Boudoir

White Quilted Cushions  Primark // Faux Fur Cushion  House of Fraser  // Sweet Vanilla ans Coconut Scented Candle  Primark //Cotton Ball Holder Asda Direct Alternative  //Detailed Metal Box Zara Home (UK) /Faux Cream Blanket Polyvore  // Lotus

As a hard working lady I view the bedroom as my place for downtime. When I am not working (which for me is 12 hours in a public sector office) I am doing crazy magical things with my daughter or blogging/editing. So the bedroom is definitely a place of relaxation.

My go to colours are creams, whites, golds and silvers. I prefer the light and airy look rather then a dark masculine decor. I find using whites and pastels allows natural light to reflect and make room/s look more spacious without the need for mirrors-although I also use this technique to create a degree of deception. Utilising both techniques hand in hand can really make all the difference, if you are working with a small space. Luckily my partner and I have an advantage as we have inherited some amazing victorian sash windows which draws spectrum's of natural light flooding into my quaint boudoir. But for those who do not have the advantage of a natural light filled room - you can try creating the look by incorporating subtle secondary colours or white if you prefer the minimal look and reflective objects-. You will be amazed at the result.

Whilst having a little snoop around Zara Home last week I came across an amazing jewellery box. Lined in opaque velvet, with a detailed cover I was obsessed. I walked away only to return to snap it up along with some lovely white lotus candles that came in a set of three. To my amazement for the size of product the price was quite fitting and firmly placed Zara Home as a go to for home accessories.

By chance whilst looking for some unique accessories I fell across an amazing website called Parachute. Who ironically specialise in bedding, decor and for those indecisive beings they provide swatches. Designed in LA and made in Italy their products are created for a "luxurious sleep experience". Everything that I need! After reading the company’s policy and their giving back "Committed to Change" Malaria campaign nothing but nets-something very close to my heart. I decided to purchase a few items, which I have listed below.

The Venice - this set consist of 1 fitted sheet, 1 Duvet Cover and 2 Pillow cases. With a choice of two different fabrics Percale and Sateen I choose the sateen -because of my natural hair the texture of this fabric will enable me to simply pineapple my hair without having to tie a satin scarf as this pillow case resemble that a of a sateen scarf. With the choice of five colours: White, Ash, Powder (a very pale light blue), Navy and Slate. I choose White.

My next purchase was from Parachutes decor selection. I came across their Fireside Candles priced at only $12 I was enticed. They only have a maximum of two scents -Lavender and Warm Amber. Unfortunately lavender is not a favourite of mine which made my purchase an easy choice. Made in the USA, out of natural soy wax allowing an even slow burn and available in a glass vessel for home decor or in a travel tin-needed for those travel enthusiasts amongst us. I decided on the glass vessel which I think will fit in perfectly with my already existing candle collection.

I will be reviewing all purchases from parachute in a months' time along with an updated full bedroom tour.

Brooks and Lei

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Stripes

Shirt Zara // Ripped Denim ASOS // Shoes Primark 

Click on links provided 

Brooks and Lei

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The Glow

Nars Luminous Weightless Foundation in Macao // Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Amande // Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Caramel

SS15 has finally arrived and I obsessed with the 'natural glow complexion' trend. But I have oily spot prone skin. A massive negative when using luminous foundations. As the sebum can over a period of time slowly break down the formulation in foundations which can cause it to split, not set and oxides at a rapid rate....the oily skin life is hard! Due to this I always research foundations that are of interest to me. Request testers when shopping and swatch products, before I take the plunge and buy. 

The Nars All Day Luminous Foundation burst on to our scene with positive reviews and after swatching the product and allowing it to dry and oxidise over  period of hours I decided this was the one. 

My first impression on this foundation was it consistency and coverage, one pump goes along way. Now I do not have perfect skin I have hyper pigmentation when I have breakouts-although my complexion does come back after an intense skin routine I still need medium to full coverage when my skin is not looking its best.

I use my Real Techniques beauty blender to apply the foundation using a patting motion. The foundation is an exact match and highlights my cheek bones without effort. To minimise the glow in my T-zone I use my Bobbi Brown Sheer Pressed powder and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish and allow both products to set for a flawless finish.

Now I must state Nars Luminous Foundation is oil free and gives of an amazing full natural finish. I never have to re-apply although I always carry my BB pressed powder and Real Techniques buffing brush for when my skin starts to shine on its own. 

If you would like me to do a full updated foundation routine post then comment below.

Check out my previous blog post the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer-Here

Brooks and Lei 

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Rays on my CK

Calvin Klein Bralette in Grey Heather £28.00 ASOS // Calvin Klein Short Briefs Grey Heather £23.00 ASOS

Hello, so todays blog is more then obvious.....its all about the Kleins. I bought these in February, but thought I'd wait until the summer to wear them or showcase them on the blog as Ferbruary weather is not the ideal.

With spring slowly coming out of season and the hot weather tainting or skins I thought today was the perfect day for a little sunbathing in the garden with the Mr in my CKs and thought why not blog about it. So here it is. All items were purchased from ASOS-links have been provided.

The quality and support for those who need it is quite exceptional as they are not wired. They are 100% cotton. I chose the boxer design for my briefs as personal preference although I wil be purchasing the other designs in the near future. For those who like comfort and aren't afraid to flaunt what you mumma gave you wether in-house or out and about (the bralette can be worn on its own) I would advice you purchase the set. And for those Kendall and Kylie Jenners out there-this must have should already be neatly tucked away in your draw!

Brooks and Lei

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The Tunic

Sleeveless Tuni Primark // All Accessories Michael Kors 

Since moving into my new flat I realised I had failed to take full advantage of my garden, hence this impromptious post. 

A couple of weeks ago I done a Primark haul and forgot I had purchased this amazing cream tunic for £10.00 at my local Primark. As the weather has warmed I decided it was show it my readers. Hopefully this is still available in many stores as it is an absolute bargain!

A few pointers before purchase. This tunic is see through-and should best be worn with an opaque dress underneath, my personal preference would be black. For those jet setters this would be perfect to wear over your swimwear ,accompanied with some wedges - ipanema is an amazing site for this or some sandals from Zara or Missguided.

Brooks and Lei

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Casual Affairs

 

Grey Sweater in Oatmeal Missguided // Black High Waisted  River Island // Metallics Pumps Missguided 

 

To view items please click on links provided x

 

So many of you who follow me on Instagram will know that I recently travelled to Amsterdam.

As a continuation of my birthday and to celebrate Kings Day .

 

We stayed in an amazing apartment in the Centrum, which had an spacious terrace that lead on to a supersized secret roof top garden with installed benches and an 360 view of our surroundings. Luckily we were blessed with the ideal spring weather so our view was never hindered.

 

 As many will know Amsterdam was not built for Jimmy Choos' or Louboutins'! Flats, pumps and trainers are a necessity if you wish to explore Amsterdam- and are not just there for their relaxed laws on drugs! So that's what I packed. In fact I managed to pack two pumps, one pair of trainers and a pair on Chelsea's in my hand luggage (how I do not know?).

 

For this venture my choice of clothing was mainly from Missguided. An absolute fav online store of mine. Many items were bought a week before departure and delivery was true to their guarantee. I choose a mixture of new in and sale items as I was not aiming to bring summer wear on my city break, neither did I want to spend my pounds on sweaters with summer looming around the corner. So cost efficiency was a factor when ordering my items.    

 

And after taking a sneak peak of their new SS15 collection. I can already feel the damage, I am going to do to my account.

 

Brooks and Lei

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The Ipanema Wish List

Ipanema Gladiator £17.00

Ok so we cannot deny spring has arrived and is currently in full effect-not only is this season the time where you feel you may have to pack every item of clothing in your little rucksacks, backpacks, shoulder bags or totes-due to the constant change in temperature, winds and good old British rain but it also means time for "summertime prep"i.e a new clothes (all together now ) yay!

With holidays being booked and the summertime craze of Ibiza, Zante and Marbella I thought why not help my fellow fashionista out. Amazingly I came across Ipanema footwear website with an array of sandals and wedges for women, men and kids-click on links.

The flip flops come in various designs and features all at a affordable cost. Many designs have a selection of more than one colour. Ipanema provide sandals with interchangeable straps

Based in Brazil they cater there flip flops to each season in an ambiguous amount of designs. All flip flops are made to the ethical standards and Ipanema products do not contain rubber used from the Amazon rainforest-allowing the company to operate in a sustainable away and preventing long lasting effect to nature and the anthropological history embedded init.

For more information about the brand and please click here . Ipanema are also offering 15% of on all sandals and wedges so I suggest you get shopping.


Brooks and Lei

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