Still she sits, young while the earth is old.

Two-tone blouse: c/o Mina UK. Jeans: Cheap Monday. Leopard print boots: £27, Topshop. Charm necklace: gift, Schmuk UK. Black bracelet: gift (from Harriet!), Marc by Marc Jacobs. Lip polish: Topshop Rhubarb.

First things first, happy new year! I celebrated by heading a few stops along the DLR to a friend's (there may be an outfit post if I can bear to put that playsuit on again, I did wear it for about eighteen hours straight, after all, so would you really want to see that?), and deciding that sleep wasn't worth it. The amount of times I've considered creating a blog based upon my adventures is numerous, but I think they're best left as anecdotes to be told on special occasions. 

On one of the rainier days of the year gone by, I headed off to the Tate Britain for the first time (I know, I know) to see the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition. Named "Victorian Avant-Garde", the collection promised to display the works of the Brotherhood thematically, documenting the movement through its various stages, from medievalism to the first Aesthetes. Ignoring all the notes I made for my dissertation (s i x d a y s), my ticket let me pour over Millais' "Ophelia", and I finally got to be in the same room as Rossetti's "Lady Lilith", which is one of my favourite paintings of all time. Weighed down with postcards and the accompanying book, I was certainly one happy lady stood soggy on the Victoria line.

To think, the above two paragraphs are describing the same person...

xxx

Read more

A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight.

Cliché post title aside, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland certainly was what it claimed to be. On par with Birmingham's effort, the London Christmas Market to rival all competitors took over the entire east side of Hyde Park, transforming it from greenland to a little corner of Germany, offering everything from waffeln (So. Good.) to glühwein. My friends Amy and Danielle accompanied me wobbling onto the ice rink where, fortunately, no cameras were allowed, but you'll be pleased to hear that I escaped unbruised, and managed to do a few laps around the bandstand without ending up on my bum! If you can get to the west end, I'd really recommend you popping in for a look as it's completely free to wander around the stalls, and feel thoroughly festive for a few hours. I'd like to say thank you to bgo for reminding me that ice skating isn't just a Friday night "ice disco" in Essex, but actually quite an enjoyable pastime.

I hope you have a merry Christmas, with the people you love.

xxx

Read more

The blazing sunset in your eyes.

"R" Initial Pendant: c/o Grace Face Boutique. Pink silky collar tee: £12.50, American Apparel via ebay. Cardigan: mum's. Oversized blazer: c/o Glamorous. Jeans: £13.50, Topshop. Boots: Stylistpick.

If all goes to plan, this'll be published whilst I'm across the channel in my friend's Versailles-esque halls of residence and we're feasting on macarons. Right now (time is wibbly wobbly, so just go with it) I'm sat in my leavers hoody painting my nails in Barry M's "Bright Red" and listening to The Last Shadow Puppets live at the Electric Proms circa 3am - who needs sleep, eh? Speaking of, these photos were taken by Georgia (founding member of team brie) as we had a Cuthbert's to sort us out the morning (who am I kidding? Afternoon!) after our Christmas ball. Tutti frutti cocktails and tequila all round. And round. And round. Well, I had just submitted my last essay of the year!

In a slightly more demure setting, we had a little chat about last night and the last term in general. The consensus was complete disbelief as to how quickly time has passed. In the past three months I've read more books than I'd care to total, ended up going on a night out with the cast of Desperate Scousewives, published issue six of Ellipsis magazine as design co-ordinator/InDesign extraordinaire, dressed as Anne Frank (yeah, no outfit post there, sorry about that), worked at the mobos and its afterparty, became fashion co-editor of The Tab Liverpool, and I've met even more rad people in the process.

On a completely unrelated note (or more related, depending on to what extent you consider this to be a "fashion blog"), I'd like to point out my necklace. Emma from Grace Face Boutique surprised me with an email a couple of weeks ago, and I spent a good while flicking through her etsy store, wishing I had pierced ears so that I could justify getting these shield earrings. I do love how the pieces are run in limited editions and handmade in the UK, especially after reading Lucy's article in Wish magazine highlighting the importance of buying locally. Trust me, while I'm in Paris I'll be making the most of the local pastries - à bientôt!

xxx

Read more

Turning twenty-one.

Sequinned dress: c/o Oh My Love. Oxblood bag: c/o Marc B. Adder Boots: £36, Topshop. Skull bracelet: £11, Made via ebay. "R" necklace: gift, Urban Outfitters.

If it were acceptable to wear sequins all year round, I'd be looking like a piece of tinsel 24/7. Ever since glitter hair spray for dancing shows (yes, I was one of those girls), I've never been able to resist a little sparkle. When asked if I'd like to choose something from Oh My Love's Christmas collection, I avoided the obvious choice, and thought I'd select something a little more special for the big Two One. Seeing as I tend to avoid bodycon, sleeveless and "boob-y" pieces, my flatmate was quite surprised when I unwrapped this little beauty, but it got the thumbs up when tried on. I'm still a little conscious of my arms being on show (everyone has their hang ups), but I don't think anyone noticed! And, of course, you can't go out without a bag. This Marc B number is in my current favourite colour, and happily fits a scarf, point-and-shoot camera, and stash bottle in; anyone want a "what's in my bag" post?

In short, after all the worries I had, my birthday really was one of the best nights, days, weeks of my life, and I can only put it down to my friends who made the biggest effort to ensure I had a wonderful time: you guys!

xxx

Read more

Stuck in speed bump city.

Navy lace dress: c/o Pussycat London. Navy cardigan: mum's. Horse belt: Primark. Ballet flats: 50p, Russell and Bromley, via ebay. Saddle bag: vintage, via Claire. Tartan scarf: £8, ebay. Watch: Rotary. Sailor coat (finally sewn back together!): £63, Topshop.

Whenever I have to do the (two hour round...) walk to the Post Office to pick up parcels, I always feel obliged to travel the scenic route along the canal. I've taken outfit photos here a couple of times before, but can you ever really have too much of a pretty thing?

Wearing my new Pussycat London crochet dress, with a(n admittedly bumpy) beehive and slick of lipstick, I felt rather ladylike for a few hours. Surreal experiences aside, it is also seriously comfy when you're wrapped in your duvet surrounded by a textbook fort, which is a common occurrence right now. I hope you're all sniffle free and enjoying your advent calendars!

xxx

Read more

Oh Manchester, so much to answer for.

There's nothing like getting a little older! My birthday isn't technically until next week, but my dad managed to take most of a day off work near enough to the date to come up and visit the Northern quarter (a little Manchester joke there!) and little ol' me. We had a wander around the Arndale centre before heading to the Second Floor at Harvey Nichols to have a rather indulgent late lunch. The moustache-adorned menu (I've noticed that Olivia's boyfriend is taking part in Movember - go go go!) was full of treats. Eventually I chose the vegetarian "taster box" as I couldn't decide on just one meal, whereas my dad plumped for classic fish and chips. For those who are wondering, it gets a big thumbs up from me, although I'm not sure leather trousers were the best accompaniment. Followed by a chocolate tarte (which escaped my camera - I wasn't leaving it on the plate for too long!), we rolled out of the restaurant to check out the christmas markets, as it wouldn't have made sense to go all that way without perusing their wares. Despite being snuggled inside my new Glamorous blazer, we eventually had to head inside, and jump in and out of phone shops to sort out my birthday present. I've finally got a device that isn't met with pity or derision (Samsung, I love you, but you're binging me down), and, as I'm so late on the bandwagon, pretty much every instagram username has been taken, so follow me @rscfanclub. 

xxx

ps, I do have a couple of posts lined up, but sorry if I go a little AWOL on the blog over the next month or so. It's hardly breaking news for a third year student to be stressed, but my workload is ridiculous, and I can't foresee any free time until January (cry) when deadlines have finally been met and exams have been sat. Hopefully this weird message will amount to nothing, but I'd rather my blog didn't become an obligation and additional stress when I've already got more than enough on my plate. Bis bald.

Read more

Christmas Jumper.

Sailor coat: £63, Topshop. Ill-fitting and unflattering jumper: £1.50, charity shop. Acid wash shorts: American Apparel via ebay. Grey ribbed tights: Primark. Furry socks: Primark. Chelsea boots: Stylistpick. Necklace: Toujours Toi.

When the cooler period comes around I cannot help but release a sigh of relief that skimpy tops are to be put to the depths of my drawers, and instead the christmas jumper resumes its place on my shoulders. I can't decide whether I like clothes that don't fit, or am just unable to purchase anything that flatters my shape, but my jumper collection is certainly one to be rivalled. This specimen was purchased from a charity shop near to my sixth form; it is my favourite treasure trove of knitted gems, which I rarely leave without a new blouse or pair of shoes. Paired with a tiny pair of shorts this outfit, in hindsight, makes little to no sense, but two pairs of tights and some (faux!) furry socks certainly ensured that I was cosy as I went about my business, which was unfortunately rather boring and dissertation based.

Are you a fan of the jumper? Pop on over to The Tab to read an article I wrote (which may have a look at how other bloggers styled theirs!), and let me know how you wear yours

xxx

Read more

Birmingham's Christmas Markets.

Last Saturday I hopped on a train heading South, and, when it terminated in Birmingham, I packed my copy of "The Wrongs of Woman" firmly in my bag till the homeward journey. Once out of the station, I met Eloise, Claire, Emma, Kim, Becca, Maria, and Victoria, to have a quick coffee catch-up, Nando's (fyi, I had a medium halloumi and mushroom wrap, chips, and macho peas), and a mooch around the shops. We then, of course, had a look round the christmas markets, which involved scary amounts of nutcrackers and winter Pimm's! Armed with their DSLRs, and my ever faithful point and shoot, we had a quick opportunity for outfit photos, and Eloise took some of me, despite my protestations that no one would want to see an outfit they'd seen countless times before. But, you know, you don't have a willing photographer every day! I can't wait for the christmas markets to open in Liverpool, anyone for glühwein?

Also, I set up a blog shop (which I'll be adding to as and when I have the time), so if you could have a look I'd really appreciate it!

xxx

Read more

Slip inside the eye of your mind.

Camel coat: £10, Marks and Spencer via charity shop. Tartan scarf: £8, ebay. Peter pan collar dress: Urban Outfitters. Thigh high socks: asos. Boots: c/o Stylistpick. Cameo necklace: £1.50, vintage via charity shop. Watch: Rotary.

It's getting to that time of year when sunlight is scarce, and your daylight hours are spent huddled underneath your bodyweight in clothing as you hurry between destinations, exposed skin burning in the cold. Unfortunately, this situation isn't conducive to the sharpest of images, and neither was the rain splattering on the pavement (and my head!).

For now, I'm sitting on the sofa with my flatmate watching Children in Need and eating lots of heartwarming food - it sure is nice to not be staring at word documents for a few hours. Time to bring my duvet in from my room and crack out the chocolate, I reckon.

xxx

Read more

Remembrance.

Camel coat: £10, Marks and Spencer via charity shop. Tartan scarf: £8, ebay. Hat: £10, vintage via Cambridge vintage fair. Black blouse: £1.50, vintage Next via charity shop. Checked skirt: Laura Lees for Topshop (old!). Leather belt: 20p, charity shop. Black satchel: £16, Internaçionale. Chelsea boots: c/o Stylistpick.

Remembrance

noun

The memory of a person who has died or a thing of the past surviving in the minds of others.

I went home for a few days over reading week, and traipsing round the suburban town couldn't help but make me reflect on the past few years I've lived there. I never thought there would ever be a time when I could call Liverpool "home", but treading paths oft walked made me realise to what extent I've outgrown the town I've spent the past nine years of my life, and the way it contrasts with its northern counterpart. I adore Essex; the green spaces, roofs climbed, pubs frequented, and barmen befriended combine to create a place that acutely displays my teenage years, yet there's still a distinct difference. It will always be home, but the initial action of getting out, despite its difficulties, shows just how beneficial change can be.

That, or I've been reading too many Romantic landscape novels about fits of sensibility and gesture. Whatever.

In regards to the title of the post (and the horrifically pretentious English student-ness of the vocabulary tag), it is, of course, Remembrance Sunday. After meeting some Americans last week who asked why everyone was wearing "those flowers", it made me wonder how much the poppy has become an institution in itself; perhaps a motif as opposed to a symbol. Natalie wrote a genuinely interesting article about its purpose, which is worth a read. Two minutes a year is all it takes to remember the past, and it would be a true mistake to forget.

xxx

Read more