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Refreshing Your Wardrobe this Autumn

Working from home for me has meant a lot of my work wardrobe has been left a bit sad and unloved… I’ve lived a lot in leggings and hoodies!

But I’m trying to be more conscious of not getting into bad habits and sprucing myself up from time to time to make myself feel good. With autumn here it’s now all about big jumpers, thick tights and skirts. Still comfortable but a bit smarter and fancier than just leggings!

Here’s an article on autumn fashion you might enjoy to give you some inspiration 🙂

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As much as we love to cling on to summer for as long as possible, it’s probably time to admit that autumn is here. The afternoons are getting darker, the trees are starting to become bare, and the temperature is falling. It’s time to fish out those chunky knits, find your winter hat and gloves and pack away your summer shorts and swimwear. 

If you’ve spent the last few months enjoying summery prints, bright colours and loose, comfortable clothes, the idea of restrictive jeans and jumpers, dull colours and practical outfits might be a little upsetting. But, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to refresh your autumn wardrobe so that you love it just as much as those summer dresses. 

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Look at What You’ve Got

Before you rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe, take a look at what you’ve got. Buying new coats, boots and winter accessories can be fun. But, it can also be expensive, and money is tighter than usual for many of us this year. So, first, take a look at what you’ve already got. Look at what you can work with, what needs replacing and what you can fix. Then, consider shopping second hand on eBay and in charity stores for anything that you do need. 

Layer Up

Layers are crucial in autumn. The weather is changeable, and while you may need to wrap up first thing in the morning, the afternoons can be much warmer. Make sure you’ve got plenty of light layers, that work well with other items of clothing, and don’t underestimate how effective a simple vest can be when it comes to keeping warm.

Keep Your Summer Favourites 

Layers also give you the chance to wear your much-loved summer clothes for longer. Add thick tights under skirts, dresses and even shorts. Put a long-sleeved t-shirt under a summer dress or shirt and add jumpers and long-line cardigans for extra warmth without losing style. 

Add Some Colour

In autumn and winter, many of us are guilty of sticking to dark colours and avoiding patterns. But, autumn is filled with colour. Plum, navy, dark green and mustard are always popular at this time of the year. But, don’t be scared to add some summer brights to your look, especially with your jewellery and accessories. 

Invest in Good Quality

Fast fashion is cheap, fun and easy. But, it doesn’t last, it won’t keep you warm, and it’s unlikely to be waterproof. It’s also bad for the environment and creates a false economy. It can be better value to buy second hand, high-quality goods. At least invest in good quality boots and a coat which will keep you warm and dry. 

Shop for Your Lifestyle

If you do need to buy new clothes and shoes this season, keep your lifestyle in mind. It’s no good buying things that you’ll never wear. Think about how much time you are likely to spend outdoors, what you do in your spare time, and what you really need to enjoy the lifestyle that you are used to. 

Have Fun with Waterproofs

We wear our waterproofs on wet, grey days—the days when we need cheering up the most. So, have some fun with prints, patterns and colours. Find items that make you smile, and you’ll probably cheer other people up too. 

Add Some Glamour

Autumn and winter don’t have to be boring or just practical. You can still wear glamorous clothing and enjoy more stylish pieces. If you are looking for something for an occasion this autumn, jumpsuits are in fashion and always look great, even if you have to layer them up for extra warmth. 

Be Bold with Hair and Makeup

Your clothes aren’t the only way to refresh your look this autumn. Add some colour to your makeup with bold lipsticks and smoky eyes. You might also want to consider a new hair colour and style if it’s been the same all year. 

Get Creative

One of the best ways to create a unique autumn wardrobe is by getting creative. Make your own clothes, buy from charity shops and upcycle outfits into something new and interesting. Even small touches, like adding a patch or brooches, can give new life to an old outfit. 

Autumn is here, winter is coming. Wrapping up warm can help you to stay comfortable and healthy, and even give you the chance to enjoy the season. So, embrace it. Have fun with autumn fashions, and enjoy some glorious autumnal walks with your family and friends.

Do you enjoy dressing up?

Is your wardrobe dictating by the seasons?

Would you say you’re fashionable?

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Create A Style That Is Uniquely You In Simple Steps

Life is so hectic and busy right now it’s crazy!

Work has ramped up, so much is happening with the house (all good stuff – lots of Ikea trips, deliveries and flat pack action making our house into a home) and just life in general. I will be back on form with my blog soon… but for now I have a post talking about style. I’m by no means a stylish person but I do believe I have my own “Anna style” which is just generally comfy and simple 😉 Anyway here we go…

If you are looking for advice on how you can create a style that is uniquely yours without a whole bunch of hassle, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the simple steps that you can take to create this kind of style. We know that a lot of people say fashion is a universal thing, but it really isn’t, and a lot of it is down to a person’s individual preferences. Instead of stamping out the differences between your idea of style and someone else’s, we think you should be embracing them. Anyway, if you want to know more about some of the steps that you can take, keep reading down below to find out more.

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Be Comfortable

The first thing that you’ve got to think about is how to be comfortable. It’s important that your style allows for some level of comfort. We’re going to look at beauty being pain a little lower down in this article, but this doesn’t always have to be the case, and sometimes beauty comes from when we are most relaxed. If you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to be relaxed than if you’re not, which is why this is something you should be thinking about. It is often the case that we look our best when we feel our best, and if you feel like you can’t breathe because your clothes are too tight or you’re so hot that your clothes are literally stuck to your skin, then this isn’t going to be the case.

It’s up to you to work out how to have a style that is both comfortable and still looks fantastic. At the end of the day, if you think that it looks good, then it looks good. It’s up to you how you style yourself and don’t listen to anyone else. Be comfortable, and let the haters hate if that’s what they want to do.

Sometimes Beauty Is Pain

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We know that we just discussed beauty being about being comfortable, and a lot of the time, this is true, but on some occasions, it does require a little bit of pain. There is always going to be an opposite, and it’s like the dark to the light. You’re going to need both at some point! Sometimes you will find that your style is painful. For example, if you want to wear 5 inch plus heels, then you’re going to have some sore feet by the time you take them off. Depending on how often you are standing and walking obviously because these are certainly not the most comfortable shoes in the world. You’re going to have blisters and squashed toes until you get used to the feeling, but while you’re adjusting, it’s going to hurt a lot. But, sometimes, these heels are worth it when they take that outfit from a 7 to a 10.

Or, sometimes, you’ll find that you’re wearing clothing that is really tight. Some people wear bodices to keep their stomachs in (yes, they’re still a thing!), and the point is that they are so tight it keeps everything in one place. It can be uncomfortable like you’re fighting to breathe for a little while, but eventually, you just get used to it. If some of your styles require something like this, don’t be afraid of a little pain for the gain.

There Are So Many Accessory Choices

Another thing that you’re going to have to think about is all the accessories that are on offer for you to choose from. Not everyone likes to accessorize their outfits, and that’s completely fine, but some people don’t have a choice. For example, if you wear glasses, then you’re certainly going to have to figure out a way to make your style work around then. Glasses can be an incredible accessory, though, as they even make some outfits as long as you have the right style and color to fit in with what’s going on. Sunglasses are the same, although you don’t need them to enhance your vision, so they aren’t the vital piece that glasses can be!

You’ve also got hats, scarves, gloves, jewelry, purses, the right shoes, and so many others that you might even find yourself overwhelmed with all of the options. Keep in mind that however you choose to accessorize your outfit is entirely up to you. Go with what makes you feel confident. Find things that match your style and love them, be unapologetically you!

Think About Your Colors

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Have you thought about your colors? What looks good on you? What are the colors that you like to wear? What colors make you feel confident and happy with the way you look? These are all important questions and ones that you should be asking yourself when you are creating your own style. Considering it’s a style that is singularly about you, it’s important that you are taking into account all of your personal preferences. If you have found yourself wearing the same kind of colors for the past couple of years, then you might want to look at why this is. Is it because these are the ones that make you feel good or because they’re the ones you feel more comfortable in? It doesn’t matter as long as you love the style you have.

But, you might want to branch out a little bit more and experiment with a few more colors. You can look online or speak to a professional about what kind of colors would suit you the most, and then try to incorporate these into your new look if you like them as well. If you don’t, stick with what you know!

What Makes You Feel Good?

What makes you feel like the fabulous person that you are when you are walking outside? What kind of clothes gives you that feeling that you’re a boss and you know it? These are the clothes that you should have in your closet, nothing else. You don’t want to wear something that doesn’t make you feel incredible. Of course, you can have your sweats for when you’re lounging at home, but when you head out, you want to feel like the powerful, fierce person that you are, and your clothes are going to have a lot to do with this. We want you to feel confident all the time, so you’ve got to decide what makes you feel good and what doesn’t.

There is no room in your style for anything less than awesome. If it doesn’t make you feel fantastic, then get rid of it. Don’t settle for less, creating this style is your chance to show the world who you are.

Your Figure

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You might want to think about your figure. You can wear anything that you want, no matter what body shape you have, but some people find it more comfortable if they are wearing clothes that flatter their figure. Others don’t care, and if they have a bit of a tummy, this isn’t going to stop them wearing those shorts or that crop top. This can’t be said of everyone though, so don’t worry if you are more concerned with the way clothes look on your figure. Like we have been emphasizing through this article, it’s all about you and what makes you feel the best you can.

Certain types of clothes are better for enhancing certain figures, which is what you might want to look into. There are style guides online to give you an idea of what these clothing types are, and there are also professionals that you can talk to if you would rather have in person advice.

Take Your Time To Decide

Never rush your style. You don’t want to make decisions because you think you are short on time and then end up regretting them at a later date. All of your choices have to be made because they are what you want. Don’t ever let yourself feel as though you are settling for something that doesn’t 100% fit with the style you are trying to create. If you find something that is an outlier and you love it, then there’s no reason you can’t incorporate it. The same way that if you find something that does fit with your style, but you don’t like it as much as everything else, it has no place in your new look.

Keep in mind that if you don’t love it when you first buy it, you won’t grow to like it any better. The store is the place you love it the most, and if it’s not screaming at you, it’s not the one you should choose.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see how you can go about creating a style that is uniquely you using simple steps. Put this advice into practice, and you’re going to end up with a style that you adore, no matter what anyone else says! You do you and forget anyone else.

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Do you think you have a unique style?

Do you enjoy following fashionn trends?

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Fall In Love With Fall Fashion Trends

Hello! I have a bit of a different colloborative post today – about fashion! I’m not the most fashionable or chic person out there but I do enjoy that lovely feeling of confidence when you wear something nice. Though I do need to wear more colours… I have a lot of craziness in my fitness wardrobe but not daily life. Happily it seems black is back…

While summer was all about vintage, denim and florals, fall fashion couldn’t be more different. Instead of the swinging sixties, this years fall fashion fixes are focusing on the kitch 80s and 90s for some autumnal inspiration. If you need to express your fashionista credentials wherever you go, you will want to be on trend. Take a look at these fall fashion hits that you can’t help but fall in love with.

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Back To Black

While summer was all about pink and purple, autumn is hitting back with a homage to black. While everyone has something little and black in their wardrobe, very few craft an entire ensemble or two or three around the darker shade. Black has always been a staple of any wardrobe, but now designers are choosing to put it center stage. Even online retailers are getting in on the trend with companies like Boohoo showing off a range of jackets, tops and bodysuits that are unapologetically monochrome.

Capes

While you might not feel like Wonderwoman, you can at least get yourself a cape or two to pay homage to a superhero. Capes don’t mean that you have to go for garish colors like the comics. Capes can be classy and add a touch of sophistication to any fall outfit. When heading outdoors, you may not need a full on coat. This is where the cape comes in. Chanel went for the tweed cape look at the fashion shows this year. Others chose a sleeker velvet variety whereas others went all out with leopard and tiger print long length capes. If you’ve never had a cape before, think of it as a longer poncho or shawl and wear it in the same way.

Image source Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Longer Coats

Remember in the 1990s when everyone wanted a trench coat a la Inspector Gadget. Well, the trend is back. Longer coats are making a return after what seems like a ridiculous amount of time of coats getting ever shorter. While trench coats are very much en vogue so is the duffle. A more fitted duffle that shows of your waistline is the trend of the season. While you might be tempted to wear your lined leather jacket, the chances are that it’ll be too short. Instead, go for a neon orange shell suit ankle length coat that will make a bold statement when out and about. 

For something a little more sophisticated, combine the longer coat and black trends to source a heavy black wool coat, perfect for those chillier winter evenings.

Fashion trends do come and go, but more often than not, they return once again. You never know, you may even find some of your older pieces moving from the back of your wardrobe to make a return this season. Forget fast fashion and think about upcycling your older pieces. If you had a trench coat in 1995, whip it out, get it dry cleaned and wear it once again. Owning an original retro piece will boost your fashionista credentials no end.

Do you buy items as investment pieces, to last and last?

Or do you go with the latest trends and chop and change often?

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Environmentally sustainable sportswear – SueMe review

I think we all know we need to be more environmentally conscious and eco-friendly.

Unless you’ve been living under a box, you’ll be well aware that plastic is our nemesis and we should all be trying to reduce how much we use. Though it’s ridiculously difficult as it’s permeated our lives so deeply. You cannot escape it. It wraps our food, our cosmetics, packaging, it’s in anything we buy really. It’s almost impossible to avoid it.

What else I’ve noticed is the trend of “fast fashion”. Clothes that are almost disposable. You wear them for a short period of time – because they’re on trend – and then you’re done with them as the next trend emerges. And because the clothes are so cheap, it’s easy to do. Personally I don’t follow the majority of trends. I’m not that into fashion and I like buying clothes that will last me and I won’t look stupid wearing next year.

I’m the first to admit don’t do enough to be environmentally sustainable but I do try and make a conscious effort in small ways throughout my day. Like using my reusable coffee mug, my metal straw, buying less bottles of fizzy drinks, recycling, re-using, composting… And not buying stupid stuff that won’t last.

This is why I was keen to get involved with SueMe. The company manufactures responsibly sourced sportswear while still being comfortable and performance-related. I was able to try two pairs of their underwear and a t-shirt. Firstly, I thought it was very cool that they send SEEDS (as in, for plants) with their items. I love this!Their underwear is made from 95% beech tree pulp and is manufactured to be CO2 neutral. Not only this but the fibres require less amount of land and a lower water consumption. The t-shirts are 70%  bamboo viscose as well as 30% organic cotton.The underwear is SO comfortable. They’re boy short style – so female boxers, if that’s the best terminology! And they fit so nicely and are super flattering. The material is very soft. You could wear these to run a marathon in and not suffer from the dreaded chafe, 100%. They are wickable, breathable and naturally antimicrobial, which is ideal for sports. Interesting the pants (knickers? Shorts?) were designed by the same guy who made Iain Thorpes’ swimsuit (the swimsuit he wore to win the Gold medal). So you know they’re decent!I love the t-shirt as well. They have some very cool designs (a lot of cycling themes) but I just loved the thunder storm one.

The t-shirts are made in line with Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Recycle Standard and as such are manufactured in a way to meet certain standards (e.g. the water is recycled in a closed-loop system). Obviously all of this would be kind of wasted if the clothes didn’t feel or look good – my verdict? I really like them. The t-shirt is nice and casual and perfect with jeans.These days I think we just need to take a bit more time and conscious thought to decide where we’re buying things from, whether we actually need them and what impact we’re having on the environment. I don’t think we can just float through life willy nilly and not be responsible for our actions anymore. And supporting more companies like SueMe is a good step in the right direction I think!

Do you follow fashion trends?

What do you do to be more environmentally conscious?

**Full Disclaimer: I was sent these items from SueMe for free in exchange for a review post. All opinions are my own honest ones.**

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My motivations for the gym

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you probably know two key things about me. One, I see myself as quite the injury-prone runner. And two, I love leggings. Happily I’ve been able to complement these two things into a very productive outcome. Just hear me out…

I’m a big fan of going to the gym. Yes I love running, of course, but I do really enjoy going to the gym as well. It hasn’t always been this way. I saw the gym as the enemy. A place of bewilderment and boredom. I would drag myself there when I was no longer able to run because I was suffering from a sore knee, hip, painful IT band or something along those lines. So I’d go to a Spinning class or use the elliptical machine, grudgingly. But never sort the actual issue out – the root cause.

After numerous of physio appointments it finally got through to me that I needed to actually make strength training part of my weekly routine. Sadly I’m not one of those seemingly superhuman people who can just run and do nothing else.

It was tough though. It took a lot of research, YouTube videos, physio help and guidance to become stronger, confident and actually happy to go to the gym.Where do leggings come into it though? Well, one of the reasons I love the gym is that I can be a bit more exciting with my fitness clothing. I don’t wear leggings when I run because I just prefer to wear shorts… but at the gym, leggings are my staple. What you look like at the gym really doesn’t matter of course, but for me it really helps to be wearing something I feel comfortable and, yes, look good. It helps make me feel good.

I’m quite a boring person with what I wear normally so it’s nice to be a bit more “jazzy” at the gym where anything goes in terms of colours and patterns. One of the sites I love is The Sports Edit. They have a fantastic range of very stylish gym wear – and items that will last, not fast fashion that you will chuck away after a few months.I was sent a pair of leggings and a top from the site to review and I can happily say I’m in love. Now you know I know my leggings. I know what makes a decent pair, what’s flattering and, most importantly what actually works at the gym in terms of comfort and actually exercising. These leggings are GORGEOUS. I’m not really a huge pattern fan but these are subtly different. I love how sparkly they are (they don’t actually feel sparkly and don’t drop glitter everywhere – something I was a bit worried about).
They’re the Alloy Ombre High Waisted Leggings from the brand Beyond Yoga and when I wore them at the gym I got quite a few compliments. One person asked if they were they my “disco leggings” for Christmas. I mean, I guess he’s right, they’re perfect for the Christmas season! But I will be wearing them all year round 🙂 They have a lovely high-waisted fit, are thick enough to be squat proof but not too thick to not be breathable.
The top is the Under Armour Accelerate Tank White 2.0. I love how simple it is but also that the back is open to give a bit of air and also so you can show off your sports bra at the back (I have some quite nice sports bra with some funky strapping which is always a shame to cover up under a t-shirt). I’ll be wearing this top for both the gym and running.In terms of my gym routine, currently I’m at the gym three-four times a week. I tend to do circuit classes which work the entire body, but in a more weights-focused way. Think less cardio, more strength. I also ensure I do at least one legs and glutes focused day. We’re talking squats, lunges, hip thrusts, single leg work and resistance band routines. I’ll do heavy barbel squats and hip thrusts to really target increasing my strength and then higher rep, lighter weight exercises to focus more on the endurance of my muscles. I can happily say I’ve remained uninjured for a good while now and I’m almost certain it’s because of my stronger body.

What keeps you motivated at the gym?

Do you have different clothes for running compared to what you were at the gym?

Do you look for gymwear that will last a long time or whatever is cheapest? For me it’s generally long lasting and quality – but this does tend to be more expensive, but in the long run it works out better!

**Full Disclaimer: I was sent the leggings and top for free in exchange for a review on my blog. As always these are my own honest opinions!**