That's what we got for waking up in Vegas...

Last month I really felt like I was living my year abroad to the max.

Some truly fabulous girls and I went on an epic adventure to Las Vegas for my English friend's 21st Birthday. It was one of the best weekends I've had. I laughed so hard I cried, cried so hard my hair was wet, and came back with countless priceless photos and pharses - I wish I had time to post about it all.

I always expected Vegas to be an expensive trip but not when you have amazing connections! I honestly felt like a celebrity with free limos, dinner, VIP entrance, not to mention unlimited champagne bars, and bottle service. Oh - did I mention I danced on stage with LMFAO ?!

F A B U L O U S













Never before have I laughed so hard I fell on the floor.

Curtesy of phrases such as this:

"Oh s***, where's my underwear?"
"Maybe I did get raped last night..?"
"Stomp. Stomp. Stomp."
"At least the rapist was midly attractive."
"It all started with Adam and Eve... The f***ers."

...And many, many more...

Vegas is now one of my favourite places. It has redeemed my view on American night life. Now I need another excuse to go back to relive it all over again...

Day 1?

There's so much to say and I don't think there is enough time or will of any readers to read everything I've done and experienced in this last month.

Let's just say, it's been a much bigger and better culture shock than I'd ever have expected.

Over the next couple of weeks my plan is to update bits and bobs of what I've done this month, get up to date - and then fill you in a couple of times a week on the embarrassments and surreal experiences that my life has become.

Let's start from the beginning... the ROAD TRIP.

...Enter the temperamental Volvo...



...weighed down with everything that has become our life, with only enough room for my toes and Alex to drive - Oh! And Lola of course!



I almost feel Lola deserves her own post. Lola has a picture in every state, in front of every landscape and became our "good luck" charm over the trip. Something on the car sounds dodgy? Wiggle Lola! Don't think we'll make it through the mountains? Wiggle Lola! You get the idea...

The first day of the trip was kind of dull. Early morning start, long twelve hour drive, not to mention a lost mobile phone, a frantic stop in Indianapolis with a crazed phone call to an insurance company, another stop at the creepiest toilet at a place called "Pocahontas" that resembled the bathroom from Saw I, the beautiful view of the St Louis Arch - "gateway to the West",and finally getting near to Alex's Grandparents house only to get lost on the final stretch. So yes, not a very eventful first day...



In the car - Day 1.



Border of Indiana.



Just your average healthy American snack...



Illinois border.



Pocahontas. The scariest town in America.



Missouri border.



St Louis Arch.



Mississippi River.



Bridge over to Alex's Grandparents house.

Although not the most eventful day of our trip, it's defiantly one to remember. Only Alex could send us on an hours detour after leaving his phone on top of the car, driving off, and then proceeded to drive very slowly down the motorway thinking he'd find it...

We ended up spending two days with Alex's Grandparents. Some of the nicest people - and even though they totally didn't understand what to feed me as a vegetarian, I thoroughly enjoyed the "lovely salad bar" at Ruby Tuesdays... haha.

Updates!

I promise I'll update soon...

I'm currently in St. George Utah! We've been on the road trip for six days now and have had so many crazy experiences.

I'll get to California on Monday and will spend the week updating.

So many photos...

...So much to tell!

Audi Strike 1 ??

It's been an eventful couple of days...

I can't say it's been the best start to our road trip.

Day 1 the Volvo breaks down and we have to be towed (read below).

Day 2 the Audi feels the crunch of metal.

Alex and I were stopped at a red light on our way to what turned out to be a drunken whiskey filled evening. We were in the right lane going straight and as soon as the lights turned green a Honda came flying across from the left hand lane trying to make a right.

I wish I were lying when I told you we slammed on the breaks, blasted the horn but the guy just kept on coming, denting the front left hand corner of the Audi and smashing the headlight...

It was one of those moments where we could see it happening but there was nothing we could do... we sat hearts in our throats, screaming, swearing.

Luckily a police man saw everything, pulled us both over and fined "Xavier" for his gut-wrenching mistake.

The day after Alex and I picked up the temperamental Volvo and it's running better than I've ever heard it. But due to our two days of terrible luck we've decided to push our road trip back to Monday and spend 8 days travelling down. Same route, but they'll be more time for us to see things.

Every cloud?

Temperamental Volvo Stike 1

I finally made it to Detroit, after 12hours of travelling and way too much waiting around.



Yesterday was my first full day in the USA and Alex and I decided to embark on some retail therapy. It's kind of a tradition. Every time I visit we go to the supermarket and go to the "mall".

Ironically Alex and I were having a conversation about our luck - or lack there of, and how we had been so lucky up until now. Within a second the car shut off, the oil light came on and we were stranded on the side of the motorway.

The 1988 temperamental Volvo struck. Strike 1.




The car ended up being towed and is currently getting a new timing belt. (?!)

Luckily Alex's Dad was so kind to lend us his Audi A4 convertible. I felt like a film star all day. Driving with the top down, hair everywhere, Raybans on!



It was so typical though... Alex's family are now worried sick. His Grandparents are convinced we're going to break down on top of the Rocky Mountain or in the middle of Death Valley. Personally I still want to drive, but we'll have to see what is going to happen. There's a lot of talk or air fares, shipping, and new cars...

...I'll keep you updated...

Un día!!

I can't believe how soon it is until I leave.

I don't think I'm normal. Last week I held back tears of fear and nervs in China town as I chomped down dim sum, but this week - with only a day to go, I'm feeling fabulous about everything!

Having felt like I was going to throw up all week I'm more content than ever. I just feel like everything is falling into place.

Funny how with so much to do I suddenly got bombarded with work. - Extra pocket money for a mini shopping trip to the "mall" haha.

I've finally packed all my clothes, shoes, and handbags. It was easier than I thought choosing clothes - shoes on the other hand was a nightmare...

My Mum finally got to say "hi" to Alex's Mum - Kelly, face to face (or Skype to Skype!) this week. I nearly died. My Mum ran upstairs laughing and wanting to talk to Alex. Little did she know that Kelly was also on Skype, much to my Mum's embarrassment as she squealed "I've already had two glasses of wine!". But it was nice for them to get to finally have a chat.

I think I've discovered that leaving has its major ups. I've received more cards and presents in the past month than I did on my birthday; with the added hilarity of a girls night out which resulted in far too many bottles of wine, numerous amounts of unwanted attention, vomiting, a friend laying on the bottom of a taxi floor - stilettos in the air singing "Americano!!!" to my feet, and a spontaneous 3am 1hour walk across town only to be locked out as a very hilarious times.

I think my next update will be from Michigan! How crazy is that. I have my plane outfit planned and intend to take numerous photos in the airport, on the plane, and during my change in Chicago - yes I'm going to be one of THOOSE people.

I just can't wait!

"HEY! BARBIE!"

I've been back from Turkey for a week now. Things have been pretty busy. Turkey was amazing, the weather was beautiful and the people were hilarious.

It was our "last family holiday" with my Grandparents. I've never seen two people consume more eggs and tea in my life.

Over the two weeks I rode a camel, swam in the ocean and into a cave, and got harrassed by so many men I lost count.

The markets were amazing, tonnes of fresh fruit and veg and people were buying it in masses! We felt a little inadequet only buying six tomatoes when the man next to us bought enough the feed an army.



Spice market!

However, not only were the markets filled with mountains of produce, but heaps of Turkish men who set about nicknaming me "Barbie" and "Shakira". Safe to say I resemble neither of which, with the exception of my hair colour. I found myself not being able to walk three feet without a gentleman shouting "HEY LADY!!! HEY SHAKIRA!! Come buy my T-shirts, I give you good price!" To which I'd respond with an apologetic "No thank you" ...but, by this time they'd bagged the t-shirt and thrust the unwanted garment into my hand, and demanded ten lira. I could also walk the length of the fruit stalls having been gifted enough fruit to feed me for lunch. This matched with the "deals" shouted at us such as: "Cheap as Chips!", "Cheaper than Tesco!", "Cheaper than Barbie!". All this occurred every time we visited a market and it became very entertaining...

We did visit some touristy places way north of Bodrum. Ephesus, (one of the 7th Wonders of the World) was apparently one of the things not to miss. Personally I was unimpressed... This amazing ancient city has been ruined by tourism and the people swarmed around the ruins like ants. It destroyed the atmosphere you would expect a place like Ephesus to have.

...Following this we visited the last resting place of the Virgin Mary. Although not massively religious myself I found the experience calming and a far cry from the tourism horror that was Ephesus. Well, until my Dad decided to take pictures of my Grandma, my Mum, my Sister, and I coming out of the toilet... (No I do not know why he did it, and yes it was totally innappropriate at the last resting place of the Virgin Mary...) Unfortunatly for me I emerged first and had to endure my Dad standing there, camera ready, pointed at the door of the toilet, waiting to capture the moment the rest of my family emerged... I don't know who I felt more embarassed for - myself or he poor girl my Dad photographed accidently thinking it was my Mum...

Clothing wise in Turkey, admittedly, I wore maybe a third of the clothes I packed; but I managed to wear every pair of shoes I took except the red sandals. The weather was too hot for most the clothes I'd brought with me and I spent a large majority of my time in denim shorts, back less tops, and bikinis.



The above outfit is all H&M (dress and bra) except the gladiators which are Zara. This dress became my most versatile piece as I wore it as a dress and folded it down to wear as a skirt on our last night.

Geographical wise we were located just north of Gumusluk in Bodrum. It is a very beautiful place, clear blue waters, stunning islands and hills. Luckily some parts remain untouched by tourists, but it is obvious in a few years time Bodrum, and it's surrounding towns will be full of holiday makers.





The sunset in Gumusluk was stunning. It's like something off a post card (actually I'm pretty sure they had one...). This photo was taken from the restaurant "Limon". I strongly recommend it. This establishment is barely visible from the road, but once you enter the restaurant it goes further and further back, out in the open into a quirky, bohemian paradise. The eating areas are outside, but in place of your traditional table are chairs are thrones, elegant arm chairs, rickety mismatched dining room chairs, and long dark benches with plush cushions. The tables were a jumble of long coffee tables, pinic benches, dramatic solid wood, and small stylish tables for two. Adding to the atmosphere were floral prints, a crazy selection of old fashion single standing and smaller lamps and fairy lights that created a relaxing calm as night fell. It was truly beautiful. I really wish I'd taken more photos. The photos I have really do not do it justice.



My sister and I couldn't resist sitting in a couple of the chairs...



An amazing cocktail: Kurant Cosmopolitan. This was the perfect cosmo with a hint of blackcurrent.



Overall, Turkey was a stunning place to visit, the people were friendly - despite the harrassment, and the weather was gorgeous! The only thing I can think of now after returning to the dissappointing "summer" weather that is in England, is how amazing it's going to be to live in California in the blazing sunshine most of the year round!

I can start applying for my visa on Wednesday! After that all I have to do is book my plane ticket!! Only two months until the start of the real adventure and I really can't wait!

Freedom.

I'm free! Exams are over and summer is finally within reach. This time tomorrow I'll be in Turkey in the 30c heat. The only thing left to do is pack... I. HATE. PACKING. It really is my pet-peeve. Currently my room is stacked high with boxes, bags, and suitcases. It's a mess. I've moved my Uni room back into my old room at home. Yesterday I lived in my pj's to save the hassle of hunting through the mountain of stuff. I always wonder how I accumulate so many things. And in all honesty most of it is just stuff. Stuff I don't even need. I guess everyone slips into the mass consumerism without realizing it. On that note I went to a Topshop sale in Canterbury and stumbled upon these AMAZING sequin harem pants. They're actually my life right now. I never seen something so shiny, so inappropriate, but just so right. I'm in love.



I have a problem with buying inappropriate and ugly clothes and shoes. I think I subconsciously make it my personal mission to buy awkward clothes just to try and make them work. A personal challenge. I think I might have to refrain from taking them with me. I have no social boundaries. I just told my Grandma I was planning on wearing them to visit a Muslim temple in Turkey. Apparently that is not socially acceptable. On the same shopping trip where I found the harem pants, my housemate said in passing how most the clothes I own she would never pick out because they look so wrong. The same goes for my shoes. I collect shoes as pieces of art. Before I leave for California I'll have to post some of my favourites...

Naturally I've gone right off topic... back to packing. I think I've collected together the clothes and shoes I want to take to Turkey for the two weeks:






I still have a few more pairs of shoes to add, these are just the simple flip-flops and sandals that were lying around. I worry when I pack that I'm going to get to my destination and need a certain shirt or accessory to make an outfit work. Hence why I usually end up cramming everything into my suitcase - just in case! But today I think I've been reasonably selective. I still have more accessories to pack, but I think I'm good for now... Hopefully I'll be able to update from Turkey! Living without any form of normal communication for two weeks is going to be challenging!

I just can't wait to see all the colourful clothes and accessories at all the markets and wonderfully strange new foods. Safe to say I'll return with lots more "Stuff" to add to my mountains of boxes... I really need to sort my life out...

Hopefully update soon!

Cliche

Apologies in advance for the typically cliched introductory first post - but it had to be done...

I'm currently a lost and confused English student about to set out on a years "study" in California.

I've started multiple "fashion" blogs in the past and have tired of trying to keep up with the endless amazing blogs out there that I envy and devour. I think I'm going to use this blog to write down my thoughts and feelings that occur during my year away from normality as I throw myself into the world of "90210" as I'm bound to want to look back on this in years and laugh at all my mistakes and adventures.

The first thing on my list of adventures is a week long road trip across the states from Michigan to Irvine. Safe to say a 2,500 mile voyage in my boyfriend's tempremental Volvo is bound to come with it's fair share of hilarious tales. Not to mention my desire to stay clean, fresh, and presentable, and his typical mannly desire to not wash and sleep in a car for the week...

...Which leads me onto the name I have chosen for this blog. As much as I love fashion, I cannot claim to be the most stylish or glamorous. Far from it actually. Being a student I lack the funds to keep up with the ever changing world of fashion, not that that's ever stopped me gazing through Vogue telling myself that one day I'll have a wonderful job that will allow me to have all the shiney things I see.

When I move to California in August I am going to have to cram my whole wardrobe into two measly suitcases and that is going to be a challenge... To put it in perspective I own over one hundred paris of shoes, (before I hear the cries of hypocrite! Most of these were on sale, presents, or well saved for!). Another challenge for me is trying to keep up my own personal sense of Brit style when on this infamous road trip and when living in CA. As a Brit moving to America I almost feel obligated to bring a bit of English style across the pond.

So what better place really to document my adventures than in a blog that can be reached and read on either side of the Atlantic - although I do not claim to be an excellent writer, I will try not to bore you and hope to share moments in my life that might be the cause of amusement and entertainment. Just think of this as me facing my own embarassment head on.

So if amongst my ramblings I've somewhat caught your attention, do me the favour and check back in a week once this is up and running and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised...