Payday-dreaming

Morning friday lovers,


Payday has arrived, and I'm perving on the usual.

White Boyfriend Shirt | Sleek Eyebrow Stylist | Faux Leather Trousers | Burgundy Pointed Boots |   Black Teddy Coat | Oversized Grey Scarf  | Grey Polo Neck | Patent Chunky Chelsea Boots | Donut Purse

Inspired by my adoration of the scandi style, you may notice this months pickings seem rather neutral - aside from the most adorable donut purse from New Look - but, as aforementioned, I'm in the process of plumping up my wardrobe with good basic staples. 

Side note: 

Ummm, how freaking cute are these shoppers from ASOS?!

Happy Friday peeps!

xxx

Major Inspo-vasion.

The majority, if not all, of these photos are from two ASOS Stylists Pinterest pages - Isabella and Megan. I'm gushin' and a'crushin big time. 

I am totally diggin' all black recently. It just looks so...chic (I don't enjoy that word but can't think of one more appropriate). Especially loving how this look has a masculine feel too; I've always had a thing about dressing a little masculine - sort of like, dressing like your perfect boyfriend, you know? I've always been interested, and drawn towards the 'pretty tomboy' style - dressing like a boy, but looking ultra feminine up top; hair, mek-up etc. Its just such a sexy, uncomplicated look. 

  

Its really is just such a gorgeous, polished style. 

I'm definitely more drawn towards quality staple pieces nowadays, seeking out more black, grey and white. I'm really enjoying browsing through pictures of this look, and piecing together what I have in my wardrobe accordingly. I think I'll do some scandi inspired outfit posts v.soon, working with what I have - so watch this space ;)

Come get it bae. I've got them bae.

FINALLY.

I have them, they're mine; I caved. 

These are the ASOS Ridley jeans in Washed Black, and I love them. The only bone picker is that they are rather long, as in, they only came in a 32 length wise, which means they aren't an ankle grazer and more of an ankle concealer - BUT it can obviously be rolled up so thats no BD. Aside from that, they fit like a glove, just like my other Ridleys, and are a really comfortable, breathable material - none of that tight restricting malarkey. What pushed me over the edge was that these particular ones were on sale. I'd stalked them for a little bit, and nearly bought them a few times, then they went out of stock, then I got sad, then they came back in to stock, then I impulsively shoved them in the basket, then I got happy. Then they lived happily ever after, in my wardrobe. So yes, its a beautiful love affair, and I will say, as I anticipated, they make everything look better. They're an outfit upgrading item. 

I styled them with an oversized denim shirt and burgundy faux fur gillet and my black and white boots from Bank I got for christmas last year - they are so ruddy comfortable, loves em. Then for jewellery, I was wearing my usual dainty silver layers with the addtion of my silver band choker that I got from H&M earlier this month. The choker is such a simple piece, but again, makes anything you wear it with look better, I have no idea why, but it just does ok - I'm so so so happy with it. 

I would say this outfit is a little inspired - I'm absolutely gushing over the scandi look (mainly due to finding ASOS Stylist Isabella's pinterest - oh my lawd.) the overall clean and polished feel of it, and the simple black, grey and white palette. Now, saying that, I know this outfit looks 'colourful' in comparison to what I've just described - but I was more drawing inspiration from the simplicity of the scandi look. 

I always try my hardest to look effortless. 

;)

Loading up the Staplegun

I mean, oh my freakin holy bajebus are Missguided serving up some smokin' hot shizz or what?! They can do NO wrong. I will happily spend a considerably unhealthy amount of time perusing their website; they've got to be the no.1 place to shop at the moment - everything is just bang on the money money money money...MONAYYY.

And after perving all over that dang website, I think its time to wittle down some a/w must-have staples...

£17.99

1) THE LEATHER SKIRT

A few years ago, I would have thought only of Kat Slater if you mentioned a leather skirt to me. Alas, the past is the past, and fashion continually regurgitates the past and updates the present.

I would most likely dress it down, with either a casual tee or a big oversized jumper (cheeky roll neck mate) - maybe with converse, or some kind of chunky chunk chunk of a boot. I love the diversity of texture it brings to an outfit, and, as I begin to fall deep in love with all black outfits, varying textures are beginning to interest me more and more.

I've also seen them styled with a fitted jumper and clean collar which looks cute as; prim and proper with a polished charm.

And, to put it quite plainly; its always nice to not wear trousers once in a while. (ahem, ahem, missus practicality.)

£21.99

1) THE ROLL NECK

Teamed with the above, you've got a slammin' outfit. One of the ASOS stylists I follow on instagram lives in one of these, and they just look so cosy. Cosy, and I'm slowly running out of superlatives. Me likey the roll neck. (Insert dreamy images of you in your roll neck wandering around Winter Wonderland with some kind of warm beverage soaking up the frosty London drizzle.)

They combine my want of being both comfortable, and stylish. There are so many out there, and I know I'm looking for a more oversized, slouchy fit. I'm certain I will wear it to death. Infact, I will wear it so often by the end of winter it will look like a Wildfox jumper (you know, those ones.) and I'll be able to sell it for like £120 quid. Cashback.

BASICALLY, its a basic. An A/W 14 must, and I canny wait to get ma manicured mitts on the perfect snug-ass one, because, baby - it will get cold outside.

£29.99

3) THE BLACK RIPPED SKINNY

Don't get me wrong, I'm not sure how well these will fare in the colder climate, but they just look so bloody ace. Like, they just look badass. And they make any ordinary outfit look 4000 times better. Sometimes I'll be wearing something and think, if I had some black ripped skinnies (a rather specific missing ingredient) this would be vastly and greatly improved.

I mean, with anything and everything they look fucking cool as. YES I SWORE, THEY REQUIRE PROFANITY OK.

You just gotta find the perfect rip, you know, not too much so your legs turn blue. I think I'll want more than just a bit of a knee flash - aw yeah, sexy sexy - and maybe go for a more extreme rip.

Have a strong urge to rock out to Stevie Nicks 'Edge of Seventeen' now. Holla if you know what film that is prominent in. ;)

£22.99

4) THE FEDORA 

Now, I've been wanting one of these bloody things for way over a year. Its gotten ridiculous. I don't think I've pined for something so continually, like, ever. Maybe, I dunno. I JUST WANT ONE. And, fyi - this is from ASOS, because MG don't offer a tan/brown fedora, which is ok, its fine, I still love them lots.

I think I just prefer the way a tan one looks; I think it can soften an outfit, and when I've tried on black and tan I've always preferred it over the black. I think its probably because of my dark brown (sometimes mistaken for black) hair, and so the black fedora makes it all look a bit too morbid around the head area.

I am just desperado to get me one of these. I need me a fedora the explorer guise. One WILL be mine.

5) THE BOOT

I spotted the snakeskin beautys a little while ago, and then saw Laura from Lauras Little Locket styling exactly the same pair - but not from MG. They are just so sleek, and sexy and I love the texture. I can imagine them going perfect with the ripped jeans, roll neck, and my maroon gillet I got from ASOS last year for Christmas. They could easily dress up an outift, or add a sophisticated touch to an otherwise casual combo. I'm dreaming of them paired with some khaki silk joggers, or a khaki shirt! 

The biker babes I have only just spotted and I love the ankle strap and the quilting at the back of the shoe. I can also show some love for the heel height and cleated sole, its a bit more wearable/comfortable for everyday, and I'm always looking out for a wearable heel. These would look rather luvleh with some black denim cut-offs (with primark super cosy's fo'sho) and a big oversized jumper and mahoosive scarf; or even with high waisted skinnies, and a cute drop hem top for a softer, feminine spin.

both £34.99

After reading an article in last months Womens Health, all about important staples for all seasons, I realised how important it is to make sure you have your basics. So, fingers crossed I'll be posting about having these in my possession soon! 

What are your A/W14 winter staples?

Adios chickitas

The Lust.

As I sit here, at half ten on a saturday night, eating one of a...few chocolate digestives - I haven't had them in ages ok - and sipping on my tongue scorching peppermint tea, whilst searching for someone to tell me how to get brows like Kylie Jenner on'tinternet, I feel it is appropriate to unload on you all of the coats I have been shamelessly dribbling at as of late.

Strong imagery created there, I know - you're welcome. 

(First off, can we just appreciate how totally babeliciously smokin this new MG model is - holy cow! No kidding, I want everything and anything this girl models on the website. #babein' )

1) So yeah, this is the Celine Curly Wool Coat from Missguided . Its so beautiful. So feminine - tres jolie. Really 'mod' too. I only stumbled across this today actually, and I really do love it. Like a pink Bichon Frise - if they were a thing, french bulldogs would so be slung aside as the most fashionable pooch fo'sho. 

Only thing is, I'm almost 100% this would be an absolute bastard to keep pristine. And the rational part of my brain is thinking about it getting all grubby and going a funny pinky-grey colour.

BUT - it would be suchhhhhh a gorgeous statement coat.

(Same goes for this model from ASOS - she's ma fave gal.)

2) Introducing the sensibly titled, ASOS Mac with Zip Detail - this is always low stock, or out of stock in most sizes, which means one thing, and one thing only - its well nice and that.

It moves so elegantly on the catwalk video on the site, and looks so effortlessly cool - and come on - who the feck doesn't want to look effortlessly cool?! It would look great paired with both mega casual and dressed up outfits, and, although it is questionable just how much warmth it would provide, it is nonetheless a gorgeous, gorgeous coat. Its been a contender for a while...

3) THE DUSTER. Who on this earth doesn't want a duster right now? Like, seriasssly. Major props to super-babe Kylie frickin Jenner for rockin' one of these babies like a million years ago - thus solidifying her position as 'hottest thing in the world right now; like probably hotter than Sharm el Sheik in mid-august, or Dave Franco topless. Hot, hot.'

Like this Molly Duster Coat from Boohoo, I think these too fall into the 'effortless cool' category, and I know you don't have to look much further than the end of your nose to find one. I wouldn't necessarily say this would be the ultimate winter coat, but hey, who needs to care about frostbite when you're looking like you've just emerged from FROW at burbs, right? Dusters give an outfit a complete style upgrade. Wham bam thank you m'am. Werk it, werk it - YES.

Catch y'all on the flip side. 

- Wherever that is. 

(Does using that phrase make me sound cool and trendy?)

About as cool as using the word trendy I would imagine, Courtney. 

Turrah luvs.

KHAKI TEAL I DIE.

Its September. The sun is still rearing its head - BUT. Its mother feckin' autumn. Yes.

Gimme those berry shades that come around every year, yes, BUT - I am developing an evergrowing infatuation with khaki, and teal (ever since I purchased OPI's 'Ski Teal We Drop' to be precise.) So beautiful, and exciting. Khaki looks phenomenal on olive skin tones, and paired with a golden tan looks radiant and luminescent. Teal works better on us pale snow white folk; the deep darkness of the shade brings out a fresh, crisp tone to the skin, as opposed to the 'on deaths door grey' look. But I WILL somehow be working both of these colours into my wardrobe somehow.

All about dem TXTURES. Holla at your boy JT - this is bringing sexy back.

I've come to realise, and I don't know why its taken me so long. that its probably wiser to buy more clothing in winter, considering its colder here more often than not. In summer, you get all caught up in the gorgeous offerings that are pumped into the high street stores, that you dont realise your riding that sunshine high and you've just spent 60 quid on a dress that you'l only be able to wear 3-4 months of the year. So, although I do buy summer appropriate clothing and still get excited by it, I have decided that splurging out on clothes I'm going to wear for a limited time is something I shall be reigning in on. PLUS, its that ole vicious circle of when its autumn/winter you want it to be sunny and when its near the end of summer you just wanna whip out your fur and maroon lips. Its a bitch.
- But I will say, from what I've seen, this seasons styles are looking absolutely delectable, and dare I say...a little sexier than usual? I don't know.

Maybe I'm just turned on by snakeskin print boots and roll necks, who knows.

Werk Bitch #1

I have a confession.

I'm beginning to fall in love with all this healthy lifestyle malarkey.

(at the gym, in the newly refurbished section - where no-one else seems to go! can't beat having a whole floor all to yourself!)

Since I'm on a 'journey' (oh dear) and am really enjoying learning everything I'm learning about living a healthier, more active lifestyle, I'ma start documenting what I do at the gym. I also want to talk about what I eat before and after the gym and during the day, and just talk about my progress and how I feel I am benefitting from it all!

Par exemple, yesterday I had one of the, I'm trying to find an accurate adjective here, most...productive? mmm, feel-good? - we'll stick with that - days at the gym. I found a new workout plan/program/set/idea couple of days ago on womens health which centres around using a kettlebell. I think that it is uber mega important, or I have learned it is important to freshen up your routine everyone once in a while, because I can feel when I'm starting to get bored because my routine is getting stale and simply isn't exciting me anymore.

 With the routine I've just started, I also add in some exercises focusing on my abs - everyone wants dem #abslikeslabs - using the kettlebell, and it feels great to actually 'feel the burn' because then you know you're actually doing it right!

I'll leave it here for now, but this type of post will be popping up on the regz; I really am looking forward to making this a regular feature! Prepare for some sealthy - (healthy + selfie) spam.

peace out, a-town. 

xxx

Knock, knock.

Sometimes, every so often, I'll get a powerful spark of inspiration.

This time, this inspiration is to live well, live healthy and to live happily. At whatever cost.

My journey of actively seeking a healthier lifestyle started around March this year, and I can whole-heartedly say its been one of the most exciting things about my year thus far. Sometimes, naturally, you find yourself in a rut with exercise and healthy food ideas - luckily, I would say this has happened less than a handful of times to me so far - and you just need a little something to freshen you up. 

Low and behold - Instagram. Recently, I discovered how completely blinded I was by my obsessive romance with the app. I realised just how much it has an impact on everything in your own life; I realised that instagram is something based on comparison and improvement. You see other peoples accounts, snippets and selective projections of their lives, and you subconsciously begin to irrationally and thoughtlessly compare what is in these images to you, your life and how you live it. I will hand on heart admit, that 99.9% of the time, if I have my phone with me, I will most likely check instagram atleast every half hour - and I know I'm not the only one. But, as much as I truly love the concept of the app, I am grateful that I was able to take a step back and see it from this angle. (Insert penny-dropping realisation.) Recently, I was feeling a bit cruddy, about my life and what not, being stupidly/unhealthily over-analytical, so I looked on instagram and realised it wasn't lifting my mood (DAFUQ.) I noticed that I was pining after whatever was going on in the images I looked at and that that was rubbing the salt in further. That's not ok. Its ok to pine or envy in moderation maybe, but detrimental in saturation. So I stepped back a little. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a strong enough epiphany to make me stop using it all together - no freakin' wayyy baby Jane - but I now occasionally consciously remind myself to not get too deep in all this compare the market malarkey.

With that being said, the reason for this post is the very thing that is making me write this post. A tiny spark of pure, unpredicted inspiration can fuel you to think about your life differently. I'd say the beginning of this inspiration spark began yesterday evening when I carried on reading Lea Michele's book - 'Brunette Ambition'; the reason I'd got the book was because I saw she not only had just stories of her astounding success on stage and screen within it, but it was also about her lifestyle - about her diet, her self-care routines, and her exercise ideas - which hella appealed to me! After reading through the chapter about her childhood essentially being lived on Broadway (which is inspiring, and amazing in itself), I finally got to the chapters that were the reason I made the purchase. After reading about her homemade bath-time relaxtion concoctions and organic face mask ideas, I felt truly inspired to re-assess and really realise the importance of self care. Dont misread me here, I'm a neanderthal that bathes every 5 months without touching a drop of soap and glory - I know the basics and have my own developed, fairly informed routine; I just can't resist learning about others rituals. I'm 21, I know slathering every body part in some kind of cream is good for you, and I'm fully aware of the importance of drinking 400 gallons of water a day, but, it really is so rejuvinating reading how someone that has personal values that I admire looks after and maintains herself. 

Then, just 20 minutes prior to this post, I got my final punch of inspiration from an instagram account of someone I hadn't seen any posts from in a while; someone I actually knew/know, a real person - not just someone who spams your pictures with 'like my account and I'll give you 40 million followers and an apartment on venice beach and a french bulldog and perfect hair and the sun,' A person who's life is all about living actively, healthily and happily. 

And that brings us full circle. 

Inspiration is a bit like a full moon; its not here all day everyday, but when it decides to show its face and tap you on the shoulder, its something really special. 

You can easily get bogged down with anything and everything, and I know that all too well - what with constant self-analysation and profound hourly life-assessments. But. When it comes down to it, we all know, that being healthy, active, and truly doing whatever makes you happy - and I'm not saying it has to be your career, or something that you do everyday, because I know that takes its time - is/ are the most important things. Like, ever. Its natural to feel like a giant turd sometimes. But sometimes you really do have to just do anything that will make you smile. 

Life should be more about improvement, and less about comparison. 

Go on, give us a smile. 

Gym Kick

SOOOOOOOO.

- Joined the gym this month. 

I've been going for about a week and a half now, and I can whole heartedly say...

'I'm enjoying it.'

I've just come to a realisation as I write this of how I work, as in, if I find something - i.e. a new interest (I refuse to use the word 'hobbie' - its so primary school.) that I don't really have a vast knowledge of, I tend throw myself into learning all about it and trying my best to do it well. Another example would be my love of nail art, and all things nail-related. I guess, if I find something that grabs my attention long enough and interests me, I will try and learn as much as I can about it in order to, well, be good at it. 

Apart from the actual exercise, I've been constantly reading about the nutritional side of 'working out' (yay, go team! *punches air*) and have gained a real interest in it. For example, what to eat before and after a gym sesh, what certain foods are good for blah blah blah. I'm probably only skimming the surface of everything I could eventually know, but I'm finding it - dare I say - exciting. I think its because I've recently become self-aware of how much I love food, and love talking about food, so it was only a matter of time really. The only thing is, food is expensive. haha. Good food, pure organic foods and super foods and raw foods and foods that make you do somersaults and foods that make your face nice, they cost extra dollar, so as a result of my pursuit to eat certain foods this has become apparent to me .I mean, fruit for example, its lovely and wonderful and tasty, but feck me its annoying. It goes out of date quicker than you can eat it, and sometimes can be costly. When going round the fruit aisles in Tesco's t'other day, I looked in my trolley and thought - 'How am I going to eat 6 apples, 200 grams of Blueberries, and 5 bananas in 3 days?' - so in that respect, you (meaning 'I') have to be a little realistic, take off the health kick cap and think like a human being that isn't reeeeealllyyy earning enough monies to be spending on fruit you don't have even have time to eat. (hello money, meet the drain.) 

I'm looking forward to the time in my life when I can do my weekly food shop - thats right, I genuinely enjoy food shopping; long gone are the days of painstakingly accompanying my mum around un supermarche with the only hope of happiness being the cheeky little chocolate donuts and croissants you've snuck in the trolley hopefully making it through the till and into your mouth...they normally did. My mum's a gooden. I think its always nicer, and more beneficial to you when your able to be completely in control of what you eat, and have all the things you like and want to have in your cupboards. 

Anyhoo, this is an exciting new adventure for me, and the plus side is - its beneficial. Its feels so good to know that you'Re doing something good for you with your time, and now the sun has started to rear its head it makes it even better when you're sweating it out and can see just how beautiful it is outside. Its weird how it motivates me in a way, well, its not, but considering I'm not exercising knowing that I'm going on holiday or anything like that its weird, that doesn't make sense. Its not weird, its probably to do with vitamin D and the lack of sunshine he - BASICALLY;

SUN = GOOD

SUN = HAPPY PEOPLE

SUN = YAY

Having motivation for something is one of the best feelings; you've gotta ride that wave.

Keep on truckin' dawgs.

xoxox