I just wanted to start by apologising for the lack of blog posts over the festive period, I needed a bit of break from it all and spent some lovely time relaxing, eating and spending time with family (even my phone was switched off for days!).

I wanted to do a blog post which looks back at the year as I've seen so many people reviewing 2013 so thought I'd join in! 2013 has defiantly been a good one. I feel that this year my blog has improved, I've had more opportunities and I just feel happy about things. I also wanted to look back at 'what I wore' this year by assembling a few picture montages from outfit posts. Now I'm actually quite disappointed in myself that I only did 24 outfit posts this year, which I suppose is not all that bad, but my blog started as a fashion blog and I want it to be and remain a main feature and have more frequent fashion related posts. It will be my resolution to beat 24 outfit posts next year! I hope to keep improving the quality and content of my blog and keep at what makes me happy which is this!

My style has changed and matured so much over the year. I change my mind so often that my taste and style can change on a weekly bases, but I think its really fun to look back and see what you decided to wear throughout the year. Some of the things I would wear now and some of the things I wouldn't- but thats the beauty of fashion! Anyhow, I shall stop rambling now and wish you all a Happy New Year and I will see you all in 2014 with a yearly beauty favourites and some fresh new content! Thank you for all your support my lovelies, your comments, tweets etc. never fail to put a smile on my face!

                                                         All my love, Roxanne x

Welcome to day 5 of my 'Blog Before Christmas' series, in which I will be blogging everyday until Christmas!

As a blogger I like trialling lots of different products, but my beauty staples basket contains the skinacre, haircare and body items that I really like and actually use on a regular bases. It does get changed up every now and then, but here's what I'm using at the moment...

       

Loreal Skin Perfection Make Up Remover

I have really been liking this product recently. It removes make up so well and doesn't leave a greasy residue afterwards. The only thing I don't like is that it makes my eyes sting ever so slightly if it gets in them, but nothing too bad.

Lush A Breath Of Fresh Air Toner Water

I have been using so much of this stuff recently. I impulsively bought it one day and have been really enjoying using it. I love how refreshing it is to spray on your face or wipe over with a cotton pad. I would suggest moisturising after using it though as because it has  sea water in it it can make your face feel a little tight afterwards. I am thinking of trying the Au Roma water as I think it might be better for my dehydrated skin type.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with this product. I just can't tell whether it is this that has made my skin better in the past few months or something else. I like the way this feels and smells on the skin, but I just didn't notice a dramatic difference when I used it. Over the last few months though my skin has improved so much, and I just can't tell if it's up to this, or because I've stopped using a hot cloth cleanser or hormones etc. It is quite pricey so I'm not sue if I'd repurchase it, but it's worth a try if you have troublesome skin.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1

I have used this toner for ages and I think it's great, but I do think there are toners out there which don't contain alcohol and are probably better for your skin because of that. I will use it up but probably won't repurchase it.

Boots Botanics Quenching Face Mask

Sadly this product has been discontinued, but I really like it. I don't want to say too much though as you can't get hold of it so it would be pointless!

Ahaha Mud Masque

I like using this mask to really deeply clean my skin. I would like to find a clay mask that doesn't leave my skin feeling tight though so if you have any recommendations then I would love to know!

       

TRESemme Platinum Strength Leave In

I have very long hair with bleached ends so I like to use a leave in conditioner to give it extra moisture, I really like this one as it stops my ends looking too dead!

Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser

I have been LOVING this product recently. When you first apply it it doesn't feel like it's doing anything, but once you get out the shower and dry yourself off then it leaves your skin so soft and moisturised. I love it!

Palmers Moisturizing Body Oil

I really like this as it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It's not the most moisturising thing ever but I really like using it, especially on pamper evenings!

Dirty Works Hand Cream

I really like this had cream as it is non greasy and light. It also smells lovely and is quite affordable.

       

If you've managed to get to the end of this post then I commend you- let me know what products you use on a regular bases!

Welcome to day 4 of my 'Blog Before Christmas' series in which I will be blogging everyday until Christmas!

It appears I have a thing for velvet at the moment. I just love the way it adds such an interesting texture to an outfit, and I just couldn't resist caving in to my velvet lust when it came to this amazing black swing dress from Missguided.

         

        

                               

                         

       

        

         

        

Dress- Missguided, Shirt-Urban Outfitters, Boots-Topshop and Rings-Topshop, Primark and Kukee.

I love how this piece is so versataille. You will have heard me say many times before how I own so many clothes and need to wear them more and this piece allows me to make use of many unloved garments in my wardrobe. I love layering it over t-shirts, especially stripes as it makes it so appropriate for winter. Also layering it over cute collard shirts gives it a kind of preppy but grungy feel.  For summer I would just wear it on its own with a pair of gladiator sandles and a wide brim hat. What makes this piece even better is that it was only £13.99 in the sale - absolute bargain! I apologise for the rather rubbish photos, but today the weather has been truly pants, and trying to get a descent photo was near enough impossible! 

Welcome to day 3 of my 'Blog Before Christmas' series in which I will be blogging everyday until Christmas! Today's post is a light hearted, festive (ish!) tag. I never do tags but seeing as it's Christmas..anything goes!

                      

This one from Primark! £10.

So that was my 'Sweater Weather Tag'! I actually really enjoyed answering those questions- even if they were meant for the autumn and we are currently in winter!

Welcome to day 2 of my 'Blog Before Christmas' series in which I will be blogging everyday from now until Christmas! Today's post is all about the metallic nail...     

 

 

It might come as a surprise but I've never tried a Topshop Nail Polish Before. They all look so pretty and there is such a vast array of colours but I've just never picked one up. A while ago I was given 'Hidden Treasure' as a gift and it's got me wanting more!

Hidden Treasure is a colour I probably wouldn't have picked up myself but now I have it I love it. It's so interesting and different compared to some other nail polishes. It's a kind of metallic green/gold that looks really quirky and appears slightly different in varied lighting. The polishes apply really well, the brush is good and they just feel like good quality polishes! I'm not too sure about the lasting power as I am always taking my nail polish off an on and changing it so I don't really have one colour on for long. The packaging on these are also super cute which makes them look even prettier! 

Overall I love this polish and really recommend it. It would also be a great stocking filler or Secret Santer Prezzie! 

Rings- Kukee and Primark

Welcome to the first day of my 'Blog Before Christmas' series in which I shall be blogging every day until Christmas! Blogmas felt a bit too much for me as I just dont have the time in my life to be able to write something worth reading every single day, so a week seems more manageable and allows the content to be of a better quality! Anyhow, on with the post...

      

Nuxe is a French Skincare brand that I have found popping up here and there around the bloggersphere, but I've never actually tried anything from them. After hearing about the amazing Christmas offers they were putting on for their 12 days of Christmas event, I just couldn't help but buy an early little present for myself...! 

The Reve de Miel lip bam is something that has always interested me, but at £9.50, I'm not quite sure I can justify buying it. However, when I came across the Reve de Miel in stick form for only £5.50 and they were on by one get one free - I thought it was a bargain too good to miss. Oh, and did I mention the 15% off code, free next day delivery, pack of samples and 2 free miniatures all for a mere £4.68!? Absolute bargain!

     

     

     

I have only been using the balm for a day or so so can't really give a full review on it, but It feels nice enough. I've heard mixed reviews about it so I look forward to trialling it some more. Make sure to check out Nuxe.co.uk to grab yourself some Christmas bargains! 

For this WOMF I thought I would show you all a couple of new products that I've been using recently!

        

       

This appears to be round two of my admittance to my love of stripes, but what can I say- I'm a stripe addict plain and simple.They go with most things and are just so easy to wear. I seem to own the same pieces of clothing just in different stripe variations multiple times over. I just can't get enough of them. The latest addition to my overflowing collection is this shoulder cut-out tee from Topshop. I picked it up in the sale for £8 ! (it would have been wrong not to buy it.....). I like pairing it with simple black skinnies and black flatforms for an elegant autumnal look. Sometimes simplicity is best when it comes to everyday dressing and this top just sums that up. To add a bit of umph I wore my new purple lipstick from Collection. I am trying to force myself into wearing more purple in my makeup for the autumn so this is a good place to start!