Growing up I believed that i'd never even get into university, let alone complete a whole degree. Even right now I still have moments where I just think to myself "wow I actually did it".
The past three years have been so crucial to who i've become. I went from just wanting a basic life and taking the piss out of myself, to having actual realistic dreams and more confidence than probably necessary. But most of all I proved to myself and a lot of other people in my life who told me I could never make it, wrong.
Unlike prom, graduation is a more sophisticated and formal celebration but it's still special. I wanted to look and feel my very best. I decided to document the run down of my day and outfit preparation for both you guys and myself to remember all the little details!
My time slot of graduation was sickeningly early with the ceremony starting at 9am, I had to get there for about 8am. I stayed in a hotel in Newcastle the night before meaning my alarm rudely awakened me at 5:30.....although I was a tad too excited to sleep anyway. There was also a promise of buffet breakfast and everyone that knows me, knows that's my weakness.
The Makeup
Naked 2 Palette, Gosh Foundation, Revolution blusher, Collection eyeliner, Mac powder, Maybelline Hippy Mascara, Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer.
After showering, putting on an eye mask and drinking a much needed cup of tea... Makeup was the first on my list of things to do. I opted for a subtle gold eye using Urban Decays Naked 2 Palette's Half Baked and Snakebite lined with a dramatic wing. Since I already had a natural tan from Malia (blog post to follow ;) ) I was channeling my inner goddess with that bronzer and highlighter. The rest of my look was pretty natural with some nude lipstick and a touch of mascara to finish it off.
The Dress
H&M
The main reason I chose such a bright standout colour for my dress was because I wanted to coordinate it with the colour of my university's sash, orange. It also stood out amongst the black robes to make it slightly more flattering. From my previous experience at college graduation, I had to have a length that covered my thighs....after one very horrible photo of me, or should I just say my thighs was taken while receiving my diploma. My parents still refuse to delete it because.... "it's the memories and its so funny"
Debenhams
Since my dress was a bit business in the front and party in the back, I needed to get a bra that literally had nothing to it. No back and no straps. I couldn't even have a rehearsal run with this bra because there was only 2 sticky patches. So in the early hours of the morning I attempted to use this concoption and to my surprise it was relatively easy, too easy I thought. But it stayed on throughout the whole ceremony and even my nervous sweating didn't unstick this bad boy!
The Accessories
Shoes: Debenhams, Bag: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Spain, Nose Stud: Claires
Since my dress was so out there and the majority of my body was going to be covered in a robe, I kept accessories to a minimum.
Firstly I had to change my nose hoop to a stud due to my mum asking nicely if "i can please look respectable for once" (don't say I don't listen to you mum). I also wanted some jewellery but a necklace wouldn't work as my dress was high neck so I had a rummage in my draw and found some little bracelets that conveniently matched!
Next I kept my shoes just a formal black pump so that it wouldn't take any attention from the dress, although shoes are the only thing people really get to see when you're up on the stage...but at least they matched the robe!
Because I didn't have to pay a small fortune for my dress I wanted a little something fancy to remember the day or as my housemate Tyla says "an overpriced envelope" But it was on sale and it was one of the few bags that actually matched, I never realised that there were so many shades of orange...
Flying thousands of miles away from home was a huge challenge at first. I had to suddenly become independent and trust myself that I was making the right decisions. But I made some of the most amazing friends who became my family and I will always be grateful for the constant support I received throughout all 3 years. Although I wasn't able to graduate with with my girls, they came by at the end for a quick photo session!
xx
