Roaming in Red, Barcelona Style pt. 2

Powerful, playful and packing a punch- This red dress is bold. 

The colour was seen all over the A/W17 catwalks and not just accents of it here and there- It was all over. If wearing head-to-toe red makes you want to run and hide, then start small by incorporating hints of the hue through bags and accessories. There are some gorgeous red handbags in Mango at the moment. However, if you are wanting to take inspiration from the catwalks and embrace the colour, then remember red doesn't need any help standing out so, keep accessories to a minimum and bags neutral.

The way the dress is designed allows it to move as you move. The fabric is airy and light, and the barely-there-straps give off a sassy, seductive and romantic feel. Perfect for roaming the streets of Barcelona. 

Outfit Linked Below |

Dress Zara (similar)

Bag Mango (the black version) 

Sandals Topshop 

Sunglasses ASOS

Andante Hotel in Raval Quarter, Barcelona Style pt.1

I’ve recently come back from a short city break in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Barcelona has everything; the beach, the city, and the culture. It’s the perfect place to go for a short mini break. 

Before you can go, you need somewhere to stay, and the Andante Hotel is the answer. Modern, clean and in a good location, with the bonus of a gorgeous roof-top pool that hardly gets busy. You can see right across Barcelona from the top of the Sagrada Familia to the Torres Glories – worthy of an Instagram snap! 

The actual rooms aren't anything amazing, but they are ideal to relax in after a long day of exploring. The beds are comfortable and the air conditioning is just right. Everything is white with a lovely landscape photo of the city AND as a bonus, wifi works throughout the hotel, so, you can share those beautiful photos on social media- no problem! Breakfast was nice, with all the pastries you can eat- there's not much that can go wrong really.

It's located in the Raval Quarter just one block away from the busy street of Las Ramblas, but you wouldn't know it. There was no noise and the actual hotel's street was peaceful and safe. It was just a few minutes walk from the Columbus Monument and Port Vell, as well as old town. There are plenty of restaurants and cocktail bars within walking distance, somewhere worth exploring for good vibes is Plaça Reial, just a 20 minute wander through the Gothic Quarter. 

My Soap and Glory Picks & Review

When Boots has 3 for 2 on all beauty brands you're going to end up buying something! Well, I headed for Soap and Glory for a new brow pencil and ended up with two more products in my bag. I thought I would give you a quick review on the products, as this is my first time using Soap and Glory Beauty. 

We've all got that Christmas gift set but what is the beauty like? 

ARCHERY 2-IN-1 BROW

I must admit the only reason I bought this eyebrow crayon was due to Benefit running out of Goof-Proof in my colour...but I'm actually pretty glad they did because I wouldn't have found this little gem!

I prefer the consistency of a crayon brow product as I feel they are much longer lasting and you can get the shape you want so much easier than a powder. I bought this in the colour 'Brownie Points' and the colour match to my brows is spot on. The triangular shape allows for precision but also thickness so, you can fill your brows in a matter of seconds. It's a very soft crayon to work with.

The only thing I would say is the amount of crayon that you get...it can't be more than 2cm! Which is such a shame as everything else is perfect. The setting gel is far better than the one you can purchase from Benefit's brow range, however, Goof Proof lasted me months before running out, so for that reason, I would suggest spending the extra ten pounds for Goof Proof as it lasts so much longer, but this is a great alternative if you can't get your hands on Benefits Goof Proof.

ONE HECK OF A BLOT - INSTANT PERFECTING POWER PRIMER

This product caught my eyes because I never wear primer but have recently started to see that my make up hasn't been lasting as long as I want throughout the working day. I also look more on the shiny side which I would like not to happen. So, this product seemed to answer all my make up worries. 

The brand claims that this lasts up to 12 hours and will keep your shine at bay. I can safely say after using for a week I can definitely see a difference. My face isn't as shiny and it's a nice base that evens out my skin whilst reducing my pores before applying my foundation. I had no need to top up opting to use the One Heck of a Blot Powder throughout the day instead (I talk about this in a minute). 

I place this primer on my t- zone and chin area as these are my problem areas, you only need a tiny amount making this product long lasting for the amount you pay. I'd definitely give it a go before spending money on a designer primer. 

ONE HECK OF A BLOT - SUPER TRANSLUCENT MATTIFYING POWDER

I picked this up to use in conjunction with the primer, it's always nice to chuck a compact into your handbag just in case! The actual powder is completely translucent as it says on the tin, it doesn't leave you with a white tinge to your skin either. 

I use this after applying my foundation and then again after my concealer, and immediately my skin seemed to appear matte but not dehydrated, making it completely undetectable on the skin. I do have to top up midday but I do have oily skin so, that is only to be expected. I've been using this for just a week, and the powder doesn't look like it's been touched so, I have hope that this will last me a while before I need to buy a new one. 

There is also a large mirror in the compact making this the perfect product to carry around in your handbag. It does come with a sponge but, I find using a brush for my powder makes for an easier application especially as I find sponges can become quite dirty with foundation. 

The two One Heck of a Blot products that I purchased when used together are complete miracle workers. They are my two star purchases!

Pinstripes & Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

This time a week ago I was drinking sangria, looking out on stunning views and soaking up the sun in Barcelona, and now I'm under blankets with multiple layers on in a not-so-warm-England.

One of the places I explored whilst there was the infamous Sagrada Familia Temple, designed by the historic architect, Antoni Gaudí. Who has a number of stunning designs dotted all over the city! I would recommend paying this attraction a visit, although, we, unfortunately, didn't explore the interior, the exterior was just as breathtaking. From the intricate detailing to the sheer size of the building, it's an odd design- resembling a sort of sandcastle mixed with a futuristic style rocket ship.

Where one finds Barcelona's biggest tourist attraction, finds an onslaw of guided tours all walking into you as they view a piece of history through their camera lenses. A million ice cream shops (which I am not complaining about) and just a LOT of people. I would advise visiting early to avoid the queues and crowds, although the parks either side of the temple were peaceful- the perfect place to sit and enjoy an ice cream.

I wanted to keep my look simple and above all else comfortable for exploring the city, so I opted for this light, short pinstripe dress. The bows and slight open back kept it playful whilst the length and frill kept it moveable and airy so, there wasn't any chance of me becoming too hot in the spanish sun. Also, for under ten pound this Primark dress was a real winner in my eyes, I've since worn it with a leather jacket and black boots to the pub in the evening- such a transitional piece.

I kept my accessories to a minium, sticking to my favourite Chloe style bangle bag as my Barcelona bag of choice, due to it's size and accross body option it was perfect for wandering the streets without worry of pickpockets. As for my shoes...aren't they just amazingly mad, I couldn't help myself when I saw all the tassles. Great for jazzing up any outfit!


Outfit Linked Below |

Dress Primark
Sandals Topshop (in black)
Bag Mango (in black)

Seeking City Comforts | The Ultimate Nude Dress

It's now September the seasons are changing; Fashion Week is upon us and I've received the all-important September issue of Elle magazine through the post, but I'm not ready to leave behind summer, just yet. This outfit was inspired by Liv Blankson, I saw it on her Instagram and immediately ordered! Go check her out. 

Keep a cool head in the heat of the city with this simple and uber comfy outfit. This is the ultimate nude dress, it's a bit riskier than my default of black and baggy but I wanted to try something a bit different. The dress is figure hugging which accentuates the figure, something I don't usually do, however, it's a nice balance because the longer hem means it's not exposing too much skin. 

The outfit is made even comfier when paired with a baggy fitted denim jacket. The looser fit jacket with a fitted dress adds another dimension, and the uncomplicated colour palette and shape keeps the outfit understated, suited to exploring the city in comfort.

In typical British fashion, the weather has changed from summer to winter in a matter of days with no warning, but I can imagine this dress being a great transitional piece if layered under a loose fitting cream roll- neck and a pointy black boot for an uber stylish look. Hopefully, we have a few more sunnier days though! 

Outfit Linked Below |

Dress Missguided

Denim Jacket Bershka

Sandals New Look (similar)

Bag Zara