Tag: shopping

Decluttering, Changing Old Habits & Trying Out The Capsule Wardrobe

It was around last autumn that I had started to majorly downsize my wardrobe and had began thinking about creating a capsule wardrobe, which I talked about here. At the time the thought of clearing out the majority of my clothes to focus on the limited amount of items that I actually wore and refine that selection to create a ‘capsule wardrobe’, was both scary and exciting. Even once I’d got into the swing of mix and matching certain pieces on repeat, I still had a large selection of clothes that I’d been hoarding (but never wore) incase I ‘got bored’ or ‘needed something different’. As the weeks and months passed, I realised those were two scenarios that never actually occurred and although I was quite content with my new outlook on style and how I now dressed/shopped, I still wasn’t quite ready to let go of my safety blanket – which was basically all of the clothes that I was keeping for the sake of keeping them.

Trying To Start Anew

Although I was no longer adding to my unworn clothing collection, the clothes were still there. There were plenty of clear outs (I actually lost count) but it was the last and biggest one that was the hardest. I knew I didn’t want to take all of that stuff to my new house but a part of me didn’t want to part with most of it either. So for a good while, there it sat, bagged up, between homes, unsure of where it was going. It annoyed me, it got in my way, it definitely pissed me off but for some reason I just couldn’t part with it…until eventually I actually forgot what was in some of the bags and so then I knew, it was definitely time to let it go. It still sounds a lot easier than it actually was – I mean, it’s just clothes after all – but I’m so glad that I eventually did it.

Where I’m At Now

Fourteen months later and I’m finally at the place I had only been able to dream about a year ago. It sounds extreme but at the time, I had discovered a few things that really made me want to change my clothes shopping habits (something I’ll go into more in a future post) and I also started to realise that I really wasn’t finding fulfilment from all the things I owned and that the clutter I had created was just causing a distraction, not to mention slowing me down when it came to something as simple as getting ready in the morning (I definitely do better with a lot less choice). Fourteen months later I moved into our house with one suitcase of clothes plus a coat and a few jackets (that I bagged up separately) and I’m currently the happiest I’ve been with my style and my wardrobe in a long time.

…And The Capsule Wardrobe

As for the capsule wardrobe, I don’t strictly have one. I’m much more of a go with the flow person and if I really love something I’m not going to stop myself from buying it just because it doesn’t stick to a certain number of items. I do however like to stick to certain colour pallets. I’ve moved away from bold prints and bright colours, instead favouriting more ‘grown up’, muted tones but that’s not to say that it isn’t possible to have a brightly coloured capsule wardrobe or even just a pop of colour when you fancy it (as I had lots of fun trying to create an example of here). Limiting what I let into my wardrobe has just helped me to discover that I now prefer to dress much more relaxed and casual and I feel most comfortable in more minimal, simple pieces. I also think that if you’re like me and maybe don’t like to stay completely within the rules but can be helped by a little guidance, just planning a capsule wardrobe can be a great way to help you realise the things you actually really want in your wardrobe and it can also be a great way to help you to refine your style.

The Verdict

Without rambling on too much longer (I could honestly talk about this topic for hours), in a nutshell, decluttering has been a long and slow process but one I’m definitely glad I started. It’s helped me think differently about how I shop and yet buying less, opting for better quality when possible and owning less has actually left me feeling much happier about the way I dress and the pieces I own. I guess I can now say I really understand the meaning of ‘less is more’.

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Thank you to the fabulous kind hearted soul that is Onyi for taking these fabulous photos for me and thank you to those of you who actually read this post to the end because I know it was a long one.

You can read more about my decluttering journey here.

Samio x

October 10, 2016
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
Inexpensive Intimates

I love pretty underwear but I often find myself drooling over gorgeous sets that are way out of my price range. It is nice to occasionally buy yourself something a little more pricer, however when trying to regularly budget for pretty lingerie sets, it doesn’t have to break the bank and inexpensive doesn’t have to mean ‘cheap’.

Okay, so I appreciate that for some women with a bigger bust, it can often mean that forking out a little extra cash for appropriately sized bras is essential. However I am noticing more high street stores are starting to accommodate for a wider range of bust sizes, which means that we can all still have a fabulous underwear collection on a budget.

I recently did some inexpensive lingerie shopping of my own and although I only picked up a few pieces, I absolutely love my purchases…

Whilst in Forever 21 I bought this little lacy number. I wasn’t looking for underwear but this pretty bralet caught my eye and it was only £6.50, so I knew I had to get it! It actually looks so cute on and it makes a change from wearing an under-wired bra. Obviously this isn’t going to be the right bra for everyday but you can get away with wearing it under a loose fit tee and it’s one of those cutesy ones that you can wear around the house.

I also picked up some pieces in Primark. I’m sure with many people, lingerie isn’t the first thing that pops into mind when they think of Primark but they actually have quite a large selection (including larger bra sizes) and for me it’s a place I’ve regularly gone back to in order to pick up some cute affordable sets.

I am so in love with my two most recent sets that I picked up in store. This monochrome lacy set has the most gorgeous detailing and the pale pink set is so pretty and feminine, plus each set cost under £10, which is awesome!

I recently took these along to a test shoot that I had with one of my favourite photographers, Jamie Cowlishaw. He really knows how to shoot a woman’s body and he’s my go to photographer when I need new lingerie shots in for my portfolio.

Have you purchased any cute sets/lingerie from Forever 21 or Primark? Where do you like to shop for intimates?

Samio x

The images of me wearing the lingerie were shot by the talented Jamie Cowlishaw. For bookings email – info@jamiecowlishaw.co.uk

July 24, 2015
The Vintage Kilo Sale

On Saturday I was invited along to the Vintage Kilo Sale, it’s a vintage fair that’s held all around the country and this time it was in Manchester. The difference between this vintage fair and most others, is that you pay by weight and each kilo costs £15, which generally speaking, seems to make it cheaper than most vintage fairs.

I was given a complementary kilo and after being handed my plastic bag to fill, I hit the rails to see what vintage gems I could find.

I have to admit, for me personally, I didn’t find it the easiest shopping experience. If you’re like me and feel like you’re being too rude to shove your way to the front, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on the best pieces. However if you’re a pro sale shopper or the type of person who likes to rummage for a bargain, then this could be the right kind of fair for you. Of course, as all the garments are vintage, it means that each piece is one off, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. So when you see a gem, there’s no hesitation, you’ve got to grab it!

I did manage to grab a few garments once I got into the swing of things and although there was a designated area to try items on, I decided to just get them and then see what they were like once at home.

The lovely Jenessa (manager of The Vintage Kilo) and I.

I got this check dress which is cute for summer. It’s a little big on me but luckily the waist tie means I can pull it in to fit a little better.

This skirt was my favourite item out of those I picked up. I love polka dots, so of course I as drawn to the print. It’s a tiny bit big but I plan on taking it in at the wait slightly for a better fit.

I also got a pair of black and white cropped trousers (which I forgot to photograph) but these are unfortunately also a bit on the big size. I’m undecided yet if they can be pulled off wearing them with a waist belt, as I do really like the vintage high waisted look of them, so it would be cool if I can wear them still.

Next time I’d probably be sure to get there a little earlier and for those who plan on going, I’d say it’s probably worth paying the small bit extra to get the early bird ticket so that you can get in there first and nab the best pieces.

Have you ever been to a vintage fair like the Vintage Kilo Sale?

Samio x

May 11, 2015
Valentine’s Day Inspiration

I’m not usually an openly romantic person and the thought of being all soppy and seeing a mass amount of PDA kind of makes me feel sick. So as you can imagine, Valentines day isn’t the perfect occasion for me, however I can’t deny I do enjoy being treated and it can often be a good reminder to show your other half how much you appreciate and love them. So I’ve compiled a very small list of Valentine’s Day inspiration, either for the occasion or to buy as a gift.

LOVE Ice Cream Pink Pleated Cold Shoulder Dress

This dress is so cute. It would be perfect to wear for a Valentine’s date (if the weather permits) and it will be perfect to keep for summer too. It also comes in a darker pink as well as black which also look very chic.
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February 10, 2014
First Purchases Of September

On Tuesday I headed to Nottingham to shoot for Speedo. My call time wasn’t until 12:30 and as I’d arrived in the city early, I couldn’t resist popping in Zara whilst I had time to kill and check out the new items they had in for A/W 13.

As I make clutch bags, it is a rarity that I actually do buy bags but when I do they are often from Zara. When this cobalt blue handbag caught my eye, I knew I had to have it. The bag is great value and good quality and I LOVE the colour.

Zara had some gorgeous shoes and boots in store for A/W (I shall be paying another visit soon). I love these monochrome flats I picked up. It’s not often I buy flats but these are certainly very me.

My third Zara purchase was this pyjama style blazer/jacket. It was on sale so I managed to grab a bargain with this one. I think it will look great worn both dressy and casual and will definitely come in handy on some chillier nights out.

The O.P.I nail lacquer obviously isn’t from Zara but it was a start of September purchase nevertheless. For me, I always find it important to own a nude nail polish. It’s good for when I’m modelling and I want my nails to look nice but not painted in a colour that stands out. My previous nude O.P.I shade DULCE DE LECHE, had just ran out so I decided to replace it with a new shade. I purchased O.P.I shade, DON’T PRETZEL MY BUTTONS as a replacement and I like this one even better.

Samio x

September 4, 2013
Lavish Alice Sample Sale

On Friday daytime I met up with LBD and we went to the Lavish Alice Sample Sale. I picked up a few items, including a tropical print blazer which I’d had my eye on ever since I saw LBD in it when she modelled their S/S 13 collection. I also got the shorts to match the blazer (it would have been rude not to). The shorts are a little big as they didn’t have my size left but as LBD suggested, I can take them up on my sewing machine to fit me perfectly. The 3rd item I got was a white jumper with snake skin print sleeves. Somehow I managed to try the jumper on in the roasting heat and although I was melting inside it looked great on! That will be an item that won’t be coming out of my wardrobe until the weather cools a bit though.

What I bought:

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July 21, 2013