Tag: Style

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

Shop The Post

<br />

October 9, 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

Shop Blazers

<br />

September 20, 2017
The Need For Balance & A Social Time Out

Maybe There Is Such Thing As Too Much Fun

I well and truly feel like I’ve burnt the candle at both ends. You know that friend that will say yes to social plans 95% of the time, even the super last minute ones, well that’s me. The problem is, not being one to say no means I’m like this even when I have a thousand other things on my plate and eventually it often leads me to grinding to a complete and utter halt. I say this, but obviously work still needs to carry on, previously made social plans are still in the diary and meanwhile my mind is ready to switch off, I’m left feeling unmotivated and the most appealing option is to go into hibernation.

I think a big part of this comes down to not wanting to disappoint and trying to always be there for the people around me. When I say no to something or have to cancel plans I’m always left feeling so guilty, when in reality I know my friends and loved ones would understand, but I just can’t help feeling bad. There’s also the occasional fear of missing out and for the most part I just love having fun, so will rarely pass up the opportunity.

And that’s the thing, I do have a lot of fun. I can think of so many memories from this year alone that will set me off giggling just thinking about them. I’ve been able to spend some quality time and make great memories with some of my favourite people and I’ve had a lot of pretty cool adventures.

Whilst I sometimes do well with juggling it all, I need to remember that I occasionally need to stop in order to prevent me from eventually dropping everything. Saying no and easing up my social calendar is something I’ve never been great at and I absolutely love making plans, but it’s vital I get better at it in order to allow myself to have some rest and recuperation.

They talk about the work/life balance but I feel like I need ‘time out’ thrown in there too. I don’t mean stopping everything altogether, I just mean giving myself periods where I take a step back from social engagements and focus on work and me time, instead of trying to fit everything in all at once and eventually burning out altogether. This is just a reminder to myself that it’s okay to say no, it’s okay to not be available for everything and it’s okay to have those days that you might not have other plans but that you keep free anyway, even just to have a day for yourself.

Samio x

Shop The Look

<br />

September 1, 2017
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

Shop The Look

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2784447″]

August 26, 2017
The Accidental Two Piece

A Perfect Combination

I love it when I find different pieces in my wardrobe that work perfectly together. On first appearance you may mistake this outfit combination for a two piece but the trousers and blazer are actually from two different brands entirely, with the trousers being from Topshop and the sleeveless blazer being from Lavish Alice. It hadn’t initially occurred to me that these two pieces would work together but before heading out one recent sunny Saturday, I decided to throw on my new sleeveless blazer with my Topshop trousers and Brandy Melville knitted crop top and it instantly seemed to work.

If prior to this you would have asked me my thoughts on the idea of a beige ensemble like this, I don’t think I would have been quite as enthusiastic, as let’s face it, it sounds a little bit drab doesn’t it, but it goes to show that sometimes you just have to try things on before making a final decision.

Before I forget I should mention the shoes, which are another new(ish) addition. I bought these a few weeks ago whilst in London and they were just the summer shoes I’d been looking for. They are a great day to day sandal/shoe without being too summery – which pretty much makes them perfect for the UK with our ever changing weather.

This combination made the perfect outfit for an afternoon spent with Damien and some friends, drinking cocktails and enjoying the sun. I’m a big fan of sleeveless blazers and I find it makes a great light layer for warmer days, which can (like on this occasion) tie an outfit together perfectly.

Samio x

Sandals – Topshop | Trousers – Topshop | Crop Top – Brandy Melville (similar here) | Sleeveless Blazer – Lavish Alice | Bag – Pinko (similar here) | Earrings – Alona

Shop The Look

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2767728″]

August 2, 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)

Shop The Post

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2763701″]

Thanks to Onyi for helping with these snaps!

July 28, 2017
#FAMYWAY – Casual Summer Vibes

Hello! Something a bit different from me in today’s post as I’m taking things super casual (even more so than usual) with today’s look. If you’re a regular to my blog/Youtube then you’ll know by now that I love a good style challenge, so when Footasylum women’s came to me with the opportunity to style some of their pieces to create my own look, I of course jumped at the chance. I like being taken out of my comfort zone and trying new things but still in a very ‘me’ way, so versatility of items and colour palettes are always things that I like to think about when picking out new pieces.

Starting with the shoes up. These Puma trainers are the first part I chose for my look. I’ve eyed these up in the past and played it safe opting for my usual Converse instead so it was a no brainer that I started my outfit with these. I’m glad to say that they are true to size and very comfortable. The fact that they are all white makes them easy stylers, so I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty of these worn with future outfits too.

Next we’ve got the jeans. I of course love a good Mom jean and whilst I saw lots of sporty pants which looked like the comfiest things ever, I couldn’t resist a bit of denim, especially as I’ve been opting for non-denim pants a lot lately too.

The crop top just drew me in with the bight colours. I know, that’s something I rarely say but I felt this otherwise monochrome look was instantly made a bit more fun with this pop of colour. This is also a crop top that will look super cute with skirts and shorts in summer and as it’s rainbow it will go with so much.

The final part to this look is the hoodie. I like to keep things practical here and going out in the UK (even during Spring/Summer) without any form of layering is very often a no go. Even when it’s hot you’re always best to take a layer out with you for when it gets chilly later on. Okay, so enough of me sounding like someone’s Mum…I like that this hoodie is cropped, which helps to keep the look youthful and fun and works well with the crop top underneath, whilst also being a practical layer which you can tie round your waist when it’s warm.

All in all that’s a bunch of pretty versatile pieces which I’ve styled my way to create my own Footasylum look…Now it’s your turn to create your own Footasylum look and if you do you can be in with a chance to win £250 to spend at Footasylum along with a snazzy pair of trainers of your choice too. Head over to Footasylum women’s Instagram account for details on how to enter here. Good Luck! 😀

Also you can check out my feature on the Footasylum blog, The Lowdown, here.

Samio x

Shop The Look

Trainers – Puma | Jeans – Glamorous | Crop Top – Motel | Hoodie – Sixth June

*This post was sponsored by Footasylum Womens, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

July 6, 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

Shop the look

<br />

July 3, 2017
Pants & Weather

I’m really starting to love my Spring/Summer wardrobe after having felt in a bit of a style rut not so long ago. I decided to mix things up and and now non-denim pants seem to have become ‘my thing’ at the moment. I’ve talked about wanting to move away from wearing jeans so much and I’ve really kept to that self pledge by incorporating a few new (non denim) trousers into my wardrobe, with these awesome Native Youth pair being the latest addition.

I feel with a few new clothing additions I’ve been able to have a total style refresh and I’m excited about my outfits once again. I’m still keeping things pretty simple but it just goes to show that you can still keep your wardrobe relatively mix and match whilst trying something new.

I’m very pleased about these new pants. They are versatile whilst still being a little bit quirky, as the print reminds me of a butchers apron. Weird association, I know but I think these are a type of love them or hate them trouser and I personally, love them! I wore them for the first time on Saturday on a glorious day in Manchester, whilst heading for lunch with Damien. We really got our own little ‘golden hour’, whilst it not actually being golden hour, when we decided to snap these shots on Saturday morning. When the sun was out from behind the clouds the lighting was just fabulous (bloggers dream) and I love how the shots didn’t even need editing because of it. We did however have to battle with the wind towards the end of the shots, as you’ll notice in the video clip below.

Anyway enough pant and weather waffle, I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty more of these both here and on my Instagram (where I post outfits daily FYI). Let me know your thoughts on these down below. Ciao for now.

Samio x

Top – Rock On Ruby | Pants – Native Youth | Bag – Matt & Nat (here in black) | Trainers – Converse | Sunglasses – Vintage Christian Dior

Shop the look

<br />

Some of the items may have been gifted to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

June 1, 2017
What I Wore In Eindhoven

interchangeable pieces

I’m coming at you with a bit of an epic outfit post today, as I’m sharing not one but four outfits in today’s post. I’ve been a bit awol over the past couple of weeks here on my blog but if you follow my instagram you’ll know it’s because I’ve been super busy, as last week I was abroad twice: At the start of the week shooting for a job in Portugal and at the end of the week/over the weekend in Eindhoven for a bit of a different city break. A photo heavy travel guide on Eindhoven will be coming very soon but I thought that first I would share what I actually wore on my trip to the city.

Damien and I were in Eindhoven from Friday to Monday and I seem to have mastered the art of travelling light, as once again we managed to take one carry on case between us – the joys of having an interchangeable wardrobe means that you don’t actually take up that much luggage space.

I hadn’t expect Eindhoven to be quite the little shopping destination it was, with a few stores that were right up my street, including Hotspot which is now a new found favourite and I only wish they had one of these in Manchester!

Being one to keep my shopping to a minimal, I only purchased a couple of things whilst browsing round the shops, which included the stripe T-shirt featured further down in the post (which I bought at Hotspot) and the polka dot trousers (also in this post) from Monki.

As I steer away from wearing jeans quite so much I’m constantly finding myself on the look out for trouser alternatives. I spotted the polka dot trousers in Monki and had to try them on right away and I have to say that I am in love with them, so much so that I’ve barely stopped wearing them and am in fact currently wearing them as I write this post.

Anyway, I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking before I risk waffling on too much, so scroll down to see what I wore last weekend whilst in Eindhoven.

Samio x

Outfit 1

Trainers – Converse | Jeans – Asos | T-shirt – Cos | Biker Jacket – Zara, old (similar here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon | Bag – Kate Spade | Watch – Kartel

<br />

Outfit 2

Trainers – Pinko | Trousers – Monki | Top – Topshop | Biker Jacket – Zara, old (similar here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon | Bag – Kate Spade

<br />

Outfit 3

Trainers – Pinko | Trousers – Topshop | T-shirt – Selected Cotton | Denim Jacket – Old (similar here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon | Bag – Kate Spade | Watch – Kartel

<br />

Outfit 4

Trainers – Converse | Trousers – Monki | T-shirt – Rock On Ruby | Denim Jacket – Old (similar here) | Belt – Asos (similar here) | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon | Bag – Kate Spade | Watch – Kartel

<br />

May 19, 2017