So, here we are. It's 2019 and the blogging world is taking over the internet. There are people everywhere posting their OOTD's, writing witty blog posts and getting changed at super-speed in those little (or should I say, lengthy) styling videos on Instagram.

The world is filled with it... or at least my world is anyway.

You see, as a blogger/influencer/creative, whatever you want to call yourself, there is this constant pressure to keep moving forward with the times. There is this constant state of 'okay, whats the next new thing I need to be doing?', followed by hours/days/weeks of panic as you try to fit yourself into the industries expectations. 

And sometimes, it's just way too hard to keep up with.

As soon as you've caught up with one 'latest thing', the next one comes along and you have to figure out, all over again, how you're going to put your own spin on it.

It's exhausting, it's draining, and I'm starting to think, it's just not worth it.





EARRINGS - PRIMARK // TEE DRESS - TOPSHOP

Now, that may sound lazy and a little bit unprofessional, but let me explain...

I've always been one for simplicity - HECK, my blog name is Holly Loves The Simple Things for crying out loud - and sometimes, all these new things that keep popping in and out of fashion in this industry, just don't feel like 'me', in any way at all. They're all too 'up to the minute' for my little blog brain to take on.

At the end of the day, the reason I do this is to share with you guys what I love, what I'm thinking and what I'm up to, in my own style and my own way. There's no need for me to begin with content that's in no way 'my style' to express that to you guys - well I'm hoping there's not anyway.





COAT - URBAN OUTFITTERS (GIFTED) // SHOES - TOPSHOP

I recently read Alice Catherine's blog post, 'What Blogging Means To Me', and it really struck a chord with me.

It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is going on in this industry, that it's sometimes good to take a step back and remember why you started in the first place.

I didn't start blogging so that I could be waving around fancy shmancy new content in your faces all the time, I started because I loved over-sharing. I loved telling whoever was reading about the things I liked, or the struggles I was going through or even just enjoyed getting my thoughts out of my head and onto a page. I started because I love being creative and coming up with ideas, or being inspired by others and finding a-like people who made me feel less alone.






The content I create might not be the most perfected, well thought out, high-end content out there, but at least it's MY content. At least it's content I'm happy with and enjoyed making. I feel overwhelmed by the thought of having to constantly 'improve', when in reality, I'm pretty damn happy with what I'm doing right now. 

Whether or not you guys are happy with it, is up to you, but the idea of changing what I love, simply to fit the standards that everyone is constantly raising, doesn't feel right for me.

I've already put on a new take on things this year, which I'm completely over the moon with, so I don't feel the need to, or want to, make anymore changes to anything right now. I'm content with where I'm at. 

The Pressure To Improve & Why I Don't Want To

So, here we are. It's 2019 and the blogging world is taking over the internet. There are people everywhere posting their OOTD's, writing witty blog posts and getting changed at super-speed in those little (or should I say, lengthy) styling videos on Instagram.

The world is filled with it... or at least my world is anyway.

You see, as a blogger/influencer/creative, whatever you want to call yourself, there is this constant pressure to keep moving forward with the times. There is this constant state of 'okay, whats the next new thing I need to be doing?', followed by hours/days/weeks of panic as you try to fit yourself into the industries expectations. 

And sometimes, it's just way too hard to keep up with.

As soon as you've caught up with one 'latest thing', the next one comes along and you have to figure out, all over again, how you're going to put your own spin on it.

It's exhausting, it's draining, and I'm starting to think, it's just not worth it.





EARRINGS - PRIMARK // TEE DRESS - TOPSHOP

Now, that may sound lazy and a little bit unprofessional, but let me explain...

I've always been one for simplicity - HECK, my blog name is Holly Loves The Simple Things for crying out loud - and sometimes, all these new things that keep popping in and out of fashion in this industry, just don't feel like 'me', in any way at all. They're all too 'up to the minute' for my little blog brain to take on.

At the end of the day, the reason I do this is to share with you guys what I love, what I'm thinking and what I'm up to, in my own style and my own way. There's no need for me to begin with content that's in no way 'my style' to express that to you guys - well I'm hoping there's not anyway.





COAT - URBAN OUTFITTERS (GIFTED) // SHOES - TOPSHOP

I recently read Alice Catherine's blog post, 'What Blogging Means To Me', and it really struck a chord with me.

It can be so easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is going on in this industry, that it's sometimes good to take a step back and remember why you started in the first place.

I didn't start blogging so that I could be waving around fancy shmancy new content in your faces all the time, I started because I loved over-sharing. I loved telling whoever was reading about the things I liked, or the struggles I was going through or even just enjoyed getting my thoughts out of my head and onto a page. I started because I love being creative and coming up with ideas, or being inspired by others and finding a-like people who made me feel less alone.






The content I create might not be the most perfected, well thought out, high-end content out there, but at least it's MY content. At least it's content I'm happy with and enjoyed making. I feel overwhelmed by the thought of having to constantly 'improve', when in reality, I'm pretty damn happy with what I'm doing right now. 

Whether or not you guys are happy with it, is up to you, but the idea of changing what I love, simply to fit the standards that everyone is constantly raising, doesn't feel right for me.

I've already put on a new take on things this year, which I'm completely over the moon with, so I don't feel the need to, or want to, make anymore changes to anything right now. I'm content with where I'm at. 
Read more »

Yesterday, the gorgeous Hayleigh and I headed into Manchester for a lovely day of sunshine, cups of tea and lots of photo-taking. We were sat in a cute little coffee shop, discussing work etc etc. when we grazed over the topic of 'style'.

Now, it's safe to say my style has gone through some phases over the years. Back in 2007/8, I used to have a BIG thing for neon and slogan t-shirts, then 2010 hit and it was all about pearl necklaces and big swooping fringes, in 2014 I collected tea dresses and desperately wanted to be Alexa Chung and along came 2015, which is when I began blogging, and fashion blogging at that.

With blogging, my style grew and my knowledge of putting an outfit together began to expand. I absolutely loved minimalism to begin with. I was inspired by scandi-style and the idea of 'less is more' and had the most over-exposed, simplistic Instagram feed you'd ever seen. Then I began to push the boat out a bit more - I gradually started to add a little more colour into my looks. I particularly went through a phase with pastel pink. I couldn't get enough of it!






COAT - CHARITY SHOP // EARRINGS - PRIMARK // SHOES - TOPSHOP

By the beginning of 2016, I was heading to London Fashion Week with my bright red coat and statement earrings, and couldn't believe I'd been isolating colour from my wardrobe for so long.

In 2017, the colour obsession grew and I was donning clashing patterns and each bright shade of every colour I could find... but even then, after discovering this whole new world of fashion, I just didn't necessarily feel like me.

You see, I'm incredibly influenced by other bloggers and creatives. If I see someone wearing something and think it looks cool, I'll give it a go. However, I think I'd got my head stuck on this certain idea of wanting to be 'exactly' as cool and stylish as other people, and had lost sense of myself within that.






2018 came to a close, and I just really wasn't sure who I was dressing for anymore. I couldn't grasp whether I truly liked what I was wearing, or more like, if I really liked it on me.

I realised I was dressing more for the idea of what I thought people wanted to see. I thought people would be uninterested with my looks if they were to change from the constant bold red lip and miscellaneous fashion, and worried that spending time to discover that sense-of-self in my outfits again, would push people away.

Regardless, I knew I'd lost my passion for what I was wearing and that had to change. So, I went to Instagram and looked through all of the content that was inspiring me, that I had saved, that I had verbally said 'WOW' at and even spent time scrolling through Tumblr and flicking through old magazines to see what was making my eyes light up.






It's safe to say, almost 3 months in 2019, I'm so much happier with my style now. I've found a vibe that makes me feel powerful, classic and professional, and most importantly, completely like myself.

I feel like I've taken inspiration from each period of my blogging life: a little bit of minimalism, soft colours, statement earrings, and, of course, the bold red lip is here to stay. It's like I've managed to piece it all together and find something that works for me and makes me feel good.

And, that's what I think is important. Style should make you feel good - give you a sense of self. Your style reflects you as an individual, shows off your creativity and is a little peak into the kind of things that inspire you.

Taking a step back and realising I was no longer dressing for myself, or creating for myself, was the best thing I did. Now, I look at my outfits and feel motivated by my own looks and love what I'm creating, and it's wonderful.

Finding My Style Again

Yesterday, the gorgeous Hayleigh and I headed into Manchester for a lovely day of sunshine, cups of tea and lots of photo-taking. We were sat in a cute little coffee shop, discussing work etc etc. when we grazed over the topic of 'style'.

Now, it's safe to say my style has gone through some phases over the years. Back in 2007/8, I used to have a BIG thing for neon and slogan t-shirts, then 2010 hit and it was all about pearl necklaces and big swooping fringes, in 2014 I collected tea dresses and desperately wanted to be Alexa Chung and along came 2015, which is when I began blogging, and fashion blogging at that.

With blogging, my style grew and my knowledge of putting an outfit together began to expand. I absolutely loved minimalism to begin with. I was inspired by scandi-style and the idea of 'less is more' and had the most over-exposed, simplistic Instagram feed you'd ever seen. Then I began to push the boat out a bit more - I gradually started to add a little more colour into my looks. I particularly went through a phase with pastel pink. I couldn't get enough of it!






COAT - CHARITY SHOP // EARRINGS - PRIMARK // SHOES - TOPSHOP

By the beginning of 2016, I was heading to London Fashion Week with my bright red coat and statement earrings, and couldn't believe I'd been isolating colour from my wardrobe for so long.

In 2017, the colour obsession grew and I was donning clashing patterns and each bright shade of every colour I could find... but even then, after discovering this whole new world of fashion, I just didn't necessarily feel like me.

You see, I'm incredibly influenced by other bloggers and creatives. If I see someone wearing something and think it looks cool, I'll give it a go. However, I think I'd got my head stuck on this certain idea of wanting to be 'exactly' as cool and stylish as other people, and had lost sense of myself within that.






2018 came to a close, and I just really wasn't sure who I was dressing for anymore. I couldn't grasp whether I truly liked what I was wearing, or more like, if I really liked it on me.

I realised I was dressing more for the idea of what I thought people wanted to see. I thought people would be uninterested with my looks if they were to change from the constant bold red lip and miscellaneous fashion, and worried that spending time to discover that sense-of-self in my outfits again, would push people away.

Regardless, I knew I'd lost my passion for what I was wearing and that had to change. So, I went to Instagram and looked through all of the content that was inspiring me, that I had saved, that I had verbally said 'WOW' at and even spent time scrolling through Tumblr and flicking through old magazines to see what was making my eyes light up.






It's safe to say, almost 3 months in 2019, I'm so much happier with my style now. I've found a vibe that makes me feel powerful, classic and professional, and most importantly, completely like myself.

I feel like I've taken inspiration from each period of my blogging life: a little bit of minimalism, soft colours, statement earrings, and, of course, the bold red lip is here to stay. It's like I've managed to piece it all together and find something that works for me and makes me feel good.

And, that's what I think is important. Style should make you feel good - give you a sense of self. Your style reflects you as an individual, shows off your creativity and is a little peak into the kind of things that inspire you.

Taking a step back and realising I was no longer dressing for myself, or creating for myself, was the best thing I did. Now, I look at my outfits and feel motivated by my own looks and love what I'm creating, and it's wonderful.
Read more »

Well, I haven't done one of these in a while - I thought I had but it turns out my last 'Things To Be Happy About' was back in May?! Madness.

Anyway, I've been kind of all over the place lately. This year is definitely giving me some ups and downs, but after spending the last evening moping around in my own self pity, I thought it'd be good for me to focus on some positives today.




SUNGLASSES - PRIMARK // DRESS - ZARA

 I'M HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE AND IT'S AMAZING

I mean, this isn't new news to you guys, if you follow anything of mine you'll know I can't help but mention my gorgeous boyfriend, Josh, at any chance I get.

I'm a romantic - an absolute soppy sop sop. I love anything that's even the slightest bit lovey dovey or a little bit PDA, I'm a complete and utter sucker for it.

The thing is though, no matter how long Josh and I have been together, nothing has began to change. Nothing has began to 'crack' and no annoying habits have popped up. I just completely adore him (and hopefully he does me). He's my best friend, as well as the worlds most wonderful boyfriend and it's the one thing in the world that gives me 100% comfort and happiness.

My relationship makes everything else feel that little bit lighter and irrelevant. When I feel stressed with work, or my mental health is a little bit messy, I always have the idea of Josh and how solid my relationship is to get me through that. It's my one constant in my very confusing life that I'm so so grateful for.

So yeah, I'm very very happy that I'm very very in love.

(sorry if I made you all vomit a bit lol)




SHOES - TOPSHOP // EARRINGS - NASTY GAL

 BUSY BUSY BEE

The last week or so has been mad busy for me. It all kind of came at once, which is super exciting, but also a little draining when I've been in a bit of a weird place.

I'm so happy about it though: I got to spend 5 days in London working with amazing brands and seeing friends, then headed back to Manchester to watch Good Future (Josh's band) play their gig at Jimmy's, then have thrown myself right back into shooting and creating content again.

There's no stopping for me (besides today... I'm writing this from my bed in my pyjamas).

I love being busy, despite how easily drained I get, it's a big reminder of why I do what I do and how much I love it all. It's nice to be working, evolving my content and collaborating with amazing people - I'm so happy with what I've come up with and worked on so far this year






 A LITTLE BIT OF SUNSHINE

Lately, the weather has been warming up and the sunshine has been peaking through that little bit more every week.

I'm so eager for summer to come around and to ditch my giant fluffy coats for a bit.

Waking up to sunshine is such a mood-booster. It's so much nicer to see blue skies, rather than grey, or to be out shooting photos when it's above 10 degrees, rather than battling rain and wind trying to get a decent shot.

Like these photos for example; Shooting with Beth in London, amongst a beautiful city in the sunshine was absolutely glorious - the sunshine always brings out the best in everything.

If the sun could stick around now, it'd make me one very happy girl haha.

Things To Be Happy About


Well, I haven't done one of these in a while - I thought I had but it turns out my last 'Things To Be Happy About' was back in May?! Madness.

Anyway, I've been kind of all over the place lately. This year is definitely giving me some ups and downs, but after spending the last evening moping around in my own self pity, I thought it'd be good for me to focus on some positives today.




SUNGLASSES - PRIMARK // DRESS - ZARA

 I'M HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE AND IT'S AMAZING

I mean, this isn't new news to you guys, if you follow anything of mine you'll know I can't help but mention my gorgeous boyfriend, Josh, at any chance I get.

I'm a romantic - an absolute soppy sop sop. I love anything that's even the slightest bit lovey dovey or a little bit PDA, I'm a complete and utter sucker for it.

The thing is though, no matter how long Josh and I have been together, nothing has began to change. Nothing has began to 'crack' and no annoying habits have popped up. I just completely adore him (and hopefully he does me). He's my best friend, as well as the worlds most wonderful boyfriend and it's the one thing in the world that gives me 100% comfort and happiness.

My relationship makes everything else feel that little bit lighter and irrelevant. When I feel stressed with work, or my mental health is a little bit messy, I always have the idea of Josh and how solid my relationship is to get me through that. It's my one constant in my very confusing life that I'm so so grateful for.

So yeah, I'm very very happy that I'm very very in love.

(sorry if I made you all vomit a bit lol)




SHOES - TOPSHOP // EARRINGS - NASTY GAL

 BUSY BUSY BEE

The last week or so has been mad busy for me. It all kind of came at once, which is super exciting, but also a little draining when I've been in a bit of a weird place.

I'm so happy about it though: I got to spend 5 days in London working with amazing brands and seeing friends, then headed back to Manchester to watch Good Future (Josh's band) play their gig at Jimmy's, then have thrown myself right back into shooting and creating content again.

There's no stopping for me (besides today... I'm writing this from my bed in my pyjamas).

I love being busy, despite how easily drained I get, it's a big reminder of why I do what I do and how much I love it all. It's nice to be working, evolving my content and collaborating with amazing people - I'm so happy with what I've come up with and worked on so far this year






 A LITTLE BIT OF SUNSHINE

Lately, the weather has been warming up and the sunshine has been peaking through that little bit more every week.

I'm so eager for summer to come around and to ditch my giant fluffy coats for a bit.

Waking up to sunshine is such a mood-booster. It's so much nicer to see blue skies, rather than grey, or to be out shooting photos when it's above 10 degrees, rather than battling rain and wind trying to get a decent shot.

Like these photos for example; Shooting with Beth in London, amongst a beautiful city in the sunshine was absolutely glorious - the sunshine always brings out the best in everything.

If the sun could stick around now, it'd make me one very happy girl haha.
Read more »

The other day, the lovely CJ and I headed down to Liverpool to check out all that is 'new in' at Topshop right now. We were styled up by the fabulous Amelia Marshall, and got to drink prosecco and eat sweets whilst in the process - what a dream, huh?

 Right now there's a tonne of chic tailoring on offer, as well as gorgeous midi dresses ready for spring, and slogan tees, which are amazing for layering. I was immediately drawn in by the stunning neutral tones and the amazing shoes and bags, which reminded me how I'm usually pretty crap at accessorising, so it was time to up my game with all these beautiful pieces on offer (I got a lot of high-end vibes, especially CK inspired!)





The first look I tried on was love at first sight. I knew as soon as Amelia pointed it out to us that it was probably the outfit I'd be heading home with, and well, I wasn't wrong. 

This amazing suit co-ord is the perfect 'Girl Boss' outfit. Perfect to style up with a pair of classy white heels and a red lip, but also great for meetings in the city paired with white trainers and a basic tote.

It was an outfit I instantly felt powerful in and I LOVED it.





The next look was a little more on the casual side. I love oversized pieces, and particularly oversized tees.

I loved how I styled this with the white heels again and this adorable tiger print bag (something I would have loved to have got too, but I carry too much crap around with me lol). I also think this would be great paired with denim jeans and some sassy red boots too though.




Last of all, I tried on this really cool with this cute denim skirt and snake print boots. I wasn't 100% on this look but absolutely love the shirt and boots on their own.

The cord feel to the shirt was really nice, just adds a little something-something to your regular shirt, and you can't go wrong with snake print boots, am I right?

The skirt was lovely too, however I'd definitely say size up as I found the sizing of Topshop denim to come up pretty small.






I went home with the suit co-ord, along with the fab over sized tee and white heels (which were £16 in the sale - BARGAIN!)

I'm so glad I took the suit home - it was just the outfit I needed in my wardrobe - it's something that gives me the feeling I can take on the world and takes away from the stereotypical feminine vibe of a lot of my looks.

I find that I can often style myself to try and hide away, especially when I've not been feeling myself, but walking home through the streets of Liverpool dressed in my new 'Girl Boss' ensemble made me feel on top of the world.

You guys have been loving it over on my Instagram too!

Let me know what you favourite look here is and make sure you head to Topshop Liverpool and ask for Amelia for some great styling advice!

Topshop Personal Shopping

The other day, the lovely CJ and I headed down to Liverpool to check out all that is 'new in' at Topshop right now. We were styled up by the fabulous Amelia Marshall, and got to drink prosecco and eat sweets whilst in the process - what a dream, huh?

 Right now there's a tonne of chic tailoring on offer, as well as gorgeous midi dresses ready for spring, and slogan tees, which are amazing for layering. I was immediately drawn in by the stunning neutral tones and the amazing shoes and bags, which reminded me how I'm usually pretty crap at accessorising, so it was time to up my game with all these beautiful pieces on offer (I got a lot of high-end vibes, especially CK inspired!)





The first look I tried on was love at first sight. I knew as soon as Amelia pointed it out to us that it was probably the outfit I'd be heading home with, and well, I wasn't wrong. 

This amazing suit co-ord is the perfect 'Girl Boss' outfit. Perfect to style up with a pair of classy white heels and a red lip, but also great for meetings in the city paired with white trainers and a basic tote.

It was an outfit I instantly felt powerful in and I LOVED it.





The next look was a little more on the casual side. I love oversized pieces, and particularly oversized tees.

I loved how I styled this with the white heels again and this adorable tiger print bag (something I would have loved to have got too, but I carry too much crap around with me lol). I also think this would be great paired with denim jeans and some sassy red boots too though.




Last of all, I tried on this really cool with this cute denim skirt and snake print boots. I wasn't 100% on this look but absolutely love the shirt and boots on their own.

The cord feel to the shirt was really nice, just adds a little something-something to your regular shirt, and you can't go wrong with snake print boots, am I right?

The skirt was lovely too, however I'd definitely say size up as I found the sizing of Topshop denim to come up pretty small.






I went home with the suit co-ord, along with the fab over sized tee and white heels (which were £16 in the sale - BARGAIN!)

I'm so glad I took the suit home - it was just the outfit I needed in my wardrobe - it's something that gives me the feeling I can take on the world and takes away from the stereotypical feminine vibe of a lot of my looks.

I find that I can often style myself to try and hide away, especially when I've not been feeling myself, but walking home through the streets of Liverpool dressed in my new 'Girl Boss' ensemble made me feel on top of the world.

You guys have been loving it over on my Instagram too!

Let me know what you favourite look here is and make sure you head to Topshop Liverpool and ask for Amelia for some great styling advice!
Read more »

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