IM BACK

Wow. Last post? 22nd February. WHATTTT?!

I don't think I've actually ever gone this long without posting on my blog, and for those of you who read my blog regularly, I apologise! I have totally neglected my blog, but don't worry, i'm back!

There have been many reasons as to why I haven't been posting. However, the key reason is as many of you know I am in my final year of university, and for any of you who have gone through university and come out the other side, you will know just how hard final year really is. Therefore, I just haven't had the time to put content together! I'm all done and dusted now, so I pinky promise to get back into blogging!

When I actually came to writing my comeback post, it made me realise how long I've actually been away, I didn't know where on earth to start, so much has happened! So I thought, we may as well have a catch up...

1. I FINISHED FINAL YEAR... I may not have graduated yet but final hand-ins and exams are done.and.dusted. I am 100% free and it feels so good.

2. I did an intensive short course in fashion marketing at London College of Fashion. I can't even describe how amazing this opportunity was and how glad I am for attending. Their tutors and resources are unbeatable, and the experience was simply brilliant.
3. I got my heart broken, twice. Yep, stay away from fuckboys ladies. 4. I focussed my efforts on becoming an 'insta-blogger'- see, I didn't completely leave the blogging world! Please follow @eleanordanksx
5. I started applying for 'real' jobs. Any graduates out there, I am currently terrified. I finished university and now I'm thinking "what's next?", there are just so many opportunities, travelling? Jobs? Interning? what to dooooo. I have always wanted to break into fashion marketing, so wish me luck on the job hunt...
6. I started driving lessons. Put it this way, I started lessons at 17, I've had 50 hours of lessons, including 4 instructors, 6 cars, 1 failed test and a theory test expiration looming. This calls for "pass n go" ASAP
7. I started wearing trainers. For those of you who read my blog often, you will know a few months ago I didn't even own a pair of trainers, let alone wearing Gazelles on a daily basis and getting in on the Yeezy raffle hype.
8. I realised I needed to focus my efforts back on blogging as soon as university was over. No joke, I have lost ONE THOUSAND TWITTER FOLLOWERS due to my inactivity... actual tears are falling.
9. I realised the importance of blogging not just for my career, and friendships in the blogging community, but also for myself, as an outlet to share my passions and let my creative side thrive.
.... so, once again, my apologies for being a slacker on the blogging front! I hope you will continue to enjoy my posts, and I would love to know what's been going on with you guys while I've been away, I hope to see you all in the comments, ciao for now!

STATEMENT SLEEVES

PETITE Trumpet sleeve top, £12, Topshop So, another trend I am absolutely loving at the moment is statement sleeves. I would be the first one to admit that my style can be boring at times, I'm not very adventurous, and I am an absolute worshipper of all things monochrome. So, me wandering around with massive flappy sleeves is kind of a big deal. I think it's such a feminine design, and we need more of that right? I feel like their has been such a focus on boyish fashion that we've all lost sight of what constitutes 'girly', so yep, I'm all for frills, ruffles and flappy sleeves. Of course, Topshop made the perfect combo, making this a bardot crop top design in the process. I actually wore this outfit for an interview, if you were wondering why I am unusually dressed in all black, however this top would work as a perfect combo to an denim skirt or even dress it up for a cocktails mate date. Love them or hate them, statement sleeves are here for the season.

BARDOT

Long Sleeve Jersey Bardot Crop Top White, £8, Missguided Every girl goes through fashion stages of obsession, so far I've had my choker, high waist jeans, suedette, camel coat and knee high boots stages. Now, i'm on to bardot tops. Myself and one of my best friends were talking about this at the weekend, I love how 90's fashion is slowly creeping its way back onto the scene, along with other eras. The 90's being by far my favourite fashion era. Of course, the 90's encompassed the bardot top. I find this off the shoulder design so flattering and I can get enough, not only did I pick up this white top for £8 from Missguided, but also a burgundy ribbed version. Personally I love to wear these with a pair of high waist jeans... so I can actually get away with wearing this top in this awful weather! In the spring, I will definitely be wearing this with a denim skirt, or shorts in the summer. Yay or nay?

OOTD: CHRISTMAS DAY

MINI TULLE SKIRT, £25, TOPSHOP Is this post allowed? I'm not sure. I'm either going to annoy you for still banging on about Christmas, or sadden you that it's over and we are now almost slap bang in the middle of dull January. Anyway, i'm catching up a bit on posts, having been busy preparing for my university deadlines (which have now all been submitted, yeyyyyyyyy!). I feel like 100% of the female populations Christmas day outfits fall into two camps, you're either a onesie/ pyjama girl, or a dress up as much as you can kinda girl. I'm the latter. Although it's pretty pointless unless you're actually leaving the house to visit family or eat out, I think its always lovely to feel pretty on Christmas day. For me, its the one day of the year I can wear as much glitter as I want and nobody can say anything. This year I opted for one of the beautiful Topshop taupe mini tulle skirts, teamed with pink glittery top from Topshop (a couple of years ago). One thing I would say about the fit of the skirt is that size wise, it is super stretchy due to its elasticated waistband. I ordered an 8 but really I would say anybody up to a 10 could fit into a size 6. Comment your links to your Christmas outfit posts!

CHRISTMAS COLLAB: EVERYDAY WINTER OUTFIT

Ok i'm starting to feel like a real blogger, since I went on my first 'shoot' on Tuesday with my friend and fellow blogger Katie, from http://www.ktramshaw.com/ . We decided Durham would be the perfect place for our mini shoot, however the weather was not in our favour, cue freezing cold fingers (serious frost bite if you ask me), wind in eye balls and a whole lot of mud... which my brand new Michael Kors handbag fell face down onto the floor into.... Anyway, when Katie came to me with the idea of doing a Christmas collab post, I thought it would be great to give you guys some inspiration on what to wear over winter as an 'everyday outfit'. I find this so hard. I feel like I always buy pretty clothes, but tend to not want to wear them for just everyday wear, but then never have an occasion to wear them! So, I decided to go for a cosy camel coat, high neck cropped top, cord skirt and ankle boots;

LIVELY Smart Heeled Boot, £88, OFFICE Petite Crop Top with Turtle Neck in Space Dye, £12, ASOS Fur Collar Boyfriend Coat, £65, Topshop Burgundy Zip Front Cord Skirt, WAS £19.99 NOW £9.99, New Look Accessories; EMMALYN Button Pendant Necklace, £39, Ted Baker SELMA Medium Leather Satchel, £310, Michael Kors Scarf- River Island Ring- Pandora

TIS THE SEASON

SCALLOP MIX LACE BODYCON DRESS, £39, TOPSHOP
You got it, it's party season, and for many people out there they sigh at the prospect of having to battle with the hussle and bussle of crazy christmas shoppers on the high street all looking for the perfect party dress. However, as you're reading a fashion blog, i'm guessing you're just as excited as I am!
Today I found the one. That love at first sight moment when you know you've found the perfect party dress to take you through the entire christmas season. We're talking work do's, catch up cocktails, christmas day, boxing day and NYE. I chose the Topshop scallop mix lace bodycon dress as firstly, its £39 + student discount = total bargain. It also has the most beautiful lace detailing and is a perfect fit... cinderella moment and all that.... and it's my absolute favourite colour- but don't worry, if burgundy isn't for you it comes in more than one colour!
Have you found the one? Let me know!

GLITTER BOOTS

BLACK GLITTER WESTERN ANKLE BOOTS, £40, NEXT
I don't think I have ever been as excited over a pair of shoes in my life. As we are now on the way to Christmas it is now 100% acceptable to wear as many sequin items and as much glitter as you want, wherever you want and whenever you want. So when I spotted these beautiful black glitter western boots in the Next directory I had to have them. I have seen a few stores, including River Island and Topshop introducing glitter boots, which usually I would be quite wary of wearing, but since i'm going to New York next week I thought why not?!  At £40 I think these are a total bargain, because the sheer quality of the boots is fantastic, they are super comfy, and have a beautiful quality design. I always find Next are always big on quality, despite not being the cheapest store on the high street- which I didn't mind as I still have lots of birthday vouchers left to spend! Next are also offering £10 off your first online purchase, which is amazing, so don't miss out! What do you think? Too OTT? Let me know!

YDESIGN

Snowhite crop, £24.99, YDesign Can we please just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful detailing on this handmade crop from YDesign. I came across YDesign on Instagram as I have quite a few friends who have bought products from there and I have wanted one of my own pieces for so long, believe me, it took a lot of decision making to choose which design I wanted! Although many people where these tops as part of an outfit, I would personally feel a bit more comfortable wearing it as lingerie. All designs are handmade and unique which makes the price quite costly in my opinion, however at £24.99, the crop is incredibly good quality. They come as a one-size-fits-all, however, so if you're interested in bagging one of these yourself be sure to check the size recommendations. The general idea is that these are a little bit better suited to those of us with boobs on the smaller end of the scale, although anything up to a D cup will probably be okay! Be sure to check out their array of other designs over at http://www.ydesignsuk.com/. P.S, I am also  a huge fan of "The blossom crop" and "Whisper"...

SILK

Ok I have played this game with my friends and family all week, have a guess where I bought these silky pjs, do you think they were expensive? Most of them guessed Victoria Secret. Nope, in fact they were a Primark creation, what's more, they cost me a massive £8. EIGHT POUNDS. 
These pj's caught my eye as soon as I went into store last weekend, with their beautiful purple silk material and eyelash lace detailing, you would be forgiven for thinking these were quite expensive. But hey, what a total bargain! Primark also have a similar style of pj's which again are a silver silk with white cotton detailing, which are priced at £10- believe me if they had my size I would have snapped both sets up there and then!
What do you think? Surprised? Let me know!

ITS A BOOTS KINDA DAY

BLACK HEELED BOOTS- £22- GEORGE @ ASDA With absolutely no disrespect to George at ASDA, but can you believe this is where I found these gorgeous LBB's?! A couple of days before I had been searching all over for a new pair of black boots, and could literally find nothing, then Sunday afternoon I had been doing the food shop when hey presto, look what I found! For £22 these were a total bargain, considering I had been looking at an incredibly similar pair in Office for around £80! I would also say that the price is absolutely no reflection on the quality of these boots, they have beautiful suedette detailing, gold buckles, straps and are 100% comfy. The only thing that I would say, is that because they are not real leather, they are slightly more tight fitting, so you may need a bigger size than usual. I am usually a size 4 but I needed a 5! In future ladies, don't judge a book by its cover, George has some amazing on-trend pieces this season... and always be sure to check out their shoe department!

CAMEL COATS

FUR COLLAR BOYFRIEND COAT- £65- TOPSHOP
Remember that moaning post I did yesterday about not having anything to wear now its autumn? Well thank goodness my mam took me shopping today! We went to The Metro Centre in Gateshead, for the North East people you will know how fab it is for shopping! After a near breakdown in River Island- (all thanks to a highly inappropriate and over priced grey suede coat) I spotted this gorgeous boyfriend coat in Topshop.
I'm going to New York in November (as if you didn't know), and lets be honest, a leather jacket isn't going to cut it. I have been torn between buying a proper puffy jacket, or a boyfriend coat, but came to the conclusion that a coat like that is never going to go with my outfits. Admittedly I still might freeze to death in this coat, but teamed with a jumper and big cosy scarf, i'm hoping it will do! No pain no gain right?
Of course the camel coat has been an on going trend, and will always be a style staple in your wardrobe. I would much rather spend my money on an investment piece... well thats how I justified myself...

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

CEDAR STREET SMALL HAYDN, £268, KATE SPADE

I feel as though Kate Spade is a bit less well known in the UK than it is in the US, which is a huge shame, as Kate Spade is such a wonderful, unique brand. I received my beautiful Haydn bag for my 21st Birthday, I should really have included more pictures as not only does the bag have a lovely unique shape, but it also has a beautiful golden spotty silk interior, and is the perfect size for a "day time handbag", the picture simply does not do it justice.

Of course £268 is a lot to pay, but I can honestly vouch that this bag feels like incredibly high quality, and has the most beautiful detailing! My obsession doesn't stop there, my boss bought me a beautiful Kate Spade stationary set when I finished my one year placement at Barbour, designer stationary is a must!

I also realised this week that Kate Spade watches actually exist, and they are super girly. With scallop detailing, rose gold and crystals they are simply beautiful, so be sure to check them out! I would also  suggest you have a peek at the unique jewellery and accessories collections... http://www.katespade.co.uk/ .

RIPPED HEM JEANS

MOTO Raw Hem Indigo Jamie Jeans- £40- Topshop This trend is literally here, there, and everywhere at the moment. Whether it's a raw hem, let hem, or step hem, jeans are having a shabby chic makeover. Being only 5"3 AND 1/2, i'm not a fan of anything thats going to add extra length to my jeans- they only just fit my leg length as it is. However I do absolutely love step and let hems, which I am sure would look really flattering on somebody with longer legs! Just a heads up, these jeans are not only bang on trend, but they are also super comfy. Topshop jeans tend to be stretchy, but this pair even more so. The only thing i'm not happy with is the price, and if I didn't get student discount, I wouldn't bother paying £40 for jeans. Actually what am I saying... with a Topshop addiction like mine of course I would splash out.
What do you think?

TOPSHOP BODIES

Crotchet body suit, £24, Topshop I am in loveeee with bodies right now.... ok that sounded a bit creepy, but you know what I mean. I find they are so versatile, I tend to wear this one underneath high waisted jeans for a summery day time look, but I would also wear a fancier lace body for a night out. The only thing is, they are extremely restrictive when you need the loo, they make you feel like a baby preparing to get their nappy changed whenever you undo those press studs, and your boyfriend will at some point have questioned why you are wearing a "swim suit".  I particularly love this one, as although it is simple, the crotchet sides add a little extra detail and it is super comfy as it's material is a combination of cotton and latex. Also remember girlies, this will 100% enhance your figure, imagine it as an on trend pair of fat pants.

OOTD: CHRISTENING

Cross back slip dress, £29, Topshop Just a quick OOTD post to feature the absolutely lovely and versatile slip dress I wore for my nephews christening on Saturday. Ok so I didn't actually get a full length shot of this dress on the day, which is helpful, but hey ho i recycled this outfit from my boyfriends graduation back in July so there you go! I don't know about you, but as soon as I was invited to the christening panic set in, what on earth are you supposed to wear? It was a family occasion, so nothing too revealing, its a special occasion yet nothing too fancy would be appropriate, and also a religious celebration so nothing OTT. great.  I don't think Topshop still sell the dress in this colour, but they do have ones similar. I like to think of it as a long cami... it didn't really look right on me with it having such a straight up and down shape, i tend to prefer something a bit more fitted. So, i found an old chiffon belt from a playsuit i wore 9534594754 years ago and used it to sinch in the waist of my dress, sorted! Bad news, i clicked the dress in 3 places, HELP?!

TENERIFE 2016

This post is literally embarassingly late considering I actually went on holiday 2 months ago today! For once I actually decided to book last minute which was kinda stressful considering how unorganised I am, and that I had no money for new clothes and only 3 weeks until I flew! 

Last year we visited Lanzarote, so this year I thought, why not? Lets try one of the other Canary Islands. Thankfully we visited during a really amazing week of weather, and I don't know if you have ever visited... but Tenerife is a lot less windy than Lanzarote which was lovely, although at times it was a bit too hot to do anything! 

We stayed at the Riu Arecas hotel in Costa Adeje... although many people I know have visited the party resort of Playa Las Americas, we chose an over 18's hotel in one of the quieter resorts. Yup, i'm a total bore, and in hindsight perhaps a hotel full of the elderly wasn't the best when you're wanting to act like a child in the pool (lots of glares). However, the hotel was totally amazing and I would definitely recommend it to anyone! 

I found that on this holiday most of our time was spent chilling around the pool, playing crazy golf, and walking along the beach. We also decided to visit a zoo- Loro Parque which had some absolutely wonderful animals, including whales and dolphins which was 100% the highlight of my holiday. We also visited Siam Park which was literally one of the best days ever, it is known as one of the best water parks in the world, and it certainly didn't dissapoint. Although we were ridiculously sunburt after a full day there, there was such a huge variety of rides which were amazing, but nope I did not ride the kamikaze. 

As this is a fashion blog, i've included some photos below so not only can you have a nosey, but you can also see some of the outfits I wore on holiday. Most of my clothes were actually from last year, and I took so much stuff I found myself having 3 outfit changes a day! Bring on New York in November....