Tag: Blazer

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
Stop Scrolling, Start Doing…

Another New Motto

Recently here on my blog I’ve spoken about mottos to live by in 2018. So far they have been proving to be rather good reminders to keep me on track in day to day life. Well today I have another motto to add to that list and it’s one I’m surprised I haven’t thought of sooner and it’s this – Stop Scrolling, Start Doing.

We’ve all been there. Those periods of procrastination where anything seems more appealing than what we’re actually meant to be doing in that moment. Our phones have become our best friends and our enemies. Whilst in some ways they have made doing many things much easier, they have also become the distraction that eats into our time and stops us getting a lot of other things done.

Last year my scrolling addiction hit an all time phone junkie high. I didn’t even think I spent that much time on my phone but the evidence stated otherwise. (Seriously, go into your phone settings, check the battery section and see how much time you’ve spent on certain apps in the last 24 hours to 7 days…you may be surprised.)

In 2018 realised that I used Facebook a lot as a time filler. Whilst I honestly have no interest in watching videos of dogs doing back flips, or in seeing Janine’s 3D baby scan pictures, I still found myself mindlessly scrolling through. So I deleted the Facebook app off of my phone and despite missing cues to wish Happy Birthday to ‘friends’ I haven’t spoken to or seen in real life for over five years, I realise I really haven’t actually missed much.

Now whilst removing one app from my phone seemed to do the trick, when it came to the likes of Instagram I decided to use sheer willpower alone. And surprisingly it worked…for a time. Actually I weaned myself off of Instagram scrolling surprisingly easy. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I went two whole weeks over the festive period without posting one Instagram image, which is a pretty big deal when it’s actually part of what you do as your job.

Whilst now I’m back to my usual daily posts on Instagram, I still don’t think that should make for an excuse to slip into old habits of spending too much time on there. However I feel myself grabbing for the phone in regular intervals once again. I know what it is, it’s procrastination, plain and simple and whilst my phone is the catalyst, I am still very much culpable.

So I’ve decided it’s time to nip this bad habit in the bud and so I think the best way to attempt to do that is to give myself a friendly little daily reminder, by adding another motto to my list. Let’s see where we end up with these, by the end of the year I might have worked up quite the list.

Do you use your phone to procrastinate? Or are you good at staying focused and ignoring distractions? If you’re the latter, give me your tips please!

Samio x

Boots – Office (similar here) | Jeans – Weekday Ami Jeans (different shade here) | Roll Neck (similar here) | Blazer – Topshop (similar here) | Coat – Jigsaw (sold out, similar here) | Bag – All Saints

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January 17, 2018
Inspired By Home

I hadn’t intended this to be a home/interior post but I’m going to start by talking about it anyway, because as I look through these images I realise that this is actually the first (although small) look into our house, here on my blog.

These images were actually shot a couple of weeks ago now, one miserable Saturday when Damien and I didn’t fancy venturing outside to get outfit shots and so, we decided to capture this outfit inside instead. And although impromptu, I’m pretty happy with how the shots turned out.

If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know that a couple of years ago Damien and I bought our first house together and since then it’s been a long process of major house renovations, most of which Damien and his dad have done themselves between working full time (hence the longevity of this project). So now that things are finally begining to take shape, our house is finally feeling like a home.

I really love the vibe of our home now and I’m feeling so happy with how it’s all coming together. The interiors and the decor really reflect a combination of both of our personalities and for me, in a totally different way to how my personal style does.

I feel relaxed in this space and most surprisingly I feel inspired. And I think this has reflected in how I’ve been feeling when putting outfits together recently.

Whilst I haven’t added many new items into my wardrobe recently, I’ve really been enjoying playing around with my different pieces and mix and matching garments that I wouldn’t have initially planned to go together. I guess it’s stepping out of my comfort zone slightly whilst still being very me.

If you watch my YouTube videos you’ll likely know that I’m obsessed with the velvet blazer I purchased a couple of months back now from Topshop’s London Fashion Week collection (I seem to manage to squeeze it into nearly every styling video). Little did I know at the time that it would be such a trend piece but I feel the style of a tuxedo blazer is one that will never truly go out of style altogether and regardless, I’m pretty sure I’ll keep wearing it anyway.

I’m usually drawn to opting for a quite put together look when grabbing for this blazer but on this occasion I was in the mood to mix all textures and styles. Like I mentioned in a recent post, I’ve fallen in love with my & Other Stories flared denim jeans all over again and so it only felt right to try the two pieces together…and voilà we had a look.

I liked this outfit combination, I felt cool in it. It has a real, I’m really not trying to go for any particular look but this is now a look, vibe (that’s the only way I can describe it). So there we have it, that’s a low down on this outfit and a sneak peek look into our house so far. If you’d like to see more you can check out my home renovations/tour video below and of course, more home/interior related content shall be coming to the blog soon! But for now, I’ll say ciao!

Samio x

Boots – Office (old, similar here) | Jeans – & Other Stories | Top – Topshop (in black, here) | Blazer – Topshop (sold out, similar here)

November 14, 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
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
How To Elevate Your Everyday Look

From Simple To Chic

As you may already know, when it comes to my everyday dressing, I like to keep my style pretty simple. I have my go to basics and a selection of versatile pieces that I like to mix and match. So for me I find accessorising a great way to easily add to these everyday looks and I love how the right pieces of jewellery can instantly elevate an otherwise basic outfit.

In more recent years I’ve moved away from the dress jewellery I was once fond of and I now prefer investing in a selection of more timeless pieces that I know will really help to improve each outfit I wear.

The latest additions to my jewellery selection are these beautiful pieces from Thomas Sabo. When it comes to Ladies watches Thomas Sabo know how to make classic yet visually stunning time pieces that make a statement. I was instantly drawn to this absolutely gorgeous gold coloured watch, with its eye-catching radiant royal blue face. A watch like this can easily transform any outfit and the way the blue face shimmers as it catches the light, means it won’t go unnoticed when you’re wearing it either.

Thomas Sabo also have an amazing selection of gold bracelets for women. I like to wear more delicate pieces alongside a more standout piece, like the gold watch. The Little Secrets bracelets are the perfect compliment to one of the more bolder watches and it’s a way to easily accessories, as you can stack and build these as your collections grows. For me I love how simple yet elegant this bracelet is and even when worn alone it’s a great way to accessories with minimal effort.

It’s amazing how even some of my old and most worn wardrobe favourites are given a new lease of life with the right accessories. I’ve had this white blazer for around four years now and to be honest I still amaze myself with how I’ve managed to keep it white for so long, because I do wear it a lot. I feel like a plain piece like this works really well with the gold accents and especially the striking blue watch face. Thrown on altogether, along with a grey Tee with some jeans, it gives it an effortless yet chic feel, which I love.

How do you like to try and elevate your everyday look? Are you a fan of accessorising?

Samio x

*This post was sponsored by Thomas Sabo

Watch – Thomas Sabo | Bracelet – Thomas Sabo | Shoes – Clarks (old, similar here) | Jeans – River Island | T-shirt – Asos | Blazer (old, similar here) | Bag – (old, similar here)

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Thanks to Onyi for helping with these snaps!

July 28, 2017
Something For Everyday – The Burnt Orange Blazer

I have been on the hunt for the perfect blazer for the longest time ever! Okay, slight over exaggeration there but I have seriously searched high and low for what feels like months and I’m glad to now say, I have finally found what I was after, although not necessarily what I’d been looking for…In my mind I’d originally had the idea of a black or grey blazer that would be great for day to day but when browsing online and hunting in a few shops, I wasn’t really finding the type of thing that fit with my current (super casual) everyday style. It was just by chance that I stumbled upon this burnt orange colour blazer and to my own surprise, I instantly feel in love with it.

The first time wearing my new blazer I of course had to throw it on with my all time favourite Asos Farleigh jeans and a pair of Converse. It was the perfect outfit for a Saturday afternoon as Damien and I headed out for lunch and a few drink before meeting friends later for a BBQ.

This blazer definitely gets the thumbs up for the high wearability factor as I’m already finding myself reaching for it each time I head out. I also love that it’s a great Autumnal shade, which makes it a great transition piece as the seasons change.

Blazer – Asos | T-shirt – Asos | Jeans – Asos | Bag – Whistles| Trainers – Converse (in black)

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Samio x

September 7, 2016
Taylor Morris Eyewear

Let’s talk about designer eyewear… If I’m being completely honest I’ve never been one to obsess over eyewear, unless you count that one time when I was around five. I cried when the optician told me I didn’t need glasses because it meant I couldn’t have the rainbow rimmed spectacles I’d been dreaming about… When I think about it, that was probably the last time I strongly desired a particular pair of glasses. Whilst as a teen, some of my friends couldn’t wait to purchase the latest designer shades, I was rocking the same one pound pair that I’d had for about three years and it never really bothered me…

Eventually vintage designer sunglasses became my thing, as I always love the idea of recycling fashion from the past. Although my eyewear collection had somewhat evolved since my teens, it wasn’t until very recently, when I was introduced to Taylor Morris eyewear, that I really started to appreciate the fascination with well designed and crafted eyewear.

I was invited along to the Taylor Morris Spring Summer 2016 Collection Presentation, along with a small group of bloggers and press for a champagne breakfast at Harvey Nichols in Manchester. Hugo Taylor and Charlie Morris, who founded the brand in 2013, talked us through their new collection and gave us an insight into Taylor Morris Eyewear.

I was truly fascinated by all the detail that goes into designing each pair of sunglasses to the highest standard. Even the name of each pair of shades has a story behind it, which is something I particularly like.

I bumped into the fabulous L’Oréal again.

I got the chance to pick out my own pair of shades and after trying on a few different styles, I then went for the Vivien shades in half Havana & half Amber acetate. I tried them on and fell in love with them. They are a different shape to what I’d normally go for but the style just won me over, as I love the brown gradient effect with the beautiful gold detailing inside the rim.

You could see that both Hugo and Charlie have a real passion for eyewear, which is something that is translated in their designs. There is something very classic yet unique about each piece and although new designs are set to come and go each season, there is certainly a sort of timelessness in their collections. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of wear out of my fabulous Vivien shades, especially when I go on holiday next week.

What I wore:
Blazer – Zara (Similar here)
Jeans – tophsop here
Heels – Pretty Little Thing (similar here)
Bag – Zara (similar here)

Shop Taylor Morris Eyewear here.

Samio x

October 13, 2015