Summer Sale Steals (and Sainsbury's Sunglasses)

   

Source: Topshop

The Topshop sale has been a personal success this week. I usually make it to the sale after everybody else has ransacked everything, leaving me with nothing (or worse still, something I didn't actually want or like). This time, however, I was prepared. I took notice of Topshop's sale teaser emails and I got there first. I managed to get the shoes seen in my outfit post earlier in the week (click here to have a peek) and some beautiful pale blue satin lingerie. I also bought the fantastic Jacquard Trapeze Dress in cream, pictured above, though it's a quite roomy so I'm returning it for a size smaller.

I found a dreamy pair of sunglasses in Sainsbury's of all places, too. I've been needing a pair for a while, though after looking all over the high street, I just didn't find a pair that was simple enough to meet my strict sunglasses criteria. They were just what I wanted - that lovely brown tortoiseshell colour, slightly rounded, not too big or too small. I never thought I would find the pair I'd been searching for in Sainsbury's, though at £5 I can't complain.

I have seen quite a few people rave about the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and I was intrigued. I had £12 to spend on my Boots Advantage Card and with half going on a pot of my beloved Nivea Soft moisturising cream, I had some 'free money' left to spend. I debated a gorgeous Kent barrel hairbrush (the promise of a salon-quality blow dry at home was certainly alluring) though the Real Techniques sponge won me over. I used it this morning in my usual routine as a replacement for my MAC 190 foundation brush. I hate feeling like I have a thick layer of foundation on my face and I try to avoid this at all costs. The Real Techniques sponge was great at providing light coverage; the flat edge was great used under my eyes and the tip was brilliant for covering blemishes and for slightly heavier concealing under my eyes. It has certainly been awarded top marks by me!

P.S. Please can we all appreciate the fantastic use of alliteration in the title of this post. So original.

OOTD #1: Summer Denim (and a Tow Truck Rescue)

I've never done an outfit post before, but the sun was shining and a trip to Stamford was long overdue so I decided seize the opportunity to take some photographs. I recently purchased these gorgeous sandals from Topshop (even more brilliant for only costing me £27 in the sale) and so they deserved a good welcome into the world. This they certainly got, but more of that later. 

My friend, Harriet, and I drove to Stamford with the intention of soaking up the last of the sunshine's rays and a little mooch around. As we arrived, we spotted the ice cream van in the usual spot by the green and so our priorities instantly shifted; both of us really needed a '99. (Head to my Instagram for ice cream photographs - expect a lot of sprinkles: @MariaFCase) After indulging on ice cream, we had a look around a few shops and stopped for a peppermint tea at The Cosy Club before heading back to the car. So far, so good. 

On our journey home, my car's engine decided to cut out while I was driving on the A1. Despite feeling very scared and panicky, we pulled over onto the hard shoulder and jumped out, hoping that the AA or my Dad would come to our rescue. Thirty minutes later and we were still standing at the side of the A1. As luck would have it, a knight in shining armour actually did arrive (aka. a random man with a tow truck) and he helped us to get off the hard shoulder and home again safely. My faith in humanity has been restored. This man helped us out of a potentially dangerous situation simply as an act of kindness and it made my day feel very special indeed. He was from Leeds, too - further proof that Northerners are really great? Perhaps so. 

Shirt - H&M

Belt - My Grandfather's

Jeans and Shoes - Topshop

NE1's NFW: Rox Royalty VIP Event

Last night the place to be was certainly the Thrill Room at Rox, Monument Mall as Newcastle's fashion elite gathered for the last VIP event of NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week 2014. The night was one of glorious cocktails by The Cocktail Project, canapes by Cafe Royal and luxurious pampering from Malmaison Newcastle. Forever Long Hair stylists and Nails Inc. nail artists were treating guests to makeovers and manicures and Melissa Bailey was sketching fabulous fashion portraits for the evening's VIP. NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week's official florist had provided beautiful floral decorations which perfectly suited the soft grey velvet sofas and mirrored interior of Rox's Thrill Room. The Rox jewellery is gorgeous, too, and I have picked out quite a few pieces that I really want to own (hint - it's my birthday soon...)!

I was lucky enough to have Melissa Bailey sketch my fashion portrait and it was brilliant; she's made me look like a skinny supermodel. What more could one ask for? As for my outfit, I decided to go for an almost entirely Topshop ensemble with only my River Island shoes being the only exception. I bought this orange bag from Topshop earlier in the week as a post-deadline treat to myself and I love it. It's going with me everywhere. All the time.

We chatted to some bloggers who were there and I also managed to speak to the Editor of Luxe Magazine about getting into journalism. (Networking points for me!) As we left, feeling rather indulged, we were handed a Rox goodie bag containing creme from Malmaison, Sir John Fitzgerald macaroons, Paul Mitchell haircare and many lovely discount vouchers. It was such a fabulous evening and it's safe to say that NE1's Newcastle Fashion Week 2014 has been a resounding success; I'm just sad that it's over! I already can't wait to see what next year's Newcastle Fashion Week has in store!