Blue Marshmallow

17 April 2016

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
I have a weird obsession with coats. Living in the North means I basically have to carry a coat everywhere I go, so why not build a collection of coats? There are so many different jackets and coats available to buy, sometimes I just can't resist a quick purchase. However, I never regret buying a coat; and it means I don't have to put too much effort into making every outfit different because each jacket can make every ensemble look unique. The coat I'm wearing today, one I've named 'The Blue Marshmallow' has become one of my favourites as spring rolls in. 
The pastel blue colour isn't something I would usually go for, I do like to wear blue, but darker colours. As it was only £5.00, I figured it was damaged or not the best winter coat - but I was sooooo wrong. It's so warm! And this is coming from someone who is always freezing cold and has absolutely no tolerance for a chilly breeze. It's one of those coats that you don't need as a layer, because it's like six layers alone. It's not heavy, and very soft, hence it being names the "Blue Marshmallow". 
To contract with the coat, I chose my favourite beanie hat which never fails to keep my head warm. I'm also crazy in love with scarves at the moment, almost as much as coats. Today's scarf has been in my closet for about four or five years, but is still going strong. The knitted piece has become a favourite each winter, mainly because it goes with absolutely everything and keeps me super warm without having to fasten my coat up (something I never do). I own quite a few pairs of jeans, but I only ever wear one pair, once they're a favourite, I wear them til they die! The same goes for my over-the-knee boots which I love to wear with denim. The suede contrasts well without taking away from any other pieces in the outfit. 
COAT - MATALAN (similar) // SCARF - NEXT (similar) // JUMPER - TOPSHOP // JEANS - URBAN OUTFITTERS // BOOTS - NEXT (similar) // BAG - NEXT (similar) // HAT - FOREVER 21 (similar) // JEWELLERY - VARIOUS CHARITY SHOPS & NEXT

My City Festival Essentials | Win Free Tickets

13 April 2016

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
On Saturday 30th April 2016, Live At Leeds Festival will arrive and I cannot wait. One of my bucket list items for 2016 was to attend a huge music festival and Live At Leeds is the perfect event. Live At Leeds is held annually across a variety of venues in Leeds and always has an incredibly amazing line-up. It’s a great way to see the acts you love as well as discover new performers to fall in love with. The festival celebrates local bands as well as established artists and I’m so excited to attend. Jess Glynne is one of my favourite UK artists and I can't wait to see her live; it's also going to be amazing watching The Boxer Revellion, Will Joseph Cook, Loz Campbell and Tiggs Da Author perform!
See the line up below:
Of course, with every event I attend, I have essentials. And there are plenty of essential needed for Live At Leeds.

A Good Camera
Taking your iPhone and an enormous DSLR camera is always a nice idea, but can end up in damaged equipment. One of the best thing about festivals is the atmosphere, and Live At Leeds always has an amazing and enthusiastic atmosphere – so lugging around a heavy camera isn’t the most sensible idea. However, it is important to get extraordinary photos so you can look back on such a fun event. When on the go at a city festival like Live At Leeds, a disposable camera or smaller digital reflex camera is definitely one of my essentials.

Appropriate shoes
There’s nothing worse than wearing shoes that will cause pure pain all night. It’s a pointless pursuit, especially when a music festival is in more than one venue and in such a busy and exciting city. As Live At Leeds is not just a stand-still festival, there’s plenty and walking and exploring to do and so much the city can offer. It’s really important to wear your favourite shoes, but shoes that will stay intact and won’t take away from the experience by clouding fun memories with bruises and blisters.

Mini everything
I usually like to freshen up half way through the night because I'm slightly vain, so bringing smaller beauty items and even a miniature perfume bottle is vital. Carrying around a huge rucksack full of all your April beauty favourites is not the way to go, the more compact the better. If you’re a bit of a hygiene freak like me, why not pack an extra bottle of anti-bacterial or one of those Dettol sprays that are in tiny bottles? Lipstick is also a huge essential for me, as you can never have too much lipstick.

Cash. Plenty of cash.
Whenever I go out, I avoid paying with my card. I just prefer being able to pay for something quickly at a bar or counter, without having to pull out my debit card and remember my pin (which I always forget). Honestly, I don’t like using my card for anything, and there’s absolutely no chance you’ll catch me using a contactless payment card machine – I don’t trust them! Having change in a little coin purse or wallet is really handy and less of a hassle.

Tickets!
Obviously, it’s hard to get into a city festival, or any festival without a ticket. I’m so excited to be able to offer all my readers and followers the opportunity to winfree tickets to Live At Leeds 2016! There’s not long left, so head over to The Blogger Programme’s Facebook Page (or click this link) and enter for the chance to win some free tickets. There are 6 ways to enter and you don’t need a Facebook account to be able to enter. Woohoo!

Style Crush: Vanessa Hudgens

11 April 2016

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Vanessa Hudgens style crush street style nyc outfits fashion
Vanessa Hudgens has always been one of my favourite celebrities. Since being 10 years old and watching the first High School Musical, I’ve been obsessed with her (and the rest of the cast). As much as I adore Vanessa’s acting and singing skills, her style has always been a crucial factor and is often watched by pop culture sites and blogs. Coachella is basically Vanessa’s ‘thing’, making her the queen of festival style and bohemian chic. Similarly, her everyday street style never fails to impress, even when she’s walking Darla!
Vanessa is one of the most stylish young celebrities I follow and easily one of my favourites. She makes normal, everyday outfits seem super stylish with a few accessories and plenty of confidence. Vanessa never goes OTT with colour or patterns, and when broken down, her ensembles are not complex but always give off a fashionable and put-together vibe - plus, she never adds pieces that will clash. I absolutely adore Vanessa's style and phenomenal fashion taste!

Let's Go to the Gym

6 April 2016

High Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire
A year ago, I would never be seen at a gym. I always assumed gyms were for the super-fit, exercise enthusiasts. However, after one massive kick, and a spur-of-the-moment burst of motivation, I decided to try at least a whole hour one a few machines. Three hours later, I was loving every moment and decided the gym is my new favourite place. As much as I enjoy having a higher level of fitness and slowly losing weight, I also love shopping for gym gear and finding new outfits for each session. Activewear is just so much fun to shop for!
One of my favourite looks is this almost all-black outfit I wear when I have to walk to the gym. It's important for me to keep warm, as there's still a little snow on the ground; but I don't want to be wearing multiple layers because walking quickly will keep me heated. My leather jacket is a cold weather essential and an overall wardrobe must. The great thing about this faux leather piece is that it keeps you warm once you're warm - almost like a thermal. Because it's faux, the fabric is lightweight and easy to move in. The fur collar is a great accessory for this season too. I never carried a bag to the gym at first, but now that I've become more confident with going, I will shower and sometimes change into different clothes while there. This small but spacious Nike bag is absolutely perfect for me and holds just the right amount without becoming a burden. 
I have never owned a pair of Vans shoes until a few weeks ago. They were immensely popular while I was in school, but never something that I was into. However, while doing my weekly browse at TK Maxx, I came across this pair in the men's section and knew I would never seem them again. They're bright without being too 'in-your-face' and can be worn casually and for exercise. Vans shoes are way more comfortable than I imagined and I'm definitely going to look into getting another pair soon. 
MATALAN TOP // MISS SELFRIDGE JACKET (similar - Mango) // KARRIMOR LEGGINGS // TK MAXX VANS (similar) // NIKE BAG // NEXT SUNGLASSES

10 Perks of Being a Tall Girl

4 April 2016

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Growing up tall was something I always saw as a challenge. It can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially if you don’t like the spotlight. I used to always wish I was short, just because that seemed to be the idea size for a girl and there were never any articles or websites on positive tips for tall women. Unless you’re a model or celebrity, being tall isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Over time, I’ve come to realise being tall isn’t a bad thing and actually has its perks. Being a tall girl doesn’t mean you aren’t feminine or girly; it’s just another body type. So today’s post is pointing out some of the perks I’ve found, being a tall girl. I’m 5’11” which is what I would consider tall in comparison to my friends and colleagues.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way bashing or hating on anyone who is shorter than me or considers themselves short. It’s just a way to build up those who are tall and should be proud and never ashamed. It’s a post not to be taken too seriously, and purely for entertainment. Trust me, I didn’t do any scientific research. I’m not boasting at all, and am more than aware that being tall does have disadvantages like all body types. 

#01 Long Legs
I would consider having long legs the most important perk of all.  Being tall usually comes with pretty longs legs. Some girls have longer bodies, but their legs are still longer than average. For me, my inside leg length is 36”, which is apparently very long. Having long legs is great for an overall image, it helps you to appear slimmer and taller than you actually are. Although, shaving can be really annoying.

#02 Being taken seriously from a young age
Being a tall girl means you were a tall child. I remember at around eleven years old and up, I was always mistaken for shop assistants and store staff. This would happen to me while still being in primary school. But it’s definitely a perk. Adults automatically assume you’re older which helps you to feel more mature. It also means you don’t get refused from rollercoasters.

#03 Easily noticeable
It’s hard to ignore a tall person. No matter how hard you try, someone who is taller will always stand out and it’s not always a bad thing. I used to try and hide myself among the crowd, but now I stand tall meaning others have to look up to me. Getting a lot of attention used to be my worst nightmare, but if it’s for my height – I’m happy to take it.

#04 Tall compliments
Not that being described with adjectives such as “statuesque” and “model-esque” happen every day, but when they do, your day is made. “You should totally model” was said to me once and I kid you not, my mood was lifted for about three years. Of course, strangers don’t approach in the street and tell me I look good, but even hearing it from peers is a good feeling.

#06 Being able to reach things
Reaching something a little further away? There’s no struggle there. Getting things from the top shelf? Never a problem. A tall body is built with long limbs which means less time asking someone to get something for you. But it’s not just objects that are easy to reach, kissing doesn’t result in the pointe pose and he gets less trips to the chiropractor.

#07 Intimidating others without being intimidating
Naturally, humans are intimidated by bigger humans. I’ve always been a ridiculously shy person, and would never approach someone on my own. When you’re lacking in confidence and tall, it’s good to remember than people can assume you’re confidence because you’re tall. It’s a strange thing to comprehend, but friends have told me that from their first impression, they thought I was super-confident; when in fact I’m really not. 

#08 Sports advantage
Sometimes when you’re tall, all you have to do is show up and you’re moderately good at a sport. Netball was always my sport. I played others, but there are some practises that require skill and co-ordination that I was built without. Netball including a lot of jumping, reaching and intercepting. Techniques that are easier with a few extra inches. Plus, shooting was always easier as I’m closer to the net.

#09 Great hugs
I’ve always found that people who are taller than me give great hugs. Boy or girl, when someone larger than you gives you a good squeeze, it’s comforting and mood-lifting. I’ve never assessed my own hugging skills, but I would never reject a solid hug from someone who towers above.  

#10 Heels or no heels
Before the age of sixteen, I never wore heels. Being so tall results in attention on me and that was something I could never handle. Well, how things have changed – I can’t resist an amazing pair. Not only do they make my legs look even longer, but they slim down my overall image and that’s something I could never turn down. However, I don’t have to wear heels if I don’t want to and can still appear taller than most people.   

I hope you enjoyed this post! Please let me know in the comments if you've found any other advantages of being tall. Also, if you're a petite girl, let me know advantages you've found too!
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