Pastels for spring

Ok, ok, so pastels in spring are not ground breaking, however I am totally into this trend this year. I wouldn’t even say I am usually a pastely person, however the high street is killing it at the minute. I also think when its still grey and cold outside, its trend to lift spirits and get you excited for spring. I mean don’t get me wrong I am still going to be wearing them with my trusty beige, cream, black and navy.

Check out some of my favourite pastel items on the high street;

  1. Nobody’s Child – lilac jumper

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2. Topshop pink satin midi skirt

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3. Nasty Gal – pastel green trench coat

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4. Topshop – lilac faux fur coat 

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5. River Island – pastel pink jeans

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6. Mango – pink blazer (in the sale!!)

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Grace xx

 

Why I’m exchanging with The Dress Change

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For those of you who have been following me for while and are pretty observant, you will know that this is a previously worn outfit of mine. Previously worn and loved but never to be worn again. This is often a very common occurrence for many women, and even more common if you are a fashion blogger.  I have a wardrobe full of clothes, and when I say full of clothes I mean seriously jam packed, stressfully disorganised and messily full!

If you are an avid follower of mine you will know that I am also very passionate about selling my clothes, and never ever throw an item of clothing away. That is where I came across The Dress Change, a womenswear exchange marketplace, there are honestly so many good things about this concept. Let’s talk about sustainability, I think we are all on a mission to buy less, and The Dress Change certainly allows for that, you buy less and exchange what you have, rather than throwing things away because they never really fit, or they are not really your style, and you are not really sure why you bought them in the first place!

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Take any of these key items within this post, this pink wrap around top, or this faux leather black top, or these denim dungarees, all such statement pieces and all only worn once. It would be such a shame for these items not to go to another home. The Dress Change is the perfect platform for you to get the items you want for less than £10. It’s simple, you select the item or items in your wardrobe you no longer want, you describe it, submit it for approval, and when it has been approved you are ready to receive bids. You can then accept the item that you are happy to exchange for, from the bids that you receive. Next it’s time to send off your exchange and receive your new item!

The Dress Change offers one exchange a month for free, or a TDC Elite plan for the ability to exchange up to 5 items a month for only £9 each month. That’s 5 new items that you can add to your wardrobe a month for only £9! With the Elite plan you also get the opportunity to go to The Dress Change events, where you will be able to bring items to exchange on the day, and even exchange with bloggers like me!

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I am always on the hunt for the perfect capsule wardrobe, that perfect vintage oversized blazer, the oversized white shirt dreams were made of, and some staple black leather ankle boots. Often it can be hard to have the wardrobe we want when we have to stick to a budget, because you know adulting and life gets in the way, but thanks to The Dress Change it allows you to do this at a very small cost.

Grace Xx

Find out more at The Dress Change

Life update and future plans

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Hi loves, its been a while since I’ve done a bit of a life update, and I feel like now is as good a time as any.  I also wanted to touch on wanting to do the best you can in life, and the pressure we put ourselves under to do this.

So as a blogger right now, in this moment (or an influencer as its called these days), I am enjoying every moment, I have worked with so many amazing brands and made virtual and actual friends with some amazing girls, blogging babes & and non blogging babes. But what I find really hard is the constant niggling feeling I must do better. My main two goals right now are to write more (on my blog), and to also redesign my blog while I am at it.

I have a few problems here, 1. I barely find enough time to do what I do now, which is create content and post it on Instagram (as I have a full time job). However I love writing and for my future development/career it is important that I show brands what I can do, and that I can write.

2. I am no web designer, luckily my fiancee is, however I already feel lots of guilt when he spends so much time already, taking my pictures and watching me sit on my phone, hour after hour, night after night. However he’s amazing and I know what he will say ‘don’t be silly I will do what you need me to do so I you can follow your dreams’.

All we are really taking about here is prioritising, I have come to a stage in my blogging life where I want to do something different, a rut some would call it, so here I am writing down my new priorities and what I’m going to do to achieve my goals.

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And yes I did say something about following my dreams. This is not something I have dared say to many people out loud, and certainly not in the public domain like I am doing right now! But yes I have decided that eventually I want to be a blogger full time, not for a few years yet, and I have lots of work to do to get there first, but I have made my mind up and I am not afraid to talk about it. I will work as hard as possible to make this dream a reality, as scary and as hard as it seems.

I guess what I do need to be is kinder to myself, I am so consistent and so determined in both blogging and everything else in my life. Because I have that down (and man am I good at it) I can be so very hard on myself with everything else. I have a little voice in my head saying ‘get your shit together Grace’ like I forget how only a few years ago I really didn’t have my shit together, and couldn’t image that I would ever have my life this ‘together’.

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So I guess what I am trying to say is that you can expect a redesigned blog coming your way over the next couple of months, & lots more blog writing. I think for me the last few months has been a realisation that actually these two years of hard work could pay off, and I could actually be a full time blogger one day. Often we are too scared to take the plunge and do something we have only ever dreamed of, but if we don’t, how will we ever know if it will work!

I’m hugely excited and scared, and I know I have a lot of hard work coming my way, but I am already two years into it, I know what hard work is, so bring it on!!

Grace

Xx

Long cardigan (worn as a dress) – Nasty Gal

Wide belt – & other stories

Black faces tee – Nasty Gal

Cream belted trousers – Nasty Gal

Trench coat – & other stories

Slip on shoes – sold out – similar Topshop

 

 

 

Knitwear goals for autumn with Femme Luxe Finery

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I think what I love about the knitwear trend we are seeing this season is that it isn’t just jumpers or cardigans, its anything from amazing dresses to metallic mesh going out tops. Knitwear is such a versatile addition to anybody’s wardrobe, and thats really why I love it so much. Femme Luxe Finery is genuinely my go to when it comes to all things knitwear, I adore a cropped jumper over a midi dress, or in the case of the above picture a midi shirt dress. This Ivy khaki cable knit cropped jumper is the perfect length for layering, which is going to be something I am doing constantly in the colder months.

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So on to the more fancy of the knitted trend and my absolute fave these Inaaya metallic knit gold trousers, I mean if you want to dress up an outfit then these are surely your go to. I decided to style these trousers for the day, for a more casual look, with some brown ankle boots & an oversized t-shirt. I love how they can work for both day and night, and would look absolutely amazing with a crop top and barely there heels too.

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Knitwear for a night out? Absolutely yes please, this metallic knit rose gold tie wrap midi dress looks amazing done up like this over a slip dress, or even worn open over a white tee and vintage mom jeans. The metallic trend is so huge for autumn/winter this season, and I really think that knitwear is the way to do it, if you are really scared of wearing full on silver or gold. Give me knitwear any day and I will be happy!

All knitwear from Femme Luxe Finery

Cropped khaki jumper – Femme Luxe Finery

Gold knit flared trousers – Femme Luxe Finery

Rose gold knitted wrap dress – Femme Luxe Finery

Grace Xx

 

 

Leopard print & knitted everything with Femme Luxe Finery

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As the summer draws to a close and the nights start to get a little longer, there are only two things I want to wear, leopard print and knitted everything. I’ve recently discovered the brand Femme Luxe Finery and I am absolutely obsessed with everything they offer, such amazing quality at such affordable prices. The dress I am wearing above is the Serenna tan leopard print cami strap maxi dress, its sooo beaut at night with heels, or in the day dressed down with trainers.

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Above is this absolutely gorgeous Thea cream cami knitted side split maxi dress, it is so gorgeous for when the weather is warm in the day. I love that it can also be dressed up for night with a vintage chain belt and a blazer.

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Can you get a leopard print top that is anymore perfect? This Leanne tan leopard print tie front crop top is so flattering on, I actually sized up for a little more coverage, which was a perfect decision for me as it fits perfectly. I’ve loved tie front tops this season, they have been my go to for both day and night.

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Finally the most stunning little back button front mini dress, that I am actually wearing in this picture as a top. The Kerry black ribbed knit button detail mini dress, is honestly the cutest little dress. I love how versatile this piece is, especially as it looks so cute as both a dress & a top.

Everything from – Femme Luxe Finery

Leopard print midi dress – Serenna tan leopard print cami strap maxi dress – Femme Luxe Finery

Cream knitted maxi dress – Thea cream cami knitted side split maxi dress – Femme Luxe Finery

Leopard print tie front top – Leanne tan leopard print tie front crop top – Femme Luxe Finery

Black knitted button front dress – Kerry black ribbed knit button detail mini dress, – Femme Luxe Finery

Grace

Xx

 

 

 

 

Rose Gold Daniel Wellington Watches For Women

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I think a beautiful rose gold watch will always be timeless, it doesn’t matter what your age is, or what your style is, a rose gold watch is such a classic, that it really does suit everyone. This Daniel Wellington watch I am wearing is the Classic Petite Melrose in 32mm and you guys knows that in terms of accessories, I love a classic gold as it really of-sets the tones and the colours that I love to wear. Also really excited to let you guys know that you can use my discount code ‘GRACESURGUY’ for 15% off everything on the site.

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I love how watches from Daniel Wellington are so affordable, which means they make such an amazing gift, I mean who doesn’t want a few watches to choose from to change up your look. I also love the fact you can change your Daniel Wellington watch strap at anytime as they are interchangeable, which means you can have a pretty much new look without having to buy a brand new watch!

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My favourite would definitely be the Daniel Wellington Mesh straps, just like the Classic Petite Melrose in the above picture.

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Whether you are looking for men’s watches or watches for women, Daniel Wellington will always be my go to place for the perfect watch. In the above picture I am wearing the Classic Durham in the 40mm I love the oversized shape and style. That almost give my look a kind of masculine and androgynous vibe, and even more of a retro, 70’s vibe that I love.

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One of the coolest things about Daniel Wellington is that you can change up the watch straps so easily. It makes it such a cool personalised accessory, that you will love for years to come.

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Rose gold watch – Daniel Wellington – Classic Petite Melrose in 32mm

Rose gold watch – Daniel Wellington – Classic Durham in 40mm

Rose gold bracelet/cuff – Daniel Wellington

All watches & bracelet – Daniel Wellington – https://www.danielwellington.com/uk/

Black knot front top – sold out – similar Topshop

White knitted trousers – sold out similar Zara

Straw back-back – Vintage

White woven shoes – sold out – orange version Topshop

Pink shacket – Topshop

Wide leg jeans – sold out – similar H&M

White mules – sold out – similar Topshop

Clear bead bag – Mango

Grace Xx

 

Why we all need a striped blazer

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Oh another blazer you say?? Yes just yes, honestly I love them so much,  they are so versatile, I love how you can wear them to the office mega smart, then with a crop top and relaxed linen trousers for the weekend. This striped blazer from Shein was an absolute bargain at only £23, and its really light and summery which I love.

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One of my favourite ways to wear a blazer is with a crop top, this is because I love pairing something that is known as quite a smart item of clothing, with something so casual. Also you can’t beat a pair of linen trousers, I don’t think so! Especially for the crazy hot summer we have been having in the UK. Its been so amazing to just put on such a comfy, breezy pair of trousers, when the weather is sweltering outside!!

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Striped blazer – Shein 

Black crop top – boohoo

Beige linen trousers – sold out – similar – H&M

Strappy black sandals – sold out – similar – Mango 

Bag – APC

I found some of (well I think so) the best striped blazers on the high street, I hope you love them as much as I do.

  1. Topshop striped double breasted blazer

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2. H&M red and white striped blazer

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3. Zara black and white striped blazer

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Grace Xx

Checked blazers for autumn

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I had the biggest obsession with checked blazers during autumn/winter last year, and I wasn’t sure we were going to be seeing this beautiful piece so popular again this year. Lucky here it is, all over the high street, and I am so excited about it. This checked blazer from Shein is one of my favourite so far (also its only £22!!), I actually sized up so it would fit a lot more oversized, the sizes fit slightly smaller at Shein, so I got a large.

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I also think my favourite type of blazer is definitely a double breasted version, they seem to sit so much better on the body, plus I also love them fastened up. Even better if you can find the matching trousers and wear as a suit (I actually think this Shein version has a matching skirt, which I totally missed!). I am wearing this oversized blazer with a black t-shirt dress (which I also sized up in) and my pride and joy, my new Balenciaga Triple S trainers (which are an absolute dream by the way).

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Checked blazer – Shein

Straw bag – Bohemia Design

Black t-shirt dress – Pretty Little Thing

Trainers – Balenciaga 

Some more of my favourite checked high street blazers as below;

  1. Topshop double breasted checked/tartan blazer

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2. H&M double breasted grey checked blazer

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3. Zara double breasted nude checked blazer

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Grace Xx

 

Summers co-ords and the perfect night

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I wanted to tell you guys about the best night I had last Wednesday, that was honestly right up my street. Not many people know this about me but I have a degree in english literature, and Shakespeare is one of the loves in life. I went for an amazing meal at Cote restaurant in West Brigdford, for the pre theatre set menu which was so yummy (I had pate and breaded chicken and fries, incase you wondered) and then on to my local showcase cinema for a live showing of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet.

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It was just like being at the theatre (you even had an interval, were of course you can purchase sweets…yum) and the performance itself was beautiful, a contemporary production with young talented actors. If you are a Shakespeare lover like I am, I would highly recommend this to you. For this night out I wore the above black linen style button up co-ord from Ikrush, with a pair of low heeled court shoes from Topshop, and a beige linen blazer from H&M. For me this was the perfect date night/week night out outfit, that can be made more casual with a pair of low heels and a straw bag.

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Dress – Ikrush

Shoes – Tosphop

Blazer – Sold out – similar – H&M

Straw bag – Bohemia Design

A selection of other high-street summer co-ords that I am loving, as below;

  1. Topshop boutique denim co-ord

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2. We own the night snake print crop top and trousers (I have this top and its amazing)

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3. Tosphop rainbow stripe crop top and trousers  

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Grace

Xx

 

Summer days and tie front tops

I honestly can’t get over the weather we are having in the UK at the minute, it is seriously amazing. The days are long and warm, and it makes me so happy.

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Especially because it means I am able to wear some of my favourite styles of clothing without freezing my butt off! One being a tie front top, which is honestly such a flattering style, even on someone which a bigger chest size, as long as there is enough material to cover everything then it is such a stunning look.

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My fave top ever is this beaut gingham top from Nasty Gal, give me something tie front and gingham any day, and I will wear it forever! Also we need to talk about these white tailored trousers also from Nasty Gal, they are the most flattering white trousers ever. As they are very high-waisted it makes the fit ever nicer. I am wearing a medium in both the trousers and top, and am a UK size 10 for reference. The third thing that has to be mentioned is these big gold earrings, the perfect accessory for the summer, these door knocker style earrings are also from Nasty Gal and are such a summer statement, I love them.

Gingham tie front top – Nasty Gal

White high waisted trousers – Nasty Gal

Gold ‘door knocker’ earrings – Nasty Gal

White woven shoes – Topshop

Wicker bag – Hers Wave

Take a look at some other cute tie front tops on the high street at the minute, and no I won’t apologise for enabling your shopping addition (as I have one too)!;

  1. Tie front metallic top – Topshop

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2. Striped woven cami top – Topshop 

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3. Tie front bird print top – H&M

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Grace Xx