April 25, 2016July 31, 2016 - vicky Leave a comment

MY TOP 5 RED LIPSTICKS

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I love lipsticks! It is something I have mentioned before in many posts. From all the makeup products available, lipsticks are my absolute favorite, because a lipstick is basically the only thing you need to achieve an eye-catching makeup look. If you are lazy like me and you don’t really feel like going all the way on a daily basis with your makeup, a lipstick is the perfect way to create an effortless and simply put-together look. If you are in a hurry, just put on some lipstick and bam you are ready to go! One of my favorite lipsticks color is red. I don’t really need to talk much about why, since red is the most iconic and classic color. It is a color you can wear any time of the day and season of the year because of its many different shades. You have bright red, burgundy, brick-red, orange-red, berry red, blue red and the list goes on. There is literally a shade that compliments every different skin and hair color combination. Because red is such a staple color, I couldn’t but have a bunch of them. Don’t forget that I am a lipstick hoarder 😉 Here I share with you guys my top 5 favorite red shades of lipstick and why I like each of them.

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Russian Red – MAC

This was my first red lipstick and obviously it has a special place in my heart. It is a vivid red with blue undertones, which give a cool hue to it. It is matte, which is my favorite finish, and I love wearing it all the time. Like literally all the time. I am quite pale and I feel that it really works for me. It is perfect for all year round as it is a quite standard shade of red.

Audrey – NARS

This is part of NARS’s audacious collection. I absolutely love this lipstick, because although it has a creamy, hydrating feel, once applied it dries matte. It is a beautiful red shade with a hint of pink to it. It is darker than Russian Red and deeper. I love this shade for the cold winter weather, as it is between burgundy and berry shades. Also the formula of this lipstick is simply insane; moisturizing and non-drying matte. What else can I ask for?!

Dashing – Marc Jacobs

I got this lipstick as part of the Christmas holiday Sofia set. I was longing to try the famous Marc jacobs lipsticks and boy was I not disappointed! All of the lipsticks feel amazing on my lips due to their formula. Although they are creamy and not matte, they are very steady and long-wearing. This is a beautiful deep but not dark, shade of red. This is the red I imagine the old Hollywood stars would wear. A beautiful shade for all year round and in my opinion it looks flattering on everyone. It is not a eye-catching shade, but a subtle yet sexy one. I really love it!

Cruella – NARS

Another NARS favorite, this is not your traditional lipstick. Instead it is a lip pencil you can apply on the entire lip. It has a velvet feel and it really glides on the lips. It has a quite matte finish but non-drying. I got it as a birthday present from Sephora and I was really excited because I have seen so many positive reviews on NARS velvet lip pencils and especially this shade. I am in love with it. I am actually contemplating buying the regular size, even though I still haven’t finish this one. It is darker than the previous shades. It doesn’t have a pink or blue hue, but more like a deep scarlet red. Another shade I would wear all the time. Also very easy to apply because of the pencil form.

Avenue – ColourPop

My top 5 would not be complete without a ColourPop lipstick. This one is an Ultra Matte one, which means that even though it comes in a lipgloss form, it is a liquid lipstick that dries completely matte. This is actually the mattest of them all. It dries immediately but it doesn’t dry the lips at all. It is completely matte and so lightweight you forget you have something on your lips. Also it is very long-lasting and the cheapest of them all. The shade is a beautiful deep red cherry red. It is the closest from the shades to burgundy, therefore I prefer wearing it in the winter and fall. I love wearing it in the nighttime for a sexy, sultry look but I believe it is appropriate for all day long. I have a review on the ColourPop lipsticks where I share my thoughts about them extensively.

A red lipstick is a staple makeup product. It comes in many shades and types of finish and there is a right one for every woman. It makes any look sexier and more polished. Above I shared my 5 favorite ones which I love wearing all the time; day or night, winter or summer. I really don’t care about the Dos and Donts when it comes to my red lipstick, but instead I wear whatever makes me feel good. Comment down below and share your favorite red lipsticks. Also don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron).

Till next time take care dolls 😉

Vicky x

February 21, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

SMASHBOX 25 YEARS LIPSTICK PALETTE REVIEW-SWATCHES

SMASHBOX 25 YEARS LIMITED EDITION LIPSTICK PALETTE-REVIEW-SWATCHES

Hello guys and happy Sunday! In this post I am going to review a product I was really excited to get my hands on: the Smashbox 25 years limited edition lipstick palette. Smashobox is a very popular makeup brand that, among others, has one of the most amazing primers I have ever applied on my face: the Photofinish Foundation Primer. Besides that primer, I hadn’t tried any other product of the brand, but I had high regards of it based on the things I had heard online. Now you all know I am a lipstick hoarder. I love lipstick a lot, in fact they are my favorite makeup item. I love having different shades and different types of finish. When I saw this palette I knew I had to have it. It is like a little treat; all these amazing colors in one box! Smashobox released this palette in order to celebrate they 25 years since its foundation. Therefore, the limited edition palette has 25 shades, each for a year. I really like the palette’s direct association with the brand’s celebration of its 25 years from foundation.

The palette itself is gorgeous; all black, sleek and minimal. It has a huge mirror and the brush is very nice. Smashbox’s makeup brushes have good reviews, so I was glad they did include a brush in the palette. Now as far as the actual lipsticks, they are all amazing. As a pale brunette with reddish lips, I expected a few colors not to suit me. Shades like light pink, brown, nude and corally/orangey red are out of my comfort zone plus they have the “dead” effect on me. Once I tried on all the colors I was blown away. Most of the colors don’t look as intense on as they are in the palette. On the contrary they easily blend with the natural color of my lips and give a more tinted effect. I can also build them up and make them more vivid and intense. Even the colors I was wary of looked amazing on; very flattering. I was excited because now I can wear some shades I wouldn’t wear normally. The variety is huge: nudes, browns, pinks, reds and plums; from very light to very dark. The type of finish varies as well: there are matte ones (my favorites) and creamy/satin ones too. The creamy/satin ones are more sheer and shiny, whereas the matte ones are more vivid and steady. The red and fuchsia/red shades do tint the lips a little bit as the majority of these colors does. On the swatch picture I mention the finish as well as the shade of each color. I believe that because there are so many different shades, everyone will be satisfied; those who prefer more neutral and pink shades, those who love red and those who like a little bit of dark plum in their lives. Also the lipsticks can be used for day to-night looks. They are easy to apply with the brush and easy to remove. The palette is not small, so it’s not easy to carry it with you in your bag, but I personally don’t care much about that since I get the amazing deal of 25 lipstick shades in one. I highly recommend the palette.

When I was contemplating on buying this gorgeous palette, I was worried about the quality of Smashbox lipsticks. Since I hadn’t tried any of them before and since I am quite picky with my lipsticks (I am a matte lover), I was a little concerned. Therefore, I was searching online for reviews of it. Sadly I didn’t find a single review. I actually found a misleading site, where instead of reviews, it had complaints of girls about the very existence of the palette, even though they had never tried it out. The lack of reviews about something quite unique and relatively pricey, prompted me to write this review, in hopes of helping others who are interesting in it. Overall the palette is a dream. It has a good quality design, a nice big mirror, so many shades – practicaly everything – and an amazing professional lip brush. The lipsticks set nicely and blend easily. For some reason all shades but one work great on my lips! What’s not to love about that right? If you already have the palette I would like to know what you think of it. If you are thinking about buying it and you’re looking for some more information, don’t hesitate to mail me. Also I would love it if you could pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

February 19, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

FASHION BASICS-THE CHAIN BAG

The chain bag has always been a statement piece of a woman’s wardrobe. The pioneer who introduced it to the fashion world was none other but the amazing Coco Chanel, who was looking for an alternative, more comfortable way of carrying her bag. This resulted in the creation of the most iconic chain bag, the Chanel 2.55. In my opinion, it is the ultimate elegant bag. It is simple and comfortable, yet classy. Not every look needs to be loud; I always believed that elegance equals minimalism. A flap bag, in a quilted diamond pattern with a double chain strap, can complete any look. Even when you’re wearing a pair of jeans and a jumper or a sweatshirt, carrying a chain a bag will make you look more put together and more elegant. It simply has the power of transformation. Another thing I love about this bag, is that you can dress it up and down. It is very versatile. You can carry it in the daytime but also at night, as the perfect company of a lovely dress and a pair of sexy heels. The bag’s success and popularity have turned it into a symbol of power, femininity and class.

However, we all know that this bag doesn’t come cheap; it actually worths thousands of dollars. Even though this is a price many are willing and able to afford, there are many others – me among them – who can’t or don’t want to. However, a beautiful chain strap bag is a key piece for many looks and should be part of any wardrobe. If you long for a gorgeous chain bag but at an affordable price, do not worry; there are many quite similar alternatives at a much lower price. My personal favorite that I have, I love, have and I aspire to get in many other colors, is from Moschino. I love that Love Moschino quilted bag with a chain strap. It really reminds me of the Chanel one. It doesn’t have the number of pockets the Chanel has, but it has enough space for all the necessary items I always carry with me. It is light, stylish, simple, convenient and much more affordable. I have received so many compliments on mine!

Another, more affordable, beautiful chain bag is the ZARA Chain City bag. It is a beautiful black bag with a heavy chain detail and strap. It is very elegant but with some edge. It is much cheaper from both the Chanel and the Love Moschino ones, but it doesn’t have bad quality. I actually am really fond of Zara’s bags. I like its how stylish and modern its designs are plus some timeless pieces it has every year. The City bag is exactly that; a timeless stylish yet classy bag. And at a great price!

Lastly, another even more affordable alternative, would be the ASOS Quilted Lock Cross body bag. It is very similar to the Chanel 2.55, with the quilted design and the chain strap. Very minimal without any details, it stays true to the effortless and simple Chanel style. Plus, it is the cheapest alternative of the three, which is great. Who says that you can be stylish, classy and on trend only if you splurge on it? You can easily recreate the classy and sophisticated Chanel look with this gorgeous bag.

A plain quilted chain strap bag, is an important part of a woman’s wardrobe. It can accompany many outfits, from casual to dressed up ones. It can turn any look into classier and more elegant, without losing the relaxed and effortless vibe. Although the queen of this bag category is the iconic Chanel 2.55, nowadays there are many alternatives of different price ranges. In the end it doesn’t matter how expensive your bag is, but how you carry it. You can always look fabulous and stylish without breaking the bank. Comment down below and share your favorite chain strap bag. Also don’t forget to pop over my Insragram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) to say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

February 14, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

MY MOST AND LEAST FAVORITE MASCARAS

Mascara is an important part of any eye makeup look. It enhances the lashes and adds definition and intensity to the eye. Even a “natural” makeup look can stand out with a touch of mascara. There are many different types of brushes that serve different purposes. There are those that add volume, length, intensity or all of them together. I have tried quite a few mascaras and I have come to absolutely love a few! I really like my mascara to separate and elongate my lashes and I really hate it when the mascara clumps my lashes and makes them stick to each other. In this post I am going to talk about my favorite mascaras and about those I don’t really enjoy wearing.

Lancome Definicils

This is probably my favorite mascara. I love how long, slim and neat the brush is. It reaches my entire lash line even the inner and outer corner. It doesn’t apply a lot of product to the lashes, so it doesn’t stick them together. On the contrary it separates them and creates a natural look. You can easily build it up and make your lashes as intense as you like. It also is not messy at all. It is the perfect mascara for defined, long yet natural-looking lashes.

Lancome Hypnose

Another amazing product from Lancome, this iconic mascara really deserves all the hype. It is a little different from the Definicils one, as its brush is kind of wavy instead of straight. This is very helpful for adding volume and thickening the lashes, instead of elongating them. It has a creamier formula, which really intensifies the lashes and creates a more dramatic look instead of a natural one. I like how once again it reaches my entire lash line and how doesn’t clumps my lashes, even though it does carry a lot of product. This is the perfect mascara for a statement night-time look.

Benefit They’re real!

This was my favorite mascara for years prior to the Lancome ones. I really love this mascara. Before I used it for the first time, I wasn’t really wearing any mascara, as I was disappointed from all my previous ones. This mascara really changed my life. It has a lovely long brush, similar to the Definicils one but a little bigger. The bristles are quite small; therefore it doesn’t carry a lot of product. Just like the Definicils, it lengthens my lashes without clumping them at all. I also use it close to my roots to add some volume and curl to my lash line. Basically, it is multi-mascara that adds volume, curl and length to the lashes without creating a mess.

YSL Effet Faux Cils

This Yves Saint Laurent mascara is my last favorite one. It has a shorter brush than the others and it has a swirly design instead of bristles. Although it is shorter, it does get to my inner and outer corners quite easily. The swirly design of the brush may give the impression that it creates a lot of mess, but actually it doesn’t. It is very neat, even though it carries a lot of product, and it doesn’t clump my lashes. It creates full, bold lashes by adding volume more than length. It is perfect for creating a deep, intense, dramatic look like the Hypnose one.

In order to have a more complete and honest post, I thought it would be helpful to mention a couple of mascaras that didn’t satisfy me as much as all the above. I need to stress out that the following mascaras are not terrible but simply not as good or effective as the previous ones.

Too Faced Better Than Sex

I was really, really disappointed by this hyped up Too Faced mascara. I had been dying to try it for quite a while, so when I finally got my hands on a sample of it, I couldn’t contain my excitement. My first impression was that the brush is very messy. It has an hourglass shape, which is a great idea for adding volume and length to the inner and outer corner, while keeping the middle more natural. This idea would have worked better if the bristles weren’t as long and very close to each other. This is the perfect example of clumping mascara. It carries way too much product that is not distributed evenly and as a result, my lashes are clumped and they stick together. I really wanted to love this mascara because I love Too Faced as a brand, but I was not satisfied at all. I feel that in all it is a great idea but poorly executed.

Buxom Lash Mascara

This mascara is quite disappointing as well. I got it as a sample in a Sephora goodie bag and I was really excited to try it out. At first I found weird how instead of screwing the lid, you simply pull it out. I believe that this very design is the main reason why this mascara is bad. The brush is straight and long with short bristles, which normally would be great, but the size of it is big. It is like a triple version of the Definicils one. That size combined with the pull-out design, result in a clumpy and messy mascara. A lot of the product is gathered at the two corners of the brush which in turn clumps the corners of my lash line. Also as mentioned, the brush is too big to handle and I feel it’s too big for my eyes in general. I do however believe that it is not as bad as the Too Faced one. In my opinion, if the brush was longer and screwed in, it would be much better.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant

If there was a big brush competition, this mascara would be the winner. Its brush is simply huge, which obviously is a problem to me. I like its unique “pyramid” shape, where one corner is small and as you move to the other one it gets bigger and bigger. This is perfect for making the outer corner lashes longer and more voluminous, creating a flutter look. As much as I love the idea, like with the Too Faced mascara, I believe it is poorly executed. A multi-purpose mascara for lengthening and volumizing the lashes, it would be amazing if it didn’t carry so much product. It really clumps my lashes. A lot of product is gathered in the inner corner of the brush, while there is a huge size difference between its two ends. The outer end is much bigger than the inner one, therefore the inner corner is clumpy and the outer corner is too big for my eye. The only good thing is that it is swirly mascara, because if it had bristles it would be really awful.

I have tried many different types of mascara because I love trying new products. Each one has a different style and a different purpose, but not all of them are effective nor do they achieve that purpose. The worst thing mascara can do, is to clump and stick your lashes. Sadly some of the mascaras above do exactly that. However, there are some that are absolutely lovely! They elongate the lashes without clumping them for a nice everyday look, or add some serious volume for a more dramatic one. Comment down below and share which is your favorite mascara and why. Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) to say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

February 5, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

CHANEL AND LANCOME SKINCARE REVIEW

Happy February everyone! As you have probably realized by now, I am into skin care products more than make up ones. Skincare products improve the skin and help deal with any problems it may have, instead of just masking and covering them up. I like trying different skin care products from different brands, as I am always searching for something better and different from the products I already have. I don’t really have high-end brands makeup and skin care, but on January there was a huge sale on a few shopping centres and I decided it was my chance to get some high-end skin care. Therefore, I went with Chanel and Lancome. I already have a couple of skin care products from both brands and I really like them. From both brands I picked a toner and a mask, because I love toners and I always like to try new masks.

From Chanel I got the Silky Soothing Toner for Comfort and Anti-Pollution and the Hydration, Protection and Radiance Mask from the Hydra Beauty line. I used both products and I sadly have to admit I am not very satisfied with both of them. First thing’s first, the Toner is a nice toner which refreshes the skin, but it is not something that wowed me. It smells lovely, but I don’t feel it really cleanses my skin. It is supposed to be anti-pollution, but besides refreshing my skin, I don’t feel it does anything else. It’s not that I don’t like it, I just feel that the other toners I have offer something more. The Mask, as well, is not something amazing. It is a moisture mask for radiant and smooth skin, that you apply on your face before you sleep and you massage it into your skin before you sleep. It felt really greasy on my skin and my skin couldn’t absorb it at all. I don’t know if this is how the product is supposed to be, but I really hate greasy products that make my skin look shiny and they are not absorbed easily. Even once I woke up the product was still there. It had been absorbed a little but you could still feel my skin being sticky. I didn’t like the mask and I felt it also broke me out a bit. I never had acne or any skin issues but after the mask I had a couple of zits and irritation, which to be is a break out. Really unhappy with the mask.

From Lancome I got the Clarifying Exfoliating Toner and the Purifying Mineral Mask with White Clay. Unlike with Chanel, I was really satisfied with Lancome. I have two products already from the brand and I really love them, so I had high expectations from the two new ones. The Toner is amazing. I absolutely love it! It has a strong scent because it contains alcohol. Toners which contain alcohol, are not suitable for dry and sensitive skin types; they will dry out the dry skin and irritate the sensitive skin. It didn’t irritate my skin at all. I would classify my skin as a little sensitive, but not much. Therefore, the toner didn’t affect my skin negatively at all. On the contrary, It actually helped my skin a lot. Every time I use the toner, the cotton pad is quite dirty even after I have cleansed my skin. This is something I hadn’t noticed before with my other toners. I was always under the impression that I had cleansed my skin a lot and therefore there was nothing for the toner to remove. With this toner I realized I was wrong; there always was some dirt left and this toner will definitely remove it. So happy I actually got the 400 ml bottle (double the size of my other toners), because it will last me for a long time. The Mask is really good as well. It is a clay mask and as with all clay masks, it becomes solid on my skin before I rinse it off. Its scent is quite unpleasant, but it doesn’t really bother me and the results I get are amazing; my skin feels really tight and bright afterwards which I love. I used the mask on my mom, who has a different skin to mine, and it was a success as well. Her skin was so moisturized, tight and brighter than before. Such a lovely mask. The skin really feels extra clean and refreshed. It even feels tighter which is great! I prefer it much more than the Chanel one.

Recently I added some high-end products to my skin care collection, from Chanel and Lancome, as I don’t have anything almost from the first brand, and I love whatever I have from the second. I was quite disappointed with the Chanel products, because although the toner was simply ok, the mask was quite underwhelming. The toner has a nice, refreshing feel but nothing more than that. The mask is greasy, sticky and not easily absorbed. It also broke me out a little bit, which doesn’t happen often. Unlike Chanel’s products, the Lancome ones were great. The toner is amazing, because it really moisturizes and cleanses my skin and the mask is great because it makes my skin feel more plum, tighter and brighter. What more could you ask from a mask right? I totally recommend the Lancome products but for the Chanel ones I am not satisfied therefore, I can’t really recommend them. The toner is ok for refreshing your skin, so I suppose you could try it out but the mask is a let down. I would love to hear your opinion about these products and which is your favorite toner in general? Comment down below and share! Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 21, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

TOPSHOP JEANS vs ASOS JEANS

I absolutely love wearing jeans. They are so comfortable and easy to style. You can dress them down and create a casual daily look, or dress them up with a nice shirt or top. I like how effortless they are. Pairing jeans with a nice top is so easy that gives you time to focus on the details; the accessories. Another thing I love about jeans, is how there is a huge variety of styles and designs that can basically compliment any body type. There are jeans for slim bodies, curvier figures, tall girls or short ones. And let’s not forget the shades; light blue for the summer, darker blue for the winter, black, grey, white and even colorful ones like pink and red. But as mentioned before, the most important selling point of them for me, is their comfort; the fact that I feel at ease while wearing them, and the fact that I just can’t go wrong with a nice pair of jeans.

I don’t really like to overspend on my jeans. I rather have many different ones than just a couple pricey ones. My two favorite brands for jeans-shopping are Topshop and ASOS. Both brands have reasonably priced jeans and a lovely variety. However, they don’t offer the same quality. I am a 5’10’’ girl with a curvy figure and I feel that high-waisted jeans are better for me. They elongate and slim down my body a little bit, whereas the low or mid waist ones are just focusing on the problematic area (hips) that i’d rather not emphasize. Therefore, when shopping, I always get myself high-waisted jeans.

ASOS Ridley Skinny Ankle Grazer Jeans in Reef Wash — Topshop Moto Prettty Blue Joni Jeans

From Topshop all my jeans are the Joni Super High Waisted ones. I love the Joni jeans. The size I go for is W32L34 and in the Tall section it’s W30L36. They are very comfortable, long enough and reasonably priced at 50 euros. However, the quality is not that good. I hate to say it, but if it was up to me I wouldn’t call them jeans but jeggings because that’s how they feel. The material is quite thin and after a while it rubs off and sometimes it even gets holey. It also becomes a bit baggy especially around the knees and the color may fade at some parts. Something that is that thin, in my opinion is not really denim. Hence, I would call them jeggings. They are very stretchy and comfortable, but because they are that thin, I don’t feel I am wearing proper jeans. I like how they are flattering my body and how long they are but it’s disappointing at how quickly they fall apart. They last me a year at the most before they start having major issues. I do still love them though, as they combine comfort, style and a relatively low price.

From ASOS I go for the Ridley Skinny High Waisted Jeans. I usually get the W32L34 size, unless it’s an ankle grazer, where in that case I might size up, as I find they have a little tighter fit. Now the ASOS jeans are quite different. They are thicker than the Joni ones, therefore they don’t rub off or fade that easily. Because they are thicker, they are less elastic. This means they are not as comfy and stretchy as the Joni ones. Don’t get me wrong though; they are not uncomfy. They are as comfy as regular jeans are. The Topshop ones are too stretchy, more like leggings. The length may vary in ASOS jeans. I have ankle grazers that are just above my ankles and ankle grazers that are like cropped jeans. So I would say that there might be a slight surprise with the length. Therefore, if I can size up on the length I do it. Their price is lower than the Topshop ones; they are between 34-45 euros. I really like my ASOS Ridley jeans a lot because they feel like proper, good quality jeans and they are at a great price.

Left to right: Toppsh — Left to right: ASOS vs Topshop

Jeans are one of the most popular pieces of clothing. They are comfortable, relatively cheap and they match with everything. Literally, you can put any top with them and you have a nice look. From effortless and casual they can easily be transformed into a chic night-time outfit. I love my jeans; whether they are from Topshop or ASOS. However, if you are looking for the best combination of quality and low price (value for money), ASOS is a better choice. Its jeans are thicker, better quality and more affordable. Topshop jeans are very comfy and they have a nice fit, but they are quite thin and they will fall apart quite quickly. Plus they are a bit more pricey. I recommend both brands as they both offer some nice jeans; I just like ASOS jeans a bit more. It all comes down to what everyone is seeking; better quality or more comfort and stretch. Which is your favorite jeans brand and why? Do you guys prefer ASOS or Topshop jeans? I would love to know what you think! Don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 10, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

TOPSHOP BETTY STAR BOOTS AND BUDDY EYELET BOOTS REVIEW

Hello lovelies! I hope you are all having a great Sunday so far! I am very excited for this post, as I love shoes and I know how hard it is to get the right shoe and size when ordering online. Topshop is one of my favorite brands when it comes to affordable, yet good quality shoes. It has so many stylish and modern designs. The quality is always good, and I have many shoes that have lasted me for years. Combining that good, lasting quality with the affordable price of them, Topshop’s shoes are an amazing alternative for someone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a pair of shoes, but also doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. Lastly, a huge factor that makes me want to buy shoes from Topshop, is the sizing. I am a 5’10’’ girl with a size EU 41 or UK 8 or US 10 foot, and finding shoes has always been a hassle. It is even harder for me to find shoes from my favorite online brands like ASOS, because the sizing is not always as it is supposed to be. Therefore, I always end up getting size UK 9 or EU 42, just o make sure the shoe will not be small. I rather have a slightly bigger shoe than a smaller one. In this post I am going to review two lovely pairs of ankle boots I got from Topshop not too long ago.

The first pair I got was the Buddy Eyelet ankle boots in khaki color. I always love ankle boots. Apart from ballet flats they are my go-to shoes in the winter, because they are comfortable, stylish and protect your feet from the cold. I really love ankle boots. However, I realized recently that almost all my shoes are black, so there is no variety. Black is my favorite color for staple pieces like my everyday shoes and everyday bag, but I also like black for going out, as it is perfect and safer for more formal occasions. However, once I took a look at all my black shoes, I thought I just had to add some color to my shoe wardrobe. Therefore, when I saw those khaki ankle boots on Topshop site, I knew I had to have them. Khaki is one of my favorite colors for winter, because it is not too bold and it is also easy to match. I got the shoes in UK 9 just to be safe and I was not wrong. The shoes do have a small fit, so there is no way I would fit in UK 8. The heel is a little higher than what I have used to wear on a daily basis, but not high enough to get me tired. They are suede, which wouldn’t be a problem normally as I absolutely love suede, however, the suede in these shoes is a little rough. The shoes pressure the top of my foot a little bit just because the material is so rigid. I love the combination of khaki with the golden studs and how the shoes are not just plain but have that little detail. Overall, the Buddy Eyelet shoes are lovely. The have a nice height heel, chunky and low enough for every day. They are comfortable, but the material is rigid enough that sometimes it pressure the top of my foot. The color is gorgeous, but I did have to get the 42/9 size as they do run a little small. I would definitely recommend them!

The Betty Star ankle boots are my most recent purchase. I know I know, I went back to black. What can I say, I can’t help it! I love black shoes! These boots are just amazing. They are suede, very simple but they have those cute golden stars on the back, which spices things up a bit. So basically they are your everyday casual black ankle boots but with a twist. I am really into golden details like stars, studs and spikes, so I really like the combination of black with gold. I feel they add some glamor to the shoes. From all aspects, these boots are the same as the Buddy Eyelet ones. They have the same heel height, so not too high but not too low, and they are made from the same rigid suede. Therefore, they also pressure the top of my foot; not both shoes though, just the right one.I believe i just have to break them in. I got them in a size 42/9 as well, and once again I was right; the shoes run a bit small so if I had stuck to my regular 41 size, they wouldn’t fit. Overall, the Betty Star boots are perfect. I absolutely love them! They are great for everyday to add some dazzle to a plain outfit, but also great for the night if you – like me – don’t wear high heels often. As with the previous boots, I sized up because they run small. Also, the material is a little rigid and they pressure my upper foot. But they do fit quite well and they are at a great price, so I totally recommend them.

I love Topshop shoes, because they combine quality with price. I also love ankle boots in general, because they are very versatile and I can wear them in the daytime and nighttime, dress them up and dress them down. Both pairs are lovely. They have the right heel height and I really like the suede material. They run small so I would recommend sizing up, and at least for me, the rigid suede pressures my upper foot a bit, so I will try to soften them in a shoemaker. I love both their design as they are quite modern with golden studs and stars. I really recommend both pairs, as their price makes them very affordable. Do you guys have any of the pairs and if so, do you like them? Comment down below and share what you think about Topshop shoes. Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlaland) and say hello.

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 7, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

LAURA MERCIER SWEET TEMPTATIONS REVIEW

LAURA MERCIER SWEET TEMPTATIONS AMBRE VANILLE SET REVIEW

Hello everyone! I hope 2016 is treating you all good so far! Although I am really excited for the new year, I am also sad that the holidays are over. All the gifts and the cheerful , festive spirit are gone. This year, there were so many amazing holiday sets from so many beauty and skin care brands, that it was really hard to choose from. Either for a present or for myself, picking just one set was a hard task. However, one of the sets that really stood out to me and I got my hands on, is Laura Mercier’s Sweet Temptations Ambre Vanille Luxe Body Collection set. This is a bath and body set from Laura Mercier and it includes 4 amazing products. A shower gel, a honey bath with its wooden honey dipper, a body cream (souffle) and a perfume, all with the Ambre Vanille scent. I had heard so many amazing words about Laura Mercier’s bath products and especially its honey bath, that I knew I had to have this set; and I was happy to realise that everything I had heard was true; the set is simply amazing.

My favorite thing from the entire set, would be the body cream, or body souffle as it is called. It is a thick, rich body lotion, that moisturizes and softens the skin. I apply it after showering and my skin instantly feels silky smooth, plus it smells amazing. The Ambre Vanille scent is wonderful. It is quite sweet but not in a sickly way; more like a vanilla cookie way. It is currently my favorite body moisturizer; so rehydrating and soft.

The shower gel is quite lovely. You only need a small quantity and you get a lot of foam. It smells amazing as well and it’s a perfect way to layer the scent. Showering with the gel and then layering with the body cream, is a perfect way to make the scent last longer and be more intense. Although the gel is not a big size, it is going to last for a while, as I prefer using it on special occasions and not on a daily basis.

The perfume is a tiny 15 ml bottle that you can easily put in your bag and carry with you. It has the exact same scent, perhaps a bit stronger due to the alcohol. It’s the last step on the layering process, behind the shower gel and body cream. It’s not a big bottle obviously but it is a nice touch in the entire set. It may not be the centre piece of the set but it is handy part of the Ambre Vanille line. Since I don’t wear perfume often due to my allergy, this will definitely last me for a while.

Last but not least, the star of the set and a best seller, is the honey bath that comes along with its own wooden honey dipper. You fill in your bathtub with water and then add a swirl of the honey bath for a relaxing bath. It smells amazing and creates a lot of bubbles. Its scent is not overwhelming, on the contrary it is very relaxing and stress-relieving. This product is definitely going to last me a while, as I don’t take a bath every day and I don’t need more than a swirl or two for a nice foam.

The Laura Mercier Sweet Temptations set with the Ambre Vanille scent, is absolutely amazing. All the products are lovely. From the simple shower gel and perfume to the moisturizing body cream and relaxing honey bath, this set will steal your heart. It will make you feel you are in your own luscious home spa. With Almond, Brown Sugar, Coconut, the Ambre Vanille holiday set is perfect for anyone who wants to have a lovely, soft skin that smells irresistibly delicious. I absolutely recommend the set to everyone. As for myself, I intend to repurchase the products individually once they are finished. And the best part is that the set is still available on the Laura Mercier site! So you guys can still get your hands on it if you hurry! Have any of you guys have tried any Laura Mercier bath and body products and if so do you like them? Comment down below and share your own experience. Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 3, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

DECEMBER FAVORITES

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I wish you all an amazing 2016, where your wildest dreams come true! It has been a bit crazy this past week due to all the celebrations and preparations, so I am a little late with my monthly favorites. December was a lovely month with all the presents and the festive spirit. I got the chance to try some new products that I absolutely loved and can’t wait to share with you guys.

Jo Malone Perfume – French Lime Blossom

Every time I go by Jo Malone’s stand I always feel the urge to smell the amazing perfumes and candles. This year is definitely Jo Malone’s year for me. Not only I got my first candle (see post) but also I got a couple of perfumes. From the beginning, I was in love with the French Lime Blossom perfume. It has a powdery scent and it reminds me of something clean and fresh, like soap. I know it doesn’t seem like much but I absolutely love that scent. It makes me feel peaceful, like I am in a fresh meadow on a spring day. I love it when I can associate a perfume to something so stress relieving. It is not overwhelming or too strong. I love the perfume so much, that I am considering getting the candle too at some point.

Charlotte Tilbury – Charlotte’s Magic Cream

I got this cream in Charlotte Tilbury holiday set “The gift of Goddess” (see review). Having heard so many amazing things about Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty and skin care products, I have wanted to try them for a while now. I got the cream in a small size and I tried it right away. It’s amazing; such a moisturizing cream with a nice thick texture. It smells lovely (like a rose), and it doesn’t make my face oily at all. You only need to apply a little bit, which means my small pot will last. I love how smooth and fresh my face feels afterwards, especially now in the winter where it gets quite dry.

Michael Kors Camille Small Leather Satchel in black

I was looking for a nice everyday bag for a couple of months now. Since I don’t have a light grey bag, I was after that color. I think it’s very neutral and I can wear it daily all year round. I never had a Michael Kors bag before, but I always liked his designs, as they are modern and sophisticated. However, I couldn’t find the style and size I wanted in light grey. I was really bumped, but then I came across the Camille satchel in black and I was in love. It is such a cute bag, with the perfect size for daily use. It has a strap, many compartments and the leather is so soft. It was simply perfect. My mom surprised me by getting it for me for Christmas! Black is the perfect color that matches with everything. It is not the color I wanted, but it is a basic, neutral color which is what I was going for bottom line. The size is just great; apart from daytime, I can get it for a dinner or a drink as well. It is not really small, and it can accommodate everything I carry with me daily plus an umbrella in case of rain. An absolutely ideal bag!

Klurskin cleanser with jojoba and coconut

As I have mentioned before, I am a skin care hoarder. I love skin care products and I am always looking for something new that will freshen up and improve my skin. Although I do like all the major cosmetics and skin care brands, lately I am interested more and more into smaller, indie skin care brands. They are local and use natural ingredients. Klurskin is a LA based brand that creates non-toxic products that nourish the skin. This cleanser is aloe based and 75% organic. It has coconut milk and jojoba oil. It is in a gel form and has a pleasant scent. It is very gentle and cleanses the skin well; however, I don’t use it when I have a lot of make up on my face because I feel I need something stronger. I love how much it actually hydrates my skin. It doesn’t only cleanse it and removes all the dirt, but it also hydrates it and makes it look fresher and calmer afterwards. Such a nice, organic cleanser!

Laura Mercier Ambre and Vanille body soufflé

I got Laura Mercier’s Sweet Temptations Ambre and Vanille holiday set because I was very excited to try the body products. Everybody is raving about how lovely they are, so when I saw the holiday set, I just had to get it. I am not going to mention the entire set, as there will be a review about it up soon, but I have to admit that the body lotion is my favorite product. I absolutely love it! It has an amazing scent that makes me feel like I am a vanilla cookie, and it deeply moisturizes my skin. It has a thick texture therefore, you don’t need a lot. Its scent lingers for a couple of days on my skin which is wonderful. This body soufflé is just perfect. From the scent to the feeling, it is amazing. I know for sure that once I finish it I will repurchase the full size.

Topshop Betty Star boots

I am not going to talk a lot about those boots because there will be a review of them up the blog soon. I got the Topshop Betty Star boots only recently but I am in love with them already. The heel height is perfect for me for every day and for a casual night out as well. I love how they are simple but the golden stars in the back add some spice to them. They are basic black ankle boots but with a twist. I have worn them twice so far and I love them! Stay tuned for a more thorough review J

H&M nail polish in Red Over Heels shade

You guys already know how much I love H&M’s new nail polishes. I have a whole review of them where I am raving about how fast they dry and how long the last (see review). For the holidays I wanted a true red color, so I can be a little festive myself. I went for the Red Over Heels shade, because it is a lovely deep, yet not too dark, red. It doesn’t have any orange undertone. I was so happy with my choice. They nail polish was lovely like all the H&M ones and it was perfect for the holiday season. I don’t usually go for red nails but I was so happy I did this year!

YSL Rouge pur Couture lipstick in the shade 201

I got this lipstick in a magazine, so I didn’t purchase it myself. I never had a YSL lipstick so I didn’t have an opinion about them. I was happy to find that the lipstick was in a bright red shade, because red is one of my favorite lip colors. The shade itself is quite lovely; bright red with orange undertone. Something I don’t really have. I tried it on and I was surprised at how lovely it looks. It’s creamy and moisturizing, which I really like, since my lips are quite dry. It is matte with a satin finish. It didn’t sit in my lip lines and it lasted for a quite a while. I really love this lipstick, as it is festive and the sample size of it is just too cute! I am very pleasantly surprised with this YSL lipstick, because I liked the texture, the color and the longevity. Also it has a rose scent. Highly recommend the YSL Rouge pur Couture lipstick!

I was so blessed to get my hands on some amazing things on December. I absolutely love each and every thing mentioned in this post. From the bag and the shoes to the lipstick and the body lotion, all these products are simply wonderful. They stole my heart on December and they earned their place in my monthly favorites list. I recommend them all. Don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hello! With 2015 gone, I am very excited for what 2016 has in store! Happy New Year to everyone with lots of love!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

December 10, 2015 - crazyandfashionable 1 Comment

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

With Christmas only a few weeks away, it’s this lovely time of the year again where we buy gifts for our loved ones, and share the holiday spirit! I love getting gifts for all my family and friends more than getting stuff for myself. Although many of you like to get your gifts quite early and have a stress-free countdown to Christmas, I am quite naughty and I always end up getting my gifts on the very last-minute, which completely stresses me out. Therefore, this year I decided not only to get my presents earlier than usual but also to suggest some pretty cool gifts for your favorite ones! I am so excited since this is my very first Christmas gift guide post and I really can’t wait to share with you guys some lovely things I have picked out.

Photo credit: http://lutecia.ge/?lang=2&menuid=14&id=114&page=2 — Photo credit: http://lutecia.ge

A perfume set is always a lovely idea for a present. I absolutely love perfumes! Who doesn’t right? Valentino’s Valentina Eau de Parfum set is perfect! I am quite picky when it comes to perfumes but I am in love with Valentina. It is such a sexy and feminine yet fresh scent, that you can’t go wrong with. This set is great as it also contains the body lotion. Layering the perfume on top of the body lotion will make the scent last longer and be more intense. And how cute is that box right?

Photo credit: http://www.lauramercier.com/new-arrivals/sweet-temptations-ambre-vanille-luxe-body-collection-12615222.html#start=2 — Photo credit: http://www.lauramercier.com

In the whole spirit of layering and smelling amazing, another great gift and personal favorite is Laura Mercier’s Sweet Temptations Ambre Vanille Luxe Body Collection. I actually got this set for myself and it is amazing! The set has a body wash, body lotion (or soufflé), perfume and honey bath, all with the Ambre Vanille scent. Everything is so pretty. You can use the body wash for a quick shower or the honey bath, which is a best-selling product, for a more relaxing bath. Then layer the body soufflé (which is brilliant!) and the perfume. The scent is quite sweet but not in a sickening way. Such an amazing gift!

Photo credit: http://www.net-a-porter.com

Since we all know how important skin care is to girls – and it should be to guys as well – I find that a luxurious skin care set would be a great gift to your special someone! There are so many out there that I can’t wait to get my hands on, but Sarah Chapman’s Facial In a Box set has really stand out to me. It is a lovely set of 5 products, including a 3-D mask and 2 professional cleansing mitts. It is such a lovely introduction to the brand and such a luxurious set. Using these products will make you feel like you are being pampered in a spa.

Photo credit: http://shop.lomography.com

In an era where we capture every moment on our phones and cameras, what a better gift than a lovely camera that ties the old with the new. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is a wonderful present for everyone; boy or girl. I have the bigger one and I absolutely love it. However, it is quite heavy and big which makes it really hard to fit it in my purse and carry it around all the time. The Mini 8 is a cute camera that immediately develops the pictures taken. It has a vintage vibe combined with modern design. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors. I personally love the powdery blue one! Don’t forget to get a pack of film!

Photo credit: http://www.diptyqueparis.com

As a proper candle-addict, I believe that Diptyque’s Seasonal Candle Set is another amazing gift. Diptyque’s candles are just wonderful. They smell amazing and last forever, plus they are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. This seasonal set includes 5 mini candles with different scents which is amazing. It is a perfect introduction to the world of luxurious candles. I have a review of my favorite Diptyque scent, that you guys should check out!

Photo credit left to right: www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.amazon.com, www.anthropologie.com

The last gift I would recommend is a little bit more complicated. Personally, whenever I get gifts for my people I always like to get a couple of gifts instead of just one. I don’t know why but I just love the moment when the present is unwrapped and there are more presents in it. Like the babushka dolls! Therefore, I believe a big stocking filled with many small gifts would be a great gift itself. You could fill the stocking with a book, like Madeline Shaw’s Get the Glow book for the healthy eater, or Jemma Kidd’s Jemma’s Makeup Secrets for the makeup addict one! Great stocking filler could also be a cute little journal like Urban Outfitter’s Oh Snap leather journal, along with some cute stationary. This Gold Monogram Mug from Anthropologie would also make a lovely stocking filler. You can add any bits and bobs you like and personalize the present which makes it even more perfect! Don’t forget the Christmas candy!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! The holiday spirit is just everywhere and everyone is happy and cheerful. I love that is a gift giving period, because buying presents for my loved ones is ony of my favorite things and it makes me very happy. On my Christmas gift guide for her, I am sharing some ideas of presents for your favorite girls; mom, aunt, sister, bff or loved one!! I personally love all those things; I even have some of them and the ones I don’t have, I really want to get! Following this post, there will be a Christmas gift guide for Him, with some nice gift ideas for the special guys in your life, so stay tuned! Are any of those gifts on your wish list or do you even have any of these and if so what do you think of them? Also don’t forget to pop over Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and Instagram (@blueberrylover) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

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