Essentials

This is Pretty Things' first beauty post and I just thought I would share with you all my absolute make-up staples! My taste in make-up looks is ever changing but whether I'm wearing neon lipstick or panda-riffic kohl, these remain pride of place in my make up bag.

1. Mac Studio Fix Fluid, SPF 15

I love this because it can be used for coverage or mixed with moisturizer for a lighter look and feel. It has lasted me ages so is definitely worth the more expensive price that Mac asks for. My only issue with it is that it is a complete colour match, which is usually very good, but after the summer holiday when I tan very quickly and easily, it makes me look like a vampire...

 2. The Body Shop, Vitamin E Tinted Moisture Lotion, in Natural
This is quite a new addition to my collection but it was love from the start. For no make up days, this is perfect and makes my skin glow but not shine. The colour is really subtle and blends really easily. It was also quite cheap- I would have payed more for it!

3. Lancome Mat Finish Powder
This lasts ages because of the massive pot and lasts ages when you put it on, it doesn't just brush off after an hour or so. It doesnt "over- matt" the skin, still letting skin glow. It is really light and quite to brush on. I love it paired with the tinted moisturizer above. A really natural look. 

4. benefit, Bad Gal Lash Plum
This mascara is my life, and my trademark piece. More people have commented on it than I can count! It makes a lot of volume because the brush is massive and the unusual plum colour is colour intensifying so really brings out eye colour. It is only noticeably purple under bright light but otherwise just looks black. I stick by this product to the end. I cannot recommend enough. It also lasts ages, and as you can see mine has been going a while as the lettering has worn away from the tube- a sign of over use I think!

 5. benefit, Kohl pencil in sable
Another amazing product from benefit, although as benefit goes, very dull packaging! I'm not complaining... I have to say, I prefer brown eyeliner to black because it is much less harsh and compliments my eye colour much better. I like this because it is quite smudgy so makes it really easy to do a smoky eye effect or just outline the eye subtly. The one in the picture has been sharpened down considerably- believe it or not, it used to be a very decent sized pencil! It is but a shadow of its former glory..

6. Neutrogena, Norwegian Formula Lip Balm, SPF 20

When it comes to lips, I'm currently into 'the brighter the better' and I have mentioned in previous posts my love of chanel lipstick (THE BEST) however, I have an addiction to lip balm. I apply it constantly and this is, at the moment my favourite. It makes lips really soft and smooth with no glitter or colour, just simple lip balm. It works under lipstick or just alone. Another one which I love is Burt's Bees which contains menthol so makes your lips plump slightly and feel really tingly.

So yeah! If you liked this let me know and if not, also let me know- Im obviously new to beauty posts so if I have neglected information or something...
Going to Rome for the first time this weekend so very excited about that!
As ever, stay safe,
LB xx

Tea Party

Firstly, this is officially my 50th post!
Secondly, yesterday was my birthday tea party! Up to the party itself it was, admittedly slightly stressful however the planning payed off and it ran (mostly) very smoothly.
The dress, after a lot of saving and stressing arrived only a few days before the party. Topshop Limited Edition is a gamble because the dresses keep going in and out of stock, but it arrived and thats all that matters! It was backless (you cant see in the pictures).
Everyone who came looked beautiful and some of the dresses were stunning. My lovely friends bought me some great presents and Davo made an inspired improvised speech to my extreme embarrassment..
A lot of tea, and a lot of cake was consumed and it was, in my opinion a really nice afternoon. Even the weather behaved and it was shockingly 30 degrees!

 My yummy chocolate cheesecake- bliss

 Me and Davo
 nice one Davo you made it

 Ignore my messy room- here are my shoes

Me and Gramps hanging out..

So yeah! It was a lot of fun and I hope everyone else there enjoyed!
LB xx

I Wanna Be a Rockstar

With the wave of topshop vouchers I recieved for my birthday, I felt the need for a bit of wardrobe diversity. Most of my clothes are floral or "soft" colours so I thought I would go for a biker jacket!

You all know my love of contrast so this does the job very nicely- here is my outfit for today:

It did not get sufficient showing off as I spent the day baking cupcakes for my party tomorrow. I'm so excited!

Another event of the day, do you remember that vintage tea dress I bought in Brighton back in May?
Well I am no longer wearing it for my party but I am wearing it to my friend Vicki's birthday dinner tonight! The thing is, I made...quite a few changes to it after deciding about a week after I bought it that it needed a modern twist, so a lot of hand sewing (the machine wouldnt do the finer details) here it it!

Basically it is shorter, different neckline and Black detailing all round the edges!
The novelty of being able to leave the house without guilt hasnt worn off yet so Im very happy! Stay tuned tomorrow for the unveiling of the party dress....
LB xx

Boater

One of my (infrequent) shopping trips resulted in me branching out (quite literally) in head wear! I'd been admiring the festival chic flower garlands that seem to be in circulation these days, so I popped into primark, the hub of temporary trends, and picked up a few! My ever-cynical mother says they're a bit too "bridesmaid" but I quite like the soft vibe they give off.

Another of these buys was a boater hat from accessorize. I have been dying for one of these for ages and at the first glimpse of sunshine, I was out of the door to the shops immediately! I love everything about these hats- they make me think of hot summers by the river and sunglasses weather. Im clearly easily pleased!

As there was no opportunity to go out and photograph them, here is the equivalent in the temporary studio known to most as my bedroom. Ignore the music- I wanted to have the photo as high as possible so that you dont have to look at what a mess my room is, and a music stand seemed like a good solution...

boater- accessorize

garlands- primark (£2!)

Until tomorrow!

LB xx

1920

About 4 weeks ago, M surprised me by going to meet a 1920s vintage seller with her friend! I wasnt allowed to come with her of course because I had to revise and stuff, but after a constant stream of text messages ("found anything??", "anything good??") she clearly took pity on me because she returned with two bags- one black clutch for her... and a stunning beaded one for me!
It was a very happy and exciting moment, ill tell you now!
So here it is! I love the cute little handle and the bronzy pattern...

Vintage heaven!
LB xx

Over

FREEDOM! Thank you all for waiting! Exams are over (Thank God) and I am now all yours! Exciting weeks ahead- Some vintage pieces I cant wait to share with you all, outfits, Tea Party, London College of Fashion (more on that later), weekend in Rome, Spain with one of my best friends, Yorkshire with another of my best friends, Tuscany, Reading festival, Yorkshire some more....
It hasnt really sunk in that I dont have to revise anymore but during the long weeks of house arrest, I thought ahead to this moment! I have a small selection of outfit posts! Keep in mind that I am mid-revision in all of these and in many cases just look a bit of a mess- just ignore that!

 skirt- topshop

top- AA

belt- topshop

 shirt- JAck Wills 

bow- ?

shorts- topshop

shoes- topshop

 boots- river island

bag- vintage

shorts and shirt- topshop

glasses- topshop

necklace- vintage

 shirt- vintage ted baker

boots- river island

shorts-topshop

glasses- topshop

 dungarees- topshop

t-shirt- men's pull and bear (thanks Davo)

 casual heels for no reason - asos

jeans- topshop

tank- boden

shirt- topshop

bag- de-customised Paul's Boutique

necklace- handmade

 A smart outfit for my cousin's confirmation!

shoes- random boutique in Spain

skirt- topshop

jumper- topshop

bag- vintage

 shoes- converse

tights- M&S

dress- AA

coat- Spitalfields market

belt- Mango

garland- primark

 This hairstyle was inspired by Studmuffin, a fellow London blogger. MAde a nice alternative to the top knot Ive been doing recently. 

 shoes- Office

jeggings...cant remember

shirt- Abercrombie

Jacket- I made

earrings- topshop

shoes- asos

skirt and belt- topshop

top- AA

First thing to share I guess is that it was my birthday on the 16th! By a stroke of luck, I did not have an exam! (Never been gladder that I didnt do Latin or Greek) So after opening some fabulous prezzies from my family and friends, I went and had Wagamamas with my friend Stan. Naturally I did no revision all day... 16 feels weirdly old but I guess I will just get used to it!
So here are some photos!

 My delicious birthday cookie!

 I've wanted this book for ages- it accompanies the Met exhibition which I obviously couldnt go to. The cover can keep me occupied for a looonng time and it is filled with the most incredible designs- a constant reminder of what an absolute genius Alexander McQueen was!

 This was from my brother, who clearly knows me very well!

 This Aspinal keyring was great because the one I had before, I managed to lose, which upset me greatly so it is very pleasant for my keys to be beautiful once more!

 This is literally the best lipstick I have ever had. I cannot express my devotion to it. It is glossy, the perfect colour (Rebelle), the perfect brand and sleek packaging AND it tastes deliciously of Raspberry! What more could a girl want??

 These shoes are from office and are, surprisingly my most comfortable heels to date- possibly due to the massive platform. I find it refreshing to now have some shoes that are not black or coral, likewise below!

 These were bought in a small boutique in Surbiton. I personally have never heard of Manas Design and after a look over their website, see that they are 'practical' shoes, a bit like Clarks. These sandals are undoubtedly the nicest thing they make! They are of really soft leather and go with most outfits, however rain, not so much!

 This skincare line has been constantly recommended to me by so many people and I now see why!! On my birthday, as a treat, me and my mum went and had a spa morning (like I said, I work hard all day!) and I had a facial and a pedicure. These were the products used and they are reallly nice- I recommend, pass it on!

 These earrings were a gift from my lovely friend Susie! I'd been wanting some statement earrings for ages and they scream summer to me! I believee they are from Topshop.

So Yeah! That was my birthday! More from me tomorrow- great to be back!
Contemplating a Giveaway? Any thoughts?
As always, I love to hear what you think, and follow if you like what you see!
LOVE YOU ALL,
LB xx