Twenty Five

Last week, I turned the grand age of 25.

It may be unsurprising to know that I didn't wake up that morning with new-found wisdom and the answers to the questions of life. 

Instead, I woke covered in sequins with a nice hangover all wrapped up in a bow.

I still have the same ridiculous childlike outlook to life and optimism that sometimes gets the better of me.  

But an hour before the clock struck midnight on my birthday, I was harping on about how content and happy I was this birthday, more so than I can remember being before. Despite my life still pretty up-in-air and me still not having a clue what I'm doing. 

(It might've been the cocktails talking, but let's go with a new-found epiphany from my mid-twenties).

When I was a teen, I had such an idea of how my life was going to be like when I was well in my 20s, but when 15-year-old me didn't know was that in actual fact, I didn't know shit...

F R I E N D S

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

After a school life of having a pretty big friendship circle, it was like I was part of one big gang of guys and girls. And I was. It was the best as a teen. You always had someone you knew someone who'd share a bottle of Apple Sourz with at pre-drinks, or who would help you put fake tan on your back in a streaky fashion. Everyday in the 6th form common room was like one great, big party, and every weekend it actually was, and of the fancy dress variety in fact. And this will only continue and grow as I grow up. Imma have hundreds and hundreds of friends y'all.

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

Those friends are still friends and we care about each other to the moon and back (you can be damn sure if someone had something less-than-nice to say about one of them, then my hoops would be whipped off and I would give my best Rocky impression...before inevitably falling to the ground.)

While the day-to-day circle may have grown smaller, the group who I know has my back and would be there for me come what may, well, that's only grown from strength to strength.
It's cliche, but it is quality, not quantity. 

You may not see some friends for weeks and months on end, but when you do, you pick up from where you left off with no problems. And the ones you see all the time, while you've not grown up together, you've grown together, and probably know you better than you do yourself. 

R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

Longing for the day where homework would be a thing of a that past and I could stop saving up loose change as I'll be working 9 to 5 and have all the money in the world to splurge on whatever the hell I want. I'd buy designer shoes, jet off to private islands, and no-one can tell me I can't cus there'll be no-one telling me what to do with my life, YAY.

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

My GOD how I wish I had someone to sort out my life. Boring life admin stuff like washing, ironing and bills just don't come into account when you think about what being an adult is like when you're younger. Not to even mention all the emotional shit like work/life balance and those pesky things like feelings. Some days, it would just be fab if someone could just take care of it ALL, while I just curled up into a teenage ball and binged on everything the internet has to offer.

B O Y S

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

By the time I'm in my twenties, that's like so old. I'll have gone through all the rubbish boys and found y'know, like, THE ONE, and live happily after together. Sunday lunches with the in-laws, pet puppies galore and domesticated housewife to the max. 

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

Oh HELL no. I am so not ready for any of that marriage malarky. I have so much more I want to do, and while it's fun having a partner-in-crime for the ride, I'm not ready to not be completely selfish yet. I know someday it'll all just feel, RIGHT. But that day keeps gets pushed further and further back the more I live and love my life.

There's been highs and quite a few lows in between. But all the tears, hours crying along to Adele, heart aches and heart breaks are worth it for the connections, memories, laughter, adventures and sparks. It sometimes seems like I'm no closer to finding that special gooseberry, but I know I am. I used to think I knew exactly the kind of person I want to be with,  but all the shit dates and awful break-ups also make me realise what I don't want. And that's just as important. Why should you settle for seconds best when you should always put yourself, first. 

H O U S E 

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

One of those pastel coloured town houses in West Kensington in London please! That would be fabulous and I'll decorate it all in Cath Kidston and have tea parties all the bloody time. It'll be great.

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

So yeah, there's these thing called mortgages? And the housing market is a shambles, which is a nice little treat for us millenials eh?! But shared houses means drinking buddies for nights out, having someone to stroke your hair while you throw up at 3am, and discovering some gems who become friends for life, who I would've never met if you used all that money I don't have, to splash on a house to live on my own. (Also, the kitsch Cath Kidston phase came and went pretty quickly.)

F A S H I O N

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

Vogue, eat your heart out. I'll be strutting into the office with the highest of heels on, looking swish with the newest IT bag, and ALL the designer gear. I'll be covered in all the brands and labels, just you wait and see, I'll be chic af.

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

Pricey Von Dutch caps and having Juicy written across your butt weren't all it's cracked up to be. And I'm so thankful I didn't spend a whole load of £££ on a rainbow monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag,  just because Paris Hilton had one.

Buying stuff just cus of celebrities, is just not cool. And hey, look! I've only gone and developed my own individual style that is completely ridiculous and relates to me, and me only.

(And my god, do I bloody own those prints and pastels, topped off with fluff and fun.)

W O R K

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

Picture Ugly Betty meets The Devil Wear Prada. I'd turn up to work in the most stylish stuff, cus, well, I would've designed them myself. Everyone around the world will be wearing my work, and of course I will have done this all before I'm 30, DUH. I'll be the next Elie Saab before I know it.

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

A degree studying fashion design drove me NUTS. Lord knows I couldn't spend a career in it. I bloody love clothes but I nearly fell out of love with them (and that would've just been a crime.) I'll leave it to the professionals and just admire from afar thanks. And who knew that all those mad stories I used to make up and write, and the number of years of diary writing, would lead me to a job in writing eh? Still trying to find my exact place but I'm having a hell of a time on the way.

F A M I L Y

What 15-year-old Amy thought...

"Oh my GOD, why is Dad being SO unfair?! He just doesn't GET me at all!" is what I screamed on a nightly basis as I slammed my door with my Fall Out Boy poster stuck onto it. My parents just don't understand me and they're just there to ruin my life. If they weren't my parents, I wouldn't even want to spend any time with them! I CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE OUT!

What my 25-year-old life is actually like...

Oh Amy. Amy, amy, amy. If only you knew how much you'd miss Mama and Pops when you move away to uni. Now, they're over 100 miles away when all you wish for is a cuddle off them at the end of an utterly shit day. I realised they're not just my parents, they're actual human beings who've lived a hell of a lot of life and are only looking out for me. They're caring, ambitious, hilarious and are filled with love, and no words would ever be enough to describe the love I have for them.

My brothers and I are closer than ever, the addition of sister-in-laws are a joy and I never knew how much unconditional love I could have for the tiny humans that are my nephew and nieces. Being an Aunty is THE best deal cus you get to have maximum fun with minimum responsibility!

When I was younger, I couldn't wait to be older.
Now, I'd love it just to slow down - just a tad - so I can enjoy and savour every moment and memory.

The past 25 years have been emotional, ecstatic and amazing.
I've learnt a hell of a lot about myself, life, and what I want from it.
And I can only imagine what the next 25 will bring.

Until next time...

A.x

Denim & Pink May

Oh denim. How I love you so. I'm sorry for all the hate I gave you as a teenager as I thought you only came in the form of skinny jeans. 

How wrong I was. 

Re-kindling my love of denim skirt and dungarees that I once had as a kid, they're now a true staple of my wardrobe.

And even jeans and I have kissed and made up. They're just now ripped and much less tight. 

Get me all in monochrome. Who thought there'd ever by the day eh?

While on a trip down memory lane, I picked up these platforms with me. They came into my life last Spring and I practically live in them as soon at the weather always my tootsies to be out. I call them my Spice Girl shoes - pretty apt don't cha think?

Or you can be more specific and go the whole hog.

Sporty spice anyone?

If channelling the footwear of the best girl band in the world isn't enough, then why not just wear your love on your tee.

And why just stop down there hey? ALLLL the 23-year-old adults are wearing heart-shaped sunglasses! Especially when you match it all the pink accessories you own in your tasselled pink bag. Obviously.

Pink. The perfect colour for a spot afternoon of afternoon tea. How typically, bloody British.

And the queen of all things pink?

Barbie of course. 

If Spice Girls and kitsch sunnies aren't your 90s bag, then surely Clueless is. Cher Horowitz, eat your heart out. 

I've got fluffy shoes to see from from day to night, from running for the bus to dancing on the ceiling.

Even when you do have to leave the house disguised as an adult, just throw on your brightest midi-skirt, add some stripes (oh, and don't forget your sparkly shoes and mermaid bag).

And if after all this silly-ness, you feel you need to chill things down a lil' bit, grab your camel utility jacket (that secretly makes you feel a bit like Indiana Jones/a cowboy) and slip into your tasselled suede boots.

Got all the bases covered here guys, don't you worry.

Stay happy!

Until next time...

A.x

Little Minxes!

In 2011, four girls were put together on the UK singing contest, X Factor. Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall joined forces, won the contest, and Little Mix was born.

4 young women with their own distinctive voices, and just as distinctive style, which has hopped across the pond and shot straight to the top of the charts and into people's heart. And wouldn't they? 

Their quintessentially British, kooky humour and silly behaviour, along with a slick and fun style has put good old-fashioned girl bands back in the limelight, and it's about time too!
Girls groups have come and gone, many who have made their way into my life and onto my iPod, but there isn't this kind of sassy girl-power frenzy since they days of Spice Girls. 

What started as a very bright, loud and fun style, has slowly evolved into a slick, sassy and still just as fun. What I love most is that they don't deny who they are, their fashion have grown with them as they've turned from girls to young women.

Their envious wardrobes, coupled with their infectious odes to pop music, they have winning combination that is dominating the world.

And why I love these girls, and why I think people have taken such a liking to them as well is, they're having fun. The time of their lives and you can tell. It's like they're having a sleepover and you're invited to join in!

Whether you're looking for something fun that you just want to dance your troubles away to, or inspiring lyrics sung by some powerful voices, Little Mix has something on their menu to cater to your needs, but my ultimate favourite is 'Move' which I have listened to over and over again since it's come out, and I still bop around to it like I did when I first heard it!

Their recent single, where proceeds went towards Sport Relief, will also no doubt make you move your feet and is helping towards an amazing cause.

So if you haven't heard of these girls or wanted to raid your wardrobes after seeing them, a.) where have you been?! and b.) what are you still doing here, go and check them out!

(sources: justlittlemixstyle.tumblr.com, funkidsliv.com, metro.com, pixiwoo.com, yahoo online, promonews.tv, billboard.com, captitalfm.com, digitalspy.co.uk, little mix instagram)

Are you a little lover of Little Mix? 

Hope you're all well, 

Speak soon,

A.x

Asian Invasion

So, i know this may be a long-time pal and love for some of you, but some k-pop has only entered my life recently.

Now, I've been aware of some bands via some of my housemates who are completely engulfed in the world of k-pop, but it was only recently, i discovered my own personal love for one band in particularly, 2NE1.

They are just an awesome girl band, nothing like anything I'm really used to on the UK scene, now, i do have a bit of a guilty pleasure in Girls Aloud and i think they make brilliant and infectious pop songs, and no-one will ever be the same as the Spice Girls, who were a massive part of my childhood.

But these girls are just something else, their songs are just so damn catchy and fun! The first few songs i got shown, i just couldn't help but bust out a few moves to. I know that whenever auto-tune is used in a song, basically seems to get shunned and deemed untalented, but it can be used so cleverly, such as by Ellie Goulding and Muse, but after a quick search on YouTube, these girls can definitely hold a tune. 

They are just the whole package, wicked dancemoves, great songs and the most brilliant fashion and hair that I've seen in a long while, and the worlds of music and fashion always collide. It's just so refreshing to see!

You have no idea how much hair lust i have over CL's do here...

My personal favourite is 'Love You', which i think is a more mature vibe compared to some of their other songs, and i love the dance beat, and, although i may not know what they're saying lyrically, the emotions conveyed through it just feel so heartbreaking of the nature of a unrequited love. And the video is just beautiful, with an oriental feel.

Another thing this new discovery has made me realise is that i want to and should em.brace my asian roots more. Being born and brought up in the UK, i really haven't had the biggest exposure to my heritage and it's culture. I have been luck enough to visit my heritage hometown of Hong Kong on quite a regular basis when i was younger, and the fact my parents spoke chinese to me means i appreciate having another form of communication under my belt. But, the culture seems like a completely different world to me, it's like watching into from the outside of a bubble, and i want to just embrace and learn more about my heritage.

I hope that if you haven't checked out or been taken over with k-pop (and no, Gangnam Style doesn't count!), that you do and open yourself to a whole new, crazy world.

What do you guys think of k-pop? Do you guys have a favourite?

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