Casual Outfit Idea for Men this Autumn/Winter

Casual Outfit Idea for Men this Autumn/Winter

A couple of weekends ago me and my boyfriend hit the shops in Leeds City centre. He had not brought any new clothes for nearly a year before that day! However we (he) went crazy on the clothes and has completely transformed his look.

Chinos: Topman

Jumper: River Island

Gillet: Republic

Shoes: Vans

Ryan is wearing a t-shirt underneath his jumper which is also from River Island.

Although gillets have been around for many years; they have become increasingly popular for the autumn/winter seasons over these past couple of years. Putting the gillet over a contrasting jumper gives a more casual look than wearing heavy restricting coats. This particular gillet contains dense padding and hugs heat into the core of the body, which is a fabulous benefit considering the harsh winters we are now predicted. Most gillets come with a hood, and the majority of them are removable so the look can also be altered by removing the hood for mild days. Gillets tend to last a very time, especially if you invest in high quality gillet like the one Ryan is wearing. I believe these will be in fashion for many Autumn/Winters to come as they are less restricting than coats, therefore more convenient for every day life. They tend to provide much more warmth to the core of the body than coats as they are filled with large amounts of padding, I find that the more 'fashionable' coats this season are extremely thin and not appropriate for this weather.

However, I do believe that when wearing a gillet ALWAYS wear a jumper, pullover, hoodie or jacket underneath. The best under garment for a gillet should be a contrasting colour to the gillet and/or have a print or pattern on it to add extra style to the look. I have seen endless amounts of 'lads' who seem to contradict the idea of the gillet-adding exrta warmth and style- by wearing a t-shirt alone underneath, mega cringe and just down right stupid.

Now I have been living in Leeds a whilst I have noticed that almost every person I know has a pair of Converse or Vans. I jumped on the band wagon and brought myself a pair of white Converse which I must say are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, so comfortable that I wear them nearly every day no matter what my outfit is and have asked for another pair for Christmas. However, in my home town, Lincoln, Vans and Converse are not a huge hit with the males. I really cannot understand this and why boys rather wear trainers, Toms or cheap plimsolls which look tatty after a few wears when these shoes don't only provide comfort but at the same time manage to look casual and smart and last forever. I feel these shoes are a much better quality that regular high street plimsolls and have a much thicker sole which provides much higher protection. I enjoy how Converse and Vans can be put in a washing machine and come out like new (I tend to put mine in a pillow case to keep them together and prevent possible bobbling). Ryan's Vans add to this look by giving it a smart/casual feel, the colour also ties in wonderfully with his jumper. From me to all viewers, these shoes are a definite must have.

To finish the look Ryan is wearing chinos. Do I need to say any more about chinos? If you're a boy/lad/teen/man you should already have a pair of these, they're the new 'denim jeans' are wont be making a disappearance any time soon! You can pick these up and any high street clothing store and now even in super markets so there is no excuse!

Over all this outfit is perfect for the Autumn/Winter months and is guaranteed to provide warmth, protection and style. It is the definition of smart/casual... casual/smart.

Emily Jade

 ♥ ✝ ☮

Hand Cream- Comparison and Review

Hand Creams; Dove, Cath Kidston and Sanctuary Spa Comparison

One of my pet hates is dry hands! Every since working at McDonald's my hands have become awfully dry and cracked due to the constant hand washing and harsh chemicals. To revise my hands I began using dove hand cream, which is okay, it takes a few days to gain softer hands but I thought it was time to change up and find something new.

Cath Kidston does a fabulous set of 3 hand creams, each a different fragrance. I purchased these from the store in Leeds for £6, they also sell these online www.cathkidston.co.uk. I must admit they smell beautiful, my particular favourite is the pink rose. I have had these for a few months as use them a few times each day but still have a lot left! They make hands reasonably soft after a few days, but what impresses me the most is the fragrances. If you have been chopping onions or garlic for example and still have the smell knitted into your skin after washing your hands these creams completely illuminate odours!

After finishing two nine hour shifts over the weekend my hands were wrecked. The Cath Kidston creams could not save my hands and the next day in town I decided to invest in something slightly more high quality.

After looking around I came across the sanctuary spa section and found a travel size, 30ml, bottle of hand cream. This was perfect as it was a brand I had heard about, it is the same size as the Cath Kidston tubes so I knew it would last and was only £3!

I cannot lie, this is the best product for reviving dry hands fast! The cream instantly locks in moisture, dries quickly and leaves hands feeling like velvet. I LOVE this cream. I have been using it a few time a day and I feel like my hands are back to how they were before I begun working! The only complaint about this cream is that it does not smell as great as the Cath Kidston fragranced ones- the smell reminds me of sun cream but after looking at a couple of other reviews on this cream many seem to like the fragrance of it, so not too much of an issue.

Out of the three if you're looking for a cream which just add a little moisture, not too heavy and to keep hands young, then Dove Hand Moisture will be great for you. If you're wanting your hands to smell beautiful and gain medium moisture then the Cath Kidston set of three is perfect! One could be left in a handbag, one at home, another at work so they're always accessible!

However if your searching for a fast moisturising hand cream that lasts then sanctuary spa hand cream is the most perfect cream for you. I'm sure there is other more expensive creams out there, however, if you're on a tight budget like myself this is definitely the best product for the price!

Emily Jade

 ♥ ✝ ☮

O.P.I Top and Base Coat Review

O.P.I Top and Base Coat Review

As a result of lots of free time and minimal working my love for nail art has blossomed into a slight obsession! Seeing as my nails are always painted I had decided it was about time I had invested in some decent top and base coat. The ones I used previously were from a set my mum received one Christmas and gave it straight to me about 8 years ago. So yes, it was definite about time.

My original choice was to pop to boots and buy a cheap set, but I thought again when I find my nails usually chip a lot and the base coat doesn't protect my nail from stains with my old ones so buying cheap ones would be no better. I knew I would have to pay a little more for quality however I would rather than have the same issues as I did!

Now, before you think I did actually spend a fortune on these bottles, in fact I had found myself a real bargain! At the moment I am loving Amazon, and I searched for O.P.I top and base coat and there they were, at the very top of the page, for less than £12! Immediately brought the pair of 15ml coats with no postage cost!

Since using the O.P.I base coat my nails have never stained or absorbed any of my nail varnish colours as they did before. The base coat is essentially like a primer for the nails, it allows the main nail colours to sit smoothly on the nail and helps prevent streaks and lumps.

The O.P.I top coat is great as it has a higher chip resistance in comparison to cheaper, lower quality top coats. I find the colour stays on my nails for days with minimal if any chips. I also find it easier to remove my nail varnish when I use these two coats, I'm unsure why but it is so much easier.

Over all, a fantastic purchase and definitely worth what I paid for them. I would think twice about paying full price for them as I do believe they can add up to a high expense. However, I have used these two way over 10 times now and they still look as full as they did when I first received them. If you're into nails and looking for a bargain, definitely pop on Amazon and buy yourself these. Great price, great product, excellent base and finish for nails polish, so why not?

Emily Jade

 ♥ ✝ ☮

Primark Christmas Candles

Primark Christmas Candles

On my day off I popped into Leeds City Centre Primark to take a dress back when I discovered the home section of Primark! I had never notice that they do candles and home decorations before. Anyway, I had laid my eyes on some Christmas candles, at first I thought that they would smell awful and not last very long at all! However, they claim to last up to 12 hours and they smell heavenly.

As well as being very cute aesthetically they also smelly great. The candles are in little glass jars covered in Christmas stickers. I brought two different fragrances Vanilla Bean and Boughs of Holy. The Vanilla Bean as a soft sweet vanilla smell to it and isn't sickly at all. Boughs of Holly, I believe, is cinnamon mixed with some vanilla undertones. Both candles are very homely and have a light Christmas feel to them. Candles are best on long winter nights, I find them very soothing and these candles are perfect for this.

After I have used the candles I am going to fill the jars with very hot water and remove all excess wax. Then, I'll possibly remove the stickers with hot soapy water and recover them with a suitable pattern for after the festive season. As they have lids they will make the perfect jars for bits and bobs such as; hair bobbles, bobby pins, jewellery ect...

Over the years Primark has increased in quality and now has a vast range of products which are affordable for most people. I am very happy I have purchased these candles at the expense of £1 each. They aren't the biggest candles ever but are definitely worth the money, seeing as after they're burnt they can be recycled and branded candles this size can cost up to £10.

If you're looking for Christmas candles on the cheap this year then Primark is the place to go. I would even recommend these as a stocking fillers or as a gift for grandparents/parents or carers if you're on a tight budget. Primark also do a set of three as a gift set, these would also make a cute gift for teens and adults.

Emily Jade

 ♥ ✝ ☮

Models Own MORE Freebie

Models Own MORE Freebie

I brought MORE magazine in mid November simply for the fact they were giving away model OWN nail varnish. The shades available are: Raspberry Crush and Nude Beige. Both of these colours are perfect for me because I have been hunting around for a Nude/Beige colour for a while and I can never refuse anything that is coloured pink!

The magazine is £1.50, so two good quality nail varnishes for £3 is a pretty good bargain! Usually models OWN is priced at £5-£6 a bottle, which is reasonable but why not get two for half the price of one? 

I am extremely happy with the quality of these polishes, they both only need one single coat to get good coverage and are very long lasting. The bottles are 14ml, 1ml less than a full sized OPI, very good value for money.

Here I have tried the models OWN raspberry crush with the nails inc. Glamour Glitter (one of the freebies from December's GLAMOUR magazine). I think this looks lovely has has a beautiful shine to it. The colour isn't too girlie and can suit any age! 

I have been searching for a Nude/Beige for a while as I particularly enjoy this leopard print pattern and this colour works perfect as the base for it (nails by Lauren Curtis). This shade will also be perfect for a daily basis for a toned down look and fits perfect into the autumn/ winter season.

Again, these polishes as well as the nails inc. freebies would make a perfect stocking filler this Christmas as the nail craze carries on escalating. 

Emily Jade

 ♥ ✝ ☮ 

Nails inc. GLAMOUR Freebie Review

Nails inc. GLAMOUR Freebie Review

In December's GLAMOUR magazine (which is actually released in November) they're giving away four beautiful different nails inc. polishes for free! Nails inc. usual sell these varnishes at £11 each so at £2 for one magazine I brought all four colours!

Each polish is 10ml each, 5ml less than a large OPI bottle, and comes in these colours; Motcomb Street (Dark Blue), St James (red), Elizabeth Street (baby pink) and Glamour Glitter (gold and silver glitter). 

Motcomb Street and St James are dark block colours therefore only one coat is needed. Both colours are very bold and long lasting. The red with Glamour Glitter creates a perfect festive look. I  particularly enjoy the dark blue with a matte top coat, it really compliments the colour and give a sophisticated feel.

Usually I put glitter over plain varnishes to give my nails some dimension, Glamour Glitter is the perfect glitter for this and ties in well with the festive season. Depending on how drastic and dense you want the glitter depends on how many layers you use (more layers= more glitter). I tend to put two layers on to create the perfect look. This glitter is definitely my new favourite.

Although I do absolutely love the baby pink colour, Elizabeth Street polish does require 2-3 coats to  get maximum coverage. The polish is obviously a lot lighter than the other two shades and appears quite thin so this is expected. However, I do love this colour and it looks perfect alone or with glitter.

Over all I feel getting these polishes through GLAMOUR magazine is definitely worth it!  At the tiny cost of £2 each, when usually these nail polishes are £11 each, I feel like I have got myself a real bargain! I would even suggest that if you're stuck for stocking fillers this Christmas for friends or family then get your hands on a couple of these, take them out of the GLAMOUR box, and wrap them up. They're all very lovely colours and definitely a great bargain!

Emily Jade 

  ♥ ✝ ☮