Plymouth Aquarium

A couple of weeks ago we headed out for the day to Plymouth Aquarium in order to capture some photos for my Unit 3 Textiles which I will be starting in September: Sea Life. There were so many pretty fish and other sea life creatures of all colours and patterns and I managed to take lots of photos which will hopefully stem some textile ideas. We even stuck around one part to watch the divers in the big tank which was pretty interesting. The aquarium really is a great day out, so I thought I'd share some of the pictures that I took.

I think my favourites have to be the pink lion fish (just look at those patterns!) and the turtle which was just so fascinating and graceful! Have you been to the aquarium lately? What were your favourites?

Back to College/School Wishlist

So going back to school or college after a long summer break probably isn't something that you really want to think about, especially as we're only half way through August. However, with only a couple of weeks until I start my second year of college, I'm beginning to get a tad excited about the whole back to school haul. I absolutely love stationery shopping and collecting up cutely patterned notebooks and folders as well as finding the perfect bag and coat.

1) T-Shirt Sticky Notes - Paperchase

These fun and quirky sticky notes are definitely something I've never seen before and I absoluetely adore them! Post-its are great for revision and just general reminders, but when your notes look pretty you're probably more likely to remember them. Pale green and blue colours are also included in the pack which make separating and colour coding revision subjects more easier. They also come with a pack of coat hanger shaped paper-clips. This is the first I've heard of them, but they definitely do sound pretty cool.

2) Notebook - WHSmiths

WHSmiths is my go-to for notebooks - they always stock so many different patterns and styles, and there's just so many to chose from! I love all things floral at the moment, and these contrasting block patterns just look really pretty. The pages are A4, lined and pre-punched making them simple and easy to use and fuss-free!

3) Butterfly folder - WHSmiths

Folders are another thing which I often look out for in WHSmiths. Again, they're always really pretty with so many different patterns to chose from just to make your work look that little more appealing. I also find that they last a long time and I often do re-use them too. Again, I chose this print purely because I can't get enough of floral patterns!

4) Floral pencil case - Amazon
The last of the floral print (honest) is this adorable pencilcase from Amazon. As a child I may have had a slight collection/obsession with pencilcases, and to be honest, that love has not yet gone away! I love the cute and girly colours on this one and the lace trim just makes it even more adorable!

5) Converse - Schuh
The last (and first) pair of converse that I bought, I purchased just over a year ago and have lived in them pretty much ever since. They're so comfortable and practical and can tone down any outfit for a casual day look. But just recently, they've been looking a bit worn out and the front of the sole is coming loose...time for a new pair soon then, I should think! I absolutely love the colour of this turquoise pair and I think that they'd be so easy to style with any coloured outfit too.

6) Grid print backpack - New Look

I tend to find rucksacks the most suitable bag for school/college days and I am lusting over this white grid one. Tartan/check/grid - and all of the likes - are making a huuugge comeback for AW14 and this backpack is just utterly perfect! It seems to have a slightly formal look about it but that can be easily toned down with something casual, such as jeans or leggins.

7) Duster Coat - Missguided
Duster coats are looking up to be quite a trend for autumn/winter, and I love this longline black one from missguided! The 3/4 length sleeves make it perfect for autumn when it's getting that bit cooler whilst the longline style gives it an elegant and sophisticated appeal.

8) Lace trim socks - Topshop

So adorably cute are the Topshop lace trim socks and I honestly don't think I'm ever going to get bored of them. I tend to wear them with converse, vans and ankle books as I think they just sweeten up any outfit whilst adding a bit of detail through the lace trim.

9) Mini snack boxes - Not on the Hightstreet (.com)
I'm always taking snacky things to eat in between my lessons at college (comletely and utterly guilty) and how cute are these snack boxes?! I love the witty slogans and the pots are a great size for fitting into your bag with out taking up too much room - perfect!

What's on your back to school items? Are you looking forward to the start of the autumn term?

Teen Choice Awards 2014 - The Best Dressed

So the Teen Choice Awards happened over in Los Angeles over the weekend, and, being the big fan of red carpet fashion that I am, I simply had to share my favourite looks from the red (blue) carpet. I do particularly enjoy the TCAs, I think it's the element of fun that the awards hold and the way that it's not taken all too seriously... can you imagine a surfboard shaped award at the Oscars? Thought not. So without further ado, here are my favourite looks from the TCA's blue carpet: 2014 edition.

Shay Mitchell

Canadian actress and model Shay Mitchel looked to die for in the most gorgeous Misha Collection lace white two piece. The midi pencil skirt and fitted bralet work exceptionally well together, highlighting the actresses oh-so-feminine silhoette, resulting in such a sophisticated look. I love the lace straps and hems as they add delicate detail to the elegant look.

Nina Dobrev

Confession time: I am a massive fan of The Vampire Diaries and I do have a slight (big) girl crush on Nina Dobrev. So really, there's no surprise that I've featured her in this post! The actress opted for a Vionet pair of co-ords which I completely and utterly love - so on point. The brightly contrasting colours add a fun and popping element to the two piece set, making quite sure that she did not go amiss! I adore her bubblegum pink Kurt Geiger courts as they harmonise so perfectly with the radiant colours in the co-ord crop and shorts set.

Sarah Hyland

Award show co-host and American actress Sarah Hyland opted for a dazzling Marc Jacobs disco dress with a daring yet sophisticated plunging neckline. The hundreds of sparkling sequins really add that glamorous impact, whilst the above-the-knee cut keeps it fun and not too formal. I love the choice of the black strappy sandals as they manage to create a subtle, slightly gothic look when teamed with the all over black dress.

Hailee Steinfield

American actress Hailee Steinfield looked amazing in this cutely cut Ellie Saab skater dress. I feel like this ensemble could have either gone one of two ways, however she totally pulls it off. The collared blouse style top has a vintage appeal whilst the mesh panels prevent it from looking all too dated. I love the delicate detail and how it adds grace and luxury to the gown, as well as how the use of pink breaks up the monochrome, making it appear more modern.

Bella Thorne

I am still in the midst of coming to grips with how this American actress, singer, model and dancer is only sixteen years old, but there you have it. The teen opted for this Johnny Wujek number and I love the dramatic effect of the oversized skirt as it works so well with the oversized floral print. The brilliant blue is such a beautiful colour and matches the blue carpet perfectly (bonus!). The fitted bodice and heartshaped neckline add an element of sophistication as it enhances her feminine figure.

So there you have it for another year - my round up of the best dressed at the TCAs. What were your favourite red carpet looks? Did you enjoy these ones?

July Favourites

Hello August! Where is this year going? I really can't believe that I'm already half way through my college summer holiday, but I am loving it all the same!

I've never tried a monthly favourites post, but I've read a fair few and realised that its probably quite interesting to reflect over your favourite things from the past month. So without further ado, here's what I've been loving - July edition.

White Joni Jeans

As much as I do enjoy a good roam around Topshop, I've never actually purchased a pair of their jeans - until now. And omgee I've been missing out big time! They've just always seemed so overpriced compared to the majority of other highstreet stores, however I've been looking for a pair of white jeans for this summer, and after reading some positive reviews of Joni jeans, I thought I'd give them a go, and I'm so glad I did! They're so comfortable and really do go with anything. Also I love how the high waisted style makes your legs look that little bit longer, which I really do need!

Jelly Shoes

The childhood throwback of all throwbacks: the jelly shoes. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but never in a million years would I have expected to be blogging about the nineties childhood craze. They are probably one of the most controversial trends this summer and, like marmite, you tend to either love them or loathe them. Needless to say I'm not with the latter. They're perfect for summer and completely waterproof - I wear mine in the sea and even wash them in the shower! Jellies are a definite yes from me!

5 Seconds Of Summer (Album)

I was first introduced to 5sos via the internet when they were announced as One Direction's support act for their Take Me Home Tour last year. I thought I'd check out their music before heading off to my concert in Cardiff, and needless to say that I completely fell for the punk rock Aussies. After months and months of waiting, they finally released their first album at the end of June, and I've probably listened to it at least once a day ever since it arrived through my letter box (let's hope my neighbours enjoy my music taste).

Samantha Warren Phone Case

I don't know about you, but I can never make a phone case last! They always get scratched, chipped or cracked, but I am loving this Samantha Warren one available from http://store.shopcade.com. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to win a shopcade voucher (you can read the post here), and I'm so glad that I chose this case as part of my prize. It does feel rather heavy to start with, but as a result, I have lasted just over a whole month without scratching or cracking it - result! Oh, and I adore the pattern too.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Calling all bookworms - the perfect summer read! Awkward Auden comes to realise just how much of a childhood she missed out on whilst burying her head in textbooks and being the 'perfect' daughter to her demanding mother. But when she gets the chance to spend her summer away from her mother, she enters a world of clothes, crushes and friendships: girls world. As she meets fellow insomniac, Eli, they begin a quest to revive her childhood, whilst also bring Eli to the real world after willowing in guilt for his bestfriends death. But will Auden's summer turn out as planned? Will she turn into the social butterfly that her mother's expectations always deprived her of? This really is an excellent read!

Have you tried these favourites of mine? What do you think of them? What were your favourite things in July?