Food Diary

Summer food can be the best kind of food but annoyingly the heat rarely makes me hungry, especially in the evening. Below are some photos of food I have treated myself to this summer, I recommend them all!

Giant buttons and honeycomb on top of strawberry and blueberry frozen yoghurt - perfect cooling snack 

Home made salmon fishcakes with summer salad - great for hot summer evenings

Tomato, red onion, goats cheese and green pesto puff pastry tart - serve with a side salad 

Still want to enjoy the English classic of roast dinners in the heat - swap roast potatoes for new potatoes to make it lighter

Special birthday afternoon tea for my best friends birthday - guest appearance of my other best friend who just flew to American to study at Brown University - she is so clever! 

AMAZING! Nutella pizza I had in Italy - SO good 

Unbelievable steak sandwich from Borough Market 

Beautiful fruit markets in Borough Market - support your local markets if you can and make a fruit salad or your ingredients for Pimms! 

Home made crisps from Portabello Market - so so so good if you're out and about in the heat 

And just in case you didn't like any of these, here is a picture of a pug from the office I interned at in August

Beautiful Summer Sunshine

Photo diary for you all. Sorry posting has been minimal but busy times ending Uni. This is the fun that the UK has to offer - doesn't it look beautiful in the sunshine! 

Frozen Yoghurt from Yogberries in Manchester - delicious! 

Birthday cakes for my lovely best friend Nina

The amazing Jurassic 5 at Parklife festival in Manchester - coolest guys ever! 

Went to visit one of my oldest, best friends Emilie in beautiful Cambridge 

Butterflies at The Botanist restaurant in Alderley Edge 

View over Manchester from 'The Edge' in Alderley Edge 

1930s Singer sewing machine that belongs to my family 

I wish - fingers crossed. Best get saving. So much Glastonbury envy 

Belated birthday celebrations for my oldest, best friend Emily 

Weekend trip in London - view from Southbank looking beautiful in this heat wave 

Safety first 

Tried grits for the first time at Outsider Tart in Chiswick - very odd, like cheesy porridge. The staff and the cakes however were fab! Worth a visit for a bit of USA vibes 

Chilling in the garden of Katie's house in Chiswick - LUSH 

Shopper Bag

We've done the tote bag, had a stint with the basket bag and all enjoyed the benefits of free hands with the backpack but fashion is heading back to basic shopper bags and lovvvving it. Us ladies are not people who like to travel unprepared so the shopper is perfect for filling up with all of your essentials. Working days: lunch, water, purse, diary, important documents, phone - all fits. Night out: make-up, extra layer (of course no guarantee that it wont rain for the whole of July and August), hair spray, potential pair of flats, keys - all fits. Beach: suncream, IPod, towel, book, sunglasses, water and refreshing juice drink - all fits. I can assure you that your new shopper bag will be perfect for each and every one of these occasions.  Personally, I think the bigger the better; endless amounts of space if ever a crisis with a plastic or paper bag ripping. I am very jealous of all of you who get to look at and enjoy your shiny new bags.
Examples:

Mango, Buckless Shopper Bag, £27.99 

Zara, Shopper with Combination Handles, £22.99

Pay day? Treat yourself? Living the dream? Wishful thinking?...

Céline, Triple Shopper in Vegetal Calfskin Tan

You can never have too many bags!

(Image source available from hyperlink on shop name on image caption)

They're Real

BADgal mascara from Benefit is a favourite for many people that I speak to. However the San Francisco based make-up brand offers an alternative mascara to the UK, 'They're Real'. Having recently tried a sample of the mascara I am a convert. The brush for the mascara is not as big and thick as the BADgal one however it suits my lashes much better. I am not one of those people who has been blessed with a gorgeous full set of long lashes and unfortunately have a stumpy set so a good mascara is essential to me. The brush has staggered plastic bristles separating the lashes individually and coating each lash individually. This separates, curls, lifts and volumises lashes to give your eyes a great defined outline. The brush has a rounded and customised tip which includes shorter bristles meaning you can coat that hard to reach corner of the eye and also fan the ends of your lashes, so glam.  The mascara has good wear and tear so stays on your lashes for most of the day, and like good quality mascaras, it doesn't flake off onto the face during the day. It dries quickly meaning that it is less likely to smug and I find I only need to do one coat a day. RRP of £19.50 but if only one coat is needed a day, then this should last you a good number of weeks. So take my word for it, I tell you no lies, it's all real, just like your lashes.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara £19.50

Example

Image source

Do Not Taper Off With Your Purchases Of Tapered Trousers

I am obsessed with tapered trousers. I am so obsessed that I have already written a post about them around this time last year. Summer necessity. I'm in a cycle of just wearing a different pair each day. In fact, writing this post has made me buy yet another pair. My reasoning and support for these trousers stem from the fact that they are versatile, library/work/drinks/dinner/shopping appropriate and with the up and down weather at the minute, it means that you can still wear them if it is hot but raining.
You can buy a pair which are plain in colour but I think the patterns that are on most of them is what has drawn me to them. Plus, with tapered trousers, there will always be a wide price range avaliable. Most high street stores will sell them so if you are not 100% sure, maybe go for a less expensive pair so it's not a huge regret. Or if you know that you're going to wear them day-in-day-out then those few extra pennies will probably be a good idea.
Here are a few examples of my favourites at the min:

H&M, Trousers, £4.99 (£4.99!!!!!) 

Topshop, Soft Tapered Trousers, £35

Zara, Paisley Print Trousers, £29.99

Images sourced from:
1 - H&M Trousers
2 - Topshop Soft Tapered Trousers
3 - Zara Paisley Print Trousers

Great Job

Soap and Glory are a brand that for some unknown reason seem to have passed me by. Many of my friends use their products and I was pointed in the direction of their daily moisturiser 'Glow Job' (I am sure that all pun was intended.) This is a great summer product for a number of reasons. Firstly, heavy foundation and moisturiser in summer is just a no go. It will only end in 'melty face' (a term I'm sure make up professionals use on a regular occasion.) It's good to let the skin breathe in summer and allow the vitamin D full access to your pores so that the body can soak up the goodness. Secondly, your skin undergoes so much wear and tear on a day-to-day basis that it's good to factor moisturiser into your daily routine. Many will be consistant with moisturising at night, but the morning is always such a mad rush that moisturiser maybe low down on the priority list. Thirdly, unlike many tinted moisturisers, which often feel too thick, Glow Job contains 'micro Bronzeburst Beads' that release temporary self tan when you rub the moisturiser into your face. This gives you the colour of a regular foundation with more of beachy natural look. Plus, as stated on the website, the moisturiser smells like 'orange peel oil and vanilla' and it truly does. Delicious.

Soap and Glory: Glow Job, Daily Radiance Moisturiser, RRP £9

At £9 a pop it could be pushing the boat out for some people, but you only need a pea size amount each morning so it should serve you all summer. Plus, there is no price on good skin. 

Even if you don't need a new moisturiser, or dont fancy one with a self-tanning element, then you should still head into town and browse the Soap and Glory products; the names of the items are genius and always provide some amusement on a quick lunch break. 

Soap and Glory - all images sourced from here 

Teapot Vintage

This brand is literally my saviour. One of my biggest shopping problems is vintage clothing and sales. There is something in my brain that just cannot get to grips with the process of sifting through shop rails separating the wheat from the chaff. Especially if there is loads and loads of clothes to look at (Topshop sale is my nemesis.) As a student, this is a terrible skill not to possess. My old housemate is the pro charity shopper; the charity shopper Queen. Beyond envious of her skills. However, Teapot Vintage seem to have done it for me! This is a fabbb little website and so reasonably priced! Great clothes and everything on it I just want to buy. There is also definitely something for everyone, stocked for guys and gals. Plus, for those guys that complain about shopping, you need not move from your sofa to enjoy these steals.

Teapot Vintage, Vintage Oversized Floral Patchwork Cardigan , £16

Teapot Vintage, Vintage Reworked Mini Dress, £15

Teapot Vintage, Vintage Men's American Hunter Jacket, £35

Teapot Vintage Website - all images sourced from here
Teapot Vintage Twitter 

Custom Vintage Dublin

The festive season is over (sob). The sweet treats and indulgences are a fond distant memory, and its back to the grind of work. However, that means only one thing is on the way...SUMMMMER! You can't help but feel lifted, vitamin D from the sun fills you with great healthy energy. July and August may seem a long way off but I imagine many were forward thinking with their New Years resolutions. To quote a few:
1) Detox
2) Get fit and work out - future beach bod
3) Ditch the chocolates
Sound familiar? I can see those resolutions of mine glaring across the room from me (next to that half eaten box of Christmas chocolates.) Well what better way to stick to those resolutions than a goal. New summer clothes act as great inspiration and give you something to work towards. This could include a beautiful new bikini or a sexy summer dress. Whatever the item, they are likely to help you stick to those dreaded health kick plans.

Last summers most worn item: denim shorts. I can think of numerous high street stores where denim shorts were flying off the shelves last year. Why not shake it up a little bit, and buy the same beloved trend, with a bit of a twist, and have them as your summer inspiration.
Custom Vintage Dublin customises vintage Levi shorts. You can't beat a good trusty pair of Levi either so this brand is great. Founder and designer Ali Delaney only launched Custom Vintage Dublin in June 2012 and already has thousands of girls after her shorts. Each and every pair of shorts are handmade and unique so worth the investment!
You can email them and request your own design if you have something personal in mind, or if you just fancy a pair, then they have a selection of ready made shorts on their website.
Other items include: denim jackets, camo jackets, studded bras and hair feathers. Got my eye on so many of these things. So spend those Christmas pennies wisely. These shorts are great summer motivation, plus the bright and colourful designs will help us all feel less like the rainy weather outside.

Here is just a tiny collection of some of their designs and items:

Custom Vintage Dublin, Dipdyed, Studded and Floral Shorts, £50

Custom Vintage Dublin, Custom Shorts, £56

Custom Vintage Dublin, Levi Jacket 40 Euros 

Custom Vintage Dublin Website
Custom Vintage Dublin Facebook - all images sourced from here.
Custom Vintage Dublin Twitter

Shakuhachi

I am not deliberately meaning to just write about fashion brands at the minute. My exams mean a lot of internet browsing and in turn online shopping. Spreading the love.

Shakuhachi is an Australian brand based in Sydney and has some great stuff in at the minute, and a wonderful sale. 50% off a lot of their summer wear which is perrfect for these horrid rainy days we're having. Makes me want to bronze my skin, put on a dress and go outside into the sunshine. Holiday/Sydney please!

Free worldwide shipping: even better. LOVE

 

Shakuhachi, D-Ring Deluxe Racer Back Cami Dress, AUD $110.00

Shakuhachi, Scarf Print Tee Dress, AUD $115.01

Shakuhachi, Brocade Leather Tee Shirt, AUD $175.00

All images sourced from Shakuhachi website
Shakuhachi Facebook
Shakuhachi Twitter

Lacuna Apparel

Had my eye on this new brand for quite a while and still really love it. Sometimes simple can be effective if matched with the right pieces of clothing and Lacuna Apparel has tapped into this look with a strong brand identity. Making a plain t-shirt stand out is not easy, but their patch pocket idea was sold to me instantly. This has evolved over a few months to include their brand logo as the print on sweaters and t's and also a rib cut cage back on some t-shirts. I love them all, and realised today that during August they were doing a limited edition of patches. Hope that happens again!

Lacuna Apparel, Cage Back Patch T,  Burgundy £35

Lacuna Apparel, Logo Sweatshirt, Black, £40.00 

Lacuna Apparel, Patch Tank, Black, £25

Lacuna Apparel Website  - all images sourced from here
Lacuna Apparel Facebook
Lacuna Apparel Blog

Ones to Watch

By watch I mean literally go and see. Had the delight of seeing Jessie Ware, Ben Howard and The Black Keys perform this term and none of them have failed to impress.
Three very different venues and three different artists/bands.
Jessie Ware played in the top room  of Sound Control and it was the perfect venue to really enjoy and listen to her music. Chatting and joking away with the crowd, Jessie played most of her 'Devotion' album to absolute perfection not missing a note. She has such a beautiful voice and if you like her album then I would thoroughly recommend seeing her live. She will not disappoint.

Jessie Ware, Sound Control, November 2012

Ben Howard, also in November, played at the Manchester Apollo. A large crowd and a sell out gig, he had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. Taking his songs up to crescendos with the whole room cheering and clapping along, he could stop the music and the crowd would fall silent with him within seconds. With only three other people on stage and a large amount of acoustic music to perform, this gig was far from mellow and one of best I've been to in quite a while. A seriously talented man and I urge you all to go and see him live.

Ben Howard, Manchester O2 Apollo, November 2012 

Finally was The Black Keys playing at the Manchester Evening News Arena (M.E.N). Energetic and with some really simple but great visuals, good old Patrick and Dan played the classics along side the equally popular new songs. With two of the worlds biggest disco balls making an appearance for their encore the gig was huge, upbeat and an absolute crowd pleaser. Get them on their tour!

The Black Keys, M.E.N, December 2012 

Rat and Boa

There goes another two months of missed blogging. New Years resolution to become more consistent perhaps. 

Semester 1 has finished and instead of moving myself away from the bright lights of my computer screen (good for my health and eyes) I have instead spent hours scrolling through blogs and I'm just so content. Reignited my love for pinterest and building up quite a nice collection of clothes and styles I want to recreate. 
Newest obsession (and I mean obsession) Rat and Boa Clothing. I cant stop looking through their website, tumblr, blog, facebook; you name it, I've stalked it. Now following them on twitter, instagram, facebook - it's actually going a little to far. So clearly I thought a good way to place me in a better, less creepy light, would be to blog about them...I can only hope they take this as a compliment.

Creating and selling individual pieces, their clothing and jewellery appealed to me immediately because it looks wearable yet has an edge that makes it so much more interesting then a generic high street piece. Fashion should be about wearing something you love and enjoying trying out new style, not just wearing clothes for the sake of it. I think Rat and Boa provide a good opportunity to be more experimental and individual.  

Narrowed these down to my three favourites I think:

Rat and Boa Clothing, Colourful Feather Print 2 Piece, £60 for both, £28 Shorts, £32 Shirt 

Rat and Boa Clothing, Patterned Denim Dungarees - £30

Rat and Boa Clothing 

All three of the above are on my wishlist, especially the first one which I cannot stop looking at!
They state their inspiration comes from: 'the Oslen twins, Keith Richards, Native Americans,  Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, magazines, blogs, models, photographers alike and any other person that sees fashion as a form of expression and freedom'

Well it is definitely working for you!

Rat and Boa tumblr

Rat and Boa website

All images sourced from: Rat and Boa facebook