The Birthday Blog!

Hey everyone,

So last Tuesday was my 18th Birthday! And it was such a lovely day I had the best time! So I thought I'd give you a diary style post about what I did!

5:00am: My beautiful kitten sings me happy birthday - well no she howls to go out, mum lets her out and I sleep for a bit longer! 

6:00am-ish: Woke up eventually and go downstairs to see parents, have tea and open my lovely presents! Hotel Chocolat chocolate for breakfast - perfect! Then nap for a bit longer till parents go to work. 

9:00am: Get up and run a Lush bath with the Space Girl bath bomb I got in one of my presents. Smelt amazing! Watched YouTube while in the bath. Then get ready to meet mum in Canary Wharf for lunch. Am wearing my favourite pink skirt outfit (seen in this post). Make up wise I wore my natural base, accentuated with a gold sparkly eyeshadow from a Next pallette and on my lips I used the Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush in shade 100 topped with the Lancôme Juicy Tube in a Toffee flavour (not sure on the exact shade sorry). The jewellery that I wore: my new Michael Kors bracelet and my F21 heart necklace.

        Image from: goldsmiths.co.uk

12:15am: Meet mum at Carluccios. Fritto Misto (my fave) was not on the menu, but we had Bruchetta and a breaded Chicken dish (Millanaise I think) from the set menu and it was lovely! I also had Cherry juice which is rare to get hold of and was so tasty! We had a lovely chat outside in the sun, then I went round the shopping malls and met Max Chilton the F1 driver and Natalie Pinkham from Sky F1 which was soo cool for an F1 fan like myself. 

I also unashamedly bought another fluffy pen for my collection which is so cute! It's a tiger aww! 

5:30pm: I returned home for a bit and relaxed before getting changed into my favourite summer beach trousers and vest top, styled with my Dorothy Perkins denim jacket with the sleeves rolled. Then I went out and met my parents in Zizzi's (mum gave me the Hello Kitty balloon which was on my Instagram and seen below) where we had amazing food, including a chocolate and banana calzone - Awesome! Then we saw the new Transformers film in 3D which was the best 3D film I've seen all year, yet it was an almost 3 hour film which was a tad long and didn't get home till quite late! 

00:05am 16th July: Finally went to sleep on such a high after such an amazing day! 

Thank you to everyone who made it the best birthday ever! Also I can keep my statement that it hasn't rained on my birthday in 18 years (bar a slight bit of drizzle first think that morning), which I think is pretty cool too. 

All the best, 

Update: I've been 18 a week now and I love it. I feel older which is strange as it never made an impact before! Woo! 

Anyway lots of luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Super Skin Saviour: Tea Tree Truth!

Hey all,

I am not used to writing full length beauty posts but one of my friends asked about how I had got my skin under control as she had noted a change for the better and I decided to write it down into a post, and I can almost review everything that I use. Very soon I am going to technically be an adult, but like most teenagers I suffer spots. Over the years, I tried everything. I mean everything. Even now I'm not sure if I've got it perfect but for the moment I've tamed my skin, not completely fixed it but it's 100% better than it was. 

I basically was at the end of my tether and my mum went to The Body Shop because she wanted to get some stuff for herself and bought me back a set containing some products from the Tea Tree range. I have been using it since February and the results have been revolutionary. 

(I just want to point out as a disclaimer this post is not sponsored by The Body Shop or any other shop but I will be singing their praises.) 

At first I was  only alternating the Cool and Creamy Face Wash and the Squeaky Clean Scrub day and night, depending on the condition of my skin. Once a week I used the Face Mask and the Tea Tree Clearing Lotion acted as a 'on the spot' treatment to dry out the blemishes. 

Eventually I found I really needed to introduce a good moisturiser into the routine because Tea Tree is quiet drying if you aren't careful, so I also bought The Body Shop's Mattifying Moisturiser with SPF which covers sun protection and helps with the oiliness of hormonal skin while helping prevent the drying. I have also been mixing this with the Tea Tree Pore Minimiser which is brilliant at reducing the size of open pores under make-up.

At night I was using only the Tea Tree Night Serum, which was great at reducing the red scars left behind from previous spots, and my moisturiser, but I found that it was not enough moisture for my skin so I decided to add more products to my routine. 

Straying away from The Body Shop slightly, I've also introduced two extra products into my routine. The Ultra Calm Skin Relief Serum from Botanics at Boots is amazing to help calm my skin when it is red and rebelling in the morning. And at night I mix it with the Tea Tree Night Serum and my Simple Kind To Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream to create a lovely moisturising yet health giving night treatment.

N.B. I am also trying out the Tea Tree BB Cream in Light and although it is a great base for make-up, I hope that this will become a good way to reduce the amount of make-up I wear which in turn helps the skin as it means there is less need for a fuller coverage and more for targeted coverage only on the areas it is needed.

Altogether my skin is much better than it was, I have to also watch that my hair doesn't get oily as that also affects my skin, as does the amount of water I drink and how late I stay up. Recently I have been up quite late and I'm feeling it, my skin is not happy. It will get under control though. I have faith. 

I hope this helps anyone who is trying to get their skin under control, however most of the time it is personal and someone's recommendations will not always be perfect for everyone. I know for definite that once you've made a plan you have to stick it out for a long time before you start changing things, as your skin takes time to adapt and take on the effects.

Hope you are all well, 

All the best, 

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Links:
The Body Shop Tea Tree Range
The Body Shop Moisturiser - Mattifying
Botanics Ultra Calm Serum
Simple Kind To Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream - this can be bought at many shops including Superdrug, Boots and Asda (the three I know of, but I am sure it can be found elsewhere too)

Summer lovin' style must-haves!

Hey all,

I am sitting in my mums comfy recliner chair looking out the window at the lovely sunshine beaming down onto my front lawn. 

[update: it is actually pouring down with rain now but it was sunny when I started this post and can't bare to not be nostalgic for the summer sun which has abandoned us for the time being.]

I know many of you are already enjoying your summer wardrobe (I am certainly), I thought I would write a post of my top 5 summer must have staples in my collection: 

1. Espadrilles - for those of you who have been following my blog for a few years, you will know my love for the comfy summer shoes and this year it's no different. I have bought a new pair this year which are sparkly! I love them so much and they go with everything. 

 

2. Soft beach trousers - I bought my first pair after suffering bad sunburn on my legs last holiday and they are blue with floral pattern which are so comfy. I am very pleased that there are loads on the high street. I bought the black floral patterned pair (see below) recently from Peacocks. (I want some of the ones from Next too but I can't decide on a colour)

 

3. Pale tights - if you are a bit worried of scars or discolouration on your legs but do want to get some sun and wear a dress - then tights are a very good way to show them off while disquising anything. I wear Marks and Spencer as they are very thin yet you can get a variation of shades, you can even get a Natural Tan without sun-worshipping.

4. Anything gold - It is my summer colour and I love gold eyeshadow, lip gloss, nails. I also love it in my shoes and I bought my staple gold sandals from Red Herring at Debenhams in the sale! Result!

 

5. A cover up - anything from a kimono to a cardi, this year there are plenty on the high street and I love this one from Tokyo Doll at New Look and Primark have a few good ones. Basically it's a way to smart up a casual outfit without over-heating in a cardigan/blazer/jacket.

 

 

So here is my top 5 summer wardrobe staples. Maybe I will do some outfit of the day posts soon so you can see how I wear them. If you'd like that drop me a comment below or on my social media networks. 

Sorry for this post taking me so long, I got caught up in prom and pre-birthday celebrations all last week but I am back now. 

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Life 3.0

Hello everyone,

After a very long hiatus I am finally free of the shackles of school and exams, heading into what I like to call life 3.0. I have been in school for 14 years now, that was life 2.0, and before that well I was very small and I suppose that was life 1.0. So I heading into a new phase and am planning to improve myself this year, as I realise more about myself, without my life revolving primarily around school.

I can't really say that I have many plans for what I am going to do, but blogging and interestingly vlogging (did someone say YouTube channel, I will let you know when I launch my channel) are going to become a major part of my life as I've missed it so much and will be able to focus more on what I love. So keep your eyes on both of my blogs - my other lifestyle/advice blog is linked above if you haven't checked it out and want to please do.

I have a few post ideas to re-launch my blog, all summer related, one handbags, on clothes and the last one is a beauty look inspired by my mums blog. I also was thinking of reviewing books on this blog if you would be interested in that as I have a HUGE amount of books of varying genres and would love to get through them all as soon as possible.

So just a brief I'm back post today, but have got more time now so it will not be long till my next one, promise.

- Just a side note, I have Instagram so you can keep up with my travels on there, as well as the usual Facebook and my Twitter.

I hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine,

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Hello!

Ok when I originally wrote this post I was in bed at the weekend and it was a thourghly grey morning and I looked back on and old picture from the end of the last year at the pretty morning sky and mused about spring. In fact that pic is below:

The best thing about spring is the putting away of the winter darks and dressing in pastel. It is a bit of a staple for me. I am going to buy some light jeans maybe this weekend or next if I can get hold of some and then it will begin! 

I'm not really sure I can ditch the jumpers yet though, I'm not that brave as it is frankly freezing in London right now. 

Update: today there was a rainbow so perhaps better weather, or a pot of gold, is on it's way! (This pic was taken through a classroom window which explains the strange marks on the photo)

Hope there is better weather where you are! 

Leave a message in the comments below if you are preparing for the spring season and how!

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Princesses are not quitters!

Hello everyone, 

Wow it's 2014! And I haven't blogged in ages! Sorry! *bad blogger head shake of shame* 

But today I was particularly inspired and as I didn't want to make my first post of the new year short and full of drivel I resolved today would be the day. 

Basically today I went to the castle in the sky, Harrods. Ok it's not a castle per say but any girl can feel like a princess browsing the diamonds and evening gowns and handbags and shoes... you get my drift. 

I looked at all of the Chanel sections (a must for me); the fine jewelery hall is also must if you were a magpie in a past life as I was! I think if you are easily blinded by the spotlights it will be a bit much, if that is the case then you can easily walk the halls of clothes and bags and window shop. A top tip is to enjoy everything! There is so much to ooh over even if you don't buy anything at all, although there is a HUGE toy and sweet section which if you are feeling kiddish goes down very well! 

The sale in Harrods ends next weekend and then the store will calm down a bit, as the perfume hall especially was jammed with people! 

But all-in-all it was very fun. I am really tired now. 

Btw the reason that this post is called princess are not quitters is because me and my friend went out shopping and had limited luck in the beginning but we didn't quit and it reminded me that I have a book from when I was little called "Princesses are not quitters" by Kate Lum. I recommend it for anyone who has a little girl in the family, or just needs some motivation as the book is really pretty and it is all about not giving up on doing what you want to do. 

Happy new year blogosphere, I will be better this year I promise! 

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Christmas time!!

First, ok I'm sorry. Again.

I've been really busy. Seriously, life = hectic. But it is Christmas and I have time off to relax. YAY! 

So I am going to be back blogging more regularly than I have been, I promise. It's going to be a New Years resloution. 

But anyway hello everyone, happy holidays!!! 

I have a few holiday traditions. This year I got to dress our tree, all by myself, it was a bit of a mission but it is worth it, to see it sparkling in the corner of our frontroom. All of the decorations are amazing, some of them are from when my mum was little and some I made when I was younger. It really is a celebration of our family. 

Also my mum paints my nails sparkly red every year (thank you mummy!). However the colour I chose looked great when my mum wore it but by the time it was painted it on my nails it had gone old. So to rescue it mum painted the Barry M nail varnish in shade 150, red glitter, over the top and it saved the day.

Clothes wise, over the holidays my boots become my best friends and I wear them with my various jeans and jumpers if I go out in the cold, however if it is an occasion I have a new pair of gorgeous black heels that I shall wear and party in! I love them, they are just so sparkly! 

I also cannot wait to hit the sales, I need more going out attire, it's one of the best bits about the holiday season! Lush also have a really good sale after Christmas!

Finally I am on a mission to be reading a lot more this new year, and I will do some book reviews on this blog if you would like! Every Christmas Eve I read The Night Before Christmas before I go to bed, I can nearly recite it, I am still a child at heart! 

So I am now listening to Artpop while finishing this post! Then I will prepare for Christmas Day to come along - it's only 2 hours away! 

Ahh! I'm really excited! I'm such a child but there is something about Christmas that makes everyone joyful! (unless you're a Scrooge but I can't help that)

So Merry Christmas everyone, have a lovely time wherever you are across the world!

Luv with tidings of joy, 

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

Back to Blogging

Hello everyone, 

I always seem to start a post with an apology recently. I'm sorry for not blogging in ages, my life went from fine level of busy to manic in a few weeks and it is safe to say I couldn't really find the time to focus and blog. BUT I have been keeping my eyes out in the fashion-sphere so that now I am faced with my long tube journey to West London I am able to write this post! YAY! 

First, where has all the colour gone. :( . I know it's winter and nights start at 5pm now but come on! All I do all week is wear black, I don't then want to wear it all weekend too! But the high street is full of it! Tartan has taken a dull tone too! 

No I will not give in, obviously I cannot eliminate black from my wardrobe (one of my favourite cardigans is black) but I will not simply slip into the darkness! I will combat it with the main weapon at my disposal, my t-shirt collection. It is my main source of colour and it's great; if I think yellow will be good today, I have two options of tee, one in bright and one in a more pastel shade. This is why I love t-shirts, although I am less reckless as I used to be and haven't bought one in a while! 

Next up is jewellery, yay! For my regular readers you'll know I am a bit of a magpie. A current trend I am still observing for practicality is the multi-ring trend. I am a lover of a show-stopping ring, it doesn't have to be huge but just really special, however wearing multiple ones seems slightly cluttered and I have seen it done to over-kill. I will keep looking.

 (Also a little aside for you Tiffany's fans: the history of Tiffany on the website takes you through some of the most iconic pieces from the jewellery house - check out the site if you want to see them, but it may cause envy, sorry.)

Finally, on the make up front. The one-nail-a-different-colour trend. I am yet to see it done fabulously, apart from maybe in a magazine when it was new. I have seen variants that are just too random, I understand the trend calls for clashing but I think that sticking within the same colour tone/ shade would be easier on the eye. Or just have a lovely manicure of one colour? I may still be a bit cynical so I will look for ones I like and post them for you next time. 

Anyway, I promise to be back again soon! 

Thank you to all of you for reading and clicking like on Facebook! If you want to see something on this blog then just drop a comment below or on one of this pages social networks and I will reply asap! 

Luv, 

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️

The wonderful world of fashion...

Hello everyone,

So I have been running around college all week and boy am I tired, I also saw Bruno Mars with his Moonshine Jungle Tour this week and am busy all weekend. On Monday it will be hard to wake up. 

But today I am awake watching the qualifying of the Japanese GP and have been flicking through the recent fashion shows for next season. It is hard watching Spring/Summer as the long winter creeps into the UK. 

• Firstly, it was announced that Marc Jacobs is leaving Louis Vuitton and so the fashion show this season was tinged with sadness, he still put on a fabulous show, only increasing the punk trend.
• Secondly, as always I loved Chanel I didn't think they could actually make me love them more! But that show, wow, the colour palette, the jacket styles and some of the handbags!
• Thirdly, Dolce & Gabbana. I love them. The shows are always so beautiful and flower patterns sway me, not to mention the gold encrusted dresses. Wow.
• Then Burberry Prorsum used my favourite dusty pink colour in some of their outfits, I do hope this colour stays as I love pink!
• Finally, I can't leave my fashion week review without Oscar de la Renta. I am amazed, not only did they show the most sophisticated approach to patterns with a plain white underneath black and blue prints, but they also created a light yellow dress that I just adored.
• One side observation, some designers went for the naked look a bit too much for my liking, I can't really imagine even the most devoted followers of fashion walking around with no bra through a sheer shirt. 

So that is my review so far, if anything has caught your eye that I've missed then let me know,

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️ 

Fashion Update!

Hello everyone,

I've been a bit silent recently and I can only apologise but my final year of college is really starting with a mad rush, although I am surviving. Oh and I've been suffering with my seasonal cold :(  

So this is my list of autumnal faves now I think all the summer weather has gone :(

1. Boots! Give a girl the right pair and Marilyn you were right, she can conquer the world! This season boots are the staple, mine are a roughed up biker style, as I still love militarian for A/W and also they toughen up any girly look which makes the style your own. But there is something to be said for the more elegant boot. 
2. Jumpers! The weather is changeable and it's always good to keep warm (or you'll just be freezing). I just bought a blue one from Debenhams and it's beautiful! I cannot wait to wear it with my jeans and new black pumps! 
3. Lush, wonderful Lush! I bought four things this time. First, the new Rose Jam shower gel which smells like crushed rose petals, I love it! Second and third are two bath ballistics one called Twilight and one called Lord of Misrule (Halloween limited edition) they both smell heavenly! And finally the ever present Sunnyside, although with a new shine in the form of lustre and not glitter! (Yay for us glitter-phobs!).
4. My jeans! Yes I've worn them all year but when it gets to winter they just go with everything and are really comfy! I love them! My favourite pair are from Mantaray at Debenhams! 
5. Sparkly eyeshadow! Ok it's technically not clothes but you do WEAR make up lol! Anyway I love sparkly eyeshadow and am currently wearing my sparkly gold Bobbi Brown one in shade Moonstone! It stays on FOREVER (well until you take it off) but I recommend it highly! 
6. The Holiday and Love Actually! My winter movie bug is kicking in hehe! I will also watch The Seven Year Itch when I get in I can't wait! 
7. Finally, Strictly Come Dancing! For me and my mum (Hi mum!) SCD is a staple show during A/W! We always watch all the dresses but we have our favourite celebs that we cheer on. At the end of the season I will do a review of all the best dresses and pairings but for now it's too early to tell! 

So that's my (awkwardly) top 7 faves at the moment. 

Speak to you all soon, comment below, on the Facebook page or tweet me to say hi if you want! 

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥️