Win: Charade Summer Style With The Original Doll

Summer, I think we'd all agree, is about the outdoors lifestyle, completely and utterly, a time to take advantage of the warm sunshine and whole host of social extravaganzas. But hot weather doesn't have to mean denim cut-offs and worn down flip-flops, no no, with help from a few favourite accessories, summer can be stylish.

A Picnic on the Beach

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Whether it's a week away from it all, or just a hot afternoon where you can grab it, time spent on the coast is a must for any stylish sun-seeker, and what better way than with a few sandwiches to share around? Just because you're frolicking in the elements, however, doesn't mean you should neglect to accessorize. This rose pendant epitomizes casual chic and is easy as pie to slip off when you head for a dip!

A Garden BBQ

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Ah BBQ's... they just make summer for me, and this is the kind of look that'll really stand out at any such shindig. A sweet summer dress paired with eye-catching wedges set off with this oversized flower bracelet. Perfection.

A Tea Party in the Park

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Dangerously twee and yet utterly irresistible, a tea party in the park should definately be on any girly-girl's agenda this summer (UK Lady Bloggers meet up anyone?) With a couple of flasks of sweet tea and a light cardigan as the festivities slip into twilight, a simple Alice band is all you need to round up this lovely look.

A Glitzy Event

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If you're lucky enough to be on the guest list to any rather swish affairs this season, then you've probably been obsessing over what you'll wear for weeks! Here's my idea for a sleek yet stand-out ensemble, with these glitter ball earrings providing just the right amount of sparkle!



And now for the really good bit, all four of these gorgeous statement accessories are up for grabs, courtesy of awesome online store The Original Doll.com. All four, I kid you not. All you need to do is...

♥ Get your Polyvore on, showcasing your idea of summer style.

♥ Begin your look's title 'Charade Summer Style - '

♥ Include a brief explanation of your look and a link to this competition in the notes section when publishing.

♥ Leave a link to your contributionn in the comments section of this post.

In two weeks, I shall choose the four most original, exciting and inventive ideas as the winners. You can enter as many times as you like with different looks as long as you follow the above guidelines for each one separately. Don't say I don't do right by you Charadettes! Good luck!

Top 10 Essential Budget Beauty Buys

Just a few of my tried and tested tips for keeping a fabulous beauty regime on a budget that show you don’t need to splash out to stay stunning. Add your own in the comments section if I’ve missed it out.

Note: I'm not sponsored by any of these products, they're just genuinely ones that I like to use!

1. A Natural Bristle Brush. What’s one sure-fire way to dry out and wreck your hair? Washing it everyday. Your head produces natural oils to keep your hair shiny and manageable and if you’re regularly stripping this off, you’re not doing your locks any favours. We’ve nearly all suffered the greasy roots/dry-ends fiasco, but regularly brushing with a natural bristle brush spreads the oils so all of your hair benefits. I’ll always recommend Mason Pearson.

2. Dry Shampoo. If you’re struggling to avoid daily washing because of limp, greasy hair, this is the answer to your prayers! I’ve tried chemist’s own brands but they have always been championed by Batiste. Just a few sprays, rub it in, et voila, seemingly clean hair!

3. A Daily SPF Moisturiser. The best way to keep fresh-faced and youthful looking is to protect yourself from the sun, everyday, even when it’s overcast. The easiest way to do this is to make your daily moisturiser a minimum of SPF 15. Be careful, though, as these creams can often be very rich and if you have combination skin that’s a problem. Creams that say ‘non-comedogenic’ shouldn’t block pores.

4. Carmex. The king of the lip balms in my opinion, although you’re obviously free to disagree! Soft, kissable lips are always in fashion and Carmex is a velvety maintenance option that isn’t sticky. You can now get it in cherry flavour too! (Go on, kiss a girl and like it.)

5. Baby Wipes. As good as any extortionate make-up removing wipes, and often more sensitive on the skin, these are the ultimate budget-busting beauty buy. I use them to remove all kinds of make-up, clean my brushes and any spills, and freshen-up on a hot day.


6. Tea Tree Oil. This is magic stuff; commonly used in skin care products aimed at oily/combination skin, it’s a powerful antiseptic. Studies have shown it to significantly reduce symptoms of acne, athlete’s foot, and dandruff and, in some cases, even be as useful as conventional medicine. Find out more here. It can be applied neat to the skin, but if you’re worried about inflammation then a few drops in a fragrance-free cream will also work wonders.

7. Noxema Original Deep Cleansing Cream. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to get hold off, and thus I’m currently out. Its worth it’s weight in gold however, as it genuinely fulfils its promises where many other products fail; fresh, clean, tingly skin and no tightness or dryness. It’s always been reasonably priced too.

8. Cocoa Butter. A favourite for deeply moisturising and toning the skin; use it daily on the whole body to see visible improvements to dryness and light-scarring. I like Palmer's both for the price, pleasure of use (it’s sinks in super quickly) and long-term effectiveness.

9. Scrub Gloves. Ready when you are and a cheaper alternative to constantly buying expensive scrub creams; always use long sweeping strokes centred towards your heart. Regular use can improve bloating and cellulite as the scrubbing action helps to stimulate the lymphatic drainage system.

10. Water. Ok, so technically not a beauty buy, its free! If you need proof of the beauty powers of the wet stuff, not so long ago I stayed up late at home with friends who were drinking alcohol, I wasn’t in the mood but didn’t want to be without a glass and absent-mindedly ended up drinking about three pints of water. The next morning my skin was noticeably clearer and plumper. I was finally sold. I know it can be tricky to remember, but your tap really does hold the key to skin you’ve always dreamed of! As well as a host of other beauty and health benefits.

Do you have a beauty buy you’ve come to rely on?

Words to Live By #45

Image thanks to aDayWithMarina

“Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?”
Friedrich Nietzsche