Box of Style-The ZOE Report-‘Fall 2016’

I received my ‘Fall 2016’ Box of Style end of last week.  The  Zoe Report Box of Style is a US seasonal box (4 boxes per year) which costs $100 per box  and contains a variety of items (could be clothing, accessories, skincare, jewellery, makeup etc.).  The contents of each seasonal box  are different and contain around six items, one of which is a high value ‘hero’ item – could be item of clothing, jewellery, a bag etc.  International shipping is  available to the UK  for a flat rate of  $15 per box / shipment.  (full details on subscription(s) / shipping can be found at http://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/

  • The ‘Hero’ Item – A gorgeous Donni Charm Colour Block Wonder Cape in Black and White  = $197 – This is a beautiful soft cosy versatile piece – love it is in black and white, two of my favourite colours, I think it will suit everyone, is ageless and timeless, you could wear it over jeans and jumper, over a dress or even wrap around your neck as a cosy scarf, also can be worn with the wrap belt, cannot wait to wear it;


  • A beautiful  B-Low The Belt Gatsby Black Leather Wrap Belt = $105 – another beautiful piece, can be worn around the cape, double wrap in around the waist on a dress, jacket and also can be worn through belt loops on your trousers, skirt or jeans as tassle finish give it that extra detail;

     

  • IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil = $24 – over the moon that two items from IT Cosmetics were included as this is a brand I have  wanted to try but never got round to it till now – (however QVC UK have recently started stocking IT Cosmetics and I am now waiting on the makeup compact to arrive – will do a review on it too when I get a chance to try it) – Love the pencil on one side and brush on the other, tried it once and initial thoughts are that it filled in brows very well (dragged slightly when I first used it but improved after further usage) and brush great for tidying up the brows too – states is universal and when you lean heavier it does give a darker colour – looking forward to trying properly;
  • IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain = $24 – I received the colour ‘Wine Berry Flush’ – which is a dark berry colour (maybe a variety of colours included in boxes as shows three different colours on the information card)- feels beautiful on the lips feels very hydrating, felt a v, v light tingling, left lips looking natural but healthier and colour did last  really well, another item I want to try properly;

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  • Hollywood Fashion Secrets Lint Removing Sheets = $6 great addition perfect to carry in your handbag when you need to remove and fluff, fallout;
  • A Stunning Rachel Zoe Goldtone Tassle Bracelet = $95 – this is a beautiful stunning bracelet which comes in a black drawstring bag, it is from the Rachel Zoe collection, length is adjustable and I am over the moon that it fits me as I have a smaller wrist and find it difficult at times to find bracelets that fit without any adjustments – detail is exquisite and love the tassle charm detail, perfect to wear for any occasion, you could also could wear it stacked with other bracelets – think this will be a bracelet I will be reaching for and wearing a lot.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Jeans for Genes Appeal – Ltd Ed T-Shirt

What is Jeans for Genes?

Jeans for Genes is an appeal dedicated to raising funds that will help children suffering from genetic disorders.

Who does Jeans for Genes help?

The money raised on Jeans for Genes Day funds a range of initiatives that improve the quality of life of children affected by genetic disorders – please see the Jeans for Genes UK site for more detail.

How it happens in the UK

In the UK, one day every year – this year Jeans for Genes day is on Friday 23rd September – everyone is asked to throw out the usual dress rules, jump into their jeans and donate a sum to help this cause. The appeal also come up with ideas to raise extra funds, such as competitions and quizzes and  through their clothing including annual limited edition fashion t-shirts.

This year Jeans for Genes have teamed up with Glasgow School of Art to bring you their 2016 limited edition fashion t-shirt which was designed by Katherine Garbutt.

The T-shirt is £20 and comes in sizes UK 6 – UK 22 – however I have just checked and sizes 6 and 22 are now sold out.

I received my t-shirt yesterday (I have purchased one the last few years as well), it is a beautiful black v good quality oversized t-shirt with Jeans for Genes logo written in white on the front, the scoop neck shows off your collar bones, while the short sleeved design and loose oversized fit will help to keep you cool and comfy.

I would definitely recommend purchasing this t-shirt  for you to be a part of Jeans for Genes day through supporting this excellent cause  and because it also is a beautiful comfortable t-shirt to wear any time, not just 23rd September 2016.  However if you decide to purchase I would recommend going at least one size smaller as although it is meant to be loose fitting it is big fitting and although I usually take a Size 10 I purchased the t-shirt in Size 8 and I might have been better to get a Size 6 – however will still be able to wear the size 8.

Thank you for taking the time to look – much appreciated  – look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

Current Favourite Designer Sunglasses

I believe another essential item and fashion accessory, especially this time of year is sunglasses, they add that something extra to an outfit, especially on holidays and also when we get the chance to wear at home, weather permitting!  There are so many styles, colours and brands to choose, the choice is endless.  I own a number of pairs of sunglasses and always on lookout for more but thought I would do a quick post to show you my current favourite pairs – all slightly different styles.  I bought all of the four pairs below for less than £50 each at various discount / outlet stores, some a few years ago.

CHLOE Burgundy with Silver Tone Trim

Love the larger frame which are very comfortable to wear – Chloe is embossed in silver on the burgundy trim on the side, they also have burgundy trim around the glass at the edge.  Love the case that Chloe sunglasses come in too although bulky – v stylist as well.

MIU MIU Rose Gold and Dark Brown Tortoise Patterned Frame with Diamante Detail

Such a comfortable pair of glasses too – v good fit  – the gold tone and tortoise pattern works so well together  and the slight diamante detail at the side  is the perfecting finishing touch.  The case is not just as stylist but fits glasses perfectly and is secure.

MIU MIU Silvertone with Openwork Detail

Another pair of MIU MIU glasses – bought these as they were so different.  Also a perfect fit and the silver tone openwork detail makes them stand out as so unusual – bought these a few years ago and have never seen anything like them since.    Love wearing these especially when I am wearing silver jewellery.

And last but not least the pair I currently wear the most:

Fendi Black Frame with FF detail on sides

These are my absolute favourite at the moment – they are perfect for any occasion, any outfit, fit perfectly, no sunlight can get in at the sides, the FF detail at the sides is stylist but not too over the top either, just absolutely love this pair.

I hope you enjoyed my short post and remember although designer sunglasses can be expensive if you shop around online and in stores especially discounts stores you can get them at greatly reduced prices so as always definitely worth shopping around before you purchase.

Love to hear what your favourite pair / pairs of sunglasses are and if you have got any  bargains?

Thank you for looking  and look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

Boot’s Hair Styling ‘Clamps’ Duo

Another one of the accessories I cannot be without is the Boot’s Hair Styling ‘Clamp’ – I know seems a strange name but accurate as it does clamp your hair.   I know it may not be a statement fashion accessory but to me it is one fashion / hairstyle accessory I cannot be without on a daily basis so I wanted to share the reasons why with you.

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As I have long very fine hair I find it difficult to get a hair clasp or ‘clamp’ that will hold my hair securely, not fall down without hair grips, when I want to put it up either in a bun or plaited,  up and out-of-the-way.   Although I love having long hair I find it aggravates me (when it is down), when it is v hot, when I am on holidays, just doing housework or any DIY jobs so I need something that will hold my hair securely throughout and with the Boots hair styling clamp I have found the perfect thing.    Boots do have smaller, larger  and similar versions of this clamp in store however this  one is the perfect one for my hair.

There is a black and brown clamp in the duo, they are hard plastic with a strong silver tone spring-loaded closure which makes the ‘teeth’ close together v securely so that is why I believe it holds fine hair securely too. I always try to have a few spares one but I personally find they do last well unless you mislay one or you put it in your bag with other items – ‘teeth’ can get broken v easily this way as you would expect.  I cannot recommend these clamps highly enough (especially for those of you with fine hair like me) not just for the quality, results but also because of the v reasonable price of £3.49 for the duo – I can only find the single one online at the moment and it is £2.49 but check your local Boot’s store for the duo.

I hope you found this useful and for those of you who were thinking where are all those fashion posts?? – lots to come v soon.

Thank you for looking  and look forward to any comments you may have – if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.

Best Wishes Liz x

Fleur de Force-New Book ‘The Luxe Life’

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When I seen Fleur de Force had a new book out called the ‘The Luxe Life’ I just had to get it as love looking at her blog and watching her YouTube and vlog videos.  I  pre-ordered a signed copy from WHSmith which arrived today.

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Could not wait to open and I was not disappointed love, love the hardback cover, the illustrations and colour combination is perfect with the rose gold spine and mix of rose gold and black lettering – two of my favourite colours.  Beautiful illustrations / photographs throughout and includes detail on beauty, fashion, lifestyle and food.    I have not got a chance yet to read it all but v impressed already as content is laid out so well, so clear and easy to read and follow, cannot wait to sit down over the weekend and finish reading it.  So as not to spoil it for anyone I have only included photos of the front and back cover and not going into too much detail on the content  but can confirm includes useful / interesting detail advice on beauty, fashion, lifestyle as well as some beautiful recipes.

I would definitely recommend getting this as a treat for yourself or gift for someone especially if they love tips / recommendations on beauty fashion or simple tasty recipes or even if they just love beautiful books as I think this is the perfect book to take pride of place on your dressing table, cabinet or dress room.  You can purchase this book for £9.49 at a number of stores including WHSmith, and Amazon and I think Selfridges currently have it available in store.

I hope you found this helpful – any queries or questions please let me know.  Would love to know your thoughts if you have already received this book.

Thank you for looking.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

ASOS Sale – Jewellery Purchases

Another one of my passions is fashion which includes all types of accessories, whether it is jewellery, bags (will leave these for another day) shoes, scarfs etc. so when I seen that there were further reductions in the ASOS sale had to take a look.  So when I seen the following jewellery pieces reduced, three of them caught my attention straight away, the fourth item I really ended up purchasing because of the fantastic reduction – details and my thoughts below:

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First piece I fell in love with was the Pilgrim Statement Rose Gold Tone Necklace which had been £39.99 reduced to £18.00, a 55% discount.  I loved the unique style of this piece and felt it would bring that little extra to any outfit whether it was a shoulderless / sleeveless top or dress, an open neck top or a high neck top, so could not resist and ordered it and I am so happy now I did.

Love, love it even more now that I have received it, it is an absolutely stunning statement piece, beautiful on and such a versatile piece, detail is exquisite.  I  also love Pilgrim jewellery as I have always found it stays looking as good as new over time / does not tarnish.

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The second and third items that stood out for me were the  Daisy London Jewellery collaboration with Laura Whitmore exclusive sterling silver necklace and earrings Plectrum set, although I had heard of the Daisy jewellery range before I had never purchased anything from this range.  I loved the length of the necklace and the option to wear it slightly shorter as well.  Necklace was £65.00 and was reduced to £31 less than half price and the matching earrings were £45.00 and reduced to £13.50 70% discount, so could not resist and ordered both as was the perfect opportunity to try the Daisy jewellery range.

I was so impressed when I received these items, even though they are lighter pieces of jewellery the quality is excellent and packaging beautiful. The closure on both the earrings and necklace is very secure and once again very versatile can be worn with most items of clothing – the necklace looks especially good with a high neck top.  Once again over the moon with these purchases.

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The fourth and final piece I decided to purchase, the Pilgrim Marble Effect Necklace  did not really appeal to me initially and I only finally decided to purchase mainly because of  the good reduction £44.99 reduced to £16.00, although I did like the colour / marble effect stones and also because it was a Pilgrim piece.

This necklace definitely looked better when I actually received it and I will definitely wear it but I just do not love it as much as the other three items I purchased.  However the quality of the stones and the gold tone / design of the chain is very good and it is a substantial piece and has a secure toggle closure.    It does looks best worn with a summery flowy top or dress.

I hope you enjoyed my first post on ‘fashion’ – more to come very soon.  Would love to hear your thoughts /comments on the pieces I bought, any of them stand out for you?

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

My Little ‘Coconut’ Box – July 2016

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I received my July My Little Box today  – it is a Parisian based monthly subscription box which costs £14.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month.    Each month My Little Box has a different theme and the box is always beautifully illustrated in line with that theme.

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Included in this months box was the usual high quality glossy booklet, which I love reading, additional product information cards, the My  Little Box cloth drawstring bag (which contains the three to four beauty / skincare products usually three – one of which is a My Little Box item), usually two accessory items and a beautiful card that can be framed.  Included in this months box are:

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  • A Beautiful Passport Holder – Embossed with ‘Let’s Get Lost’ on the front and ‘My Little Box’ on the back – also comes in a gift envelope with a ribbon tie closure =£11; (perfect  as the pattern reminds you of holiday times)
  • A Stella & Dot Goldtone Bracelet – £18  – comes in a ‘Sunshine Suits You’ pink and cream drawer style gift box (beautiful bracelet with clasp closure and red tassel – perfect as I have a small wrist but may be a problem for those with a larger wrist size);
  • My Little Box Apres Soleil / Aftersun Spray- 100ml –  £10  – (it is a beautiful coconut scented body milk spray);
  • Yves Rocher Coconut Eau De Toilette – 20 ml – £7 (again going with the coconut theme- if you love coconut you will be happy this month  -a beautiful fresh summery coconut  fragrance – good handbag size);
  • Coco Rico Hand Cleansing Gel – 30 ml – 3 Euro – (a useful handbag size cleansing gel); and
  • A Ojon Rare Blend Oil Moisture Therapy 2ml Sample– it is a 5 in 1 replenishing care for parched , dry hair – it is £30 for 45 ml (nice sample to be included – card advises that just one drop helps hydrate, smooth ends, soften strands, boost shine and reduce Frizz – I did apply one drop and although felt nice on my hair not greasy and appeared to tame some stray hairs too early to say how good this oil actually is)

I enjoy receiving My Little Box because it not only contains beauty / skincare products but  also a variety of accessories e.g.  included in past boxes have been a scarf, gloves, diary, cup, bangle,  etc.  I also  love the box designs / illustrations which are always exquisite.  Although I am v happy with the contents of this months box, which I think are v good and excellent value for money and I will use everything, in my opinion it is not quite as good as last months box which I loved, think the one makeup item sealed it for me – I have inserted a photo below of what I received in last month’s box.  I am hoping I will receive more makeup up items in future boxes as recently there has been a lot of skincare items included.   I would definitely recommend subscribing to this box as it is gives you something slightly different / contains a variety of items and is a lovely surprise each month.

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Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know and if you would like a separate review on any of the above products just let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

Box of Style Summer 2016 – The Zoe Report

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The  Zoe Report Box of Style is a US seasonal box (4 boxes per year) which costs $100 per box (I was lucky to have a $20 code that I was able to redeem against my first box) and contains a variety of items (could be clothing, accessories, skincare, jewellery, makeup etc.).  The contents of each seasonal box  are different and contain around six items, one of which is a high value ‘hero’ item – could be jewellery, a bag etc.  International shipping is now available to the UK  for a flat rate of  $15 per box / shipment.  (full details on subscription(s) / shipping can be found at http://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/)

I was over the moon when I received my Summer 2016 box as had resisted the temptation to look at spoilers on-line so everything within the box was a surprise.  An added bonus is that when you receive the black magnetic box, all the items within the box are wrapped separately in black tissue paper so you can enjoy / prolong the surprise with each separate unwrapping.

Included within the Summer box were the following items & information booklet (see photos below):

  • The ‘Hero’ ItemA gorgeous Luv AJ Lariat Necklace and Open Ring Set = $190;
  • A beautiful colourful and versatile Michael Stars Coverup = $58;
  • YHF Los Angeles Brown Sunglasses with pouch(I feel these sunglasses would suit most shapes too) – $40;
  • Quai Haircare Wave Sprayperfect for the beach / summer = $12;
  • Dreamdry The Dream black turban / towel – perfect product especially for long hair = $30; and
  • Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 15 Brightening Moisturiserbeautiful lightweight moisturiser which smells divine = $38

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I was so impressed and v happy with the items within this seasons box, not just because the total value of items was $368 but because the quality and variety of products included was fantastic too, the necklace and ring is unusual and beautiful and can be worn casual or for a special occasion / night out etc, the coverup is gorgeous, bright colourful and lightweight, the sunglasses are the perfect colour and shape and the moisturiser, hair spray and turban are also the perfect everyday summer items too.  I would definitely recommend trying at least one of these boxes if you can.

My referral link for Box of Style: – http://fbuy.me/d34vC

Direct link to Zoe Report Box of Style site: https://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x