MY JOURNEY TO VEGANISM SO FAR

Earlier this year, I decided to make a transition in my life and being a journey towards a vegan lifestyle. Although I can't claim to be fully vegan yet in terms of general lifestyle (more on this later), my diet has fully transitioned and I have been eating vegan/plant-based since the end of February this year. I had been putting off posting this for a while now as I had no idea how people would react to it, however with so many big talks on climate change and the environment over the past couple of days I could not delay it any longer - as a plant-based diet may offer some solutions to these pressing problems.

After facing various struggles over the past year or two I began to become less motivated about blogging, however I thought this transition towards veganism would be a perfect way to restart and become passionate about this again. Even more so because I am still on the path towards full veganism - being a uni student I just can't afford to throw away all my makeup and toiletries and buy new ones (I also think wasting current products creates another problem), so my process so far is when things run out I am replacing them with cruelty free products over time, and in the future my full collection will eventually be fully cruelty free. This way, I can use my blog to trial and test cruelty free makeup and prove that it is possible and affordable to make slight changes like these - as there are so many things on offer now.

My aim for this new blogging journey isn't to be overly preachy, nor critical of people who make certain changes and not others - in my opinion any change has the opportunity to make a difference and so this shouldn't be scrutinised (something that I have witnessed a lot within the vegan community). In this current period where change needs to happen in order to save the planet, this is a time for encouraging (not forcing) people to look into veganism/being plant-based, rather than attacking those who make small changes rather than the full change. So with this being said, the future of my blog will share recipes, as well as beauty and fashion products as I did before with a focus on the cruelty free/vegan market.

CASIO GOLD MINI DIGITAL WATCH

For years, I was never a watch person. I think as a child I had a couple of watches with characters on, like Hello Kitty and such, and then as a teen I had one watch and once the batteries ran out, I never went back to it. However, for the past 6 months or so, I've been wearing this Casio Mini Digital every single day.

The reason I like this is because it doesn't look like the classic watch. I have very very small wrists and a lot of watches therefore tend to look bulky and just don't suit me, which also lends to why I chose to buy the 'mini' version rather than the standard size Casio. But this is different. It has a sort of 'old school' vibe to it, and it is also ridiculously simple. The best part is that I got it for about £20, and it still looks almost brand new except the general wear and tear.

It also works really well for me due to the fact it is 'water resistant'. Of course, I'm not going to go swimming with my watch on, but as I work in a café I'm used to a lot of splashing and things and this just means I can still wear it to check the time and not be fretting constantly that it's going to get damaged.

For someone with a personal style similar to mine, I think this watch is such a good purchase, and it isn't exactly breaking the bank either. It's easy to wear, style and is the perfect size too. Perhaps, I'll even get the silver...

CHOPPED

Apologies, for two things. Firstly, the awful phone quality pic up there, and secondly the lack of posts. The start of last month was pretty awful for me, I got dumped, and a few days later ended up with someone in the back of my newly bought little Kia Piccanto (first car, my heart breaks). But towards the end of the month, things were looking up - I passed my driving test, got the grades I wanted in my AS Levels and then, got my hair chopped and I honestly feel the best I have for months. Sometimes you need changes like these to realise how much better off you can be.

So, because I haven't shown off my new hair enough, there's a nice collage up there for you. This is a major change since for ages I was adamant I was growing my hair super long, but I think this blunt chop suits me and my personal style so much better.

SWIMWEAR SEASON

It's getting close to the summer holiday season yet again, and you can guarantee I am sweating it out in the gym most days a week in the hope of pulling together some sort of glowing bikini body in the next month or two (we'll see about that one), but there is no point of all the exercise if I don't have any bikinis to rock.

Most years, I really struggle to find a well fitting bikini, because my boob size to be honest isn't quite as proportional to the rest of my body and everything tends to look a bit off. But this year, I've found two perfectly fitting bikinis from ASOS, the one place I can pretty much always rely on. I'm not sure if these are still available as they were sale finds, but they have very similar styles anyway so it's worth a look.

The first is the Fuller Bust Girly Woodblock Print Marilyn Bikini, a triangle style which ties into a halter neck. I like this because of the thick band - it tends to offer me more support than similar style bikinis without it. I also love the pattern on this one - a pretty floral design in pastel shades.
The second is a little more intense, a mash up of animal print and floral designs - something I wouldn't usually go for, but unusually love. This is the Fuller Bust (these work best for me) Tropical Animal Moulded Plunge Bikini, yet again offering me lots of support. This also ties to a halterneck, and has underwire in proper cups for a more structured style than the former.

As I said, these fit perfectly, and I'll definitely be heading to the ASOS Swimwear if I am after any more for my holidays, and to be honest, knowing these pretty bikinis are waiting for me makes me work that extra bit harder at the gym...

SUNGLASSES OF THE YEAR

Topshop Waverly Wayfairer Sunglasses - £14

Usually, Primark sunglasses get me through the summer months mainly because I can't bare to spend more than £3 on a pair of sunnies that I'll probably leave in my bag to get scratched, lose, or even sit on and crush (talking from actual experience for that one). But, this year I happened to be looking in Topshop and fell in love with a frame I couldn't leave behind. 

I can't find the exact pair online but they are the Waverly Wayfairer frame style and there's a couple of other 'prints' if you will. I didn't think £14 was bad at all, and the fit of these is perfect. I have quite a slim face so I tend to get swamped by glasses but these are perfect. I had a pair similar last year but all black - this time I opted for still a black pair but they have a faint floral/palm print within the frame too which just adds an extra touch. 

To be quite honest, I've even been eyeing up another pair in this style online but I'm not sure I can allow myself to make the purchase, considering these are so loved anyway. I genuinely don't think it is possible for me to fall out of love with these, because they literally work with every item of clothing in my wardrobe. Never a complaint. 

I've found a similar pair here, just with a thinner frame, but to be honest I prefer these. Have a browse of the Waverly Wayfairer style and let me know your opinion. 

BACK ON TRACK

It's safe to say, it has been a while. I've been meaning to do an update for quite some time and it was only when Megan updated her blog that I actually got a kick up the backside to do it myself.

Basically, I'm here to say that I haven't disappeared forever, and that I plan to be posting again ASAP, even within the next few days or weeks if time will allow it. I've got excuses all over the place but to be honest only two of them are actually decent enough to be mentioned in the post. I think that says something about my motivation over the past month or two - non existent.

Firstly, I think I underestimated the stress of A Levels, I'm days away from beginning my AS exams and so the pressure is mounting and unfortunately things like blogging have to take a back seat every now and then. At the same time though, I'm getting more interested in universities; I currently have the aim of doing a History degree because it's my favourite subject, but also a hard one to get onto in terms of entry requirements - even more reason to increase the revision big time. To be honest, it is pretty hard to maintain your education, part time job, driving lessons and something like a blog all at once at the age of 17.

Other than that, when my motivation came back, my health decided to somewhat bail on me and I got really poorly. Its not the most interesting of topics to be writing about, but its an excuse. I've almost entirely recovered from whatever mystery illness I had (it look its toll on me whatever it was), but because of not being able to go to school, do any revision or keep in touch with school work whatsoever whilst being poorly, yet again I had to sling the blogging to one side while I caught up with all that.

I don't really know what the purpose of this message is, but to be honest, it was mainly just a reminder that I'm still here, will be making a return, and that generally life is good for my part. Hopefully, I'll be doing much more of this soon.

THE DUTCH BRAID

(Hair styled by myself)

Since I was young, I was never one to enjoy wearing my hair up and it was near enough only for the sake of PE in school where I would slick my hair back into a ponytail through gritted teeth and extreme reluctance. In terms of braids, I would only ever wear these overnight to achieve rather mad wavy hair in the mornings, but since the dutch braid has come into fashion and seems to take up 70% of my Instagram feed, I've become partial to the odd pair of plaits on a pretty regular basis.

For work I have to wear my hair up/out of my face for hygiene reasons, and I often opt for these braids for a more fashionable alternative than a regular ponytail that leaves me looking rather 'egg' like. I like the 3D effect a dutch braid gives, in comparison to the usual French braid. This is rather simply achieved by passing each strand under the others into the middle rather than on top.

I think what I like the most is that this works on any length of hair. My sister (pictured above) has a shoulder length chop and this still works just as well as those that have hair to almost their waist, and I personally find that its this versatility that makes it a go to style for so many. It also works a treat for when you don't have time to wash your hair; with the help of a few spritzes of dry shampoo.

Are you a fan of the dutch braid or are you yet to master it?

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A CALVIN KLEIN BRA

I'm pretty sure we have all seen the endless pictures of Kendall Jenner accompanied by #mycalvins and either openly or secretly wished we owned a pair to flaunt in the way she does. I was lucky enough to get a white Calvin Klein bra 'crop top' for my birthday and 2 weeks later I'm here to persuade you all to buy one for yourselves.

1. The comfort
Because this is kind of like a sports bra cut, forget the underwire, overly tight straps and hook and eye closures that cannot be undone with one hand, it is potentially the most comfortable thing I have worn. Of course it doesn't give as much support as a regular bra, but just don't wear this for the days you are marching round town doing Christmas shopping.

2. You can wear it literally anywhere
I have never been a person to wear a bra while sleeping (I know there is argument about whether you should, or shouldn't and what is best for you, but I just cannot be dealing with that discomfort when I'm trying to sleep), but this is one that is somewhat acceptable to wear in bed because of the comfort. I won't lie, it is pretty liberating to be wearing this and a pair of shorts in bed. I will wear this around the house aswell, and the days it is in the wash are sad ones.

3. It still looks good no matter how, or where you wear it (plus you feel bloody brilliant in it)
For me, this stands as my favourite bra now, forget the fancy lace numbers with all the enhancements - this is bra I feel the best in by a mile. For my age, and petite size I have quite large boobs, and I don't really enjoy the way they look most the time (of course those with a smaller pair will say the opposite and wish for them), but in this bra that isn't the case. This white one is a little on the sheer side in certain lighting (something to bear in mind if you are wearing it out), but it doesn't stop me rocking it on the daily.

If I haven't sold you these enough, take the fact that I am putting aside a chunk of my next paycheck to treat myself to both the grey and the black versions as your final hint...

THE BOMBER JACKET

If there is one thing my wardrobe has been lusting for quite some time, make it a bomber jacket. Since they became a trend I've adored the style of them, and at last I filled the space (or lack of) in wardrobe with this khaki number.

This bomber was a TkMaxx find, but I've spotted several across the high street in varying colours. I felt like khaki was a bit of a common colour for a bomber and was what kind of put me off ever getting one in the first place, but as I tried it on in store it wasn't something I could leave behind, especially for the mere £25 it cost me.

I think khaki was a better move for me than a black one, because 90% of my wardrobe is already black and I feel like it therefore works with most of my all black ensembles while straying from an all black ensemble at the same time, yet still is a pretty good colour in terms of being wearable. It seems to be reached for rather regularly already so I can only see this becoming the firm favourite in terms of jackets from now on, even perhaps replacing me love for my leather jacket.

I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH COLOUR

 Jacket: Select

Top: New Look

Jeans: New Look

Bag: Primark

Shoes: River Island

Sunglasses: Primark

Earrings: H&M

Just a few outfit pictures I begged my sister into taking for me before I went into town the other weekend - a really simple all black look with some leopard slip ons and the Rimmel Kate 107 Matte Lipstick to spice things up a little. Perhaps not the best for the unforeseen sunshine but I struggled with the jacket on to maintain the look... The things I do for an outfit. Although maybe not to everyone's' tastes, I actually really like the clashing leopard and snake prints in the bag and shoes. 

UNIQUE JEWELLERY STORAGE

 URBAN OUTFITTERS WHITE ANTELOPE TRINKET HOLDER 

I'm constantly looking for ways to both store and display my rather extensive jewellery collection (H&M is my favourite place for jewellery - both inexpensive and very pretty) and I hit the jackpot recently in Urban Outfitters with this white ceramic dish with an antelope head to hang things from. I tried to get a link for you all because I got this in the sale for a couple of pounds, but it has sold out. But, on the plus side they have multiple other variations of these 'trinket holders'.

I really like this to just sit on top of my IKEA Alex unit which holds all my beauty and makeup bits, and it just looks really clean and chic I guess. Although not the biggest of storage methods, it definitely makes an impact and is unique to anything I have. I like the fact that you can lay things in the base and then hang rings or small necklaces from the ears and horns (are they called horns?! Don't quote me on that...). I just generally like the aesthetics of this holder, it is so simple, and ugh, there are just no words. 

This purchase has definitely made me want to branch out a bit more with my storage - perhaps I'll turn to Pinterest for some inspiration.

THE WHITE DENIM DRESS

DRESS: NEW LOOK // SUNGLASSES: PRIMARK

Denim is having a bit of a thing in my mind at the moment - and lustings for dungarees, cutoffs, mom jeans and dresses are becoming more than frequent, and I guess we should just thank my bank balance for not allowing such purchases to get out of hand. I spotted this dress in New Look the other day and instantly fell in love. The best part? It was only £12 in the sale. 

I picked this up thinking it wouldn't fit, being a UK size 8 (I'm generally a 10) - but I tried this on and it fit so well - nice and fitting at the top and looser at the skirt, made slightly more casual by the two large pockets on the front. It's quite a shift dress kind of style, however because of how it fits me the skirt looks a little more a-line which I like. 

The V Neck caught my attention as I like that style on me, but perhaps the most grabbing part of this dress for me was the raw hem - it seemed to give a really grungy and casual vibe to the piece, and that secured my want to purchase this. Being denim too, it feels like it has a good quality weight to it which I really enjoy, especially as it was so affordable. I cannot wait to start finding ways to style this both casually and slightly smarter. 

THE CAMEL SUEDE VEST

Whilst shopping recently, two features have been attracting me to various clothing items. Camel colours, and suede textures. You can only imagine my reaction when I saw this cami in New Look that comprised both those things into a single item for £9.99.

Of course it isn't real suede, but the quality and handle of the fabric itself is still lovely. The fit of this is incredible too, I was wowed when I saw it on the hanger - and even more in love when I put it on in the changing rooms. It is such a flattering cut and hangs so well on my body. What I adore is how versatile this item is - I can wear it with jeans, shorts or skirts and make it both casual and formal.

The only minor grumble I have with this is that it has a small interfacing round the neckline on both the front and the back - and this tends to pop out the top quite regularly as it's only attached at the top - but I think a good press with the iron and maybe a couple of stitches to tack it own can solve the problem if it really bothers you, but for me I'll just tuck it back in and keep going.

Such a classic piece that I will be wearing for months to come I imagine... maybe I'll pick up the black version too.

DAILY GRUNGE - THE OUTFIT

Flannel - H&M  /  Vest - TkMaxx  /  Bag - H&M  /  Jeans - Primark  /  Shoes - New Balance 410

The majority of my wardrobe consists of monochrome so for me it's not difficult to create grungy, dingy looks, but today I think the combination was worthy of a post itself. A black and white flannel shirt seems to make any outfit that little bit more edgy and it just seemed to pair really well with the sort of acid wash grey loose vest. I actually found it in TkMaxx for £8 the other day and instantly imagined this outfit, and it's lovely quality too. 

I think some ripped jeans would have tied this outfit together that little bit more, however they were in the wash so standard, slightly looser jeans were on the cards. I've also got a corresponding makeup look too with quite a warm red smokey eye and some cool toned lips that'll be going up at some point soon, so look forward to that one. 

NEW BALANCE 410 BLACK SONIC TRAINERS

For a while now, I've been wanting a decent pair of trainers, and I've never quite found a pair I loved (being the fussy buyer I am), and I've often been known to spend hours trawling the internet to find a pair - even making a few orders and returns along the way.

I'd seen the New Balance 410 style around and liked them a lot, but never wanting much colour I just waited, until I found these Black Sonic ones on ASOS. I kept sending screenshots to my friends, and eventually I caved. They are all black, apart from the white and grey sole, and are mesh with suede look panels, and I am in LOVE. Seriously, it is £60 very well spent.

The fit is amazing as is the comfort of them, but I would add that I usually fit a UK size 5 but after some research I went for a 6 instead as apparently they come up a little small - and the 6's were a perfect fit. I must admit, I do also love the neon coral lining on the inside of the shoe. I'd been looking for trainers that I could use to workout and to style in outfits, and these fit that category perfectly. They aren't your Nike Free 5.0s by any means, and they probably aren't major running shoes, but for workout DVD's in the house (my personal favourite), they fit the bill.

ASOS seem to have a good selection of New Balance trainers if you are interested - so go and have a look whilst trying not to spend all your savings...

MIXING THE METALS

Ask me a few years ago, and I would have claimed rose gold to be my favourite type of jewellery. I then moved onto gold, then more recently silver, then onto both gold and silver. What? Mixing metals has been a new thing for me and I actually have been enjoying it. I know a lot of people hate the clash between gold and silver but I really like the contrast. 

What got me into this is the larger necklace from Primark. It cost a mere £1.50, so isn't the best quality but the concept is what I love. The gold 'v' is about as statement as you will see from me when it comes to jewellery, but it's pretty thin and dainty, and what I personally like is the thin contrasting silver chain. In terms of necklaces I also have some more subtle options, and I have a selection of gold ones from Forever 21 that I sometimes wear at once, or wear one with this silver knot necklace from H&M. 

In terms of rings, I have quite the collection, as I tend to go a little bit mad in the sale section of H&M, and pick up a good four packs at a time - especially when my older ones are looking a little worse for wear (I don't have the money to invest in pricey rings). I like either really thick, bold rings or very thin dainty ones, and at the moment I have a good mix of the two, in gold and silver, both midi and regular in size. I love wearing rings, because I have quite short stubby fingers almost and I really dislike my bare hands, however when I wear lots of rings they look far more elegant. 

Do you love or hate the mixed metal look?

SUNGLASSES SEASON

Perhaps a little typically British of me, but as soon as a hint of sun shows I go mad for sunglasses, rooting through my old collection as well as picking up some new ones. I am the type of person that leaves them lying around in the car or in the bottom of my bag and they end up looking tatty, so cheap and cheerful options are always what I go for, and I hit the jackpot with these £1.50 pair from Primark. They're oversized, but for once I don't look like some sort of bug.

What I like about these is the balance between them being square and slightly cat eyed at the edges, as they don't look too heavy and harsh on my face that is rather small. Sunglasses are one of the things I find hard to suit me, they are either too big, too small, too square or too round, and it is rare I find a good pair for me, especially in Primark where some of them look too plastic and cheap.

These also have a thick, shiny rim around them which I quite like, and I'm surprised at how fashionable these sunglasses actually look, and the seem sort of Céline to me, of course not quite matching the style, price and brand, but it must just be the classic style to them that does it for me. I'm hoping the sun sticks around, because I'm itching to wear these more.

THE BASIC CHAMBRAY SHIRT

Neat Fit Chambray Shirt £29 // Topshop

This year, I want to start buying minimalist pieces for my wardrobe and begin to create a collection of investment items that I can style into multiple looks, so basically what I am saying is that I want a streamlined wardrobe rather than an overflowing one of bargains that I don't actually wear.

I had a £30 Topshop voucher from Christmas, and I was a bit unsure of what to get and spent a good week checking up online to see if I found anything, which I didn't. I left it and went into a Topshop store a while after, and saw a gorgeous shirt in the maternity section, pretty annoyed I wouldn't fit it, but then I found it hidden behind some other items after a rummage in my size and fit.

This was £29 which I think is a really good price, as the quality is outstanding. It's a chambray cotton shirt; giving the appearance of a light denim, just a lot less heavy and thick, which is why I love this so much. I was initially going to get the white version to satisfy my monochrome wardrobe but I surprised myself by filtering a slight element of colour in. I love the masculine baggy fit (I got a 10) with the only element of shaping being a single pleat in the back.

I am so pleased with this versatile purchase, it literally is love. I think I will find endless looks to pair this shirt with and just typing this makes me want to throw it on.

THE ROLL NECK CHUNKY KNIT

I didn't get involved with the roll neck trend until very late last year in the boxing day sales, when I spotted this Next forest green chunky roll neck jumper for £10 from £32. Instinctively, I picked it up and ran to the till right away, slightly unsure of how I'd style it but I actually love it. Who knew my wardrobe would spy an element of colour?!

It kind of has a mohair feel to it alongside it being a regular knit, which is quite unusual and one of the things that interested me. It is quite a short jumper, just skimming over my waistline and where my jeans sit, and I think I would have preferred it a little more long-line but it doesn't taint my opinion too drastically. For me, I like to wear this with a low bun or ponytail, black jeans and my leopard skate shoes, but I haven't worn this in an outfit without loving it. 

Buying this jumper has made me want so many more, especially in a crisp white knit, so I best get hunting before the weather gets too warm (I wish) - I type this while my feet are freezing. 

RIVER ISLAND LEOPARD SLIP ONS

Slip On/Skate Shoes are a trend that a lot of people enjoyed last year, and towards the back end of 2014 I got myself this leopard print pair from River Island for £10 in the sale, and it's started what I think to be a long term love regardless of whether the trend continues into 2015.

I did want some black croc textured ones (and still do) but of course they weren't included in the sale, being such a staple design, so instead I decided to go against my comfort zone of all black and try out these ones - slightly lustred, snakeskin textured leopard variations. I didn't know how I'd get on with them, but I'm really enjoying styling them into various looks (my personal favourite; black skinny jeans, and a thick deep green roll neck *outfit post coming soon*).

Upon the first 2-3 wears they did hurt the backs of my feet a little but with some plasters to help me through I managed to break them in and can go out fuss free. These have easily become my current favourite pair of shoes and I'm hoping my collection of slip ons will grow in the upcoming months - although purchasing my new blog design (what do you think?) has set me back on the spending slightly.