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. 

Girl Stole Lookbook

As part of my final project of my Fashion Styling & Photography module, I created a kaleidoscopic style look book featuring all the wonderful clothes by GIRLSTOLE.COM. Over Easter on one of the few sunny days, team girl stole hit the streets of South London to shoot the grunge, 90's, vintage, urban..... lookbook. Here's my cheeky spin on the psychedelic collection. Get yourselves over to GIRLSTOLE.COM to pick up some serious swag of your own.

Comme Des School

What I'm Wearing: Versace for H&M Top, Zadig & Voltaire Cardigan, ASOS Mongolian Vest, Zara Jeans, Nike Dunk iD's (personalised) & VS PINK Backpack.

The start of a new year also means the start of a new semester. So basically I'm going to be living in the library for the next 2 months till this dissertation is done and dusted. Thankfully the Parkinson steps were gritted today, despite the rather persistent snow which just seems to keep on coming. Snow is so pretty when fresh and powdery with that gorgeous crunch underfoot, but when it ices over and I've got an almost vertical hill to walk down back to the apartment, I'm really not that big a fan. Got my first Fashion Photography & Styling class tomorrow, rather excited actually. More photo's soon.