304 CLOTHING | NEW AMBASSADOR

Buying new clothes is definitely a weakness of mine, and I am always on the lookout for new brands, quirky designs and most importantly, affordable items. After browsing through Instagram, I discovered 304#Clothing. It was launched in 2012 by three friends who decided to make handmade vest, and a year later, they are expanding the brand even more. I personally have always been a fan of printed t-shirts, so instantly 304's tees had caught my eye and I wanted every single one from the website, and at affordable prices starting from £20 it was hard to say no! 

Continuing to follow the brand, they began bringing out new pieces, and designs, which I felt were individual, simple, and most definitely caught peoples attention, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on some of the clothes to show off! But little did I know, one simple email to the company would result in them asking me to work alongside them as a ambassador. Brilliant! I was able to wear the clothing, promote the clothing, blog about the brand, and suggest new ideas. Perfect, I jumped at the chance! They had posted on Instagram that they wanted people to join their team, promoting the brand around their University campus, and I thought it would be a great way to get chatting to people, promote the brand, and I also wanted to be involved in the social networking side of things too.

It's an honour to be working alongside the 304# team! I cant wait to get stuck in, and introducing people to the brand! If you haven't yet discovered 304#Clothing then click the link and check out their website! I guarantee you'll be making a cheeky purchase! 

And if you are just too eager to see some of their designs, well, here's a few for you to check out.

304 Top (Front View) £20

Back View 

Real Eyes T-Shirt £20

Happy Shopping

Rachel

304 Clothing Ambassador 

 

Day In The Life of An ELLE Fashion Assistant

Today at University I was set the task of writing a 250 piece on something of my choice, and the first thing that came to mind was a 'Day in the life of a Fashion Assistant'. The media ad Journalism industry is as fast paced as it comes. Gone are the hour lunch breaks, and you'd be lucky to have 15 minutes sat down browsing your favourite clothing websites. So to all of you aspiring journalists, and most importantly fashion assistants, I thought I'd sum up the typical day in the crazy industry for you. So here goes...

'It's a mad rush; the doors are rammed with staff sipping on their morning coffee, grasping hold of the freshly new ELLE magazine. The magazine departments keep themselves to themselves, all dividing on to their own floors. Heads down in the lift, and little communication. The office i a different environment; It's like a family, a close unit. The desks are placed together, with each department working closely. 

It's obvious I'm a fashion assistant, surrounded by a floor of tissue paper, Christian Louboutin heels and Prada handbags; I feel I'm disturbing the team packaging my items ready to be collected by the designer. The office is loud, amongst the sound of computer keyboards, numerous phone calls, and the annoyance of me wrapping items and unpacking delivery, we're interrupted by yet another delivery. 

The post room man loudly shouts 'Lorraine Candy' in the office, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand, and a Chanel and Gucci bag in the other. Yet another exciting daily delivery for the ELLE editor.  The day continues at a fast pace, I'm stuck doing about three things at once, In between answering emails and phone calls, I have to package items ready to walk over to the location for the shoot. I'm panicked, knowing thousands of pounds worth of designer goods are in my hands, yet it's an honour to know I'm trusted with it. Half an hour later I'm walking the streets of London with two Louis Vuitton suitcases. I feel rather important'. 

This is just a summary of one of the days I experience whilst at ELLE, although every other day there was just as crazy and exciting, not to mention unpredictable. 

Have you worked in the media / journalism industry, and If so, how did you find it?

Rachel

Student Spending.

Since being at university I have come to terms with the fact that the saying 'A girl can never have too many clothes' in completely incorrect unless you are Paris Hilton and have about 15 rooms to put them in then it's a different story. The idea of having many different outfits to wear day and night is great, but realistically, how many pairs of leggings do you need in your life? Lets be honest. Now,  I'm not going to lie, I'm defiantly a fan of a Topshop purchase. Probably not the best place to be shopping on a 'student budget', but somehow I always manage to avoid Primark and magically end up in the more expensive shops. Lets just say budgeting isn't my strongest point. But anyway, back to the point. When packing up my room to go home for the summer, I realised how many clothes I had that I never actually wore. Stupid I know. I'd buy maybe 2 or 3 jumpers at a time, telling myself I'd get lots of wear out of them, and by the end of the year, it seemed I had only lived in 1 of the 3. Ridiculous! If there's one thing I've learnt, (after a big clear out of all the many clothes I have and never wore, or completely forgot about' it's that, half the time, at University, unless your going the extra mile for a night out, is that no one actually pays any attention to what you look like. 

Before coming to my senses and realising I had far too many clothes, half of my problem was that I had far too many, and I didn't think I had enough. It wasn't until I came home and unpacked that I realised that I'd wasted far too much money on clothes that I'd hardly even worn. Silly mistake. 

Lesson learnt, my wardrobe is now cut down to clothes that I love and wear all the time, which is a lot easier to decide on what to wear when I'm in a rush to my 9am lectures. 

 Tips to save money as a student - 

Make Primark your new best friend - it may be known for 'cheap' clothes, but you can buy 3 jumpers for £30 or 1 jumper for £30. Easy decision!

Ask yourself the same question - 'Do I NEED it?' Most likely the answer will be no. And if you choose to buy it, give it a week and you'll wish you saved the money for that extra night out on the town.

If you've seen something in Topshop, chances are the same thing will be in Newlook, River Island and most likely Primark, so try and save yourself that extra £5.

Get wear out of things. It's so easy to get bored of a item of clothing, (I'm guilty of this one) yes, you may of worn the same pair of jeans to uni 3 times in a row, but if you know you have had good wear out of something, you won't feel as guilty when its time to buy a new pair.

Accessorise. A few pieces of jewellery, studs or some sequins can instant change an outfit. So instead of chucking it away or to the back of your wardrobe, think of a few ways to jazz up your top or shirt. Cut off the sleeves, add a few studs to the shoulders, and you have a brand new top. 

Are you guilty of having too many clothes? Does your student loan burn a hole in your pocket? 

Rachel

Ibiza Summer Haul

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It's not long now until I jet off to Ibiza for a whole month. How exciting! I've been counting down the days with my app on my phone, and it's only 26 days until I fly out there. I'm really looking forward to some sun, anything to get away from this depressing British weather! 

I've been buying a few pieces recently, and have found that Primark do some amazing summer pieces. I've always been a fan of Primark, well working there for two years it was hard not to buy from there, but more recently, they have certainly up'd their game, and have some amazing items for a great price!

Ibiza instantly screams sun, a whole lot of fun, and if your lucky unlike myself, then a golden tan, which meant a few bikini pieces were on the shopping list! I'm taking my Jack Will's one out with me this summer that my parents treated me to last year. A simple two piece striped bikini in Jack Wills traditional colours of blue and pink, this number will hopefully keep me going for a few more summers to come. Now, a brighter piece was essential for my trip. so I went for this turquoise number (see in pic) It's a gorgeous colour and with removable straps, I can avoid the dreaded tan lines!

Above are a few of the many things I'm taking out with me. Primark aztec and printed shorts are a must this summer! Nice and light, not to mention comfortable, I'm sure I will get a lot of wear out of these! The blue / purple shorts are Topshop, but I got them off Ebay for a cheeky £10 Bargain!

This is just a selection of some of the things I've got, there was far too much to fit in the photo. Oops.

What summer bits have you brought?

Rachel x

Turquoise Jewellery

Jewellery, now tell me what girl doesn't love it? Personally, it has to be one of my favourite accessories to go with an outfit. There is so much to choose from, rings, necklaces, anklets - the list goes on but a favourite of mine this season is Turquoise jewellery. Firstly it's my favourite colour, so even more reason to be attracted to it, but secondly, it's such a bright and summery colour. 

Whenever I'm out in town shopping, I'm always on the lookout for a new piece to add to my small but ever growing collection. There are loads of high street shops with gorgeous pieces for a great price for you to get your hands on this summer to brighten up your summer wardrobe that little bit more, and to tempt you that little bit more, turquoise jewellery will show off that golden tan to the max! 

Here are a few particular pieces I love.

I personally think that the silver compliments the turquoise stone better than gold, but other people prefer the gold, so it's a personal choice, but not to worry, as there is plenty of jewellery to choose from, so you'll be struggling to pick your statement piece! 

Recently I've brought myself some lovely rings from Primark, and I have to say, for a cheeky £1.50, they have seriously upped their game. Impressing. Although Primark have a great selection in at the moment, another store which also stock a slightly more expensive range are Newlook, which I have to say, if I could, I would buy the whole collection, it's gorgeous! 

The great thing with the turquoise statement stone is that it works with a small, simple piece, or bigger statement necklace, yet they look equally as good as the stones are so bright and summery.

Why not head out and see if you can find yourself some turquoise pieces? Any excuse to go shopping eh?!

Rachel  x

Final Week At ELLE

My final week at ELLE has been great and I'm sad that it was my last day on friday. Although, little did I know, they asked me to come back for a day extra, so thats great news! This week has been just as fun as the last, if not more. Consisting of more returns, more exciting deliveries, helping out taking items over to a photoshoot, and having my picture on the ELLE website again. Here's a few pics of my week for you.

More Fashion Returns

Rather Messy Fashion Cupboard

Some shots taken for the sweatshirt feature

The Final Shot used on the website. Take a Look

Overall, an amazing last week, and I have learnt so much over two weeks! They have flown by. I've been blessed with amazing opportunities, and got to work with and meet some great people! Still another day to go working for ELLE, which will be my official last day, but hopefully not forever as you never know what doors the experience may open. Who knows, give it a few years and I may find myself working there as a Fashion assistant rather than an Intern...

Rachel  x

ELLE Day 3

Arriving at 10am, my desk was tidy and ready for me to start my busy day. Today's priority was the fashion cupboard. With items constantly being taken in and out of the cupboard for editorial and shoots, it rarely stays tidy and things are always moved around, making it mine, and Megan's (another intern) job to organise. Believe it or not, ELLE'S fashion cupboards are relatively small, yet filled with incredible designers, making it hard to place things. A good two hours later and the cupboard was organised. Much better, and the team certainly appreciated it as they were too busy planning and working on the September issue. 

Next, my job was to collect delivery from the post room, with a whole shelf dedicated to ELLE fashion, there are a good 20+ deliveries per day, and with a tiny cupboard, it can be a little tricky unpacking it all. 

The majority of my days are spent doing urgent and normal returns. Urgent ones need putting in the original packaging, and taken downstairs to becollected by   someone from the store it was requested  from. And all other returns are simply posted to the store, simple once you get the hang of it! 

The least favourite part of my day would have to be bagging up hangers, not the most exciting job, but the fashion cupboard looks a whole lot better now, and the most favourite part of my day would have to be arranging the fashion cupboard, and seeing all of the new trends that no one else has seen yet. I promise you, it's worth the wait, they are fabulous! 

Pictures; 

Sorting hangers - not fun 

Fashion returns - got the hang of it now!

Dolce & Gabbana bird cage heels - LOVE

That's all for now, after a long day, it's another long train journey home, then back to ELLE tomorrow. I'll be head intern on Monday as Megan's leaving tomorrow, but excited to take on the challenge! 

Rachel  x

ELLE Day 2

My second day at ELLE allowed me to wake up an extra half an hour later, so that was much appreciated, trust me, these long days certainly get the better of you! But if you don't put in the hard work, you don't get the reward! I arrived at the Hearst offices at 9.50 ready for my 10am start. Before hand I was admiring the shops on Carnaby street.

My day continued with many fashion returns. Filling out paper may sound tedious, but when you get to hold and admire all the amazing designer clothes shoes and handbags, you can't complain. 

Today I also got to arrange and tidy the fashion cupboard. Yes, I know what your thinking tidying is the most boring thing on the world, but when you are arranging  Ralph Lauren bags into colour order it becomes a whole lot more fun. 

Whilst browsing through the fashion cupboard, I discovered all of the new upcoming trends. And I can tell you now, they are amazing! I can't wait for them to come out. Not that I can afford half of the items, actually, make that any of the items but even still, they are gorgeous! I won't give any away, as tempting as it is to share the wonderful new trends with you, I'll leave it as a surprise. Maybe you can guess some?...

I found today more relaxed, but I guess the second day always is. You have met everyone. Learnt your way around the building, and have a brief of what you are doing. I found today a lot easier than yesterday. 

Here are my pictures of my day from start to finish...

- Walking to ELLE along Carnaby street

- Making a start on jewellery returns

- More and more jewellery returns

- Finally last shot of the day, a huge board of the ELLE Rihanna cover. This looks great just outside the office.

Successful second day, now for a 45min train journey home, dinner, bed, then up at 6am to start the day all over again! 

Rachel  x

 

Day 1 at ELLE Magazine

Today was the day I started at Elle Magazine! After a not so fun 6am wake up call, I arrived in London, but now had to find the Hearst Magazine headquarters. Luckily, it didn't take me too long, and I was there in no time. Well, after a few wrong turns anyway. I arrived at the building, and it finally hit me that this would be my new work place for the following week. 

After introducing myself, I was welcomed with my own personal swipe card for the building, okay, so a swipe card isn't exactly exciting, but this is ELLE were talking about, and I had access to one of the biggest fashion magazine companies ever, there for it was and is a big deal!

After a tour of the building, and shown to my desk, my day began with meeting other people from the ELLE team, followed by an introduction to the amazing fashion cupboard. Surrounded by Dolce & Gabbanna, Christian Dior, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton and many other great designers, I was in girl heaven. But my task for the day was to return products back to the store ELLE had borrowed them from. 

Fashion Returns Form For ELLE.

A good half an hour into my day, I was asked if I wanted to be on the weekly 'What Elle Wears' page on the website. This shows you what some of the people at ELLE wear to work on a daily basis. I was so excited, and jumped at the chance to go and have my picture taken outside in London by the amazing photographer Victoria Adamson who works Freelance. Me, and two of the other interns Mark and Megan had our pictures shot outside in a very dull and rainy location.

What ELLE Wears

What ELLE Wears

These were the final shots from the pictures Victoria got outside. I can't believe I have had the great opportunity to have my picture on the website, let alone be working for the magazine. I wore a Topshop dress, teamed with a statement necklace, leather jacket and oversized tote bag. I went for a smart, casual look for the day.

The rest of my 10am-6pm day continued in the Fashion department. With more items to be returned, packaged, collected and sent back, only meant I had more return forms to complete. I found it rather rewarding, knowing that I had completed my task, getting items returned and more amazing items back into the Fashion Cupboard.

Arranging jewellery to be sent back

ELLE loves Topshop jewellery

Here is a small selection of Jewellery I sorted to be returned to the shop. ELLE orders in the items to shoot for features in the magazine, and then after the shoot, they have to be sent back to the shops, and today, it was my job to sort them all out and package them ready to be sent away tomorrow.

Overall, an amazing first day! Got my picture on the ELLE website, learnt how to do returns, and fell in love with the fashion cupboard. One of my greatest achievements and experiences so far to date.

I wonder what the rest of the week holds?

Rachel

x

Photoshoot Fun

I decided to take some pictures of my friend Gemma so that I could have a play around with the editing on Photoshop, as well as upload them to my blog for you lovely lot to have a peek at. I decided to keep it casual, allowing Gemma to pick outfits she was comfortable in, with me having some input on the accessories. Using her house as a studio, I took a series of shots...

Fur Coat, Bralet, Topshop Skater Skirt

Same as above

Same as above

Khaki jacket, internacionale, fur scarf, h&m

Black Leggings, Topshop, Striped Top - Newlook

Same as above

Necklace & Top H&M, Jeans, Topshop, Wedges, River Island

Gold chain and spiked necklace H&M

Aren't these mirrored River Island Wedges gorgeous?!

Watch, Armarni

Look finished with a pair of high knee socks.

I selected the best shots from the shoot to add to the piece. My favourite pictures would have to be the ones shot outside of Gemma in the green jacket with the hedge as a background. It had a very wintery theme to the shoot. It's always fun to have a mess around with pictures, editing and adding different effects. I kept the shots as natural as possible when editing, slightly enhancing colours and features to make the picture stand out more. I loved doing this shoot, and using a friend made it even more fun to take the pictures!

Have you done any photo shoots on friends for your blog, or maybe a project?

Rachel

x

Primark Bargains

After a recent trip to Primark, I came across some Hareem trousers. I remember them being on trend a few years back, but like all trends, they eventually go out of fashion, then eventually come back around, and here they are, once again in time for summer. For me, these are the perfect alternative to tracksuit bottoms, nice and comfortable, and if you know me, you'll know that as soon as I get home, the jeans are off, and the trackie bottoms are on. Being comfortable is a must! Whilst having a browse in Primark the other day, I came across these few pairs, and for only £9 each, you can't go wrong. I brought myself the pair second on the left, all of the bright colours drew me to them instantly. Perfect summer buy for my Ibiza holiday when it gets a little chilly in the evening. Here are some of the patterned ones they have in stock at the moment. Along with some plain simple colours. Spoilt for choice!

I'm really loving all of the different patterned clothes around at the moment. I thought I'd put together a collage of my favourite Hareem's and items I'd wear with the trousers for the perfect look. Here are my favourite items.

Personally, I'm loving the monochrome look at the moment, and these patterned and aztec Hareem's are my favourites. A simple black and white outfit is easy to pull together, and is great for that effortless look. Above is how I'd wear my hareems. With a simple white crop top, you have a perfect summer outfit for the daytime or evening. Added with a jacket, the outfit is pulled together for a casual daytime look. A statement necklace would work great with either of these trousers, and against the white top, it's bound to catch someones eye! If I was brave enough, I'd definitely wear a bowler hat to complete this look. Hats are perfect for them messy hair days when you can't be bothered, and a black one would look perfect with this outfit. Finally, a simple pair of black pumps to pull the look together. Even better, why not add a pair of heels for the night time? Day to night outfit in seconds.

Have you got your eye on any Hareem trousers for summer?


Rachel
x

Primark Bargains

Primark Bargains by razzie101 on Polyvore

Primark Summer 2013
marieclaire.co.uk

Primark Summer 2013
marieclaire.co.uk

Harper's Bazaar UK Work Editorial She Wears The Trousers, Fall 2010...
myfdb.com

Get the Look
polyvore.com

Primark Spring 2013
marieclaire.co.uk

Primark's Summer 2013 Collection See It Here!
look.co.uk

Hareems

Hareems by razzie101 featuring tye dye pants

Jane Norman cap sleeve t shirt
$12 - janenorman.co.uk

Goldie quilted jacket
$120 - topshop.com

Label Lab tye dye pants
$84 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Black pants
$23 - newlook.com

Black shoes
$24 - newlook.com

River Island pendant necklace
$18 - riverisland.com

Black hat
$18 - prettylittlething.com