The Work Wear Edit

I've only gone and bagged myself a job! After failing to get on any graduate schemes (mainly to do with my terrible maths skills) I started applying for entry level jobs and after a couple of weeks of searching was offered a 6 month social media and PR placement at an online company. It's literally the perfect company (no I'm not telling you who you nosy parkers!) and I can't wait to start - I'm also a little over-excited about the wardrobe I can now indulge in. My job at the moment is definitely a jeans and strap top kind of place which, while often a godsend at 6am, also means that I don't have the opportunity to dress up as much as I'd like. My ideal work style is definitely smart-casual, I don't think I could ever imagine myself wearing a suit but love the tailored look and have a slight obsession with patterned trousers. 

Zara is the obvious choice for work wear, and they have a rather cheeky sale on:

Trousers £15.99 // Dress £12.99 // Trousers £12.99

Court Shoes £15.99 // Pumps £9.99 // Chunky Heels £19.99

H&M is great for basics:

Cardigan £9.99 // Sandals £24.99 // Trousers £14.99

Topshop for those things you just can't live without:

Dress £20 // Top £18 // Skirt £20

ASOS for those killer heels:

Wedges £45 // Boots £130 // Courts £30

And every girl has to have a bag.. I'm currently lusting after the Bayswater Double Zip Tote from Mulberry: 

Toodlepip. x

Ethnic Prints

If you follow me on Pinterest you may have noticed a few more eclectic prints making their way into my usual white, vintage style. It's inevitable that when you go to a foreign country you come home with all these grand plans to redecorate and have a house that contains interesting artefacts from every corner of the earth but unfortunately there are always baggage restrictions. I managed to squeeze a few things back in my luggage but there was so much stuff I could have bought.

Unfortunately I didn't quite get enough stuff to make my room (and future house) look like this but that's where great websites like Not On The High Street come in. I've raved about them before and pretty much have to restrain myself from spending my entire credit card limit on there on a daily basis. You can pick up great pieces that are individual and sometimes completely unique without all the hassle of trawling through the high street.

But if you're feeling like you need to treat yourself (go on, I know you want to) here are my top picks for making your home a little more vibrant. 

Patchwork Quilt, £111.75 - here

Moroccan Pendant Light, £97.75 - here

Hand Woven Rug, £40 - here

Scratch Off Map, £18 - here

x

Halloumi, Avocado & Bacon Salad

Isn't this weather glorious?! I've been soaking up the sun which must mean it's time to crack out this old favourite. It's perfect for lazy mid-week dinners or easy to store and take along to a BBQ. 

What you'll need:

• 4-6 rashers of streaky bacon
• Half a block of halloumi
• 2 avocados
• New potatoes
• Wholegrain mustard
• A knob of butter
• Lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots.. whatever salad you fancy! 

First of all get your potatoes on the go in a pan of salted, boiling water. Next up the bacon: if you have a George Foreman Grill this is perfect to get the right amount of crispiness, if not then slice the bacon into bitesize pieces first and then fry for 10 minutes or so. While this is all going on you can prepare your salad, cube the avocados and toss in a bowl with all your other bits. When the potatoes are done drain and return to the pan with the butter and a tablespoon or so of mustard, depending on how you like it. Then 'smash' them - use a fork or a masher but don't completely break up the potatoes. Leave in the pan and cover to keep warm and then grill your halloumi - again you can do this on a Foreman, or in a frying pan or griddle. It should only take 1-2 minutes. Add to the salad, crumble the bacon over the top and and hey presto you have a delicious and filling salad that goes pretty well with a sausage!

Enjoy the weather while it lasts amigos! x