THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO NAIL YOUR WINTER WARDROBE.

For me A/W is my favourite season and that obviously is partly due to the fashion. Being British means I prefer to invest more in Winter clothes as I definitely get A LOT more wear out of them compared to Summer clothes. This is probably why I prefer styling myself for the colder months as I have more better quality pieces to play around with.

1. Polo necks have been my go-to for what feels like forever, and I'm totally ok with that. I honestly can't think of when a week has gone by where I haven't worn a polo neck. They're just so versatile - I love wearing them under round neck jumpers, with pinafore dresses or simply on their own. They always look effortlessly smart which is something I like to achieve on a daily basis. My favourite places to purchase them from are Topshop, Uniqlo and a more recent discovery: Primark - I actually prefer the Primark ones to anywhere else and they're only £5! Polo necks are most certainly my most worn item EVER and I can't see that stopping anytime soon.
2. Layers are an obvious essential at this time of year but for me it's not just about keeping warm. Rather than putting a vest underneath a baggy jumper I like to try and incorporate layers in a way that is flattering and adds something to the outfit. Obviously we have them days where multiple layers hidden underneath a thick coat are inevitable but on those days where two or three layers are all that is necessary I usually like to wear a cami vest onto of a polo neck or wear a polo neck under a jumper so the neck is a feature of the outfit. I also love styling different shirts with plain tee's or once again, polo necks! This also allows me to experiment more with colour as I usually don't like to venture far away from monochrome and blue but this way I don't really have a choice.
3. Coats have always been one of my favourite things to buy. Some people are obsessed with bags or shoes but as my mum often points out I'm most certainly a 'coat person'. For me a coat always adds the finishing touch to a look and can transform an outfit, for better or for worse. They're also super useful when it gets to these colder months. I own a mixture of coats; some lean to the more practical side whereas others I've purchased simply because they're beautiful. Having a few different coats in your wardrobe that vary in style is the perfect way to ensure you have your winter wardrobe sorted.

These three essentials are obvious ones but with a little extra thought they can go from simply being practical pieces to playing a key part when styling up your everyday outfits. They can make the difference between looking like you're just wearing the clothes to looking like you've styled an outfit.

Mais Xx

THE NEW DESTINATION FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS THIS YEAR.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's gift giving season. Christmas shopping seems to be well underway and this year I've spotted one certain destination which seems to have it all: ASOS.

ASOS is somewhere you'll usually find me browsing for pieces for my wardrobe whilst taking advantage of their easy returns policy and free next day delivery (for ASOS Premium customers), but just recently I've noticed how good their gift section really is.

I've complied 10 affordable bits and pieces from the ASOS gift section, most of which I've bought as gifts for my friends and family this year, and others which I think would make perfect presents.

1. theBalm Mary Lou Luminizer & Free Mini Collection - one of the best highlighters around plus a few extra goodies.
2.  ASOS Unicorn Slippers - because who doesn't love unicorns?
3.  ASOS Unicorn PJ's - ...and matching slippers to match of course.
4.  Light Box - this will make any message look cayooot.
5.  Crown Shower Cap - so everyone can be a Queen.
6.  Paperchase Copper Organisation Jars - for those who love organisation AND copper.
7.  Vodka Water Bottle - why not?
8.  theBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipsticks - a stunning range of liquid lippies.
9.  Lonely Planet Best Places to be Today - for people who like reading, travelling and pretty books.
10.  What I love About You - why not add a personal touch to a gift? (there's a variety of these for all the different people in your life)

Just as an extra something I thought I'd mention is this years ASOS Beauty Advent Calendar. This would be the perfect gift for a beauty lover as something bigger to open on Christmas Day or used for its intended purpose as a daily treat during the lead up to the big day. This year I'm lucky enough for this to be my advent calendar but it's not too late to get one ordered for yourself or a loved one.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? If not definitely head over to ASOS!

Mais Xx

*All pictures in this blogpost are from ASOS* 

LIFE UPDATE.

So, after months of hard work and stress, my 17 exams have come to an end and Summer is in full swing.

I've now left high school forever which is a surreal and unusual feeling. For me, my high school experience has been an all round good one which I'll never forget. I've learned a lot and met some of my best friends but over the past few months I've felt like I've been more than ready to leave. 

It's fair to say I've put the work in when it comes to my exams and now it's so satisfying to see the huge pile of revision and notes that I'll never have to use ever again. With just under six weeks until I find out my exam results, I feel like they all went pretty well...and the fact that I never have to look at anything maths or science related pleases me immensely! 

So in September I start at college with an conditional offer based on my exam results. The A Levels that I'm studying will be English Language, Politics and Art. Most of my school friends are coming to the same college which I'm super happy about and some of my best friends who didn't go to my school are going to be there as well which will make the experience even better.

So far this Summer I've had my leavers Prom, been to Wembly to see Beyonce, redecorated my room, got a new piercing, been out for a few fancy meals and generally been taking advantage of having no revision or school work to do. With over 6 weeks until I start college the only thing that I've got planned so far is going to Leeds Fest to celebrate (hopefully) my exam results.

I'm also wanting to get back into blogging as revision meant that it took a back burner but now I'm going to be aiming to be doing as many posts as possible. 

Sorry there's been a lack of posts over the past few months but fingers crossed my exam results will explain why!

Mais Xx

REVIEW: WAHACA.

A few weeks ago I went to Wahaca Restaurant in the Manchester Corn Exchange due to a friend who was raving about it and highly recommended it. The restaurant is a Mexican diner with amazing interiors. In terms of food, it aims for healthy and hearty which I can definitely say they achieve. 

When it comes to portions there are two choices; get one standard size plate or several smaller ones. I opted for several smaller plates, which are referred to as 'Street Food', as I wanted to try a variety of Mexican food. The food arrives as soon as it's ready meaning you might be out of sync with your fellow diners but it makes for a more authentic and laid-back experience. The Street Food plates that I had were amazingly tasty and I'd recommend all three: Questadillas Smoky Chipotle Chicken, Taquitos Sweet Potato & Feta and a special which included pig cheek. To drink I had a fresh juice and a mocktail which I loved equally. Side note: I also recommend the guacamole and tortilla chips as a little starter or side - they're delicious!

As well as absolutely loving the food, I LOVED the interior. It's modern and colourful and totally added to the Mexican experience. The staff made the food all the more enjoyable and were as lovely as can be.

So, a short but sweet review but I just wanted to shout out an amazing restaurant which I recommend to everyone. Since I discovered Wahaca one of my friends (who is a vegetarian) has been due to my recommendation and she loved it as much as I did!

Fancy visiting Wahaca? 

Mais Xx

www.wahaca.co.uk

CITY STYLE.

On more relaxed days I tend to go for something which fits in both the 'smart/casual' and 'reasonably comfy' category and this outfit ticks both boxes.

I've wanted to snap up a pair of New Balance for a while and a few weeks ago I took the plunge. Seriously though why didn't I get them sooner? They're probably the comfiest shoes I've ever owned. After walking around Manchester city centre for a considerable amount of hours, on this particular day, my feet didn't feel much different to when I started.

The roll neck thing is still something I'm fully embracing and I can't imagine that'll be stopping anytime soon. Underneath the coat I've layered my beloved black roll neck as something about it oozes class whilst not looking overdressed. I'd say that it's currently my most worn piece in my wardrobe.

I decided to avoid the usual dark coloured jeans so I plumped for my white Topshop Joni's. This is what I think makes the outfit a 'city-look' as the jeans make everything look more put together but the trainers contrast these smarter vibes. This is a style I'm loving at the moment.

What style are you enjoying recently?

Mais Xx

ASOS WISH LIST #1.

I'm always lusting after something on ASOS. I search the site pretty much weekly and for me it's the ultimate place to shop online as it literally has EVERYTHING you could want. Here are three things that are currently on my ASOS wishlist:

ASOS Wrap Blouse with D Ring
The D ring detail has been a massive trend recently and this blouse caught my eye as it's minimal and classic but still incorporates a current trend. It'd look perfect dressed up or down so it's a win win in my eyes.

Glamorous Embroidered Girlfriend Jean
After seeing these absolute beauties on the Instagram's of various ASOS stylists, I knew I had to have them, but when I went to purchase they were sold out in my size - no surprise since they are stunning! However they are still on my wish list as I'm eagerly waiting for some new ones to come in stock anytime soon.

ASOS Camel Coat with Stab Stitch Detail
I ordered a coat from ASOS a few weeks ago in size 6 and when it came and I tried it on it was as though I'd ordered an oversized mens coat - it was huge and I was really disappointed. I sent the it back and my quest for a camel-ish coloured coat began once again and this coat is pretty close to what I'm looking for!

What are you lusting over on ASOS?

Love, Mais.

Images in this blogpost are from asos.com

2016.

Every year I find it hard to admit that Christmas is over, but with that comes the responsibility of kickstarting a new year and that is something I find very exciting as it feels as though there is an endless amount of possibilities as to what could happen in the next 12 months. For me, 2015 was the year I gained a mass amount of confidence and truly started to believe in myself. As a whole it was an overwhelming year and looking back at the very start of 2015, I would've never expected SUCH an incredible year to follow. Hard work and determination is the main factor that meant that 2015 was so insane and I'm very proud of what I achieved. It's fair to say 2015 has been has been a standout year for me and one I will never forget.

Sooooo, with the vast majority of 2016 in front of us what do you want to achieve this year?

I have a short list of resolutions which I am going to share with you:

I'm not really one for procrastinating but when I do it's bad. Although I don't do it a lot, I can spend up to an hour on Instagram flicking through various accounts whilst still worrying about the task I set out to do in the first place. By the time I've actually exhausted social media I'll resort to completing the original task but whilst doing so I'll be regretting the time I've just wasted. See the viscous cycle? I am normally a motivated person so when I can feel procrastination coming on I need to dig deep down and realise why the outcome will be positive and what good it will lead to.

Sport and exercise has always been a big part of what I enjoy doing but 2015 saw me taking a little bit of a back burner when it came to this aspect of my life. The main reason I didn't do as much exercise as I would have liked was down to not having the time. This seems to be everyone's excuse but it's hard to repeatedly make time for something that isn't my main focus. I still did a reasonable amount of exercise but not like I had done in previous years. I believe a healthy body equals a healthy mind so one of my goals is to continuously set time aside to exercise in 2016.

Regretfully, reading has never been something I've enjoyed doing yet I've always loved the subject English at school and I'm hoping to take English Language as I venture on in my life. Last year I set a task whilst on holiday of reading at least two books and I did it - it just seems that when I'm back in the real world I never make time for reading. There are so many books out there so I don't really have the excuse of not being able to find one I fancy. I have plenty of fashion based books which I'm hoping to get through this year but I also want to read some proper, gripping books. I also want to read more blog posts as there is some amazing content out there which just ends up sitting in my Bloglovin' feed.

Anyone that knows me knows I like to take control of a situation but sometimes I go into 'control freak' mode (though for all the right reasons!). This year I want to let things happen without having to get involved too much. Sometimes it's best if I just let things slide even if they're not done in the way I would've preferred. I'll probably end up relaxing more and worrying less. Win, win!

So there you have it, a few of the things I'd like to achieve in 2016! I'm hoping that writing my resolutions down will mean that I'm more likely to stick to them. Without a doubt 2016 will be as or even more exciting and memorable as 2015!

Here's to another an amazing year.

Love, Mais.