Buttons, Bows & Brogues.

Blinkbox Giveaway - Closed

2013-02-14T21:09:00.000Z

Happy Valentines Day, lovelies!

Being perpetually single, I of course spent the day torturing myself. An early session in the gym, an afternoon of cleaning & an evening in the library... what was I thinking? Surely today (& every other day, lets be honest) would have been much better had I spent it drinking away my sorrows? Or not. Truthfully, the only thing depressing about this holiday is that I continually miss out on free chocolate; where is the love, people?

Fortunately, the babes over at Blinkbox have provided me with the tools for a perfect evening in; chocolate & ginger 'aphrodisiac' popcorn & a couple of codes to watch movies online. In the spirit of things, I will be spending my evening watching an action film & drooling over Shia Lebabe & Tom Hardy. Not sure how handy the aphrodisiac is going to be but I'm sure Tom wouldn't mind me giving it a shot. I hear he spends most of his time in my local Tesco...

For a chance to win a movie night of your own (popcorn & some movie codes) all you have to do is:

1. Follow @blinkbox,
2. Leave a comment saying who you'd like to share the popcorn with (I hope Tom Hardy likes ginger ;)
3. Let me know how to contact you! ~

Good luck, I'll randomly pick a winner next week!
xxx

Winner is Jess, enjoy bb! :)

Schoolin' Life

2013-02-08T14:04:00.000Z

Shirt: New Look
Skirt: Primark
Heels: Office
Blazer: Evans
Clutch: Primark
Necklace: Primark
Ring: H&M
I picked up this shirt on a whim in an effort to kit out my wardrobe with some basics... & because it was cheap. Weirdly, I like the St. Trinians vibe; even if I do look like I've been unwillingly forced into taking a first day of school picture.
Can we just ignore how wonky these photos are? Ain't nobody got time for that.
Enjoy your weekend!
xxx

We're Concentrating On Falling Apart

2013-01-29T23:05:00.000Z

Top: ASOS
Leggings: New Look
Creepers: Studio
Jacket: Evans
Socks: Urban Outfitters
Earrings: Primark
Being a giant, finding tops that cover my crotch is my life mission; so when I saw this giant tee, I had to snap it up. Ridiculous cat print or no. I feel like this is just another step towards certifying my future status as 'crazy cat lady'. Now to get an actual cat...
xxx

Another Song About The Weekend

2013-01-27T18:47:00.000Z

Top: New Look
Jeans: New Look
Boots: Topshop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Necklace: Miss Selfridge
Ring: Style 369

A little bit alarmed that this is my 300th post, what have I managed to fill 299 with?
Can we just take a moment to rejoice the lack of snow. Other more sensible individuals were being cautionary rocking excessive knitwear & wellies but I figured strolling out in sunglasses sans coat was the only acceptable way. 'Here's to a snow free week
xxx

Provocative

2013-01-25T01:39:00.000Z

Due to a profound life change, this past week has been full of new experiences & endless frustration. Not due to the the endless snow, or even the despair of facing a 10000 word dissertation, but merely the monumental impact of getting fake nails. Who knew that day-to-day living could be so hard? But alas, after figuring out how to successfully put a bra on & accepting that there's a high chance I will never wear earrings again, I have come to love my ghetto fabulous talons.

For fear of destroying the impeccable paint job, I've been rocking navy nails since the get-go but I was more than happy to attack them with a cheeky new colour. I recently received this Leighton Denny manicure pen & although initially dubious of the vivid shade, I'm a little bit in love with the blood red colour (which refuses to photo correctly). Being somewhat ~~cheap~~ lazy, I never apply a base/top coat but I liked the base it provided, time will tell if works as well as a top coat but so far I haven't managed to completely destroy them. The brush made for effortless application & I liked how being a 'pen' it made for a giant applicator, perfect for my gargantuan hands! Prior to this I was completely unaware that QVC even had a website or that they stocked various brands of nail varnish (including my personal favourite OPI) but their vast beauty selection is definitely worth a browse.
What's your favourite nail polish brand?
xxx

Blue Suede Shoes

2013-01-15T21:45:00.000Z

(They're darker irl)
I will unashamedly admit that I am among the many who continuously lust after the covetable Jeffrey Campbell shoe collections. A long time favourite with 'bloggers', they've exploded on to the high street & have spurred an infinite number of imitations. Long story short, I was thrilled to snag this studded pair for a ridiculous £20 in the Office sale, the perfect Monday pick me up! So perfect, I even managed to wander in to Office again today & grab another pair of bargain shoes...

Anyone else snagged a sale treat?
xxx

Ghetto Superstar

2013-01-13T23:12:00.000Z

Hoodie: Primark
T-Shirt: New Look
Skirt: Topshop
Shoes: River Island
Socks: Urban Outfitters
Watch: Accessorize

Happy 2013 lovelies, I hope that the new year is treating you right.
Thank you for continuing to read my ramblings, I can't believe I now have over 1000 followers. Sometimes I forget the impact blogging has had on my life (cliché & cringe-worthy but undoubtedly true) but after a rough start, this was the perfect reminder that so much can happen in a year. So, here's to making it count. xxx

Simply Be Arndale Opening

2012-11-05T16:11:00.001Z

I can't stress enough how much I love what Simply Be have done with their stores, from the shocking pink shop front to the gorgeously luxe changing rooms the entire set up is unapologetic in it's fabulousness. Unlike other brands that favour a melancholy of beige or worse feel it's acceptable to place their plus size range in a corner next to the men's section, the Simply Be stores are set up to make you feel good about shopping regardless of your size. With the way that women, especially those who don't fit the 'socially acceptable' mould, are made to feel about themselves through unrealistic representations, the simple pleasure of enjoying a shopping trip is undoubtedly important.

I recently attended the Simply Be flagship store opening in Manchester & like the other stores I've seen, it didn't fail to disappoint. Although smaller than the Teesside branch there was a great selection of stock with an eclectic mix for all styles & occasions; unsurprisingly my favourite section featured mostly black, leather & the infamous disco pants. After swanning around sipping mojitos & cooing over babies, I grabbed a handful of clothes & set up camp in the changing rooms; I fell in love with a gorgeous floral dress that was a favourite with the staff & an amazing black velvet skater dress that would be perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Aside from getting a cheeky picture with Kym Marsh & catching up with my little babe Rosie, my favourite part of the evening had to be chatting to the delightful staff & finally meeting some of my favourite bloggers, the lovely Gem (& her hilarious friend Steph) & my uni life coach Mel; it's so good to finally be able to meet people you feel like you know already. Huge thank you to Simply Be for hosting another fabulous opening. Above picture taken from Simple Be
Have you visited a Simply Be store yet?
xxx

What I've Been Buying 003

2012-10-09T19:02:00.000+01:00

L-R from top: 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Hi lovelies:)

Apologies for the gap in posting (again!), after much stress we still don't have any internet in our apartment. Although Orange have kindly given us a dongle until the internet can be installed, which happens to be late November, it means for now we have to share, making all this uni work so much more fun! Needless to say my flatmate & I are not impressed.

Onwards & upwards! As much as I dislike working (oh won't someone make me a lady of leisure?), I really enjoy spending. Who knew shopping was so much more fun when you can actually buy the things you want? Unfortunately for my bank account the above isn't even everything. I wish I felt some buyers remorse or could muster up some guilt over the fact that most of it looks the same but after years of being continuously envious over others wardrobes, I can finally say that I enjoy getting dressed. It sounds such an inane little thing, especially considering I don't dress that well nor am I particularly stylish, but feeling good about what you're wearing can change your entire day. Now if only half of the things I crave were available in my size...

P.S If you haven't read this then please do. The colour palette, the clothes...swoon.

What have you been buying?
xxx

Sharm El Sheikh

2012-09-16T13:40:00.001+01:00

Hi lovelies. Hope you're well, this week has been hectic! I can't believe it was only last Saturday that I was stepping off the plane. Technically, I'm supposed to be packing up my life for my return to Leeds this afternoon but I thought I'd take the chance to do a cheeky update before I move into my currently internet-less flat. I had an amazing time in Egypt & a fabulous Birthday with my favourite girls. I may bombard you with more pictures in the near future but until then here's a cheeky peak of paradise: Here's to an amazing week
xxx

Summer Paradise

2012-08-27T23:53:00.000+01:00

Hi lovelies, hope you're all good. I realise I've only just started posting again but I'm off to Egypt tomorrow & won't be back until my birthday (September 8th, if you're wondering ;).
So until then, ciao!
xxx

Sleep Brings Release

2012-08-23T19:40:00.000+01:00

Coat: ASOS
Jumper: Ethel Austin (Mens)
Shirt: New Look
Leggings: Ethel Austin
Bag: Dorothy Perkins
Creepers: Studio
Socks: Urban Outfitters Necklace: Miss Selfridge Watch: Ice Rings: Topshop & gifted
xxx

Shake It Out

2012-08-23T00:57:00.001+01:00

Hi lovelies, where to start? You may have noticed I've had a slight blog overhaul; I've been deliberating over changing the name or just abandoning it all together but it looks like for now, I'm here to stay.

I'm not sure what to write exactly, more followers seems to equal more pressure & the fact I know that there are people reading this who 'know' me, or at least think that they do, doesn't help. I'm not sure when blogging stopped being fun for me but right now it reminds me too much of Facebook, and I hate Facebook. As the popularity of blogging has increased so has the desperation for followers and ~internet fame, I can't go online or read a magazine without seeing the mention of a blogger and their all important opinion. Now don't get me wrong, I love blogging and bloggers and I think the chance to showcase yourself online in order to socialise, network or boost your career is amazing; the opportunities are endless and bloggers are finally being recognised as a serious commodity, whether it be for marketing or journalism or whatever else.

But moving on, I know that this problem lies with me; I have an insecurity streak a mile long and the abundance of amazing blogs makes me question why anyone would want to read my disjointed rambles. I find myself constantly dismissing post ideas on the basis that they've been done better and bigger or that they're ridiculous or irrelevant or quite simply, why would anyone care? This has never seriously bothered me before, I've never had the best or the biggest blog and quite frankly my style is questionable at best. It appears my tendency to over analyse has creeped in and taken over, apparently paranoia is a tough one to shake.

Ever since I found livejournal at the age of 13, the internet has been a refuge of sorts, a place to escape and to truly be yourself without any repercussions, where the security of anonymity gives you the freedom to just let go of all the bullshit, to be whoever you want to be, to find people who share your ambitions, encourage your dreams, understand your fears, have experienced your hurt. Now I realise it's getting a bit cringey-young-adult-novel up in here but bare with me, due to the expansion of social media, the lines between internet and reality have blurred, people who once would have squinted at any mention of a meme are now asking me to follow them on Tumblr. Forgive me if I'm giving the impression of being one of those internet snobs who deems people unworthy of an internet connection if they can't correctly identify and name at least 10 fandoms, that's certainly not the case, I just find the shift in perspective odd.

If unlike me you're a sane individual, you probably welcome your friends and family to follow, add or reblog you, I on the other hand, find trying to avoid colleagues, old friends, those I used to live with, those I do live with, that one guy and those girls tiresome at best. I realise I shouldn't care and for the most part I don't but being judged is never fun and what's worse than being judged for being yourself?

Christ what a ramble, who knows where I was going with this? I sure don't. Long story short, it's time to stop worrying about what other people think or comparing myself to everyone else, it's my blog so I guess you're stuck with me.

❝THERE COMES A POINT WHEN YOU EITHER EMBRACE WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE, OR CONDEMN YOURSELF TO BE MISERABLE ALL YOUR DAYS. OTHER PEOPLE WILL TRY TO MAKE YOU MISERABLE; DON’T HELP THEM BY DOING THE JOB YOURSELF.❞ -Laurell K. Hamilton

Pants Party at Panache

2012-07-06T00:06:00.000+01:00

...excuse the title, I did say I was a fan of alliteration! A few weeks ago I was kindly asked to attend a blogging event at the Panache headquarters in Sheffield. Prior to the event I wasn't overly familiar with the brand, aside from the few pieces I'd seen on Simply Yours. Specialising in D plus lingerie, Panache is a family run business dedicated to providing excellent fit & customer satisfaction. The trip to headquarters gave an interesting peek into the creation of the lingerie, including an overview of the the inspiration behind the designs and an insight into the creative process. The attention to detail that goes into each piece is fascinating and the lingerie is beautiful while remaining comfortable and supportive. As if the pieces didn't look pretty enough on the hangers, gorgeous models were on hand to show them off. The bikini modelled above is a different colour version to the black one photographed below. The black version was easily my favourite piece in the Panache Swim range. Although I wouldn't wear a bikini myself, I loved the structured top, slight print & the stand-out turquoise & silver detailing; perfect on holiday! Another thing to mention with the swimwear is that all of the pieces include under-wiring, overt or concealed, for extra support. While we were there we were taken for a bra fitting, something I always dread due to my ridiculously large back & small cup. Or so I thought anyway! There were three girls on hand explaining the correct fit of a bra & paying close attention to make sure the bra was on properly & sat right on the chest. I was pleased to be told that my back band was actually a lot smaller, although not so pleased to find that my cup size had increased dramatically! Since being fitted I've bought a couple of new bras, excited to finally be able to try on & buy in store rather than having to order online. I'm so much happier with the feel & fit of my bras & my boobs are finally where they're supposed to be! Out of the four ranges we were introduced to, the Cleo range was my favourite. The pieces are bright, stylish & playful; focusing on trends while remaining practical for everyday. There was a real passion for making women feel great in fabulous underwear on a day to day basis regardless of who's (or in my case, who isn't) going to see it! I especially loved the attention to detail on the pants, frill trimmed legs & bows? Yes please.
The staff at Panache, including their lovely (& gorgeous!) intern Beth, were perfect hosts; passionate about what they do & incredibly nice to boot! This was definitely one of the best events I've been to with some of the most lust worthy products. I look forward to the release of their upcoming collections, we got a cheeky sneak peek & I can assure you they don't disappoint. Overall, I had an amazing day so huge thanks to Panache & Best British Bloggers for the opportunity!

Who's coming to Plus North this weekend? I look forward to seeing you there!
xxx

Jenny Craig

2012-06-20T22:33:00.000+01:00

A couple of months ago I was asked to try out the Jenny Craig program. Aside from a few posts on Where Are My Knees?, I didn't know much about them but I liked the idea of a pre-planned diet with an on hand consultant. Over the years I've tried everything from fad diets to meal plans and have been a member of Weight Watchers & Slimming World too many times to count so I looked forward to trying something different. Prior to starting the plan my weightloss had stalled but I had successfully maintained a 50lbs loss so I was hoping it would give me the boost to get my weightloss back on track.

Along with the box of food, I received a folder & a specially tailored pescatarian two week meal plan. I was a bit overwhelmed with how much extra food was needed; along with each Jenny Craig item other foods such as proteins and fats from a list of foods given were supposed to accompany every meal. My plan was set at 1750 calories which was higher than the calorie intake I was on and while I didn't think there was enough food for the latter part of the day, the breakfasts were insane and I usually only managed to eat the cereal & a piece of fruit.

For the sake of honesty, I didn't complete the full two weeks; I managed a week & a half so I genuinely can't comment on the effectiveness of the plan but I wasn't impressed with the options and I found the people I spoke to ill-informed & patronising. Considering the rigidity of the plan I found the lack of choice to be a problem, I can't abide mushrooms yet I received four mushroom stroganoffs. I also found it hard to fit around my lifestyle, I'm a student & as most of the meals required a microwave or boiling water, I was having to eat at weird times as going to university left me stuck. I also found that the extra foods meant I was buying more food not less.

In one of my initial phone calls I was asked for my stats and measurements and was told that to find my waist measurement I had to 'bend over to the side, it's where it goes in'... there are no words. After receiving my meal plan, I queried the high calorie intake as I was already eating below 1750 & was worried I would gain not lose. I spoke to several people & after being told numerous times that 'the calorie intake has to be lower than normal in order to lose weight' followed by a recital of the basis of the plan, I finally managed to explain that the calories were higher not lower & was greeted with a baffled explanation that the calories were worked out scientifically by a nutritionist etc. On another occasion I had a query regarding exercise only to find out that the person I had initially spoken to had disregarded the activity level I'd stated & put a lower one. At the time I was walking the 4 mile round trip to the gym as well as spending 2 hours there working out everyday & doing a weekly boxercise class, so to find out that I'd basically been called a liar was beyond offensive. My phone broke and I got a new contract & number during my second week but no one replied to my email.

I realise this review is wholly negative and I apologise but I'm not going to write a favourable review about something I was unhappy with. I still think the Jenny Craig plan combining a meal plan with a consultant is a good idea, especially for those who struggle or lack support but I think the plan would be more suited to someone who struggles with meal structure and portion size.

WW Twitter Party

2012-06-14T18:15:00.002+01:00

Quick post as I'm currently on my way out the door but just a heads up for the twitter event hosted by Weight Watchers this evening. I adore Louise Roe's style so I bet it's going to be good! :)
xxx

My Week In Photos 004

2012-06-09T00:18:00.000+01:00

L-R from top: Jessie J Jubilee/First tattoo!/Fish bowls/Fire & cocktails/Fittie central/Queenie celebrating/30 Day Shred/Nando's/Mirror whores/Bouncy castle 2/Carrot cake/Meeting the Royals/Jubilee fiesta
I should probably make more of an effort to take pictures but I usually get too caught up in the moment.
This week has been amazing, I think I could sleep for days!
How was your week?
xxx

Sunday Summary 024

2012-06-04T00:09:00.000+01:00

♥ Has it really been six months since I last did one of these? Lawd. I do miss rambling on though, so they're coming back. Unfortunately I was out all day & didn't get chance to get a picture of my lovely mug, so here's a photo of some jubilee themed children instead.

♥ I spent the day (& most of the evening) drinking tea & Pimms at a street party in honour of her majesty. It was freezing & at one point raining but like the true Brits we are, we soldiered through! There was a BBQ & a bouncy castle & the best part is, I get to do it all again at another one tomorrow.

♥ I travelled down to Sheffield on Friday for an event & got to meet up with Rosie for the first time in forever. The event was fabulous & it was amazayn to catch up with Rosie! We may have taken advantage (I say we, mostly Rosie ;) of the royal masks & jubilee themed cupcakes but more on that later...

♥ I am so happy to announce that my shopping ban finally ended on Friday! I'm going to do a post explaining how torturous it was but suffice to say, I have learnt nothing & saved nothing; it was just bleak.

♥ I've just started the True Blood series, (television & books) and so far I am not impressed; to me it's basically Twilight but if possible Sookie is even more vacuous than Bella. What're your thoughts, are you a fan of True Blood?

Did you do anything for the jubilee?
xxx

My Week In Photos 003

2012-06-01T23:19:00.000+01:00

Clockwise from top: Drunken times/Simply Be/School run/Welcome to Sheffield/Train journey/Jessica Ennis, who? Haha!/Panache Event/wiwt/Jubilee tote/Rosie <3/Ear cuffs/Making soup/UV/Beat the rush/Patriotic nails
Hi lovelies,
How was your week?
xxx

Wasting Words On Lower Cases & Capitals

2012-04-19T15:39:00.000+01:00

Shirt: New Look
Wet Look Leggings: Dorothy Perkins
Creepers: Studio
Jacket: Evans
Jewellery: Topshop, Urban Outfitters & Style 369
Excuse the weird faces, I'm notoriously late & was trying to take these as my house mates were yelling at me to get in the car. I adore my new shoes, my Nana treated me to them over the Easter break & thank god she did because this shopping ban is killing me! Whilst I'm proud to say I haven't bought any clothing, accessories or make up items since I started (over a month ago!), it pains me to read my emails; apparently I'm signed up to every newsletter going & the amount of sales, discounts, offers, free delivery, new stock & 'must have buys' is endless! At first it was pretty easy, I just avoided the shops & spent more time in the gym but that didn't last and now I seem to have reached a depressing 'I have no clothes' phase.

Here's to hoping your life is more exciting than mine,
Enjoy your weekend!
xxx

This Problem's Gonna Last More Than The Weekend

2012-03-31T20:57:00.000+01:00

'It seems the subjects thought their own experiences of judgement and prejudice were being invalidated, when really it was more about recognizing the experiences of PoC and the pervasiveness of that kind of prejudice. We've all been judged unfairly by others. What's important for those of us with privilege is to recognize that such injustice is a day to day experience for those who are marginalized. '

Everyone should watch this. I'm privileged, sheltered and ignorant but for those who aren't so lucky, I'll continue to fight for the right to be heard.

'The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.' - Albert Einstein
xxx

My Week In Photos 002

2012-03-12T23:17:00.000Z

Sunglasses/Pub/Gym/Back to Leeds/Oreo Milkshake/Sunshine!/Beer Garden/Course Night/Drink of the Week?/Grim soup/Definition of Mature/Nacho Night/New Bedding/Cheeky Sunday/Cosy Evening/Favourite Magazine
How was your week?
xxx

Shopping Ban

2012-03-10T14:34:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago I saw this challenge on Danielle's blog & my initial thought was: how insane. See, I answered yes to all the questions, I can relate; I have a shopping problem & the thought of not buying anything for 100 days? Yikes! It pains me slightly to have to do this but desperate times call for drastic measures, I need to stop burying my head in the sand before I end up bankrupt. Okay, slight exaggeration but I do live well beyond my means! I intend to finish the challenge on June 1st (which is technically only 83 days but who's counting?) & my rules are:

One No shopping for clothes, shoes or accessories,

Two No make-up or nail polish,

Three No skincare or toiletries until I've used all the stuff I have,

Four & no take-aways!

Essentials such as food & travel don't count & I'm allowing myself magazines & social events (eating out, nights out, cinema, gigs etc).

If you'd like to join the challenge, read the initial post HERE
Wish me luck!
xxx

Avon Calling

2012-03-06T17:28:00.000Z

Avon reminds me of being little, my Nana used to do it & I was frequently gifted with clear nail varnishes & barely pink lipsticks from their children's range. When my Mum recently placed an order I couldn't resist adding a cheeky couple of items.

Avon Tinted Lip Care - Pink
I'm a lip balm fanatic & love tinted lip conditioners so I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately, it's awful! Whilst I love the sleek packaging, it barely moisturises & the colour is horrific. I have quite pigmented lips anyway & initially the colour is vibrant pink with a metallic sheen, reminiscent of something I would have worn when I was about seven. It eventually blends in to a wearable colour but by then has lost any moisturising effect, definitely won't be repurchasing.

Glimmerstick Brow Definer - Soft Black
On the other hand, I love this! I draw my eyebrows on everyday but it still takes me forever to get them reasonably similar. With a pencil I struggle to keep the pressure even on both brows & eyebrow kits never seem to be dark enough. The soft texture is perfect for lightly shading yet is equally as dark as any pencil I've tried. The only downside is whilst the colour lasts for hours, it's easily smudged!

Bought any beauty bargains recently?
xxx

Seven Deadly Sins

2012-03-05T15:56:00.000Z

I saw this on Toni's blog & thought it was interesting so figured I'd give it a go!

Greed
Most money spent in one purchase? - Aside from festival tickets, my Marc by Marc Jacobs purse. It was a birthday present to myself & I love it!

Wrath
Do you have any love/hate relationships? - Probably clothes, I love shopping but either I can't fit in items I want or can't afford them, so disheartening.

Gluttony
What do you over indulge in? - What don't I overindulge in? I live well beyond my means! Damn being materialistic.

Sloth
What is your lazy habit? - Procrastination, it may as well be my middle name. I start things & don't finish them, I put things off until the last minute, I'm late for pretty much everything, I could go on...

Pride
What gives you confidence and makes you proud? - This is a tough one, aside from feeling comfortable in what I'm wearing, nothing in particular makes me proud. I'm confident though, purely because I know who I am & if I don't know you, the chances are I don't give a crap what you may happen to think about me.

Lust
What or who do you lust over? - 'I lust over most things. I have every thing I need but always want more. Or want it to be bigger and better.' Stealing this answer because it sums me up perfectly. I lust over clothes, accessories, shoes, homes, lifestyles, people, experiences, hair, money, intellect, wit, blogs, holidays, presents, jobs, emotions...I'm basically never happy with what I've got!

Envy
What are you envious of? - This ties in with lust (there seems to be a recurring theme with my personality flaws), I'm envious of what people have or have done that I haven't. Terrible? I know! I'm not an insanely jealous person in that I resent other people but I'm definitely hard on myself for what I haven't done & don't give myself credit for the things that I have.

What are your seven sins?
xxx