December Haul & What I Got For Christmas 2014

Back on that haul hype!  Here's everything I accumulated throughout the month of December, as well as a (last minute) Christmas haul at the end.  I skipped out the disclaimer spiel as I didn't feel it was necessary, but of course I am so grateful for every gift that I received, and I am not trying to show off to you guys - I love being nosy and watching what everyone got for Christmas so thought I'd do the same!  As always, leave any video suggestions below, and you might wanna go like my Facebook page as there may or may not be a little giveaway on there tomorrow! *wink wink*
AMY X
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Sunday Summary Week 193

instagram // amyvalentinex

    

1/ Cold knees ootd (links)  2/ New ZeroUV glasses
2/ Starting my day with Fruiteatox  4/ Dressed like a toddler

After making the last minute decision to go out last night, you may imagine that today I'm not feeling in tip-top condition!  I'm literally counting down the days now until Polly and I go to Paris - we set off the first Monday of February for a week, so stay tuned for lots of pretty Parisian pictures!
AMY X

THE ENDLESS UNKNOWN

   

JUMPER* // MISSGUIDED

NECKLACE* // PHANTOM JEWELS

TOP* // SHEINSIDE

SKIRT* // FASHION UNION

BOOTS // ASOS

BAG* // GRAFEA

WATCH* // CASIO @ UO

RINGS // RACHEL SUDLOW, CHXRMED, AMELIA MAY, AMELIA MAY, REGAL ROSE, INFINITINE

PHOTOS // POLLY THOMSON STOREY
LYRICS // THE ONE TRUE COLOUR - ENTER SHIKARI

This has been one of my favourite outfits recently - I've actually managed to wear it on like 4 different occasions without anyone noticing as it's all been different friendship groups, huzzah! The whole chunky turtleneck/thigh boots combo has been circulating the internet a lot lately, and I think they balance each other out perfectly, plus when you take off the jumper it's like a whole different outfit! PS. who can see my awful impulse fringe?  Should definitely just leave it to the hairdresser in future..

AMY X

All Natural, Vegan Skincare - My Stvdio 5 Review

A post slightly different to usual, but just because I'm a fashion blogger doesn't mean I can't like baths, right? When Stvdio 5 got in contact I was hooked not only on their products, but also their values. They're against animal testing, all of their products are handmade in Britain and all ingredients used are natural and vegan, in environmentally friendly recycled packaging. I mean you can't get better than that right?

Anyway, I'm no beauty guru, but I thought I'd give each item a mini review below in case any of you are contemplating a purchase - all are in order as they are across in the image.


Face Cleanser - £5.50
In case you're confused, this is the swirly white thing in the top left of the image - it's a block cleanser containing coconut, olive and almond oils with charcoal to absorb grease and excess oils and tea tree to fight off blemish-causing bacteria.  To use, you rub the bar onto wet hands and massage into your skin so it foams.  I used it after taking off my makeup and it left my skin feeling clean and fresh, I like that it's scentless as my skin sometimes reacts to strongly perfumed products.  Try to avoid getting it in your eyes as it does sting, and moisturise straight after as I did find my skin felt a little tight.

Face Moisturiser - £5.50
The smell of this is really fresh and it's suitable for all skin types - it left my skin feeling moisturised but not greasy.  I've had no problems with it, but I'm a bit of a worrier when it comes to what moisturiser is right for my skin, as it's very blemish-prone, so I think I'll use this as a treat when my skin feels a bit dry, rather then every day.

Deodorant Powder - £4.50
At first I was confused by this as I've never actually seen deodorant in powder form! The fragrance is distilled directly from cucumber and it contains a variety of vitamins to hydrate, and tea tree to fight off odour-causing bacteria. I'm not a particularly sweaty person and could actually get away with not using a deodorant so I can't make a comment on how it works with heavy duty sweat, but I had no problems with it - it's pretty much scentless which I like, although application is a bit of a pain! I would advise doing it before dressing over a bath or something to reduce mess. I can see why people may be into this, but I think I'll be sticking to roll-on!

English Rose Soap - £4.50
I'll admit I'm not much of a soap lover - I usually prefer to pick up liquid shower gels, but I do indulge in the occasional bar from Lush. This contains kaolin and tea tree, which helps clean skin naturally and even helps with dermatologic skin conditions - it's lightly rose scented (of course) which I love (and it's a hell of a lot prettier than neon yellow shower gel!), will definitely continue using this.

Rose Bath Truffle - £3.50
I'm a big lover of bath bombs so of course was delighted to find this in the set - the fizz was satisfying and I love having petals in the bath, feels so spa! This contains Kaolin to gently exfoliate and deep clean your skin, and cocoa butter to leave you moisturised.

Chocolate Cup Cake Soaps - £5.00
Aren't these just the cutest?! I couldn't find the cupcakes on the site, but you can buy a slice with the link above. These are distinctively chocolatey, and the formula also contains hits of vanilla, caramel and honey - perfect for gifts in my opinion!

Hope those reviews made sense and that you've been interested Stvdio 5 - usually I don't do this kind of stuff but I thought it was so different that I had to give it a go!  If you'd like to see the rest of their products (they also have a mens range) or read more about their brand values, check out their site!
AMY X

VIDEO // 2015 Ark Haul

Crop jumper // £19.99

Gingham skirt // £19.99
Sheer tee // £15.99
Tartan trousers // £24.99
Slit knee jeans // £26.99
Paisley playsuit // £24.99
Folk playsuit // £15
Sequin cami // £10
Sequin skirt //£10
Velvet playsuit // £24.99
Loafers // £18
Sequin dress // £49.99

Another haul for you guys, sorry it's a little weird with the two different clips, but hope you enjoy it anyway!  I realise that all I put out anymore is hauls, and I wanna make some more interesting content for you guys - let me know any video suggestions below, and stay tuned for some festival vlogs from the summer (that is, if I find the time to edit them!).

AMY X

Sunday Summary 192

    

1/ Huggle Up prints 2/ Can't wait to get started with my Fruiteatox

3/ Obsessed with my Phantom Jewels necklace  4/ New tees from Social Decay

Can you believe we're already halfway through January?!  This week's main event has been submitting my application for university - I thought I'd feel like a weight has been lifted but now I'm just nervous with anticipation.  I spent weeks writing and rewriting my personal statement so lets hope my efforts pay off!  Anyway, I'm in the middle of watching 'Gone' so can't really concentrate on writing anything remotely interesting, see ya next time!
AMY X

Print your 2014 with Huggle Up

Prints* // Huggle Up - get 20% off with code 'AMYV20'

As much as I love my polaroid camera, it's big to carry around all the time, and of course film costs a bomb - so this is the perfect solution!  Huggle Up print high quality squares, polaroids and magnets at affordable prices, and isn't the name just the cutest?!  It's only £12.50 for 22 regular sized prints or 44 petite prints - I decided on polaroids and magnets, and I'm so happy with how they turned out!  They have a matte finish which I love and I can't wait to make a mini photo wall in my room!  I've kept most of them, and gave a couple to my mum as they make the perfect gift, especially if you make a mini album like they've suggested here.  I feel like in this age photos are so ephemeral and you forget all the special moments, so it's lovely to see my 2014 (and some of 2013) in front of me.  What do you guys think - would you print out your year?
AMY X

LAST BUT WON

 

SUNGLASSES* // ZEROUV

CHOKER* // DAISY MAE JEWELLERY

COAT* // SHEINSIDE

TEE* // LAST BUT WON

JEANS* // DR DENIM @ MERCANTILE LDN (VIA TBP)

BOOTS* // OXS

WATCH* // CASIO @ UO

NAILS // OPI BERLIN THERE, DONE THAT

I've been lusting after a long coat for ages now, and although I love the camel trend, I don't feel it goes too well with my hair colour & skin tone, so when I stumbled across this one I had to have it!  It's an great piece to ramp up a simple jeans and tee ensemble, and for once I thought I'd keep prints simple and let my shoes do the talking!  You'll have to excuse my chronic bitchface in these, I would have kept shooting had I known I looked so bloody grumpy but it was far too cold for faffing around with outfit photos!

AMY X

WANT: Bell Bottoms

I've said it before and I'll say it again; bells are gonna be big.  I've seen them around a lot recently on the blogosphere but most shops that sell them are abroad and aren't too affordable!  For this reason I'm overjoyed that the likes of ASOS and Motel have started making them, so I don't have to pay a ridiculous amount on shipping and customs.  I think the shape of bells are so flattering - both slimming and lengthening, especially if you hide big platforms with them - altogether a total win for me.

What's your opinion on bell bottoms, yay or nay?
AMY X

Sunday Summary Week 191

Instagram // amyvalentinex

    

1/ Lazy ootd (links)  2/ Excited to see how my Magnitone helps my skin! (Via TBP)

3/ Fresh nails (links)  4/ Amazing new bumbag from Jaded

As much as I'd have liked to make new years resolutions, it shouldn't matter when you want to create new goals for yourself - although my one resolution was to apply to uni, and I'm definitely feeling the pressure!  I've managed to write the first draft but time is ticking down to the deadline and I'm kind of freaking out - shout out to all you others applying as well, sending good luck and positive thoughts!

AMY X

BREAK THE CHAIN

  

HAT* // KEROL D

NECKLACE // PRIMARK (SIMILAR)

JACKET // TK MAXX (SIMILAR)

TEE* // BOOHOO

FLARES* // GYPSY WARRIOR

BAG* // USC FASHION

BOOTS* // AX PARIS

HAND CHAIN* // SHANTIQUE DESIGNS

LYRICS // THE CHAIN - FLEETWOOD MAC

PHOTOS // POLLY THOMSON STOREY

Yay first outfit post of 2015!  This is the outfit I wore to The Clothes Show Live at the beginning of December - If you watched my November haul video you'll know how in love with these bells I am, and how bloody incredible I felt as I received so many compliments!  I think they're so flattering and are gonna be huge in 2015 - still getting to grips with how to style them, but I think this relaxed ensemble works well.  I somehow already own three variations of these glorious trousers and intend on collecting more, so keep an eye out for more styling posts!  What's your take on bell bottoms - awesome revival or faux pas?

AMY X

Fashion Favourites // December 2014

WE ARE THE CONFETTIS // CONFETTI CROWD

GLOW GLOW GLOW // Kayla Hadlington

NYLON: Sequin Bomber // Helloo Monica

Seasons Change // Little Black Boots

Mix It Up // Easy Tiger

Basic Bitch // Ellen Atlanta

Mr. Z // We Are 365

ZEPPELIN // Natalie Off Duty

So many sassy babes!  Feeling so inspired by bloggers and their killer style recently - but now that Christmas is over I just want to wear short shorts and crop tops again, hurry up summer!  As always, let me know your top picks, and your fave blogs below!
AMY X

Sunday Summary Week 190

    
1/ Lazy day outfit (links) 2/ New Shore Projects watch
3/ New I Heard They Eat Cigarettes jewellery 4/ Spy Love Buy shoes!

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you've all recovered from partying over the festive season and are feeling a little more relaxed, I'm definitely glad I don't have to worry about Christmas shopping, although now I'm stressed out about uni applications - it's one thing after another with me haha! I'm back to work on Tuesday which sucks, but I just need to keep reminding myself how lucky I've been that I got a bit of holiday, which I know people in other job fields don't have the privelage to do (I know I've touched on this before, but power to you people that work so hard over Christmas!). Anyway, I best leave it here to concentrate on my thrilling day of UCAS ahead of me, wish me luck!

PS. If any of you guys have had experience with anything related to uni, specifically UAL (eg. halls, finance etc.) please leave any helpful tips below, it'll be very much appreciated!

AMY X