FASHION & STYLE: S/S '11.

When going back to school after Summer we imediately start to countdown to Christmas, then once Christmas is over we count down to Summer again. This always leaves me confused as to what to wear?

Although the weather is still harsh and cold I'm always really bored of my wardrobe - wishing for summer days: Playsuits, Bare legs and wedges. Then of course there is the erternal dilemma...how early is to early to start wearing S/S '11 key trends? I know its still January but once I've saw designers collections I'm practically dying to get my hands on there highstreet counterparts.

Today I tried out the whole long skirt thing which I'm on the fence about right now. Though I have already bought in to the predicted biggest trend of the whole season. 70's!

RELIGION: Start a prayervolution!

I mean, it was bound to happen sometime soon. For my camp high to turn to a camp lowwwwwwww. Right about the time I discovered I didn't do particularly well in my English exam. One of my many problems is my sudden reluctancy to pray, if i don't pray just once I get totally "urghhhh" and I end up getting so down.

I can see God trying to get through to me, I dont know why but I just don't listen. On the days I need convincing most my bible notes are far to relevant for it to be a Coincidence. The thing with God though, there is no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. Deep down I can promise you I believe it,  but when times get the slightest but rough I'm terrible.

Then Bamm! EFRIDAY! good old efriday, what would I do without you? you've seen me through my primary school days when I first got to know God through into year 7 & 8 (Chav and emo phases included there) and up until now, when I have the privilege of helping out :)

I had a good talk with my youth worker, who is totally amazing and just realised I need to keep going. It maybe hard but its definitely worth it. When thinks get tough I need to cling to God and not to the world views that pull be down.

But remember, God can speak through anyone or anything. He can speak to others from you no matter how sinful you think you are. Life with God is a journey - Not a race.

So what are you waiting for? PRAY!

BOOKS & MAGAZINES: Count the pages,

I love fashion, I always have. And, I've always loved magazines. I read them all,  even the Tracy Beaker collection (anyone else still got the free creativity box?) I love how much they happen provide you with, I learnt how to draw like Nick Sharratt in one issue - though I remember never been able to get the hair right. It just always seemed too spiky rather then the borderline curls it should have been. The magazines I read today provide me with not just fashion information but insight and a guide. They do not dictate what I wear, for I decide that myself though they do provide helpful tips, and viewings of other lives. A magazine is a guidebook of do's and dont's that expand to almost every circumstance of your life even though they may focus on a particular subject. I can't stress just how much I love everything about them, even the paper.

 if love the cover star, a flick inside is still essential. I am indeed faithful to some publications, where as others I flit. I think pretty much every company I've ever bought has been reduced to a pound. Tonight though, I just couldn't bring myself to buy one.

I'd set off to Tesco with the mission to buy "Revision notebooks". That translates to Vogue, Diet Coke and maybe Marie Claire.  I'd already seen who were on the cover so I was pretty set on buying them, then I picked them up. You may call me old fashioned but I actually like to buy a magazine that has substance, a big thick magazine is one of the things I really really enjoy. Its like spending time with old friends, you dip in and out of conversation, your not fearful to cross a particular subject and you listen to there advice. I don't need anymore adverts to fill my walls, I wasn't prepared to buy something half heatedly if it just didn't sell itself.

If I ever own or am in charge if any magazine I can guarantee to you that every month the magazine would carry weight. Not just in its physical form but the message it contained inside. I'd actually be ashamed to deliver a publication so thin. You can always inspire more.

FASHION & STYLE: A new season,

We always seem to find ourselves seeking comfort in complete difference. Sometimes it seems easier to tell a stranger a secret then it is a friend, you desire the lack of judgement. We seek the difference that our world doesn't hold, admire what is not ours.

My outfits are bright and crazy, never really matching. And I guess I like it that way?

 Though lately, I find myself increasing drawn to minimalism. Just that statement piece. The versatility that comes from the dress on its own, the lines and shapes of it are the accessories. No bag or blazer would be need to complete the look, They would simply overpower it.

I adore the simple elegance provided by a item. Whether it may be long and flowing or short, collared & crisp.

 This is why I hold the Jonathan Saunders for Jill Sander S/S '11 collection high, the work with the shape and cut of the fabrics & the impact of colour. The mesh details and skinny belts that highlight the beauty without over loading us.

The patterns are simple & pretty. And the varying necklines add to your wardrobe, and item its seems could fit in anywhere.

                    My favourite piece of them all, The white blouse with acid orange panel.

ADVERTISING: "whoever said money doesn't buy happiness obviously didn't know where to shop"

I really try to not be defined by brands or labels, and believe me I'm all for supermarkets' own. Smart price Asda chocolate is fantastic, especially in a field on a warm summers day, (ahh, memories)

Though its amazing just what can make you want to buy an item. What really can make you covet something. I can honestly say I probably wouldn't have desired the Mulberry 'Alexa' half as much if it had have been say, the Mulberry 'Cheryl' or similar. I mean I think the bag is gorgeous whatever the name but I definitely like it more because of its name.

And confession... I wanted Princess by Vera Wang long before I'd even smelt it. It was actually everything but the smell of it that had drawn me too it. I loved the advertising, the big floaty dress and the crown. The luxury & lifestyle the advert portrayed. Even the simple heart bottle, the mini crown on the top has become part of one of my necklaces.

When it came to buying some shower gel to take away to camp, I was happy to stick to my normal, simple, nice smelling choice. But then I spotted a certain range and the description made me buy it, I mean don't even like the smell of ginger but a couple of words had me instantly!

I'm not a very positive person but this shower gel just makes me optimistic. I think everyday I'll read it and really believe the day has endless promise, even if it is a school day!

So buy something that makes you smile, something that makes you believe in yourself :)

RELIGION: This little light of mine;

I'm such a creature of habit, every year I decide to make a bunch of resolutions that I never stick too.
Once again this year I've compiled yet another mental list of things to improve about myself: Less of this, More of that. Though this week I've been at camp and I've realised a huge amount of things. I know I have a lot of flaws, off the top of my head I can think of numerous things I'd like to change about myself and the way I look/act. Now though, I know that God loves me just the way I am and he created me to be unique.

The stumbling block with being told that is I've heard it so many times, but before this week I've just never really listened. I've really struggled to understand how God could love me of all people but now I'm trying to learn more about him. I mess up all the time but now I'm truly discovering the meaning of forgiveness. I've gone back to basics to once again understand the cross and to thank Jesus for dying for me.

This year I'm going to try my best to shine for God.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

"Do you wanna be a saint to the nation
Are you gonna change your generation
This is gonna be your motivation
All you gotta do is start a conversation"