Breakfast Attire @ GAIL'S

Last week my mum, brother, sister and I went brunching as per usual and I managed to get a few snaps of my outfit courtesy of my mother. I went with a comfy outfit for sure, consisting of my sisters t-shirt dress from Brandy Melville. Although I despise of their one size fits all label-they have some really cute and affordable pieces, mostly basics, but of a high quality. I then wore my classic denim jacket which I stole off my dad a few years ago from Levi's. I also had on a home made black chocker made from the scraps of an old t-shirt, and paired everything with black boots, mine are from Bershka-not that it matters as I didn't get a shot of them. And as for the breakfast, the thing everyone's waiting for-it was delicious. I ordered the French toast with a berry compote and maple syrup from Gail's in Dulwich Village. It's obviously a locals favourite as it's always busy, but I can see why. It has a range of fresh breads, pastries, cakes and lunches (even vegan options!!!) and the best hot chocolate going.

OOTD

Whilst shopping, as much as I tried not to spend money, I couldn't help myself as I spotted this elegant, slinky slip dress. It has beautiful lace detailing around the top and on the slit on the leg, which isn't as scandalous as it sounds. I got it for £20 at urban outfitters, which I thought was quite reasonable as I've been eyeing these dresses up for ages! However, I have noticed the price has increased by £5 in the last week, so if you're interested I'd get it now. The dress feels way more expensive than it is, as its so soft, it's also available as a patterned version and in a variety of colours, which I also love. I paired mine with a simple grey t-shirt from American Apparel, which I only bought because it was reduced to £1.25 in the men's section-I came away with about 10 in the online sale, but it was definitely worth it as I'm putting them to good use. I kept the outfit quite minimalistic and put on my white Adidas Stan Smiths to keep it simple. I'm in love with this outfit and have seen so many people wearing the slip dress trend, and can't wait to add to my collection as they can be dressed both up and down-perfect for any occasion. 

Photo creds to: @imogenbourke and @xniamhcoyne

Vegan Pancakes

These simple pancakes are absolutely delicious, 100% cruelty free and healthy. The pancakes themselves only require 3 ingredients and will take only 10 minutes to make-you can top them with whatever you want and you have an instant breakfast, snack or dessert!

Ingredients (1 serving):

Oats (1 cup)

Almond Milk (1/2 cup) 

1 Small Banana 

Sauce (optional):

Strawberries 

Water

Toppings:

Banana 

Strawberry 

I used a nutri-bullet to make the batter-and started by blending the oats to create a fine flour like texture. I then added the almond milk (this can be swapped for any plant based alternative e.g soya or coconut milk) and then added the banana. I then spooned the mixture onto a hot pan and cooked them on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown in colour. 

To top the pancakes I made a strawberry sauce by simply blending strawberries and a dash of water, and then added chopped strawberries and banana to the top. However, you can top them with whatever you'd like-one shot chocolate is a great vegan chocolate sauce for topping pancakes or cut up any fruit of your choice.

Happy cooking!!!

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

After purchasing this palette in France, it has become a staple in my everyday makeup and I use this religiously. Firstly, I use the colour triple fudge to fill in my brows-yes this is a dark and scary colour, which is very pigmented, but I promise you it works wonders, for someone with the same brow colour of me obviously. My all time favourites in the palette (which are swatched from left to right) are: haute chocolate, marzipan, creme brûlée, hazel nut, salted caramel and semi sweet. My go to easy-peasy look is salted caramel in the crease and marzipan (my favourite) on the lid, I use a large fluffy brush to apply it and it takes literally 10 seconds to do and is effortless. I also love to use champagne truffle in my inner corners and to highlight my brow bone. The shadows are so creamy, pigmented and easy to blend. The shimmery shades are my favourite as I feel there the easier to blend and are the most vivid. 

 

You can't forget the amazing smell of chocolate every time you open up this palette, as the eye shadows are infused with cocoa powder-not necessary, but highly appreciated! Too faced as a brand have a amazing reputation (I can see why) and are known for there amazing scented products-I really want to get my hands on there other palettes and there chocolate bronzer. Yes these products can be on the pricey side, but are defiantly worth it as the quality is there.

The Japanese House @ The Haunt

I went to a small gig in Brighton to see Amber Bain, better known as the Japanese house, and no its not j-pop music. The venue was small and just off the sea front, quite hidden and tucked away with scaffolding (at the time I went, anyways) and with £10 a ticket, it was worth it. The Japanese House are opening to the 1975 on their current tour and have a unique sound, however will probably become mainstream soon and be ruined (rip catfish).

Inside it was very, very cold and full of smoke but the acoustics weren't bad, I'd recommend standing by the speaker on the right, where I stood, because you can stash your bag/jacket on the side, instead of putting it in the cloak room. This can avoid long queues afterwards and the loss of your things, which according to other reviews happens a lot...of course if your going to leave your stuff on "the side" stay near by, which shouldn't be a problem as the view from there is good and close the stage.

My favourite songs on the album are defiantly teeth and cool blue so be sure to give them a listen. Shout outs to the opening acts fake laugh and Isaac.

Mid-Month Faves

I always seem to be too late or too early on all these favourite posts, so I've abandoned a specific month all together, new year-same me. However, I have been loving loads of new makeup products and fashion trends that probably aired last year! So my first favourite is an app, which is vsco cam. Its honestly become a problem, but I took a plunge and decided to spend money on filters and purchase every single one. I've used vsco for about 2 years and honestly now describe sunsets as being so c1! If your a lover of photography and want to add good filters to enhance your photos rather than just making them look grainy and fake-tanned you should check it out, and no I wont check out your pastel account.

 

Next thing I've been loving is HIGHLIGHTER, I recently picked up soft and gentle by mac and my life has changed, my highlight is currently brighter than my future and I'm loving it. I also have a drugstore/high-street alternative, which is the indicant gold highlighter by MUA, honestly this is so pigmented and such a good price, I'd really recommend it to anyone, as its just worth having.

 

Next makeup product that has been essential to my everyday life is the Maybelline The Eraser Eye. I've been skipping liquid foundation recently and using this concealer to cover any blemishes and the fact that art homework is the result of not being able to sleep. This has amazing coverage and cancels out any red-ness and is so light on the skin and is easy to blend and highlights and brightens and is honestly perfect, so its like Edward Cullen in a bottle, and it comes with this sponge tip meaning you don't have to use a brush!

 

May be a bit weird but I've honestly found the best primer out there and its the Nivea post shave balm for men (I get the one for sensitive skin). I find that it makes your makeup last all day and stops your face from going cakey. It holds all my contouring and highlighting which is great, especially if you spend your time and money on makeup, and stops it from fading. it also feels cooling and soothing on the skin. I mean yes you do smell like a man for about 15 minutes, but its so worth it.

 

I have been loving wearing denim dungarees lately, as there so easy to put together and you can wear them with so many things. I like wearing them with turtlenecks and picked up two lately both from topshop. I usually wear them with tights, my DM's and my duffle coat. I've never been one for skirts and dresses, but I cant get enough of them at the moment.

 

As always I've been loving loads of music, however I've chosen a few songs that have been on repeat recently, such as Bryson Tiller- Don't, The 1975- UGH!, TINK-Men, Drumaq+Dapurr- Baby Blue, Alina Baraz+Galamatias-Fantasty, Make you feel, Pretty thoughts, Paradise and Can I, Alessia Cara-Here, Kelhani-Till the morning, Shrillex+ Diplo- To U and many, many more but the list will go on forever.

 

And finally a foodie favourite, and as always smoothie bowls. I purchase ready frozen fruits from Waitrose, I really like the radiant ruby flavour with beetroot, carrot, mango and banana, I eat these for breakfast, as a snack, after netball and I'd eat them for dinner if I could. If I'm feeling really healthy I'll add in a handful of spinach or greens and honestly you can't taste it.

 

Thank you for reading, I hope you have a great day!

 

MAC Trio

MAC, even though its more on the pricey side, is one of my favourite makeup brands. I've recently been loving using the Studio Fix fluid, Studio Fix pressed powder foundation and the pro-longwear concealer. Together there a dream.

 

I love using the studio fix fluid first, after I've primed and moisturised, to even out my skin tone and hide any scaring or red-ness .The foundation is on the thicker side, in my opinion, and has a medium coverage, but can be built up in layers, until the desired look is achieved.

Next, I apply concealer to any blemishes, dark circles and to highlight the high points of my face, such as my chin, forehead and nose. I find the concealer has a full coverage look, perfect for hiding dark circles and the fact you haven't slept in days.

To finish I'll set my makeup with a powder. This stops it from creasing and being worn away, I mean if your spend the extra money you want it lasting the whole day. this is also perfect for the 'no makeup' days as it provides some coverage, but looks really natural and is light on the skin.

I'm shade NC30 in all products.