A New Chapter

It's been a while, hasn't it.

Truth is, I almost considered giving up this blog. It no longer gave me the enjoyment it once did, I had no enthusiasm to post and I got too busy with life that it had taken a backseat - so, in other words, I lost all hope.

I endlessly questioned myself as to whether I wanted to throw away seven years of blogging, or if perhaps it was merely a previous chapter in my life that I had to accept and say goodbye to. It was only after travelling to the Amalfi Coast in Italy recently that I came back refreshed, re-energised and with a fresh passion to share my travel adventures with you all.

But, ATF won't be the same as it used to be. For now, I wish to turn it into more of a notebook of sorts to keep a track of my wanderings. So things will be pretty light-hearted, casual and personal. I used to put so much pressure on myself to regularly update and churn out content that I was no longer producing things I enjoyed. I'll be posting similar content but with more flair, personality and insight into who I am.

I'm also considering a new name! ATF has had its day I think, and in order to keep myself motivated and grow this blog into what I now want it to be, I think some things need shaking up. And the name I feel is the first on the list. I have a few ideas up my sleeve already!

So, let's catch up!

I've now officially finished my first year of university! Woooo. While it has absolutely flown by, it does seem longer than a year ago that I left school, but time is always such a confusing concept to me. I am so grateful to be attending The London College of Fashion and to be earning a degree in something I always dreamt of studying. I've met some pretty awesome peeps along the way and have learnt lots of new, incredible skills.

Summer has officially commenced, and while things got off to shaky start with the ending of a relationship of mine, I'm now happier than ever with a summer filled with exciting travels. Last week, my sister and I travelled to the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy for all the gelato, pizza, sun, sea and wine we could get. Sounds bliss, doesn't it. Well, I'm already editing photos and writing bits about my experience to share with you all so stay tuned. Next up, I'm off to Barcelona with my best friend mid-July, and then Zermatt in Switzerland with family and lastly a quick trip to Amsterdam with a work colleague/ very good friend of mine.

Cheers to new beginnings and what I hope will be an exciting, fun-filled summer for us all! Best wishes.

Press For Champagne, Bob Bob Ricard

It's a truth universally acknowledged that champagne on your birthday is mandatory.

Naturally, to follow this cardinal rule and to celebrate my 19th birthday in style, my sister and I headed to Soho's iconic English-Russian restaurant Bob Bob Ricard for a glass of bubbly. 

2017 Bucketlist

I have fallen victim to the end-of-year post cliché, where it seems every blogger talks about goals, resolutions and bucket lists for the forthcoming year. But I couldn't quite give this one a miss with me already planning a few fun adventures for 2017. I am so grateful to have achieved so much this year - from where I was at the beginning of 2016 to where I am now is a change that definitely makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. But now it's time for more memories...here's my 2017 bucketlist.

A Parisian's Guide to Instagram...

I may be a patriotic Londoner, but I want to be a Parisian as much as the next girl wanting to ooze charm, mystery and elegance. Even on social media, Parisians are capable in translating their cool attitude. I follow so many of my favourite Gallic icons on Instagram since I always like to find out what they're up to, what effortless chic vêtements they're sporting, or where the new hot spot in Montmartre is. I couldn't help but spot the other day (after a much-enjoyed stalking session, obvs) that each of my favourite Parisians have a running theme when it comes to using Instagram. And since attempting to be French in real life is a little difficult (how does one really look good with unbrushed hair?), let's all fake it 'til we make it on Instagram, bien sûr! Here's a few tweaks to make to your account to also exude that French allure.

How To Be A Londoner...

"Forget being a Parisian, I want to be a Londoner!"

- said no one ever.

But, au contraire. Call me a biased patriot, I think there's a lot more to us Londoner's than moaning about the weather and being moody (not too much, be steady).

It's residents, much like the city, are a vibrant, eccentric and happy bunch of people. They adore the city they call home and would never dream of living anywhere else. We behold a somewhat different je ne sais quoi to our Gallic friends across the pond, yet it is equally mysterious and intriguing.

Today I'm sharing you with you a fun spirited take on what it means to be a Londoner. If you're from elsewhere in the UK, around the globe or a fellow Londoner yourself in need of strengthening your true roots, consider this your guide to being the ultimate Londonien...

My Christmas List 2016...

Taken on a recent trip to Covent Garden

This year, I found it a rather hard task when asked to jot down a few Christmas ideas for friends and family. There was nothing in particular that I wanted or needed or that would make a sweet little gift. However with a little extra thinking (hot chocolate and mince pie in hand, naturally) and some research, I came across a few things that they may like to tell Santa about. I never expect big, lavish presents as Christmas to me really is about bringing the family together for food and fun, but they always like me pointing them in the right direction for gift ideas. So, here's what I chose this year!

Instagram Paradise: Hillgate Place, Notting Hill

The whole of Notting Hill is an Instagrammer's paradise due to it's whimsical, colourful charm, but after continually seeing Hillgate Place pop up on my feed, I knew I had to join the hype. When my university lecture lasted a mere half an hour on Wednesday, I made the most of a beautifully crisp autumn day by taking my camera around with me to the much-photographed spot of Notting Hill. It's safe to say I quite possibly photographed every house in hope to capture the vibrant pastel shades through my lens...

How To take Better Blog Photos

Since purchasing my Olympus Pen, my blog photography has definitely improved if I say so myself. Not only has the quality of the photos drastically changed, but my keen eye for photography too since my enjoyment from using the camera has made me more interested in this field and seek out extensive tips and tutorials. From this, I now have a better understanding of what makes a good blog photo that is appreciated by a reader. Not solely in terms of the quality (tech-savvy words such as 'aperture' still succeed in confusing me), but the shooting location, posing and types of photos too.

The visuals are just as important in a post than the words, particularly as people tend to look at the photo first to hook them in. And while I'm no expert, I'm here today to share with you all what I've learnt over the past few months from immersing myself in all things blog photography. Of course, everyone has their own unique perspective on what makes a good photo, but my tips are quite generic so they should fit just about every kind of blog. Happy snapping

Six Years Ago Today...

Exactly six years ago today I began writing this blog.

But I would like to begin this post by first of all apologising for a few things. My blog is my hobby so I am never usually too concerned with scheduling, but I am so sorry that I haven't posted at all this week! I have been incredibly busy with university work and, of course, that takes priority. Moreover, I'm sorry for how rubbish a post this is! My blog's birthday crept up on me quicker than I could blink and before I knew it I had nothing planned, not even an idea for a celebratory blog post. So, this is about as good as it gets.

That being said, I have so many post ideas to share with you all - expect a lot of London recommendations, more ootd's and autumnal styling tips. Yet, for now, I'll leave you with six things I have learnt from six years of blogging (I know...how creative!).

Six things I have learnt from six years of blogging:

1. It takes time to grow. Be patient.
2. Don't take it too seriously.
3. It is so much fun! I have interacted with so many amazing people through my blog and I love the community blogging has thrusted me in to. I adore creating blog posts, thinking of ideas and tweaking the design. It genuinely is so much fun.
4. Don't follow blogging rules or conventions. Be your own boss.
5. It is a struggle to juggle with other priorities such as work/ school, so beware.
6. Have passion and enjoyment at your heart's main interest.

Happy birthday ATF! Thank you so much to everyone who reads this blog - it genuinely means so much to me. Cheers to many more years ahead!

What's In My University Handbag:

This is such a classic lifestyle blogger post, and although I tend to steer clear of things like Get Ready With Me and general product reviews, I couldn’t help myself with this one – I love seeing what’s in other people’s handbags. It’s just so fun and nosey, isn’t it? So since I've just begun university, I thought it would be fun to take you guys on a rummage around the handbag I take everyday with me to LCF. In all honesty, this isn't edited at all as I'm usually quite OCD when it comes to old receipts or food wrappers lying around - so the cleanliness you see is totally genuine. Without further ado, let's dive in...

Handbag: Accessorize

1. A4 Project Book with dividers - This is a great pad for holding all of my university notes. It's pretty large and chunky I'll admit, but I'm sure I'll use every page come the end of term. The dividers allow me to organise my notes into my different lectures and seminars too.
2. Reporter's Pad - An essential for a journalism student, this is where I write all my shorthand Teeline notes in class.
3. A book for the commute - I mostly listen to music on my headphones on the Tube, but often I find myself wanting a break from noise and reaching for a book to read. Currently I'm reading a recommended book my lecturers, Writing For Journalists by Wynford Hicks, which is very insightful and interesting.
4. Headphones - Music means so much to me so any chance to listen to a good playlist and I'm there (here's what I'm listening to this month). I'll usually listen to music on my walk to and from stations, and often actually on the Tube too. I love these ones from Urbanears. The sound quality is amazing and they fold up super small making them handbag friendly.
5. Oyster card - Without it, I would be nowhere.
6. Purse - For all them coffees to get me through 9am lectures.
7. Pencil case - I love this one from Cath Kidston. Not only is it in a beautiful print, but it fits just a couple of pens which is all I need.
8. Essentials wallet - Not its official name, but I had no idea what to call this! This purse is also from Cath Kidston and it basically carries all my little essentials for the day - from hand sanitizer, to tissues to lipstick. In the front pocket, I also have my USB and my house keys. It's lightweight, compact and small enough to just chuck in any handbag in a rush.
9. A water bottle - I am one of those people that are permanently thirsty, so a bottle of water at hand is always much needed.
10. Academic diary - I often bring this in my bag but I don't tend to if my bag is super heavy. I keep this diary for jotting down my timetable, keeping on top of independent study/ homework and so on. On days I don't bring it, I quickly type whatever I need to on the notes in my phone.

And then I may often bring along my laptop with me (I have a beautiful case from here), my camera, umbrella (hey...it's London) and lunch.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed something a little different today and having a nosey around my bag. Cheers to the almost-weekend!

Five Things I Didn't Expect From My First Week of Uni

It's been a week since I officially started university. For those of you who don't know, I'm studying BA Hons Fashion Journalism at The London College of Fashion - something I had dreamt of for so many years. Yet, my first week was a little different to what I had anticipated. I had quite a few presumptions of what it all would be like, though I was never too sure on what to expect. So, if you're thinking about university for 2017 or just interested in how I got on, then give below a read...

1. I got very tired, very quickly - I know, I too dislike it when people incessantly complain about how tired they are. But university definitely wore me out. Perhaps it was the fact that since finishing school, I had not been so busy all day everyday, or the early starts and hour-long commutes, either way I collapsed onto the bed on Friday evening, somewhat thankful for the week to be over.
2. There is a lot of guidance - I assumed at university you would be left to your own devices quite a bit; left to figure it all out on your own with no one to help you. Though, I was pleasantly surprised to be guided and helped so well by my lecturers. They are incredibly kind and constantly reminded us to ask questions, talk to them or drop an email. 
3. The timetable is jam-packed - My expectation of univeristy life was that I would only have to be there a few times a week for a few hours per day. However, apart from Monday, I am in every day, and on Tuesday's I am there from 9:30-5:00 with no break in between lectures. Though I can't complain too much; apart from Tuesday, I only have to go in for just the morning or the afternoon, meaning more time to explore beautiful London (ahem...studying, of course!).
4. Everyone is insanely friendly - Full of prejudice (I apologise), I imagined that being at a fashion school, I would be surrounded by somewhat pretentious beings. I know, horrible thing to say, but let's admit, it's true, no? I am incredibly happy to report however that so far, everyone is very friendly and lovely. I have already made some wonderful friends and am eager to get to know some more. I love meeting and interacting with new, interesting people and uni life has allowed me to fulfill that.
5. There is a lot of confusing computer software - This is not so much of a surprise as of course I knew we would be interacting with software none of us had used before, but I didn't imagine how many websites or programs had to be learnt, though obviously, it depends on what course you're taking. My course requires me to learn and navigate myself around so many different websites, and I'm already finding it very confusing. There has been many talks from IT technicians to guide us through it but I still feel a little flustered with it all. Though I don't doubt that after a few weeks of using it, I'll be a pro (she says with a slightly nervous smile).

Overall, I'm loving being a university student. It feels great to be learning again after a very long, fun-filled summer and to be studying something I genuinely love. If you have any questions about my first-week experience, about my course at LCF, then feel free to drop a comment in the box below or email me.

The Fashion Blogger Must-Have: Olympus Pen EPL-7

I think it's about time I owed you all this blog post. I've had my new photography edition, the Olympus Pen EPL-7, for over a month now, but this has allowed me the right amount of time to decipher the pros and cons. Of course, you can already perhaps postulate that there are very few cons to this incredible camera, yet everything has it's slight downfalls. So, let us begin by understanding a little more about this much-hyped camera...

H&M X London College of Fashion - Designing for Sustainabilty

As newbies to London College of Fashion, my friend Sarah and I popped to the flagship store of H&M down Oxford Street for the Designing for Sustainability event. Our university and H&M kicked off London Fashion Week by celebrating sustainable fashion, something LCF is so passionate about. The project involved LCF students who explored the concept of circularity, creating a fantastic womenswear capsule collection.

A Cosy Sunday

There's nothing quite like snuggling up somewhere warm and cosy on a rainy Sunday morning, is there?

I usually work on weekends but lately I've been working more during the week so I've had a bit more spare time on my hands come Saturday and Sunday. So last week, my family and I headed over to Bill's for a whopper of a Sunday brunch. Darting in and out of the rain, we were greeted with the tingling waft of creamy eggs and hearty bacon, before settling ourselves inside the lofty, warehouse interiors.

The Fashion Journalism Personal Statement

I knew the minute I found out I got into London College of Fashion that I wanted to share my new experiences with you all; if I was enjoying my course, what is LCF like, was university everything I expected? But today I'm taking it back to the beginning. September is the time university hopefuls will be anxiously drafting up personal statements and tapping in UCAS details. So, if you're thinking about a career in fashion journalism, or at least wishing to study it at degree level, and have no idea what to put into your personal statement, I'm here to help. Of course, I'm absolutely in no way an expert, but I did work extremely hard on my statement and it was my golden ticket for an interview at LCF. Thus, I'd like to think I have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve on how to bag an interview for yourself. Let's get stuck in...

I'm Back!

A trip to Paris and a festival later, and I'm back. If you haven't already seen over on Instagram, I've been quite the bustling bee, flitting all over the place and barely remembering what home looks like. But for now, I'm back in London and ready to catch you all up on my adventures. Prepare for some snap-happy posts ahead.

What have you all been up to recently?

Fresh Start: Three Uni Outfits To Try...

Top // Trousers // Shoes // Bracelet // Ring // Backpack

If I've got my eyes set on fashion university, this girl has got some style stakes to raise. Though, I am pretty sure my look will result to jeans and a comfy t-shirt by the second week. Nevertheless, whether, like me, you're about to embark on university/ college adventures for the first time, or heading back come September, allow me to show you three instant wardrobe updates to give you a fresh look for your fresh start. Or if you happen to be neither, these looks will hopefully inspire your wardrobe too.

Bloggers I'm Loving Lately...

Photos courtesy of EJ Style

EJ STYLE

This is a recent blog discovery and I blame Emma's very enviable Instagram for making me stumble upon it. Emma Hill is the blogger behind the very successful blog EJ Style, which is on all things fashion. Initially founded as an "outlet to express [her] passion and love of fashion", it is now a full time business and an influential blog worldwide. It also happens to be one of my all time favourite blogs, albeit I have only been reading it for several weeks. Hill's style is incredibly chic, minimalistic and cool. Perhaps her blog is my favourite since we both share a penchant for denim, but her love of the high-street makes her looks approachable, down to earth and accessible too.

Farm Girl Café, Notting Hill

Prepare for a picture overload! I may of got a little snap happy during my sister's and I's adventure to Notting Hill. This neighbourhood is one of my favourites in London for so many reasons but I must admit, I have only ever explored it a few times. Upon reading Julia's (writer of Gal Meets Glam - one of my favourite bloggers at the moment!) blog post about her wandering around Notting Hill, Jess and I decided to recreate her day as it just seemed so beautiful, whimsical and perfect. 

Zara Wardrobe Wishing

Bomber // Crop Top

Zara always gets it right for me. Prices are fab, quality is incredible, styles are so current and unique, and their stores are so great to shop in. So it was without question that while pondering of where to buy some beautiful, new summer clothes, Zara popped into my mind. While browsing online, I stumbled upon a few things that definitely caught my eye, and here they are!