Longbeach lovin' - Uni portfolio prep

I'm definitely sad to be back from South Africa, especially with this grim weather! But while we were away I managed to get some of my portfolio prep done ready for sending off to one of my uni choices. 

Staying in Kommetjie defo worked to my advantage as the setting of  the beach is stunning! Plus my sister has done some photography work before, so hopefully i've got some good imagery to send off!  

I'm completing 3 mini projects for my first portfolio, and these photos are for my Monochrome project. I haven't yet chosen my final 2 photos, but I thought this was also the perfect opportunity for a different outfit post. 

The outfit I styled was inspired by a Polyvore set I created, for each project I am styling a page of 6 Polyvore sets to show inspiration and my thought process.

I absolutely love the idea of layering pleats. So I actually paired my Topshop bralet with some H&M shorts I got a few years back. The shorts actually look like a pleated mini skirt, plus they're sparkly which is very cute. 

This post is defo different to my usual composition, I usually try to show how I incorporate Alexandra Fullerton's approach of using a background which work's with the styling, whereas for this I went for something completely contrasting. Trying something so different was really fun to shoot, and I got some very funny looks at the beach! 

Some of the images aren't so flattering, but I think it was necessary for the entire look to work. Shooting from below was something I was super unsure of - everyone know's its probably one of the worst angles, although it gave some of the best outcomes for showing off the clothing. 

I wasn't originally planning on wearing sunglasses, but the light was so bright because the sun was setting that I didn't have much choice. Hair and makeup really wasn't considered as much as I would have liked, if wearing this out I would go for a slick top knot or relaxed curls sweeping over the face! (Thought i'd give an option for an updo or having it down) Simple makeup including a strong matte lip would look fab with this, matching with a thick feline eyeliner.

 A clutch works so well with this, especially my fave holographic one! It caught the light perfectly and adds an extra element of glam for a night out! Keeping to just 2 accessories is one of my fave pieces of fashion advice; pairing my clutch with some simple bracelets as an arm cuff gave a bit of an edgy vibe without looking too glitzy. 

Simple chunky shoes really worked with this, even though they weren't ideal for standing on the sand! 

When I did my first uni application update I had received 3 portfolio viewings/ interviews, but while I was away I got my final 2! Blogging has definitely helped me to put ideas together and inspired me to work even harder, so thanks to everyone who reads on a regular basis! 

Outfit details: 

Bralet- Topshop, 

Shorts- H&M, 

Shoes- New Look, 

Bag- Topshop, 

Bracelets- H&M, 

Sunglasses- Topshop. 

Happy new year! How I spent my nye

First of all, happy new year everybody! I know it's a bit late, but still; I hope you all had a fab start to the year, and even a cheeky nye kiss!

This nye was very different for me. Usually me and my parents spend it at our family friends having a few drinks then stumble home after midnight, last year I spent it with complete strangers who all spoke Afrikaans - not so great! But this year I spent it with two fab guys from SA, who I actually met through social media, in Cape Town at a street festival.

 

I was smart enough to wear flat shoes, which allowed me to dance the night away (not so well).. and strategically planned ahead by taking a jumper that later came in handy as a blanket!

As Pendulum's DJ set began I was definitely excited for the countdown to the new year, I made so many changes in 2014 and couldn't wait to begin a new year. Definitely surprised as the clock struck midnight (the first time - on one of the guys phones) and I got my nye kiss, even more surprised when the actual countdown began and I then got another kiss!

After midnight is a bit of a blur, shots of tequila are not my friend. Confused to say the least, when I woke up in the morning laid across the back seat of the car in my bra with my dress almost around my waist (so classy).

Chapman's peak is the most beautiful place I have ever been to, so I was very happy to drive past it there and back from the party. Although being completely hungover, and standing freezing cold in my bra wasn't how I pictured revisiting my favorite place!

I can't really complain about new years day though, as I got to spend it in 26 degrees at long beach.

I've sucked so bad at keeping up with outfit posts while I've been away but I wanted to show you all this fab bikini top I got out in SA at Cotton On. It's actually a bra but feels just like bikini fabric, and looks exactly like a Triangl bikini! There was sooo many colours to choose from and even other styles similar to Triangle.

The bottoms aren't the ones I bought over here, just some H&M floral ones, but they match perfectly!

 

After everything I went through and experienced in 2014, i'm super up for what is coming my way this year. Starting my blog, and applying for university has seriously boosted my confidence and helped me to start changing myself for the best. My friendship with Flo has become more of a sisterly relationship and I couldn't live without her! I have 100% began to take care of myself a lot better and done exactly what I wanted for myself which I hope to continue in the future.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my blog so far, I couldn't have kept it up without you all. Super excited for bigger and better things this year! 

This is South Africa

This post is super super overdue! Sorry! I've been so busy in SA with family and friends that I kept pushing my blog to one side.. But finally I'm back and ready to show you all what I've been up to; a personal post about how I've spent my time so far in sunny south Africa.

For anyone who doesn't know, me and my parents are spending a month visiting my sister and nephew. They live just below Cape Town in a village called Kommetjie - famous for it's surfing spot Long Beach. This is my second South African Christmas/ new year, and I wouldn't change it for the world; 32 degrees on Christmas day 100% beats an English Christmas.

Fish Hoek is defo my fave beach in SA, so I convinced the family to have breakfast there the day after we arrived! Syrupy waffle with ice-cream + chocachino = heaven. Everywhere you look in SA is either mountains or sea. (Or both!) 

The first few days we spent on the beach, seeing dad's old friends and eating out a lot! Over here they have Marcel's frozen yogurt, which is literally amazing! So we had to do a trip to the mall to get our fix - Nougat fro-yo with fudge crumble! 

                        

     

We then spent a day at Imhoff Farm, where I could have held a snake - obviously never going to happen! But instead got to pet all the bunnies and rode a camel (Random I know). This is my nephew Aya btw; by far the cutest guy ever.



After our first week we did a road trip to Montagu, where we're currently staying at Avalon Springs - a natural hot springs resort. I never expected it to be as insane as it is, we have a mountain chalet with a private jacuzzi, BBQ and sun lounger area. Why would I want to spend Christmas any other way??

This is the private pool for people staying at the resort, it's around 37 degrees (not even the hottest one) and has a cocktail bar right next to it - perfect. Separated by a fence are 5 more pools which day visitors are allowed to use, plus a waterslide going down the mountain side. 

Obviously I had to include a cheeky leg selfie! I'm having the best time ever with my family, and I hope everyone else is feeling the same! I was very lucky to get my Reading festival 2015 ticket bought for me as my main present; so I have to thank my number 1 reader,  my mum, and of course my dad.

Merry Christmas everyone!