FASHION || KATCH ME HAUL AW20

 *AD - This post contains gifted items.

I was recently contacted by KatchMe to try some of their AW20 staples, so me being me obviously said yes because I'm always on the lookout to test out new brands!

LIFESTYLE || FILMS AND TV SHOWS I LOVE TO (RE)WATCH IN AUTUMN

I hope it's acceptable for me to post this on the first day of September even though it's technically still Summer? Autumn is by far my most favourite season of the year. As much as I love hot summer days and nights, Autumn definitely holds a close place in my heart. As I'm writing this I am sat down on my bed in the fluffiest dressing gown, got my Jo Malone 'Orange Blossom' candle burning, a cup of tea on the side accompanied by Morrisons' Quadruple Chocolate Cookies (the best cookies in the world). Now all I need is a good film or TV show on to complete my autumnal mood. 

FASHION TRENDS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 - HIGH STREET FINDS

I don't know about you but I'm beyond excited for Autumn already. The recent weather has been so calming for me which has actually helped me overcome my blogging coma and get my arse in gear to finally write this post. Now, I'm not one to say that you should follow seasonal trends but you might end up liking some of the outfits I've picked out for this post.

The inspiration behind this post was taken from Vogue's September issue, high street shops from my consistent visits and my own wardrobe. Be sure to expect a lot of chunky knits, patterns and boots!


Boohoo.com

Outfit 1:

Jeans £25
Cardigan £15
Belt Bag £15
Open Toe Shoes £19

Outfit 2:

Dress £20
Cardigan £12
Bag £18
Boots £32

Outfit 3:

T-shirt £10
Jeans £22
Mules £18
Belt £6

Outfit 4:

Skirt £18
Shoes £25
Tights £8
Coat £30
T-shirt £6
Bag £16

Outfit 5:

Top £15
Skirt £14
Bag £20
Boots £25

Outfit 6:

Dress £12
Boots £38
Jacket £32
Bag £18

H&M

Outfit 1:

Top £19.99
Skirt £39.99
Shoes £19.99

 Outfit 2:

Jumpsuit £39.99
Coat £59.99
Shoes £19.99

 Outfit 3:

Shoes £19.99
Jumper £79.99
Jeans £8.99
Bag £34.99

 Outfit 4:

Shoes £19.99
Top £19.99
Skirt £24.99
Jumper £17.99

 Outfit 5:

Shoes £19.99
Jacket £149.99
Skirt £39.99
Top £8.99

 Outfit 6:

Shoes £19.99
Jeans £8.99
Coat £249.99
Top £19.99

Missguided

Outfit 1:

Dress £15
Boots £40

Outfit 2:

Jumpsuit £22
Boots £40
Coat £45

Outfit 3:

Dress £15
Coat £65
Boots £40

I hope you enjoyed looking through my top picks for Autumn-Winter 2018. Let me know if you think I'm missing any staples or if you liked the pieces I've picked out!

*This post does not contain any affiliate links.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2017 || SEPTEMBER FAVOURITES

For most, September is a month of denial as you find yourself missing Summer but are stuck in between seasons, but for me, it is the month I look forward to finishing the most so I can get excited for Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas.
With Autumn comes a great deal of pumpkin-spiced everything, even makeup looks. I'm personally obsessed with orange-brown smokey eyes with a shiny nude lip, but I have noticed that a lot of people I follow on my social media are still going for a glowing skin with lots and lots of highlighter (you glow, girl). So you can imagine that the products I've been using and loving the most the past month include a mixture of both, Summer and Autumn products.

Makeup Revolution is definitely one of those brands that everyone would have tried at some point in their lives. For me, it is one of my favourite brands for powder products such as eyeshadows and highlighters. My favourite ones that I've been loving throughout September are the Salted Caramel Palette and the Ultra Strobe Cream which make the perfect autumnal face. Sometimes I like to use the strobe cream on the high points of my face, and other times I put it all over my face and shine like the stars!

Do you remember how big the Mariah Carey x MAC collab was? All I remember is that people were fighting over the highlighter and most lipsticks, but I managed to get a lipstick and a lipglass and boy, oh boy can I just say how stunning the colours and the packaging is?! I have actually not touched them at all until recently as I didn't want to ruin the beautifully detailed engraving on the lipstick.

Last but not least, I have been overusing stick highlighters - especially the Collection Pearl Sheen one is shade 01. I like to apply it faintly over my foundation before I set it with powder for a more blinding effect. The shade is actually really nice, not as opaque as I'd like for it to be but it was expected for the low price.

What were your September Favourites this year?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

NETFLIX & CHILL - MY PREFERRED NIGHT IN AND FAVOURITE SHOWS

Who doesn't love a bit of Netflix and Chill? If it's on your own, with your friends or other half, Netflix = best night in.

My perfect night in consists of favourite TV shows/movies, snacks and a hot drink! Recently I've been loving different TV shows as movies don't entice me much anymore... I need a show to leave me guessing and wanting to watch on to find out what happens, yet I do love reading books before the shows too.

1) Sherlock - I've been obsessed with Martin Freeman ever since I watched The Hobbit (one of my all-time favourites I must say). I think that him and Benedict Cumberbatch make the perfect duo in this modern twist of Sherlock Holmes. 10/10 would recommend.

2) Orange is the new Black - Yassss! This show literally took over my life during my last year at college. I was hooked from the first episode and absolutely love the whole plot. I know that it's based on true events which tbh makes it even more exciting to watch.

3) The Big Bang Theory - If you're an open minded person then I'd definitely recommend this. I absolutely adore Sheldon Cooper and think all characters are fascinating. It definitely makes you look at things from a different perspective and learn about all types of personalities.

4) Black Mirror - A political satire which will make you think about everything that's gone off in 5 different ways (I'm not even joking). Kieran introduced me to this show a while ago, and I recently found out that it'll be returning to Netflix UK soon!!

5) Pretty Little Liars - Got a secret? Can you keep it? Ahhh! This show drives me insane! If you're up to date with it, you'll know who A is - rubbish, right? But, OMG when I first started watching this show (good few years ago now) I was so infuriated with wanting to find out who A was! And now I've got to wait until April for the last season to be released :(

6) Stranger Things - Oh my daysssss, have any of you watched this yet?! I've watched it the week it was released and I couldn't stop. I watched the whole season in a day and then rewatched it a couple of times (sorry, not sorry). This show is amazing, the acting is incredible and the setting is so realistic - I almost feel like I'm a part of the 80's!

What shows have you been loving recently? What's your perfect night in like? 

Lots of love,

Maya xo

LOTD - COSY AUTUMN/FALL LINGERIE & PERFECT NIGHT IN

Notice how I've said "LOTD" instead of "OODT"? Well, the "L" stands for Lingerie - because why wouldn't we want to shout out the most beautiful pieces we've come across?

This gorgeous lingerie set was bought from H&M in the sale, and I think I only paid £10 for it! It is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the lace detail on the back, it makes me feel super sexy when I wear it and that's what we should all feel like when wearing pretty underwear! 

I know that comfort is a big thing for most (including me) but you can honestly buy pretty bras and knickers that are just as comfortable as the 'old granny pants'.

I would definitely pair this set with a sheer baggy jumper/sweater and leggings during the day, and just wear it as it is or with a baggy shirt in the evening for the ultimate comfort! - can't go wrong having a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book either! I'm currently reading The Hobbit, as I've been meaning to for a while now as well as being a huge fan of Bilbo Baggins! I also love candles, especially during this season as I feel like it's socially acceptable to light them every day/night and wear cute fluffy or frilly socks all the time! My go-to Autumn fragrance has to be Alien by Thierry Mugler, I'm so sad that I'm running out of it now :(

This post is in collaboration with Adore Me (you can find my previous post with them here). Adore Me is an online shop that sells the most gorgeous lingerie, including pyjamas and they've been shooting a really exciting commercial for their new launch of sportswear which is due to come out this October! Oooh how exciting!  - you can check their Insta account for more info!

What makes you feel sexy during Autumn time? How would you pair up this gorgeous lingerie set? What's your 'perfect night in'? 

Lots of love,

Maya xo

WISHLIST || CASUAL SPORTY LATE SUMMER/AUTUMN OUTFIT FT H&M

Who doesn't love a comfy casual, yet glam outfit? Especially, in those cold Summer nights and upcoming Autumn. Oh, how I love Autumn! I cannot wait for the long walks at the park in the beautiful orange and brown colours, big cups of hot chocolate, Yankee candles and Halloween of course!

H&M has been one of my favourite shops for quite some time now and I've been loving their new Autumn range. the burgundies, greys and powder pinks are coming back - but then again, have they ever left?

I've put this one outfit together as I thought it was absolutely gorgeous and so on trend right now that it'd be a crime not to share it with you all!

Bomber Jacket £24.99, High Waisted Jeans £7.99, Trainers £19.99, T-shirt £9.99, Sunglasses £6.99

What do you think of this outfit? What's your favourite piece? Would you like to see me wear something similar?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

Recent Meals Out

Hey guys!

Due to being a super busy student I haven't had much time to eat proper meals at home so as a result I've been eating out quite often. My favourite place was propably Fat Cat in Nottingham City Centre.

 

I went out to Fat Cat twice in one week, the first time with my girl friends Evie and Ama

rah, and the second time with the boyfriend. The first night we ordered a round of never ending cocktails/mocktails and a platter of nachos with jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream and salsa. They were so delicious that the second time I went with Kieran we ordered some too!

Me and my lovely went for a pizza to share and nachos to start off with. Of course the food was delicious as always, and I am planning on returning there very soon!

Next up is one of my all time favourite restaurants - Zizi's. I love the food there, it is so rich and full of flavour and the staff always seem very friendly. I went there twice, once with my good friend Safina, and the second time with Kieran (we appreciate good grub). Me and Safina ordered a garlic bread platter which was to die for. The sweetness of the caramelised onions contrasted very well with the bitterness of the flat bread and garlic.

For our mains we chose a pizza each (obviously). It was crispy, full of toppings and it melted in our mouths with each bite.

                   

What other way to end our lunch date than to celebrate with a bottle of wine? 

When me and my other half went to Zizi's in the evening for a lovely meal I chose a chicken, parma ham and spinach calzone which was out of this world. It was so yummy that I will definitely recommend it to any pizza lover.

Kieran went for a bacon wrapped chicken kiev with roasted baby potatoes which according to him was also very delicious!!

Another one of my favourite restaurants is Bella Italia and that's where I usually end up with, with my best friend Jess. The started was very small. It was a selection of mushrooms covered in garlic with sour dough bread. There wasn't a lot of it however it was rather tasty.

On the other hand, the calzone I went for wasn't the best. It was soggy and didn't have a lot of filling on the inside, bearing in mind there was a piece of chicken stuck on the outside of the crust and some tomato puree poured on top of it which made it taste odd and even more soggy than without it.. I wasn't impressed with the food this time and am hoping for a big improvement on my next visit.

My most recent visit was to Chutney which is an Indian restaurant/takeaway. I chose the Tajj Mahal which was a mixture of beef, lamb and chicken with spicy potatoes. It was lovely, however I could not handle the spice for too long!

And here's a cute picture of me and Kieran promoting Chutney's charity event to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust in the name of Brian and Musa.

Have you guys been out anywhere nice recently? Any restaurant recommendations?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

Review || Lush Cosmetics Butterball Bath Bomb

Evening my lovelies!

I recently purchased a new Lush bath bomb so thought I'd share what i thought of it with you. I picked up my all time favourite 'Think Pink' and a new addition 'Butterball'. So, from the name itself you can already tell that Butterball is a body butter in a form of a bath bomb, so the best time to use it is after having a shower and then hop in a warm bath with the bomb melted as it will soften your skin and make it smell amazing!

I didn't ask what this product was best for but I'm guessing it's mostly suitable for people with dry skin who need that extra moisture out of their body products!

The texture of the product was very crumbly and oily, which you would expect from a bath bomb and a body butter mixed together. The smell was amazing! I believe that it is honey scented and I love sweet  smells, especially when it comes to baths. 

You can see the butter chunks which are the yellowy shade. They melted in the hot water after a few minutes which made my bath smell amazing and body feel extra smooth. Once my body absorbed all the butter from the bomb it felt and smelt amazing for the rest of the day, I definitely recommend this product to people who like me, suffer from dry sin and are after that extra bit of glow for their dull skin, it's perfect to use before a date or a night out as it has bits of shimmer in it.

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it?

Lots of love,

Maya xo