Style Steal: Pandora Birthstone Rings

Finding high street alternatives to the brands we know and want to own is almost becoming a game to me. If I spot something that looks identical to an item advertised in one of the countless glossies I read, I either buy it (rarely) or take a picture of it for this blog (most likely). Why? Because it's a style steal - the same style for a fraction of the price. Although, given the choice, I would of course love to buy the designer item itself.

I recently found some rings in a high street store that look exactly the same to the more up-market option - the birthstone rings by Pandora. They come in a different colour for each month and the metal has a nice ropey look to it.

The Matalan rings (£6 for a pack of 3): 

Pandora Birthstone Ring (£40):

The Matalan alternative may not be sterling silver but I've had a lot of wear out of the rings already, and there has been no off-colouring of the metal which makes the rings a definite style steal.

If you're interested in my other Style Steals, click here. More coming soon!

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

Victoria's Secret due to open in Leeds, Autumn 2013

I am so excited to share this week's Hump Day Treat as it's a fantastic piece of news (but only for those of you living in West Yorkshire).

I'm obsessed with Victoria's Secret and their PINK collection like many others, and it pained me that when I came back to the UK from my year in the US, there were no Victoria's Secret stores here. Alas, one opened in London, but I don't get to London as much as I'd like. It's now been announced the second UK store will be opening in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre this autumn, though. Go crazy; tell everyone, and get to the store opening - I know I will be!

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

I haven't posted a recipe for my weekly Hump Day Treats yet so today is THE day.

With it being summer and our more health-conscious sides coming out, it's always good to know a recipe that sneakily embodies an unhealthy taste and feel, but in actuality is not too bad.

So, the product: cookie dough butter! I know this will go down a treat because A) everyone loves cookie dough and B) who wouldn't want to snack on it? Think Ben and Jerry's cookie dough but fresher and sweeter. And hella less carby.

The recipe for this promises to be low carb and gluten free, and contains cinnamon which is amazing for your metabolism - as well as adding that peculiar but amazing taste.

Click on the picture below for the wonder-recipe itself and step-by-step guide, and also check out other great recipes from Girl Gone Country. Enjoy!

- A.T.

Tried & Tested: The Thigh Split Trend

Not too long ago I wrote a post on here about thigh split maxi skirts/ dresses. I'm still as obsessed now as I was a month ago and actually had the chance to try out the trend at my graduation ball a couple of weeks ago.

The dress: 

ASOS, £40

My take on it:

I wore the dress with neutral make-up and gold accessories. I felt that the dress was the focal point and so I didn't need heavy accessories or makeup that would look garish or draw away from the dress. I went for neutral, bronzed makeup using my Benefit Away We Glow make-up set.

Pictures from the night:

I took a lot of pictures and it was a really fun night. I got a tonne of compliments on the dress, too. The only warning I would give is the dress isn't particularly bloat-friendly, so I was lucky to get away with a three course meal and drinks - be wary if you are buying the dress for an occasion which involves a meal.

(Excuse the terrible quality of my iPhone camera..)

I felt great wearing this dress and can't wait to wear it to a formal occasion again in the near future. It is still in stock on the ASOS website for those of you interested. Overall verdict: make sure you join in with the thigh-split trend at some point this year, but don't overdo the split...

- A.T.

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.