OOTD + FOTD || 7 February 2013

I'm obsessed with my disco pants.. so glad I took the plunge and bought them. Can't stop wearing!

❤ Alphabet Shirt - American Apparel
❤ Disco Pants - American Apparel

❤ Lips - MAC Russian Red
❤ Face - MUFE HD foundation, Smashbox bronzer, Nars orgasm blush, MAC MSF in lightscapade
❤ Eyes - MAC Carbon shadow, Smashbox full exposure mascara

xLB

OOTD || 30 January 2013

"I'll stop wearing black once they make a darker colour.."

❤ Oversized Velvet Top - Topshop
❤ Disco Pants - American Apparel
❤ Boots - Steve Madden Troopa
❤ Bag - MANGO

❤ Lips - Topshop Innocent

obsessed with the bow on the back

xLB

OOTD + FOTD || 24 January 2013

hi hi hi :~) so today I had a bad case of the winter blues (It's currently -11 here, with high winds making it -20) so I needed a pop of colour! Since it was one of my longest school days it was a comfy day ;~) The shirt is from my latest haul, from Forever 21, which can be found here!

OOTD

❤ Blouse - Forever 21

❤ Jacket - H&M (from 2 years ago in London)

❤ Leggings - Victoria's Secret Pink Yoga Legging

❤ Boots - Steve Madden Troopa Combat Boots in Black

FOTD

❤ Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Foundation

❤ Make Up For Ever Camo Cream Palette (Concealer)

❤ Urban Decay Naked2 Palette (Blackout, Tease, Bootycall)

❤ Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara

❤ MAC MSF in Lightscapade

❤ Benefit Coralista Blush

xLB

F21 Haul

I had actually nearly forgotten about this one! Around Boxing week time I had ordered a bunch of stuff from Forever 21. My family has a PO box in the states, so I get a lot of stuff delivered there so that I don't have to pay international shipping fees (hehehhehe) however this means I get stuff much later since I have to go home (err to my parents) instead of getting it delivered to my door. So I finally went home for a weekend to a lovely, massive box awaiting me!

The large box in all it's glory

I have to say; I'm O B S E S S E D with this sweater. It's super cute (I'm a massive Disney fan) and it's so so cozy! I'm getting my sister one for her birthday next month, so I'm defo ordering myself a Lion King one as well ;~) 19.80$

Another sweater I'm loving dearly; this one is a super cozy knit and is also ombre which I thought was so cool! 22.80$

And look at the colour descriptor on the tag.. can you say meant to be!?

I absolutely adored this sweater after seeing it online, it's very similar to a lot of wild fox's sweaters, so I thought it was a steal! It's also super cozy, it feels like a pyjama shirt! 17.80$

Unfortunately, as you can see a bit, quite a lot of pilling happened; and this was only after one wear :(

This shirt was sooo hard to photograph! haha. I liked this one a lot more online than I do in person, but I don't not like it enough to return it.. so I'm keeping it. It's a charcol/grey colour and the fabric is so soft and smooth and cool, it's really comfy! But it's super boxy and I hate the sleeves.. I'll work something out I'm sure ;~) 19.80$ Retail, 13.86$ Paid

I don't know if I'll be able to say this enough buuuut.. I LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE this shirt!! This is the epitome of my style and it just fit so perfectly, I'm just so pleased! I'm really into the flowy blouse type tops, but I love when they have little embellishments, like the gold studs on this shirt. 24.80$

Close up of the detailing on the sleeve, loooove the studs!!

Another blouse which is very much so my style. The picture doesn't do it justice! This is also my attempt at brightening up my wardrobe.. everything is rather.. black.. 17.80$

This skirt was kind of an impulse buy - I hadn't bought a skirt in so long, and it was so cheap I couldn't resist! I love the colour blocking to it, and also the mushroom pleats. Next, to find something to wear with it! 19.80$ Retail, 4.99$ Paid!!

Close up on the detailing

Next up is this dress; purchased partially due to the winter blues, but also because I actually used to only wear dresses, so since I haven't bought one in awhile I figured why not! I love it, it has a flap of fabric up top (can't think of a technical term.. oops!) which is super flattering. And the back dips a bit, which nice. I also quite like the colours to it, can't wait for some warmed weather to wear it! 22.80$ Retail, 5.49$ Paid

Next up, these earrings.. all I can say is I HATE how Forever 21's jewellery is all final sale.. grrrrr. As you can probably see, the left earring is significantly different than the right one. I am ridiculously into having everything symmetrical and even so this just isn't going to do for me. Also, like a lot of Forever 21's other earrings, the middle gem isn't actually the area that goes into your ear.. it's the part above it. I'm awful at explaining and never took a picture, like I should have (tsk!) but basically they just aren't centred in your ear and there's a massive portion dangling on the end. Long story short; NEVER buying Forever 21 jewellery online again, as I'm that dissatisfied! At least they didn't cost me much.. but STILL! 4.80$ Retail, 3.36$ Paid

Last but not least, an addition to my massive hair bow collection! The back one is a blue, and the front one fuchsia. I normally buy my bows from American Apparel, so I can't wait to try these out and see how they compare as they are significantly cheaper, yet still the same size/bigger! 1.80$ each

(Posted this from my phone so I hope it works EEP)
xLB

Recent Shopping Trip

As you may or may not know, I happen to work at a store in a mall which results in quite a few spontaneous shopping trips after work.. so here are my latest purchases for your viewing pleasure!

This one is from my work, EXPRESS, and was regularly 34.90$, then marked down to 19.99$ + 40% off which turned my total into 11.99$!! (My store has a killer clearance sale on right now.. check it.

These short are also from my work. I had been eyeing them since we got them, so when they were marked down in the sale I scooped them up! They were regularly 69.90$ but I got them for 29.99$ + 20% off!

Again, from my work, not something I'd normally get but considering the price I figured it'd be good for lounging about and the like. It was originally 24.90$, then marked down several times eventually to 5.99$ + 40% for a total of 3.59$.. can't beat that!

The colour didn't turn up too well in the picture, no matter what I tried, but it's actually a bit more of a rose gold colour. Anyway, I'm not sure the use I'll get from this however I fell in love with the chain strap. So cute! Originally 19.90$ then marked down to 9.99$ + 40% which came to 5.99$!

I made a stop into Sephora (looking for my prized Origins spot remover which they haven't had for weeks.. grrrrr) when I realized I needed some new top coat. I quite like speed dry ones, I feel if I don't use a speed dry my nails always get messed up, even if I sit them out for over 5 minutes. So I'm excited to try this one!

I saw a tutorial sample of this last time I was in Sephora, but since it was on sale they were all sold out. I was happy when I went to my local Sephora to see it still there, and still on sale for a measly 6$, half price of it's regular 12$. I don't own a glitter that has the long flecks, so I'm quite excited. I love the iridescence too. "Hollywood If I Could" is the name!

I'd been meaning to get a fan brush for awhile, so I was pleased as punch when I saw that this was marked down from 17$ to 13$. It is the Sephora Pro Natural Fan Brush #43. I'm so excited on this one!

When I saw that Bath and Body Works was having a huge sale I had to take a peak! I'm a huge fan of their candles; you get a great amount of scent considering the price. This one is called New York, New York and is apple scented.. get it.. the big apple ;~) hehehehe. I thought it would be good for spring, and it was only 5$ compared to the usual price on this size being 13$!

This is a really lame one, but I was quite excited that white strips are on sale :~) I'm obsessed with having white teeth, so this was the ultimate score for me! YAY!

:):):)
xLB

First Haul of 2013!

Greetings, friends! At long last, I have a first haul of 2013 post for you! YAY! I actually wrote 'First Haul of 2012' first.. I still can't believe it's 2013!! I didn't get this stuff all at once, it's a compilation of 2 shopping trips, as I felt they'd be best together than two separate posts. ANYWAY, here we go :~)

❤ HAUL #1 ❤

Victoria's Secret Haul; Twice a year VS holds it's incredible massive semi-annual sale.. if you're a VS crazed fan like myself, you'll already know about it, if not I'd recommend checking it out.. seriously.

• Purple VS Pink Sweater -- Retails 44.50$ Purchased 21.99$
• Black VS Pink Lounge Pants -- Retails ~49.50$ Purchased 24.99$
• VS Pink tops -- Retails 19.50$-24.50$ Purchased 9.99$
• VS Bikini bottom -- Retails  ~28$ Purchased 9.99$
• Various VS/VS Pink Panties -- Retails 9.50$ Purchased 3.99$
• Various VS Pink Bras -- Retails 29.50$ Purchased 15.99$

Overall, I'd say great savings. I actually go on the first day the sale starts, my best friend and I are that obsessed. I tend to go bathing suit crazy on these things, but I tamed myself this time as it's not exactly swimsuit weather here.. I think bra's were one of my greatest scores; they're so bloody expensive!!

• I also stopped by Target and picked up my own Remington Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand since I live on my own, I figured I needed one for myself ;~) I absolutely adored this wand after buying one for my sister and spoke about it here. 
• I was shopping in America since my parents live close to the border (we're from Canada..) and for the first time ever I had to pay duty.. tear tear. That could have been another bra or two! Grr!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

❤ HAUL #2 ❤

Onwards to the second haul! My best friend and I met up downtown (Toronto -- she's actually in school in Waterloo while I'm in Toronto) for lunch and shopping. I only intended on going to LUSH, but couldn't resist VS Semi-annual for a second run..

I was very good this time.. I only purchased one thing, yay me! Recovering shopping addict right here. The first VSSA I went to didn't have any yoga pants.. this store was loaded. So I couldn't resist picking up a pair! Normally I go for the boot cut ones because I've never cared to try the legging style. They were cheap, so I decided to try em out, boy am I glad I did! I actually wore them to class today and they pass off as regular leggings, but waaaay comfier. I'm so happy, they're so flattering too. Retail: 34.50$ Purchased: 19.99$

Next: LUSH haul! I don't have a LUSH near me.. sad face. So this was the aim of my shopping trip. Once I go to LUSH, I tend to do a haul and not just pick up a few things, because if I'm taking the time to travel down there it's all or nothing!  

All of my goodies; mmm! I also got a sample of the Big Solid Conditioner which I'm excited to try! Bath goodies (L-R):

• Rose Jam; I picked this one up and loved the texture and the scent so I figured, why not give it a go? I also found out upon research that it's good for two baths, woohoo! It's a rose scented bubble bar inspired by macaroons. Basically you just twist and BAM two instead of one due to the 'jam' in between them! It smells heavenly, I can't wait to use it next weekend when I go to my parents' as I have no bath here :~( Retails: 6.25$ which I think is incredible since you get two!
• Tisty Tosty; If I'm being honest I got this one mainly for the aesthetics of it, how cute is it? Heart shaped with little flowers, so pretty! It's a rose scented love potion, and the scent is supposed to give off happy, positive feelings. Retails: 6.35$
• Twilight; this lavender scented bomb is supposed to help you relax and fall asleep, which I'm anxious to see how it works out as I have terrible sleeping patterns. It's also supposed to change colours in a range of pinks/purples so that'll be nice to see as well! Retails: 6.25$

Close up of Tisty Tosty how pretty are those roses!? 

• The Sacred Truth; I really wanted to try a new fresh face mask as I already have two  in my freezer still, so I tried a few in store and fell in love with this one! It's awesome for winter since it's good for moisturizing and fending off the cold weather damage to your face. It's rich in antioxidants and smells like green tea! MM! LUSH fresh face masks are amazing, I'd highly recommend them. If you're looking for help in selecting one send me and email and I'd be glad to help since I've used almost all of them! hahah Retails: 6.95$ 

• Ocean Salt; I am absolutely OBSESSED with this scrub. I'd recommend it to anyone. Honestly, the scent is worth the price tag alone LOL. But actually, it smells so good! It's packed full of citrus notes and sea salt and has avocado to hydrate, and lime and vodka to help attack blemishes. Delicious! LUSH is very natural, which I quite like. I hate putting harsh chemicals to my face, so I like to use products as natural as possible. The change I've seen in my skin since using this is baffling. I purchased the smaller size months ago and after running out recently I decided to go for the big one, I love it that much! Since it is an exfoliator I wouldn't recommend using it every day, I normally do every other or every two days. I'm in love. Retails:  21.95$ (120g) / 35.95$ (250g).
• Whoosh Shower Jelly; I've read so many wonderful things about this and it's always intrigued me, so since I was out of my usual shower gel I figured why not give it a go? I feel like I'm using it wrong so I definitely need to look further into the application of this before giving a proper review.. but the texture is so fun and it smells delicious! This one is citrusy - my fav! Retails: 11.95$ (240g)  

Close up of Whoosh from the label perspective.. I quite liked the alien bit as my roommate and I refer to each other as aliens! haha

ANYWHO that was my haul :~) I'm currently comfy in my VS Yoga Leggings and longing for a LUSH bath after writing this! I absolutely adore the LUSH range and am so excited to have some more LUSH in my place :~) Cheers ❤

xLB

Boxing Day Mini-Haul

Hello hello! Hope you're all having a lovely holiday, I know I am! So today being Boxing Day, and me being off work, I decided to wake up at the crack of dawn and head to my local mall! I'm not super into Boxing Day, especially with online shopping existing, so I wasn't up to driving far.

Unfortunately MAC doesn't have sales, as I'm sure you know, but I had a gift card to use so I figured I'd drop in anyway.

First up I got a Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus. However she ended up giving me a natural instead of the MSF highlighter type thing which I was after, so I'm thinking about going back and exchanging once I got to another mall with MAC in it this weekend (while I'm at work). It's a really nice finish, but personally I don't see much of a difference between this and the SS Pressed Power with the exception of the 5$ price difference and 2g less off powder. Soooo exchange it is.

Next up I had to get a lipstick, me being me. MAC lipsticks are my absolute favourite lipsticks. They're so pigmented and so creamy and I find they have really good staying power and seldom bleed, which is my favourite thing. So this trip I got 'Girl About Town' which is one of the darkest pinks MAC has. It's a blue toned fuchsia which I quite love. It's also a creme finish which is my absolute favourite, I find they have the longest staying power and is very creamy and glides right on!

Next up, H&M. So I went into H&M totally expecting to score, however I was really disappointed in their sales. People at the mall I work at were lined up hours before the mall opened which I don't understand because the sales were absolute rubbish. I felt like I found more accessories than clothes that I wanted, so I only grabbed a few things because I don't need anymore costume jewellery.. but it's a weakness.

These necklaces were 7$ each and are super cute. They aren't long, which I like too. They come to around the collarbone area, I'm sure you'll see them in some OOTD posts once I get back into the swing of things and get back to school!

This sweater was probably my favourite score of the day; it was regularly priced for 30$ and I got it for 10$! It has a boat neck collar and is knit with flecks of shimmer. It's an off-white colour and has a dip hem. It also zips up in the back for about 4 inches. I lovelovelove it, it looks great with my legging type pants and I'm so excited to wear it next semester! 

Next up was Old Navy. In case you aren't familiar with Old Navy it's part of a group which includes other stores like GAP and Banana Republic. It's very budget friendly, I pretty much only go there for basics and the clearance section. Their clearance section is fantastic, so I'd recommend checking it out if you have an Old Navy in your area. I know when I was younger it was very 'uncool' to shop there, so I think they have a bad reputation, however I've noticed a drastic improvement over the past two years or so.

These are pretty ho-hum, just two basic tank tops. I use these types of tank tops a lot since I have quite a few sheer, billowy blouses so these are great for underneath. I got a black one and a white one and they were 5$ each from I believe 10$.

These were another score. Majority of their pyjamas were 70% which was i n c r e d i b l e. The owl ones are fleecy and are so comfortable, I actually got an animal print version for christmas. They were originally 15$ or so, and came to around 4.5$ which was awesome. The ones on the right I thought were so cute! The ones on the right are adorable as well, I am quite the pyjama bottom connoisseur, but prior I didn't own any plaid, oddly enough, so for around 3$ I had to get these! They also have a bit of glitter in them which I love. Unfortunately majority of the pyjamas they had were two sizes bigger than what I normally get, including these on the right. So they'll be quite large, but I'm only wearing them around the house, so who will even know!

I absolutely adore this dress. It's a purple coloured shift dress, and looks super cute belted. I scored this one for 10.99, from 30$ which was great! Again, another piece you'll be seeing shortly in an OOTD once I get back to school.

Last up from Old Navy were these flats. They were regularly priced at 24$ each, and I scored them for 12$ each, so pretty my BOGO free! The first pair are grey, and the second pair are leopard print. I actually own quite a few pairs of shoes from Old Navy because they always have such a great variety at such an awesome price. However, I have a hard time with fit of their shoes, I would be a half size if they did have half sizes, so most of the time their shoes are too tight if I go down, yet too big if I go up. And by quite a lot, oddly enough. HOWEVER these have the elasticized form which makes them fit like a dream! Obsessed with these shoes. They had them in so many colours, so I'm definitely considering going back for more!

Last up was a very exciting (kidding) score. I ended up getting a new filter for my water pitcher for only 6$!!! WOOHOO :D

So it wasn't too bad of a shopping trip, but still kind of disappointing considering all the boxing day hype. Forever 21 has a 30% off sweater online feature going, so I'm thinking of shopping online for some jumpers. Other than that, my boxing day shopping is officially done!

Did any of you brave the malls for Boxing Day shopping? Or shop online? If so, I'd love to see what you got x

xLB