I'm (Not) Sticking With You

It feels like forever since I properly checked in which is ridiculous because I have so many amazing outfits to be shared with you just sat in my wardrobe ready to be photographed. Since my last post, my head has been all over the place and I certainly did enter a sugar coma after Christmas/New Year - it's a tradition OK! I'm gonna rewind back to November when I turned the important age of twenty-one - how the bloody hell did that happen? To you readers, it's most likely not a big deal but to say the sentence "I am twenty-one" out loud is a shock. Time goes by so slowly, yet so quickly and all of a sudden life slaps you in the face and you're not a little girl anymore. And then BOOM. Life comes around again and you're saying goodbye to all your high school friends at prom. And then WHAM. You're twenty-one - recognised as an adult in 'the real world' or a little fish in the ocean as I would put it. It's terrifying. Admittedly, I'm still happy I don't get hangovers from hell three days after and also I was surprised with a unicorn cake so I guess in all, I'm not thaaaat old! But let's just remind ourselves that it's not all doom and gloom when you get older. You can still have fun!

They say you're meant to have your shit together by now but let me just make something abundantly clear to you - you're most definitely NOT meant to have your shit together! It honestly baffles me when people say this because where do you end up? On the next train to 'Stressville', that's where. On my days off away from the cafe, you'd think I'd want to escape the sound of milk boiling and the endless shrieks from kids screaming over not being aloud a sugary treat but the truth is, I often do sit in coffee shops. I'll usually be found with my earphones in listening to The Cure or when I'm feeling a sing-along (in my head of course...) I'll skip to 'You Can Call Me Al' by Paul Simon on repeat. A question I ask myself pretty much every week is, "What am I doing with my life?". The only answer to that is nothing and guess what, that is totally fine! I'm sat here typing this out whilst laughing at myself because about a month ago I was in floods of tears knowing everybody else was achieving goals and well, all I was doing was sitting drinking decaf soya lattes watching the world go by. But in all honesty, I needed to calm down. I truly believe this constant worry started in high school assemblies, being forced to make life decisions on the spot at the age of seventeen years old. Now that was AND is a load of bollocks. Deep down I would love if teachers nowadays had the decency to tell you "You don't need to have it all planned out right now, that's just a myth." instead of ramming copious applications down your neck. That's definitely one regret I have when I was in my last year of high school - the constant pressure to have my life mapped out on paper.

Photography has always been an ever-growing passion of mines so after leaving school, I decided studying the subject in more detail at college was best. College is basically a step up from school, you have more freedom and independency, something which I found difficult at first. I went onto this course believing I wanted to be the next female version of Bailey but that didn't happen. I remember after six months on the course, I was completely lost. Yes, I was passing each test with flying colours and reaching deadlines on time but I just wasn't enjoying it. It almost became a chore. I didn't want to put photography in the same category as doing the dishes on a Sunday evening but it kinda just fell into it unfortunately. At the end of the day I passed, but all I can take away from my time there was the experience, meeting some amazing people and the buzz about knowing my camera inside & out. All that stress caused me not to pick up my camera for over a year. Yep, my lil' Canon baby just sat in a drawer collecting dust. How sad is that? But now, I've found the courage to snap snap snap and ONLY call photography my hobby, and I can't tell you how much happier that has made me! There are no deadlines or twirling with the hair, when worryingly waiting for the next project to be announced AND I luuuurve it. One thing that I do miss about education is well, the bus journey to and from college. Does that sound bad? Probably... Travelling by the sea (and past the nearest Asda -classy huh...) was something I enjoyed. Maybe it was because I'm such a dreamer when I have my earphones plugged in and imagine my life like in the film 'God Help The Girl' or just simply enjoyed guessing the jobs of each person who stepped onto the bus. Who blaaady knows!?

Like everyone on this living earth, I've got many dreams that I wish to come true. One being, singing in a band - not in the shower but on a stage! Two, succeeding in blogging and three, well you know what that is...owning my very own sausage dog of course. To say I feel content in my life would be an utter lie. I'm currently in a job that doesn't satisfy me and most days when I walk in through the doors, I want to stick my head in a blender. Feeling so tied down to a job is as grim as it sounds and working with your manager every single day who talks down at you, making you feel unworthy, well now that ladies and gentlemen isn't even worth a penny. It's important to feel self gratification. Since turning twenty-one, it has only appeared to me that I am stuck in the biggest rut ever and change is needed. I know that I'm worth more than continuous cups of black coffee and toasted fruit scones. It's time to kick myself into gear sooner rather than later. Even if that is a different but more appropriate cafe job! But when it comes down to applying for jobs and you then get knocked back, well that is where us humans come crashing back down to believing that it's the end of the road when really, it isn't. It's all about experience. Each interview is a learning curve, discovering the areas that you need to improve on so don't see it as a negative like what I've been doing. In fact, see it is a confidence booster! Let's get serious, you have to work hard to get the things in life you wish for but you know what, that is all part of becoming a better version of yourself.

Although I haven't yet found my feet and let's face it, I probably won't in the next coming twenty years. But I now know that it's normal and just as Bob Marley once sang "Every little thing is gonna be alright", it will be. I will get there. You will get there. There is no such thing as 'you have to attend college or university to succeed in life'. Totes go for it if you know what your desired path is but don't get in a mad panic if that path doesn't exist for you...yet. Because comparison is an ugly lil' thang! There will be a day when a lightbulb sparks up above your head and you'll instantly know where you want to go in life - it just takes time that's all, just like curling your hair takes time! If you feel like you're drowning in the same ocean as me don't worry, I've made room for you on this floating door unlike Rose...(shit Titanic reference, I know...). But remember this lovelies, if you're not happy with something then change it and if you can't change it...GET RID OF IT!

The next part of this post is on a subject that I'm a little on the touchy side about but I figured it briefly needed to play a part. My intention is and will always be to chat about fashion on my blog but recently I've decided I want this to be a place where I can share my thoughts, feelings, and personal matters with you all. I guess it's like an online journal? Before I begin, I want to point out that this is brief points & it's mainly for my benefit as I've found that expressing myself through writing is a number one healer but I'd like to hopefully on some level help any of you who are or have went through a similar matter like this. So let's begin shall we...

 There's no easy way to say this but heartache is brutal. But we all seem to keep putting ourselves through it time and time again. There's literally only one positive point that you can take away from heartache. It's always a lesson learnt, it teaches you what you want and more importantly what you DON'T want. If there was some kind of award gained from heartache, I feel I would have a cabinet filled up. I do feel a lil' uneasy typing this down as I mentioned but I'm going to because it's been apart of me for the past six months. I spent a year with someone who treated me kindly for half a year and the rest of it, appallingly. Of course at the beginning of every relationship, you get that butterfly feeling each time you see the other person. Quite frankly you're living in a fairytale or what most people like to refer it to as the honeymoon' stage. Planning trips away, doing grown-up things side by side and even picturing your first flat together. It's that new and exciting feeling that we ALL love and crave for but it shouldn't only last for so many months...nuh uh! For me, I was always consistent throughout. I never changed as a person. But for him, it was different - he became the person who I didn't fall in love with. So many people nowadays put their best selves forward in order to gain what they want, and okay, yes, that is true but very rarely it doesn't often end well... He was the type of guy who just ended up ruining every occasion for me - my birthday, New Year's Eve, Latitude Festival...you name it! I was never able to enjoy myself because I was always on edge. Every little thing that had went wrong, I saw it as something that I personally was doing wrong. Another point is, that if I had anything to say then it wasn't important enough e.g. discovering a new band for us to listen to, well they never got played... So even that triggered me into feeling like I was yesterdays newspaper. I was just there. Hovering beside him & only mattered when it suited him. The relationship made me feel so insecure and depressed and even left me in small panic attacks that I'd never in my life encountered before. Believing that I was the problem when really, the elephant in the room was his selfishness. How that didn't scream unhealthy to me is a mystery in itself. Nobody should ever put you in that box even if they don't realise when they're doing it.

"Most relationships end because once the person has you, they stop doing the things it took to get you."

 Looking back, I spent months putting up with it because first love made me believe that despite all the bad times, it was him and only him responsible for my happiness. How. Insane. Is. That? If I had a time machine, do you know what I would do? I'd go back in time to this time last year and possibly kick myself in the head and then hit him on the head too (numerous times). Yes, he is 100% to blame for my upset but you have to kind of ask yourself, was there anything I could have done to make it better? The answer is yes, I could have, but no, I didn't. I just brushed past the negativity with my head held high. Spending months of my life not speaking up for myself when he made me feel guilty for a series of things is such a big regret of mines. I do briefly remember one night where I ran to the bathroom, collapsed on the floor & a flood of tears rushed down my face - whilst he was sleeping - of course. GIRLS! That is no relationship! I was never the girl to cry continuously (this was every week may I add...) I was always the positive bee but he turned me into a grey cloud - literally. As cheesy as it is, I did in fact lose who I was in this rocky rollercoaster of a relationship. All in all, it is true what they say...you just don't know what goes on behind closed doors or an Instagram photo.

Never deny yourself to be upset. Mourn for as long as you like. You're literally saying goodbye to the life you knew, and most of all the person you knew. Get most of your sadness out, even if that does mean having minor breakdowns at work - yes I'm your number one culprit... I've cried at the train station, in changing rooms (yup) and even in the shower. Don't go listening to the people who say "But why are you still so angry/upset by it?" because they simply don't understand. You just gotta talk it out though. I don't think I can count on both hands how many times that I've repeatedly ranted all of my emotions out to my sister without her nodding off to sleep (much appreciated hun). Even go buy a notebook and write down bullet points of how you're feeling. Just remember you HAVE to acknowledge it at some point. Heartache most definitely does not have a sell-by date on it. You will reach the light at the end of the tunnel when it's right for you. Not when somebody else says so! One day you'll wake up and feel horrified that you were ever that girl but then you gain a sense of relief & it becomes history. Admittedly, I'm not at that stage yet but like I mentioned, time is your number one healer. Deep down I know that I will reach that stage because everything in life is temporary and we're all just travelling in & out of scenarios whether that is meeting new people, purchasing new items or experiencing new feelings. I just gotta hold onto my seatbelt and wait a couple more hours, days or months to reach that final destination when it feels right for me.

"If your heart hurts after letting go of something or someone, that's okay. It just means that your feelings were genuine."

So how do I feel now, I hear you ask? The truth is I still feel lost. I'm not gonna see this as a negative because we're all various versions of each other and our minds are not always in the same place. But everyone loves to be loved and it's one of the main intentions us humans have, am I right? Some people can easily be content on their own and the other half just find it a teeny weeny bit difficult. I've experienced deep feelings of loneliness and still do from time to time. There will be days where I can happily wander around town on my tod but there will be days where I crave the need to have somebody by my side. But this is just waves of emotions going up n' down on the heartache scale. I don't miss him as a person but I do miss having that feeling of being comfortable around someone. Y'know, that feeling where you're not embarrassed to have your legs on show because that person doesn't give a damn about your hairy monkey legs. It's weird. I miss a lot of things, I can tell you that for sure. But please don't be like me and drill into your head that you're never going to meet anybody else again because in reality that is one big fat lie. Of course, I'm going to meet someone new, I just don't know when yet... Trust that you will stumble across whatever it is you're looking for at some point in the near future and that, that past relationship just wasn't made for you but ssssh another one will be. My main aim in life right now (this should be yours too lovelies) is to feel content in my own skin before getting into a new relationship. A positive that I can share, is that I'm enjoying the freedom that comes from being detached and appreciating the opportunity to gain new interests or familiarising myself with old hobbies instead of stressing over how my other half is going to treat me on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. I've recently gained a tad bit more confidence when photographing my outfits daily because before I'd shy away but now I've got the sass like "Draw me like one of your French girls" (second Titanic reference there, what lucky dawgs you all are). PLUS the one major perk about being a single lady is that you've got full control over the t.v, films and takeout choices - how about that eh? Something that has stuck with me which I'll always remember is when a lady once said to me in a taxi queue, "You two look like a wonderful couple" and it's only just made me realise the importance of that sentence. Yes, any two people can look like a good match but that doesn't necessarily mean they can work together. Don't go getting into a relationship with another human being if it's only for aesthetic reasons & how good they will look by your side. This should be a massive warning sign and a big no no (just a friendly Lou reminder *winks*).

"The most beautiful thing you can do for your future lover, is learning how to love yourself before you meet them."

  I've made a few new best friends these past five months, one being the most gorgeous girl band - Haim (their latest album was deffo written for me, especially the song 'You Never Knew' - also a bop too!) and secondly, a book written by Billy Chapata called 'Flawers' which recently I've indulged into. I wanted to give this book a shoutout because in all honestly I'm not someone who has been into reading self love books but oh-em-gee, I'm completely hooked. It's more like a bible full of words reminding you to love yourself and to stop beating yourself up over situations that have ended. This gem is sat on my bedside table and I pretty much grab it each evening to calm my mind instead of letting negative thoughts churn away in my head for two hours... Also, not to mention that most of my saved images on Instagram are healing related - it's like quote central over there! I'm learning that this is just another passing chapter in my life (purposely placed here to make it meaningful & interesting of course) which may not be a highlight but it's in fact, building me up to become a better version of who I am. Moral of the story, you are way more superior and mature than a fake, selfish lad! You got this! The. End.

Now go fly solo, fall madly in love with yourself and be that independent woman you've always longed to be because honey, I'm joining you!

Lou x

Striped Top - H&M
Midi Skirt - Topshop
Boots - Office

Winter Playlist

And she's back! I well and truly did go M.I.A. didn't I? There is no perfect excuse for me not to blog but when you're constantly working 24/7 serving coffee day in and day out, all you wanna do when you get home is collapse in a bundle of blankets and sleep for an eternity. But I'm gonna do my best to get back into the swing of things, starting right...about...now...!

 This past week got me thinking that my blog has only been fashion related so far and not any of my musical tastes ~gasps frantically~. I'm often asked questions about my music taste - what I'm currently listening to and who my favourite artists/bands are. So I'm going to make these a little more regular for any of you who take an interest. Music is a huge part of my life and it has been since I was that kid singing in front of my mirror with a brush in hand after days at school. But nowadays, it's all about singing whilst brushing my teeth (without making much of a mess...) or when I'm Sunday cleaning - all glam round here folks! I always carry a pair of earphones around with me, especially for early morning, 8am bus journeys, when all you can hear is business workers flicking through their newspapers. I'd say that the colder weather we've had recently has definitely affected what music I've been listening to. So far it's been a month of extremely mixed music and I've had a lot of fun putting this playlist together. This gal's ears have been satisfied! From rediscovering forgotten gems (lookin' at you Otis Redding baby) to some new loves from Angus & Julia Stone, Twin Peaks and HAIM, with their epic Shania Twain cover (luuuurve that trio ♥) I would love if you leave a comment with anything I should be checking out for next month, as I'm always keen too keep broadening my musical horizons...

Bon appetit lovelies!

December' 17
1. James Blake - Always 2. Daughter - Amsterdam 3. Otis Redding - Cigarettes And Coffee 4. Father John Misty - Ballad Of The Dying Man 5. Mac Demarco - On The Level 6. The Beatles - Oh! Darling 7. Tigercats - Sleeping In The Backseat 8. Merchandise - Flowers Of Sex 9. Twin Peaks - Irene 10. The Velvet Underground - Oh! Sweet Nuthin' 11. Whitney - No Woman 12. Belle & Sebastian - The State I Am In 13. The Lemon Twigs - Baby, Baby 14. The XX - Say Something Loving 15. Summer Camp - I Got You 16. Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place 17. Keaton Henson - You Don't Know How Lucky You Are 18. Karen O - Day Go By 19. Beach Fossils - This Year 20. HAIM - That Don't Impress Me Much 21. Mr Jukes & Alexandria - Tears 22. Girls - Heartbreaker 23. Kevin Morby - Tin Can 24. The Hollies - Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) 25. Angus & Julia Stone - Chateau 26. Tame Impala - List Of People (To Try And Forget) 27. Cat Power - Sea Of Love

Lou x

Yes, Yes, Yes, It's My Autumn Almanac

I never understand people who book holidays away to sunnier climates during the arrival of Autumn/Winter. I feel like this is the time of the year where we can fully embrace the cold and miserable British weather. So let's welcome it with open arms! Just to let you know, as I'm typing this I'm currently cuddling the radiator - it's got reeet cold hasn't it! There's honestly something so comforting leaving work when the clock strikes five and already, it's pitch black outside. Then heading home to wrap yourself up in ten thousand cosy layers until you can't move, literally. It also instantly gets me proper giddy for Halloween, therefore insisting me that I stay in, huddle up next to the fire with a hot beverage in my hand and watch my favourite scary movie but then realising it was a huge mistake and you'll be left hiding under you bed covers for the next two weeks as you've got it into your head that demons are coming for you... And as soon as that passes, you'll be sat on your knees at your window looking up at the midnight sky waiting for those colourful balls of flames to shoot up because Bonfire Night is the next celebration in line. Yes, you guessed it, another reason to wear EVEN MORE layers and for you to adapt ' Lady Marshmallow' as your nickname! Seriously though, how can anyone dislike this rusty coloured time of the year?

But let's chat seasonal attire! Recently when I've managed to catch my bus for work (I was definitely cursed with the late gene ok...), I've stared out of the windows and have been utterly inspired with all the crisp leaves bundled up on the streets and the rolling Pentland hills in the background. I mean who can't adore those burnt oranges, crimson reds and forest greens? I'm a total sucker for them! Nothing makes this gal happier than wearing nostalgic colours together such as dark mustard and burgandy or dusty pink and navy blue. One item that I've particularly fallen back in luuurve with is this mesmerising Halloween-esque knitted tee from H&M. I'm definitely convinced that a team of zombies (the babein' ones) sat down together and magicked this dreamy number up. Que the sexy voiceover lady on the M&S advert..."This isn't just any old striped jumper but this jumper provides you with a sparkle". I absolutely love anything glittery because it gives me so much nostalgia to when I was a 7 years old kid playing musical chairs at Christmas parties and crying when I was the only one left standing. I can't fault this item at all because not only is it the comfiest but it also goes with absolutely anything. I teamed mine with this wardrobe staple of a skirt from Primark in black cord, 100% a God send if I do say so myself! Overall, I'd say that this is one of my 'I don't know what to wear' kind of outfits but in all, a mish mash of the sixties and seventies - my two favourite era's.

But no that's not me finished with all of you yet, hold dem' god damn horses! To include a bit of extra chic or the cherry to the cake, I paired this look with my black patent leather, heeled ankle boots from Topshop. Each time I wear these babies, I genuinely feel like I go into full on Cat Woman mode which is miaow-vellous! Speaking of patent, it's one of hottest trends of this season at the moment as it adds a little bit more POW to your Autumn/Winter palette. You can't go wrong with black booties. It's yet again another wardrobe essential that I advise all of you girls to invest in. Every wardrobe needs a pair that you can wear day in and day out with dresses and jeans but with so many out there it can be an impossible decision! I usually opt for leather rather than suede because there is nothing worse than getting caught in torrential rain in your new suede numbers - am I right ladies? (it is Scotland after all).

I don't know if it's the fresh cold air but one of my favourite pastimes when the temperature drops, is to chuck on my chunkiest jumper and comfiest shoes, and wander aimlessly. I'm so lucky that I live in Edinburgh because not only is it filled with office buildings, construction work and historic sights, it's also got the luxury of the wild scenery. I appreciate my city a lot but sometimes I just want to escape the noise especially the beeping from cars...(but sssh don't Edinburgh that). Walking through woodland paths and crossing bridges is total zen to me. So on these days when there's a turn in the weather and I'm wandering contently, thinking of absolutely nothing apart from how cute that Border Collie looks in the distant is, I'll have my earphones at the ready to be accompanied by many artists/bands playing in my ear. Here's a little insight into my world - my tailormade soundtrack to being perfectly chilled looks a little something like this:

Best Coast - Baby I'm Crying

Leon Bridges - River

The Hollies - Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Anenome

George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

She & Him - Black Hole

Carla Thomas - B-A-B-Y (thank you to the Baby Driver soundtrack - you taught me well)

The Byrds - Tambourine Man

The Drums - Book Of Stories

Arctic Monkeys - Baby I'm Yours

Beirut - Postcards From Italy

Belle & Sebastian - The Boy With The Arab Strap

So there you have it lovelies, another style recipe but this time Autumnal inspired. Just let the colours keep rollin' out! Before I love and leave you, I'll link some alternative items down below to the pieces that I'm wearing because sadly they were swiped up by folk! Also, I wish you all the Happiest of Halloweens you wonderfully spook-a-licious lot. I hope you've got your frightful costumes and carving knifes at the ready. Go get your freak on ~plays Missy Elliot~.

Lou x

Similar Versions
Striped T-shirt - Forever 21
Cord Skirt - ASOS
Patent Boots - Topshop

Little White Dress On The Prairie

One thing that I'm all for is wearing any colour, any time of the year. You shouldn't ever feel restricted to only wear vibrant yellows when the sun is out to play or crimson reds when leaves begin to drop from trees. Definitely be that person who breaks those silly fashion rules. I mean what is fashion if you stick by them?! It's ALL about experimenting. So what's wrong with wearing white after Summer you ask? The answer to that is - nothing! White is a great colour to be rocking all year round, so make sure you don't reorganise your wardrobe too much gals. Let's be honest with ourselves, we've all probably loved so many Winter whites for years which is why taking those cooler tones from Summer into the chillier months of the year IS key!

I've recently been wearing all of the cosy knitwear for the past week and a half so it's definitely nice to take a break by chatting you through one of my fave pieces from Joanie Clothing. I'm a massive fan of vintage clothing for several reasons. Firstly, I like walking through the streets of town wearing unique pieces that not 158 other girls will be wearing. Secondly, I like the fact that the clothes had a life before I bought them - I could own a Twiggy piece for all I know - how amazing would that be! Sometimes it's a total mission to find perfect pieces as it's such a popular way nowadays to shop and when you do snatch up gems, there may be repairing involved and that is a whole other ball game. So as you can imagine when I discover any new brand that creates new clothes based on vintage styles, I'll jump with joy. From the first day of discovering Joanie, I was head over heels in love with pretty much every item on their website. From jumpers to dresses, to skirts to t-shirts - I was all over them. They are a brand who scream cute, playful slogans and most importantly, they cater for us nostalgic ladies. Transporting us to eras we never thought we could come close to, possible. Whether you're a fan of Jane Birkin's boyish style, Audrey Hepburn's movie star shades, Patti Smith's sweet modish outfits or Brigitte Bardot's French bombshell style - Joanie have got you covered to swirl your way through the fifties and sixties!

Okay so as I relentlessly add to my basket and go way past over my spending budget, there was no way I was leaving behind this Broderie Anglaise smock dress - nuh uh honey! ~snaps fingers~ People who live in Edinburgh know fine well that it's constantly known for its weather changes nearly every hour, but luckily when we were blessed with the warmth, I just had to throw this beauty on. I can't help but feel that this type of material is the best for running around in a lavender field or sitting underneath a blossom tree with a book - are you getting all of those Lolita-esque vibes because I sure am! It's one of my favourite types of embroidery because it's far more robust and suited to daytime wear and less associated with the fine, lacy look (let's keep that for those nights when you're under a disco ball with rum in your hand though ladies). With a chic high neck, it's buttoned at the keyhole back with a pearl which endlessly screams sophistication. I've also found that recently I'm a total magpie when it comes to all things frills and ruffles - basically clown attire... This dress did NOT disappoint. Just look at those cropped frilled sleeves and yoke! Yes, a frilled YOKE! ~angels sing~ Again, these two main features give off a Georgian styled vibe. I mean who doesn't love to think that their in Downtown Abbey huh?

Seriously, if you haven't ventured onto the Joanie Clothing website then you need to pay them a visit because you're in for a good auld' vintage treat! Also, what's more not to love when you can be apart of their girl gang?! Just make sure you tag your latest Joanie outfit on Instagram with #joaniegal and hey presto you're in baby! So with out further a do could we give them a huge round of applause for creating styles based on the girl next door - you'll NEVER forget her. Just like the girls who won't forget your winning outfit when they walk by you!

If you know my style well, then you know I do like to dress up most days - I'm definitely that 'extra' friend. As seen on runways and street style stars I teamed it with these classic Mary Jane pumps from Topshop which I purchased last year. Every girl needs a classic, go-to pair of pumps in her wardrobe - and that's definitely one rule you need to follow ~winks~ The first time I got giddy over this shoe was when my obsession with the sixties began. Mesmerised by Marianne Faithfull with her swinging mini dresses and tousled hair, she sure did have a fabulous eye for footwear. I rest my case... I'll swoon over any pair of three strap fastening Mary Janes because they're a lil' bit more special than your average one strap shoe and far more versatile. Also, your sass-o-meter will shoot straight up! A total match made in vintage inspired heaven if I do say so myself. But not to forget... I'd also pair this dress with my Converse as they make anything girly a more boyish look which is something I'm a big fan of as I mentioned in my previous post.

For years, I've struggled to discover what my favourite colour actually was. Now I've happily came to the conclusion that red is totally my thang! The colour is so powerful and even the slightest pop of it can really brighten anything. This mini cross body bag from Accessorize was everything that my wardrobe needed and what this look needed. The other day I wore a plain grey knit and black denim jeans (you can tell I was feelin' like a sloth that day...) with the bag, and I received numerous compliments. Odd, right? I didn't even have my classic red lip painted on. Honestly it was the bag. I know it was. Literally a God send! This accessory itself just adds the perfect amount of chicness and personality to the whole look as the dress is 100% crisp white - a be-a-utiful contrast.

Let's rewind back to the real reason why I'm talking to you about this beauty of a dress. We see white all over the catwalks, year after year, no matter what season it is, yes ladies? So like the Spice Girls sang "Stop right there, thank you very much..." - I encourage you to stop what your doing and pick out those whites for Autumn/Winter! Of course it's how you choose to style it. But there are zero rules, remember that. For me, I find that smock dresses can sometimes be difficult to wear with tights, but let's be serious that's most likely down to my height... Saying that, pairing this number with black tights are a perfect match and I promise you, you won't look like a sack of potatoes with a coat piled on top - you'll just be season ready. Not to gush too much about my outfit again but this is a solid Winter white and with long sleeves it just screams, "I'm your numero uńo Winter baby" in your face.

There are a bunch of gorgeous whites for this upcoming season without a crazy price tag so now is your time to grab em' by both hands and run (of course, do pay first...). Happy styling lovelies!

Lou x

Smock dress - Joanie Clothing
Shoes - Topshop
Bag - Accessorize 

Put On Your Midi Skirt and Dance The Blues!

Hello gals, I hope you are all well and YAY to a lazy Sunday full of roast dinners, cozy blankets and ten hundred candles lit. Don't you wish everyday was Sunday? Just, bliss! Today is my first blog post and I would be lying to you to say I wasn't nervous in the slightest... Truth is, I am one big scaredy cat but I guess that is a normal feeling to have when it's post number one.  

If I had a chance to describe my style, I’d say it’s somewhere between your fifties high school student and sixties groupie - I’m basically jumping from era to era. Not every day is the same for me, I’ll go one way or another. Whether that will be a very feminine look or when I’m feeling that tad bit lazy, I’ll opt for indigo washed denim jeans and your classic go-to piece, the stripy tee (yes ladies, you know). What tends to stick with me and which should be tattooed on my face is my obsession with a bold red lip. If you ask anyone who knows me, they'll agree that I can't leave the house without painting it on - I simply just don't feel like myself without it. In my opinion this can make any outfit a winner and as Marilyn Monroe once sang, "Diamonds are a girls best friend", red lipsticks are also your besties in which you can rely on and most importantly, have in your pocket. A normal day outfit for me looks a little something like the below.

Just a little insight into my life, I was never that girl who was at their happiest when wearing anything that was seen as the typical ‘girly girl’… I'd most likely throw a screaming match if I had to wear anything remotely floral, frilly or glittery. It was especially a total nightmare taking me shopping for school party attire even if it was just to dance around to 'Don't Stop Movin' by S Club 7 in a small hall. A tracksuit and a sporty tee was my top combo that I'd happily reach for at the age of twelve years old. Now at the age of twenty, I’m like a kid in a sweet shop. Give me ALL of the dresses! Now! ~inserts the popping heart eye emoji times ten~.

Okay so back to the real talk on the block…

I love Summer. Partly because it’s the season where Edinburgh comes alive, suddenly everywhere is decorated with amazing bunting and there is always that buzz in the air. I love waking up to the sunshine beaming down on your face and if I smell a BBQ, I will definitely be the first one to queue up - seriously. Saying that, dressing for this time of the year isn’t my favourite. I find it requires a little bit more thought as all of a sudden we have so much more flesh on display and if you’re, well, a self conscious gal like myself then it can become a difficult task. Every Summer, I have the same battle with myself - can I pull off the same floral skirt the way other girls can or can I wear denim shorts to festivals like the way other girls do. The answer is obviously YES because nobody is judging my body as much as I think they are, they're probably too busy filming a Boomerang or snapping a photo of the most Instagramable ice-cream.

 But let's briefly talk about my legs. They're probably one of my biggest physical insecurities when they aint' covered up by tights. I don't go to the gym therefore my legs are not toned in the slightest and I'm definitely up there with the palest legs. Not to mention, cellulite - oh that is one biatch that feeds on my negativity. A current memory I have of this Summer is when I put off going to meet my gals in the heat because I had it stuck in my head that they would look 'better' than me and I would be the odd one out with milk bottle legs. I'd be walking through crowds of people in town and my mind would take a turn for the worst. The overall paranoia of strangers laughing at how they looked wasn't healthy. Stupid, isn't it? Even having part of my legs out has always been a big deal for me but up until recently I've became a lil' more confident and I hope to carry that confidence with me, forever. Of course, we all should love our bodies because they are amaaaazing things but each have their beautiful differences. It's just sometimes, it's not that easy to love them and it can take real effort to get to that stage - that's perfectly fine because we are human beings and things take time. I wanted to give our legs a shoutout because they do so much for us, like carrying (bolting in my case...) us to the bus stop in the morning for work. But beside that, they're what we've got and we owe it to ourselves so let's try and embrace them. There is no such thing as the perfect pair of pins - don't let yourself believe such nonsense (something that I constantly remind myself so join me with that!) Sometimes, you just gotta find the courage to whip those tights off and go bare legged. One thing I've definitely learnt is that you can't be cooking up a sticky, uneasy sweat all day long that's for sure! 

For months, I’ve hunted high and low for a suitable midi skirt that I was able to pull off at the height of 5ft but up until recently, this cerise number caught my eye in New Look and I instantly fell in love. Most people would shy away from this vibrancy but as a fan of incorporating colour into outfits and expressing my personality throughout it, I find it’s a great addition and can really jazz your look up even on a dull rainy day. What I really love about this skirt, is the bow detailing around the waist, it pulls you in and therefore creates a flattering silhouette. The shape of the skirt gives the whole look a take on the fifties which as you know is my thang and is perfect for any vintage fashion lover's wardrobe. What more could a girl love than twirling round feeling like Sandy from 'Grease'? The fuller the skirt the better! I personally feel that the skirt itself is a statement enough without going all out on the top half. So for that matter, I paired this with one of the most massive trends at the moment - the slogan t-shirt. 'Let's Dance' is one of my favourite songs to play at a party so it made sense to pick up this high street winner from Mango. I'm almost certain that the majestic Mr. Bowie himself would be full of appreciation and applauds. A total clash of the colours buuuuut electric blue and hot pink were pretty much made for each other! Eek! Never shy away from being that one who stands out from the crowd - follow the footsteps of Bowie.

One of my favourite touches to any outfit is to mix and match. Be feminine, but also add that touch of masculinity. Which is why slipping on your pair of trusty high tops is a perfect way to rock that ‘tomboy’ look at the same time. I wore this outfit watching The Maccabees perform live (yes, I shed a tear when they played 'Toothpaste Kisses' - who wouldn't?) and by God, my feet were comfy. Converse are just a timeless style staple who I've never had a rocky relationship with, which is what everybody looks for with a pair of shoes, right? Plus, they make me feel like thirteen again therefore how could I possibly complain. So there you have it a super duper easy style recipe that anybody can rock.

Lou x 

'Let's Dance' T-shirt - Mango

Midi Skirt - New Look

Converse - Schuh