My Trip to Russia

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First of all let me apologise for the extremely photo-heavy post. With six days in Russia it just had to be done. Second, let me apologise from the absence from the blog - I got back from Russia Wednesday night, recovered Thursday and had a dance competition Friday!

So now I am here, with a major post talking about my fab trip to Russia. I had such a good time!  I had so many laughs with some great friends, got to know some people better and actually learned a fair amount more of Russian history. We spent 3 days in Moscow then travelled on an overnight train which was...an interesting experience, then spent 3 days in St Petersburg before travelling home. 

 These photo's are just an abundance of different photo's, showing some of the churches and palace's we went to, they were all so impressive on the outside and inside. Filled with beautiful patterns and colours. We were so lucky with the weather; although it was snowing on the first day we got there it was actually okay. It was bitterly cold but we were prepared for that with many layers, when we got to St.Petersburg the sun was shining very brightly. We got told that they normally only have 40 days in the whole year that the sun shines and it was  for the three days we were there! It made the whole city liven up and the reflections on the rivers were beautiful.

I mostly stuck with my roommate Vicky and my two other friends Ella and Olivia. We had some extremely funny moments with dancing in the street, random laughing breakdown in restaurants and stressful moments with the language barrier. I also got to know some other people in my year better which was lovely, I always think there is something special when you get to know people better.

One thing I didn't learn was much Russian, it's so difficult to understand! I can vaguely remember 'Thank you' and 'Good Morning' but that's about it!

I had such an amazing trip that is fulled with memories, I am so grateful I could go!

Have you ever been to Russia?/ Want to go?

I would be absolutely thrilled if you could perhaps nominate me for the best teen fashion blog for the Company Style Blogger Awards , I don't expect at all to be on the shortlist or anything but I figure I might as well try! I'm going to be nominating some of my favourite blogs as well so get thinking and nominate here.

Now Playing - Obsessed with this song!

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Postcard from Russia!

Thought I would say a quick hello from Russia! Really loving it here at the moment, is beautiful!

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Instagram Lately #2

 

I am having a bit of a frantic morning but trying to stay calm so I thought I would do a quick blog post. I've got my ballet exam later this afternoon which I'm trying not to freak out about then I'm off to Russia tomorrow! I'm really excited but it feels slightly surreal, so be aware for photo-heavy posts when I return. These are just a few of my instagram photo's from the last couple of months. I love instagram to bits and have a feeling it is what I'm going to be updating the most the next couple of days so make sure to give me a cheeky follow over there!

 Also another cheeky plug, the Company Style Blogger Awards nominations are open! I would be absolutely thrilled if you could perhaps nominate me for the best teen fashion blog, I don't expect at all to be on the shortlist or anything but I figure I might as well try! I'm going to be nominating some of my favourite blogs as well so get thinking and nominate here.

Now watching: This fab youtube series about California All Star cheerleaders! I'm literally obsessed and amazed by how hard they all work.

Now playing: MKTO Classic

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High Hopes

Wearing: Jumper - Misguided. Jeans - Forever 21. Shoes - Office.

And, I'm back. Well, for the moment! Sorry I've been MIA from the blog for a while, I feel like I have been drowning under school work and preparations for dance exams. I know I shouldn't complain but I'm just going to do it to explain what I've been doing with my life; school is getting very on top of me, everyday they remind us that we don't have many weeks left before exams, especially for photography - the work seems never-ending! Plus I've got some major dance exams coming up - I've got my Ballet this week (ahhhh) and then Modern and Tap at the beginning of May. So if I do get any spare time between school and dancing, I sleep!

Also, some extremely exciting news, I have become Editor-in-Chief of my school magazine Ink!

I feel like I haven't done an outfit post in forever. Which kind of upsets me as although I'm trying to showcase my writing and shiz I don't want to lose my original focus. I ordered this blue jumper from Misguided two weeks ago in preparation for mufti day and was lucky to be able to snap these pictures before leaving for school (hence why the lighting is a little odd - It was pretty early in the morning.) I really like the tapered baggy effect it has, the blue pastel colour is perfect for a little transition into spring.

I am falling asleep at the keyboard as I type this and it's only early evening so I better stop rambling buuut - I've had a few little confidence boosts over the past couple of weeks; my position at editor, a girl at school telling me how much she admired my blog and hitting over 150 followers! So although I haven't been blogging that regularly I would just like to say how much I love my little corner of the Internet and hope that it can continue to grow with me like it has over the past years!

Also - I'm going to Russia on a school trip at the end of week! Hoping to squeeze in another post but be aware, I could be even more MIA from the internet world soon depending on Wifi etc!

Now reading - I've finally finished Emma and actually really enjoyed it. I've now moved onto The Book Thief in the hope of reading it then watching the film, at the moment it seems really interesting and the narrative being death is different but very exciting!

Now Playing - Last Night by The Vamps

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New ways for Inspiration...

 I have always played with the idea of printing out all my blog posts or my tumblr posts and putting them together in a book. It would just be so cool to have my blog printed out and in book form. Then from reading a couple of articles about journalling and the different types of journalling I had an idea, why don't I create my tumblr in a notepad? So therefor I traipsed down to Smiths just over a month ago and purchased a small plan sketchpad. I mostly update this on Sunday evenings when my sister and mum watch Call the Midwife and I go to hibernate in my room to collect myself together before the week begins (and before Mr Selfridge begins!) So I print off various photo's that I love from tumblr along with some quotes from books and people. Sometimes I write some in, other's I stick. A couple of pages have ended up as just fangirling over Alexa Chung, others dreaming about New York and others wondering how people see me. At first I hadn't planned to share this with anyone, it was going to be my own little secret but then during conversation with two of my best friends Ella and Bryony I somehow got it out and showed them. It got such a positive reaction from them and then my sister when I showed her that I thought I might as well share it here. I just find it a really calming and productive thing to do when I'm a little bored, stuck for inspiration or stressed out. 

What do you do to gain inspiration? Do you keep a journal?

Now Playing -  Nina Nesbitt, Tough Luck

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 (Sorry, I had some trouble with scheduling posts etc so have had to repost this post today!)

Ink Magazine...

Currently : 

• Supposed to be doing my English coursework (I've written 453 words, that's a start, right?)

• Supposed to be at dancing (not there to do my English coursework...I've also badly bruised my knee's from a dance competition this weekend)

• Getting distracted reading Rookie...

However I thought I would do a quick post to let you know about my school magazine, Ink. I know this is a bit random but I have written an article about Youtube and how it's just fab and would love it if you could check it out. I'm really proud to be a part of this online magazine as it has just such a range of articles and information. So yeah, please read it? Thanks bud. 

Click here to get to the article! 

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Recent Outfit Grids...

 'Outfit grids' have slowly been making their way into the blogging world for bloggers to shoot outfits or ideas for outfit when they A) Can't be bothered to get out of their pyjama's/their bed B) When their mkaeu-up and hair isn;t going to plan or C) When the weather is absolutely disgusting and any form of photo's would be horrific.

I choose C.

The weather this sunday was disgusting. I had planned a big fashion shoot in the woods for my photography (also to shoot a cheeky outfit post) but because of the rain and dark grey sky I couldn't do it. Therefor meaning I am going be two week's behind in my photography schedule but was I was more dissapointed about was being unable to shoot one of my new pieces from Forever 21. Obviously, I need to get my priorites straight. (I think Jordan is rubbing off on me - I'm doing Harry Potter references in my blog posts!) I travelled to London on Saturday to go and get some new pointe shoes from the Covent Garden Bloch shop and ended up going to Forever 21 with my mum. I've got a 'school formal' meal thing coming up as well as a few parties so I was on the hunt for something to wear. And I came out with three!

My first one is the most casual of the three. A thin polka dot skater dress with a cut out bit of lace. It fits perfectly and can either be dressed up or down. I decided to be a bit in between and make it more casual by pairing it with my New Look denim jacket and my wedged trainers. It's quite a spring outfit but I figure I can wear sheer tights if needed.

My second one is also quite a spring/summer outfit. I have wanted a playsuit for a while and I am delighted that I came across this one. They are such versatile pieces that once again - can be dresses up or down. I dresses it up here with these shoes from Boohooo and watch from Asos. But it could be easily dressed down being worn under s knit jumper with tights.
I'm now off to a dance competition as well as trying to complete the mammoth amount of homwork I have. Have a good weekend!

Now Playing -  This

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Being inspired...

Lately, I’m questioning the way my blog is going. I’ve expanded the amount and different types of blog I read. I used to always just read fashion blogs, where outfit posts were the main content. However I have recently starting reading more lifestyle and journal type posts,  as well as reading lots of different magazines from the usual circuit. From these I’ve been inspired to try and expand and improve my writing. It has also become a realisation that applying for Uni is just around the corner and looking at the different English courses there is on offer I’ve realised that it is extremely competitive and if I want to be the best I can be I need to start challenging myself by my writing.  For example, since the beginning of 2014 I have made it my aim to write in my journal every other day and I’ve started doing some more picture-y journaling inspired by some of my favourite quotes. And it has recently hit me that why don’t I share some of this on my blog? Why don’t I try and improve my writing skill through this platform I already have? 

I’ve known for a while that my blog is still developing into something I want it to be but I think I need to improve my variety and explanation of posts. Of course I will still post lots and lots about fashion but I can only post so much, as I only have a limited amount of clothes! This  will take more time and effort and with everything else going on at the moment (Dance exams, school stress) the posts might be less regular. But I need to continue this balance that I had sorted out at the beginning of the year so please just bear with me. Stick around because hopefully this development will make my blog a whole lot better!

This was a very spontaneous post and I feel quite nervous posting it! I also don't have a clue how this photo is related to it but I couldn't have a picture-less post now, could I?

Now Reading - I'm actually getting quite involved in Jane Austen's Emma, I'm a 1/3 of the way through it!

Now Playing -  Recently come across this cover again and love it as much as I did the first time!

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Into the Woods

Wearing: Jumper - Berkshka. Top (collar shown) and dress - Forever 21. Boots - Office.

 You can tell I'm back at school can't you? I go MIA from the blog for a week! The beginning of this year I was pleased with how much I updated, I scheduled posts most weekends; This did make me feel slightly disconnected from my blog but it kept it updated and I think that's an important factor. However I was not prepared at all for this week. We got our mock results back (which I was pleasantly surprised with!) went through them and then dived straight back into normal work! So I'm already snowed under with classics essay and photography work. Also, where has the year gone? I can not believe it's March already!

I went to take some photo's for photography in the woods near to my house and came across this lovely pond amongst all the tree's. The setting was really beautiful I felt like I was in some whimsical fairytale. The sun was shining which created lovely reflections in the water and the different earthy colours around from the leaves and the bark created such a peaceful feel. I'm going back there tomorrow to take some fashion photography shoots inspired by Boo George of my friend Scarlett.  I think there will eventually be a post up about him/ the photos as he has really inspired me!

I'm off today to have a driving lesson them pop to Covent Garden to get some pointe shoes and then maybe a cheeky trip into Topshop and Forever 21!

 

Now Reading - Waiting impatiently for my recent issue of Teen Vogue to come...

Now Playing - Lucy Hale - Nervous Girls

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Wishlist - Winter into Spring

 I haven't done a 'wishlist' type post in ages! I always seem to end up doing them just before the seasons chang. I think I might be getting my hopes up but we have actually seen the sun a bit the last few days and not rain, Maybe we might actually get a spring!

I always seem to go back to the similar colour scheme - Black and white with the occasional burgundy! It just is my comfort zone and can be worn all the time. Here I have shown a few skorts, I really want to widen my collection of skorts and pencil type skirts. There just perfect to wear with this Topshop baggy crop top or the lace smock top. I just love a day dress! This floral one from H&M and this monochrome jumpsuit would be ideal for spring. To either throw on a jumper or jacket and tights then progress into summer with bare legs. I have wanted these denim shorts from American Apparel for ages and I am determined to get them before summer! I just need to find the money...! 

Anyway, I go back to school today after half term and cannot face getting stuck back in reality. This week off has actually felt like ages, and then this next half term seems jam packed with everything!

 

Now Reading - The last issue of Frankie Magazine 

Now Playing - Invisible by Hunter Hayes ( Warning - Don't listen to when your already sad!)

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New Haircut!

  

So, It's all gone! Well, not all of it but a fair amount of my hair has been chopped off!

You've might have seen on my instagram yesterday that I decided, after a few weeks of deliberation over cutting my hair I thought, Why not? So I went yesterday morning to the hairdressers and had it cut. The woman cutting my hair said she felt guilty for cutting it off but I was just urging her on to cut more! I had anticipated it to be a little shorter than it is but I figure I can get it cut shorter in a few weeks if I want. I'm loving it at the moment, it feels lighter on my head, It is still fairly blonde and it feels healthier!

So anyway just a quick  post to show you my hair. I'm currently trying to enjoy the last couple of days of half term. I've got a dance competition which I have had the last two evenings as well as tonight and tomorrow so that's kind of stopping me doing anything interesting in the day so I'm just chilling and tidying my room, just enjoying not being at school really!

Although I probably should shoot some outfit posts soon, hmmmmm...

Currently Watching // I Went to see 'Endless Love' last night - It was an emotional rollercoaster! It had the perfect amount of cheesiness and drama, it was like all the soppy love story's rolled in to one! I would recommend it to anyone who like The Notebook, The Vow, The Lucky One, Dear John etc

Now Playing - Lucy Hale - Nervous Girls (acoustic)

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London Days

Wearing - Blouse - Asos. Pinafore - New Look. Tights - Primark. Socks - Forever 21. Boots - Office.

So yesterday I travelled to London to meet with my 'bloggy friend' Jordan. I've met Jordan a couple of times now at different events and we wanted to have a girly day shopping along Oxford Street. We started off trying to navigate ourselves around Topshop, there were so many amazing clothes that it is so easy to get lost in their. It almost feels like getting lost in a jungle! I've got a personal shopping experience (my Christmas present!) coming up so I was hesitant to buy anything and thought I should wait for that. Although I did find this lovely black and white striped baggy crop top with I was very tempted to purchase. Jordan got some gorgeous 'mom' jeans. I really like the look of those jeans and think Jordan will pull them off amazingly, however I think they would look a bit of a fail on me! On our way out of Topshop we saw the 'Topshop goes virtual catwalk.'  I had read about this and didn't realise it was open for people to try out for a few days. Basically we sat in the shop window, put on these ski glasses type things and headphones. You then felt like you were actually at the Topshop Unique fashion show AW/14 you could see the models walk straight in front of you, see different scenes backstage and hear the music playing. It was a great experience and something that was so random but cool to do.

We then met up with Islay and Carissa for lunch which was lovely. It was great to be able to have a quick catch-up and laugh with them before they went off to different events. Jordan and I then explored some more shops and spent a while in Boots. I wanted to make the most of her 'beauty vlogger' expertise and ended up purchasing a new eyeliner (Loreal super liner) and 'Pillow Talk' Topshop Lipstick. It was a lovely day catching up with Jordan whilst sharing a few laughs. One of the great things about blogging that I really love is meeting and making new friends; We've even got a plan to have a road trip once I can drive!

I'm going to ramble on a bit about this outfit just to make this post even longer...!

I have wanted a cream/white blouse for absolutely ages. It just seems like such a timeless piece that can be styled in so many different ways. So when I saw it on Asos in stock and in my size I immediately ordered it. The detailing around the collar is just so whimsical. I always go a bit 'all-out' with my outfit when I go to London for the day so I thought I would pair my patterned tights with high socks just to add a bit of a girly touch. I really loved the vibe this outfit created and think I'll be wearing this blouse lots more.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling now and will be back with possibly a wishlist soon!

Currently Reading -  Hero Status: Grace Coddington

Now Playing - The Hardest Part by Nina Nesbitt

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Short Hair...?

 Short hair has been coming back in for quite a while and the 'short do' seems to be the hairdo of 2014. Ever since Isabella wrote this lovely piece about hiding behind her hair I've questioned myself if I do that. It also struck me about complements; if I get a compliment it often has to do with my hair and although I'm flattered, it sometime feels like the only good feature I have. Then two other of my favourite bloggers, Bonnie and Lily gave their hair the chop. And it looks amazing, tempting me even more!

 I have had my hair really long forever and would like it to be even longer however it takes a lot of effort to work with all the time. Quite often I just stick it up into a bun because I can't really be bothered to deal with it! Although, knowing me, I would spend the same amount of time on my hair it feels like it would be slightly less to deal with. The prospect does scare me quite a bit but I'm really quite tempted to take the plunge and have a chop, What do you think? Do you think it would suit me?

Now Playing - A Life That's Good by Lennon and Maisy Stella

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Off to the Ballet

Wearing: Top - New Look. Skort and Watch - Asos. Shoes - Schuh.

I contemplated whether to post this outfit or not, I was really not happy with how the photo's came out. I think it was having to shoot inside with artificial light which made me really shiny, have red eye and doesn't do any favours for my hair. It also meant I was limited with angles they could be taken at etc, but I actually really like this outfit so thought why not share it anyway!

I went to watch the ballet Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake on the 1st of February (I know, I know, that was ages ago!) with lots of people from my dance school as one of the chorus was played by an ex-pupil Cordelia Braithwaite! It was such an amazing performance, the grace and elegancy of each of the dancers was spectacular and breathtaking. It was a perfect night! I loved this outfit as well. I felt it was the perfect combination of casual buuut a lil' bit dressy. Anyway, I'm feeling mentally exhausted after some long exams today but am counting down the days til half term!

Now Playing - The New Nashville soundtrack (It's amazing!)

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30 Question Tag!

I saw this tag on Ellie's blog and found it an interesting read and I've now been tagged in it by Ellen so thought I might as well give it a try, Hope it's vaguely interesting and not too boring!

1.  What are you wearing today? My black jeans from Forever 21, My green T-shirt from Asos, the fluffiest cardigan ever from New Look with some equally fluffy socks.
2. What are you listening to right now? Does it mean literally now or just recently? Hmmm well I'm watching Nashville, so not listening to anything. But recently been listening to Taylor swift on repeat!
3. Do you like the beach? I think I like the idea of the beach more than the actual beach. The sand is just so annoying and the cold murky water isn't inviting. However I love beaches that have clear warm blue sea!
4. What's something you really want right now? For my roast dinner to be ready!
5. Who was the last person you added to your contacts? Ermmm, I don't have a clue! 
6. Do you have any piercings? Yes, My lobe on each.
7. What are your favourite stores? New Look, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Bershka, Asos.
8. Favourite nail polish brand? Rimmel
9. Ever failed a test? I can't think of one of the top of my head but probably yes!
10. Do you prefer shorts or skirts? Thats an extremely hard one, probably skirts
11. Favourite social media? Every kind there is! Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, Tumblr
12. Do you play any sports? Yes, I dance quite a lot
    
13. Long or short hair? I have long hair but am extremely tempted to get it cut short, eeeeek
14. Favourite quote? Ohh, It's hard to pick just one! Probably 'Stop waiting for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.'
15. What colour is your room? It has white wall, but the colour scheme is black, white and red
16. Are you outgoing or shy? It depends on the situation! Mostly outgoing I suppose
17. What was the last text message you sent? To my friend Ella saying that I'm giving up on revision for the day
18. How many pillows do you sleep with? one
19. Who was the first person you talked to today? I think my mum
20. How many hoodies do you have? (How random!) I'm not sure, probably quite a few tucked away somewhere
21. What should you be doing? revising
22. Can you keep your shoes clean? Huh?! Probably no!
23. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Ermm, I always love names that can be a boys or a girls like Sam or Alex.
24. Do you prefer milk, dark or white chocolate? I go for milk most of the time but I do love a bit of white
25. Open a book closest to you and turn to page 13. What does the first line say on that page? 'She had no intellectual superiority to make atonement to herself' - I'm attempting to read Emma by Jane Austen
26. Do you still watch Disney? Sometimes
27. What do you usually eat for breakfast? It varies, at the moment I'm eating loads of english muffins but I'm a bit bored of them now.
28. Do you have any pets? Nopee
29. What's your favourite holiday? Christmas!

 Anyway, I've got mocks this weeks which sucks but a silver lining is that I get study leave! I then have a week's half term so am looking forward to spending some time focusing on this blog.

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Tartaned Grunge

 Wearing: Top - H&M. Skirt and Jacket - New Look. Shoes - Office

This is another one of my favourite outfits at the moment. This tartan skirt has been on my wishlist for so long and when I opened it on Christmas day it was fab. It hangs so lovely, has the most gorgeous colours and is such a statement piece. The denim jacket and doc martens give it the perfect 'grunge' type feel. I also decided to do my hair a bit different, I wanted it off my face and not just tied up in the standard way but I wanted to french plait in some way. I'm actually really happy with how these photo's turned out, I love not just showcasing the outfit but making the whole photo, like the background, all fit together and I think the location of an old shed adding something extra to this outfit!

 

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Style Crush - Taylor Swift

 Photo's from various Tumblr sources

Anyone who knows me or has been reading this blog for a while knows that I love Taylor Swift. Everything about her is just perfect to me. I love her music, notably her older music from Fearless or her first album but I do still love Red and Speak Now. And so you can imagine my excitement to going to see the Red Tour on Tuesday! I am so so so excited that I can't really put it into words. 

 I thought it was about time I do another celebrity style crush and Taylor Swift just seemed like the perfect fit!

Taylor's style looks effortless. She always looks so put together, classy and proper These are just a few of her recent street looks. Her style is simple with it largely being based around Black, white and red. It's very girly but not too cute-sy but just right. Also I love the fact that she has the same bag in all these photo's - it shows celebrities don't just use something once! Her red lipstick looks perfect matched with her pale complexion and blonde hair that it does inspire me to wear more red lipstick. Her hair also just looks so effortless and relaxed. 

So basically, I love Taylor and everything about her. I can't wait for the tour on 

Tuesday and will come back with a detailed and excited post soon all about it!

Now Playing: Taylor Swift, obviously!

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