romwe

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

Winter warmers at Romwe

So the UK is mega cold at the minute, and I am on the hunt for anything that is going to keep me warm & cosy. So I wanted to create a round up of the best winter warmers from my favourite affordable online brand Romwe.
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Grace
Xx

Girls supporting girls in the blogging world

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Outfit first my loves – can we just take a moment to appreciate these side stripe corduroy trousers from Romwe I don’t think I have seen anything else like them on the high-street at the minute. There is something about corduroy that makes it so much warmer than most other materials, which is great for all of the cold days we have coming up. These boots are such staples in my wardrobe, and I think I wear then more than any of my other shoes. It also surprises me just how comfortable they are as I don’t usually do well with stilettos. I have been looking for a navy blue maxi coat for a while now, and this one from H&M is exactly what I was after, plus its really great quality. I wanted a more oversized look so I actually sized up to a 12 and it is exactly the fit I was after.

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I think when I starting blogging again for the second time (the first time was quite a few years ago, before even the days of Instagram – yes I am old!) I was very fearful about putting myself out there as a blogger, who is putting their self and  their sense of style in front of the world, potentially to be criticised. I know as a blogger I am not at the level where I have exposure like some of the big players in the fashion blogging world. However there is still a level of expose, that you have putting yourself out there a brand on social media will give you.

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All I have found during nearly a year of blogging again, is the absolute support for each other, both bloggers and girls who love fashion from all around the entire world. Who are usually all trying to do the same thing, and doing it because they love fashion so much, or girls who just want to let you know that they appreciate what you are doing on a daily basis. I haven’t had a negative comment yet, even on those days when you are really not feeling your best, your thighs or your butt look and feel too big, your hair is too frizzy and you are just not feeling your face, girls  who you have never even met will leave the nicest of comments on your posts, and give you back that little bit of confidence. I too actively do the same to other bloggers/girls who love fashion on a daily basis, letting know know amazing they look or how well I think they have put an outfit together, because there is nothing better than love and support from our fellow women. Keep supporting each other babes because as women we are strong, and lets make social media a positive place for women :).

Grace

Xx

Corduroy side stripe trousers – Romwe

Black knitted roll neck – ASOS

Black Sock Boots – Topshop

Belt – Gucci

Navy long coat – H&M

Taking time to appreciate what we have

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One of my favourite trends this season is corduroy, trousers, jackets, entire suits, literally anything! This cord faux shearling lined jacket from Romwe is so cosy,  I have it in a size medium which is perfect to wear over a thick knit jumper, perfect for the colder months. I am also loving the kick-flare style trousers/jeans that we are seeing all over the high-street at the minute, they are such a flattering style, this version from Missguided is linked below. Then the trusty polo neck, that no winter in the UK can be survived without, and finally the silver boots of dreams, I am pretty sure this silver pair from Zara are sold out, however I will link a similar pair below.

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Sometimes in life we just need to stop what we are doing and appreciate what we have. Often we are so busy, running around, doing all of the things we need to do, like making more money or move along in life. That we don’t stop to appreciate what we have right now, in this moment. I know as a blogger with a full time job, trying to do well in my job along with trying to grow my blog that I am certainly a culprit when it comes to this.

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Now when I wake up in the morning, I take the time to notice and take in the sunrise, instead of just storming downstairs knowing I have things to get ready for work that day. Also to have hugs in the morning with my fiancee and my dog, and to just let myself enjoy that for 10 minutes, without letting my mind wander to the day ahead or to my to do list. Living in the moment is very hard for me as I am such a planner, but I know hoe important it is that I try to best to do this a few times a day. To keep my mind focused, I will be writing down two things a day, just in my phone, that I am appreciative and am grateful for. Whether that is my niece and nephew and their smiles when I come to see them, or how my fiancee always puts me first. Lets take a little time to remember how lucky we are, because I honestly think that is the secret to happiness.

Grace

Xx

Corduroy and shearling jacket – Romwe

Kick-flare black trousers – Missguided

Silver boots – Sold out – Similar Topshop

Striped polo neck – New Look

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

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