To Me From Me.

Amongst the manic of Christmas shopping I may have treated myself to a few things. To me from me right? I wont bore you with all the stuff im putting on my face, but just the new stuff which I think is pretty great. 

I just picked up an Anastasia Beverly hills glow liquid highlighter in the shade Perla, its currently being sold in my local tkmaxx (£5.99) which just made my day. Its described as being a white champagne gold which is what I look for in a highlighter as it suits my skin tone best! I found it best to dab on with a sightly damp beauty blender and before I set my under eyes, otherwise I worry it might not sit on the skin nicely. Also popped a little bit of powder highlighter on to make it pop that extra bit.

I have always been a concealer person I am always trying concealers out, trying to find the best consistency and coverage. Maybelline Fit me concealer seems to be the best of a bad bunch I’ve recently tried. Cheap, and a good amount of coverage for everyday wear.

During Black Friday I grabbed the Fenty Beauty Lip paint in ‘Unbutton’ I’ve heard great things about Fenty’s lip products so picked up a nude shade because I don’t have enough clearly. This shade is perfect, works really well with an everyday look but also has the longevity to last a long night! Really easy to put on, and looks great with a warm eye look.

So if youre heading over to Tkmaxx to do some last minute shopping or Boots make sure you keep an eye out, swatch the Fenty lip paints for sure! And if you dont grab the ABH Liquid Glow you will kick yourself.

Ellie x

June To-do

I recently saw a few other bloggers write a to-do list for June! And I thought it would be a great idea for me to do the same. Whilst we are ten days into the month I still thought id write down my goals in the hope I follow them!

May was not the best of months for me and I’m determined to move forward and make sure I really look after myself in the next few months. 

It’s the first full month off of uni since finishing my third year and I feel relief like never before, there are things you stop doing when you get super busy with deadlines like self care days or just having a proper clean and organisation of your room. 

July is pretty exciting for me and lucie (my bff and house-mate) we get to move into a new house!! So my first to do of June will be to get ORGANISED in order to make the move as less painful as I can!  Ebay is on the agenda in order to downsize a bit more before we move! So I’ll be doing that for the next two weeks! 

The next thing will be self care! A lot of the time I look after myself by working out, I often spend the time in the gym writing more to do lists and reflecting on things! Because of uni and a little mental health holiday I’ve taken a step back and I am SO ready to get back in the gym. But I also find the gym a great way to switch off! I often just go to spinning and just go for it and not think for a while! It makes you feel physically and mentally refreshed! 

Another thing I want to do in terms of self care is BLOGGING! Sometimes it gets to a point when you’re so busy with the rest of life that I can’t spend the time writing posts! But I love doing it and I really find that it’s great for my wellbeing to get my thoughts out and use my brain in a way that is reflective and thoughtful! 

So whilst I’m the gym the next week or so I’ll be compiling a list of blog posts to write!! I’ve got a research based one on the works which is deffo going to be finished soon.. she says.. as well as wanting to do some more makeup ones as I’ve got a few new pieces I wanna review! 

So overall my June to do list is to: 

• Organise and pack up my stuff for the move! 
• Focus on the Gym. 
• Write more blog posts! 

Life currently

My third year of uni has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I have consolidated friendships, met new inspiring people, succeeded with my degree, continued my fitness journey and all in all experienced a new kind of happiness that I haven’t felt before. 

But underlying that I have been struggling, it has not all been easy. I am currently dealing with an emotion that I have never dealt with before. An emotion that seems to consume me when I least expect it. 

Grief. 

An emotion that everyone deals with in their own way. 

Whilst I am grateful for the fact that I am 21 and have gone this far without feeling this kind of pain for a loved one, it still has not made the experience any easier. I have experienced heart break, I have experienced  anxiety and now I have undergone a season of grief. And whilst all I have expressed my emotion in a similar way I understand that all have effected me in entirely different ways. 

I have learnt so much during this season, but most of all I’ve learnt that for me it was a process. I went through a period of intense denial. With living away from home I could easily shut myself off to what was happening, I had the ability to somewhat push aside my emotions and carry on. Which I did for quite a few months. Because I wasn’t living in the situation, surrounded by my family who were all undergoing the same process, I could shut it out. 

I can’t decide wether this was particularly a good way of coping or not, my focus was not on my well being more so on getting through my third year of uni. 

When I finally had was put in a situation where I had to face my emotions I continued to shut off, I came back to uni, and then I eventually broke. I remember feeling this incredible pain, and waking up for days just crying. And whilst I wasent grieving due to the individual still being present, I was grieving the inevitable. 

As soon as I acknowledged this emotion it has been more difficult than ignoring the situation. I am a particularly emotional person anyway, but recently I haven’t  been able too control these emotions. one phone call with my sister or my mum. Or simply a text could lead to me breaking down in a very public place like the library or work. THIS IS OKAY. You are allowed to express your emotions. You are allowed to feel the way you feel. 

I am now in a place where I am ready for the next stage. I have dealt with this experience very separately from my family and now I understand that that was my coping mechanism. But for now to get through this I know that this is what will make my family stronger. Do not distance yourself from the people who care the most. Because they are your biggest anchor. 

I have been fortunate enough to have an amazing group of freinds who have supported me in many ways, wether they knew what I was going through or not. Just then supporting me as an individual, taking time for me has been enough. This is where I strongly believe in surrounding yourself with individuals who take the time to be with you. Who uplift your life, who don’t bring negativity because when you are experiencing any painful emotion, people who pull you down are not the types of individuals you need in your life when your going through a hard season. Friends shouldn’t make your life harder. 

So my three points- 

• Allow yourself time to breathe, you shouldn’t go through life not dealing with your emotions or looking after yourself. Have a cry. Have a you day. You are allowed to spend a day looking after your soul. 
• Do not push your family away. It’s easy especially when you live miles away to distance yourself. DONT. have those phone calls with your mum tell her your thoughts and feelings, it might be painful, it might be hard to talk about emotions that you don’t truly understand but it is healthy. 
• GET RID OF TOXIC ENERGY. I have really learnt that negativity wether it’s people that stress you out or situations which don’t make you feel good, GET RID. Be selfish, walk away. You are doing what you need to do for yourself. Obviously don’t be a bitch about it but your emotions your well being is the most important thing. 

I actually wrote this two months ago.. and since I have had a breakdown but I have also pulled myself up and feel stronger and happier than I’ve ever felt before, with a great support system and so many exciting things planned for the rest of the year. Yes I’m still upset over losing  a loved one but I’m learning to cope with it, and learning not to take life for granted. 

I am trying to make sure that I buy more transitional pieces that make up a more capsule wardrobe. (a few of these are but a few are not because well, its summer and I love summery clothes to much)

 The first two pieces (First two on the left) I think are relatively transitional JDY pink lace Cami and the Bershka jumpsuit, as the cami can be worn on nights out whether its the summer or winter and the Bershka jumpsuit would look super cute with a white t-shirt underneath, a jumper or a big coat over top! 

However, the pink fill playsuit and the sage green jumpsuit, both of which are ASOS own brand,  are perhaps slightly less transitional, more spring summer items! But I am just loving cute frilly clothing at the moment and the colours of these two are so beautiful!

I am obviously very obsessed with shoes, due to being a shopaholic and working in a place where I am surrounded by them, so obviously had to include a few that I have got my eye one! 

I know Warehouse also do a version of these Leopard cross over sandals but I found these on Asos and I am in love. With a really simple outfit, these will look lovely but right on trend with the animal print. 

These wedges are perfect, I just love the lace up detail, but also the height of the wedge is spot on. I had my eye on some Carvela ones but these with the discount work out so much better value for money! 

 I also love a cute espadrille, whilst I can't quite afford the Chanel ones (as much as id love them) these Asos pretty pastel pink with metallic toe are still really lovely. 

I obviously had to include a bodysuit and this one is not only a bodysuit, but its also my favorite colour and one shoulder, which I am OBSESSED with. This Boohoo pink bodysuit ticks all of my boxes and the material is described as 'bandage' so I know it's not going to be cheap looking! 

Another off the shoulder top, this Asos One shoulder Lilac crop top is a super lovely colour and would look perfect for nights out or just with blue mom jeans in the summer! 

Finally, yet another bodysuit but its halterneck! This Newlook Bodysuit looks lovely paired with shorts (as seen on the model) but also, of course, mom jeans and skirts it would look cute with and the fact that its halterneck just screams summer to me! Deffo a must have for this season. 

I obviously have so much more in my saved but these are some of my favorites! Hopefully, you can pick up some of your saved items with the discount code, save yourself some money and add to your summer wardrobe!! 

Gender Equality.

Today a committee of women met to discuss the Biarritz partnership for Gender equality. Where they discussed a legislative package is in favour of gender equality and woman's rights. 

It first appeared on my Instagram timeline when Emma Watson posted an Instagram story of her attending the meeting as the UN goodwill ambassador. I have previously been inspired by her speech from a UN event in 2014, that she has delivered on these topics, addressing issues that I believe can not be spoken about enough. 

I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.

No country in the world can yet say they have achieved gender equality.

The entirety of the speech is so powerful (linked here) and thought provoking. And its because of Emma that i am aware of these plans for legislative change on gender equality. 

The G7 Gender equality Council that met to discuss this Biarritz partnership are focussing on three gender specific priorities-

1. Ending sexism and sexual violence against women
2. Supporting access to education for women and girls 
3. Facilitating women entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. 

The instagram for this committee is very thought provoking and if you have time check it out (@women7official) but i thought i would post a few comments that feature

Support, The empowerment of Adolescent Girls, particularly in terms of health, education and violence prevention. 

Promote, Women's economic EMPOWERMENT, considering all their diversity and access to decent work. 

I think it is very easy to forget the rest of the world, when right now I do feel although I have not been personally effected by gender inequality, to the extremity that others may have.   HOWEVER that does not mean it is not happening and it does not mean it will never effect me. 

Not going to lie but when I saw Emma Watson story of this event I felt incredibly naive, I personally find it very easy to get wrapped up in my own life, my own 'bubble' and I forget that as a strong women i want to be apart of this. I realise as a 21 year old student there is only so much I can do, but in the simplest way I can do something . My blog which I use as a platform for my thoughts but also really I want to educate people on, if I can inform more people who may not have known or don't entirely understand the climate in terms of women's rights and what is going, then I will further the cause that bit more. 

But I also realised that its all about empowerment and looking after our fellow sisters around us. Making sure that we build each other up, look after one another and stand by each other in situations! I am not a Feminist that goes as far to dislike men, I believe that we should be acting this way to every human being! Everyone should be treated with the same respect and equality regardless of gender or diversity. But the recent events of this G7 gender equality really stuck out to me and girls and boys we need to make a CHANGE. 


A few articles in you want to read more! 

I recently stumbled on an amazing informative article on the The Gender pay gap written by the independent, if you want to read more.)

10 best countries to be a woman, 

2018 Womens Leaders review 

''once you start replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results''

I don't know if I would call myself a pessimist or an optimist but I know that there is is a big difference in my attitude to life when I have a much more positive view.

I have had a lot going on in the last few weeks that could have really pulled me down, but I have noticed that instead of dwelling on it too much (I have had the odd bad day- but I am human haha) I have subconsciously tried to push through. My coping mechanism is often to think of all the positive things in order to prevent negativity. Because being negative is exhausting. It's like my mum has always said to me that if you keep speaking bad things over yourself you will only receive negativity.

I may not always be the happiest of people but I am a strong believing in saying good things over yourself and over situations. Affirming what you want in order to keep you on track.- sometimes I am rubbish at it and I ring my mum up and she does it for me, but that is beside the point haha

Thought I would list some of the things I try to say to myself regularly..

'Today is going to be a great day'- I try to say this first thing in the morning. Setting the tone for a good day, I really try to make the most out of every single day, As I talked about in my blog post ''does this support the life i'm trying to create''  if you tailor each day to doing something you enjoy that is beneficial for your life, you had a GOOD day. No matter how small the task was, you did it, you had a great day.

'I've got this' - Something I probably say to myself or my friends constantly every single day. I especially think that at uni I feel its very easy to get bogged down by the stress of writing a ridiculous amount of essays. But instead of stressing and upsetting yourself really you just need to be like 'I've  got this.'

'I can do anything I set my mind too'- I also talked about this in a recent blog post on confidence, but again I think it is completely relevant. I have often been in situations where I have been unsure or nervous always say this. It is important to remind yourself that you can do anything. You are a strong capable human and if you want to do something you will do it.

'I love and respect my body' -  I began saying this once I started my fitness journey. Our bodies go through incredible things, we should respect that. No matter where you are in the process of loving your body, you should respect that your body has got you this far. I may have days where I really do not like the way I look but then I acknowledge how far I have come. It is the same with everything you have to focus on how far you have come and realise that it is all a part of a journey.

If you google affirmations you can get pages and pages of posts writing about the 101 affirmations to say to yourself, whilst I can't personally think of 101, just 4 hahah. I think they can be useful to just sit and look at, chose one a week. Or like I do, find a quote on Pinterest and save it as your lock screen- mine currently is 'remember why you started' then every time you look at your phone you will see it and subconsciously say it.

I think everyone should make more of an effort to be kinder to ourselves, affirm positive thoughts over yourself. Being negative is exhausting so if we can be positive and say good things over ourselves we should!! and as the title says

Once you start replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, youll start having positive results

Print Picks

Recently I have been really into the trend of prints-  snake skin, leopard and polka dots in particular!

I think that prints are the perfect way to add a bit of variation in your style, I know that I am always guilty of wearing very repetitive outfits but adding in a more statement piece like a polka dot headband (I managed to get mine from Primark and I cant stop wearing it!) or a printed bag can really change up your look! 

I thought I would share them incase anyone is looking for some inspiration for their wardrobe. 

1. Leopard print midi skirt This is one I have saved in my Pretty little thing basket but I have also seen a few beautiful variations on Silk fred- Slip skirt and Wrap Skirt. Skirts are such a versatile piece to dress up and down, wear with a basic t-shirt/crop top and trainers for the day or a cute bodysuit at night and a pair of heels for the evening! A great piece if you are looking for something that you will get plenty of wear out of. 

2. Topshop Phython skirt. - Another skirt I am loving! seen it on instagram, and they do a shirt version which also looks amazing on!! 

3. Snake print wrap blouse I have been eyeing this up for ages, the way the model is wearing it looks great, but would also look lush with black boots or little heels! Pretty little thing do amazing shirts, and wrap shirts are always super flattering! 

4. Polka Dot dress. This dress stares me in the face every time I am at work, its a beautiful rust/red colour which may slightly be out for this season but the style is classic and I am sure theres plenty of other versions out there in the wide world of fashion. 

5. Polka Dot crop top, Everyone knows I love pink, and this is definitely one of the my favourite picks from this post. My sister brought it a few weeks ago and facetimed me with it on and I fell in love. It looks lovely styled with blue mom jeans and I think its perfect for the upcoming spring/summer weather! 

6. Snake Print Carvella Bag This bag is just beautiful, and its a great size for a small day bag and nights out. Carvella and Kurt Geiger do a few different Snake skin bags including a more boxy version and a more pink neutral toned style. 

7. Snake print flatforms- These are definitely on my wish list for summer outfits, I think they would look amazing for beer gardens and festivals. They also come in a few other colours if your not too into the print (Red and Tan). 

8. Snake print white trainers. So I've got these! Currently wearing them for my work uniform and I love them, they look great with just jeans, cant really go wrong with a white trainer! I have seen many instagrammers, including Jessica Skye wearing a chunkier version which is also really on trend at the moment!  

9. Leopard print black Sandals. I Love this style of heel/sandal, I wear my Topshop nude ones to death  when I am out for drinks so cant wait to get my hands on these! I have found a cheaper version on ASOS by New Look which I think would also look lush! They are such a wearable heel, a daytime shoe but also look great for nights out if you don't want to spend your evening hobbling about in pain from 6inch court shoes! 

If anyone finds any other picks that they are loving I would love to see! 

''Does this support the life I'm trying to create''

Over the last few years I have really learned how to truly love myself. How to take time for myself. How to be kind to myself when I need to be. How to push myself when I need pushing.

I am the most motivated and happiest I have been in the longest time. And recently I have been focussing on the idea that life is not just about living everyday and making it to the weekend. It is about utilising everyday to reach your goals. Hello October a Youtuber/instagrammer recently posted a quote as part of her 'motivation Monday' where she puts motivational quotes on her Instagram story, this is one that really resonated with me:

Get in to the habit of asking yourself: ''does this support the life I'm trying to create'' 

And it struck me that if you can do one thing a day that either adds to your happiness/personal goals or your future life/career then that day is a good day. (but also if you didn't and you took a you day then thats also okay because that is a lesson in itself)

I think when you're in education especially it is hard to get out of the bubble, you are continuously doing the same things day in day out and it can become repetitive. But if you can focus your days on achieving things that in the future you can be proud of, then you are succeeding.


But not everyday is about succeeding, some days you need to just stop and let yourself breathe. I am the worst for not allowing myself time to breathe, often I keep going until I burn out, until I am ill or until I break. Sometimes it takes my friends to tell me that I need to stop and sometimes my body gives in. But accepting that not everyday you have to push yourself, is good. We are humans, not robots. No matter how much work you have to do, or how long your to do list is. Stop. Breathe. even if you give yourself a couple of hours, get a coffee, go for a walk, work out, have an extra hour in bed. DO NOT punish yourself for it because YOU NEED IT.

Going back to the quote I mentioned before, ''does this support the life I am trying to create'' I think you can ask yourself this about anything that you are doing. There was a time when I would hide away, be anti social, being sad and upset, hating myself. That was not supporting the life I am trying to create, what I am doing now, working hard in the gym, smashing uni, surrounding myself with amazing friends, and blogging about things I think are important, supports the life I WANT.

I truly believe that if you take a second to think about how far you have come and appreciate what you do have, the outlook that you have on your life will be increasingly positive. There is no point on dwelling over things that will not matter in the future, as yourself ''does this support the life I'm trying to create''. 

On a side note- in this journey I have really noticed who I am surrounded by, and the amazing men and women who are at my side. I have a best friend who until recently was doing two jobs on top of university, a friend who is Vice President of an amazing society that encourages empowerment and confidence (Women in Work), an Amazing friend who runs her own business! As well as so many other people in my life who despite already doing so much, want to do MORE. They are my inspiration, they are the people who have a positive impact on my life. They are the people that constantly remind me to spend everyday appreciating what we have and with hard work what we can achieve. Surround yourself with people who have a Positive impact on your life. 

Wishlist.

1. Grace Fit ankle straps. 
2. HOH tortoise heel shoes. 
3. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear foundation
4. Sarah Knight 'You do you'
5. Carvella 'Celina' bag
6. Pretty little thing Grey sweatshirt. 
7. Glam Glow Thirsty mud mask
8. Fujifilm Instax 

Confidence.

I recently attended an conference held by an amazing society called ‘Women in Work’. The conference was on Confidence and 4 guest speakers shared their stories and thoughts on confidence within both the work place and for women in general. I came away feeling so incredibly inspired and motivated. And thought I would highlight some of the key things that I have taken away from the event. 

I feel like everyone struggles with confidence in their own way, mine is the fact that I constantly try limiting myself. 'Glass Ceilings' is something I really have struggled with. And for a long time I have restricted myself in the fear of not succeeding. I didn’t study law at university because I didn’t feel I was smart enough. I didn’t continue with dancing because I didn’t think I was good enough. 


I’m always putting that glass ceiling on myself and doubting my ability to do well. I still do it now, everyday when at uni, comparing myself to others who do better than me. I will say to myself no there’s no point. It’s a constant battle that I am even going through as I write this.  I have been placed with opportunity on my blog to further it in a way that I have always wanted to but the last 2 weeks all I have told myself is why should I because It will never be as good as others.
 
But I hadn’t even realised what I was doing? What’s stopping me from trying? Why do I not have enough faith in myself that I can do it? Because I know that everything I have done relating to my blog I have enjoyed, shouldn’t that be what its about? Enjoying what you are doing, being passionate about it and going for it with all your all. 


One of the guest speakers from the conference talked about this and how once she stepped out of her comfort zone and did something she really really wanted to do she had never felt so proud of herself. This really resonated with me. I sat and thought to myself I am more than capable? I got to uni! I just finished my 10,000 word dissertation and it was the most amazing think I have ever written – in my opinion haha. 

I think sometimes we place these limitations on ourselves, and every time our brain tells us ‘you cant do that’ ‘you’re not smart enough’ ‘who do you think you are doing something like that’ it eats away at our self confidence, when really we should be questioning these thoughts, and chucking them away. 


My mum has always said to me:

You can do anything you put your mind too.  

It has been constantly drilled into me, when I was a child, when I was struggling with my A-Levels and even when I broke down a month ago over my Dissertation. I have always said it to myself but never really sat and been like Ellie You can do anything you put your mind too. Because you can, if you believe in what your doing and your passionate about it you CAN do it. If the only thing stopping yourself is you, then you really need to question why!

The guest speakers spoke about alot of other aspects of confidence. But this is what really hit me, the idea that in alot of situations the only person stopping you from doing something you want to do is Yourself. and that is wrong, because you should be your biggest supported, grab every opportunity, if its what you want You go for it! 

'Women in Work' are holding another conference on Success in a couple of weeks time and I would strongly advise for anyone to grab a ticker, whether you feel like you need some motivation or just fancies coming to listen to guest speakers!

Dior and the 1947 'New Look' Femininity, Austerity and Independence.

The V&A is currently showcasing Christian Dior's famous dresses and styles in an exhibition labelled ''Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams''. Amongst those being the iconic ball gown that Princess Margaret wore for her 21st Birthday.

This particular dress embodied the style of the ''New look' a dress released by Dior in 1947. It was as style that was both adored and seen as controversial. Its two main criticisms being that it was seen as overly feminine and too luxurious.  In my studies of Dior's New Look I focus on the idea that it was seen as reflecting a more traditional and 'backward' style of dress. The more structured style was associated with a the Victorian fashions and was very different from the freeing styles that had previously been worn, for example Chanel's 'Ford' dress. The flapper fashion of the 1920's seemed to project the idea of an emerging modern women, whereas the New Look was believed to be reminiscent of a 'caged bird attitude'. [1]

The structure of the dress itself, I argue, could be seen as a reflection of society at the time. It presents a more maternal and feminine style of clothing. Highlighting the perceived role women were supposed to have following the war. 

‘’Dior’s creation remoulded the female form. Straight lines and angles gave way to softly curved shoulders and hour-glass figures nipped in by corsets, uplifted by pointed bras and padded out by crinolines. The emphasis on breast and hips seemed to accentuate woman’s fertility, suggesting that their social role from now on would be reproductive rather than productive.’’[2]

Elizabeth Ewing’s book Fashion in Underwear looks at the ‘waspie’ and how it was worn under the New Look in order to create the hour-glass figure that the New Look required. They were used to make the waist narrower and accentuate the wearers hips. Creating the perfect womanly silhouette.[3] 

However it could be argued that the New Look was worn by individuals who were independent and didn’t resemble a ‘cage bird attitude’. [4] The lavish style enabled women to act confidently, Jess Berry argues that the abundance of photographs of women dressed in Dior’s collection, in magazines and advertisements, links women to the narrative of their presence being affirmed outside of the domestic sphere. Therefore, suggesting that the New Look went beyond the 19^th century ideals it was associated with. [5]

The New Look was released at a time when both Britain and France were undergoing a period of austerity due to the impact of the war, and the New look which required metres of extravagant material, was seen to 'kick austerity in the teeth'. [6] However, despite its over expensive style and against the wishes of politicians, who wished to keep to more regulatory fashions, like the Berketex range created by Norman Hartnell for the Utility campaign,  the Royal Family were captivated by the opulence and femininity of Dior's dresses.

In Autumn of 1947 Dior showed his collection in London, where the clothes were secretly shown to the Royal Family.  Princess Margaret in particular was captivated by the romantic style of Dior's dresses and it sparked a love affair that 'elevated the New Look to the status of 'by the appointment to the Queen.' [7] Their relationship continued so far so that Dior designed Princess Margaret’s show stopping dress; an off the shoulder white organza dress, decorated with mother of pearls. 

Dior has gone on to influence many other leading women in their fashion, including more 21st century figures such as Megan Markell, whilst the simple black dress is no comparison to Princess Margarets 21st gown, it shows how diverse and revolutionary Dior's as a fashion house can be. 

I have not yet been to see the exhibition featuring the beautiful designs including Princess Margarets ball gown. But the pictures all over instagram have me green with envy and I would suggest that anyone who has an interest in fashion and Dior get themselves to London before it ends! 

For other interesting articles on Dior and other designers, Suzy Menkes has created some amazing posts for Vogue. 

[1] Pearson Phillips, ‘’The New Look’, in Sissons, Michael and French, Phillip (eds.), Age of Austerity:1945-1951 (Oxford University Press, 1963), p.131. 

[2]Pam Cook. Fashioning the nation: costume and identity in British cinema (British Film institute, 1996),p.53.  

[3] Elizabeth Ewing, Fashion in Underwear: From Babylon to Bikini Briefs (Courier Corporation, 2010), p. 115.

[4] Pearson Phillips, ‘’The New Look’, in Sissons, Michael and French, Phillip (eds.), Age of Austerity:1945-1951 (Oxford University Press, 1963), p.131. 

[5] Jess Berry, The ‘New Look’ Woman in the City and on the Street as Represented in Fashion Photography, The Journal of Fashion, Beauty and style, Vol 4, no.1, pp.1-18 (2015),p, 3. 

[6] Elizabeth Wilson and Lou Taylor, Through the Looking Glass: A History of Dress from 1860 to the present day,(BBC Books, 1989), p.148. 

[7] Marie France Pochna, Christian Dior, The Man Who Made the World Look New,(Arcade 
Publishing, 1996). p 195.

Blog Update

My dissertation is finished and submitted!

Whilst I still have another 6 assessments to finish I am looking forward to not having the continued pressure of a 10,000 word long thesis, weighing me down.

Now that I have more time on my hands I thought I would just discuss my future plans for the blog.
I have been thinking about taking a slightly different direction for a little while and incorporating more academic/research based posts. As some of you may know I study History, but my field of interest is Fashion and Femininity/ Gender relations.

I really love doing beauty and makeup posts but alot of the time I am reading really interesting academic pieces which might be of interest to others. So I thought my blog might be a good platform to start sharing my knowledge!

I recently wrote a post for my uni 'Mad or Bad' Criminal Lunacy In Britain blog, discussing puerperal insanity.

You can check it out here!

I will also in the near future be posting a pdf of my dissertation which discusses Femininity and Androgyny in clothing, looking at Chanel's 'flapper' style and Dior's New Look. It might not be everyones cup of tea but in case it is or can help anyone else with their studies I will make it available to read!

I have a few ideas of future posts, but thought I would start with one on Princess Margaret and Dior! Looking at the iconic dress from her 21st birthday!  Thought it would be an interesting one to do seeming as the V&A museum is currently holding an exhibition featuring the dress and many other Dior designs.

Watch this space!

My Fitness Journey.

A little unsure as to how comfortable I feel about posting about something that I have really struggled with over the years.

BUT I think part of the process is about acknowledging your journey.

Do you ever just think that you are just going through life but not really living? I felt like that for such a long time, I got complacent in a long-term relationship which led to me becoming a completely different person. And it has taken me a long time to come back from it, but I finally feel at at a point where I love myself again.

The last 9 months I have been really pushing myself to put myself first in all aspects of my life.

Along with the mental changes the main achievement I am proud of is my weightless journey which over the last 9 months I have lost over a stone and a half.

For the longest time I didn't recognise myself when I looked in the mirror. I was so ridiculously unhappy with the way I looked. I would cry endlessly over my personal appearance, not able to even contemplate that I would ever be me again.

And whilst I have lost a lot of weight the main part of my journey has been to love myself. I feel like I have such a more positive state of mind, in everything I am doing. I feel so much more motivated with life.

I have a very different attitude to the the gym, I now see it as a lifestyle which is something that I feel has made a major difference. I no longer see working out a chore, I cant wait to try something new out, or add more weight on to my deadlifts/squats, or run for a few extra minutes.

In terms of weight I can honestly say I think I have been my biggest and my smallest. When I first began my fitness journey in 2014 I was so skinny it looked unhealthy. I was obssesed with running I would run sometimes twice a day, eat the smallest salads, be really hard on myself. I had a really negative mindset I was so anxious and stressed all the time so I turned to controlling something that I knew I could.

I hit my largest point and was very unhealthy and had a very poor fitness level- despite still working out (very minimally). But now I have found a balance, where I enjoying pushing myself but I also understand that I am a human being and I will never be perfect. It isn't even about weight anymore, it is about being strong, healthy and happy.  Yes I still have further to go, I dont particularly like certain areas of my body.  But everyday I am in constant awe of what my body can do. Therefore I respect that its a process

Its not a quick fix, its a lifestyle.