romwe style

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

 

Where I get my fashion inspiration

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Right now I am so obsessed with nudes, whether that is in the form of a t-shirt/jumper or trousers, in fact if you guys follow me on Instagram you’ll see my perfect nude flared trousers from Mango. When I first saw this draped nude top from Romwe I loved it, and knew instantly that I wanted to pair it with a pair of trousers with a similar tone. It is also quite a dressy outfit, so I dressed everything down with pair good old Stan Smith trainers & a fluffy white jacket from Topshop.

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So I just wanted to let you know how and where I get my weekly (often daily) dose of fashion inspiration. Of course there is no surprise that my absolute favourite place to find inspo is Instagram. I have go to accounts that I will check usually on a daily basis such as @deborarosa who really is my number one style icon, @pepamack giving me all of the minimalist inspo I need & @wethepeoplestyle who is never predictable in her style and I absolutely adore that.

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I travel down to London on the train quite a bit for work, and I love to buy a Vogue magazine (and this is getting really old school now) and a pen and mark all of the bits in the magazine that really make me excited. What I love about this is it can be anything, hair styles, make-up, and when you really feel like you have no idea what to wear it’s great to revisit the magazines.

Grace

Xx

Nude wrap over blouse – Romwe

Nude wide leg trousers – in the sale – H&M

White trainers – Adidas Stan Smith

White shearling jacket – Topshop

 

Items I would never wear for my body type

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Ok so I know I am mad wearing all white, especially being the most clumsy person in the world (I managed to spill half a can of coke down my sleeve the other day, down my sleeve!!!) but I just love this combo so much & I think it’s so chic for winter. This white jumper from Romwe is so comfy and warm, it’s a really thick knit, which is so perfect for the cold winter we are having in the UK. And these white trousers from All Black Everything, which are honestly the most comfy flattering white trousers ever. I just want to share a secret with you babes, I always size up when it comes to coats. This coat from ASOS is a size 12 and a tall because I love the longer length and long sleeves.

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So babes I just wanted to talk to you guys about some items that for my body shape I just wouldn’t wear.  That’s not to say that for you they wouldn’t look amazing. Must first items is white skinny jeans, they honestly look so bad on me, I love a pair of thick mom style or wide leg jeans, but skinny jeans in white are a no no for me, I always find that these stye of jeans are always pretty see through too. Short body-con skirts, I have larger legs and calves and for me a short body-co skirt is really not flattering on my legs and makes them look so much bigger.

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Smock dresses, now I have dabbled in smock dresses before and sometimes it works, sometimes it really doesn’t. As I am an hourglasses shape it is way more flattering for me to wear something that really nips me in at the waist, instead of hangs over my body. Shoes with ankle straps, again this is something I very occasionally wear, and usually I do regret it when I do it, but as my legs are on the bigger side, and ankle straps are known to shorten the look of your legs.

Grace

Xx

White knitted jumper – Romwe

White trousers – All Black Everything

Cream maxi coat – ASOS

Black trainers – Vans

 

2018 resolutions and why I totally believe in them

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Clueless vibes you say? Hell yeah! I know we see the check/plaid vibe come around on a yearly basis, but this is a trend I will continue to love, year after year. I also love this staple black jumper from Romwe I adore the lantern sleeves, also as the jumper itself is not too oversized, it is very easy to tuck into a skirt or pair of jeans without looking too bulky. Also guys its a total bargain at only £22!!

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Although I do not technically believe in ‘new year’s’ resolutions, as I think it is important to set goals and challenges through the year. However I do think the new year is the perfect new start to really think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. I am a serial goal setter, and I honestly think that I wouldn’t be where I am if I wasn’t.

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So what are my goals for the new year;

    1. Put my health first – I am a such a yoyo dieter, and it really frustrates me that I am like this! A person of extremes, one minute I am extremely regimented and get really upset with myself if I do the smallest thing ‘wrong’ the next I am eating Mcdonalds 3 times a day. So in 2018 I want to establish a healthy and balanced lifestyle, not depriving myself of anything but making sure a am putting goodness into my body on a daily basis & exercising as much as I can, without going over the top.
    2. Save for our wedding –  I am terrible with money and even worse at saving, but in 2018 I fully intend to save hard so we have the wedding of our dreams in 2019. Even if this means a slightly smaller wardrobe (only slightly) and no summer holiday (rubbish but necessary)
    3. Grow my blog/social following – after nearly a year of blogging again I have absolutely loved it, and worked with some wonderful people and brands along the way. In 2018 I want to redesign the blog and carry on doing what I’m doing now, with the same amount of passion and love.
    4. Look after my hair – ok so you might not think this is big enough to go on this list, but man my hair has been through some shiz in 2017, bleach, pink dyes etc, it needs a real break. Its dry and very very damaged, so back to brown and lots of hair masks and trims, and as little heat on it as I can manage, so that 2019 is a better hair year for me.
    5. Spend quality time with my fiance, family & friends –  I am absolutely awful at getting very easily distracted, whether its by my phone or something I am thinking about. In 2018 when I am with my loved ones I want to be there with them, every second, not in my head or on my phone, thinking about my to do list. It’s so important to be in the moment as much as possible, and to really feel the joy of every moment.
    6. Grow professionally – outside of blogging I am a digital project manager, and I absolutely love my job. For me in my job I intend to learn and grow on a daily basis, whether that is with classroom training/courses, or whether that is learning from my highly skilled and experienced colleagues on a daily basis.

 

 

 

 

And that’s it really babes, take some time to write down your goals, because if nothing else it’s extremely cathartic, and I really do think it sets you on track for a positive year.

Grace

Xx

Black lantern sleeve jumper – Romwe

Checked mini skirt – Sold out in this colour, different colour – Topshop

Leather boots – Topshop

Bag – APC

3 things I wish I’d said to my 20 year old self

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I am so obsessed with anything knitwear from Romwe at the minute & this yellow dreamy jumper is no different. I love the oversized fit and as always a roll neck. I love pairing quite an oversized jumper with wide legged trousers, and these black ones from H&M are my absolute favourites. Then the classic white trainer, is there anymore perfect shoe for a capsule wardrobe? I think not!!

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I have a 15 year old sister, and as soon as she was born she changed my life, because of the age difference between us, she has always been more like a surrogate daughter than a little sister. There is not much I wouldn’t do for that girl, to make sure she is happy in life. However there is one thing I can and will do. As a 30 year old I fully understand and embrace popular culture, social media, all of these things that are now so prominent in our lives. 10 years ago they were of course less entwined within our everyday life, but the themes are still same. So this is what I would tell my 20 year old self, my 15 year old sister and anyone else who wants to listen.

  1. Love yourself for being you – As young adults, man can you guys be hard on yourself! I was exactly the same at your age and with the rise of social media it’s so much harder for you guys to step away from the idealistic view of the world we are served on a daily basis. Imagine the amount of time we could put into our own self love, if only we used the time we take to beat ourselves up,and tell ourselves we are not good enough. There will always be someone prettier, more intelligent, richer, but you are you, kind, passionate, thoughtful, loving and there is only one of you. Spend time with your friends and family and people who bring you joy and make you feel wonderful everyday. And do not criticise the way you look or your body, look after yourself and love your differences as they make you, you. This image you see in the magazines, Instagram is not real, how can you even aspire to something that is fake? Clothes and beauty are fun but thats all they are, family, friends love are everything.

 

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  1. Work hard – In your 20’s you have the world at your feet and your whole future ahead of you. Take this time to decide what you want to do and work hard to get there. Whether this is in business or an apprenticeship (which I genuinely think are the best things ever, by the way) or a more creative role. At 20 I fell into marketing, although I felt my role at the time wasn’t my calling I worked hard within the industry and am now in a role that I love, and I know is perfect for me.
  2. Look after yourself – At university, I never ate vegetables, barely ate fruit and very rarely exercised. As your bodies are young they can take this treatment, but you really will feel better if you look after yourself. We all get into ruts where we eat badly for a few weeks, and realise we have put nothing green into our bodies for a while. If you eat well your body will thank you for it and you’ll feel healthier, with more energy and positivity than you can imagine.

I hoped that helped my loves, and remember it takes time to become who you imagined you be, it took me 30 years, but the journey to get there will make you who you are.

Grace

Xx

 

Mustard knitted jumper – Romwe

Wide leg black trousers – Sold out – Similar- H&M

Platform white trainers – Adidas Stan Smith

Bag – APC

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

 

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

Knits, silk & being hard on yourself

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I’ve been on a mission to buy as many jumpers as I can recently, in time for the cold weather, and this grey one from Shein is one of my favourites. It is amazing quality, I can’t wait to wear it with some wide legged trousers and heels, it’s also under £16, so great value for money. I love paring a top & bottom piece of a similar colour/tone.  Along with combinations of textures, so this knit grey knit and silk silver skirt are just the perfect combination for me. The skirt gives more of a lux feel to quite an everyday outfit. I don’t need to tell you guys how much of a staple a leather jacket is. I am actually on the lookout for an oversized version as we speak.

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I can be the queen of being hard on myself, its unfortunately a trait that has followed me since school. I feel I need to try as hard as I can and do the best I can, great you say? With this often comes the side effect of then beating yourself up (mentally) when you don’t achieve quite what you thought you would. Especially as you start to do well, whether that is in your job/hobby/family life, I find the better you get at something, and the more it starts to pay off, the harder you are on yourself and the more critical you become of your work.

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I am actually the hardest on myself when it comes to blogging, more than any other aspect of my life. I often look at my bank of pictures, ready to put on Instagram, and I can tear them apart in a matter of minutes. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that blogging is my hobby and it’s supposed to be fun, 90% of the time it is tremendous fun, the 10% of the time it’s not is purely down to me putting pressure on myself and overanalysing everything I do. My aim over the next few weeks is to just try to enjoy it more, it’s not my full-time job, it’s my hobby and I am blessed to be in the position to be able to put so much energy into it. So, my advice to any bloggers out there who are probably being too hard on themselves, remember to enjoy it. Who cares if you get 800 likes or 100 likes on a photo, if you love it then you’ve achieved something, do this for you, nobody else, and if other people appreciate what you do then that’s just a bonus.

Grace

Xx

Grey knitted jumper – Shein

Silky silver midi skirt – ASOS

Black leather jacket – Sold out – similar Zara

Black ring ankle boots – Zara

Black ‘Marmont’ bag – Gucci

 

Embroidered sweaters and blogging with a full-time job

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As you guys know I like to talk outfit first, then get to the deep stuff :). I love the embroidered sweater trend we saw all over the high-street last year and I’m happy to say its back, yeay! This version from Romwe is just the perfect amount of embroidered for me, and the quality is amazing, especially for the bargain price. If I can recommend one type of denim it will be a vintage pair of Levi mom jeans, you will never not love them. I’ve had these for years and I still love them as much as the first day I bought them. Of course, they are ‘do it yourself’ rips, which look better and better over time.

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So blogging with a full time job, yep, its honestly so flipping hard. You have to want to blog, I mean really want to blog, and make it part of your life.  It is time consuming, from working out what outfits you want to shoot, to actually taking the pictures to editing, to posting on Instagram (and having some kind of mild strategy) to writing blog posts.

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My advice for anybody who wants to blog, with a full-time job, is to block out sections of time where you know you have to do something and stick to it every day/week. For example, on Instagram I always post at 7.30am and around 8.00pm every day, this is genuinely part of my daily routine and it now feels unnatural if I don’t stick to it. I also write my blog posts for the next week on a Sunday, it sets me up for the week, then I know I only have Instagram to concentrate on. Lastly (and this one’s important) you need someone who is really going to be dedicated to helping you on pretty much a daily basis to take pictures, because unfortunately it’s pretty hard without that. My fiancé (Instagram husband) is an absolute star and is so patient with me, he takes my pictures in the rain, when we are running around and do not have time for pictures in the first place, and when I he has to take about 60 photos because I am convinced my legs look fat! Don’t let any of this but you off because I love it, and I am so happy to say that I am a blogger, yes it hard but it’s absolutely worth it, so getting blogger babes <3.

Grace

Xx

Embroidered black sweater – Romwe

Vintage Levi mom jeans – ASOS Marketplace

Trainers – Vans