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 

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.

Parklife 2018: Saturday Picks

Hello, Hello. 

So if you haven't gathered already, I am attending Parklife for the full weekend in just over a week! Honestly, I am so excited and so I thought there no better time to talk through my top artist picks from each day, and why I think they are worth seeing. So today is Saturday, and hopefully by the end of this week I will have Sunday's up as well. Even if you're not attending the festival, these picks are all still worth a listen, if you haven't done so before.  So without further ado let's get cracking into the Saturday! The artist's will not be in order of when they are performing, or in order of favour. Just a list of artists that deserve to be seen (in my eyes!) Oh also, if any of these artists clash I am preparing myself for a mental breakdown.

A$AP ROCKY 

Genre: Rap / Hip Hop 

Mood: Hype, Intense, Explosive

Of all the artists performing this weekend, I think I am most excited about is A$AP. A few years ago I wouldn't of even been bothered, but in later years especially with MOB & Tyler collaborations I have become obsessed. His new highly anticipated album is fire, and I think he is going to put on such a good show. I feel like every year they pull out some of the best American Hip Hop artists, especially with last year being graced by the one and only Frank Ocean. 100% not one to be missed if you are a fan of rap music, or just want too see a very lively performance.  

Some of my favourite tracks are,  Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2), Back Home, 1Train, A$AP Forever REMIX, Hun43rd (pretty much all of his new album). 

THE XX

Genre: Indie Pop 

Mood: Chilled, atmospheric. uplifting, euphoric, happy 

Headlining on the main stage, this performance is going to be magical. I can just picture it now as being one of those super memorable festival moments that stay in your heart forever. I have loved them since the first album and the release of Basic Space. They are just such an incredible cohesive band, I actually missed out and getting tickets for their tour so I am super stoked about these as well. I won't lie, they are not a band I listen too as much as I used too, but I have wanted to see them live since the release of their first album, so what better way to do so.

Some of my favourite tracks are Shelter, Crystallised, Dangerous, Islands and Dangerous.

SAMPHA 

Genre: Electronic Hip Hop / Soul 

Mood: Chilled, atmospheric, soulful, emotional

One of my most played artists this year, and such an absolutely incredible voice. I actually stumbled across him last year at Parklife and fell HARD, we'd walked away from Rag 'n' Bone man, as he just wasn't our cuppa tea, and found Sampha with a crowd overflowing the tent. This year he has made his was too the main stage, and I think he is going to be incredible. His voice is so soulful and powerful, and sounds even better live. I know this one will be a spiritual one, I just cannot miss out on the opportunity to see him live again now that my love for him has grown so much more.

Some of my favourite tracks are Close but not Quite, Blood on Me, Plastic 100'C, Timmy's Prayer, Incomplete Kisses. 

BICEP

Genre: Electronic Dance

Mood: Euphoric, Energetic, Uplifting, Intense 

Electronic Dance music duo that merge together all types of styles to create some incredible music. It's euphoric, uplifting and out of body. The switch up in their songs, and the build up is so intense but also so freeing. I can't wait too be a part of the crowd for their set, I can just tell the vibe is going to be spot on and exactly what festivals are about. I know this is a big switch up from my other recommendations above, but that's my music taste for ya! 

Some of my favourite tracks are Rain, Aura, Glue. Opal. 

MARIBOU STATE

Genre: Electronic Dance 

Mood: Euphoric, Soulful, Atmospheric, Uplifting

Another Electronic Dance Duo but a lot more chilled out than Bicep. They combine incredible instrumentals, with atmospheric beats to create some extremely beautifully eclectic music. On some of my favourite tracks they also feature some of the most beautiful soulful vocals(Holly Walker), and this combination I think will sound so beautiful live, and the atmosphere will be so wholesome. I discovered these at University and they helped me through some super rough patches, so they have actually had a very positive impact on my life. This one will probably be an emotional one, but happy tears not sad ones. 

Some of my favourite tracks are Midas, Turnmills, Steal, Breathe. 

Honorable mentions (people who I also would like too see): Levelz, Bugzy Malone, Giggs, Tom Misch, Casisdead, Earl Sweatshirt,  Mella Dee, Solardo, Friction.

XOXO, EMMA 

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 

3 Ways To Style Cycle Shorts

Hello, Hello.

I mentioned a few posts prior that a trend that I am super excited about for Spring / Summer is Cycle shorts, they are super comfy and actually super easy to style. However, for today's post I thought I would show you 3 ways to style them, Casual, Smart Casual / Instagram Style & Festival. I think they are such a versatile piece that can easily be dressed up or down, it just all depends on what other items of clothing and accessories you style them with. This trends seems to be more of an "online" one, I don't think we have seen much of it on catwalks, but they are all over our Instagram feeds thanks to Yezzy Season Six which was made most influential by Kim Kardashian. Now all the high street retailers, especially online stores like PrettyLittleThing and Missguided have jumped on the trend for the Instagram baddie gal, but I am here to show you alternative way's to style them, and ways that you can make them your own. So, without further ado let's get into the first look. (P.S. If you click on the above shop links it will take you straight to there selection of shorts, just incase you're looking to spend some cash cash money).

1. Casual Club 

So I thought it was best to start with the most basic / everyday styling first. This is probably a look I will gravitate towards a lot in summer, especially for work because it's so comfortable and simple yet still manages to look quite Chic and put together. For this look I styled my vintage Reebok cycle shorts with my (also vintage) oversized The Smiths band Tee. This is probably the easiest way too style cycling shorts, but you could also easily dress this look up by throwing on a blazer and maybe some heeled boots, that would elevate the look and make it a bit more tailored. However, because I was going for a really simple comfort look I just called it a day by teaming the look with my flyknit Air Force's. I feel like of all the trainers to style with cycling shorts, for some reason Air Force's always work best. 

2. Festival Style 

This look is probably my favourite out of the three, I mean there isn't much doubt there when this is the most colourful, playful "out there" look. I've styled Cycle Shorts similarly to this in a previous post which you can read here if interested. For this look I teamed my (also vintage) Adidas cycle shorts with my cropped H&M Divided Hoodie found here , with a super Andy Warhol inspired printed shirt underneath, when it comes down to festival syle for me more is more. The more layers, the more clashing prints and textures, the better! Of course this is not everyone's festival style, but that is the beauty of it - it is completely your own. Accessories also play a massive part in festival styling, this look would be extra elevated with a pair of fishnets, some head jewels / crown or some crazy glitter. But I kept it (relatively) simple. For footwear there is no better, and no more practical option for festival season than Dr Martens, because they can withstand any weather or any beating that you throw at them. Of course I had to be that bit EXTRA and wear my pink ones, but I mean more colour is never a bad thing to me. The bumbag was of course another essential, but I much prefer the new trend of wearing it cross-body, it is a lot more chic but also feels even more convenient. 

3. Smart Casual / Instagram Style

 This is probably the most popular, and most sought after style, the slick Instagram style. Personally, this really isn't my style. However I have tailored it here to fit my personality and put my own spin on it. I think that is one thing to remember is that yes this is a top trend, but you shouldn't just be wearing it for that sole purpose. I think it is really important to yes be INSPIRED by trends, but not COPY them, instead MAKE THEM YOUR OWN. I guarantee that you will feel more confident and comfortable in something that expresses who you are / your own personal style rather than just a look to make you stay relevant to the trends and what is considered "fashionable". However I do think we are moving past the era of everyone dressing the same, I don't think personal style, especially within street style culture has been this present since the 90s. So, for this look I teamed my simple black cycle shorts, which were literally £2 from Primark, an essential really at such a good price. Probably wouldn't trust them without something on that didn't cover my bum though. I teamed it with this bright yellow strapless top, for an added touch or "me". I am not about the head too toe nude, grey, or black looks, they just aren't me and don't fit my personality. I feel like a staple for this look is the blazer, it really adds the smart edge to the look and elevates it. This is my trusty oversized black and white plaid blazer, and I adore it. It has such a nice effortlessly chic fit, and really pulls this look together. Accessories wise, I kept it simple - as always. I decided to wear this (very) old season topshop straw bag, because these are literally EVERYWHERE at the minute, and they are also something that you can pick up pretty easily in your local charity shop, so definitely keep an eye out! I think the yellow ties in well with the yellow top, and brings the look together. On my feet I am wearing a pair of platform satin black sliders, however if you wanted to go full Instagram - the heeled sock boot is the way to go. 

So, that was my 3 ways of styling cycle shorts! I hope too add more to this series / format of blog post, I have one on silk style scarfs and the basic hoodie in the pipeline so keep an eye out for those if you enjoy this style! Until next time,

XOXO, EMMA