Matalan SS15 Press Day

This post is long over due but I thought I'd still share my experience with you. I was kindly invited to the press day for Matalan's Spring/Summer collection, which as you can imagine I was really excited about.

The collection explored a variety of trends from tribal prints to pastels. 

I was particularly impressed with the home-wears as they looked like they could be from Next or somewhere way more expensive!

I began chatting to one of the organisers of the event about the collection and she said that the whole range couldn't really be categorised as reminiscent of any other high-street retailers- and I totally agree with this. 

 The collection had elements, such as the tribal wear which were quite similar to River Island but also contained coats which wouldn't look out of place in a Zara store.

On the whole I was really impressed that a brand that if often quite overlooked could bring out such a diverse and interesting collection, with pieces which wouldn't look out of place in some of the post prominent high street retailers.

Ellie x

I'm back.. Again

Hello everyone,

I'm sorry to say it's been weeks since I last posted and I'm very sorry about that. I have just been feeling really uninspired recently so I thought that taking a break would be best. Well I'm now back and I have some exciting posts to share with you guys so stay tuned for more! 

Ellie x

How To Keep Organised And Manage Your Time

Hi Everyone,

Keeping organised and managing time are two really important skills to have and are something I really struggle with. Recently though I have really been trying to make a conscious effort and be more organised - partly due the the approaching new year and the whole 'New year new me' cliche. There is nothing worse than that sinking feeling you get when you don't know where you're meant to be or what time you're meant to be there. Because of this I thought I'd assemble some tips and tricks I've learnt to make your life an awful lot easier.

1. Buy a diary:

Get your hands on a handbag size diary which you can carry with you everywhere. It means that if you get to work and they ask you to work a shift in two weeks or if you're deciding to meet friends it means you can always be prepared and forward plan.

2. Tidy 'your space':

Whatever your space might be, office, bedroom whatever I find keeping my space tidy really makes a difference to how proactive I am. I also find having a tidy, de-cluttered room means I sleep better? Just me?

3. Make Lists:

I am constantly writing to-do lists. Writing lists means that your day has direction but also that you are less likely to forget to do important things. It also gives you a real sense of accomplishment when you have completed a task that you can cross off your list.

4. Give yourself time:

When you have an early morning it can be so tempting to stay in bed for as long as possible which means you are then in a huge rush, resulting in you forgetting things and just generally being shaken up. If you know you have a hard time getting up then take this into consideration and set your alarm appropriately. Don't kid yourself that you can be showered, dressed and fully ready to go in ten minutes if you know this isn't realistic.

5. Pack the night before;

I recently went up to London for the Matalan SS15 press launch and because it was such an early morning I decided to pack my handbag the night before. It meant that when I was (inevitably) running late I didn't have to worry that half way to the station that I'd realise I didn't have my purse etc. Preparing in this way  means that you can put a bottle of water in the fridge to take with you so you aren't having to pay premium rates when you get thirsty.

6. Plan don't cram:

Don't agree to doing too much in one day if you know you're going to be late or it is unfeasible because this is a mega source of stress. I recently agreed to work at my two separate jobs on the same day which are in two separate locations which meant I was so stressed that I wouldn't get from one to the other in time.

I hope this has helps!

Ellie x

How I Clean My Make Up Brushes

There are many ways to clean your make-up brushes, you could buy an incredibly expensive brush cleaner or you could do this less expensive alternative.

I use Johnson's baby shampoo and it seems to work a treat! I begin by putting some in my hand, running the brush under luke-warm water and swirling the brush around in my palm. When the water begins to run clear I give the brush one last rinse before lightly squeezing out any excess. 

In order for the brushes to not loose their shape I find it best to balance them off your desk so you don't have one squished side. 

And there we go! Clean brushes which if done in the evening should be ready for you to use the next day.

Happy cleaning,

Ellie x

REVIEW: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation

Hi Everyone,

I discovered this foundation after permanently borrowing it from my mum. I have to say I was initially put off by the products name 'double wear'. I was imagining a cakey and heavy base but after some online investigation I was interested to learn if this foundation lived up to all it claims to be.

The foundation is oil free which I love because having combination skin I hate the concept of my skin looking greasy. The coverage is said to be 'sheer to medium' now ever I would say it is more medium but is easily build able with-out looking really cakey. Despite its SPF content I find that it is really bendable and leaves such a lovely natural finish.

This foundation really is a god send, I know that with a sweep of powder I can rely on it not to make me shiny and I have found people have been complimenting me more on my skin's appearance. I'm not sure if it really lasts 15 hours because, to be honest, I never wear my make-up for that long- but I do know that its staying power through a day of wearing has been really good.

I know I'll be wearing this foundation well into the winter months and beyond- a firm favorite.

Ellie x

REVIEW: Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleansing Balm

Hi everyone!

This product featured in my recent September favorites but I thought I'd go into a bit more detail about it because it really is fab. I went to a Lush party recently where you basically learn more about the products and you go home having made your own face mask. It really was so much fun and this was one of the products we used to remove our make-up before sampling some of the masks. 

I like to take a small amount a dot is all over my face, and with gentle circular movements break down my make-up. I was so impressed with how well this worked on removing my Benefit They're Real Mascara, a product which is notoriously stubborn to remove. Once i look sufficiently like a panda I get a damp muslin cloth and remove the excess oil and the result is clean and hydrated skin. I find the hydration part really important as a lot of cleansers can be really stripping. 

I'd consider my skin to be pretty normal to combination so I don't feel really greasy after using the product. I can imagine if you are very oily that maybe you should steer clear of this product and use a gel or cream cleanser as it does leave a bit of a residue.

This product has become a firm favorite in my routine now as it works wonders with removing my make-up and has really no scent at all- I'm sure I'll keep repurchasing. 

What do you think of this product?

Ellie xx

Make-up Revelation: The Double Cleanse

Hi Everyone!

As a product fanatic I am always looking to give my skin a good clean in the morning and evening for many reasons, prevent clogged pores, break-outs .. You get the drill.

I was doing a big of research into enhancing my skin care routine where I came across the concept of double cleansing. At first I was thinking, hang on this is a waste of product but upon trying it out for my self it has been quite a revelation. 

Even after cleansing once that there may be a bit of make-up or residue left on the skin, therefore cleansing twice insures optimal cleansed skin. I have been using a oil based cleanser such as the Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser followed by my Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser and I have really noticed a difference in how clean my skin looks and feels. 

Why don't you give it ago?

Ellie xx

September 2014 Beauty and Random Favorites

Hello Everyone! Here are some items I have been enjoying throughout the month of September.

1. Essie Nail Varnish in Luxedo

This is such a gorgeous shade! A really deep cherry red, which in some lights looks black. I'm sure I'll continue loving this shade as we move into the winter months.

2. Lush Instablur Cleanser

This cleanser has become a staple in my night time routine because it is so nourishing. I massage the balm to remove my make-up- even tough mascara is no problem. I then wipe it off with a muslin cloth and wet my face slightly to remove any remaining oil.

3. The Body Shop Mango Body Wash

I cannot get enough of the smell of this body wash. I love it when you use a shower gel/ body wash which has a lasting scent, especially one as delicious as this.

4. MAC Lipstick in Peach Blossom 

I have been on a search for my perfect nude and I think I may have found in in peach blossom. Funnily enough I wouldn't say this wasn't a peach but more of a slightly brown toned pink.  It's SO beautiful.


5. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I won't go on about this one because there must be thousands of reviews about this product. Believe it or not I've never actually owed a concealer because I don't really have problem skin but I have started getting a few spots recently and decided to take action. I've really been enjoying using this and setting it with my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and I know it won't budge.

6. The Divergent Trilogy

These books were recommended to me by a friend as I really enjoyed the Hunger Games Trilogy. The second book was by far my favorite and I really enjoyed these action packed stories.I didn't have the 'I can't bare to put this book down' phase which I did with the Hunger Games Trilogy but for lovers of that series I think this trilogy will attempt to fill the void left on completion of the Hunger Games.

7. Topshop Mom Jeans in Black

A classic, flattering shape which is quite simply an everyday favorite.

8. Sam Smith 'In The Lonely Hour' CD

I don't think this CD is a 'monthly favorite' more a 'life favorite', I adore Sam Smith. In this album I have found near perfection. My only one issue with the album is that my favorite song called Nirvana is not included! Such a shame because the rest of the album is SO amazing.

9. Waitrose Homous

A bit of a weird one but I thought why not! I adore this stuff and it is THE nicest homous around and I feel I can say that because I have tried a lot.

10. Cinnamon and Rasin Bagel

My family have never actually been bagel people but these were quite a revelation. They are so delicious for breakfast with a light spread of butter. I love anything cinnamony so these are right up my street.

I hope you enjoyed this post :)

Ellie xx

REVIEW: Empress Nails

Hello! I picked these nails up in my local Boots because I adored the pattern. I had never worn fake nails before because I have never seen the point really especially when I enjoy painting my own nails.

With an antiseptic wipe included and easy peel off backs application was very easy. However, I have quite small hands which meant that I didn't use the biggest nail size because it looked ridiculous.

-This was taken after a few days of wear hence why the nails tips are turning white-

I put the nails on and proceeded to cut them down as they were way too long. I cut the nails down to pretty much my natural length leaving them to look like nail stickers rather than fake nails which suited me more.

What I have found difficult is doing anything with my hair as it gets caught in gaps around the edges of the nails. Maybe this is because I didn't stick them down properly? But I can imagine them being a bit impractical.

Having worn them for a few days I have received many compliments on them and I do really enjoy the look of them but it is difficult to find outfits to go with them because they are so bold!

Have you tried these nails before?

Ellie xx

LFWEND Day 1+4 AW14

Hello! Here are my Days 1 and 4 of London Fashion Weekend. I can't remember if I said but I wasn't able to attend all the days due to work commitments but I had a great time nonetheless.

For those of you who don't know London Fashion Weekend is an opportunity for the public to get a taste of what it would be like to experience London Fashion Week. When you buy your ticket it usually encompasses three things; a tote bag, shopping and a catwalk show. Having been for two years the tote bags are honestly SO worth it and the catwalk and shopping are something special.

Arriving at London Victoria..

I began each day looking around the shopping areas. There were some beautiful pieces, in particular the Celine leather and Vivienne Westwood scarves really caught my eye..

As mentioned above the beautiful Celine leather pieces..

Burberry Trench *swoon*

I had never heard of this designer before but the collection was made up of some amazing, glamorous evening wear such as the lazer cut piece seen below

I fell in love with this shark tooth ring and may have made a purchase..

These flower garlands were so pretty for a festival or garden party. The traders are always really knowledgeable and were showing people how to do some really chic hairstyles with the bands.

Coat-Next

Top-H&M

Jeans- Topshop

Shoes-Birkenstocks (obviously)

Sunglasses- Topshop

(Sorry no outfit post for the other day but I wore pattern trousers from Mango, Birkenstocks, an over-sized white shirt from ASOS, pink coat as seen above from Next and a Vivienne Westwood necklace)

On Sunday I went to the Trend Catwalk show which was really great. The show was split into four trends; One and Only, Candy Crush, Jungle Fever and Fairy Tale Ending. I particularly enjoyed Jungle Fever with its palette of greens and and animal prints.

To finish a very exciting day I headed to Starbucks for an Iced Mocha.

I had a really great time at London Fashion Weekend. The whole event is such an enjoyable experience, I'll booking a ticket for next season!

Ellie xx 

REVIEW: Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser (Normal/Combination)

As you know from my other Liz Earle review, I am a huge fan of the cleanse and polish. Because of this, I had high expectations for this product. Unfortunately I was left quite disappointed. This one was specifically for normal/combination skin- brilliant I thought, this is the exact category my skin falls under. I found this product didn't skin into my skin very well and was far to rich to go under make-up.

I tried applying at at night, but when I woke up my skin just felt really greasy. Strange when this is mean to be for combination skin. Also I'm not a huge fan of the smell so that has kind of put me off this even more.

Sorry Liz Earle, I am a lover of the cleanse and polish but sadly this product just didn't do it for me.

Have you tried this product? What do you think?

Ellie xx

REVIEW: Pitcairn, Chichester Festival Theatre

I was given the opportunity to go and see Pitcairn and review the show at Chichester Festival Theatre. I love Chichester as a town for super shopping but also love the theatre and I have seen many great shows there.

Pitcairn was in the Minerva Theatre, which is smaller and more intimate than the main theatre. The show portrays the colonisation of a remote island called Pitcarin by a group of mutineers lead by Fletcher Christian. Their aim was to escape capture by the British Navy and to establish a new utopian society based on the ideology of their leader that all men are equals. The play is a grown up Lord of The Flies, and because of this the outcome didn't really shock me.

The men were not alone on the island. They had brought over five Fijian women, which made for crude comments and sexual references throughout. I'm not a prude by any means but I don't think these references added to the plot.

Chichester Festival Theatre is right to push theatrical boundaries, but it has to be with a play worthy of this. I think it is encouraging to see more abstract theatre being performed, but I did get the sense that the plot had sort of run away with the sexual references which is a shame as the story is so famous. I always enjoy the experience of going to the theatre, the atmosphere and the staff are always so welcoming. It's just a shame the show didn't quite live up to my high expectations.

Ellie xx

P.S. The ice-cream at Chichester Festival Theatre is so yummy- the coffee flavour is just perfection.

Exciting Announcement!

I'm so excited to say that I will be at London Fashion Weekend blogging! Literally a dream come true- anything to do with fashion week is amazing so I'm really looking forward to going.

For those of you who don't know LFWend is open to the public, so people who haven't been lucky enough to get a personal invite to a show at the actual London Fashion Week get the chance to go and have a look round and see a catwalk show. I went last year and had a really great time so I can't wait to go again :)

Expect my next post to be very fashion based hehe ..

Ellie xx

Book Review: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky

Oh my where to start with this book. This book is honestly my favorite book of all time. It is simply fantastic. I haven't seen the film so I have yet to compare the two but I really help the film does the book justice.

(P.S how cute is the cover art?!) 

The book is written though a series of letters written by Charlie to a person who the reader only sees addressed as 'Friend'. Charlie is a freshmen starting College but has been struggling after the death of Aunt. He is an introverted and character but he makes some good friends who take him on a journey of self discovery through the maze of adolescence. Through these letters the reader learns all about Charlie's life, his friends, his family and his teachers.

The book is far from your average high school tale and contains an almighty twist which will leave you stunned. I believe this is the type of novel which will transcend time, it is applicable to those of all ages, to anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in. 

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ellie x

REVIEW: Decleor DD Cream SPF 30

Hey guys, here is another summer favorite I have been enjoying. As you know I am a huge fan of SPF but finding a dencent SPF to either wear under make-up or which doesn't give you a weird sort of white cast on your face can be not only difficult but expensive. Yes I know this is a DD cream, another twist in what seems to be the ongoing production of alphabet products .. BB,CC, DD .. EE?! But I really do think this one is pretty special.

Now this product is by no means cheap but it has 100% mineral UV screens and is of an high SPF indensity so would only really be needed in the summer months or times of intense sun exposure, meaning that a cheaper product with less SPF can be used in the winter. 

The formula is quite liquid and slightly tinted, although this tint converts into any coverage on the skin. Unlike other tinted products which contain SPF the DD cream glides really nicely over the skin and doesn't clog pores and cling to dry patches. It is sented which for some may be an absolute no but I actually really love the smell, It's almost slightly sun creamy so very reminiscent of holidays.

I found this product worked well undearneath my Bare Minerals mineral make up which was really all I wore thought summer. The product claims to leave skin looking matte, something I would dispute. I would worn people with really oily skin to maybe steer clear as it might make you look very shiny but for others I think it would work really well.

If I was lucky enough to have gone away to some hot and exotic location this product would definatly have been in my travel make-up brand. The slight tint and the high SPF rating really makes it a summer make-up bag staple.

What do you think? Have you tried this DD cream? 

Ellie xx

Applying to University

So you have made the decision to apply to university. Maybe you still aren't sure about what you want to do and just want to see what's out there, or maybe you know down to the exact moduals you want to take. Either way applying to University is very stressful. Trust me I know from experience. There are so many things to think about; what could I see myself spending three years of my life studying? Where do I want to go? What do I see as being achievable goals for my grades and what the bloody hell is UCAS?

This is 2/2 posts on Universities. I hope it answers some of the questions I wish I had been able to ask when I was applying to Uni earlier this year as I know the season of applications is fast approaching. Unfortunately I can only speak on behalf of the UK's application process to Universities in the UK as that's all I've done.

Firstly the whole application process for University goes through a site called UCAS which processes every applicant's application.

The whole process I roughly split up into a number of stages:

1. Deciding on a subject or subject field you'd like to study.

2. Register on UCAS and begin filling in your details

3. The hardest part- Begin writing your Personal Statement

4. Choose the 5 Universities you want to apply to

5. When all has been checked, and double checked press submit and wait for those offers to start rolling in.

1. What at school really floats your boat? Do you love poetry and reading books or do you love physics and the way the world works? There are so many courses out there there is something for everyone. Some courses allow you to combine even the most unlikely subjects so really have a good think about what you consider spending three years of your life and spending thousands of pounds doing .

2. You've decided and you are going to study History and Politics because you have a real interest to further your knowledge in both of those areas. Now you need to register on UCAS, if you don't do this then you can't apply to University so its fair to say its a very important step. One of the major parts of your application process is to fill in your personal details. This step takes a while but it is important that everything is correct. If you're unsure you are filling in something correctly, speak to a teacher or someone who deals with University/Higher Education and careers at your college.

3. This step is by far the hardest part. A good personal statement will help you get a place at your first choice  University. But a great personal statement could save you if you miss the grades at your first choice. This is your chance to really sell yourself- not boast, but highlight why you out of all the thousands of applicants are the most suitable for this course. What work experience do you have which you can link to your course? What has been your favorite part of your college syllabus and link it to your degree course. What further reading have you done around your subject? I think I may do a post just on writing your personal statement because there is so much I could say!

4. Where do you want to go? It's a hard decision to make but you are able to apply for 5 courses. I would say take a long, hard look at the grades you are expected to achieve. It is good to have aspirations but don't be delusional. It makes no sense to apply to Cambridge if you are expected to get CCC. Its harsh but true and ultimately just leads to a wasted application and disappointment for you. What I will say though is DO NOT base your choices on League Tables. League tables can be misleading, make sure you are doing to exact course you want before looking at the Uni. Think about it, yes it sounds great if you can say you are going to one of the top 3 universities for your subject but if you hate the course it is just not worth it.

5. When you have completely filled in all your personal details on UCAS, you have written a kick-ass personal statement and you have chosen 5 Uni courses your are really excited by it is time to press submit and let the Universities do the hard work.

When I applied to Uni I was one of the first people in my year to receive all 5 of my offers purely because my application was in so early. I truly believe that getting your application in early, with a good personal statement is really key.

GOOD LUCK!

El x

To Go Or Not To Go? The University Debate

The time has come. As gradually students are going back to school and college one of the big decisions you have to make is not long off. Going to University is a big decision and a huge investment. For some there has never been another option and have always known that university is the thing for them. But for others who aren't quite so lucky or certain about their position the whole concept of university is, to say the least, daunting.

It is so hard to know if university is for you. Even people who were 100% sure they were going to university have been known to drop out because they hate their course or their uni or their housemates. 

If you are having this doubts, as I did myself, something I found really helpful was to make a table of pros and cons. By writing out all my opinions about University or 'Other' I was able to see what I was leaning towards. Here are some general example which maybe you could ask yourself.

UNI:

- Could Uni help my chances of a better Job when I leave? 

- Despite the debt it's something I've always wanted to do and I'm very motivated to study a certain subject in further detail.

- The social aspect really appeals to me, living away from home and meeting new people is a huge part of growing up 

- If I don't go I feel like I'm missing out.

- I don't really know what I want to do in terms of a job so having three years to figure things out will shed some more light on what I really want to do.

OTHER:

- By getting a full time job I am stepping onto the career ladder.

- I'm saving myself the huge debt that comes with Uni, money which I could put towards a course or starting my own company.

- As I'm not a particularly academic person I think I'd benefit more from an internship.

- I've never been that keen to go for social or academic reasons.

- I'm not particularly motivated to keep on my academic learning. I'd rather learn through experience.

Ultimately though only you can make the decision. It's so hard but don't be pressured into applying by school, parents or friends because you are the one who needs to pass the exams, something you won't do if you hate it. But also be wise about your decision. For some careers a degree is important to factor that in when you are making your decision. 

Ellie xx

London Trip: Jersey Boys

A few weeks a go a very food friend and I went up to London to see Jersey Boys. A show we had both been dying to see. We had such a lovely day just browsing around and I know I'm only young, and I have by no means visited a huge amount of cities but I think London will always be my favorite city in the world. I just love the vibe and the concept of a fast paced metropolitan life style really appeals to me.

Our first point of call was to go to the Hummingbird Bakery in Soho. I have been before but my friend Nicole hadn't so it was a long overdue visit. I had a really yummy Red Velvet cupcake which I did enjoy despite it being quite sweet.

We spent the afternoon pottering around we went down to Covent Garden and had a walk around there. I don't think any purchases were made which is certainly rather unsual. I think the majority of our money went of food which is pretty typical.

We couldn't decide where to do for dinner but we were rather taken by the look of Jamie's Pop-Up Diner which was only round the corner of the theatre. I had a chicken burger with extra avocado which was really nice but nothing like as good as GBK. 

After we were suitably full and had some time to kill we decided to walk back towards Covent Garden as on our way there we had seen them setting up for the Inbetweeners 2 premier. It was quite an excited atmosphere but nothing like how I imagine the premier of say a Harry Potter or a new Hunger Games film would be. We didn't see anyone of any real celebrity apart from Craig Davis who plays the headmaster- he is so tall! 

We then made our way to the theatre and found our seats. Of course I couldn't take any pictures in the show but it was SO good. I had the most amazing time, all the songs are just classics and I think I had pretty much heard of all of them! 

If you are in London definatly go and see the show it really is fab.

Ellie xx

REVIEW: The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector

Hello everyone! Instead of doing an August Favorites I thought I do some individual product review as that means I can go more in depth about each product.

Although the summer in England hasn't lasted very long and is pretty much over, I still enjoy wearing my sandals. As you will have noticed from my OOTDs my Birkenstocks regularly feature and they continue to be my favorite purchase of the summer.

But, when wearing sandals a bit of foot maintainence is pretty vital so hence why I have been loving the Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector.

The cream is very thick and is slightly green in colour. I first generously applied this too my feet after an evening in heels and went to bed with it on. In the morning my feet were so soft and moisturied almost like having a mini pedicure. The heels of my feet, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, can get quite dry but this foot treatment has meant that dry heels are a thing of the past! Despite how much I love it I'm not a huge fan of the smell- when applied though I can barely smell it. I think it just comes down to personal taste and I know some people who adore the smell of hemp.

*Just a quick side note on the topic of feat. I had my toes painted with a Shellac varnish in a beautiful slate grey and I have to say I've been really enjoying it. The varnish hasn't chipped despite being about 3 weeks old and is still so glossy. I guess the only real disadvantage to Shellac is that it is a nightmare to take of so I'll have to report back to that one. 

So, I'd highly recommend this if your feet are long over due some TLC following a night out or just to treat yourself on a night in. 

Ellie xx

London Trip: Brick Lane

Hello Everyone! A few weeks ago my friend Liviy and I decided to go on an adventure. Both of us had always wanted to go to Brick Lane market so it seemed to be the perfect place for go. Unfortunately we were going on a Sunday when there were a lot of disruptions to the train lines which meant by the time we got there it was pretty much ending.

Before heading into the actual market we spied an undercover vintage market. We were so excited and proceeded to go and have a snoop around- we weren't disappointed. It was full of awesome clothes records and jewelery and we probably spent a bit too long there. The one issue I do have with vintage and pre-owed good stalls in these types of settings is how over priced things are. The idea of pre-owed and up-cycled goods is that they are cheap for savy shoppers and thrifters. This really is an illusion since looking 'indie' has become actually pretty mainstream and with stores just as Urban Outfitters setting the benchmark for this type of look these products are now in line, if not more expensive than brand new clothes.

There is some seriously tasty looking food at this market.. 

Again we spent too long in the Vintage market so all the food stalls were shutting. Luckily we were able to track down a Wagamama where we had such a nice meal. I particularly recommend the Yasai Pad Thai!

We then finished off our meal with a milkshake. It just so happened that on this Sunday GBK were doing milkshakes for £3. I had an Oreo milkshake and it was honestly the best milkshake I've ever had-putting other milkshake chains to shame!

We decided to then take a trip to Oxford Circus for a quick browse before getting a train home. All in all a very successful day!

Ellie x

Check out my last post which featured Liviy - http://thefashthreads.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/my-tedx-story.html

Glorious Goodwood: Ladies' Day

Hello! On the 31st of July I went to Ladies Day at Goodwood Racecourse with my Mum and a few other family members. It's so much fun, although it sounds like the most middle class thing ever I assure you it isn't. With tickets starting at £16 and under 18s going free (although I never notice many children there) you really do see people from all walks of life attending.

Tom Cruise was there! I did actually see him in real life but I didn't have time to take a picture (btw he is SO short in real life!)

What I really love though is seeing what people are wearing. Now I am by no means a clothes snob but there really are some questionable dress choices with women wearing heels that they can barely walk in- and that's just walking into the entrance gates! Having said that the majority of the people that go do make an effort and look really nice and I, personally love the formality of the occasion .

Model Edie Campbell looked amazing in her Vivienne Westwood jersey 

The Winners Enclosure

I highly recommend going if you are in the area as it really is great fun. I would say there are a few things to know when going to the races:

1. Bring any sun protection stuff- Hat, sunglasses, SPF, the lot. You don't realise how much time you're actually spend in the sun and you don't really want to end the day looking like a lobster.

2. Either wear comfortable heels or flats. There really is no point in wearing uncomfortable heels, even wearing shoes as fabulous at Louboutins, you look somewhat less fabulous if you wince every time you tread.

3.Don't go too OTT with the betting. Yes it is fun but it can be incredibly expensive. Remember gambling is a fools game, the winning streak never lasts.

Ellie x

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/home.aspx Not sponsored, just keen ;)