London Fashion Week Day 1 | Somerset House Street Style

London Fashion Week isn’t something I’ve experienced before. Being a complete fashion week novice I didn’t apply for any shows, but what I did discover is that it’s absolutely fine to just pop down to Somerset House and mooch about, snapping away at street style.

My beautiful cousin Kyle lives in London and she was lucky enough for me to drag her around ;). It was incredible seeing all the hustle and bustle and although it would’ve been amazing to see a few shows I was completely content running around with my camera! I also didn’t quite expect that so many people would ask for myphoto – that was weird (they also snapped away at Ky, but that’s a given – she’s a beauty). We spent a good few hours there and I thought you guys might quite like to see my favourite looks from the day?

Hat: American Apparel (similar here). Denim Jacket: Urban Outfitters. Playsuit: Vintage (similar here). Bag: DSUK. Brouges: ASOS. Lipstick: Kate Moss for Rimmel 107

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t show you what I wore, would it? There were lots of women braving the bitterly cold day in stiletto’s but heels aren’t for me at the best of times and I wasn’t about to feel uncomfortable with a whole day on my feet – so obviously I opted for comfort.

Did any of you lovely lot attend this year? I’d love to know your favourite look from the above – mine has to be that handsome chappy in that AMAZING coat!

Much love, xx

Food for Thought | Who are we? Where are we going?

Last night I found myself in a place I regularly find myself lately, pondering life.

What am I actually doing? Where am I going? Where do I want to go? It’s something that I regularly beat myself up about and let myself get absorbed in on far too many weekday evenings.

With these sort of problems we always assume that we are alone. Let’s face it we can all be a little self absorbed sometimes and like to think that we’re the only person suffering with one particular problem, and that no-one could possibly understand. Well, my tweet last night proved me wrong. SO many people seem to be feeling the same and from the replies I received sparked the idea for this post.

I’m 24 years old and to date I have pretty much no idea what I want to do with my life. I have a job and I love my blog, but I can’t sit here and say that it’s what I envisaged for my life, although I also have no idea what I envisaged. To write this down brings tears to my eyes and to be honest, makes me feel a little bit ill. It's never nice to admit publicly that maybe you haven't got it all figured out.

But what I did realise last night was that hey, it’s okay to not know exactly what we want right now. Yes, there are some people who discover their future careers and lifestyles when they are picking their A Levels, there are some that pick the exact course they will pursue a job in for the rest of their lives at university but there are also the people who don’t – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

What I’m trying to say is – we will all get there and it doesn’t matter how long it takes us, or how old we are by the time we do. Life isn’t a race or a competition (although it can feel like that sometimes) and our way of doing things are just a little different to others.

Image Source

There are people who choose to be big flying career driven individuals and that’s absolutely fantastic, but I know that I will never be that person. Yes I want to succeed in what I do, but I also know that I am not particularly driven by money, or feel there is a definitive job I have to have and nothing else will do. 

What I think is most important is that we don’t focus on what other people are doing and just take time for ourselves. This is the time when it is okay to be a little bit selfish. I don’t have the answers as to how we will get to where we will end up and I think us continuously searching for them isn’t going to get us anywhere either, because in short there are no definitive answers. Each of us will find our way and with a sprinkle of positivity we might just get there a little bit quicker...don’t sweat the small stuff, keep a smile on your face and try and see the bright side of what can seem a shitty situation. Most of the time we are our own worst enemy and if we had a little more faith in ourselves we might be pleasantly surprised at how productive that could be.

Because...we are good people and we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. The people who are where they want to be in their lives (like my boyfriend Daniel for example) definitely had to go through some pretty rubbish times too to get that point, so bear that in mind when you feel the world is against you.

Our futures are just around the corner and let’s just enjoy our lives until we reach that point :)

I'm always here for anyone who needs a chat and like the good old Ernest Hemingway once said:

"If something is wrong, fix it if you can. 

But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything".

Most Worn Summer Things 2013 | Video

I already filmed the 'I heart summer tag' but you know me well enough now to establish that I can't just pick one thing I've been loving throughout summer - I'm a greedy guts. So I thought filming the 'most worn summer things' would be a nice little addition.

As always, links are below in-case you don't like the sound of my voice ;)

This afternoon I'm off to watch Madness with Daniel and my family - I am TOO excited. I was brought up with Madness always playing in the house so I'm really looking forward it and the sun has his hat on too, yippee!!

Happy Sunday my lovelies - hope you all have a great day.

Much love, xxx

Most Worn... 
Nail Polish: Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish in Blueberry & in Lilac -http://rstyle.me/~Oimf
Hair Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnwjsh6w
Bag: Vintage faux crocodile print bag from COW Vintage -http://wearecow.com/
Shoes: Emu Australia Sandals - http://tinyurl.com/pmf8om4
Clothing: Mina UK Clothing Dress - http://tinyurl.com/q6ul45s
Accessory: Topshop Fedora - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnw2sh6w
Temporary Secretary Daisy Earrings - http://tinyurl.com/36ngndg
Blusher: NARS Desire - http://rstyle.me/n/buyjvsh6w
Lip Product: Revlon lip butter in Tutti Fruitti -http://tinyurl.com/c8jk56w
Mascara: Estee Lauder - http://tinyurl.com/nq2hsuq
Eye Shadow: Maybelline 24 hour colour tattoo -- rose gold -http://tinyurl.com/p2ds7tg
Perfume: Agent Provocateur - http://tinyurl.com/jvl22jq
Foundation: Illamasqua Skin Base - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnycsh6w


WHAT I'M WEARING:
Fedora -- Topshop - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnw2sh6w
Blouse - Scarlett Fashion - http://tinyurl.com/q9zwrmz

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Jumper: Factorie (Australia), Belt: Vintage. Skirt: ASOS. Brogues: ASOS. Bag: Sweetheart, Hat: Topshop

Afternoon lovelies! I've been extremely good with my pennies of late, I can't recall the last time I bought myself a piece of clothing but when I spotted these 'Dorothy' brogues and a-line mini skirt on ASOS I was in love and there wasn't much standing between me and my bank card. A girl deserves a treat every now and then, eh? 

I already have two pairs of brogues (whoopsy) but I didn't own a patent pair, and they certainly weren't ox-blood. I'd also been on the lookout for some more colourful skirts - mine all seem to be very plain and for the days when I'm feeling snazzy (today) I want to be able to throw on some colour and not worry too much about what to pair it with. This skirt goes perfectly with pretty much anything - whether it's toasty outside and you fancy a crop top or like today where it's a bit chilly I just threw on this plain oversized jumper and tights to keep me warm. 

I'm off to mum and dads tonight for dinner whilst Daniel wines and dines his friends with a BBQ! Tomorrow I'll be painting the kitchen table and chairs and then before we know it Monday will be upon us..

What are you all up to over the weekend? Hope you all have a good one :)

Monochrome Madness | If I was a Festival Girl Issue #2

Hat: Topshop, Cami: ASOS. Blazer: c/o Mina. Wellies: c/o Spats, Shorts: Oh my Love.

Oh hey everyone! Look, it is I, wearing black and white again ;) I mentioned in one of my other posts that I’m not really a festival go-er, it’s not quite my cup of tea and a biscuit affair. But I still enjoy the whole ‘festival fashion’ experience and seeing what everyone chooses to wear. I’m also partial to playing dress-up. So, this is another outfit edition to add to the ‘what I’d wear should I be on the way to a festival or two’.

I frickin’ LOVE this jacket. The abstract monochrome print is right up my street and I love how it hangs effortlessly making it the easiest item to throw on over a pair of, well anything really. Cami’s are my favourite and although leather shorts aren’t most practical when it’s boiling, they do keep you rather toasty when the sun goes down. Can we all just take a moment to appreciate how absolutely ridiculously awesome these wellington boots are? Firstly, they have poppers. Secondly, the don’t take up your entire leg, making you look like every other person with a welly on at an event and thirdly, inside, THEY ARE FURY. Oh my goodness I’m going to get so much use out of these in my garden attempting to mow the lawn and prune a bush or two (har har).

Obv, I don’t go anywhere without my hat either.

What’s your outfit favourites for festival fashion? If I was to go to any festival it would have to be Bestival...does anyone fancy taking me and bringing me home after a hour? ;)

The Skin Series Issue #1 | Cleansers for Oily & Blemish Prone Skin

When it comes to problematic skin I think we can safely say I’ve got it down. After recent chats with my good friend Zoe (zoenewlove.com) I’ve discovered a few new important bits of information about my skin and how I should be looking after it – honestly this woman is some sort of god and is certainly worth investing in if you’re looking for a skin consultation.

So – remember me raving about Cetaphil my absolute life saver of a product? Yes, it was fantastic and my spots were pretty much non-existent and my oil was hugely controlled but after stumbling across a worrying review I quickly realised that there is absolutely no ‘goodness' in it whatsoever. I won’t go in to detail here, so read that review if you’re wanting to understand it more, but basically I am hugely changing up my skincare, get yourself ready for a few posts relating to this.

SKINTYPE: Oily t-zone and chin, normal cheeks, blemish prone, scarring prone.

The 'Skin Series' will feature my must have products for controlling the above. And first up on the ‘can you fix megan’s face’ podium is cleansers! I’m not one for saying something works until I’ve used it for a good couple of weeks. I find that after months and months of use my skin becomes immune, but after a week or two I will know if it’s right for me. 

After lengthily chats with Zoe and reading the amazing cheat sheet from Caroline Hirons routine section it became apparent that just one cleanser isn't going to do the job of controlling my skin all on it's own. No no, it is in need of much much more - so I have invested in some serious skin care and currently have 3 different 'types' of cleanser on the go.

AM cleansers:
In the mornings I like to use a cleanser that is acid based, perhaps that isn't the best way but as obviously this makes skin more sensitive to UV rays but long as your skin is protected from the sun that's the main thing! These are my current go-to's...

Environ B-Active Sebuwash c/o Beauty Times Therapies

Environ's Sebuwash is my first ever gel cleanser so I don't have much to compare it to however, it's already a winner in my book. Containing salicylic acid and tea tree oil it helps to remove skin cells from the upper layer of the skin and work as an anti-inflammatory to help towards a clearer more controlled complexion. This is a foaming facial wash but it's so gentle there's no frothing or annoyance. I wet my face and apply a pea sized amount to my hands, rubbing together quickly before applying all over my face and neck. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and completely oil free and with little fragrance it's not overpowering. My skin is quite sensitive but I don't feel like this dries it out whatsoever. Winner winner chicken dinner!  

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser

This baby is just filled to the brim with goodness. Again, it’s a foaming cleanser and I’d say this one is a little more frothy. I dampen my hands before applying this to a dry face, this helps to keep the foaming to a minimum. It's definitely my favourite of the two acid cleansers – containing lactic acid (an AHA) to help brighten the skin, witch hazel to rebalance oiliness and rose extract to soften it’s an absolute dream. It’s approaching a higher end product with a retail of £27.50 but it’s been drummed in to me that skincare is an investment and if your skin is something you’re constantly battling this is a product for your shopping list. One pump does the job which means the 200ml will last a while and with the clear bottle you can clearly see when you’re running low. Plus pump applicators are always best – can you tell I love this product? 

Since introducing both these acid based cleansers to my daily routine I’ve seen a huge improvement in my acne scarring. Marks that have been on my face for nearly 9 months are starting to fade which to me is so amazing and definitely something worth investing in. 

PM Cleansers:

This is when my skin calls for some juicyness, and by that I mean oil. But first of all Micellar water...

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water 

Bioderma was my first introduction to micellar water and I still can’t fault it however, I don’t live in France and I don’t always want to spend over the odds for a product that, let’s face it, doesn’t last all that long. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Etat Pur, with a price tag of £6.40 – jees I might even buy two in one go ;). I use this cleansing water every couple of days to remove my make-up and treat it as my first cleanse. It’s so delicate on the eye area and melts away make-up like a dream. It doesn’t contain soap either, so there’s no dry skin here ladies!

Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil

I’m not going to babble on about my Nude cleanser too much as I went in to a huge amount of detail in this post here, so if you fancy a read hop on over there. Right, so oil plays a huge part in rebalancing your skin and yes oily people I’m looking at you too! There’s no sulphates or mineral oils in this just beautiful ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, soy bean and jojoba, so the blend won’t strip the skin – it will simply remove (even the stubborn-est) makeup and deeply clean. I use this once or twice a week, instead of my Etat Pur to remove all my make-up, again as my first cleanse of the evening. I find 2 – 3 pumps does the trick on to dry skin and splashed with a little water turns to a milky consistency ready for washing off. 

Shu Uenmura Classic High Performance Balancing Oil 

The Shu Uemura works in exactly the same way to Nude and is my alternative oil cleanser to switch up my skincare, so basically I just switch between the two - although I have to say I am feeling a lot of love for this bad boy, it may just be my new favourite. It’s super soothing on the skin – it almost feels like honey and with depsea water and licorice root derivative it helps to keep nasties away from the skin barrier and also, as with nude, supports collagen production. So both products are brilliant for anti-ageing purposes. I only need one pump of this as it seems to go a lot further in terms of coverage than the Nude. Again, it is applied to a dry face (with dry hands) and quickly melts away makeup and dirt for a squeaky clean finish.

Since using both the oil cleansers I've started to see an improvement in my oil control. Usually my face is dripping by lunchtime - these products combined are definitely helping to keep my face intact a little longer and not to mention making my face feel like a babies bum.

To round up...

AM: 

• In the morning I will use either the Sebuwash or Jurlique cleansers

PM: 

• I will remove my makeup with one of the three following cleansers: Etat Micellar Water, Nude or Shu Uemura. 
• I then use Jurlique for a second, more thorough, evening cleanse. 

So ladies (and gents) if I managed to hold your attention ;) that concludes my current cleansing routine! It may seem a bit OTT, but I have to admit that spending money on skin care isn't something to be sniffed at and if you suffer with oily, blemished prone skin then this routine may just work for you too. 

Next up you in the Skin Series you can expect posts about toners, moisturisers, serums and masks. I hope you enjoyed this (massive) post and found it helpful - I'd also be really interested to know what works for you!

NOTE: I am not a specialist in skincare, so please don't take this post as gospel - it's just what works for me!

Jump! For Gorgeous Couture.

The Nicole Jumpsuit. c/o Gorgeous Couture. Hat: Topshop. Earrings: New Look. Bag: c/o Bagable

When Gorgeous Couture contacted me and asked if I'd like to participate in their next 'Blogger's Edit' I pretty much weed my pants. Ladies - have you SEEN their absolutely amazing clothing? No? Then where have you been?

A beautiful little box arrived on my doorstep and inside all prettily wrapped in tissue paper was this babe of a jumpsuit. Now I know this isn't your typical every day item of clothing, in fact it's probably the damn sexiest thing I own. But I truly believe that once in a while a lady should be treated to ultimate luxury and that's exactly what this shop beholds. I rarely play dress up and it's hard to find something I feel comfortable in when it comes to figure hugging and glamorous, but surprisingly I do feel quite that. Of course, me being me I had to dress it down a liiiittle bit with my trusty fedora - but this could easily be made in to the dressiest of jumpsuits with a snazzy up do and bright red lippy.
My little orange clutch from bagable adds a pop of colour and is the perfect size! I don't know about you but I absolutely can't stand teeny tiny bags that fit nothing in! This one is absolutely perfect for fitting in your essentials and not being too clonky for a night on the town :) you know, I think this just might be the perfect outfit for my friends 25th Birthday next month!

The lovely people over at Bagable have also been super lovely and offered you guys a shweet 10% off any bag with the code: WONDERFULYOU10 at checkout, so shop to your hearts content ladies!

Paisley & Pins

Blouse: c/o Beloved. Shorts: Levi Vintage. Necklace: c/o Kirsteen Stewart Bag: Zara. Hat: Topshop. Flip Flops: Primark

Next week I am off to #VintSetFest hosted by the gorgeous girly Charlotte from the Vintage Set. I'm super excited to meet more bloggers and have a sneak peek at some of the vintage goodness Charlotte has coming up for her shop. 
I'm thinking that if the weather is still roasty toasty like it is at the moment then this is what I shall wear. This beaut paisley blouse from Beloved is so lightweight it just hangs beautifully and the print is one of my absolute favourites, can't beat a bit of paisley can you?! I haven't worn my vintage Levi's in forever and to be honest, I think I've popped on a few pounds as they're getting a liiiiiittle bit tight around the tum area! (I'm not complaining). I am head over heels for this necklace from Kirsteen Stewart - it is so beautifully and intricately made and is such a statement piece. I've been wearing it every day since I got it! ALSO why on earth have my arms not seemed to tan at all but my legs have? I look a bit ridiculous really...

On another note - moving in to our house has meant that blogging has had to take a bit of a back seat, so I hope the sporadic posts (or lack of) haven't been too poopy and now we're starting to get settled I'll be able to throw myself back in to it - and YouTube! 
This weekend is my birthday night out and I'm having a bit of a dilemma about what to wear - thinking I may need to hit the shops Saturday morning in a panic buying spree....
How is your week going? Are any of you coming along to #VintSetFest? It would be lovely to meet some of your faces :)

Getting Shifty.

Shift Dress: c/o beloved. Sandals: Primark. Bag: Zara. Hat: Topshop

Dressing for work when you don’t have a dress code can be tricky in the summer – especially with the weather we're having, it’s sweltering!! (I'm not complaining)

The thing I find myself most nervous of is dressing inappropriately – what’s too short? What’s too low-cut? It main seem a little ridiculous, but yes, these are real problems in my life haha. To be honest I think this dressis the perfect combination. It’s a shift dress so it’s not too tight or low cut (always a bonus), it also has a lovely length to it so there’s no need to be concerned about showing too much thigh. I particularly love the contrasting black and lime panelling and the collar detail – ooh and the capped sleeves (okay, so I particularly love all of it apparently). Not only is it my new staple for work attire it’s also perfect for other occasions such as dinner or perhaps a graduation – which is what I wore it to the other day :)

Beloved is a brand I've pretty much fallen head over heels for and I've got my eyes on this little beauty to add to my ever-growing dress collection!

Is your job strictly office wear? Or do you have a more relaxed approach too? I'd love to know what you're wearing to keep cool in this amazing heat!