Miss Sadie K xx

fashion

The White Midi

Top - New Look

Skirt - Matalan

Shoes - New Look via Asos

Necklace - Primark

You may remember seeing a couple of these items in my haul post and seeing as the sun was shining I thought I'd do a little outfit post at the weekend. As you can see Riley wanted in on the photo action ( I had to crop his little nose out of the majority of the pictures), but seeing as he hasn't been on the blog in a while and just because he is so god damn cute I thought I'd include a couple with him in.

As it was the Wimbledon final at the weekend, and tennis being the only sport I remotely watch or follow I thought I'd wear a little Wimbledon inspired outfit. I don't feel I quite have the tan to pull off an all white look that is quintessentially Wimbledon, so I thought the next best thing would be yellow and white. I love this combination, it is so bright and summery.

I have so much love for this midi skirt, it fits so nicely and I feel so comfortable and girly in it. The other bonus of a midi is I don't have to worry about showing off my knickers to passers by every time there is a gust of wind, which is very often the case with shorter skirts and dresses. If I had the choice between a midi or a mini skirt I think I'd choose a midi every time.

What about you? Are you a mini or a midi lover?

31 comments

, by Sadie

beauty

Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil

Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil, £3.19 - Boots

A few weeks ago when I was repurchasing my favourite Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, I noticed these eyeshadow pencils. I've never tried eyeshadow pencils before but thought they'd be great for when I don't have long to get ready or am on the go, as they are easy to just keep in your bag without the need for eyeshadow brushes. They come in 6 different shades and I opted for the Vintage Blush one, which is a lovely rose gold colour. I would say it has slightly more of a pink tone than these pictures are showing. I just thought it was a nice simple colour that is easy to wear and is a pretty all over lid colour. The pencil has a nice soft velvety texture, is easy to apply and easily blends. It also works really well as a base for other eyeshadows.

The only downside of this product is that it doesn't seem to be very long lasting, which I thought it would be as it claims to be waterproof, but this doesn't really bother me too much as like I said before it is easy to slip in your bag and top up whilst your out. All in all I really like this product though and think I may be an eyeshadow pencil convert. They are just so practical and easy to use.

What do you think of eyeshadow pencils? Have you tried these ones or any others before?

15 comments

, by Sadie

fashion

New In: River Island, New Look, George and Matalan

I've done hardly any shopping for summer over the last couple of months but for some reason over the last week, I have gone a bit shopping crazy. So I thought I'd share with you just some of the things I have bought, as I'm sure there'll be more to come. I must learn to have more self control.

Light Pink Block Heel Strappy Shoes, £35 - River Island

Now I'm not normally a huge fan of River Island but they have some lovely stuff this summer and one of the first things that caught my eye was these shoes. Very surprising as they are way out of my comfort zone being pink, but pastel pink is growing on me this summer (they are a bit lighter than they look in this picture) and I just thought they looked really cute and summery.

Full Organza Midi Skirt, £18 - Matalan

One of the things I've had at the top of my wish list for this summer is a full midi skirt. I just think they look so pretty and feminine and you can't help but feel super girly swishing around in one. So when I saw this one for just £18 I had to snap it up. Such a bargain for the quality compared to most I've seen for £30-£40.

Rucksack, £12 - George

Bra, £8, Pants, £4 - George

I'd been after a nice rucksack for a while but didn't want one too expensive as I mainly want it for when I go out for the day and take the dog with me as it would just make it much easier to carry his water, treats etc. in as well as my things rather than having to take two bags. I love the little daisy print on this one and think it was a bargain for £12.

As for the underwear I think that's pretty self explanatory... it's mint green (my favourite) and it's pretty.

Crochet Collar Blouse, £12 - George

Yellow Bow Back Vest, £9.99 - Cameo Rose at New Look

I love little chiffon vests like this in the summer, they're so light and easy to wear and I love the little details, like pretty collars and little bows, that make a simple top so much prettier. I mainly bought these though as I think they'd look really pretty tucked into the white midi skirt I bought from Matalan.

Dark Red V Neck Cami, £9.99 - New Look

Floral Print Drop Hem Cami, £14.99 - New Look

I also really wanted some little cami tops for the summer and these are perfect. They are so light and loose, which is just what you need in hot weather, and they just hang really nicely. Although the straps seem to be really long on the floral one but nothing a couple of stitches won't fix.

Mint Green V Neck Box Pleat Dress, £19.99 - New Look

Last but not least is my favourite purchase, a lovely mint green dress. I'm sure I've mentioned on here several times that mint green is one of my favourite colours, so when I saw this dress there was no question, I had to have it. It is made from a thick-ish waffle textured material which makes it look more structured and fit really nicely. The nipped in waist and V neck just make it look really flattering.

What have you been buying this summer?

17 comments

, by Sadie

baileys

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

When it was Father's Day a couple of weeks ago I was browsing Pinterest for a little inspiration of what to bake and stumbled across a pin of alcoholic cupcakes. Which lead me to these boozy cupcakes and when I scrolled down and saw the Irish Car Bomb cupcakes I knew these would be just perfect for my dad with his Irish roots and love of Guinness and Whiskey. Now if you've not heard of an Irish Car Bomb it is a drink where a shot of Whiskey and Baileys is dropped into a glass of Guiness. Doesn't sound too yummy right? But I can promise you these cupcakes are so yummy! Coming from someone who doesn't like Baileys, I can honestly say the Bailey's buttercream is one of the most delicious buttercreams I have ever tasted.

I hunted high and low for an English recipe as it's quite difficult to convert cup measurements into grams but couldn't find one anywhere, but don't be put off as these cupcakes are well worth the effort. I wasn't too disappointed anyway as it gave me an excuse to buy these super cute measuring cups that I've had my eye on for a few months now.

Measuring cups, £8 - Wilkinsons

Ingredients

(makes 15-20 depending on the size of your cases)

Cupcakes:

1 cup of Guinness or other Irish Stout

1 cup of unsalted butter

3/4 cup of cocoa powder

2 cups of plain flour

2 cups caster sugar

1 and a 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder

2 eggs

2/3 cup of sour cream

Whiskey Ganache Filling:

225g dark chocolate

2/3 cup of whipping cream

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

2-3 teaspoons of Irish Whiskey (depending how strong you'd like it to taste)

Baileys Buttercream:

2 cups of unsalted butter

5 cups of icing sugar

6 tablespoons of Baileys or other Irish Cream

1. Preheat oven to 180ºc/Gas Mark 4. Put the Guinness and butter in a saucepan on a medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is simmering. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Leave to cool slightly.

2. Whilst the Guinness mixture is cooling combine the flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer or whisk beat together the eggs and sour cream, then add the Guinness mixture and combine.

3. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Once fully combined divide the mixture between your cases, filling them just over half full and bake in the oven for 17-20 minutes.

4. Whilst the cakes are cooling finely chop the chocolate into a heatproof bowl for the whiskey ganache. Heat the whipping cream in a small saucepan until simmering, then pour over the chocolate and stir until all the chocolate has melted. Stir in the butter and whiskey, then leave to cool until it thickens but is still soft enough to pipe.

5. Once the cupcakes have cooled cut out the centres using a small round cutter or the bottom of a large decorating tip.

6. Fill a piping bag with the whiskey ganache and snip off the tip, then fill the cupcakes.

7. To make the buttercream use the whisk attachment on an electric mixer or an electric whisk and beat the butter on a high speed for 5 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally. Reduce to a medium speed and gradually add the icing sugar. Add the Baileys and increase to a high speed for 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.

8. Fill a piping bag with the buttercream and pipe onto the cupcakes and decorate however you like. I used some little chocolate crunch balls from Asda.

Delicious!!

I definitely recommend giving this recipe a whirl, even if like me you're not a fan of Baileys or Whiskey, but somehow it just works as these are some of the yummiest cupcakes I've baked.

9 comments

, by Sadie

co-ords

Colourful Co-Ords

1. Top, £40 and Skirt, £41 - Topshop
2. Kimono, £40 and Shorts, £28 - Oasis
3. Top, £36 and Skirt, £40 - Miss Selfridge
4. Jacket, £50 and Shorts, £40 - Miss Selfridge
5. Bralet, £24 and Skirt, £40 - Topshop

If there's one trend I'm loving this season it's the co-ord trend, and as you can see I'm especially loving it when it comes in the form of a full midi and crop or a little short suit. To be honest this trend is way out of my comfort zone, as I've never been one for the "matchy matchy" look or lots of colour, I have a very monochromatic wardrobe so if I do wear any colour it tends to be teamed with a simple black skirt or jeans. I keep seeing pretty patterned and floral co-ords popping up everywhere at the moment though and I find myself lusting after them more and more.

As much as I love the midi skirts and matching tops, I think it might be a little easier to dip my toes in the co-ord waters with a little short suit, as this can be broken up with a simple white vest or sleeveless blouse. I'm especially loving the Oasis one, as the kimono style jacket gives it a more casual and comfy look and it could be easily dressed down with a pair of flat tan sandals as well as dressed up for night with a few statement jewels and heels.

What do you think of the co-ord trend? I'd love to see if or how you'll be wearing it this summer.

23 comments

, by Sadie

fashion

Paisley Playsuit

Playsuit, £17.99 - iKrush

I recently received this lovely monochrome paisley print playsuit from iKrush and I absolutely love it. It is currently on offer with 10% off making it an affordable £17.99, and for the price the quality is amazing. The material is so nice and light and comfortable, making it perfect for this horrible muggy weather we're having in England at the moment. I also like the fact that it has sleeves for this same reason, as I'm not sure if it's just me but when it's warm but dull and drizzling rain I don't really feel right going out in little strappy playsuits and dresses. I also like that the sleeves are wide and flowy adding to the slight seventies vibe given off by the paisley print. Teamed with my chunky black platforms it makes for the perfect English summer night outfit.

28 comments

, by Sadie

beauty

Revlon Parfumerie China Flower

Revlon Parfumerie in China Flower - £6.49 (currently on offer in Boots for £4.49)

I saw a lot of hype about this nail polish before it was released and I have to admit that I was immediately drawn in by the packaging. Who doesn't want their nail polish to come in the form of a cute little perfume bottle?! It is available in 24 different shades and scents, and I decided to opt for China Flower.

China Flower is a nice bright red which I thought would be the perfect red for the upcoming summer months. Now, if I'm being completely honest, I didn't really have high hopes for this polish. I was expecting it all to be a bit of a gimmick and that the scent and packaging would be used to detract from the quality of the polish. Now that I've tried it though, I can honestly say that this is anything but a gimmick and has fast become one of my favourite nail polishes. It applies so easily and smoothly, not a streak or lump in sight. Even better, it only took one coat to get the full coverage you can see in the pictures. Revlon does advise to use two coats but I honestly didn't feel the need, and less coats means less drying time. This is an added bonus for me as I am super impatient when it comes to waiting for nails to dry. Once it is dry you start to get the hint of the scent, which is nice and subtle and not too overpowering. I'm not entirely sure what China Flower is meant to smell like, but to me it has a smell that reminds me of a nice hot bubble bath. Which, as someone who loves a nice relaxing bath, is pretty pleasant.

Have you tried the Revlon Parfumerie polishes? Which is your favourite?