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

QUINTESSENTIAL COLOGNES AND MY LESSON IN PERFUME

If you haven't discovered a Jo Malone London stand in your nearest department store, it is absolutely wonderful, in my opinion a bit of a revolution when it comes to fragrance. The whole experience of the brand is very holistic, with the classic bottles and simple yet elegant packaging, and the luxurious spa-like pampering facilities.

 The plethora of products available are beautiful, with scents ranging from citrus to woody notes. Each cologne have a unique combination of fresh ingredients, some which will completely surprise you, and produce the most light yet luxurious scents for both men and women. The signature scent of the Jo Malone franchise is Lime, Basil and Mandarin. This was a gift for my birthday, featured in the picture at 100ml. The scent speaks for itself, it has a citrus zing accompanied with a richer, powdery undertone. 

I once visited a parfumerie named Fragonard in a village named Grasse. Fragonard, is Situated on top of a mountain, the village smelt of french Lavender. We were taught about how different fragrances sink into the skin and may smell different on each individual person. The creators of the perfumes at Fragonard explained how perfume or colognes must also be worn on the main points of blood flow to the surface of the skin, which includes the underside of the wrists and neck. When I sampled Jo Malone, I likened it to that experience; the knowledge of staff was second to none, with each fragrance having a story. There is even fragrance named Lavender and Amber, using french Lavender. Needless to say, Jo Malone London really do know their eau de toilette to their ouds!

The colognes can be layered to create a different scent, I experienced this through having a complimentary hand and arm massage, I chose English pear and freesia layered with earl grey and cucumber. The perfect pick me up leaving my skin feeling wonderfully soft, moisturised and rejuvenated. They use a combination of their body washes, scrubs and cremes to create the desired scent. So, if you're next in John Lewis or Selfridges make sure to pop by and sample something from their range, they often feature limited edition products too! Prices for colognes are either £43 for 30ml or £85 for 100ml. 

Featured colognes: Left: Wood Sage and Sea Salt (30ml @ £43)
Right: Lime Basil and Mandarin (100ml @ £85)

10 TIPS TO PRO INTERIOR DESIGN ON A BUDGET

As a little girl I was forever rearranging and tidying my room (I know that's a little bit strange!) However, I loved seeing how my things in different places or laid out differently would completely change my room. Since getting my own place and having the opportunity to start with a blank canvas, I have really indulged my creative side. Still being a student, of course, this has been done on a budget and I hope that sharing the following tips with you will help you achieve the nest of your dreams!

1. Make an inspirational mood board & plan for each room

You don't need to be a pro at this, social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram are great for gathering your ideas. Instagram has plenty of beautifully organised images and colour schemes. Pinterest enables you to collect your ideas on virtual pin boards. Swotting up for a few minutes on the colour wheel will also give you a little insight on which colours match/clash. 

Or you can keep it old school and grab a few magazines such as Good Housekeeping or Ideal Home (both of which have Pinterest and Instagram accounts). Magazines are great if you are a tactile person, you can cut up pictures you like. Also the hard work of pairing colours and prints is done for you, or often organised in a list of tips. I like to theme each room slightly differently, some people like to keep the style continued throughout the house, so organising your ideas will help you to visualise your intended end result. 

2. Use high quality brands as inspiration 

In order to create a room that looks expensive on a budget, it's important to seek inspiration from brands that do this well. My personal favourites are Farrow and Ball, Annie Sloan, Laura Ashley. You can also find plenty of inspiration at your local hardware store i.e B&Q if you prefer something a little more accessible to the masses. Grab a few colour charts and samples. Each individual colour has a code, so you can also use paint producers such as Valspar to mix your paint much cheaper than the designer brands. I have done this with all my rooms and it's such a cost effective way of creating a high end look. Definitely my top tip. 

3. Check out the seasonal sales!

I mostly buy my wallpaper from Laura Ashley, they produce classic and modern prints but some can be fairly expensive when wallpapering a whole room. One way round this is to only paper a feature wall. The other is to ask the store assistants when the next launch of sale is, I have got my wallpaper at more than to 50% off, an absolute bargain when you are buying in bulk. Just make sure you buy the same batch number of each roll! (Example pictured below).

4. Up-cycle old furniture and old accessories

Most of my furniture is either recycled or purchased from Gumtree. This is such a cost-effective way of getting a beautiful on-trend piece. You can transform an item of furniture with just one lick of paint. There are plenty of different finishing techniques you can use after painting too. Sanding after the paint has dried, using a crackle glaze or wax finish can all transform items. Make sure you prep the furniture well beforehand and apply coats of paint thinly, not forgetting a finish. You can find tutorials on YouTube showing you how to do this. 

5. Shop around for designer-inspired products

Don't underestimate eBay, a well-executed search will allow you to locate items in your local area. Another way is to use HomeSense or TKMaxx who always have designer products at reduced prices. You can really grab great pieces, either classic or contemporary, from these stores. 

Laura Ashley Camomile Hydrangea Wallpaper £20 reduced from £40, buy it here