claire’s accessories

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

This is just a quick little blog post to wish you all a Merry Christmas (if you celebrate it, of course)! I hope that you all have a lovely few days relaxing and chilling out with your family and friends and spoiling them rotten with love and kisses (and presents if you really wanted to go that far… 😉🎁). I thought I’d give a quick mini Polaroid photo shoot a go for today’s post… it’s quite tricky getting the lighting perfect in each one, but I hope you like the idea!

If you’re not with friends or family this Christmas, go out in to your communities and share the love and spirit because that’s what it’s all about… and if you don’t celebrate, I really hope you’re having a lovely holiday nonetheless and are getting excited for the New Year! I’m 16 next year… crazy times, people! Crazy times.

Oh and just so you know, I’m once again wearing my beautiful New Look jumper* (I styled it up over here last Christmas), with a few accessories from the awesome Claire’s*. I’ll definitely be taking a few more silly snaps tomorrow… who knows, maybe Father Christmas will pop some more gorgeous items under my tree? 😏🎅 Who knows… *sigh*

Merry Christmas! Let me know what you’re getting up to and how you’re ringing in 2016, in the comments below… 

(This blog post contains PR samples but all opinions are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.)

Happy Halloween! I’m not a major Halloween person but for the past three years now I’ve published a little Halloween themed photoshoot and even after having the worst internet, almost losing the camera with my lens on it (okay, I embarrassingly admit it was in the cupboard the whole time) and being distracted by fanfiction (why is it such a thing?!), I finally have this year’s little edit… it’s short and sweet but I hope you like it… 🎃👻💀

WHAT I WORE: Faux Fur Coat (Jumble Sale) // Floral Jumper (Peacocks)* // Necklace (Claires)* // Floral Headband (Claires)* // Make-up (Claire’s)* & (Mixture of brands)

After receiving an awesome package from the lovely people over at Claire’s, I knew that I had to use the absolutely gorgeous floral headband from their Halloween range. The first thought was to use it as part of some sort of ‘evil queen’ style look so that’s what I’ve tried to achieve. It’s not quite as exciting as my previous costumes (2013 + 2014) as I didn’t have quite as much time and I basically made it up as I went along but I think it works and it could be some really last minute inspiration for anyone heading off to parties!

I think I might actually remove the spiders from it and use it through out the whole autumn/winter period as the colours are so pretty; what do you think? In terms of the rest of the outfit and look, I went for my big faux fur coat to create the sort of ruffled/high collar that you often see in spooky costumes. It’s sort of a gothic vibe but with a touch of vampireness to it as I just randomly decided to smudge the ombre lip I’d created. Did it work? Who knows… let me know in the comments, yeah?

Happy Halloween once again! See you soon… 🎃👻💀

Hello everyone, WOW 2nd post of the day (first one is here)! If you have been following me on Twitter/Instagram, you won’t know that my oldest brother recently moved out, leaving the perfect of rooms for me to have a blog studio! I know it might sound crazy to have a room just for blogging, but I promise I don’t just blog in it haha! This post is going to show you round it and a few bits and pieces that I have bought recently! I also made a YouTube video, just to see it in more detail!

JUMBO HAIRSPRAY (DIY)//COMPANY BAG (BLOG AWARDS)//RUCKSACK (JUMBLE SALE)//PURSE (NEW LOOK)//VARIOUS MAGAZINES//NIKE TRAINERS (JD SPORTS)*//DR MARTENS (MASTERSHOE)*

Backdrop Decor & Bed Area: This is one of the main parts of the room I wanted to focus on. Now I have my soft boxes, I want to start doing more YouTube videos as an added extra, so having a good backdrop space was key. There’s a sort of trough against the wall, which is a perfect space for putting bits and pieces, and of course I had to put some of my favourite shoes, magazines and accessories. I think it looks really colourful but definitely still portrays the whole ‘blogging room’ feel.

NYTTJA FRAMES (IKEA)//OLD FRENCH PRINT (JUMBLE SALE)

Backdrop Wall: When I saw this print, I was instantly drawn in by it. It has such a nice, fresh, colourful and illustrative feel to it, and it was only 5 euros. It’s the perfect size, and compliments my magazine clippings really well. I knew I had to pop these frames up, and they only cost about 6 euros for all three. I would definitely recommend them as they are cheap as chips and aren’t too shiny so they don’t glare in bright lights – one of the reasons I love them so much for my backdrop! 

COLOURFUL JARS (JUMBLE SALE)//QUOTE WOODBLOCK//TV & SKY BOX

TV Shelf: Seeing as the room is still being used as a spare bedroom, the TV is staying where it was before. I added a cute little decoration which I stole from Mama Posh (she still hasn’t realised… shhh!), and placed my little quote wood block there too. It just makes the shelf a bit less boring and takes the ugliness away from the old clunky Sky box.

DESK//ADDE CHAIR (IKEA)//SPOTTY BOX//CANVAS (DIY)//MIRROR (MAKIES)*//SKURAR PLANT POT (IKEA)//NOTEPAD (OXFAM)//PERFUMES (MUSIC TO MY NOSE)*//PHOTOBOOTH PICTURES (BLOG AWARDS)

Blogging Zone: This is obviously where the magic happens… or where the blogging happens. I switched my brother’s old clunky office chair, for this super duper cheap IKEA chair… less than 10 euros! Don’t forget the blogger essential… lace trim style plant pot! I’ve had this canvas for a while now, it used to be in our living room… slightly out of place, but now it looks perfect! I also love the cute reminder of the Company Blog Awards! It reminds me of why I love blogging so much 🙂 Shame there is no iMac really… one day… one day! The good thing about this area though is that it can be used as a second backdrop! Bonus points!

WHITEBOARD (STAPLES)//FRAMSTALA GIFT RIBBON (IKEA)//MALA WHITEBOARD PENS (IKEA)

Blogging Whiteboard: I was going to have to buy a new one of these whiteboards, but my brother was kind enough to leave his for me. Although I use Google Docs to keep my blog schedule updated, this will be super helpful. I can just look up at it and know exactly what I need to do next. I simply taped some of this IKEA ribbon into a grid, and wrote in the spaces! Super easy 🙂 Sneaky peak of my… old schedule haha 😉 I love how the whiteboard pens match the ribbon too… cute details!

MULIG VALET RAIL (IKEA)//NEON ACCESSORIES (CLAIRES)*//JUNK FOOD NECKLACE (CHELSEA DOLL)*//BAG & FABRIC (LIBERTY LONDON)*

Samples Rail: I hope I don’t come across like I am showing off, but I do get sent things as gifts for my blog from time to time (..the things with the * by them..), so having a place to keep track of new pieces is really handy as a blogger. I was originally going to get some hooks, but this little rail is super handy! It has spaces to hang clothes, as well as a space to put small bits and bobs. I love the colour too! They do it in white as well if you’re wondering! The one thing I would say is that it doesn’t come with wheels! It’s super cute though and I can look at all the pretty things on it easily enough 🙂

SOFT BOXES (EBAY)//DR MARTENS (MASTERSHOE)*//LACK SIDE TABLE (IKEA)

Photography: As I’ve already mentioned, I recently invested in some soft boxes. One of my next blog posts will explain why, but I thought I’d show them here too! They’ve been so good so far, and I’m super happy I got them now! I don’t need more clothes… so these sorted that out! Haha! Along with my lights, I picked up one of the IKEA side tables. I never knew they did matte versions, so I chose the blue one. It’s perfect for taking pictures of products and makes it look so sleek and professional. I also got some IKEA wrapping paper just in-case I want to swap the blue for a cute print instead. I love the way it looks and I am extremely happy with the colour choice… even after my little panic before paying!

So that’s it! That’s my blogging room! As I love blogging, I love using it and having the lights up makes me feel extra cool! Haha 🙂 It also makes my bedroom feel much more relaxing than it used to because now it can be my ‘chill room’. What do you think of it? What would you put in your blog room? Speaking of blogging, the Company Style Blogger Awards voting end on May 23rd! WHAT?! It would be amazing if you could click here and vote for me on Tab 8! Thank you so much!

Not long ago now, I got contacted by the amazing people at Universal Pictures UK, (I know, crazy!) and they asked me to be an ambassador for their contest which they are running along side with Claire’s Accessories. It’s all in celebration of the Monster High: Frights, Camera, Action! DVD release! They wanted me to recreate a look as inspiration for anybody wanting to enter the ‘Monster High Get The Look’ competition! Of course I said yes, and here it is!

What I Wore: Printed Dress (H&M), Velvet Pinafore £22.99 (ARK Clothing)*, Pastel Blue Petticoat Skirt £20.00 (M&S), Pretty Polly Socks (ASOS), Statement Necklace (eBay) & Jumbo Hair Clips (Claire’s)

I thought I would re-create Viperine from Monster High‘s look, because I thought the make-up was really interesting, and I think when it comes to re-creating something, the make-up is always the strong point. I actually really liked the eye make-up, it was really strong but didn’t really involve much. I have listed all the products I used at the end of the post so you can take a look! I also straight away knew that I had to wear my petticoat because it is just perfect peeping underneath the pinafore like Viperine’s dress. I was chucking out pieces from my wardrobe (charity shop of course!) and I am so glad I didn’t get rid of my H&M dress because the colours are perfect! 
TO ENTER THE CONTEST VISIT THE CLAIRE’S FACEBOOK PAGE
You must be 13 years of age or over to enter!

Unfortunately I don’t have Viperine’s amazing waves, but my Babyliss Curling Wand came in handy! It’s actually a real bargain! The curls look super cute pinned back with my jumbo clips from Claire’s! I’ve had them for ages, and not only do I use them when sectioning my hair, they also make a great accessory! To re-create Viperine’s snake-y extra arms, I popped in some pink ribbons towards the back of my hair and they add that pop of colour! Plus my trusty eBay necklace, which looks pretty good for a replacement of Viperine’s version!

Now you maybe thinking, Tolly, why are you holding a make-up palette? Well my friend, it is because the doll version of Viperine, carries around a palette pretty similar to the one I am holding! (Do excuse my weird knee in the first picture… not sure what happened there!) I must say… I am pretty glad I am not Viperine though…. ew. Her skin is all scaley like a snake and I am not a fan of that! Although her dress sense is pretty nice! I am really happy with the pictures of this blog post because I finally know how to get awesome bokeh, and I think I have figured out the settings on my new lens! Eeep! …you might not see my hair as long as it is for much longer! Getting a snip and a few layers popped in in 4 days! (Bit like this…)

Products I Used: Bobby Pin Eyeshadows, Beauty UK Eyeshadows, Babyliss Curling Wand, Maybelline Permanent Taupe Colour Tattoo, Bourjois Eyeliner, 2True Concealer, L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara & Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio

I hope you liked this little blog post because I really enjoyed doing it! You can pick up your copy of Monster High™ Frights, Camera, Action! here! Good luck if you do enter!

(Viperine Imagery: ©2014 Mattel, Inc.  All Rights Reserved. © 2014Universal Pictures. All rights reserved. I was not paid to publish or create the post. I may have been gifted a few goodies as a thank you, but all opinions are 100% my own, and I was only expecting a share on FB! You can read my full disclaimer, here.)

When browsing the Claire’s site, I found their new ‘Monster’ collection, and then realised, hang on… this is some what like Sulley from Monsters Inc, and here I am now, writing a blog post on Sulley inspired fashion.

Scarf Hat//Fluffy Gloves//Phone Sock//Fluffy Jacket//Black & Blue Snood//Sulley Keyring//Sulley Toy

Blue, fur, everywhere, everyday because I love blue fur, just like Sulley, but I would never kill Sulley for his fur because that is inhumane, and everybody loves Sulley… so? First of all, look at this blue style ‘Spirithood’, scarf, hat, gloves all-in-one thingy-ma-bob, how cool?! It’s blue, it has ears, teeth and eyes, I mean come on?! That would be totally awesome in my wardrobe. Moving on to the fluffy gloves from ASOS… oh wow, they look so so so so warm! Imagine them popping out of a pink coat, with nice blue jeans and some boots *sigh*. I believe my phone though, may just look a tad bit better than me if it were to have this awesome phone sock on it… it has eyes… and it’s fluffy! Oh, and what is better than a blue fluffy jacket, exactly like Sulley’s fur (…I might actually be getting a similar one soon…)?! Topshop sometimes, literally have everything that you could imagine. The jacket would look amazing with a brightly coloured snood, and simple black pieces underneath. Talking of snoods, I have included a ‘pretty much Sulley‘ snood for ya’! If only those spots were purple… oh and don’t forget to be totally Sulley-ed out, you need to add a touch of blue to your bag, so why not add a keyring?! Don’t tell me I went overboard, because I added the toy… yes a Sulley toy. It’s cool though! I definitely think I need some blue fur in my wardrobe now though… OMG, imagine blue fur shoes?! Just imagine… *falls back into clouds of blue candyfloss*

I know you guys like these sort of posts, so I hope you liked this one! It’s a bit random I know, but I’m random so… there is really no excuse. By the way, have you entered my give-away? It’s on my Facebook page and you can win a watch… there really is nothing to lose!