My summer of fun!

Hello Beautiful!

It’s been a long while since I last posted, but I will admit I’ve been an extremely busy body & I think it’s time for an update!

Firstly, I’ve been completing work experience with local newspaper Nottingham post and PR Company HR Media. Well, I tell a lie – I’m in the midst of doing work experience at HR Media.

I thoroughly enjoyed working for the Nottingham Post; I interviewed, I researched and I got published several times! Although I covered the majority of the fashion section that week (yay me!) I think my favourite piece was definitely the loom band feature I wrote.

Not only was the piece published, it was also the editors pick of the day! When I saw that, I was absolutely thrilled. Maybe I have a hack for feature writing, ay?

Now, I’ve moved onto PR and have written about ice skating to Scooby-Doo. Yes, the cartoon character!

The company deals with a lot of local companies so I’ve done several press releases for them, sorted through application forms and researched new clients. I’m actually really enjoying myself!

And what’s even better? No tea making! Ok, I should feel slightly bad for that – but I was one of those people who actually dreaded doing that ALL DAY LONG instead of actual work.

As well as work experience, I’ve actually been a bit of a socialite.

Ok, maybe not on the level of Kimmy K herself but nowadays I’m hardly in the house! Which is great for someone who spent most of her teenage years sat in a room playing ‘The Sims’ and reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on park swings. (Oh how I miss nerd Lauren).

I’ve attended two festivals since I last spoke – Nottingham festival Splendour and Y Not.

I saw so many acts that I have wanted to see all my life; Scouting for Girls, The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldof himself, Razorlight, The Fratellis and the legendary Dizzee Rascal. Without a doubt the best artist I have ever seen live! I even managed to watch Saint Raymond twice! 

And I also discovered new ones to love such as Reverd and the Makers. If you haven’t listened to them, I 100% recommend.

This has definitely been a summer to remember, and knowing this will probably be my last summer before I’m released into the big bad world scares me a little…

I mean, I’ve already got a taste since I will be moving out to Nottingham early in September as I have finally decided it’s time to stand on my own two feet. Eek. I feel all grown up.

I never realised how daunting and stressful it is getting your own place! However, my family and friends have been so supportive and I couldn’t thank them enough.

 And I think that’s me pretty much up-to-date, I have a few posts lined up but if there is anything you would like me to cover, don’t hesitate to ask!

My love, as always!

Is it summer yet?

Hello Beautiful!

With forecasters promising the hottest summer on record (please be true!) I have already begun the search for the perfect bikini and summer accessories. A little premature perhaps, but as some who loves nothing more than to soak up the sunshine and tan my body - I think its a necessity and definitely a little mood booster!

After browsing a few High Street stores and my favourite online shops, I have picked up on a few key trends to rock on your jollies; including eye-wear - which we all know is essential during the summer months.

Sunglasses

For many people (I know it is the case for me) only certain sunglasses suit certain shaped sunglasses. For example, I can happily rock a pair of aviators but look like a bug in over sized glasses. However, linking in with the sixties vibes that seem to be featuring all ore the high street are the round framed sunglasses. Yes, think John Lennon or nineties nostalgia - but they are super cute! And they can easily be pulled off. I love this pair of round sunglasses from BooHoo - and they are available in a range of different colours to help fit in with your wardrobe. Topshop and River Island also have a great variety of sunglasses in their store - but with a price range of £12-£20, BooHoo seems to be the more 'student friendly' option.

Zoe Round Frame
BooHoo
£8

Swimwear

Linking back in with the sixties themes, a lot of stores are displaying bikinis with high waist bottoms. As a female with insecurities about her stomach, I find this a great thing and really believe it will encourage more self confidence for women who are scared to get into a bikini. Primark and River Island have a great selection of high waist bikinis - some even demonstrating a nautical theme. However, I love this from BooHoo. The print on the bikini reminds me a lot of the Aztec themes that have been popping up on the catwalk this s/s. The bikini is also reasonable affordable, making it an essential for your wardrobe.

Paphos Retro Snake Print High Rise Bikini
BooHoo
£20

If you are more body confident or want to add some flare and sass into your wardrobe, I would recommend taking a look at Missguided. Their swimwear offers sexy and stylish bikinis and beachwear to wear around the pool. My personal favourite is the tasseled bikini in a neon pink: I absolutely adore the colour of this! The brightness of it will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. However, if you are not a fan of the color - Missguided do a range of different colours to suit your mood. What I do love about this bikini is that if you teamed this up with a pair of acid-washed denim shorts - you could pull off a casual summer look.

Trona Halterneck Fringe Bikini In Hot Pink
Missguided
£20.99

Last year, the trend of realistic or animal faces was huge - and I can distinctly remember New Look selling a swimsuit with a huge lions face on it. This year, ASOS have brought back the trend and create this beautiful swimsuit with cutouts on either side. It is perfect for those who have issues with their bodies (although every body is beautiful ladies! flaunt it!) and I cannot get enough of the elephant print! I may even purchase this myself!

Safari Elephant Print Bandeau Swimsuit
ASOS
£35

Beachwear/Pool-wear

Beachwear is a great way to make the transaction from hotel room to the beach or to the poolside. However, I am sick of seeing the same repetitive maxi dresses or short dresses and was looking for something a little bit different. After having a browse on ASOS, I came across this gorgeous outfit! This two piece has definitely ticked the boxes for uniqueness and still looking stylish. As we know, two pieces are hot right now and the cute print will definitely help you stand out from the crowd. At £40 for the complete outfit, it is a little steep - however, your student discount and/or other promotional codes. 

    

ASOS Reflective Palm Print Crop  outfit
ASOS
£40 (£20 for each item)

Footwear

Now this next item really is a flashback of my childhood. My mum used to hate me wearing jelly shoes - but I couldn't help but think that they were cool! And I still have a little love for them. I agree that not everyone will like them - but I think that they are prefect for wearing around the pool. They are also pretty inexpensive - with New Look selling them for £10 (plus 10% student discount) and they come in a variety of colours. If you loved them as a kid, I would recommend picking up a pair asap. 

Silver Clear Flat Jelly Sandals
New Look
£9.99

I actually cannot wait to purchase these items and, hopefully, it will encourage the sun to make an appearance. Please?

How excited are you for summer 2014?

Hey, What's going on?

Hello Gorgeous!

I thought I would do a little blog update about my life because, over this summer, has changed quite a lot.

Firstly, my work. Over the summer I received two promotions and gained another job. I am now officially a 'Crew Trainer' at good ol' McDonald's, which basically means I've been promoted to a supervisor. Yes, har har!

In the journalistic side, I was also promoted to a sub-editor for The University Paper. This means that I am in charge of the Fashion side of the paper, which I am ecstatic about! Practice for the years to come! (Hopefully!)

I also had a drastic change with my personal life. I am no longer with my long term boyfriend. I know this may be too personal for my blog, but I want to show every aspect of my life and this was a big part of mine. I'm slowly getting there & I want to thank my amazing family & friends for the support I have received!

On 13th September, I was very lucky & privileged enough to be Maid of Honour to my godmothers wedding. Now, although I attended a wedding when I was a baba, I have never been to a wedding before. I was definitely thrown in at the deep end. But I completely and utterly enjoyed every moment of it!

Did I scrub up well?

                                            

So now, my summer 2013 is officially over; I have experienced my first festival, my first wedding & my second holiday in Turkey. It has definitely been a Summer to remember! BUT, I cannot wait for winter. Bring on Halloween, Bonfire night & cosy nights in!

Apology for my absence!

Hello beautiful!

I hope you've all been enjoying the sunshine, because I know I have been. This is just a short post to say sorry for the lack of post over the last 2 weeks - last week I was at work for 6 days and the other days have been filled with family catch ups and receiving come great news! On Saturday, I found out that I have passed my first year of university with a 2:1 - and I am so happy with this news! And for all my lovely followers, I will be running a competition soon in partnership with Betrousse - so stay tuned for that!

Enjoy the sun guys!

Lauren

Clothes I am loving!

Hello Beautiful!

As a firm believer of fashion, I always seem to have items of clothings on my wishlist - even if I know I will never be able to afford them.

Being the beginning of Summer, I have a few summery pieces that I adore right now and that I am dying to pack into my wardrobe! See what you think:

Dolly V Neck Paisley Neon Kaftan Dress

BooHoo.com

In August, I'll be heading out to Turkey for 2 weeks of glorious sun and cocktails by the pool. This Kaftan is perfect for your holidays as you can look glamorous whilst hanging round the poolside. The Paisley print with hints of neon colouring makes it bang on trend, and at a fabulous price of £20, how can you not resist?

JENA WHITE PEPLUM DRESS IN WHITE
Pop Couture

Being inspired by the amazing Kate Thorne, I have been after a sexy yet sophisticated white dress that will be suitable for formal occasions and cocktail nights. And I think I have found the dress! This peplum dress with a silver belt is absolutely stunning! And I can just imagine teaming this dress up with my red Kurt Geigers. Bliss!

              Influnence Blue Denim Style Lace Trim Playsuit

                     New Look

When it comes to playsuits, I love them to have a hint of vintage. This playsuits from New Look is absolutely adorable! The lacy trim and the collar is absolutely gorgeous, and would be perfect for festivals or a walk through the British countryside. 

What are your favourite picks for summer?