Wishlist (I'm back)

Dress, Bag 1, REN Face Mask, Playsuit, Nars Sheer Glow, Nike Roshe Run, Bag 2

Hello everyone!

Just a little wishlist post to ease myself back into blogging. A little update: I handed in an essay and my dissertation today, and have one essay left between me and the end of my undergraduate degree, kind of bittersweet really. Also I got a conditional offer to study a Masters course in English Studies, so if everything goes the way it should, I shall be a postgraduate student come September! I plan on using the time in between to reacquaint myself with my favourite books from my teenage years, just to put off growing up a little bit longer. 

Like most people, I got my student loan in today, however most of it has gone towards paying for previously mentioned MA course and rent. I long for the day I no longer have to pay rent (although I'll probably be eating my words in a couple of months). So this is a little wishlist for, hopefully, once I start earning a bit more money.

I saw the polka dot dress on Millie Mackintosh's style diary and saw how cheap it was, it looks stunning on - but I guess what wouldn't look gorgeous on Millie Mackintosh. The brown bag is a little different, I dress really simply, never any jewellery except a watch and only varying shades of black, white and grey. I love the detail on this bag and am in desperate need of a small one.

I love the style of the playsuit although it will never suit me as it practically matches my skin tone. I put the REN face mask and NARS foundation up because I just really want to try them, and the other clutch bag is to go with my dress for my end of year ball. If you have any suggestions please let me know!

I'm planning a few posts to publish next week once this final essay is done, let me know if there's anything you would like to see. I'm thinking book reviews, new skincare bits and some dissertation survival tips?

So, how did I do? Will you have me back blogger?

Thanks for reading :) xxxx

Adventure Time (featuring boyfriend).

This week is my reading week from university (read: half term - no classes) so Reece came to stay for a couple of days. He arrived at my house at 10am on Monday, after spending over an hour travelling due to shitty rail replacement coaches, and spent the day in bed as he came straight from work (he works nights and finishes at 7.30am).

It's safe to say Monday was spent watching copious amounts of South Park, eating pasta and ordering an obscene amount of pizza. Possibly over £50 worth of pizza.

On Tuesday we got up early, for us 10am is early, and spent the day in town. 

I showed Reece around the Northern Quarter, my personal favourite area of the city centre - it has the nicest cafes and shops, but it is slightly more expensive. It also has a Carhartt store (which Reece loves), so we spent a good 20 minutes in there poring over the ridiculously overpriced clothing. I kind of fell in love with a tote bag in there, but at £55 it certainly didn't make it's way home with me.

Just a note: Urban Outfitters is a bad place to go when you have been paid a healthy wage and slightly expensive taste. Safe to say a lot of money was spent (not by me, I'm skint), however I was treated to a jumper - it was on sale! Although, I am ridiculously jealous of the Herschel rucksack he bought.

On the way to finding Rain City Tattoo - Reece has an appointment next week, we took a wrong turning due to my pants map-reading skills, and found a traditional sweet shop, selling everything from American cereal and confectionery (helloo mint M&M's) to good, old, proper sweets. It was ace. And expensive, like £6.50 for a box of Lucky Charms expensive. 

Before entering Reece said 'Don't take me in here, I always spend too much money'. He did.

We found Rain City Tattoo - eventually - and then went home. I had a go at making chicken noodle soup; it wasn't horrendous. Definitely not a 'proper' chicken noodle soup, but it was tasty and took about 40 minutes to make. I may post the recipe on here soon.

Today was home time for the both of us. It was horrific. The Autumn rain finally hit Manchester, we had a bus driver with serious anger management issues, and had to catch a (delayed) train and then a rail replacement coach home.

The journey from Manchester to Huddersfield takes 30 minutes by train, an hour including getting the bus from my house to the station. Today we left my house at 3.20pm and didn't arrive back in Huddersfield until 7.15pm. On the upside, I did read the first 100 pages of MAUS  (amazing) which I have to read for a class Monday. 

I also took a creeper photo of Reece sleeping, where he looks so cute, but I promised I wouldn't post it anywhere. Spoilsport. 

It's been a lovely couple of days, and to be a bit soppy, I couldn't be much happier right now.

I hope your week is going wonderfully so far.
Thanks for reading xxx

Birthday Bits and Pieces

It was my 21st birthday on the 1st October, and I thought I would show the things I was gifted, and the things I bought with money I received. Just a note to say - I'm not bragging, I am very aware I was very lucky and appreciate everything I received.

My sister (I'm a twin) and I bought each other watches this year; I was toying with asking my parents for a Michael Kors watch, but mum wasn't keen on the idea, as apparently there's an old wives tale that says buying a watch means you're saying goodbye to someone, I don't know.

Anyway, Colette lives in York for uni, and lives near a Fossil outlet. She bought me this absolutely gorgeous stainless steel Fossil watch, and silver feather ring and bracelet. I adore feathers, I was overjoyed with this set. I haven't taken the ring or watch off. I'm a bit more wary about wearing the bracelet as I have the wrists of a toddler, so I haven't had the courage yet. 

These Nike SB Stefan Janoskis were from Reece. He was asking me for weeks what I wanted and I just couldn't decide, I'm rubbish to buy for. I knew I wanted some trainers, and initially looked at some grey New Balances, but every pair I wanted was sold out in my size. Then I saw these. The bottom sole is the same minty green as the swoosh, they are beautiful and so comfortable. He got them from the Nike website - they're still available here; I literally saw they were in my size and he bought them instantaneously. Being a size 4 is tough sometimes.

Reece also bought me The XX's new album Coexist which is stunning. I forgot to photograph it though. 

I bought these New Balance 410s after seeing them on Meg's blog in this post. My grandma, cousin and auntie all gifted me some money, and these are what I chose. I got them from this ebay seller, brand new. The colour is stunning, and considering I mainly wear grey/black/white I get a considerable amount of wear out of them. They do come up a bit small though, so if you're looking into buying New Balances, I'd suggest going half a size up.

I really want a pair of grey 420s now. Maybe for Christmas.

My best friends bought me a cafetiere and Starbucks caramel sauce as I am obsessed with Caramel Macchiatos. They also bought me some coffee which has a hint of butter toffee in it as is delicious. They also bought me a little charm for my Lovelinks bracelet, which I haven't photographed as I am terrified of dropping it and losing it as I haven't put it on my bracelet yet.

The perfume is Stella by Stella McCartney - a scent I have wanted for months - and was bought with money gifted to me by my elder sister. It is a gorgeous scent and last for ages on my skin. I can spray it at midday one day, forget to spray it the day after and I can still smell it. Amazing. My parents also gave me some money so I bought a few bits and pieces I had been after for a while. The laptop case was one of them - a complete bargain from ebay (again). You can get it from this seller.  

These last bits were bought with the money from my parents. The jeans are these grey BDG ones from Urban Outfitters, the dress is from Vila, via USC, and the boots were £30 in the Office sale. A complete bargain. 

I have also ordered this coat from Asos and cannot wait until it arrives!

So, that is everything! I'm very grateful for everything I received, and think that I have been quite careful with my spending, as most of the items were sale buys or had considerable discount. I'm very happy with everything!

Thank you for reading :) x

October

Parka and Necklace - Topshop, 'A Casual Vacancy' - Amazon, 

Nike Janoskis, Fossil Watch

It's finally October! October is my favourite month, and not just because it's my birthday month. October cements the fact that Autumn is here, the weather is turning colder which means big coats and scarves. I just love it.

However, there isn't much in the shops that is catching my attention at the moment; I am on the hunt for a parka as I want a slightly lighter coat, that's warmer than my leather jacket, but not as toasty as my Paddington Bear duffle coat. I've been drooling over this Topshop one for ages, but there is no way I will ever spend £95 on a parka. 

I also saw this necklace on a recent shopping trip, but again couldn't justify the price tag. I rarely wear necklaces so it wasn't worth the splurge. It is absolutely stunning in person though!

My copy of A Casual Vacancy arrived in the post this morning and I thought it deserved a mention. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I am definitely excited to get stuck into it. J.K. Rowling is all kinds of fabulous, in my opinion.

The last two items are items that have received/will receive for my birthday. I turned 21 today and my sister and I bought each other watches. I chose a simple steel Fossil watch. I initially wanted the Michael Kors version, but Fossil are about half the price and just as gorgeous. Fossil apparently make Michael Kors watches too, so paying the extra £100 just for a name seemed a tad ludicrous. 
My boyfriend has bought me the Nike Janoskis, after a long time of searching for a pair in my size. I love the colour way as the Nike 'swoosh' and sole are a light minty green, which paired with the grey is lovely. I don't get them until Friday, and I am so excited!

September Soundtrack:
Swim Good - Frank Ocean
Thinkin Bout You - Frank Ocean
Angels - The xx
Let Me Love You - Ne-yo
I Don't Mind - Defeater

Thanks for reading x

September

Jumper, Boots - both H&M, Jeans, Scarf - both Topshop, Bag - Vero Moda, Moby Dick Journal, 

Essie Chinchilly.

Thank God it's September! September means back to uni (or school etc) and that autumn is approaching. Autumn and winter my favourite seasons by far, I'm just not made for warm weather at all - not that this summer has even been particularly warm!

I've picked out a few things that I would wear for a typical day at uni - ok, so I may have cheated and already bought a few of these things (the boots, bag and nail varnish) but I definitely need a decent pair of black jeans (I don't own a pair) and few more jumpers in my life. I love jumpers, but that may need to wait until LOAN DAY. 

I saw these boots on Aimee's blog this morning and went on the hunt for them, unfortunately my local H&M is rubbish and doesn't stock shoes; I ordered them online and used a couple of discount codes (from this website) and got them for just under £26 including postage. Completely bargainous - they say that they'll arrive sometime before the 7th of September - are the H&M shipping estimations ever accurate? I've only heard negative things?

The bag is perfect as it is big enough for A4 books and folders, and also fits a laptop in, which is what I bought it for. I start a work experience placement on Monday and have been told to bring a laptop, so I scrawled Ark for this. It's perfect. I'm still on the hunt for a rucksack, but I may be being given one from my boyfriend (yes, I have one of those now - eep!)

Music for August:

Roll to Me - Del Amitri

Children of Divorce - Jonny Craig

I Still Feel Her PartIII - Jonny Craig

Matilda - Alt-J

I suppose I should get back to packing my life up - I move back to Manchester tomorrow!

Thanks for reading x

Weekly Summary #25

Went to Asda for tights and came back £20 lighter, American History X, Waiting for yet another train,

Shopping with Lydia - only bought the cardi though, Exciting night in, Bad day warrants a nap,

New dress is pretty, Forever walking, In LOTR,

Night out, Back early from the night out, Jonny Craig appreciation

1. Hi everyone, busy week again this week; full of ups and downs. Mainly downs. You know when you can sense something beginning and going really well, and then boom! It all collapses? Yeah, well that happened to me this week, and I am now being ignored. I am emotionally worn out, but had a long chat with my mum about everything I'm stressed about and we've sorted out a plan of action, so hopefully things should be looking up. I've been really happy over the past few weeks and now I feel back to square one. I'm just not myself right now (I got sent home from work 2 hours early today due to being a wreck). Onwards and upwards!
2. I ordered my trainers from Office over a week ago and they still haven't arrived. There was a mix up with the courier, so I emailed Office and the lady who replied was extremely helpful, so no complaints as to customer service, I'm just a bit miffed. Hopefully they'll be here tomorrow.
3. I checked my bank balance and have more than expected left, so tomorrow I am going to Ikea to take advantage of my discount and buying some new things for my room in Manchester. I'm going to Manchester on Thursday until Friday afternoon so I plan on redoing my room a bit and completely cleaning it top to bottom. It's cathartic, as my mum says.
4. I've been listening to Jonny Craig loads this week. He's playing in Leeds a few days after my birthday and I'm tempted to go, it all depends on whether I can persuade someone to come with me.
5. Aesthetic Magazine is now available for pre-order (here)! A complete bargain at £4! I'm ordering mine tonight, I can't wait to receive it - it includes my first piece of writing in print!

I hope you're all well, thanks for sticking around xx


p.s. if any of you know where I can get a cute, but plain rucksack (nothing like Eastpak etc) let me know, I'm going shopping tomorrow!

Weekly Summary #24

No tights! Dog walkin, Dictionary of Thematic Quotations,

Dickhead driver, Woody Allen being a gem, 13 hour shift: DONE,

Avoiding work, Coffee with my favey, Note at work,

Waiting for THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, Mexican, Defeated by said Mexican,

Cheeky online order, Purchases, Bukowski for cheap in HMV, Pizza and films with work ladies,

Bought River Island Disco Pant dupes, Night in, Best pal snuggles.

1. This week has been equal parts crazy and awesome. I have worked myself to the bone, but it was worth it on payday, and Friday was worth it. So worth it.
2. I stayed out on Monday spontaneously, after a shift at work and a long dog walk with my pooch. Literally shoved anything I could in a bag and ran for a train. I was almost late for work on Tuesday, but it was worth the rush.
3. The rest of the week, bar Friday, was spent in Ikea. I swear I'm glued to that placed! But I have less hours in the next couple of weeks - more days off = more sleep! I am shattered!
4. Finally saw The Dark Knight Rises and had the best Mexican food ever on Friday. The Dark Knight Rises is completely epic, Tom Hardy is even fanciable as Bane (hush now, just agree) and Christian Bale is amazing as usual. Anne Hathaway is a complete babe as Catwoman. So jealous of her beauty. The lads at work are of the opinion that isn't as good as its predecessors, however I think it is just as good, although very different. It's more twisty than both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. 
5. I also may have cheekily bought the Nikes and the Bukowski books. I can't wait to read (and review) them. I haven't written a review in ages!
6. A note on the Disco Pant dupes from River Island - not as shiny (which I like) and fit like a glove, even if they are a tad long and baggy around the ankles. I expect that though, I'm 5 ft 1 and a size 6. Nothing ever fits my legs properly.
7. Friday night was spent with the ladies from work, watching the Olympic Opening Ceremony, films, and eating pizza. Well, until the boys gatecrashed. Idiots. This weekend was spent working (what else) and napping like a queen.
8. I might be going on holiday for a week in May. Maybe. We'll see.

A very busy week, as usual, but a great one nonetheless. This week I'm meeting Lydia to hear all about her holiday, and probably off to Huddersfield again at some point. My poor bank card.

I hope you've all had lovely weeks!

Thanks for reading x

Weekly Summary #21 (on a Monday)

Liverpool, New coat, Short shorts,

Oops, fruits of sale shopping, Scariest part of the trilogy,

Came in the post - make me Margot, Night out on Saturday, Dog vs. Dad

1. This week has been a complete mixture of ups and downs; the first half was fantastic - I went to Liverpool with one of my best friends (Lydia, I luv ya) and had a brilliant day chatting, catching up, eating and shopping. The second half wasn't the best. Someone I consider a very close friend managed to insult me and has really hurt my feelings, but I'm working on sorting things out. I can't bear a grudge.
2. I went out on Saturday night with the girls from work; we haven't actually ever had just a girls night before. It was a lot of fun and we all danced our little feet off. I wore my new shoes from River Island (middle photo, £20 in the sale!) and they were comfy, which is also a plus.
3. As usual I worked a lot, had a good driving lesson and finally booked my driving test. Let's hope it's fourth (shh) time lucky. 
4. The upcoming week is going to be an odd one. I'm working a lot, as per usual, but I also have a funeral to attend on Thursday. A fabulous teacher from school unexpectedly passed away just over a week ago at the age of 51. She was my head of Sixth Form and a brilliantly inspiring woman. It just goes to show you have to treasure your time and loved ones. It will definitely be an emotional day.
5. The lovely Natalie gave me a shout out in her 'Share the Love' post here so I just wanted to say thank you :) I love her blog and she is a true sweetheart. Go give her blog a read!

I'm off to go tidy my room before I go on a driving lesson at 3. Hope you're all well!

Also, thank you for all the lovely comments on my previous post, I've really enjoyed replying to them all :)

Thanks for reading x

What I Wore: Liverpool Part Two - The Purchases

Top - £12.99 Zara sale

I spent most of my money in Zara whilst in Liverpool. I had a look around the Zara when I went to Leeds on Friday and it was like walking into a bomb site. There was just so much stuff. The one in Liverpool was well set out and there was space to walk, plus it wasn't too busy so Lydia and I had plenty of time to peruse. 

I generally wear baggier tops and tighter things on my bottom half, or try to accentuate my waist. I'm 5 ft 1 so it's pretty hard to find things that fit well, especially in Zara, which is more targeted to the taller lady.

Anyway, I like this top, it was a bargain and the back is the same sheer material as the panel on the back. It's quite basic, but different too.

Skirt - £18 (with student discount) - Urban Outfitters sale

The next thing I got was this skirt. I'd seen it in Leeds and loved it, but didn't have time to try it on. I always find the sizing a bit odd in Urban Outfitters so always try everything on before I buy. I love the way this hangs, plus when I picked it up, Lydia said 'I could see you in that', which is always a compliment. It's a nice length and a complete bargain. I can't bring myself to ever buy anything full price in there. Ever.

Coat - £49.99 Zara sale

This was my prize purchase of the day. I picked it up almost immediately, but was unsure of the poofy pockets. It fits like a glove, and the pockets don't make me look like I have gargantuan hips. It was the last one in the shop and Lydia persuaded me to buy it. She's such an enabler. I do love it though; it's a perfect smart coat. I have a duffle coat which makes me feel like Paddington Bear, but it isn't very smart. This is perfect. I adore it. The zip starts halfway up the jacket too, which I really like. It's a lovely shape and will be perfect for when I do my work experience in November, with a scarf wrapped round my neck.

I also bought this underwear set from Ann Summers, but I'm 100% sure it isn't necessary for me to model that.

Have you got any sale purchases?

Thanks for reading x

p.s. apologies for the photography/facial expressions. Argh.

Liverpool Day Trip

My friend and I went to Liverpool yesterday on a bit of a whim. We decided we wanted to go somewhere new and chose Liverpool. Getting up at 7.30am was a bit of a killer though. I got the train to Manchester to meet Lyd and we went from there. It took about 50 minutes from Piccadilly to Liverpool Lime Street, not long at all.

I wore my River Island jacket (which I adore), a skirt from H&M which has cute little hearts all over it, a top from Topshop and my trusty Vans, oh and 'Cubby Cheeks' by Essie's on my nails (which I totally bought because of the name). The train journey was spent starting some dissertation reading.

When we arrived at Lime Street station we headed straight for Lark Lane, after many recommendations, for lunch. We got the train to St Michaels and walked from there. My (serious lack of a) sense of direction took us round the houses a bit - literally, but we got there in the end! 

We chose Moon and Pea for lunch, as the prices were reasonable and it looked gorgeous. I had the tomato and basil soup which was seriously delicious, and Lydia had the veggie antipasti platter. We both ate our weight in bread. It was fab.

We spent the rest of the day doing a bit of shopping (ok a lot of shopping, I have a haulish type post coming up next). First stop was a little shop on the corner of Lark Lane, that I've forgotten the name of. I didn't buy this little guy - £3.75 you must be having a laugh - but look how cute he is! I couldn't resist taking a photo.

We then headed back to the city centre and went around Liverpool One. It was a lovely first visit to Liverpool, I'll definitely visit again and do a bit more of the cultural stuff. Might leave the Tate out though - over a tenner admission? Not a chance.

Edinburgh is next on my list of places to visit. I will see the pandas!

Where do you want to visit?

I'm going to be spending the rest of my afternoon trying to get through to Student Finance. Oh the joys.

Thanks for reading x

Weekly Summary #20

Tidy room, Baby chair <3, Organised wardrobe,

Finally got it framed!, Lunch, Night in,

Theory revision, Ralph Steadman illustrations in Fear and Loathing, Outfit before work,

Payday treats, Waiting for Colette in H&M, Fruits of my shopping.

1. This week has been interesting. I haven't done an awful lot really, due to having no money at the end of a five week month. I've been working a lot and writing a bit, trying to get organised.
2. I got paid yesterday and went shopping. My reasoning was that I passed my theory test (yay!) so I deserved a treat. I didn't spend that much really, I bought a Ralph Steadman Withnail and I print (watch the film, so good) and some underwear, which is an addiction. I am going shopping in Liverpool tomorrow with Lydia, who I haven't seen in about 3 weeks, so I am excited! I may do a small haul post, I can't spend too much as I have to pay to get my tattoo finished in two weeks.
3. I also wrote my first piece for Aesthetic Magazine, which I blogged about here. I cannot wait for the first issue to be finished, I know that all the copy is being read through and edited so it hopefully shouldn't be too long until it's ready!
4. Like I said, not much has happened this week; Colette came home from uni for the summer, and also bought her first car, which she's picking up on Thursday so that will be fun! I booked my driving test, which I am terrified about, but I think I'm ready. We shall see.

If any of you know of any good places to go in Liverpool, let me know! I've never been before!

Hope you all had nice weeks,

Thanks for reading x

July

image source: Tumblr

Dress, Bracelet, Shoes, Rucksack

A little bit different for this month's post - I was inspired by Meg to choose my highstreet picks. I got paid yesterday, so I've made a set on Polyvore of an outfit I want to put together. I wanted this dress the first time it was in stock, but missed it; I tried it on yesterday but it was too big and they didn't have the smaller size in stock. I will try it! The other item I really want is a rucksack/backpack, not necessarily this particular one, but something similar, so if you know of anything similar let me know! I've also been tempted by the American Apparel shawl cardigan, but we shall see!

June has been somewhat of a lacklustre month, what with it being a dreaded five-weeker (my bank balance cried with joy on payday though). A few personal things also happened which weren't the best, so lets hope July is better - and warmer! I want to wear sandals and not worry about getting frostbite or trenchfoot.

Playlist for June has been:

Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too - Say Anything

You Won't Know - Brand New

Feel the Love - Rudimental ft. John Newman

The Sea is a Good Place to Think of the Future - Los Campesinos!

Bruises - Chairlift

Electric Twist - A Fine Frenzy

Here's to a sunnier, warmer June! x

Wishlist #1

Top Row: Moby Dick Journal, The Pleasures of the Damned, Asos Top, Journals of Sylvia Plath

Bottom Row: Selected Diaries of Virginia Woolf, River Island T Shirt Dress, Love is a Dog From Hell

I love looking at people's wishlists, but tend to shy away from doing them myself as I usually end up with way more than I'll ever be able to afford. I have a bookmark folder full of things I want, so I thought I'd sort through it and decide what I really actually do want.

Me being me, there's always about a million books I want to buy. I've been interested in reading some Bukowski for a long time after seeing quotations of his floating about the internet, and was recommended Love is a Dog From Hell. The Moby Dick journal is something that's been in the folder for ages, and I'd love to keep a proper journal/scrapbook. I may purchase this in time for summer adventures. I think writing in this and sticking disposable photos in it will be a great way to remember summer.

I'm writing on Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf in my dissertation next year (argh!) and am just generally fascinated by the women in general, especially as Plath cites Woolf as one of her inspirations. I'd love to read their diaries (that sounds nosey doesn't it!) so these two may have to be bought and read some time soon.

I saw this top on Asos ages ago, priced at £32, which I wasn't willing to pay for a t-shirt. However, it has been reduced to £14 so come payday I may have to treat myself. I saw the dress on Michelle's blog recently and kind of fell in love. It's like the grey marl Topshop dress, but nicer. I've tried that one on and looked like a sack of spuds in it. I doubt I'll buy it though.

Have you bought/read any of this? What's currently top of your wishlist at the moment? 

Also, recommend me some books to read, I'm always on the lookout for something new :)

Thanks for reading x

I've Been Naughty...

So student loan arrived in my bank account last Monday. I was feeling stressed with essay deadlines (excuses, excuses), so I did what I always do. I went shopping. 

It all started when I saw the below jacket on Jade in this post. I've been looking for a smarter jacket that I could wear on a day to day basis, as I live in my leather jacket. I have a couple of blazers, but nice as they are, they make me feel way too overdressed. This is also lovely and light and a complete bargain.

Jacket, £30 River Island, Cardigan, £5 Primark

I saw this cardigan ages ago in Primark, but didn't like the £12 price tag. I saw it last week knocked down to a fiver and bought it straight away. It's an 8, but it's massive so I can put a black hoody underneath it and it keeps me warm and dry if it's raining outside.

Jeans, £35 Topshop (with Student Discount), Dress, £18 Asos

As a general rule, I don't do jeans. Ever. Or trousers even. I'm very much a skirt/dress wearer. I own 3 pairs of jeans - a dark pair from H&M, some skinny purple cords (much nicer than they sound) and a pair from Topshop which bag off too much, so I've given them to my sister. I spotted these, tried them on an love them. I've worn them a couple of times and they don't bag off around the waist too much. The only thing is, they're supposed to be ankle grazers, but because I'm 5 ft 1, they most definitely are not. 

This dress is my favourite thing ever. It's actually a vest (like I said, I'm short) and I got it in the Asos sale. It looks a bit like a sack on the hanger, but one it's lovely. It is a fraction short at the side, but with thick tights and a longer jacket it's fine. It's beautiful. 

I'm really impressed with the delivery from Asos too. I ordered this on Wednesday evening, chose the free delivery, and received it on Saturday morning. TWO DAYS. Safe to say I won't ever pay for postage from Asos if the free deliver is that good!

Vest, £6 H&M, Skirt, £12.99 H&M

These two are just basics from H&M. I love H&M at the moment, it's really cheap and good quality stuff. The vest is really long, but tucked in to things it looks lovely. The skirt is cute too, I wore it to a magazine meeting last week. It reminds me of a Topshop playsuit I have, but don't wear often because the fit is off. I love the little hearts.

Billy Elliot DVD, £5 Amazon

Shutter Island DVD, £5 Asda

Full Metal Jacket DVD, £5 Asda

Revlon nail varnishes (Mischevious and Charming) 2 for £8 in Boots

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap £15(ish), Boots

Necklace, £8 Asos

Trainspotting, Porno and Daddy Long Legs, Amazon

As usual I went mad on Amazon. After watching Trainspotting for an essay I wanted to read the book. I'm reading it at the moment and really enjoying it. I've never read any Irvine Welsh before. I also bought Porno to read after I've finished. I generally buy all my books new/used on Amazon, unless it's cheaper to buy the brand new copy, so Porno has seen better days, but I kind of like it like that.

I bought Billy Elliot for an essay too, it's just a brilliant film and I own it on video, so it's about time I bought a copy on DVD. I saw Full Metal Jacket and Shutter Island for £5 each in Asda and I haven't seen either. Looking forward to watching FMJ with my dad.

I needed to buy a new Clinique cleanser as mine has nearly run out. It's not cheap, but works wonder for my skin and lasts a good 3/4 months. I bought my first one in January and still have a few uses left. The nail varnishes were cheap, Revlon varnishes are usually about £6.50 (I think) so for the extra £1.50 I bought another. The necklace is a choker style necklace that I bought to go with the dress.

Photo taken from Schuh website (forgot to photograph them)

Converse, £36 (with Student Discount) Schuh

Last but not least! My favourite purchase. I'm most definitely a Vans girl (4 pairs and counting) but I decided it was time for a change. I saw these, and seeing as I got them for the same price as a pair of Vans with student discount I went for it. I've worn them non-stop and they're ridiculously comfy. I've found that Vans are comfortable, but you need to wear them in, I didn't find that with these.

That's it! That's everything! I am definitely on a spending ban now (even though I have another order of books coming. They are for my dissertation though). I'm not buying anything unless I need it, seeing as I'm trying to get a decent amount of savings together before I begin my third (and final eek!) year of uni in September.

I'm hoping to do a couple of 'what I wore' or OOTD type posts soon, but I've misplaced my camera and it is consistently raining everyday at the minute.

I'm thinking of compiling a list of books I want to read over the summer and posting about it, what do you think?

Thanks for reading x

Also, sorry about the crappy photographs, I've lost my camera so these were taken on my phone.

Shopping as a Pick-Me-Up

With my student loan arriving in my back account yesterday, and me feeling a bit glum I've done a bit of shopping. Well, a few things I bought during the week with a few spare pennies I had in my purse. There really isn't any excuse other than I felt a bit crap and wanted new things. I am definitely an emotional shopper.

Mary Angelou - I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Jon Ronson - The Psychopath Test

Nostradamus - Mario Reading

I bought the Mary Angelou book in Tesco (seriously one of the best places to pick up books on the cheap, RRP on this is £8.99 and I got it for just under £4). I haven't heard much about her, apart from the fact that she's mentioned in 'La Vie Boheme', a song from the musical, Rent. After I bought this I did a quick Wiki search and she seems like a pretty interesting character to say the least!

This is the first part in her autobiography (I believe there's six in total) and if I enjoy it I'll be buying the next installment.

This Jon Ronson novel was an impulse buy. I wandered into WH Smiths on my lunch break on Tuesday and ended up buying it. I hate WH Smiths, it's so overpriced and doesn't always have a wide selection of novels, so I don't know why I ended up in there. I usually buy books online for the cheapest price I can find so paying £9 for this nearly gave me a minor heart attack. Especially when I saw it in Tesco a few days later for £4. Nevertheless, the synopsis made it sound really interesting so I'm excited to read it.

The last book I bought was Nostradamus. This was a true bargain. I found it in a little book shop in Whitby and paid £4.99 for it (RRP £16.99). The book is hardback and comes with its own sleeve. It's a book of the 'Top 100 Prophecies', now when I first looked read that I was dubious, because to me, quite frankly, that sounds a bit daft, but when I opened it and saw the illustrations and the list of contents I was sold. Looking at the contents, I wouldn't call the tales inside 'prophecies', myths seems more appropriate. It is a truly beautiful book, and I'm a sucker for a beautiful book.

I may review these once I've read them. Let me know what you think.

Real Techniques Core Collection £21.99

I've watched Pixiwoo videos for quite a while now, and you'd have to be blind to not notice her brushes popping up all over different blogs, so I wanted to get my hands on some. I wandered into Boots this morning with the intention of buying the Stippling Brush from Samantha Chapman's collection of brushes. However, the stippling brush retails at £11.99, and the Core Collection retails at £21.99, so to me, it was a no-brainer to buy the core collection, where you get 3 extra brushes for a tenner extra. Bargain. I haven't used these yet, but I may pop up a review post, or do an 'Everyday Make-Up' post featuring these. 


I've also placed and order for this jacket after seeing it on Jade's blog (and may debut it in my first OOTD?!). I'm justifying it to myself with the fact it seems nice and light for the warmer months, and I only own my leather jacket and hoodies, so this is also a bit smarter. Other than these purchases I'm seriously restricting my spending - not putting myself on a spending ban, because that wouldn't work. But most of my loan (other than rent and bills) is going into my new savings account. I'm trying to be responsible. I even downloaded a money management app to help me keep track of my spending. Go me.


Have you tried the RT brushes or read any of the books? What did you think? 


I hope you're having a lovely weekend, I have an essay to start, but instead I'm going to read the last 75 pages of Wicked and have some dinner before going to work.


Thanks for reading x

Random Ramble: Shopper's Guilt

Today was payday; and because it was payday I went shopping (I'll show you what I got soon).
After a difficult term at uni, where nothing seemed to happen, but then everything happened at once, and the working month being five weeks long, you could say I deserved to go shopping, to treat myself.

I have always been a bit lax when it comes to money, often being scared to check my accounts, and when I do, wondering 'where the hell has it all gone?!'
My mum worked out a budget for me last year when I began university, and I stuck to it. For the first term. My problem isn't that when I get an influx of a large amount of cash I feel the need to go and spend it all, I fully understand that the money needs to last. It's that I spend little, but spend often, on unnecessary things. A new notebook here, a new top there.

Up until very recently (i.e. about a week ago) if I saw something I wanted, I bought it. I wanted new glasses a few weeks ago, I went into my overdraft in order to buy them. I justified it to myself that I was getting headaches, and frankly my others were too damn small. The thing is, it wasn't a 'need', the glasses could have waited another month or two.

Today I realised I turned a corner when it came to my spending. Even though I had gone shopping, and hadn't spent too much at all I felt guilty. I still feel guilty now.


I took some tips from fellow bloggers (thank you!) and bought a small notebook to write down my expenditures. Hopefully this will show me what away I fritter my money on. Do I really need that bottle of fanta? Probably not. Do I really need another black t shirt? No.

Hopefully today marks the beginning of a more money-conscious Nicola. What do you think?

Thanks for reading x

Work Experience - Maturing My Wardrobe

Hi Everyone!

I said in my last post that I have secured myself a work experience placement over Easter at a local newspaper back home, and have also got myself a job at a magazine in Manchester. Obviously, I got mega excited about it all, as my career seems to be forming in front of me, but I had nothing to wear.
I know loads of girls say that, but I literally have no smart/formal clothing. I spend my life in jeans or body-con skirts with loose tops and vans with my leather jacket. Not exactly office appropriate. So obviously, I went shopping:

shoes: £10, top: £8, denim dress: £10 (all Primark)

belt: £3.99, trousers: £24.99, necklace: £7.99,  umbrella: £5.99 (all H&M), 

lipstick £8, blusher: £6 (both Topshop), books: Amazon

I wanted some smart black trousers that I could wear with numerous tops, these ones from H&M are beautiful and fit really well. I had to turn them up a bit (I don't like full length trousers, so these are rolled to my ankles, and I'm really short). They're not quite high waisted, but don't sit low on my hips either. Perfect.

I don't own any smart shoes (surprise, surprise). I live in vans (4 pairs and counting, eep) so I didn't want to spend a bomb on a pair of shoes I will literally only wear for work experience and a few times over summer. These ones are really cute, and at £10 were a bargain.

I won't lie, I probably won't wear the denim dress at the office, I bought it because it is cute and I wanted it. This does come up small though, I'm usually a size 6/8, this is an 8 and slightly tight over my chest, and I don't have particularly big boobs.

I've been wanting a collar type necklace for quite a while, and could never find one I like; they were either too big or the wrong colour. This one is perfect. I think £7.99 is a bit steep, but it won't leave my neck, so I will get my wear out of it.

Leather jackets aren't office appropriate, but I always thought that blazers made me look boxy, and masculine in all the wrong ways, as I have short hair; after crying out on Tumblr for help, a few lovely ladies gave me some fab suggestions, including wearing a slouchier blazer. I couldn't find one I liked at a reasonable price (£65 Topshop? no thanks!) so I scoured eBay and found this one for £26 (inc. P&P):

image taken from eBay listing

It hasn't arrived yet, but it looks perfect. I didn't want a blazer that was too tailored, nor did I want a black one, so this light grey colour is beautiful and will still go with everything. I can't wait for it to arrive!

I've been reading Jen's blog as inspiration, as I love the way she puts outfits together as she always looks professional, but still fashionable. I was wary that a blazer would make me look like a geography teacher/middle-aged, which I obviously don't want!

I also treated myself to a new lipstick and cream blusher from Topshop; I haven't tried them before but my sister has a blusher and it is lovely. 

 

I originally wanted the Brighton Rock lipstick after seeing it on Gem here but the Topshop I went to didn't have it, I'm not sure if it's discontinued as I know that Topshop rotate their makeup stock quite a lot. I bought Ooh La La, which is quite similar, the photo above makes it look reddy/orange but it is definitely more of a light corally pink. I'm not a lipstick wearer as I think my red hair makes enough of an impact, but I'm going to try and wear this. The blusher is in Head Over Heels and is gorgeous! I love it so so much. Powder blusher never lasts on my skin, so I'm going to see if cream fares any better.

The last things I got (literally came in the post this morning!) are two books. I've been after a new book that wasn't Moby-Dick or written in the 19th century (DO NOT get me started), and after watching Meg's recent haul video (if you don't watch her, you should, she has impeccable taste) I decided to buy these two:

I'm excited to read them both; Blindness will be useful for a module I'm currently doing called 'Disability and Representation', so I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in! I'll let you know what I think of them once I've read them.

I can't seem to do short, snappy blog posts. Sorry guys. I'm on a serious spending ban now, but I think that (most) of these purchases were justified.

How do you smarten up your wardrobes? Any tips would be fantastic!

Thanks for reading x