Its been a while

Hello everyone. If there was a award for the worst updated blog, I would be at the top of the leader board for receiving the prize. When I step out of my university bubble and into my little country life I seem to loose all motivation.

Time to forgive and forget though. I can't believe Christmas have been and gone. So much has changed since last year. Some things I expected and others, not so much. Christmas and new year is the time for celebrations but also time to look over the past year remembering the good and the bad times, to then to looking forwards to another, probably very interesting, New Year and what that has to offer.

This Christmas I was a very lucking lady (Like every other year) and received a great camera (Canon EOS 1200D) from my lovely mum. I have so many exiting things coming up in 2016, first of all going to New York City which I am beyond exited for, so expect some great photos and probably to many of them. It might be trial and error with it to start with but i'm exited to document my travels and findings. It shall be glued to my hip at all times. Hopefully you will start to notice the quality of my pictures, in my posts, to be a lot better quality. 

Unfortunately there are some people across the country who haven't had the Christmas they were wishing for due to dramatically flooding. My home time, Carlisle, where I grow up was dramatically effected and one of the first places that was hit by the floods but now it has effected many other big cities like Manchester and Leeds. My thoughts go out to the people that are effected as it is such a terrible thing, especially around this time of year.

Expect many more blog posts to be coming as I am much more organised, she says, now and I have a amazing project coming up with university which I shall be featuring very soon on my blog and also many many blog posts of my travels in New York.

Hope you are all well,

Plain Jayne x

Fast Fashion

The world of fashion is seen by most people as a glamorous industry. Empowered by women and men dressing the world. Behind the scene of the industry it is a very different story. One that is very upsetting and anything but glamorous for the people working within it. 

Every week, we are present with a fashion film, something which gives us a closer look at the industry as fashion communicator and promotion students. A couple of weeks ago we were presentation with the documentary 'The True cost'. I personally had never heard of it before and didn't know what it entailed but as soon as it began it became very clear and I have to say, it wasn't something I would choose to watch again. 

The documentary may not have been very appealing to watch but it was the reality of what some people are going through in the world who work within the fashion industry. It presents the industry from a different angle to how we know it and talks about what we wear, the people who make the clothing and the impact it has on them and the world. 

It may not to be everyones knowledge but the price of clothing has been decreasing dramatically but man and environment costs have been growing. How does that work, right? The documentary shows the truth and horror of what people are living and working in to make our clothes giving us the fast fashion chain.

The film covers the lives which have been lost because of the working conditions. It featured the 2013 Bangladesh disaster of the ran plaza factory collapsing which lead to 1,000 and more workers being killed. Before the horrific disaster the workers of the factory had complained about the conditions they were working in to management, as they could all witness the cracks in the walls. Yet nothing was done about it. 

Not just does the documentary talk about the lives that have been lost from people that work within the industry but also how it has and is effecting peoples lives that are still working within the industry. Some workers have had to send their children away as it could cause them harm. Some work within polluted areas which are full of pesticides and chemicals which has caused a increase in cancer and birth defects like damage to workers skin. 

This documentary has changed the way in which I look at the industry. As the next generation of people stepping into the industry as fashion communicators and promotors. It will be our responsibility to help change this awful thing that is happening to people, to make this chain of production we have created.

Even with the knowledge of the 2013 Bangladesh disaster, most people still aren't aware of the problems and if they are, they choose to ignore them. Which needs to stop. 

Think about the clothes you are wearing now. Where do you think they came from? 

Plain Jayne x

Is fashion having a effect on our health?

When the fashion industry is brought into conversation there is always a discussion about body image and the affect fashion has upon us.

As Australia's, former editor, Kristie Clements says 'it cannot be denied that visually clothes fall better on a slimmer frame - but there is slim and there is scary skinny..' 

Is the fashion industry making us sick and having a dramatic effect on our health? This is the big question. studies have shown that;

 90% of British women feel body image anxiety. 

Eating disorders have doubled over the past 15 years.

50% of girls smoke to suppress their appetite. 

rates of depression in women has doubled between 2000 and 2010.

The fashion industry has been absorbed by thinner models. The 'paris thin' look consumed the nineties super models which lead to designers producing smaller and smaller sample sizers leading to the catwalk only seeing 'size zero' models and clothes. 

There is now starting to become a new move. A new move for more 'plus size' models appearing for marketing and within campaigns. There is now a gap in the market for plus size models as there is a grow and demand for them.

There are many high profile 'plus models' now for example Robyn Lawley, Candice Huffine and Katya Zharkova. Katya Zharkova is the first plus model to appear in cosmopolitan Russia and has worked with labels like forever 21 and silver Jeans.

Although this move for plus models is happening now, it was only a few years ago that it wasn't having such a big affect. In 2012 vogue published a front cover featuring Adele when, until now, she was at the hight of her fame. Vogue editor, Alexander Shulman, later revealed it was one of the worst selling issues of all times and that the popularity of adele did not translate into the fashion industry. 

Now is this new move happening for plus size models? 

Models aren't as skinny now as they were in the nineties and models like Katya Zharkova are displaying there figures with pride, with a healthy lifestyle but without the pressure to obey society's beauty standards and I personal think she looks amazing.

For a person that has personally struggled with weight and body issues, I understand the pressure we under living under the fashion industry and all I can is what are we going to do to change it. 

Do you think the industry is changing or is it changing us?

Plain Jayne x

Outfit: Key Trends

Outfit: Coat-Zara; Skirt-Toshop; Top; Zara; Knee high boots-Daisy street via ASOS 

Outfit posts were something I used to feature a lot when I first started blogging, I seem to have come away from that. What I love to blog about the most is my outfits. Outfits are something that I enjoy writing and reading about the most, so I thought it was time to feature another on my blog.

This little outfit is very winter ready and appropriate. Knee high boots are definitely a key trend for Autumn/Winter 2015. I feel like knee high boots have a bad reputation surrounding them and some people associate them with bad sexual natures. I personally think they are great if styled in the right way and people should have more of a open mind about them. 

Military style is also a key trend for Autumn/Winter, especially this season. This jacket from Zara is perfect. The jacket is slightly different featuring the navy colour, instead of a typical khaki green, but still being very military inspired with the tailored look and buttoned paneling. 

I decided to wear it open to keep it more causal. I wanted my main feature of the outfit to be on the boots and the jacket so I kept it casual with a tennis inspired skirt and a standard striped top with a turtle neck, which is also a big key style this season. 

Hope you enjoyed this old style post,

Plain Jayne x

Cosy winters

Tomorrow is the first of December. The official start to Winter and the start of the count down to Christmas.  God how this year has flown by. 

When it comes to this time of year most people spend much more time inside. Keeping warm and cosy. Watching movies, drinking hot drinks and relaxing when ever they can. Most people are tired to, as it is coming to the end of the long (yet very fast) year. 

My room at university has been lacking that cosy factor so I have been redecorating. Adding accessories that are cosy and comforting for them cold winter days.

The first thing a lot of people think of when it comes to making a place feel more like home is candles. Unfortunately I am not allowed them in my university halls but I found these cute, battery operated ones in ASDA and they are actually pretty great! Granted they don't give a smell but they do flicker like candles and do make the place feel more cosy.

Moving on from candles I always think, darker tones and colours with lights, are a great way of giving a homely feeling. 

One of my favourite things in my room is this Star light from Primark. Stars have a bit of sentimental factor to me so I had to have one in my room. It doesn't give much light but it is very eye catching in a room. Plus it is battery operated so you don't need to worry to much about wires and where you are going to place it. 

I recently bought this lantern from Wilkinson's which I'm in love with. I think anything that is a rich copper or dark bronze colour makes any room feel cosy. For pieces that are so inexpensive, it has really made my room feel more like home and a perfect environment for winter days when I just want to sit, blog, do some work or just watch movies all day. 

Hope you enjoyed,

Plain Jayne x

Cosmetic Warrior

Instagram

Since coming to university I have found my skin has been misbehaving. Some people may find this topic a bit TMI to talk about but I have had my far share of pimples, spots and black heads over the past few months. I can't work out if it is just stress, the new city, different water or if my i'm just going through a bad skin time.

I decided I would try Lush's 'Cosmetic Warrior' face mask which is aimed for troublesome skin. On the Lush website it is described as 'A gentle and balancing fresh face mask with antibacterial tea tree and fresh garlic working together to cleanse.' Containing fresh green grapes which help to clean the skin whilst cooling it. Also containing free range eggs to tighten it texture and antimicrobial honey which leaves the skin sot and moisturised. 

I do find it difficult to find products which are good for my skin and help clean my skin but I will hands down recommend this to anyone who has bad skin or is having a bad break out because it has done wonders for mine. I have found my skin to feel so soft after use but after a day or two it looks so much cleaner and my break outs have just about gone.

I have been using this face mask once a week for the past three weeks and I have to say I have noticed the difference in my skin. It just seems so much brighter and much cleaner. Using a face mask makes you feel so relaxed and pampered, especially after a stressful week. What girl doesn't need that every once and a while, right?

Have you tried Cosmetic Warrior?
Plain Jayne x

Nottingham

Before coming to university I was the girl who had never been to Nottingham before. Never been to a open day here. Never looked around the university or have a clue where anything was. Oddly enough it still felt right to come to this city and start my fashion degree which will lead me into my future. 

I've been at uni for about six weeks now? and I have to say I have fallen in love with the city, not just the university and the course.

(Trinity square)

(NTU building)

(walk down to trinity square)

I think its the beautiful old buildings I love. When you walk around everyone around you looks so lovely. I could literally walk for hours just looking at all the architecture and the place I now call home. Especially since it  is so different to what I am used to back in Cumbria.

Have you ever been to Nottingham?
Plain Jayne x

Inspiration

Having inspiration can sometimes be difficult. If your tired. Feeling a little low or just can't be bothered, having inspiration can be really difficult, especially when you know you have work to do.

If you have read my blog before, you will know that I am now at university. I have been looking for ways to make my room more personal, which I have now been working on through my wall. It now contains pictures of my family, dogs, friends and all the memories that come with them. My schedule of the week and inspiration and motivating postcards/cards. Which is so much better then a blank wall, right?

(post cards for paper chase)

Sometimes finding inspiration to do a blog post or do my work can be challenging. I easily get  distracted or just don't find it a easy task to put my mind onto work. Having things like this on my wall helps me be more engaged and do tasks that I actually love to do. 

I do find sometimes I feel myself giving up. 'I can do this' 'I'm not very good at this' 'Theirs is better than mine so why bother' but these things remind me, we are all individual. 

We all do and take things differently. We all take different paths in life, so remember to 'believe in yourself' 'smile' and know that you have to take your own course in life. Take everything as it comes and grab any opportunity that you can. 

Plain Jayne x 

McQueen and I

McQueen and I. A documentary following the foot steps of the brand and designer Alexander McQueen. This documentary is slightly darker then the film 'Dior and I', although with similar names. These two brands and designers are very different and this documentary talks about Alexander McQueen, or Lee Alexander McQueen, as a story not just based on a collection. 

Alexander McQueen is, personally, one of my favourite designers. Through him being so creative and the stories he told through his collections. It amazed me and never failed to grab your attention. Although he got a lot of bad comments and drama the film, thankfully, focuses on him and the amazing things he did.

The 'I' in the film comes come the relationship between him, his muse and the lady who discovered him and his talent, Isabella Blow. The documentary shows his discovery as a student from Isabella  Blow buying his first collection while he was a student. It then follows them and his rise to success. 

Although this pair seemed like a match made in heaven, the film leads to show his rising success followed by her down fall within the fashion industry. Also showing relationship curdling, which sadly then lead to the pairs down fall.

Alexander McQueen made over 20 collections in his time. Although at the beginning he may not have had thousands of pounds to spend on shows and collections, they were always beautifully innovative. Showed stories which weren't being seen anywhere else. His work was so well crafted for example when he turned Kate Moss into a hologram. A show where he used a big mirror box as the catwalk. The feeling being showed that the models were trapped and like animals. Also before the show started he made editors look at their own reflection for over Two hours. Two hours!

A list of all the amazing creations and designs would take up a post in its self but I promise you will not be disappointed on the insight of his beautiful designer but also the sadness that comes with the story, from the people that knew the pair best. 

Plain Jayne x

Dior & I

Dior and I. A film created by the french filmmaker Frederic Tchang. The film is the inside view of Raf Simons first couture collection (autumn-winter 2012) for Christian Dior which was to be created within 8 weeks.

The film takes the behind the senses looks and shoots of Raf Simons collection which had a new artistic direction. The film also takes its inspiration and name from Christian Dior's 1956 autobiography. It features a narrative voice-over of Christian Dior himself who expresses feelings and emotions that he felt while he was creating his collections which you then see Raf expressing through his. 

We see Simons on the very first day at Christian Dior where he was introduced to the inside of the house and meeting all of the atelier staff. We see through the film that Simons is a very visual worker creating many mood boards to create the collection, which was also expressed by his right-hand man, Pieter Mulier, who worked very close behind him through the process of the collection. 

Simons had to prove himself as he had never worked with haute couture, so there was a big challenge factor in the process.Raf is seen in the movie to be shy, especially with the filming of himself, but he also showed great focus and being very calm throughout. 

Tchang spoke ''I felt a very strong connection with rat's story, our journeys were similar. Emotionally I was in a very similar place: exited, scared, overwhelmed. After two months, I felt like i had made that collection with them''.

If you are a lover of Christian Dior or fashion I recommend this film highly. Do not to be out off by the subtitles. It is a fantastic insider, seeing the world of design followed by the end creation. Throughout also meeting the roles and characters of people who build and take part in the collection. 

(First look of the collection) 

(Ralf looking at mood boards)

(First piece of the collection)

Very much loved film,

Plain Jayne x

Velvet

Autumn and Winter is my favourite time of the year for clothing. Big coats, jumpers, cosy tights, boots and everything else that comes with winter. I love the variation of textures to that are brought into the clothing and my personal favourite is velvet. 

I know a few people who aren't very fond of velvet and the texture of it but I love it. Velvet is a fabric that always looks and feels very luxurious. Plus is always very cosy. 

Instagram

I Found these little shorts from Topshop the other day and fall in love. I'd much rather wear a pair of shorts then a skirt, especially in winter and these are my new favourites.

They fit like a glove and remind me slightly of a Christmas tree (Yes I mentioned Christmas). They are also very versatile as they are perfect for a night out with a pair of heels and a crop top or for a day look, paired with a graphic t-shirt, denim jacket, tights and boots. I have just ordered a few other things that are velvet that you may see be blogging about very soon.

Hope you enjoyed,

Plain Jayne x

Freshly Baked Cookies

Instagram 

Freshly baked cookies can warm anyones stomach and heart. I am not much of a baker, especially after my GSCE'S, from trying to perfect a perfect Victoria sponge but no one can deny freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. 

This week as been a little chaotic to say the least. I came home from uni unexpectedly due to my mum being taken ill over the weekend. Living a million miles away proved very difficult and I couldn't stand being so far away knowing she was so ill so I jumped on a train home. 

If theres ever a time to bake cookies its definitely now. I think sometimes we take loved ones for granted. We sometimes forget or don't see how much they mean to us, how much they do for us and it takes something like this, especially when your away, to realise how much they mean to us and the thought of something going wrong or bad happening. 

I've never taken my mum for granted. She's always been my best friend and the person I trust the most. I've always been around when things have happened in the past so when something so unexpectedly happened it was a shock to me and makes you think everything and anything. 

Thankfully doctors have found what is wrong and she is very slowly getting better. I took the day off today running around to complete my university work that I have been neglecting. I decided the only thing needed to help my day was the smell of freshly baked cookies and eating most of them (thats right) with as many cups of tea I can take (which I did). 

Plain Jayne x

Winter Boots

Instagram

Winter boots are something I am guilty for wearing all year around. I am always on the hunter for a good pair that I love. I needed a new pair recently as mine were looking very battered and bruised. 

I also thought it was about time I got a more flat pair as I felt a little silly running to lectures wearing heeled boots when everyone else is wearing trainers or flats. 

I was in Primark, of all the places, the other day picking up some new tights (with didn't have holes in) and decided to go have a quick look in the shoe department. Shoes are something in primark that If I find the right fit and pair, I love and these little boots were no exception. 

They remind me of a similar pair I was going to buy a couple of weeks ago from urban outfitters apart from these were only £13? yup, don't mind if I do! 

A chunky chelsea boot are always on my radar and these are also faux suede which are just perfect. Well done Primark! 

Hope you enjoyed

Plain Jayne x

Exploring Pintrest

When it comes to social medias am pretty useless. I only recently got Instagram (Which I am now addicted to) and apart from Facebook and tumblr (am working on it) thats where my lines drawn. I've never really understand or liked the concept of twitter and I've never considered getting Pinterest. That was until I walked into a lecture a couple of weeks ago and that was all it was about.

So it was time to create my Pinterest. At the time I wasn't to thrilled about the idea of having Pinterest. I think I'd just never fully understood it. The concept and what to actually do on it. As part of my course though we had to develop our own Pinterest as it can be one of the first parts of creating a professional profile. woo?

I think that the lecture was about two weeks ago and I am now 100% addicted. Why I never wanted to scroll through millions of amazing editorials, photography, fashion and beauty before, I will never know. In a way it is like tumblr but I like you can pin and create amazing personal boards and have them all displayed in one place. Although I do love tumblr I find the pictures on Pinterest aren't as hipster and more creative.

I also find it a better way to explore different fashion and different cultures. Plus you can explore different trends, past trends and maybe even trend forecasting.

Have you got Pinterest?
Plain Jayne x

A take on a classic

I haven't done a post involving fashion or a outfit for what feels like forever, so I thought it was about I did one.

The other day after a successful job interview I read my emails to find toyshop had a sale. Immediately my eyes lit up and I ran. Literally.

 I've been pretty good lately at buying clothing from other stores that aren't toyshop. If you read my blog when I first started you will have seen that everything I wore or talked about was all and everything topshop. Now as you will see in upcoming blogposts I am a changed women but I do also love the occasional spend in there. Especially when theres a sale, of course.

To be honest I wasn't that impressed but I did find the most adorable shoes which just couldn't not come home with me. They remind me of a take on the doc martins 1461 classic matte flat shoes but were only £25. mmmmm yes please?!

Doc martins are on my christmas list but for now these are a perfect dupe and I am in love. I said to one of my flat mates when I bought them I might not wear them that much but now I have them, they haven't left my feet and makes me even more exited to get my first pair of docs. 

Hope you enjoyed
Plain Jayne x

And relax..

Instagram 

Recently i've heard a lot of people talking about adult colouring books. A colouring book is normally meant for a child of course but now colouring is seen as a very theraputic and relaxing thing to do for a adult. Now when you go into stores and book shops you can always see and find one from many different authors.

When I was home for the weekend I took a trip to asda because I don't have one near where I live anymore and it can be a lot cheaper sometimes. I went into the book section to see if there was any nice cook books but came across the Johanna Basford 'Enchanted Forest' book and it was only £6, which is the cheapest i've seen it in any store as there normally retailed for about £10, so I grab it while I had the chance. 

I've seen many books that are meant to help with the relief of stress and anxiety as they are so relaxing and I have to say after having this book, I totally agree. I love just sitting on a night colouring in, especially if am not feeling my best, as it just makes me so chilled and relaxed. I have felt the benefit and now totally understand the hype around what i thought was a joke of a 'adult colouring book'.

I would recommend these to anyone who is feeling stressed, anxious, a little run down and just need to relax (It also makes you quite sleepy as well which is a bonus). I will probably just be sitting in my own little world colouring alway like a child again. 

Have you got bought into the trend of these adult colouring books?

Plain Jayne x

Weekend at home

This weekend I decided to come home for the weekend. A few of my flatmates were going home and others had friends and family coming up so I decided to come home for the first time (Although its only been two weeks).

I was pretty nervous about going home. How different would it feel. Would I love it being back, would it maybe make me not want to come back or even then, hating it back in cumbria. I have to say its been a bit of both. I still love my home but its made me love university even more and where I live. 

When I was at home I kept on referring to nottingham as my home rather then Cumbria (which I did get some funny looks for I won't lie) 

I've always known cumbria wasn't the most exiting of places but once you experience that new exiting city I swear it becomes even worse. I loved seeing my friends and family of course but the place did nothing for me anymore. 

When I say I am from cumbria people always say 'awww you must love it there, so much to do' but my answer is normally more not really. If your a person who loves adventure then yeah sure but for me I love different cultures, fashion, beauty and a city life style, which you just don't get in a place like cumbria. Not at my age anyways.

I am now back in the city Nottingham. Back into my lectures (Today we were working on Pinterest and creating professional boards, how cool!)

Hope you enjoyed
Plain Jayne x

Adjusting

Adjusting to university life is a something else that you'll have never experience before and never again. Moving out and away from your home. Moving to totally new city. New places to explore. New People and new friends. Missing home but moving on to.

(Instagram) 

I thought I'd find moving away from my little home town really hard. I'd never been to the city before (ooppss). Never done anything to do with fashion apart from my blog. I have 'adjusted' though and its safe to say I love it.

It is something very new for me and very different but I love it. I mean what girl wouldn't love having ever shop and amazing food places on her doorstop, including amazing vintage shops, great flatmates and and a perfect city just waiting to be explored. ohh and obviously a great course to go along side it, one of my first lectures was all about Pinterest (yes please). 

I won't lie I have been a little home sick at times. Missing my friends and family back home but if you keep in contact with them all the time its not so bad and Nottingham is now becoming my very loved home. 

Are you are university? 

Plain Jayne x 

Pre arrival activity FCP.

So as some of you many know I recently moved to university. Left my little home in Cumbria and moved my life away to Nottingham to start as a fashion communication and promotion student.

Before moving to university and starting my course we were asked to do a prearrival activity. As you can imagine, I was terrified and didn't know what the hell I was doing. I have to admit I did put off doing it but once I got my head around it and I went to my first FCP lecture I realised that it was all just your own interpretations on the topics and it was nothing to worry about. 

Our task was; 

To identify examples of what you feel are some of the best fashion communication and promotion at the moment or that has been. 

Find three examples of -

Digital examples - Blogs, Websites, twitter feeds, online marketing.

Printed examples - Magazines, brochures, look books and flyers. 

Retail examples - shop windows, visual merchandising, shop interior. 

My examples: 

Digital examples; 

Wonderful you, Beautycrush; Asos instagram

Retail examples:

Kate spade; H&m; Topshop 

Printed examples: 

Vogue, Look, Asos magazine

These were my examples and what I came up with. Everyone in the class interpreted the task differently. Some people just brought images and explained them, Some placed them on there blogs, some on paper written, others on the computer. There was no right or wrong answer and I loved seeing what other people had created and came up with. 

Hope you enjoyed 

Plain Jayne x 

Walk of shame

Instagram

I could literally stare at Charlotte Tilbury make up forever. Of course the make up is designed by the goddess of all things make up, Charlotte Tilbury herself, so you know the product is going to be amazing but the packaging is beautiful as you can see. 

I've picked up a few of the Charlotte Tilbury make up products over the last year or so but for me it is definitely a luxury buy and a real treat. I've only ever bought the eye products before like the palettes and colour chameleons. Apart from the film star glow palette, which I am yet to get my hands on, I always see people talking about the matte revolution lipsticks and they were on my next to buy list. 

As the name tells you, these are a matte lipstick which is perfect since we are now in autumn and coming up to winter. These lipsticks aren't a drying matte though, they are still very comfortable on the lips. The shape of the lipstick is very different compared to any other I have but I love it as it makes it so easy to apply. 

The colour is a gorgeous berry toned rose, which are some of my favourite kind of shades. I am in love with the name too, Walk of shame, even though in other terms could maybe be seen as a bad thing haha

Hope you enjoyed

Have you tired any of the matte revolution lipsticks? 

Plain Jayne x

I can't sleep

Instagram 

When its 5am and I can't sleep, bringing the laptop out and writing blog posts seems the be the way forward. I suppose it doesn't matter what time they get written at as long as they aren't terrible. I might even find my writing is better when my brain should actually be sleeping haha.

I was frustrating myself not being able to get to sleep this morning as I felt so exhausted and was having one of them 'why body? just why' kinda moments. Once I realised there was no hope in getting back to sleep I took to the internet and looked at reasons for not being able to sleep, as it seems to be happening at lot recently. 

I first thing that came up and kept being repeated was stress. Are you under a lot of stress? are you worrying about anything? do you have any anxiety feelings? which sort of rung alarm bells when I thought about it and plus nothing else made a lot of sense. There are other reasons though like a medication you are taking could keep you up; Traumatic experience; Health problems; the environment your sleeping in and may other things.

Although I haven't felt to stressed recently or felt my anxiety being to bad or not had to much to be worried about, it is something that is always in the back of my mind and maybe has been there I just haven't felt it as much. I am a very anxious person and I seem to worry about everything and nothing at all. 

I suppose there has been worry and stress over sorting everything out to go to university (which am still no where near sorted for), my mum has been away leaving me on my own which always makes me slightly anxious. Work worry. Anxious about leaving home and even the though of 'is university even right for me? am I ready? this that where I wanna be, a million miles away from home?' and then probably even stupid teenager worriers that I don't even know what they are haha. 

None the less they are more subconscious worries but there then and when asleep they are brought to the surface and my brain seems to go into over drive thinking and then over thinking about everything and anything. It has just started to rain though (Typical Cumbria) and I can hear the rain shower on the roof top, as my room is in the attic, which Is one of my favourite sounds and I could listen to all day. 

I suppose its a blessing and curse not being able to sleep but sometimes its good to think and theres something about the silence, knowing that everyone is asleep, very peaceful especially with the sound of rain drops. 

Are you having difficulty sleeping to?

Plain Jayne x

Twig

Another Mac lipstick post. Yes I am a addict. 

My mum recently went on holiday to Turkey and she flew from Glasgow airport which has a Mac make up counter in the duty free part so of course I sent her with a list of lipsticks that I have been after and see which one see returned with. It was only fair since there was money off with duty free and she went on holiday without me haha.

I have been admiring this mac lipstick, in the shade twig, for ages now. It is just the most typical 'me' kinda colour that I just love! It is a satin finish which means it is a semi-matte finish which isn't completely matte. It is still very rich is colour but still slightly conditioning to the lips, which I really like. 

The colour is so beautiful. It is a brownish-pink shade which is great if you want a slightly brown lip but you aren't feeling brave enough for that. Its a very old school lipstick colour which are my favourite colours at the moment and the finish of it is perfect.

As normal another mac lipstick that I love and don't think will be leaving my lips or bag for a good few weeks haha.

Hope you enjoyed

Plain Jayne x

National Dog Day

Instagram

I couldn't believe that I didn't realise until this afternoon that today is national dog day. I have three dogs, Maddie, Alfie and Lilly. They still manage to keep me on my toes.

 Lilly, in the picture above, she is the youngest and my little puppy. She is a Jackawawa which is a cross between a Jack russell and chihuahua.

For anyone that doesn't have a dog, It may not be understood the love a owner has for their dog and also the understanding of the term 'a mans best friend' until you have one yourself. Once they are yours, you are their owner, there to look after them, care for them and give them the love they deserve. Although mine are little monsters at times I couldn't be without them and am sure other dog owners will know the feeling. National dog day is the first holiday which is for everyone to celebrate and to show love for dogs and everything they do for us. 

Am dreading the thought of leaving the three of them when I go to university so, am making the most of seeing them everyday while I can. There will probably be tears involved when it comes to leaving haha.

Did you know it was national dog day?

Plain Jayne x

A twist on a classic

(Instagram) 

Can we just take a little moment to stare at these for a moment. yup, am done.

When it comes to fashion, shoes are the one thing I never ever buy, especially trainers. I've never thought they were really my style or that I could pull them off but recently I've been admiring loads of people wearing trainers like Converse, Vans and Stan Smiths and really been liking the way they look. 

Like my last post if someone had told me i'd be buying a pair of converse I probably would have laughed but I've been eyeing up the new Converse chuck taylor II since I saw them and when my mum took a trip over to the metro centre a couple of days ago, I think I screamed a little inside and begged her to buy them (I'd pay her back obviously haha).

These are a slight twist on the normal Converse. They have more cushioning and padding then the traditional pair, also with a non-slip tongue adding even more comfort. I can agree on the comfort to. I bought mine in a size three, I would normally buy a size four in shoes but last time I tried a pair on they were massive so I bought a three. They are a tiny bit tight but am breaking them in and there slowly getting looser.

I can definitely say I am a Converse convert (thats a mouthful) and I have my eye on another pair of trainers as I write this, ooppss. These new chuck taylors are my love though and definetly worth the added money then the traditional Converse. They feel more expensive and better quality, which in my eyes is a bonus.

what do you think of the new Taylors? old or new?

Hope you enjoyed,
Plain Jayne x

Outfit: A few of my favourite things

(Again ignore the paper from the water leak ahah)

(Jeans, Top, Belt, Boots; All ASOS  Waistcoat; Wallis)

Chunky boots; A good crop top; Mostly black outfit; mom Jeans and a little waist coat. Throw it all together in one and well, its pretty much heaven in my eyes (I need the heart eyes emoji right now).

If you'd told me a couple of years ago I'd be living in a pair of jeans, never mind the fact they are a mom style, I probably would have had a good laugh and asked for your next joke. I never used to even own a pair of jeans never mind a more baggy style but now I am a changed lady and can't seem to take this pair off. Seriously,  you'd think someone had superglued them to my legs haha. 

I think a couple of blog posts ago I shared my new love for ASOS. Again something that I probably wouldn't have taken a interest in a couple of years ago but now I don't think theres a day goes by that I don't spend at least five minutes on there (which then turns into about fifty haha). These jeans are so comfy and cute. They are a perfect wash of a blue denim, not being to dark but not being to light.

I've been trying to accessories a little more recently as well, so the belt adds a little edgy twist. I don't think I need to say to much about the crop top apart from the fact its black, its a turtle neck and it has long sleeves (Yes please). Another waist coat I've added to my collection to (I now have three, its getting out of hand haha) and I this one adds a lovely clean look to the outfit and again a more tailored style.

As you can tell am in love with this outfit! hope you enjoyed,

Plain Jayne x

Outfit: Baggy Tailored Style

(Ignore the newspaper on the floor that's just from a leak we had from all the rain haha)

Outfit: Waistcoat;Wallis  Jumper; Topshop  Dress; Zara  Shoes; Asos

Lately my style has been changing all the time but I will always go back to a look that is really cosy and slightly tailored. I love this outfit. It is so simple and cosy but because of the tailored waistcoat it adds a slight dressy look but still being very casual and cute. 

For me, stripes are a very safe bet which add something to a outfit, without you having to do anything at all. Plus it always adds a Parisian twist to a outfit which I'll never complain about haha. I love a good baggy jumper but sometimes its hard to make them look nice on a day to day bases but by putting it over a dress or a skirt I find dresses them up and can make one look more feminine. 

A chunky pair of boots are normally always attached to my little feet for height and a edgy look. Add some jewellery (which I forgot to do in this photo), a cute bag and your pretty much good to go for the day ahead.

Hope you enjoyed,
Plain Jayne x 

Road trip

Whenever your feeling a little stressed or maybe just not completely yourself a day with your favourite girls doing something a little different or something you love, to put a smile on your face, is also the best cure.

A couple of days ago I went on a little road trip to Edinburgh zoo with two of my favourite girlies to do just this. The trip included seeing the penguins, which are my favourite animals, so it couldn't help but to put a smile on my face! 

Outfit: ASOS boots; Topshop black shorts; Topshop blue shirt; Black Topman bandana (Although I did take this out after a while haha) 

We had such a lovely day seeing all the animals and running around like children again for the day. I can't remember the last time I went to the zoo and i've never been to the Edinburgh one before so it was a nice change and a change from being a, well I suppose, a grown up for the day.

I mean come on, who doesn't love baby meerkats, penguins running around and cute, sleepy koala bears? Trips like this before we go off to university are always ones to remember.

Hope you enjoyed this little post,

Plain Jayne x

Something New

Getting back into blogging is going to be kinda weird but am going to give it a go. I find myself writing loads of different posts about all kinds of things but then manage to delete them and tell myself I'll try again another day.

I could explain many reasons why i've been away and not been writing but I thought i'd just keep it simple and starting back with a good old Mac lipstick love post. Who doesn't love one of those? plus one of the best ways to start my 'getting back into blogging' routine. Am gonna try stick to it this time (although I always say that haha).

I recently got back from holiday. When I'm away one of the highlights of my trip is always duty free shopping! On my way home I didn't have much time but managed to spot the Mac counter, straight away running over, grabbing the lipstick I wanted and then jumping on the plane heading for home.

I don't think most people would be to suprised that I picked up the colour syrup. I've heard many people talking about this colour recently that are in love with it! Now totally understanding why, I think its perfect for spring and summer but also autumn and winter. It is a really pretty light colour, that has a slightly purple undertone but with also a hint of pink, which I love. I find purples much easier to wear, especially compared to pinks, so this is a total happy medium. 

Quick lipstick selfie before running off to work.

I really love this lipstick and although they are expensive, they are defiently some of the best on the market and there colour selection is amazing and unlike other brands! 

hope you enjoyed this back to blogging post,

Plain Jayne x