beauty

Today’s guest post is from the wonderful, Lisette Henry at Lisette Loves. Do you remember when she guest blogged last time? Well, she’s back again with another cute, quick and simple one! Take it away… 

Lisette: That time of year has come once more, the layering here in the UK is well and truly underway as we hurtle into the icy months of fall. Tartan is a trend which resurfaces almost every year on the catwalks and on the highstreet, this year is no exception. A lot of my friends shy away from tartan, scared they will look like overgrown school girls or too grungey and ‘punk’. I decided that I would put together a mini lookbook, my first in fact, to show some of the ways that I wear this deliciously autumnal trend.

look one: Boyfriend Blazer – Primark, Fur Collar – H&M, Cami – Topshop, Skirt – Matalan, Shoes – Office

look two: Scarf – H&M, Oversized Breton Top – Primark, Joni Jeans – Topshop, Chunky Boots – Topshop 

look three: Biker Jacket – Ark Clothing, Dress – H&M, Shirt – New Look, Cut Out Boots – Topshop

What do y’all think?
Tolly: I think you look great Lisette! My favourite is Look One! Perfect! Simple, cute and definitely A/W appropriate! 🙂

Check out Lisette here: Twitter//Instagram//Blog//YouTube

Howdy everyone! Just a quick-y, update-y, short-y post for ya’ today! I just wanted to update you before you all think I have disappeared off the face of the planet *prays that, that would never happen, amen*

(Throwback to my last visit to the UK! The night of the Style Blogger Awards!)

So, basically, I am on another short little break! I am flying a very very very long way, across the channel, to… England – note: it’s only like, 2 hours away really… -. I am rather excited because… *dramatic dun dun dun* I get to meet my little nephew! 😀 He’s still pretty much newborn, so YAY! I’m a tad scared that I will crush him, in my first-ever-time-holding-a-baby cuddle, but… YAY! I also get to go shopping – PRIMARK *hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah* -, drink milkshake, go to the cinema, and just have an awesome time avec ma famille. PLUS. I have a SUPER DUPER EXCITING, OMG IS THIS REAL LIFE, thing happening, which sadly I cannot tell you about just yet, but hopefully *fingers crossed*, I will be able to tell you some good news 🙂 So yeah, overall I am verrry excited about this little break! I also have 2 guest blog posts heading your way…. (read on)…

The wonderful Christina from Kimi & Me will be doing a guest blog post this week! I love her blog for a source of inspiration. Her blog isn’t personal style, beauty, etc etc, but a nice mix of everything. My favourite posts are her wishlists and inspiration ones, and you have one coming your way! Check out her blog here!

The amazing Lisette from Lisette Loves (she guest blogged for me once before) is back again! You guys know how much love I have for this lovely lady, so I am happy to have her back! She’ll be bringing you a mini look book, and I am sure you will be inspired! Check out her blog here! (Image from her wonderful blog!)

There will be an advertiser’s Q&A also this week! I will be checking my comments, but please don’t expect me to reply to every single email/message I receive this week! If you do have anything urgent etc etc, please email me: [email protected] My super parcel receiver assistant/cat looker-after-er (big bro), will be on hand letting me know if any parcels have arrived of which you may have sent, so I will try and let you know ASAP!

Goodbye France, Hellooooo ENGLAND!

Hello 🙂 One of this month’s advertisers, Rebecca from Fashion & Forever, is here to answer a few questions about fashion and blogging! Enjoy…

What inspired you to start your Blog?: I don’t have one set answer for this I just knew I wanted to get into fashion. I have always been interested in fashion and over the past few years I wanted to start a up a blog and finally did earlier this year and I’m so glad I did. But I also look up to fellow bloggers and people in the fashion industry.

Why did you choose Fashion as a topic?: I chose fashion because since I was younger I have always had a creative streak, well that’s what people say, and over the past few years I have really got into designing things and putting outfits together.

What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Well I haven’t had my blog for that long but I’d just say be yourself and just do what you want to do. I would also say its definitely quality over quantity, don’t worry straight away that your not getting 1000 views or 100 followers, you should be doing it because you enjoy it and that’s all that matters. Nothing has to be too serious, and if you want to go into it professionally wait a bit and experiment!

What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: Well I would have to say by the end of the year I would like to get over a 1000 views, I am a few hundred off which is mind blowing that people are reading my blog haha but yes I think that’s it, and just to generally keep making friends with fellow bloggers.

Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: I have so many, and I feel like that was such a bad answer but I really do! I have also been chatting to a few teen bloggers and love reading there blogs but I don’t think I can pick out of them. Sometimes I go for reading some slightly older blogs and some teen blogs but always love people sending me their links!

What trend are you most looking forward to working, this A/W 13?: When I heard about Winter Pastels I got really excited as I think pastel colours are amazing and already have a few pastels items in my A/W wardrobe, also tartans and oversized coats, however I have to watch how big I go with clothes as I’m extremely petite! But I have also been liking the colours this year too.

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: Well if I’m looking for something very cheap, I will go to Primark haha, if your on a budget it is the place to be. Some people don’t like it and say everything brakes but everything I have bought there is still going strong. But definitely Primark for bargains.

What’s your favourite fashion designer?: This is so hard for me because if were talking high-end fashion I would have to say I do like a few of the clothes from Burberry this year  and Dior but also love seeing some of the unique styles from designers like Vivienne Westwood. Another I would say is Elie Saab because the clothes are just amazing, and so many more.

What’s your favourite ever item of clothing/accessory you’ve ever bought and why?: Once again I have had quite a few things that I have loved and then I have to move on, oh dear, but as you have noticed I cant make decisions. I just think I want to hoard all of my clothes, but probably either my ankle boots or one of my winter knits.

What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I guess my styles all over the place, I love wearing spots and lace and leather and tartan and prints. So once again lots but I just love putting outfits together depending on the occasion or just in general quite a laid back style but still put together.

Check out Rebecca here… BLOG//Instagram//Pinterest//Twitter

Want to Advertise your blog in November? Get in touch! Lots of different packages and money off for teen bloggers! Click here for more info!

Hello ‘ello ‘ello. Today I am bringing you a little post on a designer at Avenue 32. Do you remember this wishlist? If you do, then you will know that I love Avenue 32 for inspiration. I couldn’t really afford some of the stuff, but when it comes to getting ready for the upcoming seasons, I love browsing the site!

Navy Novelty Leather Jacket//Navy Double Face Skirt//White Leather Bi-Stretch Dress//Black Leather Trousers (All at Avenue 32)

Leather Jacket – I love this jacket! It’s so sophisticated, yet it’s still edgy with the double tone leathers. I also lurrrve, the different textures on the arms. It’s definitely one of those investment pieces and I’m sure it would last a long time. It also looks really fitted, and just overall… nice. I like.

Skirt – This is such a nice, basic skirt. It’s simple, but it gives off a flair of ‘WOW’. I love the leather detailing, as it really structures the silhouette. The colours also mean that it would be good for all occasions; work, an evening out etc etc.

Leather Dress – I’ve never been a fan of ‘all leather’ pieces (except biker jackets), but somehow, because this dress is white, it works. It’s a very ‘David Koma’ dress but slightly muted down. As you already know, I’m a big fan of beautiful structures, and fluid line designs, so this is definitely a piece I would get my hands on!

Leather Trousers – As I said for the dress, I’m not the biggest ‘all leather’ fan, but I think if you wear certain elements correctly, it can look fant-abulous. These look really chic, but I’m still not sure having real leather on your legs will be the most comfortable? Maybe? I think I will stick to faux leather…

Fact File on Yigal Azrouel – Azrouel is an Israeli American how is a top fashion designer in New York. He had no formal fashion design education, but has participated in New York Fashion Week. He is best known for his feminine designs and draping techniques.

I hoped you liked this little post! I will be continuing with my A-Z designers series very soon, but this was a little extra for you! I just love some of things that are available, and now I have 2 designers which do amazing structures, to look at.

(This post is sponsored by Avenue 32. I may have been paid/gifted to publish and produce it. Read my full dislaimer here.)

I have sort of kept my promise of doing more designs… because, here is another lot! This collection is a little different though, because they are all based around one of my favourite necklaces from the online jewellery boutique, The Collective… (May I also say a big thank you to everyone who left such lovely lovely comments on my Ultimate Guide to Being a Teen, it was so nice to see you what you thought of it! Thank You!)

Leather Bird Necklace by Rosita Bonita (The Collective Boutique)
I have based the collection, on this gorgeous necklace by illustrator and jewellery maker, Rosita Bonita. I am absolutely in love with some of her illustrations (see them here), they seriously are really nice! The illustrations are screen printed onto leather which makes the necklace even more special. I think it would be perfect for a gift or a little treat for yourself. It’s gorgeous! 

Ombre Top & Pale Blue High Waisted Jeans (left) and Stripey Jacket, Black Cami & Pink Pleated Dress (right): For the ombre grey top, I would make it a silk material. I think it would really compliment the metallic tones in the necklace. The sleeves would be rolled up because I think the style is really flattering on most people. The pale blue denim high waisted jeans, would be a perfect pastel colour, which really compliments the grey from the top, and again the colours in the necklace. For the jacket (right), I would make it a jersey material so it was more for casual wear, with the blue stripes being a similar colour to the jeans on the left. I would pair it with a floaty cami which seem to be very ‘in’ at the moment (not saying that you should wear everything that is on trend, I just like the style…). The pleated skirt would be in a nice floaty material, in a nice sort of ‘sorbet smoothie’ pink colour. I really like these two looks and the colours are just perfect – If I do say so myself.. haha!

Cream Dress with Lace Sleeves (left) and Monochrome Playsuit with Mesh detailing and a White Envelope Collar (right): For the dress, I think it would be a good piece to dress up or dress down. I would make the sleeves with a sort of lace, laser cut detailing. The shape of the dress would be a simple shift dress, so that accessories, or the necklace in this case, can do the talking. The playsuit, again is very simple, so it can be ‘glammed’ up or worn casually. I’ve made a twist on the sort of ‘corset’ style detailing, and instead, made it a mesh detailing… cheeky 😉 Haha! The colour isn’t quite black, but isn’t quite grey, it’s almost a grey/black/brown which means it’s less obvious, and the necklace can really pop on top of it. These 2 looks are really versatile too, which means you could wear the necklace how ever you like.

Music for the Catwalk?: I Can’t Stand The Rain – Ann Peebles
Outside or Inside Catwalk?: Outside – natural birds tweeting to match the bird design!

I really enjoyed doing this little collection, and has made me fall in love with this necklace even more! It’s so simple, yet makes a really nice statement. Make sure to check out the other pieces on The Collective Boutique site, some of it is gorgeous!

Quick side note – I’m an AUNTY! My little Nephew was born on Sunday morning, and he is just absolutely gorgeous and perfect in every single way! Eeeep! 😀

(This collection was sponsored by The Collective Boutique. I may have been paid or gifted to produce and publish this post, but all opinions are 100% honest. Designs by me and thought up by me! Read my full disclaimer here.)

Just a quick sort of ‘letting you know’ post today! I have been thinking of doing this for a while (in fact I think I thought of it in June…), and have finally completed it! I’d like to give a few  one thank you, to my big sister for making me actually push the publish button on this one. Nothing in it is too personal, but I just wasn’t 100% sure on it, but it’s out there now! So here it is…

Yes, I’ve turned into a teenage guru apparently. Not really, I just wanted to give some advice to all you fellow teens, basically it’s a guide to being a teenager (a darn awesome one). I’m not going to give you the rules of how to be the perfect child, or how to deal with ‘girl stuff’, I’m simply telling you a few ways to feel more comfortable and positive about your own skin. In other words an ‘Insecurity’ guide. If you click on the above image or you can click here to read the guide. I popped it on a separate page so those of you who aren’t so interested don’t have a long ramble on teen stuff, slap bang in the middle of my blog posts. I do hope you enjoy it, and if you do please leave a comment with feedback/advice/your thoughts on what I had to say. It would make me very happy as I put a lot of effort into this one! For all non teen readers, posting will ‘remain as usual’ in a day or so!

Make sure to check out Anything Bas blog! It’s a great photography blog, full of inspiration. (End of post ad link)

Bonjourno young chums. I haven’t done an ‘opinionated’ post in a while have I? Well, I’m back with one, and this post is going to be full of one very strong opinion I have. I’m sorry if I come across rather angry…. but I am rather angry (you’ll see why)…

This morning I saw a tweet which linked to a Daily Mail article, I had no idea what it was, but I clicked. I scrolled down, reading every single word, and was horrified. The article was all about, now former model, Georgina Wilkin. Georgina was scouted on Oxford Street at just 15 (2 years older than me). When she was half way through her GCSEs, she was asked to model for a Japanese agent, but she was told that she had to lose 3 inch from her hips and 1 inch from her waist. Georgina was drawn in and she started to lose the weight, her diet consisted of salad, vegetables and sometimes 2 days without food. Before she started modelling, she weighed 8st 6lb, which shows that she was ‘slim’. I can relate to this because I am ‘slim’ and I have been told I am underweight before, but I was/and still am, perfectly healthy, and I am sure Georgina was too. Even though she was this weight, every 2 weeks she would be weighed and measured and told to lose more weight. Georgina said in the article… ”The skinnier girls, got all the bookings and I was even told I wouldn’t be able to work for jewellery companies because my fingers were too fat.” Georgina became thinner, weaker and started to get ill whilst she was in Tokyo. She was getting blue lips and hands because her heart was struggling. When she returned, she worked with brands including Topshop, GAP, and Giles Deacon, where apparently, nobody ate. In 2007, she was diagnosed with Anorexia. (See the full article here.)

Now obviously, we can’t believe everything the Daily Mail says (and also you could say that it was her parents fault), because everything is made to attach to our heart strings, but I honestly do think that if you read the article, you will understand where I am coming from when I say that I am… disgusted. Totally, utterly disgusted. I’m not disgusted because it is the fashion industry, I am disgusted that the industry thinks it’s okay to let this carry on, for their own good. It’s not even mean, I personally think it’s pure ‘evil’. Imagine looking at a girl who is obviously ‘thin’ and going, ‘You’re too fat’ (well, maybe not those exact words, but you know what I mean!). It’s bonkers. DEE-SGUST-ING. Models becoming ill for brands to get more money? Sounds a bit cruel in my books.

Some people will say ‘Well just don’t model then’. The fashion industry, could not and will not survive with out models. I’m fine with models, I’m fine with that, just not the whole ‘If your not a size 8, you’re not good enough’ attitude. There needs to be change. I don’t think saying you have to be Size 8 or more, is the right way to do it, but I think there needs to be a more healthy way of looking at it. Thinking about health, and being HUMAN more than just creating a good picture to get money. We don’t want ill models, and we certainly don’t want young girls looking up to ill models, do we? No, I thought not. I’m going to have to say it, but the modelling agencies are almost… killing what they are doing in a way. They hire models, and tell them that they are too big. The models go away and lose more weight, come back and are ill, and in Georgina’s case, come even close to losing their own life, so the agency has to chose another girl (or boy), and it goes on and on. Disgusting.

What do you think? Do you think something needs to change? Let me know in the comments!

(Images found: here and here)

One of, now last month’s, advertisers, Bas from Anything Bas is here to talk about her photography and lifestyle blog, and her top tips for blogging… (Images courtesy of Bas)

What inspired you to start your Blog?: I wanted a place to share my photography, really. I knew I was going to be travelling a lot this year, and I loved the idea of capturing different cities and cultures on film, in a sort of personal way.

Why did you choose Photography as a topic?: I would say it’s more a “lifestyle based photography blog”. I use my photos to show my experiences, although there are some photo shoots mixed in there that are purely for creative’s sake, let’s call it ”art”.

What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Post about what you’re into, what makes you happy. It seems like an obvious thing to say but so many bloggers are on this mission to please their readers, always asking what they want to see. Sometimes it gets boring. I mean, I’m reading your blog already. (Half of my attraction to a blog is tied in with the blogger’s personality, definitely). Also, work on your writing skillzzz, it makes such a difference to read correctly structured sentences devoid of typos and grammar problems. If you don’t know the difference between “you’re” and “your”, I’m outta there.

What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: I don’t have any set targets. Getting new readers is cool because I like to meet people and get my blog out there (it feels good to know that other people like what I’m doing) but it’s not something I’m going to worry too much over.

Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: Tori West for her style and photography, Robyn Lynch for her outfits, Lily Melrose for her hair and London lifestyle posts, Ellie for her all-round coolness, Ella Masters for her art. (God, are they all British? whoops. I follow loads of Swedish chicks on Instagram, they all seem to wear Docs with tiny shorts and eat McDonalds a lot.)

What trend are you most looking forward to working, this A/W 13?: I’m really not into fashion. I’m definitely into style and clothes though (I’m sure we all know the difference) but I don’t like to think too much about it.

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: Vintage/thrift markets. There are a few very cool ones in Cape Town that I frequent, I’ll also be exploring the markets in Amsterdam for the first time this month. Yesssss. So excited.

What’s your favourite type of camera to use?: At the moment I’m very into my Lomo LC-wide camera, it’s a film camera with a wide angle lens. I’d love to get a proper vintage film camera and one day learn more about digital photography (when I have money to burn). I am completely self-taught, my skills are purely aesthetic, based on what I see and what I like. I get inspired by pictures and landscapes and images rather than manuals and paragraphs and diagrams. (I don’t necessarily think that this is a good thing, but as an educated jazz musician, it’s a nice change to create art without any of the theoretical thinking behind it.)

Who is your favourite fashion brand and why?: Hmmm, I’ve just spent a few days in Dubai visiting my cousin and I have to say, I’m so disappointed with everything in the shops. Brands in Cape Town are bringing me down too, and I don’t do much online shopping purely because of all the ridiculously customs laws in SA. Maybe I’ll have a favourite brand after this next month that I’m spending in Europe.

What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: Vintage grunge. Thrifted, big jerseys, Doc Martens, ripped skinny jeans, messy, natural hair. I’m all about being comfortable, seriously.

Check out Bas here: BLOG//Twitter//Instagram//BlogLovin’

**Advertising is now open for November. If you would like to book a space, fill out the form on THIS page. 50% off for all teen bloggers. Enjoy!**

Before I begin, I apologise for not posting in this Blogging Top Tips, series for a while, I have been quite busy with my blog post schedule, but finally I am out of the ‘draft zone’, YAY! If you didn’t read the last post, make sure you go and do that now… In this post, I am going to cover Advertising on your blog, and setting your prices correctly. I’m not saying that all of this is right, but it can give you some sense of what to do for your blog… cheeky little offer at the end too!

Anything Bas // Miss L J Beauty

What Is Advertising?: Today, I am talking about advertising in the words of ‘blog ads’ or ‘banners’. This is where bloggers or brands pay to put a link/button linking to their site somewhere on your site. Some people like to call it Sponsorship, which is basically the same thing. It’s just like when football teams have brand name on their shirts! Some people like them, some people not so much… I think if it is not too distracting and done in the right way, you’ll get it spot on.

When or Should I Start Offering Advertising?: This is a question which a lot of bloggers ask. In my opinion, it is totally up to you. There is no set amount of followers you should have to offer them, or page views or what ever’s’. I started offering mine when I found out that I was going to be in The Telegraph magazine. I thought it would be a nice bonus and that it would be helpful for bloggers to get more exposure, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until you get featured in something like that. I think most bloggers start doing it when they have around 500+ followers on one social media platform, but that’s just what I have seen. I recommend that you take a look at other blogs and see how many followers/page views they have, it’s sometimes even worth asking politely.

photo credit: Images_of_Money via photopin cc

Is it Worth it? Will I Make Lots of Money?: Again, it really depends who you are. If you have thousands of followers, and you have been in this and that, then it is more likely that people will buy your ad packages. It’s more likely that brands will want to advertise too, but it’s different for everyone. In my experience, I have sold at least 2 ad spaces a month (excluding 1 month when I had no interest), this has given me a little bit more pocket money, and has just been a nice treat to blogging. Sometimes it is worth offering free packages at first, to see if anyone is interested – of course this may be slightly unfair seeing as it is free, but it’s worth trying.

I’m Going Ahead, Now What?: If you decide that it is the right time to start offering advertising, you need to start setting prices, and naming your prices (that’s the fun part). Most bloggers just go with ‘Large, Medium, Small & Mini’, but you can name them what ever. What Do I Include?: Once again, it’s totally up to you. It’s good to have one simple package which involves just a button (this could be your Mini one), then your Small one could be either a slightly bigger button, or you could do weekly shout outs on one of your social media platforms. For your Medium package you could go with, a button, shoutouts and an advertisers post, and so on and so fourth for the Large one. What Do I Let Them Know?: Some people will turn away if you don’t tell them your follower/page view stats. It’s good to let them know why it’s worth advertising on your blog. I don’t let them know my stats, but let them know they can always ask, I just don’t feel right in letting the whole world know how many people read my blog every month 🙂

photo credit: kenteegardin via photopin cc

What Do I Charge?: I’m not going to say what you should charge, because everyone is different. But, I did once read that you could divide your monthly page views (individual/per page) by 1,000. For example, if you get 4,000 page views, you could charge £4 for your biggest ad package. If you get 10,00 charge £10. Simples! Should I Charge The Same for Brands?: It’s your decision. But… I honestly think that you shouldn’t. Brands will generally have more money to spend on things like this, so make sure to clearly state, that prices will be slightly different for them.

How Do People Pay?: There are 2 options. The most popular option, is via PayPal. If someone is interested they will email/fill out the contact form, with what package they want, then you let them know if they can advertise or not, then ask for their account’s email. You then want to send over an Invoice (this makes it easy to state the package name, and put in any discounts), and then just simply wait for them to pay.  The second option is via Passionfruit Ads. This is basically making your life a bit easier. You have to put in a widget into your advertising page which will mean bloggers can basically go to a checkout, the checkout is only in dollars ($). They fill out the information, leave their button image, their blog link etc, and then pay. You can then either accept or decline, and if you accept them, their ad will automatically pop up in your side bar, or where ever the set place is. BUT, a very big BUT (hehe), Passionfruit is NOT free. It will take a % from your sale which is different to PayPal.

photo credit: Images_of_Money via photopin cc

Do I State Where The Money is Going?: In literal terms of ‘your bank account details’, of course NOT! Haha! But, sometimes it’s nice to say what you will do with the money, for example, you might want to donate some charity, or if you are a teenager, you might be saving up for a new laptop for school and blogging. You don’t have to, but some people like knowing that they aren’t wasting their money completely.

So that’s it! Of course I couldn’t leave this post without a cheeky plug, could I? 😉 Hehe… If you are interested in advertising on my blog, all my packages are HERE. I’m going to do a little offer for you guys… if you comment on this blog post with ‘Give me 20!’ and you want a space, you will get 20% off in November, (not applicable for teen bloggers too)! I offer 50% off for teen bloggers, all year round though!

I am writing this blog post while trying to warm myself up. I decided I would be all brave and YOLO it, by jumping in the pool which was apparently 17 degrees C. Yeah… Anyway! I’m really excited to bring you this new My Style instalment, because… my wishes came true! I finally have a pair of Neon Trainers… *hallelujah hallelujah hallel-u-u-u-jah!*

Nike Free TR Fit 5.0 £85.00* & Nike 3 Pack Low Ped Socks £10.00* (Both at JD Sports)

When these beauties arrived, I literally squealed. They are the most gorgeous pair of trainers that I have ever laid my eyes on. The thing I love with Nike’s is the fact that they fit like a dream on me. If you have slim feet, any pair of Nike shoes, are bound to fit you like a glove. These caught my eye on JD Sports because of the colour and print, I would never usually go for a style of trainer like this, but I now absolutely love them. The one thing I didn’t realise was the geometric embossed sort of style which you can see clearly in the pictures above, but it makes them extra cool. The outer material is sort of a mesh/wipe clean type, so it means you can get most dirt off if you go for a run when it’s wet (I did this, and they still look as good as new). Comfort wise, they are perfect.

I walked around all day with them, and they didn’t ache or irritate my feet at all. The socks make it even more enjoyable because they are very cosy fitting, and stay put, so no irritating feet here! The one thing I only noticed very recently was a special page on the Nike site, which says to start using them gradually… I didn’t know this so being silly, I’ve been wearing them every day… oops. Sorry feet! I took a closer look at the sole of my trainers, and the front/toe area is a lot more flexible than the rest of the shoe, which means that you are using your muscles more naturally. If you wiggle your toes about, you will see that most of the front part of your foot will move, where as your heel stays put. The soles are specially made exactly for that reason. Clever! 😉

”Nike Free shoes are specifically designed to let your feet move more naturally and freely than traditional athletic shoes. Over time, this helps make your feet stronger. But because you’ll be using some muscles in your feet more than you might be used to, it may take some time for them to get used to all that freedom. To give your feet time to adapt, we recommend you transition into using your Nike Free footwear gradually.” – Nike

What I Wore:  Nike Free TR Fit 5.0 £85.00* & Nike Low Ped Socks £10.00* (Both at JD Sports), White Dress €2.00 (Jumble Sale) & Floral Headband (DIY).

I love styling these shoes, whether it is for a walk around the local lake (the reason for the slide…), or for an actual run, they look great. I love wearing this dress with them, because it makes it look very… modern and girly?! It’s definitely still a weather appropriate outfit, and when it gets a bit cooler, I can just pop on some purple leopard print leggings (yeah, double leopard print – I’m making it a thing.), or some jeans. The morning I took these pictures, I made another floral headband. I found the gorgeous false flowers when wondering through a town, where a man had a stall selling lots of different varieties, and for just €3.00 for a bunch of 2, I was very satisfied. Ahhh, I still cannot believe how beautiful my new trainers are, I am one very lucky girl.

I definitely think a new pair of trainers can really motivate you to start getting fit. I haven’t done a lot of sport because of being home schooled, but I am going to try and starting doing some running. I think if you feel good in what you wear whilst running/cycling etc, you will feel like you have worth doing it for. I just want to state that I am not doing running to lose weight. I am running to get fit and to be more active and healthy, I have no intention of losing any weight.