Canon PowerShot SX500 IS

So, I've gone all bloggerish and bought a camera. Although not properly bloggerish, as it's not a fancy DSLR, but what can you do? I don't have the skills to use a more advanced camera just yet (and this is despite specialising in photography at College...Let's just say it's not my strong point). I also don't have the funds. So I found this bargain, gave it a bit of a Google and then went for it (I'll let you in on a secret - I've been using my iPhone 5S for all my photos up until now. Teehee.)

Although I'm a bit of a novice, I have to say that I'm impressed with the clarity of the images. It's fairly simple to get a great depth of field and detail shows up very well. The zoom is one of the main features of the camera, and again this is very impressive. Mostly I love the iddy biddy size, it fits in almost all of my bags and doesn't weigh me down. So far, I'm extremely pleased with this little powerhouse and would recommend it to many. Hopefully it'll be a great addition to my blogging tools (i.e. my Macbook).

So what better way to give you an idea of the quality of images than with lots of pictures of my dog?! I present to you: A Day in the Life of Hogan, as shot by Canon PowerShot SX500 IS (and Abbi).

"I like the outdoors. I wonder what kind of mischief I can cause out here today?"

"Oh, you're taking pictures. I didn't realise. Better give you my best model look."

"What's this? Ain't nothing coming in here before I sniff it."

"Mmmmm best biscuits ever."

"I'll pretend I'm not looking but if you try to take my bone from me then we're officially playing."

"Me sleepy."

"WALK! C'monnnnn Abs!"

"I'm feeling nostalgic."

"Mmm leaves. I like the smell."

"WEEEEEEEEEE" (shot at 30x zoom)

"What do you think of my Miley Cyrus impression Abs?"

"Oops. Bit dirty. S'ok, Mum'll think it's your fault."

"Home now. Today was a good day."

Do any of you guys own a PowerShot? Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear any tips you may have. Anything to make this amatuer look a little bit more professional!

Abbi x 

I'M LOVING MENSWEAR - BUT LADS, COULD WE SETTLE A FEW ISSUES FIRST?

Something strange has happened: I've begun to enjoy menswear. In the sense that, a year ago I couldn't have cared less about mens fashion, but I'm now becoming a little obsessed. Last week I happily spent hours browsing through the LCM pictures (It's really addctive, honestly. Those boys have some serious street style). Ladies, if you haven't discovered menswear before, welcome to your new obsession...

So although I love a lot of men's fashion, I also hate a lot of it. You know how you have those little fashion pet hates? (UGGS. VPL. BADLY FITTING BRAS. WAIST BELTS WORN ON THE RIBS (what the hell is that about!?) UGGS. I could go on...) I have them in the extreme when it comes to men. I am very very specific. Perhaps you will agree:

A FORMAL SHIRT WITH JEANS

WHY? WHY?! I see men do this all the time! Maybe I'm alone in feeling this way - but the two do not go. A shirt is formal, to be worn with trousers (there are some exceptions here, but if you have to iron it to wear it, it's too posh). And while we're on that matter...

FORMAL SHOES WITH JEANS

Cringe. Men out there - yes you, just stop. Stop what you're doing. Remove the pointy, shiny lace-ups and put something more jeans-appropriate on. Maybe a nice pair of brogues, even some trainers. But not, I repeat NOT, your suit shoes.

WAISTCOATS

(All images from Google)

I don't know why, I just don't like them. Even at a special occasion - weddings would be a prime example - I find them a bit cringey. Just - what do they do? They look a bit like they should be womenswear, but they're not. They make men's shirts go all bunchy. And they're satin - satin does not look good on men. And the back doesn't match the front (I don't like that on womenswear either, so you're not alone fellas.) I don't know about you, but I think suits look a lot better without.

I realise that this all sounds very negative - well don't worry guys, there's plenty that I like about your style too. In fact, us women could learn from your ability to mix it up - after all, you hardly have as much accessible fashion as us lucky ladies do you?

I'm convinced that it's not only me enjoying fella's fashion - I have a feeling that mens style is on the rise. Of course there's already a huge market for it, but do men really care? I'm sure that lots that dress well do it to keep their wives/girlfriends happy. And let's face it ladies, finding a truly stylish man is not easy. Just lately, however, I have discovered that they are out there. There are many brilliant men's fashion blogs and Lookbook is just full of inspirational fashionable males. So are we about to see a rise in the oh so stylish other half? I really hope so! I can't wait to see what men's fashion brings this year (as long as it doesn't include any of my faux pas, of course).

WHAT I BOUGHT IN THE CHRISTMAS SALES

Seriously. So much so that I've only just finished shopping in them. I started off feeling a little disappointed in the, lets face it, kind of boring stock - but then the bargains started pouring in. I actually bought a few more things, but the ones featured in this post are items that will be great for spring/summer (or just ones that I really love).

THE COAT

COAT - £40 in River Island sale

JUMPER - Primark

NECKLACE - Topshop

SKIRT - Next

What originally drew me to this gem of a coat was the texture. I've been wanting the pink textured coat from Topshop for ages, but now I'm glad I held out because this has just that bit more originality (Don't get me wrong, I love the influx of pink coats, but aren't we all a bit sick of seeing them now?) It'll be great as a cover up in Spring, but right now I'm wearing it with other pastel colours to nail the trend and add some colour to the dull January days. The oversized style is another selling point for me too - I am so into boyfriend fit everything right now.

THE SKIRT

SKIRT - £40 in Topshop sale

T-SHIRT - Next

Oh this skirt. It's just so ME! Sparkly, sheer and midi length. Yes it's sparkly - but who says sequins are only for winter? Again, it nails the key S/S trends with the sheer panel and midi length, and was a complete bargain (original price £125). I certainly won't be afraid to rock this during the summer months. In fact, on a sunny day the light will reflect off the bluey-purple sequins beautifully - I have no doubt that a few conversations will be started thanks to this talking point.

THE CABLE KNIT CARDIGAN

CARDIGAN - £18 in Warehouse sale

SKIRT - H&M

Well - we all need one don't we? The cream boyfriend-style cable knit cardi that I bought about four years ago has been a god send, but I love this shorter style. It's great for someone like me that tends to wear clothes that show off my waist. The zip is a little bit different too. Whilst this cardigan is hardly the most exciting item, it is one of those useful items that will get a lot of wear.

THE SUMMER-READY SANDALS

SHOES: £26 in ASOS sale

SKIRT: H&M

I just adore these gorgeous flatforms from ASOS Salon. The straw sole looks great in contrast to the pretty detailing. They seem to be very well made, and I'm not at all worried about the strap snapping or beads falling off - they were priced at £65 originally though, so for that amount you would expect quality. They're also surprisingly comfortable, but if you haven't walked in a pair of flatforms before, it does take a little getting used to.

I'm a real girly girl when it comes to summer dressing, so I can't wait to add something a little bit different with these cuties.

So despite splashing out in the sales, I have been savvy and bought things that will work through the seasons in the hope that I won't KEEP BUYING CLOTHES! Fat chance...

BIT OF A CATCH UP THEN? BEACHES, PARTIES AND WEDDINGS

First of all - happy New Year guys!

Sorry for the lack of posts recently - v. busy yadda yadda.

So - back at work? Yup, same. I woke up feeling sad (:() but I have found a way to banish the back to work blues! Lunchtime online shopping, of course. The sales are still around which makes me happy - in fact, check out BrandAlley for some absolute bargains. Love their current sale with up to 65% off Vivienne Westwood for Melissa - hurry though, because it ends 12th Jan!

So since I blogged last, big things have happened (kind of). I've been down to Essex to visit my boyfriend and we spent New Year chilling out in Frinton-on-Sea. It's one of my happy places, so I love a visit there and luckily the weather was pleasant so we managed to fit in a little seaside stroll.

JUMPER - Primark

COAT - Topshop

JEANS - Topshop Boutique

SHOES - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

COAT - Zara

JEANS - Topman

TRAINERS - Nike

Then Sophie, a friend of mine from dancing, turned 18 and had a party to celebrate. This is only big news simply because I now feel SUPER OLD since I remember teaching her when she was younger. Despite my dismay at inevitably getting older, Sophie looked stunning and a jolly old time was had by all.

Finally, just to increase the feeling of being old, I went to my First Ever Wedding of Someone My Age. This obviously begins years of weddings and spending lots of money on hen nights, presents, fascinators etc. Seriously though, the wedding was beautiful. Louisa, the bride, is a friend from cheerleading at university, so meeting up with the girls after not seeing many since July was so lovely. They're the best for a good boogie and giggle, and I was not disappointed. My first ever friend's wedding was a success!

We also got the BEST WEDDING PICTURE EVER. This is why being a cheerleader is amazing.

Im also feeling excited for a few reasons - it's LCM, I still have some new sale items to be delivered, and the days are - verrryy slowly admittedly - starting to get longer. I can't wait for more daylight, blogging is hard in the winter, yes? So even though January is horrible and all I want to do is just wear goddamn S/S already, I guess life isn't all bad at the mo.