Favourites 2013

It’s that time of the year when everyone starts getting sentimental, looking back over the events of the past 12 months. I’m no exception, 2013 has been a funny old year for me. I somehow managed to finish a Masters degree, closing the chapter of the best 4 years of my life, studying in Swansea. I’ve lost some fake friends, but I’ve gained some incredible new ones. I’ve made some bad life choices, I’ve made some hilarious life choices, I’ve made some questionable life choices, and I’ve made some great life choices. I’ve realised growing up doesn’t mean the end of the world, and it doesn’t mean becoming a grandma either. I would love to say that I’m significantly wiser than my 2012 self, but to be completely honest, I’m probably just a touch more sober and a touch less caring about the opinion of those who don’t value my own. But enough of the self-indulgent self-refection, let’s get superficial!

Fashion Favourites

Best Buy:

This ASOS shirt, I literally wear it all the time. I’ve dressed it up with disco pants & heels to go out. I’ve paired it with a blazer & boots for a smart casual look. I’ve worn it whilst at death’s door, willing my hangover to leave me be. I’ve worn it with a leather skater skirt. I’ve worn it with Topshop Joni Jeans. Basically I love it so much I wear it with everything, often!

Special mention: My brand new Doctor Martens Serenas. They were a Christmas gift from my lovely parents (hence why I couldn’t put them first as I didn’t technically buy them!) I’m currently still breaking them in because the leather is so tough, but I absolutely love them.

Trend:

I adore midi rings! I just can’t get enough of them. I know technically it’s probably more of a micro trend, but they were all over the high street, and featured by so many stylish bloggers. Check out my post about them here.

High Street Store:

River Island has really gone up in my estimations. I like that they are becoming more and more fashion forward with every coming season. I’ve found some really impressive pieces which once upon a time would only be accessible in the likes of the Topshop flagship store. I always enjoy the in-store shopping experience and the staff are generally friendly and helpful. The only negative I would add is the lack of student discount.

For Bargains:

I think it’s a toss-up between Missguided and Daisy Street. They have a lot of similarities in stock so it’s hard to pick a favourite. I love the fact that every time you log on, you can easily find pieces you want. They’re great for emergency new dress ordering because you always find options.

For Accessories:

Chelsea Doll have an incredible range of really exciting and eclectic jewellery. I feature their pieces pretty frequently on my blog because they are incredibly fashion forward and affordable. I discovered them when they followed me on Twitter and I’m so glad I followed back!

Beauty Favourites

Beauty Tool:

Eyelash Curlers have become a must have for me because they guarantee that wide eyed, awake look with minimal effort. They cut down the time I take to do my make-up massively because I don’t have to bother with layer upon layer of mascara. After all, there’s only so much a stick with a brush plus some liquid can do. I’m currently using a very broken pair by Ms Make Up at Boots, so I may have to invest in a new set!

Nail Art Design:

I really love this bronze and cream half-moon design. The tutorial is so simple and quick, yet the final result looks über polished and sophisticated. It has become my go-to design for if I’m feeling lazy or I’m going to something where neon leopard print just isn’t appropriate!

Hair Product:

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy shampoo and conditioner because they smell great and really leave my hair in better condition. I’m going to do a full review of this duo very soon.

Favourite Event:

Hands down this has to be The Bad Bitches Hit Bestival 2013. I went with some of my closest friends in the whole wide world and had an amazing time. Bestival is an annual music festival every September held on the Isle of Wight. This year’s line-up was incredible, we saw Disclosure, Bastille, Jessie Ware, Elton John, Snoop Dogg/Lion, Cyril Hann, Red Light, Chloe Howl, The 1975, Clean Bandit, Fat Boy Slim, Sam Smith, Rudimental, John Newman, Julio Bashmore, Knife Party, Duke Dumont, and soooooo many more. We met some interesting characters with hilarious (to us) nicknames, Trellence and Jafar. We spent 4 hours putting up the most ridiculous sized tent, initially inside out, making two girls move their tent completely, and gaining a small crowd of amused onlookers! I’ve got so many great memories from Bestival, most I shouldn’t publish on the internet… Roll on Bestival 2014!

Favourite Music:

I found it too hard to choose my favourite track or my favourite artist of 2013 because I love too many, so I’ve made a Spotify playlist of some of my fave tracks instead. Obviously not every single one of my favourites is on there because Spotify doesn’t have access to every song by every artist so I've added a few Soundcloud links too.

Favourite Bloggers/Vloggers:

BeautyCrush

I love watching Sammi Maria aka BeautyCrush on her YouTube channel. She does great seasonal fashion lookbooks and has a really cool style about her. Her make up tutorials are fascinating to watch too. She also has buckets of personality and comes across incredibly fun and humble. She also has a blog with great photography.

EveryLittleThing 07

I’ve been reading this blog pretty much since I started my own. We started following each other on Twitter, and I was hooked. I really enjoy the short but sweet beauty reviews and the photography is top notch! She’s also introduced me to some great high end products I had never considered before.

1finedai

This personal style blog by Visa Lim, a California based blogger, is such a chic source of inspiration. Her outfits are gorgeous and I’m always in awe of her personal style. If there is ever a key element for a personal style blog it’s the ability to inspire. Visa was also the first person to leave a comment on my blog!

What were your favourites of 2013? Let me know in the comments. I'd especially love any music suggestions I can check out.

I'd like to leave you with some words of wisdom from one of my besties:

'New Year, New Me is the new YOLO!'- Katie Swinburne 2-1-2014

Have another doughnut; New Year, New Me!

Max your overdraft; New Year, New Me!

Like that guy on Tinder; New Year, New Me!

No one said that the 'New Me' had to be better haha!

Thanks for checking out my blog.

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