What Elles Did Next...

"CONFIDENCE LEVEL: 

SELFIE WITH NO FILTER" - UNKNOWN

That's the goal isn't it, to feel confident enough to leave the house and not feel self-conscious about your skin? I'm not there yet, but I can leave the house without foundation to pop to the shops, yes I know, it's a revelation! My skin is very sensitive, I get burnt easily in the sun, go red in cold weather and break out heavily when it's my time of the month. (You know what I mean girls!)

My skin has quite a bit of scarring though and this is due to going on the pill when I was 17. Completely ruined my life. I never got spots before then, I hardly wore makeup either so it was a win-win back in the day. However, the pill made my skin develop terrible acne and it's never been the same since. Scarring is so annoying because it looks like my skin is really spotty but it's not and all I want it healthy looking skin, a bit depressing really...

These days, I have just learned to accept that my skin will never be perfect. I have a simple skincare routine that I've recently grown to love and it works well with my sensitive skin and thought I would share the products I use with you today. I'm clearly not a skincare expert, but this is what I find works for me. So if you have sensitive skin, you could well benefit from this post. (:

At the beginning of the year, I began to feel more anxious than ever. I had no idea where it came from and why I was feeling like that but I knew I had to do something about it. I love to read, so I thought the best option was to find a book about Anxiety to see if I could understand it a bit more.

I came across "Reasons to stay alive" by Matt Haig after reading a lot of reviews. It's essentially his account of his experience with anxiety and depression after suffering a breakdown in his early 20's. When I would pull this book out in public or around people I knew, I got the exact same reaction each time. "Wow, that sounds depressing, read something more uplifting!" While I get that the title is a little daunting, the text inside is anything but.

Yes, it's not an easy read, but it's informative, heartfelt and quite frankly I did feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders once I finished reading it. Matt lets you into his life. He doesn't sugar coat anything, he tells you of a time when he nearly committed suicide, when he felt so anxious he couldn't go to his local shop, when he felt like he let his family down. You really feel his pain. 

What I really love about this book is that it gives you hope. I honestly nearly cried when I read that he married and had children. He overcame whatever he thought was going to kill him. A lot of chapters are lists of triggers, helpful advice and all around good information to know if you are someone who suffers from a mental illness. Matt incorporates a lot of inspiring quotes throughout the book as well which I enjoyed reading as I am a SUCKER for a good quote.

What I found also really interesting and important about this book was the small chapter on "famous people". Depression is a taboo subject as we are all aware of, but Matt listed all the celebrities he researched that have said they have suffered from depression. I think it's important to remember that "celebrities" are real people and go through "real shit" too.  Here is an extract from the chapter, pg,160 

"Sometimes just looking at names of people who have suffered depression - or are still suffering depression - but who clearly have (or had) other things that are great going on in their lives, gives a kind of comfort..."

This book isn't just aimed at people who suffer from mental health issues. I think this book is the perfect place to start if you are interested in mental health or know of someone who is suffering. It certainly changed my outlook on certain situations. Although my anxiety is nowhere near as bad as Matt's, I understood him, I empathised with him and I'm glad this book came into my life at the right time.

I love fashion week, especially when it comes to London. I feel like the City is filled with a bigger buzz than normal. I've never been apart of it before however I always tune into the Topshop show as they stream it through a live feed. (Thanks technology!). 

As much as I love looking at the clothes on the runway, I'm also really interested as to what the people on the front row are wearing. (FROW if we're using fashion week terminology...lol). I think it's easier to get inspiration from the people watching the show as you can see their own personal way of styling the clothes. Women of different colour, shapes and sizes. 

I've put together some of my favourite looks from the weekend, covering some of the tops shows from Topshop to Henry Holland. 

Actress Sarah Ellen & Blogger Caroline Daur at the Topshop Unique Show I follow both Caroline and Sarah on Instagram and love their sense of style. Apart from both being completely gorgeous, I'm inspired by their style. I love short skirts paired with a pointed shoe. Bomber jackets will never go out of style and I love that Caroline is wearing a plain white tshirt with a cool choker. Accessories can always jazz up an outfit and make it more dressy!

"Three words, eight letters, say it and I'm yours..." Oh please Chuck just save us all the heartache and tell her you love her!

Gossip Girl has been a part of my life on and off since I was 12. I remember watching it for the first time and being transfixed by the glitz and the glamour of Manhattan's elite, the high fashion and how the show was basically a love letter to New York City. I think that's why I've always wanted to visit NYC, Gossip Girl made the appeal to travel there stronger. 

Here are my top favourite things about Gossip Girl:

The Characters;

I loved how complex the characters were. How everyone had their own story and how we as viewers were able to relate to them. I could see myself in Blair, a girl who everyone believed had her life together but had her own personal insecurities. Jenny, who tried so desperately to fit in but ended up being way cooler just being herself, (even though that was a journey that lasted a life time!) And even Serena, who was so complicated but had her friends around her to keep her grounded.

I have to say it, Chuck Bass is one of the best characters in TV ever. That tone of voice, his fashion sense, his confidence and of course his unconditional love for Blair. No matter how many times I watch the show I'm in awe of his character. Every time he says "I'm Chuck Bass..." I cannot help but swooooooon! I feel like I'm 15 again! Why didn't any boys I go to school with have that Chuck Bass charm? I'm still gutted...

The Fashion;

From cocktail parties, brunches and birthday's Gossip Girl made everyone look glamorous! Everyone just looked so good always! I watched a behind the scenes episode about the fashion on the show a while back, (superfan status!) and it was so interesting to hear about how designers were cuing at the door wanting to dress the characters. I mean even Vera Wang herself made an appearance in the show! That's a huge deal! She even designed Blair's wedding dress in the 100th Episode of the show.

Every outfit that Blake Lively (Serena) wore on the show was amazing. She quickly became a style icon for me and I'm a genuine fan of her outside of the show now. Her KILLER figure makes everything she wears look stunning and effortless. I think any girl who watched the show wanted to be her just a little bit...I know I did, and still kind of do...damn her girl beach waves and long legs!