Topshop

Fashion inspiration or outright copying?

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Firstly outfit details loves, not going to tell any fibs, I am completely and utterly in love with this checked midi skirt from Shein, I mean look at it!! The fit is perfect and its only £19.00! Just remember though babes the sizing is pretty small, I have this in a medium, and I am usually a size 10. You guys know that I love a beret, and I am so obsessed with this cream version from ASOS, I think I actually have 6 berets now, shhh don’t tell anyone!! Then to this white cream roll neck from Nasty Gal that I don’t think I have had off my body since I got it, if you didn’t think you need white ribbed roll neck, then I promise if you get one, you’ll know you did, lol! Finally the most perfect basket bag and white boots.

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So I keep seeing a lot of posts about bloggers copying other bloggers and it causing lots of upset, this topic really does seem to be a topic of interest in the world of Instagram, and fashion blogging at the minute. Online I have seen bloggers not only copying exact outfits, but also down to the exact poses, locations and even captions. I mean don’t get me wrong this is fundamentally not right, as a blogger f you have spent your time and energy building up your style, brand and blog then this should not be copied so obviously as I have seen it done by some.

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The thing is because of all of the stories in the media around blogging and copying, it can make you so fearful and honestly take the fun out of fashion blogging, worried that because you saw this shirt or trousers on someone else that you are copying! Blogging is supposed to be fun, nothing is truly unique or new anyway, so don’t beat yourself up for taking inspiration from other stylish gals. Surely this is part of what Instagram is here for? I love it when I get contacted by girls who tell me that are buying something because they saw me wearing it, surely for me (and the brands I represent) that is a job well done! Don’t take yourself too seriously, if you are a blogger or not, don’t let others scare you into worrying you are copying (unless you are the second paragraph of this blog post – then you probably are!). Do what you need to do, take inspiration and have fun!

Grace

Xx

Cream roll neck top – Nasty Gal

Checked button side midi skirt – Shein

Cream beret – ASOS

White boots – sold out – similar Public Desire 

Basket bag – sold out – similar Topshop

 

My So Shape diet challenge

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Hi babes, so I recently had the opportunity to work with So Shape which offer a diet plan (you guys can get 10% off both the 14 day and 28 day plan with my discount code Grace10), which consists of replacing both your breakfast and your evening meal with a So Shape smart meal. I tired the 28 day plan and got so many many amazing flavours sent through the post, from white chocolate and cookies shakes, to mushroom risotto and pesto pasta, the variety of flavours that are on offer is actually insane, and so important if you are not going to get bored during the plan. What I absolutely love about this plan is there is no calorie counting what so ever, which honestly is a breath of fresh air for me. Also due to the set morning and evening meals, it really does mean that you have a clear plan of how your diet is going to look, and what you are going to eat on a daily basis.

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But first lets talk about the shakes, I have tried so many diet/protein shakes in my time, and honestly these are the best tasting shakes I have ever had, and I 100% woke up everyday looking forward to my morning shake. So to what you are really here for…my results! So what I want to tell you guys first is that I was most definitely less bloated, and that in itself was such a nice feeling. The area I did struggle in was the meals at night, I was finding that I’d come home a night so hungry that the smart meal was often not quite enough. The good thing is So Shape gave you a list of guilt free foods that you can eat if you are feeling peckish, so there always options there if you are struggling.

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As with any diet 100% commitment is always needed, and in terms of my performance over the last 28 days I could certainly have done better. I could give you all of the excuses in the world, but any diet is down to how much you commit to it, and how motivated you are. So Shape really do give you all the tools you need to succeed, you just have to want to succeed enough not to pick up that McDonalds for the second time in two days (I didn’t do that badly I promise). My battle with healthy eating and weight less I am sure will be a long one, and it always seem to come last in my list of priorities, but with the kick start I have had from So Shape, I intend it no longer be last on the ‘to do’ list.

For 10% off the 14 and 28 day plans use my cost ‘Grace10’

Grace

Xx

Diet plan – So Shape

Pink jumper- sold out – similar H&M

Raw hem wide leg jeans – Topshop

Trainers – Fila Disruptors

 

 

 

10 things that you don’t know about me

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First my loves lets introduce you to the most cute lace up top ever! This beaut is from Shein and as always is mega affordable, at only £15 (insane I know). Its such a flattering shape too, it really gives you that hour glasses figure. It is a shame babes that you can’t see these trousers properly in these pictures (bring back summer & good lighting), if you could, you’d know they were the most amazing plum coloured satin combats!! I mean come on satin…combats!!

So I wanted you guys to get to know me a little more, so I thought I’d do a blog post on 10 things you don’t know about me. I mean some of you have known me for years, so you will know these things, and they will probably make you laugh!

1. I have absolutely no sense of direction, to the point where can happily come out of a shop and walk for a good 10 minutes, before I realise I’ve gone in the wrong direction. I also use sat nav to get around everywhere, I mean everywhere. I also get lost in peoples houses a lot…

2. I am obsessed with chocolate, if you leave chocolate near me, I will eat it in 2 seconds, and no I won’t feel bad!!

3. I have a 15 year old sister, which may not seem anything crazy, but she is my full sister and there is 15 years between us. Plus she’s most perfect little thing you ever did see, and I love her to bits.

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4. As you can see above I have a Yorkshire terrier dog called Ralph, and I let him lick me on my face, mouth, nose, meh I don’t even care, I literally love him that much!

5.  I have a massive thing for crop tops, which is not weather appropriate in the UK at the minute at all. For a night out give me a pair of trousers and a crop top, over a little slinky dress any day.

6. I have the most perfect fiancee (they all say that) but honestly he is a dream, he shops with me for hours, takes all my pictures for my blog, puts up with me moaning about looking fat. He is an absolute gem and I am so lucky to be with him.

7. Both my fiancee and I work in digital, so we genuinely come home and have conversions about it, only a nightly basis….highly sad.

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8. I have a lisp! Not a surprise if you have ever heard me talk, but its there and its prominent. I got very badly teased for it when I was at school, but now I realise like any bullying, that was their anxieties and weaknesses. My lisp is part of me, and I am a confident person so will always speak freely, and it never ever makes me feel self-conscious. If someone picks up on it to make fun of me (not a regular occurrence actually) I will make sure they know how childish that is, and that its only a bad reflection on them.

9. I wanted to work and make money since being a little girl, so I would make things out of sticks in the garden (like stick dolls, stick nests, the possibilities were endless), and sell them for real money to unsuspecting family members. Whether they wanted them or not, lol!

10. I am terrible at texting people back, like completely and utterly terrible, my lovely amazing friends have learnt to deal with it over the years. Its that whole I’ll do it later thing…sorry guys, you know I love you <3.

Grace

Xx

White lace-up top – Shein

Silk combat trousers – sold out – similar Missguided

White shoes – sold out – similar 

My take on the key trends for Spring

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First of all babes, let’s talk about my complete obsession with layering. I mean it’s a good job that I am obsessed because it is absolutely freezing in the UK at the minute, and probably the only way I am able to survive. Let’s also talk about this gorgeous bargain of a midi skirt from Shein, I love how tight the pleats are and how full the skirt is. Plus, it’s an absolute steal at only £18.00!! I think for me this navy long coat, this denim jacket and these black leather boots are going to be items that are in my closet for a long time, staples that I will never get tired of.

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Neutral suits

Double breasted in a beige/nude colour, slightly loose, man I want one so bad. This is the thing though, it’s the sort of thing that I dream of, but never find, unless its Celine, then I can’t afford it! One day I aim to have my own clothing line, and these wonderful design will no longer be a figment of my imagination!

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots you say?? Not on your nelly, but trust me babes, it’s not full on cowboy, it’s a hint towards this this full-on style, with the chunky almost Cuban heels, the square toe and the embroidery details. I have my eye on the most perfect white pair from Mango

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Belt bags

I have the most perfect version from COS, it’s a simple black leather version and it honestly does look so good over fitted blazers or coats. Or on the waist of your trousers with an oversized coat over the top. One tip I would say, I have seen so many garish versions out there, that it really is better to go for a simpler version that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe

Micro sunnies

I genuinely wasn’t sure about this trend when I saw it on the catwalk! Tiny sunglasses that barely cover your eyes, but now I love the cool 90’s vibe that it gives to any outfit. Also not going to lie they look cool perched on the end of your nose for a selfie (I know you’ve done it babes). There are also so many cool style around from the likes of Pretty Little Thing, ASOS and the star of the show Ebay.

Grace

Xx

Checked pleated midi skirt – Shein

Denim jacket – sold out – similar Topshop

Navy Blue long coat – sold out- similar H&M

Black leather boots – sold out – similar Topshop

Black leather ring handbag – Kozha Numbers

 

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

 

Changing up my style

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Happy new year my loves, first of all I want to say thank you so much to each and everyone of my readers, you have no idea how much your time and attention on my blog means. In 2018 I intend to give my babes the best content I possibly can, and hope you all keep enjoying what I do. So to the worlds most perfect checked blazer from Shein what I love about this blazer is it is more coat less blazer (if you know what I mean) worn with a skinny rib jumper its really warm. As with all of my Shein pieces, it is mega good value for money too, at only £26.00!! Next, to the most perfect straight leg jeans from ASOS which are literally the perfect fit for me, I have quite large calves and usually struggle with non stretch jeans, but these guys don’t cut into my calves, plus they are the most perfect high waisted fit.

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So what I want to talk to you guys about today, is how I’m constantly changing up my style, and actually how I think I have made me biggest style move so far. Recently I’ve been taking in so much style inspiration from Instagram, and so many other places and I am always so drawn to the minimalist, androgynous styles with a feminist touch, that are possibly a little more grown up.

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So babes for the new year this is the sort of styles I am going to be wearing because I honestly do love them. So get ready for lots of oversized blazers, straight leg jeans, long maxi coats and the most perfect basics.

Grace

Xx

Checked blazer – Shein 

Straight leg jeans – ASOS

White ribbed jumper – sold out – in black Topshop

Pointed black boots – Topshop

Black ring bag – Kozha Numbers

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

My best moments of 2017

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Lets do the outfit deats first loves, this faux fur jacket from Shein is so warm and cosy, I love how it is kind of cropped, I usually go for a more oversized style for a faux fur jacket, but I loved how different this is. Plus it is mega affordable as always at only £22, which is insane for a coat. The black jeans are my staple wide leg cut off jeans from Topshop, along with this white ribbed long sleeve top, that is a go to in my wardrobe for layering now the weather is colder.

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I think it is so important in life to look back on the year just passed and reminisce about the good times, the amazing moments you had and the great achievements you made, that should be remembered and celebrated. 2017 has actually been an insane year me, and my life has changed a lot, sometimes I find that we look back on the previous year and not much seems to have changed, for me this makes me feel quite uncomfortable, I like to be forever growing and developing, learning and experiencing new things.

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There is so much that I can talk about in 2017, but here are some of my highlights and things I will never ever forget;

  • January 2017 – starting to blog again, something I had intended to start doing years before but never really got the time, oh so I say 🙂
  • March 2017 – Trip to Lucca Italy with my partners family and my now future family. By the way guys, Luca is one of the most beautiful places I have been to, I really would recommend it
  • May 2017 – During a trip to Paris my boyfriend (now fiance) asked me to marry him, in a beautiful apartment we were staying in, on the Champs-Elysees, after a 3 course meal from a private chief. This was and will forever be the best night of my life. At 30 I was a little late finding the man of my dreams, but he’s here now and I can’t imagine my life without him.
  • May 2017 – I bought my first Gucci (clearly a very important development)
  • June 2017 – after 9 years in my previous job I moved to a new job at a new company, and it is one of the best moves I have ever made. I learn and develop my knowledge of digital marketing on a daily basis. Which I believe is such an important thing in any role, you must always be learning and developing, no matter how long you have been in the same job.
  • July 2017 – My fiance and I booked our wedding venue, July 27th 2019 here we come!
  • August 2017 – my fiance and I went on the holiday of lifetime where we spent 3 and a half weeks travelling across California & Nevada in America. We saw some absolutely amazing things, ate some amazing food, drove and amazing car and had quality time together that we will never ever forget
  • December 2017 – I hit 5000 followers on Instagram, this is huge for me and I want to say thank you to everyone, because I flipping love you all!

So here’s to 2018 babes, let’s have the best year ever.

Grace

Xx

Faux fur coat – Shein

Wide leg jeans – Topshop

Black leather boots – Topshop

Long sleeve white ribbed top – ASOS

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

My 3 winter fashion essentials

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Firstly babes lets talk about outfits, so this checked coat from Shein is honestly so perfect, I have it in a size medium, and as with all items from Shein, it is always best to size up, I usually go for a medium, or even a large depending on the item. As I have mentioned before as Shein is a Chinese online store, the sizes are a lot smaller than standard UK sizes. I think what I love the most about this coat, is the red thread running through the checked pattern, and as always the quality is lovely, and for only £25! These skinny jeans from Weekday are a revelation, I spoke about them in my last post, click here to find out more. Then to the red Zara beret and the slip on Vans, which I will speak about next.

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So I have 3 winter essentials that I will not be going headlong within winter without this year. 1. the beret, I am so so happy that we have a new winter hat style that is really being coveted this year, and I want it in every colour! I currently have a red and a grey, but I am also looking for a navy and a nude colour. 2. The checked coat, this £25 Shein version is so perfect for the coming colder months, especially with a really thick knit jumper underneath. I also have a maxi length version from ASOS which is amazing too, a checked coat dresses up any simple outfit.

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3. The trainer, I have so many trainer styles that I am loving at the minute, my most recent purchases are these slip-on Vans & the Comme Des Garcon Converse (which are amazing by the way!). You also can’t beat a black pair of Van’s Old Skool, I know that lots of people are wearing them at the minute and they are not really unique, however they do go with most outfits. A good pair of trainers are perfect for the colder time of the year as they are great for slipper surfaces and also so warm. I hope you have enjoyed my 3 winter essentials, lots more essentials posts coming up.

Grace

Xx

Checked coat – Shein

White puff sleeve top – Topshop

Pale blue skinny jeans – Weekday

Slip on trainers – Vans

Red beret – Zara