Shopper Bag

We've done the tote bag, had a stint with the basket bag and all enjoyed the benefits of free hands with the backpack but fashion is heading back to basic shopper bags and lovvvving it. Us ladies are not people who like to travel unprepared so the shopper is perfect for filling up with all of your essentials. Working days: lunch, water, purse, diary, important documents, phone - all fits. Night out: make-up, extra layer (of course no guarantee that it wont rain for the whole of July and August), hair spray, potential pair of flats, keys - all fits. Beach: suncream, IPod, towel, book, sunglasses, water and refreshing juice drink - all fits. I can assure you that your new shopper bag will be perfect for each and every one of these occasions.  Personally, I think the bigger the better; endless amounts of space if ever a crisis with a plastic or paper bag ripping. I am very jealous of all of you who get to look at and enjoy your shiny new bags.
Examples:

Mango, Buckless Shopper Bag, £27.99 

Zara, Shopper with Combination Handles, £22.99

Pay day? Treat yourself? Living the dream? Wishful thinking?...

Céline, Triple Shopper in Vegetal Calfskin Tan

You can never have too many bags!

(Image source available from hyperlink on shop name on image caption)

They're Real

BADgal mascara from Benefit is a favourite for many people that I speak to. However the San Francisco based make-up brand offers an alternative mascara to the UK, 'They're Real'. Having recently tried a sample of the mascara I am a convert. The brush for the mascara is not as big and thick as the BADgal one however it suits my lashes much better. I am not one of those people who has been blessed with a gorgeous full set of long lashes and unfortunately have a stumpy set so a good mascara is essential to me. The brush has staggered plastic bristles separating the lashes individually and coating each lash individually. This separates, curls, lifts and volumises lashes to give your eyes a great defined outline. The brush has a rounded and customised tip which includes shorter bristles meaning you can coat that hard to reach corner of the eye and also fan the ends of your lashes, so glam.  The mascara has good wear and tear so stays on your lashes for most of the day, and like good quality mascaras, it doesn't flake off onto the face during the day. It dries quickly meaning that it is less likely to smug and I find I only need to do one coat a day. RRP of £19.50 but if only one coat is needed a day, then this should last you a good number of weeks. So take my word for it, I tell you no lies, it's all real, just like your lashes.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara £19.50

Example

Image source

Do Not Taper Off With Your Purchases Of Tapered Trousers

I am obsessed with tapered trousers. I am so obsessed that I have already written a post about them around this time last year. Summer necessity. I'm in a cycle of just wearing a different pair each day. In fact, writing this post has made me buy yet another pair. My reasoning and support for these trousers stem from the fact that they are versatile, library/work/drinks/dinner/shopping appropriate and with the up and down weather at the minute, it means that you can still wear them if it is hot but raining.
You can buy a pair which are plain in colour but I think the patterns that are on most of them is what has drawn me to them. Plus, with tapered trousers, there will always be a wide price range avaliable. Most high street stores will sell them so if you are not 100% sure, maybe go for a less expensive pair so it's not a huge regret. Or if you know that you're going to wear them day-in-day-out then those few extra pennies will probably be a good idea.
Here are a few examples of my favourites at the min:

H&M, Trousers, £4.99 (£4.99!!!!!) 

Topshop, Soft Tapered Trousers, £35

Zara, Paisley Print Trousers, £29.99

Images sourced from:
1 - H&M Trousers
2 - Topshop Soft Tapered Trousers
3 - Zara Paisley Print Trousers

Great Job

Soap and Glory are a brand that for some unknown reason seem to have passed me by. Many of my friends use their products and I was pointed in the direction of their daily moisturiser 'Glow Job' (I am sure that all pun was intended.) This is a great summer product for a number of reasons. Firstly, heavy foundation and moisturiser in summer is just a no go. It will only end in 'melty face' (a term I'm sure make up professionals use on a regular occasion.) It's good to let the skin breathe in summer and allow the vitamin D full access to your pores so that the body can soak up the goodness. Secondly, your skin undergoes so much wear and tear on a day-to-day basis that it's good to factor moisturiser into your daily routine. Many will be consistant with moisturising at night, but the morning is always such a mad rush that moisturiser maybe low down on the priority list. Thirdly, unlike many tinted moisturisers, which often feel too thick, Glow Job contains 'micro Bronzeburst Beads' that release temporary self tan when you rub the moisturiser into your face. This gives you the colour of a regular foundation with more of beachy natural look. Plus, as stated on the website, the moisturiser smells like 'orange peel oil and vanilla' and it truly does. Delicious.

Soap and Glory: Glow Job, Daily Radiance Moisturiser, RRP £9

At £9 a pop it could be pushing the boat out for some people, but you only need a pea size amount each morning so it should serve you all summer. Plus, there is no price on good skin. 

Even if you don't need a new moisturiser, or dont fancy one with a self-tanning element, then you should still head into town and browse the Soap and Glory products; the names of the items are genius and always provide some amusement on a quick lunch break. 

Soap and Glory - all images sourced from here