May Favourites 2014

It seems a little unbelievable to me that June has rolled around already. For the last four years of my life, May has meant revision, exams, deadlines, stress and a fair few tears; it's been pretty blissful not having those worries this year and being able to spend the occasional sunny days sitting in pub gardens and the drizzly ones snuggling under the duvet. It also means that I have no excuse to be slack on the blogging front, so here we go with another set of monthly favourites...

DIY: Mason Jar Storage

 I decided to get a little bit crafty for my Mum's birthday this year, but being the last minute gal that I am, I needed something quick and easy. I decided to label up a load of mason jars to use as kitchen storage; it only took me 15 minutes and they're super cute! I feel kind of silly writing this as a DIY post, as it really is so simple that even a five year old could probably have a go, so try and see this post more as inspirational than instructional...  

A Pop Of Colour

A couple of days ago, whilst birthday shopping for my mum, I got dragged in to Topman and subsequently ended up in Topshop. The Topshop in Cabot Circus seems to always have a sale section full of little gems at the moment, so I made a beeline for the messy, mismatched rails full of sequins, tartan and glitter. I vowed that I wouldn't buy anything unless it was an absolute bargain... of course, this bright yellow dress stuck out like an irresistible sore thumb and practically begged me to try it on.

 Having featured it in my Prom Edit, I already had a little crush on it, but when I tried it on that crush turned in to a full blown love affair. We didn't mean to hurt anyone, it just sort of happened...

With a price tag of just £15 as opposed to £45, I happily took it over to the cash register and we were on our way. 

The deep-V neckline is a little scary for me as I don't usually wear such revealing cuts, but my wardrobe definitely needed a pop of colour for Summer seeing as I own a grand total of ten black dresses. When styled with patent sandals and a cute hat, I can imagine myself wearing this to many a barbecue over the next few months, or perhaps when out for a cheeky glass of Pimms with the girls.  

How To: Galaxy Nails

The galaxy trend rocked up on Tumblr back in 2012 in the form of Black Milk leggings, and has lingered ever since. You'd be lying if you said you didn't own at least one galaxy piece, whether it be a dress or a scarf, or perhaps some quirky trainers; we're all guilty! I always favoured galaxy nails, as they're slightly more subtle than some of the things on the market and a really funky alternative to a manicure. 

I always assumed that it would be a difficult technique to conquer, but after watching a few tutorials on the look, I realised that all you need is a little patience and an artistic eye! I've done these nails a few times now and always been complimented on them, my favourite part being that no two designs will look the same so you end up with your own little galaxy on each finger! I hope that this tutorial will inspire you to delve in to the world of galaxy nails too...

Steal Her Style: Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr is one of those celebrities who always looks effortlessly chic. All she has to do is throw on a pair of jeans and a black top and she looks like she's ready to grace the cover of Vogue. Whilst she may be in the media for all the wrong reasons lately due to her divorce from Orlando Bloom, at least she's doing so in style!

 This is such an easy look for anyone to pull off whilst running errands or going to school, and is a perfectly casual way to step in to Spring. On-trend sandals and a bold hat help turn this simple jeans-and-a-t-shirt combo in to a chic little number. 

InstaDiary: Week 21

My Vogue collection // Coca-Cola float // Ring collection // The most amazing cupcakes at Warner Bros. Studios // Cheeky chaps at the garden centre // Triple stacked buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon and syrup // It's no coincidence that my friends both pulled on the night I did their hair // Pimms in Oxford // Real Techniques Core Collection bought with a massive 40% discount from Cohorted. 

KJ xo

Home-spiration

Lately I've found myself lusting after homeware as opposed to fashion and beauty products; take me to the garden centre over Topshop any day! I've got a burning desire inside me to buy a flat and fill it up with gorgeous lamps, beautifully scented candles and cute baking accessories. Of course, that's a little unrealistic financially, so I'm looking towards September when I'll be moving in to university halls and have a complete blank canvas of a room to jazz up.

I am madly in love with this Mathieu Challieres bird cage lamp, it would be the perfect statement piece for an otherwise simply decorated room (unfortunately the price tag makes quite a statement, as well!). I've also followed the crowd and got really in to glass jars lately, they're so simplistic and create a slightly rustic feel, they're also convenient as you can store pretty much anything in them; sugar, tea, milk, cereal, pebbles...

I'm also a stickler for any classic brands, such as Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater; their pieces are so recognisable and make everyone feel at home. Kooky wall art is also a must for me, witty slogans and classic posters add a lot of character to a room.

1. Mathieu Challieres Bird Cage Table Lamp - Liberty, £395 // 2. Large Jar Candle in "Fresh Cut Roses" - Yankee Candle, £19.99 // 3. Small Jar Candle in "Mango Peach Salsa" - Yankee Candle, £7.99 // 4. Glass Milk Bottle - Debenhams, £3 // 5. "Lotus Smoke" Cocktail Glass - Debenhams, £6.75 // 6. Genevieve Side Table - Urban Outfitters, £100 // 7. Teal 12-Piece Dinner Set - Next, £40 // 8. Bird 3 Tier Cake Stand - Cath Kidston, £20 // 9. Retro Coffee Canvas Wall Art - ASDA, £8 // 10. Spider-Man Canvas Print - Disney Store, £14.99 // 11. Glass Jar with Cork Lid - John Lewis, £4 // 12. Neon Orange Wire Candle Holder - Oliver Bonas, £16 // 13. Little Bird Salt and Pepper Pots - Next, £5 // 14. Newgate Covent Garden Alarm Clock - John Lewis, £12 // 15. Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Biscuit Jar - John Lewis, £39.95.

Has this inspired you to update your home decor?
KJ xo

The Magical World of Harry Potter (Warner Bros. Studio Tour)

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Harry Potter sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

I can't even begin to describe how surreal it was to walk down Diagon Alley, stand in front of Privet Drive and gawk at the Philosophers Stone. After seeing the sets play host to some truly epic scenes and the best of British acting on screen, it was any Potterhead's dream to be able to see them up close and discover all the secrets off screen. It was undoubtedly a magical day, which I documented by taking no less than 300 photographs, and am going to share with you whether you like it or not! 

The Oxford Diaries

For the past three days, me and Eloise have been up in Oxford, visiting friends at university, seeing the sights and soaking up the Oxford lifestyle. Being there felt like being a little bubble of quaint streets, grand buildings, lovely people and good food; what more could you ask for?

InstaDiary: Week 20

Tapas // Curls // Quinoa // On the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans // Sewing // OOTD // Homemade pizza // Caviar // Strawberry jam and bagels.

I would be really grateful if you could take a minute to head over to We-Heart-Fashion and vote for me to be their new guest blogger! I'm so excited to have been chosen as a finalist and if I won I would be posting hair tutorials on their blog; one a week, for a month. This is a really cool opportunity that's made me feel all warm and fuzzy, so if you'd like to spread the warmth and vote for me, just follow this link! 
Thank you,
KJ xo

April Favourites

This year May has arrived so abruptly that it's almost rude; I wasn't quite done with April and before I knew it, May was just staring me right in the face. However, the passing of another thirty days brings with it another monthly favourites post, and this month's pretty much consists of a conglomeration of girly fabulousness.

Birthday Haul: Part Two

A few days ago I posted a Haul, sharing with you some of the things I was lucky enough to receive for my birthday. Of course, after every girl's special day there comes a lot of shopping; we have to find somewhere to deposit all those notes that flutter so generously out of cards from long lost relatives, right?!

Maybe purchasing just three items of clothing, a bag, a pair of shoes, a lipstick and a nail varnish doesn't seem that extreme, but I seriously felt like I'd gone rogue as I crept from shop to shop, trying to resist all the gorgeous Summer stock.