February It List

Ahh, February, that delightful month where absolutely nothing ever seems to happen. Except from rain and the occasional spot of sleet, that is. Everyone’s tired from the few weeks back at work or school, everyones fed up of following their New Years resolutions,  and there’s generally not much happiness brewing around. Do not fear, however, because I am about to tell you all the things that you should be doing this month (instead of miserably staring out of the window). February wil no longer be the month of nothingness. Mark my words.


 

Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Eyeshadow PaletteToo-Faced-Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Palette-Review-2

What could possibly be more exciting that a new Too Faced palette release?! The queens of eyeshadows have treated us to an exciting mix of colour pop and neutrals all in one place and we couldn’t be more grateful. This little beauty is due to be welcomed into the world on the 28th of February in the UK and luckily enough, I’ll be in London all ready to get a glance. Chocolate Bar? Or even Choco-Bonbons? Pfft.. That’s so last year – you’re going to want to get your hands on the latest edition ladies, trust me.

 


Accentuating the waist

Every little detail in fashion at the minute seems to be heading towards this; using old-style tricks to create the illusion of a thinner waist. Move over ‘over-sized’, no more hiding away – we’re about to show it all off! Wrap coats, high-waisted culottes, belted pinafores, midi-skirts – they’re all in on it. It’s time to create some curves, girls, and below are some suggestions as to how to get started…


The New Pancake

As everyone should be well aware of (if you’re not you’re slightly crazy), next Tuesday is the beloved Pancake Day. I.e. it is law that you eat pancakes all day. (Okay, not quite.) Anyway, this year it’s all about changing it up; try something new, the whole lemon and sugar thing is a getting a little ancient. Chocolate orange, Pear and Maple Syrup, arrot Cake, the list goes on. Find all the best and most invent recipes for this year in the following links!

Red VelvetCarrot CakeLemon and BlueberryGinger BreadBirthdayPeanut Butter CupPear & Whiskey Maple Syrup.


Mini-bags

This season some accessories seem to be growing, whilst others seem to be shrinking; it’s an odd notion. Last month I spoke about big earrings, they’re totally coming back in. Don’t be afraid to let your ears take centre stage! But, on the other hand, bags are one of the ‘shrinkers’. Mini-backpacks, mini-satchels, mini-duffels, they’re everywhere! Long gone are the days of the Mary-Poppins-style shopper, from now on there’s only space for your phone, a cardholder and, of course, a lippy. Unsure on how you could channel this trend? Just take a peek at the ideas below..


Love Me Beauty boxes

Upon receiving this month’s Elle magazine, as I opened the pages, as always, a multitude of leaflets fell out. Usually they’re the same sort of promotional thing, as Elle tend to keep the same partners, but this month, a new slip of card fell out! This was advertising yet another ‘beauty box’ brand on the market called ‘Love Me Beauty’ and, what’s better, you can get your first month for just £1 with Elle! £45 worth of beauty products for £1, you’d be insane not to buy one. Of course I’ve already gone ahead and ordered one, woopsy… Expect a review coming soon!


Oxford Circus Topshop Store

Despite having been to London countless times in recent years, for some reason, I’d managed to never ever set foot in the flagship Topshop store! It’s almost an offence. So, this month, for the first time ever, I paid this shop a visit (a 2-hour long visit, as it happens), when I went to London with three close friends. And, oh my, it was amazing. A nail bar, a hair salon, a smoothie bar, a fro-yo bar, Brandy Melville and many beauty brands from abroad too – all in one store! It is truly shopping heaven – if you haven’t been you should put it straight on your to-do list for 2016.


Cocoon Coats

Here in the UK, it usually isn’t worth ditching our coats until at least mid-April, so with the new season stuff in store, there’s a real urge to invest in another new piece ‘just for spring’. If your shopping habits are along the same lines as mine, then you’ve probably already bought yet another coat, but if you’re still deliberating, listen up! The cocoon coat, as it’s so aptly named, will literally cocoon your body, wrapping you up and giving the oversized look that we’re still addicted to in outerwear styles. What’s more? There’s loads of lovely versions of these left over from the Christmas sales! Snatch them up whilst you can.


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Alright, maybe it isn’t the most thrilling thing to do, but on one of the classically drizzly days, I promise you this is one of the best things you can do – you’ll be happy with the results. Whether this means clearing out your wardrobe, make-up collection, skincare, rearranging your bedroom or just giving your make-up brushes a good old clean, it’s refreshing to do something like this once in a while. Now that you’ve cleared out, you could do a car boot, sell on eBay or Depop or even take your stuff to the local charity shop. After all, getting rid of old things can only mean one thing, right? More space for new things!

November It List

First of all, apologies guys – usually, the month’s “It List” comes out on the first of the month and well, somehow it’s reached the 11th and I’ve simply not had time to even think about it! With mocks, French Speaking Exams and job interviews, my lives been a little hectic recently and I’ve not been able to blog as much as I’d like. However, ta-dah, here we are, November’s it-list has arrived (albeit 10 days late)!

Statement Ankle Boots

For anyone who knows me well, they will know that I tend to wear my faithful Dune black leather ankle boots pretty much every time I see them. I do love my Timberlands, but the Dune boots are just so durable and go with EVERYTHING! However, lately, I’ve been falling in love with the idea of shoes taking centre stage in an outfit… Take a look at the GORGEOUS pairs below!

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Topshop Mary Leopard Print Ankle Boots (£75)

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Carvela Kurt Geiger Sherbert Tan High Heel Ankle Boots (£160)

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Bimba Y Lola Square Toe Glitter Ankle Boots (£215)

Hourglass Cosmetics

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I have heard endless compliments about this brand from all over the internet, so I decided to do a little investigation of my own…Although expensive (unless you buy the travel-sized products like I probably would), the make-up appears to be of such high quality and it looks BEAUTIFUL before it’s even on your face! Hourglass Cosmetics pride themselves in producing “luxury performance makeup” and it looks to me like you sure get that! Take a look at this video for example… I love the look of the Ambient Lighting Powders.

The Sweet Reason Company

I’ve only just discovered this company thanks to my good friend Evie getting me the most adorable set of brownies and teas as part of my birthday gifts, but BOY do I love it. You can get monthly subscriptions, gluten free treats, personalised gift – they can even cater for your wedding! Such a thoughtful and tasty idea! So, next time you’re stuck on what to buy for someone – rush to The Sweet Reason for some help.

Ski Holidays

I’ve only been skiing once, but it was probably one of the best holidays I’ve even been on. Exhilarating views and the fun of accomplishing a run, I can’t think of a sport any more enjoyable. Also, in recent years, more and more ‘trendy’ chalets and ski hotels have popped up, instead of the traditional wooden cabins (although they’re nice too) – look at these!

Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, Switzerland

Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado, Aspen

Hotel Goldener Berg, Ober Lech, Austria

Le Chardon in Val d’Isère, France

Leather Leggings

For any girl with ‘thunder thighs’ like myself, leather trousers immediately sound like a disaster. They’re for Sandy, not for us! But, recently I came across some leather leggings in Biba (£49.00) – they are super stretch and aren’t leather all over, making it possible for girls like me to actually wear them. As I’m sure I’ve said loads of times, I love texture in fashion, so these are right up my street. Jeans no more, leather, velvet or whatever else floats your boat, here we come!

MAC Enchanted Eve Collection

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Seriously, if I had a job, I think all of it would be spent on buying things from the MAC limited edition collections. The Cinderella collection, the Guo Pei collection… I’d have them all; but unfortunately, my bank balance does not allow for that kind of frivolous behaviour. Anyway, this is the new collection on the block and after longingly stroking it in my local MAC store about an hour ago, I’ve decided that it’s one of my favourites so far. The packaging is gorgeous, as per with flashes of blue and purple; there’s lip kits, eye kits, brush kits, all of which would make great Christmas presents for the make-up addict in your life.

Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It (H)air Styler (60ml £12.00)

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I think this product was actually MADE for me. You see, I normally decide to shower at night because I’m too happily ‘burrito-ed’ in my duvet in the morning to even contemplate showering – but I can never be bothered to dry my hair. It takes me about 20 minutes because I have so much of it! Even french-plaiting it overnight leaves me with damp hair until around 3pm the following day… But, lo-and-behold, my favourite haircare company out there, Bumble and Bumble have created yet another wonder product – a cream which makes your hair look decent even when it’s just air-dried!

Oversized Wrap Coats

I’ll admit, the new Bond film, which I saw last Sunday, inspired me for this pick. Léa Seydoux pulls off this look effortlessly; tiny little elegant dress, wraparound coat and over-the-knee boots, it’s the ultimate sexy Bond-girl outfit. For a less Bond, more everyday look, you could pair a wrap coat with a pair of skinny jeans and ankle boots. The thing that I love most about these coats is that, if you’ve got a curvy figure, they accentuate your curves and if you’ve not got a curvy figure, they MAKE curves!

Left to right: Veronica Camel Oversized Waterfall Belt Coat from Pretty Little Thing (£25), Seydoux rocking the wrap coat and over-the-knee boots look, Topshop Cashmere Blend Wrap Coat by Boutique (£225).

What’s on your radar this November?

Emilia x

What’s On My Birthday List This Year?

As much as I love surprises, I find that my friends and family whinge at me an awful amount if I don’t give them some sort of guidance towards what I would like for birthdays/christmases. Honestly, opening gifts that I have no idea what they are is much more fun for me than opening stuff which I’ve instructed people to buy me. However, I usually have to settle for somewhere in between. I’ve decided to share this with you guys because, well it’s my 16th in just two days and why the hell not! Now, I know that this is a stupidly long/expensive list, but the point is that I’m still surprised by what is bought for me (because to expect to receive all of it would be mad).

Earrings (I love the Lisa Angel ones)

After finally ‘manning-up’ and having my ears pierced this summer (which, by the way, was so painless, that I now want my seconds done) – I am obsessed with adorable little earrings. I’ve mentioned it previously – but simple, geometric shapes scream style to me. It’s not all about the glitz and glam when it comes to jewellery – although, as you’ll soon see, I have fallen in love with yet another pair of Vivienne Westwood earrings… Whoops.

Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleansing System

As I’ve gone into my teenage years, my skin has become more and more combination – dry but spotty! What a pain! However, I found out earlier this year (thanks to Neutrogena) that exfoliating actually does my complexion wonders, and I feel as if this would be the perfect product to assist me with my regime. It’s at the lower end of the ‘cleansing brush’ market, at around half the price of Clarisonics and Foreos. But, as I’ve discovered from the reviews, each product, no matter how expensive, has similar varied reviews. Some people love them, some people claim they do nothing but irritate their skin. So, if your going to give these pieces of beauty tech a trial, I’d suggest going for the cheaper option, such as this Olay brush.

Benefit Roller lash

I’ve had the teeniest tester of this (thanks ELLE Magazine!) for about 6 months now; I just can’t admit to myself that it’s practically empty. I love it too much. Giving my lashes the perfect curl, separating each one and and overall flattering natural look – I have never loved a mascara more. Personally, I’d put this over Benefit They’re Real any day.

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum

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Whilst trialling this when making another order from Clarins, I was stunned to see that it actually did what it was supposed to. I mean, you’d expect it to for it’s hefty price tag, but still WOW! It smoothed my skin and the evenness of my skin tone was like never before – for someone with such pale skin, this is a big problem for me. Hence, I’d love to treat myself to a high-end product, especially seeing as it’s my birthday.

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher in Truth/Angel

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Confession: I am actually AWFUL at applying blusher. One minute there’s too little on my cheeks and the next I’m looking like a clown having a hot flush. Bourjois Blush Exclusif helps me a little with this issue, but I think a super-blendable liquid blush could be perfect for me.

Topshop Cable Knit Scarf in Mustard

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I am a rather avid scarf collector too – my favourite’s got to be my vintage Salvatore Ferragamo scarf, but it’s just not practical for winter – so I’ve decided I need a fashionably-tasselled, chunky winter scarf to add to the collection! And what better than a reasonably priced Topshop one.

Ecote Sherpa Gilet

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I’ve always wanted a sherpa jacket – think classic aviator, but the camel tones and shape simply don’t suit me. So, I’ve opted for this mix of a sleeveless jacket and an aviator jacket in a wear-with-anything black shade. Also, it’s not RIDICULOUSLY expensive, like many other suede and sherpa jackets. And the sherpa is fake, so it’s animal friendly (which is extremely important to me)!

Vivienne Westwood Candy Earrings Light Topaz

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OKAY, maybe Connor did only just buy me one pair of gorgeous Viv Westwood earrings, but these are new season and they’re stunning! Gold-tones to suit super-fair or super-dark complexions and a modern ‘climber’ style – and at only £55 I NEED THEM!!

Next Crombie Coat in Blue

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I’ve been swooning over this coat for ages now, the colour just suits me so well and it looks much more expensive than it actually is (£65). Hopefully, people have got the message from my frequent stroking of this coat when I see it in Next stores that I simply cannot live without it…

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Miracle Complexion Sponges and Stippling Brush

There has come a time when my Boots foundation brushes that I used when I was 12 to badly apply Dream Matte Mousse foundation just don’t cut it anymore. The MAC set which I received last year for Christmas has helped me with applying my make-up well, but I’ve heard great things about these three Real Techniques products in particular. I’d love to give a few of them a try.

Hollister Supersoft Knit Jean Leggings in Medium Wash

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Fact of life: I cannot wear jeans since I’ve discovered jeggings (aka the most comfortable trousers in the world). I practically live in my Uniqlo jeggings and Hollister jeans are of great quality –  so what better purchase to make than Hollister Jean Leggings?!

Mac Honeylove

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I adore my MAC ‘Kinda Sexy’ Lipstick and MAC Subculture Lipliner which Evie bought me for Christmas last year (check out Ev’s new blog at www.evieoliverphotography.wordpress.com and Honeylove is a similar, but more natural tone for my ghostly pale skin. I need to keep searching for the perfect nude lipstick (the new Rimmel collection is on my hitlist too!).

A record player

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I love music and gigs, but I just don’t listen to music enough! I feel as if a cheap-ish record player and a couple of my favourite albums on record could get me dancing and singing around my room again.

What do you think of my selection? Do you have any recommendations?

And, of course I’ll be letting you guys know what I actually get for my 16th asap, but for now, I’m off to enjoy my last couple of days as a 15 year old…

Emilia x

My Beauty Wishlist

Alright, I probably do have way too much make-up already and for a girl who usually opts for very natural looks, it may seem a little stupid that I have such an obsession with make-up. The only issue is, like many others, I don’t have the bank balance to fund this. So, this results in me making notes all year of the luxury products that I just HAVE to try but just CAN’T bring myself to splash out on and along the way dropping hints to family and friends. The thing is, I’ve never once published one of these lists of mine on Irregular Collection and whilst having one of my ‘extremely thoughtful showers’ today (it seems that all my geniosity comes out when I’m standing stark naked in a luke-warm drizzle, how great) I thought why the hell not. You guys could help me, tell me what products I definitely should and shouldn’t be wishing for – maybe even suggest some new ones (sorry bank balance)! Here goes; why don’t you take a look? You never know, you may have to add one of my suggestions to your own wish list!

Screen Shot 2015-10-15 at 20.14.10    1) Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £6.48

I already use a wide range of Real Techniques brushes in my everyday routine – the Retractable Kabuki Brush and the Contour Brush to name a few, yet, after ‘lending’ my Buffing Brush to my mum, I have been left with nothing to ‘blur’ my make-up to achieve a smooth base. Hence, I’d love the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to do this job, as it’s supposedly ‘perfect for blending cream/liquid foundation’. And at such a good price on Amazon, I think this is a steal!

2) NYX Brow Gel $7

Okay, I know, it’s in dollars; that’s because NYX is a pain in the butt to get hold of in the UK. As I’ve said previously, Very stocks a lot of NYX and luckily this too, for just £7 – however, there is low stock and they’re selling very fast. Apparently the best alternative to Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade (which I would also LOVE to own) and for half of the price, I’m happy to try it.

3) Too Faced Shadow Insurance £14

Previously, I’ve been very skeptical about the point in primers, like this one, but after recently purchasing my first primer (see it in use here) –  hell they are worth it! My make-up actually STAYS on my face; it’s unheard of – right?! Anyway, this particular brand are a favourite for eye products (you should check out their amazing eye palettes), explaining why I’m so keen to try THIS shadow primer.

4) Blinc Shadow Fusion Neutral Palette £39

I hadn’t heard of this brand until a couple of nights ago when I was on a boredom-fueled Amazon browse, but WOW the tones in this just stun me, they’re too pretty. I feel that they’d suit my ghostly pale skin-tone well and I’m in dire need of a luxury brand eye shadow palette for special occasions. I would absolutely love to try this – has anyone got any views on this brand, as I know next to nothing about it?

5) MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation £25.50

Ohhh MAC, good ol’ MAC, the classic… MAC have recently brought out this new foundation and whilst I’m not usually a fan of their foundations due to their medium-full coverage, this is a new type of foundation specifically designed to feel ‘water weight’ on the skin. Also, there’s the bonus of SPF, which for pale people like me, is a life-saver in summer. Not an extortionate price for a quality foundation, but obviously I need to try it first – expensive foundations certainly aren’t something I’d impulse buy!

6) TIGI Bedhead Recovery Tween Shampoo and Conditioner Duo £20.95

Every time I go to the hairdresser (JARAH fyi), this is what they wash my hair with. We all wish for that ‘just out of the salon’ look every day of the week, so I need this product in my life! It’s a lot to spend on hair products in my opinion, but sometimes you need to treat yourself a little. Another brand I’d love to try on my ever-so-sensitive scalp and mane of hair is Dermalogica shampoos.

7) Daniel Sandler Watercolour Fluid Blusher in Angel £15.50

Blusher seems to be quite a challenge for my heavy-handed self and I much prefer moisturising liquids and creams than drying powders; therefore, I feel that liquid blush would be a rather good option for me. Daniel Sandler is a very well respected name in luxury beauty and there’s a myriad of blush tones to choose from.

8) Nails INC Gel Effect Nail Polish in Colville Mews £15

Confession time, I HATE splashing out on nail polish because, at the moment, I’m not allowed to wear it in the week – meaning that I also don’t bother at the weekends because I’m lazy. But, a classic nude colour suits everyone and if it’s a staple, it’s worth the spending. Personally, I’ve found Nails INC and Mavala to be much better than some of the more expensive nail products like Chanel or Dior for example –  give it a whirl.

9) Urban Decay All-nighter Make-up Setting Spray £21

Blah blah, alright, I know I don’t really need a product which has ‘all-nighter’ in the name seeing as it’s hard to be a party animal when there’s not parties to party at. However, even with my primer, my make-up’s staying power in extreme heat/extreme rain is pretty rubbish – which is understandable, but most definitely undesirable. So, after hearing that this is THE setting spray to buy, even though the price tag’s pretty hefty, I have the urge to get my hands on it. Other favourable and similar products are: NYX Makeup Setting Spray, Kiko Face Make-up Fixer £7.90.

What do you think of my wish list?

October It List

It’s THAT time of the month again where I babble on about everything I’m obsessed with this month, YAY! (I bet you’re all thrilled, ha.) Have fun, take some inspiration, the usual and tell me if it gets too boring…

Geometrical jewellery/accessories

Recently in the jewellery market, we’ve been seeing new shapes and new ways to wear things popping up all over the place – one of my favourite stockists being Asos. Minimalistic yet different and so easy to wear. I’m liking everyday studs or Prada-campaign-style hairdos clipped in with a statement hair grip, like the one above. Try it out.

Left to right: Urban Outfitters Pearl and Triangle Front-to-back Earrings £7, Urban Outfitters Clean Hexagon Hair Clip £6.

Suede

Okay, this might be fashionable, but HAVE YOU STROKED SUEDE? It’s so soft and cosy, and I’m a sucker for both of those things. Honestly, I’d live in my fleecy Minnie Mouse pyjamas for my whole life if it was socially acceptable. Anyways, there’s also SO many ways you can wear this trend – just look above; bags, jackets, skirts. Go out there and get some of this stuff! (Zara have some particularly gorgeous items.)

Left to right: ASOS A-line Skirt in Suede With Zip Through Detail £30, Tan Suedette Shearling Lined Biker Jacket from New Look £44.99, Zara Fringed Suede Tote Bag £79.99.

My Little Box

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The reason I’ve discovered this little ‘monthly box’ company is thanks to the god’s of everything AKA Asos. These ‘monthly boxes’ are becoming increasingly popular with Glossybox and Lookfantastic boxes, to name a few. It’s like a little monthly gift to yourself; love it. This particular company specialises in delightful boxes filled with fashion, beauty and lifestyle surprises each month, such as those shown above and with an incredibly sophisticated French aura and a new ‘theme’ every month, it’s got me wanting one. £11 a month is a tad expensive for me, personally, but if I had a little job I’d love to treat myself to this. Check out the site at https://www.mylittlebox.co.uk/home

Rimmel Dare to go bare! New Nude collection

There is NOTHING better than a good nude lipstick, FACT. Some people are like “what’s the point your lips are ‘nude’ anyway” BUT OH YOU ARE SO WRONG!!! Think; we enhance our natural skin tone with foundation, it’s the same concept, only for your lips. So, as you can imagine, I was very excited to see that Rimmel, the best high-street make-up brand in my opinion, have brought out a new collection of nude toned lipsticks. (Thanks to http://popcornandpearls.net for the excellent picture showcasing the true colours of this collection.) I’ve tried the L’Oreal collection previously, but they’re just too drying for me –  but now there’s a new collection I absolutely have to get my hands on one of these. And at only £5.49 – who wouldn’t?! P.S. Boots are doing a promotion at the moment ‘Buy One Get One Half Price’ on selected Rimmel products – get it here.

Capes and Oversized Scarfs

Autumn, in realistic British terms means it could be 30 degrees or -30 degrees, there’s no telling what the weather will be like. So, what do you wear? It’s too hot for your full-on padded winter coats but too cold for just a cardigan or jumper. The answer? A cape. I am a slight cape-obsessive, admittedly, but they’re just so versatile, flattering and sophisticated. Going for a dog walk? Cape. Going out for the night? Cape. Appropriate for any occasion and like a wearable blanket, I love these things. Why not try some of this seasons capes in autumnal palettes like rust and mauve like the styles above?

Left to right: Orange Check Wrap from New Look £19.99, ASOS Knitted Cape In Multi-Block £30.

The Wombats
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A couple of Sundays ago, I went to the Wombat’s gig at The LCR in Norwich with a bunch of wonderful people –  front row, OF COURSE, it was absolutely amazing. The Wombats are one of those bands who you cannot help but dance to, they create songs that can get you awake and smiling in an instant. Check out their stuff on http://www.thewombats.co.uk

Record Players

Okay, record players have been creeping back into fashion for the past year or so now, but it makes me so happy to be able to talk about it here! In the autumnal days, I tend to spend much more time indoors due to our typically crap British weather and, me being me, I cannot cope with silence. Almost like an adorable ornament and a bewildering music player in one, a record player would be perfect for playing some tunes on. Due to increasing demand, records and record players have become more widely available and cheaper, with the cheapest player at around £40 – rather affordable for a piece of tech. If you haven’t already joined the record player crew, I would bet money on it that you will have by this time next year! Watch this space.

Left to right: GPO Style Retro Style Vinyl Record Player from Not On The Highstreet £40, Crosley Mint Cruiser UK Record Player £100.