Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

044 : Spring Beauty Haul

Hey Lovelies! Hope everyone is enjoying this amazing sunshine, I have to admit, I do find it really hard to get motivated when it's so beautiful outside! So, over the last five months I've been collecting various products ready for the Spring/Summer season, like a lot of beauty bloggers, I like to switch up my shades and products as the weather changes, for lighter, more delicate options.. please note, I didn't buy all of this at once and some of it was birthday gifts!



 I bought this on a bit of a whim around a month ago and I'm so glad I did. Before bed I tend to cleanse, tone and moisturise but my skin looked tired and felt dry in the mornings. I heard amazing things about this serum-in-oil and really wanted to try it out. Applying just a few drops before bed, my skin looks and feels refreshed in the morning. I look more awake and my skin feels hydrated and fresh, this is definitely a product I can see myself purchasing again and again! 


Being a lover of the original Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance, I couldn't wait to get my little mitts on this, I did buy it with birthday money as it is quite pricey, but its one of the most beautiful fragrances I've ever whiffed. Fruity, light & floral, its perfect for daytime & in the evenings if you don't like anything too heavy. It has a really soft, feminine scent and the bottle is just to die for! A staple for every girls dressing table, no?


Another naughty perfume buy, I bought this in Superdrug a while ago when it was only £10. I'm not a massive fan of celebrity fragrances but this is one of those perfumes that gets a lot of compliments and people are always pretty surprised to hear its Gaga's. Of course, it wouldn't be Lady Gaga if the fragrance fluid itself wasn't black, which turns clear when sprayed. The bottle has had a little controversy but I quite like the gold claw! It has a fairly light, floral fragrance which smells quite sweet. Its not one I'd use religiously but its definitely a nice option for the daytime!


I always get really excited for the new Essie collections, as a devout Essie collector, I'm always anxious to see whats coming next. I picked up three of these shades in the Boots 3-for-2 deal. I opted for Style Hunter, a bright pinky-red shade, Romper Room, a baby pink, Spin the Bottle, a nude and Fashion Playground which is a duck-egg minty shade. I decided not to go for the two blue shades as I never really use blue polishes. I have to say I was kind of disappointed at the consistency of these shades, with Romper Room and Fashion Playground its really hard to get a nice, even coat. Although when Fashion Playground is on, its a beautiful shade, I think it makes a perfect alternative to Mint Candy Apple. I love Style Hunter and Spin the Bottle, Style Hunter is a vibrant magenta shade, the perfect mix of red and pink and makes for a pretty, bold nail. I was a little skeptical of Spin the Bottle as it looks like quite a strange colour in the bottle, but its actually beautiful when its worn on, its the perfect nude, its classy and elegant and gorgeous for daytime wear.


Another Boots 3-for-2 buy, Madison Ave-Hue is a shade I've been pining after for such a long time, but always seems to be sold out at my local Boots. I'm so glad I managed to pick this up, its a stunning shade of pink and looks gorgeous on. A really girly, flirty pink which is different to all of the other pink polishes I have. I think its really underrated as its so utterly gorgeous, perfect pink shade for summer!


Another 3-for-2 Boots buy (am I the only one who'd have to be physically restrained to stay away?!), I saw these House of Holland Nails and fell in love, they're so utterly adorable. House of Holland have really outdone themselves on the nail front this year and have some really stunning designs out. I'm yet to use them, but can't wait to try them out. I'm a sucker for anything remotely cute, I'd have loved to have seen some House of Holland Cupcake nails!


Over the last year or so, Sleek has become one of my favourite brands, I love their eyeshadow palettes and their products are so affordable. I'd seen amazing things said about this little palette on Twitter and really wanted to give it a go. It has three shades, Icing Sugar (left), Macaroon - a cream blush (centre) and Pink Mint (right). I really like Icing Sugar, its a rose-gold, light, delicate pink which looks really pretty against my pale skin. I found Macaroon a little hard to blend in, but its a gorgeous, brighter pink shade. Pink Mint is more of a coral based blush, which I find is a little harsh on my skintone. All of the shades are really long lasting and have amazing pigmentation like their eye-palette sisters!


This was another birthday buy, I really love the Mac Mineralize blushes as they're always so shimmery, Azalea in The Afternoon is no exception, a pretty blue-toned pink shade with a hint of shimmer. This is a really gorgeous shade for the spring, it suits my pale skin perfectly but I think its such a versatile shade it would suit all skin shades, I have to say though, I don't feel as though as I've got much bang for my buck, £20 makes this little blush on the pricier end of the blush scale and the longevity isn't that great, I do find myself having to re-apply every few hours. For a limited edition blush, its pretty but definitely hasn't lived up to the hype!


I picked up this pretty little compact on a recent trip to Boots (they need to start charging me rent, seriously..!) Its so, so beautiful. Its a blush I've received loads of compliments on, it has shades of blush, highlighter and bronzer, when they're all swirled together on your brush it looks gorgeous. Its so shimmery and light, I can definitely see this blush being my spring/summer staple, its long-lasting too and well priced for what you get. Soap & Glory cosmetics are ones that I'm finding myself opting for more and more frequently, they've never seemed to fail to impress me lately!


I picked this up after seeing it on Fleur's instagram feed, it looked gorgeous on Fleur so I figured I had to have it. Described as having the colour intensity of a lipstick, magnifying shine of a gloss and softness of a balm & being available in a total of 9 different shades, its a really gorgeous lipstick, it doesn't feel at all sticky, my lips feel beautifully soft and hydrated, it definitely lives up to the hype and was a good investment, however... I just don't like the shade on me, it looks so dark on me, being a fan of lighter lipsticks I wish I'd opted for a lighter, pinker shade!


I picked up this little beauty on a trip to Cambridge months and months ago and I really wish I'd blogged about it sooner. It's gorgeous. I usually opt for the Mineralize lipsticks as I find them less drying, but over a good lip balm this lipstick is perfect. A beautiful coral shade, which works perfectly for both daytime and evening wear and one that I find to be really flattering, I think its one of those shades that absolutely anyone can get away with! Its become my staple lip colour over the last few weeks and I don't see it changing anytime soon, it is a little pricey but I think its definitely worth the price tag!


Divine Choice was another birthday purchase, its a gorgeous hot pink shade which I've had tons of compliments on. I love the softness and richness of the Mineralize lipsticks, it glides on really well and lasts all day. I always find the Mineralize lipsticks way more moisturising, non-sticky and easy to apply, this was no exception. I have my little peepers on Dreaminess - a gorgeous pale pink! The Models Own polishes were a couple that I picked up over easter and are yet to use, I saw them all over instagram and thought they were a great alternative to a texture polish or nail wrap. I love how these look on & their a definite cheaper option to the Illamasqua alternative!


Another Soap & Glory product I wish I'd blogged about sooner, I've had this gorgeous highlighter over a month now and have fallen head over heels for it. I had been looking for a liquid highlighter for ages and had failed to find one anywhere, I'm so glad I stumbled across this little beauty. I started using it just on my cheekbones to give my skin some definition and a little shimmer, to make my face look less 'flat' so to say! I mix a little in with my foundation now and it gives me a perfect dewy glow. I absolutely, love, love, love this. Cannot rave about it enough!


I'm really loving Soap & Glory products at the moment, I've been using them on a daily basis. My eyes are a really problematic area for me, no matter how much sleep I get I always suffer with dark circles in the morning, its something I feel really self conscious about and having tried a multitude of products I still haven't managed to solve the issue. Trick & Treatment is a light concealer, its yellow pigmented which claims to neutralise purple tones under the eyes. For me, this just didn't work. It added a little coverage but not enough, I find it works much better for covering imperfections! I think it was a little bit of a letdown considering the price! Puffy Eye Attack is a gel cream, which is applied at night and in the mornings, I pop it on under my eyes and brow bone before bed and before applying make-up, I've definitely noticed that my eyes look less tired, but again it hasn't done much for my dark circles, I've used this daily for around a month now and not noticed much difference at all. Bit of a let down!


Drink Up Intensive has been a product I was pining after for a really long time, having heard amazing things about it flying around the bloggersphere and on twitter, I finally picked it up a few months back and I don't know how I've lived without it! It's a beautifully creamy mask, which you just pop on before bedtime and bobs your uncle! I tend to use this after a hot bath when my skin feels dry and during the summer months when I feel like a need a moisture boost. In the mornings my skin feels beautifully hydrated and absolutely loves me for it. I love Origins products, and being all natural, you know that whats going on your face is all good! No nasty chemicals needed! I bought the L'Oreal Gel Liner on a bit of a whim, having used the Rimmel one for a really long time and absolutely loved it, I felt like I wanted to change it up a little. The L'Oreal Liner has really impressed me, its long lasting and super pigmented, it never needs touching up during the day at all and stays put. I was a little skeptical about the brush that came with it as I never find them to be that good, but the one with this liner was actually pretty decent, I apply mine using an angled brush from Mac for a perfect cat-eye flick! A definite keeper!

So that wraps it up! Sorry for such a long post today! What have you guys been investing in lately?

Lots of Love!
Heidi 
xxxx 
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Tuesday, 21 January 2014

041 Review : Bleach White Toner

Hey Lovelies! Hope everyone is well and settling into 2014! I've had a really busy few weeks and am really appreciating a lovely sit down a catch up with my favourite blogs! (leave me links your below!) 

I've been really pining to get my hair done for ages & ages, its naturally quite mousey and having experimented with every colour of the rainbow over the last ten years, I settled on blonde about four years ago. I love being a blonde but had forgotten how hard is it to maintain, having to get your roots done more often, the brassiness and general maintenance, it usually costs me over £100 just to get my hair cut, toned and my roots done, at this time of year it just isn't doable, with Christmas just gone by and all of my pennies spent, it was time to take matters into my own hands. I don't mind roots too much, but I hate the brassiness of blonde, after a few months my hair takes on a light yellowy orange tone and I can't bear it. Bleach was a brand I hadn't actually heard of until they bought out their range of dyes and shampoos in Boots, I decided to pick up some of their White Toner and give it a try.


I really like Bleach's packaging, I love how its a little different and a bit edgy, I love the unusual shape of the box and the fact that it doesn't have a picture of Davina McCall on the front. Having tried various silver shampoo, I figure it was time to up my game. I always find silver shampoo works to an extent, but my hair always needs an extra boost to eliminate all of the brassiness completely.


Inside the box was: 

- 80ml Developer Lotion
- 1 tube of Colourant
- 50ml Reincarnation Mask
- Plastic Gloves
- Instructions

The instructions stated to wash your hair first and towel dry, then to mix up the developer lotion with the colourant and give the bottle a good old shake, then to apply onto your towel dried hair, starting from the roots and sectioning it as you go. The toner was a white colour before you put it onto your hair and it was a really nice consistency, I hate hair dyes that are really runny and just drip absolutely everywhere. It was pretty mess free, although I did have a few qualms with the gloves. They were MASSIVE and they slipped about here, there and everywhere. I'd suggest buying some vinyl gloves from your local supermarket before using this as they'd work far better. My hands aren't tiny but they honestly look like they were made for a giant and I found them quite tricky to use. 


The instructions stated not to leave the toner on for more than 20 minutes. I left mine for 20 minutes exactly before washing off, giving it a shampoo at the same time. I then popped the Reincarnation Mask on for 5 minutes, as the instructions said to. I've used the Reincarnation Mask before and its amazing, its definitely one of the best hair masks that I've used. It leaves your hair so super soft, lots of blondes will know that our hair can dry out quite quickly but this really restores moisture and leaves hair feeling beautiful.

I blow dried my hair - I didn't add any additional products as I usually would as I wanted the best results - and was actually really impressed. I'd heard mixed reviews about this toner but it definitely eliminated the majority of my brassiness, I think I'd need another box to eliminate it completely but it did an amazing job at getting my hair back to a more natural shade of blonde, I was a little concerned about the roots as they were quite mousey and I did wonder if it would go a little yellowy, but actually they now blend really nicely with my hair! 

I'd definitely use this toner again and for anyone wanting to eliminate brassiness I think its a must. At £7 aswell you just can't go wrong! Next.. Bleach Rose Hair Dye?

Has anyone tried Bleach products? What do you all think?

Lots of love
xxx

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Friday, 3 January 2014

039 : 2014 Goals & Resolutions

(image source: weheartit)

Hey Dolls! Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas/New Year! It was a quiet one for me - how incredible were Londons NYE fireworks though?! I was mesmerised! I can't believe we're already into 2014, to be honest I'm kind of glad to see the back of last year as it was pretty tough for me. A new year is always a good excuse for a fresh start too, I don't usually set myself any particular resolutions or goals as I never stick to them! So this year I'm gonna make an extra special effort to see them through & hopefully by the end of the year I'll feel as though I've really achieved something!

- Eat Clean
I know everyone loves to get fit & healthy when the new year arrives & I'm no exception, when it comes to cooking, I can do it, but I don't have much patience. This year I really want to learn to cook properly and eat as much colourful food as I can, clean, organic foods which I hope can give me more energy & a healthier body. I'm really keen on learning new recipes and trying new out new foods.

- Drink More Water
I'll be honest, I never drink water. Literally never. The only time I ever have water is in a cup of tea or coffee, I'm not sure why, but I just don't like it. I drink way, way too many fizzy drinks & juices. I really want to cut down, I know drinking more water will make me feel better inside & give my skin the extra bit of hydration it really needs, especially during the colder months. 

- Start Baking Again
I used to love baking, a few years ago I was running my own cake business, I was putting all of my energy and effort into researching, marketing & boosting it - and then I got really sick, when I got ill I lost all of my energy & all of my passion, which is really sad as I know my love of baking is still there. Its definitely something I want to pick up on again.

- Be the best Mama I can 
My sons are the most important little people in my life, Alfie will be 7 this year and Oliver will be turning 4, he starts 'big school' in September which is a huge step as a mother. I remember Alfie's first day at school and it was so emotional - watching him blossom there over the last two years has been incredible. There's no better feeling than motherhood, I look at my two boys & feel so proud of them & so fortunate to have them. I really want to give them the best start in life & watch them grow into lovely young men. I always try my absolute hardest to give them all the love & nourishment they need & 2014 will be no exception.

- Devote More time to Blogging
I know last year I didn't post as much as I intended to, I started my blog a year ago this month (happy birthday blush & belle!) - this year I'm really going to push myself to post way more & grow my little blog in new & exciting ways. I really hope to meet lots of new lovely bloggers too! 

- Beat Depression
I think this is the toughest goal for me, having been diagnosed with depression at age 14, ten years ago, I have been stable for the last few years but early last year I suffered a major relapse and went as far as trying to take my own life - more than once. Last year was a really tough one, I really want to do all I can to beat this illness & I will exhaust every option. I've spent the last nine months or so seeing various different mental health professionals & I feel as though I'm really getting the help I need now - onwards and upwards!

- Be More Frugal
I'm awful with money, I spend when I really can't afford to and never save. Like most people, I really want to own my own house at some point in the future, so I know I need to start saving some money. Buy less of the things I really don't need (cherry bakewells are always essential in the weekly food shop right..?) and put away some more pennies where I can. I really want to try upcycling some furniture too, to save some money & give my house a more personal twist - thanks for inspo Kirstie Allsop! 
So there you have it, just a few of the things I want to achieve for the coming year, have you got any new years resolutions or goals? Link me to your posts below! 

Lots of love
xxx
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Thursday, 12 December 2013

037 : Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide 2013

Aloha Belles & Beaus! Despite feeling unusually festive, I have to say, I despise Christmas shopping, I love it from the comfort of my bed, but venturing outside when its cold, busy, everybody gets in the way & don't even get me started on the queues. No thank you. I love to wrap, but not to shop. It's less than two weeks until Christmas now & it's when everybody begins to panic that they're yet to find the perfect gift. Panic no more, I've got it covered! I've spent the last week or so putting together the perfect gift guides for your bff's, bf's, mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas.. you name it! The hard work has been done for you, there's nothing better than giving (and receiving of course!) a thoughtful gift to someone you love. 


        (Pyjamas, Philosophy Cookie Exchange Gift Set, Heart Print Slippers, Charbonnel Pink Champagne Truffles, Lush Candy Box, Bare Minerals Obsessed With Pink Gift Set, Bobbi Brown Everyday Lip & Eye Palette, Cath Kidston Aubrey Rose iPad case, Accessorize earring set, Bambi Necklace)

I adore everything on this list, I really love the little bambi necklace, a definite favourite and at £6 - such a steal! With all of it being affordable & so utterly cute, you can't really go wrong, who doesn't love Lush?! The scent of opening a Lush gift set is just divine. Plus, which girl could say no to those beautiful floral pj's?! I don't think I'd ever leave my bed...ever.





 (Cath Kidston Garden Rose Day Bag, John Lewis Bathrobe, Zara embroidered Scarf, Afternoon Tea for Two, Laura Mercier Travel Quartet, Clarins All About Lips Collection, Leather Gloves, Liz Earle Candle, What Katie Ate, Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Hand & Body Wash, Next Pyjamas, Hotel Chocolat Pink Collection)

For the important ladies in your life, mama's, sisters, grandmothers.. I've picked something for everyone. From the sophisticated Zara embroidered scarf, in a gorgeous neutral tone, to the John Lewis dressing gown (comes in purple & red too!) - Since being an adult, I've not owned a dressing gown, the last time I wore one was 6 years ago on the hospital ward after having Alfie, all these years on, I'm pining for one to keep me nice & cosy in the winter evenings! Over the super-cute pyjamas from Next, heaven. Liz Earle candle burning.. utter bliss!



(Tartan Lambswool Scarf, Sennheiser/Adidas Ear-headphones, Origins Man Travel Buddies set, Beer Soap, Worldwide Beer Collection, Philips SensoTouch Electric Shaver, Tweed iPad Cover, Channel 4 News Team Mug, Stag Watch)

I've tried to include something for every kind of man here, from the guys that like their grooming products, the tech fans & the trendy lads, there's a bit of something for everyone. Although I will admit, I am in love with the Topman watch, wish it was a little more girly, I'd definitely buy one for myself! Anchorman is an all time favourite, the mug is a great little stocking filler for those wishing they were Ron Burgundys sidekick. I got my Mr an electric shaver last year and he really loved it, it's one of those things worth spending a bit of extra dollar on if you know it'll be used all the time :)

 

(LSA Vase, Charbonnel Boozy Box, Easy Tasty Magic Alchemical Larder, Chalk & Cheese serving set, Next Little House Lamp, ReWined Candle, Emma Bridgewater Mugs, Diptyque Candle Trio, Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Mug Candles)

While I think men are definitely tough to buy for, I think couples are harder. Whether they're newlyweds or have been together a lifetime, it's always difficult to find something both parties are going to enjoy. There's more house wares here and a few bits for those who like to entertain, I really like the cheese serving set, I love that it comes with a little piece of chalk so you can write which cheeses to choose, or just a cute love note to the significant other! My favourites have to be the Emma Bridgewater candle mugs, I love her prints and think these candles would look so beautiful & add a really cosy feel to any home. I'd love to see these in her heart print though! & the boozy Charbonnel selection.. definitely no bickering over the chocolate there!

I hope these have helped a few of you with some ideas! Have fun shopping!

Lots of love

xxx

 
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Tuesday, 3 December 2013

036 : Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

Hey Belles! Winter is most definitely here & I thought I'd treat you all to a little lifestyle post. Over the weekend, the Mr and I decided to pop along to the annual Christmas Fayre in my local town of Bury St Edmunds, every year, the usually sleepy town attracts thousands of people to the third largest Christmas market in the UK, who like us, couldn't resist the festive charm & spirit. With handmade trinkets & treasures, more sweets than you can shake a stick at, old fairground rides & games and of course mulled wine & hot chestnuts, its hard to say no. What better way to start feeling the festivities! 


For the young ones, the magic of Christmas is brought alive with real reindeers in the park, Santa's post office - where you can post your letter to Santa, face painting, a story telling tent, the vintage carousel & beautiful lights adorning the streets. But its not just for kids, for the grown ups theres enough mulled wine & hot cider to get you merry and keep you there for a good few days, a huge variety of hot food, from duck wraps, hot donuts, continental cheeses & sausages, carvery rolls, hot chestnuts, fudge.. you name it. Loads of local wines and beers from the brewerys and micro-brewerys around the area, its the perfect place to find a gift for the foodie in your life. And of course, gourmet coffees and delicious hot chocolates to keep those who were driving nice & toasty throughout the evening!


I really love walking around Christmas Markets, for me, it brings me into reality & really makes me feel super festive. I love seeing everyone wrapped up all cosy in their scarves & mittens and seeing little babies in their toasty little onesies & fur lined boots. The actual market itself was lovely, with everything from jewellery, hand blown glass vases & bowls, carved wooden sculptures, vintage hanging decorations (I had my eye on the sweetest little duck egg blue bird!), clothing, artwork, handmade soaps & smellies & live music to bop along to, I think there was a little bit of something for everyone & was definitely the perfect place to pick up a little treat for yourself, bit of christmas shopping!


I'm most definitely feeling festive now, although I'm yet to start my shopping, I can't wait to start wrapping presents! What gets you in the mood for the festive period? PS - what do you all think of the blog makeover?!

Lots of love 
xxx
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Tuesday, 12 February 2013

009 Style Icon : Chloe Moretz

Evening Belles! Massive apologies for the slack update, unfortunately I've been all tucked up in bed for almost two weeks with the flu! Definitely not been feeling my best, but I'm back up on my feet and raring to go! So be prepared for some massive updating and hopefully a little bit of redesign too! 

Hope everyone has had a good couple of weeks?! What have you all been up to? I spent the last couple of days in Brighton with the boyfriend, it was really lovely to spend some time together and the little cutie pie even made me some biscuits! (I don't think he'd ever baked anything in his life ever!)

Cracking on, this weeks Style Icon is the darling little Chloe Moretz, at just 16 years young, Chloe has made a massive name for herself in the acting world, beginning her career at just a teeny tiny 7 years old! She's starred in some massive movies, including The Amityville Horror, Kick-Ass, Hugo and Dark Shadows


Chloe's name in the fashion world has just taken a huge step forward, she celebrated her 16th Birthday this week, and most definitely celebrated it in style as she collected the award for Next Future Icon at the Elle Style Awards. Wearing a stunning monochrome dress designed by Stella McCartney and matching shoes with a cute yet elegant up-do and minimal make-up, she looked every inch the Hollywood Starlet that she is. 


Chloes acting career is set to take big boost as she stars as cult character Carrie White in the remake of the 1976 horror flick, Carrie. She also resumes her role as Mindy in Kick-Ass 2, which is scheduled for release this summer. 

I can't wait to see what 2013 brings for her and the contents of her wardrobe, I'm sure she's gonna be busting out some amazing outfits if the last year was anything to go by, joining the likes of Lara Stone, Ashley Greene, Naomi Watts and Uma Thurman at the front row of Calvin Kleins SS12 fashion show in New York. She can definitely do no wrong when it comes to her style status!



Who's your current Style Icon?! 

Blush & Belle x
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Monday, 4 February 2013

008 Valentines Wishlist

As Valentines sneaks upon us, I have to admit, I'm not feeling particularly full of the romantic spirit, unfortunately, Mr Blush & Belle and I are unable to spend Valentines Day together this year, which is a massive downer for me. I'm a total sucker for anything cute, romantic/remotely loving and Valentines is definitely no exception. I adore having that one day a year to make an extra special effort to show someone how much you really do care for them.Here's what's on my Valentines wishlist for this year...



EOS Lip Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet £5.99 (available from Naturisimo)
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.25 (available from Liz Earle)
Wal G Lace Dress £35 (available from Topshop)
Nail Rock nail wraps, in Loverheart £6.65 (available from Topshop)
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green £3.99 (available from Amazon)
Bird Earrings £1.50 (available from River Island)
Charbonnel Et Walker Milk Chocolate Truffles - 110g £9.75 (available from John Lewis)
Floral Gift Boxes £6.95 (available from dotcomgiftshop)
Cath Kidston Fold & Mail Stationary £7 (available from Cath Kidston)
Pink Lace Collar Top £16 (available from Topshop)


Whats on your Valentines wishlist this year..? 

Blush & Belle x
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