Graduation Day!

At 24, I've graduated a few years later than the norm, but better late than never right? Originally I attended Hertfordshire Uni, but left for several reasons. It's actually taken me until now to realise that it's okay to stop doing something if it doesn't make you happy- I stayed at Hertfordshire for a lot longer than I should have because I didn't think it was okay to admit I was miserable there and wasn't getting the education I felt I should have.

Anyway, enough of that, there are several important lessons I learned on the day that I feel I need to share- and a few TERRIBLE photos that you should see.

Lesson 1- You will get hot regardless of how floaty or mini your dress is. And I'm not talking about "oh I'm a little bit warm", I'm talking surface of the sun hot. I'm fairly certain those robes are made from lava. I wore a little white skater style dress from Oasis and still lost about 7 stone in water weight on the day, so remember to keep a bottle of water with you.

I'm fully aware I look like an absolute tit, which brings me on to Lesson 2- nobody looks good in a mortar board. You can be Ryan Gosling himself, but that little hat will make you look like a grade A knob and every man and his dog will want to take pictures of you. Just embrace the embarrassment. Speaking of which Lesson 3- is something I completely forgot to do. In my sleep deprived state, I forgot to bring any make up with me to top up. the ceremony itself may only be a couple of hours long, but then there's a reception and the endless photographs. Thanks to my lack of organisation, I look like a half melted witch in most pictures from the day.

Lesson 4- give your shoes a trial run before the day. My adorable little powder blue heels looked dreamy (and were an absolute steal!), but they absolutely murdered my feet despite being a sensible height. I managed to walk in them, but I saw plenty of girls on the day who were wearing giant stilettos and struggled to walk across the stage and it's just not the strongest of looks, guys! 

Lesson 5- leave the hat throwing pictures to the professionals. Here are several pictures to demonstrate my point:

                            
                                

Getting the timing right is nigh on impossible (or maybe it's my dad's below average camera skills) and all that happens is your hat gets covered in grass and you get a mild case of tennis elbow. 

Finally, Lesson 6- don't get hung up on the future. I got a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people asking me what I want to do and a lot of people had their next step planned but, in true Amy fashion, I don't. That's perfectly okay though! The majority of your classmates will have no idea what they're doing. Remember when you first started and the fear you had then? You're all still in the same, albeit slightly scarier, boat. Life will figure itself out, it's kinda terrifying but it's the best kind of terrifying. 

Holiday Wish List

This year I am lucky enough to already have two holidays planned. In June I'll be heading to Spain with Ben for 10 days of relaxation then in November I will be jetting off to the other side of the world with one of my best friends to explore Thailand and Vietnam for 3 weeks. Here is my little wish list of things that I feel are wardrobe staples for holidays. 

First we have the bikini, of course! I love the cut of this one, despite the questionable tan lines it will leave me with. I've seen it in the shop and it's made of a good, supportive material which is a must for larger busted ladies. 

The flip-flops are by Havaianas. As much as I would love to get some pretty, strappy sandals, I need to be realistic. I have feet that are similar to Fred Flintstone's so these are a great choice in terms of width. As well as this, Havaianas last fairly well, are comfortable and are easy to throw on when you're running down to the beach. 

I have been wanting a pair of cat-eye sunglasses for the longest time. I suit big sunglasses because I have an insanely large head, so dainty styles are out of the question. Since I first made this post (it's been sat in my drafts for a few days!) I have actually bought these and they're just perfect. 

Generally, I play it safe with trousers- jeans or black leggings are fine by me! But I need some trousers that will be light and comfy to travel in and these ones from Topshop seem perfect. Being monochrome means I will be able to chuck anything on with them (in theory) and it look mildly acceptable. 

Next we have a loose fitting top which will more than likely be paired with the trousers- again, I need something comfy to travel in but that won't make me overheat when we land. This was just a generic one I chose from Topshop that I thought was cute but might change my mind about since this is cropped and I am not about having my gut hanging out for the world to see.

And finally, denim shorts. I struggle with shorts every year because they either sit right above the knee and look stupid on me or they leave you with your bum cheeks hanging out. These two pairs of shorts from River Island are a good length though, they protect your modesty and the high waist on them makes them all the more flattering. 


What are your holiday/travelling outfit must haves? Let me know! 

Wish List!

I am now officially halfway through my last essay of this term, it's been a stressful few weeks but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Seeing as I have been working my bum off and payday is looming I thought I'd share with you a few of the things I hope to treat myself to over the next month or so.

1) Humlan Urbanears in Forget-Me-Not £39- I have recently taken up jogging and so have found myself using headphones far more often than I would normally. I've normally been more than happy with Apple headphones but recently I've found them to be really uncomfortable and they can fall out while exercising. I've heard great things about these and they're an adorable colour, it's a no brainer!

2) Topshop Joni Jeans £36- I already have standard blue Joni jeans but I just find them so comfortable I need more. They fit so nicely, even between washes, they're high-waisted so you don't need to worry about inadvertently exposing your arse and they don't do that annoying "I'm going to wear out in between the legs and give you even more of a complex about your thunderous thighs" thing.

3) Topshop Embellished Top £32- With spring trying to force its way into being, I'm fully prepared to embrace all things pastel and pretty. This top looks so easy to dress up or dress down and it would look really lovely with a little jacket on nights when it gets a bit cooler.

4) Sicilian Lemon Yankee Candle £16.99 (Medium Jar)- New seasons means new scents for me, during spring and summer I prefer fresher smelling candles. I had a little sniff of this beauty a week or so ago and found it fit the bill perfectly. I love Yankee Candles because I find that they have a gorgeous scent without being too over powering and they last for ages so, although they might be a bit more expensive than your average candle, you get what you pay for.

5) Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette £37- I have been umming and ahhing over this palette for so long. I already have the first two Naked palettes so I almost had myself convinced I didn't need this one. Almost. I saw it in the flesh recently and pictures do not do it justice, it's a collection of the most gorgeous pinky tones and, having experienced Urban Decay eyeshadows before, I know they will last perfectly, especially with a little bit of primer popped under them.

6) Topshop Little Mermaid PJs £20- I've just realised that these are now sold out on the website! Luckily I think they have a few in stock in my local store so I will pop there ASAP to have a nose, if not they have an equally adorable Jungle Book oversized T-shirt to sleep in. Anyway, it seems to be a continuing theme in all my sleepwear that it's cartoon based/very childish so these fit the bill perfectly!


And that's about it! What have you guys been loving/lusting after recently?