the villages go by like dreams

:: Black Velvet Dress - Missguided ::

:: Leopard Jacket - River Island ::

:: Boots - c/o Zalando ::

:: Bag - Vivienne Westwood ::

:: Necklace - c/o Ziba Collection :: 

:: Rings - London Markets and c/o Astrid & Miyu :: 

Literally just as quick as we received glorious weather, it was taken away. Good news for my 99% black wardrobe. I got this dress from work in a mad panic when I needed something for a press day - disheartened afterwards that  I had picked something so bland and simple - yet now eternally thankful. It has become my 'go-to' item, perfect  for nipping out for the day, a night out, looking formal or brilliantly grungey. I know the whole fishnet, leopard print and LBD thing is stupidly overdone and you may be yawning at your monitors as you read - but what can I say - this is what I decided to wear today!

Yesterday I went to the Panache event along with  Claire, I have decided to dedicate a post to this as it raised a good few points that I want to write about - underwear or 'grundies' as I so fondly call them have never been something I dedicated much thought to before, but suddenly I am very aware of my so called 'grundey' drawer and what it says about me really (Danger Mouse pants mixed in with barely there silk thongs anyone ?) .

I really hope you are all enjoying your long weekends and have lots of tea and scones. If you are in need of a laugh head over to my GifBoom account ( it is an app on the iPhone ) and follow me at @sara_luxe to see me & Andy laying upside down with eyes drawn on our chins. Well what else is there to do on a Saturday morning ?

mayor for me

:: I am selling this dress on eBay here ::

So as I have mentioned a few times, I will be reporting from Leeds festival this year. To try and gain a really good understanding of what people do and how people feel about festivals, I have been trying to keep on top of their social pages. There is still to be two more announcements from Leeds which I have my fingers & toes crossed for- due to me and the other half having musical tastes either side of the spectrum – it would be nice to find a few more bands that we can both watch together in mutual love.

I am still trying to get my festival packing together, I got a really cool fringed dress sent from the US the other day, it is ultimately too revealing, but layered up I think it will be perfect. I have also been selling more of my things on eBay ( see above ) to try and get a few extra pennies in the back pocket for the supplies I have hoping to take. I am a worrier, which means that condensed packing will frustrate me. So many ‘what if’s’ – I’m sure I take after my Mam in that department. If I am honest with myself, I must have pretty much everything I need, but what is it with a new venture that means you must have the newest of everything ?

As I have mentioned previously, Leeds have been looking for a ‘Mayor’ for the festival, someone who will be treated like the VIP they are and given first class treatment. The finalists have been announced – & a varied bunch it is. First impressions count and when they were asked ‘Why do you think you should be voted Mayor’, their answers pretty muched helped me on my way to voting. First up, I should say that I know that to many people, festivals are a chance to be spiritually free, let your hair down... in short get so insanely drunk you suffer for days/weeks afterwards & the most memorable part of the week was when they were sick in a strangers tent. To me, festivals are about appreciation of something that brings millions of people across the world together, a chance to laugh and sing and have an adventure whilst seeing bands and acts that you never otherwise have seen or herd of. Yes I don’t mind the odd shandy, but I won’t be getting drunk and falling asleep naked hugging a car tyre. Maybe it is just me, & maybe many of you will be knocking them back like skittles - I'm just a control freak - I don't like not being in control of my body & mind. Not that I have ever judged.

Looking at the answers of the finalists, the one’s that stood out were ‘Lee A- “Bringing Diversity to Leeds Festival’ and ‘Sarah S’ -  “I’d be an amazing mayor” – strong confident answers with no talk of parties or intoxicating ones body. Next up I looked at their musical manifesto’s – Sarah got my vote in the end. She had a similar list to what mine would be, and what I think most of the public’s would be. Maybe a little on the ‘mainstream’ side (yuck did I just say that word?!) but relatable. And what do we want in a major? One of us.

You can place your vote here guys!

Oh and take a look at my eBay!

neon crop

:: Racer Back Ribber Dress - American Apparel ::

:: Cropped Neon Shirt, Bag & Sunglasses  - Primark ::

:: Sandals - Gift ::

:: Jewellery - H&M & Wired Jewellery ::

Wearing this outfit to work caused the MD to double-take, stop and give me three compliments . I guess trying to embrace colour isn't too frightening after all. It is just too damn hot to wear black in the photo studio - I persevered for two days and then the will to be fresh & breezy got the better of me. I have had this American Apparel dress since before the Manchester store opened, I never really think about wearing it as I always thought it accentuated my pear shape, then this neon pink shirt fell into my basket whilst in Primark and two-became-one. I wanted something neon or bright, yellow would be my preferred neon but it sallows my skintone and despite my loathing of most pink shades, when I held this against my skin, it hit me that maybe my disdain was too hasty. The extended sleeves of the shirt make my shoulders appear wider which balances out my hips, & the crop accentuates my waist. So this looks to be my go-to number for Summer!

return to innocence

A few weeks ago I attended an event at the Manchester Arndale centre. In a bid to try and add more videos to SaraLuxe and improve my confidence on camera - I decided to use the medium of YouTube to talk about the event. As I am a rambler - this video also includes a haul and a life update. Three for the price of one cos everyone loves a bargin.

On a side note, I have been enjoying the sunshine through the protection of factor 30 - seriously, getting burnt isn't worth it and you cant see so much of the damage that the sun does to your skin. The time I spent at Christies ( a cancer hospital ) taught me so much - I hate to preach - but please be safe dolls.

inst-style

At work I often quickly do little random style builds whilst on a shoot and the model is in Hair and Make Up - it serves as inspiration for me, gives our customers outfits ideas and helps me try out new colours and prints together. I have started putting some of these on Instagram and they get a really good response so I thought I'd post some here. All of the items are Missguided ( hence why I do them at work ). Let me know what you think.

under my collar

:: Dress - Missguided ::

:: Shirt with collar worn under dress - vintage ::

:: Shoes - Forever 21 ::

This post will have a slight personal feel due to the fact that I only did a friggin 10K for charity at the weekend. As some who has issues with even the sight of a gym, it was a real mental and physical achievement. I ran with guys & girls from Missguided and we raised over £4000 for KidsCan which is a kids cancer charity and I did a few 'warm up jogs' using the iPhone app 'Get Running ' which might just be the sidekick I need to get fit for Summer. Chuffs on.

In other news we just move to the most amazing office at Missguided & I will post some pics tomorrow for you all to drool over ( yes it is that good - we have bowler hat lampshades for crying out loud ).

Today however, my right arse cheek is crying out in pain and I have to sit at a tilt- the perils of being an athlete.

Style Magazine

I was honored to have a double page spread in Style magazine last month - as most of the magazine coverage that I get is based around SaraLuxe and my blog it is really exhilarating to have an article focused on the career I have been working on for nearly 9 years now. Some days it feels like I am treading water and especially when you see others your age who have achieved more or who at at a higher level than you are - it can be easy to be dis-heartened. I wanted to be a Buyer for so many years and now I am a Stylist - which makes me wonder how much further I might be now if I had only realised the career choice I wanted sooner. Ironically a friend was telling me the other day who he feels at only 22 he has let the career he wants pass him by, as now he has started on the path to something else - but it is never too late to switch and do what you really want - so if this is how you feel too - then do something about it! My Mam is a dinnerlady but did a Criminal Psychology qualification at 35 - so be inspired.

Articles like this can make you stand back and see how far you have come and that it is all worth it so thankyou to the guys at Style for letting me be included in this. I wrote this answering set questions but it has been set out like an article so some of it seems random - hopefully it is still a decent read though.

let my perfume, soak into your sweater

:: Jacket - Missguided ::

:: T-shirt - YococoCamden ::

:: Shorts - Levi @ Urban Outfitters ::

:: Shoes - Forever 21 ::

After reading all your nice comments on the below post, my YouTube channel & on Twitter there is literally no wiping the smile off my face... until... Hello Monday morning - yes that should do it!

You have really inspired me to make more videos, despite the fact my camera quality sucks ass, hopefully it will do for now until I buy the lens for my new and unused camera. I can do a 'what I did this weekend', 'recent purchases', 'fav items' video or maybe just another work related one. You let me know.

Work equals a relaxed style of dress ( not that I really 'do' any other ), flats, layers, items on my lower half that don't expose my dignity when bending over - you know, the necessities .

two days of me

:: Shirt - Very.co.uk ::

:: Dress - Topshop ::

:: Shoes - Office ::

:: Rings - H&M and Wired Jewellery ::

After receiving feedback that some of you guys are interested in what I do day to day at work and how I find it all - I decided to record this, detailing two days in the life of my job, an Outfit of the Day & a little beauty catch-up.

Let me know how you find it below - Videos are still quite alien to me, to lots of 'urms' occur. Although if I compare it to my first video, it is getting better . Go me.

quick hello from me

I had literally been in the flat 5 minutes, no hair or make up retouches. Not even a quick glance in the mirror - thats real life people - very 'un-blogger' of me.

so if by the time the bar closes & you feel like falling down, i’ll carry you home

:: Coat - Missguided ::

:: Top - Topshop ::

:: Trousers - AA c/o ASOS ::

:: Socks - Primark ::

:: Shoes - c/o Kandee ::

Apologies for the lateness in posting this outfit . I have a bit of an upset with posting outfits that are not actually 'Outfits of the Day'. I never put something on , just for the photo or just because 'it was gifted and I need to shoot it'. That's my own personal mentality - not judging. However, this outfit was worn the other week but due to a project I was working on with a magazine, I couldn't post it until they published it ( more will be revealed on this at a later date ). This was an outfit for a not-so-casual Sunday - incorporating the much-overdone AA pants due to wishing to consume as much Sunday lunch as possible and still be able to breathe comfortably. The star socks were a happy mistake - I was originally opting for some plain opaque socks underneath the heels but happened upon these babies and a clash was born - rather proud of it in hindsight.

this side of life

I am always a little too wary of posting anything too personal on here - a) because, seriously who is interested in what I eat/do/buy/think in any capacity outside of my outfit choice and b) because I used to be more personal when I first started this blog & then started to wish I hadn't and pulled it back.

However, today is a new day and I thought I'd just be a little more all about me.

• Work is going well at the moment, I just styled another shoot which will be used for homepage imagery and imagery across our site and social pages. I really loved doing this latest campaign as I feel the clothing has really taken a step forward in terms of design focus- plus it is always more fun to style items that you genuinely like or feel passionate about. Above is one of my favourite shots, it makes me think of Coachella and hot tanned girls in L.A - which is fun to think about when you are pasty white and sitting in a woolen scarf surrounded by grey buildings in Manchester. There will be a few changes happening at work which can be un-nerving yet exciting. Change is inevitable and in this industry can be daunting but it is always so that the brand can evolve and achieve more - so I hope I can continue to roll with it all.
• I just seen in my Facebook feed that Leeds Festival are holding a comp to be the 'Mayor' of Leeds Fest which would be pretty god,damn cool as you get VIP Tickets or Upgrade, a slap up meal backstage with a mystery guest, transport, signed programme etc - so if that's sounds like your cup of Green Tea then have a go and let me know how you get on.
• I am now officially on holiday count down with 2 months until I will be hitting a sandy beach. Unfortunately I am flying with Jet2 and for some reason keep getting an error message when I try to add baggage. I also feel very un-feminine due to the fact that me and Andy are taking one bag between us and I will be able to fit all my things in with ease, not the cliched girl with 4 bags syndrome. I seriously never take much on a beach holiday - Thankyou Mam for teaching me the tricks of stuffing underwear in pockets and toiletries in shoes.
•  Tomorrow after work I have been invited to attend an event at the Arndale Centre - for the centre's magazine 'Inside Live' - it is a pop-up shop which will feature the current trends seen in the magazine, fashion stylists, hair stylists and giveaways . I am hoping to get a little make-up spruce there as right after it finishes I am driving through to Sheffield to take off my 'event attire' and pull on something black and oversized to hit 'Corp' - a metal/dark/plastic glass/tattooed/pierced sort of place that is perfect for a Friday night.
• Saturday see's me hitting the stands for the Sheffield Wednesday game, followed by Sunday where I am hoping to go down to SpinFest2012 which is in Spinningfields and has all sorts of live American Retro music whilst enjoying a 'hanging kebab' from The Oast House (no, seriously, they are amazing). So if you are in Manchester or Sheffield this weekend and going to any of the above, let me know and I will hopefully see you there.

jewel rhi

:: Leopard Fur - River Island ::

:: Dress - All Saints ::

:: Boots - c/o Dr Martens ::

:: Hat - H&M :: 

:: Necklace & Skull Bracelet - c/o Jewel Rhi ::

Still feeling very under the weather & therefore have a permanent cough sweet and menthol scent about me that I usually associate with Grandma's post October. Determined to shift this by the weekend where I shall be seated amongst rows of testosterone watching a Sheffield Wednesday match with a group of three males, cue dilemma - I need to be warm but the warmest outer-layer I have is a leopard fur ( see above) . Too Bet Lynch for a game usually supported in windbreakers and sports jackets ( excuse my ignorance ) ? Will my faux animal print scream 'I don't belong here' at the top of its lungs ? I have been to football games before; my local team Workington Reds, Carlisle and Manchester United but I was never so heavily ill I actually put my toothbrush in the fridge by mistake ( this morning to be precise ). Any help will be appreciated.

Loving this necklace and bracelet sent to me by Rhi who is always bobbing up on Twitter and in my comments box and whom is always so sweet and down to earth. She makes these beautiful pieces and sells them here along with other blogger hits such as spiked necklaces and cross bracelets. I love how this bracelet reminds me of my Grandparents - we used to make friendship bracelets on a Sunday - so this is the perfect nostalgia hit . I really like supporting small independent shops, as shown by my love of Dead Heroes, Smut, Temporary Secretary and Honour over Glory . There is something really satisfying about getting something not many others will have ever seen whilst also helping out a smaller business who can often offer you a more personal service. In this climate it is so hard for the small and newer businesses to survive - I think it is really important to support these.

a hippy hip hooray

:: Jacket - Missguided ::

:: Dress - River Island ::

:: Boots - Dr Martens ::

:: Rings -  Vintage, London Markets & Astrid & Miyu ::

This ill feeling has consumed much of my week and wasn't letting up this weekend either. Hense the eyewear and face on these photos - I really cant remember when I last felt this poorly. It makes me want my Mam - living alone and not having the energy to even put on your own shoes is an accident waiting to happen.  Still I managed to grip onto some culture by venturing out of my flat which is boasting every radiator on full and all windows jammed shut. The Manchester Museum is one of the places I passed every day on my way into work whilst at Uni but never went into so this weekend I figured I should go.

These are my new Dr Martens, and after putting off wearing them for over a week due to the apprehension of bloody ankles and skinless toes - I was pleasantly surprised that the leather is so thin and soft that they really wont need any breaking in at all . Plus I love that the dull flash of colour takes me one step away from my usual black safety zone.

Not usually one to highlight my pear shape with such a figure hugging outfit I decided that I should embrace the shape that my body seems to have morphed into over the past couple of years. Too much hip ? I will let you be the judge.

caught a scarf

 

:: Fishnet Top - H&M ::

:: Scarf Print Shorts - c/o Glamorous ::

:: Boat Shoes - Office ::

:: Rings - H&M and Astrid & Miyu ::

Often when I meet people, I am mistaken for a University student - not that this is at all offensive, but it does often make me question my wardrobe. When  I was a 12 or 13 I always imagined how I would look and dress at 25 - a really tailored Vivienne Westwood suit was top of my wishlist, aswell as tall platform black boots that my Mam wouldn't let me have and pencil skirts. My reality couldn't be more different - and the majority of the time I am pretty comfortable with that...

Until I take outfit photos of myself like this, and see a 18 year old girl where I should be seeing a hard-working ambitious young women in a tough industry - all sharp collars, intricate detailing and editorial worthy layering. Can you be mutton dressed as lamb in a boat shoe and scarf print ? Who the hell knows.

Currently updating my iPhone with an array of new artists after even more announcements from Leeds Festival Radio 1 and NME Stages. How was I so naive as to think that the first official line up was the only one? The Hives and Joy Formidable being the two newbies that I was most interested in, and when did Foster the People creep in there - I cant keep up. However you can see the full new line up here!

Still welcoming your suggestions for festival packing, and please please let me know if you are going as it would be cool to meet up at our generous tent for a token sausage butty or cereal bar. I have been asked by a few of you to do a Festival Packing video and I will as soon as I have done some shopping, I know what I want and it is just finding those right bits; hip riding denim shorts and band tee's just wont cut it .

p.s The Missguided guys & girls are swapping their stilettos for sneakers (...well the girls are), and putting their most fashionable foot forward to take part in the Great Manchester Run for KidsCan. I have only ever done things like this for Cancer when my Mam came out of hospital and we did it together so it will be great to do it with the team. If you would like to sponsor ( any amount ) even just £1 we would all be really grateful. You can do so here :

http://www.justgiving.com/Missguided-GMR

i dont know where i am going

:: Sequin Top - eBay ::

:: T-shirt - DeadHeroes ::

:: Boot - Dr Martens ::

With every follower, every comment and every page view I get, I realise how lucky I am to have such loyal and friendly readers. When I see the same names pop up in my comments box, post after post, week after week, it amazes me how loyal you are - how despite how sporadic my posting is, how simplistic my outfits are and how basic my blog layout it - you stay with me, talk to me on Twitter, email me.

There really is nothing I love more than finding out more about you - I love meeting new people. It is probably the best part of ever starting SaraLuxe - so please - keeping speaking to me. Give me your feedback, why you comment, why you don't, what do you want to see more/less of , do you want to see more videos, tell me one random thing about you, ask me one ridiculous thing about me. I hate the term 'followers'- because what is the fun in following someone when we can just get there together?

p.s the Winner of my Dr Martens giveaway is :

I will be in touch x

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