My Back to School Fashion Essentials...

So It's coming up to that dreaded time of the year... the first day back to school. But there's just something about the first day back at school. You've spent time getting ready, a new bag, new supplies and well in my case a well thought out outfit (seeing as I'm in sixth form haha) and that nervous feeling you get when you step into school for the first time in six weeks. But there is slight excitement there and i thought I would put together all my back to school essentials (mostly fashion wise) to show you all what I'm gonna be wearing:

1. Denim Jacket- This is my new favourite thing. I feel like it's going to be so perfect and gonna go with any outfit whilst keeping me warm during these coming months.

2, Rucksack- This year I've chosen a rucksack for school. I've always gone for the satchel style bag but I thought I'd twist it up this year. I haven't gone for this exact pattern but mines similar.

3. Combat Boots- Im waiting to nab these exact boots. I think they are perfect as they really are going to go with anything. They can edge up any outfit whilst still keeping it comfy.

4. Oversized Tee's- I'm going to be wearing these with leggings, high waisted jeans and maybe occasionally skirts. They are great for layering and are a great transition piece for winter.

5. High Waisted jeans/Boyfriend Jeans- Jeans are essential. But high waisted jeans are just my holy grail. They are so flattering and work well with cropped items on top.

6. Converse - I recently just purchased a pair of cream high top converse and they are going to be perfect for this back to school season just to throw on with absolutely any outfit.

7. Long Dungarees- I just think these are going to be perfect. They are so easy to throw on and as the weather is going to start getting colder they are going to keep you a lot warmer.

8. Loafers - I don't have these exact flats but I'm sure we all have something very similar, they can dress down any outfit and make you look a lot more put together.

These are just a few fashion essentials that I'm going to be wearing when its the back to school time, what are yours?

Bethany, xoxo

♡

Review: Gel Nails...

First Time 

Painting your nails is a hassle. As much as I love to choose the colour that I want my nails to be and they way they look all shiny afterwards, theres always that one dodgy nail that is messed up and it always ends up chipping after the second day so you end up repainting them constantly. Gel Nails are everywhere at the moment, but I really didn't see what the big fuss was... until I tried it. I enjoy getting my nails done and I'm sure most of you girls do. I've been desperate to try this whole Gel nail look but I kept putting it off until I took the plunge a couple of months ago and just went for it and you know what, I never want to go back to painting my nails!

Second Time

So what are Gel Nails? Theres absolutely nothing fake about them at all! It's basically a special, really thick nail varnish that sets under UV light and dries when placed under this light. It looks super shiny and lasts weeks. On average it should last up to 2 weeks but its different on everyone depending on your nail type. For me this lasted for 6 weeks! Your nails do grow during this off course so you can really keep it until you don't like how it looks and starts weakening and chipping.

I've now had it redone for the second time and I'm onto m third week! As I am away on holiday surfing and spending time near the sand its slightly wearing but still looks really shiny                                                                                                            
and well done and can see it lasting a while longer.

I do recommend Gel Nails to anybody thinking about getting it done, you will never go back.

Bethany, xoxo

♡

But I don't like wearing my hair up...

I've never been one to wear my hair up. I can't remember the last time I actually decided to wear my hair up until recently. I've got naturally curly, long and thick hair so I usually get headaches when I wear it all up and I've never thought I've suited that look of all of my hair off my face. I'm always told that I should wear my hair up but I'm comfortable with just wearing it down. 

However, this summer I've really tried hard to find cute ways to wear my hair up off my face and still feel comfortable wearing it and not taking it out halfway through the day. Some of you may be the same and find this helpful so here's a few I've been using:

                                                         1. The Simple Ponytail:

What I've enjoyed doing recently is straightening my hair at the roots and plaiting the front of my hair creating a french braid. This adds interest to a simple ponytail and volume so all your hairs not just scraped off the front of your head. I then simply tie up the rest of my hair into a high ponytail and either adding a bow or '90's' style scrunchie. I also like to pull out the small baby hairs at the front giving it a more laid back and messy look.

                                                                             2. The Side Braid:

I've never really thought that a regular side braid suited me. It takes away any volume and just really doesn't work on me. Until I found this picture (Right) which inspired me to give it another try. By very loosing plaiting and ending a way from the bottom of the hair it adds a different look to if you were to carry on plaiting till the end. This also allows you to have volume and hair down around your face. I wore this too the beach and it was perfect!

                                                                         3. The Messy Bun: 

 (Left) I yet have to wear this out of the house but I do think it's the perfect lazy undo for hair that needs a wash. I basically did the simple twisted bun method and made sure all the pieces were secure before pulling it apart and adding volume and size to the bun all whilst not using a mirror surprisingly which of course you can use.
(Right) I found this photograph yesterday and thought it was so cute and was perfect! I have yet to try it but I shall be this week!

So which one's your favourite?

Bethany, xoxo

♡

Whats in my Holiday Makeup Bag?

I've always hated packing. I find it so hard to pick just a few pieces of clothing and I end up taking half my wardrobe! But with makeup I've learnt what I use and what works for me whilst being away from home. I always pack the essentials and then a few smaller palettes that I can use in multiple ways. I thought I would show you what I've brought to Cornwall as I'm going to be down here for about 3 weeks: 

Makeup bag - Ted Baker

The makeup bag I use at the moment for travelling is from Ted Baker. Its on the larger side but its holds everything I need along with all my brushes. It also has a separate compartment which is great to hold anything smaller. The outside is easy to wipe down if it gets dirty and overall i think its very cute.

1. MUA Neutral eye shadow palette 

2. Benefit 'Big Beautiful eyes' palette

3.Benefit Bene-tint

4.Ted Baker Beauty Bronzer

5. Benefit 'Girl meets pearl'

6. Benefit 'Erase Paste'

7. Nivea Lip care gloss 'A Kiss of Shine'

8. Mac Wonder Woman Lipglass

9. L'Oreal Paris 'Super Line Eyeliner'

10. Calvin Klein Lipstick 'First kiss' 

11. Benefit 'Stay Don't Stray' Eyeshadow Primer

12. Rimmel London BB cream

13. Maybelline New York  'Rocket' waterproof mascara

14. Benefit 'Bad Gal' mascara

15. Benefit 'Hervana' blush

16. Maybelline Colour tattoo 'On and On Bronze'

17. Maybelline Colour tattoo 'Eternal Gold'

18. Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous The Foundation Faker Original

Bethany, xoxo

♡

My Summer Wardrobe Essentials...

Every girl should have those few pieces in her wardrobe that just seem to 'work' with everything and make putting together an outfit a lot easier especially in the hotter months. Over the past few weeks during this hotter weather here in England I've really come to realise what pieces in my wardrobe seem to be my 'go to' items that i always find myself wearing and what matches well with everything else. Here I've put together a few which I feel are great essentials for the summer time:

1. Dungarees: I've talked about dungarees before and I'm not going to stop anytime soon because I really do love them. They are great to throw on and always create the illusion that you've tried really hard with the outfit. You can wear basically any top underneath them depending on if you want to dress them up or down, this goes with shoes as well.

2. Oversized T-shirts: T-shirts are really the definition of 'basic' but I've come to the conclusion that they can be much more than that. They work with pretty much anything, tucked into jeans, skirts and shorts and can give the most laid-back cute look. I love rolling the sleeves up on t-shirts to give the impression you've once again put thought into the outfit.

3. Aviator Sunglasses: I've been rather obsessed with my vintage RayBan aviator sunglasses. They are a classic shape that always seem to be on trend and can really pull any outfit together. I've also been enjoying wearing them on my head to keep my hair out of my face and almost as a hair accessory that comes in handy!

4.Cropped T-shirts: Once again these are very basic but because of the cropped style they work incredibly well with high waisted items and dungarees! Because theres a lot less material they are a lot cooler to wear when its a lot hotter outside and you don't have to necessarily just wear them out, you can tuck them in which allows you to add more shape.

5. White tennis shoes/Plimsoles: I feel as if white shoes just go with everything. They can give any outfit a dressed down feel whist still keeping it cute. I love to wear my white converse with dresses and skirts but also with rolled up jeans and leggings. You can just throw them on once again with any outfit and be ready to go instantly!

6. High waisted Jean shorts: I'm very fussy about shorts, and I always seem to choose dresses over them but my levi high waisted jean shorts are my favourite. I've found high waisted styles to be more flattering and overall more trendy. They allow you to tuck in tops but also wear cropped styles without showing too much skin.

7. Light Strapless Blouses: They can add colour to any outfit but still keep what your wearing light . I liked these style of tops slightly cropped so they work well with high waisted items but also with rolled up jeans showing the slightest bit of skin. There are so many different styles around in every colour and are easy to find in your style.

8. Gladiator sandals: Sandals are my alternative to white plimsoles. If its really hot outside they are great in keeping your feet cool but because of all the straps it adds that extra something and are a lot more interesting compared to a normal sandal. I've been loving these in a tan brown colour because they really do go with everything because of the neutral tones.

Bethany, xoxo

♡

Favourites of the week...

When deciding on a new blog post and what I wanted to write about, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to do a 'favourites' type post. But seeing as were well into July I'm too late for June favourites and too early for July favourites so I've settled for an in-between. Im going to show you all what I've been loving this week seeing as here in the UK the sun has finally come out and it now really feels like summer! I've managed to have my legs out all week giving me the chance to rediscover my summer clothes. So here are my top 5 favourites:

         

Photo from Instagram (@xBexBabyx):  Dress - Asos

1. My White Low-top Converse:

I got my white Converse around this time last year so they were getting rather dirty and were starting to look slightly scabby so it was time for the washing machine! They still don't look 'new' but I like that look when they are slightly worn in. I've been rocking them nearly every day this week with absolutely everything as they really just match every outfit. I'm also still at school (final week yay!) so they keep my outfits dare I say 'practical'.
I've really enjoyed matching them with dresses as I think dresses with converse can look really cute. Converse are an absolute must in my closet!

Photo from Instagram (@xBexBabyx): Dress- Forever21

2. Hair Bows:

Hair Bows are everywhere this summer and everyone from celebrities such as Ariana Grande to youtubers like MacBarbie07 are wearing them. This trend made its appearance back last year around christmas time and it's still going strong. They seemed so easy to make instead of buying each for around £10 which would really add up if you wanted multiple. I started making a tartan one last christmas but since then I've become quite an expert (even if i say so myself) at making these bows using scraps of materials. Ive been wearing them on half up half down hair styles, tops of ponytails and simply pinned in the side of my hair. They can add a really girly touch to any outfit.

'On and On bronze' - Maybelline Colour tattoo

3. Maybelline New York Colour Tattoo 24hr Gel-Cream Eyeshadow:

I absolutely adore these little eyeshadow pots. I continuously use them throughout the year, especially as a base underneath my eyeshadow. But seeing as it's now summer, I don't want to be wearing tons (or if any) makeup. I like to spread this on my eyelid, on its own and it gives the most gorgeous bronzed taupe coloured effect. It doesn't crease or disappear because of the heat throughout the day unlike many drugstore gel eyeshadows. It's also perfect for when your in a slightly rush and you can quickly just swipe this on your eyes and look ready to go! Definitely a must have for the summer.







4. Demi Lovato's new album 'Demi':

I'm one of those people who will download a load of music and just listen to that on repeat for weeks until I get bored and need something total new to listen too. I've always listened to Demi's music and I've always found her as such an inspiration and I've been meaning to download this album for weeks and I finally got round to it this week. I really didn't expect for it to be as amazing as it is! I haven't been able to stop listening to it all week and I've got a feeling it's going to be on repeat almost all of this summer. Each song is stunning and its really hard to pick a few favourites. I would say 'Made in the USA' and 'Two Pieces' probably stand out to me the most so you should al definitely give this album a go and check it out.

Photo taken on a Canon using Black and White film

5. My Film camera:

Recently, Ive been really venturing out of my comfort zone in photography and have been trying out some new types instead of just always using my Canon60D.  Ive been desperate to try shooting some roll of film to see how that grainy effect that almost looks 'vintage' works and adds to a simple photography. Whenever i get the chance I like to just snap away and hope I've got a few pretty decent photographs. When going up to London the other day I used some black and white film to see what would happen. As you can see on the left theres a result of one that I took and Im in love with this photo. I'm so impressed with the overall quality and how its turned out. I even developed these photographs straight from the film myself (well with my dads help haha). But I'm so excited to take even more photos on my film camera and really just start experimenting this summer so I can really experiment.








Bethany, xoxo

♡

My Top Summer Trends...

I've never really been a sucker for trends. I've always been one to wear what I want and make sure I'm comfortable in what Im wearing instead of feeling the pressure too look a certain way. But I do love feeling stylish and I'm sure most people do too! Recently I've become obsessed with a couple of style blogs and they've introduced me too some new style trends that I've just totally fallen in love with. I thought I would share my current favourites which I've been styling and rocking (well trying too) recently.

(left to right) Topshop 'Vintage Moto Dungarees', Asos 'Denim Pinafore dress', Topshop 'Paisley Dungaree Playsuit'

Some may call them overall's but I've always know them as Dungarees. At first I really wasn't sure about these, I never thought I'd be able to pull them off and make them look good! Until I came across a couple of style posts where they had been paired with converse and graphic/cropped T-shirts and I absolutely fell in love! Next thing I know, I have 3 pairs that I want to just wear every day. They are the perfect cross between a pair of shorts and a dress and all round very practical! Every time I slip on my dungarees i feel like I'm back in the 90's and the need to have a boom box on my shoulder. I love my denim ones for every day wear with basic T-shirts underneath and my most recent paisley pair are perfect for when you want to feel that little bit more 'stylish'. This is my favourite trend for summer at the moment and really suggest you all go out and try on a pair of Dungarees!

(left to right) Topshop 'Katz', Asos Market 'Flat shoes'

This is the most recent style that I've fallen into the trap of, cut out shoes. This trend is very similar to Marmite, you either going to love it or hate it. I hated it. I really didn't see the appeal in shoes like these but I kept seeing the 'Katz' all over style blogs and over time I just fell in love with this style of shoe. You only have too walk into Topshop and you'll find multiple black flats with all sorts of cut outs within them. They are the perfect shoe to dress up any outfit, from basis t-shirst to dresses and skirts and still look great in the summer because of the cut out detail and ankle strap. Im so excited to pair these with all my outfits this summer.

(Left to right) Urban Outfitters 'Daisy cropped Tee', Inct '90's white T-shirt', American Apparel 'Helvetica Alphabet T-shirt'

Lastly, Graphic and Monochrome. I've put both these trends together as that's how been wearing and loving them. I've only recently come to discover my love for monochrome clothing, it just seems to always look put together and classy but when mixed together with graphic styled T-shirts it adds this edge that is perfect for the summer. Graphic T-shirts look perfect styled with high waisted shorts, skirts and jeans and also under dungarees along with a trusty pair of converse. I always find myself tucking them in to add shape to the basic tee shape. You can't go wrong with these styles, they are easy to get your hands on and seem to work on everybody.

Bethany, xoxo

♡