Am I able to pull off 'Mom' jeans? A Spring & Summer Wishlist

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I've never been one to wear everything that I want to wear. Clothing that I love on other people I'm never confident enough to wear so instead I continue to gaze in awe at the other girls who are confident enough. The older I get the more this is changing.

I haven't actually done a fashion post in so long. So seen as it's starting to become warm enough to wear spring/summer clothing (although you wouldn't have guessed with the rain in Wellington right now) I thought I'd share some things I'm wanting. There's a couple of things here that have been around for a while and I've either not wanted to spend the money on them or not been confident that I'd pull them off enough to buy them. The 'Mom' jeans for example. I've been a lover of skinny jeans, whether high waisted or not, pretty much since I started buying my own jeans so the concept of not-so-skinny jeans scared me a little. I guess the only way to tell if they suit me, or I just look like I've bought jeans a few sizes too big, is to go in and try some on. That's probably the same with the bomber jacket and some of the dresses.

I'm trying to upgrade my summer wardrobe to things that aren't just tiny singlets and tiny shorts to things that are less revealing but will still keep me cool (I overheat very easily and faint, it's great). I'm guessing lightweight shirts may solve this problem? I admit that a lot of this seems rather autumnal however I already have all the white floral summer items so there's no point getting more of the same things, I need to add some contrasting pieces.

What sort's of things are on your wishlist for summer? Is there anything here that takes your fancy?

What Even is Summer Smart Casual?

ASOS Flare Trouser | Oh My Love High Neck Crop Tee in Baby Deer Print | ASOS TALL Sleeveless Blouse with Contrast Piping

So with the promise of an internship or a job or similar looming for me in summer I started to worry about what I'd wear. I don't know about you guys but I thought it was a fancy blazer jacket with snazzy pants and shoes but with it being summer it's going to be hot and I faint if I get even the slightest bit overheated so I can't wear that. Brad also mentioned most of my shoes aren't smart casual so what actually is smart casual... help? Apparently smart casual to Google is neat, conventional clothes, yet relatively informal in style. That pretty much summed up most clothes I feel? But I also feel like most of my clothes wouldn't be suitable in a regular smart casual work environment. I know a few of the design companies around Wellington are more casual than the office but on the off chance the one I may work at isn't I thought I'd get prepared!

After scrolling through thousands and thousands of photos on Pinterest I thought I'd fly over to ASOS and check out if they had anything summery while still fitting the smart casual bracket, seen as their summer items are starting to hit the sales. I found a few things that may work and how gorgeous is this baby deer print top though? If this is classed as smart casual I am so tempted to buy it. Although the trousers, I'm not too sure about, I don't know if I could live in trousers in summer I feel they'd only make me too warm. I suppose if I found the right pair that are thin enough it may work, anyone know where I can get them?

ASOS PETITE Dress with D-Ring Belt | ASOS Tailored A-Line Shorts | ASOS Ponte Blazer

Now shorts are more what I was looking for, I find it's really hard to make shorts smart casual though. According to Tara's advice over on this post on Shop Style Conquer a casual element can work as long as you match it with something that's more dress, I suppose similar to the top worn with the shorts above would work. The blazer however I feel adds some formality to any outfit so maybe I could even get away with some high waisted shorts as long as the top half was more formal, and they of course weren't too short! So I think I need a blazer, but ya know a light one for the heat.

New Look Patent Flat Loafer | ASOS MAKE MY DAY Pointed Flat Shoes

Oh onto the shooooooes! I hate buying summer shoes though I absolutely love winter shoe shopping but summer shoes no way. I have tiny feet and I can't wear shoes with a toe bar (like jandals) so summer shoe shopping is just awful for me. These shoes however I can totally enjoy shopping for; I can wear them for a start. The pair on the right remind me of the shoes I used to wear for school back in year 8 in my English secondary school; they weren't too picky with shoes as long as they were black, and these types of pointy shoes were all the range for us 13 year olds... we must've looked so lame!

So what do you think? Are any of these suitable enough for me to buy them for summer? Or do you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments I really need help!

Perfect Winter Polishes

I used to be obsessed with painting my nails with wacky intricate designs which you can actually see some here on my nail art tumblr. I used to spend every sunday night painting a new design for the new week but since starting uni I've gotten less and less interested and it's gotten to the point where I don't actually paint my nails all that much. However I still love having my nails painted I just don't have the time, so when I do end up painting them it's even more fulfilling! A lot of the northern hemisphere are blogging about their favourite spring/summer polishes and it's just making me want to pull out my favourite pastel teal polish but it's just not right. My collection (check it out here) is mainly filled with colours like the pastel teal that suit spring and summer and although I have a couple of khaki greens and greys I was really happy to recently upgrade my collection with these two beauties. 

I won Essie's 'The Perfect Cover Up' on a Facebook competition for Hannah's blog A Lovely Look and was really excited to receive it and finally paint my nails again. A lovely greeny grey colour that's a perfect autumn/winter colour. I also picked up this Sally Hansen polish in 'Jungle Gem' for a whole $3.50 from Farmers, I was 'umming and arring' about whether to get it or not for $5 and mum pushed me into it and as it turned out even cheaper I'm glad she did! A little less grey than the Essie polish it's still a really nice autumn/winter colour. 
I don't really do reds and pinks with nail polish so a gorgeous oxblood colour isn't really my thing so it was great to get these two for my collection especially as they're nothing like what I already have. 
Question is which one do I use first?! No seriously tell me!

What's your favourite autumn winter nail colour? Is there one colour you wear the entire 6 months of the year as soon as it's deemed cold enough?

I want to dissect your brains...

Since the semester is over I thought I'd share some work I've done over the last 12 weeks. To new readers; hi I study Graphic Design! This was by far my favourite project I've worked on this semester, closely followed by App class where, as you've probably guessed, we had to design an app. For print however we had to design our own conference which from that we were to create a poster, a 12 page brochure, two banners, and a fourth item - I chose a hoodie and t-shirt combination. My conference, Dissect, is a typography based conference concentrating on the structure of type. I wanted to imply the idea of peeling back layers to really understand type. 

I thought this might give outsiders a look into what a normal six week project looks like for a third year designer! Makes me wonder what other professions would do? Other than essays of course. 

Silver is a Girls Best Friend

Girls always prefer a certain metal for their jewellery, and for me that's silver. Look at these gorgeous charms though... 

I feel like I've always owned some sort of charm bracelet; when I was christened as a baby I received a small silver bracelet with religious related charms. Growing up I went through a few but the most memorable being one with lots of dangly charms like a blue clay turtle and a purple rubix cube. But now I'm 21 so I felt like I needed a more 'adulty' bracelet and here it is! 

My parents recently bought me this Pandora bracelet along with the safety chain, two clips, and the present charm to symbolise my 18th and 21st birthday. I also received the daisy chain charm from my brother as well for my birthday. These together with the Michael Hill charms* I got to choose from their Emma & Roe range, I'm able to arrange the charms to how I'm feeling. Personally I was unsure about getting a mix of charm brands thinking that they may not work together but they do! Now I can buy charms from both brands woo! 

With the charms I have I put together a few ways I'd wear them as I don't actually like wearing loads of charms at once all the time so it's nice to have a change around. 

Filigree Open Heart Pattern Charm, Teal Matte Murano Glass Charm, Daisies Clip, Silver Present Charm, Darling Daisies Spacer, Sterling Silver Crown Charm, Milkyway Clip, Blue & Gold Sparkle Murano Glass Charm, Filigree Flower Charm.

Do you have a charm bracelet? What charms do you have, I'm thinking about getting a Lion charm next. 

*Michael Hill have kindly allowed me to choose these Emma & Roe charms but all opinions are my own. Just look at them how could you not like them!

iHerb iHaul

Hiya guys I made some sneaky purchases before Easter so I thought I would share. I've also given them all a quick try before posting this so I can give you a little mini review at the same time. Fair warning it's mostly lip products as I was on the hunt to find some lip liners for my collection. 

First of all I got the ELF Lip Primer & Plumper ($3.00), I was a little sceptical of this but thought for 3 bucks I might as well try it out. The primer is basically a concealer but it does a better job than my actual concealer and the plumper is definitely cinnamon flavoured but I'm not too sure at the moment if it does it's job. I also grabbed a ELF Long-Wear Lipliner Pencil in Bitter ($1.99) which is a really nice deep purple colour perfect for my recent Topshop lipstick and glides on smoothly. Another Real Techniques brush for my collection, this time the Powder Brush ($9.99), I never knew brushes could get this fluffy - totally my new favourite brush! The ELF Lip Stain in Berry Blush ($2.99) I wasn't sure about either as the last time I tried a lip stain it didn't go very well but as this was in a pen form rather than a liquid I thought I'd give it a go. It surprised me actually, it goes on lightly but can be easily built up for the desired colour and really does stain the lips staying on all day. I've recently been using this as a base for my lipsticks which makes them more long lasting. I also picked up another ELF Pressed Powder in Porcelain ($3.00) as I've hit pan on my current one. This is my favourite powder so always need a back up! Lastly I bought some chewable iron tablets ($8.99, not photographed) for a bit of a pick me up. 

As my Mum was coming down for Easter I got her to grab me some Jordana products from our local store as they're cheaper than Wellington stores and there's actually more of a variety even though it's a tiny town. I got the Jordana Matte Lipstick in Cafe ($3.00) and although the only other Matte lipsticks I have from Jordana are browny colours this one's a much darker brown and I'm loving it! All the lipsticks are a really nice quality for their price, the colour lasting isn't huge but I find they personally work for me and how long I need it so I grabbed another regular Jordana Lipstick in Blackberry ($3.00). Then we have the couple of lipliners; Jordana Quickliners in Ruby Stone and Scarlet (each $4.00), really nice and smooth to draw with and I find a nice starting point for those starting out with lipliners (aka me) as they're not hugely permanent and can be easily removed and redone. Also grabbed a regular Jordana Lipliner in Chestnut ($3.00) which isn't as smooth as the quickliners but still does the job once it's been used once or twice. 

Finally we're done! I totally recommend Jordana and ELF for those wanting cheap make up

You can get $10 off your first shipment with the code CTP518! Have fun :)

Top of my Topshop shopping list

1. Moto Black Short Dungarees - £32.00 2. Kitten Ankle Socks - £3.50 3. Margot Pinstud Boots - £75.00 4. Contrast Bobble Beanie Hat - £14.00 5. Lipstick in Wicked - £8.00 6. Lipstick in The Damned - £8.00 7. Velvet Lace Shorts - £20.00 8. Cat Print Pyjama Set - £28.00

While lying in bed sick with the flu and avoiding the coursework looming over me I took to internet shopping, I did actually make an order on iHerb oops but it was mainly window shopping. Now if you're not from New Zealand or if you've been hiding under a rock you may not know that we recently got ourselves our own Topshop. However seen as it's in Auckland I'm still stuck online shopping so here's some of my favourite things on their site. (Prices in Pounds although the NZ pricing is a little bit more expensive than Glassons for you wondering). 

Following the NZBloggers chat two weeks ago I mentioned I was going to try wear things a little more out of my comfort zone so a few of these items are inspired by that. Now I do love everything on this list but damn those studded boots I need them like seriously need them even though I don't know if they'd suit me and they're hella expensive! 

1. Crepe Sweetheart Crop Top - £20.00 2. Moto Super Ripped Jamie Jeans - £45.00 3. Nail Varnish in Bound - £6.00 4. Nail Varnish in Snow Cone - £6.00 5. Desire Jumper by Religion - £95.00 6. Blanche Ankle Boots - £45.00

Of course I've got me some Jamie jeans on there, they are a Topshop must have! As well as all the Topshop beauty, I've got a few lip products of theirs already and they're excellent so I know I'm going to pick up some more for sure when I get the chance! If anyone can let me know how much the lipsticks are in dollars that would be great! Hopefully I'm in Auckland soon and get a chance to have a look around but otherwise I'll be stuck online for a while. But hey it saves money right? 

Nail Polish Collection

I've had this blog going for a while now and having shared a few insights to my nail polish collection I thought it was about time that I shared the entire thing actually used this post as an excuse to go through it all and chuck out the bad gross ones and the ones I don't ever use. There's a few extras such as top coats, stripers/nail art pens, and gel polishes as well which I didn't include but here's the proper regular polishes! Beware for a very photo heavy post! 

China Glaze Tranzitions Split Perso-nail-ity // Rubi Violets are Blue // Rubi  I Like Pina Coladas // Essie Orange, it's Obvious // Rubi Lady in Red // Mavala Orange Amazone // L.A Colours Transformer // Sally Hansen Chocolate Nut

L.A Colours Seashell // Sally Hansen Lightening // Rubi Yellow Polka Dot Bikini // Rubi  Baby One More Time // Sally Hansen You-Gurt Style // L.A Colours  Mega Watt // L.A Colours  Nude //  Cotton On Body Nude // Sally Hansen Honey Whip

Essie Pretty Edgy // Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Sour Apple // China Glaze Tranzitions Duplicityy // Cotton On Body Green Envy // Rubi Cry Me A River // Whos that Girl? (Lovisa) Pistachio // Sally Hansen Sturdy Sapphire // Rubi Under The Seaport // Kmart Blue Lagoon 

Essie Below The Belt // Sally Hansen White Tip // Rubi When Doves Cry // Sally Hansen Black Heart // Rubi Love is a Battlefield

Kmart Seabird // Rubi Moon Dance // Rubi Fushia Glitter // Rubi Tropical Blue Glitter // Rimmel London Diamond Dust // Rubi Fast Cars

Some of my favourites include Cry Me a River, Orange it's Obvious and Honey Whip. I'm looking forward to posting some nail tutorials in the near future and maybe some 'nails of the weeks' if you're interested in that? 

   

Scandi Ampersand

All images via Pinterest

Before University starts next week I've been trying to use as much time as possible just to chill and relax before the havoc of late nights and constant sketching, 'photoshopping' and analysing starts. Lately this has involved scrolling through pages and pages of blogposts and pinterest pages huddled up under a blanket (yes even though it is the height of summer it still gets cold in the Wellington evenings) with the kitten. Either that or playing hours and hours of Pokemon but we don't need to talk about that. The one thing this teaches me is that I need ALL the Pokemon and that I need my own little house that I can do what I want. There's only so much I can do with the yellowy/cream walls I have now although I love my little house so much I would love it with white walls. Ah white walls... Ah white floorboards... Yes I may have a thing for scandinavian interior design (along with the entire blogging world). 

I really really want that light up ampersand, maybe as an S although I really do like the ampersand design. But there's just something about these interiors that make you want to get out of bed and do things! Is that just me or does someone else feel that too? As I have a lack of white walls and floorboards I may have to take inspiration from the other items in the room. I really want a sheepskin rug however I know this will not go with our current house nor will it probably survive the kitten who occasionally still has toilet accidents. However with my current white desk, and fairy lights I think a few additional pieces shall suffice, for my desk area anyway... the rest of the house will have to wait! We are students remember. I may invest in a chair very much similar to the one in the bottom photo as they have come available at The Warehouse and Kmart for my lovely NZ followers and my teal leather office chair is on its last legs. 

Are there things you dream of changing in your home or a specific area of your home you really want to upgrade? 

Fav 5 of January

 

I haven't done a favourites post in ages, actually thinking about it I may not have ever done one but I feel I have! Anyways January is almost over if you can believe it and I've complied some things that I've been loving as you do in favourites so lets get on with it. 

While I was in Australia I wanted to pick up a few beauty items as they're slightly cheaper than in New Zealand (that or they're just actually available there) but apart from passing up on the NYX sale which I really shouldn't have I never really found anything cheap enough to be worth buying apart from this Real Techniques brush. I planned throughout the holiday if I had enough money left over at the end that I'd treat myself to the 4 core collection pack however when it got to the end there were none left. So instead I got just the one expert face brush which I've been using ever since and loving. Another make up product I got here in NZ after the recommendations of fellow NZ bloggers and YouTubers. The Jordana matte lipstick in Taupe is really good quality for $3 which I like to use either on its own or on top of other brighter shades to tone them down a little bit. I'm really loving this browny nude colour at the moment. 

The other day whilst browsing the sale racks I came across this beauty of a tshirt, I absolutely fell in love with the cactus design, bought it straight away and have been wearing it ever since! (It's been washed I'm not that gross x). I also recently got my 2015 diary in the mail and have been loving using it to plan posts, make lists and note down important dates. It's going to become really useful once Uni starts back up and hopefully I'll be a bit more organised than the last two years. My last favourite for the month has been my Kindle app; over the years I've been competing with my mum to read the most books in a year and I've yet to win. 2015 however will be the year of change!! With the the help of my kindle I've read 5 books already this month so hopefully things will keep going as well as January has. I might do a group book review post soon about these books otherwise it'll be a bit overwhelming with a post each! 

What have you been loving this month? 

'Cause we got the fire, and we're burning one hell of a something

That part of the year where Summer and Autumn fade together and it's too hot for jeans but too cold for shorts is hard enough let alone having hot university classrooms shoved into the mix. I've gotten into the habit of surfing the Womens Fashion Pinterest boards and find myself pining over the Autumn/Winter outfits while lying on my bed with the fan on full blast in as little clothing as possible. It's not a secret that I hate summer, no matter how many years I spend in this country my body is not used to the heat, I am used to the pathetic glorious English weather and forever will be. I just really want to be able to wear proper shoes again, my wardrobe full of boots and my beloved converse are screaming at me to be worn again and I wont even start on the clothing that's more than a few millimeters thick. But in the meantime I'll just pin and pin until the fan can finally penetrate the heat and cool my body. Check out my board!  

Norma-lly I don't carry something this expensive.

Hola I finally have a proper blog post, one I've been planning since I won this little baby! I'd completely forgotten entering a competition for this cute wallet and honestly at the time I wasn't even that fond of it I've just gotten into the student habit of entering everything that has free stuff. But checking my emails at 10pm one night on the way to a party and seeing I'd won a competition that I didn't even remember entering was a very big plus. Now having received the Norma wallet from Madame Fancy Pants I can tell I was harsh to judge it so early, in fact it's not as bright a pink as I was expecting and it's can store a huge amount of stuff for how big it is. There's a large compartment at the back that can fit an iPhone 5s or below, a large compartment for cash and cards with 4 slots for your handy cards, and a zipped coin section at the front. Frankly I can't get over having just an expensive wallet especially as I'm currently storing it in a um $14 backpack... no Ted Baker to be seen here ladies! Now if you do happen to be in Wellington strolling down Cuba Street make sure to step into this little store and have a look around, they have everything from bags, clothes, and jewellery to prints and other trinkets. My favourite necklace is actually from here so if you have some spending money, go hit this shop!