Inspiration at Indicia

After a chance email to the Bristol office of the award-winning digital advertising agency Indicia, I was fortunate enough to be invited for two weeks work experience.

I had undertaken work experience in advertising before, but it was largely 'hands-off' and observational. 
My time at Indicia could not have been more different! 
The agency is, quite deservedly, experiencing a really busy time at the moment. This meant that all hands (including my own inexperienced mitts) were very much on deck!

The prospect of diving into live briefs initially terrified me, but in hindsight it was definitely the best way to learn because I feel I've soaked up a wealth of knowledge and experience in a short space of time.
Even better, my work was actually used and I left feeling like I'd been more of a help than a hindrance! 

Lessons learned

Days don't duplicate

Variety takes on new meanings when working in the advertising agency. 

Business moves super quick and so must your brain, as you find yourself flitting between several projects in a single day. During a measly fortnight I worked on briefs for Very.co.uk, Majestic Wine, Wetherspoon, Welcome Break, Pure Gym, FriendsLife, tenpin and Rias. 
Read that without pausing for breath, I dare ya.

Personally I loved this aspect of my time at Indicia. It must be unbearably boring to turn up to work each day and march through the same old rigmarole. 

Multiple personality disorder helps

Well.... not literally.
What I mean by this is each brand has a specific identity; a character, if you will. In order to be a successful creative you must not only understand this particular identity, but actively subsume it in order to speak on their behalf. In this sense, a copywriter is like a satanic spirit in a horror film who possesses a person and goes undetected by their family and friends. Kind of....  

Anyway, your tone of voice must be versatile and able to morph from formal and professional to fun and colloquial in an instant. 

No room at the inn-security

Whilst I'm a confident person, I do lack confidence in my abilities. So, though I love ransacking my mind for creative ideas, I cringe at the thought of broadcasting them and being informed that they're pretty crappy.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, this attitude is completely unproductive in a creative environment. You must have the bravery to throw any idea you have out there. 
Even if nine out of ten suggestions are rejected, you only need one little golden nugget. Moreover, the idea people like the best probably wasn't the one you had the most faith in.

This is not to say you should not be a harsh critic of yourself; you absolutely should. How can your ideas grow and flourish unless you reflect on them?

A healthy dose of fun gets the job done

Offices, on the whole, do little to project an image of fun. However I have to say I had a bloody good laugh at Indicia. 

Although everyone was up-to-their-eyeballs busy, they all seemed genuinely happy to be where they were.
Regular euphemism-based banter, the occasional free-kick, the odd megaphone announcement, a few tunes played on spoons, and obligatory cake for breakfast is apparently the key to huge success in the advertising industry. And that, folks, is just fine by me :)

I will definitely miss the exciting projects and wonderful people of Indicia, and hope to find myself there again some day..

Branding that grabs me: Never Fully Dressed

Never Fully Dressed is a small East-London clothing brand that I discovered a few years ago and really like - both in terms of their beautiful, slightly hippie clothing and their effortlessly-cool branding.



Besides the lucky minority that are able to visit the market stalls that NFD frequent, most only receive branding information and advertising through digital media; so my analysis will be focused solely on their website and Instagram presence. 

I think the main aspect that draws many young people, myself included, to NFD is the low-maintenance, 'too cool to care' image they project.
Indeed, the 'About us' section of their website boldly claims that "we're a fashion brand that's not really into fashion."
Their brand reaches young people on a very appealing level; they can make you hip without straying into the repugnant 'try-hard' area that street fashion can sometimes stray.
In this sense, I'd class NFD as a life-style brand as they really promote the image of a 'NFD girl'; someone effortless but still glamorous, the girl who can pull off any look and be the envy of polished, high-maintenance young women. 

WEBSITE
The website acts as a cultivator of this laid-back chic through all aspects of its design.
The colours are muted; white and black only.
The fonts are simple and unobtrusive; the font used in the menu bar is thin, slightly grainy and could be mistaken for looking unprofessional in a year gone by. However the casual language it is used to spell prevent it from looking cheap.
For example, dresses are now 'Frocks', T-Shirts become 'TS' and the umbrella category of skirts, shorts and trousers is simply 'Bottom Half', yet again emphasising their efforts to distance themselves from the jargon of high-fashion branding which usually takes pride in its professional language. 

The photographs totally portray the image of nonchalant cool.
There is a home-made feel due to the brick wall backdrops that seem to say "we don't need a fancy photography studio, our clothes speak for themselves". 
Furthermore, the long-haired, bare-faced models adopt spontaneous poses such as spinning and shielding their eyes from the sunlight, further suggesting that this is a company not taking themselves seriously.

The identity of lifestyle-brand is supplemented by the addition of 'NFD radio', featuring an eclectic mix of artists from Lykke Li to Louis Armstrong. It is a clever tool that harnesses the emotional capabilities of music to influence buyers to feel a certain way: positive and relaxed. Indeed, a carefree mood is one more likely to result in a purchase. 

INSTAGRAM
Instagram, also a very fashionable brand, is utilised by NFD to promote themselves as a bohemian life-style brand. Alongside photographs of their own products, they also post aspiration images such as the Olsen twins, horseback riding in the desert, retro sweets and all things pretty. As expected, hazy filters are aplenty. 
NFD's Instagram page is where their 'tongue-in-cheek' attitude is really unveiled; their current profile image is a young girl with her middle finger raised. NFD is a naughty brand, and as we all know, the young and restless are prone to a spot of anarchy where available. In this sense, they totally appeal to their target market of the teens and twenties (or simply the teen at heart!)
The beauty of Instagram is that, because it is less intrusive than sites like Facebook, one can amass followers without them being clients, or even previously aware, of your brand. Therefore, by uploading many photos that are not necessarily related to selling their clothes as such, they can gain followers who are simply in the market to admire an attractive image; and to their existing clients and admirers, they can show off how hip they are. 

To conclude, every aspect of the brand's online presence markets itself as a youthful, desirable and free-spirited company who sells beautiful clothes to match.
It's a little cheeky, a little rough around the edges and certainly not 'high-fashion', but NFD is all the more appealing for such characteristics. 

REVIEW: "Peanut Hottie" Peanut Butter Hot Drink

Soo today I was in my local Waitrose contemplating buying myself a hot chocolate when I spotted something preeetty damn exciting and unusual.

It was this stuff; "Peanut Hottie" which makes the somewhat ambiguous claim of being a peanut butter flavoured hot drink. Not a hot chocolate, not a tea, certainly not a coffee, this little number is really quite an innovation.
It is made in the UK but with American Peanuts (of course, the HOME of peanut butter!)

I, like many people I know, have a special place in my heart for Reese's Peanut Butter cups. In fact, any kind of peanut butter candy is good with me. So as you can imagine I was keen to try this.
I purchased a small sachet (I think about 40 or 50pence) to give it a whirl!

Just as with hot chocolate mixes, you just bung in the powder, boil a kettle, give it a quick stir and the job's a good'un.

What I liked

• The convenience - requires only hot water, milk is not necessary
• Fairly low calorie - 83 per mug. This is double of Options Hot Chocolate though and around the same calories as an actual PB Cup
• So many powder mixes take ages to dissolve and leave horrible clumps or scum; the Peanut Hottie powder dissolves really quickly
• From the label it looks suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, hurray

Taste

Overall, I loved this!

The first thing you notice is the amazing sweet, peanut-buttery aroma.
The taste is sweet, definitely no sugar needed, but not at all sickly.
Of course, the predominant flavour is peanuts, which is accompanied by the flavour of cream.
It did indeed remind me of a peanut butter cup, minus the chocolate; there is no hint of chocolate in this drink.

According to the website, you can even use the powder in a variety of sweet and savoury recipes. I'm not too sure about their suggestion of putting it in my stir fry, but I think using it to make brownies, pancakes and milkshake sounds divine.

Peanut Hottie makes a refreshing change from the usual array of hot drinks, and feels like a real treat without being excessively calorific. I think I will pick up a full-size tub (priced at £2.99 for those curious) soon.

5 Symptoms That Exam Period Has Driven You Insane

Unfortunately it's that time of the year again, folks.
The time when you have to basically teach yourself all the things you should have taken in twelve weeks ago.

I don't know about you, but I for one am going slightly insane. But not just any old kind of insane, that delirious state I like to call 'Exam-ity'.
My level of procrastination reaching such extremes that I am writing this article when I have an exam in two days. But I feel as though if I'm not going to be working I may as well do something productive and make some other poor students feel a little less alone in these dark times.

So here are the top 5 symptoms of Exam-ity:

1) Staring at the floor, the wall, the ceiling for extended periods of time.

This has become somewhat a sport for me lately; just like a cat can find a way to sit anywhere, I can stare at just about anything (Oh, except my revision notes..) for long stretches of time. Not only this, I can actually empty my brain of everything and induce a sort of semi-coma whereby I can avoid thinking a single thought for about 20 minutes! BRILLIANT! To be honest I'm not sure if this is impressive or slightly worrying.

2) Obsessive Social Media Checks

Don't get me wrong, I like a cheeky nose on my Instagram and Twitter as much as the next guy, but during revision period it literally becomes like a nervous tick.
I don't even LIKE Facebook; it's full of bullshit videos and poorly written status' by people I'm not remotely interested in.
Yet here I am, refreshing my news feed as if I'm about to be informed of life changing-news. Needless to say, it hasn't come yet.

3) Being Unable to eat anything of Nutritional Value

The days of being home for Easter break where you ate real meals, of real food, around a real table are a far cry from today. 
The fridge lies remarkably empty, there isn't a clean bowl in the cupboard and there are about 49 takeaway boxes and wrappers in your room. 
I'm probably not the only girl right now who is desperately trying to eat healthy ready to debut a killer Summer bod. However, I'm SURE I'm not the only one inhaling cookies and Dominos by the dozen, either.
In fairness, people need food for brain power.
And chocolate IS technically food.
So according to my calculations, the more chocolate I eat, the more of a genius I am, right?
Therefore: Poptarts for dinner is a-okay, guys. Don't question the logic.

3) Reaching obscure (and slightly scary) corners of the Internet 

This symptom is usually accompanied by a sneaking suspicion that you may have amnesia, as you have no idea how you got there.

There I was, minding my own business with a little innocent procrastination. All I did was click a Facebook link to find out which Teletubby I am, and somehow a flurry of clicks later I'm snorting with laughter over reviews of Sugar Free Haribo Gummy Bears that gave a load of people the shits. 
How did this happen? Why is it getting light outside? Is this real life?
Nevertheless, as weird as this behaviour is, it can be very educational! I now know that too many sugar-free sweets can act as a laxative. I also know that me and Lala the Teletubby would be best friends in a parallel universe where Teletubbys exist....

4) Overwhelming cravings for To Do Lists

These little beauties are every procrastinator's secret weapon. Not only can you continue to do nothing, but you can also trick your brain into believing that you are being productive. Genius.
They seem like SUCH a great idea at the time. You're all like "yeaaaaah look at me gettin' my shit together. GOD I'm mature." 
Alas, two weeks later the list has grown exponentially with little ticked off. 
And that's when you realise: I've definitely spent more time making 'To Do' lists than I have actually doing any of these things. Oh.

5) Ambition shriveling and dying faster than the friendship of a porcupine and a balloon

Think back, if you can, to the beginning of your degree. Life was bright, promising; a First-Class Honours seemed within your grasp
Fast forward to today: The pitiful creature that you became is sat in her dimly lit pit of a room using her iPhone calculator to figure out how much she needs on these exams to stay on a 2:1.
"Learning every topic" soon becomes "Learn half the topics" which spirals into "Learn two topics and pray that a higher power takes pity on your sad, lazy soul".
Top Top: when you find yourself Googling the salaries of Bin Men, that's when you know you've hit rock bottom.
Hey, at least it can't get any worse :) 



Wishing anyone with exams the very best!
Just think of Summer.
C'yaaaa,
Lucy xx

TRIANGL; Swimwear Revolution?

With lots of holidays coming up this summer (I'm lucky enough to be jetting off to Malaysia, Phuket and Florida!) the hunt is on for the perfect bikini.

I'm such a fuss-pot when it comes to swimwear but I feel like you should be - after all, the majority of my holidays are spent on the beach, so I want something comfortable, good quality and of course fashionable.

Thankfully I found all three with 'Triangl' swimwear! This brand is everywhere at the moment with such a strong online presence; Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest are all blowing up with pictures of gorgeous models rocking their bikinis.

Now, what makes them any different from any other brand I hear you ask?

I'm sure I am not alone in experiencing the dreaded bikini sag?! You know the score: you pull out an old favourite but soon realise it's starting to lose its shape. The chest support is failing and there's a weird sag over the bum, making that summer bod you've been working on look a little lack lustre. Not only that, even the smallest of waves could leave you with a major wardrobe malfunction.

THIS is why Triangl is different: their bikinis are made from Neoprene (wetsuit material). They hold you in, STAY in place, and don't lose their shape!

In terms of style, Triangl use traditional shapes, but with funky colours and textures. Making them both classic enough to last you years but fashionable enough to be very 'now'.

This company really is quite a clever cookie! Their great product combines with their slick branding and online presence to create a real wave (excuse the pun!) in the swimwear world.

I have recently ordered the Tilly Sunburst model after some friendly sizing advice from the online chat facility, and am very excited to receive it.

At 99USD including international shipping, it's not exactly cheap. 

But fashion, my darlings, is all about cost per wear. So, if this bikini is as good quality as I'm lead to believe then it is totally worth the £60!

Shall update you all when it has arrived!

Lucy xx

A Greedy Girl's Guide to Feasting in Florida

Greetings All!

Have very recently booked a two-week trip to Orlando with my best friends, which I could not be more excited about!
I first visited back in June 2012, and fell in love - aside from the world renowned theme parks and gorgeous weather, I have to say that the food was a huge part of what made our trip so exciting.

Don't get me wrong, my suggestions are far from haute cuisine, and you will be hard-pressed to find much that won't send your cholesterol rocketing, but if you can't throw caution to the wind on holiday then when can you!?

With less than two months until my return trip, my friends and I are starting the obligatory food discussions which go a little something like this:
Me: OMG we have to go back to -such and such-
Friend 1: YESS! AND remember the wings in -such and such-
Friend 2: Oh and that dessert in -such and such-

Thus, I thought I'd share some of my excitement with you and write a little about the places we'd definitely recommend, and the ones we might skip, in hopes that it might be useful to some of you!

As a general rule of thumb, take for granted that all restaurants listed offer:
- Good value
- GENEROUS portions, especially for British expectations
- Free refills on drinks

DESSERTS AND SWEET TREATS -
Best for Donuts: DUNKIN' DONUTS
Few things are more American than the humble donut, and DD's is the place to go for your sugary fix!
The range of donuts this place offers is extraordinary (if you don't believe me, check out their online menu) and they certainly experiment with their coffee - Iced Butter Pecan Latte to beat the heat, anyone?
For the more adventurous among us, DD serve the eccentric 'Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich', combining sweet treats and breakfast staples in a mouth-watering marriage. If you're a fan of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, as is common in the states, I think you'll love this!
Give it a miss: Krispy Kreme - there are a growing number of them popping up all over the UK so they're less of a novelty for a tourist, and personally I think DD's donuts are better!
Best Cinnamon Rolls: CINNABON
I won't dwell on this, because cinnamon rolls speak loud enough for themselves. Just please, try one! In my humble opinion they are about a thousand times better than the flaky, danish cinnamon nonsense that Britain seems to prefer.
Best Desserts: CHEESECAKE FACTORY
One of America's favourite restaurant chains, the Cheesecake Factory does a hell of a lot more than Cheesecake, but as the name implies, it's what they do best!
Everything about this place is massive - the menu reads like the New Testament and the portion sizes probably weight about the same as the New Testament. Oh, and their cheesecakes, they should be written about in the New Testament!
At last count I think they make 37 varieties, fresh everyday, of course. Whether you're a traditionalist, fancy something fruity, or crave all-singing all-dancing chocolate, brownie and peanut-butter layered number, the Cheesecake factory will provide a fat slice of satisfaction.
My personal recommendation is Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake which is a sinful combination of chocolate-chip coconut cheesecake, layered with brownie and chocolate cake and topped with a coconut pecan frosting. Literally dribbling writing this down.
In terms of value this place is probably the priciest, not to say it's expensive as such because it isn't, especially compared to what I pay for a meal out at home. Just, in comparison to say, Denny's, it's a fair bit more.
As a friendly word of advice - book a table, as it's usually packed, wear your loosest clothes and prepare to be as full as an egg.


FAST FOOD -
For Southern-Style Grub: KFC
Forget everything you think you know about KFC - the KFC's in the states are actually pretty different!
Gone are the fries and baked beans, replaced with Southern-Style green beans, Biscuits and spiced wedges.
My recommendation would definitely be the KFC Famous Bowl - it's totally unlike anything they serve over in the UK and it's totally amazing.
Picture this: a big bowl of creamy mashed potato, loaded with popcorn chicken and sweetcorn, drizzled with chicken gravy and topped with grated cheese. The ultimate comfort food (although I must admit, it's not always what I crave in 40 degree heat!)
Best to grab on-the-go: TACO BELL
Before I give you the run-down on Taco Bell, suffice it to say that I actually emailed their English headquarters a couple of months ago begging them to open one in my City. Yeah, they're that good.
It's probably not authentic, but it tastes good - which, now I think about it, encompasses pretty much all American restaurants except American-themed ones!
It's cheap as chips (I think I paid about $3.50 for a burrito meal), and really tasty. Also it's very customisable - you can choose from soft or hard taco, burrito, salad bowl, with various fillings.
Unlike most Fast Food joints they don't serve their meals with fries, but with a bag of Doritos. I kind of liked this as the meals are unhealthy enough as it is without a portion of fries, I feel.
For a Healthier Option: PANDA EXPRESS
One thing the UK seems to have a lack of is a chain of Chinese fast-food. Don't get me wrong, I know there's an abundance of delivery businesses, but not the sort of Chinese equivalent of Subway, which Panda Express is.
Again, not the most authentic dining experience around, but the food is cheap, fast and yummy. Favourites include Broccoli and Beef and Orange Chicken. Sides include chow-mein, white and brown rice, and steamed veg. Where you'd be hard pressed to find a meal in most fast-food chains with less than 800 calories, Panda Express makes it quite easy to eat well.
The excitable tourist in me also got really excited about their cardboard containers, like the ones you see in movies when they get 'take-out'!

RESTAURANTS -
For A Cheese Feast: OLIVE GARDEN
Somewhat of an American institution, these restaurants serve up great American-Italian food in the classic big portions. Think pastas, pizzas and PLENTY of cheese on everything.
If you're spoiled for choice - why not try the belly-busting 'Tour Of Italy'; a trio of lasagna, chicken parmesan and alfredo fettuccine!
Olive Garden is such good value for money; just for ordering any entree you get the choice of free salad or soup to start, served with garlic bread-sticks (not only this, they happily refill your soup and bread-sticks as much as you want). Drinks, as usual for the US, are refillable too.
The first time I visited, I was so impressed with the delicious minestrone (they are famed for it!) and AMAZING soft, warm bread-sticks, that by the time my main-course came I could literally eat no more!
My suggestion is to wait until you're extra hungry before you go.
Give it a miss: TGI Friday's. Though cheaper than the UK equivalent, the food was nothing too exciting.
For Lovers of Buffalo Chicken: BUFFALO WILD WINGS
If you like your atmosphere chilled and your chicken wings HOT, then make sure you stop by BWW.
For those of you who have heard of Hooters, it's a little like that (Sports games on TV, lots of beers), minus the scantily clad ladies.
Since my first American holiday I have been obsessed with buffalo sauce - I mean obsessed!  If you've never tried it, it's very hard to explain the taste - spicy, vinegary, a little buttery. Sounds like it shouldn't work but it definitely does.
But even if my sauce of choice doesn't appeal, they offer a range of 22 sauces from mild to scorching, including Thai Curry and Salt and Vinegar!
This place isn't fancy, your food is brought to you in cardboard baskets, but it is lots of fun and the food tastes good.
For a cheap Diner Experience: DENNY'S
Open 24 hours, cosy leather booths and specialising in Breakfasts, Denny's is exactly the kind of place you see in American movies.
If the holiday budget has taken a battering in the Disney gift-shop then Denny's is perfect for you, offering a 2,4,6,8 menu composed exclusively of dishes ranging between a measly 2(!!) and 8 dollars. For as little as 4 dollars you can have unlimited pancakes, which by the way are amazing, fluffy affairs.
They also boast a comprehensive range of 'combo' meals in which you can choose exactly what you fancy - whether that means pairing cinnamon French toast with bacon, or a more health-conscious omelette and fresh fruit.
I wouldn't really recommend coming here for dinner, but if you're looking for a big breakfast to keep you going through a busy day at the parks, then Denny's is your man!
Give it a miss: IHOP. Whilst it is still a good destination, the value for money is far worse.
Best Mexican: CHILI'S
Between Olive Garden and Chili's, I am truly torn.
I'd describe Chili's the American Las Iguanas or Chiquito's, but much better!
As with most US restaurants, the staff are friendly, the drinks are refillable and the portions are generous- mmm.
American's do Chipotle really well so I'd suggest trying the Fajitas or the Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken-Crispers (a mouthful in more ways than one!)
Give it a miss: The Rainforest Cafe. The atmosphere is pretty awesome and it's a good place to take kids as there's plenty to keep them entertained but my friends and I felt the food was below-par and pretty pricey compared to most places.
Best for something a little different: BOB MARLEY: A TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM
This restaurant is in Universal City Walk and definitely deserves a visit.
The atmosphere is really chilled, as you'd expect, it's a half indoors, half outdoors type affair which obviously suits Florida's weather well!
The food, mainly Caribbean stews and curries, is really nice and good value considering it's a Universal restaurant. Goat, pineapple and plantain are all on the menu, offering a refreshing change from the swathes of burger and fries joints. The dishes are served in chunky wooden bowls which is a cool touch.
I'm not sure if this is the case every night, but the night we went there was a Bob Marley tribute act who seemed stoned out of his face but was wonderful regardless.

That's about it!
Not to say I haven't missed some great restaurants out, I'm sure I have, being as I enjoyed the vast majority of my meals. 
One thing I would say is try not to eat in the parks' kiosks and canteens if you can help it; they largely churn out pretty low-quality food for at over-inflated value. 
For example when at Wet & Wild, you may as well nip across the road to KFC. When at Universal, pop back to City Walk at the main entrance where you'll find Panda Express, Taco Bell, Subway etc.

After bringing back such delicious memories, I'm off to get some snacks!
Until next time,
Lucy xx

Review: E.L.F Studio Small Stippling Brush

I have recently discovered the E.L.F store in my local City and am pretty excited about it!

This is actually the first thing I've purchased from ELF, though I've heard lots about them!

Have contemplated ordering from their website in the past but I much prefer trying the products myself before I buy which has prevented me!

The store (Cardiff, Royal Arcade) was beautiful! Very MAC-esque: clean lines, minimalist, lots of black! 

Anyway, after much perusing I decided on a small stippling brush from the 'Studio' range, which is a little pricier but promises better quality. 

Link here: http://eyeslipsface.co.uk/en/restofworld/brushes/small-stipple-brush/invt/84025

I already have MAC's 187 duo-fibre stippling brush but I liked the compact size of the ELF brush, and I was intrigued to compare the quality.

It was priced at £3.95, which makes it the cheapest brush I own by quite a long shot. Thus, I didn't necessarily have high expectations - generally you just DO get what you pay for.

However I have been pleasantly surprised.

I really like this brush!

It's got a really nice firmness which really presses the product in rather than kind of smushing it against your face, if you know what I mean?!

Also the size makes it a dream to work with, I prefer it to my MAC in regards to size. Working foundation around the nose for example is much easier with this.

Works perfectly with cream products;

have been applying my highlighter (MAC's cream colour base) with it.

Also the smaller size means a higher density of bristles which arguably gives more of an 'air-brush' finish.

Honestly am shocked - I never thought it could compare with my MAC which cost nearly TEN TIMES MORE (ouchhh), but it does!

Cannot comment too much on fall-out for now as I've only used it three or so times, but from what I could see it's not excessive.

Will definitely be popping back to ELF to try out some other products - the primer is next on my list!

Until next time,

Lucy :)