Well hello, happy new year guys! I hope we're all having a lovely start to 2021!

The last week or so for me has been spent lazying around, consuming every food of the potato variety and slowly making my way through boxes of Christmas chocolates. I'm back to working from home again today (not that the lazying around has been being done anywhere other than home too haha), but before I throw myself back into that 'work, work, work' mindset, I thought I'd sit down, take some time to write out my thoughts as we head into the new year.

To be honest, it hasn't really felt like a new year this year, and I think that's something a lot of us are feeling. I think the lack of social life and the ongoing lockdown has just given everything this same continuous emotion. It's not a bad one, per say, but it's one that feels kind of difficult to describe. 

In fairness though, I am excited to see what 2021 brings. I took leaps in terms of work last year and I'm excited to see what further steps I can take too. I'm also anticipating normal life resuming, but I don't want to put too much pressure on that emotion. What ever happens, happens, you know?

As cliche as it is, and as many times it's been written on instagram this week, 2020 did teach me a lot of things. I learnt a lot about myself, gained confidence and also learnt about my relationships too - whether that be my friendships, family etc. I never thought that I'd say that spending months on end, locked inside with my family would make me appreciate them more, or be able to say that they haven't driven me that mad, but hey, here we are!

For me, 2021 is a year of taking what I experienced in 2020 and moving forward. It's a year where I feel like my self-belief can finally thrive and a year where I'll hopefully be able to keep pursuing what I love. 

I'm anxious to wave goodbye to the whirlwind of 2020 but I'm anticipating 2021 to be a better year, whether that involves more lockdowns or whether it means finally reuniting with my pals and my favourite Northern Quarter cafes. I guess, we'll see how it goes...

Happy New Year everyone!

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• January 04, 2021
• Lifestyle

2021

Well hello, happy new year guys! I hope we're all having a lovely start to 2021!

The last week or so for me has been spent lazying around, consuming every food of the potato variety and slowly making my way through boxes of Christmas chocolates. I'm back to working from home again today (not that the lazying around has been being done anywhere other than home too haha), but before I throw myself back into that 'work, work, work' mindset, I thought I'd sit down, take some time to write out my thoughts as we head into the new year.

To be honest, it hasn't really felt like a new year this year, and I think that's something a lot of us are feeling. I think the lack of social life and the ongoing lockdown has just given everything this same continuous emotion. It's not a bad one, per say, but it's one that feels kind of difficult to describe. 

In fairness though, I am excited to see what 2021 brings. I took leaps in terms of work last year and I'm excited to see what further steps I can take too. I'm also anticipating normal life resuming, but I don't want to put too much pressure on that emotion. What ever happens, happens, you know?

As cliche as it is, and as many times it's been written on instagram this week, 2020 did teach me a lot of things. I learnt a lot about myself, gained confidence and also learnt about my relationships too - whether that be my friendships, family etc. I never thought that I'd say that spending months on end, locked inside with my family would make me appreciate them more, or be able to say that they haven't driven me that mad, but hey, here we are!

For me, 2021 is a year of taking what I experienced in 2020 and moving forward. It's a year where I feel like my self-belief can finally thrive and a year where I'll hopefully be able to keep pursuing what I love. 

I'm anxious to wave goodbye to the whirlwind of 2020 but I'm anticipating 2021 to be a better year, whether that involves more lockdowns or whether it means finally reuniting with my pals and my favourite Northern Quarter cafes. I guess, we'll see how it goes...

Happy New Year everyone!

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It's funny what a little bit of sun can do for you. After days of darkness and lighting candles at the weird old time of 2pm each day, it's been lovely to have a bit of light peaking through my blinds throughout the week.

The sun shining always lifts my spirits and winter sun is one of my favourite things about this time of year. I love bright, crisp mornings, especially as we near towards the end of the year. The last few days have begun to feel like wind-down to the festivities: Christmas films on the TV, the twinkly tree in the corner, and a sneaky gallon of Baileys being poured into hot chocolate every night. 

Life has felt so hectic lately, I think I mentioned that in my previous post. It's just felt so go-go-go and I'm really looking forward to having some time for myself, friends and family as we bring 2020 to a close. You see, I've probably been the busiest I've been in a very long time over the last few months, and it's been so wonderful to feel like I'm ending this crazy year on a high, yet I'm longing for slow days of cups of tea and cosy blankets to top it all off too.

I think that's the weird thing about this time of year, I anticipate things to slow down as I slowly slide my feet into a pair of fuzzy socks and plan not to remove them until January 1st, but it's actually the opposite and I always forget that December is a whirlwind when you're in the creative world.

I wouldn't change a thing though. The last month I've had the opportunity to work with brands I'd never thought I'd have the chance too, and it's surprising to me that 2020 (the year of the 'p' word (pandemic)) could end in such a fabulous way. 

It's also a relief for me to feel like I'm ending this year on a good note. I've had so many high points this year, but it's been a year definitely triumphed by lows. It's been a roller-coaster for everyone and I think we're all longing for that lovely Christmas to wave goodbye to 2020 once and for all. 

These past few days of winter sun have made me a little reflective and, hey, the next few weeks could be filled with rain and cloud, but I'm glad to say that I think 2020 will end happily ever after and for the better. 

Have a lovely Christmas and New Year everyone - that's if I don't stop by to write anything else before then ♥

• December 18, 2020
• Lifestyle

Winter Sun

It's funny what a little bit of sun can do for you. After days of darkness and lighting candles at the weird old time of 2pm each day, it's been lovely to have a bit of light peaking through my blinds throughout the week.

The sun shining always lifts my spirits and winter sun is one of my favourite things about this time of year. I love bright, crisp mornings, especially as we near towards the end of the year. The last few days have begun to feel like wind-down to the festivities: Christmas films on the TV, the twinkly tree in the corner, and a sneaky gallon of Baileys being poured into hot chocolate every night. 

Life has felt so hectic lately, I think I mentioned that in my previous post. It's just felt so go-go-go and I'm really looking forward to having some time for myself, friends and family as we bring 2020 to a close. You see, I've probably been the busiest I've been in a very long time over the last few months, and it's been so wonderful to feel like I'm ending this crazy year on a high, yet I'm longing for slow days of cups of tea and cosy blankets to top it all off too.

I think that's the weird thing about this time of year, I anticipate things to slow down as I slowly slide my feet into a pair of fuzzy socks and plan not to remove them until January 1st, but it's actually the opposite and I always forget that December is a whirlwind when you're in the creative world.

I wouldn't change a thing though. The last month I've had the opportunity to work with brands I'd never thought I'd have the chance too, and it's surprising to me that 2020 (the year of the 'p' word (pandemic)) could end in such a fabulous way. 

It's also a relief for me to feel like I'm ending this year on a good note. I've had so many high points this year, but it's been a year definitely triumphed by lows. It's been a roller-coaster for everyone and I think we're all longing for that lovely Christmas to wave goodbye to 2020 once and for all. 

These past few days of winter sun have made me a little reflective and, hey, the next few weeks could be filled with rain and cloud, but I'm glad to say that I think 2020 will end happily ever after and for the better. 

Have a lovely Christmas and New Year everyone - that's if I don't stop by to write anything else before then ♥

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Life lately has felt so hectic. Christmas is always such a busy time of year and I feel like I've not yet had a minute to process the fact that the wild year of 2020 is coming to a close. Lockdown 2.0 ended here in the UK on the 2nd, and here where I live we've been plonked in Tier 2, which I guess is a slight relief. 

I'm definitely looking forward to things slowing down over the week of Christmas, indulging in mince pies and drinking my way through bottles of Baileys - I think it'll be the time a lot of us have needed for a while. 

Regardless of how hectic the month of December is, I thought I'd spend a little time to share with you what I've been up to lately, despite it not being a lot other than work and watching the I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here final. 

TOP - SHE IN

Other than hiding under my duvet as the temperate dropped to a cold cold 5°C, I found myself really loving getting outside and going for walks during Lockdown 2.0. Josh and I went on a little adventure one week where we sat on a hill and watched all the cute dogs play and drank hot chocolate - it was a nice little escape from the weird reality for while!

I really love this time of year where all the leaves has fallen and the weather starts to feel crisp and fresh too. I'm just waiting for the winter sunshine to be waking me up in the morning rather than grey cloud (seriously, give me some winter sun!)

Most recently, we put the Christmas tree up, which always helps bring out the festive spirit a little more. I always love having the tree in the corner with it's twinkly lights - I wish it could be up all year round, but I think that would get us a few funny looks from the neighbors!

I've spent a few days wrapping presents, and sorting out some final gifts, but I feel pretty on top of my Christmas shopping this year, which is impressive for little ol' last minute Me. 

I'm really counting down the days now until the 24th - I've always been a huge Christmas lover but this year it just feels like a time that will lift my spirits up more than ever!

• December 07, 2020
• Lifestyle

Life In Black & White 0.8

 

Life lately has felt so hectic. Christmas is always such a busy time of year and I feel like I've not yet had a minute to process the fact that the wild year of 2020 is coming to a close. Lockdown 2.0 ended here in the UK on the 2nd, and here where I live we've been plonked in Tier 2, which I guess is a slight relief. 

I'm definitely looking forward to things slowing down over the week of Christmas, indulging in mince pies and drinking my way through bottles of Baileys - I think it'll be the time a lot of us have needed for a while. 

Regardless of how hectic the month of December is, I thought I'd spend a little time to share with you what I've been up to lately, despite it not being a lot other than work and watching the I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here final. 

TOP - SHE IN

Other than hiding under my duvet as the temperate dropped to a cold cold 5°C, I found myself really loving getting outside and going for walks during Lockdown 2.0. Josh and I went on a little adventure one week where we sat on a hill and watched all the cute dogs play and drank hot chocolate - it was a nice little escape from the weird reality for while!

I really love this time of year where all the leaves has fallen and the weather starts to feel crisp and fresh too. I'm just waiting for the winter sunshine to be waking me up in the morning rather than grey cloud (seriously, give me some winter sun!)

Most recently, we put the Christmas tree up, which always helps bring out the festive spirit a little more. I always love having the tree in the corner with it's twinkly lights - I wish it could be up all year round, but I think that would get us a few funny looks from the neighbors!

I've spent a few days wrapping presents, and sorting out some final gifts, but I feel pretty on top of my Christmas shopping this year, which is impressive for little ol' last minute Me. 

I'm really counting down the days now until the 24th - I've always been a huge Christmas lover but this year it just feels like a time that will lift my spirits up more than ever!

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Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best. I know for me, a simple gift that I can get every-day use out of is so amazing and it's nice to be able to think about the person who got it for you whilst you get your use out of it. Often, it's the things we need, but don't tend to splash out on ourselves, that make the greatest gifts! 

This little gift guide is the perfect thing for the minimal lovers, but also just great if you need a few stocking-filler ideas or you're lost for inspiration during your Christmas spending. These are things that, personally, I'd love to find under my tree this year, so maybe some of you guys would too! 

Silk Pillow Cases

Silk pillow cases are great gifts for the guys and gals who take great pride in their skin-care and hair-care. The silk helps prevent hair breakage and is meant to be really great for preventing fine lines and breakouts! The wonderful thing about these Slip Silk Pillow Case Sets too is that, they come in different colours and are also paired with a cute silk eye mask too!

Jewellery

Whether you're splashing out on a piece a loved one has been lusting after all year, or simply want to pick something affordable but equally as sassy, jewellery is a fabulous go-to for gift giving. 

I live in my jewellery, some pieces literally never leave my body: shower, sleep or whatever else! Some of my favourite brands for gold jewels (and also others materials too, but I'm just gold obsessed haha) are:

A Weathered Penny

Daisy Jewellery

Mejuri

Scrunchies

Oh, I truly couldn't live without a scrunchie to hand at all times. It seems so simple, but a cute little scrunchie can be the loveliest present for someone. There are loads of amazing independent sellers who you can purchase the most gorgeous ones from too.

The one pictured above is from Moore Scrunchies, owned by Jess, who kindly sent some over to me! She has so many lovely designs and they're only £2.50 each or 3 for £6! How amazing is that?

Find Moore Scrunchies on Instagram HERE

Slippers

Again, another simple idea, but one which everyone loves - slippers! 

Let's face it, we're all spending a hell of a lot of time indoors right now, and sometimes those toes just get too cold. A pair of fluffy, cosy slippers can be a life-saver. 

This pair pictured here are from TJC, who have so many affordable gifts and treats on their site. These are only £9.99! 

I also LIVE in my fluffy sliders too, so they're a great alternative if you're looking for something that sets the toes free a little haha.

Candles

Whether you're purchasing a classic Yankee Candle, splurging on a bit of Jo Malone or want to buy someone something a little more fun and unique, you can never go wrong with a candle.

I love receiving candles as gifts - there's something about Winter that just makes me want to light up my room with candle light constantly. 

This candle pictured above is from Canduer Avenue (who also do lovely scrunchies too FYI). I absolutely adore these 'female form' style candles - I think they're so chic and great for someone who loves a minimal and ornate aesthetic. 

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• December 03, 2020
• Lifestyle

The Simple Gift Guide

 

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best. I know for me, a simple gift that I can get every-day use out of is so amazing and it's nice to be able to think about the person who got it for you whilst you get your use out of it. Often, it's the things we need, but don't tend to splash out on ourselves, that make the greatest gifts! 

This little gift guide is the perfect thing for the minimal lovers, but also just great if you need a few stocking-filler ideas or you're lost for inspiration during your Christmas spending. These are things that, personally, I'd love to find under my tree this year, so maybe some of you guys would too! 

Silk Pillow Cases

Silk pillow cases are great gifts for the guys and gals who take great pride in their skin-care and hair-care. The silk helps prevent hair breakage and is meant to be really great for preventing fine lines and breakouts! The wonderful thing about these Slip Silk Pillow Case Sets too is that, they come in different colours and are also paired with a cute silk eye mask too!

Jewellery

Whether you're splashing out on a piece a loved one has been lusting after all year, or simply want to pick something affordable but equally as sassy, jewellery is a fabulous go-to for gift giving. 

I live in my jewellery, some pieces literally never leave my body: shower, sleep or whatever else! Some of my favourite brands for gold jewels (and also others materials too, but I'm just gold obsessed haha) are:

A Weathered Penny

Daisy Jewellery

Mejuri

Scrunchies

Oh, I truly couldn't live without a scrunchie to hand at all times. It seems so simple, but a cute little scrunchie can be the loveliest present for someone. There are loads of amazing independent sellers who you can purchase the most gorgeous ones from too.

The one pictured above is from Moore Scrunchies, owned by Jess, who kindly sent some over to me! She has so many lovely designs and they're only £2.50 each or 3 for £6! How amazing is that?

Find Moore Scrunchies on Instagram HERE

Slippers

Again, another simple idea, but one which everyone loves - slippers! 

Let's face it, we're all spending a hell of a lot of time indoors right now, and sometimes those toes just get too cold. A pair of fluffy, cosy slippers can be a life-saver. 

This pair pictured here are from TJC, who have so many affordable gifts and treats on their site. These are only £9.99! 

I also LIVE in my fluffy sliders too, so they're a great alternative if you're looking for something that sets the toes free a little haha.

Candles

Whether you're purchasing a classic Yankee Candle, splurging on a bit of Jo Malone or want to buy someone something a little more fun and unique, you can never go wrong with a candle.

I love receiving candles as gifts - there's something about Winter that just makes me want to light up my room with candle light constantly. 

This candle pictured above is from Canduer Avenue (who also do lovely scrunchies too FYI). I absolutely adore these 'female form' style candles - I think they're so chic and great for someone who loves a minimal and ornate aesthetic. 

Shop everything below:

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This edit is for my guys and gals who love any excuse to dress up and feel glamorous and, let's face it, Christmas is the perfect time of year for that, even despite the pandemic! The glitzy dresses are back in stock, the red nail varnish has been resurrected from the back of the collection, and we're all starting to click on our festive Spotify playlists more regularly than we'd like to admit (who can blame us for wanting to blast Justin Bieber's 'Mistletoe' at full volume?!) 

The inspiration behind this post has got to be this gorgeous dress I was kindly loaned from Endless Wardrobe. They're a site that allows you to rent or purchase designer and premium brands at a fraction of the retail price. You can buy a piece straight from their site, or you can simply loan it for a selected period of time - if you end up loving it after your loan period, you can chose to keep your new find forever through their site too! 

If you're not particularly loving the idea of splashing out on a festive piece to keep forever this year, I recommend checking them out... if not, you can still have a browse through my Festive Party Dress Edit below. Enjoy!

DRESS - ALEXA CHUNG VIA ENDLESS WARDROBE

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• December 01, 2020
• Fashion

The Festive Party Dress Edit

 

This edit is for my guys and gals who love any excuse to dress up and feel glamorous and, let's face it, Christmas is the perfect time of year for that, even despite the pandemic! The glitzy dresses are back in stock, the red nail varnish has been resurrected from the back of the collection, and we're all starting to click on our festive Spotify playlists more regularly than we'd like to admit (who can blame us for wanting to blast Justin Bieber's 'Mistletoe' at full volume?!) 

The inspiration behind this post has got to be this gorgeous dress I was kindly loaned from Endless Wardrobe. They're a site that allows you to rent or purchase designer and premium brands at a fraction of the retail price. You can buy a piece straight from their site, or you can simply loan it for a selected period of time - if you end up loving it after your loan period, you can chose to keep your new find forever through their site too! 

If you're not particularly loving the idea of splashing out on a festive piece to keep forever this year, I recommend checking them out... if not, you can still have a browse through my Festive Party Dress Edit below. Enjoy!

DRESS - ALEXA CHUNG VIA ENDLESS WARDROBE

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Sometimes there's no better way to share your outfit of the day than with a mirror selfie, right? I know I for one am an avid fan - if that wasn't made obvious from my Instagram! I really love capturing a look like this, just straight from my phone, off-the-cuff and instant - no fancy camera or lighting needed!

Today I thought I'd share with you some outfits from my phone and let you in on the pieces that I put together to create them, starting with this look above:

Now, most of these pieces are pretty old, so everything linked for this one will have to be a dupe (sorrryyyy!). I picked this beret up about, I want to say, 3 years ago. I've always been a huge fan of a beret and, as cliché as it is, the minute I put one on my head, I feel like a Parisian style icon haha. I loved pairing it with this thrifted white shirt and Karen Millen dress - I love the caramel and chocolate brown tones together and I think it worked so nicely with my brown boots!

Next we have this look, which, I have to say, is probably one of my favourite looks I've worn in a while. I will never not love this trench, I picked it up in the Zara sale during lockdown and have been obsessed ever since! I also want it to be one of the stand-out pieces of a look, so I paired it here with my black ASOS roll neck, my knee high Pull & Bear boots and a mini skirt... and voilà!

This looks is definitely a more accurate representation of me during lockdown, and, yes, I did wear this hat inside all day because my head was chilly...

This hat, that I've had SO many questions about, is from H&M. As soon as I spotted it, I knew I had to have it in my life. The rest of the look is simply just a cosy WFH outfit made up of a roll neck and these amazing Wolf & Whistle lounge pants. Oh, and you can also spy my fluffy sliders a little bit too! 

Last but not least, this look is all about the dress... clearly! This dress is a piece that was kindly gifted to me by Ghospell and I am truly in love with the fit and shape of it. The ruched waist is so so flattering - it makes me feel like a little pixie when I wear it! 

The colour is just perfect for this time of year too - it's the kind of green that's festive but not too garish or in your face! It's just lovely!

• November 26, 2020
• Fashion

Outfits From My Phone

 

Sometimes there's no better way to share your outfit of the day than with a mirror selfie, right? I know I for one am an avid fan - if that wasn't made obvious from my Instagram! I really love capturing a look like this, just straight from my phone, off-the-cuff and instant - no fancy camera or lighting needed!

Today I thought I'd share with you some outfits from my phone and let you in on the pieces that I put together to create them, starting with this look above:

Now, most of these pieces are pretty old, so everything linked for this one will have to be a dupe (sorrryyyy!). I picked this beret up about, I want to say, 3 years ago. I've always been a huge fan of a beret and, as cliché as it is, the minute I put one on my head, I feel like a Parisian style icon haha. I loved pairing it with this thrifted white shirt and Karen Millen dress - I love the caramel and chocolate brown tones together and I think it worked so nicely with my brown boots!

Next we have this look, which, I have to say, is probably one of my favourite looks I've worn in a while. I will never not love this trench, I picked it up in the Zara sale during lockdown and have been obsessed ever since! I also want it to be one of the stand-out pieces of a look, so I paired it here with my black ASOS roll neck, my knee high Pull & Bear boots and a mini skirt... and voilà!

This looks is definitely a more accurate representation of me during lockdown, and, yes, I did wear this hat inside all day because my head was chilly...

This hat, that I've had SO many questions about, is from H&M. As soon as I spotted it, I knew I had to have it in my life. The rest of the look is simply just a cosy WFH outfit made up of a roll neck and these amazing Wolf & Whistle lounge pants. Oh, and you can also spy my fluffy sliders a little bit too! 

Last but not least, this look is all about the dress... clearly! This dress is a piece that was kindly gifted to me by Ghospell and I am truly in love with the fit and shape of it. The ruched waist is so so flattering - it makes me feel like a little pixie when I wear it! 

The colour is just perfect for this time of year too - it's the kind of green that's festive but not too garish or in your face! It's just lovely!

Read more »

 

Well hello you lovely lot, how are we all doing? Life feels like a never ending cycle of Mondays and Fridays recently. The days are getting darker and darker, I'm finding it increasingly more difficult to change out of my PJs, and I woke up today realising it's only 4 weeks until Christmas, yikes! Where did this year go?!

Today's post is in-fact a little festive-orientated however... I've been putting together a few little Gift Guides over on my LiketoKnowIt and I thought, in the spirit of the festivities approaching, I'd share them on here too. 

If you know me, then you'll know I'm a lover of the simple things (no pun about my blog URL intended) and you'll notice a lot of the pieces in these gift guides show that. There's lots of stuff here for the minimal, neutral-tone lovers out there, and also just some general gifting ideas as well. If you're like me and love a bit of simplicity (and a lot of beige), or if you have a loved one who's got an eye for cosy cream slippers, gold gems and dainty trinket dishes, then hopefully you'll find something here that catches your eye for you, or for them!

Shop the Jewellery edit:

Shop the Homeware edit:

Shop the Loungewear edit: 

Shop the Beauty edit:

Shop the Fashion edit:

• November 24, 2020
• Fashion

Gifts For The Minimal Lovers

 

Well hello you lovely lot, how are we all doing? Life feels like a never ending cycle of Mondays and Fridays recently. The days are getting darker and darker, I'm finding it increasingly more difficult to change out of my PJs, and I woke up today realising it's only 4 weeks until Christmas, yikes! Where did this year go?!

Today's post is in-fact a little festive-orientated however... I've been putting together a few little Gift Guides over on my LiketoKnowIt and I thought, in the spirit of the festivities approaching, I'd share them on here too. 

If you know me, then you'll know I'm a lover of the simple things (no pun about my blog URL intended) and you'll notice a lot of the pieces in these gift guides show that. There's lots of stuff here for the minimal, neutral-tone lovers out there, and also just some general gifting ideas as well. If you're like me and love a bit of simplicity (and a lot of beige), or if you have a loved one who's got an eye for cosy cream slippers, gold gems and dainty trinket dishes, then hopefully you'll find something here that catches your eye for you, or for them!

Shop the Jewellery edit:

Shop the Homeware edit:

Shop the Loungewear edit: 

Shop the Beauty edit:

Shop the Fashion edit:

Read more »