Tag: Summer

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…

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.

Shoes – Clarks (similar here) | Wide Leg Trousers – Topshop | Belt – Asos | Vest – (similar here) | Jacket – Asos | Bag – Pinko | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon

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

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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
Bored of Basics & Playing It Safe

The Style Rut

My style posts have been few and far between recently on my blog. I do regularly share OOTD’s over on my Instagram but lately I haven’t felt inspired to share more detailed outfit posts here on my blog. I talked about writer’s block of the blogging variety in my last post and it seems that my halt in creativity hadn’t just ended there, as I’ve found myself in a bit of a style rut too.

Now you may already know that I like to keep my style pretty simple and focus on basics and classic pieces that are easily interchangeable. It’s something that has worked for me for quite a while now and for the most part I’ve been really happy with my day to day outfits. However now I’m starting to feel the urge to further evolve my personal style.

Over the past couple of years I found a real love for denim and practically lived in jeans come rain or shine. However, I’ve felt more recently that this has led me to become less experimental with my dress sense and ultimately very safe. And lets face it, we all know that safe is usually pretty boring and I’ll admit, that is exactly how I’ve been feeling with my style as of late, bored.

Anyone who knew me before my blogging days, will know that I was once deemed as a walking rainbow who knew no limits when it came to trying something new with my style. It’s not that I want to go back to dressing the way I did years ago but I look back at my former self and admire my boldness for not being afraid to try something new.

I’m still very much into the idea of owning pieces that mix and match but that shouldn’t stop me from being a little bit experimental from time to time and stepping out of my comfort zone.

I’m currently finding myself being drawn to a lot of white and off white pieces, which is something I’ve often avoided too much of in the past, as let’s face it, it’s not the most practical shade. But, like I said before, safe isn’t always fun and whilst I still want to keep my wardrobe wearable, I need to bend my own rules from time to time in order to enjoy it.

Top – Brandy Melville (similar here) | Shorts – Asos | Belt – Asos (similar here) | Sandals – Asos | Cardigan – Asos | Bag – Kate Spade | Sunglasses – Taylor Morris | Jewellery – Pernille Corydon

This outfit I wore whilst in Malaga is pretty basic but Damien and I travelled light with one carryon case between us for the three nights whilst we were there. The trip was ultimately about relaxing and so I wanted to keep my outfits super simple on this trip.

One of my first purchases for the warmer weather however, was this white knitted crop top that I got in Brandy Melville whilst in London recently. On this occasion I did play it safe with denim shorts, however I can give myself Brownie points for the fact that I wasn’t just wearing jeans for once.

I also felt happy to not be wearing boots, which seem to be my footwear of choice when the weather in the UK isn’t on its best behaviour. I had a last minute sandal purchase before this trip, which actually turned out perfect for on holiday, but the hunt for the perfect summer sandals which I can wear frequently whilst at home, is definitely still on.

I’m aware this has been a bit of a jumbled blog post. Just a bit of a rambling mind dump about my thoughts on my person style with an outfit post thrown in. And I guess the fact that I’ve taken a good two weeks to post this outfit, shows that although I like it, I haven’t been THAT excited to share it, and so inevitably is a sign that I am so ready to spice things up a bit. We shall see. But for now, that is all. But I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter if you have ever found yourself in a bit of a style rut. Comment below and let me know. 🙂

Samio x

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April 14, 2017
Two New Additions & A Spring Wardrobe Update

Ready For Something New

Through January and February I managed to purchase only one new item of clothing and that was a much needed, very practical, padded coat for my trips to Hamburg and Oslo. I guess you can say that purchase was more out of necessity than being an actual style choice, but I was definitely glad of it when I was out in below minus temperatures.

Whilst I had been quite happy with my wardrobe over winter, living mostly in a selection of roll necks and go to layers, I’ve been feeling rather eager to have a bit of a wardrobe update recently, ready for Spring/Summer.

Now you’ll know I’m not often one to jump on trends, longevity and wearability are always factors I take into account when acquiring new pieces. However I’ve been wanting to inject a bit of ‘fun’ into my wardrobe lately, as I feel I’ve exhausted my outfit combos over the winter period and have been feeling a desire for something new.

When Pinko reached out to me asking if I’d like to pick out a few pieces, it was perfect timing. When I spotted this new Pinko Love bag in their SS17 collection, it was just the sort of thing I’d been looking for. It’s fun and a bit out there, whilst still fitting in with my colour palette of muted tones. Most importantly I knew it would go well with denim, which means I can wear it with about 90% of my wardrobe.

You’ll likely be seeing a lot more of this bag in my future outfit posts as you know I like to wear things to death, plus it says ‘Love Me Tender’ on the side, which is very fitting considering I’m a big Elvis fan! I think I’ve made it clear that I love this bag (no pun intended). It’s trashy and fabulous at the same time, whilst still being very me and it’s nice to add a new piece to my wardrobe that I feel excited about.

The second new addition is this jacket which is also from Pinko. I love a good denim jacket and the fact that last summer I wore my black one almost everyday meant that I knew I’d get plenty of wear out of this one as it begins to warm up. I also love that the jacket is in this oatmeal shade, which I think is a nice contrast to my blue denim jeans and I think makes a great combination.

Now I’m on the look out for a few tops to add to my wardrobe, as I feel a decent selection of light weight spring/summer T-shirt and tops is what I’m seriously lacking at the moment and this grey Asos T-shirt you see here gets worn A LOT. I’d also like to incorporate a couple of dresses into the mix this coming summer, as although I’m sure my love for jeans will never die, I’m keen to change things up and bare some leg as the weather hots up too.

All in all I’m very excited for the change in seasons. Lighter mornings, longer days, milder weather and lighter layers, what’s not to look forward to!

Samio x

Jacket – Pinko | T-shirt – Asos | Jeans – Asos | Boots – Topshop | Bag – Pinko

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March 16, 2017
Weekday Jeans

Hello! I have to start by saying, it’s been a while. Yes I have very much neglected my little space on the internet over these past few weeks, which is something that has frustrated me at times but I think my reasons have been somewhat justifiable, as work has been really busy at the moment and when I’ve not been shooting, there’s been lots of long days and late evening spent at our house doing D.I.Y and finally we’re starting to see things take shape and it’s slowly starting to come together. Although we still have a lot to do (it’s definitely been the biggest project of our lives so far), we hope to finally be getting in our house very soon and I cannot wait!

Anyway, onto the outfit post and I finally made a couple of summery(ish) additions to my wardrobe. I absolutely love these Weekday jeans that I got from Asos. I tend to struggle finding the right fit with jeans and usually just live in the same couple of pairs on repeat. Not only do I love the fit and style of these jeans but I also love the fact that they are made from leftover materials…I also decided it was finally time to purchase a pair of sandals after spending the majority of my summer so far in Converse. I’m not usually much of a sandal person but I actually really like these and I’m pleased to say that they are pretty comfortable too. Let’s just hope the good weather continues so that I can get plenty of wear out of them.

Sandals – Asos | Jeans – Weekday | Jumper – Asos (similar here) | Denim Jacket – Pieces (similar here) | Bag – Whistles

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Samio x

August 29, 2016
Not So Summery, Summer Days

Hello August, you came around fast! Is it just me or are the months actually flying by? So much so that we’ve approached the last full month of summer and I’m yet to buy any summer clothes…What is all that about!?

Clearing out my wardrobe did give me the opportunity to retrieve ‘lost’, barely worn summer type pieces, like this long, white, sleeveless roll neck from Free People, however I’m still yet to wear an actual summer dress this season!

Jeans have been my go to this summer, as bar the few super sunny days that we have had, the UK has been a bit of a let down weather wise. I guess I can’t complain, as overall the weather here hasn’t been horrendous, it just hasn’t been consistently amazing either, which is something I should be used to by now.

I guess you can’t go wrong with denim though and when you opt for a light blue shade of denim, like with these Topshop skinny jeans, it instantly gives a more summery vibe to your outfit…Teamed with these faux suede heeled sandals from Asos, I think I’ve found the perfect combination for those not so summery, summer days.

Jeans – Topshop (similar here) | Top – Free People (similar here) | Bag – Matt & Nat | Heels – Asos

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Samio x

August 1, 2016
Practice, Perseverance and Pursuing Your Art

Inspiration can come in many forms; It can come in words we hear or read, music we listen to, imagery we see or even people we meet. I feel lucky to have friends who regularly inspire new thoughts and ideas in me but I also love meeting new people who I can share different creative ideas with and feel newly inspired by.

Onyi is someone I met recently at a blogger event and after hearing about her photography, I was instantly inspired by her passion to work hard at improving her skill in something she loves. We instantly got on and on Sunday after meeting for the third time, Onyi took some snaps of me in what I was wearing and effortlessly captured the vibe of how I was feeling that day; Relaxed and happy.

We chatted a lot about our creative goals on Sunday and one thing I think that we both agreed on is that whichever creative outlet you decide to pursue, it takes time, effort, patience and persistence in order to improve at it and get to where you want to be… I think Onyi’s work (just check out her Instagram, her self portraits are amazing!) is a great example of how time spent working on something your passionate about can pay off.

All too often we can envision the end result of where we want to be but forget about the hard work and practice it takes in between, in order to get there. If you feel like you’ve hit a brick wall or a creative slump, keep going. Create anything until you start create something. Often we are our own worst critics and if you don’t continue to try and work at it, you’ll never know what could come of your hard work and effort…and remember what they say, “practice makes perfect”.

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Check out Onyi’s blog here and Youtube here.

Samio x

July 27, 2016
5 Things I’ve Discovered Since Downsizing My Wardrobe

It’s actually possible to get ready in under 10 minutes

I’ve always been one to faff. I’m that annoying friend who says they are about to leave the house, when really they are still sifting through a selection of clothes, manically deciding what to wear…Or at least I was. One of the best things about downsizing my wardrobe is that it has given me more time! I don’t find getting ready a stressful task anymore, whatever the occasion. Less stuff, means less to choose from, which inevitably means less faffing from me!

Quality is far better than quantity

This one may seem pretty obvious but I definitely used to be someone who preferred spending less and owning more. This is something that changed a while ago, but I’d still easily be drawn in by something just because it was a ‘bargain’. Fast forward to now, and call me boring, but I find myself thinking purchases over a lot more and try to invest in pieces that will last longer when I can. I also find that I tend to favour the pieces I put more thought into purchasing too, and so I end up wanting to wear them time and time again.

You can be content with a smaller wardrobe

When I was younger I always had dreams of having my own walk in wardrobe…That dream still stands however now, I envision that space much more sparsely filled and with a selection of pieces that I truly love. I’ve been amazed with how much happier I’ve become with my outfits (even the super basic ones) and the pieces I wear on day to day basis. It’s not that I care less about clothes (I still totally love them), it’s just that I worry a lot less about them now that I have a lot less to choose from and find myself content with the pieces I own, instead of always longing for something new.

You don’t need every type of garment in your wardrobe

We’re constantly told about fashion ‘must haves’ and things that we absolutely need for this and for that that, but the reality is that if we bought into all of it, we’d actually have a wardrobe ready to burst…Oh wait, that was me!

I’ve always had quite an eclectic taste and so shopping for me meant buying random pieces that I liked on whim. Over time this meant that I really did have almost every type of garment in my wardrobe and lots of pieces that I wasn’t willing to get rid of ‘just incase’ the right occasion should arrive. But since finally letting go and clearing a lot of that stuff out, I haven’t actually missed any of it and not once has an occasion come around where I’ve thought ‘Oh I wish I’d kept that’. It’s also helped me to refine my style and think about what I truly want to wear and will actually wear on a regular basis.

It’s okay to be an outfit repeater

For a lot of people I’m sure this one is pretty much a given but I used to be someone who hated wearing the same look twice, especially when it came to occasion wear. Nights out would always require the ultimate planning as I’d spend hours browsing online for something new to wear for the occasion. Now I realise that it doesn’t actually matter if you have a particular garment or outfit that you like to wear on repeat for a certain occasion. There are ways to change your look without changing your entire outfit, such as styling prices differently, adding accessories and changing up your hair and makeup. Of course I still find it’s occasionally nice to go for something new or slightly more special from time to time but I’ve learnt that it’s better not to worry about it too much and like they say if it’s not broke, why try to fix it.

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Samio x

July 22, 2016
4 Summer Shoe Alternatives

When we think summer shoes, we most likely immediately think cute strappy sandals, however, one thing you’ll know if you live in the UK (or anywhere with a similar climate), is that sandals during summer aren’t always practical. I know, crazy right!? Living in a place where the weather can be highly temperamental does mean that we don’t always end up dressing appropriately to the seasons but it doesn’t mean we can’t be inventive with our clothing/footwear choices and still feel summery in our own kind of way. Here are four of my favourite footwear choices that I am loving wearing on repeat this spring/summer.

Mules

You may be sick of hearing about them by now but whether you’re a lover or a hater, theirs no denying that once you find the perfect pair of mules to slip your feet into, you’ve likely just found the comfiest pair of shoes you’ll own…I am obsessed with my heeled mules from Clarks, I’ll repeat OBSESSED. Not only are they a great summer alternative to a full on strappy sandal but I think they are just about the comfiest pair of heels I have ever owned…EVER. They are my go to shoes for any remotely dressy occasion but at the same time they aren’t too formal, so are great for when I’m going for a more casual vibe too.

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Converse

Converse are probably the most classic casual footwear you can own. I myself joined the Converse crew a little (more like very) late and only purchased my first ever pair this year in fact. Since then they have become my Spring/Summer shoes of choice. Come rain or shine I find these have fast become a firm favourite to throw on my feet. I love how versatile they are and whether I’m going for my favourite combination with my slim fit mom jeans, or braving it with bare legs in a dress, they seem to go with just about anything…not forgetting that they are super practical too!

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Superga

How I have resisted the temptation of buying a pair of Superga in every colour under the sun, I do not know. I’ve had my classic 2750 style in baby pink pair for around three years now and I find myself pulling them out every summer…More recently I was tempted by this fabulous white pair, which are a funky spin on the classic Superga, with a wedge espadrill sole. Unfortunately for me, I stupidly got a size too big and will be sending these ones back. Even more to my disappointment the white ones now seem to be sold out – no surprise there! – So I can’t even exchange them for a smaller size, but I’ve been eyeing them up in the navy as another great summer alternative, so we shall see, but for now my pink 2750’s are still going strong.

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Boots

During the winter, whilst looking for style inspiration, I always find myself stumbling across a multitude of images where women are looking super cool, wearing boots with bare legs but then I’m left feeling disappointed knowing that it’s not a practical outfit choice when the temperature here is in the minuses. Fast forward to summer however, and hello cute tan boots that I never got to wear during the winter in fear of ruining them. Yes the boots are out and the legs are out are too…and that tan suede pair finally have their time to shine.

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What are your favourite go to shoes this summer?

Samio x

July 11, 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
Easy Stylers – Slim Fit Mom Jeans & Converse

Shirt – Asos | Jeans – Asos | Bag – Old (similar here) | Shades – Vintage Christian Dior | Trainers – Converse

Yesterday I had a the afternoon free and so I met up with my friend, Chloe. I’d initially gone to look in a boutique that sold a brand of bags I had been eyeing up for quite some time and was hoping to purchase. But after umming and arring for a long while and even going back to the boutique a second time, after we’d gone for lunch, I left empty handed. Chloe on the other hand ended up purchasing one of their gorgeous little purses…It wasn’t that I too hadn’t been won over by the selection of bags and purses on offer, in fact it was quite the opposite, as I hadn’t expect to be so spoilt for choice. This made decision making all the harder and it made me rethink about the initial bag I’d gone there to hopefully buy.

Nevertheless, we had fun browsing round the little boutique and now it’s given me time to sleep on it and I’m actually glad I didn’t make an impulse decision and by one of the other bags that I’d spotted. Although the bag in question was rather dreamy, after fully thinking it through I had to admit to myself that the colour maybe wasn’t quite right in terms of what will match with the majority of my current wardrobe, as I am going for a very mix & match vibe at the moment with the pieces I own…It’s funny, a while ago I would have said browsing is no fun without purchasing anything and I probably would have regretted not buying the bag. Now however I’m starting to see the benefits of thinking through my purchases and acquiring pieces that I can easily style and actually love to wear on a regular basis.

Speaking of pieces that I love to wear and are easy to style, yesterday I wore my new-ish Converse. They are the first pair of converse I’ve ever owned, can you believe it? I don’t know where I’ve been all these years. They are practical for day to day and I love how they go with just about anything. I’m also currently loving these Asos slim fit mom jeans. I have been getting so much wear out of them and they are easily becoming my favourite ‘go to’ jeans.

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Samio x

April 20, 2016