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. 

Day to night

Since the weather is getting colder and many of us are starting to go to festive nights out, I wanted to show you how simple it is to update your daytime look ready for an evening out.

Choosing staple pieces is essential in pulling this off; you need a great dress or top and bottoms which can be easily accessorised. I went for a cute floral see-through top and a pair of patterned tailored shorts. Mixing patterns/ textures is one of the best trends going as long as you get it right - using prints which match in different colours or clashing designs which compliment each other. 

Adding a leather jacket and chunky boots, which match one of the garments, is a great way to add something to your day-time look. The leather jacket is a great choice for AW and can be made girly or edgy, depending on your preference. 

I love my Topshop jacket because of it's details - the studs give it that extra biker element, whilst still looking super feminine. It can also be worn with the night time look because of the colour and cut! 

Adding a statement necklace is one of the easiest ways to dress up any look! I chose this one due to the different layers and textures - it stands out from my outfit, but matches the look perfectly!

Adding heels is definitely the most obvious way to transform your look from day to night! these velvet ones with gold mid-heels look fab with the necklace and match the jacket; pulling the whole look together! Black tights are optional, but i'd definitely recommend based on the temperature! 

A great hair-style to wear all through the day is soft curls; they can look really effortless during the day, and super glam at night! (Just make sure you use plenty of hairspray!)

All clothing from Topshop, Shoes and necklace from H&M.