WHY YOU SHOULD START A BLOG

Photo credit: Sam Holden 

Outfit:

Dress - Topshop

Gilet - Oasis

Lipstick - Very Victoria - Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution

Bracelet - Not on the High Street.com

Starting a blog was something that I wanted to do for about 2 years before I actually set this blog up. It was definitely a lack of confidence, the fear of putting myself out into the public eye and sharing my thoughts openly. It has been such a great journey from starting it, and despite having a busy life whilst studying my Ph.D. I don't regret adding a blog post to my to-do list. The internet is fascinating to me and the fact that we have the ability to express our opinions, set up groups, events, start petitions and just discuss what we are passionate about, shows what a massive effect the 'social web' as it is known, has on our lives.

As part of the computer generation, using the internet for the above reasons is second nature to me, but I also feel there is a great place for blogging in the lives of those who aren't as adept. I have a lot of friends and family who I actively encourage to channel their passions online through an Etsy store, blog or Youtube channel. Indeed, blogging and vlogging (Youtube videos) is even becoming a big thing with the male generation which I think is a necessary extension of the proliferation of beauty and fashion blogs amongst women. 

So here stands the obvious question; why start a blog? Here's some of my reasons which are more specifically related to fashion, but I think anyone with a passion whether it's travel, baking, sewing, art, photography have ideal reasons to start a blog.

Exposure

I recall having a conversation with a representative from Arcadia, the company that houses Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins etc, and one of their first questions to me was do you have a blog? I think now more than ever, the fashion world is ferociously competitive, and one way you can express your individually, thought, experiences and knowledge through a blog. If you are looking for a career in the fashion industry, a blog can set you up with so much unique knowledge in itself. My blog has boosted my CV, giving me something I can show to demonstrate my style and creativity. Additionally, you show you have your finger on the pulse, a benefit which goes without saying in a competitive job market. Jobs in fashion and beauty now often require candidates to have a blog, so that's all the more reason to start one. 

Learning something new

You immediately learn the basics about a website. One of my favourite modules at University was Fashion e-Commerce, where I learnt these buzzwords such as SEO and Google Analytics, but it wasn't until I started my blog that I could really see the benefit of such things and their use in marketing. Okay, it doesn't have to be complicated, but even things like how your blog is laid out takes great commitment to learn something new, how to add a graphic, widget or edit your name are all invaluable to learning about the web. Blogger.com gives you a breakdown of your views on each post, you can also pinpoint which device people have used, where the majority of your viewers are from and when you reached the most hits. This is all really interesting to learning how to ace the art of blogging, to target your audience and create the most engagement. If you find you are really passionate about the engine behind your blog/website, you might want to consider learning how to code to understanding how basic HTML coding works. Believe me, it isn't as geeky as it sounds....you could then create your own bespoke blog design. 

Create your own 'brand'

A good starting point is to pin-point your favourite bloggers, consider why you like them, what is it about their page/style/colour scheme/use of social media/tone of voice/advice they give and then hone in on what you feel you could emulate or achieve through your blog. A great place to find inspiration is through BlogLovin' a site that any blogger can sign up to and use on their blog to gain exposure across their industry. Thinking of a blog as your own 'branding' can really inspire you to think about how you want to portray yourself across your blog. If you are familiar with blogging, you will know that blogs don't often exist in isolation, so you may want to open new twitter, Instagram and snapchat pages specifally for your blog. 

Once you know what you want your image to be, you can start looking for a template design to use as your basic background and logo. If you have photoshop or InDesign skills then even better. I subscribed to a student membership of Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Photoshop. Luckily I gained skills in how to use these programs at University, but there are plenty of Youtube tutorials, investing in design and editing software will never be a waste. 

Discover new apps 

There are some excellent non-professional apps out there if you don't want to pay for photoshop, including VSCO. One of my favourite apps I use for Instagram is UNUM, which allows you to see how your Instagram photos look together, to check the colour scheme. If you wondered how the professionals make their pages look so beautifully curated...this is how. Long gone are the days of unmatching sporadic images, unfortunately, consumers of aesthetic apps such as Pinterest and Instagram want to see the appealing side of everything. This can be quite draining, but it will ensure you gain a loyal following if you deliver content regularly and on time. 

Truly understand engagement

Followers are ever-more-fickle, and with social media channels changing their algorithms to the posts that are most popular, rather than time-based, means that the arena for blogging has become more competitive. The golden word is engagement, so not just scrolling through your feed but actually liking a post, commenting and sharing. All these things drive social media engagement, both for your channels and for others. Without commenting and sharing you won't stand a chance growing your own page.

After making my first few posts I've really learnt a lot, and I don't proclaim to have millions of hits or the best blog out there, I just hope my advice could help something, who like me a few years ago, was afraid to take the leap :)

LUXE WINTER STAPLES...on a budget

Photo credit: Samuel Holden

During what is dubbed the most depressing month of the year, when we all are feeling the pinch, experiencing the brunt of the seasonal blues and attempting to keep resolutions...never has watching the bank balance been more crucial.

I'm as much as any, an advocate of looking good for less, in fact I pride myself on shopping on a student budget, but I don't like to compromise on style.

This post outlines my favourite winter pieces which have carried me through this winter season.

1. Velvet Satchel with Ring Detail

This style of handbag has stormed the high street since Chloe unveiled their Faye Satchel (£1500) in 2015. Ring detailing is definitely here to stay remaining a firm favourite and having been a big style detail across accessories and shoes through AW16.

I grabbed mine in the New Years sale at M&S...Unfortuntely this one is now sold out but you can get similar here for under £30.

2. Faux Fur

I have always loved faux fur, it's incredibly classy, can be worn with almost anything, and immediately makes you feel incredibly glamourous. I love to wrap up in this gilet, whether I am walking the dog or out for drinks, it's a perfect piece for any occasion, £55 from Oasis. Available in powder pink (I am purchasing this) black or burgundy as pictured.

3. Berry Lips

Bold, berry coloured lips are such a key winter trend. Perfect for elevating more simple outfits, or transitioning from day to night. Wear it with confidence!

For fairer tones: opt for a more purple colour

For warmer toned skin: keep it warm with more cherry reds

I'm wearing Cherry Skies - NYX

Other favourites:

Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Cassis

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Glastonberry

3. Ruffles & Frills

Ruffles are a firm favourite for SS17, as seen on catwalks of the likes of Alexander McQueen, Loewe and Gucci and now in Zara, Primark and Topshop. Invest now in some key statement frills and ruffle pieces to ensure a great investment for the coming season. Big, bold, frilled knitwear is definitely the way I'm headed to stay on trend, warm and cosy! 

4. Knee high suede boots

 A blogger essential! If you can't afford the iconic Stuart Weitzman boots for £800, get yourself a high-street version. Don't forget to check the sales too, there are often some great finds on Office or ASOS.

What is your favourite staple?

AUTUMN CAPSULE PIECES

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

Corduroy Pinafore - Topshop

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. 

KORCULA: TRAVEL & OUTIFT DIARY

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:

Top - Oasis

Shorts - Missguided

Sandals - Amazon

Sunglasses - Topshop

Watch - Olivia Burton

Nail polish - Essie

 

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

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)

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!

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

ALL ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Sophie, a Fashion Ph.D. student living in Manchester. I have an ASOS addiction, a penchant for beauty and I'm like a magpie when hankering after homeware! I also love creating things and learning new skills, and so after many many hours of trawling YouTube and Instagram, I felt the time was right to launch my own digital space! This blog has been developed to express the areas of my life I have the greatest passions for, including Digital technology which is heavily influenced by my research. I think we all know technology is the future, and I am so excited by innovative apps, products, and devices which are enhancing our daily lives. 

On a more cultural note, I love the diverse influences of fashion, food, and culture that gravitates in and around Manchester, which I hope to document and promote on this blog. Manchester is a vibrant place with so many opportunities. I also aim to inspire anyone who wants to have a career in fashion or academia, through both teaching, but also through expressing my personal style and interests on this blog. I think it's always important, to be honest, and true to yourself, which I hope to portray here. 

So, taking it back to the beginning! I grew up in Devon and Somerset, and before you are wondering...no, I don't have the accent! I am one of two daughters to a Doctor and a Nurse who have always inspired me to further myself and make the most of school. They provided me with some of the most valuable advice in my experience; to take every opportunity that's available to you. This has been my bottom line and guided me through my career, resulting in so many exciting opportunities, including choosing to study in Manchester, living abroad in Hong Kong, working in Kenya and India and taking on my Ph.D. to name a few. My upbringing in the countryside and regular holidays to Europe has influenced my style and taste which I feel, comes to light through my interior design. 

Education was and still is a big part of my life, and has offered me lots of opportunities, but don't get me wrong it wasn't all perfect. I struggled with bullies and anxiety when I joined secondary school. I remember feeling incredibly lonely at times. However, where there's darkness there's always light, and I managed to channel those lonely feelings into my studies and work. I would spend my lunchtimes in the library revising or writing coursework rather than outside with everyone else. I know to never underestimate young people at school and I have great respect for them as I know how tough it is. That age-old issue that we have all faced at some point in our lives of fitting in, along with the increased pressure of exams and constant testing in our youth makes growing up such a confusing time to navigate, in my opinion. Despite all this, I have found that learning to express oneself throughout times of pressure whether it be artistic, creative, academic or physical is just so important. Because after all, you have to be yourself...everybody else is taken. 

Sophie x