today's haul

1, 2, 3

(All from River Island)

4, 5, 6 + free gift!

(All from Boots)

Today has been my first Friday off work in what feels like forever - cue a much needed shopping spree (albeit a smallish one)!  Nevertheless I managed to pick up a few bits along the way so I thought I'd show you guys what I managed to find!

1. I saw this a couple of weeks ago when it first appeared online and fell in love. I've been after a cut out shoulder top ever since I saw Lily in one from Topshop but I couldn't find one I liked enough and that suited my figure too until I came across this baby in my local River Island. I don't think this picture does it justice at all as it looks so much nicer on. The straps have the most beautiful, coloured beaded detailing and the fit is just divine - not too fitted but not as 'sack-like' as a lot I've seen as of late. It'll be perfect for when I go to Lanzarote in July to add a bit of colour to my holiday wardrobe or even with a pair of leggings at home!

2. I just thought these were adorable - not the classiest pair of earrings I own but they're so cute! Any kind of sun will do me at the moment considering the horrible weather. The only downside I've found to these is that they're so big that they cover my second ear piercings too! Ah well, it's something I can live with.

3. More jewellery! I don't think I've ever bought so much jewellery in my life as I have recently, it's becoming a bad habit! Once again I bought this spontaneously as I just thought it was so pretty and I've actually been after a chunkyish ring for a while and this just fits the bill!

4. I've been putting off buying myself a new mascara for ages, I guess it's just not something I like spending a lot on, but when I saw that Boots were doing an offer on their 17 range where you could get this festival kit free, I just couldn't say no! I adore the packaging and after trying this out before I think I'm going to be wearing it a heck of a lot, it gave my lashes such a nice look without being too clumpy. I might actually review this for you guys at a later date.

5.  I'm a huge lipstick lover, and after purchasing 17's Lasting Fix Lipstick in Dreamy last week I decided to buy this on a whim. It's a slightly different formula and a more nudey/natural pink in colour and slides on amazingly. I always kind of felt like this brand was aimed at younger girls who are trying out their first makeup products, but my mind has been completely changed recently and I feel that 17 have really upped their game! I think this is fast going to become my go-to lipstick!

6. I'm not much of a lipgloss fan, but again, I thought I'd be daring and see how I manage with this. I think the thing that drew me to it, apart from the cute peachy colour, was the fact that it is supposed to add volume to your lips - something in which I lack. I could definitely feel it tingling as I put this on earlier, so hopefully it will work a treat!

What are your favourite recent purchases? What are your thoughts on 17 makeup? 

Rachel x

here i go again on my own

So hello once more, I'm Rachel; a nineteen year old business and marketing student from Manchester who spends far too much time and money (student loan included!) on clothes and make up. Before I think I was aiming too high, I was focusing too much on what I thought other people would like by likening myself to other blogs, but this times round I'm doing it my way! There will certainly still be a lot of fashion and beauty as those are two things that seem to rule my life at the moment, but I'm going to include as many aspects of my life here, and hopefully you guys can relate to some of it! I'm actually a huge bookworm so may post about the latest books I've read, and just other aspects of my every day life!


Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? I'd love to hear from you!

Rachel x

It's been too long...

The last couple of months have flown by without any blogging from me! I think the last time I was here I was about to go to Majorca for the week with my boyfriend, which turned out wonderful. Sadly I had to come back to the hell that was exams, which have also passed! So it turns out I'M FREE (partially!). I've been busy the last couple of weeks working my arse off down at the hospital trying to help cover shifts where I can, I think I may have even taken on too much though as I've been feeling a little run down for the past week!

I feel as though I really need to get back into blogging - it only occured to me a couple of days ago whilst reading one of my favourites how much I've missed it. I think before I was trying a wee bit too hard to try and keep up to date with other blogs whilst trying to match up to/comparing myself to them, which is bloody stupid of me as they're so well established now and I'm still a bit of a noob on here! I'm thinking of taking time to revamp my blog and restart it off in a direction that is totally me, which shouldn't be too hard! There'll still be plenty of beauty and fashion as they tend to be my favourite things a lot of the time, but I may start just sharing more of my life! I think a new introduction post may even be needed!

Any how, I hope you've all been keeping well, and I'd love to hear from someone - I really need to meet some new people!

Rachel x

Midweek update 05/04/12

Eek, I've not posted in a while but I've been super busy the last two weeks picking up extra shifts at both my jobs but hey, it's extra money and I need it by the ton at the moment as I've just been doing some last minute holiday shopping before I go away on Saturday! I finally got these shoes from River Island which I posted in my last weekend wishlist, albeit a different colour, but they will be perfect to take away with me!

I've spent quite a bit this week as after seeing Caroline in these leggings I just couldn't resist ordering them, as well as this limited edition lipstick that I've had in my basket for ages. I was worrying that they wouldn't come before I go away as it said they'd be here by Monday at the latest, but to my excitement they were on my bed when I got home today! The leggings are amazing, and the lip tint is so so pretty!

I'm writing this on the fullest stomach I think I've ever had - just been out for a family meal to a local Tapas restaurant before I go away. Being surrounded by so much nice food made me pig out, but hey why not? I've been good for weeks!

Tomorrow I'm getting a manicure and pedicure done with my boyfriend's mum as a late birthday present for when we go away, and then it's home to pack and get ready to leave on Saturday! If I've not mentioned it before, I'm off to Majorca for a week with the boyfriend for his 21st! Cannot wait as I've not been abroad since I was back in secondary school!

Hope you're all well, are any of you going away over the weekend? What do you have planned for Easter?

Midweek update 22/03/12

01. With university, shopping and driving lessons, this week has flown by so far. Today consists of tidying my absolute tip of a room so I have more space for all my purchases. I've also been clearing out my wardrobe - another excuse to go shopping to fill it back up, not that I need one!

02. My second Joliebox arrived this morning and I almost went flying down the stairs to get to the door in time to get it from the postman. My near accident was seriously worth it though! *Spoiler* This month's box is the first to have all  full sized products! I can't wait to get a review done later this week.

03. I went on yet another shopping spree yesterday, this time my excuse was to find things for my holidays as I'm going to Spain in just over 2 weeks! I got this lovely jumpsuit from River Island which I could wear either on it's own or over bikini's on the beach as a cover up as well as a cute little bracelet. I also got some cheapo glaidator sandals and yet another zip up hoody from Primark (don't judge me!) I even managed to pick up some bits and bobs from Boots including some exfoliating mitts and hair removal cream. Overall a pretty good haul for just over an hours work! I'll try and get some pictures up later.

Have you been up to anything exciting this week?

Weekend Wishlist #1

01, 02, 03, 04

01.  I saw this just tonight in the 'just in' section and instantly fell in love. I feel it's the perfect mix of cute but quirky - I've got to say the cut out back and skirt pattern make this dress. This would perfect for when I go away in just under three weeks time, the only thing I'm wondering about before purchasing it is whether it will fit me right around the waist - having a big rib cage is a pain in the arse and means my waist is slightly lower than some dresses cater for.

02. I've had my eye on these since they popped up on the River Island website a couple of weeks and now I'm really regretting not getting them when I could as they've sold out in every size except 3 and 8, talk about extremes! Going to keep my eye out to see whether they get any more in stock, they are also available in a lighter version but they just weren't the same.. I loved these cause of the leopard print bow!

03. I've had an obsession with anchors since I was tiny so was squealing when I saw this.. until I realised this too was out of stock. I would've worn this oversized chunky necklace over a plain top as anything else would be too cluttered. Again I'll be keeping my eye out to see if they get any back in stock or I can find an alternative.

04. After recently returning to my ways of being a nail polish junkie I've been waiting to try out the Topshop polishes as I've heard good things about them. I thought this was the sweetest nude shade which would be perfect for wearing at work where I'm not supposed to wear any. Natural, but really really pretty.

Sunday Update 18/03/12

01. Well it's Mother's Day and my first proper post. Bought my Mum this cute blouse from Next, think I may be pinching it at some point, as well as some flowers. Spent the day with family over and stuffing myself with a Roast Dinner. Now it's time for a much needed lazy afternoon with the odd glass of wine to end the day.

02. This week has gone really fast actually. After having recovered from some god awful cold earlier in the week I had yet another driving lesson Tuesday, which once again went well, which I followed by moving in with my boyfriend for the week at his Dad's to house sit and look after the cat whilst he was away. That was a great experience. Being honest, it may have been weird at first being together 24/7 but it was really nice and I can definitely see us moving together hopefully in the not too distant future. I also managed to finish the last of my assignments for my first year at university which is a relief. Bring on the exams then I'm done for the year!

03. Like probably everyone else at the moment I have a thing for leather, whether it be faux or real, and whilst I've got this H&M faux leather skater dress from before Christmas, I missed out on there pleated skirt. However I luckily managed to get my hands on  the last available version by Oasis from here. Hopefully that'll come in the next few days as I can't wait to try it out.

04. Finally managed to fit time in to get a trim too, and after spending maybe 6 months or more trying out a centre parting I finally decided to go back to my trademark side fringe and get my layers put in a bit more. I'm feeling better than ever. I love how something as simple as a change in hairstyle can make you feel better about how you look, even if it is for a short period!

How has your week been? Made any exciting purchases?