Define your wardrobe!

Just recently I have been shopping a lot in Warehouse.  I have always been a budget clothing girl and whilst I realise Warehouse isn’t exactly high end, some of their items can be a bit pricier.  However, with my purchases so far I have not been disappointed with the quality and I certainly feel that it is worth saving for a few choice items rather than buying everything in sight (my general tactic when shopping in Primark).

For those of you who struggle to be prised away from the allure of buying twenty tops for £10 (regardless of whether they fall apart after the first wash) take a look at Warehouse’s ‘Definitive’ range.  These are casual basics at a good price with excellent quality to match.  They range from basic vest tops and T-shirts through to simple dresses.  Because the quality is so good these items can be worn on a day-to-day basis or dressed up with a statement necklace and heels for a night out.

My collection so far consists of Longer Line Cami (White) £10, Lacquared Lace Textured Stripe Tee (Red and White Stripe) £25, Zip Pocket Vest (Red) £14, Boyfriend Tee (Grey) £12, Boyfriend Tee (Red and White Stripe) £14.

Below are some of my outfit suggestions for two of the tops listed above.

 

 

Let me know if you’d like to see more outfit suggestions for Autumn.

 

 

 

 

Autumn Wishlist

 

 

 

As Autumn approaches fast it brings with it new collections in stores (both fashion and beauty).  Here are a few of the things I am lusting after this season.

Fossil Tote Bag Camel £189

I really love Tote bags and have been looking for an ‘investment’ bag that isn’t going to fall apart or go out of fashion this season.  This particular Fossil bag has lots of different finishes you can choose from but my favourite is this camel colour.

 

 

Dune Reta Leather Knee High Boots £125

I have been searching for ages for a pair of black boots that are flattering but comfortable.  The heel on this boot looks like it would give your leg shape but not kill your feet by the end of the day.

Staring at Stars Teardrop Pointelle Sweater £45 Urban Outfitters

This cardigan will be great in the autumn when it’s not really cold enough for chunky knits but you still want something over your shoulders when you go out.  I love the colour too.

 

 

 

Cooperative contrast Collar Dress in Tile Print £48 Urban Outfitters

I love the pattern on this dress.  It’s still nice and colourful as we move out of summer but the colours are deep enough to transfer over in to Autumn.

 

 

 

Benefit Highbeam £19.50

I love highlighters (no idea why, it’s my weird beauty obsession).  I recently tested this highlighter when I was in duty free and loved the slightly pink tone to it.

 

Nars larger than life lipgloss in shade como £19

My make-up collection is definitely lacking a decent lipgloss and I have been hearing nothing but good things about the Nars selection.  This colour is perfect for the autumn months.

Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation £33

A decent foundation is really important and again with this product I have heard nothing but good reports.  Definitely high on my shopping list (might blow my make-up budget though).

 

I hope you enjoyed reading my ‘wish list’.  Let me know what products you are coveting this Autumn.

 

 

Getting rid of work stress!

Apologies to all you beauty followers out there but todays post is going to be more well-being related.  The further I progress in my job the more I seem to literally live and breathe it.  I vaguely remember a time where work was that thing I did in the middle of my day to earn some cash and my life didn’t really start until 5pm where I would walk out the door and not give it another thought until the next morning.  Nowadays it seems that my job is the majority of my existence (mental and physical) and my social life is the few hours on a Saturday evening where I allow myself a couple of glasses of wine and a takeaway. 

So recently I’ve been trying to find ways of really giving myself some mental switch off to the stresses of my work and I’ve found exercise, in particular, mountain biking is the best way to forget about anything that is worrying me.  Ok, I realise it is not the most glamorous physical activity and it quite often involves getting muddy, dusty, dirty and generally a bit red-faced (well it does if you are me!!), but it is also great exercise and a chance to be out in the fresh air with some great scenery. 

I’ve never been one to exercise purely for the sake of getting fit, there has to be something else to it either some kind of challenge or skill involved that takes my mind off the pain of exercising.  To me there is nothing worse than running endlessly on a treadmill with only the pain in your chest and the ache in your legs to think about.  But mountain biking isn’t like that.  Yes, there are definitely moments of aching legs and breathlessness but these are interspersed with fun and challenging downhill sections that will certainly take your mind off the exercise element and make you focus on not hitting that huge log!

For me one of the best things about biking is the complete mental switch off.  If, like me, you have a full on job the best form of relaxation is to completely switch off mentally and not think about it, even if it’s just for a few hours.  Trust me, when you are concentrating on avoiding roots, stones and logs the last thing you will be thinking about is that email you forgot to reply to or what is on your endless to-do list the next day.

Most of all its just great exercise which makes you feel better all round.  I am never more motivated than when I have been for a good ride and as the autumn draws closer I am in favour of anything that gives me a more positive mental attitude. 

 

Have you got any really good tips for getting rid of work stress?  Leave a comment below.