Graduation Class of 2013

Why is it that time flies when you're having fun? The last four years spent at University have whooshed by with the blink of an eye. The fact that I am a graduate now beguiles me, not only because it means I might have to actually grow up but that fact that I no longer have student discount?! Like seriously. My shopping bills are now going to become even more extortionate. But really, that's beside the point. These past four years have been the most incredible experience of my life. Meeting such wonderful friends and having the chance to work in two of the World's fashion capitals, I really couldn't have asked for more.

So finally the big day came round. Graduation. 

With work, travels and a million other things going on, I put off getting a graduation dress, well, till the day before, and after traipsing though shop after shop, deciding adamantly that I was no longer going to the ceremony, and buying far too many 'maybe' options, I finally popped into my go-to-store, Zara, to pick up this little beaut in the sale. 

Being one in a family of six its rare that I get to have my parents all to myself. But with my sisters off on holiday and my brother grafting away, I took the opportunity to have a bit of 'me time' to celebrate my graduation with just my parentals.

Heading up to Leeds University bright and early, we made it just in time to our reservation at Angelica on the tippy-top floor of Leeds' new addition the Trinity. Boasting a delicious cocktail list and a delightful menu full of light bites (I wanted it all), couldn't help but have a cheeky glass pre-ceremony. Well after all... how often will a day like this come around?!

Raspberry & lychee champagne cocktail, don't mind if I do.

My bootiful mama looked gorgeous in her Karen Millen digital floral print dress and Michael Kors sandals, whilst I was in head to toe Zara, including my jewel necklace and strappy stiletto's. 

Mama opted for the salmon tartare complete with yuzu, chives, chilli oil - whilst I went for the Tuna with sesame, spring onion, lime and nori. 

Daddy's cheeseburger was good but not great. Looks pretty damn good in the in the photos though no? 

And they even had mama's favourite, mushroom vol au vent. 

Of course I went for the prawns. Grilled jumbo king prawns. Garlicky seafoody chilliy perfection.

Next stop. Back up to university for the last time ever, to totter into the Great Hall with all my fellow fashion graduates. 

Certificates in hand, and smiles on faces. Photo time!

Perfectly coordinating dresses without a formal dress code. Great minds think alike.

With hat's not allowed to be worn in the ceremony, I of course had to have the cliche, graduate stereotype photo of my hat being thrown into the air in jubilation. For some reason, whether the combination of champagne and 30 degree heat had gone to my head or the 5 inch heels but I could not catch my mortarboard. Poor daddy had to take a million and one shots before I finally caught the hat and could actually upload a worthy video to Vine. But didn't he do a good job in the end?

A wonderful day and an unforgettable four years. I don't want to get all mushy *bleugh* but I just have to say a massive thank you to all my gorgeous friends and family for the most wonderful experience. In the infamous words of Gordo (from Lizzie McGuire)...

You rock, don't ever change.

Last Day

It's over. Today was officially the last university lecture I will ever have. Like ever. I have been looking forward to this day for goodness knows how long, so I could at last be done with education and start making my mark on this big ol' fashion world, but now that it has come around I am actually really sad. University has been the most amazing experience for me and obviously there has been all the highs and the lows, but what really has made it an experience of a lifetime are all the amazing friends I have made. I know that sounds like such a cliche "guys you've made this experience, like, totes amaze". But seriously, I'm going to miss seeing all of them every week in our usual stressed out yet extremely stylish state. Suppose it's not all bad, when we're all off living in LA, New York, Paris, Sydney & Dubai, we have the perfect excuse for a cheeky vacation. Naturally, I had to shoot this with the University's iconic red brick walls of the Clothworker's building as my backdrop and have fellow fashion student, Jess, taking the snaps. It just wouldn't have seemed right any other way. On another note, I haven't seen the back of this place quite yet, with an obscene amount of work to complete in just over two weeks, graduate shows, design catalogues, portfolios, it seems as though I'll be donning the title of 'Fashion Student' for quite a while longer and long may it last.

Before I forget, I need to tell you all about my gorgeous new bracelet by Eleonor de Casanovas from Lewis Andrews. If you follow me on Instagram (@georgiabenj) you would have already got a sneak peak, but I am literally obsessed with it! If you're thinking of jet-setting off to the Algarve this summer then you all need to head over to the no. 1 store in Portugal's, Almancil. Lewis Andrews is the go-to lifestyle store stocking some of the cutest brands and Eleonor de Casanovas jewellery is just one of them, be sure to check them out on Facebook (click here) for the most up-to-date info on all the latest products to hit the store. 

Birthday Celebrations: Part 1

As most of you know I celebrated my birthday a couple of days ago and got absolutely spoilt rotten with an obscene amount of chocolate, presents and pampering. My best friend Roni, came round in the morning with a tub full of homemade chocolate chip cookies which I could not wait to sink my teeth into. As of March 12th I had gone without chocolate for 101 days, far too long for anyone to be without that gorgeous bean, but come b-day I was given chocolate left right and centre and to top it all off, my lovely Daddy sent me 36 Malteaser bunnies. Heaven!

It was odd being away from my family for my whole birthday but boy oh boy was my birthday package a treat. Bursting with M&S goodies amongst all the presents. I was a very happy little girl.

Roni and I went out for a huge birthday brunch at one of my favourite breakfast spots in Leeds, The Box in Headingley.

After which my lovely housemate and I, went for a little manicure sesh.

My housemates got me such gorgeous presents and this little macaroon jewellery box was by far my favourite. Emma searched far and wide to find it, and I absolutely love it! Isn't it the cutest!?

Roni & I were seriously getting out pout on. Reverting back to our 14 year old selves.

What I'm Wearing: ASOS Twist Back Body, New Look Necklace, Gap Jeans & Kurt Geiger Shoes.

Next stop, dinner at Viva Cuba. Recommended by Roni, this was certainly the best Tapas in the whole of Leeds! It's hard to find good Tapas outside of Spain, but this was the real deal. Perfect cocktails followed by unbelievable amounts of food. The girls and I were in our element.

Tortilla Chips with a selection of Cuban Salsas    

Champinones Al Ajillo  

Patatas Bravas

Chorizo al Vino

Jalapos

Paella de Marisco

Gambas Rebozada 

Calamares Fritos a la Romana  

Berenjenas Fritas con Ajo y Huevo picada 

Emma decided to have a rather generous piece of the Pollo Picante (Chicken breast fillet served with house piri piri sauce). Little did they mention that their "homemade" piri piri sauce was code for some seriously hot hot sauce. Poor Em is not one for spice, and decided to get her own back after all of us were in hysterics at her reaction and gave an even bigger serving to Hayley...

WATERRRRRR!!!

Dinner was absolutely great and despite leaving absolutely bursting at the seam (not a great idea to wear a body-con leotard...), we headed off to Call Lane for a tipple or two and a boogie in front of the live band at Norman's.

Thank you to my gorgeous girlies for making my birthday so special, had a wonderful day and can't wait to celebrate again later this month with my twinnie.

Also shock of all horrors, as of the 1st of July this year, google reader is disappearing off the face of the planet into cyber space with the likes of Tamagotchi's and Gameboys, so instead I guess were all meant to head on over to Bloglovin instead. If you have a bloglovin account click here to follow me, or follow me on Facebook (click here) and Twitter (click here). While your at it, feel free to jump on the instagram band waggon @georgiabenj for frequent updates of my somewhat sartorial life. 
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If I haven't asked enough of you already, pretty please can all of you loyal followers nominate me for the Company Style Blogger Awards for the 'Best Personal Style Blog -  Newcomer' (click here). 

Home in London for Easter and lots of new fashion antics to update you with so stay tuned.

Hope you've all had a great weekend!