Music Monday | The Maccabees

Last week I went to go and see The Maccabees at The Ritz in Manchester. I have loved The Maccabees since my first year at collage (that's a very long time) and seen them more times than I can count over the years, yet they still have the same magic live as they did all that time ago.

It seemed the crowd at The Ritz agreed with me, from the moment the band came on stage the entire audience were behind them, clapping and singing along to every song. From old favourites like 'Latchmere' all the way through to new album tracks including current single 'Marks to Prove It', the atmosphere was electric amongst a middle twenties crowd who were excitedly dancing along to their old favourite band. Perhaps nostalgia and memories past had a lot to do with, however the new tracks from their up-coming fourth album had just as much heart as their first singles.

With a whole load of radio air-time and a new album out at the end of July, it seems The Maccabees have captured a brand new audience while still retaining the loyalty of those who fell for them the first time around. Roll on Glastonbury when I will be seeing them again for more sing-a-long sessions!

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Outfit | Vintage Bell Sleeve Blouse

Camel Scuba A-Line Dress - Missguided

Bell Sleeve Blouse - Vintage

Faux Leather Leggings - Primark

Snake Print Boots - Missguided

You might have noticed I am a bit of a fan of the 70s and love working in nods from the era to my everyday wardrobe. I've had this blouse for a couple of years now and it is probably my best ever vintage find. I love the bell sleeves with lace detail as they are so perfect for adding a bit of boho to an outfit, and as it's vintage I know nobody else will have the same thing.

Another big trend at the moment is camel coloured items, it's something I have loved on others but have not been so sure on how to work it into my own wardrobe. I really like this look however and think the black, white and silver jewellery set it off camel dress quite nicely. 

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Lifestyle | Crazy Pedro's Part Time Pizza Parlour Manchester

One of the things I love about Manchester is that there seems to be something new opening every week. From cocktail bars to cafes and independent boutiques, there is something to tick every box and suit all interests. 

Last week I went with a couple of friends to check out Crazy Pedro's Part Time Pizza Parlour. Located just off Deansgate and run by the same people behind the ever popular Liars Club and Cane & Grain, I knew I was in for a pizza and cocktail shaped treat. With band posters lining the ceiling, a wall of brightly coloured illustrations and more types of tequila than I could ever dream of behind the bar, Crazy Pedro's has a laid back vibe and cheesy hits playlist.

We managed to grab a table on a sunny payday Thursday without too much trouble, although would recommend going early if you want to sit down for food. Firstly I wanted to check out the cocktails, I saw the couple in front of us at the bar order the sweets lined Dizzee Mescal above and just had to have one too. It was happy hour when we visited so it seemed rude to not also grab a Raspberry Frozen Margarita, especially as tequila is my favourite tipple. Served in American red cups, the sweets and frozen slush just scream 'party time' to me. I hear it can get pretty rowdy in Crazy Pedro's closer to the 4am closing time, and with the generous alcohol portions in their cocktails I can see why. 

After a much needed catch up with my gal pals, it was finally time for pizza. Being vegetarian I was expecting to get lumped with the usual plain cheese and tomato choice - not at Crazy Pedro's! With three different vegetarian pizza options on the menu, I know for sure I will be visiting again to check out the rest. This time we opted for the Nacho Libre - a nacho come pizza taste sensation with jalapeno's, tortilla chips, guac and sour cream all topping a perfectly cheesy and slightly crispy base. Delicious doesn't quite cover it, and at £12.50 for a 16" pizza which we split three ways, it was also a bargain. You can also buy pizza by the slice for £2.50 if you're a little less peckish.

What with it being payday, and Thursday being the new Friday (or so I'm told), we decided to grab another round of cocktails. This time I picked Pedro's Paloma and a Frozen Margarita (I just really love tequila, ok?). More red plastic cups and a cute American flag that we decided to wear in our hair later, (tres chic), I can safely say that Crazy Pedro's is a new favourite. 

Crazy Pedro's Part Time Pizza Parlour, 55-57 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BQ.

Happy hour: Sun-Fri 5-9pm

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Outfit | Neckercheif

Fringe Faux Leather Biker - Missguided

Paisley Neckercheif - Vintage

Fluffy Jumper - Primark

Faux Leather Leggings - Primark

Cut Out Ankle Boots - Missguided

This is my favourite outfit at the moment, perfect for lazy days when throwing an outfit together seems a little harder than usual. It is also my own personal nod to the amazing Coach Fall '15 collection from NYFW earlier in the year. I absolutely loved the biker jackets with pin badges and neckerchiefs they showed and thankfully it is quite an easy look to replicate. I'm really enjoying a monotone and muted tones colour palette at the moment, it just feels a little bit chicer, and makes my wardrobe much easier to mix and match.

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Sisterhood | Valentina Muntoni

The world is not an easy place. It isn't easy to succeed, to have your own voice, to have an idea and make it a reality, let alone make it your lively hood and absolutely kill the game while doing so. I've got so much respect for those entrepreneurial women who follow their dreams and make it work, and so I'd like to introduce you to one of the features on my blog, Sisterhood. Spotlighting those inspirational women who I wish I could be a little bit more like, the first instalment of Sisterhood is dedicated to Valentina Muntoni.

All images - Rat & Boa/Valentina Muntoni

Where to begin? Without meaning to sound like a gushing fangirl, Valentina Muntoni is one hell of a babe. Originally from the North of England, Valentina is the brains behind and face of the achingly cool Rat & Boa. Specialists in 'making unique creations for the free-spirits, night lovers and day dreamers', Rat & Boa is the place for boho babes who go crazy for a bit of crochet, fawn over fringing and feel their stomach tighten at the sight of tie dye. And if that wasn't enough, Rat & Boa are one of the latest concession at ASOS, cementing my belief that Valentina is definitely the sort of girl I want in my sisterhood.

I first stumbled across Rat & Boa on Instagram, where I instantly fell in love with their carefree vibes. Later on I found Valentina's Instagram account, and now find myself obsessing over her tropical beach babe life on a daily basis. If her killer style and enviable surroundings aren't enough to get you girl crushing, then her slamming body and babely boyfriend will.

Here's to more sister's doing it for themselves…

Rat & Boa Website
Rat & Boa Instagram
Valentina Muntoni Instagram

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Beauty | Models Own Colour Chrome Gold Review

Before I start with my first beauty product review on Moon Shine, I would just like to say I am in no way a beauty expert. I wouldn't even call myself an enthusiast, however there are a few certain types of products I really enjoy and it will be those that feature here on my blog. I've always wanted to be one of those girls with flawless make up, however sheer laziness and a small budget make that rather tricky.

On to the Models Own Colour Chrome Collection. Usually I stick to very plain colours on my nails, I get a bit obsessive over things matching/clashing so find a plain neutral shade best for my finger nails - that was until I came across this little beauty. Gold nails might sound a bit ghetto fabulous at first, which is probable the exact opposite of my own style, but I love mixing up silver and gold tones and contrasting my silver rings against this gold polish is the perfect way for me to do so.

The packaging of these polishes is beautiful, and even the least girly of girls like myself will find their inner magpie cooing over the bottles. Available in ten shades from metal tones like rose, silver, olive and gold all the way through to pink, blue, cerise and green colour pops. I recommend a strong shake of the bottle before every application to make sure the colour mixes well, and full colour coverage as shown above can be achieved in two very quick drying coats. I would be singing this polishes praises from the rooftops if it wasn't for the poor durability. Considering I work in an office Models Own Colour Chrome in gold wore off incredible fast. After just two days it looks less like it has chipped off and more like it has rubbed away. Perhaps a good top coat could sort this problem out, however I'm left a little disappointed when you consider how many rave reviews Models Own usually get.

I also recently purchased the Models Own Nail Polish Remover; a bigger, better and nicer smelling version of the much raved about Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. I couldn't reccomended this enough if you need to replace your current remover. Simply take the lid off, spin your finger inside the soft sponge and your polish with be removed in a matter of mess free seconds - perfect for lazy girls like me! So far I have had no little bits of sponge stuck to my finger like the Bourjois version and the left over remover on your hands has no stickiness to it. The fragrance of the Models Own remover is also much nicer and you get much more product for the same amount of money.This has become a new favourite of mine, and has been used several times over the past few weeks to remove and reapply the Models Own Colour Chrome polish, which despite it's rubbish wear time I have been wearing on repeat. 

Both products are £4.99 each and can be bought from the Models Own website, in selected Boots and Superdrug stores or in Models Own bottle shops across the country. 

Models Own Colour Chrome in Gold: 3.5/5

Models Own Nail Polish Remover: 5/5

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Outfit | Missguided Lace Dress

Lace Dress - Missguided

Sun Necklace - Topshop

Gemstone Necklace - Waiste

Leather Leggings - Topshop

Western Buckle Boots - Missguided

I can't tell you how much I love this dress! This For Love & Lemons dress has been the object of my desire for such a long time, so I can't tell you how happy I was to find this little dupe from Missguided. I also can't tell you how much I hate tights, so I decided this winter I wouldn't wear them. Instead I have been swapping them for leather leggings. I think it gives a bit more of an edge to an outfit, instead of those horrible, shiny, outfit ruiners otherwise known as 40 denier.

These western boots are also something I've been wearing on repeat since I bought them last winter, snap them up quick as they are now on sale for £18. So good I had to get them in white aswell!

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