one year.

I know I’m not one to really write personal posts on my blog, but after someone noticed that I had changed my profile to ‘journalism graduate’ (y’all are observant), and the fact that I haven’t been posting as much as I used to, I thought I’d put up a post to explain and share my experience.

I recently (finally) finished university and graduated after studying journalism for three years at UCA. As much as I would love to say that I enjoyed my uni experience, anyone that knows me will know that my situation was the complete opposite. I initially started uni not thinking that I was smart enough, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life…and although I know that’s a common thing amongst a lot of people, when you’re the one experiencing it you do feel very much alone. During the entire three years I struggled with a lot of my work. I didn’t get a lot of positive feedback or general feedback from my tutors, so I never really knew where I was going wrong. The only thing that I did notice is that I liked the way that I wrote and I thought my writing was constantly improving as I did it more. I am very proud of myself for sticking to it and getting awesome results at the end. If you want something bad enough you gotta put the effort in. 

Studying journalism, and with my course being structured the way that it was, I was often given the freedom to be creative so I wrote about what I love. This mainly consisted of fashion, beauty and music…which leads us here. I started my blog at the end of my 2^nd year when I basically had a meltdown and had no idea what I was good at and what I wanted to do. As much as I sometimes think that my interests are shallow, there are so many people that share the same interests as me and it’s fascinating seeing that people appreciate what I have to say about certain things.

Going to university is something that I felt like I had to do. You go to high school, on to college, and then naturally you apply and go to university. If I had to make the choice again, I would probably not choose to go. Depending on what you want to do with your life and what you want to study, uni is not the only thing that can get you there, and it’s not even guaranteed to take you where you want to be at the end. If there is one piece of advice that I can pass on, it would be to make sure that you do what is best for you. You know you best, right?  

It’s been very wordy so I think it’s best I wrap it up, but for those of you who made it to the end, I’ve just got one last thing to say. I never thought that my blog would grow like this in just a year, and I appreciate every single person that stumbles upon my page, tweets me, emails me, likes my pics on instagram… seriously, I appreciate it very much and I will continue to do posts just for you guys. You’re all amazing.  

I'm one this month, jayj x.

don't forget to follow me on bloglovin'!

accessorize in true blood.

Everybody loves a bit of merchandise, whether it’s for your favourite band, favourite singer, or favourite TV show, a bit of merch is always a good way to show your love and dedication.

True Blood is a popular HBO series about vampires and there has recently been a release of a line of official merchandise that highlight the best moments of the show along with our all-time favourite characters.

Jewellery is my favourite way to accessorize, so when I saw the line of merchandise, I knew exactly what I wanted. Going along the lines of the show, the jewellery is dark and gothic, adding a unique dimension to any outfit.

 True Blood 'L' Necklace - £14.99*

This necklace is one for the Lafayette lovers. Famous for his flawless eye makeup, crooked businesses and personal connections, he is a very memorable character in the show. The necklace is a gold tone, a perfect addition to the rest of your gold jewellery, and with the slim ball chain necklace, it can be worn casually every day.

 True Blood Lilith Necklace - £10*

Acting as a symbol of the influence of the most politically powerful group of vampires, the Authority, this pendant, that features a deep red stone, demands attention. With its toned down gold brushed metal, it can be worn with both gold and silver jewellery but still stand out amongst them all with its unique motif.

 

Be sure to click the links if you want to go straight to the website, and also, here is where you will find the entire line of True Blood merchandise. From t-shirts to shot glasses to the comic issues, every fan need is satisfied.

secretly a vampire myself, jayj x. 

 

 

out with the old...in with the new.

Shopping is most definitely my favourite hobby. Whether it’s a new top, jeans, jacket or shoes, I can always find an excuse to make a new addition to my wardrobe. It is so easy to shop nowadays too! Every store that I love has an online store, and not only that, but there are so many online stores that exist by themselves. This just gives me more options. I can always compare styles, colours, materials, sizes, and best of all, prices.

I find myself constantly accumulating things that I have bought and as I do so, I run out of space in my drawers and my wardrobe. Some people are like me, and therefore find new places to store things. For example, underneath my bed is the perfect place to keep shoes that only really come out on special occasions. And like me again, sooner or later, you find that this is simply ridiculous and you face the harsh reality that is…YOU HAVE TOO MANY CLOTHES!

(cleaning my room - out with the old)

This is a harsh reality that none of us really want to face because as time passes we collect some unique clothes that we can never get again. On the other hand, we also collect some pieces that have simply gone out of style and that we will never wear again. When this is the case, this is when we know it is time to let them go. There are so many ways to get rid of clothes that you don’t want anymore, but I think for me, one of the best ways is getting cash for old clothes.

 (got some monies - in with the new)

This is simply because you can clear up all the clutter that is the big heap of clothes sitting on the floor in the corner of your room, and get some money for it. For me this is perfect, especially because I can sometimes have expensive taste and I constantly have my eye on designer handbags or shoes. I can put the cash that I get from selling some of my old clothes towards a more lavish purchase. 

There is no perfect time like the beginning of a new year to get rid of some of the clothes that you have had forever. So who’s with me…out with the old and in with the new?


a self-professed hoarder, jayj x.

sponsored post*

tresor paris watches.

Tresor Paris is probably most known for their famous beaded bracelets that hit the scenes by storm not too long ago and became a phenomenon amongst celebrities and others alike. The brand is one from Hasbani, jewellery manufacturers best known for its diamonds, and it was created as an aid to separate diamonds and luxury jewellery, developing affordable luxury. These bracelets come in a wide variety of different colours, allowing you to choose your favourite colour or have a mix of them all. Using crystals to give them a true shine, Tresor Paris quickly became a brand so recognisable and appreciated by many.

Not too long ago, I was invited to attend a press day by Tresor Paris to preview their ISL watch collection, a first by the brand. I was filled with excitement to go, mostly because I love the look of their jewellery and I wanted to know how they would translate that excellence into timepieces.

 

It was no surprise that the first thing I saw was an array of hues. Coming in 13 different colours, these watches are definitely one that catches the eye, and not just with the colours, but the diamond in each watch face. Every watch is unique on its own, but Tresor Paris allows you to make your piece your own to suit your every style and every mood. Available in two different sizes, with interchangeable straps and bezels, every combination is exclusive.

 

ISL watches - £99 each

Depending on what you can afford or what you desire, you can opt for plain and simple bezels, ones covered in crystal, or for ultimate opulence, diamonds. They range from £30 to £3000, so it really is your choice.

These are the kind of watches that can be worn by many different types of people. Young people can adapt to it because of the colour range that is available, and older people can indulge on a stylish watch that can be made their own. Watches are an accessory, so there is no reason to limit what looks you can create with just one item.    

 

(Images courtesy of Stature PR)

They are available to buy at Ernest Jones, Fraser Hart, Beaverbrooks, and of course...Tresor Paris.

Are you a fan of these awesome watches? What colour would you buy?

ME - purple.

always on time, jayj x.

my favourite aw12 trends.

As London Fashion Week is well and truly along the way and the trends for SS13 are being showcased, I thought it would be good to share what my favourite trends for the current season are and what I will be taking my inspiration from. 

 (Images courtesy of ElleUK)

Through these images and some extended research of my own, I narrowed my favourite trends of this season down to the following: 

Purple/Oxblood – very deep reds and dark purples are most definitely the most prominent colours of this season. With the harsh, cold weather that we should be expecting, wrapping up in darker colours may make us feel that bit warmer, and with it not being as dark as black, these colours help to keep our wardrobes a tad more chic.

Leather – a daring take on modern fashion as leather is used to toughen up feminine pieces. Whether it is a piece on its own or as an added feature to a garment, it automatically transforms any look. It is a good way to add dimension to an outfit, whether dressed up or casual.  

Oversized – this trend can work its way into any other trend adding something a little bit different. Using the contrast between something baggy and something fitted adds an edge to an outfit.

Military – a modern take on a vintage style. A way for women to adopt a masculine manner with sharp and sophisticated looks. With dark greens, khakis, greys and blacks, androgynous silhouettes are created. A lot of different types of women can take on this trend, making it perfect for this season as we begin to layer up for colder weather conditions. 

Do you have a favourite trend this aw12? What pieces have you got your eye on?

Wrap up warm, jayj x.

rita ora - ora.

A lot of us waited years for Rita Ora to release a track…and in 2012 not only did she do that, but we also got an album.

When “Hot Right Now” was released by DJ Fresh featuring Rita Ora, I must admit I was very excited. I loved the sound of her voice in such an upbeat song, and it was incredibly catchy. With the release of “R.I.P.” not too long after I was a tad disappointed. Having heard her sing acoustic covers of different songs, I knew her vocal capability and I thought the production of the song did not do her voice justice.

While listening to ORA for the first time as an album in its entirety, I wanted to keep an open mind as I was not entirely familiar with what genre her sound fit into. I found that “Roc the Life”, “How We Do (Party)” and “Radioactive” had very energetic vibes that left a ‘feel good’ feeling after listening to them. I found that these songs were also lyrically inviting, and while using mostly major tones in these songs, she kept the passion of the sound running through the music.

It was good to hear songs with more melodious tones such as “Shine Ya Light”, “Love and War” feat. J. Cole, and a bonus track on the deluxe edition “Meet Ya”. These songs calmed the tone of the album down a little bit, allowing listeners to appreciate the depth of Miss. Rita’s vocals. From these, and also the more upbeat songs, I came to my own conclusion as to what category of music Rita Ora currently falls into. With a sound that can be very appealing to a range of audiences, along with the soulful touch to her voice, I would say she is very much pop/RnB. I think it is a nice subgenre to fall into, as her sound can then be heard in a lot of different ways.

“Fall in Love” and “Uneasy” I feel are two songs take away from her vocal talents, and they also do not fit into her genre of sound. I think it can be said that no album is completely perfect.  

As a whole, I quite enjoyed the experience of finally hearing an album from a name that I had been familiar with for a while, and I very much look forward to music videos to go with the songs and new material from her in the future.

My favourite songs:

Shine Ya Light

How We Do (Party)

Meet Ya

What did you think of ORA? Are you a fan of her image and her sound?

Catch you later, jayj x.

chris brown - F.O.R.T.U.N.E.

So, after a week or so after the release of the album, I finally got around to downloading Chris Brown’s new album ‘F.O.R.T.U.N.E.’. After the release of the first single ‘Turn Up the Music’, I swore that I would try not to listen to any of the other songs until the album was officially out…I like the excitement, I’m sad like that :)

After the first single, I was expecting pumped up tunes, a bunch of songs that you could just break down and dance to. I have to say…I was a bit disappointed. Personally, when it comes to my music, I like things to be upbeat and exciting. I’ve never been one to like slow RnB songs. Although we can never knock how beautiful Mr. Brown’s voice is, I wasn’t feeling the entire album.

It did have some strong points, and I am most definitely glad that I heard it in its entirety. Songs such as ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’ and ‘2012’ reminded me of his talent and how he can adapt to different types of sounds. Hearing new RnB albums is a strong reminder of how much music as a whole has changed…but I guess we all have to move with the times.

Although I didn’t enjoy the album completely, I did take away some awesome songs from it and I can say that my top 3 favourite songs are:

Turn Up the Music

Till I Die (featuring Wiz Khalifa & Big Sean)

Trumpet Lights (featuring Sabrina Antoinette)

Did you like the album? What are your favourite tracks?

Till next time, jayj x.

Ps. I loved the deluxe edition album cover. The simplicity of it made it just that much more awesome.