Spring Tones

As Nottingham, and the rest of England got a touch of sunshine last week, we all got a bit excited! We got our sandals, shorts and sunnies on and headed for the park...and as soon as we stepped outside, we came rushing back in again! BECAUSE IT WAS BLOODY FREEZING! 

So after realising I'd made a mistake I went back and switched the shorts for some bright bangers with my yellow trousers, and added my pastel blue jacket. Obviously I kept the sunnies and sandals! Need to pretend like its HOT HOT HOT even if its not! :) 

I haven't done a 'What She Wore' post in a while, but I thought this sunny one was very apt considering I'm flying out to the big O Z on Friday where (HOPEFULLY) there will be lots of sun! And believe me, you're going to be hearing all about it on my lead up to going and when I get back! 

Get prepared readers :) 

O x

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Zara Owns

If you’re a girl you’ve seen it, if you’re a guy, you’re girlfriends shown you it, and if you’re a parent, your daughter hasn’t stopped pestering you about it. Yes it’s the Zara Lookbook for February 2014. Before I carry on discussing this masterpiece of fashion, I have a confession. While researching and creating this article, I actually had to stop half way through and go and indulge myself within Zara’s new range. Lets just say this, my student loan was spent very well (the summer wardrobe has come along nicely!).

Seeing this seasons range first hand only made me fall in love with it more! Zara really have hit the nail on the head with this one! It’s absolutely stunning. From bell shaped sleeves to perfection in pastels, they have really mastered the ‘in’ trends for this summer, and have literally blown their competitors out of the water....

Sunflower Sets The Scene

Zara Sunshine SS14 by livymonts featuring fabric home decor

Click Here To Read Full Article on 'StudentFashion' ....

O x

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Social Media Selfie...The Debate

OK now I get that some of you may be a little bit pissed off seeing all these girls taking selfies on your homepage, so you're gonna have a rant. But I'm a bit fed up of hearing about all the negativity (yes okay if you haven't donated, please do)! We get belittled all the time about being selfish and not doing things for others, and the moment we are, theres people there to slate us for doing that as well...you can't win. I just read an article by a Woman who lost her mother to cancer and stated that the craze wasn't helpful and it just reminded her of all the sadness and worry because the word CANCER was spread all over her screen. Now in my eyes, she is being the selfish one, we are all raising money for a great cause in a way that can be spread FAST! I too lost my mother to cancer, and I know if she was still about today she would be proud at girls that come from a society of FAKE BAKE, going bare faced and putting themselves out there for the world to see in order to raise awareness and money for the charity. It may bring up bad memories, YES. But the only way to stop those bad memories for future families is to keep raising! So why turn your back on it because its to do with 'selfies' or social media? You should be embracing it and helping the cause! The reason its been to successful is not because you're quietly donating on your computer, its because we are sharing it, nominating, passing it on so it reaches a higher number of people. 

"The ‘no make-up selfie’ trend has helped charity Cancer Research UK raise more than £1 million through 800,000 text donations since yesterday. The campaign, which began on social media on Tuesday afternoon, asks women to post photos of themselves online without make-up, with the hashtag #nomakeupselfie. Cancer Research UK told Telegraph Wonder Women that it received almost a million unexpected donations yesterday, most of which came in via text message.

The charity also saw a rise in people donating at their Cancer Research UK shops, and a huge peak in visits to its website .

                                                                                                       --- The Telegraph Online Posted Thursday 20th March 2014.

If you're slating the social media craze then really you're slating the charity too, Its clear that it is doing the job it was designed to do. 

Learn to take the positives out of life, not the negatives

So keep posting ladies, keep texting BEAT to 70099 and keep checking those boobies! 

O x

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Best of the Fest #1 - The Hair

Its that time of year all over again...FESTIVAL TIME! Okay so your desired fest may not actually be for quite a few months yet, but its definitely time to start planning which ones you're going to go to and start saving for you tickets. So why not start to plan your festival style as well. Im here to help! 

Being a huge Festival lover and 'goer' myself, I know the planning that goes into those outfits beforehand, the stocking up of dry shampoo and the hairstyles that cover your grease by day 4! 

I am going to be doing a series of posts in the next few weeks, all leading up to the Festivals about each section of style. 

So here is #1 - The Hair! Now it really does depend on what kind of hair you have. We aren't all gifted with the natural bouncy locks, and look like a supermodel when we wake up from our sweaty tent. So here are 5 looks which reflect from the grease and still make you look like a rockstar!

Despite the fact that from day one most of us look like this, with a bit of help from our beloved Tangle Teazer and some dry shampoo (maybe a bit of hair spray, but thats going to be a killer in the morning). We can totally look like we've been showering regularly!

The Curls 

Im not Hudgens biggest fan, and granted she probably had her personal stylist along with her to the festival, BUT you can still rock the curls like she does through the festival season. Sleep in plaits, put rags in your hair, use moose, or just sleep with a messy bun! Some of you may be lucky enough already to have curly hair naturally, in which case "I WOKE UP LIKE THIS" is much needed! 

Curls are also an awesome way of hiding the grease (and dry shampoo!).

 The Hat

For those whose hair stylist techniques aren't quite on point, what better way to cover up the mop and still make yourself look super on trend, than by shoving a hat over it! Florence goes for the cute small hat, whereas the Boho chick at the top goes all out with a big'un! Whatever style suits you best, hats are a great way to still look fresh! (although be careful, you will probably lose it in the crowds!).

 The Feathers

I can't say I've done this one yet, but I think its definitely on the cards for this year's fest! FEATHERS :) Think hippy, think red indian, think dream catchers! Whatever kind of look you want to go for, they look amazing! Plus, you look like you're a proper festival goer (you know what I mean, who doesn't want to look as though they're natural habitat is a festival!). If you're confident enough to go for the full on headdress DO IT, and add in some plaits too! If not random plaits in the hair with feathers on the end always look super cute (however you need to be comfortable with the messy look, as by the end of the day its not going to look incredible!). Alternatively you can rock it like the girl above and have an up do with the feathers to one side. I think she is wearing a headband, which they're attached to. So I'll be keeping my eye out for one of those and let you know if I find one!

 The Headband

Perfect for those of you with maybe shorter hair. Its not long enough for the curls, hats would make you look bald, and the flower power results in a mushroom head! The head band is a good solution. Again its been done, but it looks wicked! Especially if you already have an edge to your style. Make sure you go for the right colour and pattern though, I adore the girl above! Her band goes perfectly with her cowboy esque jacket and matches her lippy, which is only complimented nicely with the reto sunnies! Seriously wish I could pull off that look :) 

 The Flowers

I don't have to remind you of this trend. It has literally been covering festivals for the last 3 years! THE FLOWER POWER :) Its back with a vengeance, anyone who is actually no one is wearing the flowers. They're even selling them at the festivals themselves! But why not take the next step and make them big, make them bold. Like this girl, she's confident with her array of flowers on her head, and she is rocking it! 

 The Plait

Plaits, plaits, plaits! Perfect! They keep the greasy fringe out the way, they look insane, the more the merrier when it  comes to plaits! If you want to do small random ones or whack in the entire head. Plaits are always going to look awesome and be super practical too! No knots, nice wavy hair at the end of it, who wouldn't want that!

O x

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A Splash of Spring

As we get older, surprisingly the easter hunts actually get MORE exciting! Although I do wish that instead of hunting in the flowers for an egg, I was hunting for clothes instead! 

I think ill have to pitch this one to my Dad when I get to see him next week! I think its a pretty good idea (and would save my student loan from drowning!) 

After already posting about this seasons S/S trends HERE, I decided to create my own Easter Bunny list, with all the items that have been saved to my basket until a later date! 

I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good old Kimono. I currently own 3 and definitely want my collecting to keep expanding. Maybe they will become my summer fetish, similar to my winter fetish of coats! Urban Outfitters combination of yellow and blue along with hints of whites is perfect fit to my collection.

This dress is the perfect combination of sexy for the evening but also light and playful for during the day. White was a hot topic on the catwalks for S/S'14, so definitely one to invest in. A Little White Dress, is the new black for this summer!

To add a little bit of funk to the outfit I thought this Topshop purse would fit perfectly! And could be used during the day with some sunnies and sandals, or at night with a killer pair of white heels! 

I feel in love with this ASOS Co-ord as soon as I saw it. I've been looking around for some for a white now, and this is by far the nicest! Thick stripes are in and pinstripe is out this summer! Accompany this with the hot-colour Lemon coat and it would make the perfect summer chic outfit! 

 I first came across this collection of amazing shoes while looking on loveclothing, and I feel deeply in love (mostly with the top line!). It wasn't until they were released that I realised they were Jeffery Campbell, and then it all became clear as to why they were so beautiful! It seems that the chunky white heel is definitely a MUST have this summer! So if you're going to buy one thing on trend, let it be that! River Island and Urban Outfitters do a nice smaller heel version for those of us who can't walk around all day in a 6 inch and don't have £150 to spend right now! :)

 Last but not least, a new pair of sunnies for the summer is always vital! Topshop (as always) have a beautiful range. It looks like the retro John Lennon circle has been carried over from last summer to this one! I don't mind...I wasn't ready to chuck my sunnies out anyway!

O x

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The Green Eyed Monster

" Jealousy is the ugliest triat a person can have .

Now, none of us are St.Nick, we all behold jealousy within us. So that means we should spread it around and treat people differently because of it right. Wrong!

People think that its not obvious when someone is jealous, well it is. You'll be meaner, harsher and more over the top about simple things that you would just let go otherwise. If someone is your mate you should be happy for their achievements, support them in their findings and encourage them to do well in their futures. Yes we will always want a girls body that we dont have, or their hair, or their lifestyle or their opportunities. So appreciate those things about them and respect them, as you're already holding them in high regard. But dont bitch about them and just make them feel like crap about these good traits that you wish you had. Think about it, how would you feel if someone started being bitchy towards you just because you had good hair. Seems foreign right!? 

Remember this, if someone is talking about you, be it your success, your looks or personality. . . you can be sure you're doing something right.

O x

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Good Friends

Leading the hectic life as I do, it’s rare that I get the chance to take a step back and start to reflect on how good my life really is. We all get distracted by the other simple annoyances and irritations in everyday life, that we tend to take advantage of what’s already there, and just moan about what’s not. What we strive to have and work to achieve. So its good every now and again to just take a few hours out. Maybe you’re watching a film, maybe you’re on a train (that’s where I usually am), maybe you’re doing some work in the library or just laying in bed doing sweet FA listening to some good songs! Whatever it is take that time to appreciate what is, and think about the real importance of what’s not. 

If something is taking up all your energy and emotions and it’s just not worth your time, stop doing it. People can take advantage of traits you carry just because it makes them feel a little better. 

Being on a 3 hour coach journey back from London has definitely given me time to reflect (while accompanied by Beyonce’s voice!). Sometimes the people that are the most important are the ones you just don’t expect, and you need to take the time out to appreciate those people and let them know “YOURE GREAT & IM SO GLAD WE’RE FRIENDS”. A simple text can go a long way, yet being caught up in the hustle and bustle we rarely do it. 

Yet sometimes there are times when you need to take a step back and think ‘ok (insert your name here) is this really worth the effort and upset’ and sometimes the answer will be YES, in which case you talk to that person and if they care for you enough they will appreciate your words and you’ll figure it out. However, other times its just better to let it be what it is and remove yourself from the situation. It might not even be anything major like a fight, it could simply be that they’re just not interested enough to make the effort that you would. Sometimes the things that are not said are the ones that cause the problem in the first place! Crazy right! 

Ever heard the saying “actions speak louder than words”, well its true, you can tell the world that someone is your best mate. But the truth is, if neither of you are even bothered with the other, then you’re really not. Not to say a BBFL needs to be your partner in crime 24/7 but when the time comes, you know distance or silence never changes your friendship. 

Often there is a crossroads and you have to decide which way you’re going to go (very philosophical I know!). It might take years, months or maybe just weeks to decide which road you’re going to take. But once you do it feels good to be one step closer to making your happiness happen for you! 

I’m a culprit of sometimes trying to make other peoples happiness happen so much that I forget about myself and then turn round a few weeks later and wonder why I’m so moody all the time. Its because more often than not, people use what you bring them to just bring you down, we all do it, and sometimes it will just be the situation in hand and a one off. But have it done too much and you just get drained. 

Often at this point I isolate myself from everyone and everything just because it’s easier that way, to be on my own and not have to deal with it. But getting away, having a break and then looking at it all clearly and reflecting on what’s really important and what’s just not worth the time anymore really helps. I guess with anything this is a really good tool to use.

We have to accept that sometimes things happen that are just out of our control, and no matter how many times we flash that smile, or go out of our way to try and do the right thing. It will never be enough for some. That’s life! 

I’m happy to say that most my close friends from school and home are still just as close now! We may be dotted all over the country (or world in the case of some!) but when we can, we all make the effort to just subconsciously say “I really appreciate that we’re mates”. 

And I’m even happier to say that I have made other friends since then, even in the short time that I may have known them (most only a year and under) I know that they’re the good eggs! 

As mad as it sounds, making good friends is an experience of trial and error. Sometimes we think we have found our soul sister, and a few months in, shes off with the next best thing. But don’t get upset and down about it (although I know we all do!). She just wasn’t the one, wasn’t worth your time and energy. 

"We’re all human, which means we are selfish by nature. The ones that take the time out to be selfless… They’re the keepers! .

I guess you could say that this is my little indirect message to all my good’uns and say cheers, for just being you!

O x

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Its Never Too Early For Summer Clothes

My first fashion article, writing for 'Student Fashion' . . .

"When the Topshop Unique Spring/Summer 2014 catwalk show happened last September we were all raring to write our opinions and be the first to see what was going to be on the streets in the sunshine. However, looking back now it seems like a lifetime ago! We have been wrapped up in our fur coats all winter and our beanie hats are still making an appearance! The good news is that March is our ‘Ease into Spring’ month. With the Easter holidays shortly round the corner, a holiday shop may well be on the cards. So what better time to get ahead of the trend and start collating your summer wardrobes.

With London Fashion Week having recently passed, preparing us for Autumn and Winter this year, the Summer trends haven’t really been on the forefront of our minds. So I’m here to give you a little reminder of what to look out for by recapping Topshop Unique S/S ’14 catwalk show...

... Read Full Article Here

O x

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A Boho Lunch

This post is again, another foodie! and also very late (sorry I've been a bit absent on the chronology of posts). Valentines Lunch in a cute little boho restaurant! As I mentioned in an earlier post, my boyfriend came to surprise me for Valentines, unfortunately most of the weekend was horrible rain and wind. However, we managed to find shelter in this cute little cafe/restaurant in Hockley (right next to my happy place). Its a very intimate place with I'd say a maximum of about 25 seats (from what I could see anyway). Really cute, vintage, cake shop/coffee shop meets spanish boutique cafe! Very cool, very hipster (for all of those in Nottingham, believe me there are loads!) 

A great word to describe it would just be RANDOM. Its a little spanish cafe, but that also sells cake, loads of alcohol and wine, with endless paintings and illustrations on the wall. All chairs and tables being a little different from one another but everything all working together really nicely to give a cosy feel!

After doing my research I have learnt the infamous name of 'so called place' Edins Cafe! Heard of it? well if not, definitely take a trip down there. Its a great place for a quick lunch, a girly catch up over coffee and cake, a great place to blog and work (the seats along the window look pretty cosy), or just to take a magazine or book and chill out from the rest of the world for a few hours! 

I have to say though, if you're a bit touchy about personal space or claustrophobic, I'd probably stay clear, not exactly the best place for you! But for the rest of you who don't mind a stranger pretty much living on your lap...ITS GREAT! Im joking, it really is nice! 

Awful picture, but very cute retro telephone.

Red Velvet Gatto - YUM! :)

O x

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