With the leopard print trend in full swing, I own one leopard print dress, and it’s not a proper dress it’s one of those flimsy maxi dresses that H&M have in their basic section I bought a while ago.

When a trend comes and bites you in the face like the leopard print, it is everywhere! It is a hard print to pull off, you don’t want to end up looking cheap, or even worse like Pat Butcher from Eastenders. The print speaks volumes, it’s ‘hey I’m here, and I’m coming to get ya’ or ‘ move out of my way, I’m coming through’. It’s bolshy, it’s confidence, it’s fierce.

There are only a few people that can pull off a full leopard print outfit;

Debbie harry,

Kendal Jenner, in her slip and jacket teamed with black boots.

or Lady Gaga rocking a Gareth Pugh with exaggerated shoulders, arms, everything.

Not sure we are not cool enough to pull this off so aim for a touch of leopard print. A scarf, or some ankle boots. Go further and get a maxi dress like the one in the shop section from Zara or team a shirt with some skinny jeans. Grrrrrrr…

Who else is getting fed up with wearing white trainers with everything? I have practically worn them from spring, with almost all my outfits, including the pretty dresses.

The trend was wonderful but it’s time to hang up the trainers and go back to wearing shoes. I’ve actually slightly got accustomed to the comfort so much that I wore my ankle boots to work and my god I’ve forgotten how to walk.

People now wear trainers/sneakers more for fashion than doing sport, fashionista’s were rocking their Stan Smiths with their Stella dresses, or those platform 90’s block trainers that the youth are wearing with their crop tops.

I wore trainers as a last option until this year where it’s now been a go to for my entire wardrobe.

It’s going to be difficult to transition back to shoes but I feel it’s time.

I am one of those people who for some reason has never been a big water drinker. I’m not really a fan of fizzy drinks or fruit juice, I am just obsessed with tea and coffee. However, eventually your body will cry out from the pressures of the lack of water. I usually have 500ml a day on average – and decided with my aching joints and fatigue I needed to change.

Did you know;  Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate your joints.

I started drinking 500ml more a day, and I didn’t particularly notice much difference, after a week I increased it to 1.5litres and day and noticed a significant difference to my overall health. I started substituting my caffeine drinks to water, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to hit my target. I felt like superwoman. I was less cranky, I woke up with alot more energy, it was quite shocking that for all these years I woke up so sluggish and instantly went for a coffee. I started placing a bottle of water or glass on my beside table to up my target, I know, obsessed.

Get on the water people…preferably in a reusable.

Oh it’s that dreaded time of year again, the changing of the season. Mornings are dark and colder and you just want to keep cosy.

This also means updating your wardrobe, well I despair because I only do spring and summer, yes, I am aware I live in England but I’ll never get used to this. So, on repeat this is when I start shopping for some updated autumn/winter pieces and end up being in a changing room somewhere seething at the ridiculousness of the jumpers and cardigans that are out this year. I have sussed it out and I’ve realised I find it difficult to style, when you have 4 layers on, bulky boots, tights, a hat, scarf and trying to deal with the fact it’s so cold you actually couldn’t give 2 hoots what you are wearing, you just want to be warm.

Summer attire is by far so much easier, sandals, a dress, some cool sunnies and you are winning. Give me summer over winter any day.

With the weather turning hot again, I know having my hair down is an absolute no. Your hair has to be out of your face and preferably as tight as possible, otherwise it makes you feel even hotter and there is nothing more annoying than a sweaty neck.

I found some inspiring hairstyles that will keep you cool in the summer. Tie it tightly with a scarf, put it in bunches, or up high in a half bun. You can even find that sweatband you wear to the gym and use it to create a cute style that compliments work or play. Perfect, bring on the sunshine.

Source of images; Vogue UK, Elle UK, L’Oreal official.

I have been one of those people who is rarely late for anything, meeting friends, interviews, trains, flights, you name it. However I think I’ve sacrificed looking my best. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think anyone aims to be high maintenance, well at least I hope not but I think I might considerate this. Are you like me? It doesn’t take you long to put your make-up on and get ready, but when you step out the door and you happen to catch your reflection, you think oh my word! It’s like a cycle of pure dissatisfaction. I mean my main moan is my hair, an absolute effort. For make-up it takes me 5 mins and just have the standard black eyeliner and mascara if I can be bothered. People sitting there contouring and owning a suitcase or drawers full of make up.

How does someone like that change you ask? well, with great difficulty. I am baffled to know how these women do it, I worked with a lovely girl once who took many trips to the toilet, not because she had bowel problems, but to check her face. I mean that takes a lot of commitment, commitment that may waver for me. It’s so time consuming but dedicating some time to look your best can’t be a bad thing. Just think how much time you waste scrolling Instagram, that time can be used to buff up your nails, give your feet a soak, blow dry your hair, you get the gist.

If I weigh up the option of the amount of work I have to put in to look good, and the dissatisfaction of looking at my reflection – a change is needed, because if it plays on your mind that much then it must be a positive thing to do it.

I am not talking fake nails, hair extensions, kind of high maintenance. I am talking about looking after yourself. So for example, manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, facials etc. Time is the biggest factor here, juggling a part time job along with my 3 year old. It’s time to sort it out, somehow.

I had the pleasure of attending a press day for ‘ A life in pattern ‘ by Orla Kiely exhibit at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London and I have to admit it was one of my favourites.

Orla Kiely ( pronounced Kylie ) completed her textile degree in her home country Ireland and later moved to London to complete her masters at the Royal College of Art, for her final show she displayed a range of hats which were purchased by harrods. She also designed for M&S and Habitat. Orla started designing handbags after her father pointed out to her that everyone had a handbag and not everyone wore a hat! Together with her husband they formed the Orla Kiely partnership. 

Today she holds a studio in Pimlico, her designs range from apparel, shoes, homewares, accessories, and of course bags. She is among the most influential designers and is inspired by the 60’s and 70’s.

She stated: ‘I sometimes think that my brain works in repeat, I love the order and repetition, and how anything and everything can be patterned in this way, as if you are looking at the world through a prism or kaleidoscope. It is something that is very beautiful and inspiring to me’  Quote from A life in Pattern.

The exhibition runs until 23rd September 2018, it is worth a view, showcasing an intimate story of her life, you will fall in love.

 

(Far top left) The Kooples, Polka dot dress – £265
(Middle left ) Asos, Polka dot purse – £6
(Bottom left ) Zara, Bermuda shorts – £25.99
(Top Middle ) Urban Outfitters, polka dot dress – £56
(Bottom middle) Zara, Polka dot city bag – £29.99
(Right) Mango, Fringe detail polka dot skirt – £49.99

 

Anyone else have the ‘chair’ the place where they pile a mountain of clothes that’s not yet ready for a wash? Yes, that’ll be me. I have found a solution to this problem, purchase yourself a decent size basket and fold the clothes in here. Genius right? So far, so good. Click on my image for a link to basket heaven at H&M.

Sandals – Topshop (old )

Basket – H&M Home £17.99

Scarf – David & David (old )

Push that hair back with this gorgeous headband from Zara. At £7.99 give your look a little pop of colour.

I couldn’t find the exact one online but click on my image and it will take you to some others in variations of colours.

Happy shopping!

When I heard the cowboy trend was IN did anyone else shout Yee Haa? ok, just me then. I have always been obsessed with being a cowgirl I have a vivid memory of having a pale blue dress with white fringing on the front when I was 8 or 9. I own a pair of vintage cowboy boots I bought a while ago, this might be the right time to dust off the cobwebs.

I have collated a few things I have seen online, look at the boots at the top from Free People, they are gorgeous. Keep in mind not to wear all items cowboy/girl together, otherwise you will look like you are in fancy dress. Keep it to one item and pair with classic pieces to compliment your outfit.