Bareminerals Brighton

29 June 2015

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to my local BareMinerals store with some of my fellow Brighton bloggers to find out a little more about their products. 

The staff were as lovely as the store, and so helpful! We were all given our own makeup stations with some of their 'hero' products from the brand and, taken through a look that we tried out on ourselves. 

One of the products we were introduced to was Complexion Rescue. This is a new product of theirs which, I has gone straight in to my everyday makeup bag! I'll be talking about it in more detail on here very soon. Along with this new product, I found myself wanting a few more of their products...roll on pay day! 

Here are a few photos from the event. Have you tried anything from the brand? Holla at me if you have any recommendations.
bareMinerals Brighton by What Laura did Next
bareMinerals Brighton by What Laura did Next
bareMinerals Brighton by What Laura did Next
bareMinerals Brighton by What Laura did Next

On repeat...the beauty products I can't get enough of

27 June 2015

Beauty repeats by What Laura did Next
I like to try new beauty products out but, I also have some that I always go back to. The Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm by Elemis is the thing I turn to all year round. Dull skin is something I struggle with, especially during the colder months so this is perfect. It also works as a primer as well. Don't you love a multitasking beauty product?

Ever since I first tried the Magic Nail Polish Remover by Bourjois, I have not looked back. This product is a great addition to anyone that loves to paint their nails, and no cotton wool needed! Plus, it's ideal for traveling.

I've preached about this before here so, I'll keep it brief. Effaclar A.I by La Roche-Posay targets individual blemishes and reduces them in days - this little tube of wonder is a must. Plus, you can now purchase it online here in the UK....Go! 

Essie's Millionails is a Base Coat and treatment in one. Does what it says on the bottle. Simples.
Beauty repeats by What Laura did Next
A little more high-end than drugstore, the YSL Babydoll Mascara is my absolute go-to for my lashes. Creating volume lash by lash this is my favourite for everyday. Last but not least, YSL Touche Eclat is my little make up companion. It's managed to hide the bags under my eyes for many years and, I never go anywhere without it. 

Summer Sales

24 June 2015

Although we don't seem to be having much of the Summer sunshine at the moment, the Summer sales have well and truly started, with the British highstreet offering discounts on their pieces left, right and centre.

Here are my sale picks that are perfect for wearing now, and for next season - I always have my mind on the new season, even if this one will be Autumn/Winter 2015!
Summer Sales by What Laura did Next
Left - Right: Suede Dress: Zara, Slogan Sweatshirt: Kenzo, Stripe Dress & White coat: Whistles, Leather dress: Finery London, Spot Jumpsuit: Whistles, Culotte jumpsuit: Finery London
Flared Jeans and Leaf-print dress: Topshop
Summer Sales by What Laura did Next

L-R: Black Sandals: KG Kurt Geiger, Flamingo heels: Sophia Webster, Ankle Boots: Zara
Bag: & Other Stories, Heeled Sandals: Miss KG
Summer Sales by What Laura did Next
L-R: Black jacket: Zara, Blazer: Cos, Swing coat: Cos, Embroidered Jacket: Zara
Khaki Jacket: Atterley

Debenhams AW15

23 June 2015

I headed to the Debenhams AW15 preview last week to see what they have in store for next season and, I found myself making a mental wish list, featuring pieces all perfect for starting your AW15 wardrobe with.

Debenhams continues to bring affordable fashion to the high street, with key seasonal trends and timeless pieces. There's something for everyone. The Designers at Debenhams collections were the stand outs for me, with Betty Jackson.Black's leather trench coat and H! by Henry Holland's military jacket being my absolute favourite pieces from the whole preview.
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next
Debenhams AW15 by What Laura did Next

Kurt Geiger AW15 (The Bags)

19 June 2015

As I said in my last post, the Kurt Geiger accessory AW15 collection deserves a post of its own.

As promised, here's a sneak peek at a few of the bags that will be available soon.

Expect chic styles, in lot's of colours perfect for the new season...I want them all!
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next


The Kurt Geiger AW15 accessory collection ranges from £20.00 to £395.00 

Pieces will start dropping in to stores and online soon. 

Kurt Geiger AW15 (The Shoes)

16 June 2015

A few weeks ago, I was invited to have a sneak peek at the Kurt Geiger AW15 collection. Ladies, beware - the photos I'm about to show you will have you making a wish list as tall as Big Ben.

Expect the usual glamour from the British-design footwear brand with new additions to the iconic 'B Series' and, a new crew to the collection - the 'C Series'.

The boots were my favourite. Including a gorgeous pair of snakeskin ankle boots and a cute pair of knee highs in the softest oxblood leather. 

Expect lots of amazing textures in the form of pom-poms, snakeskin, lace and sequins. Kurt Geiger have outdone themselves for AW15 and with a children's collection launching in the Autumn as well, I'd say they are the ones to call on when you need some new footwear. 

Have a peek at my favourites below.
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next
Kurt Geiger AW15 by What Laura did Next

I have my eye on about 10 pairs that I need in my wardrobe and, I haven't got round to showing you the delightful and very beautiful bags.

They deserve a post of their own.

Luckily for you, the new AW15 collection has already started landing in stores and online.

Kurt Geiger AW15 ranges from £25.00 to £450.00 

Go on, you know you want to. Click here or pop in to your local store for a little peek. 

Wedding Planning (Part one)

15 June 2015

Wedding Planning by What Laura did Next
I may have just over a year until my big day but, the planning has already begun! The date has been set, the venues have been booked and the photographer confirmed.

But, that's been the easy part. Now, I have to start researching other parts for our big day - catering, flowers, guestlist, decorations - the list goes on! Am I tearing my hair out? Do I feel stressed? Lets say, I'd be lying if I said no!

I was recently contacted by StressFreePrint to see how I was getting on with the planning process. StressFreePrint are an online printing company who aim to make the printing process stress-free for their customers. They can design and print out your wedding invitations with the greatest of ease! They have a campaign going on at the moment for brides (and grooms) to be so, make sure you check them out. 

When planning a wedding, there are always things that are good to know, and there are things you need to know. I've been given a some little words of advice from a few lovely friends that have planned their weddings and, I've adopted some from my 9-5 job as well. If you're planning a wedding like me or know someone that is, then check out my planning tips below - I'm sure I'll have a few more when I next update you on how it's all going! 

1. Talk and 2. Set Aside time - The first thing we did after the excitement (and surprise) of our engagement had settled down a little, was to sit down together, with no distractions, a bottle of wine, a notebook/laptop and discuss what kind of wedding we wanted. This helped massively as it gave us a great idea on how much we needed to save. Going forward, we set aside an evening every other week to go through things and plan. One thing I've learnt in my day job and, something I massively believe in, is that communication is so important. 

Which moves me on to....

3. Budget - Establish your budget. Once you've done that, you can spend the next few months keeping track of your saving and where the money needs to be allocated to. To keep an eye on what we're spending, we have a spreadsheet set up that we keep updated on a regular basis.

4. Organisation - Buy a notebook. Set up a Pinterest board, make a scrapbook. Write all your ideas and plans somewhere so you can go back to them. Keep organised is going to keep you calm - don't think it makes you look like 'Brideszilla'. We already have a few spreadsheets on the go for various aspects of the day as well and, although I haven't started carrying my notebook everywhere with me yet, I know that's coming! 

and, the most important tip (and the one every one of my friends gave me)...

5. US - Remember, at the end of the day you're getting married because you want to spend the rest of your lives together and, that's the most important thing about the day. Brides and Grooms can sometimes forget about that - don't let the colour of the crepe paper for your poms poms being the wrong shade of blue get you in a tizz, or a family member listing demands and attempting to make additions to the guest list stress you out- it's about you and your other half, and the excitement of the next chapter in your lives. 

I hope these have helped anyone that has a wedding coming up! 


Post in collaboration with StressFreePrint, but all opinions, advice and love for all things wedding are my own.


Nars x Christopher Kane

9 June 2015

Nars x Christoper Kane by What Laura did Next
Be still my beating heart. One of my favourite beauty brands NARS has teamed up with the super talented British Designer, Christopher Kane to produce NEONEUTRAL - a collection made up of neon and nude shades. 

Now I've got to admit when I first saw the NARS x Christopher Kane collaboration, I was a little wary. Mainly because the colours are very bright - something I usually stay away from. HOWEVER, after having a little play and seeking advice from the very helpful lady on the NARS counter in Selfridges, I can honestly say each piece I tried is very wearable. As the tagline says; Unexpectedly bold. Shockingly natural - completely true. 
Nars x Christoper Kane by What Laura did Next

Lip Gloss in Mezmer
A sheer neon watermelon colour, this Lip Gloss is my favourite product from the collection. It is totally wearable throughout the day, and can be applied with just one slick for a sheer pink glow - perfect for a daytime look or, it can be built up for a bolder look for night time. 

Lip Gloss in Nucleus
Described as 'Seashell Pink' this is the perfect nude Lip Gloss, without making you look washed out. Again, it is a shade that can be used from day to night and, the colour really stays.  

Both glosses I tried have a gorgeous, creamy feel to them and are not sticky in the slightest which, really surprised me. 

Eye Shadow Palette in Parallel Universe
This product was the one I was scared of the most - bright, metallic colours and very sparkly! This is something a 14-year-old Laura would've obsessed over back in the day. Before purchasing, I asked the very lovely NARS makeup artist in Selfridges to show me how to apply it without looking like a Christmas decoration and, I was so surprised. It can be used for shading, lining and highlighting the eyes, as well as being applied dry or with a damp brush for a stronger look. The colours are gorgeous on. 

If you're looking for something a little different to your usual make up, then this collection is perfect for that.

The NARS x Christopher Kane collaboration is available from Space.NK and Selfridges now

The job post (and a little catch up)

5 June 2015

*Warning! Super long post alert!*

Grab a cuppa and settle in...

You might have noticed that my little space over here has been fairly quiet - with no post in the last three weeks. OMG. I thought I'd do a little catch up today in an attempt to make up for that. If you follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram, you'll notice that I've been away up in London with my 9-5 job for the last couple of weeks, living in a hotel and working on something I'm ridiculously proud of.

Running a blog alongside working full time can be bloody tiring, but it makes it so rewarding when I bump in to readers and friends who comment on a recent post they loved or, when a brand I love get in touch with an interest to collaborate. This blog started out as a hobby a few years back when I was on the job hunt and at a bit of a loose end. It's something I am super proud of and, as well as being a creative outlet it also looks really great on the CV.

I've only mentioned my work life a little on WLDN before. However, I've been meaning to write up a post on my career as I do get quite a few emails and Tweets from my lovely readers interested in what I do. Now, I am by no means an expert on the subject, but if you've emailed me you'll know I'm always happy to help and give advice if I can.
Background/Experience
I've had a few emails asking me about how I got in to working in events. I've worked in the events industry for about 6 years. I sort of fell into it after graduating from London College of Fashion where I studied Fashion marketing and promotion. After graduating, I struggled to get a job that was paid, and couldn't afford to do more internships (I'd already done a fair few). I knew someone that worked for an events company based in Brighton so, I helped out over their busy period at Christmas, which was then extended after, and I moved on to organising hen and stag dos and corporate Summer and Christmas parties. From there I went on to freelance for a few companies, working on large events for a magazine and also a gaming company before starting where I am now just over a year ago as a Production and Events Coordinator. The most recent show I've worked on, and the one I'm most proud of is Clerkenwell Design Week. CDW is a 3 day festival based in six venues and various showrooms across the area of Clerkenwell in London. It's the UK’s leading independent design festival and attracts a lot of people. The role I have on this show is a little more complex as although I'm mainly working on the production side of the show, I also get involved with the Operations team as well - I'm a little busy bee when we're on site (thank god for my Nike Free Runs!).
(Super proud that CDW was mentioned on Vogue.co.uk)
What to expect from working in events
Speaking from experience, no day is ever the same! One day I could be in the office, doing some admin and the next, I could be at a venue doing a site visit with a client. Expect long hours when in the run up to the event you are working on - I can honestly say that when it's really busy, I don't 'log off' until very late and, working weekends is a given as well. For some people that will sound awful, but with every team I've worked with we make it fun and support each other through it. Working in events means that you’ll have to deal with very different types of people, from a Sales Manager at a city centre five star hotel to an Events Director who oversees every single thing on the show – and you’ll make some great friends which, is one of my favourite things about my job. 

Advice on getting in to the events industry
Like lots of other industries, the events industry is huge so I would think about what area you want to work in first - I've been very lucky and have had the opportunity to work for various companies across lots of different areas in the industry. Start to research and contact companies you're interested in working for and see if they have any opportunities available. Most companies will advertise opportunities and internships on their website but, I would recommend sending them a CV and Covering Letter even if they don't.

If you have any questions regarding my career, please do get in touch via email, twitter, etc. I'm more than happy to talk about it and give tips on how to get into the industry.