The Spring/Summer Backpack: Want List #3

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I have fallen in love with so many backpack recently, I only actually own one - this need to change. Backpack are so easy to wear, stuff everything in them and just throw them over your shoulder and thats that, perfect on a spring/summers day (whenever the sun arrives) to pack your camera and picnic in for a bike ride. I say it's that easy but I always get paranoid when wearing one, incase someone pickpockets without me realising.
There is a small pale pink frilled backpack I fell in love with in Topshop the other day, which sadly isn't on this post as it isn't actually on the website. Other backpacks I really like at the moment are, The New Look Backpack in Want List #1, Pull & Bear Patchwork Tan Back Pack and Bowery Mini Backpack from Gypsy Warrior (which I just forgot to put on this mood board, opppsie)

On either side of the mood board are two beautiful backpacks from Free People, who sell luxury and fabulous gypsy/boho hippy chic style clothes and accessories. I love both of these backpacks, I really wish I had the money to buy the leather one, however at £398.00 - I'll probably give it a miss. 

I put the Hershel bag on the mood board for a bit of a joke. David actually has the bigger version of this style and when we saw it in Urban Outfitters yesterday we hilariously both stood next to each other with them on, twinnies! 

I don't think I can pick a favourite out of all of these bags because they are all so different, however when loan day comes along (only a couple more weeks away now). I definitely think that the Pale Pink backpack will make an appearance in my Topshop basket or at least one of these.

Which one is your favourite?

Sun & Moon Boutique: UPDATE

Last night, well, this morning, we went out at the fine hour of 1am to shoot some photographs for our Sun & Moon Boutique website. Which, will hopefully be launching next week! 2 hours later, after lots of outfit changes and mid shoot squatting, Hayley had turned into an ice cube. Today the plan is to fit in editing and uploading more garments on the the website around uni work and Hayley is planning an editorial/advertisement shoot to be shot in the next couple of days. In the mean time check out our new twitter page

The Simple & Risky Want List #2

Top | Jeans | Shoes | Watch

Risky, you say? Yes, I hate jeans and tops that are waist length... I'm a freak, I know. Confidence issues suck, but I love this outfit!
I'm loving River Island recently, I haven't been shopping in a couple weeks and I fell in love with everything in sight. There was so many different patterns, colours, styles, and this top caught my eye, it's so colourful! Paired with some simple black jeans, the ones I have picked are from Topshop, something of which has never been on my legs before. I just hate jeans, how tight they are (I say that, but I wear leggings all the time, which doesn't make sense) and uncomfortable and I don't like how they look on my legs - I'm yet to try how amazing Topshop jeans are. I want these shoes, I actually love ALL the shoes at Urban Outfitters right now, I just hate the price tag. I think they have similar shoes in Primark at the moment (I can hear them calling me) which most definitely won't be £80.
I'm also finally on the Michael Kors watch bandwagon, I want this watch so bad! I'm not a fan of the massive rose gold jewelled style but when David kindly sent me the link to the Amazon deals on Michael Kors watches and I actually saw a couple which I really liked. I can't believe the prices either, most of the watches are 'more affordable' than I thought they were. Dammit now I need to find a spare £140...

Sun & Moon Vintage Boutique

Sun & Moon Vintage, yes, it's coming...
Hayls and I have chipped in and finally got round to buying our first items for our new vintage/pre-owned/just as fabulous clothing business! Which we will soon be unleashing onto interweb for your perusal and purchasing cravings. Here's a sneak peak of our website and the photoshoot!

I will keep you updated when the site goes live, keep your eyes peeled!

Want List #1

Backpack / Tee / Treggings / Necklace / Scrunchies / Nike Air Max

I saw this backpack in New Look yesterday, oh my. Me and Lucy had to leave the shop quickly before we bought it (I'm so poor right now - I just paid a deposit for a house for next year which has skinted me and I've totally over spent this month) Anyway, the bag. It's just beautiful. I really don't think that this picture does it justice, the colour doesn't look the same as it does in the flesh. At a reasonable price of £19.99, I'm trying not to give into temptation but it would fit all my uni books in perfect, right?

I've wanted these treggings from Topshop for ages, I'm a huge fan of patterned leggings and these need to make it in my wardrobe. 

I picked this Ganesha Amulet from Dixi, an on-line boutique for vintage and modern jewellery. I bought a couple of necklaces from their sample sale last month which are beautiful, I'm going to do a blog post soon as my second one arrives (unfortunately it broke in the post) but I can't stop wearing them! I really like this Ganesha Amulet as it comes on a rope cord which would look great as a long necklace or tightened as a choker for a more grungy look. 

Shopcade: Launch of the mobile app and GIVEAWAY!

On Thursday, Shopcade is officially launching their FREE new mobile app, hooraay!
Which means you can shop all your favourite brands in one place on the go now! The app has been available for about a couple of months, I downloaded it as soon as I fell in love with the website and since then I've seen drastic updates and changes to it, ready for the launch on Thursday.

I love this app. It really is so simple to use and is basically the same as the website, just in an app form. The only big changes that differ from the website is the colour scheme, the app is pink based colours whereas the website is blue. Honestly, I prefer the app colours, I really like the pink colour scheme as it feels a lot warmer and cheerful, I'm not sure if that's just because its from a girls perspective. I wonder if the app changes colour scheme depending on your sex, I highly doubt it but it is an idea. To be honest, I like the idea of having the app different colours scheme to the website, it adds variety and it's nice to have a change every now and then - however I was taken back when I saw the update.



Within my 'social media' folder on my phone, I definitely think the colour change is for the better as the majority of social media apps are the generic blue. I did get confused between the Shopcade and Skype app a good couple of times... they are VERY similar.
Like most apps, the logo is very simple. The bold pink background with the Shopcade S stand out very well and it does look intriguing to click on.













The opening page of the app is the trending page, this is where you get to see all the most popular products that thousands of shopcaders are wanting.
The trending page also features specific Shopcade lists which are trending.
My list was featured on the trending page a couple of weeks ago for my Shh! Secret Santa Under £15, check it out for some great christmas gift ideas under £15!

Your deal page is one to keep an eye on. Here you find all the deals and offers on the products you have wanted.
You might see that pair of shoes you've wanted for ages in the sale!

On the left, shows your profile. The header with your name and bio is locked. I can't decide if I like this concept or if it's just takes up too much of the page with the header, your username and the options to see your wants, lists and followers. Your profile page is the only page where the bottom taskbar is locked too which also limits what you can see on this page, you can only really see two rows at a time when viewing your lists and wants. That is really the only problem I have found with the app.


When you click on a product, a screen like this will appear. The top states where the product is from and the top right icon makes it easy for you to share and tell the world what you want either via text, email and any other social media you have on your phone.
By clicking on the photo of the product you can zoom in on the product and check it out close up, if you really like it, you can press want or add it to a list of your choice.
Underneath the want buttons is a full description of the products and an option to comment and hashtag the product (which I've never done before). I really like the black taskbar at the bottom of the page as it tells you the price, where it's from and the buy button, this taskbar is locked to the screen so when you are scrolling on the product you can always see the price!






With the new Shopcade app launching on Thursday, I have decided to have a little giveaway with some shopcade goodies for yourself! The competition is unfortunately only open to the UK.

I will be giving away 3 bags of goodies so you have more chance of winning one.
Mandatory entries:
1. You have to of signed up to the app through THIS INVITE HERE - if you do not sign up via this link then your entry will not count
2. You have to be a follower of my blog
3. You have to be a follower of my Shopcade account - if you sign up through the correct invite, I think it automatically does this for you

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from 10th December til 21st January.
Good luck!

Shopcade List #2: British Fashion Awards Inspired 2013

Of course, everyone who attended the British Fashion Awards last Monday looked amazing! A big congratulations to the winners, even Harry Styles won a cheeky award.
For this weeks Shopcade List, I thought I would incorporate one of the biggest fashion event of the year and find affordable alternatives - for everyone who wants to look fabulous but can't afford the whopping price tag.
The worst dress award definitely goes to Pixie Geldof. She wore a Topshop Slip Dress which would have looked fine if it was a size bigger. I'm more on the chubby side and I know what looks good on and what doesn't, it didn't help that she wore a fluorescent green soft toy bag.

 

 

 

 

 

I just love all of these outfits. As a big lover of shirts, I obviously loved Poppy Delevingne's outfit, her Emilia Wickstead S/S14 shirtdress paired with her simple beige pointed heels, looks fab.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked incredible. I really like the wet look hair however I only think it would look acceptable at a red carpet event, which I haven't had the pleasure of attending as of yet... Her pale skin, red lips and red suit is so striking. Alexa Chung, as always looked simply stunning.

I've raided the high street and found similar products which will look just as fabulous on us, especially with my student budget! Check out my list here and if you haven't joined up yet, then what are you waiting for? It's the up and coming shopping app, where you can organise all your wants, buys and needs in one place. I am well and truly addicted, get yourselves signed up here and follow me.

Shopcade List #1

You may or may not be aware from previous blog posts that I am a Shopcade Curator. This means that I have to send 2 lists each week to the Shopcade team with relevant themes or trends up and coming and all the best deals I can find!

Shopcade is an amazing app, I have fallen truly in love with it. You can shop all your favourite brands in one place, create different lists (kind of like pinterest) and then shopcade will even let you know when a product you have 'wanted' has a deal on! Thats not all you can do, you can follow brands, your favourite Shopcaders, lists and even make your own shopcade page personal. Shopcade also have a points system, each time you 'want' a product you get a couple of points, each day you log in, if someone else 'wants' a product you have wanted, if someone follows you and if you invite someone to join. With all these points it boosts your trend score, which allows you to use your points to redeem free gifts and offers on selected items/brands. 

A genius idea.

I thought I should probably start sharing my lists with you each week, and see what you think! This week is Pastel Blue, I know we're not even in winter yet but this colour is going to be massive next year and here is a couple of items that I have selected.

Dont forget to JOIN UP! You will be addicted in no time! JOIN SHOPCADE HERE and if you already are joined up, make sure you follow me!

Car Booty'ing Bargains!

Over this summer, I didn't really do anything major fab, a lot of students (well young peeps, I just said peeps and I don't care, hehe) go travelling, clubbing holidays, festivals etc. but I spent mine with Family and I wouldn't have changed that if I could. To be honest I did that all last year, I went to Magaluf with my girls, saw a lot of bands I loved, even visited places around the UK and went to Leeds Festival, it was a great year. This year I found myself getting up at 5am to go to a carboot with my mum, we so crazay. I love carboots, they are just so fun - maybe not the early start but it's only for a couple of hours.

The first day, Sunday Morning of the Bank Holiday. Got there for about 6am, and before we had even set anything up, the proper car booters were already looking into our boxes and watching me unwrap the Crockery and China that we had cleared out from my Grandma's house. The first day was very successful we made about £80 and only £20 on the second day, a nice £50 each. Mum however was practically giving all of our stuff away, so it was a very good thing that I came along to help with the bartering - which I found out I'm not that shabby at ;) When my stepdad came to see how we were doing and delivered the clothes rail, me and mum went off to have a nosey at the other stalls. I purposely didn't bring my purse along with me so I didn't give into the temptation of buying anything... I obviously went back to get it but look what bargains I got!

Document bag/Leather Clutch - 50p

Charlotte Candle - Free

Clinique Pore Refining Solution - 50p

I found this gorgeous Brown Real Leather Clutch, the woman got up and straight away offered me it for 50p, yes, 50p. Instantly sold. It's actually meant to be a document holder for like passports and travel money etc, but I thought it would make a good clutch for a night out as it's just the right size to hold everything in and it seems pretty secure to hold everything when i'm a drunken mess (not that I ever get in such a state...). The lady saved it for me and I ran back to get my purse, my plan of not bringing it didn't work. When I got back I saw this cute Charlotte Candle and was like oh look mum, the lady then gave it to me as she had given up hope that there was any more Charlotte's left, bless. It does smell really nice and apparently i'm a lady of mystery, cheeky.
I also got this Clinique Pore Refining Solution. It was a bit of a risk buying this and I didn't really know what it was or did. I just saw Clinique and bought it, I had a spare 50p so why not? I actually really like this though, it makes my skin look and feel great and totally mattified. Definitely worth the risk, I may even buy it.

On the second day, Bank Holiday Monday, we didn't sell as much. Probably because we sold all the good stuff the day before. We even saw the same pro car-booty-goers and the same happened when we got there at 6.30am (had an extra 30 mins in bed) someone already wanted to buy our table. They didn't in the end, but the table had a lot of interest, a young lad wanted to buy it and said he would think about it. A man then came up to the stall and asked how much we were selling it for, we said about £6, he rudely said 'don't mean to offend you but I'll give you £3 for it.' bearing in mind that this a proper wood little coffee table, me and mum just looked at each other and sold it for £4 as we just wanted rid. We then saw the young lad walk past our stall with OUR TABLE which the man must have sold for more on his carboot, WHAT THE HELL IS THAT... (sorry, I re-lived my anger again, opps ahahaha) I actually was so shocked, and we were already not enjoying ourselves as much as yesterday as the buyers were rude and not saying morning back to me and no one was buying anything. So I angrily bought thee best Bacon Burger (with ketchup and BBQ sauce and obviously onions) I have ever had, cheered us both straight up! As soon as the clock hit 12pm we had already packed up and left.

However I did get this really cute Henry Holland Dress (well a long top) which was not a bad price and such a good find. I didn't think it would fit as it was a 12 and my boobs have never been in a size 12 for a good couple of years however it fits perfect, if anything it's a bit big of me. Proper confidence boost for me!

Henry Holland Dress £2.50

(sorry about the bad quality!)

Are you a regular car-booty-goer?

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Charlotte's August/September Buys

After my June/July post, I realised that I had a lot more too show you, which is why I waited til the end of August (now 1/4 through September oppps) to show you the rest of my buys, well bargains!

Primark £1.50
Sorry about the rubbed off label, I didn't even realise until I photographed it! But I bought this out of curiosity and because I'm very bad when it comes to queue impulse buying... why do you always think you need something in the little bowls or hangers just before you go to pay?! Very clever advertising if you ask me.
Anyway, at £1.50 it was a brilliant purchase. I love the colour and the good thing about this lipgloss stick, is that it doesn't have the sticky quality of a normal lipgloss.

Republic £4 (was £30)

I definitely think we all need to appreciate this beautiful bag. I have been on the hunt for months for a black leather rucksack and was having no luck. Until I went for an adventure checking out the new surroundings of my new house, and got a call from Lucy (my housemate/best friend) saying she has bought me a rucksack and she hopes I like it. 

When she got back home from town, I was in love. She was going to buy me the bag for my birthday, the bag is should have been £30 to £15 but when she got to the checkout, it scanned in at £4! Yes, only 4 little pounds! So she went back and got herself one too. I have already worn out my bag and broken the clasps off from carrying too much however I do plan to fix this and I still have been using it regardless, it just goes with everything. 

Urban Outfitters Boxes £5 (was £25 ish)

A while back we wandered into Urban Outfitters Sale and me and lucy saw this really cute box (the top picture, bottom box), it felt heavy so we were intrigued to see what was in the box, only to find a smaller box. I would have loved to of filmed our reaction because the smaller the boxes got, the more (over) excited we got. 5 lovely patterned boxes later, we were gutted that it ended, however rushed to the counter to buy them. For a fiver? A pound a box, bargain! I currently have my perfume and body/face bits in one, grips and bobbles etc in another, and some jewellery one and the a couple are empty! 

Tesco £6

I've been after a brown leather, small strap watch for AGES now and I finally found one in Tesco. Never thought I would have found it there, but hey ho, I love it. It's just what I wanted and all for £6. I currently have the problem that one hole is too tight and one hole is too loose, not a big problem but I don't want to break it!

I'm in love with The Body Shop at the moment. If you saw in my June/July post then you read that I bought The Body Shop 'Love Your Body' card. Such a good purchase, I went in a couple days after my birthday to use my free £5 off present they give you in your birthday month. I decided to buy the Beautifying Oil as I asked the lady what would be good for my dry hair and she suggested this as you can use it on your hair, body and face and even said you could use it a cuticle oil as well. I have used this on my face and sometimes my hair for nearly a month and I still have the majority of the bottle left. I really love this product at the moment and for £9 I did at first think it was a bit pricey however I only paid £3.10 for it - with my Body Card 10% discount and my £5 birthday deduction, the lady also put a Banana Shampoo and Conditioner sample (to see if it help with my damaged hair) and samples of Hemp Hand Protector and Almond Hand and Nail Cream.
I am going to do a full Birthday The Body Shop Haul very soon (promise! I may even do more than one post about it) as I got a lot more products and I want to tell you my opinions of them to you!

Here's an instagram picture of all the buys me and mother bought (the body butter and lipgloss is momma's)

What do you think of my buys?

Make sure you link me any of your recent buys, I love being nosey!

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Sugar and Style Introduction

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A while back, in March I (Charlotte) first mentioned China Doll Boutique. I actually did an outfit post for a competition they were holding, with the help of Tori we came up with this... I unfortunately didn't win, boo.
Here are a couple of our favourite items that we love from there current collection, our favourites are 1 and 4!

Since launching in September 2011 this up and coming London-based company have been featured in magazines such as Now, Glamour, Closer and even Vogue, just to name a few, and since March they have re-branded themselves, Sugar + Style!

We asked Nhuc Tran, the founder of Sugar + Style a couple of questions to give us more of an insight into what's been going on behind the scenes:

Tell us more about China Doll Boutique Sugar + Style (who are you and what do you love)?
Sugar + Style is an online boutique set up by myself Nhuc Tran. I started the company just under 2 years ago, before that I had my own fashion and beauty blog (China Doll Diary) and was working freelance for another fashion label. I'm very much a girly girl and I think that reflects a lot in the collection and in the way I run the business.

You've recently changed name to Sugar + Style, what made you change the name?
We made the change from China Doll Boutique to Sugar + Style in June 2013. I thought it was a good time to revamp the branding of the site - I'm always keen to reinvent ourselves and row and I felt there was only so far I could go with the name China Doll Boutique.

Where did the company start off? What made you want to open your own shop?
I set the company up in September 2011, at the time I was working for a few other small fashion labels, building their profile and launching them online. I was nearing the end of my 6 month contract and had the option to extend it, but I decided that instead of moving to another small label and setting them up, I would go ahead and set up my own brand up.
I was working on a very low budget and did pretty much everything myself, I remember finishing a 10 hour day at work and heading home to work all night on building and designing the website and working all weekends. It was hard working but it's starting to pay off, although it's stressful at times, I do really enjoy working for myself.

What can we expect in the future of Sugar + Style?
We're working hard on the new AW13 collection and it is going to be our best one so far (in my opinion!). We're also looking into hosting a number of pop up shops around the UK and running a few blogger collaborations...

Where can we get our hands on Sugar + Style?
You can find us online at www.sugarandstyle.co.uk or at our East London based Pop Up shop every Thurs-Sun. The address is 156 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU


We totally suggest you check out Sugar + Style, even hop down to London to the Pop Up Store. We're definitely keeping our eyes open for there AW13 collection which we hope will be coming very very soon!

What is your favourite Sugar + Style item?

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