The Light at the End of the Tunnel

I'm currently writing this from the dark depths of the library on a Saturday evening, with nothing but a 3000 word report and a portfolio of CV/intern development standing in the way of me, my happiness and all of the Christmas festivities that await me. To take a break from the sheer agony of yet another SWOT analysis or inDesign layout, I thought I'd take myself back to (slightly) more chilled out days and reminisce on my latest trip to Manchester. I had a bit of an impromptu outing last month with the uni gals to visit the Fashion on the Ration exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. I made the most of the rare opportunity to visit one of my fave cities by bringing out my brand new and beautiful Zara coat which I got for my birthday and (keep it on the down-low) may have opened a bit early. I literally can't stop looking at it. I didn't realise it was possible to adore an item of clothing so much until now. I think it's love. The mix of colours in it are so beautiful and like nothing I've ever owned before. I feel like it'll translate well into my wardrobe during all seasons - the plum tones are v autumnal but I'll appreciate the pops of pink and red when spring eventually rolls around. I teamed my dreamy coat with a basic black turtle neck jumper from Primark, my beloved M&S Archive by Alexa skirt, a pair of fishnets and some western-style River Island boots. Also, when fur collars are no longer a thing (although I hope they stay forever) I can detach it - but why would I ever wanna?! I always find it so amazing what a good piece of expensive and much-loved clothing can do for your mood. It was a bitter, drizzly day out on the grimy streets of Manchester but I felt blummin' marvellous. 

On the topic of moods and feeling marvellous, I thought I'd take this opportunity - given my current, unfortunate location in the library right now - to talk about how utterly UNmarvellous I am currently feeling. From an outsider's perspective, my day has been pretty hard going. I haven't really had a 'proper' lie-in in weeks and sadly, despite it being the weekend, today has been no exception. I battled a million and one Christmas shoppers onto a lunchtime train to get to work where we were packed in shoulder-to-shoulder. From work, I came straight here - I picked up a McDonald's for tea (my second in a week) and now I inevitably feel like shit. I'm catching up on all the vlogmas videos that I've been falling behind with although my battery is seriously starting to dwindle and literally all I want is to be wearing my pyjamas and drinking wine from the bottle. Despite it all, I'm trying to be optimistic. I didn't meet my personal targets for the evening (I had planned to finish a project) but then again, my expectations of myself are always too high. And although everything always takes so much longer than I expect it to, I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. All I need is some cheery Christmas songs to help me through my long walk home and the promise of hot chocolate and much Nutella once I make it back. Time to wrap up in my bloody beautiful coat and face the cold wind and rain. I'll be back here in twelve hours time. Christmas holidays - Please. Come. Quick.