H E A R T A U T U M N

So I mentioned in my post about the benefits of having a blog, that one of the best things about blogging is the community of bloggers. It makes you feel less alone in what you're doing, and it often helps when you have a wobble and feel like you're talking to nobody and someones there to remind you that you aren't, someone who can actually relate to how you're feeling. So with this, comes the fact that we should all be building each other up; tell someone when their post makes you feel something; let them know when their outfits have inspired you; share the love!! I did a little post a couple of weeks back sharing the love on some of my favourite instagram accounts, and now I thought I'd share my favourite blogs at the moment. Because I'm TERRIBLE at commenting/tweeting/generally leaving feedback. So here's a little apology for being the dreaded silent reader. Woops.

1. The Little Plum
I'm sure you all read Chloes blog already (if you don't, why the hell not?!) but I couldn't do a post like this and not include her. Her posts are the ones that have me shouting 'YES!' at my laptop the most, because she nails it every. single. time. Everything she writes about is just so relatable, honestly, sometimes I think she's in my head. Whether its about contraception or body confidence, dating advice or general fashion chat, I can guarantee there'll be a post you fall in love with. And she is the queen of petite style don't ya know!

Favourite post by Chloe: Who I Want To Be On The Internet

2. Sophie Cliff
So I actually found Sophies blog through the #leedsblogger tag on instagram, because if you can't support local girls then whats even the point?! I fell in love not only with her imagery, but her honesty and her commitment to blogging too. I don't know how she puts out so many consistently high quality posts while holding down a full-time job; I am in awe. She has inspired me to get up earlier in a morning, make use of the time that we have, and also to be more honest in my posts. Her travel posts always have me wanting to hop on a plane and just spend a weekend somewhere new!

Favourite post by Sophie: Is Our Generation Paralysed By Choice

3. Lauren Evie
Lauren is fast becoming one of my favourite bloggers, like, ever. She did blogtober last month and absolutely nailed it with such unique and amazing posts, whether that be on mental health, a book review, or any kind of lifestyle post you could possibly want. Her way with words is just the best, and her posts actually make you FEEL. She's also one of the nicest people I follow on social media, so really, whats not to love? I am also going to hold her solely responsible for my ever-growing collection of books which I am always failing in making time to read, so there's a warning!

Favourite post by Lauren: There's More To Life Than Right Now

4. SopharSoGood
I genuinely can't believe that Sophie only started blogging this year, considering the level of content which she is putting out! I love every post that she writes whether it be fashion related, a travel diary or beauty reviews. Her outfits are always on point and her posts have more substance to them than a typical 'this is what I wore' which I really admire and love in a blogger, and something which I try to do myself. She's just one of those bloggers who you want to be best friends with, y'know?

Favourite post by Sophie: In Defence Of Dressing Up

5. Beth Sandland
I must admit that, for a while, Beth was one of those bloggers who I followed on social media and interacted with without actually venturing to her blog. Bad, I know! But then I went on and got sucked into post after post because they're all so. damn. good. She posts on an array of lifestyle topics and her imagery is always so on point, it's hard to believe she's only been blogging for a year! Also: her instagram feed is a dream and I love how real she keeps everything with such honest captions. 

Favourite post by Beth: Blogging And Relatability

I'm forever seeing blog posts on 'how to balance blogging with a full-time job' and basically, the key is good time management and finding what works for you. Whether you want to be publishing posts 5 times a week or just once, whether you need to co-ordinate with someone else to shoot your photos or can do them on your own, whether you work 9-5 or varying shifts, it's totally different for everybody. So after a week of feeling bleurgh, my iron deficiency coming back with a vengeance and wiping me, alongside a bout of tonsilitus and just wanting to hibernate, I thought it was time to kick myself into gear. Starting with sharing how I (usually) find the balance when juggling full-time work & a blog (along with going to the gym, having a social life, me-time, etc.etc.).



Being Organised 
The key to keeping sane when you're busy is organisation. There's no fancy tricks, it's that simple! I got the 18-month Kate Spade diary this year and it has basically become my life. It has everything in there; my plan of blog posts each month, a track of what I've been spending, appointments & shoots I have booked, everything! I know a lot of people like bullet journals, but this just works for me so why rock the boat? 



Making Time 
With being organised, comes utilising your time well. For me, this has become getting up earlier on a weekday to make use of an extra hour each day. This may sound like hell to some of you, but it's just become routine now (and admittedly, some days I do spend much of that extra hour scrolling social media). I'm just a morning person! I never have and never will be a night owl, I'm lucky if I make it to 11 o'clock without having fallen asleep once already, and the idea of coming home from work, having some dinner and then starting to write a blog post is never gonna work for me. I like to leave my evenings free for some down-time; whether that's a pamper evening with a face mask, going to the gym or meeting a friend for pizza, evenings are just when I feel least productive. So getting up a bit earlier (still staying bed, of course) and editing some photos or scheduling a few tweets is what I like best. 
Along with this, I like to make use of my lunch hour a few times a week too. I spend much of the work day chatting with colleagues so don't feel the need to be sociable at lunch too (hello, I am the most anti-social bean to exist). If I can get a post written whilst enjoying a muffin and hot chocolate from Costa, then what's not to love?!



Planning Ahead 
I mentioned briefly that I have a plan of blog posts for the month ahead scheduled in my diary. This is something I'm continuously adding to and adjusting as new ideas come to me or things change and I don't get the photos I wanted, but it just gives me an idea of what I need to be writing/shooting and when for. The one piece of planning which I think is vital in juggling a blog around full-time work is to shoot as many sets of photos as you can at once. For my outfit shoots, I aim to get 2 outfits done per shoot, so if I don't get chance to shoot the following week I still have photos good to go. With regards to flat-lay style photos, if I have the products needed and know how i want to photos to look, I'll do as many as I can because these dark evenings really limit photography time! 



Not Getting Too Caught Up In It All 
I know I said being organised is the key to blogging around a 9-5, but I also think it's essential to be aware and take a step back sometimes. If you wanted to shoot outfit photos but it's raining, have some time off. If there's a post that needs writing but a friend wants to go for pizza, have some time off. Blogging is my hobby first and fore most. It isn't what pays the bills and it's something that I want to always enjoy. So I'm never gonna put too much pressure on myself. Sometimes you've just got to put yourself first and not burn yourself into the ground.

Being someone with very poor circulation (aka constantly cold), I love to layer my clothes. Not only do you get the extra added warmth and the option to remove layers if it warms up (not often) but I just think it adds a lot to your outfit. Yeah, its great putting on a massively oversized knitted jumper and being cosy (I do this plenty) but wearing a polo neck under a pinafore under a shirt and a jacket, with tights of course, theres just so much more styling to be done! And there's no better time to be making the most of your styling options than in  autumn. Because everyone knows autumn fashion is the best, ok. Its just a fact!
Some of my favourite pieces for layering include:



Dungarees
You should know by now that I have a bit of a love affair with dungarees. I've done quite well in keeping them out of my outfit posts lately as I've been getting more adventurous with my wardrobe, but fear not. The collection is still in my wardrobe and still growing! I saw Megan Ellaby in this pair on instagram before she showed them in a haul, and I was instantly on ASOS placing an order. How could I not?! I did fear that I wouldn't look half as good as she does, because lets face it, she's a mega babe! But I think I'm doing alright with them. They're the ultimate autumn pair of dungarees: a deep berry colour and corduroy, does it get much better?!


Pinafores
I wrote about my love for pinafores in the summer, but they're just as great for autumn with a pair of tights and a jumper underneath! I actually have a corduroy one that I picked up from Topshop last year, y'know the burgundy one that was everywhere? Thats made a reappearance in my wardrobe already this year along with a faux leather number and a classic denim. They're my favourite thing to pair with over-the-knee boots too, which we all know are perfect for this time of year!


Polo Necks
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with polo necks - they can be a bit tight or just generally uncomfortable and make me feel a little claustrophobic sometimes! But if you find the right ones, not too high up the neck, then they're perfect! A bit more like a funnel neck? They not only keep you all covered up and toasty warm, but I think they're ideal for layering necklaces over the top for that extra added sparkle to your outfit.


Slip Dresses
Now this may sound a little odd for this season, but if you have slip dresses that are a little oversized then adding a bit of a chunky jumper underneath can make such a good look! Obviously chunky jumpers can be hard to layer without it all bunching up and feeling too uncomfortable and bulky, so lighter knits work best, but I love the stark contrast of a skimpy slip dress and a chunky knit! Add a hat and some OTK boots and voila!


Thin Knits
As I mentioned above, chunky jumpers (as much as I love them) can sometimes be hard to layer and are often just best for lazy days, where you don't have to throw much on. So thinner jumpers are the perfect alternative! They tuck into dungarees without giving you an extra few rolls and if you're not a permanent icicle like me, they stop you from overheating when you want to layer up.

And it goes without saying, but tights are my best friend and make layering much easier in the cold weather! 




Wearing:


Dungarees, ASOS


Top, Primark (similar)


Bag, Topshop


Boots, ASOS (similar)


Jacket, River Island (similar)