5 Days in Milan.

Hello all! 

So today I wanted to share with you a little mini review, if you like, of a recent trip I took to one of the world's greatest fashion capitals, Milan, Italy.

I really wanted to provide an honest opinion of my experience there, with the highs, the lows and the places that you just must-see!

As an overview, Milan would be best described as an eclectic mix of the very old and beautiful and the very new in terms of architecture. The people of Milan tend to know what they are talking about in terms of fashion, food and alcohol and will let you know their opinion unapologetically (gulp). The food is good, the coffee even better and it is the ideal place for exploring new beauty brands and fashion labels that you have never heard of before. 

Here's some flicks from my trip, enjoy!:

Piazza Del Duomo.

The centre of Milan for tourists and natives alike. Here you'll find high street brands alongside designer boutiques. A great spot to explore at night, the shops stay open late and the Campari bar is a must-visit.

Fashion is everywhere.

Walking through the streets, it is hard to miss magazine stands full-to-bust with up and coming fashion publications and creatives dressing windows with new exciting concepts. Inspiration is everywhere.

Embrace the coffee. 

I must admit, I came to Milan as the kind of girl that put 4 sugars in her coffee and preferred it with a glug of syrup all together. In Milan, you must do as the Milanese do and try espressos. Honestly, I may never go back to lattes ever again. The strength and flavour of Italian coffee is unrivalled and very consistent from each bar to cafe. If you want to ease yourself gently into the stronger flavours, try an 'espresso con panna', an espresso with cream which is more sweet and easier to drink.

Be experimental with your style.

Coming to Milan, I knew that I wanted to embrace the Italian style in terms of what I was going to bring back home with me. I've always admired Italian style for its garishness and feel that it aligns with my own personal style very well. I mean it isn't for everyone for sure, I don't think I've ever seen so much real fur being worn in my life. If I had to give a tip, I'd say check out your favourite stores such as Zara and H&M as I found that their instore collections were completely different to what they offer back home. 

The pigeons of Duomo.

The Duomo is described as the epicentre of Milan, and is always super busy. It's a great place to take photos, but stay away from the pigeons if you can as they won't shy away from coming and landing on you (shudder, never again).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

As one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, it doesn't disappoint and is a must-see when in Milan. Filled with designer shops, a couple pizzerias and swanky bars, the Galleria is a sight to see. It is a tourist hotspot, so expect crowds but don't forget to look up at the ceiling paintings and amazing glass dome.

Don't be afraid of designer.

Milan is the home of designer, and I must admit being around such luxury can feel daunting with the urge to explore but not be a bother to shop attendants looking for sales being an issue. When in Milan, you have to put that feeling of being daunted by luxury aside and appreciate the instore concepts and products, even if you don't intend to buy- it's all about the inspiration honey! Most of the time, shop attendants don't have a problem with you just browsing and often revel in having the opportunity to talk to you in more detail about products.

Explore at night.

I have the belief that every city you visit should be explored both in the day and at night, as it often feels like you are in a completely different destination at night. With visting in February, I was greeted with mainly rainy evenings but I definitely could appreciate that Milan is a wonderful city to explore at night, drink wine and roam the streets looking glam. 

The Armani Hotel.

Giorgio Armani is much-loved in Milan and it seemed you couldn't move for a mention of his hotels, bars, cafes and museums dotted around the city. Take a visit to the Bamboo Lounge at The Armani Hotel and enjoy a drink or two. It's understandably relatively expensive but worth it for the experience of being fully immersed in the luxurious world of Armani. The Bamboo Lounge even smelt like bamboo!

Look up and Look down.

Milan has some of the most beautiful architecture and decor that I have ever seen, personally. It is a place that offers luxuriously decorated restaurants and bars with marble floors, stone statues and a lot of glass. Italian architecture is something to relish in, and hey why not let it compliment your outfit for an Insta post too!

It's Been A While.

Hello everybody,

So it's been a while since I've posted, hasn't it.

Uni and life have taken over and I must be honest in saying that at times, I've really been at a loss of creativity and imagination.

I feel like creativity comes in waves.

Sometimes, you're riding high, with too many ideas in your head, bouncing off each other.

Other times, other parts of your life and practicalities take over that can drain your energy.

January was definitely a lull for me, but hopefully I can come back and serve up some interesting content for you all as the days get warmer and Spring edges around the corner. I mean it is a very exciting time of year for fashion of course (LFW wahey)!

So hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of my little life and fashion commentaries soon, and in the words of Britney 'I know I shouldn't of kept you waiting, but I'm here now'.

Being Resourceful: What Does It Really Mean?

Hello all and a very big welcome to 2017!

Now, it is the season of New Years resolutions where the majority of us look at ways of making our lives better. Some go drastic, some choose much smaller resolutions like drinking more water, eating less chocolate and looking after our skin a lot more (out with the baby wipes!)

Personally, I've found myself in the pursuit of stretching myself more creatively in 2017. I'm looking to make the most of my talents, gain experience and hopefully get more clarity on a path that I would like to pursue in the future. This path might be a different lean to the career I'm looking to pursue, or even just discovering that I prefer being creative in one particular way as oppose to another. In other words, I'm looking to be open-minded and resourceful.

But what does being resourceful really mean?

I don't know about you, but the mention of the word resourceful draws up images in my mind of Andy from Devil Wears Prada, rushed off her feet, doing a hundred and one things at once but ultimately getting the job done.

This mental image is true to some extent I suppose. Life as a fashion student/intern can be hectic, competitive, overwhelming and tough on the feet. Fashion is very much an industry where your associations through contacts, your appearance on social media and your industry experience is paramount. If you want to get ahead here, the start is often, if not always at the bottom of the pile.

This is why young women supporting other young women in this industry is so important to me. If you've got fashion life hacks, I want to hear them!

So back to being resourceful, what does it mean to me?

Well here are a few quick pointers on resourcefulness, how I make it work for me and hopefully how I can inspire you to make it work for you too....

• Make the most of the contacts you have, and if this is a particular area that you lack in, find ways in which you can improve this. This can be done by making and building a LinkedIn profile. Through this, you may find that you have more contacts than you realise!

• Have a grateful heart. In an industry, where sometimes to get ahead, others may do you favours by name-dropping or helping you with applications- make sure to be thankful. Don't expect anything from others, they've had to work just as hard to be where they are, but if they decide to help, don't lose contact. These kind of people are very helpful to you not only today, but also in the future and some will become your greatest of friends. 

• Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is an individual, who has reached their destination differently. We all have something unique to offer if we learn how to harbour it correctly, through loving ourselves and working on our own goals. Instagram stalking of bloggers, famous interns, industry giants is great for inspiration but the minute you start comparing your own journey to theirs is where to draw the line. Social media is a public-facing platform for all to see and is used primarily in this industry to promote. In other words, what you see to be real on social media is just what that particular individual wants you to see, don't take it as gospel.

• Focus on your talents. Be open-minded to experimentation also. It's ok to take risks, some will work and some won't. That's life, but in the process you would have learnt an awful lot. 

• Take notes as much as possible. If something inspires you, write it down, this way you'll have it in the moments when you need it and even in the moments that you think you don't. Inspiration is everywhere.

• Read as much as you can. You'll never be wasting time by taking in new information and learning something.

• Use your money wisely as much as possible. This is a difficult one, I know. As a young person. budgets are tight enough as it is. In many ways, this is the most important time in your life to be resourceful with money. Buy a coffee or by a basic tripod and start producing your own content? - this sort of attitude is what I'm talking about. You never know what doors you could open for yourself. 

• Get yourself up and out doing what you want to do. Make an effort in other words, to pursue what you love. Don't rely on other people for company, again you'll never know what doors you could open for yourself and in what new ways you could be inspired.

• And finally, never count yourself out. You have no idea what the future has in store for you. You can achieve anything with the right mindset.

My Tips On Getting Ahead in 2017

Hello all, I hope you all had a marvellous Christmas!

Now 2016 has earned a reputation for not treated us all that nicely. A year where politics flipped on its head, major decisions were made to affect the future of our livelihoods and economy  and many of us lost way to many of our celebrity icons. Well, 2016 has only a few days left to do it's worst to us before we welcome in 2017. 

Recently, with many big uni and career moves set for next year, I've been working on building a super solid, focused mindset on how I'm going to go about achieving my own personal goals and making the most of every new opportunity that is thrown at me. So here is my compiled list of some tips to consider if you too are looking to make your life a whole lot better in 2017- enjoy!

My Top 10 Tips

1. That extra reading uni suggested you do? Do it. Sometimes it's difficult to balance our time these days between friends, family, sleep, work and down time, but taking some time to pick up some sort of reading material is always a good idea. This reading material doesn't have to be a textbook, or even a book at all. Reading small articles, journals and blog posts can be just as educating and much more digestible, especially if you lack time. I find reading on the train on a morning commute is a great way to wake up your mind to the day ahead.

2. Emails. Now this sounds super simple and obvious but staying on top of emails as a student/intern/employee is important. Make a habit of checking your emails, especially your spam/junk mail as nowadays unfortunately some important emails can get caught up in there and go unnoticed (speaking from experience). Also, check your outbox, especially if sending emails whilst on the go. Unfortunately train journeys aren't often blessed with the best wifi signal, and emails often go unsent (again, speaking from experience). Keep on top of deleting unimportant and read emails asap to avoid feeling overwhelmed and unorganised.

3. Me time. Taking time to relax is so important. Be this taking a long bath after a hard day, taking time to pamper yourself or even just to catch up on some blog posts that you've been waiting to read all count as 'me time'. Relaxing is all part of living a balanced lifestyle and is important to ensure our brains are working to the best of their ability, keeping stress levels down and allowing us to process our days and grow mentally. 

4. Skincare. Keeping to a structured skincare routine can seem like a drag, it's true. However, with the amount of good quality beauty brands today, we really are the generation that can pick and choose whatever type of skincare products and combine them to create the perfect routine for our individual lifestyle and habits. A good skincare routine, that you enjoy undertaking and makes you feel pampered is the goal!

5. Being prepared. As a 20 year-old student, right now I'm making the steps to create my future. Interviews, exams, essays and socialising are my life and being prepared in each of these situations is super important. Making a good impression, in terms of taking the time to consider the appropriate clothes, make-up, attitude and making sure you wear a smile are vital. Taking an extra 10 minutes to prepare snacks, making sure you've packed everything you need before a big day and double-checking your time-keeping can help you to slay every opportunity.

6. Wear what you want. Learning to not care what people think is a process and is something that I feel comes in waves. We all have down days, where we maybe second guess ourselves a little more than usual, this is normal and totally ok. But, taking the attitude of knowing your self-worth, knowing what you stand for and knowing what you like is important. Think of Lady Gaga whenever you worry whether that outfit you love is ugly and no one else likes it, wear it for you, wear it with confidence and just have fun with it!

7. Putting yourself first. This isn't selfish, it's important. Now I'm not talking about becoming a cold, self-centred narcissist when I talk about this. Putting your needs and well-being first in your life, as a young woman is important and is very much an act of self-love. Understanding that our mistakes do not define us, those who leave us didn't deserve to stay and reminding yourself of who you really are when you doubt yourself are all things I like to live by.

8. Push yourselves. So yeah, putting yourself out there is scary but also very necessary. The saying 'everything is temporary' applies greatly to this. Getting too comfortable in a certain situation is a bad move, sometimes we lose sight of where we are heading, what we stand for and don't take the opportunities that could lead us to the next chapter of our lives. Yes, you will feel nervous, scared. teary and out of your depth sometimes, but these are all GOOD emotions. They show us that we are stepping out of our comfort zone. As long as you have an idea of the path you want to take, don't be afraid to leap towards it.

9. Consider all your options. At this age, it is very important not to narrow your options. Be this in terms of your career, or your social life. Sometimes we fail at something and this leads us down a completely different path, one that works much better for us than the previous. Losing friends or previous acquaintances because you have realised your differences or grown apart may leave you feeling lost momentarily, but realising that this means a new chapter of your life is just beginning is important. Don't be afraid to step outside of the box creatively, take a risk, weigh up your options and take some time to get your head round something that has been challenging you. You might find that it isn't as scary as you once thought.

10. Let your hair down. It's important to enjoy yourselves, make mistakes and make memories. Take time to turn off social media and absorb a moment. Take the time to appreciate when things in your life are looking positive and let yourself laugh and be happy. The best feeling is absorbing that moment when you laugh so much you cry. Take photos to keep or don't take photos at all, just try to enjoy every experience you have, whether good or bad. 

On The Nice List: My Festive Style Picks

Hello all! It's almost Christmas eek!

Today I'd like to share with you some style inspo 

for the key looks and accessories that I'll be donning this season, 

with all the parties and festivities around the corner.

These trends are definitely on my nice list! 

velvet, particularly velvet in shades of wine, emerald or navy blue.

it's the season of excess, so why not not make more even more 

and bring out the leopard print in full force!

architectural and hooped earrings add an instant wow-factor.

silky cami dresses that just fall off your shoulders 

glamourously after a couple of glasses of prosecco.

emerald green, tree green, anything green.

pretty and elegant ruffles that flatter perfectly.

fur and little dresses. 

bold makeup. bring out those primary colours.

beads and embellishments. anything galactic is a win.

This Week I'm Posting...

Hello all! So it's a week until Christmas, how crazy is that!

At one of the busiest, and sometimes most stressful times of the year, we all need a little inspiration and future-thinking to get us slaying as always!

So here's some inspo for you straight off the press...

Follow me: ladreamcatcher.tumblr.com

This Week I'm Posting...

Givenchy

berets

the stranger things kids

red everything

a little bit of pink satin

silver 'bacofoil' leather jackets

mood

rimless glasses

yes we are

mules/heels/interesting heel shapes

Style Icon: Chloe Sevigny

Hello all and a very happy Thursday to you!

Chloe Sevigny has been a style icon for the fashion world since the 90's, often regarded as 'the coolest girl in the world', which is quite the statement to live up to, huh?

The actress who's starred in many the cult film from 'Kids', 'Boys Don't Cry' to 'Brown Bunny', now 41, still attains her cool/It Girl status so she must be doing something very right.

Sevigny has always adopted a style that states 'wear what you want and only what you want' and don't feel obliged to wear something just because everyone else is or fashion says that it is cool. It seems as Chloe went forth and did her own thing when it came to style, she was respected for it and as the 90's fashion revival rolls on, Chloe is as relevant to fashion than ever.

It's quite the challenge to deduce Sevigny's style down to a few describing words. She's not defined as a classic beauty and some say that doesn't have the sex appeal of Kate Moss (not sure I completely agree). But Chloe does have one thing, coolness. Back in the 90's, she had the ability to make the ugliest of clothes look incredible- whether that was a pair of wide-leg trousers or a sporty crop top.

In a way, she makes you want everything she wears, regardless of how outlandish it is even though you know that it could never look the same on you. She has the ability to make anything look cool.

Sevigny has always said that she has a love for 70's fashion and anything prairie. But she also has a soft spot for short shorts, a hat, exposed bras, fur and red lipstick.

Here are some of my favourite looks of hers below, enjoy and be inspired!

none of these photos are mine.