Wishlist | New Look Spring 2013

For as long as I have been interested in clothes I have always shopped in New Look. I find they are always bringing the current trends to the high street, whether it be the leather trousers that were popular last season or the pinafore dresses I am seeing everywhere now! I put together a little wishlist of things I think would be perfect for the spring season that is hopefully starting very soon.

1- I do not have the tummy to pull of a crop top on it's own but I love this striped one and think it would look lovely with high waisted skirts or shorts.

2- Yep I am jumping on the bandwagon. I love this pinafore dress and it reminds me of my primary school uniform! I think it would lovely with the striped crop top underneath!

3- I am in love with this nude bag. I love structured hand bags and this colour is perfect for the spring/summer season, if it properly starts soon..

4-  I love the cutouts on these ankle boots and think they would look great with dresses to toughen them up a bit. I wear boots all year round!

5- I think this collar necklace would go with everything, and you know how much I love rose gold.

6- I love the detail on this lace skater skirt. I love the colour too, I can't wait too start wearing pastels again now the sun is starting to come out!

What do you think of my picks?

*sponsored post

Weekly Catch Up #16

I've been at work at lot this week and haven't had much time to sort out blogging stuff, plus I lost my memory card so I lost lots of pictures and have to wait for a new one to arrive before I can retake everything :(! But two really good things did happen this week. The first was that I won a huge prize from Debenhams that I was so chuffed to win. If you would like to see a blog post on what I won then please then let me know :) The second thing was that my Dad booked a holiday to Florida for us, my brother and my best friend in October. My wishlist of things to buy over there has begun! 

My favourite meal from Prezzo | Getting in the Beyonce spirit! | Stocking up on essentials

Wanted to buy ALL the buttons | BBQ meat feast | Competition win 

Converse- Wear Sneakers

Converse are a brand that are known and worn all around the world. The brand has been around for over 100 years and is still one of the most successful fashion brands out there. I think this is because of their general coolness! I instantly feel more "trendy" when I wear mine, as silly as you may think that is!

I think this video completely sums up the Converse brand. It definitely matches how I feel about them. For as long as I can remember I have always owned at least one pair of converse. I remember the first pair I ever got were a pair of All Star Chuck Taylor black high tops. I loved them and cried when they became too small. Ever since I don't feel like my wardrobe works without a pair. My current All Star Oxford White pair are worn basically every day as they go with absolutely everything. 

I actually agree with the message of the campaign. I think when I wear my Converse I do feel more confident and have a different attitude than when I wear other shoes. Call me crazy! This campaign has made me love Converse even more and I am now desperate for a turquoise pair (they look more mint coloured too me) for the summer season.

What do you think of the video? Are you a fan of Converse?

*sponsored by Spreaditfast

Review | Tropic Organic Facial Elixir Oil

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Tropic Skincare is a brand that was set up by Susan Ma, who was a contestant on The Apprentice during the 2011 series. She didn't win but has set up Tropic Skincare with Lord Alan Sugar and have created a brand with products free from all the nasty stuff like parabens, oils etc, instead using natural ingredients like plant extracts to create cruelty free and natural products. I am really getting into natural and organic products lately so was really excited to try the Tropic Organic Facial Elixir Oil* from the range. 

The Facial Oil is designed to be used as a night treatment before you apply moisutriser. It contains a blend of organic oils including kiwi oil, jojoba oil,  pomegranate seed oil, rosehip oil and moringa seed oil. The oils are said to work together to improve skin elasticity, giving noticeably smoother, supple and youthful skin.

The bottle is a droplet style bottle meaning you shake it to get the few drops of oil you need out. This is great for me as it means I don't waste any product or have it come pouring out! I love the design too and think it looks elegant on my dressing table, I wouldn't travel with it though as I can imagine it getting a bit messy. 

The oil is quite wet if that makes sense and you only need a small amount. I like the consistency as it's easy to apply and sinks into skin quickly. I massage this into my skin after cleansing at night and leave it for a couple of minutes before I apply moisturiser. I do this every other night and on inbetween days I add a couple of drops to my moisturiser (oily skins could just do this).

Since using this my skin has looked a whole lot better than usual. My face feels pampered in the mornings and is much more smooth and hydrated. I have fairly young skin so elasticity isn't a problem much yet for me but this has really helped with getting rid of dryness and generally bringing a lot more radiance to my skin. I really like this product and think it is working well to sort my skin out and banish the dryness!

The Facial Elixir Oil costs £30 for 50ml which I think is a fair price as it will last a very long time and I would definitely consider purchasing it when I reach the end of this one. 

Do you use a facial oil?

*PR Sample

Review | RapidBrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum

I hate my brows. They are sparse and impossible to do anything good with because they barely grow new hairs in the right places and don't have a good shape too them. I have wanted to try RapidBrow* for what feels like forever. When Look Fantastic offered me the chance I almost cried I was so happy and praying for  brows that would rival Cara Delevingne's (I CAN DREAM). 

RapidBrow is is an eyebrow enhancing serum with a formula full of nourish ingredients, peptides, proteins and an exclusive Hexatein 2 Complex that is designed to condition, restore and repair eyebrows when used twice a day over a course of 60 days. Basically you apply this onto clean skin morning and night and it will encourage eyebrows to grow back in places you may have over plucked them or areas that are sparse. The serum itself is a clear gel that is easy to apply with the comb and can be done super quickly.

Well I don't know about you but I personally think there is a huge difference. Obviously they are in desperate need of attention and I will be going to get them sorted out instead of over plucking and going back to square one, (once I face my fear of the pain of threading/waxing). Hairs have started to grow in places where they hadn't for as long as I could remember and they have grown a lot quicker and fuller than before. This is super impressive stuff. 

They still aren't as thick as I want them too be but I think that they need to be tinted for that to be something I am happy with and I fill them in daily anyway. I think this is a holy grail product for me and once I have sorted out my eyebrow shape I will definitely repurchase this forever and ever and ever...

RapidBrow costs £37 and for me this is totally worth the money. 

 Do you think there is an improvement in my eyebrows? Would you consider trying this yourself?

*PR Sample

CLOSED- 1000 Follower Giveaway

I had a bit of a happy meltdown last week when I reached 1000 followers here on Ellie's Ramblings.

 I am super chuffed and honestly never thought that would happen. I won't go on about it because I could write an essay but I will never be able to explain how much I love blogging and the community that comes with it! I wanted to hold a giveaway to celebrate but wasn't sure what to offer as a prize so I have been collecting a lot of things that I have used myself the past few months (obviously I am giving away new versions) and really liked for one reason or another. 

I hope you like what I have gathered, it is a right mixed bunch of brands and products! I'm sorry it's not a MAC lipstick or similar but I thought it makes a nice change ( you can tell me if I am wrong! )

What you can win:

3 Large Velcro Rollers

Twisted Sista Curl Activator Cream

Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser

DHC Cleansing Oil

Diesel Loverdose Body Lotion

XEN Tan Weekly Self Tan

Korres Guava Shower Gel

Collection Fix Me Up Spray

Collection Primed and Ready

Alien Perfume Sample

Valentina Perfume Sample

Just Cavalli Perfume Sample

MUA Eyeshadow in Pearl

MUA Glitter Eyeliner in Gold

ELF Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Slippers

Soap&Glory Sexy Mother Pucker in Punchbowl

Minnie Mouse Lip Balm Trio

Elegant Touch Matte Nails

No7 Polish in Devils Delight

Essie Polish in Bikini So Teeny

Nails Inc Polish in Notting Hill Gate

The giveaway is open internationally until the 17th of May so everyone has a chance and you can use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck :)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just wanted to say everything has been provided by myself and is not a PR Sample or a gift from any brands or companies! :) 

Review | Roots and Wings Sweets

Natures Healthbox are brilliant for being your one stop shop for all things organic and natural, they have everything from beauty to household essentials so you can stock up on everything in one go. It can get addictive to browsing the website though and my basket is full of natural products I want to try.

Natures Healthbox recently sent me a lovely treat to perk me up and I was super chuffed because I am a sweetaholic. Well to be fair I am generally addicted to anything sweet but I didn't feel guilty when I devoured these Roots and Wings traditional favourites as they are organic and free from all the nasty stuff that the sweets I badly scoff regularly are full of. 

I will be honest, the bags weren't around for long as my whole family helped themselves and picked a favourite. I love the packaging, it reminds me of old fashioned sweet shops and matches the traditional flavours inside the bags! The sweets were all really tasty, which I didn't expect considering they don't have any of the stuff other brands use to deliberately make sweets taste a certain way. Even better all the sweets are GM free, pesticides free, and don't contain chemicals or artificial ingredients. 

I will definitely be picking up more of these for £2.29 a bag they make a guilt free treat that taste yummy and isn't full of bad stuff. I want to try other products from Roots and Wings too like their beauty products!

Have you got a sweet tooth too? Would you prefer to gorge on organic sweets?

*PR Sample

Meet My April Advertisers

Hi guys! I'm Vicki. I started my blog 6 months ago to give me something to focus on whilst I had some health problems. It has turned into a place where I share my favourite food, gadgets and general daily happenings. My favourite thing about blogging is seeing pictures of peoples yummy food they've made from my recipes. I'd love you to come and say hi!

www.alifeofgeekery.blogspot.co.uk

www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3989952 

@vickihigham

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I've always loved to write. As an English Student what I write about isn't glamourous. What do I want to write about? Makeup! Beads Of Jade is a place where I natter about make up to my hearts content. I review any brand, from Illamasqua to 17 and chuck in lifestyle posts to boot. I've had some training in skincare, haircare & beauty and share the bits of knowledge I've picked up along the way! 

www.beadsofjade.com

www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4652289

@beadsofjade

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Hi guys, I'm Charley! I am 23 and I started Tour De Fabulous last year as a hobby about things I enjoy and love. My blog mainly includes beauty reviews, how to's, style tips and general lifestyle posts. I love meeting new people and reading new blogs so please come say hi!

www.tourdefabulous.blogspot.co.uk

www.bloglovin.com/blog/4998891/tour-de-fabulous

@charleywx_

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I'm Meg, a sufferer of severe anxiety and depression, who wants to destroy the prejudices that some people have. I have a passion for beauty and as of April 2013 I will begin my "year of health & beauty" - an experiment to see if I can clear my head and overcome personal strains in a year, through becoming happier in my appearance. All through my little blog and the people reading...

www.mgnhndly.blogspot.co.uk

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Hi, my name's Hattie Constance and I am a student living in the South of England. I post about fashion, beauty and my day to day life along with a few fashion illustrations thrown in. My favourite part of blogging is the blogging community so be sure to tweet me if you have a read!

www.project-rattlebag.blogspot.co.uk

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If you would like to advertise with me in May then click here to find out more!

Review | Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze

 I am pretty late to the bandwagon with this one and oh how I wish I had jumped on earlier. I never used to wear eyeshadow apart from on nights out and am only recently starting to wear it daily instead of just tonnes of eyeliner. But after buying this it has become so easy to create a neutral day look. 

The Maybelline Colour Tattoo's are long wearing cream/gel formula eye shadows that claim to wear for 24 hours. Firstly I love the packaging, as it looks more expensive than the price with the glass bottom and black lid. I bought On and On Bronze as it is the perfect neutral shade to wear alone or to use as an eyeshadow base. 

On and On Bronze is a gorgeous shimmery and metallic bronze shade that is super pigmented. It is very smooth, which makes it easy to blend and soften. The best way to apply this is with fingers as you can make it as deep or light as you wish. I found when applying with a brush you do loose pigmentation. In my rubbish eye makeup attempt I've only used the Colour Tattoo and managed to make it look like I put lots of effort in!

I will hold my hands up and say I have genuinely worn this for 24 hours (I'm sorry) and it didn't budge or crease as much as you'd expect, obviously the colour had faded a bit but it was still good enough that I would have happily gone out without adding anymore on. I am now going to buy them all (not sorry)!

Maybelline Colour Tattoo's cost £4.99 from drugstores. 

Have you fallen in love with these too?

Haul | Cath Kidston April 2013

As you can probably tell, I have a Cath Kidston obsession. I have quite a collection of Cath Kidston things that I've quickly gained in over a year. When I decorated my room I chose Cath Kidston wallpaper and my bedding is always Cath Kidston too! I received some vouchers from my Auntie for my birthday last July and have only just spent them as the nearest shop to me is a bit of a drive away or in weird places in London. I had £35 to spend, which I didn't think would get that much but I'm happy with what I got. 

I picked up this set of notebooks for £10. I always have a notebook in my bag and by my bed. I love writing lists, especially blog ones, this cute trio is really handy. Being beauty addicted a make up bag is a must. I love the colour and floral print of this, plus stars are one of my favourite prints so I love the inside. It is made of a wipe clean material so it won't get dirty! My last buy was a pair of pj bottoms for £16 in the sale. I own a matching set of pjs, which my ex bought for me and they're amazing. They're so soft and comfy, when I saw they were reduced I couldn't not get them. I just wish they had the top but a cami will do instead!

 I spent my £35 vouchers and 80p of my own money! (They do 10% student discount)

Are you a Cath Kidston fan?

a bit One Direction themed.

If you follow me on twitter you might have noticed my One Direction related tweets, there have been a lot of them.. I tried for a long time to not be a 1D fan, but it creeped up on me over night and I ended up getting tickets for Saturday to the gig they did for 1000fans for the movie they're making and then the evening show. I went with my friend Courtney and I think even she was surprised by my levels of fan girling. 

We were really lucky with the intimate gig to be very close to the stage. So close that I literally almost lost the plot every time one of them came near me, especially Harry (not even sorry). It was really fun to watch them perform all their songs in a casual way with banter in between whilst they worked out what they needed to shoot etc. I absolutely loved it, I screamed and sang my heart out. Working at the O2 I am used to seeing the arena full so it was strange to see a big production for only 1000 people. Considering in the evening there were 20,000 it was very empty. At the evening gig I managed to swap our seats for ones right next to the second middle stage. Cue more excessive screaming as I was inches away from 1D and they are genuinely all so hot it should be illegal. I love them all a bit too much. 

Anyway before I ramble on for hours about it and annoy everyone who doesn't like them...

I had a fantastic time and they are genuinely excellent to watch. They sound amazing live and have so much fun on stage. I loved how they change up songs with random words and prank each other on stage. My heart may have stopped for a bit when Liam pulled Harry's trousers down. (again, not even sorry).

One Direction I love you, and Harry I too am single, so you know hi...

NOT SORRY. 

Event | Benefit Fake Up

This is loooooong overdue, I'm very sorry! 

A couple of weeks ago I was really lucky to be invited the last stop of the Benefit Fake Up Launch Tour at Spitalfields Boutique in London. I was so excited to go and organised to meet up with the gorgeous Sophia before so we could go to the together. It was great to meet her after chatting online for ages and she is super lovely. I am a huge fan of Benefit and think they are one of the best brands around, so I was obviously very excited to go to the event!

The boutique was full of bloggers, Benebabes from Spitalfields, the lovely Benefit Social Media & PR ladies Joanna and Rachael, and the gorgeous Lisa who has the longest job title ever (Head Make Up & Trend Artist & Brow Expert)! Lisa gave us a demonstration of how to use Fake Up in different ways, like under the eyes and contouring. There was also a mini quiz to win prizes by answering questions about Fake Up. Lucky me shot my hand up and won my favourite mascara They're Real for naming the Fake Up shades!

Throw in drinks, canapes and meeting other bloggers like Lauren and Grace and the night was really fun. 

We were also given a really generous goodie bag containing all three Fake Up shades, plus we were colour matched and received a Hello Flawless Compact Powder to celebrate it's birthday! 

I will have a full review of Fake Up soon explaining all about it so keep your eyes peeled! 

Thank you so much Benefit for having me!