NEED.TO.STOP.SHOPPING!!

So as I mentioned in my last blog post, I had another shopping trip planned to York yesterday...and this time I spent A LOT more. Oops!

York has to be my new favourite place to go shopping. It's filled with so much character and is filled with so many amazing shops, both independent and chain stores. It's such a beautiful place, I will definitely be back in winter for some more splurging when I hear they install an ice rink?! How awesome is that!

I went with my lovely friend Katie, and I was definitely nice to have some female company for the day. Our first stop on our trip was to Fenwicks to drool over the designer make up counters.

I decided to pick up some MAC foundation after hearing how amazing it is. I already use the concealer and it does wonders to my horrific dark circles, so I was excited to buy some foundation that would make my face look beautiful (or try to anyways!)

After some help from a lovely sales assistant and make up tutorial including a primer that made my face feel super super soft...will have to buy that later...I came away with MAC Matchmaster Foudation in 1.0. It gives great coverage without making my face feel like it's caked with makeup, a great buy!

My other purchase from MAC was the Prep + Prime lip primer, which I LOVE! I am rarely seen without a bright lipstick, and have noticed if I wear darker shades, it tends to bleed onto the skin around my lips the longer I wear and reapply it. This little stick of wonder feels like a lipbalm, and wearing this before I pop my lipstick on prevents the colour from bleeding onto my skin and also gives it must better staying power!

Plus the tube it comes in is so pretty and sparkly, an absolute must buy for anyone who favours a bold lip!

MAC Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation in 1.0

Prep + Prime lip primer

After our beauty splurge (Katie bought the entire MAC concession and then some!), we treated ourselves to a delicious coffee and slice of carrot cake. I cannot get enough at the minute, and I swear my nighttime vision has improved! (ha!)

Next stop was H&M where Katie was a bit skeptical at first but I soon converted her into a H&M lover. How can you not love it, IT'S SO CHEAP!

There were bargains everywhere I looked, and I could have bought the whole store, but since I have a terrible habit of buying beautifully pretty clothes that I never have the time or place to wear, I picked up these basics instead.

I love the loose tees, which I picked up in a size bigger so they were slightly oversized and a lot comfy. I am a lover of jeans and have a fairly casual style so these will be perfect for every day wear, and were an absolute steal too!

For days when I fancy a bit of a change from jeans, I also picked up a grey midi bodycon dress which also picked up in a size bigger so that I can wear it after a burger and not look too whale-like. It's a lovely colour, and is super super soft. And at another bargain price, I couldnt resist!

Being a wonderful girlfriend as well...no, fiance even...I also picked up a couple of plain tees for the boy so he didnt feel left out, and to soften the blow when I tell him how much I've spent!!

Loose tees in black and speckled grey, H&M

Dark grey long sleeved bodycon midi dress, H&M

The next place we headed was Zara, and after a little battle with myself over whether or not to buy a pair of beautiful chelsea boots (I decided not to at the time, but will most likely purchase later!), I laid eyes on the winter coat of my dreams!

It's a lovely olive green colour, and I'm no stranger to a biker style wool coat, so this was perfect for me. What sold me on this though was the faux fur collar that came attached and after trying on I was in love!

I am having a constant debate with myself over whether to dye my hair auburn á la Emma Stone, but if I do, the coat will be the best accessory to compliment it!

At only £80 as well, it's a timeless piece that will see me through many future cold months and I cannot wait to wear it! Although sod's law at the minute, it is obviously still sunshine and warm :(

Olive green wool biker coat, with detachable fur collar, Zara

The last place we headed was Topshop. I am rubbish at shoe shopping, and rarely buy them so nearly every pair of flat shoes I own have seen better days, so I thought it was time I bought some new ones to look after!

I fell instantly in love with these cute t-bar patent dolly shoes! They did them in black and bright red but I went for the girly nude ones, which will look fabulous with my baby blue frilly socks I picked up the other day!

I also picked up these snakeskin print skater style shoes. I've wanted some for a while as a casual but more autumnal weather appropriate alternative to ballet pumps, and these are just beautiful! They will go with just about anything and they are super comfy too!

GWENNY t-bar geek shoes, Topshop

Snakeskin slip on pumps, Topshop

We then headed for some scrumptious food at Oscar's Bar and Grill and then headed home, our bank accounts having taken a beating. Whoops!

I love all of my new purchases though, and I am finally starting to buy things that I will wear all the time. My wardrobe is literally bursting with gorgeous clothes that I simply do not wear! I think a Depop binge is needed to get rid of them!

Have you started your Autumn/Winter shopping yet? Be it beauty or clothes, which brands do you love and what are your autumn/winter essentials? Let me know!

I am off to go hide my bank card somewhere now and hide under the covers so I am not tempted to spend anymore...

Always, Alice x