Sunday 31 December 2017

How to Prep for the New Year!


Hey lovelies!!

These are some of my favourite posts to read so I thought that I would give it a go myself and let you into some of the ways that I love to prep for the new year, making sure to cover as many aspects as I can! Next year is right around the corner and I am both nervous and excited about what adventures I will be taken on in the next 12 months. In the meantime, however, there are a few things that need to be taken care of in order for us to have the best possible chance of succeeding in making 2018 our best year yet! Read on my loves...
 
Change Up Your Routine:

From past experience, I know that being stuck in the same routine for too long can do more damage to your motivation and daily life than you think. I've had the same routine for a good few months whilst I've been at university and it hasn't had the best impact on my productivity - you get stuck in your ways and eventually get bored when it all becomes a little too rigid. So, when you're devising a new routine to start off the new year, think about your old schedule and ask yourself if it's enabling you to be productive enough? Is it allowing you to get the most out of your day? Are you really enjoying how your mornings begins or how your nights end? It's your life so feel free to mix up the tasks you have to complete in a day and keep your goals for the new year in mind to make sure that you're on track to succeed in every way possible!

Work Out Your Health/Fitness Goals:

No pun intended with that title haha! When it comes to my fitness, I always want to make it easy and enjoyable for myself so I've decided to pick two specific aspects to focus on. There is nothing worse than forcing yourself to abide by a strict and unattainable goal that you know just doesn't suit you. We all want to be healthier or to improve particular parts of our bodies so aim to narrow down the achievements you want to accomplish and break them down into smaller goals - it will be gentler on the mind I promise!

Rebrand of Social Media Accounts:

This is one of my favourite things to do because it works just the same as giving your wardrobe a complete turnaround. If you're anything like me and have your life on several social media accounts, it's easy to settle for a particular design on your blog, Twitter, Instagram or even Facebook page so why not make some changes! I love the feeling of going into the new year with new pictures for my profiles and banners too, as well as that much needed "Happy New Year" photo that graces it's presence wherever my social media footprint goes haha!

Get Organised:

I love and I mean LOVE everything to do with organisation - notes, lists, planning - the lot of it! I'm not the greatest example of executing every single task I put on those lists or in those notebooks but I'm hoping that the new year will grant me some extra skills that I can build on to make sure I actually succeed this time around. For what it's worth, purchasing some really pretty planners, journals, notebooks and other prepping material can certainly motivate you to make a start, give it a try!

The Last Few Hours of the Year...

Relax, rejuvenate and reminisce! I love to prep myself physically and mentally for the new year so I make sure to freshen up my hair, shave, exfoliate, moisturise, paint my nails and all of those other really girly things that I love to do - we all want to look good when it strikes midnight so get it all done early so that you're feeling your best self! Finally, take some time to reminsce with your family and friends about all the times that you've had together and aim to make the next year even better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY LOVELIES!!!!!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
XOXO
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Saturday 30 December 2017

2017: My Best Moments


Hey lovelies!

2017 has thankfully been less of a whirlwind of a year than 2016 and just like each year we learn new things. The human race loves to hold onto the negative aspects of life and maybe that's because sometimes being happy isn't all that realistic or possible for every person every day of the year. However, it's important to look back at how far you've come and engage with those moments where you did feel pure, uninterrupted bliss and happiness.

I'm choosing to focus on one big and four small things that took place throughout this year and being able to reminisce has meant that I can momentarily forget about the bad and look back to what good was given to me and be grateful for it.

So here we go!!!!

1. New York - Second Time Around Baby!


There was nothing better than to return to this beautiful city and witness so many more of its stunning sites, the Flatiron Building being at the top of that list! I love New York and whilst many people think that it's overrated, I can somewhat understand but also realise that this city is the source of inspiration for so many industries and for that I think we should be truly grateful. NYC you really had my heart in your hands because nothing felt better than admiring the things that were so much greater than me in those moments!!

2. The Sky Garden


A perfect day date location! I had such a great time seeing London from above and was so happy to have the company that I had because it made it all the more better! I definitely recommend grabbing yourself some tickets for this truly mesmerising view of such a big city like London and if you're looking for some great, but slightly expensive food, hit up The Folly - I hear the steak is delicious and the burgers are huge!

3. Taking a Month off in Greece


What more could a girl ask for than a month-long holiday in Greece?! From a young age, my family and I have always travelled to Greece during the summer months to visit the rest of our family who predominantly live over there. Before this year, we hadn't visited them for a couple of years because of wanting to explore other places such as Barcelona and Venice so it was so nice to return there for a good length of time and see them all again! The days were filled with sun, sea and unfortunately a lot of sweat - those annoying sleepless nights were tough ones to battle with because they were just too hot! Maybe I'll return there again in 2018 if the stress of university finally gets too much haha!

4. My 21st Birthday


I turned 21 this year and although it scared me slightly to know that I am gradually getting older (as a human being does haha), it reminded me that life is short and that you might as well strive for everything you could possibly ask for in the time that you are given. 2017 brought me one of the best birthday's I could have asked for because I was able to celebrate it with almost every single person that I love. There were presents, there were fireworks and there was definitely cake but, most importantly, there was a lot of love, laughter and happiness, so here's to turning 22 in 2018!!

5. 42nd Street: The Musical


Now before you get too confused...no I did not star in this hit musical. Do I wish that I had? Yes. Can I tap dance to save my life? No. Can I sing at all? Ye...Umm no. Sometimes it's better to just leave it to the professionals and sit back in awe at just how fast they can move their feet and hold those notes so well. This was an epic show and an overall amazing night that I wish you could all have experienced. Unfortunately the tickets were not cheap but if you're looking to spoil yourself or even someone you love then definitely get them a ticket, they will be in for a huge treat and will be sure to thank you later! If all else fails, a walk around Covent Garden with all the lights up at this time of year is simply picture perfect!

XOXO

P.S. Let me know in the comments down below, what were some of your favourite moments of 2017? I'd love to hear them!
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Friday 22 December 2017

Berry Kiss


Hey lovelies!!

It's almost Christmas Day!!! I honestly have no idea where December went - it's flown by and before you know it, we'll be well into 2018! Anyway, we have a little bit of time before we even have to start considering our goals for the upcoming year; the festivities aren't over yet people!

Holiday looks are my favourite because you get to be incredibly inventive and play around with so many different products and colours. Once again, my sister was at the very core of this blog post with her beautiful makeup skills as she collaborated with me to create this super festive Christmas look! The name of this post is inspired by the lipstick used in 'The Holiday' which I deem as one of the more quintessential Christmas films for my generation, amongst many others of course. The oh-so-lovely Cameron Diaz wears the lipstick in a scene with Jude Law and his character's children all whilst radiating an effortless flush of colour - now this may not be all down to the lipstick but it sure does accentuate her natural beauty. I know that the colour of her lipstick isn't the same as the one shown here but it just seemed fitting for a lover of 'The Holiday' to use the name Berry Kiss for a post like this!

I love the way the pictures turned out and I also love my new haircut! I'm going to be honest with you, it really needed a good old chop because seeing the way it was heading, I found that I was having regular moments where I had this temptation to cut it all off by myself...I didn't so there's no need to panic haha! I know the shorter style is definitely different to my usual look but it's so refreshing, especially at this time of year where a lot of us embrace that "New Year, New Me" motto. Maybe some of you will be bold enough to try something a little new or different before 2018 truly begins.

Enjoy the photos and hopefully you can get some last minute inspiration for this holiday season! I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and I will speak to you soon my lovelies!

XOXO

P.S. For a full and detailed description of how my sister did my makeup, head over to her blog: The Skinny Hot Choc










Products Used:

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Friday 15 December 2017

Winter Outfits 2017


Hey my lovelies!!!!!!!

I've missed you all so much!!! I know that each time I come back it sounds like I'm saying the same old thing but this next year will be a truly busy one for me but I hope with all my heart that you will stick around and stay by my side until things have a little more structure to them. Every single one of you that bother to read my blog have a special place in my heart and I'm so happy that you take a little time out of your day to read what little old me has to say, so thank you!

Okay, now that we have the ever so slightly emotional part out of the way, let's get back to business shall we?! Once again, if you've been with me since the beginning, you know that twice a year I rummage through the 'New In' section of Topshop's online site to bring you the latest and greatest items in order to compile them into a week's worth of fabulous outfits perfect for the current season/seasons. 

This post sure does take a lot of work but I'm always incredibly happy with how it turns out, so what are you waiting for? Scroll through and get some inspo, you won't be disappointed!

XOXO

P.S. Let me know which items or outfits are your favourites in the comment section down below!

MONDAY

From Left: 1. Belted Coat, 2. Slouchy Knot Front Blouse, 3. Leather Scalloped Cross Body Bag, 4. Heavily Embellished High Ankle Boots, 5. Moto Black Mermaid Hem Jamie Jeans.

Subtlety and sophistication go hand-in-hand so why not embrace the muted colours to start off your week by pairing this stunning coat with a simple blouse and gorgeous mermaid jeans - we've all wanted to embrace our inner mermaid at one time or another, right?! Add in some detail with this scalloped cross body bag and some statement boots and you'll be setting all the trends for the rest of the working week!

TUESDAY

From Left: 1. Borg Biker Jacket, 2. Bird Embroidered Shoulder Bag, 3. Plisse Short Sleeve Top, 4. Mischa Ankle Boots, 5. Velvet Tux Trousers.
I love the vintage/flea market find vibe that this outfit gives off! The plum coloured top combined with the velvet tux trousers will take you back to the nineties and help you relive all of those funky Spice Girl moments with just one look in the mirror. Make sure to set up a coffee or lunch date with some of your closest friends and show off this unusual embroidered bag whilst keeping warm in the crisp winter air by wearing this cooler-than-school biker jacket and classic pair of ankle boots.

WEDNESDAY

From Left: 1. Moto Cropped Oversized Jacket, 2. New Rupert Faux Fur Cross Body Bag, 3. New York Knicks T-Shirt, 4. Andi Multi Buckle Ankle Boots, 5. Moto Crystal Seam Mom Jeans.
Did someone say rock and roll chic? This is the perfect mid-week outfit for surviving that motivation lull in between completing projects and deadlines. Rediscover your true style whilst embracing the comfort of the loose t-shirt and mom jean combination and learn to re-love the faux fur bags that were once your childhood treasures. All that's left to add is this LA-girl inspired cropped jacket and some country-style buckle ankle boots and you've got a complete style overhaul!

THURSDAY

From Left: 1. Checked Double Breasted Jacket, 2. Salem Tote Bag, 3. Stud Rib Flute Sleeve Crop, 4. Lemonade Slingback Loafers, 5. Checked Tapered Leg Trousers.
It's coming up to deadline day, you have a lot of work to do in the office and you know you'll be running around like a headless chicken so why not embrace the officewear comfort by grabbing those loafers when you head out the door in the morning? You won't regret it! Ensure you're keeping your look classy and chic by pairing these checked tapered trousers with the matching double breasted jacket, making sure to throw on the gorgeous rib flute sleeve top underneath and filling up your black tote bag with all of your own personal work essentials.

FRIDAY

From Left: 1. Premium Oversized Texture Coat, 2. Wrap Satin Playsuit, 3. RAE Floral Embroidered Cross Body Bag, 4. Sadie Closed Toe Platforms.
This is the perfect outfit for having drinks with the girls or a date night with your partner! The flirty and sultry look of this wrap satin playsuit will get you in the mood to enjoy the low lighting and sweet atmosphere at the end of what we all know will be a hard working week. Show off your legs with some closed toe platforms, keep warm with this oversized coat and give your outfit that little extra feminine touch by tying it all together with the floral embroidered cross body bag seen above.

SATURDAY

From Left: 1. Chicago Bulls Bomber Jacket, 2. Panther Cross Body Bag, 3. Lil Lycra Vest, 4. Kick Leather Boots, 5. Popper Side Joggers.
It's almost Christmas Eve and you haven't quite finished your Christmas shopping - we've all been there - but have no fear because although you may not be the most organised person in the world, at least you've got your outfit in check and you're ready to face the crowd of like-minded individuals with a spring in your step! I created this look with the idea in my mind that when we're rushing around in a massive shopping centre, we get easily hot and bothered so, thanks to the combination I devised featuring this black vest, oh-so-comfy jogging bottoms and light but awesome looking bomber jacket, you'll be all sorted! Finally, make life easier by keeping your hands free with a cross body bag and your feet free from blisters with a pair of low heel ankle boots - you can thank me later!

SUNDAY

From Left: 1. Amber Overcoat, 2. Velvet Square Neck Body, 3. Charlie Chain Clutch Bag, 4. Sequin Knot Mini Skirt, 5. Gatsby Pointed Heel Court Shoes.
Christmas Eve is here!!!! One more day until Christmas and you're attending one of your favourite parties of the year! Enter this Christmas Eve event in style and sparkle as bright as those lights on the Christmas tree with a silver sequin mini skirt and shiny velvet bodysuit. Keep the silver and black colour scheme going with some black pointed heel court shoes and a clutch bag that is also worthy of making an appearance at your next party attendence on New Year's Eve. Lastly, cover up with this Amber overcoat and get ready to reveal your outfit as soon as you enter the door! 

Merry Christmas my lovelies!
XOXO
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Wednesday 11 October 2017

Sultry Dates


Hey lovelies!

I don't know about you but dates are such fun things to go on and whilst each one can differ from time to time, it's so cool being able to change up your makeup to fit the occasion - I mean who doesn't love a candle-lit dinner?

I must say though that I do often find it quite difficult to determine what can be considered to be the perfect eye look for such an event. Classic smokey eyes are gorgeous but you definitely need to find a type that will leave you looking more like a sultry goddess and less like a loved up racoon! Thankfully, I was roped in to be a model for my sister again as she desperately wanted to create a brown smokey eye on me and, of course, this girl couldn't say no haha!

I think it's safe to say that I absolutely love the way that it turned out! The combination of the smokey shadows with the nude lip allowed my eyes to be the centre of attention and left them to do all the talking, which is exactly what I had in mind. Also, the fact that I was bronzed to perfection and given just the right amount of blusher to put a little cheeky flush of colour back into my cheeks completed the look perfectly and ticked all of the boxes in my head. I can't wait to try this out myself and hopefully make it look just as good as my sister did, eeeeek wish me luck!

In the meantime, we would love for you to recreate this look yourself and tag us in your photos so that we can see those beautiful faces of yours! You can find all of my social media links over on the right and, as for my sister, you can find her Instagram and Twitter right here!

XOXO

P.S. For full product and how-to details, be sure to check out The Skinny Hot Choc and give her some love whilst you're over there!




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Wednesday 6 September 2017

Dark Atlanta


Hey lovelies!!

Annoyingly the weather on this day was, once again, overcast so I look terribly pale, but hey what can you do? I actually quite liked how the pictures turned out - there was a slight edginess to them which meant that they fitted in with the vibe that I was trying to attract.

This post was originally inspired by a bunch of Fall Out Boy songs that I was and still am really obsessed with, especially the one called 'Phoenix'. The rock music genre is one of my favourites and I have somehow always channeled the all-black outfits that are so commonly associated with the many rock/punk/alternative figures in today's society. Oddly enough, my two consecutive days of wearing all-black led to me sinking deeper into the darker shades of the colour spectrum and choosing the Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in 'Sepia' to vamp up an otherwise basic outfit.

I must say that dark lip colours can be quite intimidating to wear but it's honestly how you incorporate it into your makeup look that makes all the difference. The key is to keep your eyes simple and allow the lips to do the talking, although that doesn't mean you have to be too basic - you can still rock those gorgeous lashes and eyeliner with a dark, bold lip so there's no need to panic!

I hope that you have taken some inspiration from this beauty post and try out a dark liquid lipstick like 'Sepia' soon, it's truly worth it!

XOXO

P.S. Let me know in the comment section down below if you're into rock music and if so, what artists and/or bands are you loving at the moment? I can't wait to hear about your favourites!



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Saturday 2 September 2017

Black & Gold


Hey lovelies!

I am well aware of the fact that it looks like I'm trying to cling onto whatever is left of Summer and, although it may be true, there is no doubt about my excitement for the new season, I mean hello Autumn fashion!

Now, in all honesty, I initially wanted this post to centre around one of the extremely comfortable bikinis I purchased for my holiday but, once the pictures had been uploaded, I soon came round to the idea that this post would most likely become one full of beauty inspiration. I'm not mad about it though because I love gold eyeshadow more so than the average makeup lover and I am beyond obsessed with the gorgeous golden glow you're left with when you return from a sun-filled holiday.

I live for any and every opportunity to bronze my face beyond belief either to maintain my tan or at least fake it before anyone realises that my tan has actually faded and I'm as pale as Snow White...yes, it's very unfortunate. Nevertheless, this post will act as reminder for me of what once was and will hopefully offer you lovely people with some inspiration to stay glowy and bronzed for as long as physically possible, after all, that highlighted effect is not going out of style!

I hope that you're all having an amazing weekend, speak soon my loves!!

XOXO




 My Gorgeous Photographer: The Skinny Hot Choc


Shop my Bikini: Top and Bottom
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Monday 28 August 2017

Denim Midis & Peaceful Seas


Hey lovelies!

I honestly didn't think that I would be sporting a midi dress like this one before the age of 30. I bought this dress from New Look a short while ago and absolutely loved it from the moment that I tried it on but after making the purchase and eventually wearing it on my holiday, I began to worry that the style or at least the cut of it suited a more mature woman. I may have been wrong...

Denim is and always will be in fashion, in whatever shape or form you like, and this is probably why this dress works so well. The fit glides over my slightly curvier figure and ensures that my waist is cinched in with the oh-so-handy thin waist tie. Luckily enough, the bardot style makes this a somewhat classic piece for a summer wardrobe, therefore presenting me with several more opportunities to wear this again in the future.

The dress proved to be the perfect option for an evening out of exploring the town and spending some quality time with the family at our favourite restaurant - check out my last post to see a few pictures!

XOXO

P.S. Let me know what you think about this style of dress and if you would wear it yourself!

   
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Friday 25 August 2017

Grecian Ties


Hey lovelies!

I've had and always will have a soft spot for Greece. The food, the language, the music, the extremely cheesy TV shows and the stereotype that plates are ALWAYS being smashed all make up who I am. I may not be overly immersed in the culture but my family is Greek and therefore as an extension, I too am Greek and I'm proud to be! Have you never seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? I mean, what's there not to love?!

Greece is such a beautiful country and there is nothing better then returning to a place that makes you feel welcome in all aspects of its society. The Greeks love to showcase what they're good at and more often than not, they do so without much effort at all. We love to eat so its natural for restaurants to showcase the country's finest dishes through their very large portions and luckily enough the staff's bilingual talent will ensure that you're not stuck with a meal that you accidentally mispronounced. What's more, Greece boasts some of the most world renowned sea views due to its luxurious looking beaches and gorgeous mountain top horizons.

I had such a fun time rediscovering my love for the country in Skala Oropos, a little town just an hour outside of the capital city Athens. There is so much to love about this place, despite the fact that it is slightly out of the way of the general hustle and bustle that you would be used to on a holiday. The beach is absolutely stunning, the centre of town has views that make for perfect Instagram shots and the people are ever so sweet and welcoming. There is no doubt about whether or not I will return to Oropos because it is honestly a home away from home in so many respects. Enjoy the photos my loves!

XOXO




My beautiful sister and fellow blogger Elena, AKA. The Skinny Hot Choc.





















Athens






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