nasty gals do it better

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

5 reasons why I fashion blog

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Sooooo Nasty Gal may actually be my new fave brand, how beaut is this rust coloured two piece, even though it is cropped I think it is so flattering on, oh and also just so you know, it is only £25….yes £25, thats like £12.50 per item! Clearly in the UK we are going through a cold spell again, so this aviator coat from Monki is an absolute god send, plus it is currently in the sale (which is always a bonus). One thing I would say is be careful on the sizing, I have this in a XS and its fits really oversized on me, which you wouldn’t usually expect as I am a size 10.

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So I just wanted to share with you guys the 5 reasons why I fashion blog and why I love doing it, even though on some days its can very hard, especially with a full time job;

1. I adore fashion, always have, as I never went into it early enough in life, I could never take the wage cut (as I got my first mortgage at 24) by starting a new career. So blogging has given me the platform I crave so much, to write and talk to you guys about fashion

2. In my full time time job I work in digital as a project manager, having blogging as something I do in my spare time is certainly an asset to my day job.

3. Blogging allows me to express myself in anyway I want to, I can be who I want to be, and if people like my style and are inspired by my looks then thats literally all I could ever want

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4. I can buy lots of clothes, I’m not even going to lie, fashion blogging genuinely gives me an excuse to buy lots of clothes and regularly, and I can’t even be told off for it, haha!

5. I get to find out about and work with some absolutely amazing brands, such as Nasty Gal, Hers Wave, The Lucky Club, Elle Est Femme, and the people have met through blogging have honestly only ever been so lovely. I feel very lucky to be at the point where brands want to work with me and its so exciting.

Grace

Xx

Rust ribbed two piece – Nasty Gal

Aviator Coat – Monki

Boots – Sold out – Similar Dorothy Perkins

March 2018 – Spring Haul

Hi Babes,
I have been away from Youtube for a while, but I’m back! And ready to show you all of the amazing things I have been buying recently.
I really hope you enjoy this spring haul and all of the items in the video are linked below.
Topshop;
H&M;
Dorothy Perkins;
Nasty Gal;
Hers Wave;
Grace
Xx

 

How I deal with a style rut

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Lets talk about the outfit first babes, flares, yes flares, thank god they are back in fashion because I adore them, these rust coloured beauts  are actually part of a two piece set from my new love Nasty Gal, I love that they are ribbed, and are so flattering on. Then to the cropped trench, from Shein, I loveeeee this!! We are seeing the classic trench all over the high-street at the minute, however the style is much more deconstructed, with cropped versions, to waterfall versions, I love it!! Also from Shein this beaut polka dot wrap around top which may I say is only £10!!! I love anything polka dot at the minute.

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I know I have written about this before, and man I’m back there, that deep dark hole that is the style rut. I’ve said before that I know why this happens, and it 100% comes down to how I am feeling about myself and more importantly my body.

The jeans I absolutely adored a couple of months ago, that are now too uncomfortable to wear for more than 30 minutes are certainly part of this problem. Also many of my style icons on Instagram are quite substantially thinner than me, and honestly I go to buy something that looks amazing on them and it upsets me when I look like a potato in the same item of clothing.

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But finally I feel like I now know what to do when these feelings strike, for the first time ever. Which means I can tackle this head on! Below are my two ways of coping when I start to feel the rut coming on;

  1. Learn to love myself again, start putting good things into my body that will make me feel good about myself, not 4 cream eggs and a sausage cob. This means by the time it starts to get warmer I can rediscover my beaut white cropped jeans that are just that little bit too tight.
  2. Be my own style icon, I’ve always found myself idealising other fashion bloggers, or trendsetter’s way too much for my own good. Often going out and buying the exact same outfits as they are wearing! I intend to take inspiration from them, but that’s it! I have my own unique sense of style and it is important to always remember that. I also look different to the girls I am idealising and what looks amazing on them, may not look amazing on me! However, that’s not to say that something wouldn’t look even better on me!

From this moment on, this is what I am going to do, and I promise that I will check in with you in a couple of months with my progress update.

Grace

Xx

Orange flare trousers – part of a two piece set – Nasty Gal

Cropped trench coat – Shein

Polka dot wrap around top – Shein

Bag – Kozha Numbers

Boots – sold out – similar – Dorothy Perkins

My top three designer fashion houses

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Ermmmm can we talk about this teddy coat of dreams please, this beaut is from Nasty Gal and it is genuinely the best thing I own at the minute. I actually chose this in a large which was such a good call, because I absolutely afore the way it looks oversized, plus babes its £50…and its crazy warm, honestly the best thing I own!! I am so happy that we are seeing checks move from winter into spring/summer this year. Although the winter style checks will change, we’ll be seeing loads more colour, which I am so excited about. These beaut trousers from Romwe are my transitional piece of choice, plus they are only £16, mad right? Then the ugly, ugly Dad trainers the Fila Disruptors, that I have not had off my feet since I bought them, they are so ugly but so amazing at the same time! I need them in all colours!! Coat & trousers are linked in the text above, and everything linked is also linked at the bottom of the post, for any of you gals who need to do a little shop :).

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So I wanted to talk to you guys about my favourite designer fashion houses, and explain to you why I love them so much, although I don’t buy too much clothing from high end designers (we all have to buy food and live right) I love to take inspiration from their work, in terms of styling and finding similar pieces on the high street;

  1. Celine

Celine, Celine, Celine always my number one, honestly if I had all the money in the world, this would be the one and only place I would shop. I adore the androgynous suits, the oversized midi dresses and the pastels we are seeing this season. Give me a white Celine oversized suit any day and I would be a very happy girl!

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  1. Isabel Marant

From the perfect leather skinnies to the most amazing double breasted checked blazer. Isabel Marant for me gives off a kind of carefree boho style, and don’t get me started on the knits. I find I spend a lot of my time looking for dupes on the high street. Apparently Isabel herself tries on her entire collection before it leaves the studio. I mean if it was your collection, and it was this good, you really would do the same.

  1. Jil Sander

Tailoring at its absolute best (and you guys know I love a good bit of tailoring) sleek, clean lines and mega figures flattering styles. I am in love with the camel trousers and the oversized white shirts. Plus you know that the fabric is so luxe, it will all feel so good on.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post babes and thank you for reading.

Grace

Xx

Oversized teddy coat – Nasty Gal (I have this in a large)

Checked trousers – Romwe

Black polo neck – ASOS

Trainers – Fila Disrupter – Size

Gold necklaces – ebay, here, here, and here