Les Senteurs Gourmandes, Prune Jasmin from Laurence Dumont!

Sorry for the marked bottle, this little one has come to and fro with me for the last month or so!

Now every autumn, you may recall Lady Million has a duty. . . to adorn me! It is my official autumn winter scent (see this review) , I love the woody warmth and muskiness of the scent and it sure as hell makes me feel a bit more expensive. Given this, I'm not sure that my scent of the moment Prune Jasmin is a scent that you would expect to find in my perfume collection especially at this time of the year but it sure is there and for daytime, rightfully so.

I want to say that this perfume released by Laurence Dumont in 2011 is very unusual and unique. It is to me, I don't think I've ever worn a fruity fragrance so much before but there is something about this one that makes it a little more classy and discreet then many of the other more overpowering, loud fruity concoctions out there.

Indeed, with notes including Plum, Plum blossom and Red berries. Prune Jasmin is a fruity fragrance that I found very overwhelming when I first sprayed it. The first hour or so on that first day, I thought 'Oh dear, I've got it so wrong this time.' The tanginess of the scent was undeniable and even induced a dull headache. It was too much like the smell of a fruity cocktail when you're hungover. However, unable to wash it off or replace it that first morning (work!) I endured it and it was in the next two or three hours that this little number won me over!

You see once the Prune Jasmin settles on the skin, the Jasmin and Patchouli elements seem to voice their presence more. The sharp but sickeningly sweet fruity edge is lost and Jasmin Prune mutes in to a much more delicate and such a pretty (very girly) floral-fruity 'fluttering' fragrance which demurely hangs around for the duration of a working day before gently fading away. Prune Jasmin doesn't really linger on clothes or define its' wearer . It just seemingly makes the space around you more fragrant and sugary as it gently wafts from your skin. It reminds me a little of Balanciaga Paris (see this review) in the way that both scents almost whisper. However, this little perfume falls in a slightly lower price bracket and is available from many branches of Marks and Spencer and online. It might be worth a waft if you're walking by one, one day.

Have you tried Prune Jasmin or any scents from Les Senteurs Gourmandes? What are you wearing right now? What do you recommend?

Molecule 01!

Molecule 01 from Escentric Molecules is a scent that has been on my wish list ever since Ruth Crilly exposed it as her big scent secret over a year ago. Of course since then, it has gained major blogger following (Lily, Anna, Adrienne) therefore it was inevitable that I would evantually be spritzing this one.

So to the back story which you may have already heard . . . Many scented products and perfumes tend to include the molecule, Iso E Super as well as thousands of other different molecules. The scent Molecule 01 also includes, Iso E Super. In fact, and this is the important bit, Molecule 01 ONLY consists of Iso E Super. This scent has no other molecules.

Now the blogger word is that the Iso E Super is the little molecule usually responsible for making scents attractive to others so the theory is that when perfumer Geza Schoen decided this one molecule smelt quite nice and marketed it as a scent all by itself in 2005, he had also given the wearers a scent that would act as an allure and attract others to them.

Ooh! It all sounds quite magical and fairytale like.

Yet I've yet to hear this scent described as sweet or floral or particularly feminine. Parma violets is mentioned a little, fig too. When I spray the scent in to the air or on to my clothes (sprayed just on to my skin then my nose really struggles to pick the prescence of this scent up), I detect something a bit musky and woody with some definite cedar. There seems to be a slight soapiness about it too. Indeed, it smells really clean. I guess, the nearest I've found on the high street is the Jennifer Aniston release and Grace from Philsophy. Yet I still say Molecule 01 is very different and I like the scent but like Gemma, I wouldn't say it actually smelt like "perfume".

The difference is while high street perfumes such as Aniston and Grace guaged compliments here and there. Molecule 01 attracted a lot of comments and they were from such a mix of people. Normally the same old four or five friends (love them) will comment or compliment on my scents but Molecule 01 was getting compliments from those who've never even referred to my scents before, both male and female. I've got to admit the compliments and the mythical magic of it does go to the head a bit and I got through my 30ml bottle in about two weeks although there was another reason for this. . .

You see, the only thing that put me on edge wearing Molecule 01 was that like many wearers, once I had spritzed it on my own skin, I could smell very little. We all know what a scent junkie I am and when I go out the door without perfume on, I know and feel naked (most people feel that way about a watch, I feel that way about perfume. Ok then . . .). I feel less confident and less me. It follows for me that wearing a scent that I can not smell on my skin such as Molecule 01 means I might as well not bother spraying it in the first place unless I dowse my clothes in it, which I did!!! Yes, that might be how I got through the bottle so quick and it means as much as I love this scent and am very tempted to repurchase, I'm holding off a while as Molecule 01 could become an expensive habit if I go through bottles at that speed!

What scent are you wearing now? Have you tried Molecule 01? Are you, like me, a bit of a sucker for these perfume myths?

I got my little bottle of Molecule 01 from here. It was a 30ml travel sized refill bottle (without a lid).
 

A scent that whispers: Balenciaga Paris!

Ooh, a new year, already, we MUST be due a perfume update!

Let me introduce you to, Balenciaga Paris, a perfume hotly anticipated when it was released in 2010. It was Balenciaga's first perfume release since 1998 and the muse was Charlotte Gainsborough, an actress infamous for her bold fashion style. To a degree, Belenciaga Paris reflects Gainsboroughs' eclectic style. The scent is a floral chypre with metallic tones. Some talk of the scent as futuristic and urban yet it is very muted, a perfume that whispers.

Here is the thing, this perfume is so "quiet" that sometimes I forget that I'm wearing it and can only smell it when I really concentrate but cor, when I catch it, it is divine. Creamy and warm. However, just occasionally this perfume seems to sing and I get this whiff of something different and so beautiful that I'm guaranteed to stop in my tracks for a second to wonder what it is before almost jumping up and down on the realisation that, 'Oh yes, that's me!' And you know what, those beautiful highs are the making of this perfume and more then justify the price tag that this scent comes in at.

Now, we all know perfume is my thing and never before, did I truly believe that I would be comfortable wearing a scent that is so muted, that it actually lets me forget its' presence maybe 70% of the time! However, that 30% remainder, that's where the money is and so far, I love this perfume and it is almost certainly one of my top perfumes circa. 2012.

The Balenciaga Paris has heart notes of Violet and Patchouli with a top note of Carnation and a base note of Cedar. When you first spray, a sweet, sugary smell lingers in the air but this soon disappears on the skin leaving you with a scent a little smoky and fruity. It is still a clean scent though and reminds me a little of the Aniston perfume in this way but not as powdery. The Balenciaga is more creamy if anything and I think, that is why I like it. It's like I enveloped myself in a lovely scented lotion that morning and that the scent has lingered and lingered. I find this perfume gentle and soothing with the occasional highs (maybe the violets?) to remind you that there is more to this divine scent then a darn good body cream.

This is a scent, muted enough to be worn any time anywhere without cloying yet the unusual notes and those highs mean it will be noticed, I like it a lot and think, I always will. This is certainly not a perfume that you grow out of or away from, it was never that immature in the first place. This perfume is maybe not for young teenagers but those a little more mature.

There is something very self assured about the subtle nature of Balenciaga Paris. It's like it is enough for the wearer herself to know that she is indeed wearing the most beautiful scent and if others notice too then well, that's nice but this perfume isn't one to wear solely to command the attention of others. It is a perfume made for the wearer. It makes me feel safe and happy. I do think this perfume is a little luxe and a bit of a treat but I also feel it could be the perfect work perfume if you allow yourself to indulge. Take it from me, it makes the old 9 to 5 (and all the rest. . .) a little easier. It's no wonder then, I expect to go through another bottle or two during 2013!

I got mine from Debenhams, link here.

What perfume are you making yours for 2013? What perfume are you wearing now? Have you tried the lovely Balenciaga Paris or what about, L'Essence or Florabotanica?

Have a fantastic New Years Day!!! : )

 

Wanted!!!

Now and then, I thought it would be fun to show you what I'm currently swooning over.

So here we go, let's start with the fashion items. . .

* The La Lumiere Wrap Bracelet from HRH Collection here
Before the lovely Amelia got these, I was aware of Alex's blog and jewellery line but it was only when I read Amelia's blogpost, video and stunning photos after she hauled some of the HRH bracelets that I realised just how beautiful and very unique they were. The La Lumiere, an original from the HRH jewellery collection, just seems to embody exactly what the HRH collection is about and it holds the biggest, sparkiest Swarovski crystal of the lot.

 * The ASOS Suede Studded Bag here
I absolutely love this bag and think it is the perfect shopper for Christmas shopping season. I love the contrast of the suede and leather panels and obviously, I love the studs. Anything that sparkles or catches the light, I gravitate to.

* The Missguided Coat here
I saw this on Charlottes' blog yesterday and instantly fell for it. The shearling really softens the look of the khaki coat. As well as satisfying the Khaki trend, it also follows one of my favourite trends in a while, the contrast sleeve. I love this little number, it is cute, cosy and flattering. There is a good chance that this one will be skipping from my wish list to my doormat soon! : )

* The Sass and Bide Right Behind You Sequined Back Dress here
I've been keeping a beady eye on the Sass and Bide line for a while. This beauty I found on ASOS and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I will get invited to something special soon which will justify me buying this one.

Again, it has the two contrasting panels. Plain jersey for the front and sequins for the back. Subtle but teasing. I also like the classic shape, the sparkle and its' elegance. It's beautiful.

And now to the beauty . . .

 * Escentrics Molecule 01 here
This scent only contains one molecule and apparently, it is the important one, the one that attracts others. I'm very curious as to what this would smell like on me (apparently it can smell different on different people but is generally deep and woody) and if it would gauge any compliments. I also like the fact that others may not recognise the scent and I'd be wearing something different as I think, this is scent is not particularly well-known outside the online beauty community.

* Phylia de M, Connect here
I've been lusting after this leave-in treatment for about a month now, back around then I read an article in Vogue about big hair. Well, there is no doubt that my natural hair has finally reached 'Destination Long'. However, I'm still obsessed with my extensions as my hair just looks so thin and lacklustre without them. Apparently it takes some time to grow your hair long and then more time to grow it out in to voluminous locks to flaunt. Phylia Connect is expensive but is marketed as barnet fertiliser, a potent and concentrated treatment for your scalp, follicles and hair. One journalist claims hair was sprinting out of her head after using this concoction for a month. Given that, I think, I want this more then anything else on this list!!!

* The Burberry Eyeshadow in Midnight Brown No 21 here
Tanya Burr did a tutorial using this eyeshadow for pale skins a while back and since then, this one has sat patiently on my wish list. It is so pretty and reminds me a little of my beloved Naked from the Urban Decay palette. I think it is a little more shimmery, a bit darker maybe and dare I say a little more interesting but like Naked, I would be able to colour block it on my lid and that would be shadow done. Check out Tanyas' video here, it looks stunning!

* Prestige, My Blackest Lashes I wish it was here!!!
This is the only mascara I've ever used that gives L'Oreal, Volume Million a run for it's money and it was so friggin' cheap in Boots too, about £7 until they discontinued the Prestige line. Sad face. I miss the big, fat, glossy lashes it delivered with NO diva acts.

So that is what I'm swooning over and wishing for at the moment but to be honest, beauty is where I am at in what I actually purchase, particularly skin and haircare. Something that I read on Caroline's blog here keeps resonating in my head, 'If you would spend more on shoes, handbags, lipstick, jeans or fashion in general than you would on high quality skincare - you will be a sixty year old woman (and man) with a vintage wardrobe and a face like an alligator.'

So is anybody lucky enough to have or use any of these?

What are you currently swooonnning over?

I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend!

 

X

  

Jasmin Noir!

Hmmm, now I like to talk perfume.

A lot!

However, I have been wearing Jasmin Noir almost every day for about six weeks now but have yet to mention it here.

It is true that I've been desperate to take a photo of the very unique bottle it comes in. Black and gold, it comes across as quite classy and sophisticated, a bottle I'm quite happy to pull out of my bag and wave around for all to see admire. It doesn't look like any old perfume bottle and I'm sure many of you will agree that when presented with a bottle like this, you're just dying to know what the scent inside smells like.

Well . . , I'll tell you or rather I would if I could but I've found it so difficult to pick apart the overall scent of the perfume and pinpoint individual notes. None of the individual notes (which supposedly include Jasmin, Sambaa, Satin Almond, Gardenia and Liquorice) seem to shout out to me. All I can tell you from a whole lot of sniffing and brain churning is that it smells very woody with the occasional hint of floral (though it is deemed a floral) and that the overall result is really quite nice!

The official line from Bvlgari is that this scent 'is dedicated to a fascinating woman: it's velvety notes reflect its power of seduction, it's intense accords evoke her uncompromising position.'

Ok then I guess, we're talking one sophisticated lady and yes, this scent is sophisticated. It is as I said, a floral with an unmistakable woodiness about it. It is a very deep fragrance and one I would hesitate to wear on holiday. For me, Jasmin Noir isn't really a perfume to wear on the beach but one to spritz just before a very important meeting or under your most beautiful winter coat or and (how much do I want to do this tonight?!) to dine in front of a traditional log fire. It is a warm scent, definitely musky and although I like it, there is not a lot of fluttering (I like my perfumes to flutter or sing with different notes hitting you and catching your attention all the time. That way no note can be too much), this scent seems to know itself better then that and smells pretty much the same from the moment you spray it to the moment you wash it off. Granted, it mutes quite a lot in the first ten to twenty minutes but it pretty much smells the same just to a lesser degree. After about twenty minutes, the scent seems to take its place and nestle in to the skin and stubbornly stays there until it's washed away. It will always be there but when I've walked away from smoke or a busy road or sat along side somebody who, like me, may have squirted a little to much of her own scent, I've noticed how easily the Jasmin Noir gives in and can quickly be masked or overpowered by the opposition. Walk away though and the Jasmin Noir will still be there patiently waiting.

I don't think Jasmin Noir is a scent that could offend people but nor for me, it seems is it a scent that others particularly compliment. For a start, you have to be quite close to smell it and then I don't know, the scent is almost so sophisticated that I think, others would prefer to be quietly captivated by it rather then to try and pluck up the courage and compliment the wearer on it. I can imagine this scent drawing boundaries and it is quite a good scent for work in that way as it lets me go about my day to day business without distraction. Like Ghost, it is a perfume that instantly seems to make me feel a little more level-headed and grown up.

Bvlgari suggests that the Jasmin (one of the heart notes and the namesake) is the 'flower of the imagination' yet there is nothing flighty about this perfume. I suppose in a way, it may engage the imagination of others because it tells them nothing about me. It's not particularly fruity, sweet or oriental. It's just a really, really nice scent there in the background as I go about my business. I guess, the dark bottle reflects its mysterious nature well.

I do really like Jasmin Noir but I was surprised to hear that it is quite a new release as there is nothing obviously gimmicky or contemporary about it (although like quite a few recent releases, there is a bit of liquorice). Its class, dignity and subtle tone seems almost reminiscent of a time now passed but I've happily worn this for the last six weeks and would not hesitate to spritz it again if a new bottle just happens to find its way in to my stocking this Christmas. If you're simply looking for a lovely scent that lasts then Jasmin Noir could be it!

The Bvlgari website is here! Just how soothing is that music?! I must be getting old!!!

*****

And quickly moving away from scent for a second, I've just got to thank you all for your support. I reached 100 GFC followers earlier this week and the smile from my face can not be scrubbed off. Thank you for the follows, comments and tweets. You all seem so lovely and I wish, many of you were in my 'real' life. I hope to post a little giveaway very soon to celebrate in style(!) and to say thank you again!

Now back to the scent, what scents do you recommend? Which one are you wearing right now? What one would you like for Christmas? Have you tried Jasmin Noir? Have an amazing start to the weekend.

 

X

The scent that makes me smile: Rush 2

Now we all know that I'm just a little bit obsessed with scents.

Perfume has to be one of my favourite things ever. After all, one size fits all and scent just seems to make each 9 to 5 a little more dreamy. However as much as I love finding a new scent, much of my collection is made up of scents that I just buy again and again. Naming and shaming Lady Million (Paco Rabone), Intimately (Beckham), Very Irresistible (Givenchy), Guilty (Gucci) and Rush 2 (Gucci).

The latter, Rush 2, is the little culprit I want to chat about today.

I love this scent but you hear so little about it and when you do hear something, its not always complimentary.

You only have to look at the bottle design before instant realisation that the Rush scents are the wild cards of the Gucci scent stable.

Square and brightly coloured, there is nothing particularly pretty, classy or alluring about these bottles. Strange because usually Gucci scents are dressed in gold and equal instant sophistication in a bottle.

Now the gamble in the form of the original Rush seems to have paid of, been awarded the holy five stars in Perfumes, The Guide (my bible! Link to updated version here!) and suggested by its authors as the perfect scent for a night out; new; confident; so reckless, so spur of the moment but also cosy and alive.

Now cosy and alive, well actually, that is exactly how I would describe Rush 2. However, the "bible" describes Rush 2 as a dull one liner worth a meagre two stars.

No, no, noooo.

I LOVE wearing Gucci, Rush 2 and I have never ever found a scent like it and I've tried A LOT of scents. Rush 2 IS unique and fantastic.

A tea rose floral with some musk and more unusual notes such as Blackcurrant and Banana. I agree that it doesn't come across as particularly musky or sexy. Yet, it's still alluring and I think, we've noted before, Rush 2 seems to be the one that the men compliment (see my earlier post here. Ooh and there's another one proclaiming my love here)

Gucci Rush 2 just feels so right and always makes me happy. Sometimes this scent is the only scent that will do or indeed, is capable of making me smile. I can turn to it whatever time of year it is and it gives me the confidence for a big night out or a little inspiration to get out of bed in the morning.

Contrary to other reviews, I have never had a problem with its lasting power. It seems to last on me and yep, it has that rhythm and those fluttering notes I've talked about before.

If you can find it (and I worry as it increasingly hard to find), you've just got to give this one a sniff and a spritz on the skin. Its just so unique, let it settle in to your skin for an hour or so and just maybe you will be tempted to snap up a bottle for yourself and then of course, let me know what you think!

What scent do you turn to again and again? Has anybody tried the Guerlain scent, La Petite Robe Noire? It makes me think of stoles (not that I remember ever wearing one) and log fires, a must for my Autumn collection, I think.

Happy Wednesday.

X

Madame Glamour!

Some days are bad and pick ups are required.

In fact, some days are so bad that a new perfume IS required.

Unfortunately on the day, you suddenly find yourself forking out hundreds AND hundreds of pounds on your car after taking it to the garage purely because the windscreen wipers(!) aren't working, it is a little difficult to justify spending forty pounds plus on smelly water even if it is one of the only things that could possibly make you fall asleep smiling.

Ok, enough of the pity party.

This post is meant to be all about a scent not my woes. Let me introduce you to the scent in question, Madame Glamour recently released by Lidl's private label, Suddenly.

Ok, my first thoughts were, I don't like the name and I don't like the bottle. There really is nothing special about the bottle. Given, the shape could have been ok but that white lid, eurgh. As for the name, well, Madame Glamour doesn't sound like a girl I want to be (yes, as I get older I want to be thought of as a girl). In fact, I don't imagine a young lady but somebody a bit alligator-like with a whole lot of ruthlessness and no personality.

Hmm, ok, so far, not very promising but I NEEDED a perfume fix and after reading a post from Fee on Make Up Savvy, I knew that this scent was one rated and it was one I could afford so I legged it (. . . cos the silly car was in the garage.) down to my local Lidl curious but still very sceptical. I was interested to see what the fuss was about but to be honest, expected little more then glorified body spray.

Wwronggg!

This scent has been widely named as a much cheaper (about £60 or so!) dupe for Chanel Mademoiselle, a citrussy and floral delight for the nose. At least 89% of people have chosen the Lidl over the Chanel in a couple of independent trials but yes, I was still a bit cynical.

Given the £3.99 Lidl price tag, I was expecting only the citrus, fruity notes to hit the nose if, anything at all but I was wrong. Instead there seemed to be a lot of pretty, fluttering notes when I sprayed, a little citrus, a little floral and something else, something very sophisticated maybe that lovely Bergamot that I worship. Once it settles on the skin, it loses that robotic make up hall feel and softens to just the right degree. Thinking about it, it is not a million miles away from the pink soap and glory family just with some musk.

It has to be said that this scent smells feminine, pretty and very classy. Everything that it does smell of is what I want to smell of. Isn't that what a good scent is all about?

On me, Madame Glamour also lasts. On the first day of wear after a very generous dowsing (many reviews suggest longevity is where this scent falls so I almost showered in it), this scent lasted me from 6am in the morning to gone 11pm at night with no reapplications. As I wore it more, I seemed to get used to the scent and didn't notice it as much after five or six hours and would want to spray again but five or six hours, that isn't bad going and you do get 50ml for £3.99.

Honestly for that, you've just got to head to Lidl and spritz a tester and see what all the fuss is about for yourself.

Ooh and while you're out, consider picking up a Red Magazine with the free skincare goodies from REN. I love the Hydra-calm Day Cream so much (it instantly seems to cool and soothe my skin) that I have just picked up a second mag.

Have you tried Madame Glamour? What perfume are you currently dowsing yourself in? Any magazine freebies that I should be stocking up on?

It seems to be sunny everywhere at the moment, so enjoy!:)

X

Already done: 'The Pretty Perfume' Review!

Well, this post is actually going to be a lot shorter then I intended it to be. You see this post was going to be all about the Beckham perfume, Intimately, the one that I raved about in my recent instagram post.

I was going to dedicate a post right here to this beautiful scent and share with you Girls, just why I love it so.

However, it seems I've already done that ***CLICK HERE TO SEE***.

I stand by everything that I said in this review and my love for this fantastic scent is still well and truly alive. I have been through at least one more, possibly two, bottles since posting last year. I just love this particular scent and can not recommend more that you seek it out and give it a sniff. It is such a pretty perfume and relatively affordable too.

Image from Google Image search here

And now, that I've professed to you that it is not because I'm a fan girl that I love the perfume so, I should whisper that regardless I'm still a bit of a fan of Victoria's style (Again, I may have mentioned this in earlier posts . . . ahem . . . here and here) and I am absolutely loving the looser feel to Victoria's hair at the moment, perfect for the sunshine!

Image from Metro, here



Image from Cosmopolitan, here

I'm on a mission to reconstruct these two seemingly simple (but probably quite intricate) styles this week.

What's your scent of the moment? How are you styling your hair?

X

An obsession or two!

Yes, I like shopping. In fact, I like shopping quite a lot (!) but the three things, I like indulging in the most are pretty tops, perfumes and books.

Pretty tops!

Good old H&M can always be relied on to deliver a pretty top!

This gold vest is gorgeous and could be worn in a number of ways and all year round.Yay, gold will always catch the eye and probably makes me look slightly classier then I am. Oh and er, this one was just £7.99.

I already have a couple of sequined vests in different colours from last year and I always believe if you like something, buy it in every colour you can, so ta dah! I picked a couple up in black and white too.

Black Orchid

I've always had a bit of a love-hate thing going on with Tom Fords legendary scent. I have said before that when I first sprayed, it was all a bit too deep and woody. I felt the perfume sat on my skin and was somewhat artificial before finally sinking in and enveloping me a couple of hours later in the most beautiful scent. Yes, this was the perfume that I said suddenly exploded and  blossomed in the most beautiful way but then I also used to find a few hours later, that it started to smell greasy and off. I've always thought that this scent could be diffcult and temperamental to wear so it has spent a lot of time banished to my dark perfume pot. You can read my earlier thoughts here in my perfume post.

Well, I'm doing a bit of a 360 (again!). I dug this perfume out again about a month ago and it has been in my handbag (hence the missing lid) ever since. I bloody adore it and have worn it every day for weeks. The scent is so, soo pretty in fact, beautiful is a much more appropriate adjective and indeed, Black Orchid gleams many a compliment. It is definitely a floral with just enough spice to take the edge off and make the perfume that much more contemporary and in the words of Sephora, show-stopping! I really can't think of any scent similar.

I don't really notice any artificial starts or the ylang notes when I first spray now and I certainly don't smell the going off factor. It may be that I'm more used to the perfume now or maybe it is because I'm spraying little and often rather then constantly dowsing myself in the stuff. Whatever the case, I absolutely love this perfume (the one that has been described as Sex In A Bottle!) and can't believe that I left it sitting unloved in my collection for so long! I'm pretty sure I will be trying the new Tom Ford perfume, Violet Blonde very soon.

Me Before You

I've seen this book in stores for ages but have always overlooked it. You see, the cover is so simplistic and hides all the things that this book is about. I thought it was just another comedy romance and as much as I love them. I already have so many and never considered adding this one to my already extensive collection. However, then I started to hear rumblings that there was just this little bit more to 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes and well, in short I got it, read it in days and yep, there is a whole lot more to this book.
It is one of the best books I've ever read  and was a bit of a page turner. Lou's family are hilarious but when you strip the book back to its core issue, it is absolutely heartbreaking and like everybody else, a few tears were shedded while indulging in this one. It really got me thinking about life and the duty we have to make the most of ours while we can etc etc! Anyways before I go and get all deep . . .

Since pretty tops, scents and books are my true obsessions then I can never resist a good conversation about any of them. So what tops, scents and books rock your world right now?

X

In and Out!

So many of you will know that when I got in to blogging a couple of years ago, I was on a mission to make a little more of myself. One of the first bloggers I followed was Laura of Buy Now, Blog Later. At the time, she was posting on her former blog, lollipop26writes.com. In particular, I loved reading her In and Out posts so today, I thought I would post my own.


IN

- 17 Mirrorshine, Beehive

This lipstick is my lip's best friend. It is so incredibly moisturising and this particular shade is very beautiful and easy to wear. The amazing look that Natalya created, for Valentines, used this lippie and I think, I fell in love with it just a little bit more (if that is even possible!) and don't even get me started on the fantastic price (currently £4.59) that the mirror shine lipsticks come in at. Bargain!

- Gucci, Guilty

I quickly went through that bottle of VIP (featured in this earlier post) . VIP was a gorgeous scent but it had very, very little lasting power. Resprays were constantly required and I think, I used the bottle in two weeks. There was no way I could justify £40 odd pounds on another bottle so soon.

Still, maybe that is how it should be, as right now, there seems to be only one scent that smells right (read 'right' as in 'I want to actually wear it!')  and that is Gucci, Guilty.

Surprised?

Yep, me too.

I've always said I love the scent of Guilty but in my earlier review (where I see I referred to Black Orchid as White Orchid,oops!) I was a little wary of it. I found the scent beautiful but in a very obvious and in your face way. It seemed quite sensuous and one I felt a little nervous to wear and on certain occasions, it just seemed  to be a scent that was too distracting and powerful.

However, for some reason, whenever I spray the scent now, it is just as bloody gorgeous but muted. In other words, it is now about as perfume perfect as it gets. I absolutely adore it and at the moment, it is the only scent I'm picking up to spray.

And by the way, Gucci Guilty lasts. Fact! It lingers on everything, skin; clothes; hair etc for hours. So this bottle should last a while.

- My new haircut

I finally got my haircut (FYI: A slight dusting off the ends DOES qualify as a cut!) after more then eighteen months. I am now on a mission to look after my more polished barnet and have brought some new products which I'm hoping to post with new hair photos (!) soon. It's strange but now I've actually had the "snip", I feel a bit stupid that I was so scared about a haircut and held off for so long. I mean for goodness sake, really, what was the worst that could have happened?!

- New Girl



Image from Google Search here!


Normally, I take it or leave it with comedy TV. When it comes to DVDs, for every episode I watch of Friends, I'll watch three or four more of Sex and The City or The Hills. However, New Girl is laugh out loud fantastic. I love it and although, her style is completely different to mine (ie.she always wears a lot of bright colours and I wear black, black, black, maybe a little denim, black, black and navy), I look forward to seeing what Zooey Deschanel's character, Jess, is wearing in each episode. As for Jess and Nick, a big awh, so meant to be!

- Katie Piper

Image from Google Search here!

You all know how incredible and inspiring, I found Katie's book, Beautiful, to be. Well, earlier this week, I watched her new documentary, 'The Science of Seeing Again' and this reminded me not only how amazing and strong Katie is but also, of the fantastic work she puts out there. So I went back and caught up with some of the 'Katie: My Beautiful Friends' episodes and what can I say but that I urge all of you to watch an episode or two of one of the Katie Piper documentaries. At the very least, it will leave you in complete awe of the human body and the courage that some people conjure up every day.

OUT

Image from Google Search here!

- Contact lenses

I thought that these were going to make my life so much easier but I'm really struggling to get them in and when I have to leave for work at 6.20am, I'm not sure just how practical these are going to be. Though once they are finally(!) in, all is good and the world is no longer a blur!

- Phytovolume shampoo

Image from Google Search here!

I have just finished a bottle of this and my hair always looked pretty good (considering it is mine) and big after using this but it was so watery and lathering action was non-existent. It reminded me a little of the Mane and Tail products. Maybe the condition of my hair is just a little too dry then is optimal for these products. The final result was fine but I just didn't like the way this Phyto shampoo made my hair feel as I was washing and drying it. Saying that, I'm pretty sure that this shampoo is much better for the health of my hair in the long term then some supermarket alternatives so may consider repurchasing Phyto (I really rated the citrus conditioning treatment a while back!) in the future but as far as Phyto shampoo goes, I certainly prefer the Phytorhum.

- Spending

Image from Google Search here!

I have so many of those bi-annual payments and direct debits due over the next month or so and I'm literally tripping over products and clothes in my flat so I really am going to try and take a no spend seriously this month. Honest, Guv!

What scent are you wearing? Have you got any contact lenses tips for me? I hope you've all had a fabulous start to the weekend. Don't forget to wrap up warm if it is as cold where you are, as it is here in England!

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My first VIP scent and a dress!

Finally, I have purchased a bottle of 212 VIP, Do You Know What Private Means?!, NYC.

A Carolina Herrera perfume that, in theory, shouldn't be for me. You see, that is what this 212 VIP, is all about, the 'me' as in the one that wears the gorgeous scent, the VIP. It is almost like if worn then this scent puts a spotlight on you and makes you shine. Basically, wear this and you'll be the centre of attention with everybody pandering to your every whim!

'She has it.

She is on every guest list.

You know her you saw her.

She is the one who walked past you.

In the line upand straight in the door.

She is the one on the arm of that guy you wanted.

She stole your seat at the bar.

She stole your attention on the dancefloor.'

Some of the spiel from the official website here.

Now, some may find the idea of such excess intoxicating but though, I appreciate the sophisticated gold capped bottle (even if it took me a while to figure out which bit opened) and the entertaining film ad, this branding is more of a novelty then a draw to the perfume.

However, I owe my love for this perfume to its one redeeming factor, that is the scent itself (Note: Some reviews draw a bit of a parallel with Calvin Klein, Euphoria and allude to a younger Flowerbomb) which encompasses a mix of sweet; vanilla; rum;woody and tropical notes to beautiful effect. It is classed as an Oriental Vanilla. Surprisingly, despite the branding, there is little more to say about this scent other then, it is very pretty. Contrary to the branding, there is nothing too much about this perfume. The pretty scent though definite (and yes, pretty) is actually quite mute and smells neither too sweet or too musky but it does make me feel that little more feminine and chic.

Now I've only had the scent a couple of days but classy and clean are the two adjectives that come to mine. It reminds me a little of Gucci, Flora in that this is a perfume, I would wear to shop or to dinner. It is a perfume that would let me fall in to place anywhere and could also, be worn all year round. This perfume lets you walk in to the room on its arm rather then strutting and wafting on in front, announcing your arrival before you've even reached the door. It is appropriate, confident and self-assured rather then chaotic, brash and attention seeking.  I think, this modern scent is more representative of its inspiration, New York City, a city full of aspiration and diversity that never sleeps, then it is of its branding which seems a bit more ruthless and Hollywood to me.

It is a bit early to make statements about the lasting power of this pretty scent but I do hope that it is longer then some reviews suggest. After all, there seems little point in adorning a pretty perfume if nobody can smell it. If that was the case then maybe there really would be better things then perfume to splash the cash on!

I hope, you have all had a very good weekend. I did! I fell in love with this, my new body con cut out dress from Topshop.

I'm really loving the cobalt factor and seem to be developing a bit of a thing for these bold, happy colours!

Have you tried any of the VIP scents? What scents are you liking at the moment?

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A scentastic confession or two!

Now I have mentioned, my intentions to shop the perfume collection (see The Perfume Post!) that I already have before buying any more scents.

Er, yeah, right, you know what they say about good intentions and all that . . !

To be honest, the perfume whore that I am, was always deemed to break this little pledge and yes, indeed, I have failed and what's more, I did so, in a pretty pathetic manner succombing to temptation not once but twice.

So lets meet my achilles heels, scent-style!

Firstly, we have the original Jimmy Choo fragrance which I brought just month or so ago. Now this one was on my wishlist for a while. When it was released, there was a lot of hype and many positive posts and reviews floating around. In my mind, it became a perfume that I would definitly possess soon and the time has come.

This perfume is meant to be a fruity chypre. It includes some quite unusual notes such as Tiger Orchard, Toffee and Pear Nectar. I find it comparable to Gucci, Flora in that it feels quite a sophisticated scent to wear. I know that Fleur De Force felt it was perhaps too sweet and it certainly does have sweet notes but I don't find them too overdone or cheap smelling. I find the sweetness flutters happily among the deeper Indian Patchouli base note. It is certainly a scent I would feel comfortable wearing to dinner and is one that I have worn shopping Gucci, Flora (see a review of Flora here) style a couple of times. This perfume is a joy to wear and just makes me feel a bit more ladylike. Also of note, is the long amount of time that a spray or two of this scent lingers on your skin. This perfume is more or less the embodiment of how I imagine a fragrance should be which might be why I, already, have so little left.

Secondly, I have purchased Lady Million again. To be honest, it is now November and consequently, stocking up on this fabulous fragrance was inevitable. Yes, after raving about this perfume last October (here), I continued to wear it day after day until it ran out. Consequently, Lady Million has become my designated Autumn scent. I really do love this one and I think, it has got to be in my top three perfumes of all time. The heart notes consist of neroli, arabian jasmine and orange flower with top notes of bitter orange and fleshy raspberry and base notes of vibrant patcholi and honey.

It has being hyped as a perfume for excess and wealth. According to The Perfume Shop, the best is never enough for the woman that adorns this.

Hmmm, she sounds a bit scary.

However, I don't feel like a power freak or a superstar bitch wearing it. Indeed, its scent is unique and unmistakable but I feel warm, happy and glowy wearing this number. It is heavy and deep but still very pretty and again, long lasting. Although Lady Million is particulary suited to darker nights and this time of year, it is a perfume I would happily wear anytime doing anything. Normally, I put scents in to certain situation or mood categories. For example, I would wear Ghost to a job interview or dinner but I would never wear it to a music festival. However, with Lady Million, I really do think it is a scent that you can get away with anywhere. I really can not recommend sniffing this one out if you get the chance, it is so gorgeous and I have never smelt a scent like it which is why if I had to pick between the two, Lady Million beats Jimmy Choo. Still thank goodness, I haven't had to make that choice and they have both become welcome additions to a collection that never seems to shrink!

Although, lets take a moment, to give me a little credit. Yes, I blatantly broke my oath but with all the pre-christmas perfume promo out there, I have probably resisted temptation ten times over to shop a scent or two. A little pat on the back then, maybe?!

- In other news, my perfume collection is not the only collection blooming. I've also added to my TopShop vest collection (you can see my earlier rave here) with a navy blue.

They are not the cheapest vests but honestly, they are so verstatile and easy to wear. More often then not, I have being wearing the pink or dirty green one so it just made common sense to pick another one up when fate threw it in to my line of sight.

You can view the top on the TopShop site here.

- As for the reading fest, I'm still on it. . . just about! However, I'm not finishing the books as quickly as I'd hoped. I never realised how much I must have read commuting from A to B in the past. Now, that I get myself there and back, I realise I don't have as much time to read. However, I'm doing my best and I'm just about to finish Matched by Allie Condie.

This has been an easy book to pick up (when I do find the time). I'm a sucker for a love story and I'm also a bit guilty of doing the 'what if' so I like the questions that Matched throws up about society as a whole. The detail that Condie has put in to her alternative world is immense, the prose flows very well and there are also some ocassional paragraphs or lines which really resonate with meaning. It won't take much effort for me to read the last 70 pages or so tonight and then I get to pick my next book to read from all of these.

Lately I have become a bit of a magpie when it comes to books. Most of these are unread relics purchased years ago or purchases from charity shops (Matched was £1.49!). I can not recommend picking up your books in charity shops enough. Books seem to have made a bit of a comeback recently and are getting a lot of hype in the media. You can walk in to any charity shop and find, almost immediatly, several current bestsellers and book club/blogger favourites for about a quarter of the cover price. I got The Help and Room from an Amazon, Love Film offer but I've seen them in nearly every charity shop I've been in recently. In one charity shop, I spotted a book I read earlier in the year which I'm not sure I've mentioned here, No and Me by Delphine de Vigan. It was such a sweet book, short but paced beautifully. Recommend!
- I do admit to buying 'The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten' Julian Baggini from Waterstones this week after seeing Gemma's fantastic book haul. This book will get my brain in to gear and sounds right up my my street. It presents you with all these different thought scenarios like, 'Is it ok to eat meat?' then puts some 'ifs' in to the equation such as 'Is it ok to eat meat if the pig wants to be eaten?' I can be a bit of a geek sometimes and get a bit of 'rush' from debates such as these so hopefully I'll love this book as much as I love the Sunday Herald quote on the back,
'. . .It's one to which I'll keep returning- whenever I feel like an argument and have nobody to argue with.'


Any plans for the weekend? As usual, any book or scent recommendations welcome. Inbetween fireworks and Chocolate Brek (another Autumn fad, I'm virtually living on the stuff at the moment), I'm hoping to get a few posts written. I've got some purchases from TopShop and New Look to share with you all as well as a few beauty and hair treats.


Oh and I nearly forgot, this is another 'To Do' this weekend, I will find some suitable products and master this make up look from Pixiwoo. Absolutely stunning!

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