Author: gracesurguy

Fashion shoots – my secret

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First of all my loves lets take the time to admire this cable knit jumper of dreams, this jumper from Romwe (one of my fav fast fashion retailers). This jumper is so affordable at only £18 and its honestly so warm. I haven’t taken it off since I got it and I and I am so happy with it. Next to the cutest eye let jeans from Pimkie via ASOS, not only are the the cutest jeans ever they were also on £14 in the sale! Bargain! Finally the boots I can’t take off my feet, these Topshop black ankle boots, I love how they come that little higher up your leg than the standard ankle boot.

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So with a full time job and also as we move into winter and the light gets lower earlier, how do I have time to take all of my pictures? I post on Instagram 13 times a week, and most no more than 3 pictures of each outfit. Surely I don’t wear that many outfits during the weekend? I do not of course wear that many outfits in one weekend, that would be impossible!! So whats my secret? This is purely down to having a couple of hours at the weekend, a car and a very understanding fiancee!

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So the night before fashion shoot day I choose around 6/7 outfits, that I know I want to shoot for the coming weeks. Then the morning of the shoot I wear one of the outfits and add the rest into the boot of the car. We then drive to somewhere that we know has multiple outfit shot opportunities, also where it is slightly quieter. 1, because it can be embarrassing taking photos with lots of people watching, 2, because the car will become my changing room & ain’t nobody get time for being caught with just your bra on, haha! Then it’s as simple as changing your outfits and getting multiple shots of each outfit! Simple! Although this is such an easy thing to do, it really has revolutionised how I blog, as I used to worry about getting in as many outfits in one weekend as I could, which is just too unrealistic, now its all done in one morning! I hope this helps you babes, and good luck with your fashion shoots.

Grace

Xx

Cable knit jumper – Romwe

Eye-let jeans – Pimkie Via ASOS

Black sock boots – Sold out – Blue Version Topshop

Black bag – APC

A day in the life of a fashion blogger

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First of all babes lets talk about this cable knit dream of a cardigan, I don’t know what it is but cardigan’s are probably one of the items I am most picky about. I have no idea why that is the case but it is very rare that I actually see a cardigan I like. This grey cable knit version from Romwe jumped out at me immediately as it is such a chunky knit. I also love the length, as its not too short or too long. Plus it is so crazy affordable at only £22!! I know you guys have seen these jeans before, but they are honestly the most perfect pair that I own, and they go with everything!

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I originally thought about talking you guys through a weekday in the life of a fashion blogger who works full time, but not much blogging or fashion related activity goes on in the week, so I thought I would concentrate on a standard Saturday. My partner and I wake up quite early, as we get up at 5.50am in the week for the gym, it is often very difficult for us to sleep in past 8.00am, as we are used to getting up so early. Then we have a quick breakfast, pop on our gym clothes and head to the gym. we then work out for an hour and head to the shower, when I get changed and of course do my make-up for the day.

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After this its fashion shoot time (I will explain more about how this works in Tuesday’s post) which normally takes about 2 hours. My partner and I then head into Nottingham city centre for a bit of lunch and some shopping. Then its back home to relax, I often take this time to add unwanted items of clothes to Depop (usually because I’ve spent far more than I should have done while shopping!!) and also wrap up any items that I may have already sold (for more information on Depop read my post on how I afford to buy so many clothes – link here). Then there is two options stay in with a takeaway and have a film night (one of my favourite things to do) or go out for dinner and a couple of drinks, which of course means I can get dressed up which I love. Of course throughout the day I take lots of Instagram stories so my followers know what I am up to. Thats about it babes, I hope you’ve enjoyed a day in the life of a fashion blogger, or in other words me!

Grace

Xx

Grey cable knit cardigan – Romwe

High-waisted wide leg jeans – Topshop

White slogan tee – Sold out – Similar Elle Est Femme

Black sock boots – Sold out – Similar Topshop

 

Favourite fashion brand – I.AM.GIA

Over the last couple weeks I’ve been desperate to find a new cool clothing brand, and I’ve found it! I.AM.GIA is somewhere between streetwear, and really current on trend looks. I love the mixture of crop tops, wide leg trousers, cuffed trousers and ring detailing. Although this is not the most affordable brand, its certainly not expensive, plus if you subscribe to their email marketing campaign you receive 10% off, win!! Here are some of my favourite looks, enjoy babes;

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Lace-up nude crop top – I.AM.GIA

Nude cuffed trousers – I.AM.GIA

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Button up white crop top – I.AM.GIA

Wide leg striped trousers – I.AM.GIA

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Cropped pink checked top – I.AM.GIA

Pink checked high waisted skirt – I.AM.GIA

Grace

Xx

 

 

My four key trends for autumn/winter

Hi my loves, I wanted to do a post for a while now on the key trends (in my eyes) for autumn/winter. I am not ashamed to say that I flipping LOVE them. I know there will be lots of other trends that I have missed out, but these are the ones that have really pulled me in and made me want to shop (more than usual and that’s saying something!!).

The 70’s are back

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This was always going to be my first trend, because it’s my absolute favourite. I adore the 70’s style pieces that are everywhere on the high street at the minute. It’s all about corduroy, wide legged trousers, flares, platforms, pussy bow blouses. YES PLEASE!!! Above are the most beautiful wide leg corduroy trousers I have ever seen, for only £35! although unfortunately they have completely sold out, so I have my notifications on and I’m waiting for them to come back in, come onnnnn Uniqulo.

Cord cropped trousers – Zara

Velvet platform shoes – Zara

Suiting around

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I have wanted a checked suit for a while now, but honestly, I could wear any kind of suit in any colour, I am obsessed. I also have a red suit from H&M which you guys may have seen on my Instagram, although my fiancé says it makes me look like I work for Virgin airlines! Whatever suits are cool, whether you wear them with a white tee and a pair of trainers, or dress them up with a silk cami and a pair of heels.

Mustard velvet blazer – Topshop

Mustard velvet trousers – Topshop

Pink velvet blazer – Topshop

Pink velvet trousers – Topshop

Tough love

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Lace-up tough looking boots are everywhere at the minute and I adore them. I’ve always loved toughening up a floaty dress with a more substantial boot, and the lace-up versions everywhere on the high street at the minute are perfect. The above platform Dc Martens are my ultimate choice when it comes to the tough boot. Of course, where would we be without the leather biker jacket, however this season it’s about the more over-sized silhouette. This Zara version is amazing, although not real leather the fluffy yellow interior makes up for it.

Oversized faux fur lined biker jacket – Zara

Sparkles, sparkles & more sparkles

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I know every year as we get towards the festive period we see sequins & beading all over the high street. However, this year this trend has really got me excited with the addition of chainmail. I’ve seen it in the most gorgeous tops and most recently bags (which I 100% need to invest in!). I’ve also seen the most stunning leggings and fitted top from Gucci in a kind of rhinestone chainmail (so much nicer than it sounds I promise).

Chainmail top – Topshop

Chainmail bag – Topshop

I hope you enjoyed my round-up of the key trend for autumn winter, and thanks for reading.

Grace

Xx

Biker boots and setting new goals

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Pleated yellow midi skirts and lace-up biker boots, I flipping think so! I am so into this girly gone bad contrasting look, that we are seeing everywhere at the minute. This skirt and boots combo is exactly what I am talking about, a little bit girly, a little bit edgy. Plus this cut-off sweater from Zara, is an absolute staple that Zara will bring out year after year and I will (of course) keep wearing year after year.

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I love the hope of the new year, and all of the goal setting, and list writing possibilities it brings (for those of you that know me, will know that I love a list!) however this year I want to do things differently. No waiting around until New Year’s Eve, I’m setting my goals now. I am naturally a goal setter, and it really helps me to clear my mind, but I wouldn’t set that I achieve the goals I set that regularly and this frustrates me! Are my goals too unrealistic, are my milestones too unachievable? I actually think it is both of those things, but also so much more, so what am I going to do differently?

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Firstly I am going to visualise my goals, it’s difficult to motivate yourself to t end goal if you can’t see visualise what you are trying to achieve. So if you are trying to lose weight, cut a picture out of a magazine to motivate yourself on your journey. Making yourself accountable in my experience is hugely important. So I want to get fitter, and the best way for me to do this as a blogger & Instagrammer is to make myself accountable on my Instagram stories, tell my followers what I will be doing, and ask them for encouragement when I am struggling. Make yourself accountable to your friends and family, when you tell people, they will do all they can to help & encourage you. The next step is to break your goals down, of course as a blogger I want to grow and develop my blog, but getting to my end goal may seem massive and unachievable, so what should I do? Break this goal down to manageable bite sized pieces and set milestones. It is so much easier to visualise where you need to go and what you need to achieve, if you can see the steps in between, and also the sense of achievement when you hit each milestone. I hope this helps & I am now genuinely off to write my new goals, wish me luck!

Grace

Xx

Yellow pleated midi skirt – Mango

Cropped black sweater – sold out – similar Zara

Lace-up Boots – Pretty Little Thing

Red puffers jackets and how to find your personal style

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I’ve been looking for a longer jumper for a while now, to wear with leggings and fitted trousers, that you wouldn’t necessarily want to wear with a shorter jumper or top. This grey jumper from Romwe is just perfect, I love wearing a more over-sized silhouette on top with a fitted bottom half. The red puffer jacket as you’ll see below is soooo good & from the brand Missy Empire, which I am loving at the minute, the quality is so good and at such a bargain price. I am in love with these Adidas leggings, I’ve worn them so many times and they are so comfortable for when you just need a slob day!

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So finding your personal style, this one is a very difficult one, and I still do not think I am personally there with this myself yet! However when I am struggling this is where I like to start, and I actually like to do this every season, as it clears the mind and sets you on the right track for the season ahead. Inspiration, inspiration, INSPIRATION! This really will help you decide how you want to dress, and what styles and combos you absolutely love. I then like to take this inspiration and look at what I already have in my wardrobe, what can I reinvent in a new way, what do I love & always makes me feel good. Then on the flip side what annoys me and makes me fell uncomfortable, any of the latter items then get rid!

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Next to your lifestyle, we spend so much time at work that it really does make sense that you wardrobe takes this into account. I work in an office so it is important that I have lots of items that can we worn for both work and at the weekend, so lots of tailored wide leg trousers that I can wear with a shirt in the week, and a slogan t-shirt at the weekend. In my last job I used to walk quite far to work, so lots of cool trainers, and items that were comfortable to walk in. There is no point buying shoes with giant heels if you are on your feet all day.  I’ve actually inspired myself (if thats even a thing!) to start afresh for the coming winter season and have a big clear out, out with the old, in with the new.

Grace

Xx

Oversized grey jumper – Romwe

Red puffer jacket – Missy Empire

Three stripe leggings – Adidas

Black brogues – Dr Martens

Popper trousers & the 90’s trend

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First and foremost, this brown knitted bargain of a jumper, from Romwe, is the comfiest thing I own, I love it tucked into the waist band of these trousers. So popper trousers….i’m not going to lie but I actually wore these style of trousers the first time around (totally revealing my age!). A pair of Nike side popper trousers from the men’s second, at 13 I was clearly so fashion forward (or so I thought) that they hadn’t managed to filter into the women’s section yet. From what I remember I wore them with an oversized vintage red Reebok sweater (some kind of sports luxe) and my favourite pair of Adidas trainers. Funny how these trousers have come back around, and even funnier that 18 years later I am wearing them again!!!

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So what 90’s styles am I loving at the minute and what do I think you carry into this season, no matter your age or style. Remember you don’t have to take these styles to the absolute extreme, aka full blown Clueless looks (an amazing 90’s film if you’ve never seen it). Crop tops – I am not going to lie I’ve been obsessed with crop tops since I was 12 years old, how to make this work? Go for a slightly less cropped style that meets the waist band, of a pair of tailored high-waisted trousers, the absolute perfect combo. Hoop earrings – I am loving the fine oversized hoops we are seeing all over the high street at the minute, they work perfectly for both day and night.

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Heavy duty boots – I’m talking Dr Martens, studded lace-up platform boots, any kind of flat platform boots you can think of are absolutely on trend at the minute. To make this style more wearable, pair with a pleated midi skirt or a floaty midi dress, honestly the juxtaposition makes this such a cool look. Checked skirts – I posted a little pleated checked skirt recently on my Instagram from Topshop, and it’s the cutest thing ever, wear a little checked skirt with a pair of coloured ankle boots & a plain roll neck number, to look more on trend and less Clueless. Dungarees – to be fair, this is a style that I have been obsessed with year on year and every season, again for this season pair with a fitted roll neck jumper and some backless mules. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the 90’s style as much as I do.

Grace

Xx

Brown knitted jumper – Romwe

Side popper trousers – Missy Empire

Platform Stan Smith trainers – Adidas – Via Office

Faux fur coats with Shein

Hi loves, I wanted to share with you my absolute favourite faux fur coats from my babes at Shein, who for me really do offer the best pieces at such affordable prices. Also seriously, I am in faux fur heaven, I want them all!
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Grace
Xx

My favourite checked trousers and my quest for the perfect capsule wardrobe

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These trousers are soooooo flipping good, the perfect checked trousers for this season. Of course, they are from my fast fashion favs Shein, and if you look on my Instagram you’ll see the matching blazer, a co-ord made in heaven. I love dressing down a statement pair of trousers with a graphic tee, like this Aaliyah tee from Urban Outfitters, and a good pair of Vans. Also as we move into winter there is nothing better than a staple black faux fur coat.

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I don’t know about you babes but I feel like I’ve been on the quest for the most perfect capsule wardrobe for years. The thing is I forget about this quest on a regular basis and carry on buying the same low quality seasonal fashion pieces I have been buying for years! The thing is, I have read so much about how to create a capsule wardrobe, but everyone says you need this amount of clothes, that amount blah blah! What I want is a section of clothes in my wardrobe that are amazing quality, fit amazingly and go with absolutely everything I own, plus last me for years. This I do not have!

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So what’s my plan? A hugeeeee clear out, what doesn’t give me joy? What fits weirdly or annoys me every time I wear it? Then I am going to give myself two weeks to see how it feels living with less clothes, and what I feel like I’m really missing. Do I have too many bottoms and not enough tops? Do I need more work shoes? More weekend shoes? I think you also need to make sure you are being truthful will yourself in regard to your wardrobe and your lifestyle. For example, I work in an office where the dress code is smart casual, but mainly smart. Therefore, it’s important that I have a wardrobe where at least 70% of it can work for the office as being as being dressed up/dressed down for the weekend. So the quest is on babes, clear out first then I’ll let you know my next steps, wish me look!!

Grace

Xx

Checked trousers – Shein

Aaliyah t-shirt – sold out – similar Topshop

Trainers – Vans

Faux Fur Jacket – Sold out – similar ASOS

The perfect checked blazer & 6 things I do when I feel down

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First to the world’s most perfect checked blazer!! I wrote in an Instagram post early last week, explaining that I think the checked blazer is the piece of the season, and I really think that’s true. This double breasted checked blazer from Shein is so perfect, the fit is amazing, its over-sized enough just to have the perfect dressed down feel, plus it’s an absolute bargain. If you guys haven’t realised yet I am completely obsessed with these red flared trousers from H&M, they literally go with anything, I also love the flared trousers & trainers look.

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So babes, this is what I do when I am feeling a bit crappy, when I want to feel a little better about myself and relax. 1. Organise some shiz, just take 30 minutes/an hour to organise what you need too, lunch for next day/pack your gym bag etc, etc, I know it’s boring but it honestly will mean that you are able to relax so much more knowing you’ve sorted all of the necessary things out. 2. Have a bath, I love a bath, honestly, I love it, is there anything more relaxing than sitting in lovely hot, lovely smelling water? I don’t think so! What I would now like to say is that I read a book while in said bath. I actually don’t….I catch-up on Instagram, my message groups etc, if I get behind this is actually something that stresses me out, so I like to take this time to catch up and get some inspiration (which is always fun).

Processed with VSCO with j1 presetNumber 3 is sort my eyebrows out, honestly if I don’t do this once a week I feel like such a scruff! I trim, pluck and dye them myself and it’s just a little thing that I can do for myself, that makes me feel and look a little better. 4. Ring my Mum, just to hear my lovely Mum speak about her day and what she has been up to, always make me feel so much better. Sometimes we just need to reconnect with family and to have a good old catch-up, because really what’s more important that our family. 5. Watch a film with my fiancé, and have a foot rub, I luckily have the most amazing fiancé who spends probably way too much time rubbing my feet (he’s braver than I am) and I love just snuggling up on the sofa with him and watching a good film & completely turning off. 6. Have an early night, I am a complete advocate on getting as much sleep as possible, and I know if I have a really good sleep the next day I’ll feel amazing.

Grace

Xx

Checked blazer – Shein

Red flared trousers – H&M

White t-shirt – COS

Trainers – Vans