NEW IN

I know I seem to have fallen off the blogger radar recently, but a lot has changed within the last two months. Finishing uni, moving back home and five hours away from Matthew, and starting a new full time job, things have been a little manic. So please forgive me for feeling a little lack luster about everything at the moment, it's quite the adjustment!

To try and get myself back in the swing of things, I thought I'd share some new additions to my perfume collection. I have to admit it's been looking a little bleak lately, so I was relieved to say these least when I got my hands on these little babies. All very Summery, fresh scents perfect for the transition into Autumn.

PRINT

As of late I've become quite the fan of print. As you may know I currently intern at Motel Rocks in their web editorial department, and Motel are pretty much the queens of print, so I see lots of new designs coming in every week. This has sparked my love for print again and gave me the idea for this post, so here are ten prints in my wardrobe that I'm loving at the moment, I think different variations of each print will stay around forever, so technically they're timeless... technically.

One. Distressed graphic.

I absolutely adore this top from Topshop since I managed to nab it in the sale a little while back. It's made of really soft cotton, and is a distressed blend of black and grey with a white compass print on the front. I love this type of print, well I suppose it's more towards a motif than a print per say but it works really well to add a little grungy edge to an outfit, especially for those of you who like the nautical trend but don't always want to be drowned in blue and white stripes - this one's a winner. I love the 'worn' look of this tee, it's also a box cut top so hangs so beautifully and naturally off your shoulders, meaning it works great with fitted skirts, leggings (with a strappy top underneath to hide your, erm, area) or disco pants. 

Two. Aztec.

Again, another box top from Topshop featuring a neutral aztec print. This type of print is great for adding some excitement to your outfit, especially if you're like me and don't tend to stray too far from black on a day to day basis. Aztec prints are very geometric normally, another staple design, but the colours and traingular shapes of aztec make it much more earthy and boho chic. Totally wearable for everyone, my go to for this top is a pair of black skinny jeans and chunky heels.

Three. Artistic.

As I said before, Motel are the dons of print, so naturally I had to include this Addison shirt in pink forest print. Although this print is designed around the forest, and you can make out shapes of birds and trees, it's done in such an artistic way that almost looks like the type of art you used to do as a kid when you put ink on a page and blew it with a straw. This concept for designing makes this type of print much more appealing and interesting to the eye, making you look twice to see what it is you're actually looking at - plus it's a great talking point! Motel currently have quite a few pieces in this print, plus a black version of it, so I'd recommend checking it out.

Four. Monochrome stripe.

Ah monochrome, it's everywhere and I don't think it's going anywhere soon! I'm not one to religiously follow the trends, but with one as strong as monochrome this season, I couldn't really escape it. I just went with it and now I'm in love. It's such a classic combination of black and white that will stay with you through seasons to come. You can dress it up, with a pencil skirt and heels, or down with leggings and chunky boots. Stripes are so flattering on any shape, so combining the two is an obvious win. This shirt is so relaxed and sheer, with lovely attention to detail that makes you feel all fancy. Oh, and it's Motel too, of course!

Five. Detail print.

If you're not a big fan of the all over print, then fear not! You can still get a print fix with detailing such as this bright aztec pocket - this one is on a men's Primark tee for extra comfort and baggy-ness. Pockets are not only a good place for a little print, you can find it on sleeves/shoulders, or hems etc, or you could even add some print with a funky patterned belt. So much choice! I love to pair this oversized men's tee with my disco pants for a Primark overload. Why not eh?! But it could be dressed up by adding a strong tailored black blazer and some killer wedges.

Six. Nature.

To me, this print is just b.e.a.utiful. It sits on a H&M racer back sleeveless top with an exposed zip at the back and is just so pretty! I love the fact that it's not too bright and in your face, but is enough colour to make you look all summery. Up close it actually looks like a painting which I think is great and has so much detail in the design. The top itself has been cut quite triangular so it hangs out from the body, making it perfect with a fitted bottom half and loose, relaxed knit. Because there are a lot of colours in the print, I tend to pair it with neutral tones so that the top really pops, but you could always pick out one or two of the colours in the design for a more striking look. Find a similar style here.

Seven. Monochrome aztec.

More monochrome and even more aztec, but this time, all rolled up into one crazy print. This is another men's Primark tee, I find they seem to have much better prints in the men's department, what's up with that?! Again, I tend to pair this loose tee with the same sort of styling as the last men's tee, leggings and a blazer or chunky knit. Simple, but exciting none the less.

Eight. Feathers.

Believe it or not this is actually a Primark top! So gorgeous right!? I got it a little while back now, but still get compliments on it to this day, so it's not leaving my wardrobe any time soon! Feathers are so delicate, and to me, symbolise freedom and peace, making them such a lovely base for a design. There's so much detailing in a feather, and I really do think Primark have done a great job capturing it here! Plus this burgundy colour is one of my favourite colours ever, so it's a win in my books. I tend to pair this with black, and then pull out the brown/beige in a cardigan to combine it all together.

Nine. Floral.

A print collection wouldn't be complete without a floral now would it? This little beauty is from a 'silk' camisole from Primark - jeez I need to shop somewhere else - and is so feminine and dainty. Admittedly it's a little busy on the eye, but the flowers are so small and delicate that I think it's okay. I like the colour choices, it's not too diverse, but varied enough to be a true floral. Plus I quite like he fact that up close it kind of looks like it was printed with teeny tiny potatoes... You know, like you used to do at school. As this is such an eye-straining print, I tend to keep everything else very plain and simple, most likely black - well there's a surprise!

Ten. Smoke/mottled.

Woohoo you made it to the end! Pat on the back for you. It seems this entire post has been made up of top halves, so here's a bottom for you, so you can feel complete. This print is from a pair of Topshop 'relaxed' leggings. Well that's what I call them because they aren't quite hareem pants, nor joggers or normal leggings. This print is so lovely, it's a little pinker in real life, but is a gorgeous mottled grey/pink/peach mix. I guess if it were blue it would make the perfect back drop to your school portrait photo. This looks great paired with a really white, baggy tee tucked in loosely, but works equally well with black and grey. I guess you could easily DIY this print with some fabric paint and sponges... Hmmm...

So there you go! My favorite ten prints in my wardrobe, what did you think? Do you have a favorite? I must point out, I am in no way trying to dictate what anyone should wear, I'm merely sharing my own thoughts. :)

Have a great day!

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SO IT GOES

Photography and fashion go hand in hand, both being a huge passion of mine along with the wonder that is print magazine. So It Goes magazine is a new, biannual magazine that celebrates print in a world that's turning more and more towards digital. The magazine "champions the original voices of today" and allows photographers, journalists and other creatives to come together in the most beautifully put together publication.

Whilst I may have been away from the blogging scene as of late, for a number of reasons, there have been instances in the last few days that have left me more inspired than ever to turn this little blog into a homage to my personal endeavors within the fashion world and to attempt to break into the magazine industry once and for all.

Firstly, I attended the Company magazine blogging forum on Monday, where I was met with a glass of bubbly and a sea of bloggers all trying to better themselves and their space on the net. The idea of the event was to give myself and fellow bloggers an inside scoop on how to make the most of your blog and how to get noticed, along with how to promote yourself without annoying everyone along the way. The panel consistent of Victoria White - the editor of Company, Susie Lau aka Susie Bubble, Rhiannon Ashlee from Fashion Rocks My Socks, and top dogs from Boohoo, Hand Picked Media and Oh My Love.

The talk itself made me really think about this blog and what I was actually writing about. Their main point was that you have to love what you're writing about, otherwise it will turn into a chore, and that you should never compare yourself to other bloggers that may be more successful, or prettier, richer than you are. This hit home to me, as recently I feel this blog started to turn into what I thought I should write about, rather than what I am actually being inspired by.   

Susie Bubble was a huge inspiration, unfortunately I didn't get to chat with her because she was completely surrounded for the whole evening. Her attitude towards her blog and personal style was such an eye opener, kind of that 'this is what I like, if you like it, good. If not, ah well.' type vibe that I really respect. 

It got me thinking about ways I can use this blog as a tool to get where I want to go in life. Okay, so I might not be able to jump straight into being a fashion director at Vogue straight out of uni, so let's get my head out of the clouds and come back down to reality for a while. This space is just what I need to fulfill the need to be surrounded by fashion, whether I get the chance to work in it right now or not, so why not embrace it?

Susie if you ever read this, thank you. You're amazing Vitamin Water campaign is on a billboard just by my flat, so every time I walk home, I see your lovely face and it reminds me of where I want to be. (Not necessarily dressed as a flower on a poser but you know what I mean!)

Secondly, and back to the beginning of this post - gosh that was a large tangent to go off on - I came across this absolutely beautiful editorial in So It Goes. Well I actually saw it here, and I just love it.

It features Felicity Jones, an actress who I've actually not heard of, but IMDB assures me that she is well known for 'Like Crazy' and 'Page Eight' among other great titles. Maybe it was her angelic face that pulled me in? Or the soft, almost magically style of photography? Either way, it is stunning.

Unfortunately I couldn't find out where the clothes were all from, but I love the soft androgyny of the styling. Simple garments, delicate jewellery and chunky knit tick all the boxes for me, and great inspiration for Autumn. My favourite outfit has to be the suit jacket, white shirt, tie and wide brimmed hat. Such a beautiful compilation and use of monochrome in a way that still manages to exude femininity. 

Photographer - Eliot Lee Hazel. Model - Felicity Jones. Stylist, Sissy Sainte-Marie.

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THE FINER THINGS

Photo credit - weheartit.com

When you get taken away from an environment of constant wifi and internet access, you start to remember the finer things in life. I'm currently in Essex with Matthew's family, staying at a holiday park, where I've come to the club house to log on. Spending time with his family has been really wonderful so far, even with the ridiculous wind that nearly blew me away today. Taking away the internet has made me realise how much time I spend on the web, glued to the screen. So much so that I'd almost forgotten what else there was to do. We've enjoyed many a game of rummie, sat outside for the brief time the sun has come out and engaged in proper conversations. My eyes now feel a little less square.

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ROYAL BLUE

Wearing - Tunic, H&M, Cardigan, H&M, Jewellery and Sunglasses, Primark, Heels, Urban Outfitters.

This colour is so striking, the photos just don't do it justice. I think I probably could have gotten away with the size down, I seem to look a bit swamped in these photos, but I love it none the less. I should have taken a photo without the cardigan really, but it's a t-shirt shape with a slight capped sleeve and then just hangs however it pleases. It seems to have photographed quite turquoise? Oops, it is actually a very royal blue, the necklace shot is probably the closest. Lesson learnt there!

These sunglasses have not left my face since I picked them up for a steal in Primark, although as far as sunglasses go for purpose, they are the worst. They give no protection from glare or anything else sunglasses are meant to do, they just look damn cool. And that's alright with me.

I found this cardigan in H&M recently, as all of my others seem to have been nibbled on by fairies and are just falling apart at the seams. The fabric is lightweight, and very soft, yet it has enough weight to it that it hangs beautifully and sort of shimmys when you walk. Plus it already has a rolled up sleeve, which is a personal fav.

On a personal note, I've decided enough is enough and it's time to shape up. I've given myself the goal of graduation (a month and a bit away) to drop a dress size and finally start making the changes I've longed to for so long. I feel like by putting this on here for all of you to see, It'll make sure I do it as I don't want to look stupid. If anyone has any tips or tricks in how to break the bad habits and turn my life into a healthy one, please do share, we can all help each other together!

I've been feeling so inspired on the blog front recently, but as soon as I see the pictures it reminds me that I'm not in fact Jessica Stein or Nicole Warne, and that's okay, but I'm going to do my best to get as close as I can. 

Enjoy the sun lovelies!

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Photos taken by my Dad.

GONE TO THE DARKSIDE IN MOTEL ROCKS

Wearing - Shirt, Motel Rocks (similar here), Disco Pants, Primark, Shoes, Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses and Jewellery, Primark.

This last week has been so busy, I have so much to share with you but I've just had no time. I'm currently back home for Graduate Fashion Week (which was so busy, but more on that later) so it has been nice to spend some time with my family.

I've gone back to brunette after a short few months being blonde, the dye was killing my hair so I thought it was time to go back to my roots - no pun intended! - to try and save my locks. What do you think?

This shirt from Motel Rocks is a personal favorite, I love the boxy cut and eye-catching Forest Print. I picked it up at the sample sale at work, but you can get the black version online, it's definitely one of those pieces that can easily translate from day to night, and will be staying in my wardrobe fro a very long time.

I've paired it with the standard Disco Pants and my Urban Outfitters heels which are so so comfy, I managed to go a whole 7 hours on my feet in them on Wednesday before they started aching, not bad!

Have you been enjoying the sun?

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Photos taken by Matthew Carney.