Monday 23 June 2014

What's In My Bag? (And a little introduction...)

I've become addicted to 'What's In my Bag?' posts and videos recently.  I think it's just human nature to be a bit nosy from time to time and I'm a firm believer that the contents of your handbag can give a good hint as to your personality, so I think these kinds of posts are great fun. 

If you read my last post you might have noticed a reference to a 'new bag'... I was a little bit naughty last week and treated myself to something so, since I had to swap everything over into the newbie, I figured it would be the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon and do my own 'WIMB?' post. 

First though, let me introduce you to 'Rocco', the newest member of my handbag family...


The Alexander Wang Rocco tote in nubuck leather.  The website said the colour was 'camel' but there was a tag on that said 'ginger' so I'm not exactly sure what the colour is but it looks more 'camel' to me, so that's what I'm going with! 

The Rocco has been on my radar for a little while now and when I saw this baby on the Outnet for 40% off I just couldn't resist.  I have to admit, I didn't realise it was nubuck when I ordered it or I might have managed to resist...  Nubuck or suede or anything in that family scares me a little, as I just think it's such a high maintenance material.  However, once I pulled him out of his box I fell completely and utterly in love! The leather is so soft and smooth... High maintenance or not, there was no way I could send him back.  So, I figure I will just be sensible... I've ordered some Collonil nubuck and suede protector spray, committed to avoiding rain wherever possible but carrying a plastic bag with me at all times, just I case we do get caught in a shower and he needs a little makeshift raincoat and I'll avoid wearing him with really dark colours that are guaranteed to transfer.  I don't baby any of my bags but I will be a little more careful with this one. 

I've only taken him out once so far... I was desperate to use him but want to wait until he's protected before I put him into use for real.  Yes, it is a very, very heavy bag, due to the solid studs on the bottom but the weight distributes quite evenly through the handles so it's very comfortable to carry and as you're about to see, I don't carry a huge amount in my bag, so I don't think the weight will be an issue for me. 

Just a couple more handbag porn photos before we move on to the contents...


He's just so soft and smooshy and lovely! 

I'm actually turning in to 'crazy handbag lady' in this post... Sorry!

The contents...


I change my bag at least twice a week (more if I'm not at work and have actual outfits to coordinate with!) so I have the opportunity to get rid of receipts and stuff on a regular basis.  I dread to think how much rubbish would end up in here if I didn't switch them frequently!

There's a couple of things not pictured here; my iPhone which comes with me everywhere, my iPad which I usually take to work with me and some chewing gum that I have obviously abandoned somewhere currently unknown. 


From the left:

Mercedes Benz USB Stick and Desk Keys - This little stick has most of my work files on.  I actually bought this USB for hubs when he bought his new Merc, thinking he could out some music on or something... It sat on his bedside table for 6 months, so I have reclaimed it!  

Bath and Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer Gel - I actually paid £1.99 on eBay to get this which seems a tad excessive for some sanitizer gel, but I'd read so many good things about it.  I went for the scent 'warm vanilla rose' and it is absolutely gorgeous.  The smell lingers for ages after use and it's actually nice to use.  I find other sanitizers to leave a strong disinfectant sort of smell so this is a pleasant change.  I'm tempted to buy another in a more fruity scent, just because! 

thisworks Turbo Balm - My lips have been feeling really dry recently which is unusual for me, so I've been trying this out.  I'm still undecided as to whether or not I think it's helping.  It doesn't feel as moisturising as I thought it would and for £12 for a tiny tub it feels a little too similar to plain old Vaseline for my liking.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed it improves.

Tangle Teezer Compact - I have a full size Tangle Teezer that has changed my life completely (well, it's made hair brushing after washing a hell of a lot easier!) and this little portable one is perfect for the windy, rainy UK weather that we're all so used to!  I love that it has a little cover over the bristles to stop everything in your bag getting scratched up, it's a nice touch. 

Cross Pen (currently on mega sale!) - Hubs bought me this lovely Cross pen set when I got my promotion at work last year.  There's also a fountain pen that, unfortunately, I don't use but this ballpoint goes everywhere with me and I use it every day at work.  I go through replacement cartridges like there's no tomorrow! 

EOS Lip Balm - A product from my previous Wishlist that my lovely mum got for me.  I love how moisturising this is and how easy it is to apply.  I keep this floating around in my bag so it's easy to grab when my lips need a little moisture boost.  

Bath House Vanilla Noir and Amber Perfume - I've recently discovered Bath House.  They have a shop in Ambleside and I am addicted to their bath salts and body washes.  The smells are so strong (in a good way) and every product I've tried has left my skin feeling silky smooth.  There was a 3 for 2 offer on last time I was in the shop so I picked up this perfume to try and it's definitely become a favourite.  The smell is very light and easy to wear and the bottle is easy to throw in my bag and freshen up throughout the day. 

House Keys - This would usually have my car key on too but given that my poor little car overheated on the way home last Friday night it is currently in car hospital, so I am carless and keyless until he is fixed.  It's looking like it might be terminal but fingers crossed he can be sorted! 

The Brightside Make Up Bag - I love the whole Brightside range and the saying on this little bag makes me smile every time I look at it.  I'm not going to bore you with a picture of what's inside - we're talking hayfever tablets, spare hair bobbles, some sticking plasters, Estée Lauder powder compact and about 4 lip glosses/balms.  Boring. 




Glasses - I always carry my Ray-Bans with me.  I have the gold framed aviators with brown lenses.  I love the packaging on these glasses as they're so sleek and easy to carry, compared to other brands such as Gucci or Chanel who seem to want to take up as much room as possible with their cases!  I also have to carry my proper eye glasses with me as I'm blind as a bat and need them to drive if I've had to take my contacts out through the day.  These ones are Gok Wan for Specsavers, with big geeky frames.  They're good fun to wear. 

Kleenex - Useful all year round but particularly in hayfever season.

Benecos Happy Hands Hand Cream - This was a stocking filler from my mum at Christmas.  She's since given me the tube she got for herself as she didn't like it.  I'm not a huge fan myself...  It's a very oily moisturiser and takes a long time to soak in but then there's no results.  My hands feel dry again and I feel like I have to reapply.  I'm using it up so it doesn't go to waste but I definitely wouldn't choose this again.

Glass Nail File - I bought this off eBay for about £1.99 as I was sick of my nail file damaging everything in my bag, so one in a cover seemed like a good solution.  This was not a great purchase as the lid keeps falling off although, I can't really expect anything else for £1.99!  I am toying with the idea of getting the Leighton Denny crystal nail file but filing with glass/crystal makes me feel a bit sick (think nails down a black board!) so I only need it for proper emergencies and don't want to spend any money on it really. 

Edward Monkton Hippopotamus Tin - This was actually a tin full of mints but I threw those away and use it to carry emergency hair grips with me.  Perfect for those mid-day touch-ups when my hair is set on escaping from it's style!  I love Edward Monkton and the random words on all their products.  This tin is the Hippopotamus of Extraordinary Grace and the little quote says 'let her dainty steps remind us that we can all have whatever we set our yearning hearts upon', which I think is quite cute! 

Miu Miu purse - I have had this purse for about 7 years now.  I've used it every single day and it's still in great condition.  I use this for coinage, notes and membership/points cards. 

Louis Vuitton Cles Poche - This gorgeous little thing holds my most used debit and credit cards, along with my driving license and Boots Advantage card (I use this regularly, compared to other loyalty cards!).  This makes swapping from big to small bags a bit easier, as I don't have to switch cards out of my main purse every time.

So, there we have it!  The contents of my bag.  

I really enjoyed writing this post and (if you've managed to get this far) I hope you've enjoyed reading it too!  As I said, I'm addicted to 'WIMB?' posts so, if you've done one on your blog please link it below as I'd love to have a read! 

Aimee x









Saturday 21 June 2014

Summertime Wishlist

Summer Wishlist





Since my previous wishlist proved successful (most of the items are now in my possession so it definitely focused the mind!) and as yesterday was officially the start of a new season, I figure now is as good a time as any to do another! 

So, working sort-of-clockwise:

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight - Even though I've not been blogging myself recently I have been reading tonnes of beauty and fashion blogs and this little highlighter keeps popping up everywhere!  I don't have any semblance of naturally defined cheekbones so I'm looking forward to trying this out. 

Chan Luu Silk and Cashmere Scarf - It's officially summer and I'm lusting over a scarf but, in my defence, these are pretty special scarves!  I first saw these scarves in a video on Wendy's Lookbook and have read nothing but good things since.  Soft, silky, huge and warm - I will be snuggling up in one of these this autumn/winter! [Currently on sale at The Outnet!]

Utility Jacket - Again, this is probably planning ahead a little too much but I'm thinking a utility jacket for those end of summer/autumn days will be perfect.  I think it'll look cute over dresses and tights or with jeans. 

T-Shirt Maxi Dress - I actually already have a navy version from Dorothy Perkins and I've been pretty much living in it every weekend since I bought it, so I want to add another in a neutral colour - I'm thinking khaki, to match my new bag (there'll be a post on this soon!). 

Dainty Gold Bar Necklace -  There's not much I need to say to justify this gorgeous necklace - the perfect lightweight accessory to add a little bit of glam to those plain maxi dresses I want to keep wearing! 

Dior Addict Lip Glow - I often find myself wishing for a lip balm or lipstick that just enhances my natural colour and, apparently, this magic little stick will do just that! However, at £23.50 for, what is effectively, 'just a lip balm' it's a little pricey, so I'm planning to pick one up at duty free before our holiday in September.  The 20% discount will make it a little more justifiable! 

Asda G21 Lace Kimono - I love George at Asda for clothes.  I've found the quality to be great and they often have on trend pieces at a great price.  I spied this kimono while I was out picking up some cough medicine for my boss (the glam life of a PA!) and would have snapped it up there and then but they didn't have my size.  Thank goodness for web shopping! 

Black Gladiator Sandals - Doesn't have to be these particular ones but I need a comfy pair of black sandals for 'mooch' days.  Ones that don't make my legs look stubby emphasise the real-life stubbiness of my legs, if such a wonder-product exists! 

Estée Lauder Doublewear Foundation - I've had a couple of samples to work through over the past week and have been completely impressed with everything about this product.  I will be purchasing this as soon as my current foundation runs out. 

Mulberry Glossy Goat Keyring - At £70 this is an indulgent purchase I don't know if I can justify, given that it will be bashed around in my bag for most of my life but my trusty keyring, purchased in Paris, smashed to pieces when I dropped my keys the other day, so some sort of new keyring is needed.  I've found this similar looking one from Aspinal of London at a much more bashed-about-in-bag-worthy price of £20, so I think this will be the option for me! 

So, there we have it... A few purchases I'd like to get my hands on over the next few months. 

Is there anything I've missed that is a must-have?? 

Aimee xx

Monday 16 June 2014

China Glaze 'For Audrey'

My favourite film ever is Breakfast at Tiffany's, my favourite actress ever is Audrey Hepburn (I knew all the words to My Fair Lady at a very young age!) and I spend hours of my life painting my nails.  So, when I saw on Instagram that there was a product that paid homage to these three things, it only took me 30 seconds to log on to eBay and hit the 'Checkout' button. 

I am, of course, talking about the China Glaze 'For Audrey' nail polish - said to be the perfect 'Tiffany' blue.  

Now, when it comes to nail polish I am (usually) completely faithful to OPI as I love their formula, colour range and Pro-Wide brush but since they don't make a colour that combines three of my favourite things, I decided to 'cheat'. 

And I'm so pleased I did!! 



First off, the formula was amazing.  The picture above is after 2 coats but it was completely opaque, with no streaks, after the first coat and I could have easily slopped some Seche Vite on top and happily left it like that.  I put the second coat on because my nails are a little ridgy at the moment and an extra coat helped to smooth them out.  

Secondly - the colour. I ran up the stairs in excitement before my top coat was even dry and grabbed a Tiffany box!  


Okay, so in some lights it looks better than others but I don't think anyone could deny that this is as near a perfect match as anyone could get?!  The same bluey-green hues, the same somehow-bright-but-somehow-pastel sort of shade.  I am in love!!  Next time I use this colour I will definitely be a couple of white bows painted on to my fingernails... just to keep with the theme! 

Finally, the wear time...  I always struggle with nail polish lasting.  I don't know whether I have oily nails that stop the lacquer sticking properly, or whether it's having a job where most of my time is spent typing but I am lucky if I get 2-3 days good wear before the nail polish remover has to make an appearance.  I got 4 days out of 'For Audrey' which, for me, is excellent.


To round up - this polish is brilliant.  I received so many compliments while it was on my nails and people recognised the colour immediately.  I've been so impressed by the quality and formula of this China Glaze polish that I have officially become a convert.  I guess I'm 'breaking up' with OPI for a little while to see what else CG have to offer...  Any suggestions for 'must try' colours would be much appreciated! 

On a side note - am I the only person that cries for about an hour when they go looking for Cat in the rain at the end of Breakfast at Tiffany's??  I think I actually cry less at Titanic

Thanks for reading. 

Aimee xx



Life Lately

It's been almost 6 months since I posted anything... I can't quite get my head around the fact that we are halfway through the year already!  I'm already starting to plan Christmas - too soon, I know! 

Reading one of my last posts, it seems I jinxed myself by committing to posting twice a week... 'regularly'.  Truth be told, I don't think I have enough going on in my life 'regularly' to fill up a whole two posts a week!  My weeks are filled with full time work where, generally, the most exciting thing that happens is negotiating a saving on our copier contract (whoop!) and my uniform is navy pants and a white blouse, so frequent OOTD posts would get pretty boring pretty quickly!  I have a husband who, although generally fabulous, is reluctant to stand around taking photos of me when I am in my non-work clothes and a mirror that shows the mess that is our bedroom when I try and take a selfie! 

To cut a long story short - I made myself feel like I *had* to write posts, which took the fun out of it very quickly... Especially when there was no one reading them! (Blogger now tells me my page has had 892 views since it set up, so 'hi!' to anyone who stopped by.  I love reading other people's blogs and there's lots of stuff I do have to blog about, so I'm just going to jot things down on here as-and-when the inspiration strikes rather than try and have a schedule!  

There's been a lot of stuff going on since my last post though... A manager in a department at work got rushed in to hospital and a week later the only other person in that department also got ill leaving *no one* to cover.  So, I somehow ended up stepping in and managing the department for two months, even though I had no idea what I was doing... And, to my complete joy, the department made a good profit each month! Yay!  I totally enjoyed it and loved the sense of achievement (and the thanks from my boss!) that I got at the end of it. 

What else has happened?... Oh, we were supposed to go to Mexico on 5th April, with my in-laws but we found out 2 weeks before we were due to fly that my father-in-law needed urgent surgery, so the holiday was postponed until February next year instead, when he'll be fit and well to come with us.  I'm on countdown already. 

I also had a birthday.  26!  I actually feel a bit old now but I'm enjoying it!  I'm looking forward to turning 30 in four years time and doing something completely fabulous to mark the occasion!  We spent this birthday day in Edinburgh, had lunch at Kitchin and finally bought my Neverfull!  I don't know why I waited so long.... I am completely in love! 

Anyway, this post is turning in to a long one so here's some iPhone snapshots to catch up on the past few months...


1.  Enjoying some sunshine in the Lake District, even though it was still freezing! // 2.  Beautiful birthday presents from my lovely mum - who reads my blog and had ticked off most of the items on my Wishlist (thanks mum! x) // 3. My gorgeous Neverfull in Damier Ebene and the bandeau gifted by Hubs // 4.  Following a YouTube tutorial to shell and prep a cooked lobster - and being totally successful! // 5.  Harry the Cat being adorable, as always // 6. Finally watching 'Frozen' and spending days warbling 'let it goooooo...' afterwards // 7.  A 15-year old Tag Heuer watch that I refuse to take off my wrist // 8.  Embracing my geeky side with some Gok Wan glasses // 9.  The yummiest sliders from Eaten by Monsters //. 10.  Working through my Kitchin cookbook and loving every meal so far // 11.  Breaking in my Converse (in pjs - obvs!)


1.  Giggles at a wedding in April // 2.  Harry the Cat hiding in my wardrobe, looking slightly demonic! // 3.  Because it's perfectly normal to take a selfie with the cat! // 4.  A little mini Danish-inspired smorgasbord to watch Eurovision with // 5. Some simple nail art with OPI // 6.  All dressed up for an amazing black tie do // 7.  Not Dior but I love them! // 8.  A traffic jam selfie, featuring my Mexico-themed scarf

So there we are... A ridiculously long post and a proper catch up.  If there's anyone who's managed to read this far through my ramblings - well done and thank you! :) I'm sure the next post will be shorter... I actually have a couple of things I want to post about, so it shouldn't be a 6 month wait until the next one! 

Aimee xx