So I've been back at university for about 2 weeks, and the first few weeks of the term is always slow to get going. Our brief this term is kind of a sport luxe or drape brief. We can either go the sport inspired day wear or drape inspired. I'm not really a drape kinda girl, so I've chosen sport - Redbull X-Fighters to be precise. I love freestyle motorcross, big fan. I like the whole 'performance' aspect, plus I'm a sucker for a dirt bike.
I chose this sport because it has some really inspiring detailing, like the seams that contour the body on the suits. I reckon there's a lot of fabric inspiration too - for example the mesh on the inside of their protective helmets. I also love love love the really tough industrial plastic on the boots, I could incorporate it in smaller areas, like pockets and elbow pads for example. I'm more excited about this brief than last terms; as the expected outcome was 10 creative samples, however this term it's one garment. Hopefully this'll mean that I can really get my teeth into every little detail on the garment.
We've started looking at raglan sleeves in classes this term, kimono sleeves etc. Basically the sleeves that are gonna drape nicely, and not need any shaping (darts etc). Cutting out these stretch blocks in a small halls of residence room is a bit of a nightmare, so I had to utilise my desk and ironing board and do it block by block!
Anyone knuckling back down with uni? Or you lucky beggars still got some free time?
Love them or hate them, Dr. Martens are a pretty iconic shoe. My boyfriend HATES the things, but he's not the one wearing em! I love mine, they are the most perfect shoes ever. After a successful trip to Sheffield this past weekend (spending some Christmas money), I now own two pairs of Dr. Martens.
Docs are the most comfortable shoes ever! I needed a pair of decent shoes for trekking all over London before I left for uni. So I invested in a black pair. £100 is pretty pricey, however you should look at your Docs as an investment - they'll last forever. They only get comfier the more you wear them. Black goes with everything - so they look great with any outfit! They also add that edgy vibe. I took a lot of pairs of shoes to London, but I find myself reaching for my Docs every single morning.
Working in a pub I need a sturdy pair of shoes, that won't get ruined by the amount of booze that falls out the drip trays. With Dr. Martens, you can pretty much wipe clean all the booze straight off! They are amazing.
The second pair I bought (in Sheffield this weekend), were the last size 4 I could find near me. I couldn't wait for delivery from Office if I'd bought them online. I rang the York store, went into the Meadowhall store and had no luck. I called up the Sheffield city centre store and voila! One last size 4 pair. I was so unbelievably happy.
I love love love the metallics trend. I'm dragging it out, I won't lie. I need some proper silver nail varnish too. I found these down from £95 to £60 on Office. Bargain for a pair of Docs. It's strange though, cause Urban Outfitters are flogging them for £80 down from £120. An Shuch haven't even got them in their sale! Moral of the story, Office rocks.
Anyone found any sale bargains, or do you steer clear of the mad January rush?
I am a certified pizza queen. Whenever I go out for food there has to be a pizza option. I have tried a pizza in pretty much every restaurant, my mum always says I’ll turn into one soon. As much as I love pizza, I can’t continue to eat it cause it’s pretty calorific.
But then came along the answer - low fat pizza!
My mum got ‘The Hairy Dieters - Eat for Life’ recipe book for Christmas, and amazingly there was a low fat pizza recipe. The trick: use a tortilla wrap instead of a thick dough base. Result.
Of course I had my doubts, as a pizza base is one of the best parts. (Deep pan pizzas being the best, of course). But it’s actually really good, you can get your pizza fix in no time at all and for way less calories - 250 per pizza.
‘The Hairy Dieters’ five minute pizza recipe gets my stamp of approval! Enjoy!
You will need:
- 1 large flour tortilla wrap
- 3 tbsp passata with basil
- 20g low fat mozzarella cheese (you can always add more if you love a cheesy pizza)
- handful of rocket
- dash of olive oil
- black pepper
- optional toppings (ham, mushrooms, etc.)
Preheat the grill to its hottest setting, put the tortilla wrap onto a baking trap with greaseproof paper underneath the wrap. Spread the passata onto the wrap leaving about 2cm round the edges for a crust.
Sprinkle on the cheese, pepper, some oregano and your chosen toppings. Toss the rocket with the olive oil and put to one side.
Place the pizza under the grill until the cheese is bubbling all over and starting to go slightly golden. If you need to, turn the pizza round so that the edges don’t burn.
Once cooked put your pizza on a plate - you can maneuver it using a spatula as you don’t want to rip the tortilla! Top with the salad, then start eating.
Love, the pizza queen.
Happy New Year! I've had a wonderful festive season back up North in Yorkshire, however sadly I'm returning to London this Sunday. Sob sob. I went to a New Years party last night, and the annual question of 'resolutions' cropped up. I try to steer well clear of any clichés - for example that old chestnut "I will join a gym". I won't be wasting my money on a commitment I can't keep any time soon.
2013 was great n' all, but 2014 will be better. I'm not saying this as everyone else does (or begs), I'm saying it with promise. This is cause instead of making impossible ideologies and plans for the new year, I'm going to take little steps everyday in order to better myself. Achievable steps of course, that I think everyone is capable of. I am pretty lazy at times, so anyone can manage if I can..
So here they are, my fail proof New Year resolutions. Enjoy!
Drink more water
There are so many health benefits to drinking more water. Not only does it hydrate your skin, it can also increase your metabolism. It's so easy to drink more water, seeing as tap water is free in pubs and restaurants etc. Next time you pop down to your local for a pint, order a glass of water each time you find yourself at the bar. (Plus the more water you drink, the lesser chance of a hangover. Win win). If you're on the move a lot like I am, fill up a bottle and keep it in your bag - nothing is better than a drink of water when you're on a stuffy bus or tube.
Be brave
If you're single and you see someone fit down the pub, go talk to them. The worst that will happen is that they'll knock you back. You won't regret trying. If all goes well and you get chatting, you may not have to pay for your drinks that evening. If you've been wanting to try a new hair colour, go buy a home dye kit. If you don't like it, just dye it back your natural colour. Home dye is pretty cheap, and easy to apply to. If you don't want to go the whole hog, just dip dye your ends!
Exercise daily for 30
I am not a gym bunny. Never have been, probably never will be. I hate the gym. My boyfriend is a personal trainer, so he's always having a crack at me for not exercising. He likes to reel off a list of diseases I'll get - and I hate to admit that he's right. He's hardly ever right. I'm not going to join a gym, but I will exercise for 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be expensive! You could buy a skipping rope, go for a light jog with the girls, or even do a circuit of star jumps, squats and lunges in your room while watching TV. Whatever you do, do something. If you can't spare 30 minutes one day, double up the next.
Be kind
Even the smallest gesture can be greatly appreciated. If someone looks lost in the street, ask if they need directions. (Not if your geography is as shocking as mine, you may confuse them even more). If your mate can't afford a drink down the pub, buy them one. They'll return the favour next time you're skint. If you're not a drinker of sorts; you could put some old unwanted clothes into a charity bag. The possibilities are endless.
Learn something new
Whether it's going to the library and taking out a book, or even asking someone you know more about their job, learn something. I work in a pub with plenty of regulars, so I'm always learning more about people's lives. It's nice when someone takes an interest in what I have to say - so why not take an interest in them? You may get some great advice, who knows.
Motivate yourself
I always find that I work harder when I have something to aim for. I'm a bit of a material girl, so shopping always helps. But being a student these days I can't afford to buy a new outfit each time I finish a small amount of uni work. If you're one of us students why not have a big night out after you finish the term, or a trip to the pub with your course mates when you've finished all those long essays? If you're a shopaholic, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes after finishing a huge project at work. I always find myself saying "if I finish making this set of patterns I'll have a chocolate biscuit". Works a treat, a girl can't say no to chocolate.
Don't be jealous
Us ladies are always criticised for the way we look, and it rubs off badly on us. We are forever slagging off each other for our fashion tastes, body shapes, hair style etc etc. The list goes on! For every body part you hate, there is one that someone else loves. Instead of telling a skinny girl to "go eat a pie", take solace in the fact that she may want your curves. If you wish you were a 5ft 8inch long legged goddess, don't. Some tall girls complain about not being able to wear heels when out with their boyfriends. And for all those girls wishing for huge boobs, don't. Coming from a girl with a size of 32F, bra shopping is a nightmare! No highstreet shops have sizes big enough, which limits us to higher end shops where a bra is the best part of £40 a pop. How I long for the days when I could buy a bargain bra from Topshop..
Make time for your loved ones
Your family and friends are ones to be cherished. After all, they're the people that will pick you up when you're down. Once a month have a duvet day with the girls; watch some chick flicks, eat lots of junk food (not a salad in sight) and have a gossip. Phone your mum once a week to catch up, go to the football then the pub with your dad. You will probably get out of paying for drinks if you're a student like I am. My boyfriend and I don't get to see each other too often with me being in London and him living up North, so we rely on Skype. Skype is free to get, and so easy to use. The only thing you need to do is find a time when you're both free. We've just booked to go to Center Parcs in April, making the most of our time together is essential!
Make this year your best yet. After all, you have nothing to lose!
