Three outfits under �200

Even though my blog is mainly beauty I actually prefer fashion blogs! I love fashion and wished I had the courage to post outfit of the days like some of my favourite bloggers. Below I have created three different looks - beach, party and casual. Each costs under �200, i'm such a bargain hunter I don't think any of my outfits exceed over �200 in real life! I loved making these outfits, I'm not very good when it comes to technical stuff online so I actually browsed my newest magazines for clothes and images, ripped out the things I liked, glue them to paper to create a college then scanned it into my printer before uploading it to my blog! I know, bit of a kerffule but much easier than trying to use photoshop. Let me know what you think of the looks :)

This beach look is definitely inspired more by Miami beach than Clacton-on-Sea. I loved summer so creating this look was really fun(eeekk Ibiza on Tuesday!) I wanted to base this look on the neon trend which is going to be big this summer but I didn't want it to be too in your face so I focused on bright,playful accessories. Firstly, lets all take a minute to appreciate the price of this neon zig-zag bikini which is only �5 from Asda. Maybe not your go-to place for swimwear but they actually do some nice affordable items. I wanted to mix up this feminine outfit with a bit of menswear so I've chosen this grey oversized mens t-shirt from Primark �6. This will look great tucked into these denim shorts - a classic summer staple with a twist. I love the quirky print on these shorts from Bershka �25.99. I'm a highstreet kinda girl so I've chosen to tie together the look with a skinny neon green belt from FCUK �25. I found this matching neon satchel from H&M �39.99 which is big enough for some sunnies and suncream. Last of all are these beautiful fresh white heels with a hint of neon from H&M �29.99. Outfit total - �131.97

Party time - when you think of parties you think dresses so I wanted to do something a little different. This trouser suit will definitely turn heads. I fell in love with the paisley blue print with hints of gold embroidery. The trousers are �20 (on sale) from ASOS and the similar top is �45 from Miss Selfridge. I love the matchy matchy trend inspired by the lovely Florence Welsh. I thought these clunky(is that a word?) Zara wedges, �59.99, would be prefect for this party look. A big coat thrown over the shoulders will not only be practical but look so good. This faux fur coat is �35 from ASOS. To finish of the look I thought this prune coloured hat from Reiss, �39, and a slick of blood red lipstick would tie the look together nicely. Outfit Total - �198.99

Casual is what I like to wear most. This look is simple but with a few quirky pieces to make it more special and animal prints too keep it on-trend. How cool is this jumper, any jumper with an animal motif is cool in my books. This dark blue leopard jumper is �69.99 from good old Zara. I'm such a jeans kinda girl, i went with a straight pair from oasis for �48. As soon as I saw these pumps I instantly thought of those Marc Jacob shoes. These cute animal ballet flats with  a small heel from Javari are a much cheaper highstreet version and cost �34.20. Statement jewellery is going to be a big trend this summer, I thought this chunky gold necklace from Gogo Phillip, �15, works perfectly with this outfit. No look is complete without a handbag, I went for a simple black shoulder bag from H&M (instore) �14.99. Outfit Total - �182.18

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Autism Awareness Charity Fundraiser Auction - AACFA

I am going to forgo my usual blogs to love post and give you only one blog to love this week.

The Nail Files By Lynda will be hosting an auction for Autism awareness month. All proceeds will be donated to the Schrader Autism Foundation (and the link to Schrader Facebook Page). 

I will be donating a custom made nail polish for this auction ... and if I have time, I may do something else crafty.

Donations are still needed though. It's not just polish, so if you're crafty or just have something handmade you want to donate for the auction please see this post and get in contact with Lynda. She is a wonderful woman, so don't be scared to message her!! This fundraiser, this cause, needs all the help it can get, and that help has to come from people like me and you � as well as these other lovely contributors: Creations by Lynda, Delush Polish, and NailNation.

This is for a really great cause, so even if you have nothing to donate at least take a moment to look at the post and share it!

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Disney Challenge: Alice in Wonderland

I am so excited! I saw a post about this challenge last month, and I immediately knew I wanted in! I love, love, love Disney!! What could possibly be better for a Disney lover than a Disney Challenge?

This challenge is being hosted by Rambles of a Polish Addict and you can see the details here. If you don't have a blog you can post on her Facebook Page. Posts go up twice a week. With the way things are lately, here's hoping I can keep up!!

Here are my Alice in Wonderland nails. I have had this design forever!! I have filled sketchbooks with nail art designs and this was one of my very first nail ideas, way before I even thought of starting this blog. I'm actually really glad I didn't try it before, because I think I finally have the skill to do this design some justice.

Here is a close-up of the thumb. I really love this! I started with two coats of white and then drew lines up and down and then side to side, filling them in to create the checkerboard pattern. Then I created a half circle for the pocket watch, filling it in with white and adding the gold beads around the outside. Last was the numbers and the one clock hand shown. I wish I had some thin chain; I think that would have looked wonderful coiled around in the open space beside the clock.

Here is a little bit of a closer look at the other nails. I've done a bit of a combination between the animated Alice and the Tim Burton Alice with these designs. The index nail is a bit of a combo between Alice and the tea party tablecloth with lace overlay. Not bad for a bit of quick freehand lace. The middle finger is the Queen of Hearts of course. The heart in the center is actually one of the heart glitters that I put in my polish. The ring is the Mad Hatter's top hat taken from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. And since there was so much surprise over the Cheshire Cat inspired polish in my upcoming Down the Rabbit Hole collection I decided to do the original Cheshire Cat for my pinky nail.

Seriously? Between this challenge and the fact that Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland was on television last night I think it's fate's way of telling me to hurry up and release Down the Rabbit Hole. So I have moved up the release from later in the week to Monday, April 8th! Who's excited???

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Time Periods Challenge: Ancient Mayan

Late night post!! I'm sorry for the lack of actual nail posts lately. I just really haven't been feeling very inspired. It might have something to do with this. I had absolutely no idea what to do for Ancient Mayan in the Time Periods Challenge. I'm not a history buff. I have a few eras I like, but I mostly look to the future. I know nothing about the Mayan culture. If there wasn't the recent hubbub about the end of the world thanks to the Mayan Calender I likely wouldn't know anything about Maya at all. I searched and searched all week and finally found something last night. It feels a bit like a cop out but ...

Mayans worshiped many jaguar gods, demi-gods, and protectors. As I said, I know nothing about Mayan culture, but I found this really interesting. Why? Because I love big cats!! They should totally be worshiped! I actually looked into colleges with programs that would let me work with these beauties, but found nothing that would let me do exactly what I wanted. I even looked into volunteering at big cat rescues, but there were sadly none near enough.

So, if you haven't figured it out yet, my nails are jaguar print. I really try to stay away from most animal prints. They've been done a hundred thousand times before by nearly every blogger under the sun. There's really nothing new that can be done with these prints. But I really did enjoy doing these nails ... twice since the first attempt was a messy disaster!

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Down The Rabbit Hole Collection - COMING SOON

Travel 'Down The Rabbit Hole' with my new Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. This collection is scheduled for release in my Etsy Shop next week.

Since this collection was inspired by the Tim Burton movie Alice in Wonderland things may not look exactly like you expect. When I released a few sneak peeks of these polishes on my Facebook Page there were a few unexpected surprises.

Promotional Photo

Impossible Things is a frosty Alice-blue polish. Be like Alice and imagine six impossible things before breakfast with this polish. Opaque in three coats, Impossible Things works great alone or as a base for the glitters of this collection.

Promotional Photo

Madness is Catching contains nine glitters in a clear base. It is a chaotic mix that just seems to work, not unlike the Mad Hatter himself.

Promotional Photo

Grin & Bear It is likely the most unexpected of the collection. The Cheshire Cat of Tim Burton is a far cry from the purple striped cat of the original Alice in Wonderland. Grin & Bear It is a deep and mysterious, slightly creepy mix of black, gunmetal, teal, and turquoise glitter.

Promotional Photo

Off With Their Heads is an enthralling polish of red, black, and white. Filled with enough red and black hearts to keep the Queen of Hearts herself happy.

Promotional Photo

Frosty Elegance is the hidden beauty of this collection in my opinion. A frosty, sheer white base holds a sprinkling of lightly holographic gold micro-glitter. This is a polish that is perfect for any occasion, giving your nails a frosty finish and adds a little sparkle to any outfit.

If you want to share the release of this collection you can link to this post, my Etsy Shop, or just use the image below. Whatever you use, I would really be honored if you'd share it in some small way. :)

What do you think of Down The Rabbit Hole?? Do you have a favorite? I would love to know.

*The St. Patrick's Day Duo will be retired with the release of this collection. I will also be taking the Candy Coated Collection down for a bit of reworking. They will be re-released at a later date, but they will likely be a little bit different.

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my march favourites

Is it really April already? 2013 seems to of flown by this year. I don't do monthly favourites very often because i don't normally find products that are favourite worthy! March has been quite a cold month in the UK so my favs reflect this poopy weather, hurry up summer!

Topshop 'K' motif jumper �32.00 LINK

This jumper was clearly made for me so it would have just been plain rude not to buy it. It really chunky textured knit jumper and it's cropped so you could still wear it in the summer over a dress or high waisted shorts.

MUA Undress me too �4.00

I was a big fan of the original palette so i couldn't wait to try the second version. MUA didn't let me down, i have a full review with swatches coming up soon.

OPI 'Don't Burst my Bubble'* �13.50

I'm so used to wearing really bright colours on my nails but this shade converted me. It's a sheer, delicate pink which is really wearable and perfect for spring. Check out my full review and swatches here. 

Revlon Lip Butters �7.99

Since doing my 'highstreet favourites tag' i have re-fallen in love with lip butters. I do love a matte lip but they are a lot of effort. I go for these lip butters if my lips are a bit dry or if i'm in a rush and i don't have time for the whole lipscrub/vaseline/lipline/lipbrush scenario. 

Chapstick Shimmer in Tropical* �1.99

My lips and skin has been soooo bliming dry this month. This new lip balm from chapstick has been a handbag essential this month. It smells like pina colada, what more could you ask for? 

Currently sat on the floor watching Lisa Eldridge's latest youtube video with my dog snoring next to me(i'll tweet a picture of him here!). Hope you've had a good Easter weekend, i don't really celebrate Easter. Does stuffing your face with chocolate and hot cross buns count? This cold weather has driven me to desperation so me and a few friends have booked a little holiday to Ibiza this month! I'll make sure i show you some holiday snaps when i get back :) x

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Blogs to Love #8

Hello everyone. Sorry for the late post. I thought I had it to post automatically but I got back from girl's night out and found it was only saved as a draft. Better late than never? Anyway, get ready for a long post! Since I missed last week and since Easter is this weekend I thought I'd do a huge Easter link-up. :)

 <br /><a href="http://mybeautifulcrazylifex33.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-linkup-blogs-to-love-friday.html"><img src="http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x401/mrsmonologues/blogstolovebutton_zps827e2b62.jpg" /></a><br />
Since this post is so big I'm going to split the links into sections.
Nails

• For a simple yet stunning mani, check out these zigzag Easter Egg nails from All Glazed Over.
• This Candy Gradient from Varnished Reputation is perfect for Easter (or spring!).
• Nail Polish Creations was inspired by my dripping yolk nails and came up with this adorable Chick and Eggs mani!
• There is just something about these nails by A Girl and Her Polish that says Easter to me.

Hair

• Spice up your Easter outfit with these cute DIY Hair Accessories brought to you by The Alison Show.
• If you're looking for something simpler definitely try these Simple Bobby Pins from Wait Til Your Father Gets Home.
• If you're stumped on how to fix your hair this Easter definitely check out the 50+ Hair Tutorials compiled by Hairspray and High Heels.

Makeup

• Want to add a little color to your eyes, but don't want to go wild? Try this Easter Look by Simply Beauty. It's a very fresh and feminine look using yellow, white, and pink.
• If you're looking for a lot of color and really want to pop try this Easter Makeup from Jessie Blush on Facebook.
• Don't want to pop that much? Try a pastel look (also from Jessie Blush).

Fashion

• Peachy-Keen by Meek~N~Mild is such a soft and elegant look that is just beautiful to behold.
• Be prim and Ladylike with this look by Penny Pincher Fashion.
• If you're more of a jeans girl, go Back to Basics with a pair of jeans, a tee, and a stylish blazer by Lilly's Style. It may be basic but it is so stylish!

Food

• I love this idea so much and have plans of making these Easter Egg Deviled Eggs for my family. It is such a brilliant idea from FOODjimoto.
• I can't get over how absolutely yummy these Easter Cake Mix Cookies with Cheesecake Filling by Couponing & Cooking look! 
• If you want a healthy Easter dinner look no further than these 15 Healthy Easter Ideas compiled by Five in Ohio.
• These Healthy Easter Snack & Treat Ideas by Le Petite R�ve are the perfect way to get children to eat healthy on Easter. 
• I am dying to try these Lemon Poppy Seed Bunny cookies from Gluten Free Foodie Heaven. They just sound so good and look adorable!
• Still, it's Easter. The best time for not eating healthy! Make and eat your very own Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs thanks to Victoria's Vintage.
• The ultimate diet ruiner (at least for me) would be these Cookies & Cream Oreo Cupcakes. They may not scream Easter, but they're too good to pass up. Thanks for the yummy recipe Gaby's Beauty Blog.

Crafts

• This one is part food, part craft. These Cute Printable Carrot Cones found on The Red Thread will make the perfect addition to any Easter basket and can be filled with candy or even healthy treats.
• What a cute idea for the little ones and it takes very little effort from you! Sew your little ones or someone else's little ones a Sweet Bunny with this tutorial by Lifeologia.
• Don't have a basket for Easter yet? Don't rush out to buy one this weekend � create your own with this Easter Bunny Basket Tutorial from Lizzie Florence!

Easter Eggs

• My favorite part of Easter (besides making myself sick on candy) was always the Easter eggs! I never liked eating them; I just wanted to decorate them!! Sharpie Tie Dye Easter Eggs by Housing a Forest are something I wish I knew about as a kid. They are so fun!! They remind me of peeling paper mache.
• If you want something a little more elegant to sit around you should try Golden Marbled Easter Eggs. It takes a bit of work but your friends and family are sure to ooh and ahh over them.
• Neither of these your style? Here are 40 other Creative Ways to Decorate Easter Eggs compiled by Brit + Co. Seriously, the Message in an Egg is genius. It leaves me wishing I had a sweetie to give one to.

My Contributions to Easter

I have big plans for making this my Easter outfit. I have nearly everything needed to complete this outfit. Simple makeup, messy hair (in blonde instead of red), pastel polish for an Easter skittles mani, the purse, the shoes and a blazer nearly like this one. The key piece however is the pink pants and I don't have them. If I can't find a pair that fit in the color I want this weekend this whole outfit will fall to pieces. :( Keep your fingers crossed for me.

My other contribution to this Easter post are my Easter nails! I plan to wear my nails like this Sunday instead of doing a fancy design. However, for this post I couldn't resist doing a little something extra.

Speckled Easter eggs nails!! I used an old eyebrow brush that was fraying to dab on the base color mixed with some white and then I used some brown polish to create the speckled look. I adore how the blue nail looks here and the purple and green nails looked really awesome in person. Sadly, the pink and yellow nails were so light on their own that mixing the polish with white didn't really add any definition. Still, I think this looks really awesome overall.
And yes, that is a brown chicken egg I'm holding. It was the next best thing since I didn't have any speckled eggs ... or even any dyed Easter eggs. :(
Forgive me for any errors or typos. It's late, and not only am I so tired I can't see straight I have a headache to contend with so I didn't do my usual ten-thousand read throughs looking for errors.

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my week in paris

1.mobbing Cara delevingne and kate moss at louis vuitton PFW 2. visiting disneyland paris 3. panoramic of the louvre museum 4. love lock bridge 5. my breakfast (and lunch and tea) everyday 6. souvenir tees 7. sephora in paris 8. french soliders at the eiffiel tower 9. another cara pap 10. view from top of the effiel tower. 

About three weeks ago now i spent four days in Paris with some friends from college. I've never been to France before but Paris is just one of those cities you MUST visit. I recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower at night, taking a boat cruise along the river Seine and seeing the Mona Lisa. Above are just a few holidays snaps i wanted to share with you after some of you lovely lot said you wanted to see them! Paris is a very beautiful city but if you are travelling by metro be warned- it bloody stinks.

Have you been to Paris before? x

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Time Periods Challenge: Ancient Egypt

Hello everyone! You'll notice a bit of a difference in my nails with this post. Three of my nails broke last week. I filed them down pretty short and found out the hard way a few hours later that they weren't filed enough. One of them caught and broke again! My nails had to be filed shorter than I've had them in a good long while � so short that the tips of my fingers actually hurt where the extra length of my nails usually protected them.

But enough about that. Here is my post for the Time Periods Challenge. Today is Ancient Egypt. I've seen so many hieroglyph nails and the rarer death mask inspired nails that I wanted more than anything to do something different. Here's my attempt to think outside the box.

I'm not an expert, but I've always been slightly fascinated with Ancient Egypt. The pharaohs, the Gods, their way of life � it's all so interesting to me. Did you know cats were highly revered by the Ancient Egyptians? Some cats of royalty were dressed in gold jewelry and allowed eat from their owners' plates!

What better way of thinking outside the box than to do a cat nail for Ancient Egypt? I used a saran wrap base of Color Show Bold Gold and Funky Fingers Platinum Record. The cat is a representation of Bast/Bastet � most often shown as a black cat with gold jewelry or a woman with the head of a black cat.

I couldn't find my nail art brush so the cat was done with a combo of dotting tool and sewing needle (for the ears, tail, and collar).

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Oz the Great and Powerful for OPI - review

OPI do some cracking collaborations. The newest edition is the 'Oz the Great and Powerful' range(out this month). I love the Wizard of Oz it's such a classic film, yet to see the new one but it looks good! The colours are all quite soft & sheer, a nice change from bold shades and perfect for spring.

'Don't Burst my Bubble'(left) is a sheer soft pink shade. One coat doesn't really leave much, you definitely need 2-3 coats for this one. The colour is a lovely natural, delicate pink and it has a gel like texture to it.

'Lights of Emerald City' is a glitter polish with large white square chunks and smaller iridescent squares in a clear base. This top coat would look great with any nail varnish and i'm really impressed with how long it's lasted on me(6 days!) Is it really weird that I think this would be a good nail varnish for a bride?

If you're into your softer nail varnish shades you'll love this new collection. There are 7 shades in total ranging from glitters to liquid sand.  You can purchase the collection online here. Retail price �11.50 or try the mini collection for �13.95!

Witch(pun intended)shade from the OZ collection is your favourite? I love the look of 'When Monkeys Fly'!

*pr samples

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