LAYERED.

It's freezing in the UK right now so clothes wise this calls for one thing, layering. As my dad has always told me layering is the way to ensure ultimate warmth, but when you're a personal style lover the balance between practicality and aesthetic can be a challenge when it comes to layering. The other day I feel like the outfit I put together really nailed that perfect middle ground (in my humble opinion).

To me a layered roll neck can do no wrong. They make outfits appear well thought through, but remain practical by acting similar to compression pieces - admittedly they're not as warm but this isn't such an issue when combined with other pieces. On this particular day I felt that a t-shirt was the best fit as the layering piece but I tend to switch it up between items such as this as well as sweatshirt style jumpers so that only the neck part of the roll neck remains to be seen.

My pink puffer is a failsafe staple and has been since last Christmas. It's the ultimate hybrid as it keeps me very toasty whilst ensuring that every outfit looks effortlessly put together. Probably my favourite clothing piece of this year!

My ASOS Farleigh jeans have also been a keen staple throughout the year. They're a classic straight leg fit which I find to be super flattering and a welcome change from the standard skinny jean. They sit perfectly with my khaki green Timberland boots which are also another practical purchase regarding the recent weather change. Like the classic roll neck and my puffer, they sit in that difficult-to-find middle ground of practicality and style.
In other news I have received an offer from my first choice Uni which is amazing so I'm super happy with that. Although, I am very much in need of the Christmas holidays - A Levels are definitely taking they're toll. Not long to go now!

Mais xx

UNI AND THE FUTURE.

Starting the second year of A Levels means one thing - university applications. The keen bean that I am, my application went through at the end of October after having to considerably condense my statement to the required 4000 characters. Within 6 days of the application being sent off, I've received two offers and been invited for interview by the other 3 uni's that I've applied for. YAY.

I've never had any doubt about the type of course I would apply for. The fashion industry has always been the obvious route for me and it's never felt as though I had to make a decision as I just naturally gravitated in that direction. I've known for the best part of my life that this is what I wanted to do. That being said I have swapped between which part of the industry I'd like to go into - I've never felt attached to the making-side of fashion, but more towards the journalism and marketing sectors.

After being set on fashion journalism for a long while I decided that fashion marketing was the route I'd go down. To me it seems more challenging and varied, with wider opportunities. This is just my take on it, but it has felt like the right thing to do the more I have thought about it and I've been set on it ever since!

I am very excited for uni and the stress of A Levels almost seems worth it when I think about what's to come. It feels as though all my efforts since high school have culminated to this point so I am determined to exceed my offer and get to where I want to be. Like most people, I'm feeling the toll of A Levels like nothing else but seeing uni offers come through is a way to get me to continue working hard.

Mais xx

AN OUTFIT FOR A DAY IN MY FAVOURITE CITY.

Manchester is perfect for a shopping day out. You've got the Arndale Centre, Selfridges, the Northern Quarter for food, amongst other shops, restaurants and bars. The aim of this trip wasn't anything too specific. Neither me, my mum or sister felt very inspired by what we saw in shops but we did very much enjoy our lunch at one of our favourite restaurants, Wahaca. The food is consistently amazing and it's usually our go-to when out in Manchester. 

Outfit wise I stuck to what I know. Like many people denim is my one true love but I'm not quite brave enough to tackle double denim (as of yet). So with the star the show being my vintage Levi denim jacket, I settled with black skinny jeans. Another basic love of mine is round neck t-shirts - original I know. So a striped tee was exactly what I needed to add a little bit of interest whilst still letting the jacket be the standout piece. I felt as though my pointed slingback flats completed this Parisian-esque ensemble. They add that effortless, relaxed touch. 

This outing meant I could finally use my relatively new bag - YAY. It's a much more affordable dupe for the Chanel Boy Bag. It fits all the essentials with room to spare which is great considering I have to lug my epi-pens everywhere.

Jacket - vintage

Top - Primark

Jeans - Topshop

Shoes - Topshop (old)

Bag - Aldo

We had a fab day despite the lack of purchases. It's lovely seeing that Manchester is back to its usual, beautiful self.

Mais Xx

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STYLIST.

So, last Monday I headed off to London to assist a looovely freelance stylist that I luckily met by chance a few months ago. After missing the first train, me and my sis (who went down to London to spend the day with my cousin) finally made it to the capital. Although the main aim of the trip was to gain some industry experience, it was lovely seeing and staying with my cousins!

Early Tuesday morning saw me leave my cousin and my sister for a partially complex tube journey. After about an hour I made it to the BEAUTIFUL shoot location that looked as though it had come straight from a lavish film set.

 In a nutshell my day consisted of ironing, sorting through boxes, tidying and fetching. But, for me, the real value came from me being able to experience the creation of imagery. Seeing a sketch come to life via fancy furniture and nifty placement was insane. It was obvious that lots of timely planning had taken place in order for the imagery to be created, from colour themes that needed specific paints  to props and accessories that needed to be sourced and delivered. The styling of the images was stunning and seeing that translate through the camera was amazing as it meant that something that was once a figment of the imagination has now become a reality for others to enjoy in the not too distant future. Like most people who want to venture into a creative industry, imagery is a huge part regardless what specific area you're looking to focus on, so seeing for the first time what it takes for an image to come to life was special.

The whole team were super lovely and very easy to get along with. It was interesting seeing the dynamic behind freelance work. The stylist who I specifically assisted knew some of the people on the shoot but it was also clear that she had met some of them for the first time that day. The team consisted of the stylist, her assistant, the photographer, his assistant, a small team from the company who the imagery was for, the 'set guy' and then various removal people. This kind of unconventional setup is something that appeals to me - the possibility of meeting and working with a new team of professionals from day to day.

It was a pleasure being a part of this shoot. It opened my eyes to the world of styling and introduced me to the nature of freelance work.

The images included in this post are ones that I took when on shoot whilst making sure not to include any imagery spoilers as for now they're top secret!

A big thank you to Sally x

INTERNING IN LONDON FOR A WEEK.

Shirt - H&M

Skirt - Brandy Melville

Top - Abercrombie & Fitch 

Dress - H&M

So, I've basically finished my first year of A-levels. At the end of every year my college organises a placement week for all first year students to gain experience for their future, hopeful career paths. I went to London as an editorial assistant at a very successful, well known food magazine. The career paths I've always had in mind have been journalism and marketing, in the fashion industry - but any experience in any related industry is of great value considering I'm at college.

Of course, me being me (a fashion obsessive), I had to put together some amazing outfits that I wouldn't generally wear on a day-to-day basis. So here are pictures of 4 out of the 5 outfits. I completely forgot to photograph my outfit for my final day, probably due to the fact that I was packing in a panic. The weather was a challenging factor as it happened to be that it was one of the hottest June weeks on record - particularly in London. It reached 34 degrees celsius and when travelling on the tube, that isn't ideal, but I did very much enjoy taking to the London working life, even if it was just for a week.

Top - Primark

Trousers - Brandy Melville

Top - Abercrombie & Fitch

Jeans - Topshop

Outfits aside I had a great week getting to grips withs tasks I was set and feeling as though I was actually benefitting the publication. It was an exciting feeling and it's left me wanting to work even harder in order to achieve the career I want. In the industry I was to go into, interning is basically considered as essential, so this is the start of many interning experiences.

Love, Mais Xx

 

NEW IN: PERFUMES.

Over the past year or so I've very much become a perfect girl. I used to be of the opinion that perfume was simply not an essential, but I was SO wrong. Since my last perfume post I've added a few lovely smells to my collection which I wanted to share and recommend to you.

YSL Black Opium

Since receiving this as a birthday present in September from my lovely sister it's fair to say I've become slightly obsessed. It's my evening scent and my go-to for a night out. I'd say it's a sweet scent that isn't overpowering in the slightest. It's classy but still has an element of excitement about it. Also the packaging is out of this world.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey
This is my second Jo Malone scent and I love it. Again, this is a sweet but mature scent with what I'd describe as quite a lot of depth. I'd say it could be worn as an day or evening scent but personally I'd wear it most during the day. 

Jimmy Choo Illicit Flower
Before getting this scent for Christmas I didn't even know that it existed - but I'm very happy that it does. It's defiantly a day scent as it's a very light, floral and fruity fragrance. It seems to last all day and the bottle stands out on my perfume shelf.

I can't wait to discover some new scents in the future but for now I'm more than happy with my little collection. Do any of these tempt you?

To see my last perfume collection just click here

Mais Xx

ASOS WISH LIST #2.

Although I'm meant to be saving this doesn't stop me from regularly browsing my favourite online spot which, like many people, is of course ASOS. So instead of purchasing them for myself I thought I'd share a few bits that are very much tempting me.

1. I've always fancied a shirt dress, but one that is still flattering and doesn't to overwhelm my figure. This Missguided piece seems to be just that.
2. The next few pieces are branded tees - they seem to be doing the rounds at the moment and it's something I will totally be getting on board with. If I do end up purchasing anything from this wish list (which is highly likely) it will most definitely be one of these as they're so practical for everyday and can be worn in various different ways.
3. To be totally honestly I've never been a huge fan of anything peplum but I think this top is a more flattering and on-trend alternative.
4. As well as branded tees, band tees are also one of this seasons trends. I've already got my hands on one and I find that it looks effortless and chic but gives off that 'I don't care' vibe.
5. Although this next piece is nearly sold out, I had to mention it. Embroidered garments have been on the highstreet for a while but it's rare that I find a piece that I absolutely love as the tailoring seems to be unflattering. However, this piece is my idea of perfection!

Links:

1. Shirt dress
2. Branded tee #1 - Branded tee #2 - Branded tee #3
3. Peplum top
4. Band tee
5. Embroidered shirt

Enjoy, Mais Xx

*All pictures are from ASOS.com *

2017: UPDATE.

2017 is the year I get my head down, not necessarily in the sense of work, as to be honest I've always been pretty dedicated to that, but in the sense of doing more of what I love. In a nut shell I'm going to save my money (which is one of my major weaknesses) for my for important things, such as experiences, and enjoy life. 

Devastatingly my Grandad is extremely unwell and it's got my family and me really thinking that life is just too short and we should take advantage of it whilst we can. Something that really stuck with me is when my Mum was explaining how my Grandma was talking to a patient and his wife in a bed opposite my Grandad in the hospice. They were telling her how they have so much regret as they planned to experience life properly together in their retirement but due to the husbands terminal illness they can't. To me this just shows how we should live life for the now - cringey but very true. With that in mind my family have booked a very exciting trip away in a few months which will most definitely be the source of several blog posts! 

This year I also want to do more for charity. With my Grandad being ill I've seen the amazing work that hospices do (particularly volunteers) and this has inspired me majorly. My Grandad himself is an extremely charitable person so it's got me thinking that I want to do more. As of yet I don't know what form this will take as I don't want to simply give donate money.

On a lighter note I've had a sudden urge to create lots of blog content. The thing that I struggle with is finding the time in and amongst the chaos that is life. However, I'm determined to find a way. I've got plenty of blogpost ideas that I'm eager to share with y'all.

A few days ago I got my nose pierced! I've wanted it done for a while and the other day after college I went and took the plunge. At the moment I've got a stud in but eventually I want to change it to a hoop as just love the way that looks and when I see it on other girls I always envy them! Considering I've only had it for 2 days I'm really liking it but the stud has already come out once and I freaked out. However, after a quick visit to the piercing place all was fine. 

So there you have it, a random mixture of what's going on in my life. I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas break and are so far enjoying what the new year has to offer. I hope to be back very soon with a more fashion-based blogpost.

Mais Xx