WHY PINTEREST IS THE ULTIMATE INFLUENCER

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I've let it be known over the years just how partial I am to Pinterest, it's my first port of call when trying to seek out some inspiring imagery, blog post ideas, how to style myself on days where I'm really struggling; it's a receptacle of endless ideas. 

If there's certain boards of mine that are heavily populated and updated almost daily (although I've definitely been a bit lax on that front in the past couple of months), it's my styling boards - Street Style, Point & Shoot Style and Style - I can't get enough of building up a monstrous digital moodboard to keep my mind and ideas fresh.

On the days where I'm looking at my wardrobe and seeing a black hole of nothingness (even on the new purchases that I swore I'd get plenty of wear out of), I open up Pinterest and start seeking out pins that have common items that I have sat waiting for me wear. Picking out key things helps me narrow my field of vision and suddenly I'm looking at outfits thinking - that's really cute, if I piece X item and X item together, I can vaguely recreate something that makes me feel like they look. Why didn't I think of that? - and hey presto, you're onto a winner.

Currently I'm wondering what staple seasonal items I want to spice my wardrobe up with, so of course I head back to Pinterest to find styles, colours, bold items that I can start looking for online and in stores to curate a selection that I'm excited to start showcasing on social media and generally IRL. *Please note, I wrote this months ago with the intention of posting in the SS season, only guess who forgot? But the sentiment remains the same and I'm sticking with this in the FW season too!*

BOLD COLOUR COMBOS

Okay okay, so basically I'm obsessed with any shade of green with just about any other bold colour. Green's the new black anyway, right? Whether you're colour blocking blue pants and a yellow blazer, or you're throwing on a bright red jumper and a mini hot pink grab bag, you're onto a 2022 winner.

Leonie Hanne is the queen of colour blocking and in-your-face colour combos!

OUT-THERE OUTERWEAR

A bold, statement jacket, or coat, is quite literally the key to my heart! It livens up any outfit, adds excitement and drama, my olive green vinyl trench coat is one of my most worn items and makes me feel the literal bees knees. Whether it's bright in colour, loud in print, or a funky texture, it's an investment staple piece that you'd throw on time and time again.

STATEMENT BAGS

If there's one thing to spice up any outfit - like an all black ensemble - it's a bold statement bag. Grab bag, tote, handbag, crossbody, clutch - you name it, if it's bejewelled, borg, quilted, heavy chained or ruched and in an eye-catching colour, you're onto a winner! 

S xo

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EAT YOUR GREENS, AND WEAR THEM TOO

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Loves and interests come and go in life, you're madly obsessed one minute and the next you're over it. To say that's how I expected to be about the colour green would be accurate, yet here I am 2 years down the line with a wardrobe heavily injected with various shades, jewellery boxes filled to the brim and online shopping baskets screaming 'just one more green jumper won't hurt you!' (I think four is enough though, don't you?). Did I mention I'm typing this out with green sparkly nails?

It's a colour I've never particularly taken much of an interest in beyond our kitchen being lime green, however as dusky shades and sages started appearing just about everywhere, I couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon, incorporating green candles into my grey and pink bedroom colour scheme, the odd cushion I bought for the time I finally move out (that didn't go well because I stuck it on my bed as soon as I got home and immediately decided I wanted this new colour in my room no matter whether it matched or not) and then the clothes had the colour shot and suddenly I was consumed with green. Just call me Elphaba.

Just the other week I placed an ASOS order and didn't quite realise the common theme in my shopping bag until it was all delivered - suddenly I found the colour obsession had increased somewhat to two skirts, a blazer, a cardigan and a pair of sunglasses. Oops?

Please indulge me whilst I show you how I'd style some of my fave green items of clothing. And of course - it definitely involves an outfit with a pink pop because hello? fave colour combo on the planet.

LOOK 1

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Jacket - Only - £55  //  Skirt - ASOS - £28  //  Shirt - Stradivarius - £17.99  //  Boots - ASOS - £55

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LOOK 2

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Mesh Shirt - ASOS - £55  //  Skirt - ASOS - £38  //  Crop top - Public Desire - £4.45  //  Boots - ASOS - £55   //  Sunglasses - ASOS - £12

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LOOK 3

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Blazer - Stradivarius - £39.99  //  Skirt - ASOS - £38  //  Cardigan - Urban Revivo - £4.45  //  Boots - ASOS - £55

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What look is your fave and what colour are you going crazy for right now?

S xo

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THE SUMMER SANDALS EDIT

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For someone who pretty much hates feet (or at least the general appearance of them) I sure love sticking on a pair of sandals and getting them out for the summer. Dressing them up, treating them well and sticking something exciting on my feet is my style highlight and something I'll never tire of.

Every summer I love to pore over endless clothing sites to find shoes I can throw my money at and dancing around my room like I have oh so many places to go and wear them. But that's just a minor detail, right?

Mango have really nailed it this season so I may have to make a cheeky purchase after this post publishes.... oops. From high street to high end, I've compiled a lengthy list of the footwear I'm currently coveting for the summer!

£30 or under

Under £100 

Over £250

I can't wait to get building more outfits all around my shoes! 

What are your top picks? What shoes are you loving this season?

Header; Trousers - Daines Atelier [paid ad] // Sandals - New Look (old)

S xo

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HOW TO STYLE: TEE & JEANS - S/S EDIT

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If there's one type of outfit I return to on pretty much every single day off (when I actually have a reason to leave the house), no matter the season, it's the standard tee and jeans ensemble. Every single time I think 'I'll find something else, stay away from the jeans', I tear my wardrobe apart and then pick up the first pair of jeans I find, a t-shirt and then I'm done. I'm probably the laziest style blogger in existence.

So, naturally, I'm trying to find more interesting ways to style our favourite go-to casual two-piece (they're basically a co-ord at this point, right?) for Spring/Summer, and challenging myself to make it all about the details and the accessories, that's the whole purpose of them, to liven you up a bit!

Granted, my love for blazers still hasn't died off (it's been years, Samantha, get over them!) so they're often the item I throw on to make my look a little less casual and a little more, Oh look who actually made an effort! Whether you throw on a blazer and some heels, a denim jacket and some flatform sandals, or a fedora and some Converse, work around the essentials and enjoy reinventing the straightforward trend.

White Tee & Black Jeans

I love the simplicity of this look, yet I felt so good in it. Whether is was the lovely soft tee or the strappy platform sandals I could clomp about in, it all felt effortless yet neat, perfect for a day of shopping followed by a night of cocktails. What more do you need from a spring/summer outfit?

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Top -  Daines Atelier (gifted) //  Jeans - Topshop (ASOS)  //  Jacket - Topshop (Old)  //  Shoes - Matalan (Old)  // Bag - H&M (Sold Out)  // Sunglasses - Marks & Spencer (Old - Similar / Similar)

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Sage Blazer & Statement Bag

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Top -  Topshop (ASOS) //  Jeans - Topshop (Old)  //  Jacket - Topshop (Old)  //  Shoes - New Look (Old / Similar)  // Bag - Next (Sold Out)  //  Necklace - ASOS

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If I can get away with a throwing a blazer on over my jeans, you just know I'll grab the opportunity with both hands and run off into the night with it. Stick on a chunky chain necklace, some strappy mules and a sage croc print statement bag, I'm ready to go just about anywhere. This versatile look is easy to recreate and another idea day-to-night outfit perfect for any occasion.

Belted Jacket & White Converse

This casual look has been pulled from my photo archives, but I still love it just as much as I did back then, and throw this on whenever I'm struggling to make an effort. I'm not usually a hat wearer but there's something about this look that makes me want to throw on a fedora and a rope bag, and play all day in the sun.

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Top -  New Look (Old - Similar / Similar)  //  Jeans - Topshop (Old)  //  Jacket - H&M (Old)  //  Shoes - Converse  // Bag - Topshop (Old)  //  Hat - H&M (Old)  //  Sunglasses - Marks & Spencer (Old - Similar / Similar)

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I hope you enjoyed this and found it useful, are there any looks or items you want to see me style for another How to Style post? Reach out to me on social media, or leave a comment below!

S xo

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5 RECENT FASHION/BEAUTY BUYS

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There's always that feeling I get when I buy new things. On the off-chance it doesn't immediately get put into a to-return pile - if it's something I'm really liking or loving on me - I start over-analysing how much I'm going to wear it, is it worth the money, can I justify it, is it a trend I'm buying into just because I think I should? The amount of stuff I return is mortifying, but how do you know unless you try it?

With that being said, I have managed to keep a few items I've purchased recently, and let me tell you - I'm ridiculously excited that I made a decision for once (or a whole FIVE times).

The items I've got on rotation at the moment are these little beauties - some were sale items, but I've linked a few similars too incase they're sold out.

ASOS BLUE HATTIE SANDALS

The shoes of my dreams. I'm swooning just *thinking* about them. I wholeheartedly blame Leonie Hanne or making me desire the shape of these, and as soon as I saw them, they went straight into my basket. The amount of times I try these on - just because - is ridiculous, I can't wait to give them a proper outing, I just hope I can actually walk in them outside of my bedroom, ha! Now I just need to talk myself out of the lilac ones...

MAC MEHR LIPSTICK

It's been a solid four years since my last MAC lippy purchase, and as much as I love them, it constantly comes back to can I justify it when I don't wear lipstick all that much? I'm so glad I didn't listen to myself that time and bought this, because it's my new fave. The colour is gorgeous and I think it actually really suits me (who'd have thought I'd pay myself a compliment, eh?). I think it may be time to work my way through my extensive lipstick wish list.

ASOS GOLD CHUNKY CHAIN

The first time I wore this, my mum said to me, “Should I start calling you Notorious BIG now?”. I can't say it impressed me greatly, but I really love what it adds to any outfit. I put it bag in the box to be returned about four times, until I countered with myself that with the discount I received on it, it was less than £5, so if I wore it just a couple of times, it'd be worth it. And although it's a piece that put me out of my comfort zone a little bit, I'm definitely embracing it!

M&S TRUCKER JACKETS

I can't believe I was lucky enough to pick both of these up in the M&S sale for just £11.50 each. I fully intended to keep just the one, but at that price, wouldn't it just be rude to part with one of them? They're the perfect light jacket to throw on on a warmer spring day, or layered with a long sleeved tee or light jumper for those chillier days. All I can say is #obsessed.

Alternatives; Dr Denim //  Marks & Spencer

TOPSHOP BLACK PADDED BAG

Despite only having this a few months, if I were to estimate my cost per wear with this item, I'm pretty sure this has paid or itself tenfold already. It's the most perfect bag for even those yoga pants and hoodie days, there's the perfect amount of space with a few compartments, and goes well with just about any outfit. Topshop really nailed it with this bag, and thankfully ASOS have restocked it - so for under £30, it's a bargain!

I'd love to know what items you guys are loving at the moment, so let me know in the comments or link me on social media!

S xo

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COSY AUTUMN

Autumn this year is something I’m actually quite enjoying, I’m not usually one for cold, drab and rainy weather, but with my birthday and Christmas being the only good things to look forward to, I’m Team Autumn this year. Cosy nights in with blankets, great central heating (I’ve never been so grateful for a new boiler), endless glasses of wine, slow cooker meals and probably more films than I know what to do with - sounds heavenly.

I might be struggling with my style during this time of year, 2020 fashion seems to be an uphill struggle for me anyway, so maybe I’ll spend the next 2 months wearing pj’s and oversized hoodies and bury my head in the sand (or puddles) until January - that’s what a style blogger does in times of need, right? But in all honesty, I really am struggling so I’m taking my style cues from Instagram, Pinterest and a few bloggers here and there to try to keep my spirits high and my inspiration and creative receptors well fed. Just because it’s autumn, it doesn’t mean it need to be all cream, beige and brown all day every day though does it? In fact, I'm still heavily into a multitude of shades of green, chunky black boots and a plethora of skirts in varied lengths - throw in a variety of coloured jackets and thats my Autumn uniform sorted.

My autumnal inspiration can definitely be found amongst the moodboard below.

Shop some of my current favourite items below!

What are your favourite autumn style/home decor/cosy trends that are keeping you going through the last portion of 2020?

S xo

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MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH COLLUSION JUMPERS

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Various shades of green and knit jumpers are my ultimate go-to in this stormy, rainy and godawful weather we're having right now. The vibrancy of the sweaters are making me feel more lively and starkly contrast with the doom and gloom of the ultra-grey skies (although I swear I saw the actual sun shining for about five minutes a couple of days ago so I think we may be on to a winner here!).

I purchased an eye-popping lime green jumper from Collusion a couple of months back, very unsure if it would ever see the light of day or just remain a beacon in the back of my wardrobe for the rest of time (or until ample enough time had passed that I could justify popping it up on eBay), but thankfully from it's first outing back in November, I've worn it numerous times since. 

So after a cheeky ASOS purchase last week that left me feeling very deflated about this Warehouse dress, I pulled this green Collusion jumper out of the bag after the other one fit me so comfortably and was the perfect go-to on my clothes rails. It turns out, I do need two of the same jumpers in different shades of green, who knew?

Amidst trying to plan my outfits for the coming week - yes, I forgot how hard it was to plan your packing for a music tour when you've got three cities in five days - I've been racking my brain for new ways to reinvent or reimagine ways of styling what's already in my wardrobe. A few days ago, I threw on a t-shirt and jeans for a day in the house of writing and planning and instantly felt miserable about how I looked, it felt so plain and boring. Now usually that's my instant fallback outfit when I can't find anything to wear, or when I'm not planning to leave the house, but I honestly hated it. I ran back upstairs to swap my t-shirt for a jumper, stuck a colourful hair clip in and popped on a little bit of make up, and I felt the bees-knees.

Now if the citrus orange one could please come back into stock then I'll be a very happy camper.

No, that's not a Glee make-up palette you see before you, you have no proof*

*lol jk, I hope this make up doesn't melt my face off with how old it is.

S xo

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JUST BECAUSE I STUDY FASHION IT DOESN'T MEAN...

I’m a girly girl

If anything, my style is very mixed, some days it's band shirts, ripped jeans and Vans, the next it's feminine dresses and heeled sandals, with a lot of mixed grey area in between. It's fun and I don't dare describe my style these days because I don't know what it is (although right now it's 'Whatever's comfortable and will make me push on with the final weeks of uni').

The exciting thing about fashion is that it's given me the freedom to be a few different people, studying it isn't just for the feminine folk, it's for anyone and everyone who sees past the stereotype, works hard and wants to enjoy the industry as a whole.

When I was beginning to really enjoy fashion, I still felt confused and unsure whether I could fit in when I different interests. I like alternative music, I'm still finding my feel with beauty products and I didn't spend every wage packet on something designer. But then I found Victoria Magrath from INTHEFROW, she looks like a super girly girl, but she has tattoos and loves pop-punk and much as I. We're not all we appear to be on the surface and it shows there's room for everyone

I’m stuck up

Those who work in fashion often are stereotyped as a stuck up, snooty bunch who turn their noses up at those who aren’t wearing the latest trends or aren’t all that interested in fashion as a whole. And yeah, for some that may be completely true, but for most it’s rubbish - complete and utter rubbish. We’re normal people trying to make our way in an industry we love. 

I’m one of the most down to earth and chill people you could wish to meet, there’s no superior air with me, because we’re all the same and I don’t have time for those who think otherwise.

If anything, we embrace all fashions and individuality, because what’s not to embrace about that? Without a tonne of tastes to cater to, fashion wouldn’t be what it is today. 

Not everyone is like you see in The Devil Wears Prada.

I’m superficial

It’s true, fashion and being ‘trendy’ isn’t the be all and end all of life, and I’m not claiming it is. I can look beyond the industry and I know that there’s more to it that just pretty clothes.

On the outside we all may seem shallow, it’s understandable why some may think that, but there’s more to it - and us - than that. We know the importance of clothing on the world, we all wear it, and there’s really no getting around it. 

Miranda really had a valid point when she dumbed down fashion for Andy.

I don’t dress to ‘fit in’ (even if I do actually fit in by being a basic bitch), I dress in what I like, what interests me, what expresses me and my mood on a particular day, because dressing like a carbon copy of every other student in my age range is not my kinda thing. But good for you if it is! 

A few years back I wrote about how important shoes can be on a persons life, and particularly to me, and it still very much stands.

I’m skinny

This one is more of an obvious one, for those who have seen me (and seriously, there’s a tonne of picture in this post to prove my point) you’ll know I’m no Slim Jim. Yeah, common misconceptions say that if you’re into fashion, you’re mostly all of the above and you’re a slender, tall and beautiful woman. Well, firstly, if you’re thinking everyone but a tonne of designers and models are women, then you’re very mistaken. Secondly, the whole skinny thing isn’t true. At all.

The fact of matter is this, the industry professionals we’re usually exposed to are models, influencers and socialites that have the slimmest of figures and sporting the big name designers (or more commonly, the up and coming ones), so that way of thinking is justified…just about.

I’ll be honest and hold my hand up to say that once upon a time I thought that too, in fact I thought all of the above points, but once you start looking at all of the roles in the industry and how multi-directional it is, you’ll be quick to change around your way of thinking. The marketeers, writers, graphic designers, stylists, photographers, students, event co-ordinators etc aren’t all a UK size 2, working in their Dior gowns and barking at people. 

The ultimate point I’m trying to make throughout all of this stress and indignance, whilst trying to quell the stereotypes and the disregard at those pursuing careers in the fashion industry, is that they’re people just like you. Most of them look like you, eat like you, breathe like you and go about their business like you, some of them may have a different lifestyle to you but we’re all just the same and the industry is full of normal people just like any other normal industry and from all backgrounds and walks of life.

There’s a tonne of stereotypes for fashion workers, or those studying one of its many facets, but don’t take them on face value because most of them are a bunch of lame, and cranky, BS. Maybe I feel more passionately about this than I first thought, but hearing the same old-same old rubbish that people spout about us lot? B-O-R-I-N-G.

One thing that I’ve noticed from the fashion department at my uni though is everyone listens to bloody awful music. That’s my one fashion stereotype.

What do you think about all of this? Are you prone to thinking in stereotypes? Do you agree or disagree with what I've said? I'd love to her your feedback.

S xo

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