About Me

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I currently study and live in Birmingham and am in my second year of university, undertaking a degree in media and communication. I used to blog (about fashion, style, clothes etc.) but for various reasons stopped. However, I now find myself at a point where I have more developed and informed opinions on an array of different things, including the fashion industry. This blog is not going to be photos of outfits and clothes, but my view on a multitude of topics surrounding the fashion industry. Fashion is something that I love but as media undergraduate I want to write articles that avoid the wishy washy adoration so commonly reflected in fashion blogs and magazines. It's interesting to look a little further and dig a littler deeper.

Monday 8 October 2012

back to snap

top,shorts,tights; Topshop, shoes; Nike, hoodie; SoulCal, hat; New Era
Not as easy as I first anticipated to post frequently again. University life is a lot more hectic than I imagined it to be, that being said I'm still loving every minute of it. Having a more quiet weekend this week which is well and truely needed as I am completely shattered. I'm quite aware that this isnt my 'usual' style but I felt like changing it up a bit and went for a more urban feel. Not sure if I would dress like this everyday but it was fun to experiment. What do you guys think about this sort of style? I think it can look quite edgy if done right.
p.s. this post was meant to go up Saturday evening but failed to, sorry

Saturday 29 September 2012

new places, new faces

So I have officially moved out from my family home and am now fully immersed into uni life up here in Birmingham. Well, I actually moved in on the 16th but have spent the past couple of weeks just getting settled before even attempting to blog. There was a actually a rather large hiccup concerning move in day; I was supposed to move in on the Saturday but we broke down on the motorway and I had to come up on the train the next day. All in all it was rather hectic and I like to forget about it. My classes have been very interesting so far, especially New Media Platforms. I just thought I'd post an update on here as to why I have been incognito over the past couple of weeks. Outfit posts should become a much more regular occurrence as I have been putting more effort into my outfit choices when I attend classes. Until next time.
P.S. Do you like my room so far?


Monday 10 September 2012

studs and stripes

jumper; Pull & Bear, top (worn underneath); River Island, skirt; Zara, shoes; Topshop

A bit of a different outfit today, but I felt like wearing something different. I always feel a bit awkward in typically girly clothes, so I teamed this pleated skirt with a thick, baggy jumper to make it appear less girly and more boyish. I love how the collar looks underneath as it fits in with the whole 'girly' thing whilst giving the whole outfit an edge with the blunt studes. Zara did a black, waxed, pleated skirt which would look so good with this outfit, however I can't seem to find it now which is a shame as my skirt collection could do with expanding.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

an unpredicted love

I have developed a new love for a brand that has been under my nose for years; Jack Wills. Now, if you had asked me how I felt about the Jack Wills brand a couple of years ago my response would not have been the most favorable. In fact, being brutally honest I thought that Jack Wills was an overpriced upmarket sports brand that was frequented by 'posh' boys and girls. I had never looked past the heavily branded hoodies to see that actually there is a lot more on offer which is fashion forward. There is definitely a heritage vibe about the clothing, featuring classic cuts and pieces that you really can't go wrong by. The colour palate is totally up my street and perfect for the approaching change of season. I am in love with the hat featured above, when I tried it on in the store I did have a Millie Mackintosh air about me, but I couldn't bring myself to part with the money(the hat in store was a deep brown colour which isn't available on the website).
I don't know if it was just me who felt like this towards the brand but I'm happily surprised to be proven wrong. I don't know what exactly made me walk into the Brighton store, but I sure am glad I did. I also had a preconception that I would feel a bit intimidated in the store itself but once again I was proven wrong. What are your views on Jack Wills?

Wednesday 22 August 2012

like a runner minus the running

Nike Air Max 1 black lotus liberty, Nike Air Max 1 Blue Glow, Nike Air Max 1 Fast Love

As you can probably already tell I have a slight obssession with Nike Air Max 1s, in particular the three above. I don't know what it is about them that makes them stand out more than any other trainer on the market right now, they're just so amazing. I'm no runner and even if I were I wouldn't choose these to run in because they're reasonably bulky, instead I think they'd look great with denim shorts and bare legs in the summer months. Simple, effortless and overall comfy! I understand that wearing trainers in a non-gym or non-exercise environment might not be to everyones' taste, but I rather like the look. But for those who want to make the transition into sportsware Nike have teamed up with Liberty and produced a limited edition range using iconic Liberty prints. There is even a wedge trainer for slightly more formal look. Back to the Air Max 1s; the only bad thing is that they are way out of my budget (£90-£105).
P.S I forgot to mention that I got into uni! I'm so excited!

Saturday 11 August 2012

summer cut out

Dress & shoes; Topshop
I realise that this outfit is rather plain and is entirely Topshop, however I didn't plan either of those when picking the outfit that morning. I haven't really worn this dress that much this year, especially considering that I bought it back in April, because I found it surprisingly hard to style. It didn't look right with any of the heels I had and it didn't look right with converse. But when the sun came out it seemed perfect as a casual summer dress instead of the 'going out' outfit I had in mind when I bought it. I did fear that I was going to get strange tan marks because of the cut out sections but, to my relief, I didn't get any. Oh and I appologise for the odd pose in the photo, it was the only decent image I had.

Sunday 5 August 2012

Seaside Soiree

Top; H&M, shorts; old cut offs, sandals; Topshop, bag; Eastpak

I am back from another trip away from home, but this time I went down to Devon for a couple of weeks as I do every summer, and it was a very enjoyable trip indeed. I spent the first half of my trip in Paignton and I must say that the weather was incredible! I got more of a tan there than I did in Tenerife. I spent most of my time on the beach or in the garden just relaxing and reading, and just generally loving life. The second half I headed over to Exmouth where the weather took a turn for the worse, but I still managed to go on a bike ride to Topsham before the really heavy rain showers hit.

Throughout the trip I wore quite simple outfits because of the warm weather however it may have also been due to pure laziness on my part. For me being comfortable is greatly important when I'm deciding what to wear in the morning so this tshirt and denim cut offs combination was typical for me. It may be slightly boring but I think the simplicity of it works well, and the addition of the green sandals give it a well needed pop of colour. The bag is one I got years ago for school when I was about 13 and was what I used when I went to the beach.

P.S. Over the past two weeks I have consumed enough food to feed an average family for a month. Need to get back on the pilates this week.

Friday 20 July 2012

where have you been...

Tenerife is where I have been! It was totally amazing, I cannot express verbally how amazing it actually was. I am however down on about 30 hours of sleep because of how late I got back most nights, and in one case not going to bed at all, so this explains why I look so incredibly rough in these photos. You may also notice that I do not look tanned in the slightest, and this is because I had sun/heat stroke and had to stay inside for two and a half days. A side from that it was all wonderful and I feel as if I'm ready to move out come September, whereas before I still felt like a child who was too young. To my surprise the nights out there were top notch, which proves you don't necessarily have to blow all your money on places like Ibiza. I got back home at 5am on Thursday and since then have been sat inside watching the rain roll down the window and longing to go out and party. I miss all the people there because everyone was up for a good time (expect one individual who makes my blood boil grr), its quite sad I'm never going to see them again.
P.S. look what the airport staff did to my suitcase on the way back :( now I have no suitcase for Sunday when I travel to Devon



Saturday 30 June 2012

half put together but not half hearted

Shirt & shorts; Topshop (also worn but not photographed brown buckle Topshop ankle boots & black Burshka faux leather jacket)
For the past few weeks I have been a recluse, however I place all blame on my exams which are, finally, finished now. But now they're actually finished I find myself a bit lost and feel that I should be doing work even though I have none to do. My lack of posts is due to my lack of activity. I didn't want to keep posting internet images of items that took my fancy as I felt it would get a bit boring after a while and so I have wait until now to upload something other than that. I had, so to speak, a formal engangement on Tuesday but felt it wasn't appropriate for me to photograph my outfit. Instead I bring you an outfit I wore last night (Friday) albeit very rushed and half put together. It was outside so I wore a black jacket and some ankle boots to keep me warm and these also helped to make the outfit look a bit more casual as it was an 18th birthday garden party. I also think my makeup made the look quite formal which was another reason why I chose to wear boots. I hate dressing up to go out as I just never know what to wear.
P.S. It was my prom on Thursday night but I'm waiting to get hold of some photos so that post will be up shortly

Monday 18 June 2012

my new designer love


So, I have developed a new love for Lublu Kira Plastinina, especially her aw12/13 collection. I am quite fussy when it comes to 'higher end' fashion in that I know exactly what I like and don't like, and as a result only ever find a couple of items I really like in one collection. However, after discovering this label I am delighted to say that I have fallen in love with the whole collection! Its the kind of look I find myself drawn to a lot recently; tailored, simple and well put together. What I especially like about this collection is that although it does feature tailoring it does not go overboard with it and turn too androgynous (something I am not a fan of). Now, if only I could generate the funds.

Saturday 9 June 2012

a solution to my swimwear dilemma


I so desperately wanted to do an outfit post but I've just been moping around my house attempting to do revision and occasionally venturing out to walk Bonzo, so my outfits have definitely not been photo worthy. Instead I thought I'd show you my newest purchase from H&M; this gorgeous turquoise bikini. I actually bought two new bikinis last year, one of which was from H&M, but both didn't fit as well as I'd like. I actually loved the black, tassel H&M bikini I bought last year but I had a bit of a blonde moment in the shop and ended up buying both top and bottom a size too small, only to realise when I unpacked on holiday. My brain obviously doesn't adapt well to European sizes, and this year I made sure to triple check before going to the till. I'd already eyed up this bikini online and despite it being placed directly in front of the door in the Oxford Street store there was an abundance of my size! What I didn't realise before trying it on is that it had these beautiful stones on the ties, which was a nice surprise and makes it look less plain. However, I'd be a bit cautious when buying swimwear from H&M as I have found that they all come up very small, it might just be me but definitely try before you buy as I had to go up several dress sizes. But all in all I think this is a very good bikini and is a must have, especially if you are heavier on the top. Its nice to have a swimsuit that fits, even if it is a size 16.

Saturday 2 June 2012

a shady spot in the rain

top row; Thierry Lasry, Illesteva, Thierry Lasry, bottom row; Cutler and Gross, Ray Ban, Cutler and Gross
The weather in England recently has had an evident impact on this post, but I have definitely been out in the sun too long if I think I will ever be able to afford any of these sunglasses. No harm in dreaming right? I have been immersed in all things summery over the past week and cannot wait to go on holiday (5 and a half weeks to go) but now I have gotten into the swing of things the weather has taken a turn for the worst. Typical England; its a four day bank holiday weekend and the Queen's jubilee and the forecast is set for heavy rain. Im going to stop talking about the weather now.

Monday 28 May 2012

Prom Preview


I went 'prom shopping' yesterday afternoon which turned out to be a rather distressing experience for numerous reasons which I shall not go into right now. However I did come out of the whole experience with a dress and a pair of shoes which I am extremely relieved about, but the dress could do with altering slightly which I hope is possible as apart from that it is gorgeous. I wanted to wait to show you them so that you could see the final product as it were, but I couldn't resist so I have decided to give you a sneak preview. My prom is exactly a month today (Thursday the 28th June) so there is not long to wait anyway. I found out that a lot of people don't have a prom after they've finished their A Levels and instead ony have one at the end of their GCSEs, which I find a bit strange as in America its when you're 18 too.
P.S I forgot to mention that I finished school forever on Friday whoop!

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Bikini Parade

l-r: H&M, River Island, H&M
I'm back and blogging! Now that is said and done I can move on to what this post is actually about. Yesterday I paid for the rest if my holiday and am now very much in the holiday mood, plus the sun came out today which made me want to fly away even more. So in order to fill this holiday shaped hole I have been scouring the internet for the 'perfect' bikini, however I have only been able to find these three. That being said they are all still lovey bikinis but I just want to find some more before I decide but I just don't know where to look. The serch goes on

Saturday 28 April 2012

I am still alive I promise! I realise I have been gone a lot longer than first anticipated and I regret to say that I shall be gone a little longer. So if all goes according to plan I shall be back to normal on the 13th May. Sorry guys.

Friday 30 March 2012

you think I'm so caught up


jumper; H&M, skirt; Zara, belt; Topshop, shoes; Newlook
This is such a lazy post, even the name is lazy (I'm listening to drake right now and couldn't think of anything else). I have been temporarily absent recently, not entirely sure why, I think its just numerous things that have added up leaving me with no time or energy. However, today I broke up from sixth for two weeks which I am so relieved about as I'm just so tired. This does mean that I will be taking a trip to Exeter as per usual when I'm on brake. I leave tomorrow afternoon after work which will be a slight rush but I don't mind as it means I get to go to the seaside sooner. I have banned myself from going shopping whilst I'm there as I really need the money for other more important things, this ban is not a new thing I enforced it quite a while ago. This is one of the reasons for my lack of outfit posts, I'm just wearing the same clothes all the time so there's nothing new to show you guys. Anyway, I may blog while I'm away but I can't promise anything, so if not I shall be back Easter Sunday.

Monday 19 March 2012

my love affair with a high street giant


all available from mango.com
I was flicking through a well known fashion magazine and saw so many lovely pieces from Mango, and as a result have now fallen in love with their clothing. I was always aware of them but their clothes never really caught my eye, in fact the last time I went into one of their stores was about two years ago. However, two years ago I was a very different person in the way I dressed whereas now my style has matured more and I'm a bit more sure of myself. That having been said jumpers and jeans seem to take over my daily wardrobe, and that does shine through in the selection I picked out. I can't help feeling that the jumper with the arrows on looks rather familiar (ahemRIVERISLANDahem).The skull print shirt would definitely look wonderful peeping out of a simple jumper.

Saturday 10 March 2012

an evening at Loch Fyne






top; Oasis, shirt, jeans & necklace; Topshop, shoes, Newlook
First things first, I got the grade I needed in my psychology exam! I'm so relieved, as it means that I'm one step closer to getting into uni. Moving on, I have decided to do a slightly different outfit post today. Well, its not that different, I've just added some photos of where I actually went wearing the outfit. It was a wonderful night and I must say it was one of the finest meals I have ever eaten, definitely a good way to celebrate my friend's 18th birthday. I haven't really got much to say right now which I apologise for, I'm just so tired but really wanted to get this post up. I'm going to love you and leave you as I'm off to watch towie (don't judge).

Tuesday 28 February 2012

dressy denim


all from Topshop
If I had a hefty amount of money that I could spend freely, this is how it would be spent. I really love the idea of pairing skinny jeans with heels to create a more 'dressy' outfit, which is mainly due to my favouritism towards jeans over any other leg ware. Usually in the summer I would wear a plain white vest with denim, so I thought why not jazz up the white vest a little, add some heels and perhaps a blazer to make it slightly more suitable for going out in. To some this outfit may seem quite casual and something to wear in the daytime but as someone who practically lives in jeans and converse this is rather formal. I would definitely feel more comfortable in this then in a dress. I wasn't going to include the blazers but I decided to in the end, I wouldn't necessarily pair them like that, I would most likely switch them around as they each go with both of the outfits (I hope that made sense). Anyway, I should really start my psychology essay and then delve into the industrial revolution (not literally, I'm just doing art history).

Monday 20 February 2012

plain and simple OOTD


cardigan; Primark, top & belt; Topshop, jeans; H&M
I actually wore this outfit just over a week ago but forgot to upload it, so here it is now better late than never. I realise it isn't the most exciting outfit I've ever worn, but I just wanted to wear something super simple without looking too boring. Anyway, I do love wearing black. Today was my first day back after half-term (which in my opinion wasn't long enough)and I must say the amount of work that needs to be done is very overwhelming. In other news my cousin is living in London, even though it is only short term, and I am very excited to see him as I haven't seen him for months and months. So on Sunday we're meeting up, which means I need to fork out money for a train/tube ticket and lunch, which wouldn't normally be a problem but I am desperately trying to save for numerous things. These being my summer holiday, general university life and the ever increasing list of things I need to buy for university, as well as a few other insignificances.I fear a second job may be required.

Thursday 9 February 2012

a boyish outfit of the day


shirt; Forever21, jeans & top; Topshop, hat; Rokit
I have come to the realisation that I am dressing more and more like a boy. Not that its a totally bad thing, for starters its a lot more practical and keeps me warm during these cold winter months, plus I feel more comfortable and cosy in a pair of jeans, baggy tee and boots/converse. I have just noticed that my hair looks rather blonde in these photos which is odd because its really not in real life. Sorry about the shortness of this post, I'm tired and really wanted to upload this before I went to bed. Good night internet.

Friday 3 February 2012

action movies I shall be watching



So I don't usually sit down to watch an action movie as it is simply not my kind of film, however after watching these trailers I shall definitely be indulging in the genre. I do admit that perhaps some people may not class these two films as action, but in my mind they definitely have aspects of action in them. Plus, recently I've been getting into the whole fairy tale thing, I'm still dying to see Catherine Breillat's sleeping beauty but I just cannot get my hands on it. I'm also studying Angela Carter right now for my literature coursework and strangely like her feminist fairy tale style stories. In other news, I am going out tomorrow night and have nothing to wear, this is not me being melodramatic, I honestly don't have any 'going out' clothes. Well I have a purple velvet dress but I have over worn that over the past few months. I think the reason behind my lack of 'going out' clothes is due to the fact that I really don't feel comfortable in dresses, which is really something I need to get over.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

ohforgoodnesssake


So, the one monroe top I really really really would love to get my hands on is out of stock. It kinda sucks, I'm not gonna lie (wow my english is lacking in this post so bad). In other news, Tesco has no white chocolate buttons. I mean what is the world coming to aye?

Monday 23 January 2012

my benefit experience


So, on Sunday me and mother headed into town and visited the benefit counter in Debenhams. Whilst there I got my makeup done by the lovely Sophie, I have to be honest by saying that I was expecting to feel quite intimidated and slightly embarrassed but was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. I sat down and she first asked what exactly I would like to gain from the experience, and we went from there. We discussed my skincare regime and skin type, so she could pick the right products for my face. It was more than just someone applying makeup, she talked me through each stage and made sure that we were both on the same page, always checking that I was happy with each thing she did. Overall it was a wonderful and interesting experience, boosting my self confidence more than I thought was possible. If anyone has any doubts about visiting a high end makeup counter, my advice would be simply not to worry about it as they're only there to help you, ultimately they want to make you leave a happy customer.
Never thought I'd here myself say that.

I shall report back on the products I bought once I've had the chance to try them out and form an opinion on. Oh, I did also buy a lovely pair a jeans from Topshop as they had a special deal on over the past week (20% everything for students) so I thought I'd take advantage of that and get some jeans on the cheap. You can never have to many pairs of jeans, well I think so anyway not being much of a skirt person.

Thursday 19 January 2012

no internet, exams, and a lot of reading


Hello folks! It has been exactly a month since my last post, and that is because my house has had no internet connection and I must say it has been very difficult in terms of completing my coursework. But it is back now (just) and I shall get back to blogging as normal. So no internet has meant a lot of reading, both novels and magazines(and eating). I finished Captain Corelli's Mandolin and have decided that it is my favourite book, ever. I will be recommending it to everyone I see. In other news, I sat my psychology exam today...don't really want to dwell upon it.