Back to uni

September has come round ridiculously quickly and those going back to uni will be on the hunt for clothes to wear for lectures. During sixth form, I had to wear a uniform so when I started university I was unsure of what to wear during the day. For those who are just about to start uni and are in the same predicament, then I can tell you there's no set style! Some people wear hoodies and jeans, whereas others are more into fashion and have raided the high street (with their student loan or parents' credit card!) My one tip is that you need to be comfortable! Flats are a must during the day - you may need to run across town or between lecture theatres so it's impractical and painful to wear heels! You don't know what the weather is going to be like in September either; one minute it's really warm and the next it's freezing or you're in an air conditioned lecture theatre so make sure you wear lots of layers.

F&F at Tesco let me choose a few items to show what I'd wear for my first week back.

I chose this dress because it's fashionable yet comfy and warm - the perfect combination for me! Quite a few people have complimented me on it and were shocked when they heard it was from F&F as they said it looks more expensive than £18! You don't need to spend a fortune on clothes - if you're strapped for cash, shop in the sales and use your student discount card. A large bag is also a necessity as you'll need to carry files, folders and heavy books. I manage to fit a lot in this and it has handy pockets inside for my phone and purse so I can find them easily. It's also a bargain at £15.

Excuse my dog - she's desperate to go and play with the animals on the other side of the hedge!

I also opted for this poncho because like I said before, it can be really cold so you'll need to take something warm with you. I'm so glad I chose it as it's so lovely, cuddly and warm!

The bag and dress are both sold out online. However, I have seen them both in store a couple of days ago. There is a similar version of the bag available in blue.

The poncho is available here.

To any newbies, it really is the best time of your life. Join clubs and societies, make lots of friends and have fun! Enjoy the social side of things but on a more serious note, make the most of the academic side as well, look out for each other and be safe when you're out and about in a new city.

Good luck! xxx

Painted elephants.

I thought I'd share a set of beautiful photographs of painted elephants taken by Charles Fréger and shown in National Geographic. They're such stunning photographs and the colours are sublime. I hope you enjoy them if you haven't seen them already.

I also wanted to wish my wonderful Mum a Happy Birthday - you mean the world to me. Thank you for everything.

This post is dedicated to my friend James, one of the best people I've been lucky enough to have in my life.

Bloom & Wild

I don't know about you but I'm never in during the day so I have countless deliveries which have to be returned to the Post Office or left with neighbours. That's why I love the concept behind a new company called Bloom & Wild.

Bloom & Wild deliver beautiful flowers to your door but with a twist. The flowers are in a long rectangular box, which is thin enough to fit through your letter box. So it doesn't matter if you're not in when they're delivered, they'll be waiting for you when you get home. 

They're luxuriously packaged and bound with a beautiful purple ribbon. The only thing you have to do is arrange them in a vase and there are even instructions to help you do this. 

The florist who picks and arranges the flowers is also the florist for Claridges! You can pick the 'theme' of flowers you want, such as 'Bright & Wild', 'Chic & Wild' and 'Luxe & Wild'. 

However, the flowers are seasonal and different every week so it's always a nice surprise to see which varieties you receive! My box contained asiatic yellow lilies, bright yellow zembla chrysanthemum, cream santini madibar and solidago. They really brightened up my house.

I think the idea behind the company is fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's been almost a week and the flowers are still going strong! The flowers are great value for money. Mine were £19.95 and you can also sign up to a flower subscription service, receiving a box each month. It starts at £50 for three boxes.

Thanks very much to Bloom & Wild for sending me such lovely flowers and to Aron who was extremely pleasant and helpful. 

The company has kindly given me a discount code for my readers. Enter the code bloomtime6 for £5 off any gift order.

Richard Ward - The Chelsea Collection

I have quite silky hair which is hard to volumise so I often resort to back combing the roots a little on nights out - enough to give it some body but without damaging it! So, I was excited to try 'Keratin bulking spritz' from The Chelsea Collection by Richard Ward. It claims to add weightless body to your hair whilst boosting the roots. It contains keratin which is needed to keep your hair healthy and re-build natural fibres, wheat protein to improve lustre and kukui which restores moisture and provides heat protection. 

Lush Scarves

I was kindly sent a silk 'William' scarf from Lush Scarves. It arrived quickly in a lovely package with scented flower petals sprinkled over it, which gave off the most beautiful smell. I think little touches like this can make a huge difference!

'William' scarf*

The colours and embroidery really are beautiful and the quality is of a high standard. The only thing I'd say is that the material is a bit too thick, so it's really difficult to bend and wrap around your neck so I had to wear it the way I styled it in the photograph. I'd say it's more of a fashion statement than a snuggly winter scarf. The price was over £100 when I ordered it but has now gone down to £32.50 which is definitely a more realistic and affordable price.

Donate Mobile

I recently heard about a brand new company called Donate Mobile who will donate 10% of your monthly bill to a charity of your choice. There's no catch at all - your bills aren't higher than any other network and they will in fact price match tariffs on selected networks! The network coverage is really good and is provided by Vodafone, the only difference being that Donate Mobile sort out the bills and charitable donations.

Blogger Murder Mystery

In celebration of the Agatha Christie Festival this week, Waterstones is holding the first ever Blogger Murder Mystery event. I am one of the suspects! 

Autumn wish list

It's that time of year again when I'm looking to buy new pieces to add to my autumn wardrobe and Harvey Nichols is well ahead of the game with their website packed full of luxurious items and autumnal hues. There are so many beautiful items but I whittled it down to my four favourites.

Clockwise from top left:

Alexander McQueen python heels I adore the combination of colours and the autumnal red adds a splash of colour to an outfit.

J Brand Jeans Black jeans are a staple in my wardrobe but I love how J Brand Jeans have added a twist by adding leather patches!

Edeline Lee crepe top I chose this top because I was drawn to the panels and differing colours and patterns which are used. It's perfect to wear with jeans for a sophisticated autumn look.

Givenchy bracelet This bracelet definitely toughens up an outfit and I think the shark tooth is beautiful.

In association with Harvey Nichols.

September favourites

I find that September is an awkward month to dress for. One day the sun is shining and the next, the autumn chill decides to make an appearance. This week, I've taken a wooly cardigan out with me and have been putting it on then taking it off again by the minute! I've also been debating whether to stick with summer colours or move to the autumnal hues.

That's why I think Reiss have hit the nail on the head with their current collection at John Lewis. They've opted for a lot of neutral pinks, greys and creams whilst adding splashes of brighter colours, which are perfect for the change from warmer to colder seasons. 

These are my favourite items of the collection. I love everything from the differing materials and textures to the colours and styles. The skirt is perfect for balmy evenings, which can be worn with a silky top and covered with luxurious knitwear if the temperature drops. I chose the bag because the colour is beautiful and it'd be perfect for me considering I put everything but the kitchen sink in my bag when I go out!

Which season do you prefer dressing for?

The sun has arrived in England (At long last!)

The sun is finally shining in England and it's time to dust off the old sunglasses, but to my dismay, my trusty H&M sunnies broke this week so I'm thinking of splashing out on a more expensive pair.

This photo was taken on South Beach, whilst I was enjoying a Miami Vice cocktail...Take me back! The shape of those sunglasses seem to suit my face and I've found a few pairs that I really like!

1) Ray-Ban Clubmaster in mock tortoiseshell. I think these are my favourite. Everyone from Beyonce to Robert Pattinson are wearing them and they look supper cool. Tortoiseshell is a classic colour as well and won't go out of fashion quickly!

2) Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses in matte red. I think it's nice to add a splash of colour to outfits in the summertime and my H&M sunnies were a similar shape to Wayfarers so I think they'd really suit my face shape...in fact, I haven't seen many people who don't suit Wayfarers!

3) Wonderland Stateline metal Brow Sunglasses in Matte Black. I love the combination of plastic and metal and I think the unusual shape of the bridge looks bang on trend. 

Which pair are your favourites and would you splash out on a designer pair?

Summer Edition IV

I had a really lovely summer and got to spend it with the people I care about most. One afternoon, my uncle came to visit so we decided to go and have our lunch outside overlooking the water. We had such a laugh and the afternoon went too quickly! Good food, delicious cocktails and amazing company, what more could I ask for?

Top:   Asos

Jeggings: Matalan

Shoes: Asos

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins - sold out but similar here 

My beautiful Mum.

Club sandwich, prawns and vegetables in tempura batter washed down with a jug of sangria.

Followed by espresso martinis and dessert.