Review and Shopping the new Shoe Zone Winter Collection

I reviewed and styled a pair of the Shoe Zone Sandals in the summer time, so when they launched their new winter collection they got in touch again to ask if I would review a pair of their winter shoes! What girl would turn down shoes!

Anyway, I finally decided on this pair of double buckle knee high black boots, you will have seen them in my John Lewis Christmas PR Event Outfit Post last week, and I have been wearing them quite a lot this past few weeks. I chose the small heel as I find completely flat can often make my feet ache after a while, yet I can deal with bigger heels, plus high heels aren't too practical if it gets icy. The top part is shelrling lined so they fit really snuggly and are nice and cozy, great for keeping me warm in the winter.

I had a tough decision choosing which pair to go with, all I knew was that I wanted a pair of boots that would be good for the winter, but weren't too trend focused so they would last a few years if needed. Here are the other boots that were in the running, you can find them all on the site here, ranging in price from £19.99 to £29.99 they are all very reasonably priced!

Anyone bought a new pair of winter boots for this year?

Shopping - Just a little arm candy

Sorry for the total lack of post in the last two weeks, I've just managed to be super busy with work and Christmas stuff, so literally haven't had a spare moment to write anything - at all!

You all know I don't actually shop that much, it's surprising I know! I usually just buy second hand and online these days as money is pretty tight. And apart from the jumper last week I hand't bought anything in months. I just wasn't seeing much stuff I actually liked in the shops.

But I managed to have a nice tax rebate with my last pay so Jon said I should treat myself to a few little things. I'm still not hugely keen on many things on the high street in all honest, so I thought I could just pick up a few little accessories instead of something big.

 I really like the simple leather/suede bangles with the charms in the centre that I keep seeing in the likes of Topshop and Urban Outfitters (and on a few of my fav bloggers) but as I'm still trying not to spend too much money (we started saving for a house deposit!) I went online and found a few on etsy instead!

 So here are the ones I have bought that have arrived so far - I think I still have 2 to come, one with a cross and one with an infinity sign.

The anchor and Deathly Hallows are from a shop called Firegarden, (as is the bull necklace below). They were 63p each and £1.28 postage each - so pretty cheap!

 This LOVE and Heart were from a shop called 99CARAT they were £5.56 including postage for the 2 of them

 I also got this little bull skeleton head necklace from Firegarden as well, it was just really cool!

 I'd been fancying a cute owl bag for ages! So for the little price of £5.83 and free postage I got myself one from this shop on ebay

I'm really lacking in winter jumpers too this year so I got the one above in the beige from this shop on ebay for £10.99. I wanted it baggy and oversized so I could put it over dresses and stuff.

 Now I didn't buy these beauties myself but I did receive them as courtesy of Barretts! Expect to see them in an outfit post or 2 over the next week or so!

So there you have it my little haul from the past few weeks. Have you bought anything fun or interesting recently. I suppose most people are buying party outfits for xmas do's? Have fun!

Beauty Guest post by The Makeup Pixie

Hello ladies, today I have something a little bit different for you. If your a regular reader you'll know I don't really do beauty posts, it's just not my thing. So as a treat to you all and so you have something a bit different to read for a change, I have done a little blog swap with my lovely new friend and fellow welsh blogger Georgina aka the Makeup Pixie. She is going to talk you through her key beauty items for the winter. Enjoy and don't forget to go see her blog for my key fashion items post too!

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Hello lovelies :) The wonderful Chantelle asked me if I would write a guest post to have here on her blog for you, on 5 key pieces of makeup, for A/W12.  I'm a Cardiff based beauty and lifestyle blogger over at Makeup-Pixi3.  Makeup, cats, sushi and polka dots are my passions (and of course, my husband) :)  I tend to punctuate with exclamation marks and smilies, yes, I do that, you'll get used to it :)  So, that's enough about me, lets get on with the post.

My Top 5 Items for A/W12

The key looks for this season are fresh looking rosy cheeks (the kind that look like you've just come in from a windy outdoors), and dark deep berry lips.  I've picked some key items with a mix of high street and high end which will help you to achieve this look.

Revlon Black Cherry (1) £7.49

I've started with this as dark berry lips are key to this seasons makeup trends and it should be the focus of your look, if you're going for an on-trend look of course.  Don't be too scared by the colour, it doesn't come out quite that dark. If you're going for a lighter berry lip, just apply this with a lip brush (I'd apply it with a lip brush anyway, so you have a nice precise defined edge to your lips), then if you want it to be a bit darker, apply the lipstick straight from the bullet.

Dr Jart+ BB Cream (2) £21 (currently half price (£10.50) on Boots online)

Item two is my Dr Jart+ BB Cream - this is perfect for the drier weather.  If you don't know, BB cream is similar to a tinted moisturiser, but offers much more coverage, so in this type of weather, it will help to keep your skin more hydrated than a normal foundation.  It gives great coverage, SPF protection (yep, even in this weather we're still exposed to the harmful rays from the sun) and is good for your skin.  It lasts well, especially if you pop some pressed powder over the top to help set it.

NARS blusher in Orgasm (3) £21

If you're going for a day time look with the lovely rosy cheeks, then this is a great blusher to create that for you.  It has a stunning gold shimmer to it, just be careful not to get too much on the brush :)  I have a couple of great alternatives for you too, Chanel's Orchid Rose is a beautiful colour for autumn too, but if you don't want to spend that much money, Sleek's Rose Gold blusher is a fantastic dupe for the NARS one.

Chanel Ecriture Liquid Eye Liner (4) £25

This is my holy grail of all makeup items.  I have been re-purchasing this for around 8 years, whilst constantly trying others to find a cheaper alternative, but nothing, I repeat, nothing comes close to it.  It has a fantastic brush applicator to allow you to create the perfect winged look.  Lets face it, with dark deep lips and rosy cheeks, you don't want to wear much on your eyes, so a nice classic eyeliner look and some decent mascara is all you need to do with the eyes.  If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, Revlon's Gel Eyeliner is pretty decent and a fraction of the cost.

Essie nail polish in Recessionista (5) £7.99

This is the perfect colour to team up with your Black Cherry lip.  Essie nail polishes are fantastic quality and in my opinion, affordable.  Of course, if you're looking to spend less, try MUA's Plum Noir, it's only £1 and is decent.  Recessionista will give you a good 3-4 days wear, especially with a base and top coat.  Two coats of this should be all you need for flawless coverage.

So that's it ladies and gents, they're my picks for A/W12, I hope you like them?  I've been donning these picks for a few weeks now and really love the look.  I'm sure being fashiony peeps you'll be well versed with the goth/baroque theme that's taking over this season and these are a perfect match for it all.  It's been lovely being here and chatting to you all, please do feel free to stop by over at Makeup-Pixi3 and say hello :)