Revlon Apricot Nectar

When I read about the Revlon Parfumerie range I was excited to try it out. I had never tried scented nail polish before so it was about time I gave them a go. Revlon polishes are up there with my favourite drugstore nail polishes so I had high hopes for this range. I bought the shade Apricot Nectar after seeing it on someone and loving the colour. 

The only reason I decided to write about this polish is because I loved the shade so much, however I was disappointed with the formula, brush and packaging. I found it difficult to apply because of the shape of the lid which was awkward to hold. The formula was thick and the brush was thin making it hard to get an even coat. The shade is very similar to Essie Tart Deco so I think I would advise anyone who likes this shade to go for that instead as I much prefer Essie's formula and brush.

I found it did last well, around 4 days without chipping which is standard for most polishes I use. To be honest, the scent didn't do it for me, as fun as the concept is, it didn't make up for the downfalls of the polish. They have some gorgeous shades in the range, Wintermint and Beachy in particular caught my eye but I don't know if I would buy another one because of the problems I had with this one. 

The Parfumerie range is priced at €8.99 in Boots. Have you tried any of these polishes yet? Did you have the same problems as me?

Emma x

Stella and Dot Autumn/Winter Collection

Stella and Dot recently launched in Ireland after gaining worldwide success as a company that design beautiful boutique style jewellery and accessories. The thing that sets Stella and Dot apart from their competitors is that their pieces are only sold at in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists and online. 

I was recently invited along to the press day to take a look at the collection for Autumn/Winter and I was so excited by all of the new pieces. The collection takes inspiration from all over the world and some of the trends include mixed metals, geometrics, black and white and rose gold. 

The Livvy Necklace, Melanie Chandelier Earrings and Becca Bracelet were among my favourites on the day. I love the colours in these pieces and I loved that the earrings can actually be worn as studs or as shorter drop earrings.




The Sutton Necklace now comes in gold and is such a versatile necklace as the layers are detachable so that you can wear it five different ways depending on the look you're going for. It also comes in a mixed metal version.




The Somervell Necklace was already available in Gold, Peach and Silver and the latest addition is this gorgeous Aqua shade. This is a great necklace for layering. The matching Janice Studs also come in Green and Orange.




I was really excited by the Charm Bracelets and Necklace that allow you to choose from the following to personalise your jewellery: a Birthstone Charm, a Cross in Silver or Gold, a Key, a Wishbone, a Hamsa Hand, a Love Always Charm and a Signature ID Charm in Silver or Gold.  These make for such lovely gifts and you can see here the other charms that are available. The Enlighten Bracelet is such a great gift idea. It is embossed on the inside of the red leather band with the words Mother, Daughter and Sister in French, English and German and all net proceeds go to Every Mother Counts, a non- profit organisation that is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother.




The Cassady Collar is a mixture of trends with it's mixed metals and Geometric Studs.




The Pauline Ring is set with five semi precious lapis stones and comes in a number of sizes. I love the delicate Aria Pendant which can also be worn multiple ways. It contains semi-precious quartz stones.




The Melanie Bracelet also comes in this gorgeous combination of pink and orange with matching Pop Geo Chandelier Earrings (that can also be worn as studs) and the stunning Rosanna Ring.




The Pop Geo Statement Pendant is such an unusual piece for Autumn/Winter, I love that the design team have added these vibrant colour into the collection.




Geometric shapes and Rose Gold are combined with the pretty Pavé Spear Collection which includes a Ring, a Necklace, Earrings and a Cuff. The popular (and my personal favourite) Rebel Pendant has also been introduced in Rose Gold.




Last but not least is the beautiful Helena Necklace with such pretty pink and beige stones, again an unusual colour combination for Autumn/Winter.

This is just a selection of the new pieces, you can see the rest here. Is there anything that caught your eye from the new collection? 

Emma x

Berocca and Havaiana Giveaway

I've been run down for the past couple of days, feeling tired, coughing, sore throat and headaches. I'm definitely in need of a boost of vitamins and I figured some of you might be feeling the same as me as it seems to be going around. Berocca are giving my readers the chance to win €100 worth of Berocca products and a pair of Havaiana flip flops!

Berocca Performance is specifically designed to improve physical and mental performance. It's clinically proven, winning combination of high dosage levels of B and C vitamins and other essential minerals, zinc and magnesium work together to ensure you are at your best all day long. 

Containing Guarana, a natural energiser with a fast onset of action, Berocca Boost provides a fast effective energy boost. It works in synergy with a combination of B vitamins and minerals to create a potent, clinically proven formulation that quickly increases reaction speed and accuracy while decreasing tiredness.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question in a comment and leave your contact details. The competition will close next Friday July 25th at midnight GMT. Unfortunately this offer is only open to Irish readers. 

In which country was the FIFA 2014 World Cup held?

Emma x

Reflected Light A Hollow Moon

This is the third set of outfit photos we took in France. It wouldn't be Summer without a good maxi dress and this one is all out seventies! I paired it with a big hat, big sunglasses and my trusty Clarks nude sandals. 

Photos by Simon

Dress- Monsoon

Hat- Accessorize

Sunglasses- eBay

Sandals- Clarks

Rings- Zara Taylor & COS

Nails- No7 Jammy

Lips- Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon Peach on the Beach


What do you think about maxi dresses? Are you sick of seeing them every Summer?

Emma x

Sparkling with Swarovski

I was recently invited by Swarovski to take a look at their Autumn/Winter 2014 collection which I will be writing about in the coming weeks. For now I want to share with you some beautiful pieces from their current collection, the campaign for which is fronted by Miranda Kerr. 

Vanilla Necklace (currently on sale)




Fit Pierced Earrings

If you're anything like me, when you hear the word Swarovski the first thing that probably comes to mind is "Bling". However this Vanilla necklace is so pretty and understated. I love the delicate gold chain and clear yellow stone, it's such a versatile piece of jewellery that you could easily wear on a daily basis with any outfit and because it's a short length you could layer it up with longer necklaces. As you can see in the photo above there is incredible attention to detail in the pieces like the tiny crystal encrusted swan at the end of the chain. The necklace has a matching Ring and Bracelet which are both beautiful too. 

These earrings are stunning. The way the mesh moves means that the crystals catch light beautifully and really attract the eye. I'm already looking forward to wearing these over Christmas with a simple black dress and red lips. I'm so impressed with the quality, they are definitely something to save for special occasions. 

As you can see above I also received the Crystalline Lady Ballpoint Pen in white, which is the ultimate handbag pen. I have a bit of an obsession with pens and this is by far the prettiest pen I've ever owned, I find myself looking for excuses to use it. This would be an excellent gift as it's something you'd never think to buy for yourself. 

Have you ever bought anything from Swarovski? What are your favourite jewellery brands?

Emma x

A Thousand Words #5

I'm fairly behind on these posts but I thought I'd share my Instagram photos from May anyway.

Throwback Thursday, my sister Kate and I rocking early 90s fashion

Apt decor in Peacock Green

My COS addiction begins

Lemon and Pistachio cake in Olive Deli, Skerries; Iced Black Coffee in KC Peaches; Chicken Katsu in Wagamama; First Birthday Party

The sadly now closed Walter Mitty coffee shop

Lula Magazine

Amazing pyjamas I wish I'd bought

Mannequins in House of Fraser

Essie Bikini So Teeny; Nails Inc. Sao Paulo Streets ; KIKO Juicy Pitaya

Gig #ootn, all black

Making Plans For Nigel

May Selfies- Windy Walk; new Moomin mug; wearing Revlon Strawberry Suede; Date Night make up wearing KIKO Velvet Mat Lipstick in 605

Passport Photo

Chateau de Bézonnais, Écommoy, France

Strawberries and Prosecco (and The O.C.)

Écommoy, Pays de la Loire

Le Lude

May in Beauty- Givenchy Rouge Interdit Lipstick in 26 Voluptuous Nude; Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess; Sculpt Cosmetics Sparkilocity Palette; No7 Lash Impact Mascara (the most amazing red glitter packaging), L'Oréal Color Riche L'Extratrodinaire Liquid Lipstick in 600 Nude Vibrato and Essie Bikini So Teeny

Weird initialed bricks in France

Instax from Chateau du Lude

Le Mans

The friends we met on holidays

Cathédrale Saint- Julien du Mans

France Beauty Haul

Almond Croissant; French Market Haul; Speculoos Haagen-Dazs; Religuese au Café

What do you see?

The beautiful view from our room

La Fleche

Shadows

Denim jacket- Three ways

I Heart The Monster Hero, Heuston Station

A Hemingway Sour in The Mint Bar

A very special evening with my sister- accidental outfit twins

So that was a little glimpse into my May. How is your Summer going so far?

Check out this interview I did with Shemazing.ie, I was their Beauty Blogger of the week a few weeks ago. 

Emma x