Wonderful You | Fashion and Style Blog: April 2013

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | April 2013

Image Source

Olive & Frank

You may remember this lovely shop from last month’s post? Well I’m so glad they’ve decided to stay put for another ramble about how much I love them! I’m sure you’ll agree that there are countless online boutique’s to choose from, so what makes one stand out from the other? In this day and age affordable prices seem to be the front runner, and Chloe who founded this stunning shop has got that spot on. When you have so much choice, clothing and accessories to die for and you won’t be spending more than £30 it’s a no brainer. I would happily own every single piece and I’m particularly fond of the Yellow Tassel Loafers...pretty sure they need to be mine.

Bows, Bangles and Bakes

What can I say about Jen? Her blog sums up what I would like to be in ‘life’ – she bakes, has a creative eye for DIY projects (candle in a teacup has to be my fave) and knows exactly how and where to pick up amazing charity, bargain finds. With all this documented in her lovely blog and a smashing personality to boot – she’s always making me laugh with her witty tweets; you know the only thing there is to do is hop on over and see the wonderfulness for yourselves.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the lovelies that are on my sidebar...it's fast becomming one of my favourite ways to discover new blogs and shops - I think it's fab that our little blogging community can bring everyone together!

As of June 1st, there will be some changes on how Wonderful You's advertising package will work. I won't go into too much detail now, but there will be options for more than one package along with mentions on this blogs other social media platforms throughout the month.

If you're interested in securing a spot, please do get in contact: wonderful.you(@)hotmail.co.uk

And a big, big thank you to the two lovely ladies above - you're fantastic!

Monday, 29 April 2013

Balance Me | Radiance Face Mask

Face masks have to be my favourite part of the skin care routine - they feel truly luxurious and it’s always something I look forward to after a long week. When Balance Me got in touch and told me all about their natural beauty amnesty, I was excited. The hope is that us beauty lovers will swap out our synthetic products and replace them with natural ones – and of course I’m always up for a challenge!

So – what do I look for in a mask? Having blemished and scarred skin top of my list is definitely exfoliation and brightening. BalanceMe’s Radiance Face mask manages to incorporate that along with deep cleansing properties including ingredients such as ground walnut shells, fruit acid complex and kaolin clay which all contribute to getting rid of any nasties and encouraging cell renewal for a clearer, brighter complexion.

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask c/o

It works differently to any of my other masks – it has a similar consistency of an exfoliator but you apply it to dry skin, rubbing in circular motions to release the beads and then you leave it for 5 minutes to work the rest of it’s magic before removing with warm water. Never before has my skin felt so silky smooth and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was definitely softer than a baby’s bum – it’s like a layer of loveliness and been left on my face with no stickiness or drying. The scent is also really calming and not at all over powering, perfect just before bed.

Of course, what you really want to know is if it’s actually done any good. What do you think? Yes is the short answer, but I’ll let you have a little more than that. Obviously my skin feels smooth after use, which is always a plus but it’s not the be all and end all – I’m more interested in the changes it brings to my skin. After using this twice a week for 2 weeks the scarring on my forehead from previous breakouts have almost disappeared, and my complexion in general is clearer, brighter and with a more even skin-tone.
The nasty scarring on my chin hasn't budged just yet but it's becoming easier to blend with my makeup, so I'm confident that with a few more weeks it will help to improve that more too.

This retails at £18, so I'd say it's at the higher end of a high street buy - but it's definitely justified with the results it's given me so far.

Fear not - If you're on a spending ban (like me) and want to re-vamp your beauty regime with some natural products like this, enter Balance Me's competition here where you stand a chance to win £200 worth of their products!

What do you think of Balance Me? Is it a brand you've tried before?

Friday, 26 April 2013

Spring Haul! | Primark, Estée Lauder & More!

I’ve been absent from my YouTube account for the past month - I find myself falling in and out of love with it and to be honest I think I’d love it a whole lot more if I had some decent software or a new laptop to edit from. I’m sure other ‘YouTubers’ will agree that editing a video is a time consuming and hard going process; to get your video not looking a complete shambles it takes some care and attention and some of my videos can take a couple of hours (including filming).

Nonetheless I am back and this time it’s with a Spring haul! I’ve picked up a few items of clothing and make up bits and bobs over the past month or so and of course, I want to share it with you lovely lot...

Hope you enjoyed watching :) Have you picked up any bits and bobs for spring?

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

I've been SHORTLISTED! Company Style Blogger Awards 2013

Okay so this is some pretty hefty news for Wonderful You..I only went and got bloody shortlisted in the Company Style Blogger Awards! I know – I can’t really believe it either, it only seems like yesterday that I started this little bubble of happiness in my life and to think that other people think it worthy of an award is CRAY. But honestly – it makes me feel giddy inside and so, so proud. Thank you so much to every single amazingly amazing individual that placed their vote to get me to the shortlist I am sending you the fattest virtual snog ever.

I said it last time and I’ll say it again – I do feel a bit naughty writing a blog post about this and I hope it doesn’t annoy people too much, but I promise this will be the last you’ll hear of it on my blog!

If you wanted to vote for me to win it’s super simples. Just click here and I am under category 6 – Best Fashion Blog Newcomer; you have to click ‘next page’ 6 times in order to get to my slot, but there are some other amazing categories with amazing bloggers if you want to vote for them on your way to mine! :) then just continue to click next page until you get to the end where it says ‘Submit’, your vote will then be counted.

company_blogger_awards_vote_badge-wgzGFr

If you do choose to vote for me, it will mean the absolute world. And I know it sounds silly and mushy, but I don’t mind at all if I don’t win – there are some wonderful blogs that I’m up against and just to be shortlisted has literally made my year! If you don’t want to vote and managed to get to the end of this ramble, then thank you for reading and apologies again for being a bit of a nag!

Sending out SO much love to you – thank you all for being truly supportive and fan-bloody-tastic. And of course a huge BIG LUCK to everyone else shortlisted - congratulations :)

Monday, 22 April 2013

Lipstick of the Moment | Barry M TMLP

Finding a new lipstick is always a merry time, especially when it’s only £4.49 yup that’s right, under a fiver. Barry M isn’t a brand I would usually think to look at for lipsticks but when I was recently in London staying with my cousin I absolutely fell in love with the lipstick she had on. She told me it was Barry M so regardless of the spending ban I’m on, I figured a few pounds wouldn’t make too much of a difference, right?

I bet your jaws dropped when you saw the shade? Haha, so did mine and it did feel a little odd putting on a ‘green’ lippy but of course, the application isn’t anything of the sort. TMLP – touch of magic, reacts to the PH level in your lips creating the perfect shade of pink for your skin tone. Firstly what an amazing idea, finding my perfect shade of pink has been a long and losing battle - until now. And although it requires a steady hand – you have to remember that the lipstick is clear until your body starts to react to create any colour, but it feels just like applying a lip balm so after a few attempts it’s easy.

The formula is nourishing and waterproof with a staying power of up to 8 hours and it’s not fibbing. After relentless scrubbing trying to remove this lippy at the end of the day it’s almost impossible, my lips are stained and it’s not going anywhere. If it was a neon orange then it might look a bit ridiculous, but I’m quite taken with having rosy lips and a bare face!

I would go as far as to say this is my favourite lipstick purchase to date. It has all the qualities of a high-end brand and the price tag of a McDonalds! The shade is clearly going to be different on every individual, which is my favourite part – and I really do feel like it’s the absolute perfect pink.

What do you think? Have you tried TMLP yet? If you want to get your hands on it, I picked mine up from the Barry M website. Thank you lovely Kyle for introducing me to this holy grail product and thank you Barry M for being bloody brilliant.

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Filling our First Home | #1

As you know (I go on about it enough) Daniel and I are currently on the exciting search for our first home. Whilst it’s bloomin’ brilliant and so much fun it’s also a little stressful. There are so many factors to consider and even though the house may be perfect, the area might not be ideal and vice versa. There’s already been a few tears (on my part may I add), but I do promise there’s lots of smiles involved too!

I thought I would take a break from finding the ideal home and find some beautiful things to fill it. I’m going to be writing a series of posts dedicated to my ‘bottom drawer’ as my nan likes to call it :) showing you all the weird and wonderful bits and bobs I pick up. These posts will be a bit higgledy piggledy and will feature anything from pots and pans to bed sheets. I hope you enjoy reading them and fingers crossed you find some niceties for your house too!

I’m sure you also remember my love for Not on the HighStreet – this website is a homebuyers idea of heaven. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw an email pop up in my inbox asking me if I’d like to review something, absolute perfect timing and from one of my favourite shops too.

Daniel and I have quite different tastes, where he’s quite contemporary and clean-cut I am most definitely not. I enjoy clutter and vintage randomness. Do you think we might have a bit of a problem?! Regardless, we sat down together and sifted (through thousands) of items available. We managed to narrow it down and surprisingly loved so many of the same things (phew). The winner was this beautiful toilet roll holder. Excited is not a word I would usually use for such a contraption but this excites me far too much to not share with you guys...

How amazing? Each shoe last has been recovered from a disused mill in Herefordshire and have been reclaimed and polished by hand. If you're not familiar with what a shoe last is I shall briefly explain - shoemakers and cordwainers use these to manufacture and repair shoes and are shaped similarly to a human foot - whether it be simply for the repair of a heel or a custom made boot, they're a little bit clever!
I absolutely love this idea, the finish of the solid wood is so warm and authentic and I actually cant wait to have it in my bathroom! If you fancied you could use it as a kitchen roll holder, but I've already found one I like for that :)

For only £35 you're getting something completely original (no two are the same) and every person I've shown it too has been lusting after it, but for now, it's going back in the bottom drawer to wait until we've found it's perfect home!

What do you think? Is this something you'd like in your bathroom?
P.S. if you like the toilet roll, it's Andrex limited edition haha and I picked it up in Sainsbury's!

Friday, 19 April 2013

Why have an opinion? You're skinny!

image source

For many people I'm sure this wont be anything new..there are thousands of articles drifting around the internet about weight and people's opinions regarding it - this blog post isn't one I want adding to the list. However, my blog is my personal space to share my feelings and every now and then I indulge in a 'lifestyle' post, today is one of those days.

Yesterday I tweeted an article by the ever ~~wonderful~~ awful Samantha Brick talking about how she feels that in order to be self respected, successful and attractive you have to be thin. I was absolutely disgusted reading it and I'm quite sure that Samantha Brick isn't actually real at all, that this persona is made up and she's doing it all for the publicity (which doesn't make it right), but how can someone be that vile? Any way, that's another story entirely - what I actually want to write about is the fact that people think I can't have an opinion about this because 'I'm skinny', because obviously - my body makes my opinions redudant. Writing that makes my eyes water and my nose sting but more than anything I'm angry and want to talk about why that, isn't okay.

Firstly 'skinny' is the most horrible word. I am not skinny - but yes I am slim, I can consume a fair amount of food without gaining weight, but I am also human. My entire family are of a small build, so I suppose that makes me lucky right? No it doesn't. At primary school through to college I was bullied for being anorexic, bulimic (I wasn't) and 'disgustingly' thin. To say I wasn't 'in with the crowd' would be an understatement. I was what they called a late bloomer and I didn't start my period until I was 15, meaning that I didn't have anything to show in the chest department for my entire school life, my metabolism was also so high that I didn't have much joy in keeping any weight on me either, I was 6 stone until I was 17. Now to be ridiculed and alienated when you so desperately want to be different and cant is something incredibly hard to deal with. Please don't let your jaw drop to the floor and say 'how gross to be that tiny, eat some food.' I eat, I eat a lot and regularly.

Now I'm older I've 'shot' up to an A cup and managed to squeeze a tiny pair of hips out of my puberty (YAY) and many wouldn't believe how awfully self conscious I am of my body. I didn't take my bra off for my boyfriend for the first 6 months of our relationship (what a saint he is) and he's the only person in the world who has seen my boobs (that makes me feel so awkward to write down, eww). I struggle with my body image everyday and unless age slows my metabolism down that will continue.

I don't want people to read this and think this is me attention seeking. I know that I am not the only girl out there that feels this way and I really do feel that it should be talked about more. Because I find it SO bizarre that this society believes it's okay to ask someone who is smaller why they are that way or tell them that because they are slim they can't have an opinion about weight. I mean I can't believe for a second that the majority of the public would go up to a bigger person and ask them why are they overweight, or query them if they had something to say about someone else who was overweight - it's just ridiculous!!

All I want this post to say is that it shouldn't matter whether you are small, tall, big or slim - your opinions still matter and you are entitled to have feelings regardless of how much you weigh. Being 'skinny' doesn't mean that you are happy with the way you look or comfortable in your own skin. Remember some people, like me, struggle to put weight on - and others struggle to lose it, we're all in the same boat to a certain degree.

Don't ever think that because someone looks your idea of perfect that that is what they are or feel. I'm sure, that 9/10 they feel insecure just like you do. And what is perfect any way?

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Love Without Measure | Outfit Post

Top: c/o Love Without Measure. Leggings: Topshop. Boots: Urban Outfitters. Hat: Topshop. Backpack: Urban Outfitters

If you have one staple item in your wardrobe, let it be this top. It is absolutely perfect for throwing on over jeans, leggings or tights and can be equally dressed up or down and achieve a thousand and one looks - there's not much more you could ask of a garment of clothing. I'd probably go as far to say that I might even wear it to bed...(not joking).
Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate this backpack - yes I feel like Dora the Explorer but that was clearly my intentions when I bought it and it's my favourite purchase for a while. I managed to pick it up in the sale for £25, however that seems to have sold out now but they have a similar one back in stock!

This weekend (I'm thinking ahead) will involve a liiiiittle bit more house hunting - yes it has replaced clothes shopping *sobs*, although I kinda LOVE IT!
Do you have many plans? Hoping the sun will be a-shining :)

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Bloggers Event | E-tailwebstores and AX Paris | Outfit Post

Last week I travelled to London to attend the AX Paris event at Circus, held by the very wonderful e-tailwebstores. It was my first bloggers event and nerves do not begin to cover what I was feeling; it was really quite strange as usually I’m confident in social situations but I was stupidly panicky and hardly spoke to anyone (which I’m regretting now) – but I couldn’t help it, nerves just took over. Alas, the event was incredible both E-tail and AX Paris had put on a fantastic night with cocktails, canopes and breathtaking performances galore well as a cheeky preview at AX Paris’ new collection video. It was also really lovely to meet some amazing ladies including, Tami (Tami Bee), Helen (I am Lily Bee) and Lauren (Oh LittleRed), thank you guys for letting me stick by your side and be an awkward turtle.

And of course, I thought you lot might quite like to see what I wore to the event...! I decided to go quite casual, I didn't want to be worrying too much about my outfit and just enjoy myself. (btw, the skirt was an absolute STEAL from spitalfields market in London, only £10, herrow!)

Jumper: GAP. Skirt: Spitalfiels Market, London. Bag: TK Maxx. Boots: Hudson of London. Belt & Jewellery: Vintage

Obviously, not forgetting the photobooth...much fun to be had in these babies!

I wish I’d plucked up the courage to speak to a few more bloggers, but despite that I had a great time and a big fat thank you to all the wonderful people organising it. For my first event it definitely set the bar, so well organised and the goody bag was a bit fabulous...hello Ryan Gosling colouring-in book!

Were you at the event? Or do you have any events in the pipeline for 2013?

Thursday, 11 April 2013

Character Design | Illustrator Extraordinaire

I’ve mentioned it a few times before, but one of my favourite things about blogging is that you get to know so many lovely likeminded individuals. One of those ladies (I’ve raved about her before) is the ridiculously talented Zoe Newlove and I’d say I’m her biggest ~~stalker~~ fan. Did you read , where I showed you my snazzy little business cards? Well she’s back with all her amazing-ness to showcase one of her many uh-mazing talents, illustration. Illustrated bloggers is not something new – I’m pretty sure you’ve all seen them but honestly, I haven’t seen anything like this...

I think what I love about it the most (aside from the FOX, ahhh!) is that it’s actually so life like, don’t get me wrong I do love the other illustrators floating around the blogosphere but to me Zoe’s drawings are so original and unique. And not only is the final result fantastic, you know how much work has gone in to it. From what I know about illustration (little) it's a rarity for the artist to draw the characters before finishing on the computer, it just shows the quality behind the result.

If you want to get your hands on your own character, you can find Zoe’s rates here and contact her on . I know it may seem silly but this is something I’m going to cherish forever - I was so, so happy when I received it and can’t thank Zoe enough. Next decision is where to pop it on my blog, I need to find the perfect slot – any ideas? :)

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Stepping in to Spring | Outfit Post

Buying our house this year is going to be one of the best experiences ever – but is it a little sad that I’m feeling a bit down that my current home for outfit snaps will need to be uprooted? Fingers crossed we have a snazzy new garden!

Dress: c/o Ravi Famous. Tights: Primark. Boots: Urban Outfitters. Lipstick: Kate Moss 107. Bracelets: c/o Not on the Hight Street & Silver Supermarket

Needless to say I will be taking full advantage of my family garden until that point. This dress makes me feel like a bit of a princess and incorporates my favourite outfit details – lace, sequins, (p)leather and not forgetting swishy-ness (obviously compulsory when pretending to be a princess). Paired with these trusty wine coloured tights from Primark and my studded Urban Outfitters booties it’s a match made in heaven and perfect for the (apparently) chillier Spring we’re experiencing. I'm rather attached to my bracelet from one of my favourite shops Not on the High Street, I love personalised jewellery and decided to opt for a bit of cheese with mine and Daniel's initials. I even went all out and hunted down my Kate Moss 107 lippy to complete the look.

This evening I’m heading to the AX Paris bloggers event, hosted by the lovely ladies at etail-webstores – no doubt I will have snaps a plenty to show you and I’m so looking forward to meeting some fellow bloggers too (if not a little nervous, please like me haha).

Hope you're all having a lovely week so far!

Monday, 8 April 2013

Illamasqua the I'mperfection Collection

Illamasqua is a brand that I first discovered a few years ago - It’s best known for being the centre of attention in stage makeup but has more recently slotted itself, rather perfectly may I add into the top-end, high street stores. It’s bold, vibrant, fun and the quality in every product speaks volumes.

When the ever beautiful Rose contacted me and popped a few items from their new collection in the post I was stupidly excited and the I’mperfection Collection for Spring is the latest to hit the makeup shelves (firstly how amazing is the name I'm Perfection and Imperfection rolled into one? Genius). This has to be my absolute favourite collection ever – rather than concealing the parts of us we’re embarrassed of with heaps of makeup it’s all about celebrating and highlighting your imperfections; embracing them and the rest of the world.

First up is the nail polishes - the two shades below are called 'Speckle' and 'Freckle'. Speckle is a pale violet and Freckle is a light, neutral tan.

This is unlike any nail varnish I've tried before - there are tiny little specks of black and silver running throughout and the matte velvety finish turns your nails into little duck eggs. It's such an amazing idea, and so perfect for Spring.

Now for the lippy - Immodest is the brightest Pink I own and I must say I was a little dubious to try it out at first, but needless to say I'm in love.

It's a long lasting matte finish and contains all the right vitamins to stop your lips from drying out. I've gone for a full coverage lip, but this could definitely be dressed down with a lighter application and a hint of lipgloss. With Illamasqua you pay for what you get and the staying power on this bad boy is second to none.

For me there’s nothing more exciting than a campaign that makes you think outside the box, and potentially change the way you look at not only your makeup, but your life. Makeup aside, that’s something we should all take inspiration from.

If you want to have a look at the rest of the collection you can do so here - I know I'm swooning over the Lover & Hussy blush!

What do you think of Illamasqua? Have you dipped your toes in the luxurious waters? Remember - you don't have to be too daring with your makeup choices to enjoy their collections, there really is something for everyone.

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Happy 1st Birthday to Wonderful You!

image c/o weheartit

Today, is my little blog’s first birthday. I love a good cliché and it’s never been so true that the time has literally flown by – I can’t quite believe that a whole year has gone by and how much I’ve grown to love my blog and the blogging community as a whole. To think that on April 4^th 2012 I had one follower (myself HAHA) and now I’m sat here writing to over a thousand people makes me feel all funny inside.

Blogging is simply a hobby for me but to think of all the things I’ve done with it and all the little doors it’s opened up for me is crazy. I mean I’ve made some wonderful friends, it’s helped to grow my confidence in myself – before blogging I was turning into a bit of a wallflower and there’s nothing at all wrong with that but I feel like it’s given me the boost I needed – to believe in myself and know that if I want something enough I can achieve it; of course I’m sure it’s had that effect on many of you too.

All I really wanted to say was a big thank you – thank you for being so wonderful and for continuing to read my weekly ramblings. And also to say, if you are a blogger don’t be too hard on yourself. I think that within blogging we can get a little bit lost sometimes – we spend time worrying whether we should be writing about a particular subject and if we stray from that subject it means we’re a bad blogger, I couldn’t disagree more. I love fashion, I love beauty, I love writing about things I find interesting outside of those categories and Wonderful You is a place for me to share all of those ideas that pop into my head. Don’t get me wrong I think consistency is always a positive thing and if you want to write a post every day of the week and that works for you then that’s fantastic but if like me, blogging is something you take the time out to do and you don’t have a few spare hours a day to dedicate that time then that’s absolutely fine too. You should embrace the fact that it’s your space, your content and no-one else’s. Some of my favourite bloggers post every other week and some of them post everyday and I love them all the same - it doesn’t matter as long as what you’re doing makes you happy, because let’s face it positivity shines through in every way.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOGGY! Here’s to another year of fun times and ramblings, thank you for being the best readers anyone could ask for you mean more to me than you know and so does this blog!

p.s. On Easter Sunday I was invited down to BBC Radio Northampton to have a cheeky interview with the wonderful Helen Blably and Gok of the North Jules! You can have a listen here if you’d like (skip to 2 hours 35 minutes and that’s when my slot starts!) hope you enjoy it, I was super nervous.

Monday, 1 April 2013

Fantastically Wonderful Advertisers | March 2013

Writing this post is one of my favourite times of the month - not only is it opening another new start to a fresh month but I get to introduce you to the wonderfulness behind my sidebar. And this month I'd like to share some rather lovely shops...

Image c/o weheartit

Olive & Frank

What can I say about this amazing shop - to be honest I think it speaks for itself. The first time I clicked on the website I instantly fell in love; for a start it's neat and easy to navigate your way around (there is nothing more annoying than an unclear website when you're trying to buy something). But that aside the clothes, jewellery and accessories are an absolute dream. The best way I can describe their clothing is when you spot a girl in the street and you know that not everyone has those clothes, you've never seen them before, but you want them. To me that's fashion and Olive & Frank couldn't have it more right. From bell bottom shorts, printed blouses to brogues and loafers it's a vintage-inspired haven.

Kittenish Behaviour

I'm really quite excited to let you know about this shop. It's been around since 2010 but only launched this month to the public... Sián, the lovely lady behind the brand takes vintage clothing to a whole other level. As you ladies will well know the highstreet is not renowned for it's on-point sizing and this is where Sián's excellent sewing skills take place. She picks on trend, bold modern fabrics and uses vintage patterns to create the perfect fitting, pin-up pieces. This shop is definitely more on the pricey side but given the quality and originality of the items, let alone the fact that there will only be a certain amount of one garment made - ever; it's the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself for a special occasion.

I hope you have all managed to find something you love in these shops - I know that my bank balance has, and will continue to suffer at the hands of their awesomeness.

And don't forget to drop me an email if you'd like to have your advertisment on my sidebar!

Subscribe to:

Glam