street style

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

 

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

 

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

Why I intend to say no in 2018

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First of all my loves lets talk about this absolute beaut of a faux fur coat, I flipping love it! It’s honestly the softest thing I own, it also goes with everything, also babes its only £23, plus Shein have so many different versions if this one is not for you. Then some classic double denim, a style I always love to wear. The light coloured jeans from Topshop are some of my favourites at the minute, and this denim shirt from ASOS I have had for years, but I love it every time I wear it.

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Saying no was actually something I used to be a lot worse at, I’d be the one saying yes to everything that was asked of me, even if I really didn’t want to do it, or worse than that it put me out financially!! Although I am a lot better that this, in 2018 I intend to only do what I want to do. Selfish you say? Well of course there is a limit to this, helping out others is of course important, and you should always do what you can to be there for your loved ones. But how many times have you been asked to go on a work outing or party, or to wedding of a family member you barely know, which is miles away and will therefore cost you a fortune?

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Sometimes it’s ok to say no and to look after yourself. If you are knackered and just want to sit in front of the TV with a takeaway then do that, you don’t have to go out in your sky high heels and little dress if that’s the last thing you want to do. In 2018 if I don’t want to do something then I won’t and I’ll be honest about it, and if a friend family member does the same when we have something planned, then absolute respect to them. Look after yourselves babes, because it’s important that you do.

Grace

Xx

Brown faux fur jacket – Shein

Wide leg jeans – Topshop

Denim shirt – ASOS

Belt – Gucci

Bag – APC

How to clothes shop on a budget

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Today I want to talk to you guys about how to shop on a budget, and what a perfect place to start with this absolutely gorgeous long puffer coat from Shein it is s so warm, and for the sake of all things budget related is only £28! I also love that it has a hood, I know that sounds very geeky, but so many coats don’t have a hood and I don’t always carry a umbrella around with me. I have been wanting some cord trousers all season, and unfortunately I have not been quick enough to snap them up. However I found this cropped version in Zara, and I love the ring detailing at the front.

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So to shopping on a budget, this I feel I am very good at! Not many people have infinite money and trends change so much, that it is often very hard to keep up, especially as buying lots of different items is often not realistic! So I want to share with you some of my tricks when it comes to shopping  on a budget. So as per the above lovely puffer coat, I want to start with online stores such as Shein and Romwe, they offer really amazing, beautifully made pieces at a fraction of the price of the high street stores, such as Zara or Topshop. The only caveat is that as these stores are based in China, which means you maybe waiting slightly longer for your delivery,  however it is worth the wait if you take into account the money you will save in the long run. The only other thing I would say to be careful with is sizing, these stores are known to have a lot smaller than average sizing (for reference I wear a medium) so always size up.

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Finally another tip is online sellers such as Missguided, Missy Empire, Miss Pap, and Boohoo, which all offer really good, fast fashion and trend lead pieces at bargain prices. what I would say is always aim for the higher priced items on these sites, as you really will get some quality pieces at a smaller cost than anywhere on the high street. Another thing to be aware of is that most of these brands offer out regular discount codes, that you can find on may different voucher sites such as voucher cloud/voucher codes. These discount codes can be as much as 40% off, so its definitely worth a look via Google, before you commit to buying.

Grace

Xx

Long grey puffer coat – Shein

Cord cropped trousers – Zara

Cropped long sleeve floral embroidered top – Topshop

Black sock boots – Sold out – Blue version Topshop

 

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

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

My Autumn Picks From Romwe

If I need some affordable autumn clothes then Romwe is always top of my list. Especially as you guys know how much I love a bargain. So I thought I’d share with you my favourite pieces for autumn.
 
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Grace
Xx