and a happy new year

Yes, I originally missed out the T in healthier - is that even grammatically correct?

Obviously there are loads of posts like this at the moment so I'm just going to go ahead and jump on the bandwagon. Plus, I once read that if you share your resolutions, you're more likely to keep them. I think they mean with your close real life people but the internet seems a good second best.

Looking at the resolutions I've chosen, they're all kind of health related. Except reading, but maybe even that's a matter of opinion. I do really want to use 2013 as a chance to get fit and healthy especially as I'm (hopefully) going to university in September. I want to go in the best shape because I've heard of the Freshman15. Apparently it's common to put on quite a bit of weight in the first year of uni because of being on your own, eating rubbish food and drinking a fair amount. This might be total rumours and lies but either way I want to know how to cook healthy food and look after myself.

These resolutions are most definitely starting on January 1st as to be completely honest I've been eating disgustingly and haven't exercised in ages. It's making me feel a little gross to be honest so I'M excited to get healthy.

I've absolutely loved 2012 and am actually really sad it's ending but 2013 holds the end of school, start of university, the summer, hopefully a girls holiday and everything in between.

I hope you have a wonderful time on New Years and that your year brings you happiness and everything you want. 

What are your resolutions?

Victoria x

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Topshop a la Primark

iphone photo = this quality

Top - Primark

Leggings - Primark

(I've finally decided to post again after a looooong absence. Basically, some people I know IRL found my blog and it put me off posting for a while. What are the chances, seriously?)

It's a common occurrence for me, wearing an all-primark outfit and here we have an excellent example. I had to post about these tops because I'm actually in love with them. We are probably all aware of the Topshop Geek t-shirt that everyone and their mothers owns. I really wanted to jump on the bandwagon and get one but no part of me was ever going to pay £18 for a t-shirt.  Dividing the price of the top by my hourly wage was a little too painful so I put it to the back of my mind and on I went.

Yesterday I went shopping for christmas presents with my brother (we only bought one pair of socks for my mum, Christmas is four days away. Send help) and as I was mooching around Primark I spotted the Nerd top. I picked one up straight away and honestly walked around smiling for ten minutes. Cue the Jerk top appearing. Such a good moment! £4 each is such a bargain in my eyes and they're so easy to wear. I've worn the Jerk top tucked into a tube skirt for a casual night out and in the outfit pictured above. (I promise I make sure my bum is covered at all time while wearing leggings!)

What do you make of these cheap alternatives?

If I don't post before, I hope you have the most wonderful Christmas however you're spending it. 

Victoria xx

Life Right Now

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So, do you remember about two blog posts ago when I said I'm back into blogging and am ready to blog consistently? Well, clearly that turned out to be a big fat lie. General life is getting in the way. I thought I'd just summarise things becuase sometimes it's just nice to know what's going on in someone elses (or keeping track of your own) life. I thought I'd structure this using headings which are questions everybody and their best friend has been asking lately.

"How far are you on your UCAS application?"

 I'm in my last year of school (how did this happen, seriously) and so everyone is finally having to put the post 18 plans that have always seemed so far away, into action. I've always been a little cocky when it came to my five year plan which has been in place since the second week of year nine. So really it serves me right that I completely changed my desired career/degree about two weeks before the majority of university open days were coming to a close. I have gone from fashion journalism to criminology. Luckily I've managed to sneak in three real open days and two independent visits. Crossing one off the list because I didn't like it, that gives me four universities to apply for so far. I am going to sneak another visit in next week and then hopefully I have my five.

All I need to do now is dust off my personal statement that I've had in draft mode for a month and tweak it and delete entire paragraphs to fit in the news ones I've had floating around in my head for a fortnight. Get it checked and double checked by three different teachers and two parents and then that's finished. Fill in my last little details (most of them), pay my ucas money and send it off. Then hopefully wait for some offers to roll in or cry about my lack of offers while eating some Ben and Jerrys frozen yoghurt in front of a fifth consecutive episode of NCIS.Who am I kidding? I'll be doing that whether universities send me offers or not.

"Have you started driving yet?"

I'm not proud of it but I'll be honest, my answers became a little snappy to this one. I just wasn't one of those people who wanted to drive the minute they turned 17, if that's you then good for you because hey, you'll be driving sooner, but please assume that after the 100th time of asking me that I will tell you when I start. I knew I wanted to learn before uni but I just didn't really mind when. However, I got asked this at work and in a bit of a busy panic told someone I was starting the next week. (A bread re-filling crisis apparently makes me spurt out lies, who knew? yep, bread crisis) This accidental lie meant I actually had to get around to booking some lessons, spend more than a months wages and hit the roads. My driving instructor is so lovely and I'm loving driving, even if I do feel a little awkward when seven cars are driving very slowly behind me. The clutch sometimes forgoes my mind and I'm definitely no stranger to stalling but so far so good.

"You out tonight?"

Honestly, probably not. It's cold and my family are too busy critiquing the Strictly dancers and perfecting our 'Severrrrrn'.  If it isn't Strictly, I'm probably meant to be doing some school work and/or revision so I'll definitely be on tumblr listening to Taylor swift. Aren't we all?

Hope you're having a wonderful week, 

Victoria xx

What's In My Makeup Bag?

My make up is all high street and this is pretty much what I wear daily. I also sometimes blend a moisturiser in with my foundation but I haven't pictured it because I have no loyalty whatsoever and just go with what's cheapest. I don't really bother doing anything different with my make up for school, one because I don't have time in the morning and two because it's school so..

What's In My Makeup Bag?

Maybelline False Lash Effect Mascara

Collection (formerly collection2000) Blusher in Breathless (on its last legs as you can see)

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner 24hours in Intense Black 01

Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in 100 Ivory

Collection Fast Stroke Liquid Eyeliner in Black (note: I haven't replaced this since they became Collection and I use it everyday, it's such a little bottle but goes so so far)

Collection Long Lasting Concealer (The name always rubs off so that might not be exact but it's a bit of a holy grail in the blogosphere so you've probably seen it before.)

KCO Eyebrow Filler Pencil - I think I must have got this at the Clothes Show because I don't remember buying it, I use it as an eyeliner not on my eyebrows.

If you've done a similar type post I'd love to have a look at it if you could leave me the link.

Hope you're well,

Victoria x

1 - Boots £24.99, New Look
2 - Beanie Hat £4.99, New Look
3 - Scarf £7.99, H&M
4 - Jumper £16.99, Internacionale
5 - Nails in Thorn £6.50, Topshop
6 - Nails in Domestic Goddess £6.50,Topshop
7 - Skirt £12.99, Internacionale

I'm back in the blogging game, just! It's taken a while but I'm starting to get excited about posting again. I have a few outfits in mind that I want to photograph and post but if I'm being completely honest my room is a mess at the moment so I need to deal with that first. Nevertheless, I'm still excited about this post as we've reached my favourite time of year and my favourite type of clothes.

The weather has taken a turn for the freezing cold and the rain is no stranger (is it ever?) so it's time to bring the knitwear back out and begin the coat hunt. To start us all off, I've put together an Autumn/Winter wishlist.

The plum and wine colours are everywhere right now, they're so beautiful and elegant and perfect for Autumn. I think I will definitely invest in that scarf and the more I stare at the skirt, the more I love it. Reminds me a little of an early season Blair Waldorf. Maybe that's just me.

What is on you're Autumn Winter wish list?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend,

Victoria x

I'm so far out of the blogging game! Somtimes you do just lose inspiration (and time), it happens to us all. So here is a post to give you a little inspiration, remind you about the cute little things and hopefully just make your day a little better! 

Victoria x

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A black sun dress and my dads jumper

Dress - Jack Wills Online Outlet (old)

Jumper - Rocha John Rocha (my dads - it got shrunk)

Belt - H&M

Bracelets - Gifts 

Bag - Next (old)

I took these outfits the same day I took these. I was in the mood to mess around with outfits and have a little play around piecing together things I hadn't before. I'd had the idea for this outfit floating around in my head for a while but never got around to putting it together, so while I was playing dress up I thought there's no time like the present and here we are. 

This is quite different to anything I usually wear but I think that's why I like it. The JW dress is quite 'poofy' and while I don't mind that it doesn't provide much shape when looking at me face-on, I didn't like how it looks profile. Enter my trusty H&M belt which must have featured in the majority of my outfit posts. The belt provides shape for when the dress is being worn alone. I added the jumper and I think it makes the outfit go from what could be summery (despite the colour) to an Autumn/Winter look. 

In terms of accessories, I'm a really simple girl. I don't like a lot of them, if any but I felt this outfit needed a little something so that It isn't completely one colour. The bag and the belt go quite well I think because of the similar colours and textures. Both of these have gold accents so I threw on a couple of gold bracelets I have. 

I really would value your opinions on this outfit. I love hearing what other people think. What would you change, what would you add or where would you wear it? 

Victoria x

After all these years

Top - Primark

Jacket - New Look (old)

Skirt - Matalan

Belt - H&M

Nails: Main nails - Jade Stone, Accent Nails - Top Turquoise

Maxi skirts have been on the scene for ages now and I bought this skirt almost a year ago but hadn't worn it until recently because I didn't feel quite brave enough. I think this skirt does highlight the fact I have big hips which I was a little self conscious about but then I thought "my hips are big, so what?". And bang, I'm in the maxi skirt. However, I am still taking baby steps. I wore this outfit on holiday with my parents last week where I was pretty sure I wouldn't see anyone (I recreated the outfit at home for photos). I really love it though so I think i'll definitely bring it out in the hometown when the weather's appropriate!

This top was an absolute bargain (£2 down from £5) and is also really quite long so I suppose if your feeling  confident and have some jet black tights that you could wear it as a dress as well. It doesn't show in the photos but it has a really cute tribal/aztec kind of pattern on it. I don't know the word for it but the pattern is slightly 3D on the top (?) which gives it some subtle texture which is always nice. 

I hope you've had a wonderful week so far and are looking forward to the weekend. I've been having a mass clear out of my room which resulted in two bags of rubbish and one for the charity shop. I still have to go through desk and storage box draws to de-clutter but it feels so good! I'm working this weekend but might be going to Nando's for my friends boyfriends birthday. Although it's a big 'might' because I don't think he's into organizing it very much. What are your plans?

Victoria x

Parka Life

 Parka - Primark - £16
Top - H&M (customised)
Skirt - H&M
Belt - H&M
Bag - Primark (very old)

Today, I'm introducing you to my new baby, my pride and joy. This is my new green parka. I had originally gone shopping looking for a dupe of the well known parka/leather sleeves Zara jacket that had apparently been massive last year, something I had completely missed. However as I caught on this year round, I wanted in. Zara don't sell it anymore (to my knowledge) but a lot of high street stores have dupes on offer. See River Island and Topshop. I was surprised however to see that Primark had joined in as well. I was trying Primark's version on (annoying my friend for opinions while she slumped in the corner with a headache - sorry!) as I spotted this little gem. I tried them both on, trotted to and from the mirror countless times but settled on the parka with the advice from my lovely friend.

I just know I am going to wear it countless times, it goes with almost anything. It's also really lightweight so is perfect for school. Although, it doesn't have a hood and I don't like the sleeves rolled down but hey, I'll be cold and have wet hair but the parka will still look good. (right?)

Last week I got my AS results, I'm happy with what I got (AABC) but cried none the less. I don't know what happens to me, whenever I get results I cry, good or bad. Anyway, I went for a celebratory meal with two of my best friends the day after and wore my parka over my new playsuit.

Sorry it's an instagram photo but I didn't have time to take a decent photo and I've shown the playsuit so recently that I thin it would just be repetitive. (Also, I was in the middle of unpacking so, mess!)

Are you into the new parka trend? 

Victoria x

Take Me To Ibiza #holidayhop

This is my entry for Michelle (of Daisybutter) and New Look's competition. Read all the details here and enter for the chance to win up to £400 worth of new look summer clothing items. You really should enter, even if it is just to have fun putting together the outfits. It is honestly so much fun! Good luck and I hope you enjoy my entry. Check out the #holidayhop hashtag for inspiration or to get involved. (All the prices shown were correct at the time of putting the outfit together, apologies if they've now changed!) 

- You may wish to listen to David Guetta's 'When Love Takes Over', Wiley's 'Heatwave' or go old school with Wham's 'Club Tropicana', a personal favourite of mine. Any of which should help get you into the Ibiza frame of mind. - 

Picture the scene: The sun shining down, plenty of cocktails (strictly non-alcoholic for my 17 year old self, of course), good music and good company. It sounds like a pretty perfect situation, and obviously, we're dressed for the occasion. Yes, we're heading to Ibiza. 

The first outfit you're going to be wearing while holidaying to Ibiza is your plane outfit. This can be a tricky one, it needs to suit British weather, be comfortable for the plane and then adaptable for the Ibiza sun.  

This dress is very simple but very cute. It will be quick and easy to throw on in the morning for an early flight. It is also mostly polyester which means it will be comfortable for the plane journey. The purple blazer is to keep you warm (and stylish) during your airport wait, it can be easily removed for comfort on the plane and to suit the sunshine when you arrive. It also provides a beautiful colour pop. The minimal accessories should make airport security easier as there is less to remove. The zigzag patterned shoes will embrace the Ibiza style while being comfortable for your travels. This gorgeous bag is big enough to fit all your plane essentials in and small enough to easily fit under the chair in front of you on the plane. Easy access people!

You've arrived! Welcome to Ibiza, unpack and head to the pool (I sound like a holiday rep). 

This beautiful Kelly Brook swimwear play suit will give you the most gorgeous 1950's look for the poolside. I teamed it with the floppy hat and sunglasses as the colours are similar and I feel they compliment one another. They also provide wonderfully fashionable sun protection! I chose a white kaftan so that the outfit wouldn't be all one colour. It is so beautifully detailed. I chose to add nude coloured pumps and charm bracelet along with a big tote bag for all your poolside magazine reads. These will suit with or without the kaftan. 

You've settled in at the hotel and you're ready to explore. First up, the beach. 

This dress is quite busy so I've kept everything else very simple. The dress can can be slipped on and off very easily which is perfect for the beach. The blue in the bikini and sunglasses work well with the blue within the pattern of the dress. To add some cooler colours to the outfit I added a brown bag and shoes. Both of which are comfortable, practical and stylish. The pale pink nail polish is a nice and simple addition to this outfit. 

Back from the pool or beach, tan in tow, it's time for supper at sunset with the girls.

Now, bare with me because I know this looks busy but I promise it will work. The maxi skirt offers a colour pop that the outfit can centre around. The contrasting black top, shoes and clutch work well with the skirt and give the outfit some extra oomph. They all also have gold accents which will work well together will the gold jewellery. The spike cuff worn on one wrist and then the gold (only, not silver) geometric ring and encrusted ring on your hand of the other arm. All this topped off with a delicate beaded head drape for a beautiful finishing touch. 

Supper at sunset one night and a club the next. Only after a day on the beach, obviously.

I've constructed this outfit to avoid the awkward 'wrapping a towel around you while you change' fiasco. So, the black bikini may be basic but my goodness is it effective. Not to mention it's going to look amazing with a tan.  I chose underwear-style swimwear so that it would all be hidden when you go to the club. This dress is absolutely stunning and can be worn simply with no necklace for the beach, with a dipped hem which allows your legs to reach the sun. Forget diamonds, wedges are a girls best friend. They'll survive the sand and look amazing for the club. I chose a black clutch that you can wear across-body because the best dance moves require empty hands. What changes the looks from beach to club? When you're ready to leave the beach, throw on this necklace to instantly give it the night out look, easy. 

There we have it. My five outfits that I think are perfect for all you'd get up to on a long weekend in Ibiza. 

What do you think, which would you wear?

                                                              

Hoping you're having a lovely day,

Victoria x

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Liebster Award

Scarlett very kindly nominated me for 'The Liebster Award'. Thank you Scarlett for nominating me!

The rules:
1. Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves
2. They must also answer the 11 questions the 'tagger' has set for them.
3. They must create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers which they have decided to tag.
4. They must choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers and tag them in their post
5.These bloggers must then be told
6. There are no tag backs.  

11 Things About Me

1. I only have two pairs of trousers that I wear and one of them is for work.

2. I have pet chickens.

3. I want to be a British version of Lauren Conrad (plz)

4. I play netball, I love it. 

5. I study English lit, Psychology, Sociology and Textiles. 

6. I hate being in photos but love having pictures of my family around my room.

7. I love the sound and smell of really heavy rain.

8. I love my friends and family (obvz), they're amazing.

9. I'm struggling to think of things now.

10. I suck at walking in heels.

11. I honestly love my bed.

Scarlett's Questions
Favourite Colour?

It changes all the time but it's usually pastel colours. Right now it's probably pastel pink and blue. 

Who is your favourite band, artist or group?

Again, changes all the time! Right now, I'm in a little bit of a Taylor Swift phase. But always lovin' a little bit of Queen B!
What made you start blogging?

I went to GFW and read some pieces written by bloggers in their magazine 'Fashionista' and what they were saying sounded really cool and made me want to blog, so I did!
Favourite food?

Chocolate. 
The last book you read?

Twelfth night - if that counts. But I'm two chapters in to Oscar and Lucinda for English Lit. If you've read Oscar and Lucinda you'll know that two chapters is only about six pages long, if that. It's going well. 
Favourite shop?

I love so much in River Island. Little too pricey for me though most of the time. 
If you could live anywhere, where and why?

I love the idea of NYC and also California but I'd also want to live in London for a couple years. 
What song do you never get sick of hearing?

Adele - Someone like you. (the woman is an angel)
One thing you couldn't leave the house without?

Keys/phone. 
Do you play any sports?

Netball! 
What would you buy if you were to win the lottery?

If I won like millions, I would pay my parents mortgage or whatever and take my family on holiday somewhere nice. I'd probably buy a few clothes too ;). I'd also give a load to different charities, probably quite a few little ones that don't get a lot of funding. 

I'm going to stick with Scarlett's questions because I love the types of questions that get to know the little things about the blogger behind the blog! 

I nominate anyone who wants to do it! I love getting to know other bloggers through things like this so please leave me your link if you do or have done this award. 

Hope you're well and that this post actually goes up as I've scheduled it! 

Victoria x

VO5 Mega Hold Gel Hairspray

VO5 Mega Hold Weather Resistant Gel Spray - £2.99 - Boots

I'll admit it, I didn't discover this product myself. My mum did. I found it in one of her draws one day before school in a mad rush for some hairspray and this was what I found. 

Normally, I use spray hairspray as opposed to gel and to be honest I have never found a hairspray that actually holds a style in my hair for longer than an hour. I know the fact I have thick heavy hair means that styles wont stay in for as long as they would on someone with finer hair but I would like hold for longer than an hour at least. 

This VO5 gel spray is the best hairspray I've found for my hair so far. I wont pretend that it holds my hair in all through the school day but it doesn't do a bad job and it does stop it straightening out all together. I usually start the day with lots of waves in my hair (my natural hair + sleeping with my hair in a bun) and then at the end of the school day, when I've used this gel in the morning,  I end up with looser waves. I think you'd expect some relax in your hair throughout a day anyway, unless you re-sprayed throughout the day. 

The only thing I would say is that being a 'gel spray' it does stick your hair together sometimes more than some hairsprays I've used before but this can be brushed out and isn't very noticeable. 

Have you used this product?

Victoria x

Owls, Owls, Owls.

Do you like my streaks from my gradual fake tan on my right shoulder? Thought so. 

I bought this dress the same day I bought this playsuit. I was really excited about going shopping that day so I was half expecting not to find anything (it's always the way) but I'm really pleased with what I got. I'll be posting it all through seperate posts.

I was a little bit unsure on the owl print to begin with as I'm not a massive animal print fan. I'm quite picky about it. Its grown on me though and I really liked it when I tried it on so decided to get it. This dress will probably be worn to school as I think it looks quite smart which might make up for the fact I'm not entirely sure the length fits the dress code. I'll pair it with black tights so it's less noticeable. It'll probably be worn to family things as well, I can see the owls going down quite well there.

I have really big hips (no shame!) which means the skater style dresses don't suit me at all and it's been really frustrating as they seem to be all anywhere has been stocking for the last year. So, I love that I found a dress that has a cut that suits my figure for once.

What would you wear with this? I'm thinking maybe my little cropped black jacket but that might make it look a little too smart for school. Any suggestions are so very welcome.

Victoria x

Pretty Blue Playsuit

Playsuit - Primark

Vest top - New Look

Belt - H&M

Nails - Barry M Bright Pink 279

I'm so in love with these colours, they're so vibrant and pretty. I think they go really well together and actually suit my skin tone - I seem to live in various shades of blue. This playsuit should be pretty easy to dress up and down. I'm thinking basic white pumps or brown sandals for a daytime look and then black tights and heels for a night out. If you have any other ideas of what would look good with it let me know, please!

I picked this up in Primark (£5 down from £10!) when I went shopping the other day with one of my friends. We both spent a little too much but it was such a fun day. We had lunch in pret and felt very cosmopolitan compared to our usual haunt of McDonalds. Also, I love that you can buy fruit in Pret! Even though I chose a nectarine and looked a mess eating it.

I'm going on holiday tomorrow so I'm trying hard to get some posts ready to schedule. Hopefully they'll work. Schedule posts only seem to work 50% of the time for me so fingers crossed. I'm only going away in England but I'm sure it'll be fun. I haven't packed yet but I'm just going to pack for various types of weather. Even though that probably just means packing a jumper and my new coat (so excited to show you this!).

Hope you're having a good day! 

Victoria x

Find me on: Tumblr - Twitter 

Jones and Jones

I discovered the website Jones and Jones while I was reading Chelsea's blog. (I found her blog while skimming through the #fbloggers hashtag - it's so good for discovering new blogs!) She did a post in which she was wearing a gorgeous dress from Jones and Jones and so with my year 13 prom already on my mind, I wanted to have a look at what else they had to offer.

I picked just a few to include in this little snapshot. So many of their dresses are so girly and delicate which I love. My favourite above is probably the green one. 

Jones and Jones also have such beautiful photography on their website of their pieces. The images with the black garments are my favourite, I love the lighting. 

All these images are from the Jones and Jones website so, of course, full credit and rights to them.

Victoria x