5 Accessories I'm Loving This Autumn | GUEST POST

September has just about arrived. Although it still feels a little early, we're already seeing countless exhibitions of autumn style. A lot of the focus this time of year tends to surround extensive lists of clothing items and ideas for totally transformed wardrobes. But if you're like me, you don't actually go out and revamp your entire closet every time the temperature changes! A few new clothing items here and there will suffice for keeping up with the trends. What I really enjoy instead is making sure I'm up on the latest accessories. These are the smaller, more affordable pieces that can bring a look together, and which tend to change more from season to season anyway!

With that said, here are some of the accessories I'm loving for the autumn of 2015.

Sculptural Jewellery

I wasn't entirely sure what the term "sculptural jewellery" referred to until I started seeing it mentioned among the season's trends, and now I can't get enough of it. Style.com has a number of examples of this type of jewellery from designers including Kenzo, Eddie Borgo, and others. The basic idea is that each item is like a piece of art, generally featuring bent and shaped metals that resemble small, wearable sculptures.

Spray-On Boots

This is the term Marie Claire used to define what looks to be a pretty popular trend for the coming autumn and winter seasons: skin-tight, thigh-high boots. Versace, Christian Dior, and others were mentioned in conjunction with the movement, which includes various colours and designs printed onto boots that almost double as leggings. It may not be the most comfortable accessory idea for 2015, but it's a fun look.

Ladies' Loafers

Sticking with footwear, and moving to a more comfortable option, I can't get enough of the ladies' loafers that seem so prominent on the runways this year. Lyst called them "the chosen flats for fall" and it's no wonder they're taking over given the various ways in which we're seeing them dressed up and down. More casual versions include simple boat shoe-style loafers that work like sandal alternatives, and for dressing up we're even seeing heeled ladies' loafers making the rounds.

Opera Gloves

This is another trend pointed out by Marie Claire, and it is essentially the upper-body version of the spray-on boot idea. Opera-length gloves have been spotted on various runways from a slew of different designers this season. While they can appear almost costume-like, there's something undeniably fun about them for the autumn. Given that these gloves tend to be fairly light and thin, they're also a perfect option for comfort as the weather cools but isn't necessarily "cold."

Collar Bows

There have been a lot of bows and ribbons tied around collars on the AW runways, and I love the way Popsugar defined the trend: "a hint of femininity in your workplace wardrobe." Moving from the carefree, fun styles of summer into the stiffer and colder looks that so often arrive with autumn, it's easy to end up with outfits that look slightly uptight. Any sort of ribbon or bow tied around a collar is a great way to keep things fun and feminine.

With these five enjoyable and affordable accessory ideas, you can liven up your autumn wardrobe without even getting into new garments. Have fun putting together some new looks!

Charcoal VS Clay Face Masks | BEAUTY

Hello!

"so your skin appears fresh and glowing."

Face masks are a beautiful thing. Not only do they make you feel super pampered (whether done at home or in a super fancy spa), but they also do wonders for your skin - if you find the right one, that is. There's the issue: which one is the right one? 

Top 6 Spring/Summer Dresses - Under $10 | FASHION

Hello! 

"great for the various events throughout the season"

Dresses were made for Spring and Summer (well, I guess you could pull it off during the autumn and winter too, but ideally, it's Spring and Summer) and who would believe you could get some super pretty ones for less than $10! Whether you're a student watching your budget, or just don't want to splurge on the dress where the trend may not last until next summer - heck, if you just simply like the dresses, regardless of the price tag, read on.

Isn't it stunning?! I love stripes and the yellow border just makes this dress that extra special. You know they say yellow is the happiest colour? Well, doesn't this dress make you happy! 
Buy here.

I saw this dress and instantly thought of laying by the pool or beach, chilling under the sun. Having said that, the piece could also be dressed up with some heels and a cute clutch. Either way, a versatile piece that could be a gem in any collection.
Buy here.

So it looks like two different pieces, but really it's just one. The thing that caught my eye with this one, is that it's unique. Oh, and it's super cute! 
Buy here.

Totally a casual dress - my favourites! This one that's probably harder to dress up - but perfect for a picnic-in-the-park kind of day.
Buy here.

Did I mention I have a thing for stripes?
Buy here.

Denim is practically always a trend for Spring/Summer, and a denim dress is totally a nice way to incorporate it. Another one for the picnic-in-the-park kind of day!
Buy here.

So 6 dresses under $10, and all great for the various events throughout the season.
Tell me, what do you think of stripes? Fan or not-so-much? 

PS. I believe they ship worldwide ;)

A Beauty Discount Card + Giveaway! | BEAUTY

Hello!

""What? You've got to be kidding," I hear you say. "Yep," I say, "and it couldn't be easier.""

We all know a day trip to the Spa is a lovely treat. Treating yourself to a manicure is a, well, treat! As these are treats, it's nice to do something of the sort every once in a while (or many times in a while), yet what if I told you that you could get a discount with that treat. "What? You've got to be kidding," I hear you say. "Yep," I say, "and it couldn't be easier."

 

When I first found out about the FabYOUless card, I did what most people would do: go on their website. On there I put in my postcode and noticed that the closest place I could use the card is a mere 10 minute walk away. How convenient! 

" it's nice to know you're not hurting your wallet as much when you get that fresh new mani pedi! ;)"

With FabYOUless you could be getting a great deal with your fortnightly manicure. Best of all, it's a whopping 25% off, or 50% (if you look at it in terms of 2 for 1). To top it all off, there's a giveaway! Not 1, not 2, but 10 FabYOUless cards to give away... (yep, 10!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"the closest place I could use the card is a mere 10 minute walk away. How convenient!"

Discounts are always a good thing, and it's nice to know you're not hurting your wallet as much when you get that fresh new mani pedi! ;)

Tell me, what's your favourite treatment to get done? A Facial, massage, manicure? Leave a comment! Also, don't forget to enter that giveaway! :)

*Giveaway closes on the 25th of April 2015

The Cutest Wellies Ever: POTW

Hello! 

"they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have"

With the rain pouring down, it's not fun wearing suede shoes (reference to this post, these shoes are ruined now :( ). So to keep it appropriate for the weather, it was time to go out and buy new shoes. A reason to shop? Yes, please!

" Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong! "

Already being a fan of wellies meant these were something I'd buy - but the ultimate reason why I went for them is because they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have. At the same time, the bow adds a girly touch without making the shoe look tacky. Another positive about them, is that the short, ankle-bootie height means these are so easy to put on and take off - who really wants to spend 10 minutes putting shoes on?!

"keep it appropriate for the weather"

Overall, a great find from none other than Primark. I swear, I rarely go there but when I do, there is always something that catches my eye! Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong!

Are you a fan of wellies?

POTW: The Perfect Little Clutch

Hello! 

"Pop in a little bit of cash, possibly your Oyster card and a lippie and you're good to go."

With the Christmas parties just around the corner, we all need a go-to clutch - and I think I've found it.

Being obsessed with monochrome, this bag is definitely in my good books. The chain is long so would be safe as either a cross body or low on one shoulder. The little wristlet would be less hassle so would be the preferred way. Oh, and of course, there's the option of having neither.

"Oh, and good news: it's super inexpensive too!"

The size is pretty small, yet my phone will fit just right in. Pop in a little bit of cash, possibly your Oyster card and a lippie, and you're good to go. Another good thing about this particular clutch is the hidden pockets. There's one on the back and one on the inside bearing the opening of the middle compartment. This is good for any extra cash you may have, and the back one particular good for the Oyster*!

"parties just around the corner, we all need a go-to clutch - and I think I've found it."

Overall, it's a complete necessity in every girls wardrobe. Oh, and good news: it's super inexpensive too! Retailing at $15 (£9.40), you can't really go wrong. Link here to buy. 

Tell me, do you have a go-to clutch for the holiday season?

*Oyster = travel card used in London

Personalised Henna Candles & Gifts: Henna by Ashi

Hello!

"pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique gift ideas"

Recently you have had more of an insight to my culture, including the festivals and the events to do with it. Then I came across this beauty and thought it'd be horrible to not share it with you guys! Being candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street! 

"a flower floating on the melted wax!"

Henna by Ashi is a brand which hand-decorates candles with henna designs. These can be made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from. 

Due to the water based henna and the wax of the candles, the henna will almost float on top of the candle when you're burning it - so it can be like a flower floating on the melted wax! 

"candle obsessed, loving nice patterns and a bargain, these were right up my street"

"made unique to you, with various henna colours and rhinestones to choose from"

These would be lovely stocking gift ideas, or even Secret Santa presents! 

"personalise your 2015 diary"

You could even ask HennaByAshi to try and personalise your 2015 diary, it'll be perfect and in case you do lose it in your office/school/college, you're more likely for it to be returned! 

I hope this has given you some (pretty inexpensive yet beautiful and unique) gift ideas, and inspired you to be creative! 

TO ORDER:

EMAIL: hennabyashi@hotmail.com

FOLLOW ON INTAGRAM: hennabyashi

BBM: 7F00A421

Tell me, have you ever done henna on your hands? 

POTW: Batiste Dark & Deep Brown Dry Shampoo

Hello! 

"Dry Shampoo is your best friend."

Generally in the summer months we like our hair in the style of Beach Waves - and the heat can cause one to sweat more (sounds eww, I know!) which leads to greasy hair. You may be like me and wash your hair about 3 times a week, so almost every other day, but actually it's not healthy to do so. So, to keep your hair healthy and looking non-greasy, Dry Shampoo is your best friend.

As it is now summer, it is the perfect time to get your hair into 'better shape' meaning (unfortunately) less hair washing as when we wash our hair, we're stripping away the natural oils that are produced meaning the hair is left dry. 

I am aiming for twice a week to see if it makes a difference.

"staple and a go-to product on a bad hair day."

After using this dry shampoo once, I can honestly say I love it! I can see it becoming a staple and a go-to product on a bad hair day.

I have tried the non-dark hair version and it is NOT the same. This version is so much easier to blend into your hair and it doesn't look like you have talcum powder in your hair and at £3.99 from Boots you can't go wrong!

So, how many times do you wash your hair a week?