ONESTOPPLUS.CO.UK PRESS & BLOGGER EVENT

Today marked the day I decided to get my act in gear and return to blogging! I've taken an extended break to focus on other aspects and commitments in my life (I chair a few tenant groups within my area) so blogging had to take a back seat. I still follow 6782045274 different blogs on my Google Reader so it's time for me to get back in the loop!

So anyway, today was the press and blogger event for the AW11 collection at OneStopPlus.co.uk which was hosted at the flagship Nails Inc store in South Molton Street. We started off the evening having manicures whilst sipping pink champagne (yes, we were spoilt!). I opted to have my nails painted this divine camel-y colour called Fenchurch Street which is part of the new Autumn/Winter collection for Nails Inc.

After getting our nails did, my sis and I headed upstairs to where the magic was happening. It felt like walking in  to a girly haven...rails of clothes, rows of shoes and boots, coat racks of bags, boxes of cupcakes, bottles of champers. I fell in crazy mad love with so many items:

This gorgeous cashmere, batwing sleeved jumper from the Soft Grey range.

Again, from the Soft Grey range, this wooly t-shirt.

Looooooooove these leggings with leather patches!

Loving leopard print right now- this is another wooly-type of t-shirt- LOVE!

Michelle is modelling this gorgeous blueish black satchel, I think it was real leather- either way I need it in my life!

You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this blazer has a (p)leather collar, pockets and ELBOW PATCHES!! Yes, I adore elbow patches! This jacket didn't look too hot on the hanger but when the gorgeous Rosie modelled it for us all, I fell in love.

I didn't manage to grab a photo of the ultimate drool moment I had, probably because I was too busy drooling but how gorgeous are these patent Doc M's? Need these, like, right now!

 I'm not one to big up a company for feeding me cupcakes and quenching my thirst with Champagne, but OneStopPlus are definitely a website I will be frequenting VERY often. I can honestly say OneStopPlus has some beautiful stuff! There's definitely something for everyone, there's a huge range and loads of brands to choose from and loads of things you can get at a steal! What's more, the much coveted Carmakoma also have a few things on the site, so you can save shed-loads on postage! All in all it was a great evening and was lovely catching up with the gorrrrrrgeous Lauren, Deena, Naomi and Rosie.

MINI REVIEW ON HTTP://WWW.ACCRODELAMODE.COM

So I just checked my stats, and traffic was up today thank's to http://www.accrodelamode.com/. I only just checked out this site for the first time but OMG how amazing are all those illustrations of all those gorgeous Fatshionistas!? Thank you for the lovely mini-review Isabelle!

HALF INCH NAILS

I love my nails. Sorry let me rephrase...I LOVED my nails. In recent weeks though, they have become weak, limp, lifeless...much like Cheryl Coles hair. I've been using Sally Hansens *finger quotes* Miracle Nail thickener:

I believe in miracles but this miracle was a HUUUUUGE overstatement. My nails are still weak, peeling and I have hangnails a-go-go. On the plus side, I've just been over to their website where they now have a "Nail clinic". Apparently I now need to fork out on a whole load of other stuff...miracles can happen guys!!

On to better nail news...theres a new fad in town! OPI call it Shatter, Barry M call it Instant Nail Effects, I call it wherehaveyoubeenmywholelifeexpealidocious. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is AMAZING! Check it...

Here are the results, as modelled by my stubby, chubby fingers. You basically wear a base colour, in my case I am wearing what I think is called "not like the movies" by OPI with OPI shatter on top. It creates an almost leopard spot/tiger strip effect. I'm thinking with orange and yellow polish underneath, this will look even better. It's doing a great job at distracting from the fact my nails are a mess at the moment!

BURIED UNDER THE COVERS

As i've been nicely tucked up in the warmth this holiday season, I've been watching lots of films and documentaries. Thought I would give some quick reviews on a few:

BURIED is the story of Paul a U.S contractor sent to Iraq to drive trucks. He is captured by insurgents and buried in a coffin underground with nothing more than a mobile phone, pen, lighter and a hip flask. We see him struggle to find a way out to prevent his impending death.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this film. I thought it was going to be a horror. Horrifying it was, but this movie was captivating and heart-wrenching. Ryan Reynolds is the star of the show, and throughout the whole film we are with him and only him in his small coffin. I thought he did a great job with this movie, but I don't think he was the best actor for the job. I'm used to seeing Ryan Reynolds in comedies so I found it hard to take him seriously as a family man. Don't let this put you off though. He does play the role exceptionally well.

I give this a mel&trolley rating of  ★★★★☆ 4/5

THE COVE is a documentary which exposes the slaughtering of Dolphins in Taijii, Japan. Ric O'Barry (of Flipper fame) leads the film, and a set of filmakers as they try to expose the fishemen responsible for the slaughtering of dolphins at 'the cove'.

This film was extremely moving and disturbing. It's amazing that something so horrific as the killings of these dolphins is happening every day and the governments around the world do nothing. I would urge you to watch this film. It's an enlightening and beautifully shot film and I feel I should use this blog to create awareness of the great work of the Earth Island Institute. Show your support here.

mel&trolley rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

DEAR ZACHARY is the most moving film/documentary you will ever watch. Its a film by the best friend of a murdered man. He made the film to document the life of his best friend whose son Zachary who was born after his father was murdered. The film takes lots of twists and turns. I won't say too much about the film as it's important you all watch it not knowing too much. Seriously, this film is so touching and left both my sister and I gobsmacked.

mel&trolley rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

POOR ME

Ugh...I'm ill. Have had the flu/cold mixed with a chest infection and allergies/hay fever. Poor me. New Years was celebrated with my mum and sister at home. I couldn't even have a stiff drink because I'm on antibiotics. So bummed. I still got glammed up for the occasions and we let off Chinese lanterns outside with our 2011 wishes in mind.

Tried to get some OOTD pics but wasn't really feeling up to posing. My sister managed to grab a couple but I haven't been able to get them off her yet.

So how about so product reviews??...here goes:

GEL EYELINER: I've been a long time lover of liquid eyeliner (Gotta love a cateye!) and after seeing my sis use gel eyeliner for a while, I decided to try it myself....I. ADORE. IT! It's smudgeproof, waterproof, the colour is intense and it is all round great! I went for a pricey one I saw on ASOS for the variety of shades. It's by a brand called New CID (yes I'd never heard of them either)

i - gel

Long Wear Gel Eye Liner Trio with Brush

£21.50

My sister has been using Bobbi Browns eyeliner gel which she is really happy with. Here is a picture of us wearing our gel liners: