Canadian Tuxedo in Cali

Denim on denim is something that can look horrible if done wrong, so for a long time I was apprehensive about wearing it. Recently however, I have found that if you mix classic denim pieces together they can look really good. I think the key is to steer clear of any tie dye or ombre denim, as those can make the whole outfit look less put together and thought out. Although some might also say you shouldn’t mix different shades of denim, I kind of disagree because as long as the individual pieces have classic shapes, using different shades can actually add more dimension to the look. 

Whilst I was in California, partly due to the fact that it was 30 degrees outside and the only other jacket I’d packed was a leather one, I decided to go with the double denim look and didn’t hate it. In retrospect, I wouldn’t recommend it on a hot day but it could be a great option for a warmed day in the UK. I forgot mine on the trip but I feel like a pair of hoops would have also been a great addition to this outfit, so do try that if you decide to replicate this. 

I'm intrigued to hear your thoughts though, is double denim your thing too or not? 

How to Save Money as a Student

When I first moved to London for University, I was introduced to the magic of student discount. I will admit, as a spoiled child I never really hunted discounts and bargains when I was young. However, moving to a new (much more expensive) city and having to live on a budget brought me back to reality and showed me just how important saving 10% here and there can be. For anyone who isn’t familiar with London student perks, these are cheaper transport rates and UNiDAYS. UNiDAYS is a student haven - clothing, electronics, stationery, you name it, UNiDAYS will probably offer student discount on it. 

​Having entered the ‘working professional’ world just over a year ago, today marks a very sad day for me. As per my latest UNiDAYS email, today, four years later, I unfortunately have to say goodbye to my student discount.

​However, because my student discount and I have shared some great moments, I thought there would no better way to pay homage to it than share my top tips on saving money as a student for anyone out there still hustling to get through their degree.

1. Make the most of your student discounts 

You might only be a student for three years, but this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from discounts beyond that. Student emails are usually valid for a few months post-graduation and are the only thing you need to confirm your student status, so make sure you register for any discounts when the new University year starts even after you’ve graduated. Even if your email might deactivate during the year, you will still be registered as a student for discounts. This is how I benefited from student discounts for another year after graduation. 

2. Buy vintage 

I didn’t frequent charity shops in Uni so this is more of a retrospective piece of advice but probably the best one I have to offer. London in particular is great for buying pre-worn clothing that is affordably priced and of good quality. Since I moved to a more residential area that also houses some pretty rich folk, I discovered that my local charity shops are full of fantastic pieces of clothing at really cheap prices. In the last year I have bought an Alexander McQueen scarf, a Chloe and a Givenchy coat at a combined price of 48. However, to find these gems you will have to move outside of Zone 1 and Shoreditch ‘vintage’ shops and reorient yourself towards charity shops. It’s amazing what some people will just give away. Another thing to look out for are 1 charity sales. Shoreditch do loads of them but you have to be prepared to queue for at least 1 hour and, once you’re in, deal with crowds of people looking for a bargain.

  

3. Sell stuff 

If like me, you have a lot of things (clothes, electronics, books, anything) try selling some of them. I’m a notorious hoarder, especially when it comes to clothing, so I used to give away a bin bag of clothing every year. If you’re on a budget though, tryand sell some of that instead. Universities usually have online groups where you can swap or sell items. Equally, you can always try online platforms like eBay or Amazon to reach a wider pool of people. I only started doing this in the last year and it has paid off. By selling some of my clothes and accessories, I have now bought a new camera lens that has been fantastic on my current trip to California. Finally, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of listing items online, try making some money off your University books. I always tried my best to buy pre-owned books from previous generations low and sell them high to the next generation. This might be a longer-terminvestment but it’s a great way to spend less on Uni books (and exercise your negotiating skills).

4. Work, work, work 

It seems obvious but try and work when you’re in University or during the summers. Whilst some courses might not advise or allow you to do this, if yours isn’t one of those, it’s always great to get a couple of hours of work every week. I used to do sampling for a green tea company, which involved serving green tea to people and get paid 11/hour to do that. It might not seem like much, but it adds up. For me, sampling helped pay for my travels after graduation. You can also choose to do more glamorous jobs, there are loads of options for students, from waitressing to being an extra in shows like Made in Chelsea (I know, who would have thought?). The benefits of working as a student are that you can be flexible with your hours and more frivolous with your earned money. I always felt guilty spending my parents’ money, but didn’t get the same feeling spending my own. 

​These might seem like basic tips but they have really helped me save money during Uni and beyond that. Most students will be trying to budget and save money, whether it is for travelling, shopping or just paying student loans after graduation, so whatever your reason for that might be, I hope these tips will help you. If you feel like you need an additional hand too, my UK readers can look up more information HERE and for US readers there's a great resource HERE. 

        I’m still on my journey for saving money though so I’m curious to hear from you too! What are your tips for saving? Let me know.

All Net Everything

My love for net started with my yellow bag, this summer's unsung hero accessory, and is continuing with this gorgeous ice blue jacket. On top of everything else, the best thing about this jacket is that it was also knitted by my lovely grandmother. 

Back in the Hoodie Game

I hope you enjoy this post because these are truly some of my favourite photos posted here on the blog. 

I’m not a fan of tracksuits, especially when the option of yoga pants exists. However, I have recently rediscovered the appeal of wearing hoodies.

A French Night Out

For anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise that I like to mainly sport casual looks. I would pick flats over heels most days, although I think heels look better 90% of the time, I’m the biggest fan of comfortable pieces and I like to stick to my basics. However, on the other hand, I love dressing up every once in a while and looking like I actively put effort into my outfits. Therefore...

How To Style Pyjamas During The Day

I enjoy few things more than rolling out of bed straight into the office in the mornings. A pyjama might not be the first thing one would wear as a daytime outfit, but it can most definitely be that. Keep reading to see how a pyjama can be worn to run errands at the weekend, make waffles in the morning or even jet ski in California.

The Underrated HOT Accessory of the Summer

I think it’s safe to say the straw bag wins the prize of summer’s most popular accessory. Unless you have been living under a rock or don't have an Instagram account (which in today's world is pretty much living under a rock) you will already be aware of the fact that everyone who thinks they’re anyone owns a straw bag in some shape or form. 

Although I totally get the appeal of a straw bag (I mean let's be real, it maintains the illusion that you're walking on the beach in the South of France even if you are actually just dragging yourself to work on a rainy Monday morning in London and Harper's Bazaar has written about it) I think that a massive contender to the title has been overlooked.

I Hope You Can't See My Nipples

When I was young I used to be fascinated by anything new in stores. Whenever Zara brought out a fresh collection, I instantly had to buy something to have a shiny, new piece in my wardrobe.

For the last year however, I have been gravitating more and more towards hand me downs and vintage clothing.

Normand Flair

The past few weeks have been pretty hectic. I don't say that in a bad way though, as they have consisted of my birthday, the start of summer, travelling and some exciting things at work. With all the running around though, I have had little time to get inspired. In a way, I find it funny because by just living my life, I haven't had time to take a breath and think of my blog or the outfits I want to wear and shoot, I have just been wearing whatever I want to and went on with my days. 

Two weekends ago however, I took a short weekend trip to beautiful Normandy and completely fell in love. The perfect little getaway, less than an hour away from London, Normandy completely charmed me and made me feel refreshed. Here I featured a few photos kindly taken by a lovely friend, just before we stuffed our faces with an amazing dinner. In the end, I ditched the heels and put my flat sandals on, there was no point in being pretentious there. 

Feeling new and refreshed, I am now in the search for some inspiration. What are your best ways of fighting an inspiration lull? 

Why The Right Pair of White Jeans Is The Most Elusive Piece of Clothing Out There

It’s been over a year since I have been looking for the ‘just right’ pair of white jeans. I have trawled both the high street and the high end hoping I would come across a high waisted, straight, butt-hugging pair of sleeves for my legs with no avail. It seems likely that in a year I would find that pair somewhere, right?

Wrong.

Gucci or Hot Dogs?

There's nothing better than Spring knocking your way, especially when you can wear your Gucci lookalike shoes from New Look (similar on sale HERE). 

Potentially the best dupes I've seen in a while, alongside the Ego version of the Gucci Princetown loafers, these New Look mules look exactly like the Gucci ones that filled our news feeds a few months ago. 

As these are such trend pieces, I couldn't get myself to spend £400 on them quite yet so I was happy to score this lookalike bargain in an ASOS sale in February. The sun came out at the perfect time last week too, as having had these for 3 months already I was starting to itch to wear them out. Also, before you judge me for my poor choice in shoe sizes I know it might look like it in the photo above, but these mules are not too small for me, I just have wide feet and forgot to tuck them in far enough in the shoes. Please don't judge and see below. 

However, this outfit also works well with Converse and it wouldn't be me if I didn't showcase a casual version of it. A pair of Gucci loafers would go really well too but Ego haven't come out with the black version with no fur yet.... 

The Easiest DIY You'll Ever Come Across

The other week, whilst browsing Amazon for a flower brooch inspired by this Man Repeller post, I came across a very different pair of daisy hair clips/brooches that straight away inspired me to write this post.

I'm Welcoming Colour Back in My Life

In a previous post back in December, I let my boyfriend choose my outfit and got sent straight out of my comfort zone. He not only dressed me in colour, he colour-blocked. Back then I very much lived in my neutral palette of all-black with a pinch of grey so I was very uncomfortable in this new territory.

1 Item, 5 Days: The Silk Scarf

Hey there. Here I am with another instalment of 1 Item, 5 Days, this time unpacking the many uses of a silk scarf. If you’re a white t-shirt and jeans kinda’ individual like me, you will appreciate the power of a good accessory. A pair of statement earrings, a fedora hat or a colourful silk scarf can completely change that basic pairing turning it from drab to fab (sorry, I had to).

As a lover of basic silhouettes, I previously ventured in illustrating how versatile a t-shirt dress can be and how it can morph into 5 different outfits. This time however, I talk about how a simple scarf can spice up your outfits in 5 different ways and as usual, will take you through my week wearing it. So let's get started.

Something Old, Something New...

Have you ever had one of those weeks when Tuesdays feel like Fridays and by the end of the actual Friday all you want to do is curl up in bed and sleep for 72 hours? Although my body wouldn’t be capable of the incredible feat of sleeping for 72 hours straight, I know that a week like that will usually end in a Saturday spent on the sofa and minimal personal achievements like getting off that same sofa and making lunch.

Are Hoops Back in Style or Is It Just Me?

           My interaction with hoop earrings has been non-existent in the past 8 years or so – the last time I wore them I was probably 15. Back then I used to wear various sizes and colours ranging from neon yellow to fuchsia, which I think caused me to need a prolonged break from them.

Dressing for a Formal Event Without Having to Buy a New Outfit

Have you ever experienced sheer panic at the thought that you will have to buy a brand new outfit for a formal event? If you have, welcome to the club.

Going Nano

When I was young, my mother used to have this huge Jimmy Choo hobo bag that I was fascinated by. It probably weighed 3kgs in itself and took up more space than any bag ever should, but I remember it was nothing short of fabulous. What is more, despite that bag being able to fit about half our household, my mother still managed to leave the house having to hold something in her hand.

Covering a Food Baby and the Various Uses of Layering

I’m not a massive fan of sweets and desserts and yet today started with 3 Nutella, biscuit spread and strawberry filled pancakes. I blame Pancake Day entirely and all I want is to cover myself in layers of clothing to hide my – still there – food baby.

How to Follow Dress Codes by Completely Ignoring Them

I like to think of myself as a person that has the ability to understand multifaceted and complex information even when coming from a variety of sources. Moreover, I take pride in being adaptable and quick to learn new things.

What Even is Love?

Those of you who know me also know that my feelings towards Valentine’s Day are pretty neutral. I believe love should be celebrated every day but I also don’t blame those who pick Valentine’s Day as their one day a year to be in love.

However, I’ve always been intrigued and super fascinated by how different people view love, whether on Valentine’s Day or not. Two years ago, I asked my best friends to send me a few words on what love meant to them and to this day, I enjoy reading that post. This year round, I asked two of my favourite bloggers to share their thoughts on love as well. I always enjoy reading these ladies' posts as they are both witty and charming, so I couldn't not share this with you guys too. 

Thanks a million Atsuna and Elly for agreeing to participate on this post! Go and check out their blogs, they're both amazing! 

          How do you guys view love? Do you love it? Do you think it's overrated? Let me know in the comments! 

3 Clothing Items That Are Better Bought in the Men’s Department

           The thing I’ve grown to love most about clothing is that nowadays you can pretty much do anything and everything you want with them. You can wear a skirt as a strapless top. You can wear sandals with socks (I know, who would have thought?!). You can even decide to not wear any clothes at all.

            One of my favourite indiscretions when it comes to shopping for garments is peeking into the men’s department. As fashion has moved towards androgynous styles, more brands have brought out ‘boyfriend fit’ shirts, jeans etc, you name it. Still, none of them manage to do it as well as the originals you can find one level below, in the men’s department.

            I have found pretty much anything in the men’s department, but 3 particular items stand out to me.

 1.     The chunky sweater

   

3 Things You Won't Be Able To Do in OTK* Boots But Why They're Still Amazing

It was around this time last year that I got a pair of over the knee boots from Zara. I bought these influenced by many things, but mostly because I believed they were the key to looking effortlessly chic at all times (and I couldn’t afford the hefty price of StuartWeitzman boots).

One Item, 5 Days: The Slip Dress

            A few years ago my friend uncovered this old photo of us from when we were 9 years old, in which I was wearing wide-leg culottes and coloured-lens 90s sunglasses. I couldn't find it for the purpose of this video but, trust me, it was hilarious. At the time, I cried with laughter and wondered how my mother let me leave the house dressed like that. Lo and behold, here we are today and everyone is wearing culottes. 13 years ahead of time, my mother must have predicted the trends that were to follow.

How Shoes Can be Achievable New Year Resolutions

Sticking to New Year resolutions is hard. Granted, that’s mostly because they are set by vulnerable people who feel pressured to do so, at a time when many expectations to renew yourself are created. Most times, the intention to go to the gym, eat healthily or travel more is there, but the motivation is hardly strong enough to keep that going much longer past January.

How to Accessorize Your 2017

Hello. Hey there. Welcome to a new year.

If you’re reading this, you’ve managed to get through 2016 and you’ve also somehow stuck around to reading my posts. Thank you for that. Sometimes I wonder how I’ve managed to fool some of you to keep following the random cogitations I post here every week. If you’re one of the special people that like my blog I love you very much.