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?!

HAIM - IF I COULD CHANGE YOUR MIND

The percussion-powered trio have finally released their debut album after months of us having to overplay the early E.Ps. The tracks are just as bright as the album cover. Punchy, poppy and boppy. ‘If I Could Change Your Mind’ has to be my favourite of their newer releases. The melody and harmonies are beautiful and makes me want to be dancing on a beach in the summer. Its the record everyone needs to brighten up the winter grey skies and dreary commutes to work in the morning.

Really can’t wait to see them next Spring in Nottingham. I used to go to University there and the “music scene” was one of the main deciding factors. I will be merry, screaming out the lyrics next to my two pals I used to go University with. Something nostalgic and new taking place. 

I would like to write a review about their live show though, so let’s hope I remember most of it after those ciders!

So I Wrote a Review About the New Love Inks Album...

… and its currently featuring on thegirlsare website! 

Check it out here:

http://www.thegirlsare.com/2013/09/20/review-love-inks-3/