FOR THE LOVE OF CLOTHES

Shirt: COS / Skirt: WANTS / Belt Bag: COS / Shoes: Chanel via THREADS / Watch: Larsson & Jennings / Earrings: Mold Atelier

I've been a terrible blogger this year, it's no secret, and with posts becoming so increasingly infrequent I'm not even sure I deserve that title anymore. 
For the past six months, the blog and I have had a tumultuous relationship, the motivation comes in ebbs and flows, and I still can't quite seem to find my 'place' in this online world. At the start of the year I touched on how no one can prepare you for the challenges faced when making the switch to freelance and the struggles I'd faced on my journey, but something I didn't discuss was the hidden (and somewhat delusional)  pressure this industry and social media has imposed on me; the pressure to prove I'm real. 

There's been a considerable shift in the way people uses blogs and communicate on Instagram recently. Audiences are growing tired of being served false realities, filtered lives and perfect images, so bloggers are now counteracting this with gritty think pieces on love, life, tragedy, you name it someone is covering it. Your everyday outfit photo is now accompanied with an outpouring of hardship. Which don't get me wrong is extremely helpful for the internet and amazing if those people are comfortable to share such heartfelt content, but what about those of us who aren't ready to unveil everything and just want to talk about clothes? Like the old days. 
I continuously fall in out and of love with blogging because I get too wrapped up in what I think other people want. This time it happened because I believed the only way to stay relevant and keep people coming back to this space was to write something raw and honest every time I posted, in order to determine my reliability. Putting pressure on myself to write about certain things created even more pressure to think up these subjects, which then created a snowball effect of more and more pressure thus a whole new problem to talk about arose. Don't worry I'm fully aware of the irony of this entire post. 
Just like anyone else, behind the Instagram grid, I have my hardships, I have monthly if not weekly struggles but the introvert in me prefers to talk to friends behind closed doors. No disrespect to those who use the internet in this cathartic way it's a fantastic tool and undoubtedly helps others, but my catharsis is clothes, and that's what I want to share without feeling indebted to show you my bad days all the time. Trying to give more sincerity in every post was making me feel less because some weeks were merely great weeks, I didn't have something heartfelt to give, and I felt guilty celebrating that. Sure, if I have a problem that I think you (the reader) might benefit from me discussing, then I'll go ahead and discuss but mentally I can't and won't do it regularly. It's not in my nature. 

Dolly Alderton hit the nail on the head, in The High Low Back to School Special, when she said 'I don't think anyone should be forced in to showing realness of their private life in the online world at the risk of being accused of being some bit fat deceitful liar if they don't'. This is precisely what social media is doing, forcing me to show realness when really 90% of the time I want to show you the things I'm passionate about. I miss planning shoots; I miss sharing outfits, I miss how I used to blog!  Dolly and Pandora merely scratched the surface on this subject of sharing realness (go listen if you haven't) and I think it's a really interesting subject that could be discussed even further. 

With the rise of Instagram, it has been extremely easy for me to forget about this other corner of the internet. A space where I used to feel free to go out and shoot whatever it was I desired. I know people enjoy it but taking a selfie or an iPhone shot and uploading it straight to Instagram feels like a cheap thrill. Yes, it gets the likes and the adoration, but it's all over in 24 hours. The blog is a permanent space, it doesn't belong to anyone else but me, and most importantly it's a space I miss. Lindsey and Lizzy are two real examples of creatives who keep on pushing and investing in their blogs regardless of the pressures surrounding bloggers and the rise of 'Instagram bloggers/influencers'. Lindsey has said to me numerous times it's essential to keep working on the blog or something that's permanent because you never know what will happen to Instagram. Over the past two months, my anxiety has been at an all-time high, while motivation at an all-time low. As the two grew further and further apart, I felt like I was drowning, but after a good cry to Dean over the weekend and listening to The High Low I woke up Monday feeling more energised and positive about blogging than I've felt all year. I don't always need to counteract nice images of clothes, things I love, and I'm passionate about with rawness. It's ok to simply show the things you love. 

May this be the resurrection of my blogging journey.

HOLIDAY HEROES

1. Shiseido Essential Energy Day Cream -  This cream is the first of two Shiseido products that feature in this post and I can't exactly tell you how this product works or why it works, because frankly, I don't fully understand the ins and outs of it myself. (Great start to this post, right?!) All I know is there is a lot science behind Shiseido and it seems to be working wonders for my skin. Essential energy cream focuses on the neuroscience of your skins senses and the ReNeura technology behind this product works to reawaken those sensors. You can read more about it here on their website. The clue is in the title really, essentially this cream gives your skin an immediately visible boost energy, leaving you with hydrated glowing skin. Worn alone, this cream is great for pepping up your skin in the morning and the added SPF 20 means you're protected from the get-go. It also acts as a smooth and glowy base for makeup application, my current go-to the combination is this with a little of my new favourite tinted moisturiser (more on that at number 4) over the top for a natural healthy glow. 

2. Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser - In warmer conditions my skin becomes increasingly sensitive, as a severe hayfever sufferer, I can be prone to prickly heat, hives, rashes and much more, so I like to switch to a more gentle skincare regime. Peet Rivko is a natural, plant-based skincare line made up of 3 products: a cleanser, a moisturiser and a facial oil (which is equally amazing) all free of any toxins. The gentle cleanser is formulated with aloe vera, comfrey and green tea making it ideal to clean and sooth skin after sun exposure. On my recent holiday, I found it perfect for removing sun cream grime and excess oil after a day by the pool (And who can't appreciate that slick packaging).Peet Rivko products are available to buy directly from their website; understandably this is frustrating because of customs charges from the U.S to the U.K, so I've got my fingers crossed for a stockist closer to home soon! 

3. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour (Medium) - This bronzer delivers precisely what it says on the box, a healthy luminous glow. Thankfully this powder is void of any shimmer; I tend to avoid bronzers with any shimmer or glitter particles in because (for me) they don't create a naturally sunkissed appearance and I prefer to use a highlighter for any additional glow where needed. The multi colour can be used in one big sweep, or individually to accentuate different areas of the face. My preferred method is to use the colours all together to create a bronzed base and then go back in with a smaller a brush or the tip of your bronzer brush with a little touch of the coral to add a subtle flush on the cheek. 

4. Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser (Medium) - You might have heard me wax lyrical about the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, over on my Instagram stories, while I still praise that product (to the high heavens), sadly  Chanel's new tinted moisturiser offering has knocked LC from the top spot. It all came down to SPF and texture. Chanel trumps Laura Mercier's 20 with a bold promise of protecting up to SPF 30. During the warmer months and especially when I'm on holiday I'm always reaching for lighter textures in an attempt to achieve fresh, skin like makeup. The composition of this product is water-like and incredibly lightweight, thus creating a natural hydrated glow to the skin.  It glides on the skin with ease and once absorbed into the surface there are no visible traces of the moisturiser, and I certainly can't feel it. Petitely housed in Chanel's signature clean, chic packaging, it's a perfect size (and shape) for travelling. 

5. Surratt Relevée Lash Curler - Still cut up about the departure of Shu Uemura from all UK stockists and wondering what on earth you'll do when your eyelash curlers bite the dust? I can vouch, these stylishly matte black curlers are the next best thing. While I truly believe nothing will beat the Shu Uemura curler, these are the next best thing available in the UK. 

6. Maison Louis Marie No.4 Perfume Oil - Just when I thought I'd found my scent, Tom Ford - Jasmin Rouge, along came this guy. I wasn't necessarily looking for a new fragrance when I discovered No.4; the La Gent team very kindly added this into a gift and pretty much caused havoc amongst my fragrance wardrobe. If you are familiar with Le Labo's Santal 33, then imagine that, but better. Both have delicious notes of leathery sandalwood and cedarwood, but No.4 Bois de Balincourt is warmer thanks to the nutmeg and cinnamon. (This one also won't sent you back £125) The difference between this scent and regular spray on Eau de Parfum is this is a roll on perfume oil, so it lasts a lot longer on the skin. The teeny glass bottle (could this be any more suited for travelling?) lives in my bag at all times, a few small dabs on the pulse points and I'm good to go for the entire day. 

7. Davines OI Hand Balm - This isn't any old hand cream; it's a hand BALM. Davines, best known for their cult hair products (the NOU NOU range saved my brittle bleached hair) have created this deletable tube of goodness. Formulated with Roucou Oil, Oil and Glycerin, to absorb quickly without any product pilling (I find A LOT of hand creams do this). This is unlike any other hand product I've tried.

8. La Mer Treatment Lotion (Exclusive Travel Size) - 

Ok, I've never been someone who gets toners, so I certainly couldn't wrap my head around this product when first introduced to it; it's described as a lotion you apply AFTER toner to prep the skin for any other serums and moisturisers you're about to apply. Sounds like a gimmick right?  All I thought was, it's another step in an already long-winded skincare routine, but because of the reputation behind La Mer I felt obligated to try and boy am I glad I did.  I took an exclusive travel size with me on holiday to Greece recently (more on our stay soon) and enjoyed using this to soothe and rehydrate my skin in the evenings but didn't think much of it, however since returning home I've continued to use the travel size although still unbeknown what exactly this product is supposed to do, here's what I've noticed so far - a reduction in redness immediately (especially after being in the sun), spots and breakouts are healing a lot faster, and my skin is much smoother but the biggest difference I've seen is my pores;they've shrunk significantly! I've been quite lucky with my skin, I've never experienced any severe skin problems but my biggest bug bearer has always been enlarged pores on my cheeks. I have to be extremely careful with moisturisers and lotions I use because anything too heavy can block them and make my skin appear bumpy, but this lightweight formula has helped reduce the size of them and keep them clear long term. 

The internet is rife with rave reviews about this product and for good reason. Another certified glow giver.  

9. Caudalie Beauty Elixir - Isn't the word elixir so enticing? Caudalie's cult product needs no introduction in the world of beauty, but it's still one that deserves mention. Sometimes I use it as a primer, sometimes I use it as a toner, and sometimes I simply spray it on because it feels so damn good. Top tip - keep it in the fridge on holiday then use it as a refreshing mist to sooth the skin post-sun exposure. I always carry the 30ml with me on flights as part of my in-flight regime because it aids in rehydrating and re-energising the complexion. 

10. Shiseido Purifying Mask - A reasonably straightforward clay mask that delivers results. It minimises pores, brightens complexion and leaves my skin feeling super soft.
The allure of this clay mask is that it doesn't go hard. I love a clay mask, but I do not love the inability to drink, talk or eat with them on. Whilst using the mask the eucalyptus oil generates a very cooling a refreshing sensation on the skin which is especially pleasant during these warmer days or if the skin has recently been damaged in the sun. 

SNAPSHOTS OF LOS ANGELES

Each week differs from the next in the blogging industry; you never know which opportunities are lurking around the corner or which life-changing email is seconds away from dropping into your inbox. Okay, life-changing might be an exaggeration, but when Superga proposed to whisk a group of incredible girls and me to Los Angeles for three days, in celebration of Alexa Chung's recent collaboration with the brand I knew this was going to a career highlight! 

After a rocky start to the year and feelings of demotivation starting to set in three days packed with sunshine, good food and endless giggles were precisely what I needed. All captured effortlessly by Fen in the video below. 

Travelling, especially with a great group of people, has a beautiful way of invigorating the soul and Los Angeles couldn't have been more ideal for that. The art deco inspired Shangri-La hotel in Santa Monica was our home for three nights, albeit over in a flash, waking up to a beach view each morning was enough to put a spring in my step. Along with their attentive staff and sinfully indulgent breakfasts. (Liv and I might have pigged out on french toast and pancakes more than once)  
Highlights also included; lunch at Rose Cafe, (if anyone can make a bowl of cauliflower look appealing, it's this place), paddling boarding with Paddle Method by the Marina and views from Griffiths Observatory. 

Reformation / Melrose

Monc Sunglasses

Shangri-La Santa Monica

Thank you Superga for an unforgettable trip!