How to Survive when you're ill...

Getting older has meant I've become more tolerant with the colds and sickness' I have been getting. Being run down, not eating right, on the go too much and stress are the main reasons for this. How I deal with this? Simples...

1. Have long sleeps.
   I mean long. Not 8 hours, 12-14. Just go slow, body needs rest so go to bed early and have lie-ins when you can. Keeping your body warm will keep it protected and minimise the time of your illness. Put the heater on, add extra layers and have a duvet day with lots of films.
2. Eating properly.
   I definitely do not change my diet when I'm ill; I don't have soup after soup with vegatables to snack on. If you can- great! I can't. Fruit is amazing for this, hot drinks and lots of water. It comforts your body in you looking after it. I have lots of lemsip because its not just a medicine drink its hot and tasty; you feel better just sipping it. But with the good comes the bad= Chocolate. Whenever I'm ill it comforts me to snack on chocolate. And, as my dad says; it is scientifically proven to help you. Probably just a placebo effect but I'm not complaining; any excuse to have Cadburys.
3. Put on a smile.
   You've got a cold. It's too late, nothing you can do- deal with it. Put on a brave face and go about your day. The more you feel sorry for yourself the longer it will stay with you. The better you forget about it the quicker it will go; you're basically rebelling against it. Don't make it miss important stuff in life!

Accessories; Sometimes. Sometimes not...

I'm a little torn when it comes to accessories.
Sometimes they complete an outfit. Sometimes they ruin an outfit- it takes away the focus of a well put together ensemble; high street, designer or vintage. 
Is there a rule when it comes to wearing accessories- when you should and should not where that necklace, those earrings, even that bag?
Like clothes, I go for the least fussiest accessories. Simple, stylish and still sassy. My personal rules for when accessories should be used, and when not; 

1. The Chunky(/Statement) Necklace
   Choose a bold colour with a chunky necklace or one that matches your other jewellery (either gold or/and silver). When wearing all one colour clothes, such as black, the bold necklace will seperate a boring outfit to a beautiful one. This makes your look playful, fun and fashionable and can even take a daytime look at work to an evening one with only the change of shoes.  



2.  The Statement Watch
   Since attending a fashion course this year I have discovered the trends of different watch brands. From high end watches that I favour myself such as; Michael Kors, to the retro styling of Casio watches. Watches are no longer for the use of knowing the time (we all have our phones for that) but for the colour, the sparkle and the style. If you have one already- wear it, it can class up an outfit or/and complete it.
   
   
3. Bag and shoes
   
   
   The most obvious ones. I think every woman makes sure there shoes match their outfit before stepping out the door. It's a reflective instinct we have. Common knowledge. With bags we aren't as diverse- one suits all. And most of the time, especially the working girl, daytime rush, we only need one that holds all our crap. But for bags come with the same essence as jewellery; can add to the look. A shoulder bag= everyday look, Across the body bag= shopping at the London markets on Sunday, Clutch bag= Attending a fashion show or a night out. They all come with their purpose. My only rule to this is matching. Most of my boots and shoes are black- black goes with everything and I have a lot of black in my wardrobe. You can match your coat with your bag, your shoes with your bag or your dress. As long as the outfit comes together- you're safe.
   
   
   
4. Earrings, Rings & Bracelets.
   "I think it would be tacky to wear diamonds before I'm forty." -Audrey, Breakfast at Tiffanys
   Some people do wear these everyday, some people don't ever. I wear my 2 simple silver rings everyday with my plain drop earrings or studs depending on my outfit. I think this section is up to you- just don't go over the top. I think anyone can wear whatever rings they want and it doesn't clash with what they wear. With earrings less is more. And with braceelets i try not to get anything that is too noisy or restrictive for me. But a statement bangle, a silver charm bracelet or a few plain dainty bangles look sweet and chic.
   
   
5. Fifth and finally; Sunglasses and hats.
   These are of course, dependent on the weather. However, I do adore a fedora hat and as previous posts have stated, I am a collector of sunglasses. Sunglasses are a must in any womans handbag, and any mans car. You never know when you'll need them, and you'll be sorry if you don't. Plus you look sexy and sophisticated with the Audrey Hepburn style, or retro and cool with the vintage style. So many choices to make so many statements. And if you're feeling brave, hats aren't just to keep your head warm. Wooly hats look cute and cosy, fedora hats are very beautiful and fashionable and bomber hats are incredibly chic for anyone brave enough. Give it a try- Please! I am dying to see more people in hats. I do adore them, and admire my flatmate for wearing them even when she's hungover going for milk. Statement, or no statement accessories are required for their occasional uses ♥

20...

"Enjoy yourself. That’s what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons. Your 40s are to pay for the drinks."

-Sex and the city

 

The countdown to the 12th of January was my final days of being a teenager. As scary as it was to leave that chapter of my life, I am excited for what this decade will bring.
I have always planned things but have learnt throughout my teens, that doesn't always work out. Having high expectations can only end in huge disappointment, taking advantage can one day leave you lonely and not giving your best will always fill you with regret.

I try not to make new years resolutions as I don't know how my life will plan out- that's part of the fun.

Not knowing the destination is daunting. Not having the reassurance things will work out favourably is worrying. But while you stay scared and unknown time will pass within seconds and the years meant for fun, memories and experiences will be lost. So it's not about what you expect from yourself, what you think you will be doing, it's about the journey you take to get there. As long as it's a happy one where I am feeling satisfied, I know I'll be okay. Like one of many; I'm just a 20-something girl, following my dreams and laughing along the way ♥

The Great Gatsby...

 The best film of 2013. The colours, the clothes and the music was just the start of the list why this movie has become a historical best already.
Moulin Rouge has been my favourite film for the past 10 years, knowing Baz Lurhman was the Director of The Great Gatsby I instantly knew I'd fall in love. Already knowing the story I didn't have high expectations, but it was emphasised by the actors, the songs and famously the fashion. 

The 1920's, as told in the film, was all about bigger and better; "The Jazz era". With liquour being inexpensive people became looser and carefree and parties were bigger than they'd ever been. Hence the Flappers; a new generation of fun-filled, buoyant women who were there to dance and have a good time. 

SS13 collections consisted of the re-designed 'Flapper Dress'

My favourite thing about this love story is it was written by someone obviously in pain for love. F. Scott Fitzgerald, American writer married to Zelda. Obviously, very successful in work but his marriage did end in a divorce, but before this his wife had his daughter, and the line I always remember from the Great Gatsby is said to be quoted from his wife about his daughter. True love and true sadness at its best;

"I hope she will be a fool- that is the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." 
♥

2014

Happy New Year.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha

The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy, it's all that matters- Audrey Hepburn.

 

Live for now,

Don't regret yesterday,

Make memories for tomorrow.

-Me

 

 

Playing Dress up...Midi Skirts...

I have a new love. Midi skirts. I don't know why I don't have loads! They're so gorgeous, feminine and easy to wear, I do picture Audrey Hepburn when ever i think about them but then I think, she was gorgeous and feminine.Being so on trend it's so simple to see why timeless pieces like these come back into fashion. Being seen in Vogue for the first time in the 50's and Dior creating the curvy silhouette of this skirt just goes to show how easy it can make a woman look classy, confident and full of charisma with flat pumps or a court heel, for work or a walk to the shops- definitely a must have piece on my Christmas list ♥

Christmas...

I have always been one of those people that hate it when people start celebrating Christmas right after Halloween- it's everywhere; in homes, shops on the tv. I'm no Grinch, I love Christmas, but celebrating a whole 2 months ahead will just lessen the excitement and increase the disappointed for when the time does come, no? No! This year I have been converted to a Christmas lover/celebrator/believer before December. It's November 15th and I feel like a child again counting the days till the big 25th. Maybe it is because I am far away from home, maybe it's because I am in London and celebrations are over the top here, and maybe it is because I saw Selfridges windows and couldn't help myself from smiling. Christmas is so beautiful and I love that this time of year it is about, more than anything, love. No matter what worries and problems are in your life just spending that one day with the ones you love make everything worthwhile. So let me be the first this year to wish you a very Merry Christmas for the weeks to come! ♥

London Lights...

I'm so glad that we had a heat filled summer, for the first time in years. And that our Autumn remained pretty warm. But it is officially winter now. The clocks have gone back and it is now dark at 5pm. The coats have been bought and can finally be used. The sandals are packed away and the wellies have returned. But it's okay because winter is lovely. Buying coffees and hot chocolates, wearing hats and scarves and soon a canvas of white will be my view from my window. The first time I felt this winter feeling was a couple of weeks ago, being lucky enough to live in London I got to see the Christmas lights being turned on on Regents Street, and it was magical. As the fireworks coloured the sky and the Christmas lights were switched on, Starbucks in hand and friends around, I thought winter really isn't too bad when you're in a beautiful city like here. Hope you're having a lovely start to winter like me ♥