29 year old graduate

This week, I graduate! Four years of university and six years of study behind me - my whole career ahead of me. I'm not certain how I feel right now nervous, excited, nostalgic but I have to say it's all rather unnerving. 

I know I'm 29 (much older than most graduates) and should be ready for full time work and in most ways I am. I'm ready for routine, a stimulating, exciting career and I'm definitely ready for a full time wage - but the idea of life post uni is daunting. Going from student to employee is a big life change, there's a whole lot of responsibility on my shoulders and university life hasn't really prepared me for this. Note to professors - prepare students for adult life, maybe adulting could become a new module? 

I worked hard for my degree and will be graduating with a 2:1. This is something I'm proud of but on the other hand I' am somewhat disappointed I'm not finishing with a 1st. I know that its ridiculous to feel a little disheartened as when I think about it an upper 2nd class degree is pretty bloody great. Why do we always put so much pressure on ourselves? Why do we constantly compare ourselves to others? Why does others successes impact our own? These have been some of the questions that have been swirling round my head over the last few weeks.

The last 6 months of my life have been tough probably the toughest of my entire life and I'm happy I managed to graduate at all. 

My beautiful mother died of Cancer in January and my world fell apart. In that time my degree felt pointless and small, how could a degree mean anything anymore if my Mum was no longer in my life. Somehow I managed to carry on, this was mainly done for my Mum, she was very proud of my study and letting her down was something I could never do. My future life also needed my degree. Yes, rent, food and bills don't come for free. 

By my last assignment I really had lost enthusiasm and this is what ultimately let my grade down. Writing a 6000 word project, whilst searching for a job is not an easy task.

On my last day in university I felt incredibly sad and nostalgic. I really have loved my time at university and I will remember it fondly. University has changed me, mostly for the best. I've learnt a lot about who I am and what I want from life and most of all how much I love to study, research and write. I love it mainly for turning my dream (yes, it's a little cringe but the thesaurus offered no alternative) into a reality. I'm sure I've got a long way to go in my career but I think I'm ready for the journey, ups and downs and all.

Something that always made me doubt returning to study was the thought of leaving university without a job. I knew I would be nearly thirty years of age and needed to start my career ASAP! This thought has constantly driven me throughout the last few years and I'm happy to know I am graduating with a job I wanted and love. I understand it's not always that easy; the job market is competitive and gaining industry experience is what possibly sealed my current role. 

My advice to anyone who is thinking about going to university or returning to study - without a doubt you have to go for it, no matter what age or stage of your life you are at you should seek the career or job you love. I know there's barriers that can get in the way, family commitments or money but we spend the majority of our adult lives at work and if you're not enjoying what you're doing, it makes those Sunday night blues even worse. Plus this year I've learnt that life's too short to not make yourself happy.

Ph Credit - The Red List 

PINK TO MAKE THE BOYS WINK

It's the 1st July which means it's officially summer here in the UK - even though our summer actually exists for a very limited number of days. Those red hot June days we had a couple of weeks ago were probably the best we're going to get but hey, I should stop being cynical and appreciate what we get, right?
Summer means wearing some lighter colours and right now PINK is everywhere; catwalks, street style, the high-street - it's unavoidable.
So far I've only gone in as far as a pink oversized shirt from ASOS. I wear it multiple times a week mainly with skinny jeans and pinstripe trousers, but I would like to delve into the trend more if the purse strings and my lack of tan allows. So far I'm limited to browsing pinterest for inspiration - it didn't disappoint. Delpoza, Carven, and multiple fashion show goers have been keeping me inspired.

Ph credit - Vogue UK and Elle UK

Santorini

When googling the best Greek Islands to visit, Santorini comes in at number two (after Mykonos of course which is still on my list of places to visit.) This is obviously due to its beautiful little blue and white buildings that line the cliff edge and breath taking views of the Caldera. 
 
Santorini is only a small island at 26 miles long and we stayed in Perissa which is on the south east of the island. Chilled day to night bars and beautiful Greek restaurants line Perissa's black pebbled and sandy beach and its the perfect place to relax. We loved Tranquilo, The Beach Bar and Demilmar. Similar to Perissa is it's much prettier neighbour Kamari where we spent a few hours relaxing on the beach reading and people watching before heading to a restaurant beside the beach for lunch. 
It was however early in the season (I never visited Greece in May before) which meant these two resorts were much quieter than in the height of the season. This has it's positives and negatives -  according to islanders, traffic is quite bad in busier periods but bars and restaurants were quieter. That said, our stay was fantastic and made all the more better by renting a motorbike to see every corner of the Island. 
We hired a Brixton 125 - I was more than a little nervous to begin with (driving on the right is scary - which direction is oncoming traffic?) but my Boyfriend is an experienced rider and after four days I felt more than safe 
What I loved most about Santorini though wasn't the blue and white houses (even though they are perfectly pretty.) It was the traditional, rough and gritty places that go unnoticed to general tourists. I'm not a 'sit by the pool or beach' type mainly due to being so pale and after 29 years I finally had to succumb to the fact that I don't get a sun tan and have to wear factor 30 sun cream. 
Santorini had so many places to explore either by bike or on foot. Visiting in lower season meant the weather wasn't too hot - it even rained...yes in Greece...which made it easier to get around.
Places we visited included Pyrgos, Ancient Thera (perched at the top of a mountain but worth the 6 mile hike,) Oia, Akrotiri, Fira, Imerovigli and Skaros Rock - another hike well worth doing if your visiting Santorini. 

GIRLBOSS - "what follows is a loose retelling of true events.........real loose."

The opening credits to Girlboss reads "what follows is a loose retelling of true events......real loose." and this is certainly true, within the first 5 minutes you see Sophia Amoruso (founder of Nasty Gal)  or the actress playing her, Britt Robertson pushing her broken down car up a very steep hill in San Francisco. Seriously shes a petite 20-something, this would not be possible.

For those who are not aware of Girlboss the new Netflix Original Series, its based on the same titled book which follows the rise of Amoruso's multi-million dollar fashion empire, Nasty Gal. A brand that in 2016 filed for bankruptcy. Nasty Gal however still remains but under the British-owned BooHoo profile. The brand is not as it was originally know - its more fast fashion with a vintage look than original one off vintage pieces.

The 13 part series follows Sophia through the ups and downs of launching her online business selling vintage clothing. The series covers some random moments from Sophias life - including a fear of bridges to a hernia explosion. I've heard mixed reviews but I've binged watched all 13 episodes in 3 sittings. If you can ignore the cringe worthy acting, cheesy one liners and annoying attitude of the main character, Sophia, you will love it. 
Plus the fashion and music is amazing which is definitely a reason to watch. Think platform boots, extra wide flares and an amazing 1970's multi coloured calf skin biker jacket. 

ph credit - fashion magazine

What the f*** is everyone wearing at Coachella

Coachella is now behind us for another year (thank goodness) but after scrolling through various websites, my reaction was "what the f*** is everyone wearing?" 

RITA ORA was wearing white and blue checked cowboy boots, a metallic dress and a hat that resembles a shit white 90's Kangol version. I know it's each to their own and I always encourage anyone to wear whatever they want but there is a difference between creativity and fashion victim. 

Rhianna, a Coachella regular wore a diamante encrusted all in one. Probably not the most practical of outfits for the Californian weather but shock and awe is the key when dressing for this festival.  

Illustrator Joolee Loren depicted what the rest of the Coachella attending individuals wore and this illustration couldn't have been more fitting - hilarious. Fringing, suede, lace up sandals, chokers and my favourite, a groovy world view. Each of these sartorial items worn separately may be plausible but all together they look, in my opinion, damn ridiculous.

Ph credit:Vogue and Instagram

The Life Story of the Suit

Before Christmas I purchased this suit from the charity shop. I'm sure to some the idea of wearing a second hand suit seems strange, but I love that I'm giving these pieces a new lease of life. It's a men's suit, but even though it fits like a glove. The jacket is a little oversized but that's just what I wanted and the trousers are high on the waist and finish just above the ankle, another perfect styling detail.
Buying this suit from the charity shop made me think about the life of this suit. Who has worn this suit? And where? Maybe to a wedding or job interview. I love knowing my suit has travelled and possibly made one individual a proud owner. On the other hand though maybe it was just a suit that sat in someones wardrobe for many years going unused. Who knows? Since I've owned it I've thoroughly enjoyed giving it a new lease of life by styling it in different ways. Wearing the trousers under floral tunic dresses with white pumps, with block heels and a shirt and here the full two piece with a raglan top, gold heels and bright pink earrings.
We are often too quick to buy new clothes when sometimes there are perfectly good second hand options available to us. Plus it's better for the environment and money is also going to a great cause. Dont' get me wrong some charity shops don't have the greatest sartorial offerings and you have to be ready to rummage. Sites like Depop and eBay are also worth scrolling through for reasonable priced high-street pieces. I've also recently discovered the Vestiarie Collective which sells amazing  vintage designers pieces - from Chanel bags to jimmy choos.

I am wearing a charity shop suit, Topshop top, Asos shoes and vintage earrings.

Leggings post the treadmill

I own two pairs of leggings, one for lounging around the house when hungover and a second pair for either running or visiting the gym. I have vowed never to wear either for any other reasons than the above. However the SS17 fashion shows have declared them as a trend and they are now apparently suitable for both casual wear and evening wear. But is this a trend we can all get on board with?

Lets be honest leggings are not the most flattering of sartorial items. They leave little to the imagination with regards to VPL, if too tight can cause 'camel toe' and if you purchase them from Primark (they sell a lot of them) they are more or less see through - so wearing a thong is probably out of the question. But what else do we expect from Lycra leggings that cost £8.00. 

The leggings that made it on to the catwalk for SS17 were of the more luxury kind (with no VPL in sight), scene at Maxmara, Balenciaga and Celine. They were chic, stylish and often garish but styled correctly with tailoring, soft fabrics and heels. They created an appeal even a non legging lover like myself could get on board with. We also can't ignore the off duty models  effortlessly sporting leggings with white trainers and t-shirts which is probably more practical for every day life. For great high-street options head to Sweaty Betty, Nike, Ivy Park.

ph credit: vogue.co.uk
top row: Balenciaga SS17. bottom row: Maxmara and Celine