Since moving I chucked away loads of old clothing that I hadn't worn in 6 months. So I was seriously lacking in the wardrobe department when the colder weather came in this week. I had some scruffy looking boots, and a bobbly coat...I took myself to the Bullring and brought a few essntials to spruce up my wardrobe and last me through the colder months!

To start I purchased a new coat from Next. I previously had a blue, fur hooded cape style coat from Topshop which still looks nice, its just turned bobbly from being worn so much. So I decided to go for a Peacoat style, in a stylish Khaki Green. I already have a green jacket, but it won;t keep me warm enough, and also doesn't look smart enough. So I opted for something stylish and smart, yet practical. I love the shape and detail, it looks perfect with jeans and ankle boots.

Speaking of ankle boots, I really wanted some new boots. Something for walking though town, but able to wear to dinner too. I was expecting to have trouble finding exactly what I wanted, but as soon as I went into River Island I was surrounded with too many too choose from! I knew I wanted Tan coloured, as I already have a black pair. £40 later I settled for these - Brown Suede Chelsea Boots. I was eyeing up a pair of Timberlands...but I couldn't quite justify the price tag - plus they're not exactly smart.

A quick trip to Zara on the search for a nice smart jumper...and walked out with a red flannel shirt instead. It's smart yet casual, and really high quality. Then I headed to Gap in search of the smart Jumper...I found a super soft dappled grey one.

I also headed to Primark to stock up on a few cheap essentials. I brought 2 pairs of cosy slipper socks (OMG I never want to take these off!) 1 panda sleep mask, a navy blue V neck jumper, and a floaty grey jumper - can never have enough grey jumpers. And I also snook in a grey and white bed thow for our bedroom. And some cheeky Bambi PJ's....just cause.

I also opted for a new nail varnish in the Sunset collection by Barry M. I picked up thr shade 'The Dark Side Of The 'Shroom' which - is a beautiful mushroom shade. its amuted grey/purple, and with the daylight curing topcoat, its super shiny and polished.

I found myself in Boots again yesterday, this time to pick some normal items such as shampoo etc; but stumbled across the Barry M counter and saw some new offerings since I'd last been.

I was instantly drawn to the rose gold packaging and the concept: gel nails without the UV lamp. The shade selection isn't my favourite so I picked up an easy nude shade in 'Like A Nude' which is then paired with the 'Daylight Curing' topcoat. The shades are all bright summer shades - where as I prefer my pastels right now, the only other shade I was interested in was a coral pink.
The polish took about four thin coats to get a nice opaque finish. I've heard other colours are around two coats.

From what I understand the shade colour adheres to your nail like a gel polish, and then the top coat uses everyday UV lights in the daylight and artificial lighting to 'cure'/dry like a gel polish. I haven't tried the top coat with nail varnishes not from this range, so I will experiment and report back!

The finish is super glossy and professional looking. They're hard as nails and yet they come off with regular nail polish remover.

My left hand has survived a whole day without chipping and looks just as perfect and chip free as it did yesterday. My right hand looks a bit worse for wear....but my left side was more carefully applied and this shows in the end result. My job is incredibly hands on, so this is to be expected; I don't think even professionally done nails would withstand my work place.

I really like this idea and will be purchasing the coral pink soon to test that out and experimenting with other polishes to see if the same effect happens.

For £4.99 I think it's a really affordable way to get professional looking nails that will last - (as long as you don't have a hand destroying job like mine!)

Have you tried these nail varnishes yet?