Catching up with the blonde: Festival Stripes...

Hello! 

I can't believe it's already September and my crazy cram. everything. in. summer, has finally come to an end! It's been amazing, but I now find that I'm far from ready to continue my journey at university, when I head off at the end of this month.

Today's post is one of my many "oops, I meant to post that, but didn't" sort of posts. During August, I GOT MY UNIVERSITY PLACE AT BRISTOL, I went on a family holiday, volunteered at a local holiday club (involving lots of cream pies in my face), enjoying a few fab day trips, and an epic weekend at Western Park's Vfestival... so not a lot really.

 I thought I'd start off by sharing a few memories from the festival, and show you how I kept the festival look realistic - because believe me, the VIP experience is another league for the true festival experience!

Throughout the weekend, I relied on my trusty Topshop shorts and crop top combinations, to create a relaxed and effortless style. This year I also opted for a handy bum bag, rather than a rucksack, so I had more space to go crazy with my (commonly debatable) awesome dance moves. My Joules wellies made an appearance throughout the weekend, as the most comfortable dance shoes possible. I'd definitely recommend them, if your looking for a cheap option to Hunters!

On day one of the weekend, we treated ourselves with a yummy BBQ and enjoyed the grassy surrounding, that would soon become a wasteland of beer cans! Thanks to our local butcher, we had the great taste of a decent hot dog, before we fed ourselves silly on the nearby fish and chip stands! 

 

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend celebrating university places, exam results, and friendship, with some great people!

I'm hoping to do a few University preparation posts - we only get to be a fresher once, so I'm hoping to at least get myself organised for the first few weeks of term (here's to attempting the impossible).

Speak soon,

Grace x

A Summer Breeze...

Hello!

Today I've been sunning it up (or turning myself into a tomatoe) in my back garden. Like everyone else in the UK, I've been taking advantage of the lovely sun that's made an appearence during the last few weeks. As the weather was cooler today, I chose an easy summer combination to wear. 

Despite the recent heat, my Topshop summer jeans have been used no end, over the last month. My Jamie jeans fall to just above the ankle, which is great during summer, as they can be rolled up futher to create a 'I'm ready to run in the sea' look. My favourite item this summer, has to be my River Island shirt, with a beautiful butterfly pattern on it. It's one of those items you can literally wear with anything to add a splash of pattern. I wore the shirt over my New Look pink crop top. Since purchasing a few weeks ago, I can't belive how much use it's had. It's simple colour and floral patter makes a great combination with jeans or patterned skirts.

My sandals have also been a god send this year. Clarks are always on hand to provide style and comfort for every season, so my sandals have not let me down so far (and they've literally been everywhere with me)! I always think it's worth having leather shoes in warm summer weather, as they continue to keep your feet feeling fresh...that and the fact that after 4 hours of walking along the sea fron (usually too and from the ice cream parlour), i'm still blister free! But that's enough of my ramble... though if Clarks every need an official representative, you know where I am!

What I'm Wearing: Jeans - Top Shop, Clutch & Shirt - River Island, Crop Top - New Look, Glasses - Jack Wills, Shoes & Necklace - Primark.

Have a lovely week, whatever your plans.

Love
Grace x

I'm Back, and Blonder as Ever...

Hello!

In case you've forgotten me, I'm still Grace, and after a long break I'm back with my same blonde head to comment on the world of fashion, my own style choices, and what the adventures I get up to. 

During the last few months, I have been cramming revision for my final A Level exams. Part of my commitment was to put hobbies like blogging to one side, in the hope that it would allow me to remain focused (that and eat my weight in chocolate spread for "revision purposes").

Finally summer has arrived and I'm freeeeee (she says while being dumped with a massive pile of ironing), so my intentions are to restart the blog! I'll be giving you the low down on the bits you missed between exams, and hopefully record one fabulously stylish summer with you all, as I take on my last ever summer before I head off to University.

So a few things that I've been up to include... 

A final school trip with my music school to Belgium!

- This was one of the most inspirational visits, as the opportunity to sing in the Ypres at the Menin Gate Ceremony in this 100 years since the first battle, was both emotional but also rewarding in every way to see the impact it had on ourselves but also those attending. 

My school Prom!

- Yep that's right, after 7 years of hard work the school leavers ball was the perfect arrangement to celebrate the end of school. I had a lovely evening with my closest friends, who all looked like princesses! 

I got a fit?!

- A harder one to believe, but after a few months of tedious weight control and intese gym sessions, I've finally slimmed down to bikini body weight (and just in time for my summer holiday)! It's been incredibly hard, but I'm now a converted gym freak - horrah!

Last Days of School!

- In the last few days left of school, I cherished the moments by putting on my school uniform for one last time, taking ridiculous selfies and enjoying the summer concert with some great musicians I have met over the years. 

So that's all for me,  hopefullly it wont take me long to get back into blogging away my spare time this summer. So keep watch!

Lots of Love,

Grace X

A Postcard from Paris...

I'm catching up, with some photos of my one day stop in Paris last week!

If you've ever been able to visit Paris, you'll know it really is a beautiful city. There's just so many places on the 'to see' list, that it's impossible to fit even a fraction of what the city has to offer in one day. With the little time we had,  myself and my family decided to walk what we could, and take in the ambiance along the way... and what we couldn't walk we'd bus, taxi or hit the underground...However, the First rule on a visit to Paris - do not try to walk!

One of my favourite parts of visiting France is seeing historic locations (sad I know) and as France has been a popular topic in my A Levels this year, I spent a lot of the time when we were on the road in France telling my parents (or boring them) with a historic story about nearly every town we passed. As Paris is always the centre of European history, I found it was not only the shops which excited me, but the museum's and history of famous locations themselves!



That's enough of me rambling, here's some photos I thought I'd share..

Equipped for a days tourism, with my converse and rucksack, we took the 42 bus, to Eiffel tower, and I mentally prepared myself for the climb (674 steps to be precise). Although, my parents didn't make it past the first level, the view was worth the effort and luckily my own fear of heights didn't stop me. 

Even though the Eiffel Tower looks like a giant when your standing underneath, there was never a moment where I genuinely felt insecure about climbing it. There was even a cafe on the first floor - though the window seat didn't appeal to me (what with a view of the 190 feet below).

 Next it was a long walk along the river Sane, and on the way we enjoyed watching artists painting, people attaching 'love' locks to bridges and obviously eating yummy ice cream! It was worth the walk, as the bank was filled with cafes and quirky activities like a giant chalk board!

We then stopped for a picnic in one of the many beautiful parks in Paris, which admiring the views of the Art galleries and Palace. We then dashed over to Notre Dame Cathedral - which was HUMONGOUS! If you didn't know I sing in lots of Cathedrals around the UK with my little choir during the summer months so I'm quite used to the style of the buildings, but I was baffled by the scale and beauty of the Notre Dame. After we took the tube for a last minute shop (okay...window shop) down the Champs-Elysées before heading back home on the train! It was quite literally 'Paris in a day', but worth every penny to finally see the beautiful city!

As always, I've got a few TIPS FOR A DAY TRIP IN PARIS (from the blonde, who found out the hard way)...
 
1. Plan ahead - it's a big city, and you need a realistic idea of what you want to see before you step onto the caos' that is the Paris streets!
2. If you want a cheap coffee... your not going to find it anywhere near the Eiffel Tower - Paris isn't cheap so if you can take a flask/picnic, there are lots of lovely places by the river or parks to choose from. Just remember the location before you start ordering your drinks! 
3. Learn your French - In Paris, lots of people speak fluent English, but it goes along way to add a 'merci' here and there!
4. If you go by train - Keep your valuables close by, as the train station is somewhat on the outskirts of town and I had the unfortunate scenario of jitzu combating a few locals with an interest in my rucksack! 
5. Make sure you come back with your own Eiffel Tower figurine - they sell them everywhere, and although they might look slightly tacky on your bedroom shelf, it's a must have!

Just in case you were judging my interesting combination of denim for my outfit choice in Paris, I'll tell you know, it was 6:00 am in the morning when I was pulled from my bed, to catch the train into Paris. Therefore, I dressed in what I thought was sensible for a day on foot in Paris. Oh and the moustache necklace was a little extra touch, just to make me feel a little more french ;)

What I'm Wearing: Dungarees - New Look, Tie-Dye Top - Matalan, Sun Glasses/Belt/Denim Shirt - Primark, Shoes - Bank, Necklace - River Island.

Well that's all from me. For the next month I'll be up and down the country visiting lots of University open days! This time last year I didn't realise how complicated it could all be, but it's all so exciting to be given the chance to go off an study whatever you want (In my case HISTORY, as I've loved the subject since I can remember). However, the long train journeys aren't always fun, especially when your trying to do homework!

Have a lovely week! 

Lots of Love,

Sporting for Summer: Sports Direct Beachware Review...

Hello! Today's post is all about getting sporty during summer, so I hope you enjoy!

It's great to do lots of sports during your summer, especially when most term time activities aren't on during the holidays. However, one problem on holidays is that you want to by sporty and get involved in activities, but want to feel great while doing it! Sports Direct contacted me to let me know about their specially selected Women's Beach/Swimwear Collection, which offers the best of comfort for summer sports while looking fab too - PROBLEM SOLVED!

I chose to put together a few items, which I loved from the collection, to show you I'm not just ranting on again about nothing, and I'll be offering a little discount for you too, if you fancy getting yourself something from the Sports Direct website!

 

The first item I chose was a pretty floral patterned top, which was reduced to £5.99* in the sale. It's the perfect length to throw on over a bikini or pair with shorts. I loved the pattern, as it reminded me of surf style, and the bow detail at the front makes it look pretty on, too! This top is long enough to wear around the pool as a dress, or pair up with trainers for a game of tennis.

The bag was also £5.99* in the sale, and it great for carrying your beach towel while your on holiday! It's vibrant colour is great for summer - and will make it easy to see where you've left your stuff when your doing your 'Baywatch' scene back from the sea... 

Finally, I picked out some black shorts for £5.99*, which are easy to tug on after a full day of activities and are lightweight to carry in your bag! They have an elasticated waistband which makes them super comfortable!

 

What I'm Wearing: Top/Shorts/Bag - Sports Direct*, Belt - Primark, Floral Crown - Primark, Flip Flops - Havaianas.

Overall I was really impressed by the range of clothes Sports Direct are selling this season, there's  something for everyone! I'll be posting a discount code for you later, so keep a look out!

Oh and if you were wondering where the tent came from - it's my sisters birthday today, and she had a 'camp out' last night with some friends. I thought I'd get some relevant photos with it, before it was taken down and our garden restored to normality! ahhaaha!

Lots of Love,

'Wish you were here' (Vacation 2013: day 1&2)

Hello!

Around two weeks ago, I jetted off with one of my besties, for a girly week away to the beautiful island of Mallorca! It was a week of fun and a well deserved break. It was also a great distraction from the looming 'results day' yesterday - which I've managed to scrape though without any epic exam fails (thank the lord!).

But before I rant off about the cruel system of A Level exams, I'll stay focused on a few photos from the holiday! Enjoy :)

Day 1...

 We set off far to early on a Saturday morning, dressed in our comfys and boarded our Jet 2 flight - which I can now strongly recommend as a great affordable airline! The short flight gave me chance to chill out, with my latest copy of the Company Magazine in hand!

 When we arrived at our hotel, we were pleasantly surprised, to find complimentary refreshments had been left for us, which was a lovely treat to get the day started!

 Our first evening was spent drinking cocktails, and walking along the beech! Seeing as my legs were still very white, I opted for a lovely patterned maxi dress from Primark.

What were wearing:
Me: Dress - Primark, Sandals - Clarks, Bag - Market.
Sarah: Dress - New Look, Floral Crown - Claire's, Sandals - Primark

Day 2...

For our second day, we decided to try out the beech, and try a new mode of transport - WATER SOFA. This basically involves holding on for dear life, onto a giant rubber sofa, while being towed through the sea at high speeds. It's lots of fun, but I'd recommend suitable swimwear, as you can end up with a giant wedgie!

With a slight case of sunburn, I opted for my evening dress with lots of patterns, to distract from my bright red cheeks (thought I'm not sure it worked..). Sarah also wore another beautiful floral maxi dress, and we both tried the "Let my hair do what it wan" approach!

What were wearing:
Me: Dress/Belt - Primark, Shoes - Clarks.
Sarah: Dress - New Look. 

 Well that's the first of my holiday posts, I've got lots of other photos to share with you - including my first speed boat ride!

Lots of Love,