New Look Cut-out Boots

These cut outs are the perfect multi-functional Autumn boots. I purchased them a few weeks ago in store and I've already worn them so much!

These shoes are actually from the wide fit section of the shop and I didn't find them too big. But I do have really weird feet because usually size 3 is way too big for me. Cry. 

They did hurt a little bit around the back of the ankle, where the strap is, the first time I wore them but now they don't hurt at all!

I've mostly worn these for going out in the evenings but I don't think it will take me long to start wearing them during the day paired up with some Joni Jeans.

They're great value for money at £29.99 - you really can't go wrong.

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New Winter Coats

I've collected two new winter coats so far this Autumn but I'll start with my favourite. 

How amaaazing is this coat?! 

I searched high and low for the perfect blue coat. Most of the ones I had seen were way too expensive (but so nice) and I was about to give up hope until I saw Missguided post pictures of their new just in coats and voila. 

Priced at £39.99 it's amazing value! The material is a sort of really short faux fur and it's really, really soft to the touch. It's quite a warm jacket, but perhaps on particularly cold days you may need an extra layer underneath. There are two big pockets on the front and there are two clips to join the coat at the front. However, I do find that these can come undone sometimes but it doesn't bother me too much as I like to wear mine open with a scarf.

 Also, I'd recommend downsizing as it's already quite oversized (on me anyway but I'm quite petite). I originally had a size 8 but it was waaay too big so I had it swapped for a 6 and there was quite a big difference - although a size 6 is still pretty oversized for me, it's just the right amount of oversizedness (making up words now!). 

So if you fancy one for yourself, here's the link http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/131060/s/lena-cocoon-coat-blue/category/503/

I'm also sure they do other colours if you're not keen on the blue so check them out!

The other coat I have purchased is this Black Unlined Duster Coat from New Look. 

It's a lot lighter than the Missguided coat so it's perfect for days that aren't as chilly. It is essentially an "unlined" coat - there isn't any extra material on the inside. It's just one layer. I'm a sucker for black clothing and this is just perfect for me. 

Again, there are two big pockets on the front and a single button/clip to join at the front. I bought this in a size 6 as it is also another slightly oversize design. But saying that, either a 6 or 8 would be fit comfortably.

I bought this coat for £34.99 but it is currently reduced to £26 with the 25% off selected lines. It does come in some lovely other pastel colours too! http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/jackets-and-coats/black-unlined-duster-coat_315306401

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Cupcake Crop

This H&M crop top is definitely not something I'd normally wear but I can't help not loving it. It's quite cute, right? It's the perfect length - not too short but enough to show some midriff. It's super, super comfy so it can be worn for casual wear or as part of your "comfies" aka pyjamas. 

I paired mine with my Topshop Joni Jeans for an easy and comfortable day time look. 

This top isn't available online but can be purchased at H&M stores for £6.99.

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Back to University

I moved back to Preston on Friday to continue onto the second year of my degree. This year I'm sharing a house with some of my best friends and it already feels so homely and comfy! Freshers is about to kick off tonight and I get to enjoy a week of freshers with no classes as I don't start again until next week yay! Here's my cute new room.... 

Is anyone else heading back to uni or just starting for the first time? 

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Missguided Haul

I'm a little obsessed with online shopping sooo a mini Missguided haul has taken place! I often end up on clothing websites out of boredom but there's nothing wrong with a little spree now and again. It's far too hard to resist, especially with the beginning of AW approaching and the start of the university term looming. I'll attach the links at the bottom of this post!

My first item is this white ribbed crop top. All I wear is crop tops so I thought this would be a lovely little

addition to my collection. I wanted something long sleeved but something that would also match with clothes I already have so this 3/4 sleeved crop is perfect. It can be dressed up at the evening or worn down with some jeans so it's very versatile. I don't have many white items of clothing and I thought it would be a great change from black. However, I was slightly disappointed because it's an off-white colour so it appears a tad cream (in my eyes anyway!). 

This is another little crop top that's a bit different. It's from Missguided's new AW collection eek. It's a blacked out crochet button-up top that's so adorable. Again, this could be dressed up or down. It could either be worn buttoned-up or unbuttoned with a another little crop underneath. It's so cute and is perfect for dressing up with a bright skirt and bag. It's almost like a winter version of the summer white crochet!

Next up is this gorgeous silk-feel shirt which was in the sale for just £9.99. I've had my eye on this shirt for a few weeks now and I'm so happy that I've bought it - it's the most perfect shirt I've ever owned! It's made up of gorgeous colours and the material really is almost like silk. I love the pattern and although it's quite "summery", it'll be lovely to brightened up a dull, autumn day. 

Last but not definitely least is this amazing rose gold skirt - another purchase from the new AW lines. It will be such a lovely item of clothing to wear in the winter months for special occasions. I haven't ever bought any thing in this type of material/colour before but it was love at first sight and I can't wait to wear it when I get the chance (maybe at freshers yay). The picture really doesn't do it justice at all. In fact, you're better off checking the link to see the model's pictures on the website!

LINKS

White crop top: http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/126639/s/otelia-burnout-ribbed-mid-sleeve-crop-top-white/category/633/

Crochet crop top: http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/129006/s/becki-cropped-premium-scalloped-lace-blouse-black/

Shirt: http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/116592/s/davinta-silk-feel-bohemian-print-boyfriend-shirt/

Skirt: http://www.missguided.co.uk/catalog/product/view/id/124683/s/sergia-rose-gold-metallic-mini-skirt/

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Social Networking Links X

Hi to all my lovely followers,

I'm on Instagram and Twitter and I'd love to give some of my fellow bloggers a follow. Feel free to come and find me!

Instagram: @elllaprobert

Twitter: @ellaprobert

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Favourite Summer Accessories

We're nearing the end of summer (boooo) and about to venture into Autumn time so I thought I'd collect a round up of my favourite summer shoes, jewellery and bags.

SHOES SHOES SHOES

These are some of my favourite shoes I've ever purchased! I bought them in about April in prep for my holiday and I've worn them sooo much - can't get enough! When I first saw these shoes I didn't know anyone else with them which probably made me love them even more. But now e v e r y o n e has them. I suppose it's not all bad as it just shows how great they are, right?! I wore them pretty much every evening on holiday as they're so comfy and they go with everything! I've got a little bit of a thing for white shoes at the moment.

I purchased these from eBay for around £20 but you can them anywhere now and are available in loooads of different of colours. I've also got them in black!





My next favourite pair of shoes at the moment are these amazing flatform sandals from Bank (no longer available online). Originally I was after some Birkenstock sandals, you know, those really ugly ones? But I figured that they can't be that practical for holiday/walking as they'd just flip off your feet wouldn't they? So, I found this perfect pair instead! Super, super comfy (although not recommended for running around Venice lost trying to catch your water bus for the airport at 3am with a 16kg suitcase..)

PRETTY CLUTCHES

Nothing better than a pretty bag and these are two of my all time favourites! Pastel shades and sparkly embellishments are perfect for brightening up an outfit. 

The oversized lilac clutch is amazing! Lilac is my favourite colour at the moment so it's currently matching with a lot of my outfits right now and this is such a lovely shade - it's gorgeous! Only £15 from Boohoo and it's also available in bright coral. It's quite a large bag which I can never quite fill with just my purse, phone, keys, lippy and mirror but still, it's fab. 

Next up is the most beautiful embellished clutch for.... £10! That's right! In Topshop this would easily be at least £40, right? Good old Primark. (I'm normally a bit hesitant buying stuff from Primark but this is such a gorgeous bag and I had to have it - especially at that price) It's a little smaller than the lilac bag and I would consider this to be the perfect sized clutch! If you're reading this and wanting this bag, I'm not sure it will still be available as I purchased it a few months ago while at uni. I don't have a store in my home town so I'm cut off from the Primark world. (Good?)

This cute little ASOS satchel was such a style steal which I bought in the sale a few weeks ago. I'm totally in love with shades of pale yellow and it's a perfect addition to my summer accessories. The details are so cute. Despite being a small satchel, there's a surprising amount of room inside which is great. ASOS is really good for bags at fab prices - they sell bags from a range of stores which don't accept student discount (i.e River Island) but buy from ASOS and you'll get your discount!

JEWELLERY

Last but definitely not least... Jewellery! I purchased a set of midi rings and a big statement ring from New Look. I love gold jewellery as I think it looks better(?!) than silver and looks classy with any outfit. 

This daisy choker is my absolute favourite - I wear it ALL the time! It's another ASOS purchase. It's so pretty, summery, festival-y and just gorgeous! It matches perfectly with my yellow ASOS satchel and white sandals. 

It feels as though summer is coming to an end soon. Is anyone else getting this feeling? I'm sorta sad but guys... Sneak peeks of Autumn collections look fabulous! Has anyone got their eye on anything pretty Autumnal items yet? I know I have.....

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Review: MUA "Undressed" Eyeshadow Palette

This is by far my favourite make up purchase in loooong time. I've had my eyes on this for some time now but every time I go to purchase it they're always sold out! This obviously proves how popular this product really is. Apart from obviously being such beautiful shades, I kind of wondered why it seemed so difficult to find them in store....

By chance I came across a blog post of this same product and discovered that it is an exact shade duplicate of the Naked Palette 3 and for just £4 - £3.60 with student discount at Superdrug.
SAY WHAT. After doing some little research into this, I found it really is an exact dupe - excluding just one slight change in one eye shadow! If you don't believe me then please do Google it - there are so many girls posting swatches of the two palettes right next to each other.The Naked Palette currently sits at £37 which has an extortionate difference to the (basically the same) MUA palette. I've never been able to afford the posh version due to my sad and poor student status *sob* but... Every cloud. I'm secretly smug of those spending almost 40 nuggets on something I got for, like, 1/10 the price.

Top row left - right: Puff, Rose Ash, Fawn, Gild, Hazel and Lion.

Bottom row left - right: Bronze Ore, Burnished Brown, Tawny, Henna, Fuel and Coal Grey. 

This is my first time using the palette. Lashes to brows, I covered in the first shade - Puff. I like covering my entire lid and highlighting under my brows with a natural colour as it highlights the brow bone and provides a natural tone and base for the upcoming shades. I find that by doing this, the other eye shadows blend much, much better. The second shade also does this job great - I've been using Rose Ash instead recently as it's much warmer (I've got a tan at the mo so it would depend on your skin tone!) On this occasion, I used (in order) Rose Ash, Gild and Burnished Brown. This is a natural, subtle day time look with a slight smokey eye. I like to apply the darker shades on the outside of my eyes above my eye liner flicks. The cat eye look is my favourite! Remember to start with the lightest shades and build them up darker and darker. Don't forget to blend, blend, blend and blend some more.

I've been using this palette pretty much every make up day since. It's oh so wonderful. The shades have slight pink hues which is lovely for my skin tone and probably for a lot of you as well. All of the shades blend amazingly well together (which is what I've also heard about the Naked Palette) and it does not crease at all during the day which is great! Perhaps my make up primer is to thank for this - always use primer! You really can't go wrong with this palette. There are also other palettes by MUA which I haven't tried yet but I'm sure they work just as great as this one. 

So far I haven't found any major flaws in the product. My only teenie tiny complain is that when I apply my eyeliner after on top of the shadows, I find that during the day my eyeliner kind of fades into the shadows and isn't as definite as it was on first application. I'm hoping that this could be to do with the eye liner rather than the eyeshadow. I'll be purchasing a new liner from a different brand this week so fingers crossed it will solve the problem. Either way, I'll DEFINITELY be buying from MUA again. 

Has anybody got any other thoughts on this wonderful palette or have tried the other MUA palettes? I would love to hear from you! 

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Review: Body Shop Haul

Out with the spring and in with the summer: out with the old and in with the new. Besides updating my wardrobe, I've done a big beauty transformation. 

I was getting towards that (really annoying) point of where all my products run out at the same time. With the new season and holiday coming up I thought it was the perfect time to switch up to some new goodies. I'm quite particular with products that go on my face as I dread causing irritation so I made a checklist of what I was looking for - fragrance free, alcohol free and natural ingredients. After some thought I realised THE BODY SHOP!

After researching into my favoured ranges (Aloe, Vitamin E and Seaweed) and reading a lot of mixed reviews, I settled with the Aloe range. I purchased the "soothing day cream", "calming facial cleanser" and "protective serum". I also purchased the Tea Tree Oil. 

 I've been an aloe lover for years now - especially from the plant itself! The benefits of aloe include reducing redness/blemishes, moisture, hydration and soothing irritated skin (amazing for sunburn). All these great benefits means it's great for sensitive skin! As I have combination, spot-prone skin with blemishes - this is a perfect range for me. I've been using these products every day for over a week now to ensure I had a good grasp of the effectiveness (original prices noted but all bought in the sale). Here are my thoughts...

"Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser" £3 for 60ml

I've begun using this morning and night in place of my previous daily cleanser which was an exfoliating gel. This aloe cleanser feels incredible on the skin. It feels like silk and it is so hydrating without leaving you oily. I was slightly weary about using this type of solution in place of an exfoliater as I thought it may not feel like it's actually "cleansing". However, I was wrong and I love this product so much - I will definitely be repurchasing in the bigger bottle. It does exactly what is says on the bottle. It really is "calming" (feels great after long wear make up or sunbathing). Your skins feels amazingly soft during use and leaves it feeling so soft too! I've definitely had a less shine-free face for longer with using this in comparison to my prevoious "oil-balancing" cleanser! As I have combination skin, I've also noticed I've had no dryness either. Yay. Every other day I still use an exfoliator for an extra cleanse and I've found that I'm using a much less harsh regime - my skin really does feel "calm", naturally moisturised oil-free for longer.

"Aloe Protective Serum" £11 for 30ml

After recently been reading lots of reviews and hearing of other bloggers using a serum, I decided that this would be a lovely new addition to my skincare regime. 

After using the aloe cleanser and double cleansing with L'oreal Micellar Solution, I will apply this serum to my fresh face. I do have a slight complain/word of warning about this product - a little goes a LONG way. The first time I used this product I definitely applied too much (I think I was excited) and didn't leave it to soak in properly before applying moisturiser. This left my face looking rather shiny and oily instead of moisturised and I was left disappointed from the first use. ALTHOUGH... Now I think this is my favourite aloe product! I learnt from my little lesson and I apply a tiny pea amount to each side of my face - cheeks, chin, jaw and neck. I completely avoid my t-zone now which leaves me shine-free! By applying this morning and night, my skin feels so plump and looks really healthy. It may appear to be a rich formula, but it's actually lovely and light when small amounts are used. Some people may argue that a serum is pointless, but in actual fact, the molecules are smaller than a moisturiser which means they sink deeper into your skin - which means your skin gets more of the nutrients than from a moisturiser. For best results, leave the serum to soak in completely before applying a moisturiser. After only a week of use I can't imagine my life without this! If you haven't already, get a serum in your life. 

"Aloe Soothing Day Cream" £10 for 50ml

After letting the serum soak in completely, I will apply this day moisturiser. I only use this product if I'm wearing make up. If I'm having a make up free day then I'll just apply a serum and let it work it's magic. Again, this is a light formula and a little definitely goes a long way! After just a week of using these aloe products I don't think I'll be dropping them any time soon. In such a short time I've noticed some big changes! These include - oil-free for longer, no more dryness, plumper feeling and healthier looking skin and best of all I've noticed that blemishes and redness have been dramatically reduced and are less visible than before! I would would highly recommend these products for anyone. I think it would be most effective for dry, sensitive or combination skin types who are looking to banish dryness, oilyness and redness. These products do all of those things and are so kind to your skin. Opting for alcohol-free and fragrance-free products has worked wonders. 

Tea Tree Oil £7 for 10ml 

The last product I purchased was the Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment. Reviews I read stated that some people experienced a lot of dryness from it. I've had some problem areas and I've been using this product on them and it's been great! I haven't had much dryness as I've been using these wonderful aloe goodies and they've helped my usual combination skin dryness. I've had the tiniest bit of dryness from this oil which only happened once my spots were finally gone. At the end of the day a little dryness is a good thing when it comes to fighting spots as it means they're going! It definitely has reduced spots and redness maybe a bit slow but definitely surely. I previously used the Soap and Glory Dr Spot Clearing Gel (£8 for 15ml) which is also really effective and perhaps a little quicker at working. The Tea Tree Oil is much less harsh on the skin (natural ingredients) than the S&G treatment - this is quite a harsh chemical product. I highly recommend the Dr Spot gel too, but personally I would opt for the Tea Tree Oil as it's much kinder to your skin and less drying. For a little less product for a similar price, it's definitely a change I'm willing to make. 

The Body Shop is fab if you're looking for natural products at great prices. Don't fall for their quite expensive prices. They have sales/offers on ALL the time. I picked out my products and a couple of days later there was a 40% discount on everything! I purchased all these skincare products and a big bamboo hair brush for all just £23.I'll definitely be restocking during their sales and adding more aloe products to my collection .And not forgetting The Body Shop is against animal testing so more bunnies get to hop free. Lovely! Quite a long post so well done if you made it to the end! Feel free to leave me any questions.

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"Summer sun says get out more"

At last we've had some beautiful weather up in the North of England. It feels like I've been waiting for ever for some sunshine! 

I've been making the most of the sun this weekend with my boyfriend - it's been so much fun. We spent all day Saturday sunbathing then had friends round for a BBQ. A lot of burgers were eaten and a lot of champagne and beer was drank.  

It's been non stop drinking for me since Thursday so I'm kinda glad that it's Monday today. Maybe other people in work aren't so glad. I've got the perfect solution for anyone who has those Monday blues or someone who maybe isn't excited for their holiday as they should be. Check out Friendly Fires' video for their single "Hawaiian Air". It's not a recent release as FF aren't around at the moment but nevertheless it's the most amazingly summer-iest video to get you excited for upcoming summer plans! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65_cgr4PJFk

Over the next couple days I shall be writing a couple of beauty reviews - I've got a lovely Body Shop haul and an amazing eye shadow palette to write about. I'm really excited about these products so keep your eyes peeled! 

Did anyone else make the most of the sunshine over the weekend?

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Review: L'oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution

One of my favourite beauty products at the moment is the L'oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution. If you have not purchased this yet - make it number 1 on your beauty wishlist!

What this product does is removes make up, dirt and refreshes the skin. It also functions as a toner. You simply pour a little product on a cotton pad and wipe your skin to either remove make up or simply cleanse. The reason I purchased this is because of other beauty blogger's really positive reviews and I most definitely was not disapointed! It really is truly incredible.

A little goes along way with this micellar water. I purchased this bottle about a good 3 months ago and I still have about 1/6 of the bottle left! And that is with using it at least once everyday. I normally use this product after taking my make up off and used my everyday cleanser. One I have cleansed and dried my face I will use this to collect and remove any remaining make up or dirt that my cleanser didn't reach. I also use this after my morning cleanse. I then leave the solution to dry on my skin once I'm done which doesn't take long at all. It leaves your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and fresh.

It's suitable for use on the face, eyes and lips and is suited for sensitive skin. I have quite sensitive skin and there is none of that stinging sensation that face wipes can often give you. I have troublesome skin and I have had no breakouts from this product. If anything, I've had less which would make sense as it removes almost twice as many impurities than a face wipe! The first time I used this to remove make up I was genuinely in shock, and horror, at the amount it removes from your skin in comparison to a wipe. I had to use at least 6 cotton pads, if not more, when I would only use 1 wipe. I read one day that a wipe spreads the dirt around your face rather than removing it. Because of the amount of cotton pads it takes to remove every single bit of make up, I have begun the double cleanse regime - remove make up, daily cleanser and then this.

The most magical thing about this product is that it removes ALL make up. Yes, including stubborn mascara and dark lip stain. PANDA EYES NO MORE. I always it to remove any excess mascara under my eyes. It works an absolute treat. Also, it is true to it's word and is suitable for lips as well. You can rub this on your lips without them feeling sort of sore. Or chapped, I guess? 

I couldn't recommend this product enough to absolutely anyone! If I could give this a name, I would call this product Magic Water. I think that's a good name for this!

So this didn't mean to be such a lengthy post but I guess that reflects how much I love this product. What I actually really wanted to know is if anyone had tried the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water? I'm thinking of purchasing the Garnier version next because you get 400ml instead of Lo'real's 200ml. I would love to know what anyone thinks of the L'oreal or the Garnier! 

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I've been drinking... Watermelon

After discussing what we wanted to do in Venice, we decided that we'd like to spend a good amount of time on the beach. So for me this means only one thing - new bikini! 

All my other bikinis are pretty much all plain so I thought I'd get something new and fresh. What better than a melon print bikini? I'm currently loving the watermelon trend (just because of the colours really). I don't even like watermelon?

Asos had a 25% student discount last week and me being me couldn't resist and had to take advantage! The original price of the top was £16 and the bottom was £12. I can be quite indecisive about my clothes and so I couldn't decide if to buy the bottoms of this set. My favourite type of bikini bottoms are those quite skimpy ones that have tie sides because you get a better tan. In the end I just decided I may as well get the set as there wouldn't be much point otherwise? Plus I already have tie side bottoms in coral and bright green - perfect watermelon colours ha!

I can't wait to wear this bikini. The only downside to this is the sizing of the top.. I'd suggest you go up one or two sizes if you've got a lot of boobage (this is an Asos bikini so I guess it would apply to all the Asos tops in the bandeau style). My boyfriend has also bought some pineapple shorts so we're gonna be looking fruity. 

Of course I had to buy more than one thing with 25% discount. In addition to my bikini, I purchased a super cute pair of cat eye sunglasses. If you have a heart shaped face like me then invest in a pair of cat eyes!

 The shape is lovely. They're not overly cat eyed at the corners as some can be which makes them so perfect. Those cute little pointed corners just enough without over doing it. I also love the colouring as they go with any outfit imaginable so there's no going wrong. They also come with a soft, little bag which is so handy! The original price was just £12 which also gives you total UV protection!

 My mini Asos haul also included a lovely, lace lingerie set which is amazing! Asos have an incredible range of lingerie which is on trend and soooo affordable for dupes of expensive, designer intimates! Definitely check them out if you haven't already. Thanks Asos - you did well.

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