Tweed & Leather | OOTD

 

| Coat - H&M | Bag - H&M | Top - Matalan | Jeans - Mango | Boots - Zara | Necklace - Mango |



 

Aren't wash days the worst? I found myself wanting to tear my hair out over my wardrobe today. Each and every t-shirt I own was in the wash basket! & what's worse is I don't have a washing machine or dryer, so everything must be hand washed in batches!

 

I did however dig out this really quite old batwing orange t-shirt. I think I bought this one & the royal blue version - which I suspect is at the bottom of the basket too - in the Matalan sales a while a go. It's one of those effortlessly easy to wear tops, & paired with my trusty Mango Elektra jeans I felt comfortable, cosy & embraced the pop of colour.

 

This coat is the second one I've bought from H&M this season (see the first here). At the beginning of AW13 this coat was like gold dust to get hold of, I'd seen it everywhere and even tried it on in store before deciding it wasn't thick enough.. But caved soon after.

I love tweed, & the leather sleeves are bang on trend for this season, however, the day I decided "I must have that coat!".. Was the day I realised it had sold out everywhere. Night-to-the-mare.

 

Giving up all hope, a few weeks later, I was window shopping in the Huddersfield H&M in between lectures when a flash of tweed caught my eye on the fitting room rail. & voila I had found the allusive coat, the last one they had in store & in my size too!

Some might call it luck, I call it fate.

 

Have you invested in any new coats this season?

 



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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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BBQ pulled pork | ROTW

Hey guys,

A few months ago I set off with the plan to share at least one recipe with you a week. Unlike a lot of students I know, I don't tend to live on beans on toast or microwave meals. I'm one of these weirdos who actually cooks a proper meal every night!
However my vow to share my food with you weekly has failed miserably and I think this is only the second post? Darn it, I really need to stick to these weekly posts!

Anyways, today I've been giving something new a try and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Because honestly, its super easy & for any of you out there who are (like me) obsessed with TV food shows like Man V Food, I guarantee you'll be drooling at your computer screens once you've finished reading!

So here is my super easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe!

 

    Ingredients:

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 cup chicken stock

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon salt,

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (4-1/2- to 5-pound) boneless pork shoulder, fat removed.

2 cups barbecue sauce (optional) 

1. Place the chopped onions and garlic in an even layer in the slow cooker and pour in the stock or broth.

2. Combine the sugar, chili powder, measured salt, cumin, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pat the pork dry with paper towels & rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
Place the meat on top of the onions and garlic. Cover and cook until the pork is fork tender, about 6 to 8 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.

3. Turn off the slow cooker and remove the pork to a cutting board. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a medium heatproof bowl. Pour the onion mixture from the slow cooker through the strainer and return the solids to the slow cooker. Set the strained liquid aside.

4. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, add the barbecue sauce, if using, and mix to combine. If you’re not using barbecue sauce, use a spoon to skim and discard the fat from the surface of the strained cooking liquid, and then add 1/4 cup of the liquid at a time to the slow cooker until the pork is just moistened. Taste and season with salt as needed.

___________________________________________________

I seriously recommend if you haven't invested in a slow cooker, to do so. So many of my favourite meals are done in the slow cooker & if you're a student & in & out of your flat/house its ideal!

In these photos I have pinched my flat mates larger cooker as I have a 1.5lr one that could only fit 1 small joint in. But the upside to mine is it only cost £15 from B&M bargains!
Otherwise most bigger ones are around the £25 mark in most supermarkets.

Would you try this recipe?

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Santas Been!!

 

Hey guys!

 

Hope you've all had an amazing Christmas & New Year. I've been completely OOA over the past 2 weeks and completely without Internet at home (Its like the dark ages in that house!)

But I'm back now & ready to share a few  of my favourite moments & presents with you all.

 

So, be warned, this is a pretty picture heavy post!

 

 

If you follow me of Facebook & Twitter you may have seen some of my subtle hints to the Creature on the run up to Christmas!
Every few days I would post a photo or link to something pretty in the hope that he would get the hint.. Well it bloody worked! (I'm such a genius) After seeing the giant teddy picture I took in Clintons, Creature actually went out and bought me an even bigger one!!!

 

His name Is Taylor & he's so big we can't actually move him from Doncaster as he would take up 2 seats on the train alone!

 

Kurt Geiger Carvella shoes | Bank studded boots

 

Carvella!!! - I could have cried when I opened these bad boys, I'm such a lucky girl! - Currently still teaching myself how to walk in them though as they are like stilts! 

They're are now on sale too (which the Creature almost cried at!) So if you want a pair of these beauties yourself, you can buy them here.

 

Another subtle hint came in the form of numerous black and brown studded boots from all over the Internet, & once again the Creature pulled though & bought me those studded beauties from BANK!

- & I can actually walk in those ones! I've not had them off my feet since he gave them too me either, they literally go with everything.

 Pauls Boutique Handbag, Louis Vuitton Red handbag, Mulberry purse, Louis Vuitton handbag, Marc Jacobs Dot perfume

 

Its been handbag heaven this year too. Creature bought me a lovely cream Pauls Boutique handbag, however I took the little colourful charm off it, because I prefer it looking plain.

 

& Mama the saint, bought me two Louis Vuitton handbags & a Mulberry purse! I'm in absolute love with the red one, the colour is so bright, & they're huge too so I can fit all my uni books in it! - Learning in style, boyeah!

 

 

I can't actually believe how much I've been spoilt by the Creature & family this year, amongst all the big gifts above, I also received some beautiful pieces for my flat, including new vintage bedding, lots of kitchen bits and bobs & some stunning handmade cushions & reupholstered chair my Mama made herself!

 

Of course I have a tonne of beauty products too which will steadily see me though the new year with lots of reviews coming too! - I'm currently testing out all my Soap & Glory products from my Aunt & Uncle!

 

Here are a few other snaps from my holidays!

 

So, I hope you've all had an amazing Christmas & New Year

If you have posts up about your Christmas presents, send me the link, I'd love to have a peek!

 

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!

 

 

Kerys tries retro

 

I promised last month that I would begin to experiment with vintage styles and although I love them, I'm not having much luck trying to re-create them for myself. - Shameful for a beauty blogger I know.

But recently I've been making small changes to my makeup routine and although subtle, I think my transformation into vintage style is gradually coming together.

 

 Only since my photoshoot with Boudoir Superstar have I really fell in love with red lipstick.

I requested a very classic vintage sort of look when I arrived into hair and makeup, and the makeup artist gave me creamy skin tones like porceline, golden eyes and pillar box red lips.

This picture is very much my usual day to day makeup, foundation, a small amount of blush and rather than eyeliner, I line my top lid with brown eyeshadow for a softer look.

& of course, the new addition of red lippy!

 

Taking the makeup artists tips on board with using golden tones, last week I bought this pallet from Superdrug.
Metallic colours are bang on trend right now, and although this is damaged, I thought £2 was more than reasonable! - And to be fair only one colour is smashed.. I can certainly deal with that.

Rather than rolling with the fake tan, I've stuck to the au natural look and turned back to the pale side.

Mama is thrilled, she loves my porcelain skin (peaches & cream she used to call me), although I think the Creature isn't amused, he's definitely more of a fan of the tan. But this is me, in all my white glory.
Personally I love the contrast of my skin against the red lipstick and the subtle golden tones on my eyes. This time however I've used my black eyeliner to create a flicked look on the top lids.

 

My next challenge will be to experiment with my hair, attempting some 40's & 50's styles.. But with me being a serial hair extensions wearer, I find it really stressful doing anything remotely complicated with my hair. Wavy or straight - That's what I can deal with.

But I will try, and hopefully I'll discover a new and exciting style that'll convince me faffing with my hair is worth while :)

 

What do you think - Shall I boycott the fake tan from now on? or are you a lover of the tan?

 

 

The knock out dress

Long overdue post, but I was looking back on photos from earlier this year and felt I just needed to share this with you guys.

I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to colour, I'm a self confessed nude-shade-ist, so when it was coming up to my friends birthday I decided to completely push myself out of my comfort zone and buy this beauty. The skirt is a tropical feather print & floor length with a black bodycon underneath. However the top half is in fact completely see through. Because I'm curvy though I did wear a shaping dress underneath for added comfort (I'm a bit uncomfortable having quite so much flesh on show) but all in all I though it worked.

 

Dress - Pink Cadillac, Huddersfield £45.99

Shoes - River Island £25 reduced from £75

Necklace -  Topshop £15

 Ring - Miss Selfridge £8

What do you think of my dress?