Five Ways To Thrift

Hello,  hello! As we have established here on my blog - thrifting is a massive passion of mine. So in keeping with this theme I thought I'd discuss the five different ways in which you can shop sustainable fashion, and the key pros and cons of each, or at least what I think the pros and cons are.  You never know, one thing may be more you than another.

1. Charity Shops / Thrift Shops

These are what I have discussed before on my blog - and if you want to read about my thrifting tips then the blog post on it is here.

PROS: 

• Good variety of items
• Most items are relatively cheap
• Discount shops are even cheaper
• Can be found in near enough every town / city
• The items have to fit a certain criteria, so everything should be in good condition

CONS:

• The prices of items depends on your area (especially in Cities) 
•  Items might have been researched so up ticking prices can occur

Charity Shopping is my favourite way to thrift, as it is reliable and I have my favourite areas and shops that I like to go too. Once you find an area that suits you, you stick too it.

2. Vintage Shops

The enhanced charity shop, but without the charity aspect. 

PROS: 

• Great selection of hand picked items
• "true" vintage
• Unique / one of a kind items
• A more condensed selection of items you are more likely to want
• More likely to come away with a purchase

CONS:

• Very expensive / overpriced 
• Not as easy to find as charity shops - more shops in city centres

I love vintage shops, especially those within Manchester (they have the BEST shops, and ones that aren't too overpriced as well). However due to my success charity shopping I am always stunned with how much certain items can cost, especially items like flannel shirts and t shirts. They always have a selection of everything that I would want, however I am a bit of a scrooge and refuse to pay the prices (especially when I was a student) I also think it's more special when you find a diamond in the rough, rather than something that has already been scouted (probably from a charity shop or carboot!)

3. Carboots

My favourite way to thrift in the summer, and it keeps you fit too! 

PROS:

• Probably the cheapest way to thrift 
• Can haggle on prices!
• keeps you fit - your walking long distances but don't even realise it
• A lot of fun 
• Wide variety of sellers

CONS:

• Weather permitting (unless indoors) 
• Less reliable 
• Usually a small cost to get in (50p/£1) 
• Not as accessible

For me car-booting is the most exciting and fun way to thrift in the warmer months, it can literally be the highlight of my week. I love find hidden treasures and gems for bargain prices. However they are weather permitting, the nicer the weather the better the turnout. If you don't know of any in your area give it a google search, I think everyone should go at least once just to experience it (and have a laugh in the process!)

4.  eBay

The most popular / well known online buy and sell retailer, and the most trusted.

PROS:

• Online
• Good if you have a particular item in mind to purchase
• can get a good bargain through bidding 

CONS:

• Bidding can be frustrating and disheartening 
• Postage Costs 
• less reliable than shopping in a store

eBay is a good platform, but it is one I do not h use often anymore. The image quality is usually really bad and it's hard to visualize the items on. Also, its very time consuming trying to find an item that you want due to the amount of listings. Bidding may be frustrating - but my biggest tip if you find something you like, but in a bid that is the highest you would like to pay for it. If you don't win it, then that means that it sold for more than you think it's worth.

5. Depop

eBay's trendy younger sibling.

PROS:

• Online
• All items are very current and on trend 
• good if you are searching for something in particular 
• Easy to use format 
• Room to negotiate on prices 
• Heavily influenced by street style

CONS: 

• Can be overpriced 
• Postage Costs
• Less reliable than shopping in a store
• More aimed at the younger generation (teens to early 20s) 

Depop is my favourite online thriting platform, I am very much influenced by street style and younger trends so it has everything I want all together. I also love the instagram like layout, it makes is super nice and easy to shop. Some items might be overpriced but you can find some hidden gems, and can always try and negotiate on price and bundles from the same seller.

-SHAMELESS PLUG- 

I do have my own depop shop (if any of you are interested), I buy that much stuff all the time that I need a good clear out near enough every month. I donate most of it, but list my favourite pieces on my depop. My username is @emmalouisloves Or click here.

-OUTFIT DETAILS-
Rugby Shirt - Charity Shop , but was inspired by pieces by Lazy Oaf / The Ragged Priest
Joggers - Select Fashion ( also in the sale) Link: here
Boots - Charity Shop, but originally from Ecco. I bought these boots as a take on the sock boot trend which is everywhere at the minute.

So there is my roundup of the 5 different ways to thrift, something to note is that my preferences might not be the same as yous. My pros might be your cons, etc. etc. You just need to find out what works best for you, and what your preferences are (I just felt like sharing my own!) If you want to, leave a comment if you're an avid thrifter too, and what some of your all time favourite purcheses are! That's it for today, so till next time..

XOXO, EMMA 

Ice Cream Girls

Hello, hello!

For today's look I thought I'd try something a bit different. As you can probably already tell, I am all about bold and primary colours - not so much the pastel hues. However with us coming into Spring, you cannot deny that pastel tones are always one of the biggest trends. According to Vogue this is one of the biggest trends for Spring / Summer coining them Ice cream Girls on the runway to read the article click here. So  I thought I would have a play with the trend, and put my own spin on it.

I thought while playing with Spring / Summer trends I would incorporate another one, mesh / sheer clothing. I decided to team this really pretty and delicate ruffled (oh, actually this is also another trend!) sheer floral top from the New Look sale (not available online, unfortunately!) over my oversized pastel pink t shirt (similar here). I really enjoy the play on textures, I think it adds some dimension to the look with the colours being so muted, I needed to add some interest and playfulness.

With the basis of the look being very feminine I really wanted to juxtapose that with more masculine and/or grungy details. So I decided to wear these metallic pleated culotte trousers (they're out of stock on the asos website, but the link is here). I think that these add a really cool effortlessness to the look, and make the look much more me. It adds a touch of masculinity, which I think this look needs. But also creates me interesting tones and textures with the metallic hue. I think combined with with the oversized biker leather jacket it makes the look more edgy and almost glam rock! I thought I'd show two options with the footwear, to dress it up and down. The chunky caged heels compliment the more rocker / grunge side to the look and compliment the biker jacket really well, and the trainers add an effortless urban street style vibe that is more everyday.

For the last few finishing touches, I decided on my pastel pink beret / baker boy hat hybrid, to play in with the pastel feminine tones, and my hot pink fishnet socks which add to the more grungey / rocker feel. All in all I think what I like the most about this look is the way everything contrasts each other yet still works as a combined look. I will say I'm not still 100% on the pastel trend, however I am willing to give it another shot.

XOXO, EMMA 

The Colour CLASH

Hello everyone! As I said in my previous post this is part two - in today's look I am styling 4 pieces that I got when thrifting. A hat, top, pair of jeans and a coat. The only thing that isn't thrifted is the boots! I could've done a complete lookbook featuring all the items but in all honesty there would be way too many looks for one post! Instead what I have decided to do on my blog is to show how good sustainable shopping is by featuring at least one item of clothing or accessory that is second hand in each look (which isn't even a challenge really). I want to show how with the right styling, and the right attitude you can be the trendiest person walking the streets and no one would batter an eyelid - in fact when I wear my second hand ensembles that is when I get the most compliments! Alongside the posts I am going to be linking similar items to ones I am styling that are on the high street - to prove that you can find the top high street trends at a fraction of the price! But for the items that aren't dupe-able - well it reinforces how special the whole experience is/items are. SO without further ado lets get into the look.

So let's start from the top with the red felt beret. These are literally everywhere - you can pick them up in near enough any popular high street brand and they are identical. This one only cost me £2. Which is probably well under half of what you'd pay new. HOWEVER if you must there is one in the zara sale for £3.99 here.  You can find these so easily so I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out as they are such a key trend at the moment.

Let's move down to the top, I wanted to keep in touch with the Parisian style so opted for a black and white striped smock style top. Originally from Zara but I paid £1.99 for it. Stripes are classic - and are always in fashion. But I liked the smock style as it made it a bit different. This one from Asos is the most similar I have found here. As well as the beret striped tops are some of the easiest things to thrift, and you can pick up some pretty unique styles as well.

So my personal favourite thing about this look at the cropped kick flare high waisted jeans. I almost squealed when I found them, and I did squeal when I tried them on and they fitted perfectly once I got home. These jeans are a prime example of looking at other sizes, these are a size 16 but because they are retro / vintage they run smaller much more like a UK 14. These are such a stylish piece, and I am still utterly obsessed with red (as you can tell). So these turned out to be my favourite purchase - mainly because I know I'll get so much ware out of them. I found quite a few similar pairs while having a browse. These are in the sale on H&M of £17.99 here. There are also a pair of weekday one's in the sale for £20 on ASOS if you'd rather have a higher quality jean here. I really wanted to go all out RED as I am an all or nothing gal and I love the effect that wearing these pointed red kitten heel boots have given, super fun and different. These are old season Primark but these are only £9.99 in the Zara sale! (Lord Bless January sales).

The final thing -and probably the biggest bargain of the century is this Made in England vintage Sherpa coat. It has real leather details, in near perfect condition and cost me the mere amount of £1.99! Can you even believe that? They were only just ticketing the item and I grabbed it before it even touched the shop floor. Later on the manager said it was a trainee that priced it up, and if i hadn't of got it they would've priced it a lot higher, so what a score. I researched it and they are selling for between £60-100. SO if that's your game, buying to sell - then keep them eyes peeled. This is one of those items which I can't seem to find a close dupe for, bu the teddy bear style is absolutely everywhere this season, with big fluffy coats being a massive trend. So I've managed to bag a true vintage piece that is still very current and trendy, that is one of a kind.

So if I haven't managed to sell you on thrift shopping these past two posts then I don't know what will! But you will for sure see more thrifting related content and images on my blog, I'm thinking of doing a 'where to thrift' post in the near future talking about all the different ways to shop sustain-ably so keep your eyes peeled for that if you're interested!

XOXO, EMMA 

The Baker Boy Hat

Something that you can't miss is this key trend for Autumn Winter,  the baker boy hat. Luckily for me, it is probably one of the only style of hat that suits me, so I am fully obsessing over this trend. They can add a really cool touch too an outfit, be it a rock 'n' roll vibe or a nostalgic retro one. It all depends on the colour, material and details to the hat and the way you style It. For example I went for a retro vibe, with this cap being a deep rich purple colour and cord - which nods to the 60s and 70s (due to note the resurgence of these periods being heavily featured influences for this season).

By choosing to give the outfit a retro vibe I decided to wear this amazing vintage orange structured coat. It is more so reminiscent of the 80s with the strong shoulders and boxy shape, however I think it plays really well with the overall look. It seems nostalgic and playful, as well as bold and appropriate for the season with the use of colour. Warm tones are always essential in the Autumn / Winter. I like the way the jacket stands out against the monochromatic look underneath, with the houndstooth print trousers adding another retro touch.

Sticking to the monochromatic look I decided to wear my Dr Marten Monet , these are so so comfy, more like trainers than boots and look perfect with this outfit. However if you wanted to stick completely to the retro look, a pair of round toe chunky heeled boots in either black, white or orange would look incredible - especially if you was going out for food / drinks. However with this look being a wearable everyday look for me, I had to wear the most comfortable option on my feet.

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Psychedelic Prints & Contrasting Tones

Today's look is one that is heavily inspired by the warm tones and psychedelic prints of the 70s. The iconic style of this period has made a massive comeback over the past few seasons from flared trousers and bell bottomed sleeves to corduroy and sherling jackets. But today I wanted to focus on something that hasn't been seen as much - the use of print. This is a handmade vintage skirt (probably made from fabric from that exact period) and features a bold optical illusion type print. It features the colourway of black, white and brown and is a stand out piece in my wardrobe. As much as I love all of the 70s trends I though this is a really fun way of styling a 70s piece that we don't see too much of.

To work in with the tones in the skirt I decided to add a rich warm toned knit in an olive / mustard colour. It ties in well with the colourway of the skirt and keeps up the 70s look. However I thought to keep the look current and fresh I would juxtapose the warm tones with my cool toned grey coat and metallic silver/green bag. This adds a cool twist to the look and makes it more modern and much less a simple recreation of a look from that time. To finish the look of (and to make it more casual) I threw on my trusty old skool vans, However if you was heading out for food or drinks a pair of metallic heeled boots would look incredible.Photos by the incredible Sophie Donoghue / Steep Drop media. (@steepdrop on instagram) Toview her previous work just click here for come colourful lushness.

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Jumper & Skirt are both thrifted / secondhand.
Coat H&M, no longer available but this is similar: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0511190001.html
Bag & Tights are from Primark, unfortunately they don't have an online store :(
Shoes: Vans (similar) : http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0511190001.html

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I hope too see more of you soon!

XOXO, Emma. 

My favourite albums of 2017

My oh my what a year 2017 has been, not going to lie it's been one of the hardest most challenging years of my life. I've achieved a lot, but suffered a lot also. But the bad times have slightly weighed over the good. However it is not all bad, and if there is one thing I can always count on every year is my love for music. There have been a lot of stand out releases this year, and even though I have had a year of travelling into the past or just uncovering new artists that only have the odd singles, I do have a few picks that have knocked it out the park. There may only be three albums on this list, but I only wanted to include albums that I have been obsessive over and listened to on repeat - and these are the only ones that make the cut.

1. TYLER THE CREATOR, SCUM FUCK FLOWER BOY.

Top songs: 911/Mr Lonely, Where the Flower blooms & I ain't got time!

If you know me personally you will know that this new release by the ever controversial Tyler the creator has stolen my heart. This album is such a masterpiece, the overall vibe of the album is so consistent even with the mix between hyped and slow songs. The lyrics are genius and very clever, always serving a commentary on the fuckery of society and playing on stereotypes and normalities that he is known for. I know I've picked out a whole bunch of favourite songs but 911/ Mr Lonely has been my anthem of 2017. He has been my number one inspiration this year, his vibe - and his style. Just 'errything about this guy this year is number one. This list isn't in any particular order other than this pick, this is my number one of the year.

2. KENDRICK LAMAR, DAMN.

Top Songs: DUCKWORTH & LUSH

Another one that won't surprise people is K. latest album. He is my favourite modern day rap artist, every album is absolute fire and his storytelling through his music is second to none. I will say, this album is one of my least favourites by him but it is still good enough to make this list, especially for the songs LUST & DUCKWORTH. Those two tracks are top dawg, probably due to the story that they tell within them (and the heartbeat throughout LUST gets me everytime I literally loose it over that beat).

3. ALT J, RELAXER.

Top songs: Adeline, 3WW & Deadcrush.

A massive contrast to the other two picks, and probably very surprising  but 2017 has been the year that I uncovered my love for ALT J, through the release of this album. Obviously I always knew and loved the classics (breezeblocks, etc.), but I had never listened to an album by them until this year. They create the most interesting unique music that combines so many styles and genre, which makes there music definitely in its own lane. This collection of songs when listened to from start to finish transports you to another plane of existence, it honestly blows my mind. I know they are like marmite (similarly to Tyler I suppose) but if you are open minded towards music this album is one that will leave you speechless if you let it.
So they are my top albums of 2017, however there are so many other artists and albums that I have been obsessed with this year, so i might post another list in conjunction with this one all about my new discoveries and obsessions of the year ( that weren't released this year) Fingers crossed I have time! But for now, these top three will have to do.

XOXO, EMMA

This is Me.

So with this being a fresh start to my blog (as I am transitioning over from Wordpress), I thought what better of my posts to start of with then an introduction to me?  So with it being a new year and all that jazz here goes my personal statement (UCAS eat your heart out). Also as a side note you should never be embarrassed or uncertain about bigging yourself up - never sell yourself short (you are amazing). I remember when I was applying for University and writing my personal statement I really struggled and felt really weird writing so highly of myself, but I've learnt that self love is the way to success. In the words of the Queen Ru Paul:

If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?

Let's start with the basics - I am a 21 year old Film & Media Studies graduate. I live in the middle of nowhere -a random village right on the borderline between South Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire. It's a very quaint little village, with only one shop, two pubs and a post office - oh, and I stick out like a saw thumb. I am a family orientated gal, I spend the most time (when not at work) with my family. I love them to pieces and I would not be who I am without them.  I am a playful soul, I am always laughing and joking never taking life too seriously and allowing myself to be completely free.

Something you'll know about me if you know me in person is that I am very adventurous with my style. I am heavily into colours, textures and prints. Anything that's fun, quirky retro and / or colourful is my thing. My motto (as my blog title suggests) is to try and bring brightness and happiness to peoples day, and my fun colourful ensembles are a huge part of that. I feel most myself when I am able to fully express how I feel through the style, it brings me joy and the most confidence in my day when I feel most myself.  As you can image, I am a giant kid at heart. I am obsessed with anything nostalgic that reminds me of my childhood, i.e. I am currently obsessed with the original My Little Pony from the 1980's & The Carebears. (I have an older sister, and all I would watch when I was little was her old VHS tapes, and I loved them to absolute death). Along with this I am mad obsessed with cartoons / adult animations, my favourites: Adventure Time, Bob's Burgers, Rick & Morty, Archer & Bojack Horseman (big mouth is also great.) In regards to films I am forever enthralled by art house / indie teenage come of age drama's, especially those central to LGBTQ characters, mental illness, disadvantaged youths (minorities - race, class, disabled etc.) & masculinity in crisis. That is my jam as my focal point for my dissertation was the representation of boys who have been sexually abused within feature length drama's.

Music wise my tastes vary as much as humanly possible, I will listen to pretty much anything if I think it's good / well produced (as such meaning I do not listen to much pop / chart music). As with my tastes with everything else I love old and new music, but my number one band is The Beatles and my favourite artist is Florence & The Machine. But coming in very (very) close are Alt-J, Radiohead, The Smiths, Otis Redding, Joy Divison, The Vaccines (I could go on for so so long). But I'm sure if you stick around you'll find out more about my listening habits as I like to do monthly roundups of my favourite jams. 

 OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Jumper. H&M £24.99 link: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0598409001.html

Trousers, also H&M £19.99 link: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0524825004.html

Bag is from Skinny Dip - they no longer stock it but they have similar ones on their website. 

Trainers are Reeboks which I bought from UO two years ago now, these are the most similar: 

 http://www.reebok.co.uk/classic-leather-nude-nubuck/CN1504.html

Without rambling on any further I think I have summarized myself pretty darn well, so if you like what you read and/or we have stuff in common the stick around. I would love you too! Most of the content I will go on to produce will more than likely stay central to most of these things anyway. So that's me being an unapologetic me, and so we all should be! Self love forever and always. Thanks for reading and sticking around, hope to see more of you! 

xoxo, EMMA.