fbloggers posts

UPDATE: Life Overhaul

August 27, 2014

You may notice that I infamously promised that I’d be back on the blogging scene sometime last month, and mysteriously vanished shortly after making such a bold claim – I apologise, but I HAVE MUCHOS NEWS. After my fight (which sometimes felt disturbingly literal) to secure a graduate job without drowning to the bottom of too many merlot bottles first, I happened to get an interview for a very exciting position on the still rather new and incredibly dynamic Web Team for Primark.com – and guess who got the flipping position as Womens/Kidswear Content Assistant? That would be me! *Insert many streamer emoticons*

So, since the 3rd August, I’ve been trying to get my head around a completely different town in a completely different part of the country: I’m now a big ol’Southerner and I live in Reading. Bit of a wander from the likes of Lancaster and Manchester that I’m used to haunting, but I’m finally starting to get my bearings and have just put down the deposit for a gorgeous studio apartment that I snapped up this morning – so all systems are go – go – go with regards to new life planning! Since I got here (less than a month ago!), I’ve already experienced some amazing times: snagging a Saturday day ticket to Reading Festival and going with a complete stranger (who turned out to be fabulaaaarse and I can’t wait to hang out with her again), a whirlwind work trip to Dublin and far, far too many bottles of red wine (happy bottles though – makes all the damn difference!).

I just thought I’d drop in and remind you all that I still know how to type and (hopefully) construct reasonably interesting posts – and will be doing far more proactive things with my blog now that I’m officially part of the fashion industry and incidentally, have developed an absolute obsession with buying new (Primark) clothes. So if you want to know anything Primark-related from hereon in; I’m your girl. Once I get settled in my new apartment (which is totally OOTD-background friendly, woo), I’m going to be setting up my tripod (wheey) and posting more fashion-focused posts, rather than my verbose ramblings. You can thank me later.

 

 It’s good to be back. xo

NEWS: ELNfashion is moving.

June 15, 2014

I have news. I have colossal news and, my sweet Mary Jesus and Joseph (paying homage to Grandma there: this post wouldn’t exist without you), you would not believe how psyched I am. The second half of yesterday was spent in a perpetual state of on-the-brink-of-awesome tears and, despite fending them off, I still went to bed with exhausted little piggy eyes and a racing brain. So, what’s happened/happening, you ask? Well… after spending the last six months nurturing an unrelenting sense of financial doom, and fearing that I’d end up stuck back in a box room at my mum’s after university, I finally discovered: I can move to London! It must be the karma train after this monstrosity of a year I’ve had, but everything seems to be aligning amazingly – I came into some money (for the second time ever, I ain’t no trust-fund baby, believe me), and now I’m going to be viewing flats this Wednesday with a view to move in sometime next month. Excited isn’t the word!

Now I have two options. Given I have two job interviews in London on Wednesday, I can hope that I’ll score one of those and start on the career ladder straight away. Otherwise, I’m going to use this (incredibly rare) time in my life to take advantage of the situation (of, uh, being taken advantage of by the fashion industry) and seek out fancy internships whilst I still have enough income to stay alive and, most importantly, well dressed. Today I’m calling out to you wonderful fashion folk and asking:

  • Where’s best to live? I’m eyeing up flats in Kensington and Holloway as we speak.
  • Where are all my London-dwelling fashion bloggers at?
  • Am I going to survive? (sod that, I’m ‘ard as nails)
  • Also – is there ANYWHERE in London where you can get a rental and still get a cat?

I cannot wait to properly start my life, get my blog at the forefront of my life and get really involved in Britain’s heart of the fashion industry. Has anyone else got any stories of London life they’d like to bestow upon me? Something tells me I might need some guidance…

Enjoy my posts? Don’t miss a beat on Bloglovin’!

REVIEW: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

May 31, 2014

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Check me out: three posts in as many days, I’m well and truly back bitches – I mean, ladies/(gents?). Today, I’m going to be writing up a cheeky review of my new wonder product, and seemingly, the wonder product of the entire blogosphere: the drug-store holy grail that is Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water. Generally, I’m the reigning queen of lazy make-up apathy: the traditional, three or four step wash? You’d be lucky. I save that for showers – don’t judge me. Given that face-wipes are universally known as the beauty devil incarnate, I’ve recently revoked my love affair with those too and, following the finals of my third year, a replacement was needed and it was needed yesterday. If you spotted my post from Thursday, you’ll be aware that I am now currently living off scraps and thin air after a (£91) Boots binge – during which I picked up this critically acclaimed Bioderma dupe and a L’Oréal Skin Perfection Toner, anticipating something mildly wonderful to happen. Although, there is one thing I do have to question with the concept of switching up your skincare routine and actually getting results: how do you know it’s not merely an improvement simply because having a new product is a novelty factor and therefore, you’re more inclined to use it religiously? To be honest, I think in this case, it is very much a mix of the two and, as someone plagued with the odd mega-spot party at the (surely-too-old) age of 21, I sure ain’t complaining either way.

The formula is applied with a trusty cotton pad and smushed around the face until you feel all make-up has been suitably removed. Or, in my case, halfway through the pad packet by the time you’ve scrubbed the panda eyes away. The beauty of this product is that you can be as lazy as you like – personally I keep the product and pads next to my bed – so I can idly wipe everything off in the screffy fashion I did with face-wipes, but I wake up the next morning pristine and, most importantly: hydrated. Instead of essentially burning your skin cells off with removal, the water is perfectly hydrating and doesn’t even leave me cringing to use astringent-y toner afterwards. I would totally, totally recommend this product to anyone who hasn’t got their life straight enough to even sort out a sensible bedtime, nevermind construct a lengthy, religious washing routine. However, I’m not advocating true laziness: I always use St Ives Apricot Scrub in the shower. Squeaky clean ladies, squeaky clean…

At £3.99 instead of £4.99 in Boots at the moment, I am totally advocating a little shopping time.

Who else is a fan of this product? Let me know in the comments or drop me a tweet @Ebzo.

 

EVENT: South Beach Swim at Lola’s.

May 30, 2014

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a bunch of bloggers I’d never met before and heading over to Lola’s in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, for South Beach Swim’s #SouthBeachSummer event – and what a little scorcher it was! For what could potentially be the first time in my life, I was ten minutes early for the do – but not that we were complaining, as it gave us first dibs on the (terribly, terribly) moreish custom-named cocktails. I will confess now, that despite polishing off a good five of these beauties by the time I had to leave – I still didn’t don a bikini and start a conga train. Such a let down, I know…

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Our little group (Abi of Kemples, Emma of MissPond, Amy of AmyElizabeth and Beckie of BeckieRackham) settled down with our cocktails and soon after were ushered into the next room – the next room of cake heaven. Now, I’m not usually one for a sweet tooth, but for starters, marshmallow and chocolate brownies (with fizzy flying saucers on them)? They’re kinda something else. As for the cakes – oh, the cakes: one chocolatey delight adorned with what looked like the lining of a fat toddler’s stomach – but in the very best of ways, the other an adorable beach scene. After scoffing half a tonne of crisps and a cheeky nibble of cake, I’d like to thank South Beach Swim for feeding me for the remainder of the week…

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Then came every #bbloggers favourite phrase: time for manicures! I opted for a quirky OPI colour in a deep purple which dried matte with a sand effect: very strange, but very cool. Thank you to @SkinHealthSpa for the manicure – I will definitely be in for a facial soon with this post-exam face. Another bunch of cocktails and fancy nails down, we finally got to checking out the clothes – at least after a cheeky selfie with my new boyfriend – the dead tiki cocktail-mixer skeleton. Both Abi and I fell madly in love with this adorable little nautical number that I may have to invest in if only to parade around my flat wearing it, given the sad lack of holidays on my horizon. Cue violins.

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We all had a really great time, and if anyone fancies whisking me away for a cheeky sun-break: I know exactly which bikini I’ll be wearing.

Thanks for the invite, guys!


 

Ones To Watch: Rufflee SS/14 ‘Funfair’ Drops Today.

April 23, 2014

There’s something really quite special about happening upon an emerging designer – to watch their line grow and flourish from a fledgling into something majorly exciting seemingly overnight – and my latest little treasure trove comes in the guise of Rufflee. This bold new Manchester designer focuses predominantly on kaleidoscopic prints and clean cut wardrobe staples, with a twist. Recently showcased at the London Bloggers Fashion Week ’14 and Manchester Fashion Week ’14, I truly predict great things for this guy – and will definitely be snapping up a few pieces for myself from his latest collection: ‘Funfair’, which drops on April 23rd and can be found here.

Here are some of my favourite picks from the collection, taken from a recent show at Manchester Fashion Week:

Cape and Skirt Co-ord – £28 and £32 respectively

If you’re not acquainted with the terms ‘co-ord’ or ‘separates’ yet this season, I’m slightly worried for you. Once a mythical creature confined to the depths of the nineties and beyond, now a huge storm for SS/14 and found with its own category on the likes of Topshop, Missguided and ASOS, the co-ordinates are here, and they’re here to stay. Most high street labels have taken the route of matchy-matchy t-shirts and bottoms, or straight-up jackets, but Rufflee takes pride of place for being the creator of the first cape co-ord I’ve set eyes on this season. Pair with summertime bare legs (and girl, you don’t need that fake tan), white cleated platforms and fishnet socks to be horrendously on trend this season. If you don’t fancy baring your midriff, a lace camisole will do the trick.

Cotton Candy T-shirt – £36

With the pastel hues of this easy breezy t-shirt, you can insert this right into your SS/14 wardrobe – alongside jelly sandals/holographic clutches/endless cleated footwear/pastel heaven. A perfect way to get a unique print away from the samey-samey racks of high street stores – team with a clashing print for a real fashion blogger feel.

rufflee-manchester-fashion-week-rollercoaster-shirtRollercoaster T-Shirt – £36

If the onslaught of girly pinks is getting a little too much for you this season, you can always cool it down a little with this pale blue number. Throw on some ripped knee skinny jeans and some heeled ankle boots for a twist on the infamous ‘off-duty model’ look – Starbucks cup optional.

Check out the other pieces and get following on your preferred social media channels – this guy’s going to go far!

Website: Rufflee.co.uk

Twitter: TweetRufflee

Instagram: InstaRufflee

WISHLIST: February’s Fancies and Image Overhaul.

February 4, 2014

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Revlon ColourBurst Matte Lip Balm £7.99 (on 3 for 2) – Boots | Pastel White Mini Satchel £6 – Primark

Lavish Alice Mint Green Pointed Collar Dress £41.99 – Ark | ALLSORTS Chelsea Boots £45 – Topshop | Retro Patterned Co-Ord Set £19.59 – Choies

Read more ›

PREVIEW: Matalan SS14 Collection Picks

January 31, 2014

I’m going to start this post with: Matalan, please start stocking Size 6 (please point me in the right direction if I’m wrong, but I’ve never found any in my local stores)! Pastel is looking to be absolutely mega this season, with uber-girly malibu pinks being the apparent colour of choice. As a general fan of a currently quite ‘The Coven’-esque wardrobe, this might take some getting used to, but the promise of sun and cocktails is seeeeriously getting me hyped up. Fudge off January: nobody likes you. Here are my favourite picks for Matalan SS14:

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  • Cocoon Pink Dress – £16

Just give me a second to wipe the dribble off my lip… For £16, I will most definitely be snapping up this little beaut. The beading around the collar, at least from this picture, is delicate and tasteful, the coral colour will suit pale ladies like myself to the hills and back, and the geometric pattern is hitting the trend nail right on the head.

  • Gingham Full Skirt – £16

That panelling, guys. That panelling. Usually, if you threw the word gingham at me, it’d conjure bittersweet memories of school summer dresses – namely, playing ‘horses’ in them and managing to become the subject of most parents’ distaste as I always pulled the ties off my friends’ dresses – bit carried away. Aaaanyway, this dress knocks that literally oldskwl misconception out of the park: this skirt is sophisticated, fun and has already got me mentally running for lace white socks. I’d even consider layering this skirt over the cocoon dress – pretty sure that’d work.

  • Pink jacket – £40

Pink jackets are the shit right now, if you don’t own one: you shouldn’t even be here (I don’t have one yet either). Channel your inner Regina George, bring her into SS14 and embrace that colour palette: it’s only going to do wonders for your complexion, daaarling. There is an IT pink coat floating around right now, I was in a frenzied blogger discussion at a LUSH even about it last night – we’re thinking Coast or ZARA, but this is a bargain dupe.

  • Full Skirt – £16

It’s like the pink ladies have been teleported into the 21st Century. I’d team this with a lemon or mint green fluffy jumper and a visit to the new American diner that just opened in Lancaster: the new drink of choice is a strawberry milkshake this season, ladies.

 

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  • Printed T-Shirt – £14

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have had several metaphoric knicker-changing sessions already this pre-season, wetting yourself over the incredible amount of actually wearable co-ord sets coming out to play. For those days where milkshakes and Lana Del Rey aren’t making your heart soar, this moodier hue will definitely keep you ticking on-trend boxes. And at £30 for the set? Oh boy.

  • Printed Skirt – £12

There are no words, apart from: I now need to buy a new leather jacket.

  • Graphic High Neck Blouse – £10

Graphic monochrome will just forever remind me of Gwen Stefani circa. The Sweet Escape, which is never a bad thing. Are chunky gold chain necklaces here to stay then, too? The question on everyone’s lips: will monochrome ever die?

  • Black Cocoon Dress – £16

The darker sister to our opening dress, I’ll be channelling my inner Edie Sedgwick and Twiggy in this 60’s inspired number. Styling tip: stick to full monochrome with cobalt blue nails to be painfully on-trend.

Which pieces have got you already reaching for your debit card?

Fan of American Apparel?

January 30, 2014

I’ve just spotted this amazing offer, thanks to @LilyKitten1 on Twitter. Basically, with the wonder that is GroupOn – if you spend £15, they give you a £30 voucher. 50% off at American Apparel? That is not something to be sniffed at: I’ve never seen anything better than a 30% off voucher for there before! Quick people: get on it before they all go. Click the above picture for the link! P.s. Make sure you select the ‘buy online’ option, unless you can get to the Birmingham store!

Drop me a comment with your purchases!

Accessorize 70%-Off Sale Haul.

January 30, 2014

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Somebody needs to extract me from my debit card before there’s real trouble. Yesterday, I popped into town for a well-deserved haircut after around 6 months of dealing with split-end central exploding from my scalp. Given I don’t get my hair cut particularly often, I don’t mind going to the expensive place in town as a treat – so that was already a decent amount of dollaaa spent by the time 1:30pm struck – but no, I was already bitten by the spending bug and believe me, I had it bad. I cavorted around the Body Shop sale, did the infamous beauty blogger Boots raid, even spent five pounds on the veg stall in the market: but then Accessorize happened.

I recently bought an Accessorize bag in the sale and was really disappointed to find that the buckle completely broke within a measly 6 days. Admittedly, despite getting an instore refund, I am still disappointed that I’ve yet to hear back from the online customer care team given I emailed a picture to them. Sort it out, guys. So, with my £17.50 refund card – and a smidge more from my own bank balance, I swiped up all these goodies:

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Tights, tights, tights. At an average of £2.30 for a pack, instead of the usual £8, I was on a spree. Tights are my biggest love and my worst enemy. At present, there is a sprawling monster in my tights drawer, a good twenty pairs of fluff-infested, hole-ridden legs all bundled together – pretty much useless to anyone and so threadbare they’d show up an entire Prada separates suit. This renders my Accessorize tights purchases completely valid and sensible – except maybe the sparkly ones… If you noticed the little pork pie hat in the top picture – that was arguably the biggest steal of them all: got it for £6ish and it was originally £22! Wowza. It looks pretty boss with my new hairdo.

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Jewellery is annoying low on my list of fashionable priorities, and I intend to change that. Picking up these sliiiightly coordinating babies seemed a good place to start. With these alone, I saved an accumulative £15ish – absolute bargain. It only cost around a fiver for all three of them! It’s definitely worth popping in to your nearest store and having a good rummage: the sale’s been on for weeks now and there are still plenty of genuinely wearable pieces that you wouldn’t pass off to your nan or crazy aunt.

Have you picked anything up in the Accessorize sale?

Drop me your haul links in a comment.

PREVIEW: Primark SS14 Collection Picks.

January 30, 2014

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Primark is like that friend we sometimes have, who has a wardrobe of predominant crap, with some real gem pieces – and a lifesaver collection of spare tights. The bulk of their stuff, I just wouldn’t bother buying but, on occasion, I’ve been reeled in to a ‘ZOMG SO MUCH CHEAP’ splurge and walked out with bags laden with £3 ‘bargains’ that I never needed and will probably never wear. However, this all changes at the drop of a new season: Primark gets glam. When the SS14 collection finally drops in the Manchester store, you’ll see me fighting with fellow fashionistas for these pieces:

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Palm Tree Print Scuba Tee – £8

This has got me reaching for invisible cocktails – and I’m still in bed. For this shirt, I want to abandon my Snow White ‘do, go chocolate brown with beach waves, and channel the bejeezus out of Lana Del Rey. I still don’t think I’ll be getting a tan, though…

Palm Tree Scuba Skirt – £6

I was seriously hoping and praying that this was a co-ord set. A co-ord set for £14. Now I just need to pool the cash for a holiday, eh.

Mini Satchel – £6

Urr, are these coming out in various colours? Cause, at that price, I am so ready to start a collection. You cannot beat a good Cambridge Satchel Company dupe for SIX POUNDS. Sign me up, sign me up. Oh, and it’ll totally match that shirt. Win.

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Green Blouse – £10 

The prospect of shedding this horrible weather and my grumpy winter goth wardrobe, has me just dribbling at this shirt. I can see myself being as pastel-mad as my 14-year-old self’s Piczo site, this summer. And for this price, why the hell not?

Embellished Waist Lace Dress – £28 

If this looks as good in the flesh as it does here, I might have to rebel from my usual tendency to avoid white. That detailing is absolutely divine and the ethereal colour palette is so on trend.

Burnout Crop Blouse – £10 

This is another co-ord set that I’ll be snapping up. You’ve gotta love that floaty detailing – can it just be summer, already?

Have you caught the collection yet? What pieces are you looking forward to grabbing?

 


Ebony. 25. Manchester.
Marketing Manager who likes to mouth off on here about stuff she cares about. Expect mental health, Borderline Personality Disorder, and reviews - from restaurants, to books, to fashion. Talks to cats more than people, but seemingly has a lot to say.
ebonylaurenn@gmail.com