Blogger Pressures to Always Wear Something New

I may have been blogging a year now however, when it comes to putting outfits together for posts just like this one I often find myself getting rather worked up.

Many thoughts start running through my head, including 'I thought this would look better on', 'why have I again left it til the morning of shooting to decide what to wear' and 'I just want my readers to like it!'

All of which are thoughts I kinda need to stop having. No it doesn't look as great on as I imagined, get over it and pull something else out the wardrobe. Do not leave it til the morning of, again!! And finally, yes I do hope you all like the outfits I put together, however I dress for myself and myself alone. As long as I feel happy, comfortable and confident then nothing else should matter. However if you do love my outfit I'd love to hear from you because I buzz off the compliments!

Coat - Hobbs (similar here), Necklace - Chanel, Top - H&M (similar here), Trousers - Topshop (similar here), Trainers - Adidas, Bag - Zara

Before last week, I can't quite remember when the last time was that I bought new clothes. However, with Zara being a Spring/Summer haven I recently, and very happily I might add, parted with some of my hard earned cash!

My point is, like many others I look in my wardrobe and think I have nothing to wear! Which does sometimes make me think, I can't shoot an outfit, I have nothing new enough. But I'm ready to shake this mentality.

Realistically, everything that features on my blog isn't going to be new, and that's okay. As long as I can offer similar alternatives I am happy with that.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't ever feel the pressure from people to always buy new clothes and only post new pieces. As long as you're happy with what you're wearing that is all the matters.

One year on, these are still my favourite trousers, even more so as I lost so much weight I had to get the next size down in order for them to fit me and even they are a little baggy!

The next step of being able to post the same outfit more than once on Instagram without the fear of people realising my salary doesn't stretch far enough for me to be able to buy a new outfit for every single day.

Here's to the sustainability of the environment and my bank account!

Photography by Lauren Siddall.

The One Where I Went to Friends Fest

Last week I got the chance to go on one of my favourite TV sets of all time. Yes that's right, I went to Friends Fest.

With it only being in London last year I never got chance to go along, so when it was announced that Friends Fest was going on the road my mum got us tickets straight away!

I'm not going to lie, I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I was so pleasantly surprised. Overall, the event was only on a small scale but I think that's what made it so good. Everything was close together so you didn't have to walk for ages in the mud (yes it's outside) and no matter where abouts you were on the site you could always see the big screen which played some of the most loved Friends scenes.

Throughout the day we made our way around, dressing up like we were at the Lincoln High Class of 1988 prom to following in the drunken footsteps on Rachel and Ross to that little chapel in Vegas.

We got chance to recreate those oh so famous titles alongside finally getting to try Moist Maker Sandwich, which I did indeed manage to finish. Not only that, we had our photos taken in Central Perk and went on to pick up a coffee while watching a Phoebe Buffet tribute and sang along, obviously out of key to hits such as Smelly Cat.

The only part I would say I was a little bit disappointed at was when you get to visit both Monica and Rachel's and Chandler and Joey's apartments. When you buy your ticket you can book a 30 minute time slot to see these recreated sets. As there are quite a lot of people both in your group and in the one behind you, we felt like this experience was quite rushed. I managed to get a photo everywhere that I wanted to, but I also felt like I had to run around for half an hour in order to do so. Despite this, they have replicated the apartments so perfectly it's hard to find a fault!

Apart from that, I had a truly amazing day and can't recommend it enough. The tour continues but unfortunately unless you already have tickets it might be quite hard to get your hands on some as the official website is currently sold out!

If you are going make sure you have spending money as it's guaranteed you'll want to pick something up at the shop. My Central Perk hoodie is my new favourite thing, but I'm not quite sure it'll make my next outfit post...

For any other information, visit: http://friendsfest.co.uk/

Festival Favs

It's officially my second favourite time of the year, after Christmas of course! Yes I am talking about festival season!

Last month it all kicked off with Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull, since then there's been Parklife and Glastonbury but we've still got lots to look forward to.

This is the first year since I can remember that I haven't actually got a ticket to a festival. I'm not sure what quite happened this year, but that doesn't mean I can't window shop at all the amazing pieces which are out there!

So if you're still struggling for something to wear this festival season then hopefully my favourite picks will give you a bit of much needed inspiration!

Asos // £14

Boohoo // £18

At £18 this dress is perfect for those UK festivals that let's face it, can get pretty chilly at night! Team this up with bold hair accessories and you've got yourself a simple yet on trend look!

Motel Rocks // £50

Sequins are one of my favourite things when it comes to festival and this dress is just perfect! It's not the cheapest at £50 but something you can always relay on to get you through the summer.

Hunter // £99.99

Hunter wellies may be expensive but are an amazing investment and once you have them you'll not to have worry about parting with any more money for wellies every couple of years. When it comes to buying pieces like this I like to stay safe, yes those bright colours look great but will you still feel that way about them in a couple of years time? My advice, stick with black and not only will they go with all your outfits, they'll also fit the trend.

Misspap // £20

Pretty Little Thing // £12

I think these trousers are insane! For £12 they are an absolute bargain and can be taken on your next holiday too!

Pretty Little Thing // £18

Stradivarius // £9.99

I'm really lovin' the western vibes at the minute and a belt can be a great little addition to change your outfit up.

The Gypsy Shrine // £8

The Gypsy Shrine seems to be everywhere at the moment and I'm really not surprised why! They have so many jewels to choose from and give you that extra glam look even when you're coated in mud.

Topshop // £38

Zara // £25.99

Missguided // £45

Hats off to you if you're lucky enough to get your hands on this amazing sequin dress. Every time Missguided announce that this is back in stock its sold out before you know it. My advice to you, keep checking back everyday and I've got my fingers crossed for you.

This Morning Live

Now I don't know about you guys but I absolutely love This Morning, and I'm not sure if that should be a guilty pleasure or not but I've got nothing to hide!

Last week, for the first time This Morning went live at the NEC in Birmingham where they featured everything that the show is known for. My mum and I took full advantage of this and hopped on (no word of a lie) one of the first trains of the Friday morning down to the Midlands to experience this much talked about event.

This Morning Live was held over four days from Thursday 18th May to Sunday 21st May. During the events there was plenty to see and do. From a range of stalls selling clothes, interior goods and not to mention food, to health and beauty advice! There were also opportunities for you to support charities such as Guide Dogs UK, Dogs Trust and Cancer Research.

Alongside these, there were interviews with some of the shows favourite presenters, catwalk shows and beauty tutorials, literally something for everyone!

Although we didn't managed to get a selfie with either Phil or Gino we still had an amazing day eating doughnuts the size of our heads; meeting the amazing guide dogs who make such a difference to people's lives and going back in time and getting our hair done by the lovely lady at the English Heritage stand.

Although it is over now for this year I think it is something they will continue with and I would highly recommend getting tickets for it! One little word of advice though, which I myself will do next time, buy a VIP ticket. Not only do you get into the event first but there is seating allocated at the stages for these guests, exclusive areas, including free prosecco and it's also they only real chance we saw of getting to meet the likes of Phil and Holly without having to queue up for a good chunk of your day.

S/S '17 Favs

First things first, I would like to apologise for taking so long getting my next post up! Lots has been going on and I've recently started a new job which I am lovin'! I promise, no more blog slackin', I am back on it!

Now that that's out of the way, let's get to it! Yesterday was officially the first day of Spring and I am so ready to start dressing for it! Now that the sun is finally making an appearance, I thought it'd be a great time to share with you some of my favourite trends for Spring/Summer '17!

THINK PINK

Until recently I haven't be one for anything pink, or really girly. I don't know what but something has changed and now I can't get enough of it, and thankfully it's so in style this season! Now I'm more of a blush pink gal at the moment, but who knows, maybe in a couple of weeks time I'll be totally into fuchsia too, I'm not making any promises though!

Zara // £9.99

Another obsession of mine recently, slogan tees.

Whistles // £95

Missguided // £35

Warehouse // £59

Topshop // £19

SPORTS LUXE

Something that you're all going to learn very quickly is that I love the sports look. If I could, I would live in trainers, unfortunately I can't. Luckily for me, Sports Luxe is in this season so it is finally acceptable to go to work in trackie bottoms!

Missguided // £22

I've not bought a hoodie in years but this is super comfy, the sleeves are incredible and the cropped detail means it'll look good with pretty much anything.

Topshop // £12

Warehouse // £35

Asos // T- Shirt £23

Adidas // £64.99

I'm one of those people who will wear their trainers until they fall apart. I believe I need to stop doing this and just have a constant supply.

 RUFFLES

This is a trend that I find really hit and miss. I love it when it's a sleeve detail, or a ruffle on the skirt. But there are some I'm not keen on, such as massive ruffles in the middle of a top, but each to their own! I think this look is so perfect for Spring/Summer and adds a feminine feel to any outfit.

Lavish Alice // £56

Asos // £42

Missguided // £25

Mango // £35.99

I got some trousers just like this from Zara last year and they are such a good investment!

Lavish Alice // £86