Tag: Manchester

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
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
Ten Months In Review

Achieving Goals & Setting New Ones

As we move into the final few months of 2017 I’m already beginning to reflect and look back on the year so far and not only that but also look forward and begin to think about what else I want to achieve by the end of this year and beyond. It may only be October but it’s never too early to start working on future goals to set things in motion for the new year. I’m not much of a new years resolution person per se, but like most people I do regularly have goals in mind that I’d like to work on/achieve.

On the very first day of 2017 I typed up a little review of my year and looking at it now it’s really interesting to see what I had in mind for this year and how it’s all panned out thus far. One of the main things I’d mentioned is that I wanted the main theme of my 2017 to be exploration, travel and learning. Ten months into the year and those themes couldn’t be more accurate at describing these past months. Travel and exploring new places has definitely been a large factor of the past ten months and in doing so I’ve learnt a lot. Another point I made is that one person I wanted to spend more time with this year was my mother. That’s also come to fruition as we’ve both spent lots of time with each other this year and we even took a five night trip to Copenhagen together, which tied back into the travel aspect too.

It appears that writing/typing up my goals has really helped them to come to life for me and so it’s something I’ve decided to start doing a lot more. It’s only when taking time to reflect and look back on the year so far that I truly realise that I’ve actually managed to achieve a lot that I’d set out to do this year. And it’s not too late to achieve more, as we still have three months left to get more things ticked off our lists and start work on new goals for the new year. Who’s with me?

Samio x

p.s, these photos were shot at the end of the summer whilst I was out having a coffee date with my friend Onyi (pictured below). These almost ended up in the forgotten achieve (along with about 292884774 of my other photos), until yesterday when I pulled them out and decided to give them an edit – another goal which I’ve been working on: Learn to edit photos in lightroom and get better at taking photos in the first place. I wanted these shots to have a slightly faded, almost vintage vibe and don’t think they turned out too shabby. I still have a lot to learn but what can I say, it’s another goal and I’m working on it. 😀

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October 3, 2017
5 Things

I have something a little bit different for today’s post and instead of going with my usual outfit post vibe, I thought I’d share five things: completely random, off the top of my head ramblings. So if you enjoy a chatty post, then here are five (rather random) things…

1.

I’ve had a real urge lately to pick up the guitar. I don’t know if this is a longing for a new hobby outside of blogging (which is technically no longer just a hobby), a desire to challenge myself, or just a deep down longing to put some attention back into my love for music and performing…I’m not sure, maybe it’s a combination of all three but either way it’s been something that’s been niggling in the back of my mind for a little while now.

There’s a dark green acoustic guitar (don’t ask me the name or model, I know nothing about guitars) that Damien has had since long before we met. It’s been long ago left behind at his parent’s house but I’ve always thought it to be quite beautiful and now coincidently also quite fitting with our living room interior. I think this could be just the tool I need to pick up my potential new hobby.

2.

I had a guitar of my own once…Yes I did. It wasn’t beautiful like Damien’s guitar but it was a guitar non the less. I think my folks bought it for me as a Birthday or Christmas gift sometime before my first year of University. Maybe I’d mentioned wanting to pick up guitar before, I don’t know.

Anyway, after initially being excited by the gift, the guitar later sat in its case for a good six months or so collecting dust in the corner of my university room before I one day decided to get it out again, only to realise it had broke. You see, where it had been propped up in the corner of my room, it would always slide down the wall and fall on the floor. On one of these occasions the top must have snapped off and I hadn’t even noticed. I took the guitar to the woodwork department and they glued it back on for me. That guitar was later used as a prop in many ‘photoshoots’ between my friends and I, where we would play around with a DSLR camera that we had no idea how to use.

3

The guy who took me to go and fix my guitar actually used to live in my room in university halls. Not at the same time as me, that would have been weird. He was actually a second year student and we’d got chatting in a university Facebook group before I started there…anyway, long story short, it turned out that I was moving into the room that he’d lived in the year previous. We remained friends during our time at university.

4.

Another person I met at university was my BFF, Chan. On my first day moving into my halls of residence, after my folks had said their farewells and left, I left my room and went and knocked on the doors of my new flat mates to say hello and introduce myself. When I knocked on Chan’s door she was crying and insisted she didn’t want to come out. I guess in that moment my initial thought may have been that we would be very different people but it turned out that we couldn’t have been more similar and it didn’t take long for a fabulous friendship to form.

5.

I’ve been valuing my friendships more than ever recently. I try to never take things/or people in my life for granted but I think it’s always good to remind yourself of those who are truly important in your life and to make a concious effort to make time for them, especially when it’s reciprocated. Chan and I don’t get to see each other half as much as we’d like to, we are both very busy women living miles apart but when we get on the phone for a catch up it’s like no time has passed at all and we easily spend hours chatting away. Another of my close friends (whom I’m excited to be maid of honour for next year) has just moved to the US and whilst we previously already lived miles apart, with her being from London, it’s crazy to think that she’s now half way across the globe. So I think, when you’ve got the chance, spend as much time with your favourite people as you can and for those who may be many miles away just remember to drop each other a message or pick up the phone.

Fin

So there you have it, five (very random) things. A little outpour of my subconscious, from guitars, to uni days, to friendships. I rather enjoyed writing this post and it even took me on a bit of a trip down memory lane, remembering things that I thought I’d forgot (if that’s even possible). If you made it all the way through my ramblings then good on you and feel free to let me know what you think in the comment section below. I’d also LOVE to hear one random thought from you, it could be related to this post, it could not, heck feel free to even share a few random things if you’d like. We’re all friends here and I love a good read and a chat about what’s in the old noggin’ (that’s head by the way). Ciao for now!

Samio x

What I’m wearing

Shoes – River island | Skirt – Topshop | Cami – River Island | Bag – Pinko

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July 31, 2017
The Creatives Coffee Club

A Change of Scenery & Creative Gal Pals

Working as a blogger can be quite solitary at times and I’ll admit that it can quite easily leave me lacking motivation when left to my own devices. Whilst I’m glad to have the balance of a more social working environment when on modelling jobs, when it comes to the days spent at home blogging and creating content, it can sometimes feel a little bit stagnant. Don’t get me wrong, some days I absolutely love those days that I have alone to work with no interruptions, especially when I’m in my creative zone and I can film, edit and write all day, happily in my element. Other days however, I can feel so unmotivated and just need to get out of the house and find inspiration in something other than the same four walls.

As much as I like to find inspiration and ideas online, sometimes I need something tangible and a bit of human interaction, just to stop me from going mad in my own confinement. I feel lucky to have a few close friends who are also self employed, with a similar unpredictable working schedule too. To be honest now I think about it, I don’t know what I’d do without them…probably end up going mad, that’s for sure.

Sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders too. I have a few of my favourite go to coffee shops in Manchester but on Tuesday when I met up with L’Oréal, Onyi and Rosie, we wanted to try somewhere different to one of our usual haunts and decided to try Porter + Cole. It’s such a cool little spot with comfy sofas, aesthetically pleasing interior, and coffee served in a proper mug (yes it’s the simple things that please me). I can see this becoming one of my new fave places. They also have a little home wear store with a bunch of stuff that goes perfectly with the colour schemes in my house (dangerous) and I quickly fell in love with an Elephant cushion that I knew I had to purchase.

An afternoon spent with fellow creative gal pals always leaves me feeling super motivated and a simple change of scenery can give me that spark of inspiration I need. Whatever your working environment, it can often be useful to try something new to help you get back in the zone and you can’t beat some girl power encouragement to help motive you along the way either.

Samio x

July 26, 2017
Trust the Timing of Your Life

Photography by STVP

This is just a little post to say that it’s okay do things slowly, to take your time or to even at times feel like you’re not moving anywhere at all. It’s natural, we all have these periods, some longer than others and these each can take place at different times in our lives entirely.

With the internet these days it’s easier than ever to promote yourself, start your own business, create your own content, reach out to your dream employer, or whatever it is you want to do in life in terms of the growth of your potential career and dreams. However with that, it also becomes increasingly accessible to see what other people are doing too.

You might live in a cosy little village in a secluded part of Scotland but with a few taps on your phone you’re able to see what Emma is doing on her travels around Bali, how Jason in London just bought a second flashy new car with his latest bonus, or how Julia in L.A has just got engaged to Mr Right and is celebrating the start of her new clothing label. Okay, those are really poor examples of fictional people but what I’m trying to say, is how we can easily see what’s going on with everyone else and use it as an example for how we should be doing in our own lives…But, everyone’s timings in life are different, as well as each of our journeys.

One person might have their dream job by 25 but might be unable to find work at 30, whereas someone else might get their dream job by 40 and stay in employment until their retirement. Life happens very differently to us all and there are so many different examples like this, relating to all aspects of life, be it with work, love, relationships or goals.

There are no time limits on achieving goals or getting where we want to be, only the ones that we create for ourselves. Just because you aren’t where you hoped or want to be right now doesn’t mean you won’t be in five, ten, or fifteen years, or you may even end up somewhere completely different than you’d ever imagined but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We change as we grow and so does life around us.

Everything happens differently for different people at different stages of their lives. It’s important to focus on your own passions, goals, interested, love life and relationships and don’t take anyone else’s successes, growth or current situation as an example of what you should be doing, or where you should be at that exact moment of your own life.

Life is always going to be a bit of a rollercoaster and will never be one smooth sailing ride towards the finish line. Because what really is the finish line anyway, and who knows where you’ll end up. Once one goal is achieved you’re only bound to make another one and who knows exactly what life has in store or where it will take you on your journey. Just remember that your timing is bound to be very different to someone else’s. So whatever your dreams or goals in life, just keep working on those things that make you happy. This is your unique journey and you’ll do things in your own time.

Samio x

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July 3, 2017
Lately

Most Worn

It’s probably a tad bit inappropriate to post an outfit of me wearing a sweater when it is in fact (for once) boiling in England at the moment but in today’s post I wanted to share some of what’s been going on in my life lately, and this pink jumper is one of those things. Now I realise this jumper doesn’t fit with my usual style but my whole point for buying it was to have something super cosy that I could throw on when travelling or on those chilly early mornings when I’m heading to a shoot and want nothing more to be comfortable. I thought if I’m going down the cosy/comfortable route, I may as well make it fun and so I went for this bold oversized 80’s style sweater from Topshop. I believe it says ‘I am happy’ on the back in French, which I think is très appropriate as I’m often smiling my head off.

Eating Out

I’ve been eating out A LOT. This is something that at the start of the year I said I’d sacrifice somewhat in order to fund my travel addiction but alas that one didn’t last very long and I find myself eating out more than I dare to admit BUT with so many amazing new places forever popping up in Manchester (along with many old favourites), it’s hard not to!

A recent new spot I visited was the Brasserie Abode in Manchester, where I went along with my friend L’Oréal for dinner last Friday. The food and service was excellent. And although I may have gone for one of the least photogenic dishes on the mains menu (fish and chips), I have to say it was really good. My starter was the winning dish for me though, as I went for the Tuna tartare, spicy avocado and it was absolutely delicious! Just thinking about that dish makes my mouth water…after that we were too full to even think about desert but we did manage to wash it down with a tasty champagne cocktail which was the perfect way to start our Friday evening.

Music

I’ve been listing to some new(ish) music recently. I say some and by that I mean the same three albums on repeat, quite literally. I listen to music almost everyday but I must admit I easily get stuck in my ways listening to my firm favourites. Some current tracks I’ve been particularly obsessing over from from of these albums are:
Big For Your Boots – Stormzy
Sweet Dreams – The Last Shadow Puppets
PRIDE. – Kendrick Lamar

I have quite the eclectic taste in music so I never find myself listing to just one genre. Now I’m greatly anticipating the new Lana Del Rey album. So far I’ve been obsessed with every one of her previous albums so I can’t wait to get this new one in my life. Unfortunately it looks like we will have to still wait until the 21st of July for this one but at least we now know the release date.

And that’s it, just a little bit of what I’ve been loving and been up to lately. I’m happy to see that the weather has hotted up here but it probably won’t last long so I best go and make the most of it. Have a great weekend!

Samio x

May 26, 2017
Home

It just hasn’t felt right for me to post today. On here or on any platform really. But then as my mind has been going round in circles trying to process it all and not being able to think of much else (as I’m sure has been the same for many people), I thought it better to write something at least acknowledging what has happened, rather than nothing at all. Of course I am referring to the bombing that took place in Manchester on Monday night. Even writing that sentence feels surreal and emotional and I am well aware that this type of thing happens continually across the globe but when it happens in your city, in the place you call home, I must admit it is a real shock to the system. I feel somewhat selfish saying that because like I say this type of thing happens all too often and all over the world and the very thought is truly sickening.

Now Manchester too has faced some of the horrors that many have faced before and I hope that in our grief we can continue to stand united. It makes me feel so sad each time I think about what has happened, so I can’t even begin to imagine what those involved and the family and friends of those involved are going through and my love goes to each and every one of them. There’s been an overwhelming amount of support between and for Manchester and that has been so heartwarming. Seeing the amount of love between the people in our city has been amazing and it just shows how much good can be done when actions are done in love and with compassion for others.

I feel I’m not going to be able to say anything that anybody else hasn’t already said before and in a much more eloquent manner than I have in this post but I just feel so overwhelmed with emotion that I just needed to say something in my little space, as un-cohesive and rambling as it may be. I know we are all feeling it right now, the people of Manchester, the North of England and anyone else who feels connected to our city. I just hope that we can continue to share this love and support amongst us all and prove that love can do so much more good than hate ever will. You’re not alone, we stand together and we do so in love.

Sending my love to my amazing city, Manchester.

Samio x

May 24, 2017
Denim Free

I talked recently here on my blog about wanting to mix things up a little bit with my style. It’s not that I want to change my style completely but I’ve just been feeling the need for a slight wardrobe refresh as of late. Throughout Autumn and Winter I felt like I more or less lived in jeans and so now the sun has started to show its face here in the UK, I’ve been keen to ditch the denim…for a little while at least.

I joked about putting myself on a denim ban recently and although that hasn’t been completely feasible (as let’s face it, there are some days when only denim will do), I have been trying my best to opt for jean free outfits when possible and I have added a few new (non denim) bottoms into my wardrobe, in order to help mix things up.

One of my recent (non jean) additions was this Topshop midi skirt that I spotted whilst in store recently and instantly fell in love with! I’d been on the hunt for a white/off white midi skirt and after buying and returning one from Asos that wasn’t quite right, I was glad to find an even better one the second time round whilst in Topshop. I think it’s the contrasting black buttons up the sides of the skirt that really sold this one to me, as I think they really help to elevate an otherwise simple piece.

The navy polka dot cami top is also a new addition, as I’ve been wanting to add a few more summery tops into my wardrobe. As I also mentioned in a previous post how I got a little bit sick of wearing roll necks over the Autumn/Winter period and so now I intend to opt for strappy tops with the excuse to get my arms out at any opportunity, because as you will well know if you’re from the UK, when the sun is out here you’ve got to make the most of it!

So that’s it, just a short but sweet one from me today. I seem to be back on my creativity train (whatever one of those is) so I will be back later in the week with another new post. Also I’ve been posting lots more outfit photos over on my Instagram lately, generally day to day and in real time, so if you are interested in outfits (and possibly less of my rambling) then be sure to come find me there: @samiorenelda. And one final plug with my Youtube channel, which I’ve been keeping updated with lots of style related videos lately, including a look through my entire wardrobe, so if you fancy a nosey at that you can check it out here. 😀

Have a fabulous rest of the week!

Samio x

Top – Topshop | Skirt – Topshop | Shoes – Aldo (similar here) | Bag – Pinko | Sunglasses – Taylor Morris (in black here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon

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May 2, 2017

Practical Pieces For a British Spring Summer

Hello there! I’m excited to be coming at you with a new outfit post…finally! It seems that Spring has finally sprung (almost/sort of) here in Manchester and I’ve finally had the opportunity to wear some of my new glad rags.

I find shopping/dressing for Spring and Summer in the UK a bit of a tricky one, as while the shops tend to be filled with short shorts and cute little dresses, the weather here doesn’t always quite reflect that.

As much as I’d love to fill my wardrobe with a selection of gorgeous sun dresses and be done with it, it’s unfortunately not often the most practical option and unless you’re jetting away for the majority of the summer, it’s likely you’ll need a few ‘sensible’ summer pieces, to see you through those not so summery summer days. I have recently added two practical summer pieces to my wardrobe…

Black culottes mules and cropped blazer black and white outfit

The Perfect Pants

If you watch my Youtube videos, you will have seen that in a few of my recent style videos I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of culottes. It seems like a pretty simple piece to find right? But not when you are a miss fussy pants like me, who won’t settle until you find exactly what you have in mind. Luckily my search recently concluded in Topshop and after trying on a couple of pairs, I found just what I was after with these black wide leg trousers.

Now I know these trousers are rather simple but it’s basic pieces like these that I love to have in my wardrobe because I know I’m going to get so much wear out of them. The fit and quality is all there with these culottes and I like how they are in a fabric that doesn’t easily crease because I hate getting creases after sitting down for five minutes. These trousers also make the perfect transitional piece as I try to move away from jeans. Not completely but just a little bit. I did actually think about putting myself on a denim ban for a little while but let’s face it, with my current wardrobe that just isn’t realistic.

…and a British Summer jacket

Enough about the perfect pants. I have another new found love to introduce with this cropped stripe jacket. I don’t tend to buy things that I’m not intentionally looking for, however when I saw this I had to make an exception.

I’m a big fan of high waisted pieces: High waisted jeans, skirts, culottes, you name it, it’s quite rare that I go for anything with a low rise waist and because of this, something I’ve felt I’ve been missing in my wardrobe for a while has been a cropped jacket.

The problem with cropped jackets however, is that finding the right crop and fit can be tricky, especially if you have a fuller bust. I like something that covers the waist line of my trousers (as this jacket does), so that it’s cropped enough to still show the shape of the trousers but not too short that it doesn’t properly cover my top half. The right fit is everything and I was so happy with the quality and fit of this cropped jacket I ordered on Asos. I went for a size 10 and the fit is just perfect.

This jacket is certainly a great piece for a British summer and I also I love that it’s quite a classic looking piece, meaning that I’ll be able to wear it over future summers too.

Spring Summer 17 Minimal Outfit Asos Blazer and Pinko Bag

So those are a couple of my new in pieces. I’m pretty happy with these alternative basics for the on/off summertime we have here in the UK and I’ll be getting plenty of wear out of them I’m sure. I’ll be sharing another new outfit later this week so be sure to check back if you’d like to see that, but in the mean time have a fabulous week!

Samio x

Asos Cropped Striped Bow Cuff Jacket Co Ord

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*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.

April 24, 2017

Tag: Manchester

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A Saturday Vibe

Going With The Flow

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Achieving Goals & Setting New Ones

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1.

2.

3

4.

5.

Fin

What I’m wearing

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A Change of Scenery & Creative Gal Pals

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Most Worn

Eating Out

Music

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The Perfect Pants

…and a British Summer jacket

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