WHAT I'M PLANNING TO BUY THIS YEAR

This might seem like a strange idea for a post, but I was thinking about what I'd like to read on blogs this year and the idea of long-term investment buys caught a spark somewhere in my brain.

Granted, this isn't a post about the 36 shades of pink lipstick I might potentially buy and every single purchase broken down as a big list - no, this is the realistic end-goal list of items I'd like to buy this year that will either make big changes to my work or lifestyle.

There are some things I've missed off this list as they're more 'making big savings to purchase something very adult' and am being very aware of my savings pot, but I have an idea of some solid purchases I'd like to make during the year to add to and improve what I currently own - let's call it sensible investment spending!

Wordpress

Technically I've already purchased this as I've got myself set-up and hosted on Wordpress (just need to officially move over) thanks to the fab pipdig - bit of a last minute decision to actually migrate across but something I'd been contemplating for a while, I will be sad to say goodbye to Blogger as this was my starting ground, but better layouts, SEO, and widgets galore are far more exciting - come at me customisation!

Editing tablet

I've been working on my retouching recently (hello smooth skin and colour correcting) and am absolutely loving it, but have been recommended to invest in a tablet and pen for more precision. It might be something a bit more down the line as work commands it, but would be hella useful.

Photography equipment

A bit of a general one because I am doing well with the lenses and kit I've got, but it's always exciting to invest in something new to up quality and try new imagery. There's some lenses I've been thinking about, and of course cameras, but we'll see how we go (aka let the bank decided oops)

Ethical underwear

Ever since getting Thought socks for Christmas, I've been obsessed with how top notch the quality is - honestly, softest yet thickest socks ever, my toes are so happy. I can clearly tell they'll last for years (no heels with holes) and they are ethical too, made from organic and well sourced materials that give back to causes and benefit the environment and workers too. I'd like to swap out some of my underwear for more breathable and ethical pieces, so I'm going to be scouring my usual ethical hit-ups for new releases over the months!

More sustainable clothing - mainly a summer coat/jacket and trousers!

I don't really need more clothing, but there are certainly some items that need swapping out or upgrading to better alternatives. After attending the People Tree SS18 press brunch, a few items aught my eye like a striped cotton suit (dream), a blue jumpsuit (yes), and definitely more floaty trousers and tops that I could get on board with. I like investing in quality and sustainability, so really it's just items that will add to what I already have and keep my wardrobe going - plus inspire another clear out, ooft one of my fave things to do ;)

What are you planning to buy or invest in this year? Let me know below!

x

Some products in this post may have been sent for review or gifted, and will be marked with a * or c/o. All opinions are mine are not influenced by brands or companies. Please see my full disclaimer for more.

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MY MOST WORN WINTER ACCESSORIES

Winter is definitely the cosiest time of the year, mainly because we're finding anything to keep toes warm and prevent our lower back from exposure to the wind, but it's cosy nonetheless with hot chocolates, coats, and scarves a plenty.

After years of bad shapes, practicality over style, wrong lengths, and materials that got soaked through as soon as they touched the snow, I'd like to think I have my winter accessories down now; they might not all match, but they do keep me super warm and 'stylish' during a festive season which is a plus ;)

I'm really glad I followed my heart with this coat last year, as I've been a huge loyal fan of blue for years and wouldn't wear anything else, but as soon as I spied it in the shops I knew it would be like a huge bear hug. I like that it's neutral enough that it can look more beige/pink/grey depending on what you wear it with, and even though sizing up made it a little baggier that I would've liked, it does mean more thick knitted jumpers which I'm all for.

Another M&S find from this year (thank lordy) is this multi-coloured blanket scarf which has a lush mix of pinks, yellows, whites, creams, and purples so that it can bring together pieces in your wardrobe that might not 'flow' naturally into one another, and also adds a pop of colour to a palette which is sometimes uniform. It's big, it's fluffy, it keeps my neck super warm (and wipes makeup off my chin but what scarf doesn't) and it was only £25 which is pretty darn good for a big ol'blanket to keep your chest and neck warm.

Hats are something I like to switch between depending on mood - a Christmas pudding option for fun novelty days, a double pom-pom one I got back in 2010 that I always think makes me look like a mouse, and this little number I *borrowed* off my mum (because it looks more sensible than being a mouse and keeps my ears warmer than a pudding) - a fab TK Maxx find.

When my gloves aren't in my pocket like in these pictures, they're usually blazingly on display as due to being bright blue with a floofy lining that keeps your fingers warm beyond belief. I picked them up a few years ago at Oliver Bonas and yes, they're out of stock because I don't buy things new anymore and tbh they should be re-stocked as they're so insulating and just a fab colour to make any coat colour pop (would recommend a pink pair if they ever make them again, just saying).

Now these aren't something that keep me warm (although cheese plants do signify warmer climates) but I've recently dabbled back into the world of piercings with these beaut Farfara earrings from Maravilo*.

Both wearing gold and earrings are things I haven't done in yonks, but I love how much of a statement these make without being too much (plus the gold let's me get away with a summer leaf in winter because festive golds!) and what else is great is that Maravilo support independent designers to keep creating and highlights their unique pieces to wider audiences - truly a fab purchase for all parties!

Now with a bit of extra chill coming in the air as I type this, I might have to grab my trusty blanket scarf (and extra blanket) and go make myself a hot chocolate - because sometimes, that's a much tastier option than gloves ;)

x

Some products in this post may have been sent for review or gifted, and will be marked with a * or c/o. All opinions are mine are not influenced by brands or companies. Please see my full disclaimer for more.

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FAVOURITE ETHICAL FASHION PURCHASES I'VE MADE

A few months ago I made the decision to try and buy more ethically when it came to fashion, and it's been one of those things that since I thought about where my clothes comes from and the production behind it all, I can't un-think it or look at my old faves in the same way.

Sure, I've kept and still love a lot of the things I bought before (it has made it easier to let go of the stuff I wasn't wearing/got because I was panic buying) but it's made each piece I've got since mean a lot more in my wardrobe and is truly more loved than ever.

So whether you're looking for new clothes or want some more sustainable/ethical options that also look good (because that truly is a challenge if you don't know where to look), here are a few pieces I've picked up that have been worthwhile favourite investments...

When I saw these People Tree Trousers I immediately fell in love - blue wide legs, stripes, and amde with organic cotton. They are one of my favourite brands to go to when looking for new pieces as they've really nailed the mix of sustainable fabric and trendy fashion, and after going to their SS18 preview it's safe to say there are some GORGEOUS pieces coming out (I have my eye on 7 pieces, 7!!) - but back to the trousers; these are a thick woven cotton which means they can be stiff and bit tighter than usual, but it's great at lifting the butt and making your legs look long. I would say you could size up and allow any shrinkage to occur naturally through washing, but due to my height I went to my usual so they would sit on my waist better and I really like the fit - it's a bit more 70's and better for tucking in tees, and really jazzes up the most basic of looks whilst also being made from well-sourced materials.

Speaking of tees, I absolutely love the tees I picked up from People Tree's exclusive ASOS range; the first is their 'Don't Underestimate The Power of a Woman' tee (amazing, obviously) and this 'Equality' Tee - a statement red slogan that would't go amiss on Instagram but goes a bit further, really helping the workers and their families who produced the product and also bigging up a very important cause. Of course, these are a bit more pricey than your usual high-street find, but the cotton is incredibly soft, well sourced, and really stands each wear through and through.

Another item standing each wear and tear is my Matt + Nat Hope Bag, which until this year I'd never considered buying a black bag, let alone a circle one. Black just wasn't 'my thing' but when I saw an Instagram ad pop up with the brand promoting their charity bag (literally the only ad I've been swayed by) I knew it was something I'd love and use all the time. The bag donates 100% of sales to a charity of your choice from 7 listed which is honestly incredible, plus it's made from vegan and ethically sourced 'leather', and is a magic porridge pot in that you seem to fit a lot in for such a smol thing.

Finally, the most important fashion item - socks. I love socks, I've grown into quite the connoisseur and am rather picky about the quality of each one I buy (they either have to be really thick and warm to keep my toes warm, or really soft and floofy. Thankfully, Thought Socks + Tights are both thick and soft, which is the perfect combo for warm tootsies and snugness all year long, but especially now. The brand makes their socks from bamboo which grows fast and uses minimal resources, all whilst adapting to your body temperature which is perfect for socks! They're some of my favourite purchases, and I've asked for 3 boxes for Christmas, because I'm a wild adult.

x

Some products in this post may have been sent for review or gifted, and will be marked with a * or c/o. All opinions are mine are not influenced by brands or companies. Please see my full disclaimer for more.

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STRANGER THINGS

Dustin: You’re going to take out the demogorgon with a slingshot?

Lucas: First of all, it’s a wrist-rocket.

Firstly, how much does this red sky and eerie street slight scream 'demogorgon incoming?'

Secondly, the calendar event of the year is here! I've been so hyped for Stranger Things since watching the first season earlier this year (because your gal was late on the Netflix train) and now all my binge-watching desires are about to be fulfilled again.

As someone who loves 80's music and culture, and also drama and sci-fi and beautiful editing, Stranger Things is my new TV crush and I've watched the trailer at least 6 times a day - the amazing transitions, the music, the bloody glorious acting, it's a nerdy editing lovers dream.

Luckily I was blessed with my own version of Hawkins' red sky when Ophelia came along and plunged us into darkness at 2pm, letting me live out my 80's fantasy minus the telekinesis whilst showing off my new purchases (well, as much as the light would allow me to, being dark and all).

If you remember my post a while ago about jeans, I did finally picked up a new pair - whilst I know M&S isn't totally sustainable, they do have a few more eco-friendly options including these high-waisted skinny jeans. I haven't worn fitted jeans for yonks but these are super comfortable, stretchy in the right places, and only £35 which is a bargain for jeans. I'd say to get a size smaller than your usual due to the stretch, and also you can pick your preferred leg length which is fab if you're that bit smaller like me.

I feel like I've got more into colour this year, and was surprised when I found myself hankering after this red striped top (again M&S and £15 sustainable cotton - faaaaaab) - it's nothing super amazing, but long sleeves, stripes, and little frilly cuffs make this a winner on chilly days. I especially dig the funnel neck, very early 80's ;)

Top - M&S • Jeans - M&S • Bag - Matt and Nat Charity Hope Bag • Shoes - Converse

Without further ado, I'm going to go indulge for the next 9 hours on eggos, wrist rockets, and arcade games - just keep out for the demogorgons in the red sky alright?

x

Photos by Kelly

Some products in this post may have been sent for review or gifted, and will be marked with a * or c/o. All opinions are mine are not influenced by brands or companies. Please see my full disclaimer for more.

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BLOGGING AND ETHICS

Well didn't October come around quickly? I feel like the last month, heck the last year, has flown by and I've been so disorganised with blogging recently that I'm slapping my wrists and getting down with some lists to work my way back onto the content train again...

...Starting with these beautiful striped People Tree trousers, which as usual I picked up ages ago and took some time to photograph, but they've quickly become a saving grace when my regular jeans option has been rinsed to death, and also fit a bit better on my butt which is nice - I did have to turn up the legs though which makes me feel like I'm back in 2006 when I had to stitch my school trousers several times for them to stop skimming my new Clarks.

I'm really adamant on buying sustainable clothing, anything that's come from recycled materials or is sourced from fairtrade businesses, just good clothes that do good in the long-term and also look great too. I've picked up a few pieces from People Tree so far this year and I am impressed with the quality and also how stylish the pieces look - which can be hard when looking for sustainable clothing let me tell you.

Sure, they're a pricey investment (I did have a discount code for them, god bless voucher code websites) but they are made within ethical guidelines and give back to the community they came from, which is a win-win all round for everyone!

I have been thinking a lot about this topic recently, mostly because I need new jeans - I know, it's a first world problem, but my mom jeans have got to that stage where no amount of hot washes can save me from a saggy butt - but I already have 5 pairs, 3 which are mom jeans and are going saggy and two which were expensive mid-rises that I hardly wear because they are mid-rise. Logic.

So I feel bad about buying new, better fitting jeans, because I already have jeans that I'm not getting cost per wear out of, and weren't really that ethical a purchase in the first place.

(Can you tell I'm really not doing enough with my time when this is on my daily list of problems?)

What would be more true a statement is that I feel bad that I made an impractical purchase, and am now trying to talk myself out of making a better purchase because of the guilt of already owning what I believe to be 'too many pairs' that I should just deal with a saggy butt.

It's bad ethics all around - even though at the time sustainable clothing wasn't a priority, I didn't really think about what fit me well, the quality, the price, how much wear the items would get, and now because I'm part of both the machines of blogging and consumerism, I feel I'm giving my money away for content and for more materials of clothing than I actually need.

It feels the same when it comes to creating content, that it seems so easy to compromise our own ethics for money to survive, only to talk about something we have no interest in or wouldn't actually buy, or we're offered such a low rate that it's not even enough to cover the cost of time in creating the piece.

It's only the last few days it's niggled at me, because I only accept and work with brands that are cruelty-free, vegan, or sustainable, yet I get offers for sponsored work that I agree to and then find out later the brand has nothing related to my ethics because it wasn't disclosed beforehand. Heck I've even got offers to review a steakhouse, which is really not on brand.

It's easy to want to accept £50 or a free meal because it raises your visibility and shows you doing stuff instead of sitting at your laptop wondering how you can make the same ol'skincare new, but it's also easy to say no to something you know won't benefit you in the long run (a 7oz definitely wouldn't, lord knows what would happen)

So I'm going to go buy my new pairs of jeans (all made from sustainable cotton which is better than it not being sustainable at all) and if they don't fit, then it's okay, because I can make what I have work, because I still enjoy them (even if my butt doesn't) and I still have cool sustainable options to work with (which my butt does like), and that's a more relaxed ethical approach I can get on board with...for now...

 

Photos by the fab Ghenet! x



Some products in this post may have been sent for review or gifted, and will be marked with a * or c/o. All opinions are mine are not influenced by brands or companies. Please see my full disclaimer for more.

Website | Flickr | Tumblr | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

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