To trend or not to trend?

 Hello, happy Sunday. 

I seem to have made a habit of starting blog posts with ‘it’s been a while…’ and here we are again. I don’t know about you, but life seems to be going simultaneously fast and slow these days - how we are in July (??!) is something that baffles me on a daily basis. Along with political decision making, rich people going into space and the England boys making it to the final of the Euros (It’s coming home lads!). 

Anyway, my constant confusion aside, I have sought a lot of solace over the past few months experimenting, namely through the medium of clothes. If this blog hasn’t already made it clear to you, clothes have always been something I’ve got a lot of enjoyment from. That might seem bizarre to type out loud, but as someone that loves to flit between aesthetics and has her mood boosted by a quick #ootd change, using clothes to become something totally different has always been a source of joy for me. Also less messy than dyeing my own hair. 

I’ve also been reflecting on my sources of inspiration, and how they’ve changed fashion-wise over the years. Anyone who was on Tumblr in the 2000s - 2010s will recall the onslaught of content we were fed; amidst memes and Lana Del Rey lyrics, ombre galaxy sweatshirts and Jeffrey Campbell litas were the talk of my dashboard. Honorable mention for disco pants. 

As Instagram and more recently, Tik Tok have quickly become the social media platforms of choice for fashion inspiration, it’s been interesting to watch trends emerge and fizzle out, often just as fast. That coveted item that was all over your feed one minute becomes old news the next. So what’s driving this constant clothing conveyor belt? Beyond being deeply flawed in a multitude of ways, fast fashion companies are adding fuel to the fire of over consumption and shortening the life cycles of trends that they create. The ones that show up on your news feed again and again and again and again. Just bought that new graphic mini dress? That’s so five minutes ago. Here’s an ad for this one instead. 

So what’s my point here you ask? Apart from being pissed at fast fashion companies that can’t pay their workers a fair wage, I guess this is just a little nudge to look beyond the trends. OK, believe me as someone who is v. partial to a trend or two, I know how tricky this can be, but once you start finding inspiration from sources other than the explore page, it can become a heck of a lot easier. Depop/Ebay/Vinted are a great place to start. Plus without the pressure of keeping up with the literal Kardashians, you begin to find a freedom in putting what you actually want to wear on your body. And after all, what could be better than that? 

Anyway, talking of putting what you want to wear on your body, I’ve included some of my recent ~summery~ looks below - which is your fave?

Shirt - Depop, originally River Island

Skirt - Depop, originally Motel Rocks

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Ebay

Shirt - Depop, originally Vogue

Bralet - Depop, originally Boohoo

Jeans - Primark

Shoes - Lilley’s 

Bag - Xmas gift

Blazer - Depop

Top - Depop, originally Boohoo

Jeans - Depop, originally Primark

Shoes - Asos

Bag  - Ebay

Top - Depop, originally Zara

Trousers - Depop, originally Topshop

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Ebay

Shirt - Depop, originally Boohoo

Bodysuit - Depop, originally Missguided

Jeans - Primark

Shoes - Lilley’s

Bag - Xmas gift

Shirt - Ebay, originally H&M

Bralet - Depop, originally Boohoo

Trousers - Depop, originally Pretty Little Thing

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Ebay

Blazer - Depop, originally Topshop

Shorts - Depop, originally Asos

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Ebay

Blazer - H&M

Jeans - Depop, originally Primark

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Ebay

Shirt - Depop, originally Boohoo

Jeans - Depop, originally Primark

Shoes - Asos

Bag - Xmas gift

Back to basics

top and blazer - vintage c/o Depop
jeans - Stradivarius
belt - Primark
necklaces - Neck on the Line
earrings and ear cuffs - ebay

Following on from the surrealness of my last post, I thought it best to inject a little normality back into my life - namely through an outfit post.

This look is an absolute go-to for me. Black roll neck and black jeans are such a great base to layer up with any jacket/shoe/jewellery combo. No one need know that you spent three hours on the verge of tears screaming at your wardrobe 'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR'. Nope, not a soul.

Plus, it low-key make me look like I'm part of a drama group in a 90's American high school which I am so on board with. Just pass me my cigarette, beret and we can go through my lines, or like, whatever.

What's your go-to outfit?

xxx

photos by the fab mhquin

In search of sunshine

shirt & bag - vintage

jeans - Zara

shoes - eBay

jumper - Depop

jeans & bag - Zara

shoes - Lightinthebox

top - H&M

shorts - Levi's

blazer - Peacocks

boots - eBay

These looks are actually from last summer, back when I was trialling different outfits for festivals and holidays. Whilst part of me adores mixing prints and clashing colours - particularly me circa 2015 - there's something so effortless about about a monochrome look. As well as being streamlined and simple, they also provide the perfect canvas to dress up and down depending on the occasion. I would not, however, advise wearing an all-white ensemble to a festival. Especially if you don't want to be attacked by the muddied boots of the girl atop someone's shoulders whilst watching Frank Ocean.

Do you like monochrome outfits?

xxx

Abigail's party

jumper - Popjulia

coat - Stylewe

trousers & shoes - Primark

jewellery - Depop and H&M

bag - Kadell

Unable to quite believe that another year is almost up. Whilst we're currently in that in-between leftover mince pies and wrapping paper under the sofa stage, last minute resolutions, excessive champagne and existential crises will soon  be on the cards.

It's been a whirlwind and a half, that's for sure, but what's next? At least, that's the question we're so often asked.

And the New Year is certainly no different. Whether you're at a civilised family affair or sticky floored bar, questions tend to circle like vultures and the air suddenly turns sour. 

Rather than focusing on the present, the topic of conversation shifts to the future - to expectations and plans for what's to come.

Of course, it's never a bad thing to think about the future and set out ambitions for the year ahead. But when it gets to the point where anticipation for what's next takes over enjoyment of the here and now, it's questionable how beneficial it really is.

In short, I'm hoping for 2018 to bring more time with my favourite people, another New York trip and of course, more clothes. But, in the mean time, I'm going to spend some time enjoying this hot chocolate and back of the bread bin mince pie. 

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season.

xxx

Click your heels

 

top - ebay

trousers and jacket - H&M

boots - Lightinthebox

dress - Missguided

bag - Depop

shoes - Lightinthebox

It's funny how a change of shoes can change how you feel. How finding a new pair of shoes on your doormat can lift your mood, and your heels off the floor. 

 (Eat your heart out Dorothy.)

Whilst the rest of your outfit might look dull, that pointed toe or flash of red can be that finishing touch and somehow make everything that little bit more put together.

And I am so in need of anything that helps me look 'put together'. Thank god for Lightinthebox.

What's your favourite pair of shoes?

xxx

I know the sound of your heart

jumper - Primark

skirt - Stylewe

shoes - Primark

bag - Gamiss

A simple ootd with some old favourites and new ones. 

Although going bare legged is probably not the best idea at the moment, this is the outfit I would very much like to wear. I am so guilty of putting together hypothetical looks for my hypothetical life; this one would be casual brunch on a sunny day in NYC.

Please reassure me that you also do that from time to time..

I saw this jumper on the lovely Olivia  and was instantly infatuated. 

From the neckline to the soft grey tone, I knew I had to find it. And I did - on Depop. However, I was so keen to get it, I ended up purchasing it twice. You know when you're awoken by a buzz on your phone and, half asleep, you end up clicking 'buy' like the consumerist zombie you almost definitely are? 

Anyway, now it's up for sale on my Depop, which you should definitely visit - mainly so I can buy more things I certainly don't need.

Have you used Depop?

P.s. Is the faux bob still a thing?

xxx

Cupid Deluxe

shirt - Armani c/o Depop
t shirt - Streetshirts
shorts - Rosegal
boots - New Look c/o Depop
hat - Missguided
necklaces - ebay
bag - vintage

Sadly 2015 was a year without standing in a muddy field, in drizzling weather, overpriced drink in hand and singing tunelessly along with a song I actually know the words to. I vowed not to make this mistake again. 

Despite not managing to get Glasto tickets, upon discovering my literal all time fave act Blood Orange was performing in the UK, I knew this would be the ideal alternative. You know the type of music you listen to and it's like 'this is it, I've found it'. Yep, that. The best bit is that the only other person who had heard of them was the very person I'd befriended on the first day of uni. So naturally, I'm dragging him along too.

This is the (potential and weather permitting) ensemble I intend on wearing. White might not be the ideal choice, but as it's only a day event, I'm hoping too much Vanish won't be required.

Are you a festival fan?

xxx