Summer is fast on its way, and already travel adverts are filling the breaks on the TV, sending my wanderlust into overload. Is anyone else counting down the days till summer arrives? Some warmer weather is definitely in order after the Beast from the East consumed Britain and sent our spring back another month.

Everyone's sharing their summer plans on social media, and it got me thinking - its never too early to start getting ready. Which is why, I'm sharing a new bikini set that I was given from UK Swimwear, which I think it perfect for days spent lazing in the sun.





UK Swimwear features a huge selection of brands, in a variety of shapes and styles for you to find that perfect item to make you feel confident this summer. Whether its bikinis or swimsuits, or a kaftan or sundress to cover up, you'll find an amazing selection here. A quick browse of the site and you'll find there's so much choice; each category is filled with different designers with different styles of suit.

Have a specific style in mind, know that you're more a bandeau girl or fancy a cut out? You can select the style you're looking for and find that perfect suit for you.



Each summer I'm on the hunt for that perfect bikini - something thats fashionable, comfortable and will fit both on top and the bottom. Every time I'm bikini hunting, I find that I'm trying on different sizes of tops to bottoms, trying to find the right combination that will keep everything in place. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. As soon as I tried on my new bikini, I held in a breath - assuming I'd be confronted with the usual problem. Not this time, oh no. Both top and bottom fit perfectly, and I feel so secure and comfortable in them. UK Swimwear have a great selection of sizes, and a helpful cup size chart so that you can easily select the perfect size for you.

After searching through the huge abundance of bikini styles on their site, I found the perfect one for me. A simple bikini with a little twist. The cut out details on the bikini are beautiful, and feel sturdy, and are in keeping with the latest bikini fashion trends. The design is simple yet effective - mirroring the patterns of the sun on the water. It'll look perfect pool side or down by the beach.



The quality of this bikini is what has really sold me. The padding and material used feel sturdy, and won't rip or stretch after a summer spent in the pool. The gold detailing doesn't feel or look plasticy either, which helps the bikini exude glamour. After having a quick jump up and down, and even pretending to have a quick swim, I feel supported and secure in both the top and the bottom.



What I really enjoyed about UK Swimwear's website is that you know you're getting something unique. They only carry a few of the sizes of each design, so if they have you're size in your favourite style then you'd better snatch it up quick before someone else does.

Unlike my usual high street swimwear purchases, which I know I'll be chucking out at the end of summer when they're faded and stretched, I know that I'll have this bikini for holidays to come. So I'd say the price tag is definitely worth it.

Have a look through their website and decide what one you'll be treating yourself to ~ UK Swimwear

I've decided to spare you the shots of me in this bikini - my pale white Scottish skin hasn't seen the sun in months. Keep a look out on social media when I bring this bikini with me in my summer travels and you'll see it in action.


*This product was gifted to me by UK Swimwear, however all opinions posted are my own.

With the temperature dropping by a few degrees on a seemingly daily basis, it's a great time of the year to find some new pieces for your wardrobe. Autumn and Winter calls for a change up style wise - darker, burnt colours are the new go to - and party season requires some festive pieces to compliment the everyday pieces.

That's why LOTD is the perfect place to find all your on trend clothing needs. LOTD is a Manchester based company, with clothing to suit every style, for every situation. You'll easily find the perfect uni or work look, weekend style or outfit for big night out. And what's even better is that the prices are pocket friendly, so you won't be paying through the nose for a new look. You can easily change up your wardrobe without breaking the bank - and as a student, this is always a winner. After lusting over the new fashions on social media, its now easy to have them for yourself without using up the student loan.

So when LOTD asked to collaborate, of course I jumped on the opportunity. I selected a few versatile pieces and put together a wee look book - so expect lots of photos filling this post. These are the items that you will be sure to see me in for the next few months...






 This cosy knit jumper is a burnt orange (but also comes in white too). Cable knit jumpers ooze cosiness, which makes it perfect for this season. It's slightly shorter in the body, but can still be paired with trousers or skirts. The funnel neck of the jumper keeps your neck warm, and arms an oversize feel to it.

Here I've paired it with these PU trousers. They have a slightly plastic feel to them, but have a great shine to them - giving them that in-trend wet look. At each side of the front are three buttons, giving a little bit of detail to the waist band. These trousers were longer in length for my small 5"4, so I rolled up the bottom of them.









I'm a big lover of a swing dress - I think they're great for the Christmas season. Eaten too many mince pies? Not a problem. This style of dress will hide a multitude of sins. And its a great one for twirling and dancing around in.

Statement sleeves are one of my favourite things right now - and seem to be everywhere. And these sleeves are not only statement with their floaty arms; they also have lace panels which is a lovely detail while the body of the dress is just the block colour.

November is here, which can only mean one thing... the Christmas countdown is on. With the changing of the calendar, has also come the turning back of the clocks. An hour extra in bed over Halloween weekend was, of course, a welcome change. The change that was not so warmly invited was the dropping of the temperature. It seems as if we've suddenly jumped into winter, and my body was not ready. 

Summer swiftly came and went, and within a couple of days of changing the calendar page, the cold weather had set in. Scarves and boots are the new staple of my wardrobe, as each walk into uni requires trudging through piles of leaves while the wind hits. 

Have I mentioned it enough that things are changing in my life? In July I graduated from Edinburgh University, and at the end of this month I'll be moving to Durham to start a masters in Archaeology. I wrote all about this huge change the other month. Whether I like it or not, this summer marks a huge change in my life.



To go with this new change in my life, I decided to chop off my hair back in June. Gone are the days of long locks and French plaits, my hair is now above my shoulders and is the easiest thing to style. I fancied a shorter hair for summer - not only am I loving all the celebs who are rocking the short do, but I also feel like it makes me look a bit older too.

I've also been trying to change my style up a little bit - new uni, means new first impressions. And I've decided to start wearing some of the styles I've been lusting after all summer, but too nervous to actually try on. Culottes are my new thing - I've got myself a black pair of trouser culottes which I can match with any top or jumper, as well as this jumpsuits. Who knew a short girl like me would ever feel confident enough to wear a jumpsuit?



This jumpsuit is from Quiz - and comes in different colours and patterns.  I settled on this wine coloured stripped jumpsuit - a colour that is perfect for both summer and winter. The cut and fit is comfortable and loose. I never thought I'd feel confident wearing something so loose around the legs, but surprisingly I loved it. There's a sash to tie in a bow at the front, to accentuate the waist. I've already worn this with converse and pumps, and I think it would go great with some heels / heeled sandals too - meaning its perfect for dressing up or wearing casual during the day.

I wanted to add a few new items to my wardrobe before I head to Durham so that I feel confident when meeting new people. I also want to look my age -  I'm a little nervous that people think I'm a fresher as I try to navigate my way round the new campus. Heck, I still get ID'd when I buy matches and paracetamol and I'm pretty sure you need to be 16 to buy them.



To go with this new style, I also got myself my first tattoo. I never thought I'd be one to have tattoos, and its taken a year of toying with the idea, but its finally happened. (You may have seen it happen over on my Insta-story). I'll be writing a post all about the decision and the experience (so keep your eyes on the blog in the coming weeks). It's a small tattoo of a trowel, on my wrist - nothing too obvious, but something that is completely me. And I love it. I can already see why tattoos are addictive - I'm already looking for inspiration for another.

At times, the change can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to the big stuff like moving to a new city and starting a new university. But with all the little changes going on right now, its helping me prepare for the bigger change about to happen.

In a couple of weeks we'll be able to say that its autumn - or if you live in Scotland like me, you'll already be feeling like its winter. Either way, its time to say goodbye to the promise of the sun, and start taking out the autumn clothing. The perfect addition to any autumn / winter wardrobe is a trench coat - dressed up or down, it can be one of the most versatile piece in your wardrobe - and lucky for you, Jack Wills have you covered for all your trench coat needs, including a handy guide on how to style your trench coat.

This last week was spent pool side on the gorgeous island of Rhodes. My sister and I booked a last minute trip, to get our fix of sun and all inclusive cocktails for the summer. I've been posting a few snaps here and there on my Instagram and twitter while I've been away, but now that I'm back I'll be sharing everything I got up to.

The first of which is a little look book filled with balcony photos of my outfits from each evening. Each night was spent with full bellies and getting our fill of Tequila Sunrises, Blue Lagoons and San Francisco's while playing some competitive card games. While during the day I was dressed in bikinis or shorts while we explored some of Rhodes, I tried to make a bit more of an effort for the night. No make up did wonders for my skin during the day, but getting dolled up for the evening is always fun.