Nails: Featuring Sally Hansen Miracle Cure

Last year I made a the horrible mistake of stepping into one of those cheap and tacky "USA nails" stores, you know, the ones that are the "fast food" versions of nail salons? I decided on a full set of gel nails because biting my nails is a habit I've been trying to break for years now. So gel nails would hopefully prevent this. At first, I HATED the salon.. the way it was so unorganised, none of the "technicians" spoke English and I genuinely felt really uncomfortable. Walking out, I told myself I would never go back. Eight months down the line and I'm a recovering addict due to the hard wearing results. However, it's a new year and I've promised myself and my nails I will stop the tragic abuse of unknown chemicals and infills.

Taking my gels off at home proved to be extremely difficult, I have no idea what substance was used to stick them on, but they honestly wouldn't budge. I ended up soaking my fingertips in acetone for a good hour to soften them up enough to scrape off the gel. The results after were not pretty. My poor nails were brittle.. flaky.. destroyed basically. It was time for an emergency stop at the nearest cosmetics store to pick up a nail strengthener, and it had to be Sally Hansen. 

I ended up settling for the Sally Hansen Miracle Cure strengthener which just short of £10, so not cheap at all! But my justification is that it's cheaper than paying £16 for infills every few weeks and Sally Hansen have a reputation for being very effective. Obviously the strengthener didn't take effect immediately but as you can see from the picture above, after a few weeks they are slowly getting back to normal. On the packaging it describes how the formula works:

"Powerful moisture magnets target severely, dry and brittle problem nails. Exclusive Micro-Mineral formula fills in cracks to instantly stop nails from peeling. Natural protein and super anti-oxidant formula strengthens nails."

My nails still don't look appealing without a colour on top because they are really discolored, so I apply Miracle Cure every couple of days under a nail polish. So far so good, as I have had no broken nails and they are still strong enough to withstand everyday tasks. Hopefully in a couple of months time I will be able to put this all behind me and move on into a nail traumatic-free life! For anyone that has suffered the same nail-neglect, feel free to chat to me for support, my twitter feed is always open ;)

(Left: With one coat of Miracle Cure Right: Miracle Cure underneath Models Own "Indian Ocean")

What are your nail related horror stories? Hope you're having a good week!

P.S. I'm attending the #BrizBlogMeet on March 2nd in Bristol. Let me know if you're going too - or if you're interested in attending, please check out Emily's blog post here.

Fashion: Tartan and Daisies

Every year, I never understand the fascination with the January sales. Usually I buy a couple of bits and bobs here and there.. but this year i'm a student living off of my student loan, which somehow has meant all my money has disappeared into the January sales abyss, mainly the ASOS abyss actually. I convinced myself it was okay, because they offer free delivery and free returns.. Oooh and student discount! This is my ASOS haul (so far).

Black Polo Neck Crop Top - ASOS

Statement Necklace - Stolen from Mum's jewellery drawer..

Tartan Skirt - ASOS

Tights - Tesco

Boots - ASOS

Bag - New Look (Christmas present from younger brother).

Nails - OPI 'OPI Ink'

This first outfit is so perfect for A/W because it actually keeps you super warm aswell as staying on trend. Tartan has been so popular this season and pairing it with a simple black top keeps it wearable and suitable for everyday wear. I paired this outfit with a chunky statement necklace just to add interest and to show how this versatile outfit can quickly be changed from day wear to night attire.

The boots were a total steal at £30 for real leather! However i did have a couple of problems with ASOS because at first they sent me a pair with completely faulty insoles. They were glued in half way up the boot if that makes sense? I sent them back requesting a replacement and they sent me these which have the same problem, just less severe. So i'm currently debating whether or not to ask for another replacement.. what do you think?

Daisy Print Swing Dress - ASOS

Tights & Boots - As before

This dress caught my eye because it looked really comfortable and easy to wear, yet really pretty and feminine. I was right, it's super soft and hides and lumps and bumps, but does anyone else think it's a little.. unflattering? I'm really unsure whether or not to send it back. I adore the print, and wearing this to uni would be easy to just chuck on, but the shapelessness does me no favours. The t-shirt styled high neck also seems to look strange on me, so i'm really at a loss. Help and advice would be appreciated!

However, if you are one of the lucky so-in-so's who can pull off a swing dress, this would be a lovely piece for that difficult winter to spring wardrobe transition. I think it looks sophisticated and cosy with a pair of boots, but it would also look good bare legged with strappy sandals.

Leather Zip Jacket - New Look (old)

Leather Collar dress - ASOS

Tights & Boots - As before.

Lastly, I picked up this patterned leather collar dress from Club L at ASOS. Supposedly it's knitted, but it was also a complete steal at £11.50 (down from £40!). I've already worn this out to my friends birthday meal on New Year's Day and it's that type of dress that is perfect for that kind of Smart/Casual event. I love how the leather collars adds a little fierceness, yet the shape is so girly and cutesy. 

So yes, I've spent waaaay too much on the ASOS website this month, not to mention i've also bought some new Forever 21 goodies, books, candles, lush treats.. the list goes on and someone needs to stop me before things get out of hand.

Also, these are the first outfit photos i've taken in over a year and I have to thank my gorgeous boyfriend for helping me out. I think he's done a really good job, tell him what you think over on his blog. 

What have you guys bought in the January Sales? Let me know on my Facebook page!

Christmas Gifts Part 1: Stocking Fillers

First off, i hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I've really enjoyed seeing some of your gift posts, everyone sounds as though they got some wonderful pressies! I also got spoilt by my wonderful boyfriend and family and had a lovely day as well. In fact, my Christmas day is sort of split into three, because in the morning i'm at mums house and we open stockings, eat an early Christmas lunch followed by tree presents. Next I dash of to Mike's house to have yet another lunch with his family and open presents, then finally we head down to see my Dad for yet more food and presents! If you follow me on twitter then you'll know that this year was slightly different for me because we bought dad a beautiful kitten for Christmas and had to go and pick up the little sweetheart. Anyway, i've decided to do a two part post beginning with some of the stocking fillers i received this year! 

Very lucky stocking! I also got a scratch card and 20p! But won nothing :(

First off, you can really go wrong with LUSH goodies can you? I received the bath bomb in rose jam, and i'm serious - It smells amazing! The little heart decoration is a really pretty air freshener and i also got a really sweet vintage storage tin which i think i'll use for odd bits of jewellery.

In my stocking this year, i also received the OPI Texas Lil Shooters. The colours you get inside are L-R "I Want To Be A Lone-Star" "Austin-Tatious Turquoise" "Do you think i'm Tex-y" and a top coat. Today i tried the first one and it's a lovely baby blue/grey. I really loved this little gift!

My stocking also contained these pretty flip-flops, which i believe came from Accessorize, and a cute sleeping mask for when I get optic migraines.

To go with the flip-flops, santa also brought me some sunglasses also from Accessorize. The cute birdie ornament is a small photo frame which I'll display in my window sill and for a bit of fun, I got some popping candy!

This cute tea light holder will be also be displayed in my window sill and I think it was such a cute little gift!

Finally, I was given a pair of cute tights and some lip balm inside a sweet flower case.

Stockings are my absolute favourite part of the day, and i love sitting with my family in our PJ's on Christmas morning. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. Much love, xoxo