Styling The Iconic Rainbow Jumper

Hello, Hello.

So over the past couple of years, this one most significantly for me - the rainbow trend has met an all time high. I remember a few years back when Lazy Oaf released the ICONIC Crayola knit but it was, and still is way out of my price range. Hopefully one day I will be able to treat myself to a Lazy Oaf piece, but until then I just gaze at their Instagram longingly and pray that my time will come. It is probably my favourite current brand, If I could afford it I would own there entire shop. Anyway, the rainbow trend has really saturated the market this year and I finally managed to get myself an iconic rainbow jumper. Honestly, I don't know how I have gone so long without one.

This little number is from Monki, and if your a fan of Lazy Oaf chances are you shop on here as they have a similar vibe but at a fraction of the price. This crew neck knit is the mere price of £25! You can find it at this link here, but I would be quick it tends to sell out super fast. I got mine in a size XL because I love a big boxy oversized fit, and it fits exactly how I wanted it too. I usually don't like a long fitted cuff on a jumper, but I actually love it on this as it gives it some shape and makes it look more tailored. It is a nice knit, not too think or thin just right for layering, and the colours are incredible and just as vibrant as in the pictures. It is a guaranteed head turner, and I promise you will make a fair few people smile in this one! I think that's what I like so much about rainbows, you can't help but smile when you see one.

With the change in the seasons, comes a change in my style. As soon as Autumn / Winter comes around my style leans a lot more towards alternative and grunge, the styling here is somewhat showing the start of my style transition. The weather is finally cold enough for me to show off these incredible dickies dungarees which I bought from a vintage kilo sale a few months back, I have wanted to wear them for so long but they were just too heavy for the summer months. Dungarees are one of my favourite things to wear in the colder seasons, but I feel like because of the lighter wash I feel like I need to make the most of these sooner rather than later. I do think this wash of denim really compliments the colours in the jumper though, it keeps it light and fresh. I also love the baggy look of these, I have always wanted the perfect oversized pair but never seemed to find any, until these of course! I know it's a lot of loose fitting items and the look doesn't have much shape, but I think that adds such a retro vintage feel and more so, I love the vibe it gives off. Oversized clothes have always been a massive hit for me because I like to play with gender roles and what's deemed masculine / feminine. I also just love the effortlessness of it, I almost feel like my early 2000s self when I used to shop at tammy girl, but hopefully a bit more chic. The overall vibe of this look too me is so 90s grunge with a tad more colour, the bagginess of the look, the denim and the stripes, the chunky platforms are all key elements of the era it's just got my added colourful rainbow touches, like I say my style is literally transitioning like the seasons. 

Now lets talk about the details, is there anything more perfect than this sunshine yellow beret? No, I didn't think so. A few years back you wouldn't see my dead in a hat, but since I discovered a love for berets and baker boy caps last winter I can't get enough! I have wanted a yellow one for the longest time, and they finally got them in H&M (where I work) so I snatched one up straight away. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available online anymore, although there are a few in stores. I love how it ties in perfectly with the yellow in the jumper, and also how the colour looks against my grey / silver hair. Another defining details are these iconic chunky platform shoes, straight from the 90s / early 2000s. I found these at a local carboot and they cost me 3 QUID. £3 for a pair of shoes this insane is literally a gift from the gods.  They give me a bit of height, which I needed or else these dungarees would be trailing in the dirt - and they also add that grunge touch which I was on about earlier. 

I really love the way this has all come together, I love how it is showing how my style slowly transforms through the seasons, especially in this in between grey area where you have no clue what to wear. However it is safe to say that the cold weather is settling in here in the U.K. so more layers and outerwear are going to become a much heavier feature, but I think this post was a nice way to move away from my last post (which was all sun, bikinis and holiays) too more seasonally appropriate content. 

All images are shot on a Canon 4000D & edited on VSCO. The images of me are all taken by my incredible mum, and the other images are all taken by me. Hope you enjoyed this one, cya next time. 

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. 

Spring / Summer 2018 Trends : The 1980's

Hello, Hello! 

So, with Spring finally making its mark on the British Countryside and the adorable little lambs are jumping around the fields I thought I would take today to talk about one my favourite trends this season, and show you my take on it. The 1980's in terms of fashion where years of excess and drama, the bolder the shoulder, print, colour or shine of an outfit - the better. I think that's what I love about 80's fashion, as it was so bold and out there but also (for the most part) very colourful! Obviously for this post I am referring too the ~mainstream~ / "popular" style of the decade. For me, the biggest icon is of course Cyndi Lauper. She had such a bold playful unique style, and I love it. So for today's look I was feeling super inspired by my new hair and thought the bolder the better, which is pretty much my outlook on life to be honest.

The main colour of this look is pink, but of course bright almost neon pink - no pastel hues here. I loved the look of layering the cropped oversized sweater over the dress and matching it with my cropped leggings. I think it really added to the whole sportswear / aerobics vibe of the 80's. Sportswear is still a major trend at the minute, especially with the influence of street style still be very predominant. The resurgence of the iconic cycle short (mainly thanks to the Kardashians) just shows how much of an impact the decade is having on today's trends. I honestly can't wait till the weather gets warmer so I can start rocking my cycle shorts, I am going to be all over this trend this year. By teaming these with fishnets while it's a little bit chillier means that they can act as a transitional piece through Spring and into Summer. Also, I am hopefully going to be doing a styling post on them when the weather finally picks up (which fingers crossed is this week in the U.K.), so if you're interested in that keep your eyes peeled on the blog in the future. They are such a versatile item to style and I think they will more than likely take over from high waisted denim shorts for me this year, which is a winner because they are about a million times comfier. I think I might need to invest in them in every colour, no exaggeration. 

The print of this dress screamed the 80's too me, it reminded me of the iconic squiggle / doodle print that was EVERYWHERE alongside geometric shapes. But I also loved the switch in tones, the top half is a white background with black print, and then the bottom half is the opposite. The dress looked cute on it's own but I love the added touch the sweatshirt gives - especially with the 'lil collar peaking through. I just chucked on my super oversized denim jacket / coat over the top, because what was the 80s without denim? Even though I know double denim would be hella more appropriate. But I love the detail of the rainbow stitching it really plays well with the playfulness of this look.  I do not think there are any more appropriate shoes to finish off this look than these high top Nike's. Actually no, a pair of high top white reeboks with the straps (let's ignore the Flo Rida Reference here ~cringe~), but I don't own a pair. But I think these work just as perfectly, especially with the colourway. I also love the way the pink laces and accents tie in with the rest of this look perfectly. These trainers are super old, but still really groovy and definitely gave off the 80s vibe that I was looking for. 

I definitely think that I am more into the more casual and experimental side of 80s fashion rather than the 'glam look'. I can't see myself rocking shoulder pads or crazily bedazzled / metallic dress, but that's the fun of fashion! You can just pick whatever style it is that you like best and run with it and make it your own. You don't need to stick to a specific trend just because that's what is hot at minute, have fun with it and make it your own. The minute that fashion becomes more about trying to fit the trends and straight copy the runway, then it looses its originality and fun. Runway collections are made to inspire and to promote self expressiveness, and that's what fashion should be about. I hate too see people buy something that is considered trendy when they don't even like it just to try and be "current". I personally think the best way, and only way too be "current" is to be yourself and add your personality to your style. I don't mean by being crazy and outrageous, I just think that your style should reflect who you are as a person and not what you think you should be perceived as by society. If you're a quite and simple person, don't feel the need to wear crazily outrageous clothes, and if you like to wear black and feel more like yourself in that, don't feel the need to force yourself to wear colour just for the sake of other people's opinions. You do you, boo. 

Accessories wise I opted for fishnet tights, I mean do fishnets not just scream Madonna in the 80s? Well they do too me. I think they just added a quirky little touch to the outfit and look super cute underneath these cropped leggings, and like I said above added just a little bit of extra warmth ( I mean hardly any, but still). The bag however is where I have failed the era, the clear perspex bags where definately one that became popular in the 90s/ early 2000s. But I just couldn't get over how CUTE it looked with this outfit, especially with the almost neon pink tone to the bag. It definately reminds me of a backpack from when I was younger and I am living for it. This is actually the only item from this whole look that is actually shoppable! (sorry guys). It is from the one and only Primark and costs £4! and was found near the swimwear. The bag inside is my Golf  Le Fleur Converse Dust Bag, but you can be as creative as you want with what you choose to put inside. This trend is RED HOT at the minute with the likes of Chloe and Belenciaga hoping on the train, but this hot pink version is my take on the trend (and a very nostalgic one at that, all i need now is a blow up chair, which I am lusting over so bad). 

So that is it for this weeks blog post, I hope you enjoyed the carefree colourful 80s vibe as much as me. Honestly I have been rocking looks like this a lot recently because they make me feel so happy! I throw on a really colourful and playful look and my mood honestly changes. I can't wait to do more posts on styling cycling shorts, and finally get round to being able to do some festival styling posts. I love this time of year because as festival season approaches everyone is more willing to truly express themselves through fashion, and are less self conscious of what others think. I just wish our society was as accepting as it is over the festival season all the time. But we are getting there!

XOXO, EMMA 

Runway to My Way | Versace AW 2018

Hello, Hello.

So I have had this idea for a series on my blog for quite a while now, where I take inspiration from my favourite catwalk shows and create looks heavily inspired by them by items of clothing that I already own - or that I've picked up thrifting. The idea is to demonstrate that you don't need to spend much money, if any at all to create something inspired by designer shows. Now don't get me wrong - you are all more than welcome to splurge on the high ticketed items, or even pick up similar inspired options from fast fashion high street retailers -I'm just providing an alternative for all my cost conscious babes out there.

So with the Milan Fashion Week which has just past showcasing the AW18 Shows, and with us here in England being in the midst of Storm Emma & The Beast of the East (and all the snow it has brought along with her, which is finally melting away - thank goodness!) I thought there is no better time to start my series. Today, as you can already tell from the title we are focusing on the Versace show. I cannot deny that for the past few seasons I have been totally head over heels for their collections, mainly because of how bold and colourful they are. Thankfully, the AW18 show did not disappoint. What I loved the most was the return of tartan, but with clashing colours and playful silhouettes that we are all sure Cher Horwitz would be very proud of. The clueless-esque style nods to the 90s, It is preppy meet almost Punk with the mix-match of tartan and the berets. These styles where the highlight too me, they were bold, playful, colourful and unique and that is what I love most about Versace as a brand.

Here are a roundup of my favourite looks, and the ones which I drew the most inspiration from so you can see for reference, if toy want to view the whole runway show then here is the link to the images over on VOGUE here.

So now that you have seen my inspiration, lets see what I've created and why. Tartan is something that pretty much everyone has in their wardrobes, it is a staple every Autumn / Winter, which means we are all more than likely going to have some pieces in our wardrobe we can use. I am a lover of all things tartan so for me, I knew my key pieces would be my green tartan skirt, and my red tartan coat. The two clashing tartan prints may not be the exact colours, but they still pay homage to the style epic-ally. I absolutely love the way they look against each other, very bold colourful and playful. The coat is from River Island about 4 years ago (still going strong!), and the shirt is a charity shop find (sorry!). I would link you all alternatives, but I am trying to show that you don't necessarily need to go out and buy more clothes to master up and coming trends, as they are usually refreshed styles and prints that we have all seen before.

Underneath I decided to wear a print which is a lot more classic Versace - the baroque print. Something Versace has been playing with for years, and for years high street brands have taken their spin on it. I picked up this inspired piece for £2 in a charity shop, and I love the look it gives layered over this H&M Divided Yellow Polo neck (here). Yellow is a colour that always (well more recently anyway) has been featured in their shows, so I knew I wanted to incorporate it in some way. The colour also pairs beautifully with both the red and green tartan, which I tied in together (literally and metaphorically) with my yellow O Ring belt.

For even more boldness I decided to rock red coloured tights, which are actually inspired by the previous Spring Summer Versace runway - with the three head too toe one colour looks. (Which, once the weather warms up, I hope to do a #RunwayToMyWay on very soon). Whilst still on the subject of accessories I decided to tie an old head scarf around my waist, head scarfs were a massive feature of this show so I decided to incorporate one in a less standard way. To finish the look off I threw on a pair of heeled calf length boots, the black contrasted the red tights perfectly and added more of that preppy school girl edge that I had seen on the show.

So that is it for my first ever #RunwayToMyWay! I really enjoyed doing this, and it just goes to show that you can create a super cool designer inspired look on a teeny tiny fraction of the price. I can't wait too do more of these, and show what runways are really inspiring me. I hope that some of you will be inspired to also try this out! I will follow the hashtag just in case anyone does. But for now that's me over and out,

XOXO, EMMA 

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 

My Divided Style

Hello, Hello!

As some of you may know, I work at H&M, and this fun opportunity came up for us to showcase our Divided Style - and I thought there was no better way for me to showcase that then through a blog post. So throughout all of University, (Molly, if you're reading this you'll remember!) most of my spare time, and money was spent on Divided. It was the go too look. To me Divided is fresh, trendy, and bold. It mixes patterns, prints and colours and definitely has a street style vibe. It's look is one that definitely appeals mostly to the teenage- early /mid 20s range, and I love how bold and statement some of the items are. I also love the collaborations with either music artists, or companies such as Looney Tunes and Disney. The trends are kept bold and playful, and that's what I love the most. So here is #MyDividedStyle

So I decided to style my favourite Divided piece at the minute, the iconic Snoop Dogg T shirt. These tops have become super popular, especially with our others with Cher and Whitney Houston on. However, Snoop is more me (and is someone I listen too). The link to the T-Shirt is here  - but I think it's sold out in most sizes, maybe pop into your local store too see if they have them in stock, I know our shop does. So I decided to keep in the urban / early 2000s feel by styling them with these amazing camo trousers. Camo is everywhere this season, it is high trend and super stylish. I think it adds a cool print and vibe to this outfit and makes me feel like Missy Elliot / Ciara circa. early 2000s.

To finish the look of I thought I would add in some red,because it is still my favourite at the minute. I added an extra layer with this mesh top, and added a feminine touch with my red kitten heel boots. And voila! That's my divided style look complete. I am fully obsessed with this look and the edgy, urban street style look is gives. I think Divided clothing is where you can rely on something that expresses your personality, and lets you be unapologetic-ally yourself. Take no prisoners.

XOXO, EMMA