Friday 31 May 2013

Walk a mile in these Louboutins

There are many women out there who I admire, with a few that I have major girl crushes on, and at the moment, they've all but flippantly pushed to the side to make way to one beautiful and bootylicious lady.

I present to you, Iggy Azalea.
Now, I'm sure most of you know who this Aussie beauty is, but just in case you don't, here's the thumping, catchy single that introduced her into my life.
And ever then, I've been a woman obsessed, from digging into her music archive and listening and loving her music, to being hypnotized by her swooshing ponytail.
If the curves of her powerful pout and her fantastic figure didn't entice you in, then I'm sure your ears won't be able to resist the infectious beats and clever and thought provoking lyrics of her music.
Being a former model with legs going on for miles, she moved to America with her obsession of hip hop, and worked her lil pert booty off, after feeling like she was an outsider in her own country. 

Collaborating with the likes of T.I and with lyrics that bringing light to and questioning social issues such as children taking part in beauty pageants (Murda Bizness) and autobiographical ones that tell us the strains she's been through (Work), she's already making waves on the music scene as she became the first female and non-American rapper featured on XXL's yearly Top 10 Freshman cover issue. 

And she's only just getting started.
Apart from lusting over her amazing fierce yet beautifully feminine style and wardrobe, she has also smashed through the stereotypes and conformist moulds of the hip-hop and rap industry, just like Jermery Lin is in the world of basketball (Linsanity anyone?!)
In my opinion, there shouldn't being any moulds to fit into, every person is unique and that something that makes them special, and with people like Iggy and Jermery around breaking down these boundaries and walls, let's hope more and more of the world will realise this too.

With her newest music video, which is a visual beauty, bursting with vivid colours, I'm finding it hard to resist the urge to splurge on some new colourful and sparkling hair accessories!

All hair accessories from ASOS
What do you think of Iggy? Love her or loathe her?  

I'm always on the lookout for new and fresh music, so if you have any suggestions for me to check out, please do comment below!

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x

Wednesday 29 May 2013

You steal my sunshine

As I'm sat here writing this post, it's currently pouring it down with rain outside. You'd hardly believe that these photos were from yesterday...who stole all the sunshine?! That's British weather for you though! So to make the most of Mr.Sunshine, I headed out to the park to smell the flowers and gobble down a 99'..
As much as I love snuggling up by a warm fire, drinking a hot cup of tea in the winter, I am a summer bunny deep down, through and through, so when the sun starts making an appearance and saying hello, it just projects a smile on my face from ear to ear.
top: Asos, shorts: Topshop, necklace: Topshop, wedges: Kurt Geiger, bag: Accesorize
The sun just makes me happier, and being such a girly girl, I love the playful nature of spring/summer fashion and clothing.
These shorts are an existing, long-time resident in my wardrobe for a while, but their loose-fitting comfort and pretty Hawaiian-vibe just lure me back to them every summer. 
I love kitsch summery prints, and I suppose these are slightly less flamboyant (however, I would still love to get a cheeky lil' Hawaiian shirt in my life!)

I've also recently been head over heels in love with the combination of candy blue and pink, so these wedges I've own have just been screaming out for me to take them out for a walk, and this bag I've recently acquired just goes perfectly with it.
It was love at first sight when I saw this necklace. If you know me, then you'll know that daisies are my favourite flowers, and this is so bright, colourful and fun, I just couldn't resist!

I love this top as well, as simple as it is, I think the style and the cut of off-the-shoulder looks really flattering and a bit different to your standard tank top. When I bought it, I actually was trying on some disco pants at the time, so I think I was channeling Sandy's iconic look from Grease, if only I looked as sexy as that!
Now that I've got a bit more time on my hands, I've been enjoying spending more time and thought into my cooking. I love my food and really enjoy cooking and trying out new flavours and recipes, and with the time leading up to my deadline being so stressful and busy, I didn't really have the time or energy to make what I wanted to eat, so I'm ashamed to say, a lot of rubbish food was consumed...my dad would be so disgusted!
So I'm more than happy and excited to be cooking again and having the time to work-out more, and hopefully I won't be as conscious of exposing my mid-riff again.
Speaking of cooking and healthy eating though, I've recently discovered and have been loving a new blog, The Londoner, who writes food, fashion and lifestyles posts that are charismatic and friendly, and has beautiful photographs to go along with them. She made a post that really interested me, so if you're looking for something to change your way of thinking when it comes to eating and losing weight, then definitely go have a look at her post on the Anti-Diet.

Are you more of a summer bunny or a winter bear? Are you enjoying these glimpses of summer we've been getting?  
I hope this is just the start of the good weather to come, I've got a few things lined up that I'm really looking forward to this summer, and I hope you all have to!

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x



Monday 27 May 2013

Marvellous place to shop, Marvellous friends, Marvellous time

With my recent freedom, I've been spending some time with family and friends.

Two of my friends from home came to visit me, and it was lovely to have some fun, share some laughs and drinks, and create some new memories to add on top of the old ones we have. 

As well as an evening painting the town red, we went for a little wander and spot of yummy lunch at one of my favorite gems in Northampton, The Most Marvellous Place To Shop.
A fantastic vintage shop that's has brilliant treasures hidden within it, from colourful glassware and pretty tea sets and cake stands, to vinyls that were the soundtracks to your parents youth and dresses and coats that that could paint out a lesson in history.
They also have a cafe within it called Nana's Cafe, and not only is the decor and furniture kitsch, adorable and different, the food is brilliant and so reasonably priced as well.
I indulged in a chicken, bacon and avocado salad, with one of my favourite drinks to wash it down, a peach iced tea.
An assortment of sandwiches and fresh milkshakes were also had between my friends, and they looked mouth-wateringly delicious and filling.
I love places like these that take away from the day-to-day surroundings of the norm, and every trip has an abundance of treasures to be discovered. 

If you're ever in Northampton, I would definitely give this place a visit, and I wish there were more places like this around!


Recently, I've also made a trip to go see the University I'm going to be studying my masters degree at in a couple of months (fingers crossed on my current degree results!). I'm ever so slightly scared to be leaving my home and friends of 3 years, but more than that, I'm so excited for what new friends, experiences and memories I'm going to have in the up-coming future :) 

While there, I also spent some time catching up with my big brother, sister-in-law, and gorgeous baby nephew. It was great to share some laughs and to see that gorgeous baby's face everyday and hearing that giggle..I almost didn't want to leave!  

It is true what they say, there's nothing like family, and if anything, this week has just reitereated how great and important it is to spend time with those you love and those who love you.
Memories with family and friends are just priceless.
Have you got any places near you which are different and special to you? Or any vintage gems that you've foudn in such places recently?

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x

Monday 20 May 2013

So much has changed, down Memory Lane

So, I'm sorry I've abandoned my blog for so long!

I had my deadline last week, and after 3 year of work, needle related injuries, friendship, delirious induced laughter, tears and countless cups of coffee, I went in for the final day of my degree, and the day was a rollercoaster of emotions!
From feeling lost, to feeling excited to party, to the tiredness kicking in, and going out for a drink and a boogie and loving the freedom.

Throughout this year, I haven't really known for certain what my final collection would look like. Spending so long working on the same pieces, it can get a bit mundane at times, but when i finally put them all together, I truly felt proud of what I'd achieved and how far me and my work had moved on, developed and grown. 
Photoshoot: copyright and owned by Stelianour Sani Photography
This year has been the most challenging, and the best year I've had at uni, and after many late nights and early mornings, I finally got to celebrate the experience with my friends and people I've spent 3 years sharing it with.

Since my freedom has been restored, I've caught up with some programmes (I know I'm a bit late, but who thought Broadchurch was amazing?!), I went to watch a band that's an oldie but a goodie: McFly. I loved them when I was 13 years old, and being there made me feel like i didn't have a care in the world again, and I know their music may not be to everyone's taste, but they undeniably a brilliant live band and always put on a great show!
McFly: Memory Lane Tour @ Wembley Arena
 I've caught up and spent time with friends and family, and have more planned with these special people in my life. 
I've even sorted out my life for near future, as I got an offer and place on a postgraduate journalism degree at Sheffield uni! I'm so excited for a new city, new people and new experiences

Now I have a bit more time on my side, I'm looking forward to posting more regularly on here, with a lot of ideas lined up, and I hope you come along for the ride, and thank you to those who have stuck around while I've been sucked away by my deadline!
I've also have instagram now, so if you have do too, let's be buddies :)
Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x