Do you think I'll get a job at LUSH?

In my search for a job, one which I think will suit me and help me out in life, I have attempted to apply to LUSH. Without going into too much detail, in case they or other companies find this blog (hello by the way! Please hire me!), I love their products and their fun, enthused atmosphere, and thought I had nothing to lose by handing my CV in.

Having spoken to a really nice lady in one of their Peterborough branches, she advised that I make my CV stand out a bit, and make it more interesting. My CV itself might be a hunk-a-chunk of bore but I can certainly doodle. So here is my attempt in sprucing up my cover letter and envelope (the design is the same on the cover letter). I tried to use language which shows how keen - and border line desperate - I was about their company, whilst also attempting to reflect their youthful, funky vibe. I even went so far as to spray a little of their "Lust" atomiser on it. Classy, all Legally Blonde like.

Wish me luck guys! I'll either get a job.... or a restraining order.

1# What I Wore Today

As promised, here is my light hearted, fashion related, first edition of a 'what I wore today'. Well, a few days ago, but lets not worry about specifics!

I'm really liking the whole preppy, 60's vibe at the moment, with collared shirts under chunky knit jumpers or sweats. The featured collar has been in fashion for a while now, and is such a convenient look, considering it can be worn dressed up or down, depending on the shirt. Having recently watched a lot of Zoella's YouTube 'haul' videos, she is also a fan of the collar on the odd occasion, and never ceases to amaze me with all the lovely styles and variations you can purchase. I've also become a little obsessed with jumpers. I never seem to have enough of the right style, thickness or colour combos. Living in the UK, and it being cold here 90% of the time, jumpers are a must have for a statement piece.

With this look today, I kept it simple with a denim shirt under a patterned knit cream jumper. You can't see it in my pictures, but this jumper has buttons down the centre back as a feature, and also has multi coloured flecks in the wool. The 'teddy boy' vibe is maintained by the skinny red jeans, rolled up at the end to achieve the cigarette jean shape. Pumps were probably not the best choice for icy weather, but since I was trapcing round London city for the weekend, I thought I could get away with it. Being small and simple, they help accentuate the length of the jean. The necklace, in heavy gold and tacky love-heart style, was to just add a bit of fun to the whole look. The pale pink nail varnish seems to go with everything I wear at the moment, and the make up and hair were, again, an attempt to reflect the 60's vibe, with the eye liner flick and half up-do bouffant (though it had deflated throughout the day). 

Denim shirt | Matalan | SALE £9

Cream jumper | New Look 'inspire' range | £12

Red skinny jeans | New Look | SALE £9

Necklace | Outfit | SALE (can't remember how much though! around £2.50 I think)

Bracelet | Oliver Bonas | Gift from friend

Nail Varnish 'Natural Days' | Make Up Academy | £1.50

#ShoutingBack

So I thought I would be doing a light hearted secondary post, with a fashion based 'What I Wore Today' all lined up. However, the subject of "EverydaySexism.com" hit my inbox from one of my newsletter subscriptions, Emerald Street by Stylist (who are very good by the way). Being a self confessed feminist at heart, this issue screamed out to me, and covered a side of modern day sexism which I have experienced a hell of a lot, and I know for a fact any girl has as well - Street harassment.

The best examples, off the cuff, are the honking vehicles as they drive past you, or the leering men who say comments about you under their breath as you walk past - only ever whilst you're alone mind. There are varying degrees of how bad these sorts of experiences get and, of course, some are minor niggles, whilst others can be borderline illegal. The worst one I was victim to recently was when a man attempted to grab me by the arm in a shopping centre, and then proceeded to follow me and cat-call me, luckily I was walking with enough purpose to avoid him getting any real purchase.

The point is is that they happen ALL THE TIME, and I don't feel I'm exaggerating. As a girl/woman, since the age of around 13 or 14, I could say it was normal. Despite this, for some reason, no one questions it! It is standard behaviour. What's worse, is that a lot of people (most of my guy mates actually) don't get what the problem is, even stating that "it should be a compliment" *que puzzled male face.

This is where EverydaySexism.com, The Everyday Sexism Project, comes in. It's a website where women, and men, can share their experiences of verbal and physical abuse, like mine above, no matter how big or small. The aim is to provide a collection of stories to highlight to the world that this is happening, and it is a problem, and women, or men, don't in fact take it as flattery - shock horror.

"Street harassment has been an invisible problem for a long time. We've almost resigned ourselves to it and, as a result, I think there's been a massive normalisation of this behaviour, whereby it's just accepted as part of our culture."Laura Bates, founder of The Everyday Sexism Project. Source taken from the Emerald Street article.

It's difficult to pin-point why people do this, especially as they must know we're not going to flush and jump into their arms. I believe elements of it are about intimidation, about power and also about possession over you in some way.

"Women who resist harassment are often sworn at or told to 'cheer up love' in an attempt to make them feel that they are responsible for the abusive behaviour when they're not. The responsibility is with the perpetrator." Joanne Creighton from domestic violence charity Respect. Source taken from the Emerald Street article.

IT HAPPENS TO MEN TOO! Don't just think I'm an angry, narrow minded feminist. Men are victims, by cause of women. In the overall argument for equality, it is always frustrating to combat the doings of men when women think they can turn round and dish it out. It kind of brings the whole effort back a step. Everyone needs to realise that people do the things they do (mostly) not just because of their gender, but because of how they are as a person and an individual.

So whether you're a man or woman, please support the cause and share your stories. The Twitter hashtag is #ShoutingBack.

Let me know your views on the situation. Do you agree, or am I in the wrong? Please explain your opinions, I am genuinely interested in knowing the other side of any argument and welcome all discussions!

The unnecessary necessary need for a 'First Post'

So here we are, another blog yet emerges on the horizon and I'm sure you're all not wondering 'what's it this time?', as you've most probably seen it all before. Well, you may well have but here's to hoping you may be intrigued enough in my personality/opinions/interests/general outlook on life to give it a shot. Keep reading an extra sentence, even if you don't mean too, you may just discover the question to the answer '42' - don't worry, I realise I sound a little ridiculous here, I do hope you find some answers to things though, whether it is impactful or not.

So, from the beginning, my name is Abi and I hale from the midlands of the UK. I am 25 years of age as of recently, and whilst age should probably have nothing to do with anything, I feel it may have influenced a lot of what I am turning my hand to at the moment. I've just completed a post-grad, moved back in with my parents, and am struggling to find work. This isn't so much a moan at the current economic decline, more a realisation that, at 25, I should really have things figured out by now, that is to say, I should already be climbing a very real career ladder. The trouble is, I can't help desperately wanting to do something I know I will enjoy. Easily said than done when 'times are hard'.

Being a creative at heart, I decided that, whilst looking for the responsible job I so desperately need, I should try and be a little more proactive and get myself involved with the media world that is buzzing with interesting people, views, lifestyles and current affairs. This world, although virtual, can be resourceful and vibrant. My interests do lie within such things. As an avid YouTube watcher (since the 'Golden Age' of 2006/7 actually), I also really enjoy the privileged insight you can get into someone else's way of life. I find some of these popular YouTubers very inspiring, even from the most simple of videos, and it's this positivity that has encouraged my new year vows of creative, proactive time wasting - wow, what a juxtaposition!  

Anyhoo, I'm neither a beauty or fashion expert (no matter how much I flatter myself with the idea), and I wouldn't profess expertise in any other particular field, however, like any other of you lovely people, I enjoy dabbling! If I'm wearing something I've enjoyed wearing, I'll share it with you. If I discover a new skin care secret, I'll share it with you, and, perhaps to a larger extent, if an issue plays on my mind enough, I'll discuss it with you.

Quite often, as human beings, we all experience the same feelings, emotions and thoughts at some point throughout our lives, and I think it can be quite important and therapeutic to share, if not to just understand ourselves a little better.

Thank you for persevering through this 'first post' ramble. Here's to many more! (Soz to those shaking their heads). x