Gorgeous Couture

Dress - Gorgeous Couture // Shoes - Topshop // Midi rings - eBay

Hey dolls, 

Eeeep its just 9 sleeps till Christmas now - how exciting! I can't wait to go home and spend some quality time with the familia and just have a general break from work. I've been super organised this year and got all my presents in advance (thank god). Last year was too stressful as I decided to leave it all till last minute as per. Honestly, running round Manchester like a headless chicken is not the one. So I'm happy I can just chill out till I break up from work and enjoy the build up to Christmas day :)

On another note, I was absolutely thrilled when an email popped up from Gorgeous Couture asking me if I would like to be part of their December blogger edit! I always love receiving their blogger edit emails and oggling over some beaut bloggers in GC's latest designs! To be asked to be part of this too, I was completely over the moon and SO excited to wear one of their gorgeous dresses. When my parcel arrived I couldn't wait to get inside and ripped open the wrapper as quick as I could (you can't wait around for a dress like this ;). The dress came beautifully wrapped in tissue paper in a black box with a luxurious black velvet hanger - what more could I ask for? I love the fact there is so much thought put into the packaging and you really feel like you are getting a luxury item! Fit for a princess ;)

When I saw the dress I totally fell in love. I'm obsessed with white dresses, I think they look so expensive and are look amazing with loads of accessories and at the same time can look good with just minimal jewellery. I tried this dress on with a few statement necklaces, but decided I preferred the minimal look with some gold midi rings and a slick of M.A.C's RiRi Woo on my lips.

My favourite part of the dress is the stunning cut out back, which I think makes this dress super sexy and reminds me of something worthy of a red carpet. I can't tell you how much I love this dress and I can't wait to wear it for something special! You definitely get your money's worth with Gorgeous Couture - from the super high quality fabric to the beautiful packaging, I really couldn't ask for more! The dress I am wearing is the 'Freya Maxi Dress' which you can find HERE.

Have you bought anything from Gorgeous Couture before?

Ebay Wishlist #3

Gilet / Shoes / Earrings / PU Skirt

Hey dolls,

This is a quick post - just thought I'd share with you some eBay bargains that I have spotted recently! I love seeing eBay posts as sometimes you can pick up an amazing bargain!

Hope everyone is having a fab week!

L O V E

Dress - Fashion Union* // Boots - Primark // Clutch - River Island // Jacket - Koo-Ture // Watch - Born Prettys*

Hey Dolls, 

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I'm having one of them days where everything goes wrong and I just want to crawl back into bed, wahh! 

I wanted to share with you this gorgeous PU shift dress I received off Fashion Union which I can't wait to wear for the party season! I love a bit of PU leather and when I first saw these dresses I knew I would have to get my hands on one at some point! They are so easy to style and you can never go wrong with a LBD can you really? I can't find the dress on-line but they have a very Burberry-esque heart print one which is gorgeous PLUS FU are offering 30% off at the moment so I'm thinking of putting a cheeky little order in myself! 

I came across the cut out shoe boots in Primark that had been reduced from £25 to £10 !!! Yes, you read it right - £10. They are the absolute spit of the Rihanna for RI pair which I loved but they sold out so quick I didn't manage to get my little celebrity endorsed obsessed hands on them. They also have the black & cream version on sale too, however as lovely as they are I thought the one pair was enough (I have too many shoes I don't wear!). I found these in the Manchester Market Street Primark but I'm sure they are about everywhere! 

The fur jacket was something I bought from work spontaneously and I absolutely love it. I have got so much wear out of this already and is the perfect day to night coat that looks good but keeps you warm at the same time. There are loads of gorgeous coats/capes on-line at the moment, definitely worth a look! You can check them out HERE. 

I decided to give this outfit a pop of colour with the RI clutch and pink jelly wrist watch. I was very kindly sent this watch from 'Born Prettys' that are an on-line company that sell all the accessories you could think of from phone cases to bracelet watches. This LED watch is super cheap and as well as having a wide range of products to choose from I think these watches are great for adding a pop of colour to your outfit. I even have a 10% discount code you can use despite the prices being so reasonable already - ASHLEIGHGC10 just pop it in at the check out! You can also find my watch HERE.

Hope everyone has a fab week - nearly Christmas Eeeek!

Xmas Wishlist

Hey dolls! 

Happy Black Friday! I only found out what this is today and immediately started browsing the web for any discounts I can get for my Christmas shopping! I'm so rubbish at Christmas shopping, I always wish I had an unlimited amount of cash so I could buy everyone amazing presents! I love wrapping them all up, making them pretty and feeling satisfied when someone opens up their present and loves it. I don't love it when I am completely stuck on what to get someone and end up running round town on Christmas eve like a little stress ball! This year I've started early and want to be extra prepared as I'm going to be moving flats in January and that's enough to stress about! 

I've seen lots of Christmas lists going around recently so thought I'd pop mine up. I'd say mine is quite a luxurious list and if I even got one of these gifts I'd be over the moon! 

Canon 600d DSLR Camera
I desperately need want a DSLR camera. I always feel my blog images would look so much better with a DSLR camera as mine is your standard digital camera but with a hefty price tag, what's a poor girl to do? ha. 

Zara Tan Duffle Faux Fur Jacket 
Ever since I saw this jacket on Tamera from the X Factor I have been lusting over this every time I set foot in Zara. I love the massive full fur hood and would get so much wear out of it. This could be one for the Zara sales! 

Tiffany Pendant Charm
I have loved Tiffany for as long as I can remember and these little beauts have definitely featured in wish lists I have done before. There's nothing like a timeless piece of jewellery.

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation
I have got to say this is my favourite foundation to date. It's an ideal coverage for me as I don't really like a very 'full' coverage, however it is also build-able if that's what you do like. It also gives my skin a 'dewy' effect which teamed with bronzer - I absolutely love. Although this is on my list I am going to take full advantage of the 40% off in House of Fraser and grab myself one of these asap!

Jo Malone Blossom & Honey Home Candle 
I am a massive fan of scented candles as I like my rooms to smell nice and fresh, plus I also find them super relaxing. I have always had Yankee Candles but I would love to splash out and treat myself to a Jo Malone candle. My flatmate used to always have one in her room and it smelt delicious so I'm thinking this blossom & honey candle sounds pretty inviting! 


Giuseppe Zanotti Black Leather Ankle Boot 
Ahhh the most expensive item on my list.... These boots are an absolute dream and I would love to own my very own pair of Giuseppe Zanotti's I think I actually prefer this brand to my beloved Louboutins nowadays. I am a massive fan of a kardashian-esque shoe boot and I think these would look amazing for Winter!

Do you have luxury items on your wish list? 

Suede & Tassels

Dress - Koo-Ture // Wedges - Manchester Boutique

Hey dolls, 

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Apart from working on a mad busy night due to the boxing being held in Manchester, it was a pretty chilled one which is just what I like when I've been ill and busy at work! I also had a cheeky splurge in Topshop yesterday and got myself a Kim K inspired outfit that I cannot wait to wear on my next night out! 

Whilst being super busy I did manage to pick up this pocohontas-esque dress which is a new brand to be part of Koo-Ture from Poland. I really can't make my mind up on when or where to wear it too but it's pretty cute all the same. I figured I'd probably wear it as a top for through the day and then a dress on a night out. I espesh love the tassel sleeves and it's an amazing quality, however I cant work out if this is more of a summer outfit or if I could get away with it for a wintery night out...hmm?If all else fails I'm going as Pocahontas to the next fancy dress party I'm going to, ha!

I'm off to see the new Hunger Games film tonight and I am too excited, major girl crush time over Katniss! Has anyone else seen it yet? 

Have you shopped at Koo-Ture before?

Sun Junkie

Hey Dolls,

So recently I was given the opportunity to review some tanning products from a new brand I hadn't heard of before - Sun Junkie (Love the name!). If I hadn't mentioned before, I am very much a tan addict and I am constantly trying out new tanning brands in my search for the perfect tan! I tend to use the sunbeds prior to a holiday or a little bit afterwards in order to maintain my holiday tan, but I try not to use them other than for this reason as we all know its not the best for your skin. If I was just born a Cuban goddess, life would be so much easier....sigh. As I am not, I resort to a trusty bottle to keep my skin glowing all year round! When I received the Sun Junkie tanning products, I couldn't slather the stuff on quick enough!I decided to wear it for my recent night out for my friends birthday so here's what I thought...

Sun Junkie 'Deliciously Dark' Tanning Mousse - RRP £17.99*

"Sunjunkie Deliciously Dark Self Tanning Mousse tans instantly and intensifies over a 3 to 8 hour period. The Vitamin E and Aloe Vera based mousse is quick drying and non greasy and is easily absorbed to produce an outstanding natural looking result" 

When asked what tanning products I usually use - I would always go with the darkest tan. I love the build up to a lovely glowing tan and I really like a deep tan, I know some people don't but I just do - I can't help it! When trying the 'deliciously dark' tanning mousse I found on first impressions that although the tan was a lovely colour it just wasn't as dark as I would have perhaps usually liked, but still okay all the same. I decided to put another couple of coats on to try and get a deeper tan and left it to dry and intensify over night. Okay - so although this tan is instant but not super dark to begin with, it definitely intensifies DARK!! I was like OMG when I woke up the next day - my advice is 1or 2 coats is sufficient - believe me! I absolutely love the golden colour it gave me and I would definitely use it again!

Sun Junkie Body Mist  - RRP £12.79

"Sunjunkie's best selling body mist (airbrush tan in a can!). Scrub off the old tan and spray on the new! Absolutely a fantastic product can be sprayed at any angle. Purely powered by AIR Bodymist 'Tan in a Can' (150mls)."

I used the body mist on my legs as I never really use a spray tan and I figured this would be an easy place to spray and rub in with the tanning mitt. I like to see where I'm putting the tan and sometimes I feel that I'm going to end up streaky when using a spray so I tend to avoid it. However, this tanning spray is really easy to use and you can see exactly where you are putting the tan with it being instant. Again, it intensifies after a few hours and gives you a lovely golden glow. Although a mousse is definitely more for me, I would recommend the spray body mist if you prefer this way of applying tan!  

Sun Junkie Tanning Mitt RRP £3.33

"Apply your Sunjunkie self tanning mousse or spray directly on to your skin...then massage in well with the self tan application mitt. For flawless, streak free results every time, wave goodbye to tanned palms and rubber/plastic gloves." 

I think you all know what a tanning mitt is but I have to say I have ended up buying some rubbish ones before! This one is lovely and soft and isn't too expensive so you might as well pick one up when buying yourself  some tanning treats! 

Have you tried Sun Junkie before? 

What I wore: VFNO

Dress - Koo-Ture // Boots - H&M

Hey dolls,

So this is a bit of a late one but thought I would share what I wore to the highly anticipated Vogue Fashion Night Out, which moved to Manchester this year - previously being in London.
I was joined with two beauts Charlotte from LurchHound Loves and Charlotte from A Trend I Made Earlier. I also met up with another two of my faves Sindy from Article 21 & Joanna from Minty Essence. 

There was loads going on in and around the city centre in a range of stores with opportunities to meet a few celebs and designers and hear about their current collections. It was an amazing atmosphere and everywhere seemed to be buzzing with fashionistas, music and champagne! I must admit it was a bit of an effort trekking to all the different stores with invites to some of the stores a bit out of the way, but other than that it was a fab night :)!! I had work prior to VFNO so it was a massive rush but I managed to make it! I had no idea what to wear so I grabbed this tartan bodycon that had just arrived in work before I left. Although this looked pretty on the hanger it was a bit of a nightmare to be walking around in and kept riding up all night - great! However, it did keep me warm which I couldn't say for a lot of the girls I saw walking around - they looked lush but minimal clothing in October is not for me, I was getting colder just looking at them, brrr! I've been a bit absent from blogging recently but I am having a nightmare moving flats and its nearly been a week that I still haven't moved in anywhere and living out a suitcase - WAHH! I'll be back on track when I am all settled in though :).

Did anyone else go VFNO?

#Ririlovesmac

Hey dolls, 

I haven't done a beauty post in a while but I was so excited about the new RiRi Loves MAC collection, I felt I should do a little post on my new beauties! To be honest I definitely bought the products due to the celebrity endorsement - I am easily sucked in. However I fell in love with the packaging and decided I needed a new mascara, red lippie and bronzer/blusher anyway. I have used all three of my products a few times now so here are my thoughts so far...

RiRi Loves MAC Powder Blush Duo - Hibiscus Kiss

"Rihanna's Powder Blush Duo in Hibiscus Kiss combines two shades of M·A·C's celebrated colour for cheeks and face. Cool coral complements a neutral matte bronze in one gorgeous package." - M.A.C

This was the one product that I 100% wanted from the RiRi Loves Mac range as my favourite pink bronzer and blusher have both run out, so it made sense to try out this duo. I love a pink blusher as I feel it complements dark hair and looks lovely when you have a tan if applied lightly. I have to say the pink blusher is very pigmented so you don't have to use a lot and I think it looks lovely on. The bronzer is also a lush shade but as I am a bit of a tan addict, it doesn't show up very well on my skin. As you can see in my swatch (it's the one on the left) it's quite hard to see - it does give a nice glow though and works well as a powder to brush over my face. 

RiRi Loves MAC Lipstick - RiRi Woo
  
"Part of the four limited-edition shades created by Rihanna. In Retro Matte - the signature red of RiRi Woo" - M.A.C 

Originally I was after the 'nude' lipstick from this collection, however I was out of luck when I hit Selfridges and it had already sold out - boo :( despite this, the gold packaging was too pretty so I couldn't leave without getting one! The dark purple  and burnt orange shades aren't really me so I opted for the red matte shade 'RiRi Woo'. I only own one other red lipstick in red (Russian Red) so it's nice to try others. I know a lot of bloggers love Ruby Woo, which I can only imagine is pretty much the same, so I grabbed this one as well. If you love a matte lip this is for you! I find this lipstick more drying than my fave matte lippy (please me) so I think I will have to put a slick of gloss or balm on for a bit of extra lip hydration! It's super pigmented though and I can't wait to wear this over Chrismas! 

RiRi Loves MAC - Extended Play Gigablack Lash

"A lightweight curling, lifting mascara in an intense carbon black pigment. Applies with a petite gripper brush embedded with micro-spheres to give each lash effortless, upward bending definition and extreme volume. Easy wash-off formula. Smudge-free. Lasts 16 hours." - M.A.C

I have got to say, I love this mascara. It's so easy and quick to apply and I see an instant difference in my lashes. I already wear the Eyelure individual lashes everyday so I just apply a tiny bit to the ends of them for extra definition. However, when I use this on my bottom lashes, they are instantly separated with one application and as the brush is quite thin, it makes applying this to the lower lashes super easy. I used to love big, thick mascara brushes but I have recently found after using the Bobby Brown mascara that the thinner brushes seem to be more effective on my lashes. If this mascara works so well on my lower lashes, I can imagine it works wonders for the top lashes! I would definitely re-purchase this again.  

You can get the RiRi Loves MAC collection from Selfridges, House of Fraser & Debhanams and if course MAC stores & online! 

Have you tried any of the RiRi Loves MAC range?

 

 

Kimono

 Kimono - Koo-Ture // Dress - American Apparel // Boots - Topshop

Hey dolls, 

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! I was meant to be going Warehouse Project tonight but after last weeks 3 hour queues I decided to sell my ticket and have a night out instead! It's a shame as I was looking forward to Rudimental but I just don't want to spend my night waiting around for everything. I'm sure a Manchester night out will be just as fun!

Anyway, I was super excited in work the other day when I saw a delivery of burnt out velvet kimonos! I have wanted one for ages but some of them are about £80 so I am glad I waited out! I got this colour and also an all black one as well. I think these are ideal for nights out with an LBD when you want some extra warmth but still want to look dressed up. There have definitely been times where I have worn some disgusting old cardigan for the sake of staying warm and then binned it somewhere before I went in a club, ha! I've had the black tube dress and boots for ages but I think this is something I would wear out for dinner/drinks, just a smart/casual one (probably with some tights included in our current temperature drop ;'( ) Is anyone else mentally booking their next holiday already?!

Does anyone else have a kimono crush? I love them!

PU & Pink

PU Top - Glamorous* // Skort - Ark // Heels - Primark

Hey dolls,

I feel like I've been a bit absent these past few weeks but I'm back and have lots of new outfits to share with you! I recently was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous PU top from Glamorous and I have fallen in love. I have a thing for all things PU/leather at the minute so  I was super happy to wear this! As you may already know/been a part of, it was Freshers week recently and I decided to get involved at the Arndale centre to take advantage of the 'Student Lock In' night where there was lots of amazing offers forcing me to at least buy one thing! 

I was pretty impressed with myself when I only walked away with this skort from Ark. I have wanted one of the Zara ones for a while but never really wanted one that much that I had to rush out and buy it immediately. Don't get me wrong, I think they are lush. However, when the excitement of a new trend has been and gone, I'm sort of not too bothered about it any more. SO as I felt like that ship had sailed when thinking of getting one of the original colours, I decided this bright pink one is perfect for now and goes pretty well with the PU top. I slung on my fave black heels that I got based on the fact they reminded me of Kim Kardashian. You can get the PU top HERE and the pink skort HERE (or in store!). I also need to add that I am super excited for Vogue's Fashion Night Out tomorrow in Manchester - Very exciting!I hope to see some blogger faces about on the night, which I'm sure I will! 

Hope everyone is having a good week! 

dope

Jumper - H&M// Dress - Topshop // Belt - Ebay // Timberlands - Footlocker 

Hey dolls! 

It's Friday, it's Friday! *danceface* I feel like this week has properly dragged so I am very happy to say hello to the weekend - I have a busy one with extra work shifts but one of the besties is coming to visit tonight and my momma is visiting on Sunday which is always nice. 

Me and my flatmate are moving out of our pretty flat *sobs* and the other day we were sat in her room whilst she sorted out all her clothes she had had enough of. She has an amazing wardrobe and when she said 'just take anything you like' I jumped in the pile of clothes and started shopping! I pulled out quite a few nice things including this Topshop dress (perfect colour for A/W!) and the slouchy H&M sweater. I love slouchy sweaters, they are so easy to wear and I love throwing them over an outfit and they are amazing for them days when you just want to chill. Ever since I got my Timberland boots, I have been obsessed - I love how they look anyway but they are SO comfy and perfect for Winter. I have been walking to work in them and they are just ideal. I have a bit of a trek to work so you don't really want to be hiking up a hill in some heels. I know they are not everyone's choice but personally I love them. I added the belt to finish off the outfit which you can get off eBay here and you can choose which word you would like in the gold lettering. These are only around five pounds which is ideal for a waist belt. 

I wore this outfit to work as we have no uniform and when you're working in fashion you always feel a pressure to look nice! I felt super comfortable in this and will definitely be throwing it all on again! 

Hope everyone has a lushweekend! 

Better be street if your lookin at me

Pants - Forever 21 // Cami - A random shop in Marbella // SnapBack - Es Cana Swimwear*//Shoes - Primark

Hey dolls,

So this is an outfit I got a while back but seeing as it the PU trend is back in business for A/W I decided to grab myself some leather look pants from Forever 21 last time I was in the Trafford Centre. I've never actually bought anything from Forever 21 and although there was a few pieces that caught my eye, I wasn't overwhelmed if I'm completely honest. Saying that, we were in between seasons which is always a bit of hit and miss, so I will give it another go next time I'm in.

I started wearing these PU pants when it was that strange humid/it's raining/it's sunny phase and it was probably one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Fake leather and humidity is not the one! I genuinely had to peel them off my legs after my long walk home after work - disgusting, I know. So now it's getting a bit chillier I am ready to rock them a second time round in the hope they will keep me warm.

I got this SnapBack from Es Cana Beachwear a while ago and think these are cool for not only holidays away in the sun but adding a bit of urban to my outfit. I think it breaks up all the black I'm wearing and finishes off the outfit. I also love the print and colour as it's a little more girlie than your average SnapBack AND it's only £9.99 which is a total bargain! You can grab a silver (like mine) or gold one HERE.

Do you buy much from Forever 21 or Es Cana? 

FU Wishlist

Hey dolls,

Well, as if I didn't love Fashion Union enough already, they are running a 'wishlist' competition right now to win £500 of FU vouchers!! Wowza. I obviously couldn't miss out on something as good as that! So, as you can see I have made a compilation of all my current 'wants' off the Fashion Union website! I have to say it was very hard to narrow it down as if you haven't already checked out their ''new arrivals' page, there is LOADS of gorgeous stuff to kick start  the Autumn/Winter season! 

I seem to have been drawn to everything black, white and red - I didn't even plan that I swear! I was picking out my faves and when I looked at them all together I was like hmm, guess what colours you're wearing this year Ashleigh. I am loving everything leather and minimal at the moment and I also STILL don't have a kimono even though I have wanted one for time! So if I was to win this would be first on the list along with the gorgeous LBD I spotted that looks super flattering and sophisticated.

You can also enter the comp HERE and you have until Monday 30th September 5 pm to enter. Also don't forget to take advantage of the FREE delivery this month over at Fashion Union!!

Do you like my wish list picks?