Brand Spotlight: Boux Avenue!

Oh hey guys!

I've decided to do a mini series sharing my favorite shops and stores with you all, they will most probably include wish lists because who doesn't always have a list of stuff they love and want. 

Anyway, first on my list is the amazing Boux Avenue! The thing that bout avenue does for small chested ladies like me is a range of sizes beyond most other stores, I have an awkward back size of 30 which makes it incredibly hard for me to find anything that fits. 

Don't get me wrong most people would consider £25 for a bra extreme especially when some of the matching bottoms are £10 on top of it. However, I find Boux Avenue always tends to have some amazing offers on from certain sets being £25, free underwear with others and then of course there is student discount from 10-20% so you can pretty much guarantee that I go a little crazy on orders. Boux avenue not only provides smaller sizes but it’s pretty much guaranteed that any item you choose is amazing quality with added sexiness no matter what size or shape you are.

Boux avenue has a few shops around the UK, Lakeside being my local store so I have first hand experience on the sublime service given. On every occasion you are given a warm welcome and staff are always friendly and helpful. The bra fitting services are incredible with their changing rooms which happen to have different names and 3 dim light settings to help you see what the garment looks like in all lighting.

Staff are incredibly attentive to customers needs, often running around the shop whilst you’re in the changing room helping collect garments that you might like or suit. One thing for sure is Boux Avenue is miles ahead from any other store when it comes to customer service and friendliest.

I think one of the trademarks of Boux avenue is the gorgeous way they wrap your purchases in pink tissue paper (and place it in a box if you order it online). The simplistic pink white and black theme that is incorporated into Boux Avenue makes every woman feel sexy and classy, I mean underwear is an essential so why not spice it up so you feel amazing everyday.

As my love for Boux Avenue grows so does my need to get more from there, my collection is relatively small right now at only 6 sets but I am always browsing their site (bad for my bank balance, that’s for sure) but there is no doubt it will grow. Not only do they do underwear but they also do nightwear and gifts, the nightwear is amazing from standard PJ’s to cute ones to the slightly sexier baby dolls so there is something for everyone.

So here is my mini wish list, all gorgeous all needed (maybe wanted) so if anyone wants to hand this student some spending money that would be lovely. Joke!

L-R: Nadine Plunge Set, Ultra Boost White Set, Chloe Longline Black Set, Clementine Satin and Lace Plunge Set, Festival Cropped PJ's

So there you have it, the only shop I buy underwear from the amazing Boux Avenue! If you guys haven’t checked it out yet I suggest you take a gander, I seriously doubt you’ll leave the site without finding something you need to buy!

That’s all for now,

Second Year University Experience.

Oh Hey Guys,

This week I decided to mix things up with the use of twitter and the poll tweet option, since this came out on top here we are. I am thinking of using this more often to include you amazing readers in post decisions since this blog is just as much yours as it is mine. So if you somehow did not figure out from the title today I will be sharing with you lovelies my experience of second year university.

For those who do not know I am studying Forensic Investigation and Applied Criminology away from home, last year I decided to do the normal thing and move out into student halls. However, this year I decided since I only needed to take a 50-minute train when I have lectures it was plausible to live at home and be able to work. So lets just say it was a very different experience, one on which I spent mostly on a train.

My view from the train at 7 in the morning!

So first off there was definitely a shock to the system when you’re just thrown in without arm bands in second year. I guess you’re expected to be adults by this point with some kind of determination to get the grades at all costs, I don’t know about you guys but I can barely trust myself to put together an outfit let alone function solo. You do however get the hang of things and baring in mind I lived at home this year I learnt pretty early on to get stuff sorted. To me that was things such as printing out presentations and leaving space to write notes (good tip seen as lecturers talk a mile a minute) or deciding as early as possible what assignment title to go with. Second year was definitely more relaxed (bizarre seen as grades actually counted) but I must admit I did tend to be fairly naughty in my choices of whether or not to go into university. 9 am lectures were literally the worst for me as it meant I had to get up at 5am to leave the house for 6am gahhhhhh!

Whilst most people were out drinking I was usually at home with family or my nephew with a nice cup of tea!

I must say I am a complete fail when it comes to societies and going out, I didn’t really go out in first year so you can imagine the number of times I went out in my second (I think it was once). I really couldn’t have asked for better friends though, second year obviously had highs and lows with friendships as well as assignments. It was more a revelation to me on who had my back and who was just a snake, what’s most important within friendship groups is that you only hope the best for each other rather than trying to improve yourself and step on others to get there. Anyway second year made me appreciate my love Connie a lot more and get closer to others like the lovely Sarah and Nicky and my fellow blogger Harriet.

I’m trying not to use this experience to not only gain a degree and get into debt but to also look after myself and my future, surrounding myself with the best people. If any of you read my previous blog on my updates you would have seen that I chose to move to Canterbury with 4 amazing ladies and I am so excited to move there and get close to the lovelies. Third year should be better living in Canterbury and sharing a house with 2 girls who do criminology too! 

My Right arm at University. Connie!

The course itself was amazing I always find Criminology is my strong point when it comes to grades and outcomes but Forensics is where most of my interest lies. This year was a scenario brought to us which resulted in a “murder” our final assignment was to go to the “scene” and collect evidence. Obviously Connie, Sarah and myself totally made Scene Suits look hot! I am truly excited to start third year; my modules reflect the direct I want to go in when it comes to future careers. I chose to do victims and victimology and Prison systems which hopefully will help me get into victim support or offender rehabilitation.

So there you have it, my blast of a second year. I am actually aiming to have a more balanced third year, hopefully transferring jobs down Canterbury and going out with my housemates. So there you have it, my second year in a nut shell!

Coconut Lane Announcement, Haul and Discount Code!

Oh hey guys!

I am beyond excited to share this announcement with you lovely readers *squeals* I am now an official Coconut Queen! For any of you who are like what are you on about Leah? I have become part of the Coconut Lane Bloggers club aka a Coconut Queen. 

I stumbled upon this website when my awesome friend Harriet introduced it to me, first off its imperative that you guys look on this website. Coconut Lane is literally up my alley (does that count as a pun?) there is an amazing selection of products from cushions to phone cases and then quirky items such as socks and stationary. 

I decided to do a mini haul to test the quality of the products and just because I was itching to buy from the website. One thing that always catches my eye is quote prints, I have been wanting one for so long but some websites charge a fortune. I spotted this "Ride A Unicorn. Swim With Mermaids." print that I fell in love with (who doesn't love unicorns?) and knew that I had to get it, it will definitely be a piece to decorate my university room in July and at only £6 this A4 print is definitely a steal! 

 *Doesn't it blend in well with my Dot Creates Calendar? 

Secondly I bought a gorgeous marble case to my iPhone for only £13 an absolute steal in comparison to some phone case prices. I mean marble is still in trend right now and is ideal for most bloggers so why not snap this case up?

So that's what I bought but I also thought that I could share with you readers what is on my Coconut Lane Wishlist, most of this is for my new room at university. Now would be a perfect time to mention that for my readers Coconut Lane is offering you 20% all the items on the website with the code: porcelainnivory20 so no excuses! Happy shopping my loves. 

My Wishlist!

L-R: Pink Sequin Cushion Cover, "Messy Bun. Get Stuff Done." Print, Luxe Blush Marble Phone Case, The Summer Collection set of 3 notebooks, Luxe Holograph Dreams Case, The Blogger Collection set of 3 notebooks. 

So there you have it my lovelies a discount code just for you awesome readers, so feel free to go a little wild on Coconut Lane with my 20% discount: porcelainnivory20. I love you guys, until next time.

Life Updates and Explanations!

Oh hey guys!

So I have a bit of explaining to do, if you’re a regular reader of my blog then you would have realised that I haven’t uploaded in almost a month. Realistically that was not my plan however, university assignments got demanding and as I have just finished my second year I can definitely devote my time to my blog now.

Now a lot of things have changed in my life since my last post and as you guys are like friends I feel like we need a good old catch up, so here goes…

New Job

I’m unsure on whether I disclosed this to you guys (I’m sure I haven’t) but since Argos made some people redundant including myself, it was hard for me to find a job. This was in January and I found a part time job at a working man’s club (members only bar) around March time. However, the conditions there were not amazing and I felt very isolated and ground down by colleagues so I gave that job up when I got my dream part time job!

Around my birthday I saw a positon in my local Waterstones being advertised and so I applied and had an interview. At this point in time I was unsuccessful which was kind of saddening for me so imagine my joy when another branch called me to offer me a job there. So here you are reading the blog of a Waterstones book seller which makes me super happy to write. I am absolutely loving it there, my colleagues are amazing and chilled making it a joy to work there. So far its been around 3 weeks but hopefully I can transfer to the Canterbury branch when I move there for my last year of university in July, fingers crossed!

(I don't take normal pictures okay...)

New Relationship

I have been single since around a year and a half ago, although I’ve seen people it was nothing serious. The past 6 months have been a case of dating which as many can relate to as being either magic or an utter tragedy! I was almost at the point of going into seclusion and giving up for another year at least when Mr J (this is as close as it gets until its Facebook official ;) hahaha) strolled in and stole my single status. I am at the point of the gooey loved up stage that makes me gag normally but I am super lucky and thrilled to have him in my life and although it is still fresh it feels like my future very much involves him. He is seriously ambitious and caring (and gorgeous, obviously!) and only encourages me to be the best I can be and set serious goals. Although with me living in Canterbury from July and himself being from Essex something tells me he will be driving up a lot and I will be commuting back and forth, but he is super understanding of my education and future and supports it 100% so there should not be a problem. Basically what I am trying to say is that I am happy for the first time in years and it makes me realise what a relationship is, not playing around with boys thinking its real.

Moving

As previously mentioned I am going to be moving to Canterbury for my final year of university in July (that’s when rent starts). I am so excited to be living back in the quaint town and it should make university A LOT easier since commuting this year has kind of been a nightmare (especially those 5am alarms for 9am starts). I am living with 4 absolute babes who are similar to myself so it should be an absolute dream. I also love the independence of living at university, I don’t understand students who rely on their parents due to laziness I will definitely be working the entire year.

Bridesmaid Status

My sister has finally set her wedding date for February 2017 in the sunny Cyprus area! So as my sister and I are set to be bridesmaids along with her 3 friends dress shopping has been underway. Although her original thoughts were of baby pink for some reason it has now changed to yellow (don’t even ask!) which I am unsure of how attractive I will look in it! The dress itself is from ASOS (see below) and is on the way to see how crappy it looks so I will keep you undated, if its not on here I will update on one of my social media platforms (linked below) so be sure to follow me and comment and chat with me.

I think that is all that you guys need to be caught up on, I will definitely make it my mission to keep my blog updated and connect with my awesome readers more. You can always DM me on Twitter or Instagram, I’m here for all of you lovelies! My next post on Friday will be my first collaboration post with a brand which I am super excited to share with you all, discount codes included. See you then...

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/porcelainnivory/

Twitter  https://twitter.com/PorcelainNIvory

Updated: What's in my handbag?

Oh hey guys!

So it's been a while since I have done a What's in my handbag post and since I picked up this bargain bag from Topshop on Thursday I thought I would put this together in case you wanted to run out and see if there were still some available. 

Also heads up and sorry for this generic bloggers post I just love doing these and looking at other peoples bags too!

So originally £42 this gorgeous black and tan bag became a steal at £15 at although it appears to be small it actually holds a lot of my crap in it, which makes it super handy for myself (I mean we all have some kind of crap in handbags right? I'm not the only one?) There is as standard a tiny pocket that to be fair could not carry anything but earphones or even a key but nothing else. As always a super handy front pocket where I tend to slot my phone and my oyster card. 

This is a picture of the realistic side of my blogging, PJ's and stacks of criminology books scattered around my room! It just shows its not all sleek photos and beautiful lighting!

So lets kick off! 

Purse: In bags such as this I tend to cut down from my much larger purse (that you would have seen in my previous handbag post) to a slim pocket sized purse that I got from New Look. Super handy with the 2 card slots and it fits in all bags including clutches.

Passport:  Next up is probably the most embarrassing thing I have to carry, that being... my passport. Yes I know I should get a provisional as a form of ID but I am not learning to drive for at least another year so I don't really see the point. 

Deodorant and change: Next up Nivea Pearl Beauty mini deodorant for those moments you want to freshen up, a random murray mint and some loose change that tends to float around the bottom of my bag. 

Pink Pom Pom Keys: I used to be the kind of lady that carried 2 keys and 100 keyrings that got attached now I've gone for a streamlined one key one keyring. So what is better than having a giant pink pom pom keyring in your bag? This one was around £8 from Topshop and the size definitely makes it easy to get keys out of your bag no matter how big it is. 

Portable Phone Charger: I bought this nifty product around 2 years ago from Currys (although you can buy them from anywhere nowadays) and it has been a heaven sent ever since. If anyone has an iPhone or a social media addiction like I do, you would know that the battery life is useless and so having this in my handbag ensures I don't have to worry when that annoying 20% notification pops up! 

Earphones: I wished that I still had my Apple Earphones but one of the earpieces broke and now I just have these random Sony ones, they still do the trick except now I feel everyone can here my music on the train. Definitely need to repurchase Apple ones.

Inhaler: I suffer from asthma and although I am first to admit I never use it, it definitely always come in handy in case I happen to have an attack whilst I am out and about. 

Tissues and Hairbands: Also handy to have not only for myself but for other people, there can always be a spillage or runny nose so always have these on hand.

iPod:  This iPod is literally ancient, I believe I got it when I was 15/16 so that makes it minimum 5 years old but I still love it and use it. To be fair most of my music is on my phone but if I run out of battery on my phone and I've forgotten my portable charger this comes in handy to keep me company on journeys back home. 

Lip Balm: This Nivea lip balm with a rose tint does what it says and keeps lips hydrated with a hint of a muted pink. Lip balm always needed.

Oyster/ Travel Card: This holder is from Topshop and stores my beloved and bashed oyster card along with my 18-25 travel card that comes in super handy at discounts on trains to university. I believe this card holder was around £5-8 (similar one here).

So there you have it, all of the things I shove in my beloved bag. I do usually keep my phone there and my iPhone cable for my portable charger, lipstick as well depending on what I am wearing but apart from that this is everything. I hope you guys enjoyed and it wasn't too boring for you all.

What do you lovelies keep in your bags?