Social media: Why I use it and what it means to me

Image from Pixabay

Contacts

One of the first tips I was told as a student journalist is to make sure my social media is up to scratch; constantly updated, chat with industry professionals online, remove old or inappropriate posts and follow the people that you aspire to be like or who has your dream job. This is probably the best advice I've been told. Since posting professional content, I've seen an increase in activity, with followers from industry professionals and a bigger following on my blog. Building contacts is good in any profession and you never know what you'll get from following someone on Twitter or commenting on someone's Instagram post.

News

Social media has changed the way in which traditional news platforms report news. Most people now see stories first on Facebook, especially if they follow any news outlets on there, but even through shares, likes and comments. Newspapers are now providing digital content for the majority of their stories; political, entertainment, business or just general news, helping more people than ever become interested in news. Over 80% of people now source their news online and social media has been the biggest influence on that number, especially in generating more people, who wouldn't have before, to read news.

Family

Keeping in contact with my family is so important to me, especially as my family live all over the UK and since my Uncle moved over to Madrid. Social media completely changed the way I chat to my family and friends, with it being so easy to keep in touch, see what people are up to and message them. From double-tapping pictures and videos on Instagram to liking status's on Facebook and messaging each other, I feel closer than ever to my family who I may not see as often as I'd like... simply down to the introduction of social media!

Trends

Similarly to news outlets, trending stories have completely changed the way that news is now provided. Whether it's a trending hashtag on Twitter to a story on Facebook, trends are purely there because so many people are talking about a certain topic. It now takes just seconds to open an app and see what's going on; a killer speech at the Grammys, important election results, the latest sports scores or even a pregnancy reveal!

Job Opportunities

Social media isn't just about checking in with your friends and having a laugh. As I've made my way through university, I've realised how important social media accounts are in reflecting your brand, personality and enthusiasm when it comes to future careers. Creating a professional Facebook and Twitter account helped my following and got me in touch with people I wouldn't have dreamed about speaking to before and creating a LinkedIn account is certainly the best thing I could have done while looking for job opportunities. Don't hold back when it comes to getting your name out there and showing your skills off!


Check out this post for tips on how to transform your social media:

LFW: My highlights, top trends and model of the moment

Image from Flickr

Top 5 Shows

Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster's show is a must-watch for me every year. Her statement butterfly winged heels and beautiful colours always take centre stage - and this year was no exception. The brave over-the-knee ice cold boots won the audience over and for me, those princess heels are just utterly gorgeous.

Burberry

Burberry pulled off a spectacular show again this year, in front of the most star-studded audience of LFW. I always spot massive trends at Burberry's show and this year saw asymmetric dresses, stunning beading and a whole load of capelets. Neutral colours and beautiful fabrics owned every piece, making the show gracious and elegant, with just a hint of fierceness.

Mary Katrantzou

Inspired by Disney's Fantasia, Mary Katrantzou's collection shone with glitter and sequins, and I loved it. I couldn't help but gawp at the beautiful colours and patterns of this year's show and prints are something that definitely weren't held back. Florals, surprising comic prints, textures and embellishments were all out in force.

Topshop Unique

Never one to disappoint, Topshop Unique's show was full of floral dresses, statement colours and oversized pieces, all finished with a spash of 80's. However, the audience won it over for me this year. Sofia Richie wore a beautiful sheer top, definitely a trend that was highlighted at Topshop's show, and Lydia Millen looked stunning in statement sleeves and Gucci loafers.

Halpern

Michael Halpern has won me over. The New York designer has officially vamped up the runway with non other than disco. We're talking a lot of sequins, bright colours and clashing textures and I absolutely love this look. Personally, a statement sequinned mini is more my thing, but I am in awe over the bold flared leg jumpsuits.

Trends I Love

Pink

My forever favourite rocked the runways this year. Different shades of pink with a mix of textures are an easy to wear statement that we'll see all over both designer and high street pieces. A gorgeous transition from spring to summer to autumn!

Volume

This trend is definitely one for the more confident but pulled off correctly and it can look beautiful. Volume skirts and dresses carried the runway, however, for a more subtle look, hunt the high street for a volume sleeve to transform your style.

Beading

Beading is probably my favourite trend at this year's London Fashion Week. It's elegant and classy but super wearable - go for a beaded jumper in the daytime and a beaded mini at night. My favourite piece has to be this sweatshirt from the Burberry collection.

Red

Extremely eye-catching but I'm sure everyone has at least one red item in their wardrobe! Dress it up with different textures and statement jewellery or keep it understated with clean cuts and simple colour combinations.

Sheer

I absolutely love sheer textures at the moment and LFW hit all the right notes with their take on the trend. From dresses to rain coats, embellishment to t-shirts, there's no covering-up from your favourite pieces this year.

Model of the Moment

Come on, it's got to be hasn't it?! Over the last couple of years, Gigi Hadid has completely changed the game with modelling. You can tell that she's a down-to-earth family girl who is living her dream and right from the get go, well, her Victoria Secret Fashion Show debut in 2015, she has been the one to look out for. And now with her new TOMMY X GIGI HADID collection rocking the runway, there's no stopping the 21 year old...

Who run the world? GIRLS.

I love reading other blogs and finding my favourites when it comes to travel, beauty, lifestyle and fashion. I typically follow UK bloggers as I prefer their style of writing and can relate myself to the places they visit, restaurants they eat at and the brands they wear! Reading other blogger's posts and watching their vlogs definitely motivates my style of writing and gives me ideas for posts myself, however, I do really just enjoy looking at their work and finding out how they got where they are now.

Here's my 5 favourite female bloggers:

1. Carrie at wishwishwish.net

Carrie's blog is full of wedding ideas at the moment; calligraphy, honeymooning, decor and dresses. But hunt through her posts and you'll find fun travel features, from Disneyland to European city breaks, with serious style throughout.

2. Victoria at inthefrow.com

You'll find everything from holiday styles, destinations and top tips to reflection posts about bullying and anxiety on Victoria's blog. She writes something for everyone and her latest trip to LA is already giving me serious holiday envy!

3. Lydia at lydiaelisemillen.com

Lydia's style is impeccable and her clothing haul vlogs are brilliant to watch. From fitness tips to holiday's, her engagement video to London shopping trips... she's definitely one to add on snapchat too for a great insight into what she does.

4. Suzie at hello-october.com

City breaks, high-street fashion and beautiful interiors own Suzie's blog and Instagram. Her eye for design is obviously something that she entwines through all of her work... even the clothes she wears! Her nude and black wardrobe is seriously amazing.

5. Claire at chouquette.co.uk

As well as her incredible Chanel bag collection, Claire's blog is full of beautiful clothing, shoes, makeup and lifestyle tips. Her wardrobe tour vlog is enough to make anyone jealous, but there's no doubt she's a down-to-earth girl who works hard for her style!

24 hours in...

Bath is one of my favourite places to visit. It boasts great shopping and fun restaurants, while still being a historical and beautiful place to visit. 

This weekend, I headed to Bath to check out their famous Christmas markets and inspire myself for a the festive season (less than 2 weeks to go!). 

The spa town was just as busy as I was expecting, even in the pouring rain, but that didn't stop me! After a quick stop for lunch, we headed for cover in the usual high-street stores; Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Jack Wills and All Saints.

We were pretty unsuccessful in our Christmas shopping trip and ended up buying for ourselves but that's what sales are for right?! 

The Christmas markets in Bath certainly didn't disappoint, with mulled wine, traditional German food and hot chocolate flowing, the atmosphere was brilliant. We didn't have time to check out the ice rink but by what I'be heard, it's pretty impressive!

Bath has always been one of my favourite places to visit and certainly is beautiful, even in the rain. I can't wait to visit the markets again next year and hopefully have a spin on the ice rink! Hopefully next time the sun will shine.

My top 5 stalls:

FELT SO GOOD : such a cute stall with everything felt; stockings, Christmas decorations and Pom Pom's just to name a few! Such a unique way to decorate your home at Christmastime.

THE GREAT STONE BAKER: The perfect place to grab a bite to eat as you wonder around the wooden huts. Top tip: go for the pulled pork on a bed of chips - you won't be disappointed!

POLLYFIELDS: Get into the Christmas spirit with door wreaths, scented candles and oils and the prettiest pot pourri!

THE BATH GIN COMPANY: Sample lots of different flavours of local gin. It'll definitely get you into that Christmas spirit!

JACKDAW: This stall will definitely catch your eye among the Christmas decs and food stalls! Beautiful Moroccan design and colourful glass brings a taste of the Medina to Bath.

The best of luxury advent calenders

Image from Pixabay

December is nearly upon us which means one thing... CHRISTMAS! And for me, the best bit about Christmas is the build-up to the 25th; the excitement, the high street atmosphere and most importantly, opening your advent calendar every morning. So, here's my pick of the 10 best luxury advent calendars 2016!

Molton Brown

Molton Brown's calendar is perfect for those who love their creams, gels and skincare products.

No7

No7 never fail to impress, with full sized products as well as miniatures worth over £150!

Hotel Chocolat

For those who love a traditional advent calender, with calender options of milk, dark, white and caramel!

NYX

My absolute fave in makeup brands, this advent calendar is definitely on my list!

Chase Spirits

You can't go wrong with vodka and gin, and this advent calendar offers so many flavours for you to try.

Lookfantastic

Skincare, makeup and brushes galore this year. The Lookfantastic calender also boasts full sized products.

Lego

Let your inner child out with a Lego calender!

Topshop

Topshop's calender is always a best seller, 24 items of jewellery... what's there to miss?!

Benefit

This calender is a must if you love Benefit's products and a great way to try products you've always wanted!

Diptyque

Twenty-four of the most beautiful candles and diffusers - a treat if you can afford it.

How to wear white in Winter

There is nothing more summery than a lovely white, button-up, denim skirt. The colour shows off that golden holiday glow, is light and cool to wear and most importantly, goes with everything.

So, what exactly do we do when winter comes?! Instead of banishing those white statement pieces and hiding your style in black and navy jumpers, here's 5 ways you can bring back your white wardrobe in winter:

1. Oversized jumpers

Jumpers are a huge fashion statement around winter time. Whether it's a fluffy sweater or a turtle neck jumper, an oversized white knit will always be the perfect partner for a pair of black skinny jeans.

2. Layer it up!

You can get away with anything in winter. What's an extra 3 or 4 layers to anyone when it's this cold? White jeans can still make a comeback throughout winter, just pop a pair of knee length boots over the top and team with warm shades and a statement tote!

3. On-trend with faux fur

This season, just like every year, faux-fur is massive. For me, teddy-bear coats are the perfect way to stay warm but look great.

4. Accessorise 

For a subtle way to add pops of white to your outfit, try a furry snood or knitted scarf. My favourite accessories of the moment are pom-poms; on shoes, bags, gloves and scarfs!

5. Feet first

There's nothing I enjoy more than a gorgeous pair of shoes. My favourite white pairs to wear in winter would be Adidas superstars and Nike thea's, or just a classic pair of Converse.

Jumper - Zara
Headband - M&S
Watch - Marc Jacobs
Purse - Ted Baker

Office look for summer

This dress makes this outfit effortless, just by being bold. The colour is suitable for the office and keeping accessories simple with straigh-forward tones and shapes will let your outfit do the talking!

Dressing for summer is difficult enough, without having to think about what to wear for work as well.  Work wear is easy - it allows you to mix and match items you'd wear everyday and specific items you buy purely for the office. But, when it gets warmer, you are constantly thinking about what you've worn and not wanting to wear the same outfit twice in one week. In winter, you can always get away with the same bottoms multiple days in a row; by wearing different tops, accessories and shoes.

Summer work wear means statement pieces. Sticking to the same accessories may feel boring but for the summer, it is a lot easier to keep with just one or two different pairs of shoes and the same handbag. The key is buying statement pieces in the sale that scream different! That way, your colleagues and clients will be focused more on what you're wearing than the fact you've worn the same watch and handbag three weeks in a row.

Dress - Mango

Bag - Michael Kors

Shoes - Kurt Geiger

Watch - Olivia Burton

Supermarket shopping

Sorry for being quiet the last few days, I've been so busy with organising my holiday/working!

However, running around organising and shopping gave me the best idea for this blog post. 

Supermarket shopping can be so boring; making a list, trying to be healthy, working out how much you've spend and constantly packing and unpacking leaves me feeling dull. Although, supermarkets now sell everything. I've never bothered looking at the clothes in supermarkets until this past weekend and I'm hooked. The latest trends and designs for a pinch of the price!
Now the school holidays are upon us, there's never been a better time to get out there, grab a bargain and stock up for your summer holiday...

Here's my top pick of the latest pieces from supermarket clothing lines:

1. Floral print cami - £16 Tu at Sainsbury's

2. Harem trousers - £15.60 M&S

3. Palm print bikini - £8 top £4 bottoms George at Asda

4. Striped co-ord set - £16 top £18 bottoms F&F at Tesco

5. Tassel necklace - £20 M&S

6. Floral jumpsuit - £16 George at Asda