Another 21st, Another Dress

My final year of University is here and my life is hectic. Along with money, dissertation, job, the gym, deadlines, work experience, the magazine and everything else, there's another major concern - 21st birthdays.

In one of the most expensive years of my life thus far, I have to commit to many 21st's, expecting to spend that bit extra on gifts, that bit extra on drink, and to decline an invitation is just a no-no. Then there's the next question - what to wear?

Now, I am aware that this is not a major worry to most. Just throw something on, no big deal! But I have, at my own fault, set myself up for a fall. Before this year, every birthday, mine or not, gave the excuse for a new dress. Shoes and accessories I could re-do, but the dress was always new. But now, this has to change.

As I have big dreams that include a published book or four, a move to London this summer, an extensive wardrobe of labels and a pug, I have been forced to reign in my spending habits and focus on the bigger picture. I mean, Tubs the pug alone will set me back about a grand. So at the beginning of the academic year I set up a saving plan, and swore to change my habits.

Thus far, I have been successful. But it is occasions like this where it gets painful. Tonight sees the celebration of one of my besties, Ally, big 2 1. The present has been bought, the wine is on chill, and I am excited. However, I have been forced to open my wardrobe and re-use, staying as far away from Topshop as physically possible.

I never thought I would say this, but this has really gotten my creative juices flowing. On closer inspection, I realise that my wardrobe hold many hidden gems. Sometimes referred to as 'shop Charlotte' by my nearest and dearest, I now see what I was missing.

After all, all trends come back, and it really doesn't take much to re-invent an outfit. An extra necklace here, a slick of lipstick there and voila - you have a brand new(ish) look.

I am a self confessed slave to fashion and the only way I can ensure this is a success is to have a positive attitude and, again, stay away from town. It is forcing me to get creative and excited about my once 'old' clothes.

Tonight's outfit of choice? A floral Topshop bustier summer dress teamed with black opaques, black suede shoe boots, a stack of pearls, a top knot hairdo and a trusty black blazer.

Happy Birthday Ally!

One Good Deed Deserves Another

It's another cold, snowy and downright miserable day in Newcastle, and I've just finished a double shift. My job is nowhere near taxing, and I keep it to ensure my dreams of a fashionable future in the Big City become a reality. I'm stood outside Central Station waiting for my snail of a flatmate to crawl from her single shift so we can walk home. We walk so as to add to the growing funds, as £2 a day on public transport just cannot be justified when there is rent to pay and Mulberry bags to buy.

A taxi pulls up over the pedestrian crossing (of course) and an elderly lady steps out. Two other OAPs (I say that with love) follow her, and it is clear they have learning difficulties. The taxi driver gets their cases out of the car, and puts them on the roadside. Just when I think my faith is about to be re-installed in public services, he hastily drives away, leaving the elderly lady to struggle with three cases and two bags.

Now, I like to think of myself as a kind individual, one who would put others before herself. But I'll be honest. It isn't attractive to me to drag my own suitcase through the sludge and snow into an equally as cold train station, never mind somebody else's. That said, I am also smart enough to know that whilst helping another human being isn't always easy, it is always worth it.

So I walk over and offer my services to the lady, who is, unfortunately, totally taken aback by my offer, and gratefully takes me up on it. So, I help her and her family through the station, and ensure they are on the right platform, comfortable and settled. I learn that they have just got back from Spain after being delayed 24 hours due to the weather. Once done, she gives me a hug, a rare thing from strangers which I always thought was a shame, and sends me on my way.

The moral of this story? Always help! It took me five minutes to make one persons life just that little bit easier, and as cliched as it may be, it took nothing. And it was all worth it, as the next day at my triple shift (yes, I did say triple, Mulberry have raised their prices this season) a bag of wine gums inexplicably split (trust me, this never happens) just as I had a craving, so I was able to enjoy them guilt-free knowing the universe was giving me a pat on the back for my efforts. Karma is my friend.

So help another human being today, and you may just get your own wine gum experience.