Life of a claires supervisor

Its nearly officially been 2 months at Claire's where does time even go??? 

Recently I passed my key turn which really just means I am able to hold the fort of the shop on my own. wooooo!!! I was a little nervous so when it was confirmed by the district manager I passed It brought a smile to my face. since then I cant say I have really stopped learning, processing and just getting stuck in.

With Halloween approaching fairly quickly recently the staff of claire's stores have been dressing to embody the theme with witches, cats, devils, dead brides etc. If any of you people viewing this have instagram check out @claires_cabotcircus for my stores going ons or #clairesuk to see what others are up to in the UK. You never know might spark ideas or reveal a product you have been searching for.

Anyways I know I have been lacking photos in recent posts so will try my best in future posts to let you into some the imagery of my life. Feel free to check me out personal on instagram @nicolacupboard for the time being xx

Working update with purchases

Crazy Crazy Crazy....that's what time spent has been recently. I seem to have work in my diary as well as free days but I always seem to busy. How is that??

The jobs itself is going as well as expected with only being there a few weeks i'm finding my feet, learning new things and communicating with the general public. Even though these things are all well and good I just cant help but feel I am slighty out of my depth but at the same time I know I am fully capable.  why am I programmed with self doubt??  One of the perks of working for a accessories company is the 50% discount so as you can guess I have purchased a few new items. A gorgeous semi-precious stone necklace in tones of baby pink with a silver chain, a anklet with little leaf shaped pieces of metal hanging from it and a ring that sits on my middle finger looking as if it has wrapped itself around it.  All purchases that even though I shouldn't have brought have been money well spent.

Happy Happy Happy.

so......Heres to hoping I can kick my self doubt and beat my inner demons to say yes I can do this so please go away.  The next few weeks I am fairly busy with work hours so do forgive me if I don't post :) 

This time a year ago 3rd year had begun

September 2013 and I just begun the quickest year of my life to date. I blinked and the year was over. where had all that time gone....???? 1 dissertation, 2 six week modules and 2 9 weeks with the following classification of 2:1 upper second class degree. Thinking about it now I would like to wish all the student out there going into their third year creative or other wise try not to let the stress get on top of you. speaking from experience I got myself way to up tight, put down by others, cried the volume of liquid you would need to fill a swimming pool but apart from the downs don't forget your friends/peers as no matter what they will get you through it as well as family as even if its not said we all care about one another.    

 

so free from education life is an open sketchbook ready for me to document the next chapter of my life from employment, relationships and the ever expanding items being added to my wardrobe.

 

keep posted for the progression in my life :)   

The rollercoaster which is life.

With the twists, turns, bumps, ups and downs the best way to describe the days from my last post is that of a rollercoaster!!

From working two jobs to juggling seeing the other half to gym to family AND THE OCCASSIONAL I CAN'T DO IT....I have decided to try and become a more chilled person. Not that I am not already but I am laced very tight sometimes not giving myself the opportunity to just experience.  So with this in mind I have started drawing again (no masterpieces though just quick sketches), doing things because I want to and embracing the words I have been know to say to a fair few people 'use every experience as a chance to learn or develop'.

Job update-----Claire's
With having had what felt like a very long shift of the new job on Saturday (8 1/2 hours) it definitely let me do something I thoroughly enjoy talking to people. I mean who doesn't love to talk?! view all the stock we had to offer, work in an environment that doesn't to a point sell clothing and gave me the opportunity get to know the team members that were in.  Come to the end to say I was tired was true and a little out of my comfort zone a lot true but with most things it takes time to get used to a new roles. sooo.....with a positive attitude and a smile on my face my best foot is continuing to go forward.

Job news!!!

I HAVE A JOB :D!!!!!

So.........after all the cv editing, application forms, conversations and the occasional interview I can happily say I have a job as a supervisor for Claire's accessories. woooooow. perseverance pays off. This provides me with two things I absolutely love communicating with people and the obvious accessories. I mean what's not to enjoy I get to work in the city of Bristol, see fashion all the time due to high street and use my knowledge of combining to bring the two together with in the simplest of occasions just one item.  One thing I am sure I am not going to get bored of its the constant change of days in retail and the constant learning experience to expand my knowledge. 

Anyways I could probably go on for a fair bit about the excitement I am feeling for the fast approaching future chapter of my life but I shall save you eyes for another post. 

xoxo

ps. all my birthday money got spent pleasantly on a shirt, tops, 2 jackets and jewellery. Such good editions to my ever changing wardrobe as who wants to stick to one style and get stuck in a rut....NOT ME  

22ND BIRTHDAY

13 days and I haven't posted I apologise people.
Its been a draining, emotional and damn right up and down roller coaster. From the constant hunt for a job to balancing family life with out standing on everyone's toes since returning from Uni there has been some heated thoughts and angry rants. but who doesn't get periods of time like that??

So yesterday was my 22ND BIRTHDAY!! where does time just disappear to. I can clearly remember my 21st and that was a fairly boozy one :) it seems like it was just yesterday. when older people said to me when younger when your older time would go faster I used to pass it off but that right there is a true statement.  Anyways off topic....

I didn't ask for anything for my birthday rather just money so that way I can buy just what I want and no feelings get hurt if I don't like what is received.  One of the best things about my birthday is I got to share it with my twin who is also one of my best friends. bliss. we may argue but we always come through the other end. 
My outfit for the evening a beautiful silky kimono with a floral print from Debenhams, Cami top, new look jeans and hand made pendant necklace (featured in previous posts)

I shall be sure to keep you up dated on any new purchases being added to my wardrobe :) x

pop of colour, 3 pairs of shoes

Well today I added yet more shoes to my already large collection but I do blame my mother for the encouragement. They were in all in sale though which just proves waiting sometimes has its good parts even if you don't think it when you first fall in love with a pair.  I got a black pair of t-bar wedges with cork bottom (new look £12 scanned at £7. BONUS) that look heavy but actually are so light I could last a while in them with the toe and ankle strap for stability. As well as two pairs of look a like Birkenstock's one in cobalt blue the other in a iridescent copper colour that can simply pass as silver in the right light. Both pairs for £10 from F&F Tesco what is there to complain about. Only problem though I don't really have a place to keep them :(.

 A lovely cami top also happened to fall into the arms from new look £12.99 current collection as I just love this zingy yellow/green colour that has made a big bold appearance on the high street that will continue to accent for the coming months.  Apart from the colour I was draw to the beautiful floral design in black outline and white fill colour with the scratchy not too neat mark making bringing character to an already loud garment.

I am more then positive all these additions to my life will get the fair share of wear.

 

So....even though I say I am not going to buy any more shoes, bags or clothing how can you stop a girl with a love of constant change and variety??

Not a boring monday!! Animals, Laughter and florals

 

 

Like the title it has definitely not been a boring day. yay!! This because I got to reconnect with a friend I haven't seen for a while which always brings a smile to my face and laughter into my vocals. 

With the weather being the way it is recently sunny and lovely why not take advantage so we headed to Noah's ark zoo farm in wraxall (somerset). I would advise anyone with small children or just a love for animals living around the area or thinking of visiting go up there. From a large amount of picnic benches to talks to baby chicks I'm sure you day will be like mine full of enjoyment.

 

As for my outfit I dug out another treasure I forgot about. A chiffon loose fitting t-shirt style top with a boat neck line and vintage floral pattern from select. It gave enough coverage to stop my shoulders getting repeatedly burnt but also enough room to let air flow freely. Teamed with a pair of Oasis jeggings rolled up, Primark laser cut open toe pumps in beige and a mint green cardigan also from Primark (shoes and cardigan this season).

Simple yet effective as who really wants to go to the zoo/farm in top to toe new clothes that you will worry might get ruined. not me!! 

 

(p.s sorry about bad quality photos)

lots of sun and Sanctuary Spa

I am sure I am not the only one going to say this but I am loving the British weather recently minus the torture of working out in this heat (sweaty betty) and the occasional blemish.  With the sunshine brings great freedom in clothing, accessories and shoe choices. YAY!! to changing up outfit pieces.

This week I can definitely say I am sticking to what I said at the beginning of summer by attempting to wear every piece of clothing I own (not at once though) by the end of summer otherwise I have to get rid :( due to the amount I have. Its hard being a female sometimes but, I push everyone to join me. This because you will find treasures you forget you have. clash those prints, play with textures, explore colour and best of all enjoy being individual and not caring what others think. Otherwise what is the point in fashion and all that comes under that umbrella!!

Anyways I need to rave about my Sanctuary Spa covent garden products.  I currently have the body butter, body lotion, body scrub and intensive heel balm and with the weather creating variation with in my skin that are all working amazing.  The heel balm is the best I have ever tried!!! Its a great moisturiser and definitely provides my feet with the nourishment and attention they require as who wants to wear sandals, flip flops and other summer shoes with cracked heels. not me!!  The body scrub whether used as a bubble bath or a shower product it gives great buffering qualities to get rid of all that build up in layers of skin many of us would never thing about leaving it 'cleansed, radiant and refined' there is no lieing on this packaging.  For the other two they are just brilliant all round body creams that keep you skin hydrated and beautiful. (check out the image for products)

feel free to ask questions

Bye blog world xoxo

Fun with the Family

so.........

this weekend I got to see my lovely grandparents which as always was really nice.
sometimes we all forget what people around us do for us so when the opportunity arises to see the ones who care for us never turn it down. life is too short!!

This weekend has been nothing more then laughter, fun times, food and general catch-up.  Yesterday was great that even though typical great British weather it rained come the end it brighten up to allow for a BBQ. who doesn't love a good BBQ???!  But the best thing about the whole evening my grandparents and fellow guests over the age of 50 were doing vodka jelly shots that I never thought would happen with them in fact asking for more. phahah. high light of the night for sure along with my granddad taking a selfie with me. bless him :)




Today - In keeping with the British things of never anything going to plan it was sunny, clammy and bright so me along with 9 other family members decide to go for a roast dinner. Considering the weather is was still so lovely to see my grandparents again considering they live in Devon. In need of a definite break down that way in the very near future!!

hope everyone is having a lovely weekend.

xoxo

Degree grade

The official letter finally arrive a week ago today sorry for not informing all of you soon but I'm graduating with a 2:1. YAY!!!. To say I was relieved when I opened that letter was a understatement with the stress and fluctuation in emotions, creativity and grades this past year I thought it would have been a bit of a task.
Looking on now though as much as I cried, burdened people with my thoughts and made some closer bonds with friends I know who is there for me and i'm counting down the day till graduation (98 to be precise). I am hoping though I see them before that :).

so this week has been filled with a lot of pain due to clumsy me falling off a pavement 2 weeks ago. Not my best move!!! having either deeply bruised the bone or damaged the tendon its just a wait and see situation which isn't very cool when I want to walk and go to the gym/zumba.  I have had good and bad days. Good day was Wednesday I got to take a close family friends 13 year old daughter out shopping for a few summer pieces for her wardrobe.  It was thoroughly enjoyable with the ability to help combine pieces whilst help her to start understanding clothes and her own style.  From swimwear to tops to skirts we covered it all.  Best thing from the who experience she wants to do it again :D:D:D. winter wardrobe shopping possibly??
                       check out some of the pieces below #asda, #Matalan #sportdirect  

update...

Update!!
Today I found that I didn't get the job I had applied for after having gone through two stages of interviews but hey ho things like this happen. Its full steam ahead with the next and no dwelling on the past.  Luck is bound to come into my favour sooner or later. Touch food, Fingers crossed all of that jazz.

This week has gone ever so quickly I cant believe one its Friday and two its July (happy independence day all you Americans :) ) where did January go???!!

I finally got round to doing all the tasks that we all hope will do themselves but we all know that never happens with hair cut, repairing skirt zips, tiding rooms, clearing out loft the list can go on. But on the plus side at least I now have next week to have some free time to myself. As for this weekend its working back at home part time until I receive news I have a full time job which I am hoping wont be to much in the future. No rest for the wicked.

Anyways I am feeling I am typing just for the sake of it so will depart you now.

Night blogging community x x x  

Im sorry for not blogging

As the title say I'M SORRY!!! These last few months have been nothing but crazy with fmp, grad shows, moving back home the list could easily go on. One thing i am happy but also sad about though is that my degree has officially come to an end which means i no longer can call myself a student :(. Onwards and upwards though the creativity still floes through my veins and the passion to go with it. If you believe you can do it and want it enough goals shall be hit :). Anyways less of the rambling!! My goal from now onwards to to blog as often as i can whilst gaining as much experience as possible whether that be potential placements/internships or employment i just want to continue expanding on my knowledge of fashion. I know i sound slightly ott but i am a sponge i just love to learn and what better way then through the journey of life. So here i go after my first blog in a long time. Hope i haven't bored you too much and fingers crossed i will have some news to share with you all in the near future. Happy blogging everyone :) x

degree is done

So yes my DEGREE IS DONE!!!!. . Three very stressful years have come to a close if you minus final shows etc.

what to say it has been the biggest emotional rollercoaster I have had to deal with yet in my life from the constant scrutiny, elation, friendships,  work the list could go on.  I have meet some people I know will be friends for life and learnt a lot about myself which could be good or bad depending on the way you look at it.

The submission of this module was nothing like previous. with having to do final shows and set up work wasn't actually handed in rather shown to check we had fulfilled criteria that can be visual seen through the degree show 6th-14th June at Somerset college.

Unfortunately this weekend hasn't seen we have a break though with work but hey not all bad get to have some chill time this week with my girlies after the virtual catwalk is filmed Monday and Tuesday. Exciting times get to see my creations in motion.  I will be sure to post pictures and hopefully video of the antics in front and behind the cameras.

stay tuned for more :) x     

less then a week to go

Where has time gone?! I know I always say this but sorry for lack of blogging you guys I am a slacker for sure in the area.

This approaching Monday begins the last official week of my degree. Scary. The last three years have seen laughter, fights, lots of new clothes and a buckets load of continuous crying but wouldn't change it for the world nor would I do it again for that matter.

Jobs this week well to my amazement not as much as I thought I would have the joys of technical flats, design boards and more digital along with sorting, cutting, making of one more garment and clearing studio spaces.  Week is going to be busy.  The collection is pretty much set it stone so that makes life even easier as prep for graduate displays have begun. Should be a piece of cake from here out? right?!

anyways thought I would just do a quick post.

How are all you other creative students getting on??? x

easter madness

Easter Sunday or palm Sunday whatever way you look at its come and past.
For me personally it was a lovely day just the break i needed away from the uni work and general work. Between finishing my thesis, sewing samples and icing Easter eggs these past two weeks have gone extremely fast but yet even though i have accomplished things i hardly have anything to show for it :\.

Yesterday was spent doing something i just love spending time with my family. The best part surprising my grandma and grandad by driving down with my two sisters to say she enjoyed the company for a few hours and seeing us all together which doesn't happen very often was a lovely treat for her. shame about the British weather - constant Rain!!

Well today has been a new day. productive one at that!! summer wardrobe brought down from storage and winter put up, spring clean of house and working on samples for my final collection in the beautiful sunshine what a change from yesterday. lets hope it continues.

Anyways its back to uni for the last time tomorrow where has the last three years gone......? Creativity will come from me and my thesis shall be printed and bound scary stuff.

so for now i'm off for a little break. bye bye x

Work work work

Wether its uni work or being a Easter bunny at work its been busy. First off.....i completed my thesis last night. YAY!!! After months and month all that has to be done now is binding it. Job for next week when not icing Easter eggs. Don't get me wrong love my job but when its sunny outside would be great to enjoy it. i get on like a house on fire with my fellow employees so could be worse. So still with one week and few days left of Easter break my free time is being spent regaining control of my studio work for my final collection. Crazy 4 weeks after i go back i have my last ever hand in. Arghhhhh. Anyways off to let my creative mind run free. Toodle-loo bloggers x

Fox Brothers

Fabric sourcing day. yay!!! always fun to feel the materials but not always great for the bank balance.

This sourcing took me to the bespoke tailoring mill of fox brothers based in wellington united kingdom they specialise in made in Britain goods and very high quality worsted and woollen cloth in range of weights and patterns suitable for any garment.  I personally though went on the hunt for a light weight worsted wool suitable for the wide led culotte style trousers of my final collection. 

It was just my luck, found just the roll I desired yes the colour is a little off but hey i am going to embrace it and even attempt to dye it. busy I shall be. browsing the small showroom my senses were taken on a journey the ticking sound of the material being constructed in the factory right behind the show room, conversation about fibre blends, the soft touch of the cloth against my skin, the view of a garment being constructed by a talented man and of course the smell. It may seem strange to some people but to others you will know it. walk into any material shop and your in heaven. 

I was advised following a phone call to visit to touch the material and I am so glad I did. Seeing a functioning mill that I have never been too even though have lived in Taunton for nearly three years, viewing the variety and the best part material that is usually around £40 per metre I got for £10. It was definitely a buy now moment or your regret.

I would say to anyone if you looking for woollen cloth and English made construction go and see it.

Night blog world x x

work, digital, colour

work, digital, colour. These three words sum up what my week has been like so far.

with my final collection well and truly underway and toiles finalised now time to source extra material and print/laser cut my textiles onto them. Exciting.  so like I said digital in the last few days I have done more digital printing then ever before my thought is if I am going to fall flat on my butt may as well do it with a BANG!!.

Here is a few snippets of my work toward my graduate collection. sub group 1 and 2 with my board at the end of week 5.

              Easter break now. WOOOOO!!! work still has to be done though :( so one shall carry on.

All you creative people out there carry on doing what you love. xxx

10 days is a long time

As the title says it has been a long time. these ten days have seen an onslaught of tears with what has been bad news after bad news but hey ho, onwards and upwards.

To think I have 5 weeks left (term time) until I have to hand in my final module of uni is CRAZY!!!. At times I have wanted to quit but coming this far has proven that I have the self motivation and determination to carry on.  with mothers day (in the uk) today I suppose I have learnt my stubbornness for my very own mum. Telling me never to give up, fight for what you believe in, don't let people walk all over you and my favourite your look back and laugh at those who put you down. we all go through times in life where we want to cave in and live like a hermit under a rock but where would be the fun times that make memories and the not so fun that make you stronger.

I suppose what I am trying to say is if your a student and struggling don't give up your get there in the end and touch wood it will seek the rewards you had hoped for.

love to all you mummies out there and chin up you stressed students x x x

PS. On a great note I got selected to go to newdesigners London 25th-28th June 2014. wooooow!!!!

collection progression

 

On a good note 2 week till Easter break!!! Christmas seems like it was only yesterday

 

This week has been none stop and its not even finished yet. Decisions are constantly being made, pattern cutting, laser cutting and creating designs. To say I have been a busy bee would be a true statement.

 

For this module I have continued to use my insect inspiration from previous module just refining it this time to be the best it can be.  Designing for women gives lots of room to explore shape and texture as well as mix garments and colour combination. Below you can see some of the garments I have been toiling for potential outcome. To keep more up to date when I am not blogging check me out on twitter , instagram, and facebook  

Final shows are moving ever closer so its back to the work with a new designers interview tomorrow for 1 of 16 places up for grabs. ahhhh nervous.

 

so for now bubi blog-sphere

 

brogues and bare legs

 

 

the title says it all. Even though it was foggy outside and I thought I might be heading to Narnia I braved my bare legs.

This outfit is simple, easy and just works and the feedback I got just proved the fact. Yay!!! I'm not too bad at putting an outfit together after all. 

I am embracing bigger is better at the moment with the cream printed shirt being a size 16 but it was £1 from a charity shop so couldn't say NO. To be fair as long as you balance it out what is wrong with a big garment.

For the rest, brogues primark ages ago, grey short tube skirt elastic waist £3 primark (this s/s collection), denim skirt Red Herring Debenhams sale winter this year.

with the outfit having a young vibe I thought what better way to have my hair freshly wavey due to plaits then....in a high pony.

SOMETIMES OUTFITS JUST COME TOGETHER!!!

 

so with the sun making spring and inspiration finally coming my way for my last every uni module I am taking everything in my stride smiling and turning negative into positive :) x  

OUTFIT 09/03/2014

 NEW MAXI DRESS :D. SUMMERS COMING!!!!
This weekend was my lovely mums birthday and with that saw a great opportunity to buy a new dress. My thought every girl needs a new dress for a family occasion. 
I was completely drawn to this one due to the vibrant pop of limey yellow at the top in contrast to the multitude of pattern in monochrome tones.  The price was alright when on a student budget too £13 (primark) it was a must have for my wardrobe and that always needs a update.
This shape can also hide a massive amount of sins with its loose undarted shape and elastic waist to give it a little shape with the black thin belt adding to emphasize its universal to an apple, pair, boyish or top heavy figure. 

OUTFIT

 

First off I want to apologise for my clearly obvious posey pose in image number 3. I dunno what I was thinking. awkward!!.

Yet again being lucky the sun made an appearance this making me happy with the ability to wear sun glasses but not brave enough to op out of coat wearing just yet.

 

Pieces
Coat new look brought just before Christmas. double breasted with zip fastening and popper detailing. very warm. £55 bargain really.
skirt - ancient had for many a year picked it up for £1.50 in a George at asda sale. (channelling my current project with the pulling of binder) The hint of lime yellow to my eye gives it that wow factor with the attention it draws. colour accents are a must
Boots - River island sale just after Christmas. I love them. £40 down to £25 soooooooo comfortable and with quilted backs and zip tassel I was hooked by these immediately.

Bag - most recent purchase. BHS mini tote rose gold colouring with metallic shine offering the option of hand held straps or shoulder strap with interior popper fastening.  To say this bag is getting used a fair bit would be the honest truth. £6.75 in sale it took itself to the till.

what every ones views on the use of metallic and chromic colour at the moment?? 

Relaxation

Even though this week i should be getting straight into my new project i am failing to find motivation and inspiration. The same could be said for visual culture. Ohhh dear not what i need :(. Anyways on the brighter side i am currently on a few days away in the lovely south west place of brixham (near Paignton and Torquay) seeing my grand parents. Always nice to see them when i get a chance to have a time away from uni. The thing that i love most about the south west is the beautiful scenery, peacefulness and the sea. Not crazy enough for a dip yet though. Only problem though....back to normality tomorrow :(. Taunton and uni work. So for the time being i am going to chill out and enjoy a roast dinner courtesy of my grandma. I do love that lady. Bye im off to get curvy X x

penultimate handin

Hand in time again came and went I am shocked myself that I actually got it all done. Didn't think for a second it was going to happen with this module being such a roller coaster of emotion and creativity.  Whats the scarier thing is I have had my final ever briefing for this portion on my uni education. 9 weeks term time creativity and then my degree is over :(.

  
NO REST FOR THE WICKED THOUGH.....I have given myself a couple of days off now with added alcohol but come tomorrow morning I am to get my head in the game and write the last chapter of visual culture.  The joy that will be once all done, dusted and handed in. 

In terms of creativity this module is to be a collaboration of all my research elements developed from the starting point of insects. There is always twists and turns so god knows what I will end up with but I  will attempt to keep you lovely bloggers notified along with other things.

xx  

Hand in...looming!!!!

So from the title of this post I am sure you can all guess whats happening the end of this week....HAND IN. 

What is worse though is after this I only have 9 more weeks during term time of creative practice :(. DUM DUM DUM. Then the fun of shows start and attempting to gain employment. with this in mind today I got my butt into gear doing more samples (ones below white leatherette with blue foiling and laser cutting) and I produced my own business cards.

let me know what you think.....

OUTFIT

Well the sun decided to make an appearance so what better excuse to get out the sun glasses!!!

With procrastination at an all time high I saw a great opportunity to take a few photos to kill yet more time. Here we go with my O.O.T.D.......

Jean well jeggings - Oasis, Top- Daisy print cami peacocks sale £5, Cardi - mustard yellow Primark, Scarf - chunky grey knit many years old Primark, Sunglasses last Summer Primark.
Necklace - Perspex pendant made by yours truly :)