If you read my post last week you'll know I went to Stylist Live (and had a ball, find out more here) a couple of weekend's ago and while I was there I picked up only a few bits from A LOT of what was on offer! The first thing I decided to pick up was a build-it-yourself Birchbox – I'm sure most of you guys know what Birchbox is, but just in case you don't, it's a monthly subscription box made up of new and exclusive make-up and skin products. Stylist Live teamed up with Birchbox for you to be able to create your own from some of the products they had on offer.

You could pick two make-up products, two skincare products and one hair product – so I headed straight over to Benefit Pore Fessional and the Laura Mercier mascara and added them to my box. The skincare was a little harder as I hadn't ever tried them before – but that's what Birchbox is all about, I guess, to try new things. The Whish Body Butter feels amazing and the Philip Kingsley hair serum makes my hair so soft – really happy with what I managed to pick up!

The second thing I picked up was a small goody bag from Clarins, for only £20 you got a heck of a lot of product for your dollar! From a blusher palette to mascara and Skin Perfecting BB Cream to a Cleansing Gel there's a huge variety in this pack. While we were there, we also managed to chat to one of the lovely ladies working for Clarins and talk a little more about the brand which was really interesting! I now also have a lovely new travel make-up bag, too!

Having read Stylist magazine since I was at university in Southampton (though it's a lot harder to find now I'm back in Somerset) when I saw they had an event on in London I jumped at the chance to be there. Stylist Live took place last weekend and filled with fashionistas, industry experts and pop up stores my friend Larissa and I were in a fashion wonderland! So where to start?

As soon as we arrived we knew it was going to be a fun and glamorous affair – Dawn O'Porter and Edith Bowman were both there ready to hand us fliers, yes, hand US fliers! We did a double take for that one. Then we took off upstairs too scout out some yummy breakfast: one fruit smoothie and pain au chocolat later we got back into the heart of the event (after taking a few photos of ourselves, of course – see my Instagram for more posey action) and started to peruse the huge array of pop up shops, enjoying a free flute of champagne. It was then time to learn a little more about social media! Stylist had put on 'Learning Labs' and a 'Culture Lounge' which played host to experts, all there to answer our burning questions and give talks on their profession. We opted for The Social Media Revolutionaries – hosted by Edith Bowman who put questions to three brilliant women who have all made a change using social media, including Brie Rogers Lowrie of Change.org. Amazing and inspiring!

It was then time to browse some more, I won't give too much away about what I bought as there will be a post all about that next week but let's just say creating your own Glossybox and getting some Clarins bargains puts you in a super good mood! Shops such as a personal favourite Olive Cooper London, Benefit, Flamingo Candles and so much were on hand to offer discounts and a more personal shopping experience. It was then time for something we had paid extra for – a Q&A with make-up superstar Lisa Eldridge, who was absolutely amazing. She was asked questions by Sali Hughes, another inspiring woman and author and audience questions, as well giving us an insight into how she got to where she is today. 

It was then time for probably my favourite part of the whole event and I'm so glad we waited till the end of the day (i.e. when we were starting to flag a little) to go and see the catwalk show. As it wasn't that busy we were bumped up to front row and got to see the five big trends Stylist had come away with after attending the major fashion shows. The trends were: Sweet and Sour, Period Drama, Decor Dressing, 80s Glam and (my favourite) Supercharged Tweed – all using clothes from the high street, and we were given all the details of the looks and where they were from which was super helpful...but also a little dangerous for the bank balance!

As it had started to die down we decided to hot foot it to the photobooth which had been busy all day – fashion girls love their selfies, don't ya know – but it was finally time to leave and rest our tired feet after an amazing time at Stylist Live. Didn't get to go? Make sure you do next year!

Oh and if you're after something else to read follow my friend Larissa!