Wednesday 28 November 2012

It's Okay to Feel the Cold, Once in a While

We all know that feeling of stepping in a hot shower and then never wanting to get out. Especially when you know its so cold outside, the thought of getting out of the shower literally turns you into an icicle. But what happens when you feel this way about life? You force yourself to stay in the warm safety of your very own comfort zone which you have developed over time and you daren't step out in to the ice cold unfamiliar? When I finished my year abroad and faced the prospect of returning to my old life I was in most parts excited. Seeing old friends, going back to the life I had just only a year ago. This was so exciting and I was ready to face 4th year head on both with school work and everything else that came with it.

Manchester, although I had been away for a while, was my home. If anyone asked where I was from thats where I would say, not because of the fact as a family we always seemed to relocate, but with my family moving to France maybe I saw it as my base? However I definitely did not anticipate the shock I received when I came back. Those who had done a year abroad warned us all of a 'reverse culture shock', I laughed it off as ridiculous. How could you be unable to readjust to a life that was once so familiar to you? For me, unfortunately that was the case. The combination of both me changing as a person, having a new perspective on life and fitting into a city that had a completely different set of friends waiting for me yet looked exactly how I left it, was weird. I felt so disorientated and it has taken me time to adjust to. I had never felt anything like it before and after 3 months of being back I am only just starting to feel 'normal' again. I struggled to see how a place I once called home seemed alien to me. This definitely wasn't supposed to be how I imagined it but the shock of it has taught me so much.

1) I wish they warned you more of this before hand (write a guidebook on it or something?)
2) I have learnt how now, more than ever, to take each day as it comes. All these inspirational quotes on pinterest and instagram (of course, I know this better than anyone #instalover) don't mean anything unless you have experienced it and once it hits home to you, you really pay attention. But don't think too far ahead, focus on the now not the what may be.
3) Learn to switch off. At the start of the year I struggled to understand where all this confusion was coming from and immediately thought it was something wrong with me as a person, but once I took time out for myself to just stop and literally do, nothing! You realise how little time you actually ever give yourself to relax. With everything going on around you, school, friends, socialising, working, eating, thinking...sleep is about the only time I would stop. This isn't how it is supposed to be, so taking time out for yourself is more important than anything.

Anyone who knows me knows friends to me are everything and when I saw this quote I couldn't have agreed more. When I struggled at the start of this year surrounding myself with people who appreciate and understand me made the situation seem a whole lot less intimidating. You are who you surround yourself with. Choose wisely & stay positive! :)

   
So although I know for many this post may not hit home for you too much, but if it just makes you realise how precious life is and to value those in it then thats alright with me. 
I found myself initially clinging on to my comfort zone for dear life, purely because it was familiar to me and with everything changing around me, how could this hurt? Fact is, embrace change and although the city I had returned to was the same as I had left it there was no reason I couldn't make it fit the new me rather than questioning where I was supposed to fit back into it. 




Tuesday 27 November 2012

Cara Vogue Brazil


As soon as I saw this editorial I knew I had to post it. Bright colours, memories of summer and Cara. Whats not to love? Not to mention that one piece in the first photo. I NEED that with a capital N.E.E.D.

(Vogue Brazil)

Doutzen Doutzen Doutzen

Doutzen Kroes Victoria's Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes walks the runaway during the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the Fontainebleau on November 15, 2008 in Miami Beach, Florida.  (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Victoria's Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes *** Local Caption *** Victoria's Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes

Every girl has their 'thinspo', their go to for a daily stalk (dont deny it you know you do). Doutzen Kroes is mine. These are just some of my few favourite editorials/photos of her recently. 

Vogue Netherlands/Paris/Muse/Elle Russia


Monday 26 November 2012

Bejewel Me

Bejewel Me



I have never been the biggest fan of jewelery, when it comes to it, I always employ the motto 'less is more' as with most things. However this bejeweled trend has really got me rethinking my theory. I am Zara's biggest advocate and maybe thats why I am being tempted by all things jeweled as its all I see in their collections recently, but whats not to love? The best thing with this trend is that you can put your own stamp on it so easily, I am not suggesting you have to go as crazy (tacky) as below (trust me that was the intention, promise), however personalising your own clothing with jewels is far easier than you would imagine. All you need is some fabric glue, your favourite jewels, a top that needs a boost and a little bit of creativity and voila!  


Selfridges Elfridges



Couldn't think of a more quaint and Christmassy idea than to have 'Elfridges' helping you with all things Christmas. I am the biggest fan of all merry related, Christmas things, if I could have my way Christmas would be a year round thing that just never stopped. I'm not sure whether its that Canadians just dont start celebrations as early as us or that it genuinely is just celebrated earlier and earlier each year worldwide but seeing wrapping paper in Boots at the very start of October got me a little too excited but also very very baffled. 
I wish these Elfridges were not just in Oxford Street but also running up and down the country spreading their cheer, I cant help but think they would bring that little bit more fun to my weekly shifts.



(Copyright of Telegraph online)

Monday 19 November 2012

Instafavs


For those of you unable to avoid my non stop feed of all things instagram (or should I say foodstagram), I am madly and hopelessly obsessed and I will try my hardest to make any image instagrammable, but as snap happy as I am, seeing through the insta eyes of everyone else is equally as enjoyable for me. These photos are just a few of my favourites of the week. From New York by day and New York by night to Manchester Christmas Markets, Paris' Arc De Triomphe, endless Icecream at Sabo Skirt and Chrismukkah with Seth and Ryan. Whether these bring back memories, make me hungry or give me extreme travel envy, they all made my study filled week that little bit more enjoyable. 

Gold Rush

Gold Rush



With most things it's always gold over silver for me and recently I have not stopped spotting gold infused things that would be perrrrfect for my christmas list (mum if you're reading this ;)).
The Zara bag is a perfect imitation of the Proenza Schouler bag I have had my eyes on for ages but I think my bank balance would appreciate this purchase more. 

Friday 16 November 2012

Millie Mack for Prodiga


I don't even try to deny my love for Millie Mack. She is my very own British Olivia Palermo. Her style is effortless, she always looks perfect and not a hair is ever out of place. Her campaign for Prodiga proves this even more so. The Leeds based designer has created a glamorous collection with embellishments in abundance (instantly I'm sold!!) and a selection of lace infused silhouettes which can't do anything but flatter, flatter and flatter some more. The only reservation I have is Millie's long tresses which surprisingly I think she looks better without. I am all for long locks but personally I just don't think Millie needs them. 
Watch the behind the scenes video here and check out the collection for perfect Christmas party dress inspiration.









How To Stay Positive-According to Jessica


Found this from a friend and I think if any one is having a down day this is a sure fire way to cheer you up!! How cute? If Jessica can do it, we all clearly can!! We should like EVERYTHING! 
'I can do anything better than any one'
Here here. 

Thursday 15 November 2012

Sandro Cravings

Sandro Cravings



So to celebrate my new job (wooooh) I saw it only fit to create a wish list of all things Sandro. Working amongst the most amazing staple pieces each week is a breath of fresh air and to be honest there isn't one thing I don't want in the collection. I picked out a few of my favs and if any of you use Lyst then I also made a collection on there because unfortunately as fun as Polyvore is, being limited to just 5 items simply wont cut it. 

Check it out here: http://www.lyst.com/hollyvb/sandro-cravings/?ctx=250076

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...