessly cool.

It has so many details, I will let the photos do the speaking.

This week has been about clothes shopping, I feel good not buying so much makeup and instead using up what I own. But, I go through phases. :)

Have you been doing more clothes shopping recently? What are your thoughts on 'All Saints'?

Hit and miss..

Which is which?

FAIL: I hate Barry M's new instant (311) 'Nail Effects' which is basically a matte black nail polish that cracks once applied on top of another nail polish to reveal a unique design. Yes, the results are instant and it has an "effect" but it's not that great. On my short nails it just looks like chipped and peeled nail polish and I dislike that the results aren't consistent, sometimes it cracks nicely, and sometimes it bubbles up which leads to an uneven texture. Overall, this is a definite miss from me.

SUCCESS: On the other hand I love Barry M's (244) 'Hologram' nail polish which is clear with chunks of small circular glitter that have a multi dimensional shine. It sounds tacky and childish but I really like it layered over the top of paler colours and grey to really make my nails sparkle. One coat delivers roughly 6 sparkles, I like to add 2 layers to really make them stand out. Also, I would like to add that the glitter is easily removed with nail polish remover.

What's your verdict?

Good Times..

I unexpectedly found these items today.... As you do.

I am in LOVE with this jump suit, the colours are very Autumnal and I deemed it perfect for myself, it was a bargain at £30 from Zara.

It doesn't look like much on the hanger so I tried it on for you. The waist has some gathering but I thought it needed breaking up so introduced a belt. I plan on wearing it to the cinema as we are going to go see Paranormal Activity 2 sometime this week.

Gotta love intricate waist belts for some jazzing.

I casually *whistles* bumped into these earrings in Topshop at the Orelia stand, and look how much the pale blue beads match the fabric of the jumpsuit. MINE!

I love this over sized jumper from H&M, it looks very shapeless and confusing to wear. I plan on wearing it slouchy & off the shoulder with skinny jeans and boots. Price: £14.99

Oh and this necklace was very dainty yet striking at the 'Mode' concession at Topshop,

I thought it was very cool, easy to wear and shaped like nothing I own.

I also finally picked up Barry M's instant nail effects and a chunky glitter nail polish - Woot!

Also, yesterday I made this statement necklace with semi precious Turquoise and Jade stones, it will complete any basic outfit, particularly a black dress.

How would you wear a jumpsuit? What do you think of over sized jumpers and statement necklaces?

Snuggles!

Here are a couple of cute things I picked up this week!

Skirt: Primark £9.

I plan on wearing this with a white shirt, thick ribbed cream cotton tights and boots!

Hat: New Look £5.99

Perfect for the freezing weather we have in London!

Have you purchased any cozy items recently?