SO PROUD.

I'm all about empowerment and lifting others up, especially when it comes to those closest to me. Take my friend, Diana, for example: She has worked her arse off for the past three years, working seven days a week for months straight, all to achieve one of her biggest dreams: landing a job at Vogue. I could not be more proud of MY ultimate girl boss. Oh, and she also happens to be one of my favourite people in the world, the absolute boss babe that she is. Despite not living as close as we used to, we still make an effort to spend time together, which is why we recently put her new Vogue skills to the test and had a photoshoot and day out in one of our favourite areas of London; Notting Hill. Here are some photos from the day...

January Favourites & Pets in Clothing.

How is it January 2017? How am I now 20? How am I three months in to university? SO MANY QUESTIONS. Admittedly I should be graduating this year but, you know, someone decided she was going to go travelling for a few years and I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way. Despite now being at university and being on a very strict student budget, I've somehow managed to accumulate a whole bunch of new products. I suppose I do like to do things my own way, even if it does mean having an emptier bank account than usual...

A Once in a Lifetime Experience.

As an animal lover/human with a brain, I know zoos can be a touchy subject. So, when a trip to Perth Zoo was suggested, I was understandably a little bit skeptical, but, after much research into all the work Perth Zoo do and just how much they give back, I was determined to give it a go, and I'm so glad I did. The habitats were large and designed to be exactly like the animals' regular home, and the Zoo itself works with charities across the globe and is determined to fight the extinction of many animals the zoo is home too. While there, I was actually allowed to have a one on one experience with some of the animals. You can book to do this either online or on the day, and can meet/feed/help bathe so many different animals: giraffes, elephants, different breeds of monkeys, etc. (prices vary). With the giraffes, you would normally be in a group of 10 and each person is allowed to give a giraffe one branch. I was lucky enough to be allowed to do it on my own and spend a good twenty minutes up there. Giraffes are easily one of my favourite animals, so this was a dream come true. Myself and Armani (!!) got on very well. All in all, I don't have a problem with certain zoos, as long as they are actually trying to better the lives of animals in the long run, with breeding and research that they do with the animals in their captivity. AND NO SHOWS.

My Happy Place (Excluding the Bankruptcy).

Is there anything better than a complete stranger coming up to you whilst you're wearing a £6000 Dolce and Gabbana crown and telling you how much it suits you? Just in case that hasn't happened to any of you, I can tell you that there's not. It almost made me jump for joy (the crown was being carefully watched by a shop assistant, who was ready to dive for it at a moment's notice). this happened in Bicester Village, a shopping outlet in Oxford, which is basically heaven on earth. Oxford is about 40 minutes out of London and clearly Geography isn't our strong point because it was much more in the countryside than we expected. Ariadna's first words once we'd stepped off the train, other than "take a photo of me", were "it smells of horse shit". Charming. Asides from that, there are designer stores with items just a fraction of their usual place, pop-up stalls, places to eat and, if you go in December, the most amazing Christmas decorations you will ever see and an incredible playlist of Christmas songs. Make sure to wear an amazing outfit and to take your purse and a lot of self-control. I ended up buying a Mulberry card holder and a Fossil watch. 

Snug as a Bug in a Rug.

I didn't think it was possible to own as many coats and jackets as I do and still want more. Black, camel, leather, denim... you name it, I've probably got it and, if I don't have it, then I'm probably currently saving or have my eye on it. Yes, living in wet, cold and rainy England can sometimes get you down, but there's something about wearing more layers than an onion has that it oddly satisfying. This winter, I'm determined to avoid the combination of a thick jumper, coat, jeans, snood and boots. Instead, I want to incorporate them into my everyday look in a different way. Also, I want to bring tracksuit bottoms back in a big way, mainly because I can't be bothered to get dressed for university on a morning... Here are some looks I'll be hoping to copy...

 

But I Don't Want to Look Like Mrs. Claus.

It's official; the countdown is on and, in just fourteen days, I will be waking up much earlier than usual (mainly because I'm a massive child), throwing on a dress, probably something black, and, of course, a red lip and gold nail combo and I am definitely more than ready. Until then, I am going to make the most of Winter and wear as many wintry shades of nail polish as I can.

One to Remember.

You can't fly halfway across the world, all the way to Sydney, and not visit what are quite possibly the most touristy destinations in the world: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I wouldn't say they were my favourite places that we visited while in Sydney, but I do think that they are worth the visit, even if it's just to say you've done it. We opted not to do the bridge climb and chose instead to walk around the botanic gardens, mainly so that we could sit in Mrs Macquerie's chair (which is bloody hard to find and even now I'm certain we didn't actually find it, we were just sat on a random rock), from where we got a great view of the bridge and Opera House together. As it was Winter in Australia, the day started off pretty cold and damp, but the clouds soon burnt out and we were left in short-sleeved t-shirts, so decided to head to the Chinese Garden of Friendship. After all, Meg and I have been best friends for seventeen years, so I'd say we're qualified to go there... While we, like most, did admire the architecture and beauty of the gardens, we did also spend an hour pretending to be Mulan. Good old Disney... 

I Put WHAT On My Lashes?!

Okay, this is your official warning, I'm about to big myself up, toot my own horn, etc, etc. - I'm one of those annoying people that has naturally good eyelashes. Like, people comment on them and ask what mascara I'm wearing, only to look seriously pissed off when I tell them I'm not wearing them and they're my natural lashes, so you can probably imagine how people look when they see me a few days later when wearing make-up. If people didn't look at me with such disgruntled faces, I'd probably share how my enhance my lashes with two easy beauty products, something they could so easily achieve too. Instead, I'll share them with you...

July Wishlist - MAC Lipsticks.

Can someone please tell me how it's July because I seriously do not understand. I know everyone has been saying this, and people say it year after year but this year has seriously flown by. July for me will be spent on the east coast of Australia and I will be spending a lot of time on planes (nothing new there...), flying up and down the country, so I'll be spending a lot of time in airports and, of course, duty free. One stand that I always have to stop and have a browse at is the MAC stand, mainly for the lipsticks. I'll often end up having multiple swatches on both hands and having to repeatedly wash my hands before getting on the plane in order to get them off. Here are a few that I'm hoping to pick up while at various duty frees...

What I Wore in Singapore.

I was originally planning on doing a lookbook in Singapore but, when it came down to it, I decided I couldn't be bothered and that I just wanted to enjoy my holiday. And if you end up taking over a thousand photos like we did, chances are, what you're wearing will be seen anyway. Mosquito bites, humidity that makes you feel like you're in a shower and my hair bobble snapping as soon as I left the house and then having to tie my hair up with a piece of string were also contributing factors, but at least I know I'd be able to survive in a LOST stranded on a desert island type scenario. I took four pairs of shoes with me, but after a 15 hour day in Converse and another in sandals, I knew heels would be a no go and that the rest of my trip would be spent in my Nike 'feels like you're walking on air' Free Runs 5.0, whether they went with my outfit or not. So, here's a few outfits what I wore in Singapore...

The Better Version of 27 Dresses.*

You know those Katherine Heigl rom-coms that everyone denies having seen when we've actually watched far more than we should have? Yeah, well, when I refer to 27 Dresses, I'll no longer be talking about that film. Instead, I'll be talking about 27Dress, an online fashion store that ships to over 232 countries (I don't think I can even name that many countries) and doesn't just sell (27)Dresses - they offer a great range of dresses, t-shirts and accessories, and all for great prices too. The site is easy to navigate (I would know, I've spent a few hours having a good browse...) and most of the dresses can be seen on real people, making it so much easier when it comes to picking your size. Oh, and if you have any questions, you can just ask in the 24 hour chatline they have on their page! One of the pages I'm currently loving on their site is their Summer Clothing page. I'm flying back to Spain soon, so am currently on the lookout for some new summer wear, especially dresses, which I love to just throw on in the Summer. Whether you're at the beach, pool or out with friends, Summer is definitely the time to wear a dress. Here are some of my favourites that 27Dress.com.com has to offer...

But I NEED Them feat. OOTD.

You know when you see a pair of shoes, immediately fall in love with them and then just can't seem to get them off your mind? Same - and that's exactly what happened to me during a trip to Selfridges, in London, over seven months ago, and I still catch myself thinking about them. Liberty is a dangerous place at the best of times, but this particular trip left me lusting after a 600 GBP pair of shoes, especially given the fact they went with my outfit so well. There have been a few times now when I've added them to my shopping card and almost bought them, but I don't think I can really justify it. I'd probably spend my life worried about someone spilling a drink on them/in a cast after twisting or breaking my ankle. I've also discovered that they're now available in nude and with a pointed toe. A girl can always dream though, right?! Aren't they beautiful?! One day.

Clinique All About Eyes Review.

Whether it be their make-up or skincare, I've always been a fan of the brand Clinique. It's a brand that most females in my family have used and continue to use, so growing up in a household where Clinique products were considered to be staple items, it came as no surprise that I loved it too. I haven't tried as much of their make-up as I'd like (I'm desperate to try their foundation and undereye concealer!), though I do love their eyeshadows and mascara, but I've definitely tried my fair share of their skincare, including the All About Eyes range. 

Is There Something I Should Know? - CocoMelody*

I'm officially scared; people keep talking to me about weddings and babies. The topics just seem to keep popping up in conversation, I'm even attending an event about "lamb babies" with a friend tonight. Is this a sign? If so, then  don't think I'm ready. I don't even know if I want to get married, all I know is that, if I do, I want a really expensive designer wedding dress. Think Elie Saab or basically just something that I'm going to have to sell my right leg for (though luckily I do have pretty good legs...). Luckily Coco Melody have a great range of designer wedding dresses for more than affordable prices. 

Getting Married?*

It's official - Spring has sprung and wedding season is officially upon us. I love how, year upon year, people in the UK often plan their wedding for this time of year, thinking that the sun will be shining, when, in reality, there is never any guarantee of sunshine. That being said, come rain or shine, I do love a good wedding. My favourite part is obviously deciding what to wear and, you know, love and all that. I love seeing everyone, each with their own individual style, come together and, I won't lie, I love seeing couples in matching outfits. When it comes to men's style, I think suit jackets look great at the actual wedding ceremony, but should be left at home (or in the car!) for the party afterwards - drinks get spilled or they end up getting taken off anyway. Though women spend so much time deciding what to wear, especially to weddings, I still think we have it easier. There is just so much variety! Trousers, skirts, shorts, dresses... Luckily, Paul Fredrick are here to help the lads out. Paul Fredrick offer a great range of men's pieces, so I've put a few outfits together, with pieces from their Summer collection, as well as showing you what I'd wear if it was my partner wearing those particular outfits.

What Do You MEAN I Can't Wear my PJ's to Work?

Spring has officially sprung in London (well, it had until it snowed today) and Autumn is drawing to a close here in Australia (I came here to get a tan, not to spend my day wrapped in a blanket), which means I should probably think about booking a flight home to the U.K. and, dare I say it? Start thinking about university and work, both of which I'll start back at this coming September. One thing that has been playing on my mind more than most is what am I going to wear? I've never been one to 'dress down' and I definitely don't intend to start now, though I obviously wouldn't say no to going in my pyjamas if I could. If my lecturers have a problem with my berry lipstick and leather jackets, then they're just going to have to put up with it. Though I'm pretty much black and white when it comes to most things, with fashion, I'm much more grey - think comfy, yet stylish. I'll rarely be seen out in tracksuit bottoms and a jumper, or an outfit that I couldn't sit down in. I like to meet somewhere in the middle, which is where Betabrand come in...

February in Photos.

February is a month that has bought a lot of change for me, with the biggest being moving half-way across the world to Perth, Australia. I had no plan, I just knew that I was going to head off on an adventure. I don't even know how long I'm going to be here for, which meant I had to say my goodbyes to some of my favourite people and also my favourite places. 

Coco Melody.*

Having just moved to Australia, I'm still in the process of meeting people and making new friends. Over the past few weeks I have met or come across quite a lot of people my age or just a few years older who have their dream job, a great house and are settled down & married. How did they all seem to manage that one?! I clearly should have moved to Australia a few years ago. It seems that weddings are all the range at the moment. Not only does everyone here seem to be married, but someone who is like a sister to me is getting married some time in November, so wedding preparations are firmly under way, especially dress shopping! We've had a look at some over on the Coco Melody website...

There Will Always Be Paris.

The photos included in this post were taken during our last few days in Paris. With our Eurostar being at 3pm, I (lovingly) demanded that we left the house at 7am, desperate to make the most of our last few hours in my favourite city, and what a great few hours they were. We ended up starting off at the Notre Dame, where we caught the sunrise and a man gave me a bracelet, before heading to Bastille and Victor Hugo's house. This was followed by a quick Parisian breakfast of coffee and croissants. Though I'm heading off to Australia soon, I'm already trying to fit in my next trip to Paris.

Let Them Eat Cake.

During my most recent trip to Paris, I was lucky enough to once again be able to visit Versailles. Being the massive History nerd that I am (#LetThemEatCake), visting Versailles was one of the things I was more looking forward to, not to mention the fact that I'm a massive fan of architecture and design, so Versailles is really my dream place to visit. If I don't get to have my wedding reception there like Kimye, then I will be very annoyed. Here are some photos of me attempting to look cultured whilst wandering through the Hall of Mirrors, The Gardens and The Battles Gallery...