H E A R T A U T U M N

If there is one thing guaranteed to always get me down, it's thinking of the future. I'm quite happy living in the moment because as soon as I think about bigger things, it brings on SO much anxiety. I have never known what career I want. Even as a child, I don't remember ever declaring I wanted to be a dancer, a doctor, or anything that most kids dream of; I've just never been sure. Maybe part of it is the fear of failure, so if I don't set myself the goal then I can't fail, but also I just have no bloody clue what I want to spend so much of my time doing. What I do know though is that it's not working in the job that I do now. I work in a 9-5 office job for a small company, (there's 6 of us here on a good day, so very small!) and I don't mind the hours, I quite like that it's not a big structured company, but it's draining. The work isn't challenging and there isn't enough of it. So much so that I do almost all of my brainstorming and blog planning in said work hours (shh). I just absolutely hate being bored!

I spent 3 years studying for a degree in Business Economics so as to delay the inevitability of looking for a ~proper~ job (not just for that reason, but it was a factor). I also just enjoy learning and had excelled in both maths and business studies for years previously so wanted to continue. But when I graduated, I realised that as much as I had gained from those 3 years, an idea of the career direction that I wanted to go in wasn't one of them. I ended up falling into this job because I had to do something, and basically, I'm still here. What also doesn't help is the literally *crippling* anxiety that I get at just the thought of a job interview, entering a new environment or meeting new people. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm destined to fail!



I wrote a post last year about not being a 'girl boss' and how I don't think blogging full-time is for me, and I still agree with that. I need some job security (for my mental health more than anything!) and freelancing just doesn't have that. So I'm looking for a new job without actually looking at the moment. Building myself up for it, I guess! But does it really matter that I don't have a specific career goal? Most people I speak to are in jobs that they somehow fell into. Out of everyone on my course at University (that I know and speak to) I think only one is doing a job that uses the degree. People change and maybe I'll fall straight into another job that I love and never want to leave; maybe it'll take me 6 months to find something that I even want to consider. At the end of the day I'm only 24 and considering I won't be retiring until I'm 90 at the rate the economy's going, I've got plenty of time to find work that I love. For now I can cope with a dull job, having blogging on the side as a pick-me-up.

I'm trying not to let the pressure of social media and everyone else's successes get me down. Because every single person is so, so different!



Side note: how bloody fantastic is this co-ord?! I fell in love with it after seeing it on the topshop site and there was no chance I wasn't gonna order it.

Wearing:


Blazer, Topshop


Skirt, Topshop


Top, ASOS


Boots, ASOS (similar)


Bag, Topshop (similar)


Sunglasses, RayBan


Photography by Matt McCormick

I've mentioned before that I'm not always the biggest dress lover; I often much prefer trousers or a jumpsuit as I'm not much of a ~girly girl. But sometimes certain dresses, or more so certain styles of dresses just catch my eye and I've got to have them. And lately the collection in Warehouse has very much been catching my eye! They have such a versatile collection and, admittedly, it is often a place I forgot to check out until I'm in my local Outfit store and spot a hidden gem! I mean, who doesn't love a black shift dress: the go to for every occasion. However, instead of splashing out on a new Spring wardrobe just yet (these temperatures do not feel like it is almost Spring!), I thought I'd work with what I've already got. So seeing as we are heading into Spring next month no matter the temperatures, I thought I'd showcase two different ways to style your Spring dresses for the transitional period: when you still want to be warm!


#1 The Trench Coat & Ankle Boots


The perfect coat for in-between weather is always a trench coat. Not too warm, not too cold, drizzle but not pouring rain; a trench works so well! And when it's burgundy vinyl trench, I mean, that just makes it 10x better, no? I picked this one up from Missguided in the Autumn last year and although I love it, admittedly haven't worn it all that much; it's been so cold I haven't worn anything that's not an oversized teddy coat or faux fur. But a trench coat provides that practical extra layer without being too warm.

Throw in a pair of dreamy two-tone boots which are the perfect colour match for said trench coat, and we're onto a winner here I think! Ankle boots and dresses without tights can be very chilly, but definitely worth it on this occasion. As long as there's fluffy socks snug inside said boots, there's no complaints here.



#2 The Jumper & OTK Boots


When I don't have a coat that matches my outfit, or simply can't decide which one works, the next best thing is to throw a jumper on instead! It still keeps you warm, and although it won't be as good if it starts chucking it down, as long as your outfit looks cute, right?! This cream number was a sale purchase from Stradivarius and is perfect for such occasions; it's slightly cropped and oversized making it the perfect fit.

Arguably my favourite footwear when it's cold is a good pair of over-the-knee boots. There's no drafts, no chilly ankles, and you can wear long, ugly socks that keep your feet toasty! This pair from ASOS have been my most-worn over the past few months, I just can't find a fault with them tbh. (I did have to cut down the ties at the back because super long!) But black flat OTK boots are a definite wardrobe staple for any season.



A galaxy print dress may not scream 'Spring'; I mean, where are the florals?! But I think it's the style and cut of a dress that determines the season fit, no? A midi length flowy dress, to me, is everything Spring! So here are a few options that I've been eyeing up for next season (from Warehouse, because as I said, their collection right now is particularly drawing me in).