This time of the year is an exciting and nerve-wracking one for many. School, college and university students are looking forward to the end of the academic year, for some prom is just around the corner and summer is on it's way. For me, one of the big events coming up on my calendar is my graduation. I know people who view the occasion as one of the most important of their lives, others of course are a little more blase about the whole thing. In my house, the talk for weeks now has been on graduation, and every minute detail surrounding it you can imagine. Should I add an extra inch to my height when ordering my gown to account for heels? What if I trip up on stage? And most importantly, what should I wear?!

There are a few things to consider when thinking about graduation-wear. My robes include the bright red of my university colours - what colours can I wear with red that wont clash? I decided to go neutral to balance it out. It's going to be July, it's going to be hot, and most of all I'll be wearing a heavy, dark robe. Cool and light clothing is best, we don't want to overheat, or worse, sweat off our makeup. Here's my pick of eight great graduation outfits that are appropriate, comfy and fashionable.

Graduating university and moving onto the next step is certainly a daunting prospect for anyone who experiences it. I'm a few short weeks from my final year deadlines, and the end of my student-housing lease is drawing closer.. I feel lucky that I'm in a situation where I at least have a rough idea of where I'm headed when it's time to move on, I know some people don't have that luxury. I'll be moving in with my boyfriend of two and a half years, Callum. We've chosen the town, our budget for renting, and have even started applying for jobs there. I've been house-hunting for probably longer than I should admit. I've felt that pang when you see the perfect flat with the wooden floors and the enormous windows, and it's even in your price range! But then it dawns on you that you aren't moving for four more months and an apartment this gorgeous is definitely going to be snapped up by then. And while that's a sad moment, I can at least say that I've done my research, I know what to expect and how much to pay for it.

As well as browsing rightmove.com, I've recently become obsessed with online window shopping (screen shopping?) for the furniture and decor I'm going to fill our home with. Callum has a slightly more laid back approach to furnishing - although he has bought us a TV and helped pick out a toaster and kettle. The other week I was searching for the perfect cushion covers and he couldn't get his head around why. "Why are you looking at cushion covers on IKEA? We don't even have any cushions yet! Or a sofa!" So obviously I went searching for the sofa on which my cushions in their perfect covers could sit.

As a new graduate, I probably can't realistically see myself affording to buy all the wonderful trinkets, wall pieces and decorations that I want need, but a girl can dream. Here's the lowdown on my top 5 homeware pieces I've come across in my journeys (and by that I mean hours spent on IKEA and Pinterest).


Thanks to Callum's prompting, and my thorough sofa searching (interrupted only because Vikings was on in the background), I found the one. This 4 seater is from French Connection at DFS and I just love how comfy yet incredibly trendy it looks. I also love the neutral grey colour - it leaves me open to add a pop of colour with some funky cushions or rugs without it becoming too much.

I didn't know this until recently, but H&M have a pretty amazing range of homeware! Maybe this is common knowledge already, but I am impressed! Remember that pop of colour to go with my grey sofa? I think I've found it. I love these yellow patterned cushion covers from H&M, they come in all different designs and I think they'd be a great addition to any living room.