Week by Numbers: scribbles, slides & Scandinavian flatpack

This week I've been hammering nails, taking care of shiny new piercings and getting even more awkward tan lines.

7 favourites...

1.) I love ASOS more than your average 20-something year old, but there's just something about going into a vintage shop and getting lost in hidden gems and treasures. You find stuff you never thought you'd wear, which is exactly what I found in a flower-embroidered Western style shirt. And you also find cheaper alternatives to popular pieces, like this dungaree-skirt which not only was a steal but I also love it has little touches that makes it unique to other on the high street. Like the little embroidered 'B' and the multitude of pockets. If you have enough dungarees to wear a different pair for every day of the week, does that mean you have too many...?

2.) While on the denim train, I found this beauty of a denim jacket on sale at Levi's. I practically live in my dark denim jacket in the summer, and have been on the hunt for a light denim one for a while and I love the sewn on phrase on the back of this is varying hues of blue. And did you know at certain stores you can get your denim baby tailored and customised? Which is exactly what I did by picking out some additional patches to get put on. There were skulls and vintage rock 'n' roll ones to pick from, but of course I choose hearts. Typical.

3.) From looking at me, you probably wouldn't think I'm very hand-ons gal, and that boys and girls, is why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover! There's something very satisfying and methodical about DIY and seeing something come together right in front of your very eyes. And then there's the whole taking out your frustration by hitting nails situation...

4.) Friday I got let off work a little bit early - yay! - and had to pop into central London to run some errands, and while there, I thought I'd pop into one of my favourite stores for a little mooch. Libertys. I always love their flower stall and decided to treat myself when I saw some daisies. They were a steal at £2 and they may not be much, but it instantly made me feel happier and every time I see them in my room they make me smile. Sometimes, the smallest things you treat yourselves to can make the biggest difference.

5.) Two of my friends from the two different unis I went to came to visit me this weekend for some fun and games, and of course, one needs energy to participate in said fun and games. And what better way to do so than going for brunch. A hearty BLT sandwich on extra crunchy potato bread, drizzled with garlic butter was EVERYTHING. We went to Canvas which is a cafe in Shoreditch which I love - there's great food, great atmosphere and you can draw on the walls. What more could you ask for?

6.) Oh, and said fun and games that took place included the Decision exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. It was bonkers, bizarre and brilliant. With lots of interactive elements, you'll have no problems getting stuck in straight away. I mean, how could you not when there's you the exhibition via tunnel and leave it via a slide? Oh, and there's upside-down glasses to make you look like a fool too. 

7.) This song by John Newman makes me want have this blasting while I zoom across the countryside in a convertible with the roof down. But since I don't own a convert able, I'll just stick with skipping along the pavement with this in my headphones.

3 tweets...

"Parents are in London & I've gained 2 new piercings since I last saw them. At least I've now got 8, which is lucky in Chinese culture..."

"@george_ezra TOP advice today - what should I have for dinner?  Cheers"

(to which he responded: "Something simple, it's summer! Eat it with the window open and I'd like a risotto if you're asking x" Like I said, top advice) 

"Just mumbled 'can we have 2 extra buns please' with a mouth full of crispy belly pork. The phrase 'you are what you eat' comes to mind "

1 outfit...

shirt:Mango, jeans:ASOS, shoes:ASOS, hat:Topshop

This shirt is a little bit jazzy (name that reference!) with it's 2002 Joss Stone vibes and metallic thread shimmering through it but oh I love it so! It's a bit outside of my usual wardrobe vibe and I think that's what makes me love it even more. Teamed with ripped black jeans, tortoiseshell wedges and a feather-trimmed hat, you would have never thought it was pastel-loving, skirt-twirling me standing in front of the mirror eh? 

Stay happy!

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

Floral-filled April

April is the month of my birthday - hip hop hooray! - and when you receive animals pyjamas which feature unicorns, a flipping gold crown AND a Cinderella worthy blue Michael Kors bag, well, what more can a girl ask for?

Oh, a birthday dinner with her oldest and dearest friends you say? Yeah, that'd be swell thanks! Especially when that dreamy pastel blue follows through into a plunging jumpsuit, and some tropical heels. 

Or, if feeling a bit more bold, how about some brighter blue (not suede) shoes? Matched with my favourite floral trousers, that look like they've been plucked straight out a sketchbook, naturally - is there any other way to pair plastic, floral flatforms?

'Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.' Yes, I know, all you Devil Wear Prada fans - myself included - but I am just an absolute sucker for florals all year round. Even ones in temporary tattoo form. I'm way to much of an indecisive wimp to commit to the real thing, so I'll stick to my unhealthy obsession of sparkly temporary ones thanks. Then I can pick and choose which one to have on to go with my feathery bag. These are important life decisions y'all.

And if a bag made completely out of feathers wasn't enough, a hat with a feather trim should do the trick. Particularly when it's a 'Congrats on the new job!' present along with some heels that look like you stole them from a bridesmaid. That you bought for yourself. Before you've even received your first paycheck... The perils of being a responsible grown-up kids!

Amy Lo. In ALL the denim. Who'd have ever thunk it? But the dungaree obsession still lives on strong! Whether it's with a sheer, lace, lemon yellow top for lunch with the girls, or a cropped black tea and khaki jacket for lazy Sunday fry-ups. 

Or, you could completely surprise your skirt-wearing self by slipping into a pair of good ol' fashion jeans - say whaaaat?! With my specs on and a leather jacket along with it, I could hardly even recognise myself. That is, until the daisy printed white top. Phew.

Oh, some more denim you say? Yep - when one goes for bubblegum ice-cream, bowling and karaoke for their 23rd birthday, you gotta get the balance right between 'Hey, I'm a legit functioning adult now!' and 'I'm going bowling and doing all the fun activities and no amount of turning older can stop me!' And what is that balance I hear you ask? 

Shimmery, orange, crocheted halter top - tick

Button-up denim skirt - tick

Pink tassley bag - tick

Nike high tops - tick

Socks with a pompom trim - tick

Gold stars in hair - tick

Definitely ticking all the grown-up boxes there am I right? At least the cocktail is 18+

Stay happy!

Until next time...

A.x

An ode to dungarees

I hadn't laid my eyes on you since I was 6-years-old,

and after all these years, I wondered if I could be so bold,

to press 'proceed to checkout' on that Topshop site,

and at 2am while procrastinating, I thought I just might.

Breton stripe, lace crop tops and white tees,

I thought of all the things I could pair with thee,

Summertime frolics, drunken nights that were reckless,

All the possibilities, well, they were endless.

Comfort and effortless style, you're the whole deal,

And perfect for when I wake up late to meet friends for a meal.

You are perfect for occasions of all kinds,

Constantly making up new combinations in my mind.

But it wasn't enough, I started trying on more versions of you,

And before I knew it, I had bought another you in a different hue.

You're perfect in every form, and even as a skirt,

I'd forgotten about other clothes, what even is a shirt?

From babysitting to bars, from day to night,

I couldn't stop buckling up those straps, try as I might.

Long, short, denim, black,

I've fallen in love with you, and I can't go back.

A.x

February Chill

February has been a cold and harsh mistress. The cold has played havoc to my skin and the wind has caused some right run-ins to my hair with my face. And that's just in lil' ol' England, nevermind Prague, where it's minus temperatures. So when it came to a quick get-away there, I packed enough polonecks to give the 90s a run for their money.

Red lips and monochrome stripes - C'est chic, non?! 

But what does one do when it's the perfect mix of refreshingly chilly with glorious sunshine? Whack out your Ray Bans son.

 Navy polo neck, burgundy corduroy skirt and a mustard coat...and not a pastel colour in sight! - where's the real Amy and what have you done to her?! All that's remained is a majestic heart-shaped belt.

This month hasn't just been chilled in terms of temperature, but also when it comes to dressing. Dress-down denim with golden glimpses of longline necklaces is acceptable all day, everyday.

See? Chilled as an Ice Queen. Or a shimmering mermaid, which is what these high-tops are. Ugh, I love them love them love them.

But you know what I love less? Working out until you're a hot mess. But you may as well wear kawaii kit while doing so. *insert girl emoji with one hand raised...you know the one I mean*

Stay happy!

Until next time,

A.x

Week by Numbers: Baymax, denim & Year of the Ram!

7 favourites...

1.) Thursday 19th of February was Chinese New Year! This basically means a 2nd Christmas - family, get-togethers and a ton of glorious food. Unsuprisingly, cheat days turned into a cheat week, and runs went out of the window, because celebrations span over days (gotta make those days last bro). And it's one of the very few times a year that our whole family gets together, so it's just a little bit special, plus, there's a tradition of giving those younger in your family a red packet filled with money...I ain't complain' - Bonus!

2.) I finally got round to watching Big Hero 6 (I know, ridiculous for a Disney gal like me) and I loved it more than I thought I would. It was heart-warming, witty, and of course, included a big squishy robot called Baymax - I desperately want him to be real! All the characters have an amazing personality in their own way, but I'm just in awe of Honey Lemon. She's excitable, crazy good at chemistry, and runs around to battle baddies in hot pink wedges. My kinda girl!
Also just look at this bag that lets her combine elements to create different materials - insane.

3.) The next and 3rd book finished this year, is Caitlin Moran's 'How to be a Woman'. I zoomed stright throguh it and became obsessed with her musings, hilarious anecdotes and frantic rants in CAPS LOCK. It made me laugh and it made me think, and just like Caitlin says how she worships Germaine Greer but respects her enough to know it's ok not to agree with all of her ideas, I feel the same about Caitlin.

4.) I've had a couple of interviews this week (yes, I'm still on a major job hunt - it's a marathon, not a race y'all) and with every one, I'm getting more confident and worry less. Life will be stressful and hectic enough when it happens, so I'm gonna 100% take advantage of the fact I can just wonder around a bookshop with no clue of what to get, discover a new book, and indulge in it at a coffee shop. 

5.) The girls that I went to school with sometimes have dinner where we bring a dish each, which means we end up with about 7 different things. This time round, it was Italian night, and I whipped up these parmesan and gruyere cheese twists. They went down a treat!

6.) My brother bought me tickets to go watch Edward Scissorhands, the ballet production by Matthew Bourne, for Christmas, and it was the first ballet I've been to go see. I didn't really know what to expect, but it was so moving and witty, without a single word being said - definitely won't be my last ballet. (Ooh, get me going to the ballet and everything).

7.) I went out for my friend's birthday on Valentine's Day night, and as we were in the queue, a beautiful vision in a red tutu walked by, and my friend Kim whispered, 'Is that Jade from Little Mix?!' And before I could answer, she yelled 'CHASE HER!' and I was running down the streets of central London while holding her hand. Lo and behold, it was her and we were unashamedly excited and completely fan-girling. We were incomprehensible and silly with our compliments to her - nop, didn't say we liked Little Mix's music, instead Kim screamed 'I love your glittery eyes!' and I followed suit with 'I love your tutu, I have it in lilac!' Great job KLo. When we returned to our friends and they didn't understand why we were so excited, we launched into a ramble how 'Move' by Little Mix if our friendship song and this was our reunion....don't know what on earth a friendship song is, but EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE.

3 thoughts...
"Sooo...after texting for a week or two, the first time you decide to ring me is 4am on Valentine's Day...?"

"Where can I get a phone cover that's a fox, complete with swinging tail a la Honey Lemon?!"
"Can I fit another duck pancake in my stomach? Yes!"

1 outfit...

dress:Bellfield, necklace:Topshop

After going from living in denim skirts in my early teens, to hating jeans in my early 20s, I'm re-kindling my love for denim with a dress - might as well go the whole hog and wrap myself in denim-y goodness! And my new fave piece of jewellery is this longline necklace with glistening gems.

Stay happy!

Until next time,

A.x

Denim: on-duty

I bloody love dungarees.

Me and dungarees go way back - you could hardly tear the off of me when I was a wee nipper-snapper. And now I've grown out of them, one pair still isn't enough for me. So, I got myself a longer legged twin, and I cannot stop wearing them.

They are one of the comfiest things ever, and 90% of the time, if I end up making plans with a friend on a Saturday, these babies are my go-to. 

They're perfect for spring -whether I've got an Iron Man sweatshirt and Nikes on with it, or this sheer daisy top and wraparound chunky sandals (or what a girl I met liked to call, my Spice Girl shoes!)

With my hair whipped up into a high ponytail, and some square gold hoops hooked on, my and my denim buddies were ready for the weekend!

dungarees:Topshop, top:Topshop, shoes:Topshop, sunglasses:Raybans

 I especially love the scalloped edge to the top, and whenever I do up my Spice Girl shoes, I feel a little bit like a ballerina!

Do you ever like an outfit so much, that you wear it to death? Well, I'm a bit worried that it's gonna happen with this!

Hope you're all well!

Speak soon,

A.x