WEEKEND RITUAL #23 : LUST & LOVE
The emotive title of today's edition of WEEKEND RITUAL may have coincided with Valentine's Day weekend, but fear not, things are not getting soppy on TGG; for I'm talking today of love and lust of the material kind.
I'm a woman of many lists, and have somehow managed to accumulate multiple wishlists on multiple list-making apps over the years. Friday saw me commit to a big big sort out and I correlate my wishlist onto a single platform. Here are a few of its highlights [as well as a few pieces which I've recently checked off].
LUST[S]
Dior Glow Maximiser : I can no longer count on one hand the amount of times I've swatched this miracle-glow solution at various Dior counters across the city, so I think it's about time it made it into my makeup bag for good. Don't you?
Brandy Melville Christina Hoodie : I'm sorely tempted to pick up one of these when I visit London next week [see below!]. Word on the street is it is comfy personified, and my oh my am I all about the loungewear.
& Other Stories Studion Scented Candle : Between that packaging and the formula itself [bergamot, fig, and almond] I'm sold.
Fragrance Bell Jar : M&S' Home department boast some real gems, and I've been on the hunt for a bell jar of this size for quite some time. This + the above = a dressing table pièce de résistance!
LOVE[S]
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysteriously Red : I'm so smitten with the formula of this pencil [it's my first velvet matte would you believe it?] that I'm currently restraining myself from rushing out to buy the entire collection. It's super pigmented, long-lasting and creamy [not drying in the slightest], yet feels completely weightless, and somehow transforms my naturally thin lips into a perfectly full pout. Like I said, smitten.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt : After not being overly impressed with Tartt's The Goldfinch, I abstained from picking up this, her most notable novel, for over a year before finally giving in to the hype [which is well-deserved!]. The story is clever and the prose elegant - and for both of these reasons the book is near impossible to put down. Brooding, psychological, and a must read if you've ever studied Classics; The Secret History is that rarity, an intellectual page-turner.
New Balance 420 Suede Mix Trainers : It's taken me until now to grant the sportswear trend a home in my wardrobe; initially on the basis that for everyday wear, trainers really do take the formal edge of an outfit involving tailored trousers/culottes [without it losing its sartorial merit]. Aside from that, any shoes which are light, comfy, waterproof [!], and make the trek down Oxford Road to uni that little bit more bearable/dry are a welcome addition to my collection.
Spotify Playlist : Ever since my new headphones arrived I've been back on the Spotify game, I'm signed up for Premium and compiling playlists left right and centre. This month's most played : Clean Bandit, Jessie Ware, and Agnes Obel.
In other news, I will be a little "off the radar" for the next seven days [posts are scheduled, but do forgive delayed replies to comments!]. I'm headed on a mini stay-cation - four days in the countryside surrounded by greenery and open skies[!], followed by a weekend in London; continuing the birthday celebrations. I'm all kinds of excited - after all, what could be more fun than three days of exploring [and eating] one's way around the capital??
Whatever you have planned, have an amazing week.
G
If you fancy peeking into my life/beauty world some more, find me on Twitter and Instagram.
+ This article on Manchester's modernist architecture has definitely made me appreciate my surroundings more since I read it! + + Two of my favourites blogging gals joined YouTube this week [cue : huge celebration on my part]. Bridie of Maison Ellis shared her eyebrow wisdom in this beautifully edited video, and the lovely Tenneil of Like Neon Love shared a haul of beauty, fashion, and homewares all the way from Australia! + + + The 'pay for your stay' coffee shop model has arrived in Manchester - I can't wait to visit [details here]! + + + + Jack White's guac recipe got leaked last week. Looks pretty good to me... + + + + + I shared five of my favourite luxury haircare brands over on A Little Opulent.