Blissful Beauty Sleep

14 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
A particular talent of mine is being able to sleep for extremely long periods of time. After a year of part-time jobs and work experience, there is nothing I'm going to miss more that sleeping till 1pm. As I enter full time work, that means less lazy mornings and twice as many train journeys and coffee runs. As much as I like being awake early, I don't like waking up early - it makes sense in my head. But being a real working girl is helping me to realise the real benefits of a good night's rest. During school, I could get away with lack of sleep because I barely paid attention, but now, I realise my concentration levels slowly decreasing the less sleep I get. 

Last year, I could fall asleep anywhere, at any time and in any position, but this month just seems to be against the odd nap. There are plenty of tips online for the best ways to fall asleep but non of them really seem to be working. However, I did find one method that working like a charm - being productive. Getting moments of motivation in the late hours is not unusual for me so when I decided to write a short story, draw something or read a very slow-paced book before bed, it became difficult to keep my eyes open. Sitting in front a bright screen never helped, but being bundled up in blankets with a warm drink and a pen and pad sends me to sleep before I can realise it. 

Now that I have learnt and experience the benefits of the extra hour or so in bed, I'm no longer falling asleep on my way to work!
Sleeping Masks // notonthehighstreet,com

Closet Clean-Out

12 January 2015

Hyde Park, London, UK

There are so many reasons why a closet clean-out is essential this season. We're not even a fortnight into the new year which means there's plenty of time to make the fresh start you promise every year. A brand new wardrobe isn't in my budget, but getting a few pieces here and there is a great way to develop your style and experiment more. I'm a working girl which means I'm always on the lookout for new looks to try that appear professional and stylish. 2015 is just getting started - the perfect excuse to splurging on January's best sales.

Get a head start on spring cleaning. Most people dread it, but there has to be a time when everything needs to be organised before it gets out of control. Claiming you have "nothing to wear" despite a wardrobe bursting at the seems is all too frustrating. Closet cleaning doesn't have to been seen as an upcoming chore, it should be a chance to finally take a look at the hidden gems that have been missing all year.

Spring is almost around the corner, and will arrive much quicker than expected so there's no better time to get your wardrobe in check. You may even be ahead of trends without realising, fashion always comes back around. More is not always the merrier and there's no reason why an 8-year-old jacket can't go to another lucky owner and be worn with pride. There are plenty of different platforms available for selling clothing, from apps like Depop to the ever-popular eBay. Anything that no longer fits, is damaged or simply doesn't suit you does not need to be crumpled and stuffed into the back of your wardrobe!

Any excuse for a fashion show should be taken. Try on just about everything you own just take make sure it still fits and is worth keeping. Organisation in a closet becomes key when you can no longer find something to wear in under 20 minutes. By trying your items on, you may discover mystery pieces that look way better than when you bought them. I recently found a floral bomber jacket I haven't worn since 2012 and it's in perfect condition. Closet cleaning always comes with surprises, so why not start digging?

It's Okay Not to Be Okay

9 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Everyone has bad days, unfortunately it's natural. When I was 17, I really started to struggle. Leaning to be okay with not feeling too hot was difficult at first, and I did feel selfish comparing my own problems with those halfway around the world.

My school tutor came up with the term 'down day' which was almost like our codeword, translating to me "don't talk to me, this day can't get any worse" and we would use it in lessons so I could tell her how I was feeling without having to reveal everything. Down days are less common now that I'm out of school, I have a job and finally feel comfortable with the direction I seem to be heading in. But sometimes, there are days were I am just not okay. Unfortunately, that's not a good enough reason to take a day off work or sit wrapped in a duvet all day but it's something we all have to learn to accept. The purpose of this post isn't to whine on about my problems but to reassure others that might be feeling the same way. It's okay not to be okay - and it's normal too.

Low moods come and go for everyone, and moments of complete anguish and sorrow shouldn't been seen as the end of the world, despite what the brain wants to believe. I don't always force myself out of a bad mood, it could make it worse; pretending to be happy and false smiles are painful. On down days, it;s always about the gentle pace of realising all is not lost, there's another day ahead. Do something that makes you happy, even if it's as small as going to a café for breakfast or sneaking away for a walk during lunch. If someone asks if you're alright, there's no reason why you can't say no. "I'm just not feeling today" is a perfect reason in my mind, there doesn't always have to be a set in stone excuse with evidence and experience, there's no rulebook that I'm aware of. It's important to remember, at least one person somewhere has experience that feeling, and they could be sat right next to you.

this is how my week goes

8 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
this is how my week goes
My theory is that colour is for the brighter days and the better moods. This seems like more of an excuse, but I can't help to gravitate towards a monochrome look - it happens without me noticing. I'm a fan of contrasting colours because I think it's the easiest way to make a look appear put-together and effortless simultaneously. The R13 Nancy Striped Boy Tee is a perfect example. Stripes are such a simple pattern, but make this shirt seem more complex in contrast to a plain black or white tee. The Black High Waisted Jean Shorts compliment and bring out the black in the t-shirt, but to make this seem brighter, white shorts would work too. The distressed demin and studs expose the stylish design without going over the top.

A Wool Hat is essential for this season, even if shorts aren't. The 100% wool hat includes a subtle leather band for texture contrast. To finish the look, I included the Dioon Elastic Chelsea Boot available at Office Shoes. The chunky 90's inspired boot includes a platform for extra high and intensity.

The Paris Obsession

6 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Photo Credit
In the words of  Audrey Hepburn, "Paris is always a good idea." There's something about this city that has me completely mesmerised, making it one of my favourite cities in the world. Paris brings out the inner wanderlust despite it's luxurious budget not always being on my side. Unlike New York City, I have been to Paris a few times and each time is better than the trip before. I have an aunt who just returned to Paris today and after spending 15 minutes at the airport, I really wanted to go with her. My last trip to the City of Lights was in March 2013 and each moment is still fresh in my memory. Sailing down the Seine at 10pm was magical as I took at least 40 photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral with the Eiffel shimmering every hour.

Paris tends to bring out my inner fashionista, and whenever I'm there I feel 10% more confident than I would right here in the UK. Not only do I love to travel, but being in a city that's full of inspiration at every corner is a dream come true. The city has a glamorous stigma to it that some say will fade away after a few months of overcrowded underground tubes and tourists, but I don't believe it. After spending just a few days there I already feel like I could live in a small apartment close to the city centre.

My aunt moved there when she was 25 after spending a while in London and eventually taking the plunge. After receiving a C in GCSE French, I still have a while to brush up on the language before I move over too. Posters and postcards aren't going to cut it, the fascination and total infatuation is way too strong. Moving to Paris isn't down to the classy craze, it's a genuine dream and hope.
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