Autumn Tag

I love Autumn so I thought I'd answer the questions on the Autumn tag

1. Ok we're talking coffee's - what's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero etc? 
hmm it has to be a massive mug of hot chocolate with all the trimmings from Costa

2. Accessories - what do you opt for, scarf, boots, gloves?

When it's cold I go all out because I'm a mega wimp when it comes to the cold.

I love wearing boots as they go with anything!

3. Music - what's your favourite music to listen to during Autumn?

There aren't any particular music that I listen to during Autumn really

 4. Perfume - what's your favourite scent for this time of year? 

Yet again I just use whatever I fancy, I don't always use perfume

5. Candles - what scents will you be burning this season?

 My mum buys a cinnamon and spiced apple candle every year which smells beautiful, I know it's autumn when my mum comes home with one of those.

6. What do you love most about Autumn?

Being all cosy watching a film wrapped in a duvet whilst you can hear the rain hitting the window.

7. Favourite makeup look? 

it's definitely lipsticks in plum shades either all in one colour or creating an ombre look using the plum fading into a bright red lipstick. Also, cat eye eye-liner is always a must with me!  

8. What are you looking forward to most in Autumn?

When the leaves on the trees go lovely tones of red, orange and brown and when they fall, so I can make them crunch under my boots (yes I am a big kid). I'm also looking forward to being able to wear shirts with big thick jumpers (I can't wait to bring out the novelty jumpers in December!!

                I hope you enjoyed this post

K

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Bucket List

I love writing lists, I have many notebooks full of different lists from to do lists to clothes I want.
So, today I thought I'd share with you a list (not completed) of things I want to do in life, hopefully you'll find it more interesting than I'm making it sound. Some may be more realistic than others!

1. Got to New York
If/when I ever go to New York I'd be the biggest tourist ever, with a camera in one hand and juggling a 'Where to go in NY' leaflet & a map in the other. I'd definitely have to go for a ride in a yellow taxi and make a trip to the Statue Of Liberty. I love the thought of seeing Times Square all lit up or the rest of the sky line for that matter. My dream would be to visit there in the Winter when they have the ice rink in Central Park! Oh I better not forget making a trip to all the amazing shops there.

2. Have a job that I love

I know this may be a big ask I know but, I'm pretty determined! After university I would really like to have a job in illustration/design or maybe fashion, which means working very hard. More importantly a job that I can wake up in the morning and not dread going to work.

3. Be able to speak confidently in front of a crowd of people or just a few people I don't particularly know very well.

I am very shy when it comes to talking in front of people. My worst night mare would be talking on my own in front of a group of people. So this is really beating a kind of fear! 

4. Go to London Fashion Week

Obviously I wouldn't be on the front row! I can't even imagine how excited I'd actually be but, maybe, just maybe I'll get the opportunity far into the future to go one day (crosses everything). 

5. Visit Rome
I think it would be a crime to love Italian food the amount I do and not visit Rome at least once in my life! I'd definitely do all the touristy things whilst but, eating out a lot would be a must (I better get saving now then). The architecture of the city looks amazing, especially the Trevi Fountain which I'd obviously have to through a coin and make a wish.

6. Do a charity run (and not pass out after a couple of meters running)
Something that would feel so rewarding doing!

7. Own my own house
Don't judge me but, I already have ideas of how I'd like it to look on the inside, my Pinterest is full of my ideas for the future. My dream house would have a bright red front door and the interior a mixture of Sixties/Mid Century and Scandinavian. The main thing I want is a nice, cosy place.

8. Go to Glastonbury Festival
Every year I sit on my sofa at home watching the festival unfold in envy.

9. Finish my University course successfully and get the grade I want at the end of it
I still can't believe I got into university in the first place! I want to work my hardest to get the best grades that I can get!

10. Finish learning how to use a sewing machine
Yeah I can make scrunchie but, who couldn't if they we told how to! I'd love to make a skirt or dress one day when I can find the patience to do so!

They are just a few that I can think of right at this very moment.
*None of the photographs included in this post have been taken by myself and have been found on Google images*
Do you have a bucket list or just a few things you'd like to do in your lifetime?

What's on my iTunes?

Today, I thought I would share with you a bit of a different, more personal post by telling you a bit about my taste in music and the top artists on my iTunes. The artists featured in this post give me some hope for future modern music.

Five favourite Artists and songs at the moment:

HAIM - Who doesn't want to be part of the sister trio? They have to be the coolest girl groups to ever exist, with their groovy moves and leather jackets! Flying the flag for guitar playing females as well, making me wish I had the patience to learn how to play the guitar. Starting out playing music at an early being a part of their family band Rockinhaim. Now they have their own band and have been compared at times to Fleetwood Mac, with R'n'B and 1970's sounds. I remember dancing about slightly tipsy to them playing on Jools Holland Annual Hootenanny on New Years eve. I actually don't have just a single favourite, I have a few; Wire, Falling and If I could Change Your Mind.

The music video for their song Falling 

p.s I love this video a lot!

Brody Dalle - Never heard of her? It's only Josh Homme's wife, Josh Homme of Queen of the Stone Age that is. Brody was first brought to my attention by my boyfriend who is a fan of  Josh Homme's music. My favourite song of hers is Don't Mess With Me, it definitely would perfect for a 'Motivational Music' playlist, for the day's when you feel determined to show the world that you can do anything when you put your mind to it. I would say this is a very strong album especially for a solo artist.
If you like punk rock or girl power, go and give Brody Dalle's music a listen. I know this is off topic but, how cool would it be to have Josh and Brody as your parents?

Here's the video for my favourite song of her's, Don't Mess With Me

Drowners - Taking their name from one of Seude's singles, Drowners are an Indie Rock band based in New York. The album Drowners reflects a definite influence from the Smiths, their song Unzip Your Harrington being a perfect example of that. A Button On Your Blouse has to be my absolute favourite of there's due to it's summer feel, a great way to start the day. You may recognise the guy on the inside left of the photo to be Matt Hitt featured occasionally on Alexa Chungs instagram.  

Video for A Button On Your Blouse

The Computers - I will only be happy when I have maroon suits like there's! I must thank my boyfriend for getting me into these in the first place. I would say the early Computers sound is like if you took rock 'n' roll and put it in a blender with punk to get some sort of punk 'n' roll milkshake...(where on Earth am I going with this??) I'm too excited to see them live in November, finally! With influences like Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Jerry Lee Lewis, Motown music what's not to like? My favourite songs by The Computers are Disco Sucks, C.R.U.E.L and Mr Saturday Night.

The video for Disco Sucks

George Ezra - My favourite song is Budapest from his new album Wanted on Voyage.  I have a serious case of guitar envy when it comes to his guitar. Ezra is often compared to Jake Bugg, with his unique and soulful voice. It's nice to see some Alternative music finding it's way into the top 40 charts, for those who aren't Directioners and Beliebers(cringing even typing those words). Through out his album you will be able to hear the clear influences of Blues and Folk music. Even my dad likes George Ezra's music who can be very particular when it comes to music.

This is the video for Budapest 

Tickets I've bought recently: Well I didn't buy them, my mum bought me tickets to see Vance Joy for my birthday. Vance Joy aka James Keogh is a Australian singer-song writer who uses a Ukulele to create his music. Riptide is definitely his best song, in my eyes anyway! 

 Guilty pleasure song of the moment: Taylor Swift - Shake It

Sorry but, it's sassy and fabulous!

Who are your favourite artists at the moment?

Did you give any of my favourite artists a listen?If so what did you think?

My New Illustration Blog

You may or may not know what I'm about to go into my 2nd year at UCLAN University studying Illustration. During the summer holidays I have started up a blog dedicated to my illustrations and my reviews. I will be reviewing illustrations, advertisements, books, exhibitions etc. I will also be letting you know what I'm getting up to on my illustration course. I'm definitely interested in the sixties era as you may be able to tell, I could create pieces around that topic forever.

                       Please check it out and maybe follow if it interests you in anyway.

                              http://katiemarieillustrates.blogspot.co.uk/ 

   

Also feel free to comment on this post, like what you think of my work above or if you are considering doing art or illustration?
Do you have a favourite illustrator or artist?

Getting to know you - What Olivia Did

I've luckily been able to ask my favourite blogger Olivia Purvis of whatoliviadid a few questions just before she headed off to New York Fashion Week (jealous? Me? Of course not, nooo). Her 60's esque style and love for baking makes for an enjoyable blog to read. If you've ever wondered how to create the Beehive hairstyle definitely pop over to her blog to find out how! 

I must start by asking if by any chance you got the name of your blog from the Libertines song 'What Katie Did'?
I did! I was obsessed with the song for such a long time, and remember loving seeing it live at Reading 2010, not long before starting my blog- so it has lots of happy memories attached with it too!


You're probably been asked this before but, what made you want to start blogging?
My best friend had been reading a couple of blogs herself, and introduced me to some which I still read to this day- I felt so inspired by everything that thought I'd give it a go myself, as it seemed to accessible and that anyone could do it. 

What is your favourite collaboration that you have been part of?
Each one has been so different, and offers something different to the last- I don't think I could narrow it down! Anything that allows me to travel is absolutely amazing though, as it's something I may not have the chance to do otherwise. 

Have you got a favourite collaboration that you've been part of?

Each one has been so different, and offers something different to the last- I don't think I could narrow it down! Anything that allows me to travel is absolutely amazing though, as it's something I may not have the chance to do otherwise. 

I love your style, is there any body or anything that have influenced it?

So many- from people like my mum, to people such as Alexa Chung as Florence Welch. They have such amazing cool, sixties and sevens inspired looks which I love. I also love classic icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin and Francoise Hardy- they just knew how to work basics at such an amazing level, and always look so effortless.

Do you have either a fashion or beauty top tip, that you could share?

If in doubt always red lips and a striped top!

One possession that you couldn't live with out?
Don't make me pick! 

If you could have tea with anybody dead or alive, who would you choose?
Oh this is so tricky! I always say people like The Queen, or Kate Middleton- as I know it'd be so much fun to just sit with them and see what they're like. But saying that having tea with Audrey Hepburn would be incredible as she was such an inspirational lady- but the list could very much go on!

Talking about tea takes me nicely onto the topic of the Great British Bake Off...

Who is your favourite baker in the competition at the moment?

I love Kate's quirkiness, and think she's an amazing baker- but also love Richard and Norman- he definitely proves simple things can sometimes be best!

From reading your blog for quite a while now, it's hard not to notice that your quite the baker your self...

would you ever take part in the Great British Bake Off?

I'd absolutely love to- one day maybe, watch this space!

If so who would you wanted impress the most with your bake?

Probably Paul- but I know Mary knows a good sponge. Plus, I'd be a little nervous of Mel and Sue!

lastly, do you have any advice for beginner bloggers?

Just do it! I think there are so many rules set for new bloggers- so just find something that you love and are passionate about, and get going! Don't compare yourself to others- at the end of the day if you love it, other people will eventually!

Once again thank you so much for answering my questions, it was nice to find out more about you! I wish I could talk to you in person one day about all things 60's, fashions and cakes.

(all photos belong to the lovely Olivia herself)

Check out Olivia's blog at
www.whatoliviadid.com

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Would you like to see more of these interview type blog posts?