35 Hours Exploring London

35 Hours Exploring London 

Hello all my lovely followers and new visitors to my blog.

Big Ben under maintenance 

I want to firstly let you all know what has been happening in my life recently, so this part is a bit of  side track from the topic of this post; but I'll be breif. Firstly, I have just finished my second year of A levels and therefore college, and I'm not going to lie I feel great :) I have been attending college for three years, doing a Btec when I was 16-17, and then A levels when I was 17-19 and it is finally over: making me feel ecstatic and sad at the same time.

Off to London

I recently had my exams, which to be completely honest drove me mad with stress. This is because the most stressful part, which I'm sure many others will understand, is that those in charge of higher education had decided to make all of us A level students take both our AS (first year) exams and A2 exams (second year exams) all together at the end of the second year; meaning I had to dig out revision resources that I forgot existed, and all whilst my brain was in melt down mode from the stress of it all.
    But after 7 written exams, one practical exam in February, and over 15 hours spent in exams, I finally walked out of that room I had spent 6 hours in on Friday the 23rd June, and prepared myself for an end-of-a-levels-celebration-trip-to-London with friends from college; which I just returned from Monday night (approximately at 9pm after 4 hours of travelling, sigh).

Waterloo Tube Line

So, without further ado, I will let you all know what I got up to in London within approximately 35hours, with loads of lovely pictures taken by myself to remember my experience and share it with you. Enjoy  😊


On Sunday the 25th June, we decided to visit London to celebrate and be London tourists, agreeing we would all meet in Oxford at a Weather spoons -the best place to go for us students with little money- for breakfast, and then get the bus to London from Gloucester Green Bus Station around the corner.  However, because I have been so preoccupied of late with exams and work, I forgot to prepare travel, and ended up driving on the motorway, for the first time-which I'm proud I survived from- to Oxford because the trains and buses were hardly running at all that day.

Buckingham Palace 

And that is where the journey began, starting with a 7am wake-up for me, driving for approx. 45 mins to Oxford, getting breakfast with my friends, getting the London Victoria bus for 2 1/2 hours, buying an Oyster card(a very handy little thing to help you save on tube journeys) and getting multiple tube trains: all six of  us finally walking out of the underground tired from our journey and getting to our hotel: a Premier Inn which has lush rooms at great prices in convenient locations in London .

The Shard

We then found our rooms, basked in our happiness as we realised how comfortable the beds were, and set off to buy lunch at the Tesco Express conveniently placed around the corner from the hotel, before sight seeing Big Ben, St. James' Park, Buckingham Palace, The Shard. We even saw a production crew and their caravans set up near Blenheim Palace for a Bollywood film-the security guard told us-which was amazing to see with their costumes out and makeup van open to see into at a distance. Lastly, we quickly went to Oxford Street and went into M&M world, probably the most colourful place I've ever been to, with the smell of M&M's all around you as you walk inside,
 

Red London Telephone Box

 After a day of picture taking and sight seeing, we all headed back to the hotel, to get ready for dinner at Pizza Express, a well deserved treat located just around the corner offering my favourite Archers lemonade beverage and margarita pizza  🍕 😍 🎆 This was followed by my what felt like eternity search for Ben and Jerry's Cookie Dough Ice cream, a forever favourite of mine, and drinks in one of our rooms alongside a game of Cards Against Humanity: a highly outrageous game -a game recommended for those 17+-, that is bound to provoke multiple fights of laughter.


After a great day on Sunday, we set off once again to sight see on Monday the 26th June, but after getting breakfast of course. We took the underground to visit China Town, an amazing area bursting with culture, and then Soho, a place full of things to do and places to eat, such as at the Gourmet Burger Kitchen where we ate lunch.

Admiralty Arch, near Trafalgar Square, London

    We then headed off to visit Oxford Street, where we went shopping and I purchased black Harem trousers which are super comfy and light blue trainers in the sale in H&M; and two standing, open plastic picture frames from Muji; a cute little Japanese shop selling cool household and consumer items like stationery and picture frames.

Finally, we set off to the hotel to collect our luggage, carrying our multiple shopping bags with us, and continued to the underground to

The Bollywood Movie Caravans

get to the bus to take us back to Oxford. After a 3 hour journey, we wound up at Gloucester Green Bus Station in Oxford, where we parted and I head off for Oxford Train Station to get the next train home: arriving at 9pm back home at the station feeling exhausted but happy from the trip to London.  

Chinatown Arch

In summary, I had an amazing time with my friends on my first ever visit to London, and I honestly don't think I stopped laughing once the whole time. From the hilarious moment I nearly fell over my suitcase on the escalator in the underground (trust me to have a suitcase whilst everyone had travel bags), and nearly fell onto a strangers lap when the tube train stopped suddenly😌, being swarmed by pigeons scurrying around our feet as we ate lunch in St James' Park, and to playing Cards Against Humanity until 1am Monday: I have enjoyed myself so much and will miss not seeing everyone each day at college as I drag myself into lessons.
     I can honestly say the excitement I felt as I looked forward to London was one of the only things that kept me going when revising and maintained my drive to finish A levels. It's memories like these that make you grateful for those in your life and the opportunities life gives us.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my post and the pictures. If so, don't forget to subscribe to email notifications of when I post on my blog, follow me on Bloglovin, and share my post with friends  😃


Yours truly,

Caris 😊

Spring into Denim | Demin A-Line Zip Skirt

Spring into Denim | A-line Demin Zip Skirt 

Hey,

Hope all is well,

My A-line Denim Zip Skirt paired with Diamond and Silver Chandelier Necklace,
 Long Sleeved Split-Back Rustic Orange Top, black 
tights and Black Chelsea Boots

With Spring here with it's warm sunshine, flowers blooming and birds singing, I have decided to share yet another favourite demin item for the ideal Spring Outfit: the Denim A-Line Zip Skirt.


I purchased this skirt on sale for just £7.00 after searching some time for a denim skirt and came across this one.
   Denim is currently a large trend right now, especially for Spring, and its clear to see why why. It's been around for years so is easy to come across, it's comfortable, and extremely versatile to style; meaning this Denim A-line Zip Skirt is the perfect item for any wardrobe.


I paired my Denim A-line Zip Skirt with my Chandelier Gold and Silver Necklace, Long Sleeved Split-Back Rustic Orange Top, black tights and Black Chelsea Boots for a laid back look. To stylise this outfit even more, I also pair my High-Heeled Black Chelsea Boots to give this look a chic vibe.

My Diamond and Silver Chandelier Necklace paired with
 this outfit.

   To add, this Denim Zip A-Line Skirt can also be worn throughout the seasons, with tights in colder months, or paired with a short or non sleeved top and skin tights or no tights during the hot summer months; it's an extremely versatile item of clothing to have 😊



Thank you for reading,


Yours truly,

Caris

🌅 Springtime Photography | Capturing Spring in Full Bloom 🌅

🌅 Springtime Photography | Capturing Spring in Full Bloom 🌅

Hey, 

Hope all is well,

This post today features my photography of Spring. Spring is my favourite time of year and it fills me with a sense of calm. The weather is always bearable for someone like me who dies once it hits 10 degrees or more, as it's not too cold with the sunshine keeping me warm, and not too hot, with the breeze blowing past you. To convey my love of Spring to you all even more, the one thing that really makes my day, is just walking outside either to work or college and hearing the Blackbirds and Finches singing away; Spring fills me with joy.

So here are just a few of my photographs taken by me on my phone, whilst out and about in the changing season in both natural environments, around urban areas, such as on the train on the way to Oxford or the spider web on the railings. These photographs are my original content and have not been copied from anyone or anywhere else. 

Enjoy  🌅 😊

Thank you for reading,

Caris 😄

Spring Denim Look | The Girlfriend Jean

Spring Denim Look | The Girlfriend Jean

My Girlfriend Jeans paired with White Ribbed Sleeveless
 Turtle Neck top, black belt, grey Bat Wing Over
Sized Cardigan, and grey Trainers. 

Hey,

Hope all is well,

It has occurred to me over the past few days, that we are finally past miserable Winter and into Spring! And with the promise of sunnier days and beautiful budding flowers just over the horizon, I thought that today I would share with you all one of my favourite Spring outfits that I've been dying to wear and post about: my Demin Girlfriend Jean look that is perfect for warmer-than-winter Spring weather🌅 

 
Jeans are something that are timeless, with their use spanning back many years and yet they still continue to be a key fashion item today. You name it, denim dresses, demin shirts, denim jackets and of course probably one of the most used clothing item ever: denim jeans; an item I always wear which can make you look casual, glam or chick. 

So, my current favourite denim jeans right now are the 'Girlfriend Jean'. This style of jean can also be found in 'Boyfriend Jean' style as well, and are a throwback to our previous 90's fashion, such as with our loose over sized jeans now know as 'Boyfriend' or 'Girlfriend' Jeans, and our high neck tank tops. I cannot get enough of my 'Girlfriend Jeans'. I just love their over sized look, with their turned up ankles that I am also obsessed with right now; and the ripped and patch work design placed on the front. And the best part is that due to their over-sized style, these jeans are extremely comfortable to wear, which is an important feature of any fashion item in my wardrobe. 

Grey, Over-sized Bat-Wing Over Sized Cardigan paired with this outfit. 

I purchased these jeans in the sale for £11.99 reduced from £24.99 which I am happy I did, because they are a definite fashion best buy that's very affordable for a high street fashion item- especially in comparison to more pricey high street retailers.

   The Girlfriend Jean definitely achieves a laid-back, casual vibe, but is a versatile fashion item which can be paired with a variety of items to achieve multiple looks. I really mean it, these jeans are versatile.  

For a casual, daytime outfit, I pair the jeans with my black belt, my white Ribbed Sleeveless Turtle Neck top (an essential for all fashion I swear), grey Bat-Wing Over Sized Cardigan, and grey trainers to complete my look. This outfit is my favourite with the casual, chilled  feel it radiates. I also wear my Black Daisy Print Halter top tucked into the jeans for even more of a laid back look.

   To achieve a more grungy, chick look, I also pair these jeans with my black Cut-Out Shoulder Tank Top, my black belt, black Leather Jacket, and my black Chunky Chelsea Heeled Boots; a look that really did live in the 90's. 

White, Ribbed Sleeveless Turtle Neck Top also paired with this outfit.

It's clear that I just love the 90's look right now; the 'Girlfriend Jean' and the Halter, High Neck/ Turtle Neck Sleeveless Tops. These jean are also great, because they suit all body shapes whilst providing a lot of comfort when worn. I can say that for a person with long legs, high hips and wide rib cage, that this style really does flatter and radiates a chilled vibe.

The best part is these 'Girl Friend' jeans also look great around Autumn. So if you want to purchase this item, go on, do it, because I have had my eyes on these jeans for a while, and when I saw them on sale for such a great price, I couldn't help but snatch them up. 

Thank you for reading,

Yours truly,

Caris    

Jewellery Elegance | Affordable Jewellery with an Elegant Look

Jewellery Elegance | Affordable Jewellery with an Elegant Look

Hey, hope all is well,

Sagittarius star sign necklace

Today I have decided to share with you all affordable elegant jewellery that I love. I know that for special jewellery, it is usually expensive and high quality which is perfectly fine. However the jewellery I am talking about is my jewellery I wear every day and that goes with many styles of clothing; as my style of jewellery is simple yet elegant. 

When searching for a nice necklace or bracelet for every day wear, finding affordable jewellery is the best way to go as it allows you to save on spending excessive amount and so allows you to purchase more jewellery. So without further ado, here are some of my pieces of jewellery that are both affordable, but just as elegant as any other jewellery.

Gold Star Sign Sagittarius Necklace:

I got this star sign necklace of mine from Avon for £5.00 and I love it. Avon have some great pieces of jewellery and I adore their products. This is one of my favourite pieces of jewellery, because it has my Sagittarius star sign as the main piece and a pearl in the middle of the bow and arrow. It also has tiny diamonds around the bow and detailing along the edges. This necklace highlights a part of me because it is my star sign and that is why I love to wear it.

Double Golden Loop Necklace

Double Golden Loop Necklace:

White and Pink Gold Triangle
duo Necklace

I purchased this necklace from H&M in their sale for the great price of £1.00. Being a very small, simple piece of jewellery this price is definitely worth it. This necklace suits so many pieces of my clothing and has been used frequently; a elegant, perfect and affordable piece of jewellery indeed.  

White and Pink Gold Triangle duo Necklace:

This necklace is a it different to my usual golden jewellery with it's pink and white colours. I purchased this necklace for just £2.00 in a H&M sale and I like the different look it has to my usual jewellery. It would be the perfect piece for spring/summer with its pastel colours. 

Diamond and Silver Chandelier
Necklace

Diamond and Silver Chandelier Necklace:

This is another one of my most used necklaces, with its main feature of the necklace resembling a chandelier. It has silver chains and diamond chains in a pattern and I love the statement it gives off. I believe I purchased this necklace from H&M (yes, I'm obsessed with their jewellery because it's

affordable and is just my style) for I think £2.00; an absolute bargain!

  

Multi Charm Necklace:

Now this necklace is pretty cool. It was just £1.00 and came with 23 different charms which you can mix and match and swap whenever and however you like. I had to buy this necklace when I saw it, because it lets you create a huge variety of variations and styles with the multiple charms provided. The necklace can vary from silver hearts and stars with diamonds in them, to gold pieces with

diamonds, and charms with pearls on them. Their shapes include a small key, other styles of hearts, stars, half moon, dog, crown, butterfly, bows, four leaf clover, three leaf clover, a variety of circular charms in different colours and styles, and pearls.

Thank you for reading,

Yours truly,

Caris

Special Occasion Duos | Perfect Nail Polish and Lipstick Duos

Special Occasion Duos | Perfect Nail Polish and Lipstick Duos 

Hey,

Hope all is well,

Today I thought I would share two of my favourite nail polish and lipstick duos with all lovely people.

Previously I purchased two Technic nail polishes for the very affordable price of 99p in the colours of 'Morello' and 'Seashell'. And when I got home, I realised that they go perfectly with two of my favourite lip sticks: Maybelline Long Lashing Lipsticks in 'Drop of Sherry' and Kate Moss' nudes collection in 'Rock 'n' Roll Nude'.



These duos are perfect for any special occasion out, be it a day out or for a party. The best thing is that the lipstick has strong pigments that match the strong pigments of the nail polishes. The Technic polishes are great, because for an affordable nail polish, they're consistency is very good and they last for a long time without chipping and coming off; even for someone like myself who is always busy at work picking up products and serving customers and writing non stop at college.
    The lipsticks are an absolute favourite of mine. I adore their pigments and they have a lovely cream-like consistency to them, meaning they can be applied evenly and leave your lips looking smooth and you looking gorgeous.

One duo that I love is the grouping of Maybelline Long Lasting Lipstick in 'Drop of Sherry' and Technic Nail Polish in 'Morello'. These two beauty products seem to compliment each other completely, and I call this duo 'Very Berry'. Their pigments are a dark red berry colour, one of my most favourite colours recently that I cannot get enough of. This duo is perfect for a special occasion, or even just every day, as they add a pop of colour to your look that's neither too bright or too pale but is perfect to give a little extra to your look. This duo is my most used beauty duo at the moment.


My second duo that are ideal for any occasion, especially later in the year with spring and summer, is the combination of Maybelline Long Lasting Lipstick in 'Rock 'n' Roll Nude' and Technic Nail Polish in 'Seashell'. The metallic pigments in the nail polish compliments the nude pink undertones and pigments in the lipstick, giving off a shimmery, pinkish look; perfect to convey a elegant feel to your look. This duo is also used often by me when, especially during every day because the paler colours are more subtle but still intense in their pink pigments. I have named this duo 'Pearl Pink' for their lovely pink tones that convey a subtle feeling of elegance.



There you go, my nail polish and lipstick two beauty duos that are perfect for any occasion.


Thank you for reading,

Yours truly,
Caris

Affordable Party Nail Polish | Affordable Nail Polish for any Occassion

Affordable Party Nail Polish | Affordable Nail Polish for any Occasion

Technic Nail Polishe for 99p each. On left 'Seashell'
and right 'Morello'

Hey,

Hope all is well,

I thought I would share two nail polish colours that I think are great for any night out or occasion when dressing to impress is key; and what better way than with very affordable nail polishes.

I purchased these Technic nail polishes from Body Care a few weeks ago for the affordable price of 99p, in a selection of colours that I just love; a metallic polish in the colour of 'Seashell', and a dark, satin-effect nail polish in 'Morello'.
   These nail polishes are not only affordable for 99p each, but are also a rich colour and great consistency when applied, meaning they would look great for any occasion, such as a party or a night out, and makes it easy to apply without the fuss to need to apply non-stop layers and layers; making them a must-purchase item.

'Here I am wearing Technic Nail Polish in 'Seashell'  

When it comes to nail polish, I am not one to be fussy about the brand. To me personally, if a brand serves me well and is a good match for me, then I will continue to appreciate it's ability, especially if a brand is cheaper and more effective than another brand;because there's nothing more worse than spending lots of money on expensive makeup and beauty brands, only to discover they don't actually do anything or are of a terrible quality. But these nail polishes however are the exception. 

 

Technic Nail Polish in
'Morello'

The nail polishes are affordable- great for a student like me who only works part-time in retail for long hours- the consistency is great, meaning you only need to apply one layer to achieve a great coverage and colour, instead of using two or three coats of polish which takes forever to dry. The nail polishes also come in a large variety of colours, meaning you can afford to pick as many a you like. I mean just imagine spending £6.00 on just one polish that holds 12ml, when you can have six 12ml nail polishes for £5.94; definitely a better deal for a beauty product that you want to keep.


Overall these polishes are a definitely a very affordable party nail polish, that's perfect for any occasion. I adore their colours and their purple tones. These polishes are also pretty versatile for a nail polish, especially for someone like me who is always busy at work where the polish could be scratched off; a very ideal characteristic wanted in any nail polish.


Thank you for reading,

Yours truly,
Caris