OOTD - Monochrome Madness

Polo Neck Heat Tech Long Sleeve Top - Uniqlo

Patterned Treggings - Topshop (similar)

Ted Baker Julecon Large Crystal Bow Shopper - Selfridges, John Lewis

Black Platform Heeled Ankle Boots - New Look (similar)

I absolutely adore this polo neck top; not only is it very simple and chic, it also is "heat tech" meaning it is thermal and retains heat! I get cold really easily due to bad circulation so it is perfect for me, and I may or may not have purchased three different colours in Uniqlo's sale...

I love how these patterned leggings from Topshop put a slight twist on what would otherwise be a very plain outfit, while still being black and white. This means they are easy to pair with anything, not that I tend to venture into wearing many colours anyway, but the option is always there.

I have at least 5 different pairs of black ankle boots (I'm a little obsessed!), but these are probably my favourites. They are Chelsea boot style with a chunky heel and platform sole, and are super comfortable.

If you like the look of my Ted Baker Bag, check out my post What's in my Bag? to discover what I keep inside it and to see a few more photos of the beauty itself.

I had on my "Au Naturel" Everyday Make-up

This outfit was very comfortable (leggings are my life) but still looked quite smart and classy, perfect for wearing at school/college or out with friends. It is great for the transition from winter to spring - you can add a thick coat of any colour if it's cold (I'd opt for red), or maybe just a light jacket if the weather is warmer.

The Liebster & Versatile Blogger Awards

I was nominated for The Liebster award by Andrea and Laura, and for the Versatile Blogger Award by Aofie and Sophie. They all have absolutely gorgeous blogs which I am now following and will hopefully continue to be in contact with! I really appreciate my nominations as I am new to blogging and am so happy to have been accepted into the community! I decided to combine the two tags, as I am aware some of my readers won't be too interested in reading a post like this. If that's you, feel free to click one of the links at the bottom of this post and immerse yourself in one of my beauty or fashion posts!

The Liebster Award:

An award given to new bloggers, to bloggers that have started their blogs recently and that have less than 200 followers. The point is that it's a great way to have exposure and meeting new people.

RULES:
- First thank and mention the person who nominated you
- Then answer the questions they asked you
- Nominate up to 11 blogs that have 200 followers or less
- Think of 11 questions to ask your nominees
- And finally notify all the people you nominated

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1.Why did you start blogging?
I have dipped in and out of trying to start blogs for a number of years, but I never had the confidence to really put myself out there. I have always been a keen writer and loved taking photographs, but adding in my huge love of fashion, beauty and life, it seemed like a match made in heaven! I started my blog in the last few days of 2014, deciding to just "go for it" after building up my confidence over the year, and I did just that! I'm so glad I did - I am really enjoying running my blog, making new friends and discovering fantastic new blogs all the time!
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2. Where do you live, have you lived and what languages do you speak?
I live in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. I have always lived here, and feel very decidedly Welsh, even though both of my parents are from England! I love Cardiff, it is the perfect balance between a busy shopping capital and a beautiful, green town with lots of history. I speak English, French and a little Welsh. I am extremely passionate about my French and often read books and watch films to improve my skills. I hope to study it at University and possibly work in France in the future.

3. What inspires you?
Quite a lot of things, actually. I read a lot of books, and often find myself completely engrossed in a world or a character. I also watch TV & films and get inspiration, mostly for outfits, from there. I read magazines to look at the latest trends but don't always stick to them. I live by a lake and find myself very inspired by the nature just outside my front door. Many people inspire me too, not just celebrities but also people I know and love. My mother is a great example - she is extremely successful in an industry traditionally run by men, and makes me so proud whenever she speaks out about sexism in the workplace and female empowerment.

4. What is your current favourite beauty product?
This is a horrible question!!! But, I'd have to say it's my Kate Moss for Rimmel lipstick in shade 01, the perfect red for any occasion! I find just the act of applying lipstick really boosts my confidence.

5. What is your favourite childhood memory?
A lot of my childhood has just blurred into one, jumbled up memory. However, I always remember my family holidays, a time to relax and spent time together. We have visited some insanely beautiful and interesting places, including Australia, China & Iceland.

6. Do you have a pet?
Unfortunately not, although I am trying (and failing) to persuade my parents to get me a cat.

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? And who would you take?
I hope this isn't cheating, but I'd want to go all around the world in one trip. I'd go with my boyfriend, as it would be amazing and romantic to experience so many new things with him, and would make us closer (although we're pretty close already). If I did just have to pick one place, I'd probably pick Bali, purely because I watched the film "Eat, Pray, Love" and it looks gorgeous and so relaxing, while also having a lot of interesting culture to experience.

8. What have you enjoyed the most about blogging so far?
I've been blogging for around two weeks. I think my favourite thing to write about is skincare, as I have had huge trouble with acne and problem skin in the past. I never really had anywhere or anyone to go to for advice, and had to go through everything alone. I'd really like to share my experience with other people who are struggling with the same problems just as I was, and hopefully help them with product recommendations and tips.

9. What is your favourite meal?
I have a slightly odd obsession with porridge... and Cheerios.

10.What three things would you bring to a deserted islands?
I would definitely take my phone, not only to update my blog but also to keep in touch with family and friends (I am assuming there is signal and Wi-Fi on this desert island!) and to keep occupied with music, books and TV shows (I think this is cheating). Along with that, I guess I'd have to take some sort of solar-powered charger. My final item would have to be a perfect red lipstick, as although nobody would be around to see me I find the act of applying lipstick boosts my confidence in a way nothing else can. I'd need a lot of confidence to survive on a desert island for the rest of my life...

11. What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses?
I general I think I am an extremely strong person, I have been through some really tough times in my life but they have shaped who I am today. My work-ethic is a major strength as I am very dedicated to every task I begin, however it can sometimes become a weakness as I am a complete perfectionist and get very anxious if something isn't right. Another strength of mine is that I try to see everything in as positive a light as possible. This can again also be turned into a weakness as I tend to trust people too easily, leading to being betrayed or let down.

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My questions for you: 

1. What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
2. What type of blog post is your favourite to read?
3. What is your favourite movie?
4. Who is your style inspiration? 
5. What is your favourite fashion brand?
6. What is your favourite skincare product?
7. If you won £1,000,000, what would you do with it?
8. What is your favourite food?
9. What qualities do you look for in a friend?
10. Why did you start blogging?
11. What would you like to be doing in 10 years?

I tag: Bethan Loves Beauty // Cosmetics Case // A Girl on a Journey // Holly Reed // Sophie Does Life // Essentially Stephanie 

The Versatile Blogger Award

RULES:

-Thank the person who gave you this award. That’s common courtesy.
-Include a link to their blog. That’s also common courtesy — if you can figure out how to do it.

-Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.  

-Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award — you might include a link to this site.

-Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

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7 random facts about myself:

1. I want to live in Paris for at least a year when I'm older.
2. My favourite TV shows are Gossip Girl, New Girl and Glee.
3. My boyfriend thinks I look like a giraffe due to my long legs and neck.
4. I love Disney Princesses, especially Rapunzel who people often nickname me after.
5. When I was younger, I used to want to be either a Princess, fairy or the Prime Minister. I aimed high.
6. One of my new year's resolutions is to spend less on clothes. It's not happening.
7. My lucky number is 7, this tag is fantastic!!!

I tag: What Laura Blogged Next // A Fashion Oddity // Voguescent // Naomi Doddridge // A Little Grey // Call Me Amy // AfroBeeBeauty // Emily Mace // Sophievmace // Pursuit of Happiness  // Banana Beauty

I know I didn't tag enough people but I haven't got a full list of all my favourite smaller blogs, so I just did it off the top of my head! I hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about me, I look forward to reading everyone's posts!

Haircare Tips & Tricks for Long Hair

 Without a shadow of a doubt, the first thing anybody who meets me notices is my hair. It's pretty hard to miss - It's naturally golden, pin straight and is so long it can now touch my bum! (These photos were taken at my prom last July...) This also means it is extremely hard to handle. As much as I love being nicknamed "Rapunzel" by all of my teachers and friends (I have always wanted to be a princess!), maintenance is difficult and I occasionally find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to chop it all off à la Taylor Swift - not that I would ever have the guts to!

I have had long hair for pretty much the entire duration of my life, although as I have grown myself I have let it grow more and more. This means I have had a lot of time to experiment with different ways of managing long hair, some of which I will write about in this post. It is important to keep your hair in the best health possible, especially if you are keeping it long, as you won't be continuously cutting it, meaning the ends will be around for a while to retain damage.

1. Avoid using heat - It is always tempting to blow-dry your hair, it gets the job done much faster so you don't have to sit around with a heavy, wet lump of hair dripping around your shoulders. However, I can't stress how much better it is for your hair to avoid using heat on it altogether!
   "Human hair contains keratin proteins and hydrogen bonds. When you use heat styling tools such as curling irons, flat irons, tongs or blow dryers, they strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins by breaking down its hydrogen bonds." discovergoodnutrition.com
   
   I avoid using heat by showering at night rather than in the morning. I put a towel over my pillow and sleep with towel-dried hair. Personally, I adore the way this makes my hair look, as it is very natural with a bit of bounce and volume. However, if you feel you need to straighten or curl it, remember to use a good heat protectant! The same goes for if you are in a rush and have to blow-dry it.
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2. Brush it carefully - Long hair often gets into huge tangles which can be frustrating to remove, especially if you are in a rush. This often leaves you pulling and tugging at hair, ripping pieces out and making the knot worse. I use the Beautybay Detangling Brush and start from the very bottom with a small section of hair, brushing until it is completely free of tangles before moving up the section. This will ensure you don't just push the knots into a clump at the ends of your hair. If you are really struggling, try adding a small amount of leave-in conditioner to help.
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3. Trim it often - A common misconception when growing your hair is that you shouldn't cut it. However, this leads to damaged and dry hair and accelerates split ends which look awful and will mean you have to have a much larger amount cut off when it comes to visiting the hairdresser. It is recommended that you have your hair trimmed every 4-8 weeks, at least. This may shock you, but if you only have a tiny trim, 5mm for example, it will accelerate hair growth in the long run.
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4. Don't wash it every day - Many people I know wash their hair every day, claiming it goes greasy if they don't. The problem with this is, by washing out the natural oils produced by the scalp, it causes your body to produce even more oil, increasing the problem. By taking the leap and switching to washing your hair every other day, or even every three days, your hair will eventually stop producing so much oil and going "greasy" in the space of a day. It can be scary at first, but try doing this when you won't be seeing anyone, such as in the school holidays or over a weekend.
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5. Use an oil - Similarly to the previous point, many people I know are appalled when I talk about using oil on my hair, wondering how this does not make it greasy. Using an oil on your hair actually intensely nourishes it while giving it a gorgeous shine. There are many products out there, popular ones being Moroccan Oil and Argan Oil. Personally, I have used the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil ever since I first tried it around 3 years ago. I absolutely fell in love with the softness it gave to my hair, as well as sleek and glossy locks. It claims to be a "5-in-1 Miracle Hair Perfector: Hair has a glowing shine, Feels intensely nourished, Flows with silky softness, Seems sumptuously smooth, Looks beautifully perfected" and I 100% agree! It has definitely been a miracle product for me and I don't think I, or my hair, could live without it. I either put it through the ends of my hair after towel-drying, or before going out. Either way works fine, and I have noticed if I use it before going out it keeps the ends of my hair smooth, sleek and perfectly straight, even if it is raining!

I hope these tips & tricks are helpful for you, whether you already have long hair or are trying to grow it. The most important thing it to be gentle with it! Having long hair can be hard work but when it's healthy, it looks absolutely gorgeous. For me, my hair is probably my favourite feature, so I try to keep it as nourished and healthy as possible; my haircare routine comes second only to skincare!