Brother's Coat and Corduroy Skirt.

Coat - Hand-me-down From Brother

Scarf - From a Friend

Cardigan - Charity Shop

Top - From a Friend

Skirt - Charity Shop

Belt - Vintage

Chelsea Boots - Office

Excuse me while I just give myself a pat on the back for once again creating an outfit consisting of only second hand clothes (except for the shoes - damn you Chelsea boots!). So, congratulations to me and wearing shit other people didn't want which, haha. As I've previously mentioned, does make me just a little bit smug inside and even more so considering three of these items were freeeeee. The first being this lovely brown coat that was previously owned by my younger brother, yes I did say younger. Fortunately for me his monkey arms quickly outgrew it and forced it to relocation to my wardrobe. The texture is a little hard to describe so the best I can give you is that it's a very fine corduroy/ fake suede / canvas. Hope that paints the picture I'm going for here. Regardless, it's really warm and even boasts an inner breast pocket where I like to keep my phone for safe keeping. Also means I actually know when I'm being rung as it vibrates on my boob as opposed to me rifling through my back and finding 16 missed called. First world problems eh? Handy pockets aside, the coolest bit about this coat (sarcasm alert) is that it has a little metal embellishment on the breast saying 'FASHION' - just in case I ever forget who and what I am. 

The top and skirt are two firm favourites of my current wardrobe and get worn so much I swear my other items get jealous. The skirt was a fantastic find in a charity shop whilst I was gallivanting across New Zealand a couple of years ago. When I bought it, however, it was twice the length and really mumsy but not in a good way - so I hacked away at it with my scissors, ran a straight stitch along the bottom and then bam, fab new skirt! I've always been a fan of DIY and trying to make something out of nothing as my mum would say. 

On a personal note, I am currently in the midst of my many exams and just feeling so pooey about it and sorry for myself. I've done four exams and still have six to go - urgh. I just keep thinking how great it will be when I'm done and I can finally get into the Christmas spirit. Saturday 13th December is my last exam and will be a great day! Mark it in your calendars people as the day I either get drunk or just sleep a hell of a lot. It could very well be a combination of the two. 

My old French teacher used to play this to keep us motivated, and right now I need all the motivation I can get.

Wants But Cant Haves #2 Christmas Edition.

Eep it's December! I originally wanted to get this up on the 1st but I have been so bogged down with university work that it's a tad late. However, I have literally been revising non-stop for the past week and will continue to do so until my exams are over. Ten exams in the space of a week and no time off to revise is really kicking me in the balls - well if I had any. I digress, point being France is poop when it comes to exams; seriously how do you Frenchies do it? I'm drowning under a sea of mind-maps and flash cards. So, as a way to keep myself half sane I thought I would compile a little personal wishlist for Christmas, which, although is pretty self-centered, could be used as inspiration for presents you want to buy for others or even yourself. No harm in a little self love! So here is my second installment of 'Wants But Can't Haves' the Christmas Edition. 

 Heats and bows Tartan Shorts / Lush Sex Bomb / River Island Gold Glitter Platforms / Lamoda Thigh High Boots / Urban Outfitters Mug / Limecrime Eyeliner in Lazuli / Limecrime Velvetine in Suedeberry / Real Techniques Starter Kit / Sephora Luster Matte Lip Colour in Deep Plum / Limecrime Lipstick in Serpentina / Hearts and bows Velvet Dress / Lush Holly Golightly / Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera / ASOS Roll Neck Jumper

Heats and bows Tartan Shorts - I am a massive fan of tartan for all year round but there is something oh so very Christmassy about it. These shorts are a nice twist on the classic school-girl skirt but still have that preppy vibe. 

Lush Sex Bomb - Everyone loves a bath bomb and I am a firm believer in that Lush sell the best ones ever. Not only are they all made from cruelty free natural ingredients they also smell ah-ma-zing. Sex Bomb is one of my all time faves and turns your bath water a lovely pink colour so you feel like a princess. 

River Island Gold Glitter Platforms - It wouldn't be a Christmas wishlist without some glitter and these platforms would be the perfect way to add a bit of festive sparkle to any outfit. With the weather being so cold I'd pair these with some quirky socks to add a bit of fun - it is Christmas after all. 

Lamoda Thigh High Boots - I've seen these boots in a couple of blog posts already and was under the assumption that they would be completely out of my price range. Fortunately they're only £32.99, safe to say I had to close my gaping mouth with my hand. They're out of stock at the moment which is a bummer but I'm keeping my eye on them!

Urban Outfitters Mug - I like tea, I like cats. Enough said. 

Limecrime Eyeliner in Lazuli - I'm a bit of a stalker when it comes to Limecrime as I have never actually tried it but I am already in love. After watching endless make-up tutorials on Youtube I've found a desire to get more experimental with my make-up. Why not start with blue eyeliner?

Limecrime Velvetine in Suedeberry - Again with the unjustified love for Limecrime. I absolutely adore the matte finish of the velvetines and have heard wonders about their staying power so I cannot wait to try them out for myself. 

Real Techniques Starter Kit - My desire to get into make-up strikes again and the praise these brushes get is unbelievable. Really good present to give alongside an eye-shadow palette as the brushes in them are always a bit naff. 

Sephora Luster Matte Lip Colour in Deep Plum - A perk of living in France is that they have a Sephora shop which I got ridiculously excited about. My sister is really into make-up so I'm sure I will find the perfect present for her as well as for myself, haha. The colour of this matte lipstick is just divine and perfect for the colder months. 

Limecrime Lipstick in Serpentina - A more 'out-there' colour but still really wearable. I've seen so many make-up looks that combine this bold lip colour with a nude eye and they look really good. Plus shimmery green is oh so festive!

Hearts and bows Velvet Dress - Velvet is always my fabric of choice for winter as it oozes a richness and warmth. I own many velvet items but am yet to add a dress to the collection. Although this dress has really simple lines, there's a gorgeous strap detailing at the back so be sure to click on the link to have a look. This dress would be ideal for a casual Christmas do!

Lush Holly Golightly - Because no one could refuse the prospect of an orange and clove scented bubble bath. 

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera - If you read this blog regularly you will know that my camera died a couple months ago (boohoo) and I've been on the hunt for a new one ever since. Being a point-and-shoot gal for ages I thought it was high time I invested in a better and more 'professional' camera. Nothing too fancy

ASOS Roll Neck Jumper - And finally a little something to wrap up warm whilst nursing a hot cup of tea (out of the crazy cat lady mug, of course). Roll necks are such a chic way to wrap up and I'd love to have one in every colour under the sun - though grey is always my go to and my fave for mixing and matching. 

Because if applied directly to my wishlist it's very fitting. 

Sparkly Rollneck and Topshop Jeans.

Jumper - Flea Market

Jeans - Topshop

Shoes - ASOS

Denim Jacket - Charity Shop

Hello shorter hair. It's nice to finally feature you on the blog. However, I realise wearing a black turtle neck was not the best way to showcase my new 'do as I basically look like a floating head. It is shorter, I swear. I am very happy with the way it is now as its perpetual desire to flick out was getting on my wick. This is the first time since I was about five years old that I've had hair this short so it's all still a learning curve with regards to styling. I am looking forward to experimenting with it more and trying out different hairstyles. Might even make it into a little blog feature once I get my new camera. 

Anyway, shall I move onto clothes? I am so glad I can finally wear more autumnal outfits; my jumpers were getting lonely on the shelf it has to be said. I picked up this sparkly rolled neck number from the flea market here in Montpellier which I went to yonks ago but, like I said, the weather just wasn't cooperating. I managed to snap it up for a meager 3 euros and have worn it so many times already its probably down to 5 cents per wear. Only down side is it is a little scratchy but that's nothing a little vest top underneath doesn't solve. 


Whilst I was England a couple weeks ago I was a little naughty on the spending front (sorry bank balance) and ended up purchasing, not one but, two of the items from my wishlist. The first is this pair of Baxter jeans from Topshop. Being short and curvy is the bane of my life when it comes to jeans and as a result I didn't expect this pair too fit too well. These, however, are perfect. I say perfect because they are the first pair of jeans to fit me properly - I'm talking the correct length AND enough room for my butt without having a baggy waist. I have to admit, I did squeal for joy when I tried them on in the changing room. Topshop is always a little bit too pricey for me so I tend to buy things in the sales. However I did cave and pay the £42 (minus student discount) for these jeans as they were just too damned perfect. Everyone deserves a treat now and then, right?


Second thing I owe an apology to my bank balance for is these fabulous ASOS desert boots you can see encasing my feet in loveliness. As I mentioned earlier, these were also included in my Wants But Cant Haves post, but I featured the black ones rather than the tan. I was deliberating for a good while which colour to get - black or tan, tan or black? As I already own so many pairs of black shoes I decided it was high time I branched out into the brown area of the colour spectrum. I am really pleased I did as I love them to bits and they go with literally everything. Expect to see their fuzzy faces featured a lot this autumn. 

Because this is the best for exam and essay writing season. 

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.

Orange Roll Neck and Duster Coat.

Top - ASOS

Jeans - Topshop

Belt - Vintage 

Duster Coat - Primark 

Shoes - Converse via eBay

Rewind to before I went to England and to before I got my hair cut at which point autumn was still an unknown notion to Montpellier. It was boasting 20 degree heat in October for goodness sake and now it's bloody freezing - Sort yourself out France. Point being, it was far too warm even for this light duster jacket yet I had been pinning to wear it ever since I bought it 2 months ago (yes two months) and so just accepted that I would be more sweaty than usual and wore it anyway. All in the name of fashion, eh?

I picked up the wonderful duster coat in question from Primark just before I flew to France and in my head I thought I'd look dead classy in it. For some reason I always envisioned the French having impeccable and classy style and thought that the only way I could avoid carrying a giant illuminated sign saying 'foreigner' over my head would be to dress as equally as impeccable and classy. Turns out everything in my head was a lie. Not to say that French people don't dress nice, some of them really do, but I haven't been bowled over by insane outfits that wouldn't be out of place at say Paris Fashion Week. All in all it's not that different to England and I don't know why I ever thought it would be. 

Misjudging an entire country's sense of style aside, I still think I could create a more classy outfit with this here duster jacket but that will have to be for another day. As you can see here, I still can't shake off the grunge trend which I know has been done to death, yet I will continue to adopt it until comes back from the dead and haunts me like Casper the ghost (in a friendly and none-scary manner). 

It was also nice to wear this orange top that quite often gets neglected because it has the awful habit of consistently showing off my bra straps. The top is just the wrong amount of clingy to wear without a bra which is such a shame cos I'm all for everyday being a braless day - but that's a topic for another post. 

Because this video is as cute as it comes. 

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.