Holiday Beach Basics

Styling beach chic can be tricky, and sometimes a bit of a disaster. Too many patterns, too many harsh colours, don't worry i've been there! I'd like to think I have now mastered the art of simplistic beach style, with the occasional hiccup every now and again - who doesn't! So I've done a quick round-up of all of the holiday beach basics that I think everyone needs in their wardrobe. Enjoy! 

1. The Towel

Comon, of course you need a chic towel to hit the beach with and this New Look Tropical Print does just the job!

2. The Throw-On Dress

Any light and loose fitting dress, the simpler the better, always looks great at the pool or on the beach, trust me. This Zara Poplin Dress is perfect.

3. The Bikini

I am painfully fussy when it comes to swimwear! It will take me week s to finally find a bikini that I don't only like, but also suits my body. This Seafolly Mesh About Triangle Bikini is in my ultimate favourite colour, and is perfect if your body is slightly more on the athletic side, like myself.

4. The Hat 

If, like me, you are on the paler side, then a hat is a definite must-have. But not only are they great for keeping yourself cool and sheltered, they can make or break an outfit as the perfect beach accessory. I've fallen in love with this ASOS Fedora, and will definitely be making this purchase for my own holiday! 

5. Lace-Up Sandals

These are one of SS16's must-have items, they took over the catwalks and now the high street, aren't they gorgeous? These KG by Kurt Geiger's are slightly more expensive than what I'd usually buy, but for an item like this, you want quality material so they don't deteriorate in the heat! 

5. The Cap

You can never have too many hats! A classic cap is perfect for any holiday, whether your gallivanting through a city, or sitting on the beach, and this Airtex Cap from Topshop would give any outfit that Athleisure vibe.

6. The Woven Beach Bag

It's not exactly groundbreaking to suggest a straw bag for the beach, but this South Beach Woven Cross Body Bag gives a new twist on an old classic that will have everyone staring.  

7. The Bardot Dress

Named after the beautiful Brigette Bardot, this SS16 off-the-shoulder number is simple, elegant, and chic. Wear this Topshop Poplin Bardot Dress in the day or evening to show off those sassy shoulders.

8. The Simple Tee

Need I say more.

Zara

9. The Boho Maxi

Whether it's for the day or the evening, a loose fitting maxi can be dressed up or down and won't leave you sweltering in the heat. Try this Tiered Maxi from Asos.

10. The Swimsuit 

A stylish yet simple swimsuit. Surely I'm not the only one that can't pull off these low-cut swimming costumes that are in style, but this Roxy one-piece with an orange zip adds a bit of character to an all-time classic. 

11. The Shades

I love that Ray-Ban has taken on this cool addition and fixed a metal brow bar! A frame that suits any face shape.

12. The Gingham

SS16 saw the rise of Gingham, and you should definitely have at least one piece in your holiday wardrobe! Why not this Gingham Open Back Dress from Topshop?

13. The Coin Purse 

Everybody needs a coin purse, a handy slot to separate your essentials within your beach bag. This New Look Daydreams and Ice Creams one is too cute!

How to Achieve a Good Gym/Work Balance

Having Started working full-time recently, I've found myself reevaluating a perspective that I believed was completely and entirely true - There's always time to exercise. Now, I have been lectured by a few friends about this before, and used to entirely agree with this statement, but now being in the world of work, rather than being a University student, has thrown a few more hurdles my way. My first issue is my commute, depending on where I'm commuting from, this can vary between 30-45 and 1hr 30 mins. I currently spend some nights at my house, and some at my boyfriends. So depending on what night it is I get home anytime between 6pm and 7pm. Now if I get home at 7, then eat at say 7.30, then I wont want to exercise until at least 8.30, and by that time I could be snuggled up on the sofa in my pjs, see my issue? 

Exercise is something that A LOT of people struggle with, and now I can see why. I used to go to the gym around 4 times a week, I am now struggling with 2, and wish I could fit in 3. So, what's changed? I am no longer within walking distance of my gym, I no longer finish my working day at 4, and I am VERY tired after a days work. So this is my plan, this doesn't have to be yours, but here are some tips and tricks for anyone stuck at a desk all day long, who also struggles to make it to the gym every week. 

1. Designate 2 gym sessions that you know you can make each week. You don't HAVE to go to both, but you MUST stick to at least 1.

2. Exercise once at home, whether it be an online Zumba Youtube video, pilates, or in the garden doing circuits.

3. If you're really struggling allocate 1 or 2 days a week where you eat your lunch at your desk, then use your 30-60 minute break to go for a walk or a run. This is a key tip as many people forget to break up their day, this is not only healthier for you, but also makes you more productive when you are at your desk as you have a fresh state of mind. 

So there is my short but sweet rant about how exercise has become a bit harder recently, and now I totally get you guys! Hope these tips and tricks help. 

K.

A Day at Wimbledon

So my posts have made a slight change recently, i've been writing more about experiences than products or tips and tricks. I guess i've been sharing these experiences with you because i'm so excited to start this new chapter in my life, and want you to join me in my next steps. 

Last week I ventured to Wimbledon, an amazing 21st Birthday present I received from my Mum and Dad. The seats were amazing, row F on Centre Court, and I got to see Serena, Murray and Broady. 

I had to enjoy a lovely pimms as soon as I got in becuase... It's Wimbledon!

Before the games started I enjoyed a lovely three course meal at the wonderful Wingfield, where I enjoyed patte for starter, cod for main, and chocolate cheesecake for desert - I know, what a pig!

  

We then made our way to Centre Court where we stayed from 1pm-5.30, I could practically smell the players we were so close!

A short post I know, but I just couldn't wait to share all my photos and experience of the day I had. Thanks Wimbledon, It was a pleasure!

A Day in the Life of a Birthday Girl

I Know it's a bit late but I thought I'd share a day 'in the life of 'my 21st Birthday. Yeah, the big 21! I was absolutely spoilt, taken of an adventurous day trip (a surprise fun-filled day organised by my boyfriend, and if you don't know him that's kind of a big deal).

So here is goes...

My day began in Greenwich, a stroll along the Thames to The Sail Loft, for a wonderful brunch with some gorgeous chorizo scotch eggs!

We then made our way to Old Street Station in Shoreditch, where we grabbed one of the best cups of coffee i've had in London, myself a Latte and the boyf an Americano, from The Shoreditch Grind.

(A beautiful tribute to the late Muhammad Ali) 

We then made our way to Brick Lane for a cheeky shop. And of course I had to take an edgy photo in front of the graffitied railway arches (as you do). 

After this we made our way to my next surprise, The Electric Cinema! This was 100% better than any cinematic experience I've ever had, and a great idea for any present or treat. The cinema was lush. We ordered our freshly pressed juices and popcorn, and made our way to our seats, or should I say armchair sofas with individual cashmere blankets! Then to top it all off, we watched The Nice Guys (gotta love Ryan Gosling). 

Part 4 of our adventure, dinner. We made our way back through Shoreditch and strolled down to The Blues Kitchen, where we ordered their famous fried chicken and had a few cocktails. I particularly loved their house made ice tea, so asked for a tipple of white rum to make it into a scrummy cocktail, the waitress even complimented me on my idea. 

We strolled home with our bellies full and a great day of memories made.

 

K.

The Life of a Working Girl

So I haven't been blogging much recently, as there's been a fairly big change in my life. I GOT A JOB. I finally got a real-life paid job! I'm now a daily London commuter- sigh. But apart from the tube and countless cancelled trains, i'm loving it! I'm doing what I love most... writing. I'm not certain how I finally managed to do it but I did! So there's going to be a lot more blogs coming your way guys as the adventure is just beginning. This exciting adventure did of course begin with a large shopping trip.. new job new clothes! So I'm going to keep you updated on my shift from University student, to newbie around the office. 

K.

Beauty on a Budget

Being a University student, I know the trails and tribulations of trying to keep your makeup collection in good nick whilst abiding by  a limiting budget. So here are a few of my favourite products, all under £10!

Bourjois Bronzing Powder (£7.99)

This is the best drugstore powder out there! It is second to my favourite, Hoola, and is great for daily-wear due to its matte finish.

Seventeen High Drama Liquid Eyeliner (£3.99)

I never go too pricey with liquid eyeliner, there's no need! This beats Rimmel as it lasts a full day, so there's no need to top up on the run!

Maybelline Great Lash Very Black Mascara (£4.99)

This is up there with the greats, Lancome, Clinique and Benefit. ItS one of the only drugstore mascaras that leaves my lashes lush and long, avoiding clumpy black bumps.

No7 Concealer Brush & Eye Colour Brush (Both £8.00)

I got these in a set for Christmas and they are absolutely brilliant. I tend to wash them on a regular basis (I've previously ruined a few brushes from forgetting to do this) and use them daily. They are as good as Mac or Sephora, and way under half the price.

The Groovy Food Company Coconut Oil (£5.99)

I've only started using this in my beauty routine fairly recently, I used to think you could only cook with it. So i've got into using it for my dry hands in the evenings, and to shave my legs, leaving them smooth and hydrated. 

I hope this helps anyone trying to keep to a tight budget!

K.