Off to Marbs | Holiday Wishlist

 

Oh hay!

So, I'm off to Marbella to soak up the last of the sun in October! I'm so happy it's un real, this is my first holiday abroad in 4 years, in fact it will be the longest break I've had at all in 4 years. & of course, we're doing it in style by visiting Creatures much loved Marbs (He lived & worked there for 3 years - Lucky duck!)

 

Its got me in a right pickle though. With most of the high street's coming out of summer sale & getting ready with their A/W collection's in store, I'm finding it hard to find a decent range of stylish clothes fit for the weather. ok, yeah I'm most likely to be getting the majority of my holiday clothes from Mango of course, but I really want to get my hands on the key pool side bits.

| #1 Valisa Fringed Swimsuit Black | #2 Valisa Fringed Swimsuit Red | #3 Scorpius Mirror Sunglasses |

| #4 Emmerson Tie Dye Kimono | #5 Karcsi Floppy Hat | #6 Iniga Blazer |

 

I'm a curvy girl, which means true to stereotype, I'm really conscious about my jelly belly. So something that covers me yet looks stylish is a must. & to be honest I have fell in love with Missguideds' Valisa Fringed Swimsuit in black & red. The fringing is super cute & on trend but nothing too 'in your face' but I'm not sure if having it in two colours is too much? Maybe I need to find an alternative.. More shopping huzzar!

 

The Kimono is a pool side essential, & this particular one will look amazing with the swim suit. I want to look stylish (because c'mon, it Marbs) but I need to be practical too I guess. I'm ginger, I'm going to burn, that's inevitable. So I guess the Emerson Tie Dye Kimono is a must have?

The blazer & accessories are just more holiday extra's. I'm unsure about how the weather will be at night with us going in October so I don't want to be cold, so I think a nice white blazer will look great with most outfits. & of course the floppy hat & mirrored sunglasses are must haves! - Bigger the better

 

What do you think of my holiday essentials wish list?

& have you been on holiday this year?

 

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Dress to Impress | Interview guide

 

Hey beauties!

 

Lately I've been a little job application crazy, with the new shopping centre Trinity Leeds opening next month, many of the shops setting up in there are looking for a tonne of employees!

So far I think I've applied to 40+ different jobs (they are updating the website all the time) & I've had 4 interview opportunities offered to me.

 

My first interview was with Superdry last week. Or rather when I say interview, what I really mean is assessment day.

For those of you who don't know about assessment days, they're basically group interviews, they last around 2 hours & you play games and team building exercises.

Now, although I knew about the concept of these assessment days beforehand, the only interviews I have ever attended have been one on one's with only managers, and have been relatively formal.

So naturally after speaking to my friends and getting a little advice on the wardrobe, I decided to wear a LBD, spiked ballet flats (comfort, I didn't want to be teetering around in my Carvellas playing games!) tights & some pretty cream spiked jewellery.

BIG mistake.

To my actual horror, as I arrived I realised everyone. & I mean everyone, was stood waiting outside the conference room in jeans, jumpers & trainers!

So little ole me and my LBD stuck out like a ginormous overdressed thumb.

 

You're probably shaking you're head the screen right now thinking, "oh Kerys, it's a group interview girl, how did you not realise it would be very informal?!"

I don't know! But I suppose I know now for next time..

 

 On Thursday however I received a nice little out of the blue phone call from Mango when their HR recruiters rang me for a phone interview.. It went pretty well, if you dismiss the fact I answered the phone like a retard thinking it was Creature from his new works number, & shouted "HIYAAAA" as I answered.. 

Woman on phone.. "Erm, hi? is this Kerys?" *facepalm*

But she must have found my phone answering enthusiasm charming because I passed and was put forward for a face to face interview with their Leeds store manager the following day!

Hallelujah!

 

For this interview, I went with he whole formal thing again. I know it didn't look great with Superdry, but this was a face to face with just 1 manager, something I've done a handful of times previously.

I ended up wearing a little red knit skater dress, black tights & my black Carvella heels. Which to be honest served me quite well!

The manager even complimented my outfit and we had a little giggle about the probability of me falling over in my heels before the end of the day!

 

These photo's weren't taken on the day of interview.

My hair was actually a lot smarter than this! - all flipped to one side with barrel curls.

Finally I had a short interview with Pandora on Wednesday, with the possibility of a full interview on a later date if they see potential.

I was offered the second interview but...

I GOT THE JOB AT MANGO!!
So unbelievably happy, I'm going to be a team member at the brand new Mango store opening in Trinity Leeds in March! - So if you're a Yorkshire local, come and say hi!

The Do's

DO wear something comfortable.
If you're going to wear heels make sure you can walk more than a few meters without feeling like you'll fall over!

DO try your best to look smart.
If its a one on one, wear something sophisticated but still represents your personality (this can be done with jewellery or something patterned like a scarf)
And if you're going to an assessment day, wear your best jeans and a smart top, something with freedom to move in but still fashionable.

DO accessorize.
If your interviewing within retail, if you own any pieces from their store, e.g. A handbag, necklace etc. Wear/take them with you, it shows you have taken an interest in the company before.

The Don'ts

DON'T wear too much makeup
Keep it simple and don't go overboard with the eyeliner or dark eye shadows.

DON'T look sloppy.
Iron your clothes before you go! Nothing worse than a creased dress!

DON'T wear a short skirt.
They look great on a night out, but something nearer knee length is better. If you do wear something a little shorter, wear tights.

DON'T wear something too revealing
You want a job offer not a date. If you're going to wear something lower cut Make sure your legs are covered, & visa versa. (and when I say low cut, I don't mean full boobies on show either!)
 

What do you think I should wear to my next interview?

Have you got any embarrassing job interview stories or tips?

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Winter blues | Essential accessories

 

I've been mooching around Leeds today in search of job vacancies (& if you know of any, please inform me as I've had a shocking day searching for them!) Some of you may know I live in Huddersfield but I'll be relocating with the Creature to Leeds in the next few months, so its paramount I find a job so I can afford the commute to Uni.

 

Well I under estimated the weather today, apparently even 3 layers and a fur collar leather jacket isn't enough to keep you warm lately. Which resulted in me running to Next and buying a warmer pair of leggings - Yes I wore leggings in this weather, obviously my noggin' wasn't screwed on this morning... But these new ones are actually lined with fluff & mega warm! & I also bought myself a knit headband with matching mittens.

 

The set including the headband was £7.99 and can only be bought in store. (trust me I've scoured online) & for that price I couldn't resist. I'm one of those people that owns a bobble hat in every colour - Ironic, I wasn't wearing one of the coldest days of the winter.

But I really wish they did it in other colours too, I think I definitely would have bought a few sets if that were the case.
The mittens are adorable, although they are a little on the big side. But thats because I have tiny hands. I'm not actually all that fussed on the size issues really, I mean c'mon look how pretty the jewel detailing is!

I've never actually bought a headband like this before (although I know they are all the rage back home in Merseyside) - Look at me being all Scouse!
I really like the way it looks too, even though I have had to resort to changing my usual fringe into side bangs.. of which the Creature hates! But honestly it didn't look right with my full sweeping fringe... It kept pushing my hair over my face until I looks like an emo!
 

Bank Pompom Scarf | Topshop Earmuffs | River Island Gloves | Riverisland Snood | Newlook hat

 

The Topshop earmuffs are brilliant! & they actually reduced to £5 at the moment so I'm really tempted to buy a pair. I think in the winter weather its really important to try and style up your accessories, with us being wrapped up for the best part of the day a good hat or scarf can uplift a winter outfit.

Everything above (not including the river island gloves and snood) is actually in the sale right now too, so if you want to snap up a warm bargain, click those links and grab them before they're gone!

 

Have you got a winter warmer staple accessory?

 
Enter Charissarae's 500 follower giveaway
 

River Island Party Frocks

I've been doing a lot of online window shopping this week in prep for Christmas.
This year me & the Creature have agreed to buy each other outfits rather than pointless trinkets & stocking fillers, & go for a meal/drinks somewhere fancy instead. SO, that being the case I have been dropping links like no tomorrow on Facebook hoping he'll take the hint! ('Cos I'm subtle like that..)

 

Anyway, if you're an regular reader of Bo Blab you'll know I have a slight (massive) obsession with all things River Island, and of course the majority of my subtle hints have been from there.

- With the exception of one tag, in which I'm stood with a huge cheesy smile in Clintons holding a teddy bear almost as big as me!
 

 

 

Anyway I decided to compile a post about my favourite dresses on RI online at the moment. Some of them admittedly are ones that would not strictly suit my frame, however, they're far too gorgeous not to showcase. 

 



Navy stud shoulder cap sleeve dress - £50

 

I love the detail on the shoulder of this dress. Its beautifully simple and classy.

I've took the plunge into wearing tighter fitted dresses & for all my curvy girls out there this would be a great first step into fitted dresses, the ruched fabric will help hide a multiple of sins but still leave you feeling sexy.

I know I'd definitely rock the works Christmas doo in this number! 

 

Navy embellished Little Mistress maxi - £49 (was £70) 

 Grecian style dresses just keep creeping back. I wanted one of these a few years back after seeing a white one in Quiz (but with my pale skin its a good job I didn't buy it)

I think I must have a little bit of a lure for navy blue, a lot of my recent purchases have been dark blues & navy's, but I personally think its a nice classy twist on the LBD. This one would look so graceful on any shape, the skirt is just stunning. 

Gold sequin t-shirt dress - £40

This would be perfect for someone like my Mama (Shes a stylish Mum!) , personally I don't tend to wear dresses than hang over the bust, they make me look small and frumpy, but the gold sequin detail on this dress is lovely.

I can imagine this dress would turn some heads at a Christmas party, not only does it look really festive, but team with some killer boots & you have a show-stopper look for all year round! 

Black embellished shift dress - £60

Ooooo so pretty! As you can see embellishment is a big trend this year (as was it last year) so, of course the, majority of my holiday picks are just so.

I had to throw a LBD in here, I mean I don't think I could personally wear this because again it's not a very fitted number, but its a real statement dress. & I think would look perfect with a pair of black or gold heels & a simple clutch.

Grey embellished backless shift dress - £65

This looks so festive. I love love loveeee silver dresses around this time of year, they look stunning and so classy.

I have actually seen this dress worn on a stranger last week and she had opted to wrap a black belt around her waist, the result looked amazing. If I had £65 I would definitely purchase this and do the same, but sadly I have no pennies so I may have to wait until the January sales. 

Green cap sleeve tulip dress - £30

Now this is within my budget! I'm slightly torn between this and the purple version but I don't really own many green/turquoise clothes so I think it would be wiser to go with something new.

I have a pale pink dress very similar to this (see post here) & the style looks amazing on curvy frames, if you're a fan of accentuating then this style is definitely for you. On the other hand if you're a boyish frame this is the perfect dress for creating curves too!

-I swear it makes my bust look 3 times bigger!!-

 

 So there are my favourite festive dresses from River Island, I hope you like my choices.

I was thinking of maybe continuing with this theme and compiling a few posts of festive wear for other high street retailers, but you're the audience so what do you think?

Do you want to see more top pick posts?

 

Azure Boutique | Thank you!

 

 

Hi guys,

I've posted loads about this jewellery boutique but honestly I've never spoke such a lovely business!

In my last post I showed you a couple of things I'd ordered for the clothes show, 2 items of which were from Azure Boutique. Prior to that I was lucky enough to be sent some gorgeous items for myself & to giveaway in the 10k views giveaway. - All of the pieces were stunning!

 

Today I received a little package with my cross earrings & handchain, and when I opened it I was really surprised to find another little pouch containing the wishbottle necklace I mentioned in my first ever Azure post & a cute little note wishing me a belated happy birthday!

 

 

I can't wait to wear these on Saturday. The ring is so pretty & fits my wrist perfectly too. It great to finally have a ring that isn't in danger of falling off my little hands!

& as for the little gift, well that's just unbelievably generous & I can't thank you enough!

 

If you're on a tight budget but looking for some stylish but light on the wallet jewellery, get onto Azure Boutique right away! Not only is the jewellery beautiful and well made, but also the lady behind the company is one of the nicest people I have ever spoke to.

 

Thanks again Azure Boutique!

 

Next, Lusting after outfits!

If you follow me on twitter, you'll know I'm a sucker for entering a a competition or two, so a few days ago I saw a Next comp in which you were required to put three winter looks together using only Next's own brand. Well I began to put together my outfits & then like the retard I am, I closed the tab by accident & completely forgot where the comp was.... DOH!

 

But anyways, I'm going to share with you two of the outfits I put together, as they may as well come to some use! They're both practical capsule wardrobe pieces that I'd love to have for myself & a few pieces are definitely on my must buy list.

 

Black asymmetric zip Coat £70, Pussy Bow Top £26, Spot flock woven pencil skirt £35,

Black slipper wedge court shoes £38, Colour bowling bag £30, Black/gold chevron waist belt £20

I'm constantly on the look out for smart work wear. I'm aiming to build up a nice professional wardrobe for when I leave uni with classic, stylish pieces that will save me some dosh!

 

I'm a right sucker for anything polka dot, the vintage magpie within can't resist & I think this is just perfect for winter work wear. the fabric is a wool blend to will keep your legs toasty & the cut is really flattering.

 

As for the shirt, who doesn't love a little lace. This ups the 'vintage' theme I was running with, along with an uber trendy belt & a flash of icy colour from the bag.. I think we have a winner!

As for the shoes, I know after my Kandee Shoes sneak preview post, these aren't that exciting, but I'm slowly accepting the fact that massive 6" heels probably won't be suitable for the office.. But the court shoes are stylish & comfortable enough that I don't weep at the sight & blisters on my feet!

 



 Leather Jacket (no longer available), Lace stitch jumper £28, Vintage relaxed skinny jeans £26,

Brown zip low western boots £70, White faux fur winter snood £14, Brown satchel £35.

 

I need this little outfit in my life!

The leather jacket was definitely on my must have list, but whilst I was hunting back for the links to each item, it seems to have disappeared of the website -sad face- However, everything else in my little collage is still available.

 

I'm really loving over sized jumpers at the moment, as are a lot of you. I'm not a mega pink fan, because it tends to make me look a little 'barbie' with my hair colour, but the muted dusty pink tones in this jumper is really pretty. The shoes are amazing, seriously I need them so badly & with the little satchel, OH so cute!

 

I'm actually hoping that if I beg Mama hard for the next few weeks leading up to the big 22nd Birthday & Christmas, she may add on a Cambridge satchel to my presents list... If not I'm happy in the knowledge there are some pretty good replicas on the market right now.

 

So what do you guys think? Which are your favourite pieces?

- Don't forget to check back soon for my 10,000 views giveaway!

 

 

Primark haul!

I'm pitifully poor at the moment so forgive me, but I'm genuinely calling my 3 item shop a haul.

Its really killing me not being able to supply my blog (and myself of course) with new things to try and post about, but fingers crossed I'll be back in work soon so the pennies should keep me going!

 

Anyways, being skint, & having a distinct lack of winter clothes,

-never a good thing in cold, wet & ridiculously windy Huddersfield-

I went for a quick neb in Primark at the beginning of this month to buy a budget jumper or two.

& this is what I bought.. 

 

 
 

Cable knit jumper - £12

Basic black leggings - £3

Floral umbrella - £4

 

I'm mega pleased with cable knit jumper, This set me back £12 (which to me at the moment is a fortune) but its well worth it. The quality was perfect -until Peanut the puppy decided it was play time- so it now sports some new tugs in the sleeves.

But regardless, I still love it.

I feel like a lecturer with the elbow patches but they look great although obviously budget with the  stitching around the eblows. But hey, its Primark, its cheap & its right on trend. 

Not to mention they also match my little suede shoe boots in colour! - Result!

I bought this jumper wanting it slightly over sized, but when I tried my usual size 12 on it swamped me, so without trying on another, I hastily grabbed the last size 10 and paid.. It wasn't until I got home & threw my lovely cuddly new jumper on that I realised there was absolutely no difference in the sizes!
 -weird I know-
Moral of this story.. Always try before you buy kids!

 

I also bought a pair of basic black leggings & a rather pretty looking umbrella! I daren't open it indoors to show you guys so you'll have to wait for a rainy OOTD post to see the print, but its a gorgeous winter floral pattern & much nicer than a plain black one!

 

So that's my mini haul! What do you guys think?

Have you done any hauls lately? & if so leave your links so I can have a look!
- Don't forget to vote on my 10,000 views giveaway poll
(right hand column)