BACK TO BLACK AND BLUE

8 May 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
This week has been incredibly busy, to say the least. I've been out and about every day, from working to school work to meetings and so forth. Today, I have a whole day mounting the work from my graphics exam onto huge pieces of A1 sized card to be presented and marked, which means I need to be in a super comfortable outfit because I know I'll be working through lunch.
My jumper is a plain black one, my mum made for me which I originally wanted for an exam as I hate being uncomfortable in exams. Sitting in awkward clothing makes it harder to concentrate, so I wanted a really simple jumper that will keep me warm and comfy. My coat is from Dorothy Perkins, which is the only 'pop of colour' in this outfit, which does brighten up the whole ensamble on this gloomy spring day. My leggings are also 'homemade' and perfect for a colder day like today because the fabric is thicker than standard cotton and lycra leggings. It's almost disco-like as there is an element of shine but they don't have a plastic or leather feel which makes them ideal for walking or having to move around in. As I'm mounting huge boards, I chose these leggings due to their extra stretch and flexibility. My shoes are simple black and white hi-top Converse for Schuh, that I bought a while ago and are still reliable and my go-to shoe for comfort. Finally, my bag was bought when I was on holiday in Salou, Spain, and I'm carrying as I don't need too much with me today, but I am carrying a notebook so I need a larger handbag.

CK CITY QUEEN

6 May 2014

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
CK CITY
Today is very exciting. Not only is it a wishlist day which means I can bask in the glory of 'online window shopping' and spend hours flicking through and creating sets on Polyvore, it's also the day I pick up my new tripod which was delivered to the Post Office yesterday, which means I'll have an all new and exotic setting for my photos. It gets unbelievably warm in my bedroom sometimes so it's nice to have a new background. 
The paring on my wishlist is the Alexander Wang Cropped Top and the Theyskens' Theory Quilted Skirt. I really like these two simple colours, light colours pair with every colour in a wardrobe and I really like the tone of the pastel blue in the skirt. The a-line skirt also has a saddle hemline which I think is quite unique to many other mini skirts, and the Alexander Wang top has tiny hints of blue in to tie the whole outfit together. I chose the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Clutch to be included in this wishlist set because of the stunning colour but simple design. This outfit has a very 'chic' look to it so I thought a fold clutch would be perfect, and the colours link well together. I spotted these Jeffrey Campbell Shoop Platforms on the Nasty Gal mobile app and decided they had to be included in my next wishlist. I really like the grey-on-white style and they're a soft leather texture which is always a bonus. Nasty Gal has been one of my store favourite for a while now, ever since I came across the store account on Instagram I have been obsessed with their quirky but stylish pieces. 
I have included the CK One Volumizing Mascara because I'm interested in buying a new mascara as I have been using Rimmel's range for a while. The mascara claims it "amplifies, shapes, and lifts every lash for maximum volume" so it's going straight to the top of my list, and going to be my next beauty-buy.

IT'S MY 18th BIRTHDAY!

5 May 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK

Finally... I am 18 years old! I'm just so excited I can barely keep still. Not only is it bank holiday Monday which means I have the day off school, it's not absolutely freezing as it was last year so I can really enjoy the day. However, I do have an extremely busy day ahead of me. First a meeting with the BBC, then a job interview, a meal with the family and finally an evening-in with my very best friends. Most 18-year-olds would jump at the chance to head to a crowded night club and spend their savings on so much alcohol they can't remember their last name. But there's plenty of time to do that, and today I feel like a fun-filled night-in with films, snacks, drinks, games and whatever else the night brings.
For that evening I'm wearing this electric blue jumper from Marks and Spencer. I love the really bring colour, and this jumper is 100% wool so I'll be warm if I decide to sit outside tonight. The jumper is the perfect length to go with these charcoal jeans from Miss Selfridge that I just can't seem to get enough of. I have two pairs of these, in different colours of course but charcoal is my very favourite. To match my jeans. I'm wearing my favourite coat I bought from Matalan in Autumn last year. This coat is faux fur lined with the softest material which means I can wrap up in it if it does get a little chilly. With me, I'm taking my everyday handbag from Next full of all my essentials and my boots, which I have recently become obsessed with are from a mysterious shop in Leeds. I'm assuming it was a charity shop or similar, but no one really knows. Anyway, these boots are super roomy as they can be tied tighter of left loose. They're strong and structured which makes them ideal for walking on terrain other than tarmac.
Now, to begin the celebrations!

TINY BAGS AND SUEDE SHOES

3 May 2014

2 days 'til my birthday! I'm so excited I can't wait. The 5th is literally around the corner and I am thrilled to be turning 18. As it's Saturday, I'm heading out to Leeds for a spot of much-needed window shopping in anticipation for my birthday. 
My stripy jumper was made by my mum, and she actually made this for herself, but I decided it's better suited in my wardrobe. The white and charcoal striped jumper is made out of jersey so it's super stretchy and soft to wear all-day. It's also quite warm to wear to and walking between shops. My jacket is from F&F at Tesco which I originally bought for a formal, dressed up dinner but decided to wear it for more casual occasions like shopping because it's thin but extremely warm. The fabric is thin enough to fold down or carry as it's really lightweight, but it is lined with a wool-like material which makes it toasty for window shopping. My jeans are blue high-waisted jeans from Next which are so comfortable they're almost like jeggings. I have two paired of these in charcoal and blue - they are always my go-to for a day out in jeans where I know I'll be wearing them all day. They have that extra bit of elastic which makes them soft like Topshop jeans and durable too. My handbag is my everyday handbag, also from Next which I love for days out shopping because it doesn't weigh me down! I have owned a lot of handbags in the past that just get really heavy and I get tired of carrying them for a while, but this bag is light even though it's decorated with large buckles, and it has two modes as a bag on the wrist, or a shoulder bag. The adjustable strap also means I can put it around me rather than just carry it on one shoulder.
Finally, my shoes are from Brantano, however the make is Front. Suede, like real leather is durable for nearly every occasion, and I chose this hi-top style rather than a regular pump because I like the contrast of a formal shoes with casual elements. The thick sole on these shoes makes it easy to walk long distances and they are one of my favourite pairs!

TRIPLE LEATHER

2 May 2014

Eldwick, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
It's finally Friday! The three-day weekend, and birthday celebrations for me are in the midst. It's the last day of my 15-hour exam and what drama there has been! First, a swarm of wasps suddenly appeared in the exam room and I have never been so terrified. I've never been stung by a bee or wasp so I don't know what to expect, but I was the first person out of the classroom and the last one back in. Then the entire school system suddenly shut down, which isn't idea during a graphics exam when you're using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro to edit film and photos. Finally, there was a little bit of a flood after the water dispenser decided to leak. So my exam has been eventful to say the least. But today is the last day, all networks are running and we have hopefully seen the last of the wasps. 
My leather jacket is from Miss Selfridge, and I'm wearing this because it has been quite chilly outside recently, but it extremely warm in my exam room with all the computers running so I can take it off whenever I need to. My stripy dress was made by my mum, and the fabric is jersey which is great for an all-day exam like mine because it's a soft and stretchy material which means it will be comfortable as I'm sat working for five whole hours. I chose the material from a fabric shop and I loved the 'broken' effect in the stripes, rather than solid lines.
My tights are simple plan black, 40 denier tights from Marks and Spencers, and my bag is one I bought in Spain while on holiday in Salou last year. It's great for today because I don't have an huge folders to carry with me, but I do have my iPad and notebook so I need a strong leather bag to shield them from the cold weather. Lastly, my boots are were a gift from a family member and essential for today as it looks as if it could rain, and waterproof leather is always my first choice.
Leather is one of my favourite materials because of it's durability and strength as well as it's variety in colour and style. Leather comes in nearly every clothing form, as well as accessories and shoes which puts it at the top of my list.
Copyright © Anika May | UK Life and Style Blog.
Design by Fearne