Moments of 2016

As this year draws to a close, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on the year. I haven’t been around much for reasons I can’t explain but I hope I can find some sort of blogging balance in 2017. Here’s to another year packed fun of memories.

One. Travel

I think this year in total I have been to 4 different countries and I don’t plan to stop there. From Amsterdam to volunteering in Thailand to a day trip to Paris, each opportunity has made me realise how incredibly lucky I am.

Two. Uni

I passed first year and made it to second year. I have an offer to study for a year abroad in New York state. And I have been working a lot more at uni and making more friendships and laughs

Three. Friends

I have lost friends and made new ones from here and around the world and realised the ones you should keep and the ones you should let go of. But I wouldn’t change any of the memories I made with any of them. I am the combined effort of everybody I’ve ever known.

Four. Broom broom

Yes this year I am the proud owner of a car. Living within my means is something I am learning to do, but I couldn’t be happier to be on the road and have a new sense of freedom.

Five. New flat

I think you guys know the deal with my first year halls but this year has been a complete 360. I have made some amazing friends through them and I feel so grateful for them every day and the absence of silence in the kitchen

Six. Increased happiness

As the year as gone by I have grown in my sense of happiness and you know what, being happy is the best feeling. Having a lasting smile on my face has deffo been a highlight.

Seven. Reconnecting

It’s so important to keep those friends back at home, well, the ones that bother to hold up a conversation with you. I’ve had so much fun taking breaks to pop down and see friends from school and work and makes new ones

Eight. New blog name
Yes after many years of being known as Holy Chic, i changed my blog name to my own name because all i can ever be is me. i thought this change would solve my relationship with blogging but we are slowly getting there and i am ready to take this blog into a new direction.

This year has had its highs and lows but you just gotta keep going and see what’s through the next door. To 2016, I leave you behind but I won’t forget you. 2017, bring it on. 

Fashion 101: Stuck in a rut?

Fashion as always been something I have loved and budget shopping to me is even better. I love physically going into shops and browsing everything. I do my fair share of online shopping because usually what I want is online and I especially love it for sale stuff. (shout out to New Look who has all of my money)

I am at this age where I walk in and pick up things and I’m like crap I’m too old to wear this or crap I’m too young to wear this. The in-between stages as I’ve named it. I feel like I have to dress my age so some parts of H&M are a no go but at the same time, work wear is not my attire.

So I thought I would share with you how I have incorporated my love back into this difficult period of my life. I simply went back to basics.

Basic t shirts can be the epitome of effortless. When paired with the right staples it is easy to go from a day to night outfit.

Denim doesn’t just have to be jeans. This oversized denim jacket is great to throw on with anything without it making you look 2x the size

Although blazers are notorious for its formality, it can actually be some something quite casual during the day. With jeans and a t shirt, a slightly oversized blazer can add a little structure

Graphic tees are not just for kids and they are great to throw on for one of those “popping to the shops” moments. I mean who isn’t loving a sewed on patch these days

The off the shoulder look has taken the world by storm. I’m quite partial to ones with straps. With a little embroidered detail, it’s a great way to spruce up an outfit

I have actually fallen head over heels in love with jumpsuits. So easy to throw on with no fuss. Pair with heels or trainers for a great transitional outfit piece.

After my trip from Thailand I have only wanted to wear trousers and not jeans. They give a nice relaxed tailored look without it being too formal for everyday casual attire

These trainers and heels I always talk about. Well here they are

Going for something basic in neutral and easily styled colours helps introduce a starting palette to your wardrobe.

Adding colour with accessories is a great way to go if you are more of a neutral dresser. It can breathe a little life in to any outfit.

So that’s how I’ve been hacking my brain around my fashion style recently. To this day it’s still growing and evolving and I’ve bought more clothes than I care to admit to accommodate for that. Final tip: don't be afraid of incorporating some of your summer wardrobe into your autumn one. that's why we have this beautiful trend of layering. But also i cant afford that many new clothes. 

Thailand in photos

What feels like a million years ago now but was only back in mid-June, me and some friends took the journey to Thailand on a volunteering trip. Sitting here writing this now makes me so thankful of the opportunity and the new perspective it has given me on life. Here are some pictures to accompany that perspective

My everyday makeup | Holy Chic

Hello everyone. Hope your week is going well so far.

Today I am going to be going through my everyday face with you. Recently a lot of people have been asking me about my makeup and really I don’t understand why because it’s so basic but without even realising, I have actually changed nearly all of the products I have used.

So I guess here are the products I am currently using

Mascara: I finally gave into the lash sensational mascara by Maybelline. For me it adds a decent amount of length and separation to my lashes and I love the ergonomic design of the wand.

Eyebrows: so I picked up a new eyebrow brush and spooley duo from H&M which their stuff is awesome btw but, I have been using that with my black mono eyeshadow from MUA. I have also started setting them with the Rimmel brow this way clear gel which isn’t in this picture because I suck ;) (There will be more on that in a future post)

Eyeliners: so because I have fallen into the bad habit of browsing feelunique when I’m bored, I did manage to find two great eyeliners. Blessing in disguise eyy? The first being the Isadora flexi tip which is a jet black, you can go over it and lasts all day. The other being the Rimmel exaggerate eye definer. On the cheaper end of the spectrum but great for the waterline and doesn’t leak!

The base: okay so I despise foundation. I just really hate the way it feels on my skin and I feel like it congests my skin. In saying that, in around 2 days out of the week max when I’m really bothered or a day out, I will wear it just to cover some large hyperpigmentation. For that I will use the fit me foundation by Maybelline with a crease eyeshadow brush to blend it into the skin which I got in a set of 4 from amazon for like less than £2. But I am about to start testing out the real techniques complexion sponge so more on that soon ;)

And that’s it. My rambles aside, I told you it was really basic. I am very lazy when it comes to makeup so this just works for me.

See you all with a new post real soon x