Returning With A Haul.

Hello everyone. After being very absent from the blogging world due to life just getting in the way. I am finally hoping to get back into the swing of things starting with this little haul video here - well it's not little but you catch my drift. Hope you enjoy this and i'll see you in my next post! 

Tartan Skirt and Converse.

Denim Jacket - Charity Shop

Top - Charity Shop

Skirt - Supre (NZ)

Scarf - From a Friend

Shoes - Converse via eBay

So I know I'm wearing the same denim jacket - again. It's my fault for leaving my warmer jacket in England and thinking that it wouldn't be as cold here in Montpellier. Every time I look out my window and see the sun shining bright I always think it's going to be a mild day. One thing I have learned is that the sun lies. It is bloody freezing. Without a proper coat I am left to shiver in my denim jacket which, as lovely as it is, just doesn't quite do a great job at keeping me warm. 

I could say that I was challenging 'Clueless' by pairing this tartan skirt with some pop socks, but that would be a lie. I just happen to love pop socks and tartan skirts. I will say, however, that I do look rather nineties. If I'd thrown on a choker and swapped my shoes for some platforms then I really could look like I'd stepped off the set of 'Clueless'. Thankfully I don't live trapped an American coming of age film because when I really think about it American high schools look like a nightmare. Well, the way they're depicted in films anyway. I reckon I would surely have been one of the weird rejects that had their lunch money stolen on a regular basis. 

In other news I start university again tomorrow. Which I'm not really looking forward to but it will be nice to have a bit of structure back in my life rather than binge watching Youtube videos and Netflix. Pretty happy with my timetable, however, as I managed to get Monday mornings and every Friday off - fuck yes. Hello long ass weekends. My fabulous timetable also means that I can get to finally do some exploring around the region and see more of France. I've already booked tickets to see my friend up in Rouen in in February and I am so excited!! 

Because this is so nice to listen to when you're doing nothing. 

Floral Playsuit and Desert Boots.

Denim Jacket - Charity Shop

Playsuit - TK Maxx (Present)

 Desert Boots - ASOS

Sunglasses - Tiger Tiger

Rucksack - Converse (Present)

Oh, hello. I went missing from the internet for a while. Well, I say a while lets try a month - a whole bloody month. I wasn't completely disconnected, mind, rather I transformed myself into a shadow and lurked on the internet as opposed to being active like I normally am. My excuse is that I got swamped with revising for my exams (all of which I passed, yay!) and then Christmas crept up on me along with new year and finally flying back to Montpellier. I didn't fly alone this time as I was accompanied by my lovely boyfriend Niall. After staying with me a week he unfortunately had to make his way back to England because of something called a Masters in physics or whatever - pshh, what even is that? 

Excuses aside, I can't publish my first post of 2015 without addressing an exciting change that the new year brought me. You may have noticed that my pictures no longer look so shitty as I finally treated myself to a new camera. I'm still getting to grips with it as I've never had such a device at my disposal before. It is a Fujifilm FinePix S8200 bridge camera for those interested - not anything too fancy as I'm not made of money but it's got everything I was looking for. A common misconception is that if you want to take good pictures you need the most expensive camera there is and bridge cameras often get overlooked because of this. Bridge cameras are the perfect step up from a point and shoot and way more affordable than DLSRs. 

These photos were taken by Niall at the Parc du Peyrou and the Jardin des Plants in Montpellier which if you have to visit if you ever have the chance. The Jardin des Plants is a botanical garden that is still used by botanic students of the university nearby. Although the garden is a little run down it is still a stunning place to visit nonetheless.  If anything I think the garden's rough edges add a sense of charm that comes with abandoned places. Anyone else obsessed with derelict buildings and decaying theme parks? I'm definitely going to pop back again and take some more photos. I have no excuse really as it is literally 5 minutes from my house.

Moving onto what I am actually wearing: this gorgeous playsuit was a present from Niall for my birthday last year and I am ashamed to say this is only the 4th time I have worn it. It's one of those items that I love so much I never end up wearing as I am scared I will ruin it. Anyone else in the same boat as me? I often feel like this with clothes that were either really expensive or are sentimental. It's quite silly, however, when I think about it. Clothes aren't meant to collect dust in the wardrobe! 

I teamed my playsuit with my regular denim jacket and fave desert boots from ASOS. You'll be seeing a lot of my denim jacket as it's currently the only jacket I have with me because I made the major error of leaving my coat in England because I thought it wouldn't be cold here... In fairness it is no where near as cold as it is in England but the wind does get a bit nippy and sometimes a denim jacket just doesn't cut it. I'm keeping optimistic, however, and dreaming of summer and shorts already.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and are having a great start to the new year. I'm wanting to take my blogging a lot more seriously, especially as I know how my new camera (woop). Last semester was just so stressful that I couldn't find the time or effort to do anything let alone blog. Having settled in a bit more now and adjusted somewhat to the French way of life I reckon I can find the perfect balance between studying, blogging and everything in between. 

Because I have been listening to The Cure none stop today.

Grandma Skirt and Stolen Jumper.

Jumper - A Friend (Not actually stolen)

Skirt - Charity Shop

Belt - Flea Market

Crop Top - Supre (NZ)

Shoes - Converse via eBay

Before you ring the police and hang a reward around my neck, this jumper isn't actually stolen. Only partly. The poor thing had been squatting in my house for a fair few weeks after a friend had carelessly left it behind. I just couldn't have it stay rent-free and so decided to take matters into my own hands - then my arms and before you know it the damn jumper was taking up residence on my body. At first I thought I'd only wear it the once, wash it and then return it. However, that first time got me hooked and spiraled into a lengthy and sneaky love affair where I managed to wear it and wash it multiple times; now with no intention of ever returning it. So you see, it wasn't technically stealing. How can it be stealing when it chose me?

Also, please do not be fooled into thinking Montpellier has somehow managed to evade winter. These photos are highly misleading and were taken a fair few weeks ago, oops. Nevertheless, add a pair of tights, boots and a nice scarf and jacket combo and this outfit will take you right through to winter. That's one thing I really love about this skirt and has made me get more wear out of it than I initially imagined. I reckon it is all down to the colour. Although the floral print boasts notions of spring and summer, the dark blue background makes it a piece that easily transitions into the colder months making this skirt the perfect all-rounder, score. 

On a personal note I went on a little trip to Nimes on Wednesday, staying overnight - in a rather grotty hotel it has to be said - but it was so much fun. One of my friend's brother is in a band called Tenterhook who were playing at Paloma (a venue in Nimes) along side another awesome Icelandic band called Asgeir. I've added videos below so make sure you give them a listen, your ears will thank me. 

Being a busy bee has meant I haven't had time to get snap some new outfit pics just yet, though hopefully I'll get round to it soon. I am also so glad to share the amazing news that my Erasmus grant is finally coming through!! I was supposed to receive it as soon as I started my year here in Montpellier, then they said mid October, then they said end of October - but finally now I should be getting it at the end of this month. Phew. It's such a weight off my shoulders as I was beginning to panic about paying my rent and flights home for Christmas. Also allows me to get all excited for Christmas and buying presents for people. They've put up a huge tree in La Place de la Comedie and it's got me all giddy. On that note, I shall leave you with a couple song.

Because they will give you an eargasm. 

Autumn Tag,

The lovely Louise from As Seen On Louise tagged me a while ago in the Autumn Tag so I finally sat down and thoroughly enjoyed answering the questions. As I am a bit late on the bandwagon I am just going to say that if you're reading this then I am tagging you. Please leave a comment with a link to your post if you do complete this tag as I would love to read your answers. So, without further ado: 

1. Coffee - What's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks or any other coffee shop?

I'm a huge coffee snob so, in all honesty, I hate Starbucks. I think its overpriced and a pile of poop (sorry guys). That aside I do love getting coffee with added cinnamon and other festive spices in the autumn/winter - its like an added squeeze from a hug in a mug.  

2. Accessories - What do you opt for, scarf, boots or gloves?

Boots, boots, boots! I love boots all year round but I especially love wearing them in the autumn with bare legs (if its not too cold) and woolly socks poking out the top. 

3. Music - What's your favourite music to listen to during Autumn?

Anything by Daughter always makes me feel nostalgic about autumn, and especially reminds me of the autumn I spent in Canterbury in my first year of university. I was playing them on repeat, burning incense and battling through essays in my little student room. 

4. Perfume - What's your favourite scent for this time of year?

I'm not a huge perfume person (cos I smell, haha) but I do love burning incense as I mentioned earlier - Nag Champa being my favorite throughout the year. However, I have recently discovered Breath of God from Lush and, please excuse the pun but it really is heavenly. According to the lovely guy at Lush, the perfume smells different on every single person as each individual's body absorbs different amount of the oils that make up the perfume if that makes any sense. It's quite a masculine smell with bold tones of sandalwood, musk and jasmine which I absolutely love.

5. Candles - What scents will you be burning this season? 

I burn candles more for their aesthetics as oppose to smells so I'm gonna have to say just your bog standard tea lights. 

6. What do you love best about Autumn?

Crunching over fallen leaves in boots whilst my breath mists in the air and sunlight dapples through trees. 

7. Favourite make up look?

Big brows, naked eyes and a dark rich lip.

8. What are you looking forward to the most in the Autumn?

Normally I would be looking forward to layering up and, although the temperature has dropped, it's still no where near as cold as it is in England and I have to say I am missing it just a tad. I just want to justify buying a blanket scarf! What I am really looking forward to is the Christmas markets and getting round to present shopping. I love buying presents for people and the whole process of wrapping them up and such. I can't wait to see how autumn and winter pans out here for me in Montpellier.

UPDATE #1

I'm sure my disappearing act went down a treat eh? Sorry for not blogging in like FOREVER - I just got so caught up with uni work and I then went trotting back to England for the half term. I've been back in Montpellier a week or so now but have been bogged down with another piece of homework and getting back in the swing of things. 

So- 

I have a back log of outfits that I'm excited to share with you, a couple of new things that I bought whilst I was in England and a tag the lovely Louise from As Seen On Louise tagged me in. But before we get back into all that gubbins I thought I'd do a little updates post. Just imagine I'm a friend that you haven't seen in a while and I'm popping over for a hot cup of tea and a good ol' chat. 

Left: View from the boyfriend's room - Right: Niall reunited with his cat

So first things first (I'm the realest), I flew out to England for my half term (yes you still get half term at university in France - not complaining) and stayed at my boyfriend Niall's in Canterbury who I hadn't seen in two months. I not only had to get a plane to England but I also had to make the two hour train journey from London Gatwick to Canterbury which only worsened the butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous when I saw Niall that I was physically shaking and tried to blame it on the cold but failed miserably. Despite the traveling it was so lovely seeing him again and I do really miss him already - sorry for being soppy - safe to say we spent the first night with pizza and lots of cuddles. The next day got the train to his parents' house for a little get together for his mum's birthday where his dad made an awesome curry and special veggie one for me - what a babe. As well as being deliciously well fed it was nice seeing all of his family and friends including the little ginger one pictured above! 

Left: Sunday roast on the go - Right: The Great Stour river that runs through Canterbury

On the Sunday before me and Niall returned to Canterbury his dad treated us to a larverly roast that disappeared as soon as it was set down on the table. Although I bloody love eating in France and drowning in the many cheeses, it was so nice to have something familiar and hearty, ya know? After all you can never beat a good roast potato. Back in Canterbury it was nice to just have a wander, do a bit of shopping and be glad to wear a jumper finally! 

Niall's Halloween costume deffo outshone mine

Normally I love making my own costumes for Halloween but being in France and having to travel light meant it made more sense for me to buy something online and send it to Niall's house in Canterbury. So I decided to go as a pumpkin and managed to find a cheap outfit online which, unfortunately, I discovered to be far too short - why is it that all women's Halloween outfits are supposed to be 'sexy'? What on earth is sexy about a pumpkin?! Anyway, I managed to salvage it by wearing some cycling shorts underneath and maintaining my modesty. Although, either way, Niall's outfit definitely trumped mine. His housemate and him chose to go as a pimp and a prostitute, naturally Niall had to be the prostitute, haha. He actually ended up looking really good - this photo doesn't do his outfit justice - he's wearing leopard print leggings and my leather skirt. I know a bunch of feminists might want to jump on the fact that his outfit could be seen as sexist or insulting towards women but it really wasn't and was just a bit of fun. 

Left: The worst falafel wrap ever - Right: The best fry up a la Beano Cafe

As well as drinking a fair bit whilst I was in England I also ate a fair bit. And by a fair bit I mean a lot. Though the falafel wrap I bought was a major disappointment compared to the ones I have found here in France - just the thought of them has got my mouth watering. The day after Halloween I went to get my hair cut (which you will see in a mo) and then met up with Niall and his friends at the Beano Cafe in Canterbury and officially lost my Beano virginity. I got the veggie breakfast and, oh my, it was just like heaven on my taste buds - best hangover cure ever. If you're from Canterbury and haven't been to the Beano Cafe then you seriously need to, it is exactly what you want from a greasy spoon and more. I especially love how villainous Niall looks in the picture, haha, the poor boy hadn't taken his eyebrows off properly from the night before. He may have looked like a girl but he deffo doesn't know how to be one.

Left: La formule de petit-dejeuner - Right: Giddy over sparklers

Back in France with early morning lectures, the only thing to get me through is the wonderful notion of 'la formule de petit-dejeuner'. For €1.80 you can get any type of coffee, a choice between a pain au chocolat or a croissant and a little orange juice. It's the best thing I have discovered so far. That and the cheese - omg the cheese. On the flip side one thing that is disappointing about France is that they don't celebrate Bonfire Night, which is pretty obvious as its an English thing. So, after a day filled with doing homework you can only guess of our delight when we found some sparklers in a supermarket. Cue getting childishly excited. Would have loved to go to an actual bonfire but we made do. 

Standard new hair cut selfie

And finally as I mentioned earlier, I went to get my hair cut whilst in England as despite vastly improving my grasp on the French language I wasn't prepared to take the risk of going to the hair salon. Imagine if I had gotten a scissor happy French hairdresser and being unable to communicate 'just a little off the bottom please'?! Nevertheless, I am really please with it and as it is all one length now I shouldn't have to suffer with it flicking out too much. 

Hope you have all be well in my absence. I am now about to spend the rest of the day reading all your lovely blog posts and relishing in the fact that its a bank holiday tomorrow. No American civilization class for me!

Because it's the best for underwear dancing. 

Denim Jacket and Doc Martins.

Denim Jacket - Charity Shop

Cardigan - Charity Shop

Dress - H&M

Scarf - From a Friend

Necklace - eBay

Doc Martins - eBay

These pictures are dark and grainy as hell, and I regret the day I broke my camera forever more; but I actually don't mind these photos. In fact, I think I quite like them. And you know what? - I'm just gonna go ahead and say it like a filthy hipster - I like the vintage-y feel, that it looks like I have laced them with three different filters and have added a dusty texture; just so they look like they came out of a rusting box in an attic somewhere. When in reality I only took these photos a couple days ago and didn't overlay a single filter. I guess that's the magic of a shitty camera (Iphone), dodgy lighting and the ability to use the brighten/contrast tool in photoshop (thank goodness). 

I feel this has been the first outfit that I've posted with a real 'autumn feel' which I think is, not only down to the tights, but to layering. Autumn to me is all about dem layers. It's not quite cold enough to crack out the winter coat and not quite warm enough that a cardigan will suffice which, evidently, results in the birth of lovely layers. I was quite glad I wore layers in this outfit as the day turned out to be rather warm so my scarf promptly went in my bag and I had to carry my jacket. It seems I am forever waiting for the weather to turn here in Montpellier. 

This scarf is fabulous, however, and I am sure it will get all the admiration it deserves come winter. It was also completely free as I managed to nab it when one of my friends was having a wardrobe clear out. I am magically always around whenever my friends are de-cluttering their wardrobe and subsequently I end up scoring some awesome items for free. Perhaps I just ooze an I-want-your-clothes-give-me-your-clothes aura.

I was planning on filming another video (cos we all know how good the last one was, lol) but I have suddenly become bunged up with a cold and sound like a frog has taken up residence in my throat. I am hoping I will be able to film something before I fly to England next week which I am really looking forward to 1) because I get to see my boyfriend again after two month and 2) for Halloween, durr. 

Thank you for your awesome comments on my last post, it was great hearing your opinions on recycling clothes and whatnot. Keep being cool and rad. 

Because I have been listening to a lot of Nirvana lately. (Obviously I am still a rebellious moody teenager). 

Black Skinny Jeans and Borrowed Belts.

T-Shirt - Charity Shop

Shirt - Vintage

Jeans - H&M

Convers - eBay

Belt - Borrowed from a friend

Necklaces - Both eBay

I am currently watching the 1951 version of 'A Christmas Carol' for a cinema module that I'm doing here in Montpellier. I'm watching number 3 out of the 6 (yes 6) versions that I'm obliged to yawn my way through and there's only so much I can take - it's not even Christmas. So with it playing the background I thought I would write a little post for you lovely people. 

Remember that haul video I made all that time ago? Well these are the black skinny jeans that I featured in it and, although I am glad of their presence in my wardrobe, I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair. This pair are just, well, a bit lacking. First of all, they're too big. By too big I mean I panicked at the last minute that my arse wouldn't wriggle in and so bought them 4 sizes too big. With a belt the jeans look ok, but it's not the first time I've misjudged my butt. Perhaps in my head I have a butt like Nicki Minaj - I should ask her where she gets her jeans from. Secondly, as well as a gaping waist, these jeans are far too long in the leg. However, I am not sure if this counts as a real reason for the jeans being poo as I am a midget and forever destined to rock a turn up anyway. Finally - and this is a biggie -  literally everything sticks to them it looks like I have been rolling around in a sheep pen. When I wear these jeans I also wear all the fluff known to man. Continuously picking at my legs is not a good look. 

And yet, I am still wearing them aren't I? Well, I am not one to waste clothes, nor do I have a disposable income to replace them with the Topshop baxters I have my eye on just yet. Speaking of shopping, I did manage to get up early enough this past Sunday to venture to the flea market in Mosson with my friends. I am planning on putting together another haul video as I really enjoyed filming and editing the last one. I found so many amazing things including a couple belts. You may have noticed the lovely one that I am wearing here, but unfortunately it's not mine and could only grace my hips for a short while. That's the bitter sweet beauty of having friends with good taste in fashion - you can borrow their clothes but you have to give them back... eventually.

As always I hope you guys are well and have a lovely week ahead. Thanks for reading and commenting - if you leave a link to your blog I will always give it a read and a possible cheeky comment back. 

Because my friend introduced this to me and I can't stop listening. 

Denim Skirt and Orange Shirt.

Crop Top - Present (ASOS)

Skirt - Primark 

Belt - Vintage

Converse - Ebay 

Sorry these pictures are so dark, I tried to lighten them a tad but there is only so much photoshop can do with a bad picture. Safe to say I am starting to miss my camera. My camera was a pile of poop but at least it worked and my pictures were half decent. I'm thinking of getting a decent DSLR and actually spending a bit of money on it but endlessly browsing the internet is giving me a headache. Camera lingo is not my forte. 

On a brighter note, I'd like to admit my love for Thursdays. I love Thursdays because I have no classes and can enjoy the luxury of a lie in and today was no exception. I woke up naturally and enjoyed a cup of tea whilst people watching out of my balcony. I then headed off with my friend to a small market near me to pick up some fresh fruit and veg - and of course I couldn't live in France and not buy a baguette too. I've been to the market pretty much every week since getting here as it is ten times cheaper than the supermarkets and ten times nicer. One of the guys on the stall has even started giving me free parsley every time I go too.

This outfit is actually from a few days ago as I'm a little behind with my posting (sorry). This lovely little crop top was one of the first in my ever growing collection and I'm surprised it is still as good as new considering how much I bloody wore it. The denim skirt was a favourite for me this summer so I don't know why it has taken so long for it to get its 15 minutes of fame on my 'ere blog. Admittedly it is from Primark, which I do try to avoid for obvious reasons, but I knew it would be a perfect transitional piece from summer to autumn. I can't wait to pair it with jumpers and knee high socks. 

I will try to keep this blog more updated and my posts less sporadic. Hopefully by Christmas I will have a lovely new camera but until then my Iphone and photoshop will have to do. Hope you are all having a fab Thursday just like I am. 

If you listen to this song when you wake up your day is guaranteed to be good.  

Grandpa pants and Short Hair.

T- Shirt - Primark 

Trousers - Charity Shop

Shoes - Converse via eBay

My hair is shorter. You might not have noticed because of my lack of posts but it is definitely shorter. I got it cut a couple days before I flew here to Montpellier to just below my chin and I swear it has grown an inch already. I have heard that hair grows quicker in the sunshine, so perhaps it's that - Or it's just all in my head. I really love it this length regardless and if anything I want it even shorter, I will say though that a lack of practice in styling short hair plus humidity equals so many bloody flicks. I constantly look like the mum from My Parents Are Aliens.  

Hair dilemma's aside, I did manage to find the time to get some outfit pics. I have no idea why they are so bright when my window is the size of a pigeon hole. I have got the worst room in the flat compared to the other bigger rooms, two of which have balconies (jealous). I was the last to apply for a room though and to be honest it really isn't that bad and there's a balcony off the living area to satisfy my people watching needs. Also, I have really lovely flat mates who have made me feel so welcome I couldn't be happier. 

Right, so onto clothes. So you might remember these ah-may-zing trousers that I featured in my haul video a couple weeks ago and can I tell you how snazzy I felt wearing these? Well pretty damned snazzy. They are the comfiest trousers I own, and, who doesn't want to look like they're rocking Grandpa/golfer/pyjama chic for the absolute steal price of £1? No one. I paired them with my fave Jurassic Park T-shirt because I am secretly a 12 year old boy and also to inject a bit of fun into the outfit. 

Montpellier is treating me well so for to all those concerned. I still need to sort out about a bank account but once that is done I only have to rectify my learning agreement before I can wash my hands of French admin. I would like to pose a question to anyone who is reading this that is French or has lived in France -  how do you maintain a relaxed way of life when admin is a pain in the bloody arse? I just, I just cant understand it. 

Cos this is a happy song. 

Grandma Skirt and Montpellier.

Top - Hand-me-down

Skirt - Charity Shop

Cardigan - Hand-me-down

Belt - Vintage

Socks - Primark

Doc Martins - eBay

Long time no blog. As I said in my last post I predicted that I'd be MIA this past week because of my move to Montpellier in France. Also, I only got connected to the internet yesterday. Two weeks without the internet was a struggle, let me tell ya. Also, I have been running around constantly like a headless chicken trying to get all of my admin sorted and, needless to say, I am now an expert at queuing. I've been so busy I haven't even had a chance to properly explore the city. It is so annoying because I keep passing some really cool places whilst on one of my many errands but not having enough to time to stop and look. I reckon I need to allocate a day next week for pure exploration and picture taking. 

As you might have guessed by today's photos I haven't had a chance to take any outfit pics yet. However, I have replicated this outfit whilst here in Montpellier but just swapped the Docs for my Converse because it is sooooo bloody hot here by feet would melt if I wore my Docs. When I was unpacking my suitcase my French flatmates laughed at me for bringing jumpers. It's not my fault the internet lied to me! I have also come to realise that my wardrobe is just not built for summer, I had to go out and buy some summer shoes today cos I aint got none. May or may not have bought the perfect pair of Birkinstock knock-offs for 10 euros. 

If you saw my last post and watched my amature attempt at a haul video then you will have seen this gorgeous skirt that I picked up when I was in Devon last month. I have worn it so much already by pairing it with different crop tops and belt combos. I am so excited to wear it with jumpers when the weather cools down a bit. Urgh, listen to me eh? In the lovely sunny south of France and I am wishing for colder weather, haha. My urge to wear jumpers aside, I am hoping the warm weather lasts another month or so because the beach is fast becoming one of my fave spots, hello tan. 

I'll try to get round to taking more outfit pictures and what not, but my posts might be a little sporadic until I get used to my uni timetable and finding a place to take pictures. Until then, a bientot! 

This song has taken over every French radio station.