My Song 5

It could have been the years of long car journeys howling along to Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar On Me with my Mum that's always made me fancy myself in a rock band, even though I don't scream anarchy in the slightest. I've also always kind of fancied myself as a paramedic but faint at the sight of blood, so I've never claimed to have good reasoning.

A pipe dream of mine makes me wish I was a uni drop-out, on-stage with an electric guitar, sporting blue extensions and heavy eye makeup, whilst the rational side of me realises how stupid I would look and doesn't even humour the possibility. It laughs and shakes it's head knowingly, just stick to dreaming of vintage bicycles with cute baskets on the front to carry home organic fruit and vegetables in Kathryn. But even that rational head of mine couldn't resist feeling the part in this outfit. The real McCoy. If only for a day I can slip on this faux leather gilet and pretend I'm part of some cool, all girl rock band.

I even got to perfect some of those stare-moodily-into-the-distance looks...

Sunglasses - ASOS

Leather Gilet - ASOS

Checked Shirt - Forever 21

Jeans - Topshop

Boots - Pull & Bear

Bag - Urban Outfitters

I totally didn't grab my hairbrush and start singing My Song 5 a little too loud, but if Haim are ever looking for a 4th member, I know all the words...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF4FcTcWcDE

K

Princess Skirts

If I know I've learnt anything over the years, it's that I know how to overdress for any and every occasion that one could possibly dress for. It's exhausting. So much so, a slob-day-Wednesday was enforced. A sort of Sabbath day - a means to slum it in leggings. But I firmly stand by the belief that some days simply call for princess skirts and shiny shoes. Do you feel me? 

Last weekend, I celebrated my nineteenth and was all too happy to pull out my sunday bests. I've been dying for an occasion (any occasion) to wear this floral print, organza midi skirt from ASOS petite, though, if you ask me, an afternoon date with tea and cake is always an occasion one could dress up for...

Sunglasses - ASOS

Jacket - Topshop

Top - H&M

Necklace - Topshop

Skirt - ASOS Petite

Shoes - ASOS

It's crazy to think I'm in my last year of my teens but here's to another amazing year of overdressing. Maybe I'll give it up once I'm 20.

K 

Goodbye January

Doesn’t Christmas just seem an age away? The whole of January I suffered from that post-Christmas depression faze, but now February has rolled around, the thought of tinsel makes me want to throw-up (it always kind of does, actually). So goodbye January, and a warm hello to February.

January Favourites

1. Deliciously Ella Cookbook: Being one of the first Health Foodies I discovered and later being one of the main inspirations to go vegan, there was no doubt Ella’s book would end up in this months favourites. Even though she’s a gluten-free vegan, I firmly believe that these recipes can be loved by herbivores and carnivores alike - that’s a tried and tested fact.
2. Maybelline Colour Drama Lipstick in Red Essential: Any fans of the Nars Lip Pencils should definitely try these out. I’m sure I’ve even advised some customers to go out and buy one of these rather than wait for the Nars ones to come back in stock, but sshh…
3. Space NK Shimmering Spice Candle: Even though we used to burn this candle all day long in the shop, it’s warm spice scents were just so addictive that I couldn’t resist buying one to burn all January long - trying desperately not to believe Christmas was in fact over.
4. Maybelline Colour 24HR Tattoo in On and on Bronze: This product has always been a favourite of mine and probably always will be. It’s easy to use alone blended across the eye or as a base for a bronze smokey eye that won’t budge. 
5. thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: ‘The miracle solution to a good night’s sleep’. I love my sleep a bit more that I care to admit and end up grouchy if I get any less than usual, so a couple spritz of this on my pillow has me knocked out all night long. 
6. Living proof Prime Style Extender: I’m not sure how exactly to state my love for this product, or to the whole brand. This product acts as a primer to help keep styles in for longer, so even on freshly washed hair days, my curls last all day. It works. Quite simply, it works.

January Eats

1. Chocolate-Courgette Muffins: My family often question what on Earth I’m trying to feed them nowadays, up there with Sweet Potato Brownies, this was one of those wacky recipes that made them question my sanity. “Courgette in muffins, really Kay?” but the courgette was completely undetectable and replaced the use of oils to give the muffins that moist texture that makes them oh-so mouthwatering when warm out of the oven. They were delicious, oil-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and the perfect treat to start the New Year. (You can find the recipe in The Oh She Glows Cookbook).
2. Breakfast Bowl: Soya yogurt, Rude Health granola, banana and a sprinkling of chia seeds. 
3. Vegan Salad Bowl: These are a daily occurrence for me. They’re super easy to prep at the beginning of the week and make for a filling and nutritious lunch. To this one I added in some leftover roasted sweet potato.
4. The Ultimate Vegan All-Day Breakfast: Back in my hometown there is this amazing vegan and organic cafe and I couldn't resist popping in last week. Next time I've got my eyes on the dairy-free cakes! 

How was your January?

K

The Problem

The problem is, I’m an emotional shoe buyer. It’s a real thing. No, not by the UK mental health standards, but it should be. 

I’m not proud of it. I'm not even saying it's a healthy way to deal with things. But buying shoes to me, is like demolishing tubs of ice cream to you. When I'm upset/angry/ready to tear someone's head off, I simply treat myself to a new pair of shoes and imagine that their face is the sole every time I walk in them and get over it. 

So I’m admitting it now, these were the ultimate emotional shoe buy, but certainly not on impulse. I first spotted these in November. Laughed. Walked immediately in the opposite direction. I went on for weeks dreaming about them and scanning the internet for cheaper alternatives without any luck. I even decided I was in fact going to buy them. This was during an excruciatingly cold shift at work when I swore I would never get the feeling back in my toes, before quickly deciding against it.

So it wasn’t until it happened that I thought "what the hell, I'm actually going do this". Now I won't mention what it was that finally made me part with my money (and sanity), but just know that I'll be forever thankful that it finally justified the purchase.

(Coat: Topshop, Bag: Miss Selfridge, Jeans: Topshop, Boots: Stuart Weitzman)

Because you can put the girl in a nice pair of boots, but you can never really take the girl out of her.

Anyone else suffer from emotional shoe buying?

K

Fabulous Or Drag-ulous?

I know, I know, leopard print borders on that risky line between fabulous and drag-ulous. Some swear down to never wear the print and well, some swear to wearing the print in every way, shape and form, but really, I believe we can learn a thing or two from the queens that swear by it: they're confident, they couldn't care less what you think of them, and let's be honest, they have more sass than I could ever dream of possessing.

Now I'm not saying I'm out to channel my inner drag queen. I once had an accidental run in with a heavy-handed make-up artist and I can confirm it would never suit me (I still get a shakey feeling when it comes to smokey eyes). I'm just saying, when I wear this skirt, I feel sassy-as-hell. So regardless of whether it leaves me teetering on the edge of over-the-top, I think it's fabulous. 

 

(Blouse, Bershka, Skirt Topshop, Bag Miss Selfridge, Boots Pull & Bear)

(Too fabulous for you)

K 

Guilty Pleasures

(The ultimate Guilty Pleasure - selfies)

1. Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter and Jam on toast on a Sunday morning - without fail. Peanut Butter and Apple. Peanut Butter in smoothies. Peanut Butter out the jar on a spoon.

2. Reading through piles of cookery and baking books without an intention to cook anything from them. I just sit there salivating over the photos. I guess thats what you call food porn.

3. Reaching the end of a Pringles can and pouring the crumbs into your mouth - I resist crisps at all costs, so this is a rare and delicious occasion for me.

4. The wedding section on Pinterest. Who doesn't love planning the most perfect imaginary vintage wedding, complete with mason jar candles, floral bunting strung up, and old suitcases filled with flowers? (Okay, just me...)

5. Cheese Boards. All types of cheese - Brie, Camembert, Pineapple Cheese, Cheddar, Spicy Cheese. Heaven.

6. Freshly cut and blow-dried hair.

7. Making lists: To-do lists, packing lists, goals lists, accomplished lists, guilty pleasures lists. (Oh look, just made another list).

8. Deep and meaningful quotes - and then posting them onto Instragram #MotivationalMonday.

9. Chocolate covered Oreo's. Only available abroad, thank goodness.

10. The adrenaline that rushes through you when you make a new purchase. I can be on a high for the whole day.

I did in fact try to write a Guilty Pleasures post without including Peanut Butter, but I just didn't think it would be an honest post.

What are you ultimate Guilty Pleasures?

K

Channelling Cleopatra

I've been unusually inspired recently. When I spotted this head chain in Topshop, all I could think was "Cleopatra". She was a woman ahead of her time, wearing extravagant headdresses, bold brows, and thick winged liner. I still haven't heard the end of "walk like an egyptian" from my family, but I couldn't not channel some of her eccentricity into a festival look. And they did promise me I didn't look like a complete loser.

 Headchain - Topshop

Who are you channelling this Summer?

K

The Blue Wing

I feel like I've missed the bus a bit here. I'm 2 minutes late, chasing the bus down the street and everybody has already got on. Graphic blue eyeliner was first spotted on the Rebecca Minkoff catwalk last Autumn, and then later seen in the Spring 2014 beauty trends. But what really got me lusting over the trend was Kendall Jenner's selfie back in May (here), and it also seemed the internet got a bit crazy over it too.  

I opted for a much darker, navy blue liner by L'Oreal Paris, just to be a total spoil sport and play it safe. And whilst I love this wearable, everyday version, I'm prepared to invest in a shocking cobalt for Reading festival - and maybe some blue gems, who knows? When's a better opportunity to get a bit crazy? And if I look back in photos several years later and cringe, I'll blame it on the drink.

Eyeliner - L'Oreal Paris Superline Perfect Slim
Sunglasses - ASOS

So who cares if I arrived late for the bus, I'm planning on wearing the blue wing a little longer.

K

Parle Inglese?

Do you speak English?

No I'm not in Italy. But it's fun to pretend. 

Hat ASOS

Sunglasses ASOS

Top ASOS

Jeans Topshop

Leather Jacket Topshop

Bag ZARA

Shoes Vero Moda

Note to self, smile in photos so you don't look like a bitch,

K

Surfbort.

 Then I fill the tub up halfway then ride it with my surfbort. Surfbort. Surfbort. 

<Fedora Hat + Sunglasses ASOS, Kimono Topshop, Demin Shorts Zara, Bag Urban Outfitters, Converse>

Tenerife 2014. 

This holiday wasn’t really a get-your-hiking-boots-on kind of affair. There’s no ruins to go exploring, no wonders of the world to go and see, and unless you wanted to spend all day on a hot coach with no air-conditioning, venturing up the volcano suddenly didn’t seem so appealing. With absolute safety I can say, the best sight I spotted on the whole island was the lifeguards bum, so naturally, you can tell where I spent most of my time.

Book in hand. Sun cream smothered over every visible inch of me. Peace’s In-Love album on constant repeat. And maybe a cheeky cocktail in the mix there too. Lying lazily in the sun all day. Perfect. Guilty as charged.

However, when one is offered a cheeky shopping excursion, wouldn’t it be rude for one to turn it down? So we dragged ourselves away from the pool for the morning and headed over to the local town, and having found ourselves at a complete loss for a few hours, I took up the opportunity to snap a few photos.

I’ve found myself completely in-love with surfing. Pompeii can wait a while, next year I’m thinking of heading to Cornwall for surfing lessons (and no, not just because a whole lot of surfers happen to be very good-looking, but a bit of eye candy doesn’t go amiss).

(Poor guy)

K