Tag: London

Things That Scared Me That I’m Glad I Did

It’s funny how some of the best things in life can come from taking a leap, diving into the unknown and doing something that ultimately scares the crap out of you. I’ve had my fair share of these moments in my life and I’m pretty sure there’ll be many more to come but for today’s post I’ve whittled it down to a few…

That First Date That Turned Out To Be The One

I still remember walking up to Damien’s car when he came to pick me up on our first date. The reflection on the windscreen obstructed my view and oh my was I nervous – would I still fancy the guy I was about to get into the car with? Having only met the evening before on a night out, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been more than a bit tipsy that evening. Sure I’d fancied him then but did my drinking goggles elude me? I had no way to be sure, this was before the days of easily accessible social media profiles, no prior stalking had been done. I didn’t really know much about him and so of course my mind raced a little…what would we talk about? Would we have stuff in common? Would we enjoy each other’s company? Would we still fancy each other? Would there be a spark?

I got into the car and it was instantly clarified that yes, I definitely did fancy him and once we got chatting I found we did have things to talk about and that yes, there was a spark. Now don’t worry, I’m not about to make you do a mini sick and tell you that it was love at second (sober) sight and that we lived happily ever after…but we did pretty much hit it off right away. Once we started dating, that was more or less it and then the rest (as they say) was history. So don’t worry, I won’t bore you with the full soppy love story today but that’s how things started and how basically something that initially had me shit scared, turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life and I’m so glad I went on that first date (n’aaaaawww). Okay enough of that.

Boots – Asos (similar here) | Skirt – Topshop (similar here) | Jumper – Asos (similar here) | Coat – Mint Velvet (similar here) | Bag – All Saints

Going To Live In Barcelona For A Month

‘Wait, what!? How is getting to spend a month in one of the coolest European cities, scary?’ I hear you say…Well, let me divulge…I remember being on a modelling job in Majorca when I got an email from my agency manager saying that an agency in Barcelona was interested in me and if I’d like to go over and model there for the summer, once I returned from my shoot in Majorca.

I’d been to Barcelona before, so I already knew I loved the city, however I’d be lying if I said going there for an indefinite amount of time and living in a model apartment with people I’d never met, didn’t leave me feeling a little aprehensive. I love to travel but I also like my home comforts and some of the stories I’d heard about model apartments in the past had been a little more than off putting. I also thought about missing Damien but luckily we’ve never been the type of couple who need to be attached at the hip 24/7 (and I always think it’s important to also do your own thing, even when in a relationship). In the end I decided to just go for it, because if you don’t try something, you never know right?

It turned out to be one of the best times of my life. Initially I was going for two weeks but as I started to get optioned for jobs, my stay extended. I’m not going to lie, on my first day I thought I’d made the wrong decision and this was the real moment of ‘fear’ for me. Attempting to navigate the city whilst trying to make it to a load of castings, whilst also being put in a room with a girl who couldn’t speak English, all on the first day, was a little overwhelming. But quickly after, myself and the girls in my apartment all settled in together. My room mate and I soon learnt to communicate in our own way and she was actually the best roomie I could of asked for, not only that but the girls we shared the flat with were great too.

It was so much fun getting to know and spending time with people from different parts of the world with completely different backgrounds to my own and we quickly developed friendships that made it feel like we’d been friends for years. I also got booked on two really fun commercials whilst I was there, one of which took me to Madrid to shoot. So all round it was a pretty incredible experience, it took me out of my comfort zone, I had so much fun and I made some great friendships in the process.

Buying A House

I’ve always enjoyed my freedom and for a long time I saw buying a house as something that epitomised the opposite to that. I enjoy to travel, I enjoy going out (quite a lot) and I enjoy being able to do as I please to put it quite simply. In my head buying a house threatened to put an end to all of that because it just sounded so…grown up!

I hadn’t ever imagined buying a house in my early 20’s and I’ll be honest, it was Damien’s idea before it was mine. Initially to me the idea was scary, it was adulating on a whole other level and I was just about getting my head around how to do my tax returns (seriously that is the biggest bane of my adult life).

It wasn’t until the apartment we were going to rent fell through (due to the landlord deciding to sell it instead), that I started to think about things differently. Although we continued to look for somewhere else to rent, the seed had already been planted and the idea of owning our own place had began to grow in my mind. Suddenly something that had initially scared me, quickly became something that filled me with excitement, not only that but it started to make far more sense too.

Don’t get me wrong, buying a house isn’t easy. Finding a house in the location you want, within your budget is a hard enough task alone, and then we decided to add to that stress by buying a house that needed completely refurbishing (biggest project of our lives). But I honestly couldn’t be happier with our decision. It’s certainly not stopped us living life and I travel more now than I ever did before, so if my past self could have seen into the future it would have definitely made her change her mind sooner.

So that’s it, that’s just a little bit of insight into a few moments in my life that scared me but then turned out to be things I’m really glad I did. On reflection, I realise that many of these moments have shaped my relationships, who I am and where I am today. Further still, I’ve come to realise that what’s actually scarier than when I took on these experiences in the first place, is the thought of what things would be like now if I’d never had them at all…

What’s something that initially scared you but in the end you were really glad you did?

Samio x

Shop The Look

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November 30, 2017
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
A Polka Dot Midi Dress in London

On Sunday I was in London, for the second time in the space of three days. For the bank holiday though, I was purely down for fun rather than castings or work and I was able to take the trip down with my boyfriend, Damien, which made a nice change from going alone.

We headed to London primarily for my auntie’s 40th birthday party, which was taking place that Sunday evening. To make the most of our trip, we caught an early train down and after checking in at our hotel, we then went to the Tate Modern which was only a short walk from where we were staying.

After spending some time looking around the art gallery, we went to Proky’s BBQ, where we both filled up on Porky Burgers, topped with pulled pork, streaky bacon & jack cheese along with a shared side of pork scratchings.

It was overcast on Sunday in London, however it was quite warm and so I threw on a simple polka dot midi dress which I had purchased from River Island last year. Although I’d had this dress for almost a year, this was actually the first time I wore it and I’m surprised I hadn’t worn it out sooner. It’s one of those ‘easy to wear’ type dresses that you can just throw on and it’s nice and loose (which makes it perfect for eating burgers in).

What I wore:
Dress – River Island (Similar Here)
Ballet Pumps – Topshop (Here)
Locket Necklace – George (I think)
Shoulder Bag – H&M (here)

Samio x

May 27, 2015
Black Faux Fur and Snake Print Trousers

As talked about in my previous blog post, last weekend I was in London. Afterwards I was home for two days and then today I’m off to London again, this time however I’m back to work mode.

Last Saturday I spent the day with my friends shopping on Oxford Street. Although I didn’t actually do much shopping myself, I had such a fun day spending time with my ex Barcelona flat mates and also having long over due catch ups.

Before we lost the last bit of light (it begins to go dark in England at around 3:30pm during winter), we weaved down a few side streets and I managed to get a few outfit snaps of what I was wearing that day.

What I wore:
Faux Fur Jacket – H&M
Tote bag – Aldo
Necklace – H&M
Sweatshirt – H&M
Snake Look Treggings – Topshop
Patent Brogues – Office (similar here)

Samio x

December 12, 2014
“London Town”

On Friday I headed down to London to be reunited with Natalia and Tara or the Cheeky Chicas as we like to call ourselves. It was nice to be in London with time off for a change, rather than going down for castings or work and as Natalia had flown over from Slovakia and Tara had made the long haul flight over from L.A, I was super excited to see them both. The three of us (along with another girl Maria, who unfortunately couldn’t make our London reunion) had first met this summer in Spain, during my time modelling out there in Barcelona. We were all with the same agency and so lived together whilst staying there. We had so much fun in Barcelona together and constantly kept in touch after we had all left, so a reunion was greatly anticipated.

I arrived in London just after 11am and then I headed to Paddington train station to meet Tara who was due to be travelling in from Heathrow airport. She had spotted my afro before I got chance to even look for her and so I first heard an excitable American accent shout my name. I turned to see her, coffee in one hand, wheely case in the other, looking boho chic and surprisingly fresh after an eleven hour flight. We were soon squealing in excitement and embracing in a hug. Together we then headed to where we were staying to check in and it wasn’t long until Natalia arrived. I spotted her walking in from outside and in the excitement I ran out of the lobby leaving my iPad and phone unattended on the table, as she giddily came bounding over in her cool white Docs and skinny jeans. After hugs and excitable hellos, we headed up to surprise Tara in the room and then we were soon gathering our things ready to head out and explore London together.

We were all rather tired on the Friday evening, not to mention Tara’s jet lag, so we took it easy and wondered along the River Thames, getting a close up view of the London eye. We walked around the Christmas markets as well as riding on the carousel and sampling some delicious food from The Real Food Festival at Southbank Centre Square. I of course had to go for an organic Sussex beef burger with rocket and blue cheese, which tasted incredible I have to say.

The next morning we were up reasonable early and after a hearty breakfast we headed to Oxford Street to shop. Probably not the most sensible choice for a Saturday during the first December weekend in London but as our days were limited and it was Tara’s first time in London, we decided to do it anyway. I for once am proud to say that I barely spent any money whilst wondering around the shops and in London of all places. All I purchased was a skirt, top and scarf from H&M. I had the most enjoyment helping my girls shop and showing them round the English shops that they had never been to before.

After a long and busy day shopping we were desperate for food and so after wondering down a few side streets we stumbled upon an ambient little Italian named Olivelli. We went in and enjoyed some scrumptious dishes and sat and chatted for hours. Afterwards we went to London Bridge for a few touristy snaps and then headed back.

On Sunday we went to Somerset House. As Natalia is a big fan of fashion photographer Guy Bourdin’s work, we went to see his exhibition there and I’m very pleased we did. We even took it upon ourself to recreate one of his iconic photographs whilst still in the gallery. The funny part is nobody seemed to bat an eyelid. We’re constantly clowning about when we’re together so it was inevitable really.

On Sunday evening after going to look around outside The Tower of London, we went to the famous Winter Wonderland, where we enjoyed some sweet treats and coffee as we wondered through the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets to look around the novelty stalls. Later we wondered back through Hyde Park and went to Buckingham Palace to take snaps, then we went for Greek food to end the evening.

Before we knew it Monday had arrived, our last full day together. I was feeling pretty exhausted by this point as I’d been powering through a cold whilst constantly on the go and not having much sleep. But it was all totally worth it as I was having so much fun and we were constantly getting into the most deep and interesting conversations about life and our plans for the future. I truly cherished our time together and feel incredibly blessed to have such lovely inspiring friends from such different backgrounds to my own.

After another jam packed day we resided back at our favourite restaurant of the trip, Olivelli and again enjoyed some delicious food, including my seafood pasta dish which was gorgeous.

On the Tuesday morning we just had time for a quick coffee and a bite to eat before we said our goodbyes and each headed our separate ways home. I enjoyed a truly magical weekend with my Cheeky Chicas and cannot wait for our next reunion which we are already hoping to plan for early next year. Now I’m back home and fully into the Christmas spirit after such a wonderfully festive time in London. I’m actually back down in London tomorrow but I have to say it won’t be the same without my Cheeky Chicas. <3

Samio x

December 10, 2014
London, Liverpool and The Cricket Fashion Show

On Wednesday I headed to London with fellow model and friend, Nicole. It was nice to have someone to go down to London with as usually for castings and work I’m travelling down alone. As I was with a friend, I’d originally planned on getting a few outfit snaps whilst I was down there but as our busy schedule took over, there was time for iPhone snaps only and so I’ve decided to do this post as more of a photo diary.

After a busy day of castings with only a brief Pret stop for lunch, by dinner time we were seriously ready to pig out with a glass of wine… Or many.

With just enough time for a quick shower and an outfit change we were off to a local restaurant for some yummy Italian food. We decided on a local restaurant in Palmers Green called Sole D’oro and Nicole and I both went for the same dishes, opting for the calamari to start followed by a pepperoni pizza each for our mains. The food was gorgeous, especially our starters of calamari. The place had a good atmosphere and great service which meant we stayed a while after our meal enjoying our drinks over a good chat.

We stayed until the restaurant’s close and then went into the bar next door where we enjoyed more drinks and made friends with some of the locals.

The next day we were up and out early for more castings followed by a test shoot in the afternoon. Before we knew it, it was late and so we decided to catch a train and head back home to Manchester.

On the Friday I had another busy day ahead as I was off to Liverpool to model for The Cricket Fashion Show as part of the Celebration Of Style event.

I was working with some girls and guys from my agency, which meant we had fun backstage, whilst getting ready. Hair prep was the biggest task on me as the hair stylists straightened and curled my hair into a funky side style. Nails Inc Trafford Centre team were on nails and The Cassie Lomas team were on makeup.

I got to model some cute outfits on the night, including this funky Kenzo dress and bag combo and this black strapless Balenciaga dress, which I loved. Heels were Chloe Jade Green (the tiny bit you can see of them – left) and Christian Louboutin (right).

The show went really well and although the after party was beckoning, I did the sensible thing for once and decided to head home. Although once home I did spent the remainder of the night drinking and chatting into the early hours with my boyfriend (it was a Friday after all) but at least I didn’t have far to travel to get into my bed as after a long day and night I was certainly ready for sleep.

Samio x

November 16, 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
Photography by Rianna Tamara

During my last trip to London I shot with photographer Rianna Tamara. We shot in a studio, one Friday afternoon. Wearing a few pieces from my own wardrobe, the styling was simple and I wore no makeup as to capture natural shots.

I’m really pleased with how the images turned out, as some simple natural shots like these were just what my portfolio needed.

Rianna Tamara Facebook
Rianna Tamara Website

Samio x

December 16, 2013
Expecting The Unexpected

The end of the year is fast approaching and after a busy few months, I finally made my way back down South to meet with my London agency and to get some long over due test shoots done.

Whilst in London I shot with photographer Rachel Lamb and Make Up Artist Rebecca McMahon. The images were shot on film, which I always find interesting as you are unable to assess your facial expressions and poses by looking at the back of the camera during the shoot. This often means the moments captured are very raw and natural looking. This can be an exciting process, as until the photographs are developed, you have no idea how the images will turn out!

Samio x

December 9, 2013