New year sweetie, darling

All images and credit can be found here

Sorry for my boring and unexpected absence over the Christmas period. I kind of over committed myself with work and seeing friends and family so my spare time is being eaten up by uni assignments. I had the loveliest Christmas, it went so quickly though. I received some beautiful things and I've also picked up a couple of sale bits that I will share asap. Tomorrow I'm working again and then straight out to dinner and then I don't have a clue what's happening after that. I'm not a NYE eve fan really, too much hype and room for disappointment, I definitely prefer to play it down a little. What are you up to? Anything special planned? Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a brill time! Massive thanks to readers, followers and lovely commenters...my next post will be in 2012!

LUCILLEX

Five boys, six girls, four parents, two drivers, and a partridge in a pear tree

experimenting with sparkle:brill choice:amazing house xmas dinner:cinnamon and vanilla cider:MEAT:sangria with the girls:wrapping presents:Barry M festive nails

homemade maltesers fudge:H&M leopard jacket:Warehouse jumper and H&M dress:Tree:GOSH nail glitter:lantern parade:Lola the pug:labelling solution

Currently writing this to the sounds of Home Alone. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to watch Home Alone or Elf which is ridiculous. I can't remember a year that I haven't watched Kevin get left at home/lost in New York and I'm not starting now! This is my first free day this week so sorry for not getting as much blogging in as I thought I would be able to. I'll try again next week! 


I've been making sure to take lots of festive photos  (ie of food, drinks and sparkly nails) so I could do a pre-xmas rounds up post. I've been having lots of fun and food with friends and family and am so excited for that to continue today and tomorrow and the next day and for however long it continues after that! What are your plans? Mine will be a big big family day and my Mum has gone to town on the food shopping. I also don't have a clue on my presents which makes it even more exciting! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!


LUCILLEX

Keep the change

Blazer: Urban Outfitters, Fur: Topshop, Jeans: Topshop, Leopard top: Topshop, Sweater: Topshop

Why not try out the garden for some outfit photos? What do you think? I'm a bit annoyed that I cut off my feet in all the good ones, just wasn't thinking about them. I was wearing my leopard loafers though so nothing too interesting. It's freezing today! Had my first day at the boutique and spotted lots of lovely things while I was there and I think everyone rushing around Christmas shopping has made me feel very festive and excited! Catching up with the Michael Buble programme and obviously enjoying myself immensely. Nearly there everyone, the build up is almost as good as the day itself!

LUCILLEX

(How embarrasing that my outfit is almost entirely Topshop. I was wearing my grey AA hoodie too but you can't see it in the photos. Will be making sure this doesn't happen again haha!)

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Coat: Topshop, Sweater: Forever 21, Tee: New Look, Scarf: Vintage, Trousers: H&M, Nails: Barry M

I'm home! I'm so happy! The tree is up, the pugs are sat on my feet and there is plenty of food to be eaten. I wore this outfit yesterday for a quick meeting at uni. It's the most groomed I've looked in a while and I'm enjoying that fact. The trousers are the faux leather ones from H&M with the panels at the sides. The waist is quite small so I don't end up wearing them often just in case I get caught out sitting down for a long time or something. They do look lovely though and are so much more interesting to wear than jeans. Warm though! The sweater/top was such a trusty buy (and bargain) from Forever 21 and if I could have it in a million colours I would. And of course the Topshop coat. I love it both with or without the fur collar but seem to be wearing it more without at the minute with different scarves to change it up a bit. It was pricey but so worth it, I'm just in love with the tweedy fabric and the masculine cut, I will be wearing it for a long time to come.


Today I've not done much but settle back in at home after a quick trip to Ikea (brill). Tomorrow I'm probably going to visit the new shopping complex in my hometown, catch up with my siblings and enjoy the Strictly final, I lead a wild life. On Sunday I'm hoping to see the new Sherlock Holmes and in all honesty, I'm very excited to see my boys Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr as Holmes and Watson again. I was never that taken with Sherlock Holmes, written or otherwise, but something about the last film with these two I just enjoyed so much. Action films generally aren't my thing (sorry to say, I fall into a complete female stereotype when it comes to films) but this one I would recommend again and again.


LUCILLEX

New Hair

Guys, I have to say I am absolutely in love with my new hair! I went yesterday armed with photos of celebrities (mostly Fearne Cotton) and while I clearly still look nothing like the beautiful ladies I was admiring, I absolutely love what the colourist did. Basically, I had a full head of highlights a few months ago, and while I liked them a lot, the regrowth was just such a nightmare even though my natural colour was only a shade or so darker. To get technical on you, my natural colour is an 8, so my hairdresser took me a shade darker to a 7, so a dark blonde. She left some of the highlights at the end to create a subtle ombre effect and also put in some strawberry blonde/reddy toned lowlights which are a lovely addition. I don't know if other people are going to notice and love the difference like I do, but this is the darkest my hair has ever been and I guess I'm just thrilled that I didn't leave the hairdressers crying!

I'm thinking that I could maintain this colour a bit cheaper with a home dye kit. I never wanted to use them to go lighter but I'm comfortable doing it if I'm going darker. Any reccomendations because I have literally never dyed my own hair? Sorry for such a mememe and my beautiful hair post but I thought I'd share for anyone else having colour dilemmas like I was just a few days ago! I have an outfit post coming up tomorrow and am also home then too, so expect to see and hear more of me!

LUCILLEX

Part 2

Boyfriends, dads, brothers, does anyone else find men an absolute nightmare to buy for? I always, always just buy my boyfriend clothes that he asks for and I find that so boring but I can't get a straight answer about what they want from any of the men in my life. It's not as fun to buy for boys, nothing sparkly or pretty to be bought. What do you buy for the guys in your life? I put this together as a kind of round up of ideas for dads and brothers/boyfriends. Obviously, dads probably won't be rocking the red headphones while you might not want to give your boyfriend a coffee machine, or you might, who knows. Why must they be so difficult...

Watch: Casio via Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Fred Perry via Asos, Headphones: Urban Outfitters, Hat: Topman, Slippers: Fat Face, Coffee Machine: Magimix via John Lewis, Holdall: Fred Perry via Selfridges, Skincare: Clarins, Print: Chris Simpsons Artist via Big Cartel

LUCILLEX

Christmas Rapping

5 days until I'm back home with time and space on my hands for some serious blogging (and some serious eating as well of course). I have so many lovely things planned, the week before Christmas is going to be non-stop but so brill. I'm starting a job this Christmas at my boyfriends mum's boutique (Fifi and Moose in Newbury). If anyone is from the area make sure you pop in, she always has gorgeous things and I can't wait to get my uniform!

So, basically, I've bought quite a few presents but am still struggling to finish all my shopping. I like to buy people presents that they will definitely love and use and just cringe if I waste money on something that I know they won't touch after the 25th. So for your benefit and mine I've come up with my own little gift guides for some of the people I find it tricky to buy for. Let me know if there's anyone else you're struggling to find things for and pop back tomorrow for another installment!

Scarf:Michael Michael Kors via Net-a-porter, Mug: Emma Bridgewater, Clutch: Cos, Ipad case:Marc by Marc Jacobs via Net-a-porter, Bag: Zara, Face Creams: Kiehl's, Truffles: Charbonnel et Walker via Selfridges, Phone case: Mulberry

Now I wouldn't say my mum is a difficult person to buy for, but she just buys everything that she really wants for herself and leaves little for her present buyers to play with. She appreciates quality things, pretty things and sentimental bits. She loves her two pugs as well, hence the mug which I can't decide if it's hideous or not?! What are you all getting your mums? I always make sure she gets the biggest, most special present because she really does do the most for everyone, it's just finding her something or some things that she wants or needs that she doesn't already have!

LUCILLEX

Hot Drinks and Mince Pies

Hello everyone, hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I did a little bit of Christmas shopping, had a drink at the Christmas market and acquired a new Christmas jumper so all still very festive for me! Unfortunately I have a deadline coming up and two after my Christmas break, so I've got a lot of work at the minute and not so much time to blog, or at least blog the things I want to. I'm excited to get home and settle back in for 3 weeks in a spiderless room. My brother has moved out so I have his whole bedroom for taking outfit photos which I am dying to try out, my uni room couldn't be more of a disaster for lighting and space and everything so I've given up until I get back.

Just a little photo post today, I need to remember to take more throughout the week though but I'm always too slow. I have been trying out a couple of new things with my nails but have also been trying to get them back into good condition so have been nail polish-less for the first time since probably about June time! I'm really getting into the spirit of everything and often let Mr Buble sing me through the evening while I browse the internet for peoples presents. If anyone has any brill ideas for presents for mums, please let me know! I want to get her something nice but am on a bit of a budget this year so everything I see that is perfect for her is just out of reach right now, annoying!

LUCILLEX

Fairy Lights

I can't do it. I'm going to have to talk about Christmas again! Tinsel, fairy lights and mince pies have been purchased (highly recommend the puff pastry beauties from the bakery bit in Tesco). Advent calendar is ready to go and I can finally listen to Wham 'Last Christmas' tomorrow. I'm really, stupidly excited and happy to be heading home for longer than a couple of days, my family were just the biggest babes this weekend, so much love!

Before I can resign myself to days full of hot drinks, lots of food and Home Alone I do have to get some work done however. I have two really boring, dry projects about networking, sourcing blah blah blah but they have given me the opportunity to talk to some really lovely people, including some of my favourite bloggers who have been incredibly lovely and helpful. My third project is actually really fun and I've been practicing with stop motion animations of silly stuff like pugs and velcro rollers to super mario music. I really am so childish. I've been using my tumblr to help keep me on track with inspirations to fit in with me and my style (romantic, nostalgic, childish, witty) and these are a few of my favourites that I've been reblogging and finding. I thought I'd share them as I've personally found them really influential and some have been a bit of starting point so some of you might like them. I've finally purchased a tripod now as well and although I don't really have the space in my uni room to take good outfit photos, when I get home I am on that! Countdown has well and truly started, how's everyone else been getting into the Christmas spirit? Do you love the festive season or loathe it?

LUCILLEX

Wishful wishful

Items from Love, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Opi and Ray-Ban

Firstly I want to say thank you and hello to new followers and lovely commenters and everyone reading. I'm loving reading all your comments and seeing new followers, you're all so lovely! I'm taking a break from busting out the stop motions today to make a little wishlist. I'm going home this weekend (eeee!) and I know my mum will want to know what I want for Christmas (a month tomorrow so I think the excitement is beginning to become appropriate) and I thought I'd do some preparation. 

I really want a new pair of glasses (got my short-sighted eyes on some Chanel or some Ray Ban frames) which is maybe a little boring but I can't afford them myself at the minute, boooo. Since student poverty first struck me 2 years ago, I really enjoy just getting clothes and makeup and really standard stuff because I can't really justify buying them for myself. I'd really like to finally get my hands on some slipper shoes and some good quality sparkly nail polish (ideally Opi 'Rainbow Connection'). I'm easily pleased! I cannot wait to start my own Christmas shopping. I keep considering doing big orders online and getting it all out of the way but I'm just depriving myself of a brill day shopping, wrapped up warm with plenty of Starbucks hot chocolate breaks and Christmas music. What's everyone else asking for or treating yourself to for the festive period? I think I'm going to buy myself a vulgar, sequinned vintage knit for Christmas day because that's just what I feel I should wear. I'll try to do a post soon where I don't mention Christmas but I can't make any promises about that.

LUCILLEX

Multi-coloured

Dress (worn as skirt): Darling, Top: Topshop, Belt: H&M, Necklace: Miss Selfridge, Jacket: River Island

Weekends are going by faster and faster at the minute, it's mental! This weekend has been another lovely one, chilling with William with a little bit of shopping (Christmas market has arrived in Bournemouth!!) and a bit more eating. I watched One Day last night and even though I was calling it a shit film at the end, I did really quite enjoy it. Anne Hathaway's accent was dodgy but I didn't really care after a while and just got immersed in the love story...although I maybe wish I'd turned it off about 20 minutes before the end. Any films anyone wants to recommend? I'm going to have some 'me-time' (hate that phrase, couldn't think of an alternative) today to get things done ie. blog photos and prepare for next week.


This week I'm planning to buckle  down and get a hefty amount of work done because I'm going home at the weekend and working a horrific shift on the Saturday. I work at a racecourse and am working probably the busiest day of the racing calendar there, from 7.30am until an undisclosed finish (late), yuckkk. I am hoping for lots of tips though so hopefully it'll be worth it!  4 weeks until I go home for Christmas, the countdown is well and truly on!


Getting back into skirts and dresses at minute after I've realised that it's a little boring to wear various combinations of trousers/jeans and sweaters all the time...as much as I love to! I have such chubby fingers!


LUCILLEX

Jarvis

Blazer: Urban Outfitter, Faux Fur Stole: From Topshop Coat, Jumper: New Look, Trousers: Peacocks

How annoying! Had a bit of a struggle today with a lot of my photos coming out blurry and when I went back for round 3 of attempting to get the perfect shot, the lock slider on my SD card snapped off?! Has this ever happened to anyone? It's now locked and unusable, so I've had to make do with what I'd already taken...good job I'd been a bit camera happy! Today has been a pretty productive day. Gathered lots of stuff for my sketchbook and was hoping to do a couple more stopmotions but plans have been changed by crappy SD cards.

Really looking forward to going home next weekend, I haven't seen my family in about 5 weeks and have only seen them once since I moved in September which is unheard of for me, I'm such a family person. To help me get through missing home and pets (pugs) we keep inviting a lovely, fluffy black cat called Jarvis into our house after he followed me in in the early hours last Saturday. I've never been a fan of cats, dog person 100%, but he's such a cutie and doesn't mind a cuddle.

Fur stole again today! I thought as I was wearing a thinner jacket, I needed the extra warmth. This boyfriend blazer was such a good find in the Urban Outfitters sale about 3 years ago now for £10. I'm distraught that it is fading a bit and looking pretty old but also excited that I'll be able to justify an expensive new blazer the next time I have money, eeee! What's on everybody's wish lists at the moment? I haven't been shopping in months, I have such a rubbish budget and feel so out of the game. If I was going to go shopping I don't even know what I'd want because I don't even let myself look on the Topshop website. Sad times. Might go shopping this weekend though and buy this, I'm sure I can find a spare £7.99 somewhere and I need a dress for festive parties!

LUCILLEX

Initialled

Jacket: River Island, Stole: From Topshop Coat, Shirt: New Look, Sweater: Forever 21, Skirt: Zara, Necklace: Gift

I am as shocked as you are that I've actually managed to take some (admittedly awful) outfit photos and post again for about the 3rd time within a week?! So happy to finally be back into blogging, and being able read and comment everyone elses wonderful posts. It's so lovely for me to log in and see new followers and new comments even in my absence so thankyou!


Trying to start the week on a positive. Got given yet another confusing and horrific brief this morning but have come home to crack on with another project and have very proudly created a little stopmotion as part of my research, I've posted the results on my tumblr here. I'm so impressed with myself, I do know that it's actually pretty awful but I am terrible with technology sometimes and I did that entirely by myself, my Mum will understand when I tell her later. I actually find tumblr so much help for uni work as there are so many images etc out there that can really inspire my own approach. If anyone has any tumblrs to recommend or would like me to check out theirs, leave the link in the comments and I will stop by!


What's everyone up to this week, anyone up to anything more exciting than me? I think I'm going to start buying Christmas presents, crazy. I'm also just going to eat myself through my work load and probably reward myself with even more food at the weekend. Making my new favourite sweet potato wedges for dinner tonight, so easy and tasty and cheap so everybody needs to try them! Any other suggestions on what to do with sweet potatoes? I'm obsessed


LUCILLEX

Recents

Happy Sunday everyone! I am in a wonderful mood which is brilliant because this week has been 'one of those weeks'. I've been so up and down but had such a good night out Friday, a cheeky TGI's yesterday and a whole day being lazy/in bed today so have had the best of all worlds and forgotten all about work for a couple of days, definitely needed! What's everyone else been up to this weekend? I'm starting to really look forward to Christmas too, I'm going to be uncontrollable come December! 

A little round up of some outfits and things I've been doing because I've been absolutely loving taking pictures on my new Iphone. Having a flash has significantly improved my life! I'm going to curl up in bed now, full to busting from dinner, and watch X Factor/90210/Grey's Anatomy (and considering getting into I'm a Celeb this series too) before I need to get down to some serious work again tomorrow. Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday evening and that you all have brilliant weeks ahead. Positive vibes for an outfit post this week! Love to everyone reading, commenting and following
LUCILLEX

HAUL BABY

A massive hello to all of you lovely people and yet again apologies for such sporadic posting (sporadic is a great word). My course is seriously intense at the minute and I'm only second year! I'm trying to start making more time for 'me' things though, blogging being one of those things of course!

Sweater and blouse: Forever 21, Jumper: Warehouse, Scarf: Vintage, Bag: Monki

I went to the new Forever 21 and actually wasn't as disappointed as I thought I'd be. There is some crap that you have to rummage through before you get to the nicer bits but the two tops I picked up have been well loved since I got them, and were very pleasantly cheap. I also visited the new Monki concession in Selfridges and I urge you to go if you get the chance. Beautiful quality and really interesting and wearable items for very good prices, the clutch bag was only £15! The warehouse jumper has also been a very good buy. It's insane how warm it is and I got it with £15 off. I like the slubbiness of it and the cuffs and neck have a lurex thread running through which makes it a bit more special and certainly different to what other high street stores are offering. For now though, it doesn't look like I'll be buying any new clothes for a while (boooo), although I did just sell my old iphone on mazuma.

Once again, I'm going to try to promise to have some interesting posts to show you soon, desperate to get a decent outfit post but my uni room is just terrible for it! 

LUCILLEX

Pictures that I gone and done

Pinky promise I'll have a haul coming up for you this week. Had a bit of an intense few days in preparation for a deadline today and I'm feeling absolutely shattered. I miss blogging! I still read every comment and visit all your blogs even if I don't get a chance to reply! Every one visit this page for a good EL OH EL, cheered me up out of my slightly homesick, very tired and very disappointed mood today (his twitter is also worth a look if you're a fan). Anyone like to point me in the direction of anything else hilarious to keep this mood up? I'll be sure to return the favour, my boyfriend is a brilliant internet nerd, I think I've seen every funny video on youtube. Cannot wait to post something proper this week!

LUCILLEX

Who you gonna call?

Dress: Topshop, Belt: New Look, Lipstick: Kate Moss for Rimmel

Hello to the new followers and thankyou to everyone commenting etc, and sorry to you all for being so rubbish! Seriously, life doesn't stop at the minute. My mum just told me I need to calm down and stay in more so if I take her advice then blogging will be back on track! I miss it!


How was everybody's Halloween? What did you dress up as? This is what I wore, some kind of freaky dolly with rats hanging from my belt I guess is what I was going for. Getting dressed and everything was fun (I get more into it every year) but the night hit a sour note when I slammed a door shut and the glass smashed everywhere. If you want to make me feel better, please share horrific and embarrassing drunken things you've done in the comments. My sisters squeezing through a window and ripping all her trousers in front of her boyfriend and his brother is winning so far.

LUCILLEX

baby it's cold outside

Coat: Topshop, Sweater: New Look, Jeans: Primark, Shoes: Topshop

I really am being the worst blogger at the minute which I'm very annoyed about. I'm genuinely so busy right now and I'm still trying to settle into a routine, and my terrible internet does not make posting easy! I'm so excited to get back into posting properly and being able to take the time to reply to your comments, and read all my favourite blogs thoroughly again.


How cold has the weather gotten all of a sudden? I'm not such a big fan at night time when it's too cold to sleep in my own bed or in the morning when I have to get ready wrapped in a blanket but I do love wearing coats and scarves! I'm so glad I splashed out on this Topshop coat, it's literally the perfect item, goes with everything and makes a boring sweater and jeans so much better! I'm on a uni trip to London next week as part of an apprentice style project in which we're making fashion zines and trying to blag our way into great places to feature. I've got us an appointment at a showroom which is quite exciting and I'm looking forward to finding somewhere brill for lunch and maybe a cheeky cocktail to refuel. I'm hoping that I'll get a chance to see the new Monki concession in Selfridges while we're there as I have been desperate to shop from this brand for ages! Has anyone been to the new concession or bought anything from Monki before? The website is tempting but I like to know the kind of quality I'll be buying before I order lots. I will of course let you know if I do get to go, so fingers crossed.


I'm going home this weekend for the first time in a month and I'm so excited! I'll see if I find the chance to blog, although I am working, and I have a parcel waiting for me there so that's something new to show you all. Have a happy Friday tomorrow everyone and hopefully I'll be back in a few days! 


LUCILLEX
(Apologies for the slight bizarre selection of photos)

Rollers and Flowers

Hello all you wonderful people, commenting and following and generally making my day when ever I get the chance to log into blogger! I am having such a crazy, busy time at the minute and finding it so difficult to find the time to sit down and write decent posts! I have two very jam-packed but very exciting briefs and portfolio/cv/placement to sort out (as well as the social side of uni of course) and it's all go go go. I have taken myself into my bedroom to write you this and post a couple of pictures (all from my tumblr) that are inspiring my brief on my 'design identity'. Basically it's all about me, and I'm going with a nostalgic, romantic, childish, witty vibe because I kind of think that's me all over, how would you describe yourselves within a few key words? What's everyone else's uni work shaping up like? Lasts years projects were horrendous and even our tutors are quick to admit that making a white shirt dress is less than inspiring, this year is already proving so much better, couldn't be happier.


Have had my final River Island pay this weekend, but haven't had a chance to spend it as I have had another busy but really fun weekend. Might do some internet shopping in a bit, so hopefully I will have yet more new bits to show you this week, don't tell my Mum! Sometimes I don't believe I'm living life like a proper student. I have had eaten out twice this weekend and been very indulgent with hot chocolates and bakerys, crazy times, although it has also been double fireball whiskeys and apple juice all round as well (if you haven't tried this before you need to, tastes like apple pie, wetherspoons do it!). Will aim to find myself more time to post this week as I'm really missing blogging and feeling a bit disconnected from it all, enjoy your Sunday evenings everyone

LUCILLEX

I'm Back!

I finally have internet! It's been a long two weeks without google to turn to at every problem, without being able to untag hideous photos from nights out that are best forgotten and without being able to blog and read everyone else's blogs of course! 

I'm really excited about my course this year, I will be doing a 3 month placement from February which is both terrifying and exciting and will of course call for a much coveted work wardrobe! I'm enjoying the whole university experience so much more than I did in my first year and foundation and haven't even been home yet which I think is quite unlike me, I'm such a homebody. How's everyone finding uni this year? Work has already piled on and even my course leader has admitted to us that last year was terrible and this year a feel so much more inspired. 

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, lack of entertainment in the student house has meant that I've had to entertain myself in other ways, namely shopping and eating out. Neither my waistline or my bank balance is thanking me very much but at least I have something to show you! I finally bit the bullet and got the Topshop boyfriend coat when it was 20% this weekend and I absolutely adore it. It's very flattering, very glamourous and very cosy and I was after a faux fur stole anyway so I can detach this one and wear it with loads of other things. The H&M leggings were an incredible £7.99 and I really love them. I'm trying to get hold of the fake leather ones they've got in the same style (same price aswell) but only a size 16 in Bournemouth. Anyone know where I can get hold of any? I took back the Topshop faux leather trousers which I'm a bit sad about, but they were too hot and too difficult to do up for a night out which is what I wanted them for really so I'm on the hunt for a suitable alternative I think.

Thankyou for everyone continuing to read, comment and follow in my unexpectedly long absence! I will be back to replying to comments and viewing your blogs from now

LUCILLEX