This is a bit of a compilation post. Rather than feed you lots of mini snippets featuring the items that I am currently loving I thought I would whack them together. I think I cover all bases here - beauty, clothes and perfume.
First up...
Perfume!
Elie Saab. I have longed for you.
I tried a sample of this in Sephora and the white florals bowled me over. Cheesy and true. It was weirdly addictive and I drained the samples. I waited until two perfumes were used up in my collection (aren't I good? :) and then pounced, securing a full-size bottle.
So what makes it special?
Well, nothing really. When I describe it to you, you are going to think: "...and?..." I will even admit that Narcisco Rodriguez is in the same family as this so it's not a totally unique perfume. However, there is something about it that makes me feel comforted when I spray it. It's sweet, warm, feminine and memorable.
The scent itself is strongly orange blossoms and jasmine with an undercurrent of honey which adds a gentle warmth to reduce the sharp shrill of the floral punch.
I know on some people this smells like bad room incense - it's strongly floral so if that's not your cup of tea avoid, avoid, avoid!
Nails!
This is one of those nail polish combinations I read about for years. All the magazines and generic women's fashion programmes on TV talked about the "Madison Avenue" chic manicure effect created when combining Essie Mademoiselle and Essie Ballet Slippers. It was apparently the epitome of groomed.
I read it so many times and yet I never branched out and made a purchase myself. I didn't even try it out in salons and honestly, that was a mistake - a huge error on my part. Huge!
I picked up the two polishes in Superdrug last week (since when does Superdrug sell Essie? Times are a changin'!), slapped it on with one coat of Ballet Slippers followed by one coat of Mademoiselle and it was a match made in heaven.
It's opaque, creamy, pinky nude. That's the only way to describe it. And more to the point it's the easiest nail combination to apply. Ballet Slippers has potential to be a streaky mess like it's cousin Minimalistic, but Mademoiselle, a soft, sheer pink, mitigates any risk of that. That's why they work together. And there is something about the tone that makes the whites whiter and the nails appear healthier overall.
This is probably similar to the Kate Middleton wedding day manicure - Essie Allue and Bourjois Rose Lounge so that's a valid alternative for you. In fact Rose Lounge probably gets pretty close to this all on it's own - an amazing product!
Peplum tops!
I instagram'd the black version of this top. I love it so much.
The shape, the material, the fit...everything is perfect and it's one of the only Topshop purchases that I have been absolutely thrilled with for months. I will do a separate post on the black one - it's the one that I would recommend out of the two - and I urge you to snap it up if you see it in stores.
Fun shoes!
I don't need to say too much about these shoes do I?
These Melissa/Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon's have been patiently sitting on a shelf for a couple of years, used more for decoration than footwear - that's what a big plastic statement heart will do for you :)
I have never actually worn them until last week.
I think I felt they were too pretty to wear but it's like hanging onto limited edition makeup just because you are scared to touch it: nothing lasts forever and you need to start using and wearing things you love now! (A little bit of impromptu Hallmark philosophy for you... :)
I did find that my average walking speed slowed down a bit when wearing them but they are, on the whole, comfortable. Honestly, I wouldn't really care if they weren't.
New sunglasses!
On my flight back I found myself buying another pair of sunglasses in duty free. Oops!
I justify this by the fact that there is not a day that goes by when I don't wear sunglasses over here...yeah, that sounds like a reasonable excuse for the ever-growing collection :p
So here are my retro, 70's inspired Tom Ford Leila's.
...the lenses are so big you can see the whole world reflected in them - or rather just me trying to surreptitiously take a picture. Hello!!
Can't wait to feature them in an OOTD very soon!
Other nice things that deserve a mention include: iced americanos, catching up on Tumblrs, American Apparel chiffon skirts, Nespresso, Splendid tees that I have had for 5 years+ and yet still feel like new, the thought of the Zara sale, air-conditioning, planning summer holidays, sleeping on clean sheets, Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy candles and my daily protein shake with oodles of frozen berries :)
End of ramble
What are your favourite things right now?
First up...
Perfume!
Elie Saab. I have longed for you.
I tried a sample of this in Sephora and the white florals bowled me over. Cheesy and true. It was weirdly addictive and I drained the samples. I waited until two perfumes were used up in my collection (aren't I good? :) and then pounced, securing a full-size bottle.
So what makes it special?
Well, nothing really. When I describe it to you, you are going to think: "...and?..." I will even admit that Narcisco Rodriguez is in the same family as this so it's not a totally unique perfume. However, there is something about it that makes me feel comforted when I spray it. It's sweet, warm, feminine and memorable.
The scent itself is strongly orange blossoms and jasmine with an undercurrent of honey which adds a gentle warmth to reduce the sharp shrill of the floral punch.
I know on some people this smells like bad room incense - it's strongly floral so if that's not your cup of tea avoid, avoid, avoid!
Nails!
This is one of those nail polish combinations I read about for years. All the magazines and generic women's fashion programmes on TV talked about the "Madison Avenue" chic manicure effect created when combining Essie Mademoiselle and Essie Ballet Slippers. It was apparently the epitome of groomed.

I picked up the two polishes in Superdrug last week (since when does Superdrug sell Essie? Times are a changin'!), slapped it on with one coat of Ballet Slippers followed by one coat of Mademoiselle and it was a match made in heaven.
It's opaque, creamy, pinky nude. That's the only way to describe it. And more to the point it's the easiest nail combination to apply. Ballet Slippers has potential to be a streaky mess like it's cousin Minimalistic, but Mademoiselle, a soft, sheer pink, mitigates any risk of that. That's why they work together. And there is something about the tone that makes the whites whiter and the nails appear healthier overall.
This is probably similar to the Kate Middleton wedding day manicure - Essie Allue and Bourjois Rose Lounge so that's a valid alternative for you. In fact Rose Lounge probably gets pretty close to this all on it's own - an amazing product!
Peplum tops!
I instagram'd the black version of this top. I love it so much.

Fun shoes!
I don't need to say too much about these shoes do I?
These Melissa/Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon's have been patiently sitting on a shelf for a couple of years, used more for decoration than footwear - that's what a big plastic statement heart will do for you :)

I have never actually worn them until last week.
I think I felt they were too pretty to wear but it's like hanging onto limited edition makeup just because you are scared to touch it: nothing lasts forever and you need to start using and wearing things you love now! (A little bit of impromptu Hallmark philosophy for you... :)
I did find that my average walking speed slowed down a bit when wearing them but they are, on the whole, comfortable. Honestly, I wouldn't really care if they weren't.
New sunglasses!
On my flight back I found myself buying another pair of sunglasses in duty free. Oops!
I justify this by the fact that there is not a day that goes by when I don't wear sunglasses over here...yeah, that sounds like a reasonable excuse for the ever-growing collection :p
So here are my retro, 70's inspired Tom Ford Leila's.

...the lenses are so big you can see the whole world reflected in them - or rather just me trying to surreptitiously take a picture. Hello!!
Can't wait to feature them in an OOTD very soon!
Other nice things that deserve a mention include: iced americanos, catching up on Tumblrs, American Apparel chiffon skirts, Nespresso, Splendid tees that I have had for 5 years+ and yet still feel like new, the thought of the Zara sale, air-conditioning, planning summer holidays, sleeping on clean sheets, Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy candles and my daily protein shake with oodles of frozen berries :)
End of ramble
What are your favourite things right now?
I've been having berry protein shakes daily too - it's easier when the weather warms up...I tried in Winter but coffee won every time LOL!
ReplyDeleteReally loving the peplum top in white on you - looks like a summer classic!
My favourite thing right now is my new Marc Jacobs quilted single bag - I had to downsize my bag contents MAJORLY (no more carrying around extras like cuticle cream) - but everytime I look at it, I smile - that's a sign of true love, right?
The protein shake is a habit I got into about 3 months ago and now it's a ritual. Soya milk, frozen berries and protein powder and its absolutely delicious :)
DeleteLove the sound of the bag! x
I LOVE the top!
ReplyDeletethanks Amanda!
DeleteThose Lady Dragon shoes grow on me every time I see them on another blog...and there I thought I left plastic shoes in the 90s! Really enjoyed this compilation post - morez plz!
ReplyDeleteI think you need some Kat :)
Deleteaaaaaah your posts are like window-shopping form the comodort of my little room.. now it's back to eassay writing :(
ReplyDeletep.s. wish i had access to that peplum top, looks so flattering!
thanks Patricia! And you need to find a way to get that Topshop top. It's AMAZING :)
DeleteMy boyfriend just got me the Elie Saab Perfume, it is the best thing I've ever smelt! I love it so so so much! It's so feminine and lasts so well! I'm with you on that one! Love that peplum top too! Great for summer..
ReplyDeletehttp://mulberryplease.blogspot.co.uk
you are lucky you are with someone that has excellent taste :)
DeleteLove love LOVE this post! All of your favorite/new things. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteSome of my newest purchases include a skull bracelet from Shopbop - obsessed. with. it. Also a minty green top from Nordstrom (on sale for $12) and some TOMS white and blue nautical striped flats that have not arrived yet and I am going MAD waiting for.
Favorite things at the moment: the color mint (duh), Lilly Pulitzer "Squeeze" (the perfect orange/citrus summer scent), spiky bracelets, doing DIY projects, and finding the perfect wedges. I'm on a hunt.
I wish I would have known about the Essie combo - I threw out Ballet Slippers MONTHS ago because it was too streaky and opaque on me and I couldn't get it to work. BLAST! Also, while I'm not a fan of florals, I heard Amarixe on YouTube talk about this perfume, and I think the bottle is GORGEOUS.
That is all.
xo
Alyson
Love the sound of that Lily Pulitzer fragrance...may have to check out when I am in the states this summer...looks like I am in Seattle right at the beginning of August for a day or so :) Yay!
DeletePerfect, I will email you! Hopefully we can meet! :)
DeleteI love those shoes! I do the same with my "nice things", I find it really hard to wear/use them which is terrible really as they're where all my money goes! x
ReplyDeletei try to never save things for best now....life's too short :)
DeleteThe essie nail polishes at superdrug are a diffusion line i think! Absolutely adore your top, wish i could pull that one off!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing them there - it was an awesome shock :)
DeleteI love your rings!
ReplyDeletethanks Aylin!
DeleteLoved this kind of post ! Thanks for nail polishes combo tip :) Oh and these shoes are fab ! xx
ReplyDeletebutterfleyesblog.blogspot.com
thanks :) I think I will do this monthly! I love favourites posts too :)
DeleteYesterday I finally took the plunge and bought Creed "Virgin Island Water". It's like a holiday in a perfume, there's coconut and lime and something beachy. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love coming home and reading one of your new posts! Looking forward to seeing the sunglasses in a future ootd! I currently have ballet slippers but will need to get mademoiselle and try out the effect! Do you think you could make a post about good nail polish combinations? :)
ReplyDeletexx Veronica
http://frowardfashion.blogspot.com
Zara have a cracking peplum dress in the TRF range for £22?ish! Its a beaut and online now :) I'm really dithering on purchasing, but after seeing your blouse i may have too! I love the Ellie Sabb perfume too! xxx
ReplyDeleteget it! Peplum's are so flattering and pretty :) I am obsessed!
DeleteI love your ring combination! You should do more of these posts!
ReplyDeleteZara is going to have a sale?!? That's my bank account empty :D xo
yesss the summer sale! Cannot bloody wait :)
DeleteOooo very pretty things. I really want that top :)
ReplyDeleteyou have prettier things - love your most recent OOTD!
DeleteTHanks!!!! :) this made me smile
DeleteThe peplum is very flattering!
ReplyDeleteLove this post :)
Verni Noir
x
http://verninoir.wordpress.com/
thanks :) I think I will do this monthly :)
Deletewher is the knuckle ring from?
ReplyDeletex
Mine is from a designer called Gabriela Artigas but you can find lots on etsy for around $20!
DeleteAhhh, I love a lot of the same favourite things as you too! I still haven't tried that Essie combo even though I own the polishes... Ballet Slippers is such a streaky mess sometimes this totally makes sense. Can't believe I never thought of it before!
ReplyDeletexo, alison*elle
It's perfect!!! Ballet Slippers on its own is a bitch but Mademoiselle makes everything alright :)
DeleteThere is not a thing in this post that I don't like the look/sound of.
ReplyDeleteFab post. I'm currently loving the Pantene Aqua (finally tried it, bargaintastic and fab); Clarins and Garnier self-tan products; the sunshine (please stay!); Intimately (the Beckham perfume, seem to dig it out every summer); wearing my hair up (usually I begrudge having to do this for work but over the last few days, I've been working them 24/7); Loreal volume Million (old love, probably my fave mascara ever and much more wearable in the dry weather!) and my new Valentino sunglasses!
Have a great weekend :)
Yes Pantene Aqua - I got more when I popped back to the UK. Love it!! :)
DeleteI will have to try that nail combo, it looks amazing! And I love your new sunglasses!
ReplyDeleteKeep calm and carry lipstick.
thanks Sarah :)
DeleteI am dying for a decent Zara sale to happen next week on my birthday shopping trip, God if you're listening. Great post as always! Laura x
ReplyDeletehttp://secrets-de-beaut.blogspot.co.uk/
I am so hoping they put things on sale soon - i am trying to avoid shopping there until it's on....even considering waiting outside on the day it opens. How sad is that?
DeleteI love the shoes! There is actually a brand of shoes in the Philippines that sold that kind of design last year, I think they have added more variations to it now. Great blog post, I also want to try the Essie nail polish! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://iranoutofink.blogspot.com
thanks Marielle :)
DeleteI adore all of your rings!! So pretty! And the polish combo is so me! Love it!
ReplyDeletethanks Missy :)
DeleteLove the top - so chic. Actually was quite surprised it was from Topshop, I've not been totally loving much of their stuff lately! Buying Ballet Slippers has now gone to top of my list to pair with Mademoiselle - love the effect now I'm actually seeing it rather than hearing about it.
ReplyDeletexo
I really love your style! It is so similar to mine... and you inspire me to think about so many of my pieces! Loved the post! Funny sweet girl! xoxo
ReplyDeleteJumped to topshop website and bought the peplum top in black :)
ReplyDeleteyessss best move ever! you will love it :)
DeleteThe peplum is amazing, I'm heading there too now.
ReplyDeleteOh and you just made me think French manicures are socially acceptable again!
Hope you manage to get hold of it and I think neutral nails are always acceptable - much more so than any garish blue or green anyway :)
DeleteHm, I seem the be the only person that thinks my Lady Dragons are the most uncomfy shoe ever. And I know they're genuine ones too :(
ReplyDeleteWell I wore mine for a day and it was okay :) I did find the back a little loose which was rubbish - can imagine that rubber does not exactly pamper the foot after a few hours :)
DeleteLove the top, Laura! I've also been eyeing that perfume....now I KNOW it has to be mine :)) I don't even think I'm gonna wait to use any perfumes up..just add this one-not being a good girl :(
ReplyDeletehaha go Kathy! :)
DeleteHi namesake! LOL I've been eyeing the Elie Saab fragrance for quite a while now, but it's just sooooo expensive here. After reading your post I want it even more, it's just so beyond my budget I can't even believe it. Thank you so much for sharing xo
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one for the birthday or Xmas list - well worth the wait :)
DeleteI love the Elie Saab perfume too!! It smells amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://thebeautyresidence.blogspot.com/
Agreed....it's divine. every time i spray it i love it even more :)
DeleteThose ESSIE colours are lussssh! So going to pick those up! Love the shoes to, so fun and cute! x
ReplyDeletethanks Laura! x
DeleteI'm in LOVE with the sunglasses! unfortunately, I've been spoiled by plastic frames waaayyy too long. I just can't go back to anything with nosepads :( I always take them off and inevitably have two red blotches on the side of my nose...
ReplyDelete(Embarrassingly, that was my greatest motivator to get lasik..)
Looooove this post. It's my version of a feel-good movie.
ReplyDeleteI love Ballet Slippers but I never thought of adding Madamoiselle. I'm definitely going to pick that up next! x
ReplyDeleteSuperdrug sells Essie?? Oh dear, I see my bank card getting angry with me again...also I have been coveting those VW shoes for about a year and seeing you wear them isn't doing anything to strengthen my resolve not to buy them!! Great post :)
ReplyDeletekatieneedsajob.blogspot.com/
I can't, I'm completely dying for those sun glasses and they don't exist! Tell me your secret! Please? :)
ReplyDeletelove this post! Especially the nails. x
ReplyDeleteI really loved this "little bit of everything" post! :)
ReplyDeleteBtw I think you look amazing in a peplum top! :))
x
tory burchはアメリカらしいスタイリッシュを満ちているブランド品です。今、既に中国に日本に登場してきました!もうニューユークにこのブランド品を買いに行く必要はありません!海外ブランド品でも日本に入手することができます!その中でトリーバーチ クラッチはもっとも人に愛用されています!シンプルなデザインながら簡単に取り外しが可能なデザインだから色々なシーンで活躍してくれそうなのでおすすめである!結婚式や2次会、パーティー等、フォーマルな席での手持ちはもちろん、斜め掛けもOK!
ReplyDeleteトリー バーチはアメリカから引き続いた大人気なブランド品です!高品質で低価格のアメリカぶらんど品です。多くのセレブ達にも愛用されています!その中で、評判が高いモノはトリーバーチ フラットです。豪華だけでなく実用性が高くて、 ワーキングスタイルにも最適!ベーシックなバレエシューズのデザインでショッピングなどでたくさん歩いても楽ちんです!上質で柔らかいギャザー仕様の踵?頑丈ラバーソールになっているので、履き心地が抜群!1足持っておくとたいへん便利です。
ReplyDeletehi i just wanted to know what the size of your peplum top is from topshop? its awesome
ReplyDeletehi laura, could you remind us where the love ring is from? i remember you mentioning it years ago on a video but i can't remember! thanks Lorna
ReplyDeleteI too fell in love with elie saab le parfum and now rotate with vivienne westwood naughty alice, very different smells but both with that nostalgic vintage feel, try it! X
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this shoes :o
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteشركة نقل عفش
اهم شركات مكافحة حشرات بالخبر كذلك معرض اهم شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام والخبر والجبيل والخبر والاحساء والقطيف كذلك شركة رش حشرات بالدمام ومكافحة الحشرات بالخبر
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة الجوهرة من افضل شركات تنظيف الخزانات بجدة حيث ان تنظيف خزانات بجدة يحتاج الى مهارة فى كيفية غسيل وتنظيف الخزانات الكبيرة والصغيرة بجدة على ايدى متخصصين فى تنظيف الخزانات بجدة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام
شركة نقل عفش واثاث
ReplyDeleteشركة نقل عفش بالرياض وجدة والدمام والخبر والجبيل اولقطيف والاحساء والرياض وجدة ومكة المدينة المنورة والخرج والطائف وخميس مشيط وبجدة افضل شركة نقل عفش بجدة نعرضها مجموعة الفا لنقل العفش بمكة والخرج والقصيم والطائف وتبوك وخميس مشيط ونجران وجيزان وبريدة والمدينة المنورة وينبع افضل شركات نقل الاثاث بالجبيل والطائف وخميس مشيط وبريدة وعنيزو وابها ونجران المدينة وينبع تبوك والقصيم الخرج حفر الباطن والظهران
شركة نقل عفش بجدة
شركة نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
شركة نقل عفش بالدمام
ReplyDeleteشركة نقل عفش بالطائف
شركة نقل عفش بمكة
شركة نقل عفش بينبع
شركة نقل عفش بالخرج
شركة نقل عفش ببريدة
شركة نقل عفش بخميس مشيط
ReplyDeleteشركة نقل عفش بالقصيم
شركة نقل عفش بتبوك
شركة نقل عفش بابها
شركة نقل عفش بنجران
شركة نقل عفش بحائل