My current May favorites

Seeming as I'm down in the absolute dumps with Gastroenteritis (Honestly - I have no bowels left) I decided to so something nice and light!
May has been a month of amazing finds for me so far & I'm really liking healthy glowing skin as of recent! so I thought I'd share with you what I'm loving this May :)

Lacura Aqua Complere Multi Intensive Serum - Aldi - €4

After hearing only amazing stuff about this bottle of joy I decided to go out and try it out for myself, and I am SUPER happy that I did! This serum cost's less than a fiver and is most DEFINITELY one of the best ones I have ever used. 

This serum is super refreshing when applied and instantly wakes up your skin. After a month of using it I notice that my skin is way more radiant, less spotty, and nice and firm.

One thing I found though - as with most serum's - don't use this over your spots, avoid your spotty areas.

Glow highlighter from Topshop €14

This little pot of bliss is my new best friend. I'm usually not one for cream highlighters but I decided to give this one a whack! I love this highlighter so so much! It doesn't make your face look like a disco ball AND it doesn't wear off in 10 minutes. I usually mix this in with my foundation to give my skin a healthy, natural looking glow.

Glow lotion - Soap & Glory €7.69

I picked up this stuff for a friends birthday recently and then realised i HAD to buy myself a bottle! This glow lotion looks incredible on the legs and decolletage AND has that blissful signature Soap & Glory scent that we all dream about. This can obviously be used as a highlighter on the face as well but seeming as I have sensitive skin, I'm not willing to risk it as such. Although this does wear off, it still gives you a beautiful glow and scent that looks really really natural. 

Rimmel Exxxagerate lipliner in Eastend Snob €7

This is my go to everyday lip liner since I bought it. I Love the colour, i love the texture and i love the fact you that its twist-able so you don't need to sharpen it! Although you don't get an awful lot in the stick itself its still a gorgeous nude colour that will suit nearly every skin tone 

Lace Flares from H&M Coachella collection €19

The second I saw these, I knew they had to be mine! I never knew a pair of trousers could represent me in so many ways (joke, but not really) Some of H&M's Coachella range can be a bit pricey and was expecting these to maybe be about 30 or 40 Euro. Well i only legged it to the till's when i seen they were only 19 euro! I went in the next day and they were completely sold out! I cannot wait to wear these on a summer night in a beer garden somewhere with friends.

Handbag €57 & Matching Purse €22 - River Island

After landing myself a new job I thought it was only fitting to ''Treat yo' self'' as they say. I had my eye on this matching set in River Island for SO long, but it was always 100% out of my price range. So I bit the bullet and went for it and I am so happy I did! I get so many people complimenting the handbag when I go out shopping or on a night out. If you want a good sized handbag that's not too much of a fuss BUT is still a statement piece, then this is the one for you! 

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

So Sue Me: 'What Happened Next' Book Launch

If you're in the blogging industry or you have any kind of interest in fashion and beauty, then you will obviously be familiar with Suzanne Jackson of So Sue Me. Suzanne is Irelands top beauty blogger and already has two books under her hermes belt! And I was one of the very lucky girls who got to attened the fabulous launch of her second book at Lillie Bordello's.

The gorgeous Nirina from Killer Fashion and I at the launch

Everyone looked stunning but not half as unreal as Suzanne Jackson! Her flawless makeup (Fiona Hogan) and her amazing hair (RedVelvet Hair Salon) was goddess like, and her dress (From cariscloset.ie) was super elegant and sexy. So looked every inch the perfect woman.

There was adorable sparkly, ultra girly cupcakes and a free bar! She really pulled out all the stops to make her fans and loved ones feel special.

I also had an amazing chat with her parents, they are so incredibly sweet and down to earth and seemed to be bursting with pride for their eldest daughter Suzanne.

And not to mention a photobooth..which we totally raided to absolute bits by me Nirina from Killer Fashion, Lorna from Fashion Boss and Mei Ling from Darling buds of Mei. Looking good girlos

And her newest book was on sale! Needless to say I grabbed my very own signed copy! I was over the moon! This book is absolutely perfect if you are a blogger or an aspiring blogger and would be a fantastic gift this christmas! Available in Easons and online at sosueme.ie 

Congratulations Suzanne! What an amazing achievement and an unforgetable night! 

The Parma Violet

Barry M Aquarium Nail Polishes

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening people :) Hope everyone is doing gooood and enjoying their Autumn cosyness! :)

I decided to being a bit of colour into my life seeming as were getting closer to dreary winter, so I picked myself up these two beauties!

I've had my eye on these for a good while now, because they're so damn so pretty! 

Since I was little (and I'm pretty sure every girl in the world is the same about this) I've been obsessed with mermaids and anything to do with them! And it doesnt help that the sparkley varnish on the left is actually called 'Mermaid'

So what did I think?

Pacific: Such a gorgeous and original colour! The cap on the bottle is beautifully designed with mermaid/fish scales and it is VERY eye catching. 

Mermaid: I absolutely adore this, it goes hand in hand with 'Pacific' and it really really sets it off, this shouldnt be worn by itself at the risk of having taky 90's kids nails. But if thats your thang, then fire away :) The only thing I don't like about these varnishes is that it takes FOREVER to dry! But otherwise, great varnishes!

Also, I'm terribley sorry about the absolute state of my nails..but sure..it is what it is :)

Pretty delicates at Penneys / Primark

Yo! How's everyone doing? Looking for something pretty to treat yo'selves with? 

So over the weekend I popped my wee bum into Penneys and found this GORGEOUS underwear set. I was blown away with how pretty and girly this lingerie set is so I just HAD to share it with you all!

A silk and lace two piece with added sparkle, this set is sure to make anyone feel and look super feminine and sexy!

So give yourselves a little pick me up and run in and grab this stunning set!

Bra: 6EURO

Lace underwear: 4EURO

The Parma Violet

Pastel at Penneys

Hello and good afternoon everybody! Hope everyone's Monday isn't starting off too bad! Because I know mine is! I'm only after going and breaking my toes! Just my luck eh? But one thing that IS making my Monday is seeing all the fabulous pastel colours surrounding Pennys/Primark at the moment! 

Who said Pastel is just for spring? I think the wonderful icy blues and cool pinks are exactly what we need this Autumn/Winter!

So here is a few things that I've spotted in Penney's on my last trip 

Penneys/Primark seem to be TOTALLY on point this Autumn/Winter with there amazing range of new,fresh and fashionable coats and jackets. 

These two were most definitely my favorite! Inexpensive,chic and VERY pretty

• Right: Pastel pink over sized jacket - 30.00euro (excuse the lighting, its actually a very pretty pink)
  
  
  
• Left:  powder blue oversized soft coat - 28.00euro

These coats are absolutely stunning, and are perfect for the run up to Winter! These jackets will make your outfit a stunning statement.

This gorgeous textured clutch will add femininity to any outfit. And at only  7Euro, how can you resist?

Now this faux leather, pastel blue pencil skirt is simply stunning! Looking for those damn hot Kim Kardashian curves? Well grab one of these bad boys, team with some nude heals and you wont know what hit you! This skirt is also available in baby pink and black! not bad for 12 Euro!!

Looking for a more relaxed approach? Then look no further than this uber relaxed,girly and stylish outfit. 

Pleated skirt 15EURO

nude pink T bar dolly shoes - 10EURO

Fluffy duck egg knitted jumper (available in pink & mint too) - 12 EURO

People...Feast your eyes, on this glorious bag! Yes its from Penneys and yes its only 11euro!Can  you believe it? Just look at how pretty it is! And its an absolutely perfect size too! These will fly off the shelves so grab one while you can!

Have you found any pastel prettiness from Penneys/Primark? Let me know, comment below! :)

The Parma Violet

Jewelry by Magpies nest

Hello, and good evening everybody! If you're looking for some late night reading before bed or simply are looking for some quality jewelry then I have just the post for you.

I recently got approached by a gorgeous and lovely girl on Instagram wondering if we could maybe do a collaboration and I jumped at the chance.

She runs her own business in England and creates some of the most delicate and pretty jewelry I have ever seen.

You can check out her stuff here!!

 And these are the three items that she sent me 

This gorgeous amethyst necklace on 18' chain.

Usually retails for 4.77 EURO

This necklace is insanely durable and very well made.

This insanely gorgeous grey/purple titanium quartz necklace (left) which is my favourite of the two.

This piece usually retails at 4.51 EURO

The wiring of this one is a tad 'spikey' but is easily fixed.Such a stunningly beautiful necklace for such a low price! Bargain!

I love the super unusual colour of this piece. It is a truly unique piece of jewelry and you can see how well made these two necklaces are close up. (Below)

 I will be wearing these ALL Autumn/Winter because..I mean..look at them! they're perfect for this time of year! 

She also sent me this beautiful, delicate lilac anklet with a leaf charm. And I am in love with it! Its so pretty! This piece retails at 2.19EURO.

If you are interested in this fantastic jewelry you can visit her

>instagram here

>Etsy website here

I hope you do pop over and buy something here because you seriously wont regret it. She also sent me a lovely hand written letter which was just the cherry on top.

Thank you Magpies Nest! I am one truly happy customer!

The Parma Violet