Coney Island

Floral crop top, Miss Selfridge

Mint skort, New Look

Metallic sandals, Primark

Croc print winged bag, c/o M&S

Nails, L'Oreal in Pistachio Dragee

As much as I LOVE the city, Coney Island is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and only a short train journey away. Situated in southwest Brooklyn, the lovely little seaside resort feels a lot more LA than NY. With a large sandy beach, amusement parks and yummy ice-cream, I spent the first day of Labour Day weekend working on my tan and enjoying the glorious seaside views. I wore this cute floral crop top I picked up from Miss Selfridge last month. The boxy high-neck shape is really cool and I love the summery colours paired with my mint skort. 

 My blog has had a nice little refresh thanks to the wonderful work of Pipdig! 

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Red Hot

Red printed playsuit, River Island

Metallic sandals, Primark

Grey bag, c/o M&S

Half rim sunglasses, c/o Matalan

Black strap watch, The Watch Hut

Amber ring, Vintage

Nails, L'Oreal in Pistachio Dragee

Lips, MAC in Lady Danger

This River Island playsuit has pretty much been my staple this summer. On those red hot days where I just want to show some skin and throw on something easy, this has been my go-to. I think the  flowy shape of the playsuit is really flattering and the bright red colour makes it really different from anything else I own.
I've had another great week in New York. Going to a Yankees baseball game, touring Sex and the City's hotspots from the show and cruising round the Manhattan Island on a boat party are just a few highlights. I really am having the best time here and I'm so excited for this city to be my home for the next few months!

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Summer in Central Park

Striped crop top, Forever 21

White embroidered skirt, Topshop

White flatworms, c/o Desire Clothing

Wooden cross necklace, Primark
Croc print winged bag, c/o M&S
Half rim sunglasses, c/o Matalan
Nails, L'Oreal in Pistachio Drage

Arriving in New York in August means I still get to experience summer in the Big Apple. With temperatures averaging at about 25°C, I'm definitely making the most of the summer clothes I brought on my trip and topping up my (very slight) tan while I still have the chance.
New York has a whole lot of awesome places to shop, I'm really excited to see what the city has to offer and to head down to Brooklyn for a spot of vintage shopping. So far I've only explored the stores of 5th Avenue and Times Square, but seeing as Forever 21is HUGE over in the States, I couldn't help but buy this cute striped crop top. And hey, for only around £4, who can blame me?
I purchased this Topshop white embroidered skirt from eBay last year and I'm glad to say it has been making a fair few reappearances in this year's summer looks. The lace embroidered detailing is so pretty and provides a perfect contrast to my boyish cropped vest.
I have another few days of orientation at fashion school before starting classes on Monday. I'm excited to get into more of a routine but I'm sure I'll still have time to do lots of exploring! Has anyone got any recommendations of fun things to do while I'm in NYC? Not so obvious tourist-y suggestions please.

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Welcome to New York City

If you've been following my blog since the early days or you know me personally, it's no secret that it has been my lifelong dream to live in New York City. After a few stressful months of planning, applying to college and sorting out a visa, I'm finally here for fashion school in the Big Apple! I'm studying at LIM College on 5th Avenue and taking courses in Economics, Fashion Photography, Buying & Merchandising Mathematics and the Branding. This is part of my placement year at London College of Fashion, where I shall be returning for my final year in September 2015.

I arrived on Wednesday and I'm still very much in tourist mode. I visited very briefly last summer but I'm still so in awe of the city and I'm still pinching myself as I wander down the beautiful streets and stare at the skyscrapers. New York City will be my home until December and I'm really excited to be taking my readers on the journey with me. Hopefully a few of you may be inspired by my story and that dreams really can come true (cheeeeeeesy!). 

Above, you can find a few snaps from my adventures so far in NYC. Make sure to keep up by following me on Instagram (@monicabarleycorn), Twitter (@helloomonica) & Facebook!

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Palm Print

White lace crop top, c/o So in Fashion

Palm print wide leg trousers, Zara

Quilted leather jacket, H&M

Clear clutch bag, c/o Boohoo

White flatform sandals, c/o Desire Clothing

Sunglasses, c/o Matalan

Watch, The Watch Hut

Nails, L'Oreal in Pistachio Dragee

I ended up searching for these palm print trousers everywhere having initially spotting them on a stylish girl on the tube. I searched high and low, googling daily and raiding the high street until I finally spotted them in the Zara Sale (insert heart-eyed emoji here). The lightweight silky material and the on-trend palm print design had me from the very start and have become my best attempt at channelling a modern '70s glamour. Paired with a basic lace crop (which I'm beginning to wear with EVERYTHING) and stacked white flatforms, I'm a really big fan of this look and encourage others to get on the wide-leg bandwagon. Skinnies are overrated. 

Only two days to go before I head off to New York for the rest of the year, stay tuned via Instagram (@monicabarleycorn), I'll try not to spam too much I promise...

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