Parklife 2018: Saturday Picks

Hello, Hello. 

So if you haven't gathered already, I am attending Parklife for the full weekend in just over a week! Honestly, I am so excited and so I thought there no better time to talk through my top artist picks from each day, and why I think they are worth seeing. So today is Saturday, and hopefully by the end of this week I will have Sunday's up as well. Even if you're not attending the festival, these picks are all still worth a listen, if you haven't done so before.  So without further ado let's get cracking into the Saturday! The artist's will not be in order of when they are performing, or in order of favour. Just a list of artists that deserve to be seen (in my eyes!) Oh also, if any of these artists clash I am preparing myself for a mental breakdown.

A$AP ROCKY 

Genre: Rap / Hip Hop 

Mood: Hype, Intense, Explosive

Of all the artists performing this weekend, I think I am most excited about is A$AP. A few years ago I wouldn't of even been bothered, but in later years especially with MOB & Tyler collaborations I have become obsessed. His new highly anticipated album is fire, and I think he is going to put on such a good show. I feel like every year they pull out some of the best American Hip Hop artists, especially with last year being graced by the one and only Frank Ocean. 100% not one to be missed if you are a fan of rap music, or just want too see a very lively performance.  

Some of my favourite tracks are,  Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2), Back Home, 1Train, A$AP Forever REMIX, Hun43rd (pretty much all of his new album). 

THE XX

Genre: Indie Pop 

Mood: Chilled, atmospheric. uplifting, euphoric, happy 

Headlining on the main stage, this performance is going to be magical. I can just picture it now as being one of those super memorable festival moments that stay in your heart forever. I have loved them since the first album and the release of Basic Space. They are just such an incredible cohesive band, I actually missed out and getting tickets for their tour so I am super stoked about these as well. I won't lie, they are not a band I listen too as much as I used too, but I have wanted to see them live since the release of their first album, so what better way to do so.

Some of my favourite tracks are Shelter, Crystallised, Dangerous, Islands and Dangerous.

SAMPHA 

Genre: Electronic Hip Hop / Soul 

Mood: Chilled, atmospheric, soulful, emotional

One of my most played artists this year, and such an absolutely incredible voice. I actually stumbled across him last year at Parklife and fell HARD, we'd walked away from Rag 'n' Bone man, as he just wasn't our cuppa tea, and found Sampha with a crowd overflowing the tent. This year he has made his was too the main stage, and I think he is going to be incredible. His voice is so soulful and powerful, and sounds even better live. I know this one will be a spiritual one, I just cannot miss out on the opportunity to see him live again now that my love for him has grown so much more.

Some of my favourite tracks are Close but not Quite, Blood on Me, Plastic 100'C, Timmy's Prayer, Incomplete Kisses. 

BICEP

Genre: Electronic Dance

Mood: Euphoric, Energetic, Uplifting, Intense 

Electronic Dance music duo that merge together all types of styles to create some incredible music. It's euphoric, uplifting and out of body. The switch up in their songs, and the build up is so intense but also so freeing. I can't wait too be a part of the crowd for their set, I can just tell the vibe is going to be spot on and exactly what festivals are about. I know this is a big switch up from my other recommendations above, but that's my music taste for ya! 

Some of my favourite tracks are Rain, Aura, Glue. Opal. 

MARIBOU STATE

Genre: Electronic Dance 

Mood: Euphoric, Soulful, Atmospheric, Uplifting

Another Electronic Dance Duo but a lot more chilled out than Bicep. They combine incredible instrumentals, with atmospheric beats to create some extremely beautifully eclectic music. On some of my favourite tracks they also feature some of the most beautiful soulful vocals(Holly Walker), and this combination I think will sound so beautiful live, and the atmosphere will be so wholesome. I discovered these at University and they helped me through some super rough patches, so they have actually had a very positive impact on my life. This one will probably be an emotional one, but happy tears not sad ones. 

Some of my favourite tracks are Midas, Turnmills, Steal, Breathe. 

Honorable mentions (people who I also would like too see): Levelz, Bugzy Malone, Giggs, Tom Misch, Casisdead, Earl Sweatshirt,  Mella Dee, Solardo, Friction.

XOXO, EMMA 

Psychedelic Princess | Festival Series Part 2

Hello, Hello!

So with festival season vastly approaching, I would say it officially starts in the U.K. this bank holiday weekend (also my birthday!) With Radio One's Biggest Weekend & Slam Dunk. So I thought today in the second instalment of my festival series I would bring to you these two outfits and my concept focus, and ultimately (subject to change of course) what I'm going to be wearing to Parklife in just under 3 weeks. Actually on the subject of Parklife, I will also being doing a post on who I want too see perform / my top picks, so keep an eye out on the blog for that if it's something you're interested in. Also let me know in the comments if you're going to Parklife or any other festivals this year! I would love to know where you'll all be groovin' at. 

For me, one of the greatest things about festivals is the freedom of expression, and the opportunity to let your creative juices flow and get lost in the fantasy. Since I am only attending one festival this year, and with the stressful year I've had I really want to put my all into it. I've always had fun with festival fashion in the past, but I have never been brave enough to go as boldly as I wanted too. Also, while i was at university festivals didn't seem as exciting or important, they were just another party like all of university was. However, now that I live an adult life and work full time my lifestyle is completely different. So for me now this full weekend of freedom, music, partying and happiness is so much more important and special to me. There is nothing like that absolutely liberating feeling of freedom, and I think after all the responsibility I have taken on since university I really can't wait for it.

So, onto my concept and my outfit styling in this post. My overall theme, as the title suggests is psychedelic princess. I really wanted to go for heavily printed hippie / psychedelic vibe. Think The Yellow Submarine by The Beatles meets Rave Queen.  I really wanted to try and keep these looks cohesive and stick to my theme and I think I did so with the use of print, both the main features of these looks have heavily psychedelic and bold patterns. I couldn't believe my luck when I picked up this little two piece set for 50p! The bold colourful print and the fit of it is perfect, because I feel secure but I also look super sassy and like a little festival queen! I love how cheeky the bottoms are, they show my lil peaches so nicely. I feel like just on it's own it would just look like an abstract bikini, however teaming it with yellow tinted glasses, a pair of red fishnet tights, my super chunky platform shoes, the cute little denim backpack and finally the cowboy hat the look really comes together. Accessories in my day to day life is something that I always overlook, however I think they are essential with festival fashion. I mean who can deny the power that the flower crown has had on the festival scene? For me I am all about hats! From this fabulous Cowboy Hat to my Psychedelic retro cap in my next look, I just really thing they elevate the look and add more interest. Also, the sunglasses may add another cool retro vibe to the look, but they are actually super practical! You are protecting those little eyes from the UV ray exposure you will be getting all day from partying in the sun (this also marks as a reminder to always wear sunscreen!).  I decided to also show you this look with a little jacket over the top that would be perfect in the evenings, this will roll up really small into the bottom of your bag on you're good to go! Because there is nothing worse than getting cold once the sun has gone down. 

I think something super important to note about festival fashion is that a lot of the style is very "dress up" so a lot of the items you can pick up super cheap at charity shops and carboots. When it comes down to accessories, you cannot go wrong with Poundland! The cheap and tacky hen-do type accessories like this cowboy hat and feather boa's etc. are perfect! You'll look like festival queen, and will have only spent a few quid. Like the cowboy hat, these little fishnet gloves came from a fancy dress shop in the 90's rave section, they were also only £2.99! It really is worth checking out places where you wouldn't think of shopping as you really can pick up some perfect festival styling pieces. 

My second look is I suppose less dramatic, but still as bold and colourful. Actually, this two outfits would be perfect for anyone camping at a festival because they would take up no room at all! The second look is just this super funky psychedelic paisley print halterneck layered over the same little bottoms from the previous one, with the same tights, glasses and gloves. This top was the item that inspired my creativity and what made me come up with the psychedelic princess theme. I love the low neckline so that I can have a glitter chest - and I think I'm going to get a gem piece to put there too. I just think the boldness and playfulness of the print is super fun, and the fit is really feminine and girly which makes it pretty flirtatious. I feel like I just want to twirl around and dance my little heart out in this outfit, it makes me feel so pretty! I feel like If I was a princess in a distant yellow submarine land, this is how I would look all the time. I had a hat change for this look, to a very retro 60's hat with even more groovy psychedelic prints on it! This look really plays more on the traditional 60's hippie style, and I love it! I feel like a modern day Flower Child in this look, I'll be living out my WoodStock fantasies in this for sure. As well as a hat change, I also changed bags to this cute fluffy zebra print backpack. I kept both the bags as backpacks as I think they are just the most practical bag for festivals, just chuck everything in you need, throw it on your back and you're good to go! I hate ever having to carry a bag, I like to feel liberated and hands-free so for me a backpack is perfect. Obviously the iconic bumbag would work fine, however I can just about roll up a little jacket / shirt into one of these lil backpacks so I've got something to put on once it gets cooler as mentioned above. 

Obviously these looks and this sort of vibe is not for everyone, and you can take from this what you will. I personally think festival fashion should just be your own style just amplified, for me that means mad colour, pattern play and cute kitsh accessories - because that's who I am as a person.  There is no better time to experiment with fashion then at a festival, but only ever wear something that you feel comfortable in. These looks and posts are just here to inspire and to show that there are no boundaries to festival fashion, and the limit to expressiveness is endless! I hope some of you are inspired by this look, but are more so inspired to just be yourself and have fun! Life is too short to be taken too seriously, so get out the glitter and let's all get funky. 

XO,XO. EMMA 

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Thrifting & Styling Street Wear Trends

Hello, Hello. 

So while I was scrolling through Vogue's homepage the other day, I came across an article on the latest street-wear trend, animal print (original article here).  It listed many of ways for you to incorporate it into your everyday style, from outerwear to handbags. I recently picked up this snakeskin printed shirt at the charity shop, I thought why not bring the two together. Deciding to delve into more of there "How to Shop The Street Style" articles I came across one on Trench Coats (original article here), this was a match made in fashion heaven as alongside my new animal print piece I picked up the most gorgeous Orange Trench Coat, and they just so happen to go together perfectly - ah, the fashion Gods are with me! So today I am going to be talking you through my two new current thrift favourites, which just so happen to be incorporating two of the most popular street wear trends at the moment - what a bonus!  

Animal print is something I have been on and off with for years, I was never really much of a fan because I thought It looked "cheap" and "tacky", however nowadays the "tacky" aesthetic is one that I go for quite a lot. Never the less back in the day I was a lot more self conscious of what people thought, so I always steered clear from it (apart from my faux fur leopard print coat, which I loved). Now that my style has evolved much more, and I am more into prints and playfulness I am fully here for the trend. I have a few pieces in my wardrobe, one of my all time favourites is my Spice Girls esque. Jumpsuit which I have done a blog post on before which you can catch here if you are interested. However I think the classic button down shirt is one of the easiest ways to try out the trend for yourself, and see if you like it. You can easily pick up an item like this for a couple of £'s in your local charity shop, and I think with "trendier" items there is no better way to shop. This is simply because if you are uncertain on it, if you'll wear it, or if the trend dies down quickly you haven't wasted too much money and it doesn't feel as bad. This piece is a grey semi-sheer snakeskin printed shirt, I liked that it was a snakeskin pattern as its a nice variant on the more typical cheetah / leopard print which we see more commonly. (High on my list is to find some incredible cow print and zebra print items, I've got my fingers crossed that I find some funky items soon!) The fit is very classic, meaning that it could be styled a multitude of ways and I think that is one of the things that drew me too it. I also knew that it would look amazing with my pink snakeskin belt to make more of a statement, which is what I envisioned as soon as I picked it out. I think with thrifing, one of the most important things when you are picking out items is if you can picture them working with pieces you already have in your wardrobe, this way you know if you are going to wear it / be able to style the item.  

Now for the second Street Wear Trend, and for me the showstopper of this look - my orange trench coat. Arguably, unlike the shirt these are a lot harder to come by especially in this colour - but your standard light tan / sand colour can easily be found. With it being such a timeless piece that comes around every year you can always find one in your local charity shop, its as easy as finding a denim jacket. However I could not believe my eyes when I found this, I had been eyeing up the trend but I just wasn't sold on the classic light tan colour, and  I had never seen a bold colourful one (well not in my price range), until I found this. Due to this not being my typical style, I am more into sporty and vintage / retro style outerwear, I would never buy an item like this new. I wouldn't be able to guarantee that I would wear the item enough as it does not fit into my more urban street-wear / casual vibe. However I love the item, and it is making me try new things with my style and go down a different more chic road. It has such a timeless shape and style but the bold orange gives it that uniqueness to keep it more fitting to my style, and it makes for such an amazing statement item. It can be styled and worn a multitude of ways, but it such a perfect transitional piece to have in your wardrobe, especially with living in England where we have the most unpredictable weather. 

Today I decided to go for a quite chic city-esque look, I styled my shirt tucked into my knee length high waisted mom-style shorts with my trench coat over the top. Denim shorts aren't usually my thing, as I have pretty chunky thighs and I just find them uncomfortable, but because of the length of these I find them super flattering and I think they give off a very chic vibe. They are also a more elevated / classier take on my much loved cycle shorts which are my current wardrobe go too. These are actually cut off Levi 501's made into shorts, which is a nifty little trick incase you wanted to D.I.Y a pair yourself! I love the slight distressing and the more classic blue denim wash, I think teamed with the shirt it made for a really cool unique look, and added a masculine touch to the more feminine shirt. Playing around with androgyny is something I really enjoy, as I love the contrast between feminine delicate cuts and styles and harsh industrial masculine style. A very popular example would be the pretty floral dress teamed with Dr Marten boots. The vibe of this outfit isn't one that I usually gravitate towards but I felt fantastic in it, I had serious GIRL BOSS vibes and felt like I could take on the world! Isn't that the most beautiful thing about fashion? The feeling of empowerment. 

So, now for the little details. As mentioned above, I added another snakeskin touch with this pink belt. I love the added statement, and the extra dimension it gives the look. It ties in, but also contrasts the shirt really well and makes the look feel more thought out and pieced together. For shoes I decided to rock my platform Jeffrey Campbell sandals, they give me a bit of high but also make the look more smart as they are a more formal shoe. Also side note, can you believe I picked these up for the mere £2 at a carboot?! Absolute steel. Probably my current favourite of the accessories has to be my striped straw bag, I LOVE this piece. Straw bags are so on trend at the minute and can be found in every high street retailer, but are also super common in the charity shops too! I guarantee that I will spot a variation on the bag at least once in almost every shop I go too. I think the uniqueness of the square shape and striped detail is what drew me to this bag, as it makes a change to the usual round or oversized bags which have saturated the market. Also, the orange stripe ties in perfectly with my orange coats and ties the whole look together. The devil is in the details with this look for sure. To finish off I just chucked on my trusty baker boy cap (mostly to hide my atrocious roots), a pair of funky earings (because I never wear jewellery and I'm trying to branch out) and that is the full look.

I really enjoyed dressing up in a more chic classic look, it is always fun to switch up your style and try something different. My style has no aesthetic, it changes day to day depending on my mood. For me it would be a waste to stick to one aesthetic, because they're are so many styles and trends that I love. I think its super important to not feel pressured to stick too one thing, into such a small box when there is so much out there for you to experience. You never know till you try!

XOXO, EMMA 

What I Wore to Florence & The Machine (& Dressing for Yourself!)

Hello, Hello.

So, If I was to name the artist who most inspires me, saved me and taught me so much about myself then it would be Florence & The Machine. Their music awakens something in me that nothing else ever has, it is such a spiritual experience that I feel so lucky to even be able to experience. This bank holiday weekend just gone, for some miraculous reason the stars aligned and they did a gig in my HOME TOWN of SCUNTHORPE (of all places!), and I managed to get myself a ticket. I don't know what possessed her to come to this town, all I can put it down to is fate and a pull of similar spirits wanting to be brought together. If you didn't know Scunthorpe is a town with a very bad reputation, and the location where they played was very small and intimate. It is the sort of venue that you expect bands and artist's to play early on in their career, not when they are this well know on a global scale. These sorts of venues are the  best places to see someone perform, because it feels so much more personal and you connect with them on a whole new level. I was standing as well, and I knew this is probably the closest I will ever get to my idol, and I honestly cannot even explain how much this meant to me.

The word of the street is that because she hasn't toured in a long time and she has her supporting show to The Rolling Stones in London, she was doing these small intimate gigs as warm ups for her up and coming festivals and The Stones in London. She played a mixture of songs, from all three albums, and she performed some never before heard songs from her new album High as Hope, and oh my god they were magical - I cannot wait for that album to drop, and for (hopefully) the tour she is going to do alongside it. This was hands down the best performance I have ever seen life, the vocals alongside the band in harmony is like nothing else on this planet. The crowd was sort of annoying, I am OVER the whole videoing and taking photos it actually infuriates me. It takes so much away from the whole experience, how can you fully immerse yourself in the experience if you are watching it through your phone? URG, that is a story for a whole other post because I could rant about it all day. I just went into my own little bubble, ignored the crowd around me and focused on the band, and I completely lost myself in a truly freeing, spiritual experience that felt like all my stress was lifted from me. One song that will stick with me forever is the performance of Mother. This is my favourite Florence song, and easily one of my favourite songs of all time. The fact that she decided to choose that song and perform it over some of her other songs, touched me in such a beautiful way. I don't think I have ever felt more spiritually connected with someone, than I did to Florence Welch in that performance. I don't have any more words to describe it than out of body.

I thought while I was here i would talk you through my outfit and how I will always stay true to myself no matter what. As some or most of you may know Florence Welch is known for her bohemian style, with flowy floral dresses and light delicate fabrics, but that style isn't particularly me anymore. I used to be heavily into "hippie" style while at University, but my style has evolved a lot since then. I was trying to piece together an outfit that was inspired by her style, and then I thought to myself hang up this isn't what she represents! She is all about self expression and being true to yourself, and I wouldn't be doing that if I had gone in something that I don't think represents who I am. I am a bold colourful soul, and I really wanted my outfit to reflect that. However, when I was there I saw a lot of girls all dressed in long floral dresses and they all looked beautiful and bohemian, but that just isn't me. I know I got a few funny looks and I stood out because I didn't look like I fitted in with the crowd, but truth be told I didn't! I don't fit in anywhere really, I'm into a mixture of all music all fashion all cultures and my style reflects that. I feel like some people where probably looking at me like "oh she is not a true fan", but just because I dress the way I do which is different too the "typical" crowd it doesn't make me any less of a fan. I have, and always will be one of their biggest fans, it is just that I do not feel the need to prove myself through my style.

This sparks something that I feel very passionate about, and that's being able to dress for yourself and to not give an F what anyone thinks of you. It is one of the most freeing feelings when you finally realise that you do not have anything to prove to anyone, especially not with how you choose to express yourself. I am a much happier and content person now that I don't worry about what people think about what I choose to wear / how I do my hair / my tattoos, because it all represents who I am. I love myself  and I think that is key to being able to let go of all societal expectations and just be free. This is central to Florence's being, in the middle of her set she always tells the crowd to turn to the people next to you and express your love because we are all free. SO if you wanna wear that dress, or have your hair a certain way DO IT! Life is way way too sort to be worrying about someone else's opinion, half the time it is central to their own insecurities anyway. It is so important to never take anyone elses bullshit, do not keep people around in your life that shame you for how you express yourself. Those people are only bringing you down by making you doubt yourself! You are fabulous, and however you choose to express that is absolutely incredible - do not let anyone tell you other wise.

Outfit Details: 

Bikini is Pretty Little Thing via Asos Sale: top here, bottoms here

Skirt: Second Hand Nike Golf Skirt Via. Depop. (Can't find anything similar - sorry!) 

Kimono: Asos Via. Charity Shop (Also cannot find anything else with similar neon colourway) 

Boots: Dr Marten 1460 Patent Pink, only have them in Junior sizes up to a size 3 on the website here, 

but available in all sizes here,

XOXO, EMMA 

3 Ways To Style Cycle Shorts

Hello, Hello.

I mentioned a few posts prior that a trend that I am super excited about for Spring / Summer is Cycle shorts, they are super comfy and actually super easy to style. However, for today's post I thought I would show you 3 ways to style them, Casual, Smart Casual / Instagram Style & Festival. I think they are such a versatile piece that can easily be dressed up or down, it just all depends on what other items of clothing and accessories you style them with. This trends seems to be more of an "online" one, I don't think we have seen much of it on catwalks, but they are all over our Instagram feeds thanks to Yezzy Season Six which was made most influential by Kim Kardashian. Now all the high street retailers, especially online stores like PrettyLittleThing and Missguided have jumped on the trend for the Instagram baddie gal, but I am here to show you alternative way's to style them, and ways that you can make them your own. So, without further ado let's get into the first look. (P.S. If you click on the above shop links it will take you straight to there selection of shorts, just incase you're looking to spend some cash cash money).

1. Casual Club 

So I thought it was best to start with the most basic / everyday styling first. This is probably a look I will gravitate towards a lot in summer, especially for work because it's so comfortable and simple yet still manages to look quite Chic and put together. For this look I styled my vintage Reebok cycle shorts with my (also vintage) oversized The Smiths band Tee. This is probably the easiest way too style cycling shorts, but you could also easily dress this look up by throwing on a blazer and maybe some heeled boots, that would elevate the look and make it a bit more tailored. However, because I was going for a really simple comfort look I just called it a day by teaming the look with my flyknit Air Force's. I feel like of all the trainers to style with cycling shorts, for some reason Air Force's always work best. 

2. Festival Style 

This look is probably my favourite out of the three, I mean there isn't much doubt there when this is the most colourful, playful "out there" look. I've styled Cycle Shorts similarly to this in a previous post which you can read here if interested. For this look I teamed my (also vintage) Adidas cycle shorts with my cropped H&M Divided Hoodie found here , with a super Andy Warhol inspired printed shirt underneath, when it comes down to festival syle for me more is more. The more layers, the more clashing prints and textures, the better! Of course this is not everyone's festival style, but that is the beauty of it - it is completely your own. Accessories also play a massive part in festival styling, this look would be extra elevated with a pair of fishnets, some head jewels / crown or some crazy glitter. But I kept it (relatively) simple. For footwear there is no better, and no more practical option for festival season than Dr Martens, because they can withstand any weather or any beating that you throw at them. Of course I had to be that bit EXTRA and wear my pink ones, but I mean more colour is never a bad thing to me. The bumbag was of course another essential, but I much prefer the new trend of wearing it cross-body, it is a lot more chic but also feels even more convenient. 

3. Smart Casual / Instagram Style

 This is probably the most popular, and most sought after style, the slick Instagram style. Personally, this really isn't my style. However I have tailored it here to fit my personality and put my own spin on it. I think that is one thing to remember is that yes this is a top trend, but you shouldn't just be wearing it for that sole purpose. I think it is really important to yes be INSPIRED by trends, but not COPY them, instead MAKE THEM YOUR OWN. I guarantee that you will feel more confident and comfortable in something that expresses who you are / your own personal style rather than just a look to make you stay relevant to the trends and what is considered "fashionable". However I do think we are moving past the era of everyone dressing the same, I don't think personal style, especially within street style culture has been this present since the 90s. So, for this look I teamed my simple black cycle shorts, which were literally £2 from Primark, an essential really at such a good price. Probably wouldn't trust them without something on that didn't cover my bum though. I teamed it with this bright yellow strapless top, for an added touch or "me". I am not about the head too toe nude, grey, or black looks, they just aren't me and don't fit my personality. I feel like a staple for this look is the blazer, it really adds the smart edge to the look and elevates it. This is my trusty oversized black and white plaid blazer, and I adore it. It has such a nice effortlessly chic fit, and really pulls this look together. Accessories wise, I kept it simple - as always. I decided to wear this (very) old season topshop straw bag, because these are literally EVERYWHERE at the minute, and they are also something that you can pick up pretty easily in your local charity shop, so definitely keep an eye out! I think the yellow ties in well with the yellow top, and brings the look together. On my feet I am wearing a pair of platform satin black sliders, however if you wanted to go full Instagram - the heeled sock boot is the way to go. 

So, that was my 3 ways of styling cycle shorts! I hope too add more to this series / format of blog post, I have one on silk style scarfs and the basic hoodie in the pipeline so keep an eye out for those if you enjoy this style! Until next time,

XOXO, EMMA