This week and beyond in pictures

Interning

Giving my time to a women's lifestyle website in Chelsea, London. I look forward to commuting to a wonderful part of the city where duties include, amongst many other things, overseeing the website and researching for articles.

Graduation

On Tuesday I finally graduated in BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism. It was a truly wonderful day spent with thoseI have had the opportunity to work with over the past few years and close family members. I was exteremely nervous (as the picture suggests) walking up to greet the legendary Zandra Rhodes, a combination of maintaining my balance and remembering to smile as the camera panned onto our faces as we strode on stage to collect our scrolls. 

Afterwards, we had drinks and my parents treated me to a truly scrumptious meal and bottle of Champagne to celebrate my achievement. 

Holiday

My holiday wish came true! I cannot tell you how happy I am that my family eventually booked a holiday to be spent in the wonderully sunny location of Turkey. Sun, escapism and a whole lot of fun awaits me!

Birthday

I will be turning 21 at the end of the month and I am extremely excited to know that I will be on holiday.. celebrating by sunning it up and watching the sun set before dancing the night away. 

I  A M  N O W 

S O M E W H A T 

E X C I T E D  !

So... a holiday IS ON the cards and that means one thing - a complete lack of posts from me. But don't fret! Stay tuned to discover my goings-on when I return.

  In the meantime, whilst I am lying flat on a sun lounger, enjoy these pictures. 

What exciting things have you been up to?

WONDER FULL

My Favourites in Pictures

Lie-ins 

A totally guilty pleasure but now that I have finished University and I therefore have no work to do, I feel more relaxed both mentally and physically. The longer I lay inside the warm haven that is my bed, the more I drift in and out of sleep. I am very nocturnal and can stay up all night as I generally don't enjoy sleep so late nights mean late mornings spent in bed!

Eating 

I literally think about food 99% of the day and that's not an exaggeration. I adore munching on a giant bag of Salt & Vinegar crisps, or better still Walker's Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli, devouring an entire plate of mashed potatoes and gorging Italian or Indian feasts. I love pasta, covered in spicy tomato sauce, oriental noodles or chicken dishes from Wagamama. Vegetarians look away now, because there isn't another culinary delight on earth quite like a juicy, hot steak. 

Bloody Mary Cocktails

As someone born without a sweet tooth (I could easily give up chocolate) this delicious red cocktail is the perfect thing for me to sip or rather, devour. Savoury and spicy with lots and lots of Worcester sauce, a dash of Tabasco, seasoning and a spurt of lemon juice (top tip), it tastes simply delicious. Even better with celery or salty crisps. 

Thinking about where I want to be

Not just what place I would like to be holidaying now, but career-wise too. The fashion industry is a hard one to get amidst of but I am remaining positive that where I am using my skills at the moment will be for the long-run.

Playing with our adopted kitten (which is leaving today)

Sadly, four kittens (3 male tabby and 1 black female) which were born at my Dad's garage at work, lost their Mother at six weeks old and so they came to live with us to nurture, feed and love. The remaining one is the girl (who I named Treacle) and is very playful, energetic and loves to run up and down the hallway. But today she is going to a new home and I actually think we're all going to miss her.

WONDER FULL

You don't have to take your clothes off (but it's more fun if you do)

A little selection of pictures to lust over (and for all the right reasons). See them as a metaphor, if you will, for being free (I am finishing uni at the end of this month and no longer have any work to do), it's hot outside (so why not strip off?) and because everyone likes naughtiness (these pictures contain nudity).

So, need I say more? ENOUGH of the excuses.

NO explanation (or clothing) necessary.

WONDER FULL

It's Hopping Mad!

       

        =

It seems everyone and I mean everyone, is getting into the Easter spirit (look out for the Ann Summer's Easter-themed advertising of their best-selling 'toy', who are even using it to their advantage, as they do the festive season). The May issue of Tatler was delightfully laden with all things rabbit and brilliantly amusing pieces related to such creatures. I adore the cover- Natalia Vodianova looking as incredible as ever (even after 3 children- there are no excuses!) with the cutest bunny ears and the colour combination- hazy grey mixed with pastel yellow and blue lettering- perfect for spring and of course, Easter time. I am getting excited for my big bag of crisps- yes, you heard right- crisps. I don't have a sweet tooth at all and a teeny tiny Celebration is enough sweetness for me in one sitting thank-you very much. Plus, I am off to New York next week as part of a Uni trip in collaboration with the Parson's new school, in which I am mirroring a student there- a talented young designer named Paige Kettering and my time has been filled with shopping for this. My new purchases include a Missoni scarf which was a complete bargain and Russell & Bromley tasseled brogues. I have not shopped like I have done over the past few weeks, in years and to be honest, it felt really good. Plus, I am glad I am not in England for the Royal Wedding because I truly am sick of hearing about it. That aside, Easter is a great time of the year and the sun shining makes everyone that little bit happier. Tatler made me happy this month and this as well as the sunshine, shopping, preparation for New York, reading a fair amount about bunnies (and eating some crisps, of course) has landed me amongst the Easter spirit filling the air- and magazines...




                                                     Tatler Nov 1988 (Jessica Rabbit, whom I am named after)

WONDER FULL

This is my face:

I am sure you can empathise with me, as I'm pretty adamant many of you are in your third years at Uni (Note to first years- make the most of it!) and can understand the enormous workload, endless list of things to do which seems like a never ending pile slightly resembling a mountain which you never do get to the top of.

 

This is my face when I find myself with 10,000 words to write in a month and a half, as part of my FMP unit creating an entirely new magazine, plus layout, plus countless competitions to enter...

This is my face when my work, I feel, is going well- I'm on top of things at least and even if I do have to do final proof reads, competitions are typed and I have a hen weekend in Brighton to look forward to...

And this is my face when I have handed everything in, have a party in which to celebrate that night, can start to really get excited about New York and can go and do some very serious shopping.

Yay. I literally have never looked forward to a deadline so much.

The dreaded stomach-turning thought of handing in aside (a mixture of excitement, of course and a smidgen of nervousness when faced with the reality that this is the last piece of major academic work), I have a whole lot of things to look forward to this year. It is a big important and eventful one and I make myself happy just thinking about it and I want to wack on Robin S and dance wildly around the room like the much younger person I feel.

Well, when the eveing of 15th April came, this was exactly what I was doing, all washed down with a giant glass of wine. I feel this was very well deserved.

When work is done, Jessie will play and she will play hard.

Things to look forward to:

New York

Others turning 21

Birthday Parties

My 21st Birthday

Holiday

Graduating

Interning (and potential job)

The rest of my life

Cliched I know, but there are chapters coming to an end and lots of new doors to open...

 Who knows what could be waiting inside?

WONDER FULL

Pack Up, Let's Fly Away...

2011 has been hectic from the word go and at the moment I have so much to at the same time- writing my dissertation began the never ending workload then it was onto the beginning of my Final Major Project, planning the writing for competition entries, interning, work experience, squeezing in the odd pub visit and flicking through the glossies. Plus- I have a New York/Parsons trip to think about, graduating and then turning 21 in the summer... the list really is endless.

I have been thinking about where to whisk off to for a while now as I really crave a holiday (even though my last was only August and time moves by so swiftly) and want to be somewhere amazing when I hit the big (but dreaded) 2-1. Having a birthday abroad just makes it that bit more special- my 11th (ha, seems like forever ago) in Calpe, a beautiful region on the east coast of Spain was one of the funnest times and definitely one of the best birthdays!

Walking around Chelsea whilst interning the other day I spotted a handful of planes overhead darting about the skies racing to what I imagined to be amazing locations- sunny, scorching hot, heaving with culture, cool places to eat... off on a tangent I go again. Well anyway, it got me thinking about the places I would possibly like to be for my birthday or potential destinations for the next journey I take to where the sun actually shines... one can dream, eh?

Have you been to any of these locations? What was your best ever holiday?

R i o   d e   J a n e i r o

I have never had a craving to go somewhere quite as much as I have for Rio- the nightlife simply looks incredible. So that's why I want to go. Plus, it has the most breath taking architecture and perfectly golden, sandy beaches.

Carnival Street Party, Rio

B a r c e l o n a

I have actually been before and want to go back soo badly. I went a few years ago and absolutely loved it- there is so much to see and do. Art is one of my passions and it really is one of the best places to go for that- culture is everywhere, plus it has a beautiful harbour and city centre full of eclectic places to shop.

Highly recommended.

Sagrada de Familia


 S i n g a p o r e

I've never had a strong urge to go visit the east, but lately have really warmed to venturing into the unknown. I really want to sample the food, see the bright lights and explore into such a diverse part of the world.

Raffles Place, Singapore City


C y p r u s

It's just a place I want to visit- it looks so tranquil and set amongst the ruins you could explore for hours. Looks and sounds idyllic and a holiday destination I am sure I will love as much as Turkey where I have been 6 years in a row and Greek Islands I have visited twice.

Northern Peak, West of Polis


E g y p t

In fact, I'd like to go anywhere in the UAE- including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Egypt I imagine myself lying in the scorching heat or venturing out in search of my own discoveries- either option sounds exactly like something I could do with right now! Even the North African marvel that is Marrakesh in Morocco. Sex & The City 2 made it look so exciting and adventurous- the enchanting bazaars and mysteriousness that came at night fall. It sounds like I am there already- and so I'm off again...

Gaza


I s t a n b u l

I have been to Turkey many a time, as you know and I desperatley want to visit this enchanting city. Not only for picturesque views, historical value and stunning landscapes, but the atmospheric and exciting feel it has. I long to experience that. It is known for it's cosmopolitan feel, amazing architecture and fantastical nightlife- the darkened lounge bars in which to soak in the energy whilst drinking and dancing the night away. That's my perfect night and one that I want to spend in one of the best countries I have ever ventured to. The traditional way of life, places to ponder and people to meet is, for me, what makes it so special.

The Princes Islands

A s p e n

I must admit, I have only been to the West Coast of the States (and countless American airports) but it is somewhere that the food is always perfect and the people friendly. As someone who loves skiing, snow and anything picturesque or sweetly charming in which to ponder, I feel this is the place I need to be as it offers all 3. Just imagine how magical it would be at Christmas time. Next on the American list is New York (which I will be visiting in April as part of a Uni competition), California and Arizona (simply for the Grand Canyon- I love a view, me!) and the latter 2 (as well as Cyprus) partly form the route of my dream travelling experience...

The St. Regis Hotel

Camel image from hiren.info

WONDER FULL 

RTW... (well, not quite yet)

I have had a lot of things going on recently; it was back to Uni last week and the start of my Final Major Project and in between going out and commuting on the tube, it has been a go-go with internship hunting and dreaming about where I want to be for my 21st.

All of the above are the reasons for the lack of posts and I feel more and more guilty every time I am thinking less and less of Uni work. I have had an idea for a while now and some feature ideas have recently popped into my head so I am quietly confident and excited (if a little scared) about beginning the last project at Uni.

Even though it was surprisingly sunny on Thursday it was straight back to the wintry British weather- all grey, windy and freezing cold by Friday morning. So this is just a little post to brighten up these weeks leading up to the nights when it will still be light at 4 in the evening. I share with you, some of my picks of the best S/S ready-to-wear catwalk looks of 2011.

What were your favourite S/S looks?

Chloe

Flowing Femininity

Victoria Beckham

Structured Elegance



Stella McCartney

Cutaway Shine

Valentino

Peach Ruffling

Chanel

Fluffy Bandeau

D&G

Floral Arrangement

WONDER FULL

For Christmas, please may I have...

It feels like forever since I posted anything on here but with uni deadlines looming, a lap top in repair and a schedule that was completely ruined by the snowy weather, it proved rather difficult to.


But anyway, I'm back and as the deadlines have now passed I thought it was time to really get into the Christmas spirit by sharing with you my Christmas list. Even though I haven't asked for much, as for me Christmas is more about getting together as a family- eating, drinking and generally having a good laugh. But, of course it is rather exciting to wonder what will be waiting under the tree for me to discover when the day finally arrives...

When I saw this jacket on the rail, it really was love at first sight. I'm really into retro fashion and the 1960's- I honestly believe I was born in the wrong era. With all the khaki and grey hues and blocks of black in my winter wardrobe or part of my look right now, this piece is a great way to brighten it all up and make the freezing temperatures that little more bearable. 

It is about time there was a good British comedy drama and this is by far the best thing on telly right now that makes my Thursday nights. The cast is amazing and the original format makes for a gripping watch- full of anger, chemistry and mysteriousness that keeps you hooked and leaves you thinking what will happen next. It is not in any way sugar coated, apart from the eye candy that bring the whole series to life. Robert Sheehan who plays Nathan is comically brilliant, is certainly easy on the eye and the ears too with that gorgeously irresistible Irish accent.

This always seems to make a regular occurrence on my Christmas list as it has readily become one of my make-up staples. Every girl has a favourite cosmetic item and this is mine. Applying make-up can sometimes seem like a chore but this just brings out the gal in me and I completely love it.

Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum is my absolute favourite scent and just like the Chanel adverts starring the flawlessly stylish and sophisticated Keira Knightley draw me in, so does the perfume's flawless packaging which proves too hard to resist. It has an unbeatable aroma I adore, to simply spritz over any outfit with the effortless ease and grace Chanel brought to fashion so well and oh so elegantly.

This is one of the ultimate coffee table books I intend to add to my growing collection. My aim it to have an entire shelf full of fashion reads that offer amazing photography and fashion analysis of the highest calibre. This book is not only visually appealing but includes a history of the creation and art direction of Louis Vuitton, accompanied by an analysis of it's reference to architectural design. I simply cannot wait to delve straight into this mammoth of a read.

Christmassy and
WONDER FULL