Guess who's back, with a brand new flat?!

Hello my fellow sunshines, it's been a long time. 

Last time I posted I was talking about the festive period and how it's the most wonderful time of the year, little did I know back then it would also turn into the most stressful time of my life since my dissertation. I was hunting for a flat sure, but didn't really think I would be sorted till the New Year. OH, how I was wrong. The whole process actually moves very quick once you've found somewhere you love, and the whirlwind of moving began. 

Obviously however, with it being me the moving in process was far from simple. I have had the most stressful two weeks of my life, when they said "don't grown up, it's a trap!" they really bloody meant it. I feel like I have a tsunami of adulthood just placed over my head. So, the first problem: because I moved into a flat that was above a shop, somehow when the suppliers where changed the electricity was still registered as commercial and not residential. It took me at least a month of going forwards and backwards, being told different things from different people and not knowing what on earth was going on. I have never spent so much time on the phone repeating myself, it's got to be one of the most patience testing experiences you will every have to go through. 

Secondly, on Christmas eve ( of all days) I was supposed to be getting my sky fitted, a phone line putting in so that I can use the internet. WELL. The guy showed up, very dismissive said he didn't have the right equipment for the pole to put up the line, and that he needed access to the back (which I didn't have at the time) too put it up. So that was that, he left - may I add at 8AM! At this point I hadn't properly moved in, so I had come all the way from home (20 miles) with my mum and dad just for him too say he. can't. do. it. The best part is, when I rescheduled for them to do it a few weeks later the man that came said that it was all a load of bollocks! He didn't need access to the back, and that he was lying about equipment to get out of the job. He had also put down in the notes that he did all the interior work, so that he got paid - which was all lies! He didn't even come into the property. Safe too say though that whoever he was will not be getting paid for the job, and he would be lucky if he still has one. 

Third and finally, my boiler was all over the place, the gauge was going up and down on it's own and I had to keep refilling it up, and for fear of a gas leak my landlady made me move out till it was fixed. Oh and top that off the same night she told me that I had gone to cook for the first time, and everytime I tried to turn the hob on, it would blow the electrics. Just picture we stood there trying to cook me tea, freezing cold because I was too scared to put the heating on and then the electrics blowing out. ONLY ME! At the time I was honestly mid breakdown fighting back the tears, looking back now I have to laugh but my god I do not know how I got through it all. 

SO, as a little disclaimer that is why my blog has been so neglected. I had every intention too start off 2019 with regular content, but life is life! You can't help it, shit happens. But, on the plus side I do have my own little place now! My cute colourful home is my everything, and at the end of the day it all worked out perfectly. There are always a few bumps in the road, but for me the feel like bloody mountains. Never the less I am so proud of how I've handled everything, and the first real test of adulthood - I never knew I could be so mature! But watch this space now for content is coming, I've just had a little life break. 

XO,XO, EMMA. 

Not so "social" media, and why breaks are important

So over the past weekend I lost my phone on a night out, and subsequently I lost my ease of access to social media. I didn't think me literally having no choice but not to use it would make me realise how much I craved for a break, but I really did. Like I said in my previous post, our relationship with social media in this current age is obsessive and borderline toxic depending on your approach to it. We feel like we need to document our every move, and that if we aren't constantly up too date with it all then we aren't content.

We all need a phone for obvious reasons, too keep in contact and to make sure we are safe. But social media is not a necessity you do not need it to complete your day, or to make sure your day is running smoothly that is a sign of addiction, and at the end of the day we are all addicted. We scroll and scroll for hours on end looking blankly at a screen rather than communicating with the people around us, when you take a step back and look at it - how horrific is that? On the night that I lost my phone I was upset yes but once I did everything I could to find it, I was actually pretty liberated the rest of the night. Me and my friend Keeli were dancing the night away, chatting with everyone not checking the time, just getting lost in the night. Instead of  checking my phone for every buzz and notification, and thinking that I need to film and document the night, I just lived it. Lived it just for ourselves no one else, actually having those moments and memories that are just yours are actually precious and I think we all need to go back to experiencing things this way. Instead of always trying to prove to the online world that you had a good time through posed photos and false captions, actually enjoy yourself without feeling the need to validate yourself online.

A prime example of this is, when your at a gig or a festival what is one of the first things you think too do? Get out your phone and film it so you can post it on social media to show how much of a good time you had. How absolutely absurd? You see more of phone screens at gigs now more than the actual performance. I made a promise too myself about a year ago that I'm going to stop being one of those people, because it makes me so angry! How can you really enjoy the experience and immerse yourself in the magic of it all if your more focused on that perfect shot? The best gig I ever went too I didn't get my phone out once. It just goes to show that we care way too much about what others think of what we are doing and how we are perceived rather than just living and enjoying the moments that are so fleeting.

Not having social media made me pay more attention to the world around me, and the people in it. I had so many more social interactions with people, conversations that I probably wouldn't of had. I noticed a lot more of my surroundings, taking everything in rather than ignoring it. But at the same time I did feel a little lost, like out of the loop. I felt like I missed scrolling through my facebook feed or Instagram, but I didn't I was just that used to the routine that with it missing it didn't feel right. It has become such a huge part of our lives that when it is taken away your life feels so out of sync. I really did realise the damages of it, there is no need for us to be as attached to it as was are, not. at. all. Especially not when it is taking away from time spent with the people you love. On one of the days I was in town, and there was a couple sat together not saying a word, just both staring at their screens. Staring at something so meaningless when someone who is supposed to mean the world is sat right next too them. It made me so sad, I was sat with my parents and just thought Christ that would probably be me. I would be sat with two people that I hold dearest in the world and I would be interacting with something so fleeting when time with them is much more precious.

I love social media, but I hate what is doing to our society. The whole point of facebook was for better communication, how ironic now that people use it as a way to avoid physical interaction and communication.  It shouldn't be taking away from human interactions, it should be enhancing it. Capturing moments you want to live forever, we should not be wasting precious time with people we love for the sake of a few likes or shares. I understand that it will always be a massive part of our society now, but I do think that we all need to have a little break sometimes.  We need to learn when to put the phone down, we don't need to be on it as much as we are - it really isn't the be all and end all of our lives. Don't forget that we live in reality, not online. My new phone will be back up and running in a few days and I am making a promise to myself that I need to cut down my usage on social media, especially when I am out with friends or family. It is something that has been on my mind for a while, and it really shouldn't of taken me being forced not to use it to realise how much I am obsessed with it. In some ways I am glad I lost my phone, it has been a real eye opener, but we shouldn't all have too literally loose our phones for us to realise how much social media is effecting us. So every so often I think it's so healthy and important to just turn that data off and just enjoy life. Live it, take in everything around you and have it just for you. That absolute insanity that we all go through thinking that everything we do we have to document for the world too see is so unhealthy, and it takes away from the moment itself


I seem to be in such a conflicting love hate relationship with social media at the minute, but being forced to not be on it constantly has really changed my mindset towards it. Mostly Instagram, that's what I am most addicted too. To the point where my reality becomes less of a reality, but more like me trying to stage a instagramable perfect life. We are on this earth for such a short time, and our loved ones won't be there forever and wasting your time scrolling rather than appreciating life and it's company is so so sad. When you think about it, the fact that when we roll over in the morning the first thing most of us do is check all our notifications and do the obligatory scroll. For no reason other than habit, it has no real impact on our day. In some ways it is more likely to have a negative impact, filling our mind with all these false images of reality and then ultimately trying to make our day live up to that staged life. So that was my rant and clearly very conflicting feelings towards social media and our obsession with it. I really do think we need to be talking more openly about the fact that yes, we are all (or near enough all) addicted too social media, but you know how it goes as soon as the word addiction comes into play it all becomes a lot more taboo, and a much more touchy subject. I'm glad though that I am much more aware of the problem now, so I can finally do something about it.

XOXO, EMMA 

Sun, Sea & Sangria.

Hello, hello!

As some of you may know, if you follow me on Instagram or know me in real life I have just been on a sweet little getaway to Puerto Rico, Gran Caneria. Can you believe that even in September the temperature was in the high 30s?? I couldn't. It was a lovely week of sea, sun sangria & seafood. I have never eaten such a vast and glorious amount of fish and shellfish in my entire life, mixed with the sea views and cheeky cocktails safe to say it was a week to remember. Right before we went I decided to treat myself to a brand new DSLR, and I got in some perfect practice on this holiday. So I thought in this post, rather than a heavy focus on text I would just show you all what I wore, and what I sore on holiday.

This first set of images are my sea themed, cool toned images. I wanted to really reflect and put emphasis on the beautiful tones of the sea, especially in these shots in my blue bikini which tied in perfectly. I had a lot of fun editing these images and giving them an overall blue tone, seeing the flow between images makes me realise the importance of editing. It makes the images so much nicer to look at, as well as enhancing the beauty within them. I am also SO HAPPY with the new quality within my images, before I was only using the camera on my phone - which was all I had access too at the time. But, now seeing the difference it's given me so much more drive to just keep on creating content and improving more and more. 

This second collection of images are on the opposite side of the spectrum, full of warmth. Obviously alongside the beautiful turquoise sea we had the glorious heat. These images represent that, and the warmth and happiness I felt the whole time I was there. I really wanted to show two opposing sets of images that represented two sides to the holiday. I wanted to play around with tones and hues and create a story within the images, rather than just throw all my holiday photos into a post and call it a day. This way, at least I think, it makes the images more interesting to look at as well as give you more of a real sense of how I experienced my holiday and what I felt. Two of my favourite things in life is the sun and the sea, and I think this really reflects that.

So there are my collection of a select few images from my holiday, a collection of landscapes, nature and style. I like the idea of combining these things together, be it more cohesively in the future. Trying to tie together nature and fashion, two of the things I hold dearest too me. Now that I have my camera I feel a much wider sense of freedom, where I will be able to experiment more and bring together much more unique and high quality content. I'm super excited for the direction that I see my  blog moving in, and I can't wait to develop and strengthen and show my progress along with it. I am so proud of the way these images have come out, and I really think they reflect my holiday perfectly. It is so nice to be able too see my own personal improvement, and that just drives me even more to keep developing myself!

XOXO, EMMA 

Looking After Number One | Health & Relationships

Hello, Hello.

Here we are again, a month since my last post, and I  have distanced myself from blogging, yet again. SO much has been going on in my life, (most of which I will go on to explain in this post) that I have been that overwhelmed at even the thought of finding the time to sit down and write. I am finally making a start to this post after a surprisingly long day at work but also a very motivated meeting that has kicked myself into gear. If you follow me on any of my social media's i.e. Twitter (@emmalouiseloves) or Instagram (@emmacarline), then you will have a rough idea of exactly what is going on with my life, but I am here to explain it in much further detail. Pre warning, what I discuss in today's blog post is rather personal and quite taboo to talk about - which in all honesty is why I want to talk about it. I am not going to hold anything back because I want to be as transparent as possible, just so that women feel more comfortable talking about these things! So there is your "trigger" warning.

So as I mentioned in my last post I am in a new relationship, and a few weeks ago I bled pretty bad during / right after intercourse. As soon as I realised that it wasn't me coming on my period I knew that something wasn't right. I had just changed over my mode of contraception, from being on the implant for 6 years to then going on the pill so I thought it might have something to do with that. I booked an appointment with the doctor for a check up just to see what was going on, and if it was anything to worry about. It came around to my appointment and she did a "smear" test, however I am too young for a proper smear she just did a full examination and took some swabs. Obviously prior to this she asked me a lot of questions about my sexual history, if I am in a new relationship and if we had been tested / used a condom. To which my reply was yes I am in a new relationship, and no we haven't used condoms. YES I KNOW, it was very gullible of me - I am much too trusting. So, she was already pre-judging and assuming that it will be S.T.I related. After she finished the examination she told me my cervix was swollen and "patchy", but she immediately near enough assured me it would be from an infection. However, my mum had cervical cancer - so she had a referral ready for the hospital. Never the less she did not prepare me one bit for if the results came back negative.

A week later, bear in mind in this time I had to try to explain to my very new boyfriend that there is a high risk that I have an S.T.I, I get my results back. SHOCK, there all negative. No signs of infection. I was on the phone to the doctors ready and prepared for, "oh it's gonorrhoea", and it knocked me back so hard. I was so mentally prepared for that result, and then to be told that there is no infection - I had no clue what to do. I was in no way prepared for it, nor did I know what my next step is or what I needed to do. I had a phone meeting with my doctor the next day, the hospital referral was sent through and I was rushed through due to my family history. All of this happening while trying to juggle a full time job, new relationship and a holiday in a few weeks. Stress doesn't even begin to touch the sides with what I have been going through.

The day of the appointment came round last week and I was absolutely bricking it, one I have only ever been once for an x-ray on my back, and two, the thought of another internal examination made me feel a bit sick. But I was positive that at least I was going to be getting somewhere. However, let me tell you now that was one of THE worst experiences of my life. To start with they had no notes or anything from the doctors, I had to tell them everything again because there had been literally no communication. The doctor was male, and didn't tell me till after the examination that he was a trainee. He really rushed the whole thing through, I felt super uncomfortable and vulnerable. Also, all they did was the EXACT same thing they did at the doctors. Took the same swabs for the same tests that I had been negative for 10 days prior. We told the nurse and the doctor this, and the nurse literally said "well do I need to bin these then?", at this point I was crying my eyes out feeling violated and like my time has been completely wasted. To top it all off, they out right refused to do a smear test, even after me and my mum both told them that she had cervical cancer they still refused claiming that I am just too young. I left that hospital angry, upset, confused violated and infuriated. It was such a waste of time. I had to wait till yesterday,  where I had a Colposcopy and the results from that will finally tell me what's wrong. However the nurse I had for this procedure was lovely, she talked me through and explained everything - what was going to happen now, and what will happen with future.

SO, what is a Colposcopy? It is where the take a magnifying glass and get a real close look at the cervix to be able to see exactly what's going on, and they take 2 biopsy samples to send to the lab to test for a definitive result. MY GOD, taking biopsy samples freaking hurt like a bitch. I am not going to sugar coat it, it's two very sharp twinges. Although she did take a much bigger sample on me than needed, so maybe that's why it hurt so much? Either way, it is painful but it's over in a few seconds and obviously 100% worth it to have your results fully conclusive. It was a weird experience, but was over in 40 minutes and very educational and reassuring that it isn't as scary or as daunting as it all seems. It will take around 2 weeks to get my results back, but I am surprisingly not worried! I know what the following procedure will be and I know that my treatment plan is already pretty much sorted for me, so in all honesty it's just a waiting game! Luckily, I go on holiday in a week so I have the best distraction, and also I don't think I have ever needed a holiday more than I do right now.

Understandably my blog has taken a backseat, which in all this madness it can't be helped. But while I am on this topic, us girls need to start talking more about these things. If I hadn't of bled during sex, I wouldn't of even had a clue there was anything wrong with me. We all need to feel more comfortable sharing our stories and talking about these things so that people going through it don't feel alone, and also don't ignore the warning signs. I know it's horrible, and the thought of going to the doctors about it is embarrassing but at the end of the day it's there job - and your health is more important. I'll be sure to keep you updated on the whole process / procedure and my results, I really want to share as much as this on my blog as possible because I think it will actually be super insightful and helpful. We all need to feel more confident talking about these things, at the end of the day we have nothing to be ashamed of.

OH, and onto the new relationship - that has unfortunately come to an end. It was me that ended things, for reasons I think I am going to cover in a future blog post. This post is long enough without me adding all this onto it. But I'll put it simply as I wasn't going to stay with someone who I just wasn't compatible with, the fact that I was constantly trying to make things work just emphasised the fact that things weren't working. It's not the be all and end all being in a relationship, I am happier on my own! There will be a full on discussion about this in a future post because I don't think anyone should feel like they have to be / stay with someone just for the sake of it. You've got to look after number one, and I think this whole process has really taught me this more than ever before.

XOXO, EMMA

New Relationships & Finding Time

Hello, Hello.

I have been trying to write this post so many times, many of scrapped intros and failed attempts have  made it onto this draft. I don't know why though, do I feel bad about my absence and lack of consistent content? yes, but at the same time no. Or is it that I have that much that I want to say that the thought of sitting down to spill it all out is too daunting? Probably. But the most pressing thought, once I air what is happening in my love life it will make it all the more real and all the more of a true relationship. Clearly there have been a lot of things that have been worrying me / playing on my mind about this, and those stated above are just a short little summary about what has been going on in my head - yet here I am.

So, my absence. This is plain and simply due to a lack of time, how do you fit in blogging around a new relationship and a full time job? Honestly, it is one of the hardest things I have ever had too do, but also at the same time it has been easy for me to prioritise my time. A few weeks ago, probably near enough a month ago I had my first date in months, but more so my first "proper" date ever. I have been building up the courage to start dating again for a long while, I have had flings and hook-ups but I finally decided that I was in a stable enough head space for me to start looking for something more serious. I don't want to go into too much depth about the whole thing, but it's safe to say he makes me very happy and treats me better than anyone ever has in the past.

However, with this new relationship comes all my spare time wanting to be spent with him - and rightfully so, if I didn't then it would be going nowhere good. Something which I have found super refreshing is that he isn't on any social media, he doesn't feel the need for it and  so never bothered with it. For someone like me, who's whole life (near enough) is on social media, especially with blogging finding someone who is so neutral on the matter is bizarre in the best way. I've noticed as well when I'm around him I don't feel the need to constantly be checking my notifications and to document every waking minute of our time together. For me it is enough to just be there in the moment enjoying it without feeling the need to capture it so that the world can have an opinion on it. I feel like I am always stuck between these two places, of wanting to share my life and also not wanting too, I am such a bloody gemini!  I feel like there are some things in life that you just want to keep to yourself and this is one of them, well at least for now while things are still new and developing.

So that's where finding the time fits in, it is so difficult at the minute for me to try and balance everything, I am trying my best. Honestly my blog has always been at the front of my mind, but at the same time I am not going to let it come in the way of my progression in my real life. I am getting there though, I always have something I want to say I just feel like I always need photographic content to go along with it, I always feel like people care less about what I have to say if there is no visual stimulation involved. Obviously I need to approach this more sensibly, and shoot a lot of my content all in one day for the forthcoming month. However, I am just too impulsive for that! I'd get bored half way through and by the end of it, not even want to use the content because it isn't fresh anymore. I know that is a silly way to look at things, but for me the best content is what isn't planned, what happens when you start just having fun with it and not take it so seriously, I feel like whenever I try and approach shooting in a sensible mindset I always hate the outcome.

Luckily for today's content I did a two in one, I went on a day out with my mum and dad to Beverley, and decided to shoot some content while we were there enjoying some lush food and cocktails, and having a browse down the lovely cobbled streets and charity shops. This is what I mean about being spontaneous, I always feel like the best content I produced is when it isn't planned and you jut go on a little wander and find some cute little places that you wouldn't be able to plan out. Like this adorable pink door! To whoever lives here, I would like to humbly applaud you on your fabulous colour choice. This is my future dream, but maybe make it sunshine yellow. I had no idea that this house would be down this little random street, yet here we are! Life is full of happy surprises, and I intend to make as much use of them as possible.

So that's it for today's post, I know it's been a bit all over the place but I've had a lot to say and had to try and find the words to express them with. Oh, also! My outfit is head too toe H&M, sadly the dress is no longer available however the bag and shoes are, and you can find the link to them in my previous post. Hope you enjoyed today's look & ramlings. Till next time,

XOXO, EMMA. 

Life Updates.

Hello, hello.

I've been gone a few weeks I know, a lot of different factors come into this but mostly it's my health. Both mental and physically, there has been a lot going on In my life and I'm working really hard to make changes and work towards new goals. To put it bluntly, while i was ill I had a bit if an eye opener on my life and what I want to achieve from it. My blog holds a significant part in that and my future, so this post has taken me a while to write to get it right.

If you follow my blog, you will know I went to Parklife. It was a mixture of good and bad, but never as perfect as people (me included) present it as on social media. I did plan on writing a full blog post dedicated to the pros and cons of festivals, and what people leave out when they are posting about it on social media. I still want to do that, and it will probably go up in a few weeks. Let me know if that's something you'd still be interested in reading, because I think it's really important for us to be a lot more truthful and real about life rather than sugar coating it.

So while I was at the festival, I wasn't the healthiest. I didn't eat enough and what I ate ended up giving me food poisoning. I was so ill it was scary, but what was worse was the fact that I was making myself more sick by having panic attacks over what they were thinking of me at work / that they wouldn't believe me that I was sick. How messed up is that? I was genuinely ill, but made myself worse by putting all the extra strain on myself that wasn't needed. That put a shock to my system, and made me realise that I need to change my outlook on work and my life for the sake of my health. I have been putting all this energy and focus on my job, when at the end of the day all I do is sell clothes. It's my mode of income, but it isn't my life. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that, it's just for me I want / feel like I need so much more.

It made me think a lot about my life, what I want from it and where I want to go. I am someone who always wants more for myself, I want to constantly improve, I want to work on things that I feel passionately about, and just be a better me. I am a creative person, I have always had more of an interest in this side of life. From photography too film too blogging fashion and music. There are all things that strive on creativity, and being open minded to something new. I want to make a brand for myself, and I want more than just one thing. It would be such a shame to limit myself to one thing - when there is so much that I enjoy and feel passionately about. My blog is going to be that place where I bring everything together, be it photography that I am working on, the documentary that I want to make, my goal to run my own online vintage / retro shop, music that makes my brain some active with inspiration and feeling that it almost explodes. There are so many opportunities out there, and so much I want to see and achieve. I've never been more driven to work hard and achieve everything that I want to and more. I've wasted enough time, now is my time to shine and show the world what I can do.

My main focus at the moment is my shop, I have been working really hard on my depop. I have my own little makeship studio where I've been taking all my images for my listings, and I have been focusing all my spare energy on that and improving it as much as I possibly can. (My shop name is @emmalouisloves if any of you are interested!) I love finding the grooviest garms and giving them a new loving home. There Is so much cool stuff out there, and i can't keep it all for myself! Vintage and retro fashion is something i will always love, and promoting individuality will always be at the top of my list for what I want to achieve in life. If I can share some rays of sunshine with people who feel the same way as I do, then that is enough for me.

I'm excited about my future, mainly because I am that driven and confident in my own success. I have spent too long convincing myself that my dreams couldn't be reality, instead of believing in myself and working my ass off to achieve them. So watch this space for a girl boss in the making. And never doubt your own ability to reach for the stars and get what you want from life. We only live once, don't spend that lifetime convincing yourself that it's not possible. SAY IT WITH ME! Self belief not self doubt.

XOXO, EMMA.

Unnecessary Pressures, "Me" Time & Being True to Yourself.

Hello, Hello.

So lately I have been thinking about this ideal and pressure that we (bloggers) put onto ourselves to document everything that happens in our lives. Even if blogging is your full time job, you still need time (and moments) which you shouldn't feel the need to capture. It may seem slightly selfish, especially with the fact that being a blogger you are choosing to put your personal life out into the world - however there are some memories which are ones that are just meant for you. No one should ever feel bad or disappointed if you don't manage to shoot or get usable content, there is always another day - it is not the end of the world. What would be worse would be compromising your day and stressing to try and fit everything in. I think it's super important to find the right balance, if I was so caught up on shooting and making sure I had proof of what a fabulous day I had, it might've actually compromised how MUCH of a great day I had. For example, these amazing images where shot by my best friend Sophie @ Steep Drop Media in Newcastle. ( The link to her website is here, and the Instagram account is here too see more of her bad ass work). However,  a few weeks prior we had planned to also shoot in York, but the day got away with us and we didn't get enough time - and that's what actually started this thought process and blog post. That was such a lovely day that we had for ourselves, but at the time I couldn't help but feel a little bit bad, guilty even - about not getting any usable content. It is such a destructive path to go down because you are literally burning yourself into the ground, trying to make everything perfect when the best in life comes naturally.

Now don't get my wrong some of my favourite days are spent shooting, and I love and enjoy them. Like I said, this day shooting in Newcastle was so much fun, and was one of the best days I had had in a long while. However not everyday has to be a shoot day, and not everything needs to be documented. Knowing and accepting that is such a powerful thing, because it allows you to take a breathe and enjoy your time. I was honestly putting myself under all this unnecessary pressure, which in the end can draw the fun out of life, and then what would be the point? I had an equally good day in York having a well deserved catch up, and as much as a lovely lil shoot to accompany it would've been, I'm almost glad we didn't have time. I love blogging, it is a huge part of my life, and a passion. But it doesn't meant that I should feel this weight and pressure on me to make sure that every single thing that I do is content-worthy. I have decided that I need to change my thought process, I am going to tell myself that some days are meant for "Me" Time, and others are for blogging. I think this will really help my work ethic and my mental health, and it doesn't mean that if I feel like I want to take a few shots during "Me" time I can't, it just means that I shouldn't feel the pressure to make it happen. I have found myself getting so caught up on making everything I do "bloggable", which in the end is taking away from the natural beauty of blogging. I honestly really think this will make my content so much more enjoyable, and it will relieve me of all this unnecessary stress I am putting myself under at the same time.

This doesn't just apply to blogging either, we live in a world dominated by social media, with Instagram being the top dog, and the exact same process applies here. We all feel this mad pressure to get some lush shots of our food and coffee, instead of enjoying the moment first and connecting with the people we are sharing it with. It is such a hard and complicated point to get across, because I love social media - but I don't love the pressure and rigidness of it. My favourite things to post are images that project who I am as a person, bright bold and colourful abstract edits and candid / laughing images. My content is about what makes me happy not what I think is acceptable, or - "bloggable".  I have noticed a lot more engagement on my Instagram account now that i am more myself and I think that speaks volumes, and backs up what I am saying that being true to yourself and not trying to fit the mould is what matters.

It all comes down to the undoubted pressure that we all place upon ourselves, the pressure to always be creating good quality content, and keeping it fresh and interesting. But in this process we are loosing the organic way of blogging, which creates the most natural (and therefor best) content of all. Ultimately, if the shooting doesn't come naturally on the day don't force it. I  have found that my favourite shots are the ones where I am laughing or messing around, the ones where I am not thinking too much about "blogging". Or like this shoot in Newcastle, we went on a mini adventure, a lot of it turned out unplanned and spur of the moment, and that is what I loved most. Having fun and experimenting, and showcasing your personality and who you are is what is most important. Some things are meant for you, and that is 100% okay. But more so, don't make everything you do revolve around if it is good content or not - yes that's cool and undoubtedly will encourage you to do fun new things, but it is also putting a lot of unnecessary strain on yourself. What is important about blogging is how you choose to let your personality shine - no matter what you are doing, what people will come back for is YOU. So, instead of thinking everything you do needs to be bloggable, have more faith in the fact that there is really no such thing as "bloggable" - you create that on your own through being yourself.

I know I have definitely gone of on a tangent on this one, but I think I've put my point across. More than anything it has reminded me of the truth to blogging, and how we all really need to go easier on ourselves. I know for those who are reading this who aren't bloggers this may seem a bit odd, but hopefully it will give you an insight as to what goes on behind closed doors, but more so is just a reminder to be yourself! No one should ever feel the need to fit into a mould of what society has deemed acceptable. What will be will be, and what comes naturally is always the most beautiful thing. So until next time,

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. 

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.