May Favourites 2017

May, where have you gone?! This month has zoomed past and I’m struggling to comprehend where all the time went. This month has been a bit of a lazy one, I haven’t always felt motivated, I’ve felt tired and I think that’s down to the the colder weather. I’m very much looking forward to my time off in June to take time out and relax.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Steps – Tears On the Dancefloor – When I heard my favourite band were reuniting for a second time at the beginning of the year I was over the moon! Steps are the ones who made me want to be a singer because their music is so joyous and uplifting and makes you smile when you listen to it. Last month they released their fourth studio album and first album of new material in years. I have been listening on repeat on Spotify as a friend from The UK is sending me a signed physical copy. I haven’t got anything signed of theirs and I can’t wait to hold the album in my hands. Steps have created current pop tracks mixed with their traditional sound. Their music has a deeper meaning and poignant lyrics but always sounds happy. Standout Tracks: Scared of the Dark, You Make Me Whole, Story of a Heart, Firefly and Glitter & Gold.

2. Victim: The Secret Tapes of Marilyn Monroe by Matthew Smith – I know who Marilyn Monroe is but I don’t know a great deal about her. I have been meaning to read this book after seeing it lying around home numerous times and let me tell you, this book was a real page turner. The book speculates a few ways she could have died and presents evidence for each case. The author remains neutral and lets the reader make up their mind. The author does lean towards the stance that Marilyn didn’t commit suicide and discusses how the tapes Marilyn recorded in secret for her psychiatrist support this theory. I don’t know what happened to Marilyn but thinking about it makes me sad. She had a beautiful spirit which lives on. 

3. Beanie – The weather has cooled down significantly over the past couple of weeks and it means I can get my beanie out. I love this beanie because it is so soft and the pom pom on top is ever so fluffy. I like the fact that it’s navy as it makes a change from my usual black accessories and means if I’m wearing black my outfit still has colour.

4. Keep Cup – My brother ordered this for me when he visited in April and I love it! I got to choose the colours myself (it’s a very Chanelle colour scheme) and the fact it’s personalised makes it more cool. I don’t often get takeaway drinks but on the odd occasion I do I will be able to use this from now on.

May’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in May?

P.S. Don’t forget to leave any questions in the comments section of *THIS POST* for my upcoming blog Q&A! Alternatively you can tweet any questions to @ChanelleTheSats.

New In: My Wardrobe

Happy Friday lovelies! As you can probably guess from the title of today’s post I’m going to be talking about some new pieces of clothing I’ve purchased in the last month. I am someone who believes you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice clothes and I always try and buy when there’s a sale on – I am a huge bargain hunter! These items are all practical, key pieces every girl needs in her wardrobe. (That’s what I tell myself anyway!) Let’s get started!

1. Bella Beanie – Navy | $8.36

My Winter Beauty Wishlist shows a picture of a black beanie I had settled on after having no luck in the navy blue department. I originally wanted a navy blue one as I could pair it with a navy blue jumper and a pair of black leggings or a nice pair of blue jeans, a jacket and some boots. I saw this ‘Bella’ beanie from Cotton On and instantly fell in love! I like that it’s quite fitted but still slouchy and the pom pom on top isn’t too big and doesn’t take over. I can’t wait to wear this out and about!

2. Sara Suedette Biker Jacket | $62.30

One thing I didn’t have in my wardrobe was a smart jacket. I have a parka, a puffa jacket, a semi-casual button up jacket, a blazer and a bright raspberry trench coat but no smart jacket. The biker style is something I’ve never tried before either but I must admit I do like the way it looks. It’s casual but semi-formal and fitted all at the same time. Being suedette, the material is velvety soft and I chose this lovely grey colour. This jacket can be done up or worn unzipped but personally I think it looks cool unzipped.

3. Grey Jeggings | $15

The pair of jeggings on the left are the pair I purchased and the pair of jeans on the right are the inspiration behind the purchase. The jeans on the right hand side are from Dannii Minogue’s Petites clothing range and while they are stunning, I’m never one to turn down a bargain! I actually prefer the elastic waist and the style of jeggings as leggings are one of my favourite things to wear and are so comfortable. I also managed to save myself 50 bucks! I’ve worn these jeggings a few times already and the picture doesn’t do justice to how lovely they look on.

4. Dannii For Target Active Mesh Tank – Black | $14.10

One of my favourite things about exercise is buying workout gear! I only own one other tank top and it was hard not to be tempted by this one when Dannii Minogue and the fact it’s for petites is involved. I love how it’s not your ordinary black tank top (black’s meant to look slimming right?) It also features mesh panels and a reflective animal print back panel – hence the picture on the right. Working out in style here I come!

5. Dannii For Target Frock & Roll T-Shirt | $11.20

How cute is the slogan on this tee? When I first saw this tee I loved the simple but cute message and I’m so pleased I was able to pick this up; for a great price too! This is the kind of piece that can be styled casually or dressed up with a skirt and pair of heels. Over the past couple of years I’ve incorporated a fair bit of grey into my wardrobe and I’ve really come to appreciate how good it looks. The rolled up cuffs are also a nice added touch.

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What’s the latest addition to your wardrobe?

Disclaimer: All items are in New Zealand dollars and were purchased by me. Prices include discounts which may no longer be valid.

Winter Beauty Wishlist

Hello lovelies – hope you had an amazing Easter with lots of chocolate treats! The last time I wrote one of these wishlist posts it went down a treat and it is actually one of my most popular posts. CLICK HERE to read it. Autumn has barely started but somehow I’m already thinking about winter, well the end of it. I’ve set myself a goal to purchase all of the items on this wishlist by the end of August, giving me just under five months. Read on to see what I’m lusting over!

1. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I am coming to the end of my tube of Maybelline’s Fit Me concealer and I have mentioned how much I like it dozens of times but I wanted a change and I know if I don’t find anything better I can always go back to it. I’ve lost count of the number of bloggers who have raved about the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer so I thought I’d give it a go and see if it’s as good as everyone says. I actually purchased this one at the weekend as I saw it for 30% off. I purchased the shade ‘1 Fair’ which is the lightest shade. I compared the tube to the Maybelline one and the colours look similar which is interesting considering I use the second lightest shade of Fit Me. Sadly, I won’t be cracking into this one just yet, I’m waiting until I’ve finished my Maybelline.

2. Real Techniques Starter Set

I have really stepped up my eyeshadow game over the past 12 months and my Real Techniques shading brush is my most used. It’s a great little brush; the size is perfect, it blends, the bristles are incredibly soft but lately I’ve been thinking I could do with another one or two eye brushes. I’ve heard bloggers praise the deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush which are part of this set along with three other brushes (the accent brush, fine liner brush and brow brush). I got my last lot of Real Techniques brushes from iHerb and I got an email from them saying I have some credit to use up – I’m thinking these would be a good choice!

3. Real Techniques Retractable Lip Brush

I really like the look of this brush, it’s bright pink and it seems perfect for on the go reapplication. You can pop some product on the brush, place the cap over top and have it ready for later when your lip colour has worn off. I don’t particularly want it for that as lip product stays on my lips incredibly well but that adds to it’s versatility. I thought this might be good to use to apply lip products when you’re sick to prevent spreading germs or if a friend wants to use one of your lip products, they could apply it with this brush. I don’t like sharing my makeup (which I don’t) but this would help keep everything that little bit more hygienic.

4. Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine by Rita Ora – Bestival Blue

How beautiful is this colour?! About a year ago I was looking for a cornflower blue-purple nail polish but couldn’t quite find what I was after. I saw a bottle of this last month and very nearly picked it up (I wish I had). I literally turned to my brother and said, “this is the same colour as my work shirt, I could match my nails to my uniform.” Next time I see Bestival Blue, I’m buying a bottle!

5. Cotton On Faux Fur Rib Beanie – Black

I’ve always thought beanies look super cute and I’ve convinced myself I want one. I was thinking a navy blue beanie might be nice, but they don’t make one in this particular style so naturally I default to black. Black goes with everything. This one also has a cute little pom pom on the top.

6. Philips Moisture Protect Hair Dryer

I bought myself the matching hair straightener before Christmas and I love it, it makes my hair feel lovely and silky and it’s so easy to use. I don’t hair dry my hair very often but I would like to have one so that if I go away or am staying at a friend’s I can use my own. I currently use my mum’s and it’s really good for how old it is. My mum has had her hair dryer for over 30 years and it never misses a beat! What appeals to me about this hair dryer and the straightener is that they preserve your hair’s natural hydration. You can alter the temperature settings and there is special technology that protects the moisture balance of hair. The diffuser and concentrator nozzle also come with the hair dryer which is handy if you like to style your hair.

What do you think of my wishlist? Have you tried any of the things on it?