My Recent Trip to Paris, France

Ciao ♥ How are you? I hope you're all doing well and enjoyed your weekend. I'm sure you'll agree it's been quite a while since I last published a lengthy-ish blog post. On that note what better way to get back into the swing of things than to tell you about my recent trip to Paris.

Despite its renowned tourist attractions, Paris was never a destination I had any particular desire of visiting prior to my recent trip. In fact I've never quite understood the fascination surrounding this city. Although it's on average a 45-60 minutes flight from London, I've always wanted to venture further out into the world, and experience places that are not overly parallel to my everyday life. What changed my mind? Two words... Chris Brown.

A few weeks ago the girls and I met up at Bill's to discuss our upcoming summer holiday over a cup of coffee. Upon arrival my friend Yasman immediately mentioned that she had just seen on Twitter that Chris Brown was about to go on tour around Europe. Now as some of you may know, Chris Brown has been barred from the U.K. since 2010, due to his altercation with Rihanna. After checking out his tour dates we discovered his concert in Paris conveniently fell on the weekend of the spring bank holiday meaning we could make a make a mini trip of it all.. and that's exactly what we did. Besides from livin' it up at Chris Brown's concert (which was amazing btw), and almost losing my voice as a consequence, we also did a lot of sightseeing which I captured below..

Climbed the tower of Notre-Dame de Paris

 

The view of Square René-Viviani from the tower of Notre-Dame

...and from the park itself (Square René-Viviani)

Arc de Triomphe

Pyramide du Louvre

 

The Eiffel Tower

  

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

Hair Care Tips

Ciao ♥ Over the past few months I've noticed an increasing amount of women discussing their attempt of trying to take better care of their hair. Many have taken to whipping up their own homemade hair remedies whilst others have sworn off using heat. Although I am no hair expert, I am someone who has always been conscious about looking after my curly locks and ensuring they're kept healthy and vibrant. Thus, it seems only right that I share with you some of my hairtastic tips.

Please bare in mind that although the majority of these tips are fairly generic, there are some which may not be particularly beneficial to you due to us all having different hair types, textures and patterns. For that reason I'd love for each and everyone of you to leave down one hair care tip that you swear by. Even if it's something that has already been mentioned, it would be great to see how common of a tip it is so don't be shy :)

Tip #1
Avoid over-washing your hair as it can dry it out and deprive it of its natural oils. I would recommend that you wash it every 2-3 days (a little longer if you have Afro-Caribbean hair). When washing your hair it is also important to remember that less is more when it comes to shampoo. The less shampoo you use, the more hydrated your hair will be and the longer it will grow without breaking. A little goes a long way is definitely the case here.

Tip #2
When showering, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair and allow it to sink in for at least one minute before washing it out. Avoid applying it directly to your scalp or to the roots of your hair as doing so will only cause it to become greasy. For those who are plagued by dry and brittle hair, try to condition it even on the days when you skip shampoo or use a leave-in conditioner. I'd also recommend applying a deep-conditioning product once a week to restore and regenerate your hair's condition.

Conditioner also doubles up as a great styling product for curly hair. For instance, when it comes to tackling my mane I often tip my head forward, and apply a generous amount to the ends of my hair in a scrunching motion. This works best when my hair is ever so slightly wet as it helps to define my curls and add that much needed nourishment. Very important as curly hair is prone to dryness :(

Tip #3
This particular tip is something that many of you are sure to struggle with as the majority use some form of heat at least a few times a week, if not every day. The sheer thought of not doing so sends a slight shiver down your spine. I get it! You can’t quite imagine facing your day without carrying out what you consider to be a vital part of your hair styling routine. How many of you allow your hair to dry naturally? Not many, huh! Try to give it a go every few washes, especially when the warmer months are upon us as your hair will air dry much quicker than usual. If you can’t bear to part ways with your hairdryer then simply set the blast to a moderate heat. FYI, I straighten my hair about twice a year and I haven’t used a hairdryer for about 12 or 13 years. YES! That friggin’ long. Instead, when I first hop out of the shower I wrap my hair in a cotton t-shirt, soaking up any excess water. I then apply my styling products (i.e. frizz-serum and curl enhancing cream) and leave my hair to dry naturally. For those who are wondering, using a t-shirt instead of a towel will prevent your hair from breaking.

Tip #4
Avoid using shampoos or conditioners containing parabans and sulfates as they can strip your hair of its natural oils. This is particularly essential for us curly haired ladies as our hair type is prone to dryness (boo!), meaning we have to ensure our locks are well hydrated. A few months ago I started using Palmer's Shea Formula Moisture Repair Curl Shampoo and Conditioner as they've been designed to define, elongate and nourish curls. They're also great at taming frizz, curl shrinkage and breakage

                     

Alas! The end has come. I hope some of you have found these tips to be somewhat useful and will be incorporating them into your hair care routine. Do let me know if you'd like me to do a lot more of these posts, covering different topics, as I've got a lot more tips up my sleeve. Ha! Not trying to toot my own horn or anything but you know *flicks hair* :P

Before y'all click that x button and be on your way, I'd love for you to leave down one hair care tip that you swear by. Let's share our knowledge and be on the way to forever having luscious and desirable locks.

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

AW15 Fashion Trend #1

Ciao ♥ Much to my dismay autumn is menacingly creeping up on our doorsteps. Its official arrival will unwelcomingly be taking place in exactly 11 days' time. Although I am deeply (allow me to emphasise this by making it bold) saddened by summer’s nearing departure, I am somewhat relieved that I still have a fair bit of time to get you ladies fashionably prepared for the upcoming season.

Over the new few weeks I will be showcasing a selection of the hottest fashion trends in an ‘AW15 Fashion Trends’ blog post series. In today’s instalment I will be focusing upon the 70s trend. This revival kick-started off last season, which you can read about here: SS15 Fashion Trend – The 70s, and has been back in fashion ever since. Before I begin, a little word of advice… grab yourself a cuppa and some biscuits as there’s lots of fashionable advice and tips to soak in.

Fashion in the 1970s, famously known as the “Me Decade”, has continued to be the biggest source of style inspiration this year. Some of the biggest names in the fashion industry including Anna Sui, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Chloe and Jonathan Saunders have all incorporated the 70s trend into their AW15 RTW collection. Featured below are some of my favourite looks from their catwalk shows.

Fashion in the early 70s was a continuation of the bohemian hippy culture that was popular in the mid-to-late 60s. An everyday go-to outfit consisted of a pair of bell-bottoms, otherwise known as flares, which were worn by both men and women. Personally, I feel that these look best when worn with a tight-fitting top such as a metallic, ribbed jumper featuring a chevron or stripe pattern or a silk pussybow blouse. I'd also suggest you finish off your outfit by draping on a suede or leather trench coat, an oversize faux-fur coat or a suede sherling or fringed coat. Remember, coats and jackets are the ultimate finishing touch to any outfit so invest in at least one statement piece as it can instantly give you the "I want her outfit" factor.

• #FashionTrendFact: Last season the high-street stores were overflowing with denim flares. This season these have been surpassed with an array of fabrics including corduroy, wool and suede.
• #FashionTrendTip: A tight-fitting top helps to compliment the structured silhouette of flares.

Moreover, a great thing about this trend is that it won't leave you penniless halfway through the month, desperately waiting for payday, because you've naughtily overspent trying to update your wardrobe. No siree! In fact, as this trend oozes an effortless retro vibe you're probably better off having a good rummage through your wardrobe, and making use of what you already have. Ha! As if people think they have to splash a load of cash to be bang-on-trend (you really don't). I feel that this idea stems from people failing to realise that trends are constantly being recycled and often come back into fashion every few seasons. I'm sure that's a massive relief to hear, especially for those ladies who heavily invest in the seasonal trends. If it makes you feel better, consider your spending a smart move ;)

I'd also suggest you invest in a few accessories that can be worn with an array of different outfits. These can include a felt floppy hat, skinny scarf, faux-fur stole, turban style headband or a suede fringed handbag. All are relatively affordable and are available to purchase from the majority of the high-street and online stores. This is also perfect for those ladies who only want to incorporate a subtly hint of the 70s trend opposed to rockin' it full-on.

• #FashionTrendFact: Outwear garments in the 70s mostly consisted of a suede or faux-fur composition and included detailing such as laser cutting, tassels and patchwork.
• #FashionTrendTip: Textures are a great way of adding some character and dimension to an outfit. It's also quite fun to stroke (LOL). 

Below is a selection of my favourite 70s find from the high-street and online stores, all of which are currently available to purchase. What are you favourite pieces? Mine has to be the leather high-heel courts and Miu Miu sunglasses ♥

Striped Funnel Neck Top - £18 from Topshop (click here to view)

Wool Hat - £19.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Leather High Heel Courts by Unique - £135 from Topshop (click here to view)

Mango Zipped Suede Jacket - £89.99 from House of Fraser (click here to view)

Floral Embroidered A-Line Skirt - £55 from Topshop (click here to view)

Fish Drop Earrings by Patricia Nicolas - £40 from Topshop (click here to view)

Brown Swirl Print Roll Neck Top - £20 from River Island (click here to view)

High-Waisted Cord Flares by Topshop Archive - £65 from Topshop (click here to view)

The Regent Bag - £190 from Karen Millen (click here to view)

Miu Miu 13NS 49 Gold & Brown Sunglasses - £205/£137 from Sunglass Hut (click here to view)

Over The Knee High Heel Leather Boot - £79.99 from Zara (click here to view)

Leather Clutch Bag - £39.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Casio Unisex Gold LCD Bracelet Watch - £35.99 from Argos (click here to view)

Bronze Circle Pendant Collar - £12.50 from Dorothy Perkins (click here to view)

Brown Laser Cut Suede Fringed Cape - £95 from River Island (click here to view)

Limited Edition Floral Midi Shift Dress - £45 from M&S (click here to view)

Faux Fur Scarf - £19.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Felt Floppy Hat - £25 from Oasis (click here to view)

Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in Sweet Spot - £38 from Selfridges (click here to view)

Are you guys following me on Instagram and Twitter? Get following if you’d like to be updated with my day-to-day thoughts and adventures.

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

My holiday to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Ciao ♥ At the beginning of this month I managed to escape the constant hustle and bustle of London life to the serenity of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. I went away for just under two weeks with one of my closest childhood friends. As it was her first girls' holiday we really wanted to make the most of our time away together by exploring and taking on as many excursions as possible.

All of ours were booked via Sharm Excursions prior to flying out. This site offers a range of excursions at affordable prices which work out to be a lot cheaper than those prices offered in Egypt. Better yet, at checkout you’re only required to pay a 10% deposit as the remainder of the cost will be collected upon your arrival. This is a great benefit for those who are slightly weary about making a payment with a site they’re not familiar with.

Our first excursion took place in the desert on the outskirts of Sharm and consisted of camel riding, dinner with a Bedouin tribe and star gazing. Despite doing this excursion the last time I was in Egypt, I just had to do it again as it's such a fun experience.

Our next excursion was a trip to Cairo which, as you can imagine, is bustling with character and has a history so rich it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. Our first visit was to The Egyptian Museum which was absolutely phenomenal and my favourite part of my trip to Cairo. Yes! Even more than the pyramids. I was in awe of the many different artifacts which are more than a thousand years old. You wouldn't dare think it as they're in immaculate condition and preserved exceptionally well. My favourite part of the museum has to be the section displaying an array of mummified animals, including a crocodile the length of a double-decker bus, if not longer. Amazing, right? Unfortunately, I'm unable to show you guys any of this as you're not allowed to take photos inside of the museum (wah!). Here I am in the museum's garden...

After visiting the museum we then had a boat ride along the River Nile before stopping off for some lunch.

After filling up our bellies it was finally time to pay the magnificent pyramids a visit.

For our final excursion we went quad biking in the desert.

On two separate occasions we managed to drag ourselves away from the hotel's pool and head into town to visit the old market. The old market is flowing with merchants sitting on stools as they smoke tobacco and sip on glasses of hot chai, infused with mint. Handmade jewellery of a wooden and mother of pearl composition can be found dangling from metal fixtures affixed to shop windows and doors. Stray, lounging cats take refuge during the hottest hours of the day as the sun beams down, unforgiveable to those who dare get in its way.

I put my haggling skills to good use as I bought a ton of souvenirs for a fraction of the original asking price. This was helped massively by the fact that I can speak some Arabic and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Trust me, haggling is my thang. One shop owner even called me ‘big mafia’ as I refused to back down. LOL! I rest my case.

Some funny-ish things to expect when in Egypt:

• Taxi drivers transporting you to your chosen destination at a speed of 80-100mph.
• The constant honking of car horns for no apparent reason. 
• Camels parked up at the side of the road. 
• Merchants mimicking English expressions (i.e. lovely jubbly, cheap as chips and etc.).
• Being offered herds of animals as a dowry for marriage (I was offered 50 cows LOL)

If you want to see some more of my photos from Egypt then make sure you follow me on Instagram. Also, do let me know if any of you guys went away this summer? If so, where to? :)

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

Wish List | August

MOTO Washed Black Ripped Jamie Jeans - £42 from Topshop (click here to view)

Ray Ban RB2447 Havana Phantos Sunglasses - £135 from Selfridges (click here to view)

Dogtooth-Checked Coat - £59.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Nike Roshe Run Flyknit Lt Armory Platinum - £94.99 from Office (click here to view)

Sidney Suede Mini Fringe Bag - £175 from Whistles (click here to view)

Casio Ladies' Rose Tone Digital Watch - £40.49 from Argos (click here to view)

Wool Hat - £19.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Sunset Pink - £33 from John Lewis (click here to view)

Black Faux Fur Stole - £25 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

Dolly Rockin' It's Pop-Up Store

Ciao ♥ Long time no see. How are you? It’s been just over two weeks since I last published a post but I have a valid excuse, I swear. I was away in Egypt sunning it up and had very limited access to WiFi. I told you it was valid :P Despite experiencing social media withdrawal symptoms I had an amazing time and cannot wait to share it all with you. Keep your eyes peeled as I’ll be showing you guys what I got up to and what I wore on a day-to-day basis in the next few posts. For those who’d like to have a sneak peek make sure you check out my Instagram as I’ve already uploaded some photos and videos.

Upon returning back to the UK on Friday morning I thought I'd have a quiet-ish type of weekend before returning to work on Monday morning. Ha! Oh how wrong I was. On Saturday afternoon I went to Portobello and in the evening I went to Shaka Zulu. On Sunday I was kindly invited along to Dolly Rockin’It’s pop-up store where I got to meet the founder of the brand and have an exclusive look at her collection. Oh, but the fun didn’t end there as I shamelessly put my pouting skills to good use in the photo-booth, gulped down three cups full of slush and had my nails done by the lovely Erika. There was also a tanning bar for those ladies who wanted to radiate a sun-kissed glow.

Everything in the store was beautifully presented and organised using an elegant range of shabby chic furniture. People walking by were clearly intrigued by what was on show as they couldn’t help but pop in even though the store wasn’t officially open at the time to the public. If you guys are around the North London area (more specifically North Finchley) then make sure you pay Dolly Rockin’It a visit.

All garments sold come in an array of sizes as well as a range of colours so there's something for everyone. They also stock accessories such as clutches, jewellery and keyrings. The only thing that you might need to take into consideration is that some sizes tend to sell out fairly quickly. Thankfully, I managed to get my hands on a white tee which I cannot wait to style.

What do you guys think?

Ciao ♥ Xx 

Follow

Outfit of the Day (#OOTD)

Ciao ♥ Wah! This is going to be one of those extremely short but sweet kinda things. Simply because it's currently 02:55am and my body has gone into autodrive. I'm off on holiday in a few hours time so I really should be sleeping, but I didn't want to jet off without leaving you guys with something new to feast your fashion craving eyes on. Please note that there won't be any blog posts going live during my time away. I hope you guys don't mind :) Anyways, what do you guys think of this outfit? Is it something you'd wear? Do let me know X

 

Faux Leather Jacket from Primark

Knitted Knot Dress from Zara

Ribbed Top from Topshop

Vagabond Boots from Office

Bag from Zara 

Ciao ♥ Xx

Follow

Interview Outfit Ideas

Ciao ♥ Although my blog has a fairly small audience, there are still quite a few of you who are regular readers. For that matter I feel as if I should take it upon myself to help you guys out. Besides from doing that fashion and beauty wise (at least I hope I do), I think it’s important to discuss a range of topics and offer advice which can make somewhat of a difference and be beneficial to your everyday life. In today’s post I will be briefly touching upon job interviews and how to present yourself when in attendance of one.

Okay so we’ve all been there. Interviews can be pretty daunting stuff especially as there’s quite a few things to consider. Primarily, it is important you look professional and presentable. First impressions are everything and can be the deal breaker with any given job (or situation for that matter). Remember, you want to stand out and for all of the right reasons. “How do I do that?” some of you may ask. Well as cliché as it may sound this can be achieved by allowing your personality to shine through in both your behaviour and outfit. I always try to inject some of my personality into my outfit regardless of whether I’m expected to dress in a formal manner. You can do this by adding some colour to your outfit or incorporating different silhouettes, prints and textures to it. For instance, you could swap your frumpy, shapeless trousers for a pair of fitted cigarette ones or simply add a skinny black belt to your straight-cut dress.

Below is a selection of outfits that I’ve put together to have you feeling and looking as good as can be. After all… if you look good, you feel good. For those of you who are hoping to replicate these looks, all items featured are currently available to purchase on the high-street or online. Happy shopping!

Black Crepe Blazer - £24.99 from New Look (click here to view)

Chiffon Blouse - £19.99/£15 from H&M (click here to view)

Seam Back Cigarette Trousers - £22 from Topshop (click here to view)

Lavish Almond Toe Tassel Loafer - £65 from Office (click here to view)

The 13" Batchel With Magnetic Closure - £145 from The Cambridge Satchel Company (click here to view) 

Black Pinstripe Pencil Skirt - £25 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

Anita Plain White Shirt - £29.95 from T.M Lewin (click here to view)

Leather Pleated Apron Tote Bag - £69 from M&S (click here to view)

On Tops Black Patent - £65 from Office (click here to view)

Shell Circle Disc Drop Earrings - £7.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

 Black & White Dress Workwear - £38 from Next (click here to view)
Breanna Pale Grey - £89 from Dune (click here to view)
De Beauvoir Cross Body Bag - £149/£74.50 from Radley (click here to view)
Crinkle Effect Scarf With Wool - £18 from M&S (click here to view)

Before I get ahead of myself and forget, how many of you have recently graduated and currently looking for a job? Or, how many of you are in need of a new challenge and thereby looking to transition to a new company? Hmm! Quite a few of you I see. I can imagine you’ve spent a fair bit of time looking through countless job sites hoping to find your ‘dream’ job. It’s a lot harder than you had anticipated right?... especially when you’ve already applied to all of the current positions on all of the job sites you’re familiar with. Ah! Well what if I told you there's a new job site in town. Yes, you heard right. Browse thousands of jobs online with City Calling. Ha! I bet I have your full attention now ey? Make sure you guys check them out as I know how difficult it can be to get your foot in the door within the working world. For each job advertised there’s hundreds of candidates, if not more, applying for that position. Competition is FIERCE but let’s not forget that once you’re in, you’re in.

I also feel it’s important of me to tell you guys not to be disheartened if the final outcome of your interview is not successful. Instead consider it to be a part of your working experience and a way to better prepare yourself for the next one. After all, interviews are a great way of strengthening your ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner and enables you to practice selling your expertise. Practice makes perfect and you’ll soon find that once you have been to a few interviews the rest will almost be a breeze. Good luck :)

Ciao ♥ Xx

Follow

This post is in collaboration with City Calling.

Wish List | July

 

Premium Suede Trench Coat - £250 from Topshop (click here to view)

Cronometro Sandal - £322/£161 from Pinko (click here to view)

Suede Midi Skirt - £85 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

Invidia Sunglasses - £180 from Taylor Morris (click here to view)

Leather Fringe Saddle Bag - £65 from Accessorize (click here to view)

Multistrand Necklace - £14.99 from H&M (click here to view)

ASOS Fedora With Wide Brim - £25 from ASOS (click here to view)

Striped Wood Drop Earrings - £8.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette - £45 from Selfridges (click here to view) 

Ciao ♥ Xx

Follow

Wish List | June

Striped Midi Slip Dress - £36 from Topshop (click here to view)

Sudan Bag - £125/£87 from Pinko (click here to view)

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow - £49 from Harvey Nichols (click here to view)

Sunglasses - £5.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Mini Oyster Shell Drop Earrings By Patricia Nicolas - £15 from Topshop (click here to view)

Nike Roshe Run Flyknit - £94.99 from Office (click here to view)

Khaki Fedora - £25 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

2-Pack Bracelets - £12.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Tom Ford Lip Colour In Sable Smoke - £37 from Selfridges (click here to view)

Chloe Love Story Eau De Parfum 50ml - £64.50 from John Lewis (click here to view)

Ciao ♥ Xx

Product Review | L'Oréal False Lash Superstar Mascara

Ciao ♥ Every once in a while I come across a product that I want to shout from the rooftops about. This time around it’s L’Oréal’s False Lash Superstar which has me losing my voice, and rightfully so. But before I begin and in case anyone is interested, I previously reviewed two other L’Oréal mascaras which you can read by simply selecting: Miss Manga or Volume Million Lashes So Couture. Now the unintentional plugging is out of the way, let’s get on with it.

Every so often I get the odd person or two asking me what mascara I use as they’re super impressed with the length of my lashes. Heck! I’ve even had a few people ask if I have eyelash extensions. I don’t but what I do have is clearly more mascara than sense. I know which ones work and which ones don’t. Now that’s saying something as if you’ve read my previous product reviews you’d know that I don’t usually take very well to new products, especially mascara, upon first application. It’s almost as if there’s an instant dislike button in my head and the product has to do everything in its power to gain my affection. 

L’Oréal’s False Lash Superstar mascara is made up of two wands, on opposite ends, featuring two different products. The first is a primer which individually coats your lashes in a white formula helping to thicken its appearance. The second is a top coat which ‘applies a black fibre enriched formula that perfectly coats your lashes’. Like all mascaras, I find this one works best when you wiggle the brush at the root of your lashes from side-to-side and work it through to the end.

Upon seeing the size of the brushes I was a bit apprehensive as to how much I’d like this product as I’ve NEVER been a fan of a skinny mascara brush. I’ve always said the bigger the brush, the more volumised your eyelashes are going to be. However, after using this mascara for a good month or so, I can happily confirm that it has exceeded my expectations and has become a go-to product in my make-up routine. Not only does it separate and lengthens my lashes but I haven't had a single eyelash clumping together problem. I've also found that it doesn't cause my eyelashes to go hard after application but still leaves them feeling quite soft, meaning that make-up removal at the end of the day is rather easy. The only downside to this product is that although the top coat formula is black, it's not an intense enough black for me. Therefore, I often use it in combination with Maybelline's Lash Sensational mascara which does the job. Overall, L’Oréal has got it right yet again. 

 

Not the best picture or pose but I wanted you guys to see what this mascara looks like on.

Have any of you tried this product? If so, what are your thoughts? Also, what is your current favourite mascara, or beauty product for that matter? I’d love to know :)

Ciao ♥ Xx

SS15 Fashion Trend #3

Ciao ♥ Welcome to the third and most exciting instalment of my SS15 Fashion Trends blog post series. In this post I will be focusing upon the upcoming festival season which will soon be in full swing. Eek! How exciting! Before I begin, if anyone is interested in having a read of either of the first two instalments, simply select: Flared Trousers or The 70s, but do hurry back though as I can barely control my excitement #FestivalJunkieAlert.

When it comes to fashion, festivals are the perfect place for y'all to go all out and experiment as much as your wee heart desires. There are no restrictions as to what is considered fashionable or stylishly correct. You can be as adventurous and wild as you want. All within reason of course. I certainly wouldn't want my encouraging words of wildness to be responsible for anyone roaming around topless. "Don't be silly" you mutter under your breath. Ha! You'd be surprised by the things that go down at festivals :P In all seriousness, don't be afraid of wearing something that is outside of your comfort zone. Give it a go. Festivals are a great way of enabling you to express your creativity as you can be as bold, flamboyant and daring as you'd like.

 

Festivals are usually correlated to a bohemian/70s vibe and are the perfect place to channel your inner flower child. Isabel Lucas, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson and Vanessa Hudgens are just some of our generation's style icons who perfect this look on a day-to-day basis. If this is a look you are hoping to replicate then simply incorporate some of the following into your outfit: fringing, tassels, suede, lace and crochet. It really is that simple. You can also add some character and edge to your outfit by accessorising it with floral head pieces, layers and stacking of jewellery, body art (i.e. temporary tattoos), bindis and a statement floppy hat or a pair of sunglasses. Accessories really are a girl's best friend at any festival. Oh and it's very much the more, the better.

One of the main factors to take into consideration when choosing a festival outfit is the weather. Fingers crossed the sun will be on its best behaviour as I certainly don't want my festival weekend to be plagued with the stereotypical British weather. However, if worse comes to worse and it's pouring down (definitely something to consider but let's not jinx it), do not let this dampen your mood. Sod it! All you have to do is switch your outfit up a little bit. Swap your distressed denim shorts or flowy mini dress for a pair of high-waisted jeans, flares or culottes. Not only will these be kinder to your legs and keep you warm but you will also still be bang on trend in the fashion stakes.

Gah! There's so much I could talk about but we'd be here all friggin' day so I'm going to quickly speed through some of the best festival hairstyles. Plaits are always a winner as they can be styled in several different ways (i.e. fish or french plait and halo braids), are hella easy to do and require very little time and effort. They're particularly favoured by those attending a weekend festival as they can be kept in for the duration of the time and still look tidy. Loose waves are another festival staple and look great with a floral headpiece, head chain, turban or a floppy hat. Finally, a messy chignon and top knot bun are great for those ladies who want their hair whipped back and out of their face.

Having popped my festival cherry last year I've already experienced the whole "Omg! What do I wear?", "Do you think this outfit is okay?" and "I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WEAR" kinda dilemma. I know what works and what doesn't so allow me to offer you some helpful tips.

• #FestivalTip1:  When it comes to footwear ensure you wear something that is comfortable as you'll be on your feet for the entire day. I'd also suggest you wear something that you don't mind getting dirty as there's likely to be mud and you're likely to get your feet stepped on at least once. Why not opt for a pair of biker boots, chelsea boots, wellington boots (that's enough of the boots, I promise) or trainers.
• #FestivalTip2: Whether you're festivaling for a day or a weekend ensure you only pack the bare necessities. Also, don't forget to choose a style of bag you wouldn't mind carrying all day long. Last year I wore a rucksack and let's just say, never again. I found it to be slightly annoying as all I wanted to do was have a good ol' boogie so I had to constantly take off my rucksack and rest it on the ground. This year I've chosen to wear a small-medium sized cross-body bag as it won't weigh me down as much. Remember, DO NOT overpack as you'll regret it.
• #FestivalTip3: Make sure you bring enough money to see you through the duration of the festival. It's sensible to bring that tad bit more rather than not bringing enough as you will not be able to leave and re-enter the festival grounds.

Below is a collection of my favourite festival season finds from the high-street and online stores, all of which are currently available to purchase. I've fallen head over heels in love with the suede dungaree and 70s bell sleeve playsuit ♥ What are your favourite pieces from this selection?

The Libby Kimono - £45 from Oasis (click here to view)

Bead Drop Tikka Hair Slide - £6.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

Hairband With Flowers - £9.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Tile Border Print Culottes - £36 from Topshop (click here to view)

4-Pack Ear Decorations - £7.99 from H&M (click here to view)

Mid Wash 70s Button A-Line Denim Skirt - £35 from River Island (click here to view)

Women's Original Short Fringe Wellington Boots - £130 from Hunter (click here to view)

Suede Dungaree - £75 from Miss Selfridge (click here to view)

Neutral Suede Rucksack - £62 from Next (click here to view)

Brown Smart 70s Bell Sleeve Playsuit - £45 from River Island (click here to view)

Metal Bridge Sunglasses - £17.99 from Mango (click here to view)

Watermelon Across Body Bag - £29 from Accessorize (click here to view)

Stone Stripe Floppy Hat - £12.99 from New Look (click here to view)

Metallic Temporary Tattoos - £3.47 from TotesU (click here to view)

Pearl Mini Bindi - £4.50 from Topshop (click here to view)

Arid Fringe Ankle Boots - £78 from Topshop (click here to view)

 

Are you going to a festival this year? Have you guys got any festival tips? If so, leave them in the comment box below :) Also, make sure you follow my blog as I'll be putting together a bunch of festival outfits over the next two weeks. I'd honestly hate for you guys to miss out.

Ciao ♥ Xx