MAC Dame Edna and Chill

The one thing I do want to get, before I go on a no-spend for a while, is the new MAC Dame Edna collection. It launched online today along with Chill and Lash & Dash.

So far DE has received mixed reviews, with some people keen to save for Hello Kitty and pass on this and others liking the vibrant lip and eye combinations. As you know, it's usually lip products that entice me to a range and to be honest there isn't really a DE shade that's totally me. I do dabble in pink lip shades with my hair colour though, so would probably opt for the Gladiola lipstick (a bright, matte blue pink) and Hot Frost lipglass (pinky sparkle). I'm on the fence with Splendid l/g, which in some swatches looks overly frosty or too coral. Kanga Rouge lipstick (love the name) is a gorgeous red, but I just don't wear that type of shade enough to justify buying it.

The eye palettes are gorgeous, totally my colours, lots of cool blue, lilac, turquoise and silvery shades. I think I'll get both Wisteria and Royal Tour.

The Hi-Light Powder is stunning (below), the most aesthetically pleasing of the range. However the shimmer on top of the powder, does not filtrate all the way through and is therefore more matte once the initial sheen has gone. I think I will still get Spectacle though, as the compact is beautiful.

I hadn't been paying attention to Chill (below) and didn't really look the collection up until yesterday. It's as you would imagine, a frosty, wintery colour scheme. I really like the Naked Frost (shimmery taupe) and Snowscene (white with mutli-coloured sparkle) lipglass. The eyeshadows also look nice and I'll perhaps pick up Arctic Grey (frosted mid tone grey).

Lash & Dash is a range of glorious false lashes. I would suggest 42 Lash (below) for the ultimate (Hogmanay) party peepers, who could resist you?

Sales & Shoes!

Remember I got a fabulous order from Faith before Christmas, well it turns out that the Sarriet shoe-boots are so tiny, my foot can't even get in them. They have the smallest side zip (which doesn't help) and are just so tight across the foot, that even once I managed to wedge my foot in (length is fine), I couldn't stand up. Plus my left foot is slightly bigger and wouldn't even go in at all! It's a real shame as they are beautiful boots. Faith have a strange returns sytem, where you have to send them back and place a new order (also incurring the new delivery charge) if you wish to go up/down a size. I don't even know if the 6 would fit me, so I have left it for now.

I also returned the Linzi Shoes-Faith Labetty knock-offs (I use that in the loosest term). The picture on the site is so far-off the reality it's not even funny. They are a cheap, bright silver, not the soft gold as pictured. I know it said 'silver' but I didn't think the internet image could be so wrong. The fit isn't even nice, it pushes your toes forward, so they hang over the front in a cheapo, I'm a stripper in platforms kinda way!

Anyway, I managed to muster up some energy on Christmas Day, when the parents were sleeping, to browse the online Topshop sale. My beloved Premium velvet Pout in green and pink were half price, so I scooped up them up as fast as I could! I love the pink, however the description called them red and if they had been, they would clash with my hair, so I got the green. I'm so excited, I can't wait for them to arrive!

Then I went crazy in the Schuh sale yesterday. I've been holding back on buying this seasons Irregular Choice, but have really loved the whole collection. Schuh were actually sold out of one pair in my size, so I shopped at shoe-shop.com, who also stock the same Schuh/IC styles. I was really bummed that there wasn't a discount code to use, as I was spending a small fortune, but didn't want to wait until/if they went out of stock.
I got the pink Teddy court shoes (replacement for the Bertie shoes from Santa) and matching clutch (from my Granny), the blue star Audrina, black and pink Cherry Loves It (so kitsch) and the fairy-tale like unicorn pair(above). I realise it's a lot, so I'm trying to reign myself in from now on. I'm sure I have enough new shoes to last me a good while now.

Christmas is Over!

Hope you all had a good Christmas? I was completely ruined as usual. Lots of lovely Pink Princess type gifts, which I am extremely happy about. It certainly seemed to be the year of the tights (got some really unusual pairs all the way from Madeira), compact mirror and keyrings (all quite useful, especially seeing as I dropped and smashed my Audrey Hepburn compact last month).

I also got the Irregular Choice pink Kitty Princess shoes that I've been harping on about from my Grandad, Bertie shoes (which had to go back as they didn't fit) and Carvela shoe boots, which are glorious (above) from Santa.

By way of make-up I got a huge No7 vanity case filled with every lip and eye shade of No7 possible! I also got Bobbypin and Chilli Pepper lipgloss sets and the Jelly Pong Pong/Dainty Doll blush that I've been wanting for ages. Also a huge shout out to my friend Emily, who got me the sweetest tea set with handbags all over them. The little cup and saucer are perfect for my afternoon cuppy (and biscuit/cake), even the box is like a little handbag and adorable in itself : )
I also got these two lovely framed wallets (above and top) from Fluff (my Mum and sister obviously didn't communicate on who bought what), but they are totally stunning. I love the sexy shoes and prancing ponies and unicorns, so me! Thank you for all my wonderful gifts and although I was so exhausted by Christmas Eve that I literally couldn't talk or move, I did manage to have an enjoyable time.

Faith Bargains

I can hear the collective sigh from you all, when I start to write this post. Yes, I bought more shoes and yes, it appears I do have a shopaholics/shoeaholics problem. That aside, wait until you see my fabulous bargains! It's the Faith sale with up to 70% off (plus my VIP 10% discount), all orders over £60 are shipped free during December.

As I previously posted, I bought Sanai last week. Most of the other styles I liked were out of stock in my size (plus I didn't have money to spend on them). However, I was bursting with excitement to see that new stock of many styles were added yesterday.

I love these Saflufy £55 boots. They are like proper little cosy, winter boots, but with a high heel (must-have for me). The black probably would have been more practical but I felt these had the cute factor.

My main reason for checking out the sale buys again, was a little trip to Debenhams on Monday, where I spotted the gloriously high Sarriet £45. Pewter shoe boots with this fantastic wooden effect platform. I had to have them and yipee they were in stock. I added Lafrill £35 to my basket the other day (to purchase with Sarriet) and then they disappeared, someone obviously bought the last pair before me : ( I was really disappointed, so was overjoyed when they got more in. They are also available in black, which again would probably go with more, but I like the bright blue shade, with clashing red sole. I love the YSL style platform on Love £35. This shoe is the annual design by Faith with proceeds going to Breast Cancer. The bright pink suits me down to the ground.

25% off Oli

There's 25% off ALL fashion on Oli today, just use the code RDQP at checkout, valid until midnight tonight.

Labetty Gold Gladiator Sandals

I wrote about these Labetty (above, £70) gold high-heeled gladiator sandals from Faith, back in August. I've been on the look-out for a cheaper alternative ever since. When I popped into New Look a couple of weeks ago during their 20% off day, I noticed a similar style. They were available in silver or gold (£25) and were made of a soft, metallic, almost crackled effect fabric. They had the platform front, the straps, the zip up the back and they fitted me perfectly. I have to say they looked absolutely gorgeous on (I was wearing my wet-look ASOS leggings and a vintage looking brocade dress from Primark).

Upon closer inspection though, the fabric on the heel had been scuffed and was white underneath. I looked for another pair and even tried the silver, but unfortunately they were all damaged, many even worse. I realise the look was supposed to be slightly worn and distressed, but I wasn't happy to buy a brand new pair of shoes which were already scuffed. Infact I was unimpressed with the standard of the stock of footwear on the whole in the shop day, many were damaged and worn looking.

I did already know about a scarily similar pair (above) on the Linzi Shoes site. Although having never bought from the site before I was a little unsure of the quality. New Look don't appear to be getting the style I saw instore on their site anytime soon though, so I buckled last night and ordered from the other site. They are £28, available in black or silver (which look gold to me) and I'm hoping they'll fit me and be fine. If you do want the real thing, they are reduced in Faith to £45.

New stock at New Look

I showed you an image of these little booties way back in October. New Look now have a couple of colourways available on their website. Black or the grey snakeskin effect, £35 each. I am still hanging out for the purple being made, as I need black boots like a hole in the head! Aren't they gorgeous though?

They also have these colour block shoes (available in blue, purple or black, £25 each), which I think are quite classic.

If you are looking for a plain black pair of courts, then get this suede pair with brogue detailing, square toe and tassles (£25).

Or how about these Dior inspired mary-janes in grey check? (£25)

Clinique free gift + shipping

The Clinique advent gift has finished, but you can still pick up a free 50ml Take The Day Off makeup remover as well as free standard delivery with any purchase of £40 or more. Just enter the code PARTY at checkout! Valid until end of 20th December.

ASOS free delivery

There's free delivery all weekend at ASOS, remember you can use your £10 off code too!

Shiny Legs at New Look

I'm really pleased at the new line of leggings at New Look. They have tonnes of high-shine styles, even snakeskin, leopard and zebra print. I've been looking for more shiny pairs, since becoming addicted to my ASOS ones. I just need them to do a full-length sequinned pair now!

From top; high shine in Prune, zebra print, leopard print, mirror & snakeskin, all £14 each.

Christmas Shopping Woes

How's your Christmas shopping going? Mine goes a little like this, one for you, one for me, one for you, ooh definitely one for me! It's hopeless! Point in question, are these gorgeous Sanai boots from Faith. I was actually ordering a handbag for a friend (V stylish) and even although I didn't have much money left in my bank, I still had to add these to my basket (honestly, if I'd had more, I would have bought more...for me). I am not feeling at all guilty though. There's up to 70% off in the sale and if you don't act fast they're gone, plus I have a VIP card which entitles me to an extra 10% off (yes, it even works on sale items), so how could I resist?They arrived yesterday and are gorgeous, so much better than the website image. I have been lusting after them for a while and patiently waiting until they were the right price. I think I'll get a lot of wear out of them. They are a gorgeous reddish bronze shade, the leather is very shimmery looking and they have a fabulous metallic heel and platform, which really doesn't come across well in the picture. I love the cut-out back, peep-toe and toughened up look with the straps and lace-up detail. If you fancy some for yourself, then I suggest you head to Faith pronto, or even Debenhams where they are also reduced. They are also available in black.

Party in Emerald

Snap up this Limited Edition dress (£50) from Miss Selfridge. It's exclusive to their online store and there are only 100 available (sizes 6-14). The emerald shade is perfect for party season.

Discounts, codes and free things

'Credit Crunch': a word I, nor anyone I know, would have used before the recession of 2008. However, it's the word on everyones lips these days...and yes it's annoying. There does seem to be some good out of it though. Retailers are desperate for us to spend our pennies with them; offering special discounts for valued customers, mega day deals, free shipping, pretty much anything you want. If you haven't noticed this yet (where have you been?), then let me help you out with just some of the deals I know.

I have so far refrained from constantly updating this blog with new deals, mainly because I read the email '20% off...' then it gets lost in the other emails. There are also so many offers, that I wasn't sure how to keep track of them all and remember to upload them here, so here goes; (please note, there are lots of other deals out there, so shop around. New offers seem to pop up every day, so keep checking sites)

Must Have; Click here for Decleor offers including a free gift box with the purchase of 2 Decleor items (plus the first 50 orders receive a free Decleor candle) or a free Decleor weekend bag with the purchase of 3 Decleor items.

Coco Violet; 10% off instore or online with code LOVEXMAS02, valid only on Thursday 11th December.

Spoiled Brat; a massive 40% off all items including sale stock. Code DEC40, only valid until midnight 10th December. Extended until midnight 11th December.

Debenhams; up to 20% off selected lines, including 10% of all cosmetics and fragrances (excluding all Chanel), free online delivery with orders over £100, no codes required, see site for details. Valid 10-12th December.

H&M; Get a £10 gift card when you spend £50 instore, offer until 14th December.

Karen Millen; free shipping for a limited time, 20% off using code GRAZIA03 until Monday 15th December.

BeneFit; Miss Popularity now £9, save £8.50, Thrrrob now £15, save £7.50, Talk to the Tan now £13, save £6.50 (offers valid until 23rd Dec). Use code ELLEADVN for 15% off on the site (valid until 24th Dec), free standard delivery code is FREEDELI when spending £50 or more (valid until 31st Dec).

MAC; free shipping with all orders over £50 (no code) and enter code MONOGRAM at the checkout to receive free holiday gift wrap with your order.

Miss Selfridge; Free delivery with code MACNEW3, valid until 28th February 2009.

Dorothy Perkins; 20% off everything online until 12th Dec and instore starting from 11th Dec.

Schuh; free delivery on all orders until 23rd December.

Faith; up to 70% off in sale, plus free shipping for orders over £60 (during December).

Monsoon; free delivery when spending £100.

Oasis; 25% off 'must haves collection' online and instore, enter code collections2008 at checkout, see site for details (today only). Free P&P on orders over £100.

Shellys, Barratts 20% off everything with code XMASB until Sunday 14th Dec.

ASOS; £10 off when you spend £100 or more, using code INDULGEME until midnight 14th Dec.

Warehouse; 20% off everything using code FRIEND at the checkout, today only.

Lipsy; free delivery on all orders untl 14th Dec.

Wallis; 20% off everything online, free delivery on orders over £75, offer ends midnight 15th December.

Aldo; free delivery on all orders, extra 30% off all sale boots, sign up to newsletter and get extra 10% off order. See site for details.

Clinique; your choice of free gift set with orders over £35. Just follow the link for more info, valid until 12th December.

Quiz; free delivery when you spend £40.

Lancome; free shipping and gift wrap with any order, plus 2 free samples of your choice at checkout when spending £35, free gift (currently 50ml Magnifique Shower Caress & 50ml Body Veil, mini L'Absolu lipstick in 132 Caprice, HydraZen Neurocalm 10ml and makeup bag) when spending £55 or more.

I Heart Melissa

Ok, so I was planning on keeping quiet about these shoes. I do this on occasion, when I realise I don't have enough money for said item and I panic that someone else will snap them up before I do. That's terrible I know, I'm very cruel to you all!
These Melissa shoes from the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania range instantly caught my eye when browsing at Browns. They are made from rubber and I've noticed the t-bar mary-jane version before on several sites. They are cute and reasonably priced, so I've considered buying them on occasion. However, when I saw these nude slingbacks, with kitsch heart detail, I wanted them...now! Unfortunately with Christmas coming up, I can't afford to splash out £75 on these, which is a real shame, as they are right up my street. Shoewawa burst my bubble by posting about them today though, so I'm begging you all not to buy these before I do!

Delightful Dollies

When I looked at the Browns website (shoes, of course!), I was delightfully distracted by these beautiful quirky dolls on the front page.

The china dolls designed by Alber Elbaz at Lanvin are inspired by the founder of the fashion house, Jeanne Lanvin. The 7 dolls are extremely Limited Edition with just 800 in total, each numbered and signed. I think they are gorgeous, there's such character to each face and pose. My favourites are the gorgeous blonde in a green dress (above) and the blue dress with doggies (top) and this beautiful striking red one (below). You can be notified of the pre-order of the dolls by emailing Browns, just follow the doll link on the front page of their site.

Oli, Oli, Oli!

I was supposed to post about this collection when it launched a week or so ago. However, as I've been ill and busy, I didn't get the chance. It is definitely worth a mention though as there are some gorgeous pieces in it. It's the Peaches Geldof collection for PPQ for Oli. Ignore the Peaches part...I can't stand these famous for who they are rather than what they do people (cuties like Suri Cruise are an exception though).The range is filled with girly, glam goth styles and is priced slightly higher than the usual PPQ for Oli ranges. I have to digress here to say that every time I now mention Oli, I think of George Takei in the jungle singing Oli, Oli, Oli, t*ts in a trolley....! If you didn't watch' I'm A Celebrity...' this year you'll have no idea what I'm talking about, but if you did, sorry-I bet you're singing it now too!

Anyway, back to the collection, there's a couple of gorgeous dresses, although not really suitable for the more curvy or top heavy women (especially the spotty one, top) with high waist and puff skirt (unfortunate for me). There is also a beautiful patent vanity case come bag, which I love. It's pricey at £200, but actually comes with cosmetics in it (surely for that price they could've gone higher end than Collection 2000, but anyway that little lot is probably worth about £30), I think it's a really sweet idea.

(From top, dress £160, skirt £105, lace top £115, dress £140, vanity case & contents £200)

Pink and Shiny

Hi, I'm back! I've had a terrible cold all week and when coupled with my M.E. it really floors me. I'm feeling a little better now though and have lots of lovely things to show you. First up, is this gorgeous clutch. It's pink, shiny and got a huge bow...me wanty! It's by Christian Louboutin at Koodos and is £320, there's only 2 left though, so hurry. Did I mention it's pink...and shiny?

Another way to shop

You can now shop at Matalan online, yay! They have a selection of clothing from their Et Vous, Soon and Rogers & Rogers collections. If you need to return an item, you can either post it back or return to a store. My pick has to be this gorgeous purple prom dress, £35. It's beautiful and just what I need for the party season. If only they'd get their shoes on the site too, I'd never have to go out of my way to visit the store! www.matalanonline.co.uk

MAC Hello Kitty Confirmed

The beauty world is abuzz with the news that MAC are collaborating with Hello Kitty. It's a partnership that has long been talked about and I know a lot of ladies that can't wait to get their hands on everything!

The release scheduled for February/March time is a much anticipated slot, with the 2008 Fafi and 2007 Barbie collections being huge. From what I've seen and heard the range is split into an affordable line (Hello Kitty Colour Collection) and more exclusive, high-end (Hello Kitty Kouture).

The Colour Collection (available everywhere) includes, six lipsticks with names like Fashion Mews and Strayin’, six lipglass shades and two tinted lip conditioners. Two quad eyeshadow palettes in Lucky Tom and Too Dolly, two shades of pigment and two Reflects Glitter stockkeeping units one blue, one pink (?). Four Glitter Eye Liners, two shades of Beauty Powder, three shades of nail polish, a black mascara and false lashes. There is also petite and medium makeup bags

While the Kitty Kouture (available in US at maccosmetics.com and MAC stores only) includes two Dazzleglass shades, each feature a reusable silver chain pendant with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals on black with a pink crystal bow. Three shades of Sheer Mystery Powder, packaged in a silver powder compact with Hello Kitty outlined in white Swarovski crystals with a pink crystal bow on a black background. A plush doll, compact mirror and 3-brush set will be available (in the US from MAC stores, Nordstrom and maccosmetics.com only). A mirrored key clip and beaded bracelet (in US from MAC stores or maccosmetics.com only) and a tote bag and soft vanity case (US maccosmetics.com only). It has not been said if or where the Kitty Kouture line will be available internationally. I do hope we get this range too, perhaps it will be exclusive to online or a certain store though.
My opinion on the collaboration is; I was a little disappointed at the released pictures. I'm not as keen on this black kitty look and when anticiapting the range, I imagined lots of white and pink, rather than sombre black. It's cute enough, but I'm not ecstatic. I'm also not keen on the bright pink and orange lips, it's a colour range MAC have been opting for a lot lately and it's a little cheap looking (on me anyway). I love nudes and even the odd brown lippie, but not orange! Good things, seem to be the accessories. I love that chunky beaded charm bracelet and the (not mentioned) large Kitty bangle, gorgeous! The Sheer Mystery Powder is extremely covetable for the compact alone, but has a US price of $90, so it's likely to cost say £50 here, which is a lot. I'm not sure if this collection is one where you are going to be able to buy everything, as the prices and number of items may just bankrupt you.

(info & pics wwd)

Scale new heights for L.A.M.B.

I keep telling myself that the day will come when I own a pair of L.A.M.B. shoes. I fall in love with at least a couple of pairs every season and drool over them until ASOS get around to reducing them in their sale. This is when I try to persuade myself that the new price of £100+ isn't really that much money considering they have already been reduced by that much. During this battle between my bank and my heart, my size is usually sold out and the decision out of my hands. Then the next week ASOS start stocking a whole new collection for me to repeat the process.

So when I saw these lush new booties on the site, I was more determined than ever to let my heart win the battle. Each pair cost £289, so I'll definitely need a drastic reduction before I can justify spending on them. I think I (just by a tiny bit) prefer the peep toe version with scale-like frills all over. The suede pairs feature a smaller version of the scales down the front, concealed platform and contrast stitch detail, all pairs zip up the back. Aren't they just gorgeous?