Where to: Buy Affordable Jewellery

If you're anything like me, you like your jewellery.
I'm a serial stalker of cool jewellery brand on instagram, getting inspiration and putting together a wish list of all the pieces I would love. Sadly, my budget doesn't stretch to a few £100s per item, so I have to be a bit more savvy with where I find my pieces. In the past I've also liked to swap and change what I wear from time, which doesn't help the ol' bank account.

But recently I've nailed down an edit of rings that I'm happy with. And the majority have come from *drumroll* Accessorize!

I have been on the hunt for a good quality (either gold or sterling silver) jewellery brand for a long time and I cannot fault them! They have two ranges I love - the Sterling Silver range and Z for Accessorize. 

Here's a closer look at what I wear (& where they're from...)

The two rings I wear on my pinky fingers have been ones I've owned for years, so now they'll only fit my pinky fingers! They were both gifts from family and I think were bought at a local independent jewellers.

The Pandora Ring was one I chose as I wanted some simple, stacking rings to add in. (This was also a gift!) I got this a few years ago and I can't find it on the Pandora website anymore so looks like it's been discontinued.

And now for Accessorize... Unfortunately the only one still in stock is the eternity ring, both the signet ring and Labradorite ring are no longer on the website! The new ranges look equally as lovely though, and 99% of the range is below £20!

So there it is, my recommendation for quality jewellery on a budget. Let me know if there are other stores on the high street I'm missing!

Ru x

My Current Skincare Lineup

From L-R: Your Good Skin Balancing Skin Concentrate // The Beauty Kitchen Raw Inventions Berry British Sustainable Beauty Oil // Weleda Skin Food // Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish // Pixi Glow Tonic // Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack // Liz Earle Instant Boost Tonic // 

Barca Diaries // What I Wore, Saw and Ate

What I wore, saw and ate in Barcelona back in June. 

Shot with iPhone 6s and Canon Film.

The Lost Blog Post

Top - Pull & Bear // Jeans - Mom Jeans from Zara // Loafers - Dune // 

Everyone likes a little throwback right? Here's a throwback to NYE - yes, it's taken me nearly 8 months to post this... The photos have been sat on my hard drive since January! 

I bought this beautiful top on beloved Asos over Christmas and wore it out on NYE. I sometimes struggle to know what to wear in the evening - as I've documented lots on here, I'm a fan of a simple outfit (some may say boring, I say fool proof). My back up for a night out is anything black - I feel well within my comfort zone and I think an all black outfit, while not always the most creative, is guaranteed to look cool and I 'm less likely to look back and think "whaaaat was I wearing". Thankfully, 7 months later I still like this outfit!!

This top is one that I think I'll wear lots over next winter for nights out. The detail is so pretty on it, and what's perfect is that it goes perfectly with jeans!! Yay! A little variation on my everyday.  

Looking back on these photos has reminded me how much I like wearing these jeans - but thanks to this flipping heat wave (I do love it really) I haven't worn them in what feels like forever. Anyone else struggle to know what to wear when it's nearly 30 degrees for days on end? If I'm on holiday I have no problems, but now I have to dress for hot weather whilst being smart at work, so the usual cut off shorts and crop top isn't really going to cut it! Please leave recommendations for outfits to cope with this heat. (Now I've written this down we are bound to go back to the usual weather of 20 degrees...)

Anyway - I'm so happy to be back writing on my blog! This time it's GOING TO STICK. If I write it in caps lock it has to happen... The last time I posted, I was determined to keep up my blog - as you can tell that didn't happen! I didn't anticipate how long it would take me to step into a new routine of proper working life. The past few months have been jam packed! Lots has happened, I've had fun times and some more stressful times, but I think I'm now back in a place where I'm in the right space to write a blog and have it back in my life.

So with that said, we'll speak very soon. Ru x

What 2017 Taught Me

Happy 2018, everyone! After a mid-year resolution in 2017 to dedicate more time to my blog, I seem to have failed miserably at it. I think it's safe to say that this year is going to be all about time management and managing my expectations of myself. I always have the best intentions, but in reality forget that I can't commit to the 101 commitments I give myself! 

However, I didn't fail with all my goals in 2017. Last year saw a lot of change in my life and the beginning of a new chapter for me. I'm officially a working girl now! I graduated from my university degree with a 1st and started a new job. I joined a running club and went from barely being able to run a 1/2 mile to completing a 10k race. (I'm as shocked as you are, believe me.) 

Last year I learnt lots, mostly about myself (that sounds even cheesier than it did in my head...). In the famous words of Kylie Jenner, it was a year about realising things. The main thing I learned that was that a bit of hard work goes a long way and it's always worth it. I've proven to myself that I can achieve something if I really put my mind to it. I never went to university expecting to get a 1st, but going into my final year something in me clicked. I wanted to get a 1st, even though I didn't really think I could get one. A small part of myself clung onto the idea though, and with a lot of perseverance, I achieved it. 

It was exactly the same with my decision to start running. I was never remotely interested in taking it up, until one day I stumbled across a YouTube channel by a lady called Adrienne Ldn, and her video about running the London marathon. I thought that her achievement was so bloody cool, and at the end of the video I remember thinking wow, I wish I could do something like that. Then I got sucked into a spiral of watching marathon training videos on YouTube, and a few days later I decided that I wanted to try running, and maybe one day run a half marathon. That plan is still in the pipeline - it's a goal I've got for the next year or so! 

I think as well as self-belief (whether that's genuine belief, or a fake-it-until-you-make-it kind of belief), another common factor in my year has been a support network. For me, everything I did last year was undoubtedly a little easier to do because of the people around me. It's taught me that who you surround yourself really does matter. My friends and family spurred me on during revision, and the friends I've made at my running club have given me the motivation to keep on going that little bit longer. It's also made me realise that I need to make sure that I give that support back whenever I can. I think in the past it's something that I've done subconsciously - because it's just what you do for your friends - but this year I do want to make sure I more consciously support those around me. 

I haven't formally thought of any resolutions for this new year. I've never been one to come up with a list at the beginning of the year- my goals tend to come about quite randomly as I go along. I guess all the usual apply though - I want to be a bit more efficient with my time and focus on the important things rather than small, unimportant admin and boring things, keep improving my fitness, save a bit more money and have fun. Oh - and be better at keeping my room tidy! 

As always, I'll update my blog when I can and fill you in on what I'm doing and of course, what I'm wearing. I hope your first week of 2018 has had a good start! Speak soon x

What I'm wearing:

The "If All Else Fails" Outfit

Shirt - Topshop // Jeans - Zara High Waisted Mom Jeans // Heels - Public Desire (old) // Bag - Topshop (old)

One of the outfits I've historically struggled to put together is an "evening out" outfit. For those nights when you're not going on a night out to a club, but you're also not just going to Pizza Express down the road. You want something dressy, but comfortable, and need to strike the perfect balance between night out and night in. I just never had pieces in my wardrobe that catered to those kind of nights. Since I've made the transition from student to working girl, the demand for outfits like these has increased, because more often than not, a night out is a night going between bars, where you need something a little fancier than the jeans, crop top and trainers that a student night out allowed for. 

This combination is right up my street, and as I said in my last post, I really feel like I'm finally finding my own style. I feel like it's coming into my own and I'm more confident than ever in what I want to wear, and what suits me. I think this is the perfect definition of an "if all else fails" outfit - something you can throw on and feel comfortable in, whilst looking like you made an effort. I have been, and probably always will be a denim girl, so it's natural that this outfit includes a pair of jeans. The shirt balances out the casual-ness of the jeans, but the slouchy fit means the overall effect is still the more relaxed side of dressy. Incidentally, the shirt works really well dressed down, with blue jeans (which I think can be a little more casual), and a pair of Stan Smith's. 

I think outfits like this are an understated kind of sexy. There's nothing really that sexy in the outfit, but the shirt is a little baggy but still has the low cut, and the heels are a touch that elevates the outfit and of course, makes your legs look slimmer and longer. Admittedly, I would wear this with a jacket in the evening, but for the purpose of this post I wanted to draw attention to the most interesting parts of the outfit. The strappy heels can obviously be swapped for something warmer too, but I love these heels so much that I'll brave the cold if I'm just hopping between bars. 

I think everyone has an outfit like this - one that you'll always fall back on when you're lacking inspiration. This is mine - what's yours?

Shop the Look: 

A Dupe For Those Gucci Loafers

For the past month, I've been hunting for a pair of black loafers (as you'll have seen in my last blog post). A few months ago even though I loved the Gucci loafer I was seeing bloggers wear left, right and centre, I wasn't sure they were my thing. Over the past few months, though, I've come to the realisation that my wardrobe had a loafer-shaped hole. The transition out of student life, where trainers are acceptable 99% of the time, to life outside the student bubble made me realise I needed to invest in some new pieces.

I had some specific criteria - real leather, gold hardware, and that gucci-esque look. Now that I'm working I can afford to invest more in the pieces I'm buying and, whilst I can't go mad (my savings account wouldn't be too happy if I got too spend-happy), I'm able to spend a little more and buy better quality now I have a full-time job.

So, I tried some loafers from Office, some from Asos, and a few more but each pair was too narrow and I knew my feet would be ruined in seconds. I nearly gave up hope, thinking that my feet (whilst not the slimmest, they're not wide enough to warrant wide fit shoes) just wouldn't suit this style of shoe. But I kept looking online in every place I could think until I stumbled across these.

They're from Dune - a brand I've known of forever but never actually tried before. They really were what felt like my last option - everything else I found was sold out in my size. As you've already guessed, they are exactly what I was looking for. The leather is great - nice and soft, and they've already worn in nicely after a few weeks, with not a blisters in sight. The gold detail is really nice and doesn't cheapen the shoe as I've seen happen a few times.

An there's even more good news - they're now on sale! This makes my heart break a little, but I'm so happy with them that I don't mind too much. Dune also do a nice backless slider version which I would buy if we weren't well on our way into the winter months.

Keep an eye out for these on my instagram and in future blog posts, because I'm fully expecting to be wearing these for a long time!

- Ruby xo

Grandma's Jumper

A Mini Room Tour + My New Job!

New Rules

Why I Took A Break From Blogging

Hello, to anyone that might be reading this. It's been a long while since I dedicated any real time to this blog, so I'm not sure how many of you have stuck around. It's nice to be back! For a while I wasn't sure whether I'd ever really make it back on here, but at long last I've decided to give it another go. A lot has happened over the past year or so that has meant I've been pretty quiet on my blog and if I'm totally honest, up until the past month I haven't missed writing on here. 

What I Wore: The University Ball

Week in Outfits - Holiday Edition

Last week I travelled to Greece with my mum as a way to celebrate the end of my exams! Whilst I was there, I snapped a few of my outfits, and here they are! I won't lie, I spent most days in a vest tee and shorts, but in the evenings when it cooled down I had the chance to actually put a bit of effort in. Each of these outfits are really easy and simple. They're not really anything special, but each outfit was good for 2 reasons: 1) I felt really comfy and cool in the heat, and 2) each outfit had a loose waistband so I was able to eat as much souvlaki, tzatziki and baklava as I wanted (yep, I'd like to think I have my priorities right). 

If you've been wondering where I've been since April, the short answer is: The Library. I was in the middle of writing my dissertation and then went straight into exams, and with it being my final year I was feeling the pressure. But - I finished my exams at the beginning of this month, and have moved home! As of yet I haven't done much to tell you about, other than go to Greece and make a flippin' good banana bread, if I do say so myself. 

I'll be back soon with more to tell you about though! Until then, here are a few outfits I wore in Greece. xx

Top - New Look // Skirt - M&S // Sandals - Birkenstock //

Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy // Review

Shades L-R: Diamond Top Coat 010 // Checkmate 540 // Cardshark 100 // All or Nothing 020 

Revlon ColourStay Gel Envy nail polishes - aka the only nail polish you need in your life. I honestly cannot describe my love for these nail polishes. It's a bold statement but I'm going to say it anyway; this is my all-time favourite nail polish formula. They do exactly what the say on the bottle - two coats and you get a really opaque, gel-like finish. They're easy to apply because the brush is quite wide and rounded at the bottom. 

The pale pink shade, "All or Nothing" is easily my most worn - I've just purchased my third bottle. Since I bought my first bottle of the shade a year ago, one of these 3 shades has been on my nails and toes. I honestly haven't really used any other polishes!

I would say that even if you don't buy any of the range's shades, you have to try the Diamond Top Coat. I know that the Seche Vite Top Coat has always been raved about but I think this one is perfect, and it's a couple of quid cheaper too. Two coats of polish and the top coat and my nails can last a week before they need to be painted again. Even then they're usually chip free - but they are growing out a bit so I give them a touch up.

As you can probably tell, I'm a big fan of these nail polishes. I think as long as I'm still loving the shade range, I'll keep buying this formula for a long long time. (If Revlon ever discontinues this formula I'll deffo shed a tear or two)

Have you tried this formula? (It has been around for a few years now). Or - are there any other nail polishes you think I should try? xx

In Defence of Casual Dressing

Words cannot describe my love for this jacket. I feel like I'm surrounded by a layer of clouds when I wear it, and even on a cold February day it kept me so warm. My bestie Martha let me borrow this one when I saw it and my face literally turned into the heart-eyed emoji. She has a depop account and often has pieces like this on her store, so head over to her page if you want your very own marshmallow-y puffa jacket.

Sometimes I wish I was the kind of girl that was super high fashion and adventurous - but then I wear a jacket like this and the wish to be high fashion couldn't seem further away. I'm not going to beat around the bush - 99.999% of the time I dress for comfort. My uniform is always some variation of an outfit that includes jeans and trainers - sorry not sorry.

I actually had a conversation with my friend about this today, and I admitted that - if I knew the guy and it was a chilled bar, not a fancy restaurant - I would probably wear trainers on a date.

Is that bad? I don't know. Maybe it is - but you gotta take me as I am, I guess. I think it's better to be honest about these kind of things, I wouldn't rock up to a date in a dress and heels unless I knew I would feel comfortable in it. I'm not going to dress in a way that's not me to impress someone - there's bound to be plenty of people out there who will appreciate my love for trainers and even love me for it. Don't get me wrong - if the occasion calls for a more formal outfit I will of course dress that way - but my natural comfort point is jeans and trainers.

Part of me thinks though, that I can get away with my uber casual dressing right now because I'm a student, living in a student-y city where even a night out is pretty casual - no heels in sight - and that pretty soon I'm going to have to wake up to the real world where you have to dress up a bit more.

I know my mum has gotten a bit frustrated at me and my constantly causal approach to dressing once or twice (mostly at my attachment to trainers) - but I think a common misconception with casual dressing is that it's linked to a lack of pride in your appearance / a lack of effort. In my case, anyway, this is not the case. I may not take as much time in the morning as lots do to get ready - but I still run the straighteners through my hair and stick some makeup on everyday.

What are your thoughts on casual dressing? Do you think there's a time and a place, or would you rock up to a drinks date in jeans and trainers too? I personally don't see anything wrong with it - or "over-dressing" for that matter! You do you. 

Ru xx

Update: New Year's Resolutions

 

2016 in Outfits

The Lipstick That Will Survive Christmas Dinner

Fitness: Finding Inspiration Online

Visiting Victoria Gate