MY JANUARY MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES

Hello everyone! I know that in my goals for 2019 post i said that for January my aim was to spend less and save more, but that being said i really wanted to still share my monthly must-buys post. Seeing as i skipped on sharing my must-buys at the end of last year, i thought i would share with you some of the must-buy items that i picked up towards the end of last year/the start of this year so far...

1. FitBit versa health and fitness smartwatch | amazon exclusive |

So first up is something that i had wanted to get for a while and that is a smartwatch, which i finally ended up getting one for Christmas. Smartwatches are such a great way to track your health and fitness on a daily basic, especially for making sure you get in those 10,000 steps a day. I have the white and rose gold FitBit Versa, which is an exclusive to Amazon edition. I love how sleek the watch it, as well as the fact it goes with anything i wear. My favourite features (which you can keep a track on via the app) are the sleep tracker, exercise features to help achieve your goals and an hours active feature.  

2. damien: a stark novel book six | kindle edition |

I am so excited to get reading this book, as i have loved every single book in the series previous and i highly recommend giving the series a read. These books have always been those that have completely captured me and forced me to want to binge read them, as i just couldn't put them down. The reason for me being so excited for this book is the fact that it is all from Damien's p.o.v and i am so intrigued to know what is going off in that head of his, after all these years just as i was to jump inside Jesse's head in the With This Man book.

3. new look emilee coated jeans | asos |

I picked these up just before Christmas as a back up plan for Christmas Day but i ended up wearing them on New Year's instead. The fit of these are so nice, with a skinny fit but as they are a "jegging type" pull-on jean it makes them super comfortable. I actually mentioned on Twitter how they made me think of Ross from Friend's every time i went to the bathroom and prayed i wouldn't end up in that situation, as this effect trousers always makes me think of that episode.

4. side stripe active wear crop top | primark |

With it being January, of course everyone seems to have gone fitness wear crazy and Primark by far have really impressed me, with their new range of active wear. They have a wide range of sports bra's/crop tops that are just £5, which is such a bargain and they are super comfortable to workout in. They of course also do the matching bottoms to the tops, along side hoodies, sweatshirts and bottoms and everything is such a good price.

5. lips le femme slogan t-shirt | boohoo |

If you have read a lot of my posts previously, then you will know i love Boohoo and especially their slogan t-shirts at the moment. I recently picked up this Le Femme slogan tee in black (which is currently unavailable) but it also comes in white and grey. What i love about Boohoo is the pricing is super affordable, everything is very on trend at the time and the quality of the clothing is always so good.

6. adidas superstar trainers | office |

I am usually only really into wearing all white trainers, that being said my niece actually has this pair of Superstars by Adidas with the black detailing and i thought how nice they looked. So of course over Christmas i got my hands on pair from Office and saved a ton of money on them, as not only did i pick up them in a junior sizing (which is a hack if you are a size 3-5) as they are cheaper in general but they also had a discount over on at the time. 

7. cream cable detail knitted jumper | prettylittlething |

Finally through-out December i had picked up so many different jumpers, mainly from Missguided and of course Prettylittlething. Jumpers are such a winter wardrobe staple as the weather is super cold at the moment and all you want to do is keep warm, yet still look put together. I love, love, love this cream (almost white) cable knitted jumper as it is super cosy. Also looking at the two items together on the page, i feel like the jumper and coated jeans would look good paired together.

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

EIGHT THINGS I'M LOVING ON ASOS RIGHT NOW

Hello everyone and Happy October! Seeing as we are officially entering cold weather season, i have been searching for some key autumn/winter pieces for my wardrobe and of course one of the places i always head straight to is ASOS. A few months back i first did a "things i'm loving on ASOS right now" post, which you can catch up on here. Keeping that in mind i thought why not do a follow up post and share a selection of my favourites on the site right now, some of the items i have already purchased and some i am planning on doing so soon...

1. ASOS DESIGN t-shirt with "yasss" print | buy here |

So first up is a slogan tee that i picked up last month because as soon as i saw it, i just couldn't not put it in my shopping bag. I am super selective when it comes to slogan t-shirts but i love the mix of sass of the phrase and the classic monochrome font/t-shirt, i also love how this t-shirt is shorter in length yet not cropped.

2. ASOS DESIGN petite jumper "mono chevron" pattern | buy here |

If you know anything about me then you will know i am usually a plain/basic design kind of girl, yet recently i am loving wearing a lot more patterned pieces. I fell in love with this mono chevron jumper as soon as i saw it, as i love the way it looked paired with the blue jeans. I also think this jumper could be dressed up for a meal out, maybe with a pair of leather/wax finish black trousers or even skirt and a belt.

3. Bershka cord dungaree dress | buy here |

I have been on the hunt to three different Primark's multiple times looking for the famous black cord dungaree dress that everyone seems to be picking up, yet i simply can't find one. So i decided to look somewhere else for one similar that is still affordable, this has definitely got to be my favourite one. I think a dungaree dress this autumn/winter time will be a great way to layer and it will make a change from jeans.

4. ASOS DESIGN petite kadi heeled over the knee boots | buy here |

If you are looking for a good quality pair of over the knee boots this new season, yet you don't want to spend a fortune then ASOS is definitely the place to take a look. They have so many different styles, colours, range of heel size and feel width also. I think these boots would look great paired with the dungaree dress above, or maybe a leather/cord skirt and a cute knit jumper.

5. ASOS DESIGN elsa sock boots | buy here |

Next up is yet another pair of boots but this time in sock/ankle boots form, i also fell straight in love with these as soon as i saw them on the New-In section. I love how these are your classic look black ankle/sock boot but they have silver mirrored metal detailing at the top of the block heel.

6. New Look tab slipper flat shoes | buy here |

Ok, we have the final pair of shoes for this post i promise! This time not a boot but this gorgeous plain black pair of slipper style flats by New Look, which i must say i am loving so many things by them at the moment (including a jumper from ASOS which is sadly no longer available for some reason). I really love the whole loafer/skinny jeans look and i think these are a super simple/classic pair, without too much fuss.

7. New Look 2-pack leopard/black skinny belt | buy here |

Belts are such a key staple for styling up an outfit at the moment and the high-street have so many great affordable versions, that being said when i saw this 2-pack on ASOS i had to look twice as for both belts it is just £3.99! Another trend i am loving that has made a come back (which i have added quite a few new pieces into my wardrobe recently) is leopard print.

8. Bershka striped heavy knitted jumper | buy it here |

Finally we have a jumper that is still currently available (for some reason they all seem to be flying out of stock, anyone would think the weather is turning cold ha ha). Bershka actually have a huge range of gorgeous knitted jumpers this year, in so many great colours and i am especially loving this pink and red combination.  

Catch up on Friday's instalment: here

xo. 

HIGH-STREET HOMEWARE PICKS

Hello everyone! So it has been a hot minute since i last talked about all thing homeware/home decor. Seeing as at the moment i am seeing a bunch of beautiful different items available, on the high-street both in-store and online i thought today's post would be the perfect time to share with you a selection of my personal favourite homeware picks. At the moment i am loving very neutral toned pieces, with a little black added in there too and i feel like this is a very strong/beautiful decor trend this summer...

1. primark madagascan vanilla large kilner jar candle | £5 |

So first up is a favourite bargain candle of mine which i purchase over and over again, because not only is it only £5 for this large jar but also because the smell is absolutely incredible. The scent is actually really powerful unlike some other affordable candles, you get a really beautiful warm vanilla with a hint of freshness to it and it is perfect for all year round, not just summer.

2. h&m home 2-pack blush guest towels | £3.99 |

Fun fact these are actually my favourite bathroom towels, as they come in so many different colours, are super affordable and they wash so nice/stay soft. These towels comes in so many different sizes as well from this guest towel size, to bath towel, hand towel and also face clothes too i believe. 

3. h&m home storage basket with pom poms | £12.99 |

Sticking with the h&m home theme and if you have read some of my posts recently, then you will know i am loving the whole wicker/pom pom combination and this storage basket ticks both of those boxes. These type of storage baskets are not only good for storing washing, but also you can pot plants in them or even display your throws/blankets in them too.

4. graham & brown elle blush pink cushion | £23 |

When it comes to cushions, the high-street is pretty much the place to be and you can either pick up full cushions or just the covers to add your own insert in at home. That being said i am so in love with this particular cushion from Debenhams, which is a little more on the expensive side for a cushion but this shade of blush is stunning. 

5. new look home black floral painted wide mug | £6.99 |

New Look is always that place i forget stock homeware but when i remember and take a look, they always seem to have so many nice pieces and quite a wide variety of things too. I am such a sucker for a good mug, especially this particular vintage style wide mug style at the moment. New Look also have a bunch of different other patterns in this style as well as h&m.

6. primark etched mini faux plant pot | £2.50 |

Who doesn't love a good Primark find? Because i know i do! These mini faux plants in pots are perfect for if you want to add a little green/plant look to a room, without having the responsibility of remembering to keep it alive. Primark actually have a good few different styles of faux plants in different pots, which are only £2.50!

7. yankee candle a calm and quiet place large jar candle | £24 |

Finally would this be a home decor post from me without including something from Yankee Candle? Probably not ha ha! I actually haven't seen this candle on the site before, yet it did catch my eye in Debenhams. This candle has all of the notes which i love in a candle, from it's warming feel to it's amber musk scent with a hint of freshness.

Catch up on my spring/summer must-try candles post HERE...

xo.

AUTUMN/WINTER KNITWEAR PICKS

Hello everyone! When it comes to the autumn/winter months, there is nothing better than layering up in something cute yet cosy and knitwear is one of my favourite items of clothing to go for. This autumn/winter season there are so many really nice items available online and in-stores, with that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my favourite knitwear pieces at the moment.

1. boohoo beige mia all over pearl embellished jumper

Boohoo is actually one of my favourite places for knitwear and i own quite a few different pieces from jumpers to cardigans. I really like how this jumper is simple, cosy yet it still has something different about it with the pearl embellishment. This jumper also comes in blush, as well as grey and retails for £28GBP.

2. h&m light beige marl off-the-shoulder jumper

I love off-the-shoulder tops/jumpers and i really like this one because it isn't too much of a thick knit, yet it would still keep you warm but not over warm. I think this would look really nice paired with some simple black jeans and heeled boots. This jumper also comes in grey and retails for £17.99GBP.

3. new look camel faux pearl ladder knit jumper

As you can probably tell i am a fan of the natural knit jumpers, this camel coloured one from New Look (which also comes in grey) included. This jumper has similar detailing to the Boohoo pearl embellished but this jumper is a ladder knit finish, which is so easy to just throw on and you're comfy and good to go. This jumper retails for £27.99GBP and is available on both New Look in-store and online, as well as ASOS. 

4. topshop camel super soft crew neck jumper

Even though this particular jumper by Topshop is also a "camel" coloured knit, i feel like this one is warmer in tone to the one by New Look and also this one is a different finish of knit. These particular jumpers come in quite a few different colours and are a super soft knit, this jumper retails for £36GPB.

5. boohoo black erin cold-shoulder jumper

Another knitwear piece from Boohoo and another one of my favourite styles just like i mentioned above, i love a classic black cold shoulder piece as they go with everything. I also have a cold-shoulder cardigan which i purchased from Boohoo recently as well. This jumper retails for £20GBP, which is a bargain.

6. shein v neckline twist front sweater

I really like this particular style of jumper that seems to be on-trend this autumn/winter and that is this v neckline jumper with a twisted front, i like how it is simple yet different as i am not into patterns when it comes to jumpers. MissPap also have a really nice one similar to this one (available in three colours) but this one is a bargain, retailing for only £15.60GBP also coming in three colours. 

7. miss selfridge camel frill sleeve knitted jumper

Yet another "camel" coloured jumper, this time one with this beautiful sleeve detailing which is similar to the style of jumpers i love but with a frill detailing. When i was looking on the Miss Selfridge website, there wasn't too many sizes left but you can also get your hands on one from ASOS and it retails for £35GBP.

8. boohoo diana cold shoulder moss stitch jumper

Last but not least we have the bargain of the post and another cold-shoulder/Boohoo combination. This jumper is a classic piece that would go with pretty much anything you paired it with, it also comes in not one, not two but thirteen different colours and retails for only £12.

Catch up on last weeks posts here:

tips & tricks on how to save money/get organised for christmas

music at the moment

  six beauty tricks that actually make a difference

xo.

TROPICAL TREND FOR SUMMER

Hello everyone! Now that we are well into spring and summer is just around the corner, i have found myself literally living for the whole "tropical" theme/vibe and i have noticed there are so many amazing pieces available at the moment. With that in mind for today's post, i thought why not share with you some of my favourite tropical themed finds from homeware, beauty and even phone cases.

1. skinny dip antigua makeup bag (£14)
If you have read quite a few of my posts, then you will probably already know that i am obsessed with skinnydip makeup bags and they are pretty much the only brand of makeup bag that i buy. I love how much you can fit in them, they come in cool prints just like this tropical print one and you can still see what product you are reaching for. I am going away soon so if you want to see an updated "what's in my travel makeup bag" post just like this one here, let me know on twitter.

2. bath and body works summer pocket bac hand sanitizer (£3.25)
I didn't know until recently you can actually pick up bath and body works famous pocket bac's up from eBay super easily, they have so many different scents, including their summer range. This particular scent is vanilla and warm amber, which combined is just as delicious smelling as a typical summer coconut scent.

3. ogx coconut water weightless hydration (£6.99 each)
Whilst on the subject of coconut, i actually recently started using this shampoo from ogx and i am really enjoying the way it smells/leaves my hair feeling. This particular formula of shampoo is designed to add a ton of moisture to your hair without weighing it down/leave it feeling heavy.

4. skinny dip flamingo print tangle teezer (£13.50)
On any normal day i will reach for a tangle teezer, as it is such a hair savoir for my long locks and i usually just use the regular plain pink one. That being said skinnydip have teamed up with tangle teezer with this super cool summery flamingo print brush, which would look amazing as part of your summer holiday wash-bag.

 5. skinnydip smoothie iphone case (£14)
Yet another skinnydip product and a brand i always go to for phone cases, as well as makeup bags because they also are always bringing out super cool designs. On their website at the moment, they have so many cool tropical/summery phone cases but this fruity smoothie case is probably my favourite, just as the peachy phone case/makeup bag is.

6. h&m mint green weave cushion cover (£8.99)
Moving on to more homeware style pieces, even more so this cushion cover by h&m (one of my favourite homeware places at the moment). If something was going to scream tropical trend to me, then this definitely would be it and it would look great paired with another block colour cushion or simply alone.

7. new look gold pineapple leaf plant (£5.99)
As well as the typical palm leaf print, anything pineapple themed always seems just as tropical and this artificial pineapple leaf plant with gold detailed vase is perfect to add just a touch of tropical vibes, in case you just wanted to add a little something without going too over the top.

8. village candle large frozen margarita jar (£14.95)
As some of you might know already that i am obsessed with candles and more specifically yankee candles, so of course i had to throw a candle into the mix. I am yet to try a candle from village candle, but i have heard some really great things about them and this frozen margarita scent really caught my eye, as what could be more summery than sipping a frozen margarita on a beach somewhere?

9. oliver bonas palm tree bottle opener (£14)
Another great homeware item to add just a touch of tropical vibes, in the form of a pineapple tree shaped bottle opener. This would look great on display at a summer bbq, party or get together, as well as being handy to open drinks with of course.

10. h&m palm leaf printed porcelain mug (£3.99)
Another h&m homeware item and one that comes in more than just mug form, as i actually already own the bowls and plates. I love the subtle gold leaf detailing on the tableware, as it is cool yet still quite classic looking. There particular mugs really remind me of the kind you get coffee in at a fancy restaurant or french café.

11. asos x ohh deer tropical palm agenda (£9.95)

Finally we have a more stationary/office homeware style piece, in the form of a agenda/diary book with this cool tropical palm print design. I love every single thing from the asos x ohh deer collection, as it is a stationary addicts dream and i also shared a similar notebook in a recent office/stationary decor finds post. 

♥

BACK TO SCHOOL BAGS

Hey guys, i hope you all had a great weekend whatever you got up to! Summer is almost over which for many people means back to school time. I know one of my favourite things about going back to school was always choosing a new bag for the year, so for today's post i thought i would share with you my top 6 favourite bags on the high street right now which would be perfect for school but as well as still being on trend at the same time...

1. Cream Block Wing Tote Bag - £45 River Island

2. Black Leather Backpack - £28 ASOS

3. Black Tote Bag - £36 Topshop

4. Black and White Print Satchel Bag - £22.99 New Look

5. Fold Over Shopper Style Bag - £30 Next

 (Available in Grey, Black and Nude)

6. Mi-Pac Backpack - £24.99 ASOS

(This style of backpack is available in a wide range of colours and patterns).

♥

SPRING'14: FASHION PART TWO

In a previous blog post i talked about how on trend "orange" was for this spring, as well as the models hitting the catwalks sporting this bold colour they have also been wearing a lot of pastel colours which are defiantly spring appropriate. Here is a few of my favourite "pretty pastel" pieces available on the high street this spring...

My hot pick favourite: Birdie "mint coloured" platform strapped heels from JustFab for £35.

Check out my previous blog post "spring'14 fashion part one: orange is the new black" here.

http://katiebeautyshake.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/spring14-fashion-part-one.html

Hope you are all having an amazing week and i'll be back soon...

Katie♥

SPRING'14: FASHION PART ONE

If you loved the Netflix series "orange is the new black" then you are going to love this spring '14. Models have hit the catwalks of fashion week sporting bright orange shades. If you are not daring enough to go all out on a bright orange piece such as a dress you could just accessorize any outfit with a pop of orange. Here is a few of my favourite "orange" pieces available on the high street this spring...

My hot pick favourite: Limited edition aztec print skirt from River Island for a bargain £15.

http://www.riverisland.com/women/skirts/mini-skirts/Orange-aztec-print-mini-tube-skirt-647475

Hope you are all having an amazing day and i will be back very soon with:

"spring '14 fashion part two: pretty pastels".

Katie♥