WEEK IN REVIEW // 14

A week of 'back to basics', shall we say? I'll make this short and sweet, because it hasn't been an eventful week...not really. It's been so busy that I haven't made too much of an effort - if I'm completely honest, most of the week (bar one or two days) was spent in pyjamas, chained to my desk, attempting to meet deadlines for my diploma work and camp-planning! (Sidenote: I have newfound respect for camp-planners - I had no idea just how much work and dedication actually goes into it!) I've also been doing a bit of retail therapy... I try not to spend too much, but I'd rather purchase items during the sales than regretting it later when the sale is over! Here is a little snapshot of what I got up to:
Just Jeans Portland Pea Coat - I'd been eyeing this coat since I first saw it, and finally succumbed when I saw there was a further 25% off the already discounted price. I love the cherry red colour - especially since all three of my coats are either black or navy. It's quite similar to another coat I own, but different enough to justify purchasing.

Wittner 'Ignite' loafers in White - I snapped these up when I saw they'd been further discounted - white is such a nice alternative to black, especially when so much of my wardrobe is comprised of dark hues, such as navy (no kidding, my whole wardrobe is practically navy!). Admittedly, I've always been a bit scared of white shoes - or rather, getting them dirty (being rather perfectionistic, as well), but I figure I'd take the chance (I'm a big girl now, after all!). I really like Wittner, as they carry shoes small enough for my tiny feet - size 35 and 36 are dang near impossible to find elsewhere! I've don't need anymore heels, so I figure I'd add another pair of flats into my rotation.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard - This baby is finally mine! I'd toyed with purchasing it for a loooong time (almost doing so on several occasions), and when I finally went to do so, my local Mecca Cosmetica was out of stock! They told me it would most likely be a fortnight until they received more stock, so I was surprised to receive a call saying they'd gotten more stock in, just four days later. So far it lives up to the hype and I'm quite pleased with it - it's opaque, a great colour match, long-lasting, easy to blend, doesn't crease, applies like a dream, and a little goes a long way. Pretty much ticks all the boxes! Part of its appeal is its relatively affordable price - a mere $35 compared to the US RRP of $29USD, which is surprising, given that most of their products are outrageously more expensive here.

Teacup + Choc Chip Chai T2 Tea - This has been such a lovely comfort as the weather cools down. I enjoy it as a mid-morning or late afternoon pick-me-up, mixed together with Creme Brûlée, with a dash of carnation milk and a sprinkling of sugar. Mmmmmm.

...And last but not least, my perennial favourites that you're probably quite familiar with by now:

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light tinted sunscreen / Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm

What did you get up to this week?
Have you been taking advantage of the EOFY sales too? x

WEEK IN REVIEW // 10

A week of chillin', adventurous foodie-ing, catchups with friends, and sneaky purchases.

The goods:
Wittner Kissable Heels in Nude Patent Leather - These were my sneaky purchase this week. With all the 'EoFYS' and 'Mid-year Clearances', it's been pretty tough not to cave! I was drawn to the cutouts, which are a little out of the ordinary, the comfy block heel, and the pretty shade of nude (the photos don't do it justice). Seeing as I don't have any pairs of nude heels, I figured it was justified. (Right? RIGHT?!) These may just become the nude counterpart to my favourite black Wittner heels - only time will tell!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - This has been my lip balm of choice this week. It seemed to be a good match for the citrus tart we had for dessert last night... Last week I mentioned my first impressions, but you can check out the full, non-abbreviated, updated post here.

Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light SPF 30+ - I've found this to be lovely for the cooler, windier weather, as it is hydrating and illuminating - plus, it's got SPF, which is a must! This has been my fave 'face base' of late. See it in action here and here.

bareMinerals Correcting Concealer in Medium 2, MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30 and Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush - Lately I've been struggling with my concealer options, as I'm in need of something more hydrating as my skin becomes drier. I only just got the Correcting Concealer, and I find it to be quite thick and creamy, though I'm on the fence about its cream-to-powder finish. With my usual MAC concealer, I've been experimenting with different methods of application. I've been testing out various tools, such as fingers, the Ecotools Deluxe Concealer Brush, and the Ecotools Airbrush Concealer Brush, which is excellent for diffusing harsh lines and preventing an unsightly almost 'streaky' finish. I'm still eyeing NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, but I might make that my last resort.

And I thought I'd also do a little throwback to when the weather was warmer, and the skies less grey, as the rain falling outside it making this Winter seem rather dreary already...

This photo was taken by my talented pal, Chris (who started his own photography company, Too'Eazy Photography), on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in April. Ah, I'm wishing we still had that lovely summery breeze.

Hope you're enjoying the long weekend (if you're in Aus)!
What was the highlight of your week? x

MONOCHROMATIC INSPIRATION //

Berry and wine hues are huge favourites of mine for Autumn/Winter, though lately I find myself equally inspired by good ol' monochrome. As they say, you can't go wrong with black, white and grey (check out Harper and Harley if you're feeling uninspired). Here are my picks:

Clockwise from top left:
Country Road Herringbone Crew Socks
Diptyque Baies Candle
Tory Burch Robinson Chain Wallet
Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Cologne
Country Road Pom Pom Stripe Beanie
Mecca Cosmetic Lip De-Luscious Night Lip Treatment
CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundation
Wittner Harpie loafer
Larsson and Jennings LÄDER watch
ZARA TRF Leather Biker Jacket

Do any of these take your eye?
What do you think of the switch 'back to black'?


*Images from Google

AUTUMN WANTS //

As Summer becomes Autumn I've got my eye on leather accessories in 'cosy' tones, beauty products to combat parched, dull skin, and little luxuries that will end up being Winter warmers, bringing cheer when the weather is dreary.

   
Clockwise from top left:
Citizen Eco-Drive watch
Wittner Helsinki brogues in Black
LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Brown Pot Rouge in Raspberry
Glasshouse Triple Scented Candle in Fudge Brownie (Peter Alexander Limited Edition)

T2 Creme Brûlée tea

Fossil Sydney Satchel in Cranberry
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina perfume

(Images from Google).

'MY FAVO(U)RITE THINGS' //

...is a great song. Though, come to think of it, practically anything featuring Julie Andrews could be considered 'great'. That lady is freakin' incredible. But I digress.

Given my established aversion to Awkward Introductions, rather than do a get-to-know-me 20 Questions, or a spiel in which I assault your ears with my fascinating life story, I thought I'd do a little summary instead. A (literal) snapshot, if you will.

"These are a few of my favourite things..."