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AUTUMN CAPSULE PIECES

Wednesday 2 November 2016

The key to a good capsule wardrobe is something of an art. You have to be very selective about what you buy. Searching for alternatives are essential, and be prepared to pay a little more for quality so it will see you through the winter. I've picked some of my current favourites that haven't broken the bank, and are interchangeable with last year's winter wardrobe. 

You can't go wrong with a pair of leather (or pleather in my case) for the winter. They are perfect paired with a crisp white shirt for the working week or dressed up with a black velvet body and a pair of heels for a night out. The thing I love about these is that they are at a flattering ankle-biter length, which means they can be paired with a flat loafer, mule or add a heel and they still look incredibly classy. Whether you can afford leather or not, they evoke city-chic and ooze sexiness whilst not being too OTT. 

I have a few bobble hats in my collection now, but since going blonder in the late summer, I spied this sandy coloured knit and fell in love. I adore the fluffy bobble and like the way it compliments a blonder hair tone. It has a more relaxed fit than the Burgundy and Charcoal hats I have from last year, so it's great dressed up or down for that matter. You can't go wrong with a bobble hat!

Trousers - ASOS £32
Blouse - Zara £25.99
Candle - John Lewis £9
Bobble Hat - Zara £9.99
NYX Liquid Suede - Cherry Skies - £6.50


This Zara blouse encapsulates two AW16 trends, dusty pink and ruffles. The smock across the front and ruffled neck gives a Victoriana feel, which some people may find ageing, but personally I like experimenting with different looks from different eras, and I like to style my hair and makeup accordingly. This blouse is incredibly classy, elegant and high fashion. I like to wear it paired with a head of soft, tousled curls and a natural lip. Dainty touches such as the burgundy ribbon juxtapose the sexier, leather-look trousers above. 

I love this corduroy dress, in fact I love wearing corduroy. I think the feel of it reminds me of something I owned as a child! This pinafore is perfect for an autumnal evening, worn with thick tights, stood by a bonfire sipping mulled wine, with a dark mysterious lip colour...It's figuring hugging silhouette is flattering when worn under a large trench or camel coat. I enjoy wearing it with a black or grey polo neck underneck for extra warmth. Sometimes I even throw on my wellies and Barbour after a long day and go for a dog walk in it!



Nyx lip products are becoming a cult nowadays, and I know I am relatively late to the bandwagon. However, they still deserve a mention. Stumbling across Nyx in Selfridges I knew they must be worth a swatch...I was on the hunt for a dark, berry toned lip product as it's that time of the year to update my lip colour collection. I came across this deep cherry colour, which completely caught my eye, even after swatching the majority of the reds in the collection. It applies beuatifully and has a long lasting finish, there are only a few downsides 1. being that it dries to abotu 80% and leaves some tackiness. 2. it fades to a bluey-pink tone, more hot pink than deep red, so just be wary if you don't reapply. Other than that, this is a fabulous low-end affordable product which is bound to see me through the winter. 

I adore it when I find a few pieces that are match really well, I know I will get lots of wear out of them whilst staying right on trend, so I hope this inspires your own autumnal purchases. 

MINDFUL MOMENTS

Tuesday 11 October 2016
Amidst such a busy time of the academic year, I have found, winding down ever more important this semester. I find it difficult to switch off from work, even when lying in bed! This post also falls a day after Mental Health Awareness day, so I felt it was a fitting opportunity to write. I've compiled a list of my favourite ways I use to wind down, which you may have used too. 

Photo credit: Sam Holden
1. Take a bath

There is nothing more soothing than taking a bath at the end of a long day. The task of literally cleansing the day away is a really great way to ensuring your body and mind are in the right place to winding down. I often find that I need to focus on something rather than lie there worrying about all the things I should've done, so for me I find an inspirational Ted Talks and get my daily dose of heartwarming motivation. 

2. Meditate

You could also listen to a meditation YouTube video. These are excellent for completely switching off. Mindfulness is proven to relax and de-stress you, allowing you to appreciate your body, senses and thoughts in the moment. One of my favourite channels for this is The Honest Guys. Once I have my noise cancelling head-phones in, I'm away. 


3. Have a black-out hour

I have to put my hands up and say this is something that I struggle with, my closest family and friends know that I am surgically attached to my iphone! If you think you can do even just one hour, aim to switch off all devices, including the TV. Read a book, take a walk, draw, colour, paint...do anything that doesn't involve the horrible emission of blue light, that we are attached to. Also on another great positive, this reduces the effect of wrinkles in your neck (from looking down at the screen!)



4. Exercise

Even a gentle walk can get your endorphins going which make you feel naturally happier and more positive. If a full blown work-out is for you, I love following it with a long jacuzzi, sauna and steam. It really relaxes my muscles and prevents any build-up of lactic acid after running.

If you can do even one of these a day, you will notice the benefits. The trick is to not putting the pressure on yourself to make big changes, small steps can go a long way in making you feel a lot happier. 

Sophie x

6 CULT CLASSIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Thursday 22 September 2016
The beauty market is full of so many products; new launches, classics, top end to budget...there is just so much to choose from. It is indeed a very saturated place and it can be very confusing when you want to create a natural look but get good value for money. I admit to being a fairly cautious person when it comes to new products as I do have my favourites, and I know how valuable a good blogger review can be. I do understand that paying a little more for your makeup can really be worth it, not just in usability but the finish can be a lot more effective and professional than budget products. 

 So I thought I would write a simple list of six of my 'desert island' cult products, the ones that I cannot live without, that I use day in day out, that take me from work to evening date, which acheive that beautiful model off duty look, which I love the most. 




This is an absolute winner for me, the consistency is perfect for acheiving a dewy look whilst not getting too shiny. It is best used with a primer to ensure that you get an even coverage. I apply it using the real techniques buffing brush (linked to a starter kit) which allows you to really work the product into your skin to get it looking flawless...'my skin but better'. As with most YSL makeup, you can tell by the texture that it is packed with all the best skin products -tightening, moisturising and brightening to compliment the lovely even coverage. It has a light to medium coverage which is buildable, and the available shades are the perfect balance between adding colour to your skin whilst not being yellowy. 

If you are thinking of buying this product, I'd recommend getting a consultation to match with your skin colour. I find with YSL foundations they just sink into the skin, so this can be a matter of seconds. It's an essential step to getting that perfected look, and it really does help to make you look polished. There's nothing worse than a bright orange tide line! 



A classic, award winning product, I see this as the touche de teint's best friend, they just work perfectly together. Best used after foundation application on the dark circles around the eyes, down the edges of the mouth, above the eyebrows, on the cheek and brow bones. This has light reflecting particles which instantly gives you that look of having had a great night's sleep! You can really notice this in photographs, it feels as though you are using a professional product. It's a clear winner for me, because as soon as I run out, I know I have to buy another. Nothing compares to touche eclat, and I couldn't recommend it more. 

I'd recommend getting one shade lighter than your foundation, as this gives the illusion of youth, health and energy! 





This bronzer is a cult classic again, it's perfect for contouring and bronzing all year round as it is completely matte. It is a good mix of ashy and warm, which is why it is so versatile. There is only one shade of hoola but it works perfectly even when I am at my most fair. It's incredibly pigmented, it can last me around 8 months!

The one pitfall of hoola is the packaging, despite coming with the perfect mini brush for contouring, the packaging is cardboard which tends to get a bit dog-eared in my makeup bag after a while. It also catches all the excess product and ends up looking a little dirty. However this doesn't detract from how great an all rounder this is. 



I had been previously lusting over the Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighting palettes, but as they are very often sold out I managed to hunt down this dupe from Sleek in superdrug. It is an absolute steal at only £12 but also gives a very professional highlight. I tend to sweep my brush across the bottom two shades, saving the top pink creme product for my brow and cheek bones. This with the YSL touche eclat are the perfect combination. The Solstice palette is so ridiculously pigmented for a high-street product, I couldn't recommend it more for those who want that pro look on a budget. 




Having stuck religiously to a MAC oldie, I recently had a brow consultation at Benefit where I was introduced to Precisely My Brow....and Oh my, was I converted. Benefit has recently invested heavily in revamping their brow range and it has trumped my expectations. It has everything I want in a brow product, a spoolie and a gentle twist pencil which has a powdery, blendable consistency. It makes getting that strong brow so acheivable and easy. I have to admit I was afraid of getting that stenciled on look, but I think this is counterbalanced by the range of colours this pencil is available in, you will most definintely get a very good match. I think there's around 15 colours. The packaging is beautiful in a sort of potion style silver wand, I really enjoy using it and with the lids on either end it's perfect for chucking in your handbag for touch-ups throughout the day. So those of you who want to embrace the brow, definitely pick up one of these. 



I know lots of bloggers use this as it is the perfect nude. There's not a lot to say about it other than that, if you need a go-to shade then this is perfect. I tend to stick to nudes or a bold red, but this is such a sophisticated colour it looks little more grown up. Any OPI product speaks for itself as being the industry leader, so the benefit of paying a little more is knowing that it won't go claggy, sticky or streaky. Definitely worth the money in my opinion. 

So there's my favourite beauty cult classics. I've written a lot more than I anticipated...! I clearly love beauty a lot!
Sophie x


SEPTEMBER IS THE NEW JANUARY

Sunday 18 September 2016
During this time of year, I find myself preparing for the new season. It's something about reliving that cathartic feeling of getting a pair of shiny new shoes for the new school term, a new uniform and the anticipation of making new friends and starting new lessons. 

Photo credit: Sam Holden
Now as an adult, I see September as the perfect opportunity for starting a-fresh. Instead of being gloomy and penniless like we all are in January, it's the tail end of summer...We still have warm, hazy days contrasted with aggressive thundery showers, whilst the fallen leaves line the kerbs and conkers are starting to grow. There are so many things I love about summer, but there's something refreshing about knowing the seasons are transitioning, that lingering hope for sunny days reduces and that autumn is coming and all the delights that it brings. 






One of these delights for me, is getting a few key pieces to update my wardrobe. This autumn I know I'm going to be living in blush pink. It's so elegant yet an understated version of the candy pinks we saw throughout the summer season . This duster coat is an absolute find from Primark, and it looks so expensive, that's the beauty of a great Primark bargain.

Another key piece is embroidered denim. These jeans were from Zara and I managed to snap up the last 8 in store, and I am so happy with them. They also encapsulate two key trends in one, embroidered and cropped denim. They are great for keeping an item bang on trend, and it's also completely easy to DIY. Whether it's jeans, a denim bag, or jacket, embroidered denim is definitely here to stay this season. Paired with a basic tee, or a smarter silky cami, this outfit is perfect for going from office to the bar. Pair with mules or loafers for an even more on trend, Gucci inspired look. 


Another great way to embrace the new season is to update your stationery. I love Paperchase! Grab a shiny new diary, matching notebook and pens and trust me you will be organised. There is nothing more motivating to me than beautiful stationery (sad, I know). Your diary should be your best friend, and more than just a place for scheduling meetings and classes, it should be a somewhere that you can record what you did, where you went and keep memories, even if it's making sure you leave time for 5 minutes of 'me time' and relaxation. 

So there's my thoughts on why I love September, and why we should embrace the new season. 

What I wore:
Coat - Primark Duster coat (available in-store size 8)

All photos shot on Canon SX280 HS

WHY YOU SHOULD GO ON A SAILING TRIP

Monday 12 September 2016

I had always thought that sailing holidays were for older people, or extortionately priced, so it wasn't until I came across Med Sailors did I realise it could be a reality!
Med Sailors is aimed at 20-35 year-old's and specialises in 6 day sailing holidays across Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Having spent some of my year abroad travelling, I knew I would enjoy a week exploring some of the Mediterranean islands, and how better to do it than on your own sailing boat. 

Here's a few tips and information if you are considering a sailing holiday next year:

1. Research your destination

With Med Sailors it was pretty tricky to decide, as I had already visited Turkey, so I knew it would be between Greece and Croatia. For me, I'd always liked the idea of Croatia, and seeing it become a host of so many of the international festivals really drew me to the country. I also felt as though some of the islands would be less touristy and the activities such as cycling and paddle boarding were something I really wanted to try abroad. 
I chose the Croatia Voyager trip from Dubrovnik to Split, I think the opportunity to see two historic Croatian citites is what really sold it for me. The other route in Croatia - Discovery includes mainly Split, Central and Dalmatia.

2. Book accommodation either side of your trip

As we were due to sail at 3pm on the Saturday of our week away,  we booked an airbnb the night before. If you haven't used this website, you must, it's excellent. It is run on the concept of user reviews, so you know exactly what you are going to get before you stay. Staying in the town was a great way to explore Dubrovnik before we sailed and get a good night sleep the night before. I would seriously recommend this as not only for comfort, it adds extra destinations to your bucket list! Book in advance for the best accommodation and always choose the historic old town (Stari Grad) to stay in, in both Split and Dubrovnik this was a great choice for convenience to sights, restaurants and bars. 

3. Budget plenty for excursions and activities (and extras)

Ensure you budget for any activities you want to do, the Med Sailors website gives you a breakdown of all these costs prior to your sailing date. Another thing is to ensure you have allowed for any port tax, sailing in the Med is expensive, but you get to use decent showers and toilets at a few of the ports. 
Also allow for the conversion rate, recently the pound has been low so prices may be changeable. 


4. Pack light

It's a sailing boat so there isn't loads of space, but you don't need to take much. You are mainly in swimwear all day so that's your main priority. Also try and pack a soft bag which allows for more space when you are on board. Remember to take some inflatables and your goggles as there isn't loads of snorkelling equipment on board. 

5. Create a playlist

You will be listening to music pretty much all day and night so make sure you load up your favourite playlists on your phone. The best choice we had was a reggae playlist, it was super relaxing and made a great atmosphere as we were sailing into the sunset. 
Most importantly, try something new, make new friends and lose your inhibitions. That's what travelling is all about, even if it's for one week. I made some great friends and excellent memories. 



KORCULA: TRAVEL & OUTIFT DIARY

Wednesday 7 September 2016

Photo credit: Sam Holden
Rumoured and debated to be Marco Polo's birthplace, this beautiful island in Southern Dalmatia is enchanting. I visited when sailing around Croatia with Med Sailors. Korcula is a dichotomy of tradition and modernity, with beautifully soft marble streets underfoot, lapped by an incredible emerald coastline. Shaped like a fishbone, the town itself is another of Croatia's iconic walled settlements. Wandering the streets you will find unique fashion boutiques, luxurious hotels and two Marco Polo museums. Along the sea-front you'll find exquisite dining ranging from Eastern food to stone fired pizza and plenty of pastel coloured Sladoled - Croatia's gorgeous take on gelato, ice cream selling is indeed a serious occupation in this town.  



What I wore:

 




The alleyways and streets ooze calmness and serenity, as you shelter from the heat and take a stroll up the steps towards the clock tower, you can smell the Lavender that's grown on the island. Or you can take a dip in the beautiful but cool(!) waters by the promenade. 

Korcula is also famous for it's wine, so make sure you sample some local red which is by far the best, look out for the Posip label. At sunset make sure you head up to the rooftop cocktail bar Massimo, not for the tacky cocktails, but for the excellent views of sunset. The bar gets a little rowdy but the suspense from amateur photographers when the sun is setting is electric. We chose to eat at a local vegetarian and sea-food restaurant called Aterina, rated number 2 in Korcula town, they served amazing platters of cheese, olives and fish, and also home-made pasta dishes, in a quaint courtyard setting. 




Korcula was definitely my favourite of the Croatian islands, which is yours?

Sophie x


THE MOD MARKET

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Altrincham market is a hidden gem, it's beautifully set in an old market hall, which was restored after a fire, with both outdoor and indoor stalls. Each time I've visited it's slowly been expanding. You notice a lot of care has been put into the organisation of the market, so much to see, smell and sample, it's got a festival-like vibe with live music too! It's definitely the best and most diverse market I've been to in Manchester, other than the Christmas markets of course!



There's something very cathartic about looking at things people have created, spent time on, bringing a handmade touch to our ever-commercialised lives. We are more likely to spend more on something we know has had care and attention put into it, rather than succumb to our favourite big brand names. These sorts of markets also force us to actually interact with sellers, discuss their skills or just a little chat...something that we are ever moving away from in today's society.


Altrincham holds markets every day other than Mondays and Wednesdays, and they pride themselves on being 'passionately regional, fiercely independent and not available online.' This punchy motto is evident as you wander through the stalls, listen to the busking band and sample the culinary tastes. If you are a small business, you can even apply for a stall here.

To eat

 You can have anything from local pies and steak in the market house, to french rotisserie, wood fired pizza and fresh fish! I always find myself spoilt for choice, envying everything I see on people's plates.


To drink

You can grab freshly ground coffee, cocktails or freshly squeezed orange juice. You really do feel good inside and out.

Obviously the above can change based on which day you visit, but you will definitely discover something delicious.

Greater Manchester and Cheshire are great for holding and promoting markets, from Lulu's Vintage to Castlefield, to the infamous German Christmas Markets, there are so many different themes available. This one at Altrincham was the 'Mod market', but they also hold Farmer's, Vintage and Flea Markets, depending on which day of the week you visit. You can check out the schedule here







The market is also buzzing with people cooing over your dog, (if you choose to take it). I took my sausage, he went down a treat. 

Other than inside the market there are also a few outdoor stalls, like this one selling flowers. The prices are really reasonable, £5 for large bouquets. Definitely something to impress the girlfriend!


You will find something you wont get anywhere else and that's the beauty of visiting any market. So get researching your local ones and get out and mingle. 

Sophie x 

A GUIDE TO CHALK PAINT

Wednesday 17 August 2016

Chalk paint is an essential item to look into if you are decorating your home, creating a feature wall, painting floorboards, doors, or just upcycling a piece of furniture. There are loads of different paints available on the market, but it can pay to shop around and do your research. So if you are looking for a shabby chic finish, then look no further. Here's a few simple tips for painting with chalk paint!

1. Go for a trusted classic

Annie Sloan are the creators of the original chalk paint, as a brand they have an excellent selection of classic colours all in their iconic heavy matt consistency. The reason for the introduction of chalk paint was the want for a very matt, chalky finish in paint which wasn't available at the time (1990). Since then it's popularity has grown massively and can now provide a quality, trusted finish which can add value to furniture and walls. Annie Sloan paint is recommended to be used diluted as it's consistency is so thick. Annie Sloan paint doesn't actually contain chalk, rather it is known for being long established and it's matt finish than reference to it's ingredients. Another great thing about Annie Sloan is that it requires no prep, the paint can be applied to wood that hasn't been prepped with sanding for example. The paint can chip, so be wary if you are using it on a heavy usage object or wall. Annie Sloan also stock a range of brushes and finishes to use alongside their products. 
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is £18.95 a litre.

2. For the eco-decorator

Less well heard of, but nonetheless incredibly beautiful! Auntentico was recommended to me when I visited a local boutique called Vintage Belle. The great thing about Autentico is that it is completely safe to use on children's furniture and non-toxic. It is low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and is compliant with EN71-3, which means it's entirely safe for use for children. There are three types of Auntentico paint: Vintage for distressing furniture, Velvet for a more professional finish and Venice which is made from pure lime, for that classic french look. These paints work great on outdoor furniture and do not degrade or peel off, you can even paint on iron and it will not rust or chip! Auntentico have a range of 140 shades, which means there is more to choose from than Annie Sloan, however finding a UK stockist is fairly tricky as the company is currently building their supplier base. You can get it online here.
Auntentico is priced at £14.99 per litre.





3. High-end



Farrow and Ball are one of the leaders of high-end paints. They offer a good range of shades in a few different finishes. From eggshell, emulsion, high gloss and floor paint. Their eggshell gives the closest finish to a chalk paint, without being a chalk paint. Stain and scuff resistant, Farrow and Ball is more hardwearing than Annie Sloan, so will not get that 'lived in' look as easily as Annie Sloan without distressing by hand. Farrow and Ball are priced at a slightly higher price point, but one great tip is to use the colour chart to get a copy. I only recommend this with a good quality paint mixer, so be prepared to still pay a little bit, but not as much as full price. I go for Valspar at B&Q. 
Farrow and Ball Estate emulsion is £22 per 750ml.



4. Make your own

You can make your own chalk paint by mixing 1/3 cup of plaster of paris, 1/3 of cup water and 1 cup latex paint. Or perhaps slightly easier is to use 1 part calcium carbonate and 2 parts paint. Full recipe from Salvaged inspirations You have to use the powder form of calcium carbonate otherwise this won't work, and the mixture must be mixed thoroughly before use as it can separate and become grainy. It gives a stunning and professional chalk paint finish and is completely affordable. 

What are your thoughts on chalk paint? Have/will you consider using it for your DIY projects?

Sophie x

CROATIA PACKING ESSENTIALS FROM AMAZON

Tuesday 16 August 2016
I am off to Croatia with Med Sailors in a week's time and I seriously cannot wait. Med Sailors are an English sailing company for 18-35 year olds. They organise sailing trips around Croatia, Greece and Turkey. You can choose between a premier or premier plus yacht, depending on your budget and Med Sailors provide breakfast and lunch and your own  personal skipper to take you about. You also have free use of your own paddle-board (which I cannot wait to try) and discounted trips. The Croatia trips/extras range from bike and motorbike hire, to wine tasting to snorkelling in a beautiful national park. 

We've chosen Croatia as it seemed to have some great stops on the trip. I've heard so many good things about Hvar, and cannot wait to sample the wine in Korcula, and visit historic Dubrovnik and Split old towns. Safe to say this is going to be a really memorable holiday. You can read more about the routes Med Sailors have available in Croatia here. We've chosen to begin in Dubrovnik and finish in Split on the Voyager route. 

So in order to prepare for a week on a boat in a beautiful and stylish country, I've been gradually picking up essential and on-trend items. 



You can never go wrong with one of these. They make for a great read as well as informative and easy to use travel guide. It includes a round up of the best parts of cities and also how much you wish to budget for, including all the usuals such as basic words and phrases. 

I think it's the way lonely planet are written that I love so much. The first I bought was in Bali and it really made my trip extra-special. The guide gives you the low-down on where to go that's trendy or unique and often less well trodden. It's written in a chatty, friendly way that is sure to get you hyped up for your holiday. This book was about £10 and is available on amazon.

I have longed for a Triangl bikini for so long! Honestly, but the shipping costs and sizing has really put me off. I know I wouldn't bother sending it all the way back to America if it didn't fit. So I had a quick look on Amazon, and there are loads of similar Triangl dupes available. This one is from TDOLAH. I think mine was about £14, so an absolute bargain. I bought it in a size Medium and it fits perfectly. Also it had adjustable straps which help with fit. The bikini is made from neoprene which was fine for me, as I know that's how the original Triangl bikinis are made. If you don't know what this is, it feels like thick, scuba material. The only negative I found after buying this product was that you can't really wash the material, and when they arrive the fabric is quite creased from shipping. 

Having found that all signs of pom-pom sandals have sold out on ASOS, I then returned to trusty amazon (!) and found these. They are actually from a company called coco perla, who are based in Trafford, just down the road from me. I have worn these around the centre of Manchester and have only lost one small pom-pom on the edges. I think they were around £20 again, an absolute bargain. I don't expect they will last longer than this season but they are so vibrant, they completely transform a minimal outfit. 




I have seen these all over Instagram and knew I had to get one, and it looks good enough to eat! The only thing you have to make sure with inflatables is the amount of space it will take up in your luggage. As I'm going to be sailing, I knew there wouldn't be much space, so I went for a doughnut as opposed to a giant swan or flamingo!! They are great fun and so useful for snorkelling when you are getting a little tired of swimming. I can't wait to Instagram it! It comes with a hand pump for inflating. You can also get mini drinks holders that are inflatable here.

That's a round up of my initial holiday picks, I can't wait to review the Med Sailors experience. 
Sophie x


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