Slimming world Christmas party 2014

Good evening everyone, I hope everyone is nursing their Christmas party hangovers this morning, cause I know I certainly am!

Yesterday seen the very first Christmas party I ever attended! And it was magical! It was with my Slimming World group (citywest), seeming as I am only new to the group I had no idea that a Christmas party was even on the cards! But I was so wrong!

Taking place at the extravagant Citywest Hotel,the theme was 'Charlie & the chocolate factory' , how fun is that?! The entrance was amazingly perfect, a full purple carpet and huge lollipops coming out of the ground they had the theme down to a T, when we entered the building there was a champagne reception complete with giant sweets hanging from the ceilings

We gathered and celebrated Christmas with multiple other companies for a night full of food, wine, dancing and eating competitions (dear lord the shame)

The dinner was a Starter of vegetable soup which was amazingly tasty, I couldn't get enough of it!And yes, shamefully I did stuff two white rolls lathered in butter into my face to accompany said soup!

The main was the quintessential Christmas dinner...And my good christ it was good! Mixed veg with a generous helping of turkey, ham and stuffing!! 

The desert was small (thank god) but absolutely delicious none the less! A selection of mini deserts which included a chocolate fudge cake, a blueberry cheesecake and a tirimssu cup! So simple yet effective! Adored these!

When I turned up i half didn't recognise everyone! Everyone from Slimming World looked SO beautiful and super stylish in their gorgeous Christmas outfits! Everyones hair and makeup looked immaculate! Super impressed with these wonder women! Everyone was laughing,dancing and catching the eye of some...shall me say 'romantic' men.

i recently bought a STUNNING dress from River Island and I got it at such a bargain too, this gorgeous,glitzy,christmassy dress was 51 euro and I got it for just 21 euro! And I've been looking for an excuse to wear it ever since I bought it! When I laid eyes on it I thought it looked like a sexy disco ball. And it does!
BUT unfortunately I was super self conscious in it all night as its skin tight! Still need to loose a good few pounds to wear it confidently but never the less, a stunning dress! You can also buy this dress in top and pencil skirt form or a floor length long sleeve gown!

My  makeup was Katy Perry inspired as I love playing my eyes up as much as she does! My lashes are the 'double trouble' lashes from Penneys/ Primark and my lipstick is MAC viva glam1 :) 

My nails were...to die for, i adore them! I picked them up at a recent blog meet up! They're from House of Holland in Boots and usually retail at around 10 euro!!

Special thanks to Helena, our team leader for organising such an amazing night, I had a proper laugh and my legs and stomach are killing me! 

Until next time slinky ladies!

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

Whats in my suitcase this summer?

ITS SUMMER!!!

And I honestly couldn't be happier! (This has been my first month of blogging and its going so well thank you all for following! VERY much appreciated)  :)Summer is my favourite time of year! Especially since I am jetting off to Portugal this Saturday the 10th!! I cannot contain the excitement! And it seems that everyone and their mothers are flying off on holiday this year! So I decided to do this post on what I am bringing with me to Portugal and maybe give you all a few ideas :) So without further adieu here are my favourite things going into my suitcase with me! 

 On Board

We all know there is NOTHING worse than being on a flight in uncomfortable restrictive clothes! And god forbid your flight gets delayed! And then there is the worry of dressing too cold/warm for your destination, so after careful planning I finally decided I am going to board my flight in this floaty, summery, girly outfit

Yellow Polka Dot Dress - 5EURO New Look

Round Sunglasses- 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Nude Wedges-12EURO Penneys/Primark

Necklace-3EURO Penneys/Primark

Suddenly Diamonds Perfume- 3.99EURO Lidl

WetNWild Nail varnish in Private Viewing-2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Behold! My pretty suitcase that was only 20EURO from Dunnes Stores!

Dunnes are currently doing a sale on most Suitcases so run down before its too late! I was lucky enough to snap up this pretty case, it is JUST the right size for a week away in the sun!This case smoothly rolls along the ground and has interchangeable handlebar height! Perfect!

At the beach/by the pool

Of course, the most important part of your entire holiday has to be lazing on the beach or relaxing by the pool! and of course playing drunken volleyball in the water but thats for another time :) As I am a big busted lady on a budget finding swimsuits that fit right at a reasonable price are like gold dust to come across! And not being the thinnest of girls i dont tend to have alot of my body on show and like to cover up when I am beside the pool/beach! So i found these!

Excuse the awkward angle, it was the only way this picture was going to work. I spotted this bright,vibrant and classy bikini in Dunnes Stores would you believe! I was nearly positive they wouldn't have my best size (36DD) And they did! i was over the moon and ran straight to the desk to buy this gorgeous bikini! The details are just beautiful,it have a little knot at the front middle of the bikini top and a side knot on the bottoms, absolutely gorgeous, and also the support in the bra is excellent!

Bikini top 12.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Bikini Bottoms 6.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Spotted these flip flops in Penneys at 2.50EURO for two pairs! Unfortunately I couldn't find the other pair in my room for this picture (they're plain dark brown) Amazing value!

Again, excuse the terrible picture, but this is my favourite purchase of 2014 so far! This gorgeous colourful floaty kaftan is 16.00EURO from Penneys would you believe!!The detail is to die for! This sheer material will keep you modest over your bikini and yet allow breeze to fly right through to cool you down!

This is the best picture of the beaded detail on the chest that i could get! This Boho style kaftan is floorlength with bat wing arms, so floaty and sophisticated yet fun and sexy! Adore this buy!

And not forgetting a fun and flexible beach bag to carry your towel and sunlotion in!

Cotton Bag 7.00EURO Dunnes Stores

Dinner/Date night

Because I am going over with 11 of my friends and 1 being my Boyfriend its nearly positive that we will be going for a fancy dinner at some point, as my suitcase is only quite small I am only packing a light dress and small shoes with minimal accessories, so I came up with this date night look! A classy and sexy outfit made possible with a statement figure hugging dress and strappy leather heels with bag to match and gold accents. Love love love

Red Dress- 5.00EURO forever 21

Handbag 18.00EURO Penneys

Heals- 16.00EURO Penneys

Necklace-4.00EURO Penneys

Estee Lauder Lipstick-15.00 EURO Debenhams

this look would be perfect to go from daytime cocktails to evening dinner and drinks! This 50's style floral dress is one of my favourite wardrobe essentials! this ultra girly, vintage look is so versatile it can work during any stage of the day/night!

Floral Dress 10.00EURO New Look (Sale)

Nude Wedges 12EURO Penneys/Primark

Round Sunglasses 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Necklace 4.00EURO Penneys/Primark

Belt 4.00EURO Penneys Primark

WetNWild Varnish in Wet Cement 2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Mac Viva Glam Lipstick 18.00 Mac,Brown Thomas

Shopping/Relaxing

During the day I dont want to make a huge fuss and dress to impress constantly, So this outfit is perfect for me as i wear it alot anyway! Ultra comfortable and super versatile! the outfit is simple and takes little to no effort! Team this outfit with a back combed pony or messy bun and you're ready to go

Top 2EURO Penneys/Primark

Skirt 4EURO Penneys/Primark

Creppers 12EURO Penneys/Primark

Guns N Roses Tote Bag 4EURO Penneys/Primark

Peace Sign Necklace 2EURO Penneys/Primark

WetNWild Lipstick in CherryBomb 2.99EURO Dunnes Stores

Round Sunglasses 2EURO Penneys/Primark

River Island London Perfume 10EURO (On Sale) 

I adore this dress! this striking blue dress was bought in a second hand shop and I adore it! The mandela type design on it makes it stand out from the crowd! Perfect for doing a bit of shopping or sitting down for some lunch and cocktails in the gorgeous sun!

Blue Mandela Dress- Second hand 10 EURO

I wear this..all...the..time, I literally cannot find anything else more comfortable so I would wear these around the house and on the flight back home! This jumper is my brothers that he got whilst he was in Isreal and these bottoms are my favourite bottoms..ever! I bought these in Spain last year at a market for 10 Euro! These are perfect to wear to/from the beach as they're a sheer material! Same goes for this jumper! It looks wooly and heavy but infact its super light weight! 

Are you jetting off this summer? If so comment below or mail me at nadinestephens1990@gmail.com 

I hope you found this post helpful!

The Parma Violet