Kate Moss for Topshop – Embroidered Smock Blouse

The new Kate Moss collection for Topshop is everything I could ever want in a collaboration. A lot of my friends have expressed their disappointment at the collection. However, I think it is a dream. I only wanted to buy one item from the collection so I browsed for a long time really thinking about what I wanted. I chose an item that hasn’t been featured on other blogs or magazine favourite picks: the Embroidered Smock Blouse, shown below. Costing £60, I think the price is justified when considering how iconic Kate is, and the collection is truly unique. I am very fortunate to have a brother who works for Arcadia, so I managed to get my hands on it for £45. When you buy in-store they wrap it in tissue paper and you get a free tote bag (which will become my new book bag for Uni), a special touch to the customer experience.

Being a fan of anything that sparkles, this was an instant winner for me. I will be able to pair this top with many items in my wardrobe. With skinny jeans, mom jeans, boots and flats. In the summer it will look perfect with shorts. The festival inspired, boho cut makes you wish that summer would arrive very soon, and the fact that I am actually going on holiday this year makes me adore it even more! For the time being, I will wear it out to drinks with my friends and a few gigs that I have lined up.

K.

 

 

‘It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be worth it’

The easter break and summer term means one thing. Exams. Everyone is stressed during this period, with many not knowing where their mind has gone. This year I decided to take a different approach to revising as in the past I have been one of those awful people who over-stresses, but stresses others out in the process. Whilst I’ve been working hard (without sounding like too much of a narcissist), I dedicated lots of time over the past month to me. Starting revision early was a huge bonus as I could go away without feeling guilty.

I started off the holidays with a whistle-stop tour of the North West. My cousin lives in Doncaster and studies at University in Manchester and my aunt lives in Wigan so it was the perfect opportunity to visit because I don’t get to see them often. We visited Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool (because who doesn’t love a bit of tacky seaside fun?!) I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this part of the country and I’m lucky to have family in such a culturally-rich part of the country. Plus, everyone is extremely friendly, which you just do not get in the South.

Upon my return home, I had a few days to revise before heading off to Center Parcs with some family. Center Parcs has been a firm favourite with us for as long as I can remember. I particularly like it because you get to stay in villas set in the forrest, go on long bike rides every day and do water sports on the lake. Evenings were filled with lots of food and wine!

Morning bike ride views

On the subject of revision, I try to do around 3 hours a day. I overheard someone at University saying they has planned to do around 10 hours a day. For me, that is not realistic. I’d probably end up in tears, hating my subject and fearing the exams. Revising in between plans really helps me. I can concentrate for 3 hours in the morning knowing I’m going out for lunch/coffee with my boyfriend in the afternoon or drinks with friends in the evening.

My cat keeping me company!

I didn’t understand the ‘drink lots of water’ idea until my second year. Coffee and water are pretty much the only things I drink now! I self-consciously get through pints of water while I’m working and it’s really important for me to eat (healthy) snacks on the go. Having recently discovered ‘Urban Fruit’ I’m addicted. They are simply just baked fruits. The strawberries are my favourite.

Don’t get me wrong, revision is hard but I really enjoy studying History. Yesterday, I went to the National Gallery to look at some Renaissance paintings and the fact that I can say that counts as revision is really quite special. I’m really lucky to live near London and go to one branch of University of London meaning I can use their central London libraries. Senate House has everything I need and more, and I always stroll down Store Street in Bloomsbury beforehand, having recently discovered that Store Street Espresso does THE most amazing flat white. Buying little presents for myself works wonders too!

Having plans and things to look forward to is the key for me. Last year, I spent 4 weeks stuck at my desk, barely socialised and stressed out those closest to me in the process. This year it was all about relaxation, with lots of hard work in between. Let’s hope is doesn’t backfire! Good luck if you are doing exams soon!