Evanna Lily by lily atkinson @evannalily - Tumblr Blog

My Glassware Shelf

As we are still in lockdown we are obviously spending more time than usual in our homes and for me I have started noticing all the little bits that I could use around the house and having little ideas about some decor things so I have been in a decor mood lately. As I am only renting I restricted from doing a full re-do of my apartment because were not allowed to hang pictures, paint, etc so I can only really get decor pieces and the essentials like storage and the basic essentials. I am getting very into storage boxes and jars thanks to Stacey Solomen’s Instagram account where she does really nice little DIY pieces made from old bits she has lying around, has really great storage ideas and just has a really nice home decor style and tricks even though its just a hobby she has!

What prompted this post is because Himself bought a new television recently and it triggered me changing up the TV table which led to me wanting to re-organise everything in the house! One thing that I have decided I need is a bread bin or bread box as I just have it in the cupboard at the moment and it takes space away so I am on the hunt for one and while hunting I came across some really nice bits. They are mostly from H&M Home as they have some really nice things in but there are other brands here too.

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0771115017.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0666269001.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0624793011.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0810676001.html

https://www.zarahome.com/ie/kitchen/cooking-utensils/wooden-mortar-c1020261507p301491424.html?ct=true

https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/worded-powder-coated-storage-bread-bin/p/hbp60142581?color=IVORY

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0705693001.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0822164001.html

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0594277001.html

https://www.zarahome.com/ie/dining/glassware/view-all/crystalline-wine-glass-with-gold-rim-c1020261540p301491615.html?ct=true

https://www.made.com/bendt-x15-bottle-wine-rack-copper

https://www.zarahome.com/ie/dining/glassware/view-all/cone-shaped-glassware-c1020261540p301382193.html?ct=true

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0730576001.html

https://www.zarahome.com/ie/kitchen/cooking-utensils/glass-airtight-container-(1-l)-c1020261507p301488319.html?ct=true

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0811211001.html

https://www.zarahome.com/ie/kitchen/textiles-and-accessories/see-all/storage-jar-c1020281008p301485643.html?ct=true

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0749972001.html

https://chickidee.co.uk/collections/cutlery/products/camden-matte-black-cutlery-set-x1

Ironically there is only one bread bin here but there are some great storage food boxes and jars available here. I love the fact they are glass as Im trying to keep all boxes, jars etc free from plastic just to reduce the amount of plastic I use and also the glass is easier to clean as some food stains it and some germs stay buried deep into the tiny ridges in plastic surfaces even though they have been thoroughly washed and also less plastic is good for the environment! I do have glass cereal jars and pasta jars but I am looking for a good spaghetti jar and this one from Zara home is such a good size for that! It is available in three different sizes too so you can find the size for what you need.

I am obsessed with these two types of wine glasses from Zara Home. I have gold rimmed tumbler glasses which I bought in Tk Maxx (I dont know the brand unfortunately as they were all individual in-store with only the Tk Maxx sticker) and even though I have wine glasses from Ikea I love the idea of them all matching. Ideally I would have the tumblers, white wine glasses, red wine glasses, prosecco / champagne glasses all matching with the gold rim. I don’t even really drink but I like to prepared for guests especially around Christmas and during the Summer for those Sunny Summer nights out. I also love the matching style gold edge plates from H&M which would make for a very chic set up for occasions and with the pink linen napkin too it would be a very cute table theme. The napkin is available in a few different colours too so definitely take a look if the pink doesn’t really work for you!

I cannot wait until this lockdown is over and I go on a proper hunt for some nice homeware bits and I can check places like Pennys and Tk Maxx who don’t really operate online as they have all their stock in-store which varies from store to store especially with Tk Maxx. Hopefully we can all go about our lives as normal soon and be reunited with family and friends and get back to doing the little things like browsing the shops and just popping out for a coffee as well as being able to go on nights out and go back to work and I think after this we will appreciate all these things a little bit more than we did before.

I hope you are all staying safe x

*As always this post is not sponsored/affliliated/paid advertisement. I just really like the products!

Home Decor : Basic Essentials As we are still in lockdown we are obviously spending more time than usual in our homes and for me I have started noticing all the little bits that I could use around the house and having little ideas about some decor things so I have been in a decor mood lately.

Met Gala 2020 : All Time Favourite Looks

Zac Posen Light Up Dress on Clare Danes for Met Gala 2016

The first Monday in May is usually dedicated to the biggest fashion event of the year and my absolute favourite event which is of course The Met Gala which takes place in New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art to raise funding for their Costume Institute and is organised by Vogue Magazine and of course Anna Wintour. Every year they have a…

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https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/pale-blue-button-up-ribbed-knit-cardigan/p/656719845?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

So obviously while we are all in quarantine our usual routines are out of whack and all normal rules go out the window so I don’t know about you but my usual wardrobe has gone out the window and I am living in sweats and hoodies. Any other than these is only on for the sole purpose of going to buy food. I usually put effort into my day to day wear as I need to be stylish for work and then change into sweats or pjs when I come home to be comfortable but now Im literally in a vest and joggers everyday. I applaud anyone who is actually getting dressed to be at home!

I used to be like that years ago and I would always be in jeans and a nice top with full face make up on on my day off with my hair styled just incase someone called to the house and up until about a year ago I didn’t own a single pair of sweat pants. Since then I have calmed down and now on my days off I am make up free and in comfy wear. Since work closed I was actually quite excited at the thought of not having to be “on” in terms of being dressed for work and having make up and was looking forward to just taking a break from having to put effort into my everyday look. My skin is having a serious break from make up and cosmetics only getting its usual face mask when I shower and a touch of moisturiser in the morning and evening and just being exposed to the air and light without having an extra layer on it. Another thing I think a lot of women will agree with here is the fact that we can go bra free every day which is great. I also think it is kind of healthy in a way that they are not propped up/lifted up/sitting up on a wire or elastic everyday as opposed to just being free. However if you are still having to put that little bit of effort in for video calls, work face-times, college video calls etc then there are some cute everyday pieces you can wear as comfortable home looks too.

Also fair play to any bloggers/influencers who are doing full on looks for instagram/tik tok videos/content because I literally cannot be bothered and the thought of having to take off make up is draining at this point!

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/camel-puff-sleeve-cardigan-/p/651925617?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jeans/pale-blue-%27lift-%26-shape%27-emilee-jeggings/p/643899545?comp=Search

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/white-v-neck-t-shirt/p/647358110?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/black-cycling-shorts/p/655905901?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/dark-grey-acid-wash-oversized-t-shirt/p/656076503?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/leggings/black-contrast-side-stripe-leggings/p/659005009?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/pale-grey-long-sleeve-jersey-hoodie/p/632406202?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/black-organic-cotton-vest/p/648821601?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/pale-grey-marl-cuffed-joggers/p/632963802?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/knitwear/pale-pink-fine-knit-button-crop-cardigan/p/644836272?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/dark-grey-fine-knit-batwing-jumper/p/657711503?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/cream-fine-knit-rib-longline-cardigan/p/597301914?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/sportswear/sculpt-pink-marble-print-sports-leggings/p/655378179?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/sportswear/sculpt-pink-marble-print-sports-bra/p/655381479?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/sportswear/pale-blue-colour-block-sports-leggings/p/644323845?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/black-midi-length-leggings/p/655906101?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/black-revere-collar-pyjama-short-set/p/647779801?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/loungewear/black-lace-trim-cami-and-shorts-pyjama-set/p/632376201?comp=Browse

These pieces are all from Newlook (*not sponsored/affiliated/advert) and I have seen a good few bloggers/influencers in some really nice knitwear pieces like the camel coloured cardigan which would be very cute with jeans as well as being paired with leggings. One thing that I think is a must have during this stay at home period is cycling shorts. They were all the rage last year and even though it took me a while to come around to that trend I love the pair I have! They go so well with oversized t-shirts, hoodies but are also good under dresses and blazers for everyday. The look that I am going for (inadvertently) everyday is more the Kim Kardashian joggers and a vest top which is the exact two products here with he grey joggers and the black cotton vest so I still feel a little trendy. Obviously Pjs are another option and these two options here are very casual chic pieces. Paired with a nice fluffy robe you have a very cute at home look without having to go the full sweats and a vest look if you prefer to look like you have a “look” without having to go the full way.

As I mentioned I am not being sponsored/affiliated/paid to advertise Newlook and its product in this post but the Newlook where I do work as my main job in Killarney does have its own Instagram (@newlookkillarney) where I along with other management post outfits, promotions and products and even though the store is closed at the moment there is a highlight in the profile where I am posting items from online and we have a couple of games going in our stories like find the emoji in the image so if you want to keep up to date with us and the products we have in-store (once reopened) then please give us a follow! (again I am not being paid/sponsored to do this I am just trying to keep our lovely customers minds from getting overwhelmed by the news and the pandemic with some fashion and games thrown in).

Ever yours

Lily

Comfy Cosy : At Home Looks So obviously while we are all in quarantine our usual routines are out of whack and all normal rules go out the window so I don't know about you but my usual wardrobe has gone out the window and I am living in sweats and hoodies.

Andrew Fitzsimons x Primark

Anyone who has been following for a while knows that I am in no way any type of a beauty expert but one thing I do like to take an interest in is haircare. Don’t get me wrong I am in no way a hair care expert either but I do like to try out different shampoos and conditioners to keep my hair healthy and strong and I tend to change the brand and the needs every time I start a new bottle so that my hair doesn’t get too used to a product and to make sure I am catering to any needs its has. So I was very interested when Andrew Fitzsimons launched his own range of hair care products with Primark! (Pennys if you are in the Republic of Ireland like me).

If you don’t know who Andrew Fitzsimons is he is a hairstylist to the Kardashian – Jenner family who is originally from Dublin here in Ireland who made his worked his way Dublin to Paris and then onto the USA before he was spotted by the Kardashians and started tending to their haircare needs. It is very cool that a hairdresser from Dublin is now working for one of the most famous families in the world. Just goes to show that hard work and determination pays off! He launched his new hair care line in collaboration with Primark in February this year (2020) with a whole range of products that cater for any hair needs! One thing that really interested me is that for someone who is working for a billion dollar famous family he collaborated with Primark so his product really IS affordable and it is also cruelty free which is a big bonus. I picked up a few things for myself to test out and I will talk you through them below and include prices!

Andrew Fitzsimons x Primark Repair Shampoo – Repair Conditioner – Repair Hair Mask

Andrew Fitzsimon x Primark Hair Repair Mask

So I am currently using the repair set which is the Repair Shampoo & Conditioner and the Repair Hair Mask which I am impressed with so far!

The Shampoo is a really nice pearly pink colour which matches the packaging and smells really nice. Its not heavily fragranced but it also has a light sweet smell. Looking at the ingredients it does have extracts of coconut, honey and almond scents. You don’t need a lot to get it to lather either which means it lasts longer. I do however have one negative and that is that I find that the shampoo tends to squeeze out of the top behind the push lid as well as the actual mouth of the lid so it seeps out from the two places but other than that small packaging issue I am really liking it! It retails for €4.50.

The Conditioner I find is a bit denser and sometimes hard to get out of the bottle from the end as its not a runny conditioner. It smells the same as the shampoo not too fragranced but not fragrance less. Its is very smooth on the hair and it instantly feel smoother and sleeker once washed out. I myself never put conditioner on the top of my head as I have a very sensitive scalp and nearly every conditioner caused my scalp to break out but I did test it out on my scalp a couple of times to make sure (unfortunately it did happen with this one too but thats just me) and I did make a difference to the appearance of my hair overall once dried and styled. It looked sleeker and smoother and I had less of those wires strays which is a bonus. Due to the fact my head is so sensitive I cant continue using it on my scalp but I would definitely recommend this duo! This retails for also €4.50

The hair mask I actually bought about a week later after seeing a blogger use and I have never used a hair mask before (due to the sensitive scalp issue) so I decided to test it out. Its almost the same texture and consistency as the conditioner but more a little heaver like a body cream. It doesn’t have much of a scent I don’t think even though it has the same fragrance extracts as the other two products. Again I tried this out on my scalp down to the ends and I can only use it on the ends but I do like it. Its like a guarantee for smooth, glossy hair after the conditioner. I only leave it in for the same amount of time as the conditioner but I know some people leave it in for a lot longer so you can leave it for as long as you want! This is selling at €4.00.

Andrew Fitzsimons x Primark Dry Shampoo

I am not one for using dry shampoo that much but I have only recently got back into using it. I think its from those teenage years of using it and it leaving that white powder all over your head that would not rub in just really put me off of it!

The Dry Shampoo I have used a few times and it is amazing! Its super light on the hair and leaves no residue unlike some that sit like hairspray almost that leaves that sticky, crunchy feeling or that feeling of almost like it’s damp but this is literally weightless. You can spray this on and you don’t even feel it which is a definitely plus. It smells really good as well and not in the overly, heavy scented way some dry shampoos do or that strong smell of an aerosol mixed with some floral scent its just a nice light and fresh scent. I definitely recommend trying this out! This retails for just €3.00.

Andrew Fitzsimons x Primark Eye Mask

I have never owned an eye mask before as I have needed one so being honest I completely bought this on whim and it will definitely come in handy for travelling. I always fall asleep on long car journeys (ahem and sometimes short ones…) and on flights so this will definitely be handy for that. Its a nice silky material so its not too heavy on and the elastic band is not too tight either which is great. This is in stores for €2.50.

He has a A LOT more products on offer too which I will attach below for you to browse through. I do have the volume shampoo and conditioner too which I haven’t started using yet so I will do an update on that once I start using it!

Hair Dryer

Hair Straightener

Hair Brush

Rail Comb

Hair Grips

No Mark Hair Clips

Silk Hair Bobbles

Silk Hair Ties

Clear Make Up Bag

Luxe Hair Oil

Glam Styling Spray

Texture Volume Spray

Shine Shampoo

Shine Hair Mask

Shine Conditioner

You can see his products on the Primark website but there are a few that are not on there I assume due to selling through but obviously the best place to go is into your local Primark or Pennys!

I hope you are all staying sane during quarantine and stay safe!

Ever Yours

Lily

Hair Care Review : Andrew Fitzsimon x Primark Anyone who has been following for a while knows that I am in no way any type of a beauty expert but one thing I do like to take an interest in is haircare.

March Madness : Plot Twist

Image found on Pinterest

So the March instalment of the Monthly Goals series is a bit different as the whole of this month has been a bit of a write off for the entire world due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Obviously whatever your opinion on the coronavirus it is a troubling time for everyone as nearly the whole world has hit pause on daily life to try and decrease the spread of…

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Outfit from Newlook Killarney Instagram : Photo by Me

I don’t know about you but I am very over this Irish weather we have been enduring for the last couple of weeks and am very ready for Spring/Summer weather to start! We have literally had a weather warning every couple of days and a new storm appearing every other day for nearly two weeks complete with hail, rain, torrential wind, ice and its going from really bright golden sunshine to hail in 0.5 seconds so bring on the Spring! To stay optimistic I have started looking at some Spring/Summer wear and day dreaming of some outfits that don’t involve some form of knitwear and a raincoat!

The above photo is a really cute Spring outfit that I put together at work and is really trendy with the leopard print and the style of midi skirt. Its a really casual chic look which can literally go from day to night with just a change of shoes from trainers to heels. The details for this look are available on the Newlook Killarney (@newlookkillarney) Instagram page!

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/petite-blue-denim-puff-sleeve-dress/p/647637840?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-leather-look-pointed-block-heel-boots/p/646036601?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/petite-black-floral-puff-sleeve-mini-dress/p/650077409?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jackets-coats/stone-suedette-belted-mac/p/647289416?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/petite-white-poplin-puff-sleeve-smock-dress/p/647888210?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/leggings/cream-coated-leather-look-leggings/p/634018213?comp=Search

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/tops/white-long-sleeve-dip-hem-poplin-shirt/p/644328410?comp=Search

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/yellow-floral-short-sleeve-tea-dress/p/652422489?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/pale-blue-scuba-tapered-suit-trousers/p/652885645?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jackets-coats/camel-revere-collar-oversized-blazer/p/651443217?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/tops/black-floral-3-4-sleeve-peplum-top/p/649123909?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/camel-covered-buckle-trousers/p/644456117?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/leggings/black-coated-leather-look-zip-leggings/p/634018201?comp=Search

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/shoes/white-leather-look-metallic-side-panel-trainers/p/638892510?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jeans/blue-balloon-leg-jeans/p/641619540?comp=Browse

I adore the denim puff sleeve dress that I have added in here as its just really cute and can be used for a night out too! I have a white denim string strap dress from Primark which is really nice and I love for going out so I love the idea of this with strappy heels and a micro bag for a night out or just wearing it over a plain white t-shirt with trainers for summer for a more casual look. I also really love the pic leggings which I have been eyeing up online in a Petite (alas not available in my size!) as we have them instore in a regular fit and they are just really flattering on. Again for going out with a cute black crop top and heels or with a plain black t-shirt matched up with the camel blazer and a layered gold necklace and white trainers. These leggings are also there in a cream/nude colour which again with a light pink blazer and heels would make a killer neutral look (think Khloe Kardashian at Malika’s baby shower).

Other items that are essential for Spring are nice florals (“florals for Spring groundbreaking”) and I did buy the floral black top as it is really cute on and has a retro look to it and would be so nice with just black jeans and court shoe stiletto heels or the boots I have here. We all know how I feel about boots so of course I had to add a pair in! These would go really well with the white smock dress I have here as well with a silver buckle belt added you have a cute boho look for summer and also just loose you have a cute everyday dress for home and for holidays.

Hope you are all having a good week!

Ever yours

Lily

*Not affiliated/sponsored/paid

Spring Watch : Goodbye Winter I don't know about you but I am very over this Irish weather we have been enduring for the last couple of weeks and am very ready for Spring/Summer weather to start!

Monthly Goals : February

Image From Pinterest

January is finally over and February is now underway and thank god payday has arrived and we are a step closer to Spring! Officially it is Spring but it takes Ireland a minute to catch up and it usually starts to get Springy around mid March although last year it snowed in March but we live in hope!

So a new month brings new goals and a review of last months goals that were…

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Monthly Goals : January

Image taken from Pinterest

So I would like to introduce you to my new monthly series which will be my focuses and goals for the new month ahead and the results and catch up of the previous one. I had a list of 2020 goals in my new years post which you can read here but this is more in depth and sets more of a timeframe to get certain things done. We all make resolutions and promises to ourselves…

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Image From Pinterest

Were now settled into January and as its a month that seems to go on forever due to it being back to work, the wait until payday seems endless, you’re still trying to get through the left over sweetie things from Christmas so the new healthy eating plan hasn’t quite commenced yet (guilty here) and overall January is just always a bit of a struggle month for various reasons. However one of the things that does come out of January is the Christmas sales. You can finally get those pieces you have been keeping your eye on at a lower price which is always a good feeling!

Being on the selling side of the Christmas/Janaury sales (they are January sales but a lot of stores start it on the 26th of December to get the money in earlier) it is definitely something that you don’t get excited about over Christmas as it is a lot of hours over almost a week of identifying it, preparing it, sorting it, setting it up and getting it ready to sell and then theres actually maintaining it! Also due to the fact that stores also start their sales on December 26th that means a lot of us only get the 25th of December off to celebrate Christmas and then we are right back in to work the next day as early as 7am to sell it to the public. So for this reason I don’t usually shop sale in-stores because I spend a lot of my time looking at one for a good month or so! (Also because sale shoppers are the most hardcore people on the planet and can cause a fair amount of stress). I do however have a look around online as a lot of the brands I shop personally are online so here are a few pieces that caught my eye!

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0697031002.html

https://www.missguided.eu/nude-satin-diamante-heeled-sandals-10158906

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jeans/petite-blue-%27lift-%26-shape%27-high-rise-ripped-jeans/p/616058440?comp=Browse

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/black-croc-miro-mini-chain-bag.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/black-organza-puff-sleeve-ribbed-bodycon-dress.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/shoes/rose-gold-clear-strap-block-heels/p/641435094?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/missfiga-black-glitter-bandeau-bodycon-dress/p/647100301?comp=Search

https://www.asos.com/simmi-shoes/simmi-london-sheena-espresso-barely-there-heeled-sandals/prd/11689405?clr=&colourWayId=16324142&SearchQuery=&cid=1931

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/skirts/petite-black-spot-side-split-midi-skirt/p/642870409?comp=Browse

https://www.bershka.com/ie/stretch-high-heel-ankle-boots-c0p102055814.html?colorId=040

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0708668002.html

https://www.bershka.com/ie/contrast-flat-ankle-boots-c0p101958786.html?colorId=040

https://www.asos.com/fashionkilla/fashionkilla-strapless-mini-dress-with-thigh-split/prd/9606035?clr=&colourWayId=15055753&SearchQuery=&cid=7046

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-diamanté-flared-heel-ankle-boots/p/637585901?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/prettylittlething/prettylittlething-cargo-pocket-detail-straight-leg-trousers-in-black/prd/10910749?clr=&colourWayId=16278637&SearchQuery=&cid=7046

https://www.asos.com/london-rebel/london-rebel-pointed-stiletto-heeled-boots-in-black/prd/12731721?clr=&colourWayId=16521568&SearchQuery=&cid=1931

https://www.asos.com/daisy-street/daisy-street-square-neck-cami-dress-in-gingham/prd/11835725?clr=&colourWayId=16369215&SearchQuery=&cid=7046

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-dominic-chunky-trainers-in-white/prd/11057323?clr=&colourWayId=16309073&SearchQuery=&cid=1931

Nearly everything here is a sale item with the exception of two items which are quite good prices so they are actually affordable for January! There are some very nice going out dresses around along with dressy shoes and boots at the moment which are at very good prices so it is always a good idea to shop sale going out now as a lot of stores tend to focus on spring/summer wear around now as the “party season” is over and peoples money is not stretching as far after all the Christmas shopping. Even though Europe is still in “Winter” months a lot places put their knitwear and coats into sale now as they are classed as “Basic wear” for certain seasons and lets face it living in Ireland you cant not own a coat because you will need it through out the year!

– A quick little lesson about January sales

The January sales are usually a mix of no longer needed Winter stock and old summer stock that the company or brand need to sell off to clear the way for new trends and buys. Sales vary from brand to brand depending on their buys during the year. Bigger multi national, high-street companies will hold bigger and cheaper sales because they have overbought on stock during the year and now need to get rid of it for new stock to come in and also to make the profit back from them not selling through at a full price. So they discount them down to very cheap and tempting offers with between 50% to 75% off so that the public will hopefully buy in bulk and clear their stock in one bigger transaction than opposed to only buying a couple of full price pieces for the same value.

When you have more luxurious, pricey, smaller and one off brands they will usually have a smaller more selected sale containing selected items as they usually do their own “collections” during the year. So they tend to stock more limited pieces from smaller manufacturers or if they are their own creators then they will only create a certain amount. For example Jewellery designers and stores. They only design a limited amount of pieces for a collection therefore when it comes around to Winter sales they may only have a very small amount left. So lets say they create 8 different pieces for a collection during the summer which is stocked in 6 of their stores and each store gets 4 versions of each piece so 192 individual stock item altogether. By the time Winter sales hit each store may only have 3 of those items left. Instead of slashing the prices way down they discount them down by only 10%-25% as these are not products they have overbought on and need to shift before a new collection comes out. They created enough pieces to make a return profit then have the space and ability to bring out new collections without an urgency to move remaining product out as that is all there is.

I hope some of that makes sense although I am not the best at describing things! Some of it may be really obvious and other parts not so much but I just thought I would give you a little insight into the world of retail sales which I have been part of for over 5 years now (I need to try something new I think!) and some people have no idea how it all really works so consider this my little fact of the day for you!

Ever yours

Lily

January : Sale Shopping Were now settled into January and as its a month that seems to go on forever due to it being back to work, the wait until payday seems endless, you're still trying to get through the left over sweetie things from Christmas so the new healthy eating plan hasn't quite commenced yet (guilty here) and overall January is just always a bit of a struggle month for various reasons.

2020 from Pinterest

So yet again another new year has rolled around and I feel like this year is going to be a good one because this time I am going to make it my own. I always go into the new year like the rest of you with new resolutions and new commitments that never last but this year I have some definitely goals and promises that I intend to keep.

2019 was full of ups and downs and some changes in both my personal life and my professional life. Just to keep up with whats been going on heres quick recap of the year

Started January off by getting another kitten. I say “got” another kitten but he chose us and even then it may have been my other cat who chose him. I currently have 4 cats and 3 of them were strays that appeared at or near to our house but Alfie was actually brought home to us by our other cat George! I went to let George into the house one night and he just had Alfie with him and its nearly a year later and he is still here!

In February as a Valentines present Kevin got us flights to Berlin for five days which was very cool. It was really nice to have a mini break and I had never been to Berlin before but I had been to Germany with my school so I knew a little bit of German but not enough! So it was nice to see the sights and take some time away from everyday life.

In April my grandparents celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary which is amazing to be married for that long and to be with the same person for that many years and counting. I cant even begin to imagine spending that length of time with someone going through the ups and downs, the changes in life and growing old and still feeling the same way you did 65 years previously. I think the only people I know of who have been married longer than them is The Queen and Prince Philip who are on nearly 70 years I think?

Kevin surprised me in April with a little trip away by coming over one day after I had finished work and told me to pack a bag as we were going away for two days to a surprise location which turned out to be Galway! It was really nice going back there after all those years and showing him my old house, where I went to college and just the atmosphere of Galway as a place and as somewhere that holds so many memories for me both good and bad.

In May Éimear and myself headed to the Olympia Theatre in Dublin to see Dermot Kennedy for again which as usual was amazing as he is such a brilliant artist and his music just touches your soul. We also had one of the most fun nights and we didn’t even go out! We literally just spent time back at the hotel after the show having a proper laugh and got spice-bags delivered to the hotel and ate them in bed. Honestly one of the best nights of my life.

In June Kevin and I headed to London for the second time to housesit (and cat sit) for my aunt. It was a bit more relaxed this time as we had been before we had got the touristy things out of the way as Kevin had never been before (Im actually English living in Ireland) but we did do some cool things like visiting Stamford Bridge. (you can see my London post here). I also found the new title for the blog that I been searching for and deciding on for a long time. It just hit me in the middle of a restaurant that that was it and so when I came home the blog was officially changed to Basic by Lily.

In July myself and Kevin moved into together (that post is on the way I swear) for the first time. To be honest we didn’t actually talk about it first we just sort of both said we were bored of being at home and wanted to have our own spaces and we just started looking and then we viewed one place and moved in a few weeks later. It has now been 6 months and we haven’t killed each other yet!

August wasn’t the happiest month as my older dog Cookie who was around fifteen years old died. She had been one of two dogs we got when we first moved to Ireland the other being Lola who died in 2015. Cookie had been having trouble with her legs a bit as its quite common in Labradors (she was a black lab) when they get older that they have hip problems and she had been finding it difficult to get up and could no longer do things like run for the ball or go for a proper walk like our newer dog Holly and then one day she could no longer get up at all. She had just had enough and was ready to go. That night she went in her sleep with my dad beside her and on her favourite pillow.

Kevin turned 30 in October and we had a fun surprise party for him. It was mainly organised by his mum and family but it was the first time our families met which was nice and was such a good occasion to do that on! He definitely enjoyed himself and had some fun too which was the whole point of it!

December I turned 24 and got a new lease of life and new outlook and attitude to life and work and just on myself.

Kevin and I in Berlin on top of the Reichstag Building

My Lil Lion Cub

London

Alfies official Photo for the gram!

Sitting Room Set Up

Dermot Kennedy in the Olympia Theatre

Kevins 30th

My Sweet Cookie

Kevin and I at a wedding in Carlow

Walking on Cars in the INEC

Mondello Park Drifting

Holly’s annual Christmas photo!

And now heading into a new year I do feel like a change is happening. Maybe it has already happened Im not sure but I feel like I am going into the new year with a new sense of direction and a clearer vision and I am just generally feeling fresh and new and ready for the new year to come! Usually I sort of indifferent about it I mean I like ringing in the new year with my family and seeing the clock hit midnight but generally don’t feel anything amazing about a new year but this year I am looking forward to it and to see what it has in-store. I definitely have a few goals for 2020 too!

Definitely need to get some travel in. In 2019 I went to Berlin for five days and London for two weeks and as fun and nice as city breaks are I really love having a sun holiday which I did not get in 2019. Usually myself and Kevin have been on one sun holiday a year since we met and have been to Portugal a couple of times but we didn’t make it to a sunny spot this year so in 2020 I am definitely aiming to get around three holidays in. One short city type break, one longish city break and a longer sun holiday. I just feel like having a sun holiday is good for your mind body and soul because you get that ultimate relaxation time for your mind, the sea salt and warm air for your skin and body and just the experience of different culture and lifestyle to educate your soul.

I definitely want to experience more and not be so cautious about everything. My family got my brother a course at Mondello Park in Kildare for his birthday in Drifting a car and even though I know I would be such a scaredy cat I definitely would like to try it at least once. So I want to try more things and do new experiences and just live life a bit more.

I also would like to grow more as a person and get out of some not so great habits and not get too lazy about things for example eating properly. When Kevin and I moved in together we said we were only getting take away once a week and because I’m the only one of us who can cook when Im tired from work I tend to get lazy and then Kevin suggests chinese or pizza and I usually give in because I have not get the energy to think of a meal never mind create one. When I do though I feel like I can make really nice dishes (I actually made a really nice soy honey pork stir fry the other week and shocked myself) but I’m always getting lazy. Definitely will treat myself to a fast food once a week but definitely plan on cutting back.

I hope that you all have a wonderful new years eve and new years day (I’ll be working but look someone has to) and that you make 2020 your own and leave any stress or worry behind in 2019 and start anew.

Ever yours

Lily

2020 : A New Chapter So yet again another new year has rolled around and I feel like this year is going to be a good one because this time I am going to make it my own.

Bauble Image from Pinterest

Christmas is fast approaching as we have just about a week left until the big day hits and if like me you are a little stuck for I thought I would share a few ideas here with you! December is always a crazy shopping month for me as not only do I have Christmas presents to buy for family and friends but I also have a fair few birthdays!

Fun fact myself and my best friend Éimear have the same birthday on the 7th so she is always number 1 present to be bought first! Then I have my dads birthday on the 24th of December as well as it being Christmas eve, my brother is then on the 29th and this year is his 21st so it is a special birthday, my granddad is then on the 31st combined with New Years Eve so between him and my dad we have to put that extra little bit of effort in so they don’t feel like Christmas/New Year has overtaken their birthdays. So combined with those birthdays and then the added Christmas presents for them and others like my mum, nan, boyfriend, Éimear’s mum (who is basically my Irish mammy too), boyfriends parents it all adds up for me! This year though I did get a few gifts nice and early the first week of December and felt really good and motivated and organised and then cut to the 17th and I still had around 7 or 8 presents left to buy. I did however cut that down to 5 that same day after I dashed to town as it was my day off.

Womens

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/jackets-coats/pale-pink-faux-fur-longline-coat/p/619712472?comp=Search

https://www.danielwellington.com/ie/dw-watch-iconic-link-rose-gold-28-white/

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0692155016.html

https://www.fentybeauty.com/killawatt-freestyle-highlighter-/FB30002.html?cgid=shop-all-gifts&dwvar_FB30002_color=FB3001

https://maxbenjamin.ie/ie/our-products/candles/cassis-white-jasmine

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0371163001.html

https://www.mya-bay.com/en/i-am-a-limited-edition#/1-color-gold

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/three-quarter-length-faux-shearling-coat-p04341223.html?v1=14259228&v2=1281593

https://www.asos.com/glamorous/glamorous-black-velvet-cross-body-bag-with-gold-tassel-hardware/prd/12935847?clr=black&colourWayId=16525726&SearchQuery=&cid=8730

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/zara-rose-edt-90-ml-p20110003.html?v1=13401012&v2=1281589

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-croc-effect-purse-with-hardware-detail/prd/12770532?clr=red&colourWayId=16464809&SearchQuery=&cid=8730

https://www.mya-bay.com/en/chain-choker-pimp#/1-color-gold

https://www.prettylittlething.com/black-croc-micro-mini-chain-bag.html

https://www.boots.ie/electrical/beauty-tools/facial-cleansing-brush/foreo-luna-play-pearl-pink-10216973

https://www.asos.com/fujifilm/fujifilm-instax-square-sq6-instant-camera-in-blush-gold/prd/11868954?clr=multi&colourWayId=16343908&SearchQuery=&cid=16095

https://www.nespresso.com/ie/en/order/machines/original/pixie-electric-titan-coffee-machine-with-milk-frother-bundle

https://www.asos.com/skinnydip/skinnydip-rose-gold-wireless-earbuds-with-charging-case/prd/13520258?clr=blush&colourWayId=16479854&SearchQuery=&cid=16095

Mens

https://www.voya.ie/en/VOYA-Man–Cooling-Shave-Gel/m-407.aspx

https://www.danielwellington.com/ie/dw-watch-iconic-link-silver-36-black/

https://ie.tommy.com/tommy-badge-hoody-dm0dm06593002

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-holdall-in-black-with-deboss/prd/13565069?clr=&colourWayId=16547400&SearchQuery=&cid=9265

https://www.lifestylesports.com/ie/mens-lerond-11710000.html

https://www.asos.com/ted-baker/ted-baker-zacks-bi-fold-leather-wallet/prd/8752067?channelref=product+search&affid=25081&mk=abc&ppcadref=7706964620%7C80191331414%7Cpla-331503701945&cpn=7706964620&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIos_rnbu95gIVFuDtCh3a9QwZEAQYAyABEgLyxfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://craftdlondon.com/products/abx-lion-silver?_pos=2&_sid=d4c16cc36&_ss=r

https://www.theperfumeshop.com/ie/issey-miyake/leau-majeure-dissey/eau-de-toilette-for-him/p/70700EDTJU?varSel=1201573

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/textured-comfort-knit-coat-p08288352.html?v1=26150919&v2=1282966

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0792344006.html

https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/supersoft-fleece-dressing-gown/p/clp60433752

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salter-EK2902-Healthy-Fat-Free-Electric/dp/B07DPH1GF2/ref=sr_1_27_sspa?adgrpid=53830595490&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIysfyp9O95gIVRLTtCh1ofQTREAAYASAAEgJDevD_BwE&hvadid=291322251777&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1007874&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3991910792505749711&hvtargid=kwd-39607650&hydadcr=14352_1723243&keywords=popcorn+machine&qid=1576619074&sr=8-27-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTloyTUwxVUpGV1BDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzY4NDgzSFc5V0xOQU5DNUtTJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MjcxNDExOTlWNE5ZM0hISTY5JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://maxbenjamin.ie/ie/our-products/car-fragrance/dodici-br-luxury-car-fragrance

https://www.newlook.com/row/mens/accessories/pale-grey-chunky-knit-scarf-/p/642047602?comp=Browse

https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/

https://www.boots.ie/electrical/electrical-dental/electric-toothbrushes/oral-b-vitality-base-white-and-clean-electric-toothbrush-10076900

https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0769673002.html

https://www.asos.com/fitbit/fitbit-inspire-hr-smart-watch-in-black/prd/12242325?clr=&colourWayId=16372082&SearchQuery=&cid=16091

Rather than doing two separate posts on women and mens I thought I would just combine the two as it would be easier to look through and also because somethings are unisex or gender neutral (and also because I left it too late too post two separate posts). I really wanted to make a gender neutral post with unisex and label-less items but unfortunately it is still a bit tough to find those when a majority of online stores still have the separation of the sexes BUT I do think that you could gift any of the items here to any person no matter how they identify themselves. Just because it comes from a “women” or “mens” section doesn’t necessarily mean that its only meant for those two types of people.

In this post I have selected a lot of items as if I was shopping for the people in my life and what I would like as gifts or what I know someone else would like so I have selected a good few handy and affordable pieces some of which I already have or know people who have them. For example the popcorn machine we have had in my house for years and it is so handy. Its also way easier then the microwave popcorn because first of all you can select whatever toppings you want and don’t have to buy packets of particular flavours and add things in, secondly because it is actually so much fun when the kernels start popping to try and catch them with the bowl. It does have a little shoot that they come out of but sometimes the kernels gather a bit of momentum and they do shoot everywhere which is very entertaining. Max Benjamin I think I mention religiously every year as a gift idea because they are the best candles in my opinion. They are Irish made, the scents are amazing and they also last a really long time. A lot of candles loose the scent after a few uses but these are fragrant and fresh right down to the base. I also reuse the jars when they’re finished as make up brush holders as they are just white china jars so you’re getting two things at once! (but maybe thats just me)

Speak to you all soon!

Ever yours

Lily

*As usual non of this is sponsored/affliated/advertised. Just me and my own ideas gathered to provide some inspiration for others!

Christmas Gift Ideas : For Everyone Christmas is fast approaching as we have just about a week left until the big day hits and if like me you are a little stuck for I thought I would share a few ideas here with you!

So thats it I am now 24 years of age as of the 7th of December!

I realise this post is going up just about a week after my actual birthday but I unfortunately got hit with the flu on the Sunday morning of the 8th (typical) and only got up an about on the Tuesday and then it was back to work for me! So day one of being twenty four went really well for with my temporary best friends Olbas Oil, Vicks vapour rub, Kleenex hot water bottles, slipper socks and my electric blanket along with my boyfriend who took care of me after he had finished work!

Last year I honestly didn’t even celebrate my birthday in any way I mean I got cards and gifts but I didn’t have any family dinner or go out or anything I literally just treated it like any other day and wasn’t excited by it nor bothered by it. So last year it literally just came and went like any other day without any fuss or bother about it! This year however I did want to celebrate it a little and so had this look planned in my head for ages of being really glam and over the top and just going out and having a great night and then dinner with the family the next day! I did pick up a few bits as options to wear for the night out and I will list them below!

https://www.riverisland.ie/p/petite-white-diamante-button-tux-dress-742207

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/black-organza-puff-sleeve-ribbed-bodycon-dress.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/shoes/silver-shimmer-diamanté-strappy-stilettos/p/632878992?comp=Browse

Newlook Pleated Batwing Dress – sold out

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/bags/black-faux-croc-mini-cross-body-bag/p/630525701?comp=Browse

Also in typical me fashion I didn’t end up wearing of them! I bought the black Organza puff sleeve dress (I actually got it from Newlook but it is the EXACT same as this one its just not on the Newlook site) and loved it but I just didn’t like it on the night.

The red dress I actually bought for Christmas nights out or as a an option for my birthday or staff party and wear it with the silver diamanté heels and a diamanté belt which is really nice on but again just didn’t feel like it was right on the night.

The River Island dress I am obsessed with. I actually asked for this as a birthday gift and I did get it as a birthday present BUT I didn’t get it until Tuesday when I was finally over my sickness and went home to my parents so I actually didn’t even own this until Tuesday.

So I actually needed up rewearing a white denim dress that I bought from Pennys (Primark) about a month or so ago! The photo I have here is actually from a little while ago as I got no photo on my birthday but I basically had this look on again!

Birthday Look

Turning twenty four this year I feel a completely different vibe. I just feel more motivated, more confident and more sort of aware of certain things and I just feel like this year is going to be the year that I make some overdue changes. I feel like Im ready to just do a complete re-set on a good few things in my life and I already feel like Im actually taking a bit of control over certain things in my life that I have just let slide or that I didn’t have the confidence to take control of before and that I am able to call bullshit out loud when I have to. I have already had some big changes go on this year like moving out of home and moving into a new place with my boyfriend and having the responsibility of the home and also to be responsible for things like the shopping, cooking, washing etc which I did at home anyway but its completely different obviously when you are one half of the team to do those things.

So I here are some things I have already done or plan on doing to start setting myself up for the new year and for just getting myself in gear to live my best life :

Purge the social media : A little while ago I did a clear up of my social media accounts of who I followed/friends with just basically because there were so many people and accounts that I never looked at, were not interested in and just genuinely had need to be following. I basically looked at everyone I followed or was friends with and just asked myself “Do I actually have anything to do with this person? Am I interested in what this person has to say?” and if not I unfollowed or unfriended because I decided I am not going clutter my social media with people be it celebrities or non celebrities with posts and stories and photos that I just genuinely don’t have any interest in. Anyone I did unfollow or unfriend was’t because I didn’t like them or anything it was just that I may not actually know them or have anything to do with them. There were people I was friends with on Facebook who I went to school with in 2008 that I was never really friends with and haven’t seen or spoken to them literally since 2008 but yet Im seeing their posts and stories when I just don’t need to know their business because I don’t have anything to do with them. So I tidied up my social media to follow people who I am involved with in some way and people who bring some form of positivity into my life wether thats celebrities or non celebrities.

Self Love : Stop criticising myself so much. When I do my make up for work or for going out Im going to not focus on the bits that maybe aren’t done as well as I could have or that brow that isn’t 100% like the other one and focus on feeling good and confident. Even on my days off when I don’t wear make up if Im not leaving the house to not sit and look at every pore and every “flaw” in the mirror . I also through the powers of Lizzo, Jameela Jamil and such don’t feel like I have to look skinny all the time. I am and have always been very slim and petite and I think because people used to comment on it all the time that I always kind of feel like I need to look slim even though you know that time of the month rolls around and you feel bloated and you feel like you look way bigger than you are which is what happens for me personally and Im now just accepting that everyone fluctuates and that that bloated feeling and mindset will pass and to not exaggerate it to myself.

Work Away : I have been in Newlook for five years now and as much as I love it and have enjoyed it there I do feel that in 2020 I would like to change jobs. I don’t know to what that will be, when that will happen or anything like that but I do think that I need that change for myself and that I want to experience different aspects of fashion and retail or maybe homeware and decor or maybe even beauty who knows I just think that although the last five years have been good (and sometimes not so good) Im still young and five years is a long time and I just feel theres more to learn and experience. So who knows what will happen but obviously if anything were to happen I will keep you updated! For now though you can still find me in there!

So overall I just feel better in myself and just want positivity and to enjoy all the little things and to find the fun in even the boring everyday things like the washing up! I know this all sounds a bit typical “positive vibes/good energy” but I honestly feel like I have had a complete turn around in just realising what is actually important and whats not. In the words of Cher “If it won’t matter in five years then it doesn’t matter now”

Ever yours

Lily

My Birthday : Twenty Four So thats it I am now 24 years of age as of the 7th of December!

Image of Kim Kardashian West From Pinterest

Afternoon everyone and happy Tuesday to you. I hope you are all ready for Halloween in just a couple of days time and whatever you get up to I hope you enjoy it! Now that we are so close to November it is well and truly starting to feel like Winter with just a touch Autumn still around so I am definitely slipping into the more cosy and comfortable (and importantly warm) clothing and one thing that I have started to wear around the house is cuffed 90’s jogger sweatpants. Now anyone who knows me knows that sportswear like sweatshirts, sweatpants, leggings etc is not something that I ever wear around in public its only for at home use (I don’t know why I just cant wear sports wear out and about) and if I do buy say sweatpants because my sizing is so small and odd everything is usually way to big but the pair that I purchased from Newlook are actually very cool on and even though they are not my usual style as they are like baggy and big looking they are very comfortable. I bought the black pair shown below and they go really well with just a vest top or a crop top!

https://www.missguided.eu/white-oversized-90s-joggers-10131146

https://www.missguided.eu/grey-washed-co-ord-90-s-joggers-10139798

https://www.missguided.eu/sofia-richie-missguided-grey-oversized-90s-joggers-10159392

https://www.missguided.eu/red-slim-leg-joggers-10155292

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/black-cuffed-joggers/p/632963801?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

https://www.missguided.eu/sand-high-waisted-buckle-front-joggers-10131138

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/cream-marl-cuffed-joggers/p/632963814?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

https://www.missguided.eu/sofia-richie-x-missguided-purple-oversized-90s-joggers-10166983

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/pale-grey-marl-cuffed-joggers/p/632963802?comp=Browse

https://www.missguided.eu/teal-slim-joggers-10154271

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/trousers/camel-cuffed-joggers/p/632963817?comp=PDP-Color-Swatch

https://www.missguided.eu/grey-piping-detail-joggers-10147286

One person we all know is a fan of the jogger style sweat pants is Mrs Kim Kardashian West who got into them from the Yeezy Collection (I think) and has had some very cool, casual/chic looks over the last year or so. I love the idea of these simple and comfortable pants being worn with heels and made to look really chic and dressy but I am definitely not confident enough to try and pull it off down here in Killarney! These looks I wouldn’t say are suitable for the weather we are getting here in Ireland at the moment (or next few Winter months anyway) but if you are living in a warmer climate where your Winters aren’t icy, snowy, cold and rainy you may be able to try them out for yourself.

Kim Kardashian West Image from Pinterest

Obviously the options I have included in this post are a little bit more affordable than what Kim has inside her closet but they do look very like some of the styles she has worn over the past year. This could also be a really simple Halloween look too that doesn’t require a lot of effort and you can wear all year round deconstructed or all together!

I hope you all have a good Halloween wether you are obsessed by it or not interested in the slightest just enjoy the day and remember to stay safe if you are out and about on the night and please if you are with friends make sure to look out for one another and don’t let yourselves get separated from each other as Halloween as fun as it can be and as long as the tradition of Halloween has been going it is also unfortunately a night that some people who are not of sound mind (wether it be obvious or well disguised) use as an excuse to try and do very ugly things to anyone and anything and with the way that the world is at the moment just make sure that you stay in your group or with your friend and don’t go anywhere you don’t want to or do anything that you don’t want to do because its “cool” or because someone is telling you too.

I sound like such an old person or a mum there bringing the mood down so I will stop now so have a great Halloween guys and I will speak to you all soon!

Ever Yours

Lily

*This post is not sponsored/affiliated/advertising/promoting any brands or persons mentioned. All posts on this blog are written/created/made by me alone. Any involvement by another person/party will always be credited/made aware to readers.

Jog Onto The Jogger Trend Afternoon everyone and happy Tuesday to you. I hope you are all ready for Halloween in just a couple of days time and whatever you get up to I hope you enjoy it!

Image from Google Images

Hello everyone and happy Sunday to you. Todays post is on some really nice occasion wear that I have seen around lately and as I have a few events coming up in the next few weeks I have been throughly looking around for some really good versatile pieces that suit each occasion so I thought I would share what I have seen around and there are some very nice and affordable items around!

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/white-bonded-scuba-ruffle-top-tortoise-shell-buckle-jumpsuit.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/black-gold-button-blazer-dress.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/nude-bonded-scuba-ruffle-detail-skater-dress.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/influence-red-spot-frill-tie-waist-dress/p/642080569?comp=Browse

https://www.missguided.eu/champagne-satin-high-neck-mini-dress-10158386

https://www.missguided.eu/black-lace-corset-square-neck-mini-dress-10155892

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/white-crepe-cape-low-back-detail-jumpsuit.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/gold-plisse-balloon-sleeve-sheer-shift-dress.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/white-sleeveless-gold-button-blazer-dress.html

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/dusky-pink-maxi-overlay-playsuit.html

https://www.missguided.eu/white-one-shoulder-drape-playsuit-10140673

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/black-satin-leopard-jacquard-midi-dress/p/631453001?comp=Browse

https://www.missguided.eu/peace-love-nude-satin-structured-curve-mini-dress-10151686

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/black-bandage-bandeau-bodycon-midi-dress/p/640343501?comp=Browse

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/champagne-strappy-thigh-split-maxi-dress.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/clothing/dresses/black-daisy-print-split-midi-dress/p/634147809?comp=Browse

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/red-ditsy-floral-puff-long-sleeve-bodycon-dress.html

https://www.missguided.eu/black-floral-button-through-skater-dress-10145872

So October for me sees a few different events coming up all mainly in the first two weeks and they are a mix of 21st birthdays, a 30th birthday, a leaving party, and a wedding a few weeks after that so I have been on the hunt for some nice pieces and I must say Prettylittlething have definitely got some absolutely gorgeous dresses and jumpsuits in at the moment! I am obsessing over the strapless ruffled nude dress it looks like a designer piece! In the pieces I have gathered here I have a mix of party and wedding wear with some casual pieces that can easily be dressed up with heels and a belt to make them look really dressy for an occasion.

I am starting to get into getting casual dresses and the idea of oversized shirts and adding heels and belts to them to make them completely different to their everyday use as one of the girls at work who is really stylish and she doesn’t even know it tends to wear really simple like casual dresses, oversized tshirt, shirts etc for going out and always looks so stunning! She can literally throw a bin liner on and make it look amazing she’s one of those types! So I am starting to get into different looks and ways of wearing items as a way of switching up my own style and getting more wear out of things instead of just wearing the same thing over and over again the same way.

https://www.prettylittlething.ie/nude-bonded-scuba-ruffle-detail-skater-dress.html

https://www.missguided.eu/nude-faux-leather-cross-strap-stiletto-heels-10148874

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/bags/white-beaded-foldover-clutch-bag/p/604041510?comp=Search

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/jewellery/silver-diamanté-rectangular-drop-earrings/p/630738390?comp=Browse

This dress seriously reminds me of the Kendall Jenner H&M collaboration she did a while ago which was beautiful and I get that kind of feeling from this one which is also available in a couple of different styles also with this nude ruffle to the side, on the shoulders, on the neck etc just loads of options and they are all really pretty. I just think with tan, really simple jewellery, nude heels this dress would be perfect for an event like your 18th or 21st because its unique and a statement without being too much for the eye or the bank account as it is only costing €32.00!

Happy Sunday guys!

Ever yours

Lily

October Occasions : Event Wear Hello everyone and happy Sunday to you. Todays post is on some really nice occasion wear that I have seen around lately and as I have a few events coming up in the next few weeks I have been throughly looking around for some really good versatile pieces that suit each occasion so I thought I would share what I have seen around and there are some very nice and affordable items around!

Image from Pinterest

Afternoon to you all and happy Sunday to you! I hope last week treated you well and that you are all ready for a new week ahead and that you are having an enjoyable relaxing Sunday if you are lucky enough to now be working today.

So we are in September which is terrifying because the year is just flying past at a record speed. Does anyone else feel like they haven’t done half the things that they planned to do this year and if you did it feels like you did it literally a year ago even though it was only a couple of months? So we are heading back into Autumn which I am kind of excited for because its that in-between phase where you can wear boots and coats but still wear t-shirts and and skirts without being too cold. A few things I love about Autumn wear are scarves, coats and boots so today Im sharing a few cool styles of boots that have been coming in lately. I basically live in boots all the time anyway so I really put them to work so I am always on the hunt for new, trendy and affordable pairs so here are a few that I have seen online from various stores!

(*Photos from website/not sponsored/not an advert/not affiliated)

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/off-white-leather-look-pointed-stiletto-boots/p/632152012?comp=Browse

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-faux-croc-ankle-boots/p/634205701?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-adelaide-leather-western-chelsea-boots-in-white/prd/12380086?clr=white-leather&colourWayId=16423587&SearchQuery=&cid=6455

https://www.asos.com/raid/raid-arden-tortoiseshell-ankle-boots/prd/12035605?clr=br1-brown-1&colourWayId=16387226&SearchQuery=&cid=6455

https://www.prettylittlething.com/red-patent-block-heel-point-ankle-boot.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-crinkle-patent-heeled-ankle-boots/p/633518501?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-atlanta-studded-western-leather-boots-in-black/prd/12380082?clr=black-leather&colourWayId=16431878&SearchQuery=&cid=6455

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-leather-look-chunky-lace-up-boots/p/629029201?comp=Browse

https://www.prettylittlething.com/white-faux-snake-ankle-boot.html

https://www.prettylittlething.com/black-point-chelsea-western-boot-pu.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/tan-suedette-pointed-block-heel-boots/p/628069618?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/pimkie/pimkie-mid-heel-chelsea-boot-in-black/prd/13446046?clr=black&colourWayId=16473405&SearchQuery=&cid=6455

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/footwear/boots/black-suedette-side-zip-western-boots/p/634956901?comp=Browse

https://www.missguided.eu/white-lace-up-hiking-detail-chunky-trainers-10144910

https://www.missguided.eu/black-buckle-block-heel-pointed-ankle-boots-10144901

If you are not aware from previous posts I literally only wear pointed toe boots as I find they just look that bit better on me personally because I have a small foot (UK size 3) a rounded toe boot just looks stumpy on me but I do like the look of the laced pair from Newlook. I am on the look out for some good boots for when Winter actually hits that will keep me warm but are still trendy and they look like a good option because the sole looks sturdy and has a grip if its wetter which living in Ireland is a big possibility! I also love their off white stiletto pair which are available in the store I work in in only my size (which must be a sign to get them!) and they are very nice on and would go with a lot of things.

Also loving the tortoiseshell pair from ASOS by Raid because they are just so different and unique in pattern and would be so nice for Autumn due to the colouring without being the usual plain brown, black, green, burgundy Autumn colours.

So thats all from me today guys Im sure there will be many more Autumn / Winter pieces posts to come over the next few months so keep an eye out for them!

(p.s I bought the jumper in the photo which is also very nice on!)

Ever Yours

Lily

Stepping into Autumn : Autumn Boots Afternoon to you all and happy Sunday to you! I hope last week treated you well and that you are all ready for a new week ahead and that you are having an enjoyable relaxing Sunday if you are lucky enough to now be working today.

Image found on Pinterest

Hello and welcome to another BASIC by Lily post which today is all about a very on trend accessory and that is the statement headband. These fashionable hair accessories were a big hit in the 90s and like most fashion trends through the years they are having their comeback moment and this time they are all about big, embellished, eye catching and colourful styles that really pop and just give your hair a little extra glamour.

A lot of the styles around are the thicker style band as this allows for more embellishment and details to be added and also allows you to create a bit of height with your hair if you are looking for that subtle 60’s style look. I have attached some options below that are very cute and pretty pieces and also a good basic price for your budget from a few different stores.

https://www.stradivarius.com/ie/woman/accessories/shop-by-product/hair-accessories/pearl-bead-headband-c1393013p301284209.html?colorId=003

https://ie.boohoo.com/diamante-square-headband/FZZ89381.html?color=354

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/hair-accessories/black-gem-and-faux-pearl-alice-band/p/630753801?comp=Browse

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/satin-headband-with-pearl-beads-p04736217.html?v1=20587992&v2=1281619#origin=similar

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-velvet-headband-with-pearl-detail-in-black/prd/10894064?clr=black&colourWayId=16291898&SearchQuery=&cid=11412

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/hair-accessories/mid-pink-velvet-floral-gem-alice-band-/p/631056173?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/new-look/new-look-embellished-head-band-in-black/prd/12862352?clr=black&colourWayId=16440891&SearchQuery=&cid=11412

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/bejewelled-satin-headband-p04736218.html?v1=20587997&v2=1281619#origin=similar

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-flat-padded-headband-with-crystal-embellishment-in-tan/prd/12784411?clr=tan&colourWayId=16449031&SearchQuery=&cid=11412

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/hair-accessories/grey-faux-pearl-knot-alice-band-/p/631389304?comp=Browse

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-headband-with-graduating-pearls-in-gold-tone/prd/11784760?clr=gold&colourWayId=16377201&SearchQuery=&cid=11412

https://www.zara.com/ie/en/bejewelled-satin-headband-p01856229.html?v1=19986717&v2=1281619#origin=similar

https://ie.boohoo.com/gold-flower-premium-embellished-headband/FZZ86383.html

https://www.newlook.com/row/womens/accessories/hair-accessories/black-mixed-animal-print-knot-alice-band/p/620323709?comp=Browse

https://www.stradivarius.com/ie/woman/accessories/shop-by-product/hair-accessories/str-polka-dot-rigid-headband-c1393013p301263322.html?colorId=001

So this style of headband is actually called an Alice Band and is actually based off of the style of headband that was worn by Alice in Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll in 1871 in the books illustrations and has been a fashion accessory during different time periods since. They are actually worn by football players a lot to keep their hair back from their face while playing although Im pretty sure they are not as embellished as the female more trendy versions available in stores at the moment.

They really are such a handy and versatile accessory for any hair type as you can use them to completely dress up a look with minimal or no jewellery needed, wear it with jeans and a blazer to add a little something extra whatever you feel works for you! As that is the beauty of fashion and styling is that you can wear something whatever way you want to suit your own personal style.

Speak to you all soon!

Ever yours

Lily

Turning Heads : Headband Trend Hello and welcome to another BASIC by Lily post which today is all about a very on trend accessory and that is the statement headband.

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