Blog 22: How I tackle August favourites

Honestly, there is nothing more delightful than seeing an empty place to pitch your tent at a festival after you've basically walked the London Marathon with a whale on your back. Moments like those make your summer. Seeing The Wombats, Imagine Dragons and two door cinema club at Reading festival just was the cherry on top. I think it's fair to say that August is the best month. Spending time with the best people but on a more fashion front, making your wardrobe go wild. Yes, I now own Hippy pants. Yes, I now look homeless, but that's half the fun. I've also loved the fact that it has hardly rained at all and has sometimes been hot! This high does unfortunately have to come to an end but let's not think about the impending doom which is school. These items that I'm recommending have seen me through a very eventful August which is why I'm recommending them to you. Some of them are sponsored items but I'm giving honest reviews and I don't put up what I don't like. Now let's start!

The Bomber jacket

Topshop reversible bomber jacket £85

I don't care what you think of this but I LOVE IT! I've waited so long to finally be able to wear this jacket ever since I first saw it Chiara Ferragni. It was worth the wait. You basically get two jackets in one and so basically you can wear it with every outfit ever. I love the embroidery as it's just so pretty and on a more practical level, it's really warm. The only problem with this piece is the price but your basically getting two bomber jackets for one so it's a justifiable purchase. Rating: *****

Shoutout to the Instgram account @bomberjacketswelove as they kindly bought me this bomber!

My latest Pandora Charm

Elephant Pandora bead £30

I honestly love this little elephant. It's the cutest bead I own and I love it! It is perfect for a more summery themed bracelet and it really makes a statement on your Pandora bracelet. I've never felt so emotionally attatched to a piece of sterling silver but it is so sweet. It's of a very high quality as well so is well worth the price. I'm loving Pandora right now! Thanks to T.H.Baker for their kindness in sending me this Charm. Rating: *****

Link: https://www.thbaker.co.uk/pandora-oriental-bloom-lucky-elephant-sterling-silver-charm-791902

Beauty by Earth

Facial toner £15

 Now I do love beauty products but I now own so many that I'm become a harsh critique. I got sent some lovely item from 'Beauty by Earth' and they were beautifully packaged. I tried all the items and I've got to say that they work fantastically but they were as good as my other products that I already had. However there was one item which has changed my makeup routine and that is the Facial Toner. It's just the most amazing toner I've ever used! It actually makes a difference to my skin and brightens my appearance. They use natural and organic products to create their items which I think is the secret behind my now glowing skin! I love it so much! Rating: ****

Link: https://www.beautybyearth.com/product/facial-toner-witch-hazel-rose-water/

 

T.H.Baker Daisy bracelet

Daisy bracelet £20

 I've got so into jewellery recently and this is the perfect bracelet for August as it's summery but really delicate. Made from sterling silver, it's a beautiful piece to suit any look and outfit. I personally also love the bracelet box in which it came in (hence the photo) as it really help show off the effortlessness of the bracelet. It also goes perfectly with my henna! A lovely alternative to a Pandora bracelet with a bit less weight. Rating: ****

Link: https://www.thbaker.co.uk/silver-cubic-zirconia-daisy-bracelet-8-29-3322

Charlotties creations make up bags

Big makeup bag £10

Honestly make up bags are essential for any girl and my summer has really needed one. As I mentioned before, my makeup stash is ever growing and therefore I need a bigger makeup bag. Honestly this makeup bag has changed my life. No longer do I have to take 3 small make up bags on holiday! I can now take this giant thing filled with makeup! It has a waterproof lining which is really helpful to wipe out any spillage. I've shown you a comparison of size with my, very nice but a little bit impractical, Victoria secret make up bag. Would highly recommend. Rating: ****

Link: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Charlottiescreations

Majique jewellery

Bracelet £9, Necklace £6

These jewellers offer beautiful pieces which are slightly different which is what I really love about them. I got sent a few other items but these stood out to me as the most beautiful and best for price. My favourite has to be the necklace because it's a little origami bird which is so beautiful and it was only £6! The bracelet is gorgeous as it's a lovely rose gold colour and you can make it fit perfectly with the ties. Ratings: Necklace ***** Bracelet ****

Links: Necklace - http://www.majique.com.au/necklaces/enm103g#.V8wk6NJTGP9

Bracelet - http://www.majique.com.au/bracelets/ybm852r#.V8wlItJTGP9


Thanks again for reading! Hope you all had a great summer. Make sure you check out the brands promotion page to see who the winners were for the summer giveaway!
Talk soon,

Ciao xxx

Blog 21: How I tackle the bomber jacket

Anyone who is remotely cool has one lets be honest. Even if you aren't the most rebellious person just wearing a bomber jacket makes you feel like you could walk down the street in slow motion while some indie rap song plays in the background at Volume 100. Its a pretty statement piece that gives off the "I'm stylish but totally didn't spend an hour deciding what to wear this morning" look. Paired with aviator sunglasses and a sassy walk nobody would ever dare cross your path. Well that's how I imagine myself but I probably just look like a girl wearing a sack occasionally tripping over her own feet at times. The fact that a fashion item can give you that much confidence though is pretty impressive so it's got to be one of my favourite things to wear on a slightly milder day. There are now so many styles to choose from now that the bomber-jacket revolution is now in full swing. Choosing one that is right for you is quite hard but personally I don't think you only need one. I think you need at least 3! A staple one, a cool one and a funky one. But maybe that's just me? Let me know what you think...

 

The staple Bomber

Black bomber jacket £15 Primark

Everyone regardless of age, gender or race NEEDS a black bomber jacket. This is a staple piece that you NEED in your wardrobe. It goes with everything and makes you look cool without much effort. I first wanted a bomber last year and after much research I realised you couldn't get a black bomber jacket under £30. I was devastated and so was my bank account as I nearly spent £30 on a black bomber jacket from Missguided. Luckily the Wi-Fi cut out before the transaction was complete which was a blessing in disguise as only a few days later I found this beauty in the back of Primark. It was from the men's section but it was a bargain at only £15! It's such good quality as well and it's lasted me a very long time. Primark always have them in stock so go get your own!

 

The cool bomber

Embroidered bomber jacket £15 New Look

You must have seen the £85 topshop reversible bomber? It's gorgeous! But for the price? Not worth it. I really wanted it though as I loved the embroidery detail at the front. I looked at alternatives but non would match up to the jacket I really loved. That was until the New Look sale in Abingdon. I saw this bomber jacket. I picked it up, walked straight to the till and paid without batting an eyelid. I knew I was happy with my purchase and that I wouldn't regret it. Mission accomplished.
Link: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/black-embroidered-contrast-sleeve-bomber-jacket_379574109?productFind=search

 

The Funky bomber

Floral Bomber jacket £12llegra K

Cos why not? I love it. It's bright and colourful and in your face and that's how I like my clothes. This immediately stood out to me as it's so different from any other bomber I had seen before. I love the print and it definitely counts as a funky bomber. This is from the seriously sassy and diverse shop Allegra K who will be furturing more and more because I love their style.
Link: http://www.allegra-k.com/ladies/tops-blouses/outerwear/allegra-k-lady-stand-collar-long-sleeve-zip-fly-fullover-floral-basic-jacket.html

I hope I've given you some bomber jacket inspiration. Let me know any thoughts below!

You've probably also noticed that my photos look a hell of a lot better and that is down to Charlie Landells and his wonderful team who helped get these photos look fantastic. So massive thanks to Charlie and I would highly recommend him for any photo or film jobs that you need doing. He's your man! Links here:
 https://www.youtube.com/user/quiffvlogs
https://www.instagram.com/charlielandells/

My favourite video and something you NEED to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnbBSXZKrUM

Thanks

Ciao xxx

Blog 20: How I tackle swimwear

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been preparing for this blog which has taken a lot of time and effort to put together. The summer isn't over yet and there is definitely more time to (slowly) get a tan and it's not like you're gonna chill out in shorts and a tee. Bikinis and costumes are essential! This season has really been about sexy swimming costumes with writing all over them so I've got a few costumes but really you can never go wrong with a bikini. I have found the search for a good style of bikini quite hard as you really need bikini tops to be supportive (especially in the sea when there's loads of waves). I had a bit of a disaster a few days before my holiday when I ordered a bikini top from Asos and it fitted my flat-chested sister better than me. But panic aside, not everything is true to size, and luckily I had ordered another one anyway so life was good. So here's my guide for the best swimsuits for 2016:

ASOS Mix and match bikini

Bikini top £20 £12, Bikini bottoms £8 ASOS

This is my favourite bikini ever as I mixed and matched it to suit me. The top came first and I just loved the netting at the front which kept everything in place. I was convinced that I needed colbalt blue pants to complete the look so I got some with netting inbetween the straps at the side to suit the look and carry on with the theme of netting. For £20 all together? Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Rating: *****


Link: Top http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-fishnet-halter-caged-bikini-top/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6210215&clr=White&SearchQuery=white+bikini&pgesize=6&pge=0&totalstyles=6&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=3
Bottoms: http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-mix-and-match-mesh-insert-brazilian-bikini-bottom/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6528661&clr=Oxfordbluenude&SearchQuery=blue+bikini+bottoms&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=129&gridsize=3&gridrow=4&gridcolumn=3
www.ASOS.com

Boohoo mermaid Costume

Boohoo swimsuit £20 (many other styles available)

First of all IGNORE THE SUNBURN. The only shade I can go is tomato. I really wanted a swimsuit with a statement written on the front as these types of costumes are very trendy right now. I chose this one because I loved the colour and the "Undercover mermaid" quote on the front. It is VERY plungy and not at all supportive so I really wouldn't recommend it if you have a big chest. However I just about got away with it. Very true to size.
Rating: ***

Link: http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/skiathos-mermaid-scoop-back-slogan-swimsuit/invt/szz99176

Mavele patterned bikini

 

Bikini top £54.95, Bikini bottoms £44.95 Mavele swimwear

 

This costume is gorgeous and it's top quality so worth all the money. The pattern is beautiful on the bikini top and it is really supportive even without straps! The bottoms are such good quality as well (didn't fall down when diving in a pool!) and they have a little pinched detail on the back which I love! The only downside is that probably you don't want to spend that much on a bikini but honestly for the quality, it is so worth it.

Rating: ****

 

Link: Top http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/rainforest-viper-bandeau-bikini-top

Bottoms http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/rainforest-viper-bikini-bottom

 

 

 

Mavele Nautical swimsuit

Cut out swimsuit £80 Mavele

No joke this is my favourite swimsuit EVER! I honestly love everything about it from the vibrant pattern to the style of the costume. The cut outs make me look slim even when I've just eaten an entire pizza and ice cream and chips and more ice cream... It again is really supportive and a great cut. Honestly worth every penny!
Rating:*****

Link: http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/collections/2016-collection/products/nautical-pelican-one-piece-swimsuit

Wanderlust Bikini

Top and bottoms set £30, Wanderlust bikinis

Now this bikini is not only beautiful and amazing quality but it has been so thought through. This fantastic brand really want to help end pollution by trying to end the need for a seasonal piece. They have named their bikinis with locations instead of season to try to make something that will last a long time, and I can definitely tell you that their swimwear is of an amazingly high quality which will last me a few years! They manufacture ethically to reduce the damage done to nature and their packaging is plastic free. If this isn't enough they have even dedicated some swim lines to endangered animals and all the profits go to charity. Honestly it has been a privilege to collaborate with such a hardworking and influential brand. Thank you again for your beautiful bikini and please could everyone take the time to look at this fantastic swimwear company!

Rating: *****
Link: http://wanderlustbikinis.com/product/lanai-island-limited-edition/

Hope you all enjoyed the blog and thank you so much to Mavele swimwear for their beautiful products! Here's a link to their site: http://www.mavele-swimwear.com/

Thanks also to the wonderful Wanderlust bikinis for sending one of their amazing bikinis! Continue with the fantastic work!
Link to their site: http://wanderlustbikinis.com/

See you all next sunday!
Thanks,

Ciao xxx

Blog 19: How I tackle summer jewellery

I'm aware that I haven't done a jewellery blog like ever... so this could be interesting. To be perfectly honest with you I don't like to wear that much jewellery and I'm certainly not a guru on all things gold. However coming up to the summer, I have found some pieces that I would actual wear and you might even see me in. I know this isn't as shocking as #KimExposedTaylor but for me it's something new that I want to share with you. I have devised two looks. One which has silver jewellery and one which has Gold. These are just my personal picks for this summer which aren't really keeping in mind trends but oh well. Also before you ask, the dress is from Miss Selfridges on £15 reduced now! But more on the dress later in another blog. Here's my jewellery picks for the summer...

 

The Silver Jewellery

 

 

 

The Gold Jewellery

 

 

The Silver Jewellery:

 

 

Cherry Blossom Pandora Bead

 

 

Pandora cherry blossom bead £30

 

This is one of the most beautiful things I own. Its so pretty and delicate and looks stunning on the Pandora bracelet (creds to my sister for the bracelet, don't have my own :( ) This is a nice season charm and it is perfect for summer as it is light and floral. I know it is quite expensive for a little bead but they are so worth it because the dupes are nothing alike and they are a lot lighter. For anyone with a Pandora bracelet I highly recommend this charm because it is just so beautiful!

 

Link: https://www.thbaker.co.uk/pandora-cherry-blossom-murano-bead-790947

 

I also received this charm from T.H.Baker which is such a great website to go through because they have super fast delivery and it saves you from having to go into a Pandora store.

 

Barbara Chollet bracelet

I know I featured this recently but I honestly just love this bracelet. The colour is so diverse and it goes with anything. I love how it gives a cool girl vibe yet it is very sophisticated and modern. It will work well with summer evening dresses or festival outfits. The opportunities are endless.

Link: http://instagram.com/barbara_chollet
Other Blog: http://theamateursguidetofashion.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/blog-17-how-i-tackle-june-favourites.html

My grans old ring

I have no idea what brand this is but I thought I would share it with you for the style element of it. It was given to me and my sister by my gran while she was clearing out her jewellery box and we love it. The pattern around the band reminds me of a Greek vase which would work perfectly for a old-school retro festival outfit (brainstorming outfits right now)

The Gold Jewellery

The Coconut lane bangle

 

Coconut lane gold leaf bangle £11

 

This gold bangle is gorgeous not only because of the detailing but also because of the quality. I chose this because of the leaf detailing which seemed so delicate and pretty and I was even more shocked when I put it on as it didn't feel like a cheap plastic bangle but more of a weighted quality one. At only £11 for this level of quality is amazing. I really love the brand as well. So much so that I got you guys a discount code for 20% off: theamateursguide20

When you use it tell me what you get!

Link: http://www.coconut-lane.com/jewellery/gold-leaf-bangle

 

 

 

Accessorize Gold bangles

 

 

Now you really need a staple pack of gold bangles because they go with everything and they are an essential for a jewellery box. I got a pack of 15 for £10 which are great and they are perfect for by the beach to eveningwear. Honestly, if you are a jewellery virgin, start with these please. You need them. Unfortunately they are no longer in stock but I've given you a link to another 15 pack that you maybe interested in! Enjoy:
Link: http://uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2.2/1842137000

Primark floral ring

Primark pack of 5 ring set £1

I need to cater to a range of different budgets and believe me, I think you can afford this one. For only £1 you can get a set of 5 floral, viney rings they are surprisingly good quality for primark. Let me assure you that these are no wedding rings but they are not like plastic childrens rings. They actually have some weight to them and the detailing isn't too bad! It's like finding a Michael Kors handbag in your local charity shop.

The choker

Primark pack of 3 for £2

I'm not normally one for strangling myself but this is worth the pain. It looks sooooooo good with a Bardot top or dress and I beg you to buy this style of outfit. Ngl I have been looking for a cheap version of this choker ever since I saw one in Topshop but for £8 for a strip of velvet, no thanks. It got a bit better when I saw one in New Look but it was still £5 and I wasn't willing to part with an money. Finally I ran into primark to find A PACK OF 3 CHOKERS FOR £2. Sold. Well unless you want to pay £8 for a strip of fabric and the name of topshop.

I hope this inspires your summer jewellery box and I hope you liked the items I recommended. Would really love you to use the discount code if you purchase anything from Coconut Lane!
Thanks for reading! Until next time,

Ciao xxx

Blog 18: ZARA HAUL

I'm going to start by saying I'm seriously impressed with Zara. This sale has been incredible and it's still on so get yourself to your nearest Zara because you will find the holy grail of fashion inside. A few months ago I had never even entered Zara. I was too sceptical of their oddly-functioning website and their catwalk copies. I thought it was just an overpriced store with weird items that people bought just for the label but never actually wore. I had heard from many people that the current summer sale was just the best thing that had ever happened since chocolate so obviously I had to man up and go into the unknown. And I'm so glad I did. I fricking love Zara now. Every time I go shopping I'm asking where the nearest Zara is. Zara is my life. I call this a haul but really I only got 4 items but they were at amazing prices and the quality is always high at Zara. For my first really spurge at Zara I was very impressed and I love all the items. Without further ado....

The dress

Dress £25.99

Also known as the primary school nun dress, I like to wear this on formal occasions. I was VERY worried about the midi dress length and my legs were hidden and lets be honest they are my only asset. However I loved the puffy sleeves that to quote my bf make me look like "a 12 year old school girl" which tbf I do but they are sweet. The tie around is really needed or I would look like a stripy floaty balloon and the print is so classy. Overall I do really love this dress and although I was going to take it up I may decide to keep it midi length... Let me know your thoughts below!

The crochet top

Crochet top £7.99

These are so on trend right now so I needed one! No doubt you will see this up on my "How to tackle crochet" blog soon which will give you even more detail as to why I liked it. All I'm saying for now is that the sizing was a little awkward as it didn't want me to have a small waist and a big bust. So I had to go for a size Small which hopefully with keep everything in....

 

The Bodysuit

Bodysuit £3.99

Again another one you will see up again on my blog! I just loved it because it was so casual and effortless and you don't really need to think about what you wear with it to make yourself look stylish. I didn't even try it on, I just knew I was going to wear it loads whether it fitted properly or not! I got this in a size Small.

The crop top

Crop top £3.99

There were soooooooo many striped crop tops and it was seriously had to choose just one! However this one did stand out because 1. I could actually get into it without getting entangle in multiple straps and 2. £3.99 is always a bargain and so it's a yes from me. I loved the pattern as it looks like a good quality stripe (if ygm) and therefore looks so much more expensive than £4. Also the thickness and quality of the material was amazing so I was so drawn to it. Definitely one I'll be wearing to Sardinia!

Go check out the last of the Zara sale if you can! Let me know what you've got below!
Thanks

Ciao xxx

Blog 17: How I tackle June favourites

June has been an eventful month filled with positives and negatives. A firm negative has been getting back exam results which have made me want to quit life and become a Buddhist monk. However I'm really not a calm person and would probably end up teaching karate to flowers. Maybe I should take up Morris dancing? But as you know, I can't stand the on-going jingling of bells and I would probably go crazy. Maybe it's best to sit tight and just do A-levels. One seriously exciting thing that's been happening this month is the fact that a few extremely lovely brands have sent me some of their products to try out. Honestly you should see my face when a parcel gets delivered addressed to me. It's a cross between 'OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW LUCKY I AM' and a creepy china doll face. They are such amazing products that they have all made it into my June favourites. So a massive thank you to all the brands again as they were so kind to send me these items and I totally recommend them all for you!

The silk scarf

Holding my own little Amur leopard  

Not that this blog is in any particular order but this is probably one of the most beautiful things ever sent to me. This is a silk scarf from the company K&K labs. It is part of the range which was created as a dedication to endangered animals. The designs are hand drawn to show the peace and beauty of the creature and 10% of each purchase goes to charity. I was lucky enough to receive the Red Amur Leopard Scarf which will feature more times throughout my blogging days as it is a gorgeous scarf made from such good quality silk and I feel honoured to be able to promote such a beautiful piece. I really hope you will look at their website and see how much good they are doing. The link to my scarf is here: http://kklabs.co.uk/shop/kk-treasures-red-amur-leopards-silk-scarf/
Thank you to K&K labs and Kim for giving me this amazing gift.

Barbara Chollet Bracelets

These gorgeous bracelets are handmade and customised to your choice of colour. I love my colours and the bracelet is a really high quality. I'm going to wear them with a formal summer dress and they will be featured in many more blogs! Watch out for them! They are such luxury looking items that come at a reasonable price and they are so worth the money. These beautiful bracelets flatter any wrist size making you look elegant and gentle. Definitely one for the dinner parties. Thank you so much to Barbara Chollet for sending me these pieces. I love them so much and you should definitely check them out!
Link: http://instagram.com/barbara_chollet

Gold tattoos 

I was so excited to receive these! Ever since they started trending last year, I have been trying to get my hands on them. I'm so grateful that Shop Modern Boho sent me two packs each with 6 sheets of tattoos! These are only testers but they will be featured in my festival blog. They applied so easily to my skin and they were a vibrant shiny gold. I'm so impressed with how long they lasted. I had my bracelet one on for two weeks! Thanks to Shop Modern Boho for these gorgeous tats that I will be using so much over the summer.
Link: http://www.shopmodernboho.com/

 

Lipstick 

Before you say anything, it isn't for creating grass like effects on your lips. This is the latest in makeup technology. As soon as you apply it on your lips, it changes to best red colour that suits your lips. It's so clever and they are even introducing 'green' blush and eyeshadow. The lipstick works amazingly and I love the colour. As for the others? I'll keep you posted...
Link: https://www.barrym.com/product/Genie 

 

Old English cards

Cards make my birthday. Who doesn't love getting a cheeky card filled with great memories but that also has a great cover? These funny cards are perfect for birthdays or thank you cards. They are great quality and very cheap for something that people will keep forever. Thanks to the Old English prints team for sending me these lovely cards. They will brighten up anyone's day.

Link: http://oldenglishprints.com/collections/cards

Seba med 

These little washes are great for sensitive skin and for balancing out your pH. They try to protect your skin from harsh chemicals as well so they are perfect for all areas of your body. All 3 products worked so well with my skin and now my skin feels so soft and not itchy at all. They have really put a lot of research into their products and they are so good. I would highly recommend trying it out for yourself! Thanks to Seba Me for these products.
Link: http://www.sebamed.com/

 

Zeste d'orient bracelet 

This was an out-of-the-blue delivery so thanks a lot for this. This bracelet is perfect to match with any hippy 70's style clothing. It so cute, especially when on your wrist as its quite delicate but statement at the same time. Its adjustable as well so it can fit any wrist size which is great for me because I have huge hands and a tiny wrist so most things just fall off. Would highly recommend going and checking out what else they have to offer as they have some amazing cute bracelets perfect for not just festivals but holidays too. Thanks again!

Link: https://www.facebook.com/zestedorient/

I'm so thankful for everything sent to me on here. I hope everyone takes the time to see what each brand has to offer. I hope everyone's June was good and now lets just get to the summer hols!
Thanks for reading, love you all

Ciao xxx