TRAVEL | ARRIVING IN AMSTERDAM

Just two weeks ago, my friend and I booked a spontaneous weekend getaway to the city I had only just returned from this summer, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, sure did take my heart with summer so I couldn't wait to return.

We left Friday evening, our holdalls full to the absolute brim (never again) and touched down forty minutes later at Schipol airport.

We hopped in an Uber and headed straight to CitizenM our 'home' for the next few days.  

Our room was controlled entirely by an iPad, including the lights (to much of our amusement)! Although small, the room was delightfully cosy despite the futuristic modern feel.

Abandoning our bags, we headed straight to the SkyLounge, a bar located on the top of the Hilton hotel, where we spent the rest of our evening looking out upon the skyline of Amsterdam.

More posts coming soon in this series!

- A

THE PRINT SHIRT

Welcome back!

It's been a long time coming but I've finally got around to putting together another outfit post.

Channelling my 'inner' Harry Styles I paired this loose fitting leopard printed shirt with ripped black shorts fastened by my leather western tipped belt.

Shirt - Topshop | Shorts - MissGuided | Choker - ASOS | Belt - ASOS | Sunglasses - ASOS | Boots - Zara

For shoes I wore my trusty Zara black pointed boots and dressed the shirt with my new favourite statement choker by ASOS, which I really feel pulls the outfit together with the added embellishment.

I love the simplicity and edge this outfit brings together with the loose fitting shirt and ripped shorts, very LA. I really hope to get my paws on a few more of similar shirts for layering this A/W.

Photo Credit - Becca Payne

Thankyou for reading!

- A

POP AND SUKI LAUNCH

Today marks the long anticipated wait for the online launch of new brand, Pop and Suki; the brainchild of Suki Waterhouse and Poppy Jamie.

The range is comprised of simply accessories with their Fall 2016 line offering two styles of key handbag designs along with an array of 'add ons', including clip-on leather tassels and 'Best Friend' tags.

It is clear that personalization is a key value of their brand with the ability to customise your own purchases through printing, and the option to buy various 'add ons'. Jamie even states that their range would be customizable so that "everyone can stamp their own identity on their pieces"

What really drew me into the P&S bubble (aside from my love for Waterhouse) was the branding surrounding this line. It's clean and minimal whilst keeping a youthful, playful, kittenish edge, with key references toward the 60's. Just check out their latest promotional video! - https://www.instagram.com/popandsuki/

Not only is this brand bound for success with prices beginning at an affordable $25, but it's the girls knowledge, excitement and passion for this venture that I feel will keep it alive.

Products are avaliable for pre-order as we speak but keep your eyes peeled for the final launch of Pop and Suki this October! I cannot wait to get my hands on a personalised 'camera bag'!

- A

WORKING WITH CDC #2

For the past nine months I have been working with CDC, a firm that sells hangers to both brands and individuals.

My role at CDC is marketing assistant, which entails assisting the marketing manager with all sorts of work including, managing their social media accounts, editing photos for their website and designing promotional material to send out to clients.

Over this summer I've learnt a lot working with CDC, in particular improving my skills in terms of graphic design and literacy skills when writing up and coming blogposts for their website.

I look forward to continuing my work with CDC in the near future!

Check out their Twitter feed here:

https://twitter.com/thehangerstore

- A

PHOTO DIARY | T IN THE PARK 2016

After the lineup was released earlier this year my boyfriend and I decided to invest in two tickets to ensure that we couldn't miss out on the incredible artists performing in Scotland this June.

The festival was by far the best I've experienced yet, not only was the lineup amazing consisting of a few of my all-time favourite artists, but the atmosphere really was something special.

Unfortunately I managed to get few photos over the duration of the four days, however I captured a few really cool shots on the disposable camera I packed.

Here are my favourites below, enjoy!

- A

CO-ORDINATION

Just yesterday I returned home from my first trip to Holland, Amsterdam.

I had the best three days exploring the beautiful city and now it's safe to say that Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities yet, and I hope to return later this year.

We were blessed with beautiful weather for the last few days of our visit, so whilst out shopping in the sun I popped into one of my all time favourite stores, Monki and picked up this checkered co-ord having spotted it in and amongst the crazy, colourful visuals created in the store window.

 Top - Monki | Skirt - Monki | Sunglasses - ASOS | Trainers - Converse

I was firstly drawn in by the skirt. The unique ruffled detail was unlike anything I had seen this season in stores. Then immediately my eyes drifted to the matching boxy tee and  once having tried both pieces on I decided that I couldn't leave Monki without it.

Whilst wandering through the streets of Amsterdam I paired this
co-ord with my trusty pair of Converse, to dress down and make this outfit feel a bit playful.

- A

SUMMATIVE PROJECT #2 | REBRANDING

The final section of our fragrance summative project was to individually create a promotional plan, outlining how we would promote our brand Elise in the twelve months following the brand launch.

As this was an individual task we were encouraged to really take hold of our brands created with our groups, and demonstrate our own individual thoughts, feelings and ideas as to which direction we would like our brand to take.

One of our main criticisms given after our brand launch was that our aesthetics, in particular our logo did not correlate with our brand values. Taking this into consideration, I decided to redesign our logo, and rethink our visuals for Elise.

ORIGINAL

Double Page Advertisement

To redesign our logo and promotional material I got in contact with graphic designer Lauren Coelho.

When speaking with her I explained the exact direction I wanted to take:

1. A far more minimalistic and slightly clinical approach to highlight
2. To still incorporate a woman into the visuals to fit with our brand name and values, however make this figure anonymous and neutral, in contrast to our previous advertisement of a white blonde female
3. Use the same colour palette of dusky pinks, black, grey, white and nudes
4. Create a feminine aesthetic but without it being too 'sickly sweet'

This was the result.

REDESIGNED

Overall I was thoroughly pleased with the final designs and felt that they reflected our brand far better than before.

Thanks again to Lauren Coelho for helping me out! Check out Coelho Designs here: https://www.instagram.com/coelho.designs/

- A