What's cooking good looking

With a family BBQ coming up over the weekend I thought it was the perfect chance to whip out my maxi dress from Warehouse, don't you think maxis are perfect for BBQ's and as this one is plain you can dress it up or down. I've gone for quite a simple look here, dressing up my black maxi with a long pretty necklace and throwing my denim jacket over the top just in case it's get's chilly. Can you believe this is my original jacket from the 90's, this would probably be about £50 in a vintage shop now and all I had to do was go in my wardrobe, even after all these years it's still my favourite summer jacket. Topping off with a pair of aviator shades and I'm good to go. Bring on good food and family :)

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this outfit. Have you got any loved pieces hidden in your wardrobes?

Have a great Friday everyone :)

Love Zoe xxx

Don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin' here

Save vs Splurge

How gorgeous are these Celine soft trio roll top bags? Made from soft lambskin and available in different colours, these are the perfect grab and go clutch bags, great for both day and evening, in my opinion, a stunning designer must have. But if like me your bank balance doesn't stretch as far as Celine then this version from Zara is just the thing, priced at just £19.99 compared to the price on request from Celine it's a steal and coming in brighter colours I just can't make up my mind. What I would do for a piece of Celine, alas Zara is a wonderful alternative.

I'd love to hear which one you prefer and if you fancy saving or splurging this month. Please leave a comment, as I read them all and love hearing your thoughts.

Till next time, Zoe xx

And don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin' here

Currently loving... television

Ever since I can remember I've always loved T.V; I have a great love for films but I have to admit I've always had a soft spot for television. Ranging from thriller, murder mysteries to American Sit-Coms with a bit of reality shows and teen dramas thrown in for good measure. I've been through phases of watching all the soaps to now none, although I think Made In Chelsea feels like a soap sometimes. My addiction isn't as bad as it once was but more often than not you could catch me watching something or other. Some people see it as a waste of time, whereas other completely understand but to me nothing beats sitting in front of the telly and escaping into another world for 30 minutes or an hour, forgetting my troubles and relaxing whilst watching someone else's. I think my real love goes to crime shows, show me a murder and I'm hooked (ok that didn't sound as bad in my head); CSI, NCIS, The Mentalist to name just a few, I even enjoy the occasional Midsomer Murders but let's keep that between us. So as my love for television continues and shows no sign of stopping I thought I would talk about my three favourite shows of the past month and I have a feeling will continue to be my favourites.

This hit US show is still in it's first series but I've been obsessed since the very first episode. Filled with love triangles, betrayal, lies and secrets; oh and a bit of music thrown in. I joke of course, as well as the complex story lines about fantastic characters, the show is filled with amazing music. Nashville, where the show is set, almost becomes a character in itself, provides the perfect backdrop to the show, providing the family values and musical background it, it was of course the only possible choice for the country music soundtrack. I have to admit country music is a guilty pleasure for me and this show my current obsession; I think I will be heartbroken when the series does actually finish. With all the characters practically swapping partners and having some sort of baggage, whether it be a drug addicted Mother, a Father who you've fought with your whole life or just realizing your boyfriend's a jerk; there is always something going on amongst the music whilst they try to write an album or tour the country. You really do start to care about what happens to these complex and interesting characters. I love the mix of drama and music in this show and think the writers, actors and musicians really do a fantastic job.

So if you're looking for a new show to obsess over, there is nothing else like Nashville and I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Nashville is currently on More4 every Thursday at 10pm

Now I want you to think about your favourite fairytale, got it? Think you know the story and the characters pretty well? Well think again. Once Upon A Time uses characters and ideals from all the classics and turns them round and twists parts to create a modern day fairytale. It still features the classic elements you'd expect, good vs evil, dark magic, lost loves and evil queens but with a fresh spin on things and you are left with a completely unique take on Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin and many more. Currently on season two of this magical adventure and the twists keep coming and surprising you, I can honestly say I can't wait to see what happens next. If like me you love fairytales and stories of magic then this really is the show for you, however if you haven't seen it I would suggest watching it from the beginning as a lot has happened. Featuring some very talented actors, Robert Carlyle, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parrilla and Jennifer Morrison, Once Upon A Time really should not be missed. I curse you not to love it too (see what what I did there, little magic humour).

Once Upon A Time is currently on channel 5 every Sunday at 8pm

Where to begin? Once you've known me for a while you would learn that I'm a massive CSI fan, I've loved this show from the beginning and haven't missed an episode. I seriously can't get enough, even owning most of the DVD boxsets, I'm actually addicted, I should seek help ;) Through the good; Grissom and the original team (see image above); the bad, Dr Ray I'm looking at you, some of the worse episodes I've seen and the ugly, seriously some of the deaths and crime scenes are disgusting. I've laughed with the team, with their one liners and sometimes bizarre behaviour and I've cried, Warrick's death and Grissom leaving. I've worried about them, Nick being kidnapped and buried alive, the miniature killer taking Sara and Captain Brass being shot and genuinely care about what happens to each character (I told you I need help).
Now with a stellar cast and fantastic on the edge of your seat storylines, CSI is back on top form after a few shaky seasons. With Ted Danson leading the cast, my beloved show is as amazing as ever. Even after 12 years and 12 seasons it feels fresh and cutting edge and now in it's 13th year and season, it's safe to say this is going to continue to be one of my favourite shows. So thank you CSI for entertaining me all these years and bringing a fresh take to the crime genre and for making me desperately want to go to Las Vegas (I will get there one day).

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is currently on channel 5 every Tuesday at 9pm

So there you have it, my current three favourite shows and I seriously can't get enough of any of them. I hope  you liked this post, a bit different from usual but thought I would try out something different. Let me know what you think. Do any of you watch these shows? I'd love to hear about it and let me know your favourite shows :)

I'm off to watch a Charmed re-run as all this talk of television is making me miss it ;)

Till next time, Zoe xxx

Don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin' here

Mini Shop

Hey guys, sorry been a bad blogger recently, just been so busy but don't worry I'm still on track for my 30 day challenge, half way through tomorrow. Anyway I had a little shopping trip the other day and bought a few little bits that I wanted to share with you.

So first up was this gorgeous peachy colour cream blush from Bourjois, I've read a lot about this new product recently and really wanted to give it a try, it has such a nice feel to it and goes on to the skin smoothly, I couldn't choose between the peach colour and the more pinker version but loved this on; but have a feeling I'm going to end up wanting the pink one too. I finally picked up Rimmel's wake me up foundation after hearing such a amazing things about it, I knew I just had to try it, can't believe I'm so late on the band wagon because I already love it. Then armed with a 25% off voucher I ventured into Accessorize and picked up these beautiful, dainty little necklaces, I'd seen then recently then when I saw Grazia magazine had a 25% off voucher I knew I had to get them.

Accessorize Hand of Fatima necklace// Accessorize Evil Eye necklace

Bourjois Cream Blush in 01 Nude Velvet// Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation in 103 True Ivory

Let me know what you think, I always love to hear your comments :)

And don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin' here

Splurge or Save

How gorgeous are these eyeshadows, I've been lusting after the Nars duo eyeshadow in Mad Mad World for ages but just couldn't justify spending £25 but with the highly pigmented powders in vivid colours, I really think if you fancy a splurge this bank holiday, this duo is worth every penny. However if you still fancy the amazing colours just with a much smaller price tag then check out this trio eyeshadow from Gosh in Tr22 Limelight, priced at just £6.99 it's a steal in comparison. I love these colours, perfect for the summer; whether you're looking to bring some colour into your day to lift your spirits or to set off your holiday look to match your tan, both of these options work well and go with most skin tones.

Nars duo eyeshadow in mad mad world/ Gosh trio eyeshadow in Tr22 Limelight 

I would love to know what you think, is this the sort of post you'd like to see more of or if you've splurged or saved please leave a comment

Zoe xx :)

Don't forget you can follow this blog on Bloglovin'

Goody Bag

Hey guys, so I wanted to show you all the fabulous goodies I got from Company magazine's Fashion forum, you can read all about the night here. I haven't tried any of the products yet but am looking forward to it, I would love to hear what you think if you've tried any of them. I will let you all know how I get on :)

Company magazine goody bag

Popchips/ Company magazine May 2013/ Nail Art nail tattoos/ Primark sunglasses

Primark sunnies

 DHC Deep Cleansing Oil/ Colour Extreme Hair Art in blue/ Batiste dry shampoo fresh/ V05 Smoothly Does It, Frizz Free Creme/ Right Guard Women Xtreme Invisible anti-perspirant/ Lipcote lipstick sealer/ Gold by Giles nail polish/ Helen E Eyeliner Pencil in green/ Helen E Lip Crayon in cinnamon

Swatches for the eyeliner and lip crayon

Thanks once again to Company magazine and New Look for hosting the evening and putting together this amazing goody bag.

Shoe lust

Hey guys, how gorgeous are these sandals from Zara, oh my I'm in love. The amazing colour would be perfect for the summer and look great with a tan. I can imagine styling them with boyfriend jeans and a little vest top or they would be perfect with a little black dress to bring a pop of colour to it. A pair of heels like these and you'd be set for the summer, whether they'd be the heels you wear during your holiday, a lovely summer wedding or just to make you smile, they would be all you need. Priced at just £49.99 they wouldn't break the bank either, because let's face it I think most of us are saving for our holidays at the moment. Now where's that credit card...

Shoes Zara £49.99

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin'

Company Fashion Forum

Hey guys, so about a month and a half ago I made way to London, to the Hackney Picturehouse, to attend Company magazine's fashion forum, in association with New Look. It really was inspiring and I got some great advice. Once I was there I was surrounded by all kinds of fashionistas, which gave me serious outfit lust as everyone looked amazing. After our glass of complimentary champagne on arrival, the conversation soon started flowing, even if it was just to ask where someone's shoes/ necklace or top was from and as you were wondering the champagne was lovely, the shoes Office, necklace Urban Outfitters and the top was Zara; just wish I'd taken pictures of some of the gorgeous outfits I saw.

We were lead into the screening room where the seats were covered with goody bags; I mean who doesn't love a goody bag, half of the reason why I went. Once we were all settled in our surprisingly comfy seats we enjoyed a talk about the fashion industry. I learnt a lot and found it really helpful. It might have taken me almost 2 months but everything I heard and learnt from that evening has stayed with me and I feel very inspired and can't wait to style some new looks and write here on this blog.

Images taken by me and from Company magazine website

All the speakers were really inspiring and gave great advice and took time at the end to answer some of our questions. It was really interesting to hear about their backgrounds and how they started out, none of them started in fashion and now are big names in the industry, it was very insightful. The talk was lead by the fabulous editor of Company magazine, Victoria White; the rest of the panel was made up of 2 wonderful women from New Look, the senior digital content manager Kathryn Kenny and senior PR officer Nicola Panayiotou; the very insightful stylist and presenter Angela Scanlon, who's trousers I was in love with on the night and well her whole outfit; the equally glamorous Oonagh Brennan, Company's associate editor fashion and finally Emily Johnston blogger at Fashion Foie Gras.

I would like to give a big thank you to Company and New Look for hosting the lovely evening and I will be putting their great advice to use.

Till tomorrow, hopefully a lot earlier in the day than tonight, the day just got away from me. I will be posting my outfit from the evening soon and of course all the goodies from the amazing goody bag.
Zoe xx

Don't forget you can follow this blog on Bloglovin here

My 30 day challenge

Hey guys, so as you can guess from the pictures I'm on a fitness and healthy living kick at the moment. After weeks, okay maybe more months but who's counting, of saying I was going to try and lose some weight and get healthy, I've finally decided enough is enough. So starting today I have set myself a challenge, for the next 30 days I'm going to diet/ eat healthier and exercise. So far so good but like I said it only day one, ask me again in a week. My goal at the end of the 30 days is to feel fitter, healthier and have more confidence in myself and hopefully fit into my clothes more comfortably. As the summer is coming up I thought this was the perfect time to start getting into shape. Now to keep my sanity and have something fun to do I am also going to blog everyday for the 30 days, already thinking of outfits to style, beauty products to rave about and a whole lot more, so keep your eyes peeled. If any of you have any healthy tips or fitness advice, please share them, I would love to know what you're all doing to stay fit and healthy, so feel free to leave a comment here or you can Tweet me @xy_zoe, any words of encouragement will be much appreciated :)
Hope you are all well and are having a great Monday.
Zoe xxx
Ps how delicious does all the fruit look in these pictures

 Images from Pinterest

Don't forget you can follow me on Bloglovin here

Norwich Haul

Hey guys, so the other week I went into Norwich and picked up a few bits and thought I would share them with. Would love to know what you all think and if any of you have tried the products, let me know :)

So first up is Topshop, picked up some gorgeous make up bits, is anyone else obsessed with their make up, love the quality and feel of the products and for such reasonable prices too, would be rude to say no. Also got this amazing rose gold and diamond style necklace, so pretty in person, the pictures don't do it justice; just perfect to bring a bit of sparkle to a plain outfit; as a Capricorn got this cute little bracelet with the earth sign on, had my eye on it for a while and finally decided to go for it at only £5

I love this highlighter, gives such a nice shimmer to the face without being too much to wear during the day; its called Topshop Glow in polish.

I couldn't get a picture to show off just how bright this pink lipstick is, will look awesome with a tan, come back sun! All about me lipstick

Love all the different look I could create with this palette, with such neutral colours but able to create such a wide range of looks. Smokey eye palette in Golden Aura

Next up was Boots, I could spend hours in boots, looking round all the make-up counters, skin care products and everything else you can imagine but I'm sure I'm not the only one. So here I picked up: La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Baume, I have heard so much about this and just can't wait to try it out; No7 Protect and Perfect eye cream; Revlon Photoready Primer, already tried this and feels so nice on my skin, let's my make-up glide on perfectly; Real techniques shading brush.

 And finally Schuh, I got these amazing printed Toms, my perfect summer shoe, they are so comfy and I love the colourful stripe design, reminds me of Missoni and every time I wear them they make me smile and think of  the (hopefully) sunny weather.

Hope you all had a good day, I'm exhausted and can hear my bed calling. Till tomorrow, goodnight xxx