My 21st Birthday in Amsterdam

Hey Everyone...
The 21st Birthday is certainly one of the biggest milestones in life, a big step into adulthood and the world of responsibilities. I wanted to make my 21st very special, and I have definitely achieved that. I can't say I have become more wiser or mature since turning 21, but I have definitely learnt that I have the most amazing friends in the world. The most important ingredient to a good birthday are your friends, and when you end up celebrating it in the city of red lights... well, it is simply the icing on the cake. I've had the most amazing weekend in Amsterdam, with 12 of my lovely girls, which have made my birthday very special. It's a shame that we only had 2 days to explore, but we managed to make our weekend as compact and as fun as possible. 

Me and my Dutch friend Sandra

There are many reasons to why I have chose to celebrate my birthday in Amsterdam. It is absolutely unique and beautiful. Being there gives you this weird feeling on invincibility and freedom. Your ethics and morals are questioned, and what you previously though wrong, becomes right. It's a brilliant city with a lot to do and a lot to see, so I would definitely recommend it. 
The clubbing scene is also brilliant. One of the clubs that we ended up going to is called "Studio 80", which is one of the best house/techno clubs in Dam. It wasn't cheap, but it was definitely worth it. Amsterdam does offer a lot of student bars/clubs also, so even if you are on a budget you are still guaranteed to have a good time.

OOTN

Blazer - Next

Top - River Island

Trousers - Zara

Boots - TopShop

Bag - Hobbs

21st has to be celebrated with Tequila 

My Birthday Outfit

Ibiza madnessssss...

Ok.. So I cannot tell you a lot... since what happens in Ibiza, stays in Ibiza. However I will tell you that it was an amazing holiday and I had a lot of fun! It's a holiday where you do get to make effort every night and change your outfits more than once a day. Its also a holiday where you can go a little wild and not expect to be judged. Some highlights were the boat party (which was amazing and crazy) and the zoo project (you had to dress up as an animal). I shall say no more... Here are some photos...

Packing for Ibiza and uni ramble...

Its been a while since I had a chance to blog, since I only just got back from Ibiza and been busy packing for uni (eeeek exciting). I am moving into my new flat tomorrow and I am mega excited to decorate the room a little bit and make it my own :D I am only just going into my first year (as I spent some time travelling) and I am completely unsure of what to expect. All I know is that I absolutely cannot wait and really looking forward to the experience. 
Packing is definitely one of the hardest things, as you need to make sure nothing is forgotten and you don't take things that you will not need. I have 4 suitcases full of clothes ready to go... (oops) so my room is now looking more empty than ever :( How ever packing for Ibiza I didn't go all that crazy and sensibly chose an outfit and jewelry for each night to avoid taking too much clothes. So here are some photos of my sensible packing and I shall make sure to share with you my holiday pictures and stories in my next blog.... bye for now ... Annie
 

5 bikinis and 8 outfits for each night

make up and hair care

My Packing and Holiday Tips

• Plan your outfits in advance to make sure you don't take extra unwanted clothes. 
• Don't take more than one pair of heels, as chances are you will not want to wear them.
• Make sure you take a pair of plain flip flops to walk in to the beach or pool.
• Take more than one suncream. I took factors 30, 20 and oil with 10.
• Take some paracetamol if you are planning on going out and drinking ;)
• Your normal foundation will be to light so take a darker shade too.
• Buy travelling size everything if you can. e.g shampoo, toothpaste, to avoid extra weight.
• Take plenty of spending money, sunglasses and after sun and enjoy your holiday.

Fashion comes from Asia?

Hello.. (back to my India story)

India is absolutely amazing and inspirational when it comes to art, crafts and fashion. It is completely different to western ideas of beauty and fashion, and the contrast between the east and the west is what makes the experience so unique and amazing. Many of us do not even realise how much influence the eastern world have on us. India had a big impact on British world during 18^th and 19^th centuries and it has definitely left its footprints. I am not talking about Indian food or growing interest for Bollywood movies... but clothing items that we love, and think of as our own. Pashmina??? Shawl??? Surely we have all heard of them before?? A real pashmina in India is about £3, with an amazing print and very good quality, yet we charge around £15-20 in our high street shops and the quality is often questionable. So I have taken an advantage of that and has brought a few with some gorgeous prints J. Anyway... What I am trying to say is that there are so many things that have history behind them, and a lot of cultural meaning, yet we often do not even realise. All the beautiful summer prints, light weight summer cover-ups and jewel and metal encrusted flip flops are all echoes of Indian shawls, saris and heavily decorated sandals. Jewellery certainly plays a big role in Indian society. Nose studs, big earrings and arm of bangles have been an obvious influence... soo I have bought a few bracelets, which reminded me of Jewellery that you would often see in “All Saints”, with a very rusty, ragged and vintage look to it. I have brought many things back, but those particular ones were definitely my favourite....

1 ruppee coin ring :)

3 Bracelets, 1 ring, 2 ancklets.

Beautifully handcrafted

Cushion cost me £2 :)

 But hey.. India is deffinately not the only asian country we get our influence from.. What about China? I mean common.. everything is made in China?? But appart from that, there are soo many Chinese designers?? Chinese traditional dress have influenced both luxury and high street fashion designers... And in 2010 and 2011 such designers as Cartier, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton introduced an oriental twist to their collections ;)

Africccccca... Yay... It's deffinately my favourite, with its furs, leathers, animal prints, wooden bangles, safari nudes and beiges, bold colours and ofcause chunky beads :)The animal print has been one of the biggest fashion trends in the past 50 years, first introduced in the 40s and until this minute that I am writing this its still one of the biggest trends ( not complaining) I love leopard print, I just think the colour is so warm and beautiful, and i just want to cuddle it (wierd). Africa brings warmth and summer to our western culture and in my opinion it will deffinately stay an influence.
There are soo many more.... Like the aztec prints, japanese kimono, Middles eastern Harem pants, Napali kurtas (tunics) and many more... Look at your wordrobe and you will see the coulours of the world... just have a look... a good look.... Goodbye for now... Annie