Today I wanted to talk about a product that is soon to launch @ Boots, the XX by Revolution CrystalXX Eyeshadow Palette in the shade 'Quartz'. When I first opened this, I was so pleased that it was a palette where I could see myself using every single one of the shades. Normally there are shades in the palettes I try that get neglected, but this is certainly not the case as they work so well together - a mix of pinks, rose golds, plum and rose tones. If you have the patience to experiment with the different shades and textures, there are so many looks you can get from this palette and the shades will last all day and beyond.
 

Cream Sherpa Oversized Jumper - Keilani* - £13.99

This post contains affiliate links and gifted items. All words and opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links and is in collaboration with Femme Luxe Finery who kindly gifted me the pieces featured. All words and opinions are my own.

As March marks the last full month I have left of university, I thought it would make an ideal place to start and wrap up my final-year university experience. Although we are still (thankfully) a little while off the 11th May when my last assignment is due in, I know that 2 months will fly by and I will soon be faced with the “what are you going to do now?!” questions from friends and family.

For those who are new here, you may not know that I am on a sandwich-degree, which means that I studied for 2 years at uni, took a year out to work in industry, and have now returned for my final year. I understand that sandwich courses are different at every uni, but fortunately for me, there were no fees for me in my 3rd/ placement year, but I still had the opportunity to use the uni’s resources should I have needed them. If you are keen to do a placement during your time at uni, it’s definitely worth comparing between uni’s to see if they’ll have the cheek to charge you during the year you’re not there.


Unlike my first and second year, for my final year I made the decision to commute by train to university. It’s been an adjustment living back at home whilst also going to uni (it feels like I’m in Sixth Form again) but it’s so much nicer not having to worry about bills and rodents! In September, I started term with the expectation that final year was going to be a struggle, not least because I’d spent a year away from academia and away from academic writing. That, in itself, was probably the biggest challenge in Semester 1. Thankfully, now I’m 7 weeks into Semester 2 (my last full semester), I’m just about back in the groove of everything.

Semester 1 of my final year consisted of 8 hours of contact time, a 3-hour seminar and 1 hour lecture studying for Marketing Strategy , (a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar for Emerging Themes and 1 hour of contact time for Dissertation (a 1-hour lecture).

My Emerging Themes module was one that was new to my course for 2019/20, which brought about its challenges with what the module leader required and what was expected of you for the 2000 word assignment. What I did enjoy about the module, however, was that you could pick an emerging theme of your choice, which gave me the opportunity to talk about a topic I am passionate about - influencer marketing. I really enjoyed researching into how influencer marketing is emerging within the travel sector and the opportunities that it can provide for brands, as well as the problems both influencers and brands can face, and ended up getting a first for my assignment.

My strategic marketing & management module was 100% exam and involved using Grenade nutrition as a case study and then writing a full marketing plan in the 3 hour exam. I found this module enjoyable to learn the content and strategies, but researching the brand in preparation for the exam took much longer than I’d anticipated. Exams are definitely not my strongpoint, and the time we were allowed in the exam was quite tight, so I really didn’t know how the results would turn out but I was proactive with my January revision to make plans and do exam style questions ahead of the exam, which paid off and I was overjoyed when I got a first for it.

For my second semester, I’ve continued with my dissertation module (the work has well and truly started now!) and I’ve started to study my Contemporary Advertising module and One Planet Business Module.

With only 2 months to go until I am unleashed into the working world , I have started to slowly add to my workwear wardrobe in anticipation for a graduate role and more imminently, for possible interviews. As the job hunt begins, I've found that Lily Lulu has a great range of blazers that would be perfect for an interview, or dressed down with jeans for a night out.

Are you on the hunt for a graduate job? What's your favourite workwear staple?

*Lily Lulu gifted the blazer featured in today's blog post. This does not affect my opinion of the product or brand*

I don't know about you, but whenever I have an upcoming party or night out, I can never find a new outfit to wear that I like, fits me right or is suitable for the occasion. Although re-wearing outfits from my wardrobe is great for my bank balance, it has got to a point now where I have a few key night out staples in my wardrobe that I'll shamefully rock up in again for the 100th time in outfits I've had since sixth form and I'm now 23! Now don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with recycling an outfit for multiple occasions, I just now have the added complication of my body shape changing and still trying to work out what I like and what suits me best as my size and style has evolved over the last 5 years (or more). 

Having been invited to a wedding evening do, black tie 21st and birthday meal, I took the opportunity to browse my new favourite brand Femme Luxe to explore my options for night out outfits. Femme Luxe has a great range of midi dresses and going out tops that are great with jeans, so I picked out 2 of each. 

Black Glitter One Shoulder Midi Dress - Mabel - £19.99

The first item is a black glitter midi dress that is just under 20 quid, which is a bargain. This is definitely my favourite outfit of the post and the dress I chose to the wedding I went to recently. The length falls just below the knee and this fits just like a glove on my curves. I opted for a size 12 in this, but if you're between sizes, its definitely worth sizing down in this as theres plenty of stretch in the fabric. The glittery material isn't itchy at all and the fit is extremely flattering. The only thing I'd say about this dress is that it is slightly baggy under my arm where the dress is one shouldered, however, it's more than likely that this has happened because i'm petite on my top half in comparison to my hips and waist.

Wine One Shoulder Tie Side Midi Dress - Lola - £19.99

The second dress was a bit of a gamble but the colour and fit is, again, extremely flattering. The fabric is great quality and for the most party not see-through. You are able to see the outline of black under this, so nude underwear is definitely advised. I took the risk with this with the side tie detail. The dress comes as a bodycon skirt attached to the top half by a piece of fabric with a sleeve, then it's up to you how you tie up the fabric on the side. Unfortunately this means that it's difficult to tie up the fabric without having a bra on show, so you'd have to go without or seek alternatives. For me, this style is too risqué and I haven't the confidence to pull it off. The dress, however, is lovely for someone more daring to go without a bra and is, again, less than £20.

Black Mesh Floral Sleeve Ribbed Top - Matilda - £19.99

The next top I've seen on Instagram loads recently. Available in white, black, pastel pink and pastel green, this top makes a statement with is mesh sleeves and high neck. Unfortunately for me, the neck is just too tight for me to wear for a prolonged period of time, but I really love the sleeves a fit of this. The top fits just below my belly button so is great with a high waisted skirt or jeans. If you've got a smaller neck or don't mind tighter necklines, its definitely worth checking this out!

So those were my night out picks. Which item was your favourite?

This post contains affiliate links and is in collaboration with Femme Luxe Finery who kindly gifted me the pieces featured. All words and opinions are my own.