The Maine - English Girls

I haven't done a music post since I rebooted my blog, so I feel like it's about time.
The Maine are a band I loved when I was growing up and I must admit, I've had a lapse in listening to them now I'm a bit older. They're a band that have had some darker days of recent years, but it's safe to say that they are back. Their new single English Girls is ridiculously catchy, it's infectious. The single comes from their fifth album American Candy, which is out March 31st and is available to pre-order on iTunes and basically all other outlets now. This song is a fun, pop-punk/rock gem that I've had on repeat since I first heard it. Watch the official lyric video here and let me know what you think!



Photo: The Maine Facebook page

A Californian Summer, Part 3: Manhattan Beach

Shorts: American Apparel/Top: Topshop (really old)/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Just writing a quick post today on Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles for part 3 of documenting my summer of 2014. This beach is everything you could ask for or dream of when thinking of California. Sandy beach, boardwalk and pier and also south-facing so you can watch the sunset. It's also quite good to get away from the other really popular beaches in LA like Santa Monica, Venice etc as I had a nice a peaceful evening just reading and watching the sun go down. I don't really have anything else to say besides that, it was perfect.

YSL: Babydoll Mascara & Rouge Volupte Shine Fuchsia in Excess Review & Swatches

If someone were to ask me: "if you could only shop at one brand for make up, what brand would it be?" I would not hesitate to answer with Yves Saint Laurent (yes, they trump Chanel for me). I would also give the same answer if they were to ask the same question but for clothes instead, however that's a whole different story.

I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons why I love YSL so much is that the packaging for all the products is stunning. And another reason why I usually order directly from their online boutique is that they always throw in a couple free samples, they offer free standard delivery and the products are gift wrapped in tissue paper.

So starting with the mascara, I adore this product. I'd describe my lashes as problematic to say the least. They're very thin, short and straight. This means that the majority of mascaras just make my lashes flop back down, even after using a curler. This effect is usually inevitable, however YSL's Babydoll definitely puts up a great fight. My lashes still have lift and length and don't completely go back to their naturally straight state, which can be seen below:

Lashes with 2 coats of mascara

Now, moving on to the lipstick. Fuchsia in Excess is a wonderfully bright, medium-toned pink which I'm in love with. The finish is high-shine and glossy so therefore it's not completely opaque upon first swipe, however it is buildable. In terms of wear time, for a glossy lipstick, the lasting power is pretty good. I usually get about 4 - 5 hours and once the gloss fades, it leaves a nice stain behind.

Lips with 2 coats of lipstick

Bare lips & bare lashes (left), 2 coats of mascara & 2 coats of lipstick (right)

And so, my love affair with Yves Saint Laurent continues...

A Californian Summer, Part 2: Beverly Hills

It's no secret that Beverly Hills is one of the wealthiest areas in Los Angeles and I can tell you now, it most definitely lives up to its reputation.

Naturally, Rodeo Drive is lined one after another with upscale shops like Chanel, Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent (how could one ask for more). Although I didn't have much chance to have the full Rodeo shopping experience, I did have a little exploration through Ralph Lauren and also into Chanel looking for my favourite foundation.

I can't say there is all that much to talk about when it comes to Beverly Hills, it's exactly what you expect it to be - whether you love it or hate. The obvious reason to love it is, if you're a chronic shopper and lover of fashion like me, then there isn't another shopping destination like it. However, the obvious reason to hate it is, well, if you don't like shopping and the superficial nature of the whole area (but who wouldn't be aware of that when entering Beverly Hills). The sheer amount of wealth in the area is undeniable, especially since I saw an actual Bugatti Veyron. Legit.

 I know. It's beautiful. 

Beverly Hills is a completely different world to most of the population, but definitely a desirable one at that. The shops = amazing and aesthetically, it's one of the prettiest areas in Los Angeles. It's not for everyone, but a girl can dream.

Dress: H&M/Bag: Steve Madden/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

And one quick note before I go, my California playlist is just below in case you missed it last week and again, thanks for reading.

First Post: The Reboot. A California Summer, Part 1: Venice, Los Angeles.

Okay, so technically I started this blog over a year and a half ago. It's fair to say I didn't commit to it. So, I'm taking this new year as an opportunity to reboot my blog and start writing/posting regularly.
Since we're on the more boring side of January 1st and the excitement of Christmas and New Year has faded away, I will spend this post wishing it was warm again and looking back on summer 2014.
Consider this my first post, take 2.


Last summer I spent 3 weeks in America, the majority of the time was spent in various places in California (plus 5 days in Washington D.C. at the beginning). Due to the amount of places I visited and the masses of photos I collected along the way, I've decided to create a 5-part series documenting my time there.
So, here goes Part 1: Venice.

Venice is a neighbourhood in West Los Angeles known for its quirks and arty shops and cafes. It's an absolute gem for slightly upscale vintage shopping and independent boutiques, plus the beach front is filled with buskers, street artists and performers. If you have that stereotypical image of '80s LA with people in tiny runner shorts rollerskating along the boardwalk, then Venice is where you'll find it (yes, people still actually do that).

                                                                                                                                                              
Venice Beach is the perfect picture of a Californian palm tree-lined beach and a great escape from the pollution of central Los Angeles. If you're looking to get away from the busy streets and tourists, however, then Venice Beach is definitely not the place to do so. If you're looking for a fun day out with a million and one things to see and do, then it's 100% worth a go.


Away from the beach, Venice is a really pretty neighbourhood with surfer shacks, colourful pastel houses and plenty of street art. It would be my number 1 choice if I were ever to move to Los Angeles.


Naturally, anywhere you go in California any time of the year is going to be boiling, never mind during summer. Clearly, I have a problem letting go of wearing all black outfits which probably wasn't the best decision. I've got daisies on so that's fairly summery?

I've also put together a little playlist of songs that were played a lot on the radio during my time in Cali or songs that remind me of being back there; aptly called "California".



There are 5 songs to go with each of the 5 posts.
You can take a little listen and follow me on Spotify at the end of the post.

Top: Pacsun/Shorts: Forever 21, similar here/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Bag: Steve Madden/Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

So that concludes my first post on Exes and Owes 2.0, look out for Part 2 next week.

Jumping on the Arctic Monkeys bandwagon...

Right, it's been months now since I created this blog & wrote my first post, so I wanted to write a quick post before I have to start work for sixth form. Painful times.

Anyways, if you haven't been living under a rock then you know that the world was sent into hyperventilation since Arctic Monkeys have been releasing a string of new music from their upcoming album AM (released September 9th). This includes Do I Wanna Know? and Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High plus their b-sides 2013 and Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You respectively. The latter being the newest release which appeared on the World Wide Web only two days ago. You can listen to Stop The World I Wanna Get Off With You here:

Another thing that has magically popped up on the internet is the AM previews which include a short clip of each track on the album. All the tracks are sounding beautiful so far and I would expect no less! My favourite picks (excluding the three singles) solely from the previews are One For The Road, Arabella and I Wanna Be Yours. However, it is really just too difficult to pick and I'm sure I'll change my mind if I listen again!

So if four new tracks, album sneak previews, a new album in just over a week, a headlining set at Glastonbury a couple months wasn't enough Arctic Monkeys news for you, they are also doing a UK arena tour in October/November. The tour kicks off in Newcastle on October 22nd, includes two dates at London's Earls Court and concludes with a hometown show in Sheffield on November 2nd. So far, main support comes from The Strypes and Arctic Monkeys are yet to announce any other bands joining them on tour. The tickets for this tour sold out pretty much instantly and were the biggest pain in the arse to try and get! The tickets went on sale Friday 5th July - the day Arctic Monkeys fans broke the internet.

The tour dates are as follows:

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 22/10

Manchester Arena 23/10

London Earls Court 25/10
London Earls Court 26/10

Liverpool Echo Arena 28/10

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 29/10

Birmingham LG Arena 31/10

Glasgow Hydro Arena 01/11

Sheffield Motorpoint Arena 02/11

By some damn miracle I managed to get myself and two friends tickets to the second London show - words cannot express our excitement. Trust me. If you weren't able to get your hands on tickets for this tour, then you could try your luck with the iTunes festival this year. The line up for the London festival this year really is outstanding, with Arctic Monkeys included. For more information on how to win, head to Xfm.

If it hasn't already been crazy enough, the following months are definitely going to be all about Arctic Monkeys and let's be honest, the wait for the new album and tour is killing us all.
So let me know what you think about the new tracks or if you've been lucky enough to get tickets to the tour and I'll see you all there!

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