As you'll all know, Bobbi Brown has been a favourite brand of mine for many years... I mean , half my make up bag is taken up by a c...
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Who'd have thought that 2020 would be the year that Chandler Bing's wardrobe become 'on trend', hey? Well, it certainly has. From high street, to high fashion, sweater vests are 'in' and if you haven't already found your perfect Bing-esque knit, then here are some of my favourites for you to shop:
Who'd have thought that 2020 would be the year that Chandler Bing's wardrobe become 'on trend', hey? Well, it certainly has. From high street, to high fashion, sweater vests are 'in' and if you haven't already found your perfect Bing-esque knit, then here are some of my favourites for you to shop:
Faux leather is everywhere right now; from the high street, to vintage shops and my daily depop scrolls, it's simply all I've had my eye on. We're a society of trend magpies, and if something looks cool, then you'll 100% find me v-lining my way to it in every store.
The thing is, over the festive break I seemed to have found myself in a 'comfy jumper and jeans' wormhole. The weather outside has been cold and gloomy, and no one likes standing at their local train station shivering at 6am in the morning. But, as we have edged further and further in to the new year, I've slowly started to get that inspiration back and the styling juices flowing again. This is all, of course, with a little help from a dreamy Glamorous delivery.
These two pieces were kindly gifted to me, and boy oh boy am I happy with them!
I've had my eye on a shirt jacket like this for so long. There's just something about that 'tan' shade that I find so eye catching, and perfect to break up all of the all black ensembles I've been fashioning for the past 3 months. I love how much of a statement faux leather can make too, it's like an amazing combination of 'chic' yet completely 'bad ass' at the same time.
It's the perfect thing to stay cosy in as well, whilst not having to layer up with knitwear and scarves at the same time. Plus, I just find it completely timeless and versatile, with being able to wear it both buttoned up and open as a jacket too!
Leather trousers are a big deal for me. I always have that worry that I'm going to end up in a situation like Ross from Friends, trying to squeeze back into a pair, ending up covered in some sort of baby lotion, baby powder mess, and then having to walk back home in just my undies (not a good look). However, this pair are an absolute dream and I cannot fault them!
They're in a sort of kick-flare style, which is a style I'm slowly but surely falling obsessed with and find super flattering. The croc detail just gives them that little bit of something extra and help to break up a look if you are opting for that 'all black, I cannot fathom getting dressed' vibe. And, more than anything, they're just really really bloody comfy. They've become an absolute go-to for me.
I mean, what can I say? I'm completely on board with the faux leather look right now. I can't wait for my brain to kick back into gear and get styling it some more!
Faux leather is everywhere right now; from the high street, to vintage shops and my daily depop scrolls, it's simply all I've had my eye on. We're a society of trend magpies, and if something looks cool, then you'll 100% find me v-lining my way to it in every store.
The thing is, over the festive break I seemed to have found myself in a 'comfy jumper and jeans' wormhole. The weather outside has been cold and gloomy, and no one likes standing at their local train station shivering at 6am in the morning. But, as we have edged further and further in to the new year, I've slowly started to get that inspiration back and the styling juices flowing again. This is all, of course, with a little help from a dreamy Glamorous delivery.
These two pieces were kindly gifted to me, and boy oh boy am I happy with them!
I've had my eye on a shirt jacket like this for so long. There's just something about that 'tan' shade that I find so eye catching, and perfect to break up all of the all black ensembles I've been fashioning for the past 3 months. I love how much of a statement faux leather can make too, it's like an amazing combination of 'chic' yet completely 'bad ass' at the same time.
It's the perfect thing to stay cosy in as well, whilst not having to layer up with knitwear and scarves at the same time. Plus, I just find it completely timeless and versatile, with being able to wear it both buttoned up and open as a jacket too!
Leather trousers are a big deal for me. I always have that worry that I'm going to end up in a situation like Ross from Friends, trying to squeeze back into a pair, ending up covered in some sort of baby lotion, baby powder mess, and then having to walk back home in just my undies (not a good look). However, this pair are an absolute dream and I cannot fault them!
They're in a sort of kick-flare style, which is a style I'm slowly but surely falling obsessed with and find super flattering. The croc detail just gives them that little bit of something extra and help to break up a look if you are opting for that 'all black, I cannot fathom getting dressed' vibe. And, more than anything, they're just really really bloody comfy. They've become an absolute go-to for me.
I mean, what can I say? I'm completely on board with the faux leather look right now. I can't wait for my brain to kick back into gear and get styling it some more!
As you'll all know, Bobbi Brown has been a favourite brand of mine for many years... I mean, half my make up bag is taken up by a collection of BB products that I've tried and tested over the years, and my skincare routine is also mainly focus around the amazing Soothing Cleansing Oil, because I simply cannot get enough of the stuff!
Recently a PR package, from said brilliant brand, landed on my doorstep and it featured some of my old favourites, as well as an amazing new collection that I just had to share with you.
One thing I love about Bobbi Brown skincare is the amazing unique, refreshing scent that the products have. I always struggle to sum it up into words, but it's like a grapefruit, lemon scent that's just super revitalizing.
The 'Vitamin Enriched Face Base' is the main one I always think about in terms of the amazing scent. It's a cult classic for BB and is a thick, hydrating cream that doubles up as a primer. It evens out complexion with a balm-like texture and is perfect for combination and dry skin types.
I've had friends try it too who just simply LOVE the stuff for wearing under their make up, and say they found it help keep their foundation/make up in place throughout the day without ever feeling 'cakey' or like the cream had gotten heavier throughout the day.
It absorbs quickly into the skin, meaning it's great to combine with your everyday routine and the moisturising properties take care of any dry patches leaving skin super soft!
The 'Extra Eye Repair Cream' is a new one for me to try out. I'm not someone who's dabbled much with eye creams as of yet, but I was excited to give this one a go.
It's a rich cream that revives eyes, targeting fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, with a combination of clary sage ferment and argireline to help boots the skin's natural collagen.
It feels really comfortable on the skin, with a soothing affect and definitely helps give me that more 'awake' feeling I've been lusting after. I've seen it described as an 'espresso shot' for your eyes and I totally have to agree with that.
I'd say a little really does go a long way with it too. It melts into the skin really easily and is great to use under make up to brighten your look.
Moving onto the new collection 'Luxe and Fortune', which is Bobbi Brown's nod to the Lunar New Year, you can see from the images above that from the packaging alone, it's a bit of an eye catcher.
The products are in a limited edition red and gold design, and the collection covers eye shadows and lips, as well as some face products too.
To start with, I must tell you about the amazing 'Jewelled Rose Eye Shadow Palette', which retails at £32. It features champagne and rose shades in both matte and shimmer finishes, which is the perfect thing for someone like me who loves warm, pinky tones in my makeup. The colours are lovely, light, and pigmented, without being too bold for day to day looks.
The palette itself is so aesthetically pleasing, so definitely one for those who are a bit of magpie for pretty products, like me!
It's overall, a great little palette for this time of year, when you're not quite ready to let go of the festive, sparkly looks.
Then we have the Luxe Lip Colour, which comes in 3 different shades. They retail at £28. Photographed here is the shade 'Rare Ruby'... and we all know I'm a sucker for a red shade!
It's formulated the same as the usual LLCs with a sumptuous colour, creamy formula and shiny finish. The colours are always amazingly pigmented from Bobbi Brown, and this doesn't change for 'Rare Ruby' either.
The packaging is obviously gorgeous and definitely lives up to the 'Luxe' name, as does the lipstick itself, as I find there's definitely a richness to the texture and the colour looks super glamorous.
Last but not least we have the Luxe Liquid Lip, retailing at £28 also. This comes in 2 shades, photographed above is 'Pink Crystal'.
The Liquid Lip's from Bobbi Brown are a favourite of mine. They're a long-wearing lip colour that leaves your lips looking super lustrous, gliding on effortlessly, without appearing tacky or bumpy.
The shade 'Pink Crystal' itself is a beautiful coral pink with an added touch of shimmer, that really helps to brighten up your look. I found it to apply super easily, feeling really nice and light on the lips. It's pigmented and fun to wear and I just think you can't go wrong with a liquid lip!
As you'll all know, Bobbi Brown has been a favourite brand of mine for many years... I mean, half my make up bag is taken up by a collection of BB products that I've tried and tested over the years, and my skincare routine is also mainly focus around the amazing Soothing Cleansing Oil, because I simply cannot get enough of the stuff!
Recently a PR package, from said brilliant brand, landed on my doorstep and it featured some of my old favourites, as well as an amazing new collection that I just had to share with you.
One thing I love about Bobbi Brown skincare is the amazing unique, refreshing scent that the products have. I always struggle to sum it up into words, but it's like a grapefruit, lemon scent that's just super revitalizing.
The 'Vitamin Enriched Face Base' is the main one I always think about in terms of the amazing scent. It's a cult classic for BB and is a thick, hydrating cream that doubles up as a primer. It evens out complexion with a balm-like texture and is perfect for combination and dry skin types.
I've had friends try it too who just simply LOVE the stuff for wearing under their make up, and say they found it help keep their foundation/make up in place throughout the day without ever feeling 'cakey' or like the cream had gotten heavier throughout the day.
It absorbs quickly into the skin, meaning it's great to combine with your everyday routine and the moisturising properties take care of any dry patches leaving skin super soft!
The 'Extra Eye Repair Cream' is a new one for me to try out. I'm not someone who's dabbled much with eye creams as of yet, but I was excited to give this one a go.
It's a rich cream that revives eyes, targeting fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, with a combination of clary sage ferment and argireline to help boots the skin's natural collagen.
It feels really comfortable on the skin, with a soothing affect and definitely helps give me that more 'awake' feeling I've been lusting after. I've seen it described as an 'espresso shot' for your eyes and I totally have to agree with that.
I'd say a little really does go a long way with it too. It melts into the skin really easily and is great to use under make up to brighten your look.
Moving onto the new collection 'Luxe and Fortune', which is Bobbi Brown's nod to the Lunar New Year, you can see from the images above that from the packaging alone, it's a bit of an eye catcher.
The products are in a limited edition red and gold design, and the collection covers eye shadows and lips, as well as some face products too.
To start with, I must tell you about the amazing 'Jewelled Rose Eye Shadow Palette', which retails at £32. It features champagne and rose shades in both matte and shimmer finishes, which is the perfect thing for someone like me who loves warm, pinky tones in my makeup. The colours are lovely, light, and pigmented, without being too bold for day to day looks.
The palette itself is so aesthetically pleasing, so definitely one for those who are a bit of magpie for pretty products, like me!
It's overall, a great little palette for this time of year, when you're not quite ready to let go of the festive, sparkly looks.
Then we have the Luxe Lip Colour, which comes in 3 different shades. They retail at £28. Photographed here is the shade 'Rare Ruby'... and we all know I'm a sucker for a red shade!
It's formulated the same as the usual LLCs with a sumptuous colour, creamy formula and shiny finish. The colours are always amazingly pigmented from Bobbi Brown, and this doesn't change for 'Rare Ruby' either.
The packaging is obviously gorgeous and definitely lives up to the 'Luxe' name, as does the lipstick itself, as I find there's definitely a richness to the texture and the colour looks super glamorous.
Last but not least we have the Luxe Liquid Lip, retailing at £28 also. This comes in 2 shades, photographed above is 'Pink Crystal'.
The Liquid Lip's from Bobbi Brown are a favourite of mine. They're a long-wearing lip colour that leaves your lips looking super lustrous, gliding on effortlessly, without appearing tacky or bumpy.
The shade 'Pink Crystal' itself is a beautiful coral pink with an added touch of shimmer, that really helps to brighten up your look. I found it to apply super easily, feeling really nice and light on the lips. It's pigmented and fun to wear and I just think you can't go wrong with a liquid lip!
As last year came to a close, I found myself seeking more and more simplicity in my life. From my day-to-day living, to my wardrobe full of clothes and my overflowing thoughts, everything just felt cluttered and unorganized. And then, through some sort of "new decade" epiphany, I suddenly had this new understanding of how I wanted to live and how I saw things going forward.
I no longer felt the urge to hold onto things, both physical and mental, and I slowly began to think about things in a different way. For so so long, everything in my life has felt so jumbled and chaotic, and it's had an effect on me like I never even realised.
I'm a person who truly lives by the mantra "tidy room, tidy mind" and I try and apply it to everything I do. I can't quite sit still knowing things need to be done. I find myself getting so overwhelmed by the copious amounts of things I've accumulated, or by the amount of pressure to be successful that I put on myself. I basically drive myself crazy.
I think one of the hardest things I've had to let go of is this notorious insanity I've carried around with me since my teens. My mental health has always defined a huge part of me and, despite the fact that I still struggle with it now, things are a lot better and I need to teach that irrational part of my mind to accept that.
There seems to be this mentality, especially with eating disorders, that we tell ourselves that we don't 'really' want to get better, and that can have us clinging onto every vice for dear life.
I want to simply focus more on my issues in the here and the now. And, rather than the usual brain overload state that I get myself into, I'm trying to take things day by day and take small, slow steps to combat my problems.
I want to try and make my day-to-day life easier on myself. Don't we all?
I'm learning to try and understand my emotions more, and to understand when I truly need a break. I'm finding myself more and more able to take time on my own to practice some self-care and that's a lot more than I've actually managed to do before.
There are emotions sunk deep inside me that I don't need anymore - things I'm clinging onto for no god damnreason - but I'm feeling ready to let go of those things and focus on the issues that I have present day.
I've discussed that fact that I cleared out my wardrobe in a previous blog post, but I actually spent a lot of the end of last year decluttering all of my belongings, on top of my clothes too.
As I've grown older, I've found myself wanting to live more sustainably and understanding that I don't need to hang onto everything that enters my life. I mean, it's hard with the job that I do - PR packages turn up on a regular basis, fashion is constantly changing and as a creator you have to keep up to date - but sometimes things just don't get used enough, or worn enough, or loved enough, and that's when I need to consider the fact something may be more enjoyed by someone else.
Over this year, the decluttering process will 100% be ongoing. It's a big job to tackle when I've been working from the same bedroom in my hometown for the last 6 years, but I'm looking forward to the end result and hope to create almost a 'one in one out' kind of system with my belongings.
I want to donate to charity more, share things with friends more and have clarity to live in the space I work in.
I've realised that clutter doesn't suit me, in any sense of the word. I like the plain, the simple, the easy, and I'm just trying to implement that more and more.
I'm not saying that I leapt into the new year feeling like I had some fresh clean slate, because I certainly haven't. The January blues have been defiant over the last week or so, as they always are. I hoped I'd spring into action as the 1st week of the year hit, but it's been harder than expected. However, to even have this fresh mindset to work off of, is something wonderful to me.
I'm excited to experience more rationality and stability in 2020. It's something I've sought after for so long in my life, but it's only now that I truly understand those little things I need to do to achieve it.
So, yeah, I'm letting go of a lot of stuff, but with that comes a sense of ease as I see my life becoming more and more simple to venture through.
As last year came to a close, I found myself seeking more and more simplicity in my life. From my day-to-day living, to my wardrobe full of clothes and my overflowing thoughts, everything just felt cluttered and unorganized. And then, through some sort of "new decade" epiphany, I suddenly had this new understanding of how I wanted to live and how I saw things going forward.
I no longer felt the urge to hold onto things, both physical and mental, and I slowly began to think about things in a different way. For so so long, everything in my life has felt so jumbled and chaotic, and it's had an effect on me like I never even realised.
I'm a person who truly lives by the mantra "tidy room, tidy mind" and I try and apply it to everything I do. I can't quite sit still knowing things need to be done. I find myself getting so overwhelmed by the copious amounts of things I've accumulated, or by the amount of pressure to be successful that I put on myself. I basically drive myself crazy.
I think one of the hardest things I've had to let go of is this notorious insanity I've carried around with me since my teens. My mental health has always defined a huge part of me and, despite the fact that I still struggle with it now, things are a lot better and I need to teach that irrational part of my mind to accept that.
There seems to be this mentality, especially with eating disorders, that we tell ourselves that we don't 'really' want to get better, and that can have us clinging onto every vice for dear life.
I want to simply focus more on my issues in the here and the now. And, rather than the usual brain overload state that I get myself into, I'm trying to take things day by day and take small, slow steps to combat my problems.
I want to try and make my day-to-day life easier on myself. Don't we all?
I'm learning to try and understand my emotions more, and to understand when I truly need a break. I'm finding myself more and more able to take time on my own to practice some self-care and that's a lot more than I've actually managed to do before.
There are emotions sunk deep inside me that I don't need anymore - things I'm clinging onto for no god damnreason - but I'm feeling ready to let go of those things and focus on the issues that I have present day.
I've discussed that fact that I cleared out my wardrobe in a previous blog post, but I actually spent a lot of the end of last year decluttering all of my belongings, on top of my clothes too.
As I've grown older, I've found myself wanting to live more sustainably and understanding that I don't need to hang onto everything that enters my life. I mean, it's hard with the job that I do - PR packages turn up on a regular basis, fashion is constantly changing and as a creator you have to keep up to date - but sometimes things just don't get used enough, or worn enough, or loved enough, and that's when I need to consider the fact something may be more enjoyed by someone else.
Over this year, the decluttering process will 100% be ongoing. It's a big job to tackle when I've been working from the same bedroom in my hometown for the last 6 years, but I'm looking forward to the end result and hope to create almost a 'one in one out' kind of system with my belongings.
I want to donate to charity more, share things with friends more and have clarity to live in the space I work in.
I've realised that clutter doesn't suit me, in any sense of the word. I like the plain, the simple, the easy, and I'm just trying to implement that more and more.
I'm not saying that I leapt into the new year feeling like I had some fresh clean slate, because I certainly haven't. The January blues have been defiant over the last week or so, as they always are. I hoped I'd spring into action as the 1st week of the year hit, but it's been harder than expected. However, to even have this fresh mindset to work off of, is something wonderful to me.
I'm excited to experience more rationality and stability in 2020. It's something I've sought after for so long in my life, but it's only now that I truly understand those little things I need to do to achieve it.
So, yeah, I'm letting go of a lot of stuff, but with that comes a sense of ease as I see my life becoming more and more simple to venture through.
I promised myself that in 2020 I would write more openly again, and what better way to start it off than with an amazing campaign surrounding Boob Positivity.
I've teamed up with Knicker Locker to discuss my self confidence, as well as my insecurities, surrounding my breasts. And, as many of you know, it's definitely been an up and down journey for me.
*this post is part of a gifted collaboration with kicker locker*
I was never comfortable within myself growing up. I hit puberty a lot earlier than others, meaning I had boobs a lot quicker than others too. I always felt like an odd one out because of it. I'd always be comparing myself to everyone else.
I think high school is a really hard time in terms of that. Everyone is growing and maturing at their own rate, and it can be difficult not to start comparing yourself to others who may not have begun the process as soon as you.
I remember my breasts becoming bigger, my body changing, the hormones kicking in, and yet still being surrounded by a lot of girls who remained slim, petite and graceful, whilst I felt like a huge bumpy hormone monster that just didn't quite fit the bill.
I mean, I've always had a weird relationship with my boobs. Most of the time I'm incredibly unhappy with them - I'm embarrassed by them. And, especially with the world we live in, my mind has been constantly bombarded with these images of perky, perfect breasts over the years, and I can't say that mine have felt like they've ever fit that 'ideal' criteria.
I've yo-yod between wanting bigger and smaller breasts. I've been to discuss breast augmentation twice in my life, but never gone through with it, for various reasons. There's something about changing them which both scares yet excites me.
It's weird how over the years I've slowly become more accepting of myself, but my boobs have always taken a bit of back seat with it all. I've never really accepted them like I have with everything else.
I do think that's because it's only in the past year that this idea of 'perfect breasts' has begun to be more talked about. Only in the last year or so have I began to see other women embracing themselves and their breasts, of all shapes and sizes, loud and proud.
I wish I'd seen more of that growing up.
It's been eye opening, even as someone who's well past the puberty stage and heading further and further into my 20's, to finally understand that boobs are not a 'one fits all' kind of thing. Everyone is unique, everyone's breasts are unique and that's really kind of... reassuring, I guess.
"she is slowly beginning to find peace in knowing she is beautiful and she is growing right here as she is"
The last year has been like magic for me in terms of accepting my breasts as a part of me. They're not my favourite thing, sure, but seeing other people embrace themselves has encouraged me to do so too.
So, yeah, my outlook has definitely changed. I don't feel so alone with the lack of confidence I have in my breasts anymore. I always felt like I was the only person out there who's breasts weren't super perky and 'perfect', but there's a lot of support (if you pardon the pun) around that now.
I guess, as hard as it can be in this day and age, we just have to try and learn to love ourselves. We're all unique, and so are our boobs, so we need to just embrace who we are and what we have. I think there's such a stigma around breasts and this constant image, which can just be so unattainable sometimes. It's just nice to know that that 'perfect' image is being broadened, slowly but surely.
I hope one day I figure out how to accept them fully, whether it is a case of changing them with breast augmentation, or simply leaving them be and loving them for what they are... but for now, I'm sat somewhere on the fence in the middle, and I'm okay with that.
I promised myself that in 2020 I would write more openly again, and what better way to start it off than with an amazing campaign surrounding Boob Positivity.
I've teamed up with Knicker Locker to discuss my self confidence, as well as my insecurities, surrounding my breasts. And, as many of you know, it's definitely been an up and down journey for me.
*this post is part of a gifted collaboration with kicker locker*
I was never comfortable within myself growing up. I hit puberty a lot earlier than others, meaning I had boobs a lot quicker than others too. I always felt like an odd one out because of it. I'd always be comparing myself to everyone else.
I think high school is a really hard time in terms of that. Everyone is growing and maturing at their own rate, and it can be difficult not to start comparing yourself to others who may not have begun the process as soon as you.
I remember my breasts becoming bigger, my body changing, the hormones kicking in, and yet still being surrounded by a lot of girls who remained slim, petite and graceful, whilst I felt like a huge bumpy hormone monster that just didn't quite fit the bill.
I mean, I've always had a weird relationship with my boobs. Most of the time I'm incredibly unhappy with them - I'm embarrassed by them. And, especially with the world we live in, my mind has been constantly bombarded with these images of perky, perfect breasts over the years, and I can't say that mine have felt like they've ever fit that 'ideal' criteria.
I've yo-yod between wanting bigger and smaller breasts. I've been to discuss breast augmentation twice in my life, but never gone through with it, for various reasons. There's something about changing them which both scares yet excites me.
It's weird how over the years I've slowly become more accepting of myself, but my boobs have always taken a bit of back seat with it all. I've never really accepted them like I have with everything else.
I do think that's because it's only in the past year that this idea of 'perfect breasts' has begun to be more talked about. Only in the last year or so have I began to see other women embracing themselves and their breasts, of all shapes and sizes, loud and proud.
I wish I'd seen more of that growing up.
It's been eye opening, even as someone who's well past the puberty stage and heading further and further into my 20's, to finally understand that boobs are not a 'one fits all' kind of thing. Everyone is unique, everyone's breasts are unique and that's really kind of... reassuring, I guess.
"she is slowly beginning to find peace in knowing she is beautiful and she is growing right here as she is"
The last year has been like magic for me in terms of accepting my breasts as a part of me. They're not my favourite thing, sure, but seeing other people embrace themselves has encouraged me to do so too.
So, yeah, my outlook has definitely changed. I don't feel so alone with the lack of confidence I have in my breasts anymore. I always felt like I was the only person out there who's breasts weren't super perky and 'perfect', but there's a lot of support (if you pardon the pun) around that now.
I guess, as hard as it can be in this day and age, we just have to try and learn to love ourselves. We're all unique, and so are our boobs, so we need to just embrace who we are and what we have. I think there's such a stigma around breasts and this constant image, which can just be so unattainable sometimes. It's just nice to know that that 'perfect' image is being broadened, slowly but surely.
I hope one day I figure out how to accept them fully, whether it is a case of changing them with breast augmentation, or simply leaving them be and loving them for what they are... but for now, I'm sat somewhere on the fence in the middle, and I'm okay with that.
Mariah Carey is blaring, the Baileys is being consumed in excess and boxes of Quality Street are being passed around from family member to family member.
I know, I can't believe it either, but Christmas is very nearly here!
2019 has felt like a whirlwind of a year. There's been lots of change for me, and to be honest, despite there being a lot of downs, it's been a year of me *kind of* getting my shit together. It's felt like a year of a lot of liberating decisions, and new experiences, and that's just the sort of thing I think I've needed for a while.
DRESS - PRIMARK [GIFTED] // BELT - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
Back in January I worked on amazing project with the Trafford Centre, which saw my face plastered on billboards and scattered around the shopping centre - something I never thought I'd be able to see in the flesh. I've been on billboards before, but always in other places like Paris or New York, so it was really nice to be able to see one, finally, up close and personal!
The Trafford Centre is a really significant place for me too, as when I was in the depths on my eating disorders, my Mum would get me out of the house for the day by taking me there. Fast forward 5 years and I'm working with them and seeing myself on motorway adverts! I don't think anything will ever quite top that feeling, you know.
In February I traveled down to London for a week to shoot with Marionaudd for 2 days, on top of working with Sister Jane, which was absoloutley dreamy. I got to model along side my pal Kiera, and prance around the quirkiest Notting Hill house, which was so much fun.
I also got to work with two of my favourite people CJ and Christian to shoot some really cool stuff for BOYGIRL AGENCY. I absolutely loved the video we shot - you can watch it HERE over on my Instagram!
"As you notice the ways other people bloom, may you remember the ways you are blooming too"
In March, Josh and I ventured into London together for the first time. It's safe to say we were both very stressed that day, as I rushed from meeting to meeting, but we ended the day on a high with a little trip to the Natural History Museum, which was lovely. *side note - Josh did not enjoy the tube journeys haha.
I also got to work with Bobbi Brown on their Skin Longwear Foundation - you guys know I'm a huge Bobbi Brown stan! Every opportunity I have to work with any brand feels like such an honor and it's especially great when it's one of your all time favourites.
By April, I felt like the busiest girl in the world - constantly in Manchester shooting blog photos or going for brunch. Marta Ferenc and I shot one of my favourite campaigns of all time for Calvin Klein, and managed to get the most perfect 'golden hour' photos. I loved sharing that with you guys!
I was also invited down for a lovely lunch with Calvin Klein too. We had an amazing 3 course meal and got to have a sneaky look at upcoming collections - what a dream come true!
BAG - PRIMARK [GIFTED] // EARRINGS - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
On May 12th I was so very kindly invited to attend that BAFTAs with Carat London, and honestly I can't even put that experience into words - it was so surreal walking the red carpet and being 'papped' like some sort of celebrity. I wish I could do it all over again!
I remember being stood by Jonathon Ross whilst sipping my champagne, and completely fangirling as David Schwimmer presented an award on stage... I WAS IN THE SAME ROOM AS ROSS GUYS!
BAFTAs aside, in May I also got to go to my first festival ever. Miss Selfridge invited me along to go to Neighborhood Weekender and it was honestly one of my highlights of the year. I had such a laugh that day, drinking with the girls and desperately trying to sign up for the karaoke tent even though the list was full (lol). I just remember having the best time and I'm so grateful I got to be surrounded by such lovely people to experience it.
I also started my part-time job in May, which may not seem like a big deal, but this was my first ever non-self-employed job that I've ever had. It was the kick up the arse I felt I needed at the time - I'd felt lost in my little bubble, struggling for money when the paid 'ad' work fell flat, and desperately seeking something else. It may just be a retail job, but I've met some of the most amazing people from it, and I'll be forever thankful that I got given the position, despite my hugggeeee lack of experience in the 'real' world.
"It's okay if growth looks differently this season"
In June I hit the ripe old age of 21 and swanned off to Milan to celebrate with Josh. We had the best 5 days there, but jesus christ on a bike, was it hot. We arrived in the height of a 40 degree heatwave and, I have to say, I don't think either of us have ever sweated so much, or drank so much water, in our entire lives haha. What a great first holiday to remember though ♥
Fast forward to August and the OPI campaign I shot last year drops and my face is all over the new A/W19 Edinburgh collection. It was such a long wait, anticipating how the campaign would turn out, but I was so happy to finally see it all and it reminds me of one of the best jobs I've ever had the privilege of working on.
HAIR BOW - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
In August, I also made the decision to leave my modelling agency. It had been something I'd thought over and over for the last year, and I finally decided it was time to leave it behind and focus more on me for a while. It's definitely done me the world of good (and saved me a lot of money on travel haha) - it's nice to just pick and chose what I get involved in now. I love working on things more locally and experiencing modelling up north a little more.
With the modelling contract out of the window, I decided it was time for change... on the same day... and I immediately booked a hair appointment and chopped my long ginger locks into a bob.
It felt like a new lease of life - somewhere for me to start over a bit.
"You are free to have peace without knowing what comes next"
By September, Josh and I were celebrating our 1 Year anniversary in Liverpool and I still can't believe he'd put up with me for that long! We spent 3 days indulging in all-you-can-eat breakfasts and 2 for 1 cocktails.
He's my favourite person in the entire world and I don't know what I'd do without him. The last year wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for him, at all. ♥
Within a week of our anniversary, we were on our way to Porto for a fleeting trip whilst I modelled for PROF. It was a short but sweet trip, but it was nice to go on another little adventure together and do a tiny bit of sight seeing. It was like our anniversary take two!
November rolled around and I got to spend the day in London with Burberry Beauty. We learnt all about the new releases, including the new Matte Glow Foundation, whilst enjoying the most delicious meal at Thomas' Cafe. We even had a quiz about London (which, obviously, as a Northerner, I lost significantly!) I felt so honored to be invited.
In all honesty - I was a very small fish in a very big pond, so I'll be forever grateful for that experience.
And well, from then, to now, it's just been go, go, go working on other projects and earning my pennies in retail so that I can afford enough espresso martinis over Christmas!
I truly can't believe how much this year has flown by and it's definitely been a significant year for me despite the lows that have come along with the highs. I feel like I'm in a place where I can finally move forward in 2020 and really figure out who I want to be and where I want my paths to lead.
I mean, I don't have it all figured out, but I'm definitely a portion of the way there, for sure.
Here's to a happy and healthy New Year and taking each day as it comes! Cheers!
"May you always be the one noticing light in the chaos of things"
Mariah Carey is blaring, the Baileys is being consumed in excess and boxes of Quality Street are being passed around from family member to family member.
I know, I can't believe it either, but Christmas is very nearly here!
2019 has felt like a whirlwind of a year. There's been lots of change for me, and to be honest, despite there being a lot of downs, it's been a year of me *kind of* getting my shit together. It's felt like a year of a lot of liberating decisions, and new experiences, and that's just the sort of thing I think I've needed for a while.
DRESS - PRIMARK [GIFTED] // BELT - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
Back in January I worked on amazing project with the Trafford Centre, which saw my face plastered on billboards and scattered around the shopping centre - something I never thought I'd be able to see in the flesh. I've been on billboards before, but always in other places like Paris or New York, so it was really nice to be able to see one, finally, up close and personal!
The Trafford Centre is a really significant place for me too, as when I was in the depths on my eating disorders, my Mum would get me out of the house for the day by taking me there. Fast forward 5 years and I'm working with them and seeing myself on motorway adverts! I don't think anything will ever quite top that feeling, you know.
In February I traveled down to London for a week to shoot with Marionaudd for 2 days, on top of working with Sister Jane, which was absoloutley dreamy. I got to model along side my pal Kiera, and prance around the quirkiest Notting Hill house, which was so much fun.
I also got to work with two of my favourite people CJ and Christian to shoot some really cool stuff for BOYGIRL AGENCY. I absolutely loved the video we shot - you can watch it HERE over on my Instagram!
"As you notice the ways other people bloom, may you remember the ways you are blooming too"
In March, Josh and I ventured into London together for the first time. It's safe to say we were both very stressed that day, as I rushed from meeting to meeting, but we ended the day on a high with a little trip to the Natural History Museum, which was lovely. *side note - Josh did not enjoy the tube journeys haha.
I also got to work with Bobbi Brown on their Skin Longwear Foundation - you guys know I'm a huge Bobbi Brown stan! Every opportunity I have to work with any brand feels like such an honor and it's especially great when it's one of your all time favourites.
By April, I felt like the busiest girl in the world - constantly in Manchester shooting blog photos or going for brunch. Marta Ferenc and I shot one of my favourite campaigns of all time for Calvin Klein, and managed to get the most perfect 'golden hour' photos. I loved sharing that with you guys!
I was also invited down for a lovely lunch with Calvin Klein too. We had an amazing 3 course meal and got to have a sneaky look at upcoming collections - what a dream come true!
BAG - PRIMARK [GIFTED] // EARRINGS - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
On May 12th I was so very kindly invited to attend that BAFTAs with Carat London, and honestly I can't even put that experience into words - it was so surreal walking the red carpet and being 'papped' like some sort of celebrity. I wish I could do it all over again!
I remember being stood by Jonathon Ross whilst sipping my champagne, and completely fangirling as David Schwimmer presented an award on stage... I WAS IN THE SAME ROOM AS ROSS GUYS!
BAFTAs aside, in May I also got to go to my first festival ever. Miss Selfridge invited me along to go to Neighborhood Weekender and it was honestly one of my highlights of the year. I had such a laugh that day, drinking with the girls and desperately trying to sign up for the karaoke tent even though the list was full (lol). I just remember having the best time and I'm so grateful I got to be surrounded by such lovely people to experience it.
I also started my part-time job in May, which may not seem like a big deal, but this was my first ever non-self-employed job that I've ever had. It was the kick up the arse I felt I needed at the time - I'd felt lost in my little bubble, struggling for money when the paid 'ad' work fell flat, and desperately seeking something else. It may just be a retail job, but I've met some of the most amazing people from it, and I'll be forever thankful that I got given the position, despite my hugggeeee lack of experience in the 'real' world.
"It's okay if growth looks differently this season"
In June I hit the ripe old age of 21 and swanned off to Milan to celebrate with Josh. We had the best 5 days there, but jesus christ on a bike, was it hot. We arrived in the height of a 40 degree heatwave and, I have to say, I don't think either of us have ever sweated so much, or drank so much water, in our entire lives haha. What a great first holiday to remember though ♥
Fast forward to August and the OPI campaign I shot last year drops and my face is all over the new A/W19 Edinburgh collection. It was such a long wait, anticipating how the campaign would turn out, but I was so happy to finally see it all and it reminds me of one of the best jobs I've ever had the privilege of working on.
HAIR BOW - PRIMARK [GIFTED]
In August, I also made the decision to leave my modelling agency. It had been something I'd thought over and over for the last year, and I finally decided it was time to leave it behind and focus more on me for a while. It's definitely done me the world of good (and saved me a lot of money on travel haha) - it's nice to just pick and chose what I get involved in now. I love working on things more locally and experiencing modelling up north a little more.
With the modelling contract out of the window, I decided it was time for change... on the same day... and I immediately booked a hair appointment and chopped my long ginger locks into a bob.
It felt like a new lease of life - somewhere for me to start over a bit.
"You are free to have peace without knowing what comes next"
By September, Josh and I were celebrating our 1 Year anniversary in Liverpool and I still can't believe he'd put up with me for that long! We spent 3 days indulging in all-you-can-eat breakfasts and 2 for 1 cocktails.
He's my favourite person in the entire world and I don't know what I'd do without him. The last year wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for him, at all. ♥
Within a week of our anniversary, we were on our way to Porto for a fleeting trip whilst I modelled for PROF. It was a short but sweet trip, but it was nice to go on another little adventure together and do a tiny bit of sight seeing. It was like our anniversary take two!
November rolled around and I got to spend the day in London with Burberry Beauty. We learnt all about the new releases, including the new Matte Glow Foundation, whilst enjoying the most delicious meal at Thomas' Cafe. We even had a quiz about London (which, obviously, as a Northerner, I lost significantly!) I felt so honored to be invited.
In all honesty - I was a very small fish in a very big pond, so I'll be forever grateful for that experience.
And well, from then, to now, it's just been go, go, go working on other projects and earning my pennies in retail so that I can afford enough espresso martinis over Christmas!
I truly can't believe how much this year has flown by and it's definitely been a significant year for me despite the lows that have come along with the highs. I feel like I'm in a place where I can finally move forward in 2020 and really figure out who I want to be and where I want my paths to lead.
I mean, I don't have it all figured out, but I'm definitely a portion of the way there, for sure.
Here's to a happy and healthy New Year and taking each day as it comes! Cheers!
"May you always be the one noticing light in the chaos of things"
Recently, I've been in this mindset where I'm just ready to start anew. I don't know whether it's the impending new year, or just the fact that this year itself has felt a little all over the place, but I've landed in December with a head full of clear ideas and inspiration.
As I type this, there's 7 bin bags of clothes, ready and awaiting the BHF to come and collect them. I got really honest with myself and realised no person needs more than a wardrobe of clothes... well I truly don't anyway. I spent days going through everything I owned and just being really honest with myself as to whether they were pieces I was ever going to get any wear out of again - for a lot of them, I brutally had to say 'no'.
With that in mind, my wardrobe has been left in a state of just 'day-to-day' basics, which actually feels really refreshing. It's like a new beginning for me to build off of style-wise, and it's meant I've had some time to figure out what's truly missing from my collection, and what's no longer needed.
It's also meant that for the past few weeks, I've been left to re-work all of the basics in my wardrobe and find new ways for them to be styled together, which has been really fun and sparked a bit of creativity back into my everyday attire.
Take my black blazer for example. It's one of my absolute favourite finds from one of my charity shop sprees, but I always seemed to find myself styling it with your everyday jeans and trainers, which is great... but it got a little samey for me. It's been interesting to style it with skirts, trousers, knee high boots and all of the other pieces that seemed to have been collecting dust at the back of my wardrobe over the past year. It's meant that I've experimented with layering and worked with more than just that stereotypical 'androgynous' over-sized blazer look.
The mindset I'm in right now has really been helped by the de-cluttering of my possessions and stripping things back to the essentials in my wardrobe. It's really nice to not feel overwhelmed by clothes when it comes to creating looks and it's nice to finally have some time to sit back and really think about the kind of style I want my collection to exude.
If you're feeling in a rut, I totally recommend having a big clear out and stepping back to understand your style more clearly - it's a really refreshing feeling!
Also, what are some of the staples in your wardrobe? Is there something that could be missing from mine?!
Recently, I've been in this mindset where I'm just ready to start anew. I don't know whether it's the impending new year, or just the fact that this year itself has felt a little all over the place, but I've landed in December with a head full of clear ideas and inspiration.
As I type this, there's 7 bin bags of clothes, ready and awaiting the BHF to come and collect them. I got really honest with myself and realised no person needs more than a wardrobe of clothes... well I truly don't anyway. I spent days going through everything I owned and just being really honest with myself as to whether they were pieces I was ever going to get any wear out of again - for a lot of them, I brutally had to say 'no'.
With that in mind, my wardrobe has been left in a state of just 'day-to-day' basics, which actually feels really refreshing. It's like a new beginning for me to build off of style-wise, and it's meant I've had some time to figure out what's truly missing from my collection, and what's no longer needed.
It's also meant that for the past few weeks, I've been left to re-work all of the basics in my wardrobe and find new ways for them to be styled together, which has been really fun and sparked a bit of creativity back into my everyday attire.
Take my black blazer for example. It's one of my absolute favourite finds from one of my charity shop sprees, but I always seemed to find myself styling it with your everyday jeans and trainers, which is great... but it got a little samey for me. It's been interesting to style it with skirts, trousers, knee high boots and all of the other pieces that seemed to have been collecting dust at the back of my wardrobe over the past year. It's meant that I've experimented with layering and worked with more than just that stereotypical 'androgynous' over-sized blazer look.
The mindset I'm in right now has really been helped by the de-cluttering of my possessions and stripping things back to the essentials in my wardrobe. It's really nice to not feel overwhelmed by clothes when it comes to creating looks and it's nice to finally have some time to sit back and really think about the kind of style I want my collection to exude.
If you're feeling in a rut, I totally recommend having a big clear out and stepping back to understand your style more clearly - it's a really refreshing feeling!
Also, what are some of the staples in your wardrobe? Is there something that could be missing from mine?!
Christmas is just around the corner (is anyone else prepared, because I'm not!) and with the festive season in mind, I wanted to share with you, Bobbi Brown's 2019 Christmas Collection, which is filled with all the glitzy goodness we hunt for at this time of year.
The collection is made up of lots of Luxe Indulgences, Eye Shadow Palettes and Gift Sets, all of which are perfect for getting party-ready! Today, I thought I'd show you my top favourites and let you know a little bit more about them, let's go...
I kindly received this box of goodies in the post from the lovely Bobbi Brown PR team, and I was super excited to get my hands on the new products and try them out!
The first thing that caught my eye was this amazing 'Luxe Gems Eye Shadow Palette', featuring 7 amazingly sparkly shades - some of which are matte, some are multi-chrome and the others are a rich sparkle. This is a totally great palette for creating multiple different looks - allowing you to combine matte shades and more iridescent shades to create the perfect party eye!
I adore the shades 'Electric Sapphire' and 'Incadescent' the most. The sapphire shade is not something I'd normally grab for, but it just looks so fun, bright and exciting, and I can't wait to have play around with it. I can imagine it looking great paired with a peachy lip colour and a jazzy outfit to tie it altogether too. 'Incadescent' on the other hand, is already a shade that's totally up my street. It's that perfect orangey-pink that pairs perfectly with blue eyes, and is something I can see myself wearing constantly throughout December.
Keeping on the topic of eye shadow palettes, there's also the amazing 'Love In The Afternoon' Palette, which features 8 different shades.
This is definitely one for those neutral lovers out there. This is a great day-to-day palette with it's rosy tones and delicate sparkle. I especially love the shade 'Cocktail Ring', which is that amazing gold-tone sparkly shade you can see pictured above.
Now, for the lipstick lovers of you out there, Bobbi Brown have some absolutely stunning products for you to give a whirl this year.
We have the gorgeous Luxe Jewel Lipsick in 'Ruby Slipper', which literally had me gasping when I saw it - it's absolutely incredible. It's a jewel inspired shade (hence the name) which has a super creamy formula and pearl particles which catch the light! It's a full coverage lipstick, and is honestly just anyone's dream Christmas shade!
We also have their Luxe Liquid Lip in 'Gold Star 2' . It's the original Luxe Liquid formula but with an added sparkling finish, and in an easy-to-wear peachy gold shade. This is the best product for pairing with other lip products to add that extra bit of 'dazzle'!
The Luxe collection from Bobbi Brown is definitely one of my favourites, so it was great to find some singular eye-shadows and a powder hidden within the box for me to add to my collection.
The Luxe Illuminating Powder in 'Golden Hour' literally looks like a comfy pillow, which, let's be honest, we'd all happily sleep on! It's a gorgeous pearlescent powder, which helps give the skin a glow along the high points of the face. It's said to be super long-lasting, which means you'll be looking and feeling glowy all day - how fab?!
The Luxe Eyeshadows came in 'Royal Sapphire' and 'Opal Moonstone'. Again, these are super fun shades which come in a 'rich gemstone' texture to give a soft, yet vibrant, look!
If you're looking for a gift set for someone, or simply just need yourself some minis for traveling around with, then there are some absolute gems here.
Christmas is just around the corner (is anyone else prepared, because I'm not!) and with the festive season in mind, I wanted to share with you, Bobbi Brown's 2019 Christmas Collection, which is filled with all the glitzy goodness we hunt for at this time of year.
The collection is made up of lots of Luxe Indulgences, Eye Shadow Palettes and Gift Sets, all of which are perfect for getting party-ready! Today, I thought I'd show you my top favourites and let you know a little bit more about them, let's go...
I kindly received this box of goodies in the post from the lovely Bobbi Brown PR team, and I was super excited to get my hands on the new products and try them out!
The first thing that caught my eye was this amazing 'Luxe Gems Eye Shadow Palette', featuring 7 amazingly sparkly shades - some of which are matte, some are multi-chrome and the others are a rich sparkle. This is a totally great palette for creating multiple different looks - allowing you to combine matte shades and more iridescent shades to create the perfect party eye!
I adore the shades 'Electric Sapphire' and 'Incadescent' the most. The sapphire shade is not something I'd normally grab for, but it just looks so fun, bright and exciting, and I can't wait to have play around with it. I can imagine it looking great paired with a peachy lip colour and a jazzy outfit to tie it altogether too. 'Incadescent' on the other hand, is already a shade that's totally up my street. It's that perfect orangey-pink that pairs perfectly with blue eyes, and is something I can see myself wearing constantly throughout December.
Keeping on the topic of eye shadow palettes, there's also the amazing 'Love In The Afternoon' Palette, which features 8 different shades.
This is definitely one for those neutral lovers out there. This is a great day-to-day palette with it's rosy tones and delicate sparkle. I especially love the shade 'Cocktail Ring', which is that amazing gold-tone sparkly shade you can see pictured above.
Now, for the lipstick lovers of you out there, Bobbi Brown have some absolutely stunning products for you to give a whirl this year.
We have the gorgeous Luxe Jewel Lipsick in 'Ruby Slipper', which literally had me gasping when I saw it - it's absolutely incredible. It's a jewel inspired shade (hence the name) which has a super creamy formula and pearl particles which catch the light! It's a full coverage lipstick, and is honestly just anyone's dream Christmas shade!
We also have their Luxe Liquid Lip in 'Gold Star 2' . It's the original Luxe Liquid formula but with an added sparkling finish, and in an easy-to-wear peachy gold shade. This is the best product for pairing with other lip products to add that extra bit of 'dazzle'!
The Luxe collection from Bobbi Brown is definitely one of my favourites, so it was great to find some singular eye-shadows and a powder hidden within the box for me to add to my collection.
The Luxe Illuminating Powder in 'Golden Hour' literally looks like a comfy pillow, which, let's be honest, we'd all happily sleep on! It's a gorgeous pearlescent powder, which helps give the skin a glow along the high points of the face. It's said to be super long-lasting, which means you'll be looking and feeling glowy all day - how fab?!
The Luxe Eyeshadows came in 'Royal Sapphire' and 'Opal Moonstone'. Again, these are super fun shades which come in a 'rich gemstone' texture to give a soft, yet vibrant, look!
If you're looking for a gift set for someone, or simply just need yourself some minis for traveling around with, then there are some absolute gems here.
