Well, the last month flew past and we're now at my favourite month of the year. I am a massive September fan - it's still light in the evenings, mild in the afternoons but you can justify the odd winter purchase. When friends ask when is best to visit London, I always say September. Plus, the schools have gone back which means I can get from A to B near my flat without mowing down a few 9 year olds playing Pokemon. Here's all the stuff I've hunted down to buy this month, as you can see I'm still going for colour, mixed amongst the basics...

In my mind, now is the time for investments. I've been through my wardrobe and culled it significantly (expect me to push my Vestiaire Collective page imminently) and am using the proceeds to fund the new season. Autumn is great for working out which basic long sleeves, light knits and warmer work clothes I still need. I am really enjoying Net A Porter at the moment, they have introduced me to new names like Mira Mikati and her awesome emoji based collections including this must have sweater...

J.Crew really does make me happy, as a concept. In reality it's damn expensive and you need to shop wisely (ie: the sales). However, you can't beat it for basic long sleeve knits like this navy one and then I meandered over to their collection with Drake (whole thing here) and accidently slurged on this oh-so-soft Bengal tiger print shirt here. I'm not one bit sorry. Ooh, and if you're looking for noticeable-effort-looking work tops, these are great and super flattering.

Off the shoulder tops (or "Bardot tops") aren't going away and neither should they... I bought the pom pom ones above from Storets here, and have also found really good options at Topshop here. I don't really like my upper arms or shoulders so I've found that tops with a thicker band at the top like this one at Topshop, this one from Storets or this one (with additional cover/detailing) from ASOS are total winners.

Flower power has well and truly hit, this shirt from Topshop and this from Etoile Isabel Marant are awesome. For foot wear we're going back to basics with these gorgeous suede go-with-anything ankle boots from L.K.Bennett. I try to resist their collections every year and fail miserably. And last but not least, Warehouse. This brand completely went off my radar for about three years their most recent collection has put them firmly back on there. This jumpsuit is amazing for anyone looking for "office casual" and they have some super basic-with-twist tops like this and this.

Underwear wise, if youre anything like me you ate too much on holiday and just want to be comfortable. New discovering Cosabella is perfect for anyone who wants to look good for no effort whatsoever. This bra is like a hug, and the boyfriend actually commented on my hot new underwear which is a win because little does he know it feels like a sports bra...

Beauty

My skin has continued to really struggle this month, the ever changing weather can't be good for us can it?! I've been militant with my regime using my usual daily creams and serums and adding some specialist treatments.

I'm going to continue to wax lyrical about REN skincare Glycolactic Radiance Serum until all the women who read this blog buy one. It's amazing. Skin is dry? Skin is oily? Trying to hang on to tan? Trying to prep your skin for a tan? Worn too much make up? Hungover? This stuff solves it all. Yes it's not cheap and yes it feels like marmalade, but shut up and try it. Rant over.

I was also sent over some new products my Perricone MD. I love this brand and swear by their "no make up, make up" range (find it here) so was curious to test some things out. The one I'd really like to mention (they were all excellent) is the Intensive Pore Minimiser. I have quite large pores at the sides of my nose and they often get blocked (gross, TMI, sorry). This stuff has really helped, in fact looking at my face now they've really shrunk and are very clear. Use it like a toner each night and within two weeks expect this difference, find it here.

Next up, Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift. I hate my chin, and everything between my chin and my neck. I've spent hours looking up how (bar reducing food intake by half) to get rid of it. When this arrived I was dubious but jeez it actually does work. Admittedly not forever, but if you've got an event or a wedding coming up get this, use it the day before and perhaps in the morning and your skin will look firmer, tighter and just a bit better!

Our friends started Skin and Tonic some time ago, and it's always tricky to communicate that to readers without sounding like I'm just telling you to buy their stuff because they're friends and we want them to become the next big brand. There's an element of truth to it, but whats really true in this case is how good the products are. Their Gentle Scrub is a brilliant morning revitaliser and doubles up as a face mask if you mix it with honey or yogurt (or in my case, coconut oil). I used this on holiday and it really helped me keep my skin soft and supple in the sun... Check out their whole range here.

Last but not least, Malin and Goetz. Not the first time I've harped on about these guys so I'm hoping you'll get the message soon. If you have a problem go to these guys. Their sulfur paste is the miracle you need when a spot blows up suddenly (it stings, I won't lie, but it works). Their face pads are the most thorough thing I've found (they scratch a bit but they take out blackheads by themselves) and swear by them, and their peppermint shampoo and conditioners make my hair volume-y, not fly-away and generally pretty damn nice.

New clothhhessssss. I cannot stop buying new stuff. This never happens, ever. Firstly, the dress in the header picture above. It's from Zara, I featured it on my Instagram here and looks like I'm not the only one... Slightly gothic florals seem really key for autumn: they have also made a more office-worthy version here, and a maxi dress here. Vilshenko (phenomenally expensive Russian designer, I think) eat your heart out (ps this Iris and Ink shirt really should be considered too...)

"Pretty" is also very important, which is a new thing for me as I often try and look anything but cute. However lace doesn't have to mean sh*t fabrics and Barbie make up anymore. This top from Marks and Spencer looks great with my denim staples (more on that below) and don't forget about new-essential Realisation Par; their silk tops are perfect for someone wanting to add some flair to their otherwise pretty reserved wardrobe (thats me, btw).

Bomber jackets just aren't going away. I found one I loved in Berlin, didn't buy it, and now it's haunting me. This one from Topshop is perfection. As they're all different colours choosing one is difficult - but this is reversible so it pink and blue. Check it out properly here.

I'm also buying polo necks, something I didn't think would happen to me. After buying quite a lot of summer dresses this year I'm not prepared to give them up in cooler weather. I read Elle last week and they had a whole piece on putting a polo neck under a dress and it looked really cool. I'm carving this Chloe one but always test out a look using the high street first. So, I've bought some ASOS two-pack basics to try it out (get yours here). So far so good, and they look awesome with denim too... (ps - saying that, Topshop have brought out a winter version of that summer dress, here. Must have)

Which leads me neatly to a new found jean love; Levi 501s. Yep, I've made the pilgrimage and man it was worth it. I got mine in the sale here and you'll be seeing a lot of them on the blog as they now never come off my body. So good - shaped but slouchy, tough but soft. It's love - if you're after a good boyfriend jean get these and only these. 

I'm starting to get into knitwear again, and cardigans make the most sense at the moment - along with cut out detail knits - as they're the easiest to throw on when it's not that cold. This Ganni one is going to be a bit of a showstopper, having been worn by the usual street style bunch a lot. And really don't forget about Iris and Ink this season; this jumper is just one example of what they've got to offer...

Lastly, wanted to introduce a new brand to me Storets. I'd seen it on a few bloggers but when I looked at the site I questioned the quality. However, a few proseccos down the other night I made an order. It's all arrived, I'll feature it on the blog shortly - but in the mean time I just wanted to say how good it all is and I've been really impressed with the fit and service. Below is what I got:

The gingham dress is the absolute dream, my friend Holly had it and I couldn't say no having seen it on her. Very flattering. This navy boho dress is a complete copy of the must-have-brand Dodo Bar Or but at the price, who cares (also in white here)? The designer clearly makes too much money on theirs when someone can rustle it up for so much less... This ribbon detail blouse is a great staple, as the gingham off shoulder, this green satin skirt looks so much more expensive 

I've travelled quite a bit this summer and always think the most essential beauty items are the ones you can't go without when on holiday/abroad - the ones that make it into the case, and justify the extra baggage cost so you can put the bottle in. So without further ado, here are the things that I just can't not have with me at all times:

I have to admit I don't scrimp on my beauty products. It's my face - surely if you're going to invest in something, it's your face? Yes, as a blogger I get quite a bit sent over, but as someone who only bought face wipes (my sole beauty product) when they were in a 2 for 1 offer, for me to even suggest spending money on things like this is a worthy testament. Take brands like Perricone MD. I would never have discovered them had their PRs not shown them to me - now I can't leave the house (wherever I am in the world) without their Face Finishing Moisturiser. It's a lazy girl's dream - one little finger full hides a multitude of sins. You will not regret the investment. 

Likewise with Tom Ford's make up. Damn me it's expensive, but you can't beat it. Their Bronzing Primer gives the same look as a two week holiday but at a fraction of the price (see what I did there!?). One squirt does the job (that sounds wrong) - instant glowy, not-at-al-shiny skin that doesn't feel like you've got make up on. Pair that with Benefit's Sun Beam dabbed across your cheek bones and you really do look very, very good.

I'm not a huge make up person so when something makes it on here (not to mention, onto my face on a regular basis) it really must be good. Last month I was sent over a few bits from 3ina, an Aussie brand. I usually really like products from Australia as they tend to be very well thought out - good for outdoor living and sunshine which these products definitely are. The thing that I can't get enough of is the lip crayons. I don't even wear lipstick but this (I have colour 108) is the bomb. Even my boyfriend noticed it - WHICH IS A MIRACLE - and they're only £8.

I've blogged about it tonnes before but my mascara is Charlotte Tilbury. It does clump up a bit after a while but it's industrial strength and copes with all the rain storms, tears, sea waves and sweats that go with my life... Lastly - and something I never thought I'd give two hoots about - brows. I swear by Benefit's newly revamped brow mascara Gimme Brow (yeah, it's a thing). I can't explain technically or professionals what it does - but it gives my face a really "oomph" by thickening and shaping my brows and it's so easy it's untrue.

Skin care wise I've got some goodies this month, some old some new. I had a clear out in my bathroom cupboard and found Aesop's Camelia Nut Hydrating Cream and am now livid with myself for not using it sooner. My skin seriously dries out in patches when I've been in the sun, and wrinkles quickly become more defined. Having used this for the last fortnight, they've gone. And I don't mean faded, I mean GONE. Just go and buy it here. 

I really really want to stress how good Guinot's Minceur Rapide stuff is. I have had cellulite since I was a kid (a vivid memory of my early teens was a friend asking what the bubbles on my legs were during swimming class, devastating) and I absolutely hate it. This is the only stuff I've ever found that works. Do both to a) buy it, and b) use it properly for two weeks. I sort-of cut out the bad foods during that time, but not really, and seriously saw a difference. Now, I'm almost cellulite free in previously awful problem areas. Get yours here.

Wow, this is a long post - sorry! I'll finish up with two goodies: Essie's new Gel Setter is a must for anyone going away. For £10 it makes at home gel manis possible - the first time I used it my nails lasted three weeks. I'm still obsessed with Ren's Radiance Mask and use it religiously once a week to give my skin a deep clean.

This month's beauty post is dedicated to the men in our lives. Today (in the UK) is Fathers Day and if yours is anything like mine, they have everything. Buying for someone who would like nothing more than a day spent is a power drill in the garage with the cricket on the radio is pretty tough. Which is why when Mr Porter offered their grooming box as a gift it was a complete blessing in disguise. Dad does actually care about his beauty regime, not that he'd ever call it that. We lived with him for a couple of months between houses this year and I noticed his bathroom cupboard was stacked with products that were actually being used.

Admittedly I'd imagine Mum is responsible for the change - she's a fiend for a beauty cream. Regardless the grooming box made the perfect gift, but wasn't handed over before I had a thorough nosey through it. Have to say, I'm seriously impressed by the selection for the price. Here are a few of my top favourites:

I haven't really been putting myself in front of the camera that much recently as I haven't been all that well. I've been so tired and have definitely noticed my skin has taken a hit. So, I used it as a bit of an excuse to invest some time in my skincare regime... As you might already know I didn't have a routine of any sort before the blog but as I've got older I've really begun to feel the need - and can see the benefits. I'm extremely impatient so if it's on here it really does mean it works... Here is a round up of products I've tried and tested recently, and some of them are really rather good...

Skin

Skin wise, a few products to mention. The first one is something I received in a Birchbox last year, but only recently started using. Trilogy "everything balm" is the kind of thing every girl should have in her handbag, because it really does do everything. I've been using it on dry patches, cracked lips, hands, mixing in with lip colour (makes it last ten times longer) and as a cold-air skin protector. It's absolutely brilliant and even though I've been using it a lot it looks barely touched, get it here.

Next is an old faithful, Weleda Skin Food. When I'm unwell my skin gets so dry and dull - I pop a small amount of this (it's quite oily) on the really bad bits after a shower and it's instantly fixed. It's only £8.95 - a total bargain. Get it here. I also have been using REN Skincare's Instant Brightening Beauty Shot (in fact you can watch me was lyrical about it here) each morning as it's brings the puffiness down (which I get a lot, and really noticeably when I'm not feeling good). Get it here.

Once my skin is nice and nourished I do like to put on a little bit of a tan/tint. I used to be a St Tropez obsessive, but since I've discovered Vita Liberata I've thrown it all in the bin. You only need a 20p size blob to do your whole upper body and once dried (takes 5/10 minutes) you're set!

Lastly, a product which I would be tempted to claim as possessing medicinal qualities. I've been so lethargic recently, and when This Works' skin oil "energy bank body makeover" arrived I was sceptical; How can a product wake you up?! However, after use you most definitely feel revived and more "with it." At £32 it's more of an investment, but whole heartedly worth it. Get it here.

Hair

I'm really quite into my hair at the moment. I've got quite a lot of regrowth coming through (from being unwell last year) meaning I am becoming a super pro at finding products that stop the shorter hairs showing along my parting. It's really tricky as my hair is fine and needs help with volume, so I don't want to be adding heavy products as it'll flatten my whole head! Two things have really helped recently.

Firstly, Maria Nila's Structure and Repair Leave In Cream has been magnificent. I put a couple of pumps throughout my towel dry hair and once dried my locks feel rich, shiny and bouncy - without feeling weighty. For the fly away bits I've tried a lot of things but so far the winner is Davines' Pliable Hair Paste. I discovered it in the changing rooms at the South Kensington Club and couldn't believe how good the hold is. You only need the teeniest amount and it holds everything in place, unnoticeably, all day. Get it here.

Make Up 

Recently my motto has been "light and bright." By "bright" I don't mean very colourful (although Rosie Huntington Whiteley's lip pencil has made the cut as it's incredible, here) but more "uplifting." When you're poorly, or just when you feel it's too cold to leave the house, you need your make up to encourage you out of the door. That said if anything takes more than 5 minutes to do, I'm over it.

Benefit is a brand that I feel I grew up with, their mascaras and lipsticks were some of my first. I've been using their Hello Flawless as a really good primer/foundation. It covers well but you still look naked (is that the right expression? I mean you can't see it!) Get it here. Next, I have been using Sun Beam for years as a "quick fix" skin brightener. I put a swipe of it on each cheek (over the top of my Perricone MD bronzer which is the best in the business - people always think I've been on holiday, get it here) and quickly rub it in et voila. Get it here.

But the next product I almost want to make the font size 1000 and put in flashing red text. It's incredible. For anyone who has dark circles, Lemon Aid is for you. Use in place of a concealer, the bright yellow balm (stay with me...) neutralises your darker bits and makes them actually disappear. I'm fighting over ownership of this one with my mother at the moment, and friends who have watched me put it on have tried to pinch it too... If you buy one thing, its this here.

Finally, I think Rosie Huntington Whiteley needs a real pat on the back for her new make up range (find the full collection at Marks and Spencer here). I was given a few bits to try and the two pieces that stand out for me are the eyeshadow palette here (perfect for my usually olive complexion and dark hair) and the aforementioned lip crayon here, which has been perfect for a bit of a boost on weekdays. It's bright but not too bright... Love it!

Scent

Anyone who has read the blog for a while will know I'm obsessed with Tom Ford scents. At the beginning of the year I was treated to dinner with friends by the power house, and this Jasmin Rouge was in our little takeaway bag. It's more floral than my usual choices, but I've been wearing it religiously and it get's so many compliments. You only need a little, so it will last a lifetime, Get it here.

A huge part of me thinks its a little bit wrong that there is a day to tell someone you love them, as if it excuses you for the other 364 (or 365 this year). But being a Scrooge about Valentines Day is almost as cliche as roses and chocolates these days, so I've decided to meet romance in the middle and buy a present that isn't all that traditional. Mr Porter asked me to put together my choices for best gifts on the day, so I killed two birds with one stone and bought mine at the same time (easily done when their new in section is so good).

You could easily pass the site off as just being clothes, but no. I'm very pleased that they stock Perricone MD as since asking if it will "sort his face out" half of my pot has disappeared - and it's the best night moisturiser in the world, ever. Secondly, they stock Tom Ford fragrances. If you follow me on Instagram (here if you don't) then you'll have seen that I went to a dinner with a brand a couple of weeks ago with a bunch of girlfriends. It was to celebrate their new SS16 beauty collection, but Rose and I were transfixed with this fragrance. As Rose says Oud Wood "is so good I want to have sex with it." So, buy it for your boyfriend, husband, commute-crush, or anything you have a remote inclination of doing physical activity with. Lastly on the beauty front, I really recommend REN Skincare's 1 Minute Facial here; perfect for the guy who is beginning to realise skincare isn't the devil, but can't be bothered to spend much time doing it...

My other half doesn't want for much, or so he says - put Mr Porter in front of him with a budget to spend and it vanishes in seconds. Their content is bang on - this piece about "manssential wardrobe pieces" is an excellent starting block. Quite a few pieces were subtly (read: not subtle in the slightest) highlighted: Newish name Officine Generale was frequently dropped in, this white shirt and this blue one are clearly on the wish list. Other favourites were a J Crew chambray top and a pair of Rayban Wayfarers.

Forgetting what he says he wants, I want him in Common Projects trainers. I am obsessed with them, to the point I realised I'd gone off piste on the way to a meeting the other day because I was following a man wearing them (to see if they were CP ones - promise). They just ooze cool - if he won't wear them I may have to replace him with someone who will... Seriously. These are my favourites, or these, or these.

Whatever you're doing this weekend, I hope it's a good one. I'll be embracing my Welsh side and going down to Cardiff for the rugby on Saturday - so Sunday will most likely be spent in bed with tea and the papers. With a boy who wears Common Projects trainers...