Back To University

I hate when the weather is doing that stupid inbetweeny crap when it can't decide if it wants to start summer yet or stay in winter. It makes deciding what to wear so difficult! There's definitely a big trend for floral this spring, as with every spring. But a massive emphasise on wearing full prints. On everything! I'll save you too much flower power this time and suggest a few outfits for back to uni/college which ever institution of learning you'll be heading to!

I'm thinking of treating myself to some new jeans, I love the china print on these! And of course white jumpers are always in style so that too is on the list. I never took a second look at peplum tops other than to think what kind of weird throw back fashion trend is this? But I love the grey material here so I thought I'd just give it a go. No wonder peplums are such a big thing, the fit is amazing. Which means I can go for a big meal and get away with a pot bloated belly, hehehe! Also notice how I somehow manage to look exactly the same in both photos... weird.

What do you think of the looks? Tweet me what your wearing back to work/uni this spring and I'll add you photo below! @ericahenderson

Until Next Time xo

300 Follower Diva Giveaway

A few days ago I hit 300 followers on my twitter account, @ericahenderson! I'm so chuffed, my GFC hasn't worked since I got my blog, so I've been keeping track of my followers through twitter. I wanted to say thanks and hold a giveaway for all you lovelies! 

These gorgeous 3 necklaces and a bracelet are a few items I love this season! The giveaway is open internationally, it's worth £35 and will run for 1 month. Thank you readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until Next Time xo

Polyvore

I just discovered Polyvore, I love it! It's great to put together outfits that inspire you and things you want to buy.. when you can't. Fashion is my guilty pleasure simply because I shop way to much and I already have too many clothes, shoes and bags. But this is just dreaming for me.. until I have a great paying job. Then I can get what ever I want!

LuLus, My favourite items

If your an avid follower you'll know I love stumble upon and searching the web yesterday, I found this gorgeous new website! The clothes are just amazing with matching accessories and not your everyday style. Here are a few of my favourites, have you guys found any new websites to shop from recently? Obviously apart from the staple - ASOS ;)

H&M Spring collection wish list.

I love H&M, the have such amazing style and although keeping with the trends of the season offer something a little different to the norm? A few favourite things from their upcoming spring range, which is gorgeous. 

Elk Head

I love this necklace from OASAP, but I think I may start wearing it double wrapped. I prefer shorter necklaces, but its gorgeous non the less. I'd been looking for an animal skull type jewellery for a while, finally a great priced piece. What do you think? Kind of dark, but gorgeous all the same?

You can click here to get yours, its only $10 too bargain I love it.

Until Next Time xo

Maison Blanc

Every time I walk past this shop window I fall in love. Little macaroons (which everyone keeps raving about), very delicate pastries and gorgeous looking cakes. The price is pretty up there and after a few days of indulging in the Cake Boss TV series, I really really wanted me some delicious bakes. But I was disappointed. When I get an impulse I'm sure my friends and family could tell you that theres no stopping me, even money is no boundary. I just go a bit crazy. And so I did. I spent £22 on these desserts, which with my student budget is probably why I was so disappointed. More to the point, I got there 1 minute before they closed and luckily they let me in, so I didn't really have many options to choose from at 6pm on a Friday night. But hey, I was there and had some major cravings. So I picked the prettiest looking and of course the infamous macaroons. (I did try to bake these before as so many bloggers have) Let me tell you. They may look great in pictures, but the truth is in the bite. They need to be crunchy on the outside and a viccy sponge texture in the middle. These were as such, but wow was it an almond overload. Very bitter and I didn't realise these were stuffed with some strange fillings. To say the least I don't like macaroons. As cute as you are little fellas, I wont be ordering any more. Although I must say they are beautifully packaged.

Arc Vs DIY Erica

It's very bad to say, but my mac does get neglected. Not in use. I'm on it pretty much 24/7 unless I'm walking, otherwise I'm using it... Surprised it hasn't exploded yet! It's the same with all things you get, at first you don't let any dust touch it! Then you freak out the first time you drop it, then by the 10th time. Eh? It'll survive. But since I spent the majority of my loan on this last year, it's my baby and has all of my work on it. I wondered WTF am I doing?! So, I decided I needed somewhere safe to keep it. At £39.95 a pop, I thought... no. Just no way. I knew there had to be a cheaper way. 

OOTD Oasap

An outfit for the day. Thought I'd go with an American top since the Superbowl is on. Even though it's not a football top. I love the clean contrast a white top gives, so simple and fresh. Teamed with a tanned belt and shoes. Simple, simple denim look. What do you think? You can get this top by clicking here. 

I got this T from an online USA store, OASAP which has some amazing items. Most of their clothes are one size so I was a bit worried. But hey, it fits! I'm pleased, the texture is quality and thick. I love it. I've also got a gorgeous elk head necklace to show you soon. What do you think of my new hair, bright eh?!

Until Next Time xo

MUA Constellations Review

I got this little beauty along with some other MUA items from a blog sale by Aqeela, she has an amazing make-up blog click here to see the sale. This bad boy normally retails for £3 but I got mine for just £1.50. I saw people pinning this everywhere, I had no idea what it was. But I wanted it! I love how the feel, they're like hundreds and thousands on a 99 ice-cream! Well that was a weird metaphor.. anyway. To apply them, you need to have a wet coat of nail polish and immediately sprinkle over the caviar using the nozzle. Do this over folded paper so you can pour any excess back into the tube. What do you think? I love the look, this is Libra. But I also got a cheeky Gemini too. So I'll post that soon.

Sugar & Vice Giveaway!

This has been a long time coming, I've been chatting with the lovely girls over at Sugar & Vice since October. Finally I've sorted myself out and giving one of you lovelies a chance to win a gorgeous aztec necklace, who doesn't love some aztec? It's been a summer obsession of mine and luckily, the trend hasn't gone away over winter. Still rocking the patterns. I love the designs you can grab for very reasonable prices, they're so on trend. Yet they offer something so much more than on the high street. Quirky and different. So here's my little collection, my top picks, a personalised piece... and what your entering to win!

I love this! Thank you Sugar & Vice!

Here it is, a gorgeous Aztec Arrow Necklace. This competition will run for 2 weeks. It's open internationally, so please feel free to enter! If you'd like to pick up some other things now and like me are really, really impatient! Click here to go shopping. (They've got a massive sale on right now, so head over for some great bargains!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make Yourself Cosy

There's been a massive media flux over 'sexy' bedrooms. I have no idea why you would want a sexy bedroom but I would love a dim lighted, soft and elegant room. One which is easy on the eye and very relaxing. Since I've finally found a nice uni house for next year (yay!) I've been going interior crazy. Next has some brilliant solutions if your an affluent student, just splashing out or just not a student really! But I'll also be picking a few gorgeous designs to DIY. I'll keep you posted!

I love the bare woodwork and draping canopies over the bed, very romantic and girly. But I'm torn between a bohemian room filled with deep, rich purple and gold coloured fabrics. And lots of Moroccan lanterns, filled with scented candles. I'm getting carried away, back to the basics. Dainty fairy rose petal lighting and some cushy pillows. Because really, a girl can never have too many pillows and pointless soft, snuggly things covering the bed!

Click item for link
Lantern - £50/ Rose Lights - £25/ Novelty Love - £14

Pillows - £8/ Throws - £25

What do you think? I'm determined to DIY that Reserved pillow. So I can have one either side of my bed. But I think having a pack of mints to lay on top every day would be a step too far...

Until next Time xo

Charity Find and Super Short!

As you all know, I love a bit of Charity shopping. I found this gorgeous grunge knit jumper from Wallis for £4.75. I was going to buy one from Republic last month at £45! This is just an outfit that was really comfy and actually very warm.. since the weather has decided to start snowing! Plus it was really snuggly for my exam, urgh. But to brighten up the day I had a few vouchers to spend on the high-street and I found the shortest, well what I think was a skirt! What do you think it is?

Gorgeous faux fur, mini mini - H&M

( I did not buy this skirt. It wouldn't even work as pants for me. A belt maybe?)

Jumper - Wallis/ Jeans - Primark/ Boots - Zara/ Coat - Superdry
Scarf - Dorothy Perkins

Also here's a bunch of pictures of me being awkward.. I'll get used to these outfit posts one day! What do you think? This outfit works a lot better with the scarf to add a bit more colour.

Until Next Time xo

Surviving The January Sales

Well in reality if your a true bargain hunter, you'll be there with the rest, I mean thousands on boxing day morning. Queueing outside in the ice cold for a massive saving. But who hasn't got home and regretted buying nearly half of the items, some are broken and some don't even fit. Then wrapped up with New years ahead and eating the Christmas left overs we become too busy to return the junk. 

1. Get There Early

If you really want to get some serious bargains and hopefully something you wanted before Christmas but it didn't quite make it under the tree, you'll need to sacrifice those few extra hours in bed. Grab a coffee on the way there and you'll avoid some major traffic jams, parking troubles and get the first viewings for the sale. Of course you could always take the train but its undoubtedly going to be packed.

 2. Know What You Want

Before you end up like a kid in a candy store, running around aimlessly and showing each other some gorgeous clothes that you'll probably not end up getting. Be serious and go directly to what you want, then take a quick browse around before moving on to the next store.

3. Dress Correctly

If your willing to queue up for the fitting rooms then be sensible and wear some easily removable clothes! By this, I mean a simple jumper and jeans with cute pumps. You'll also be more comfortable if you wear layers, it'll get hot inside and quickly cold outside. Rather than strapped up boots, tights and a dress. Imagine taking this off and on and off and on all day, you'll probably end up with a ladder. My best advise is to try things on top of your outfit in the mirror or buy roughly and take them home to try. 

4. Take Cash

Although you will probably regret this as soon as you leave one shop and have £10 left and wish you brought just £20 more. If you know your budget before you go and don't allow any way for over spending you'll stick to it. 

5. Subliminal Shopping

Have you ever noticed how all the sales signs are in red and white? The stores do this to promote a warm Christmas memory, this drives you to buy more to keep that Christmas feeling going. Beware of this and think twice.

6. Shopping Is Like Drugs

When you find something that you can afford and you are rewarding yourself with this, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. The same that is released from taking heroine. (Wow this escalated quickly) But this is what gives you the addiction and push to buy more and more. The other problem is social, many people feel envious when their friends or family have stretched their money further than them! Be careful!

Remember you've probably spent a month's pay on gifts for loved ones, drinks, food and partying just a few days before. Take a snack with you if your going early and queuing up a flask of coffee too so you've got extra to spend just on sale items. Keep your bag and money close, don't flash your phone and have fun! If you missed my post about an over crowded student shopping lock in party, click here. I'd love to know what bargains you got this year in the comments!

Until Next Time xo

Primark Nail Foil Review

Primark is usually known for quantity over quality. Admittedly there are some gorgeous garments that are pretty sturdy and will last you a while, but the majority is just a quick fix. So I was wondering about the beauty range and how well the varnish would fair against the other more established brands. Please excuse the poor photos!

These are definitely just a one day thing. Maybe if your going out or for a special occasion. The quality for £1 is excellent, but day 2 and they've chipped slightly. I would advise painting a faint colour underneath just so it doesn't give it away quite as easily. Also the application instructions are very confusing. Initially I thought the straight edges were meant to be closest to my cuticles, took a few attempts to realise that wasn't quite right! When filing and trimming the edges you need to be very careful not to pull away the whole design! Also these would last a lot longer if you paint a clear top coat.

What do you think? A perfect stocking filler if the price wasn't printed on the packaging, shame.

Until Next Time xo

Beet it... Super Juice Reivew

Feeling groggy today, I was looking for a smoothie to boost my immune system and help delay the inevitable flu that comes with this ice cold weather. This gorgeous bottle stood out on the shelf and at £2.99 I thought why not? I was worried that it would taste very chemically and just strange, but most of all I didn't think it would taste of Beetroot. 

Surprisingly it was the exact taste of a fresh, juicy beetroot. Slightly thick and you could taste the quality and sweetness just as if you were biting into one. Unfortunately for me it was almost too sweet as a drink, but I can see why this new juice is growing rapidly in the health market with lots of press coverage. If you haven't seen this locally you can order direct by clicking here.

I would recommend this juice if you like beetroot, organic food and sweet drinks. But for me it was just slightly too sweet. The most exciting part of this drink, bar the health aspects and big push about Nitric Oxide, is the small reminder on the back label, that yes this juice will turn your pee pee pink! For those who follow a strict gym and exercise routine, beet it also produce a beetroot shot drink to boost stamina! Such a great idea. Just looking at the cardio benefits of this I would probably shot a bottle before the gym. Have you ever tried this? What did you think?

Until Next Time xo

Sneak Preview Motel Exclusive

Just for you, we've teamed up with Motel to give you the sale a week in advance. You will get the full 50% discount code, which will be activated for the general public in 7 days. How amazing, get some gorgeous new clothes at half price just in time for the Christmas parties! 

With this code you'll also get Free Next Day UK Delivery. For those in the USA free delivery as always. Hurry before the sale kicks in. Use code 'XMASPREVIEW50' you will also need to use this secret link: Click Here 

Until Next Time xo

I can see my breath

Yesterday I woke up to all the fields covered in frost, and about an inch of snowy ice layered on top of the fence. It was such a picturesque setting. I thought it would soon defrost with the sun, but I was wrong. As beautiful as it was, it was chilling to the bone. It stayed, the afternoon came and went. It stayed. It was cold. Cold. Got colder. I'd love to take a visit to winter wonderland, get my skates on and get into the festive spirit. But I'm afraid to leave my house. 

Hot Chocolate vs Winter Wonderland Cardiff

There's a fairly simple solution to try and remove yourself from a snuggly blanket, cosy fire and indulgent hot chocolate. That's the gorgeous winter selection from Next. I was surprised at the value for such thick, warm material. 

Beanie £10/ Gloves £12.50

But as gorgeous as those ski mittens are next, I think I'm just going to give it a miss and stick with these guys. Oh yes, snuggly penguin slippers and funky pj bottoms. 

Flannel pants £24/ Boots £14

Until Next Time xo

Simplicity is Classy

As much as I love statement necklaces and bracelets and well statement everything, sometimes you just crave to feel dainty. Some timeless pieces that you'll always love are those that aren't seasonal trends and something simple. I just found a new business via ASOS market place an amazing jewellery line. Lily King. They scream dainty, gently and gorgeous. The items are quality and very good value with these necklaces at £12 each. Gorgeous little stocking fillers or a cute little gift? 

Until Next Time xo

Heel Condoms, wait what?

I'm not sure how I got to this part of the internet but I was a little scared I'd see something like this.

But instead I found something amazing. I have so many pairs of shoes in my room, but every time I go shopping theres always a new pair I want. This is such an amazing solution, hopefully the exchange rate applies other wise I'll just buy a new pair of heels! Heel condoms are almost a personalising accessory so you can change the style of any of your favourite heels. 

So for me this means never having to wear in a new pair of heels ever again. Well thats in theory anyway. The average price is $40 for the newest additions and $25 for the rest. I'm also wondering how well they'd stay especially for those girls who party all night long? I guess this is an excuse for me to review them now? Theres always a excuse to shop. Which is your favourite? If you can't wait the postage time, check their website for your local stockist, they're pretty well represented. 

Until Next Time xo