Onwards and Upwards

"The past Is like an anchor holding us back. Maybe, you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be."

-Carrie Bradshaw                                                                  

8 months.... has It really flown by that quick, feels like It was yesterday I was sat at this desk writing another blogpost. I do apologise for the serious lack of blogging but LIFE took over as per. As many of you may know blogging is very time consuming, but shouldn't feel too much effort, it should be more of an enjoyment and thats Is exactly why I'm back! So hola!!!!

Now I don't want to bore you with my life story but just to fill you In, the last few months have been...lets say... a whirl wind, but the summer thrills have made me stronger and happier than ever. I hope you can all reflect on summer the same way! Yes I did spend my summer watching the life changing Sex And The City (with the occasional wine and chocolate)... come on who hasn't. Cant believe It's taken me 19 years to finally complete the box set. Four very inspirational women, actually kind of remind me of us girls in the flat, just younger, less money and definitely less sex..well yeah...who really could compete with Samantha. 

Anyway less of the fictional and more about the presence...so as you may have noticed I've 'tried' to revamp the blog, visually and even focusing on a new direction for Liv.In.London. My past posts were purely on outfit builds. Don't get me wrong I will be posting the occasional shopping haul but as I've reached second year of uni I now want to develop as a person and as a professional. I'll be engaging with my surroundings, exploring the city more. Discussing the fashion industry in more depth and even letting you have the insight of what we learn and debate about within my seminars at LCF. So I'll be taking my camera and notepad with me where ever I venture too...Onwards and Upwards!

If any questions about the course I do or just for a general chinwag, feel free to contact me or comment below. 

Let the next blogging adventure begin...again.

Nautical

Top &Clutch: Primark

Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Zara

No tights, can you believe it...

I already know this skirt is going to be my key item for this spring/summer, I paired it up with a top I was meant to take back to Primark the other week, I'm so grateful I didn't! I decided to pop my last season Zara shoes on and BAMM I'm a sailor girl, all I was missing was my red lipstick. I managed to have a few unexpected Marilyn Monroe moments, but hey-ho theres nothing wrong with a little bit of wind! Hope you're all enjoying the nice weather, we better make the most of it!

Ps click here to follow me on bloglovin

 Love Liv xx

Dainty in blue

Coat: H&M

Jumper & Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Primark

Handbag: H&M 

Whoops, impulsive shopper alert!! Pay day happened, which meant a trip to oxford street was on the cards...again. Fortunately the majority of the buys where from Primark, including those gorgeous leopard print shoes for just £6, as well as the black clutch and umbrella which got pinched on its first outing to work with me...waa!! I absolutely love carrying a clutch rather than a bulky handbag, this Primark one is so convenient! Plus from up close you would never have guessed that it only cost me £6, the quality is on top form for Primark and it doesn't give you that dead arm that us shoppers always seem to get...right??

Yesterday I was wondering through Soho with my friend from home Andrew, we'd been searching for a yummy pancake house but everywhere was full up! On our travels I got stopped by sofeminine to do a few shots for their street style look, I'll let you know when its up online! That was my first magazine street style experience which was very exciting! I managed to beg Andrew to snap a few shots of yesterdays outfit for me, I'm lately loving soft pastel knits with monochrome. Whats your favourite look at the moment, do let me know?!?

P.s follow me on bloglovin 

Muchos Love Liv xxx

Let the sun shine...

Trenchcoat: H&M
Playsuit + Shoes: Zara
Sunnies: Vintage shop
Handbag: H&M


Can you believe it, we finally have some good weather round here...yes the sunnies are out! This coat I picked up a few days ago with my lovely friend/blogger kate, is perfect for the spring/summer season. It's very lightweight and seems to go with just about anything. So it's no Burberry trench coat but for £24.99 theres no room to complain. It did make me feel a little bit like Audrey Hepburn, ah only a girl can dream.
 So it's nearly end of the week, can you believe it ? Deadlines are approaching, which means i'm spending the majority of my time in Pret with my laptop slaving away, few more weeks and it will all be over. Hope your all having a lovely week!?! 

P.s. Just reached 73 followers and for 1 month blogging I guess thats not bad going, so thank you guys!! Onwards and Upwards!!

Muchos Love Liv xxx

Up North - Manchester

Top, shorts, jacket: Topshop

Scarf, shoes: Zara

Bag: H&M

Necklace: My grandma's hand-me-downs

Sunglasses: Vintage shop 

"My favourite thing at the moment is monochrome with a touch of colour"

As many of you may already know I'm not a true Londoner, actually I have no southern blood within me, I'm a pure northern soul! This weekend I ventured back to the country to see my truly missed family and friends. It's been a pretty hectic weekend but I'm not complaining, I managed to see some of my favourite people and places that I have been wanting to share with you for a while.

Since being in London I've had many comments on "What is there actually to do up North"? Seems for some southerners that the north is the forbidden land, but why, we have some of the most beautiful places and as many of you know, we are known for being one of the friendliest of faces! (Did you like what I did there?)

Yesterday I ventured to Manchester with my friend Andrew, and for once in my life I didn't really do much shopping. Catching up took time so we thought why not over a few cocktails! I finally got to try Manchester's famous cocktail bar 'The Alchemist'. From the sophisticated interior and their crazy concoctions, I could only presume I would be burning a huge hole through this student purse of mine, however they proved me wrong! Alcoholic refreshments from £6 and damm they are tasty, I just couldn't get enough...I must recomenend Passion Martini!!!

For dinner aka Lunch as us northerners say, we headed towards something a little more low key towards the northern quarters of MCR and came across a cherpy burger and mexican bar called Luck Lust Liquor & Burn. It's a laid back restaurant with friendly and approachable service, and the food I could not fault, the americana dreaming burger was exactly what it said! Listening to Bob Marley and sipping on even more cocktails was the perfect way to end the day!

Manchester you never let me down!

Let me know if you have any recommendations within Manchester and London, I would love to try?

Muchos Love Liv xxx

H&M Haul...

Top,Skirt and Bag: H&M

Shoes and Hat: Topshop

Coat: Zara

Necklace: Borrowed from my necklace hoarder friend Ellie!

Having lectures at the Oxford Street campus is not healthy for any student pocket. Last week I found myself hunting after uni for face products, instead I came home with a large bag full of H&M goodies...not going to lie, It felt good! 

Purchase one: The classic black bag and for £34.99 I just couldn't resist. I've never been one of those designer bag girls and to be honest my Cath Kidston bag has stood by me for years. However I felt it was time to invest In a bag that goes with everything, that is sturdy and fits every girls essential items in! And this back certainly does the trick! I had been searching for weeks in all high street stores, yet never expected H&M to be the shop! 

Purchase two: Black midi skirt and at the price of £24.99 why not! If your after a skirt that enhances curves yet hides any lumps and bumps, then this skirt is definitely for yourself! I find people are always worried when It comes to midi skirts, but when paired with some heeled boots or for the warmer weather a pair of heeled sandals, you never have to worry even If you are more of a petite shape. This skirt has really flattering pleats and a subtle crinckled texture, so its not just all plain and boring!

Purchase three: So the last of my purchases was actually a last minute impulsive buy...typical me! A white stretch jersey crop top and If any of you know me personally, cropped is not my forte. However paired with anything high waisted It really defines shape. I am officially now a crop top convert!!! And may I slip In that It was only £5.99...very cheeky buy indeed!

So H&M you have done me proud, I've never really been a fan of H&M but since  my move to London, the stores here are full of many more treats than the smaller stores back up North, so don't let it put you off!! All these items are still currently online, let me know what your latest buys from H&M are, I would love to see ?!? 

Muchos Love Liv xxx

Mid-week treat.

I can't believe it's nearly friday already... the past week has flown by, but so much has gone on. I had a lovely surprise visit from Joe this weekend, we decided to venture out taking the disposable cameras pretending to be tourists on the Boris bikes... much fun and I didn't crash into anyone this time (always a bonus!!) Also I finally got to see 12 years a Slave, it's a tear jerker, but definitely worth the watch. I came out of the cinema preaching that everyone must watch, yes I felt very emotionally engaged with the film haha. 

After Joe had left, I met up with my friend Sally from back home. Crazily we hadn't seen each other since I had to leave for London, which was 4 months ago...It was great to catch up over a coffee in Richmond. It's such a sweet escape from being in the busy city all the time. 

Unfortunately due to being a very poor student right now, new clothes hasn't been a priority this week (Hurry up payday!!) But I managed to get a mid-week treat last night. We celebrated my lovely housemates birthday at The Road House in Covent Garden. The cocktails were flying in and the rock & roll atmosphere was great...luckily it wasn't too pricy either!! On Mondays and Wednesdays they have their live band playing along with karaoke, I'm sure if I had a few more drinks I'd have been up on the stage myself, maybe it's best I wasn't! I definitely recommend it to everyone, even if it's for casual drinks or partying with friends, it's a lively place that does scrumptious cocktails with a 2-4-1 offer till 7.30pm. And on the plus side it turns into a bar/nightclub later on in the evening!! Why not!

At least half of my wardrobe ended on my floor when trying to find an outfit, I believe when I haven't purchased any clothes in the space of a week, that I have NO clothes to wear whats-so-ever! Anyone else have the same problem?? Finally I found my favourite black top that literally goes with anything and everything! And would you believe I purchased it last year from Matalan, of all places... yes I was shocked too!! I've listed below where the rest of my outfit is from... I do apologise that the photos don't have the best scenery but I didn't dare to brave the cold. Thankfully to my beautiful friend Luci Rose (who also has a blog and I think you should all check it out) my photos turned out just fine!! Hope you all have had a great week my fellow friends and bloggers!! Do follow me on Bloglovin.com to keep posted and I do follow back!! Always keen for a new blog!! 

 Top: Matalan (last year)

Skirt: Topshop

Necklace: Topshop

Shoes: Topshop 

Clutch: Zara

Keep in touch guys

Mucho Love Liv xxx

and other stories...

So today me and the girls decided to stop acting like we're OAP's and start making more of our time in London. A few hours later we found ourselves on the famous Carnaby Street, situated next to Soho so you still get that quirky feel but with more of a high street vibe... and personally, i love it! Since i've been in London i've come across many new stores that i've fallen in love with, but my number one store must go to todays find 'and other stories..'. It reminds me of a sophisticated yet an edgy Zara and its certainly not a jumble sale. And speaking of sales i managed to find a few bargains which i'm dying to wear and try out, and yes i will keep you posted! But what i love most about this place is that it has its own huge cosmetics range, that seems lush and affordable. The staff there were very helpful and friendly yet not too pushy compared to my visit in mac earlier on in the day. Plus i just really love that once you've purchased your items they pop them in cute drawstring bags and gift wrap your garments without having to ask, yes it made me feel very special. Haha. 

So yes i bought a lovely set of purple lace underwear that was originally priced for £35 which i guess isn't to bad for pretty underwear. But for a student budget i'm very pleased to announce i managed to buy it for £17.50!! Even though i'm not the biggest lover of lip gloss i came across a shade called 'cocoa my coconut' and yeah the name did draw me in, but the colour is really great for those natural looking lips instead of the concealer lip look and for the price of £6 i just couldn't resist! oops!!! Also i've been meaning to find a new eyebrow powder, as I'm not a huge fan of the "draw on" look, but with powder you still get the same filled in style that hasn't been painted on. I haven't tried their makeup range before but from other bloggers recommendations i'm sure i wont be let down. So since i was buying new powder i thought "why not buy a new brush to go with it too" ??? so yeah another buy was ticked of the list for £7 it's still far cheaper than any other makeup brand.(yes i do talk to myself sometimes).I think its nice to spend a little more money on base makeup products, so for my bronzer i went to mac as i can always rely on them not discontinuing their products. And i managed to get 15% off with my lovely makeup expert Luci.

So today was very productive and i'm more than happy with all my purchases, also i can fully recommend 'and other stories...' and hopefully will be back as soon as pay day reaches my bank again! What do you think of their makeup and my blog so far guys ?

Me in and other stories... cosmetics, feeling very pleased with my purchases...wearing my famous red coat from Zara.

Muchos love Liv xxxx

     The first ever post.

After contemplating creating a fashion blog, the new year has pushed me into being that little more courageous and finally i'm making real use of my laptop...

I'm a 19 year old student from Lancashire but recently moved down to London to focus on creating that fashion career i have always dreamed of. I'm very fortunate to be studying at London College of Fashion doing Fashion Design and Marketing... and so far i have loved every minute minus those stressful deadlines! The past 4 months have been such a whirlwind, so much has happened in so little time but i guess thats just London for you. I have been grateful to have met some of the most amazing people within my halls and the people of this crazy city...i have to confess that NOT all Londoners are rude. 

I thought theres no better way to show my adventures and purchases through my very own fashion blog!! I will be blogging about makeup, my own buys and the surprises of the fashion world!! It will be great to hear feedback and your comments on all my posts and hopefully meet some interesting bloggers through this blogging journey hehe!! Thanks guys.

Mucho love Liv xxx