B's Wishlist #5

So, this wishlist business is definitely starting to become a (both pricey and really enjoyable) habit on this blog! Sadly (or luckily for her) Kym is still on her American road trip adventure, so this week there might only be one wishlist, unless she manages to have a little quick one at a Starbucks somewhere! Anyway, without further ado, here my bi-monthly wishlist for the next couple of weeks:

Make Up Bag | Knitted Turban | High Waisted Jeans | Pore Minimizer | Camo Beanie |

 Eyebrow Pencil | Concealer Wand | Solid Perfume Stick | Liquid Foundation 

As I think I mentioned, Kym is so kind as to bring me quite a couple of make-up bits from the US, since they're much cheaper there than in most places in Europe. I'm deeeeead excited, so to honor my new little beauties, I'd love to get this Ted Baker Make Up bag - I have tons of other ones, but this gorgeous snake-skin one is just too good. It's on sale right now, too, and I've been wanting a Ted Baker one forever to replace my much less exciting H&M ones.
I mentioned in my last wishlist that I was seriously in love with knitted headband/turbans, and that hasn't changed. This one in black, white and orange looks classy but the pop of color makes it really stand out, which is great for accessorizing an outfit. So sad about the 70€ price tag!
Another thing I mentioned last time is the amount of jeans I have, so this really shouldn't feature on my wishlist. I have skinny jeans, I have acid washed jeans, I have blue jeans, and yet I still really want these. They're from Boohoo so they're definitely affordable, and anyone who knows me knows I just live in high waisted denim all year round.
Despite being a very regular and long time Body Shop customer, I have only very recently started to look beyond their body butters, shower gels and fruity lip balms. Lately I've gotten really interested in their skin care, particularly face care. Their face masks (especially Tea Tree and Dead Sea) are brilliant, so I've decided to pop in sometime in the next days to buy their Pore Minimizer with tea tree extract. I have slightly enlarged pores on my t-zone and would love it if this product worked, but I trust the Body Shop and look forward to using this.
Did I mention that summer is over, it has been raining non-stop and autumn has definitely arrived? I do miss summer already, but I'm beyond excited to get to wear hats, beanies, scarves, gloves, etc. This cute camo beanie by Monki matches my recent camo crop-top purchase... from Monki, too ;)
Even though I'm really quite happy with how my Catrice Cosmetics eyebrow pencil works, I am still keen to try out new eyebrow products to find out what works best for me and gives the most natural look. As I wrote in a previous article, I'm a big fan of thick, defined and quite dark eyebrows, so the quality of the pencil is essential. I've heard a lot of good about the Inglot pencils, so that might just be my next brow product purchase!
The next one is a product that Kym might bring me back from the US, if she finds it: the reviews on the NYX website are great, and I'm always on the look for a good concealer, so this might be worth a try.
While I do have my own favorite scents, I've been looking for a small, travel-friendly alternative perfume to easily carry around with me. I'm not usually that big a fan of Lush products because I tend to find the soapy smell a little overwhelming, but these small solid perfume sticks - perfect size to toss into your handbag - seem like a great, affordable idea to me. This scent, Karma, is described as "a powerful, spicy and unique patchouli and citrus perfume" which sounds pretty nice, especially for autumn.
Last but not least: the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. The only reason I don't own this already is that NARS products are really pretty expensive, especially face products. But this has been raved about so much in the beauty world that I just can't resist it much longer and am starting to save up for it. 

Designer Love of the Moment

Hi everyone, 

Sorry for the fairly long post-break, I've been busy savoring the last few days of holidays with my boyfriend before heading back to university.... The sadness of long distance relationships!!

And as you all know, Kym is still driving around in the US and shopping til she drops, haha!

Anyhow, today I thought I'd write a little about a designer brand that I love, which I thought might be interesting, as I tend to talk mostly about fairly cheap and affordable brands and not so much runway fashion. I'm sure you've heard of it: KENZO Paris, a luxury designer label that was founded in Paris by the japanese designer Kenzo Takada in 1970. Having been a little forgotten in past years, Kenzo made a huge comeback this season with an incredibly trendy new collection that has inspired many brands to copy them (I'm looking at you, H&M, stealing all the prints!!)
I have spent houuuurs looking at their gorgeous designs. The collection consists mostly of fairly abstract prints: Salvador Dalí inspired tiger prints, big, bold, black eye prints, dreamy cloud prints and bold letterings of the brand. I'm especially taken with their jumpers. One of them, the green Kenzo Tiger jumper, has become all the rage among fashionistas in past months, and I really understand why!
The color adds a statement to any outfit, the slightly street wear inspired design screams individuality and glams up any outfit, and the KENZO logo print insinuates luxury. I want one soooo bad, but at approx. 300€, these babies are just waaay out of my budget. You can check ebay, however, a few fairly good dupes are on sale up there for about 30 to 50 euros. Definitely worth it.

If you'd rather go for something less iconic than the green Kenzo jumper, there's plenty more gorgeous pieces in the collection. More printed jumpers, embossed boots, embroidered bags, shiny skirts, funky parkas, beautiful scarves. I am genuinely really in love with all of them. The only problem, once again, is the more than hefty price tag. At 300 to 600€ per item, all of these gorgeous garms at far out of my reach. For now, at least. In the meanwhile, I will continue swooning over the brilliant cloud-printed jumper in soft colors, the knitted logo jumper, and especially the tiger embossed leather booties.

If like me, you are really impatient to get your hands on similar items, there is plenty of fashion houses that have been, if not completely ripping off, then at least inspired by the Kenzo prints. Check out some of the items H&M has recently released, such as their all over eye-print leggings, the eye-print skirt, their dupe of the green tiger jumper (which I have to admit I own), or some of their eye-print tops. Seen this before, anyone?
While I do think it's shameless (and actually surprised that it's legal?), I am still grateful that I can buy similar prints for a tiny fraction of the price. Kenzo, make a cheaper line for poor girls like me!!

Any luxury labels that you are in love with? I'm thinking of making my "Designer Love of the Moment"- and where to find dupes, a kind of monthly article. Interested? Comment below!

B's Favorite A/W'13 Trends

Evening everyone!

First off, considering our pageviews are steadily increasing, I wanted to thank all those who have taken the time to visit our blog. It means a great deal, even if our audience is minuscule at the moment. If you do read and enjoy our blog, it would be amazing if you could follow, share, comment, etc.!
Now to the order of the day: my Autumn and Winter 2013/2014 trend predictions and favorites.
I apologize in advance for this post that is going to be lengthy, but there is a lot going on in the fashion and beauty world for the next few months, and I really wanted to take the time to make a little list of what I think is going to be really big these next few months! I mixed both fashion and beauty, to have a little overview of what this coming season is going to have in stock for us. 

Check Mate - Tartan, Houndstooth and other Patterns

Admittedly, I've always hated houndstooth - probably because until recently, I hadn't found any clothes where the pattern looked edgy and modern. Now, I'm crazy about it. Along with the traditional scottish tartan, it brings a great punk edge to any outfit and helps pick up a dull winter outfit. Absolute must-have this season!

Warm and Cosy - Fur Collars and Knit

Knits and fur for Winter? It might seem like an obvious choice, but I still wanted to stress this, because they're going to be important key-pieces this season. Wear your knits oversized for autumn and winter, with thick, crocheted beanies, super long and oversized scarves, and cosy (faux!!) fur or shearling collars to throw over any jacket as an alternative for scarves (instant glamour - and warmth!! - guaranteed). 

Blue for You - All over Denim

This has been an ongoing trend during the last few seasons, too, but this winter, the all-over denim look continues, with gorgeous skirts, ripped mom-jeans, oversized denim jackets (especially cute with corduroy detailing on the collar or sleeves), denim vests for layering and other accessories. Denim looks amazing paired with pretty much anything, so layer this look with tartan and a chunky knitted beanie, for example.

Punk Kicks - Chunky Shoes and Boots

This last year, cut-out boots took over our shoe shelves (and hearts) completely. This upcoming season, they'll be getting chunkier, with thick soles and heels. Creepers, platform boots, Doc Martens and any boot with a punk vibe is an absolute must-have for this winter. Wear with knee-high socks and a black pleated skirt, for a touch of punk and schoolgirl chic. So cute, and so bad-ass, too!

Pile on the Bling - Layering necklaces

Absolutely self-explanatory: chunky chain necklaces will continue to be a big trend, but try layering two or more of them on top of each other for an even bolder look. Metal mixes are very in, too, so don't be afraid to wear silver, gold, bronze, rosé gold and anything else all at once.

Material Girl - Mixing up Textures

Layering is one of these trends that have been around forever and that's probably going to stay this way. This autumn, you can get a little experimental with it and layer different textures and materials (don't go too crazy on the colors, though) for an edgy look. Metallic, snake-skin, fur, boucle, suede, sleek leather, chiffon, silk, denim... Mix it all up! My favorites: PU sleeved jackets and furry jumpers with leather leggings. 

Oversize Love  - Outsized Dresses and Coats

This trend is right up my alley, as it is very minimal. The clean-cut, oversized dresses look amazing paired with a few layers of chunky necklaces, and also make a great autumn and winter wardrobe essential piece, as they look especially great when they are knitted or wooly dresses. After sporting cute and lightweight boyfriend blazers last spring, it's now boxy, oversized boyfriend coats that take over for the winter. I think they look loveliest when paired with a contrasting furry collar. Topshop has especially nice ones!

Goodbye Glossy - Matte Lips

I believe the bold colored lips trend from this summer will continue into the autumn/winter season, but the colors will become slightly darker: corals are going to get replaced with nudes, light pinks replaced with darker, richer reds, and purple shades are going to be really big, too! My favorite way to wear lip color for the upcoming season is very bold and very matte. I'm eagerly awaiting to try out the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams that Kym is bringing back from the US for me! Alternatively, you can use any lipstick and dab powder on your lips to mattify them, or you can have a look at these brands above that all have great matte effect lipsticks!

Autumn Radiance - Glowy and Fresh Skin

Recently, I've been discovering a ton of new ways to improve my skin, which makes me really happy as it's just in time for a new make-up season. I think a big trend for this coming autumn is glowy, radiant skin with rosy cheeks for a healthy complexion. Here a few of the best products to get the look!

Hello Brow - Thick and Defined Eyebrows

The last trend (which again has been ongoing for a while) which I believe is going to keep being big this season are strong, bold, defined brows. My favorite way to wear them is with a smooth and slightly dewy complexion, and either a smokey eye or a bold lip and really strong eyebrows. Here a few of the must-haves for well groomed eyebrows!

So that's it, these are the few trends that I think will be (or keep being) important in the fashion and beauty world in the next few months. Many of them have been ongoing trends, but redefined, and some of them I have just recently discovered and fallen in love with. All in all, I must say I am beyond excited to finally start the autumn season, as it's my favorite (especially the clothes). 

Any trends that you're excited to wear? Any ideas you wanted to share?

My next post will probably be a "Get ready with me" morning routine or "Good night" evening routine for skin care and make-up. Any preferences? Let me know in the comments below.
I'm also REALLY excited for Kym to come back from the US, as I haven't seen her in months. We'll make sure to post a joint article then (and we'll both be uploading US hauls!) Til then, love,

(all items via polyvore. You can get many of those by either typing keywords into polyvore, or just checking the Monki and the ASOS shop, as that's where I found most of those clothes!)

B's Monki Haul

As promised, a little quick picture haul of a few of the items I picked up from Monki (and other random stores) during my week of holidaying in gorgeous Finland. I keep going on about them, but they truly are my very favorite brand, ever. Wish they did free shipping to Europe on their website, argh! Probably going to head to Utrecht or Amsterdam or Rotterdam one of these days to pick up a few more things, I am just too crazy about them not to.
One thing which I've mentioned before but will mention again as it's quite important, though: their sizing runs a little different than for most other stores, I find. I think it's great, as I actually think it's a lot more accurate and representative of real life, but basically their size XS is about a UK size 8, their size S is about a UK 10-12, their size M is roughly a UK 14-16, and their size L is more like an 18, so be careful not to buy anything too big! I, who sometimes struggle to find something that fits nicely in other stores because they run quite small (Forever 21 runs pretty tiny in my opinion), buy most of my Monki clothes in a size M (or wow, even the odd piece in S) and only get the L sizes when I deliberately want the item to be extra long, or extra slouchy. They also use average or 'normal' size models a lot of the time, which is really refreshing and is part of why I rate this brand so highly. Anyway, here goes: 

"Tough Love" print jumper, 30€ via Monki (love this, as it's very similar to the muuuch more expensive jumpers with prints and slogans by Wildfox Couture. This is such a steal if you compare the prices!) And I could really use a bit of a pop of such a bold color in my wardrobe, as it's usually 99% black and the odd bit of blue or white. This is also 100% cotton, which is great quality for this price.

All over kitty-print canvas tote bag, 8€ via Monki. I am and always have been a cat lady so I genuinely just couldn't resist this. I'm also obsessed with totes, so it's pretty much perfect for me. They're so cute!

Grey acid wash 3/4 length sleeve tshirt, 15€ via Monki. I love everything and anything acid wash, and grey is such a nice transition color to wear in late summer all the way to winter. So gorgeous tucked into some jeans with some cut-out boots and a piece of statement jewelry. Love the high neckline, too.

Did I mention I am genuinely obsessed with socks? Here's a few I picked up recently. The first ones are from a random store, but the chain and the pattern ones are from Monki, too, for just 3€ each!! 

Black and white patterned vest, 15€, via Monki. I love all things monochrome and rarely wear color, so this crazy patterns is a great way to include a bit of pop into an otherwise boring outfit i.e. jeans. 

And here a few other random things I picked up while in Finland: Moomintroll postcards, glass and keychains, because I really love them! Finnish postcards from the Design District, as well as the goooorgeous Monki payment receipt (it's got cute little birds and adorable figures printed on the back!) as well as the gorgeous plastic bag that my clothes came in. Did I mention I loooove that shop?

And finally, the velvet-y biker jacket which I picked up from H&M on the main shopping street in Helsinki. I actually just went in to buy a boring pair of black basic tights, but saw this, then thought it would be waaay to expensive, but had to get it when I realized it was only 19,95€. Genuinely one of the best bargains recently. Lovely material, I really love the shoulder detailing, too. It's also a perfect transition piece to wear on chilly late summer nights all the way til autumn and even winter!

So yes, that's what I picked up, sorry for going on and on and on and on forever about Monki, I can't help myself, it's become a little of an unhealthy (for my wallet) obsession. I keep and keep and keep buying more of their stuff! The quality is just amazing, and the designs so fresh and new and gorgeous. You can find all of the above items on their online shop: http://www.monki.com/

K's Weekly Wishlist #4 US Edition!

Glitter Nail Polish | Glow-in-the-Dark Nail Polish | Brushes | Coat | Essie Nail Polish | BB Cream | Boots | Hair Dye | Perfume | Purple and Glitter Nail Polish | Make-Up Box | Confetti Nail Polish | Mascara | Pouch

The time has come. Tomorrow I will leave for New York City and it will be the start of the roadtrip from New York to Los Angeles with my father! I am so excited and also so afraid that I will forget anything, you know that feeling right? My suitcase is packed. It is not even half full but I am sure it will come back home totally crammed.
In my wishlist you can find items I have wished for for quite a long time actually and that I am sure I will find in the United States.
I have always been a fan of glitter nail polishes and obviously they had to be in the photo set. Lately I am into the confetti ranges and into those, in which the polish is another color than the glitter. I will also replace my old A List Essie nail polish with a new one; it is like the best shade of red I have ever found. Since special nail polishes have always been my taste, I will also try the glow in the dark type. So excited!
Cut-out boots are the latest trend I really don't want to miss it. I am looking for flat ones and I really hope to find some.
Beauty products should not be missing on the wishlist since there is a much wider and more different range in the United States than it is here in Austria. I will totally take advantage of that, and honestly: who wouldn't. I will go for Benefit and Smashbox Camera Ready products, as well as Daisy by Marc Jacobs.
I have talked about the Real Techniques Brushes set before and this time it will not only be on my wishlist, it will be in my make up bag! I have also mentioned dying my ombré-ed hair pink and Urban Outfitters has a really good product to do so, at least that's what the reviews say.
I have not talked about the make up pouch yet, it only stands for the infinite number of products I want to buy from Forever 21.
And last but definitely not least: the coat. Bianca has purchased it already but I fancied it for quite some time already and after trying it on in stores I want it really badly. Her and me will run around like twins in autumn/winter then, so what.

What has been on your wishlist lately?

B's Weekly Wishlist #4

Yay, it's wishlist time again. 

I thoroughly enjoy doing them, even though I usually don't end up buying more than half of what's on it because #moneyisshort. This week's wishlist is quite obviously influenced by the autumn/winter collections that are starting to show up in the shops. Which is frustrating, as the weather is still way too warm for any of it, but I am already fully in autumn clothes mood! I adore layering, cardigans, coats, scarves, fur collars, boots, and anything autumn-y.

                                                                                                                                                                 

Black Jeans | Blue Jeans | Bronzing Powder | Circle Scarf | Quilted Shoes | Hair Clips | 

Instant Tan | Lip Creme | Wake Me Up Foundation | Turban Headband | Lace Up Shoes

I don't know if I mentioned yet, but my forever absolute wardrobe staples are: skinny jeans, leggings/disco pants, crop tops in all shapes and patterns, jumpers and ankle boots. Winter through summer, that's what I love to wear. I am aaaalways searching for another perfect pair of jeans (though I have to say, the best cut jeans I have ever bought are the ASOS high waisted Ridley jeans, which I own in about 6 different color ways and washes because they just fit so fucking perfectly!). As you all know, I'm obsessed with Monki, and their prices for denim are excellent, so I'm really keen on buying these two pairs: lovely black ones with ripped knees, and these ones from their new super skinny stretchy line, which looks fab as well. Love this light wash.
Continuing in the Monki addiction: I'm planning on getting this gorgeous monochrome patterned snood, which just totally makes me long for winter already, as well as their super cute matching hair clips for high ponytails and a very trendy 90's vibe. I'm also seriously considering investing into their platform quilted lace up booties. So.Perfect. I don't even know how to describe my love for them.
Though these white doc martens style patent leather lace-ups are also calling.... I have an addiction to cute socks: printed, patterned, frilly, knee-high, thick knit, pop colors, lace, etc... I just adore them, so I need a new pair of shoes that can show them all off well, and these are perfect.
A fashion staple that I really want to wear during the coming autumn and winter season are knitted turban headbands, such as this one from H&M. It's also just a fiver, so a total bargain. Really rad!
What with all this winter talk, I do still have to admit that I don't want to let go of the summer warmth, the sun and the blue skies yet. Oh and: I don't want to lose my tan, I'm not ready to return to being pale... so I'm planning to pick up the Bourjois Delice de Soleil Bronzing Powder to help the glow a little, as well as the Rimmel Instant Tan to keep the tan just a little bit longer.
Even though I just picked up the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation, I also really want the ever-so-raved-about Wake Me Up Foundation. I just haven't picked it up yet because I have had a few hormonal skin break-outs recently and have been told it's not so great for oily skin, so I'm just waiting for my skin to calm down again before I get this one for my make-up bag.
Lastly, as you all know, Kym is heading to the US this week-end, and one of the few things I asked her to bring me back are the NYX Soft Matte Lipcreams (ideal color Antwerp!), because you can't really get them in Europe. Hope she can find it!

Sorry for the long post again, and sorry to be posting winter clothes already, I am just really an autumn fanatic and find it hard to contain my excitement about the upcoming fashion season.
What's on your wish list this week?

B ♡ Finland

Hey guys!

As I mentioned a billion times (I got a bit carried away, I was just so excited) I went to Finland on a holiday last week. Me and my boyfriend and his parents went on a little city trip: we flew from Amsterdam to Helsinki, stayed there for two days in a little flat which we rented (it had a sauna, what an absolute dream luxury, I went like 3 times a day). Helsinki is genuinely one of the best cities I have ever visited, and I have seen quite a few! It's such a gorgeous mix between a scandinavian sea-side city, but it also has many eastern european, especially russian, architectural influences. I would describe it like the best possible mix between Copenhagen and Moscow! The design district is pretty incredible - sleek, practical, gorgeous designs to be bought at every street corner. It's also the birthplace of the Moomins, a childrens tv program I loved dearly. Instead of making a whole big photo heavy post, I decided to do little snap-shot collages:

After a few days in Helsinki, we took the ferry over to Tallinn, which is the capital of Estonia. Tallinn looks a lot more like some of my austrian neighbor places, such as the Czech Republic (especially Prague). The old town is gorgeous and quite medieval looking, but sadly it's floooooded with a bunch of (especially Australian actually!) tourists who come to get drunk on the very cheap alcohol. Great hotel though, with a Spa and sauna area once again. Definitely a wellness holiday for me! I really needed it, too - I recently took a break from my birth control (I try to do it every six months or so to give myself a little break from hormones) which has made me gain a few pounds and my skin break out, so I've felt a bit horrible during my holiday :( The sauna has helped a little though, and I'm back on track dieting and exercising with my old annoying pal Jillian Michaels.

After two nights in Tallinn, we got the ferry back to Helsinki, where we stayed at the most breaaaathtaking hotel: the Glo Art Hotel Helsinki which is sooooo modern, sooooo gorgeous, suuuuch great food, and it looks like this. The next day we hopped on a train and went to Turku, for our last two finnish nights. Turku is the old capital of Finland, further on the western coast. It's really cute, too, but it definitely doesn't come close to Helsinki. I also bought quite a few Moomintroll items, like a little printed glass, a key chain, plenty of post cards, a hair spray and tissues haha. Couldn't help myself, they are just the cuuuuuutest! Secretly wish I could have gone to Moominland hahaha.

Admittedly, one of my favorite parts of the trip was to get the chance to finally go into the Monki shops! Since they're a scandinavian brand, they're a bit hard to come by in central Europe, so I went a little nuts and shopped quite a bit. I bought a canvas tote bag, a printed tank top, an acid wash tee, a semi-transparent swing dress, some funky tights, two pairs of patterned socks, a red knitted light weight jumper in red with a slogan (very similar to the wildfox couture ones actually) and a crop top. Went a bit mad, as I said! I am currently shooting pictures of all the items to upload soon, to bear with me!