Go Big or Go Home!
REDKEN HIGH RISE VOLUME SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER*
Now that my hair is somewhat on the mend (although I'm actually getting my hair done next week, so HELLO BLEACH I'VE MISSED U BOO) I was in the market for a new shampoo and conditioner. While moisture is all well and good it's way too heavy for the current state of my hair. Pureology Hydrate will forever be the key to keeping my hair in good condition, I just think we should see other people.
I've been using two different product ranges from Redken recently to keep my locks in check - One being Redken Beach Envy which is v. lovely but I think I've firmly decided on loving Redken High Rise Volume a little bit more.
It's kinda hard to describe it, it sort of lifts the roots and gives natural volume without making the hair feel like a bird's nest or chock a block full of product. I'm really not all about that "higher the hair the closer to Jesus" life just a little bit of omph to my flat mop of hair.
High Rise Volume gives the hair a little bit of a boost with a cool girl sheen, think subtle texture and lightweight volume - hair with a bit of body!
If ya wanna get sciencey then it's a volume-boosting blend of filloxane and softening polymers which create lift that lasts. Not so clued up on all that jazz but it sounds fancy and certainly is doing a little something to my hair
Theres a bit of a trend at the moment for more styling based shampoo and conditioners rather than treatment shampoo's and conditioners of old. Im digging it for sure. Go Big or Go Home!
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Come Shopping with Me!
This post is SPONSORED by Westfield Stratford City
So today I’m
teaming up with ultimate shopping destination Westfield Stratford City to take
you on a shopping day out with me and show you some of my spring picks!
If you’re unaware, Westfield Stratford City is a shopping centre, come
entertainment complex with a bunch of restaurants and food outlets to suit
every taste - all under one roof.
Confession time -
I hate shopping in central London. It’s busy, hard to navigate and a pain to
get around as shops are so spread out. Back when I lived in SW London Westfield
London was my old haunt but I decided to hit up Westfield Stratford City
because it’s pretty easy to visit now I live in Brighton. After a smooth, sunny
ride up to London in my little car, and strategically parking near the car park
exit closest to Topshop I was ready to go. One of my pet hates going shopping
is carrying about my bags all day. Having my car close means I can nip down and
put my heavier things away and keep going!
I’ve always found Westfield Stratford City is one of those places that take a day to go out and really enjoy. There something crazy like over 250 shops to choose from, a plethora of places to eat and drink as well as other places to keep you entertained like their Vue cinema.
I’ve always found Westfield Stratford City is one of those places that take a day to go out and really enjoy. There something crazy like over 250 shops to choose from, a plethora of places to eat and drink as well as other places to keep you entertained like their Vue cinema.
I also bought
myself a lovely oversized blue shirt from Topshop - I have an affinity with all
things denim at the moment and this just caught my eye. Also from Topshop I
ended up getting ANOTHER pair of Quay Australia sunglasses in their My Girl
style. I’m sure you’ve seen me wear them before at some point but I just love
the unique cat eye style! The orange lenses are just pure fire too; I can’t
wait to wear them on holiday later this month!
I also go some
cool Skinny Dip patches that I’ve wanted for a while As I hadn’t seen them in
person and finding sizing online was impossible I knew I wanted to see them
with my own eyes before committing! Thankfully they were just what I was
looking for in the end! I’m going to customise a bag with them so keep your
eyes out for that!
After a good ol’
rummage through Topshop we ended up stopping for some lunch at one of my
favourite spots - Yo Sushi. I know it’s gimmicky but it’s one of the best fast
food options and super healthy (kinda, although Pumpkin Korokke is life)
We also popped
into American Eagle Outfitters, as I adore their denim. I was umming and aahing
over getting another pair of my absolute favourite jeans the American Eagle
Tomgirl jeans but I already have two pairs so I decided to be good. They are
the perfect summer jeans though with the current trend for light ripped denim
in a relaxed fit. I saw some nice summery bits I might go back and take a closer
look at too that would look perfect on my American Road Trip too.American
Eagle Outfitters is located at both Westfield Stratford City and Westfield London,
which is very handy.
Last purchase of
the day were a pair of Birkenstocks - Something I’ve always sort of not loved
but then for some reason on that day I needed some. I think I actually saw some super cool girl wearing some when we were walking around the center and was like hmmm - I
could do with a pair of those. My mum is a proud Birkenstock wearer - she was
so pleased to hear about them!
I picked out a few
key pieces to keep me going through spring. In contrast to going online and buying things, where I’d normally end up picking
tons of things at a time incase I didn’t like something on when it I eventually
received my package. Going into the store cuts out the waiting for the parcel,
the disappointment if something isn’t quite right, having to get a different
size and the returns process.
Westfield
Stratford City also has a handy product search on their site, here (click) you
can look through items in stores before heading to the centre to get an idea of
things to keep your eyes out for. I found this really useful because I could
make a mental note of the clothes I wanted to check out!
So those were the
things I picked up! Full of sushi and a couple o’ bags in tow I headed back to
Brighton feeling like I achieved something while shopping in store for the
first time in a long time. I tend to shop online but I found it so nice having
a lovely day out in the centre catching up with my friend Corrine, having a
browse in the shops as well as having a nice little lunch! All with the added
bonus of not having to go through the hassle of returning things or things
looking different online than they do in real life!
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Photos by Captured by Corinne website/twitter/facebook
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Do you need to live in London to Blog Sucessfully?
So, I moved to Brighton over SEVEN months ago now! It's really flown by but I thought I'd answer a really common question that I get in relation to living in London and blogging. Moving away made me realise one thing - London really isn’t the be all and end all of the blogging world.
I lived in London for about 4 years. I moved there after I'd spent a year of going to London 2-3 times a week for blogging related things. One day after a long commute to London (my journey was 4 hours there and 4 back) decided that I want to live in London. So I moved, it was great and I lived their for four years and for the majority of my time I loved it. However moving there didn't really improve my blogging life at all, inf act it hindered it in so many ways that Im only realizing now Im out of the London trap!
It’s something that I see come up time and time again in blogging chats is that “you need to live in London to be a successful blogger” or “All blogging events are in London” and while it may have been the case a few years ago but in 2015 it’s simply not true.
The biggest argument I see about London being the centre of the UK bloggerverse is that that’s where brands and events are. Which is true, to some degree as thats where the majority are based and held. None the less I see events happening all over the country happening these days and little blogging meet ups from all over the UK popping up on my Twitter feed! It's so awesome to see communities growing all round the country!
I'll be completely honest... I haven't been to a blog event in years. Im not snubbing the idea of attending a blogging event although it might seem like that. Of course, I have a skewed view because Im an arguable successful blogger with already established connections with brands so I dont really NEED to go to events so much. But when I lived in London I never wanted to go into the city outside "work hours" because I always wanted to spend my evenings doing something I wanted to do with my friends!
While I do think events are useful for new bloggers to get their name out there by meeting PR’s face to face and meeting up with likeminded bloggers but I don’t think they are something that you MUST attend or something you feel you should travel halfway across the country to go to. They simply arent worth it, there's very little value in blogging events in my opinion. But of course it has to be noted that the best part of events has always been meeting other bloggers. It’s not the free stuff or meeting with XYZ PR or the delicious free mini burgers and champs (although that seems to now be green juices and yoga events) it was always the meeting face to face of people you follow and who's content you love.
It’s actually very rare that I attend events these days and I don’t think I’ve been to a press day since I moved to London. Press days are arguably completely useless to blogging audiences. (Personally) I think readers want see what I can buy right this second not in 3 months time. Things like this work for long lead press but not so much in the blogging world where it’s a culture of here and now.
And while yes brands are in London and yes events are often held in London but both aren’t a measure of success. If a brand wants to work with you they will get you to wherever so don’t feel you need to be on standby in London incase they call you up to work with them. Because they don't do that. While being London based is helpful for meeting brands, Id recommend setting up a whole day of meetings rather than coming in and out of London all the time.
There are plenty of bloggers out there who do incredibly well and don’t live in the city so don’t be blinkered by the promise of London for your blog because it’s not about where you live it’s what you’re blogging about. Beyond events and what really is there that London offers for bloggers that you can’t get anywhere else in the country? Blogging is based on the internet, not in London.
Another thing, London is SO expensive and you get pretty much nothing housewise for your money. My old rent was £750 a month plus bills and I had a pretty mid sized room in a 6 bedroom house share. I lived in a good location and on a nice street but its nothing compared to the place I have here in Brighton. While I obviously pay more as I have a two bedroom flat to myself pretty much anywhere outside of London you can get a much nicer space for your money. Cramping myself into a tiny one bedroom (which I lived and worked in) was horrible and stressful and there was no separation between work and rest!
So bottom line, in my opinion I dont think there is much value in moving to London unless you want to live YOUR life in London. The best things about London are exploring new places, eating new foods, meeting new people and experiencing life. I absolutely loved my years in London and I wouldnt change them for the world. But moving specifically to enhance your blogging life? Dont do it!
Another thing, London is SO expensive and you get pretty much nothing housewise for your money. My old rent was £750 a month plus bills and I had a pretty mid sized room in a 6 bedroom house share. I lived in a good location and on a nice street but its nothing compared to the place I have here in Brighton. While I obviously pay more as I have a two bedroom flat to myself pretty much anywhere outside of London you can get a much nicer space for your money. Cramping myself into a tiny one bedroom (which I lived and worked in) was horrible and stressful and there was no separation between work and rest!
So bottom line, in my opinion I dont think there is much value in moving to London unless you want to live YOUR life in London. The best things about London are exploring new places, eating new foods, meeting new people and experiencing life. I absolutely loved my years in London and I wouldnt change them for the world. But moving specifically to enhance your blogging life? Dont do it!
(Obviously this is aimed at a UK based blogger audience, but feel free to sub London for your countries blogging big city!)
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Sweet Smelling Hair
Damn Batiste back at it again with the dry shampoo. I think Batiste now cover each and every scent known to man in their dry shampoo offerings. This new dry shampoo is infused with notes of raspberry and vanilla which helps to banish oily roots and lift lacklustre hair by adding body and texture. Batiste is a daily staple in my hairdrobe to help give it some life and a bit of grit before styling. If you have super soft fluffy hair this is as much as a lifesaver for you as when you have slightly greasy hair.
Overall I like the scent, it does smell very sweet and feminine without being childish or overpowering. I wanted to it to sell like the Fudge Vanilla and Raspberry hairspray but it doesn't quite reach that level of sweetness. Which is a darn shame as I love that so much! All the goodness of traditional Bastiste (Tropical will forever be the one) with the sweet smell candy. Absolute dream team. If you havent tried Batiste yet... where have you been?
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Things you need: A Trench Coat
I bought this classic beige mac when I was in Japan last year believe it or not, I can't remember how much it cost or the name of the shop but it's one of my favourite wardrobe pieces. I've been on a seemingly never ending search for a beige and I even pondered getting a Burberry Trench - although, tbh I might still get one! I need to get my butt over to Bicester Village!
Im a believer that everyone needs one of these in their wardrobe. Mixing an old school trench coat even more modern, chic basics really ups the sartorial style factor. Trench coats come back every single season and never seem to go out of fashion. A timeless piece that we never seem to tire of. Definitely make it a key piece in your wardrobe, especially if you crave sophistication and elegance with a air of unpretentiousness. A trench coat is versatile too as you can wear it over casual outfit for everyday occasion or in the evening over elegant dress. It's a good all rounder and an absolute must in my opinion!
Camel coats look awesome looks paired with a all black outfit. It's chic, simple and effortless and incorporating the black and white stripes justs adds a very Lily nod to my look at the same time. Im obsessed with these little shoes from ASOS too. Plain black brogues have always been a staple in my wardrobe but there is something about these ones that seem to barely leave my feet! As I've been really into flat shoes for a while now and after a seemingly never ending stream of trainers and whatnot these have firmly settled as being my current favourites.
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Photos By Jon Barker (edited by me) & follow him on Twitter @JonDBarker
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Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner
I ALWAYS use the same brand and make of Shampoo and Conditioner, I don't know where I picked this habit up because my Mum isn't fussy at all but I simply cannot use a shampoo that's from one brand and a conditioner from another. Redken Extreme has been my bae for years but I thought it was about time I changed and started using something new... well its not new as I had used it before but I decided to switch over to the Pureology Hydrate range.
The shampoo has a smells lovely with notes of Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Anise, and Patchouli. It's really lovely and refreshing. It lathers quickly and easily, rinses well without effort and doesn’t leave my hair feeling clean without being stripped or squeaky. The Conditioner is oddly cooling and has a very odd feeling on the scalp. I was worried when I first put it on that I was having a funny reaction but I've learnt to love the cooling feeling it has. I think it has some minty fragrance in it as it reminds me of when you use that Original Source Shower Gel.
It keeps my hair looking super soft and moisturised and perfect for drier hair types like my own. It's also sulphate free, cruelty free and vegan which is always a good line up in a product. I buy the 1000ml's from Look Fantastic which means I get tons and tons of uses out of the bottles. I think I managed to nab the two bottles for less than £45 which is a damn good deal for that much product.
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Pointed Snakeskin Toes
I'm really into wearing flat shoes at the moment and while on a regular ASOS browse I spotted these little babies and knew they needed to be mine. I've talked before about my love of printed/patterned shoes and how much I adore the contrast that they add to my predominantly black outfits. I wore them out at the weekend so they aren't as pristine as they were when I took this photo which makes me sad but I love 'em anyway! I might even buy these extremely jazzy white glitter toe capped ones but I really... really... don't need any more shoes in my life. Or do I?