Catch-up

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Hi guys,
I know its been a while since I've blogged, and I am really sorry, but I have two words that act as an excuse: FINAL YEAR.
I'd heard all the horror stories, listened to all the ranting, and thought "That won't be me. I won't let myself get that stressed" well, here we are, 5 weeks into term, and I am well and truly stressed. (Also, sidenote, I would totally love you all forever and ever if you would fill in my survey for dissertation here. thankssss!)

The last time I blogged I had just spent a brill week in London on placement at Fabulous mag, and spending much needed catch up time with my big sis, and since then a few things have happened.

Firstly, A new haircut

Me and my gorge flatmate

Anyone who follows me on pinterest (if you don't, why not? find me here.) will probably have guessed that I was contemplating a full fringe for a while, as my entire hair inspiration board was filling up with pictures of gorgeous fringes. Once I got back from my girly holiday in Magaluf, I fancied a change and bit the bullet. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, but it has taken me about a month to love it, as I was totally unsure at first!


Secondly, A new Job title.
My uni have are launching a new Fashion Website called Fashion North, and I have been named News Editor! I'm super excited to be part of the new site, and totally thankful to have yet another amazing opportunity to put on my slowly expanding CV. I hope to post loads about it closer to the launch, and will definitely try to post about the launch party, but for now follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

But that's pretty much it, apart from a trip home planned and a halloween night out, my next few weeks consists entirely of uni work and shifts in Sports Direct.
Who said Fashion Degrees were glamourous?

Fabulous magazine: work experience!

So last weekend I packed my case and got on a train to London to do a weeks work experience at Fabulous magazine! 

This wasn't my first placement, so I wasn't nervous, just very excited to get started. So after a bit of a mishap with google maps I got horrendously lost on Monday morning, but still managed to make it to the office on time. Phew! 

I spent the week working alongside features, and the web team as well, where I wrote up some things for the site, and did some transcribing of interviews. I also I'd some building of the website, which was interesting to learn as a process.

Now onto the most important part, what did I wear? 

On Monday I chose my floral print trousers from oasis, teamed with my Topshop jumper and my favourite Miss Selfridge pumps. I also used my Primark clutch to dress it up a bit (and got compliments on it from some of the girls in the office, who all thought it was Zara!)

On day 2 I went for my zara spotty shirt, and my h&m leather skirt. My trusty topshop chain and oasis slippers completed the outfit. 

Wednesday it was time for my Awear Aztec print dress, and my new favourite necklace from Accessorize. 

On Thursday I had to dress it up slightly because after work my sister, her boyfriend and I headed straight to Leicester square to see Charlie and the Chocolate factory the musical. (Which was fantastic! Everyone should go see it.) I saw it as a perfect day to debut my new topshop tulle skirt dress. I feel like such a princess in this dress (although I'm not going to lie it was pretty cold!) 

For my last day (sob sob!) I chose my oasis embellished too, with my h&m trousers and my black slipper flats, also from oasis. When I was leaving the office the girls presented me with a beauty bag full of amazing freebies as a thank-you present. it contained some amazing things, so expect some reviews coming up soon!

I had such an amazing week and My sister and I polished off our fab week with some cute afternoon tea in House of Fraser's tea terrace. So now I'm back at uni about to start my third and final year, scary scary times. Hopefully this year brings as many opportunities as the last. 

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world"

Nude Brogues: Clarks// Black Pumps: Oasis// Navy T-bar: Primark// Studded Sandals: ALDO//Pointed Pumps: Miss Selfridge

How many pairs of shoes are too many? I have gone a little bit shoe crazy lately, and they are literally all I have been buying! To me, shoes totally make or break an outfit. What's the point in forking out on the most beautiful outfit ever and wearing the ugliest shoes with it.

I feel like Carrie Bradshaw's Irish soul mate. I'd rather spend my money on Manolo's than rent, and I'd rather starve than pass up some cute heels in Topshop. So here are the many pairs I've bought in the last two weeks (And these are only the ones I've not returned... oops.)

My new nude brogues are a replacement for my much loved, but very battered, grey brogues. These are comfy, gorgeous, and match EVERYTHING, But my favourites are definitely my new pointed toe pumps from Miss Selfridge. They make every outfit look a little chicer, and I feel very classy and sophisticated while wearing them. 

In Good Company.

As I previously mentioned I'm currently in the middle of a two week placement at Company Magazine, and I am loving it!

I'm doing two weeks on the features desk, and I really am learning a lot, and it takes a lot more work than just making some tea (although that does have to happen occasionally of course!) 

so far in my two weeks, I've had an opportunity to see how a website gets put together (WAY harder than running a blog!!!) I've transcribed some interviews, which is great because it means I'm one of the first to hear all the gossip, and I've done lots of research.

Its a really nice thing to know that even though I won't have a byline in the issue, I will have contributed in some way to all the features, and it will be very cool when I read it and I see something I found in my research pop up in a feature, or I see the final write up of the interviews I typed up.

Of course doing such an internship means one very amazing thing. I get to spend two weeks living (or rather infringing on my sisters very small bed. Sorry Aveen!) in one of the most amazing, and fashionably inspiring cities. Every morning on my way into work I pass Liberty, Oxford Street Topshop, and even Jaeger head offices! I was also pleasantly surprised when I was just sitting in the office last week and Gemma Cairney walked in. Starstruck is an understatement for how I was. There was also a frenzy of excitement in the office when Liam Neeson was spotted downstairs in Prêt, and my Northern Irish accent was put to one of its only good uses, by doing an imitation of that speech from Taken.

I love just being in the office of a fashion magazine, and now I really can't see myself working anywhere else! The environment is so inspiring, and its really fascinating to see how everything works behind the scenes, and I especially love watching how everyone writes, as they spend a lot of time brainstorming and bouncing ideas off each other and I really like seeing that. Yesterday I was tidying around the office and I got a chance to look at back issues from really far back. (Like before I was born!) All these things, along with seeing how the styling is done for shoots, is really helping me see what I need to do in order to get working somewhere as soon as possible!

Also, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was ridiculously overexcited when I got my official email address and building access card. It really helps you feel very important, as does getting to see an issue, straight from the printers, a week before it goes on sale.

My sister and I also took a little trip to Harrods, (where I pretended to be a Disney Princess for a bit!) and then a little night on the town!

Welcome to Wonderland...

My latest Uni project was to create a fashion spread, and I was in a group with Jordan Charlton. We decided to take an Alice in Wonderland approach to the shoot, as we both love it so much! Thanks to Lorna for being our model in the snow!

Also, some good news for me this week: I'm doing an internship at COMPANY!!! I am so excited, and can't wait to get started, and definitely gain a few things to write about for this blog. Hopefully I'll get a few outfit posts shot when I'm in London too. 

Vintage spots

Top-River Island//Skirt-Vintage//Shoes-Dune at Debenhams//Necklace-Argento

This is me in what my flatmate Chloe called "Typical Niamh Pose!" I wore this to uni yesterday, and it was not a good decision, it is very windy, and I spent most of the walk home holding my skirt down and my hair out of my eyes. Damn North-East Weather.

I've had this top for ages now, and I think this is the second time I've worn it. Slightly ashamed of that, but I rediscovered it a few days ago, and I decided I would either wear it or eBay it! The skirt is from Rokit on Brick Lane, and the necklace was a gift from my friend. 

My dip dye is really starting to wear out now, and I'm still in two minds of wheter I should redo it or not? I love it, but it has really dried out the ends of my hair, I'll more than likely end up caving in and getting it done again though.

OOTD: Nude Stripes

Top-Internacionale//Skirt-H&M//Bag-Primark//Shoes-Topshop

I wore this out on Monday night for a friends Birthday. I saw the skirt in H&M and I had to have it, and it was a bargain so I could just about afford to! The top is last season, and I got it for my birthday, but they just matched so well, that I didn't know what else to match the skirt with.

At the moment, life is just one long assignment. its the only thing I seem to do these days. I am counting down the days until Christmas as well, by the time it comes round I won't have been home in four months, and I've never been away from home that length yet. I'm very excited!

London Calling!

So as I mentioned previously, I spent the weekend in London, first attending a fashion Journalism workshop, but then meeting up with my sister who lives there and spending a few days with her.

Friday night consisted mainly of eating junk food, while watching the Help, which is SUCH a cute film, and getting an early night before our busy day on Saturday!

On Saturday we headed for the V&A museum, to see the costume exhibition that they have on at the moment. It is such an interesting exhibition, with many timeless and classic pieces as well as pieces from recent films, (Including Twilight which we found a bit strange) and each piece has quotes from the director, the designer or the actor who wore it. There are also video interviews with many of the designers and really good bits of information that I never realised. I unfortunately have no photos as the V&A don't allow photos, not good for bloggers! But I fully recommend the exhibit, and you still have plenty of time to go, it runs until the 27th January. Also Student tickets are only £9 and I think they are totally worth the money just to see Audrey Hepburn's 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' dress up close.

Before heading to the exhibition we went for a little wander down the street, took a look at all the gorgeous houses in Kensington, and discovered the cutest bakery ever. It was decorated like a french Patisserie, and it had the most amazing hot chocolate I've ever had. It was better than Starbucks and if I lived in London I would need to have it everyday!

Enjoying the best hot chocolates ever!

After the exhibit we headed towards Harrods! and on the way passed my favourite shop ever which I had to resist even going into!

 

After a spot of shopping we went for dinner in Sloane square (We really really want to be posh London socialites!) and then we headed back towards Victoria to go and see a musical.

My sister works at St. James' theatre and at the moment there is a new musical playing called 'Daddy Long Legs,' which she hadn't seen yet, so we decided that we would go together. I loved it. It only has two cast members and it really is such a romantic story, I cannot recommend it enough. Afterwards we had a glass of wine, and headed home, and then just spent Sunday in bed watching films, before I had to be put back on the train to Sunderland Kicking and Screaming. 

I cannot wait to live in London!

London Fashion Journalism Masterclass

I have just returned from an amazing weekend in London, as I went down with uni to attend a fashion journalism masterclass. The talk took place in the University of Sunderland's London Campus at Canary Wharf, and we all set off from Sunderland VERY early on the train on Friday morning.

The masterclass featured talks from four top journalists:
Rachel Richardson, editor of fabulous magazine,
Hattie Crisell, a freelance Journalist,
Hannah Almassi, Deputy Fashion News and Features Editor at Grazia,
Louise Gannon, a showbiz Journalist.

These four Journalists are all very hard, working, ambitious women, and they gave us a fantastic view into what our futures as fashion Journalists will hopefully look like! They shared with us their tips on getting a foot in the door, and on working in the industry in general, and so I thought I'd share the best bits of advice I gained from the day.

Get Experience.
At this, and indeed other talks I've attended, the emphasis was on getting as much experience as possible, but we were also told to get as much out of the experience as possible while there, so basically be polite to everyone, and go above and beyond what you are supposed to do, because if an opportunity comes up they might remember you and working really hard for free will be worth it in the end!

Prepare yourself for rejection.
We all know that its the sad case at the moment that we will face rejection no matter what line of work we choose to follow, but in journalism, rejection will come even after you've got a job. You may not be chosen to do a really good interview, or a piece you have written may be cut, but the advice we were given on Friday was not to "be precious about it." This will be no indication of your ability or your work, and there may be several different reasons behind the decisions.

Look the part.
Do not turn up looking scruffy. As Rachel told us, "you are a representation of the brand" and if the brand is Fashion then you will have to look like you have made an effort. 

Learn your trade.
All four of the girls agreed that it is important to know which writers you admire and know their work well. Read around your subject, but also don't focus solely on it, but be aware of current affairs, finance and other areas, that could be the angle or idea for a feature or story.

Inspiration comes from everywhere.
As previously mentioned, reading around the subject can inspire you, but this can come from anywhere, Magazines, Blogs, books or Newspapers, and inspiration can also be something as simple as things you and your friends are discussing amongst yourselves, or that you all feel is a pressing issue. I f you do come up with a good feature or story pitch it now, even if you are still a student, if it is a good idea and it is well written it may just get published.

And a few final tips:
Everyone you know is a contact, use them well.
Be yourself.
Don't feel you need to know everything all the time.
Keep your social footprint clean. Be careful what you post on Facebook and Twitter.


Thanks to the four speakers and to the University for arranging the masterclass it was inspiring and so helpful, and it meant I got to spend an amazing weekend in London with my sister, (more on that later) so now I just need to get my degree and get a job. All these essays will be worth it in the end

Instagram Pictures #4

Last night of Summer with my bestie/ Leaving Home again/ My view from the boat/ First night of freshers/ Decorating the walls of my new room/ Finally getting a full GFC box/ Diet coke and Lime so good!/ Cutest earphones ever/ Cute collage my sister made me/ extreme multitasking/ Wise words/ My flatmates awesome pumpkin/ My halloween costume/ A cat and a dead doll/ Fashion Shoot for uni.

Wow, its been a while since I last did one of these, mainly due to the fact that I killed my iPhone over summer and therefore had no Instagram use. Sad times. Hope you all had a fun Halloween. I have to admit, it isn't my favourite holiday, in fact I pretty much hate it, but its an excuse to go out! Going to London tomorrow for uni and then spending the weekend with my sister. Its been a while since I've seen her, so it should be fun.

Bargain Hunting

Lately I was meant to be saving up for university, but I find it impossible not to buy things. I have ZERO willpower.

However, I have been good lately, and going for bargains! The first bargain I got my hands on were these gorgeous L K Bennett pumps, to which you are probably thinking, "How are L K Bennett shoes a bargain?!" but let me let you in on this secret, I got these in an outlet store! 

So yes, they are last season stock but they are gorgeous, and I got them for £20, when they were originally £75! this particular outlet store is located in The Outlet Village in Banbridge, (which also boasts a very good Oasis discount store!) and had so many gorgeous bags reduced very low so it took a lot of effort to only walk out with a pair of shoes.

The next item is a bargain purely because it is a dupe of the most beautiful Zara bag ever, that every blogger I follow has been lusting after! When I was in Zara a few weeks ago I saw one discarded and it had no pricetag, I fell in love and took it to the till only to be told it was £59.99!!! I had to have a sit down after that! But then a week ago I mentioned to my friend who works in Primark who told me they had copies for only £6.99. I had to make a little trip to town straight away then because I needed it so much! I think I'll remove the tassel though, and possibly the strap.

Finally, an actual bargain which was found in my local British Heart Foundation shop and cost a measly £10.99. best bargain yet. I do want to remove the sleeves though because they are a bit puffy when they are on, but it fits me perfectly otherwise. 

Graduation Fashion!

Black dress: bought at a local boutique

My Dress: Oasis
My shoes: Topshop
Aveen's Shoes: Dune
Cap and Gown Optional!

On Saturday, my big sister graduated from drama school, and became a qualified actress. I kept promising her I'll blog about her, so I decided the best present would be a feature on my blog!
Congratulations Aveen, and to all my readers, you should prepare to see her on a screen or stage near you soon! take a note of that face and remember where you saw her first! we had such an amazing day and weekend, and spent most of it in a daze of champagne and wine, and it was generally just a nice, relaxing weekend. Now I just need to work hard and get my own degree.

What I've been Buying

Shoes: Dune

Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Collar: Topshop
Top: Primark (Old)

Last Tuesday I had a well-deserved day off, so I packed up my new wages, grabbed my best friend and went for a shopping day out in Belfast! It was so good to be able to spend money again, but I fear I may have gone overboard. 
Here's everything I bought, most of it not in the sale, although I do have more sale bargains to show you all from yesterday, when I went shopping with Mum. (yesterday was also a good day because I finally had my braces off. but more on that later!)
These shoes were one of those "I love them, I need them now!!" purchases, I wasn't going to be deterred that one is maybe a teensy tiny bit too big...... oh well!
The skirt was nearly one that got away, but was spotted by my friend when we were leaving! so Glad she saw it now, its comfy, fits perfectly and matches everything!