can't let go of africa...

i wasn't supposed to fall in love with it but i did... just 2 weeks in africa and i totally fell for the place. travel spirit re-ignited, another continent has been added to my wish-list...

hello Hobbs...

Oh what a difference a year makes... Topshop was fun, hard-work but fun. There was always a manic air about the job, always a new task to be added to the list, never enough time to complete everything. I completely understand why some people thrive at Topshop and never leave but I also always knew that it wasn't for me forever.

Out of the blue in February I then got the chance to jump ship. Within 1 week, I went from feeling settled at Topshop, looking 6-8 months down the line for a realistic opportunity to progress internally to having handed in my 4-week notice after accepting an AM role at Hobbs.

And what a great change that is turning out to be! The working environment at Hobbs is calmer, details matter, perfectionism isn't regarded as a negative characteristic and I am very much liking being back in the arms of the same system that Ted Baker used (who would have thought it was possible to miss CIMS?!)

So casual trousers have been replaced by footwear & accessories - and with AW12 starting to hit down in stores, just look at some of the looovely things that will be part of my professional life in the upcoming months

from the other side of the world...

wish you were at Topshop?

18 months down the line, it was time for a change. And so, i left Ted behind for new exciting adventures elsewhere – and of all places, i ended up at Topshop! Younger, more fashionable, more fun and more me, i ♥ TS! And of course, a few favourites, including looovely knitwear:

i want these!

i got this!

bring on winter!

i ♥ Ted

months on from my last post, i have managed to score myself the LCF equivalent of a 1st (oh yes, 'pass with distinction' indeed), convince 2 heads of merchandising, a director of buying & merchandising, and a head of buying to let me do work experience at their company, and have (among many many unsuccessful CVs, cover letters and applications) managed to end up with a job!

it all sounds rather impressive when i write it down but in reality it has been a frustrating time, lots of uncertainty, long days working for free and i have missed my life in edinburgh and my independence. i have, at one point or another, doubted every decision i've made in the past 6 years (including uni). i have, however, slowly fallen in love with Ted...

i think that's what Ted Baker does to you though, i'd defy anyone not to fall for the brand, fall for the product and want to be part of that company if given the opportunity.

so naturally, here goes - my current favorite Ted offerings:

no one should live without a leather dress. fact.

HAVEA £299

cutest jersey tee. possibly ever.

GIFOL £39

Ted's daisy chain print might be the on-paper favorite but i'm firmly on Team Plumage.

SARVA £99

it's a cape! it's a duffel coat! it's the most perfect wintercoat i have ever seen! sigh, i want it...

SCHELL £189

hard-cased clutch bag - red option superior! 

CHRISIA £69

i think it's time i start saving... :)

American Vintage by American Apparel

i would buy it, wouldn't you??