Tag: Autumn

Lifestyle Changes & A Wardrobe Update

This post is sponsored by hush

Over the past few months there have been more than a few significant changes in my life. I guess you could say I’ve really grabbed the bull by its horns this year and took a leap in more ways than one. I’ve mentioned several of those changes here on my blog, a few of which I rounded up in this post here. I definitely feel like I’ve made it my mission this year to challenge myself to do a lot of the things I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.

Most recently Damien and I have gone on a bit (actually a lot) of a fitness journey. We’re currently working with a PT and it’s changed our whole perspective when it comes to health and fitness. Whilst this has been a whole new challenge for us, it’s one that I’m loving and I think it’s definitely changed our fitness habits for the better.

Spending a lot more time working out has made me really appreciate comfortable dressing. In reality, it’s nothing new, I always like there to be an element of practicality and comfort in most of my outfits (because feeling good is intertwined with looking good IMO). I guess now however I’m really embracing coooommfortable clothes, and by that I mean I’ve actually been investing in sportswear and things to wear to and from the gym as well. In the past I’d continually wear the same gym gear on repeat (between washing of course!) and for me sweatpants were strictly confined to the comfort of home.

More recently however I’ve really felt the need for comfortable laid back outfits such as this one, especially on days when I’m heading to the gym and want to comfortably layer up. So of course I was super keen when hush wanted to work with me to style up some of their ‘grown up sportswear’. They have some absolutely gorgeous pieces in for autumn/winter and I got all the comfy cosy feels just eyeing up their lookbook.

What I love about pieces like these is that they’re so easily interchangeable with your everyday wardrobe. For example, if you don’t want your look to be too relaxed, then swap out the sweatpants for your favourite pair of denim and you instantly have a slightly smarter, yet still very comfy outfit. Or equally for days when you want all the comfy layers, you can throw your cosiest hoody into the mix and you’ve got your own little portable cocoon of snugness.

Speaking of snugness, this jumper is so cosy and snuggly that I’ve not stopped wearing it (I’m actually even wearing it now FYI). I can tell we’ve moved into autumn because I’m now already living in knitwear and it’s great to have such a versatile piece which I can wear with a multitude of outfits.

I’m also really loving this bomber jacket. As I mentioned, I’ve been spending a lot more time at the gym, which has included many 5:20am wake ups to head to our PT sessions of a morning (I know, we must be mad). This jacket has become my go to when I’m heading out on those super early mornings, the main reason being that the faux fur lining makes me feel like I’m wrapping myself in a cosy blanket. This definitely helps when your body is telling you that you should still be wrapped up in bed, so anything to help create that illusion certainly helps. Again this is another great versatile piece that I’ll be able to wear day to day throughout autumn/winter too.

Overall I’m embracing the clothes that work with my lifestyle right now. Sometimes you need to update your wardrobe accordingly, and I am more than happy to be incorporating more cocoon worthy pieces into my wardrobe as we move into the new season.

Samio x

Shop The Look

Trainers – here | Cotton Tee – here | Stripped Joggers – here | Nana Jumper – here | Bomber Jacket – here

September 27, 2018
3 Ways To Wear A Corduroy Blazer

It’s not often these days that I walk into a store and purchase something shortly after having spotted it in the shop window. In fact, I don’t remember the last time this happened…until Friday. When I spotted this double breasted corduroy blazer in a beautiful retro pink, in the window of & Other Stories, I knew I had to have it. After trying it on I was soon at the till making my purchase and several days later I’m happy to say, I have no regrets!

I know a pink corduroy blazer may not be an obvious choice for a staple piece but my reason for being so hasty in my purchasing it, is that I know it will be a jacket that I’ll get so much wear out of.

I decided to size up in this blazer. & Other Stories sizes are weird (if you’re in the UK). I tend to go for a 36 in their clothes, which I believe equates to around a UK size 10. For this jacket however I decided to go one up and went for a 38. I have broad shoulders, I’m tall (5’9) and have long arms (promise I’m not an alien, although that description makes it sound like it). It’s a rarity for me that I find a jacket that fits on both my shoulders and arms without absolutely swamping me in the process. I wanted this jacket to be slightly oversized anyway and I love the way this one fits as I’m able to comfortably wear layers underneath it too.

The quality of this piece feels amazing, the fit (as I’ve mentioned is great) and it actually also looks good worn closed (which is something I rarely do with my blazers). Also a nice little detail which I really appreciate in jackets, is that it has a little inside pocket which is the perfect size to fit your phone. Anyway, on to the styling…

With Jeans and a tee

Whilst this is a pretty snazzy jacket, I know it will be something that I’ll be able to throw on day to day and just wear with a pretty cool and casual look. This jacket is quite thick, so it’s great for the Autumn period as the weather gets a little cooler. Here I’ve worn it with a pair of flared Joe’s Jeans (which I cut off at the hem to make them cropped), a fitted tee and my go to nude Adidas trainers.

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With All Black

I love how a statement jacket can jazz up an otherwise basic outfit. I’ve been really loving flares recently. I’ve realised that they really suit my shape and I’m currently all about the 70’s vibes too. The jeans are from Amazon’s clothing brand Find. I went for a size 26 and they fit like a glove. With heels and a cute cami this makes a great evening look. It’s the type of thing I’d wear for date night when off out for a meal and some drinks.

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Like A Cowboy

I’m not sure why but this third outfit combination is giving me serious cowboy vibes. Maybe it’s the double denim, or maybe it’s just me? Anyway, I love how denim works so well with this blazer. I do enjoy mixing textures and it’s the ultimate combination of smart and casual mixed together. I decided to go for my Weekday Ami jeans and Abercrombie denim jacket worn with the Finery boots I’ve had since last winter. I know I’ll be layering pieces under this jacket a lot as it gets colder, which makes me glad it’s the perfect fit to do so.

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Images and video shot by me. See more via #SamiosSelfPortraits

September 11, 2018
Moments From The Weekend

Boots – M&S | Jeans – Asos | Roll Neck – Asos (similar here) | Faux Fur Coat – Storm & Marie | Bag – Kate Spade (similar here) | Watch – Thomas Sabo | Bee Necklace – French Connection | Belt – Dr Martens

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A Saturday Vibe

At the moment I’m enjoying my weekends more than ever. Being self employed it’s sometimes hard to strike balance between when the working week starts and ends because let’s face it, for a lot of self employed folk, it never really does. When modelling was solely my full time job, I found it easier to get to Friday and go into full weekend mode but now that blogging and creating content is a job for me too, I constantly find myself thinking about ideas and what my next piece of content will be.

A good thing about what I do in the realm of blogging, is that all aspects of life can inspire me and sometimes I do love utilising my weekends to think up ideas and create new content.

At the moment I’m really enjoying capturing my shots more candidly. Most of the outfits I share here on my blog are things that I was actually wearing on that particular day, however I often tend to shoot quite statically, which doesn’t give as much of a vibe of my overall day. Obviously depending on who I’m with or what I’m doing, it’s not always possible to shoot this way but I really like this style of capturing different moments from my day to not only show what I was wearing but what I got up to whilst wearing that outfit too.

Last Saturday was one of those really good, not overly planned days. I headed out with Damien and other than having a meal booked in for the afternoon, we didn’t have any particular plans and so we decided to wonder around town and go for a few drinks.

For our meal we went to Mr Cooper’s in The Midland Hotel and had a delicious three course meal. I had the calamari to start and it was some of the best calamari I’ve had in Manchester for a while. Damien went for chicken wings and then for our mains, I went for the snapper and Damien went for the steak. We both really enjoyed our mains and then for our desserts we shared chocolate salted caramel slice and elderberry pavlova. All three courses were really good.

After our meal we met up with our friend Cameron and after a few drinks a couple more friends joined us and before we knew it we were dancing the night away. Impromptu nights out like that are my favourite and all in all, it was a pretty perfect Saturday, creating content, spending time with Damien, catching up with friends and having fun.

Samio x

November 23, 2017
The Party Wear Challenge

Prepping For The Season

The party season is definitely one of my favourite times of the year. Aside from the weather getting considerably colder and the urge to hibernate being somewhat tempting at times, I can say that the one thing that does get me in the mood to head out during the colder season is the excuse to get dressed up and get into party mode.

If you’re a regular to my blog you’ll know I love finding good quality pieces that I can get plenty of wear out of and the same goes when I’m shopping for party wear too. Right now there is an extra big delivery of party wear pieces in store and online at TK Maxx, so when TK Maxx set the challenge for myself and a friend to head in store to find party wear outfits for under £100 each, I was excited to see what we could find.

My friend L’Oréal and I always seem to have super busy social calendars at this time of year, which is great for us because it just means more excuses to go out and have fun together but it also means that there’s often a lot of ‘what to wear’ moments. Luckily TK Maxx has something for everyone and they also have an amazing range of designer party wear at up to 60% less than the RRP, so when we headed in store we were spoilt for choice.

We each picked our outfits from a variety of ranges in store. I love the Gold Label section for finding great value designer items but to be honest if you take the time to look around anywhere in store you’re bound to find something you love. Whilst browsing through the trouser section I came across these fabulous velvet trousers. I seem to have developed a thing for flares and velvet at the moment, so velvet flares obviously make the perfect combination for me. I absolutely love the fit and as they are stretchy, they are really comfortable too. No doubt these will be my go to trousers of the season.

The faux fur coat instantly caught my attention whilst browsing through the Gold Label section as it’s such a gorgeous yet practical piece for when heading on nights out. And I am in love with this beautiful silk collarless shirt that I got online from tkmaxx.com. It’s such an effortless yet chic item and of course it’s really versatile so I’ll be able to wear it with a number of different looks too.

My favourite piece in L’Oréal’s outfit is this gorgeous black black blazer with a navy collar (you know I love a good blazer). She also found some amazing thigh high boots whilst looking for shoes and I love how she’s mixed tailoring with this white tassel skirt to create a smart yet sassy look.

Between the two of us we found such a good mix of party wear both in store and online and I love how we both found some great quality pieces and for such great value too. You’ll no doubt be seeing me rocking these pieces a lot over the party season, especially that fab furry coat! I’m looking forward to creating lots more night out outfit combos with these party pieces and you’ll likely see more of those coming up over on my Instagram @samiorenelda. And if you don’t already, you can also follow TK Maxx on Instagram @TKMaxx or become a TK Maxx fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tkmaxx.

Samio x

*This post was sponsored by TK Maxx

October 26, 2017
Learning To Go With The Flow

Going With The Flow

The idea of going with the flow sounds like something easy breezy but the reality is, it can often be quite the opposite. Going with the flow has the connotation of allowing yourself to bob along with the current of the river, which sounds simple…but then what if that current is going in the complete opposite direction to which you had planned.

We’ve likely all had times when going with the flow has led us to something fun or exciting, be it heading out for an evening with friends or throwing ourselves into a new work role with no real plan of what’s in store. Sometimes however we can find ourselves feeling forced to go with a flow that we aren’t quite as optimistic about. I think this is when the idea of what it really means to go with the flow is put into place. It’s not necessarily letting the flow completely take control of you and whisk you on down that river (right direction or not) but rather learning to ride the current so that even if things are taking you in a different direction than you’d planned, you are still able to work with it and prevent yourself from getting swept under.

Metaphors aside, I think the point I’m trying to make here is that even the most detailed life plan is bound to change, as the flow and direction of our lives are ever evolving. It’s normal to be faced with challenges or feel that we aren’t moving in the right direction from time to time. What’s important is that we allow ourselves to adapt with it and understand that no flow is continuously going to be a smooth one but if we allow ourselves to learn and grow from it, then that is the true art of going with the flow.

Samio x

Boots – Topshop (old, similar here) | Skirt – Next (UK) | Shirt – Enlist (similar here) | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – All Saints | Watch – Thomas Sabo

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October 9, 2017
The New Blue Blazer

Something New & Blue

It’s not often that I have any super new in pieces to share, in part because I often like to mull things over before finally taking the plunge and deciding to make the purchase and in part because, well, I don’t shop that often. I say this but then I have been a little bit spendy as of late, but that’s one I’ll leave for another blog post. Anywaaaay, back to today’s subject which is this new in Topshop blazer and when I say new in, I mean I purchased it the day it became available online, which was Monday and it’s now Wednesday.

This blazer was part of the Topshop London Fashion Week collection, which I hadn’t even realised when I’d purchased it because aside from it being a bit pricey for a Topshop blazer (£95), I had no clue and just thought it was a marvellous little jacket, which was just what I’d been after. And it seems that this one has been pretty popular too because I’ve noticed that it’s already completely sold out online. So it’s a bit annoying that the one time I have something really new to share with you, it’s out of stock because it’s been too darn popular.

Now, side story: So I wore the blazer for the first time today when I headed to a wonderful breakfast event with Carven (thanks to Onyi for these snaps this morning). I was so excited to wear the blazer that the tags were straight off and I was heading out of the door. I couldn’t help notice though that this felt considerably shorter than what it had looked like online but initially I dismissed this and put it down to the fact of me having an extra long torso. Anyway, it’s only after I returned home that I decided to have another look at it online again because something was really niggling me about it, and then I noticed that it is in fact a different blazer than I had ordered. The fabric and product code is the same but the blazer I’ve received is significantly shorter and has one pocket less on either side. Now I’m in a slight predicament because I had initially hoped for a longline blazer and that’s not what I’ve ended up with. In fact, I couldn’t find the blazer that I’ve received anywhere online. Obviously it’s not the end of the world but it’s a bit of a weird one. Anyway, I’ll leave the link here incase it does come back in stock, or incase you’re wondering what I’m nattering on about and fancy a nosy. So now the question is, do I return this one and explain the predicament in hope that it will come back in stock and I’ll somehow end up with the longline version eventually, or do I stick with this one – I’m just wondering where this jacket has actually come from and how I’ve ended up with this random variant of the one I ordered. Have you ever had anything like this happen when ordering online before?

Anyway, that’s enough rambling about this jacket for one post. I do love a good blazer but I didn’t think I could speak about one quite so much. Hopefully I’ll be able keep you updated on the blazer situation in a future post (if anyone is even interested), but for now that’s it from me. Ciao for now!

Samio x

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September 20, 2017
A Life Update & Some New Jeans

Welcome Back

It’s been well over a month since I last shared an outfit post here on my blog and whilst things have been pretty quite over here lately, behind the scenes things have been quite the opposite. After a bit of a lull I feel I’m finally back in my creative zone.

Whilst I haven’t been very active here, if you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel you’ll see I’ve been sticking to my schedule over there at least. I’ve really gotten back into it lately and I’m continuing to feel inspired to keep making new and creative content. As well as working on my own stuff I’ve also been busy creating content for some really cool brands and it’s been so much fun to take on new challenges as work takes me down new and exciting routes. Along with that, modelling work, birthday celebrations, events and continued house renovations I’ve been keeping pretty busy…But, I don’t plan on neglecting my blog for too much longer (she says for the 100th time). If you’re familiar with my space over here, you’ll notice it’s had a little bit of a revamp and long overdue too. I couldn’t spend all that time doing up our house and not give my little blog some T.L.C too…

So here it is. The new and improved samio.co.uk – I hope you like it! I could waffle on about all the things you can expect to come from me over here in the new year but I expect much of the same and more…and hopefully I’ll get back to being a little more consistent too!

Onto The Outfit Post

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Anyway, enough with the rambling life updates. You’ll see I’ve traded in my well loved and used Whistles tote bag with a little black All Saints number. I’ve had it for around two months now and I have to say that I love it. It’s my new everyday bag, so expect to be seeing this one alongside lots more outfits to come.

The jeans are new, sort of. Yep, you may have spotted I’ve gone for a pair of Farleigh jeans AGAIN, this time in a lighter stonewash. Now I have three different (the same) pairs of jeans that I can wear on repeat. I do tend to live in my Fairleigh slim fit mom jeans as you may already know.

And the shoes…I featured these in an Autumn Asos haul over on my YouTube, as I was updating my wardrobe for autumn with a few much needed essentials. These boots made it onto the keep pile and you guessed it, I’ve been wearing them a lot. They are also really comfortable to walk around in.

That’s all for now. I hope you enjoyed this somewhat rambling life update/outfit post and don’t forget to check back again soon. I plan not to leave it so long next time!

Samio x

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December 14, 2016
Clothing Comforts & Layering

Yesterday was one of those days…What started off as a not so good day, turned out to be a pretty good day. I’ve been having some technical difficulties with filming lately which has caused me to get behind with my filming schedule and after a morning of attempting to film and things not going my way, I decided to call it a day (or should I say morning). I headed out of the house in time for a meeting I had in town, after which I met up with my friend Chloe (who also kindly took these shots) for a much needed catch up. It’s funny how petty frustrations can dampen your mood and then all it takes is some fresh air and a catch up with one of your besties over a pot of tea to help lift your spirits.

Anyway, yesterday’s outfit was all about comfort and warmth (it’s really getting chilly here now). If you read my last post you’ll remember how I talked about ‘creating a uniform’ and having specific clothes to go to on days that you just want to be comfortable, whilst still looking moderately well dressed…Well this is one of those outfits. This roll neck jumper I’ve had since last winter and I’ve been excited to pull it out because I know I get so much wear out of it during the colder months…and of course it goes perfectly with my most lived in jeans.

I was really in the mood to feel cosy yesterday and so I opted for layering my new 3 in 1 Mint by Mint Velvet coat (with the jacket part removed to make it gilet style) underneath my trusty hairy wool Asos coat – another gem which I’ve been excited to pull out from last winter.

It’s my second time layering this combo and I rather like it. It means that when I go inside somewhere and take off my outer coat, I’m still left with a second layer to give me that added bit of warmth whilst looking (imo) kind of cute too.

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What are your go to pieces wear when you want to be cosy, whilst looking good on the go?

Samio x

November 4, 2016
Winter Wardrobe Upgrade With The 3 In 1 Coat

If you’re a regular to my blog, you’ll know how important versatility and wearability is when it comes to any new pieces that I allow into my wardrobe. When searching for a coat I can often find it overwhelming as there are so many styles out there that it can be hard to find ‘the one’, especially when wanting to invest in something good quality that can endure a number of seasons…

As soon as I saw the Navy Three In One Trench Coat, from Mint Velvet’s new collection, MINT, I instantly fell in love…Braking all my rules and saying yes to navy, I definitely managed to tick the box for versatility, as what’s more versatile than a coat that can be worn three different ways!? I can’t wait to keep re-styling this over the coming Autumn/Winter months. Can you tell how excited I am about this coat! Anyway, enough babbling, I’ll let the images do the rest of taking, and don’t forget to check out my mini Lookbook video at the end…

One

Shirt – Y.A.S | Skinny Scarf – Asos (similar here) | Skirt – Asos | Belt – Asos (Similar here) | Boots – Office |Bag – Kate Spade | Coat – Mint by Mint Velvet

Two

Three

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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.

October 17, 2016
6 Things I Love About Autumn

The Style

Although I do love summertime outfits, it always gets to this time of the year and I feel ready to change up my style and what better way to do it than with chunky knits and layering. I currently love dressing for comfort as well as style and I feel Autumn is the perfect season to do so…Hello boots and favourite cosy roll necks, I have missed you!

The Social Calendar

Autumn seems to be the prime time for events, especially in the blogging world. Even outside of that, I always feel that during these coming months there’s always lots going on. From friends birthdays to parties, to pre Christmas celebrations, there’s always lots going on and my calendar always tends to fill up pretty quick. It’s one of the things I love about this season, there are plenty of excuses to dress up, celebrate and spend more time with friends and family.

Cosy Nights In

On the contrary to my last point…As much as I love my evenings out, I have to admit I do also love spending time in the comfort of my own home. During the (occasional) hot summer days, there’s always a pressure to go out and do something to make the most of the good weather (as it’s a rarity here in the UK), even when you’re maybe not in the mood…However in winter you’re guaranteed cold/bad weather so the pressure to be out and about doing things is gone and it can actually be used as a perfect excuse to stay in from time to time…Hurrah!

Autumn Foods

Two of my favourite seasonal foods crop up in Autumn and those include pomegranates and black peas! I’m sure most of you will be familiar with pomegranates and during this season I can’t get enough of them. You may be unfamiliar with black peas however, due to them being a traditional Manchester/Lancashire dish, which consists of, you guessed it, black peas – actually purple podded peas (that’s right I just googled that to check). They are soaked over night, then cooked and you usually eat them out of a cup, smothered in vinegar, on and around Bonfire Night. I personally can’t get enough of them and just talking about them is getting me excited for this simple, yet (in my opinion) excellent Northern dish.

The Atmosphere

Without sounding like the cheesiest person ever, I always feel like the time between mid September to December feels like the most magical time of the year (I know, super cheesy right?). There always seems to be lots going on with things like Halloween and Bon Fire Night…Not forgetting the run up to Christmas and New Year. And even if you don’t actually celebrate these events, I always feel like they create such a fun festive vibe everywhere you go…Can you tell I love this season!

There’s Actually Good Stuff On TV

I must admit, I don’t really tend to watch much TV (I’m much more of a movie and box sets type person) but if/when I do switch on the TV during Autumn/Winter, there always tends to be better things on…I’m instantly thinking duvet days on a Sunday during the run up to Christmas when a load of old movies are on. It’s been a while since I actually had a duvet day with all the house renovations that have been taking over the majority of our weekends for the past 16 months but now we are finally in our house (although the work still continues), I definitely plan on us fitting a couple of cosy duvet days in this Autumn.

What do you love about Autumn?

Samio x

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September 28, 2016