My Week In Instagram

From top left to bottom right...

My interview outfit

Sunbathing

My new H&M peep toes

Otto Dog

My vintage dress

#WIWT

Desperados

Otto Dog drinking Desperados

How much do you love Instagram? I am addicted. I feel sorry for those of you without an iPhone/Android who are unable to turn there everyday snaps into works of art. I'll probably start posting a collection of my Instagram photos more often, as I'm snapping all the time!

This weeks pics have a theme. Sunbathing, drinking and doggies. I've made the most of every single second in the sunshine, desperate for my post France tan to last. It hasn't, it's all unattractively peeling off. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when this beautiful weather finally ceases and we're back to not knowing whether it's a jeans, shorts, dress, nothing?? kind of day. Enjoy it whilst it lasts folks!

#WIWT Vintage Skirt

 

Cami; Forever 21 

Belt; Vintage

Skirt; Vintage

Shoes; Primark

I didn't think I'd actually ever wear this skirt. I bought it because it was an absolute bargain, and the material was gorgeous, but I didn't think it was really me. However, I had an interview for a PR & Marketing Internship last week, so thought this was the perfect time for it to make its debut in the glorious weather. Also, what the heck do you wear to an interview when it's like 100 degrees?! 

I spent many an hour deliberating over what I was going to wear, and eventually decided on the above. The skirt is deceptive. It is not cool. At all. The lining meant my legs turned into a boiling hot, sodden state. No-one noticed though.

After all this, the interview was cancelled...20 minutes before I was due to be there. For any of you applying for internships, I would probably not recommend Claire's Accessories. They were unprofessional from the word go, and when they cancelled my interview so last minute, I decided I would probably forget about that one and move on.

Coffee & Cake

There is nothing I like better than a lovely coffee and slab slice of cake from a cute little coffee shop. Went to a beautiful little place in Codsall, in Wolverhampton where I live. Had a cappuccino, accompanied by red velvet cake, chocolate orange cake and carrot cake. They were amazing! This wasn't all to myself by the way, I was with 2 other people. Still didn't manage to finish them either!! 

I would love to open my own little coffee shop. Think that is the life aim, to have the cutest little coffee shop in the Midlands. Wish me luck!

Funky Eye Nails

 

How awesome are these nails?! They're not mine unfortunately, they're my sisters. Her friend did them for her, so I've booked myself in next as I am completely incompetent when it comes to nail art. I'm pretty damn good at polka dots, but apart from that, rubbish!

Guest Post: Why Staying Stylish Means Healing Faster by Jackie Clark

When you are diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like most of what was once important is simply trivial now. Why would beauty, fashion and even education mean anything to a woman when facing a life-threatening situation? While this is a common thought pattern, it can also become a downward spiral. The truth of the matter is that if you feel beautiful on the outside, you are more likely to feel beautiful on the inside. As your body and self-image changes in response to cancer, knowing how to bring out what remains as your most attractive features is key.

Increasing beauty practices when coping with cancer is a powerful method of self-care. When a woman decides to get out of her pajamas or hospital gown and into clothes that make her feel beautiful, sexy and powerful will help keep her spirits up. Avoid wearing dark clothes, as these will only accentuate the pale skin tone that cancer treatment usually brings with it. Instead, throw on a form fitting white tank top this summer to make your skin look more tan. Cancer treatment makes skin more sensitive; choose to go with some extra-soft stylish clothes. This is a great way to be both comfortable and fashionable.

Let's turn to basic psychology to prove this point. On Maslow's well known and widely respected hierarchy of needs, taking care of one's self is listed on the fourth level of importance. Food, water and breathing make up the first level of Maslow's pyramid, meaning it includes the most important needs. Once these basics are covered, a person can then focus on safety, security and belonging.

The fourth level of Maslow's pyramid includes self-esteem, confidence, achievement and respect for and by other people. This level of the pyramid is labeled “esteem” as it refers to the way you are seen, how you experience your community, and how confident you are in yourself and your body. Here is where women can use fashion in order to look good, boost their self-esteem and their confidence. Thinking well of yourself and your appearance – and reaping the benefits of that confidence – is essential to meeting this inherently human need.

Let's talk about an example to give you a clearer idea. If you have received a mesothelioma cancer prognosis, you surely already have a calendar full of mesothelioma cancer doctors to help you tackle the disease. If you have already undergone mesothelioma cancer treatment, you are well aware of how difficult it is to maintain a positive self-image.

Remember, though, that Maslow's famous theory ranks taking pride in yourself high as one of the most important things you can work on. When a woman is feeling confident, the sky is the limit. Reevaluating her wardrobe so it best brings out her inner beauty, and letting that confidence shine, can radicalize how you feel about your cancer diagnosis.

You might think that putting on your makeup or buying new clothes for yourself has no merit since you are sick. This is a common feeling; being diagnosed with cancer is usually an all-consuming thing in your mind, heart and everyday life. Realize, though, that taking pride in what you see when you look in the mirror is one of the best things you can do for yourself at anytime and even more so when you are suffering a sickness.

Check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog for more information on wellness.

#WIWT Black, White & A Smidge of Turquoise

Playsuit; Topshop

Necklace; H&M

Boots; Topshop

I love this playsuit, but I hardly ever wear it! It makes me feel a bit wintery. I dragged it out my wardrobe again however, a couple of weeks ago and decided to team it with a turquoise chandelier necklace from H&M, that I bought yonks ago, and matching nails. All my outfit posts for the foreseeable future are going to be of recycled outfits from the wardrobe. I'm wacking a whole loada stuff on eBay over the next few days, which leaves me with hardly anything. I've got plenty of Topshop goodies for sale, so will post the link on here once it's up. 

#WIWT Vintage Blouse & Acid Wash Jeans

Vintage Blouse

Bleach Acid Leigh Jeans Topshop

Sorry it's been a while. This post has actually been saved as a draft for a week, as I've been sunning myself in the South of France. Was SO good!! Absolutely beautiful weather, although now I am burnt to a crisp and peeling (not attractive).

Anyway, this outfit was actually a couple of weeks ago. The jeans I got on uniform (which, I will no longer be getting as I now work for Mango. RIP Topshop discount), and the blouse is one I'd bought to sell, but actually decided to keep as I love the collar. I've rocked it up a bit, teaming it with trusty ASOS leather jacket and Topshop boots.