Heading North.

First year student at Leeds University, first time living on my own, first boyfriend...I can only summarise the past few months as a time of firsts.’ Whilst I’ve been trying to successfully navigate and adapt to the whirlwind of changes in my life, other things have faded into the background slightly. However, being situated in Leeds is the perfect occasion to re-invest some time into my blog; this city is full of creative people doing creative things – I want to be one of them! What I love about Leeds is the city’s personality, the energy that flies around the city – possibly a result of 30,000 students mixed with the up and coming foodie scene, serious investments in street style (I have never seen so many well dressed beautiful people in one place as on the University of Leeds campus) and just the general Northern vibe. Most importantly, Leeds is a place of encouragement; the creative energy is comparable to London except for the willingness to accept new faces. People are open minded and keen to open up the scene to newcomers...so this blog is getting back on the road, with the help of perma-collab photographer Chloe Beddoes (also a fellow English student.) Feel free to get in touch with her regarding promotional shoots or if you just want to go out and take some photos!

This shoot is one of my favourites to date; taken in Retro Boutique – a gorgeous little Aladdin’s Cave full of antique furniture, vintage clothes and knick-knacks you would find on your Great-Grandma’s dressing table. In keeping with the setting, I went for trusty Levis and an 80’s blouse. Old Levis are the best; they hold no regard for showing off your legs, being simply comfortable and high waisted in a slightly tatted shade of faded denim. I call them my Dad/painter jeans. I picked up this pair in Blitz vintage on Brick Lane for a fraction of the price of those in American Apparel...so much friendlier to a student budget! Sadly however, I am still learning how to be my own laundrette and shortly after this shoot I overdid my Levis in the tumble dryer...they are now fit to be worn only by a five year old.

Shirt and Belt – Jolly Brown Vintage, Hitchin

Levis – Blitz Vintage

Shoes – Russell and Bromley

Headband – c/o Beau xoxo

When it comes to shoes, I am a quality not quantity kind of girl. I splashed out last year on these loafers from Russell and Bromley, investing an amount similar to a week’s rent in my university accommodation (I did blanche slightly upon entering my PIN). R&B’s buttersoft leather and brushed suede are jazzed up with crocodile skin appliquéd sections in a classic and wearable combination. As I’m constantly running between my halls, campus and town (no matter what I do I’m always five minutes late) flat shoes are essential, so these end up on my feet with pretty much every outfit.

The headbands are from Beau Xoxo– a delightful accessories brand selling handmade headbands and beautifully crafted hair clips. Pair one of these headbands with a ticket to Secret Garden Party or Parklife, and that’s your festival look sorted (provided that there is a sun, of course.)

Claire x