Robbie Williams 'Farrell' For Penneys/Primark

This week saw the release of Robbie Williams debut collection for Primark - 'Farrell'

Inspired by his late grandfather Jack Farrell, a smartly dressed man from Stoke-On-Trent who taught him everything he knows.

 The collection ranges from 10 euro to 50 euro! Unreal value for your money! And any stylish lad knows that 22 euro for a pair of jeans, is pretty damn good!And wait until you see the shoes!

I have never seen so many men in one section of Penneys before in my life!

 So let's see what all the hype is about then shall we?

Dunno why this picture came out so shite, I promise you its way better in real life!

Everyone seems to be grabbing these while they can!

Everything in this collection is seemless, right down to the tiny emblum on the teeshirts to the silk lining in the jackets. Every lad should own at least soemthing from this collection!

The tweed jackets and shoes would make unreal Christmas presents also! 

So why not pop into Penneys / Primark and look dapper for Christmas!

The Parma Violet

New Look : Christmas On a Budget

Happy lunch time ya'll

Now in my previous posts I wrote about how to do Christmas fashion on a budget, and I really meant a budget! We've had Forever21 : Christmas on a budget, H&M :Christmas on a budget and now we have New Look, Granted this is the most expensive of the three but if you have some spare cash then sure why not? 

This gorgeous Shimmering gold pencil dress is actually cheaper than it looks! It's €24.99 and will last you though the whole Christmas Season! This figure hugging dress is super elegant and great if you have a peachy bum! 

Next up we have this super sparkly number. Much more shimmery and beautiful in real life, this dress must be seen with your own two eyes, this dress is PERFECT for those who have a tad bit more boobage (like yours truly) it also covers those lumps and bumps that you don't want seen but are still beautiful :) This dress is the perfect party dress at €29.99

Next up we have these fabulously 90's velvet crush skater dresses, at just €22.99, you will look incredible! Dress up or dress down with some Docs, messy hair and truly be brought back to the 90's

Going to a big crazy fancy dinner? Or just want to look super elegant for Christmas? Then look no further than this gorgeous eye catching dress! With a scooped back and a midnight blue shimmer, this is one damn sexy dress! And for €34.99 it's not too shabby of a price either! 

**NOTE** This is an online exclusive dress

Like the 34.99 dress but its a little bit too much on the purse? Well then why not opt for this shorter AND cheaper but still VERY sophisticated dress? At just €17.99 this is a fraction of the price and more wearable!Make of the same fabric, this midnight blue sparkly dress will make heads turn!

This is one of my favourites! Again, this one has to be seen with your own eyes to really see how beautiful it truly is! And at €24.99 it's not the worst price tag in the world! This Stunning blue and silver shimmery dress is perfect for hiding those lumps and bumps (even though they're beautiful) I would suggest running down and getting the baby, I know I will be!

Looking for something a bit more 'Santa baby'? Yep, thought so!

Then why not slap on this stunning skater dress! A perfect shape for nearly anyone too! And the lattice neck straps make you look like a pretty little wrapped present! Awh! And the price? 

Just €14.99!

Available in 5 colours

I know this was the most expensive of the three aforementioned posts,but if you do have just that little bit extra to spend I thought id help you out!

Happy shopping!!

The Parma Violet

Forever 21 : Christmas On A Budget

Well hello all your beautiful people! It is exactly one month until Christmas day and all those parties are creeping up and getting closer and closer! So why not spoil yourself and grab yourself a dress that you can REALLY afford...no actually, you can!

In my last instalment H&M : Christmas On A Budget, I mentioned that Christmas isn't easy for everyone, including myself, it is an expensive time for the unemployed and reading magazines and blogs with unreal expectations of your price limits can be stressful. But again I have some gorgeous festive fashion for you that you can afford and look great in! So here are my picks from Forever 21:

Check out this gorgeous little number! Pair with some bulky jewellery and biker boots and you'll be sorted for Christmas in no time! And the price tag? IT'S JUST €14.95!!! Also available in black.

Nothing makes us feel more Christmassy than a beautiful red dress! And this one is fabulous! With a sexy lace panel down the front, this gives this dress more texture & elegance and also accentuates and curves you may have! So gwan pop down and buy this for just €16.45!!!

Looking for something a bit more..glittery? 

I thought so! This beautiful body con dress has to be seen with your own eyes to actually capture its real beauty, this dress is every magpies dream. Black with Magenta sparkles, this baby will take you through your whole festive season for just €15.00!!!

Looking for something a bit more laid back?

Then check out this very festive zip dress! For €16.50 you can look super Christmassy! Dress down with some ripped tights, a leather jacket and a pair of Docs. Or dress up with some gold jewellery and some black pumps! This dress is perfect!

This dress will take you right from Christmas to new years in no time!

This gorgeous Cami dress gives an instant super feminine shape to your body!This gorgeous gold number is just €19.45!!

Looking for something to hide the fact you've eaten 3 boxes of roses and 4 Christmas turkeys?And they're ain't nothin wrong with that! You stuff your face girl! I know I will be!

Then look nor further than this ultra stunning peplum dress! For only €16.45 you can really dress this one up! Peplum dresses accentuate your waist and legs making them look slimmer! yay!!

The print on this dress is absolutely gorgeous! If you have the body for something skin tight around Christmas, then fair play to you and wear this bad boy every single day! Dress this one up or down, it looks good either way! And for a budget busting €12.50 who could say no!

Looking for something a bit longer?

Although this dress is slightly more expensive, it will be flying out the doors!

Super elegant and super festive this dress wont break the band but you may have to think''hmmm do i REALLY want this?'' At a reasonable €25.45, you'll be turning heads at every Christmas/New years party! I guarantee it! 

I hope this was somewhat helpful! I will be doing a few more of these before November is out! I really hope that you do not feel pressurised into buying that €200 dress or that €58 glittery jumpsuit. Christmas on a budget can be stylish and affordable!

If you have any questions, tips or just want to say hi, simply comment below or mail me at nadinestephens1990@gmail.com

The Parma Violet

H&M: Christmas On a Budget

Christmas is everywhere, Christmas means parties, Parties means dresses, Dresses means money which means that you actually have to have some! And given the current climate I know that most people out there are really struggling, myself included. Being unemployed means reading these blogs near Christmas makes it feel nearly impossible to have an amazing wardrobe for the festive season. BUT I have searched the high street and have found a few select stores in which it CAN be made possible for you and I to look impeccable this winter! So without further adieu I give you the top dresses from H&M on a budget for this Christmas.

This gorgeous festive green sparkle dress is absolutely perfect for Christmas parties, and at ony 12 euro you definatey cannot say no to this super perfect budget dress! I wore this dress to a Christmas Blogger event last week! And another girl turned up in the exact same dress, just goes to show that this is a VERY popular number! 

**NOTE** This dress runs small so you will be better off grabbing the next size or two up.

Also available in black.

This one is my utter favourite budget dress!

Gwan have a guess how much it is, I bet you'd never guess! have you an estimate?

This dress is 9.99 FROM H&M!! 

I couldn't believe it! Its so beautiful and classy! This dress would suit ANY Christmas party! With a plunging back, and netted neckline this dress will leave people asking ''omg you paid HOW much'' I recently wore this dress to So Sue Me's book launch! And it is also available in powder pink and deep purple. Collect them all! :) 

Looking for a pop of red this Christmas? 

This striking red dress is just 12.99 from H&M. With a drop waist and a pleated flare, this dress screams Christmas Party! Team with a statement necklace and a 1920's hair do and you're ready to par-tay bay-bay!

Not into Dresses? More of a trouser kind of girl?

Well look no further than this delicate piece from H&M.

The wide leg on this jumpsuit gives an instant slimming effect to the waist! What more could you want? This jumpsuit is just 19.99! Team with some red or gold accessories and you'll be super festive before you know it. Or keep it all white for a very white Christmas

have the skirt/trousers and need a top?

Look at this stunning gold and black top! This is SO much more prettier in the flesh!

With just the right amount of sparkle this will totally transform any outfit! 

And it just 9.99!!

Team with a leather skirt or some sexy leather biker trousers and you'll be set for a festive night out!

Going to a fancy dinner or a family gathering? 

This this is perfect! comfortable and flowy yet still elegant and edgy!

This Pretty dress is only 19.99!!

Team with some glitzy bangles, and a statement necklace and you'll look dazzling darling!! 

I hope that this post was of some use! I really do understand that Christmas isn't as easy for everyone else when buying presents for others and Children is your main priority, you tend to forget yourself, and that it's Christmas for you too! No it's not easy but thanks to H&M it makes it that little bit easier! 

And if anyone has purchased anything from this list please let me know! I'm dying to see you all in your budget Christmas buys! 

Happy shopping everyone!!

The Parma Violet

Hello Autumn - Essence Trend Edition

Hello everyone, I'm sorry I've been missing in action recently, due to family issues I had to take a wee mini break from my blog, but now I'm back and ready to show you all my pretty things I've obtained over the past 2 weeks.

So It was my 24th birthday on the 17th (Oh dear lord I'm in my mid twenties) and I got absolutely spoilt rotten by my family, boyfriend and friends and of course.. myself.

So lets get down and dirty shall we, this is one of the collections I bought myself! Lets get straight to it and skip all the shite :p

*Colour adapting powder blush* - this blush changes colour depending on the PH tone of your skin

PROS:

Inexpensive

Novel idea

Pretty packaging

CONS:

Novel idea

Colour change not noticeable 

Wears off quickly

*Thermo effect nail polishes* - Colour changes depending on temperature 

PROS:

Great concept

Novel Idea

Inexpensive

Different 

CONS:

Streaky

Not a huge colour change

Wears off extremely quickly

(Fell off in the shower- ALL OF IT)

*Leaf embossed multi colour powder* - Designed to give you colour and glow

PROS:

Amazing design

Visually attractive

Inexpensive

Great colour

Novel Idea

CONS:

Need a lot on brush

*Eye Shaddow palette* - An array of Autumnal shades

PROS:

Inexpensive

Perfect Autumn shades

Great for everyday wear

CONS:

Some shades are quite talc-ish

Doesn't last too long

So all in all I'd give this collection a 5/10, it's a hit and miss collection but I'd suggest everyone to try it out for themselves

Have you tried this collection? What other Essence products do you Love / Loathe? 

The Parma Violet

Beauty UK review

Good evening! 

And what a busy month August is starting off to be! Firstly I went for an interview for Forever 21 today,so keep your fingers crossed for me! :) Secondly, this week has seen the very first complimentary packages to arrive at my doorstep from various companies (us bloggers do live the life eh?) So here is what I received today! 

Look at all the pretty!!This is what i got sent

*Posh palette 'festival'

*High brow - eyebrow kit

*Snob - lipstick

*Vampire - lipstick

And two surprise nail varnishes *pink pop and red royale*

Firstly, I adore all the vibrant gorgeous colours in the eyeshaddow palette! This palette is perfect for creating festival and summertime looks, or just for a bit of fun!At first glance i thought maybe the eyeshaddows wouldn't have great staying power but they do! one they hit your skin the colours pop and look insanely beautiful!

I also received two gorgeous lipsticks. 'snob' and 'vampire'

Snob: This lipstick is utterly perfect! Its a soft pink matte finish with a gorgeous mint tingle!  Pefect for those ultra girlie looks or 60's styles

Vampire: This lipstick is flawlessly sexy! This smooth high shine,wet look lipstick is perfect for those vampy looks. Team this lippie with dark smokey eyes and WOW, you will most definitely turn heads! This lipstick also has a minty tingle, although a GREAT colour, the staying power isn't the greatest, but the colour is worth it.

So i decided to create this sunset themed look for the end of summer, and for all them end of summer festivals 

I used:

*yellow - inner ducts + brow bone

*Pink - Undereye and outer eye

*Orange-all over

*Dark pink- Crease

*Snob - Lipstick

*Highbrow-Light+Medium mixed

Model: Leanna Morgan

My favourite product has to be the high brow kit! Look at how natural and defined them brows look!Staying power is brilliant and the colours included in the kit suits everyone! Its amazing! *Includes 3 shades, wax AND a tweezers*

Thank you so much Beauty UK for your amazing products! I will forever more be an avid customer and will continue to spread the word of this underrated brand!

if you wish for me to review your product, or simply what to just get in touch, please do not hesitate, comment below or mail me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you

The Parma Violet

**BARGAIN VANITY @ DUNNES**

Hello again! Hope everyone is enjoying the last bit of their Summer holidays and making the most out of the lovely weather we've been having! I certainly have, but oh my was it a very strange day yesterday. It started off by getting a totally random MMR shot (measles,mumps and rubella) Which I have NEVER had! (yikes) Also..not to mention, I am scared to death of needles.So that was an ordeal in itself! I then found 50 quid on the floor and went and bought very pretty things, after all..I totally deserved it ;)

So I walked into Dunnes Stores in Citywest, and couldn't believe my eyes when I seen these gorgeous plates and bowls that I've wanted since forever..HALF PRICE!

Look how beautiful they are!

These stunningly retro and fabulously pastel plates are only E2.50 and these cutie pie bowls are only E2.00!

I grabbed them as quick as I could, And I got the last muffin with cherry on top plate (score!)

These would look just gorgeous on anyones desk/vanity! The detail is so pretty!

These little bowls & plates are perfect for holding lipstick,bobbipins,hairclips,rings,brushes,eyeshaddows..Basically anything will look pretty amazing in these badboys!

My favourite part about these bowls is the detail! I LOVE it! Just like a melting icecream, so pretty! 

So if you're looking to give your vanity a bit of a makeover, pop down to Dunnes and turn your boring old vanity into a glorious 1950's pastel haven!

If you would like me to review a product or simply need to get in touch, comment below or mail me @ theparmavioletblog@gmail.com,thank you.

The Parma Violet

*REVIEW* He Loves Me-Eau de toilette

Hello everyone! And thank god that weather is clearing up! August started as a right washout. But now the sun is back and it's making me feel goooood! And just as I said that it starts to rain (I am seriously not even joking..perfect).. Anyway!

I was walking around in Penneys (Primark) in Dundrum earlier this week, with no intention of buying anything..But all know that one does simply not enter Penneys and doesn't buy anything. Try as we may, there is ALWAYS some super cheap, super cute thing that we just HAVE to have..And THIS was one of those moments.

As I was helping my 16 year old brother shop for anniversary gifts for his girlfriend (aw bless) I stumbled across this uber cute, mini bottle of perfume!

Look how girly and summery it is!

I am a sucker for daisies and I'm even more of a sucker for polka dots! And to make things better,this totally gorgeous roller perfume was only 2.50! 

And as for the scent? It smells like a fresh summers day, the quintessential 'cheap' perfume smell will initially hit you, but after you let this perfume linger. It does smell very girly and very fresh! 

Its perfect for popping into your handbag due to its tiny size. 

Surprisingly this perfumes staying power is brilliant! i was expecting it to stay an hour tops but the scent keeps on going for over 4 hours.. And for a cheap perfume that's amazing!

Do you have any bargain perfumes that you can't get over? Want me to review a product? Let me know by simply commenting below or email me @ theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you. 

The Parma Violet

Bargain Argan

Welcome back to yet another post about Argan oil! 

Since last time, I'm now fairly certain that it is my current favourite thing..ever! So as i Wondered into Lidl a few days ago, i got super excited to see some Argan oil infused beauty products ON SALE! I was delighted! So I picked up 3 items. But the one that caught my eye was Argan oil body butter! I was so excited to try it! Seeing what Argan oil did fro my hair imagine what it could do for my skin! I picked up 

*Body Butter

*Hair treatment

*heat defense spray 

All at a mere 2.99 each! Bargain!

**Now I know you can get this range in Dealz for cheaper but i have not yet found the Body butter in Dealz, so if you are looking for this then head over to Lidl as Dealz do not stock this.**

So..what did I think?

Argan Oil -hair treatment : I was super excited to try this as my hair is highly damaged and naturally frizzy/curly. So on the back on the box it read ''use 2-3 pumps and run through damp hair'' . Doing as the box indicated, i pumped 3 pinhole sized blobs of Aragin oil into my hand. It was a minuscule amount, So I thought to myself,'' how am I going to get this tiny amount through all my hair? '', and continued to pump 5+ extra amounts on to the palm of my hand...and well..I REALLY should have listened to the box. After applying this to my hair, my hair was INSANELY greasy looking. So please..for the love of sweet Jesus, only use 2 pumps worth! It doesn't look like it would do much, but it really works wonders when used correctly

Argan Oil-body Butter: This pot is magnificent. It is a skin transformer! Making you look (Well...thinking you look) and feel like you Beyonce. This body butter smells exactly like baby powder and is lusciously thick. When applying to skin, skin instantly feels hydrated,smooth,healthy and soft. It gives skin that healthy, natural glow that we all strive for! So this is DEFINITELY gone straight into my top 5 beauty products! Pick this up ASAP.

Argan Oil-Heat Defense Leave In Spray: This is a lovely spray! Sometimes you buy heat defense sprays and it leaves your hair kind of hard and almost straw like? Not this baby! This one is SUPER hydrating, making hair feel weightless, the ONLY thing you have to be careful about is how much you are applying to your hair, as again can make it look quite greasy!

Over all the product range is great quality for the price, it takes a little getting used to but it really is worth it!

Do you have any Beauty bargains you loved? Want me to review a product, don't hesitate to get in touch @ theparmavioletblog@gmail.com or, simply comment below, thank you 

The Parma Violet

OOTD | Look interview ready with Penneys/Primark.

Hello, and what a fantastic day it is!

Recently, I went to an interview regarding a very much wanted job all the way in Florida.  Needless to say I was absolutely ecstatic. Florida is my most favorite place in the entire world...so far. I love how chilled out and relaxed Florida is. I have never been to the Florida Keys but if I were to visit, I would more than likely never leave. It seems right up my alley. The cool Cuban influence entices me so! When I went to the interview all I could picture was the roaring sunset on Clearwater beach. And I knew I just HAD to have this job. Needless to say the interview went amazing, and will more than likely be moving to Florida next October for a minimum of 6 months working in 5 star Floridian resorts..someone pinch me!

For a job interview like this, I didn't want to appear that I had a poker up my arse, I wanted to get my own individual style across while still looking somewhat professional. So this is what i eventually came up with. Floaty, comfortable and laid back but still proficient.

Please excuse my resting bitch face on the left.

I chose to make my main outfit black in colour to show professionalism 

I wore this gorgeous Penneys/Primark Kimono on top to break the dull darkness and give it a more relaxed feel. I wore a floral headpiece because I thought it went quite well with the outfit and gave it a softer look.

Crop top - 3.50

Maxi skirt - 12.00

Kimono - 11.00

Hamsa necklace - 1.00 (on sale)

Flower head band - 2.50

Belt - 3.00

All Penneys/Primark

I adore this outfit. Perfect for BBQ's and late summer parties too!

Its so floaty and comfortable and as everything I wear, I cannot get enough of the retro 70's vibe.

I made sure to keep my makeup minimal yet effective

I wore Wet N Wild - Mauve Outta Here on my lips. I adore this lipstick. So girly,pretty and light and isn't over the top.

I kept my hair natural, I didnt straighten, curl or wave. My hair is naturally curly so I brushed out the curls and it gave me a relaxed wave. I used Lush R&B to relax the frizz induced by brushing out the curls.

I used Penneys/Primark P.S love eyebrown pencil on my eyebrows

P.S Love eyeshaddow palette on my eyes

P.S Love eyeliner

&

P.S Love mascara to top it off

Who said makeup can't be cheap!? 

If you have any new Penneys/Primark buys that you would like to share, or simply want me to review a product, email me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you

And remember during interviews, keep it comfortable, and let your style shine through

The Parma Violet

€1.99 Burts Bee's dupe from Aldi

So, i popped my little bum into Aldi today to buy exciting stuff such as Chicken and Lettuce..living the high life.
 As I turned over to read the ingredients it was to my absolute delight that I discovered there were NO demons lurking in the darkness! Just great and soothing ingredients such as Shea butter and coconut oil! And is also packed with vitamin E! 
It soothes your lips, it smells amazing, made with only natural ingredients AND its Irish! All the way from Mayo to be exact! So Whats not to love about this? Much cheaper and better than buying Burt's Bee's in my opinion! Why not give this a try, save money, your skin, and the environment with this gorgeous pot that leaves lips sumptuously soft and utterly kissable

 As i turned the corner this little tin caught my eyes! And for only €1.99 how could it not interest me! I then found out it was made with beeswax! Which is so beneficial for you skin. So I instantly wanted to run to the counter and buy it! But i then I remembered.. Cheap lipbalms usually have hidden horrors awaiting to be discovered such as Alcohol and petroleum, which are well known to dry out the top layer of skin on your lips aswell as being a burden to the ECO system.

If you have any Aldi buys, or want me to review a product, simply comment below or mail me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com OR alternatively find me on www.facebook.com/theparmaviolet, thank you 

The Parma Violet

Essence Blush up! MAC dupe?

Essence seems to be everyone's favorite drugstore beauty collection! Their packaging, colours, new and bright ideas, dupes and more importantly, super cheap prices are to die for! Recently i feel as if i have been neglecting Essence slightly so I went on a trip to Penneys and bought these two gorgeous Blushes! 

I bought these insanely beautiful blushes in Penneys for only €4.39 each! Nothing to complain about there!

Because these blushes are Ombre blushes. this means you can get three different looks with the same blush!

Use the darker section for a more bold and dramatic look, or use the lighter section for a more natural look, or simply mix them both together! 

Pardon the picture quality (The blush on the right is more of a peachy tone)

When i picked these up, i knew instantly that I have saw them before somewhere!Then it dawned on me...

These pretty little things are Dupes for MAC's limited edition proenza schouler blushes! I was so excited that I bought both of them then and there! 

Compared to a bank breaking €31.00 each! you can buy BOTH of these Essence bad boys for a total of €8.78! That's less than a tenner for both!!AND seeming as these were only limited edition MAC blushes you don't have to pay ridiculous prices over Ebay for them! 

Here are the swatches, as you can see we have Pinky Flow on the left and Heat Wave on the right.

The first colour on both is the darkest of each. This colour, used alone, doesn't appeal to me much as I am too pale, this would suit medium to dark skin tones.

The lighter colour is then used next. I love these colours as they suit me much much more. And far more natural looking

The last colour on both, is mixed. Again I love this, I find this to look much more dewy and fresh.

Have you any Dupes or Essence buys you want to share? Want me to review a product? Simply comment below or main me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you 

The Parma Violet