Saturday 17 August 2013

My first week interning at LOOK Magazine

I have to be honest.. this week has been one of the busiest, most stressful, but fun weeks I've ever had! As I'm originally from the South West of England, living in London for the last week has been crazy hectic for me, although by the end of the week I looked no different from all the casual commuters on the tube!

I started my work experience with LOOK magazine on Monday. I was actually quite nervous as I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I met a couple of the other girls who were doing it took, instantly put me at ease!  I've actually had a really good week, although working full time from 9.30 - 5.30, whilst an hour commute each way (when you're usually a lazy uni student not getting up till midday) has really put my body under strain, but I'm relaxing all weekend at home to recharge my batteries! Also seeing my boyfriend is something I've been looking forward to all week, I've missed him so much!

Everyone I've come across at LOOK has been really friendly! I was worried I'd be put into a 'devil wears prada' situation, but all the fashion team are lovely, and have said I can ask any questions I like. I've seen the editor in her office and walking about, but I dare not speak to her as she's obviously the top dog!

The office is much smaller than I imagined, and takes us just a small section of the floor. There's also Women & Home magazine, nuts magazine, and marie claire is based on a couple of floors below. The office is based in sections with different girls doing different parts of the magazine. There's also 4 fashion cupboards and a couple of beauty cupboards too. (I've had a peek in the beauty cupboards and there are boxes and boxes labelled full of 'foundations' 'concealers' 'mascaras' and anything you can think of!) 




So, what have I been doing? My duties as an intern are mainly based around returning press samples. Clothing, shoes and accessories are sent to the LOOK offices, they are used for photoshoots or features, and then need sending back to the correct brand/PR companies. This involves sorting the items into brands, looking for the right place they need to be sent back to, and wrapping up the bags ready to be sent off. It's not the most exciting job in the world, but it needs doing! It's also great fun to rummage through all the different clothes, a lot of which hasn't been released to the public yet! 

One of the fashion cupboards.. clothes galore!!

Other small bits I've been doing involved sending emails to designers about reserving tickets for London Fashion Week for the editor, which I had to personalize each and every e-mail with names and dates so that took a while! I've also been calling up brands for prices for items they're using in the magazine, and looking up links for items that are featuring for the digital versions of the magazine (where you can click an item you like and it will take you straight to the page where you can buy it). I've also been doing filing where I had to go through the most recent issue of LOOK and cut out certain sections and file them for when the editor wants to look through previous sections of issues. 

The other girls have been set a few exciting things to do, such as doing research on a trip to New York they are taking for a shoot, picking out dresses to go on their '50 top evening dresses this weekend' on their website, and even doing 'the test factor' where Becca got given 3 products to test, and her photo taken to go in the magazine! Lauren got to go on the 'high street hottest' photo shoot this week, which she said was really fun. We've been told we'll all get the chance go to on one, which I can't wait for!

The Blue Fin Building where LOOK magazine is located is amazingly modern. The canteen (which contains some amazing food choices!) on the top 11th floor has incredible views! On a warm day we sat outside on the balcony, and you can see over London!



There were 8 interns altogether this week (which I've head is alot for the amount they usually have!) and we all got along so well! A couple of the girls go to the same uni as me so that was lovely to have that in common, amd a few of the girls were alot younger too. We're all from different places and educations too, and it's been so great to meet so many different people, and towards the end of the week we realized we've all become good friends. Two of the girls left on friday which was sad, but it's made the first week full of gossip and laughs in our little intern office! 


I'm absolutley shattered with half 6 starts every morning, but had a great week! All I can say is that I've learnt NEVER to get an 'early train'. It never seems to end well for me! (This is after a couple of close shaves running for a train in Waterloo.. I won't go into it!) I'm really looking forward to seeing what other jobs about the office they'll give me, and to see what the next 3 weeks will bring! It's been so hectic I haven't taken any outit photos, which I need to start doing to show you guys! Hope you've enjoyed this post and I'll keep you updated!



Friday 9 August 2013

My 21st Week (Part 2)

First of all I just wanted to mention - this is my 100th post! Yay!! Thank you all who read my blog :D

So, as I didn't do anything on the actual day of my birthday, me and James fancied having a day trip somewhere and spend some time together. After visiting thorpe park (for the first time since I was very young) the other month, I was desperate to go back! I had such a great time, I re-kindled my love for roller coasters, and I knew James hadn't been there for a few years either. With a little persuasion he kindly drove us the 2 hours and we spent the day there! We managed to go on a great day, with short queues, we went on so many rides, he even pursuaded me to go on the dead scary ones, which I did actually end up loving! The SAW ride was the worst though, so scary!!


A very wet OOTD after coming off tidal wave!!

Top/Jeans/Bag - Primark
Shoes - New Look

This outfit wasn't the most practical for a trip to the theme park but I hadn't packed much for home! One of the straps on my cami actually broke after one of the rides!! (You get what you pay for I suppose in Primark!) I had to spend the rest of the day with it tied to my bra strap, luckily it held out! These ripped boyfriend jeans are so comfy and are just about the right amount of ripped for me! We had such a fun day, although he said next time I can drive!

Wednesday I came back to Southampton to lots of lovely gifts (and a home made cake!) from my housemate! She got me so many little lovely bits and made such an effort for me! :)

As part of my present, we went to dinner at one of my favourite restraunts in Southampton called Turtle Bay. They do the best cocktails and the food is amazing! We always love to go there on special occasions. Here's what I wore:



Bag, Shoes, Leggings, Necklace - Primark
Shirt - Next

I actually got this shirt as uniform from Next last week, but I love it! Next isn't my usual style but this shirt is something I'd wear out of work. I didn't actually have time to change after getting the train, so this outfit wasn't actually planned for dinner but hey! 



Yes this was as amazing as it looks!! 


A little tipsy on cocktails?!

It was so lovely to spend a few days with James as I'm starting my full time work experience next week for a month. It's always really difficult during uni to spend quality time together, so this summer i'm so happy we've got to do so many nice things together. I'm really going to miss him! :(

Yesterday I had a girly day with my friend becky, and went out with a few friends last night! I am so lucky to have so many people that love me - turning 21 just makes you all emotional!

I start my work experience with LOOK magazine on monday - I'm so excited but nervous! Stay tuned for plenty of posts about that excited adventure. There'll be plenty of outfit posts and behind the scenes photos hopefully!






My 21st Birthday Week (Part 1!)

On Monday I turned 21! I'm the last of my friends to hit this milestone, and I have to say it feels weird to say that I am officially 21. I feel like my teenage years flew past way too quickly, and before I know it I'll be leaving uni and thrown into the real world - Ahh! I have had the best week and have been spoilt to death by my friends and family. I got lots of amazing gifts, and I'm a very lucky girl to have been showered with presents, flowers and love! Here are a few photos and outfits of my week!

 

I got lots of lovely gifts, including a yankee candle, a gorgeous accessorize handbag  (not in the photo unfortunately) money, lots of Topshop vouchers (which I can't wait to spend!) and Alien Aqua Chic by Thierry Muglar which I've wanted for a while! I even wont £2 on a scratchcard - wahoo!!


My beautiful flowers from my boyfriend :)
On the actual day of my birthday I spent with James, I wasn't feel actually feeling too well after a few sleepless nights and busy days, so after getting some lunch we relaxed at home until my mum and sister returned home!


This is what I wore on the day to go out for some lunch!
Dress - Topshop & Necklace
Shoes & Bag - Primark



I had a wonderful cake and one of my favourite gifts was my river island watch. I'd wanted one for a while, but I was really fussy with what design I wanted, when I saw this one I knew it was perfect for me! It's gorgeous and hasn't come off my wrist since I bought it!

 In the evening my sister came to visit especially, and we all went out for a posh meal! My mum surprised me and took me to a very fancy hotel where I'd never been before. The food was amazing and I cannot thank her for the loveliest meal with my favourite people!


Top - H&M
Skirt - Forever 21
Shoes - New Look
Bag, Necklace & Kimono - Primark

I love this kimono so much - it's perfect for dressing up or down! 


My mum even crafted me this beautiful decoration for the occasion!




It was the nicest meal I've had in a long time, and was touched everyone went to such effort for me, I had such a wonderful day and was so sad when it was over. Although I had a great couple days after too (post to follow!) and I can't wait to be spending some of my vouchers and get some nice Topshop bits over the next few weeks!







Sunday 4 August 2013

OOTN 2/8/13 Monochrome Printed Trousers

Hii, hope you are all having a nice weekend! Me and a couple of friends decided to make the most of the weekend and go out on Friday night. I had a bit of a clothing issue and had no idea what to wear.. Whenever I want something dressy I can never seem to find anything in my wardrobe, I am in major need of some nice dresses!


Top - Topshop
Necklace - Topshop
Trousers & Bag - Primark
Shoes - New Look

This outfit was really unusual for me, I've never really thought about wearing trousers out on the town but I think this really worked after a few combinations I tried! These trousers are from Primark and are mega comfy - like wearing PJ bottoms! I have only worn them on lazy days, but being high waisted I thought paired with a crop top gives them a trendy twist. I love these shoes too, they instantly glam up any outfit and make you feel very girly and pretty! I've been wearing alot of separates recently, and this crop top from Topshop is always an easy option to pair with something. I went with my gold studded bag to add a bit of interest and you can never go wrong with a statement necklace. Even though I felt I had a lot of tum on show, I think I would definetley consider wearing these trousers out again, I think they would look really good with a brightly coloured top as well as keeping it monochrome.





Friday 2 August 2013

A Trip to London & OOTD

Hey everyone, hope you have had a good week, hasn't the weather been funny recently?! I'm kind of glad the heat wave is over in England, but it's still been so sticky and warm. I'm hoping it's going to be nice for my 21st birthday on Monday but it looks like that's the only day it's destined to rain! Boo! Even though my birthdays in August I can never remember a day when there was no rain!

On Wednesday me and my boyfriend James headed to London for a day trip. You may have seen that I'm starting an internship with Look Magazine in less than 2 weeks, and wanted to check out the travel links, walking distances, and where the actual building was, just to double check I'd be alright getting there on my first day. It turns out the building was just 15 minutes walk away from Waterloo where I'll be commuting, and was quite easy to find. I knew it's always warm running round London for the day, so I opted for a couple of floaty layers with my treggings and sandals. I'm glad I didn't wear a jacket as it was a really humid day, and some of the underground tubes were boiling!




 (Thank you James for the photos haha!)

Top - Primark
Kimono - Primark
Treggings - Topshop
Sandals - New Look
Bag - Primark
Necklace - Topshop

This outfit contains a few new bits I've picked up recently, the sandals I was umming and ahhing over 2 different colours for a while in new look, at £19.99 I wasn't sure if they were worth it, when suddenly they went into the sale! I snapped a black and tan pair up at just £10 each. They're a really nice strappy sandal that will go with anything. How gorgeous is this kimono and bag too?! I'm loving Primark right now, they have some amazing bags in there.. I'd been looking for the perfect floaty cover up for a while now, and when I saw this one I had to have it. The bag is so smart too, and it cost just £12! It looks so much more expensive, and its the perfect size for all your bits. I can't stop wearing these camis, They seem to be the perfect thing to wear with this warm weather, and go with everything.

We walked from Waterloo to the Blue Fin Building in Southwark which is where Look HQ is located. It's a huge fancy glass building that has loads of really nice cafes, restaurants and shops around, and is home to many other companies. We popped inside to take a look and it went into a huge posh lobby, with a reception desk, security gaurds and vases with feathers in! It was daunting to think in a couple of weeks time I'll be working in there every day! I hope I'm not too tempted to spend money on food..




We had a few hours to kill, and James (being a bit of a science geek!) had never been to the science museum, which I found unbelievable, to I took him there! I'm not really that interested in most science subjects, but some of the exhibitions were really interesting, and the interactive bits were really fun!


There was also a robot which took a photo of you and drew it in some sand, how cool is that!?


We then went to the thames and met James' cousin and her husband, who have kindly offered for me to stay there whilst I do my internship, so the commute will save me alot of time and money. My phone actually died towards the end of the day (on my tube and maps app pretty much all day so we didn't get lost!) but we had a meal at a pizza express right next to the Thames which had a really lovely view. We were knackered by the time we got our coach home at 10pm, but it was a really lovely day and made me feel alot better about starting my work experience.