Welcome to my Perfume Collection

In recent months I've waxed lyrical about how much I love various perfumes and my collection and whilst scrolling few my posts last night, it came as a surprise that I haven't actually done a complete perfume collection post yet. Perfume is probably the one thing that I couldn't live without. You can take away all my chocolate, even take away my beautiful nail polishes, but come anywhere near my perfume collection and I'll turn savage. I don't know what it is, but they're like my babies. I love seeing all the beautiful bottles lined up on my dressing table and having a morning sniff around the various scents trying to decipher which one fits my mood. This isn't my entire perfume collection, but it's a sample of the best I currently have on my dressing table.

The first bottle in my collection is the Elie Saab - I've actually got two bottles of this and a travel sized bottle since my beautiful fiance bought me some when he saw it running out. He says he loves the scent and it very much reminds him of me. The Elie Saab has top notes of Orange Blossom, middle notes of jasmine, all combined with flowery base notes. This is probably one of my more sophisticated scents and I love how long it lasts. 

The second bottle is the beautiful new fragrance from Michael Kors, The Michael Kors Jasmine. The MK Jasmine combines scents of Jasmine, Cassis and Sandalwood to give an alluring flowery, yet earthy fragrance. As much as I love how this perfume smells and I wear it everyday, I am slightly disappointed that it doesn't last as much as my other fragrances. However, I'm a massive fan of anything Michael Kors so I can easily see myself investing in this again.

La Petite Robe Nore by Givenchy is my latest perfume, bought in the boxing day sales at Boots. It has a more musky aroma than than I'm used to and is very different from the usual floral scents I buy. I love the deep aroma of the black cherry top notes and I find this probably one of my more seductive fragrances. The bottle is really pretty and perfect for any fashionista that would like to combine her love of clothing and perfume.

Next on this list is the Escada Cherry in the Air fragrance. As the name suggests, the fragrance is quite a sweet cherry smell and if you love your girl next door, sweet scented perfumes this would suit you nicely. This perfume stays on rather well, but I find the bottle lacks any personality. The bow that came on the side when I bought it was a nice touch though.

Versace Bright Crystal is the perfume that I bought before Christmas and still haven't really used yet. I bought it mainly because I fell in love with the packaging and didn't even get to sniff the perfume beforehand. When I opened it, I was lucky and taken by surprise of how much I actually like this perfume. It's floral, fruity and a little bit musky, a perfect combination of all the scents I like. 

Next on the list is the Jimmy Choo Exotic. For the last few years I've had an obsession with Jimmy Choo and it's since become my signature perfume. It's the fragrance that most my friends recognise, that's symbolic of mine and my partners relationship and the fragrance I trust. The Jimmy Choo Exotic is a little bit sweeter than the original Jimmy Choo, comes in a much more vibrant bottle and it's incredibly fruity. I love the vibrancy of this bottle and the fact that I always get compliments whilst wearing it.

The seventh bottle of my list is the Diesel Lover dose. I love this bottle and it's easy to carry around on a daily basis. The scent is rather oriental with Vanilla, Amber and wood notes. It's alleged that Diesel Lover dose contains molecules that stimulate the part of your brain that is responsible for attraction. I'm not entirely sure it works, but for all those single ladies, it's worth a shot?

My So Hooked on Carmella Eau De Toilette is a fragrance I bought years ago and I still love dearly. Unfortunately it's getting rather empty now and it will need repurchasing. If you love sweets and have a sweet tooth, this fragrance is perfect. It smells like you've just walked into a candy shop and really grabs the attention of the boys. 

The original Jimmy Choo Eau de Perfume is probably one of my favourite perfumes and I've gone through several bottles of it. It reminds me of my friends wedding, meeting my now fiance and the start of university, which is many pivotal changes in my life. I actually think this will end up being my wedding perfume as it's such highly significant in my life. I remember rushing to Boots the day it came out and I've never looked back. The original Jimmy Choo is widely describe as "feminine yet empowering" and has fruity notes as well tiger orchid, sweet toffee caramel and Indonesian Patchouli.

Sorry about the blurriness of this photo, I don't know what went wrong

The final perfume is one of my only celebrity based perfumes, Nude by Rihanna*. I'm not overly blown away by the packaging, but I do love the scent. It has a fruity, oriental fragrance like most of the perfumes I go for and has notes of Guava Nectar, Mandarin, Pear, Sandalwood, musk and Vanilla Orchid. I'm not usually one for celebrity perfumes, in fact this was gifted to me last year by a lovely PR company. I'm so thankful that they gave this to me as it's really opened my eyes to such a beautiful, unique scent.

So, what is your favourite perfume?

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My Love For Perfume Oils

Happy Halloween. I thought I'd stand out from the crowd and do a post that isn't about Halloween this evening. Yesterday I was walking through my local shopping centre and decided to stop at the perfume concession stall that has been there for the last few months. Pocket Perfumes sells perfume oils that are made to smell like designer fragrances. They were 3 for £10 and I wish I could have bought them all. Firstly they did a consultation and asked about what scents I liked the most and which perfumes I buy the most. The lady serving me then brought out a variety of perfume oils made by the woman that owns the counter and allowed me to try several perfume oil replicas of my favourite designer scents. The great thing about perfume oils is that they last a really long because they absorb into your skin and the majority of the oils are naturally made and don't include the chemicals or alcohol like the originals. 

The scents I chose was the ones made to smell like DKNY Delicious Apple, Miss Dior and Jimmy Choo. I was so shocked when I sniffed my wrist after applying their Jimmy Choo style fragrance and realising it smells also exactly like the original. I've been an avid user of perfume oils ever since my father brought back a set from Egypt three years ago. I was given two big bottles of the mixed egyptian oil and I've still got plenty left with it still smelling like it did the day he bought it. These mini bottles shown in the picture above can last up to a month each if used excessively and make a great alternative to the pricer perfumes you can get on the market. Buying these has saved me from going through my new bottle of Gucci Black at such a fast rate and I can now reserve my more expensive items for a special occasion.

If you live in West Yorkshire  check out the Pocket Perfume Facebook page or alternatively search there's a different online store called The Perfume Doctor. The Perfume Doctor has no relation to Pocket Perfumes, but it looks to have a good selection of perfume oils for anyone looking to try them for the first time.

Have you tried perfume oils before?

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Sunglasses Wishlist

It's a fact, I think my eyesight is getting progressively worse. I've been walking into things lately, my eyes are always squinting and I was having problems reading number plates the other day. Unfortunately these problems are entirely my stubborn fault. I've been told regularly to wear my glasses so it trains my eyes to get better, however I always leave the house without them due to habit. One day I'll take my optician seriously and surrender to life as a 'specky four eyes' (what I was constantly called as a child at school). One of my opticians also suggest Laser Eye Surgery and the thought of having that treatment gives me nightmares. I'm very squeamish when it comes to eyes and although my uncle has had it done and it's changed his life forever, I don't know whether I'd be able to go through with it, so glasses are probably my best bet for the moment.

The additional advice that came from my optician was that I should wear sunglasses more to prevent eye strain. I have big problems with focusing my eyes and it generally gets worse in the summer. I've been advised to invest in a pair of higher end sunglasses that would be able to give me adequate UV protection. 

This is definitely not a problem, I love wearing sunglasses and I would give for any excuse to get my Gucci's out of their case. The only issues with my sunglasses collection is that they are literally all the same. I have a pair of Whistles sunglasses and my Gucci's, both are almost identical and apart from the name tag on the side, my fiance keeps asking why I bought two identical pairs, but maybe that's some men for you. It is this reason as to why I'm looking into investing in a new pair. Something different, classic and definitely designer - I break high street glasses so easily and my Gucci's are the only pair that have survived being dropped on the pavement copious amounts of times. 

So here's my current sunglasses wish list from Optical Express. I chose to do an Optical Express wish list because they are one of the only big known optical brands in my area that sells high end designer glasses and if I wanted to try some on without venturing outside my town, this is most likely the place to go. I'm usually a Specsavers customer out of habit, but I really think it may be time to broaden my glasses horizons.

Jimmy Choo Mali/S Sunglasses

Jimmy Choo never goes wrong. I've always been fascinated by their shoes, perfume and handbags, now I'm even more in love with the brands sunglasses. Before I got my Gucci's, I highly contemplated buying some Jimmy Choo, however the shades I really wanted were out of stock. I long to have a pair of Jimmy Choo sunglasses in the future as I believe they're effortlessly stylish and completely versatile. 

Dior Mystery in Tortoise Shell

These sunglasses are something a little bit different for me. I'm usually the type to go for big rimmed jet black glasses, but I think it's time I invest in some colour. Tortoise Shell glasses are a classic and they rise through every decade as an influential colour for sunglasses. I like the look of these as they're simplistic and the gold 'Dior' logo looks really pretty.

Bvlgari 8092B 

These sunglasses look like they should have been at an old Hollywood pool party as the design clearly is vintage inspired and classic. The sunglasses ooze sex appeal and all I can envision is a curly haired blonde supermodel in a red bikini wearing these - yep I would totally love to be her.

It could be quite a long time until I save enough money to buy another designer pair, so for now, I suppose I could wear these heart shaped glasses for variation. A little bit over the top for everyday wear? Yeah, I'm thinking so too.

Do you wear glasses?

*All sunglasses images taken from the Optical Express website and do not belong to me.

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Airport Luxury Fashion

As you all know I'm going to Ibiza in the next few days and I'm get overly excited. This will be my first proper adult holiday abroad and mine and my partners first couple holiday. I know what a lot of you may think - Ibiza? Couple holiday? Well Ibiza doesn't have much of a reputation for family holidays either, but I fell in love with the island when I was 12 on family vacation and couldn't wait to go back and show my partner. Whilst packing my suitcase, my head has been in a complete whirl about what to wear. When you're on holiday, it's inevitable that you're going to end up with sea salted hair and not looking your best by the end of it, but my intentions are to look glamorous throughout the whole five days...starting with the airport.

We're so used to seeing celebrities waltz into the airport looking like they've been styled to perfection for days. Especially Victoria Beckham, who looks effortlessly chic on any outing. Although I'm not a celebrity and have nowhere near a celebrity budget, a girl is allowed dreams and I thought i'd share them with you. 

For the next five minutes, imagine what you would wear if you had endless cash. Would you be strutting through the private lounge with Louboutins or  Jimmy Choo? Wearing a printed Cavalli dress or Marc Jacobs? 

• Leather Jacket by Gucci
• Jumpsuit by Azzaro
• Handbag by Saint Laurent

When I'm dreaming of leading an extravagant life far from my own, I usually try to find a website that can give me inspiration. These outfit choices have come from Cruise Fashion - perfect for those looking for some holiday luxury. Cruise Fashion is one of the UK's leading luxury retailers with a vast selection of designer brands, including a girls best friend - designer handbags and designer shoes.

The outfit above is simple classic and makes me think of sipping cocktails on the French Rivera. Red is one of my favourite colours and teamed up with white, it gives a bold colour statement.

• Handbag by Givenchy 
• Alexander McQueen Dress
• Jimmy Choo Shoes

This second outfit makes me think of a Moroccan destination or somewhere heavily infused with culture. I love Alexander McQueen prints and the way the brand can make the most simplest of outfits a piece of art.

I may not have the latest Alexander McQueen dress or those beautiful Jimmy Choo's, but for now I have my Gucci sunglasses and an abundance of beautiful high street clothes. I can't wait.

Which outfit would you choose?

http://www.cruisefashion.co.uk/

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Valentines Day Perfume

I have two major obsessions in my life and when I say obsessions, I mean verging on OCD. The first is checking my emails all through the day, literally every five minutes. This often causes me to wake up at unearthly hours and check for new mail that I know probably won't be there. My logic seems to fail as not many people would really go out of their way to send an email at 3am. My next obsession is perfume. Big bottles, small bottles, flower scented or musk, I can't get enough of them. I'm a perfume addict and I've never been ashamed of it. Don't you just love walking past someone in the streets and being hit by a beautiful scent of wild flowers and fruits? I'm instantly drawn to women with an impeccable taste of fragrance, so god knows how the male species manage to control themselves. With Valentine's day just under two weeks away I thought it would best to show you some of my high street favourites. 

• La Vie Est Belle - Lancome

I was luckily bought this by my mother at Christmas and I haven't stopped wearing it. It smells really feminine combining citrus fruits with a warm, sweet floral scent. Having managed to go through almost three perfume bottles in the last few months, I'm happy to say this scent is lasting me the longest. 

• Jimmy Choo - Flash

Those who love the original Jimmy Choo perfume will fall in love with this new scent. I've always admired the Jimmy Choo perfumes and when I had the opportunity to try this the other day, I felt so sad leaving the shop knowing that right now I can't afford it. The bottle is very glitzy and stylish, which would look perfect in your handbag or in your bedroom. The perfume exhibits a very fruity and floral scent with base notes of pink pepper, tangerine and strawberry.

• Marc Jacobs - Dot

Marc Jacobs Dot is perfect for anyone that likes quirky designs and wants to stand out from the crowd. I've always been an admirer of Marc Jacobs and his perfumes simply evoke a sense of his crazy design work.  The perfume is very fruity with an undertone of vanilla and musk. Great for those who perfume a subtly sweet scent rather than something over powering.  

• YSL - Manifesto

I love this scent, but unfortunately I have just run out. The YSL manifesto is great for those who like to appear sophisticated and sexy. The bottle is curvy, quite simplistic yet glamorous  I love the purple detailing and the signature YSL logo. YSL manifesto is very floral and feminine with top notes of Lily and Blackcurrant and base notes of Cedar wood, Sandalwood and Vanilla.

Finally, here's my very latest perfume and the scent I'll be wearing this Valentine's day - Especially Escada. 

From the moment I walked into the perfume shop and tried this product, I knew I wanted it. It was the bottle that drew me in with it's beautifully carved golden top and the pink colouring of the scent. 

 Unfortunately saving for a wedding has made me sacrifice my perfume addiction and I had to pull away. A few weeks later, I received an email from a wonderful PR lady asking if I would like to try any of their new fragrances. When I saw this bottle being mentioned, I kindly asked if I could have a sample. Happily expecting a vial, I told myself that I would be able to carry that around until I eventually could afford the bottle. Imagine my surprise when I opened my parcel and there was a full sized bottle of the perfume - doing my job definitely has its perks. 

Especially Escada is a very feminine and playful scent. Like the advertisement for the perfume, I can easily see myself wearing a little pink dress and picking roses wearing this product. It's fruit and fresh, making this a perfect waking up product. When I spritz this perfume, it makes me feel more awake, more vibrant. The perfume smells of pear, rose, ambrette seeds, Ylang Ylang and musky notes, all combining to make a joyful, bright and alluring spray. When a perfume makes you feel so good about yourself, you know you have to have it. This perfume has my personality to a tee and I can't wait to wear it for my special valentines evening. 

What is your favourite perfume?

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Wishlist

When you're sat in bed on a Monday evening and feeling pretty unwell, your mind starts wondering. Often, my head is full of pretty, feminine items that I wish would suddenly appear in my wardrobe. My wishlist is full of amazing pretty items from stores such as Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Ted Baker and Gap. There are currently some  great deals on Gap items with coupons if you long for the jacket below or any other pretty items on your wishlist.

Right now, these are the items that I would love to own:

                                

Jimmy Choo Sunglasses

The upcoming Mulberry 'Del Rey' handbag. Named after the beautiful singer, Lana Del Rey, the bag will be launched in May. I may have to get saving.

Kandee Shoes - Rolla Cola.

This beautiful NARS  highlighting duo.

Ted Baker Dress

                                                   

Cute leather Jacket from GAP. 

Valentino Perfume - Valentina

As lovely as it would be for Angelina to stop by my wardrobe, I doubt that would happen, but right now I would love my hair the same colour as this photograph. She happens to be one of my favourite actresses and right now, I have total hair envy again. 

What would you love in your wardrobe right now?

♥♥♥

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