Moving back to uni, nights out and first dates.

Hi!

Moving back to uni 

I've probably had the best summer considering I thought it was going to be rubbish as I wasn't going on holiday and I didn't have a job or any money or anything. But, I'm moving back to uni next week, exciting stuff, and I've started packing up and therefore realised that I have got WAY too much stuff. I've literally piled up some t-shirts and shorts that I want to take back and it looks like half a normal persons wardrobe. I'm a clothes hoarder, I admit it. Anyway, I am so excited to get back to Bath and see my pals and move into my new room and even get started with work! I've been checking out loads of DIY websites and interior design thingy's to see how I can improve on my standard rubbish furniture uni room. I'm excited to get down there and put washi tape on everything!

Here are a few things I've been checking out to try and update my dull room on a student budget!

Washi Tape -

I love this idea of edging desks or storage space with washi tape. I'm so excited to add some of this to my room at uni to make it a bit more funky. Check out this website for more ideas!







Wall Tapestry -

Adding a wall tapestry to a room can really add some colour, and it's a nice change from posters.
This one is only £10!










Pillows -

Pillows again are a great way to add some colour and pattern to a room, I love this design from etsy!












I'll make another post on how it turns out when I get back and try all these different things!

Night Out

I managed to get myself a job at the Odeon cinema as I think I mentioned in my last post. It has been really great, I mean, working isn't much fun at all, but considering I got to see bits of films and work with some really great people it really wasn't that bad. My best friend Liz worked at the Odeon as well and we've managed to spend a hell of a lot of time together this summer which has been really great as I miss her lots when I'm back at uni. We were only temp staff for the summer and we've both finished now but it was great working and saving up some money and spending time with my best pal.

Anyway, after my last shift on Friday we all decided to go for a night out, not just any night out though, Liz and another friend from the Odeon decided it would be good to do pub golf. (google it if you are unsure what it means) So I finished work at 9.30pm and got ready in the staff locker rooms, pulled on my golfing socks and ridiculous green golfing jumper and wen't out straight from there. I had a bloody amazing night, I got very very drunk due to the rules of pub golf, lot's of different drink which is very silly and I don't advise it. We didn't even finish pub golf, we just ended up going to this bar that was still open and having more drinks. It was so much fun and I've not let my hair down like that in ages, I sound like such an old woman.

First dates

I actually met a very nice chap on Friday who asked for my number and then the next day text me and asked me out on a date. So, I would just like to say, I am very awkward and actually sometimes very shy, especially around guys. However, I decided to go on a date with this guy and despite being really nervous I actually had a really great time. I did find it really hard deciding what to wear though, so I've decided to put a few outfits together for first date situations. Dinner, lunch, coffee and drinks are very different situations you know and I'm useless at figuring out what's right for what occasion, do we go heels? flats? jeans? a dress?

Dinner - This is an occasion to get a little more dressed up, but not too fancy, it depends what type of restaurant you are going too though. Nothing too revealing but wear something that makes you feel good about yourself.

A mini skirt would be great with a floaty top for a dinner date, maybe with some low heels or a pair of cute boots. 

Lunch - This can be much more casual, maybe a pair of printed trousers and a cute top or a casual dress and cute pumps.

This top would look so nice with a pair of printed trousers or a mid length skirt. (I'm loving scalloped hems at the moment) 

Coffee - Coffee is a great first date, you can dress comfortably, but not slouchy. Maybe jeans and a nice top.

This top is so cute and would look great with a pair of high waisted jeans for a coffee date. 

Drinks - Here is where you can get really fancy, if you are going to a cocktail bar you can pull out all the stops. As it's a first date you still don't want to wear something too revealing, but wear something that makes you feel sexy.

I love this dress for drinks, pair it with a real sexy pair of heels and a clutch bag for a classy first date. 

Thanks for reading!

Reading Festival

Hiiiiii

So I've not posted in ages because I've got a summer job at the odeon cinema so I've been working lots and I'm a rubbish blogger.

Anyway, I went to Reading Festival last weekend with some friends and it was incredible. I'm going to to a quick post of highlights and stuff.

We arrived late on Thursday, obviously, met my friend Steph from uni and set off to find a spot to camp, which was impossible, but we eventually found a pretty good spot where we were right next to the hedges so people weren't trying to trample over our tent ect, but we were also right next to the shops and arena entrance, soooo good for lazy bones like me who can't be bothered to walk for ages. We set up our tents, had a few drinks and went exploring, it was a pretty chilled out evening.

Over the weekend we saw some pretty amazing acts, some of my favourites were Queens of the Stone Age (I have a bit of a crush on Josh Homme), Mø, The Hives, Pappa Roach, Die Antwoord, Flume, Maverick Sabre, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Blink 182 and Gogol Bordello.

This is one of the only picture I took over the weekend, those girls, they are pretty great.

C'ya!

ITV Work Experience

So I've not posted in like 2 and a bit weeks, which I'm a little bit annoyed about because I told myself I would post at least once a week. Boo me!

BUT I have been super busy, for the past 2 weeks I've been back up at ITV doing some more work experience for Rising Star, which is a new talent show, kinda like the voice, but with a bit of a twist.

(This is the American version, it will be very similar)

The show is in very early stages, so while I was there the team was working on casting, looking for talent, finding songs and cover songs, sending mail and calling the people that wanted to audition etc. It was a lot of fun and really great to see how a show like that started out.

It was hard work, getting up super early (6.30am) to catch the train into London every morning was hell, I'm a fan of sleep, so I was really not used to that. It was so worth it though, I met so many amazing people and got to explore the ITV studios and see what it's like working in TV, which is something I would really love to do.

Anyway, this is just a quick post, if anyone want's any advice on getting work experience or what goes on in a TV office / studio, drop me a line, I'd be happy to had a chat so leave me a comment.

Festival fun times - A smart-ish guide

I love a good festival. I’ve not been to one in 2 years because last summer I was working lots and the summer before I was in America for three months. SO I defiantly wanted to go to a festival this summer, as I may not be able to go next year. 

My festival of choice is Reading (I will get to Glasto and Coachella some day!) and I’m going this year with my good pals, there is me and 4 others going and I know a few other people going as well so will probably meet them there for a drinky-poo. Always go to festivals in a group, it makes it much more fun and you feel safer. 

I wanted to put together an outfit selection post, and a what to pack / what not to pack list, because the first year I went to Reading fest I took WAY to much and I didn’t have anyone advising me what to bring. So I’m going to put a few items of clothes together to show you what I will be wearing and what not to bring.

Here we go!

WELLIES. 

oh my goodness, bring wellies, and good ones. The first year I went to reading I had a really old kiddy pair and they perished in the mud and were a bit useless really. So I got myself a pair of hunters, not fancy ones, just the short black ones. If it’s sunny you could bring a pair of trainers but I advise not to, they will still get trampled on in crowds etc. Go for Dr Martens if you don’t want wellies as they are nice and sturdy and waterproof. I might take my pair if the weather looks good for the whole weekend, I have and awesome pair of lilac ones.

Shirts.

I am going to be taking a check shirt I got from Urban Outfitters about 4 years ago, because it’s one of my favorite items of clothing, it’s really soft and add’s quite a nice bit of warmth or covers your shoulders up etc. Shirts are great for festivals because you can chuck them on over anything or tie them around your waist if you get to hot etc. 

Jeans.

Jeans are another great festival item. I’m going to take my old black high waist topshop skinnies. They have faded a bit but are still really comfy, they go with anything and are really easy to throw on. 

Vests

I’ll be taking a few vest tops as well, incase of some sun. These are what I would put on under my check / flannel shirt. I’ve got an awesome smiley face one from paul and bear. I might take my tie dye ‘stay weird’ one from jak vaneck. Or some plain ones, not white though.

Shorts

I’m also taking my black ripped Levis shorts. Again these are a great festival item, they go with everything, you can wear them with or without tights depending on how hot it is and they look pretty rad. 

Jumpers / Hoodies / Cardigans

Take a big cosy jumper. Hoodies are great for festivals as well, I would go for a zip up, they are a bit easier to wear open or closed if it gets cold. Or big cardigans. I’m going to take this oversized cardigan from uniqlo. It’s massive and keeps me SO warm.

Leggings

Leggings are always good, you can wear them instead of or under jeans if its really cold. they look great with long shirts or vests. You can wear them at night as well when you are sleeping because it does get quite cold in tents. 

Socks

Socks are one of the most important things to bring. My feet always get so cold, I like big fluffy socks for night time, and if it’s cold in the day you can still wear them under your wellies and no one will see them. 

Rain Coat

Bring a CHEAP rain coat. Like one of those ones you get in a bag or primark or something. Just to keep the rain off. You can layer up hoodies and shirts and jumpers if its cold. Try and get a wind proof one as well but don’t go for shower proof as you will still get soaked if it rains hard. 

Hats

BRING HATS. Showering at festivals is just a bit weird. Everyone is smelly, you kind of just get used to it. But greasy hair isn’t the best. Mine get greasy so quickly and theirs only so much that dry shampoo can do. I’m going to be taking my red beanie hat and my wayne’s world flat cap. Don’t go for a wide brimmed or fedora style hat because people will try and take hats off your head and they are the easiest targets. 

Bags

Last thing is take a bum bag / fanny pack or side body bag to wear into the arena, backpacks are easy to steal from in a crowd where everyone is getting pushed about. You want something that is close to your body and hard to get to.

(A few bits and bobs i'll be taking) 

I wont be taking any skirts or dresses, some people might like them but I’m always a bit cautious at festivals. If you are in a crowd someone could easily take a picture up your skirt, if you want to get on someones shoulders (SO FUN) then its a bit tough doing that without the whole crowd seeing your bum. If it’s windy everyone will see you bum as well. You could always wear short shorts under it but I don’t find that too comfy. I know theres always tights but I’m going to stick with my guns here and say don’t wear skirts or dresses. It’s only a festival, no one really cares what you wear. 

Oh and take things you don’t mind getting wrecked. I have proof of this. My brother recently wen’t to a festival and was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, the t-shirt was this limited edition hand printed one that he got out in Australia that was really special to him and he loved it blah blah. Basically someone threw some mud, or  a muddy shoe or something and it hit him right in the chest. On his bright white t-shirt. The mud stain didn’t come out. Our mum tried everything, and believe me, our mum is amazing when it comes to stain removal. Safe to say my brother was quite annoyed and learned not to take clothes that matter to a festival.

In terms of cameras and phones etc I wouldn't take anything too valuable. I’m going to be a bit of a rebel and take my iPhone, but it’s going stay with me in my bum bag or bra constantly, and i’m not going to use it for filming or taking photos of the bands while i’m in a crowd, thats just a bit stupid. take disposable cameras, it doesn't matter if they get lost / stolen, and the pictures have a really cool look to them.

Here are some of my OLD pictures from reading festival 2010 / 2011

(We all look so young!)

So there you go, my festival guide. I know it’s a bit late, but oh well. 

Summer Fun and Storms

Just a little life update -

I got a job at the Odeon cinema with my best buddy Liz. She’s worked there for ages and I really needed a summer job and I had some work at a bar but it wasn’t going well. I gave in my CV and they called me and I went for an interview that day and got the job wooo! I can now earn some money over summer to save up for my big American road trip.

I went to visit my friend Tara, who is staying with her sister who has two adorable bubbas. We played dress up and went swimming with them and it was really lovely and sunny and one of the best days I’ve had this summer so far. 

(We played dress up, I was a cowgirl, Tara a ladybug and Callie a chef)

There was a big storm. I live in Kent, which is South East UK and there was a MASSIVE thunder and lightning storm on Friday night. Liz was round and we went outside and watched these big clouds come over and then when it started to rain we went inside and watched the lightning and it was so bright and the thunder was so loud! I really love storms.

(I found these pictures on the kent online website, it was such a cool storm)

I also found some really great pictures of my grandparents which I framed. Look at how beautiful they are!

It’s also really hot, and I've finished my coffee so I'm off to go sweat some more. Bye!

(My morning set up)

Statement Trousers

So another addition that I'm going to be doing on here is outfit posts, how I style this, ootd's, wish lists, what I'm loving, you get the idea.

Statement Trousers -

I've loved statement trousers for a long time but I've always been a bit scared to try them, I'm not exactly thin so I didn't think they would look that good on me, but, I thought why the flip not, I like them so I'm going to wear them. I recently bought a pair in the Zara sale that I've had my eyes on for a long time. I didn't want to shell out £30 for them, but they went down to £17 in the sale and I was so happy! I wore them recently when I went for a few drinks with my gals and this is how I styled them.

These are my amazing printed trousers I got in Zara. I paired them with a simple black vest, my shoes were a pair of chunky sandal heels from New Look and I used my plain black handbag from Forever 21. I chose to wear a really dark red lippy, one of my favourites is this matte Kate Moss from Rimmel (colour 107). When I wear red lipstick I like to go for a simple smokey eye or black eyeliner, cat eye style.

I use the website polyvore to make the collage style images (I may take some pictures of me wearing the outfits, but right now I'm in a pair of leggings and a baggy vest so maybe not).

Some other statement trousers I love at the moment -

1. Comfortable Joggers

I love the colour of these Topshop joggers, they look really comfortable as well!

2. Printed Leggings

These printed leggings are great! I'm such a fan of black leggings and this bird print on these ones are so funky!

3. Vintage Dots

I'm a real lover of the vintage look and these are perfect, cute little polka dots and a wide leg.

Right, I'm off to have dinner. What pair of statement trousers are you loving at the moment? Leave me a comment. Bye!

my first week at ITV

In my first post I said how I never did anything unless I had to and I felt bad about that because I was being pretty lazy etc etc. Well blogging is one thing that I wanted to start doing that I didn’t really have to do, and getting work experience was the other, which I did sort of need to do, but it wasn’t required by uni or anything.

Anyway a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go up to the ITV studios in London for some work experience. I'd done a day about two weeks before that and they invited me back for the whole week. It was working on a show called Surprise Surprise, it used to be hosted by Cilla Black (if you don't know who she is, google her, what a doll) but now it's been re-vamped and is hosted by Holly Willoubooby (Willoughby) and Dave Berry. The basic idea is that the public nominate people that they think are deserving to receive a big surprise. These people could be charity workers, cancer survivors/sufferers, child carers, anyone really, just really great and deserving people. The show then sets up a big surprise for them, it could be a Holiday, meeting their favourite celebrity etc etc. It's a pretty great show. 

(Olly Murs on Surprise Surprise)

Anyway, I was able to spend a week in the office of this show, working with them doing research and uploading profiles and lots of other bits. I got shown around the whole of the ITV studios, watched a few shows being filmed and was even part of a surprise flash mob, with a very cool celebrity guest. Very secret though, can't tell you who it was until the episode airs in October. It was so much fun though, I had to dance about (and I can't really dance, I'm very un-coordinated) so I'm going to look like a right plonker on TV, which is great! But it was so great spending the week there, getting to know everyone in the office and having lunch up on the roof with a great view over south bank and just being part of the whole TV world for a week. Its not as glamorous as you might think, but it's defiantly the type of job I want after I finish uni. I loved it. I’m going back for a two week work placement as well on a different show, I’ll make a post about that as well.

my pass to get into the studios! follow me on instagram for more of my shenanigans, aliceisanorman.

If anyone wants any advice on how to get work experience or any questions just drop me a comment. 

Cool, bye.