I can’t get enough of white summer dresses

A white summer dress has always given me vibes of tanned skin, gold jewellery and tan leather details. Dresses in silk, broderie anglaise, cotton, chiffon, it is just such a beautiful summer look, very mid-summer nights dream and I love it.

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Is there anything lovelier than a white summer dress paired with a big straw hat, and an oversized straw bag. This is actually making me sad because I’m thinking about summer ending!! It is my very favourite time of the year, and I really think a white dress encapsulates this season.

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As always my favourite fast fashion online store Shein has so many beautiful white dresses available, and the white broderie anglaise version I am wearing is just lovely. I love the ruffle and frill details and the fit is also so lovely, just that right level of mini. And what else could I do, but wear it with this stunning oversized straw hat from Mango. This beaut has come all the way back from Madeira with me, and I didn’t squish it once!

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White dress – Shein

Black straw hat – Mango

Sunglasses – Ray-ban

Check out my picks for the most perfect white summer dresses below, all of course high street prices;

  1. White broderie anglaise dress with cut out back – H&M

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2. White v-neck cotton dress – H&M

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3. White pinafore style dress – Topshop

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Grace Xx

My favourite playsuits for summer

The original version of a playsuit has always been something really short and uncomfortable, that had the annoying issue of riding up constantly. However, this summer I have seen playsuits in another light. The silhouettes are looser but cinched in at the waist, and the length is longer. Which is honesty the biggest godsend for me, I do not, and I will not do short shorts!

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Blue denim is also one of my fave things, and is key in my summer wardrobe this year. This is why I am so obsessed with this blue denim jumpsuit from Shein, the fit is just perfect. I also love how you can pull in the waist with the tie belt. Of course, the leg length is also longer, so no flashing the butt cheeks (thank god!). Also as with everything from Shein, it is mega affordable.

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Blue denim jumpsuit – Shein

Hat – ASOS sold out – Similar

Slides – sold out in this colour – in blue – Topshop

Bag – Vintage Gucci

I wanted to show you some guys some of my absolutely favourite jumpsuits on the high-street at the minute, key things to take into account, a flattering flat and longer fitting legs.

  1. White broderie anglaise playsuit – Topshop 

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2. White off the shoulder playsuit – Topshop

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3. Red striped off the shoulder playsuit – H&M

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Grace Xx

My white wish-list from Shein

There is no hiding my absolute obsession with all things white at the minute, so I wanted to go show you my fav white items from Shein, I hope you enjoy.

 

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Grace
Xx

The white shirt will never go out of fashion

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I absolutely adore an oversized white shirt, especially when it has the added details of this Shein white linen shirt with these beaut big buttons at the front. I actually love an oversized shirt paired with some wide leg trousers, I think the look is so classic and chic. The oversized look is so perfect for every body shape too, also it never hurts to be able to hide the biggest of food babies!

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The great thing about the white shirt is it can be so versatile, in terms of the material it is made out of, linen – perfect for summer, cotton – perfect for the oversized masculine look, or satin – which has such a luxury feel. I also love how the shapes and styles can also vary, and often designer brands have a style of white shirt that epitomise their designs, for example Jacquemus who create the most beautiful ruche shirts and shirt dresses.

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Shirt – Shein

Trousers – (in the sale) H&M

Slides – Topshop

Bag – Kozha Numbers

Some of my other favourite white shirts as below;

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Popper boxy cotton shirt – Topshop

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Gauzy button down shirt – Topshop

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Blouse with broderie anglaise – H&M

Grace

Xx

The most exciting trend of summer 2018

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Ok, ok so maybe I am being a little dramatic about this, but however this outfit does lead me quite nicely into my fav summer trend of 2018. I am so into mustard and yellow this year, and I am so happy that lots of stores seem to be stocking items in this colour. Also this dress from Nasty Gal, I mean how beaut is it! I adore the button detailing at the front and also the split, I think these extra details make it so flattering too, drawing your eye to the centre of your body.

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I love how this dress can worn by itself, without the need for any accessories, however I do love a good accessory. My Gucci belt is of course one of my fav accessories, and actually goes with any outfit. I know you guys may have read this before but just a little tip, I bought the smallest men’s belt and put extra couple of holes in, its makes it cheaper than the women’s version. Also can you believe my mum just produced this amazing straw bag from inside a cupboard, and gave it to me! I’ve never seen anything like it, its so unique.

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So I am sure you guys have worked out my favourite trend of summer 2018 by now, its the humble but amazing maxi dress. It’s the first trend in ages that has actually made me shout out loud, whoop! Thanks goodness that there is a trend this summer that is crazy flattering on every body shape, is comfy and honestly looks so good on absolutely everyone! The old faithful maxi dress is back, yeahhhh! I love the look of a really beautiful flowing maxi dress on a bright summers day, and so happy that this trend is here to stay.

Grace

Xx

Yellow maxi dress – Nasty Gal

Bag vintage – similar – Mango

Hat – Sold out – similar – ASOS

Belt – Gucci

Sandals – sold out – similar – New Look

Reasons why you don’t have anything to wear!

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Lets just talk about the most beaut comfy sandals ever, from Ipanema at Hervia these guys have just released the most amazing minimal range in collaboration with Philippe Starck,  due to this they are so stylish. I hate to sound like my mum but they also wipe clean, being white this is so important. Also I think everyone needs a ruffle dress for summer, this one is unfortunately from Topshop last year, but I will link some other similar versions below. Also don’t get me started on my straw obsession, straw hats, straw bags, it really does say summer to me.

So I wanted to talk to you guys about why sometimes you may look in your wardrobe and not be able to find anything to wear, honestly you are not alone, this happens to me all of the time;

You don’t invest in basics that fit well

Honestly don’t get me started on this one, I have so many cheap white t-shirts that don’t fit properly or go out of shape so quickly. Soooo many jeans that are too tight, pinch me in weird places, are badly made and just not fit for purpose anyway you look at it! I think the amount of money I must have spent on rubbish items over the years, but so many of them, that I could have spent the same amount of money on an amazing items that would have lasted for years! I think the items that I need the most are white t-shirts, the perfect white oversized shirt (linen for the summer), the perfect black and navy trousers and of course jeans, pale ones, blue and black, they will all be going on my shopping list that’s for sure!!

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You have too many clothes

It can be stupidly over whelming when you look into your wardrobe and just see a mass of clothes, unorganised and staring back at you, how would you be able to see what to wear? The good stuff in hidden underneath everything else! Only keep things that you absolutely adore and really do bring you joy, sell everything else or give it to charity.

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Don’t know what goes together – Hang your clothes in outfits

This is something that I am despite to try, especially for my work outfits, because I cannot be bothered on a Monday morning to think crap, what shirt goes with these trousers etc. Also if you know a combination works well and you felt great in it then remember it for later. This task also helps you find holes in your wardrobe that you might not have spotted before, like you have tons of tops but nothing to go with them.

Thanks for reading

Grace

Xx

White sandals – Ipanema at Hervia

Ruffle dress options, here, here, here

Straw bag – Bohemia Design

Straw hat – sold out – similar ASOS

 

Dealing with anxiety with my health

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I love how a trench coat can just transform an outfit, and this one from Nasty Gal does just that. I love the colour as it is a little bit of a darker shade than the ones I already have, plus I love the maxi length so much. Also don’t get me started on this real leather (yes real leather) bumbag from Nasty Gal, (this one has actually sold out but this one here is just as beaut) I can’t believe this is only £20, its such a bargain! Also this black ribbed top also from Nasty Gal is such a staple item in my wardrobe, its great for layering underneath pieces for the lovely UK spring weather that can often be a little cold (although we are seeing lots of sunshine at the minute!!). Then lastly the cutest little checked clueless skirt ever, this little beat is from Topshop & it’s actually the cutest thing ever, plus its mega flattering. As always loves, all items, are linked at the posted of this post.

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This is a little bit of a weird one for me to talk about, as although I expect that its quite common, I guess thats its just hard for us that do suffer from a little bit of anxiety to speak about it, or often even admit. I’ve had phases in my life when I’ve suffered from quite a few anxiety attacks (panic attacks) and although I’m sure lots of people would say this, I am honestly not the sort of people to have panic attacks, I am logical, determined, focused and I would say a strong person! But there is one things that seems to affect me and thats my health.

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Again I am a well person there is nothing (touch wood) wrong with me, but man can I worry about it!! I am my own worst enemy though, I love being healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep, but I can get into cycles where I don’t exercise at all, I’m eating terribly (and I don’t mean quantity, I mean I haven’t consumed a vegetable in about 3 weeks!!) and I’m not getting my 8 hours a night. Due to this I feel shit, I don’t just look shit, I feel it and I feel down too, about how I look and also how my body feels. This is when I start feeling anxious again, and I might have a sporadic attacks and I have no idea why (or thats what I think) but I never ever have attacks like this when I am looking after myself. So now I know that this is 100% why, so over the next few weeks  plan to get myself into a much healthier mindset and I know I’ll start to feel better, I’ll keep you updated loves.

Grace

Xx

Trench coat – Nasty Gal

Button up ribbed black top – Nasty Gal

Black leather bumbag – Nasty Gal sold out – similar here – Nasty Gal

Checked skirt – Topshop

Sock boots – sold out – similar – ASOS

 

Favourite places to eat in Nottingham,UK

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First loves let’s talk about this bag, if you follow me on Instagram then babes I warn you, this is going to be all over the place. I adore it, like completely and utterly love it. I’ve wanted a black tote bag for ages and as I knew it needed to be an investment, I wanted it to be amazing, and this gorgeous Lille-tote bag from the brand Rox and Ann certainly is amazing. The quality of the suede and leather is just so beautiful. Also loves up the 11th of May you can use my code ‘gracesurguy’ for a 50% discount off the Lille-tote bag collection, what a flipping good discount.

I’ve also got so much love for a oversized linen blazer at the minute and this one from H&M is perfect. I also adore a pair of red flared trousers, and I’ve realised that these trousers are the most worn pair of trousers in my wardrobe, something I never expected when I bought them, but they really do go with everything.

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I live in Nottingham in the UK, and I just wanted to give you guys an overview of my favourite places to eat in the city. Whether you guys live here, study here, or are just visiting at some point.

  1. The Alchemist

This a very newbie restaurant/bar in Nottingham which I visited for the first time for brunch on a Saturday, and man was it good. My fiancé and I had the American style pancakes (yes that included bacon) and it was seriously amazing.

The restaurant/bar itself its really decadent, and this is certainly reflected in the cocktails. My fiancé (never one to shy away) ordered a bubbling gin cocktail that really was a work of art and tasted amazing. It’s the kind of cool place that you want to take your friends to for brunch at the weekend, but also drinks on a Saturday night.

What I also have to say about The Alchemist is the service was so good, the guys were really attentive (but not too attentive, you know what I mean) and made sure we had everything we needed.

Find the link to the website/directions here

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  1. Bar Iberico

This is my absolute favourite place in Nottingham for tapas, and if you go at lunch time they have the most amazing lunch time menu called the menu rapido, its under £10 for the most amazing quality food and you really are full afterwards.

It’s the perfect place to take your family or partner for a yummy lunch, and a glass of wine (obviously).

My fav things to get are the beetroot carpaccio, orange, goats cheese walnut and the crispy chicken and spicy Jerez Sauce, soooooo yummy!

Link to the website/direction here 

  1. Edin’s Kitchen

So I feel like this is my secret little gem of a restaurant hidden in Nottingham’s city centre. This little multi-cuisine restaurant is so reasonably priced it is almost unbelievable. All meals are freshly cooked and although the menu is not huge (which is why I guess the prices are so reasonable!) there is such a good choice for meat/fish/veggie/vegan or whatever your diet choice because you know these guys will cater for it.

Plus the atmosphere is so relaxed and chilled, it really does feel like its everyone’s best kept secret.

Edin’s do not currently have a website but find them here on Facebook

Grace

Xx

Black leather & suede tote bag – Rox and Ann

Linen oversized blazer – sold out similar – H&M

Red flare trousers – sold out similar – H&M

White platform trainers – Superga C/O Nobody;s Child

 

What camera I use and how I edit my pictures

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Soooo many brands and amazing pieces of clothes to talk about here, first lets talk about this gorgeous tee from The Lucky Club 1, you guys know that I have been into streetwear since the dawn of time 2, this nude colour is actually my fav colour at the minute and I think around 50% of my current wardrobe is actually this colour 3, I am obsessed with the quote on the back, I genuinely think that with a positive mindset you can do anything! Check the guys out at The Lucky Club because its such a cool brand, plus this tee was only £25 which is a mega bargain.

Then to this beaut of a basket bag from an awesome brand called Hers Wave, so so so into anything straw or wicker at the minute as we move into spring/summer, and the circular shape of this bag is so good. I have the Cinque Terre bag in the large size, with the white strap. I actually took it to Marrakech last month, and its so easy to carry around, and actually fits in way more than you think. Hers Wave have so many other different varieties of basket bag that I am so desperate to try, to check them out loves.

Well did you ever see such a perfect suit? Absolutely flipping not! This gorgeous thing is from Dorothy Perkins & you guys know I have a real love for DP at the minute. The colour is so perfect for spring/summer and the fit of both the jacket and the trousers are amazing. I have this in a size 10 too babes and its perfect, I possibly could have sized down on the trousers, but I’ve certainly not got time for tight trousers!!! Remember loves all items are directly linked at the bottom of this post.

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So in yesterdays Instagram story I asked my lovely followers to send me over some questions that they would like me to answer, and I would do a Q&A blog post. But actually most questions I got were what camera I use, and how I edit my pictures, so I have changed by blog post to reflect this.

  1. What camera do you use for your amazing pics

Firstly thanks so much lovely, I find as a blogger it can be very hard to find good backgrounds and make your pictures as ‘good’ as you possibly can. A decent camera does help, but I do also use my iPhone 8 plus camera for some of my pictures, as it really does create quite decent quality images, especially in low light where some cameras might struggle. The camera I currently use is a Canon EOS M10 the images this camera produces are really good, but I think the best thing about it is it really is quite compact, and you still have the ability to change the lens like a DLSR if you want something different. Its also pretty affordable at around £350, unlike a DLSR which can be £650- £950.

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2. How do you edit your pictures and what apps do you use

So I have been using VSCO for years and I absolutely love it. I am not always the most technical of people and when I first started using the filters on the VSCO app I didn’t realise that you had the ability to turn down the intensity of the filter, so for a few months I had the very strong filter that make everything look SO white, luckily I fake tan, but when there was pic of me and my fiancee against a white wall, blink and you’d miss him (we remembered this the other day and laughed for about half an hour)!! So currently I use the filter J1 and turn it down to around 3.6, and the I often use the affects on the app Afterlight, such as the light leak and the dusty affect. I have soooo much to learn on editing pics as I wouldn’t say it is my strong point. however that is why I love reading posts like this from other bloggers.

Grace

Xx

Nude graphic tee – The Lucky Club 

Wicker round bag – Hers Wave

Rose suit trousers – Dorothy Perkins 

Rose suit jacket – Dorothy Perkins 

Platform trainers – Fila C/O Office

 

Getting to know me, 5 facts

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So I am totally in love with a brand called I am Gia, they offer a really cool unique almost streetwear vibe, so obviously I’d love it all, the problem with this brand is it is on the pricing side and even more pricy as I live in the UK and the items are shipped over from Australia. However on my hunt to find some black cuffed trousers like the iconic version from I am Gia, I found this most perfect dupe black cuffed trousers from Shein, they even have the cutest chain that can be added on or taken off as you see fit (I chose to remove . it with this outfit). Plus these beauts are only £23!! I have really got into Dorothy Perkins recently (in fact I’m using wearing some kind of DP item in most of my Instagram pictures!!) and how cute is this blue bag and khaki jacket both from Dorothy Perkins. You know you are getting quality, affordable items from DP and I think thats what I love about it.

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So as I have done in the past I guess I just wanted to let you guys know some more facts about me, to get to know me a little more;

1. I have quite a small family, only 1 uncle, no aunties and no cousins (lots of lovely second cousins but no first) this makes our little family so much closer, and of course I have gained a whole new family from my finances side, so it will only continue to get bigger.

2. I have the weirdest obsession with my hands and lips being dry (haha this is so weird!) I have to carry around hand cream and lip balm as this genuinely stresses me out!!

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3. I have 18 blazers..yes that is 18, and I know thats a lot, but I have some from years ago that I just can’t get rid of because they are still amazing, I feel like blazers are such a good items to purchase as they are so timeless and can we worn with some many items, my new fave combo is with joggers & trainers.

4. At the weekend I went to visit a lamb that lives in my brother kitchen! My brother and parents live on a farm, and they are currently in lambing season, unfortunately one sheep won’t take to to her baby, plus she has very little milk. So my brother is feeding him at certain times of the day to build up his strength, he is called Boris and is ridiculously cute.

5. My favourite thing in the world to do is watch Netflix’s on sofa with my fiancee & my dog Ralph, with snacks and the duvet, don’t get me wrong I do other things other than this, but if I could choose to do one thing it would be this!

Grace

Xx

Black cuffed trousers – Shein

Blue bag – Dorothy Perkins

Khaki Jacket – Dorothy Perkins 

Belt – Gucci 

Crop top – Calvin Klein

Trainers – ASOS