Tartan Trousers

Crop Top: Topshop
High-Waisted Tartan Trousers: Urban Outfitters
Black Patent Lace Ups: New Look

Happy New Year lovelies! Here's to 2014! I've made quite a few  New Years resolutions this year, and a few of these included my blog. My aim is to be more committed to "Reflect & The City," and be more involved with blogger chats.

Now, lets talk outfits! I've been waiting since September to find myself a pair of tartan high-waisters, but never had the money to buy any! So, as soon as those Boxing Day sales came about, instead of bracing the cold and crowds in town, I decided to do my shopping wrapped in my duvet and pjs. My parents kindly gave me a New Look voucher for Christmas so I grabbed these patent, chunky lace ups straight away! The tartan trousers were a belated present from my boyfriend via the Urban Outfitters sale. I think from all the sites I looked at, UO gave the best sale. The trousers were £20, down from £48, what a bargain eh?! I also bought a floral midi dress from the UO sale, which may feature on a new post soon! 

What clothes did you buy around the Christmas/New Year period?

Hope you like the outfit!

Thanks for stopping by.

Charlie xo

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Well... there's not a snowflake in sight, and it's far too early for Christmas trees... So that must mean one thing; It's time to dust off your best, worst Christmas Jumpers!

Christmas is my favourite time of year and I discovered these themed jumpers whilst working in a vintage store during University. I earned my much needed pennies every weekend at WILD Clothing in Nottingham. Independently run, it had all the foundations of an authentic, second-hand store. Autumn/Winter was my favourite time working there as that's when all the colourful 80's knits, Halloween Crewsweats and Christmas Jumpers made an appearance.

So, I thought I would show you my first time wearing a festive jumper in 2013! 

Christmas Jumper: WILD Clothing
Jeans: "Spray On Skinny" Topman (my pal gave them to me!)
Shoes: Underground Creepers

I asked my boyfriend to take these photos outside on our balcony just outside our room as the setting is really Autumnal and the area is surprisingly rural for living in the city! 

Hope you like this post! Have any of you got your Christmas Jumpers out yet? Drop your links here!

Thank you for stopping by :) 

Charlie xo

Oh Baby, All I Want For Christmas is... ALL OF THIS!

So here is my first, proper wishlist! For ages I had been chopping and changing between Tumblr and Blogspot and didn't know what would be best for my blog. I'm still quite a novice at blogging and have only just discovered Polyvore which can be used for fashion posts! (I know right, have I been living under a rock!?)I'm determined to make this blog successful! Keep those fingers crossed for me! 

(So, if we start from the top left and go clockwise...)

1) Alix Sequin Top Strappy Playsuit in Black - Missguided

I'm definitely going through a bit of a Missguided phase at them moment and I'm in love with most of their Christmas party gear! I've already bought myself a few dresses but I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to sparkles and sequins. I instantly think "Christmas and NYE!"

2) Jimmy Choo - Eau De Parfum

I love getting new fragrances on Christmas and Birthdays. I can never really justify spending over £40 on a bottle of a sweet-smelling scent, so I always have my fingers crossed that someone (my boyfriend *cough*) gets all the hints I'm making... I've even showed him where he can get it on offer. Subtle right?

3)Great Gatsby Movie Blu-Ray

I saw this movie and totally fell in love with it. Baz Luhrmann is a total genius and I love the way he combined all the elements of a 1920's film with those from a modern-day classic. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but I was certainly spellbound.

4)Nike Junior Air Max Trainers - JD Sports

I'm in dire need of some decent trainers. I bought, what I thought were authentic vintage black Nike trainers on e-Bay a while back, but I soon realised I might've been fooled... They'll suffice as exercise trainers for now (ha, more like collecting dust) but I really want some proper trainers. I can use them to experiment with my style a bit, pair them with some high-waisted American Apparel jeans, crop top... you get the idea!

5) Morrissey's Autobiography - Waterstones

Since leaving University, I admit, I fell out of love with reading. It seems odd as I studied English Literature but I think I just got fed up with fiction and having someone tell you what you have to read. I guess I sort of rebelled, (ooooo so rebellious ha!) What I do love reading though are autobiographies/biographies of some of my favourite music artists and when I heard Morrissey was releasing one, this went to the top of my list! NME tells me there's a hardback version coming out on December 5th so I'm really hoping I get that! 

6) Pastel Pink Fluffy Coat - Topshop

It's the coat that's on everyone's wishlist, but Topshop have got this trend spot on. Every girl's wardrobes are certainly filling up with Winter pastels and I just love that it's a boyfriend coat too! They look like just the right amount of baggy. All my coats are vintage and seem to be treble the size of me which, at the time, was what I was going for but I think it's time for a new look. With its hefty looking price tag, I highly doubt I'll get this but it's always just nice to look at...

7) Black Tassel Loafers - Topshop

Brogues are my favourite type of shoe and my creepers are my go-to pair, so when I came across these Matrix tassel loafers sold in Topshop Oxford Circus, I fell in love! I'm really enjoying the platform trend at the moment as it means I can have a bit of height and not worry about falling over my own feet! In conclusion, I just think they would be very happy on my feet! I sound like a crazy shoe lady...

8) Baking Scales - House of Fraser

Since I've moved away from home, every time I've attempted baking I've had to search for cup measurement recipes as I still haven't bought any scales. For someone who likes to bake and eat a lot of cake, this is just embarrassing right?!

9) Alexa Chung's Autobiography, "It" - Urban Outfitters

Call me shallow, but the cover is pastel pink for a start! I'm totally judging a book by it's cover here... Appauling. I was also very intrigued by this book. With its mixed reviews and critics not being able to put a finger on why they like it/why they didn't like it, I thought I better take a look for myself. Hopefully this will beat my reader's block once and for all!

So there you have it Santa, better get that plastic out and start spendin'

Thank you for stopping by!

Would love to know what are on all your Christmas wishlists! Drop your links and I'll have a look :)

Charlie xo

Faux Fur #1

Faux Fur Coat: Primark
Floral Blouse: Rokit Vintage
Black High-Waisted Jeans: American Apparel
Black Lace Ups: Office

My sister gave me this faux fur cropped coat years ago but I didn't start wearing it straight away. I think I felt a bit too young for it as I was in my early teens, so it wasn't until I went to University that I started to come into my own a bit and appreciate the "look" of vintage. I'm currently working in central London and with a Rokit Vintage store right round the corner, it keeps me occupied on my lunches but is dangerous to my bank balance. I bought this blouse last week and just loved the 80's floral colours. It's a little oversized which is one of my fave styles. Tucking my blouse into my American Apparel high-waisted jeans, my current "fat day" woes had disappeared (quite literally into the jeans).

Handbag: Topshop

Some of you may remember this bag from a previous post. I've probably used it everyday since I bought it. Think it works really well with the coat and helps to complete the look. Definitely worth the pennies so far!

Brooch: My Nana's

What I love to do most with this coat, is pin an eye-catching brooch onto the collar. What I love even more is that this brooch used to be my Nana's. She loved a bit of glitter and glam, so feel she would be very happy to see this combination. It's a very sentimental piece and is treasured everyday.
Hope you enjoyed what I wore today and would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you for stopping by :)

Charlie xo

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

… 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?!