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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Bitches, bitches., bitches. So many bitches

Before I start I would just like to clarify that this article isn't my own, its is a friend of mine Jennie Leighton's - Check out her blog and this article here: CLICK ME

I read this and thought, you know what this is so true and a really good message to be shared with everyone. I think Jennie describes it perfectly and its something that usually will effect us all although sometimes its not always as noticeable as others...

Over to Jennie and her powerful words. . .

" It's come to my realisation that sometimes people really do have an inability to be nice. Jealousy and bitterness rule and humanity and humility are somewhere absent with other non existent phenomena - like God for example. We've all been there; going through school with years of torment, some of the hardest and most unpleasant years of any life; and if you haven't experienced this; you're either lucky or you were the bitches making others lives hell - well done; good for you; has it made you a better person? Why do people get so much pleasure from trying to make another individuals life miserable? Do they get joy from it? Probably not. If they do it will be exceptionally fleeting. Then their lives will go back to being as pathetic and unfulfilled as they were in the moments leading up to their most recent 'bitch fest'. How do I know their lives are pathetic and unfulfilled? I know this because if they were full and happy they wouldn't feel the need to obsess over others. Isn't it funny how people will comment on someones personality being 'bad' while sitting in front of their computer screens typing some inane, immature and quite frankly poor attempts at insults on their twitter/facebook account. Although lets face it; they're probably too idiotic to even realise the irony. 

Jealousy really is the most unattractive and soul destroying trait in a person. And let me tell you, it controls such a huge proportion of the population. Especially young, not yet mature enough to realise the ridiculousness of their actions, school girls. It becomes an obsession. And then comes the "Oh, she thinks we're jealous of her. Don't flatter yourself".  Ha. Ha. Ha. Jealousy is the ONLY thing there is to account for your actions my darling. THE ONLY THING. And no. The girl on the other end of all your bullshit is not 'full of herself' to believe that you're jealous of her. She's realistic. Because if you REALLY thought she was a horrible person; a person with bad hair; a person with bad makeup;  a person with a bad body; a person with nothing to offer; you wouldn't bother with her. Not one single bit. Do you want to know why? Because you wouldn't feel threatened by her. The reason you have so much animosity towards that girl is because you want something she has. You believe her to be somewhat 'better' than you. Your own insecurity has made you obsessed with the notion that in order to elevate yourself to a level that you consider 'above' her you must slander her in as many ways as you can. Because stating everything that is 'wrong' with her must automatically illuminate everything that is so perfect about you. Right? WRONG. It makes you look like a bitter, twisted, pathetic excuse of a woman. Someone that no one in their right mind would trust or have time for. Someone with so many deep rooted obsessions and insecurities that anyone with half a brain cell would run a mile in the opposite direction of you; because guess what? Once you've finished with your current 'enemy' you'll turn on your current friend.

"I don't care if you hate me; I don't think about you at all"

It really is a sad existence when you still feel the compelling need to try and batter somebody when you really and truly never even cross their minds. It's utterly embarrassing that your obsession with trying to bring someone down in order to make yourself feel or 'look' better in front of other (probably just as mediocre) people, has continued even past the removal of that individual from your immediate 'world'. Thats when its possibly time to call in a shrink and have your head checked because the probability is that you're crazed. So why do you do it? For acceptance? From who? The other bitter girls around you? The boys who you think will like you more if you batter another? Your parents? Your siblings? Who? For yourself? Whatever your answer; it won't work. You will fail. No one will think you're any better because of your pitiful actions. Not in the long run anyway. And your insecure mind will continue to be so. Until eventually you might have the luck of having children. Maybe a little girl. Maybe a little boy. And god forbid you have to feel the hurt that takes over while watching them get tormented by those same arse holes that you embody. Or maybe you'll grow out of it when you leave the superficial 'stage' that is secondary school and you enter the real world where people cut your bullshit short. Or maybe you'll end up like those sad, sad, middle aged women on 'The Real Housewives of wherever' - bitching until the day you die no less happy and no less content - all the while having A LOT less money but just as ugly faces. Because you know what they say; you are what you speak. Speak ugly words and you'll become them. Whatever your 'reasons' for being such a 'mean girl/boy' how about you take the time to just, not? When you feel the need to write something hurtful on a social network, or endeavour to make someone feel like shit, go away and eat a fucking lemon or something. 

I'm sure you'll ponder this and immediately dismiss it because the person you're currently trying to belittle 'really does deserve it' and you're not really a blinkered, disturbed, insecure and spiteful person with an inability to look past your disgraceful actions. And then the cycle will continue. 

And for anyone on the receiving end of another persons insecure projections; just know that if someone is treating you in this way, you are already better than them .

Article by jennieinabox

I hope you enjoyed a little something different in a guest post today! Hopefully for some it will make you feel like you're not the only one, and for others make you feel stronger! 

O x

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Personal Style

" I love clothes, always have and always will! .

Thats the way it started off for me, just some clothes, some highstreet shops and a love for creativity and putting things together. Now whether my creativity and inspiration came from dance, my auntie (who pretty much introduced me to fashion) or I just found that I needed something to act as my armour while going to an all girls grammar school, I don't know. But I didn't start off having the mother who worked for Grazia and Daddy in the Dior head marketing department. I started off wanting good grades, good friends and something to strive for. That was never fashion related until quite recently. 

I worked hard at school (but to be honest, going to a grammar you have no choice but to!) I took all the usual GCSE's and then went on to A-level took 4 (I'm a nerd) English, History, Dance and Performing Arts, I became community captain and then went onto get into Roehampton University to study dance! Boom - No fashion involved! 

I guess throughout that time, my style adapted! I remember my trips to Manchester involving more than just my train (or plane when I was really little) fare! My Auntie Lisa was like my queen of fashion, she would trapse me round Manchester and the Trafford centre, Sale, Stockport and wherever else we went, and I LOVED every minute of it! Getting in on all the new trends that hadn't come down to Kent yet and just being inspired by it all! 

Dancing here, there, and everywhere and getting into breakdancing I guess my style created an 'add tab' to it and went from 'Latest Trend' to a bit of an Urban feel! I guess all my experiences and taste in style just kept adding tabs to my style feed to take me to where I am now. Being around all girls throughout school, I'm sure I don't need to tell you how bitchy it can be (although I have to say, I loved school! And it wasn't THAT bad!). Especially when I came into sixth form and the teachers were no longer having a go at me for never wearing shoes (odd ball!) the pressure was on even more to try and look good! (looking back I do think some of the things I wore were hideous) Nevertheless creating new outfits everyday to try and make something look different to the week I wore it before probably gave me the confidence I have now to try out new things. merge genres and styles together to create something different.

 My old flat mates at University were always saying how my style changed from day-to-day and that I didn't fit into a category, and my flat mates now are asking me to dress them and re-vamp their wardrobes. My friend the other week said I looked like something that should be in Vogue (I clearly don't, but all the same it was a nice thing to say), but juxtaposing that my flatmate said I was the only Urban Dresser she knew! A very strange mix of Urban Vogue! 

When asked about my fashion identity in a lecture I said that I didn't fit into one, that I liked to believe I was a little bit of everything, whatever took my fancy and I thought I could pull off! 

But when we were then asked who else thought they fitted into that category, or who strived to be individual at least half the class raised their hand. So maybe thats a category in itself, striving to be different. 

Now I would say there is a difference between being individual and then being a bit of everything. There is no way that I can pull off some of the things these people can...hence why they stood out to me when taking photos for my street style brief.

BUT, I am a bit of everything, so I overlap in the pie chart of stereotypes, and I'm fine with that. Im not confident enough to try and be REALLY out there (at least not yet), but I'm not one that always fits into the generic. But I'm also not one that wants to fit into anything else. 

I have a fettish for coats and trainers (and some shoes in general). I adore scarves and hats! And I have a love for all clothes from pretty much anywhere! I'm still trying to get to grips with the whole 'A Woman can never have too many bags' thing! because personally I just buy one and then that does me for a year or so until I see another. 

Find me a good charity shop and ill be in heaven (okay so I do love bags from charity shops, but thats different! they're always really cute and small!). I love to add a bit of vintage or the latest pair of Kicks! And then all the generic stuff really Topshop, Urban Zara...you know how it goes. 

Its not what you wear, its how you wear it. 

Confidence is the best thing a girl can wear, other than a smile of course!

O x

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