Classic

In true Christina fashion, I have half of my Chicago photos on my dad's computer whilst he's gone away for a bit! But, that's no excuse for my break from the blog, in honesty the sun came out in Florida last week and I spent every minute enjoying it and trying to soak up the sun before I came back to England and the inevitable rain. Then I've been jetlagged, hanging with some family and on a back-to-school shopping trip - hence the break from the blog!

I got this Forever 21 dress in the store in Chicago and instantly fell in love. The red lips seem a perfect fit to go with the monochrome stripes, as well as my black flatforms to make it a simple classic look. This was my last night (I think - it all seems like a blur) in Chicago in which we went to a fab steakhouse before going to the Navy Pier to watch fireworks. Although apparently there are fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday watching the fireworks, sitting by the water with the Chicago skyline in view was a perfect moment. It's still moments like that that have made my holiday unforgettable!
Hopefully there will be some shots of Chicago soon and definitely some more outfits, but for the moment I'm going to continue (ahem, start) my holiday homework before going back next week (How is it the last week of Summer already?!)

Now Playing // Ariana Grande - My Everything

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P.S. You've may have seen on Instagram (and if you havent, where have you been?) but I#ve had my haircut! What do you think of it?
P.P.S. Also, This is my 300th post, cheers to that.

America Life Rambling

It is currently storming outside. And it has been all day so far. This is the third day in the row it has been like this. So yeah, Florida is fab when the sun is out but when a blanket of clouds blocks it, it isn't so fab. I've quickly nabbed my dad's laptop to give an update on my life and a type of photo diary through my phone post. 

I have taken so many photo's, some blog related, some photography related and others to capture memories but the problem is is that I don't have my usual editing tools on my dad's laptop so the Chicago posts will have to be delayed another week or so. However I have been taking quite a few snaps on my phone and have been frequently uploading them to Instagram so thought I would collate some together in this post. I'm rambling a lot aren't I? Bullet points may be best.

• After a fairly sleepless Wednesday night I finally got my AS Level results at 3:30 in the morning here. The range of emotions was, and still is mixed. I was thoroughly pleased with half of my grades and disappointed in the other half, especially my History exam. But oh well, I can just try my best and pull it up next year!
• We went to a baseball game last night to support the Tampa Bay Rays whom we've seen multiple times now. It wasn't the most exciting game but I still got into it - especially with our t-shirts - and we won!
• Tonight we're going to an American Football game. I don't know any rules to it apart from what I learnt through films and TV shows, So could be interesting!
• I've also done lots of shopping which I'm super excited for and am thinking possibly of a haul video when I come back?  So that is my life atm, bit of a pointless rambling post but I felt I needed to explain my life through bullet points!

From watching this video I've been reminded of one of my favourite quotes that I fancied sharing - 

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” 

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Summer Shade

Top and Necklace - New Look. Shorts - Topshop. Kimono and Shoes - H&M.

I seem to love putting my hands in my hair...

I wore this outfit to a barbecue that I hosted for my friends just before I went away. I was stressing about what top to wear but luckily I found this peplum top in Madeleine's drawer which I think fits perfectly with this outfit. It's definitely one of my favourite outfits of the summer so far. I love the free flowing feel of this kimono and do wish I jumped on the bandwagon a bit earlier!  Also a lil' shout out to Vicky for being the photographer, obviously our time in Photography AS has paid off!

Right now I am sat inside jamming to 5SOS's album, taking a break from the sun and about to make a Mango shake with Madeleine. Chicago was a dream, my heart definitely belongs in a city but it has fully worn me out (You'll be getting the posts about that shortly when I've recovered!) but today is the first day of my week and a half long chill time in Florida. I've already spent hours in the pool and listened to a heap of new albums. Life is Good. 

 

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Under the Downtown Neon Lights

I've been wanting to wear this playsuit for ageeeeeees. And luckily a couple of weeks ago when I had a summer bbq to go to for my friends gabby's birthday it was a perfect time! I love the fit of it, how it is tight and high neck at the top then flares out at the side, looking like a dress but is actually shorts. As you can tell basically, I'm a fan of this playsuit, good one Topshop!

Make sure your following me on instagram to keep up with my America posts, hopefully I'll be getting a great tan. Fingers crossed.

Now playing - Cannot stop listening to this song

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What I'm Taking to America // Clothes

So for my last instalment for this mini series I thought I would show you a collection of the clothes that I'm planning to take to America with me. These photo's show that my summer wardrobe mainly consists of black and white clothes with a hint of denim and the occasional pink and literally no other colours!

Shoes // I've got my pair of flatforms from H&M but because they do give me horrendous blisters I also purchased a pair of converse type trainers from New Look to add to my black shoe collection.

Dresses and Playsuits // All of these here can be worn casually in the day or dressed up in the evening, something useful to have in a city!

Tops and Shorts // This collection of shorts and top are all very inter-changeable. I think having lots of different separate pieces will work out well if I've stuck what to wear.

Bikini's // These high-waisted Topshop bottoms came the other day and I'm so excited to mix and match them with my various bikini tops.

Kimono's // I've got this H&M kimono and black cardi which are both perfect and lightweight to keep me warm in the cooler evenings.

So there you have it - What I'm planning on taking to America! Let me know if you like this mini-series, it was quite fun blogging everyday for a bit it must be said. I fly tomorrow (excited yet surreal) but have got a couple of posts lined up and plan to blog a bit in Florida. Anyway I better go and pack as I've got a haircut this evening (Yes, It's going even shorter!)

Albums bought for the plane - George Ezra, Clean Bandit and 5 Seconds of Summer.

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What I'm Taking to America // Beauty Essentials

For my second installment of What I'm Taking to America I'm going to attempt to talk about some of the beauty items I am panning on taking. Now as you know, I am no beauty expert so I can't really talk to much in detail about everything because I don't really know, I just either like a product or I don't - and these are the ones I like!

Sleek Rose Gold Blush 926 // It has such a gorgeous subtle shimmer and the rose colour is lovely.

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam // This is brand new but the shine and colour look dazzling and perfect for a summer glow.

Sun Cream // You can never have enough suncream!

After Sun Moisturiser // To lock in any tan I may have gotten and soothe my skin.

Sheer Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner // I'm hoping this and the sun will keep my blonde hair extra vibrant in colour.

L'oreal Nude Magique BB Cream // This is also new but I'm so excited to try this out, I wanted a lighter coverage on my face compared to normal as it is going to be hot there!

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof mascara // A waterproof mascara is a must for the long lazy days by the pool.

Nivea Soft Moisturiser // My everyday moisturiser is needed even more after being in the sun all day.

So there you have it, my essential beauty items! What are your hliday beauty essentials?

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What I'm taking to America // Hand Luggage

Over the next couple of days I'm going to be doing a mini-series where I'm showing what I'm taking to America! Now I go this week but I haven't started packing yet but thought to start off with I'd show you what I'll be taking in my hand luggage, as its an 8 hour flight, I'll need some entertainment! Although I did see that Divergent is on the tv so that's a plus.

Bag // A standard backpack that is going to be super handy on the long sightseeing days in Chicago.

Journal // I love documenting what I'm feeling or any idea's I have in here.

Magazines // A must have on any flight.

Kindle // I need to update my reading list but my kindle and reading will be a major part of my holiday.

Sunglasses // For stepping out into the sunny Chicago skies.

Hair Ties // Always a must when I need to throw my hair into a top knot on the plane.

Carmex // I hate the dryness that comes with flying so this will most definitely be needed.

Headphones // I don't think I could handle my holiday - mostly my flight and sunbathing - without headphones.

Iphone Charger Case // Allows my phone to have double battery life which is great as the Iphone battery life is so rubbish and it would be dead after an hour of the flight!

Iphone // Because I just cannot seem to go anywhere with it.

Hope you enjoyed this small sneak peak into my packing, keep an eye out for more over the next couple of days!

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