Shaking up AW15: Kiko haul

Kiko is one of those beauty brands that is soooo affordable and is amazing quality yet I find I don't shop there enough. 

I may not shop there as often as I would like but I do have a great collection of solid great performance products.

I absolutely love the Regents Street branch and could honestly
just stay in there for hours gazing at the products.
Although it doesn't have the biggest space it's very cleanly layed out
and just on the right side of overwhelming -if there is such a thing!

Whilst meeting up with friends for dinner,
I dropped in and picked up a few items and I am really loving them.
As I don't often wear bright colours on my eyes,
I actually bought these eyeshadow shades to use them mainly as blusher.
Although less bright in real life,
they are very pigmented. So a very light hand is needed and a very small amount of product does the job.
They might be colours usually associated with spring or summer
but if you have been reading the blog for a while I am sure you know I wear whatever takes my fancy whenever
it takes said fancy!

Here are a few things I picked up:

Infinity Eyeshadow 207 Mat Papaya
Infinity Eyeshadow 208 no longer on site but is in store
Ultra Glossy Stylo 809 Red Ruby
Ultra Glossy Stylo 814 Glam Magenta
Smart Lipstick 923 Peony Purple
Nail Laquer 536 metallic quartz green

No surprise that there are 3 lipsticks!

I absolutely love a bold lip,
it might be my signature eyebrows and bold lips. 

Sounds good.

I also grabbed a gorgeous metallic fresh green to contrast with my khaki collection and am very happy to have this stunner in my collection.

What were your last Kiko buys?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW15: Basic style staples

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year.
The gorgeous hues and tones that are emerging from nature are beautiful to behold and so visually inspiring.

I love the variety of pieces that you can wear and how you can style them.
I am really into textured layering at the moment and this is the perfect season to do it and these pieces will definitely be my back drop/ mood board for the coming months.

As I mentioned in previous posts.
I am really into shopping my wardrobe, so these are some of my favourite bits to throw on and hit the road. Or possibly plough precariously through the fog!

Primark grey basic jersey long line cardigan (Boohoo alternative)

Primark black chunky cleated boots (Public Desire alternative)

ASOS maroon wide brim fedora (ASOS alternative & alternative)

Matalan grey faux fur gilet (Matalan alternative)

ASOS mixed metal boyfriend watch (alternative)
Oversized Tartan Scarf as seen in my Autumn style: Tartan and plaid scarves post (eBay)

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW15 Jewellery: what I'm wearing

Autumn is fast becoming my favourite time of year.

Being in London the weather is always unpredictable but Autumn especially brings such varied weather you never know what you will be wearing from one day to the next.

So Jewellery is such a great way to jazz up any outfit, boost my mood and shop my collection.

I have really been inspired of late to shop my wardrobe/ jewellery box and have been loving these pieces.
All of these are pretty old and are a mixture of vintage, eBay,Asos and Primark.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces so far

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Autumn style: Tartan and plaid scarves

Tartan is such a style staple.
There is something about their deep, crisp and vibrant hues that
especially comes into it's own during autumn.

I came across these gorgeous oversized scarves over a year ago, whilst browsing eBay as I often do.
There was such a variety I immediately purchased 3.
I would usually buy one to do a quality check but I couldn't decide which one I wanted.
So I took a chance and it paid off.

Turns out that the scarf looks a little bigger on the Asian models (go figure) so make sure to pay close attention to measurements.
However they are a really nice size and excellent quality too.
I haven't had any wear or tear plus they aren't too thick or uncomfortable.
which makes them excellent for layering and I am always cozy when I wear these and can wear them as a  shawl wrap.

At £2.50 each for 2 and £1.99 for the third they were such a bargain.
Unfortunately my vendor has been sold out for a while but I did find this vendor who has a similar range at a slightly higher price of £3.99.
eBay seller here

Until next time.......

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Shoppers + pouches

I have really been digging simple shoppers and pouches of late.

 They are soooo chic and sophisticated. I have veered towards black (obvs so me) and there is something rather Autumnal about them. They just have an air of sexy Autumn/ Winter mystery.

Meet my current favourites.....

 

I am so of that generation that carries their whole life and room in their bag. 

My generation will be those crooked arm, lopsided old ladies lol!

The shopper allows me to do this and yet looks streamlined. Strangely I have been carrying less and the fact that the shoppers don't have compartments gives me the opportunity to put my pouches to good use. I have become strangely organised, no scrabbling about looking for my oyster for me!

Win win no?

Unfortunately they are all sold out except this little beauty

Monki Printed Casja Pouch £6 

Are you feeling the Shopper + Pouch vibe?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Baby you should try some new thangs..... French plait braid out

Hey dawls,

So I did a really cute French braid hairstyle for work and it got good reviews so I am gonna share it.

I washed my hair really late at night and couldn't be bovved to blow dry it so I conditioned, moisturised and did two French braids thinking I would get a bit of stretch then put it in a bun for work.

I woke up however and was feeling the sleekness so off I went to work.

I haven't done French braids in ages as I am terrible at doing cornrows on myself so I was rather pleased with the outcome. Practice makes perfect I guess.

 

Morning bus selfies lol

This is the braid out, I redid my plaits after seeing the definition on the first day and here is the outcome. I didn't blowdry it so there is some shrinkage but I am loving it.

 

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

An autumn wedding: Guest outfit

Second family wedding of the year woop!

 It was my brother and beautiful wife's wedding last week Saturday, it was such a nice day and the food and drinks most definitly did  runneth over. I am still eating leftovers. Flash backs of champagne and rum still haunt me lol.

Excuse my shoes they took a beating on the dance floor lol

I kept it simple once again in a lace skater ombre dress from ASOS

My shoes were mink and bronze metallic capped flat pumps from Topshop (last year)

Aztec geo print kimono from Forever21 (last year)

Conical studded clutch bag from Matalan (last year)
Earrings from Dorothy Perkins

I think floral is definitely a wedding  event theme for me this year, check out my sisters wedding here

My nephew and I

They hired a photo booth and its safe to say my nephew spent a good amount of time posing and popping his collar. Fly boy lol. Excuse my Miley tongue moment-rum chronicles!

I went for a simple 50's bombshell look:
Hair- Pin up roll bangs

Face-  Fashionista primer (t-zone application)

Sleek be beautiful blemish balm, Sleek face contour kits, 

  Japanese gel eyeliner 

E.L.F highlighter

Lips- Mac Ruby Woo

Cheeks-  Mac sheertone Pinch o'peach

Once again I didn't have enough time to take as many snaps as I would have liked as I was helping my mum cook food for the evening buffet before and helping on the day. I won't put up their whole day as that is for them to decide and distribute.

But here are a few snaps.

Me, Nephew, Beautiful bride and the brides mother

Wedding guests

The head table

Dancing to candy

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

simply salad: Blue cheese, gammon and pears

OK I am not sure where this recipe came from but this is the best salad ever! My mind is a beautiful place.

The last vestiges of summer have fled, it's my day off,

I have run my errands and

I'am far too lazy to cook lol. All I want to do is curl up in my onesie and alternate between X-files and Rizzoli & Isles.
I am not after a heavy meal but I need something to fill me up that is light and refreshing. Mission successfully completed.

Ingredients-

Bavaria blu cheese
1 x Donut peach
1 x Medium pear- hard
2 x hand full spinach 

 1 x Hand full wild rocket
1/2 x Gammon steak (warm or cold)
5 x Sun dried tomatoes
1/2 x Red pepper

1x Tablespoon balsamic dressing
1x Tablespoon Red wine vinegar
 1x  Quarter lemon
1x Half orange
Cayenne pepper, Dried chives and season all to taste

I love the variety of textures in here and the blend of salty and sweeter elements combined.

 Bye bye random 2 weeks of summer sun in September.

Absolutely perfect. Have a go
!

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Matalan Haul:A/W12

Well bonjour Madame Matalan!  Matalan isn't a shop I visit very often but that will definitely change. I have been receiving a lot of their catalogues and discount cards of late so decided to stop by.  I was a little late and didn’t discover Matalan until Uni days. Even then it was one of those shops that you hit like twice a year because of its random location. 

I am incredibly happy with the pieces I got and have already been complimented on several items. This is a very autumnal haul with key accents in plum, aubergine and oxblood. It was not deliberate but it seems that I am reaching for these rich colours more and more. The velvet metal capped brogues give a feminised shoe the much needed edge I love in my accessories and can be teamed with the floaty dress and blazer for a business look or with turned up jeggings and the over sized knit for a casual Friday look.

The over sized orangey coral clutch is really beautiful and the studded horses really lift the bag and add another element to any outfit. I also really loved the over sized tote in cream. You cant see very well from the image but it has a very slight hint of pinky mink blush to it which helps the rose gold studded detail to really warm up the tone of the bag. 

I always get flat ballet pumps where ever I can as I love them and they are super comfortable. The quilted finish is an added extra to the patent capped look we have been seeing on the high streets. Finally Metallics are very big this season and who could resist that gorgeous wear me at Halloween or Christmas party foiled dipped hem skirt? It really reminded me of the foiled Christmas wrapping paper and I just had to have it!

To be honest I didn't go mad as I was looking for smart casual pieces that could go from day to night and not have the rigidity of office wear.  For me their range this season was either too casual or to office wear, so it was definitely quality over quantity this time around. I would definitely suggest trying things on in store if it is your first foray into the shop as I have found their sizing really weird and usually have to go a size smaller some items and bigger in others. I would highly recommend their jumpers this season as they are comfy slouchy and tailored enough to be duel party and business pieces.

 Matalan have really stepped up their game over the last 10 years apparently and I can definitely say their clothes are fashionable and excellent quality. Unlike some other well know high street companies their leggings and jersey dresses don't bobble and tear upon impact with skin. Have you found any Matalan gems of late?

  Until next time.......

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

The AW/12 fashion moodboard

Yay Autumn is upon us! The kids are back at school and the first week of September has been unexpectedly sunny its time to shzuuush up your outfits with a those autumnal colours and whip out the old macs and capes.

Obviously times are hard and for most of us money is tight so picking key pieces and finding alternatives is important. Its all about layering and mix matching textures and prints. Statement pieces are always a must for a unique twist, be it a necklace, weird bag or killer coat let your piece do the talking! Keep it trendy in bold berrys and striking plums. Find your inner lady with lace but vamp it up with a whisper of leather. Find your own interpretation of British heritage chic. Match an over sized tee, funky legging, a Barbour or military inspired coat and those wicked Alexander McQueen riding boots for that concrete jungle edgy.  Jewellery wise keep it bold yet classic. Find simple pieces that have been updated or giver a twist. Always check boutiques, bazaars, markets and eBay for one off original items that others won't have.

Most importantly make it your own and have fun!

Until next time...........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays