I am no longer a Dorothy Perkins Virgin!

I can truly say, I have never shopped nor bought anything from Dorothy Perkins in my life, I don't know why but among many shops it never screams BEA at me. My work colleagues insisted I try it and so, as of yesterday I am no longer a Dorothy Perkins virgin! Whilst a lot of the clothes weren't my style, I came across a lovely royal blue dress which I snapped up as the perfect work outfit.

The dress has a doubled-rolled vicar neckline with short sleeves that are arched inwards for a flattering fit. The nature of the dress is 60s style, with it gripping you around the chest and flowing downwards from beneath the bust. The fit of the dress is very flattering for a curvacious figure like mine. Dorothy Perkins is extremely affordable and I would class it as one of those places that if you look hard enough you can leave with some amazing pieces at very affordabe prices. Another plus was the fact that the shop assistant filled a bag full of hangers for me, which I needed seeing as my mother and I have had to convert the spare room into a second wardrobe for the both of us...

Bea {x}

Beauty Budget Buy: Nars Light Optimising Gift Set

Good Morning Beauties!

I know I have already raved on at you about the NARS light optimizing primer, but I am going to again because during my much needed shopping spree in Selfridges last night I came accross the best deal..EVER. I cannot leave the house without applying my light optimizing primer and translucent powder from NARS and yesterday, whilst I only went in for a foundation pump, spotted the two items and a make up bag beautifully displayed on the counter. I was informed that for £30 you could have the light optimizing primer and the translucent pressed powder equipped with a dazzling red make up bag rather than £50 which the primer and powder cost RRP. That was a done deal as they are necessities to my reigime and well..you can never have too much make-up I say.

The gift set comes inside a black silk duffel bag with a make up bag and two light optimising products - the primer and the translucent powder (£30)

The make up bag itself is of a reasonable size, in radiant red embellished with juicy red lips. The bag comes in a lovely black, silk bag within the classic NARS packaging. Although it is irrelevant as it goes straight in the bin, I was impressed with the packaging of the set and the silk bag is sure to come in handy!

If you are a NARS virgin and have never used either products, I would reccommend you to pop down to your nearest store (Space NK/Selfridges) and try them out. The translucent powder is great for setting your foundation, and whilst the block white colour can be alarming, it appears as translucent as the name says it should be. With light refelcting particles in both the powder and the primer, they complement you for a glowing and radiant complexion. A must have in my eyes.

Bea {x}

The Secret Garden

As the lesser spotted sun made a rare sojourn from the clouds, my sister and I decided to stroll down to the King's Road to do a touch of shopping and grab some lunch whilst enjoying a glass on vino in the sunshine. Along the way we stumbled across what I like to call Chelsea's Secret flower Garden. This hidden gem portrays what appears like a spiritual garden, with the most beautiful flowers smothering the ground and the walls. We both had to get a photograph as we thought the backdrop was just far too cute!
 

What I Wore: Blazer, Skirt, Shirt, Belt and matching Headband - Zara, Sunglasses - H&M, Handbag - Chanel

Get the Look: All pieces are still in store (Zara) I would recommend the Knightsbridge store for the best pieces this season

What Lucy Wore: Puffa Jacket - Primark, T-Shirt - River Island, Jeans - Zara, Shoes - Leather All Star Converse, Handbag - Hermes, Sunglasses - Miu Miu

The Knightsbridge Zara has newly been renovated and they have definitely raised their standards stocking the best of this seasons collections. With a sharper edge and more delicate interior this store definately exceeds the expectations of any other Zara I have shopped in.

Bea {x}

Net-a-porter transcends into beauty

For those that don't know (though most fashion-obsessed individuals do) NET-A-PORTER is an online shop (or e-tailer) selling designer brands at your fingertips. It is clear to say that as technology continues to evolve, so does the way we shop, and its a wonder whether in the future people will even be shopping by foot...who knows what the future holds. Even though I love a good Internet shop from time to time I enjoy the whole experience of shopping, not to mention the calories you burn from doing what you love most...shopping.

For me the whole concept of trying everything on and putting looks together by trying something new or mixing garments together is better than just viewing a photo of some gorgeously skinny model wearing the dress I want, because realistically I don't have that figure and she carries it off far better than I ever could, so I prefer to see what suits me and what doesn't. Also I often find that some of my best picks are garments that look dreadful on the hanger yet fabulous once you put it on.

On the contrary I am extremely ecstatic at the news of NET-A-PORTER transcending into cosmetics. We no longer only have designer fashion brands at our fingertips, but also the addition of make-up, hair and skin care products, not to mention fragrance. This includes a collection of both niche and well established brands catering to the site's sophisticated and discerning customers. "The proposition is really where the beauty-meets-fashion aspect and we see it as so symbiotic with the rest of our offerings. As we've developed our content, beauty is such a big part of fashion"

Sarah Chapman is one of the beauty experts who's luxury skin care range is now available to buy online. Best known for her Skinesis bespoke facial, Sarah is London's most sought after facialist and whilst her clinic is proclaimed to be one of London's best kept secrets, her products have now been exposed to the likes of many. How exciting! Other brands in stock include Aesop, Beauty Works West, James Read, Chantecaile, Natura Bisse, Dr. Sebagh, 3Lab and Phillip B.

Time to hit the shops, or shall I say 'time to grab my laptop'. Shop till you drop dolls!

Bea {x}