Tag: Style

White Reebok Classics

I’ll be completely honest, if you would have told me a few month ago that I’d be rocking a pair of Reebok Classics, I would have said that it was highly doubtful. As silly as it sounds, something was somewhat ingrained in me from high school that Reebok wasn’t ‘cool’ and although I care less about my peer’s style opinions these days, or the opinion of my 14 year old self for that matter, I still guess I was still put off by the idea of wearing a pair of Reebok Classics…It just shows how fashions change and personal opinions and style changes with it.

My boyfriend had mentioned wanting a pair of white Reebok Classics (something which I previously hadn’t been keen on) and then much to his luck, we were invited along to a Kendrick Lamar gig put on by Reebok, where on arrival everyone there was given a pair of white Reebok Classic trainers. Never one to be a party pooper, I happily traded in my shoes (which were kept safe in a cloak room during the gig) for these fresh white Reebok Classics. After putting them on for the first time, my opinion instantly changed. I couldn’t deny that these trainers were comfortable and actually looked kind of cute with my all black attire that I was wearing on the night. Several weeks later and what can I say, I’ve been converted and I now I think that Reebok Classics are pretty cool.

Here I decided to go for a super casual look with my black skinny jeans, biker jacket and pale pink Tee. I’ve never braved all white trainers before but I love the way they look and I think these ones will be great for Spring/Summer.

Trainers – Reebok Classic | T-shirt – Asos | Cross Body Bag – Similar Here | Biker Jacket – Similar Here

Samio x

April 1, 2016
Relaxed Style – The Half Tucked Shirt

I’ve never been one to love ironing (let’s face it, who does) and it’s often even more annoying when you’ve spent time ironing out creases for them to miraculously reform after two minutes of having worn a garment. Although it’s often unavoidable, it’s usually something that really irritates me. However, this time I decided to fully embrace the ‘just threw on some clothes’ look, and go for a slouchy smart/casual ensemble. A half tucked in white shirt with a few buttons undone and rolled up cuffs, made a more casual outfit out of my skinny jeans and patent loafers. I feel like I need more slouchy cardigans in my life because this one has served me well and always comes in handy when I want to throw on an extra layer on without needing something as heavy as a coat.

Black jeans – Topshop | White shirt – Gap (similar here) | Tote bag – Bershka (similar here) | Cardigan – Gap (similar here) | Bespoke loafers – Clarks (in multi)

Samio x

March 21, 2016
Shirt Dress Layering – Paris Style

This time last week I was wondering around the streets of Paris taking in the sights. A photo diary of my wonderful trip will be sure to follow soon, however first I wanted to share one of my outfits from my trip.

Although the skies were clear and we were lucky enough to have good weather for the entirety of our trip (by good weather I mean no rain!), layering was a must as it was certainly very crisp. It may look like I’m simply wearing a dress, tights and jacket but underneath that dress I was wearing legging shorts, a roll neck and concealed below my biker jacket, a denim shirt for an added layer. Layering doesn’t always have to be bulky and on this occasion, I think I did pretty well at layering on the down low so that I could still feel warm enough in my favourite shirt dress.

Dress – Whistles (in navy) | Boots Office | Tote bag Whistles | Biker Jacket – Zara (similar here) | Scarf – & Other Stories (similar here)

If you’d like to see what I got up to in Paris you can check out my vlog here.

Samio x

March 6, 2016
Between Seasons – The Mondara Jacket

It’s funny how the day I decide to get pictures in my new rain mac, is the day the sun decides to show its face. This did however make me realise that this is a pretty versatile jacket. I think we had the warmest day in a while (here in Manchester at least) the other day, and for the first time in ages, I didn’t feel the need to wrap up in multiple layers. The thing with living in England is, you almost have to be ready for anything weather wise. Even on the sunniest days, I often carry an umbrella in my hand bag (just incase).

I think I may have found my solution with this light weight Mondara jacket. It’s loose enough to wear over layers on chillier days and the fact that the jacket is water proof means I’m always prepared for rain when I’m wearing it. It makes for the perfect transitional piece as we (very slowly) move from winter into spring.

Another garment that I find perfect for ‘in-between seasons’, is the roll neck. I’ve been loving wearing this one in particular for that fact that it’s one of those pieces that is easy to throw on and that fact that it’s not too thick, means it’s easy to layer up too.

What I Wore – Shop This Look:
Bellfield Mondara Jacket – here – Use my discount code “BLOG20” at the checkout!
Cream Roll Neck – here
Pink Superga – here
Radley Bag – similar here
Mom Jeans – similar here

It’s fair to say that I’m somewhat enjoying playing with different styles at the moment especially when it comes to mix and matching different staple pieces in my wardrobe. I recently created a very short lookbook style video showing a few ways to wear the cream roll neck, teamed with the Mom jeans in a few different looks, which you can check out here:

http://youtu.be/WE49Y4rrZRw

Samio x

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.

February 25, 2016
Five Tips To Help You Stay On Track With Fitness

I used to make such a big deal out of exercising. By that I mean that when I would be in ‘fitness mode’ I’d go all out and make sure that each and every workout I pushed myself to the limit. So much so that when I slipped out of my routine, it was so very hard to get back into it again because I knew it would be so hard when I did. I’ve often been an ‘all or nothing’ type of person and the same has always gone for my fitness. Towards the end of last year I had well and truly slipped out of any sort of fitness routine and I began to feel sluggish and disappointed with my then current fitness levels.

This year I decided to change my approach to fitness and make it something that I could maintain and continue to enjoy. I think that staying on track is often the hardest part when it comes to keeping fit and here are my five tips for doing just that…

BE REALISTIC AND DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF

First of all it’s important to remind yourself why you’re choosing to keep fit. Whether it’s for health purposes, to feel better about yourself, or even to look good on that summer holiday you have lined up, make sure that you’re setting yourself realistic goals and not being too hard on yourself when it comes to achieving them. It’s good to think of your long term fitness goals but then break them down into smaller goals to help you get there. You can’t expect to run before you can walk, so as long as you keep moving, it’s fine to take baby steps.

CEATE A WORKOUT SCHEDULE

I never realised how much a workout schedule would help me to stay on track with my fitness. Previously I used to workout when I felt like it but now that I have a routine, I know that on those designated days, I get up and I workout. By marking out my workout days in my diary and planning what exercises I’ll do before hand, it make sure I get them done and it leaves me feeling good when I’ve done them and ticked them off.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE IT UP AND MAKE IT FUN

I’ve more or less scrapped the gym so far this year, in fact, I’ve actually been contemplating cancelling my membership. As it currently stands, I am still a gym member, however over the last several months, I’ve seen myself massively fall out of love with the gym. You could be feeling the same (I know many people dread the gym to start with), or maybe you’re the opposite and joining a gym would be just the thing to motivate you but whatever it is, make sure you enjoy it. I was only able to maintain my gym routine when I enjoyed it, now that I’ve grown bored of it (for the time being at least), I’ve found other ways to enjoy working out. Recently I’ve been enjoying workout out at home first thing in the morning and getting out doors and going for long walks in the countryside is something I enjoy to do on weekends.

REMEMBER THAT DOING SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN DOING NOTHING

Everyone has days that they lack motivation, I’ve certainly had my fair share of them. What I’ve found when it comes to keeping up with a fitness routine is that doing something is always better than doing nothing. On those days when I don’t feel quite as energetic but know I’ve marked it on my schedule to workout, I’ll make sure I at least do the bare minimum and do the exercises I most want to focus on. Then on my next designated workout day, I’ll make up for it by doing extra. When I don’t do anything at all (on the days I had planned to workout), I find it all too easy to quickly slip out of my routine and it really demotivates me. By getting at least some form of exercise done on the days I had planned to, it keeps me in the routine and I always feel better for it afterwards – Plus it makes me want to work harder next time.

MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Nothing Spurs me on more than seeing results. I’m currently focusing on toning up and building strength in my core and arms. One of the things I’m currently doing is the One Hundred Pushups training program. I mark it out in my diary and each day that I complete another step of the program, I tick it off and am able to monitor my progress by doing so. Although it gets harder, the more pushups I’m able to do, the further I want to go and so seeing myself progress really is great motivation.

Another great way to monitor your progress can be to simply take pictures. Often when you look at yourself everyday in the mirror, it’s hard to notice any difference but by taking pictures every so often you can eventually start to look back and actually see the progress, which can be one of the biggest motivations of all.

What I Wore:
Nike Pro Training Top – John Lewis (here)
Nike Pro Sports Bra – John Lewis (here)
Nike Training Tights – John Lewis (similar here)
Nike Geo Print Trainers – Asos (here)

Do you have any tips that help you to stay on track with fitness?

Samio x

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.

February 8, 2016
Casual To Dressy In Two Simple Steps

I love wearing heels and going for a slightly dressier look, however day to day when running around the city, it just really isn’t practical. On days when I’m going to the gym, I find it easiest just to wear my gym trainers which are also my comfiest footwear for getting around in.

There are times though when I need to make a quick transition from a day to night look. If I’m going to an event or meeting up with friends, I do like to dress up for the occasion. When I don’t have time to go home and change, it’s easiest to just keep a pair of heels in my bag, which I can quickly change into and instantly make myself feel more evening ready…

I love my white leather look back pack because it looks smart enough whilst actually being like a Tardis. I got it from Zara a while ago and since I’ve had it, it’s served me well.

As well as slipping on heels to jazz up my daytime outfit, if I’m wearing a t-shirt, it’s also easy to tie a knot in it to turn my day time Tee, into a nighttime crop top and I’m good to go.

What I Wore:
Black shrunken boyfriend jeans – Asos (here)
T-Shirt – Asos (here)
Black heels – Asos (here)
Biker jacket – Zara (similar here)
White backpack – Zara, last year (similar here)

Samio x

January 10, 2016
Simply Styled – The Black Shirt Dress

It’s November, time to dress in head to toe black – just kidding. Although this is my second outfit post in a row in which I am actually wearing all black, adding just a hint of colour with my shoes. Sometimes all black styling simplifies life just a little bit though, and it can allow you to play with coloured accessories instead, like I have done with these shoes.

These heels have been featured on my blog numerous times, they are those sturdy staples that seem to go with so much and have a quality that doesn’t seem to wear easily. I’m trying to purchase more items like that these days. For example my bag is a recent purchase and those of you who may have watched my most recent YouTube video, will know that it’s one of my new favourites. Like the shoes, you’ll be seeing a lot more of this bag in my future outfit posts. I plan on slowly introducing more good quality pieces into my wardrobe that I can wear and use time and time again.

With a piece like this black shirt dress from Ark, it’s also a great item to wear time and time again. On this occasion I was heading to the cinema but it could easily be worn for work, or styled casually with a pair of trainers. It’s currently been quite mild here in England, so a jacket wasn’t needed on this occasion, which is just as well because I’m yet to find the perfect winter coat.

What I wore – Shop the look
Dress – Ark (here)
Shoes – Urban Outfitters (old)
Bag – Whistles (here) – (or on sale in burgundy, here)

At the moment I’m really enjoying simple styling. Owning several items that are mostly interchangeable makes getting dressed so much easier.

Samio x

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.

November 2, 2015
Taylor Morris Eyewear

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

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

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

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

I bumped into the fabulous L’Oréal again.

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

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

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

Shop Taylor Morris Eyewear here.

Samio x

October 13, 2015
Clarks Anniston Vale Outfit – Competition

Recently I’ve been talking a lot about how I’ve been wanting to downsize my wardrobe and invest in good quality items that I can get plenty of wear out of – less is more as they say.

These jeans were a recent purchase and so far I’ve been getting plenty of wear out of them but the star of the show with this outfit were definitely my Clarks Anniston Vale loafers.

I’m no stranger to Clarks shoes and over this past year I’ve accumulated a number of different styles, each which I am glad to say I’ve been getting plenty of wear out of. I think there is often a misconception with Clarks, as many people are often surprised after they compliment my shoes and I tell them where they are from. Yes Clarks are known for their comfort and quality but they should be known for their style too. Whoever said you can’t have style and comfort.

I’d been eyeing up these particular loafers since I spotted them at Clarks A/W press day earlier this year. I’d spotted them in black and a gorgeous burgundy shade and knew I’d have to have a pair. I was over the moon when I was given the opportunity not to only have a pair but to choose my own unique colourway for them too! I’d spotted the brushed animal print on another pair of shoes, so chose that to go on the top part and there’s something so classic about patent black, so that made up my mind for the rest of the shoe. I excitedly ripped open the box when they arrived and I could not be more pleased with them.

What I wore:
Shirt – Zara (similar here)
Jeans – Topshop
Shoes – Clarks Anniston Vale loafers

Win a £200 Clarks Voucher

Clarks have been even more amazing and given me the opportunity to spread the shoe love with you guys by giving you the opportunity to win £200 in Clarks Vouchers! All you have to do to enter this fabulous competition is follow both me and Clarks on Instagram – @clarksshoes and @samiorenelda – Then comment below on this blog post with your Instagram name to let me know you’ve entered. The competition ends at midnight on Friday 16th October and the winner will be selected at random and announced on my Instagram on Saturday 17th. This competition is open to UK residents only. Good luck!

Samio x

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.

Check out my other outfit post featuring some of my favourite Clarks shoes:
Clarks X Orla Kiely
Boyfriend Jeans & Hotel Bustle
Matching Florals

October 6, 2015
French Style & Taste – Balsamik Launch at 63 Degrees

There is something about French style that is so simple yet chic and so when I was invited along to the UK launch of online French brand Balsamik, I was excited to go along and see what their new A/W collection had to offer.

For the event, myself and a few other bloggers were invited to 63 Degrees, French fine dining restaurant in Manchester. We were treated to a delicious two course meal (and plenty of wine), after being shown a few of the key pieces from Balsamik’s newest collection.

There was a lot of monochrome in the collection and staple pieces that you can build lots of different outfits with. I like this sort of thing as it reminds me of what I’m currently trying to do with my own wardrobe.

I really liked how the theme of the event ran right through with the food and I was pleased with my choices of starter and main. I went for the Organic poached quail egg to start, followed by the pan fried sea bass and mashed potatoes with basil.

I soon got chatting to a couple of lovely bloggers (L’Oréal on the left & Ellie in the middle) and after our meals we took the opportunity to try on some of the items from the collection.

I had instantly been drawn to this simple yet elegant wrap coat and so I had to try it on. I have to admit I was quite surprised by the garments when I saw them in person. From what I had seen online I felt that the brand represented a slightly older age range than myself. However, after having the chance to have real look at some of the garments, I could definitely see that a lot of these pieces could be worn by a wide range of ages, old and young.

It’s pieces like this coat which I feel are timeless in your wardrobe and could easily be worn by a 40 year old or a 20 year old as it really has no age limit, which is something I really liked about a lot of their pieces I looked at.

In terms of my own style, for the event I went for quite a simple yet chic outfit. I wore a white oversized shirt, black biker jacket, high waisted ripped skinny jeans and a pair of red suede heels for a masculine meets feminine look… It’s also quite coincidental how well the Balsamik wrap coat went with my outfit, I may have to invest! I’m currently trying to simplify my own style and so I definitely appreciated the French inspiration.

Shop my outfit:
White shirt – Gap (similar here)
Biker jacket – Zara (similar here)
Jeans- Topshop
Red suede heels – Aldo (similar here)

Balsamik items featured in this post:
Wrap coat
Monochrome jacquard cardigan
Ankle boots

Thanks to L’Oréal for the outfit snaps.

What are your thoughts on French style?

Samio x

September 21, 2015