Getting Ready For Summer With Hot Miami Shades

Can you believe it's June already? Half a year is just done and dusted and my god hasn't it been eventful (see my last post what i've been up to). I just feel like the days are just slipping away from me, soon enough I'll be old, grey and in a care home.

Anyway, enough waffling, I just thought I'd do a post updating you on my latest collab. A few weeks ago, Hot Miami Shades got in contact with me to see if I was interested in becoming an affiliate for their brand, I mean as a sucker for warm weather and summer, for the 6-7 days England actually gets it, I couldn't say no.

Hot Miami Shades are an American brand that have beem bringing "the hottest shades of Miami" since 2015. Personally, I have never come across them before however I am British, of course it would be difficult to know about it. If you don't already know, I just love brands, online retailers that aren't necessarily as commercial and popular as the likes of Boohoo, Missguided etc. but I think that stems from the fact I love to be a little different with my style.  Yes, I follow trends but if a denim jacket for example, has a slightly different vibe, I'm all for it because I just get really uptight if I see someone else wearing the same items as me just because they are easily accessible. Smaller companies help me out majorly with that whilst at the same time I'm helping promote them, so win win situation really and Hot Miami Shades were no exception.

On their website they have a variety of 72 sunglasses to choose from, ranging from different styles and colours to suit everybody. Initially, hence the brand name, that was where I did a B-Line to and I purchased a gorgeous round pair but it wasn't until after I realised they sell clothing, jewellery and accessories aswell so you can be well and truly prepared for summer in one stop. Of course, their prices are in US Dollars but I always think that's more exciting for me because in UK Pounds it converts cheaper (just me..?) however it's not too expensive, some may say it's pricey for some items but the quality of the product is actually really impressive.

In terms of delivery, it's very realistic. As a British girl it took about 2 weeks to arrive which for FREE shipping I can't complain, although I must have gone through 7 different weather changes in the mean time I didn't know if I needed sunglasses or bloody wellies! It comes in a cute branded box and includes a pouch, a cloth to clean the lenses, and a mini tool which if i'm honest I don't know what is for, maybe tightening them? But I love the fact they have thought about these details.

All in all, Hot Miami Shades have really impressed me. I absolutely adore my sunglasses, they're oversized, stylish and comfortable to wear which is a must for me, as a regular glasses wearer, I can't stand when they rub your nose or feel like they suffocate your face. (although as usual they do rip your hair out if you put them on top of your head!) Obviously, I stayed a little safe and true to my style but as I said, there will be a style that suits you whether you're more daring or like to keep it subtle.

If you're interested in purchasing any product from Hot Miami Shades, here's a little cheeky discount from me to you to save you some pennies: POOK20 

MY SHADES: https://hotmiamishades.com/collections/sunglasses/products/nolita

RECREATE HER STYLE: Millie Bobby Brown

When I was 13 years old, I was struggling through year 8, adjusting to my evergrowing boobs and getting compared to Fran from Dodgeball (not even an exaggeration, I was not a looker and I had not heard of tweezers) and I'm pretty sure we were all doing that weren't we? Well, not Millie Bobby Brown. This is one 13 year old girl's life I do envy; starring in one of the biggest Netflix shows of the moment Stranger Things, being invited to every red carpet event going and rubbing shoulders with Drake! 

I have a confession to make though, I haven't watched a single episode of Stranger Things but that in itself shows how internationally known she actually is for a teenager. Also, to top it off, her red carpet style is KILLING it this year. Both at the Golden Globes and the SAG awards she has made quite an impression and eventhough I am 10 years older than the girl, she has given me the inspiration to recreate these looks. Millie is sporting bun-style 'dos at both events however vibing completely contrasting looks.

Millie's make-up is not very complex at all but her elegance at the Golden Globes was effortless. As you may or may not know, at the awards all women wore black in aid of the Times Up campaign supporting those who have come forward about sexual harrassment so she complimented the black with a winged eyeliner. I used Rimmel's Glam Eyes Liquid Liner just to frame my eyes and Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Latte To Go mixed with L'Oreal Lip Paint in Nude-ist to create that perfect natural lip shade.

As for hair, it was quite difficult for myself to dupe this as at the moment my hair is quite short however the simplest way to create the plait effect was to seperate my hair into a half-up, half-down style and then seperate the down part into two sections. Although Millie actually has 3 plaits I just made two by simply making two seperate plaits and pinning them to the back of my head. With the rest of my hair I put into a simple high bun and that was it. Really straightforward and it would be easier if your hair is a little longer so you don't have to use a million hair grips like myself.

The SAG awards were on the weekend and I was obsessed with Millie's look, it was super girly and if you know me, I live for space buns! They just look so put together and keeps your hair out of your face, win-win. Completely the look with black bows to contrast the very pink vibes just adds that something extra. She even wore Converse for goodness sake, this girl slays.

Again, make-up wise was pretty simple with just glittery shadow on the lids, chizzled cheeks and a pink lip. Although I don't have a silver glitter shadow I just used the Princess shade in Jeffree Starr's Beauty Killer Palette along with a white shadow to make it less pink and for cheeks I use the Kate Moss Sculpting Palette. Finally I completed the look with Maybelline's Colour Sensational Lipstick in Smoky Rose.

I surprisingly had so much fun recreating these red carpet looks and may make this a trend when I am really vibing someone's style. I really hope you liked it too. 

Until next time.

Katie x

DRESSES FOR £1?! | ISawItFirst

Do you ever wake up in the morning after a nice little sleep and a miracle has happened? Well that's exactly what happened on Tuesday. Well, okay I know I'm being super extra but seeing an email saying I could get clothes for £1 was a blessing when I'm struggling to maintain money this side of Christmas.

Now, normally when I get emails or notifications of crazy sales like this, I just think, oh it's just the last of their summer crap, or something that is a serious fashion faux pas but I always look, because y'know, just incase and I'm nosey. 

I Saw It First is genuinely my go-to online store now. I first discovered it back in July when literally every social influencer was raving about it and usually when that happens I click their link and that's as far as it goes but something was different about this site, I had a good feeling and that day I did spend about £70 on a few outfits just to test it and it's been my favourite since. It's affordable, efficient and friendly and the quality is decent!

Now, back to this £1 malarkey. After scrolling through the first few pieces, I realised this was the real deal man, like it wasn't just summer sale, there were £30 price tags reduced to £1 which is very rare, I know it's Black Friday week but this was crazy. They smartly however, put a 2 items per transaction limit to prevent greedy buggers like myself nabbing the whole lot so in the end I settled for these 2 gorgeous dresses, retailing originally at £20 and £25.

  

I was a little bit excited as party season is very soon approaching (not that I have any to go to) so used this as an acceptable excuse to buy metallic pieces. C'mon it's CHRISTMAS!! And besides if for whatever reason I hated them, it cost me less than a bottle of Coke!

First up I tried on this Rose Gold Metallic Dress and it's not actually from the I Saw It First brand which I kind of knew straight away, it wasn't the usual quality I expected and the metallic material reminded me of a turkey wrapped in foil but when I put it on it actually looked nice. The material doesn't really give much wriggle room and you have to tie up the straps yourself to avoid any malfunction which is super risky but I styled it with my oversized denim jacket from Boohoo to make it a little bit more me to dress it down and I do really like it. It's definitely a Christmas dress when you're feeling a bit extra (which is me all the time) or can be used for fancy dress but I do see myself wearing this to a few parties.

Now onto the second dress, which on the model I didn't think much of I mean I liked it but the way it was styled with metallic silver thigh high boots didn't leave the best first impression. When I took it out the parcel I was instantly inlove; the material was such good quality and wasn't rough like some glitter style dresses and it was stretchy and fit like a glove. This is how I know it was the I Saw It First brand. Because of the low-back you can't wear a bra with it and as someone with alot of boobage I usually feel so conscious about this but I felt so secure and you can't see any nips which is an added bonus. This dress is definitely more my style out of the two and so comfortable, I cannot wait to wear this to a birthday party I'm going to next week and completely blag around the fact it cost me a freakin' £1!

If I'm 100% honest, I don't think I would pay full price for either dress as they both aren't usually something that would catch my eye or I would go for amongst other styles, but I am definitely very satisfied with my purchases and I definitely recommend you all to check out I Saw It First if you haven't already, especially with Black Friday around the corner, get yourself some bargains! 

Website: http://www.isawitfirst.com
Twitter:@isawitfirst
Instagram: isawitfirst
Snapchat: isawitfirst_com


(Please note: the £1 sale was over before I uploaded this post. This is not an Ad, just myself and my honest opinions on a brand I love)

Love, Pook x

You Got Me Wrapped Up

Cor, it's got a little bit chilly outside lately hasn't it? Anyone would think it's bloody Winter! As much as I couldn't think of anything worse than being cold, it's also my favourite time of year in terms of fashion - jumpers, tights, boots, and of course big cosy coats to brave the temperature in. It makes Autumn/Winter somewhat bearable when you are comfy but also looking good whilst you're at it. 

Here are my 3 staple coats to help me survive this season!

First up is actually my most recent purchase. I got this Red Fitted Quilted Puffer Jacket from Lasula and it's very much on trend, proving very popular for socialites like Olivia Buckland and Megan Mckenna, adding a pop of colour to what can be quite a bland time of year. I have had so much wear from this already and the black faux fur collar is like a constant hug around your neck. My only negative is it is definitely fitted and I wish I'd gone a size up for extra room as I can't layer as much as I want but saying that the warmth this coat brings, you don't really need it.

 

Next up, is this gorgeous Black Check Longline Jacket that I purchased the beginning of the year from New Look and for me, is the most sophisticated thing I own. It dresses up any outfit I decide to wear and I can't get enough of pairing it with my thigh high grey boots that I dig out every winter! Granted, it doesn't do me any favours when the heavens open and drown me but for an dry day and an evening out, it's perfect. I get so many compliments.

Last but not least is my trusty, extreme weather coat that was such a bargain buy from Primark a good 2 years ago and it's still going strong. The Parka coat, a staple in everyone's wardrobe for those miserable, rainy days that never seem to go away. The length is perfect covering 3/4 of my body from the cold and wet, protecting my clothes and the huge fluffy hood that makes me feel like Macklemore (remember him?!) is perfect for keeping my head and ears warm and dry, although the fur takes forever to dry again! 

 

Great Britain; I am ready for your baltic, horrific weather, come at me!

April Haul | ft. Primark, New Look, Boohoo.

I watch so many hauls on YouTube and I read so many blogposts and I really enjoy seeing what people have recently bought and getting inspiration for new purchases. I've recently had a splurge and for ages have wanted to share my favourite pieces but then I get put off or nervous because other people look so flawless in their shots and it makes me want to buy it but then I had a step back and had a pep talk to myself. 

Reality is; I don't currently have the most up-to-date blog friendly camera, I don't have someone to follow me around in picturesque places and shoot for me. But because I don't have all that, doesn't mean I don't work as hard on my posts, why should I be put off blogging? It's something I enjoy and you know me, I love to rave and share my favourites. So, insecurities aside, out I pull my best mirror selfies and hanger shots for your {and my} enjoyment! Let's get started!

First up is this pastel pink blazer. This was actually an impulse buy that I decided to get despite looking hours for a bomber jacket, I was close right? I purchased this from Boohoo and got it a size up, which to be honest might have been a mistake as it was already oversized! But I think this will be the perfect staple for Spring, dressing up any outfit to be more formal but without being too tailored keeping that casual feel. 

                                

Here I paired it with my blue maxi-skirt also from Boohoo and this grey tee from Primark, for some unknown reason it cost me £1, can't beat that! I think if I was an outfit this would be me, it sums me up as I like to be girly and formal but on a chilled level which I love and the colours don't clash .. I think {hey I'm not an expert!}

Next up is one of my two cheeky buys from New Look. This shirt is actually from the 915 Generation section and it's an age 15! Now, I would definitely advise doing this if you're a size 10-12 and under and also a shoe size 5 and under so if there's a sale {or even if you spot something you like} don't ever feel ashamed to buy it, it will fit just as perfect and admittedly some of the fashion pieces in the teen section are prettier {and cheaper} than the women's what can go wrong?

                                    

It's very sheer, which I found quite surprising for someone young to wear, even I have a tank top underneath! I love it though, it makes the average white work/school shirt sexy and gives a more mature look. I paired it with leather look jeans also from New Look and some ASOS stilettos.

This top is so simplistic and pretty and the second item from the 915 Generation section in New Look. This is age 14 and is fitted but still perfectly floaty screaming summer vibes. I love the tassles and it's slightly cropped which helps it sit nicely on a pair of jeans or shorts.

Here I paired it with my Joe Browns jean shorts, Aviator sunglasses and some flip-flops, the perfect outfit for a beach day when it decides to get warmer!

After a long day at work, there's nothing I want more than to slip on something comfy and loose and watch Dance Moms on catch-up. PJs are perfect for evenings but when I have time off, during the day staying in your nightwear can be classed as lazy, who'd of thought! 

I was partial to a tracksuit back in the day so you don't understand my happiness when "loungewear" became a thing and somewhat fashionable but I've only just got around to purchase a set at a comfortable price from Primark. Sometimes leggings just doesn't cut it.

Last but not least my favourite outfit I've bought. This pink suede pinafore is the perfect staple for the warmer months as a nice alternative to denim and it's super comfortable and versatile! You can pair it with any style top and any colour tights to change up your look every time. Alongside this I bought this nostalgic printed tee which is appropriate since I have binge watched Saved By The Bell over and over lately, and it gets me every time, I love it so much and aspire to be as pretty as Kelly, as feminist as Jessie and as fashion forward as Lisa!

Both items from Primark teamed together and in honour of Saved By The Bell, this brings 90's vibes straight into the 21st century and paired with some white wedges from New Look to tone down the fact I look 12. I could totally fit in with the Bayside gang! 

As a lil heads up for if you purchase this tee; I'm usually a 10 but I bought this in a 6 {i know!} as I wanted it to be a perfect fit for the style to be more versatile as apposed to baggy. It's still a typical t-shirt fit, just the arm and neck holes aren't loose and it's slightly shorter but my usual size was surprisingly big and didn't look right at all! 

An extra little mention goes to this perfume roll-on I bought in Primark. I never really see anyone talk about their fragrances so I thought I'd make special effort to go to the stand and test them. This was my favourite called Coachella O5, it's not too strong, slightly fruity and sweet but not overpowering and I don't know about you but I was definitely envious as usual about not being an A-Lister enjoying Coachella a few weeks ago!

Anyway, I really hope you liked this post, despite it looking amateur in an un-idealic setting but this is real, this is me {don't tempt me into singing camp rock} and this was my haul!

Love you lots

Katie x