Let's Talk: Feminism
So, I read a lot of blogs. Like, a lot of blogs. And this isn't just since I started writing this blog, but for a long time before that too. Fashion blogs, beauty blogs, lifestyle blogs, I like to keep it varied. And in all honesty, 99% of the blogs which I read are by girls. Blogging just seems to be a very female dominated space and I'm ALL for that! Girl power, etc etc. And it's only recently (maybe I wasn't looking before, or maybe they were lacking) that I'm noticing more and more ~feminism posts. People using their blogs and social media platforms in general for such good, positive reasons. It was this post from Chloe a while back that first got me really thinking about it, and then there were posts from Hannah, Megan (and more from Chloe) amongst others, that got me feeling all inspired and just generally happy to see such topics being discussed without shame. I think it's definitely something that more of us should get on board with!
I want to start writing blog posts about actual topics like this, as well as the nice new clothes that I've picked up, and this post today seemed like a great way to start!
I do think in general there seems to be a distinct lack of people addressing ~taboo topics. Whether this is people not wanting to talk about periods or the everyday sexism which they (no doubt) face, there are a lot of topics which I feel should be addressed more. I just feel like, if you have a platform, however big or small, you should use your voice. Not everyone is lucky enough to get that opportunity.
But it is personal choice what you want to talk about and if you don't want your blog to be a place for potential debates, that's totally fine.
I am a feminist. I don't address as many issues as I would like, being shy and having anxiety stops me in a lot of ways, but at the root of it I would still describe myself as a feminist. If you don't agree with the core of feminism, that everyone of every gender/race/religion/background/class is equal, then that's your own choice (you're wrong, obviously, but y'know each to their own). But every girl has as much right to education as every boy, and why should anyone be punished for being assigned a different gender at birth?
You aren't any better than anyone in this world, no matter what you think, and I just think we could all make more of an effort to talk about our experiences as women and help empower others.
Sorry if this got a bit preachy. (not really).
Let me know what you think!
Loves. Emma.
Nail Update: The Trillest
When it comes to nail polishes, I'm never sure whether I'm more of a pastels or a brights kind of girl. I just tend to mix it up swapping shades and colours all of the time really. Sometimes I want barbie pink, sometimes I want a more classy nude, other times I just want black. Variety is the spice of life, huh. But glitters are one thing I tend to avoid a lot, simply because I'm lazy when it comes to taking it off, y'know? But this little gem is my absolute favourite at the moment! It's not properly glitter, instead a holographic effect which makes it so much easier to both apply and take off. Plus, who doesn't want a nail colour that looks different in all kinds of lighting? The camera doesn't fully pick up the effect, but trust me! It's from WAH, one of my go-to's for the best nail polishes, but I have noticed the holographic-ness (definitely making up words) effect is not as strong under a top coat!
Loves. Emma.
Pyjamas Pants?
Finding your own style comes through being comfortable in your own skin and comfortable with what you want to wear. But if you're comfortable in what you wear too, that's just the best bonus isn't it? I mean, most people aren't gonna wear really uncomfortable clothes or anything anyway, but we've all been there with jeans a little too restricting or shoes that hurt your feet. The ultimate comfy clothes are pyjamas but they're (unfortunately) not wholly acceptable outside the comfort of your own home. In come these trousers. They're ~normal clothing, not sleepwear or even loungewear, and I think they look pretty damn great. They make such a great throw on pair for when you're not feeling great (especially that time of month when you're a bit bloated and meh) because they can still be styled up and make for any kind of occasion. Also, who doesn't want lightweight, baggy trousers when it's hot outside and you're not comfortable showing your legs off?
I styled these up with this off-the-shoulder top from Zara which I am totally obsessed with right now. I mentioned here my current infatuation with Zara and this top is another perfect summer top isn't it? I love that the sleeves are separated from the main body of the top because with off-the-shoulder tops there's nothing worse than having it constantly ride up every time you move your arms! I also love the cut-out lacey detailing and the contrast of it against the stripes of the trousers.
Sticking to the pyjama trend, I just picked up a pair of palazzo trousers too!
What do you think to slouchy, comfy trousers?
Loves. Emma.
A dash of white
An outfit with no black? Me? Most unusual! But lately, with the sun coming out, I've been switching a lot of black for white (mainly in terms of accessories) and am really digging it. Along with my new found love for everything blue and denim this season, the combination makes for such a fresh look. Everything in this outfit is actually a recent purchase so I was like, might as well throw it all together for an outfit post, hey?
Can we talk about how much Zara are absolutely killing it lately? Because they honestly are my favourite store at the moment! I shared some patchwork dungarees that I picked up from there a few weeks back, here, and when I went into the Leeds store a couple weeks back I could've spent hundreds, I'm not even exaggerating. I ended up being good though and limiting myself to 3 tops! This little cold shoulder number is such a cute style for summer, it's quite cropped, but with dungas or high-waisted shorts it's ideal. These dungarees have been in my ASOS wishlist for quite some time, they're actually from Monki, and I finally decided this month that I had to have them. They're a cropped kick flare, which my mum so kindly pointed out aren't fully cropped on me, but if you're of a normal height, they will be! But, it's whatever. They're super comfy, fit like a dream and I like them, so who cares, really?
I picked up this Versace bag last week because I have absolutely no will power whatsoever! I saw it, fell in love, refrained from buying it, regretted it and went back 2 days later for it. I am so weak, I will never have any savings! But it's a great size, quite boxy and such a unique silvery croc finish! Also, the Toyshop loafers? They're a dream. I now want them in every colour please.
Any else been brightening up their outfits a bit with the weather?
Loves. Emma.
Summer Occasionwear Inspo
I haven't been to a wedding since I was about 9 years old, but in less than 2 weeks I'm going to a 'casual' wedding, and what the hell am I supposed to wear? It doesn't help that the sections dedicated to summer occasionwear on all of my favourite sites are full of florals. I have nothing against florals, but on me? I just don't think I suit them very well at all. So I thought I'd put together a few alternatives which I've found and liked, ideal for summer weddings/christenings/parties, etc.
Fashion Union Wrap Front Playsuit, ASOS
I'm a big fan of playsuits/jumpsuits/dungarees, basically all the all-in-ones! I like the tux style of this and how it'd be so easy to dress up or down.
Wrap Waist Jumpsuit, ASOS
This is such a nice, under-stated number and I think thats why I love it so much. Ideal for any type of event and so easy to style in a number of different ways!
Wrap Front Playsuit, Topshop
This is quite similar to the first option but a much bolder colour and with sleeves. I hate showing my arms so this is much more my style, a gorgeous berry shade is always lovely too isn't it?
Circle Lace Cold Shoulder Dress, Topshop
As you can probably tell, I'm much more of a trouser/shorts gal than dress/skirts! But I've fallen a bit in love with this number. Very self-portrait esque and super pretty!
Longline Bandeau and Flare Co-ord Set, Boohoo
Anything flared is a winner really, so the flared trousers paired with the long flare bandeau is an A* combo. Great with a matching choker too!
Plunge Ladder Detail Skater Dress, Missguided
Much more summer party than christening or wedding this one, maybe? But I'm all about plunging necklines and with the ladder detailing I just couldn't resist adding this to the mix!
Off-the-Shoulder Jumpsuit, Zara
The off-the-shoulder style is everything right now and I'm loving it! This jumpsuit is quite a bold, statement piece but I love how loose and flowy it is.
Boyfriend Suit Blazer & Pocket Detail High Waist Shorts, Missguided
I think this is my favourite outfit here! I've never actually worn a suit, I don't think, but a short suit is definitely a route I'd go down for the right occasion! The colour of this set is so nice!
Yellow Stripe Culottes & Square Neck Crop Top, New Look
I lovelovelove how bright and bold and summer this set is! Not sure I'd be brave enough to pull of such a skimpy top, would definitely need a jacket, but you could always buy the pants to team with another top or vice versa.
Liking any of these picks?
Loves. Emma.
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One Year
So on the 3rd June 2015 I posted my first blog post (on this blog, lets not mention the one prior...) and I can't believe it's a whole year ago! I started this blog after I'd graduated and was stuck in that whole "I don't know what to do with my life" and just wanted somewhere to express myself really. And I'm so happy I did start it! A lot has changed, like now I have a full-time job so I don't have as much time to dedicate to blogging, but I'm more determined than ever to make time because it's such a positive thing that I enjoy so much!
I thought I'd just do a little 'things I've learnt since starting a blog/goals for the next year/favourites' to celebrate kind of thing!
Be inspired, not jealous.
In life in general, but especially in blogging, I think it's so easy to see what other people are doing and get instantly jealous. I used to be so bad for this and it's only recently that I've gotten better. When you see other people getting amazing opportunities or just growing their audience at a much faster rate it is so easy to think 'why isn't that happening to me?' but really, as cheesy as it sounds, you're on your own journey. It's much much better, for you and for everyone, to instead be inspired by someones amazing blog photos or ideas. It makes you a better person and helps improve your own work!
Communication is key
I definitely wouldn't say that I've embraced the whole blogging 'community' thing yet. Yet! I always comment on posts that I love and reply to comments that I get, but the whole social media side I'm still a bit scared of. Sounds stupid right? I know this would help grow my audience and I do want to do it, not only for that but to make friendships too, I just find it so hard. Usually, my anxiety and shyness isn't so much of a problem online, but something about this just brings it out big time. This is definitely a goal that I want to achieve by the end of the year though!
My life motto tbh. Confidence is vital in the world of blogging. Whether this is looking confident in outfit photos or just being confident to share your work online for potentially anyone to read. I've never been confident in anything really and even when I started this blog I was too scared to share it on social media, but you've got to push past that and just be confident. When PR companies start contacting you, fake it, pretend you know what to do and that you've done this kind of thing before. It's the best way to get to be confident.
I've been looking back at my old blog posts a lot recently and there were some that just had to go, they were tragic. There's a lot of others that I still cringe at a bit but I don't want to get rid of them all, y'know? I like to look back and see the progress that I've made and how my blogging style has developed. Obviously, there are also a lot of blog posts which I like and am proud of, so here's a few of those:
Loves. Emma.
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