The Statement Boot

I love a statement piece, whether it be a statement earring (can't get enough of tassels!) or a statement handbag; I'll take it! These are items that can liven up your wardrobe and add a little interest to an otherwise dull, monotonal outfit. The only thing is, statement pieces can sometimes be on the pricier side and if you're anything like me you'll not want to break the bank on something you're only gonna wear occasionally or a trend-led item. I was keen to get my hands on a pair of statement boots, particularly to pair with a simple black jeans, nice top outfit. This is when one of my favourite apps came into play - Lyst (not sponsored). I spotted these boots and instantly saved them; however, I didn't really fancy dishing out £75 for them... A while later my inbox pinged, alerting me that these boots had gone on sale to - wait for it - £25!!!!!! I'M SERIOUS! So, into my basket they went!

These are a River Island purchase and I couldn't be happier with them! I mean just look at them! Adorned in multicoloured sequins in a floral pattern and finished with a stunning silver block heel, these are the perfect statement boot! Can you imagine these during the Christmas season?! I wouldn't have splurged £75 on these as they aren't the most comfortable shoe (that heel is pretty high) but for £25 they're amazing! I've worn these simply to go out for dinner and to blogging events; they've suited the occasions wonderfully!

Be sure to check out Lyst and keep an eye for more amazing price reductions! For now, here's a few of my favourite statement boot picks:

• Floral Pointed Sock Boots - Topshop
• Silver Pointy Boots - Topshop
• Glitter Perspex Heeled Boots - Public Desire
• Metallic Pink Boots - Public Desire
• Floral Embroidered Boots - ASOS
• Red Snake Print Boots - Kurt Geiger via ASOS

Do you like a statement piece?

Katie x

Christmas Gift Guide: Stocking Fillers

Round 2 of my Christmas gift guides; this time it's Stocking Fillers! This list is full of small, stylish pieces for the females in your life! Like last time, just click on the items to take you straight to their website...

Initial Trinket Dish - Anthropologie

Mint Bobble Hat - Topshop

Velvet Cosmetic Bag - Oliver Bonas

Blue Fluffy Gloves - Topshop

Initial Phone Case - Anthropologie

5 Year Memory Book - Oliver Bonas

Joy & Cheer Christmas Mug - Anthropologie

Little Things Trinket Dish - Oliver Bonas

This Works Sleep Tight Gift Set - Space NK

Gingerbread Man Socks - Topshop

Pixi Glow Tonic - ASOS

Hello Gorgeous Mug - Oliver Bonas

Copper Wire Fairy Lights - Paperchase


Hope you've my Christmas gift guide & found some inspo!

Katie x

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift to give your mother, sister or friend this Christmas I've got you covered! From makeup to books, it's all in this huge gift guide featuring some of my all time favourite brands! Just click on the items and they'll take you straight to the website...

For the beauty junkies:

All Out Glamour - Estee Lauder

Core Collection - Real Techniques

Beauty & The Bay - Benefit

Shadow & Highlight Palette Set - Smashbox

Written In The Stars - Stila

Merry Christmas Box - Lush

For the ones who like a little style:

Vanity Case - Oliver Bonas

Mirrored Jewellery Box - Oliver Bonas

Cosmos Print Scarf - Zara

Studded Cross Body Bag - Topshop

Red Tassel Earrings - Topshop

Rose Gold Watch - Cluse

For the lifestyle lovers:

Geode Coasters - Anthropologie

Instax PolaroidCamera - Urban Outfitters

Modern Women Book - Oliver Bonas

How To Be a Hepburn in a Kardashian World Book - Oliver Bonas

I Am Very Busy Diary - ASOS

Tender Earl Grey & Rose Candle - Oliver Bonas


What's on your Christmas wish list?

Katie x

Brand Spotlight: Estée Lauder

I'm back with the second instalment of my 'Brand Spotlight' series! This one's a favourite of mine; a brand on the higher end of the spectrum with some simply beautiful products. A luxurious, elegant company ranging from skincare to makeup - Estée Lauder! This is an iconic and popular brand that has produced many cult classics. Estée Lauder herself, was an inspirational woman with ambition, persistence and determination; putting her all into everything she did. She knew that success would not come naturally. This work ethic says a lot about the brand and quality of products she aimed to produce.

"I didn't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it" - Estée Lauder

I recently attended a blogger event at one of the Estée Lauder counters in Belfast. We were shown a facial and makeup demonstration with some of their gorgeous products. They showcased the beautiful 'Blockbuster' set, as well as some of their bestselling products. I also had the chance to play with some products (very dangerous) and I definitely have my eye on a few things!

As much as I would love to own every single item that has ever been created by Estee Lauder...I don't. I do, however have several products that I like a lot! First up, the ever-popular Double Wear! A lot of people claim that this dries out your skin but of course it depends on a) your skin type and b) how you use it. I personally love this foundation as I love a fuller coverage but I tend to wear it only on nights out or particular occasions. I wouldn't wear this everyday as it can look quite heavy and may be drying on your skin. To create a more natural, lighter finish, apply it with a damp beauty blender! Estee Lauder lipsticks have one of the smoothest and creamiest formulas I've tried. They have a vast range of shades and an array of finishes. I wear the Pure Colour Envy Lipstick in 'Dynamic'; a stunning berry shade! If you're ever on the hunt for a mascara that lengthens and adds volume to your lashes like no other, look no further than Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Mascara! It's seriously amazing! Finally, skincare. I've been trying out the Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion; it's a light consistency and smells amazing! This literally melts the makeup of your face and gives the skin a lovely cleanse. It's convenient and luxurious all at the same time!

After spotting a few beautiful products, they've quickly been added to my Wish List:

• Double Wear Highlighting Cushion Stick - you know that 'lit from within look' we all strive for? Yeah, this is it...
• Pure Colour Envy Intense Nude Lipstick - this is the perfect nude
• Nutritious Micro-Algae - hydration and pore minimisation? Yes please!
• Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder - I'll take the whole collection please!

My Thoughts On The BPerfect LMD Master Palette

If there's one makeup piece I'm obsessed with, it's eyeshadow! Now add contour, blusher, highlighter and eyeshadow all into the one palette...HEAVEN! The amazing self-tanning brand BPerfect joined forces with local makeup artist Louise McDonnell (LMD) to create the insane 'Master Palette'. My pictures seriously don't do it justice!

First things first, the eyeshadows! These range from shimmers to oranges to pinks. The eyeshadows are easy to blend (I use my ever trusty Zoeva brushes) and they're super pigmented. If I'm being honest I would've glanced at the orange and pink shades and thought I wouldn't have put them anywhere near my eyes - the shade 'Louise' looks pretty terrifying! However, I tested them out and the results were amazing! The shadows are placed purposefully to demonstrate the ideal combinations of shadows, of course you can mix them up to suit whatever look you're aiming for. The shades 'Toffee', 'Tiger' and 'Marbs' work perfectly together while, 'Prinny', 'Louise' and 'Cranberry' look great together. I love using 'Beam' for an inner corner highlight. You should also try wetting a brush before applying the eyeshadows which almost gives a foil effect.

Moving onto the rest of the face - bronzer, blusher and highlighter! As someone with pale skin, finding the right contour/bronze can be tricky but I think I've finally found the one! 'Sculpt' is the perfect tone for all skin types and gives a gorgeous shadow without going overboard. The blusher is more peachy (hence the name 'Peachy'...) than I'd usually go for but it's a lovely colour and definitely not over the top! Last but definitely not least, who doesn't love a good highlighter?! Especially one that can vary from a subtle glow to a dramatic shine. This is an amazing highlighter with a stunning champagne tone.

All in all, this an incredible palette and a new favourite of mine. It's also perfect for travelling as it has everything you need! The only slight criticisms I have is that I personally love a mirror which this palette lacks and the cardboard isn't overly luxe but overall I love it and would definitely recommend!

Katie x

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**Disclaimer: I was very kindly gifted this palette at the launch event but all opinions are my own.