Candy Colours Fashion

So, as most of us know, pastels are set to be a big trend this season and I can't proclaim my love of this colour pallet enough. There is a colour and a shade for everyone and it's a gorgeous trend for the S/S 2012 months.


With this in mind, I've already mentioned that I'm going to a wedding and was on the lookout for an outfit. I think I might have possibly nailed it, with help from my fellow blogger, Jenny (you'll find her gorgeous fashion blog here).

Blazer, £40, River Island

Blouse, £12, Primark

Skirt, £16, River Island

Shoes (old season), £35, Miss Selfridge

Don't get me wrong, I love the soft creams and lemons that are currently all over the high street but every outfit needs that statement piece and for me, in this outfit, it's all about the neon pink blazer. It's a lovely soft blazer with rolled-up cuffs and perfect for the summer months. I feel a bit like an ice-cream in this outfit but everyone likes ice-cream, so that can't be a bad thing, right? I like to think this outfit looks good enough to eat (terrible joke I know, I'm sorry).

I was a little bit naughty though and I've also got a second outfit on order for the wedding, so then I can compare the two and see which I like best! Because of this, my bank account has currently fallen out with me in a spectacular way... I did get it on special offer as ASOS are currently offering 25% off everything between now and Friday for students, so if you haven't already taken advantage of this offer, I advise you do it now!

Blazer, £65 (£48.75 with discount), ASOS

Puffball Skirt, £35 (£26.25)

I've been lusting after a ''shorts suit'' for a while, they make such a nice change to your usual drab and boring trouser suits. I saw this one on ASOS and whilst it doesn't actually have shorts for the bottom half, it instead has this adorable puffball skirt which I think provides a really girly twist! Plus, I'd totally be able to wear both these items again separately, especially the blazer. I love the print on it too as it's really pretty but totally eye-catching too, you want to see it in closer detail.

Unfortunately, Mr Postman hasn't delivered it yet so I can't show you what it looks like on the average girl in comparison to the model on the website but I'll definitely keep you updated!

So, which outfit do you think is best for the wedding?

Festival Chic

I'll say this first, I'm not your typical festival girl. I like clean toilets, not portaloos. I like bathrooms, not open air shower blocks. I like hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs, not 4 day old mussed up hair. I'm a girly girl, I like my home comforts and cleanliness. So yeah, placing me in a festival is basically just waiting for disaster to occur.
But for some reason, I absolutely love festivals.
I love spending the weekend in tiny shorts, long socks and wellies. I love the crowds. I love the little camping communities. Hell, I even like having cider for breakfast!
But what I always end up pondering about festivals is this, what am I going to wear!? 

V Festival, 2010 (I'm the blonde with the flower bando)

So, as you can see, face paints were a big thing!

So this year, I'm doing Leeds for the second time and I plan on taking a much better wardrobe than I did when I last went. But what exactly to take? I need new wellies and whilst I reallllllly want a pair of tall, pale pink Hunters unfortunately the purse strings won't stretch that far, so I'll be looking for a mock pair at a much friendlier price! 

Hunter wellies, £85

Now, I'm not usually one for coloured denim. I like my regular, black and grey denim but I'm absolutely in love with these cute, baby blue Daisy Duke-esque shorts. They're so summery and bright which will make a nice change to the stonewashed denim hot pants that flood festivals every year. Hopefully they'll be coming along to Leeds with me!

Shorts, £22, Topshop

I absolutely love this little vest, I'm a sucker for anything with a cute slogan. It'll look perfect over shorts or with leggings. Versatility is key for festivals as you aim to take as little as possible - otherwise you regret it as you trek to your campsite...

Vest, £7.99, H&M

I'm off to scour the web for more summery picks that'll no doubt be added to my ever-increasing ''festival clothes'' pile. I'll maybe see some of you at Leeds? I'll be the girl attempting to pin down her pop-up tent, aviators fixed firmly over my tired eyes with a can of Strongbow in her hand at all times!

This Girl Is Staying North!

Okay, so some of you reading this will know that I applied for a job in the captial city, good old London. I got through the first stage and was invited for a phone interview (of which I shook with nerves during the whole call!)


Now, I've always dreamed about living in London. I was born there and spent my early years growing up there, so I guess I've been sort of scrambling to get back to my 'hometown' despite the fact I've lived in Sheffield for 15 years of my life.
I love how busy London is, there's always something to do no matter what time it is. It has the best shopping in the country, what girl wouldn't want that on their doorstep?! But most of all, it seems like a city full of opportunities and I want the chance to try them all. 


But alas, I woke up from the dream today as I didn't get through to the next part of the interviewing progress. I want to pretend I'm really gutted and reap in sympathy from everyone but honestly, it hasn't really affected me. Sure, I'd have loved it if I'd made it through but it's not the end of the world that I didn't. 


I've got some of the best people around me ''oop North'' and let's face it, I probably sound far too northern to be taken seriously in a high-powered London job!
Now, where can I find a cushy desk job that allows me to wear cute work clothes, read magazines, answer phones and tap on a keyboard all day... Oh, and did I mention I'd love to be paid megabucks for it too?
You can take the girl out of the north but you can't take the north out of the girl - we love getting something for nothing!

Wedding Outfit Dramas.

Let's get this out of the way first, I LOVE weddings. I love attending them, I love the outfits, the fascinators but most of all, I love finally getting to see the wedding dress. Now, I don't know about you but like most little girls, I've had thoughts about my wedding from a young age. I know exactly what I want and exactly how I want it done, the groom won't even get a say..
I say this like there's the chance I might be getting married soon but there's not, there's more chance of Beyonce's new baby being ugly than me walking up the aisle any time soon. 


Right, so, back to the actual point of the blog after drifting off into wedding land.
I was planning on purchasing this dress for the wedding as it was formal enough for the occasion but dressy enough to be worn on nights out in the future. Except I hit a problem today, the dress is too big on my collarbone area, HEARTBREAK. 

Dress, £36, Topshop

As I'd totally set my heart on purchasing this outfit for the wedding, I have now drawn a complete blank as to anything else to wear!
Can anyone point me in the direction of some lovely potential wedding outfits?

Pretty Polly's Pretty Perfect Customer Service!

Okay, so I was recently gifted a pair of Henry Holland for Pretty Polly Super Suspender tights. I absolutely love these tights as they're a much better quality than many of the suspender tights out there and as they're thicker, don't tend to rip as easily. So I was totally chuffed when someone bought me some.
I was disappointed to find that when I opened them, it contained not the Super Suspenders which I'd expected (super sad face) but instead the Superstar tights, which are lovely, just not what I was looking for!


I contacted Pretty Polly's team in the hope of being able to gain the tights I originally wanted. Now here's the good bit.. The person I spoke to over at Pretty Polly was amazing! Upon hearing my problem she apologised for the situation, acknowledged that a batch of wrongly labeled tights had been shipped out and that I must have been one of the unlucky ones. She then posted out (first-class, next day delivery, might I add, very swish) a pair of Super Suspenders plus some original Pretty Polly suspenders and a pair of the new 'I'm Laddered' Henry Holland tights!


I can't explain how pleased I've been with Pretty Polly's customer service team, they've been absolutely faultless. They were so friendly and super quick at sorting out my problem. I loved the brand before my issue but I've got to say, my opinion of them has now shot through the roof, amazing.


Now to just find occasions to wear all my new tights...

How Much Is Too Much To Pay For A Dress?

I've previously written about my student lifestyle and whilst I may complain about many aspects of it, there is definitely one major perk, three whole years of that beautiful student discount. Now, for some people, 10% doesn't seem like a lot but when you're a money stricken student, that extra saving means everything! We'll whip out our faithful NUS at any opportunity, even trying to blag it in stores that are mean and don't actually offer student discount..


In a few months time I'll no longer be a student and something has been troubling me. I will no longer be able to get 10% off in Topshop! For me, this is a very big thing. Topshop is my go-to shop when I need a new outfit for any occasion. I've realised that, as I browse the store, I automatically minus the student discount from the ticket price! So, a life of having to pay the ticket price seems particularly tragic. 


I fully accept that Topshop isn't cheap, hell some of its products can be totally overpriced for the quality and durability it offers. But as a student, it's a fashion mecca. 


This leads me to ask, just how much is 'too much' to pay for clothing?
I'll soon be stepping into the grown-up world where new clothes sort of take a back seat to rent, bills and other boring (but neccessary!) outgoings. I'm going to HAVE to cut down on my clothing allowance, waaah. If £50 for a dress is going to seem to extravagant then it looks like I'll just have to buy less food, become really skinny yet be fabulously dressed. Not so bad. 

It's Nearly Time To Face The Big, Wide World, Emma...

As I sit here writing this blog post, I’m faced with the stark, and frankly terrifying, realisation that in 3 short months I’m going to have to face the big wide world all by myself. Now this comes from a girl who doesn’t even like going to the toilet by herself in a club. And still has teddies on her bed. So, I’m totally ready, don’t you think?

It’s taken me a while to think of a positive about this situation but I’ve finally found one – I’ll be able to get my own flat.
I cannot wait till I never have to live in a student house ever again. Gone will be the days of cold rooms, terrible décor and mis-matched carpets. Saying goodbye to student houses will be like saying goodbye to the friend you never really liked anyway but had to be friends with out of necessity.
I shall be saying a hearty hello to a beautiful little flat (hopefully!) designed in a clean, classy and minimal style. I’ll be able to use the shower whenever I want without fear or someone else already being in there and nobody will leave crumbs in my butter (anyone who knows me will realise how much stress this small action causes me).
Don’t get me wrong, living by myself is a thought that scares the living daylights out of me but I like to think people will be over all the time, so that would totally ward off any burglars or other wrong-doing people? You all have to say yes to make me feel better about this decision.

And I’ll be paying that much money for rent, bills and council tax (and all those other boring things blah, blah) that I’ll be too poor to eat properly, causing me to become so skinny that everyone will be jealous. So growing up many not necessarily be a bad thing after all…

We're All Going On A Summer... Inter-Railing Holiday?

Whilst I’m currently feeling the intense pressure of my dissertation hanging over me, light relief came in the form of a possible holiday this week! Never one to miss out on an opportunity to get out of the country (isn’t everyone?!) I leaped at the chance. Now where am I going, you may be wondering? Well, it’s not just one place.. It’s not even two.. I’m being greedy and going to as many as I can, as I’m hopefully going inter-railing!

Many of those who know me may scoff at this idea. It’s well known that electrical hair products are practically glued to my hands on a daily basis but I’m going to have to leave these behind. I won’t lie, I’m worried.
I don’t even like backpacks. I think they’re one of the worst fashion trends going right now (sorry to anyone that does like them!) and they’re totally not my thing but for a month trekking round Europe I’m going to have to fit my whole life into one..

BUT
On the plus side, I love the sunshine and living in England doesn’t guarantee much of that, so I’m game for anywhere that promises me a tan. Also, this girl can never say no to a challenge and most people would agree that, for me, this will be a massive challenge.
And you never know, I might find myself a holiday romance with a gorgeous Italian, a girl can dream..

She's Growing Up!

As much as I wish Princess could stay a baby forever, she’s getting bigger (and naughtier) everyday! Also realised she’s hugely fascinated by the chandelier.. 

The 9am Ordeal...

It’s Sunday evening and I’m already dreading Monday morning. This statement can be applied to most people but I’m a student and Monday mornings are kick started for me by a 9am lecture. If you’re a fellow student, you’ll understand my pain.

Being a student often feels like being unemployed. We can often be found spending most our days sprawled on the sofa watching daytime television or down the pub, nursing the cheapest pint the bar sells. Students (and I’m one too before you start grumbling) are generally experts on Jeremy Kyle, hangover cures and the cheapest yet highest percentage alcohol in the area.

The few times a week we actually make it onto our campus’ we’re home again only an hour or so later, due to minimum contact hours in Universities at the moment. It sort of makes you wonder where your £3,000 a year goes?

Whilst many teens treat their time at University as a holiday, the one thing that sets it apart from an enjoyable week away is seeing the dreaded 9am lecture on your timetable. You outwardly groan at the thought of having to get up before 10am.

As a student, getting up for a 9am lecture is probably one of the hardest things you have to face. It means having to get out of bed and plod around your (no doubt freezing) house getting ready to only wait at the bus stop for longer than usual as buses too full with commuters and fellow students drive past, almost mocking you.

But, if you’re lucky and your 9am start is a lecture in one of the bigger lecture halls, grab a seat at the back, get cosy and have a nap for the next hour – you know all the slides are going to be uploaded onto your University site later anyway but you made it to Uni and that’s what counts!

Derren Brown

Leeds literally blew my mind last night. Or to be more precise, Derren Brown in Leeds blew my mind last night.

After driving round Leeds for what felt like an absolute lifetime, the family and I finally figured out their road system and found a parking spot in what I felt was the dodgiest place in the city. Thankfully the car was still there when we got back, no scratches or anything – though I believe we were just lucky..

Unfortunately I can’t tell you much about Derren’s show, ‘Svengali,’ as he swears his audience to secrecy and he’ll probably hunt me down and hypnotise me into thinking I’m a donkey or something along those lines (something I’m not willing to risk.. soz guys). But what I can tell you is that it was amazing. If you ever get the chance to see him, I totally recommend it.

I’d like to act out an elaborate lie and say I was called up on stage to be part of his act and it was fab, blah blah blah but I wasn’t. I was part of a group of which, a lucky few were picked to go up but alas, I was left to sit back down, sob sob.

And the Leeds Grand Theatre is absolutely gorgeous, the décor was all so elaborate and ornate. It felt like stepping back into a 1940′s theatre. and the beautiful crystal chandelier in the middle of the theatre just added that extra touch of glamour!

Princess

I thought I’d introduce my gorgeous kitty to you guys, this is Princess! She struts around the flat like she owns the place and is the naughtiest little ball of fluff. But with a face like hers, you can’t stay mad too long..

Lent

Never one to back down from a challenge, for the first time, I’m taking part in lent this year. I’m not religious in the slightest so unfortunately I can’t say I’m doing this for the big guy upstairs, I’m doing it for me. And for purely selfish reasons at that..

Never one to do things the easy way, I’ve gone full throttle and given up chocolate. Deep breaths.
I know, I know, drastic. I’m doing it not only to challenge myself, as I’m partial to many a chocolate biscuit, but also in the hope of dropping a couple of pounds so I can squeeze into dresses long forgotten in my wardrobe. That’s the vain side of myself showing its face.

Whilst I’d like to think I’ll be able to do this easy peasy, a little bit inside of me knows I’ll be breaking down in front of the confectionery aisle in Tesco next week.

It seems like since Lent began (only 2 days ago – yes, I’m counting..) chocolate is taunting me, it’s everywhere. I feel like I’m in that cereal bar advert where sweets and pastries chase a women down the road trying to tempt her to eat them – except I have a chocolate mass plodding behind me constantly.

On the plus side, only 38 days till I can hold the Easter Bunny hostage for his haul and sink into a chocolate coma.