THE MOD MARKET

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

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

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. 

1. Lonely Planet guide

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.

2. Swimwear

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. 

3. Pom-pom sandals

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. 

4. Doughnut Beach Ring

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

A SIMPLE SUMMER EVENING

I'm not usually a massive fan of the sales. In fact, I tend to purposely avoid any when shopping. I think it's something about products that people haven't bought which puts me off. However, if I find a nicely laid out display, which is organised and non-chaotic(!) I am prone to finding a few lovely things. You can find items that push you out of your comfort zone, being an unexpected find. This time, it was a pair of red suede/leather espadrilles. 

Photo credit: Sam Holden

I have longed for a pair of Chanel espadrilles, scrolling through eBay trying to locate a pair. A pair of good quality espadrilles are an essential summer item and Topshop have got an excellent range. I am looking forward to wearing these whilst on holiday exploring Croatian seaside towns. My camisole is also from Topshop, it's part of their loungewear/outerwear as underwear range which is stunning. 

Photo credit: Sam Holden

Taking photos with your very cheeky sausage dog is never easy!

My jacket is from Zara, it's a perfect transitional jacket which will take you through the rainier days of our British summer. And let's face it, we've been having quite a few! It's quilted and lined and very good quality for Zara. The floral print will also remain on trend throughout Autumn and into spring summer next year. The features on the jacket make it look and feel a lot more expensive than it is. It has snap fastenings on the collar and elastic lined seams which give it structure and a gorgeous figure-hugging silhouette. 

My full outfit is available here:

Top (Topshop)

Jacket (Zara) 

Jeans (Topshop)

Shoes (Topshop)

Toby's Harness (Puppia)

Toby's Lead (Red Dingo)

GET THE GLOW

If you've been looking for that natural glow and you've not tried a coffee body scrub yet, you must! This I have to say is a revolutionary product in beauty. The scrub overcomes the fineness of sand or microbead scrubs as coffee is naturally more coarse and consists of larger particles, which can really work away at dead skin cells. 

This body scrub from Frank Body has been a big hit across the beauty world this year. Made in Australia from natural ingredients so it's really gentle on your skin, other than the scrubbing, it doesn't irritate skin and can even improve conditions such as eczema. The original scrub contains lots of gorgeous natural ingredients, including coffee, almond oil, orange, sea salt and bamboo. You can read the full list of ingredients here. Derived from Robusta beans, any coffee connoisseurr will know that it's a very luxurious and rich blend of coffee. The products contain no parabens, sulphates or any of the nasties. A

Frank body scrubs come in Original, Peppermint, Coconut and Cacao bases. You can shop the range here. Each scrub is around £12-£14. The body balm is £20.

Frank body scrub is particularly effective to use before tanning, especially if combined with the Body Balm. When using it really feels as though it's work, as the caffeine is released from the coffee onto your skin, giving it a lift, removing any dullness and making it super soft. I even use it on my face once a week. The Body balm is smells of orange oil and has a silky and buttery consistency. It's not oily at all as it sink into the skin rapidly. It's perfect for moisturising naturally dry areas after exfoliating, before fake tanning, such as knees and elbows. It also works really well as a moisturiser, if you like a dewy and glowy look. 

The scrub particles are quite large but they really work, much better than any other exfoliator, so you can throw those awful gloves away! I have about a quarter of a packet left, and I have been using this for 4 months, so you only need a tiny bit each time. This scrub can get quite messy, so it's probably best to rub it into your skin in the shower and then rinse off afterwards. You can see the coffee dissolves slightly in the water, but the product does not stain. Overall, I think Frank is an excellent brand and the scrub is perfect for when you need that little lift. 

What are your thoughts, have you tried it yet?

Sophie x

ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN

Photo credit: Sam Holden

Being a member of the National Trust makes for such a low cost, lovely day out. I pay as little as £2.50 a month for a student subscription which is really good value as you get free parking and free entry to most attractions. This weekend we visited Quarry Bank Mill in Styal. It's a big cotton mill which was run by Samuel Greg. He advocated safe and healthy working conditions in a time where this was not commonplace. If you visit Quarry Bank Mill it consists of gardens, the mill and a park. We packed a picnic, jumped in the car and took the dog with us. 

Lucky enough to have sunshine I wore an outfit I have been saving for the sun and my holiday. I love this pink top because it goes with almost anything, really feminine and floaty whilst still remaining classic. This season I've been loving pink! I also adore anything with Broderie Anglaise on it, so when I found these in Missguided for £20 they were a definite win. 

My espadrilles were snapped up in the Topshop sale. I have been eyeing a pair of espadrilles for a while, swooning over the Chanel monochrome classics, however I like the vibrant red in these and the fact they are leather and suede makes them super comfortable. What I wore: Top - Oasis, Shorts - Missguided, Sunglasses - ASOS, Watch - Olivia Burton, Espadrilles - Topshop

I'm a sucker for pink flowers!

INSTAGRAM vs SNAPCHAT...THE NEW OMNI-SOCIAL TREND

Considering the prolific rise of Snapchat stories and the very controversial launch of Instagram stories this week, I felt it was the perfect time to write a post.

Interestingly, Facebook own Instragram and have tried to crack engagement in the past, does anyone remember the 'poke' button? Now, they have merged the areas of content sharing and engagement; the aesthetic/permanent (e.g. the classic Instagram layout) vs the ephemeral (Snaps/Snapchat stories). 

Here are a few thoughts on the two platforms:

1. Layout

Instagram stories consist of the top bar of the Instagram homepage showing user icons and their stories. These are presented in a non-chronological order. Instagram selects via algorithms which orders posts that you are most interested in.  

Image credit: Mashable

Layouts is a controversial topic for Instagram, as they changed their feed layout from most recent posts, to most popular posts in April 2016. This is done through algorithmic feeds. Twitter also has this layout, but unlike Instagram, Twitter provides users with the option of switching back to most recent. However, this has meant that users with small followings i.e. the lay users, potentially have a lower reach across the platform. 

This has the most impact for brands. Take Benefit cosmetics as an example, they have 4.5 million followers, they can now not only provide a beautifully presented profile, but also more candid shots of the brand through their story, e.g. new launches. The follower now gets a unique insight into the brand. If executed well this alludes exclusivity to the followers, making them feel more involved. 

2. Candid vs. Coordinated

Every Instagram user is aware of the rise of perfection amongst profiles. No longer is it a platform for the odd awkward selfie, now it has become a place for cool, aesthetic, harmonious and carefully selected colour-coordinated images. So if Instagram is the place for perfection, does Instagram stories provide a place for the imperfect? Does this correlate with what users are expecting to see on Instagram? Perhaps not. But maybe change is a good thing?

One thing we do know is that Snapchat delivers on Augmented Reality. By that I mean filters. Snapchat has delivered on catering to many different age segments through the playfulness and uniqueness of their filters. Arguably, most importantly for the digital generations, it includes an airbrushing filter!   

 Snapchat conveys a level of participation, where users can share their experiences and images using filters with other users. 

3. Engagement

Engagement is the pivot. Instagram engagement is much harder to sustain, a 'like' is easy to give away, however converting that into a follower is a complex process. Basically users are fickle, and it's a highly saturated platform. 

But we're talking about two different origins of user engagement, with snapchat it's totally impermanent with images lasting only a few seconds. With Instagram, users can create permanent profiles and feeds, but now stories? 

Snapchat holds 7bn video views per day vs Instagram 500 million active Instagram users. The question now is not just sustaining followers, but retaining them. So communication will change, brands will become more participative, opening up their doors to a more involved method of social communication. 

4. Centralisation of followers

Followers is the key takeaway. Instagram stories centralizes followers replacing the need for swapping between apps for live updates. For brands with mass followings, this is perfect and aligns well with omni-channel ideas (that our online experiences are becoming more seamless).

This is a new movement for Omnichannel and Social Media; blurring the boundaries of Social media platforms and utilizing crowds of followers - becoming 'Omni-social'. 

5. Evolution

Change is happening and will continue to. So as users we have to be open to this. As social media evolves, how we connect with each other evolves, and brands and influencers will have to evolve too. 

What do you think?

Sophie Laura

CAFE DWELLING

Unico Lounge Wilmslow, Cheshire. Photography: Samuel Holden

 There's nothing more that I love than sitting on a terrace sipping coffee and watching the world go by. Starting this blog has really motivated me to go out and try some great new places and you don't have to break the bank. Living in Cheshire there are so many lovely places to explore amongst Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. This was at the Unico Lounge in Wilmslow. they serve excellent food; tapas, burgers and have great deals on during the week. They are also Vegan friendly and Gluten free. You can also take your dog with you! 

Shirt - Topshop £30

 Jacket - Zara (similar)

Sunglasses - ASOS £10

Lip colour - Charlotte Tilbury Penelope Pink £23 

If you do decide to take your pooch, make sure to drop in to Barkers of Wilmslow. It's an excellent dog shop, full of toys, treats, harnesses and pupcakes all tastefully displayed! They also do monthly breed meet ups. 

Here are a few of my summer handbag essentials I took with me:

1. Instax Instant Polaroid Camera - they are awesome for taking retro snaps. These are so popular, so great for parties and holidays...just get one and you'll see why! £64.99
2. Barry M Nail Polish in 'Do it like a nude' - a classic and beautifully elegant colour which enhances a tan. £4.99
3. Jo Malone - Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne (you can read about my Jo Malone experience here) £43-£85
3. Topshop (Chanel dupe) Sunglasses similar here - I love the 60s trend £10.
4. Ted Baker handbag similar here - sturdy, smart and beautiful £229.

FOREVER ENGLAND

On my recent trip to Somerset, I visited Forever England. Safe to safe I am a firm fan and loyal customer! They stock quintessential shabby chic accessories, from bedspreads to furniture, to jewellery all of their products are beautiful quality. They also do a lovely range of children's items and gifts. Forever England have a shoppable online store and stores in Wells Somerset, Sidmouth and Dorset.

Their ranges are displayed in colour coordinated scenes and include furniture, which allows you to envisage how your purchases will look in your home. You don't often find such lovely bedspreads, and many people settle for the ease of Primark quality. However, when you sleep on your bed every night, investing in decent fabrics made by the experts really makes a difference to a wonderful nights sleep. They also currently have a great offer; free shipping on all orders over £50 with a one-hour delivery slot! 

I purchased the Lucy quilted bedspread (£95) which included two pillow shams (pillow covers). Pictured also is the Clarice white Bedspread. If you need a little inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards.

The bedspreads really transform your bedroom and are incredible quality, you can purchase a single for a double bed which is adequate to cover the bed folded over or open. The patterns act as a focal point for the room, or alternatively you can build up a palette of colours and patterns. Buying a few styles is great as you can change them as often as you change your sheets for a different theme. The bedspreads are completely machine washable too!

From top to bottom: Top crocheted blanket (home made), Lucy bedspread, Celeste, Clarice.

A big thank you to the lovely ladies at the Wells store for allowing me to take photos and review their products! 

What are your favourites?

Sophie x

COUNTRY CHIC

A weekend in Somerset was certainly what the doctor ordered. Such a beautiful part of the country that I'm proud to call home, it was perfect for recharging my batteries. Classic, timeless style for me is epitomised by Parisian chic, with a few well coordinated on trend accessories. I've made a list of my favourite classic pieces which can be translated from season to season and will always look pretty in any colour combination. 

White denim

White denim can look absolutely beautiful and works well with so much of my wardrobe. Admittedly I had to wear them a few times to feel comfortable, but now I am in love. White denim always returns each summer season in many ways. If you aren't so confident, trade the skinny jeans for a skirt or dungarees. 

Buy them here:

Stripes

Stripes ooze Parisian style and suit absolutely anyone, especially if paired with a tongue and cheek French slogan. Whistles have created a French-inspired range which you can shop below. Or you can go bolder and make a statement in a playsuit or culottes. 

Buy it here:

Cat eye sunglasses

These gorgeous 50s inspired glasses make any outfit look on trend. They are so bold, you will always turn heads. 

Buy them here:

Mid-heel sandals

I feel so elegant when wearing these sandals, you can also wear them day to night dressed up or down. I have a suede pair - a little less practical for the changeable British weather, but they will enhance your leg-line making you look slimmer whilst being very on trend. They have been a key piece for the past few summer seasons so they are definitely worth the investment. You can get mine from Dune or something similar from Primark.

Buy them here:

Ted Baker Accessories 

You can never go wrong with any Ted Baker handbags. They are beautifully made with exquisite details; rose gold or gold hardware, sturdy leather and unique floral prints. Some are also currently available in the sale and are excellent value for money!

Buy similar here:

What are your favourite summer trends?

Sophie x