31 December 2015

LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR 2016

Without having the cliché ‘new year, new me’ moment, I have been thinking about making some lifestyle changes for a good while. Bad habits are easy to pick up, and while I’m not intent on being a source of fitspo, I think it’s about time I upped my activity to more than getting up to find the TV remote. So, as we head into 2016, I’m excited to share that I’ll be working with JD Sports as an ambassador for their new Pink Soda range, sharing my fitness journey along the way – here’s to a happier, healthier version of me!

It’s not like I’m completely opposed to the whole fitness thing… In the past I got really into a routine. The thing is though, I was doing it for the wrong reasons – purely with hopes of ending up with a super lean body like some gorgeous Insta-model. Personally, I just don’t think that should be your only goal. This time round I’m wanting to do it for that feel good feeling you get from working out… Any aesthetic benefits would be nice, but they aren’t the be all and end all. In the past I was really into my hoola hooping (some of you may remember me talking about this in my early days on Instagram!) and taking on some YouTube workouts here and there. I loved it, and it felt like an easy way to incorporate exercise into my life, so I’m looking forward to picking that back up. For the coming months, my focus will be working on my core strength, building some tummy tone and really using exercise to up those feel good vibes.   

So, expect plenty of updates on my lifestyle changes coming up! You can stay up to date with how I’m getting on over on the Pink Soda Sport Hub, where you’ll also find a few other lovely blogging ladies sharing how they’re reaching their goals. In the last few weeks I’ve started things off with trying out the new range - I can’t wait to show you some more of the outfits! New workout clothing is always a big motivator for me, especially when it’s something a little different… The collection is full of amazing prints meaning I can bid farewell to the boring, all black options I used to go for. It’s the little details really finish things off though – hidden pockets, those handy little thumb holes on hoodies and super soft material… It’s stuff like that that I find really makes the difference with fitness clothing.

Are any of you guys setting fitness goals for 2016? I’d love to hear how you get on!

*This post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

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BEAUTY FAVOURITES FROM 2015

For me, 2015 has been a good year for beauty. I've been way more into the beauty side of blogging  (my bank balance would agree), encouraging myself to step away from my usual makeup bag favourites, and try out some new bits & bobs. Some new additions have become firm favourites, others will lurk in my 'I'll never use this but I refuse to throw this out' drawer. When it comes to the things I've been loving, here are the bits that made it into my top 10. 
Big love for this stuff. As someone with dull skin, with yellowish/greenish undertones (thanks life... apparently I have the DNA of a Simpson), this makes such a difference for brightening up my skin. I mainly use it when I'm making an effort with my makeup (can't be wasting Chanel on any old day!), but I love how it makes my skin look so much healthier.

I had to throw this one in there, although I'm still on the lookout for something to replace this as my go-to foundation. I do love Double Wear.... I have done for a good few years, but I know it's a heavy old thing that I see as a bit of a comfort blanket - something to really plaster over the imperfections. For bad skin bouts, this is something I always go back to.

My most used concealer this year, although I probably haven't used it that much to conceal. More for sharpening things up and a bit of contouring. It's now a big part of my brow routine, using it with a flat brush to neaten up any fuzzy areas. It's also a good one for doing the same with lip products - I'm absolutely rubbish with lip liner. 

This one I love because it's a really cheap alternative. I always get it when I've got one of those No. 7 vouchers, so it costs under a fiver?! Something like that. For those in-between brush wash times, I find this is what I go for. 
Probably one of my favourite beauty purchases from 2015. I've never used the Beauty Blender, but as this is such a cheap option, I don't think I'm that bothered about trying it. Plus, this works perfectly for me! The main thing is using it wet - it makes such a difference. These days I rarely bother using a foundation brush to do my base makeup as I find this just applies so much easier with better results. 
 Illamasqua Eyeshadows (Forgiveness & Vernau)
I've stocked up on a few of the Illamasqua powder shadows this year. I just find the colour range is really lovely, and they apply well on me. Forgiveness & Vernau are a couple of my favourites - they look great on their own or as more of a socket contour when using shimmer shadows. 

I was using a really cheap loose powder before I went back to this one... I'd forgotten how good it is in comparison! It's such a finely milled powder that you barely notice it going on, unlike others I've tried where I end up in a fog of dust that's then difficult to blend. A really light option, that gets rid of any shiny t-zone woes. 
We all knew I'd be sticking this one in there. It's as beautiful on as it looks in the pan - a pink toned gleam that I'm forever layering up on my cheekbones (highlight brighter than my future thaaaanks). I've tried a fair few highlighters this year, what with strobing being a bit of a thing, and this one is hands down my favourite. 


My go-to for saying bye bye to the moon face. This one probably is a bit too dark for me (the highlight I don't use as much), but I love it for a really defined contour. If powder contouring products are your thing then this is well worth a try. 

My most used bronzer this year. I know not everyone's into shimmery bronzing products, but I just think this gives such a glowy finish. As someone who likes to feel like they've got a good deal, I love that it's a multi use product. All of the shades I've used separately at some point - the lightest tone makes an amazing highlight. 


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30 December 2015

BLOGGING: WHAT WENT ON IN 2015

With 2015 on its way out, I thought it was time to round up on all things blogging over the last year! I could have added a whole lot more... There's always plenty going off in the blogging world, but for me these are some key things that will remind me of blogging in 2015. 

1. Marble was a blogging favourite. 
What's blogging life without a flat lay featuring something marble?! Ha. Just like the rose gold love affair that continues, marble felt like this year’s home décor favourite for us bloggers. To be fair, I do like marble... It's clean and simple, yet it always feels a little ‘swish’. I’m not quite over it yet.

2. Blogger tips became the thing. 
Don't get me wrong, I freaking love a good blogger tip. It's really useful to find out all this info that you can actually apply to what you do. I do think they need to be taken with a pinch of salt though. I reckon that most of the 'successful' bloggers didn't have much advice given to them to start with (mostly because they were probably some of the first to give this whole blogging thing a go), and while I know hard work is the biggest game player, I also believe that being in the right place, at the right time plays a role. Basically, I think most of us know there's no fail-safe route to becoming the next big name in blogging. For working out all things blogging though, my favourites have been Media Marmalade & The Lovecats Inc. I love a good Sunday afternoon flicking through their posts!

3. Looking ‘professional’ became a whole lot easier.
And with tips, came insight on how to make your blog seem a lot more professional. This year I’ve really noticed that our little blogs look flipping impressive. Remember when you just used to type in a header and maybe add in a html box?! Does that make me a blogging dinosaur?! Nowadays it’s fancy blog designs, media packs and extra beautiful imagery… All of which can be inexpensive, and sorted easily with a little assistance from our old friend Google. In 2015, I think we’ve all really upped our game, and for that we should give ourselves a little pat on the back.  

4. Instagram themes were a real life issue. 
The struggle is real when that really cute picture just doesn't go with your Instagram theme. Do I just throw it in there?! Can I edit it to fit my vibe?! First World Problems. Gone are the days where you could just lob any old picture on Instagram with the Valencia filter & maybe a rogue pair of undies lurking in the background. The Instagram theme became an actual topic of conversation this year… As ridiculous as that may sound!

5. Honesty was upped. 
From sharing how you can Facetune that spot into oblivion, to the more important stuff like disclosing clearly when content is sponsored, I do think that honesty with blogging is on the up. Thankfully. If it wasn't for that, I definitely think that the relatable feel bloggers once had would have been lost. For me, it brings a lot of the credibility back. It’s one thing I’m really happy to have seen in blogging this year, and hope it only continues to develop.

6. We realized there’s a whole load of money to be made.  
Anyone else beyond sick of the Daily Mail's endless obsession with how much money YouTube stars can make, or how these top Instagram models can charge 30k per post? Bore. We get it. It's dull. Truthfully though, 2015 was the year that I actually realized you could make a lot of money from blogging. I was probably a little naive previously. While I’m sure a lot of us have had this moment of realization, & money can be a nice little extra, I don’t think it’s the focus for the vast majority of bloggers.  

7. Snapchat went up the popularity scale.
I was so anti creating a Snapchat account for my blog, then I finally caved and it became my favourite social media outlet for the year. I've loved Instagram in the past, but we all know it can be pretentious AF, and not always a complete representation of life. Snapchat for me goes back more to the honesty point - it shows a much more relatable side to bloggers. Lipstick I'm quickly putting on while I sit in my pyjamas, trips to McDonalds for 20 chicken nuggets & makeup free cuddles with my cat - life isn't always Instagram quality. I'm currently obsessed with catching up on blogger's Snaps.

8. The Chloé Faye became the blogger's handbag of choice. 
Okay, I get why. It's a leather dreamboat of handbag goodness. If nearly £2000 landed in my lap for spending on accessories, then I'd be having one. In 2015, the Chloé Faye officially joined the likes of the Jeffrey Campbell Litas, the Triangl Bikinis and the Daniel Wellington watch as a symbol of blogging status. Gimme one.

9. Instagram started to be a bit of a pain in the ass. 
This could be more of a personal one, but for me, I've found Instagram to be a bit more 'meh' this year. I used to see it as my go-to platform for 'getting out there'… Somewhere you could really build up your blog presence and reach a wider audience. These days I find it harder and harder to build on engagement, and while it isn't the be all and end all, to me I just don't think you get half as much out of it these days *puts on rose tinted glasses & looks back on the simple days of the popular page*. I've seen folk saying similar online, with rumors that since Facebook's takeover Instagram’s algorithms have gone a bit cray & content isn't being seen so much… It's a difficult one to suss out, and difficult to explain without sounding too 'I want a million likes and a million followers and if I don't get that then it's crap'. Maybe the novelty has just worn off a tad?! 

10. More than ever, blogging has been taken seriously.
YAY. On the upside of all these bore-central articles on how much money bloggers make, I do think that this has pushed it a bit more into the limelight, showing folk that actually there's more to it than sticking a few pictures on the internet. It's been really lovely this year to see so many bloggers going full time... It's inspiring to see all that hard work pay off! Blogging these days isn't just that thing people think is all about vanity and talking about your favourite lipstick and blah blah blah. For loads of people it's now a bloody impressive career.

Have you got blogging moments from 2015 you could add in? I love posts like this as things to look back on in the future... Here's to whatever 2016 brings for blogging! 
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28 December 2015

NEW IN: CHRISTMAS 2015


The 'What I Got For Christmas' thing isn't for everyone, but personally, I love having a peek at the presents folk received. Although it's mostly that I'm a nosey Nancy, I do like to get some more ideas for heading for a spend in the sales (I really shouldn't be buying, but it's unavoidable in the sales). I've just uploaded a video sharing some of the lovely presents I've had over the holidays, as well as some other bits I bought around the time. There are a few extras below, mostly because I'm crap at filming & a lot of it didn't make the cut in the editing process - forever finding YouTube a struggle! 

Clothing wise my mum always likes to get me something to wear on Christmas day, which I love... It's nice to have something new to get dressed up in! This year she went for this knit dress she knew I'd been after - it's super oversized and comfy, just the sort of thing I like. I wore it with my new Topshop Master Boots, my 'main' present. I think I've worn them every day since Christmas... They're the perfect height for lengthening my legs without causing me to topple over! 
Boots - TopshopDress - ASOSMichael Kors Gloves - TK Maxx

I say home... At the minute I still live with my ma & pa, so these are cute bits to add to my bedroom until I get my own place. Little bits & bobs like these I love, plus they always look nice as extras in blog pictures!
The White Company Candle - WinterRing Holder (similar here)  / Aurelia Morning Time Gift Set

This Christmas has been a extra guuuurd one for beauty. I've had some lovely extra treats from work in the form of Space NK parcels, while my mum picked me up the makeup palettes & my brother & a pal went for Lush goodies. My morning routine just got a way more exciting! I love that after the festivities you often have new things to try. I'll be updating how I get on with them on Snapchat (username - fashioninflux).

You can catch up on some more Christmas presents/bits I've bought in the video below. It's quite a chatty one, mostly because I feel like I need to say plenty if any of my friends & family watch and just think I'm whizzing over their presents ha! As ever, I'm incredibly thankful to have some amazingly generous & thoughtful people in my life. 

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24 December 2015

FESTIVE FEELINGS

Scarf - Boohoo, Crop Top - ASOS, Skirt - c/o Nobody's Child, Boots - c/o Public Desire

Just a quick outfit post from me today, mainly because I just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas! This is just my Christmas Eve outfit... For once, I'm blogging about what I wore on the day I wore it. I was supposed to be working today, but our lovely bosses let us have the day off. Instead, I've had the chance to tag along for all things festive with the family. I've had such a lovely lead up to the holidays this year, so I hope you're all feeling as Christmassy as I am... Some years I can feel like a bit of a Scrooge, but this time round I'm feeling like Buddy the Elf. SANTA IS COMING. 

On the outfit front, I did originally go for something way more festive... If you follow me on Snapchat (username - fashioninflux) you'll have seen my cream co-ord that felt a little bit Mrs Claus. Unfortunately, torrential downpours made me wimp out of wearing it. Instead I opted for this all black combo - I don't know why black just feels more practical. In reality, trudging around Bakewell in these boots still wasn't a great idea! I managed, although walking boots would have probably been more appropriate. 

Right. Time to get the real festive feels going on. This evening we're heading up into the village for Santa's annual stop off in the village... It's mainly for the kids but I'm using 'it's festive' as an excuse to head up with my ma. So, have an uhhhmazing Christmas everyone, I hope it's filled with love, laughter & a sickening amount of turkey sandwiches. 



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22 December 2015

MATCHING GREY & THAT CAMEL COAT

Sunglasses - Céline Coat - Primark, Jumper - Primark, Trousers - Primark, Trainers - adidas Superstar

I say 'that' camel coat 'cause it's becoming quite the regular in blog posts. As much as I love buying clothes, it's admittedly a bit pointless seen as I mostly just wear around 10 favourite items on a rotate. Lol. Currently, this Primark number is my go to when I’m dashing about. To say it’s only a cheapo version it still does a good job at keeping me cosy! I’m still on a hunt for the grey version… It could be that it's in fact a mythical Primark beast, but I did hear that it exists.

Without intention, this outfit is all Primark. I don’t even buy much from there anymore (I usually can’t face tackling the queues), but I still have some good basics lurking in my wardrobe. The little tutle neck jumpers I always find to be good value, and the trousers I grabbed in the sale last year. They’re really soft, perfect for the chillier days. My only problem at the minute is that the weather is ruining my freaking life when it comes to wearing anything other than skinny legged trousers – how am I meant to rock my flares when they’re trailing behind me sopping wet through?! For the foreseeable future I'm not bothering to buy anything wide legged… I saw a dreamy pair of maroon trousers in ZARA the other day but I just knew they’d get trashed in the rain. Sob. I know, another level of 'First World problems' has been reached. 

I’m heading off now as we’re about to go for a drive round our favourite OTT (and totally fabulous) Christmas lights. It’s Christmas Eve Eve Eve (?!) after all! 


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