MAC Baroque Boudoir Lip Swatches

I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to upload a video I made for this blog yesterday. I'll try again tomorrow, because I'm losing patience and it keeps coming up 'error' on blogger. In the meantime, I was really happy to get my Baroque Boudoir purchases from MAC yesterday. They are absolutely gorgeous and sold out online now (that was quick!), so you'll have to head to your nearest counter if you want them. It's the usual couture line from MAC which is available in special packaging at this time of year and costs more than the regular line. I was surprised to add only 3 items to my basket and realise that I'd qualified for free delivery (spend over £50). Ridiculous I know, but I'm so chuffed with them and the packaging is really cute this year. (Click images to enlarge and do not steal)
Treasured lipstick (£17.50) is a brownish nude (yep, I have hundreds-but it's really pretty). The subtle shimmer really showed up in the product photos I took, but remember this is magnified. When swatched you don't notice it. I thought this lipstick showed up more tan in the images than real life.
Prive (£17.50) is a gorgeous pale pink, both lipsticks are very muted, subtle shades (don't know if this came across in the bad winter lighting of my images) and look really pretty without trying too hard. I tried this one out yesterday on my lips and mostly pale pink lips make me look weird, but this looked fabulous, a matte, creamy looking pink that erased my natural lip colour without looking too pale and washed out. I want to wear this every day!
The Lap Of Luxury Lip Gloss (£16.50) is a very pale nude with a brightish pink flash and glitter. Very sheer and doesn't seem as sticky as the usual lipglass, will look utterly amazing over either of these lipsticks.

Topshop Priscilla Gone Wrong

I've been lusting after these Priscilla sandals by Topshop Boutique for months. I saw them in a magazine and instantly fell in love. Every day all through summer and autumn I've been checking the site, hoping they would be available, with no luck until last week. Topshop finally released them and thankfully Santa decided to buy them for my Christmas! I was overjoyed. That was until I opened the box. The metallic uppers are made up of small diamond shapes, like scales. In most parts these are firmly stuck down, however there were areas where the diamonds were coming away and by lightly rubbing your finger across the top of this rough area, they just fell off. As you can see from the images below, there were several other defects. A cut next to the heel, some glue and tissue stuck on the heel, marks to the 'winged' section (although this didn't come out well in photos) and to be honest I can't believe someone would send these out and expect the customer to be satisfied. They are definitely not worth paying £120 for.
I emailed Topshop and was further annoyed by the reply, which stated "I am sorry that your item is faulty. Although it is difficult to comment on it without seeing it, your local store (within the UK only) will be happy to refund you provided they identify a manufacturing fault." Granted, I hadn't been able to email these photos (as this new computer and my camera aren't getting along well) and this would've helped illustrate my problem, but I did describe the faults in detail. The fact that it was made out that I would have to 'convince' the assistant that the shoes were faulty and only then get a refund is ridiculous. Topshop happily refund any item provided you return it within 14 days, so I don't know why I was expected to plead my case and also go the hassle of returning to my local store (hint: it's not that local (or good) hence the reason I buy online). So I returned the goods using the freepost label and received my refund this week, problem solved. It so disappointing though as I had my heart set on wearing golden angel wings on my feet and because I haven't/can't see them instore I don't know if I got a dodgy pair or if they are all like this. Click images to enlarge and feel my pain!

Pancakes and Pink Lips!

My first post back at my old blog home! If you haven't been following me over on (thepinkhairedprincess.blogspot.com), then you'll have some catching up to do with the below posts! However due to computer problems and further hard drive/camera issues, I haven't been posting as frequently as I'd like. I'm still finding my way and Mr Computer Man is very slow in reuniting me with my hard drive, but normal posting should resume in the next few weeks. I've also been having some problems in my personal life, nothing major, just trying to get over the flu. I have ME and so energy problems affect me every day but going through something like the flu, makes me 10 times worse. It is my nephews 3rd birthday this week, so we did manage out for a family meal yesterday and it was nice to get out of the house and dressed up for the first time in weeks. I've lost a little weight from loss of appetite, so was pleased to fit into this gorgeous, vintage looking blue Primark dress with statement shoulders. I teamed it with navy, leather look leggings (also Primark), bright pink satin Miu Miu shoes and a heart quilted Peacocks bag. I also wore this beautiful horse necklace from ASOS. My hair is desperately needing re-coloured, but I didn't care as I was just pleased to be out in the fresh air! So here are some pics from yesterday. Makeup wise I kept it pretty simple and really wanted to wear a vivid lip (which matched my shoes!). I'm wearing YSL Matt Touch foundation, The Body Shop Eye Definer and Super Volume mascara, both in black, a light dusting of Fake Bake blush in Legal Sunburn and Lancome Color Fever lipstick in 138 Daring Rose, a deep, bright purpley pink with loads of glitter. Unfortunately the amazing glitterness of this lipstick didn't really show in the images, I remember having the same issue when swatching this lipstick, it just doesn't show up as intense as it is on the lips.
I didn't manage to eat any pancakes but instead settled for some chips, whereas my year old nephew would only eat the pancakes if they were dipped in chocolate sauce! A good day was had by all!

Christopher Kane for Topshop Mesh Boots

Just a quick post to show you my new Christopher Kane for Topshop boots. I finally bought them! I'm actually rather glad I waited so long as Topshop have sneakily been reducing the price from £150 to £100, then to £75 last week. Yipee, half-price bargain! When they arrived I thought they'd mistakenly sent a size 3 instead of 5, because they are tiny. Looking down whilst wearing them, I barely have a foot sticking out, it's just leg all the way down. The reason is probably the height of that skinny heel and huge platform with big rubber grip sole. The zip fastens up the outside at the side and is trimmed with a long leather fringe. The mesh inserts are what really attracted me to them in the first place.
They are however, almost impossible to photograph, I don't know if it's the mesh sections or what, but I was really struggling, even in daylight. There's one thing for sure, if I fall over in these, it'll be on crutches for 6 weeks! No kidding!

20 Questions Tag

1. Thing you cannot leave the house without: It used to be a watch-I would panic without it, however I never wear one now. These days it would have to be my wheelchair or walking stick, for practical reasons, however I always have a bag with me which would need to include purse, phone, lipstick/gloss. I'm not one for huge bags.
2. Favourite brand of makeup: This is hard. I've become really into MAC over the past few years and haven't come across anything I don't like from them yet. However for luxury I love Lancome and Dior. I like my cosmetics to be of good quality and pretty at the same time. Pout was probably my ultimate fave brand before they ceased trading.
3. Favourite flower: I love flowers, all types of lillies are probably my favourite
4. Favourite clothing store: Touched on this in the last tag, probably Primark for price and on-trend items, although it can be a throw-away culture.
5. Favourite perfume: I have several, Harajuku Lovers L'il Angel is my newest love. YSL Elle (for special occasions, it's quite strong), Ghost (the original one in the long blue bottle), L.A.M.B, Lancome Miracle is probably my signature scent along with Still by Jennifer Lopez. I used to collect the Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances, however I'm allergic to the scent : (
6. Heels or Flats: You know enough about me to know it's heels all the way! Even walking barefoot, I'm on tip toes, nobody knows my real height!
7. Do you make good grades: Yes I did quite well at school and was accepted into University with no problems. I also performed well there, although it was easier as I loved what I was doing (mostly!)
8. Favourite colours: Pink and green
9. Do you drink energy drinks: Nope, never had an obsession with them like others do.
10. Do you drink juice: I have fresh orange juice for breakfast but drink tap water throughout the day.
11. Do you like swimming: Hate it with a passion. Just the smell of chlorine is enough to turn my stomach. If I was drowning, I'd like to think I'd be able to swim to safety, but I'm terrified of swimming. It caused problems at school, I did anything to get out of it.
12. Do you eat fries with a fork: Only if I'm in a restaurant.
13. Favourite moisturiser: I have to be very careful with what I put on my skin these days. My favourite moisturiser (although I don't use it now) is Clarins Multi Active night or day, fabulous.
14. Do you want to get married later on in life: I hope not 'much later', I'd prefer soon!
15. Do you get mad easily: I have a very short fuse and easily go into a temper (I inherited that from my Dad). I wouldn't be rude to anyone in public, but at home I can rage!
16. Are you into ghost hunting: I very much believe in the supernatural and would love to go ghost hunting (if Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki came with me, hell yes!)
17. Any phobias: This is silly, but I suppose that's why it's a phobia. I'm terrified of stickers. I can't tell anyone (other than my close family) as I worry someone will stick something on me. I hate those little apple stickers, price stickers, everything, I gag at them. However, I like to send envelopes and parcels with pretty stickers and I can do that as long as I'm in charge of it and know nobody will stick anything to me. I'm going through a difficult phase with my nephew as he loves stickers...I try to stay away when they come out! I also hate beasties, spiders especially, but then doesn't everyone? And dogs. My whole family has a fear of dogs and already my little nephews are showing signs of it too. I cross the road or take another route to avoid dogs. Dog owners can be so oblivious to this and inconsiderate, it really bugs me.
18. Do you bite your nails: No, although my nails tend to be very brittle. They grow fast though, so I'll lose one, then it's a claw in a few weeks again!
19. Have you ever had a near death experience: Oh well kinda. This was so stupid and I don't know why it happened. However I was on the Eiffel Tower in Paris with friends (I was maybe 20) and turned to see this guy and I was convinced he had a gun. It all happened so fast and in that split second, I absolutely thought he was going to shoot everyone and so many thoughts rushed through my head. The sheer panic I felt was so vivid, I can still feel it. I had no idea how I was going to get my friends and myself to safety before he started shooting. However, it was a camera, not a gun!! I don't know why I felt that, but it was really scary for that second.
20. Do you drink coffee: Never tried it, ever. Hate the smell, Hate coffee chocolates or coffee flavoured things, yuck. Definitely a tea person.

'About Me' Tag

Ok, seeing as Mr Computer Man is in no hurry to give me back my old hard drive, I was trying to think of ways to post, without a ton of images. I've decided to do some answer sessions and tags. Some of you already know a bit about me from my old blog, to others, it's all new. So here's the 411 on me! Vital Statistics:
Me: Gemma aka Pink Haired Princess
Nicknames: Gem, Gems, Jim Jam, Gemmy, Barbie, The Shoe Girl, Pinky (and used to be Blondie), Mum (although I'm not one).
Birthday: 24th May 1980
Place of Birth: Scotland
Zodiac Sign: Gemini (not why I was named 'Gemma', common question!)
Male or Female: Female
Occupation: Can't work due to illness (I've had M.E. or CFS for the past 8 years)
Residence: My family home in Fife
Screen Name: Pink Haired Princess (of course)

Appearance:
Hair Colour: Pink (duh!)
Hair Length: Just above shoulders
Eye colour: Green
Best Feature: Ooh, my waist is pretty tiny in proportion to the rest of me and I quite like my lips.
Height: 5ft 5 1/2" (but I'm always in heels, so it's more like 5ft 9")!
Braces?: No, but I wish my dentist had suggested it years ago, as my teeth could do with some straightening.
Glasses?: Yep, since I was 5. I'm actually pretty blind, although I manage surprisingly well without my glasses (so the optician told me a couple of months ago).
Piercing: None, I wanted my ears pierced when I was around 15 and nobody would do it, various obstacles stood in my way and I finally decided it was fate and I shouldn't get it done. It can suck trying to find pretty clip-ons though!
Tattoos: No wish to ever get any, don't really see the attraction of them myself.
Righty or Lefty: Righty

Your 'Firsts':
First best friend: My first best friend was called Karen, we were pretty inseparable at Primary School, although we totally drifted apart in High School and I never see her now. I have lots of girlfriends and best friends now.

First Award: Ooh don't think I can remember, it would probably have been a medal for a Ballet exam (I danced for 16 years) or for drawing, I was always winning artistic competitions!

First Sport You Joined: Well, I don't count Ballet as a sport...I dabbled with relay and cross country running in Primary and was also on the netball team, however it was high-school where I played hockey and was really into that for a few years.

First Real Vacation: We always went on family holidays in England (Torquay and the likes!) or to stay with relatives. The first time I went abroad, I was 14, it was with the school to Germany. It was a nightmare, we drove all the way from Scotland to Dover, then took the ferry across and drove up through France, Belgium and into Germany, it was pretty horrific, but fun too!!

First Concert: Spice Girls in Glasgow, 2nd row and it was just before Geri left (she was my fave).

First Love: Oh my, there was a guy called Gareth that I 'fancied' the first time I saw him (aged 11) and it continued all through high-school and if I'm honest, I would probably still get a little flutter seeing him now (even although he is married!)

Favourites:
Movie: Too many, those I've watched a million times and still love include Clueless, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Pearl Harbor, Save The Last Dance, Never Been Kissed, First Knight, Roman Holiday, Niagara, Legends Of The Fall.....

TV Show: Without a doubt Third Watch. It's an American show about the police, fire and paramedics and it's the greatest TV show ever. I could speak for hours about it and my Mum and I have watched all 6 series countless times. Everytime we finish, we start back at the beginning a couple of days later, it's wonderful. I love all the characters and the writing is superb, everybody should watch this. It's ridiculous it was never shown in the UK, prime time. I also love ER (Carby days), Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and lots more, but TW is absolutely my timeless fave!

Colours: I like greens (mint, aqua, teal) and of course pink.

Song: Haha, my sister and I joke that every time I make up a CD it will contain Apologize by One Republic (or the Timbaland version), Bring Me to Life by Evanescence and Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol! It's true! I also like Britney, Justin, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and most boy bands (5ive, Westlife, Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, *NSync) and Within Temptation (who are a bit like Evanescence). I love R&B, hip-hop compilation albums with Usher, 50 Cent etc. I also tend to like songs that appear on TV shows like The OC, Smallville etc

Candy: Cadburys chocolate every time.

Restaurant: I'm quite a fussy eater, so like my food plain, there are a few local restaurants that I like.

Store: I pretty much buy everything from Primark, although I wouldn't say I really have a favourite store. It spoils you shopping elsewhere when you buy from there though, you suddenly think H&M and New Look are 'pricey'! I have been buying quite a lot from Dorothy Perkins lately (online, my local is dire), I like the range of sizes they have. Most places I want to shop in these days don't go up to my size, which is infuriating. For shoes, I buy online mostly (designer, asos.com, Shoemissy, Irregular Choice, Office, Topshop), but I love Matalan for a cheap, quick fashion fix.

School: My favourite school? I don't think school was ever a favourite for me. I was bullied a lot (for being different) and I always wanted to be creative and hated the boring subjects we got. I was completely misunderstood in Art too, so that wasn't even an escape for me. I loved University though, I really came into 'my own' there!

Book: Never find time to read and it usually makes me fall asleep!

Magazine: I used to have a serious addiction to buying every glossy and weekly available (seriously). I'm currently recycling the 17 year backlog! However, I still buy Look every week, love it!
Shoes: A specific pair? I probably couldn't ever choose (maybe my Irregular Choice poodle wedge boots), but it's definitely heels all the way (even with torn ankle ligaments, which I've had a few times)!

Currently:
Feeling: Sick, I've been flu-ish all week, it's horrible : (
Single or Taken: Single since forever!
Eating: Nothing just now, everything tastes funny when you're ill.
Typing: This, obviously.
Online: Haha, who made this up?
Listening To: The TV is on the music channel.
Thinking About: When will I ever get this computer back to normal, will I lose all my images, documents and music? Will I ever remember my online 'favourites' list?!
Wanting: This flu to go away.
Watching: Nothing, other than this screen.
Wearing: Comfy 'ill' clothes.

Future:
Want Children?: Yes, it's been a 'want' of mine since I was 14. I'd love a large family.
Want to be Married: Would love it (I think), although men in general annoy me a lot!
Careers in Mind: In fashion, it really is what I've always wanted. Unfortunately for health reasons, I've been stopped in my tracks. I also toyed with the idea of being a ballerina (when I was much younger), but realised this was unrealistic for me (I was never good enough or had the ballerina body; boobs and bum don't go with leotards)!
Where do you want to live?: I can make anywhere my home. I do have a love for London, where I've lived briefly. I would love to live in New York though, it just seems like home to me, I'm sure I'd fit right in, although I've never been. I also have the opposite desire to live in the country with horses and fields!

Have you ever:
Kissed a Stranger: Haha, randoms? Yes! Although the most strange-stranger was in London, when a guy kissed me while I was in McDonald's in the queue (he was drunk) and another kissed me and asked for my number as I stood next to him on the Tube (he was sober)!
Had Alcohol: Well I am 29, so obviously I've tried it. However I've never fallen in love with the taste, so don't ever drink now. Last time was about 8 years ago at Uni.
Smoked: Briefly tried it in High School. I was curious and actually it isn't as bad smoking it yourself as it is smelling it when others are doing it. I detest the smell and ignorance some smokers have (don't hold it near me or blow my way!)
Ran Away From Home: I pretended to go and pack and opened the front door, that was as far as I got!
Broken a bone: Come close, but no.
Got an X-ray: Yes a couple of years ago.
Broken Someone's Heart: I hope not...ok so I probably have, teen crushes.
Broke Up With Someone: Yes, but I left it until after the weekend, so technically we had been dating for 4 days, rather than 2! I was 14 at the time and got my friend to do it!
Cried When Someone Died: Absolutely.
Cried At School: Yes, I was inconsolable when a friend of mine died, we were 17. It was a horrible time for me.

Do You Believe In:
God: Yes
Miracles: Yes, I hope so, there's so much 'bad' in the world, I like to believe somewhere, sometime, a miracle can happen.
Love At First sight: Yes, although is it love or lust? It has to be physical at first sight.
Ghosts: Yep. When I was at Uni, a tarot reader came to our house and told us we had a ghost dog in our living room. I was petrified.
Aliens: Emm, not really. Never say never, but..!
Soul Mates: Yes.
Heaven: Yes, although I'm not entirely sure how it 'works'.
Hell: I'd like to think so, for the really evil people in society today.
Kissing on The First Date: Sure.
Yourself: Wow, philosophical! Yes, I do.

So that's a little bit about me, hope it wasn't too boring for you!

Short Break

Had a nightmare week. We were getting new central heating and boiler installed, causing major upheaval to the whole house. The lack of The Shoe Girl Diaries posts was due to me having no access to shoes and limited access to clean clothes all week. I haven't left the house since last Friday! Anyway, when they came to do that the electrician said our fuse box needed updating. So we booked him to do that on Saturday and after he left I couldn't get the computer to switch on at all. Panic! We took it to a repair shop and it's totally died. I was practically hysterical at the thought of all the images, documents and music I've lost. We get a new computer on Wednesday and I'll have to wait until then to see if I can retrieve anything from the hard drive. Horrible. So unfortunately there will be no more posts as I don't have any images stored on my sisters laptop (which I'm using just now). Hopefully be back soon!

28/11/09 *Still in panic mode, however we do have our new computer. Turns out that the guy forgot (or rather 'didn't know anything about') our hard drive from our old computer. It means I still have no idea if I have lost my old photos and programs. It's just been one thing after another lately, so it's no surprise! Hopefully get back to blogging next week (fingers crossed)*

Boots Xmas Event and FOTD

As I mentioned yesterday, I bought from Boots.com during their Xmas bonus Advantage Points event where for every £50 you spend you get 1200 points (worth £12). I also shopped instore last week during this event and spent over £100, so picked up lots of presents and tonnes of points. We nibbled on the most fabulous 'melt in your mouth' rudolf shaped shortbread and Quality Street chocolates, yummy!I'm very organised for Christmas now and only have a few things left to get. (There are still more Christmas events to come, so check online or with your local store for details). As well as the bonus points, most gifts are 3 for 2, so you are also saving on that. I picked up some treats for myself too, the Glam-O-Flage makeup kit, Get Set Glow skincare set and Plane Jane travel bag, all from Soap & Glory. I've been a massive fan of the brand since it's release, so I love buying their value gift sets. I also bought a beautiful Celia Birtwell vanity case, which looks like a vintage train case. I had intended to give it to my friend, but I think I may keep it!
I tried out a little retro hairstyle that day. I made it up as I went along, there wasn't any great plan! My fringe is growing longer now, so I can sweep it up into a 'do. As you can see from some of the images, it rained all day and I ended up rather dishevelled! Makeup wise, I was wearing one of my favourite eyeshadows from Lancaster (Chameleon Eyeshadow in Divine Iris 116). A rich, velvet purple. I kept lips pale with Wet'n'Wild liner in Milk Coffee and MAC lipstick in Close To Real. I think my blush was Wet'n'Wild in Heather Silk, another massive favourite (can't rave enough about their blush). I also wore my uber cute Shoemissy shoes and needed my Giles Deacon scarf when it got colder!

Shoes: High-Street or High-End?

I've spoken before about the rise of high-end prices for high-street shoes. A perfect example I spotted last month are these Singapore Sling sandals from Office at £150. Yep, you read that right, 1...5...0! I can almost forgive them due to the fact the shoes are absolutely gorgeous and feature pearl, chain and diamante adornments. However savvy shoppers could easily find sale stock of designers such as Miu Miu, Georgina Goodman, Marni or Viktor&Rolf for that price, especially with websites such as The Outnet and Yoox. So where do you stand on this issue? I'd love to hear from you. Are you happy to pay whatever it costs for a pair of shoes you love regardless of the brand? Or would you prefer a designer name for your money?

Lancome Color Fever Gloss Swatches

If you followed my original Pink Haired Princess blog, then you would know I have a huge weakness for Lancome and in particular their Color Fever lip products. Unfortunately my extensive swatches and descriptions of the glosses and lipsticks are 'lost' along with my blog. Last week though, I took advantage of the fabulous Christmas bonus points day at boots.com and ordered a couple of Lancome items (which also happened to be on a 'buy 2 items, get 600 free points' deal).
I recently swatched the gold lipgloss from the summer 'Declaring Indigo' collection and instantly fell in love! I don't usually find lip products in gold or yellow flattering, but this had such a lovely sheen and I could tell that with a nude lipliner or lipstick underneath it would look sensational. So I decided this was the perfect opportunity to order it along with the new gloss from the Christmas Colour Collection-even although I have never tried or seen it in real life. I took a gamble and it definitely paid off, both glosses, I'm sure you'll agree, are stunning.
026 Pure Gold (Declaring Indigo Collection) is as the name suggests gold. However Color Fever glosses can be sheer and this one although it deposits a gold colour, it is subtle. No tacky, space-age lips here! I can see this being very versatile and I'm sure I'll use it time and time again over my nude lipsticks.
268 Glossy Plum (Christmas Colour Collection), if you check the lancome website, the colour of the image of the tube (rather than the swatch) is spot-on. I perceive plum to be purpley in the cosmetic world, however this is a maroon with no purple at all. The absolutely stunning part is the magnificent golden pearl throughout, gorgeous. I kept twisting the tube in the light and gasping at how pretty it is! Again it's got that sheer quality which means it isn't a scary berry lip shade. Although, I did feel that both these glosses felt slightly thicker and less sheer than the usual CF's. Definitely my winter lip colour of the season and I'm sure from my vast collection, with use, it will become my favourite CF gloss! Lancome Color Fever Gloss £15.50 from Boots (certain shades seem to be cheaper than the usual £17 at Boots, so stock up!). Click images to enlarge and do not steal pictures, thank you.

Yes Philease

A 5 1/2" metal block heel, platform, peep toe and metal ring bow feature? Yes please! The Outnet are spoiling us with these Phi shoes. I love the unusual mix of materials; soft cream leather against hard metal rivets, fabulous! Snap them up for £237 (was £790), if you are a size 36 or 41. Go, go, go!

Office Sale Goodies

I just have time to show you my fab new shoes. I allowed myself a couple of pairs from the Office sale. That website is a danger though as they have tonnes of beautiful styles, I would like one of everything!First up are 'Sight For Sore Eyes' an amazing £15 down from £85. They have a real 70's vibe with mock wooden platform sole and an astonishing 5 3/4" heel! Also available in brown.
'Last of The Giants' are definitely YSL inspired! I really wanted the leopard print version, but they were £10 more and I thought this croc pair would probably be more versatile. They are described as brown, but I would say they are more mink. I cannot believe the heel on these. My Mum went crazy when she saw them, visualising me breaking both my legs. However they are surprisingly stable and easy to walk in ('safer' than the previous pair). I even said "I could totally run in these" at which point my Mum wrestled them off my feet! I absolutely adore them. £30 reduced from £75 (available in leopard £40 and plain black (£50).
Check out that heel! I still have my eye on the brown Majorie 'Vivienne Westwood' style boots reduced from £95 to £30.