Sunday Service: Autumn, Furniture Purchases and Make-up purging!

Just a round-up of life, news, links, and things I like.
 
I was walking through some beautiful autumn leaves a couple of days ago and had to stop to take a photo for instagram.  It was too good to miss.  Beautiful leaves and my blue converse trainers (purchased from the great selection at Long Tall Sally (link)).  

Weirdly the jeans were from Fat Face a few months back.  I was really, really surprised that they fit length wise.  If you want to check them out then here is the link- I think they were the Smithy Bootcut Darkest Rinse Jeans.  Soft fabric with a bit of stretch.  Don't forget that if you are a student they will give you money off (and some stores have 20% off for students at the moment).

I actually needed a piece of furniture this week, so after stalking pinterest for a day (link) I headed off round the shops.  I ended up narrowing it down and then going between Next Home, Laura Ashley, Home Sense and Dunelm repeatedly.  I was actually a little scared at how giddy Home Sense made me.  I could actually legitimately buy things from there and not feel guilty!  Yes I know it is mass produced and most people will have the same things... but it still has this way of making me want to buy fifty things I didn't know I needed.  I know I have nowhere to put 10 cushions... but I still wanted them.  (I did spot a bunch of NEOM organics for £5-£10 and This Works deep sleep products, so if you are after a bargain then head to Home Sense (or it's sister store TK Maxx).  Sadly I have to go back to Dunelm.... hide my bank card!

I want that chair, and candle, and bed, and cushion and, and, and...

Finally, I've been poorly this last few weeks.  It wasn't caused by makeup but it did serve as a timely reminder that generally makeup and skincare products have expiry dates and that clearing them our periodically is good for your health!  Take mascara for example, each time you use it you are transferring bacteria from the tube to your face, and then new bacteria from your face into the tube (unless you use a new mascara wand each dip!).  Same with lipsticks, pencils, lipglosses (especially the tubs you dip your finger in), and some skincare.

The general rules are;
If it is broken or smells/looks weird... chuck it.  My recycle bin is now full.  I felt a little guilty but I now have a bit more space and will 'shop my stash' more!

See what Bobbi Brown says here (link).  Or see what I wrote way back in 2009! (link)  Bobbi uses cute graphics- I appear to have lost the pictures on my post, but the words are still there.

That's all for this Sunday Service.  What has your week been like?

Stand Tall x

Decor: Lauren Conrad's Penthouse Apartment

Lauren Conrad is very put together.  It figures that her Beverly Hills penthouse apartment would be nothing less than perfect.  She is a woman who knows what colours and textures compliment each other.  How to use a space to it's best advantage.

Lauren Conrad in her penthouse apartment

For those who don't know Lauren, she came to the public eye through two of the very first  'reality tv' shows- 'Laguna Beach: The Real O.C.' following several teens during the last few years of high school, and 'The Hills' following a few of the Laguna Beach kids as they move to L.A. for college, careers, dating, partying, shopping and much more.  I recently re-watched 'The Hills' (it's very cheap to pick up individual DVDs and box sets on ebay- link) and it is a superficial pleasure.  I keep changing my mind over which series is the best, but currently 2 or 3!  

Lauren Conrad's penthouse bathroom.

Since her 'Hills' days Lauren has graduated from fashion school, created her own fashion collection and generally ring fenced her personal life from the public eye.  She has a good business sense and has managed to successfully transition from a 'reality tv star' into a respected business woman and consultant- something most 'reality stars' struggle to do.  Of course it helps that Lauren started from a privileged background, but she hasn't rested on her laurels and lived on the bank off the bank of mum and dad.  Lauren has earned her stripes and made her own path- something we all can learn from regardless of our starting point.

I love the mismatched smaller cushions, all on a monochrome theme.

For someone who is fairly private, Lauren let Instyle into her apartment and gave them a bit of a tour.  I love how everything feels light and airy, minimal and stylist... oh and her closet.... her closet is probably the size of most people's lounge!  I love the clutter free surfaces, and the careful placement of the items that are out.  Less is definitely more.  Lauren seems to favour light pastel hues, although there are one or two more colorful pieces.  Clutter free is easier to clean too.

Check out that closet.  Now that is a walk in wardrobe!

You can view the video here (link) and view pictures of her apartment here (link).

What do you think?

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: All photos credited to Instyle.