OOTD: Into The Woods

As I've mentioned a few times, one of my blogging resolutions is to find more time to take outfit photos over the year. Sometimes it can be a struggle in winter to find the right conditions for an outfit post, especially when I rely on a tripod and camera delay to take my shots. However, today I managed to take advantage of a spot of sunny weather to share my third outfit post of the week - I think that might be a record!

Jumper: Asos. Skirt: Topshop. Boots: Asos. Necklace: New Look. Earrings: New Look.

Yes, it's another midi skirt - I did say I was having a moment! I have had my eye on this Topshop skirt ever since it came into stores, but it was far too long for me so Topshop prices made me resist. However, I discovered it in the sales for a measly £6 and couldn't resist that amazing print. I shortened the hem using my new secret weapon, Wonderweb, which I talked about earlier this week, and it was ready to wear.

Today I teemed it with one of my favourite jumpers from Asos, featuring this adorable Labradoodle sketch! It's from last season, but I love the cute image and the quality of the jumper has lasted really well. I added some black tights, my trusty boots and statement necklace and I was ready to go. Simple!

The first proper week back at university has been a bit of a shock to the system, as the work piles high and my dissertation looms. I'm looking forward to a few great nights out over the next few days to let off some steam and enjoy being sociable again! What are your plans?

Jess

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OOTD: Swap, Drop and Roll

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be invited down to London again as part of my role as an Asos Insider for Access All Asos. After their Social Media School last month, Asos had yet another amazing event planned - a Swap Shop. We are all guilty of hoarding those items in our wardrobes which never get worn, and this was a great opportunity to send them to a good home - and of course, get something back too!

We were told to bring up to three items to the Swap Shop and, in return, could choose the same amount of items from the rails. Asos had kindly bulked up the rails with some of their own sample items too so we had plenty to choose from. I will post in more detail about the day itself later in the week but today I wanted to share how I styled one of the items I received from the Swap Shop:

Top: c/o Asos.Vest (underneath): Topshop. Skirt: c/o Asos Swap Shop. Socks: Primark. Boots: Asos. Necklace: New Look.

Both of these items are what I am now referring to as my 'bonus items.' After the initial swap, there were still plenty of items left on the rails, so the Asos team allowed us to have another round! I picked up this Asos top and Amanda from Monochrome Queen's midi skirt, and they team perfectly together. This Asos top is actually from their men's range and currently in the sale. I wear men's clothing probably more than I should admit, because I love the oversized feel and they often have some great prints. This top is no exception and I'm looking forward to wearing it all summer. Today I layered it with a pale turquoise vest top underneath to hide any bra straps and add a pop of colour to brighten up the whole look, co-ordinating with my favourite New Look statement necklace.

I'm currently having a bit of a moment with midi skirts, thanks to my recent discovery of Wonderweb. Midi skirts have always been slightly too long and unflattering on my short legs and I'm not confident enough to hem my own wardrobe. However, my Mum introduced me to Wonderweb, a hemming tape which you simply iron on with no need for sewing, and now I can easily turn up all my clothes! As soon as I got home, I cut a good two inches of this skirt, used Wonderweb to fix the hem and this skirt was now the perfect length. It's the perfect addition to my growing midi skirt wardrobe, as it's a great staple to dress either up or down. Today I opted for the more casual look by teaming it with the Asos top, some bare tights, cute ankle socks and my favourite boots. The overall look is really comfortable, hopefully flattering and a great new look for my wardrobe. So thank you Asos and Amanda; I hope you like how I've styled this look!

<3

xx

Neal's Yard Lengthening Black Mascara

Hello and Happy New Year! I can't believe I haven't blogged yet this year (what a strange thing to say) so today I decided to delve into the world of beauty. I rarely write beauty related posts, but I enjoy sharing them when I do, and today I wanted to talk about Neal's Yard's Lengthening Black Mascara, which I was lucky enough to receive for Christmas:

Thanks to its iconic blue packaging, you immediately know this is a Neal's Yard product - a neat branding trick, originally a result of practicality; blue glass stops light from damaging the products inside, a fact I learnt at a recent Leeds Neal's Yard blogging event. Ever since this event, I was intrigued by Neal's Yard's relatively new make up range and bookmarked this mascara to go on my wishlist. My eyes had been feeling particularly sensitive and I wanted to try a more natural mascara and see if this made a difference. Since I replaced my drugstore mascara with this, I have noticed a positive difference regarding the sensitivity of my eyes; just one of the reasons I love this product.

I love the sleek and chic packaging of this mascara, and the slim design is far more convenient to carry around as opposed to some chunkier, louder drugstore versions (I'm looking at you, Maybelline). However, my one criticism is that the case tends to show up my finger prints rather easily, which isn't ideal when photographing! 

The brush is slim and fine, which means that the mascara goes on easily without any clumping or mess. I think the end result is natural yet impressive as my lashes certainly look far longer, yet don't scream "I'm off clubbing!" As I've mentioned, the natural products within the mascara means that my eyelashes are protected, conditioned and nourished and it really feels kind on your face.

I wanted to share with you a proper example of this mascara at work. The photos aren't as perfect as I would have liked, but I don't see the point in beauty reviews without a proper demonstration of the product in action:

I hope you aren't too terrified by my eyes staring at you and can see the difference! I've only used the mascara, no eyeliner or shadow, so you can really see the product realistically. The Lengthening Black Mascara is £16, which seems to be pretty average for a higher-end product, and it certainly does the job well. If you are looking for a natural, nourishing mascara, I'd really recommend you give this mascara a try. 

Have you tried any Neal's Yard make-up products? What would you recommend from their range?

<3

xx