Psychedelic Princess | Festival Series Part 2

Hello, Hello!

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

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

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

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

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

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

XO,XO. EMMA 

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Thrifting & Styling Street Wear Trends

Hello, Hello. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

XOXO, EMMA 

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 

Strawberry Fields Forever

Aloha! Today I felt like combining two of my favourite things for this post, fashion and The Beetles. The people who know me IRL, will know that my favourite band of all time is the Beetles, I am a full on die hard fan. From the early to the late work (although I am more into the later stuff). There music is timeless and never fails to make me smile. I don't have a favourite album, I'm more about a certain collection: The Magical mystery Tour, The Yellow Submarine & Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. All released in between 67&69 these albums have my heart. They are fun, experimental, silly, psychedllic and bold in such an unapologetic way.

So for today's look and today's edits I decided to go for a bold fun colour blocking look. I am wearing my favourite denim pinafore / dungaree dress. This piece was thrifted, and I cannot seem to find a similar dupe anywhere that is in stock. This is the closest I've found but is out of stock :(. Underneath is a super cute green and blue striped polo, which you can find pretty much everywhere. To add the pop of yellow (bright primary colours are always something I associate with The Yellow Submarine, especially yellow!) I matched my Dr Martens with my cardigan. I topped the look of in the most appropriate way with my strawberry hat (hence the title of this post), a chunky red belt and a rainbow beaded necklace. Most of these items you can pick up pretty easily if you keep an eye out in your local charity shops and vintage shops (as I always do!) Unfortunately I don't have many dupes for my items today, sorry about that!

Edited by Sophie Donoghue @ Step Drop Media (here)

I feel like my attitude towards fashion and style is very familiar to The Beetles with their music. I love to have fun and be bold and I definitely don't care too much about what people think. I draw inspiration from everywhere, but I do think the beetles will always be one of my biggest inspirations. One of the biggest things that they taught me is just to have fun! Don't take life to seriously, and their music always reminds me to just be myself. But another part of them that I associate so fondly with is how they were constantly changing and evolving in style, music and fashion wise. They never stuck to one thing, which is certainly something that can be said for my style I can jump from one thing to another each day depending on my mood - you will not find a consistent style here I'm afraid! Combing my love for music & fashion together is one of my favourite things to do, and there will be more to come so watch this space!  I would also like to take this time to talk about Steep Drop Media Collective, my best friend start this creative group which I am more than proud to be a part of you. You will find parts of her work, be it edits or photography dotted about on my blog with the links provided. We plan to have a lot more fun and quirky colllaborations coming up so watch this space, and go give her page a follow here  The content is worth the follow, I promise. But for now that's me over and out,

XOXO, EMMA.