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.

 After having a successful haul with my last 'trousers for curvy girls' blogpost, I thought that I would pick out some more trousers from the Femme Luxe website to see how well they fit a curvy size 14 gal.

The next item I gave a go was the leather effect leggings. After ordering the PU leggings in a 14 and them being too baggy on me, I wrongly assumed the sizing of these would run up big so I ordered a these in a size 12. I managed to squeeze these on (given the none existent stretch in them) but unfortunately couldn’t move once these were on. I’d stick to your usual size in these, or even size up if you want to give these a go. 

As modelled in the photograph, I paired the leggings and checked trousers with a Black Cropped Long Sleeve Jumper (£6.99), which ended up being my favourite piece of the selection. It’s super cosy and oversized and super versatile too.

So those weren’t quite the trousers for curvy girls that I was after, however, there are plenty of options to choose from on the Femme Luxe website that fit my curves perfectly; my favourites being the Crocodile Trousers and tie-waist jeans. 

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

Hello all! Happy February! I’m so pleased that we’ve passed the January slump and the days have started to draw out again. For this weeks post, I wanted to do a spotlight post on trousers for curvy girls. As a size 14 gal, blessed with big hips, bum and a smaller waist, buying trousers that fit well is too often a struggle. Fortunately for me, the latest picks I chose from Femme Luxe fit me like I glove.

Blue High Waist Paper Bag Skinny Jeans - Sienna (£16.99)

As a final year student, I really love jeans and wear them far too often. They are versatile and easy to throw on without much thought, so I opted for the paper bag style jeans. I was dreading that I would order these and they wouldn’t fit me, however, I cannot believe how perfectly these sculpt to my bodyshape. The elastic in these mean they have stretch in the hips and the paperbag waist means they can pull in perfectly without the gap at the back (which is an ongoing struggle for me). They are incredibly comfortable and so so flattering. I have been singing the praises of these jeans to my friends as I honestly haven’t found a pair that feel as if they were made for me and for less than £20!

Dark Wash Ripped High Waist Skinny Jeans - Alicia (£17.99)

I also opted for the ripped jeans from Femme Luxe. These are a touch too long for me, however, these fit as well on my legs, hips and waist as the paperbag style and the colour is super flattering. It’s also great that these have belt loops and front pockets, which far too many pairs of jeans nowadays don’t have.

Black High Waisted Slim Leg Trousers - Katrina (£13.99)

The next pair of trousers are the black work trousers. These are so stretchy and comfortable and would work well paired with a pair of court shoes and a white blouse for the office, or even for drinks with the girls. I really wish I’d have these trousers whilst I was on placement as I’d have certainly have gotten plenty of wear out of them. What I like about these, compared to the trousers I wore regularly to the office last year is that they have a button and zip fastening but also belt loops so you can style these as high waisted trousers with a shirt tucked in.

Black Animal Crocodile Print Cigarette Trousers with Belt - Kim (£14.99)

Last, but definitely by no means least, is my favourite pair of trousers. I’ve never braved animal print before, but these crocodile print trousers have changed the game for me. These have an elasticated waist and come with a fabric belt fastening and are a black crocodile print. I tend to wear these with the hems rolled up and a black or white t-shirt tucked in and converse, however, I also think that these would look great with a lace bodysuit and court heels for a night out.

So that’s my Femme Luxe Trouser Edit! If you a curvy size 14 who is in the market for a new pair of jeans, I’d definitely have a look on the Femme Luxe website!

*Items were gifted from Femme Luxe Finery

One of the great things I’ve noticed on my weight-loss journey is that I’ve started to feel comfortable in my clothes again and my wardrobe is fitting me better. With my new found confidence, I’ve set myself the challenge this year to be more experimental with the clothes I wear. For this blog post I have collaborated with Femme Luxe Finery and have selected some pieces and created some looks that push my style boundaries.

The phrase ‘jeans and a nice top’ is a phrase that is often used in group chats with my friends when we’re discussing what to wear on our next night out, so it made sense for my to pick out a couple of tops and mom jeans from Femme Luxe to try.
My apparent love for black is evident with the tops I picked out. I was drawn to the first top -the Black Mesh Polka Dot High Neck Top - Alice  (£12.99) - due to the sheer sleeves and polka dot detail, as well as the high neckline. Unfortunately the gathered hem of this crop lengthen top wasn’t overly flattering on me (I’d ordered a Size 12, my usual size), however this fit much nicer on my sister who is a size 8-10.
 

The second crop top, the  Black Polka Dot Tulle Mesh Crop Top - Jennifer , however, is much more flattering. I love the sheer tulle mesh sleeves and the layered fabric makes it much more forgiving on a food baby and only costs £14.99. Both tops look great worn with jeans and would be great for a night out with the girls or for date night.

I opted for some Mom Jeans from Femme Luxe – the Mid Wash Distressed Ripped Mom Jeans – Cora, (available for a bargain £12.99), however, I was a tad optimistic by opting for a Size 12 as these came up small and are more like a size 10. Fortunately these fit my sister well (albeit baggy on the waist and tight on the bum), but the style is really versatile and could be dressed up with heeled boots in the evening or dressed down with trainers during the day .

Whether you are looking for a new pair of jeans and a ‘nice top’ for a night out, there is something to suit everyone’s style or occasion from Femme Luxe. 

Do you rely on 'jeans and a nice top' for a night out?

*Items were gifted from Femme Luxe Finery

With the festive season fast approaching, I can’t help but notice my social calendar filling up and the need for new festive outfits in my wardrobe becoming apparent. Now that the uni term is over, I’ve finally got the chance to dress up and wear something other than jeans and trainers. Femme Luxe have kindly gifted me some pieces that have done just the trick to up my winter outfit game - making it look like I’ve made an effort with my appearance when in reality it’s taken seconds. I also want to take the opportunity to share my favourite playsuit from BooHoo, which are great paired with tights for the festive season.

BLAZERS

I’ve always loved being able to pair a blazer with an outfit to smarten it up and make it look like you’ve made an effort for the occasion. Admittedly, when I picked this out, I was expecting it to be a blazer dress, however, unfortunately I was majorly catfished by the Femme Luxe website when I tried this on and it only reached my waist. As a double breasted blazer, however, I love how I can pair this with my striped bodysuit, or wear it alone as a top, with jeans. This is such an easy way to smarten up a casual uni day outfit with minimal effort . Although I love this new blazer/top, I do hope that one day Femme Luxe will sell this in a realistic dress length!

ONLY £18.99

SHOP THE BLAZER “DRESS” HERE 

SHIRT DRESSES

Winter in the UK is unpredictable. Whether it’s raining, snowing or inevitably freezing, having long sleeved options in your wardrobe is a must. To switch up from my usual strappy floaty tops, I opted for this comfortable yet chic black shirt dress. For the photo I’ve paired it with the Farrah Nude Cycling Shorts, but I’d usually wear this with jeans or leggings and the shorts are a little too risqué and sheer for me. The shirt is so easy to wear, but can really smarten up a casual look fastened up and paired with the belt, or used to layer up over a t-shirt or bodysuit (FemmeLuxe has a great selection to choose from on their site!)

ONLY £17.99

SHOP THE SHIRT DRESS HERE 

FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS

This is not a material I'd usually opt for, but as I’m on the lookout for the perfect pair of leather-look trousers, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the PU leggings that I’d picked out from the Femme Luxe website. I love the idea of leather-look leggings due to their versatility, being able to dress them up for a night out with the girls or dressed down with trainers.

I couldn’t believe how stretchy these leggings would be. I normally wear a size 14 in jeans and struggled to fit in a size 12 bottom, so the fact that these leggings in a size 14 were too big for me is a testament to the elastic in these (even on the hips). These leggings fit high on your waist and are very easy to move around in without feeling restricted (although they do squeak when you work). If you are considering ordering these, I’d definitely urge you to drop a dress size as I wouldn’t normally wear a 12 , but a size 14 was far too baggy on me. As I continue to hunt for the perfect leather-look trousers/ leggings, I’d love to hear your recommendations!

ONLY £15.99

SHOP THE LEGGINGS HERE

PLAYSUITS

I am IN LOVE with this patterned playsuit. I love the mixture of monochrome base with coloured flowers layered on top. This playsuit is super comfortable, affordable and extremely versatile. I’ve worn this to the races, my boyfriends graduation and would definitely reach for this if out for Christmas drinks. The material belt can be tied around the waist to hug you in at the waist and is extremely flattering on a curvy figure. If you're looking for an evening outfit, BooHoo has your back when it comes to playsuits.

ONLY £8 (Usually £10)

SHOP THE PLAYSUIT HERE 

What is your favourite winter outfit piece?

Beth x