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 ;)

REVIEW: Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

I was recently given this scrub for my birthday after some less than subtle hinting. I don't know why I was attracted to it but I think it was something to do with Origins' great reputation when it comes to skin care mixed with my need for a new face scrub.

Firstly it smells amazing- it has an 100% natural essential oil blend of grape fruit, lemon and spearmint which is probably why it's SO refreshing.  Although this scrub is exfoliating it isn't too abrasive, lightly polishing dead skin away to reveal a lovely clean complexion. It also lathers really well and doesn't leave my skin really dry.

It contains energizing Panax Ginseng and Coffee Bean which have radiance boosting properties and I have actually really been noticing this. I find now my make-up applies really smoothly and, like I said before, the added radiance makes my complexion look really 'glowy'. It is quite expensive but if you are looking for a good, reliable scrub and cleanser this is the product for you. Just thinking about it, as it is a 2in1 product it isn't actually that bad price wise so now you have no excuse ..

Ellie x

Book Review: Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson - No Spoilers

Hi everyone, I picked up this book at the station when I was waiting for my mum. I can't remember why it caught my eye but I think I had read a review on it and thought it sounded interesting so I decided to pick it up.

The book revolves around Christine, who looses her memory every time she goes to sleep due to an incident which happened years ago. Everyday her husband Ben has to re-tell her who he is, who she is and some rough details of their life together. Christine is called by Dr Nash who reminds her that she has decided to keep a journal of what happens on each day (the book is written in this journal format) in order for her to read this document every time she wakes up to refresh her memory.

It becomes apparent that the people around her aren't being entirely honest with her and could be hiding important truths from her. I liked the way the book is written, the emotion is raw and I really did sympathise with the vulnerable Christine as she attempts to piece her life back together, often finding out painful details which would be easier for her not to know. Through-out, I really had no idea which characters were to be trusted, because of this I felt the reader shares Christine's frustration as she attempts to navigate her memories.

I definitely recommend checking it out if you want to get into crime thrillers or if you are looking for a book to really get your teeth into.

They are also turning this gripping tale into a film starring Nicole Kidman which I really hope does the book justice.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9QNAJm8E5g

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-I-Go-To-Sleep/dp/0552164135

El x

My Topshop Inteview Experience

Last Tuesday I went for an interview for a huge new Topshop store which is opening near me. I was so nervous but something which really put my mind to rest was reading online about other people's experiences. From what I have read online the interview process varies from store to store. People who have applied to the Oxford Circus Flagship report of having to have about three rounds of interviews. I can't comment on this because I didn't have to do any of this but I thought I'd share my own experience.

About a month ago I decided I needed a job. I went around an area near where I live handing in my CV hopping that I would get called to an interview. I went into the Topshop store and handed in my CV to a really nice guy who said he'd put it on file. I was pretty certain my CV would go straight in the bin, not because he gave off a careless vibe but because a store like that must get so many teenagers like me handing in their CVs that I quite honestly didn't think I had a chance.

3 weeks later I received a call from a woman saying that they had my CV on file and would I be interested in coming to an interview. I was so excited that I got the call I nearly forgot the time and location! It's difficult because they call you on either a 'Blocked Number' or a number which says 'No Caller ID' - make sure you answer the phone because I very nearly didn't thinking it was spam.

On the Tuesday I turned up to the interview about 20 mins early and just waited outside as other applicants gradually appeared. There wasn't really any ice-breaker activities which I was relieved about because that sort of thing makes me really nervous. The interview was split into two stages a group styling task and a one-on-one interview. For the group styling task we were given a customer profile and had to choose an outfit from a rack of clothes provided. I think the outfit must be fashionable and as long as it fulfills the brief and you can justify your decisions when you present it to the group you should do well.

I didn't feel that there was anyone in particular who dominated the group, which is lucky because I had read some real horror stories about this online. They are interested in how you interact with others and how you listen to other peoples opinions and that you have suitable fashion knowledge.

The big issue: 'What to wear?!' People on the whole were pretty casual I though- some too casual in my opinion but I think you need to come and express your own individual style. I wore my black Topshop Mom Jeans with a black leather belt, a black and white striped cropped top a white blazer and my Birkenstocks. My make-up was pretty minimal with a statement lip and my hair back in a messy bun. I accessorised with an orange bag and understated silver jewelry.

The one to one wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and I was put totally at ease by the lovely woman who interviewed me. Just be yourself, be smiley and enthusiastic. She didn't ask me any curve-ball questions only the standard, 'Give me a scenario when you have helped put money in the till' and that sort of thing.

Topshop interview toptips:

1. Arrive 15mins early. I heard they have a policy of not letting anyone in even a minute after the interview start time so don't risk it!

2. Don't talk over people and at the other end of the scale don't not participate at all in the group styling.

3. Know your Topshop collections/trends and general knowledge of the company, just in case you are asked any questions about it.

4. Remember to bring a copy of your right to work in the UK ie Passport. I was amazed at how many people forgot this and it is literally the first thing they asked for as we walked in so it really doesn't give off a very good impression at all.

5. Make polite and engaging conversation with the other applicants because they are always looking at how you interact with others.

6. Don't worry about wearing something from Topshop. If you can discreetly encompass it into your look then go for it but the likelihood is they won't even realise - I mean have you seen how big the collection is?!

Most importantly enjoy it. For a fashion lover like me it was my dream job opportunity and I think that showed through. I actually really enjoyed the whole experience and in fact, yesterday, I got a call saying I had got a part-time position! YEY!

Hope this helps anyone going for an interview not only with Topshop but within any store!

El x

Selling NYX in Next .. Wait What?!

Dear Readers, I confess that I have been an awful blogger over the past few weeks posting a grand total of zero posts but that's about to change. I intend to up my game and blog as regularly as I can starting with this post. Yes I know this is a bit of a different post but I have some wisdom to share. I was in Next looking for some shoes for work when I stumbled across a cosmetics stand...

I was amazed. I had always been under the impression that NYX wasn't easily available in the UK and in a place where I quite frankly least expected it, there it was! I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have the Soft Matte Lipcream which I have been dying to try but they did have a good variety of matte lipsticks which I felt it was my duty to browse.

I came out with a matte lipstick called 'Shocking Pink Rose Intense' a bit of a mouthful but it really is a shocking pink. It's sort of a bit like MAC Candy Yum Yum but a bit less neon I'd say. So far I'm loving it, the pigmentation is fab and it isn't too drying like other matte lipsticks.

I'd advise you get down to your nearest Next ASAP as the secret won't be kept quite for long!

El x

P.S I guess I was too in shock to take any pictures so I've left a link to the lipstick from the Next website :)

http://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-category-cosmetics/brand-nyx

OOTD 03/08/2014

This skirt was an absolute bargain from Urban Outfitters, only £4.50! I don't think the girl at the check-out could believe it! Also it isn't as short as it is in the photo, its a mid length pencil skirt. The cut is very elegant but the faded grey and the rips give it a really edgy look which I love.

I picked up this top from H&M in Rome. It's a sort of crop top but it is a pretty descent length which I like because I defiantly couldn't get away with a tiny crop top. I also love it with my Topshop Mom jeans. 

Skirt- Urban Outfitters

Top- H&M

Saucy Saturday: Thai Green Curry

Something a bit different I know but I fancied making something and I figured why not blog about it. I was roughly following a green curry recipe but I added extra vegetables just to be a bit healthier. 

The recipe is pretty easy so i'm not going to go into detail as to how to do it. Basically you mix up the curry paste. Add it to the coconut milk and add the vegetables and chicken and your ready to go. 

Chopping everything up .. 

I chose to use these vegetables but by all means shake things up and use something different

(Big love for the NutriBullet)

 Browning the chicken

Remove the chicken and then add the vegetables

Add Coconut milk & stock

Add the green curry paste

Heat up some rice and serve!

I actually forgot to photograph the end plate because I was to busy eating it .. Ooops .. 

El x

OOTD 01/08/2014

Happy August! Here is my OOTD. Slightly smarter than normal, probably because of the blazer.

Blazer- Mango

Vest- River Island

Jeans- H&M

Shoes- Birkenstocks/Office

I adore this blazer. It is actually part of a suit! It's such a crazy pattern, I've never seen anything like it before!

Just a close-up of the amazing print!