Identity

Oscar Wilde

The first quote by Oscar Wilde is so true. Why would you want to be anyone else anyway? If we were all the same we would all be boring! 

And I love the second quote. Honestly, when I was at boarding school you were either clever or not. No in between. It's so wrong. And if you were a prefect in the last year you wore a different blazer to everyone else so you stood out. Which is fine because we were like a point of call for anyone. But honestly, that green blazer got to some people's heads and they were just out on a power trip all the time. I don't think I ever took the blazer too seriously in the sense that I treated people as "below" me. You are there to help. 

You are who you are, whether with A*'s or not, a green or navy blazer or whether you have expensive clothes or not. We are all so judgemental of each other, and yet I bet if you took some time to get to know some one a lot of your first views of that person would be incorrect. 

Your environment will create your characteristics. But things that happen in your life will too. I always think about how I treat people and how I want people to treat me. You don't know everyones life story so you have no idea what has happened in their life. I always take that in to consideration.

As they say, "never judge a book by its front cover".

Summer Spent at Sexton's

So I didn't really have a placement this summer, however, my old job at the Shoe Boutique led me to gaining new skills, as well as managerial skills.

I spent my entire summer working at 'Nicola Sexton's'. I was there from 8.45am to 5.15pm most days of the week. Commuting weekly and living at a friends, sounds like a nice thing to do in the summer, but I tell you something, it runs you down. (Especially when you are commuting to what should take 2 hours, turns into 5 hours after a 8 hour shift at work!)

Almost every day for 4 months I cleaned the shop; merchandised the shop; sold shoes; answered the phoned; emailed magazine clients; spoke to potential wholesale customers; dealt with in coming orders; marked and priced all new products; edited product images; changed the website layout; added new products online; made plenty of teas; handled accounts; dealt with rude customers; modelled twice for two campaigns; dealt with catwalk models; dealt with American clients as well as British; spreadsheeted a lot; dealt with journalists wanting interviews; booked radio interviews for Nicola... etc.

Probably much more too, but it becomes a bit of a blur!

Nicola was out of the country a lot of the time this summer, which left me in charge of the shop. It is not the first time she has left me on my own, but this time meant I had a lot more to be doing towards the wholesaling of the company.

Having such a huge role in part of this company has led me to be more business minded, as well as more logical with my decisions. Now Nicola's company is only small, but a lot of the time I was making decision which could have had a huge effect on her business. It was also hard to keep calm when working in the shop and be professional when you have a flock of people and you are working on your own. Nicola has always wanted the shop to be tidy and minimalistic, and so when you've got five ladies trying loads of shoes on, its hard to serve, tidy and use the till all at once.

The space in the shop has an expensive, luxury feel to it. We are always wanting to try different things in the window, and have the shelves set out according to styles and colours with accessories to match. It may be the reason why people go past and you hear them say it is expensive in there, because of the way the shop looks. To be fair, a lot of the shoes are, but there are still ranges that are at a reasonable price. We are also dressed in a way that I think would give off the vibe that the shop is expensive. But then again its also the space we are in that we are representing.

Although, by the end of the summer I needed a holiday (which sadly I didn't get...) I knew that I had gained a ton of skills as well as contacts, which if I wanted to could help me set up my own business in the future.

It was from this summer that I realised that from working there for over a year I have retained a lot of information. It was also having the role as shop manager whilst Nicola was away, I realised that I wasn't some young person anymore. That I was a responsible, organised, level headed young business woman. Now no way am I saying I could run a business successfully from my summer, but, being in control of a shop for 10 days or 14 days at a time, you quickly gain a business head.

I also learnt I don't think very highly of myself in the respect of what skills I actually have. I obviously haven shown responsibility, organisation and managerial skills to Nicola for her to leave her own boutique and go to America, leaving me in charge with what she calls her 'baby'.

I quickly grew up this summer, not only did I turn 21, but I realised, this is the real world, this is the kind of responsibility I might be given again in the future. This is where my career begins.

First Year Tips

So, a lot of you will be starting university right now, or are just about to.

I have just gone into my second year of university at Northumbria studying Fashion Communications. I have been back up in Newcastle for nearly a week now as Northumbria have their freshers a week before Newcastle uni do.

I thought I'd put together a few things to help some of you freshers on your way!

Things to take:
- Door wedge - to be sociable and not lock yourself away in your rooms!
- Coat Hangers - who likes creased clothes?! Hang them up!
- Paracetamol (for those dreaded hangover headaches!)
- Extension cables - for your laptop, lights, chargers etc
- Side lamps
- Bin
- Mirror - I brought a full length one with me
- Cleaning Products
- Photos - to decorate your walls
- Drying rack - in case you don't want to pay for the tumble dryer
- Iron - to help with those creased clothes!
- Alcohol....
- Any medication
- Hand wash

There is obviously other things that you would bring, but these might be the less obvious ones for you.

Now being a fresher in Newcastle is great fun but it did take its toll on me, as well as a lot of my friends so...

Health:

Make sure you get some sleep at some point! We all got groggy and down after nearly two weeks of going out and drinking so make sure you rest, eat and get some decent sleep. I have just done a week of freshers and I've got such a sore throat and I am so tired already! Make sure you do the washing up and cleaning too because the amount of people I knew that were ill from it being dirty in their flat was unbelievable, I'm surprised I wasn't ever ill with the messy boys I lived with!

Eating:

Don't resort to take outs all the time! As easy and convenient as that is, it's no good for you. It is really not that hard to cook, get a recipe and follow it! I got two books called 'The Student Cookbook' by Hamlyn, which he had put together for students. It's a great book, with tons of different recipes that are healthy and cheap. There is also a section on how to make cocktails which was also useful. Spag bol is an easy and quick meal to make, and dead cheap! I also made a lot of fajitas and pasta meals, as they were cheap and quick.

Clubbing:

As annoying as some promoters are, and I can say that, because I am also a promoter in Newcastle, take their name and number because you don't know when they may be useful! Here at Newcastle at Tup Tup Palace we can do group bookings for a table, where if there is ten of you, you'll receive a free bottle of vodka and mixers. We can also get you guestlist which makes your entry cheaper. And for birthdays you'll want us to be your best friend. We can sort tables, free vodka/champagne, VIP etc for you... so don't slate us if you want something... we are only doing out job to make sure you have a great night out!

Flatmates: 

I got on really well with my flat mates last year, but you might not in yours, try and be understanding of them as well, living with people you don't know may be hard, just be civiliased. I know as I have lived with different people for nearly 7 years after being at boarding school as well as university! Makes your life easier if you don't put up such a fuss about things.

We all got on so well in my flat that we were always pranking each other. Safe to say my poor flat mate Michael got pranked the most as he always left his bedroom door unlocked after a night out... so we may have done a few things! (Vaseline was always a great one on the back of door handles etc!)

The brown stuff is his old stale brownies! Ha!

Cleaning:

Make sure you ALL clean put into the cleaning of the flat. The boys in my flat had to be forced by me and my other flat mate Hannah, to even put their empty burger wrappers in the bin. They soon started helping with the cleaning when we put their dirty pots and pans all in one huge pile and left their mouldy food they had left out outside their bedrooms door. You all live together, so make sure you make an effort. You wouldn't live like that at home with your parents so make sure you don't with your fellow flat mates!

Make sure you make the most of being at uni. It honestly has been the best time of my life so far. I've made some great friends, I love my course, I live in a great city and I'm just really enjoying life.

I'm now in a lush flat with 5 other girls! Loving life even more so! Make the most of it all! They will be the best years of your lives!

Tan, Lashes & Big Hair!

I have moved around a lot in my life, eleven times to be precise, and 7 different schools before my last 5 years of education in a Boarding school.

I wouldn't particularly say that my location would depend on how I dress/look. However, since coming to Newcastle to go to University, that statement has changed just slightly.

If you watch Geordie Shore then you can see the girls getting ready for a night out, tan, lashes and false hair. Well it really is like that up here. Not all girls, but a lot of them put on the tan and lashes. Since being here, I can admit I am one of them now, but what can I say? I was originally brought up here! I would hate to go out clubbing now without any tan on or, even worse, no lashes on! Newcastle really is all about dressing to impress when you go out. Apart from those that get absolutely trollied on a night out that they've got eyelashes hanging off their faces and drink stains all down them, they really don't care. Not a great look girls!

 Come rain or shine though, or even snow for that matter, the girls dress to their best. After all, it is the best city for nightlife!

I do think however, that depending on where you are going on a night out will have some input into what you wear. Some clubs are a bit classier than others, where are some are just a little bit more laid back. Then again, it depends on peoples tastes and styles to what they may wear out no matter where they are going. During the day though, wherever I am on a casual basis won't encourage me on what to wear, however, for a lot of Geordies, the false lashes, tan and big hair still stands for daytime appearances too!

Nicola Sexton A/W Range 2013

Firstly, I apologise for not blogging in a while, mad few days going back home to London, to then pack everything up to move up to Newcastle again!

So just before I left we did a shoot for Nicola Sexton's A/W 2013 range in the little old town Bury St Edmunds.

For this season Nicola has decided to design some of her own boots as well as kitten heels. Now, she has to have a collection which reaches out to all ages, for example, the kitten heels, I wouldn't wear, and I don't think many 21 year olds would!

Here is just a few from the shoot...

London Edition - Glossy Box

Well to match my London themed weekend, a Glossy Box was waiting for me Monday morning!

September is a really important month for the Fashion world. The reason for that is because, July Issues of magazines only has a low amount of Fashion pages in due to the fact designers are already making their Autumn/Winter collection, it is also the time where you'll find most stores are in their 'Sales', and so there is a lull. Where as August and September are building up for the start of school and University again.

In the US is signifies a fresh start. It's something that has gone on for years, and the fashion world is just set in its old ways. The September issues of magazines, especially Vogue, show their most lavish photoshoots, and where you will find the most adverts.

A great film to watch regarding this is 'The September Issue', which shows the process of them putting together, what was at the time, their biggest issue of Vogue in September.

Anyway, so it is also a big time for the fashion world because of the NY Fashion week as well as the London Fashion week which is in progress right this minute. So hence why Glossy Box have sent out this edition.

So this month box was actually really aesthetically pleasing!

Glossy Box - London Edition

I really liked this month's products. Last month's I wasn't that impressed, so was not so hopeful for this month's. Loved the patterns on the tissue paper and everything about the London theme.

So inside I had:
- Toni & Guy Shine Gloss Serum
- Be A Bombshell Eyeliner in - Onyx
- HD Brows Blusher (Number 2)
- Elizabeth Arden 'Untold' Perfume
- Eyelure Pre Glued Lashes

Well, I need a new serum as well as blusher so that was perfect timing!
You can never have enough eyeliner either! As well as lashes, I have a few boxes full of lashes. And perfume is always nice to have too!

I can't wait for the October one already, I will probably forget that it's due because I will be at Uni so that will be a nice surprise to find in the post!

Patterned Trousers - Obsessed!

So shopping in London is lethal, every time I go I spend way too much! Here's a couple of things I bought in London... it isn't everything!

I'm obsessed with trousers at the moment... I would have bought 6 pairs on sunday, but I knew I had to be good!

So here are two pairs of trousers I bought. The floral ones are from Zara, and the top is from Topshop (The mustard coloured one.) You can tell it's Autumn straight away from these colours!

Zara & Topshop

This second pair is also from Zara. I'm in love with Tartan at the moment and these look fab on! They even had dresses and skirts in tartan in Zara of the exact print my school skirt was... so I'm going to amend my school skirt instead of buying one from Zara! Recycle! 

Love everything in Zara at the moment. Their A/W range is amazing this year! 

Zara

21st Birthday Weekend!

Oh my, what a weekend! Sorry I haven't blogged... it's been a whirl wind of a weekend!

So, I turned 21 on Friday. I travelled back from Suffolk on Thursday evening after work with my good friend Gina. Time flew because we were chatting away, so what seems to me as a painful journey made each week, wasn't that bad at all when you're not on your own!

So on Friday my parents were away at work, so it was just, my sister Chloe, Gina and I. We just had a casual day at home. I didn't open any presents or cards, as I wanted to wait till my parents were home to see everything I had got!

Anyway, Dad arrived home late from work and so we didn't have time to open presents before dinner, so we went into Bromley for a meal we had booked at the AQUA Bar & Grill, which is a Mediterranean and Italian restaurant. I love Greek food, as do the rest of my family so this was like being back in Cyprus. After having a starter and main meal I was beyond stuffed, to my surprise my Mum had all three courses. When her dessert was brought out, I had a huge sparkler thing placed in front of me! That might be why Mum wanted me to order a dessert! Haha!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos with my sister that night due to her having an operation in her mouth two days before so she couldn't smile or do much with her face as it was still very painful and swollen, bless her...

After dinner all of us went and met the other girls who had travelled from Hull and Ireland to come see me for my birthday! We had a quick drink at a bar then headed home for my cake, which was a bit different this year!

Now, I don't like birthday cakes... but I do LOVE Krispy Kremes!!! So this was my 'cake'! - My Mum is the best!! <3

After eating a doughnut or two, I opened all my presents and cards. I had my card and present from Gina a few days before....

So I got money, jewellery, cosmetics, flowers, a big trunk thing which I wanted for all the photos I have, Jack Wills things, but my main present from my parents had been sent away to be custom lengthened, but it was ready to pick up on the Saturday....

This was my present from my parents. A Tiffany & Co Necklace with Mother of Pearl. Absolutely LOVE it, and have worn it every day since! I love Tiffany too and this necklace completes my collection, ring, earrings, bracelet and now a necklace... no harm in having more in the future too!!

So Saturday we all went in to London, found our 5* Hotel, The Park Lane Hotel, dropped our bags off and went out shopping and went and found the club we had a table booked in for for tonight. Met my other friend in London, did a bit more shopping and went for a cheap meal at Pizza Express, which I got a free bottle of Prosecco with as it was my Birthday! Not doing bad so far for my Birthday hey!

After dinner, we rushed back to the hotel to get ready, us girls need plenty of time to get ready!!

We had three rooms between 6 of us, but our room (mine and Gina's) was the biggest, with a King size bed!

We were all ready and set to go to DSTRKT!

We got to the club, were seated at a table with a huge bucket, with a 3 litre bottle of Ciroc! All the mixes were beside it, all for free! Well, it would be rude not to drink it!

Next thing, we are getting UV VIP stamps! I even got a birthday shout out from the DJ! Ah all this for free! Amazing! Okay, so it hit 3am, and it was time to leave. We left, and headed straight to Mc Donalds... as you do! We walked back to the hotel and everyone came to our room and we all ate our Maccy D's together! Haha...

It's safe to say we were all rather tender in the morning... and looking through the photos we had taken might explain why! (These are my pictures, the other girls haven't given me their's yet..)

This was our Promoter that sorted everything out - Hezron

Hezron messaged me during the night we were out but I didn't read it, only read it in the morning, asking if we wanted another bottle of Ciroc... good thing I didn't see it really, we wouldn't have made it out alive I don't think!

So Sunday was a lazy morning, long brunch at Pret and then the rest of the afternoon was shopping! We can all say we spent too much on shopping! After two of my friends made their own way home, the rest of us 'quickly' visited Victoria Secrets, hour and a half later we went home. I made us all a dinner, Fajitas, helped with out hangovers for definite! After that we watched 'The Butterfly Effect' - amazing film, and then went to bed, which was much needed at 11pm!!

It's safe to say it was a mad weekend, we barely stopped!

Sad to think this is my last week of work/home before I go back to uni... barely seen my parents this summer due to working back here in Suffolk, which really upsets me as I am so close to them, but I guess it's all part of growing up!

Thank you to everyone that wished me Happy Birthday and to all the girls for traveling so far to be there on my Birthday! Much appreciated and loved spending the weekend with you... fair to say I need a few days off now to recover from being on the go so much, but I'm back in Suffolk working! Where did this summer go, I've not had a break and straight back into uni...

Definitely would say make the most of everything to everyone... honestly, my Mum always said to me when I used to say 'I can't wait to be 18' etc not to wish my life away, well I was 18 three years ago, and I haven't a clue where the time has gone.

Don't wish your life away. Make the most of every minute!

Crystal Pink Nails

As some of you are aware it is my 21st Birthday tomorrow! Eeek!

I spent literally, no jokes, two days, on Pinterest and Instagram looking at nail art to have done! I firstly looked at birthday nails, with little cupcakes on etc. But then decided I wanted something a little more classier than that!! So I looked at some crystal nails... I also had to consider what colour to get done... as seen as I have ordered 4 dresses, as I'm not sure which one I liked more, I had to take into consideration how my nails were to go with one of these dresses.

Here's what I had done!

Essie 'French Kiss' Pink Polish with Crystals.

Autumn is creeping upon us!

September is my favourite month, not only because it's my birthday month, but also because I love how the season changes, although I have enjoyed this summer's weather, an actual summer! This seasons fashions are all amazing, so much tartan garments I have fallen in love with!

Shop window change day! How we manipulate the space to sell our products.

So it's the final week of the sale before we reveal our A/W 13 range in store. Amanda is on holiday in France this week (her third holiday this summer since I've been home!!) and so Nic did the window today! 

As we are edging into Autumn we thought we should have the window colours a little autumnal. Now shoe seasons are later than clothes so, in shops you have your A/W clothes ranges in already, and have been in since August, but for shoes they don't come in till September time.

I've started to see some of the new ranges come in to the shop. Scarves and jewellery are here already, and the shoes are trickling in, with 3 or 4 different brands arriving at the end of this week/beginning of next!

Baby Lips Craze!

These have been all over blogs that I have been reading! I had to go out and buy some! But as Boots does, it entices you to buy more than what you need with their 3 for 2 offer. Hence why I now have 3 of these Maybelline Baby Lip Balms!

I got the flavours/scents: Mint Fresh, Pink Punch and Peach Kiss. They look great and so I'm thinking I may need the rest of the flavours now to complete my collection!

I have only opened the Mint and Pink Punch this morning and given them both a try. The Mint one comes out with a slight pale tone to it, but so so soft on your lips! Later on I tried the Pink Punch interested in whether it would come out with a pink tone, and it did, only slightly. After all, it is only lip balm!

I don't really like wearing lip balm that doesn't give any colour, so I would normal use something like that to bed just to hydrate my lips, as well as first thing in the morning.

I'm sure they will all come in useful!