Life: Cawood, caravans and cute restaurants

This weekend I headed off on a small Friday - Sunday break with my mum, auntie, uncle and cousin in their brand new cosy tourer caravan. Cawood was where we settled, pretty much between Selby and York - two districts in my hometown of Yorkshire. It was a place they've pitched up at more than often and the people and setting is all too familiar for them. For me, however, it was my first time in a long time to stay over. There's something about dainty villages and the fresh country air that appeals to me, even when there's not a heap loads to do and even when it's just for a few days. It's like instantly a holiday means an escape and with that escape comes lots of photos. Of course, my camera was carried with me as a first priority and I even had a little helper this time. My 10 (going on 30) year old cousin took charge of my camera for the majority of the weekend and actually, I think she did a damn good job. 

Upon arrival we headed off to the on-site restaurant and what a treat that was. It was the most delicately pretty restaurant, I was surrounded by vintage pieces, stunningly unique lamps, sky blue walls and many cutesy extras that made up the shabby chic vibe. The salt and pepper pots all had a character to them, each table was decorated with gorgeous flowers and each seating area represented and looked different. Not to mention, the food was delightful and all homemade. I went for the Chicken Parmesan and the Sticky Toffee Pudding and I enjoyed every scrap! As we wondered off into Selby Town Centre on Saturday afternoon, it also came to my attention that Selby seemed to be full of overly cute eating habitats. We rested in Little Miss Muffins for our mid lunch stop off and I can't judge the two of them when it comes down to who beats who in terms of elegance. 

Part of the reason we decided on this particular date was because it was an 80's weekend in the club. Now, my music taste destines from the 50's era up until recent so for me, that suited me just right and I'm so glad I pledged to go because it was much better than expected. On the first night there was a Madonna and George Michael/Wham tribute and on the second, UB40. UB40 ended the weekend on a high and their performance even got me on my feet, which is a rare scene for me (dancing's just not my thing and I apologise for everybody's harmed vision from the sight of me awkwardly grooving). Aside from the fun had inside the club, it also continued during family time. I had such a laugh and it was nice to spend time with my Auntie and Uncle for more than just an hour or so which is all that usually happens at home. The beautiful lake surrounding the camp was an added bonus. It spoke nothing but tranquility and contributed towards the relaxation. We were so lucky with the weather too and it meant we could soak up the views without having to worry about basing your plans around rain, wind and coldness. All in all, I had a lovely time and it was just what I needed - even if I am still feeling the effects.

BEAUTY: Kiko Radiant Touch vs Topshop Glow Stick

Kiko Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter in 100 GOLD - £8.50 | Topshop Glow Stick in Play Up - £10.00

I feel like I haven't had a good chinwag about a beauty product on my blog for a long time. Truth is, there's not been anything new added to my collection of skincare and makeup. I'm a bit of a bore when it comes to beauty, I seem to stick to the same routine in fear of change. However, one thing I have been moving on to and developing in my current face regime are highlighters. I've tried a couple of powder highlights and am now venturing towards the cream based products. In my opinion, cream shimmers are the easiest to use; in particular, highlighting sticks. They're such a versatile staple and can be applied for casual wear or built up to provide a more heavier golden appearance. Another positive is the way they blend, it's not always necessary to use a brush, sweeping across the cheeks, brow bone, nose bridge and any other desired areas either straight from the bullet itself or your fingers (I prefer to use my fingers so I know exactly how much I'm using) and then spreading until it is entirely smoothed out does the job just as effectively.

These two highlighter sticks are very similar in both packaging, tones and textures. They are almost identical in colour but once on the skin, they do slightly differ. The Kiko Radiant Touch has more of a light, natural finish whereas the Topshop Glow Stick has more of a visible glow (hence the name I guess). Both highlighters do leave an honest, subtle glow and a satin finish, and the creamy formula is more or less the same. Neither of them are oily on the skin and show no signs of that "I'm wearing too much makeup" feeling which is the biggest perk when comparing the two of them but when it comes down to pigmentation, I do prefer the Topshop Glow Stick. The glow stick has a more dewy result when applied, it seems to work better when contouring. There is a tiny bit more of a sparkle to it while the Kiko Radiant Touch illuminates the complexion without that high shine. The good thing about the Kiko highlighter is that you are able to work with it until you reach your desired shimmer but with the Topshop highlighter, the flush of colour will strike through right away. The lasting power in both of these are brilliant for the price, I never seem to have to reapply unless I fancy glamouring myself up further for an occasion. I also love that these sticks aren't flat, they have a rounded edge (the Topshop Glow Stick being near enough fully rounded) to make application simpler and to allow it to glide to the shape of your facial angles.

They certainly both have their pros and cons and I guess it's down to personal preference and how much of a tint you require but at the similar price of £8.50 and £10.00, I think they're affordable, a quick, easy makeup piece which doesn't require much effort and they're so worth the price (maybe paying that extra £1.50 for the Topshop Glow Stick has a recommended thumbs up from me). A highlighter stick is the perfect option for someone who's a beginner in make up and starting off with the cheaper versions before moving on to the higher end is in my eyes, an ideal step.

Have you tried either of these? What are your views?

What I wore: Stripes, Pastels and Holographic

Trousers - ASOS | Top - Topshop | Duster Coat - Primark | Shoes - Public Desire | Clutch - Primark

I whipped the white duster coat out again yesterday. I seem to be slowly but surely weaned on to the idea of swapping a regular jacket for an extra long jacket. I kind of feel like I work in a dentist or am a high class lab professor when wearing it but putting that aside, it's definitely one of my favourite Primark buys to date. Mixing three lots of styles was a risky step to say I usually settle for the simpleness but I think the contrast between them worked (well I hope since I did spend a good few hours out in town for all to see). The stripe clashes with the well loved pastel coloured blue trousers and then the added silver brightens up the finishing touches. Not the usual approach for me, but I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone once in a while and I can't help but swoon over how much of a bargain those trousers were. £13.00 for a pair that actually fit properly around the waist and hips, you go ASOS!

P.S. There's only 9 days left to enter my giveaway and still plenty of room for lots more entries!

What I wore: a sundress in autumn

Dress - She Inside | Kimono - Boohoo | Bag - River Island | Shoes - Primark | Necklace - Primark

Another outfit? I'm definitely on a roll. I'm going all monochrome again here (unsurprisingly) with the loveliest sun style dress I have ever owned. It's actually residing on Missguided but when I had my weekly browse through She Inside (I seriously think this is becoming a dangerous obsession of mine) I spotted the exact same one for a cheaper price and I knew I had to have it. Despite it taking longer to get here, I'm so happy with the overall quality of this dress. The cut is so flattering and wearing it makes me feel slightly boho-chic. With the weather remaining lightly warm with a cooler breeze in the evening, I once again reached for my textured kimono as an extra. This kimono and my bowler hat seem to be all that I wear at the moment but they're just the perfect daily combo.

As London Fashion Week kicked off yesterday, I've been spending most of my time browsing the collections, the catwalks and the street style (double tapping on my Instagram has never been so active!). I find street style my favourite to follow, I get so much inspiration from the bloggers, the magazine editors and the public in general. I think as the week leads on I'll be gathering the visual side of what is worn and injecting it into my own style. This seems to be a recent habit of mine. I love mixing it up! And as autumn approaches, my ever changing style can be experimented further (and layers can be brought out!!), which makes me want to do a leap of happiness.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

What I wore: White duster

Duster Jacket | Cami | Skirt | Shoes - All Primark 

Hiding away in my back garden on a sunny Sunday afternoon seemed to be a good idea until I realised there isn't much light beneath the trees and it isn't the handiest of places to stand and attempt to pose when the grass is slanted. I apologise if the photos are lacking quality and I look as though I'm about to stumble any minute but my wanting to improve outfit backgrounds is still in progress! Anyhooo, moving on. I seem to be bringing out the brighter clothes whilst summer is back making another appearance. I want to make the most of it before I'm heading out in all black and white nearer the A/W months. This white duster is a change from my usual safe options of jackets. They're all the rave at the moment and this beauty was a see, want and buy from good old Primarni. I hesitated as to whether the longer length suited me or not but I was at the till before I could question it so here we are. I never realised when piecing this outfit together that all items are Primark purchases either but I guess that just proves they are and always will be a favourite of mine. These white sandals seem to be worn a lot but I don't have any other white shoes (sigh!). Perhaps I should purchase some, but I'm put off by the fact I probably won't get much more use out of them once it turns windy, rainy and muddy - ahh what a lovely thought! (Can you detect my sarcasm here?).

Have you hooked on to the duster jacket trend? I can't wait to style and mix up this one with the more simpler colours I own.

What I wore: tropical flowers

Playsuit - Missguided | Kimono - Boohoo | Shoes - Primark | Necklace - H&M | Hat - H&M

I feel like I've jumped back a few weeks and am back in the summer/festival style clothing but with the weather on some sort of humid throughout the day but chillier on a night phase, outfits like this are being thrown together without second thought. This kimono seems to be my latest staple piece. I'm a keen lover for all black everything and I don't think that will ever change. I just love how it goes with whatever you're wearing and there's no worrying about what jacket you'll have to trail with you "just in case". Another recent favourite of mine are these Primark mule shoes. I've seen them hovering round the blogosphere and were chuffed when I managed to grab my hands on them. They're so easy to style and despite being quite high, they're rather comfortable. I can see them being over worn as the months go by.

Speaking of Primark, I seem to have spent way too much money in there recently. They're on top form with their A/W gear (especially the coats and jackets). I have so much to show so am hoping to get together another Primark haul soon and it will be posted as soon as I trudge my way through the buys and bags (okay, I am exaggerating there).

What I wore: Grid print

Top - Missguided | Skirt - Topshop | Satchel - Primark | Shoes - Primark | Hat - H&M | Necklace - Forever 21

I fancied a bit of a change background wise for my outfit photos this time round so opted for the middle of my cul de sac. Not so good when it's all out in the open, all modes of transport are passing by and neighbours are having a nosy out of their window but hey ho, there's some things us bloggers have to sacrifice and for me that's my picture privacy. This outfit has been a favourite of mine over the summer (well Britain's idea of summer hence the dark colours) but I just seem to be so monochrome mad at the moment. You have no idea how long I've waited to snap these photos but I've had to wait until the weather is relatively calm and rain free. Just as we're allowed to get excited for all things autumn, the weather decides to pick up again (typical of September!). Not like that's gonna stop me A/W shopping (or more like admiring pieces I'll hope to get my hands on) although I can see these types of clothing being carried through to the colder months. This gorgeous grid print skirt will pair just as well with tights and my Missguided slightly knit crop top will be generously worn just as much. Don't you have so much love for the 'suitable for all season' items? It saves me a ton of dosh that's for sure.

Don't forget there's still plenty of time to enter my Lush giveaway to say thank you for being the best readers!