How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x 

April Haul | ft. Primark, New Look, Boohoo.

I watch so many hauls on YouTube and I read so many blogposts and I really enjoy seeing what people have recently bought and getting inspiration for new purchases. I've recently had a splurge and for ages have wanted to share my favourite pieces but then I get put off or nervous because other people look so flawless in their shots and it makes me want to buy it but then I had a step back and had a pep talk to myself. 

Reality is; I don't currently have the most up-to-date blog friendly camera, I don't have someone to follow me around in picturesque places and shoot for me. But because I don't have all that, doesn't mean I don't work as hard on my posts, why should I be put off blogging? It's something I enjoy and you know me, I love to rave and share my favourites. So, insecurities aside, out I pull my best mirror selfies and hanger shots for your {and my} enjoyment! Let's get started!

First up is this pastel pink blazer. This was actually an impulse buy that I decided to get despite looking hours for a bomber jacket, I was close right? I purchased this from Boohoo and got it a size up, which to be honest might have been a mistake as it was already oversized! But I think this will be the perfect staple for Spring, dressing up any outfit to be more formal but without being too tailored keeping that casual feel. 

                                

Here I paired it with my blue maxi-skirt also from Boohoo and this grey tee from Primark, for some unknown reason it cost me £1, can't beat that! I think if I was an outfit this would be me, it sums me up as I like to be girly and formal but on a chilled level which I love and the colours don't clash .. I think {hey I'm not an expert!}

Next up is one of my two cheeky buys from New Look. This shirt is actually from the 915 Generation section and it's an age 15! Now, I would definitely advise doing this if you're a size 10-12 and under and also a shoe size 5 and under so if there's a sale {or even if you spot something you like} don't ever feel ashamed to buy it, it will fit just as perfect and admittedly some of the fashion pieces in the teen section are prettier {and cheaper} than the women's what can go wrong?

                                    

It's very sheer, which I found quite surprising for someone young to wear, even I have a tank top underneath! I love it though, it makes the average white work/school shirt sexy and gives a more mature look. I paired it with leather look jeans also from New Look and some ASOS stilettos.

This top is so simplistic and pretty and the second item from the 915 Generation section in New Look. This is age 14 and is fitted but still perfectly floaty screaming summer vibes. I love the tassles and it's slightly cropped which helps it sit nicely on a pair of jeans or shorts.

Here I paired it with my Joe Browns jean shorts, Aviator sunglasses and some flip-flops, the perfect outfit for a beach day when it decides to get warmer!

After a long day at work, there's nothing I want more than to slip on something comfy and loose and watch Dance Moms on catch-up. PJs are perfect for evenings but when I have time off, during the day staying in your nightwear can be classed as lazy, who'd of thought! 

I was partial to a tracksuit back in the day so you don't understand my happiness when "loungewear" became a thing and somewhat fashionable but I've only just got around to purchase a set at a comfortable price from Primark. Sometimes leggings just doesn't cut it.

Last but not least my favourite outfit I've bought. This pink suede pinafore is the perfect staple for the warmer months as a nice alternative to denim and it's super comfortable and versatile! You can pair it with any style top and any colour tights to change up your look every time. Alongside this I bought this nostalgic printed tee which is appropriate since I have binge watched Saved By The Bell over and over lately, and it gets me every time, I love it so much and aspire to be as pretty as Kelly, as feminist as Jessie and as fashion forward as Lisa!

Both items from Primark teamed together and in honour of Saved By The Bell, this brings 90's vibes straight into the 21st century and paired with some white wedges from New Look to tone down the fact I look 12. I could totally fit in with the Bayside gang! 

As a lil heads up for if you purchase this tee; I'm usually a 10 but I bought this in a 6 {i know!} as I wanted it to be a perfect fit for the style to be more versatile as apposed to baggy. It's still a typical t-shirt fit, just the arm and neck holes aren't loose and it's slightly shorter but my usual size was surprisingly big and didn't look right at all! 

An extra little mention goes to this perfume roll-on I bought in Primark. I never really see anyone talk about their fragrances so I thought I'd make special effort to go to the stand and test them. This was my favourite called Coachella O5, it's not too strong, slightly fruity and sweet but not overpowering and I don't know about you but I was definitely envious as usual about not being an A-Lister enjoying Coachella a few weeks ago!

Anyway, I really hope you liked this post, despite it looking amateur in an un-idealic setting but this is real, this is me {don't tempt me into singing camp rock} and this was my haul!

Love you lots

Katie x

Spring Up Your Jeans.

Happy Easter! 

I hope you all have lots of chocolate to munch on whilst reading this, and if not, what's wrong with you?! And I hope you all regret it afterwards like I do because now I need to diet to get back into these jeans!!

Jeans are a staple in everyones wardrobe no matter the weather (especially if you live in England even in the Summer it is acceptable to wear black jeans) and I have all different types and shapes and styles so as it is now Spring, here is a little insight on how I will be styling them up this season.

Look 1: 

Making ripped jeans look girly without grungy is a task but I paired these Missguided jeans with a tank top from Primark and I love colours in it so much, they brighten up any outfit! Adding my quilted bomber jacket and floral dolly pumps also from Primark this has been my go-to Winter to Spring transition outfit for when the sun is out but it's not quite warm yet.

Look 2:

Grunging it up a bit is acceptable any time of year. With the same Missguided ripped jeans, I paired this gorgeous top from Bershka. It has this chain detail going down the side and the back is alot shorter than the front, perfect for Summer when you aren't feeling super girly. I finished up this look with my lace-up white patent boots from Missguided.

Look 3:

Next up is my attempt to spring up some black jeans of mine by adding a super girly floral halter crop and gold brogues. Jeans are from New Look, Top is from Boohoo and my brogues are from New Look. As this is super exposed I throw on this check shirt that I actually stole from my brother to complete the look. Super casual.

Look 4: 

I love how summery this outfit feels so much. My white jeans are from Boohoo, and this peachy/orange crop is from Primark. I'm obsessed with the cut-out detailing of this (i attempted to capture it) and I paired this also with my gold cut-out brogues from New Look. This look is so girly without the need of any floral patterns.

Look 5:

Last but not least are these floral pattern jeans from Boohoo. They caught my eye last summer because they were unique but as always, patterns are hard to pair with but I just went for this black bardot top from Primark and my denim jacket from Lipsy. You can totally get away with double denim here! Finishing up with some flip flops or sandals, keeping it understated so the jeans are the main attraction.

I hope you enjoyed this and liked how I styled up my jeans to keep them fresh for this season. If you have any other suggestions or feedback I'd love to hear it!

Until next time, love y'alll.

Katie x

Day 2 of #Blogmas | To ME From ME

Gift ideas for Her, Gift ideas for Him, what about Gift ideas for YOU huh? I mean you're spending out all this money to make other people happy, why not spoil yourself for a change too? A "To Me From Me" present, after all it's Christmas!!

And that's exactly what I've done with this beautiful lingerie set from Marks and Spencer.

  

This is the Silk Lace Non-Padded Balcony Bra in Cerise from their Rosie For Autograph collection where M&S collaborated with supermodel/actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to make a range of vintage style underwear. Rosie HW is also from my neck of the woods (Plymouth) so she is representing us Janners, so I'm now repping her range with pride! (picture above from Rosie's instagram)

Before I get too carried away with the perfection of this set can we just appreciate the labelling? It's not just your trusty white Primark label with the removable price and size is it?! That is what I love about M&S; they take pride in every last detail to make the quality impeccable. (I'm not biased I swear!) It has a little message from Rosie and as this is part of the Breast Cancer Now campaign, it states that a 10% donation will go to the charity. Even more worth while!

from M&S website

This set was originally £37.50, a tad pricey for the average Joe, but I can't stress enough that you are paying for quality and comfort whilst feeling sexy underneath and that is what counts right? (Although I did get a cheeky deal because of Black Friday!)

So, goodbye frumpy and hello fabulous!

But anyway yeah, go ahead and buy those shoes you've been dreaming about. Purchase that overpriced handbag! Because at the end of the day if you can't spoil yourself every so often, who can you spoil eh?

Happy Shopping!

Katie x

Baby It's Cold Outside ...

So, now the random spout of sunny weather in October is over it's now blowing Gail's (not Platt) and raining at every moment. That mixed together makes a sad, wet and windswept Katie. But just because the weather is terrible and it makes you look terrible doesn't mean what you wear has to be!

For a change, I actually made an effort today for a little shopping trip instead of leggings and hoodies so I thought I'd share. Plus I LOVE this outfit.

(Ignore the horrendous iPhone quality photos but I don't currently have a camera!!)

What a cosy little ensemble to fight off the cold and dreariness of Winter!

I absolutely adore this leather jacket I got last Christmas, it actually keeps me warm and has detachable fur so you can wear it all year around! It was £49.99 from New Look but at the time it was an Online Exclusive but I know this year they do jackets VERY similar to this. (Click here) I also want the brown version!

I've always wanted a jumper dress but the turtle neck style usually panicks me, I don't like things tight around my neck but I fell in love with this when I saw it and it was pretty much what I had been describing for a while now and for £10 from Primark can I really complain? I had to get a size bigger because they were out of 10's but I'm actually glad I did because it isn't tight fitted and its more cosy and free, although the long sleeves are a bit too long.

I have been livinnnnn in these boots! They are so comfy and have a flat heel so they don't even ache after a while. They are knee high and have a quilted design with a smooth panel at the back so it isn't harsh to your legs. These were a bargain of £25 from Very (click here) and I think it's perfect because Boots and jumper dresses are such staple items that everyone should own in their wardrobe!

Thought I'd show you my make-up game too [insert sassy girl emoji]

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hour Foundation with comfort serum.

MUA Cover and Conceal wand.

Collection 2000 Finishing Powder.

MUA Liquid Eyeliner 

MUA Extreme Curl Mascara

Avon Dark Red Lipstick (idk the collection or colour)

Until next time amigos!

Katie x