finding the right bag...

One of the key items I find incredibly hard to shop for is a bag, especially the every day bag. When you're a student/struggling graduate then an 'on trend' bright shoulder bag tends to do the trick as it is both practical and student chic.

However once you start working in the city, that bright coloured satchel just won't cut it when you are faced with all of those judgemental looks on the tube every single day.

I have also felt that silly pressure to dress more appropriately now I have an 'adult' job. So where to start when shopping for the every day work bag?

I say keep it simple, dark and leather for the every day (and save that gorgeous patent coral bag for the weekend...)

Julia x

Budget Benefit from Glamour

I got overly excited when I heard this month's Glamour was the benefit giveaway and even more so when I realised POREfessional was one of them! Every year Glamour teams up with Benefit and I always think it's a good opportunity to try things before you spend serious money on them (perfect for us budgeting graduates...)

I have wanted to try POREfessional for a while now but wasn't sure if I could part with the money, I think it's about £23 and even though I've heard so many good things I was still undecided so I am so glad it was an option. I also had to get the issue with the "that gal" primer which is supposed to be an illuminating one and I am becoming increasingly obsessed with primers lately so I needed (yes needed) to try. 

I tried the POREfessional today and I almost wanted to not like it so I didn't have to buy the full size BUT of course it was as good as I expected, it felt so nice to apply and made my skin feel all soft and worked really well under make up! So thanks a lot benefit and Glamour for putting me out of £23. I haven't tried the "that gal" one so hopefully that  won't be amazing : ) 

I realise this isn't "budget" at all if you end up liking it so I apologise for that! 

Maeve xoxo

Dressing up London

This is a slightly different post to normal as it doesn't have anything to do with clothes but obviously if you too visit this you should probably wear some... 

Plenty of graduates move to London in the hope of finding that dream job and even if you do it is still a pricey city to live in. Because of this agonizing fact I am always on the look out for fun and cheap things to keep myself occupied. 

Last week I took a trip to a street food market just off Brick Lane, very cool I know, and it didn't look like much (pretty much a car park) but the food and atmosphere was amazing. 

East London has long been the hang out of the capital's coolest but the food on offer is quite something, curry included of course! There is also some pretty good street art knocking about and having spent the last six weeks around Brick Lane I have snapped some of my faves! 

With the weather being so amazing recently I have also been lazing around in Greenwich Park, going to the park is an obvious cheap choice but Greenwich has lovely views and the lushest grass in London (the second bit may or may not be true). 

Maeve xoxo

Chelsea Flower Show

As I said before all experience is good experience as it turns out I was right because today my current internship led me to the lovely Chelsea Flower Show, on official caravan business of course!

I had to interview Jo Thompson, the designer of one of the gardens, and take lots of pictures- all in the sunshine that we finally got today! 

I got my first ever press pass, which was very exciting and made me feel like a real journalist.

Then I wandered around some very beautiful gardens 

I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much I did enjoy the event, I've never thought of myself as a flower lover but I am definitely converted! 

I also had the BEST frozen yogurt ever : ) 

Maeve xoxo

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The ultimate dressing up wish list

We all love dressing up and over a very yummy Wagamamas dinner last night Julia posed the question; 'What are the ultimate items you want in your wardrobe?', and we managed to whittle it down to just a few items to make our ultimate 'when I'm rich' wish list. 

These are just some things we really really want but can't afford (just yet anyway!), I'm sure everyone has a similar list but here's what makes the cut for us... 

-Michael Kors watch...

 

-Mulberry bag...(this is the Alexa but they are all so pretty and will probably always be a classic)

-A Burberry trench coat...(there is no better way to keep the rain off!)

-A Chanel bag (pretty pretty please, I mean what is more beautiful than this?)

-Something by Alexander McQueen (preferably the feathered ballgown- on display at the V&A from Saturday-but it may not work in my day-to-day wardrobe so maybe this...)

-And finally (not actually finally because there could be a million things listed but for now..) a Chloe dress a la Leighton Meester...

Harrods will not know whats hit it when me and Julia finally save our pennies and splash some serious cash...

happy wish listing... 

Maeve xoxo 

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Dressing up for the weather

It’s raining, obviously, and even though it is driving me to the point of insanity (umbrellas hate me and I have no waterproof shoes) I am holding out hope for a great British summer.

Dreaming of BBQs, picnics and beer gardens is a great way to whittle away the hours at work but can only lead to one thing, shopping. 

Luckily for us the high street is full of neon brights a lovely pastels to get you inspired. 

Even when the sky is grey I can’t help but lust over shorts, sunglasses and sandals- because you never know! 

Here are the things I’m going to be spending my overdraft on…

 

Happy shopping!

Maeve xoxo



Bikini- Urban Outiffers, Shirt- Zara, Dress, Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses and Skirt- Topshop