Diary of a Work Experience Girl; John Lewis Edition

Hello Lovelies!

I have been gone again due to an ever-piling workload from university and my own laziness.

BUT, I felt that it was time to step away from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and tell you all about my fortnight at the head offices of John Lewis HQ.

Yes, I went to the building where they think of the Christmas adverts!!

First, I want to express the importance of internships in this career field. Internships and experience are what is going to set you apart from your classmates. Get as much work experience as you can and not only will you be more employable to companies, you'll also learn a lot too!

Now let's talk about John Lewis!!

I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the building and the amazing people there - I even met Andy Street, the CEO of John Lewis (I know right?!) Everyone was so welcoming and no question was too small or too stupid - at this point I'd like to thank Leah, my boss for the two weeks, for answering every question I threw at her!

Now my place was in Fashion Communications, with four lovely ladies. Each of them were amazing to watch and I learnt so much from them, from how to speak to journalists to why it's so important to find all press coverage each week...let's just say I read a lot of magazines which I loved!

I also was relieved to find that during my time there, unlike any other work experience I have encountered, not once did they ask me draft tweets.

It felt so good!!

It made me realise that social media is not the whole of Fashion PR, no matter how current the internet may seem.

People, in cities especially, pick up a magazines or two and read the newspapers. I was astounded.

I also realised that PR cannot be done from behind a desk. I was constantly running down to buying and to the postroom to pick up and drop off samples for magazines. Fashion PR is so important and getting your brands clothes in magazines is essential for sales and promotion.

I even got to help choose what to send out - like Miranda Priestly in 'Devil Wears Prada'.

Overall my experience there was incredible and I would really love to visit again, maybe one day as an employee!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #15: Style Edit - The Glitter Dress

Hello Lovelies!

Sorry for not posting very much, I've had a lot on my plate with interning, uni work and just the overall stress of Christmas!
But I'm back now, and today's post is going to be about what to wear to that all important Christmas Party.

It seems like everyone is going to a party at some point over the holidays and the month of December is lovingly known as 'Party Season' by all fashion outlets.

So today i'm going to help you become the Belle of the Staff 'Do with help from some high street shops of course!

Going for Glitter:

I am sure all of you have seen that glitter is the go-to for all fashion magazines. So I have scoured the internet for all my favourite glittery and sparkly pieces that are guaranteed to wow at the parties!
 New Look has really outdone itself this year with it's glamorous party dress covered in metallic fabric and sequins. My favourites include this black sequin number and this silver high neck bodycon - both of these will make you the centre of attention!

H and M also are also jumping on the sequined bandwagon with their party looks this season and this dress is giving all the 80's with its flared sleeves and sexy back.

Top gave gone for a slightly different colour scheme with this bronze shimmer dress - but I totally dig it! You'd feel like a Greek Goddess in that thing!

So there's my take on the Glitter dresses of 2015 and I definitely think everyone should be purchasing one.

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #5: Clothes Show Live

Hello Lovelies!

I'm very sorry that all my blog posts are a bit jumbled! I have had to have a little rest and now working harder than ever!

So on Saturday I went to Birmingham NEC to be a blogger at Clothes Show Live, which was my first ever press accreditation!

I was so excited to see behind the scenes and to see all the great offers the Clothes Show has!

I met some very stylish girlies at the Clothes Show who had some gorgeous outfits to share with me!

Eleanor, 15, from Stroud was wearing these gorgeous tailored dungarees by Topshop and a turtle neck from H&M.

And Sarah, 24, from Bedford was wearing this beautiful dress from Dorothy Perkins. I love the colours and they complimented her skin tone wonderfully.

Thank you girls for letting me take photographs of you! I hope you both had a lovely day! 

I also got to experience the Graduate Catwalk which shows up and coming designers from UK universities. They were all very impressive and I can't wait to see them on famous catwalks one day! 

The Blogger's Bar was also a huge excitement, with lots of yummy food and lovely bloggers I made friends with! Go follow my lovely bloggers on Twitter: @cherriesbeauty and @unwrittenchloee 

Overall I had an amazing day and can't wait to do it all again next year! I will also be hosting a giveaway from some things I was given at the Clothes Show and details will be on that later on!

Thanks for reading,

Jx

Blogmas #4: A Christmas Surprise!

Hello Lovelies!

Blogmas #4! I'm impressed I got this far, I give up very easily!

Today's post has been in the works for a very long time but today's the day that I tell you what I'm going to be doing this weekend.

So at the start of May this year I applied for press accreditation at the Clothes Show Live, a huge event that happens every December near my hometown.

As some of your devoted readers will know, I went last year and had an absolute ball so I thought

'Hey, why not apply for a press pass this year?'

So I did.

Months went by and I completely forgot about the show and began to knuckle down at second year when I got an email saying my application had been approved. Safe to say I freaked out.

Yes you heard it here first...

Diary of a PR Girl is going to Clothes Show Live this weekend!!

And I'm taking you along with me via Snapchat and Twitter!

So add me on snapchat: joanna_prgirl
And follow me on Twitter: @joanna22x

So you can come behind the scenes with me at one of the biggest fashion and beauty events of the season!

Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

John Lewis Beauty/Fashion Event;

Hello Lovelies!

As you know I've started an internship with online publication 'My Liverpool Life' as a content writer/internal blogger.

Since they are pretty high up on the guest list for lots of events in Liverpool, my week has been really busy, going to lots of events and writing about them for the website - which has been so much fun!

However last night I think was the best night of all, when I was asked to go to a Fashion and Beauty Event in John Lewis Liverpool, featuring the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins and their new fashion concept 'Loved & Found'.

The Loved & Found concept presents an edited selection of existing and new brands across womenswear, beauty, homewares and technology, providing customers with an interpretation of the latest trends and lifestyle directions which are truly unique.

There are several new brands being introduced as part of Loved & Found, including Supertrash, Urban Code and accessory brands such as Skinny Dip and Dogeared Jewellery.

Now, I didn't want to be a fan girl but I love Charlotte Tilbury. And Clarins. And just clothes in general - so I jumped at the opportunity!

Charlotte Tilbury is a first for John Lewis department stores and a first for Liverpool which was very exciting for us to try out!We were also told by resident make-up artists at Charlotte Tilbury, that there are going to be exclusive treatments available for customers, include 15 minute, quick-trick, mini makeovers and many other treatments from the Menu of Services.

Prosecco in hand, I rummaged through all the products and it's safe to say I've been converted to Charlotte Tilbury - her make up just goes on so smoothly and last for the longest time!

Finally we visited the BeautyBAR by Clarins and I was amazed by the luxurious alcove they had created in such a bustling department store. Clarins new BeautyBAR is also somewhere I think I'll spend a lot of time. They have currently got eight treatments to choose from which are all unisex and tailored to your skin's needs!

As you may or may not know, I suffer badly from breakouts so a facial is definitely on the cards for me - and at £25, that's a bargain!

Yes that's me having a massage...

A panoramic view of the BeautyBAR - thanks Caroline!

I loved all the cute jewellery that is dotted around the 'Loved and Found' area - definitely a stocking filler for Christmas! They also stock SkinnyDip headphones which I love! 

I received lots of great information about the new products and even got some gorgeous freebies (thanks John Lewis and Clarins!)

Hope you enjoy these pictures, head to my Twitter and Instagram for more photos and to view the goings-on in my daily life!

I really love creating content for you guys and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

My new Style Addiction + Giveaway!

Hello Lovelies!

As you know I'm always scouring the web for great deals (student life) and I recently found a new brand that I absolutely adore! Luxemme is a clothing website based in Manchester and their clothes are to die for!

If, like me, you're a big fan of skater dresses, Luxemme is definitely the place to go and stock up! Luxemme have a real talent for taking staple items like skater dresses and adding subtle little design details to make them extra special. Go and take a look at the range, trust me you won't be disappointed by all the gorgeous dresses!

They also have some beautiful dresses and jumpsuits in store which are perfect for a night out or a glamorous evening. I can't wait to do some shopping and try everything on!

Now, on to the Giveaway...

I have teamed up with Luxemme to bring my loyal fans and subscribers some Christmas cheer this year, by giving you the opportunity to get your own £15 Christmas vouchers!

I realise that many people throughout the UK who are less fortunate than most and who struggle to give away as many gifts as they’d like to. So I thought I would help share the love and pass on this amazing offer to all of you who may be struggling this time of year!

The vouchers can be customised with the receiver’s name, and can therefore make really lovely presents, stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts.

All you have to do is follow then on social media and then follow this link to order your free Christmas vouchers today, which get posted out to you for free! Also don't forget to follow their social media accounts for more information about their exclusive offers and new clothing!

Facebook - /Luxemme
Twitter - @luxemme
Instagram - @luxemmeuk

Hopefully this will give you all the chance to put a few extra smiles on a few extra faces this Christmas, and in helping Luxemme to share these vouchers, you’d be spreading your own bit of Christmas cheer - and that's what it's all about really isn't it?!

Thanks for reading guys!

Jx 

Sexist Halloween Costumes ¦ My Opinion

Hello Lovelies!

As Halloween is tomorrow, I have decided that today's post is going to address an issue that I and many other women face around this holiday, an issue that is making it scary for all the wrong reasons.

When I think about Halloween costumes, a quote pops into my mind from Miranda in Sex and the City who said;

A quote I believe, that is as valid now as it was when the episode aired.

I recently received an article to read from the Daily Mirror, which highlighted the very limited options when it comes to store-bought Halloween costumes for females. Almost every female costume I have viewed this year has had the word 'sexy' or 'naughty' in the title (although there was one called 'slutty cave girl' which was a refreshing change...)

What I'm trying to say is that it doesn't seem to me like the people who sell these costumes are thinking about the women who don't feel the need to show their flesh or want some more options when it comes to celebrating All Hallow's Eve.

An online survey conducted by My Voucher Codes showed at 51% of women feel that Halloween costumes are offensive on gender grounds. Their researchers put together some gender-swapped Halloween costumes to show consumers the difference in female and male versions of career choices (my favourite is the police uniforms - the lad's got cracking legs!) They showed that female costumes most of the time are skimpy dresses and lack a set of trousers - even though not all women want to dress that way!

I personally believe that these sexualized outfits are going put women off buying online costumes if they don't change their ways: I don't want to be a sexy zombie - I wanna be a zombie!

I also believe that gender neutral costumes are the way forward, especially regarding costumes which are targeted in sizes that are going to fit adolescent teenagers more specifically 14-16 year olds. I don't want my sister's dressing up as sexy kittens - no thank you!

Do you agree with me? Or am I the only one who doesn't want to have a cleavage at Halloween? Leave a comment below and let me know your opinions!

Thanks for reading, 

Jx 

Take a look on My Voucher Codes here

Take a look at the Daily Mirror article here 

(Images courtesy of Google Images)

Week of Women: Autumn Essentials

Hello Lovelies!

We're almost through our segment and I am so happy with the responses I'm receiving and the milestone of 7,000 views that we reached yesterday! My next guest is blogger Danielle Greaves who is going to be telling you all about her Autumn Essentials!

Hi guys! 

I feel honoured that Joanna has chosen me to be one of the wonderful ladies which are guest blogging this week. If you don't know me I'm Danielle from daniellelgreaves.blogspot.co.uk. It took me a while to decide what to write for this post, I went from baking to life to beauty to Autumn Essentials. Autumn is my favourite season so I decided to tell you all what i think is most important this season.

Bedside

I recently purchased a new vase and some flowers from my local supermarket to bring more life to my room, and I have to admit they have. I love the colour and the brightness they bring. Another thing I love to have on my bedside table is a good book. To me there is nothing better than curling up with a good book, some candles and a favourite blanket.

Decor

Decor is also another important thing to me, I apologise for the poor picture of my fairy lights but the lighting in my room just wasn't right. However, with these love heart shaped lights and candles I think the room is just filled with warmth. The red candle is one of my latest purchases, it's a christmas candle from Next called Winter Spice which was only £5, it smells beautiful.

Fashion

One of my favourite parts of a new season is the new fashion. There's nothing I love more than being cosy in nice warm clothes and knowing that I won't be one of them girls that is freezing all day long to look beautiful. This way I can be warm and look fashionable. My new coat and boots are both from New Look.

Beauty

Berry tones and dark colours are my thing. There's nothing better than a fresh coat of nail varnish in your favourite autumnal colours and my favourite 107 Kate Moss Rimmel lipstick. Don't get me wrong I still love a classy nude, but berry tones are something special. 

Product

 My favourite product from autumn and winter is Snow Fairy from Lush, which I happened to luckily see in the window when I was shopping the other day. I'm one of them girls that loves this product and waits all year long for it to come out again. I can tell it's close to christmas when this is released.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and will take a look at my blog where I talk all about life, beauty, literature, travel and all things student.


Love,

Danielle

What I love about Autumn:

Hello Lovelies!

It's officially Autumn, and my little blog is almost a year old! Time sure flies when you're having fun!

I thought today I'd write a post about what I love about the months before Christmas season!

The colours
Browns, oranges, golds...the autumn is a brilliant season for redheads like myself - everything matches! Dark green is also making an appearance, especially at H and M at the moment and I'm loving it all.

Bonfire Night
Probably my favourite thing about the Autumn season is that night where you sit in a warm coat with a hot chocolate and watch the fireworks with your loved ones. Head to your local bonfire or be crazy and set your own fireworks off (be safe though please!)

Coffee
I am a coffee fan all year round, but Autumn is a time when a coffee might be the only thing that will get me through the early morning run to university.

Blankets
Getting cozy and watching some old movies by the fire, ah I cannot wait for it to get cold!


There's all my autumn favourites, what's yours?

Thanks for reading,


Jx

5 night out essentials:

Hello Lovelies!

Today I was browsing on the wonderful world of on line shopping, looking for my outfit for the #PRExamplesparty that I am attending at the end of August, and I started thinking about the things I need with me on big nights out. So here's a list of what I take out with me!

1.) Party feet gel cushions

You know when you go out in heels because you want to look sexy, but then end up walking down the street clutching your heels in one hand and a kebab in the other? Yeah, not as sexy. But these little gel cushions are amazing and make your feet feel amazing so you can socialise all night long! Buy them here !

2.) Tit tape

Ladies, we have all been there. You chose a dress that is all tits and so tight that you can't wear a bra. Don't worry! Stick on some body tape by Eylure and you'll stay in place and off display! Buy them here !

3.) Breath mints/ lip balm

If you're going to an event then these two are essential for keep your smile perfect and your breath smelling fresh. I'd say the best lip balms at the moment are the EOS lip sphere which you can purchase from amazon (here)

4.) Business Cards

Recently I had some business cards updated for my blog, to be handed out to potential partners and hopeful followers. These are a great thing to carry at work functions to ensure you get yourself out there. Try www.vistaprint.co.uk for some great designs!

5.) A compact mirror

This is purely for safety, to make sure your eyelashes haven't fallen off, that there's no lippy on your teeth and your hair is still where you left it. Do a quick check before walking into the function and ensure your colleagues first impression is positive and that you look flawless!

Hopefully you will all heed my advice and rock any function's you're attending will be amazing and you'll get what you wanted!

Thanks for reading,



Jx

Book review (i): The Devil wears Prada;

Hello Lovelies!

Now if you follow my Instagram you will see that I recently purchased three of Lauren Weisberger's books, 'Everyone worth knowing', 'Revenge wears Prada' and the infamous book turned movie, 'the Devil wears Prada'. Today's review starts with the latter.

This book follows the story of Andrea Sachs, a Brown graduate who is itching to get a job in magazine publishing. She ends up as an editorial assistant at the magazine 'Runway', to the most esteemed fashion mogul, Miranda Priestly. Andrea knows nothing about fashion but gets pulled into the world of designers, skinny women and all things Runway.

Miranda, of course, is not the ideal boss. She's awfully vague, spoilt and adopts a 'holier than thou' attitude throughout, and seems intent on making Andrea's life hell.

If you've watched the film, then you definitely need to read this book, to get a new perspective and relive some of those amazing fashion moments and name drops that every fashion blogger needs to know. Everything is different but still an incredible read.

I couldn't put it down and page after page, I wanted to know more about this 'she-devil' Miranda Priestly. Even though she seemed like the boss from hell, Weisberger still made me feel like that was the kind of environment I wanted to work in and I can't wait to start the next book!

After all, a million girls would kill for that job...


Thanks for reading,



Jx

How to avoid uni stress;

Hello Lovelies!

I've been thinking a lot lately about stress and how so many young adults experience it, particularly those who chose to study at university. it's a horrible time when exams are around the corner and assignments are due in, it really takes it out of you.

So, I decided to make a list of a few tips on how I avoid stress!

Here we go;

1.) Talk to someone

Don't take the stress alone. Your friends, family, significant other and your teachers are all there to help you feel better about your exams and to be honest, they've all probably felt the pressure of assignments and exams before. I like to work on plans with my other classmates, just so we understand structures and what we're actually doing. (Don't worry, we always pull through!)

2.) Relax!

I know I know, easier said than done isn't it? Even though you're studying and revising you still need to have some time out for yours truly. Crank up the some tunes, run yourself a bath and just don't think for a while. If you're a bit too macho for the tub, go out for an hour or two and socialise! It's good for your brain to process other things rather than exam question after exam question.

NB: just don't get drunk in the afternoon, you won't resurface until the next day, take it from personal experience - stick to coffee.

3.) Plan

This is a new thing for me, I am not a planner. I am a 'it'll be fine, just write' kinda girl. Until recently, when I looked at my boyfriend's work for his Master's.

He planned the bejesus out of his assignment, with references and quotes and it made it look 1000 times easier.

So I decided to write plans for my next two assignments and god it's helping! I've got a place to write down all my scrambled up thoughts, quotes and references without wanting to bang my head against the table. Seriously, plan it to avoid panic.

4.) You can do it!

Repeat this in your head until you believe it. Self doubt is the worst thing for university students and only you can make yourself feel like you can do it. You're going to hit some bumps in the road I'm sure but if you believe in yourself you can do whatever you want and achieve all your goals!

There's some of my ways to avoid university stress, now I'm going to continue with my assignment (ugh) in the most non-stressful way...

Hope this helps!

See you soon!


Jx

Happy New Year!

Hello Lovelies!

Happy 2015! I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

I will be posting some new fashion trends as soon as I'm back at university, and luckily for us it's awards season! I cannot wait to watch the Oscars, and all of the other fabulous shows!

I'm also gonna attempt at making some YouTube videos, 'get ready with me', make up and clothing hauls too! 

 

Hopefully this year will be very beneficial for me and all of my lovely readers!

I'll see you all soon! 

Jx

Chanel Métiers D'Art Show:

Hello Lovelies!

Over the start of this month we've had some of the most important fashion shows of the year, I'm talking Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Dior and my favourite designer house Chanel's Metiers D'art which was held in Austria this year. We had already seen the hints of a new show in the Chanel film 'Reincarnation' with Pharrell Williams and Cara Delevingne in beautiful Austrian period clothing and the show did not disappoint.

The name of the show was 'Métiers D'art' which translates into 'Craftsmanship', which was the perfect name, as every piece in the collection was made of layers and intricate gold embroidery on lace and wool. Lagerfeld also incorporated high necks with ruffles which gave a royal air around the collection.

Since the show was in Salzburg this year, Lagerfeld used many Austrian traditions while adding a playfulness to the outfits with beautiful butterflies and flowers that introduced a spot of colour. My favourites included the heavy yet light coats and the beautiful ruffled dresses worn by Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne.

The venue itself was beautiful, with tables, futons and the whole place was full of candles and the whole place was perfect. I may be biased but I believe this was the best show I've seen this year - with the exception of the other Chanel shows - and it perfectly captured the trends of pre-fall 2014 in a perfect Chanel way.

I'm so jealous of every person who gets invited to a Chanel Couture show, so Karl Lagerfeld if you're reading, please send me one, please, please.

If you haven't already watched the show then here it is;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X86geNxxlA

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Instagram: lilfashion_blogger
Twitter: lilfashion_blog

Ten tips for student style;

Hello Lovelies!

This is a celebration post as I've just submitted my first assignment! I feel like a wave of achievement is washing over me and I'm feeling good so I thought I'd give you ladies and gents some of my wisdom.

Since I'm a student with a love of expensive clothes, life at uni has not been easy. Dragging myself away from shop windows and begging for a 100% off sale to Dorothy Perkins seems to be all I do these days.

And if anyone actually reads this blog and you're a student with a spending problem too, maybe I can shed a little light on the dark secrets of the 'budget buyer'.

1.) Take a look in a charity shop. I know most people who wear charity shop clothes are usually grannies or hippies but if you search hard enough, I can guarantee there will be something that makes rifling through old jumpers worthwhile. I mean, I found a Laura Ashley blazer under a load of old coats once...just saying

2.) Use your make up sparingly. I am literally the worst with make up. I love wearing it and sometimes when I'm bored I'll do a full face because I fancy taking a shameless selfie. So cut back a bit, let your skin breathe and embrace your natural beauty.

3.) Look through your wardrobe. I know this sounds silly but hear me out! Have you ever looked through your wardrobe and found clothes you didn't even know existed anymore? I can't even count how many times I've fallen into my wardrobe and found a skirt that I thought had long gone extinct. I think you should take a look, especially before buying anything new.

4.) Beg, borrow but don't steal. If you've got friends that are the same size as you, like I do, borrow their clothes! Everyone's style is different and most of the time you can get a really beautiful piece of clothing from a friend. Just as long as you return it.

5.) Make investment purchases. Don't just buy that skirt because 'oooh it's so cute'. You've gotta be a tactical shopper as a student, make sure that you are thinking 'What will this go with?' constantly. For example, if buying a new top, will it go with skirts? Trousers? Shorts? and is it the right colour?

6.) Avoid the expensive places. MAC, Jo Malone, and all the beautiful places that makes you slightly queasy when you check the price tag. I know I went to MAC recently, but I'm weak and I'm trying to save you lovely people from my mistakes. I'm a guinea pig who spends all her money. Word to the wise, don't go to the metquarter in Liverpool if you're on a budget...you may never eat again.

7.) Create your own. If you're a little creative whiz why not customize some old clothes and make them fancy? And if you're not, you could stick on a youtube video and easily learn how to embellish, hem and bedazzle any clothing you want.

8.) Don't forget to budget! I know it's tempting to spend your entire student loan when it comes in. I know people who booked holidays and are now living on beans. Don't be that person! Set yourself limits on how much you want to spend on clothing, make up and accessories a week and stick to it! You'll thank me later!

9.) Try to only buy necessities. It will help you save money instead of spending it on rubbish like scented nail polish (which I have done - it didn't even smell like melon).

10.) Feel fabulous, look fabulous. Honestly, this is important. Being a student really messes with your sleeping, eating and drinking patterns. You will find yourself eating at 3am and sleeping till 3pm. But you've got to try and fight it! If you've got a lecture at 9am and you're falling asleep at 7am, you're not gonna feel good or learn anything. So try to sleep well, eat well and get plenty of exercise - it'll make you feel unstoppable! 

So there you have it, my top ten tips on being a stylish student!

Good luck, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!

Jx

Instagram; lilfashion_blogger
Twitter: lilfashion_blog