The most wonderful time of the year

With Halloween and bonfire night just going by meaning we are creeping closer and closer to Christmas, I thought I'd talk about why this time of year really is the most wonderful time of the year. Ever since I was little I always believed in magic, when I was younger it was more in the mystical sense. Now that I'm older I believe in the magic of love and togetherness, that warming feeling deep in your soul. When you get older the holiday season has a very different effect, it's less about the treats and presents and more about seeing people come together as families or friends to celebrate. You can see it everywhere, the look of joy and happiness on people's faces that is so pure and full of magic. 

Any chance I get to complete emeerse myself into celebrating and being a part of something where everyone is equal, I will jump in with two feet straight away and near enough drown in it. For the whole month of October it was spooktober for me. I'd watch something horror or Halloween related most nights, i got dressed up for work - twice! & went out with my girls all dressed up too. Something that I will never forget about Halloween (and all the holiday seasons) is that everyone is equal, you're dressed up as a neon clown? Cool! You're dressed up as a devil? Awesome! There should be no judgment, and to all those who slut shame girls who go out dressed like a "hoe", shame on you. Support your sisters (or brothers) if they want to wear that, who cares it's their body - not yours. Other than that for the most part their is no judgment, and the freaks and weirdos have their time to shine and celebrate being themselves. 

I remember on the drive home from work on Halloween I saw loads of kids all dressed up trick or treating with their families and friends with massive smiles on their faces, and there it was magic. It's such a pure reminder that the world really isn't as bad as well all think, there is still that togetherness that a lot of us seem to think has been lost. I got a bit emotional, looking at all these kids who aren't tainted by the sins of the world yet, who are just enjoying being kids! Which is so rare too see now a days, it seems like everyone is just in too much of a hurry to grow up. Now all of us who are grown up will probably all agree that it's really not worth the hurry.

Like I said before this really is the most wonderful time of year, because it really does bring people together. That's what I love most seeing everyone not worrying about what is going on in the world, just enjoying those few minutes where nothing else matters. It might be a bit sad, and I know not everyone will feel this way but there is nothing more pure and reassuring for me. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are all celebrating the same thing. It doesn't matter what extent you go too, or how much money you spend at the end of the day the fact that we are all coming together in unison to bring light, happiness, and warmth to the world. I don't mean by religion or anything like that I mean by people, people bringing people together. That's the real magic.

I felt like this outfit was very on par with the wintery/ seasonal appropriate content of this post. This look was fun for me as I rarely wear this much of a cool toned / pastel look. It was nice for me to push myself out of my comfort zone. This whole outfit was thrifted, bar the jeans which i picked up in the h&m sale a fair few months back. I always feel bad when I can't provide links too my outfits, but 99% of my wardrobe is vintage and/ or second hand. Sustainability (and value for money) has always been something that I am passionate about so that's why I shop the way I do! Hopefully it will inspire you to look for more sustainable options, or at least to try something new / out of your comfort zone. We are all so obsessed with warm tones at the minute (well seems like a lifetime!), so it was nice to play against that. Until next time,

XO XO, EMMA 

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 

March Playlist & Release Radar

Hello, Hello.

So, another month has passed which means another monthly round-up is here. This month, I don't have any new t.v. shows or films to talk about really, and I prefer the idea of keeping these posts solely about music - what I have discovered, and what is hot of the press that I think is worth a listen. As always, in the sidebar to the right is my spotify playlist for the month. You can give it a listen while you read this post, or save it to listen too later. So without further ado lets get into my jams of March.

If you know me, you know that I will always love The Vaccines. They were the first proper gig I ever went to, I have been to every album tour and I met them on my 20th Birthday. So, you can imagine my joy when on Friday the dropped their latest album COMBAT SPORTS. They had already released the three tracks, Put it on a T-Shirt, I Can't Quit, and Nightclub. I can't lie I do not listen too them as much as I used too, simply just because I am constantly looking for new discoveries rather than repeatedly listening too albums that I love, but from my first few listens I can tell this album is a winner. It really upbeat and sounds more uplifting rather than their normally moody pessimistic tone. I can't give my final verdict on it yet, nor can I pull out my favourite tracks but I'm sure I will be able to give a run down of my favourites next month. 

This month we have seen the return of the three part rap group from NY. Towards the begin of the month they dropped the track Headstone, and just a few days ago they dropped U&I (feat. Dia). Both tracks same the same artwork so I am assuming they are both part of their new album, which will be the follow up to the 2016 3001: A Laced Odyssey. Both these tracks are incredible, but very different. Headstone is a true hype song for me, It proper gets me up. U&I is a lot more chill and has a real 90s vibe too it especially with the gospel vocals. I love them both, and I think one of the greatest things about Flatbush is the different tones and rap style that each of them have, yet they work so well together. Another of their tracks that isn't new, but is on my March Playlist is their remix of Portugal's Feel it Still. It is actually the first song that I added to the playlist, I love the new beat that they added to the song it gives it a whole new vibe, and their verses make it absolutely fire (better than the original in my opinion). 

Another discovery of mine this month was the band Glass Animals, but more specifically the album How To Be A Human Being. I am late to the bandwagon with this one, with the album being released two years ago. But the song Youth made it's way into my my Discover playlist and knew I had to give them a listen. There music has a very feel good vibe, and I particularly like the hip-hop and synth pop vibes that you can hear in some of their songs, especially in my favourite track off the album, The Other Side of Paradise. I recommend listen too the album from start to finish as it is a brilliant listen. I love how each song is different and has a new vibe, it keeps the album fresh and interesting. 

STAND OUT TRACKS

So I have been listening to a lot of rap music again this month, no shock there. But there have been a few absolute fire stand out tracks this month. The first being Energy (Cadenza Remix), by Avelino, Stromzy, Skepta & Cadenza. This track is such a good vibe, it's refreshing to hear grime artists over such a chill dance beat, it makes it less aggressive and more lightweight. It still packs a punch, but in a different way and I think that's why I like it so much. Secondly we have PICK IT UP (feat. A$AP Rocky) by Famous Dex. I really am not into these types of rappers, I cannot stand mumble rappers or any of that bullshit. HOWEVER, the BEAT and A$AP's verse are just out of this world. I think without his verse it wouldn't be as good, he really lifts the song to another level. I have been on a bit of a hype over A$AP lately, I think it might have a lot to do with the fact that he is performing at Parklife this year (*cries tears of joy*). The last stand out track has GOT to be OKRA, by Tyler, The Creator.  He literally dropped this track out of nowhere last week, a random drop and as he says - "a throwaway track". But is is hottttt, like ever other Tyler track, understandably he is a controversial Love / Hate artist, and you probably already know what side you fall on. His work is so different that if you haven't listen too him, just give him a lil listen because I don't think there is a way to describe his music style that will give it justice.

So that was my round up / summary of some of my favourite artists / tracks / releases of the month, obviously there are a lot more that I haven't discussed, which is why the playlist is linked so that you can give them a little listen. I hope you like the new format of this post, I think I prefer it to the way I was doing it before it makes it more cohesive. So, until next time!

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  

An Outcast Fairy

Hello, Hello! 

Today we are taking a trip down my creative mythical side of my brain to bring you this super fun and colourful fairy concept shoot. When I was on one of my walks I found this spot and the look and theme just instantly came to mind, so I ran home got all my stuff together, makeup props and outfit - and returned to shoot it in that same day. So, here is the photo-set and the story alongside with it. 

This is the visual story of a lost fairy who has lost her wings because she rebelled and was outcast. She is a spoiled teenager who had everything handed to her, but now she has to work everything out for herself and learn how to be appreciative. This old tree truck is the portal in which she has come into the human realm, lost and unable to use her powers. 

All she has is her spell book and crystal but they have lost their charge, and she has lost her powers. She has to learn the value of respect, and until then she is banished here until she can learn, and her parents thought there was no better place for her to learn this than from than the humans. Here she still thinks her family are going to come and get here - like they always have in the past so she is bored and waiting to be brought home. At this point she doesn't understand the seriousness of the situation, she's just annoyed. 

Now she is super bored of waiting, and it's starting to hit here that she isn't getting the help that she always used to. Her guard is starting to come down as she realises that she has pushed them too far this time. As she comes from a wealthy high societal family, she didn't get the attention and love she felt she deserved from her family. They used money and possessions to show their affection,  but in retrospect this just made her crave their attention more and more, and she decided that bad attention was better than none. But now she's alone and has to find her way back to explain to her parents how she feels. 

Now she's returned to the portal where she came from and is wishing and hoping that her parents can see what they did and why she acted the way she did, as she struggles to find her way back, but is also deciding if that is even the place where she belongs. 

So, that was my fairy concept photoshoot, I adored doing this. Getting into the character, getting really into the shoot and covered in dirt, it was so much fun and I want to try and do more shoots likes this. The location was just perfect and I couldn't miss shooting in it, and I am so glad I did. These turned out perfect, exactly as I hoped they was. Photo credits go to my Mum (she is honestly the best), and the makeup, styling, and theme was all brought to you by my little brain. I hope you all love this as much as me! These are honestly my favourite photos to date, and I love my little story I have alongside them. 

XOXO, EMMA.