Tag: Biker Jacket

I Put Too Much Pressure On Myself & It’s Really Not That Deep

I was going to come at you today with a good old fashioned outfit post. By that I mean, in the old style of doing a blog post where I literally just share an outfit and ramble on a bit about it…but then something almost stopped me. I feel what sometimes deters me from posting more frequently is the feeling of not having anything very insightful or eloquently interesting to say.

As my blog has evolved (like many others), so has my writing style and the topics I like to discuss here in this space. Whilst I love my style content and sharing outfits, I now turn to my YouTube channel as a place to frequently share my outfits and styling ideas. It’s meant that over time, whilst I do continue to share style content visually here on my blog, the text has changed a lot, with the writing becoming slightly more topical and hopefully much more engaging too. With that being said, when I don’t feel I have anything very interesting or insightful to write, it puts me off writing at all. I think there’s a saying (I forget who said it), ‘you’re only as good as your last piece of work’. Whilst this can be a great quote to help motivate you to do your best and work harder, for me, I find it has the opposite effect. I often find this one niggling in the back of my mind as I sit down to write and then it puts me off sharing anything at all, if I don’t feel it lives up to what I put out previously.

It’s a silly dilemma to be in, I know. Like I often say about a lot of silly things that people get their knickers in a twist over, ‘it’s not that deep’. I’m well aware this is just a blog but for me this is the little space on the internet that is all mine, and because of that I tend to feel more particular about what I put out on it than on any other platform. However, one thing that I do say a lot is, ‘don’t strive for perfection, instead strive for consistency’. I should really practice what I preach here on my blog too, and remember that it’s okay to keep it simple. So sod my own silly standards that I’m unable to consistently live up to. The reason I started this blog in the first place was to do just that…blog. Be it long meaningful pieces, or just your bog standard light-hearted outfit post.

So I’m taking things back to basics. This space is just as much for me as it is for anyone else reading. When I first started this blog I’d happily type away to my hearts content when I didn’t think anyone was reading, so maybe now that’s what’s the problem (I now know that there is) and I just need to remember why I started blogging in the first place. I’ve always loved writing and sharing content here on my blog but I enjoy it so much more when I ease the pressure off just a bit. So this is just a reminder to myself that not every post has to include my most eloquent piece of writing and sometimes I should still just share the simple outfit posts with a bit of basic chatter, even if it is just for my own cathartic ramblings…and if you enjoy reading that, great, and if not, well, you can always just look at the pictures.

Samio x

Boots – Finery | Jeans – Weekday| Shirt – Gustuz (similar here) | Roll Neck (similar here) | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – Pinko (similar here)

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March 19, 2018
Why You Should Do What Makes You Happy

I always say, as long as your intentions are good and you’re not hurting anybody, or yourself, then do what makes you happy. This of course can be easier said than done, as sometimes in order to create or find the happiness we desire, we may have to step out of our comfort zone or take risks. Sometimes we can even find ourselves being discouraged from doing certain things that deep down we know we truly desire. Sometimes the dissuasion can come from others, or other times it can come from oneself. It’s important to not let these ideas of doubt get in the way and you should allow yourself to pursue the things that make you happy.

Your life is yours and not anyone else’s

Relationships, be it family, friends or a partner can sometimes be a conflicting factor in focusing on ones own happiness. We can often convince ourselves that the happiness of our loved ones is the most important thing, and whilst I am in agreement with this to an extent, I also have the opinion that focusing on someone else’s happiness is lesser justified if means making yourself miserable in the process. There needs to be compromise and balance, and if someone else’s happiness compromises your own, then you have to consider if it’s really worth it. Of course there are times when it’s necessary to put the needs of others before our own but when it comes to your long term happiness, just make sure that when making decisions that affect you, remember that it’s your life and nobody else’s.

Boots – Asos (similar here) | Trousers – TK Maxx (similar here) | Top – Topshop (similar here) | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – Pinko (similar here)

You never know what might happen

Circumstances and situations can change so rapidly that where you are today might be very different to where you are in a day, a month, or a year, and so on. As they say ‘life is short’. It’s an overused phrase and with good reason, because most of the people who say it have had some sort of life experience to help them put things into perspective.

Whatever stage or place you’re at in life, if you have the opportunity to make choices to do the things that make you happy, then go for it. Who knows what may happen tomorrow. With that in mind, it’s important to seize opportunities whilst you can. Take that road trip with a friend, apply for that new job, end the unhappy relationship, go on that dream adventure, take that dance class, learn that new skill and most importantly just remember to do you, for you!

It’s your responsibility and not anyone else’s

Lastly it’s important to note that choosing to do what makes you happy is inevitably down to you. We can’t rely on others for our happiness, nor can we expect other’s to take care of things for us. It’s solely down to you to go after what you want, don’t wait around for someone else to make things happen for you. Perusing the things you want in life isn’t always easy but if in the long run it’s what will make you happy, then what are you waiting for?

Samio x

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February 28, 2018
How To Stay Focused and Get Stuff Done

I’ve mentioned before that I am a huge procrastinator and it whilst it’s something I’ve had to learn to deal with over time, I’m also aware that it’s a trait I may never fully get rid of and so instead of letting it take over my productivity completely, it’s something I’ve learnt to manage over the years. I’d definitely say it helps to focus on one thing at a time and these are some things that help me when it comes to staying focused and getting stuff done…

Keep Your Area Tidy

If the thing you’re trying to get done is clean, then you’re basically already doing the task by doing this…but anyway, I’m definitely in agreement with the saying that ‘a tidy space equals a tidy mind’. Clutter can easily pile up, be it at your desk or in your home and often this can be a big distraction. I know if my area isn’t clean/tidy my focus will be drawn to the task of tidying up and it will get in the way of me solely focusing on something else.

Put Your Phone On Airplane Mode

I don’t know about you but for me one of my biggest distractions when it comes to getting things done, is my phone. I’ll find myself checking my emails, replying to friends messages and having a quick scroll through Instagram…I’ll basically find myself doing anything which doesn’t involve the task in hand. Even when you’re not actually on your phone, it’s easy for it can still be trying to grab your attention. I learnt a long time ago to turn app notifications off but I’ll still find myself at the beck and call to emails, phone calls and text messages.

The best thing to do when you’re trying to stay focused is to simply turn your phone onto airplane mode. If it so happens that the task at hand is replying to emails (oh how they can quickly pile up), then do it on your laptop or desktop if possible, close all tabs and have just that page open so you can focus on the task.

Set Yourself A Timer

This tip flows on from the previously one as I feel the two go hand in hand. Whilst checking out from the online world for a time can be great at eliminating a lot of distractions, it can also be somewhat daunting for us internet reliant folk. So give yourself a light at the end of the tunnel and set a timer. There’s no point torturing yourself, if you feel your attention span to stay 100% focused will only last 20 minutes, then set your timer for 20 minutes. After that time you can give yourself a five minute break. Maybe you really do need to check those emails. Do it, then get back to work. You might work like this in 20 minute time blocks with five minute breaks in-between and before you know it you’ve actually had a solid hours worth of focus.

Keep Hydrated

Whatever you’re doing, be it cleaning the house, sitting down to write, or replying to that overwhelming backlog of emails, make sure you keep that brain focused by hydrating it. I always drink plenty of water throughout the day and the times that I don’t get enough of it, I find myself losing focus on tasks very quickly.

Aside from the boring water talk (sorry for sounding like your Mum), it can also be nice just to have a cup of tea to hand (if you drink tea). For me it’s a bit of a ritual. I make a cup of tea and I sit down to work. It can also be a great way to stretch your legs during those ‘beaks’ you give yourself and it can work as a nice little treat. I’m currently eyeing up an empty cup and I know that once I’ve finished this I’ll be making myself a nice hot cup of tea. Like they say, it’s the little things.

So there you have it. Those are just a few things that I like to do to stay focused and get stuff done. Do you have any tips for getting stuff done?

Boots – Finery | Shirt Dress – Finery (similar here) | Stripe Top – Weekday (similar here) | Jacket – Topshop | Bag – All Saints

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January 29, 2018
How I’m Incorporating Spring Pieces Into My Wardrobe Early

Oh winter weather how I am so over you. I think it’s nice before Christmas and all, you get a bit of snow and everyone is off their heads with excitement ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’ and all that…Then January comes along, it seems to get even colder and I am well and truly, completely, over it. Such a positive note to start a blog post on, but who is with me here?

It’s not often I feel obliged to focus an entire blog post solely on the subject of clothes these days (as we know I like to chat about other things on my brain and rather share my outfits in the photos) but it’s actually something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

I really do think the way you dress can affect your mood and whilst I’m mostly a happy person, I’ve began to feel a bit ‘meh’ about my current outfits of late. Whilst a winter wardrobe can be exciting, there’s only so many times I can go out in the same roll neck and jeans combination before I become utterly unenthused about it. Now this of course is partially my own fault. Whilst the winter wardrobe can become repetitive due to having to opt for those ‘go to’ layers, I also don’t think I’ve helped myself by mostly opting for a selection of muted tones and very safe pieces. Don’t get me wrong, I like my muted tones and easy re-stylers, those are my staples which I will of course pull out year after year but I am now feeling more than ready to inject some colour back into my wardrobe.

Not only am I looking to bring more colour back into my wardrobe but I also want to mix things up with my style a little bit too. I recently did a video all about this, where I planned my style for spring/summer and it actually got me excited about my outfits once again. I however am impatient. I want to wear my spring pieces and I want to wear them now. So that’s exactly what I am going to do.

I got this fabulous polka dot skirt from Finery in the sale recently and as soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. It adds a little bit more fun to my look whilst still being a very ‘me’ piece. I’ve always had a thing for polka dots and it’s a pattern that my wardrobe has seen plenty of throughout the years. I feel a print like this is so versatile and will easily see you right through from winter to spring.

I’ve missed wearing skirts and dresses and I love how a midi skirt like this is actually a great alternative to jeans when you’ve started to feel a bit ‘same-y’ and want to mix things up a bit. From the biker jacket to the boots, these are the usual pieces that I’d wear day to day with jeans, but by swapping out the jeans for a flowing skirt, it gives the outfit a completely different look.

But what about the cold? I hear you say. Well don’t worry, your girl has got you covered, quite literally, because I am all about the layering. You probably already spotted the leggings here in this outfit combo, although I think if you have some knee or thigh high boots, this could also work fabulously, as I’m just sort of faking that look here. And what if one layer of leggings isn’t enough to keep you toasty? Then add a pair of tights underneath those, heck, add a pair of jeans whilst you’re at it too. Who knows what else is underneath there, that’s the beauty of a skirt…and on that note, let’s end this here.

That’s a lot of outfit talk from me for one post but if you couldn’t tell I am very excited for spring/summer and all of the fabulous outfit combinations it will bring with it. Until then, plan ahead, have fun and remember, layering is your best friend! Have you started thinking about your spring/summer outfits yet? Are you impatient like me?

Samio x

Boots – M&S (similar here) | Leggings – M&S | Skirt – Finery (same style here in pink) | Roll Neck – similar here | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Bag – Pinko (similar style here)

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January 24, 2018
Flared Denim

Something New

A week away from denim and I have to say that I actually missed wearing my new jeans (as sad as that sounds). If you didn’t already know I was on holiday in Porto, for just short of a week where I allowed myself to switch off from emails and all work related stuff – hence the lack of posting. Needless to say it was sheer bliss and a photo heavy Porto post will soon follow but for my first post back in over a week, I wanted to talk about my new jeans.

Now I’ve talked about how I cut down on wearing denim as a little bit of a self-styling challenge not too long ago and after a break away from wearing jeans almost everyday, my love for denim was refreshed and I felt keen to try out some new styles. Since the purchase of my last pair of jeans back in May, my obsession with jeans seems to be back in full force. Not only am I loving wearing denim again at every opportunity, I’ve also got brave enough to try out some different styles and fits too.

Here is where I introduce my latest denim addition, purchased not too long before I went away, which are these cropped flared jeans. Never did I think I’d be adding flared jeans into my wardrobe but on a recent trip into & Other Stories, whilst waiting for my friend to try on jeans, just on a whim, I decided to try on a pair too.

Now I mentioned in my previous denim post how I hate jean shopping and usually I have to try on about a thousand pairs before I can find a perfect fit and one that suits my body shape. So once again I was surprised to find a fit that I actually love and in a completely different style too. So although I’m not usually one for impulse purchases, I made my second impulse jean purchase in the space of 4 months and I have to say I’m very pleased with that decision.

I wore these jeans near enough everyday since buying them, prior to heading on holiday and this was one of those occasions. Now I’m back I can’t wait to get wearing them again. I just love the versatility of jeans and that is one of the main reasons I missed wearing them so much.

These flared jeans are surprisingly flattering and I’ve been loving styling them up in lots of different ways. On this occasions I was meeting Onyi in town to spend the afternoon working in a coffeeshop. These are some of the comfiest jeans I’ve ever owned and they worked perfectly thrown on with my new vans, a simple tee and my biker jacket for a super casual day look.

These jeans are also true to size and I’m glad to say that they do odd number sizes, as usually I have to jump between a 26 or 28 in jeans, but on this occasion I was able to get my exact fit, which is a 27 and the fit is perfect. The denim is thick but with a good stretch and I’m super impressed with the shape and quality. I’ll definitely be checking out & Other Stories for my next pair of denim jeans, that’s for sure.

Samio x

Trainers – Vans | Jeans – & Other Stories | T-Shirt – Asos | Biker Jacket – Topshop | Sunglasses – Vintage Dior (similar here) | Watch – Kartel

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August 26, 2017
White Reebok Classics

I’ll be completely honest, if you would have told me a few month ago that I’d be rocking a pair of Reebok Classics, I would have said that it was highly doubtful. As silly as it sounds, something was somewhat ingrained in me from high school that Reebok wasn’t ‘cool’ and although I care less about my peer’s style opinions these days, or the opinion of my 14 year old self for that matter, I still guess I was still put off by the idea of wearing a pair of Reebok Classics…It just shows how fashions change and personal opinions and style changes with it.

My boyfriend had mentioned wanting a pair of white Reebok Classics (something which I previously hadn’t been keen on) and then much to his luck, we were invited along to a Kendrick Lamar gig put on by Reebok, where on arrival everyone there was given a pair of white Reebok Classic trainers. Never one to be a party pooper, I happily traded in my shoes (which were kept safe in a cloak room during the gig) for these fresh white Reebok Classics. After putting them on for the first time, my opinion instantly changed. I couldn’t deny that these trainers were comfortable and actually looked kind of cute with my all black attire that I was wearing on the night. Several weeks later and what can I say, I’ve been converted and I now I think that Reebok Classics are pretty cool.

Here I decided to go for a super casual look with my black skinny jeans, biker jacket and pale pink Tee. I’ve never braved all white trainers before but I love the way they look and I think these ones will be great for Spring/Summer.

Trainers – Reebok Classic | T-shirt – Asos | Cross Body Bag – Similar Here | Biker Jacket – Similar Here

Samio x

April 1, 2016
Black Biker Jacket & Skinny Jeans

The older I get, the more I realise that it’s some of the simplest things that make me the happiest, like spending time with loved ones and enjoying every good moment (however small), or on this particular occasion, having an afternoon with a couple of my besties whilst chatting away over cups of tea and coffee…

The sun was shining for once in Manchester (or there were blue skies at least) and although maybe a little premature, I decided to brave it with a slightly less layered outfit, having only my faux fur scarf for added warmth. I have to admit, it was a little breezy on the ankles wearing cropped skinnies and my favourite Clarks loafers but it felt nice to get out of boots and opt for something a little different. I can now confirm that spring isn’t here just yet and it may not quite be time to ditch the layers but the blue skies are certainly getting me excited for longer days and milder months. Yes to more daylight!

Samio x

February 10, 2016
You Don’t Fool Me – Biker Jacket and Tee

On Saturday I took a trip to The Trafford Center. I’d gone with my boyfriend just to have a browse and grab some lunch but obviously, me being me, a ‘browse’ soon turned into a mini shopping spree as I ended up purchasing several new items. All the autumn winter collections are in the shops now, so I couldn’t help but getting sucked in by all the shiny new items and wanting to fill my wardrobe with autumn ready looks.

I’d been looking for a new handbag for a while and as I’ve mentioned previously, Zara is usually the place I go when I want a good shopper/tote style bag. Zara’s handbags are usually good quality and value and so they are perfect for me as I like to swap and change my bag quite often. I spotted this large brown handbag in Zara and thought it would be the perfect size (for those days when I need to carry round my life in a bag), I also really liked the colour and for £29.99 I couldn’t complain.

Keeping with the colour scheme, whilst in The Trafford Centre, I also purchased these chunky T-bar shoes which I found in River Island. They caught my eye because of the colour but then the deal was sealed when I saw the price as they were £20 down from £35. As well as the fact that the shoes were a similar tone to my newly purchased bag, I’d also wanted something similar for a while, in a colour that wan’t black. So the shoes were a perfect find.

The T-shirt I purchased the other week from H&M and the jacket I bought off Asos. I’ve been wanting to wear this jacket for a while now and although I finally got round to wearing it today, I still don’t think I was weather ready. This biker jacket is actually super thick, so it’s going to be great for some of those chilly autumn days. However as for today (once again), I think I misjudged the English weather slightly as the sun decided to show it’s face and it was actually rather warm.

What I Wore:
Biker Jacket – Asos
T-shirt – H&M
Jeans – Gap
Bag – Zara
Shoes – River Island
Necklace – H&M

Samio x

September 8, 2014
Girls with Curls

Yesterday I was in London. I was up bright and early (5am if you must know) as I had a shoot for Speedo in the morning. Then in the afternoon I made my way into central London to meet up with fellow blogger Fro Girl Ginny. It was mine and Ginny’s first time meeting and the pros of meeting up with a fellow curly girl is that I’m able to spot her fabulous curly mane from across the station. Straight off we began chatting away and it was nice to see that Ginny is just as lovely in person as she appeared over email.

Together Ginny and I headed to The Breakfast Club for a bite to eat and even though I wasn’t actually very hungry, as it was my first time eating there, I couldn’t help but opt for The All American. This is a dish that consists of sausage, eggs, fried potatoes, crispy bacon, pancakes and maple syrup. Considering I ‘wasn’t very hungry’ I soon managed to finish it all of course and it certainly pleased the tastebuds and set me up for the day.

The rest of the afternoon we spent wondering around London, popping in some shops and stopping for drinks to chat more. Obviously when two bloggers meet there is rarely a moment that the cameras are away and so we spent plenty of time getting ‘snap happy’ and capturing plenty of shameless double selfies too.

These are my first shots of my newly cut fro. As I mentioned in my previous post, my hair had some seriously damaged ends and so I had two inches cut off. I’m still slightly mourning the loss but my hair is feeling so much better for it and anyway, it will grow. Today I was rocking a braid out and embracing the frizz but it will be interesting to see how it looks after a wash and go when my curls are in their natural coils, as I can see I’m going to have some major shrinkage but we shall see.

What I Wore:
Biker Jacket – Zara
Vest top – Forever 21
Skirt – H&M
Shoes – Office

After lots of fro snaps and a fun day with Ginny, it was eventually time for me to make my way to the station and head home back home to Manchester.

If you haven’t already then go check out Ginny’s blog and YouTube channel:
Blog: http://frogirlginny.weebly.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/frogirlginny
Instagram & Twitter: @FroGirlGinny

Samio x

September 2, 2014