NYC

Oh wow!
I'm home and back to reality!
New York is truly amazing. I don't think I can even describe the sights and the sounds enough to do it justice. I felt the luckiest girl to get the chance to go and I'd recommend anyone should take up the chance if they get it.
The town is quite literally a 'concrete jungle' and I've never felt so small but that's the best bit.
The portions were huge, the high streets were long and the views were fantastic. My favourite highlight over the few days was the being up the empire state building, seeing New York lit up at night time. A breathtaking view. Closely followed by seeing the NYC skyline ad the statue of liberty lit up at night from the ferry.
I ate a lot, shopped a lot and didn't sleep a lot but I had the most amazing time.
I'm now going to bombard you with photos… (I had trouble narrowing them down!)

Brooklyn Bridge 

 Central Park

View from where we were staying

Ice Skating in Central Park

5th Avenue

Brooklyn

Hard Rock Cafe

New York tomorrow!

So the time has finally arrived to start packing my suitcase- which I have been preparing my outfits for over a week now- change up some money into dollars (which feel like monopoly money!) and set the dreaded alarm for 3.30!

I can't explain how excited I am. This time tomorrow I will be Instagraming from NYC. I've only ever flown to Spain before, so I'm even excited for the plane.

The next few blog posts will be me bombarding you with New York photos, I hope you don't mind.

Eeeeek!

My new purchases!
PJ Trousers, Socks, Wash Bag, Scarf, Earmuffs- Primark
Jumper- H&M

One week and counting...

Shirt, Trousers, Bag- H&M
Scarf- Topshop
Shoes- River Island
Coat- New Look

My parka coat has become the statement piece for my winter wardrobe. It has got so cold recently that wrapping up warm is my number one priority! 
The trousers and shirt are my most recent purchases from H&M (who are doing a stunning party range at the moment.) and will be my first outfit into my suitcase for New York.

Yes, New York! This time next week I will have landed in NYC and be living the American Dream. I'm super excited to jet off, with my house mate, on a university course trip to see the sights, be a tourist and of course do a lot of shopping.

So, other than continue to stress about the essay's that, inconveniently, will not write themselves, I am also devising my 4 day clothing plan for NY. I will keep you posted on my chosen outfits.

In the meantime, keep warm and cosy, try and stay inside with plenty of cups of tea with biscuits, and layer up your winter wollies. 

This is my reinterpretation of the brilliant David Bailey's photograph of Mick Jagger- not so iconic!

Lazy Days

Top- Topshop
Shirt- Vintage
Jacket- Primark
Leggings- River Island
Bag- H&M

My weekend has consisted of nothing but relaxation and good times. I decided, to save my sanity, I had to take the weekend off. Lazy days, the company of friends and a fair amount of take-aways and junk food. Whilst at the time it was a 'guilt-free zone', the guilt is slowly creeping in as Sunday draws to a close. 

So Monday morning strikes back and after a well rested weekend, I can go back to late night work and the piles of books on my desks that really need reading. 

Oh and I purchased this new beaut of a bag from H&M over the weekend. Very excited of its arrival. This will be my new winter essential.

Lets do this...

Top- River Island
Skirt- Miss Selfridge
Belt- Primark
Leather jacket- H&M
Boots- River Island

They weren't wrong when they said, 'the real work starts in your second year'. Uni has truly stepped up a gear this year and I regularly find myself making lists just to feel like I have my life under control. It really doesn't help. 

I have to tell myself to 'man up' and get on with it, even though what I actually want to do is curl up in bed with a great film and a packet of biscuits.

The work load will not get the better of me however, I have pulled my socks up, rolled up sleeves and I'm ready. (I think.)

Southsea's little gem

Albert Road is full of vintage boutiques, street wear shops and tasty mexican and pub grub restaurants; it is a street in Portsmouth full of hidden wonders and Southsea Gallery is one of them. 

Before the storm hit us with full force this evening, I took a wonder into the gallery. The shop's shelves are full of Portsmouth inspired photography for the locals of Pompey as well cute vintage film posters and typography prints. 

I will definitely be re-visiting to purchase some photo's for myself. Take a look at their website, you can purchase on-line too. Southsea Gallery also offer digital printing service, photo's on canvas and photo restoration. 

Maybelline goodies...

So, I had these Maybelline freebies in my goody bag at London Fashion Weekend and I thought I'd get experimenting to maybe find a new make-up look that differs from the everyday natural style I usually go for. Maybelline has never been my first choice, but honestly these products are great- perhaps my make-up bag is in need of a make-over.

Colossal volume, electric blue mascara
Great lash, very black mascara
906 Hot plum, Colour sensational lipstick
186 Fuchshia fever, Colour show neons nail varnish
210 Red grained, Colour show vintage leather nail varnish
Master smoky, smoky black, shadow pencil
Brow drama, dark brown, sculpting brow mascara

I absolutely love and recommend the smokey eye pencil. Unlike other 'smokey eye' products I've tried, I still couldn't get it right, forever looking like I had black eyes- the eye shadow always ended up too dark and never subtle. Where as you can truly 'master the smokey eye' quick and easy. Perfect for a quick fix. 

If you're really looking to make a statement and rock the pretty in pink trend that is everywhere on the catwalk at the moment, then this pink lippy is the one you need. Moisturising, glossy, with staying power to wow all night, you can spruce up a day time outfit or add an extra bit of glamour to your going-out look.

My other favourite from my box of goodies is the vintage leather, tomato red nail varnish. It has a great matte effect and genuinely drys really quick. However the matte effect does wear off after a day or two, but the colour is still vibrant.

London Fashion Weekend

London fashion weekend didn't let me down. Being a LFWEnd virgin I expected big things from the day ahead, and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed every moment, from having my ticket ripped at the entrance of Somerset House, to picking up my tote bag full of goodies, lusting over designer clothes- too expensive for my student budget, and of course the trend fashion show hosted by the super cute Angela Scanlon (who is, thankfully, very pale, much like the rest of us Brits.)

The must-have photo in front of the mirrored wall of fabulous-ness was the first thing to do and whilst posing with my girl friend, we both became temporary photographers, snapping other friendship groups posing in their most fashionable outfit for the most fashionable weekend.

Roaming the hallways of Somerset House and taking in the beautiful surroundings- like the staircase I had to pose on- you came across so many pop-up boutiques full of people admiring pieces from brilliant designers including Blonde + Ginger, Almost Famous and Cheap Mondays, but to name a few.  

Even though purchasing just a scarf would have made my student bank account screech, I did snap up a beautiful ruby coloured ring from My Flash Trash. Another purchase I couldn't resist was a new beauty drink. Refreshing, tasty and with the added ingredient collagen, I'll hopefully look like Rosie Huntington Whitley after a few more bottles. 

The 360 Canon booth was one of many highlights, it was so much fun to jump around in a booth full of cameras and to have a 360 still photograph appear of me and my friend. Brilliant. Find the short video on my Instagram page- instagram.com/_amybruce 

The fashion show was bought to life by host Miss Scanlon and the models looked fresh and fierce. 4 trends- pretty in pink, back to nature, shape up and my personal favourite victorian graced the catwalk inspiring everyone in the room. Fluffy pink bobble hats, bold prints, lace and leather, all autumn/winter wardrobe staples. 

My feet ached when 5 o'clock came around and it was time to catch the train home and grab a cinnamon hot chocolate, but what a fab fashion day out.

Next stop- London Fashion Week.

Top- Primark
Necklace- Miss Selfridge

Ankle boots- River island