MADDISON’S JULY – MY 21ST BIRTHDAY

This July was a sensational month. Not only did it present my 21^st birthday, I also FINALLY found out my final university result. To say I was thoroughly spoilt is an understatement. Gucci is undoubtedly a respected brand, always in my top 5. I was very kindly gifted a Gucci bag, a Gucci matte red lipstick and a Gucci mascara from my parents, as well as a gorgeous white and navy Tommy Hilfiger set. Overwhelmed with happiness, I wept like a baby as I unboxed the dreamy gifts. The packaging, smell and feel of each item is something else; the true meaning of luxury for me is owning something of your dreams, something you never felt you could be lucky enough to own.

My grandparents presented a breath-taking vintage, delicate Tudor Royal (a sub-brand of Rolex I later discovered) gold watch to me. The tiny watch face combined with the shell strap is beyond charming. As my Ma handed me a tiny gift box I was puzzled, she followed by telling me that my Grandad had gifted her with the watch for her 21^st birthday. I share my birthday with my Grandad who was 80 this year. To be given such a vintage, treasured gift I was speechless, it bought a tear to my eye to be in possession of something so special.

Not only did I receive fabulous Gucci gifts, a vintage treasure and a TV by my brother (SO LUCKY) my close family and friends truly spoilt me with their kindness. I had an intimate gathering with those closest to me. The garden party was a blush pink, bohemian theme with a delectable grazing board. With Covid-19 protection measures in place, I had the most wonderful time. I’m very thankful for everyone in my life.

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GRADUATION – FIRST CLASS HONOURS

At 12:07 on the 23^rd July shaking with anticipation I received the email from University of Southampton with my final grade. My eyes hurriedly scanned the email looking for the final classification. In disbelief I read: The senate of the University of Southampton is awarding you a FIRST-CLASS HONOURS in BA Hons Fashion Marketing. Of course, I cried! The relief and pride that the hard work, sweat and tears that I’d put into every project had paid off was indescribable. Studying a fashion degree is the most rewarding, yet frightening thing. Although there can be correct and incorrect ‘ideas’ the projects that you present are your personal ideology and creations, therefore when marked, the university is marking your personal opinions. Knowing your ideas are credited and accepted by an academic board is extraordinarily fulfilling. I received my final result with my closest friend from the course who also received a First, which was comforting and made the celebrations doubly exciting.

A special, wholehearted personal congratulations from me to any student who is Graduate Class of 2020 for completing exams, dissertations and projects in the midst of Covid-19. I’m so proud of everyone who managed to achieve their potential in such challenging and uncertain times.

MY TOP 3 GIFTED/PURCHASED ITEMS IN JULY

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WHITE LEATHER GUCCI MARMONT BAG

My exquisite white leather GG Marmont small shoulder Gucci bag gifted from my parents. Not only is the colour beyond perfect for my style, the aged gold GG emblem and part aged gold chain strap are stunning details. The bag can also be worn either way; one side presents the iconic Gucci emblem, while the other side has a GG stitched in style for a more relaxed ‘bag’ vibe.

LINK TO PURCHASE GUCCI BAG

ROSE QUARTZ COASTERS

The second item is a beautiful gift from my friend Chloe. She sent pictures of my new brass bed to the designer who crafted, two gorgeous Rose quartz coasters with gold leaf and gold edges which match my room. I love them SO much! @Studio19bychloe is a handmade, small business which uses Cruelty Free & Non-toxic Epoxy. A must for your home décor.

LINK TO PURCHASE PERSONALISED COASTERS

LINK TO @Studio19bychloe INSTAGRAM

BE FEARLESS PLANNER

The third item is this stunning Be Fearless Planner. The minimalist, chic front-page design and coffee-table style caught my eye. The company is family run by a wonderful woman named Laura, who is the sweetest and most encouraging lady. The book is described as a self-empowerment and productivity planner thoughtfully designed to help you be focused, organised and motivated. While I’m actively searching for a job in fashion this piece is impeccable to keep me driven. Pages for monthly, weekly and daily planning, as well as, mindfulness and positivity sections alongside much more; I highly recommend this piece.

LINK TO PURCHASE BE FEARLESS PLANNER

LINK TO BE FEARLESS PLANNER INSTAGRAM

SAINTÉ.CO CANDLES

On my home wish-list is this incredible design by SAINTÉ.CO Their ‘Goddess’ candle is a unique naked style, which comes in a range of colours and some dipped in gold leaf. These handcrafted, candles are so empowering and a striking décor piece. The company also donates ten percent of our total net profit towards helping an orphanage in India every month.

LINK TO PURCHASE SAINTÉ.CO CANDLE

LINK TO SAINTÉ.CO INSTAGRAM

HIGH-STREET WISH-LIST

SHOP THE HIGH-STREET WISH-LIST

MANGO – LEATHER BALLET PUMPS £49.99|MANGO – STRAW TOTE BAG £35.99

H&M – COTTON DRESS £34.99|H&M – GREY CARGO PANTS £39.99|H&M – FLOUNCE TAN DRESS £39.99

TOPSHOP – POLKA DOT DRESS £35.00|TOPSHOP – GREEN TROUSERS £35.00

STRADIVARIUS – POLKA DOT SKIRT £12.99

RIVER ISLAND – PINK TOP £30.00

TOPSHOP – PINK BLAZER £59.99

DESIGNER WISH-LIST

SHOP THE WISH-LIST

GIVENCHY – BLUE DRESS £1055 | GIVENCHY – CAMEL SKIRT £910

GANNI – DOT MINI-DRESS £245 | GANNI – WHITE SHIRT £125 | GANNI – POLKA DOT MIDI DRESS £255

STELLA MCCARTNEY – GREY TROUSERS £480

TED BAKER – SCARF SANDALS £85

PHAEDO – CRINKLE SHIRT £1200

HUISAN ZHANG – WHITE FEATHER DRESS £1695

ALL SAINTS – PINSTRIPE BLAZER £99

CARVELA – TAN MULES £129

ANINE BING – GREY SWEATSHIRT £150

LAVISH ALICE – WHITE BLAZER £75

BY FAR – GREEN BAG £480

IBEN – CREAM TRENCH COAT £390

MEDEA – TAN TOTE £435

SAMSOE & SAMSOE – LEATHER MINI-DRESS £210

CASA RAKI – CREAM FRILL DRESS £385

MARKUS LUPFER – LIPS SWEATSHIRT £225

ROSANTICA – CARD BAG £435

EUGENIA KIM – STRAW HAT £430

MADDISON’S FAVOURITE APP/FILM/SONG OF JULY

PINTEREST – APP

This month for me has been so full-on in the best way. However, it hasn’t left much time for me to read. This month I am recommending my favourite app instead of a book. My favourite app this month is Pinterest; I spend every morning scrolling down the ‘For You’ feed to ignite my creativity and motivation. I regularly post my favourite finds on my Instagram stories to share a glimpse of happiness with my followers. If you’re ever feeling a bit drab or unmotivated just 10 minutes on this app is the best medicine.

DJANGO – FILM

Django Unchained is a KILLER film. The mixture of empowerment contrasted against the reality of the slave-trade leaves you educated and shocked by the Tarantino classic. IMDB plot description: In 1858, a bounty hunter named Schultz seeks out a slave named Django and buys him because he needs him to find some men he is looking for. After finding them, Django wants to find his wife, Broomhilda, who along with him were sold separately by his former owner for trying to escape. Schultz offers to help him if he chooses to stay with him and be his partner. Eventually they learn that she was sold to a plantation in Mississippi. Knowing they can’t just go in and say they want her, they come up with a plan so that the owner will welcome them into his home and they can find a way. YOU MUST WATCH IT.

MAGIC – SONG

Magic by Pilot is a vintage BOP. I heard this song on the credits of a film and I forgot how much I love this tune. An ultimate feel-good song.

This June has been an unbelievably stressful and rewarding month of my life. Finishing my dissertation required a large amount of resilience and determination. My hard work and dedication enabled me to finish a piece of work that I am immensely proud of. Since, I have taken some time to fully relax which I have never had the opportunity to do before. My fitness levels have increased and as restrictions of lockdown have reduced I’ve taken the time to spend some quality time with close friends and family. With my 21^st birthday approaching in July I am taking this unprecedented time to reflect on what I have achieved and plan what I want my future to look like. I hope you’re all happy and doing well!

GRADUATING UNIVERSITY!

After 3 rewarding years reading BA Hons Fashion Marketing & Management at University of Southampton, Winchester School of Art I handed in my Final Major Project/Dissertation titled Gucci Travel Club in June. Throughout my time at university not only have I been enthralled by a subject that I absolutely adore, but I also learnt the most valuable life lessons and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. My Mumma has always said that university is not only about learning your craft it’s mainly incredibly grounding for a person, I couldn’t agree more. I lived in university halls for the first year, then private halls for the second and third years which I nicknamed my ‘New York Apartment’. I feel incredibly overwhelmed that my university experience was cut short due to Coronavirus however, it gave me the opportunity to work undistracted on my final project.

I was incredibly fortunate to go on 3 trips of a lifetime while at university. In first year, I visited Berlin, second year I travelled to Florence and in third year I visited my bucket list destination; New York. Each trip I learnt numerous clandestine facts about the fashion industry. When visiting Florence, the group visited a perfumery named Sileno Cheloni where the informed experts offer a personalised scent experience made from all-natural ingredients. Sileno Cheloni creates the signature scent that Gucci uses within their stores; I find sensory marketing exceptionally fascinating.

Now that I have finished university and I have a small break before finding my dream fashion job I will take the time to post about my university projects on this blog. I may even make a few YouTube videos explaining the innovations. Expect a lot of posting coming your way!