Fashion Finds: Summer

Whilst the weather isn't seeming particularly summery at the moment in the UK, it is still technically summer so here is a post on a few pieces I have purchased & been loving this summer.

1. Light Pink Patterned Top

£5 - Next in the sale

Made of a comfy, slightly stretchy material, this top is very comfortable to wear & looks great, I like to wear this top pretty casually with jeans.

2. Grey "Le Belle Vie" Top

£18 - River Island

A casual & comfortable sleeveless top, I particularly like the rose gold font against the grey tone.

3. Mint Green Zip Up Top

£6 - Primark

This is my favourite colour at the moment & it is the perfect casual top to throw on over anything. I particularly like it with lighter white/grey tops underneath.

4. The Little Pale Pink Bag

£20 - Next

The perfect little over the shoulder satchel bag. I like the fact that it isn't the usual black or cream, it is more of a pale pink shade and seems to go with pretty much anything. This is probably my favourite summer purchase & I will continue to use it all year round, I love it.

I hope you enjoyed this post. :)

Which of these do you like best?

Have you purchased something this Summer that you particularly love?

Kat x

Fashion Finds: Spring

Okay so it's just about summer now but here is my Fashion Finds post for Spring.

Without further ado, here are a few purchases I have made & been loving this Spring...

1. The Floral Sleeveless Shirt.

New Look, £12.00

It's floral, sleeveless, can be worn smartly for work or dressed down for a more casual look. Therefore it's pretty versatile. It is light & comfortable so will be perfect for when the weather warms up a little.

2. The Leopard Print Vest Top.

A colourful yet not too bold vest top. As you can see this one is made up of dark blue, yellow, lime green, black & white. It is a comfortable casual top but again could be dressed up worn with dark jeans or even a black skirt.

I bought this top when I went to a random charity fashion evening. Now I had never been to anything like this before but they get lots of clothes sent in from different companies & sell them at discount prices to raise money for charity. Pretty good if you ask me. Therefore I have no idea where the top was from (as the labels of all the clothes has been removed) but I had to include this top as I purchased it recently & really like it.

I have looked to see if I can see anything similar around and I did find a top in more traditional leopard print colours in River Island for £20. http://www.riverisland.com/women/tops/cami--sleeveless-tops/brown-leopard-print-vest-672320

3. A Pair of Classic Black Pumps.

New Look, £11.99

Okay so black isn't the most spring-y (technically term there!) but I thought these would be great to wear as it gets a bit warmer. I am planning on wearing them to work so black was a necessity. Plus black goes with everything so I felt I could wear them with whatever casually too. I really like the little gold detailing on the bows at the front.

As you can see from the first photo, these pumps are the type that are slightly elasticated so more flexible which I am hoping means they will be more comfortable. They also seem like they would be ideal to slip into a bag if you were wearing heels & your feet were hurting so you could switch. These could be a very handy pair of pumps.


4. The Blue Sleeveless Vest Top.

It's a smart blue shirt, lightweight & very comfortable. I bought this top to wear to work & I love that it doesn't have a proper shirt collar, there is a subtle edging to the neck which hints at a collar but there isn't a formal collar. I like to pair mine with a black cardigan. It's very comfortable & I love it.

New Look, £8.99

5. The Long Grey Casual T-Shirt Top.

A soft long t-shirt bearing a random quote about being

yourself(ie) ;). Perfect for a casual day paired with black leggings. There is a slit up the side of the top which I quite like, it makes it a bit more than just a long t-shirt anyway.

Primark, £12.00

I hope you enjoyed this post.

Which of these do you like best?

Have you purchased something this Spring that you particularly love? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Kat x

The Best Things About Having A Best Friend

In honour of my beautiful best friend turning 22 today I have decided to write 22 of...

1. Growing up together. You see each other mature but at the same time you can be completely yourself with each other.

2. Pretty much automatically slipping into different parts when a duet or song made up of multiple vocals comes on. You have this down to a tee.

3. You know each other’s best stories & were probably there for most of them.

4. The random phrases & things you & your best friend say to each other, some of which you may have no idea where they came from.

5. Certain things which your best friend does that automatically make you smile.

6. Your best friend knows most things about you, things that probably annoy your family, weird things about you & things that freak you out & yet they still accept you completely.

7. Sharing things. Loves. Fears e.g. Empathetic panic when the other is faced with a massive spider. It is lovely to know that compassion is on the end of the phone. Actual physical things like DVDs, CDs & chocolate :)

8. Pride. In the big things in life e.g. Your best friend getting into Uni, graduating and for your best friend just being an all round beautiful & amazing person. But also for the little things.

9. The Inside Jokes.

10. The Support. You support each other through everything life throws at you. A best friend is supposedly like a good bra… hard to find, comfortable, supportive, lifts you up & is close to your heart.

11. The Memories. So many memories. The little moments of laughter, big experiences you have been through together & places you have been.

12. Conversations. No topic is off limits, you can literally talk about anything with your best friend. You could be talking about something completely light-hearted one second & then having a deeply serious conversation the next.

13. Conversation isn’t actually a necessity though, you can communicate effectively in just looks.

14. There is at least one song that always reminds you of your best friend.

15. You introduce each other to new things. e.g. TV shows, songs. Your taste in these things tends to be pretty similar.

16. With a true best friend you don’t feel the pressure to go out or do anything in particular; being in their company is comfortable in itself.

17. You either never argue or argue frequently before making up there is no in-between.

18. Surprises. However long you have been friends, your best friend will continue to surprise you every now & again.

19. No one will ever be good enough for your best friend so you mentally take notes as to things you may need to mention to boyfriends in the future.

20. Similarities: You love the similarities between you & your best friend.

21. Differences: At the same time you love the differences between you & everything that makes your best friend unique.
22. You cannot imagine your life without your best friend.

N'aww, I hope you liked this post. Sometimes you just have to go with the best friend appreciation inspiration.

What is your favourite thing about your best friend? Feel free to leave a comment letting me know.

Show your best friend some love. <3

Kat x

Enchanting Eyelashes: New Lash Duo

Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's a new Maybelline Mascara & the No7 eyelash curler.

Today's post as you can probably guess will be discussing my new duo for enchanting eyelashes: the No7 Lift & Curve Eyelash Curler & Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

THE NO7 LIFT & CURVE EYELASH CURLER

So firstly let's talk about the eyelash curler. Now I have straight lashes and am a keen user of eyelash curlers, I use them everyday that I wear mascara which is pretty much most days.

After getting my money's worth with my last eyelash curlers, I don't even remember when I bought them, I decided I needed a change.

This change came in the form of the No7 Lift & Curve Eyelash Curler. Exclusive to Boots, I thought they looked quite good so I thought I would give them a go.

Boots - £8.00

These eyelash curlers really do what they say, they lift & curve the lashes, a couple of pumps & I am prepped & ready for mascara.

MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL LASH MULTIPLYING MASCARA

Okay so when it comes to Maybelline Mascaras, I love them!

Maybelline is a brand I always go back to, particularly for mascara, I have tried a fair few mascaras & loved pretty much all of them (not a big fan of the Rocket though). When I saw the advertisements for this one which coincidentally was at a time when I needed to buy a new mascara, of course I wanted to give it a go.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - THE PACKAGING

The packaging of this mascara is a metallic light pink colour which is beautiful & definitely eye-catching.

Boots - £7.99

THE APPLICATOR

The applicator/wand is an interesting shape as you can see in the photo above, the combination of the longer and shorter parts are great. The longer really helps elongate the lashes, whilst the shorter helps lift the roots of the lashes.

THE FORMULA

The formula is very good, it lifts the lashes well and keeps them curled all day. It reminds me of a waterproof formula as it has such good staying power.

OVERALL VERDICT

I really like both these products & think they are such a great combination. I would definitely recommend them.

Have you tried either of these? What did you think?

Kat x

Fashion Finds: Winter

Today I thought I would write another post discussing a few of my favourite fashion purchases this season - Welcome to the winter edition of fashion finds.

Firstly let's talk cosy cardigans. Here in the UK, it tends to be pretty cold in the winter. This means it is the perfect time for cardigans such as this one. :)

Primark, £12.00

The grey/white colour of this cardigan makes me think of snow & seems very winter appropriate.

I originally thought it might be a bit too out there being fluffy and not a dark cardigan but this one is more subtle than that. It can be worn over pretty much any plain top & is so comfortable!

I also bought this cardigan in black originally thinking I would get much more wear from a black version but I have definitely worn this snowy one so much more! This cardigan was being sold in various different colours, they must have recognised what a staple piece this cardigan would be. I would definitely recommend them.

One of the tops I have particularly enjoyed wearing this winter is this polar bear one from Next. It was actually a last minute purchase I bought to wear to work on Christmas Eve but I have found it great to wear all through winter. I like the little bobble hat on the bear & I have particularly loved wearing it with the Cardigan above.

Next, £18.00

Next, I have a somewhat ironic top to discuss. A black sweater top with white writing on the front which reads 'Nothing to Wear'. Obviously this is pretty ironic, you are buying a top to wear which is saying that you have nothing to wear. It seems the epitome of first world problems to be honest but sometimes you do have to appreciate a bit of irony.

New Look, £14.99

A great top to throw on with jeans or plain bottoms when you don't want to think about what you are wearing too much & as it is black & white it can be worn with various other coloured clothes.

I actually bought this a while ago in New Look, it was literally the last one and when I tried it on I really liked it & was feeling pretty chuffed to have picked up the last one. However, this top must have done really well as New Look have brought out lots more products with this design particularly t-shirts. There is a t-shirt in a light grey with black writing which says the same on the front which I think is nice.

Finally, one of the pieces of clothing I particularly love at this time of year are fluffy socks. 

Asda, £3.50

A winter essential, these are my absolute favourites at the moment. This pair keep your feet nice & warm but aren't too thick which means they are great for wearing in boots. I would also go so far as to say that these are one of the softest pairs of socks I have ever worn!

The best part however, may be that these socks came in a pack of two that only cost £3.50. Definitely worth it, I love them!

I hope you enjoyed this post.

Which of these do you like best?

Have you purchased something this winter you particularly love?

Kat x

Reflecting on 2014

I cannot believe 2014 is over.

It was definitely one of the most significant and memorable years of my life. So much happened.

I thought I would write a post reflecting on my most significant moments from 2014. I feel like it will be so lovely to look back on this post in years to come.

So lets begin...

Finishing my Final Year of Uni
My last exam for University was on 9th May 2014.

I absolutely loved Uni, my degree, the people & the location and to be honest I have felt slightly at a loss for no longer being a student. :(

Handing in my Dissertation was one of those momentous moments that I will never forget. I had been working on it for over a year when I finally handed it in. I put so much time & effort into it, writing, reading, re-reading & 12,950 words, thousands of references & a bibliography later there it was... bound and ready for submission! - This was definitely the piece of work I was most proud of throughout my time at Uni.

Turning 21
24th May 2014
My 21st Birthday was without a doubt one of my favourite days of 2014! It was a pretty relaxed day spent with my family. I went out for lunch with my mum, dad, brother, sister & grandparents. It was such a lovely day & I felt well and truly spoiled!

Going on Holiday Abroad with my Best Friend
May/June 2014.
My best friend's birthday is also in May and to celebrate both our birthdays & the fact that we had finished all our exams we decided to go on holiday abroad for a week at the end of May/start of June.

This is a pic of us clinking miniature glasses one evening. So cute :)

It was my first holiday without my parents & I was nervous to say the least. But I have been friends with my best friend since we were 9 years old and we are close. We had such a great holiday!

Graduating
July 2014.
My graduation was one of those days I know I will never forget!

My robes & mortarboard (the traditional black headwear) were put on & lots of photographs were taken.

The ceremony was very traditional. I had such a lump in my throat throughout the closing speech, "Graduates, I wish each of you the very best with your future lives, continue to have courage, confidence, consideration and ambition."

It was sad knowing that this would be the last time I would see my Uni friends for a while & scary realising we were all going out into the big wide world but the day was lovely!

Of course we had to get the classic photo throwing our mortarboards in the air! I have cropped the picture for privacy so you'll have to imagine us all dressed up smiling & laughing as these fly through the air. One of my friends actually threw hers so high it wasn't even in the picture! Haha.

Also, I rarely have my parents & grandparents to myself & particularly loved spending the evening with them the night before I graduated, having a catch up in a little pub. :)

Starting this blog

On 14th September 2014, I published my first ever blog post, The Awkward First Blog Post.

Since then, I have enjoyed the creativity this blog brings, the freedom to write about whatever I feel like, taking pictures & then publishing the post. I just love it!

I am likely to be really busy starting in the New Year, working towards a further qualification alongside my full-time job but blogging is something I love and definitely want to continue with!

Starting my full-time job

Not going to lie, I found this one quite intimidating. I was applying for jobs hoping to get a job but at the same time I felt like I wanted to stay in the strange limbo between Uni and Work, for just a bit longer.

But in October 2014, I was offered & began my full time job.

The people seem lovely & I am beginning to feel more confident in my role. I hope good things are to come in 2015!

This is a little message they left me on my first day :)

Christmas 2014
25th December 2014.
Christmas will always be a yearly highlight for me. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Spending the time with my family, the house always looks particularly cosy decorated for Christmas & everyone just generally seems to be in a better mood at this time of year!

I hope you enjoyed this post.

What have been your favourite moments from 2014?

Kat x