Handbags & Gladrags

Topshop (Snakeskin Effect) Handbag £40

We all have a "vice." For some its shoes, others could be scarves, polka dots, zebra print, floral, tapestry... you get the idea. For a vast majority of us, its bags. I've never seen myself as a "bag" or "shoe" person. For me, I think my vice is skirts.  Hipster jeans and skirts were the cause of many-a-breakdown in Topshop changing rooms, so when I discovered high-waisted, it changed everything. With this realisation, came many trips to American Apparel and a large dent in my bank balance. But that's another story...

What I'm trying to get at is, bags never really excited me. I mean sure, I love a good tan leather satchel or rucksack but I always saw them as a necessity rather than a "splurge" on a shopping trip. That was until, I met the bag.  (see in pics on right... you'll see what I mean.) I just popped into Topshop to buy some new office attire and there it was... the colour, the snake skin effect, the vintage, classic feel to it... Perfect for a working girl right? 

By this point, however, I'd already made a lot of sensible purchases in H&M (what I'd originally set out on this journey for: work blouses, skirts, dresses) One more thing couldn't hurt and it really would look good with corporate outfits...

So yeah, I caved. 

I took back a few other items which were impulse buys so the money was there... See how I'm continually trying to justify this purchase? It's because I normally spend less than £10 for a bag by rummaging through a charity shop. It even took me three attempts to actually buy it. 

Seeing it hanging from my wardrobe though, assures me I made the right decision. My logic is if I use it more than 40 times, it will be worth every penny. We all deserve a cheeky buy when we've spent that long month earning it!  

Hope you like it! It can be found in most Topshop stores and maybe it will have the same effect on you as it did me! 

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Speak soon! XO

SHE WORE BLUE VELVET…

… On date night. 

Missguided  Navy Velvet Trapeze Dress
Kurt Geiger Plum Boots

I made my first Missguided purchase a little while ago. I’d heard good things: 1) It’s cheap, 2) It’s good for the money, 3) You won’t be disappointed. So I thought, why not? I love velvet and noticed the “Trapeze” dress is a popular style this season, so was delighted to see a velvet version of it! All I needed now was an occasion to wear it…  So I thought me and my boyfriend’s dinner and drinks celebrating our four years being together was perfect! It’s the kind of dress that makes you want to put your lippie on, wear your best shoes and dust off  your favourite, boxed “special” necklace.

A glass of Prosecco at the ready. 

I really love this dress. It’s comfortable, you can throw it on and dress it up, however, you like. On this occasion, I decided to pair it with my Kurt Geiger boots which I bought a year ago but have always been too scared to wear them in case they get ruined! They’re suede and Kurt Geiger.. need I say more? I decided to wear them as I knew I wouldn’t be shotting tequila in a sticky-floored club at the end of the night. It was a much more civilised, romantic affair, so was shoe-appropriate. 

Missguided’s velvet trapeze dress now holds prime place in my wardrobe and is a staple item. Every girl must have one!

Would love to know your thoughts. Have you got one and would like to share your review? Spill all here!

Let Go...

I took a pretty big risk last week. I handed in my notice at a secure, part-time job for temping work in various different media and magazine environments in the hope to find myself “THE” career. I’ve only just moved up to London and found my current job highly unsatisfying and instead of doing what I usually do (MOAN), I decided to DO something about it. I was lucky to have a connection, a branch to which I’m hoping I can use to climb up to my dream industry. After having a meeting, I finally decided to go for it. Let go of my fears and take the plunge into unknown territory. I’m not falling into a safe, full-time job, I’m jumping into something a little less secure, but I don’t feel afraid. 

I realised when walking around London Victoria station while I waited for a train, that this was going to be the most selfish thing I have ever done in my whole life. But it was probably the most empowered I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just me I had to consider. I had my boyfriend to think of who I am currently living with. The pressure is on but life is too short to constantly worry and fret about the “what ifs” of everything. (all those who know me will be thinking, “Ha, rich coming from her!”) I am a worrier. But I refuse to let it control my life and stay in a job which makes me miserable, just because I have bills to pay. I’m extremely lucky that I have the support of those around me who I love who at times gave their cautious opinions but in the end realised this was the best option for me. 

Michael Parkinson was the ambassador of my University and I always remember the last line of his speech at my graduation ceremony. 

"You’re at the threshold of life. Make the most of it."

So this is what I’m trying to do. 

The song choice for this particular blog post is taken from one of my favourite movies, Garden State. The final scene where Zach Braff’s character Andrew Largeman takes a risk himself and leaves his current responsibilities which made him sad and depressed for a new and enriching life with his love Sam (played by Natalie Portman). The lyrics which illuminate this moment are so poignant and what I use to remind myself that I’m making the right choice… A little reassurance never hurt anybody. In fact, I could do with some more of that from myself.

Imogen Heap really does have a point here:

"Drink up baby doll
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you’re writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you’ve no idea what you’re like.

So, let go, let go

Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It’s all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown.”

Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.

BOW SELECTA #1

Bow: American Apparel
Blouse: Rokit
Skirt: American Apparel Cord "Circle Skirt"

My style varies quite a lot. I have brief obsessions, so it’s not long till I have another. First it was vintage bandanas (admittedly with my hair it often proved difficult to master), but now its bows. When I have some spare pennies, you’ll find me in front of the large selection of bows at American Apparel. Today, I paired my yellow bow with my vintage blouse from Rokit Vintage in Covent Garden and Maroon cord circle skirt from American Apparel.

What I Wore Today…

American Apparel High-Waisted Jeans
Vintage T-Shirt
Vintage Flannel Shirt
Underground Creepers

I’ve just worked 6 days in a row, so on my day off I wanted to wear casual & comfy. I bought these American Apparel jeans a while ago and I just love high-waisters. It’s the only type of trouser I can get away with or felt happy in without having a meltdown in the changing rooms when trying some on for the first time. Pair them with a vintage t-shirt and flannel shirt and what do you get? 90s grunge.

"As If!"

Topshop White Crop T-Shirt
H&M High-Waisted Tartan Skirt
Office Black Chunky Heel Lace Ups

I love how 90’s grunge has continued its reign of the high-street into Autumn and Winter and as you can see I also love to wear this Cher-from-Clueless-esque outfit. It looks great with white frilly socks but with that slight chill in the air now, I say its best to throw on some white or black tights. Tartan is all the rage right now and I’m very happy about that. Tartan is so versatile. You can dress it up with a blouse, dress it down with a tee, clash it with a print or pair it with something plain which enhances the colours of the tartan. My favourite part of this outfit are my new shoes. My boyfriend told me they reminded him of the last scene in Cruel Intentions. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon graduating from High School in their tartan skirts and chunky black lace ups. As that’s one of my favourite endings to a movie and epitomizes the 90’s style we’re now reppin’ in 2013, I took it as a big compliment.

Good Will Hunting

Vintage Hunting Jacket
Beyond Retro
£35.00

I’ve only moved about half of my belongings into my new room and I was quite impressed with how little I needed and how much I had cut down! … That was until I realised I hadn’t packed ANY of my winter jackets, jumpers and cardigans and when Summer abruptly stopped, I needed a backup plan. So, I went to Beyond Retro to get myself a flannel shirt as I had left all my others at home and needed something warmer to tide me over till I could pick up the rest of my stuff (much to my boyfriend’s dismay…) 

I went to the Beyond Retro in Oxford Circus, behind Oxford Street. It was a lot smaller than the others I’d been too and you really have to be in the mood to have a good rummage. A lot of the flannels were made from quite an itchy material, so it took me a while to find what I had come in there for. (see pic below) It was perfect! They’re often called Hunting Jackets but I know them as Heavyweight Flannels from when I used to work in a vintage store in Nottingham. It’s great for the current weather as its not too bulky. For only £35.00 for a jacket in great condition, I thought I’d found myself a bargain!

Here’s An Update On My Life So Far…

The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR
Crosby Noricks

…After all, this blog is called ‘Reflect and the City.’ 

Moving  to London and working on one of the busiest, most fashion forward streets, in an internationally acclaimed store is proving to inspire me as a part-time fashion blogger beginner &aspiring fashion PR/Marketing assistant. (Wow, that was a mouthful!) This is down to the different fashionistas I serve and advise 4 days a week. It is so refreshing to see all the different ‘looks’ and faces of fashion. Those who want to make a fashion statement on their weekends off, those who are keeping it fashionable and smart in their work attire, those who dress in timeless vintage pieces, designer, PVC, leather, woollen capes… you name it, I’ve probably seen it. 

I’m currently working part-time as a sales assistant for a concession in Topshop whilst I progress as a fashion PR intern working from home and occasionally in the studio of the designers. From this internship, I’ve recently been given a mini-assignment and feel like I can finally begin to really dive in and learn about the fashion industry, especially as I am now living in the country’s capital, taking it all in. It’s something you’ve got to know your way around first before considering a job in it. I admit, I probably don’t know as much as I should but that doesn’t mean I’m not as passionate and certainly doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn… So, I’m going to, and I can’t wait to see what I find. 

I bought a book/guide a while back (see pic below) and did a bit of research to see whether you can read up on PR or whether it is all just about what you experience. Turns out, there aren’t a lot of books out there but I found this little gem on Amazon. It had great reviews so I thought ‘Why not?!’ There may be some aspects which don’t apply to your current situation but I guarantee you’ll find something which does and you’ll be getting out your highlighters and writing  quotes in your diaries. I’ve still not finished it but will need this as a staple item in my satchel from now on. 

I do believe it is all about experience and gaining the knowledge yourself but there’s nothing better than someone who has done it all before, sharing what they have learnt. Have a read for yourself.

Until next time… XO

Home, Sweet Home.

Homewares never normally excite me. I guarantee I’d choose a vintage blouse over a vintage cushion cover any day. Well, that was until I realised I was successful in getting a job in Topshop Oxford Circus and will be moving up there imminently! My mindset has now transformed and all I can think about is wooden dressing tables, Cath Kidston floral kitchen essentials and the layout of my room. Sharing with my boyfriend might prove difficult as I may have to cut down on the floral but I’ll buy as much as I can get away with! Last night, sleepy and tired, I decided to staple two vintage scarves onto a plain white wicker basket. Productive Saturday evening? Well, it’s definitely going to save me money on buying a ready-made one and will certainly get used! 

What do you think?

XO

Ch, Ch, Ch, Cha… AGING

NIVEA 'Cleansing Facial Wash'
SIMPLE 'Cleansing Facial Wipes'
NIVEA 'Refreshing Toner'
NIVEA 'Anti-Wrinkle Cream'
NIVEA 'SOFT Moisturiser'

I love my “snooze” button. It allows me an extra 15 minutes in bed every morning and I love every second of it. It does, however, leave me in quite a rush and in the summer I find myself a flustered and sweaty mess far too often.

I had a bit of a wake up call the other day (literally) as I cut out 30 minutes of my “getting ready” time for an extra snooze with my boyfriend. I call him the ‘human radiator’ and blame him for my tardiness (well… I can’t blame him every time but definitely sometimes…) When I eventually teared myself away from my bed and the cosiest spoon, I tried squeezing in as many tasks as possible, only giving myself the time it takes to carry out one. Fixing my bed-hair (yes, it may look like bed-hair most of the time but trust me there’s a difference!), removing the remnants of last night’s make-up and re-applying today’s.

As you can imagine, I was unsuccessful. It was a half-hearted attempted and wasted anyway as by the time I got on the tube my face had melted (gross I know, but I learnt the hard way!) I caught a glimpse of my reflection and there they were… dark shopping bags under my eyes, engraved on my face. The panicked power-walk to catch the tube had aged me about 30 years!

I was literally a hot mess, but not in the good sense.

I always had a ‘beauty routine’ but sticking to it was the hardest part, especially not having enough time or rather being asleep. This moment, however, made me realise that I was 22, not 12, I need to look after my skin and live a healthier lifestyle. I love to keep busy and be here, there and everywhere but eventually it’s going to take its toll and I don’t want to be that girl people talk about saying “How old is she?! She looks much older than that!”

Call me over-dramatic. I call it organised.

So here’s a look into my new and improved ‘beauty routine’ which I MUST do every morning and every night:

1. ‘SIMPLE’ Make Up Remover Wipes - Perfect for sensitive skin and gets rid of those mascara marks which haven’t completely been wiped away the night before.

The rest of my routine sticks to one brand as I think it gives the best results:

2. ‘NIVEA’ Cleansing Facial Wash - Wakes me up and washes away all the dirt from the day.

3. ‘NIVEA’ Toner - Keeps my skin feeling re-vitalised and fresh.

4. ‘NIVEA Soft’ Moisturiser - I try to avoid the pot of just ‘Nivea’ as it makes my skin feel blocked and stodgy. ‘Nivea Soft,’ however, eliminates all of these issues.

5. ‘NIVEA’ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream - Here’s the new addition. Dot around the “problem area” and it should diminish those dark circles (well, that’s what it says on the box… I’m yet to see the results… I have only just started using it, so need to give it a chance).

I will report back in a month to see if I have defied gravity and pulled those heavy bags from my eyes, up, up and away!

Take me back, ta-ta-take me back to the 90s

 I’m one of those annoying people who moan when its too cold, then long for sunny days in beer gardens and when Mr. Sunshine eventually decides to show up, I’m “TOO HOT.” I struggle with flip flops, due to me either losing one, or those bastard blisters so I needed a back-up plan and a change from my trusted gladiator sandals: jelly shoes of course! 

Now today, I’m here to talk about that cringey combination: socks with sandals. I’ve always said ‘I OBJECT,’ when seeing people walking around town wearing thick white socks with heavy-duty sandals or Crocs, but I may have to lift the ban on this where jelly shoes are concerned…

When I expressed my enthusiasm to buy a pair of jellies, there were quite a few gasps in the office and amongst friends but when I really want something, those comments are far from my mind, especially when I’m at the counter paying for them. Even after I bought them, a lady on the train laughed at me saying “Old school,” but I needed something which would keep my feet cool and comfortable and these black JUJU jellies were the perfect purchase! As well as that, I didn’t see the harm in making a little fashion statement…

I decided to turn this 90’s throwback up a notch and add some white frilly socks (I hear some more gasps) to the mix. I love having the chance to re-live old styles but relish this even more when the high-street decide they’re going to take on vintage fashion too. If Topshop aren’t afraid to rock socks with sandals, then surely that’s a sign that we shouldn’t either! So if you were like me and have been sitting on the fence for a while, just remember, when you wear something that catches the attention of passers-by, it won’t always be for the wrong reasons! Who knows, they might decide to divert their route to get themselves a pair too. 

"Forget about the Price Tag."

Some people assume that when you shop in Charity shops and look at a price tag which reads ‘£1.99’, its instantly not a desirable item. Why get something second-hand when you can find a cleaner and more up-to-trend garment on the high streets? Well, if I spent all my pennies on brands, my wardrobe would be a lot emptier, especially being a student for the last three years. The Charity shop has been my saviour. Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with Urban, Topshop, American Apparel and the likes but I can always count on Age UK to sort me out with a Granny chic blouse or Oxfam to feed my new love of lilac knits. 

Checkered shirts are another love of mine and I found this one in Salvation Army. I couldn’t resist.

I always like to buy shirts a couple of sizes bigger but have only just been able to find the right balance between ‘babe baggy’ and ‘bin-baggy.’ This one is a shorter length so can easily be tucked into high-waisted numbers or tied up without looking too over-sized. £2.99?! Well who could blame me? Especially as pastels are so in season. What a bargain. 

I  think I will always shop in second-hand stores, ‘cos just think; you are making yourself feel good as well as helping others: The best kind of retail therapy     

                                                                         

… and there it is; My very first newspaper article.

This article is proof that pestering an editor for a good couple of weeks, heeds good results. Unfortunately a freelance wage wasn’t feasible but I have fully accepted that un-paid work is a must when seeking a career in journalism. If there’s any advice I could give to future graduates, particularly journalism/media based, do not expect job opportunities to be handed to you on a platter where you’re spoilt for choice and the most gruelling decision you’ll have to make is what employer you have to turn down. ‘Cos in all honesty… it could take years.. But if you want it enough, that won’t even be a drop in the ocean. You have to think of the bigger picture… You might be a runner, an intern, an unpaid freelance writer for a good few years but could land that job role you’ve always wanted by the age of 25, with decades ahead of you. 

I’m getting sidetracked. Back to the article…

I chose to write about something I knew a lot about; vintage fashion. 

So, it was planned. It was decided. My incessant emailing had paid off. 

I first felt disbelief and then relief, ‘cos 1) I got an opportunity to get my writing published and 2) It would be about something I was truly passionate about. 

I spent a Saturday morning walking around the town with the paper’s photographer, whilst interviewing shop owner’s about their stock and businesses. It was then that I realised I was actually doing my first, proper piece of journalism. 

I met my deadline and I waited… it was probably more painful than waiting for their initial response ‘cos my I put my work out there and was expecting it to bounce back with numerous edits before printing. 

I came home on Friday, opened the newspaper and there it was… a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD. 

"I am officially a published writer…" [I kept telling myself… in my head of course] It took a while to sink in  and I spent that night sat, slightly bemused, excited for the future whilst swigging on a bottle of Apple cider. It was then I felt like I could do anything. But like all aspiring journalists, when one project finishes, panic ensues at the the thought of waiting for another… I wonder what my next step will be and where it will take me… but until I figure this out, I’m going to enjoy this little dream for a while.

You know what, there was a little part of me that did feel like Ms. Bradshaw, writing for her local paper, indulging in one of her many passions; fashion, writing about it, and sharing it with her city. 

Now, where’s my next project?! 

Grazia?!