Author feature: Alexandra Potter

I love a good, thick book.

My motto used to be the thicker the better (though this seems to be the current motto for every girl on insta too) because well logically, I was getting the most for my money. I'd spend a longer time enjoying the book and reading its content hence, I wouldn't need to buy a new book too soon. I'm a pretty fast reader so unlike my sister, a book with a couple hundred pages excited me, rather than made me wanna bury my head in my palms for the foreseeable future.

However, sometimes it's a different story, especially in the summer. With the sun looking so inviting, I usually fancy reading outside but while the air is fresher and the sun keeps you warm and toasty, distractions are inevitable. I don't mind it to be fair, there's always going to be people about, laughter, conversations, music, even maybe traffic just seeping into your consciousness. It comes with the territory doesn't it and I love it, the bustle outdoors makes it feel like summer all the more. This is usually why I prefer picking light, easy breezy, summer reads to bring along. Something that doesn't require my full concentration and isn't too heavy to absorb. I want a relaxing time not a headache. Usually, I tend to grab Romance/Chick flick reads to be specific (because who doesn't love a good light hearted romcom??). 

Parklife 2019

Right, I'm pretty new to the festival scene I'd say. I went to my first festival last year; Good Vibes Festival in KL and since I couldn't make it to GVF this year, when my pal said "we're going to parklike" I went "ok". I didn't think it would be too different but boyyyyy was I wrong. My outfit was very much in sync with last years trend of stars I'll say. The trousers and earrings were from nasty gal, the "bralette" (which is really just a bikini top) is from H&M and the mesh top from Shein. For my accessories, I wore a chunky gold necklace and white chunky platform sneakers from Asos and my sunnies from Urban. RIP my cute white shoes is all I have to say.

I was really excited for two acts in particular; Lauv & Khalid. I've been listening to Lauv for years and they especially bring back the "good" memories of my first year of uni, me sitting alone on the bus with The Other and I Like Me Better blasting in my ears, adding to my forlorn mood as I leave the library at 2am again during exam season. Basically, Lauv is a staple in my chill playlist and I couldn't wait to see him live. Khalid's in the same playlist and let's be real, he's amazing so I knew he'd be great to watch perform. The weekend tickets were sold out when we randomly decided to go so we got a Sunday ticket which meant, we got to see Migos, Stefflon Don, Pusha-T, George ezra (!!) etc. 

Monthly Roundup: April

Source: Lightbox St Andrews

April was a pretty great month. The sun's been gracing us with her presence more often which means I've spent quite few days out of my house. There were a couple big events this month. The first being the fashion show I'm apart of coming to life. It was such an exhausting week of prep leading up to it considering I was juggling writing an important research proposal for my developmental psychology module. I wanted to hand in a decent proposal but obviously didn't want to steer from my duties in the Front of House team for the fashion show. Somehow, managed it and while I haven't received migrates yet for the proposal, I can safely say the show went off without a hitch. I mean sorta anyways. There was a small breakdown in which my response to a friend asking "How are you?" led to me crying because I managed to lose a tiny remote for our LED feature furniture. Found it in the end and also we found out we could turn on the LED seats without the remote, so the crisis was eventually averted.

Other than that, I had a grand time. I was so impressed by the selection of designers and clothing the fashion team managed to source and find sponsors for. Such creative looks from all over the world, including Indian and Japanese designers as well as brands from London creatives. I was excited that my flatmates made it even though they had a rough night out the previous night so thanks for the effort team, appreciate it more than you know. We spent the evening drinking shots form the ice luge, surprisingly making a bid and winning a prise in the auction, dancing away and wincing in our heels (well their heels, I wore brand new white platforms which were a mistake to a wear to a marquee set up in the middle of a muddy field). It was a brilliant night and it was just so good to see everything come together. You're not always aware about what's happening behind the scenes with other teams and committee members and then suddenly in one day, everything comes together and it's her to believe a bunch of students put on this show and raised a substantial amount of money for charity.