A week in Instagrams #1 • oliviamayharker

Hey guys,

I guess I'm some kind of stranger to you guys now, I've been pathetic at being a blogger recently, but it's Christmas so hey!

I've been super busy at work, I barely stop for breath these days. But I've put together a little post that shows my week via Instagram (oliviaharker) hopefully this'll be a regular thing and I'll try to do these quick little posts weekly (please don't hold me to this, I'm a busy girl)

Christmas Day ootd // Handbag indulging at work // Post work Starbucks // Fishnet Stockings- Essie // Pesto Salad in Delilah // Watch indulging at work // Marcy the Macbook // Caramel Latte 

What did you do this week? Let me know in the comments.

See you soon, 

Liv


Tweet me: @oliviamayharker
Both Instagrams: oliviaharker and oliviamayharker

Christmassy Shenanigans • oliviamayharker

Hey guys,

I'm so sorry it's been so long but I've been crazily busy these past few weeks and blogging (unfortunately) took a back seat.

Today I've got a 'day in the life' sort of post, because simply they're my favourite to read so I thought I'd have a go myself.
Tuesdays are my 'relaxing day', as I work weekends and have college throughout the week. But, on a Tuesday I have all morning free up until 2.05 precisely ( I still have to go to college boo) to do whatever I want. Me and my friend, Harris usually decide to go into town and browse the shops and we usually sit in Starbucks and watch the world go by. 
HOWEVER, it's that time of year again. The Christmas markets have arrived in Nottingham and me and Harris took our opportunity to go and have a look.

But before the markets opened we went for breakfast in Delilah, a cute deli near the centre of town.

I ordered a Roquefort grilled sandwich with red onion marmalade and pine nuts and a raspberry lemonade (yum) and Harris ordered Delilah brunch, which was toast, scrambled egg, and the tastiest looking sausage and a breakfast tea.

Then after browsing through some shops and realising I forgot my cameras memory card which resulted in me running to Jessops like a mad woman... we finally hit the Christmas markets. First, we admired the fudge, and promised the man we'd 'come back later' after nabbing a free sample, we never did go back...

You can't really see here but my outfit was casual, nobody can go wrong with a stripy t-shirt and black jeans... can they? I also rocked the sunglasses look because what better way to hide the bags under my eyes, although I did get a lot of 'what is that girl wearing sunglasses in December for?' looks.

 We then got waaaaaay to carried away with taking photos with the various snowman that were dotted around the market.
(On a side note, how cool does Harris look in the photo above?)

 And finally, I had to include this photo, because I just love it. I don't know why. I just do.

Let me know if there is any Christmas inspired things you like to do at this time of year in the comments.

Thanks for reading,

Olivia

Tweet me something christmassy: @oliviamayharker
Themed Instagram: oliviamayharker
Personal Instagram for very awkwardly sized photos of my day to day life: oliviaharker

A trip to Costa OOTD • oliviamayharker

Hey guys,

I have another OOTD for you today. We decided to go cheer ourselves up with a cheeky Costa and heres what I wore...

 Salted Caramel and Cream Latte @ Costa

After our Costa, and Melissa falling over 5 times on the way home, we managed to take some snaps once Melissa figured out how to use my camera. Despite the 'DANGER DEEP WATER' sign, nothing stops me whilst on the quest for blog photos.

Dress- Miss Selfridge

Navy Jumper- Topshop

Boyfriend coat- New Look @ ASOS

Boots- Primark

Bag- Topshop 

What do you think of my outfit? and would you risk deep water for a blog post? (haha)

Let me know in the comments.

Also, quick side note, I recently singed up to blog lovin', there is a link at the side of this post where you can follow me or you can click here, stay caught up with all my posts, and you can even select the option to be sent an email each time your favourite bloggers upload!

See you again soon,

Olivia x

Personal Instagram: oliviaharker (where the party starts)

Themed Instagram: oliviamayharker (go floral or go home)

Twitter: @oliviamayharker (join the conga here)

Real Techniques collection • oliviamayharker

WHATS UP GUYS,

I know it's been a while (shoot me) but college suddenly decided it was okay to give me around 82486247246746 essays to write so they took priority. Damn college. But anyway, it's the weekend now and I'm trying to write as many posts as possible for you guys now.

Today I've got my Real Techniques brush collection post as it's been requested quite a lot on my Instagram after my recent picture of them, so here it goes...

If you didn't know already, Real Techniques are made by a fellow blogger, and Youtuber, named Sam Chapman, now if you haven't already heard of Sam, where have you been hiding? Sam and her sister, Nic, run the Youtube channel, Pixiwoo

From Left to right: Buffing Brush (Core Collection), Blush Brush, Powder Brush, Stippling Brush, Expert Face Brush.

Admittedly, I may have given the buffing brush to my mum, I had no use for it as I use the Expert Face Brush to apply my foundation (and she was also moaning about wanting a brush for her foundation). She LOVES the buffing brush, she honestly thinks its revolutionary. It is also good for applying cream bronzer.

I use the blush brush for powder blush, which if I'm honest, is a rare occurrence, I'm more of a cream blush girl myself.

Next is the powder brush, which is also very lovely. This applies the Rimmel Stay Matter Power excellently. Perfect combo.

Now, this is the cream of the crop. Right here, right now. The stippling brush is possibly, my favourite brush OF ALL TIME *dramatic music*. Stippling on my blush is the favourite part of my morning routine.

Now, I must say the say about the Expert Face, it applies my foundation flawlessly, and it's so fluffy I'M GONNA DIE

Back to front: Contour Brush (Core Collection), Pointed foundation brush (Core Collection), Deluxe Crease Brush, Base Shadow brush, Brow Brush, Pixel Point eyeliner Brush, Accent Brush (all Eye Starter Set)

Contour brush- even though I don't contour my face, I use this to apply my highlight, and I must say, it does it tremendously. 

The pointed foundation brush is the neglected one of the pack. However, it does well for applying concealer in all of the nooks and crannys.

I'll talk about the Starter Set as one big family, and if I had to sum it up in one word, it would be, WOW. I was sceptical about buying this at first, I thought, 'who needs five brushed when you only have 2 eyes?' and oh how I was wrong. I use all of these brushes (apart from the brow brush, as I don't fill in my brows yet, however when I do, this will be my pick). They're all lovely and a steal at £21.99

Let me know if you have any Real Techniques, and what are you favourites? Any recommendations?

If you have any requests for posts, I always love to hear them!

Olivia x

Themed Instagram, for the floral go to: oliviamayharker

Personal Instagram, to see what I do in day to day life go to: oliviaharker

Twitter, to read what I do 24/7 go to: @oliviamayharker

Sweater Weather OOTD • oliviamayharker

 Hey guys, 

I've been collecting things up for an Autumn outfit post for a while and I finally thought I was ready, so I set out for a Sunday morning stroll with my mum and my dog, Tilly, to take some snaps.

I love Autumn, and always have done, it brings back so many good memories, and there's just something about the smell of a crisp, Autumnal morning that makes me happy, call me crazy!

 I live in such a beautiful place, with reams of countryside, so I thought it would be the perfect place to capture the essence of Autumn.

Now with, darker afternoons and chillier weather, comes a whole new world of clothes and fashion. Layering becomes acceptable, and wearing tights is a big yes!

Dress- Topshop

Dark Green jumper- Topshop (old)

Boyfriend Coat- New Look @ asos

Tartan Scarf- Primark

Black ankle boots- Primark

 Midi Ring- Shop Dixi

 Ring- Pandora

Nail varnish- Essie; Bahama Mama

Lipstick- Rimmel Kate Moss (107)

We walked all around my local ponds, saw the men fishing, and Tilly met a lot of other dogs and we listened to the band going through our village for Armistice Sunday, we felt like we were in a film. 
Surprisingly, it was lovely to take a break from the internet and get some fresh air.

What do you like to do on your Sunday mornings? Let me know it the comments.

Thanks for reading!
 See you again soon.

Olivia x

 Tweet me: @oliviamayharker
Themed Instagram: oliviamayharker
Personal Instagram: oliviaharker

Interview 24/10/13 OOTD • oliviamayharker

Hi again guys,

I took a break from blogging everyday because I had a ridiculous amount of coursework and homework to do for college.

 However, recently I had an interview. (I need money to pay for all the things blogging forces me into) and this is what I wore...
The place I went for an interview is very modern, and quirky so I knew I didn't want to dress like I would for a normal interview but yet still look smart.

This is the photo I posted on Instagram of what I decided to wear.

 I knew I wanted to wear this Topshop dress, it's black with a white Peter Pan collar, when buying this I thought of 101 outfits I could wear it with so it was a must, if you ask me.

Collared dress- Topshop

Kimono- Ark (no longer on website: similar here)

Shoes: Primark

This is one of the simplest outfits ever, but looks so smart, but relaxed at the same time.

Let me know what you think of my outfit in the comments. Would you like to see more outfit posts like this? 

Olivia x

Tweet me: @oliviamayharker
Themed Instagram: oliviamayharker
Personal Instagram: oliviaharker



Ps, I GOT THE JOB EVERYONE! I bet it was this outfit that just swung them into it! Can't wait to get started!

Everyday Autumnal make-up • oliviamayharker

Hey guys,

Who wants to see my go to make up look for Autumn? And are you feeling the Autumnal vibe on my blog yet?

Up until around July this year I didn't wear a shred of make up, I just never had the time. I was lazy, but suddenly I decided that I wanted to build up my make up collection and be one of those people with draws and draws full. Unfortunately, that didn't happen but it is still a 'working progress'.

In no way am I any 'make up guru' like some people claim to be. Yawn. But I do know I am rather interested beauty, who doesn't enjoy a gander around Boots? Now, let's crack on...

 The Overlook

 

 Base/Face 

First of all with my base, I try and keep it light, so I don't feel like my face is caked up. I use Rimmel Match Perfection in the shade 100 Ivory applied with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, do I need to say much about these brushes? Sam Chapman, you did good.

Also, Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer is something you will all have heard about if you are part of the blogging/Youtube world. So freaking good.

 Onto the cheek area. For this look, I used a Bourjois cream blush in the shade 01 Nude Velvet. These are my weakness, as soon as you apply them they turn to powder. (Now I've just gone to look for the link I've noticed they're £2 off in Boots, holy moly, blogging is bad for my bank). The Real techniques stippling brush is perfect for applying cream blush.

Also, on the tops of my cheek bones I use a MAC mineralise skin finish in Soft and Gentle as a highlighter. I love this because it's so good for everyday and evenings. I apply this with a Real Techniques Contour brush from the Core Collection.
 

 Eyes

  My holy grail is the Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay. I no doubt use it every single day.
Firstly, I'll use the shade 'Half Baked' (second one in from the left) as a wash all over my lid with the Base Shadow brush from the Real Techniques Starter set.

.

 Then I use the MAC eye shadow above, in the shade 'Sumptuous Olive' which is, you guessed it, an olivey green colour which is very 'sumptuous' indeed. I put this colour in the outer corner of my eye and build up the colour gradually. I'll then go back in with the Naked 2 palette and the shade 'Snake Bite' (6th one in from the left) and use the Real Techniques accent brush to lightly outline my outer V. The next step is crucial. BLEND, GIRLS, BLEND. I use the Deluxe crease brush from Real Techniques, and just blend until it goes lovely and smokey. Finally I'll use a shade in the Naked 2 called 'Bootycall' (3rd one in from the left' as an inner corner and brow bone highlight. I curl my lashes, and coat them in L'Oreals false lash flutter mascara (I forgot to photograph this) and Hey presto! We're done. 

         Confession: Admittedly, this is quite a glittery/shimmery eye look. But my motto is 'Go Glitter or Go Home'

Lips 

To complete the look, I use Carmex (cherry flavoured, duh) because in Autumn, chapped lips are a complete no no! And MAC's Plumful (lustre), such a beautiful shade. 

The Completed Look

Hope you enjoyed this guys! What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

See you in my next post,

Olivia x

If you recreate this look, tweet me a photo: @oliviamayharker

Themed Instagram: oliviamayharker

Less pretty photo, more face Instagram: oliviaharker

Topshop AW13 wishlist • oliviamayharker

Hi lovelies,

As you probably all know from my Instagram, I may be a little Topshop obsessed. You got me. Like any loving couple, me and Topshop go through love and hate phases but this Autumn and Winter, I'm craving rather a few items. Here are my top 5 Topshop AW13 picks.

 

Number 1- This navy blue heart print shirt is one I spied on somebody at college and immediately fell in love. Definitely an Autumn/Winter staple.

Number 2-  The chocolate brown Monk Strap leather boots are a pair of shoes that I am literally lusting after. Not normally being a shoe person, my love for these is a shock. Maybe it's a combination of the fact their such a bargain at £45 and their beauty.

Number 3- Knitwear, knitwear, knitwear. Possibly the love of my life. One of my favourite looks this Autumn is jumpers over dresses. A cream crop cable jumper is something my wardrobe is lacking, and this one is perfect.

Number 4- Velvet and tartan. What more could I ask for? I've been searching high and low for some nice tapered trousers for a while now and these Topshop beauties are the one.

Number 5-  Shorts aren't usually my thing, but these checked little numbers are just wow! I think these would be perfect with a little blouse, jumper, woolly tights and little booties for crisp winters days.

Would love to have my hands on all of these and hopefully I will at Christmas time. 
Let me know in the comments what you think of my choices. What's on your Autumn wish list?

See you next time,

Olivia x

Tweet me: @oliviamayharker

Themed Instagram, take a look: oliviamayharker

Personal Instagram, check it out: oliviaharker

Babyliss Curl Secret review • oliviamayharker

Hey lovelies,

Here I am again with another cheeky post. This ones all about hair! Now luckily, I was some would say blessed with naturally thick, long, dark hair. Ever since I was a new born baby my head has never been short of hair. 
One down side of this is how hard it is to tackle.
Any heat styling took me nearly an hour and a half so there was no chance of me getting curly hair before college unless I got up before the crack of dawn, no thank you. 

 HOWEVER, there has been a revolution in Babyliss Head quarters, it's the curl secret! 

 This new styling product is the new quick and easy way forward when it comes to curling your hair. 
Now, I was browsing around Boots about 2 weeks a go, and as my mum and dad work in Boots HQ in Nottingham, I'd heard a lot about the curl secret already. When a lady told me a woman on the Bumble and Bumble stand was testing it out on people, I practically ran towards it. She sat me down and did my whole head in just over 10 minutes. Can you believe it? She also used some great Bumble and Bumble products that have been, cheekily, added to my Christmas list. From then on in, I just had to have it! My mum agreed to buy it as an early present for Christmas, and I couldn't wait to have a go. 

'But Olivia, how do you use the Curl Secret?' I hear you ask. Well, you hold the barrel to your head and slot a piece of hair in, you clamp down, and your hair will then be sucked up inside the barrel, DON'T BE AFRAID LADIES! (There is a very small chance of your hair getting tangled or stuck if you use it right!) There are three timer settings on the curl secret, 8, 10 and 12, then 2 heat settings. For the timer settings, if you select 8, there will be three, slow beeps followed by 4 quick beeps to let you know your curl is ready, release the clamp and ABRACADABRA! 8 will create loose waves, 10 soft curls and with 12 you get a much more defined curl, almost ringlet like.

First of all you have to make sure your hair is silky smooth. you can back comb and ruffle up your hair as much as you want when you've finished, but for now make sure it is completely tangle free zone. I use a Tangle Teezer for this. Section out your hair into sections no larger than 3cm. Just clamp away after this and go around your whole head, curling and sectioning.

                                                          The finished result

Spot the cat

This took me around 20 minutes to do, and I'm getting quicker. Admittedly, it is rather an expensive hair tool at £119.99. Link here
But totally worth it! The perfect Christmas present. Will you be adding it to your list?

Let me know in the comments what you'd like to see from me next and also what you think of my hair and the curl secret.

See you again soon,

Olivia x

Tweet me: @oliviamayharker
Bored? Have a look at my themed Instagram where it all began: oliviamayharker
Who knew I had 2 Instagrams? Check out my personal here: oliviaharker

Ps, I did a quick video of me using the curl secret on my personal Instagram (oliviaharker) Go take a look at it in action!