I’m sure you know how the story goes already; girl feels stressed and overwhelmed about University life and makes plans with close confidante to have a look at the mall as a reward and you somehow end up with a variety of items that you didn’t have in mind but adore and less money to your name than you can easily stomach. Luckily this time, I didn’t go too crazy and end up in that awful state where you come to feel nauseous after you realize all of the purchases made and I can also say that I bought things that were actually rather utilitarian and I managed to resist any purchases at Sephora and the drugstore. I’m rather proud of myself.

Aldo Lazares Satchel ($60)

First up is a bag, and this is completely justified (actually) because all of my school bags seem to be falling apart in some way and this one caught my eye and ticked all of the boxes. I think I’m in love. It’s a roomy satchel that has a rather muted colourblocked effect with the cobalt, midnight navy and tan detailing and has that slouchiness I adore, coming with a lovely crossbody strap too. It will fit the computer and a few books (I’ve checked) and I think it’s the perfect size for touting around all day and looking decent while out and about too.

 Bath & Body Works Mini Candles ($3/12)

After going through the heartbreak of watching the glass of my Spiced Pumpkin Cider 3-Wick Candle shatter and take the wicks with it before I could even light the candle, I couldn’t resist heading into the store with their sale on and I’m pretty proud that I didn’t succumb to the rather expensive 2/35 offer on the larger candles and instead went for these small ones, but I was disappointed that they were all out of my lost scent. However, I came out with three small candles to try and I’m fairly excited to try them; my favourite has to be Flannel, one of those warm and spicy scents that screams attractive male but also looking forward to burning the weirdly nice-smelling Wasabi Apple Mini Candle and the nicely subdued Pumpkin Caramel Latte Mini Candle that surprised me by not making me feel mildly nauseous on account of the sweet scent.

 Gap Drop-Shoulder Sweater in Mushroom ($38.46)

Before heading home, I was wandering around Gap with the mother, as one does and this one caught my eye and from the moment I felt it, I knew the muted taupe-y slouchy sweater had to be mine. It has a flattering slouchy fit, as one would expect but the material is the best part – it’s nice and lightweight and soft without being heavy or scratchy and I would attribute it to the nylon and wool blend. Love.

 MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze ($37)

I was strolling around MAC picking up a makeup gift for someone else and somehow I couldn’t leave MAC too empty handed (for myself) and this shade of the gorgeous luminous Mineralize Skinfinish caught my eye. I’m sure regular readers have heard me rave about limited edition shades loads of times and I couldn’t resist picking this permanent shade up that I could potentially fall in love with and others could actually get it. Whoa. It has the formula that I love and it’s definitely one of the more pigmented and smooth shades and it’s a golden hue with a hint of coral thrown through it. This is definitely not a highlighter on me but I’ve been loving it as a glowy blush – at least in the one time that I’ve worn it. I’m excited. Ever so slightly.

What have you picked up lately?

Maggie, x.