4 Novels Read In June
Wednesday, July 08, 2020
I have been really enjoying having the chance to catch up on some books during lockdown, and update you all about my latest reads. I try to read a variety of both fiction and non-fiction as much as possible, but today I will be sharing four modern novels I read in June. They have all been wonderful reads that I think you will love too.
Half A World Away - Mike Gayle
Warning: this one is an emotional read! I think they could have done with writing that in the blurb, because I really thought this was going to be a nice, easy novel that I wouldn't end up crying at - I was wrong!
Half A World Away follows the perspective of two long-lost siblings, Kerry and Noah, who both live in London, yet belong to different worlds. Noah's fate found him adopted into a caring family, and now living in Primrose Hill supported by a well-paid job, whereas Kerry struggled through the care system and now tries to protect her son from the rough estate they live in.
I really enjoyed how the book was written from the two perspectives. Mike Gayle doesn't reveal everything about the characters at first, but feeds snippets of information so the reader ends up just as misled as the characters. This clever touch provided some great plot twists. The characters are wonderful and the novel oozes love and compassion - just make sure to have tissues handy!
The Switch - Beth O'Leary
Beth O'Leary's first novel, The Flatshare, is one of my favourite
novels, so I was excited to see if The Switch would be just as good. While her writing style is just as enjoyable the second time round, I didn't love it quite as much - maybe almost as much?!
The premise of The Switch is fun and unique; Leena and her grandmother Eileen switch lives, with Leena finding herself stuck in the middle of rural Yorkshire, and Eileen trying to achieve a second chance in London. Who knew all you needed was a change of scenery to learn what you really want from life? While on the surface, this is a story of two women navigating romance, at its heart the novel is about family. It was a really uplifting read with very likeable characters - not just the two main characters, but Leena's London friends and the whole bunch up in the Yorkshire village - Beth O'Leary always does an amazing job at creating a whole cast you will love!
The One Plus One - Jojo Moyes
After reading The Giver of Stars a couple of months ago, I was eager to read another of Jojo Moyes' novels, and came across The One Plus One. While The Giver of Stars is set almost a century ago in a small Kentucky town, this one has a much familiar, modern setting; I'm really impressed that Moyes has such a versatile writing style!
The One Plus One follows a third person narrative, but the chapters focus on the perspective of different characters; including Jess, an optimist worrying about money but simply wanting the best for her children, Tanzie, her incredibly intelligent young daughter, or Ed, who accidentally ends up entangled in their lives while trying to solve another problem. The novel takes you on a crazy journey with its characters (both emotionally and literally), who are all incredibly likeable and make the story a very fun read. This being the second Jojo Moyes novel I have loved, I now embark on a mission to read her entire back-catalogue, because her novels are seriously in a league of their own.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant follows the same routine every week; go to work, have a meal deal, come home, repeat. She's fine. But is she?
I absolutely loved the character of Eleanor Oliphant, she's the sort of character you aren't too sure about as you begin to read her narrative, but her quirks become more and more charming as the novel unfolds. Eleanor tells herself she is fine with her loneliness, but through the novel her outsider status is slowly broken down. Through some new acquaintances, she finds there can be more to live than her monotonous routine, and that being supported by others might actually be enjoyable. I find myself rooting for Eleanor throughout, and enjoyed that the twists in the novel were not at all predictable.
Make sure to catch up on the novels I read in April and May here. What have you read in the past month? I would love to hear!
EG x
New In Beauty, Summer 2020
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Fortunately for us beauty lovers, lockdown hasn't postponed some great launches, meaning we have some brand new products to get really excited about. From high-end, luxurious eyeshadows, to affordable yet super cute skincare, there's something new for everyone right now. Here's which products are on my radar, that I just can't wait to try out!
Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favourite brands - they are on the pricier side, making their products a real treat, but their quality is truly in a league of its own. Their most recent release, the Airbrush Bronzer, seriously excites me. Now, this certainly isn't your average bronzer. It's packed with incredible ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, so it claims to not only provide a lovely bronze glow, but to smooth and soften the skin too. While its benefits had my heart swooning, its price at £39 did dampen my spirits a little - however, with some skincare built in, it's understandable why it would cost more than your average bronzer!
Sticking with Charlotte Tilbury, I'm also really excited by their new eyeshadow quad release, the Desert Haze palette. I've never tried one of their quads before, mostly because the four shades are never enough to create a full look, so what's the point if I'd need another palette too? However, the Desert Haze has definitely solved this problem. It includes four gorgeous matte shades - a creamy beige, a burnt orange, then a cooler and a warmer toned brown. Because I am a huge matte fan, this palette is really screaming out to me - I think it is so versatile for both day and night!
Moving onto some skincare, Boots' new 'Glow' range definitely deserves some talk. It is a super affordable range, with all the products in the collection priced at only £4, and includes everything you could ever need for a perfect skincare routine - from cleanser and moisturiser to a gel mask. Aptly named Glow, the range promises to revitalise your routine for glowing and hydrated skin. The pink packaging is absolutely stunning too.
Revolution is one of the leading drugstore makeup brands right now, so
imagine my excitement when I found out they had released a whole new
range! XX by Revolution blends both skincare and makeup together to produce some incredible looking products. Their range of primers look the most promising, targeting every skincare need possible to provide the perfect makeup base - I really fancy the Cloud Complexion primer for 'blurred and brightened skin'. Their eyeshadow palettes are also stunning - and if Revolution's other ranges are anything to go by, I'm sure they will be great quality.
A product yet to be released, yet I'll be picking up as soon as it is on sale is a new version of Glossier's Priming Moisturiser. So far, there's the original for normal skin and the 'rich' option for dry skin, but nothing for oily skin. Until their new 'Priming Moisturiser Balance - Oil-control Gel Cream' started circulating, that is. I have combination skin so I can't wait for this release; Glossier is one of my favourite brands right now, so I have high hopes!
What new beauty products are you excited about this summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have already tried any of these, or perhaps you're just dreaming about them like me!
EG x
Everyday Makeup Routine, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020
Lockdown doesn't provide a mass of opportunities to wear makeup, so recently I have got used to wearing it less than usual. When I am, I tend to reach for the same products, creating a sense of consistency and routine.
MY EVERYDAY MAKEUP ESSENTIALS
I keep an everyday makeup kit in my bathroom, away from the rest of my
collection in my bedroom and this system has two key benefits for me.
Firstly, when I am in a rush, in my usual, non-lockdown life, it is super
easy to grab and go without getting distracted. Or, nowadays, it's a
simple way of applying makeup without too much thought.
BASE
I haven't used foundation since lockdown began and can't see myself using it for the foreseeable. I had started to only use it for events while at uni anyway, because everyday it seemed like too much effort. Skipping that step we go straight to concealer which comes in the form of the L'Oreal True Match. I've been using this for years and go through them pretty quickly, so like how affordable it is. I pop this under my eyes and on any pink areas around my T-Zone, then blend it in with a damp sponge.
I then follow with transparent powder, the Rimmel Stay Matte. I've been using this for as long as I remember; for only £2.99 it is a truly trustworthy product. It minimises the oil on my forehead while keeping the concealer in place.
CHEEKS
I absolutely adore the Too Faced Chocolate Matte bronzer. It has a huge pan; it has been my everyday essential for two years now and there's still plenty in there to go. For me, this is the perfect bronzer shade, not too orange, or too light or too dark. It's super easy to blend out too.
I love a good highlighter, and right now it is the Glossier Nite Shine in 'Pale Pearl' that you will find in my kit. The liquid highlight is so easy to use, because the applicator ensures the perfect amount of product is applied - you don't end up with a huge sparkly splodge on your face!! I apply this to the high points of my cheeks with the applicator, then use my fingers to blend in. It's such a natural glow.
BROWS
Right now, my brow routine simply consists of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in the shade Ebony. I apply it with my Morphe M158 Brow Brush to perfect my brow arch and fill in sparse areas towards the inner edge of the brow. I've used a few brow pomades but nothing lives up to the ABH product, it lasts all day and the product doesn't dry up in the tub - a win win.
EYES
My eyeshadow is generally more minimal than usual these days, but I still always begin with my Morphe Eyelid Primer. I mentioned this in a recent post; it is amazing to keep your eyeshadow in place all day without creasing. I apply this all over the lid, then pop a bit of Rimmel Stay Matte over the top, so that my eye base isn't too tacky and the shadow can still blend.
I usually grab the Modern Renaissance palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills - this is a go-to for me because of it's gorgeous range of shades. I can either create a pinky, mauve toned look, or go for oranges and reds, depending on what I feel like. Today I'll be using the shades Raw Sienna and Burnt Orange in the bottom left for a simple, matte orange look. I use a couple of Real Techniques brushes to achieve this, along with my favourite Spectrum B06 brush.
I add a little of the Bare Minerals Lash Domination mascara to complete my eyes - it's a very natural mascara, adding some lovely length and curl.
LIPS
My everyday lipstick favourite is from Charlotte Tilbury's matte revolution range, in the shade Very Victoria. It's very much a 'your lips but better' shade and has such a comfortable formula. I love how it is matte and long-lasting while also feeling hydrating too.
What are your everyday makeup essentials?
EG x
The (Romantic) Comedy Movies to Watch on Netflix
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Lockdown has provided me with the perfect opportunity to work through the long list of films I want to watch. I have been watching plenty of comedies, particularly of the rom-com variety, because they are so easy to watch and enjoyable. Today I have compiled a list of fifteen of my favourites on Netflix that you need to watch, from old favourites of mine to recent discoveries.
Begin Again (2013)
Begin Again can be perfectly described as a musical comedy, starring Keira Knightley whose character Gretta's life is transformed when a struggling producer promises to launch her career. The New York setting is at the heart of the film as they record an album around the city and there are some really stunning locations chosen. I really enjoyed this one, there's so many themes explored but I especially loved the emphasis on friendship.
Long Shot (2019)
This one surprised me, because I was expecting a comedy, not a romantic comedy, but that doesn't mean I was disappointed! Played by Charlize Theron, Secretary of State Charlotte Field is about to embark on a presidential campaign when she employs childhood friend Fred, now a controversial journalist, as her speechwriter. Could the chaos that will ensue ruin her campaign?
La La Land (2016)
My all-time favourite film, La La
Land is an absolute must-watch on Netflix. You might be like me, having
watched it many times before and still cry at its ending, or maybe it
has passed you by, in which case you have the perfect opportunity to
give it a watch. As the title suggests, the film is set in Los Angeles
about an aspiring actress and a struggling musician, considering which
dreams to pursue in life.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
You might be able to tell that I absolutely love films set in New York because I love oohing and ahhing at the panned shots of the city, and this one is no exception. Sandra Bullock is the overworked lawyer to Hugh Grant's millionaire businessman and as she decides to leave her job, they both realise how vital they are to each other. Definitely worth the watch for the gorgeous views while they take a helicopter ride over the city, if nothing else!
Murder Mystery (2019)
This comedy is actually so hilarious that it is even funnier than the idea of Jennifer Aniston starring in the same movie as David Walliams. Who would have thought? The movie title suggests the film is a 'murder mystery' and it certainly is, even though it definitely is a mystery with a difference because of the comedic factor. You will end up suspicious of everyone, even the main characters who are trying to solve the mystery, a New York cop (Adam Sandler) and his wife (Jennifer Aniston) who have no connection to the victim!
Just Go With It (2011)
Another one starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, in this rom-com a plastic surgeon recruits his assistant to pose as his ex-wife to cover up a lie he told his new girlfriend. The film has some real laugh out loud moments, and an amazing blackmail by a kid that ends up with them on holiday in gorgeous Hawaii. Just Go With It is a fun and easy watch that will have you rooting for the main characters by the end!
You've Got Mail (1998)
What If (2013)
A very underrated rom-com starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, What If is set in Canada. The two characters, Wallace and Chantry, meet at the wrong time of their lives, but still spark an instant friendship, leading many questions about if that will be all they will ever be. What If realistically explores the complexities of their relationship and really has you rooting for them. I watched this a couple of years ago but rewatching the trailer reminded me how much I had to include it.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Another absolute classic rom-com, this story explores the idea of if men and women can truly just be friends, and all the complications that come with it. It has so many great, humorous moments and has you rooting for the main characters. If nothing else, it's worth a watch for Meg Ryan's amazing 70s eyeshadow in the opening scene.
Did You Hear About The Morgans? (2009)
An easy watch starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant, I almost don't want to say too much about this one because it has quite the plot twists! An estranged couple get transported out of their normal lives in New York to an area of America that you rarely see in a glamourous rom-com. It's full of hilarious surprises that make it a fun watch.
Carrie Pilby (2016)
Set in New York, Carrie Pilby is a nineteen year old who has an IQ way higher than the average person, but still needs to learn how to make friends and get a job. After her therapist sets her a list of things to achieve, Carrie embarks on a journey learning more about herself and those around her. This coming of age film is really fun and relatable and has such a gorgeous setting in the city.
Dumplin' (2018)
Another 'coming of age' movie starring Jennifer Aniston as an ex-beauty pageant queen, and her Dolly Parton loving daughter who doesn't fit the average beauty-queen mould. Dumplin' is a really easy watch with strong themes about friendship and self-love.
Clueless (1995)
At the time of posting this, all these films can easily be found on Netflix so it couldn't be easier to give them a watch. What's your favourite film? I'd love some recommendations!
EG x
The Morphe Product You NEED To Know About
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Morphe are best known for their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and beautiful brushes, but if I had to keep only one item from my Morphe collection, I know what it would be. It's one that will surprise you!
The Morphe Eyelid Primer, retailing at £10, is an essential in my makeup bag. I've had it for about a year now, and honestly can't imagine doing makeup without it. This surprised me; I had never found a primer that I felt was particularly worth it, but this one has really blown me away.
I absolutely love creating eyeshadow looks, but always get disappointed when, in a few hours time, the colours would fade and I would be left with a dark brown line in the crease, no matter what shade. This would happen whether I was using cheap eyeshadows or my favourites from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Using concealer as a primer helped, but it still never lasted long enough.
I finally decided to try an eye primer, but was put off by some of the prices of the most popular ones out there - Too Faced's Primer Potion is a classic, but what if it didn't work? So, I found an affordable option by Morphe and decided to give it a go. I was amazed when I went out all day that my eyeshadow looked exactly the same, not only after a few hours, but by the evening too, after at least twelve hour wear.
The product is so easy to use - I find that squeezing a small amount onto the back of my hand and then blending it onto my eyelids with my fingers works best. Then I follow it up with a transparent powder to make sure it isn't too tacky, so you can still blend eyeshadow easily. The primer is a 'translucent' shade which means it blends out to become basically invisible, suiting all skin tones.
I'm really glad that I bought this product and encourage you all to try it out. It's not the most exciting looking makeup product in the world, but it makes a huge difference to application. Because a little goes a long way, one tube lasts a really long time. I use it the majority of times I apply eyeshadow, and it has lasted me about a year. I ended up purchasing a second one so I could have one at home and one at uni, I love it that much!
The eye primer is available at Boots & Selfridge's, or you can get it for half price at Morphe's own store. It's a lot more affordable than popular eye primers from the likes of Urban Decay and Too Faced, and I imagine it is just as good. Do you have an essential primer in your collection?
EG x
Four Novels Read In Lockdown
Saturday, May 30, 2020
As mentioned in my recent book haul, I have been enjoying reading again, now that we are on lockdown and I have much more time. While I enjoy reading a variety of different books, from history, memoirs to classic fiction, over the past two months I have read four novels that are worth sharing with you all.
The first two of the books I read, I used the app BorrowBox, an app that connects to your local library - you need a library card for this, but that's very easy to get if you don't have one, even from the comfort of your own home. It works in the exact same way a library does, reserving, borrowing, renewing and returning books, and there is such a great selection of books; both featured in today's post are relatively new and popular. It is even more useful with libraries not currently open - the perfect way to save money and read some good books!
The Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes
While Jojo Moyes has plenty of best-selling books, before The Giver of Stars I had never read any of her work, so wasn't sure what to expect. From my knowledge, I believe this was her first based on a true story, set in 1930s Kentucky about a group called the packhorse librarians. Her protagonist, Alice, is from England, swept away to the states after marrying an American husband. However, this exciting new life she was promised didn't live up to her expectations - until she volunteered to join the librarians who deliver books on horses to families across the area.
The strongest themes in this book are friendship, empowerment and freedom; Moyes raises brilliant points about attitudes towards gender and race in 1930s America through the diverse range of characters. I absolutely loved this one - you will find yourself rooting for the main characters through their struggles and hoping for a happy ending for them all.
City of Girls - Elizabeth Gilbert
Largely set in 1940s Manhattan, City of Girls is just as glamorous as it sounds. After dropping out of college, Vivian Morris' life changes when her parents send her to live with her theatre-loving Aunt in New York. The narrative comes from Vivian at ninety-five years old, reciting the story of her life to 'Angela', whose father Vivian had a connection to.
The first page of the novel sets out that it will explain who Angela's father was to Vivian, however I felt disappointed that they only "officially" meet 80% of the way through the book - I felt like I was waiting for something for so long and couldn't work out what direction the book was taking. For me, it was worth reading for that final twenty percent of the novel, the life of Angela's father was far more compelling than Vivian, who spent a lot of time frolicking around the city, oblivious to world war. The book explores feminism, friendship and the many different kinds of love and I did enjoy it, but it didn't stand out to me.
Expectation - Anna Hope
This novel had been sitting on my shelf for a few months and yet I hadn't picked it up, because I had high hopes and was so scared it wasn't going to live up to my expectations. However, I'm so glad I finally read it this month, because I loved it just as much as I hoped I would.
Anna Hope's story focuses on three women, Hannah, Cate and Lissa, who were the best of friends living together in their twenties, yet ten years later all three of them find their lives to be not as they expected. Through flashbacks to parts of their life as young as twelve years old, as well as their uni years, you really get to know the characters and everything they have been through. Hope manages to create three women who are such three dimensional characters - they wear their flaws on their sleeve, and yet they are so relatable and lovable. Of course, I absolutely loved the London setting - the author goes into great detail describing the area making me miss my uni city even more.
The Flat Share - Beth O'Leary
After seeing this novel all over Instagram over the past few months, I finally gave in to the hype. The Flat Share's narrative alternates between two characters, Tiffy and Leon, who share a flat and a bed but have never met. Described as the perfect rom-com novel, the book is on the whole very light-hearted and provides plenty of laughter, but also delves into some more serious topics including the effects of a gaslighting ex-boyfriend, and a wrongly imprisoned brother.
I read this in a day and a half, undoubtedly the sort of novel that I couldn't put down no matter how hard I tried. I loved the technique of the two characters writing post-it note letters between themselves as they got to know each other better. The side characters are equally as endearing; friends, family and patients, I found myself caring about them just as much as the main characters. Instagram is right - this book is brilliant and I can't wait to read more from the author (I have The Switch on my shelf, and I'm excited!).
Overall, all four of these books are worth reading, but I particularly recommend The Giver of Stars for someone interested in historical fiction, and The Flat Share for a feel-good that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Make sure to follow me on goodreads to keep up with all the books I read!
Have you read any good novels lately? I've got a few more to get through on my shelf, but welcome all recommendations!
EG x
Rimmel Magnif'Eyes - The Perfect Naked Heat Dupe?!
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Rimmel's Magnif'eyes palette in Spice - a gorgeous, twelve shade blend of eyeshadows that happens to remind me of something else in my collection...
I'm not usually a big fan of 'dupes', partly because I find it a bit cheeky, also because you can never get as good as the actual product itself. Right? But when I realised how similar the Rimmel palette is to my much-loved Naked Heat palette, my perception of dupes changed ever so slightly, because here's a palette that actually deserves some praise of its own.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I've owned the Naked Heat palette for ages now, getting it not long after it launched and loving it tremendously, as the introduction to warm-toned shadows that I am still totally obsessed with. Gifted the Rimmel palette a few months ago, I couldn't believe how high quality the shades were when I tried them out. They were really easy to blend and lasted all day, and that really surprised me - I expected it to have disappeared by lunch time! But I still doubted it could live up to my beloved Naked Heat surely?
It wasn't until I had the palettes side by side that I noticed how ridiculously alike they are. The reason why these palettes look so similar is because like the Naked Heat, Rimmel's palette also has twelve shades, ranging from beige to reds to plums in the same order. Because of this, it is quite easy to compare the shades like-for-like. However, one key difference is that the Urban Decay eyeshadows all have names, whereas the Rimmel ones don't. I guess this is due to the detail put into the palette by the brand, hence Urban Decay has the higher price point.
SHADE COMPARISON
Let's talk about the shades! My up close photos of the palettes are totally unfiltered so you can truly see the similarities and differences between them. The first shade in the Naked Heat is Ounce, a gorgeous champagne-toned highlighting shimmer. The corresponding shade in the Rimmel palette is a fair bit more white toned; I prefer the more subtle highlight, but this isn't a huge difference. The second and fourth shades in both palettes are neutral mattes and they are both very similar to each other, both in terms of colour and pigmentation.
The third shade of the Rimmel palette is where it differs from the Naked Heat the most. Instead of an orange-toned transitional matte like Chaser, we have a really pretty brown toned shimmer. This is a welcome difference, because the shimmer is really pretty.
The fifth shade in the Naked Heat is Lumbre, a red shimmer with gold reflects. It looks very similar to the corresponding Rimmel shade in the pan, however the amount of pay off on the eye is very different, and not in the way you would expect. Lumbre has always been the shade that disappointed me in the Naked Heat, because it was never quite pigmented enough. However, Rimmel's shadow shows up exactly how it should and is super pretty - point to Rimmel on this one!
Carrying on through the palette we can see some very subtle differences; the mattes corresponding with He Devil and Cayenne are more orange toned - I think I would miss that true red He Devil offers, as one of my favourites in the Naked Heat. The plum similar to Ashes also doesn't have quite the same depth. However, the three remaining shimmers are all very similar to each other, and the burgundy matte similar to En Fuego is basically a carbon copy.
SWATCHES
Unusually for me, I decided to pop some swatches into the post so you can get a feel for the pigmentation of the shadows. The fifth shade of the Rimmel palette is on top, followed by UD's Lumbre - you can really see how disappointing it is compared to the Rimmel version, can't you? It's the exact opposite of what you would expect! However, the bottom two shadows are almost indistinguishable - this goes to show how similar the palettes are.
PACKAGING
Comparing the packaging, Urban Decay's is much more sturdy and durable - it certainly feels like the luxury palette you're paying for. On the other hand, Rimmel's is not too bulky making it perfect for travel. It's also worth bearing in mind that the brush that comes with UD's palette is incredibly good quality whereas Rimmel's is a flimsy little thing. But, that is what you would expect and at the end of the day, it's the eyeshadows we're paying for here!
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, is it worth paying over £40 for Urban Decay's Naked Heat, or should you go for Rimmel's Magnif'Eyes Spice for a fraction of the price? Comparing the eyeshadows like-for-like, I have to be honest - Urban Decay's are really not that much better. Rimmel have really surprised me with this one, although I do find it a bit cheeky that they seemed to have copied Urban Decay's cult favourite!
Have you ever found a product very similar to one of your favourites? Or perhaps tried either of these? I would love to hear!
EG x
Book Haul
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Lockdown has been the perfect opportunity for me to renew my love of books and reading - one of my goals for this year was to read more books, and although it was already going well before lockdown, I obviously have even more time now. However, I do miss the days where I could pop into a Waterstones and explore all the new-in books; if I'm honest, it's probably one of my normal life aspects that I miss the most. Instead, the book discovering void has been filled by the likes of Instagram so the list of what I want to read has been really influenced by bloggers' favourites.
One of my favourite places to find books is BorrowBox, the app equivalent of your local library. I've spoken about it a lot before, and will do again soon when I write about a few books I've currently read on there, but for today I will be talking about some books I decided to buy in physical form. BorrowBox has a very good selection, but it doesn't have everything, and I prefer a proper book when wanting to read outside on a sunny day.
I picked up five books from my local big Tesco, that came to £21 in total which is an unbeatable price. I had a look at these books on Amazon and it would have cost me almost double, plus this was an experience almost as good as browsing books in Waterstones. I definitely recommend having a quick look down the book aisle while doing your supermarket shop because there are some really good bargains to be found.
The Flat Share - Beth O'Leary
Instagram's favourite novel was the first into my basket - after all, it was the book I had come to look for! The novel is about two characters, Tiffy & Leon, who share a flat but have never actually met. I don't think I have ever read a bad review of this one, instead plenty of praise! It has been hailed as the perfect modern rom-com story so I can't wait to dive straight in.
Never Greener - Ruth Jones
All paperbacks were on a 2 for £8 deal, so of course this began the difficult decision of which other one to get. I had picked up Ruth Jones' debut novel, Never Greener, on a table inside the Waterstones at Trafalgar Square a few months ago and it sounded so interesting that I never forgot it. This is a 'one that got away' tale which I have high-hopes for, since we already know from Gavin & Stacey that write loveable and hilarious characters.
Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel
It seems very out of character for me to buy a book set in Tudor England, of all things. But after begrudgingly studying a module about the subject all year and then the work being futile because my exams were cancelled, I want a reason to put that knowledge to good use, and this will be reading the best-seller Wolf Hall. It has had raving reviews and even a tv series made out of it (which I wish I could watch just because Claire Foy stars in it) so I look forward to reading it, and you never know, I may actually end up enjoying the Tudors for once!
Half A World Away - Mike Gayle
I've seen some great reviews about this novel on blogs and Instagram, but for some reason I didn't feel too compelled to read it until I saw it in person. The novel is about two siblings who were separated at childhood - one adopted and enjoying a successful life, the other went into care and struggling. Everything changes when one gets in contact with the other. This sounded really interesting, especially because one character lives in Primrose Hill, so perhaps the novel will transport me back to the London I miss.
The Switch - Beth O'Leary
Initially I wasn't going to purchase this until I had read her debut, The Flat Share, but a hardback for £5 was too difficult to resist. In The Switch, a grandmother from Yorkshire trades lives with her granddaughter living in London. This sounded like a really fun idea and again, is a novel with lots of buzz about it right now, so I can't wait to give it a read.
Have you picked up any new books recently? I would love to hear what you're about to start reading, and can't wait to update you about how I find these!
EG x
Sitcom Style Icons
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Here's two things I love: sitcoms, and fashion. It often surprises me how much the two actually overlap, and how often I get a little distracted when watching a show by their amazing outfits! Their wardrobe departments often pull out all the stops, and I've even been so inspired by some characters to even purchase similar pieces before. Here are a few of my sitcom style icons.
Eleanor Shellstrop - The Good Place
Whenever I watch The Good Place, it is unbelievable how often I find myself wanting the wardrobe of Kristen Bell's character Eleanor. I am obsessed with some of her smarter looks in the later seasons, featuring blazers and a gorgeous light blue suit - I love how she also casuals them up with trainers. I purchased this stripy, short-sleeved shirt pretty much because the one she can be spotted wearing in a couple of episodes, and I've also brought back out my old Adidas Stan Smiths that she wears very often. She even has a lovely collection of dresses, such as the black floral day-dress worn at the end of the season 1 finale. Such a style icon!
Shirt - New Look
Dress - New Look
Trainers - Adidas
Blazer - Warehouse
Rachel Green - Friends
Friends is full of amazing nineties style, and it's no wonder that Rachel, working in fashion and all, would become a style icon not just for me, but for many. It's hard to narrow down Rachel's best outfits because there are simply so many hits. The beige trousers Rachel wears in season 2 would easily fit right into any wardrobe right now, for maximum style and comfort. I absolutely love the black and white mini dress from season 1, and it's super easy to replicate, twenty-five years later! A Rachel Green statement piece has to be some dungarees, which you will find her wearing a ton in the early seasons, and I have to say that her short dungarees are just the cutest!
Dungarees - Monki
Gingham Dress - Miss Selfridge
Gingham Skirt - Topshop
Beige Trousers - Gap
Monica Geller - Friends
You thought Rachel is the only style icon on Friends? Think again! Monica might not work in fashion like Rachel, but she often gives her a run for her money in the wardrobe department. My favourite thing about Monica's style will always be her use of denim, the straight leg jeans that we often see her wear throughout the show are a staple in my own wardrobe.
White shirt -
Ripped jeans (left) - Mango
Light jeans (right) - Topshop
Trainers - Converse
Gina Linetti & Amy Santiago - Brooklyn Nine Nine
Gina's brash personality means she's not my favourite of the B99 clan, but her fashion, particularly in the show's third season, almost makes up for it. I absolutely adore the long camel coat she wears that it was part of the reason I had to get my own. Brooklyn Nine Nine's character Amy is more often than not seen on duty in the precinct so we don't really get to see her have much fun with fashion, however at a 90s themed event in season 6, the orange tea dress she wears is so similar to much of our high street's dress section today.
Camel coat (above) - Monki
Camel coat (below) - New Look
Red turtleneck - Monki
Yellow dress - Miss Selfridge
Orange Dress - Boohoo (sold out - but I can't get over what a match it is!)
Erin Quinn - Derry Girls
Being set in the 90s, Derry Girls is full of nineties style and boy is it amazing. The main character, Erin's style is my favourite - I'm pretty sure she's the only character ever who could possibly pull off double denim. However, it's her red playsuit in the holiday episode that I love the most, especially paired with the denim jacket and little rounded sunglasses - I need this look in my life right now!
Playsuit - Abercrombie
Denim Jacket - New Look
Ribbed Top - Hollister
Jeans - Monki
Trainers - Converse
I would love to hear who you think the most stylish tv or movie characters are - perhaps I could do a part 2! Have any sitcom characters ever influenced your style?
EG x
Affiliate links used throughout the post. Photos sourced from the retailers' websites and Netflix.
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