Crooked Little Nest

Farewell Aberdeen outskirts - you have been my place of study, work and my cosy home for the past four years. I lived in somewhat of a triangle; all of my places in one close proximity. Alas, it's time for a change of scenery and to move away from the country elements. I thought it would be hard to adjust living near town, with the noise pollution and drunken messes at night, but I have been sleeping like a baby. Or maybe I'm just completely burned out from moving and new job so I will sleep anywhere?

If anyone has ever seen How I Met Your Mother then you will understand...the episode where Lily and Marshal put all their savings into buying a flat...and the flat is crooked; Enter my new flat. (Not that I bought it mind, it's just a lease)! My flatmate tested the rolling water bottle theory and it proved positive. However, we have yet to prove it with the skateboard theory but I'm sure it's safe to say it's crooked - there's a steep hill in the kitchen leading down to the hall and then rises going into my bedroom.

We are located on the 4th floor, which makes a nice change from the harsh coldness of the ground floor. Although the never-ending flight of stairs proves challenging - we will have legs of steel before we know it! Day one of residing in the flat resulted in a house nearby getting burgled. However, my friend was quick to point out that myself and my two flatmates would be safe in our 'little nest'. It's true we are hidden up in the rafters, so surely nobody would bother tackling all those stairs to rob us? It's not like we have much to steal anyways!

I don't necessarily have a wardrobe, more so a hole in the wall without a sliding door. How all my precious possessions are going to fit into that room is beyond me? The picture opposite only consists of about a quarter of my worldly possessions. I have accumulated a lot of stuff over the past four years. I'm such a hoarder though, and I just can't seem to let go...

It took us a whole day living in the flat before we realised that the living room is door-less. The hinges are painted back and the door is nowhere to be seen. The back of my bedroom door has the strangest marble-like wallpaper brutally  plastered onto it - something tells me there's some stain beneath it that can't be tamed. I am currently sleeping on a flowerbed of razors. The springs stem into my back, yet I'm sleeping as good as gold. I'm sure they will start affecting me eventually.

The joys of post-student life; skint and having to make do.
Nonetheless, this is our new home.
Home is home.

raebelle
x

Chanel Fall A/W13

Karl Lagerfeld can do no wrong in my books. The renowned household name that is Chanel is the epitome of chic. Lagerfeld undoubtedly does Gabrielle Chanel's label incredible justice and carries on her legacy in supreme style and elegance.

In preparation for the highly anticipated SS14 Fashion Weeks I have been lusting after Chanel's recent Haute Couture 2013/14 Fall Collection. These shots are some of my favourite looks that graced the Paris catwalks back in February. Tweed and woollen fabrics, rich colours and structured coats. Also, the return of the 1960's mini skirt teamed with a wide black panelled belt that transcends throughout the collection.



Each piece is timeless yet instantly contemporary, blending the old with the new effortlessly. Combining an array of textures and fabrics in a subtle yet striking colour palette that exudes sophistication. When I'm a successful career woman one day I aspire to have an array of those beautifully crafted tweed jackets taking up space in my wardrobe!

My coveted piece is, without a shadow of a doubt, the strapless gown. Geometric prints broken up with the recurring simplistic black drop panel followed by a cascading textured skirt. Shame I have nowhere to wear it...        

raebelle
x

New Uniform Joys



chiffon blouse

The high street saved my lucky stars in the search for new work outfits. The dress code is simply 'black'. I count myself remarkably lucky that it just so happens to be the new Autumn/Winter collections hitting stores so I have plenty to choose from. However, that itself also causes issues...like what to choose because there are too many choices and too little funds!

I have been a diehard fan of Swedish store H&M for years. I'm constantly picking up bits and pieces; basic shirts and statement skirts. So, as luck would have it, I found an oversize chiffon blouse with a leather detail collar! The funny thing is I already have a range of these blouses; in leopard print and monochrome stripes...I clearly have a 'type'...



Black envelope
detail dress
 

Black 1/2 sleeve
mesh top dress

Dorothy Perkins saved me with their skater dresses.  I have always admired fit and flare dresses because they flatter us curvy ladies! Number one is a simple and structured sleeveless flare dress. Number 2 consisted of  a 1/2 sleeve mesh top dress. The lace panel on the shoulders tempted me more than anything else.
 


Black crochet collar sleeveless
skater dress
 




New Look provided my new work wardrobe with a dash of playful vintage. This skater dress has an adorable peter pan collar. My heart melted when I saw this simplistic yet vintage inspired piece. It's a perfect daywear dress but can also be toughened up by incorporating the punk/grunge trend.

raebelle
x

Climbing that Career Ladder

I successfully finished my last ever shift in B&Q. I have to say though I'm going to miss my DIY family something fierce though, and they didn't disappoint on my last day; yum yums, champagne and a balaclava...what more could a girl want ?? The balaclava present involves a beloved colleague, an unfortunate Irish stereotype, and a twisted private joke. So buh byeeee to all my B&Q lovelies, it's been fun. I no longer glamorously sell toilets for a living as my days as a Customer Advisor is finito! Because now I'm being trusted as a Supervisor...baby steps and easy does it :)

I'm going to be a Supervisor for DUNE; the market leader for fashionable shoes around the world! The company has flourished globally for 20 years with innovative and stylish designs. "Dune provides the perfect finishing touch to any outfit". Dune combines sophistication with trend influences to provide unique pieces.

I love shoes. Every girl has her own collection that she worships. I have only been able to afford one pair of Dune's shoes - two toned black and tan brogues. I treated myself for my 21st birthday and they are one of my prided purchases as they are so versatile and wearable. Now, my new job will require me to wear their collections all the time!

I'm slowly moving up the career ladder :)

raebelle

x

New Chapter

Welcome pack arrived for my new job in an immaculate gold folder, along with my uniform rules which I will follow religiously as you 'must wear current trends and only black'. I can hardly contain my excitement! Only 2 more days of being a clueless DIY Sales Advisor and then roll on new prospects and challenges :) raebelle x

Strange and Wonderful Things

Things are finally on the up for once...I have to grow up sometime so I have been scouting for jobs and life is looking pretty good right now! A new flat and new job prospect all in one week :) Unfortunately the realist in me is whispering that things can only go downhill from here with something lurking in the corner about to destroy my happiness. But for now, I am going to enjoy life and let my inner optimist shine through. In the words of Bob Marley "Don't worry, be happy". A high street fashion luxury brand actually wants to employ me...I feel on top of the world...And rightly so!

More on my exciting new job to follow...

raebelle
x