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