H&M LOOSE FITTING TROUSERS

These formal esque-jogger pants are perfect for a dress down Sunday, especially for someone you wouldn't catch in a pair of nike sweat pants even if the other option was public nudity. Possibly a slight exaggeration... but I just stress enough my distain for tracksuit bottoms of any sort, no pretentious Jack Wills sweats for me thank you. 

Although, in contrast to the norm of duvet drowning and TV catch ups, I generally spend my Sundays shopping so these trousers are ideal to channel those chilled Sunday vibes. A much needed comfort during the obligatory coffee break but not so much that you appear to have just rolled out of bed. 

Paired with a crop top and a boyfriend coat, there is no way you could be mistaken for a sweat pant enthusiast.

GEOMETRIC FLORALS

The fusion of a simplistic geometric pattern and delicate turquoise floral is truly a design worthy of the digital age. There is just something high-tech about this look that screams 'so 2014'. A spin on the spring floral craze, this is one for standing out from the crowd and at only £25.99 it is top of my wish list.

Move over daisy printed t-shirts, you're so 2010.

THE SMART-CASUAL DILEMA

                              

White Jacquard Tee- Primark // Leather Quilted Skirt- Primark // Vintage Gold Necklace- Napier // Black Snakeskin Flatforms- Office Outlet Ebay

Smart-Casual- The two words that can start or end your career before you even step foot into the office and nervously sit opposite a potential employer. A juxtapositional nightmare that has you tearing through your closet in desperate search of fashion's answer to Switzerland. A neutral attire- not too smart, not too casual. The world would be a simpler place if it was acceptable to roll up to an interview in a pair of sweatpants, a bralet and a pair of Birkenstocks thrown on. After looking like you arrived straight from a jumble sale, you no doubt would not get the job. Fashion has a major role in our presentation of ourselves, which sounds kind of obvious... but it is definitely worth noting that a bad choice of footwear can make or break you. At the other end of the spectrum, we have the suited and booted individuals that look as though they'd cry if anything some much as touched their crisp white shirts, pretty intimidating and a bit much for the smart-casual dress code. 27 minutes and 9 outfits later I landed on a white jacquard tee, leather quilted skirt and black snakeskin flatforms. This monochrome style was exactly what I needed, there is nothing smarter than black and white but the t-shirt and leather still gave this outfit that casual edge. The added touch of a pink lipstick kept with the minimalist vibes but added a bit of femininity. What I love about this outfit is the contrast of different textures to add difference where colour lacked, and of course the flatforms were a must for a bit of height and a bit of confidence. 

White Jacquard Tee: £5

Leather Skirt: £3

Flatforms: £13.57 (inc. P&P) 

TURTLENECKS & FAUX LEATHER

Turtle Neck- Primark // Biker Skirt- H&M // Chunky Boots- H&M // Necklace- Vintage Napier // Gold Onyx Ring- Vintage // Gold Watch- Casio // Bag- Topshop // Vegas Volt Lipstick- Mac

I don't think I'll ever see the day I don't love an all black combo. This is without a doubt my go-to outfit for nights out, especially when I'm letting my inner goth run wild and free. I know what you're thinking- a turtleneck in a club, really? But it was hands down the comfiest night I've had out. My chunky boots were my best buy of 2013, not the most feminine, but I adore them. To set this look off, I felt it really needed a statement bag, just so I don't get completely lost in the crowd... 

Screw the Little Black Dress.

Workin' that Workout // Topshop x Adidas Originals

     Orange Runner Shorts // Tracksuit Top // White Tee // Blue Runner Shorts // Print Sweatshirt

The holey leggings have had a good run, but I think its time I saw the back of them. I've never really got the whole gym chic thing. At the end of the day, theres no avoiding looking like you've spent the past two years of your life hiding in the sauna. It's not pretty. This was until the release of the Topshop x Adidas Originals collection and I thought- why not? Those empowering graffiti-esque prints and pastel colours have lead me to remember my place as a fashion blogger, and surely this shouldn't be constrained by the sweaty threat of the gym? No more faded New Look legging's, no more boyfriend's hand-me-down Fred Perry tee. I tend to leave my self-esteem at the door when I enter the gym and I know many feel the same way. Its an intimidating place, especially as a newbie lacking body confidence and stood next to a muscular god. For me, I know without a doubt this collection would give me that extra shove through the door, who said the treadmill couldn't be a catwalk? 

Top motivation songs I've played countless times: 

Can't get more empowering than Destiny's Child, but Cyril Hahn definitely brings this classic into the now.

And closely followed by:



Seriously owe my commitment to the gym to you guys.

Tuesday Club // Clean Bandit DJ Set

So a couple of weeks back I went to the Clean Bandit DJ Set at my student union expecting a night worth my time and effort to blog about; I was completely psyched to hear my favourite songs played by the band themselves, even if not live. Unfortunately, they did not deliver.

Don’t get me wrong, I anticipated a DJ set and I hardly expected them to drag their cello's out on to the stage, but sending 1/4 of the band to do what seemed like the dirty work, doesn't really cut it as Clean Bandit. False advertising at its best. I know it doesn't take four people to basically whack on a CD, which is the best way to describe the night- no artistic license in sight, but surely we deserved at least an appearance? Come on guys. 

As the godawful Breach- Jack blared through the speakers I found myself disappointedly reflecting on what I could have bought for my wasted £8: A couple of Elle magazines, a basic ribbed Topshop crop, Eight better songs from iTunes... the list goes on.  

The incredibly mediocre highlight of the set was the finale when the famous Rather Be was played and everyone jumped about a little bit more erratically than before. Did I mention this was the only Clean Bandit song played? Where was Dust Clears? Where was Rihanna? I may as well have stayed home with a bottle of wine and stuck Now 86 on.

Before the painful final set of the night, there was several sets prior including a DJ set called Contact who were considerably better than the headliner. Silver Linings eh. Saying that, I actually can't find anything about them on the internet. Shame. 

As much as it seems like I seriously dislike Clean Bandit now... I really do like their classical meets electronic sounds- although I'll always be bitter for that night, sorry. Here's one of my favourites, an old one of theirs and a welcome change from the excessively overplayed Rather Be:

Spring Sounds // C A T H E D R A L S

Here in Sheffield spring has got off to a pretty slow start. Things we're going well, I dusted off my old floral bralet, adorned the Lennon sunglasses, headed down to the famous botanical gardens... aaaaand three days later it snowed. The British weather might just be more unpredictable than James Blake's collab with Chance the Rapper, but they definitely have the go-to adjective of 'dreadful' in common. 

Since the weather has turned it's back on me, I'm left to rely on those sweet spring melodies to rekindle any optimism for a... warm-wave. I mean I still have to be realistic, it is Sheffield... It is Britain for that matter. 

This San Franciscan electro-pop duo hit the music scene in late 2013 with the track Unbound and recently released Harlem. Seriously, this girl's voice is hauntingly good especially with that opening a cappella, and over a mix of synth and guitar the track achieves that chilled sound worthy of a primetime British spring day. But I guess we'll have to imagine that part for now. 

With plans for an album release, these guys are worth watching out for.