Passing the Torch & Sealing the Chapter

As it's the last day of June, I've been reflecting all day on what a strange month it has been. It has been great in so many ways, but strange because it made me realise that the past 9 months have flown by way too quickly.

This month I got my degree result, had many 'lasts' in Nottingham (nights out, last work shift, trip to the library, drink at the SU bar...), and I also had to face the slow realisation that this was it. My 4 years at the University of Nottingham had come to an end. It has been an amazing 4 years and I wouldn't change a single thing about my experience. My year abroad was also an incredible cherry on top of a diligently iced cake.

Another thing that occurred was that Maddie and I, who founded Her Campus Nottingham and managed kept it going all year, met with the new Co-Editor-in-Chiefs and Head of Publicity & Social Media. We had a nice lunch with them whilst discussing the ins-and-outs of their duties, what it takes to keep HC Nottingham going, and future plans for the year ahead. We also gave them some presents that we have no use for anymore (including a brand new HC banner, shown in the picture below.)

This meeting was the point at which I realised that things in Nottingham were coming to an end. I'd been in the comfort of my position all year, and suddenly had the realisation that HC Nottingham was now out of my and Maddie's hands. I think we did a great job though, and couldn't have done it without an enthusiastic and talented team. I'm looking forward to seeing HC Nottingham grow next year and will probably check the website regularly, like a mother looking out for her chicks!

Meeting with the new exec of HC Nottingham was only one of several things this month to bring out my sentimental side. Going out or heading to the park in the sun meant that I was spending some precious last hours in Nottingham with friends new and old, and even though we will keep in touch and see each other in the future, Nottingham will no longer be our playground.

Settling in at home hasn't been nearly as bad as I imagined - although my university bed is 100% irreplaceable. It has almost been a week and instead of hiding under my bed-covers everyday, I've been relatively active and doing research into possible ventures or career paths. I can't sit still for too long - that's my problem!

How would I describe my degree at Nottingham in one phrase? Life-changing. As that chapter closes with my graduation on July 9th, I'm already raring to go with the next chapter. As my parents have said, I'm like a boomerang - I never stay at home for TOO long. Where will the next stop be - London? South America? New Zealand? I'm excited to get planning.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

I thought another inspirational quote was in order this week as we approach the end of the month (where have the past 6 months gone, by the way?)

This quote will serve as a source of comfort for me in the next few months. It's time to start making decisions -- and fast!

- A.T.

Leaving the Dark Ages

The internet at my university house unexpectedly stopped a day or so after my previous post - we only had a 9 month contract for the school year & it lived its course - so I have been left without internet for the past week or so, which is why there haven't been any new posts. I do not cope well without internet - hence the dramatic post name.

I left university and moved home yesterday though so I'm now back in the modern world and able to post on here!

- A.T.

Style Steal: Manolo Blahnik 'Chaos Cuff' Sandal

The time has come for another style steal post where I find high street alternatives to designer items. I'm sure that most of you will recognise this one instantaneously.

I've been obsessed with these strappy Manolo's ever since seeing a picture of Rihanna wearing them. Then, to my surprise (and delight), high street stores cottoned on and started producing their own. ASOS and River Island have brought out their own takes on the shoe in various colours, and Rihanna's collection for River Island even has some Manolo-inspired sandals - it's safe to say she loves the shoe style.

As nice as the sandals at these stores are, I didn't want to depart with £40+ just to get in on the trend - that's what being a student does to you. However, I was shopping in Primark, arguably an unlikely place to sell some nice heeled shoes, and I found a pair of Manolo-esque heels. Priced at £12, I couldn't say no. They are really good quality and don't look cheap, either.

Primark heeled sandals (£12):

Manolo Blahnik 'Chaos Cuff' sandal (£445):

Noticeable differences are the width of the strap across the foot and the heel height. These are minor differences though, and what both the actual Manolo's and the Primark heels have in common is that they are really flattering for the legs and feet. No matter your height or size, Manolo-inspired heeled sandals are a must buy and an ubiquitous trend, restricted to no one! Track them down on the high street, try them on and tell me if you disagree.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

I'm always looking for new reads and stumbled across a news article promoting Alexa Chung's new book -  It. At first I presumed it would be a style-bible but the book is said to be a collection of her favourite photographs and drawings (I'm surely not the only person to think that a title like It is rather ambiguous though?). Amazon have said the book will include "her thoughts on life, love and music to her favourite looks and how to decide what to wear in the morning." We still have a while to wait, however, as the book's release date is set as September 5 of this year - there is a pre-order option available on Amazon.co.uk though.

I'm personally looking forward to what she places among the pages - Chung is at the vanguard of fashion and I appreciate her distinct style; I'm always looking for fashion inspiration and she qualifies for that. Plus, I absolutely love the cover. Let's hope the book itself is as pleasing!

- A.T.

My Running & Fitness Wishlist

Well, this post is a first. I'm accustomed to doing wishlists for clothes, but I've never done one for sportswear. I felt the need to make one because about two weeks ago I finally braved it and went on my first run in Nottingham. This involved me forcing myself onto the street and exposing my 'flustered and sweaty' look to any members of the public who were unfortunate enough to pass me. That and the fact that I find it really hard to run when I'm not on a treadmill.

The first run was a great success and I've been about 5 times since. It doesn't seem a lot but it's a great achievement for me! I'm doing the running for fitness, not weight loss, so hopefully I'll feel myself slowly improving over time; I managed to run a 5k Race for Life on June 2 so I'm probably better than I give myself credit for! I'm also boosted by magazines focusing on fitness and running lately (namely, ELLE), so they're a source of inspiration also.

So, the time has come for a wishlist. I tend to throw on one of the numerous t-shirts I got whilst studying in America - look out for me in 'ILLINOIS' t-shirts in a variety of colours - and a pair of leggings or shorts but, if money permitted me, I would kit myself out properly with this wishlist I've compiled.

1. Women’s Stow-n-Go sports bra, North Face, £35 

2. Water Bottle, Victoria’sSecret PINK, £9
3. Functional jacket, H&M, £29.99
4. Incase sports armband for Ipod Classic, Apple, £24.95
5. Free Run 3 Shield ID women’s running shoes, Nike, £115
6. Women’s studio performance singlet, Adidas by StellaMcCartney, £60
7. Fearless capri’s, Sweaty Betty, £65
8. SIE2 sport headphones, Bose, £104.95
9. Sports bra, H&M, £29.99
10. Essentials studded sweatshirt, Adidas by Stella McCartney, £90
11. Sports shorts, H&M, £7.99

What are your running essentials? Let me know!

- A.T.

Let's connect

Here's a reminder of other ways we can connect...

Pinterest: sequinsglitter

Twitter: @AnnaTeale

Instagram: annateale

It would be great to see some new followers and to link with other bloggers!

- A.T.

Trend To Try: Mid-Finger Rings

I'm completely in love with the mid-finger ring - aka "midi ring" - trend. I've noticed that more shops have started selling them throughout the year which is great for us! As with bangles and bracelets, midi rings are perfectly stackable and are a stylish addition to any outfit, transcending day into night. I love the way they look so delicate yet add an edgy finishing touch.

Here are some pretty (and affordable) midi rings I found online:

Forget having a statement ring - midi rings are all about the plentiful, so stack them up to your heart's desire. Try this trend now - there's a new definition of finger swag, and we all should want in.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

PRIMARK CLOTHES AVAILABLE ON ASOS.COM

Today I came across a startling discovery - ASOS are now starting to stock Primark clothes. You probably know that Primark have always been strictly high-street, and many a time I have suffered from the frustration of going onto their website only to find that there are no clothes on there. It seems strange to have such a successful high street shop without its stock online - especially in the current state of technology and social media. Perhaps it would be impossible to put everything online, especially with their quick turnaround of stock. Although Forever 21 manage it . . .

Click on the picture below to see the items that ASOS have on the site at the moment. There are only 22 items listed, and despite much speculation about whether this is due to increase, Primark have said that the partnership with ASOS is a trial and, as such, is "very limited."

Does this mean that Primark is slowly transitioning to 'etail'? Time will tell. I'm not sure they need to - although it would be helpful for the odd stressful day when the last thing I want to do is get stuck into the clothes jungle that is the Primark shop floor. One thing's for sure though - ASOS have got so many things under their belt at the moment. I think Primark is a great string to add to their bow.

- A.T.

To tie-dye or not to tie-dye?

When I discovered that tie-dye was making a comeback for spring/summer, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. My first thought was 'oh god no'; I remember wearing brightly coloured tie-dye t-shirts as a child and only ever looking back with regret. My second thought was that surely only the sartorially challenged would go for tie-dye. However, my opinion has changed. I've found some tie-dye items that actually look really cool and that I'm tempted to add to my wardrobe.

I think the key with tie-dye is to wear it right and choose colours that will look good. I'm not a fan of the rainbow-coloured tie-dye items as I feel that those are the types of clothes we wore back in the 90s - and, for me at least, when I was a kid.

I've thrown together a tie-dye mood board with my favourite finds from internet fashion sites. Tie-dye can look subtle and sophisticated, so the thing to remember is to keep the colour scheme to one or two colours and to avoid garish colour palettes.

There are some trends that should be left in the decades they first surfaced - this was my original thought on tie-dye, but I'm now thinking that tie-dye and summer will go hand-in-hand perfectly this year. It was a major part of Versace's catwalk event showcasing their S/S 2013 collection, so we can't argue with what such fashion powerhouses dictate. Tie-dye doesn't have to mean dressing hippy-esque and certainly shouldn't be confined to just festivals. It's a throwback, but one I feel we can embrace. My verdict: to tie-dye.

- A.T.