Short dresses and oversized shirts and the summer styling essentials I love. Wearing these combinations to help me pretend in somewhere in Spain or Italy soaking up the sun. Instead of in Bournemouth applying for graduate jobs.
Shoes – Gucci (vintage) Dress – Tesco | Shirt – Ralph Lauren (mens) Bag – Thrifted
The art of the ‘put down’.
It comes in many forms. If you are about to graduate soon (Monday 8th, anyone?) Then you will be applying for graduate jobs, left right and centre. I’ve finessed my CV, have previous experience, am a really hard worker that goes above and beyoned. Yet I’m not getting an interview or even a call back. I get the standard. Thank you for applying we have moved to the next stage of hiring, your application was not selected at this time. No, Dear Amelia, sorry but we aren’t interested please consider applying again in the future. The art of the put down has never been so biting. A generic message saying No. A slap in the face might have stung less. ya know?
The art of the ‘rise above and keep going’.
With no, after no you really do feel disheartened and it’s hard to keep going. But you have to realise no one will just give you a job you have to prove that you are worthy of it. If anyone is reading this and is in the same boat please don’t give up. Go back into education if you want, intern and get more ‘experience’ apply for something a little outside your field. Go for it with gusto and passion and I’m sure some company somewhere is just waiting for you. If nothing works book a holiday, learn a new skill, find a hobbie.Get your hair dyed. I got my roots touched up and I feel like a new woman. Take your mind away from applying for jobs and live your life for a while.
Style.
I’m not sure what made the photos more perfect, the fact that it was Golden Hour or that we were by the seaside. This little shoot was taken on a date to Weymouth with Hayden. I love the confident Hayden is getting in taking photos for me. The less standing and posing the better. I’m not looking for family portrature in my photos more candid fashion moments that work with the camera and the location. Don’t you think we are getting better at taking photos together.
Trainers and T – DNKY | Button front trousers – Primark | Rainbow hoop earrings – New Look | Bag – Zara
I have been meaning to get back into blogging now that university is over, but oh my the break has been amazing. I thought I would start my return by styling this little shirt dress from Zara. It’s in the sale. But there are loads still in the Bournemouth store if you are interested. The pattern is very 60’s inspired which is great for my personal tastes. The dress comes belted but I took it off for a more ‘house dress’ style look. Wore pearly hair clips for a more glam aesthetic and metallic heeled sandals. The bag is another Zara find that I am loving. I am so passionate about colour and this that a vibrant wardrobe is a key to fashion happiness. Wore this whole look out to get supplies for dinner and got a compliment and was asked if I wanted to skip the queue.
My return to blogging and The Curly Haired Girl has sparked a lot of creativity within me. I am looking for more interesting locations and trying to not always wear jeans and T-shirts. This newfound creativity will hopefully bring some exciting content and great imagery to TCHG.
Dress- Zara | Bag – Zara | Shoes – Clarks (old season)similar here, here, here | Hair Clips – Amazon
Oh, brother, I’m in love with the pearl clip trend. Back in my early school days, I was a fan of an obnoxious clip. These clips are perfect to relive my 13-year-old life but also be a grown up sassy boss lady. Pearl clips feel super chic, so I’ve been wearing them to work to feel more put together.
Amazing Zara peplum blouse with beautiful cuffed sleeves. It’s all I’ve been wearing this past week. The detailing and attention to detail. Sometimes Zara really pulls out a few pieces each collection that are truly quality and look more premium. Styled with a pair of brown checked high waisted trousers and Gucci slippers.
Clips – Amazon | Blouse – Zara
Since I was a teenager around 13 I think I’ve been on a mission to know my self-worth. I have come to understand that you, yourself define it. You aren’t defined by the choices you make. That guy you shouldn’t have dated, those bad late-night decisions. What you matter to people, it all means nothing. Within your mind, and body and soul is where your self-worth lies. Self-worth plays into imposter syndrome, especially in consumer/influencer culture. Not feeling worthy of attention, acclaim, opportunity etc, is a common theme in peoples lives. It’s possibly easier to think you don’t deserve a promotion, or the job you want, the house you dream of the significant other you long for. But, and here is the but, you do. You deserve anything and everything you desire if you work for it. If you put in the hours, you will gain the reward, and when the reward comes, TAKE IT!
I often don’t go for things because I feel like I’m not worthy ( insert Wayne’s World clip), don’t give myself up to the opportunity because there will be someone better, that can do better than me. But no one will be able to do what I do, do what you do. We are unique and will fulfil opportunities that are right for us. We will thrive in work, and in play. But it’s up to us to know that we can, to know our self-worth. I’ve finally understood that I’m “a catch”. No one can be a better version of me than me. You have to all really know that, that what you want is valid and it can be yours. Which I’m fully understand ing as a 25-year-old. The road isn’t quick or easy but it is a path to your goals and fulfilment.
Shirt – Zara | Earrings – H&M, Primark | Jeans and shoes – Primark | Bag – (family gift) | Leaf Alice Band – Claire’s Accessorise | Necklace (chain -Oliver Bonas) ( shell- souvenir)
Eyeshadow and lipstick – Clinique
Floating, being interviewed for German TV, betting coffee with my 86 year old Nanny and having laughing pains all day. Just some of the things that happened to me. The Upside Down House is in Bournemouth Triangle and really worth a visit. It sparks your creativity in getting the right shots. Ones where it really does look like you are floating.
The most comfortable dress from Topshop was in the sale a while ago but Zara does similar style right now. The stretch on the neckline and waist make it so relaxed while giving you some sort of shape. Adding thermal tights, because it’s freezing living near the sea and the best ankle boots from New Look. I think everyone has these boots now, but they are such a good bootie that everyone should have them.
Dress – Topshop | Tights – TK-Maxx | Boots – New Look
A collection of haunting sounds compiled of my favourite psychedelic songs, melancholy melodies and awesome Halloween tunes. This selection have been on my play list all witching season. You might find a few that are new to you or some old favourites in the list. Happy Halloween.
Nina Simone – I put a spell on you
Lo Fang – Boris
Vanilla Fudge – Season of the witch
Jefferson Airplane – White Rabbit
London Grammar – Non Believer
LP – Lost on You
Moving Sidewalks – Crimson Witch
AG & Brad Gordon – Terrible Thing
The Cranberries – Zombie
Tamino – Persephone
alt -J Deadcrush
Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen
Cigarettes After Sex – Keep On Loving You
Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness
Pixies – Where is My Mind
Metallica – Enter Sandman
Black Magic Woman – VCTRY
LP – Muddy Waters
Stevie Nicks – Rhiannon
Black Sabbath – War Pigs
Valerie Broussard – A Little Wicked
Warren Zevon – Werewolves in London
Blue Foundation – Eyes on Fire
Anthony and the Johnson’s – Hope There’s Someone to Take Care of Me
A Giant Dog – I Come Crashing
London Grammar – Wicked Games
Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Cigarettes After Sex – Nothings Going To Hurt You Baby
Florence and the Machine – Howl
I’m always on the look out for new songs, so if you have any that you think will fit in with this theme please comment at the top of this post
The globality of the beret isn’t lost on me but I still feel that it is the most Parisian thing someone can wear. Such a chic iconic hat has to be a foundation of Parisian style. I have become quite the collector of said hat. This cute black number in a DKNY piece which I was planning to save for when we are in Germany. The colder climate and Europian architecture would look so striking in photos of my looks for TCHG. But I couldn’t resist.
Black accessories are the easiest way to create an effortlessly chic look. My dear friend Stella looks so chic in black and has such style that I’m constantly looking to her for inspiration. She dresses in a much more polished way then I do but I can still get a lot of styling Ideas.
On another note, I can’t believe I am loving red so much. What has happened to me? First I bought this delightful red cross body by Yumi then a cropped polo shirt from Tommy Hilfiger in bright red.
Coat – Topshop | beret – DKNY | Jeans – Primark | Boots – New Look | Sunglasses – Romwe | Bag – Yumi – Jumper – Zara | Scarf – Gift
Shot by – Hayden
Location – Moors Valley
I sometimes find it hard to be a personal style creator/blogger/writer/stylist, alot of my time is spent by myself and around people who don’t really understand why I’m on my phone all the time or want an outfit shot taken. However sometimes you get together with like minded people, and it’s the more rewarding thing ever, more importantly with bloggers and creators. I’ve been part of the Bournemouth blogger network for year and years and have met so many cool people that I love. Yes, I read their blogs on the regular too. Bournemouth bloggers were invited to try the new Brewhouse and Kitchen menu. Our location was, you guessed it, the Bournemouth location.
We were taken to our table upstairs , which had beautiful views of the Bournemouth at sunset. The vibe of B&K is super relaxed and quirky. With bottle lighting and cinema light boxed advertising what beer they have to offer. I think the aesthetics of a place really decided for you if you’ll be returning. I definitely will. We were greeted with a glass of prosecco, which for me quickly changed to root beer. Tara from Face the Fun ordered an actual beer which she loved. I believe Bewhouse and Kitchen craft their own beer.
I’m someone who loves a starter but can never stomach a started and a main. But can’t bare missing out a main meal. B&K have really shown me that I can have starters and not feel left out.
From the starters I tried, and believe me there were alot, the bruschetta -with heritage tomato and basil pesto was fantastic. The mini goat’s cheese and roasted shall coulis were delicious served with crostini. Two starters that you would more classical see on a menu were really delicious. The black pudding scotch eggs were so flavourful that I really didn’t taste the ‘black pudding’ element which is a relief. Of course I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention ribs. The sticky half stack of ribs – English style ale were of course the favourite. I’m a creature of habit, what can I say?
After indulging just a little too much, it was time for the mains. A plethora of different cuisines came to our table. To sample everything would have been a mammoth task. My selections were based off of what I wanted to sample and trying new things. To me a burger is pretty much a burger unless you go artisan and pay the price. For a change I tried the veggie burger with a vegan bun. Which really blew me away, the bun was a little dry but it was still so tasty. I’m sure I’d get it again next time and shock everyone with my choices.
The B&K Classic burger
The Lamb, Pea & Mint Pie. Super tasty but I’m sure I’m allergic to pea so didn’t really have that much. 
The best Caeser Salad I think I’ve ever had.
Tried the Chargrilled broccoli and Quinoa salad and don’t rate it at all. It is one of the two main dishes that are vegan and gluten free so it has it’s merits. I would have preferred it as a warmed salad.
The mother load! A full stack of ribs with mini cobs and homemade slaw. Again can’t go wrong with ribs at all, they have been made to total perfection. But skip the slaw, you don’t need it.
The veggie burger with vegan bun. It’s a stacked burger, six veggies in this bad boy. It still felt like I was eating a hearty meat burger but way healthier. Would have moved to have had the whole thing to myself and added the slaw into the burger for extra veggies and to take the edge of the dry bun.
An honourable mention comes to another veggie dish that I loved, the wild mushroom and thyme risotto that came on a butternut squash. A dish with some many of my favourite things in it. Mushroom, risotto rice, butternut squash. The squash was a little al dente. I don’t you can’t say that about food that isn’t rice of pasta but it was a little to the tooth for me. I’m used to it being mush softer. But still such a good dish, no picture because Tara had already gone to town cutting it into nine for us to all sample some.
Lemon and Garlic Roast chicken.
Our pudding taster was a chocolate and orange tart with vegan vanilla ice-cream. So delicious I personally find alot of chocolate vegan puddings very corse is texture but this was a smooth delight and the vegan Ice cream could rival any dairy one.
Thoroughly stuffed we wandered into the garden to admire the beach huts and have a group photo and of course outfit shots for me.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening with the best food, company and staff. I can’t wait to come back and try the christmas menu and maybe sample some beer next time.
Thank you to Brewhouse & Kitchen for having me.
Of course thank you to Emma and the Bournemouth bloggers for making the evening so much fun and organising everything.
You can tell it’s Autumn now, the mornings are bitterly cold. When I get up for uni my breath mists in the air in front of me, waiting for the train is torture. But it does mean I can bring out my more autumnal/winter pieces.
These amaze booties were from Primark years ago in the sale, and have lasted and lasted. The leopard coat is even older. I’ve probably had it over 10 years. OMG!
For someone who loves shopping as much as I do, you might not know that I’m reluctant to shop at the change of the season. I could buy something that won’t transition to next year or all us fashionistas will end up looking the same. There really is a fine balance.
Like my new tote bag? A massive Lulu Guinness bag for uni. Lulu Guinness is up there with my fave brands of all time. I’m a proper LG junkie. A friend of mine got to model for LG and I was so jealous and proud.
How are you preparing for Autumn and Winter? Anyone want to get a pumpkin/gingerbread latte with me?
Coat – Pussycat | Jeans – Primark | Shirt – Ralph Lauren (mens) | Boots – Primark | Bag – Lulu Guinness | Sunglasses – Boohoo (old)