Everyday Essentials - My Smell

ANNA SUI

Night of Fancy

 



 

First off I'm sorry for not blogging for a whole week! I know I've been bad but I've been so busy and then I've been really tired and ill, (still have a headache) and we all know what its like when you feel like that! Can't be bothered to do anything.

 

Anyway I have been meaning to do this post for a while now, I just haven't got round to it. So seeing as I can't take any pictures of myself (because I look like poo) taking these was a better option. I have been using this perfume for about a year and a half now! I recieved it off a friend as an 18th birthday present!! I first got the idea of wanting Anna Sui Perfume when my dance teacher was wearing the 'Flight of Fancy' fragrance (see here). This fragrence is very fruity and exotic, very similar to my Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy perfume. Anyway I must have got the name slightly wrong when remembering which one I wanted so I ended up with this one (see here).

Flight of Fancy is the complete opposite to Night of Fancy. Night is more seductive with a mixture of Blueberry and Wild Strawberry! Still as endeering as the Flight perfume, just more apt to evening wear. I would recommend this scent for all occasions (although it is more sensual) its sweet fragrance isn't too overpowering for day wear, but just enough for the evening too!

 

Although you can view both fragrances from the Anna Sui website here, which I have to say is one hell of a beautiful website (I just like to go on there and look around). You can only really purchase them in store. I would recommend looking around stores such as The Fragrance Shop, Boots, Superdrug, The Perfume Shop, or any others you come across.

 

If you are looking to complete the gift, both perfumes have their own matching Shower Gel and Body Lotion. A gift of these 3 is one sure to be remembered. So whether its a Birthday, Christmas, or maybe a cheeky Valentines present - Anna Sui is a big hit!!

 

 

Love Livy x



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Spring /Summer 2013 #1

Presenting . . . Pop Art!

 

 

From Andy Warhol to Mikey and Minnie, its all back, and making a bold return.

This Spring/Summer season presents a whole new take on the history of art. With fashion becoming brave and bold, the introduction of Pop Art slots in nicely, making a more than ordinary stand out statement.

Artists such as Roy Lichtenstein have inspired this grand challenge in the fashion world. His famous paintings and comic strips have inspired designers such as Markus Lupfer and Phillip Lim.

Marc Jacobs seems to be playing a leading role on the catwalk within this seasons Spring/Summer 2013 Comic Girl look. His white 6 lined T-shirt (seen above) is featured in many of January's magazines. As Marc Jacobs step through the 60's they create the most graphic incarnation of this seasons black and white.
Similar designs can be seen in the S/S '13 collections of Louis Vuitton, Proenza Schouler, Versus, Balmain, Chanel and Balenciaga.
Balenciaga's take on the typical 'geek glasses' can be seen above, and again are a common feature in January's fashion section in the magazines.

As can be seen, all designers had their own unique approach to the pop art idea. Yet each individual item has that WOW factor, an instant stand out from the crowd.
 

My personal favourite designer items within the Pop Art theme would have to be Valentino's blue polka dot statement clutch bag in their Pop Pois collection.

This challenging quirky theme running through this years Spring/ Summer 2013 collections is one that stands out so much, even the most poker-faced Parisians weren't able to hide their undoubtable approval. The highly anticipated collections feature a change of guard, on a large scale. Art inspired influences ranging from Pop Art and Cubism, to the Memphis mocement - one that Bauhaus would be sure not to miss! A combination of hard, strength, sex while also being soft, beautiful and poetic, in a fun but wearable way.

But who are the ones that have been doing it all along?
Lets meet those ahead of their time ...

Markus Lupfer - Essence of Wit and Playfulness
Attending our very own London University of Westminster, he was swept up stright from go! With his final year collection being immediately bought by Koh Samui. It's unique style and artful way of refining everyday basics, it was hard for designers not to notice Lupfer's talent.
Renound for his humourosly subversive knitwear, his innovative and surreal use of paint, embroidery and graphics. It's no wonder his lines fit right in to the vision of comic pop art style. Vouge's contributing editor Sarah Mawer was no outsider when recognisingthe clut fan-base that was increasingly growing for Lupfer's designs.
His S/S '13 range is no exception to his fun, quirky style. It is no surprise that his designs will become even more prominent to the everyday fashionista, with high street trends reflecting the same themes as his own.

Phillip Lim
American fashion designer takes the Comic Girl idea to the next level in this seasons S/S '13 line. With 2012 being based around the idea of superhero's and the fact they live among us everyday, 2013 brings "cut-up". In simpler terms, mix and match. Taking rarefied ideas and making them realistic. Muddled fabrics, grunge-y layering and mix print overload. All fitting in perfectly with the bold S/S statement.




DON'T PANIC! For those of you that share the love for this exciting era but cant afford a £250 top, have no fear. It's not just the designers that are selling out with their poppy lines. High street retailers are hot on their heels.
As always, Topshop's S/S '13 collection is to die for, and they've been sure not to miss out on the arty farty segment.
 Here is a selection of my personal favourites from this seasons theme.



 

Love Livy x

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Products of the Month

THE BEST ONES

Although I'm not a beauty fanatic, since being at Uni I do tend to use more products than I used to. Not only this but I actually use them on a regular basis to the last drop (I'm too poor to be buying a new one every week). I've seen a lot of interest in products of the month posts, so thought I'd go ahead and follow the crowd!! Being the New Year, New Me and Resolutions, those things that actually happen every year but usually last just a month. I genuinely decided to start to take care of myself and the way I look, as well as trying out all those beauty products you tend to get as Christmas presents. After process of elimination I came up with my top 5 products.



RAVISHING IN ROUGE

I tend to be a sucker for the colour of red, and will always choose it over most other colours, unless its white or black. I'm not sure why but whatever the occasion or outfit, red will always fit. This one however is definitley a favourite! Unlike other Nail Varnishes it actually stays on. I'm forever walking around with either chipped nails or no varnish at all because most of them flake off so easily, but this one does not. I know there has been a recent explosion of Barry M products in the beauty industry but I am yet to try them out, so the purchase of the nail varnish was a first. I got this one in Superdrug were there was a deal of 2 for £5, or £2.99 online (click here for product). Considering the extortionate prices we pay for nail varnish these days, this was quite a good deal. The colour 273 Rasberry 252, is a deep red, giving off the more seductive shade rather than being in your face. Its understated but still fun and classy. Although I went into the New Year with white and a clean slate on my nails, I have gone to hell with wearing this red all month! Recommended to anyone who needs a colour for all occasions. A little tip to help with chipping would be to brush the end of the varnish along the tip/underneath of your nail so that the varnish is attatched all the way round and over the top.

THE END FOR THE ENDS

I recently bought extensions from 'Weave Got Style London', purchasing them from Bluewater and Lakeside. Like any newbie to extensions I was unsure as to how to take care of them so they last me a good amount of time. On the leaflet it said to use their own products, but again STUDENT! I can't offord to be spending an arm and a leg just for the mantinence of the hair (not to mention the fact there were about 10 different things you were meant to buy!). It mentioned that you should use Dry Ends Serum so I popped it on my shopping list and scoured the hair care shelves of ASDA. I made the final decision to go with PANTENE PROV as I also use their 'Ice Shine' Shampoo and Conditioner. I've found that it actually really works! I haven't used it on my hair too much as it is already in quite good condition, but my extensions tend to get very dry easily. I would recommend this to anyone using extensions or who has naturally dry ends. My tip to avoid greasy-ness would be to apply it when the hair is wet/damp so that it has time to soak in and dry. (click here for product)

STAY GOLDEN PONY BOY

I admit, the heading for this product has absolutely nothing to do with it at all, I just tend to have a soft spot for Step Brothers so thought I'd give everyone a laugh (its a rare occasion that I'm funny). Again I bought this as a substitute for the Weave Got Style products for my extensions. They advised that oil was smoothed into the hair regularly for the hair to be nourished. At this point I wasn't aware the Argan Oil was like a hair godess, so just by chance I decided to go with this one. Again I knew the TRESemme was a good hair care brand so decided that was my best bet. I am now aware that Argan Oil is used by any to help replenish hair! One of my friends swears by it, being a half-cast goddess herself, her hair is very curly and can be hard to maintain. However, she uses this pretty much on a day to day basis and says its amazing, especially when styling hair (straightening, curling ect). I would highly recommend this to pretty much anyone! I purchased mine at Asda, however most stores such as Tesco, Boots and Superdrug all sell it. Or alternatively get it online --> (click here for product)

DIVE INTO THE SEA

First off, I have never been a proper female. I remember my friends going on about cleansing and toneing before bed and all the other stuff that you do along with mosturising! Well, safe to say I felt like an alien in those conversations! I just didn't have the time or patients for it. That still hasn't changed much, I moisturise my face after a shower because my skin gets very dry but thats about it. Until at Christmas my Dad bought me this little beauty! I know what you're thinking, a beauty product off a male!! Its probably going to be some kind of cheap shit that will bleach my skin and scar me for life. . . thankfully this was the complete opposite! ITS INCREDIBLE!! With only Original Dead Sea Minerals in the product it is completely natural, therefore not too harsh on the skin, perfect for those who have very sensitve skin. It is part of the ObeyYourBody collection (click here for product) and is called Radience Repair Peeling Gel, and thats exactly what it does. You don't need that much, myabe a large pea size and then apply it to the skin and rub gently in circles. You will start to see little white bits appearing beneath the gel, this is all the dead skin on your face. Keep going till you've covered all of your face and then splash your face with warm water and dry. HEY PRESTO all your dead skin is gone and your face has been re-vitalised, its almost like a snake shedding its skin. As it was a present I'm not 100% sure on the prices, however on the website it comes to $74.95 which is roughly £47.20. I know for a fact that there is a stall in every Westfields that sell this product along with a nail set which my Dad also got me. They offered my friend a student price so it may be cheaper to go and check that out! I know it is expensive but its one of the best facial products I've ever used and brilliant for all skin types.

BRAZIL BABY

By no means is this product a new one, however it is a lifelong favourite. I've always been a fan of The Body Shop, throughout school my friends and I would more often than not have a little wonder in, even if it was just for the smell! Back then I could never really afford much in there, never mind the fact that I didn't have the slightest clue about beauty and make-up! This baby is amazing and makes you smell like a dream! Brazil Nut Body Butter will help you out in any occasion, just simply apply it all over your body after a shower, before a night out or a wedding and you will look and smell a million dollars. I also have its twin - the Brazil Nut Exfoliating Cream which is just as good. I use this before having fake tans usually in order to get all my dead skin so the tan lasts longer! Again its good for everyday use and smells great, it will also make you feel as smooth as a babys bum! NO LIE! I often even find my boyfriend using it in the shower despite me telling him not to! Go ahead. . . smell amazing!

Love Livy x

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The Blogger Give Away

CHRISTMAS ALL OVER AGAIN

 

I've just started out my Blog, and I know that its a total work in progress, but I really want to get to know everyone who takes an interest in it and reads it. It may not necessarily be your thing but I would really appriciate it if you would all follow my blog on the left over there . . . (just click 'Join Site' it literally means follow :)

<<<-----

Anyway, I know money might not always buy happiness, but us girls (and the odd guys) do like a good present or two. So even though Christmas has passed, and like me, you may have to wait till the end of the year till your birthday. . . I HAVE GOOD NEWS! You could be in with the chance of getting some presents RIGHT NOW :)

 

All you have to do is leave a comment on here with your:

Name (and blogger name)

Twitter

Email
& 'Join this Site' aka follow my blog on the left.

 

Click follow so I can match up who has followed and commented, and who hasn't :) (to the 5 that already follow me - sign up too!!). Also add me on twitter @mini_monts.

 

ONCE I GET TO 100 FOLLOWERS I WILL BE PICKING ONE LUCKY WINNER AT RANDOM!

 

HERE'S WHATS UP FOR GRABS!

 

 

MUA -Make up Academy Nail Varnish

From left to right: Red Fever (22), Strawberry Cream (12), Bright Coral (21).

I felt that not only could you wear all 3 about these together but they also suit every occassion. Red Fever: Night Out/Classy. Strawberry Cream: Cute/Daytime/Girlie. Bright Coral: Fun/Quirky/Stand Out From the Crowd

 

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Literally every girl needs one of these, plus this side is perfect for during the day handbag, and going out at night purse! You can carry it everywhere you go and never have to worry about a spurge of greasy hair after running for the bus or train :)

 

MUA - Make up Academy: Glamour Days Eyeshadow Palette

Even though I'm partial to eye shadow, thats only because I am clueless on how to apply it properly! After being bought a massive palette for Christmas myself it urged me to wear it more! I felt this one catered for all occasions, day and night, fancy and casual! Some nude colours and some sparkly for those wow factor moments.

Starbucks Mug & Colombian Coffee

You may not all be coffee lovers, but whether you are or not, EVERYONE WANTS A STARBUCKS MUG! :) so instead of being cheeky and stealing one I'm giving one away for free. Plus if you are a coffee lover like myself here are 12 sachets of 'Colombia Medium Instant & Microground Coffee' - Bring Starbuck's to the comfort of your own home! 

 

Cherry CARMEX Moisturising Lip Balm

The chapped lip is possibly one of the most annoying blemishes. It turns your laugh instantly into a frown as you split the skin, but also hinders your pulling techniques as your lips no longer say 'Come Kiss Me' but rather, 'I Need a Night In'. So this is the perfect preventer of this annoyance, and tastes like cherry - BONUS!

 

Tea Tree: Face Wash &, Cleanser & Toner

 

Considering I've dipped my toe into the Beauty Blogging side recently, I thought these were a cute little twosome that are part of everyones everyday essentials. No matter what these will always come into use!

 

 

SO GET FOLLOWING, LEAVE YOUR COMMENT!!

WHEN 100 IS REACHED I WILL ANNOUNCE THE WINNER! SO TELL YOUR FRIENDS, SPREAD IT AROUND AND GOOD LUCK :)

 

 

Love Livy x

 



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My Spot on the Web

WHERE I BLOG

I've seen two bloggers do this on the web recently and it has inspired me to do it aswell. This post is just a fun one about where "the magic happens" ha! Although it does happen in 2 places, most of the time its just me, in my little box at Uni. So I thought I'd bring you inside and show you too!

Now I have to admit its not the most stylish of places, but its my little home for the year and has the equivalent of my home comforts squeezed into one little room. Where I find the space for all my clothes I really don't know, but usually it keeps itself reletively tidy!



My absolute favourite thing on my pin board would have to be the Nun in the top left corner of the top image! Just so you understand the hilarity of it, it is a Nun with her tounge out touching the corner of her left lip and the website she is visiting as it states underneath is www.naked-priests.com never fails to make me laugh! One of my friends got it for me as a birthday card years ago and I've always kept it.

 This little badboy is one of my "cuties", although it doesn't get used as much as it should I still keep it around because it is purely adorable. Inside it includes a minature sewing kit and some buttons IN CASE OF EMERGENCY! Not that I would be the best person to handle a sewing kit, emergency or not.

 To be honest my room probably wouldn't be complete unless there was a quirky mug half full with tea. Tea and Two sugars is definitley the way to a girls heart . . . or diamons, they work too!

Anyone who knows me will understand that unless my wall was full of pictures, it would not be a Livy Montgomerie room! This is my main picture wall at Uni and is completely covered in memories. Especially as this is my first time away from home, friends and family it was so important for me to have them around me in some way! I often find myself just staring up at the wall going over the stories behind each photo . . . its good for procrastination while doing Uni work! Its also a great talking point as when people come into your room you usually end up explaining people or events of the photos.

Probably my favourite item in the room MY BED! At home I am used to a double bed, so at first there was a lot of duvet falling off and bashing my head on the side, on one occassion my boyfriend actually fell straight out of the bed and ended up with a nice headache for memory the next day. But I do have to say it is THE COMFIEST thing ever! I spend probably 50% of my time at Uni in this bed, as a student I can literally sleep for England and will never understand how only last year getting up at half 7 for sixth form was the norm. My duvet cover and pillow are from Tesco and the London Bus pillow is from Next. 

 I am one for covering up the boring practical things with more exciting items, and the printer is no exception. I kind of feel as though it gives a "hairdresser look" to my room as guests have something to read. Not that they need to do that as I can talk for England anyway!

 Last but not least is by far THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD! This is my customised side lamp from Ikea. I have been creative and also made it my hat stand with 3 bowler hats sleeping nicely on top. To top it all off I added my stick on moustache from "Movember" so it almost looks like a face! Its great and I love it! Simple customising is a brilliant way to make things look quirky and unique! I would recommend anyone to have a go, get creative!

Love Livy x



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