Mademoiselle, Muchi Muchi or Not just a Pretty Face? How about all Three!?

  It has been brought to my attention my posts, of recent, have bared an element of inimicality, thus acknowledged I want to return to the original principle behind my page: to give an insight into my life, this negativity isn't an accurate portrayal of my quirky élan. So let's take a metaphorical U-turn and get back to the importance

of life: being pretty in pink!

  Since my first pay cheque I've been
embracing my inner princess. My parents have been separated from a young age, and therefore the predominant influence on my surroundings and lifestyle has been that of my mother's. This beautiful ascendancy speaks volumes for the person I have become, from Laura Ashley to Matalan, our home has been filled with eclecticism and taught Kitty and I a valuable life lesson 'It's not about how much it costs, it's how you use it' which we've enthused into our individual thriftiness.

  So here's my summer essential to effortless sublimity, and with names better suited to your favourite sorbet, it's a definite 'yes' from me! Essie is a brand first launched on the streets of Vegas in 1982 and has internationally found fame in recent years, with 'bikini so teeny' being voted 'the number one selling trend nail colour of all time'. My love for these pretty polishes stems predominantly from their easy application, due to a wide brush; and a thin opaqueness to the polish, making colour easily buildable and ever so adaptable!

  From left to right, the colours I opted for in my most recent purchase (above) are 'Mademoiselle', 'Muchi Muchi' and 'Not just a Pretty Face' all of which are very simple, but ever so girly, nudes. My favourite has to be 'Muchi Muchi' due to its pop of colour once built up by several coats: I think having a baby pink hidden away in your makeup bag is crucial... and real tan enhancer due to its pastelly contrast next to dark skin. 'Not just a pretty face' is a perfect everyday colour as its neutral mink tones are near enough exempt from a colour clash with any wardrobe choice, similarly to 'Mademoiselle' which is ideal for a quick fix, when on the go, as it's so sheerness allows for any chip or smudge to go unnoticed.

  The great thing about Essie is that Boots is one of its main stockists in the UK, and at £7.99 a bottle its worth getting those loyalty points rolling in if its to be a go-to brand for your mani-pedi! I tend to opt for Boots when it comes to replenishing a well-loved product, as it pays to be loyal: when I purchased this blissful trio I picked up a free pack of sample polishes by Essie as part of an existing promotional offer, and believe this propounds an incentive to extend an already existent collection through having the ability to try new shades you may otherwise lack inclination towards.

Melanie x

Triumvirance

 I must confess my blog's upkeep has fallen into a state of disarray, thus influenced by the disposition I find myself in cognitively.. I have found myself 'on the shelf', a shelf I have no great inclination to vacate: extensive time and persistence was previously spent keeping myself from it's clutches, yet of recent my resilience has exhausted and I have fallen desperately into its ever welcoming depths.

  I have always used a triumvirate to manage personal wellbeing... You are most probably lost, I shall elaborate: my triumvirate theory comes solely from the ancient teachings of Hinduism. At the heart of Hindu belief comes the concept of the cosmic functions - creation, maintenance and destruction - being personified by the forms of Brahman (the supreme being): Brahma who vitalises passion, Vishnu who sustains goodness, and Shiva who provokes ignorance. Without an equal influence from the Trimurti we cannot abide by the necessity of Samsara (the cycle of life - life, death and rebirth) and therefore we are compromised by the inability to reach Moksha (enlightenment) which is the end goal of each Hindu believer. Put in simple terms; if not for the Triumvirate, our existence fails to keep an equilibrium. Without the correlative influence of a deity's two counterparts our existence would lack structure and ambition: we our of understanding that Karmic consequence shapes our reincarnation therefore conduct ourselves appropriately, but without the knowledge or action of death, implemented by Shiva, one is faced with little or no incentive to oblige to the practice of Karma. If you look at life from a similar perspective, we can manage our lives as a triumvirate: work, family and relations. If you take from that triumvirate one aspect you are left with in-balance; without work we lack motivation, without family we lack sentiment, and without relations with friends or a loved one we lack passion. Sociologically we could compare this theory to primary and secondary socialisation, whereby one learns values such as conformity in the early stages of life through family influence and secondarily through an institution such as school or work: each aspect will inevitably reach a restriction, therefore that responsibility must then pass on to the next. I believe keeping an equilibrium in our triumvirate is essential, and when one aspect suffers deficiency this has a knock on affect.

  With my relations reaching their nemesis my equilibrance terminates, leading me astray from rationality. You become impulsive, unnecessary and nonsensical! I've distanced myself from normality's grasp and this takes its toll on my triumvirate's competence.

Melanie x

Three Stripe Negligence

  Unfortunately I write with regard to a matter of dissension. My partner placed an order under his joint VIP account on Adidas UK. Himself and a close friend regularly order from the company and opted to use a joint account to make this process easier; taking it in turns to stay up for late night/new releases. We pride ourselves on our loyalty to the brand and I am exceptionally disheartened with his recent experience.

  Having placed his order for the final edition to his 2015 Island Series collection just short of a fortnight ago we became a little concerned as to its whereabouts, having not received knowledge of a complication with the order, so looked into the former through the online account. In the order details his parcel's development was showing as 'shipped', he then had the option to 'track my order' through UPS where we noticed its status updates to be abnormal, saying our parcel had been out for delivery yet was left incomplete due to a lack of information and the last status concluding my parcel was being returned to sender. As I say, the only occasion we were made aware of this was through our own initiative to check the UPS website as Adidas, despite having an affiliation with the company, through the former being their chosen courier, had not concluded this was the case on our account. At this point my partner contacted UPS instantaneously as we had waited up to ensure he received a pair before the inevitable happened and Adidas sold out, but was informed the item was no longer in their possession, therefore the matter out of their control so attempted to contact Adidas.

  Having waited a fortnight (09/05/15) with no direct correspondence from a courier or the company, despite the latter having his email address, I rang their customer care line on Luke's behalf to draw light on the situation. After the initial greeting and exchange of our delivery number a customer representative 'Michael' began to change his tone, despite my patience and understanding in the matter, insinuating the mistake's onus was upon the consumer (Luke) rather than the company protocol, with no apology. We then asked that our purchase wasn't refunded and that we were reshipped the item with all relevant details in place, to be told we 'weren't allowed' and that this option was unnegotiable. Having had enough of this employees tone I insisted that I be put through to a superior, and was declined, as 'Michael' said there were no superiors in his field; I then asked my call to be forwarded to Head Office or that I could attain a contact number, to which he became incredulous and said 'customers don't get in touch with head office'. After much persistence I was given the number for Head Office in the Netherlands but searched online to see if their was a UK alternative: the search engine came up with Oxford Street, I presume due to it being their flagship store, I rang and was put in touch with a member of staff named Ron, who kindly gave us the director, Gil Steyaert's contact address: and, so far, here we stand.

  When placing the order Luke forgot to include his house number for delivery. Although his own rushed mistake, I do believe this is something the company should revise as any other online purchase would refuse placement if an address line is left incomplete. Despite our eventual knowledge of the former having not been included, the only email correspondence we received was that of the order's confirmation and a shipment notification. If as 'Michael' says, UPS returned package to the Warehouse, then why were we left unaware of this development?  I am shocked at the treatment I received from speaking to the Adidas customer care service and feel let down by the company as a whole. Luke, his close friend Simon have been continuously loyal customers over the years, hence having been upgraded to an exclusive Adidas account awarded primarily due to customer devotion, I feel that has been overlooked in this instance: the whole matter just seems a little unjust, seeing as it wasn't a matter of financial comeuppance. Considering Luke prides himself on achieving an entire collection/series as soon as they are released, it seems sad that he miss out on this occasion due to a fault that was avoidable: imagine how you'd feel if you'd ordered a limited edition lippy or thought you'd got the last festival ticket and missed out on it just because no one had the initiative to check all fields were complete on your delivery details! As I stated formerly, we have appealed against the refund and are awaiting Mr Steryaert's correspondence eagerly. I just urge that no one make the same mistake and miss out on the chance of owning something special to you, whatever that may be..

Melanie x

May Wish List

  I cannot wait to start working, I've officially completed all paperwork and have had my start date forwarded to this Friday; the bank holiday weekend, so I'm sure for my first few shifts I'll be kept on my toes by the bustle of customers we can expect to draw in over this busy time. Yet with a new job comes responsibility, obviously in a professional manner, but also with regard to self control. With fashion retail comes the worry of whether or not you can fight the temptation of yet another new skirt just in or that pretty floral romper you've been eyeing up for a while.. and sometimes temptation just gets the better of you. Seeing as I've been pretty strapped for cash of recent, what with weekly payments for the two Bestival tickets I secured on a whim, I'm allowing myself a little indulgence with my first month's wages and have decided to feature what I'll be purchasing in store for this month's wish list..

1.  Meadow Print Dress in Navy Scatter Daisy £44.99
I adore this cute summery print and can already think of 101 different ways I could wear this classic piece. I've tried it on for size/practicality for when I'm working, and it's a decent length for bending and kneeling down. I have been on the hunt for a strapless dress for a long time now and have been unsuccessful in finding one where the fit across my chest is just right, as it is often hard to find in this style of bodice due to its necessity to stay in place.

2. Folk Tank £22.99 I love the effortless beauty in this top! These gypsy style tops are all the rage this summer and I plan to make full use of this spin-off of the originally long-sleeved garment by teaming it with a pair of denim shorts with white lace trimming and tousled hair, for that perfect festival look

 

 3. Valiant Rugby Shirt £69.99 I already have a similar rugby shirt from Superdry which, despite having for around 4 years, is still in perfect condition. I love teaming a rugby shirt with a day look for that transition into evening wear as I feel it coincides perfectly with my classic British style.













4. Icarus Knit £44.99 there's not much to be said with regard to such a plain and simple knit. I know the store can get a little chilly, what with constant cool air being whirred around the air con, so am planning my outfits with my surroundings in mind.

5. Hibiscus Bikini (top £19.99 & bottoms £14.99)although not a necessity I would love to add this two piece to my ever-growing collection of exceptionally girlie bikinis!








I hope you liked this piece guys, obviously I understand that my rather preppy taste is not for everyone, yet hope you can appreciate that my blog offers immense diversity with regard to genres that to say each reader could be interested in every post would be over ambitious.





Melanie x

 

April Empties

  Hey guys, for today's post I'm planning on a quick run through of this month's empties starting with the least to my most favourite products. When it comes to my collection of cosmetic/skincare products we are looking at diversity; I like to stick to brands I can trust when it comes to my face as my skin can be quick to react if a product is too harsh. Whilst using my skin's sensitivity as an excuse to indulge I don't cast a blind eye to high street brands, such as Palmers or Nivea, as it's just a simple case of trial and error when it comes to finding what's right for your skin.

1. The Sally Hansen 'Airbrush Legs' leg makeup in shade 'medium' RRP £13.99

Whilst this product agreed with me, offering beautiful olive skin and all over coverage; I couldn't quite get to grips with the potent smell that accompanies. Okay, I get it.. we can often detect the presence of fake bake or St. Tropez from getting a quick whiff of someone, but not to this extent: I was going out smelling like kitchen cleaner! I'm not entirely sure of the reason but I jest the peculiar smell may be due to the brand trying to detract from that generic association we have with the smell of tanning products... stick to what you know, Sal! I'd much prefer to put up with that odd biscuity pong than smelling of Dettol!

  Another downside of this product is the price: it's a very middle of the market product with regard to cost so you're sort of expecting results to match. The fact the smell is just so potent, and the colour's just a little too... unbelievable, let's say, for day-wear it deters me from shedding out the pounds for such mediocre outcome: if it was between this and paying another £10 for guaranteed satisfaction I'd definitely settle on the latter.

     2.  Pearl Drops 'Now Smile' Corrector RRP £8.19

 

  Now, I don't know about you but my friends all find the idea of this really obscure and think it such a novelty when I brush a coupla' coats onto their teeth, but to me it seemed as normal as painting your nails or dying your hair... just a quick fix for teeth whitening, I suppose? Apply the product sparingly after brushing your teeth and it lasts throughout the day, which I do stand by. I would predominantly use the corrector for special occasions, nights out, or work so basically just when I wanted my appearance to be top-notch.

 

  The only downside to this product, I would say, is that as you begin to use it up, its affectivity wears off. I didn't feel my teeth were left as bright and wowing as they once had been, and so for my next teeth whitening purchase I shall most probably revert back to the 'iWhite' kit I used to use or a combination of the Blanx whitening toothpaste and mouthwash to regain that perfect smile!

 

    3.  Palmers 'Dark spot Corrector' RRP £9.99

 

  I came across this product by chance whilst Boots were running a 3 for 2 across Palmers skincare products: I swear by the brand for their cocoa butter formula for the treatment of stretchmarks, and thought I may as well give the former a whirl to treat post acne/teenage spot scars and a little sun pigmentation on my nose... I'm delighted I did! I cannot think of another product that could possibly have offered this result, but after a month or so of applying a pea-sized blob of the serum all-over my face daily I felt I was left with visibly clearer skin and a more even skin tone. I would definitely recommend this product for people between the age of my sister and I (14-18) to treat scars left over from the occasional spot or just as a light daily moisturiser, as it's important to hydrate the skin from a young age.

 

  Another plus-side was the ability to incorporate the serum into my morning skincare regime. I felt the product slipped in perfectly when prepping my face for the day, and assisted the application of my concealer and foundation alike, allowing both to blend into the skin smoothly, without the appearance of dry skin or redness from touch/irritation. I would just like to add that before the introduction of the serum into my routine I was using Chanel's Hydra beauty crème and before that Bobbi Brown's Hydrating face cream and feel both products were just too heavy for young skin, despite the latter boasting a 'lightweight' formula.

     4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 RRP £26

  This next product is a GAME CHANGER! Dermatologists have created this gentle exfoliating lotion to de-flake our complexion, revealing clearer skin. The method may sound a little invasive but it's a lot less extreme than you think. Once a skin cell makes it to the epidermis (top layer of skin) it will die and become weathered by the environment and daily activities, eventually these cells break away from the epidermis and fall off, making room for new cells to grow: Clinique works to remove the weathered cells from the face, allowing for the emergence of new cells and a refreshed profile. I will always repurchase this life-saver and have recommended it to many friends in need of a quick fix, although you should always speak to a customer advisor at the Clinique counter to determine the intensity (1,2,3 or 4) of the lotion that's right for you.


    5. MAC Crème d'Nude RRP £15.50

  It is with sheer dismay that I must bid my favourite lipstick farewell (until payday), you have served me well and I shall never forget the great times we had together...

  This lipstick is a MUST! I love the subtlety of this nude treasure, whether you're sporting a full face or just a touch of makeup Crème d'Nude should be your first port of call for reliability and around the clock wear!



 Melanie x

Life Update - Q&A

Hey guys, this post is mainly addressing those of you who have asked; feel free to skip it if you're not prepared to listen to me ramble...

  I cannot thank my follower base and loyal friends enough for keeping up to date with my weekly posts and listening whilst I explore pressing matters that I hold close to my heart. After great skepticism from my family as to whether I could cope with the criticsm occasionally received from doing so, I have decided to pursue my urge to create videos of similar content to my blog. To you this may not seem such a 'big' thing: sure, thousands of girls around the globe have similar aspirations and they bite the bullet without any question, but for me the thought of any backlash has remained a pressing concern. I struggle immensely with taking harsh criticism and mockery lightly, which hasn't been such a problem with my blog, but I feel the stigma attached to young girls today who express themselves creatively through film could have been too much for my anxiety.

  To answer the widely asked question: yes, I very much intend to stick at my blog as I feel just being able to express myself freely has done great things for my confidence. The response I have received from friends, family and just fellow bloggers has been astonishing and I am in debt to you all for making me feel as though my voice is heard without question. I felt weak when I started out as a blogger: I've always doubted my significance and felt my opinion was only called upon if my previous colleagues needed a new subject for derision, I feel now I have proved them, and myself, wrong. I'm taking each day as it comes and a vital part of doing so shall be publicating my progress, whether that be via video update or blog entry.

  I've also received quite a few questions with regard to what I'm doing with myself (college, work

etc.): I've actually just been offered a job at Superdry, Southampton and will be looking at a start 

date of around a week from now. My ambition here is to work my way up and take over the job

of store visual, as in my work experience I have been at my happiest when putting my creativity to good use. The overall appearance of the store is of a high standard for such a large floor plan,

which is in-line with my expectations when running a successful store, and I'm looking forward

to potentially exceeding what's expected of a simple sales girl..

Melanie x

Get to Know me: Room Tour

  Hey guys, I've wanted to do a room tour for a little while now. I take a lot of pride in the overall appearance of my room and, in the past, have spent hours getting it just right! As you can see; I love pretty things and am very much a girlie girl so can completely understand if this post appeals only to a minority. I started by taking snaps with a camera but noticed the image quality did not show my room in true form, so took to my phone... I apologise in advance for my amateur pics!

  Okay so, the two photos to the right are of my dressing table/chest of drawers. I tend to use this area for doing my hair... I like it to remain uncluttered so keep mess to a minimum, keeping only my most prized possessions here; my Chanel skincare, memorable photos (my frame to the right in the first photo is a new addition from Laura Ashley and being kept for a special photo of the boy and I). Another recent addition to my room is my white brush pot to the left of the second image. I know these having been popping up all-over the internet on blogger's dressers, but I couldn't resist! They are so handy.. and very pretty!
 

 
Over to my pretty little corner..
 
  I love this spot! I use this area predominantly for doing my makeup as there's an abundance of mirrors facing me and cosmetics hidden away cleverly! As you can see, a collage has started to form to the left of my first, of three identical, mirror/s which consists of childhood memories and clippings from past days out I'm fond of, and the whole area is sort of shaded by a bohemian style drape I picked up in Camden. As I said previously, I'm not one for clutter, yet I can't help but keep my new turquoise Gazelles in prime position as they are a recent gift from the boy (Luke) and I still haven't gotten over them!
 
               
 
 
 

 I used to have my skincare, cosmetics, toiletries etc. spewed all over the place, but thought I'd try out a more organised approach to getting ready in the morning. starting from the left you have my essential toiletries (pain relief, Tampax & Bonjela); less used makeup brushes; hair and skincare (Clinique's clarifying lotion, dry shampoo, tinted moisturiser); front left you have my daily toiletries (toner, deodorant ect.); less used makeup; then finally my daily makeup. I find it so much easier having my products ordered like this as it's easier to spot empties or whether my little sister's pinched something that took her fancy!

  The following photos are pretty self-explanatory so I'll leave you to make of them what you will...

 

   I hope I didn't bore any of you too much with my little insight into the wonder which is my room. As I am writing this Luke has whined about how he wouldn't read
something along these lines, but I look at my room the same as some girls look at fashion: everyone wants to make something their own and I feel my personality is equally conveyed through my bedroom, as it would be an outfit.

♥ Let me know what you think, and whether you'd like to see more posts like this. I love hearing from you guys

Melanie x