Christmas Series// The Outfit

I took these photos on a 'its 8am in the morning-the only time I'll get natural light' kind of whim which could be the reason why my hair is au naturel and my face is bare.

I bought this playsuit as a last minute purchase for a party I had a few weeks ago and I love it.
It was only £12 in the sale (reduced from £48-result!) on ASOS (but part of the Motel Rocks line).
It is made from a light silky material that is very comfortable against the skin but the real star of the show is the back.
It is a deep open back with crossing straps-its quite revealing but I think adds a little uniqueness and detail which I love. I think this would be perfect for a Christmas party/evening meal as its shows some skin (it could be paired with tights) and is something a little different while remaining modest and appropriate
For the party I paired it with these black chelsea boots from Berite (last year) which are insanely comfortable despite being quite high and some simple gold jewellery.
I love this outfit and hope to be sporting it a lot more throughout the festive period!

What are your planned Christmas outfits?
Katie x
Twitter - Bloglovin 

Christmas Series//DIY Wreath*

I love getting creative at Christmas, my mum and I make an advent calendar most years and I love to make presents for my grandparents (they love that kinda thing) so my Christmas crafting started this year with a wreath.

My dad has a real thing against Christmas (I know who could?), I mean he has his reasons but still-it's Christmas?!

This means we have to leave decorating the house until as late as possible and in the most minimalistic way (which I guess this wreath isnt really) but I thought if I include natural aspects-maybe I can sway the rules? I collected the foliage from my garden but you can find holly and ivy everywhere or could use artificial leaves.

You will need;
-Holly, ivy and anything else you want (in terms of greenery)
- A wreath (I have no idea where ours is from but I am sure you can pick them up in places like B&Q)
- Wire (and wire cutters)
-Decorations: baubles, flowers, ribbon etc (all of mine is from Country Baskets who kindly set me it to create this post as a part of their Festive Face off Competition)

Firstly, I apologise for the lack of photos showing you how I actually made it-I got a bit carried away.

So, you begin by weaving your foliage into the wreath. This has little skill to it, I just wrapped it around and tucked it in. For any loose bits I wrapped wire around them to keep them in place. I did this until I was happy with the overall look and there was no brown left.

This is what mine looked like. It doesnt look complete until the decorations are on so don't worry if you aren't too happy with it.

I then attatched my decorations. I did them in a semi-symmetrical style but just what ever suits you. I love the silver and green so kept this theme but anything that you think looks good!

And that's it-so simple but I think it looks really effective and Christmassy without being too 'in your face'.

Not perfect I know but it looks rustic and homemade.
What do you like to craft at Christmas?
Katie x

Twitter - Bloglovin 

Currents: Listening: Hozier-From Eden//Reading: Plain song- Kent Haruf//Loving: Paperchase//Lusting: Stornoway tickets

Pinterest Round Up

 

 

50's beach wear//Bretton stripes//embellished dress//deep quote #1//deep quote #2//Gold eyes//deep quote #3//Essie Penny Talk//Gallileo//hedgehog wearing a hat (possibly the cutest thing eevverrr)//Floral stairs

Pinterest is my switch off-I love it. I spend hours scrolling (99% of the time in the 'Quotes' section) dreaming of the ideal room/life and reading posts that put emotions into the most profound sentences.
I fear if someone looked through my Pinterest they would feel I was going through a tough time-I'm not I just really really like deep, thought provoking quotes.
My Textiles coursework is based on the 1950's so it has become a regular thing searching for inspo of dresses and styles. I'm not making a dress similar to this one, I am making an evening dress with an open back (similar to some of Givenchy's 50's designs) in a crimson satin but the 1950's was such an elegant feminine era.

Can we please-Bretton stripes are my favourite things ever. So simplistic yet chic, I am to blue and white stripes like a magpie is to silver. If I see something in a shop with navy and white stripes-I will run to it (if it's in Topshop my day is officially made.)
I also love her hair-some can pull fringes off so well but definitely not me (let's not go there-it was a bad time). I am having serious hair troubles- I'm so bored with it-but if I go radical I'll miss it (a lot) however at its current state it just lives in a ponytail 80% of the time.

Gold/copper is totally my thing right now. So, I used to have this mad idea that gold looked tacky on me-I have relatively olivey skin but for some reason I would steer clear of it. Recently however, I have been an avid lover of anything metallicy. Be it rose gold, copper, silver, iridescent turqouise-y shades-it's all just been catching my eye. I am now on the hunt for a gold nail varnish. I have seen Essie do a few but in a recent trek around Boots, I came out empty handed-I will not give in though. Speaking of nail varnish, I have finally submitted myself to the matte craze-I used to hate it-it gave me the whole 'nails down a blackboard' feel but I am quickly warming to it (a few may have even made their way onto my Christmas list).

Something about 'Type-written' poems just make me so happy. I have recently re-discovered my typewriter. It is the most cumbersome, ugly and industrial piece of machinery (as legend goes, it belonged to a German fighter in WWII) you have probably ever laid your eyes on, but I sort of love it. My room is all pretty kitsch but then to have this piece of German technology sitting on my desk (despite taking up all of my working space) looks rather jazzy. Anyway, its effect aside, I have spent maybe a little too long typing out letters and passages but they just look so cool. 

And finally, to end this random, jumbled post, I leave you with a picture of a baby hedgehog wearing a hat. I once saved a hedgehog on the way to school and they have since become one of my favourite animals.
Next week I am beginning my Christmas Series (containing an outfit, a (or many) DIY's, a treat and possibly some wrapping ideas) so do stay tuned.
Do you prefer Tumblr/or Pinterest? What are your updates of this month?
Katie x

Twitter - Bloglovin - Pinterest

Currents: Listening: Still HudsonTaylor and still Won't back down//Reading: Plainsong//Loving: Gold ANYTHING//Lusting: a tartan camel coat (which I would never suit)

16 things I would have told myself a year ago

- Parties really are fun
-Chin up-things do get better (very soon)
-Say yes to everything (within reason obvs) because you will create some fab memories
-Enjoy year 10 because when you get into year 11 you will suddenly realise how fast it's going and will be desperate not to leave
-You will do stuff that you could only dream of doing now so chill, it will all come in time
-Just because you read TFIOS does not mean you are ill and looking up every symptom won't change anything
- Stay clear of that skirt
- Don't take things so seriously, lighten up a bit
-You will soon discover Benedict Cumberbatch and Sherlock and trust me, your life will be 10x better
-When it all gets too much, take a bath, breathe and get on with it-wallowing will only make it worse
- Time flies
- Don't depend on others too much, they have their own problems-write your worries instead
-The work load you think you have now is literally nothing
- Push yourself but not too much, it will come with time
-You have a DLSR, please god damn use it
-Go for that run (I am still reminding myself of this one)

It is insane how fast this year is going/has gone-I can't get over it. I have began reflecting over the past 11/12 months-I know its usually something people do at the end of  December but I feel this year has been a massive one for me so its going to take a whole load of brain power to process it all.
You know when you sit down and go "what new things have I done/goals have I achieved this year?"-I feel my list is getting pretty darn long which pleases me immensely because it highlights how great 2014 has been.
This time last year was the time when things took a corner, I don't want to say my life turned itself around because it didnt; that's waaay too dramatic, but I have come out of my shell, began to find myself and become an overall happier person which all in all is bloody brilliant.

And on that rather deep note I leave you with this question: What would you say to yourself a year ago?

Katie x
Twitter - Bloglovin

Guest Post-Alzgalz//Creating Post Ideas

We all get a bit of writers block from time-to-time but it's not a bad thing. Creativity is key throughout tasks such as blogging but sometimes the motivation is really not tip-top. A little motivation can go a long way. So, if you've creativity levels are riding low when it comes to writing a post then you don't need to worry, your hero is here.

Here are my top tips for Creating Blog Ideas:

1. Bloglovin'

Bloglovin' is the top way of collecting together the blogging community. You can see the latest posts from you're favourite blogs all in one feed. Checking Bloglovin' can generate post ideas because it gives you the chance to see what is popular across the blogs and what the readers are enjoying. Also, sometimes bloggers do open tag which means you can do it with out being tagged, so you can join in with that too.

2. 360

If you're really struggling and you feel like there's nothing around you that you can blog about at all, you're probably wrong. Sit in the centre of your room and do a slow 360 turn scanning everything in your room. Ask yourself: Do I have an opinion on this object? Why is it there? For example you see a perfume on your shelf - write a review for that. Or, you see a train ticket left around from the weekend trip away - write about how that was. It's a really handy method.

3. Blog Book

Hop over to your local super market and buy yourself a cheap note pad, or even create a file on you computer or phone. This is now your 'blog book'. Whenever you're on the go and suddenly 'ah, that's good idea' you can jot it down, or type it in. My blog book is the organisation centre for my blog. I list down posts that I want to do over time then I create a timetable for upcoming weeks. This helps with ideas because it's always somewhere you can refer to.

4. Social Media/Ask friends & family

Ask your mum 'what is your favourite ___?' and maybe she will spice up a few ideas. Ask your dad, sister, brother, cat, dog - everyone! One particularly interesting post you could create is a Then & Now by asking your grandparents what things where like back then, e.g. influences of fashion/beauty or even make-up brands. Those kind of posts can be educational to some people. Also, ask around on twitter and see what your readers want or even post about controversial issues that you've seen floating around the trending section.

5. Don't Rush

I always say to myself and my blogging friends: 'if you can't think of a post then don't force yourself to'. In my early stages of blogging I was guilty of it and now I look back and cringe at those posts because rushed and forced quality is poor. Your blog is your space on the internet made up of your content, so it's up to you what is posted and when.

Alice's Twitter - Bloglovin

Paris is always a good idea...

I have been lucky enough to spend a few days in Paris at the start of the Half Term. Initially it was supposed to be a post-GCSE treat and was to stimulate me to speak more French-I'm not sure quite how much French I've actually spoken but just being in the area and absorbing and translating all the language has been enough for me.

Paris has been somewhere I have had such an interest in visiting from such a young age. It is the centre of high fashion, full of sophisticated, suave people and has streets after streets of towering apartments that I would do almost anything to own.

Bistro Bar at the top of Printemps-a darn good view over Paris

Infamous lock bridge

Louvre

awesome sorbets

oh yas

Musee d'Orsay

Jacket-Topshop
Boots-Topshop
Dress-Topshop
Jumper-H&M

Sorry for the utter bombardement of photos, its such a picturesque city-any photographers dream.

The trip was marvellous- it consisted of too much croissant eating, a lot of gallery queuing (Monets water lillies are amaze at the musee de l'Orangerie and the tapestries at the musee de Cluny are so cool), me and my mum dreaming about owning every apartment, walking through the historic streets and crying over how beautiful EVERYTHING was-I want a Parisian lifestyle soo bad.
I saw one too many cafes selling colourful macaroons that made me dream so badly of buying a box and walking around all swish and fancy but frankly, at 4,50 for one- I had better things to spend my money on e.g Sephora.
I came across my first ever Sephora (two in one day) and splashed out on the cliched French beauty (bioderma obvs) but I was actually very restrained and walked away with a pretty full purse. I was more interested in the architecture and history of the city. I love it so much-I knew I would, everything about it from the people to the manic driving is just so sophisticated.
 I long to live there, to eat patisserie for breakfast every morning, walk along the river at night, pop into suave coffee shops and feel just so swish. Instead I returned to English coursework and wet grey weather but hey, I am more than grateful for the 3 days.

Katie x
Twitter - Bloglovin - Instagram

Currents: Listening: Vance Joy-Snaggletooth--The Macabees-Toothpaste Kisses//Reading: Malorie Blackman-Knife Edge//Loving: Arizona Tea//Lusting: Sunshine and a reduction in things to do (please)

DIY: Decorative Jars

These pretty jars are perfect for holding little tea lights, storing bits and bobs or making into a memory jar. They are pretty pip-squeak and while involve you getting a little messy, don't require a lot of unusual equipment! So let's begin!

You will need:

• a clean jam jar
• emulsion paint (the type you use to paint walls-any colour you want)
• 2 small paintbrushes (one a little larger)
• an old top/jumper
• newspaper to lay down
• PVA glue
• glitter
• and any other decorations (I used washi tape and label from my label maker)

So begin by painting one even coat of paint over the lid. Don't worry if it looks streaky because you will be doing more coats anyway. This shouldnt take too long to dry but if you are impatient like me, using a hair dryer on a low setting can speed up the process.

Apply another coat when the previous one is dry-again don't worry if it looks too streaky but to minimise this, use less paint on the brush.

Now time to decorate!

I actually did two lids, the blue one (shown) was a test run to see how the painting went but I was too impatient to wait for the paint to dry so I switched onto this one which I actually prefer!

Begin by using a small paintbrush to apply a generous amount of PVA around the rim of the lid. Be careful not to go over the edge otherwise the glitter will look uneven. Its important you get enough glue otherwise you end up with patchy glitter however this can be sorted out later.

I wish it was acceptable to wear my painting jumper outside-it is probs one of my fave jumpers

Sprinkle a lot of glitter (lol I only just realised) (you need more than you think) onto clean newspaper.

And roll the lid through the glitter, back and forth until it picks up enough. You can also add glue then shake the glitter over so just which ever works best for you.

If you have any patches (I had tonnes) just take your paintbrush and dab a bit more glue on then shake the glitter over. If it goes over the edges just use your finger to brush it off and neaten the edges or when its all dry, you can blow it with the hairdryer which gets some of the unwanted glitter off.

TA-DAA!

I used two washi tapes to decorate the glass-Washi tape is patterned paper craft tape that comes in some gorg patterns-I use it all the time!

Washi-taping done!

I used my incredibly retro label maker to make a label (obvs) for the jar.  I used mine to store all my 2014 memories. These label makers are pretty darn cool-I swear they are like £5 or £6 on Amazon (the tape is almost the same price though...) but I love using mine.

And this is the complete thing!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial-I think these jars are so cute and would make adorable little gifts or decorations for your room.
I am laden with cold and an extortionate amount to do (Biology homework, Textiles course work, Blog posts etc I genuinely need a holiday already) and cannot stop sneezing. Its driving me crazy and is resulting in constant tea drinking, boiling baths and many a Sherlock episode-hey I guess its not all bad.

Have a lovely week,
Katie x

Twitter - Bloglovin - Instagram

Currents: Listening: The 1975 Settle Down--Chocolate// Reading: Still The Help-Kathryn Stockett//Loving: My new flanel shirt// Lusting: Chai Latte