Author: Samio

Practice, Perseverance and Pursuing Your Art

Inspiration can come in many forms; It can come in words we hear or read, music we listen to, imagery we see or even people we meet. I feel lucky to have friends who regularly inspire new thoughts and ideas in me but I also love meeting new people who I can share different creative ideas with and feel newly inspired by.

Onyi is someone I met recently at a blogger event and after hearing about her photography, I was instantly inspired by her passion to work hard at improving her skill in something she loves. We instantly got on and on Sunday after meeting for the third time, Onyi took some snaps of me in what I was wearing and effortlessly captured the vibe of how I was feeling that day; Relaxed and happy.

We chatted a lot about our creative goals on Sunday and one thing I think that we both agreed on is that whichever creative outlet you decide to pursue, it takes time, effort, patience and persistence in order to improve at it and get to where you want to be… I think Onyi’s work (just check out her Instagram, her self portraits are amazing!) is a great example of how time spent working on something your passionate about can pay off.

All too often we can envision the end result of where we want to be but forget about the hard work and practice it takes in between, in order to get there. If you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall or a creative slump, keep going. Create anything until you start create something. Often we are our own worst critics and if you don’t continue to try and work at it, you’ll never know what could come of your hard work and effort…and remember what they say, “practice makes perfect”.

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Check out Onyi’s blog here and Youtube here.

Samio x

July 27, 2016
5 Things I’ve Discovered Since Downsizing My Wardrobe

It’s actually possible to get ready in under 10 minutes

I’ve always been one to faff. I’m that annoying friend who says they are about to leave the house, when really they are still sifting through a selection of clothes, manically deciding what to wear…Or at least I was. One of the best things about downsizing my wardrobe is that it has given me more time! I don’t find getting ready a stressful task anymore, whatever the occasion. Less stuff, means less to choose from, which inevitably means less faffing from me!

Quality is far better than quantity

This one may seem pretty obvious but I definitely used to be someone who preferred spending less and owning more. This is something that changed a while ago, but I’d still easily be drawn in by something just because it was a ‘bargain’. Fast forward to now, and call me boring, but I find myself thinking purchases over a lot more and try to invest in pieces that will last longer when I can. I also find that I tend to favour the pieces I put more thought into purchasing too, and so I end up wanting to wear them time and time again.

You can be content with a smaller wardrobe

When I was younger I always had dreams of having my own walk in wardrobe…That dream still stands however now, I envision that space much more sparsely filled and with a selection of pieces that I truly love. I’ve been amazed with how much happier I’ve become with my outfits (even the super basic ones) and the pieces I wear on day to day basis. It’s not that I care less about clothes (I still totally love them), it’s just that I worry a lot less about them now that I have a lot less to choose from and find myself content with the pieces I own, instead of always longing for something new.

You don’t need every type of garment in your wardrobe

We’re constantly told about fashion ‘must haves’ and things that we absolutely need for this and for that that, but the reality is that if we bought into all of it, we’d actually have a wardrobe ready to burst…Oh wait, that was me!

I’ve always had quite an eclectic taste and so shopping for me meant buying random pieces that I liked on whim. Over time this meant that I really did have almost every type of garment in my wardrobe and lots of pieces that I wasn’t willing to get rid of ‘just incase’ the right occasion should arrive. But since finally letting go and clearing a lot of that stuff out, I haven’t actually missed any of it and not once has an occasion come around where I’ve thought ‘Oh I wish I’d kept that’. It’s also helped me to refine my style and think about what I truly want to wear and will actually wear on a regular basis.

It’s okay to be an outfit repeater

For a lot of people I’m sure this one is pretty much a given but I used to be someone who hated wearing the same look twice, especially when it came to occasion wear. Nights out would always require the ultimate planning as I’d spend hours browsing online for something new to wear for the occasion. Now I realise that it doesn’t actually matter if you have a particular garment or outfit that you like to wear on repeat for a certain occasion. There are ways to change your look without changing your entire outfit, such as styling prices differently, adding accessories and changing up your hair and makeup. Of course I still find it’s occasionally nice to go for something new or slightly more special from time to time but I’ve learnt that it’s better not to worry about it too much and like they say if it’s not broke, why try to fix it.

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Samio x

July 22, 2016
Three Mid-Year Goals

We’re slightly further than mid-way through the year but it’s never too late to set yourself new goals or work on old ones for that matter! Sometimes it’s good to give yourself a little reminder of the things you’d like to do/achieve in the coming months and I find the best way to focus on exactly what those thing are, is to write them down. So feel free to continue reading if you’d like to hear me self indulgently divulge three of my personal current goals.

Keep Blogging More Consistently

I really do love blogging so much. I find it really fulfilling and each new post I publish feels like a new little accomplishment…My problem however is balance. Modelling is my full time job and although this is partly a job as well, I often do let modelling take over and more often than not, when work outside of my blog gets busy, I do unfortunately let this space get neglected. Very recently however I have been trying to overcome this, as I know there is absolutely no reason why I can’t juggle the two things at once (I’ve proven it to myself on more than one occasion). It’s a case of old habits dying hard (massive procrastinator over here). I need to remind myself that on those long train journeys travelling around to jobs, I can still be utilising the time to think of new ideas, write and keep on top of posts.

Keep Up With Social Media

This point is somewhat similar to blogging and it’s also the reason I want to keep up with it, as for me I feel the two go hand in hand…I do love social media, especially Instagram and Twitter, so it shouldn’t really be hard to keep up with but sometimes I have days when I just completely switch off and don’t share anything on any platform. I know you’re probably thinking – surely that is a good thing – but I just need to get better at managing it all and actually utilise some of the many social media scheduling apps that are out there. I’ve avoided many of them for so long, as I do really like the idea of ‘being in the moment’ but I’ve come to the realisation that if I wish to keep on top of things, then it’s something I’m going to have to start doing.

Keep Up With Youtube

Yet another blog(ish) related goal here…When I posted my first YouTube video at the start of last year, initially it had just been a one off to show how I did my hair but little did I realise that it would lead to further video request and for me to develop a love for filming and editing my own videos.

I feel like I may have found my ideal creative outlet with this one, as it’s a process I thoroughly enjoy. However, once again my scheduling can be a little off. I’ve also gone through a little bit of a creative lull and whilst I love filming and the rest of it, I often can be a little over critical and find myself publishing nothing, rather than something I’m not fully happy with…I’ve surprised myself however and just recently reached 7,000 subscribers, which I know isn’t much in terms of the whole YouTube world but for myself it’s certainly an accomplishment and something I wasn’t expecting when I first started. So that has been the great little incisive I’ve needed to spur me on and get things back on track.

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So those were my three mid-year goals for the coming months. Yes this post was a little self indulgent as I said but I actually find it really helps to write things down a lot of the time and before I began this post I hadn’t realised that all my goals would be blogging related. So I guess it’s helped me realise what things I want to be focusing on and work harder at in these coming months.

What are some of your current/mid-year goals?

Samio x

July 20, 2016
Wardrobe Additions

I’ve made two new wardrobe additions recently and of course they were well thought out ones and items I know I’m going to be wearing on repeat! I already mentioned how obsessed I am with the fit of the Asos Farleigh jeans. I’d wished for some time that they would do my favourite style in jet black, as opposed to the washed black that they’ve had online for a while. Luckily for me, Asos recently answered my prayers, as these jet black slim fit Mom jeans recently came in stock and as a piece I’d been wishing for, for quite some time, I instantly nabbed them.

I doubt I need to say that in the week that I’ve had these jeans I’ve already been getting plenty of wear out of them and you can expect to see them on rotation, along with my other pair in the dark blue denim.

A second new addition are these black Converse. Technically these were a gift from the boyfriend but I picked them out non the less and although they were a reluctantly accepted gift at the time, I’m actually now really glad I have them. I’m still not convinced I actually need two pairs of Converse but I do have to admit that these make for a nice alternative to my grey ones when I want to switch things up…and it’s quite clear to see, I do enjoy going for the all black look from time to time.

Crop Top – American Apparel (similar here) | Jeans – Asos | Bag – Matt & Nat | Trainers – Converse

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Samio x

July 18, 2016
4 Summer Shoe Alternatives

When we think summer shoes, we most likely immediately think cute strappy sandals, however, one thing you’ll know if you live in the UK (or anywhere with a similar climate), is that sandals during summer aren’t always practical. I know, crazy right!? Living in a place where the weather can be highly temperamental does mean that we don’t always end up dressing appropriately to the seasons but it doesn’t mean we can’t be inventive with our clothing/footwear choices and still feel summery in our own kind of way. Here are four of my favourite footwear choices that I am loving wearing on repeat this spring/summer.

Mules

You may be sick of hearing about them by now but whether you’re a lover or a hater, theirs no denying that once you find the perfect pair of mules to slip your feet into, you’ve likely just found the comfiest pair of shoes you’ll own…I am obsessed with my heeled mules from Clarks, I’ll repeat OBSESSED. Not only are they a great summer alternative to a full on strappy sandal but I think they are just about the comfiest pair of heels I have ever owned…EVER. They are my go to shoes for any remotely dressy occasion but at the same time they aren’t too formal, so are great for when I’m going for a more casual vibe too.

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Converse

Converse are probably the most classic casual footwear you can own. I myself joined the Converse crew a little (more like very) late and only purchased my first ever pair this year in fact. Since then they have become my Spring/Summer shoes of choice. Come rain or shine I find these have fast become a firm favourite to throw on my feet. I love how versatile they are and whether I’m going for my favourite combination with my slim fit mom jeans, or braving it with bare legs in a dress, they seem to go with just about anything…not forgetting that they are super practical too!

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Superga

How I have resisted the temptation of buying a pair of Superga in every colour under the sun, I do not know. I’ve had my classic 2750 style in baby pink pair for around three years now and I find myself pulling them out every summer…More recently I was tempted by this fabulous white pair, which are a funky spin on the classic Superga, with a wedge espadrill sole. Unfortunately for me, I stupidly got a size too big and will be sending these ones back. Even more to my disappointment the white ones now seem to be sold out – no surprise there! – So I can’t even exchange them for a smaller size, but I’ve been eyeing them up in the navy as another great summer alternative, so we shall see, but for now my pink 2750’s are still going strong.

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Boots

During the winter, whilst looking for style inspiration, I always find myself stumbling across a multitude of images where women are looking super cool, wearing boots with bare legs but then I’m left feeling disappointed knowing that it’s not a practical outfit choice when the temperature here is in the minuses. Fast forward to summer however, and hello cute tan boots that I never got to wear during the winter in fear of ruining them. Yes the boots are out and the legs are out are too…and that tan suede pair finally have their time to shine.

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What are your favourite go to shoes this summer?

Samio x

July 11, 2016
The Perfect Slim Fit Mom Jeans

There was a time when the thought of wearing the same item on repeat would have horrified me. No matter how much I liked or felt good in an item, I always found it difficult to go back to wearing the same thing too often, which seems silly to me now as I love owning pieces that I can get a huge amount of wear out of…Times have certainly changed and for me a regular go to garment in my wardrobe are my slim fit mom jeans from Asos.

I hadn’t realised when I purchased them how big of a role they’d play in creating different outfits in my wardrobe and now time and time again, I find myself pulling these jeans out for so may different occasions. I’ve always struggled to find the perfect slim fit high waisted jeans that fit my body shape right and now that I seem to have found the perfect pair, I practically live in them.

I love how the relaxed fit is casual and cool, whilst being super comfy. I also love that whilst being a great everyday piece, these jeans can so easily been dressed up with a pair of heels and the right jacket…For me wearability is key when it comes to me making new additions to my wardrobe and these jeans certainly tick that box.

T-Shirt – Cos | Bag – Matt & Nat (in blue here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon | Jeans – Asos

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Samio x

July 7, 2016
Dressing Up The Basics

I mentioned in a recent post how I’d ‘fallen out of love with shopping’ in the typical sense (as in acquiring new pieces impulsively) and since strategically downsizing my wardrobe, I wasn’t joking when I said I’ve taken things back to basics. My wardrobe now consists of a selection of basics that I find easy to mix, match and style, whilst being comfortable to wear, even when dressing up.

You’ll see me wearing these black skinny Topshop jeans on repeat and I’ve already mentioned my love affair with these mules from Clarks…

There are a few pieces that I have kept in my wardrobe however, that don’t seem as obviously wearable, like this white double breasted blazer for instance. This is one of the pieces that had been neglected in my previously over stuffed wardrobe and now that I’m down to only a few jackets, this is the one that I tend to go for when I want to dress up my outfit slightly and I’m pleased to say that recently I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of it. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect black blazer, which is proving slightly more difficult than I had imagined (tall girl problems) but there’s no rush, as for now this white one is serving me well during the summer.

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I wore this outfit the other week to the opening of the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery, where I’d kindly been invited along to preview the exhibition with a private tour. It was a fabulous event and the exhibition is great, as those of you who already saw it in London will know. So if you’re in Manchester I definitely recommend that you check the exhibition out, it’s free and it’s on until the end of October.

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Samio x

July 4, 2016
A Slow Start To Summer

Hello summer, hello…winter boots!? Okay so summer is finally here, it’s official but unfortunately the weather here in the UK still has quite a bit of catching up to do. I didn’t quite expect to be pulling out a pair of my black winter boots in the middle of June but a pro to the weather situation is that it’s buying me a little more time whilst I figure out exactly which summer pieces I’d like to add to my wardrobe.

Since downsizing my wardrobe quite considerably over these past few months, I’m finding it hard to now let new pieces in. I feel like I’ve tried on so many clothes and made so many summer orders, all of which haven’t been right or I have sent back, as I’m finding it hard to buy or keep things unless I absolutely love them. I’m guessing this can only be a good thing but at the same time I’m finding it harder than I had expected to transition my wardrobe for summer…In the mean time though I’ll continue to mix and match my current pieces, whilst still on the hunt for a few of those all important summer essential, because when the sun does finally decide to show its face, I plan to be ready!

Jeans – Topshop | Denim jacket – Pieces | T-shirt – (Similar here) | Skinny Scarf – Topshop, old (Similar here) | Boots – Office | Bag – Matt & Nat (in gravel)

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Samio x

June 22, 2016
How I Changed My Shopping Mindset

It seems strange to say it but I’ve sort of fallen out of love with shopping, no wait, let me rephrase that, I’ve fallen out of love with shopping in the way that I used to. If you had discussed this with me a year ago, I would have talked about how I loved to shop and may have even jokingly (not joking) said I was a shopaholic. As much as I’m ashamed to say it now, barely a week went by when I didn’t purchase something new, however small. I was regularly popping into the high street shops and picking up a ‘bargain’ or something I ‘had to have’. But were they really bargains or pieces that I needed?…Do I still love those pieces now? And am I going to have them for years to come?…The answer to all of those questions is no.

Something clicked last year, well it was more of a build up really and then I seriously began to think about my clothes, what they meant to me, why I bought so much and what would happen if I just stopped shopping in the way that I did. Other than that initial buzz of an impulse purchase, it wasn’t seriously making me happy, was it? I almost thought it would spell the end of my fashion blogging because if I didn’t constantly have new clothes to post about, then what would I actually post about? The whole point of my outfit posts had been to talk about the ‘cool new stuff’ I’d bought, right? Then I reminded myself that I’d always tried to label myself as a style blogger, more so than a fashion blogger anyway. The reason I loved to put outfits together to share here on my blog was more for the styling aspect rather than talking about current trends and I guess that in my obsession for always finding something new, I’d somewhat forgotten about that.

I decided to take it back to basics, quite literally. I began a massive clear out and decided to focus on the basics when it came to making new wardrobe additions. I wanted to focus on more re-wearable pieces and only have garments in my wardrobe that I genuinely loved and wanted to keep for a long time. That meant no more impulse buying. I stopped shopping in a lot of the high street stores, which is something that helped a lot. If I didn’t pop in H&M, then I couldn’t end up impulse buying a super cute top that was ‘only £8’, or if I stayed away from Zara, I’d avoid getting caught up buying the entire contents of the store after wondering in amidst a huge sale…And it was actually a lot easier than it sounds because what you don’t see, you don’t miss.

I began to find a love for clothing all over again and in a new way. Buying something new was always an easy option for me but working with something I already owned and constantly thinking of new ways to restyle it was actually a lot more fun than I had once imagined.

Now I really do think through my purchases. I use Pinterest for style ideas, I browse online at stores before buying and I like to plan. It actually makes the buying experience all the more enjoyable, as now it usually means that when I do come to purchase something new, I’ve really took the time to think about it and it’s something I really genuinely want, love and will actually get a lot of wear/use out of.

Dress – Old (Similar here) | Trainers – Converse | Denim Jacket – Dizen | Bag – Matt and Nat (Here in lilac) | Sunglasses – Vintage Christian Dior

Samio x

June 1, 2016
Keeping Fit Outdoors In Pink Soda Sport

Summer is fast approaching and I don’t want to jinx us all on this one but I am absolutely loving the weather here in England right now! I’m finding that in the morning it’s actually the perfect temperature to get outdoors and exercise and I have a new found love for running outside too. Whilst in the gym I care less about my appearance and what I’m wearing but when I’m keeping fit outside, I feel I want to take a little more pride in my appearance and I don’t want to just feel comfortable but I want to look good too. *Queue photos of me in super cute fitness attire*

I’m loving these Pink Soda capri pants and sports bra. There are features in my workout clothes that I appreciate more since working out outdoors, than when I did in the gym. For example, the capri pants have a tiny pocket hidden along the front seam, which is perfect for keeping a house key in whilst out running. I am also in love with this sports bra/crop top because it’s reversible(!) which is perfect if you’re like me and tend to have favourite work out attire that you wear on repeat, it’s like two in one!

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Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

May 24, 2016