The New Normal

The UK is coming out of lockdown and things are quite different as we enter a new normal. With safety and the public's health being a big priority we are seeing a lot of changes to daily life in order to keep us safe.  The latest change is the new rule making face covering mandatory when in public places like shops. 

When I first heard this rule I wasn't sure how to feel, I had worn a disposable face mask a few weeks ago when going to the doctors and if i'm being honest I didn't like it.  It made me more aware of my breathing, made me feel a little claustrophobic and it was so big it nearly covered my eyes making it hard to see.  But, with the new rule in place I ordered myself a few different masks and wore them around the house to get use to it.  Although it is not the normal we are used to, wearing them around the house defiantly helped and I feel more comfortable wearing one.  

So, if you are a bit nervous about wearing a mask here are some tips: 

• Get ones that reflect you - There are so many places out there selling masks, so you don't just have to get a boring one.  You can get lots of cute prints and colours to match every outfit or you can make you own! 

• Wear them round the house first - I found by doing this I could get used to the feeling of wearing a mask so it doesn't feel as claustrophobic anymore. Just make sure you wash it before then wearing it in public. 

• Get one that fits you - When wearing a disposable mask at the doctors a few weeks ago, it was so big it made it more uncomfortable.  So, if you have a slightly small head like I do, you can either make your own or I would recommend trying a children's one.  I found these are much smaller but still cover my mouth and nose meaning it is protective and I can see too! 

• Don't worry about what people think - Now this is a mandatory rule, everyone will be wearing one so you won't be the only one.  We are all in this together!

I thought I would share with you some of the masks I have bought to wear: 

•  This one is from Boohoo and it is a super cute rainbow one!

• This one is also from boohoo and is a tie dye affect with pink, green, blue and white making it great for any outfit. 

• This one os actually a children's mask from GAP.  You can see it is a lot smaller than the other two which is more comfortable as it doesn't cover the bottom of my eyes.  This one was from a pack of three, however I gave the other two to my sister as she is like me and has a small head! This one is my favourite as it is blue and white with a tie dye/ cloud affect. 

To keep them all in one place I have simply put a command strip on the inside of my wardrobe door and they all hang nicely there.

I hope you found this weeks blog post helpful, especially if you are feeling anxious about wearing a mask. I would love to see some of the ones you will be wearing! 

Current favourite nail polish colours!

Last Week I spoke about how due to the current situation, I now have a lot more time on my hands to do things I love but often don't have time for.  One of those things is painting my nails, especially now I have had time to get a sun tan haha! 

I have always loved getting my nails done or doing them myself to save a bit of money and over the past few weeks I have found it relaxing and also a good way to take my mind off things. So, I thought I would share with you some colours I have been loving! 

For a good 5+ years I have used Barry M nail polish as I find they have a good array of colours and the brush is great for applying with a just a few strokes.  Depending on the colour depends on how many coats you need, but I have found 2 coats does the job just fine! 

1. Cotton - This is by far my all time favourite colour nail polish to wear all year round.  I just think it is a great colour that will go with any outfit and now I have a nice tan, it looks even better as it stands out!  

2. Damson - This blue is a great colour to brighten the day and really did cheer me up during these uncertain times.  I started with this shade on my fingers and have also tried it on my toes and it looked equally as good!

3. Berry Sorbet - This one os again another colour that looks amazing with a tan!  It is a great summery colour that I think comes out a lot brighter than it may look in the bottle, especially after the second coat! 

4. Kiss me quick - I must admit, I was a bit sceptical as to whether this was true or not but I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it dried!  The colour is gorgeous both with a tan and without and similar to the shade cotton, I found this colour worked great with all outfits.  

I would love to know what shades of nail polish you are loving right now, make sure you leave a comment below! 

What I've been reading

Now we all have a lot more time on our hands, I have been able to do things that I would normally not have time to do.  One thing I have LOVED doing over the past 4 weeks is reading. I have always enjoyed reading, however I only really got the chance to properly immerse myself into a good book was when on holiday which was about 2 weeks a year! I was very lucky to be given a Kindle from my parents for Christmas and thank god I did as it has come in very handy during this time.  During these crazy times, I have reading to be a good escape from the world as I dive into another and it has helped me relax as I turn away from my phone for a few minutes or hours a day. 

So, this week I thought I would share with you some of the books I have been reading in the hope that it gives you some inspiration or ideas for your next read. 

Book 1 - The Wives by Lauren Weisberger

I had been wanting to read this book for AGES as it is the sequel to 'A Devil Wears Prada' which although I have not read the book, it is one of my all time favourite movies.  I can not express how much I loved this book.  It was a funny and uplifting which is great for the current times to lift your mood.  It shows how strong friendship and women who work together can achieve anything!  I also like how it follows three different women all going through something, proving it doesn't matter how much money or power you have, we all face similar fears and troubles in life. It had chapters taking the point of view from each character which sometimes can be confusing, but Lauren made it seamless and it was a nice easy read which I couldn't put down!  Would defiantly recommend if you are looking for a funny and encouraging read. 

Book 2 - Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger 

I loved Lauren's style of writing so much, I had to explore her other books and I came across this one.  Again, a nice lighthearted and funny read great to boost your mood in current times.  We follow Bette as she leaves her horrible job, faces the question of 'what are you going to do with your life' and soon steps into a completely different world of parties and VIPs.  It did remind me of the Devil Wears Prada which is probably why I loved it.  It shows the life of celebrities isn't all that and how important the friends and family you had before the glitz and glam really is. Although I didn't find I was as hooked on this one as The Wives, I would still recommend it as a good easy read if you are looking for a funny chick flick with a hint of romance!

Book 3 - Found by Eric Kinsley 

This was a completely different book to the first two I have read as it follows the story of a family whose little boy was taken. As much as love a upbeat comedy book, I am a sucker for a gripping thriller and that is exactly what this was.  Another book I could not put down as the first chapter drew me in.  This was not quite what I had expected when I first read the title as it follows the different relationships between the family and focuses on the healing process just as much as the detective who took him process. The characters and their movements where so well written in a sensitive way and the relationship between grandad and grandson in particular was beautiful to read.  As much as this was a great thriller, this book is great in showing how families who stay together and support each other during difficult times are stronger. 

Book 4 - Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

I have only really just started this book, however I thought I would tell you what I think so far.  After a bit more of a heavier read with 'Found' I wanted a change of scenery with another lighthearted read and this was describes as Sunday Times best seller so I thought I would check it out.  A story that follows the holiday antics of a large family, we get to see the troubles and thoughts of a big family all with different ages, characteristics and opinions. Each chapter follows a different character which can work well, however with it being such as large family I have found this confusing at times as I forget who is married to who or who is related to who. But, I think as I read more, I will remember haha! So far, it is an upbeat and humorous read which I have found easy to pick up and put down as I feel. I will let you know when I have finished it and my thought - so keep an eye out on my insta! 

I hope you found this helpful when looking at what books you might enjoy. I would love to know what you have been reading and which books you would recommend, so leave a comment below!

Stay safe!

Autumn Shopping Trip

Those of you who know me know that I am a HUGE shopaholic!

From a young age I found a love for shopping all things clothes, bags, shoes, makeup, jewellery, homeware and stationary. I am one of those people who could spend a whole day shopping quite easily both online and off.

Many people will have a staple colour, even if they don’t want to admit it, they do. Mine has always been baby pink. I absolutely love pastel colours no matter what the time of year. However, I have recently been more aware of my skin colour and what colours suit. With that being said, I woke up one morning and decided baby pink is not my colour. This then lead me to having a clear out of my wardrobe leaving me with little to no clothes. This, and the fact that autumn was just around the corner, meant it was a great time to go shopping!

I first took to my laptop and had a little browse on ASOS. I love to shop on this site as it has many different brands, prices and styles to try out. The first thing I purchased was some black skinny jeans from Pull and Bear. Normally I go for the classic Topshop joni jeans, but I wanted a pair of black skinny jeans to wear a belt. They are super comfy, stretchy which is always a bonus! I also wanted to try a new style of jeans and bought some mom jeans. I have seen lots of people both on social media and at uni wearing these and they look so good. I was unsure on whether they would suit my figure but OMG I love them! They are super comfy and work well with both a t-shirt or a jumper paired with some trainers or converse.

I then took to the shops in search of some jumpers and tops ready for the cold weather ahead.

Although I am studying in Birmingham so am close to the Bullring, I honestly don’t like shopping there. It gets so busy and everything gets so messy by mid-day that you can never find anything. I also find that if I don’t go early enough, most shops don’t have my size. So, when coming home for the weekend to work, I decided to go to West Quay in Southampton.

One of the first shops I went to was New Look. Here, I bought a white short sleeve shirt with black polka dots on. To some, it could look like a pj top, but I love it tucked into a pair of jeans with a bright autumn coloured lip for when I want to look that bit smarted, or if I’m going out to dinner.

I also bought a gorgeous jumper stripped in different shades of pink and burgundy. It is super soft and looks great tucked into a black button down denim skirt I also purchased. Tie it all together with some cute gold hooped earing with a pink accent and I’m all set for the autumn weather!

I have had a hit and miss relationship with checked shirts and have gone through fazed of loving and hating them. But one caught my eye as being very autumnal and in a green colour I thought I should try (as I am experimenting more with colours!). Again, great with a pair of black skinny jeans that can be styled in many ways. Tucked in, tied, as a cardigan or just loosely worn it can be styled how you wish. Student discount meant I got a right bargin for all of these purchases!

Next stop was H&M, one of my favourite shops as it is good quality and good prices for students! Here, I bought this bright blue jumper with red and white accent going across the chest and down the sleeves. I looks really good tucked into the Pull and Bear (ASOS) black skinny jeans.

Zara is another one of my favourites as their style always seems so unique to me. Here, I purchased a gorgeous grey dress with pom poms on it and floats or kind of puffy sleeves. I imagined myself wearing this with a pair of tights and boots and a big knitted cardigan if needed. When I tried it on, I was unsure on the puffy sleeves at first, however I have seen this style a lot recently so thought, why not! I think this dress can be made casual or smart, so works well for all purposes.

Just ignore how pale I am here!

Gilly Hicks in Hollister is one of my favourite places to get underwear, alongside Victoria Secrets. I wanted to pop in a see what their bralettes were like as I love the idea of wearing one under a jumper and having the lace stick out a little. These are the two I purchased: white and grey as I felt they would go with anything.

Finally, I made a quick trip to Mac where I purchased two autumnal coloured lipsticks with the hope of branching out of my typical nude lip for autumn. I will show you these in more detail in a future post.

As much as I look at others for inspiration and trends, I think you should try and be you in your style. Be bold, be brave and be you. I know how hard it can be to worry about what other people think, but this year I have decided to forget them and do what I want!