What Lysha Loves

It was my first visit to the Bowes Museum, and it was mind blowing to see how beautiful it was! 

• Haute Couture
• Art
• Masculin-Feminin
• Spectaculaire 
• Transparence

I'm so excited to start a new chapter of my life at University! Freshers week is on the horizon and in a week I will be starting my journey as an aspiring Fashion Journalist at the University of Sunderland. Don't get me wrong, the process can also be stressful. Applying for Universities and awaiting replies, applying for Student Finance and waiting for the dreaded results day. Not to mention setting up a student bank account and buying all of the essentials you'll need to start your new life at uni. How great does it feel once you're all organised though?!

Like many, I'm living at home instead of going into halls of residence. I'm from Sunderland and thought I would rather save the money than go to halls. I also love my bedroom and spend most of my time in there, so it would break my heart to leave it! I don't really understand when people say that you'll miss out if you stay at home for uni. 

I thought I would share some of the stuff I've got for Uni and what I'm counting as essentials! 

New clothes

New start means new wardrobe, it does to me anyway! I was after a few staple bits and bobs which would be great for wearing everyday. Also, if you're studying Fashion related things it's nessecary (that's what I told myself anyway!)

I picked up a few tops because I've got so many pairs of jeans and pencil skirts. The long sleeved shirt with the bow is my favourite, as it was only £10 from Primark and I've been looking for something like this for ages. I think I'll feel like a red haired Brigitte Bardot when I wear it!

Pretty and inspiring stationary

If you're a fellow stationary addict you'll know what I mean when I say it's hard to decide whether you'll actually use something or whether you're just buying it because it looks nice. I'm not kidding when I say I spent a good twenty minutes in the TK Maxx notebook section trying to pick out a notebook that would suit me as a person...
I finally decided on the black notebook with white writing that you can see in the picture, If I ever have a bad day I'll rely on that wording to keep me going! A weekly organiser was also essential, as a Journalist it is pretty important that you're organised! Complete with a pencil case with unicorns and fairies on and a Fashion handbook I'm all set!

NUS card, for all that student discount
One of the best investments you'll probably make is an NUS card, I got mine free when I opened up a student account with my current bank (GO LLOYDS!) and it just arrived today. Topshop, ASOS, Amazon, and even the co-op. The world is your oyster when you have an NUS card! Always keep it handy.

Are you looking forward to starting University?

Here I have picked out some of my favourite pieces from Dollybird Clothing's Summer lookbook, including a mix of minis, maxis and more!

Facebook: Dollybird Clothing

Instagram: dollybirdclothing

Models

Lesley McConnell

Teagan-Marie Atkinson

Photographs courtesy of Dollybird Clothing

All photographs have been used with permission 

Another important question, have you decided what to wear yet? If not, don't worry, here are a few ideas to save the day...

For the day time why not pair a pencil skirt or a pair of trousers with a classic 60's style polo? It's a timeless combination, perfect for during the day. Here below is an outfit grid I've put together, completed with a white 60's waffle polo, checked Aquascutum pencil skirt, vintage black loafers and bag. 

I always love finding out about like-minded vintage lovers, so I have interviewed the gorgeous Abbey Hickinbotham. Abbey is 18 from Herefordshire, and writes the vintage fashion and lifestyle blog What Abbey Loves!

What was it that first got you into vintage?

I have been modelling for nearly five years and I started doing vintage modelling about three years ago. The first time I stepped into a vintage store I just fell in love and knew that vintage was for me, especially as I'm so petite and small nearly everything fits me perfectly. I've also been brought up listening to the Beatles etc, so I just did my research and found out that I love vintage and it's what suits me the most.

Has anyone been an inspiration to you style-wise? If so, who?

My nan was such an inspiration to me whilst looking at pictures of her in the 60's with her blonde beehive, gorgeous two-piece suits and blue eyeshadow. A lot of my family say I'm a lot like her now which is lovely to hear.

What would you say is a vintage clothing must-have?

Roll-neck jumpers for definite. I'm obsessed with them and they're probably my staple piece for winter as they go with everything.

What is your favourite outfit and why?

Probably a roll-neck jumper tucked into a mini skirt paired with some little boots or loafers and a lovely faux fur or mac, I definitely prefer the winter months!

What is it about a vintage lifestyle you love the most?

Fashion, hair and music! I mean what do you get from downloading music these days? Picking up a record is so much more rewarding and it makes me enjoy the music so much more.

Which era is your favourite for style and why?

Definitely the 60's! It's so stylish and daring, with the bold prints and white tights you almost feel like you're in fancy dress if you walk down the road in a pair of fresh white tights but that's why I love it!

Do you have any style icons?

Suki Waterhouse is such a big style icon to me as she makes everything look amazing! She can pull off the 60's look so well as well as mixing it up to make it look modern.

If you could have any piece of vintage clothing in the world, what would it be?

It would probably have to be a vintage Burberry mac as they're just a dream. I would have so much wear out of it as it's such a staple piece.

What's your favourite vintage make-up look?

Well I have really strange shaped eyes so the iconic Twiggy eye doesn't suit me! So I would probably go for quite a smoky eye with winged liner paired with a bright lip or a muted pink lip. I don't really class any of my make-up looks as vintage unless I go for a 1950's style pin-up look with winged liner and a pillar-box lip. 

Are there any high street stores which you shop at that you find offer vintage styles?

Definitely Topshop at the minute with the mini-skirts, high neck tops and gorgeous dressed they've been doing. I also shop in TU at Sainsbury's and have recently picked up the most gorgeous patent 60's style boots and patterned mini skirts. I think it's really lovely of a supermarket brand to cater for people who love to mix vintage with high street.

Thank you much to Abbey for doing this interview, and make sure you click on the image below to check out her blog!

http://www.whatabbeyloves.com/

If you're up to date when it comes to the latest make-up, you'll have known about the hype of the new Naked Smoky palette. I was over the moon to receive it as a present for getting into University, it's not even an exaggeration that I couldn't stop looking at the shades when I opened it.

My favourite shades are Whiskey, Dirtysweet and Combust, I'm using them quite a bit for a day-time smoky eye. One shade I'm really excited to use is Armor, it's so glittery! The palette itself is really nicely pigmented, with a soft double ended brush. One thing which is really useful is the little leaflet you get in the box which shows you different looks you can create, and even tells you which shadows to use.

Here below is my attempt at a smoky eye, I was quite pleased with the first one. The second I didn't like as much but I thought I would share anyway!