Products to buy in 2013

I am always lusting over a large range and variety of products but never actually end up purchasing any of them because I never have a definite list, and when I come to go shopping I can never remember exactly what it was I wanted. So I sat down last night and decided exactly what I wanted to get and made a note of it. I know it is a fairly small list, especially for the whole year, but I am a student and therefore do have priorities when it comes to money (food and rent). However, I like to think I can stretch to a treat once and while, and when I do these are some of the things I intend to buy.

I know that a lot of these products are make up bag 'essentials' or favourites for many of you out there, but I'm a Benefit girl when it comes to make up and haven't really had the guts to stray from it. I couldn't not include any Benefit products though and their hello flawless foundation has been something I've wanted since its release.

Hopefully my make up collection will grow but the contents of my purse won't shrink in the process.

It was part of my new year’s resolutions to be organised (some may call it attempting the impossible) and so I thought that getting back in to blogging would come under this. Many of the things I want to do often never materialise as a result of my poor organisation skills, which is silly because it means I miss out on so much. And so, I have decided to put a stop to this as it is quite frankly ridiculous. However, I think that my blogging has been affected more so by the massive change of moving out of my family home to a massive city doing something I'm very unfamiliar with. A lot has gone on over the past few months, both good and bad, so I hope that blogging will enable me to get back on track.

2013 is the year of organisation.

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

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?

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.