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. 

My guest post on The Coral Diaries blog

Me and Coral Baker (the-coral-diaries.blogspot.co.uk) have written guest posts for each others blogs! Both will be posted later today, make sure to check both out!

Lace & leather

Today I wanted to mix two of my favourite Summer/Autumn looks-  considering this transitional weather. I was super surprised, maybe a month ago, when I managed to find this stunning eyelash lace bralet in the 'last chance to buy' section of Topshop. I spotted it online a while before but they never had the white in my size.. being my favorite clothing colour I decided it wasn't meant to be. Seeing it was my size I realised it was fate and obviously had to get it. It can be matched with so many different things and colours which makes it fab for any season; as it is also layerable. For work I paired it with a pleather pencil skirt from H&M which can be dressed up or down really easily. The zip details at the front give it a little edge without becoming too much of a statement.

My absolute favourite staple are my mega cut out boots from Topshop: they're white, go with everything and are so comfortable to wear. They add length to your legs with this skirt and match the bralet to tie the outfit together.

Taking the weather into consideration I also went for my black fluffy cardigan from work, it could also be worn as a jacket depending on your outfit which makes it diverse. If you're not too keen on bralets you can find eyelash lace tops all over at the moment in different colours and styles, similarly with the skirt; you can find different lengths or even go for pleather trousers/ wet look leggings to get the same look.

Bralet: Topshop, Skirt: H&M, Shoes: Topshop, Cardigan: Jane norman